CHAPTER 23
"Velasca!"
A series of somersaults through the air, and a string of shrill yells, the Warrior Princess landed in front of the mad god, one hand wielding her dagger and the other her long sword. Like a flash of lightning, sharp blade reached out and swiped at the Amazon.
Who averted the blow with a wave of her hand. And the warrior had to struggle to hold on to her weapon. She did, and stabbed at her target relentlessly.
"Xena, I see you got your memory back," Velasca taunted menacingly. "Too bad. I was going to keep you. Now, I'll have to kill you," she laughed evilly, while deflecting the warrior's quick strikes. "Oh, don't worry, I'll make sure your Gabrielle joins you."
Darting one way and quickly reversing her move, the warrior managed to distract Velasca enough to cut her in the side. Just like it was with Callisto, as Xena had expected, the sword wound completely disappeared as soon as she withdrew the blade.
But that move had enraged the god, who stopped toying with the Warrior Princess. And she extended a force of energy which sent the tall form sailing across the room.
Xena picked herself up, vaulted past the distance, and charged at Velasca again. She wished she had her chakram, it might let her quarter the Amazon without needing the proximity of a sword.
"Why do you waste your time fighting me?" She mocked, while hitting the warrior with another burst of power, "You can't kill a god."
Undeterred, Xena lunged forward, only to be swept away again, this time losing her long blade.
Scrambling to her feet, and grasping the shorter weapon tighter, Xena noticed the hilt felt differently in her palm. She looked down briefly, and saw a new pearl coloured stone inlaid right above the Amazon insignia. Understanding hit the warrior, and with all her might, she threw the dagger at her enemy.
The weapon soared in the air, true to its course, despite the god's efforts to alter its path. The sharp metal hit its mark, and embedded itself in its target. Velasca gripped her abdomen and howled in pain.
"Ahhhh! What have you done?" She shrieked, pale eyes awashed with panic. She tried to pull the weapon out, only to recoil from the metal as if it burnt her hands.
The Warrior Princess had less than an instant to decide what her next course of action ought to be, when the priestess came running. Her speed and agility uncharacteristical of an old woman.
"Xena, leave now," she said, as she passed the warrior. "I'll take it from here," she called back.
"But Calandra..."
"NOW!"
Xena ran for the exit, looking back only once, just in time to see the priestess transformed again.
"YOU!" Velasca growled, gaping at the much younger form clad in golden suede, standing before her.
"I thought I'd keep you out of trouble by imprisoning you here," she said.
"Guess you underestimated my powers," the mad Amazon retorted haughtily.
"You'll trouble my children no more, Velasca," the goddess warned. "This is it!"
Outside the cavern, a mad bloodcurdling scream was heard. Then the earth began to shake violently, and the hill collapsed. Caught in the tremor, the warrior held the bard and shielded her from the flying rocks, while Ephiny and Zoe took shelter under a tree further away.
When the commotion stilled and things settled, any hint of the cave had completely disappeared. The ground looked like a normal stretch of the forest.
"You alright, Gabrielle?" Xena asked the woman in her arms, hesitant, awkward. They didn't have a chance to talk in the haste of clearing out.
*I am now,* the bard thought, seeing the warm love shining in the blue eyes once more, against a furore of emotions. She nodded.
There was so much that needed to be said, but so little time at the moment. So the pair reassured each other the only way they could then...
"I love you, Xena."
"Love you, too, Gabrielle."
CHAPTER 24
Long after the night had fallen, the warrior and the bard found themselves alone in a cave in the Amazon forest. Unlike the other, this one was safe. One which they had previously spent many quiet, contented evenings in, when either one or both of them desired an escape from village life.
Within a candlemark after they left Artemis' temple, Solari found them. The warrior, then suspecting foul play, had grown concerned when her queen and regent were several marks over due. Leaving Eponin to deal with a council of incensed and not very tolerant elders, Solari picked a small trusted group of Amazons and left for the forest. They were prepared to spend the night outdoors and not return to the village until their sovereigns were found.
The warriors and their queen had consumed their dinner of rabbits and trail mix in relative silence. Afterwards, Gabrielle, finally ready, told her Amazons an abbreviated version of what happened. For Solari, there were still many unanswered questions, but she decided she could wait.
During the bard's narrative, Xena motioned Ephiny aside and attempted to apologize. The warrior was not very surprised to see her friend completely healed when she exited the cavern; she had expected that much. But she still felt guilty over her acts of violence against the Amazon. Yet, Ephiny simply dismissed them, saying that it was Velasca's and not Xena's fault. She even quipped that she had had worse sparring with Eponin, but Xena knew better. Nevertheless, she was glad she had such a good friend and trusted ally in the blonde warrior.
A short time later, Solari approached their tree with a cloak in her hands, and ordered the Regent to bed. Ephiny rolled her eyes in response, but her otherwise obliging reaction caused a dark brow to rise in amusement. Meanwhile, Gabrielle suggested that they all stay in the cavern. But the Amazons insisted that they set up camp outside, lest they suffocated in the small enclosure. Bidding the pair goodnight, their friend cast a meaningful look at the queen and her betrothed, which made the younger woman blush.
