-- Chapter 15 --

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The young woman awoke with a start.

All at once, she understood. She hadn't been alone in these dreams. Xena had been there with her all along, wanting and needing as desperately as she.

*****

Gabrielle crept quietly through the house, closing the front door behind her. Hurrying through the lightly falling rain, she stopped at the entrance of the barn. As she reached for the handle, fear made her hesitate...fear that the warrior wouldn't be there…fear that she would. She nervously ran her fingers through her damp hair as the rain soaked her thin gown. Inhaling deeply, she pulled the door open.

Xena lay asleep, moaning the bard's name over and over as she tossed fitfully.

The low sensual quality of her voice made the blonde's heart race. This was a side of the warrior she'd never seen, the sexual side…untamed, unguarded, and irresistibly compelling. With her raven hair lying in tangles around her face, Xena's wild, exotic beauty was utterly bewitching.

Flushed and breathless, Gabrielle knelt before her. Reaching out with trembling hands, she stroked the warrior's fevered skin with the cool tips of her fingers. "I'm here, Xena. I'm right here."

Immediately calmed by the sound of the bard's voice, the warrior slowly opened her eyes.

Gabrielle's breath caught. Everything she'd ever wanted, everything she'd ever dreamed of was reflected in those blue eyes.

Xena gasped as if breaking the water's surface after a deep dive. But it wasn't air she required…it was her soul's twin. Without thought, she pulled the young woman to her, the need for a physical connection too strong to deny.

As she felt the bard melt in her embrace, it was as if a missing part of her had been restored. She moaned at the rightness of it, her lips brushing the blonde's forehead in the tenderest of kisses.

Gabrielle trembled in her arms, a soft cry escaping her lips.

Alarmed, Xena pulled back, eyes darting anxiously as she tried to explain. "I--I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…I wanted--but I--" Tongue-tied, she exhaled in frustration and nervously met the young woman's eyes. A wave of relief washed over her when she saw the bard's smile. "You aren't upset a--about the dream?"

"No! It was--I felt--" She stopped, words eluding her. Sighing heavily, she shook her head and smiled. "Some bard I've turned out to be."

Xena reached out and lightly brushed her cheek. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

The bard looked up shyly. "I hoped for such a long time that some day I would hear you say that."

"Gabrielle, I…" Determined to do right by the woman she loved so dearly, Xena hesitated. "W--what you're feeling…are you sure this is what you want? That I'm what you want?" Her eyes quickly searched her companion's face for the slightest hint of doubt.

The bard met her glance without hesitation. "I've loved you from the first moment I saw you…with all my heart and will. In these dreams we've shared, I've felt your desire. Couldn't you feel mine?"

The warrior had. And now, in the bard's presence, she felt it stronger than ever, an unseen energy swirling around them. Transfixed, her eyes drank in the beautiful young woman before her. Skin glistening with moisture, the bard's thin shift clung sensually to her body. Emotions the warrior had long suppressed surged. "Gabrielle, I want you… need you…more than I've ever needed anything."

With trembling fingers, the bard released the tie on her gown, peeling the damp cloth away from her skin. Slowly guiding it over her shoulders, she offered herself in the only way she knew.

The warrior's heart hammered as she slowly reached out to cup the young woman's face in her hands. Their eyes locked. Frozen in the moment, neither woman moved. For Xena there was nothing but the whispery caress of the bard's breath. Bending to her, she let their lips gently touch.

Pulse racing, Gabrielle slid her fingers through the warrior's silky hair and pulled her close, pressing softly against her.

Xena's mind reeled. The intimacy of the embrace was unlike anything she had ever experienced. The bard's tenderness and unequivocal surrender touched something deep inside. She moaned, her hands gliding over the smooth skin of the bard's back as the young woman opened her mouth to receive her. A blazing heat coursed through her as she slid inside, tasting her young lover for the first time. They moved as one, their passion slowly building. The sweetness was indescribable.

Savoring their union, Gabrielle communicated everything in her kiss: her love, her need, and her desire...holding back nothing. Moaning loudly, she deepened the kiss. It was Elyssia. She held tight to the warrior, their bodies locked in a loving embrace as heat surged to her very core. Desperate to feel Xena's bare skin against her own, she gasped for air and pulled urgently at the warrior's shift.

"Easy," the warrior soothed. "Tell me what you need."

The sensual request caused a tingling warmth to swirl in her belly. Eyes focused on the dark-haired woman's soft, full lips, she struggled to answer. "I--In my dreams you--" She stopped, modesty cutting off her words.

Xena gently held her young lover's gaze. "Anything…."

Imagining the softness of the warrior's tongue moving where she needed it most, Gabrielle flushed hotly. "Y--your mouth…I…"

Smiling knowingly, Xena gently eased her back. Gracefully straddling the bard's thigh, she pulled her shift over her head, and tossed it aside. "Yesss," she whispered hotly. "I want that too."

The sight of the warrior, naked and astride her, stole the young woman's breath. Aroused beyond measure her heart pounded furiously as Xena's moist sex pressed against her.

"Feel how you excite me."

Gabrielle groaned with pleasure as the powerful woman slid effortlessly along her thigh. A part of her couldn't believe this was real, that it was truly happening. She trembled, overcome with emotion. Years of self-denial, years of longing for something she had not been able to put a name to were coming to an end. Tears ran down her cheeks, unchecked. "Please, I need you. Don't let it stop."

"I promise. This time…nothing will make me stop." Leaning forward, she gazed lovingly at her companion. The unshakable trust in Gabrielle's eyes touched her heart. Reaching out, she ran her fingers along the delicate slope of the blonde's neck. "Just close your eyes," she whispered. "Feel me."

Gabrielle moaned softly as their lips met, the warrior's kiss sweeter than anything she'd ever known. Drowning in sensation, she reveled in the delicate press of Xena's breasts, the incomparable warmth of the warrior's skin. A wave of euphoria washed over her as the powerful woman breathed life into her long- dormant body: Xena's kiss, so soft and tender that she was instantly lost in it.

The warrior's senses were reeling too. She was about to fulfill her fantasies…about to make love to the young woman who had captured her heart. Feeling the bard hungrily respond to her every touch, she began, for the first time, to understand the true complexity of Gabrielle's nature. In her dreams she had sensed the strength of the bard's passion, but now in the soft glow of the torchlight Gabrielle exuded a sensuality so raw and untapped that it stirred something primal in the warrior.

Unable to hold back, Xena reached out, caressing the outer curve of her young lover's breasts. With each rise and fall of the bard's chest, the warrior watched the small nipples respond, becoming more and more defined. Smiling softly, she lovingly stroked the erect tips, making the tender flesh dimple as the hardened points nearly doubled in size. Twirling them between her fingers, she tugged gently. "You were made for me."

"Yessss." Incredible jolts of sensation surged through the bard's body. Her breath caught as she watched the dark-haired woman cup her breast and bend slowly toward it. How many times in her subconscious mind had she dreamed of this…longed to feed the warrior's hunger?

Inhaling sharply, she arched upward, delivering herself into her lover's waiting mouth. As Xena's warm, moist lips closed on her aching nipple, she cried out in ecstasy.

Slowly…deliberately…the warrior drew from her, tenderly coaxing sensation after sensation through her body. It was electric. She closed her eyes, digging her fingers deep into the blanket beneath her, her entire being focused on the delicious pulling at her breast.

Lifting her mouth from the bard's throbbing nipple, Xena gently squeezed the swollen points with the tips of her fingers, tugging upward as her tongue blazed a fiery trail across Gabrielle's abdomen.

The bard moaned as the warrior's tongue lightly stroked her fevered skin, tracing deliciously erotic patterns across its surface. Shocks of sensation pulsed through her.

Driven by her young lover's response, the warrior slid her hands down and gently caressed Gabrielle's inner thighs, urging her to open.

The bard's belly fluttered wildly as familiar stirrings surged inside her. Heart racing, she groaned softly and spread her legs.

Gliding between Gabrielle's delicate folds, the warrior slowly spread her fingers, exposing the heart of her lover's sex. Never had she felt anything so exquisite. Warm and silky soft, the bard was running with moisture. Struggling to still her trembling hands, Xena bent to taste her.

At the first touch of the warrior's tongue sliding against her, Gabrielle gasped and arched breathlessly against her. Delirious with pleasure, she released a long low moan. It was ecstasy. Nothing in her entire life had ever felt so good. Her belly pulsed wildly as Xena's tongue dipped into her, swirling sensually as it awakened the heat within her.

Grasping the bard's hips, Xena held her close, drinking in her essence. It was Elyssia, the sweetness incomparable. She circled the heart of the bard's sex, feeling it swell beneath her touch. Then, using just the tip of her tongue, she slid slowly back and forth over the sensitive surface.

Gabrielle moaned loudly, tangling her fingers in the warrior's hair as each stroke of Xena's tongue sent incredible waves of pleasure through her body.

Gradually, the warrior increased the pressure, stroking her faster.

Awash with sensation, the bard closed her eyes, rolling her head from side to side as her experienced lover drove her higher and higher. She arched desperately toward Xena's mouth. This time there was no reluctance, no fear as in her dreams that the sensations would stop. There was only the warrior's hungry mouth giving her more pleasure than she'd ever known.

Suddenly her hips stilled, their movement no longer necessary as a gathering of their combined energy welled deep within her. Filled to overflowing, her mind reeled as her climax raced toward its peak. Then, all at once, her body succumbed, her muscles tightening and releasing, again and again. She cried out in ecstasy as she exploded in a shattering orgasm, wave after wave of pleasure coursing through her as she melted into the sweet fire flowing inside. Moaning, she went limp, coils of liquid warmth curling deliciously in her belly.

Gauging the bard's stamina, the warrior stilled, her tongue motionless except for a steady but gentle pressure. Laying the palm of her hand on her young woman's lower abdomen, she focused on the steady pulsing of Gabrielle's sex as she patiently waited for the perfect moment. When it came, she closed her lips around her lover's clit and gently drew the bard's heated blood back to the surface.

Gabrielle gasped as once again she felt her pleasure rising like a gigantic wall of water, growing more and more powerful with each gentle pull. She lifted her hips, her entire being focused on the indescribable softness of the warrior's tongue as it began once again to move against her.

All at once, she was overcome by sensation, the ecstasy too great to contain. She moaned unrestrained as her orgasm crested, sweeping her up with an incredible force as it enfolded her. Crying out the warrior's name, she came for the second time, her body trembling as she floated mindlessly on rippling waves of pleasure.

Heart fluttering wildly, she curled tightly against her powerful lover, savoring the glow of her climax. For long moments, she lay still, unable to move, lost in the blissful sensations. Nothing had ever felt so right. She had never felt such joy…such fulfillment. It had been worth every trial she'd ever endured…every trial that awaited her.

Gathering her young lover into her arms, Xena held her close, molding her body to the bard's. They fit perfectly as if from the beginning of time they were meant to be one.

*****

Slowly, the bard opened her eyes and looked up at the woman to whom she'd given her heart and soul. Sighing blissfully, she kissed her dark-haired lover. Tasting a curious flavor on Xena's lips, she blushed and pulled back.

The warrior smiled. "That's you." She leaned forward teasingly and invited the bard to sample it again.

Freed by her partner's total lack of inhibition, Gabrielle lightly brushed Xena's lips with the tip of her tongue then tentatively slid inside, allowing herself to fully experience the exotic taste. When at last she broke the kiss, she smiled and released a sensual sigh.

"I like it too," the warrior whispered.

Instilled with new confidence, Gabrielle ran her eyes hungrily over Xena's body. "I want to taste you." Boldly pressing the warrior back onto the blanket, she reached out and caressed Xena's breast with the tip of her finger.

The contact sent a shock to the warrior's core. Inhaling sharply, she gently grasped the bard's wrist, holding her still. It was nearly time for the sun to rise, and as desperately as she longed for Gabrielle's touch, she knew that if she allowed things to go much farther, she couldn't trust herself to stop. "You need to go back…before they notice you're missing."

"But I--I can't leave you," the bard objected. "Not now." Her eyes met the warrior's in a fervent plea.

Torn between doing what she knew was right and what they both wanted, Xena reluctantly pulled back. "Hon, you really should go. I--"

The electric touch of the bard's fingers intertwining with her own cut off her words. She looked up and was surprised to see Gabrielle's lips turned up in a quirky smile. Puzzled, the warrior gazed at her curiously.

The bard squeezed her hand tenderly. "You've never called me that before. I like it…I like it a lot."

Xena felt the heat rise to her face. Never in her entire life had she believed herself capable of feeling the array of emotions rushing through her at this moment. Never had she felt such love. "I like it too," she admitted, smiling softly.

The bard beamed with happiness "Please don’t make me go…not yet."

