About that Kiss

by Trish Kerr (Phopas)

The story below contains adult scenes between two women so if

you are under 18 years of age stop reading now. There are also

some scenes of violence. If you find this offensive don't read

it.

For the rest of you, well - enjoy! It's nice and long for

those of you that like that, and I had a great time writing it!

Note

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This story takes place after the episode 'A Necessary Evil', and

the episode 'The Quest', and it's absolutely wonderful "Kiss"

Scene.

Prologue

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Xena and Gabrielle have successfully trapped both Valasqua and

Callisto in the lava pit - locked for eternity in a battle

embrace . (but probably not - maybe next season?)

Chapter 1 - The Lava Pit

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Two women stood atop a steep cliff that spanned far above the

lava river that ran through the canyon below. Both were staring

down into the molten lava, red, hot and steaming, contemplating

the evil that now lay trapped in it's fiery tomb. The sky was a

beautiful blue and gave the lush foliage surrounding the cliffs

a brilliant deep green. The taller of the two, a strong well

muscled woman with raven hair stared down with the most

beautiful ice blue eyes. She wore a leather armor tunic that

stopped halfway down her well sculpted thighs. Bright rays of

sunshine caught on the edges of her brass breast plates, the

intricate spiral designs swirling down her front. She now

turned to look at her companion, smaller with reddish blonde

hair and emerald green eyes lit up from the sun. She wore a

short cropped laced green top that stopped short to reveal her

taught muscular abs. The short skirt she wore accented her well

defined legs, hardened from many miles of walking.

"Gabrielle?" Xena, the tall dark haired woman, spoke softly. "We

should get going - my sword is still on the other side of this

canyon and we'll have to go the long way round now to get it,

not to mention all of our camping gear. It should take us most

of the day to make it back."

"I thought you said we had time?" Gabrielle replied, slightly

annoyed. Xena was always in a hurry, never quite settled in the

moment. Gabrielle was still looking down almost as if she

feared the two evil goddesses would come flying out of the lava

straight for her heart. But Callisto and Valasqua did not show

themselves. Ever since Valsaqua had miraculously reappeared at

the ceremony crowning Ephiny the new Queen of the Amazons they

had been running for their lives - and Gabrielle had been the

hunted. She had not relaxed one muscle for a day and a half

now- but it was over. She sighed, thinking of Callisto again.

She held on to a small part of her heart that believed Callisto

was sorry for all the evil things that she had done and she

needed to believe this or she couldn't let go of the incredible

hatred that she held for this woman. She had killed her husband

Perdicus, not one day into their marriage, in cold blood, as an

evil gift to both Gabrielle and Xena. But then, things had

changed, hadn't they?

"We do have time - if we get going now..." Growled Xena, growing

impatient, and a little nervous that her cherished sword would

not be there when they returned to the other side. "Your staff

is over there too you know." Hoping this would prod Gabrielle

into moving. Then maybe she'd stop, thinking so much - Xena

didn't want Gabrielle thinking too much about this one -

Callisto was a friction between them she now hoped would be gone

for good - she could only hope - these things had a way of

coming back full circle.

Does anybody really stay dead around here anyway? Well, thank

the gods, I haven't! She smiled to herself. And this is the

first day I can really start living again......

"Xena," Gabrielle sighed, "You just started breathing again two

days ago - you'd think you might have learned something from

your death - like maybe enjoying each precious moment...."

Gabrielle waved her hands in the air, searching for the perfect

way to describe this.

"You mean as if it was my last?" Xena cut into Gabrielle's

eloquent prose.

"No!" Gabrielle replied, "Well, yes - maybe. But I just got you

back from the dead so I was looking for something more life

affirming than that actually." She said and looked up at Xena,

finally breaking her gaze from the brilliant lava pit she

narrowly missed falling into only moments ago.

Her breath caught in her throat as she locked eyes with the

incredible blue of Xena's. "I, uhh, actually, you're right -

what if someone uses my staff for firewood! " God she was

blabbering again." Let's do it, ..I mean let's get going." She

finished too quickly. Oh boy, Gabrielle, you are losing it!

Xena looked down at her inquisitively, searching for any traces

of anger Gabrielle may have held against her for bringing

Callisto back from her immortal prison. She hated to have hurt

her but she saw no other choice under the circumstance. She

couldn't lose, no, would not lose Gabrielle. If that meant

sacrificing everything then so be it. But she saw no

anger....just a trace of...she wasn't sure. She was once again

gazing into her green eyes and with the wind slightly blowing

Gabrielle's hair over her face she felt a warm feeling spread

across her heart. She had to look away before she said

something really stupid.

Gabrielle's heart sank slightly as Xena broke the electric gaze

held between them.

And for the first time she was feeling awkward, somehow, and a

little too hot....the sun must be stronger up here on the

cliffs. Or maybe I'm getting sick, - yeah right!... or maybe

it's time we talked about...

"So then", interrupted Xena, "we should..." she held her hand

out to help Gabrielle up from her knees.

"Get going." Gabrielle finished., gladly taking Xena's hand

hoping to break this awkward moment.

Xena lifted her up and held on a brief second longer than was

necessary and then quickly turned to head down the path.

Chapter 2 The Long Walk

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They had been traveling for well over three hours with barely a

word spoken between them. The beautiful blue sky had slowly

been replaced by a wave of menacing clouds that threatened to

spill from the heavens at any moment.

Xena was beginning to feel incredibly uncomfortable. The bard

was never this quiet. Perhaps she was still angry over the

Callisto issue. Well she would just have to break this

deafening silence. A woman of few words, she would have to work

for this one. "Sky's looking bad." Xena stated. That's

beautiful she thought to herself - very original.....

"Yes, it is..." Gabrielle trailed off...beautiful, very poetic

reply for a bard - by the gods, when did this get so difficult?

Well, she had had enough. It was time they talked about it -

and she would put it off no longer. It looked like she would

have to start this ball rolling because if she waited for Xena

it could be, well, a very long time indeed.

But how to start - she hadn't really had time to think since

Xena had returned to her and her emotions were all over the map

these last two days. And to top it off, she was beginning to

have a hard time breathing around Xena and this was not a good

thing, or maybe it was. Gods, she was confused, and yet she

wasn't really, was she?

"Hope the clouds hold till we get to the ruins..." Xena tried

again, hoping for more than a three word answer this time. This

word thing was harder than she had imagined...and when did it

get so hard anyway?

Xena had always felt so very much a home with Gabrielle but this

was new....every fiber in her had the urge to grab hold of

Gabrielle and bury her head into her beautiful golden hair and

stay there forever. Ever since she had heard her pleas from the

other world to come back to her, because she needed her, a door

had opened up inside her heart, and it was not closing

easily.....and when she had appeared to Gabrielle through

Autocylus's body, she had melted, and the kiss....

"Xena?" Gabrielle asked in the form of a question without a

question.

"Yeah?" Xena replied to nothing....waiting, her mind now planted

firmly in the present again.

"Can I ask you something?" Gabrielle said tentatively.

"Yes Gabrielle?" Xena said with a slight nervous twinge to her

voice.

"Well I was thinking..." As usual Gabrielle thought to herself.

Come on, girl, you're a bard for gods sake. "When you were

dead...." she continued.

"Yeessss..." Xena replied, frustration beginning to show in her

voice at the slowness of this conversation that had yet to find

it's point.

"When you appeared to me through Autolycus's body..." Gabrielle

ventured further.

"Yes." Xena replied, her heart beginning to tighten ever so

slightly. We're getting there she thought to herself.

"And you kissed me..." Gabrielle continued on painfully, hoping

her voice wouldn't crack on her. Focus Gabrielle, remain calm,

focus, focus.

"Yes?" Xena asked. The wind was beginning to whip up around

them as if the gods themselves were shaking from anticipation.

"Did you feel....?" Gabrielle trailed off, searching for the

right words to describe the feeling, but for all her large

vocabulary nothing suitable was coming to mind.

Xena stopped and turned to look into Gabrielle's eyes, both

women frozen on the path. Xena opened her mouth to say

something but was cut short. A brilliant flash of lightening

tore through the sky followed by a powerful burst of thunder.

Xena and Gabrielle both recoiled and quickly looked at the sky,

then back at each other - but it was too late. The skies poured

down on them a in raging stream and any words contemplated were

quickly washed away.

Xena looked around wildly searching for any form of shelter that

would hold them but there were no rocks or caves, only lush

ferns and tall grass along the path. There was nothing between

here and the ruins but greenery and she silently scolded herself

for not thinking ahead. The nearest possibility was a large oak

tree a few hundred yards down the path but this was not a safe

option. Lightening could strike the tree as it was quite tall.

There were a few trees further along that were taller so Xena in

an instant sized up the odds and made a decision. This was more

like it she thought!

"Gabrielle!" She screamed over the loud rumble of the pelting

rain. "Over here!" She pointed to the closest tree and Gabrielle

nodded in agreement as Xena grabbed her and dragged her anyway.

The wind was whipping widely now as they made their way forward,

bits of leaves and small twigs caught in the fury of the storm

smacked against their struggling forms. It was becoming

difficult to see as the rain continued to pour down and

progress was slow. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity

they reached the relative safety of the tree. All this had

occurred in less than a minute but they were both completely

drenched.

Xena leaned her back up against the trunk for support and pulled

Gabrielle from behind holding her tight in fear her bard might

blow away in this incredible display of fury from the heavens.

Well there was no fear of not talking now as it was impossible

to say anything. The wind was whipping faster than any words

could carry. Xena was beginning to worry this may erupt into a

twister and with this new fearful thought she pulled them both

down to the ground and clasped her arms even tighter around

Gabrielle, burying her head into Gabrielle's shoulder so she

could breath. Or was that really the reason? She asked herself.

She could not see Gabrielle's face as she had her back to her

but she thought she felt, or perhaps imagined, a slight shutter

come from Gabrielle. Perhaps Gabrielle was beginning to feel the

cold - but Xena felt no cold, though she should have, in fact it

was exactly the opposite. Everywhere her body made contact with

the bard she was feeling an intense heat building which was

contrary to the cold wind and torrential rains that battered

their small forms in the sky's fury. She was beginning to wish

she had not pulled Gabrielle so uncomfortably close to her and

was in fear Gabrielle would feel the heat and wonder if Xena

wasn't in the middle of an incredible fever. She closed her

eyes and tried to shut out all thought and wait this thing out

-she had little choice at the moment.

Gabrielle was cursing inside. She had worked so hard to get to

the moment they had shared on the path and this storm had washed

away any progress she had made. By the Gods she was mad! So

close, and yet, right back to where they had started. Curse

this rain, curse this damn rain.....she was about to shout it

aloud, despite the wind whipping into her mouth. but then Xena

had buried her head in her hair, and the curse had died on her

lips.

Gabrielle soaked in this new closeness, her eyes closed and the

everything melted away, the rain, the wind, the cold, - except

for Xena's body wrapped tightly around her own. The warmth

radiated from every part of Xena that touched her. The heat

rising within herself was alarming. and despite all the elements

she was beginning to think she was actually sweating!!! And now

she was sure she was no longer breathing. She slowly leaned her

head back into Xena's shoulder and sighed deeply, taking her

first breath in a long time. Suddenly this terrible rainstorm

was not such an enemy after all. In fact this was heaven. She

pressed herself even closer to Xena's huddled form, taking full

advantage of this wonderful situation. Her arms, captured in

Xena's, raised slightly as she worked her hands free. She

covered Xena's hands gently with her own and felt a small

shutter come from Xena's body. Her heart lifted with this and a

small smile spread across her face as she now had confirmation

that her touch was as electric to Xena as Xena's was to her. Oh

yes Xena, Gabrielle thought to herself, I love your tree plan,

yes this was a good plan, love this tree, great tree.

Just as Gabrielle moved her hand to sink it into the softness of

Xena's beautiful hair the sky shot out a blinding light and the

hand of Zeus descended on their beloved tree. A loud crack shot

through the air as the lightening struck the top of the old oak

and sliced down through the trunk of the tree with a powerful

electric sword. Xena and Gabrielle snapped their heads up and

turned to lock eyes once again. "Uh oh," they both mouthed

silently. And in that split second Xena was propelling them

forward away from the tree as the loud bang of thunder shot down

followed by the tree itself.

