Disclaimer: if I owned Xena she wouldn't have died… I think I made my point. :)
NOTE: Sorry I haven't updated in a while been bury with… well life. I really love all of your comments and reviews. And I would like to thank you all for the support. You all are AWESOME!
The sun has broken through the horizon. As soon as Ares took Xena the rain cease to fall all around the gathered Amazons. It was like the God of War controlled the unpleasant weather.
She just stood there gaping at the last place she saw the Warrior Princess. The bard is drenched from the tears of the gods. Her long blond hair lay over her slender shoulders. The Amazons must have changed her when she was brought to the tribe, her white tunic must have been brand new for there wasn't any hint of abuse. A blood filled rivulet streamed down between her trivial feet and extended well past the lingering Amazons. There was so much of the crimson liquid, Gabrielle can't help but wonder if her friend is even alive. She has learned in the years she traveled with Xena with that much loss of blood there would be no helping the wounded. They would soon be dead. Then again Ares could always heal her. The Amazon Queen's mind is full of confusion and anger for what has just happened moments ago. She couldn't understand it. why would Xena call for him? She hates the God of War or so she thought. What could he have offered her that would make her so… so… weak…?
It hits the bard like a swift strike to the gut. Of course, Solon… Ares must have played the dead child card. That is so low even for him. She just can't stand the thought of him dangling Solon in front of Xena. She cringes at the thought. 'I hate that god,' Gabrielle was so submerged in thought she hadn't realized that Eponin was standing behind her with a friendly hand on the Bard's shoulder.
Xena can wait. Forcing herself to focus on what was happening around her. The Queen glances over her shoulder to see a very concerned Eponin. The raven haired Amazon's auburn eyes flicker with sorrow and discomfort. Gabrielle had never really gotten to know this woman like she wanted to. Yes she did train her to use the staff but that was basically it. She was always busy with Xena and her adventures to even get to know any of the Amazons. That is about to change.
The bard turns from Eponin feeling uncomfortable under the Amazon's stare, only to notice that everyone was peering at her. Gabrielle felt her heart skip a beat. They were waiting for her to say something that was painfully obvious. She is irritated with them, all of them. If they hadn't tortured Xena, she would have gotten to bottom of the Warrior Princess' attempt on her life.
Now fuming the blond bard begins to quiver. She starts pacing within the circled Amazons, trying to release some of her anger, staring at the blood diversified mud beneath her feet as she makes each step. After a few long minutes, she stops abruptly. Without turning her gaze, "once I thought Amazons were proud and honorable women." The bard pauses to emphasize her discourse. The Queen brings her eyes up to peer at her sisters. "But this," point to the bloody spot where Xena was held. "This is not the Amazons I heard about when I was a child. We are no better than the Romans." She spat sourly at her sisters, storming towards her Regent.
Ephiny has been staring at Gabrielle while she was speaking. She couldn't help but feel proud of her Queen. She has grown since she first met the young bard. Gabrielle always had a way with words and how she captivated the rest of her sisters made the Regent smile.
Gabrielle halts a pace away from her friend. She peers down at the whip in Ephiny's grasp. Xena's whip… the bard's eyes flash with fury. Ephiny, it was her who started this flogging. How is that even possible? She was Xena's friend. She even named her son after the warrior. Looking up to face her friend, "you did this," the bard chokes out with a hint of bitterness in her soft voice. The smile leaves the Regent's face.
Ephiny doesn't really know what came over her. She would never intentionally cause harm to the Queen and her warrior friend. She lowers her gaze to escape the anger and hurt in the bard's eyes, which would only answer the Queen's statement. The Amazon knows what must be done now. Banishment… just that thought causes ripples down her spine.
Gabrielle notices the change in her sister. She reaches out and lifts the Amazon's chin so their gaze can meet once more. The Queen can see the guilt in her eyes. She has seen it may times with Xena. She can't stay angry with her sister. Even as much as she wants to, she just cant. That is not who she is. She lets go of Ephiny and turns her back. Once more looking out in the crowd,
A few gasps escape the lips of some of the surrounding Amazons. Not one of them was looking at their queen. Instead they gape at the ground beneath their feet. The shameful truth in her word stuck each one of them firmly in the heart. The women had no inkling why they went around their own laws to get revenge. Was it even worth it?
Continuing, "I know what Xena did was wrong and a crime against the tribe and the nation yet you gave her no chance to defend herself. No trial, no consulting with me, your Queen." He voice trails off; the Bard watches the reactions of her fellow Amazon. She is satisfied that she is getting through to them. Just the way they won't even look up to meet her gaze. Gabrielle has a choice she has to make. Fulfill her promise to her now expected dead friend and lay her with her fallen brother, Lyceus in Amphipolis. There is no way she can do that without Xena's body, and she knows Ares won't just give it to her. 'I am sorry Xena," glancing up at the ginger coloured sky. "I love you." a lone tear trickles down her pale cheek.
Making the only logical choice she has, she looks back at her sisters. "Things are going to change around here. I respect your laws and customs but after the events of today… I do not trust my own sisters. I am staying here to lead this tribe and bring the shadow that covers us into the light."
The whole Amazon circle looked up to meet the Queens awaiting gaze. Hope fills their hearts. Maybe they all can be redeemed.
The Queen throws her arm high in the air. Her hand is balled up in a fist. "To a strong Amazon nation," she yells out so that all around could fully hear her.
The amazon around the bard followed suit, "to a strong Amazon nation."
*** Short chapter I know but I wanted to update something for those who are still reading. Please review. ***