The startled interruption sent the staff tumbling to the ground as Gabrielle pivoted on her heel and poised herself instinctively for defense. Her shoulders eased down as she noted just who was speaking to her.

"... Come to gloat?" Gabrielle asked with disrespect and eyes firing toward the warrior-turned-slave. "Although it's not much of a defeat to go at it the way you did."

"... I was cornered. What did you expect? Haven't you heard of me? - I'm Xena 'The Beast'."

There was a hint of a smile in the slave's eyes, but Gabrielle did not take well to the sort of brazen attitude she was hearing. She crouched down to get her staff, and stepped confidently toward Xena's leaning posture over the top of the fence - wrist cuffs sounding gently in the wind.

"You know," Gabrielle began. "I expect a lot from the girls trained here, and I have to say ... I would expect even more from a seasoned warrior." Two feet from the infamous Xena, Gabrielle found herself surprisingly fearless. "I guess I know how you got that reputation of yours."

"Not true," Xena answered, grinning quite accidentally. She hid her smile with her head tilted down and her chained hands up to pull her hair aside. "No ... you surprised me."

"So naturally, you had to beat my face in."

Xena wasn't used to others speaking to her with such audacity as the petite queen standing before her. She decided it was a shockingly beautiful quality for a woman to possess, but she had always detested Amazons for their fury and what she had always perceived as hysteria. They hadn't ever seemed to hold much logic, but she was forced to rethink her opinions as she faced the powerful woman just one big stride in front of her.

"I've done worse."

"And does that make you proud?" Gabrielle asked without hesitation. Without humor or any sense of good-natured fun. She was disappointed. There was even a tug of emotional upset in her tone.

"Has a man ever hit you that way?" It came from a place of curiosity, but Gabrielle did not respond as expected - expectations Xena had of opening up the same way many women had before.

"It's no business of yours. And if I'm not mistaken, you're supposed to be in a cage somewhere, are you not?"

"Yeah, fine," Xena muttered, surprising Gabrielle with her matter-of-fact response. Xena stood tall to crack her back. "It was cramped."

Gabrielle rested her hands on her hips, and asked calmly: "Who let you out?"

"No one."

Gabrielle looked at her and blinked. "You let yourself out of a cage - double-padlocked and welded with steel?"

The queen spoke out of disbelief more than true curiosity, but Xena answered just the same: "Yup. See you in the morning. It should be a nice one for a nice, slow execution." She spoke of her own death, but Gabrielle did nothing to dissuade the idea. She would take no care to soothe the mind of such a disrespectful woman.

Ephiny walked from the Eatery just to catch Queen Gabrielle staring off at something else. Following her line of sight, Ephiny's eyes went wide and she stormed over to Gabrielle.

Ephiny needed to calm herself so as not to raise her voice to her queen. "Why did you let her out?"

Gabrielle folded her arms, finally bringing her thoughts to the woman aside her. "No ... I didn't. She let herself out."

"And she was here with you?! ..." Ephiny asked, crushed that she hadn't been there to defend her queen. The woman she felt for as more than her leader. "Gabrielle ... Queen Gabrielle ... are you alright?"

Without permission, Ephiny circled the queen, her eyes racing for injury. Satisfied Gabrielle would be alright, Ephiny looked into distant green irises that wouldn't tell her what she wanted to know.

"Gabrielle. What happened?"

Baffled with the realization, Gabrielle blew air out from her pursed lips. "I think she's harmless to me. I mean ... I know how that sounds ... but I don't think she'd harm me again. Not like that anyway ..."

Ephiny grabbed Gabrielle's arm to shake her into the moment - finally connecting with those familiar and loving eyes. "Gabrielle ... you're scaring me."

"Sorry, Eph. I ... I guess she scares me, too. I think she's intelligent." With that, Gabrielle started off toward the well-built housing that kept her chambers as well as three large rooms of her three personal guard - Ephiny included. "She's more intelligent than she's been given credit for, but it's natural. She doesn't know how to use it."

