It had been early in the day when Gabrielle had started. Most of the day had slipped by as they talked. A grumpy warrior standing in the doorway of the sleeping chamber interrupted the latest installment.
Xena what are you doing up?" Gabrielle was at her side trying to guide her back to bed.
"Well I figured that if you two were going to set out here and talk about me. I should at least be here to defend myself."
"You're going straight back to bed."
"No. Gabrielle I'm so tired of being in bed at the moment, just take me over to the couch. I'll lay down there."
Gabrielle helped her over to the couch and laid her down. She sent Jordon for pillows to make the warrior more comfortable. Once she was settled Jordon took a seat at the table while Gabrielle prepared a plate of food and a cup of tea for Xena. She sat down of the very edge of the couch and handed her the tea. Xena sniffed the offered liquid.
"Something wrong?" Gabrielle asked.
"I'm just checking for sleeping herbs. The last cup of tea I had was LOADED with 'em." She said lifting the eyebrow at her bard.
"Herb free. Now let's get some food into you." She said as she prepared to feed the warrior.
Xena took the plate, embarrassed by Gabrielle's attentions in front of Jordon. "Gabrielle I can feed myself."
"Oh yeah of course." Gabrielle sat the plate down on the table next to the couch.
"So I've been hearing lot's of embarrassing Xena stories, but you know what I haven't heard?" Xena said as she sipped her tea.
Gabrielle cleared her throat and began to look very nervous. "What?"
"Not one embarrassing Gabrielle story."
"How long have you been listening?" She asked as she returned to her chair.
"Long enough. I notice you didn't mention the 'nutbread' incident."
"Yeah well…" Gabrielle started.
To Jordon, "She was talkin' to rocks with that one." To Gabrielle, "Or the raw squid incident."
"Xena Jordon's not inter…"
"Or the…"
Gabrielle's head collapsed on the table. "Oh Gods. All right you win. You're enjoying this aren't you?"
Xena smiled, gave her a 'who me?' look and took a bite of bread with a little cheese. "So what did you do to Jorgus "
Gabrielle lifted her head from the table and smiled. "I put the fear of Xena into him."
"Any exactly how did you do that?"
"I told him that as soon as you were well enough I was going to set you free and turn him over to you."
Xena smiled, and nodded approvingly at the bard. "Clever my dear, very clever."
Gabrielle smiled that smile that only she could when she knew Xena was pleased with her efforts. "Yeah I thought so."
There was a knock on the heavy door. Xena smiled at Jordon as Gabrielle went to answer the door. "I've been meaning to talk to you about this."
"What?"
"Aren't there any other doors in this place to knock on? Seems like someone is always at mine."
"Is it my fault if you're popular?" Jordon said with a snicker.
"Oh very funny. Don't give up your day job."
Gabrielle returned with the healer who didn't look at all pleased that the warrior was out of bed. Without hesitation Xena pointed at the bard, "It's her fault."
"What? I…I…" Gabrielle started to protest, then just dropped the idea all together.
"Doesn't matter," The healer said he as sat on the edge of the couch. "What are you doing out of bed?"
"Having my evening meal?" She mustered with a grin.
"Un-huh." The man put his hands under her robe and began to examine the broken ribs. Xena grimaced with every painful touch, clenching her jaw and gripping the sides of the couch. Not so much because of the pain, but just to keep from punching the healer. He finished his examination and removed a small bottle from the pocket of his robes. "I brought this oil for you to rub on your ribs. Take a hot bath later and then apply it."
Xena took the bottle and glared at him. "Right." She said dryly as he got up. While his back was turned to her she mouthed something about his parentage. When he turned back, she was all smiles.
"It could be several weeks before you're back to full strength. You need time to heal. If you don't take care of yourself it could be longer."
"I promise to be good and take care of myself. Besides, if I don't I'll have an angry amazon to deal with."
"Well we wouldn't want that now would we?" He said with a smile.
"No we sure wouldn't." Xena smiled at the bard who just stood there with her arms crossed.
"I'll check you again in a couple of days. Until then behave yourself. If you need me don't hesitate to call on me."
"Oh she won't." Xena said, implying the bard's willingness to find a healer for every little scrape the warrior got.
"Well I'm glad someone around here has the sense the Gods gave a goat." He said as he headed for the door and left the room.
The trio burst out laughing after the older man left the room. Xena had to hold her injured ribs to ease the pain. It was worth it.
"He doesn't have much tact but he's one of the best healers I've ever seen." Jordon said, as her own laughter subsided.
Jordon spent the rest of the afternoon in the company of the bard and the warrior. She finally departed as the sun began to set and the staff came in to prepare the room. After they were alone again Gabrielle brought the pile of furs from the fireplace and sat on the floor in front of the couch, near her warrior. Xena reached out and ran her fingers through her golden hair.
"She's falling in love with you." Xena said quietly.
"What?" Gabrielle looked back at Xena.
"Jordon, she's falling in love with you."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Gabrielle I know that look. I've seen it in the mirror too many times."
"But she knows you and I are…"
"Yeah, she knows and that's the only thing that's from stopping her from telling you how she's feeling about you." Xena said as Gabrielle turned around to face the warrior.
"I think you're just being jealous and a little over protective."
"Un-huh, we'll see."
"Should we leave?"
"I'm not in any condition to travel right now."
Suddenly there was a bright flash of light in the room. Xena and Gabrielle both had to shield their eyes from it. When it subsided they blinked to readjust to the light in the room. They looked at each other for a moment until Xena leaned forward and collapsed into Gabrielle's arms, unconscious.
Jordon sat on the edge of her bed. She inhaled deeply as the voice came to her. "It has been done." She reclined on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.
Gabrielle caught Xena in her arms and laid her back on the couch. The swelling and bruising on her face was gone. Gabrielle gently shook the warrior. "Xena? Come on Xena wake up."
