A/N: Don't worry baby birds… I'll feed you.

Weighing of the Heart

Chapter 10

By Jinxie

Gabrielle stopped breathing as she waited for Xena to explain this decision.

Xena tried to begin, but her emotions choked her voice.

The bard reached out and stroked Xena's face, trying to comfort her. "Tell me, please." Her voice cracked on the last word.

With a renewed strength from the bard's touch, she began. "I was taken to the Field of Reeds. I have never felt such joy and peace in my soul. All fear, anxiety, and remorse were gone. I am finally free of everything that has plagued me in my lifetime."

Gabrielle looked into her lover's eyes and watched them light up as she described the feelings. She took a sharp breath, "Then I am happy for you, Xe. I'm glad you have finally found peace. It's all I've ever wanted for you. I hope you know that. I think it was a good decision." She nuzzled her face into Xena's neck. "So this is goodbye then." It wasn't a question for her anymore. It was a fact. She would never see Xena again.

Xena smiled warmly, then pushed Gabrielle away from her cozy position. She looked down into her eyes. "It's goodbye to the Field of Reeds. I choose you."

Gabrielle lost her tongue for a moment of time, astonished at the revelation. She was sure that Xena chose peace. "But…but…I don't understand? Why would you do that?" She felt a small amount of anger rising in her voice.

Aphrodite snapped her fingers, causing Akila and herself to disappear. They needed to be alone and she didn't want them waking the young one. Neither the bard nor warrior even noticed.

"Don't be upset, love. You need to understand something. Yes, I found peace there. Yes, it was the most amazing feeling in the world. It had everything I should ever want. The only thing it didn't have was you. And you are everything to me."

"I'm not that big of a deal Xena! This was everlasting life in a realm that you've been trying to get to since before I met you. Why did you throw it all away?"

"You are the only thing that my life has been worth living over. Yet I have chosen so many things over you in the past, Gabrielle. That last time was the last. I will never again put redemption over you. I will never again put saving people over you. Yes, it's the right thing to do to save people. But you are more important to me than anyone."

"Oh Xena. I'm happy, but also very confused. I feel like you should have chosen differently."

"I have promises to keep with you, Gabrielle." She kissed her on the lips as she held her close.

"Promises?"

"That I won't leave you again, that we will settle down, and that we will raise a family together. I intend to keep these promises."

"No more wandering?" Gabrielle asked in surprise.

"No." Xena gently kissed Gabrielle's face and neck, inhaling the scent of her partner. Meanwhile, Gabrielle digested all that had happened while simultaneously soaking in the feel of her lover.

Xena lips gently sucked on her earlobe and then stopped. She whispered into her ear, "Gabrielle, will you marry me?"