"Are you mad?!" Ephiny laughed, despite herself. She hurried in front of Gabrielle, walking backward to gather her queen's attention. "Gabrielle ... she pummelled you at the auction! She would have done worse had you not been so quick."

Gabrielle stopped, and the wind blew her bangs cascading down into her eyes. Just as quickly, her eyes were revealed again with their full depth, and it silenced Ephiny completely.

"Well, I AM that quick."

Ephiny swallowed and nodded her head in defeat. "My apologies, My Queen."

Gabrielle extended her arm out and rested her hand on Ephiny's right shoulder. "Ephiny ... you are as loyal to me as anyone I've ever known. I trust and value your opinion. I only ask that you trust and value mine in return."

"Always," Ephiny agreed, looking up into the emerald gaze that lifted her in such moments. Gabrielle had always been so beautiful it was a curse in dangerous situations of her life, but Ephiny couldn't curse the looks she thought to at night. With Gabrielle's warm palm on her skin, she was in love all over again. In such moments, she felt she would stutter her words or crumble altogether, but she had always been able to keep to her task as lead of Gabrielle's guard. She had always been capable, and trusted only herself with Gabrielle's safety.

"There's no need to tuck me in, Eph," Gabrielle smiled in such a way that it reminded Ephiny of the queen's playful teasing among all her staff. "Have yourself a good rest."

Ephiny's heart leapt in her chest as Gabrielle stepped over toward the queen's chambers - the unique carving in the walls a pleasant greeting. She watched the short, straight blond hair disappear behind the swinging door, and only then did she remember to straighten up and keep alert.

Xena watched from her uncomfortable cage just two buildings away, with both arms pressing against the steel and her knees cold against the floor of the fixture. She closed her eyes to internalize what she had seen. At times, her observant nature was a curse. At times, she had been kept from sleep because of her extreme abilities that kept her ever-aware. However, through her twelve years of experience, Xena had learned to cope with the abilities laid upon her by the God of War himself.

"I bet you think you're smart," Ephiny snapped once she'd pounded her feet into the ground all the way over the cage where Xena sat. She tugged at the locks on the cage, and gave the bars an aggressive shake. "If you think I believe for one second you let yourself out of here, you're a fool. Whoever's working with you ... we'll catch them."

Xena didn't bother to speak to the angry guard. She simply stared ahead in silence.

"And if you even think ... about hurting our queen ..." Ephiny hissed, bent to Xena's eye level, just out of reach. "I'll put my blade through you slowly. You got that?"

Xena let out a natural grin, but straightened her lips at the guard's anger. It was no sense getting herself injured when there was important work ahead. "Yeah."

"Good," Ephiny huffed, turning from the cage to compose herself and walk to the chambers for sleep.

It was dark, then darker, and then so black outside that Xena had some difficulty with the locks on the cage. However, with some time and precision, she was freed once again.

Gabrielle was asleep in her room filled with natural brown hues, wooden carvings, and carefully sewn materials to affix her stay. It was a welcoming environment although others had only visited under duress. Even Ephiny hadn't been to Gabrielle's room simply to visit.

With no candle burning anywhere in sight, the room was black with darkness, and the hues and decorations in the room were blanketed with the absence of light.

A sound cut through the silence, and Gabrielle inhaled into wakefulness. The comfortable furs brushed at her back as she turned and opened her eyes to the dark.

"Hey."

Gabrielle gasped, and quickly rolled off her cot toward her candle drawer, where she lit a thin one and held it at arm's length - inspecting her surroundings. The voice had been hushed, but it was close.

With panicked eyes, Gabrielle spotted the intruder, getting carefully to her feet. "Have you lost your mind?"

Xena bit her cheek, feeling she deserved that comment. "Look ... I know you don't understand, but I have to go finish something. I'll be back before the sun comes up - before that guard of yours can jab at me for freeing myself again."

Gabrielle watched very carefully as the animalistic warrior spoke as fluently and sharply as she might have done in different circumstances. Xena's wrist cuffs were pulled taut from wrist-to-wrist so as not to elicit any sound.

