I remember my first foray into weapons. Though it wasn't how I treated that walking stick. And the way Xena had swung the stick, she knew what I had planned. A snort is heard, even though my soulmate is busy building a cradle.

That's a story for another time. Perhaps I'll share why Xena is using one of her many skills for the next generation. But for now, it's back to the story of me growing up too fast and wanting to become a fighter.

Not just a fighter, but a warrior. Had I known before meeting Xena I would one day be referred to as the Battling Bard of Poteidaia, I might not have been in a hurry to pick up a weapon. And yet, it, as was Xena, was my destiny.

What I could never see as my destiny would be how connected I would become with the Amazons. While my first encounter was eye opening, I never thought I would one day become queen. Even with gaining the right of caste.

From a walking stick, to the staff and the sias, it was quite a journey I enjoyed. The learning curve was high, at times falling miserably. The first stay in the Amazon village and first battle, helping to mend, at least somewhat, the relationship between the Centaurs and Amazons…

And the dance…I can't help but laugh at that dance. I came a long way in both fighting and dancing. And loving. Seeing how, not only were they fighters but lovers, opened my eyes to the love I had already admitted feeling for Xena, if only to myself.

The intimacy between the women of Melosa's tribe…I can't even describe it. It wasn't only romantic. It was of family. Something I had with Xena. But knew I was yearning for oh so much more.

Once again, I find myself off topic. Or do I? I had wanted to know what it was like to fight. To hold a weapon of any kind. A staff, while deadly, was also made more so for defense.

Do I wish I'd kept to the staff after forsaking the way of love? Sometimes. But I wouldn't have done as much for the greater good. And for me, that's what this journey is about. Whether it's me learning about life in general or fighting, it's the path towards the greater good that means everything.

Or was it the journey of two soulmates? I can feel Xena's eyes rolling at me. They do whenever I become this sentimental. But this journey is too great to not place on parchment. And for the future generations to come…

Hooves & Harlots

It'd been two days of traveling. Gabrielle wasn't certain how she was to continue traveling with Xena. After admitting to herself she was in love with her warrior princess, the bard knew she couldn't not travel with her.

So how was Gabrielle to pass the time? There would have to be several distractions. There would have to be immersing herself in their travels. And there would be the continuing to grow and learn and one day be worthy of the love of someone such as Xena.

Obtaining a weapon was one way of doing just that. Gabrielle wasn't certain a walking stick was exactly a weapon. That was until she saw how easily Xena used the stick as a weapon. Emerald eyes were opened wide. And made her want to ask her friend to teach her.

Instead, Gabrielle had noticed some markings in the trees. Surely, Xena would know what they were. Amazons? And after her warrior princess made the sign, she wasn't surprised to see the Amazons drop from the trees.

Well, maybe drop from the trees was surprising. But to see them in person was not. While the one did the speaking intrigued Gabrielle, there was something about the other one. The one with the curly hair.

While she should be offended, Gabrielle knew she did standout from Xena. After all, she was wearing her old peasant outfit. And she only had the walking stick as a weapon. And was so unlike Xena in appearance.

Of course, Gabrielle had to act tough. Again, it was obvious to anyone she wasn't a warrior. And she was so intrigued by the stronger Ephiny than she was by Terreis. She hoped she could become friends with the curly blonde.

Speaking with Terreis was enlightening. While Gabrielle would never give up traveling with Xena, a place where girls were given every opportunity to learn whatever it was that they wished. Perhaps even required to do so was oh so appealing.

And the joke about having to ask her husband permission…Gabrielle now knew that if she were to ever wed a man, he would have to be special. Perhaps not think of her as his equal, but at least would give her feelings and opinions respect.

Gabrielle hadn't heard what Xena and Ephiny were discussing. She could feel the tension between them. And when her warrior princess called to her, she knew she had to listen. Even if she didn't like what was being said.

It was reaction, plain and simple. Gabrielle would do no less than protect someone. Even with the arrows flying and Xena calling out to her, the bard couldn't help but cover Terreis. But it was too late. The Amazon princess had been struck by an arrow.

