The Dreams of Children

Written by TZ
Edited by PD Wonder

Part Five
Copyright September 28, 1998

See Part One for Disclaimers

The next day, Cyrene urged Xena to take Gabrielle down to the river for some quiet time. After the upheaval of the day before, the warrior wanted nothing more than to relax. She figured, however, that it was time that she talked to the bard about her own past. She did not want her friend to hear it from anyone else. She also figured that if the bard was determined to defend her honor, that the younger woman had better know what she was fighting against.

Xena found more courage than she ever thought she possessed; she invited the bard to join her for some fishing.

Eager to resume their friendship, the bard agreed. She wanted nothing more than to forget about what had happened the day before.

Gabrielle smiled up at the warrior even though she was minding her footing on the uneven path. She allowed herself to wrap an arm around Xena's in the guise of leaning against her for support.

They continued silently until they reached the river. They followed the eroded bank until they came to a spot that was comfortable and secluded; they had once considered the spot their own private one when they were growing up.

With a heavy sigh, the bard lowered herself to the grass. She lifted her skirt and scowled at the bandage that was wrapped thickly around her wound.

"Is it bothering you?"

Gabrielle looked up to see the concern in her friend's face. "It's not so much painful as it is itchy," she complained.

"Here, let me take a look at it," the warrior offered as she knelt beside the smaller woman.

Xena's hands efficiently unwrapped the bandage and examined the stitches that held the wound closed. Seeing no sign of infection or torn sutures, the warrior shrugged. "It's healing nicely," she commented as she began to bandage the leg. The bard's hand on hers stilled her movements.

The bard shrugged and grinned. "It feels better without the bandage," she explained. "I promise not to get any dirt on it."

The warrior frowned but relented to the pleading bard; Gabrielle's eyes were wide with sweet entreaty. "You better make sure of it," she muttered wryly as she began to set up their poles for a long day's fishing. After casting both lines into the water, Xena took her seat and handed the bard her pole.

There was a long moment of silence as both women remembered other times spent in their private spot. Times then had been easier; they had not yet felt the harsh bite of reality.

Clearing her throat, the warrior prepared herself for her confession as if it were a battle. "Ever since yesterday," she started, purposefully gentling her voice, "when I found out about what happened to you, I thought that I should be honest and tell you what happened to me." The warrior bowed her head in shame as she thought about her life as a warlord. "Well, actually, not what happened to me, but rather, what I did," she clarified.

The bard studied the uncomfortable warrior; she squeezed Xena's hand in support.

Xena looked up and stared across the river to the tall grasses that were swaying the gentle breeze. In a dispassionate voice, she began her tale. She told Gabrielle about what she had hoped to find when she left Amphipolis so long ago.

"I wanted to be a warrior like my father," she whispered. "I thought that if I were the best I would be able to control my own life." Xena sighed and bowed her head once more. "I heard about a war master in the north. I went to his camp to train. Things were great until Cortese."

Gabrielle ducked her head and saw the pain that hardened the warrior's features. She shifted closer and laid a supportive arm across Xena's shoulders.

Scooting down so that Gabrielle did not have to strain her arm, the warrior continued. "Cortese mocked me and the skills I was so proud of. Maybe that was my sin...pride. I don't know," she said as she shook her head. "I got so angry that one day when we were sparring, I killed him."

"You didn't do it on purpose," the bard argued gently.

Xena stilled Gabrielle's words with a shake of her head. "Yes, Gabrielle, I did. Ever since I was little, I've had this problem dealing with this irrational fury." She shook her head again and could not find the words to describe the wild desire to hurt people that often led her into battle. "Not only did I kill Cortese, I also killed several others. My punishment was death," she explained.

The bard shuddered; it was as if Celesta had stolen the life from her friend's voice. "By the Gods, no, Xena."

"There were many times when I wish I had died back then," the warrior added softly.

"No," the bard repeated with pained emphasis. "Don't say that. I won't listen to you talk about yourself like that."

Xena offered the bard a tight smile. "Gabrielle, I haven't even started yet. Save your judgement until after I finish."

A cold chill stole down Gabrielle's spine. She knew that she was about to hear about things that had made Xena such a feared warlord. She was going to hear about the Destroyer of Nations.

"As I sat in my cell waiting for my execution, Ares came to me. He offered me my life. I was scared at the time. I realized that I had failed my father and myself. I wanted a second chance to prove myself, so I accepted his offer."

"Is that when you became a warlord?" Gabrielle asked softly.

"No. I was alone for the next few months. Then one day, I came upon some slavers." A tear trickled from the corner of Xena's eye. The warrior flinched when Gabrielle gently wiped it away. "I lost control again. I killed all of the slavers and Ares came to me to celebrate."

"To celebrate death?"

"In a way, I suppose," Xena answered. "I think it had more to do with my birth as a killer."

"You're not a kill...." The word froze in Gabrielle's throat when she saw the icy glint in the warrior's eyes.

"After that day, I stopped fighting the rage. I let it consume me until I wasn't sure who I was anymore. I lost count of the people who fell under my blade and the villages that my army plundered. When I close my eyes at night, I can still see the flames and hear their screams." Xena turned her head so that the bard could not see the tears that were falling freely.

"One battle merged into another. I can remember some of my opponents' faces. I even knew some of their names. After my army wiped out the Thessalians, I believed that I was invincible. I let nothing stand in my way. I was cold and ruthless."

The bard sat quietly; a troubled frown creased her brow. With every confession from the tall warrior, she felt as if a knife was being plunged into her heart.

"I met someone, then. She reminded me a lot of you." The warrior's mouth became a grim line as she remembered killing every villager that night. Xena's gaze became distant as she remembered Lariel and the slave's foolish love. "Seeing her, I thought about you and what you were doing. I wondered if you were married and had children."

The cry of a lone hawk pierced the awkward silence that settled after the warrior paused for a moment of thought. "I thought about the stuff we used to do as kids," she continued. "I remembered what it was like to actually be happy." Xena began to shift uncomfortably; she stilled when Gabrielle's arm tightened across her shoulders. "I began to question my reasons for being a warlord."

"What happened then?"

"Ares came to me and encouraged me to continue. It wasn't long after that my army met the Arcadian Cavalry." The warrior's body stiffened as she remembered the sight of the carnage on that stormy night long ago. "There was so much blood...and the sounds of the horses as they cried out in pain...." Xena's head fell; she buried her face in her hands. "I wanted to stop. I wanted to end everything, but I couldn't resist Ares. I hated myself for that. I was supposed to be strong and fearless, but I could not fight his will."

"What changed?" the bard asked softly.

Xena shrugged as she scrubbed the wetness from her cheeks. "Part of me knew that what I was doing was wrong. I knew that you would hate me if you could see what I was doing." Xena stood and began to pace in agitation.

Gabrielle frowned when she realized that she could no longer offer physical comfort to her friend.

"I made the decision to quit one day as I watched my army slaughter a detachment that was ordered to capture me." Xena inhaled deeply and turned to stare at the slow current of water. "I decided that it was time to kill the Destroyer...to kill myself," she admitted.

Fighting the urge to run to her friend, the bard hung her head. She wanted desperately to help Xena find peace that her past would not afford. At the same time, however, she was sickened thinking about the number of innocent lives that had been sacrificed under the ex-warlord's blade. She fought hard to ignore the queasiness that rolled in her stomach; she was determined to stand by the warrior no matter the cost to her own soul. She would not consider anything less. "I poisoned my army and then led it to Corinth," Xena continued. She choked on her words as she remembered the last time Lyceus had drawn breath. "I knew that the garrison there would end my reign of terror. I just couldn't lay down and die, though...I had to fight." She snorted in self-derision. "Because of that, Lyceus died. He ran out onto the battlefield to try to save me. He threw himself in front of a soldier that was trying to take me out from behind."

Tears flowed in steady streams from the bard's emerald eyes. Gabrielle bowed her head in memory of the young man she called friend and brother.

"Before he died, he made me promise to come home." Xena shook her head; her anger with herself grew. "For a second, I was so mad with him for doing that," she said quietly. "I wanted to die and he made me swear that I would live. But as he took his last breath, I realized what a coward I was. I could face entire armies in battle, but I couldn't face my past...I couldn't face myself."

Xena glanced over at Gabrielle and she winced at the pain that flared in her chest. The bard could not meet her eyes.

"I ran and hid, but Ares found me. He promised to make me suffer even more by killing everything else that I loved."

"That's why he sent his army here," Gabrielle mumbled, nodding to herself.

"Yeah," Xena replied. "I guess those that died here are on my conscience, too."

"No!"

The warrior was startled by Gabrielle's vehement denial.

"Those people died defending their homes against a warlord. If it wasn't Atrius, it would have been another. It's not your fault that Ares is vengeful." The bard struggled to stand; she fought against Xena when the warrior moved to still her. "Don't you understand? The attack wasn't because you did something wrong, Xena. It was because you did something right." The bard stilled her struggles when the warrior suddenly released her arms. "What happened, Xena? How did you find the good?"

The warrior shrugged as she stood to resume her pacing. "I slowly made my way back home. I think I wanted to punish myself because I basically followed the same path my army took on its way to Corinth. I met some of the people who were hurt by me or my men. I saw children without fathers and men without brothers. When I thought that I could take it no more, I met a smithy."

"A smithy?"

Xena smiled slightly remembering Teripides and his chakram. Her fingers unconsciously caressed the gift. "He used to be a soldier," the warrior explained. "He also grew tired of the killing so he left that life behind. He turned his life around. He told me that I could do the same if I were strong enough."

"What does that mean," Gabrielle asked with sincere curiosity.

"It's a lot harder to do what is right than to do what is easy, Gabrielle. I wanted to do the easy thing and run from my past, but he convinced me that I had to face it if I wanted to find any peace at all." Xena raised her eyes to study the cloudless sky. "After that, things began to happen. I stopped some men from assaulting some Amazon children. Ephiny talked some sense into me."

"Ephiny?"

The warrior chuckled with the memory. "She doesn't pull any punches." Xena shook her head and ran a hand through her hair. "After I left the Amazons, I met these two women...Thesia and Beta. They were traveling alone to see Beta's son who had been injured in a raid. When we got to Carinoc...."

"You defeated Skaridran and disbanded his army," Gabrielle finished. When the warrior quirked a questioning brow, the bard shrugged with embarrassment. "I heard from Aracan, a traveling bard who visits here every so often. I heard him telling Toris about this warrior sent by the goddess Athena to protect Carinoc. I asked him to tell the story. After that one, I couldn't get enough of the Warrior Princess. I've heard them all and I had always hoped that it was you," she admitted shyly. "So, what happened then?"

Xena shrugged as she sat next to the bard once more. "About six months later, when Homer and I were traveling through Thessaly...."

"You traveled with THE Homer, the blind bard?" Gabrielle asked with astonishment.

"He wasn't really blind, Gabrielle," the warrior admonished.

"It's just an expression, Xena," the bard chided good-naturedly. Suddenly, her brow furrowed. "What happened?"

Xena's face grew dark as she remembered the confrontation with Ares. "I found out about Ares' plans to attack Amphipolis. I had to get here as fast as I could, so I left him."

"And you got here in time," Gabrielle whispered. She remained quiet as she thought about her childhood friend, the warlord Xena had described, and the woman who sat beside her now. She had always thought that she understood what Xena had done as the Destroyer, but to hear the story from the woman herself was different. She saw the pain and regret in her friend's eyes; her heart swelled with the need to comfort her friend and the woman for whom she cared. The warlord, she realized, was just as real, but was a part of the past. Gabrielle wanted to erase the suffering that the warrior was enduring.