Wrapped together they landed and rolled away from the falling

branches. Xena still wrapped around Gabrielle stole a glance

upwards at the falling limbs. She had no time to move so she

instinctively covered all of Gabrielle's body with her own and

buried her head into the bard's back in the hopes it wouldn't

be crushed by the heavy limbs now crashing down around them.

Both lay frozen in time, their bodies tense in anticipation of

large limbs landing down and crushing the life out of them.

Tangles of branches and leaves fell all around them. scratching

Xena wherever there was exposed skin. The ground shook from the

weight of the giant limbs making contact. Neither women dare

breathe.

And then it was over.

Xena warily looked up to survey the damage. Right next to her

head, not inches away was half of the huge oak trunk.....just a

bit closer and both of them would have been killed. She

shuttered and instinctively looked down to see if Gabrielle was

all right. Gabrielle's head was turned to stare at the oak as

well. Her eyes were wide with the realization of their very near

miss. "Nice tree" Gabrielle mouthed softly....Xena couldn't

make out what she had just said but it was enough to know she

was still breathing and very much alive.

"Whew!" Xena exhaled, thinking what an adrenaline rush that had

been. Her heart was still pounding through her veins. Her

warrior instincts were as sharp as her sword's edge at the

moment She took a few deep breaths to regain a sense of calm

and lifted herself up. The rain was still coming down steady

but the wind was dying as the center of the storm began it's

slow journey east.

She extended her hand down to Gabrielle. Gabrielle was still

shaking and gladly took it allowing Xena to pull her up towards

her. She felt a bit light headed from the shock and

instinctively leaned into Xena. Then concern crossed her face

as she began to feel around Xena to check for any signs of

damage.

"Are you all right Xena?" She asked shakily, her breath still

quick from fright and concern.

"I'm fine Gabrielle." Xena replied assuring her. "Really! See!"

She pulled away and turned around for her.

Oww, she thought to herself as she did this, as she could feel

where there were a few stinging areas on her skin. Most likely

scratches from the smaller branches.

"Oh Xena!" cried Gabrielle. "You've got a nasty cut on your

shoulder, and some scratches here," she touched the back of her

arm gently.

"I'm fine Gabrielle." She dismissed the motherly affection,

turned around and got right down to business. "We better get

going - the rain seems to be letting up and we can still get to

our gear if we hurry. We have to get a fire going and get warm

before we both catch cold." Not very likely, she thought to

herself, she hadn't felt this kind of heat since, when? Marcus?

Maybe not even then....

There was an awkward pause, as Gabrielle searched into Xena's

blue eyes for a hint of emotion. Xena had erected her warrior

wall and nothing was forthcoming. "Well, I still want to tend

to those cuts...." Her voice trailed off, boy do I, she thought

inwardly."After all, you just saved my life - once again. It's

the least I can do!"

"Later." Xena said - "Let's get moving." She added rather

hurriedly. Just a little panic there Xena old girl? she thought

to herself. Moving is a good thing, she needed time to think,

to cool off, to breathe. Breathe Xena, she talked to herself,

breathe, calm, breathe, calm. Very good, - move.

"Let's go." Xena said and she was off.

Moving pretty fast Gabrielle noted. She had to race to catch up

to her. And I'm right behind you Xena, Gabrielle thought. And

I've got you in my sights.

Chapter 3 - Drying off

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The rain had stopped completely by the time they made it back to

the ruins. It had been over an hour of fast paced trekking and

once again there had been very little words exchanged. Lots of

thinking going on - but no words had crossed their lips. Both

women were chilled to the bone and first priority upon arrival

was getting a fire going.

"It will be dark within the hour Gabrielle." Xena stated. I'll

gather firewood - hopefully I can find some that isn't soaked

through - you gather the supplies so we can try and dry them

out."

"We left most of our gear on Argo back at the village stable."

Gabrielle said. " We'll need to hunt for food won't we?" She

added expectantly. "I'm starving," she exclaimed through

chattering teeth. "What about food?"

Xena sighed. Gabrielle was forever hungry it seemed. "I'll

take care of it - after we get a fire going - I don't want you

catching your death of cold - your lips are blue already!" Xena

added with some concern.

And with that she was gone.

They set up camp just beyond the ruins in a small grove of

trees. Xena busily tried to get the fire going while Gabrielle

cursed excessively as she continued to pull out drenched item

after drenched item from their carrying bag. Both blankets were

soaked. She hung them on a low branch at the edge of the fire

and prayed they would dry before they needed them. She no

longer had the heat of Xena's body and a bone chilling cold was

beginning to spread across her.

After what seemed like an eternity Xena had a flame. The fire

illuminated the clearing with a soft orange glow. The sun had

disappeared over the horizon and darkness had blanketed their

little cove.

"Gabrielle, leave that stuff and come by the fire to get

warmth." Xena said worriedly. "I'll be back with something we

can eat soon."

Gabrielle obeyed gladly and sat down as close to the fire as

humanly possible without singeing her hair. The warmth was a

welcome companion. But her stomach was a loud complainer at the

moment. She watched Xena disappear into blackness of the

clearing's edge hoping she wouldn't be gone long. She missed

her already. The campfire was suddenly a very lonely place

without her warrior by her side.

Xena had not had time to look for her sword yet, she silently

cursed. She felt safer with it in her reach - she would be

lucky to find it now in the dark. But at least she still had her

chakram and that was good enough for this hunt. She slipped into

the trees and became as invisible as the air around her. She

moved through the forest with a silent predatory grace . She

was an expert hunter afterall, one of her many skills.

Xena returned within a half an hour triumphantly carrying a

rabbit in one raised arm, and Gabrielle's staff in the other,

Her smile lighting up the clearing.

"My staff!" Gabrielle's eyes lit up brightly. "Thank you Xena!"

Xena tossed it to her over the fire and she caught it and swung

it around playfully. It felt good in her hands, she had felt

slightly incomplete without it today.

"Did you find your sword?" Gabrielle asked.

"Not yet," Xena sighed. "It will have to wait until daylight."

Gabrielle nodded, knowing Xena cherished that sword and felt

naked without it. Secretly she feared they would never find it

- there was a good chance it had gone over the edge and into

the lava pit, lost forever.

Gabrielle turned back to the fire. She had already erected a

spit, confident of her warrior's skills. The flame was burning

nicely now and the blankets were beginning to dry.

Gabrielle busily prepared the rabbit as Xena grabbed a somewhat

damp blanket and sat in front of the fire trying to warm her

freezing limbs. The adrenaline from the hunt was fading and she

beginning to feel very uncomfortable in her rain soaked

leathers.

Finally Gabrielle placed the carcass on the spit.

With this last task complete, they could only be patient and

wait for it to cook.

Gabrielle glanced worriedly over at Xena - knowing she must be

frozen by now.

She came over to her and kneeled behind her. She had the

medicinal ointment in her hand that they always carried - an

essential in their line of work. Any excuse to get close was a

good one. She had a few she could use, and some backup ones as

well.

"Xena, let's get that armor off of you, and I want to tend to

those cuts." She reached down and began to unbuckle the clasps

of Xena's breast plate.

Xena sighed and closed her eyes, enjoying this moment, something

she always looked forward to when her bard would delicately

remove her gear. But tonight Gabrielle's hands shook slightly

and this did not go unnoticed by the warrior.

Xena started to take off her wrist plates but Gabrielle reached

from behind and gently removed them. Despite the chill in the

air Gabrielle was beginning to warm up quite nicely. Very warm

indeed, she thought to herself. Warm is good, breathe Gabrielle

- you've done this before. But never like this, she thought to

herself. She'd only dreamed it....her thoughts trailed off....

And then she gazed back down on her warrior's back. A small

pang of hurt crossed her heart as she inspected the small cuts

and bruises left from the tree's branches. And then she melted

at the thought of Xena protecting her from the falling tree.

She was always sacrificing herself for Gabrielle. Tears welled

up in Gabrielle's eyes and she let out a small gasp.

"Are you all right Gabrielle?" Xena asked, a small ripple of

worry danced through a sea of emotion that was building in her.

"I'm fine Xena," Gabrielle replied softly. "You've got a nasty

cut on your shoulder here, I'll have to put some ointment on it.

In might hurt a bit." She bit down on her lip to gain back some

self control and reached for Xena's leather shoulder strap. She

gently removed it making sure she did not graze the cut. She

then brushed back Xena's damp tangled hair making a mental note

that this was extremely sexy and reminded herself to get caught

in the rain again sometime soon. The flames from the fire danced

softly across Xena's bare shoulder.

Gabrielle bent down intending to apply the cream but instead her

lips reached down and softly kissed her bare shoulder.

Xena's body tensed and she inhaled quickly. For a split second

Gabrielle feared she had been wrong. As she was about to pull

away Xena's hand reached up and buried itself in Gabrielle's

hair and pulled her closer.

"Gabrielle.." Xena gasped.

A small smile spread across Gabrielle's face and she began to

trace a line of kisses along Xena's neck. Xena's fingers dug

deeper into Gabrielle's hair as she drank in the touch of

Gabrielle's lips on her skin, which was now on fire. Xena then

turned her head towards Gabrielle and gazed into her eyes. The

firelight danced across the deep green, her pupils dark with

desire. Gabrielle stepped into the blue of Xena's eyes and bent

down, kissing her lips.

Everything fell away, all sound and sight , except for the sweet

soft kiss they now shared.

It was long and exquisite and neither wanted to break the spell

of this frozen moment in time. Finally they pulled back and

looked into each other's eyes once again.

Needing no words, Xena gently guided Gabrielle around to face

her. Gabrielle's back now to the fire, Xena pulled her down into

her lap, Gabrielle's legs wrapped gently around Xena's waist.

Cupping Gabrielle's face in her hands, Xena kissed her deeply ,

tasting the sweetness of her mouth. "You are beautiful." Xena

whispered as she began to trace a line of her own kisses down

Gabrielle's neck.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and let the sensation of Xena's lips

on her body take over. Xena paused at the hollow of her throat,

and gently ran her tongue across it, making circular patterns on

her skin.

Gabrielle gasped and grabbed onto Xena's hair trying to pull her

closer, needing to hold her.

Wherever Xena's lips touched her a wave of desire spread.

"Xena..." Gabrielle moaned.

"Shhh." Xena whispered, painting a new line of kisses down her

chest. She paused and breathed deeply the scent of Gabrielle's

soft skin. "Patience..."

Though she said this she was not sure herself if she could

remain true to these words. She had dreamed of this moment for

a long time now and she was torn between the intense desire to

ravage Gabrielle and the other equal desire to savor every

precious moment of this first time together. Her love for this

woman was so great it threatened to consume her very soul.

Without pulling away she began to unlace Gabrielle's top. Her

hands were shaking ever so slightly as she removed the barrier

between Gabrielle's breasts and her exploring tongue. Cupping

both breasts in her hands she lightly danced her tongue across

Gabrielle's now swollen nipples. Gabrielle inhaled sharply and

leaned forward burying her head in Xena's hair.

Xena then teased her further biting gently on her nipple

extracting more gasps from the shivering bard. Xena knew she

couldn't push the bard much further. This in turn was beginning

to drive Xena mad with her own desire.

So much for patience she thought and grabbed Gabrielle by the

shoulders and pushed her down on the blanket. Xena kneeled on

top of her looking down at her beautiful form. She slid

Gabrielle's skirt off trying to maintain some semblance of

control. She could barely keep herself together. No one had

ever made her feel this vulnerable, this aching. Not even

Marcus, whom she had loved deeply, had even come close to

gripping her heart as fiercely as this young bard was now. She

had come back across the planes of Tartarus to be with Gabrielle

and the emotions now swirling inside her head were leaving her

dizzy, taking away what little breath she had left. Her heart

squeezed tightly in her chest as the blood pumped wildly through

her veins.

She slowly began to remove her leather tunic.

