Sign In Sign-Up

Welcome!

Close

Would you like to make this site your homepage? It's fast and easy...

Yes, Please make this my home page!

No Thanks

  Don't show this to me again.

Close

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 

Chapter 1

It had been weeks of endless hunting and the group was growing somnolent and less optimistic as the days passed. Each day they sent someone back to the grounds to update everyone with any new information and to check upon the Queen's condition. That was the only way to restrain Xena from leaving the grounds and tracking Draden herself. It took much convincing, but Gabrielle managed to get a certain stubborn warrior to agree to stay put under the solemn condition that the Amazons would only locate Draden and make no attempt to engage in a battle of any kind. They were to remain unseen and head straight back to the grounds once their job was accomplished. The Queen always did seem to get the warrior to perceive things her way, one way or another. Truth of the matter was the best Amazon warriors were on Draden's trail and the other half of her soul, none other than her bard, Gabrielle, needed Xena much more.

"Solari, perhaps we should try heading further west?" the young Amazon suggested, her finger pointing in the direction of the west hills outside of Amazon Lands. "Draden could not have disappeared. He must be somewhere." Solari muttered to herself. With a profound sigh she stood and addressed the Amazons. "Alright let's try heading a little further west." She turned in the direction of the young Amazon. "Serenity you will head back to the grounds and report to the Queen, Xena, and Ephiny. Let them know where we're headed. They'll be expecting to hear from us soon. We all know the last thing we want is an angry Warrior Princess on our hands." 

"Or an even angrier Queen," Epinon grinned. 

Solari couldn't help the muffled chuckle that escaped her.  She smirked playfully at Epinon. "I miss that fire in you Gabrielle," she thought to herself with a soft sigh. Her poignant brown eyes met Serenity's deep green. "Are you ready to go?"  

"Yes" she replied as she gracefully mounted her horse. 

"And Ren.."  

"Yes Solari?" She questioned with concern.  

"Please be careful love."

A mischievous smile swept her face. "Always." She trotted a few feet and stopped before her leader. For a brief moment their eyes met. Concern and love mingled in unison within the brown and green orbs. Serenity reached down and placed a soft kiss upon her partner's lips. "I love you Solari," she whispered quietly. With a sweet smile she nodded to her sisters and broke into a full gallop heading south back to Amazon Grounds. 

Return To Top






Chapter 2

Over the past few weeks the bard had, for the most part, comfortably settled back into her daily routine. Most of her wounds had healed nicely and the few bruises that still stained her skin were faint in color. She bore only one scar from her brutal attack. It stretched approximately six inches in length across her upper back. Nightmares still often plagued her but had diminished slowly as the days rolled by. Each time she found herself defenseless to another stream of flashbacks she reached for the safety in the embrace of her warrior. Although she seemed to return to the Gabrielle everyone knew and loved, something was very much missing from the young bard, something that even her warrior couldn't bring back to her.

"No way Gabrielle," Xena's words tender but firm. 

"Xena, please I," her plea was interrupted abruptly by the warrior. 

"No Gabrielle! I repeat I will not spar with you. You need to rest. You have done nothing but spar and practice since you have healed enough to move around on your own. You need to stop and let your body rest. It needs to heal completely and you are not allowing it that chance. You need time to heal." Her gentle blue eyes drifted in the direction of the angry green eyes of her lover.

 "And I repeat that I feel fine, my body feels fine, and I don't need to rest! I am not a child nor do I appreciate being treated as one!" her voice sank to a low heated tone. 

Xena filled the gap between them with a swift stride and lifted her bard's chin with her index finger. She gazed into her lover's eyes searching for the familiar spirit that once glistened in her emerald eyes but was greeted only with a hollow emptiness. "Gabrielle, you haven't taken a break in weeks. I am worried about you. I know you are not a child. I'm not trying to treat you like one. I love you, more than I can ever show you, and I am concerned about you. I know you are not fine. I know you are in pain. You are pushing yourself too hard." 

Gabrielle slightly turned her head to the left away from Xena. The warrior with her finger still beneath the bard's chin attempted to turn her head back to face her but the bard hastily pulled away taking a few steps backwards. Her tone carried slight irritation, "I am not in pain Xena. There is no reason for you to worry about me. I believe if I can run a Nation as Queen I can certainly take care of myself!" Unnecessary sarcasm dripped off each word.  Catching the glimpse of hurt on Xena's face, Gabrielle immediately regretted each and every word that came from an anger she didn't realize she possessed.

