CHAPTER TWO

It took several hours, but finally Gabrielle was too tired to keep her eyes open. She rolled herself into her furs and eventually fell asleep. Once she was sure her friend would not awaken, Xena materialized and seated herself as close to Gabrielle as she could without waking her. This was her nightly ritual, and she had been constant in her vigil, never missing a single evening since her death. Several times over the years she had awakened Gabrielle to danger, though she remained invisible to the eye. She watched out for her friend, standing guard over her sleeping form, just as she always had in life. Nothing was going to stop that, not while she had the ability to do so.

She ached for her friend, echoing her sadness. She missed Gabrielle's smile, it was so very rare these days, and when it appeared on those infrequent occasions it was like the sun breaking from behind clouds. Though never as bright as it used to be. There wasn't any joy in Gabrielle's life now. She had satisfaction, but not happiness, and Xena was horrified to realize that so much of it had been bound to their relationship. She had always known the bard loved her, a feeling that while seldom articulated, was certainly shared by Xena. Perhaps in those final days, she should have made Gabrielle more aware of the impact she had had on her life. She should have told her exactly what she had meant to her. How honored and gratified she had been by Gabrielle's regard and respect.

Oh….she had voiced her feelings on several occasions. Had told Gabrielle that she was loved and appreciated, she had been sincere and Gabrielle had known. But she had never shared the depth of her love for Gabrielle , with Gabrielle. She had always made a joke of it, smoothing over the intensity with some jest or horseplay, and she had never acted on the feelings. However much she had wanted to…however much she had sensed Gabrielle's receptiveness…she always let the opportunity slip by, resolved that Gabrielle should have better. That she deserved more. And she had ultimately done the one thing she had sworn never to do, she had broken not only her heart, but her spirit as well.

Of all Xena's regrets, that was the worst. The torment of 40,000 souls did not compare to a single tear on Gabrielle's cheek, however disproportionate that remorse might be. Gabrielle had always been the Anti-Xena, the yin to the warriors' yang. The bright part of a dark soul, and while she had once professed that Xena brought out the best in her, there would have been no best in Xena, without Gabrielle.

She looked out over the dark sea, listening to the sound of the waves and the cries of night birds and wished fervently that she had another chance to show the young bard just how much she had loved her. How sorry she was to have caused her so much pain and sorrow, and how through her love she had made it possible for Xena to be the person that could take responsibility for the souls of those she had harmed.

But as Gabrielle was fond of saying, that boat had sailed long ago.

Several times throughout the long night, Xena reached out to touch Gabrielle, but stopped before actual contact as she always did. The need to feel her warmth and solidity was nearly overpowering, but she fought the urge so as not to give away her presence. The last thing Gabrielle needed right now was the physical reminder of Xena's absence, and however much it would have soothed her to touch the bard, it would cause her unnecessary grief. So she refrained, though it cost her much to do so.

Just before the sun rose Xena felt another presence, and Aphrodite appeared. Xena didn't know whether to be happy about it or not, until she saw the look on the goddess' face, and realized that she had come to see Gabrielle.

"Hello Aphrodite," she said, though only the goddess could hear her. She glanced quickly at Gabrielle, relieved that she slept on, unaware of either of them. Aphrodite gazed down at Gabrielle sadly, then turned tearfilled eyes towards Xena, " hello Xena," she said softly, " it's good to see you again."

Xena tilted her head fractionally," and you as well," she replied, " What are you doing here?" She asked pointedly, following Aphrodite's gaze back to the sleeping Gabrielle.

" I came to talk to her," Aphrodite indicated the prone bard with a wave of her manicured hand, " She's breaking my heart…I want to try and talk her into leaving Greece."

Startled by the admission, Xena looked up sharply, " and why would you want her to leave Greece?" She asked suspiciously. Aphrodite's heart was generally in the right place, and she had a genuine affection for Gabrielle, but her ideas tended to be unintentionally troublesome.

" I want her to go to Egypt," The goddess of Love replied.

Now alarmed Xena asked, " and why would you want her to do that?"

" Because she's broken, and lost, and I think the remedy for her is there."

"Gabrielle is neither broken, nor lost," Xena denied hotly, though they both knew that was a lie.

" And denial is a river in Egypt," Aphrodite replied with uncustomary sarcasm, " Have you been watching her today?" she asked angrily.

Xena didn't answer, dropping her gaze from the goddess' in chagrin. Aphrodite gave an acidic smile,

" Then you know I'm not exaggerating the fact."

" What is in Egypt that could possibly help her?" Xena asked in a small voice, though a hint of hope colored her tone.

" More to the point Xena," Aphrodite replied, giving her an intense look," Is what is in Egypt that can help you?""

" What are you getting at Aphrodite?" Xena asked.

Aphrodite sighed, " I want Gabrielle to go to Memphis, to the temple of Anubis. I want her to speak to him on your behalf, and ask him to weigh your heart. If he finds you worthy of the afterlife, and pardons your soul for past transgressions, then I have made a deal with him to trade my immortality, in exchange for giving you back your life."

Xena's eyes widened, and she sucked a surprised breath into lungs that no longer needed the air, " you would give up your immortality for me?" she asked in a hushed voice.

Aphrodite pinned Xena with an ironic gaze, then turned and looked down at her sleeping mortal friend. Her face softened with affection and she replied, " Honestly Xena? No, I would not do it for you…" she paused and smiled gently, " But I will do it for her."