Right of caste? What was Terreis speaking of? Some kind of Amazon custom for saving one's life? Or at least attempting to? For it didn't look good for the Amazon princess, even with Xena there to attempt to save her.

There seemed to be a party going on. Gabrielle wasn't certain what was happening. Xena explained about sending Terreis to Artemis, the moon goddess. Another one of the immortals. Would she be gifted with a visit from the goddess?

In one breath, they were granted safe passage. In the next, they were being warned there could be war. More fighting? But who would be fighting who? Obviously, it would involve the Amazons…

And that's when Gabrielle was granted her first sighting of a Centaur. She'd heard of the noble creatures. Though the way Ephiny referred to him as an animal, it was clear who would most likely be at war.

And hints to Xena's past. While it intrigued Gabrielle beyond the telling of it, the bard was already accustomed to allowing her friend to tell her when she was ready. And yet, if Gabrielle didn't push a little, would Xena ever confide in her?

Was Xena's past anything akin to what seemed to be happening between the Centaurs and Amazons? Filthy, disgusting animals. Wanting the Amazons hunting lands. Had they really gone too far? Or was it perception?

Finally alone, Gabrielle had her chance to ask. It was when Xena was evil, of course. Her army had fought them. But never defeated them. So why would the Centaurs hate her so? There was more to the story. The bard was dying to know, but it was all her friend was willing to share at the moment.

Ephiny wanted to know if Gabrielle had shared the fact she had been given the right of caste. Why was it so important? They needed to have a conversation. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.

But Ephiny was as tightlipped as Xena. It was frustrating being around all of these warrior women. No one spoke of anything but war. And yet, Ephiny wouldn't tell her about something that could affect the war between the Amazons and Centaurs.

But Gabrielle heard enough from some of the other Amazons. It seemed the Centaurs were asking for the war. And so much more. Of course, Xena knew better. Only fools and profiteers asked for war.

And Gabrielle wasn't exactly surprised it could be a setup. While she was still new to the world of war, she knew some would do anything to profit. After all, the princess had been kidnapped to cause a war when peace would have put the weapons trade out of business.

It was not surprising Xena was determined to discover who was behind killing Terreis. Was it merely to stop a war? Gabrielle was certain it was also because her friend felt she owed something to the Centaurs. But what about the Amazons? Did Xena owe them something as well?

Finally, Gabrielle was free to ask Ephiny about the right of caste. The bard was not prepared for what she was told. By agreeing to the dying wish of someone, she was now officially an Amazon. And not just any Amazon. She was a princess. Who needed to learn the way of her sister Amazons.

First was being dressed in Terreis' clothing. And everything in her hut was now Gabrielle's. It felt more than odd wearing Terreis' clothing. It felt disturbing. Someone she'd attempted to save was now dead. And by one simple act made certain she was gifted with so much.

The fact Terreis was the kind of person, Amazon, that Gabrielle would have admired and looked up to made it easier for her to accept the personal items. However, it would be difficult even attempting to be anything like the Amazon princess.

There was definitely a kinship of sorts between the Amazons and Xena. The way Ephiny so rudely called to her. It wasn't unlike how Xena still treated the bard at times. It must be the way of the warrior.

The first lesson taught? Weaponry. Gabrielle had already attempted to use a sword. There was no way she could even think of using an arrow. Most of the other weapons the bard had never seen.

There was something about the staff. It wasn't unlike how Xena had used her walking stick. It was as if Gabrielle had been meant to learn how to defend herself with a weapon that could be lethal, but was more in defense of herself and others.

The training didn't exactly go as Gabrielle had hoped. Being called raw was actually being generous in the bard's mind. If she were honest with herself, it wasn't all that bad. After all, she'd barely even held a sword, let alone any other weapon.

It was fun, in a way. Until Ephiny showed her the true use of a staff. It could be more lethal than Gabrielle had envisioned. But then, the bard should have known that. Already, Xena had used many things, other than traditional weapons, to save the day.