"She is just lashing out she doesn't mean what she says. I'm not going to let her push me away. I can't..." the warrior assured herself. 

Xena approached her lover who was still shaking with fury and gripped her tightly by the shoulders. The bard tried to struggle from her grasp but to no avail. "Let go of me Xena! Leave me alone!" she shouted increasing her struggle against her warrior. Xena, in one motion wrapped her arms tightly around the bard and pulled her into a close embrace. 

"Shh, it's alright." She cooed over her lover's protests. After a few moments the bard collapsed against the warrior succumbing to the embrace and began to sob softly. "I'm so sorry Xena. I didn't mean what I said. I don't know what got into me. I'm so sorry." Her words were muffled by louder sobs. 

"It's alright, I know." She rubbed the bard's back in a soothing motion. Once the sobbing subsided Xena peeled the bard away from her slightly and lifted her chin up gently until their eyes met. 

"Gabrielle you cannot run from this." She saw the bard about to interrupt her. She traced her finger along her lips. "No please, let me finish." She paused for a moment and then continued. "You have been brutally assaulted. What you went through not many would live to tell about. I am so proud of you. You are stronger than you will ever give yourself credit for. I know how hard this has been. I also know what you have been doing." 

Not able to stay quiet any longer the bard interrupted her. "And what is it exactly that I am doing Xena?" she questioned defensively. 

"Gabrielle you are physically and emotionally exhausting yourself. Do you believe if you keep your mind on something else and push yourself that the pain and exhaustion will replace what is really bothering you?" she arched a brow at her lover. "Do you?" her voice firm. 

The bard's eyes began to water once more but her expression grew softer. "I feel so much rage Xena, more than I have ever thought possible. I don't know what to do with all this anger. I feel it consume me and I just want to get rid of it, release it." She blinked away a tear. "Practicing and sparring has helped me release it. I know you're right. I should give myself more time to heal but I assure you I am not overdoing myself Xena. I just needed to find a way to help release this anger and I want to sharpen my fighting skills. I.." Her sentence was cut off unexpectedly. 

"I understand Gabrielle, I understand," her expression grew very serious. "There is no harm in releasing your feelings in a sparring ring Gabrielle, but in moderate portions. That doesn't mean all day and night. You cannot continue to exhaust yourself like this, promise me." 

The bard smiled, "I promise Xena." 

"No more running Gabrielle. We will get through this, together." The warrior reached down and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips letting the warmth between them linger for a moment before pulling away. "How about each morning you and I will set aside some time together and practice?" she offered with a grin. 

"I would really like that Xena." The brief sparkle in the bard's eyes brought a sweet smile to the warriors face. 

"I miss that spirit in your eyes."  She turned towards the bard and smiled warmly. "Good then it's settled," she stated confidently. "As for you my bard, I believe you have a celebration to get ready for," her face breaking into a sly smirk. 

"And so do you my warrior. In fact I have just the outfit for you to wear." With a smug expression settling on her face she turned towards the bathroom, the sound of her first real laugh in weeks trailing behind her.

Return To Top






Chapter 3

"Gabrielle are you suicidal?"  She asked rhetorically through clenched teeth.  "I can't wear this!" She growled in a slightly serious manner at her partner.  

"Oh Xena, stop acting like a child.  You look absolutely beautiful."  She couldn't help but giggle at the frazzled expression on her warrior's face.  "Xena it's a celebration everyone is dressed like that!  Your outfit is just...well...its royalty." She finished with a nod.  

"Celebration or no celebration I am not walking out there half naked in front of all those Amazons!" She pouted folding her arms across her chest.  

The bard planted herself beside her warrior an innocent smile proudly lighting her face.  She knelt before her and placed a gentle kiss on Xena's bare stomach.  "What if," she moved slightly to the left placing another soft kiss on her bare skin.  "I like you," reaching behind her placed a final kiss in the middle of Xena's bare back,  "half naked."  She glared up at her warrior with a smirk.  Chills ran up and down Xena's spine.  

