A Life Worth Living Part 4
The Fianna by CheeyaDisclaimer : Xena and Gabrielle belong to Rob Tapert and co. There are scenes of a sexual nature between two consenting females, so if this offends you, if you're too young to read it or if it's illegal in your state/country, please stop here.
Dedication : For Dec, Sham, Suz, Keith and Philip.
Bard's Note : This is part 4 of my 'A Life Worth Living' series. You don't really need to read the previous parts to understand it, but it would help!
Comments/Feedback to cheeya@xenafan.com
"I don't understand, Xena. You never told me."
Despite her intense pain, Xena felt her partner's hurt look all the way into her soul. She couldn't afford to go into it right at that moment though. Eoghan was still pointing the crossbow at them. The warrior struggled to sit up and looked the man right in the eye.
"Eoghan," she said softly, "I'm not like that anymore. I've changed. I'm not a warlord anymore. I swear to you. I've given up all that."
He eyed her nervously, shifting from foot to foot.
"You expect me to believe that after everything you did here? How do I know that you're not just saying that to stop me from killing you?"
Xena opened her mouth to speak but Gabrielle stepped in front of her, her arm outstretched in a calming gesture.
"Eoghan, believe me, Xena has changed. We've been together for a long time now and I love her. She's not that warlord anymore."
"But she stole something very precious from us. How do you expect us to forgive her so easily?"
The bard glanced at her soulmate and lifted an eyebrow. Xena nodded slightly and then looked down, unable to hold her partner's eyes.
"I don't expect you to forgive her easily, but at least give her a chance," Gabrielle replied. Eoghan stared at the warrior for a long moment and Xena could practically hear the thoughts running through his mind. Should I trust her? She killed my friends.
"Eoghan, let me get it back for you."
The man nearly fell over with surprise.
"Wh… what?" he stammered.
"Let me get it back for you. I know who stole it from me and I know where it was stolen. Let me try to get it back. I owe it to the Fianna."
After another long minute, Eoghan sighed and nodded.
"I don't know why I'm doing this… but alright. I'll bring you back to the Fianna and tell them your offer."
Xena looked at Gabrielle with a look that said 'I'll explain later' and Gabrielle gave her a brisk nod. She helped Xena to her feet and Eoghan led them back through the trees. Xena slowed down a bit and let the older man move slightly ahead so she could speak to the bard in private.
"Gabrielle, I know what you're thinking but it's another one of those things from my past that shames me. A long time ago, I came here with my army and shortly after I arrived, I heard about a group of warriors called the Fianna. It was said that they possessed magical powers and I wanted to find out everything I could about them. I found out where they were based and offered them an alliance of peace. They accepted and some might say that it was their mistake to trust me to keep it."
Gabrielle saw Xena's eyes glaze over and wrapped her arm around the warrior's slender waist, silently offering strength.
"Anyway, the Fianna had a magical harp. It was made of solid gold and was said to be the only thing that could soothe the Tuatha De Dannan, the fairy folk. It was similar to Orpheus soothing the Bacchae with his music. The minute I saw the Golden Harp, I wanted it for myself so I stole it and after a battle against the Fianna, I fled to the coast but before I could board my ship, the Tuatha De Dannan attacked us and they took the Golden Harp from me. I was badly injured and just continued to Britannia without it. That was ten years ago now."
Gabrielle nodded and tightened her grip on her partner.
"So now you owe it to the Fianna to get the Golden Harp back."
"Yeah," Xena replied on a long sigh. "I do owe it to them."
I owe it to one person in particular.
The bard glanced up ahead at Eoghan and shook her head.
"He hates you," she said softly.
"He has good reason to. I killed his father," Xena replied, her voice wavering with emotion. "He was a good man and I killed him for a worthless piece of gold." Xena stopped suddenly as a wave of pain caused her world to spin. "Gabrielle, I'm feeling a bit woozy. I need to sit down for a minute."
Gabrielle lowered her carefully to the ground and shouted to Eoghan to wait for them. He stopped a few feet further on and sat on a rock, watching them carefully.