"Gabrielle, I…" The depth of affection in the young woman's eyes made her pause. There was nothing the warrior wouldn't do for her, nothing that she could deny her if pressed. "I know it's hard, but we need to be careful." She brushed the bard's cheek reassuringly. "I promise, we'll be together soon."

"When?" Gabrielle asked eagerly.

Xena couldn't help smiling at lover's determination. "As soon as we can get away without causing suspicion."

Thinking quickly, the bard spoke up. "I can say I have an errand to run…skip breakfast."

The warrior lifted her brow doubtfully. "Like you skipping breakfast isn't suspicious."

"Um…then, I can say that I'm having breakfast with you."

Touched by the young woman's determination to be with her, Xena gently tried to reason with her. "Gabrielle, I wish we could, but you came here to visit your family. It would seem odd if you left them to spend time with me."

The bard dropped her gaze, her shoulders sagging with disappointment.

Lifting the young woman's chin, Xena lightly brushed her thumb across the bard's lower lip. "Believe me, I want to be with you too, more than anything."

Seeing the unshakable love in her friend's eyes, Gabrielle felt her spirits rising. "Okay, what if I come and get you when breakfast is ready? Then at least you can eat with us."

Xena paused, searching for a delicate way to explain what she knew they would be facing. "I can do that if you want," she began, "but can you act like nothing has changed between us?"

At first, the warrior's question confused her. Caught up in a whirlwind of emotion, she hadn't had a chance to consider the repercussions of their new relationship. "I don't--" She stopped suddenly as the full impact of Xena's words crashed down on her. Instead of celebrating their love, she would have to keep it hidden. Somehow, she would have to mask her joy…disguise her feelings and pretend it was a day like any other. Her heart sank. She shook her head sadly. "B--but everything has changed…my entire world. I feel so much love for you that I want to shout it. How can I hide that?"

Xena pulled the bard to her, softly kissing her lips. "I know it's difficult, but after we leave here, we'll have a lifetime to share."

"A lifetime," Gabrielle repeated.

Filled with a sense of peace she had never known before, Xena held the bard close. As difficult as she knew the days ahead would be, for the moment, she couldn't bring herself to think of anything but the love she felt for the young woman in her arms.

The bard sighed happily. "Tell me this isn't a dream."

"I can't, because for me it is…the sweetest ever."

Gabrielle hugged her tightly. Within the shelter of the warrior's embrace, the rest of the world didn't seem to matter. Her faith in their love was unwavering. As long as they could be together, she was confident they could get through anything. She slowly pulled back. "I--I guess, I'd better go."

Xena nodded hesitantly. As she watched her young lover open the barn door, she thought of the approaching sunrise and how it signaled the first day of their life together. "See you tomorrow," she whispered softly.

Allowing her thoughts to drift to the countless days and nights she and the warrior would soon share, Gabrielle smiled, "And tomorrow…and tomorrow…and…." As the door slowly closed, her words faded into the night.

Lying back on her bedroll, Xena listened to the soft splashes of her young lover's feet as she hurried back to the house. She sighed contentedly. From this day on, she would forever associate gentle rain with the bard.

Thinking back to their lovemaking, the sounds of Gabrielle's pleasure echoed in her mind. She raised her fingers to her lips and inhaled her young lover's scent: sweet and rich with life like a forest after a summer shower. Brushing her thumb across the tips of her fingers, she recalled the bard's silky softness and smiled. Her hands would never pleasure another. For the warrior, there was only Gabrielle.

*****

Cold and lonely in her small bed, the bard longed for the warmth of Xena's embrace. The warrior had awakened a part of her that had long been dormant, igniting a nearly insatiable hunger. Making love with Xena had been like soaring among the stars. Never again could she be content to spend her life tethered to the ground. For her, there was no going back to who she'd once pretended to be…not ever.

She sighed happily as she remembered the warrior's kiss. Xena's desire for her had been unmistakable. Lightly stroking her thigh, she recalled the slow slidings of the warrior's sex against her and raised her fingers to her lips. Musky and alluring, traces of the dark-haired woman's fragrance still lingered on her skin. Like a powerful aphrodisiac, the scent left an indelible imprint on the bard's senses. It was the essence of her soulmate.

*****

-- Chapter 16 --

Hecuba stood in her kitchen, open-mouthed. The table before her was covered with steaming platters of food. "Why, you've cooked up a feast!" she exclaimed, turning to her eldest daughter.

Wiping her flour-coated hands on her apron, Gabrielle smiled. "I thought it was about time I made breakfast for you."

The older woman looked in amazement about the spotless kitchen. "And you've cleaned everything!"

"Yep." The bard removed the kettle of water from the fire and filled a cup for her mother. "Why don't you sit down and have a cup of tea while we wait for the others to get up."

Settling in her seat, Hecuba watched Gabrielle bustle around the room. She had never seen her daughter so energized. She practically glowed with vitality. "You look so--so well rested this morning. You must have finally gotten a good night's sleep."

The bard's eyes sparkled. "Yeah, I feel great!" She motioned to the window. "Have you looked outside? It's going to be a beautiful day. There's not a cloud in the sky."

"Well, it's about time," Lila remarked as she entered the room. "I thought it was never going to stop raining." She yawned sleepily as she glanced toward her sister, her eyes widening in surprise as they settled on the table. "Wow, look at all this food!"

Hecuba smiled. "Your sister's been busy this morning."

"I guess! You must have been up half the night preparing all this."

Gabrielle felt her face flush. After leaving the warrior, she had been so giddy with excitement that sleeping had been out of the question. Keeping active had been the only way she knew to keep herself from returning to the barn. "Uh…not really. I just felt like cooking."

"Mmmm…something smells delicious." Herodotus commented as he turned the corner to the kitchen. Seeing the banquet of food, he stopped in his tracks. "Did I forget someone's birthday?"

Hecuba smiled. "No, dear. Gabrielle decided to make us breakfast, that's all."

Herodotus ruffled his daughter's hair as he walked by her. "Well, it looks wonderful."

"Thanks, Dad."

Turning to his wife, he raised his brow questioningly. "Are we expecting company?"

"I guess I got a little carried away," the bard replied sheepishly.

"Nonsense," Hecuba said. "But maybe your friend Xena would like to join us."

Gabrielle's heart raced at the mere mention of the warrior. Struggling to keep her tone casual, she nodded. "I think she'd like that." Not wanting to seem overly eager, she turned to her sister. "Would you mind going out to ask her while I put more water on for tea?"

"Sure," Lila replied cheerfully. "I'll be right back."

Filling the kettle, Gabrielle hung it over the fire.

Herodotus smiled and reached toward the smaller of the two plates in front of him. Grabbing a biscuit, he lifted it to his mouth.

"Wait!" Gabrielle exclaimed. "D--don't eat that one." She grabbed it and handed him one from the larger platter instead.

He glanced at her curiously.

"Those are a little burnt," she explained awkwardly.

Hecuba reached for the plate of browned biscuits. "I always have a few casualties too," she confessed. "Since we have plenty, I'll just toss these out for the--"

"--No!" Gabrielle protested, quickly pulling the platter towards her. "I…uh…it's a shame to see them go to waste. I'm sure Xena won't mind eating--" She stopped mid-sentence and glanced nervously toward the front door as it squeaked open.

Totally unprepared for the effect that seeing Xena would have on her, the bard froze. For her, time stopped. Framed by a backdrop of morning light, the tall, dark-haired woman was absolutely breathtaking. Without thinking, Gabrielle allowed her eyes to travel the length of the warrior's body in obvious admiration. Suddenly, her mind was flooded with memories of their lovemaking…the sensual sound of the warrior's voice…the taste of her kiss…the feel of her experienced mouth moving against her. She stood transfixed, their night of passion looming larger than life as a riot of sensations coursed through her.

Sensing the bard's dilemma, Xena stepped forward and brushed the young woman's cheek, pretending to wipe off some telltale residue. "I can see you've been cooking. You have flour on your face."

Trance broken, Gabrielle blushed and looked away, her skin tingling from the brief contact.

"She always was a messy cook," Lila offered.

"Nice you could join us, Xena," Hecuba said, casting the warrior a grateful glance. Whatever Xena had said to her daughter had really lifted Gabrielle's spirits. "Please have a seat."

"Thank you." Xena pulled out a chair beside her companion. As she began to sit down, the front door opened and Graham entered.

"Morning," he greeted.

Lila hurried to his side and hugged him lovingly. "I ran into Graham when I went to get Xena, so I invited him to breakfast." Taking his hand, she led him to the seat next to hers.

Gabrielle averted her eyes. It hurt to watch the couple's carefree display of affection while she struggled to conceal hers.

"Hope I won't be shorting you," Graham commented politely.

"Are you kidding?" Herodotus teased. "We have enough food here to feed most of the village."

"You're one of the family," Hecuba added warmly. "You know you're welcome any time."

"That's right, son," Herodotus agreed, slapping him on the back. "Now let's dig in before it gets cold."

Gabrielle stared glumly at her plate, her disconnection from her family suddenly painfully clear. Her parents would never embrace the warrior as they had Graham. They would never view Xena as her spouse…as one of the family. The depressing realization made her heart ache.

Sensing the young woman's sadness, the warrior turned to her. "Could you pass the biscuits, please?" As Gabrielle passed her the smaller of the platters, Xena noted their darkened color. Touched that the bard had browned them exactly the way she liked, she smiled and put several on her plate.

"Don't feel you have to eat those if they are too well done for you," Hecuba said.

"These will be fine," Xena assured her. "I've never tasted anything of Gabrielle's that wasn't delicious."

The bard flushed at the warrior's innocent statement. "Whew, it's hot in here. Must be all that cooking." Walking quickly to a nearby window, she threw open the shutters.

Returning to her seat, she watched Lila kiss Graham on the cheek.

Isn't new love wonderful?" Hecuba declared, smiling at her daughter's gesture. She turned and glanced lovingly at her husband. "It reminds me of us all those years ago."

Herodotus winked and took another bite of biscuit.

Smiling at his fiancée, Graham reached for her hand and squeezed it affectionately. "You women did an excellent job on breakfast. It's great."

"Wish I could take the credit," Lila admitted, "but Gab's the one you should thank." She turned to the warrior, praising her sister's talents. "Can you believe she did all this by herself?" Oblivious to the change in her sister's relationship with Xena, she continued. "I'll tell you, if it hadn't been for all the noise coming from her room last night, I wouldn't have believed she slept at all."

"What noise?" Herodotus questioned. "I didn't hear anything."

"That's because you sleep like a log," Hecuba teased.

Lila smiled at the warrior. "No wonder you don't want to stay in the same room with her, Xena. She was moaning so loudly that she woke me out of a sound sleep at least three times."

"Were you having nightmares, dear?" Hecuba asked.

"N--no," she replied nervously, "just dreaming." She smiled wistfully as she remembered the rain, her belly pulsing at the memory. Suddenly, the need to touch the warrior--to establish some kind of physical connection with her--was overpowering. Unable to fight it a moment longer, she discreetly slid her hand from her lap…to Xena's.

Startled by the unexpected advance, the warrior choked on her biscuit. Coughing to clear her throat, she leaned forward, unintentionally trapping the bard's hand between her legs.

Wriggling her fingers, Gabrielle awkwardly attempted to free herself.

"You okay, Xena?" Graham asked.

Sensation raced through the warrior's body as her young lover inadvertently tickled her inner thighs. "I--I'm fine. I…uh…I just swallowed wrong." Willing herself to relax, she eased her legs apart to give the bard room to remove her hand.

As Gabrielle began to slowly pull away, her fingers slid across a patch of moisture on Xena's upper thigh. Her eyes widened, and she froze, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Gab, you look like someone just goosed you," Lila teased.

"I…uh…I thought I saw a spider." She slapped her free hand down on the table then slowly raised it to look. "Must have been my imagination." With all eyes on her, she rushed on lamely. "You see I…I had this terrible encounter with a sand spider once, so I'm a little jumpy about them." Blushing furiously, she left her hand between Xena's legs, afraid to draw more attention by removing it.

"Well, there are no sand spiders around here," Graham assured her.

"Er…no…I guess there wouldn't be."

As the others resumed eating, Xena slowly reached into her lap to remove the bard's hand.

Gabrielle started at the unexpected touch, banging her hand against the underside of the table. In an attempt to cover up her blunder, she noisily slid her chair away from the table and jumped to her feet. "I--" Her mind went blank. "I—"

Xena spoke up quickly. "It's the spider thing…sometimes she relives it." Wincing internally, the warrior looked down at her plate.

Gabrielle struggled to collect herself. "I…uh…I thought I felt one on my leg."

"Maybe we should check under the table," Hecuba suggested anxiously.

As the others bent to peer under the table, the warrior turned to the bard and rolled her eyes.

*****

After managing to make it through a very uncomfortable breakfast, they made excuses and left as quickly as possible.

Once they were a safe distance away, Xena turned to face the bard, her agitation clear. "What was that all about in there?" she blurted. "Your parents must think I'm nuts."