"I have missed your touch so much." she breathed to herself.  Blue eyes greeted the bard.  "You my love can have me half naked anytime you like."  She finished with a parallel smirk smugly on her face.  

The bard stood up and faced the warrior.  "Perhaps if you behave yourself tonight you may get your wish." A longing found itself etched within her jade gaze.  

Xena crossed her arms once more and challenged her with a pout.  "It felt so good to tease back and forth.  I have truly missed you Gabrielle." she whispered silently to herself. 

"If anyone should be pouting it should be me."  Xena cocked a brow at her partner.  "Yes, that's right, I should be the one pouting."  A cunning grin swept Gabrielle's face.  "After all my stubborn warrior, I will have to keep everyone's paws off you."  She smiled seductively.  Before Xena could utter a single protest she batted her lashes giving the sweetest face she could muster without laughing and gazed into her lover's blue eyes.  "Please for me, wear it tonight?"  

Xena sighed in defeat a smile forming on her face.  "I feel naked in this Amazon outfit, unless that was your intention," she said, her brow going up playfully.  Although it only lasted for a brief moment, a warm spirit shimmered in the emerald eyes of her bard for the second time that night.  "How can I say no when it seems to mean so much to her?  Besides I would do anything to see that sparkle in her eyes again."   With her hand upon her hip the warrior smirked at her bard.  "Oh alright, for you I will wear this shred of fabric you call an Amazon outfit," she rolled her eyes teasingly.  

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her neck and whispered sincerely, "thank you."  After planting a soft kiss upon her lips she stepped away to have a good look at her pouting warrior.  With an approving nod and devious grin she questioned,  "Shall we join the festivities?"  Xena walked over to her bard and taking her hand in her own, led her out of their hut still muttering humorously about her outfit.

Echoes of laughter and random chatters could be heard as Xena and Gabrielle approached the ongoing celebration hand in hand.  Music delicately danced on the tepid breeze that swept in hushed tones around them.  It wasn't a very sizeable gathering by any means but it was one of the most honored celebrations of its kind.  This was the time to set aside the trials of the past few weeks and rekindle the essence of the tainted Amazon village and one very somber Queen.   Today there would be dancing, music, as well as a few animated sparring competitions.  For today marked the third year, that Gabrielle, Bard of Potedia, ruled the Nation as Queen of the Amazons.

"Was that your stomach I heard growling at me?" Xena inquired amusingly.  The bard's expression settled into a sloppy grin.  "I don't know what you feed that," She paused mid-sentence noticing the sudden silence surrounding her.  She turned her head away from her partner and was greeted with numerous gawking stares and jaw dropping faces.  The warrior placed her hand on her hip in a lethargic manner, her brow rising slightly at her beaming partner.  "They are your Amazons," she rolled her eyes playfully making a feeble attempt to pout.  

Gabrielle couldn't hold back any longer and broke into a peal of genuine laughter.  Taking her lover by the hand she continued marching towards her tribe pausing briefly beside them.  "Paws off," she commanded gruffly a jovial grin spreading across her face.  She continued sauntering past them pulling the staggering warrior behind her.  She halted about 10 feet away and turned back towards the astounded Amazons.  "Are you just going to stand there drooling all day or are you coming?" she teased.  Laughter trickled softly surrounding her.  Wiping the sloppy grin off her face Ephiny walked towards the couple, leaving the rest of the tribe trailing a few feet behind whispering amongst themselves like young school girls.

"I can't believe Gabrielle got you to agree to wear the Royal Amazon attire, Xena." Ephiny uttered in disbelief.  

"Attire is that what you call this?" Xena asked, playful sarcasm in her voice.  "I believe you need more fabric to have an attire!"  Both women chuckled at the humor.  

"Well, you look breathtaking."  She smiled at her friend.  "It's nice to see you out of those leathers of yours for one night."  

Xena shifted uncomfortably, not keen to compliments, and decided to change the subject.  "Any word from Serenity yet?"  

Ephiny shook her head.  "No, she hasn't arrived yet.  She more than likely won't show until after the celebration."  Ephiny looked in the direction of Gabrielle and her fellow Amazons, "Gabrielle seems more herself today than she has been in weeks.  I hope this small celebration lifts her spirits, even for a short while."  

