Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Violence – Where there is Xena, there will be violence. It’s just one of those things. But this kind is not too graphic, and we avoid mentions of limbs being chopped off and used for kindling, or any description of eyeballs being gouged out by an errant chakram or anything like that.

Subtext – Subtext R Us. This story, as was the last one, and the one before that which flowed like a sargassum monster from my terminal, based on the supposition that it’s about two women who love each other a whole lot. Once again, there is nothing graphic, but the theme does wrap itself throughout the story, and if you can’t take this, go read some other nice piece of fan fiction. I will make my usual statement – if love offends you, drop me a note with your snail mail address, and I will send you some authentic, found in Southernmost Florida only, key lime pie. (Just the thing for hot summers.) Because I really do feel bad for you.

 Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

Bound – Part 6

By Melissa Good

Xena leaned back; resting her arm on the conference table, and letting her head drop back against the tall wood of the chair. "Still working on that." She replied, running her fingers lightly through Gabrielle’s red gold hair, and tracing the smile on her face with the edge of her thumb. "How’s Jess?"

Gabrielle leaned both forearms on Xena’s thighs, and smiled a little. "He’s doing ok." She idly played with the edge of the warrior’s tunic. "He’s really beating himself up over getting jumped like that."

Xena sighed. "I know how he feels. I know how I’d feel if it were me."

"Mm." The bard agreed. "Though I can’t imagine it happening to you." She grinned, and tugged on the hem of Xena’s tunic. "You’re too good."

The blue eyes gazed at her with gentle regret. "It can happen to anyone, Gabrielle." She replied. "If I let things slip, or I get really distracted…" She took a breath. "Sometimes it’s hard to keep the pressure on, all the time." She saw the concern erupt in the bard’s eyes, and cursed silently. Damn, Xena… would you cut that maudlin garbage out? You’re scaring her half to death.. and she doesn’t need that, not after what you just put her through. So cut it out and get a grip on yourself. "But.." She smiled easily, catching Gabrielle’s eyes. "I don’t think there’s any danger of that happening any time soon." She stroked the bard’s cheek and winked at her. "You keep me on my toes, my bard."

The green eyes studied her for a long space of time, then slowly brightened. "I’m gonna do my best to make sure it stays that way, too." She promised, with a sly grin. "You warriors are so helpless sometimes…you need someone to take care of you."

Xena laughed. "Oh really." She responded, chucking the bard under the chin. "Guess I’m lucky to have you then, huh?" Her eyes twinkled. "Or who knows what trouble I’d get myself into."

Gabrielle snorted. "Oh.. right.. like you don’t get into trouble anyway."

"Me?" Xena asked, pointing a thumb at herself, and raising one eyebrow. "Was I the one who let the Titans get loose? Or get bitten by Bacchae? Or found Pandora’s baby? "

"Well.." The bard took a breath, then stopped. "No fair."

"And just how many times have you been kidnapped?" Xena went on, with a devilish look in her eyes.

Gabrielle gave her a mock glare, and let out a dramatic sigh. "Ok.. ok.. you made your point."

They grinned at each other. Then Xena dropped one hand down and covered the bard’s. "Gabrielle?" Her face went quiet.

"Hmm?" The bard responded, getting to her feet and wincing at the stiffness from crouching so long. "Ow."

Xena stayed quiet, and leaned forward, putting both hands out and gently massaging Gabrielle’s legs. "Next time, just sit down, OK?" She chuckled, cocking her head as she heard Lestan and Wennid returning.

"Mmmm.." Gabrielle sighed happily. "You really are good at that. " She dropped into the chair facing Xena, and stifled a yawn. "Were you going to say something before?" She yawned again, and grinned as Xena tried to keep from following suite. "Cause I was about to say that I think I’m the lucky one.. and don’t think I don’t know it."

A quirk of those lips. "I think we could have a debate about that."

A smirk from the bard. "You’d lose. I’m the talker, remember?"

Lestan stretched, and shook himself as he ambled back into the room, and perched on a corner of the table. "Well, we found it." He rolled his mahogany eyes. "Ares, the boy’s a packrat." He bent his gaze on them. "Think it’s time we all got some rest. I’ve got a feeling tomorrow’s going to be a long day. "

Xena nodded, and stood up, very aware of the bard’s watchful gaze, which made her smile inwardly. "Probably. " She paused thoughtfully. "Not much time though, Lestan. You said his challenge was for day after tomorrow?"

The forest dweller nodded. "So you know.. and I’m not unhappy about it.. surrender is no longer an option. He.. tied my turning you over to him as part of the deal." Lestan’s face went quiet. "And that, my friend, is not going to happen. You understand that, right?" Right, Xena? There won’t be any disappearing from my village tonight, on some solitary mission..