"I'm sorry. It--it was a stupid thing to do." She rushed to explain. "I don't know what got into me. It was just so hard watching Lila and Graham express their affection so openly and not be able to do the same.

I--" She glanced away guiltily. "I just can't stop thinking about last night. I've never felt his way before. I needed to touch you." She looked up sheepishly, her eyes filled with regret. "I never expected you to react the way you did. I'm really sorry. Please don't be mad."

Xena shook her head and released a heavy sigh. "I'm not mad. I'm…" She paused. "If you only knew how much I wanted to take you in my arms when I walked in that door…."

Looking into one another's eyes it was clear they were of one mind, each wanting the other.

Gabrielle spoke softly, her voice needful in a way Xena had never dared imagine. "It's so good to finally be alone with you." She struggled to resist the urge to reach out and take the warrior's hand. "I love you so much I can barely hold it in." She lowered her eyes, ashamed. "I resent having to pretend nothing's changed, steal moments in the shadows. I was so jealous of Lila at breakfast. I want the freedom she has…the freedom to love openly…to let you know how I'm feeling with a touch or glance. I need more than the nights with you." She looked up timidly.

Xena nodded in understanding. "Gabrielle, I wish it could be different. I know you're making a lot of sacrifices being with me. Maybe--"

"--Being with you is worth anything I have to go through," the bard insisted, her voice resolute. "I wouldn't trade what we have for anything." She looked deep into Xena's eyes, emphasizing her words. "Not anything."

The warrior's heart hammered in her chest. The heat between them was suddenly staggering. At any other time, in any other place, Xena would have taken the bard into her arms and expressed her love in the only way she knew. Instead, she clenched her hands at her sides in frustration. "Gabrielle, I--" Feeling the inadequacy of her words, she fell silent.

The bard smiled shyly. "I know a place…a private place we can go."

Hesitating only a moment, the warrior nodded.

Gabrielle led the way, Xena walking slightly behind. With each step she took, the young woman felt her body becoming more and more aroused. She could sense the warrior's nearness…her heat, but dared not turn to look. It was torture enough to be so very close and not be able to touch…torture to be left with the vivid memories of Xena's tongue and it's soft caress…sensations that need not be just memories. She quickened her pace, turning toward the lake.

Xena's eyes were riveted on the bard's every move, each and every play of her muscles. A battle raged within her. How easy it would be to pull Gabrielle to the ground and take what she longed for. She was certain the bard would not resist. Her sex pulsed as she envisioned tearing off the young woman's clothes…feeling the bard's bare skin pressed against her. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and prayed that Gabrielle would not turn, for she knew that the desire in her young lover's eyes would be her undoing.

"We're almost there," the bard declared as they broke through the wooded area. She pointed to a rocky hillside covered with dense foliage. "Behind the brush there's a cave." Pushing the thick vines out of the way, she turned and smiled. "See?"

Xena eyed the cave anxiously.

Mistaking her silence for reluctance, Gabrielle spoke up. "Really, no one knows about it," she insisted. "It's very private. Just take a look inside." She tugged the warrior's arm, urging her to follow. "I know it looks dark but there should be some candles inside. I used to come here quite a bit when I--"

Pulling the bard behind the vines, Xena pressed her against the cave wall and kissed her passionately.

Dizzy with desire, Gabrielle gasped for air. "Gods…I want you so much."

Xena recaptured the bard's lips and tugged desperately at the young woman's clothing.

Gabrielle felt her knees go weak. "It widens further in. We--we can lie down."

Xena couldn't help smiling. "A make-out spot, huh?" she teased.

"Actually, no…at least not until now. I used to come here alone to think."

The dark-haired woman smiled at the irony. "I'll bet you never imagined in your wildest dreams that one day you'd share it with someone like me."

"As a matter of fact, I imagined it all the time. I spent candlemark after candlemark dreaming of finding that one special person…the one that could see that there was more to me than I allowed to show…the one who held the other half of my soul." She tenderly met the warrior's eyes. "And now I have."

Touched by the bard's words, she took the young woman's face in her hands and kissed her tenderly.

Intent on increasing their contact, Gabrielle gripped the warrior's hips, holding her close.

Xena responded by deepening the kiss.

The bard moaned, the feelings coursing through her so intense that it seemed that the very ground rumbled beneath her. She pulled back abruptly, looking at the warrior in awe. "Did you feel that?!" When we kissed, t--the earth moved."

Xena swallowed hard and nodded. "I think I'm in trouble here, Gabrielle."

The bard smiled. "Mmm, you know I've always been attracted to trouble."

The warrior laughed and gently squeezed the young woman's hand. "Maybe we should continue inside."

Grinning, Gabrielle nodded and led the way, feeling her way along the walls as she advanced. "This is it." Reaching down, she found the flint and tinderbox exactly where she'd left them. Striking them together, she quickly lit a candle. Instantly the cave flooded with soft light. Walking around the circular room, she carefully lit the strategically placed candles.

Xena looked around the cave in awe. Unlike in her parent's home, here the bard's personal touch was visible everywhere, giving the cave an almost magical quality. Painted in vivid colors on the walls were hundreds of pictures. They began on the right side with crudely sketched flowers and trees scrawled in a child's hand, and then slowly progressed to detailed drawings of single subjects, and finally complex scenes, each depicting its own story…the musings of a dreamer…a magnificent dreamer.

But it was more than that. The mural was a representation of Gabrielle's hopes and dreams. Enriched by the young woman's vivid imagination, the pictures communicated the essence of the bard better than words ever could. It was a glimpse into the heart of the young woman. With a sense of wonder the warrior took it all in.

Gabrielle stood nervously at her side.

When Xena at last turned to her, there were tears in her eyes. "It's beautiful."

"I made a million plans in here," the bard confessed. Taking the warrior's hand, she led her to the center of the room, where a tattered quilt lay over a thick bed of pine needles. Kneeling down, she gently pulled the warrior to her, easing her onto the bed beside her. As Xena's hand pressed into the quilt, she heard the crinkle of parchment and cast the bard a curious glance.

Flipping back the corner of the blanket, Gabrielle revealed neatly piled stacks of parchment.

The warrior smiled. "I knew there would be scrolls."

"Yeah, I did a lot of writing here too."

Xena reached down to pick up one then turned to the bard. "May I read it?"

Gabrielle shrugged nervously. "It's just kid stuff, really."

Carefully uncurling the parchment, the warrior began to read aloud. "The bard distracted the bandits while her warrior prince climbed the wall to recapture the castle." Xena looked up lovingly.

Smiling softly, Gabrielle laid her hand lightly on the dark-haired woman's thigh. "I hadn't figured out yet that it wasn't a warrior prince that I was in search of but a princess."

Xena gently caressed the young woman's cheek.

"And just like in my dreams, she is my match…in every way."

Pulling Gabrielle to her, the warrior bent to kiss her. Suddenly, the floor trembled, rattling the scrolls. Grabbing the bard's hand, she pulled her toward the door. "Quick! The cave may collapse!"

Once safely outside, Xena glanced around for signs of destruction or something amiss. There was nothing.

"What happened?"

"I don't know." The warrior stood with her hands on her hips, puzzling it out.

Gabrielle turned. "Wait…I think I heard something."

Listening intently, Xena turned her head toward the lake. "Someone's crying for help." She sprinted along the path, Gabrielle close behind. As the warrior got close to the shoreline, she saw that the spring rains had weakened the dying root system of a huge old tree. Partially uprooted from the hill, the top portion was submerged in the water, the tenuous hold of its lifeless root system all that kept it from tearing loose completely.

"It looks like it could break away from the soil any minute," Xena warned. "Stay on shore where it's safe, and wait for me." Before the bard could argue, the warrior dove into the water and swam quickly toward the faint cries.

Circling to the far side of the fallen tree, she saw a young boy trapped in the branches. Head barely out of the water he craned his neck in her direction, eyes filled with panic. "Help! I'm caught." Thrashing wildly, he tried to free himself.

Xena looked up as the dead roots creaked from the strain of the great weight they held. "You're going to be okay," she said, trying to calm him. "Keep as still as you can. I'll get you out." Ducking under the water's surface, she saw that the boy's foot was tightly wedged between two branches. Careful to disturb the tree as little as possible, she slowly weaved her way through the tangle of limbs, determining the safest way to free him. Grabbing the narrower branch, she easily bent it back, allowing the boy to pull his foot loose.

She surfaced to find Gabrielle treading water as she held the sobbing boy. "Got him?"

The bard nodded and began to tow him toward shore. Immediately he struggled and pointed anxiously at the tree. "M--my brother he's under there!"

Gabrielle cast the warrior an anxious glance.

"Get him on land. I'll find his brother." Swimming back to the tree, she dove down.

Once on shore, Gabrielle ran her hands down the boy's legs, checking for injuries. Although his ankle was bruised, otherwise he appeared fine.

"My brother…he…he's trapped under there!" Trembling violently, he looked to her for reassurance.

Gabrielle tried to sooth him. "It's going to be okay. Xena will find him." She looked out anxiously at the lake, but the warrior was nowhere in sight. Her mind raced. Had Xena been underwater all this time? She turned back to the boy. "I need you to listen to me." She gripped his shoulders to emphasize her words. "Can you walk?"

He sniffled. "Yeah, I think so."

"I want you go to the village and bring back as many adults as you can find. Can you do that?"

The boy nodded and hurried away.

Jumping into the water, the bard quickly swam toward the tree.

*****

After several dives, Xena finally found the unconscious boy trapped under a network of limbs. Surfacing in the heart of them, she quickly replenished her air, then immediately dove under. She had nearly managed to free him, when suddenly the tree tore completely away from the bank and lurched toward her.

Holding tight to the boy's arm, she pulled him to the side. Quickly raising her other arm, she tried to shield herself from the falling tree as it plummeted toward her, pushing her deeper and deeper into the water. As it hit bottom, she winced as a large limb pinned her at the waist.

Settling the boy's still body near her, she pushed up on the branch that held her captive. It moved only slightly…not nearly enough to free her. She struggled fiercely, but without her weapons, there was no way to escape. Lungs burning from her effort, she pushed against the branch with all her strength.

*****

Gabrielle had barely managed to swim out of the path of the huge tree as it crashed into the lake. Above her, hundreds of branches and roots splintered and snapped. As soon as the tree settled, she swam desperately around it looking for Xena. There was no sign of her above water. Diving down again and again, she frantically searched. With each attempt, she felt fear tightening its grip on her. Weaving her way through the tangle of branches deep beneath the surface, she saw a wavy movement. Adrenaline surging, she swam toward it.

What she saw nearly made her heart stop.

The warrior lie utterly still, trapped under a thick limb, her raven hair the only thing moving. Kicking hard to close the distance, Gabrielle reached out.

Xena's eyes opened.

Relief flooded through the bard, and she began tugging desperately at the limb that held her lover.

Shaking her head, the warrior pointed to her mouth and released the last of the precious air remaining in her lungs.

Swimming between the branches Gabrielle put her hand behind the warrior's head. Sealing her lips to Xena's, she breathed into her. When she pulled back, Xena gave her the okay sign and motioned for her to surface. Weaving her way through the dead branches, the bard broke the surface and gasped as her lungs filled with air.

Immediately she dove back under and swam toward her friend.

Xena was pushing up hard on the branch, struggling to free herself. Seeing Gabrielle, she motioned to a large broken limb trapped in a tangle of branches. The bard quickly retrieved it.

Once again, the warrior motioned to her mouth, signaling her need for air. The young woman breathed into her and immediately swam to the surface.

This time when she returned Xena was trying to use the branch as a fulcrum to free herself.

Swimming to her side, Gabrielle locked her knees under a lower branch and used all her strength to pull down. The limb gave just enough for the warrior to pull herself free.

Xena grabbed the boys' arm and headed for the surface. Holding the child 's head above water, she slowly made her way toward shore, the bard at her side. When they reached shallow water, the warrior stood and lifted the boy into her arms. The effort made her lurch suddenly forward, a sharp pain in her side, steeling her breath.

Gabrielle quickly relieved Xena of her burden. Cradling the child in her arms, she waded the rest of the way into shore. Laying him onto his back, the bard turned anxiously to her partner. "You okay?"

Taking a painful breath, the warrior nodded. "You need to act quickly. He was under quite a while."

Focusing her attention on the boy, Gabrielle balled her hand into a fist and pressed firmly at the point just below his ribcage.

Water gushed from the child's lips.

*****

-- Chapter 17 --

Xena winced as the bard helped her out of her wet leathers. An angry purplish bruise covered the left side of the tall woman's rib cage. "How badly are you hurt?" Gabrielle asked, unable to mask her concern.

"It's just a bad bruise." Seeing the fear in her companion's eyes, the warrior continued. "Really, I'm fine. Nothing's broken."