Slowly she began to regain consciousness. "What happened?"
"I don't know. There was the light and then you passed out." She reached up and palmed Xena's cheek. "Your face."
"What about it?"
"It's completely healed."
The warrior took a moment and then stood up. All of her injuries were healed. The broken ribs, the cuts were gone. All bruising had either disappeared or was slowly disappearing.
"Xena what's going on?"
"I'm not sure, but I think Jordon may have had her mother pay a visit."
"Athene?"
"Un-huh. Goddess of warrior's, you know."
"I know. Why would she heal you?"
"I don't know Gabrielle, but this time I'm not going to complain about interference from the Gods."
"Well I think that your theory about Jordon just went out the window."
"I don't. I think that just strengthened the argument."
Jorgus didn't argue when the guard came and opened the door to the cell. He simply figured the Queen of the Amazon's had finally come to her senses and decided it would be better to let him go. As the guards escorted him outside however began to get a sinking feeling. Jordon stood on one side of the entrance with his arm around the Amazon Queen. When the sword got tossed at his feet he knew he was in for it.
The warlord looked up slowly from the sword to the figure of the Warrior Princess, in full battle armor, smiling at him. "Pick it up." She said.
"Xena how…? Look I didn't…" He stammered.
"PICK…IT…UP!" She growled.
The warlord bent down and picked up the sword. Xena unsheathed her sword and the two squared off with each other. "Come on Jorgus. You wanted a piece of me yesterday. Come and get it."
"Xena I don't want to fight you."
"No? That means you just wanted to beat me senseless when I was unarmed and defenseless."
"Defenseless isn't exactly a word I would ever have used to describe you."
"Jorgus you gutless coward! You and your men ambushed me yesterday when I had no weapons and no armor."
"Speaking of that…"
"I heal fast." She cut him off.
He eyed her. There was no way she could have recovered that quickly from the beating she took. It must be a bluff. He raised his sword and slashed down at her. She blocked the blow with ease. The swordplay became fierce. Jorgus realized to late what he had gotten himself into and was now sure the Warrior Princess wanted him dead. His only chance was to defeat her. If the little amazon could do then he most certainly could. Xena fought with a smile on her face the whole time Jorgus was struggling. She did so enjoy a worthy adversary, now if she could only find one. Somewhere Jorgus found a rush of energy and charged the warrior. He pounded relentlessly on her sword, driving her backwards. He did manage to get in one good stroke that opened a wound on her arm. She looked down at the blood trickling down her arm.
"Okay that's it! Now I'm mad!" She charged him and drove him to the ground with the thunderous blows to his sword. Just before he hit the ground the blade of his sword snapped in two. He scrambled backward as the warrior advanced on him and raised her sword.
"Xena please! Please don't kill me!" He begged as he tried to scoot away from her.
She brought the point of her sword to his throat. She had worked up a good sweat and it was rolling down her face giving it an eerie glow. "I should you know?" He nodded his head as the point of her sword pushed harder into his throat. "Tell you what I'm going to do."
"What?" He croaked as she eased up.
"I'll let you live on two conditions."
"Name them."
"First, I want you to put your men to work on that school over there. I want a detail of men working on it day and night until it's finished. Second, when it's finished, you and your men ride out of here and never return."
"Done."
Xena stepped back and sheathed her sword never taking her eyes from him. She signaled the palace guard who picked him up from the ground and escorted him to the gate. Xena drew a deep breath and tried to bring the shuddering in her body under control. Gabrielle watched, she had seen Xena in fights before but had never seen this reaction. She started to take a step toward the warrior. Xena held up her hand and shook her head. "Don't", she said softly.
Jordon gently pulled Gabrielle back. She resisted at first then remembering Xena's words about battle she eased backwards into Jordon. "What's happening?" She whispered, never taking her eyes from her warrior.
"She wanted to kill him. Her mind and body are coming to terms with that fact and that she didn't do it. Just give her a moment."
Ares grinned as he watched the reflecting pool. "That's it princess rage on. Come on Xena don't fight it. Give in to it." He urged as he continued staring into the pool.
"ARES!" A female voice broke through the silence. The God of War spun to face his sister, Athene. She didn't look pleased.
"What?" Ares whined.
"Leave her alone."
"Who?"
"You know who." Athene said as she crossed the cavern and looked into the reflecting pool. "I want you to leave Xena alone."
"Yeah, well if wishes were…"
"Don't start with me Ares."
"What is with you women? Always sticking together."
"If we didn't men like you would ruin it for everyone else."
"Oh very amusing sister dear. Now tell me. Why all the sudden interest in my warlord."
Athene poked him in the chest. "She's not your warlord anymore."
"Sure she is. Just look at her," He waved toward the pool. "She's losing it."
Athene looked into the pool and watched Xena as she closed her eyes and tried to push down the rage that threatened to erupt from her. Athene passed her hand over the water and suddenly the warrior seemed to be winning the internal battle.
"Hey that's not fair!" Ares yelled as he gripped the sides of the pool. "You're not allowed to interfere like that."
"I didn't interfere with Xena. I simply blessed my village."
"You interfered. I don't care what you want to call it."
"Ares, Xena has my blessing…"
"Yeah while she's within the walls of Seranasia, but once she's outside those walls…"
"You don't seem to understand. Xena has had my blessing since the day she turned her back on you."
"Well of all the double crossing…"
Athene held her hand up and quieted her enraged brother. "Why do you think that we brought her and Gabrielle together. Artemis, Aphrodite and I know that these two have a great destiny to fulfill. We won't tolerate anymore of your childish games."
"Oh yeah?"
"What a mature response that was."
"Fine, fine I'll just have to pick another." He grinned menacingly as her turned back to the pool. "How about Jordon?" He raised his eyes towards his sister and licked his lips.
"NO! Jordon has nothing to do with this Ares."
