As I sit here, surrounded by my family and friends, I can't believe all that has happened. The road we had to travel to get here. While I have the love of my life, it wasn't that long ago that we were separated. And I didn't think I'd ever find her again. But I'm getting ahead of myself. This is the story. An epic story. A love story. A story of soulmates. I hope you enjoy our journey as much I enjoyed traveling it. I could have done without an event or two. But then, neither Xena or myself would be the people we've become. So here's the story of a naïve village girl and a former ruthless warlord.
Sins of the Past
It was a typical day in the village of Poteidaia. Or so thought Gabrielle. She was the daughter of a farmer. She was betrothed. And she was unlike those who she grew up with. Her father would call her a dreamer. And in a way, it was true. What she was was a storyteller. Or at least that's what she wanted to be. But to be a storyteller, one had to have stories to tell. What could she tell of a naïve, young village girl who hadn't been anywhere or hadn't met anyone.
Gabrielle sighed as she made her way with the other young villagers. It was summer. It was time to help in the fields. Or it was time to do the laundry at the river, depending on whether one was male or female. There were some of the elders along as well. They were to help and to supervise. Mostly, they were there to make certain no one had any fun. Gods forbid any of them have any kind of life, outside of working, eating, sleeping and sadly dying.
The last part was what Gabrielle feared the most. Not the actual dying, for everyone had their time. What had her concerned was that she would be forced into a loveless marriage. That she would be forced to marry Perdicus. He was all right. A little dull and not the brightest. Yet, he had always watched out for her. Even taking the blame a few times when she had gotten into the usual mischief she was always seeming to get into. For that, she loved him.
But as a best friend. What she yearned for, beyond the adventure, was finding true love. Even better would be her soulmate. She had memorized a poem she had heard one time. It was about soulmates and how they had once been one person, split in two. And they searched their entire lives until they found the other part of their souls. Was it why she felt so empty inside? Was that why she seemed to flounder for direction? Another sigh escaped her as they made their way to the clearing.
That was when they were surrounded. Gabrielle wasn't certain what was happening. She'd heard of warlords. Even had a few of the lesser ones go after her home village. It had taken them a few years to recover each time they were raided. But they were left intact, for the most part. These men seemed different. They were not after plunder. They were after slaves. They were after the people. It dawned on her. They were to be taken as slaves.
"Take me. Let the others go." Where had the words come from? Gabrielle wasn't certain. All she knew was she meant them. If it meant spending her life in servitude, then so be it. Even if it meant being abused, so be it. As long as her mother and sister could escape, that was all that mattered. Maybe Lila could have a life Gabrielle always dreamed of. As long as she lived, that was all that mattered. It would have to be what mattered.
Before Gabrielle knew what was happening, she was being held. There was a man threatening to strike her with a whip. Her courage faltered only slightly. She managed to hold her head high, even if she couldn't help her body reacting. Couldn't help backing away. And that was when she saw her. It all happened so fast. The wrist was being held. Then there was this amazing fight. Just when it looked like the tall, raven-haired amazon was defeated, she managed to pull a sword and round weapon from the earth.
Gabrielle was in awe of the woman. And inspired by her. There was more to it than that. What was it? The young woman couldn't put her finger on it. It was something she had never felt. Just by watching the woman in action. Was it because she had never seen a woman fight the way the stranger had? Tartarus, she had never seen any fights like what she had witnessed. There had been a few drunken brawls at the local tavern. But that was it.
All the men had left. It was only the villagers and the stranger. Gabrielle, though one of the younger ones, made her way up the strong, amazing woman. "My name is Gabrielle. You have to let my family help you." When the stranger flinched, it was the first time she had noticed the wound. "Besides, you're hurt. We can give you something to eat and maybe a place to stay for the night." There was a pleading in the emerald eyes.
One that the warrior woman couldn't seem to ignore. It took nearly a candlemark to hike back to the village. Gabrielle never left the warrior woman's side. After realizing it was Xena who had rescued them, at first she had been terrified. Who hadn't heard of Xena? The woman had gone after Hercules. But something had changed her, hadn't it? Or why would she have saved Gabrielle and her village? Why would she not wish anything in return?