Gabrielle breathlessly gazed up at the woman of her dreams. Her

eyes were locked on to the beautiful goddess. Xena removed her

clothes and kneeled before her. The fire was dancing shadows

across her shapely, well muscled figure. Her soft lightly tanned

skin luminous against the night sky. By the gods, she looked

beautiful naked. Her hair fell softly across her breasts and

Gabrielle longed to dive into that space and never return. Her

body ached to hold Xena close to her and her arms reached up to

pull her down.

Xena lay down on top of her, careful not to put her entire

weight on her and kissed her fiercely, her tongue exploring her

mouth, greeted then by Gabrielle's equally passionate tongue.

Xena then slowly began the trail of kisses that would lead her

down to Gabrielle's fiery center. She stopped at Gabrielle's

breasts and spent a few precious moments sucking on her hardened

nipples. Gabrielle grabbed Xena's hair with both her hands,

moaning louder with each flicker of her tongue. The firelight

shimmered across Gabrielle's skin now glistening with sweat .

Sensing Gabrielle would not last much longer she continued her

line of kisses until she reached the soft mound of her desire.

Xena melted into Gabrielle as she tasted the sweet hot liquid

inferno building inside her.

Gabrielle cried out and raised her hips to meet Xena's lips, her

fingers digging deeply into Xena's dark mane. A low guttural

moan began in Gabrielle's throat as Xena's tongue continued a

slow seductive dance around the center of her desire. Her hips

moved in a rhythmic dance with Xena's tongue, the beat steadily

increasing. Xena reached up with her hands and gently squeezed

Gabrielle's nipples knowing this would drive the bard over the

edge. And she was not disappointed.

Gabrielle felt like she was about to explode. A slow heat began

to build in her center. Her body shook uncontrollably as a wave

of warmth and pleasure shot through her entire body. Lifting her

hips high one last time she cried out Xena's name and collapsed

back down onto the ground and felt her body sink into the

blanket, still pulsing weakly. Xena instinctively knew what she

needed and was already cradling her in her arms. Tears of

emotion were running down her face and Xena stopped to kiss each

one gently.

Gabrielle could not speak. Probably for the first time in her

existence she thought to herself. She wrapped her arms around

Xena and squeezed her so tight she was afraid she might be

suffocating her. But she had to have her close, she needed to

feel her body entwined as one with her own. She had never felt

such love as she did now. She finally had broken through the

emotional walls Xena had carefully built and gotten inside to

where the most beautiful heart lay hidden. Only a few short

days ago Xena had lay in a coffin, Gabrielle's world had been

shattered. Had it taken such a tragedy to force her to look at

her true heart's intentions? She shuddered to think that she

may never have been able to share this incredible love that now

tangled itself around Xena's heart and her own.

Xena was gazing down at her, visibly grinning now. "Speechless,

my little bard?" Xena asked deviously,

Gabrielle mouthed a response, but her voice failed her.

"Well then." Xena laughed, "I'll take that as a compliment!"

She felt so euphoric at the moment she feared she might float

away if she weren't holding on to Gabrielle. Gods she had

longed for this closeness. She brushed aside some of

Gabrielle's sweat soaked hair from her face. "We will dry off

eventually, I hope."

She laughed down at her playing with her hair once again,

twirling the strands in spiral patterns.

Gabrielle finally managed a weak smile, granting Xena this minor

victory of words.

"So the warrior has found a voice." Gabrielle spoke weakly.

"Perhaps you stole mine in that sweet exchange?" She added

lightly, a grin was now spreading across her face.

" I do not steal!" Exclaimed Xena, "I'm an honorable warrior."

"Yes you are." Gabrielle replied. "I however, am not as

honorable." She made an exaggerated gesture towards the night

sky with her hand.

"Oh?" Xena replied furrowing her brow in mock questioning.

"I'm afraid I've stolen your heart." Gabrielle said.

"Yes, "Xena replied suddenly serious, "I do believe you have."

"And I'm not giving it back." Gabrielle stated.

"No I wouldn't imagine you would." Xena replied softly looking

into her lover's eyes. She began to kiss her face gently again.

"O.K., Xena," Gabrielle started. "I can breath again."

Xena stopped and looked up, her eyebrows raised.

"It's my turn to turn you into jelly." Gabrielle said with

confidence.

"Really." Xena replied mockingly. She began to laugh but it was

caught in her throat as Gabrielle swiftly rolled her and flipped

her on her back.

"Really." Gabrielle stated, and bend down to cover Xena's mouth

with hers to ensure the warrior made no further protest.

This was going to be a long night Xena sighed to herself - and I

am loving every moment of it.

Chapter 4 - Good Morning

-----------------------------------

Gabrielle lay beside Xena, propped up on one elbow gazing down

at her beautiful form in the brilliant sun of the morning. She

couldn't believe how peaceful Xena was sleeping. She also

couldn't believe she was actually awake before her - now this

*was* a first. Her hand drew lines along Xena's face and down

her arms, lazily exploring, pausing occasionally at a

particularly sexy place. She sighed deeply. What an incredible

night they had shared.

She knew she should have been tired, figuring she'd slept

probably no more than a few hours but she was electrified with

energy. It was all she could do contain herself as every fiber

wanted to ravage Xena once again. She smiled to herself as she

remembered how she had made the strong warrior beg for mercy ,

she thinks the birds had begun to chirp by about then. A grin

spread across her face as now reveled in this new found sexual

power. She may be a rookie, but she was learning fast. And she

had Xena's undivided attention.

She wanted to surprise Xena with something special, she had to

get her awake. There was no way she was going to lay here

waiting for an eternity. Her stomach growled loudly. "Food."

she gasped quietly. Now it was two days since they'd eaten

anything. She looked up at the fire, and at the blackened lump

she could only guess had been the rabbit. Oh well, she chuckled

to herself, that was no longer an option.

Suddenly she was very empty. She quietly got up and dressed

herself. Xena moaned slightly in her sleep feeling her presence

now gone. She smiled and promised silently that she would be

back shortly.

Xena was dreaming of gentle caresses covering her. A blanket of

warm enveloped her and she sank deeper into the folds of this

soft sensation. She turned towards the bright light that shone

on her and more soft lips greeted her.

"Xena." Gabrielle whispered softly.

Xena's eyes opened slowly. She was looking up at a smiling

Gabrielle. So she had not been dreaming after all.

"Hello sleepy head." Gabrielle grinned down at her.

"Morning." Xena's voice slightly cracked, the sun burning

brightly into her squinting eyes. "How long have you been up?"

Xena asked trying to mask her surprise.

"Long enough!" Gabrielle looked down at her with a devilish

grin. "I've been waiting forever for you to wake up!"

"Uh huh." Xena said slowly. "You're not tired?" Xena asked

weakly, hoping to find a crack in Gabrielle's armor.

"No!" Gabrielle exclaimed. "I'm electric this morning! Isn't it

a beautiful day!" Her hand sweeping around the grove in an

animated gesture of exuberance.

Oh boy, Xena groaned inwardly. "It's nice Gabrielle...a fine

day."

"Have I told you how great you look naked?!!" Gabrielle

exclaimed.

"Yes, about fifteen times now." Xena sighed trying to look bored.

"Oh but it was dark Xena, now with the sunshine..." She pointed

to the sky.

"Oh it's sunny, yes indeed." Replied Xena painfully. A slight

smile starting at the corners of her mouth.

Then the bard looked down at her again, more seriously. "Did I

tell you how much I loved you?"

"Yes, Gabrielle, I lost count on that one I'm afraid." Xena

answered.

Gabrielle began to trace her hands down to Xena's breasts. "I

can't keep my hands off you!" She exclaimed.

"Gabrielle." Xena growled, trying to sound stern. It was not

working. She clasped the smaller woman's arms with her hands

stopping her before she could cover her breasts and start this

madness all over again. "Patience, my little bard."

"Oh really Xena?" Gabrielle replied, a huge smile lighting up

her face. "Weren't you teaching me that last night?"

"Yes, I suppose I was..." Xena trailed off, knowing she would

not win this battle. She was no match for the bard in this arena.

"I have a small surprise for you!" Gabrielle exclaimed.

"Oh?" Xena's eyebrows arched.

"Close your eyes." Gabrielle instructed.

"Gladly." Xena replied, waiting with a slight anticipation, not

sure what Gabrielle could possible surprise her with now .

Gabrielle's lips covered hers in a delicate kiss. A warmth

spread through her as her body responded to Gabrielle's touch

despite the fact that she was completely spent.

Her lips tasted sweet, like delicious succulent.... and then her

tongue was caressing a delicate round wild berry. Her eyes

opened in surprise as she looked up at Gabrielle.

"You like?" Gabrielle asked.

"Where did you find wild berries?" Xena asked incredulously,

savoring the sweetness, before finally swallowing it.

"I've been around. I had to do something waiting for you to wake

up!" Gabrielle said. "You're lucky I let you sleep this long!"

Xena suddenly realized just how hungry she was. Gabrielle fed

them one by one into her waiting mouth. Now this was how

breakfast should be eaten all the time, Xena thought to herself

enjoying this playful exchange. I can't believe I waited two

years for this breakfast - perhaps she was patient after all.

When the berries were finished Gabrielle's eyes sparkled with

desire again.

"Oh no you don't!" Xena growled. "We need to eat something more

substantial first! And we need a bath!"

Gabrielle sighed in agreement. Xena was right. She usually was.

"There's a small lake down the path, we can bathe and I'll catch

us some fish. " Xena baited her.

Gabrielle's stomach fought an internal battle with her desire.

"You mean we're going to get wet again?" Gabrielle asked in

anticipation.

"Very." Xena replied grinning. She finally had her. "Let's go!"

Xena grabbed a fresh shift, thank the gods, finally dry, and

some soap and they headed down the path.

They entered the clearing that circled the large pond. Good

fishing, Xena thought to herself. Nice catch, she looked down

at Gabrielle who was gazing out at the water. Gabrielle always

drank in the beauty of the moment. That's what made her such a

great bard. Xena gently played with Gabrielle's hair while she

waited for her to take it all in. She had the incredible urge to

take her right then and there on the grassy slope but caught

herself before things got out of hand, yet again. There was

plenty of time for that later. She pulled herself away and got

down to business. One of them had to.

They busied themselves, each taking turns washing the other's

hair. They had done this many times before but now every

gesture had a new sensual quality. Gabrielle straddled Xena,

kissing her as they gently floated in the water.

"Oh Xena!" Gabrielle cried. "I never tended to your cuts!" She

was now looking at Xena's shoulder. There was a small mark

there. "Hmmm," She said. "It doesn't look nearly as ominous in

the daylight."

"It's just a scratch." Xena replied.

"Yes I think it is just a scratch actually....Maybe I should

kiss it better?" She leaned into her shoulder once again,

kissing her neck.

"Gabrielle, "Xena gasped, "Why don't you go sun yourself on

those rocks while I try and get us some fish so we can eat. I'm

weak enough from your touch, I'll be lucky if I catch anything

at this rate."

Gabrielle reluctantly agreed and swam to the shore leaving Xena

to battle for their breakfast.

She lay down on the embankment, closed her eyes and soaked in

the heat of the morning sun on her naked form.

She was drifting off to sleep when she heard Xena let out a

triumphant whoop. She squinted up to see Xena holding up a large

trout in one hand and grinning wildly.

Xena came over and sat beside her. "Caught you napping didn't

I?"

"Did not." Gabrielle replied grinning, looking up at a Xena's

incredible naked body dripping wet.

"Really." Xena stated. "Well rest up, because I have plans."

"Uh oh." Gabrielle mocked fear.

Xena traced her finger down Gabrielle's taught abdomen. And

stopped. "But first we eat!" You rest here a moment and I'll get

this cooking.

Gabrielle gratefully agreed. A tiredness was now creeping into

her muscles, as the adrenaline of the morning was slowly

draining from her.

"I love you." Xena said and bent down to kiss her.

"I love you too." Gabrielle sighed, her eyes closing as she

drifted off to sleep.

Xena dressed and headed back to their camp, fish in hand. She

had a huge smile on her face she couldn't seem to lose. Then it

died on her face in an instance as she suddenly sensed movement

up ahead in the clearing.