"But-"

"I'm not asking. I'm telling."

"Then why come in here?"

Xena tilted her head up and then down, lifting only her eyes to the sight before her. There stood the beautiful and powerful Queen of the Amazons in only a simple shift of off-white, laced around a low collar. With one glance, she looked back down to her feet.

Without another word from Xena or any threat from Gabrielle, the slave let herself out, and Gabrielle slowly found her way back into bed. The whispering had been so low and hushed that with Gabrielle's door shut, she figured no one had heard. Still, even with Xena having gone, Gabrielle felt unsettled.

If there were one person who had always been there for her, it was Ephiny. Knowing that, Gabrielle swallowed her pride, and knocked on her guard's door with gentle fingers.

It only took a handful of seconds for the door to yank open with an angry and interrupted sleeper growling quietly: "What?!" Ephiny gasped silently when she saw the sight before her - was she dreaming? "... Gabrielle ...? Q-Queen Gabrielle?"

"Don't look so surprised," Gabrielle grumbled, both arms hanging loosely and dejectedly down by her sides. "I don't feel like myself."

"Hey ..." Ephiny whispered tenderly - each word painting her caresses. "Hey ... what's wrong?"

"I don't know," Gabrielle sighed, gaining entry into the room with one glance of her eyes. Ephiny stepped aside, and gestured for Gabrielle to make herself comfortable. The darkness was lit with two candle of the guard's own keeping, and the flame flickered as Gabrielle dropped herself on the ground to sit. "Sorry."

"Don't be."

"I am. I just can't sleep ... do you mind if I sleep here?"

"Not on the floor, but you can take the bed," Ephiny commanded in such a tone that Gabrielle didn't even bother to suggest otherwise. Given the circumstances, she ceded the strong suggestion and drew herself up onto the thick cot, pulling the covers over her legs and up, under her arms.

"Thanks, Eph ... I'm sorry ..."

"Just sleep," Ephiny smiled, warmed at the sight of Gabrielle lying in her bed. She softly brushed the queen's bangs from her bruised face in so simple a way she didn't believe it could be misconstrued the next morning. Gabrielle didn't seem herself at all, but it wasn't the visit Ephiny had been praying for. Years had gone by in the presence of her queen, and for years, Ephiny had wanted more than a professional bond. It wasn't what she dreamed it might be, but the moment Gabrielle had closed her eyes to sleep, Ephiny allowed herself to take in the sight. "Goodnight, My Queen ... Dream well."

When morning came, Gabrielle stretched and woke to the lulling scent of her trusted guard and friend in the sheets. She scrunched her brows as her sense of smell recognized the familiarity: "... Ephiny?"

Instantly, Ephiny turned herself to the voice, only observing Gabrielle in her shift for a moment longer before the cover was pulled up to her chest.

"I ... came here last night," Gabrielle vocalized, her eyes tracing around the room. "I'm sorry ... that must have been strange."

"No trouble," Ephiny said with sincerity, always wanting the best for the woman sitting with groggy eyes and messy locks of hair. The sight was just about as endearing as she could tolerate. "Why don't we uh ... get ready to eat?" Trying to change the subject, Ephiny turned and spoke again: "We have to decide what to do with the slave."

"Xena? ... What about her?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe that she turned half your face black and blue?"

Gabrielle smiled her lop-sided grin at the comment, but pulled herself to the edge of the bed and stretched. "Yeah, well. I need her. I don't want her punished."

"What?!" Ephiny yelled, twisting to catch the arch of Gabrielle's brow. "I mean ... My Queen ... you can't be serious ...?"

"I am. Do we need to discuss this?"

Ephiny shook her head no, and kept her eyes from the queen as Gabrielle made her way to the door.

"Look, Ephiny. I understand your concern, but put your trust in me. I haven't lost my mind. Not quite yet." Gabrielle's smile peppered her words, and the joyful tease caught a smile on Ephiny's lips as well. "I need to speak with her."

