My Warrior ~ My Bard
A Story of Longing, Love, and Hope
The Warrior walked steadily back towards the camp, her arms full of wood for the fire, her heart full of love for the woman sitting back in camp. As always, she approached the camp silently, not for any reason, more of a habit. As she left the tangle of trees and stepped into the clearing, a horrible sight filled her vision, a sight worse to her than a thousand men dead on a battlefield. Her exquisite little Gabrielle was sitting on the same log as when she had left, but her scroll and brush were on the ground, and her head was buried in her hands, her shoulders shaking.
Without a second thought Xena dropped the huge pile of firewood, managing to make not a sound, and ran all out towards Gabrielle. Xena dropped to her knees just to Gabrielle's side, and drew her up in her arms in one fluid motion.
"Shhh, shh sh..." the mighty warrior crooned in a voice so tender it could sweeten tea. "Hush, Gabrielle, hush..."
For some reason, at the sound of her name Gabrielle began to cry harder and tried to pull away from her, not wanting Xena to see her tears. Xena, however, would have none of it, and only held Gabrielle tighter in her arms. Gabrielle gave in, and turned her face toward Xena's breast, crying into the soft skin.
They sat like that for a time, both content not to speak. Ater all, they were best friends, and what is a best friend for if not understanding when talking is useless?