Chapter 5 - A Bad Sign

--------------------------------

Xena silently dropped the fish to the ground sizing up the

situation. There were six men that she could see on horseback,

two having already dismounted. They were picking through their

belongings. She reached for her chakrum and made a silent curse

to herself at the realization that she had left it at the

campfire. Her sword was still somewhere out by the lava pit.

Gods she had been careless! Well at least she had her shift on,

she thought to herself, she wasn't completely naked.

She had nearly walked right out into the opening without even

having noticed the men. Her usual warrior instincts had been

left far behind, probably under that oak tree, she thought

wryly. Every muscle was as taught as a well coiled spring now

though, and her heart pounded so loudly she was in fear they

could hear it.

Damn, she cursed again. They were holding up her chakrum, it's

shiny metal surface glimmering in the sun.

"This is definitely Xena's chakrum." The one dark haired gruff

looking man shouted excitedly.

Another man walked over to the taller man on horseback, probably

the leader of the group. "Look Tylus!" This looks like her

armor as well!"

So they knew her then, Xena thought. But she recognized none of

them. This was not a good sign. A very bad feeling began to

form in the pit of her stomach.

"He said he was sure she was dead." Tylus exclaimed. "Perhaps

that little annoying bard she traveled with has kept them as

momento's of her dead warrior."

"No, I'm not so sure." the other man continued." I see two sets

of footprints here." And two sets of boots, he looked up again.

"She wouldn't have kept her boots, would she have?"

"Not likely." Tylus agreed.

Xena stood motionless against a tree. Coiled like a snake, she

contemplated her options. So they were looking for her dead

body, probably to take back to some warlord that would have

unthinkable plans of defilement for her. Xena, dead or alive,

would be a handsome treasure for any such scum. She could take

them on, though she had only her bare hands, or she could try

and steal back to the lake and get Gabrielle and hide. Either

option did not seem promising, - she had no weapons and she was

not one to hide.

Her decision was made for her as the third man, still on

horseback, spoke. "Let's check the lake, who ever's here is

probably taking a morning bath - nothing like a naked woman to

peak one's excitement eh, Fergus? " He nudged his friend on the

other mount.

"Barrance." The man called Tylus warned. " We're here on

business - remember?" He sighed, it was always hard to keep the

men in check.

'But of course." Barrance replied grinning, "I'll check the

lake."

"That won't be necessary boys." Xena stepped into the clearing,

her eyes dark with barely controlled anger.

"It's Xena!" One of the men exclaimed in shock and growing fear.

"So it is." Tylus replied evenly, trying to mask his surprise

and a quickening of his heart. The group turned to look at her.

"I see the reports of your death have been greatly

exaggerated."

"So it would seem." Xena growled.

Tylus could barely contain his excitement. He had been sent on a

mission by Helcus to capture Xena's body and bring it back to

be displayed on a spike at the edge of their castle walls - as a

warning to all who entered. It was a prize all the warlords

would give anything to have in their possession. It was far more

precious than any gold. But this finding far surpassed his

wildest dreams. If he could deliver her alive and kicking to

Helcus the rewards bestowed upon him would surely mean a

permanent seat beside the evil warlord himself.

They were slowly circling her, like one would a cobra, but she

was far deadlier than that - and they all knew this. There was a

deadly pause as each of the opponents sized up one another.

They had all heard stories about her, not knowing how greatly

they had been exaggerated....if at all, and they knew enough not

to take anything for granted." I want her alive." Tylus spoke

evenly to his troops, " and Helcus will greatly reward us for

our trouble."

Helcus! Xena thought to herself. That sniveling coward that had

once rode with her army. She had unceremoniously banished him

without honor a long time ago. It would seem the wounds on his

pride were still fresh despite the passage of time. He had been

sadistic and cruel and had raped one to many women on their

raids of the villages - and she had had enough, no man that rode

with her was afforded such behavior. Even when she rode with

the evil of Aries on her side she still had held some values

true- though she had been little better than the scum she had

led into battle.

Xena let out a battle cry and lunged at the closest of the men.

Chapter 6 - The Brawl

-----------------------------

Gabrielle awoke with a start. "Xena!" She gasped. She looked

worriedly around the embankment. She had been dreaming Xena was

in danger. She relaxed suddenly remembering their morning

together. Xena was cooking fish back at the campfire as she was

starving. She was not in danger and Gabrielle was basking

gloriously in this sunshine.

Just a dream, she talked silently to herself. You're just a

little sensitive right now, she kept talking to her inner voice

that was still screaming at her that everything was not all

right indeed.

A feeling of dread spread across her heart and she quickly got

dressed. She walked along the path tying the laces of her top as

she went. Then she heard the first sound of what sounded like a

ferocious battle ahead and a chill ran down her spine.

She broke into a run.

The battle raged on. Xena had downed two men with her bare

hands and had extracted a short sword from the unconscious man

that lay at her feet. It was a cat and mouse dance now. The

four men who were still on horseback circled her, and she had to

keep moving to make sure none approached from her blind side.

She was tiring now, wishing she had had just a little more

sleep, and maybe just a bit of food. But then she thought of

Gabrielle lying defenseless by the lake and what these bastards

would do to her if they got their hands on her. With this she

gained renewed strength and made her move. She jumped,

somersaulting in the air and landed a kick squarely on the chest

of the closest man on horseback. They fell together in a

tumbling heap as she landed a hard punch square into his face.

Two of the other men jumped off their horses and launched

themselves at her, the battle closing in. The two descended on

her creating a tangle of arms and legs punching and kicking. No

one was sure where they were landing them - on each other or the

woman who they were quickly discovering had incredible strength.

Tylus watched from his mount with a new found respect for this

woman. But this was no time to be getting soft and he could see

she was winning, even against three of his strongest men.

He was about to dismount when his eyes widened as he saw a

beautiful strawberry blond woman fly out into the clearing and

head towards the melee. In her exuberance she did not see him -

she was only focusing on her warrior's plight. This was getting

good, he thought to himself. He quickly jumped down and scooped

up the woman just as she about to dive into the pile.

Gabrielle was grabbed from behind and cursed herself silently

for not having thought before she acted. Xena would not approve

and she hoped she would live long enough to be reprimanded. She

kicked hard at the assailant behind her as he dragged her back

from the battle raging in front of her, but his grip was strong

and true. She felt the cold steel of a dagger at her throat as

he growled at her to stop kicking.

"Enough!" Tylus screamed at the four figures intertwined before

him. They all looked up in unison as if awakening from a dream

to behold Tylus clutching a young woman, his dagger at her

throat.

Xena's eyes immediately widened and she broke instantly into a

gut wrenching sweat. "Gabrielle." She mouthed silently as her

eyes locked with hers. Gabrielle mouthed "I'm sorry." back at

her and her heart broke as she saw the despair on Xena's face.

"Don't move or I'll slit her throat before your very eyes!"

Tylus spat. Hoping this stern warning would be good enough to

trap his lethal quarry. But he already knew it was as he saw

the pain cross Xena's face as she quickly obeyed and stepped

away from the men.

One of them was rolling around clutching various parts of

himself, wishing he could crawl away somewhere and die. Another

lay dying, ironically, one of his own companion's sword jutting

out of his chest. Barrance, however, was furious, and paid no

attention to the aches and pains that now covered his body. He

grabbed Xena by the hair and forced her down to her knees. He

enjoyed inflicting pain and loved the feeling of dominance he

now held, even if it was through a little bribery. The bitch

had been lucky - that's all. Barrance was a large man and did

not take a wounding of his pride lightly.

"Fergus!!" Tylus shouted at the man moaning and rolling around

on the ground. "Get some rope and bind her hands and feet!" The

man reluctantly rose, visible lines of pain drawn on his face,

and went to get the rope.

Tylus now turned to look at the woman who knelt before him.

"Helcus will be very pleased. But we wouldn't want to have to

kill you prematurely - now would we?" He said evenly. "Don't do

anything stupid or your pretty companion dies slowly."

Xena's narrowed eyes held a barely contained rage so great his

palms began to sweat even as he held this iron clad advantage.

If looks could kill Tylus imagined he would have already been

riding merrily along a ferry on the river Styx - all expenses

paid. He wanted to get this over as quickly as possible.

"Just let her go and I'll give you no trouble." Xena replied

evenly trying to mask the anguish hidden there. She did not want

them to know how much this woman meant to her, or it would be

the death of them both.

"She's just a kid that tags along and tells me stories." She

continued. "She's nothing to you and she's nothing to me."

Xena's words cut like a knife through Gabrielle's heart even

though she knew them not to be true.

"Really?" Tylus answered her, not believing a word. "Awfully

chummy sleeping arrangements for someone you could care less

about." His eyes pointing to the intimate setting beside the

fire. Oh, he was beginning to enjoy this.

Fergus had arrived back and began to tie Xena's hands behind her

back. Barrance continued to grasp her hair tightly. He had

drawn his own dagger and now held it to Xena's throat.

"She services my needs." Xena stated. She could not look into

Gabrielle's eyes, or she would die as surely as if they had

driven a dagger into her heart.

"I'll bet she does." Added Barrance, sizing the bard up and down

with his hungry eyes. "I'm sure she does just fine." He

repeated, licking his lips.

"Barrance!" Tylus growled. "Let's stick with the program shall

we?"

Fergus had now successfully bound both Xena's hands and feet.

He held his sword behind her head - wishing he could drive it

through her back to make her pay for the pain his body was now

writhing in.

Tylus still didn't feel safe. Logic got the better of him and

he stopped goading the woman in fear it would backfire on them

all. The game had gone long enough and the stakes were far too

high.

"All right." He stated. "We'll let her go." He smiled at Xena.

Xena looked into his eyes and knew instantly that he had no

intention of keeping up his end of the bargain. She realized her

mistake. She should have never let them bind her.

Tylus saw this in her eyes and gave a quick nod to Fergus. Xena

lunged forward, not paying any attention to the dagger at her

throat but it was already too late as the butt of Fergus's sword

smacked hard against the back of her head. She slumped forward

as the world went black, "Gabrielle...." were the last words out

of her mouth as she slowly slipped into the darkness.

"Xena!" Gabrielle screamed reaching forward, struggling in

Tylus's grip. It was all he could do to contain her, and just a

small pang of pity crossed over him. But it quickly faded as

Gabrielle dug her heel into the top of his foot.

"Owww, damn you!" Tylus screamed." Don't move!" Cursing himself

for this momentary lapse into insanity. She was a lively one he

thought to himself. Rather exciting actually. A pity he had to

kill her.

"Fergus!" He growled, "Tie her hands would you?"

"I'll do it." Barrance jumped up quickly showing far too much

enthusiasm.

He sighed. Barrance was trouble, but he was also his best

fighter, and his most lethal cold hearted killer. He was a big

man and towered over all of them - his strength unmatched. Well

maybe not, he thought as he looked down at the unconscious

woman at his feet. This was, however, a rare combination and

good help was hard to find these days.

He let the big man tie her hands.

Gabrielle was scared but she buried this far down into a secret

part of her, for she had no time for this now. She had felt a

hopelessness descend upon her like a dark blanket but she had

found a ray of hope in the big disgusting man that fumbled as he

tied her wrists tightly. Xena was lying there, unconscious, and

that left only Gabrielle to save them. She had to be strong,

she had to think. A plan began to form in her mind. She had a

way with words, she'd talked herself out of jams before, she was

a bard after all. Use it Gabrielle, she talked to herself. It's

all you've got left.

Once her wrists were secured Tylus let go of his stranglehold on

her and let her be taken by the larger man. "Don't let her get

away!" He warned Barrance. And he left to go over to the other

two men who had unceremoniously been taken down by the powerful

strokes of the female warrior's hands. They were beginning to

stir and a few moans escaped their lips. Tylus kicked the feet

of both of them and commanded them to get up and get moving.

They reluctantly rose and began to gather themselves, looking

around wide eyed at the scene that lay before them.

"Get her on the horse!" Tylus barked at Fergus. Fergus nodded

and went to pick of Xena's unconscious body. He gave her a sharp

kick in the side for good measure before he lifted her up. "That

was one for my dead friend here!" He spat down at her.

"Hey!" Tylus screamed. "Don't you dare touch her again. "Helcus

will not be pleased if his prize is delivered with broken parts!"