Taking a deep breath to calm the heavy beating of her heart, Gabrielle caught Xena's eyes with her own. She held her friend's gaze with her own unflinching one. "Thank you," she whispered.

"For what?"

"For sharing yourself with me," the bard explained. "I know how much it hurt you to say all of that."

Xena's hands reflexively curled into fists; she needed to know if Gabrielle had changed her mind about being with her. "How do you feel about it?"

"It hurts," the bard admitted. "I never wanted to believe that you could do those things. But I can't change what you did...and neither can you. We have to look to the future," she finished with a small smile.

The warrior's heart swelled with hope when she heard the bard's words. "We? Does that mean that you still want to be my friend?"

The bard cocked her head and grinned. "Friends don't turn their backs on each other because of mistakes they make. They offer support and love. I believe that you really want to be good, Xena. The past wouldn't hurt you so much if you didn't." Gabrielle reached for and squeezed the warrior's hand. "I don't want you to hurt, no matter what you did. I know that you aren't the same person anymore. If you were, I couldn't love you."

"I've killed so many," the warrior admitted as her eyes welled with tears again. She lowered her gaze and stared at her hands; she could see the blood of a thousand victims. "How could you even like me, yet alone love me?"

"How could I not? You were everything that was good when we were growing up."

"I'm not the same person you knew before, Gabrielle. I've changed."

The bard ducked her head to capture Xena's attention. She smiled gently and raised her friend's face. "Part of you is the girl that was my hero when I was growing up. It's the part that made you stop what you were doing. It's the part that made you want to make up for what you did." Gabrielle leaned in and kissed away a tear that fell down the warrior's cheek. "When I saw you battling those soldiers outside of the cave, I remembered the Xena I grew up with. I know, though, that you are different. You have seen and done so much. Your guilt and remorse are clear; your eyes reveal your regrets. You are still my friend...my best friend. How can I hate you when all I want to do is make all of your pain go away?"

"I don't deserve you," Xena whispered as she allowed the bard to cradle her; she began sobbing in relief. Gabrielle knew what she had done and had not turned her away. The bard accepted her past.

"Yes, you do, Xena. You have a good heart. I believe in that and...."

"I believe in you," the warrior finished.

The bard smiled warmly at her friend; she stroked Xena's cheeks soothingly. The trust that brightened the warrior's eyes compelled her to look to the future. Her resolve quickened. Her face conveyed her determination. "I know that there is no simple way to ease the pain of what has happened. I believe that together we can find a way to get past it all. I will always be here for you, Xena."

The warrior clung desperately to the offer of a new life with the bard. She wanted nothing more than to find a peace within her soul. Somehow, she knew that she would find it with Gabrielle. "I don't ever want to be without you again," she whispered as she embraced the smaller woman. "The only good things I've ever done in my life are because of you. When I turned from Ares, I turned to you...my memory of you. You are my source," she admitted softly, "when I think that I can no longer continue."

"Together, then," the bard repeated, "we'll continue."

Xena could only nod as the little girl in her soul clung fiercely to Gabrielle's promise.

After their emotions settled, the warrior and bard found the opportunity to relax; they began to fish in earnest. A rivalry had always existed between them as they vied to be the one that caught the most fish. The Strymon, however, was stubborn with her bounty; the women only landed one each.

The sun was high in the sky when Gabrielle's stomach announced that it was time for lunch. With a playful smirk, Xena gathered their poles and wrapped the bard's wound for the walk home. They returned to the inn before the doors were opened to customers; Gabrielle was used to eating before the patrons were served. They wove their way through the empty common room and entered the kitchen.

With a sheepish grin, the warrior gave her mother their meager catch of two fish.

"No luck today, huh," the innkeeper questioned with a crooked grin.

"Mother," Xena whispered as she leaned down to kiss the older woman, "there are all kinds of luck."

Gabrielle shook her head as she lowered herself to a seat. "How's Meleager and Ere?" she asked in a tight voice.

Cyrene frowned when she saw the bard wince. "Meleager still doesn't look good," the innkeeper murmured, "Eresthenes, however, is better than yesterday. Hippocrates gave him some herbs to make him sleep. What about you? You look like you're in pain."

Xena frowned and rushed to Gabrielle's side and knelt. She quickly unwrapped the bandage around the bard's thigh and studied the wound. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"It's fine, really," Gabrielle assured them. "I'm just sore from sitting so long and then walking back here."

"I knew I should have carried you," the warrior mumbled.

The bard flashed Cyrene a frustrated look. "I'm fine," she repeated emphatically.

Xena sighed as she wrapped Gabrielle's leg. "Come on," she muttered as she gathered the smaller woman into her arms.

"Xena!" Gabrielle cried. "Put me down. Where do you think you are taking me?"

"To our room, so stop struggling before I drop you on your head."

"I am not going upstairs. I have to help out with lunch," the bard argued as the warrior paused to open the door to the common room.

When Gabrielle's struggles intensified, Xena stopped; she was afraid that the bard would tear her stitches. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the look on Gabrielle's face.

The bard was flushed; her face flamed with heat and her eyes welled with tears. The smaller woman trembled with barely restrained anger. Remembering the warrior's fury from the day before, the bard fought to contain her ire; she had no desire to see that fire in the warrior's eyes again. However, she could not quell her indignation. She stared at the floor in an effort to stay calm.

"Gabrielle?" Xena shifted the bard in her arms so that she could see her friend's face. She frowned when she realized that the smaller woman avoided her gaze. "Gabrielle, please...tell me what's wrong," she asked softly. The bard's body stopped trembling; Gabrielle saw only honest confusion in the warrior's gentle blue scrutiny. When she realized that her friend was only worried about her, Gabrielle mumbled, "I'm not a child that you can just order around, Xena. I'm not. I know when I can work and I don't appreciate being carried to my room...not when I can walk on my own two feet. I am old enough to make my own decisions." The bard found the courage to look at the warrior; her eyes burned with fierce pride. Xena's face was wide with surprise and remorse. "But...I didn't mean to...believe me. I just didn't want you to hurt your leg any worse than what it is." The warrior set her friend on her feet and stepped back. "I didn't think. I'm sorry."

Both women looked at each other and then at the innkeeper that was pretending to be occupied. They cleared their throats.

Gabrielle was the first to break the tense silence. "Thank you," she whispered softly. Taking a deep breath, she limped over to the worktable and studied its immaculate surface.

"At least sit down," Xena suggested as she pulled a stool over for the bard. "Just because you're stubborn doesn't mean that it should hurt worse than it is," she grumbled.

"I am not stubborn," the bard replied; the sudden teasing twinkle in her eyes belied the terseness of her tone. If she didn't know better, she thought that Xena was trying hard not to pout.

"Are so," the warrior argued quietly; she was relieved that the thick tension had dissipated.

"If you two are finished," Cyrene said as she slid two plates in front of her daughters, "you can eat before Toris opens the door for business."

"Yes, Mother," Xena replied as she grinned impishly at the bard.

Gabrielle crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.

"Kids," the innkeeper mumbled good-naturedly as she left the kitchen to make sure that the bar and tavern were ready for customers.

Xena began to eat her lunch thoughtfully. She frowned when she realized that Gabrielle was right. The bard was an adult with the ability to make her own decisions. The warrior sighed and turned to the smaller woman. "You were right," she said with a small smile. "I shouldn't have assumed that I know what is best for you."

The bard chuckled as she savored her meal. "Just remember that, warrior, and we'll get along just fine," she replied after swallowing.

"Oh, really," Xena asked in playful challenge.

The bard looked at her friend from the corner of her eye; she raised a piece of food to demonstrate her point. "You do remember, of course, that when it comes to certain things, I am better than you."

The warrior raised her own weapon, which turned out to be a small chunk of cheese. "And what if I had some practice while I was away," she asked.

"Xena, I have a seven-year-old...I've had plenty of practice myself."

"I led grown men...what difference is there?"

The two friends stared hard at each other, trying not to laugh. When Cyrene walked into the kitchen and demanded that they either lower their "weapons" or put the food in their mouths, the two started laughing in genuine fun. They buckled under the stern glare of the innkeeper; they put the morsels in their mouths and chewed as they continued to chuckle.

Just as they finished their lunch, Cyrene poked her head into the kitchen. "Toris is opening the door now," she said, nodding her head towards the platters of food she had prepared. "Estepani and I can handle the orders if you two will prepare the plates."

"Will do," the bard answered after looking to the warrior for agreement.

Estepani was the first to bring an order back to the kitchen. She ignored Xena and instead spoke to Gabrielle. "Two specials," she said as she poked her head through the door. When the young widow withdrew, Xena sighed softly. "I guess that's better than yesterday," she muttered.

Gabrielle squeezed her friend's hand before she began to prepare a plate. "She is still grieving, Xena. Give her time. Let her find out that you aren't the monster she thinks you are."

"Gabrielle," Xena began hesitantly, "she should feel the way she does about me. I wouldn't expect anything else. Nobody should forget what I have done...not 'Stepi, not me...and not you." The warrior prepared the second plate absently as she continued. "I don't want you to think that because I am no longer a warlord that the things I did went away. There are many people out there who feel the same way that she does." Xena spared a warm smile for the younger woman. "And no matter how hard you try, you can't make them forget it."

"Forgetting and forgiving are two different things," the bard argued. "Simply being civil would be a nice step in the right direction, though."

"She was civil," Xena pointed out as she placed the filled plate on a tray.

"She didn't say one word to you."

"Because that one word would have been spitefully true," Xena countered. "By not voicing it, she was being civil."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak, but Cyrene opened the door a crack and shouted an order for six more specials and a loaf of bread. Pulling another plate from the stack at her left, the bard considered the warrior's words. "So if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all?" she queried as she began to fill the plate.

"Exactly," Xena said as she filled another.

Gabrielle frowned when as she pondered the warrior's words. "I still don't think 'Stepi should hate you. It wasn't your fault."

"I'm not totally free of blame...at least not where Lyceus is concerned."

Gabrielle stopped what she was doing and reached up to sooth the guilty frown that creased Xena's brow. Smiling sadly, she gently admonished the warrior. "Please don't do that Xena."

"Do what?" the warrior asked as she fought the temptation to hold the bard's hand against her face.

"Frown," the smaller woman answered. "You are so much more beautiful when you don't," she whispered softly. The bard blushed profusely when her words registered in her own brain. She quickly pulled her hand away from her friend's face and concentrated her attention on the plate she was filling.

In an effort to ignore the sexual tension that began to coil in her belly, Gabrielle cleared her throat and concentrated on filling lunch orders. It was not long before she and Xena were both busy trying to keep up with the orders that were called back.

Xena, on the other hand, focused her attention on the warm coursing energy that dispelled the aching sorrow. Gabrielle's innocent touch and sweet words had helped her to forget for a moment why she had been frowning. She marveled at the way her heart yearned for that touch once more.

They had no time to voice their feelings to one another; the kitchen became a flurry of activity as Cyrene and Estepani rushed in and out. Orders were given and picked up. Empty trays were filled for the next patron. By the time that the lunch hour was over, Gabrielle was more than willing to find some comfort in the bed upstairs. She fought the tired ache that crept up her legs and into her back, though. She could not bear the thought of being separated from Xena and the warrior was fidgeting as though she had something important that she wanted to do.

When the lunch orders dwindled to the occasional plate, Xena left the worktable to begin cleaning the stack of dishes by the washtub. Her thoughts about wanting to be with Gabrielle made her realize that she had to bring some issues of her past to a closure. The first one, she decided with a heavy heart, would have to be her father. With a quiet sigh, she silently gathered the strength and energy she knew that she would need to face him.

When Xena and Gabrielle finished cleaning the kitchen, the warrior reluctantly allowed the bard to accompany her to the village jail.