The warrior studied him pensively, turning over possibilities in her mind. "I don’t see any point in it." She answered carefully, reserving her options, seeing Gabrielle stiffen from the corner of her eye. Ahh.. my bard. My friend.. you do know me too well. Her mind mused sadly. "On the other hand, Lestan – they were able to get that archer right into the village." Her eyes fixed on him intently. "Got me worried they might try again." Her eyes flickered to Gabrielle’s face. "But it’s not me I’m worried about."

The forest dweller blew out a long breath. "Good point." He admitted, with a nod. "We’ve all let things slip a little, I think." He glanced at her with a rueful smile. "Dangerous. Because you usually don’t realize it until you go to use something.. and find out it’s not there anymore."

For no reason he could detect, Xena seemed to find this funny, because she smiled, and even chuckled a little. "That’s very true, Lestan." She agreed. "Can’t say I’ll sleep soundly tonight, though. "

Gabrielle snorted. "As if." She teased gently. "I always do, as long as you’re there."

Lestan laughed softly. "I'll set a double guard around the village. " He got up off the table, and started walking towards the door, and they joined him, walking out onto the porch and into a cool night breeze.

The moonlight slanted gently down through the leaves, scattering silver and black patches across their path as they strolled slowly back towards their cot. Gabrielle felt the silence, and found herself uncharacteristically unwilling to break it, focusing instead on the problem that was facing them. One short glance at Xena’s face had told her what the warrior thought their chances were, and she realized that her partner was using the quiet walk to turn over her options, which were limited, and trying to decide what to do.

Nearby, a bush rustled as some small creature was disturbed by their passage, and Gabrielle felt the almost imperceptible shiver run through Xena’s arm, which she had tucked neatly around hers. That was her detecting that noise, analyzing it, and deciding it was harmless, in less time than it took me to blink. A quick look up took in the warrior’s preoccupied expression, and the bard shook her head slightly. And she doesn’t even know she’s doing it anymore. Wow. How many years has it taken her to get herself to this level, where she can rely totally on her instincts. Where I can rely totally on them?

Their boots made faint crunching noises, as they crossed the dew rich grass, and sent up a gentle fragrance of the storm churned earth to waft around them, and combine with the heady scent of Wennid’s rose garden. "Mmmm." Gabrielle said softly, finally breaking the silence between them. "That’s nice."

"Hmm?" Xena replied, then she sniffed appreciatively. "Yeah… it is." She cocked her head and looked at Gabrielle, standing there quietly in a pool of moonlight that bleached the color from her hair and turned her vivid green eyes a pale gray and smiled. "Thanks for making me stop and notice stuff like that."

Gabrielle dropped her glance, and grinned a little, the blush bringing a delicate trace of pink to her otherwise pale face. It’s all still so new… sometimes I just can’t believe we are what we are to each other.. after what seemed like half a lifetime of both of us wanting this, and stopping short because we were.. scared. And after we almost lost even our friendship.. gods. That was a horrible time.

And after that, Gabrielle reflected soberly. They’d been more open with each other. As if that dangerous intersection, once passed, had allowed them to take their relationship a step closer, and made them realize it was ok to get mad at each other, a little. Or play.. and Xena had a wicked sense of humor Gabrielle had then discovered. Now, she looked up at Xena’s face as the warrior gazed up at the full moon, and smiled. "Hey.. if you’re going to be playing swords with all of them all day, you need some sleep."

Xena gave her a wry look. "Yes, mom." She teased, ruffling the bard’s fair hair, then tilted her head up and took a closer look at her. "Hey.." Concern in her voice now, as she touched the moisture under her eyes. "What’s wrong?"

Gabrielle laughed a little, and shrugged. "Oh.. it’s silly, nothing. I was just… thinking. Remembering, really." She glanced down and sniffed. "The moonlight here.. just kind of reminded me of the night we.. made up. After Velasca, and all that stuff."

"What made you think of that?" Came the quiet response. "You mad at me?"

The bard smiled, and gave her a little slap. "Don’t be goofy." Then her eyebrow quirked. "Unless you’re really thinking of giving yourself up to Secan and not telling me."

Xena chuckled easily, and put an arm around Gabrielle’s shoulders, tugging her towards the cot. "Nah." Her eyes twinkled. " He’d make a lousy dinner companion." She stifled a yawn. "Nope.. I’m gonna wait until I see what Lestan has to work with in the way of fighters." She blinked a little. "Before I make any decisions."

