Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Blue Eyes, White Horse, and a Chakram

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Chapter 7: Armor and Baths

17 years ago…

In the dream she'd seen it. A new land filled with power. She felt him too. For the first time in years, his voiced again echoed in her mind. He was calling her… and she would obey. The power was too tempting not too. She sought out a source to fuel the new spell, finding it in a newly married couple that she happened upon in her travels. She had almost found it amusing how the husband had tried in vain to protect his bride. She killed him first, and then drank greedily of the blood and fear that the blushing bride provided.

The sacrifice was enough. She was able to open a portal, and for the first time saw and felt her father's world. It was unlike anything she'd ever felt before; the power so free, all she had to do was take it. Here her father's voice was clearer than ever. She didn't even have to be in the dreamscape to hear him. Here she could feel him, and here she was prepared to go the next step. Now it was time to realize what real power was…

-X-

The bard and the warrior chatted for a long time with young Jewels. Everything that the trainee had said seemed to make sense, and both Xena and Gabrielle were impressed with her and in the way that she carried herself. Even though this young lady had been through a lot in her life, they could see that she was maturing into a well-balanced and complete person. It seemed as if these Companions and this place, Valdemar, took a lot of stock and pride into their charges and their personalities reflected it. After all, the trainees would someday be full Heralds and they would be the future leaders.

After a while they moved over to the couches. Gabrielle made herself comfortable and snuggled up to Xena who didn't give it a second thought as she wrapped her arm around the bard. Jewels had been amused by these two strangers. She'd seen people like them before. They were obviously very close, probably more than just close, but it seemed that when they caught each other touching or giving each other a certain glance they would pretend it was something else. The two intrigued her greatly. They had mostly asked her questions, but had slipped and give up information about themselves as well. At one point Gabrielle had referred to Xena as a princess and Xena had mockingly turned with a short bow and answered Gabrielle, "Yes my Queen." It seemed as the two were joking, but Jewels sensed that there was more to the story.

The night wore on. Xena was giving Gabrielle one of those 'looks' while twirling a bit of her hair when the bard suddenly yawned. Jewels had been in the middle of explaining about some of her training, and how the Collegium dealt with the different subjects that were required of her. Xena had been particularly interested in the weapons training, so had been doing most of the asking while the bard was fighting to keep her eyes open.

"Ok, I think it's time to call it a night," Xena announced.

Jewels nodded, getting the faraway look in her eye for a moment, that Xena had come to realize was the look that they get when speaking with their Companions. "It's about half a candle mark past midnight; Jace was going to relieve me soon always. Thank you so much for making my evening interesting."

Xena nodded stifling a yawn herself. It had been a long day. Nudging Gabrielle, the bard agreed, "Yes, and thank you for being so kind and sharing with us."

Jewels nodded as she rose to leave. "Oh, and I almost forgot. There are some towels, robes, and night clothes in the armoire. We figured that since you didn't bring any luggage with you, you might need some. We didn't know what kind of clothing you would want, but the trainee who will be here in the morning should be able to help you with anything you need."

"Thank you," replied Gabrielle as Xena gave a nod.

Jewels made her way out. Xena secured the door as Gabrielle went in search of the night clothes.

"We are still going to make use of that tub, right Xena?"

"You bet, bard." Xena answered as she started to remove the armor.

"Thought we agreed that that was my job," scolded Gabrielle, swatting the warriors hand away from her shoulder strap

Xena let out a sigh in mock frustration, and allowed the bard to continue. She liked Gabrielle taking it off almost as much as Gabrielle liked to take it off. Ever since Xena had first allowed the bard to help remove her armor, Gabrielle had done so every night and it was a time that brought them closer together and helped them both relax.

It wasn't long before they'd both stripped. The bard had filled the tub while Xena finished undressing. The tub was plenty big enough for both of them, and there was no discussion about sharing it. They always did when they could. Xena said that it saved water and it's always handy to have someone available to wash your back. Gabrielle didn't disagree, although she really didn't care about saving the water part.