When she entered the cool stone structure, she was not surprised to find Autolycus at his desk. The magistrate was immersed in a bound volume of law code. When Xena knocked softly on the doorframe, he looked up and smiled in welcome. "It's good to see you again, Xena," Autolycus said as he ushered the two women into his office. "What brings you here?" he asked for confirmation since he already had an idea.

"I need to speak to my father," the warrior answered as she stood stiffly. She refused to give into the temptation to run away from the disillusionment that she had faced while battling her father.

Autolycus nodded his understanding and rose to lead the warrior to the cell that held her father.

"Do you want me to come in with you?" Gabrielle asked as she laid a supportive hand on the warrior's back.

Xena shook her head and wrapped a grateful arm around the smaller woman's shoulders. "I would like nothing more, Gabrielle," she answered honestly, "but I have to do this alone."

The bard nodded and stopped so that she could turn and look up to Xena's face. "I'll be right out here if you need me," she said before she wrapped the warrior in an embrace. With one last squeeze, she pulled away and lent all of her strength to her friend with one long gaze.

"I know." Xena smiled softly; she rolled her neck and stood tall. She was determined to face the father she thought she had known. She had to discover what had happened to the man after whom she had modeled her life.

Atrius looked up when he heard the key rattle in the door that separated the holding cells from the outer office. His bland features hardened when Xena closed the door behind her.

"Father," the warrior said as she approached Atrius' cell.

Glaring at the young woman who had defeated his army and brought shame once more to his name, the old warrior snarled. "Have you come to gloat?" he asked.

Xena shook her head; she felt a part of herself die when she looked into the cold eyes of the man she had once admired. "No," she answered calmly. "I wanted to see how you were...and to ask you something."

"To answer your first question...how do you think I am? Have you ever been stuck in a prison cell? Have you ever been denied the freedom to see the sun and to smell fresh air?" The defeated warlord stood to pace his cramped cell.

Ignoring her father's petulant response, Xena forged ahead. "I want to know why you led Ares' army against Amphipolis. What did anyone here do to you to deserve that?"

Atrius snorted in derision; his lips curved up into a cruel smile. "I did it all for you, Xena."

Xena turned her back to her father and stared blankly at the rough-hewn wall. "I can understand Ares' motives, but what anger did you carry against our people?"

"I could care less about these simple peasants," the warlord replied arrogantly.

"Then why did Ares choose you to lead his army?" Xena asked as she turned to face Atrius again; her icy gaze tried to find the truth in his face. "There were many others to choose from that would have been more than happy to make me suffer."

"Oh, but you see, my daughter," Atrius spat the term of affection, "none carried such a deep desire to see you dead."

Xena's blood ran cold; she could feel her stoic mask slipping. "Why?" Her voice was full of pain and a desperate need to understand what she had done to displease her father.

Atrius stepped up to the bars of his cell. His hands clenched the cold metal in frustrated fury. "I could not live knowing that my daughter would find a glory greater than my own. I wanted to be the warrior remembered by all. I wanted to be respected and feared." The warlord slammed his forehead into the bars. "Instead, you outshone me. I should have been proud," he said as he shook his head, "but I knew that your glory would be bought with my life. I was not going to lose my life to a mere woman!" He raised his eyes to the wooden ceiling and closed his eyes. "I was so proud of you when you were a little girl. You were the strongest and brightest of all the village children. I would brag to the men I served with about how well you handled a sword, even at such a young age."

"Then why, father? Why do you hate me so much? I would never kill you."

"Ares' blood runs in your veins, girl. Don't you know that? That fire that you feel, that rage and bloodlust that surges in battle...that is his gift to you." Atrius stared out at the weak light that filtered through the small window high on the oppose wall. "I hate you for that...because I don't have it."

"You're jealous? That's why you tried to destroy Amphipolis?" Xena began to pace. She ran a hand through her hair; she was riddled with confusion. "Why not just come after me personally?"

The warlord tilted his head back and chuckled evilly. "You weren't the only one. I had a score to settle with your mother, as well. If she had only let me finish what I started so long ago, neither of us would be here having this discussion. I had to repay her, too."

"What did she do to you? She is a gentle woman."

"She stopped me from killing you the first time," Atrius answered bluntly. "And Ares...." The warlord snorted in disdain. "He promised me the satisfaction of facing you in battle so I would have a second chance. I should have known that he would have double-crossed me and deprived me of the pleasure."

"The first time?" Xena asked as she stopped to look at her father; she ignored his disgruntlement over Ares possessing his body during their confrontation.

"When I realized that you were destined for a greatness that I could only dream of, I tried to kill you. You were so beautiful lying in your bed that night. I could imagine your hot blood running through my fingers as I sliced your heart from your body." Atrius trembled with his vision; he licked his lips with the memory. "She saw me, though. She saved you and let you live your miserable life. She threatened to kill me if I did not leave that night."

"That's why you left," Xena whispered more to herself than to her father. Memories of wanting to please her father so that he would return from battle assaulted the warrior. She remembered praying to the gods, asking them to keep her father safe and to bring him home again. Tears began to well in her eyes and she crossed to the heavy wooden door that would free her from her pain. She pounded heavily on it and called for Autolycus. When the magistrate unlocked the door, the warrior rushed past him. She continued out of the jail and meant to run until she could no longer draw breath. Her flight was halted, however, by the soft call of her name.

Gabrielle ran as fast as she could to catch up to her friend. When the warrior finally stopped and turned to face her, the bard's heart cried out with compassionate sorrow.

Xena was shaking with the effort to contain the agonizing pain that seized her chest. She gulped air as she fought the urge to fall to the ground and cry.

"Come on," the small blonde urged as she led the warrior away from the village. The dull throb of pain in her leg was forgotten as she made her way to a secluded clearing in the forest. When she thought that they had gone far enough and had found a small glen complete with a fallen log, Gabrielle sat and pulled her friend down into her arms.

Letting go of all the emotion caused by her father's admission, Xena began to sob uncontrollably. She was no longer sure of the fond memories she had of her father; she thought that perhaps the long nights by the fire listening to his stories were fantasies she had created. She could not deal with the hatred that came from someone she loved and admired so greatly.

Gabrielle held Xena while the warrior cried a torrent of tears. She smoothed her friend's hair and waited patiently for the other woman's pain to be cleansed. She was shocked to discover the deep emotions that stole the warrior's stoic composure. She realized that her brave and powerful hero was just as frail as everyone else was.

Some time later, Xena's crying tapered off; she slid to the ground and rested her head in the bard's lap. Her breathing evened to the rhythmic stroking of delicate fingers through her hair.

"Are you all right?"

Xena shrugged and wiped her nose on the back of her hand. "I'm not sure. Everything hurts inside," she admitted. "I feel like my entire life has been a lie." When the bard's soft caresses stilled, the warrior lifted her head in question; she had been enjoying the soothing touch. She frowned when she saw Gabrielle biting her lip. "What's wrong?"

Glancing to the other side of the clearing, the bard took a deep breath and released her lip. She prayed that it would not quiver from the pain Xena's words had caused. "Do you mean that?" she asked quietly. "Was our friendship a lie?"

Rising to her knees, Xena grasped the bard's chin in her hand and forced the other woman's eyes to her own. "I didn't mean that," she answered. "You have always been real for me." When the hurt in Gabrielle's eyes faded, the warrior lowered her head once more until her forehead rested on her friend's knees. "I meant about my father. I wanted to be like him. When I fought for Ares, I thought that I had betrayed my father's memory...but I was more like him then than I am now. Now I know where I get it," she mumbled.

Gabrielle bent low at the waist so that she could hear the warrior's words; the abject pain in Xena's tone saddened her. "Get what?" she asked softly as she tucked a lock of hair behind the other woman's ear.

"My anger, my fury, whatever you want to call it. I got it from him. He hates me, Gabrielle. He hates me just because he believes that I am a better killer than him."

"Please don't talk about yourself that way, Xena," the bard implored. "You have to believe that you aren't like that anymore. If you kill now, it's because you must, not because you can."

"Gabrielle...." Xena raised her head to argue. Her words were trapped in the back of her throat, however, when she saw loving green eyes so close to her own. Unbidden, her gaze fell to the soft lips that fought so eloquently for her soul. The warrior shifted on her knees; she moved closer until she could feel Gabrielle's breath warm across her lips.

The bard's heart began pounding heavily with anticipation; she could imagine how soft the warrior's lips would be. She could taste their sweetness. She was frightened by the intensity of the feelings she had never known with another before, but was unable to fight the attraction. Closing her eyes, she leaned across the minute space that separated her from the woman with whom she knew she was falling in love.

Their lips met in a gentle kiss of curious exploration. It lasted but a moment before the bard gasped and hissed in pain. Pulling back reluctantly, she looked down at the warrior's hands that had risen to grasp her thighs. Her wound ached with a renewed throbbing.

"Oh, gods, Gabrielle...I'm sorry. I didn't mean...I didn't know I was doing that," Xena stammered as she removed her hands from the smaller woman's legs. She tried to move away, but her shoulders were caught in a surprisingly firm grasp.

"Don't go," the bard rasped. "We can stay here until dinner," she said as she drew the warrior to sit beside her. "It's so quiet here. Listen, you can hear the river from here...and the hawks hunting over the fields."

Xena cocked her head and smiled when she did hear the rushing gurgle of the Strymon and the piercing cries of the hawks searching for a meal. She relented and settled down next to her friend. "That was nice," she finally whispered after she had relived the brief kiss she had shared with the bard.

"Yes, it was," Gabrielle answered as softly. She raised her fingers to touch her mouth that still tingled with the memory.

No words were said until much later when the sun had sunk low in the western sky. Both women were thinking about the feelings that were blossoming between them.

Gabrielle had never known the gentle touch of another person. She had never known a physical love that made her body sing with need. She longed to feel that touch again, but was afraid to voice her desires to the warrior; she was unsure if Xena would want to pursue that kind of relationship with her.

Xena, still plagued by memories of death and destruction, wondered how she could feel something so powerful and pure as the love that the bard could offer her. She was afraid of committing herself to something she desperately wanted when she believed that in the end, she would fail the woman who believed in her so greatly.

The one thing that the warrior and bard could agree upon, though, was the fact that it was time to return to the tavern. In silent agreement, they rose as one and began to slowly make their way back to the village. As they passed side by side on the narrow path, their hands brushed. As if of their own accord, Xena and Gabrielle's hands clasped; their fingers entwined. Both of them were aware of the warm currents that flowed between them, but neither had the courage to comment on it.

The sun was low in the sky when the warrior and bard finally returned to the inn. Many diners stopped eating to look up and watch as Xena escorted Gabrielle to the family table. Many patrons raised their tankards in greeting to the pair.

Cyrene looked up when she heard the calls of greeting. With a mother's experienced eye, she saw the tearstains that lined Xena's face. She wanted to know what had caused her daughter's pain, but was unwilling to pry when she saw that the warrior already had someone to comfort her.

The innkeeper's eyes softened when she saw the gentle way that Xena was holding Gabrielle's hand. As the two women were making their way to the kitchen, she stepped in front of them. "You two have the night off," she said in a curt manner that brooked no opposition; the innkeeper steered the two women to the family table. "Myasthenia has offered to help serve tonight. With

Hope and Estepani in the kitchen, I'm sure we'll keep up."

Xena accepted her mother's order with a slight nod of her head. She bent low to whisper into her friend's ear and then disappeared into the kitchen. A moment later, she returned with a heavy platter balanced in her arms.

Gabrielle thanked the warrior with a blinding smile of gratitude. Before Xena could set the platter on the table, the bard was filling her plate.