Xena locked her eyes on the customary dance Gabrielle and a few Amazons were engaged in.  Gabrielle's face showed a moment of bliss.  She had been dancing for a couple candle marks now with her tribe.  For a brief moment Xena's gaze met that of her bard's.  The serenity she witnessed in those emerald eyes spread a tender smile across her face.  Even if it did last only for a moment, that one moment was one the warrior would not soon forget.  "Yes, she has seemed happier.  I miss her, Eph.  Her eyes hold so much emptiness now.  I saw a glimmer of essence in there tonight.  But as quickly as it materialized, it disappeared." her voice dropped to a whisper.  "Something is still missing in her eyes, Eph.  And I would do anything to put it back there."  She leaned back against the cool wall with her eyes still locked upon her dancing partner.  

"It is going to take some time, Xena.  I think what Gabrielle is searching for is some form of closure."  She looked into the teary eyes of her friend.  "And that is something only Gabrielle can give to herself, Xena."  Ephiny grinned, "Hey no tears, this is a happy day.  Do you know what I do with unhappy warrior princess' around here?" her tone was challenging.  

"And what would that be?" Xena replied, intimidation in her voice. 

Ephiny's smile grew wide, "I sic drooling, wide-eyed Amazons on them." she finished with a giggle.  The tension in Xena's face subsided and gave way to a muffled chuckle.  "Now that is much better Miss tall, dark, and gorgeous.  What is the surprise you're going to give Gabrielle tonight?" her eyes gleamed with keen interest.  

Xena tapped her friend on the nose teasingly with her index finger.  "Sorry Eph, you have to wait and see."  

"Just a little hint Xe, please?" she pleaded with a sulk.  

"Nope, not one.  You will find out soon enough." a cunning smile formed on Xena's lips.  

"Oh Xe!" she shrieked.  She decided to try another tactic.  "I, as the Regent, think you should inform me so I can be sure nothing harmful is in that box of surprises of yours." she smirked.  

Return To Top






Chapter 4

"Are you sure you're up to this Gabrielle?" Concern was apparent in Xena's eyes.  

"Yes Xe, I really want to join the Sparring Competition.  You don't have to worry about me." Slight irritation nestled in Gabrielle's tone.  

"Gabrielle, it's my job to worry about you.  You have been pushing yourself hard and.." she paused raising her brow at the rolling eyes of the bard.  She continued, her tone a low growl.  "I just want to be sure your wounds have healed well enough for a competition.  It is extremely demanding on your muscles and reflexes.  Gabrielle.." her voice dropped to a dangerous tone.  "Stop rolling your eyes at me." the demand was forced through Xena's clenched teeth.  

"Xe, I'm sorry I just don't want to go through this again.  I thought we came to an agreement on this already.  Remember I promised I wouldn't overdue myself?  Don't you trust my judgment?" she questioned firmly.  

The warrior's expression softened.  "Of course I trust you Gabrielle."  

The bard smiled.  "Hmm perhaps then you are afraid of losing to a little innocent bard like me Xe?" She challenged playfully with a grin.  

With a shake of her head, the warrior began to unmercifully tickle the squirming bard.  "Xena!  Stop!  Xena please.." she choked out a few more protests between giggles before the warrior stopped tickling her.  

"All right my little innocent bard," her words mimicking the bard's lightheartedly.  "I won't have any objections to you entering the sparring competition under two conditions."  

The bard folded her arms across her chest.  "And which two conditions would those be?"  

"Condition number one.  If you re-injure anything you stop."  

Gabrielle rolled her eyes at her overprotective warrior.  "And condition number two?"  

"I mean it Gabrielle if your hurt you stop or I.."  

The bard cut her off before she could finish.  "Okay Xena I got it.  If I'm hurting, I'll stop."  

With a grunt she continued.  "And condition number two is..." a charming smile forming on her lips "you remember that this big not so innocent warrior is never afraid of a challenge."  

The bard chuckled and wrapped her arms around her warrior in an embrace.  "Thank you." she whispered with a quiet giggle.  

"No surprise for being such a good sport?" She playfully prodded at her lover.  