"So here we are," the bard spoke quietly after they set up the fire and laid out their blankets. Green eyes following the crisscrossing laces on Xena's shirt, not quite meeting Xena's blues.
"Yes, my love, here we are," the warrior responded, gently, somewhat hesitant. This was the first time they had been alone since all that had happened. Here, in a place vibrant with happy, loving memories, the events of the recent past stood out starkly. Both of them were feeling guilty over their actions. Xena, for having so little faith in the bard and their love over Iona's deceit, for betraying her by siding with Velasca, forgetting her, and treating her brutally. Gabrielle, for not being completely honest with her partner, for getting angry, having doubts, and for the vengeful god's influence over the warrior.
"I'm sorry you lost all your weapons and stuff back there," she offered, hesitantly, feeling responsible for their loss, too.
A look of regret fleeted past the warrior's features, "S'okay, they are just things..." And she meant what she said.
"Velasca has pretty good tastes," the bard half-joked, plucking at the ends of the laces with her fingers, attempting to lighten the mood, struggling to still her nerves. And she chuckled lightly to hide her discomfort when her partner said nothing.
Gabrielle was about to say something else similarly inconsequential, when gentle fingers touching her face silenced her. Emboldened, the palm moved to cup her fair cheek. She closed her eyes and eased into the caress. Stilled moments later, gathering her courage, and looking up, the bard was met with stormy blue eyes which spoke of fear, concern, adoration, love... Her own orbs reflecting those same feelings which were as vast as the skies and as deep as the seas.
Eyes closing once more, they reached for each other blindly. Kissing and tasting the other's tender lips, as if for the very first time. Very slowly, hands worked to remove each other's clothing, touching and reacquainting with soft skin and faint scars as they became exposed. Carefully unwrapping the other like the precious gift that she was.
When all the barriers, both emotional and physical, were removed, the warrior and the bard trembled in each other's arms, both feeling naked and vulnerable. And for a very long time, they simply clung onto each other, and took solace in their togetherness.
The warrior slid down the bard's body, to kneel on the ground before her. She pressed her head to the fair firm torso, and listened to the bard's breathing, letting the steady rhythm soothe her. Enjoying the security of the bard's arm wrapped firmly about her shoulders, her other hand stroked the sun-kissed face tenderly, and running gentle fingers through her hair.
Xena wished she could stay like that, in her partner's arms. Feeling cared for and protected. The bard being the only person alive who knew her, knew how vulnerable the Warrior Princess really was under the hard, stoic exterior.
Lowering onto her heels, she kept her face in contact with Gabrielle's soft skin, feeling her muscles twitch in the firm thighs, which had grown strong after their years of travelling together. Memories of those moons flashed through the warrior's mind as she thought about how much they had been through, and what each had come to be for the other.
Reaching up, she circled her large hands about the bard's trim waist, slowly guiding the small body downwards, supporting her partner's weight. She kept the descent slow and gradual, ensuring that her partner would not fall. *Never, I will never let you fall. I promise.*
Wrapping around the bard's back with a strong arm, and reaching below with the other to create a seat for the slight body, Xena shifted so that she sat on the blanket with her legs stretched out. With Gabrielle's legs astride her torso.
The warrior lowered her partner further and onto her thighs, until they sat belly-to-belly. And Gabrielle increased the contact by wrapping her legs about her betrothed's hips, pulling them closer together.
She could feel her bard's growing arousal against her skin, as large hands wandered about the slim back, memorizing each muscle. Remembering their time spent sparring with each other, silently proud of how well a fighter her partner had become. Then she ducked her dark head to listen to the heartbeats which were the most beautiful sounds to her ears.
Gabrielle held her warrior firmly by the broad shoulders, drinking in the comforting warmth which surrounded her. To the bard, this was the safest place in the world. In her partner's arms, like this, she felt strong, yet at the same time sheltered and protected. She knew her warrior would defend her with her life, although she hoped it would never come to that. She had envisioned them growing old together, and taking care of each other.
Looking up, Xena met her partner's brilliant green eyes which shone with love. Mesmerized, she tilted her head up further, her lips falling open a little. Taking the gesture as an invitation, a plea, Gabrielle cupped the back of the warrior's head. Bending down, she brought their mouths together, joining, in a slow deep soulful kiss.
When they finally broke apart for air, Gabrielle moved lower to nibble on her partner's ears, whispering in them words of love and devotion. And heard the warrior's murmurs expressing similar sweet sentiments. The deep sound vibrated in her person, touching her core.
Bringing one of her hands to the front, Xena ran it firmly along the bard's body, letting her fingers follow and caress the soft curves and firm muscles. Until the bard threw her head back, and arched against the fiery touch. Strong arm supported her securely, so that she wouldn't fall too far backwards.
Bending forward, the warrior's mouth found one of Gabrielle's breasts. She kissed and licked the firm flesh, and buried her nose in the underside. Before her lips closed upon an erect nipple. As her partner suckled and licked the tender point, the bard regretted that she wasn't able to provide more for her betrothed. She wanted her warrior to taste and to have everything her love had to offer.