Gabrielle nodded in agreement. "Good idea." They mounted the stairs, their boots making a soft hollow noise on the wooden planks, and entered the cot, and stopped dead. "What…" Gabrielle said, then burst into laughter.

Xena’s eyebrows rose, and she put her hands on her hips, as she surveyed the sight of a very young forest dweller, crammed up against the wall of the cot, eyes wide. Staring at him, ears flat, tail down, growling, was a very fierce looking Ares.

"Ares." The warrior sighed, and patted her leg. The puppy looked around, and his tail wagged enthusiastically.

"Roo!!!" He yodeled, dancing from paw to paw, then bounding over to her, and jumping up to put his paws up on her thighs in a long stretch. "Grrr!!!" He added, as she scratched his head.

"Hi there." Gabrielle said, moving closer to the youngster. "Who are you?"

The boy’s head swiveled, and cocked, and he smiled tentatively. "Hi." He answered softly. "I didn’t meant to.. cause trouble." He was shorter than Gabrielle, and had fiery red fur, and a very sweet smile. "Just wanted to bring this, from my sister." He held up a package, but his gaze didn’t focus on either of them, and they realized the boy was blind.

Gabrielle dropped down to sit cross-legged next to him, and took the package from his hands. "Thanks. Who’s your sister?"

Ears swiveled, and cocked at her. "Elaini." He answered, with a grin. "I’m Tody." His face took on a wistful expression. "I can’t see you, but you sure sound nice."

Xena chuckled softly, and Tody’s ears swiveled towards her. "She is nice." The warrior commented, picking up the still growling Ares and moving closer. Tody’s face grew apprehensive at the approaching sound. "Don’t worry. He won’t hurt you. I’m holding him." Xena reassured the boy,

"You’re tall." Tody commented, with a little smile. "You must be Xena."

The warrior sat down slowly, so as not to startle either boy or wolf. "That’s right." She agreed. "And this is Gabrielle, who sounds just as nice as she really is."

Gabrielle giggled. "I’ll remember that." She remarked, giving Xena a light poke in the leg.

"Put your hand out." Xena gently requested. Tody did so, and the warrior let Ares sniff it suspiciously.

"Rrrr." The wolf muttered, with a little sneeze.

Tody tentatively touched the soft fur he felt under his fingertips, and then patted the puppy with more confidence. "Hey.. that’s nice. Is he really a wolf?"

"Yep." The warrior acknowledged. "He’s kind of overprotective."

Gabrielle looked up from her task of opening the package and grinned. "Takes after his mom." Her eyes twinkled at the faint blush that colored her partner’s face, and she got the expected sideways glance, to which she stuck out the tip of her tongue. "Don’t’ deny it."

"Yeah, well.." Xena sighed, rolling her eyes. "Someone has to keep an eye on you."

Tody sat quietly, moving his head to catch their voices and smiling. "This is so cool." He sighed happily. "My first humans." He cocked his head towards Gabrielle, and blinked a little. "You’re the storyteller, aren’t you?" His snub nose crinkled in a grin. "Would it be ok if I kind of felt what you looked like? It doesn’t hurt."

"Sure." Gabrielle responded immediately, and scooted closer, within his reach, gently grasping his hand, and moving it up to her cheek.

"Oh." He said, fascinated, as he drew sensitive fingertips across her skin. "Soft." His hand traced her jawline, and then traveled over her lips, and the bridge of her nose. "So different than ours." She smiled, and he felt that, his thumb touching the muscles on the side of her mouth. "You’re smiling." Then her eyelids fluttered shut as his fingers touched them, and he paused. "I can sometimes picture colors.. what color are your eyes?"

Gabrielle opened her mouth to answer, then hesitated. What meaning would the color name have for him?

A low voice emerged from the semi darkness of the cot, where Xena was still seated, cradling a contented Ares in her arms. "You know how fresh grass smells?" She asked, with a quiet smile.

Tody nodded vigorously. "Yes.. I do."

"That’s what color her eyes are." The warrior responded, enjoying the look of wonder on her partner’s face.

The boy grinned widely. "Oh..wow." Then his face sobered, and he cocked his ears towards Xena. "You’ve been blind." No question, just a statement.

"For a little while, yeah." Came the soft response. "Have you always been?"

Tody nodded. "Almost always." He returned his attention to the bard’s face, tracing her features, and ending up gently grasping a lock of her hair. His head turned, and he raised an eyebrow in question towards Xena.

The warrior took a breath, and thought a moment. "You know how the sun feels, when it’s almost setting?"

Unconsciously, the boy’s eyes closed, and a dreamy look crossed his face. "Uh huh.. is that the color?"