It was the most difficult thing Gabrielle had ever had to do. It was watching Xena leave. Why had it been so difficult? Was it because she was once again stuck in a village that didn't understand her? That would never accept her vision of life? As she packed her meager belongings, Gabrielle knew she was doing the right thing. Even if she wasn't certain how to take care of herself away from the farm, she knew something would make it so she would be able to live.
Explaining to Lila exactly what was going through her mind had not been easy. Placing her younger sister in the position she had was not something Gabrielle had wanted. And yet, she had no choice. Had her father known she was leaving, he would have forced the marriage to take place. Being the honorable woman she was, Gabrielle would have remained. She would have become the wife she was expected to be. And she would have died inside, a little more each day.
Instead, Gabrielle was now having adventures. She had already faced down a blind cyclops. Granted, he wasn't the most intelligent of beings. But still, she had done it on her own. That wasn't exactly true. She had to use Xena's reputation for her survival to have taken place. Still, it was her words. It was her acting that had granted her freedom. Now, what other adventures was she to have? She only hoped they would be alongside Xena.
Something told her that Xena would lead an exciting life. That there would be something happening to the former warlord nearly all the time. It would mean traveling. It would mean meeting new people. If only Gabrielle could convince Xena she could be of use. While not the greatest of cooks, her food was edible. She wasn't beyond doing the cleaning as well. If Xena wanted her to, she would polish her weapons. Though with a warrior such as Xena, that would probably never happen.
Wrangling a ride to Amphipolis hadn't been as easy as Gabrielle had thought it would be. Good thing she was at least a little knowledgeable with tales. It had earned her a ride. And just in time as the moment she had entered the tavern, it was clear Xena was in trouble. Did it matter why the villagers were attempting to harm her? It wasn't even the fact Gabrielle craved adventure. It was the fact Xena was in trouble. And somehow the woman already held something beyond fascination for they young woman.
It had taken surprisingly little for Gabrielle to talk the villagers into allowing her to save Xena. It was probably because of something she already suspected. What was that? Basically good people didn't want to harm others. Even if they thought someone or something was toxic, they would rather talk things out. They would rather resort to nonviolent methods. She could relate, as she hadn't even held a sword. Handing Xena her sword was the first time she'd touched one.
Riding behind Xena was beyond words. Why? She was just an ordinary women, wasn't she? Gabrielle shook her head as she could feel the warrior's warmth through her leathers. All she wanted to do was lean her head against the strong back. All she wanted to was to snuggle with Xena, each and every night. She blushed at the thought. Though it wasn't more than as friendship. And keeping warm. And companionship, wasn't it?
Waiting was not something Gabrielle was good at. Patience was not something she was good at. Even though she knew she should give Xena her privacy, she couldn't help walking into the chamber that held Xena's brother. The fact Xena was as lost and confused as she was surprised her. There was one thing she knew for certain. And she had to respond. Even if it was simple, she had to let Xena know exactly what it was she was feeling. "You're not alone."
Why had they detoured back through the village? Gabrielle wasn't certain. She knew it was dangerous. If the people had attempted to stone Xena before, what would they do now if there was further trouble? And that was when the fight had taken place. The fact Draco should have lost had pissed off Gabrielle. The way the man had kept his boss from touching the ground. It was only fair play that she had accidentally tripped the same man. And called out when the man had attempted to take out Xena.
Even after saving Xena, Gabrielle found herself alone. She'd managed to find Xena's trail. But she couldn't start a fire. She hadn't any supplies left. They were long gone. So what was a simple village girl to do? It was time she was true to herself. And what did that mean? It meant she would be whatever it was Xena needed. And the thing that Xena needed the most was exactly the same thing that Gabrielle needed. And that was a friend.
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So much pain. How had she enjoyed inflicting so much pain and destruction? Xena closed her eyes as the memories washed over her. It was just another village she was riding through. And yet, it could be and was a village she had destroyed. It had a name, but could she recall it? The chants. That's what she remembered. The victory. The dinars. But most of all, how it felt to lead all those men and women. How she seemed indestructible.