Xena quirked a brow in amusement and took her seat beside the smaller woman. By the time that Xena filled her plate, the bard had quite a head start eating.

"How do you do that," Xena asked before taking a bite of her own.

The bard merely shrugged with a grin as she continued to keep her busy mouth full.

"I don't know where you put it, Gabrielle," the warrior remarked as she studied the smaller woman's firm stomach.

"It's a family curse," the bard revealed with a twinkle in her eyes. "We're always hungry and we never gain a pound."

"Some curse," the warrior muttered as she witnessed the bard finish her first serving and pile her plate with a second.

"It's a thing of legend," Cyrene said wryly as she stopped to set a couple of drinks on the table. "People come from miles around to see her do that." The innkeeper smiled indulgently and shook her head. "You should see when both her and Hope get together during a meal." Cyrene chuckled as she squeezed the bard's shoulder lovingly. "It's a good thing that Gabrielle brings in

a lot of business," she explained, "or else I'd have gone under just from keeping both of them fed."

The bard grinned impishly as Cyrene shook her head and walked away to take another order. Her manner became serious, however, as she gazed at the warrior's face. "How did it go in the kitchen? Did 'Stepi say anything to you?"

Xena shrugged before she took a drink of her ale. "Not in words. Her eyes, however, said many things."

Gabrielle waved her fork in the air and her brows rose in expectant question. "Such as?"

"Gabrielle," Xena sighed as she turned and laid a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder, "she has a right to her feelings about me. I've told you that. I accept it. So, please, don't force anything."

"It's not right," the bard mumbled, pushing away her plate; she lost her appetite thinking that someone bore the warrior hard feelings. Throughout the rest of the dinner hour, she sat quietly, brooding over a plan to convince Estepani to accept Xena.

The warrior stole frequent glances at Gabrielle. She frowned at both the younger woman's dour look and her silence. She knew that the bard was upset about Estepani's hostility, but Xena could not find the words to explain that she was used to such treatment. The ones that rambled through her mind would only feed her sullen friend's mood. Therefore, she reluctantly joined

Gabrielle's contemplative silence.

The couple's thoughts were interrupted by the cheery appearance of Hope.

Gabrielle started when her daughter caught her around the shoulders in an enthusiastic squeeze. "Hey there, sweetie," she said with a soft smile when she gathered her wits. "I've missed you."

Hope grinned as she sat and pulled her mother's abandoned plate towards her. "I'm sorry, Mama, I've been helping Hip'crites at the temple. He is so neat. He can fix almost anything."

The bard frowned. She had been so caught up in Xena's return that she had not realized what her daughter had been up to. "Hope, I don't think you should be spending your time at the temple. There are things there that little girls should not see." Gabrielle stifled a shiver when she imagined the scores of wounded villagers that were recuperating. She was glad that her own wound was hidden under her skirt.

"Aw, Mama...."

Xena quirked a brow when she heard the familiar whine; Hope was more like her mother than she had previously thought.

"What's so bad about seeing the healer fix people?" the little girl asked.

Gabrielle sighed as she turned to look her daughter in the eye; she wanted to convey an authority she rarely had to use with her normally complacent child. "Hope, it has nothing to do with the healing," she began solemnly. "I am more concerned with the pain and suffering. Children should not have to see that if they don't have to."

Hope nodded her understanding but pouted quietly as she ate her dinner.

"What's wrong?"

Gabrielle looked up from the scroll that she had been staring at for over an hour. She relaxed her features when she realized that she had been scowling almost the entire time. "I don't know how it happened," she whispered.

Xena set aside the sword she had been sharpening and joined the bard on the bed. The younger woman had not said a word since they had retired to their room. "What do you mean?" the warrior asked gently as she took the scroll from Gabrielle's hands and set it on the table next to the bed.

Turning troubled eyes to the warrior, Gabrielle swallowed quietly and took a calming breath. "I guess in all the excitement of the battle and having you back, I forgot about Hope. I didn't even know where she had been spending her time." The bard hung her head in miserable failure. "I always know where she is and what she is doing. I don't know how...."

"Shhh," Xena whispered as she pulled the bard's head close so that it was resting on her shoulder. "Things have been really crazy the past couple of days," she explained, trying to allay Gabrielle's pain. "I'm sure she's been looked after."

"I don't know," the bard whispered as she shook her head. "She's been so headstrong lately and I promised myself that I would make sure she stayed out of trouble."

Xena could not still her chuckle before it erupted from deep in her chest. She shook her head in amusement when Gabrielle raised inquiring eyes. "She's at that age, Gabrielle." When the bard opened her mouth to protest, the warrior stilled her words with a gentle finger upon her lips. "When you were that age, how many times were you sent to bed without dessert?"

Gabrielle's brows furrowed in thought. She had gotten into a lot of trouble when she was little. She was often out after dark; she always went where she was not allowed. "It's not the same," she argued; her tone lacked conviction.

"Yes, it is. Kids get into trouble. Look at the trouble we got into," she pointed out with a grin that faded as quickly as it appeared. "You turned out fine considering," she finished as she fell back to lay on the bed and stare at the ceiling. "Hope is a fine girl, Gabrielle. She's smart and happy. You are a good mother. So stop worrying about the past couple of days."

The bard sighed as she let her guilt dissipate. Her worry for Xena filled the void. "Xena, don't go there, please."

The warrior turned her gaze to find the bard leaning partially over her. "Go where?"

"Wherever it is that you go when you think about the things you've done."

Xena smiled wistfully at the bard. "I'll try," she whispered. She shifted to her side and mirrored Gabrielle's position; she rested her head in the palm of her hand. Her eyes softened as once more she was taken aback by how beautiful the younger woman was. "You really are special, Gabrielle," she said with awe as her fingers found the bard's. "You've come out of bad times with a pure heart, you are raising a wonderful daughter, and you've planted a seed of hope in my dying heart. You are my best friend and I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be right now."

Words failed the bard; she ducked her head shyly. Her spirit soared at the heartfelt words from the warrior. She melted with rapture when Xena pulled her close.

"Come here," Xena whispered as she laid once more on her back. She tugged the bard to her side until the smaller woman's head was resting on her shoulder. Wrapping a strong arm around the smaller woman's back, the warrior squeezed gently. "Are you done brooding then?" she asked.

Gabrielle could feel the heat of Xena's shoulder through the warrior's thin shift; it was almost as hot as the blood that began to course through the bard's veins. Taking a calming breath and praying that she would not tremble with blossoming need, the bard replied, "Yes."

"Good," the warrior responded as she reached over to the table to douse the candle. "Go to sleep."

For the good part of an hour, Gabrielle absorbed the woman next to her. She memorized Xena's smell and feel; she could count in time with the warrior's heartbeats so close to her ear. It was that rhythmic beat that finally lulled the bard to sleep.

Her dreams that night took a decidedly erotic turn.

The next morning Xena woke before the sun rose. Her opened eyes quickly adjusted to the dark; her body registered the fact that she was not alone. She closed her eyes when Gabrielle mumbled in her sleep and snuggled closer. Xena thought that if the small bard got any closer, the younger woman would be sleeping on top of her.

Gabrielle's arm laid across Xena's ribs; the bard's hand curled under her back. Her right leg was entwined with both of the warrior's. A warm chest cushioned her head.

As Xena listened to the bard talk in her sleep, she realized that for the first time in many years, she felt safe. She had bared her heart and had exposed her weaknesses to Gabrielle and yet, her friend was still at her side. The warrior's arms tightened around the bard; she felt her chest swell with an emotion that surprised her. She knew that she would never care for another as much as she did Gabrielle.

She was reluctant to leave the bard's side, but she knew that she had to get up. She had to retrieve Argo as well as the gear she had left behind two days before. With a heavy sigh of regret, she carefully disentangled herself from the bard's gentle embrace. She quickly changed into her leathers and armor and quietly slipped out of the room.

The tavern below was as dark as the rooms above; no one stirred so early in the morning to witness the dark shadow that stepped out into the early morning.

Xena jogged easily through the village and into the forest. The rising sun dispelled the morning's gloom and she was able to follow paths that had hardly changed from when she was a child. When she came upon the clearing where she fought the marauding soldiers, she stopped to note that all of the bodies had been disposed of. Nodding her head at the thoroughness of the clean-up crews, she continued to where she had stowed her gear.

Argo started and then whickered in greeting when the warrior burst into the small clearing. Although not tethered, she had remained nearby, waiting for her master to return.

With a critical eye, Xena inspected the mare. She seemed to have recovered from the frantic ride across Macedonia. The warrior smiled when the warhorse trotted over to greet her. "Hey, girl," she cooed when Argo nuzzled her hair. "I see we both came out of this in one piece."

The warhorse nodded her head and snorted softly.

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry I didn't come get you sooner, but things were really crazy the past couple of days. Everything's pretty good, though, so we're gonna go back. How's that sound, hmm?" Xena quickly saddled Argo and gathered her things. Mounting with sure grace, she urged the warhorse into a fast trot towards Amphipolis.

After settling Argo and stowing her gear in the barn behind the inn, Xena stepped out into the bright morning sun. She raised her face to feel its warmth; her peace was interrupted by the sound of the kitchen door slamming shut.

Hope saw the warrior standing in the yard and ran over to her. "Good morning, Xena," she chirped cheerily. "Are you gonna practice with me?"

Xena nodded in greeting and quirked a brow in question. "Practice what?"

"Staffs," the little girl answered as she showed Xena the staff Gabrielle had been using as a crutch. "Mama can't practice with her leg. Will you practice with me?"

The warrior shrugged as her eyes scanned the yard. "Do you have a staff that I can practice with?"

Hope's face scrunched in thought; she ran back to the inn without saying a word. Moments later, she came back out with a longer staff in her other hand. "This is Mama's," she said.

Reaching out hesitantly, Xena accepted the bard's staff. It was different than the one she had used long ago. This one was heavier and had a better balance. "All right," the warrior said as she twirled the weapon experimentally, "we better stretch first."

The little girl rolled her eyes as she set her staff on the ground. "That's what Mama always says," she sighed as she sat down and began to stretch her legs.

Xena joined Hope; she settled into a split that caused the little girl's eyes to widen in admiration. "Your mother is a smart woman. You should listen to what she says," the warrior advised.

"That's what Gramma says," the little girl pouted.

Shaking her head, Xena chuckled. "She's a smart woman, too. Trust me, you better listen to her." Xena's eyes widened with the memories of many punishments. "I should know." Xena stood and offered a hand to Hope. "Time to stretch the rest of us," she explained.

After showing the little girl several exercises that were good for loosening upper muscles, Xena stepped back. "Why don't you show me what you can do?"

Hope nodded with enthusiasm and reached for her staff. Bracing her legs and centering her weight, she began a simple drill that her mother had taught her. The staff drew flawless patterns around her small body. With a small shout of pride, she finished her routine and rested the butt of her staff in the dirt. "Mama taught me that one," she said with a bright smile.

Xena returned the smile; her eyes shown with surprised admiration. "You've learned it well." Shifting her own weight, the warrior winked. "Let me show you another move."

Gabrielle stretched as she rolled over to greet the sun that was filtering through the shutters. She sat up quickly when she realized that she was alone in bed. Her fear of abandonment was tempered when she remembered that it was Xena's habit to wake at dawn. Wondering where the warrior was, the bard forced herself to get out of bed and dress. Ten minutes later, she was standing at the kitchen door and watching the heartwarming display in the back yard.

Xena was showing Hope a variation on a simple move that her daughter had already learned. After a few tries, the little girl managed to complete the move with little error.

Gabrielle's heart was arrested momentarily by the brilliant smile the warrior offered as praise for the accomplishment. Not wanting to disturb the pair, she pulled a chair up to the door and watched as her daughter learned from her friend.