"Oh I don't know. Seems to me like I should get to know my own niece a little better."
"You know?"
"Yeah I know. You did a very good job of hiding it. How old is she now? Twenty-four, twenty-five seasons old. You know now that I think about it. She would serve me better, considering she is half goddess."
"Yes Ares and because of that you can't take her."
"No, but if she willing comes to me there's NOTHING you can do about it."
"She won't do that."
"I dunno. She's in love and women in love tends to do stupid things."
"In love? With who?"
"Look for yourself."
The image in the pool turned to Jordon who still held a comforting arm around Gabrielle.
"Gabrielle belongs with Xena," Athene stated. "Jordon knows that."
"Sure she does, but that didn't stop her from falling in love with her."
"Ares I'm warning you. If you try anything with Jordon I'll make you regret it for eternity."
"It could be worth it." Ares turned and walked away, disappearing in a flash of light.
Xena's breathing began to ease as the warm breeze swept through the village. Her mind began to clear. The trembling stopped. She looked at Gabrielle and smiled. She extended her hand and Gabrielle took it. Xena pulled her into a warm embrace. The warrior kissed the bard on top of the bard's head and just held her.
"We need to get your arm stitched up." Gabrielle said softly as she began guiding the warrior towards the palace.
"I want you to do it Gabrielle." Xena said almost in a whisper. "Please."
"Xena if I do it I'll leave a scar. Let the healer do it. It'll heal…"
"Please Gabrielle. I don't want anyone else to touch me right now."
"Okay. Let's go back to our room."
Gabrielle gently wrapped the arm up. Xena sat with her head down. "I wanted to kill him." She said softly.
"But you didn't. You stopped it before it went that far." Gabrielle leaned over and kissed the warrior, a soft gentle kiss.
"Gabrielle you really don't want to go there right now." She said turning her head, trying to discourage the amorous bard.
"Yes I do." She purred as she nuzzled Xena's neck.
"Really, Gabrielle," Xena gasped as the bard continued to kiss her neck. "You don't want me right now."
"Yes I do." She said again continuing her explorations of the warrior's neck and shoulders.
"Gabrielle it could be more than you are ready to…" The gasp was unexpected and cut her words short.
"I'm ready." The bard whispered in the warrior's ear.
Xena sat quietly for a moment. "You don't know what you're opening yourself up for here. I can be very demanding at time like this. Gabrielle I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't."
"You don't know that."
"Yes, yes I do. You won't hurt me." She put her lips close to Xena's ear. "Take me warrior. Make me yours. Do with me what you will." She bit down on Xena's neck, sending a tremor through the older woman's body.
Xena closed her eyes and felt the power transfer between them. Her warrior instincts were telling her to do what came naturally after battle. Take her prize and satisfy the hunger that was trying to consume her. The part of her that truly loved the bard didn't want this to happen.
"Gabrielle…I…can't…" She was slowly losing the battle.
"Yes you can." Gabrielle moved and knelt in front of the warrior. "We will never be complete until you have taken me when you are like this.
"Are you…sure… you want…this?" Xena asked as she ran her fingers through the bard's blonde locks.
"Yes." Gabrielle gasped at the warrior's touch.
Xena looked deeply into the bard's green eyes. The power soon over took her and she felt her own finger tighten in the blonde hair. Jerking the bard's head backward, she took a kiss. A kiss that was designed to conquer and make submission a must for the purpose of survival.
"You're mine!" Growled Xena, taking another kiss. Hard and fast.
"Yes." Gabrielle moaned.
The warrior wasted no time now. Her hunger and desire overrode every sane thought she had ever had. She pushed Gabrielle backward. The bard slipped and landed on her backside. Gabrielle looked up at Xena who was now standing before her. "You have no idea what monster you have unleashed, little bard." Xena growled.
Gabrielle was frightened. More frightened than she had ever been before, not of Xena, but of the unknown. This experience would be like no other, she was sure of that.
"You will address me as "Lord". Xena growled.
"Yes lord." The bard said quickly, hoping to appease Xena in some small way.
"Go and make yourself ready for me. I'll join you in a few moments."
Gabrielle rose and started for the sleeping chamber. She hoped she would be able to satisfy the warrior's needs.
Xena appeared in the doorway of the sleeping chamber. Gabrielle was in bed. She looked tentatively at the warrior and smiled. Xena had removed her armor and slid out of her leathers as she made her way to the bed. She slid beneath the blankets and took the bard by the back of the neck and pulled her close. The warrior ran her hands along the bard's body. Strong, rough hands made a silent inspection of the soft flesh. Sensitive ears could hear the change in to bard's breathing as her explorations continued.
"You know what I'm going to do don't you?" The warrior asked with a low growl.
"Yes lord." Gabrielle gasped as the warrior placed her lips on the bard's neck and nipped the soft flesh there.
Xena could feel Gabrielle trembling at her touch. The realization of what was about to happen hit her and she bolted from the bed. She quickly put on a robe and left the room. Gabrielle followed soon after. Xena stood in the doorway of the balcony looking out.
"Xena." Gabrielle said softly.
"Yes."
"What just happened?"
"Nothing."
"Well yeah I'm aware of that. I mean why. I thought that you…"
"I wanted to Gabrielle I really did, but I was going to hurt you and I never want to hurt you."
Gabrielle approached carefully. "Is it all right to touch you?"
"Yes."
Gabrielle wrapped her arms around the warrior from behind and laid her head on her back. "I love you."
"I love you too." She said as she laid a gentle hand on the bard's arm.
As the days passed (far to slowly for Xena's liking) wedding preparations were made. The population of the village seemed to grow ten fold as the beginning of the spring festival and the impending royal nuptials grew closer. Gabrielle and Jordon were spending a lot of time together, Xena had decided it would be better if she just didn't get involved until she had to.