Lifting the bard slightly and supporting their weight on her other arm, Xena shifted to lie between her partner's legs. Soon after they settled, Gabrielle clasped the larger body closer by raising and twining her legs around the warrior's back. And pulled her forward so that they were once again face to face.
She reached up to bring the dark head down for a lingering kiss. While large hands roamed her body, as if they were committing it to memory. Xena was certain she could sculpt her partner's figure out of soft clay, simply by closing her eyes and imagining the feel of muscles and curves against her hands.
Long digits drifted downwards to touch sensitive flesh, and the bard pressed further into the caress, moaning into her warrior's mouth as the fingers slipped deep within her. Gabrielle relished the sensation of her partner's battle roughened fingers touching her, making her acutely aware of their presence. The gentleness with which Xena was capable of when loving her had surprised the bard the first time they came together. And it never ceased to amaze her since.
Soon Gabrielle stilled the rocking of her hips, she didn't want to climax - not yet, not like that. Reluctantly breaking off the kiss, she breathed her request into her partner's ear. Twirling her tongue against the warrior's earlobes, before moving back to her lips again.
Another series of soul searing lingering kisses later, Xena sat up and began slowly folding their discarded clothing. While keeping eye contact with the bard, smiling lovingly, warmly.
Lifting Gabrielle's hips, she tucked the pile underneath. Then, keeping the fair buttocks raised, the warrior straddled her partner's thigh. She reached forward and cradled the bard under her neck, while her other hand moved back to grasp her partner's ankle. Gabrielle loved it when they loved each other that way. She adored the feeling of being trapped in a safe cocoon full of warmth and joy and love. It was one that she would be contented to stay in forever.
And they moved against each other slowly, feeling slick heat against skin. Unhurried. Cherishing the sensation.
Despite her own aching points crying for attention, she reached up to the warrior's slightly twisted body. One hand fondled her partner's swaying breasts, the other cradled the chiselled cheek. Then fingers twined with long dark tresses, before moving down the muscular arm, and onwards to stroke her side and stomach. Their eyes never leaving each other's.
Gradually, their passion built and increased, reaching a mutual pinnacle, the warrior removed her hand from her partner's neck. Briefly, Gabrielle missed the contact, until it was replaced by another. As Xena leaned back on her hands, so that they could feel each other fully.
Green eyes moved upwards to rest on their connection. She loved the look and feel of the warrior's dark blending with her honey-gold. Very aware of her partner's hair tickling, her hot passion bathing her most sensitive places. Her gaze travelled further, in time to watch her warrior's dark head thrown back in rapture.
She sucked in a quick breath, closed her eyes and stilled. Her centre pressed tight against her betrothed's. Feeling their fierce beatings against each other, bonding their heated flesh.
And she imagined she could feel her partner's essence trickling within her own body, as she gasped aloud her love for the warrior. As they folded into each other, wrapped securely in their lasting mutual love.
CHAPTER 25
In the twilight hours, Gabrielle watched the flickering flames, the fire which roared once again, after they had added more wood. She lay, curled up on her side, with Xena's larger body tucked up behind hers, fitting, hugging, enveloping. Neither of them was particularly tired. Or perhaps they wanted to stay awake and be with each other longer...
Sometimes, the warrior and the bard would stay up until the small hours of the night, talking. Joking lightly at times, sharing romantic sentiments always, and revealing their thoughts and reassuring each other occasionally. But the only sounds coming from the pair this night were their breathing, and faint contented sighs as they stretched their bodies and arched into each other.
They were off in their own little Elysium, were timelessly enveloped in an intense feeling of contentment. Savouring. Clinging. Completely unaware of the outside world, only conscious of their connection vibrant between them.
The trials and tribulations of the past couple of days had not been forgotten, but both women knew that, like before, they would work out the difficulties. Which would in turn bring the two even closer together. This night, the pair would only focus on the healing, cleansing, on their feeling of being reborn and of a deeper union.
As it often happened, gentle stroking gradually developed into something more sensual. Soon the lovers were wrapped once more in a spiral of passion.
Gabrielle turned around in Xena's arms, and kissed her partner deeply. Cupping her breasts, kneading them, while her other arm reached over to gently scratch her partners broad back with her smooth finger nails. As always, the warrior was certain that if she were a cat, she would be purring loudly.
Her low murmur of pleasures was interrupted when the bard tickled her mischivously with the slightest possible touch. Right below her ribs. Gabrielle found the spot accidentally while washing her partner's back, long ago, when they were just friends.
*Who would have guessed the Warrior Princess has a ticklish spot.* She smiled, thinking back to the water fight which followed that afternoon. And how she had choked, and ended up in the concerned warrior's arms. How she had suddenly realised that water in her lungs wasn't what took her breath away...
Gabrielle's musing was brought back to the present, when the warrior, chuckling, holding her bard tight, began to roll onto her back. She brought her partner's body to rest on top of her own. And moaned deeply when her fair beloved extended the length of her body sensually along her larger one, allowing full skin to skin contact.