"Gabrielle, I'm going to need your help with this. I've practically lost all the feeling in my arm."
"It's ok, Honey. I'm here, you know that."
Xena smiled at her lover and ruffled her hair.
"I know," she replied. "Thanks… and I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about this."
"Don't think about that now. Let's just concentrate on getting the Golden Harp back."
Hours later, they reached the Fianna's base camp. They were greeted with looks of hate and some of the men spat at Xena as she walked by. She looked at Gabrielle to find her eyes flashing with anger but she shook her head and took the taunts, keeping her eyes lowered. Eoghan led them to the leader of the warriors. Fionn was a tall, blonde-haired man with a muscular physique. He was dressed in dark leather and had a sword sheathed at his side. Gabrielle smiled at him and he returned the smile before glaring at Xena.
"You know, I never thought I'd see you again, Xena," he said in a rich, baritone voice.
"Never figured to come back here," the warrior replied, "but I wanted to show my partner your beautiful country."
She smiled at Gabrielle and Fionn shook his head.
"You seem different, Xena. Your eyes… they're…" he paused as he searched for the right words, "They're softer."
"Well, I'm not the cruel, heartless bitch I used to be. I'm not a warlord anymore, thanks to some very dear friends."
"You know, I always knew you were on the wrong path… and so did Oisin."
Xena lowered her eyes and shook her head.
"Is he here?" she asked in a voice so low that Fionn barely heard her.
"Yes, he's here but I don't know if he'll want to see you. My son loved you, Xena."
Gabrielle turned her back on them both and walked to the door of the hut.
"I'm just going to get some fresh air," she said and left them alone.
"Dammit," Xena cursed and sat down carefully on a wooden bench.
"She doesn't know about any of this?" Fionn asked.
"No, she doesn't. Listen, Fionn. I regret what I did more than you'll ever know and I want you to believe that I'm going to do my best to get the Golden Harp back."
"How can I trust you again, Xena?" he asked, a look of pain on his face.
The warrior stood to her full height and looked him directly in the eye.
"Make Gabrielle and I part of the Fianna. I'll swear my loyalty to all the warriors here."
She was satisfied with the look of shock on the man's face.
"Xena, you know what this involves. Can the girl meet the tests?"
Xena bristled and nodded tersely.
"Gabrielle is not a girl and she's more than capable of meeting your tests. She's an Amazon Queen, the leader of a tribe of female warriors in Greece."
"Alright, the tests will begin at sunrise tomorrow. Be ready."
Xena left the hut and went outside to find Gabrielle sitting on a low wall. The bard glanced up and smiled as her partner approached her.
"Hi," she said softly.
"Hey," Xena replied. "Gabrielle, I…"
The bard lifted a hand to stop Xena's speech.
"Don't… please… Xena, look, I don't like hearing about your ex-lovers and I'm not going to pry into your past, ok?"
Xena sat down beside her partner and nodded slowly.
"Gabrielle, I know I don't have the right to ask this of you, but in order to get the Harp back, we're going to have to join the Fianna. There are three tests you have to pass in order to get in. I've heard they're very difficult."
Gabrielle looked pensive.
"First of all, you have every right to ask. We're partners in everything. Second of all, I don't care what the tests are. Let's just get them over with and get going." She looked up and smiled at her partner and Xena pulled her into a long, tender hug.
"Thank you," she whispered.
At sunrise the next day, Xena and Gabrielle were led to the edge of the forest. Fionn stood beside them and waved a hand in the direction of the dense foliage.
"The first test is this. You have to move through the forest without breaking a twig on the ground or disturbing a single pine needle. My warriors will be watching."
Gabrielle looked at Xena and grinned.
"This is going to be soooo hard," she said and rolled her eyes.
Xena stifled her smile and nodded. They both looked at the nearest trees and ran forward. They leapt simultaneously and flipped into the trees, moving silently through the branches, using hand signals to indicate direction. Xena motioned in a circle and Gabrielle nodded.