It was a lesson she had to learn the hard way. It was that damned baby. Had her men not wanted to kill the baby, she might never have been forced through the gauntlet. Had she not been through the gauntlet, she might not have been ready for the lessons Hercules had begun to instill within. And she had thanked him the only way she knew how. It wasn't so much she was attracted physically to him. And she had cared, on a certain level.
It was one of her major weapons. While her signature weapon was her chakram, her feminine wiles were what had gained her so much over the seasons. It was what had taken so much away as well. But those were secrets she intended on remaining buried. While part of her wanted to revisit some of her past, she would be damned if she ever did. For it would place certain individuals in danger. And she wasn't that person anymore. Or at least she fervently hoped she wasn't that person anymore.
And then there was the boy. Xena hadn't much to spare. Yet, she had more than a young kid could hope for. Especially if it was at her or one of her men's blades that the boy had become an orphan. So what were a piece of bread and cheese? The ex-warlord had to move on. She had to ride hard. There was no way she could do what she had anymore. The negative outweighed what could be gained for keeping fighting, didn't it? Besides, the reminders were far too painful.
And yet, as she had watched from the bushes, Xena couldn't help but see how frightened the villagers had been. Who could blame them. She was certain she knew who the slavers worked for. The colors were obvious it was her old friend, loosely termed, Draco. If these innocents were to fall into his clutches, they would be better off dead. If it weren't for her strength, she would have been dead and not left Draco with that constant reminder.
But what had caused her to act? It was the girl. The one who had offered herself so that the others could be safe. There was a part of the young girl that reminded her of Lyceus. Her younger brother would forever be in her heart. He would have fought against this. He would have fought against any injustice. And had. It had cost him his life. She couldn't allow standing up for oneself to cost the young woman her life. So she had acted.
And as was her way, partly it was skill and partly it was luck with which she had defeated her foes. The headache and injury that was now being tended to was because of Gabrielle. The annoying, young girl had captured her. Xena had frozen during a fight. It was something she had rarely, if ever done. She knew she had to keep moving. Or what had happened would happen. But why her? What was it about Gabrielle? Was it her eyes? Was it her fighting spirit? Was it her naivety?
Whatever it was had the poor creature wanting to tagalong. There was no way Xena could allow for that. Already too many people had been hurt because of her. She wasn't about to allow Gabrielle to become hurt, whether it be physically or emotionally. Besides, the young girl had a family. She had a betrothed. In other words, Gabrielle had a life. And it would never include Xena in it. There was no way they could travel together. They were far too different.
And yet, Xena had to stop by and warn Draco away from Gabrielle's home village. Was it the wisest move? Perhaps not as now Draco knew Xena cared for something. Just like he knew she wanted to go home. That she wanted to be accepted there. Would she be? The likelihood of that was nearly zero, but she had to try. She had shamed her village, and more importantly, her mother beyond measure. The first step to her redemption would be through her mother.
After having easily defeated the cyclops, Xena couldn't help but hear Gabrielle's voice. The young girl was quite the talker. And though it had been nothing, she could somehow hear Gabrielle turning it into an epic battle. How was it Xena was already missing an annoying young thing? How was it, if she allowed herself to admit it, craved the sound of her voice? Xena sighed. This was so not like her. She feared it would get her into more trouble than she could handle.
And that's what she had found in Amphipolis. Not because Xena wasn't stronger. Not because she couldn't handle whatever nearly anyone threw at her. Whether any of them believed her or not, she had to tell them Draco was the one after the village. But no one believed her. Not even her own mother. She had no daughter. The words had cut deeply. So the stones being thrown had barely even stung. Even when the full hatred was behind them, the fact her mother wanted nothing to do with her hurt beyond words.
And then, Gabrielle. It had been interesting. In all her time as a warlord, there were very few times that anyone had come to her rescue. There were two times that stood out. And that she wished she had allowed for the feelings evoked to change her hardened heart. But that was the past. This was the present. She had a chance, once again, to allow someone in. But could she? Even after Gabrielle had told her she was not alone, could she allow for it?