It was a relief to dance, even though Gabrielle had never danced before in her life. Still, it was embarrassing as well. Especially when the music ended and she remained the only one dancing.

And the fun faded to a sickening feeling when Gabrielle learned she was the one to avenge Terreis' death. She would be the one to kill Phantes. How could she even contemplate killing someone? Even if they were guilty? But it was her or it was Phantes. What choice did she have?

Not that she could before, but after hearing Phantes say he was sorry for Terreis death, there was no way Gabrielle could take his life. She was glad Xena had her impeccable timing. She only hoped her friend would continue her amazing timing.

Although breaking the news she was now an Amazon princess wasn't all that great. The proof was interesting. Gabrielle listened as she studied the proof. And as soon as Xena explained what it was…Definitely could have told her what it was before handling it so.

It all happened so quickly. Melosa not believing Xena. Xena issuing the royal challenge. It took a moment for Gabrielle to catch on. And be momentarily terrified when she realized exactly what it entailed.

The fact Ephiny was now being threatened only heightened the weight that was on Xena's shoulders. Not that Gabrielle doubted her best friend could take an Amazon in a fair fight, but still…

And Ephiny had to say she was annoying? Gabrielle almost regretted having thought so much of the Amazon. And yet, she realized her exuberance and energy could be a bit much to take. At least Xena tolerated her most of the time.

Except when Xena was about to fight. It was sweet and expected of the warrior princess to ask Ephiny to make certain the bard made it to safety. It wouldn't come to that, but it was still a pleasant thought thinking someone, other than Xena, would be watching out for her.

And just like that, there would be no need for escape. Xena did as she always did. Somehow, the warrior princess defeated her opponent. Melosa couldn't be referred to as her enemy. Just someone who was grieving and couldn't see the facts before her.

But once Melosa realized the truth of the matter, the fight was on. Gabrielle only hoped she wouldn't cause anyone to worry about her. And she hoped Krykus would be captured for trial, instead of being killed in battle.

Luckily, Gabrielle managed to, not only survive, but prove her fledgling skills. It had felt…Not exactly natural, but it did feel like something she could easily learn. And hopefully continue to aid Xena in the fight for the greater good.

For now, it was time for peace. As Melosa said, it wouldn't be easy. Especially when one had been at war for so long. But it was worth it, just watching the children play. It gave Gabrielle hope.

What was that supposed to mean? Why would Xena being on a horse while they travel make sense? It was something Gabrielle would have to remember to ask her best friend about. Later. When they were alone. And there was no escape for the warrior princess.

For now, Gabrielle was being gifted with something so amazing. The staff had been Ephiny's mother's. Shouldn't she pass it down to her daughter? Or at least a worthier warrior? Still, she was honored and would attempt to make Ephiny proud.

At least Xena wasn't mad that she had withheld the tiny information about the right of caste. Though it was obvious her friend was upset. And Gabrielle knew there would be a tiny discussion about it later.

More than what was so obvious. Gabrielle had thought it would be amazing to belong somewhere. To be accepted. Perhaps not without question. But looking at Xena, she knew she already had that. Had already earned that.

It was a bit of a bitch slap. Or was it Xena revealing she had many more secrets she was keeping from her bard. Gabrielle decided now was not the time. But when would be? Now was the time to lighten the mood. By wondering about the pairing of an Amazon princess and the warrior princess.

New adventures. Interesting adventures. It's what lay ahead for them. Perhaps it would be meeting old friends. Perhaps it would be stopping wars. The only thing Gabrielle knew was she would experience them with the woman she loved.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Gabrielle was always picking up something or attempting to entertain them in one way or another. Her latest object? A walking stick. Of course for Xena, it was something to be used as a weapon.

One thing Xena noticed and knew wasn't a distraction on her friend's part were the signs. She'd known they were close after their battle to free death. But they, she had thought, had traveled far enough west not to trespass.

Normally, Xena was observant. It was her feelings for her bard that were causing her to be less than observant. She would need to be careful in the future. Or it could cost them both their lives.