Fionn tapped his foot impatiently. The two women had been gone a long time and he was growing anxious. He was about to send a party of warriors after them when they suddenly appeared behind him.
"Looking for us?" asked Gabrielle, a wicked glint in her eye.
Fionn spun to face them and his eyes grew wide.
"How did you…? Where did…?" he stammered.
"Fionn, Xena and I were taught the art of tree warfare from the Greek Amazons," she explained. "They are completely silent as they move and they launch their attacks from the tree tops with speed and agility."
Fionn nodded, clearly impressed.
"Alright, you've passed the test so on to the next one. You must catch a salmon from the river without using a fishing rod, but I warn you, the salmon are enchanted by the Tuatha De Dannan and they are elusive."
Xena looked at Gabrielle and Gabrielle looked at Xena and they both smiled.
"Oh, I think we might be able to manage that," the warrior said and she led her partner toward the river.
"How are you holding up?" Gabrielle asked as she saw Xena's shoulders slump.
"I'm woozy and tired as Hades but I can't let my guard down around these guys."
"I know," the bard replied softly. "You can get some sleep tonight. I'll keep watch."
"Thanks. Well, at least I can feel my arm again," Xena replied with a smile.
They reached the river and waded in up to their knees. Gabrielle watched as Xena tied her hair up in a knot and then leaned forward, tilting her head and listening intently. Her arms were outstretched and her fingers curled in anticipation.
"Come to Xena," she whispered and froze as two large salmon swam around her legs. "Easy… easy," she whispered. Suddenly, Xena moved like a blue streak and flipped the salmon up onto the bank of the river. "Ha ha!" she shouted and grinned widely. "No problem!"
Gabrielle laughed and took her position.
"Ok, my turn…"
Five minutes later, another salmon was flopping pathetically on the bank.
"Well done," Xena praised and Gabrielle stood on her toes to kiss her. The kiss deepened and hands began to roam.
"Gabrielle?" said Xena, breathlessly as the bard gently nibbled her lower lip.
"Hmmm?"
"I… tests… um… oooohhh…"
Gabrielle hands had moved to her breasts, sliding under her armour.
"You were saying?" she asked with a chuckle.
"Never mind," the warrior growled in reply and lowered them both to the ground.
She removed Gabrielle's top and captured a hardened nipple between her lips, smiling as she heard the sharp inhalation from her lover. She flicked her tongue against it and then sat up to straddle the bard's thighs as she removed her armour and leather, followed by Gabrielle's skirt.
"Xena?"
"Yeah?"
"What if the Fianna come looking for us?"
Xena grinned wickedly and kissed her lover passionately before arching her trademark eyebrow.
"Well, they'll find more than they bargained for, won't they?"
She felt a soft chuckle roll through the bard's body and a pair of muscular arms pulled her down for another kiss.
"Who cares," Gabrielle whispered.
"There're your salmon," Xena stated, throwing the two fish on the ground. A puzzled look rose to her face as some of the warriors snickered and looked away. She felt a gentle hand on her back and glanced at her partner, who was blushing lightly.
"Xena, I think your hearing is slipping," she whispered and felt the muscles of the warrior's back tighten under her fingers. "Hey, relax. They were watching the test and got an extra show. I'd say they're impressed with your… tactics…"
Xena chuckled and turned to Fionn who was doing his best to keep his face straight.
"What's next?"
Fionn cleared his throat and glanced from Gabrielle to Xena, before speaking.
"The third test is the most difficult. There's a bird that nests on the top of that mountain." He pointed and the friends turned to look at it, shielding their eyes from the glare of the weak sun. "Your final test is to climb up to the nest and bring back an egg."
The bard looked indignant and perched her hands on her hips, shaking her head.
"But we can't take an…"
"We'll leave first thing tomorrow," Xena replied, cutting the bard off. Gabrielle clamped her mouth shut and looked away.
"Good. We'll prepare a meal for you to take with you."