For some reason, with Gabrielle supporting her, once again going through Amphipolis felt right. She couldn't leave them unprotected, should Draco continue to want to what? Teach her that one can't go home. That people won't allow you to change. Especially the ones you've shamed the most. And if her mother never accepted she had changed, then she could fully understand. It would hurt, but the shame was too much for one person to bear.
The fight had been…While some would have called it epic, Xena would have called it a minor inconvenience. But the best part had been how the village had changed their tune. They had seen how she was attempting to change. That it wasn't she who had burned their fields. And she was fighting for what was right. And in this case, she had a little help. Or at least she had Gabrielle evening the odds in her favor. It had been enough to defeat Draco and have him swear to leave Amphipolis forever.
When she'd heard the noises, Xena was certain it was her new friend. Why had she consistently threatened to leave her behind? Because she couldn't allow for Gabrielle to become hurt. And yet, the way it had felt having Gabrielle hold her as they rode together…It was something Xena could not put into words. Never had a person's touch affected her so. Never had a person affected her so. So what was she to do now that Gabrielle was out there? Most likely freezing?
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Friend. It was a foreign concept for Xena. She had wanted Gabrielle to ride behind her. For one, it would make their time traveling easier. It would save time. But her new friend wasn't exactly fond of Argo. And it seemed Argo wasn't thrilled with sharing, either. Not that Xena could blame her horse. They had been through quite a bit the past few seasons. Some good. Some not so good. It came down to who one could trust. And the only one Xena could was the horse she rode upon
The other reason, and the one that concerned the warrior, was the fact it had felt so good to have Gabrielle's arms wrapped around her. It was a luxury she couldn't afford. Having a friend was not the wisest of moves. If something were to ever come between them more than friendship, her new friend would have a target upon her. In fact, she would be a walking target. It was something Xena could not, nor would never, allow to happen.
And there was the third reason. Allowing anyone in. There was no way in Tartarus Xena could allow this friendship, or whatever it was, to grow into anything more. There were two times she had allowed for that. One had cost her her life and dove Xena into a darkness she was still struggling to emerge from. The other had attempted to save her, but the enticing path of darkness and power were too much for the warrior to overcome. Perhaps in another lifetime, it could have been enough to turn her around.
Azure eyes closed as Xena knew it was closing in on time. Another day of travel and she would have to forage for whatever she could find. Her mother had fortified some of her travel rations, but now there were two of them she needed to take care of. Argo, for the most part, could see to herself. But Gabrielle couldn't even start a fire, much less forage for herself. The warrior sighed inwardly, careful not to allow any emotions to show.
After all, Xena needed for her façade to remain the same. She needed for Gabrielle to believe that there was a real threat she would leave her in the next village or send her home with a traveling caravan. But deep down, she knew. There was nothing that would keep her new friend away. And part of her was grateful. And part of her knew this relationship would lead to trouble for the both of them. "I think here's as good as any spot."
Gabrielle stopped immediately. She had been growing tired of walking. In fact, she had thought about asking to ride behind her new friend. There was something about Xena. Was it the fact she knew how to take care of herself? Was it she didn't seem afraid of anything? Was it she was able to take out a dozen men on her own? Or was it more? Having only been around those in the village, she wasn't certain what to think of someone who was so bold and exuded self-confidence.
"If you think this is a good place. I've not been camping, much. So I'll have to rely on you. However, I can cook just about anything. If you want to keep going, I can walk for another hour or two." Gabrielle knew it wasn't true. Her feet were killing her. Hours working in the fields or tending sheep or doing laundry or whatever other menial task hadn't prepared her for an entire day's walk. And she knew Xena had been holding back.
Was it because Xena was sweet? No one, perhaps with the exception of Cyrene, would agree with that statement. Gabrielle already could tell something about her new friend. Even though it was only now setting on their first official day together, she knew there was this façade. Some would call it stoic. Some would call it a warrior's face. Whatever it was, it hid well what was deep within the amazing woman. And Gabrielle planned on penetrating the armor. But knew it would have to be done in baby steps.