This was hard enough without being constantly reminded of it. She spent her days exercising Argo and checking on the progress Jorgus and his men were making on the school.
She rode the golden war-horse slowly in circles around the building. Jorgus and his men stood quietly waiting for her to finish her inspection of the building. She drew Argo up and stared down at him.
"You have done a good job Jorgus. You should be proud, but since I doubt that's possible for you, just take your men and get out of here. Remember our bargain. Don't come back!"
There were no other words spoken. The warlord and his men mounted their horses and were gone in a few moments. Xena was headed back to the stables when a familiar figure caught her eye. 'Oh wonderful' she thought as she dismounted Argo and handed the reins to a stable boy. "Brush her down good and give her a couple of apples." The boy nodded and quietly led the horse away.
Xena's eyes had never left the figure she had seen. She followed him as he wound his way through the crowd. She quickly caught up to him and grabbed his hand just as it was slipping into the pouch of an unsuspecting vendor.
"Don't do it Autolycus."
He turned and smiled at her as she held his wrist in a vice like grip. "Xena hi. What are you doing here?" He said with his usual charming smile. The fact that the warrior had a grip on his wrist seemed like perfectly natural situation for him to be in.
"At the moment stopping you from doing something incredibly stupid."
"Oh that," He laughed. "I was just practicing. It's been a long time since I've done simple pick pocketing."
"Well don't practice here." She released his hand.
He rubbed his wrist. He could tell something was wrong. Her mood was even more foul than normal. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She said as she walked toward the inn. "You want a drink. I'm buying."
"Sure." He said following along behind her. Autolycus never turned down a free drink. It wasn't that often the Warrior Princess offered to buy. "Hey by the way. Where's Gabrielle?" He heard her mumble something as he followed her. He stopped, shook his head and called after her. "Did you say wedding dress?"
They sat at a corner table, trying not to draw attention to them selves. As of late Xena was finding that was easier said than done. Not only had her position as the future queen's champion been made known, it also didn't take long for the story of Jorgus' defeat to get around either. The patrons at the tavern smiled at her. Gods she hated it when people smiled at her. One man even took it upon himself to put his hand on her as she walked past. If it hadn't been for Autolycus' cat like reflexes in removing the offending appendage the man probably would have left the tavern without it.
They settled into the booth. Autolycus leaned forward, his hands wrapped around his mug. "So you wanna tell me what's going on?"
"Gabrielle is getting married. She's going to be queen." Xena said as she took as long drink of her port.
"How did all this happen? I thought you two, were…well…ah…"
"Lovers?" The eyebrow went up.
The King of Thieves felt himself blush, just a little at his friend's frankness on the subject. "Yeah."
"We are now. We haven't been until now though."
"But when we were with the amazons and you used me to…oh I am sooo confused."
"It's a long story Autolycus."
"I've got all day, my friend.
Xena looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. Yes, yes this man was her friend. They had shared more than two mortals should ever be allowed to and even though his line of work was questionable, he was indeed her friend. He always seemed to be there when she needed him. She leaned in and looked into his dark eyes. He hung on her every word.
Several candle marks later the seriousness of their conversation was left behind as they continued to drink. Both of them were pretty well lit by the time Gabrielle wandered into the tavern. Autolycus saw her first.
"Uh oh, now you're…now you're in trouble." He slurred as he punched the warrior on the arm.
Torn between watching Gabrielle wind her way over to them or breaking Autolycus' arm, she chose to keep her eyes blissfully settled on the bard. Gabrielle stopped in front of the table and crossed her arms.
"Hello Autolycus."
"Hiya Gabrielle." He was trying to hide his inebriated state from the little blonde, without much success.
"Don't…don't pay any attention to him Gabrielle. He's…he's drunk." Xena managed to say with a slight grin.
"He's not the only one." The bard said, tapping her foot.
"I resemble that remark." Xena smirked as she took another drink.
Autolycus snickered. "I told ya' you were in trouble."
"No I'm not. Am I Your Majesty?" She turned to Autolycus and smiled while pointing at the bard with a very relaxed hand. "She likes it when I relax and have a good time. She thinks I'm to brooding."
"You! Brooding? Who ever would have thought." The thief countered with another laugh.
"All right you two. Let's go." Gabrielle said, her patience wearing extremely thin.
"Bet you go with her." Autolycus said in his best tormenting voice.
"If I go, you go." Xena said trying to focus her eyes on his features.
"Oh no, I'm not attached to anyone or anything," He said proudly poking himself in the chest with his own finger. "I am a free spirit. You on the other hand have been tamed and captured."
Xena considered his words for a moment and then punched him square in the face, knocking him out cold. She stood up, took his arm and brought him up over her shoulder. "Let's go." She said to Gabrielle and then proceeded to follow her out of the tavern.
The sun had begun its descent by the time Xena awoke. She didn't feel all that bad considering the amount of port she had consumed. She focused her eyes and realized that she was lying on the couch in the sitting room of their chambers. Autolycus was still asleep on the furs in front of the fireplace, which roared with a freshly built fire.
Slowly she sat up. On the table next to the couch was a mug of some unknown beverage and a note. 'Drink me.' Was all the entire note said. She picked up the mug and inhaled deeply. It seemed harmless enough so she took a sip. 'Yuck', she thought to herself, but she kept drinking. She knew it would stop any hangover that might try to develop later. She could hear water splashing from the bathing chamber. She took another long drink and headed for the bathing room.
Gabrielle sat in the tub, head back, eyes closed. Xena watched her for a moment and then knelt down next to the tub and dipped her hand in the water.
"Am I in trouble?" She asked softly.
The bard inhaled, held it, exhaled and opened her eyes. Turning her head slowly to the warrior. "You should be, but you're not." She smiled. "I know this is hard on you. I'm grateful that you chose to just sit and have a few drinks with a friend rather than…"
"Brooding?" She said as her hand moved lazily through the water.