And sooner rather than later as Amazons descended from the trees. Luckily, or unluckily, Xena knew the ways of the Amazons. And luckily Gabrielle did as she asked without question, for once.

Safe passage. It wasn't too much to ask for. But without discovering who Xena was and what she had done to the northern tribe would be key. Hopefully, they could pass and not have to cross that path.

But it was never easy. Ephiny was the one not to trifle with. Just the way the young Amazon was looking at her was enough to cause Xena concern. She would have to curb the obvious curiosity Ephiny had towards her.

There was a diversion, but it wasn't the kind Xena would have asked for. Gabrielle needed to make it to safety. The warrior princess could only deflect so many arrows. Especially after watching her bard do what came naturally. Which was to place others above herself.

It was difficult to leave Gabrielle behind, but Xena needed to make certain it was safe. There was something not right about everything. But there wasn't time to fully investigate. Hopefully, that would come later.

Another funeral pyre. There were far too many Xena had attended. But this was something different. This was the beginnings of something. But what? It was bad, especially with the way Melosa was handling the death of her sister.

And when Phantes was brought in, Xena now knew at least partially was about. War. Bad blood. Hard feelings. If anyone knew this, it would be the warrior princess. And she knew how devastating a war between the Amazons and Centaurs would be.

There was the little fact Xena had a secret. It was more than a little fact. It was…Azure eyes closed momentarily thinking of what she had nearly done and what she had given up. And what she owed equally to the Centaurs and Amazons.

It was too easy. It was too convenient. Phantes being captured on Amazon land. His arrows matching the one that killed Terreis. Xena truly did need to investigate. On her own. Without prying eyes.

Before Xena could escape from prying eyes, Gabrielle needed an answer. It couldn't be the full answer. But it was enough for her bard to know that there had been a battle. One that she never lost. Nor did she win.

Her first stop was speaking to the accused. Most Centaurs Xena knew were honorable. They weren't liars. Perhaps they weren't the brightest, but even those who wished for war would go about it in a more intelligent manner.

After speaking to Phantes, it made sense to speak with Melosa. Catching a glimpse of the warlord sent shivers up and down her spine. Krykus. She hadn't heard of him, but where there was a warlord, there was trouble.

And not being able to convince Melosa there was reason to doubt Phantes' guilt. That a war against the Centaurs was futile. Even after hearing Xena had fought them to a standstill, the Amazon queen would not listen. Sadly, time was escaping her as Melosa made it clear she only had until noon.

And now Gabrielle was singing the tune of the Amazons. No one asks for it. At least not a sane person or one that wasn't out for profit. Hopefully the bard would understand exactly what she was saying.

And sadly, Gabrielle was already convinced of Phantes' guilt. Hadn't her bard learned anything from the trial the warrior princess had faced? While there had been overwhelming evidence as to Xena's guilt, she was innocent. And she was certain it was the same as with Phantes.

Looking for answers and finding a fight. It wasn't surprising. And yet, it's not what Xena wanted. And luckily, Tyldus was a true Centaur. He would talk before war. Even to someone who had treated him so cruelly.

And luckily, Xena was able to show just how much she had changed by helping one of his men. And the dagger. It was a nice one. She wondered if it was unique or if he had received it somewhere along the lines.

At least Tyldus was somewhat willing to listen. Trust was not something she could offer. But for him to realize there would either be war and vengeance or peace, he was a Centaur who would always choose peace.

And Ephiny would track her down as Xena was attempting to discover the truth. What had happened. They would have to work together, not fight. Hopefully the Amazon would realize just that.

And by saving both an Amazon and Centaur, Xena could prove she was only after the truth. Why she had come back to the place where the ambush had taken place. Exactly why Ephiny had as well.

Krykus was the logical one behind the start of war. He could gain both Centaur and Amazon land if they were to fight one another. It was perfect. He could play neutral to both parties and then be there to claim the spoils of war. Without actually having to pick up a sword.

There was proof that it wasn't a Centaur. Now Ephiny and Xena would have to work together to prove it was Krykus who was behind wanting the war. Krykus said it when he admitted not wanting the alliance because the war could possibly wipe out both sides.