Leaning back weakly against the bed, the bard put her head in her hands, her body trembling.

"You all right?" Xena asked, lightly stroking her hair.

Fighting to hold back her tears, Gabrielle slowly met the warrior's eyes. "When I saw you there…under the water…I…I thought you were…" She stopped, unable to finish.

Seeing how shaken the bard was, Xena put her arm around the young woman and hugged her gently. "I was just conserving my air. I knew you would come for me."

The bard fell into her arms as tears streamed down her cheeks. "A lifetime with you isn't enough. It's not enough."

The warrior's heart swelled with emotion. Lifting the bard's chin, she looked into the young woman's frightened eyes. "Gabrielle, no matter what, I'll always be with you." She lightly placed her hand over the bard's heart. "Right here." She lovingly pressed her lips to her partner's forehead, kissing her softly.

A brisk knock at the door jarred them apart.

"Gabrielle!" her father called. "Come out after you change. Your mother and I want to hear all about what happened. The entire village is talking!"

"I'll be right out," she replied weakly. Squaring her shoulders, she turned to the warrior. "Do I look okay?"

Xena wiped the tears from the young woman's cheeks and smiled. "You look beautiful."

Suddenly keenly aware of the warrior's state of undress, Gabrielle allowed her eyes to linger.

The dark-haired woman smiled playfully. "Hand me that shift, will you? I don't think your parents would appreciate seeing me this way."

Gabrielle raised an appraising brow. "I don't know…I doubt my Dad would complain."

Laughing Xena pulled on her pants. "You know what they say about the apple not falling far from the tree."

The bard rolled her eyes. "Beyond our appreciation of your incredible body, my father and I don't have a lot in common, I'm afraid." Holding the sides of the warrior's tunic, she eased it over Xena's head.

"I don't know about that. I see a lot of your parents' qualities in you."

The bard winced. "I'm afraid to ask--is that good or bad?"

"Good, of course. Don't you know by now that I've only ever seen good in you?"

Gabrielle smiled and kissed her softly. "I guess it must be true what they say about love being blind."

"Not my love," the warrior insisted.

"Nor mine," the bard countered.

The warrior found herself wishing with all her heart that Gabrielle's words were true. Her worst fear was that her friend would someday see how wrong she'd been to believe in her. Nervously, she pulled on her shoes and stood. "Okay, ready to slip into bard mode?"

Not at all confident that she could recount the day's emotional events without falling apart, Gabrielle hesitated in her reply. "I'm not sure I have it in me tonight. Think you could help me out a little this time?"

"Sure, but just keep in mind that, unlike you, I'm no bard." She winked and opened the door.

*****

Hecuba hurried toward them excitedly. Putting her arms around their shoulders, she led them to the table. "You two have a seat and I'll get you some nice hot tea." Pulling the kettle from the fire, she filled their cups and sat down to join them. "You must be exhausted after all you've been through."

Herodotus spoke up. "Jacob, the boy's father, stopped by a few minutes ago. I've never seen anyone so grateful. He told us about the old tree falling into the lake, trapping his boys, and how you rescued them." Reaching out, he grasped the warrior's hand and shook it firmly. "I have to say…it was very courageous what you did…very courageous."

"Thank you, but the truth is we'd all be dead if it hadn't been for Gabrielle." When her companion shyly looked away, Xena continued. "After getting the older boy to safety, she managed to free both his brother and me."

"So you and the boy were actually pinned underwater?" Herodotus asked in disbelief.

The warrior nodded.

"Goodness," Hecuba exclaimed. "That must have been terrifying!"

"No, I knew Gabrielle would get us out. But I was concerned for the boy. He had stopped breathing."

Hoping for more details, Herodotus looked to his daughter. "How did you ever manage to find them under that huge tree?"

"Well, I--" she paused nervously.

Seeing the bard's pallor, Xena quickly finished for her. "I'll tell you, she was quite cool-headed. After breathing air into my lungs, she used a branch as a lever to free me."

"But what about the boy?" Hecuba asked, struggling to fill in the holes. "You said that he wasn't breathing. How'd you ever manage to bring him back from the dead?"

"Gabrielle did that too. She used a technique for getting water out of the lungs that she had learned at a fishing village where we stayed once."

"What technique?" Herodotus asked, wanting to hear more.

"This compression thing." The warrior shrugged and took a sip of her tea. "But that's a long story. The point is she saved us."

The bard smiled at Xena's brief but straightforward explanation. It was so like her friend to relate only the relevant facts.

"I told you!" Herodotus declared proudly to his wife. "Even as a child she had guts!" Standing abruptly, he walked to the cupboard and pulled out a dusty bottle. "I think this calls for a drink of my special brew." He nodded to Hecuba. "Grab some glasses, will you?" Pulling the cork, he turned back to Xena. "You know, I've never once known her to give up on anything she's set her mind to."

"She's very resourceful," Xena agreed. "I can't tell you the number of people she's helped since we've been on the road together."

"She gets that from her father," Hecuba commented as she set glasses in front of her husband and Xena. "He's always had a sense of community…helping his neighbor."

"What about Gabrielle?" Herodotus questioned, looking down at the glasses.

"That stuff is so strong. I didn't think she'd want any." She turned to her daughter. "Do you?"

"Of course she does," Herodotus insisted. "Stop babying the girl."

Hecuba retrieved a third glass and whispered a warning in her daughter's ear. "Careful, honey, it's pretty potent."

"This is quite good," the warrior offered as she took a long sip.

"Thank you, Xena. I can give you the recipe if you'd like."

Gabrielle smiled happily, amazed at the way her father was suddenly accepting the warrior.

He turned to his daughter. "This little adventure should make for a quite a story," he declared. "Why, if you threw in a little detail, it could be very exciting."

Hecuba smiled at Xena. "You see…Gabrielle isn't the only storyteller in the family."

"Nah," Herodotus said, shaking his head. "An occasional tale over drinks hardly counts."

"What kind of tales?" the warrior asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Careful," Hecuba cautioned. "Once you get him started, there's no stopping him."

"I'd like to hear one, Dad," Gabrielle said eagerly.

Herodotus took a sip of his drink and turned to his wife. "What can I do?" He shrugged, smiling mischievously. "They want to hear one."

Hecuba shook her head. "Just watch your language."

"Now, what fun would that be?" Turning from his wife, he paused to think. "I'm a little bit rusty, but I do remember one."

Knowing he had at least a dozen that he could recall at moment's notice, Hecuba rolled her eyes.

He ignored her. "Years ago, I had this neighbor who raised chickens. He had the best eggs in the entire village, hands down. Then, quite suddenly, and for no apparent reason, his hens stopped laying. I can tell you, the man was beside himself with worry." He took a sip of his drink before continuing. "Why, selling eggs at market was one of his main sources of income for his family. Poor guy lost nights of sleep before he finally went out and found himself this horny young rooster."

Hecuba laid a warning hand on his shoulder. "Dear, do you really think you should be telling--"

He waved her off and turned to Xena. "She's kind of sensitive, but you don't mind, do you?"

"No, not at all." She raised her brow toward Gabrielle. "What about you?"

Gabrielle smiled. "No. Finish your story Dad."

"Right." He winked at his wife. "Well, now, this rooster was a magnificent specimen and quiet well endowed."

Xena's brow furrowed. "But I didn't think--"

Anxious to see more of this side of her father, Gabrielle raised her hand to stop her companion's objection.

Herodotus took another sip of his drink. "So, as I was saying, he buys this rooster to try to get his hens back in the egg-laying mood and names him Hercules." He smiled. "You know, after the virile strong man."

"Well, that first day Hercules lays every hen in the hen house. My neighbor, he's as happy as can be, so at the end of the day, he goes to give Hercules a special treat, but the rooster is not in the pen. He searches the farm frantically and finally finds him in the barn, trying to make it with his horse."

"Well, I don't need to tell you that the farmer was stunned by the young rooster's cockiness. Look, he says to him, you've done great, but you've gotta slow down or you're going to kill yourself!"

"Come the next day Hercules lays every hen again. But later that evening my neighbor finds him trying to make it with his cow. The farmer walks over to Hercules and says, 'I told you, you'd better slow down or you're going to kill yourself."

"The following morning Hercules lays every hen again, but this time, he lays all the other farm animals as well. Walking around his farm, my neighbor finds all of his animals passed out from exhaustion. And there, in the middle of them all lay Hercules, with his legs sticking straight up in the air, buzzards circling overhead."

"Distraught, the farmer bends down beside his beloved rooster and sadly shakes his head. 'See, I told you if you didn't slow down, you'd kill yourself.'"

"Opening one eye, Hercules looks at the farmer and says, 'Shhh, buzzards.'"

Expelling ale from her mouth, Gabrielle shook in a fit of laugher. "That was a great story, Dad."

Xena smiled in agreement.

"I have to admit it is one of my favorites," Herodotus confessed.

"That's for sure. And I can tell you, it gets more wild with each telling," Hecuba revealed.

Herodotus smiled at his wife and turned to the warrior. "Ever do any storytelling, Xena?"

"Nah, it's not really my thing. I leave that to your daughter."

"What about it?" he asked Gabrielle. "Got a story for us?"

Pleasantly mellowed by her father's brew, she paused to think. "Ahhhh…okay." She winked at the warrior and began. "King Baulder of the north country was called upon to go on an urgent quest. But as important as the trip was, he was reluctant to leave his wife alone with his soldiers. You see, his men had just returned home after many moons of battling his enemies, and he feared that having gone so long without female companionship, they would be extremely horny."

Not recognizing the story, Xena cast Gabrielle a curious glance.

"Well," the bard continued. "After considerable thought, he went to the blacksmith for advice."

"Being a very resourceful man, the blacksmith listened to the king's concerns and assured him that in a few days he would have a solution for him."

"Anxious to begin his journey, the king returned later to inquire about his progress."

"The blacksmith pointed to the table, where his invention lay under a red velvet cloth."

"So," the king declared, "what is it?"

"Pulling back the material in a dramatic display, the blacksmith revealed a rather odd chastity belt. Unfortunately, it had a rather large hole in the most obvious place." The bard raised her eyebrows for effect.

Xena couldn't believe her ears.

Acting out the part of the king, Gabrielle pounded the table. "This is no good! " the king exclaimed, 'Look at this opening. This will never protect the Queen.'"

"'Ah, but sire, observe.' Picking up a carrot, the blacksmith inserted it in the aperture, whereupon a small blade came down and cut it neatly in two."

"'You are a genius!' cried the grateful monarch, 'Now I can leave, knowing that my Queen is fully protected.'"

"So…after putting his wife in the device, the king set out upon his quest, which lasted several months."

"Immediately upon his return, he assembled the members of his royal guard in the courtyard and had them drop their trousers for inspection. Sure enough, each and every one of them was either amputated or damaged in some way. All, that is, except his most loyal lieutenant."

"Valuing such faithfulness, the king exclaimed, 'Only you among all my soldiers have been true to me. Simply name your reward and it is yours!'"

Gabrielle smiled, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Eager to hear the story's conclusion, Herodotus spoke up. "Well? What did he say?"

The bard grinned wickedly. "Nothing…."

Both Herodotus and Xena burst out laughing.

Hecuba's brow furrowed. "I don't get it."

Gabrielle blushed. "His…uh…he wasn't able to speak," she stammered in explanation.

Herodotus smiled at his wife. "I'll explain later." Chuckling, he winked at his daughter. "Damn, that was a good one." He took a sip of his drink and turned to Xena. "She always did have a way with a story. But the mouth on that girl…I'll tell you." He shook his head, in wonderment. "Even as a child, she wouldn't stop talking until she got her way." He winked at the warrior. "But then, I'm sure you've noticed."

The warrior smiled. "Oh, I've noticed."

Gabrielle playfully punched her shoulder. "You two had better not get me started. There are stories I can tell about you both."

Herodotus relented. "Okay, okay. Hey, have you heard the one about the woman who couldn't get her tomatoes to ripen?"

"I hate to interrupt your fun," Hecuba interjected. "But didn't you tell Graham that you would help him move some things this afternoon?"

"That's right." Taking the last sip of his drink, he kissed his daughter on the cheek and stood. "Seems we'll have to finish this later."

Xena spoke up. "I'd be glad to help if--"

"--Nah, just a few things left. You've both done enough for one day. Sit back and finish your drinks."

"I hate to run out on you girls too," Hecuba piped up. "but, I've got to go meet Lila at the market." She turned toward the door. "You two try to get a little rest. We'll have dinner when I get back."

As the door clicked shut, Gabrielle turned to the warrior and grinned triumphantly. "Did you see my Dad laugh?"

Xena smiled. "You mean after his jaw dropped open?" she teased. "Frankly, I'm not sure who you surprised more with that one…your father or me."

