Misdirections copyright 1997 Robin A. Reed (Themiscrya) Apollo had barely begun his ascent across the turquoise sky when Gabrielle and Xena entered the village. The fragrant scent of fresh flowers floated through the air mixing with the carefree chirping of cheerful little birds hunting their morning feast. Spring was in the air and Gabrielle was chattering incessantly about the upcoming events. "Oh Xena, I'm so glad we made it in time. I was worried that we wouldn't get out of Berschek in time to make the annual feast of Artemis. You know, it's important for me to be here, after all, I am the Queen." Gabrielle went on prattling while picking flowers along the path to the palace. "Tradition holds that if Artemis is pleased with the celebration that she will bless the entire Amazon nation for a full year." "Gabrielle, Artemis is THE deity of the Amazons, like she's not going to bless you. And you know how the gods are, it doesn't really matter what us little mortals do anyway....they have their own games they play." Xena gazed curiously at the bard as she plucked still another flower. "Why are you doing that?" "Oh Xena, you have no sense of romance." Gabrielle sighed sadly. "It's spring, Xena. The mother earth is renewed, the animals are giving birth and everything smells so fresh and new." Gabrielle looked down wistfully at the flowers in her hand. "Don't you know how special it is for a woman to have a bouquet of hand picked flowers?" Xena rolled her eyes. "I don't see any reason to pull perfectly good flowers out of the ground and give them to another person just so they can watch them shrivel up and die." "Okay, since you obviously know it all, what do you consider a romantic gift?" Gabrielle stopped picking flowers as she awaited Xena's response. "Well, a nice bushel of apples for Argo would be a good starter. Everyone knows how I feel about her. Oh, and a new set of bracers. These are getting a bit worn." Both women glanced down at the warrior’s forearms, the nicks and gouges in the leather quite obvious. "Real romantic, Xena." The bard muttered. Xena arched an eyebrow. "Whatever." The warrior said nonchalantly. "Come on, I'm looking forward to relaxing in a hot tub of water for a couple of hours. A mischievous grin swept across Gabrielle's face as she pinched her nose with her fingers. "You could sure use one." Gabrielle took off running along the path before she finished the sentence knowing that Xena would be hot on her trail. "You're going to pay for that, you irritating little bard" Xena growled with a prankish glint in her eyes as she glanced back to make sure that the stable-hand had taken care of Argo. She turned back just in time to catch sight of Gabrielle ducking off the trail. "You'd better not let me catch you." With the grace of a gazelle, Xena rapidly covered the distance between her and Gabrielle. "Xena....I don't think it's fair that I have to get your bath ready." Gabrielle pouted as she poured another bucket of hot water in the wooden tub. Xena was sitting on the side of the bed watching with barely concealed amusement as Gabrielle struggled with the awkward bucket, water splashing over the side onto the floor. "I told you you'd better not let me catch you." Xena smiled and leaned back on the bed. Gabrielle stole a glance up at the beautiful women. She could hardly breathe as her eyes traced the smooth lines of Xena’s muscular legs up to the edge of her tunic. Her mouth grew dry as she thought of what it must feel like to touch that soft skin and feel Xena move beneath her. "Ahh....Ahh Xena...I'm going after more water." Gabrielle decided she better get out of there quick. "Oh no you don't. That's plenty. What, you trying to boil me? Come here...help me out of my armor." Xena stretched luxuriously on the bed. Gabrielle nearly panicked at the thought of having to get that close to Xena. "Xena, I have to go to the temple...it is my duty to speak with Artemis before the ceremony tomorrow." Gabrielle tried to think of anything other than Xena. "Artemis can wait a few more minutes. Come here now." Xena sat back up on the bed and looked Gabrielle in the eyes. Gabrielle immediately tore her eyes away from Xena and sat the bucket on the floor next to the tub. Gabrielle knew there was no way she could get out of helping Xena without making her suspicious. Gathering every ounce of willpower she possessed she walked across the room to stand next to Xena. Xena looked up at Gabrielle's face as she raised her arm so that Gabrielle could remove her bracer. "See, not that bad if you hold your breath." Xena attempted to lighten the tension. Gabrielle tried to laugh carelessly, but it sounded more like a strangled animal. "Get a grip, Gabrielle, it's not like you're an amazon queen or anything. Have *some* self-control." Gabrielle chided herself as she carefully removed the bracer and laid it on the table. It took her several minutes to remove the other bracer and the rest of Xena's armor. Each time her fingers brushed against the warrior’s bare skin or even the soft fabric of her shirt an involuntary shiver would course through her. Xena stood motionless as Gabrielle worked diligently to complete her task. She looked over at the bard, but could not get her to make eye contact. Xena bit her lower lip as she wondered about the change in Gabrielle. In the past few weeks Gabrielle had grown increasingly uncomfortable when she had to be near Xena. Not that the change in Gabrielle's actions would have been noticeable even to their friends, but Xena had the feeling that Gabrielle was building a wall between them that she could not understand. "There Xena, I'm finished. I have to leave now." Gabrielle dropped the last piece of armor onto the table and turned to flee. Xena stood up, clothed only in her white shift. “Took you long enough.” She teased, her voice caressing Gabrielle with it’s smoothness. Xena she reached down and gracefully pulled the shift up and over her head. Gabrielle swallowed hard at the sight of Xena’s naked bronze body within arms reach. “Ahhh….Xena….I gotta go…” Gabrielle turned to leave, gathering her shaking hands in front of her as she quivered with the desire to run her fingers over that soft, supple flesh. "Hey, wait. What about my back?" Xena had started to walk towards the tub. Gabrielle lowered her head and groaned inwardly. "By the gods....doesn't she know what she's doing to me?" Gabrielle clenched her fists together at her side. There was no way she could back turn around and face Xena, let alone touch her. Not now. "Xena. Enough is enough. You've managed to wash yourself before I became your little hand servant. I am going to the temple." Gabrielle barked at Xena as she angrily grabbed her staff and burst through the door, leaving a perplexed Xena staring after her. ======================================================== Gabrielle left the palace and headed for the Temple. Her attention was focused on the vision of Xena’s naked body and not on where she was going. She almost tripped on the marble step leading into the temple. She entered into a large chamber, accented with a large statue of the Moon Goddess and a large dais. Kneeling before the dais, the storyteller sat quietly until she felt the presence of the goddess. Rise, my child." Artemis spoke softly as she placed her hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder. A warm feeling radiated from the area touched by the deity. Artemis guided the young Queen to a marble bench and indicated for her to sit down. "What is it that bothers you so?" She asked as she took a seat next to Gabrielle. Xena." She said softly. Artemis waited for the young woman to continue. Gabrielle took a deep breath before continuing. "I believe I’ve fallen in love with her." “I see." Artemis nodded with understanding. "This sounds more like a problem for Aphrodite than me. Would you prefer to speak to her?" “Oh...uh...no...I mean, I’ve never met her. I think I might be too nervous to talk." A concerned look came over the young woman’s face. "Do you mind?" The Virgin Goddess smiled warmly at her favored one. "My dear Gabrielle. I am pleased that you feel that you can come to me with this." The bard smiled back and a look of relief came over her face. "What is it about your warrior that has you so concerned?" "I’m afraid…I’m afraid that she doesn’t love me the same way I love her. I mean, it’s so hard to tell with her and she’s never said anything to me and…" "Gabrielle." Artemis interrupted. She had forgotten just how much her young queen could talk. The storyteller smiled sheepishly. "Sorry." "So you don’t know how Xena feels about you. Have you ever asked her?" "Oh yeah." Gabrielle snorted. "She can’t even tell me that she loves me as a friend. I’m supposed to ask her if she wants to be more?" She quieted down and looked at her hands. "I don’t know what to do. What if she doesn’t feel the same and decides to leave me behind?" The goddess’ heart ached as she watched the pain and fear cloud Gabrielle’s features. "I can’t stand the thought of not being with her, even if her feelings aren’t the same." Her last words were said in such a small voice that the Moon Goddess would have sworn that a child spoke the words. "The affairs of the heart are never easy, my child. I’m afraid I can’t give you the answer you seek. You aren’t looking for advice, you’re looking for a guarantee." She watched as Gabrielle nodded guiltily. "I’m afraid I can’t interfere in this, Gabrielle. You have to look into your own heart and decide if you should say anything or not. I will tell you that it will only get harder and harder to keep your feelings in check." The morning dawned bright, with just a hint of moisture in the air as if anxious for the start of the festival. Gaily colored streamers had been strung between the buildings and along the wall of the temple were rows and rows of tables piled high with food and drink. Many of the women had been working all through the night to make sure everything was perfect. As more women began to gather, the shimmering excitement in the air seemed almost palpable. Gabrielle had remained in the temple for the evening, even though she knew that Artemis was correct, she still didn't know how she was going to face Xena, let alone explain her recent actions. Xena had come to the temple at dusk to inquire about her, but was turned away by the temple high priestess. Gabrielle had to smile to herself, it was amusing to see Xena being told no and not managing to find a way around it. The next morning Gabrielle waited until one of the members of her royal guard, who had been tasked with watching for Xena, informed her that Xena had left to exercise Argo. Gabrielle wanted to make sure that she would not have to speak with Xena when she returned to the palace for her queenly attire. She knew she would have to speak with Xena, but she wanted to wait until after the festival. Maybe then she’d know what to say to her. The ceremony was as beautiful as it was each year. dozens of handsome women dressed in all white accented by silver chains and bracelets sang one haunting melody after another. Gabrielle had received the symbolic girdle of authority, granted only by Artemis, from the high priestess and concluded the proceedings with the sacred oath to Artemis that was known only by the Amazons. With the end of the ceremony came the party activities. The warriors huddled together and boasted about who had killed the most men and who was the mightiest warrior. It didn’t take long for the wrestling matches to begin as other women gathered to cheer for their favorite. She had managed to locate Xena during the festival. Xena had stood back close to the temple so that she had a commanding view of both Gabrielle and the entire courtyard. Even at a feast for Artemis and in the middle of Amazon land, she just couldn’t let her guard down. In the chaos after the ceremony ended, Gabrielle had lost sight of her and hadn’t been able to find her. The less aggressive Amazons gathered near the tables to begin sampling the savory dishes that had been brought to the festival. The mood was light and playful and Gabrielle was feeling wonderful.. It didn’t take her long to find a small group of younger women who had gathered around a table filled with a variety of flavors of wine. The young women were much in awe of Gabrielle as queen and it made her feel a bit nervous. One of the women asked her what it was like to be queen and to travel with Xena while another one asked her for a story. Gabrielle decided that she could take care of all their questions with one interesting tale, so she suggested they gather some food and drink and sit under a tree while she told them the story about Terreis. That story led into one after another until the day passed swiftly by. Xena had made herself scarce after the ceremony, needing to get away from all the women milling around and pushing in on her. She knew that Gabrielle would be content talking and socializing with all the other Amazons and she was happy to let her little bard have the limelight all to herself. Xena had decided that a nice little nap in the shade of the portico at the Palace would be a great way to spend the afternoon. Bremusa knew that as a novice priestess no one would take her seriously, but the visions had been startling and she knew she had to do something about it. She had hoped to talk to the queen last night when she was in the temple, but the other priestesses never left her alone long enough. She also knew that at the festival she wouldn’t get a chance to talk to her, so she decided that trying to get to Xena might be easier. Xena found a relatively comfortable spot with her back up against one of the pillar and had just closed her eyes as she felt the woman’s approach. “And I thought I was alone.” Xena said quietly without opening her eyes. “I’m…I’m sorry…warrior princess. I need to speak with you if you wouldn’t mind.” Bremusa cast her eyes down to the ground and awaited Xena’s response. Xena opened one eye and arched the eyebrow over it when she saw that the woman who had disturbed her was a petite, young woman dressed as one of Artemis’ priestesses. “About what?” She inquired inquisitively. “Xena, as you can see I am a priestess of Artemis. She has seen fit to bless me with the gift of her visions.” Xena sat up, intrigued by the idea that this woman was a chosen favorite of Artemis. Xena didn’t care too much for any of the gods, but at least Artemis had good taste in mortal women. She also knew that Gabrielle had stayed at the temple during the night and wondered if this woman knew anything about it. “I tried to speak of this to Gabrielle when she was in the temple last night, but I did not have the opportunity. Xena…there is grave danger ahead..” Bremusa paused as she tried to find the right words to describe her vision. “Xena, Artemis does not speak to me directly, but rather in symbols. I have seen the girdle of the queen draped around the neck of a ship’s figurehead which is shaped like a woman. The only other thing I could see was that she carried a single red rose gripped tightly in her hand. The thorns had not been stripped and they had ripped into her skin, the blood trickling down into the water.” Xena frowned as she looked at the young woman. She had been right that Gabrielle must be involved somehow, the girdle was most obviously a sign of the queen of the Amazons. But the rest of it was not as easy to discern. “When did you have this *vision*?” Xena questioned the young priestess, a note of urgency in her voice. “I have had it several times….the first time was nearly a full moon ago and the final time was last night. There is one thing, Xena.” Bremusa looked up at Xena who merely nodded for her to continue. “Last night was the first time I saw the rose in her hand and the blood dripping into the water.” Xena had searched half the village looking for her companion. Finally she heard the familiar lilt of Gabrielle’s voice sailing through the night air. Her long strides quickly ate up the ground between her and a group of young women giggling furiously around a small fire they had started near the tree when the sun dropped beneath the horizon. "Gabrielle." She called, her voice stern and commanding. Xena knew better than to talk to the young Queen in such a manner in public, but she had been unnerved at Bremusa’s vision and she was also tired of searching all over the packed village for her. "Uh oh." Gabrielle muttered as she rose to her feet to face the tall woman approaching. Without looking, the bard handed the wineskin to the girl that had been sitting next to her, who quickly hid it as the woman in leather approached. "Ready, Gabrielle?" A quick look by firelight showed that Gabrielle had been drinking, but was not yet at the tipsy drunk stage that Xena had feared she would be by now. "Xena?" Gabrielle reached out and put her hand on her arm. "What?" "There’s something I want to tell you." They were halfway between the palace and the fire where Xena found her. Although people were milling about, there was an air of privacy around them. "Xena, look at me." The blue eyes gazed down at the blue-green ones. "Now I know that I’ve been drinking, but I know what I’m saying, okay?" "Gabrielle, can’t we talk about whatever this is in the morning?" Xena was uncomfortable with the look in the bard’s eyes. "No, I need to tell you this before I lose my nerve." Gabrielle took a deep breath to steady herself. "I thought at first that it was just my imagination, but that’s not it. What I’m feeling is real." She reached up and touched her shaky fingers to Xena’s cheek. "I-I love you." Xena reached up and removed Gabrielle’s hand from her face. "You’ve been drinking, Gabrielle. If I were a tree, you’d say the same thing." She said lightly, trying to shake the matter off. "Come on, let’s get to sleep." "No!" She wrenched her arm away from Xena. "I’m not drunk, Xena. I know what I’m saying and what it means." Gabrielle’s voice raised, attracting attention to them. "Now I told you that I love you. What do you have to say?" "Gabrielle, I really think we should talk about this inside." She said through clenched teeth. "No! You give me an answer now." Gabrielle’s fears of rejection overrode her understanding of Xena’s public reticence. It was too late now for her to go back anyway. Xena’s face was completely expressionless as she looked at Gabrielle. Inside she was a mixture of emotions. She was seething with anger at the public demand for an answer to such a personal question. Xena was also surprised. She had never really given any thought to Gabrielle as a lover and had no idea that her young friend had any inclinations toward her. With all the thoughts turning about in her head, she couldn’t think of what to say. Running to her defense mechanisms, Xena said nothing and maintained her stoic gaze. "I guess I got my answer then." Gabrielle choked. Suddenly the village was much too crowded for her. "I…I need to go for a walk." She brushed past Xena, accidentally brushing her staff against the warrior’s leg. "Gabrielle, come back." Xena said as she turned and followed the upset bard. "Don’t follow me!" Gabrielle yelled angrily as she continued to take purposeful steps toward the forest. Xena watched as Gabrielle disappeared through the trees. Chapter Two Tears blurred Gabrielle’s vision as she ran through the forest. Her bare arms were quickly being covered with scratches from the low hanging branches. Nothing mattered to her except getting away so she could think. “How can she be so…so cold?” She cried to the trees. Finally stopping to catch her breath, Gabrielle leaned against a large tree. “Identify yourself.” Came the stern voice of an Amazon sentry. Gabrielle remained motionless, knowing that the sentry was watching her. “Queen Gabrielle.” She yelled back. It took only a moment for the Amazon lookout to appear in front of her. A quick look at the fetish on the end of Gabrielle’s staff as well as the symbolic girdle of authority from Artemis confirmed her identity. The Queen’s outfit, made up of shimmering layers of material, was now stained with dirt and grime from her trek. “My Queen.” The sentry knelt on the ground in front of her. “Please.” Gabrielle said as she motioned for the woman to rise. “Call me Gabrielle. And you are?” “Yes…Gabrielle. My name is Rinah. If I may ask, why are you out here so late, and without an escort?” “I felt like taking a walk after the festival.” “That’s some walk, my que…I mean Gabrielle. The village is a good three candlemarks away. You’re almost to the edge of amazon land. If you like, I’ll be happy to escort you back.” Gabrielle looked around and realized that she was, in fact, near the far side of the territory. “Oh, no thanks, Rinah. I’m not ready to go back yet. I think I’ll walk around a little more first. Don’t worry about me.” She picked her staff up and shook it slightly. “I’m pretty good with this.” The sentry started to protest and Gabrielle raised her hand to silence her. “No, really. I’ll be fine. I want you to continue to patrol the area.” Rinah was visibly unhappy with the queen’s decision, but knew she had no authority to argue with it. “As you wish, Gabrielle.” Rinah nodded and went back to her patrol, keeping an eye on the young queen while in her area. It didn’t take Gabrielle long to find herself hopelessly lost. She had paid little, if any, attention to her directions after leaving Rinah. She didn’t even know if she was still in Amazon territory. She hadn’t seen anyone since running into the sentry candlemarks ago. The sky was just beginning to lighten when Gabrielle smelled salt water. “The ocean?” She asked out loud as she moved closer to the sound of small waves striking rocks on the nearby shore. Parting some bushes, she saw that she had indeed walked all the way to the ocean. She also saw that she wasn’t the only one on the beach. Ten burly men were lugging chests and crates off of wagons and onto small boats. Turning her head, Gabrielle saw a large pirate ship off in the distance. She decided to back up and find a better hiding place until they were gone. The sound of a large twig snapping told her that she made that decision too late. Acting on reflexes honed by many hours of practice with Xena, Gabrielle gripped her staff and rammed it backwards, striking her would-be assailant square in the gut. She heard the loud groan followed by the sound of him slumping to the ground. A quick turn and another swing, this time to his head, made certain that he stayed down. The alarm had been raised, however, and there was nothing she could do about it now. Realizing that her staff was not very efficient in the close area of the trees, Gabrielle darted out onto the beach, swinging her staff wildly to keep a distance between herself and them. The long ceremonial dress made it difficult for her to maneuver. Her only hope was to keep them away and keep herself out of reach of their cutlasses. “Circle her!” The biggest cutthroat barked. Gabrielle swung her staff in a vicious arc, extending her safety zone as nine figures moved to take her. The battle dragged on. Gabrielle managed to take down four of the men before one managed to slip his cutlass under her swinging staff and connect with her left arm. She swung back blindly and struck him hard in the wrist, the sound of crushing bones resounding loudly. The force of the impact threw her slightly off balance, giving the largest man an opportunity for attack. The flat of his broadsword connected with her right temple. As she fell bonelessly to the ground, a puddle of crimson covering the fetish on her staff, her last thoughts were of Xena and how she surely would come looking for her. Chapter Three Xena hadn't moved. She just stood staring at the break in the woods where Gabrielle had disappeared. She couldn't believe what Gabrielle had just said to her. "I had no idea....." She said out loud to no one other than herself. Several of the women had stopped what they had been doing to watch the quarrel between their queen and the warrior princess. Their looks of undisguised animosity towards her had no effect on the shocked woman. Xena took a hesitant step towards the forest where Gabrielle had just disappeared, but stopped, unable to go after her. "What do I say to her? What can I say?" "Well, Xena. She finally told you, huh?" Ephany had been walking towards the couple when she heard the voices grow in volume and stopped a respectable distance away. "Great Warrior Princess. It took mere words to defeat you." The sarcasm clearly evident in Ephany's soft voice as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. Xena turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "And what do you mean by that?" She challenged Ephany. "You are one blind woman." Ephany held Xena's stare as she watched the fury build in her eyes. "You just lost the most important confrontation of your life." "Ephany, I would be very careful right now. I am NOT in a good mood." The muscles around Xena's eyes twitched as the tension mounted her in muscular body. "By the gods, Xena. Every woman in this village knows how Gabrielle feels about you." Ephany smiled derisively at the angry woman. "Oh, and Xena…*you’re* not fooling anyone either." A rumbling sound came from somewhere deep in Xena's chest as she began to move towards Ephany. "Ephany I told you I am not in the mood to be toyed with." "Xena. You stop right there and listen to me." Ephany’s voice rose as the anger broke through. "You should have seen it and you have no one to be angry with expect yourself. I haven't done anything wrong and you know it." Ephany stood her ground courageously. "That woman has been through everything for you. She left her family and her home to travel with a stranger who barely tolerated her. Then she became the target for every single person or god who wanted to hurt you. She's watched you get hurt, tended your wounds, feared for your life, and even watched you die!" Ephany sucked in her cheeks, her body nearly shaking as she fought to control her rage. "And Xena, she’s had to watch you get your pleasure with men when all she wanted to do was give you the love you were searching for." Ephany shook her head back and forth slowly. "Poor Gabrielle. So much unconditional love, right there under your nose, and you couldn’t or wouldn’t see it." Xena halted her advance on Ephany and stared at her. "I don't……" Xena couldn't find the right words to continue. Thoughts were racing through her mind as she tried to comprehend what Ephany had said. She raised a hand to her cheek, remembering a fleeting touch from so long ago. "Could she really be in love with me….?" "Yes, Xena. It’s the not the wine. Her love for you has been driving to the point of madness." Xena looked at Ephany and narrowed her eyes. The outline of her lips growing thinner. "Now before you get really angry. She has talked to me about it. Some." Ephany tried to explain. She reasoned to herself that since Gabrielle had finally told Xena how she felt, she didn't have to keep their conversations a secret any longer. "She was so frightened that she would lose you if she told you the truth. Instead of facing that possibility, she decided to keep it to herself and never acknowledge it to you. She was determined to stay a part of your life, even if she could never tell you how she felt." Ephany looked away from Xena and over to where Gabrielle had disappeared. "Guess that's not an option for her now." She sighed as her anger seeped out of her. Xena followed Ephany's gaze back to the dark forest. "Ephany…I…I just don't know what to do…" "Well, Xena. You better think of something pretty quick. You just broke Gabrielle's heart." Xena turned her back to the forest and in a lamentable daze walked back to the palace. Women turned to look at her as she walked by, but she was oblivious to their attention, lost deep in her thoughts. Xena pushed the heavy wooden door open and walked over to the stain-glassed window. She reached up and flicked the silver latch to the side. With the slightest of touch the windows parted in the middle and swung back out of the way. The moon was shining brightly, illuminating the courtyard down below. Xena took in a deep breath, looked up at the moon and frowned. "Artemis, I know you're watching all of this. It's not as amusing as you might think." Xena's hands gripped the bottom edge of the window sill. "This just can't happen. It isn't right. She may be an Amazon now, even your Queen of the Amazons, but she still Gabrielle. She can't love me." Xena glanced back down into the courtyard. She released her death grip on the sill and bracing her elbows on the smooth wood, cupped her chin in her hands as she thought about her good friend and constant companion. Gabrielle had been quite an annoying addition in her travels at first, but her constant chattering had helped Xena to keep her darker thoughts at bay. The battle to distance herself from Ares and his influence on her was difficult and had it not been for Gabrielle's innocence and child-like adoration, she might not have made it. An owl hooted sadly in the distance and Xena grimaced. She couldn't figure out what had brought on Gabrielle's shocking revelation. "Oh, Gabrielle." Xena turned away from the window and began to pace back and forth across the cold, marble floor. She had to do something, but for the life of her she just couldn't think of how she was going to deal with this new problem. She was used to dealing with problems that she could tackle head on, do battle with and defeat once and for all. But this time she had to face Gabrielle. Gabrielle. The young woman who looked up to her as if *she* were a goddess and not just a mere mortal woman, subject to the good and bad temptations that every mortal had to face. At times Gabrielle's expectations of her were almost too much for Xena to bear. And now… Xena stopped by the bed and flung her body down across it, the wind driven from her lungs. "Arrrggghhhhh! " She growled into the bedding as her hands gripped the blanket and squeezed. "Gabrielle, I don't want to lose you, but as the gods are my witness I don't know what to do now." Chapter Four Procken looked down at the slumped form before her. Blond hair matted with blood marred the otherwise perfect figure. The young woman’s waist held a remarkable girdle made of gold and covered with intricate markings. “We done found her down there on the beach, Procken.” The largest ruffian said as he watched the captain bend down and study the golden object. “Look at this, Regar.” She said, calling the scruffy man to her side. “Look at these markings.” The intricately designed girdle was rimmed with symbols of wild animals and female huntresses. A full moon surrounded by smaller moons in various stages covered the center. A woman giving birth adorned the left side while a cluster of cypress trees and deer were displayed on the right side. “This has to be Artemis’ Girdle of Authority.” It meant nothing to the bearded man except that it must be worth some more dinars than he had previously thought. Procken frowned at him before taking another look at the unconscious woman. “Regar, this has to be the Queen of the Amazons. Only she is allowed to wear that.” The pirate captain reached forward and ran her fingertips over the gold designs. “As I was saying, Apollo…” Artemis’ words trailed off as a terrible feeling came over her. “What is it, sister?” The Sun God said as he reached for the arm of his twin sister to lend her support as she seemed to be overcome by the sensation. Her hand went to her waist. “Apollo, something is terribly wrong.” With that, she dissolved from her brother’s realm and returned to her own. One look in the scrying bowl was all she needed to determine the source of her fears. The image of Poseidon’s chosen stroking the sacred girdle as her own chosen lay unconscious filled the Moon Goddess with a fury characteristic of her half-brother Ares. With an angry shove of her hand, the scrying bowl flew helplessly through the air. She went storming off to talk to her least favorite uncle. Gabrielle awoke to a pounding in her head and pain in her wrists. As the fogginess cleared, she realized several unhappy things. She was bound and gagged, a quick check confirmed that the bindings were secure. The pounding in her head had to be related to the bandage she also felt there. Her stomach flipped to let her know that she was also on a ship, her least favorite mode of transport. One of the scalawags noticed the movement from the bound woman. “Hey Regar!” He yelled. Gabrielle looked at the man with the eye patch and flame red hair. He turned his attention to her. “Aye missy, you seem like you’d be in for a little…action?” He leered as he moved forward, rubbing himself through his britches. “What is it, Krager?” Regar growled as he approached. “She’s awake.” “So she is.” Regar pushed the small man out of the way. “As First Mate, I believe I have first opportunity.” Just as he reached for her, his wrist was snared by a vicious whip lash. “She’s off limits, Regar.” Procken growled as she jerked the whip, pulling the large man off of his feet. Her steel grey eyes glared at all the ship mates standing around. “To everyone!” She bellowed. “The first man to touch her will walk the plank before sundown!” Several men nodded and quickly went about their business. She released Regar’s wrist from the whip and knelt down next to the blond woman. “Leave us!” She said firmly. Gabrielle did her best to keep her fear out of her eyes. Procken reached out with a dirk and cut the gag. “Name.” “Gab..Gabrielle.” A flash of recognition passed through the grey eyes. “You are the Queen of the Amazons.” Gabrielle nodded in acknowledgment. Procken let loose a chuckle of enjoyment at her find. “I am Procken, captain of the Black Serpent. You are my prisoner.” An evil smirk came to the pirate’s face. “My friend is Xena Warrior Princess. She doesn’t like it when people beat me up and kidnap me, not to mention what the entire Amazon Nation would do if they found you.” Gabrielle said defiantly. She braced herself for a slap that never came. “I don’t believe I have anything to worry about, my dear Gabrielle.” Procken stood up. It was then that Gabrielle noticed that the sacred girdle was now secured around the pirate’s waist. The gold contrasted with the black pantaloons and white blouse. Sandy brown hair framed the tanned face, giving the captain every look of a pirate. “Artemis will NEVER let you keep that.” Gabrielle spat. “Oh, I don’t think your precious goddess will be able to do too much about it.” Turning to the port side of the ship, she stood quietly for a moment. “And what may I do for you today, my chosen?” Poseidon said as his form rose from the watery depths. “My master, I ask that you invoke godly intervention on my behalf to any and all upon this vessel.” “NO!” Gabrielle screamed. Poseidon turned his head and looked at her. “Oh, so it’s YOU again.” His eyes narrowed as he looked at the companion of his foil. “And just where is Xena?” “She’s not here.” Gabrielle answered. “Xena will do anything to get her back, Procken.” Gabrielle wondered about the truth of the words that Poseidon had spoken. After what had happened between them, she doubted if Xena was even aware of her disappearance. Knowing Xena, she probably left the village right after I stormed out, Gabrielle thought to herself. “Delicious. I get the prize trophy of Artemis, the Queen of the Amazons, and Xena all in one little package.” Procken sneered as she looked down at the Gabrielle, who was still trying to wiggle out of her restraints. “Procken, perhaps you should rethink your course of action here. I am more than willing to assist you in sending that troublesome warrior to Tartarus, but this child is Artemis’ chosen.” “I don’t care, Poseidon. I have her and the girdle and I’m not letting go of either. I am your chosen. Grant me intervention.” The God of the Sea rubbed his watery fingers on his chin. “You ask a very difficult favor. However, I will grant your request.” He ignored the audible moan from the bard. “I take interest in this ship and all aboard. Let no other god interfere.” He held his trident up in the air. A flash of lightning and clap of thunder confirmed his request had been heard. He turned his attention back to his chosen. “You have your protection. Use it wisely. I cannot interfere if you leave the ship.” He shot his hand out, one long finger pointing at Gabrielle. “Keep HER out of my way, Procken.” When he shook his finger, the resulting water soaked the young bard. With a burst of spray, Poseidon retreated to the watery depths of his realm. Procken looked at the soaked figure. The layers of shimmering green that made up Gabrielle’s dress were practically see-through due to the water. Procken reached over and grabbed one of her arms, hoisting the bard to her feet. “Where are we going?” Gabrielle protested. She was answered with a hard shove. “I should throw you in the hold and let the men have their way with you.” Procken hissed. “However, you’re worth more to me than a common slave.” She opened the hatch that led below deck. She pushed Gabrielle through a narrow passageway and into a fair sized room. “These are my quarters. You’ll be staying here.” A quick look by Gabrielle revealed the room contained a pallet, but no hammocks. “Uh, heh heh, there’s no place for me to sleep.” She said. “Oh, you don’t think I’m letting you out of my sight, do you? You’ll sleep with me.” “Oh, that’s not really necessary. I can sleep on the floor or something.” Gabrielle was secretly grateful that the ropes on her wrists were pressed against the pressure point that Xena had taught her to control seasickness. The thought of lying next to this villain was making her stomach churn enough. Procken stared at the woman before her. The flimsy material of Gabrielle’s wet dress clung to her body, revealing the firm breast and nipples made erect from the cool sea air. The pirate unconsciously licked her lips. Gabrielle saw the look of desire in the brown haired woman’s face trembled with fear. Xena had warned her about how dangerous pirates could be, especially after spending several moons at sea. The fact that this was Poseidon’s chosen did not make her feel any better. Gabrielle was well aware of his dislike of her and Xena. A rescue would be difficult, if not impossible. The look in Procken’s eyes left no doubt as to her wicked thoughts. “You are very beautiful, Gabrielle.” She said as she stepped closer to the young woman. Procken grabbed her arm and spun the bard around before using her dagger to cut the binding from her wrists. Gabrielle rubbed the sore areas as she turned to look at her captor. Procken had gone over to a small cubby and pulled out a blouse and pair of pantaloons. “Put these on.” She said as she threw the clothes at Gabrielle. “I won’t be able to control the men if you continue to wear that.” She pointed at the dress. Gabrielle waited a moment to see if the pirate would leave her alone. When she realized that would not happen, she turned so that her back was to Procken, then proceeded to change as quickly as possible. Artemis entered Poseidon’s realm, her anger growing with each stride. “Uncle, I demand you make that woman of yours release Gabrielle and my Girdle of Authority.” “Ah, if it isn’t my niece Artemis. I’m afraid you’re too late.” “What?” She asked angrily, the hairs on her immortal neck bristling. “Procken asked for intervention. I granted it. You cannot interfere with either her or the ship, including anyone or anything on it.” “Uncle, she has the power of authority.” “You should have been more careful of where your little brat wandered.” “Wandered? Gabrielle would never have left Amazon land with the girdle. Xena would have made sure of that.” It suddenly occurred to Artemis that she had not seen Xena in the vision of the scrying bowl. “Where is Xena?” “I do not know, nor do I care, so long as she leaves me alone and stays out of my affairs. As far as your other question, I believe your chosen was found near the ocean. The last time I looked, that was several leagues from Amazon land.” “Are you telling me that Gabrielle was ALONE?!” “Do not raise your voice with me, dear niece. Your father may put up with it, but I will not. The warrior princess was not with the queen when she was captured. Now I suggest you leave before I make a wave strong enough to wash your favorite mortal into the sea.” The look in Poseidon’s eyes told Artemis that he would have no problem with carrying out that threat. “You have not heard the last of this, Uncle.” Artemis spat as she turned to leave. “I’m sure I haven’t, my dear niece.” He answered. Artemis returned to her realm and looked in the scrying bowl once again. She now saw Gabrielle dressed in a white blouse and black pantaloons, her hair tied back in a ponytail. She was sitting on the deck, polishing a pair of black boots. “My queen, forced to clean the boots of his chosen.” The Moon Goddess’ rage was in full bloom now, as she looked into the bowl to find the person who had sworn to protect Gabrielle. After a meager dinner and several candlemarks spent scrubbing dishes, Gabrielle was led by Krager back to the captains quarters. Procken was waiting for her. “Leave us.” She barked as she took hold of Gabrielle’s arm. Krager nodded and quickly backed out of the room. “Get undressed.” “Uh, that’s okay, really. It’s kinda chilly tonight and well…” The last thing she wanted to do near this woman was be naked. With a move reminiscent of Xena, Procken pulled out a dagger and pressed it against the bard’s throat. “Now I’m not going to fight with you. Either remove those clothes and put on this shift or I’m going to cut them off of you.” Her voice was low and authoritative, leaving no doubt as to the certainty of her threat. With trembling hands, Gabrielle slowly removed her clothes. Procken sat back on the edge of the pallet and watched, making note of the strong muscles of Gabrielle’s thighs, the gentleness of her curves, the total sensuousness of her body. The soft curls now made visible caused a pulling sensation in the pirate’s loins. Procken waited until the young woman had pulled on her shift before changing into her own bedclothes. “Come here.” She commanded. Gabrielle instinctively moved back a step in fear of the strong woman. Procken reached out with her left and grabbed the bard’s right wrist. Before Gabrielle could react, a leather strap was tied to her wrist securely, the other end to Procken’s right wrist. “Now I know you won’t go anywhere.” “Where am I going to go on a ship?” Gabrielle asked sarcastically. A hard slap from Procken changed her mind about making another smart comment. She was roughly dragged to the pallet. She was forced to lay on her left side. Procken was positioned behind her, her right arm holding Gabrielle firmly. “Mmm,” Procken murmured as she closed her eyes and buried her face in the blond hair, breathing in the scent. Gabrielle laid there, eyes open, quietly praying to Artemis to help Xena find her, and soon. Chapter Five A shout roused Xena from dozing as she laid sprawled across the bed. She turned her head roughly to the side, listening for anything out of the ordinary. All she could hear was running feet and a murmuring of voices. "It’s the Queen’s…." Xena caught just a few words as a woman ran through the courtyard below the window. "Gabrielle must be back." Xena thought to herself as she pushed up off the bed. "Thank you, Artemis." Xena went to the wash basin and threw some water on her face and drew the comb through her long black hair. She was anxious to see Gabrielle, even though she still didn’t know what to say. With a final yank on her tunic she grabbed the ornate door handle and flung it open. Xena pulled up short as she glanced down the corridor to her left. She breathed in deeply through her nostrils and reached up and over her shoulder. Four of the royal guards were headed towards her and they looked anything but friendly. "Damn it." Xena hissed under her breath. In her rush to see Gabrielle she had forgotten to put her scabbard back on. She was defenseless. "Well…." She thought as a smirk tugged as her lips. "not completely." "Hold, Xena." The first guard yelled at her. The woman drew her sword and stopped well out of reach of the warrior women. "You are to be escorted to Regent Ephany. She has news of Queen Gabrielle." Xena frowned at the guard and lowered her arm. The way the guard had stated her purpose concerned her. She had thought that based upon what she had heard that Gabrielle had returned, but Ephany’s summon bode differently. "What are we waiting for then?" Xena responded as she stepped towards them. Ephany was waiting for Xena in the courtyard. Normally she would have met with her in the privacy of the council chambers, but everyone already knew most of the story. After what had happened at the festival between Xena and Gabrielle and then the Queen’s disappearance, the whole village was abuzz with speculation. Xena noticed, without surprise, that the young priestess that had spoken with her at the festival was standing just behind Ephany. "Xena, something has happened to the queen." Ephany looked down on Xena from the speaker’s platform as a hush fell over the gathered Amazons. Xena felt a panic starting in her heart as she finally noticed the staff that the guard standing next to Ephany was holding. It was Gabrielle’s and there was blood on it. Xena took a step towards the platform, her only thought of grabbing the staff, when the royal guard surrounded her. Their weapons were drawn and their faces were firm in their commitment to stopping her progress at any cost. "Stop, Xena." Ephany reached over and took the staff from the guard. "It was found during the night by Rinah. She had talked with the queen earlier and was concerned for her safety." Ephany threw the staff down at Xena who caught it in mid-flight. "When she followed Gabrielle’s trail she found this laying on the beach and the signs of a mighty struggle." Ephany raised her voice and looked out over the gathered women. "The queen was nowhere to be found." Xena felt the familiar shape of Gabrielle’s staff in her hands and a pounding wave of guilt swept over her more powerful than any blow she had taken in battle. Gabrielle was in grave danger, if not worse, and it had been her fault. Again, she had caused