There was a momentary dent in the armor. A look was upon the warrior's face Gabrielle had never seen. It took less than two blinks of an eye for the look to disappear. But it had been there, of that Gabrielle was certain. She knew she couldn't comment on it. But she tucked it away, if only to attempt to understand what she had said that had garnered her the reaction. And perhaps continue doing the same, or at least something similar.
"You'll need to be able to walk in the morning. The next village we arrive in…" Xena trailed off. There was a look of determination in her young friend's eyes. For a brief moment, her façade once again failed. She allowed the fact it would actually hurt to see Gabrielle leave to show. But it wasn't long before Xena had regained control of her emotions. "Fine. But you best be able to keep up with me from now on. Even ride from time to time."
Had Xena been teasing? Gabrielle knew she had seen something once gain in those amazing azure eyes. But what? "How about this. I walk most of the time, but ride when it's bad weather or we need to get somewhere in a hurry?" Xena's answer was a grunt as she readied her bow and arrow. "You get whatever you can to eat. I'll have the camp setup by the time you get back." When Xena hesitated, Gabrielle gave that smile.
The one that had melted the warrior's heart while they were sat around the campfire that first night together. There was something about Gabrielle. She was naïve, innocent and pure. And yet, she had this wisdom about her few people had. In some ways, she was a combination of the two women that had influenced Xena the most. The warrior shook her head as she wordlessly took her bow, arrow and her knife. Of course her sword was at her side and her chakram on her hip.
Gabrielle watched as her new friend walked into the already darkening woods. There was a part of her that was afraid. Not of Xena. She would never fear the warrior. Would she fear the darkness inside her? It was something she wasn't certain of. And yet, she was certain she was meant to be with her. To walk beside her. How? It was something she couldn't explain. Not yet. Perhaps because she hadn't lived enough, at least not outside of life in her home village.
As Gabrielle went about making camp, starting with gathering firewood and starting a fire on her first try, her thoughts were of home. Perdicus didn't enter her mind. It wasn't even her parents that she thought about. It was Lila. Her younger sister had looked up to her. And she was right when she had said even Lila could beat up Gabrielle. It was not necessarily the fact Lila was stronger. It was the fact Lila, even at a younger age, seemed to know who she was. What she wanted. Wasn't a dreamer like Gabrielle.
Everything was ready, including the fact Xena's bedroll was on one side of the fire, Gabrielle's on the opposite side. While the first night could have been because it had been a surprise, Gabrielle sensed the warrior wanted to distance herself, at least to a certain extent. It was a way to maintain those walls Xena had erected. They had come down only around her brother and around her mother. Cyrene could tell her so much. And she was back in Amphipolis. When would they even see her again?
That was when Gabrielle heard it. It wasn't an animal. How she knew, she wasn't certain. But there was a sound almost like footsteps. It could have been Xena, but the young woman knew. Knew her friend was a warrior and could sneak up on anyone. And her reflexes when Gabrielle had decided to take a chance on entering her camp…The young woman shuddered to think about what could have happened if not for Xena seemingly knowing who she was.
"We're here for Xena." Gabrielle swallowed as ten warriors emerged from the woods. The firelight managed to light up their eyes. She could see they were determined. They were what she would term as bloodthirsty. "You won't get hurt if you just play nice and let her come to us. Now shut up and don't say a word." When one of the men made his way towards the waterskin she had filled, Gabrielle stood in his way. "Look, Blondie, just sit this out before you get hurt badly."
"Wait." Gabrielle held up her hands. "You're going about this all wrong. Xena is out there hunting. And she's expecting me to have camp ready. Think about it. She's trusted me with cooking for her. For basically taking care of her." The men shifted as if beginning to realize what Gabrielle was attempting to get across. "If you hide in the woods, perhaps the trees, you can get the drop on her. All that I ask is that you give me a small amount of the reward. Just so I can return home."