Xena smiled and nodded her head in approval. "That was very good. You learn fast, Hope," she praised. "Who has been teaching you?"

"My mama," the little girl answered, "and sometimes Eph'ny."

The warrior was confused by a pang of jealousy that ripped through her heart. "Does Ephiny visit here often?" she asked calmly.

Hope shook her head; the little girl's golden hair danced on the morning breeze. "Nah. The Amazons only come after the harvest to trade. Mama got me a really pretty braid thong last year. They didn't come this year, though. Mama said it's 'cause we don't have enough grain to share with them." The little girl cocked her head and whispered, "I wish they'd come anyway."

"Why is that?" Xena asked in a similarly quiet manner; her fears of someone courting Gabrielle faded in the wake of her curiosity.

"'Cause I wanna be like them," the little girl explained. "I wanna live in the forest and hunt. I wanna dance around a big fire and sing."

Xena smiled gently and knelt to one knee so that she was at eye level with Hope. "You don't have to be an Amazon to do those things," she offered gently. "You can live in the woods right outside of the village if you wanted to...and every year there is dancing around bonfires at the Harvest Festival."

Hope shook her head; her eyes became serious. "Not here," she whispered. "I want to be somewhere that boys don't make fun of me because I want to wear what the Amazons wear. Even Mama has to fight sometimes because the men say stuff about her clothes."

The warrior's eyes darkened. "What do they say?"

Heat rose in Hope's face as the little girl blushed. "Well, Mama says I'm not 'sposed to repeat it...but she does hit them sometimes when they touch her in a bad way."

"Who touches your mama?" Xena's jaw became rigid with a fury that clawed up her spine with Hope's innocent explanation.

"Just travelers...men who don't know that Mama is as good as any warrior when it comes to fighting." Hope suddenly giggled. "They find out, though, when Mama pops 'em good. You should see the looks on their faces. Their eyes bug out and their faces get all red." The little girl did an impressive imitation of her mother's latest conquest; she held the face for a moment until she burst out laughing.

The urge to chortle with Hope's infectious laughter warred and eventually won over Xena's desire to strangle a few necks. She ruffled the little girl's hair and stood. "Hope, I'm going to share some advice a very wise person once told me," Xena said when their humor died down. "Never let anyone tell you what or who you can or cannot be. If you want to be an Amazon, then go for it."

Hope nodded her head and smiled wide. "My mama says that. She says dreams are real important and I have to follow mine 'cause sometimes things happen that make them die. She said that she won't let mine die, though, 'cause she loves me."

Xena swallowed hard against the tears that threatened; she straightened her shoulders and gripped Gabrielle's staff. Thoughts of the bard flashed through her mind. Gabrielle had always wanted to travel and see the world. Perdicus had killed that for her. The warrior realized the sacrifice the bard had made so that Hope would see her dream fulfilled. With a mental start, Xena realized that she wanted to see both of their dreams come true. Clearing her throat, the warrior twirled her staff. "So, you ready for another move?"

Nodding vigorously, Hope became serious as she watched the warrior. It was then that she realized why her mother held a special place in her heart for Xena. The warrior was beautiful and strong. She listened and talked about important things like dreams and wishes. And, Hope reflected she had a pretty smile.

The little girl brushed aside her awe for the powerful grace the warrior exhibited; she was determined to prove herself worthy of joining the Amazons.

After an hour of impromptu training, the warrior led her young pupil back to the inn. They were surprised to see Gabrielle waiting for them; the bard's face was soft with love for both of them.

"Mama!" Hope shouted as she embraced her mother. "Xena was teaching me new staff moves."

"I saw that," the bard murmured as she looked over her daughter's head and mouthed a thank you to the warrior.

Xena's mouth quirked into a soft grin. "She's a good student," the warrior replied as she stroked Hope's soft hair. "You've taught her well."

Gabrielle blushed as she led her daughter to the kitchen table. Her color remained high throughout breakfast, for the warrior chose the seat next to her. The bard's thoughts constantly strayed to the fantasy she had the night before that involved her best friend. Sighing in relief when Toris and Cyrene entered the kitchen, she finished her meal and rose from the table. "How are they?"

The brightness of identical blue eyes returned a positive answer.

"They are both awake," Cyrene answered. "Hippocrates removed the reed from Eresthenes' chest and Meleager is breathing normally now. They should both be able to get out of bed in another week or so."

The bard moved to embrace her adopted family. "I am so glad for the both of you," she whispered earnestly.

Cyrene put her hands on her hips and frowned playfully at the bard. "I can't believe you are still trying to play matchmaker with me," she admonished softly. "You might as well give it up," she said with a haughty air as she turned to her worktable. With a gentle smile and a faint blush, the innkeeper looked over her shoulder and admitted, "You've succeeded...so you can stop now."

Xena was startled by Gabrielle's sudden whoop of joy; she frowned when she realized that she had missed something. She looked down at Hope when the little girl's small foot nudged her under the table.

"Mama's been trying to get Gramma and Uncle Mel together," she explained in a quiet hiss of confidence. "She said sometimes people are blind to what is in front of them and someone else has to open their eyes."

The warrior nodded in understanding; she smiled when she saw the love that softened the lines on her mother's face. She felt the tug at her heart again when she looked at the bard. Xena wondered if the younger woman was astute enough to see the love that was burning her heart. She herself had felt the spark of something greater than friendship in the brief kisses they had shared since their reunion.

Xena's body tensed with determination; she believed that Gabrielle accepted her despite her failings. She hoped that the younger woman would welcome a more romantic relationship between them. Deciding that it was time to open her heart and soul to another, the warrior began to plan a strategy of courtship.

Remembering Beta, Thesia, and the love that the two old women shared, the warrior prayed that the bard would accept her. She could think of no one else with whom she'd rather grow old and gray. In the arms of the bard, she felt the missing pieces of her life find their shape once more; she desperately needed to feel complete again.

After all the breakfast patrons left to tend to their business, Gabrielle and Xena were in the kitchen cleaning. They were alone since Toris and Cyrene preferred to spend their free time with the two men who were recuperating at the inn. Hope had left to visit with her friends. Gabrielle was sitting on a stool; Xena insisted that she remain off her leg whenever it was possible. She was wiping down the worktable with strong lye soap. "You are awfully quiet, Xena," she said as she stopped working to watch the warrior at the sink. "Is something bothering you?"

The warrior looked up from the dishes she was washing. Her lips curled into a gentle smile for the bard. The last few days had been like a miracle salve for an aching wound. She had not heard a single word of censure or criticism from her family. They had welcomed her home and Gabrielle had opened her arms the widest. She could think of nothing that could be better aside from seeing the bard's eyes soften with love for her.

The warrior fixed a mischievous look on the bard who moved to sit on the worktable. "If Mother catches you up there, she's gonna tan your hide."

Gabrielle giggled and waved away Xena's words of warning. "Please, I'm much too old for a spanking."

Xena quirked her brow as she reached for a towel to dry her hands. "Oh, really?"

"Now, Xena...heh, heh...I was kidding. A joke, right? You remember those, don't you?" Before she could scramble away, the warrior caught her by the waist.

A struggle erupted to see who would gain the upper hand. It was only a few heartbeats until the bard was pinned on her back.

"You know, without your armor, you really are much more approachable."

Xena leaned closer and pressed her weight onto Gabrielle's torso. "A girl has to take a break some time," she responded.

Gabrielle could only smile and lose herself in the laughing eyes above her own. It felt only natural to raise her legs and lock them around her friend's hips. "You've got me," she said playfully. "Now what?"

Xena's eyes darkened with desire when she felt the supple muscles of Gabrielle thighs flex. She felt herself drawn closer to a heat that rivaled any bloodlust she had ever known. The bard's parted lips called to her but she resisted their siren song. She suppressed the need to feel their softness; she wanted to take things slow.

Instead of taking the bard to their room like she wanted to, Xena trailed a gentle finger over the delicate shell of Gabrielle's ear. "You are so beautiful when you smile," she whispered softly.

The bard gasped; her heart stilled for a delicious moment. She was not sure whether to believe her ears. She never thought that anyone who knew of her past would say something like that to her. She had felt spoiled for so long. Used to rude suggestions and lewd proposals, she was startled to hear the heartfelt truth in the warrior's voice. She needed to hear it again. "What?"

The warrior's heartbeat tripled in time. Her mouth went dry and she closed her eyes. Her body sang with a need that was only familiar in her dreams. "I said that you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." Xena opened her eyes to find the softness for which she had yearned; she knew then that Gabrielle shared her love. "Nothing compares to your eyes or your smile," she murmured as her fingers rose to thread through the bard's hair. "I could go on all day about what makes my heart beat for you."

Gabrielle was stunned. She never thought that Xena would ever say something so incredibly romantic. Her heart began to beat a hastened rhythm; flashes of her recent dreams assailed her. She felt the heat rise in her body. She closed her eyes in willing surrender. She was disappointed when the warrior moved away.

Xena wanted to laugh at the bard's sudden pout; she had felt the bard's desire like a palpable ache. She did not want to take the younger woman right there in her mother's kitchen. She had envisioned sharing much more before consummating any kind of relationship. "Come on," she urged, pulling Gabrielle up to a sitting position. "Mother will spank both of us if we don't finish cleaning before lunch."

Picturing the warrior over anyone's knee for punishment, Gabrielle laughed. Her blood was still hot with a fire for Xena, but she realized that the warrior was right. They had work that they had to finish and, the bard mused, the worktable wasn't the most comfortable pallet. With a mock groan, Gabrielle slipped off the table. Pulling her stool over to the sink, the bard retrieved a dry towel from a hook on the wall. Willing herself not to simply throw the warrior to the floor and ravish her, Gabrielle took a deep breath and accepted a clean plate from Xena. Her hands moved automatically to dry it; her thoughts were focused within.

In silent contemplation, the two women finished the dishes; both were fighting a desperate battle against the natural desire that raged through their bodies. Although their close proximity was not benefiting a victory, they were reluctant to separate. They both came to the understanding in their own minds that something fierce existed between them.

They stole a shy glance at each other and smiled; they knew that it was only a matter of time.

After Cyrene nodded with approval at the clean kitchen, Xena invited Gabrielle to go for a walk. The warrior and bard strode silently through the village.

Xena observed her kinsmen. Amphipolis was recovering from Atrius' attack. Little structural damage had been inflicted. The true toll of the battle could be found in the temple. When they stepped into the cool interior of the stone structure, the two women studied the pallets that had been arranged. Eighteen people were still recovering from their injuries; soft moans punctuated the eerie silence.

Hippocrates smiled in surprise when he looked over his shoulder to see the bard visiting. He gave instructions to one of his helpers and approached the young woman. "Gabrielle," he said, greeting her warmly. "Have you come to tell a story?" When the bard looked at him questioningly, the healer's beseeched her. "It would take their minds off their pain. I would truly appreciate it."

Xena had not counted on Gabrielle being solicited for a tale. When she saw the indecision on the younger woman's face, however, she nudged the bard and nodded her head toward the steps that led to the altar. "Go on," she urged softly. "I haven't heard you tell a single story since I got back."

The bard responded with a quirky grin. "All right. What would you like to hear?"

The warrior lowered her head and replied quietly for Gabrielle's ears only, "It doesn't matter. I just want to hear your voice."

Gabrielle's face turned crimson; the warrior's purring words and warm breath had started a chain reaction of shivers that settled in her groin. She struggled against the urge to lean into Xena's body. Nodding her head to both the warrior and the healer, she awkwardly ascended the steps and stood in front of the altar. Normally, she would not have chosen a story about love conquering all obstacles for this situation. Xena's mesmerizing blue eyes, however, inspired the bard.