someone who cared about her to bear the pain that she deserved. If she had only talked to her, at least followed her into the forest, she could have protected her. Instead, she had only thought about how she was feeling and what she was going to do. Now, all she had was Gabrielle’s staff and the fear that she might never see her again. A grumbling welled up in the crowd as it moved forward. Everyone knew that the queen had left the village the night of the festival because Xena would not return her love. Shouts of anger and bitterness filtered through the air to Xena who stood stoically looking up at Ephany. "I’ll find her." Xena could think of nothing else but rushing back to their room, gathering up her gear, and starting the task of finding Gabrielle. Ephany held up her hand to silence the crowd and then looked back down at Xena. "You had your chance, Xena. Now, WE will find and look after our Queen." Ephany’s words cut through Xena’s heart. "You may, if you wish, accompany the royal guard and Bremusa." Ephany motioned for the young priestess to come forward. "She has received the gift of the sight from Artemis." Ephany turned to the young woman and laid a strong hand on her shoulder. "Bremusa, you know that you should have told the high priestess about your visions earlier?" She kindly questioned the girl who lowered her eyes and nodded shamefully. "Just make sure that you let Dionaeda know if anything comes to you while you are away." Bremusa looked back up at Ephany and nodded emphatically. "But she will surely slow us down." Xena argued. She didn’t like the fact that the priestess was going to accompany them. There was something about the seer that made her feel uneasy. Ephany turned towards Xena, a scowl meeting the determination on Xena’s face. "It is not your place…." Ephany had begun to reprimand Xena when a flash of brilliant light filled the courtyard and blinded the women. "WARRIOR WOMAN!" Bellowed an angry voice. As their sight returned a collective gasp was issued from the gathered women. An angry Artemis was towering over Xena. Even Xena had the good sense to drop to her knee in front of the irate god. "Mortal! I don’t think I have ever been so angry with one of you!" Artemis threw her head back and howled until the air reverberated with her voice. The women clasped their hands over their ears as the sound send a stabbing pain through their heads. She reached down and grabbed Xena by the collar of her tunic and hoisted her effortlessly into the air. "Be glad, Xena….Be VERY glad that Gabrielle has fallen in love with you." Artemis’ dark eyes bore into Xena’s soul. "Otherwise I would still be thinking of the most painful death for you." Artemis shook the warrior princess like a rag doll as Xena fought to keep her arms and legs from flailing around. It felt like she had been caught in the midst of a cyclone, her body being torn limb from limb. The Amazons shrunk back from the image of their patron Goddess in the throes of anger so extreme that she seemed mad. With a disgusted grunt, Artemis released Xena and sent her flying into the side of the council chamber. Xena barely had time to react and throw her arms up to protect her head, still stunned by the force of the impact. She slid down the side of the building and laid motionless on the ground. Artemis stomped over to where she had landed. "I do not take kindly to Poseidon having something to use over me." Artemis growled as she thought of her earlier conversation with him. "You have caused him a lot of grief, the other gods have been chiding him about a mortal woman besting him, and now he’s taking it out on Gabrielle and my Amazons. Xena….." Artemis reached down for her again, but managed to stop herself before she touched her. "I can promise you nothing about Gabrielle’s safety. As long as she remains with the woman pirate, Procken, Poseidon’s own chosen, I can do nothing to interfere. You must get Gabrielle and the girdle back onto dry land." Xena grimaced when she heard that Poseidon was involved in. She knew that she had made a dangerous enemy out of him when she helped Ulysses return to Ithaca and Seacrops figure out the riddle, but she hadn’t fathomed that she would have to deal with the consequences so soon. She also had assumed Poseidon would settle the score with her, not with Gabrielle. "That’s what I get for assuming anything about gods. Oh, Gabrielle." Xena thought to herself as she racked her mind for some strategy that would work to bring Gabrielle safely back to shore and return the Girdle of Authority back to the Amazons. "Mark my words, mortal! The Queen had better be rescued and my girdle safely returned to it’s rightful owner, or YOU will answer to ME!" Artemis reached down and ran a fingertip along the side of Xena’s neck. "I am a vengeful woman, Xena." A dark red mark remained where her finger had touched. "Just a reminder….my mark is upon you." Artemis clapped her hands together and in a deafening peel of thunder, disappeared. Xena remained on the ground, still uncertain that she could stand, and ran her hand across the mark on her neck. She could the heat in the flesh and the rugged texture of the mark. "Xena….." Ephany jumped down from the platform and walked over to her. "The royal guard will be ready to leave within the candlemark. I would suggest you be ready also." Ephany turned and walked away as Xena struggled to get to her knees. Several of the Amazons walked by her, but none offered her their assistance. As far as the Amazons were concerned, Xena had caused the disappearance of their Queen, the capture of the sacred girdle, and the anger of their beloved Goddess of the Hunt. Bremusa walked quietly up to Xena and bent down in front of her. "Are you all right?" She asked with genuine concern in her voice. The soothing tone helped to settle some of the turmoil churning inside Xena. She looked up into Bremusa’s eyes and wondered what it was about her that could affect her so. Only one other woman had ever had that kind of effect on her. "Yes. She is angry, Gabrielle is her chosen as well." Bremusa offered her small hand to Xena, which she accepted. As Bremusa helped the warrior to her feet, she laid her other hand over Xena’s. "Xena, I had another vision last night, but this one was different." Xena stiffened and looked down at her. Bremusa meet Xena’s eyes and held them as she spoke. "Everything was the same as it has been before, however…..Celesta was hovering near the figurehead and as I walked towards her she smiled sadly at me and with the slightest of motion, turned and blew out the flame on the candle." Chapter Six Gabrielle awoke to find herself freed from her captor. Looking around, she found the chamber pot and a small basin to wash up in. She took a moment to reflect on the events of the previous night. Procken had been so harsh with her before they went to sleep, yet held her gently during the night. The combination of moods reminded Gabrielle of Xena. The thought of the warrior and what had happened between them filled the bard with a sadness she couldn’t control. Tears rolled down her face as she fastened the pantaloons and pulled on her blouse. As she pulled on her boots, she heard the warning cries of the attack. Her first thought was that someone was attacking the Black Serpent. Upon reaching the upper deck, Gabrielle saw that just the opposite was true. Procken and her pirates were attacking a passing merchant ship. They had, apparently, underestimated the defense. The pirates were no longer charging and advancing onto the opposing ship, they were too busy defending their own vessel. Procken had made the mistake of attacking a ship that happened to be carrying a dozen members of the Athenian army. Trying to stay out of the fray, Gabrielle backed up against a mast pole, knocking over the mop that had been leaning against it. Deciding that a weapon would be a good idea, she reached down and used her foot to snap the wooden handle away from the mop. Two soldiers managed to get past the pirates and board the ship. One became engaged in combat with two pirates as the other spotted her and advanced. He ignored Gabrielle’s protests of not being a pirate as he lunged at her. Her muscles acted automatically, stepping out of the way and swinging the handle around, connecting squarely with the back of his head. The handle was of lighter weight than her staff, and the soldier was only dazed. “Get back to your ship.” She said urgently. “They’ll kill you if you don’t.” He turned and swung his sword at her again. She did her best to push him back toward the port side of the ship, hoping he would retreat back to his own ship. Gabrielle concentrated her attack to his sword arm and not his legs. The battle between the two ships continued. Gabrielle was starting to feel the burn in her upper arms and the stinging pain in her hands as she blocked blow after blow from the soldier. She had managed to get him within steps of the planks that connected the two ships. “Go!” She yelled again. Two pirates were working their way over to her side. The soldier, who was also tiring from the relentless battle, decided to take her advice and climbed onto the plank. One quick jump put him safely behind his comrades back on the merchant ship. Gabrielle turned her attention to the sound of metal clashing against metal. Procken and two soldiers were at the bow of the Black Serpent. Brown hair was matted to the pirates head as she continued to keep the men at bay. Gabrielle moved closer, watching the battle intently. Procken’s movements were smooth and graceful as she parried every thrust, every blow. Her cutlass clanged again and again against the broadswords, neither side giving any ground. A small coil of rope lay just behind Procken’s feet. Gabrielle saw it too late to cry out a warning. Without any thought, she moved in just as the pirate stepped on the hemp and fell backwards. Gabrielle spun her ‘staff’ in quick circles, striking one soldier’s sword wrist, knocking his weapon helplessly to the sea. He fell to his knees, his right hand holding the now broken left wrist. Procken scrambled to her feet just in time to see Gabrielle bring her ‘staff’ up and strike the other soldier between the legs. Procken stepped forward, her cutlass raised. As her arm came down, Gabrielle brought her ‘staff’ up, knocking the sharp weapon out of the pirate’s hand. “NO!” Procken looked at her with something close to fury, but also something more animalistic, as the soldier awkwardly escaped back to the merchant ship. A quick look around showed that the battle had ended with, amazingly enough, no casualties. Procken knocked the handle out of Gabrielle’s hands. Twisting one arm behind the young woman’s back, Procken forced her down the hatch and back to the captain’s quarters. Once behind the locked door, the brown haired woman roughly pushed Gabrielle up against the wall. Bringing the bard’s arms up above her head, Procken used one of her strong hands to forcibly restrain the smaller woman. She pressed her body against the bard’s, closing her grey eyes as she felt the soft breasts press against her body below her own. Her battlelust was burning with a fire that refused to be quenched. “Gabrielle…” Procken’s voice was thick with desire and need. “I saw you, I saw you watching me…” She ground her thigh against Gabrielle’s center. Looking down at the green eyes below her, she saw no fear, no terror. Gabrielle’s eyes betrayed her, showing curiosity, nervousness, but most importantly, a desire that her attempts at struggle could not hide. Procken noted that there were little, if any, resistance from the bard’s restrained hands. Gabrielle was a mix of emotions. Her mind screamed to resist this strong woman, to fight against what was surely about to happen. Her body throbbed with the same feeling that she had whenever she saw Xena engaged in battle or work out with her sword. Her nipples were hardening of their own accord as the thin material of their blouses failed to keep the heat from passing between them. Her breaths were coming quicker as her pulse started racing. Her lids started to lower as she watched Procken’s lips move closer to her own. When she felt the smaller woman press against her, Procken smiled in victory. “Yes, Gabrielle…give yourself to your desires…you know this is what you want.” She watched the green eyes closing as she moved forward. She pressed her lips against Gabrielle, flicking her tongue out to taste the storyteller. The soft moan that escaped the young woman’s throat told both women that she was surrendering to the passion that threatened to overwhelm her senses. Gabrielle made no effort to resist when she felt Procken’s thigh work it’s way between hers. A fire was building in her center, stoked by the firm muscles pressing against it. The one-dimensional dream that filled her nights was quickly becoming a three-dimensional reality. She never realized just how intense the sensations could be. She gasped when Procken pulled her mouth back and released the grip on her arms. “Oh, Gabrielle…” Procken’s voice had dropped to deep, husky tone that caressed the bard’s ears with its commanding tone. “Yesss…you don’t want to resist…” A seductive smile crossed her face when she felt Gabrielle’s arms slide down around her neck. Procken reached between them and grabbed the throat of the young woman’s blouse. Gabrielle let out of cry of fear mixed with desire as she heard and felt her shirt tearing open. Procken’s grey eyes gazed hungrily at the soft bosom before her. “So beautiful…” The storyteller hissed in a deep breath and her eyes snapped shut as two strong hands closed around her breasts. “So soft…” Procken mumbled before bring her mouth down again for another passionate kiss. Her tongue demanded entry and Gabrielle willingly obliged, parting her lips. Tongues dueled for space in her mouth as Procken sought to consume her. That which Gabrielle had wished for from Xena for so long and had been denied was now being offered to her freely by another woman and her body was helpless to resist. She arched her back as strong but supple fingers rolled and pinched her sensitive nipples. Her cry of pleasure and pain excited both of them. Tearing her mouth away from Gabrielle, Procken let out a low growl before grasping the bard’s firm buttocks and lifting the storyteller against her. Gabrielle wrapped her legs around Procken’s waist as she buried her fingers into the sandy brown hair. Resuming the kiss, she led them over to the pallet. Gabrielle was amazed at the change in Procken’s actions. She was lowered gently onto the blankets, the ferocious kiss now down to gentle brushes of lips against lips. She realized the silent statement that Procken was making; that she could be either gentle or fierce, and was willing to give the storyteller whichever she wanted in the name of pleasure. The incredibly aroused bard let her body answer the unspoken question as her hips ground against the strong thigh and her tongue slipped out to taste the pirate’s mouth. Gabrielle was dizzy with pleasure as her need outpaced their actions. She reached down with her hand and placed Procken’s hand on her breast. The bard used her hand to squeeze the pirate’s hand against her breast. Procken braced herself with her elbows and kneaded Gabrielle’s mounds as she pressed her thigh against the bard’s damp center. Gabrielle tried to move Procken’s mouth down to her breasts, but the pirate pulled back. “Not yet, little one.” She never stopped