"Yeah. So did you have a good time?"
"It was different. Just setting there, talking and drinking. I've never really done that before."
"So did you have a good time?"
"Yeah, yeah I guess I did at that."
"Then that's all that matters."
"So how was your day?"
"My day was fine. Are you going to continue making chit chat or are you going to get in?"
Xena smiled and undressed. She slid into the tub. Gabrielle immediately wrapped herself around the warrior. "Is there any particular reason that you haven't made love to me recently?"
"You've been so tired with all the preparations for the wedding…" She trailed off.
"I'm not buying it warrior. You have had no interest in me since that morning after your fight with Jorgus. Are you finished with me?" The last part of her statement rang with venom.
"No. Gabrielle how could you even think such a thing?"
"It's not hard Xena. In two days time you made love to me three times and then nothing. Nothing for the last few days." Gabrielle looked into the blue eyes of her warrior. "What's going on in that head of yours?"
Xena looked at Gabrielle. She brushed golden locks from her forehead as she considered her words. Now was the time for honesty. "I wanted to give you a chance to change your mind."
"What? Where did that come from?"
"You seem to be enjoying yourself here. You and Jordon are so perfectly suited for each other…"
Gabrielle pushed back and cut Xena's words short. "Wait just a…Oh…I…" Her words refuse to leave her mouth. She took a moment to try and compose her self. "You think that I want to stay here? You think that… Oh I don't believe this."
"Gabrielle don't be angry."
"Yes, yes I will be angry! How dare you!"
"Gabrielle I just want what's best for you."
"You! You big dumb warrior! You're what's best for me! I want to be with you! I love you!" She stood and started to get out of the tub. Xena pulled her back and kissed her. She started to resist, but found it impossible as her lover continued.
"I love you Gabrielle." She said as she nuzzled the bard's neck.
Gabrielle gasped. Xena picked her up and started to carry her out of the room towards the bedchamber. Gabrielle grabbed the doorframe. "Xena Autolycus is out there."
"Let him get his own girl."
"Xena I'm serious."
"So am I." She stepped forward and continued on her way.
Autolycus was awake now. He turned to look at his friends and then quickly turned away. He was hung over and didn't need this in his life at the moment.
Xena smiled and paused. Gabrielle hid her face, which now was a bright shade of red. "Autolycus I'm taking Gabrielle to bed and I'm going to make mad passionate love to her. Make yourself at home."
He never turned around. "Ah yeah well if it's all the same to you I'll just get going now." The embarrassment in his voice was unmistakable. "I'll catch up to you two later. When you're less, ah…never mind. I'll see you later.
"Suit yourself." Xena said and continued to the bedchamber. The sound of the door closing helped Gabrielle relax, a little.
"You are evil." She said with a giggle.
"Yeah I suppose I am." Xena replied as she gently laid the bard on the bed. She lowered herself down on top of her and began exploring the bard's body with her hands and lips. Gabrielle shuddered involuntarily as the fire was rekindled. She wrapped her arms around the warrior's strong back and began kissing her neck and shoulders. The lovers soon found themselves feverishly exploring each other.
Gabrielle had decided this was the day. She was going to make love to her warrior. She had considered that this could be the problem. No matter what Xena had said or no matter how much she meant it at the time, Gabrielle knew a person could only go so long without being satisfied before they would lose interest in their partner. She wasn't about to let that happen. "You know what?" She whispered in the warrior's ear.
"What?" Xena continued her oral explorations of the bard's neck and throat as her hands caressed her soft flesh.
"I'm going to take you warrior. I'm going to make you mine. All mine." Gabrielle said this so softly and tenderly Xena didn't even realize that she had been rolled onto her back and was now pinned under the little blonde. When she did realize it, she didn't care.
Gabrielle moved her hand softly and gently down the warrior's body. She stopped at her beautiful breasts and took a nipple between the fingers of each hand. They were already hard, but the pinch that Gabrielle administered made them that much more sensitive. Xena shuddered and her breathing became ragged. The bard watched her lover, her eyes were closed and her head thrown back. She was biting her lower lip. "Don't hold back on me warrior." Gabrielle said as she took a nipple into her mouth and began teasing it with her teeth and tongue. The flesh was sweet. The bard discovered a new passion this very moment. What a wonderful discovery it was too. Her hand slipped down to the thick patch of hair between her lover's legs. She stroked the outside gently but firmly, letting the warrior know she was there. Xena moaned and arched at the touch.
"Tell me what you want Xena. Tell me what to do." The bard knew perfectly well what to do, she just wanted the pleasure of Xena's voice.
"Make love to me Gabrielle." She said as her hands ran over the bard's back.
"Oh I intend to my dear, but first I want you to tell me what pleases you. Does this please you?" She questioned as she took the nipple in her mouth again and licked it.
"Yes."
"And this?" She asked as she bit down, gently.
Xena couldn't answer until the spasm had passed. "Yes."
"What about this?" Gabrielle asked as she slipped her hand into the warrior's warmth.
"Oh Gods yes." Even the slightest touch sent the shivers of anticipation through the warrior's strong body.
Gabrielle gently rubbed and stroked Xena. The warrior felt as if she were going to lose her mind. Gabrielle knew perfectly well what she was doing to her. Xena made a mental note that the bard would pay later. "Gabrielle please, please make love to me."
"How do you like it warrior? Do you want passionate and tender or do you want rough and conquering?"
"I don't care."
Gabrielle smiled at the world of possibilities this answer opened up for her. She kissed the flesh of her lover as she worked her way down. Xena drew a deep breath and held it as Gabrielle placed her mouth over her lover's wet, warm center. Her explorations were tentative at first, but the musky odor and the reaction of Xena's body made her aggressive very quickly. As she buried her face deep within her lover she reached up and took both of Xena's nipples between her fingers and gave them the attention they demanded.