And there was the so called contingency map. There was no mention of either Centaur or Amazon land. It could only mean one thing. And the final proof that was so telling was the dagger. The one like the man with the Centaurs had.

But what would hopefully convince Melosa was the arrows. Ephiny had found Centaur arrows. That along with the other evidence, how could anyone refute it? Someone who was grieving beyond words.

Xena arrived just in time to attempt to convince Melosa and save Gabrielle from having to kill Phantes. And to discover that her bard was now an Amazon princess. It was nearly too much for even the warrior princess.

It was slightly comical seeing Gabrielle handle the horse droppings. But there were more important things they had to deal with. Life altering things. Including making the challenge. If not directly, Gabrielle being an Amazon princess had at least one favorable outcome.

Luckily, though it took a moment, Gabrielle understood what Xena and Ephiny were attempting to tell her. How did the warrior princess tolerate the bard? If only Gabrielle and Ephiny knew exactly how she felt.

From Ephiny, the advice was meant as a fellow warrior. But from Gabrielle it was both annoying and endearing. It was her bard's way of saying how much she cared and worried about her in any situation.

Why choboes? Xena knew it was Melosa's preferred weapon. It was only fair that she chose what the Amazon queen's strength was. Even then, the warrior princess was surprised by the grace and power of her opponent.

And finally, Melosa listened, if begrudgingly, to reason. There would be no death. But there would still be convincing the rest of the Amazons and Centaurs of what Krykus was up to. And hopefully unite them against a common enemy.

Surrendering and freeing Phantes made it easy to convince Tyldus of her true intentions. Xena didn't want to settle old scores, more than admitting to past misdeeds and hopefully one day placing the past behind them.

Revealing a traitor. It too was an excellent way to show how it was Krykus and not Phantes who was behind Terreis' death. Now they would unite. Even allowing an Amazon to ride into battle upon their back.

Xena managed to kill the traitor and stop Melosa from slaughter. It would mean so much more to have Krykus stand trial. Not only for his crimes against the Amazons, but also Centaurs.

The only thing that had Xena somewhat distracted was Gabrielle. It was her bard's first battle using the staff. At least she knew Ephiny would be watching out for the newly anointed Amazon princess.

Prophetic words. Xena knew better than anyone gathered just how easy war was. But to forgive and forget and seek peace was the most difficult thing in the world. Or was that hiding her growing love for a certain bard.

It wasn't why Xena rode upon the horse. While Gabrielle was a true bard, it wasn't her stories she told continuously to keep them both entertained. It was to remain distanced from physical contact from her bard.

Was Xena mad at her bard? How could she be? There were so many things the warrior princess refused to share with Gabrielle. Partially out of fear of disgusting the woman she loved. And partially because some of those things were too difficult even for a warrior princess to face.

As they continued to travel together, a warrior princess and Amazon princess would make an interesting pairing. And Xena was both grateful and terrified Gabrielle now knew how to fight. But her bard knowing how to fight meant it was that more likely she could and would take a life.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

"Again!" They'd traveled for a week since encountering the Amazons and Centaurs. And in that time, Gabrielle had convinced Xena she was the best at teaching her. While Ephiny, Eponin and the other Amazons had begun her lessons, the bard knew she needed her warrior princess.

It had taken two days to convince Xena to become her mentor. While the warrior princess had already become that in so many ways, she had never wanted to be the one to teach Gabrielle how to defend herself. She had hoped the rules would always apply.

As Xena complied with the wish to once again do the routine over again, the warrior princess knew she was only fooling herself. The only way to protect Gabrielle from violence and taking a life was to have left her somewhere.

As Xena blocked the surprising thrust, she could admit that leaving Gabrielle behind was never an option. The moment bard and warrior met, their lives were forever intertwined. And the way Gabrielle had saved her, even knowing of her dark past…

But what would Gabrielle do when she learned of some of the other dark things Xena had done? That she had…No. She couldn't even think of him or it would drive her insane. Not that a part of her wasn't already.