the rocking motion. “Tell me, Gabrielle…have you ever been with a woman before?” She watched as the green eyes fluttered after a particularly firm thrust of her leg. “Tell me…” The hypnotic tone of Procken’s voice sent a new wave of warmth through her. “No…” Her shaky voice answered. The desire was now a need. “Procken, please…” “Ohh…” Gabrielle cried out when she felt the mouth close around her erect nipple. She started with soft licks, generating gentle moans from the storyteller. It grew to nips and bites as Procken brought the young woman to new heights. The attention to her breasts and the constant rubbing of material against her swollen center brought Gabrielle to that explosive sensation of blinding lights and pleasure beyond imagination. A low growl turned to a loud moan until it ended in a hoarse cry as her trembling body went limp against the pallet. Procken sat up and took a deep breath before stretching her length alongside the heavily breathing woman. Unable to resist, she reached down and unbuttoned the pantaloons that stood between her and the soft blond curls that she longed to touch. “By the Gods…” She whispered as her finger encountered the velvety warmth. No longer able to bear the barriers between them, Procken stripped Gabrielle before making quick work of her own clothing. Within moments, she had the storyteller screaming in ecstasy again, the river of pleasure covering her fingers. Procken ravished her again and again, stopping only when Gabrielle finally put her hands on the brown hair and pushed her away. Twice Procken had brought herself to climax against the muscled thighs of the bard. Both women, temporarily sated, fell into a deep sleep. Morning found the two women curled up in each other’s arms. Chapter Seven Xena rode behind the Amazons, content for the time being to let them lead. She had too many things on her mind. Besides, the Amazons were in as much of a hurry to find Gabrielle as she was. Bremusa rode behind Dionaeda on a gentle cream-colored mare. She had retired to the temple after Ephany had dismissed her, kneeling in front of the altar for any last message of guidance from the Goddess. The journey was going to be a difficult one and she was certain that there would be considerable heartache for both Xena and Gabrielle. The women rode hard and within a couple of hours they arrived at the site where Rinah had discovered Gabrielle’s staff. Xena jumped from Argo’s back and swiftly surveyed the area. She knelt down and studied the marks in the sand. "There were ten of them…all men from the size of the boot prints. It must have been one of Procken’s raiding parties.” She pointed to several depressions in the sand where the men had fallen. “Gabrielle fought well, but she just couldn’t handle that many." Xena walked down to the water’s edge and squatted down to run her fingers across the sand. "Here, this is where their long boat was beached." Xena swiveled on the balls of her feet and looked up and down the shoreline. "But, which way now?" The Amazons began to talk amongst themselves. They were still angry with Xena, but knew that she was instrumental in finding the queen and the girdle. "What do you suggest, Xena?" Dionaeda asked with just a hint of resignation in her voice. Bremusa had been standing to the side listening to the women and meditating peacefully. She opened her eyes and smiled slightly. "Dionaeda, Xena. I know where they have gone.” She looked at the horizon. “To the west, we must hurry." Bremusa met Xena eye to eye. Xena swallowed hard and abruptly turned away. "Okay, you heard her. Let’s ride." Xena stood up and brushed her hands across the leather of her skirt. Putting two fingers to her lips she whistled sharply for Argo, who came pounding along the sand. Without a second glance to the open sea she swung her body up onto Argo’s back and in a flash the two were flying down the beach. The Amazons rushed to their horses, accepting that Xena was now leading the rescue party. Bremusa smiled knowingly and waited patiently for one of the Amazons to help her onto her horse. She watched the shrinking figure of Xena as she sped away from them. "That’s right Xena…your destiny is waiting along that shoreline…I hope you’re ready….." Bremusa nodded her head at the helpful Amazon and settled into the saddle knowing that this was going to be a rather interesting day. The party of women had traveled several candlemarks when they rode up alongside Xena standing beside Argo looking out at the endless water. Xena didn’t turn to look at them and the women fidgeted in their saddles, unsure of what to do next. Bremusa urged her mount up beside Dionaeda. "Give me a few minutes with her. We need a break anyway." Dionaeda glanced at Xena’s forlorn figure and nodded. "All right Amazons. We will stop here for one candlemark." Bremusa motioned for assistance and with the help slid down from the horse’s back and walked over to where Xena was standing. The Amazons turned the horses and made their way over to stand of trees set just back from the beach. "She’s out there. Somewhere." There was a desolate note to Xena’s voice. She didn’t turn to Bremusa, but continued to stare out over the beckoning water. "For the first time in my life I feel completely powerless." Bremusa laid her hand on Xena’s back, just above the bronze armor. "Xena, the goddess walks with Gabrielle." "Artemis!" Xena spat as she turned to glare at the young priestess. "If she was so concerned with Gabrielle, where in Tartarus was she when Gabrielle was kidnapped?" Bremusa did not answer Xena’s outcry, instead she slid her hand around Xena’s side to rest on the exposed skin of her arm. Xena closed her eyes as she felt a shiver course through her body. Bremusa smiled to herself as she felt Xena’s response in her sensitive fingertips. "The question is, Xena…..where were you?" Bremusa allowed her hand to rest noticeably on Xena’s arm for a heartbeat before she turned and walked away. Xena clenched her fists at her side as guilt pummeled her. "Look….a ship!" The Amazon scout had returned to the group shortly after they had resumed their journey. Up ahead, in a small natural harbor, a merchant ship was anchored, its crew bustling among the riggings. From the looks, the ship had recently been in quite a battle. Xena’s heart skipped a beat at the hope that this was ship they were looking for and soon Gabrielle would be back with her. The Amazons and Xena moved down the beach to near where the ship was being repaired. Several of the sailors were on the beach bringing harvested wood back to the ship. As the women approached they turned to face them, prepared to do battle. The Amazons circled the men on the shore and leapt from their horses. "What is your business here?" Dionaeda demanded as she approached the sailors. "We were attacked by pirates. We managed to fight them off, but we had repairs that had to be made." The sailor answered, his eyes darting back and forth from her to the other armed women. "We have no quarrel with the Amazons." “With which ship did you fight, and how long ago?" Xena moved forward to stand next to Dionaeda. She hoped that perhaps there was still news of Gabrielle and the pirate Procken. "It was just about a candlemark ago. We just landed here. I’m sorry, warrior.” The sailor shook his head slowly back and forth. "We don’t know who it was." "But there was something odd." Another sailor spoke up as he saw Xena frown. She turned, her eyes settling on him as he shrank back. "Ahh… ahhh…it might be nothing, but it seemed that their captain was a woman. She was well-built and had a mane of black hair." He wet his dry lips. "She also seemed to have another woman fighting with her….a cute little blond thing who could handle a mean staff." Xena staggered back under the blow of words. Dionaeda turned sharply to look at her. She lowered her head and turned back to the sailor. She looked up over hardened eyebrows. "You lie little man." "Oh, no! I wouldn’t….you’d kill me…I know it. I saw them… I saw both of them with my own eyes…." The man threw his arms out to his side and dropped to his knees, his eyes wide with fright. "Have mercy…truthfully I am only answering your question.” "He speaks the truth." Bremusa had moved up to stand next to Xena. "Thank you for your assistance." She nodded her head to him. She put an arm around Xena to steady her. "Come, Xena, there’s nothing more…." Bremusa clutched at her lower abdomen as a pain stabbed through her. "Unghhh….." Bremusa gasped as stumbled and slipped to the ground. Xena looked around expecting some type of attack. There was none visible. With a glance at Dionaeda, she knelt down by Bremusa, who was curled up on her knees. "Priestess, what’s wrong…what is it?" Xena asked with obvious concern. "I…I..don’t know..Unghhh….ohhh…" Bremusa’s body shook as another wave of pain buffeted her small body. Xena wrapped her arms around the woman and held her as if to shield her. "What’s wrong with her?" Dionaeda looked down on the two women. She didn’t know what they were going to do if something happened to the priestess. She was to be their guide and link with Artemis, without her their mission would surely be doomed. "Oh…I think….I feel better…." Bremusa grasped Xena’s arm and tried to gather her thoughts back together. "The pain is receding….Xena…." Bremusa looked up into Xena’s blue eyes, her own smoky grey eyes brimming with tears. "Xena….it’s Gabrielle…" The two women’s eyes met as a silent message was passed between them. After Bremusa assured Dionaeda and Xena that she was able to travel, the women continued down the beach until day became dusk. "We’ll camp here." Dionaeda announced as they reached a secluded and sheltered cove along the shoreline. A grove of trees at the far end of the water would supply the needed firewood. Xena had ridden beside Bremusa, wanting to keep a protective presence around her and hoping that she would be able to tell her more about Gabrielle, but there had been no more visions. Bremusa had not spoken as they continued, absentmindedly stroking her forearm lightly, seemingly lost in thought. The nightly chores were accomplished quickly and efficiently as the women went about their assigned tasks. The dinner meal was completed and the women settled near the fire to prepare their weapons for the possibility of conflict. Xena had finished sharpening her sword and was feeling restless. Excusing herself, she made her way along the shoreline until she was out of sight of the Amazons. Xena climbed up and over a clump of rocks and sat with her back against the cliff, her knees drawn up to her chest, looking out over the breaking waves. The moonlight shimmered in the valley between the cresting waves and she thought of how many times she had seen that same shimmer in Gabrielle’s eyes. "You don’t make it easy for a woman to follow you." Bremusa’s soft voice startled her from her memories. Xena turned her head to see Bremusa pulling herself up and over the last outcropping of rocks to reach the flat area where the warrior was sitting. "I figured everyone would realize I wanted to be alone." Xena answered icily. She still didn’t like the feelings that seemed to churn around inside her when she was near Bremusa. "Hmmm….yes, I suppose most women would get the message, but….what if that’s not the message you sent to every woman?" Bremusa moved closer to Xena, blocking her view of the gently rolling waves. Xena looked up at her. "I am not a priestess gifted with Artemis’ famous visions. What are you saying?" "Don’t you think it odd that the women you fear the most, pursue you the hardest?" Bremusa stepped closer to Xena and lowered her knees between Xena’s. She rested her hands on the top of Xena’s knees. "Ahh…I think you’ve gotten the wrong message." Xena pushed back against the unyielding stone with her back and tried to draw her legs up and away from the seductive woman in front of her. Bremusa just smiled and ran her fingers down the skin over Xena’s muscular thighs. Xena felt herself involuntarily inhale deeply as the fingernails raked over her sensitive skin. Bremusa…. I don’t think…." Xena closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the cliff as a desire stronger than she had ever felt before began to swell in her loins. "That’s your problem, warrior woman…you think too much." Bremusa leaned forward and rested her weight on her hands as she leaned closer to Xena’s face. "Stop thinking and start feeling…." Bremusa traced Xena’s lips with the tip of her tongue. Xena moaned softly and clenched her fists as she fought for control over her emotions. "Just what I thought." Bremusa breathed as she brushed their lips together. Xena’s hands unclenched and she lowered her knees to pull the young priestess against her. Bremusa’s voice was so tempting, it would be so much easier if she just listened to that voice and reacted, not bothering to think anymore. "Yes, Xena…." Bremusa whispered as Xena’s lips smothered hers and the passion of the warrior woman engulfed them. Bremusa savored the taste of Xena’s lips on hers as she pulled back. "Xena…keep your eyes closed…" Bremusa reached for Xena’s hands and removed them from her arms. "Search your feelings Xena….what do you feel?" Xena sat for a moment completely lost in the hunger that had invaded her body and soul. Her head began to swim with the rushing of blood through her veins. She could think of nothing, nothing but losing herself in the woman’s supple body. Xena groaned as she opened her eyes. Once more the only thing in front of her eyes was the moonlight shimmering on the gently rolling waves. Bremusa was gone. Chapter Eight Morning found Procken standing on the port side of the ship. The huge watery form of Poseidon filled the nearby sea. “She is coming, Procken. Xena and the Amazons are following you and they won’t stop until they have that blonde and the girdle. I don’t care about Artemis’ chosen, but that treasure is far too valuable to me.” “I won’t give either of them up, Poseidon. Gabrielle is mine, as is Artemis’ treasure.” “This is not for you to decide, mortal!” His eyes turned dark with anger. “Xena is far too cunning for you to take chances with.” “Xena is powerless to stop me as long as I have her precious friend. Neither her nor the Amazons will dare to attack my ship.” Procken’s voice carried an air of confidence. “You overestimate yourself, my chosen. I will protect you from them so long as you stay afloat. Should you dare to land, I will be unable to assist you.” The sea rumbled as the watery vision of Poseidon dissolved into a white mist. Procken waited until the sea was calm again before she spoke. “You overestimate Xena, my god. I shall prove to you that she can be defeated.” An evil sneer formed on her lips. “And I’ll use the Queen of the Amazons to do it.” She knew of the troubles that the former warlord had caused the God of the Sea in the past. Procken also knew of the favor she would be in with Poseidon if she were to kill Xena. Gabrielle awoke alone on the pallet. A quick look beneath the covers at her naked body told her that it hadn’t been a dream. “Oh gods.” She moaned. While getting dressed, she mentally berated herself for being so weak, for giving in both to Procken and to her own passions. “Oh Xena, are you out there? Are you looking for me?” She cried as she looked out the portal, her tears blurring her vision. It was a full candlemark before she calmed down enough to go look for Procken. Procken was on deck, watching