Disclaimer & Notices

Copyright: Many of these characters do not belong to me, and we know which ones do not. I, however, own the plot and other certain characters.

Violence: There is violence in this story.

Subtext: Any subtext becomes main text here.

Summary: The sequel to To Take What is Mine. The Conqueror continues her campaign to the Macedon Kingdom, and she already knows the odds are in her favor. Yet without warning, the Romans invade the Thrace Providence and take aim for the Conqueror's hometown. The Conqueror though bitterly holds back from saving Amphipolis. However Queen Gabrielle and Queen Cyane join together at the Siege of Amphipolis and try to stop the Romans before they overtake Thrace.

Homepage: www . redhope . net

Started: June 6, 2008

Series 9: Destiny of Mine – Story #3

To Fight for What is Mine

by Red Hope

Chapter 10

The Conqueror followed Queen Gabrielle into the hut, and she closed the door quietly. She held the door's handle tightly behind her back and didn't let go. She suddenly felt trapped in a confined space when the angry Amazon Queen turned on her.

Gabrielle gripped her staff hard and coldly whispered, "I don't even know where to begin." She glanced down at her slave deed in Xena's left hand then raised her eyes back up to the ruler. She could read that Xena had retreated into herself, but Gabrielle was too angry. "How in Hades did you get my deed from Cornelio?" She was hit by several scenarios but she verbalized, "You obviously had to go to Articia."

Xena finally released the door's handle and braced herself for the hot fight about to erupt between her and Gabrielle. "It's complicated."

"Then you better start explaining," Gabrielle snarled. "And don't leave a thing out."

The Conqueror slightly raised her chin then prepared her explanation that wouldn't soften anything. "For a long time, I have been looking for you... I've been trying to recover the slavers' list, and Tracker finally retrieved it about a moon before I showed up at your Nation." She hesitated at Gabrielle's still cold features. "I saw your master was Cornelio of Articia so Tracker, Prostig, and I rode there right away."

The Amazon Queen shifted her hand higher on her staff, but she didn't move from her position. She rarely imposed herself on Xena, yet times like this she managed to make Xena feel shorter than her.

"Once we figured out where Cornelio lived, we went there and found his house abandoned."

Gabrielle instantly shifted from rage to worry. "What?"

"I don't know what's happened to him," Xena confessed.

"Everybody is gone?" the bard breathed. She saw Xena's nod, and she whispered, "Oh my gods..." She walked away and went over to the uncovered window. She stared out of it and thought about Cornelio and his wife, Adara. She shut her eyes at the thought of little Joseph and Mary. She gingerly touched her head, which developed a low pound to it.

The Conqueror silently laid the deed on the table then took a few steps closer to Gabrielle. But she stopped short when the Amazon Queen faced her again.

"Somebody kidnapped them?" Gabrielle demanded.

"They didn't leave on their own will," Xena merely explained.

The bard now combed her hair back and shook her head. "Who would have..."

The Conqueror understood the unfinished question. "I believe it was either the Romans or King Cortese... maybe both now." She found unclear green eyes on her. "Cornelio had a political voice in the Macedon Kingdom, Gabrielle, and I think that is a piece of it."

"And what's the other piece?"

Xena clenched her jaw for a beat then honestly replied, "That you're his slave."

Gabrielle bowed her head and almost felt like sinking to the floor. She couldn't grasp what was happening so quickly. She was angry and worried, which developed a low amount of panic in her.

"I have Tracker working on it. He's trying to find out who took Cornelio and where," Xena promised. "I also have six hoplites stationed around Cornelio's property to make sure nothing happens."

Slowly the bard lifted her head and revealed her glossy eyes. She realized, from Xena's information, that this had been going on for some time. "When were you going to tell me about all this?"

The Conqueror lowered her eye contact.

Gabrielle instantly knew what that meant; the answer was never. She fisted her free hand. "Xena, he is like a grandfather to me... everybody under his house is apart of my family." She shook her head a few times and whispered, "Cornelio helped me greatly, and he taught me that I could be a freewoman." She found blue eyes on her again, and Gabrielle simply stated, "You hid the truth from me."

Xena didn't say anything back. She just stood still and quiet.

Gabrielle neared the dark ruler. She trembled despite her voice was starkly cold. "You're not," she emphasized, "right this time." She then brushed past the ruler and went to the door. She had fingers wrapped around the handle just as she was pulled back by the Conqueror. She was shocked and realized Xena was now angry too.

"Don't walk out on me," Xena coldly advised.

Gabrielle knew Xena didn't mean it physically but in the mental sense. She understood how Xena feared that losing Gabrielle emotionally was far more dangerous than physically. But Gabrielle was too furious to focus on closing the argument. She needed space, now.

Xena had a good grip on the bard's wrist, but she didn't make it painful. She didn't show any fear about Gabrielle walking out because she'd learned to mask her fears after so long. Instead she acted like the Conqueror and treated this situation like she held some authority over Gabrielle in hopes she'd win ground.

But Gabrielle could easily overpower her friend, and she'd learned how, quickly when they were kids. She rarely used her position unless it were moments like these. She merely shifted in closer to the tall, dark ruler, showed her sharp green eyes, and fairly yet hotly warned, "Do not try me, Xena." She waited a heartbeat then felt the hand release her wrist so Gabrielle turned and walked out of the hut.

The bard didn't bother with the door, she left it cracked open. She noted the almost set sun because of the beautiful colors painted on the clouds. She disregarded it though and mindlessly walked through the village. She had no idea where she was headed until some time she came upon the fencing for the corral.

