The Spaces Between
Chapter Two - Discovery
Life was never easy. It was not the life of simple town folk for Xena and Gabrielle. They were careful. Careful about their relationship in front of others. Careful where they traveled. Careful who they trusted. For a few moons they had truly been happy. Alone much of the time. It was as if the Gods had bestowed upon them a reward for all of their sacrifices. They were given time to discover one another. And that time was precious to them both. There were no pretenses when they were alone anymore. They grew closer every day.
Gabrielle would watch her partner every night, sharpen her sword, wander the fire, remove her breastplate and slowly climb onto their bed roll. She was still amazed by this woman. She was so strong, a commanding presence that made Gabrielle feel safe. More than that, with Gabrielle, Xena was a gentle and loving soul. It was hard to believe that the same hands that caressed the bard every night had taken so many lives. And, it was ironic, because every touch made Gabrielle feel newly alive.
Xena was happier than she had ever been. At times her restlessness seemed to get the best of her and she would imagine the next battle, the next adventure. But, she knew those things would inevitably find them. And here in this time, she just wanted to love Gabrielle. In truth, Xena was more vulnerable with her lover than in any battle. And, Gabrielle needn't have worried about making love to the warrior. Just the sight of the bard brought Xena to places she had never dreamed existed. Gabrielle's soft skin, her compassionate and loving touch, her kiss; everything about her seemed to envelop the warrior's senses. She could not protect herself. She could not control her mind, her body, her heart… Gabrielle commanded them all.
Still, there was a lingering anxiety within the warrior princess. Her Amazon had grown strong, but she feared still that this life would eventually grow tiresome for the beautiful Gabrielle. Xena knew she was not the settling down type. She often wondered how she would survive when Gabrielle realized that so many of the things she longed for were not possible on this road; in this life. 'It's a question of when,' the warrior princess thought, 'when she will leave."