Xena lost control of her body. Giving it over to this wonderful, beautiful woman who was so expertly loving her. She was being conquered. She was giving in. She knew from this very moment that the bard had captured her. That final line had been crossed and now there was nothing more she could do about it. She belonged to the bard now heart, soul and body.
Gabrielle moved up and pulled Xena into her arms. The warrior collapsed there and fell into a deep peaceful sleep. Gabrielle smiled and kissed her warrior on the forehead. "You're mine warrior." She said softly as she fell asleep.
Xena awoke the next morning. She hadn't expected last night, and she decided to remain there with the bard and enjoy the memory. Gabrielle had moved away during the night. Xena extended her hand and laid it gently on Gabrielle's side. The bard moved back automatically and curled up next to Xena. The warrior inhaled the scent of her hair, and nuzzled down into it, inhaling again. "So sweet." She murmured. Gabrielle stirred, rolled over and opened her eyes. She smiled. Xena smiled.
"So how did I do?" Gabrielle asked as she planted small soft kisses on Xena's shoulder.
Xena blushed ever so slightly. "You were wonderful."
"I'm glad you're pleased."
"Pleased doesn't even begin to cover it."
Gabrielle snuggled down as a contented sigh escaped her lips. Xena pulled the bard even closer. "Xena?"
"Hmmm?"
"You have to be fitted today for your uniform."
"What uniform?"
"It's the uniform of the royal guard. You know since you're supposed to be my champion. That automatically makes you part of the royal guard and you have to have a uniform for the wedding."
"Oh I do, do I?"
"If you don't mind. Please?"
Oh there it was. That well placed 'I can get anything I want by saying please'. Xena let out a low grumble that sounded like "I suppose."
Gabrielle didn't really care what the warrior had said. She had agreed and that was all that mattered. "Thank you." She murmured as she drifted off secure in Xena's arms.
They got up later in the morning. Choosing to have their morning meal in their room rather than going to the dining hall. Gabrielle watched as Xena ate silently. The warrior felt the bard's eyes on her and looked up. "What?"
"Nothing."
"Un-huh. Come on Gabrielle out with it."
"Well…I…um…never mind."
"Oh no you don't. What's on your mind?"
"I was just wishing that it was going to be you…" She trailed off.
"Me, what?"
"You know during the ceremony. I wish you were going to be up there with me."
Xena smiled and took the bard's hand. "Are you proposing My Queen?"
"Ah no. I mean, I, oh Gods. Xena I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Sounds like a proposal to me."
"I'm not allowed to propose."
"Excuse me?"
"By amazon law. I'm not allowed to propose. Only those who seek to be my consort can propose to me."
"I see. So what you're telling me is that it's up to me to make an honest woman out of you."
"Yeah I guess so." She answered, her face a little crest fallen.
"Hey what's the matter?"
"Well I know that marriage isn't something that you would…" She trailed off again.
"Something I would what?"
"Ah, Tartarus Xena, you just really don't seem like the marrying type to me."
"I don't huh?"
"No. You're a free spirit. You're not going to want to get married and settle somewhere. It's just not in your nature."
"I see."
"Now you're mocking me."
"I am not." The warrior defended herself. "I'm listening to every word you're saying."
"Are you agreeing with every word I'm saying?"
"I don't know Gabrielle it is your opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinion." She said with a grin.
Gabrielle could see that this was getting her nowhere. She finished her meal in silence. She didn't notice the sly grin that remained on the face of the warrior.
Xena shuffled back and forth, fidgeting as the royal tailors measured her and fitted her for her new uniform. Gabrielle sat back in a high back chair and smiled.
"I hate this you know." Xena growled.
"It will all be over with soon enough."
"I don't see why my regular leathers and armor aren't good. They've always served us well enough before."
"Because Xena you are now apart of the royal guard and this is their uniform."
"I feel silly in trousers. They don't allow enough movement."
"It's only for a few days." Gabrielle offered, hoping it would soothe her lover's pride.
"You know I wouldn't do this for just anyone."
"I know. That's what makes it so special. You're doing it for me."
The warrior looked over at the bard, who smiled and winked. Xena threw her a lopsided grin and straightened up to make the tailor's job a little easier.
The square was being prepared for the beginning of the festival and upcoming royal marriages. Xena walked though the square on her way to the stables. Suddenly she stopped and looked around, taking note of the change in the air. As she looked around it became quiet clear that no one else had noticed. Then her skin began to crawl.
"Ares…" She mumbled.
Jordon's wedding gift to Gabrielle was going to be a fine mare from the royal stables. After picking a horse that suited her, Jordon mounted the animal and took her for a ride outside the gates of the city. Jordon was sizing up the nature of the animal as she rode through the countryside. Gabrielle had mentioned that sometimes traveling with Xena could be frustrating because she spent most of her time on foot while Xena rode. She admitted that Argo's size intimidated her and it seemed also, that the horse just plain hated her. So now with a fine strong horse much smaller than Argo, Gabrielle would now be able to ride if she choose too. If not the animal could most certainly carry their belongings which would also lesson Agro's load. This animal was a good one, a chestnut mare with a gentle nature. Gabrielle would be able to handle her just fine.
She turned to make her way back to the city when he showed himself. The mare whinnied, pounded the ground with her hoof and jerked as the dark clad man stood his ground in front of her. Jordon looked down and drew a deep breath.
"Ares what do you want?" She asked as she patted the horse's neck to try and calm her down.
"Satisfaction…" He sneered.
Xena knew Ares was around somewhere, she could feel it. It was odd that he hadn't come to torment her again. She decided to forgo her ride this afternoon to look around and see if she could find him. As she walked through the crowd she spotted Autolycus again and whistled to get his attention. The King of Thieves turned on his heel just in time to see her headed for him.
He threw up his hand and backed away. "I'm being good. I swear."