Xena ran her hands across the slim back, exploring. Then reaching down, she cupped and squeezed the bard's firm globes, spreading them. Her hands gliding along the muscled thighs, guiding, so that her outstretched legs became trapped between Gabrielle's.
She could feel the beginning of the bard's passion against her stomach, as her hand ran up and down the bard's thighs and sides. As they kissed. As Gabrielle's hands pressed between their bodies to cup the warrior's breasts, kneading the flesh and teasing the nipples into hard points.
It was an eternity later when the bard broke off their kiss, to sweep her tongue and lips across the sensitive spot behind her ears, her jaw, her throat, the valley of her breasts. Kissing a trail down her partner's body until she sat back. As she reached forward, Xena's hands darted up in their own accord to fondle the swaying breasts. And Gabrielle stilled her movements to savour the caress.
Very reluctantly, she moved away from the tantalizing touches, and resumed her original course. She reached around to put extra clothing underneath the warrior, to raise her head and support her shoulders. So that they could maintain eye contact.
The bard then went back for another slow deep kiss, tasting her partner's mouth. Gabrielle decided long ago that there was nothing more sensuous than kissing her warrior, whether it was a light feathery kiss or a full searching one like this one.
While exploring her partner's mouth, she extended her arms along the blanket beside Xena's head, so that their breasts touched and pressed upon each other's. She loved the soft fullness of the warrior's globes against hers, the feel of her darker nipples pushing against her own fair skin. The bard had had the warrior convinced that their vast physical differences complemented each other like nothing else would. And she knew she was right.
Eventually, Gabrielle moved down her betrothed's body, fondling, kissing. The bard made sure her partner felt on her skin what their loving was doing to her. And Xena moaned loudly in her knowledge.
Moving to the foot of the blanket, she ran the tip of her tongue sensuously along the centre of the warrior's soles, slightly tickling. Gabrielle watched as a smile expanded deeply on her partner's features. Her heart palpitated, unfailingly as always, in response to the endearing crooked smile.
Slowly, her lips moved up the insides of the warrior's toned legs, nipping on her calves, licking the inside of her knees, kissing tanned thighs. She blew gently at the apex, lightly ruffling the dark curls. Then skipped up to the navel, twirling her tongue around the small cavity, half expecting a frustrated groan that was not forthcoming.
Slow, they both wanted it slow.
And very slowly, she kissed a fiery path up Xena's body, communicating her deep love for the warrior through each contact. Reaching her partner's full breasts, Gabrielle took a moment to revel in the feeling of being safe and secure with her face buried between the soft haven. With the warrior's strong arms wrapped about her body.
She didn't always do that, but this night, the bard made sure both her partner's breasts received lavish attention from her mouth. To show their owner how much she appreciated them. She sucked and nibbled on the firm flesh and tugged at the puckered points with her lips, her fingers.
Until the warrior brought her upwards for a kiss. Continuing its active exploration, her tongue probed her partner's mouth. Then the warrior's twined with hers, and insinuated itself into the bard's willing lips. She sucked at her partner's tongue and bottom lips, feeling the warrior's smile against her mouth. As her heart skipped a few more beats.
Coming up for air and looking down, Gabrielle read the warrior's need in the darkened blue orbs. Tenderly, she moved her kisses once again downwards, arching back, shifting, until she sat with her calves against her buttocks. Her soft honey-gold curls teasing her beloved's thigh.
Xena curled up slightly on her side, and the bard moved in to kneel between her thighs. Feeling the warrior's outstretched leg gliding against her centre and the lower valley of her cheeks. She pressed down, drawing another low moan from her partner. Before lifting her partner's upper leg around to wrap around her lower back. Gabrielle relished the feeling of being held by the strong muscles.
Holding onto the warrior's waist for support, the bard moved voluptuously against her partner, centre-to-centre. She remained sensitive to what Xena was experiencing, as she pressed tight against her partner's slick heat, wanting to meld their bodies together. For the warrior's part, she simply hung onto Gabrielle's arms, running a firm hand up and down the smooth limbs. Feeling the muscles beneath tensed as her bard thrust against her.
Their eyes never left each other's. As they both craved the profound intimacy of gazing into each other's eyes, blue blending with green. Sharing and heightening the loving feelings, as they witnessed the passion built within each other.
Dimly, Xena was aware of her abandoned control. In her prone state, she had little choice but to lean back and enjoy what the bard was doing to her. She revelled in the feeling of utter surrender and helplessness in moments like this. With the bard, like with no other, the warrior didn't feel she needed to dominate. Instead, she gladly and completely gave her body, her heart, her soul up to Gabrielle. As she had already done.
Moving, Gabrielle pressed forward, and bent over. While Xena curved her leg tighter against the bard's back. The pressure increased. And at the crest, they both stilled. Feeling the pulsations within each expanding outwards, and reaching inside the other.
As their breathing slowed, the warrior removed her hands which circled firmly about the bard's wrists through the tremors. And Gabrielle eased backwards to allow room for her partner to slowly unwind.
When the warrior was reclining fully on her back again, the bard dove between her legs, scooping her arms below and up about the warrior's hips. She tasted their joined essence, and took her partner through another tidal wave of passion. Until the syllables of her name reverberated in a guttural moan through the cavern.