With a smirk she brought her lips close to Xena's but not touching.  The warrior leaned forward inviting the kiss but the bard pulled away shaking her head.  "No no, my not so innocent warrior.  No moving for you.  I want you to stay perfectly still." An enchanting smile danced proudly on her face.  She brought her lips close to the warrior's face and locked her eyes with the ocean colored spheres of her lover.  She could feel her warm breath trickling down her lips.  She leaned forward brushing her lips softly on the warriors' taking in her sweet scent, teasing her.  

"You are going to drive me insane my bard", Xena thought to herself.  

Gabrielle closed her eyes and kissed her partner passionately rolling her tongue around her lover's mischievously.  She traced the tips of her fingers down the warrior's bare shoulder to her hip, letting her tender touch linger for a moment, and then continued along her bare stomach.  She felt Xena respond, deepening the kiss.  The bard's hands made their way back to the warrior's shoulders.  Her fingertips cascaded down her back and then encircled the warrior's waist pulling against her.  "It feels so nice to be this close again Xe.  No fear, just your touch, like it has always been."  The bard's thoughts brought a contented smile to her face as she broke from the kiss and held the gaze of her lover.  "What are you grinning at Xena?"  

The warrior cupped the bard's face in her hands.  "I was just thinking my dear bard, that I should be a good sport more often." She winked releasing a soft chuckle.  

The bard smiled, taking her partner's hand in her own. "C'mon beautiful we have a competition to join."  They headed towards the crowd by the sparring ring.

"About time you two got here!" Ephiny scolded.  "Lucky for you I entered you two towards the end of the competition.  I knew you would make a late appearance."  She stuck her tongue out jokingly.  

"Sorry Eph we were a little distracted." Gabrielle apologized with the straightest face she could assemble.  

"Hmmm I'll bet.  Yep I see it.  Guilt written all over that face of yours Miss tall, dark, and gorgeous." Ephiny began to laugh.   Xena shot an eyebrow up warning her friend but that just fueled the laughter spurt further.  "Okay I'll stop I'm sorry.  I can't help it sometimes.  For a big tough warrior you can be so cute." Her laughter dispersed slightly followed by the soft cackle of the bard.  

Xena cleared her throat.  "So how is everyone doing so far in the competition?" She inquired as she watched the two Amazons sparring.  

"Well, six have been eliminated, including yours truly."  Two stunned heads turned to the Regent.  "Yeah, well what can I say.  It happens to the best of us."  She smiled.  "Better watch out for that Destiny.  She fights exceptionally well with that staff.  She has some moves I haven't seen before.  She has really been practicing these past few summers."  They all turned to the sparring ring in time to witness Destiny's victory.  Ephiny turned to her two friends.  "Looks like that leaves you two and Destiny." 

Xena smiled.  "I relish a good fight."  

"Well that's great because you my friend are next as soon as Destiny rests briefly."  

Xena turned to Gabrielle and planted a subtle kiss on her lips.  "Wish me luck!" She whispered as she hopped into the sparring ring to warm up while awaiting her opponent.  Ephiny and Gabrielle made their way to the front settling into a comfortable stance.  The bard felt nervous for her warrior.  "What am I worried about?  This is Xena, Gabrielle!" She berated herself.  

Destiny was a few inches shorter than Xena.  She had short golden brown hair that fell short of her shoulders and brown eyes.  Her arms and legs displayed perfectly toned muscles.  The match was well under way.  The two skilled warriors met each other strike for strike, block for block.  "Ephiny wasn't kidding.  This kid has some moves!"  Destiny, however, not possessing the amount of endurance Xena did, was growing very fatigued.  Xena spun feigning left and then suddenly turned right swinging the staff and connecting with an already bruised set of ribs.  The pain caught Destiny off guard just long enough to leave her face unshielded.  Xena, noting this, used her forearm to jab Destiny on the side of her face and used the forward pressure of her weight to set her off balance knocking her down on her backside.  "Do yourself a favor kid stay down this time," Xena murmured between breaths.  Determination shined in Destiny's eyes.  She swung her leg in a sliding motion at the warrior's ankles in an attempt to distract her.  Xena, catching a glimpse of her swooping leg, was caught off guard and took a solid hit with the end of the staff in her right shoulder and then another on her left side.   