"Thank you," the warrior replied and dragged the protesting Gabrielle away from the softly laughing warriors.
"Hey! Xena, we can't take an egg from a nest like that. The mother would be…" Gabrielle stopped mid-rant as Xena started to laugh. "What's so funny?" she asked indignantly.
"We're going through an initiation ritual to get into a group of elite warriors and you're worried about an egg."
Gabrielle chuckled softly and chucked her partner lightly on the shoulder.
"I can be a real goof sometimes, huh?" she replied.
"It's what I love about you," Xena replied and pulled her lover into the hut they were sharing.
Gabrielle woke to the sound of soft footsteps in the wooden floor of the hut.
"Xe?" she called sleepily.
"It's ok," the warrior replied. "Go back to sleep."
"Are you feeling ok?"
"I'm feeling sick. I think my wound is infected. I'm just going to take care of it."
Gabrielle untangled her body from her blanket and padded over to Xena.
"You can't even see the wound, Xena. Let me do it. Hey, wait…" She held her hand against the warrior's forehead and face and then frowned. "Honey, you have a fever."
"I know," Xena admitted. "I've taken some herbs for it. I'll be ok."
The bard wrapped her arms around Xena and kissed her shoulder lightly.
"I know you will. Why don't I take care of this and you can get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
Xena cracked a half grin and shook her head.
"I thought you were going to say that I shouldn't be climbing a mountain in my condition."
Gabrielle shrugged.
"That goes without saying, Xena, but I know there's no point in arguing with you. You're just going to do it anyway, right?"
"Right," the warrior confirmed.
The bard got up and retrieved Xena's healer bag from their belongings. She cleaned and put a fresh bandage on the wound and then led Xena to the bed.
"Get some sleep. I'll keep watch."
Xena smiled and pulled her soulmate on top of her, settling her into her favourite spot.
"Somehow, I think we're safe here," she whispered and stroked the bard's hair until she fell asleep. Xena joined her a short time later.
"Awww Hades!"
Gabrielle's handhold crumbled and she slid five feet down the rock face of the mountain. Xena grabbed her as she went by and held her until she got her grip back.
"Thanks. That was close."
"Don't mention it. Look, we're nearly there. Another couple of hours should do it I'd say."
The bard wedged her knees into a wide crack in the wall and leaned back, shaking the fatigue out of her arms. It had started to rain and they were both cold and wet.
"That's good. My arms feel like jelly," she replied as she pushed her damp hair away from her eyes. "Remind me again why I agreed to this."
"You're doing it for me," said Xena with a smile and the bard nodded.
"That's ok then."
They continued climbing and Xena blew out a relieved breath as she pulled the bard up onto the ledge.
"There's the nest," she said, pointing to her left. "Let's get the egg and get out of here."
"Xena?"
"Hmm?"
"We didn't bring anything to carry the egg in."
"AAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!"
Xena yell of frustration echoed around the mountain and Gabrielle placed a calming hand on her shoulder.
"Look, there's an egg shell. That will have to do. They'll know it came from here."
"Yeah, ok. At least we don't have to worry about it getting broken."
Gabrielle tucked the shell into her top, settling it between her breasts and smiled.
"Fits perfectly."
Xena kissed her gently and then sighed.
"Ok, let's head back. It's easier going down that it is going up."
Five hours later, they were walking through the dense forest back to the Fianna's base camp. Gabrielle presented the shell, explaining that the egg had broken on the climb back down.
"Ok, Xena, Gabrielle, you've passed the tests. You are now free to become members of the Fianna. Do you pledge your loyalty to the Fianna and to the people of Eire?"
"I do," they replied in unison.
"Do you pledge to protect the weak and downtrodden and fight to your last breath for the greater good?"
"I do."
"Well then, Xena and Gabrielle, welcome to the ranks of the Fianna."
A cheer rose around them and they smiled and accepted the welcome graciously. There was a feast that night in their honour and Gabrielle leaned over to speak into the warrior's ear.
"Looks like you're back in their good books.