She loved the music of the warrior's voice. Loved how her warrior called her name, in passion or otherwise. It was as if the sound simply reached through her ears and straight to her heart. Then expanding outwards to warm her.
Slowly, she crawled up her partner's body, until they were once again face to face. They kissed each other deeply. Sharing. Affirming. Expressing their undying devotion and love.
Gabrielle then settled into the warrior's body as if it were a large pallet, her legs between her partner's, her breasts against taut abdomen. She pressed her ear to the strong beating of the warrior's heart, and let it set a rhythm for her own.
Xena reached over and pulled a blanket over them. She kept her arms about the bard's back, gently stroking, assuring. Until her own breathing caught on to the bard's deep steady pace.
Before joining her partner in Morpheus' realm, she sent silent a prayer of gratitude to whichever deity that sent the bard to her, and for their chance to love one another.
And the pair slept peacefully, tucked safely in each other's love and trust. Where no mortals or gods could touch them. At least not for the night.
CHAPTER 26
The blonde warrior didn't know which was worse, having a blanket thrown in her face in the morning, or dealing with one snippy bard. It was an honest mistake. The cave was so quiet, and since nobody answered when she called that she just thought her friends were asleep. And she was going to wake them up for the morning meal. A wicked smile crept up the Amazon's lips when she recalled the scene she saw, and she wondered how many dinars the bard would pay her to keep mum.
To escape her queen's wrath, Ephiny hung back with Solari. At least her intense stolid friend would be more companionable. To the Regent's supreme bewilderment, she was told that her hair 'shone brighter than the morning sun,' and that her eyes were like 'chips of amber in the golden haze of Apollo's glory.' *What's with her?* She wondered, utterly perplexed. *But that was kind of sweet, in a queer, nauseating sort of way,* the warrior decided.
Xena was in a cheerful mood. Indeed, if one didn't know better, one would think she was almost gleeful. Artemis popped in just after dawn, and dropped off her weapons and her armour, which she left in the goddess' temple in her haste to escape. The warrior was simply glad to be in her own clothes again. She wasn't sure if her bard hated or liked her outfit that much, as she had trouble keeping it on since they woke up, although she was not complaining. But she did wonder if Ephiny got her timing from her goddess.
*Too bad the flying blanket trick doesn't work on a god,* she mused, as she remembered how Artemis had merely turned the cloth roll around in mid air, and they had to duck to avoid getting hit. Still, she was sure nothing could spoil her bright spirit.
*Nope, there's nothing more a warrior could ask for,* she thought, aware of the familiar feel of her leathers against her body, the weight of the sword on her back, and the gentle smack of her chakram against her thigh as she walked. *Most definitely,* Xena confirmed, shifting the travel bag on her shoulder and causing the dagger within to bounce. And blue eyes dazzled as she gazed down at the woman she loved walking beside her. She gave the small hand in her grasp a firm squeeze.
And the Warrior Princess had trouble keeping the corner of her lips from curling up, as she thought back to Gabrielle's shocked but happy reaction when she took her by the hand. When she made her intention to keep their connection through the entire journey back to the village evident to the bard. And she decided once more that her bard looked awfully cute when she blushed. Such display was probably inappropriate for an Amazon Queen, and uncharacteristic of the Warrior Princess, but she realised she didn't care.
Meanwhile, the bard was beginning to feel contrite about taking out her frustration on her Regent. *I'll apologize to her later,* she planned, colouring a little when she recalled the compromising position Ephiny caught them in. *Gods, my head trapped in her shirt, with her still in it,* Gabrielle shook her head. *I wonder if Ephiny will ever let me live this down.* Nevertheless, the fair woman promised she would make sure her partner wear loose-fitting laced up shirts more often, *Beats burying my face in hard armour. Yup.*
Actually, some things went all right that morning. Artemis, during her short visit, had ordered that nothing involving Velasca be revealed to anyone else. And that was just fine by the bard. Her warrior was feeling bad enough without all Amazons' eyes upon her; and the whole affair was really just between Xena, Ephiny and herself. Truthfully, Gabrielle would rather be putting the whole event behind her. And she knew the warriors escorting them could be trusted with the secret.
Moreover, the goddess also told them the whereabouts of the real Calandra. Acting on Artemis' wishes, she had merely retreated to the secret inner sanctum of the temple, fasting and preparing for the upcoming joining. The Queen was quite relieved that the old priestess was unharmed. She was afraid that Velasca had something to do with Calandra's disappearance as well. Gabrielle had many other questions she wanted to ask, but the immortal stopped her before she could begin, with a promise to return later.
The young queen's thoughts were also occupied by her concern for the visiting Amazon travelling with them. Zoe was afraid for Iona, wondering what sort of punishment would be in store for her bond mate's treachery against the queen and her betrothed. The bard had told Xena the Amazon's story as they lay curled in each other's arms earlier. While the warrior had misgivings about letting Iona go unpenalised, the bard could be extremely persuasive, especially when it came to convincing her partner. And Gabrielle had repeatedly reassured the young woman that she and her warrior had no intention to press charges.