Gabrielle flinched at the loud cracking sound the staff made connecting with Xena's ribs.  Ephiny placed her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder preventing her from getting up.  "We cannot interfere.  Xena can end this if she needs to."  

Gabrielle turned her heated gaze to her Regent.  "That is my partner out there fighting with broken ribs Eph!"  She huffed quietly.  

"I know and she is a warrior.  You of all people know she can take care of herself.  If it is too much she will stop."  

Gabrielle sighed in defeat and turned her gaze to the spar once again.

Destiny flipped backwards landing back on her feet in a fighting stance.  "I don't give up that easily Xena!" She muttered and swung the staff towards Xena's face.  

"We'll see about that kid” Xena caught the staff in mid-strike and with a fierce kick to Destiny's stomach she sent the Amazon to the ground once more.  She pinned the injured Amazon with her weight, crossing the two staves with each other in the shape of an X.  Using just enough pressure on her neck to cause slight pain, she spoke to the Amazon. "C'mon kid just say it.  It's over."  She applied a little more pressure.  "Say it!" Xena demanded.

"Mercy.." Destiny managed to utter through clenched teeth.  

Xena released her and extended her arm out to the Amazon.  Ephiny turned to the relieved Queen beside her.  "See.."

"Don't even say it Eph!" The Queen warned.  Ephiny laughed to herself, shaking her head.  

"You are a very talented warrior Destiny.  Where did you learn some of those moves?" Xena inquired as she helped her to her feet careful not to put too much weight on her throbbing ribs. 

"I just made them up.  I've been practicing every day for a few summers now.  Hey I'm sorry about your ribs.  You really need to let a healer look at them Xena." She turned as Gabrielle walked toward Xena.  

"Xena, are you alright?"  She began to prod her lover's side gently. The Queen turned to Destiny and smiled.  "That was a great fight Destiny. You have really improved with that staff.  Solari will be proud of you once she returns."  

Destiny blushed. "Thank you, my Queen.  I hope Xena is alright. I didn't realize I swung that hard."  She turned to Xena. "I am very sorry, Xena."  

The warrior smiled at the young Amazon.  "A spar is a spar kid.  There is no room for apologies on the battlefield, remember that.  You did great. Be proud of yourself."  She smiled warmly.  "I'm fine.  My ribs will heal in no time. It's just a bruise," she reassured the young Amazon.  

"Okay, I will see you at dinner then?  We are having a nice feast." Destiny asked anxiously. 

"Of course. We all know what happens if we don't feed that monster in your Queen's stomach." She pointed at Gabrielle's protesting stomach good-naturedly.  The Amazon laughed and wandered off towards the approaching Regent.  

"First, we are going to see the healer." The bard stated matter-of-factly to her warrior.  

"But what about our spar and the competition?" She whined childishly.  

Gabrielle looked sternly at her.  "Xe, I am not going to let you compete injured.  I dropped out of the competition."  Xena stared at her.  "That's right you are the champion." Her eyes twinkled with delight.  

"No, I am your champion."  Xena corrected sweetly.  

"Besides, I don't need an Amazon competition to whoop your butt on the sparring grounds my warrior." She laughed and walked the warrior towards the healer's hut.

"Hey Eph, will you bring me a little more fish on your way back please?" The Queen asked nicely.  

"Sure thing, we wouldn't want to get that stomach of yours grumbling" She laughed as she toddled off.  

Gabrielle turned her attention to the warrior.  "How are the ribs?  Is the wrap too tight?"  

Xena took another bite of her dinner.  "No, it's perfect.  I'm all right. It's just a bruise."  

Gabrielle snorted.  "Just a bruise, eh?  Xena, I hardly consider two broken ribs just a bruise!" She chided.  

"I hardly feel it, honest." she replied, finishing the last of what was on her plate.  She turned to her bard who had suddenly grown quiet.  Her eyes held the vacant emptiness the warrior had become too familiar with.  "Gabrielle what's wrong?" She questioned, a little worried.  

"Xena, can I ask you something?" her whisper was barely audible.  

"Of course, what is it?"  Xena waited patiently for the bard to respond.  

"Do I make you happy?" Unshed tears were brimming in Gabrielle's eyes. 