"Let me be there."

Gabrielle looked down, leaning onto the door with her morning fatigue. "Eph ... I'm sorry for this. For buying her. If I had known the trouble she'd be ... well. I might have prepared you. You've always been someone I could count on. I should have included you in my thought, I suppose."

Ephiny was wide-eyed with the apology. "No need. Your decisions are yours, My Queen."

They were quiet for another moment, and then Gabrielle let herself out to enter her own private room. She changed into the same suede outfit she wore each day, cleaning the material carefully herself every couple of days. It was her top that saw the worst of it - wearing with each twist of her body and every bend.

Fitted with her usual top baring her midriff and exposing the swell of her chest, Gabrielle looked down to her skirt and brushed the dangling sections of suede into place. She inhaled and exhaled as she thought of her connection to Mother Earth, gathering her bravery and confidence for the day.

Gabrielle walked with confidence out of her room to the early morning sky, and the prisoner resting in the steel casing. The conversation Gabrielle needed to have with her slave was private, so she had thought very specifically about how she might handle that without offending her personal guard. She would have to talk to Ephiny, Pheron, and Graekel about that later.

"What am I doing here?" Xena asked, tired but interrogative. Her voice was calm, but Gabrielle did not take well to commands from strangers. "And what in Tartarus did you do with Ares?"

Gabrielle turned her head and then shook it. "You've got some nerve, I'll say that. As for your answers, I can't say I'll readily give them to you. You can earn them."

Xena took a moment, and then she nodded. "Yeah, fine. How would I do that?"

With both hands clasped behind her back, Gabrielle looked in every way the seasoned warrior she was. "Stay in here today and don't hurt anyone. I need to speak with you alone later today, after dinner."

Xena wondered if a part of her behaviour would include sexual activity, but she shook that thought from her mind. Gabrielle didn't seem the sort to take her unwillingly.

"Did you hear me?" Gabrielle asked, reading Xena's facial cues with ease. "You won't be harmed, but I expect you to keep to your word. No one here should be harmed either."

Xena nodded, giving Gabrielle the only answer she needed. It sent her off to breakfast, bringing some back as a token of good will between her and her pseudo-prisoner.

Throughout the day, Xena was bothered and tested, but she didn't do a thing to harm anyone. She also didn't leave the small cage. She wanted answers and she wanted the queen of the Amazons to see that she could keep to her word. She had a feeling it might be a useful trust to earn.

Gabrielle spoke with the three members of her personal guard - all of which were aghast when she asked how she might have a private audience with Xena. Ephiny was outraged, but understated about her disapproval. Pheron - the tall and quiet guard - was just that. Graekel was the one to speak up, but Gabrielle insisted heartily to her that it was necessary.

When Pheron had heeded her dismissal, and as Graekel followed in a stomping fit, Ephiny stayed back. She watched the struggle on Gabrielle's face, and decided to lighten the mood.

"If you need some ... release, My Queen ... dare I say there are less dangerous options."

Gabrielle was too distracted with the stress of her situation to laugh, but she managed a forced smile as she looked around to the art on the wall of the Hall. "It's not about sex, Ephiny."

"Because there are herds - and I mean herds - of women who would gladly give you any satisfaction you request."

"Herds. Right."

Ephiny was stunned with Gabrielle's attitude. As comically as she had meant her comment, she knew her words were true. Did Gabrielle not understand her worth? Suddenly, Ephiny became interested in Gabrielle's sexual history - something she hadn't thought of much in the past.

"You know Cerhu?" Ephiny grinned, despite her greatest efforts not to do so. "She has told me on many occasions I should offer her ... services."

Gabrielle whipped around, and laughed openly. "What?!"

"Oh yes. She's asked me time-and-time again if I would tell you she's more than ready and willing, My Queen."

Ephiny watched the flush of embarrassment on Gabrielle's face and chest. It was a beautiful thing to watch.