"I hope so. I really regret what I did to them…" She trailed off as she noticed a man walk across the camp. He was tall, muscular, dark-haired and handsome and Xena's eyes followed him as he walked.
"Who's that?" asked Gabrielle.
"That's Oisin," Xena replied in a hoarse voice, her eyes still glued to the man as he disappeared into his hut.
"Xena, if you want to talk about it, I'll listen."
"It was… um… when I first arrived at this camp, Oisin and I didn't see eye to eye. He didn't trust me and he told his father exactly what he thought but Fionn didn't listen to him. I worked hard on Oisin and eventually, we became lovers. I hurt him, Gabrielle. I said things to him… things I wouldn't say to my worst enemy now."
"Did you love him?"
"No, I never loved him. I used him for a diversion. He offered me his heart and I ripped it from his chest when I stole the Golden Harp." A single tear ran down the warrior's face and she brushed at it absently. "I don't think he'll be welcoming me back."
"Maybe you should talk to him," Gabrielle suggested.
"I don't think so. It would probably be better if we stayed away from each other."
The bard shook her head and nodded toward the hut.
"Xena, talk to him," she said softly.
Piercing blue eyes met emerald green and volumes passed between them. Finally, Xena got up and walked to Oisin's hut. She was trembling and she paused to collect herself before knocking on the door. She took a step back and waited. She heard footsteps approach the door and barely quashed the urge to turn and run away as fast as she could but instead, she was met with cold, dark eyes.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in. Hello, Xena."
"Ois…" The warrior cleared the hoarseness from her throat. "Oisin. It's good to see you."
"Really?" He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her an icy stare. "I never expected to see you again."
"You wouldn't have but things change. I'm not… I mean… I'm here with my friend… and…"
An awkward silence fell between them and eventually, Oisin reached out and touched her cheek.
"You're still as beautiful as I remember," he said softly.
"I'm sorry, Oisin. I never meant…"
"To hurt me?" he finished for her. "Xena, you knew exactly what you were doing but I forgive you. I've heard that you're going to help us get the Golden Harp back."
"No, Gabrielle and I are going to get the Harp back," said Xena with a pointed stare. "You and the Fianna are going to stay here and wait for us."
She was surprised when he started to laugh.
"You expect me to stay here and let you run off with the Harp again? Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. No way, Xena."
"Oisin, Gabrielle and I work alone…"
"So Gabrielle's your friend, huh?"
"Yes."
"Do I get to meet her?"
Xena shrugged and glanced at the bard who was speaking with some of the other Fianna.
"If you'd like."
"She's beautiful," he said, with an appreciative glance and Xena felt herself bristle.
"Yes, she is and she's not available."
"So, you're her keeper then?" asked Oisin, sarcastically.
"No, she's her own keeper. I'm just the woman whose heart she owns."
The man took a step toward her and Xena squared up to him.
"Are you serious, Xena? Do you love her? Did you finally let someone into that ice cold heart of yours?"
"Yes, I love her. She's my life," Xena replied, raising her voice in frustration and suddenly, all eyes were on her. Xena took a slow, deep breath and forced herself to calm down. "Oisin," she said in a low voice, "it's clear that you're still holding a grudge against me and I can't blame you for that but I'm warning you. If you touch her, I swear to the gods, I'll make you very sorry."
"Alright, Xena, you win. Now introduce me to your life."
The warrior walked back to Gabrielle and the bard stood as they approached. Xena stood beside her and placed a hand on her back, rubbing the soft skin with her thumb.
"Gabrielle, this is Oisin. Oisin… Gabrielle."
The man extended a hand and the bard grasped his forearm in the traditional warrior handshake.
"Nice to meet you," she said with a warm smile and Oisin returned it.
"So tell me, Gabrielle. Why do you hang around with this old warhorse?"
"Hey!" Xena said indignantly and Gabrielle chuckled.
"I love her," she replied. "She's my life."
"Hmmm, that's what she said. Alright, Xena, Gabrielle, welcome to the Fianna."
To be continued in part 5