Fergus grumbled something under his breath and began lifted her

draping her slumping form over the saddle.

They were ready to leave. Everyone had mounted except for

Barrance. Fergus had hold of the reins of their extra horse,

once the dead man's, now Xena's unfortunate ride.

Tylus looked over at the young blonde and Barrance. She was

talking animatedly and the man was enwrapped in her words.

Oh boy, Tylus thought to himself. Here we go again.

"Barrance." Tylus spoke, interrupting the bard and the big man's

conversation. Barrance looked up, his eyes were glazed over

with what could only be desire. He gestured the big man over to

him.

"You've got a half an hour." Tylus spoke evenly. Barrance

nodded, licking his lips that were dry from anticipation.

"But Barrance.." Tylus said, quietly, his voice low so only the

two could share this moment. "You can do what you want with her

- but make sure you kill her when you're finished. I want no

loose ends. You understand?"

"Perfectly." Barrance smiled. "I'll meet you back at the

castle.", he added, "This won't take very long."

With this Tylus turned and motioned the others to get moving.

He had given in to Barrance's needs many times before - it was a

modest exchange for the benefits he reaped with this man at his

side, but a small part of him, one he would not consciously

acknowledge, worried that this was a mistake that he would pay

dearly for.

Chapter 7 - The Big Man

--------------------------------

Gabrielle eyes followed the group of riders' departure.

Gabrielle's heart cried out as she watched Xena be lead away

from her - she had to look away for fear of bursting into tears.

Instead she looked over at the approaching burly figure - gods

he was huge. There was a hunger in his eyes that made

Gabrielle's stomach do a slow turn, threatening to spill forth

what little content it held. She bit down on her lower lip to

regain control and began to focus on the task at hand. She

tried to muster a look of desire to match his. Feigned

cooperation was essential if she ever hoped to get out of this

alive.

He knelt down over her, visibly panting now. She had spent the

last ten minutes, before the men departed, talking seductively

to him. Gods, this was killing her but she had little choice in

the matter.

"Your arms are so, - huge, and powerful." Gabrielle began. Ugh,

she thought. "I long to feel them embrace me." His eyes were

half closed now as she continued her verbal assault on his

senses.

Sick, sick , sick, she spat inwardly, "I need to feel you close

to me." Gabrielle growled softly in his ear as he bent down and

began to fumble with her skirt.

He was straddling her now and loosing all self control. Her

erotic sensual words were driving him as crazy as the beautiful

curves of her young fresh body. He was fumbling with his pants,

no longer able to contain himself.

"Wait!" she gasped. He obeyed, looking into her eyes. She held

out her hands towards him, bound tightly. "If you could untie me

I could service you much more lavishly." A slow seductive grin

spread across her face.

His imagination got the best of him, and he quickly grabbed the

dagger from his belt and cut the rope that bound her hands.

After all, he thought, she can't be more than 110 pounds soaking

wet and hardly a match for someone as mighty as himself.

Perhaps if he had paid more attention in his youth to the story

of David and Goliath he might have reconsidered. But Barrance

was a man of few thoughts and had little patience for stupid

tales.

Gabrielle screamed inside with delight at this small victory and

with this new found strength got more bolder. She coaxed him

onto his back, and slowly began to remove his clothes. All the

while she did this, driving the trembling man below her wild

with desire, she kept her staff in her sights, laying

nonchalantly not five feet away from where he lay. She

successfully removed all of his clothing and armor, seductively

tracing her fingers down his disgustingly sweaty chest. She was

no longer feeling as ill, however, and rather enjoyed yielding

this power over him like a sharpened sword.

She knelt down over him, his eyes closed in anticipation of her

gentle caress. He began a slow moan but it caught sharply in

his throat and was immediately covered over by a howl of pain as

her knee slammed hard into his most sensitive part with a

fierceness even she hadn't thought she possessed.

She leapt to her feet and dove for her staff. The huge man

rolled over in pain writhing like a wounded animal - which is

exactly what he was she thought to herself. And she was

enraged. The emotion was so strong in her it coursed through

her like Zeus's lightening and she charged back at him swinging

her staff with an incredibly force across his face.

He howled again, as the loud crack of his skull resonated

through the clearing.

That blow would have rendered any normal man unconscious but he

was large and strong. He got to his knees, wild now with his own

rage and pain, lunging for her. She was in her battle ready

stance and swung low and hard, cracking the staff against his

leg that bore the weight of his mighty form. He was felled from

the blow and had little time to think of the pain that shot

through his shin before another deadly blow countered the first

and landed squarely across his gaping jaw.

The world went white, and the last thought as he slipped into

unconsciousness was how large the tiny blond had suddenly

appeared as she gazed down at his sinking form.

Her breath was coming in gasps as she looked down at him. She

held her staff ready for a few more seconds but knew she would

not need it. She was shaking visibly now. She knew she had

little time to savor this minor victory and quickly began to

gather the rope that had once held her hands and began to tie

the man's hands behind his back.

She looked towards the path where Xena had been led away and

whispered to her love. "I'm coming for you Xena, please wait

for me." Tears were welling in her eyes but she quickly shook

them away. There was no time for tears now - she had to get

help.

She found extra rope in Barrance's gear and bound his

unconscious form expertly. She needed to make sure he didn't

move while she was gone.

With that task done she glanced up at the tall black horse that

loomed over her. Gods she hated riding horses and had always

preferred to walk, only occasionally riding with Xena, and

usually for an excuse to get close rather than a chance to ride.

She silently cursed herself for not being more schooled in

this.

She pictured Xena's face and quickly forgot her fear of heights

and she mounted the tall animal.

She gave it a swift kick with her boot heels and they were off.

She was riding in an all out gallop towards the Amazon camp.

Chapter 8 - The Ride

---------------------------

She rode for two hours straight at an incredible pace. The

horse's coat was soaked through but it continued it's

breathtaking speed sensing the urgency in the woman. It also

was basking in the warmth of this new rider. She smelled so

much nicer than his man rider and she was a feather on his back

in comparison. The horse had adopted an instant liking to her

and pushed on at her insistence with no complaints.

She had reached the amazon border and slowed knowing it not wise

to come barreling in there as warriors patrolled the border of

the camp.

She heard the unmistakable bird call that was the signal of an

approaching stranger and replied with a call herself. This was

greeted by a welcoming call and within seconds Solare and

another amazon appeared from the bushes to her left.

"Gabrielle!" Solare cried. Racing towards her. "We were just

about to dispatch a search party for you two...." Her voice

trailed off as she saw Gabrielle's face.

"Where's Xena?" Solare asked, a sick dread building inside her,

"Did Valasqua..?"

"No." Interrupted Gabrielle. "She and Callisto are buried in the

lava river just north of the ruins."

"Where then?" Solare asked tentatively.

Gabrielle interrupted her. "Where's Ephiny? Xena's been

captured and we have no time to lose!" The words rolling of her

tongue quickly now - She was wild with panic. Solare knew

enough to ask no more questions and quickly led her towards the

queen.

They arrived at the center of the camp. Women were busily

reconstructing the damaged buildings Valasqua had ruined only

days ago - it had seemed like an eternity for Gabrielle as so

much had happened since then.

Ephiny, the new queen, came out to great them and Gabrielle

dismounted quickly rushing over to her, tears welling up in her

eyes, no longer able to contain them.

She fell into Ephiny's outstretched arms and broke into deep

sobs. Ephiny's eyes looked over at Solare's questioningly.

"Xena's been captured." Solare started, "That's all I know so

far."

The women led Gabrielle into Ephiny's hut and sat her down.

Solare brought over some water and they tried to calm the woman.

"Breathe Gabrielle. " Ephiny spoke soothingly. "And tell me

everything."

Gabrielle nodded weakly and began to tell her what had happened,

leaving out the intimate part, not sure of how to describe that

subject yet.

The other amazon women had gathered outside the hut expectantly.

The amazon princess had rode into the camp visibly distraught

and they waited patiently to find out how they could help.

Ephiny stepped of the hut. "I need every available warrior. Get

your weapons and horses ready.

We leave in ten minutes." With that said she disappeared back

inside. There was a general nervous and excited buzz amongst

the women as they quickly prepared to leave, the adrenaline of a

potential battle now spurring them on.

She entered the hut and looked down at Gabrielle seated, staring

at the floor, still shaking. Her heart broke for her but they

had no time for sympathy. "Gabrielle." She asked lifting her

chin up with her outstretched hand. "Do you think you can ride

back?"

"Yes." Gabrielle stood. "I'm ready."

Ephiny gave her chin a slight squeeze and nodded. "You will

ride with me. The horse you brought to camp needs to rest."

Gabrielle nodded gladly, she was not sure she had the strength

to ride back herself anyway. "Please Ephiny." She gazed up at

her. "We have to..."Tears threatened to spill forth again.

Ephiny hugged her fiercely. "We will not let Xena die,

Gabrielle, we will save her." She spoke the words strongly but

silently fearing she may not be able to keep this promise.

The war party rode away from the camp. Ephiny was leading the

pack setting a torrid pace, fear wrapping around her heart.

Gabrielle sat behind her, her arms wrapped tightly around

Ephiny's waist. Her eyes were shut tightly fighting back tears

as she buried her head deeply into Ephiny's golden locks hanging

on for dear life. Her thoughts were only for Xena, and she

silently whispered to her that she was coming to save her, and

hoped that she would hear her heart breaking for her and stay

alive long enough to hold her again.

Chapter 9 - The Hurt

-------------------------------

Gabrielle's arms were reaching out towards her, tears were

flowing down her face, the pain and grief was so great in her

bard's eyes that she had to shut her own eyes and turn away.

She could no longer stand to watch the breaking of her lover's

heart. But once again she heard her calling her name softly and

was forced to look back again into the deep green of her eyes

and the fear and desperation she saw there hit her as sharply as

any sword. Gabrielle's outstretched arms reached once again

towards her and she struggled to lift her arms to embrace her.

Her arms were as heavy as lead and she could not lift them

though she desperately tried to. She was so close to her now

but she could not sink into her embrace. New waves of pain

spread across her as the brightness of the vision sent daggers

through her eyes and down her back. She was in agony and she

once again was forced to shut her eyes tightly, the vision

burning painfully into her soul. A wave of cold wet fury

covered her form and she gasped, her mouth opening to draw in

air. Suffocating and choking she opened her eyes painfully

once again. But Gabrielle was no longer there.

Her vision blurred then refocused as she stared into the face of

a brick wall, only inches away. She closed her eyes tightly

again as a new wave of pain shot through her skull. She

tentatively opened them again hoping that she would once again

see Gabrielle but there was no vision forthcoming. Only the cold

dark brick that lay before her.

Another wave of cold water splashed across her face and she

gasped, once again choking. She desperately tried to pull away

from the cold painful embrace but her arms would not allow it.

Another sharp pain drove through her skull as she moved her head

to the side. She did not need to look to confirm her suspicions

but did anyway, and her heart sunk as she saw the chains wrapped

painfully around her wrists , the full realization of her

predicament now hitting her like a flood.

"I think she's coming around Tylus!" Fergus spoke excitedly.

Tylus was disgusted with this man. His anger barely contained.

"I told you I wanted her in one piece for Helcus didn't I!!!" He

screamed at the man, a full half a foot smaller than himself,

and shrinking with each passing moment.

"Yess..s, you did." Fergus stammered, now beginning to fear for

his life.

"I see you've been using the whip?!!" Tylus spat at him, holding

it menacingly over his quivering form.

"I was...just.." Fergus's voice trailed off.

"And what exactly *is* the point of whipping someone when

they're unconscious? - YOU IDIOT!" He screamed now louder. A

few guards in the outer hallway now cringed visibly as well.

Tylus was Helcus's right hand man and he was not someone you

wanted to have mad at you.

Fergus's mouth remained open, no words of wisdom spewed forth.

A dull thud broke the silence as the water bucket fell out of

his hands and rolled away.

"She killed my best friend." Fergus replied finally, his voice

barely a whisper, and he stepped back expecting Tylus's full

wrath to crush him right where he stood.