as a long boat with two of her men made its way toward shore. Poseidon had told her that the Amazons and Xena weren’t too far behind them, staying on land in order to avoid the sea god’s wrath. The two pirates were expendable as far as she was concerned. What were two men compared to the wealth that the Amazons surely had? She watched the blond head come up through the hatch. “Hello, my dear.” Procken said quietly as Gabrielle stepped next to her. “Where are we headed?” Gabrielle saw the gold wrapped around the pirate’s waist. There was no way she could get it. Well, there was a way, but she didn’t want to do that again. Procken took a quick look at the healing cut on Gabrielle’s head before answering. “We are waiting here while my men deliver a message for me.” An evil sneer came to her lips. “I am holding you for ransom, my dear. You and the Girdle of Authority. My men are delivering my demands to Xena right now.” “Xena?” Gabrielle failed to hide the shock in her voice. “Ah yes, your mighty Xena and your foolish Amazons have been following us on land. I’ve known where they were all along. By the time my men reach shore, they will just be coming into view.” She smirked at the bard’s questioning look. “Don’t forget, my dear, that Poseidon watches over me. He’s kept me apprised of all their moves.” “You used me.” Gabrielle spat. “And you used me, Gabrielle. Do you think I didn’t hear you call out Xena’s name?” Procken smiled in victory as her verbal blow struck home. “Oh yes, I heard you every…single…time.” She leaned in and stressed the words to the crimson faced queen. “We used each other, Gabrielle. You already know that, don’t you?” It took the storyteller several heartbeats to answer. When she did, she looked the pirate square in the eye. “Yes. We used each other. I had no feelings for you. You’re a murderer and a thief and you’re doomed to a life on this ship because if Artemis ever finds you on land…” “She won’t be able to do a thing about it.” Procken said as she laughed evilly. “You think I’m going to give Artemis back her sacred treasure? Not a chance. And as for being a murderer and a thief, that sounds to me just like your Xena. The only difference is that I know what I am and am willing to admit it. Xena hides behind the side of good because she’s a coward.” Gabrielle’s eyes narrowed as she brought her arm forward with all her might, her fist connecting solidly with Procken’s jaw. Chapter Nine Xena remained sitting on the rocks trying to figure out what was wrong with her. Bremusa was Artemis’ priestess, not Aphrodite’s, so she couldn’t understand her nearly uncontrollable desire for the woman. All it took was a passing glance or a brush of Bremusa’s hand against her… Xena felt the familiar tug of hunger in her loins. She pushed herself up from the hard, uncaring rocks and rolled her shoulders painfully. "It’s time to find out what’s going on." Xena leapt down from the rocks and stalked back to the campsite. The Amazons were still milling around, anxious for what the morning would bring. The knowledge that the pirate ship was not far away and that it had been engaged in a fierce battle heightened their expectations of rescuing their queen and the girdle. "Where is she?" Xena demanded, to no one in particular. One of the Amazons looked up from her lyre and pointed to a path that led into the depths of the forest. "If you are looking for the priestess, she said to send you through there." Xena took a deep breath as she stared into the dancing flames of the fire. "By the gods, she knew I’d be coming after her." Xena swatted at some of the fleeing embers, caught on the rising wind of the erupting fire. "Well, that’s just fine. I’ve stood up to the gods before, I think I can handle one priestess." Xena kicked a couple of pieces of smoldering firewood out of her way and headed after the priestess. The Amazon turned to the woman sitting next to her and smiled knowingly. Bremusa was kneeling in front of a flat piece of obsidian that had been covered with several white candles and a bronze bowl filled with incense. Her straight blonde hair had been braided tightly behind her back with an intricate strand of wrought silver. The shimmering ivory gown of the priestess hung loosely from her shoulders, swaying peacefully in the gentle breeze. The moonlight shone brightly, engulfing and sweeping over the young priestess as if a loving caress from the Goddess herself. Xena stormed along the path, her rage growing as she tried to funnel the unusual emotions into more familiar expressions. She slapped angrily at low hanging branches and growled audibly at the sound of a small creature scurrying from her ferocious invasion into its tranquil world. "This should be interesting, if I ever find her." Xena fumed as she pressed forward. "I wonder if the high and mighty Artemis will grace us with her presence?" The trail curved to the left sharply. Xena swept around the turn and burst into the clearing. She stopped as if she had run into an invisible wall. Never had she seen a setting so beautiful. She shook her head as if to wake herself from a dream, but the scene did not change. Xena forgot all the angry words and bitter demands she had been mulling over. Bremusa smiled seductively as she felt Xena’s presence. "I knew you would come," she welcomed Xena without turning to face her. Xena, mesmerized, took a couple of labored steps towards the altar, but faltered as the incense swirled up around her. Unseen hands seemed to slide across her skin, the muscles in her lions clenching uncontrollably as a stab of desire shot through her. "I’ve had another vision, Xena," Bremusa held her hands out in front of her body, the moonlight centered on her upturned palms. Tilting her head back she closed her eyes and let the moonlight flow into her body. "Come forward, Xena." Xena’s feet seemed to move of their own will. Bremusa’s voice was a siren from which Xena could not escape. She stumbled as she drew near the kneeling priestess, nearly losing her balance. Bremusa moaned softly as she lowered her face and drew her arms back close to her body. She inhaled deeply as she felt the passion of the goddess flow through her veins. Turning to face Xena she smiled and looked up at the beautiful, well- built woman standing over her. "Here," she motioned with one hand to the ground next to her. "Come sit beside me." Xena lowered her body to the ground and looked into Bremusa’s eyes. The flickering candle light seemed to hypnotize her. "I…they…they said you said…" Xena felt an unfamiliar flush crawl up her neck, burning as it passed over the mark Artemis had left there. Subconsciously, Xena reached up with her hand and rubbed her fingers gently over it. Bremusa gracefully covered Xena’s hand with her own. "It’s all right, Xena. I know…" The priestess stood up, her hand remaining on Xena’s, her eyes keeping the warrior captured under her spell. Bremusa stepped closer to Xena, her gown brushing against the muscular arm. A shiver of anticipation raced through the warrior’s body. Reaching up with her other hand, Bremusa let her fingers glide across her skin, slipping one strap of her gown down from her shoulder. Xena hesitantly looked away from Bremusa’s eyes as she caught the subtle movement. Her mouth suddenly went dry and her breathing became labored. With one hand still on her neck, Xena raised the other hand to stop just short of Bremusa’s other shoulder. "Yes, Xena." Bremusa closed her eyes as she urged her to continue. Xena couldn’t believe what she was feeling. For the first time in her life, she had no control over the desire that coursed through her demanding satisfaction. With the men it had always been easy to satisfy the ache, but this was so different. This time the need was ruling her thoughts and her actions. She no longer was in control. "Xena, don’t think," Bremusa pushed her shoulder closer so that it brushed Xena’s fingertips. "just feel…" Xena shuddered as her fingers closed around the delicate fabric. She slowly slid her hand over the curve of Bremusa’s shoulder, the strap entwined in her fingers. "Mmmm…much better," Bremusa sighed as the caress of the cool evening air brushed over the bare skin of her chest, her dark nipples springing to life. The gown continued to slide down over the curves and valleys of Bremusa’s body until it laid crumpled at her feet. Xena felt as is she had stepped into the bliss of the Elysian Fields as her eyes devoured the young women’s naked body. She had seen women naked before, even been present when some of her men had enjoyed the spoils of war, but she had never really paid attention. Now she was sitting like a shy, virginal teenager in the moonlight looking up at one of nature’s wonders in awe. "Bremusa…I…" Xena stuttered as she raised up onto her knees, her hands shaking as she reached out to her. "Shhh…Xena. I know. Let me." Bremusa silenced Xena’s awkward attempt to explain by gently placing a finger against the warrior’s lips. "By the gods, if this is what Gabrielle feels…" Thoughts ran rampant through her mind until Bremusa’s body sank in against hers and the passion swept over her as well. Chapter Ten Xena awoke just as the first fingers of dawn were approaching. She was still lying next to the makeshift alter, the candles long burnt out. A quick look around told her that she was alone. She quickly donned her leathers and armor, her mind racing as she tried to make sense out of the events of the previous evening. There was no way to justify it in her mind. She had refused Gabrielle, the one person that shouldn’t have been denied, and gave herself to a young priestess, a woman she barely knew. Needing to be as far away from the others as possible, Xena cut through the woods and headed back to the high point that she had spent so much time at the previous day. She hoped that the solitude would give her the answers that she needed. As she stepped over the last rise, the tall sails of Procken’s ship came into view. The ice blue eyes stared hard, searching the deck for a sign of her Gabrielle. The rising sun shone off the honey hair, instantly identifying her. Xena’s eyes narrowed as she realized that the bard was securely tied to a pole. The distance kept the warrior from seeing the bruises that littered Gabrielle’s body, a result of her attack on Procken and the punishment that followed. Gabrielle picked her head up, her senses telling her that Xena was near. The green eyes strained to make out the figures on the shore, but the distance and her swollen eyes made it impossible. ‘Oh Xena, please come for me.", she silently prayed. Xena and the Amazons watched as the longboat approached. As the two pirates stepped off, they were instantly surrounded by a dozen swords, all pointed at their throats. "What do you want?", Xena’s deep voice rumbled. Noticing the rolled up piece of parchment tucked just inside one of the men’s shirts, the warrior reached forward and pulled it out. She scanned the note quickly, her eyes narrowing at the last passage. A look of rage came over her face as she crumpled up the note and tossed it behind her. Xena reached out, grabbed the closest pirate by the throat and lifted him off the ground. "Xena…" "Leave me alone, Dionaeda," Xena growled. The Amazon leaned down and retrieved the crumpled parchment. The warrior turned her attention back to the man whose life she held in her hand. The other pirate was too scared to move since all the other swords were still pointed at him. "Now you listen to me, little man." Xena’s eyes narrowed. "You tell that no good piece of horse dung that there is no way in Tartarus that I’m going to let her keep Gabrielle. Do you understand?" “Y-yes.”, he sputtered. “Good.”, Xena angrily tossed the pirate away with a mighty shove, sending him sprawling into the shallow water. He splashed and sputtered before finally grabbing the side of the longboat and pulling himself in. The two pirates quickly set the oars and rowed as fast as possible to get away from the raging warrior. "They want one hundred thousand dinars for the girdle and Gabrielle," Dionaeda explained to the other women. Bremusa slipped in quietly behind the others. “Is that all the message says?”, the priestess asked. "That’s all that is fit to repeat," Dionaeda said firmly. She refused to tell the rest of the women about Procken’s remark that Xena didn’t need to worry about Gabrielle sleeping alone, that she took care of her just fine. The amazon made a mental note to personally run her sword through that pirate bitch. "Xena, what are we going to do? There’s no way the Amazon Nation can raise that kind of money." Dionaeda was the only Amazon who dared to stand within striking distance of her. A thin smile came over the warrior as her ice blue eyes narrowed. "Of course we can." Xena cast a quick glance over her shoulder. "You might want to stand back." She waited until Dionaeda was safely back with the other amazons before turning her head to the sky. "Artemis!", she yelled as loud as possible. "Artemis, I know you can hear me." Xena lowered her head and let her thoughts convey her message. ‘Artemis, I know that I have no right to ask for your help, but I don’t know what else to do. You know I would give my life for Gabrielle. Please help me.’ A blinding light came down from the sky, forcing the women to cover their eyes. The occupants of the ship also were affected. When the light dissipated, it revealed a chest full of dinars on the beach and a longboat in the water. All the women said a silent prayer of thanks to the Moon Goddess. "Solari, take another warrior with you and tell that…", Xena fought to keep the rage within her from taking control. "…that ‘pirate’ that we have the money, but the exchange has to be made on land." "Yes, Xena," Solari pointed at another woman to join her and they headed for the longboat. Bremusa looked up and locked troubled eyes with Xena. Unable to stand the painful gaze any longer, the warrior turned and headed into the forest. She needed to think of a plan to rescue Gabrielle and she couldn’t bear to think of what had happened between her and the beautiful priestess. Bremusa watched the angry warrior storm away. "Soon, my dear warrior princess." She tilted her head and looked towards the heavens. "Time is growing short." Dusk had almost settled when Solari and her companion returned from relaying the message to Procken. Xena, who had already made preparations with Dionaeda about the upcoming ambush, was waiting for them on the shore. Solari’s arm was tied up in a makeshift sling, her face littered with bruises. “What happened?”, the warrior asked as she pulled the arm out of the restraint and felt the broken bone. “Procken.”, the amazon said simply. “What did she say about the message?” "The exchange will take place tomorrow, before Apollo reaches his halfway point.", Solari explained. She took a deep breath before continuing. "Xena, she’s got Gabrielle tied up." "I know.", Xena said quietly, breaking eye contact to stare out at the ship that held her bard. "Xena, she’s been beaten pretty bad. Her face is all bruised up." "Did she say anything?", Xena’s eyes had narrowed at the report of Gabrielle being injured. Solari shook her head. "She was gagged.", her eyes flickered briefly. “Xena, when I told Procken that the exchange had to take place on land, she laughed and walked over to Queen Gabrielle and…”, she paused to shake the image out of her head. “…she said that she wasn’t sure that she was ready to let Gabrielle go yet, that she was still having too much fun with her.”, Xena’s eyes narrowed. “Procken grabbed her and….”, she let the thought trail off. “When I tried to get to her, that’s when Procken and her goons attacked me.” Xena’s face was her usual warrior mask, blocking out all emotion. “We’ll get Gabrielle back, one way or another.”, in her private thoughts, she added, ‘and you, Procken, are a dead woman.’ In the process of setting up camp for the night, no one on shore noticed the longboat being lowered into the water or the ten men that were in it. The boat made it’s way west of the amazons, settling into a small cove. Bremusa walked into the forest following the path Xena had taken several hours earlier. The warrior had not returned and Bremusa could not wait any longer. There were words that must be shared between the two women before sunrise. She found Xena kneeling in a secluded glen, her hands resting on the hilt of her sword which had been plunged forcefully into the ground. Quietly stealing up behind her, Bremusa reached to touch for her shoulder. "I know you’re there, Bremusa…Please, don’t touch me." Xena remained kneeling, her forehead resting on her hands. Bremusa’s hand stopped in mid-arm, inches from Xena’s shoulder. "As you wish, Xena. But, we must talk." "I love Gabrielle. What happened last night…I don’t know why…I’m sorry." Xena’s fists tightened around the sword. "Xena. Look at me…" Bremusa stepped gracefully around Xena to stand in front of the kneeling woman. "You had no choice." Xena frowned, her eyes narrowing as she looked up at the priestess. The moonlight broke through the clouds and illuminated her form against the dark trees behind her. "You are too stubborn and headstrong. Why did you not tell Gabrielle of your love for her when she presented her heart to you?" Xena’s hands slid from the hilt to rest weakly against her thighs. "I, I didn’t have the strength to face her love. She is so pure and innocent. What if my influence on her caused her to lose that innocence? I couldn’t stand the thought of that light going out of her eyes.” "Xena, just as only you have control over your actions, only Gabrielle can chose what she does and doesn’t do." Bremusa laughed out loud. "You are not a goddess. As Queen, Gabrielle is one of Artemis’ chosen and thus subject to her commands. As a priestess of hers, I too am subject to the Moon Goddess’ desires and wishes.” Bremusa stepped up to Xena and took her chin in her hand, tilting Xena’s face up to her. "Xena, you laid with me because you had to see for yourself who controlled your heart." Bremusa gazed into Xena’s eyes. "When you looked at me, you saw only Gabrielle and confirmed the desire and your love for her." Xena closed her eyes as her body sagged. Bremusa guided Xena’s head down to rest lightly on the soft grass. Bending over Xena she whispered in her ear. "Xena, with the dawn comes the beginning of your life with Gabrielle. Live true to your heart and protect her soul…Artemis demands it." Bremusa stood up and with one last loving glance at Xena she turned and hurried back towards the Amazon camp. It was just before dawn when Xena heard the sounds of men approaching through the woods. She had awakened, momentarily uncertain as to where she was. Running ahead of the pirates, she rushed back to the camp, but had no time to quietly warn the sleeping amazons. "Ayiyiyiyiyi!", she cried as she somersaulted into position to take on the first range of attackers. Her scream woke the women, the warriors grabbing their weapons and running in to assist. Bremusa slipped back out of sight and looked over at the ship. Another longboat was approaching the shore now, this time carrying Procken, six more men, and the still tied-up Gabrielle. Bremusa moved slowly, keeping her attention split between the approaching ship and the ongoing battle. Xena and the Amazons worked hard trying to keep the men from advancing past them and reaching the chest. Chapter Eleven The odds seemed pretty even, as far as Xena was concerned. Six Amazons and her against a dozen armed men. She parried with three of them as the others moved to engage the amazons. Solari fought with her sword in her good hand, doing her best to help. Injured and overpowered, she was the first to fall. The pirates concentrated their attacks, using three and four men against each amazon as the continued to make their way toward the chest. Out of the corner of her eye, Xena saw one pirate standing over the fallen form of Solari, sword raised to strike the final blow. The warrior released her chakram, sending it flying into the pirate’s neck. The moment’s inattention allowed one of the pirates that was attacking her to move in and smash the side of his sword against Xena’s temple. The odds turned in favor of the pirates as Procken’s boat landed, sending fresh troops in to battle with the remaining women while two pirates concentrated on dragging the heavy chest back to Procken’s boat. Bremusa knew that the rest of the Amazons had been tricked and subsequently ambushed and that it was her responsibility to at least slow Procken down long enough for them to recover. Artemis had never asked her to do anything that she wasn’t capable of, but this had been the most difficult task yet. Procken was not going to take kindly to her attempt to delay her. Fighting through the dense underbrush Bremusa finally found the spot she was looking for. A narrowing in the path alongside the precipitous cliff would give her the perfect advantage over Procken, there was no way around her. She carefully positioned herself and began to pray to Artemis. Procken roughly pushed Gabrielle in front of her. "Get a move on girlie. Stalling isn’t going to help you one bit." Gabrielle stumbled and fell to her knees. The coarse rope that bound her hands in front of her hindered her balance and she was barely able to catch herself before falling flat on her face. "Get up bitch! We’re going to be long gone before Xena can catch up with us. The only reason I didn’t kill her was because I want her to live with the knowledge of what I’m going to do to you." Procken kicked her sharply in the back to emphasis her anger. Gabrielle stiffened, wincing at the blow, but refused to say anything. She struggled to her feet, glaring openly at the woman pirate. "Ah, poor baby. Not having fun?" Procken teased her unmercifully. Shoving Gabrielle towards the narrow path along the cliff she shouted at her. "Move!" Walking with a slight limp, Gabrielle began trudging along the trail, Procken close on her heels. Bremusa, who was waiting just ahead of the two women, had heard the conversation and frowned to herself. Procken was in no mood to stand around and talk. "Artemis, I need your strength." Bremusa slid one hand under the fold of her gown, fingering the smooth, cool handle of the ceremonial dagger she had hidden there earlier. "Well, what have we here? Reinforcements?" Procken threw her head back and bellowed with laughter as she caught sight of the slight woman blocking their path. "Xena must have really been desperate." With one arm she shoved Gabrielle down to the ground and stepped over her. Reaching down to her side she slid her cutlass from it’s scabbard and weaved it dangerously in front of the priestess. Bremusa calmly remained stationary, refusing to allow her to pass. "Procken, no one can change destiny. Gabrielle will not be leaving with you today." Bremusa spoke softly, but firmly as she met Procken eye to eye. "She is not meant for you. " "That’s what you think." Procken growled as she closed the distance between her and Bremusa. Bremusa, although a priestess, was well versed in Amazon fighting strategy took a few step backwards, seemingly in retreat. "Procken, you are Poseidon’s chosen. Your men have already passed with the money. Take it and return to your life on the sea. Where you belong." Bremusa continued to try to stall Procken, smiling to herself at her obvious lie. The gift of prophecy had been strong in her and even as she spoke she knew that Procken would never command her ship again. "Oh, I’m going to take the money and return to my "wonderful" life, but I’m also going to take the little woman with me." Procken glanced back at Gabrielle who was trying to get to her feet. "Don’t’ even think of it." She growled at her before turning back to Bremusa, confident in her control over the situation. "She’ll do for a while, then when I’m done with her, Xena can have her back." Bremusa had been waiting for the right moment to strike and sensing that Procken was finished talking decided it was time. With a quick move of her hand she pulled the slender dagger from beneath her gown and threw herself at Procken. The blade slid into Procken’s side with a sickening crunch as it struck bone. "Ughhhh…." Procken whirled around, trying to throw Bremusa off of her, the dagger still imbedded in her side. Bremusa had lost her grip on the dagger as she tried to stay out of the stronger woman’s grasp. The two women struggled at the edge of the cliff as Gabrielle watched for an opportunity to help, but if she made the wrong move, all three of them could easily stumble over the side and fall to their death. "Meddling Bitch!" Procken roared as she managed to wrap her hand in Bremusa’s hair and with the other hand grabbed her by the neck. Squeezing hard enough to staunch the flow of blood in Bremusa’s neck, Procken felt the woman begin to weaken. "What purpose did it serve for you to try to stop me? It’s only gotten you killed." As Bremusa’s struggles slowed Procken held her in the air in front of her, her toes barely brushing the ground. Procken snickered as she tossed the helpless priestess to the ground. "I should throw you over the cliff, but I think I’ll leave you for Xena." And with a quick lunge she drove her cutlass into Bremusa’s stomach. "NO!" Gabrielle screamed as she reached with her tied hands towards Procken. "Shut up!" Procken pulled the bloodied blade from Bremusa’s body and whirled on Gabrielle. "Keep it up and you won’t be worth the trouble to keep alive." She reached down and pulled Gabrielle up to her feet. Snarling as she reached down, she gripped the handle of the dagger. Taking a deep breathe she yanked it out of her side. She staggered for just a moment as a wave of nauseating pain washed over her. "Damn!" She exclaimed as the air rushed out of her lungs and she fought to remain conscious. Gabrielle, watching the injured woman closely rose to her feet and positioned herself to lunge. Procken managed to clear her senses just as Gabrielle dove towards her. With a quick side-step Procken slipped out of Gabrielle grasp and flew towards the edge of the cliff. Gabrielle twisted in mid-air and managed to grab hold of some scraggly weeds clinging tenaciously to the edge of precipice. Her legs kicked freely in the air as she struggled to find a foothold. "Stupid fool!" Procken rasped as she held her side. Gabrielle could see the woman towering over her. "Decisions, decisions….." Procken muttered as she watched Gabrielle’s grasp on the weeds slip. "Give me your hand." Procken commanded as she bent over, still keeping one hand securely planted on her side. Gabrielle reached up with one hand as their eyes met. Procken could see the indecision in Gabrielle’s, the idea of pulling Procken on over the side with her evident in the stare. Procken met her eyes defiantly with her own stubborn confidence. Procken’s hand closed firmly over Gabrielle’s and grimacing at the pain, hauled the scrambling girl back onto solid ground. She released Gabrielle and stood panting as the younger woman bent over, also fighting to catch her breath. "You made the right decision." Procken breathed as she straightened her back. "Now, go on!" She shoved Gabrielle in front of her. Xena recovered quickly from the blow and looked around frantically. Both Gabrielle and the chest were gone and the other Amazons were still laying unconscious. She jumped to her feet, fighting the rush of vertigo, and rushed along the cliff knowing that Procken would be headed back to her ship. "If only I have time to get there before she gets back onto the water." She thought as she ran after them. Xena had reached the cliff and nearly missed the motionless figure laying along side the trail. Had she not caught a glimpse of the colorful shred of fabric that had caught on the rocks when Procken pulled Gabrielle back, she wouldn’t even have stopped to look around. "Bremusa!" Xena gasped as she knelt beside the young priestess. Bremusa’s eyes fluttered open and a slight smile formed on her lips. "Xena….I tried to stop her. She’s hurt…" Bremusa coughed weakly as a trickle of bright red blood seeped from the corner of her mouth. "Don’t talk now." Xena glanced down at the growing crimson stain spreading at an alarming rate across the stark white front of Bremusa’s gown. She bent down towards the young woman to see if she could do anything to staunch the flow of blood. Bremusa reached up with a shaky hand and grabbed her wrist. "No Xena….Go after Gabrielle. " Bremusa winced as the smile slipped away. "As always, Artemis was right. Look, here." Bremusa motioned slightly with her head to the bushes that she was resting on. Xena looked beside the injured woman and noticed for the first time that they were wild rose bushes. When Procken had thrown Bremusa down she had landed in the middle of the roses and tiny drops of blood could be seen dripping from the crimson buds down onto the grass. Xena frowned as she remembered the vision that had been conveyed to her earlier. "Bremusa…" "Xena…It’s all right. I’m not alone. Now go and let your heart guide you." Bremusa closed her eyes as the Goddess recalled her chosen one. Xena knelt at her side for a moment longer, gazing down on the woman who had given her one more chance to be with Gabrielle. "Thank you, Bremusa. For everything….I won’t let you down." Xena stood back up and noticed a spotty trail of blood leading away from Bremusa. She looked down towards the shoreline where she could just make out the silhouette of two figures moving slowly across the sand. "Procken. You are a dead woman." Xena promised as she began running along the path. Procken smiled with satisfaction as the two pirates set the chest on her longboat. "Excellent. You see, Gabrielle, I told you that I would be victorious against your precious Xena.", she spat. "I have Poseidon by my side. No one will dare defy me." "No one?", Xena snarled as she moved out from the cover of the bushes, her sword twirling in her hand. "You’re a fool, Xena.", Procken said as she pulled out her blood stained cutlass. "Get her, boys." The two pirates that hauled the chest and the ten remaining pirates all lunged at the warrior, weapons drawn. She struck the first one full force in the stomach, sending him backward into two others. Xena kept one eye on the battle and the other on the two women standing nearby. She needed to get Gabrielle away from Procken, away from the range of that cutlass. She kicked one pirate in the chest, sending him to the ground. A running somersault catapulted her above and beyond the pirates, landing just in front of the captain. "Come on, Procken. Let’s finish this.", Xena growled. One pirate tried to sneak up on her and was rewarded for his actions with a back kick to the groin. "Call off your dogs and finish this!" "With pleasure.", Procken snarled as she shoved Gabrielle out of the way. "Ah, the pleasure will be all mine when I stand over your