Gabrielle knew these men and what they wanted. They would kill her in a heartbeat after they had taken care of Xena. They would kill one another, until there was one man left standing. It was a gamble. And yet, it wasn't. After all, she was betting that Xena was already out there. Waiting for the right time to strike. She only hoped her new friend realized exactly what she was doing. Which was? Stalling until Xena could make her move.
"I think that's reasonable." The man who had done all the talking came closer. "You need to make it look good. Like nothing is out of the ordinary." Gabrielle nodded as she attempted not to swallow hard. Even standing up to the slavers hadn't caused her this much fear. But why? Because there was the possibility that Xena wouldn't understand. That she would think the worst of Gabrielle. And who could blame her with the people she had had in her life?
As Gabrielle attempted the ordinary that only consisted of one night, she wondered where Xena was. While not knowing her at all, she knew enough to know it shouldn't take a warrior this long to hunt whatever she was hunting. Just after Gabrielle had poured some water into a pan to bring it to a boil, she heard a bird call. It was funny. There hadn't been any birds. And the fact the men were now up in the trees and had scared off the birds caused Gabrielle to inwardly smile.
An unfamiliar whistling sound caused Gabrielle to jump to her feet. She held the cooking knife out as if it were a sword. She knew how silly it was. The men had swords and other weapons. Xena had a sword and that round weapon she had at her side. It was then that Gabrielle realized what she was hearing. She jumped as one by one the men fell from the trees. Xena came summersaulting through the air, easily catching the round weapon.
The men managed to stumble to their feet. By that time, Xena had already retrieved the rope from her saddlebags. She moved with the speed and grace Gabrielle had become accustomed to. Soon, the men were tied together. It wasn't long before they were dragged several feet from the campsite. Each was gagged, except the leader, before they were tied to a large tree. Gabrielle had watched, wanting to help. Instead, she remained distanced and yet close enough to see and hear everything.
Xena stood before the leader. "I don't seem to recognize any of you. That means either you are new to the world of being scum or you were never big enough to be in my sights. Either way, it doesn't matter. What matters is whether or not you are working for someone." Xena stared into the eyes of the leader. In a swift move, she jabbed the man's neck. "You have thirty seconds to live. Tell me who sent you. Or were you stupid enough to think this up on your own."
The man struggled. His face turned red. He struggled to move. As his eyes grew wide, he finally managed to speak. "It was me. I talked everyone into it." Just as he was about to gasp, Xena moved quickly once again. She jabbed his neck in the same manner as she had before. The man began gasping. "You bitch! I should have killed you…" Before he could finish the statement, Xena had struck him on the side of the neck. He was instantly unconscious.
"Come with me." Xena gagged the man before making her way back to camp. Nothing was disturbed. The fire was dwindling so the warrior tossed a few of the firewood Gabrielle had gathered. Her new friend made her way to the fire. Xena noticed how she was shivering. And knew it wasn't only from the cold. Not certain what to do, the warrior pointed towards her bedroll. It took a moment for Gabrielle to comply, but she sat.
Instead of sitting next to Gabrielle, Xena retrieved her friend's bedroll. While she was becoming chilled as well, especially after the exertion of the fight, Xena wrapped the bedroll around her friend. She maintained her distance as she sat next to Gabrielle. "This is why I never wanted you to follow me." Xena was now staring off into the distance. It was why she hadn't wanted Lyceus to come with her. And yet if it hadn't been for her brother supporting her need to fight Cortese…
"Things are only going to get worse." Xena's gaze remained focused on the flames. They were now burning brighter, illuminating the small circle she found herself in. It included Gabrielle and Argo. The two she now knew she could count on. But could she continue to place Gabrielle in danger? "There was no bloodshed. This time." Azure eyes found her hands. There was so much blood on her hands. It would never wash off, no matter how hard she tried.
And just like that, Gabrielle stopped shivering. It hadn't been the fact there was potential for bloodshed. After watching Xena fight and the fact a man had been killed in front of her, she knew what the stakes were. That she could very well end up harmed, if not worse. It had been fear Xena wouldn't have understood what she had attempted to do. It was fear that Xena would actually send her back or leave her at whatever village they came across next.