Tylus was shaking now. He wanted to kill this little man but

this was only because a deeper anger, and perhaps fear, had

crept into him in the last hour. He quickly pushed it deep back

down into his unconscious mind and got down to the business at

hand. "Has Barrance returned?" He asked, though he already new

he hadn't. And this was what was really bothering him at the

moment wasn't it?

"No sir." Fergus replied quickly, hoping to change the subject

and perhaps grant himself a stay of execution.

"Damn him!" Tylus muttered under his breath. Then he turned to

look at the woman warrior, hanging from the chains, and felt a

slight cringe as he mentally counted the slash marks covering

her bleeding back. There must have been at least fifteen, maybe

more. He turned, anger again building in his chest. "Helcus is

throwing a feast in her honor tonight. He's inviting all his

friends." His eyes were slits now and they shot like tiny

invisible knifes into Fergus's gaping face. "And you'd better

get her into some kind of presentable shape because she will be

the center piece for this gala event. And we have to keep her

alive long enough for Helcus to slice her head off himself. " He

spat, and then added. "And I'll hold you personally responsible

if anything screws up. - You got that little man?!!!"

Fergus could only nod, he was expending most of his energy

controlling his bladder.

The warrior woman was concentrating hard at shutting out the

pain that sliced across her back and through her head, keeping

her lips tightly locked together so that she would not scream.

She needed to hear this conversation. Her memory, though foggy,

was coming back to her now. And with each flash of remembrance

her heart was sinking further into despair. Gods only knew what

they had done to Gabrielle after she had been knocked

unconscious. She couldn't even bring herself to invision such

horrors. She refused to believe any of it. Had Gabrielle not

come to her only moments ago? But it had only been a dream.

She couldn't even think that Gabrielle might be dead. She would

feel it as sure as a dagger through her own heart. She felt her

presence as her own heart was still beating - because she would

have surely died by now if Gabrielle's heart no longer lived.

Tylus walked over to the woman and pulled back her head and

looked into her eyes. He turned quickly around towards Fergus

again, a new rage building. "You've nearly killed her you

fool!!!" Oh boy, they had a lot of work to do he fretted to

himself. " Get her down from those chains and get the healer,

maybe he can patch her up good enough to pass for a living

corpse at the banquet." This was his chance to gain the full

confidence of Helcus and truly make his mark as his top captain

and he was not going to let this sniveling idiot ruin everything.

"Yes, right away!" Fergus jumped into action, nearly tripping

over the fallen water bucket that lay at his feet.

Tylus strode out of the room. He turned one last time, "And

when Barrance gets back you tell him to get his hide up to my

quarters!" He spat. "He has a lot of explaining to do. And

remind me never to let him stay behind to satisfy his pleasures."

Fergus nodded again, hoping he'd hurry and leave the room - he

really needed to pee, NOW.

Xena listened intently to these parting words. A small glimmer

of hope burned deep inside her. If Barrance had not returned

maybe there was a small chance......she had to believe it so, or

she would not live.

She felt the chains being removed and she fell to the ground and

into the waiting arms of darkness once again.

Chapter 10 - The Ruins

-------------------------------

Solare slapped him harder. "He's not coming around." She

turned to Ephiny.

"Never mind!" Ephiny replied, "He will, and we'll need him

later. Get him on the horse, - we don't have time to waste." She

already knew where they were going. Helcus was only a few hours

ride north of here in the foothills of Pasidon. His reputation

was widely known and his coldness was unrivaled. They had not

crossed paths in the time that he had stayed there, almost two

years now. His army never dared enter the amazon territory -

like most warlords they wanted no quarrel with them.

Ephiny had sent a small scouting party ahead, not wanting even

this small stop to waste any time.

She turned to watch Gabrielle picking through the campsite. Her

heart broke at the site of this. Gabrielle collected Xena's

chakrum, leathers and armor in her arms and held them close to

her breast. Ephiny had a new found respect for this young woman

as she turned back to see three of the amazons struggling to

lift the large man's form onto the back of one of the horses.

She could not even invision Gabrielle taking down such a large

man, let alone hitting him so hard she was worried he would be

of little use to them for days. Ephiny turned to watch

Gabrielle pack Xena's belongings in her saddle bags. She

watched her collect her staff, hating to break the spell of this

private moment. She had seen the love that Xena held for this

small woman in her eyes, even way back when Queen Melosa had

been alive and Gabrielle was still so young and naive. She now

saw that same love in the bard's eyes. She was now sure that

Gabrielle had not told her exactly everything that had happened

here.

She went over and placed her arm around Gabrielle's shoulder.

"I won't let anything happen to her, Gabrielle, I promise." She

stated, now vowing silently that she would be true to her word.

Gabrielle looked up into Ephiny's eyes and saw the seal of a

promise there. "I know she's alive, Ephiny, I can feel her

right here." She pointed to her heart and quickly turned away,

for fear she would once again succumb to the tears that

threatened to spill forth.

Ephiny mounted the horse and looked down at her, extending her

hand. "Let's go get her then." She whispered softly.

The band of thirty amazon women raced across the clearing and

disappeared down the path, leaving a trail of dust behind them.

Chapter 11 - The Plan

-----------------------------

The sun was low on the horizon by the time the amazons reached

the perimeter of Helcus's castle. They could not go any closer

without taking a chance on being detected by the scouting

parties that would most likely be guarding the area. The small

party of amazons that had gone on ahead were waiting

impatiently for Ephiny and the rest of the amazons to arrive.

The amazons dismounted and waited for Ephiny's orders. A

small woman, with long brown hair stepped forward to greet

Ephiny. They deliberately stepped away from Gabrielle to

discuss what she had discovered. Once they were sure they were

far enough away, Talia began to report what they had learned.

Ephiny's face was dark, and a shimmer of fury was buried just

below the surface - this and a growing fear. Talia told her of

the feast in Xena's honor. Friends of Helcus had been arriving

for the last hour or so in anticipation of great food, fine

wine, and a chance to take a parting shot at the fallen warrior.

Talia had estimated there would be at least a hundred men, which

would outnumber them roughly three to one. This was not a

problem in hand to hand combat, as the women warriors were far

more skilled than these men, but they had to get inside first.

This was the real problem.

Ephiny motioned Solare over towards them. They needed do

discuss a plan of action.

"Whatever we do, we'll have to wait until dark." Talia spoke.

"We'll have little chance of surprise and may not penetrate the

castle walls."

"I know, "Ephiny replied. "We need to gain access - and we need

to get into the banquet. " An idea was forming in her mind, she

slowly turning it over, searching for cracks and possible holes.

"Our best chance is to gain access through the kitchen. Helcus

will need to cater such a feast and we'll just have to

accommodate him, won't we?"

"If we can intercept one of those wagons we can do a slow and

silent exchange."

"Do I have to wear a dress?" Talia asked mockingly, trying to

lighten the somber mood.

"You'll be the first Talia." Ephiny said sternly, but was glad

for the light comment that broke this dark spell. Then her face

grew hard again. "Talia, take a small party to intercept the

first wagon you see. Careful not to hurt the women - they are

little more than slaves from the village. " Talia nodded

quickly, all business once again.

She turned to Solare. "I need detailed information on the

layout of the castle." She turned to look at the slumping log of

a man that was being pulled off one of the horses. "Do you

think you can get that out of him.?"

"Oh, I think I can manage." Solare replied, a small grin

spreading across her face.

Solare walked away from them and headed over to another amazon.

"Asara? I need your help on a most delicate matter." She said

smiling as she came over and put her arm over the other woman's

shoulder. "Here's the plan.."

Ephiny and Talia separated. She glanced over to Gabrielle seated

on a nearby log nervously wringing her hands waiting for her to

return. She took a deep breath and went over to her.

Chapter 12 - The Healer

---------------------------------

She was lying down on hard ground, looking up at Gabrielle, fear

covering her beautiful face. She was desperately trying to sit

up and hold her but she couldn't lift herself. Her entire body

was as heavy as lead but she still strained to get closer to

her bard. Her hands seemed to be tied up and she thrashed

wildly against the restraints desperately trying to break free.

Gabrielle reached down and placed her hands on Xena's wrists and

held them there. She leaned down and looked at her. Xena's

heart broke as she saw the sadness in Gabrielle's eyes.

Gabrielle was talking to her. She could not make out the words.

Gabrielle then raised one of her hands and struck her hard

across the face.

She closed her eyes tight and fought back tears. She looked up

again at Gabrielle but was greeted by a face she did not

recognize. Her vision blurred and she fought hard to refocus

it.

"Stop struggling!" The man spoke, looking down at her, "You're

only hurting yourself more!"

She obeyed as a wave of pain shot through her skull. Her back

was on fire as well, battling for her attention. She tried to

speak but her lips were too dry and cracked and she fought off

the urge to retch. She swallowed hard and lay still.

The healer turned and looked up at Fergus. "She's awake....but

I don't know for how long. I'm afraid this is the best I can

do. "

"Do you think we can keep her going until the banquet?" Fergus

asked nervously wringing his hands together. His hide depended

on it being so.

The healer shook his head slowly. "I don't know. I have herbs

here that you could make her inhale and that might keep her

alert. But there are no promises here. The blow to her head

was a nasty one and she's weakened from the whipping." He looked

up in disgust.

Fergus visibly flinched at this cursing himself silently for his

new found misfortune.

"Get her some water, but not too much, or it might come right

back at you. Understand?" The healer looked at Fergus. Gods he

hated this part of his job. He was a healer not a corpse

reviver. He had been summoned more than once to Helcus's castle

for such a nasty patch up job, always to prolong some poor sod's

unfortunate last few torturous days. Helcus paid handsomely for

his services but that was not what kept him coming back. It was

the threat against the well being of his family that really

motivated him.

But this one was worse. He had never had to tend to such a

magnificent woman. It was a crime to lay such vileness on

someone so beautiful.

He looked back down at her. She was eyeing him warily, now

completely awake. He could see in her eyes the pain she was

feeling and he had to turn away. He fished into his bag and

pulled out a small pouch.

Fergus brought over the water. He dropped a small amount of

powder into the cup and leaned down and held it to her lips.

"This will ease the pain." He said quietly.

Xena watched the man who tended to her. She thought she saw

compassion somewhere in those eyes but could not be sure. She

listened through her pain at the conversation between the two

men. She now understood why she even had the good fortune to be

lying down instead of hanging from chains. She felt very sick,

probably due to the gigantic throbbing in her head and as they

discussed the banquet plans her stomach was tightening further.

When he bent down to offer her the cup she gladly accepted it,

knowing it was a small reprieve from the greater pain that had

yet to be inflicted on her. She only hoped that they would not

make her scream before Hades took her. She was a warrior and

wanted to die proudly.

She closed her eyes and awaited her fate.

Chapter 13 Final Preparations

---------------------------------------

"It's my turn to cut off the balls." Asara argued with Solare.

"You got to do it the last time."

"I don't think so Asara." Solare replied. She was holding a

large dagger, playfully running her hand across it's sharp edge.

"If I recall correctly, there was that little man outside

Thesia. And he squealed like a stuck pig. Didn't he?"

"Oh you can't count that one, they were hardly bigger than

walnuts!" Asara argued back. She pointed down at the wide eyed

man seated at their feet tightly bound to the base of a tree.

Beads of sweat were forming on his furrowed brow. "These are

much bigger. It's not fair!"

"Well maybe you're right. " Solare agreed. "How about we each

do one."

"Who goes first then?" Asara asked.

"Oh what does it matter." Solare replied impatiently. "Let's

flip a dinar for it."

Barrance swallowed hard as his eyes darted back feverishly

between the two women who argued above him. He tried to lick his

lips as they were incredibly dry but it helped little as his

mouth was a desert. He contemplated the hellish fate of his

precious jewels and immediately began to tell them everything

they wanted to know - and then some.

Gabrielle sat with Ephiny far away from the proceedings. She did

not want to know what was going on over by the tree. Ephiny had

her arm wrapped around her trying to explain things.

"We have to be patient Gabrielle. Xena is still very much alive

and we have to be make sure we execute this to perfection.

Anything less and we all could be dead."

Gabrielle nodded in understanding. "I want you to stay here. "

Ephiny stated. "You are too weak to fight." And she added to

herself, far too emotionally attached to remain objective.