"Autolycus I need your help. Ares is here somewhere…"
"Ares? Oh no, Warrior Princess. I like my head right where it is. I become accustomed to it being right there on top of my neck. Gives a much better view from up there than it would on the ground."
"C'mon Autolycus this crowd's too big. I'll never be able to find him by myself. And if he's here, he's here to start trouble."
"Trouble I don't want to be involved with, I'm sure."
"It could be trouble for Gabrielle…" She said allowing the bard's name to hang in the air.
His shoulders slumped, his head fell and he sighed. "All right. Let's go."
Xena smiled triumphantly. She knew that most people might be able to fore sake her and leave her to the dogs, but when it came to Gabrielle that was a different story entirely. There wasn't one of their friends who would desert Gabrielle. This gave the warrior a great deal of comfort. It made her feel good to know that no matter what happened to her, someone would always watch out for the bard. Xena had always considered the fact that Gabrielle and Autolycus would make good partners. Gabrielle could take care of herself and she didn't really need a warrior type anymore. Did she just think that? Yes, she did think that and she realized it was true. She sighed as they made their way into the crowd.
"Exactly why are we doing this again?" Autolycus asked as he attempted to look at the face of every person he passed. "He may even be in disguise."
"Yeah, but I'll know it when he's close." Xena said as she did the same.
"How do you do that?"
"I have…"
"Many skills. Yeah, yeah I've heard that song before."
"I don't understand why he hasn't made his presence known to me. I'm the one he usually likes to pick on."
"Maybe there's another warrior in the area that he's trying to get to."
His words rang in her ears. "Oh Gods!" Xena yelled as she grabbed Autolycus by the front of his shirt and dragging him with her. "Come on!" They headed for the palace.
Xena was frantic when she found out that Jordon had gone out for a ride and was a candle mark over due. She ordered Argo saddled and a horse for Autolycus. Very soon they were headed for the gates of the village. They hadn't ridden for very long when they found the chestnut mare grazing in the field. Jordon was no where to be seen. They retrieved the horse and searched the area.
Jordon stormed into the palace. She went directly to Xena and Gabrielle's room. She pounded on the door so hard it vibrated beneath her fist. "Open the door Gabrielle!" She yelled. "Open it or I'll break it in!"
The door opened. Jordon forced her way into the room. Gabrielle stumbled backward and crashed into the table as Jordon stormed toward her.
"Jordon? What is it what's wrong?" She asked as she tried to put more space between herself and her enraged friend.
Jordon stopped and shook her head, bringing her hand to her eyes and shaking it again. She looked at Gabrielle. There was a battle going on inside this person. Gabrielle had seen the same look on Xena's face the day she fought Jorgus. "Gabrielle pack you things and go! Get Xena and go!"
"Jordon I don't understand…"
"I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO UNDERSTAND. I'M TELLING YOU TO GO!" Jordon screamed at the bard. Jordon's breathing became hard and hot, she began shaking. She looked at Gabrielle, fighting the urge to go near the bard. Suddenly she turned on her heels and opened the door. Without turning around. "There's not much time Gabrielle. Leave."
Jordon left the room. Gabrielle just stood there, in total disbelief of what she had just witnessed. Something was obviously very wrong here. She needed to find Xena. She opened the door slowly and looked out to make sure Jordon was gone, the last thing she wanted was to get surprised by the irate monarch.
Just as Gabrielle was about to leave the palace she found Xena and Autolycus headed in. "Xena!"
Xena didn't waste any time, she grabbed Gabrielle by the shoulders and asked her quickly, "Have you seen Jordon?"
"Yes, just a few moments ago. In our room, raging around like a maniac, telling me we should pack and go."
"Sounds like good advice to me." Autolycus said as he started to slink away. Xena caught him by the back of the shirt and just held him in place.
"We've got to find Jordon." Xena said to Gabrielle as Autolycus continued to squirm in her firm grasp. "Ares is up to something and I think that Jordon may be his latest victim."
They made short work of checking the palace. Jordon was no where to be found. Xena started to show the frustration she was feeling as they walked into the crowded square. She scanned into it only find her view blocked at every glance. "Ah Tartarus!" She finally yelled as she realized she had to get above the crowd if she was going to see anything. She vaulted up onto the top of a building and began scanning the crowds.
"How exactly how does she do that?" Autolycus asked as he followed her with his eyes.
"I'm not sure." Gabrielle admitted, not even bothering to look up any more. "But by the Gods it can be annoying."
"I think it's great." The thief said still looking up.
Gabrielle slugged him in the arm hard when she realized his eyes were lingering just a little longer than they should.
"Hey!" He said rubbing his arm and glaring at the bard. "I was just appreciating the view."
"That's my view. Eyes off."
"Oh yeah, I forgot. I'm sorry." He continued to rub his arm. "You've got some arm there kid."
She punched him in the other arm. "That's for the 'kid' remark."
Xena found Jordon. She was walking into the center of the square with her sword drawn. She hadn't decided who she was going to kill yet but it wouldn't be long, Xena knew that looked.
Gabrielle heard the war cry and looked up just in time to see Xena flip from the building into the very center of the square. She didn't draw her sword, she just began circling her friend.
"Jordon put the sword down."
"Ah, Xena here to play? I told Gabrielle to take you and leave." There was venom in her voice.
"Jordon, you're not thinking straight. Put the sword down." Xena tried to reason with her friend as they continued to circle each other.
"You have no idea Xena." Jordon began twirling her sword. "Looks familiar doesn't it Xena. I'll bet you're sorry you taught me everything you know aren't you?"
"Jordon don't make me hurt you. Ares has done something to your mind. Let's go see your mother."
Jordon charged Xena, blade forward. Xena side stepped the charge and drew, her own sword. "Jordon! Listen to me…"
"You don't understand." She gasped. "He was going to kill Gabrielle to get you back. I couldn't let that happen. I had to give him something else instead." She explained during a brief moment of clarity, it didn't last long and she charged Xena.