"Yeah." Xena answered, letting her eyes wander over the bard’s face affectionately

Tody sighed happily. "That sounds beautiful." He paused, then he giggled. "You’re blushing." As he felt the heat under his fingertips, and drew them back, lacing his fingers together and leaning forward. "Elani was out and gathered a whole batch of new herbs for tea.. she thought you’d like some." He poked his tongue out a bit. "And I volunteered to deliver them cause I wanted to meet you… the whole clan’s talking about you guys."

Gabrielle examined the herbs under her fingers. "That was really nice of her." She looked up as Xena stood, and reached down a hand for the bundle.

"I’ll put them to good use. Why not tell our friend here a story? " The warrior winked. "Bet you have some he hasn’t heard."

"Would you?" Tody asked, a delighted look lighting up his rust colored face. "I promised Elaini I wouldn’t bother you for one."

Gabrielle turned a compassionate look on him, and put a hand on his, squeezing it lightly. "Sure." She replied. "Come on, let’s sit down near the fire. " She stood and pulled him to his feet, guiding him towards the fire and settling down on the rug in front of it.

Xena stood watching for a minute, then smiled and put Ares down. The wolf trotted over and curled up against the bard’s leg, putting his chin on her knee and sighing. "Know exactly how you feel there, Ares. " The warrior muttered, then snorted at herself. Oh, boy… when you fell, you really just went all the way, didn’t you, mushball. She let her hands move automatically as she sorted the herbs, and collected a selection, dividing the pile into three parts and putting a packet in each cup, then carrying the cups and their water put over to the fire and settling down in the shadows of the fire, where she could watch the water and Gabrielle at the same time.

The bard had settled into her story, and had captured Tody’s complete attention, as the blind forest dweller shifted back and forth, and cocked his head to get all the nuances of her voice. Gabrielle had adapted her storytelling style, Xena realized, and dropped her usual use of graceful hand gestures, and instead put more descriptive terms in the narrative of the story. She’s good. The warrior’s lips quirked into a grin, and she let her head drop back and rest against the fireplace, stretching her legs out and crossing her arms.

And found her attention drifting, and her eyes closing against her will. Damn she sighed inwardly. Stamina still isn’t there. And I got extra sleep this afternoon, too. She forced her eyes open, and shook her head a little to clear it, glancing up to see mist green eyes fastened on her. She quirked an eyebrow at the bard, and took the hot water off the fire, pouring it neatly into the cups she’d prepared. Ignoring the stern look she knew she was getting.

"Hang on a second, Tody." Gabrielle said, putting a hand on his wrist reassuringly. "I’ll be right back." She stood and walked the few steps to where Xena was seated, and dropped to one knee. "Hey."

"Hey yourself." Xena answered in their familiar exchange, handing her a cup. "Here you go."

"Thanks." The bard set the cup down. "You know, you’ve heard this story before." Giving her a meaningful look.

"Gabrielle.. I’m in this story." Xena replied, with a quiet glint in her eye. "Your point?"

Gabrielle sighed, and slowly shook her head. "You are so stubborn." She leaned closer. "Would you please drop the tough as nails warlord routine and just go to sleep?" Her hand lifted and settled on the warrior’s shoulder. "Xena, it’s only been three days, OK? Anyone else would still be flat on their back in bed.. would you give your body a little healing time, please? For me?"

Xena gave her a smile. "Gabrielle.. "

"I know." The bard interrupted, putting her fingers on the warrior’s lips "But you told me the last time I was hurt that I should listen to my body, right? And if my body told me it needed to rest, I should?" She saw Xena take a breath to answer, but then she blinked a few times, and gave the bard a rueful look. "Am I right?"

A resigned sigh from the warrior. "Yeah." But she chuckled. "Let me finish this, all right?" She held up the steaming mug, and settled back against the wall, taking a large sip of the hot tea, and letting it slide down her throat. Hope she doesn’t figure out I dumped a little something in this thing to keep me up for a while. She gave the cup a wry look. Gods know I don’t have to do that often. Her eyes roamed the interior of the cot. Just have this feeling… I’m gonna need to be alert for just a little while longer.

Gabrielle went back to her storytelling, but she kept one eye on her partner, who seemed to be comfortably settled in her corner, and remained alert through the rest of the tale, blue eyes focused and interested in what she was saying. She’s doing that just to tweak me. The bard sighed inwardly, but couldn’t keep a slight grin from appearing. Oh well… I’m almost done, then she won’t have any excuse.