"I am going with you!" Gabrielle stood shaking in anger.

"Gabrielle," Ephiny spoke quietly trying to calm her. "I can't

afford.." Gabrielle cut her off in mid sentence.

"I will not stand by and watch her die! Do you understand me. I

CAN'T, I WON'T!!!" She was beginning to break down, tears

welling in her eyes.

"All right." Ephiny agreed, knowing she would not win this

argument. Knowing that she would want to be afforded this much

had their positions been reversed. "But on one condition."

Gabrielle listened.

"You must stay in the serving quarters. You can not go out into

the banquet. Is that understood?" Ephiny commanded.

Gabrielle nodded weakly. She knew why Ephiny would not allow it,

and she was sure even her imagination would not be as horrific

as what her eyes would see if she was afforded such a glance.

Talia came into the clearing and hurried over to Ephiny. "We

've got a wagon!" She reported excitedly.

Solare came over to them, dagger still in hand. "And I think

we've got enough information to build the castle from scratch -

sight unseen." She said grinning.

"Excellent!" Ephiny said. Looking out at the setting sun.

"It's time we got started. Now remember, once everyone is in

position, nobody makes a move until I give the signal.

Understood?

The women nodded in agreement.

The information was passed along and the amazon women readied

themselves to leave. There was an excited hum amongst the

amazons as they prepared to go, each having different roles and

responsibilities for the night. The waiting had built up much

nervous energy and they gladly embraced the cloak of darkness

that afforded them it's much needed release.

Chapter 14 - Guest of Honor

--------------------------------------

"And how is my most prized possession fairing Tylus? " Helcus

asked his captain.

The two men were standing in the banquet hall watching the

preparations unfold. Helcus was not any taller than Tylus but

his frame was much wider. It had widened in an unflattering way

even further since he had taken possession, or rather stolen

possession, of the castle. Dining had become one of his

greatest passions since settling in to the establishment, that

and a few more unsavory practices not dared mentioned.

"Fine, great. Fergus will be bringing her along shortly." Tylus

said lightly. Inside his stomach was doing lazy little back

flips, and he was developing a nice little headache to keep it

company.

"The guests will be arriving soon Helcus." Tylus said quickly,

hoping to change the subject. "Shall we usher them in here?"

"Not until I have my centerpiece proudly displayed. I want this

to be a feast to be remembered!" Helcus waved his hands in the

air in excitement.

The room had been beautifully decorated. Delicately woven

tapestries stolen from the east hung from the stone walls. Each

were brightly coloured and intricately designed. Flecks of real

gold were woven into the wall hangings and the light from the

torches shimmered across them.

The dining table was almost the length of the great hall itself.

It was at the center of the room and commanded your visual

attention in it's magnificence.

Women were puttering around busily preparing the table for the

feast to come.

Two men came in carrying a large throne, struggling with it as

they lifted it onto the middle of the great table.

Helcus smiled in delight envisioning the night that lay ahead,

and the special guest that would occupy this chair. He had

waited along time for this moment, and he wanted everything to

be perfect. He barked orders at the women coming out of the

serving quarters. "Make sure you use only the best cutlery! And

the finest goblets! Understood?!!" He screamed, his large belly

shaking with the rhythm of his voice.

The women nodded, quickly bowing to him and continued their

preparations. If he was a smarter man he would have seen the

look of cold steel fury on the blond woman with the golden locks

- but he was not a smart man, only a man that had power, and

yielded it like a spoiled child.

"Go get her then Tylus!" He slapped the back of his right hand

man. "What are you waiting for!"

"Right away sir!" Tylus spoke enthusiastically. Inside he was

wishing he could be.

He left the room and headed down to the dungeons to retrieve the

warrior prize, - silently praying to Zeus that she was still

alive.

Tylus headed down to the prison area to see how Fergus was

managing. He made a mental note to have him shipped off to

stable duty when all this was over. A few months of shoveling

manure would do wonders for him. And Barrance would be joining

him as soon as he arrived.

He entered the room where Fergus and the healer were dressing

the woman. They had found some makeshift attire fitting of a

warrior. He wished he had been more attentive at gathering her

own gear but it was a little late for that now. This would have

to do.

Fergus and the healer were struggling to keep the woman on her

feet. But she was still alive. Thank the gods, Tylus cried to

himself. He may just live to see tomorrow after all.

"Let's get her up there." Tylus said to the men. "Helcus is

waiting - and he's not a patient man." He added.

Xena looked up at the man that had entered the room. Her eyes

were dark with rage. If she could only talk her body into

cooperating she would strangle him where he stood. But she was

seeing two of him and she wasn't sure what was real and what was

illusion. She could only weakly struggle against the rope that

bound her hands behind her back.

"Stop moving so much damn it!" Fergus growled at her.

Each time she attempted in vain to break free another stab of

pain would shoot through her. She was in agony despite what the

healer had given her and she relented finally as another wave of

dizziness felled her and she could no longer see.

"Stubborn woman." Fergus spat under his breath, as they dragged

her out of the cell and headed for the feast.

Chapter 15 - Kitchen Duty

-----------------------------------

The women busily prepared the food on trays. All of the hired

help had been replaced with little incident. The guards leading

to the servant's entrance had been unceremoniously disposed of.

If you looked real close at that particular entrance the guards

would appear a little more shapely than on most days but it was

dark and no one around here was interested in such matters.

The amazons all wore long skirts now, their weapons neatly

tucked away under the cover of the garments.

"You know, these dresses do come in handy for something after

all." Asara whispered to another, slightly taller amazon by the

name of Kauri.

"I guess so, but I'm having a hard time not tripping every time

I walk. I can't believe women actually wear this ridiculous

attire!" Kauri replied. "And I'm having a hard time hiding my

bow under here."

"Is that what that is?" Asara laughed, looking down at her skirt

and arching her brow.

"Very funny." Kauri said flatly.

"You two having a good time or are we here to save someone's

life?" Solare spoke sternly peering over their shoulders

watching them place delicacies on the trays.

"Sorry." Kauri spoke quickly. "It's just these damn dresses..."

She spoke, pulling on the fabric.

"It's a skirt Kauri. "Solare replied.

"Whatever you want to call this instrument of torture - I can't

wait to get out of it." Kauri growled back. She then picked up

the tray and headed for the entrance to the banquet hall, and

nearly tripped on the bottom of the hem. She cursed under her

breath as she left the room.

Kauri returned quickly, her face had gone a white shade of pale.

Asara and Solare turned to see her come in. "It's Xena!" Kauri

cried. Everyone looked up from what they were doing now and

listened intently. "They've got her in the chair!"

Gabrielle quickly looked away and tried to concentrate on the

tray she was working on. Her hands were visibly trembling as

she tried to place slabs of wild boar meat into some form of

ridiculous design she doubted any of these men would appreciate.

Her eyes blurred and she grabbed the edge of the table to right

herself in fear she might faint.

Ephiny raced over and grabbed her arm. "You okay?" She asked.

She looked up and nodded weakly. "I'm fine Ephiny, really." She

knew Ephiny believed it as little as she. "As fine as I can be

under the circumstances...." She added.

She looked into Ephiny's concerned face pleadingly. "I have to

see her." She whispered. "Please."

Ephiny struggled with her emotions. "You made a promise

Gabrielle." She said. "I won't let you." She said. "And she

would not want you to see her like this." Ephiny continued, "She

loves you too much for that." Ephiny finished knowing this

might be enough to sway the bard.

"I know." Gabrielle replied weakly and turned to finish the tray.

Ephiny left her and went over to Solare. "Get everyone ready

and in position. We can't wait much longer - the risk is too

great. - and I don't know how much longer Xena will last."

Chapter 16 - The Feast

-------------------------------

The feast was under way and the men were already feeling no pain

due to the copious amounts of mead and wine they were consuming.

They were stuffing globs of meat and other savory dishes into

their mouths with their hands, the fine cutlery long since

forgotten on the dining table. The crowd was loud and

boisterous and Helcus had once again sent the men into fits of

laughter as he told yet another joke pertaining to his new prize.

"Of course she was younger then..." He laughed, tears forming at

the corners of his eyes, as a new wave of giggles threatened to

send him over the edge once again.

He raised his goblet high in the air. "I propose a toast!"

Everyone raised their own mugs and waited.

"To the great Warrior Princess......."

"To the great WARRIOR PRINCESS!!!" The crowd shouted out

gleefully.

"May she rest in pieces....I mean peace..."He howled with

laughter at his own joke, and the crowd burst into another fit

along with him.

Tylus sunk lower into his chair, suddenly wishing he was

somewhere else. The proceedings were beginning to sicken him, or

maybe it was Helcus he had begun to truly despise.

By the gods, Xena thought to herself, I can't believe I ever let

this man ride with my army. She looked down at him with

disgust. She strained in vain against the rope that bound her

to the throne, each effort sent a new wave of excruciating pain

through her body. They had tied her forehead to the back of the

throne to ensure she remained propped up. Her hands were bound

tightly to the large wooden arms, her feet fastened to the base

of the legs. She strained to keep her eyes open. Every time

they threatened to close that stupid little man that sat to one

side of her would strike her foot hard with his goblet to ensure

she remained alert.

But this was not what really bothered her. It was the food that

various men had been throwing at her for the last half an hour

that was really getting to her now. The smell was making her

feel extremely sick, not to mention disgusted, as some of it had

come from their mouths. She tried hard not to think about that

too much.

But there was something else. Her vision was blurred and her

thinking not completely clear but there was something pushing at

the back of her mind. She couldn't grasp it, it was just out of

her reach. Something about the women, standing at the back of

the room. She closed her eyes and tried to focus again. A shot

of pain traveled up her shin as Fergus slammed his goblet into

her foot once more.

Her eyes flew open in response and she fought the urge to throw

up - but she refused to be humiliated in this way in front of

these pigs. She swallowed hard and used her mental skills to

shut out the scene she was forced to view before her. She

pictured Gabrielle again, how she had floated lazily in the pond

with her arms around her, an eternity ago now, it would seem.

She had kissed her gently and the warmness in her heart she had

felt.......her thoughts drifted towards this as she once again

let her mind slip away to another place.

But she pulled herself back again as her warrior instincts

forced her to look again at what was disturbing about the scene.

Her eyes narrowed as she once again strained to see the women

at the back of the room.

"We need more wine wench!" One of the men screamed, his goblet

empty. The noise was too loud and no one heard him. He

staggered up off his chair and headed angrily towards the

kitchens.

He burst through the door and ran into the path of a young

pretty blonde woman, nearly knocking over the tray of wine she

was carrying. "You! Bring that out here now!" He grabbed her by

the arm and whisked her through the doors before any of the

amazons had a chance to react.

Chapter 17 - The Fight

--------------------------------

Gabrielle was thrown into the banquet hall, she fought to steady

the tray before it crashed to the ground.

She quickly righted herself and turned towards the great table.

She looked up at the ghastly throne that served as the center

piece of this macabre gathering and all of the blood drained out

of her face.

"Xena!" She gasped and immediately dropped the tray at her feet.

The tray made a loud crashing noise and everyone turned to look

at her.

"Hades!" Ephiny cried, racing towards the banquet hall door.

She made the bird call that was the signal to attack and flew

through the opening. So much for the element of surprise she

thought.

Xena's eyes caught the commotion at the kitchen doors. A small

blonde hared woman had dropped a tray. Her heart skipped a beat

as she immediately recognized the figure despite the fact that

she could barely see.

Ephiny came charging out of the door after her making a wild

whooping battle cry, her sword raised high above her head and

the amazons descended on the crowd.

Xena's eyes widened as she watched the fight unfold before her.

The men were caught off guard but quickly gather their weapons

and began slashing wildly at the amazons. They were coming from

everywhere and the men were quickly losing ground. There was a

great clash of steel and arrows as the women would had been

standing at the back of the great hall uncloaked their bows and

began downing the men one by one.

The banquet hall became a blood bath in seconds and the rowdy

laughter of a moment ago had turned to angry shouting and lots

more cursing.

Guards from outside the hall were racing in to see what the

Hades had gone wrong.