Their swords clashed. The swords met at the hilt and the two friends we're face to face struggling. "Jordon we need to go to the temple." Xena growled as she felt her own blood start to boil, partly from the fight that was starting here, but mostly from the anger she felt at Ares.
"It's no good Xena. I freely gave him what he wanted." Jordon broke off. Then she swung again. The fight was on.
Gabrielle and Autolycus managed to make their way through the crowd that had now formed around the two warriors. Gabrielle started for them only to have Autolycus pull her back. "No Gabrielle you can't get between them you'll get killed."
"We have to do something." She said, feeling absolutely helpless.
"Xena can handle this. Let her." Her said sternly, holding onto her arm.
The two warriors continued to fight. The fact that Jordon was many seasons younger and half Goddess didn't do much for Xena's odds in this fight. Her muscles were already getting sore from defending the blows that were being delivered. Jordon brought her sword high above her head and chopped straight down, forcing Xena to block the blow. The force knocked her to the ground and broke the blade of her sword. She rolled away as Jordon tried to deliver what would have been a deathblow.
Autolycus' quick reflexes relieved a soldier of his sword. "Xena catch!" He yelled as her tossed her the blade.
She got to her feet and caught the blade. Whirling around she blocked another blow and disappeared under Jordon's arm, causing the prince to stumble forward towards the crowd.
An unsuspecting spectator found the business end of the bladed. Jordon just smiled and kicked him off before turning on Xena.
"My first kill. I so wanted to give you that honor." Jordon sneered as she approached Xena.
"Jordon stop this before any more innocent blood is spilled." Xena said as she tried to get a better position.
"Like you should lecture about spilling innocent blood."
That comment cut Xena to her soul and gave Jordon the opening she was looking for. She struck at Xena slicing through her leathers at the midsection. The wound wasn't deep but it hurt. She could feel the blood dripping down her front and beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She charged Jordon and their sword locked again.
Another moment of clarity for Jordon. "Kill me Xena. Please. Don't let that bastard have me."
Jordon pulled back and charged again, as she neared Xena she lowered her sword and for all intensive purposes threw herself on Xena's blade. Xena was stunned, she let go of the sword.
Jordon fell to the ground. Gabrielle and Autolycus rushed forward. Autolycus looked to Xena who just stood there staring at her fallen friend; he finally reached over and removed the sword. Gabrielle pulled Jordon into her arms and cradled her.
"I had to do it…"Jordon whispered. "For you." Her eyes closed and she was gone.
Soldiers that had been standing by, rushed forward and seized Xena by the arms. As they prepared to take her away a shimmering silver light formed. Athene stepped forward.
"Let the Warrior Princess go. She did what she had to do to protect this village. Jordon had been forced by Ares to give her soul to him. Xena had no choice. Athene knelt by the body of the fallen warrior and looked into Gabrielle's tear filled eyes. "She is with me now Gabrielle. She wanted me to tell you that." Gabrielle nodded but continued to look into the face of the fallen warrior.
Xena still stood motionless. "Athene," She croaked "I'm sorry. Jordon was my friend, I didn't mean to…"
Athene put a hand on the warrior's shoulder. "You did what had to be done warrior. Her hate and anger would have destroyed this village and everyone in it. You need feel no shame, no guilt. I'll see to that Ares pays for what he has done. In the meantime," the Goddess paused and a new sword appeared in her hands. "Take this warrior. It has no special powers but it is the sword that my chosen carries."
" Your chosen? I can't be…" Xena said in disbelief.
"Yes Xena, now that Jordon is gone, that responsibility falls to you. You are my chosen." She handed her the sword
Xena took it with shaking hands and said something she swore she would never say to any God, "Thank you."
Xena wore her new uniform. She wore it for the three days that she stood guard over Jordon's body as it lay in state in Athene's temple. She stood stone faced and unmoving for three days and nights as the mourners came to pay their respects to the fallen prince. Gabrielle had tried to convince her to take shifts with other guards, but she refused. So she remained there, dressed in the uniform of the royal guard, the dark red and black uniform that should have been worn to herald Jordon's succession to the throne, not her funeral.
Gabrielle watched the unmoving warrior from the back of the temple. Her heart was breaking for the pain she knew Xena must be in. She had killed a friend, a true friend. Xena had taken a life that until that very day had never harmed another. Athene's words were no comfort to the warrior. To her Jordon's death laid heavily upon her shoulders and probably would for sometime to come.
Jordon's body was placed in the family tomb, next to the father that loved her so much. Kaylan was married in a small quiet ceremony and then crowned king. Xena had been watching the ceremony from the back of the room. When it ended she turned to leave when suddenly she felt a hand on her arm. She turned back the face Kaylan.
"You always have a place here Xena. You've always been a friend to this family and you always will be." He paused and then looked up. "My sister loved you both."
"You knew?" Xena was shocked.
Kaylan smiled and nodded. "Of course I knew. Most people in the village know. Jordon was a just to kind of heart, but we all knew there must have been a reason, so we remained quiet."
"You're going to be a fine king." Xena said with a smile
"Will you and Gabrielle stay for a few more days?"
"No, it's time for us to go."
"It's still getting cold at night. Let me give you some extra equipment and rations to see you through."
"That would be appreciated. Thank you."
With the light of the next morning, Kaylan said good-bye to Xena and Gabrielle at the gates of the village. He watched as Xena rode away on Argo and Gabrielle walked next to her, leading the chestnut mare that carried their supplies. They paused and looked back, he smiled and waved, then, once again they were on their way.
"So exactly where are we headed now?" Gabrielle asked.
"Does it matter?"
Gabrielle looked back on last time. "No," she said quietly. "No, I guess it doesn't."
End