"That was great." Tody laughed as she finished the tale. "And.. thanks." He put a hand out and accurately patted her knee. "I could really see what you were describing in my head." He stood, and brushed his fur down, giving himself a little shake. "I’d better get home.. mom gets worried when I’m out after dark." He suddenly produced a feral grin. "Even though that almost gets me to even footing."

Gabrielle laughed, and stood up herself. "I have to get something from the healer’s cot. Mind if I walk with you?" She ignored the faint chuckle from her partner, who was indulging in a long stretch, having risen and joined her. She leaned back against Xena’s warm body, and felt the long arms circle her from behind, and settle to rest around her neck.

"Be careful." Xena’s voice whispered in her ear. "Take your staff."

The bard swiveled her head and regarded her partner quietly. "All right." She laid her cheek against Xena’s arm, and closed her eyes for a moment. Oh.. bad idea.. she realized as a wave of sleepiness washed over her. And I had the nerve to go and tease her about this. With a sigh, she forced her eyes open, and saw the twinkle as Xena caught her at it. "Not one word." She advised, giving her best version of a mean look.

Xena made a low rumbling growl deep in her throat that vibrated against the back of the bard’s head. "Make it quick, and I’ll save a nice warm spot for you." Came the gently teasing reply right in her ear, and the sudden warmth of her partner’s breath against her face sent skittering jolts down Gabrielle’s spine.

"Whoa." She exhaled, blinking. "I’m awake." Sliding her gaze sideways and meeting Xena’s mischievous twinkle. "Hold that thought." She slipped reluctantly out of the warrior’s grasp, and steered Tody towards the door, grabbing her staff on the way out. "C’mon, Tody… you can guide me. It’s dark out there."

"You bet." The boy said, lifting his russet chin importantly. "I'll protect you."

Gabrielle chuckled, and, turning, met Xena’s amused glance. "You collect them." The warrior mouthed, giving her a big grin, laughing quietly at the bard’s sheepish shrug.

They passed into the misty night, darkling now that the moon had passed behind a set of thick clouds. Gabrielle found her companion did, indeed know his way, and threaded his steps between the trees with expert skill. "That was a great story." His child’s voice echoed confidently out of the darkness. "And it was true, wasn’t it?"

"Yep." Gabrielle confirmed, taking a better grip on her staff. "I don’t have to make stuff up about Xena. The real things she does are more than enough."

"Wow." Tody breathed. "And your connection is just so super. I can see it without hardly having to Look real hard."

Gabrielle slowed, and cocked her head at him. "What’s that like? You all keep saying you can see us.. or see that connection… I can’t. I know Xena can’t… well.. I mean, I don’t know, but she’s never said, and I think she would have. It’s just this… " Her brows creased. "Like this feeling I get.. when she’s in trouble, or whatever."

Tody scowled, rumpling the fur on his face. "Gosh. I never… I mean… well, what does it feel like for you when you sense your bond?"

Gabrielle thought about that for a minute. "Like being totally immersed in sunlight." She finally said. "It’s.. " The feeling she got when their eyes met, and she knew.. she knew she could sense something flowing between them. "I can’t describe it."

The boy nodded. "Ok.. right. So you see my problem. I can’t describe it." He swiveled his ears towards her. "I just know it when I feel it. Some mates are stronger, some not… Lestan and Wennid are real, real strong. Yours.. is like theirs.. just all warm, and friendly, and nice. " His head turned, and he concentrated a moment. "That was weird." He muttered.

"What?" Gabrielle said softly, her own nascent instincts flaring, as her nape hairs lifted, sending a chill draft across the back of her neck., and sharpening her senses. That was something that had only begun to happen recently… and her mind filed that information away for later study as she brought her staff up in an instinctive warding gesture, and bent her hearing around her.

"Something…" The boy breathed back, his body deepening into a crouch, as he turned his head to different sides, trying to recapture the sound that had alerted him.

It happened so fast, neither of them had a chance to jump clear. A deep roar, and Gabrielle was faced with a blur of paleness coming at her, slashing claws catching against her staff raised by pure instinct.

"Hey!" She yelled, twisting violently and managing to somehow avoid the leap, clearing her staff from the sharp claws, and slamming it into the rapidly moving figure with all the force she could muster.

Heard the deep grunt, then a blood curdling snarl that sent shivers up and down her spine, as her attacker rolled, and turned, and launched back at her, bearing her to the ground, and knocking the wind out of her. She felt the rip of sharp claws against her skin, and kicked up, levering with her staff against the body on top of her and somehow rolling free again. "Damn. " She cursed, then looked up, and caught her breath, as her attacker bounded to his feet, and, spreading his arms wide, and baring his fangs, crouched for the leap she knew would be the end of her.