However, she also worried about how Iona was going to react when she saw Zoe. The Amazon seemed to remain completely devoted to her mate; and she would be devastated if the warrior rejected her. According to the young woman, they had only been bonded for one season before Gabrielle's visit to their tribe. The bard didn't realise then that Iona was flirting with her, nor did she think to ask the warrior whether she was joined.
*Not that it would have mattered, I guess,* she sighed, thinking back to the events of the past few days. *I wonder how she found Velasca... Or how Velasca found her,* Gabrielle questioned. *S'pose we'll never find out,* she conceded, knowing Iona would never tell. She was glad though that Velasca was put away for good.
In any case, the bard hoped that there would a happy ending for the young Amazon. *Maybe her patience and devotion could change Iona,* Gabrielle reasoned, believing in the strength of love. Looking up to the tall form, her heart fluttered at the brilliant smile that greeted her, and she gently rubbed the back of the large hand holding hers.
The group approached the village around midday, after travelling non-stop for several candlemarks. Gabrielle and Ephiny were both anxious to return, especially after what Solari had told them. The elders were definitely not amused that both the Queen and the Regent left for the search. And they were particularly irate that Gabrielle did not appear at the meeting. The bard only hoped the return of her warrior and the reappearance of the priestess would appease the council.
Scouts from the village had spotted the group earlier and had raced ahead to herald their return. And they could feel the buzz of excitement in the air as they approached. However, rather than the joyous welcome they had expected, an ominous feeling greeted them. The Warrior Princess bristled when she spotted Iona standing arrogantly with the group of elders.
*Uh oh,* the pair thought simultaneously, as green eyes met blue ones. Xena let go of Gabrielle's hand, and wrapped her arm about the slim shoulders to draw them closer. Without stopping or being stopped, they marched towards the wrathful group.
CHAPTER 27
*Oh gods, not again,* the young queen almost reeled when she heard the dark Amazon's allegations and saw the proof that she offered. *She must have rifled through my stuff while we were gone,* Gabrielle realised, as she worriedly watched her partner's reaction.
Xena's dark brows creased as she read what was written on the scroll. The distinctive flourish staring back at her was definitely Gabrielle's. And the date of the letter coincided with their visit to the Amazon tribe near Athens. But if she were the warrior whom the desirous prose was addressed to, she wondered why she had never seen it, and how it had come to be in Iona's possession.
After she finished reading, the warrior folded the parchment carefully and handed it back to her bard. Who remembered to breathe again when her partner smiled. She was surprised when Xena bent down and gathered her in a passionate kiss, and felt the heat travelled upwards when growing murmurs around them reminded her of their audience.
The smile turned feral when the Warrior Princess let go of the bard, unsheathed her sword and turned to face the offending Amazon. Regardless of whom the letter was written to, there was no way she would refuse the challenge. If she didn't, it would mean that she too believed in the Queen's perfidy. And Gabrielle would then have to choose to defend her own honour by suicide, or be joined with her alleged lover and stripped of her title as Queen.
*What kind of stupid choice is that?* the warrior groused while she and Iona stalked in a circle, each waiting for the other's first move. Xena agreed that sovereigns should be subjected to a more rigorous standard, but this was ridiculous.
*What if I didn't make it back in time?* The warrior shook her head to flip her hair back and to chase away the thought. She had no doubt which option her bard would choose, just as she was certain of Gabrielle's love for her. Tired of waiting, Xena struck first, and a rapid succession of clangs of metal against metal ensued.
Iona had not expected the Warrior Princess to be back. All she needed to do was to issue the challenge. Because it was against Xena's honour, only she could defend it. With the warrior in Velasca's fold, she thought she would get Gabrielle and the tribe without a fight.
*Or at the very least the fair bard,* the Amazon believed, after she learnt of this tribe's tradition. She didn't think Gabrielle would choose to die. An evil chuckle escaped her lips when her sword almost grazed her rival's arm.
As the Warrior Princess moved between offensive and defensive stances, as the Amazon deflected her powerful blows, and returned with equally vicious strikes, she realized Iona was indeed a very good fighter. Almost as good as herself. Xena knew then that given time, the Amazon would have challenged her own sovereign for the right to rule, and if she won, the peace of the entire Nation would be at stake. And it was up to the Warrior Princess to make sure it would never happen.
Blue eyes narrowed as the Amazon's sharp blade managed another swipe at her. She barely dodged the move. Jumped to the right. And with lightning speed moved in, her thrust aimed at her enemy's chest.
Iona blocked the sword. And lunged forward. Xena sidestepped the impact. And catapulted into the air. Letting out a loud war cry. The point of her sword pierced the stunned Amazon as she landed.
Blood gushed from the wound at her shoulder. And the dark warrior growled in pain. Motivated by anger and fear. She swung around. And charged at her rival.
Two swords collided. The sharp sound slit through the hush of the village.
Followed by a scream which stilled Gabrielle's heart.
She closed her eyes, unable to watch as the dark form hurled itself at the disarmed warrior.
Xena lowered her sword at the last possible moment as she rushed towards Iona. Using the momentum, she propelled forward, and slammed the Amazon against a tree.