 "Gabrielle, you are the other half to my soul.  No one could possibly make me happier than you don't you know that?  Why would you question that, Gabrielle?"  The bard shook her head.  "Please tell me." The warrior persisted.  

"I don't know why but I started thinking about some of the things Draden had said to me.  I just started to feel..." She looked down pushing back the tears.  "I was scared that maybe I wasn't good enough Xe, that I don't deserve you.  How can you not be ashamed of me when I am still so ashamed of myself?"  She looked up at her warrior tears welling in her eyes.  

The warrior got up slowly and made her way to the bard's side.  She met the gaze of the bard's and spoke softly.  "Gabrielle, if anything I am the one that doesn't deserve you.  There is nothing shameful about you.  You did nothing wrong.  Nothing at all Gabrielle."  She wiped a tear from the bard's face just as Ephiny made her way back to the table with a plate of fish.  

"I leave you alone for a few minutes and look what happens." Ephiny stated with humor.  "Gabrielle are you okay?"  Wiping the remaining tears from her face, Gabrielle nodded.  

Xena broke the uncomfortable silence that fell upon them.  "Ephiny, remember that surprise you've hounded me about for candlemarks?" She asked with a grin.  

"Yeees!" Her eyes growing wide with anticipation.  

Xena turned to Gabrielle with a warm smile.  "I have a surprise for you, Gabrielle.  I think now just may be the best time to give it to you."  Before the bard could answer she kissed her tenderly on the lips and walked to the front of the gathering of Amazons.

Silence swept across the group of chattering Amazons and all heads turned to the warrior.  "Many of you have been driving yourselves insane over my surprise for Gabrielle.  Well, my gift to your Queen has more than one meaning.  First it is a gift in honor of it being the third year Gabrielle has ruled this Nation as Queen of the Amazons."  She looked to her bard their gaze locked intently on one another and spoke to her.  "The other is more of a personal one.  This gift is for you to hold within your heart when you need to be reminded how much you mean to me.  When you begin to doubt how worthy you are close your eyes and let thoughts of this gift be all that surrounds you.  When you feel yourself slipping away, remember this gift, and know in your heart that I am always with you.  Nothing could tamper the spirit we share Gabrielle.  I have missed the way your eyes used to sparkle.  I tried to think of how I could put that gleam of spirit back in there but now I know why that is not possible.  It is our love that unites our spirit and it is that spirit that has been missing.  I hope this gift brings you faith love.  Faith in that eternal spirit we share that even death itself couldn't take away.  Never doubt how much you mean to me."  With those final words, Xena began to sing a song she wrote specially for her soul mate in the most beautiful voice the Nation of astounded Amazons had ever heard.

I like blue eyes, hers are green 
Not like the woman of my dreams 
And her hair's not quite 
As long as I had planned 
Five foot three, isn't tall 
She's not the girl I'd pictured at all 
In those paint-by-number 
Fantasies I've had 

So it took me by complete surprise 
When my heart got lost 
In those deep green eyes 
She's not at all what I was looking for 
She's more 

No it wasn't at first sight 
But the moment I looked twice 
I saw the woman I was born to love 
Her laughter fills my soul 
And when I hold her I don't wanna let go 
When it comes to her, I can't get enough 

So it took me by complete surprise 
When my heart got lost 
In those deep green eyes 
She's not at all what I was looking for 
She's more 

More than I dreamed of 
More than any woman deserves. 
I couldn't ask for more 
Than a love like hers 

So it took me by complete surprise 
When my heart got lost 
In those deep green eyes 
She's not at all what I was looking for 
She's more 
(*Please note this song belongs to country artist Andy Griggs and all copyrights and lyrics belong solely to him*)

As soon as the last verse was completed, loud applause filled the air.  Gabrielle had already made her way to her warriors' side; tears flowing from her eyes.  She wrapped her arms tightly around her lover.  "I love you Xena.  That was so beautiful."  She leaned closer to the warrior's ear and whispered softly, "I do Xe."  

"Do what, Gabrielle?" Xena whispered back quietly still holding the bard within her arms.  

"Have faith." Gabrielle whispered confidently and tightened her embrace around her warrior.

Return To Top




Eternal Spirit Part 3

If you would like to be notified when I add any new chapters please email me!  XenaFan22@aol.com