Except that she heard footsteps pounding closer, and she knew if she could just… "You’d better make sure you kill me first time." She yelled, right up into his face, right into his fangs, and saw the eyes react. "Because by the gods, you won’t get a second chance."

On her knees, only a thin staff between herself and his fangs and claws and much greater size, and she ignored it all, reaching for that core of courage that was as much a part of her as her bardic skills. "Damned if I’m going to be done in by some coward!" She yelled louder, seeing his momentary hesitation, and managing to get to her feet.

Then his eyes blazed, and he leaped, both arms slashing down at her. Desperate, she dropped back to her knees, and raised her staff, and just.. prayed.

His growl thundered through her ears, and the hot breath blasted against her skull, then the growl stopped, with a shocked grunt, and his body was tossed over her and to the ground, knocking her down as he passed, but not fast enough for her to miss seeing what had taken him down.

Gods. Impeccable timing. As always. Her mind nervously provided, as she rolled out of the way, and found herself up against Tody, who grabbed her with shaking hands. "It’s ok… " She gasped, clutching his shoulders. "Are you all right?"

Tody nodded, bending his head to listen. "What’s happening?" He begged her. "Heard you go down, then someone was running, then someone hit him, and.."

Gabrielle looked over his shoulder, in time to see her attacker lifted off the ground and slammed into a tree by a powerful kick. "What happened? " Her voice was amazingly calm. "Xena happened." She watched as her partner bounced on the balls of her feet, and moved towards the pale form who was getting up. "That’s a bad idea." She murmured to herself.

Xena didn’t even slow down, she just used her momentum to power a roundhouse punch that slammed her attacker’s head back with such force it sent saliva flying almost to where the bard was crouched.

Then the darkness was broken by a flood of furred bodies, three of whom grabbed her attacker, cautiously giving Xena a wide berth. A hand fell on Gabrielle’s shoulder, and she looked up into Wennid’s anguished face.

"Are you all right?, cubling?" Jessan’s mother asked, peering at her.

"Yeah.. I’m fine." Gabrielle answered, taking a breath. "Who.."

Wennid wouldn’t meet her eyes. "Warrin." She said through tightly clenched teeth. "He’s shamed our clan, and my family, and by all the gods, Gabrielle, I’m sorry."

Gabrielle took a glance towards the cluster of forest people, and found stark blue eyes staring back at her. She gave a little wave, and saw Xena’s body relax, and got a nod from the warrior, which she returned. "It’s not your fault, Wennid." She said, looking up at the woman. "But why.. I mean, I know I said those things to him, but…"

Then a hand touched her head, and Xena dropped to one knee at her side. "You all right?" The warrior asked, giving her a quick looking over.

The bard nodded shakily. "Yeah.. just got the wind knocked out of me. I’m fine." She let herself fall forward, into Xena’s welcoming arms, and tucked her head against the warrior’s shoulder. "Nice timing, as always." She grinned, giving the warrior a pat on the side.

"Good thing I decided not to take a snooze, huh?" Came the softly whispered answer in her ear.

"Yeah." Gabrielle answered, soberly. "Real good thing."

"Xena." Lestan crouched down next to them, his mahogany eyes almost black in the faint moonlight. "Let me have till morning to sort this out."

The warrior gazed at him. "It’s your clan, Lestan.. but.. " Her brows creased. "What was his motive? Why Gabrielle?"

The forest dweller grimly shook his head. "I have to assume he either went over the edge, or .. no, I prefer to believe he just lost his mind. Because if he did this on purpose.. to break your bond.. I’ll kill him myself."

"Maybe that’s what he wants." Came Gabrielle’s clear, quiet voice.

Eyes went to her in shock. But her gaze was focused on Xena’s face, and there was a sad understanding in her green eyes. "Maybe he did it because he knew if he succeeded, he’d die." She paused. "And even if he didn’t, even if he just managed to.. anyway. There’s a good chance he’d.." Not wanting to say, outright, the truth.

"That I would have killed him?" Xena quietly asked, then shrugged. "Probably true." Or maybe he knew if she died.. he’d have no trouble delivering me to Secan. If there was anything left to deliver. "At any rate, if you’re taking custody of him, I think we’d all better get some rest."

It was a very quiet walk back. Xena didn’t speak even when they'd reentered their cot, and were standing, regarding each other in silence. Then the warrior shook her head, and let herself down onto the couch, resting her elbows on her knees, and letting her head drop between her shoulders.

Gabrielle sat down next to her, and put a hand on her back. "You all right?" A senseless question, when she could feel the painful tension present under her fingertips. "Sorry I caused all that trouble." She hitched herself up on the back of the couch, and was putting both hands to work, when Xena raised her head, and half turned.