Bowing her head to gather her thoughts, Gabrielle took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Raising her head once more, she smiled at the patients; her eyes swept the room slowly to draw them in. When she saw that she had their attention, she focused her eyes on the warrior that was leaning casually against the wall on the other side of the temple. "I sing a song of a love that prevailed against all," she began. Raising her hands for dramatic effect, she told her story:

"There was once a princess, the youngest daughter of a prosperous king. Her beauty was unrivaled by any mortal. As she grew to womanhood, men came from all over to sing praises of her beauty. Soon, their praises became worship and Psyche unknowingly became a target of the jealous goddess Aphrodite.

"As her temples fell to ruin and offerings no longer graced her altars, Aphrodite schemed for a way to ruin Psyche. Turning to her son Cupid for help, the Goddess of Love devised a plan to make her rival's life miserable.

"Aphrodite bade Cupid to visit Psyche as she slept; he was to enchant her so that no mortal man would ever please her. The goddess hoped that the young woman would end her own life in a fit of melancholy.

"Cupid, however, fell in love with the princess the moment he spied her asleep in her royal chambers. Her beauty and innocence enchanted him. Nevertheless, the god carried out his mother's vengeful plan. He cast a spell over the mortal woman so that she would never find love among the mortals who visited her.

"The king, seeing his daughter falling into a deep depression, decided to ask the oracle at Delphi what could be done to please his daughter. The Oracle instructed the king to dress Psyche in the finest wedding dresses and to take the princess to a remote mountaintop where her husband, a horrible serpent, would meet her.

"Desiring Psyche for his own, Cupid cast a spell over the beautiful princess and whisked her away from the mountain. He settled her into a beautiful castle that was surrounded by meadows that were green and fragrant all year long.

"When Psyche woke from her deep sleep, she was astounded by her fortune, yet she desired to see the man who had taken her from her misery. She called out to her husband but only heard his gentle voice as it kissed her ears with assurances.

"From that day on, Psyche lived happily in her new home. She waited anxiously for visits from her husband that only came to her in the black of night; she never saw her husband nor did she know that he was Cupid. In his arms, however, she knew that she had found the one who would love her forever.

"Eventually, though, Psyche desired to see her family and Cupid agreed that she could invite her sisters to visit. When the older women saw that their little sister was much more fortunate than they were, they became jealous and spiteful. They convinced Psyche that her husband was planning to murder and eat her for dinner.

"The sisters devised a plan that would help Psyche kill her husband before she was sacrificed to his malicious intent.

"Believing that her kind husband was indeed a wife-eating serpent, Psyche stole into their bedroom with a lamp and knife. To make sure that she struck a killing blow, the young princess lit the lamp and beheld her husband for the first time. To her surprise, she found in her marital bed not a hideous serpent, but a beautiful man. She gasped when she realized what she had almost done. The lamp in her hands jerked in response.

"Cupid woke with a hiss of pain as some oil from the lamp landed on his chest. When he saw his wife staring at him, he fled from her in dismay; she had broken his only command to her - that she would never see him in the light.

"Distraught over the loss of her husband, Psyche pleaded with the gods to return him to her. Her words were heard by all, but only Aphrodite answered immediately. The goddess that was still furious with the beautiful mortal and her defiant son decided that the two would never be joined again. The Goddess of Love sent Psyche on several missions; each one was more dangerous than the last.

"The goddess' son, on the other hand, realized the mistakes he had made. He was miserable with the loss of the love of his wife; he wished only to be reunited with her. In an effort to win Psyche back, the god petitioned the other Olympians to help his wife complete her tasks.

"Each time that Psyche returned victoriously from Aphrodite's missions, the goddess fumed and planned until she thought that she had found one that would spell the end of the beautiful princess.

"Cupid, realizing what his mother was doing and that she would not relent, begged intervention from Zeus. He pleaded with his almighty grandfather to put an end to his mother's plans.

"Zeus relented and called to him all the gods and goddesses of Olympus including Aphrodite. When all were assembled, he brought forth Psyche and bade her to eat ambrosia and to drink nectar.

"By following the god's orders, the princess became a goddess.

"Zeus blessed Cupid and Psyche's union; Aphrodite was pleased that the princess would no longer entice mortal men.

"Cupid and Psyche faced each other when they were pronounced joined; their love was reflected in each other. They kissed so passionately that they became one.

"And to this day," the bard concluded with a pregnant pause, "when the heart and soul are joined, eternal bliss is sure to follow."

There was a brief moment of silence before the patients erupted into sincere applause. All of them regularly heard the bard when she performed at the tavern, but none could quite understand how she had improved her telling of Cupid and Psyche. They cried out for another.

Gabrielle blushed and bowed humbly before she began to tell the tale of Odysseus and his return to Ithaca. She told the story automatically; she had memorized it a long time ago and could recite it in her sleep. The bard's thoughts were totally focused on Xena. Her eyes constantly strayed to the warrior.

Xena had moved away from the wall to sit on a cot next to an old woman. She was helping the injured woman sit and drink some water as Gabrielle told her stories. Although solicitous towards the old woman, the warrior found herself becoming absent in her care; she raised a startled gaze to find Gabrielle's fierce emerald eyes burning her to the core. She was frozen under the younger woman's passionate regard.

Patting the old woman's back, the warrior rose from the cot and stepped towards the temple door that had been left open to catch the breeze. Inhaling deeply, Xena remembered her vow to court Gabrielle. She wanted the bard to feel everything like the love stories she told but had never experienced. Cautiously, the warrior glanced over her shoulder; she sighed in relief when the bard's attention was on the other side of the crowd. She would never be able to fulfill her promise to herself if Gabrielle looked at her so lustfully again.

Gabrielle looked around the room she shared with Xena and then out the window where the stars were bright in the dark sky. The bard sighed heavily as she rolled over to her stomach and buried her face in her pillow.

After visiting the temple earlier in the day, she and the warrior had not said more than a handful of words to each other. Gabrielle was worried that she had gone too far by telling the story of Cupid and Psyche; she wondered if perhaps Xena had understood how personal the tale was.

The bard thought that Xena did not loved her as soul-deep as she did the warrior.

Turning onto her back again, Gabrielle began to count the knotholes in the ceiling. Each one represented a second that Xena was away from her. Each plank was a dreaded notion that perhaps the warrior would never return.

Eventually, Gabrielle stopped counting the marks on the wood; she was only depressing herself doing so. Instead, she decided to go over the day's events from the temple to the present in an attempt to glean some clue as to what she had done to drive away her best friend.

Xena and Gabrielle returned to the inn just as lunch was being prepared. They were comfortably silent with one another; neither could find the words that would do justice to the feelings in their hearts.

After helping with lunch, Xena took Argo out for a run and Gabrielle retired to their room to work on her scrolls.

The hours passed and the call came up the stairs that dinner was ready.

Gabrielle abandoned her writing and descended the stairs gingerly. Her brow puckered into a frown when she realized that Xena was not present for the meal. Assuming that the warrior had simply lost track of the time, the bard began to eat.

She listened vaguely to the banter that was shared around the family table; she smiled and nodded at the appropriate times. Inside, though, the bard was beginning to panic. She imagined that perhaps Xena had ridden outside of the valley and that Ares had somehow gotten his revenge on the warrior. Pictures of the beaten and dying woman assaulted her; she barely had the stomach to finish her meal.

When the doors were opened for business, the bard sighed forlornly and retired to the kitchen to begin preparing trays. She was used to fulfilling the task on her own, but she desperately missed having her friend at her side. The past couple of days had been like a dream; the past few hours like a nightmare. She longed to hear the honey-heavy tones of the warrior's voice. She ached to see crystal blue eyes and a blinding white smile.

The more Gabrielle thought of Xena, the more her thoughts took on a carnal bend. Her skin tingled and itched, desiring the heat and feel of the warrior's. She chewed her lips in an effort to reproduce the effects of the innocent kisses they had shared.

By the time that her body demanded rest, her mind was in constant motion. Thoughts of lust, love, and fear warred with one another.

Gabrielle finally fell into a fitful sleep. She never heard Xena enter the room. When the warrior settled on the bed near her hip, however, she stirred and sat up quickly when she recognized her visitor. "Xena?"

"Yes," the warrior whispered softly.

"Gods, Xena...I was so worried. Where have you been?"

The warrior shrugged as she pulled her hands from behind her back. "I stopped in the market to pick these up for you."

The bard squinted in the bare light of the room; her friend's physical presence brought her fully awake. "Cherries and flowers?"

Xena's teeth shone bright in the low candlelight as she quirked a lopsided grin. "I remembered how much you liked them. Remember that time that caravan came through? You spent all the dinars you had saved for just a few of them. And the flowers, well, they reminded me of your sweet blushes. I'm sorry I couldn't have gotten you more, but the cherries nearly broke my money pouch."

Gabrielle reached out and grasped the warrior's hand in her own; she pulled the three flowers closer so that she could smell them. "Beautiful," she whispered. "What are they?"

"The merchant said that they are called roses. They're a beautiful deep red, just like your...."

"Blush," the bard finished with a giggle. "I do not blush," she admonished gently. "At least, not that red."

Xena extended her other hand and nodded her head in encouragement.

As if they were a Solstice present, Gabrielle stared at the cherries with awe. She gingerly took one from the warrior's hand and took a tiny bite. The juice exploded over her lips as her teeth sank into the flesh; her tongue snaked out to catch the droplets before they were wasted. She laughed with girlish pleasure when the rich flavor seduced her palate. "These are delicious, Xena. Thank you," she said as she greedily stripped the fruit from its stem and seed.

"Then my mission was successful," the warrior replied as she used the roses to caress the bard's face.

Gabrielle stopped chewing so that she could concentrate on Xena's face and words. Her eyes clouded with questions. "Xena, what market did you go to? These things aren't local."

Xena looked down to her hand and plucked another cherry from its bunch; she shifted closer to Gabrielle. "Does it matter?" she asked. "I would go to the edges of the known world to please you," she swore as she took advantage of the bard's gaping mouth and pushed another cherry pass her lips.

"That's why you were gone so long, wasn't it?" the bard mumbled around the exotic fruit. Her eyes lit with understanding. "You went to the port, didn't you?"

The warrior's mouth twisted into a reluctant grin. Shrugging nonchalantly, the warrior laid the flowers on the bedside table. "Seeing that look on your face is worth any ride."

"But Xena, you could have been killed...and all for a few cherries and a couple of flowers?" The bard threw off her blanket and rolled off the other side of the bed. She began to pace in agitation. "Xena, I can't lose you...I just got you back again," she raved passionately as she stopped to stand before the warrior. "Promise me that you won't do that again. Promise me that you won't tempt Ares for something so...." The bard wanted to say trivial, but the gifts were far from that. The warrior's attentions went straight to her heart and dispelled all of her earlier fears. "I'm not worth all that," she finally said with a resolute shake of head.

Xena stared at the stubborn bard. "Gabrielle, if I want to do something nice for you, I will. Let any man or god try to stop me," she vowed. "Besides," she drawled in a manner that was unintentionally seductive, "I only ran into a couple of bandits. They were mere pests hardly worth the time it took me to knock them out." When she saw that Gabrielle had stopped pacing and was looking at her blankly, the warrior extended her empty hand. "Come here and finish your cherries," she ordered softly.

Gabrielle's legs were moving before her mind had an opportunity to process Xena's words. After a little shifting and arranging, she was straddling the warrior's legs; firm, muscular thighs cradled her backside. When Xena raised a piece of fruit to her lips, she opened her mouth; her tongue reached out and curled around the offering, plucking it from the stem. She closed her eyes in ecstasy.