Feeling the effects of the ale more acutely now, the bard smiled happily. "Yeah, but he liked it!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, I think he did." The warrior gave her friend a curious look. "By the way, just where did you hear that, anyway?"

"Actually, you're the one who gave me the idea," she said, winking none too subtly. "Remember the barn?"

"Oh, yeah." Xena smiled. "I remember."

"If only I could tell them how you inspire me."

Xena laughed. "Maybe you should keep that to yourself for now."

"But it's true. In fact, I've never felt so inspired."

"That's nice, but I'm not sure your parents would appreciate it."

Gabrielle put her finger to her lips. "That's right. It's supposed to be a secret, huh?" Taking a step toward Xena, she stumbled.

Reaching out, the warrior caught her.

"Opps, I--I feel a little tipsy."

Sweeping the bard up in her arms, Xena carried her to her room and laid her on the bed.

Gabrielle looked up at her companion gratefully. "Thanks for telling them what happened at the lake."

"You're welcome. Hope I did okay."

"You did great. Missed a few details, but with some practice you'd be a beautiful bard."

Xena smiled. "Guess you'll have to teach me how it's done."

"Really?"

"Sure."

"Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"M--my Dad…he seemed kinda proud of me, don't 'ya think?"

"He was very proud, hon. Both of your parents were."

Gabrielle smiled and let her eyes drift shut.

Carefully sliding the bard's boots off, the warrior pulled a blanket over her.

Immediately the blonde's eyes sprang open. "Xena?"

The warrior smiled gently and took her hand. "I'm right here."

"That drink is really making me really dizzy," she drawled.

"I'm not surprised. It's pretty strong stuff." She watched the bard's eyes flutter as she struggled against sleep.

"Xena?"

"Um-hmm?"

"Don't tell Dad about me getting dizzy."

"I won't."

"I don't want him to be disappointed in me again."

"Just close your eyes and relax. You'll feel better soon."

Releasing a contented sigh, the young woman drifted off.

Pulling a chair alongside the bed, Xena lovingly brushed the bangs from the blonde's forehead and kissed her softly. "I love you Gabrielle."

*****

Hecuba bustled about the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on dinner. Finally satisfied, she called out to her family.

The breakfast fiasco still fresh in her memory, Gabrielle selected the seat across from Xena rather than the one beside her. "Smells great, Mom. I'm starving."

"It's no wonder after what you went through today," Hecuba commented.

Lila excitedly took her place beside her sister. "Yeah, everyone is saying how brave you both were and how Xena was almost killed!"

Seeing the bard tense at the memory, Xena spoke up. "You know how stories are. I'm sure it's been blown way out of proportion."

"Yeah," the bard agreed, turning to her sister and changing the subject. "By the way, how'd you and Mom make out shopping? Did you get everything you needed for the wedding?"

"Almost. I saw the seamstress for a fitting of my dress," she said excitedly.

"She's doing a wonderful job," Hecuba commented. "It's going to be simply beautiful."

"I hope so. I want to look the best I can," Lila replied anxiously. "I'm starting to get a little nervous."

"Don't be. I've never seen you looking so lovely," Gabrielle said encouragingly. "Being in love agrees with you."

Having finally figured out the reason for her sister's much-improved mood, Lila smiled knowingly. "I think being in love agrees with just about everyone."

"Uh-huh," Hecuba agreed. "Love has a way of bringing out the best in people." She turned to her husband. "Remember those early years, dear? Looking back, I should have been terrified leaving home and marrying you against the wishes of our families. But nothing else mattered to me then."

Herodotus smiled at her affectionately. "It was difficult at first, no doubt about it. But I've never regretted a moment of it."

Gabrielle glanced across the table at the warrior, the love in her eyes undisguised.

Reluctantly, Xena looked away.

"You've outdone yourself," Herodotus said as he pushed his chair back from the table. "Dinner was excellent! All I need now is a smoke." He turned to the warrior. "Care to join me?"

"Thanks," Xena replied, clearing her plate from the table.

As she walked toward the kitchen, Gabrielle got up and took the plate from her, their hands brushing lightly. "You go relax. I'll take care of this."

The tenderness of her smile made the warrior's heart swell.

Seeing the loving exchange, Lila squeezed her sister's shoulder and took the dishes from her. "You've done enough today, sis. Go sit with Dad and Xena. Mom and I can take care of this.

Nodding gratefully, Gabrielle went to join them. Even as a kid, she had loved this part of the day, when the family gathered in the living room as her father smoked his pipe. Sitting here now brought back pleasant memories of the quiet time they'd shared.

Retrieving his tobacco from a drawer, Herodotus filled a pipe, expertly packing it down, and handed it to the warrior. "It's my own special blend."

Pulling a twig from the fire, Xena touched it to the tobacco and took a drag. Lowering the pipe, she exhaled the smoke through slightly parted lips in a long, drawn-out breath. "This is very smooth."

"Mm-hmm," Herodotus agreed, tilting his head back and relaxing.

Gabrielle's eyes locked on the warrior, the exotically sweet aroma of the tobacco flooding her senses. As she watched the smoke curl sensually about her lover, she couldn't help recalling her dream. Suddenly, she found herself wanting to sample its taste from Xena's soft, full lips.

Having cleared the dishes, Lila entered the room. Seeing that her father had fallen asleep, she walked quietly toward him and gently removed the pipe from his hand. She smiled at her sister. "Brings back memories, doesn't it?"

"Yeah," Gabrielle replied softly.

"Remember how he used to blow smoke rings for us?"

The bard smiled and nodded.

"You know, I always wondered how he was able to do that," Lila admitted. "When I was a kid it seemed so magical to me."

The bard turned to Xena. "Do you know how?"

Inhaling, the warrior formed her mouth in the shape of an O and exhaled several small rings in succession.

"That's it," Lila smiled. "How do you do that?"

"The trick is the tongue," Xena replied.

Gabrielle felt her pulse quicken.

"Show me," Lila pleaded.

Smiling, Xena held out her tongue, curling the sides inward.

Pulse racing, the bard's eyes were riveted on her lover as she watched her demonstrate.

Feeling the heat of Gabrielle's stare, Xena shifted uncomfortably and abruptly stood up, handing the pipe to Lila. "Give it a try." Glancing at her companion, she feigned a yawn. "I'm kind of tired. Think I'll check on Argo and head off to bed."

"So early," Lila commented naively.

"Yeah, she usually goes to sleep early," the bard replied, laughing nervously. "You know…early to bed, early to rise."

Xena turned to the bard's mother. "Thanks for the wonderful meal."

"You're welcome. Sleep well, now."

The warrior nodded. "'Night. See you in the morning."

Xena was barely out the door when Gabrielle rose from her seat.

"You turning in early too, dear?" Hecuba asked as she looked up from her mending.

"Nah, I'm not really that tired."

"Must be that nap you had this afternoon."

"Yeah." She wrung her hands nervously. "You know, it's a nice night. I think maybe I'll go for a walk, get some air."

"Just be careful, honey. It's late."

Lila shook her head. "Come on, Mom, this is hardly Athens. What trouble could she possibly get into?"

"You never know. Why, just last--"

"--Well," Gabrielle interrupted, "I'll see you in the morning. Don't wait up."

*****

Hearing the bard exit, Xena stepped from behind a tree.

Gabrielle's face instantly lit up. It was all she could do not to fall into the warrior's arms. "Let's go to the barn," she suggested eagerly.

Xena hesitated. "I was hoping for someplace a little more secluded. Maybe we could hike up into the woods…or go to the cave."

"B--but that would take at least a candlemark," the young woman stammered.

Nervously running her fingers through her hair, the warrior nodded. The idea of waiting didn't appeal much to her either.

Before she had a chance to disagree, Gabrielle grabbed her wrist and led her into the barn. Once inside, she threw her arms around the warrior and pulled her close, kissing her with a breathtaking urgency.

Head reeling, the warrior reluctantly stepped back, her eyes devouring her young lover. "Latch the door."

"I--I can't," the bard confessed. "It's broken."

"What?!"

"It hasn't worked in years," she explained nervously. Worried that Xena would change her mind, she reached out, intent on making her forget about everything but her. Lacing her fingers behind the tall woman's neck, she guided the warrior's lips to her own and eagerly delved into the silky warmth of her lover's mouth.

Instantly Xena's body flooded with heat. Struggling against temptation, she broke the kiss and held the bard at arm's length. "Gabrielle…"

Hearing the warrior's voice tremble with desire, the blonde smiled sensually and bent teasingly forward.

Xena swallowed hard. "S--stop…we should wait until they go to sleep…until we see the lights go out."

Releasing a frustrated sigh, the bard leaned heavily against the wall.

The warrior couldn't help smiling. "You're cute when you pout."

"I think you enjoy tormenting me."

"Mmm, you're right," Xena agreed.

A shiver of excitement rushed through the blonde. "You know, in my dream, Callisto told me that what I really needed was a 'bad girl.'" She paused then met the warrior's eyes. "I think she was right."

"Well, there is a first time for everything," Xena said smiling.

Gabrielle grinned. "What about you?" she asked playfully.

The warrior didn't answer. Peering through a narrow crack between two boards, she focused her attention on the bard's house and the flickering of candlelight within. She sighed in disappointment.

Gabrielle repeated her question, reaching out to lazily run the tip of her finger down her lover's arm. "So tell me, what kind of girl do you need?"

Goosebumps rose on the dark-haired woman's skin.

Quickly rubbing her arm to dull the delicious sensation, she spun to face her companion. "I…uh…I don't know…a 'good girl,' I guess."

"A 'good girl,' huh?"

"Um-hmm."

Gabrielle frowned. "You think I'm a 'good girl'?"

"Definitely."

The bard's shoulders sagged.

"You look disappointed," Xena commented, casting her a puzzled glance.

"No one ever fantasizes about good girls."

"I do." The warrior smiled.

"You do?" Gabrielle asked hopefully, taking a step forward.

"Quite a bit, actually," she admitted.

Gabrielle shyly dug the toe of her boot into the dirt. "I guess you've probably dreamed about a lot of women."

"Not really, I--" Xena stopped mid-sentence as she remembered the blondes she'd visited in her sleep. "Gabrielle, I--" She paused awkwardly. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you. It's about the women in Amphipolis…the women on the list."

"What about them?"

"I was...that is…." She cleared her throat nervously. "It was me…in their dreams."

"You!?"

Xena nodded, unable to meet her eyes.

Gabrielle swallowed hard, absorbing the information. "You came to them? L--like you did me?"

"No," the warrior answered quickly. "It wasn't anything like what happened with us. I didn't even know I was the one doing it until last night, when the prophet touched me." The hurt expression on the bard's face broke her heart. "Nothing happened with them, Gabrielle, not any of them. I swear!"

"Then why did you go to them?"

"In my dreams I was searching…searching for you."

As the bard visualized the women on the list, the connection became suddenly clear, the physical similarities between her and the women glaringly apparent. How had she missed it?

Concerned by her young lover's lapse into silence, Xena rushed to explain. "When we were apart I couldn't get you off my mind. My thoughts were filled with you. Even when I closed my eyes, it was you I saw, you I dreamt of. I've never desired anyone like this…never wanted or needed anyone so much. I--"

Thoughts of her parents the furthest thing from her mind, the bard fell into the tall woman's arms. This time Xena did not resist. Pulling the young woman to her, she returned the bard's passion, her hunger staggering.

Caught up in the moment, neither of them saw the house go dark.

Gabrielle leaned back breathlessly and smiled. "Mmm, I guess I can understand now why they were so disenchanted with their men."

Relieved to be so quickly forgiven, Xena took the bard's playful teasing in stride.

Sighing happily, the bard gazed lovingly at her partner. "It's so romantic the way we reached out in our dreams to find each other, don't you think?"

The warrior smiled. "Two minds…one heart."

"Yes, like we were meant to be. It was as if you knew my most intimate desires."

Xena winked. "As if I read your mind."

"Exactly." Sliding her hands deliberately down her torso, Gabrielle slowly unfastened the belt of her skirt. As it fell to the floor, she met the warrior's eyes. "Can you read it now?"

Overcome with desire for her young lover, Xena didn't reply.

Stepping forward, the bard ran her hand over the gentle slope of the tall woman's hip and repeated her question. "So…can you still read my mind?"

A smile played across Xena's lips. "Oh, yeah, you're coming in loud and clear," she purred.

"Then you know how much I want you," Gabrielle breathed, casually running the tip of her finger along the warrior's thigh. "How I want to touch you deep inside…taste you...make you moan."

Taken by surprise by the sudden reversal of their roles, Xena swallowed nervously and abruptly gripped the bard's wandering hand. "Wait…I--"

The bard smiled mischievously. "Yes?"

"I…uh…it's just…I like to be in control."

The bard paused, searching her lover's eyes. Deep within them, she saw the truth; in all the world she was the only one that Xena could be freely vulnerable with, the only one the warrior fully trusted. "Yes, I've noticed."