"Come here." The warrior said in a weary voice.

"Hmm? Sure.." Gabrielle wrapped her arms around Xena’s neck, and slid off the back of the couch, landing neatly in her lap, which elicited a faint grin from the warrior. "That what you had in mind?"

"Yeah." Xena responded, and hugged her close for a very long time. Finally, when the bard was half suspended between sleeping and waking, that low voice brought her back to the present. "Gabrielle?"

"Mmm." The bard mumbled, her senses full of her soulmate.

"We’re going home after this." A very quiet, very peaceful sounding tone.

Gabrielle thought about that for a minute, then snuggled closer, and let a held breath out, ruffling the fabric of Xena’s tunic. "OK." Was her only response.

Xena just tucked the bard’s head under her chin, and let herself drift, now that she’d focused, and made a decision. At least for a while. Her mind mused. Until I can figure out how to cope with this. She’d known the instant Gabrielle had gotten into trouble, felt the edgy panic as though it had been her own, and that had sent her out of the cot and into the darkness at a dead run. Good thing I’ve got decent night vision. She considered. Or I would have ended up plowing into a few trees.

And seeing that pale form standing over Gabrielle.. She took a deep breath. Had brought out that part of her that was all fire, all Ares. That had tapped right down into that part of her she tried to control, and released it almost without her permission. Gabrielle had been right.. if the other forest dwellers hadn’t shown up, she would have killed him. She could feel it, in the way she had been attacking.

Funny. At one time, I would have welcomed knowing that. She realized. Now.. it just takes me further and further from where I’m trying to go. A quiet melancholy descended on her. Not that I have a snowball’s chance of getting there anyway. And that thought settled on her like a pall.

"Xena?" Came Gabrielle’s soft voice, and the warrior could feel the warmth of the bard’s breath against her skin.

"Hmmm?" The warrior replied, gazing fondly down at her.

Gabrielle tilted her head and gave her a dreamy smile. "I think I’m gonna really like that."

"Yeah?" Xena answered, her eyebrows lifting in mild surprise.

The bard nodded. "Yeah." She nestled closer. "It’s.. " A light sigh. "Been a really long road." Meaning more than the travel, Xena knew. "I’m a little tired."

And that, the warrior realized, was an admission Gabrielle would never have made if she hadn’t already decided to take a break.

"I didn’t really realize it until we stopped over for that fortnight. I just… " A pause. "So much has happened." The bard finished quietly.

Xena slid a hand under her jaw, and tilted her face up. "Why didn’t you tell me that before?"

Gabrielle’s eyebrows rose. "This question is coming from the Warrior Princess of Communication?" But her tone was gentle. "Xena, I couldn’t… and I was willing to keep going as long as I had to, you know that. But.. I’m not going to lie and pretend I won’t welcome a chance to just sit back and.. let some stuff heal." She took a breath. "And.. " Her lips quirked. "I saw glimpses of another side of you at home that I’d really like to spend some time digging out."

That got a smile back. "Yeah… " Xena admitted. "I felt different…wasn’t sure if it was just being home, or.. if it was because of us, or.. whatever. " She stroked Gabrielle’s hair. "And… honestly.. I’ve been worried about you."

"You have?" The bard queried. Guess I wasn’t as good at hiding what I was feeling as I thought I was..…

Xena nodded. "Ever since.. that whole mess with me getting hurt, and all that." She cleared her throat, and felt the bard’s body tense in her arms. "I saw you getting wound up tighter all the time.. and I didn’t know what to do about it.. wasn’t sure if you were just tired, or if it was getting to be too much, or.."

Gabrielle smiled. "Didn’t realize you noticed." She sighed. "You’re right, though. I think it was.. all that mess.. and just the stuff we do all the time, all the fighting, and all that.. and.." She hesitated, debating with herself, then shrugged. "And it was hard.. wanting.. " She paused, and trailed her fingers idly across Xena’s collarbone. "This." She glanced up. "Not knowing if you felt the same way, or if we’d ever… I guess I was just scared, most of the time."

"You still scared?" Xena asked, tracing her jawline with one fingertip.

The bard closed her eyes, smiled, and shook her head. "No." She snuggled closer and sighed.

"Good." Came the answer. "Come on.. " Xena stood up, carrying the bard with her, and walked across the cot to where their gear was. "Bedtime for bards."

Gabrielle giggled, and held on to the warrior’s neck as her legs were released and she felt the ground under her feet. "No argument from me." She knelt and took a sleep shirt from her pack, and grabbed one of Xena’s, tossing it to her. "Here you go." She stood, and stripped off her tunic, and heard Xena’s intake of breath. "What.. oh."