lifeless body." Xena promised as she met her blade against the cutlass. "We’ll see whose body is lifeless when we’re through, warrior." Chapter Twelve Gabrielle gathered herself and tried to rush past Procken. Procken didn’t even look towards her, reaching out an arm and grasping the woman’s hair as she moved beside her. Tightening the muscles in her arm she drug the woman back closer to her, forcing her to her knees. "Xena! I'm sorry." Gabrielle increased her struggling as she tried to pull away from Procken's grasp. "Gabrielle." Xena growled through clenched teeth as she continued to watch Procken's every movement. It was obvious by the blood stain on her leathers that she was injured, Bremusa had been right again, but she was still a deadly foe. "Not now!" Procken snickered. "Yes, Gabrielle. She's right." Procken twisted the captive woman around and raising her sword, slammed the hilt of it against the side of Gabrielle's head. Gabrielle moaned as she slid to the ground, quickly losing consciousness. "Gabrielle!" Xena roared as she stepped towards her fallen friend. Procken, expecting such a reaction, lunged towards the distracted warrior. At the last possible moment, Xena swooped to her right and threw her sword up to deflect the blow from Procken's cutlass. The air reverberated with the din of clashing steel. Xena had been swift enough to evade a deadly blow, but the tip of the cutlass still managed to rip across her upper arm. "Ah, Xena. I smell blood." Procken grinned as she ran her tongue over her lips. "There's going to be much more, very soon." Xena narrowed her eyes and began to circle Procken. The water began to boil just offshore as Poseidon realized the danger that his chosen was now facing. Xena and Procken continued their deadly dance, each one lunging and pulling back, gauging the strengths and movements of the other. Xena knew all she had to do was wait Procken out, her strength would quickly fade from the wound in her side. Procken on the other hand also realized that it was in her best interest to end the contest as quick as she could. "Xena. It's too bad we never had a chance to talk about pretty little Gabrielle. You know, she can be quite a temptress when she wants to be." Procken purred as she playfully parried and thrust at Xena. "It's too bad you'll never get to know her like I did." "I've heard enough out of you." Xena hissed as she escalated her attack, driving Procken back towards the roiling water. Procken began to laugh. "That's it Xena. Think about how much fun I had with Gabrielle....her body moving under me..." Procken continued to block Xena's blows, as she backed closer and closer to the water, but her strength was ebbing quickly. "Procken." Xena somersaulted and landed with her back to the water, the waves just able to lap angrily at her heels. "Poseidon's not going to be able to help you this time." With a lunge and a final twist of the sword at the last moment, she knocked Procken's sword to the side and drove her own under Procken's ribs, next to where Bremusa had already drawn first blood. "No...." Procken gasped as she lost control of her legs and sank to her knees. The cutlass dropped in front of her, landing on the sand with a muffled thud. "This can't happen." "That's where you are wrong." Xena countered as she grimaced and jerked the sword back from Procken. Procken gasped once more as she pitched forward. "ARRRRGHHHHH! XENA!" Poseidon roared as he rose mightily from the boiling sea. "Oh, there you are. So sorry." Xena smirked. "Guess you're going to need another chosen." "Xena. Do not think you can be so insolent to a God! Your interference has caused me to lose two of my most favored mortals." The waves attacking the coast grew stronger as Poseidon’s form grew even larger. "I will find a way to pay you back." "Don't go to any trouble on my account." Xena nodded slightly to Poseidon, slid her sword back into the scabbard and turned her back to the sea. She could still hear the angry churning of the water as Poseidon returned to the watery depths of his domain. Xena walked over to where Gabrielle still laid unconscious. "Gabrielle. It's finally over. I'm the one who is sorry." Xena bent down and scooped the smaller woman up into her arms. "I promise, I will make it up to you." She whispered as she held Gabrielle tightly against her as she headed back towards the Amazon's camp. The Amazons quickly broke camp and prepared to return home. Solari personally saw to retrieving the golden girdle from around Procken’s lifeless waist before using the toe of her boot to kick the body into the shallow surf. Dionaeda placed the body of the fallen priestess across the back of her mare and walked alongside. Xena cradled Gabrielle in her arms, allowing her horse to be led by one of the amazons. The warrior paid no attention to her companions, all of her focus was on the blonde woman in her embrace. Gabrielle regained consciousness but was still too groggy to sit up. She was more than happy to remain in her warrior’s strong arms. They said nothing, though their thoughts screamed to be spoken, nor would they look into each other’s eyes, both afraid of the pain and hurt they would see. The silence continued for several candlemarks until Dionaeda declared it time to stop and rest. Xena helped the bard down before dismounting herself. Solari and the others, sensing the pair’s need to be alone, suddenly found the need to scout the area or tend to the wounded again, any excuse seemed to do. They needn’t have bothered. Gabrielle briefly glanced up at Xena and caught her eyes. Time, space, and the rest of the world melted away as green eyes spoke to blue eyes, both expressing a mixture of emotions; guilt, sadness, hurt, and even some shame. Yet through it all, the deep rich love shined through, giving both hope that everything would be fine. "Xena, I…", she was silenced by the warrior’s finger against her lips. Gabrielle’s focus changed from the blue eyes that spoke to her to the full lips that were moving closer to her own. The tenderness and softness of the contact caused both women to sigh gently. Xena’s fingers insinuated themselves into the long strands of golden hair while the bard’s arms went around the warrior’s waist, pulling her closer. A herd of Centaurs could have ridden past them and neither woman would have noticed as they continued to exchange gentle kisses and sink into the warmth of each other’s souls. Reluctantly, Xena broke the kiss and laid her chin upon the young bard’s head. "We need to talk.", she whispered and felt the head beneath her chin nod in silent agreement. They separated, bringing themselves back to the real world. Xena caught Solari’s attention before turning and heading into the woods, Gabrielle following closely behind. Neither woman saw the smile that broke across her face or the one that crossed Dionaeda’s as she also watched the couple leave. It was a good half candlemark before Xena finally stopped in a small clearing. Although they walked close together, both took advantage of the time to sort out their thoughts instead of speaking to each other. They sat down facing each other, cross legged, knees touching. Gabrielle looked down at the grass between her legs as if it were the most interesting thing on earth. Xena concentrated on a spot near her ankles. "I’m sorry.", the bard said in a small voice. "All this wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t storm away from you.", her gaze moved from the blades of grass to the strong fingers that were nervously picking at a loose piece of thread on the warrior’s boots. Gabrielle reached out and placed her small hand on top of Xena’s, stopping the movement. It was only then that she saw the huge red mark on the warrior’s neck. "What happened?", she asked, her voice full of concern and tenderness. Xena reached up to stop her from touching the still painful mark. "Artemis." "But why?", her confused look turned to shock. "Xena, she didn’t do this to you because…because of me, did she?" Xena gave a small smile and gently pressed her lips to the bard’s fingertips. "No, she did this because of me…because of the way I treated you and because I failed to protect you from Procken and Poseidon." "Do you think it’ll fade away?", she shuddered at the thought of Xena going through life with the hideous red mark on her neck. Her own guilt forced its way to the surface in the form of tears that started to stream down her face. Xena reached out and pulled Gabrielle into her arms, placing gentle kisses on her forehead while rocking her gently and murmuring that everything would be fine over and over until the young bard calmed down. Both knew without words that the time had come for them to share what had happened to each other. Curled up in the warrior’s strong embrace, Gabrielle haltingly told her tale, sparing nothing from Xena about what happened on the ship. Several times the warrior’s eyes flickered or closed at certain points to hide her internal pain, but never did she make any effort to release her grip on the bard. When Gabrielle quieted down and waited for the hammer to fall, Xena softly began her story, taking care to not give three word sentences or dismiss any event or detail as insignificant. By the time darkness fell, both women were emotionally spent yet unwilling to stop talking to one another. The moon was high in the night sky before they quieted down and curled up next to each other on the ground. Sleep overtook them quickly as Artemis smiled down from above. Xena awoke to bright sunshine beaming at her face, the comfortable weight of Gabrielle against her side. Knowing that the amazons would come looking for them before breaking camp, she rolled onto her side and pulled the sleeping bard closer to her, snuggling back in to enjoy the sensation. Gabrielle stirred and opened her eyes slowly, aware of a gentle hand stroking small circles on her bare abdomen. "Good morning.", the warrior said as she shifted and brought her mouth down for a gentle kiss. "Good morning to you too.", Gabrielle answered with a smile of contentment. The smile faded when she saw the serious look in the warrior’s blue eyes. "Xena, what’s wrong?" "Nothing Gabrielle, everything is fine now.", her gaze took an intensity that the bard had never seen before. "I love you, Gabrielle. If only I could have realized it before, all this would never have happened." This time it was the bard who placed a finger on lips to silence them. "I love you too.", she said as she pulled the dark haired woman’s mouth down for a kiss. Before the kiss could deepen they heard a polite cough from behind them. With a smile on her face, Xena stood up and offered a hand to Gabrielle. "Morning, Solari.", the warrior said without looking. The amazon’s mouth opened to ask, then decided the better of it. She had learned long ago that Xena possessed many skills, obviously knowing the identity of a person by their cough must be one of them. The pair stayed to themselves the rest of the trip back, lagging behind the others. After a brief trip to the healer and to speak with Ephany, they quietly slipped into their room. Though the emotional wounds of Procken and Bremusa would be with them for some time to come, this moment belonged only to Xena and Gabrielle. Both knew that they would never again be with any other person as they started to undress one another. Xena fumbled with the buttons on the pirate shirt for only a moment before deciding that brute strength would be more effective. With one strong jerk, she ripped the front of the blouse open, sending buttons scattering across the floor. The look of hunger and desire in Xena’s eyes at the sight of the bard’s breasts was enough to send a jolt straight through to Gabrielle’s loins. She shrugged her shoulders and let the rest of the white material fall to the floor before returning her attention to removing the armor and leather that blocked her from seeing a similar view. Xena’s breastplate hit the ground with a clang, followed quickly by her bracers and the rest of her armor. Gabrielle slid the leather strap off of the strong shoulder and laid a gentle kiss on the soft skin before giving the other side the same treatment. Xena remained perfectly still as the bard slowly peeled the leather down, her gaze going to each new piece of flesh revealed. The warrior’s dark nipples hardened under the intense gaze before Gabrielle continued her trek. She kneeled down as the dark curls were revealed, her tongue licking her lips unconsciously in anticipation. That action was enough to quicken Xena’s pulse and increase the wetness between her legs. With shaky legs, the warrior placed her hands on Gabrielle’s shoulders and stepped out of her leathers. The young woman untied the laces on Xena’s boots and helped her out of them before standing up and wrapping her arms around the older woman. Both women shuddered at the contact of bare flesh pressing against each other. With deliberate movements, Xena quickly removed the rest of the bard’s clothing. Unable to resist, she placed tiny kisses on each of Gabrielle’s muscled thighs before scooping her up and laying her down on the bed. Supporting most of her weight with her elbows, Xena leaned on top of the bard and kissed her deeply, her tongue exploring the storyteller’s mouth again and again. Gabrielle’s fingertips ran up and down the warrior’s back as she responded to the kiss. Tongues danced together as their hips ground against each other, mixing dark curls with light. Using her leg to part the bard’s, Xena settled herself between them and continued to press herself against the younger woman’s sex. Gabrielle’s hips pressed back in a familiar rhythm as they began to rise with their passions. Xena’s mouth moved down to nibble on an earlobe before searching out a sensitive spot on the bard’s neck. The movement of the warrior pressing against her coupled with the sensation of Xena’s tongue on her skin made it impossible for Gabrielle to keep her eyes open. Her hand instinctively went to the back of the older woman’s head, burying itself into the dark hair as she moaned softly. Xena shifted, lowering herself and pressing her belly against Gabrielle, instantly slicking it with the bard’s juices. Her mouth and hands began an exploration of the bard’s breasts while her gentle rocking continued to drive all rational thought from Gabrielle’s mind. When she felt the warrior’s strong fingers slip between her legs, the young bard cried out with pleasure and arched her hips against her. It only took a few strokes before she screamed out Xena’s name and shuddered with a climax unlike any she had known before. Instantly, Xena’s strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close while murmuring words of love and comfort into her ear. They spent the night exploring each other, hands and tongues leaving no piece of flesh untouched. Over and over they brought each other to new heights, both determined to bring their lover the ultimate in carnal pleasure. Only when both were too spent to move did they fall into a peaceful slumber. During the course of the night, the red mark on Xena’s neck disappeared. Artemis had been more than pleased with Xena's actions and especially her confirmation of Gabrielle's love. Morning would come all too soon with challenges of its own, but for now, there was no morning, no outer world, just two women deeply in love with each other curled up together in an embrace blessed by one god and cursed by another. The End