Xena stood motionless, entranced by the sensual tone the blonde's voice had taken on.

Gabrielle smiled knowingly. "You go to great lengths to make that clear…to everyone." She released a sensual sigh. "But then, I'm not everyone, am I?" Gently pulling her hand from the warrior's grasp, she tugged at the tie securing Xena's pants and watched as they dropped heavily to the ground.

Eyes fixed on her young lover, the warrior took a shaky step backward, bumping into a wooden support beam.

"You see," Gabrielle breathed hotly, "I can read your mind too." Her fingers lightly traced a small tear in the collar of the warrior's top. "Deep down…I know what you really want." Grasping the edges of the tear, she ripped the tunic down the center in one quick motion.

Xena's eyes met hers hungrily.

"You looked inside my fantasies…fulfilled them. Let me inside yours." Slowly lifting the warrior's right arm above her head, she curled the tall woman's fingers around the beam. Pressing her hand over Xena's, she stretched on tiptoe and softly kissed her lips.

Feeling the powerful woman tremble beneath her, she pulled back. "Do you trust me?"

Heart hammering, the warrior nodded.

Gabrielle smiled and raised Xena's other arm so that both hands firmly gripped the beam above her. With the warrior stretched in offering before her, she reached out and brushed the tall woman's lips with her index finger.

Smiling sensually, Xena lightly grazed her young lover's finger with her tongue, then closed her lips around the tip.

A rush of excitement coursed through the bard. She stepped back, reluctantly sliding her finger from the warrior's mouth. "Not this time," she cautioned. Emerald eyes sparkling in the torchlight, she slowly unfastened the tie of her cotton blouse. Pulling it over her head, she tossed it aside.

The heat of the bard's stare was staggering, the depth of her desire unmistakable. It was all Xena could do not to pull her to the ground and take her.

Gabrielle sensed her struggle. "I want you too…I want to be as close to you as two people can be…to touch places no one has ever touched…to take you higher than you've ever been." Stepping forward, she breathed softly into the warrior's ear. "Open yourself to me…let me inside…deep inside."

Xena's skin flushed hotly. Until this very moment, she hadn't understood the extent of her need to give herself completely. Never before had there been anyone she trusted enough to surrender to, not until now…not until Gabrielle. Nervously wetting her lips, the warrior nodded.

"Mmm…good. I think you're going to enjoy this."

Tightening her grip on the beam, Xena's powerful muscles twitched with sexual tension.

The bard smiled in appreciation. "Yesss, that's right…hang on tight."

Xena's breath quickened, her chest anxiously rising and falling as the blonde eyed her hungrily.

"Gods, the things I want to do to you," Gabrielle purred.

Pulse racing, Xena waited for her young lover to make her move.

For agonizing moments, the bard remained motionless, drinking in each and every curve. When at last she moved, it wasn't to approach Xena but to pick up a long piece of straw. Moistening her lips, she spoke in a softly seductive tone, rolling the broad tip sensually between her fingers. "We both know…only I can take you where you want to go."

The commanding timbre of the blonde's voice sent a shiver of excitement through the warrior's body. Stretched against the rough wooden beam with the bard's eyes fixed on her, she felt utterly exposed. As she imagined the touch of the stiff reed against her sensitive skin, a liquid heat flooded her belly and spread slowly outward. Her heart pounded wildly as she realized that, for the first time in their relationship, she didn't really know what to expect. This was a side of the bard she could not predict. The uncertainty thrilled her.

"You have the body of a goddess," the bard whispered.

Raising the straw casually before her, she paused, then lovingly dipped the frayed tip into the hollow at the base of the warrior's neck.

Xena inhaled sharply as the coarse reed rested against her fevered skin.

"But you're not a god, are you? Just a flesh-and-blood woman…with needs…and desires." With an agonizing slowness, she trailed the reed down the warrior's chest. As it slid across the tender valley between Xena's breasts, the warrior's nipples tightened, the prominent points darkening dramatically.

The tall woman trembled, goosebumps rising on the surface of her skin.

Gabrielle's eyes carefully followed the straw's path as it trailed across Xena's taut abdomen. Completely focused, she never once allowed it to lift from her lover's flesh.

Skin tingling from the delicate stimulation, the warrior closed her eyes and let her head loll back, losing herself in the feeling. Gradually, almost imperceptibly at first, she became aware of a new sensation…deliciously distracting. As the coarse reed caressed her skin, it left a lingering itch in its wake, a faint tickle that raced like static across the surface of her flesh, awakening each and every nerve. Unable to contain her pleasure, Xena released a low moan.

The primal sound stirred something deep inside the bard. Intent on coaxing sensation after sensation from the warrior's body, Gabrielle slowly inched her way closer to the curly mound of dark hair concealing her lover's sex. Seeing the powerful woman tremble, she quite unexpectedly changed direction, slowly retracing her path.

Xena opened her eyes and stared hungrily at the bard, her need radiating like sparks from a blazing fire. Tightly gripping the beam, she widened her stance, silently urging Gabrielle lower.

The bard merely smiled and continued to guide the straw slowly upward, drawing tiny spirals along the warrior's torso as she lightly stroked Xena's sensitive skin. Intensely focused on her lover's every response, Gabrielle lovingly circled the warrior's breasts, leaving no part of the soft swells untouched… no part except her lover's nipples, which she took great care to avoid. For them, the bard had other plans. Circling the dark points with the straw, she watched them stand invitingly erect and moistened her lips seductively.

Nipples unbearably tight, Xena groaned and arched desperately toward her young lover.

"Mmmm…yessss…soon," the bard promised as she slowly traced the outer edge with the reed.

Flushed and fully aroused, Xena trembled helplessly, her fingers biting into the hard wooden beam.

"You have the most perfect body," Gabrielle whispered. "Sooo soft and yet…" She paused, slowly dragging the reed from the base of the warrior's breast upward to its prominent center. "…Sooo hard."

As the straw's jagged ridges grazed the swollen tip of her nipple, sensation shot to Xena's core. She moaned unrestrained, her body burning with a fire only the bard could extinguish.

Gabrielle felt the warrior's urgency, sensed that her lover was but a heartbeat away from releasing the beam and taking control. Lifting the reed, she blew lightly across Xena's fevered skin. "I'm next, you know…my hands…my lips…my tongue. Anything you want."

Inflamed by the bard's words, the warrior arched forward, her sapphire eyes flashing with a need so primal that it made the blonde shiver with excitement.

Never in Gabrielle's entire life had she wanted anything so desperately. Waves of emotion washed over her. For her there was only Xena, and the pressing need to give her pleasure.

Dropping the straw, she reached out.

Xena groaned, explosions of sensation shooting through her as Gabrielle's cool fingers caressed her heated flesh, soothing her in a way nothing else could.

Gently cupping the warrior's breasts, the bard tenderly massaged their fullness, her thumbs brushing the erect tips. Lightly squeezing each nipple, she slowly stroked them from base to tip, pulling outward on the sensitive points until they stood tall, begging to be suckled. Finally, no longer able to resist temptation, she bent forward.

Xena released a low throaty moan as Gabrielle's tongue flicked across the tip before closing her moist, soft lips around it. Instantly she arched forward, urging her young lover to draw from her.

And the bard did, with a gentle but insistent pressure.

Never, had the warrior known such tenderness. Her sex pulsed with heat as she experienced a delicious draining, both at her nipple and between her legs. Her body hummed with sensations she prayed would never end. It was ecstasy…her fantasy fulfilled...the bard everything and more than she had dreamed she would be.

Intent on lavishing the same attention on her lover's other nipple, Gabrielle briefly lifted her mouth.

The loss was more than the warrior could bear. Releasing the beam, Xena tangled her fingers through the bard's hair, gripping her needfully.

Gabrielle offered no resistance as the warrior guided her to her breast. Closing her lips around the neglected nipple, she took it into her mouth and drank hungrily.

Waves of heat flooded the warrior's belly as she held her young lover to her, the entire world melting away. There was only Gabrielle…Gabrielle's hands…Gabrielle's lips…Gabrielle's tongue, all coaxing her precious fluids to rise.

Dropping to her knees, the bard gripped the tall woman's hips and leaned forward.

Xena moaned as she felt the warmth of the young woman's tongue move down her torso and over the gentle curve of her belly.

Feeling her tremble, Gabrielle guided her lover down onto the blanket.

Kneeling between Xena's long legs, she gazed upon her lovingly. Flushed and keenly aroused, the warrior was breathtakingly beautiful. Entranced, her eyes traveled the length of the tall woman's body before coming to rest upon the nest of tight dark curls. Her mind flashed to the previous evening, her body tingling as she remembered the gentle caress of the warrior's tongue.

Heart pounding with excitement, she reached out and slid her hands between Xena's legs, gently pressing against her inner thighs as she urged them to open.

Heat surged through the warrior. Longing to feel the bard where she needed her most, she instantly responded to the young woman's tentative touch. Moaning, she parted her legs.

Gabrielle gazed upon her in awe. Spread open, soft and inviting, Xena was a vision, clear liquid trailing down her inner thighs like tears. With a sense of wonder, the bard reached out to touch the glistening streams. Gliding her fingers through the slippery liquid, she inhaled deeply, taking in her lover's scent as her fingers slowly sought its source.

Lightly stroking the ebony curls, Gabrielle traced the inner edge of the warrior's delicate folds with her fingertips, then reverently opened them, unfolding her like a rare, exotic flower.

Gasping, Xena lifted her knees and arched her hips, giving herself completely.

Without hesitation, Gabrielle gently slid two fingers into the warrior's velvety warmth, glorying in the first slow strokes. Soon she could no longer tell where she ended and Xena began. It was a joining of two souls. The bard sighed blissfully. "Every night…in my dreams…I saw you…felt you. Can you feel me now?"

The warrior's entire being was focused on her lover's slender fingers as they slid along her sensitive inner walls. She moaned, welcoming her. It was ecstasy, a sense of wholeness she had never known before, as if a missing part of her was at long, last restored.

Pressing deep inside, the bard stilled as Xena's tight walls contracted around her. In all her life she had never felt anything so soft, so warm. It was Elyssia. As she gazed upon the heart of the warrior's sex, her own need surged. In dream after dream she had longed for this moment, and now, at last, she was about to taste the forbidden fruit that so many would deny her.

Rolling her thumb over the delicate covering that guarded her lover's clit, Gabrielle parted her lips and leaned forward.

Feeling the soft caress of her young lover's breath, the warrior trembled.

Driven by her unwavering desire and an irrepressible curiosity, Gabrielle slid her tongue languidly across Xena's sex. The taste was indescribable…rich and powerfully alluring…simply exquisite…the perfect embodiment of her warrior.

A low growl escaped the dark-haired woman's throat. She was on fire, melting from the inside out as the bard drank her in, her tongue moving slowly but never hesitantly. Although unpracticed, her young lover was relentless, exhibiting just the right mix of enthusiasm and intuition.

Lost in a whirlwind of sensation, Xena cried out, her voice filled with a desperate urgency.

Encouraged by her response, Gabrielle became bolder. Closing her lips on the warrior's throbbing clit, she sucked softly as her tongue stroked back and forth. Then, once again, she began to slowly move her fingers inside her dark-haired lover.

Delirious with pleasure, Xena arched upwards to meet her young lovers mouth in shameless bliss.

Grasping the gentle swell of the warrior's hip with her free hand, Gabrielle rode out her lover's passion, never once losing contact. Her rhythm was maddeningly, smooth and consistent, bringing the warrior to the very brink of orgasm.

Sensing her lover impending release, the bard changed her pace, momentarily forestalling the inevitable.

Xena groaned in desperation. Unable to restrain herself, she clasped the bard's head, urging her to finish.

This time Gabrielle did not hold back. Increasing her rhythm, she encouraged the warrior's climax to gather toward culmination.

Filled with something larger than herself…something beyond the physical…something innately spiritual, Xena moaned in rapture. Like an ocean wave, it swelled, building inside her, powerful and unstoppable. Body trembling, she stiffened as her orgasm surged through her.

The incredible strength of it drove the breath from her, forcing a low earthy growl from her throat as it overtook her. Lost in sensation, she felt wave after wave roll through her as her deepest hungers were fulfilled.

As the bard drained the last vestiges of passion from her, Xena closed her eyes and slowly slipped into a blissful afterglow. It was the ultimate consummation. After years of endless searching, a sense of wholeness washed over her…she was finally home.

Gathering the warrior in her arms, Gabrielle pulled the blanket over them both and held her close.

*****

After long moments, Xena opened her eyes and smiled lazily, her expression one of complete contentment.

Gabrielle kissed her softly then playfully nipped her lower lip. "Still think I fall into the 'good girl' category?"

"Hon. I was referring to your heart. I always suspected you'd be wild in bed."

"Really?"