"I think that's enough." It wasn't the blow Xena had received to her head that had her seeing stars. It was the fact her mind was so clouded from thoughts of her biggest regret. And yet, she knew she had done the right thing.

"Did I hurt you?" Gabrielle didn't think she'd ever manage to hit Xena. And while she'd seen the warrior princess take many a blow, she still never wanted to hurt her. Mentally or physically.

"No. I just think you've had enough." Xena hesitated before leaning her staff on a tree. "And I admit, I'm a little distracted." It was telling saying that much. How much more was she to reveal?

"Is it because of facing the Centaurs again?" Gabrielle didn't want to open up old wounds. But she remained curious as to what was in her friend's past. And hoped Xena would trust her enough one day to reveal the truth.

Would she lie? It was so tempting and would be so easy. But Xena wanted to do better by Gabrielle. Still, she couldn't reveal the entire truth. "It does bring up painful memories. More times from my darkest days."

Gabrielle was still learning to read her best friend. But even she knew there was something Xena was hiding. Or at the very least was holding back. It was so painful, perhaps, that the warrior princess couldn't reveal.

"I'm sorry." Wanting to hold Xena, Gabrielle chose to place her hand on the warrior princess' shoulder. She then went about taking care of the staff. She hated the fact the ornate design had already been removed. Xena had been using the staff and had used her strength against a tree. The tree won, unfortunately.

There was silence as the pair made camp. By now, it was practiced. It didn't take long for the couple to make camp. Though it was more deliberate than usual. Both were lost in their own world.

For Xena, there was the escape of hunting. While the Centaurs and Amazons had seen they had basic rations, fresh meat would allow those rations to last that much longer. And to have time to think about everything that had happened once again.

Unfortunately, Xena's many skills included the fact she was an excellent hunter. She could always remain out of camp, but Gabrielle would know she was stalling. And that would make things more…

As Gabrielle prepared the wild turkey her best friend had caught, she wondered. Would she be able to fully realize what she had been gifted with? Or was it cursed with? The way Xena had reacted to her gaining the right of caste…

The sound of the sword being sharpened was a calming influence on Gabrielle. It meant Xena was nearby. But it also meant her best friend was contemplating everything just as much as the bard was.

When it stopped abruptly, Gabrielle hastily glanced up. Xena was staring into space. Though the turkey needed more time roasting, the bard took it away from the flames. It would remain hot, but wouldn't burn.

Deliberately, Gabrielle made her way to her best friend. Cautiously, she sat next to Xena. The warrior princess didn't flinch when the bard placed an arm around her. The pair remained in silence. Only the flickering of the flames and the sound of Argo in the distance could be heard.

"I worry." Xena knew that went without saying. "I've always worried about you. From the moment you stood in front of the my fellow townspeople, I've worried you'd be hurt. And the adventures we've shared…"

"I still remember your advice." Gabrielle would never forget anything Xena taught her. But the first advice when it came to fighting would forever be instilled in her. Even if she could defend herself with the staff, it would place her in greater danger.

"Good." Xena didn't need to be reminded of which advice. Oh how she wished it could be as simple as that. That her friend would remain the sweet, innocent young woman she had met in the clearing.

"But I do realize something." Xena felt the hand on her thigh. It was both tantalizing and distracting at the same time. What she was about to reveal could change their relationship forever. "You are growing up. You're not the little girl I met only a few months ago. And it wouldn't be right for me to keep you from, or encouraging you, being all you can be."

"I…" Gabrielle wasn't certain how to respond. It could only be regarding the way the bard was now able to defend herself. Defend others. But it could also mean Xena realized she wasn't a little girl.

Perhaps a woman who had wants and needs. But most importantly of all, was finally capable of love. And not just the words she placed on paper. But the kind of love expressed in a physical way.

If that were true, the fact Gabrielle had admitted she was in love with Xena could have interesting ramifications. As Xena leaned into her, the bard wondered. Was that what Xena meant? That she now could see her as more than her sidekick?