The loud crash brought green eyes open again.
The Warrior Princess glared at her rival. Whose fierce violet eyes shone with contempt and defiance. Every cell in her body screamed for her to run her sword through the Amazon. Her pores yearned to bathe in the warm red life.
But then in her mind's eye, she saw her bard. She saw Zoe; and imagined... And realised she couldn't kill the Amazon. She didn't want to.
Instead her fist collided with her rival's sword arm. Shattering the bones. Making sure Iona would never hold a blade again. She dropped the defeated form onto the ground.
Xena nodded gently at Zoe, who was rushing to gather her bond mate. And walked away.
CHAPTER 28
"Hmmm..." The bard murmured contentedly against her partner's ear as she lay, sprawled on her personal warm pallet-with-limbs. Shifting, and relishing the sensation of skin against skin, Gabrielle decided it felt millions times better than the smoothest silk from Chin. It was perfectly decadent.
"Oh, yes..." She lifted her head from her warrior's shoulder and gasped, when strong skilful fingers reached a particular spot that ached for attention. And she melted further into her partner's touch.
"Like that, huh, my bard?" Xena's chuckle rumbled underneath her, sending up a nice vibration. Gabrielle sighed happily in response as the large hands swept across her back, massaging and easing knots and kinks.
"I think you're spoiling me," the bard halfheartedly protested. *But don't stop,* she added silently. Her warrior simply smiled and kissed the top of her fair head. The firm gentle ministrations continued without pause.
It had been a long day for both Xena and Gabrielle. The travelling, the fight, and everything else all took their toll on the pair. And they retreated to their hut at the earliest possible moment, after taking their evening meal in the mess hut. The two would prefer dining in private, but the Amazons were excited about the Queen's successful search and her betrothed's triumph, and many of the warriors wanted a chance to congratulate them.
*At least I didn't have to deal with a bunch of angry elders,* the warrior let out a deep mental breath. The council called a meeting immediately after the challenge. Not only did the Amazons give their Queen and her Regent a hard time about their failure to attend the previous ones, they were also not happy with Gabrielle's decision to not prosecute Iona for her deceit. There were moments when the warrior's protective instincts almost succeeded in taking over, but she knew her bard would prefer to handle the situation by herself.
But that knowledge didn't prevent the Warrior Princess from fantasizing the same stuffy Amazons with their rank insignia and masks sticking out of various body cavities. And a slight chuckle escaped as she revisited the image, as her fingers worked the cruel knots at the back of her bard's neck.
"What's so funny, love?" Gabrielle dreamily mumbled, engaged in her own fantasies. Except those involved only she and her partner.
"Oh, nothing, just thinking about re-outfitting the Amazons," Xena deadpanned. *Well, it wasn't completely untrue.*
"Huh??" Belatedly, after her mind registered the reply. Blonde head bopped up, surprised, curious. When the warrior didn't respond, she raised herself up on her elbows to look at her partner.
And found herself breathless, dazzled by the brilliant smile that greeted her. For an endless moment, she gazed at the ocean blue eyes. Allowing herself to be captured, to drown in their depths, although she didn't think she had a choice.
Unable to help herself, she bent down and joined her lips with her partners. Tasting, exploring, with a soft warm tenderness that spoke volumes. She traced the warrior's smile with her tongue, dipping into the moist velvet, gradually deepening their pleasure, fuelling their desire.
As she drank the sweetness from the gentle mouth, the warrior was certain her bard had brought the top of Mt. Olympus to them. This was Bliss, she was sure. And the beating of her heart skidded, then resumed merrily at the thought of a lifetime, an eternity, spent with this woman she loved much more than anyone, anything, on earth or anywhere else.
"I love you, my bard," she spoke low, as Gabrielle finally pulled back for air. Gentle fingers reaching up to caress the fair features. Locking gazes with her partner, blending blues with the darkening green.
"I love you, my warrior," she breathed, her voice hoarse with emotion. A fine mist blurred her vision as she basked in the warm glow of their union. And the bard bonded her lips once more with her beloved's. Silently, tenderly, they expressed their joy of finding, of having each other.
Eventually, large hands moved between their bodies, reaching up, cupping, kneading. She whimpered at the touch of the warrior's palms against her breasts, and surrendered to their passion...
"Ahem!" Out of nowhere came a familiar throat clearing.
Blue eyes flew open. And after a whirl of motions, the bard found herself tucked under her warrior's body, sheltered and protected. They both looked towards the source of the offending sound.
"Hi, Artemis," Xena drawled, remaining in her position, covering her partner's body with her own. The goddess, noticing the gesture, smiled with approval, but otherwise looked at the pair nonchalantly. While Gabrielle wished there were some small place she could crawl into.
"I wouldn't go there, if I were you, my Chosen," the goddess advised, straight-faced.
"Whoa?" The smaller woman spluttered, surprised, and also dying of embarrassment.
Reading her unvoiced question, the immortal explained, "Gabrielle, I can read mortals' minds and know what they're thinking."
"Well, then read my mind, Artemis," Xena growled. "What are you doing here?" She continued.