"Mm-hmm." Pulling her young lover close, Xena closed her eyes and released a satisfied sigh.

The bard beamed. "I can't wait to get you to a more private spot. If we didn't have to be quiet, you could let go…cry out."

Xena laughed softly. "The way you make love to me, I barely have enough energy left to breathe."

"Hmmm," Gabrielle mused, smiling mischievously. "Maybe I can work that to my advantage."

Xena lifted a curious brow. "Oh?"

"Yeah…I think I may have finally discovered the way to tame the early rising beast in you."

The warrior shook her head doubtfully. "Don't count on it."

"I don't know," the bard replied. "I'm feeling pretty confident."

"You are, huh?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yep, In fact, I'd stake my last dinar on it."

"You'd lose," Xena said with assurance.

"Wanna bet?"

Before the warrior could answer, the blonde's head disappeared beneath the blanket.

"Gabrielle? What--" The sensation of warm breath moving down her bare abdomen cut off her words. She gasped at the touch of her young lover's strong hands on her inner thighs. "Wait…I--" At the first touch of the bard's velvety tongue, she surrendered, the pleasure too precious to withdraw from.

There was no turning back.

*****

As the barn door creaked closed, Xena awoke with a start. She gently nudged the sleeping blonde. "Gabrielle, wake up. I--I overslept."

The bard mumbled softy and curled tightly against the warrior's warm body.

Xena shook her more vigorously, squirming out of her embrace. "Someone was here! I heard the door."

"What?!" Now wide-awake, the bard sat bolt upright. "Who?!"

*****

*****

Part 3

*****

-- Chapter 18 --

It was all Xena could do to meet the young woman's eyes and face the panic in them. Reaching for the bard's clothes, she handed them to her. "I…I think it was your father."

"M--my father?"

Xena nodded.

"Shit!" The bard buried her face in her hands as an image of herself naked in the warrior's arms flashed through her mind. Jumping to her feet in alarm, she quickly slid her skirt over her hips. "Gods, I--I can't believe this!" Fingers trembling, she struggled to tuck in her blouse. "D-do you think he saw?"

"I don't know."

"Maybe it looked innocent, like I fell asleep here or--" But even as the words passed the young woman's lips, she realized how ridiculous they sounded." She looked to Xena for an affirmation that didn't come. "Shit!" Her eyes darted anxiously. "Were we under the blanket? Please tell me that we were covered at least!"

"I think at least partially."

"Partially?" Gabrielle struck her forehead with the palm of her hand. "Gods! What was I thinking?"

"I'm afraid neither of us was thinking," Xena offered gently.

Distraught, the bard paced nervously. "How could I be so stupid? How will I ever explain this?!"

Tears rolled down her cheeks. "He'll hate me."

"You're his daughter. He loves you."

The bard shook her head sadly. "He'll never accept this. He'll disown me. To him, this--" Unable to complete the painful thought, she turned to the warrior. "What am I going to do? "

"Let's just take it one step at a time. Try to stay calm. We'll figure out something."

"Calm!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "And just how am I supposed to do that? My father just saw me naked in your arms."

"If that's true, we'll just have to deal with it."

"We? You mean me. It--it's not your family…not your problem." As soon as the word's crossed her lips, she wished she could take them back, but it was too late.

Wounded, the warrior averted her glance.

Gabrielle started to reach out, then hesitated, afraid that Xena would reject her touch. "I didn't mean that. I'm sorry. Please…I…." Unable face the damage her cruel remark had caused, she stared at the ground, wringing her hands nervously.

It was the touch of the warrior's fingers to her cheek that gave her the courage to meet the taller woman's eyes. What she saw in them surprised her. There was no hurt or anger, only love. The simple gesture comforted her in a way nothing else could have. In that moment, she understood a single truth about herself. Of all things in her life, nothing was more important to her than the woman standing at her side.

In a gentle voice, Xena broke the silence. "I'm sorry too. I wish this hadn't happened. I'd do anything to make this easier for you." She looked deep into the bard's eyes. "I love you, Gabrielle you are my family. Your problems are my problems too."

The young woman fell into the warrior's arms and let her tears come.

Xena held her close. "Don't cry, hon. I promise you…together we'll get through this somehow."

*****

"Why?!!!"

Hands trembling in her lap, Hecuba sat quietly trying to absorb the shock of her husband's news.

"Answer me!" Herodotus bellowed. "Why would she do this?"

Too shaken to reply, Hecuba remained silent.

"It--it's an affront to nature!" he bellowed, angrily striking the mantle with his fist.

Unaccustomed to such violence in her mate, his wife stiffened.

"Why?" he repeated, jarring her out of her silence.

"I…I think Gabrielle must have very strong feelings to--" Awkwardly, she stopped, desperately searching for words that would calm him. "She must love--"

"--Are you insane?" he yelled. "That is not love! It's an abomination! A thirst that should never be slaked." Shaking with fury, he clenched his fist and struck out again, this time hitting the table. "That--that soulless bitch has brainwashed her."

Hecuba looked up, her face streaked with tears. "I can't believe she--"

"--What do you mean, 'you can't believe'?" he raged, cutting her off.

"I know my daughter," she replied evenly. "I know what giving herself in this way means to her. I just can't believe she would do this unless Xena was very special to her."

Herodotus looked at her in disbelief. "Do you hear yourself? You talk like she wanted this! Well it's not true…not my daughter. That…that depraved woman took advantage of her innocence, corrupted her thinking." The wheels of his mind turned frantically. "She--she may have even drugged her."

Shaking her head doubtfully, Hecuba asked the question she'd already guessed the answer to. "If that's true, if it looked like she'd been drugged…taken against her will, why didn't you intervene? Why didn't you help her?"

The answer shook him to his core. His mind flashed back to the moment he'd entered the barn…to his daughter's position within the warrior's arms. Their embrace had been so tender, so intimate that he'd felt like an intruder. He bristled at the thought. "Are you saying you approve of this?"

Hecuba lowered her head sadly. "No, but what can we do?"

"I'll tell you." Abruptly he left the room. When he returned he had his sword in hand.

Hecuba took an anxious step toward him. "What are you planning to do?"

"I'm going to take care of this…like I should have from the start."

*****

Wiping her tear-stained cheeks, Gabrielle inhaled a shaky breath and struggled to bring her emotions under control. "How am I going to face him?"

"Maybe you should wait until--"

"--No, I've got to go find him before he talks to mother. Somehow, I have to try to explain."

"Is there anything I can do?" Xena asked helplessly.

"Just your being here means more than I can say." Smiling softly, she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "I'd better go."

The young woman's courage made the warrior's heart swell. "Gabrielle, if you need me, I'll be at your cave, wait--"

The groaning of the hinges made both women turn. Instantly, the barn was flooded with morning light.

Herodotus stood menacingly in the doorway.

Looking past his daughter, he fixed his eyes on the warrior. "I want you out of here…or so help me." Jaw angrily set, he raised his sword and took a threatening step forward.

Gabrielle quickly placed herself between them. "Please don't do this. Xena's not to blame. I--"

"--I want that… that woman out of here. Now!" he repeated, his voice laced with hatred.

Never in all of her life had she seen her father so enraged, so volatile. Sensing that if she didn't defuse his anger fast, the situation would quickly spiral out of control, she turned to the warrior. "Xena, please go. I'll meet you later."

"You aren't going to meet her anywhere!" Herodotus hissed. Roughly pushing his daughter aside, he pointed his sword threateningly at the warrior. "It ends here. Draw your sword."

Xena knew better than to underestimate him. Although he was a mere farmer, his glare was as menacing as any she had ever faced. She took a defensive stance, preparing herself for the worst.

After bumping hard against the front stall, Gabrielle grabbed an old broom leaning in the corner and stood fast, holding it like a staff in a ready position.

Attention fully focused on the warrior, Herodotus didn't even notice his daughter. "I told you to draw your weapon!"

The bard looked anxiously to her companion.

Pulling her sword from its sheath, Xena tossed it to the ground. "I won't fight you."

Incensed by her action, he kicked at the hilt of her weapon. "Pick it up, you coward!"

Struggling to keep her voice steady, Gabrielle appealed to him. "Please, let's go to the house and talk a--"

"--I'm done talking," he growled. Raising his sword above his head, he swung at the warrior without warning.

Anticipating his action, Gabrielle stepped quickly between them, raising the broom for protection.

By the time Herodotus saw her, it was too late to slow the deadly momentum of his swing. He could only watch in horror as his sword split the frail broom with a deafening crack and continued toward his daughter.

Instinctively, Xena lunged at the bard, pushing her clear of the weapon's path.

Shaken to the core by how close he'd come to killing his child, Herodotus staggered back, his weapon slipping from his trembling hands.

The three of them stood in silence, stunned by how out of hand things had gotten.

Taking advantage of the calm in the storm, Gabrielle glanced at her companion and looked toward the door.

Nodding, the warrior grabbed Argo's reins, and quickly exited.

*****

Xena's heart sank as she closed the barn door behind her. Although she understood that this was something the bard had to face alone, she would have done anything to spare Gabrielle the pain of confronting her father.

Accustomed to a life that neither sought nor needed anyone's approval, the warrior had to suppress her inclination to simply take the bard and leave. But ignoring the problem was not the answer for Gabrielle. Xena suspected that a break from her family could leave the bard with lasting scars. Deep down she understood that it was important for her partner to try to make peace with those she loved.

As Xena walked to the cave where she was to meet Gabrielle, she became increasingly edgy. Images of the broom's snapping and the sword's narrow miss ran over and over through her mind. She shook her head angrily. Because of her selfish desires, her young companion had nearly been killed. One lapse in judgment, and Gabrielle's life had been turned upside down. The die was cast. There was nothing to be done. Like it or not, they were left with some difficult and painful choices.

Xena took a deep breath as she considered what lay ahead. She had no doubt that Gabrielle loved her, no doubt that she would stand up to her father regardless of the personal cost. The real question was whether it was fair to allow her to make that sacrifice.

A part of her wanted to allow it, wanted to believe that their love for one another could triumph over any adversity. But love wasn't always wise. In fact, love seemed to have a way of blinding people to harsh realities of life. How many women's lives had she seen ruined, wasted because of misplaced faith and love of the wrong person?

If Gabrielle's family denounced her, cast her out, would the warrior's love be enough to pull her through?

Recalling the anguished expression on her companion's face as she confronted her father, Xena thought back to the way she'd defied her own mother all those years ago. Was she starting Gabrielle on the same path that had nearly destroyed her? Was she alienating her lover from the people she needed most?

She had no answers.

Plagued with doubt, she pulled Argo to a stop and looked back at the road leading out of town.

*****

Never had the bard seen her father so shaken. Taking a deep breath, she slowly approached him.

Averting his eyes, he ran his hands nervously through his hair and struggled to collect himself. "Gabrielle, I didn't mean to--I--"

"—It's okay," she assured him, lying a calming hand on his arm. "I understand how hard this must be."

"I only want what's best for you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "That's all I've ever wanted."

"I know."

"Then you have to listen to me," he pleaded. "She's no good. She'll end up destroying you."

Gabrielle stepped back, bristling at his words. "No, you're wrong. You don't know her."

"I know her kind. Believe me, she can never give you the kind of life you deserve. It's power and glory she lives for. You're just a conquest."

"That's not true. Xena loves me."

"People like that don't love…they seduce…they use. When she's tired of you, she'll cast you aside." He stepped forward, trying to appeal to her. "It's not too late. Let her go and we'll forget about all this. Once you're away from her influence, you'll come to your senses. You'll see…things will be like they were."

Tears streaming down her cheeks, she shook her head. "I don't want that. I can't go back. I was so unhappy I--"

"--This is where you belong," he urged, gently gripping her shoulders. "In time, you'll come to see that."

"You don't understand. She's means everything to me! She's changed my life."

"Gabrielle, you're confused right now. She's twisted your thinking."

"No," she insisted, breaking from his hold. "If you'd let me try to explain--"

"--There's nothing more to be said. Come back to the house with me." He reached to take her arm.

She pulled back. "I can't. I--"

"--Now listen to me," he pressed. "I'm your father and I forbid you to see her. It's over!"

"You haven't heard a word I've said," she said weakly. "I… I can't stay here. My life is with Xena."

Desperate to persuade her, he issued a final ultimatum. "If you go to her, if you defy your mother and me…there's no coming back." He met her eyes, giving emphasis to his words. "Not ever."

Wiping the tears from her eyes, she swallowed to loosen the tight lump in her throat. "I guess that's it, then."

"That's right. Now, come along. We'll have some breakfast."

Shaking her head, she turned and walked out of the barn without looking back.

*****

In just a few short candlemarks, the bard's life had come completely unraveled.

Drained both physically and emotionally by the confrontation with her father, she hurried toward the cave. With each step, his ultimatum echoed in her mind. It was a nightmare…a nightmare that she couldn't awaken from. Forced to choose, she'd chosen living a "life" over living a "lie." It was a painful decision but the only one possible for her.