The cherry was better than the others were, she thought. Or perhaps, it was the heat beneath her that was enhancing the experience. She vaguely noted that in her efforts to get comfortable on Xena's lap, her shift had ridden high on her thighs. The soft, delicate skin of her lower body was kissed by fire where it touched Xena's bared legs. The bard sighed as she lost control and let the sensations wash through her body.

Xena could not resist when the bard's head fell back to expose an enticing expanse of neck. Lowering her head, she trailed languorous kisses along tendons that were taught in relief. When the bard moaned deep, Xena murmured approval.

The moment that she felt the warrior's tongue trace the line of her jaw, Gabrielle gasped. She pulled away from her friend's amorous attention to look into Xena's eyes. "Gods, Xena," she rasped, "I want to throw you on this bed and do things I've only imagined."

The warrior's eyes were heavily lidded with desire; her breasts rose with each erratic breath. Then, a small part of her mind reminded her that she wanted to take things slow. Closing her eyes as well as her other senses off from the pleasure that was radiating from the bard, Xena cleared her throat and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle, I didn't mean to do that."

"What?!" Gabrielle was incredulous. She clambered off Xena's lap and stood on legs that were still shaking with sensual pleasure. "Don't do this to me, Xena," she begged. "All I can think about is us...together. You make me think thoughts that would make a Hestian open a brothel," she admitted candidly.

Xena began to picture a few thoughts of her own, but she shook her head and drew upon her stoic warrior's determination. "I do not want to rush this, Gabrielle," she said with a strained whisper. "I want you, too...as much as you want me. Please believe that. It's just that...."

Xena stood and pushed the hair away from her face. She wanted the first time with Gabrielle to be special; she wanted to savor the relationship. Too many times in the past she had jumped into bed for a quick fuck for all the wrong reasons. She wanted her relationship with the bard to last for a lifetime.

The warrior took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle," she whispered. "I just want our relationship to be different than.... I wanted to court you," Xena finally revealed. "I wanted you to know that I truly love you with my heart...not just my body. I've never...."

Xena cursed softly under her breath; she was having trouble expressing her thoughts and reasons. It was frustrating her because she did not want to hurt Gabrielle by telling her how she had used her body in the past. She did not want to discuss her sexual conquests with the woman who meant everything to her. She did not want to hurt Gabrielle that way. "Maybe I should go sleep in the barn tonight," she muttered in exasperation as she crossed to the open window.

Gabrielle cocked her head in question; her need was pushed aside by her concern for her friend. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to find the words that Xena was reluctant to say. Suddenly, her eyes widened and her mouth moved silently. She had never considered the fact that Xena had a sexual past that she might want to forget as well.

Silently, the bard approached the warrior. Softly, she replied, "If you go out to the barn, I'll follow," Gabrielle promised. "As long as you don't...do that again," she said before taking a steadying breath, "I'll be fine. We'll go as slow as you want to." When the warrior looked as if she was unsure of what to do, the bard added, "Please?"

Sighing in defeat, the warrior looked down at her fist and opened it gingerly. The two cherries that were left had been spared from being crushed. With her eyes cast to the floor, she held out her hand and offered them to the bard. "Here, you better finish these."

Gabrielle took both but only ate one. With a gentle finger, she raised the warrior's face so that it was level with hers. "This one is yours," she whispered as she coaxed Xena's lips apart with her thumb.

Xena swallowed a gulp before she took the fruit between her teeth. She smiled when the bard nodded in encouragement and then stepped away. Grinding her jaw with a frustration caused by her own gallant honor, the warrior began to disrobe. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Gabrielle slipped into bed and settled carefully on the far edge of the pallet. With a mental sigh she crawled into bed and pulled the blanket up over her shoulders. "Good night, Gabrielle."

"Good night, Xena," the bard answered as she tugged the blanket around her hips.

When the chilled air hit the warrior's exposed leg, Xena sighed. "Gabrielle, quit hogging the blanket. With her mouth set in a grim line, Xena pulled the blanket back. She chuckled when she heard Gabrielle's growl.

The two women fought each other over the blanket until the bard released it. Panting, she turned to her bedmate. "Xena, we're never going to get any sleep if we keep this up."

"If you'd move a little closer, we wouldn't be fighting," the warrior replied smoothly.

"Any other time, I would agree," the bard said as she turned her back to her friend. "But right now, with you naked in this bed with me in the mood I'm in...I don't think it's a good idea. You did say that you wanted to go slow, right?"

"Yes."

The bard expelled an exasperated breath. "Well, that won't happen if I get any closer to you! Don't you understand Warrior Princess? I'm hot...for you. My blood is raging like liquid fire through my veins and my...other parts are just as warm." Gabrielle sighed and rolled to a sitting position. "Maybe I should go sleep in the barn."

Xena's quick reflexes caught Gabrielle by the waist. "I've got a better idea," she said as she stood and wrapped the blanket around her body. "I'll be back in a second."

Gabrielle smiled brightly when the warrior returned a few moments later. She caught the blanket that was thrown her way; it was warm and smelled like her friend.

"I'll use my road blanket and you can use that one," Xena said as she settled into bed once more. "That way, we'll both stay warm and you won't have to worry about losing control," she continued matter-of-factly.

That night, the two women ended up sleeping in each other's arms; two blankets and one shift separated their bodies. Nothing, however, could come between their hearts that were joined in a lingering kiss before the warrior doused the light.

The next day, Xena and Gabrielle enjoyed a day of leisure. The tavern was closed like all the other businesses of Amphipolis; everyone celebrated the day of rest. Deciding to take advantage of the warm weather, Hope cajoled the two women into joining her and her three friends for a day at the river.

When the small group arrived at a favorite spot, the little girls quickly shed their clothes and jumped into the shallower water. Their whoops of glee and raucous play rang through the air.

When Hope saw that her mother and Xena were not joining them, she climbed up the bank and cocked her head. "Aren't ya coming in, Mama?"

The bard glanced at Xena and blushed. "Uh, no, sweetie. You go ahead and play. I'm just going to watch from here."

"Why not, Mama? It's not your cycle...that passed two weeks ago. Why can't you play?"

Xena nearly choked over Gabrielle's discomfort. She pursed her lips with her fingers when Hope looked up expectantly at her. With a casual shrug, she began to remove her armor and leathers. Shouting her warcry, she launched her body into the air and somersaulted over the girls' heads to land in the river behind them. Quirking a brow, she silently dared the bard to join her.

Gabrielle glared at the warrior; her mind fumbled over lame excuses to decline.

"If you're worried about your leg, Gabrielle," Xena called as she wiped the water out of her eyes, "don't. It's sealed nicely, so infection shouldn't be any problem."

With a mental sigh of defeat, the bard threw her hands into the air. "All right, all right," she grumbled as she began to unlace her boots. "I'll be there in a second."

Hope jumped and clapped her hands. "Thanks, Mama!"

Gabrielle could not resist a grin when her daughter ran and jumped into the river once more. When her gaze caught Xena's expectant one, however, her mouth straightened into a grim line of determination. "All right, Xena...you want to play...we'll play," she whispered to herself. With a haughty toss of her hair, she stood and slowly began to unlace the cropped top she wore when she was not serving in the tavern.

Xena licked her lips in anticipation; her eyes blazed with hunger when Gabrielle's creamy skin was revealed inch by delectable inch. With a reckless grin, she playfully berated herself for starting a game that would only find her burning with raging need.

Aware of the warrior's intense observation, Gabrielle blushed; her skin flamed even hotter when she realized that her body was reacting. Her nipples hardened painfully, straining for another's touch. The muscles in her legs twitched with the instinct to press against a lover. Tightening her jaw, she removed her skirt quickly and ran for the river. She was grateful when its coursing water mingled with her own wetness, hiding the evidence of her raging desire.

The warrior's eyes narrowed at the enticing display the bard provided with her dash to the river. Xena felt her blood heat up and burn throughout her body. Nowhere was it more evident, though, than at the center of her pleasure. The cool water did nothing to quell the throbbing need that pulsed in her loins. When Gabrielle surfaced in front of her, she had to use every ounce of willpower not to scandalize the young girls by taking the bard right then and there.

"You asked for it," Gabrielle purred as she stepped within a hand's breadth of the warrior's tense body. With an impish grin, the bard disappeared under the water again.

Xena hissed in surprise when she felt the brief caress that ran up her thigh. She jumped when she felt a set of teeth sample the muscles of her behind.

"That was for daring me," the bard whispered as she came up behind the warrior. "Do it again, warrior, and I might have to do something drastic," she warned as her hands framed Xena's ribs. The bard squeezed gently before releasing Xena from her intoxicating spell. With a deep chuckle, the bard reached around and cupped a handful of water to splash against her friend's face.

Closing her eyes in pleasure, the warrior never saw the maneuver; she was distracted by the soft mounds of flesh that were momentarily pressed against her back. She started with surprise when she felt the full weight of the water hit her in the face. "Ooohhh, Gabriellllleeee...I'm gonna get you for that one," she warned with a growl before she spun and caught the bard's hips.

Gabrielle shrieked when she found herself suddenly flying through the air. She landed without grace fifteen feet away from where she had been launched.

Xena laughed at the fierce look she received; the girls clamored around her. They wanted to see what it was like to fly.

For an hour, they played in the river until Xena's arms began to ache in protest. She begged relief when Hope waited expectantly for another flight. "I'm sorry, I can't do anymore," she panted. "I'll never be able to lift my arms again," she explained wryly.

Hope was about to plead her case, but Gabrielle joined her daughter and the warrior.

"Hope, sweetie, give Xena some rest now, all right? Go play with your friends."

"Oh, all right, Mama," the little girl replied as she wiped a drop of water from her nose.

When the little girl joined her friends, Gabrielle looked up at the warrior. "Having fun yet?" she asked with a slight grin.

"Tons," the warrior retorted dryly as she began to rub her arms. "Those kids are heavier than they look."

Gabrielle shook her head and stepped closer so that she could massage Xena's arms. "Nah...it just feels like it after you've tossed them a hundred times." The bard took another step; her attention took on a more sensual affection. "I bet your back is sore, too, huh?"

Xena nodded and bit her lip. "Hurts something awful," she lied innocently.

"How many times did you toss them," the bard asked as she slipped around to gain access to Xena's back.

"Hundreds," the warrior whispered. Xena swung her hair off her back so that the bard had total access to whatever she wanted.

"Hmm...thousands," Gabrielle amended as her eyes feasted on the smooth curves of the warrior's back. She bit her lip; her trembling hand reached out and traced along Xena's spine.

Xena shivered despite the fact that flames of desire were consuming her body. She failed to stifle a soft moan when Gabrielle's damp forehead came to rest between her shoulders. Powerful hands danced across her back, kneading and shaping sculpted muscle.

"Have I told you how much I love your back?" the bard asked as she raised her head to kiss a bronzed patch of skin. "So strong and noble," the smaller woman murmured before her tongue reached out to taste a shoulder blade. "I can't even begin to tell you what I am feeling right now." Gabrielle's hands traveled up to exert a gentle pressure downward.

Complying with the bard's unspoken request, Xena sank into the water until only her head was visible. She struggled to keep her balance when Gabrielle's hands began to roam. "I thought you were rubbing my back," she gasped.

Gabrielle smiled wickedly as she teased the warrior's ribs below her full breasts. "Oh, I am," she replied. "I just thought I would strike for new territory for a brief moment," she said as she returned to her previous occupation.

Xena closed her eyes and relaxed under the bard's ministrations. "You have good hands," she said as she arched her back slightly.

"I know," the bard replied; she blushed as she thought about the pleasure she had discovered with her own touch.