Gabrielle cleared her throat: "And why hadn't you said anything to me?"

Ephiny's smile dropped. Would Gabrielle take one up on such an offer? Should Ephiny herself have made an offer of the same years ago?

"I'm teasing," Gabrielle laughed again, pushing Ephiny's shoulder with a playful giggle to follow. "But don't be so shocked. I have basic human needs just like you and Cerhu." Then Gabrielle laughed again, aloud at the very idea. "Gods! That is too sweet. And a little concerning ... no wonder she's had me on my back in the sparring field so often!"

Ephiny got up from her chair at the mention of such acts, but Gabrielle put her hands up.

"Eph, it's okay - I'm only teasing!" she smiled. "Please. Relax ... Maybe she should be offering those 'services' to you after all, huh?"

When Ephiny looked thoroughly embarrassed, Gabrielle patted her guard's shoulder, and smiled in earnest. "Really though ... do what you need to take care of yourself, Ephiny. You're tense lately. Maybe sparring is doing more harm than good, the way you go at it."

"I don't know ..."

"You're right. It's always nice to see a woman who can handle herself in a fight. It does attract a certain kind of woman ... just make sure you let those women watch you instead of shooing them away like you do!"

The conversation she was having with Gabrielle was the most surprising and arousing conversation she had ever had with her queen. Her heart was pounding in her chest and all the warmth in her body flowed between her legs. All she could do to keep from panting was to clench her teeth together, looking all the more tense.

Ephiny's elaborate bodice and straight skirt had Gabrielle biting back her reaction as well, given their conversation. She had had many opportunities to stare at the protective lead of her personal guard, but she had allowed herself no freedom to fantasize. Ephiny worked for her. Ephiny was off-limits. The last thing Gabrielle wanted to do was to force anyone into her bed. Ephiny's body type was so similar to Gabrielle's that the young queen had to wonder the strength her guard held. She had to wonder how intimacy might feel between a powerful leader and herself. Her thoughts rushed to the image of Ephiny underneath her - the long, curly blond hair brushed out over the cot. Smiling outrageously and suddenly, Gabrielle forced a laugh to let it out.

"My Queen?"

"It's nothing, Ephiny. I'm losing my mind is all," she chuckled. "Maybe I ought to take Cerhu up on that offer after all."

With that, Gabrielle left the Hall - the place where they discussed political and tribal matters. She left with a large, goofy smile, rubbing her hands over her face once she reached her way to the tall grass off the path.

It had been too long since she'd been with a woman. Far too long.

Ephiny watched from the entrance of the hall, obsessing over Gabrielle's every move. The queen had managed to keep so many quirks that Ephiny was remiss in the company of others - when she had to ignore Gabrielle's adorably silly moments. As she watched Gabrielle shake her head animatedly in that splendid moment to guide herself back to the path, Ephiny dropped her head back against the wall. She figured she must be losing her mind, too.

Gabrielle walked back to the area Xena was kept caged, and held one of the bars in her sure hand. She leaned and finally locked eyes with the warrior slave. "Listen ... I need to talk to you, but I need to have a private counsel with you. If I let you out of there, are you going to try anything?"

"Oh, sure. I'll be docile as a hare. I guess I'll just be your lifelong pet. Sounds good to me." With that, Xena glared away, angry at being so underestimated in her ability. She grumbled under her breath: "Hades knows why I'm here ..."

"I promised to tell you, and I will, but I need to know you won't try attacking me again, because if you do, they'll kill you ... and I need you alive."

Xena caught those green eyes before they trailed away. There was a fire lit behind the blue in Xena's, and she got to her feet - two feet taller than Gabrielle given her height difference combined with the step of the cage. "I'll be your pet ... for the moment. But I want answers."

"I give you my word," Gabrielle answered, walking around to open the door to the cage, motioning for Xena to exit.

As much as Xena had been through, that cage was beginning to get the better of her knees, and she was secretly grateful for the release. She twisted sharply to the right, and cracked her back. "So where are we going?"

"Follow me."