Desperate to catch up to the warrior, Gabrielle quickened her pace, rushing through the dense foliage. Lost in thoughts, she barely noticed the branches that scratched at her tender skin. More than anything, she needed to be with Xena…needed to feel the warrior's arms around her.

Her mind flashed back to Xena's words: "Together we'll get through this."

Holding tight to the thought, she calmed, slowing her steps. Never in their entire friendship had Xena ever let her down. When things got tough, she was always there. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled her tension and stepped into the small clearing.

There was no sign of the warrior or Argo. Her heart thudded as she anxiously glanced around. Had Xena blamed herself for what had happened in the barn and gone away? The thought was almost too much to bear. Suddenly, it felt as if the ground beneath her was crumbling. She staggered as her knees nearly buckled.

"Gabrielle?"

The bard turned toward the path leading from the lake. "Xena?" Adrenaline surged through her as she rushed to the warrior, falling into her arms.

"Hon, are you okay?"

"Hold me…please…hold me." Waves of emotion washed over her as Xena pulled her close. She struggled to speak, the words catching in her throat. "I--I thought you had gone…left me." Melting in Xena's embrace, she clung to the dark-haired woman as if her very life depended on it.

"It's all right. I'm here," the warrior whispered, pressing her lips tenderly to the bard's forehead.

For long moments, they quietly held each other. When at last Gabrielle pulled back, Xena was relieved to see her smiling softly.

"I've never been so glad to see anyone," the blonde said.

Reaching out, the warrior lightly caressed the young woman's cheek. "Gabrielle, you mean so much to me. I'm not going anywhere unless you ask me to. We're in this together."

Together. A glorious warmth enveloped her as the true meaning of Xena's words settled in. She was no longer simply a traveling companion and friend. She was Xena's partner…in every sense.

The warrior gently stroked her hair. "I'm sorry about what happened with your father. I--"

"--This isn't your fault," Gabrielle insisted. "I knew from the start that there could be consequences. I hoped I could help him understand but he…he can't see. He--" She paused as she recalled their painful interaction. "--He told me I had to choose between you and my family."

The warrior remained silent for a long moment before speaking. Inhaling deeply, she met her companion's eyes. "Gabrielle, I need you to feel right about this. If you need to choose your family, I understand, really I--"

The bard gently pressed her finger to the dark-haired woman's lips. "Together… remember?" Reaching for Xena's hand, she squeezed it reassuringly. "My father's wrong about us…they're all wrong. I've never been more certain of anything. My life is with you."

Never had anyone sacrificed so much for her, trusted in her so completely. "Gabrielle, I want to do the right thing. I know how much you love your family. Maybe if I left for a while…gave you some time with them to work this out…."

"Thanks, but I don't think it would help." The bard shook her head and released a heavy sigh. "Maybe it's best if we both go. My father's mind seems set. I don't know what else I can say to him."

"What about your mother?"

Gabrielle glanced down sadly. "I'm fairly certain that she'll feel the same as he does, but I can't leave without seeing her. I have to try to explain."

"What can I do?"

She squeezed the warrior's hand. "Just knowing you're waiting for me helps so much."

Xena had never felt such love. There was nothing she wouldn't do for Gabrielle. She tenderly brushed her young lover's tear-stained cheek and nodded. "I'll be here for you."

A feeling of utter peace washed over Gabrielle as she pulled the warrior into her arms. Regardless of the outcome with her family, she knew Xena would be true to her words…and not just for today…but always.

*****

Gabrielle stood at the door to her parents' home. Taking a deep breath, she knocked lightly and entered.

From across the room in her seat by the fire, Hecuba looked up anxiously.

The bard froze, shocked by her mother's appearance. For the first time in her life, Gabrielle could see the passage of time in her mother's face. Frail and forlorn, Hecuba looked much older than her years. The depth of sadness in the woman's gentle brown eyes was striking. Clearly, the morning's events had taken their toll.

"Is it true…what your father told me?" Hecuba asked, her voice barely a whisper.

For a moment, she considered taking the burden from her mother by denying everything. But the thought was fleeting. As painful as this was for them both, she knew that when all was said and done, no good could come from lying. Her mother deserved the truth. Lowering her eyes, she nodded weakly.

Hecuba drew a shaky breath, and stared into the fire.

Desperate to reach out to her and help her understand, Gabrielle approached the woman. "P--please, let me try to explain."

Hecuba remained silent, her trembling hands folded in her lap.

"I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to find out this way. I so much wanted to tell you myself, but I--" The words died on her lips.

Hecuba met her eyes sadly. "How could this happen? Why?"

At a loss, the bard paused. "I'm not sure. I only know that I'm in love with Xena."

"I don't understand," Hecuba replied, struggling with the idea. "What about the man from the tavern?"

The bard released a heavy sigh, frustrated that she could not find words to better explain. "He's just a friend."

"You--you don't have any interest in men…at all?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "I'm just not attracted to them."

"Did something happen while you were away?" her mother asked anxiously. "Did someone hurt you?

"No, it's nothing like that," the young woman replied quickly.

Hecuba continued nervously. "I know there are some bad men, but there are good ones too. Maybe you--"

"--Mom, it's not that," she interrupted. "I don't dislike men. I just feel more comfortable with women."

"But why? How long have you felt this way?"

"Always…or at least as long as I can remember."

"But growing up…you seemed fine," Hecuba said, trying to understand.

"But I wasn't fine. I…was sad and confused." She took a shaky breath before continuing. "I…I just kept my feelings hidden so that no one would discover the truth."

"You could have come to me. Why--" Emotion choked off her words.

Feeling her mother's sorrow, Gabrielle fought to hold back tears. "I…I was ashamed. As a child, I'd heard talk about people like 'that'…hateful talk. I didn't want to be one of those--" her voice caught. "--One of those 'bad' people. So I denied my feelings, pushed them back and did the things I thought I was supposed to do, said the things I thought I was supposed to say. All those years, I lived a lie and pretended to be something I wasn't."

Tears rolled down Hecuba's cheeks as she listened to her daughter's pained confession.

"Until recently I tried to be like everyone else. I really did. So hard that finally even I didn't know who I was anymore. The lies were tearing me up inside. I couldn't run from the truth. Those feelings that I'd denied--the feelings I'd managed to keep hidden from others--began to surface in my dreams." She looked into her mother's eyes. "You see, no matter what I did, I couldn't change what was in my heart."

Closing her eyes, Hecuba lowered her head into her hands, her anguish achingly apparent.

It was almost more than Gabrielle could bear. "I never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry you had to find out this way." Afraid of seeing her mother's shame and disappointment, she averted her eyes. "I wanted to come to you but I just couldn't. Every time I thought about it, I…." Her chest tightened painfully as she summoned the courage to raise her glance. "I--I was afraid of losing your love. Please, I…."

Gaze fixed to the floor, Hecuba shook her head sadly.

Gabrielle looked away, the sorrow in her heart immeasurable. Her secret was out and her greatest fear had suddenly been made real. Both of her parents were lost to her.

She wanted to leave, to run, but she couldn't will her legs to move. Her world was crumbling. Never had she felt more vulnerable. A choked sob escaped her lips. In all the world, there was no refuge from this: the worst of all things…her mother's silence. The wound it inflicted was so deep that her pain was dizzying.

Just as she felt that she couldn't endure it another moment, she felt the gentle weight of her mother's hand on her shoulder.

Lightly cupping her daughter's cheek, Hecuba spoke. "Honey, look at me."

Bolstered by the gentle tone of her mother's voice, the bard slowly raised her eyes.

"Gabrielle, I do love you. Nothing will ever change that." Pulling her daughter into her arms, Hecuba held her close. "I'll always love you. Don't you ever doubt it."

The young woman's tears flowed freely, her relief so immense that her body trembled. Weeping, she clung to her mother as she had never done before, not even in her childhood.

Long moments passed before Hecuba leaned back and lovingly dabbed her daughter's cheeks with the corner of her apron.

The simple gesture spoke volumes, reaffirming the bond between them, a bond that Gabrielle now understood could not be easily severed. Just as her mother's love had soothed her scrapes and bruises in childhood, it now calmed the storm of fears inside her.

Taking Gabrielle's hand, Hecuba led her to the table and sat down beside her. Releasing a heavy sigh, she began her own painful confession. "You weren't the only one living a lie," she admitted. "When you were a child, I sensed your sadness. There were times I felt your loneliness, but I didn't know how to help you. I hoped that by trying to help you fit in…." She paused and shook her head. "Maybe deep down I suspected and just didn't want to face the truth. Honestly, I don't know." Taking a deep breath, Hecuba met her daughter's eyes. "What I do know…is that day Xena rescued our town, I saw a spark kindled in you. Right then before my eyes, you came to life."

Gabrielle smiled through her tears. "It's true. I felt it. A part of me awakened the first time I saw her. With one glance, it was as if she looked beneath the mask I wore and saw me…the real me. Mom, if only I could help you see…she's been such a good friend to me and so much more--" She paused awkwardly.

"--It's not like Dad thinks. She never pushed anything. I was the one that approached her and told her that I'd fallen in love with her."

The mere memory of that rainy night filled her with joy. She smiled and took her mother's hand in her own. "For the first time in my life, I feel good about myself." She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, her body visibly relaxing. "Before I met Xena, I'd never felt the kind of excitement other women talked about. I always felt like I was standing on the outside looking in. But now… my pulse races when she enters the room. When she reaches for me, I--" She glanced down shyly. "--I've never wanted anything the way I want her." She blushed, then met her mother's eyes. "I've finally found what's been missing. With her I'm whole."

The image of the hardened warrior reciprocating the depth of emotion her daughter described was difficult for Hecuba to visualize. Awkwardly she voiced her concern. "Gabrielle, does she…I mean, are you sure that she cares for you…in the same way?"

The bard nodded happily. "I've never been so sure of anything. I feel it in the way she holds me, in the way she trusts and confides in me." She squeezed her mother's hand. "I know you haven't had much of a chance to get to know her. There's so much of herself that she keeps hidden…a whole side that she doesn't show…but I can see it. She's an incredible person: intelligent, loyal, and giving. When I'm with her there's nothing I fear. I have never met anyone so strong, so in control. She knows exactly what she wants in life…and, Mom…she wants is me." Tears of joy ran down the bard's cheeks.

The depth of Gabrielle's love was undeniable. Releasing a heavy sigh, Hecuba looked into her daughter's eyes. "Honey, I want so much to be happy for you, but have you thought about how difficult this will be?"

"Of course." She paused, searching for words to explain. "As a child, I remember your saying that you knew from the beginning that Dad was the one for you. Well, I know in my heart that Xena's the one for me...the only one. I love her, and no matter how people may feel about it, I intend to spend my life with her. There's nothing I wouldn't face, nothing, I wouldn't sacrifice to be with her. What we have together is precious and beautiful, and no one will ever make me believe otherwise."

Pulling her daughter close, Hecuba embraced her. "Then, no matter what, hold on to her. Too many people go their entire lives without ever experiencing that kind of love."

Gabrielle hugged her mother tightly. "You can't know what that means to me. Thank you, thank you for understanding."

As much as she wanted to share her daughter's joy, Hecuba could not ignore the many trials ahead. She knew what a cold place the world could be for those who were different. "Promise me you'll be careful," she warned. People tend to fear what they don't understand…and fear often breeds anger." She thought of her husband storming out of the house with his sword. "Honey, your father, he--"

"--He can't understand, can he?"

Shaking her head sadly, Hecuba brushed her daughter's cheek. "Your father's not himself. I'm afraid he may do something rash."

Gabrielle winced as she remembered his attack on the warrior. "I know. I've never seen him so upset." Carefully sparing her mother the details, she explained. "He confronted Xena in the barn."

"Honey, you have to understand that this took him by surprise. In his mind, his hopes for you--his dreams for your future--have been shattered."

Gabrielle lowered her eyes. "But, it…it's more than that, isn't it?" Her throat tightened. "I'm a disappointment to him. I--"

"Believe me, your father loves you very much," Hecuba asserted as she squeezed her daughter's shoulder. "That's why he's so troubled. Don't lose faith in him. He's a good man."

"Maybe I should leave. Give him a chance to sort it all out."

"Give him some time. Stay for the wedding. Talk to him again after he's settled down."

"But I don't know how to get through to him. He--he's so firm in his beliefs."

Hecuba nodded. "In many ways you two are a lot alike. I know that over the years you've drifted apart, but at one time you were very close. Look back. Find the common ground you share and speak to him from your heart like you have with me."

"I'll try," Gabrielle promised.

Taking her daughter into her arms, Hecuba held her tight before reluctantly releasing her.

"Xena and I will make camp in the glade at the north end of the lake. If you need me, I'll be there."