Hearing the sultry tone of Gabrielle's voice, the warrior's eyes opened wide in surprise. "You know?" Xena raised a brow and turned around to face her friend. She tilted her head close to the smaller woman's and in a conspiratorial whisper asked, "How would you know, Gabrielle?"

The bard stumbled under the unexpected heat of the warrior's breath against her ear.

Xena reached out to steady her; her hands lingered for a moment and then began to trail up and down Gabrielle's hips. "Tell me," the warrior urged gently, "how you know the touch of your own hands?"

Gabrielle glanced over at the four girls who had moved to the shore to play in the mud; she turned a hesitant gaze back to the warrior. "I...I...I would rather show you," she finally blurted.

Xena moaned and released the bard; the game had indeed turned dangerous. Their playful teases had turned into vipers that were injecting her with venom of pure lust. Turning away from the smaller woman, she dunked her overheated body into the river. When she came back up for air, a gentle hand grabbed her.

"Look," Gabrielle said in frustration, "the way I see it, I've loved you for as long as I can remember. I consider myself courted in a very proper fashion and now I want to be bedded. Show me some mercy here and just take me back to our room."

The bard released the warrior's arm and turned away; she hugged herself tightly in an effort to gain control over her wayward body. "I don't think I can take much more, Xena. I feel like I'm about to burst into flame...and I can't help teasing you. I want to make you lose that damned warrior control of yours. I want you to make love to me," she whispered. "I've waited all my life for you. I know I told you that I could wait...but I'm sorry." Gabrielle looked over her shoulder at the warrior. "I really think my heart is in agreement with my body here," she added with a weak laugh.

"No, Gabrielle. I'm sorry," Xena said as she approached the trembling bard. "I guess I'm so used to controlling how I feel...and you aren't. I know what you are feeling, I feel it, too," she said as she took the bard's hand and placed it over her heart. "Feel what you do to me here," she whispered. "Feel what you do to me here," she repeated as she took Gabrielle's other hand and placed it between her legs. "You made me lose control the moment you stepped into that circle the day of the battle," she rasped as she released the bard's wrists; she groaned when Gabrielle's hand remained at her swollen sex.

"What are we waiting for?"

Xena laughed at the plaintive desire in her lover's voice. "Well, I usually don't perform for company," she said with a nod towards the girls in the mud. "And, I want our first time together to be in a nice comfortable bed with some wine and flowers."

The bard's brow scrunched in thought. She nodded her head and stepped away from Xena. Raising her voice, she called to her daughter and the other girls. "All right, everyone back in the water to clean up. We're going back to the village." When Hope opened her mouth to protest, the bard narrowed her eyes and hardened her face into a stern visage. Turning her attention to Xena, she smirked. "That's one," she said. "The flowers are in our room and the wine is behind the bar. You have five seconds to get out of this river and to get dressed because I am going to go mad if I don't have you soon."

After a quick kiss that left the bard breathless, the warrior winked. "I never saw this side of you, Gabrielle. I think I like it."

Suddenly, an afternoon of play became a race to see who would get back to the tavern first. Thinking it was about fun and rotten eggs, the girls joined enthusiastically. By the time they reached the inn, the girls were out of breath from exertion and the women were panting from anticipation.

Gabrielle came in last, for her leg had hindered her progress and was declared the loser. One heated look from the warrior, however, promised that she would still get a prize.

Cyrene blinked in surprise when Xena and Gabrielle burst into the tavern followed by four giggling girls. She continued to watch with open curiosity as Xena leapt over the bar to snag a bottle of wine and a goblet. When the warrior crossed the common room and swept the bard up into her arms, the innkeeper was sure that her mouth was catching flies. She nodded when Xena flashed her a look that begged forgiveness for their rudeness; she understood the silent message. "Hope, sweetie," the innkeeper called when the little girl went to follow her mother, "why don't you and the girls come help me make some treats for dinner tonight."

Xena kicked open the door to their room and immediately carried the bard to the bed. After carefully depositing the wine and goblet on the table, she returned to the door and closed it. When she turned back to Gabrielle, the younger woman had already opened the wine and was pouring a drink.

"Okay," the bard said as she handed Xena the drink, "we have the bed, the wine, and the flowers."

The warrior nodded and accepted the goblet from her lover's hand. With a silent toast, she swallowed every last drop; she had never been so nervous about anything in her life.

"What now?" Gabrielle asked. She fought the urge to grab the warrior by her leathers and pull the taller woman onto her body. "Is there some sort of torture or ritual you'd like to perform, or can we make love now?"

It was a battle Xena had never been prepared to fight. She knew no defense for something that she so desperately wanted. There was no sense in denying what they both needed. "Now," she agreed hoarsely.

Gabrielle closed her eyes when the warrior fell to one knee. Her chest began to ache when she realized that she would learn how all the stories ended after the hero rescued the princess.

Once she had made the decision to go forward, the warrior never looked back. She forgot her fear of failing the bard; she could only feel the love that washed away her pain. "I love you, Gabrielle," she said with reverent awe. "You have given me the greatest gift I could ever wish for." Xena raised Gabrielle's hands to her lips and kissed them gently. Her eyes sparkled with unshed emotion. "Will you have me as your partner?"

The bard's laugh was choked with tears; she squeezed the callused hands that held her own. "Yes," she answered, sure that she would soon die of happiness.

When Xena rose and joined the bard on the bed, the warrior's eager passion turned to shy awkwardness. She reached out with a tentative hand and caressed Gabrielle's cheek. "I need you, my bard," she said quietly, afraid that she would break the spell that had been cast over them.

"So much," Gabrielle agreed with a nod. "I ache for you."

Their lips met softly. Their breath mingled as they pulled apart to gaze into each other's eyes. Seeing their mutual desire, they kissed again. Their lips parted and their tongues found each other in the warm recesses of hidden delight.

Gabrielle's hands slipped into the warrior's hair. With dexterous movements, she freed the braid that held it in place. When waves of raven locks curtained their faces, she abruptly pulled back from Xena's questing mouth.

Xena was afraid that Gabrielle had found some displeasure with her until the bard buried her face into a handful of dark hair. The fires of need that burned at her center were stoked by the soft mewls of pleasure coming from the smaller woman.

When Gabrielle returned her focus to the warrior, she found herself caught in a heated gaze of passion. She had but a moment to respond to it before her mouth was caught in a fierce, bruising exchange. She broke away when she thought her lungs were about to burst for need of air.

Heaving a ragged sigh, she silently rejoiced her need for more. She once believed that she would never be able to make love with another person; she had been insecure about the rape and her own ability to respond to a lover's touch. With a throaty sigh, she realized that she had not been destroyed eight years ago; she still knew how to love and be loved. She was not dirty, as she had feared for so long. In Xena's heart and soul, she was special.

Her hands rose to Xena's back. They methodically began to unlace the barrier that stood between her and the sweet promise that showed in the warrior's eyes. Her fingers began to tangle, however, when Xena claimed her mouth once more; she willingly surrendered and allowed the stronger woman to push her back against the mattress.

They stretched out side by side; Xena leaned over the bard and continued to kiss her passionately. Their hands stroked firm flesh through barriers of leather and cloth.

Xena pulled back to gaze at the bard. She traced the lines of Gabrielle's bruised lips with a tentative finger. "Have you ever made love before?" she asked; her voice wavered with vulnerability.

"Not with another person," the bard answered truthfully as she reached up to caress the warrior's bare arm.

"Well, neither have I, so I guess we're even here."

"Are you afraid?"

"A little."

"Of what?"

"Of not being able to show you how much you mean to me."

"Xena," Gabrielle whispered, "you already have. If you aren't ready for this...."

"No," the warrior said as she shook her head. "I am ready." As if to prove her point, the warrior leaned down to nuzzle the bard's inviting neck. Her free hand wandered a moment before it settled over the laces of her lover's top. "I am beyond ready," she moaned before she nipped at the bard's collarbone.

"Then do it, Xena," the bard pleaded as she arched her chest closer to the warrior's hand.

Long, nimble fingers quickly unlaced the bard's top; the garment was pushed up over firm breasts that quivered in time to Gabrielle's heartbeat. The warrior took a moment to gaze at the flesh that demanded attention before she greedily complied. Lowering her head, she took one nipple into her mouth.

Gabrielle gasped with pleasure; her hips raised off the bed in a quest for satisfaction. "By the gods," she rasped when her other nipple was captured by sure fingers.

In the kitchen below, Cyrene looked up from her task; her brow furrowed when she realized that someone was in the common room calling for her. Wiping her hands on her apron, she exited the kitchen; four little girls followed close behind. "May I help you," she asked when she saw the two men standing near the bar.

The shorter one with blonde hair turned to the innkeeper and smiled boyishly. "Yes ma'am. We were told that we could find Xena here," he said as he waved to the girls that moved to flank the older woman.

"What do you want with my daughter?"

The blonde man raised his hands to show that he bore no ill intent. "I knew her before...." The man shrugged as his sentence trailed off. "I need to speak with her. We need her help," he explained as he jerked a thumb over his shoulder to the tall man at his back.

"Who are you?" Cyrene asked as she studied the tall man with long brown hair and bulging muscles.

The shorter man cleared his throat and blushed. "Sorry about that," he apologized. "My name is Iolaus and this is my friend...Hercules."

Behind Cyrene, Hope's mouth opened in awe. Her smile grew wide when she realized that a hero about whom her mother told stories was standing in the room. With a burst of excitement, she rushed from the room and up the stairs. She could not wait to share the news.

"Mama, Xena!"

Gabrielle froze when a breeze kissed her heated body; she opened her eyes praying that she would not see her daughter standing in the room.

Hope stood rooted to the spot just inside the door. Her hand lingered on the doorknob; her eyes were wide with curiosity.

Xena was the first to find her voice. "Hope, what is it?"

"You have to come 'cause someone is here for you...two men with lotsa muscles. I think it's really important." Hercules' presence was forgotten as the little girl studied her mother in the warrior's arms. When she had burst into the room, the two women had been kissing like she had never seen two people kiss before.

"All right," the warrior groaned as she tried to move away from Gabrielle, but the bard held tight with a suddenly tenacious grip. Looking down at the woman under her, Xena smirked. Gallantly, she rolled to block Hope's view as Gabrielle re-tied her top. When the bard nodded, she pushed off the bed and strode across the room. She stopped a moment and gazed down at the little girl. "Hope, please knock the next time, okay?"

"I'm sorry, Xena," the little girl said with sincere remorse; she realized that she had interrupted something.

"Don't be sorry, just improve," the warrior advised. Ruffling Hope's fine hair, the warrior fixed her own laces and left the room.

When Gabrielle's embarrassment faded and she noticed that Xena was gone, the bard bounded out of bed to follow her lover.

Hope fell into step next to her mother and cocked her head in question. "Mama?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you and Xena gonna get married and make babies?"

The bard nearly choked on her surprise; the question was unexpected. "Uh...Hope, sweetie, it doesn't work like that."

"How come? Jett's mama and papa kiss all the time and they're always having babies."

As Gabrielle tried to formulate an explanation, her curious daughter stopped her with an excited gasp.

"When you and Xena get married, she's gonna be my papa." Hope's brow furrowed in thought as she considered the idea. "But how can I have a girl papa?" Suddenly, her eyes lit with understanding. "Oh, I got it...she'll be my mama, too." The little girl smiled bright; her emerald eyes were wide with excitement. "This is gonna be so neat, Mama. I'm gonna be the only kid in Amphip'lis with two mamas. I can't wait to tell Meg, Le, and Di," she gushed as she spun and flew down the stairs.

The sight of the warriors across the room arrested Gabrielle's groan and desire to slump onto the stairs. After one look at the tall man's foreboding face, she knew it was not good news.

Continued in Part Six

Comments can be sent to [email protected].