"Tsk, tsk, Warrior," the goddess answered good-naturedly. "I promised you answers to your questions. So here I am."
"Umm... Okay. Will you give us a moment?" Gabrielle asked. "Please?" She added when the immortal made no effort to stop watching them. Artemis obliged and turned around. The instant the pair set up, together wrapped in a blanket, she spun about. And grinned in response to one of Xena's strayed thoughts, earning a glare.
"Okay, about that mind-reading..." the bard started.
"Yes, I knew all about Iona's scheme," the goddess answered, without waiting for her queen to finish. "I let her go through with it without warning you because I thought Xena needed to realise for herself that she's meant for you," she carried on as questions formed in her subjects' minds. "And I'm happy you did, Warrior." The immortal paused for a moment, and considered her next revelation.
"In some instances, I can even influence mortals' actions," the goddess began again. "With tiny suggestions. Just like I did to get Alethea to wander off into the forest, and then directed the scouts to find her," she elaborated. "I did the same with you as well, inspiring you to look at the tree trunks and providing the signs to the cavern."
Xena looked down at her hands clenched into a fist, *So that's why I couldn't slap her.* She thought, angry with herself. Gabrielle, knowing exactly what her partner was thinking, hugged the warrior tighter. She let their closeness convey her understanding and forgiveness. Still, the dark brooding continued.
"No, Xena, that was your own," Artemis scolded. "I couldn't influence you in any way when you were under Velasca's control. Your love for your bard is stronger than the powers of the gods, even if you didn't know it." The bard was happy to feel her partner's tension dissipate in relief, and gave her partner a firm squeeze in acknowledgement.
"I wish you could have told me," Gabrielle blurted without thinking.
"Well, I did too, Little One," her goddess responded with unmistakable sincerity. "But I wasn't sure if Velasca has the same power to read minds. Evidently she does, since that was how she found Iona."
Choosing not to comment on their reaction on her choice of words, Artemis continued, "However, I did try to make things a little better. I came to you as Calandra in the Assembly Hut as soon as I found out what Velasca was going to do. So you worried several candlemarks less."
"No, there was nothing you could have done. With or without Iona's involvement," the immortal chastened, shaking her head in exasperation at the bard's reaction. "Velasca was going to try to get her revenge regardless."
"And the challenge?" The warrior snarled when she remembered the potential perils for her bard. The goddess looked at her tolerantly, secretly glad that her Queen had such a fierce, protective champion.
"Well, don't forget I knew you were coming back. Otherwise, I would never have let it happen," Artemis justified. "Besides, you both learnt a couple of lessons yourselves, did you not?" The pair turned inwards to reflect. When greens met blues again, a new awareness and certainty glistened. Powerless to resist, each reached for the other, drinking in the union of their heart, their soul. To the goddess' intense delight.
"Ahem," the immortal looked on, entertained, as the warrior tried to regain her cool composure, while the bard flushed sheepishly.
"There's the matter of your joining gift," Artemis offered, pausing for effect. "I needed to be completely certain of your bond before I gave it to you," she stopped once again, and noticed two pairs of brows knitting simultaneously. "Great Zeus! You two think so much alike it's ridiculous."
"Of course I have faith in your bond," the goddess continued. "Otherwise I wouldn't have asked Calandra to prepare you for it," She stalled again, pleased when wheels began to turn furiously in her children's heads. "Xena, you couldn't figure out what those herbs were because they were not of the realm of the mortals."
"Well, what's the gift?" The warrior asked, having run out of patience, earning a mock glare from her partner and an indulgent glance from her god.
"I'll let Gabrielle tell you, I believe she already knows," Artemis smiled her affirmation when the bard gaped at the goddess uncertainly.
The young queen coloured deeply and beamed. While the warrior looked at her partner, expectantly. Leaning over, the bard whispered the news to her betrothed. Whose eyebrows promptly disappeared into the dark bangs, before a brilliant smile split her face. They turned to face their god, too overcome with emotions to voice their gratitude.
"It's my pleasure, my Chosens," the immortal heard them anyway. "Destiny awaits you and yours, and know that I'll always make sure you're well prepared."
"Now, why don't you carry on with what you were doing?" Dark brows waggled in agreement, while fair features flushed once more. "And Xena, try not to kill my Regent for her timing, okay?" The goddess winked at the warrior before she disappeared in a golden shimmer. The bard looked at her partner in amused shock.
The expression promptly changed when she met blue eyes sparkling with devoted love and heartfelt happiness. When her beloved's lips quirked into a crooked smile. The warrior ran her hands over her partner's body, gently, with a new sense of reverence and awe. Equally deep but very different from the old.
Once again, they fell into each other, letting their love take them to a domain where joy forever dwells.
Tomorrow the Amazon Queen and the Warrior Princess would affirm in public their devotion and commitment to each other. But this night, this night the Lovers would celebrate in private a new life, a new beginning and a love that would defy time and place.
And the goddess made sure there were no more interruptions that night.
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And after all their tribulations long See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds, With Joy and Love triumphing, and Fair Truth.
- John Milton, PARADISE LOST, Book iii, Line 336