"Damn." Xena cursed, running her fingers very lightly over the four parallel scratches that raked across the bard’s abdomen. "Didn’t know he got that close."

Gabrielle’s hand dropped and covered hers. "Just stings a little." She said softly, squeezing the warrior’s fingers. "It’s not nearly as bad as yours there." Her hand lifted and touched the faded claw marks on her partner’s shoulder.

Xena shook her head. "Put your shirt on, and go lie down. I’ll get my stuff and clean those up."

"All right." The bard answered softly, pulling the shirt over her head, and padding over to the large round bed and lying down on it. Xena joined her shortly, carrying a piece of linen, and Gabrielle caught the sharp scent of her herbal cleaner as the warrior stretched out on the bed’s soft surface, motioning her to lift her shirt up. She did so, then let her arms relax on the bed, and closed her eyes.

Xena sighed, and warmed the linen between her hands before starting to clean the scratches. They really aren’t that bad. She admitted to herself, slightly mollified, as she finished up her task, and gave the bard a light tickle with her fingertips. "There."

"Cut that out." Gabrielle chuckled, slapping at her hand. "Xena!" As the warrior dodged her blow, and ran her fingers over the smooth skin. "Ugh!" She giggled, and rolled over, tugging her shirt down.

Xena chuckled herself, and relented, relaxing onto her back and allowing Gabrielle to snuggle up in her favorite spot, with her head resting on the warrior’s shoulder, and one arm thrown over her stomach. She wrapped her own arm around Gabrielle’s back, and began moving her hands in slow circles, massaging the tense muscles under her fingertips. "You’re all in knots back here, love." She commented, pressing a little harder.

"Mmmm." Gabrielle mumbled. "Not for long." She blinked her eyes open, and studied the face above her, seeing a fleeting expression she didn’t like. "Hey.. are you OK?" She laid a hand on Xena’s chest and searched her eyes. "You didn’t hurt yourself again, did you?"

A shake of the dark head and a smile. "Nah. He didn’t touch me." She reassured the bard, but felt the long delayed need for sleep tugging hard at her. Herbs must be wearing off.. well, they did what they were supposed to do.. can’t complain. "Just a little tired, I guess." She heard it in her voice, and really didn’t need the bard’s gentle touch urging her into sleep, but welcomed it anyway, and pulled her closer with a contented sigh. The world had begun to slip away when Gabrielle’s drowsy voice called her back.

"Xena?" The bard mumbled.

"Hmmm?" Her partner responded.

"How did you know.. I mean.. that new grass thing. " Came the incoherent question.

Fortunately, Xena had a good idea of what she meant. "Oh.. well.. " She responded thoughtfully. "When I was blinded, that time… I sort of.. I started to think about ways to.. well, adapt. In case.. For a while I really didn’t think I had a chance to get my sight back, Gabrielle. "

She felt Gabrielle move closer, molding their bodies together. Gods.. that feels good. She could feel the tension dissolve out of her and she felt her mind drifting. Probably not making a lot of sense.. She mused sleepily.

"Anyway.." she continued with a sigh. "I guess I started paying a lot closer attention to what things felt like.. smelled, sounded like.." A long pause. "I thought about.. you.. a lot. " She swallowed, and knew Gabrielle felt it, because the bard slid a warm hand under her shirt and rubbed her belly comfortingly. "When we’d stop for rest, I’d try to.. " She stopped for a long moment. "I didn’t want to forget what you looked like, I guess." She stumbled over the last few words, and couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer. "Sorry.. really tired."

"It’s all right." Came the gentle reassurance. "Sweet dreams, love."

A faint smile tugged at her partner’s lips. "With you here, they always are." Was the half-mumbled answer.

Gabrielle watched those blue eyes slide shut, and her breathing deepen, at last releasing the tension in the body she was wrapped around. Mostly. Because a core of it still remained, and she could feel that, and knew it would protect them both from anyone foolish enough to take one step inside that door seen dimly across the darkened room, even as tired out as she was.

She laid her head back down on Xena’s shoulder, and spent a few minutes just listening to her heartbeat, and watching the steady movement of her chest, and sighed. She’s still not 100 percent.. Her hands traced over familiar territory, and her brow creased with concern. But we’re out of time, I think.. and tomorrow, I know she’ll be pushing herself, and them, as hard as she can. Damn, Xena… but there was no arguing with the warrior about this, she realized. All I can do is keep her still for as long as I can, and three days, wow.. that’s a record. She snorted softly. And that was with.. what.. two fights and the rescue the other day? At least now, I know what’s going on with her..