Gabrielle was making her way through the fighting bodies towards

the throne.

Helcus was still standing, goblet in hand, mouth gaping open.

Ephiny was shouting instructions over the melee. "Solare, over

there! The guards!" She dove her sword into a warlord that was

rushing her. She then turned around to face another onrusher,

felling him with a single blow to the head.

Solare nodded and signaled a few amazons to race to the south

doors and ready themselves.

Kauri was an excellent archer, she had immediately tore off her

skirt revealing her amazon garb, raced to the middle of the room

and had begun to inflict some serious damage.

Asara led a small team to the north of the banquet hall in

anticipation of a fresh wave of troops that would be coming

through the doors at any moment.

Tylus was barking orders to his troops, whom he feared were far

too wide eyed at the moment for their own good. This was not

turning out to be a good day after all.

Gabrielle grabbed a dagger from a fallen body and jumped up on

the table rushing towards Xena.

Xena's eyes lit up at the sight of her lover but quickly widened

in fear as she saw Helcus stumble up onto the table after

Gabrielle, sword raised and leveled for her back.

"Gabrielle!" She screamed. Or tried to, as it only came out in a

whisper. Gabrielle did not hear her cry and did not feel the

presence of Helcus - her fighting sense was nowhere to be found

as her emotions had taken over.

Finally Gabrielle saw the look of fear in Xena's eyes but it was

too late, she turned to see Helcus coming at her, his sword

headed straight for her heart.

His mad grin froze on his face, and then a look of surprise

replaced it and he fell forward, dead before he hit the ground.

His large frame shook the table as it landed, a sword imbedded

deep into his back remained stuck there, Ephiny's hand still

holding the deadly weapon.

She removed it quickly, looked at Gabrielle, and then Xena, an

unspoken promise fulfilled and headed back to the fray. She had

a date with Tylus she was not going to miss.

Tylus saw the blonde woman down Helcus and head straight for

him. He now knew he would not live to see another day.

Gabrielle's hands were shaking wildly as she attempted to cut

the ropes that bound her warrior.

She kissed Xena gently on the lips as she removed the rope that

held her head.

With all restraints gone, Xena collapsed into her arms let

herself be held. She finally closed her eyes and slipped into

unconsciousness as Gabrielle spoke soothing words to her.

Chapter 18 - The Wait

--------------------------------

The amazon healer had been in there for at least an hour.

Gabrielle was wild with worry. She paced back and forth outside

the amazon hut, Ephiny watching her intently, the pacing was

making her mildly dizzy.

A few of the other amazons waited quietly outside as well.

Solare and Kauri were waiting their turn to be looked at, having

been slightly wounded in the battle. The amazons had survived

with little injury. No one had died which was incredible

considering they must have downed one hundred men. It would

eventually be five times that once the stories were passed down

a few generations.

The healer called Gabrielle in to the hut. Ephiny followed.

"I've fixed her up as best I can. The slashes on her back will

heal fine, she's lucky someone attended to them before they

became too infected. She is now weak with fever. It's the blow

to her head that is the most worrisome. But she hasn't died

from it yet." Gabrielle visibly flinched at this.

The woman got up and put her arms on Gabrielle's shoulders. She

continued, "She's a very strong woman. - with a great reason to

live. - I will leave you to tend to her now, you are her best

medicine."

She gathered her things and went to leave. "Stay close to her,

she had been calling your name and needs to be reassured. Here

is some tea mixture, make sure she keeps it down. "I'll leave

you now, I've got others to tend to." And with that she left.

Ephiny came over and gave Gabrielle a big hug. "I'll leave you

two alone, let me know if you need anything, I'll be nearby."

Xena was dreaming she was in a hot fiery place. Beads of sweat

were pouring down her face and she squinted to see through the

water that was pooling in her eyes. Soft hands were gently

caressing her, they were cool and comforting against the fire of

her skin. There was a dull mumbling of noise ringing in her ears

and she strained to make sense of the nameless chatter.

"Did I ever tell you about Zeus and the flock of doves Xena?"

Gabrielle spoke to her. She gently wiped away the sweat on

Xena's forehead and continued to apply the wet sponge to her

feverish body. She was very tired now but there was no place

she would rather be. "Didn't I?" She replied to herself. "Well

then, here's how it goes..."

She blabbered on for many hours but Xena was still fire in her

hands. She was running out of material. She was also beginning

to get very sleepy, her eyes beginning to roll back in her head.

Xena was wrapped in a warm embrace. She couldn't move and her

eyes strained to open to see what the object of such comfort

was. They finally opened and took in her surroundings. Her

vision blurred then righted itself. She was staring up at a

grass roofing that she knew she should recognize. Someone lay

draped over her body and the strawberry blonde hair was

unmistakably her Gabrielle.

She smiled and lifted her hand to stroke her hair. Xena was

weak and in some pain but her fever was gone and she was

thinking clearly once again. The events of the last day were

coming back to her in small fragmented pieces. Her head was

throbbing as a reminder of her battle with Helcus's men.

She didn't know how Gabrielle had escaped and how the amazons

had managed to rescue her but none of that mattered much now -

she was in the arms of the woman she loved and she drifted off

into a peaceful sleep, her hands wrapped tightly around the bard.

Chapter 19 - An Errand

--------------------------------

"I won't be gone for long Ephiny." Gabrielle said. They were

standing at the entrance to the stables. She was retrieving the

black horse that had once been Barrance's. Argo had been

retrieved from the village yesterday but she preferred the black

horse, as it had trusted her and it had helped her when there

had been no one else.

"Gabrielle, it's not that I don't trust you, but Xena will have

my hide if something happens to you. You can understand that

can't you?" Pleaded Ephiny. "And besides, tonight is a special

celebration in honor of the both of you. What if you don't make

it back in time."

"I will Ephiny." Gabrielle said. "I want to do this for Xena.

It's very important."

Ephiny sighed and gave in to the determination of the young

woman. "All right, but you'll need an escort. Talia will go

with you." She signaled over to Talia who had the misfortune of

passing by at the wrong time.

"Great!" Gabrielle answered excitement in her voice. A large

smile covered her face.

Ephiny looked at her and smiled too, her good nature was

infectious and she couldn't help but give in to it.

"What will I tell Xena if she asks where you've gone?" Ephiny

asked, she hated lying, especially to Xena as she was one that

would see right through her.

Ephiny helped Gabrielle mount the horse. "Oh I'm sure you'll

think of something. You are the amazon queen after all."

Gabrielle laughed looking down at her.

"Whoa, I forgot how tall it was from up here." She took a big

swallow. She could do this, she said to herself. "I'll be back

soon, and don't you dare tell her anything!" Gabrielle warned.

Talia and Gabrielle trotted out of the amazon camp leaving

Ephiny to worry all by herself. Maybe she could avoid Xena for

the rest of the day - in fact she planned on it.

Xena was up and about finally, moving with only mild discomfort,

her wounds healed for the most part. She had only just managed

to get out of bed yesterday but was restless to get going again

and was excited at the prospect of heading out on the road again

tomorrow. Staying in one spot for too long always left her

edgy.

She came out from the hut looking for Gabrielle. She hadn't

seen her for over two hours and was growing concerned. Maybe if

she could find Ephiny, she would know. She headed in the

direction of her hut.

Kauri came up to Xena as she crossed the campground.

"Xena, do you think you could help me over here? I need strong

hands to hold up this beam while I tie it."

The amazons had much rebuilding to do as Valasqua had destroyed

much of the camp in her rage after she had tasted the ambrosia

and been turned into a god. All work had stopped when they

raced off to save Xena but now they were back working steadily.

Xena was always willing to help and went over to Kauri and

held the beam.

Kauri looked over in the general direction of the main hut where

the preparations for tonight's celebration were being carried

out. She saw Ephiny peering out the opening giving her a

silent signal. She responded with a slight grin on her face.

She turned to look at Xena but it was quickly hidden. Ephiny

had instructed them to keep her occupied until Gabrielle and

Talia returned.

Xena looked up from the beam she was steadying. "Have you seen

Gabrielle?"

"I think her and Talia went swimming, I'm not sure." Kauri

replied.

Xena looked at her and tried to figure out why she didn't

believe her but let it go. She continued to hold the beam as

beads of sweat were beginning to form on her brow. Maybe she

wasn't as rested as she had hoped.

Solare came over and helped. When the task was complete Xena got

up to leave. Solare put her arm around her shoulder. "Xena I

need some help with the wall over there. Would you mind?" She

asked politely, smiling at the panting warrior.

Oh Hades, Xena thought to herself. "Sure Solare, I'm at your

service. "

They worked poor Xena a good two hours at this game. She was so

tired by the time they had finished with her she had to go lie

down and recover.

Xena collapsed onto the bed and immediately fell into a deep

sleep.

Chapter 20 - Nap Time

-----------------------------

"You didn't kill her did you?" Ephiny asked peering into the hut

at the fallen warrior.

"Almost!" Solare laughed.

They heard the call of arrival and turned to see Gabrielle and

Talia coming in on horseback..

"It's about time!" Ephiny growled at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle had an excited grin on her face. "Where's Xena? - You

didn't tell her did you?" She added with slight worry.

"No, Gabrielle, but we had to kill her - she's on the

bed."Ephiny's eyes pointed towards the hut, and she burst out

laughing and Solare joined in.

"No it's your turn." Ephiny added looking at Gabrielle. "You

have to get her up in time for the festivities. We start in an

hour."

Both women walked away chuckling to themselves.

Talia and Gabrielle looked at each other. Talia just shrugged

and turned to lead the horses to the stables.

Gabrielle entered the hut and her heart melted once again as she

saw her love lying peacefully on their bed. She looked so

beautiful when her face wasn't dark with worry or concentrating

on saving some village. Well, maybe just more beautiful, she

thought as she lay down on the edge of the bed to gaze at her

more closely.

Her finger traced Xena's jaw line and continued to make it's way

down her neck. Gabrielle loved the feel of this little ritual.

She now had full privileges in the touching arena and she

couldn't seem to keep her hands off of her. They had not made

love since the ruins as she didn't want to risk weakening Xena

but she was not sure how much longer she could wait. Just

sitting beside her was making her insides ache. Xena had opened

up a whole new world of sensations to her and she was young and

hungry to explore them again and again.

She sighed knowing Xena needed to rest but her hands would not

obey her. She traced a line down Xena's arm and lifted one of

her hands to her mouth. She kissed the palm gently and began

slowly painting kissed on each of her fingers.

Xena stirred in her sleep responding to the bard's touch

instinctually.

Her kisses continued down her arm, and stopped at the soft spot

on the inside of her elbow. She continued on again until she

reached her neck line stopped there. She gently sucked on a

particularly sensitive part until she could hear Xena moan in

her sleep.

She smiled to herself wondering what Xena was dreaming now.

"Gabrielle.." Xena whispered in her sleep and she had her answer.

Damn she thought to herself. The ache was getting stronger in

her but she knew she couldn't dare wake her - they had a

celebration in their honor and she did not want to show up

alone. Xena needed to sleep. She sighed and pulled away. "But

when you get better I am going to work you so hard...." her

thoughts trailed off.

Then her eyes widened slightly as she looked down at Xena's

neck, a dark purple welt forming there before her eyes.

"Uh oh.." She said aloud. And then vowed silently not the

mention it.

She gave her a half hour more to sleep then finally came over to

rouse her. She stood over the warrior shaking her. "Xena."

First softly, then louder. "Wake up! Xena!"

Xena's eyes rolled in the back of her head and she shook her

harder.

Xena finally relented and opened her eyes looking up at the

gorgeous woman that was now hers. She couldn't believe her luck.

"Hi! - hey where have you been?" She groaned, trying to look

angry but not doing a great job of it.

"Celebration's starting Xena. You have to get up." Gabrielle

avoided the issue.

Xena sighed and closed her eyes again. "I'm tired."

"You're getting up. - Now. " Gabrielle added with some force.

"Now?" Xena whined.

"Come on!" Gabrielle heaved her up by the arms. "We're wasting

time!"

"Oh so now you're the one in a hurry eh?" Xena asked knowing how

Gabrielle hated to be teased.

"Very f