But that wasn't true, at least the part where Xena believed the words she had spoken. Gabrielle had known, deep down, that Xena would understand. Still, there had been that indescribable terror that her new friend would send her back. It was a fear that would always exist. Or would it? Only time would tell on how far their relationship would develop and how quickly. Now was the time to put Xena at ease. If she could find the right words.
"Let me tell you a story." Gabrielle closed her eyes, fear of the reaction Xena might have. "There once was a warrior. He had trained since he was a boy. It was the only life he had known." It was a story Gabrielle had heard on the lone time she was allowed to travel with her father. It was in a village she had no clue the name of. Her father had become drunk and she had been on her own. She had listened while the bard had related the story. She only hoped it would help and not hinder the situation.
"When he reached the age of sixteen, he let home. He sought out a place in Ares' army. There was something about the young man and the God of War gladly accepted him. Soon, the young man had risen to captain. It wouldn't be long until he had risen to the rank of general and would be gifted with his own army." Gabrielle could hear Xena's breathing increase. She wondered if it was her words. Had Xena trained since she was a youth?
There were stories about how Xena had come to be the great warrior she was. But no one knew. It seemed those closest to her were either dead or they hated her. Or in Cyrene's case, were still coming to the terms Xena had changed. And was doing everything in her power to stick with her vow. The vow to make up for shaming her mother. For shaming her village. Gabrielle suspected there was more to it than only that and hoped one day she'd be told the complete story.
"And then Aphrodite decided she would meddle in her brother's plans. And it meant meddling with mortals." Gabrielle saw a look flicker across Xena's face. Once again that stoic façade was replaced with emotions Gabrielle had never seen before. "Aphrodite sent a young innocent girl to the young man, who was now closing in on twenty. Some had joked he was beyond his prime already. And when the young woman entered his tent, it was as if he heard bells or something."
A small smile was on Xena's face before she could stop it. She had to admit Gabrielle was quite the storyteller, if nothing else. It was something she could perhaps encourage, in subtle ways. It would give her young friend direction. And sadly, it could be a way for Xena to leave her somewhere. If Gabrielle had her stories, then she could make her way in the world. She could take care of herself. The smile was gone and there was a coldness in her eyes.
The coldness caused Gabrielle to pause for a moment, worried she was making a mistake. "The young woman and the young man were married. They lived for several moons together, until one day the young man's army were called to take over the young woman's village. He at first refused. She told him to do whatever it was that would make him happy. So the young man resigned his commission. Before leaving, they returned to her home village to gather her meager belongings."
Gabrielle paused for a moment. "The young woman's brother entered her bedroom. Instead of waiting for an explanation, he saw his enemy. The young man had not taken the time to remove the armor he always wore. The two men fought. The young woman attempted to tell her brother it was a mistake when the young man drew blood." Once again, Xena's breathing increased. Even in the firelight, Gabrielle could see Xena's nostrils flaring.
"At first, the young woman was stunned. And after they had managed to escape the village with her belongings and her brothers body, she realized what had happened." Gabrielle paused for a moment. "As they stood beside her brother's funeral pyre, she told her husband she loved him and forgave him. She only hoped that one day he would forgive himself. In her heart, she knew that would never happen. They lived their lives together, but her husband was always reserved. Never would raise a sword."
"It cost him his wife as one day one of his former soldiers, on Ares' orders, came to confront him." Gabrielle swallowed. The story had affected her as much as a youth as it was now. "He refused, until the moment his wife had perished. He went berserk. What he did to the man…" Gabrielle shuddered. How the bard had gone into detail. She would not. Even though Xena had probably done much worse in her darkest days, Gabrielle couldn't bring herself to think it let alone repeat it.
"So you see, I understand more than you think I do." Gabrielle gently brushed the bedroll from her body. She went to the fire. Without a word, she brought the water to a boil. She was waiting to see what Xena would do. It took a moment before her new friend retrieved the rabbit she had managed to catch for their supper. It wasn't long before it was cooking. And it was the first night of a new routine. Not only how camp was setup and run. But also how they would slowly, piece by piece, learn everything there was about one another.