Gabrielle lowered her staff's end into the soft ground and stared at the horses playing in the large corral. She spotted Torqueo, who was playing with a few of the mares. She remembered the day she met Torqueo at Michulus's stable when the peasants attacked, and Torqueo helped her.

Gabrielle thought about Cornelio and everybody that'd been kidnapped. Her throat went tight and a few tears started down her cheeks. She slowly closed her eyes against the sting. She tried to think about what to do now, but she recalled that Xena was already working on it.

Slowly, the faint throb in Gabrielle's ankle made itself apparent despite it didn't match Gabrielle's headache. She went over to the nearby tree and gingerly sat down in a slumped form. She set her staff off to her right and pressed her back against the tree's smooth bark. Then she propped up her legs and pulled them in closer to her body for warmth.

"Gods," she hoarsely whispered. She shoved her bangs back and held them. She stared between the fence's rails at the distant horses. "Why couldn't she just have told me?" She bowed her head some and stared at her boot tips. She finally lowered her hand from her forehead and rested her arm on her knees.

Around the bard, the dark night started to appear and bring a chill. A soft breeze had picked up too and lifted the gentle scent of mid spring. Gradually, the stars came out and made their dreamy appearance overhead, and the moon was nowhere to be seen.

Gabrielle had crossed both her arms over her knees and propped her chin on top. She just fuzzily stared at nothing because she was trying hard to calm down. She started to regret intimidating her best friend, yet she needed the space to clear her head. Most likely, Gabrielle would have said something very harsh to her friend otherwise.

Now it made sense why Gabrielle had never received any message back from Cornelio several moons ago. Gabrielle had assumed he was far too busy. She'd seriously considered going to Articia on her way back to the Nation so she could check on him. But the reality about his kidnapping made her feel sick. If it was indeed the Romans then she feared she'd never seem him alive again. What would the Romans want with Cornelio? And why must everybody end up in danger simply because they meant something to her?

Gabrielle stayed against the tree for some time. She barely moved, but her mind could not rest. She even thought about Hecht, and his unexpected arrival here in the Thrace Nation. How could he know she was here? He'd obviously been informed not only of her location but the fact she was an Amazon Queen now. What if he'd known for some time and was just waiting for the right time to lay claims to her, again? The slave shivered at the question and that frozen sensation consumed her again. It caused her to close her eyes.

Very quietly, there were soft boot steps coming up behind the Amazon Queen. Gabrielle already sensed it, and she slowly opened her eyes when the tall, dark figure squatted down in front of her. She had concerned, revealing blue eyes on her.

"I don't want to fight with you about this," Xena softly confided. She slightly swayed in her squatted position, and her elbows rested on her knees. She was at perfect eye level with her best friend. "You were right that I should have told you sooner." She hesitated but honestly added, "But whatever I do or say that has to deal with you, I do it in your best interest. You've understood that since we first met." She slightly lifted her right eyebrow. "There are things you still do not know that I did when we were kids, but I did them to protect you. They are things you do not need to know because you use trust my choices."

Gabrielle could think back to a few examples in her childhood with Xena. Instantly she considered Dan before he become Draco, and what may have happened after Toris took her to Cyrene's taverna. She never asked Xena what'd happened between them, and Gabrielle still would not ask. But one fact remained, Gabrielle never had any trouble with Dan or his friends for a long time afterwards.

"I cannot stop doing what I do best, Gabrielle," Xena confessed. "I can adjust it, but I can't just stop." She studied the hazy green orbs that looked back at her. She then whispered, "And I don't think you really want me to stop."

The bard lowered her head and buried her face into her arms. She clenched her teeth in hopes it'd block her tears, but it was useless. She shook her head at her own internal conflict. She lifted her head and looked at Xena. "I relied on you to protect me when we were young. You did it over and over until one day you couldn't do it... when it was out of your hands. My world shattered that day, Xena." She sighed and squeezed her legs tighter against her body. "I had to learn how to take care of myself, especially after mother died. Once I joined the Amazons, Eponin had to completely retrain me mentally... it took her a long time to break me. She and I honestly thought it had worked, and I felt it, Xena."

Xena clenched her jaw at seeing the bard's upset. She remained still and carefully listened.

"I have been taught to fight for what I believe in... to fight for myself and not shrink away." Gabrielle bowed her head and muttered, "I'm suppose to protect myself and others." She shut her eyes. "To have you back in my life, my old habit to fall back into you seems so easy." She raised her head and looked at Xena. "And you make it harder for me to resist the urge."

Xena slightly turned her head away once she realized she was creating a problem more than helping. She felt there was no way she could ever stop protecting Gabrielle and to stop it would inwardly kill her spirit.

"I can't ask you to stop," Gabrielle quietly agreed. "I can't ask, and I don't want to ask."

Xena focused back on her friend.

"But please find some kind of balance with me," the bard pleaded. "I have to be an Amazon and a queen to these women. I can't do those things if I keep coming to you to solve my problems and protect me." She finally lowered her legs in a crossed position. "Can we do that, please?"

The Conqueror lowered her right knee onto the ground. "I think I do need to give you room so you can take care of yourself and do things that you don't need me for."

"Xena," the bard argued.

"No," the ruler cut off. "You're a strong woman, Gabrielle. I can dampen that by not letting you handle your situations. You've always been strong willed like me, but I didn't give you the space to develop it until you joined the Amazons without me in your life."

Gabrielle softly sighed at the truth.

"Now you have, and I shouldn't take that away from you." Xena sadly smiled and explained, "The Amazons gave you what I was trying suppress in you."

"Come on," Gabrielle fought, "you pushed me to my limits all the time."

"I pushed you," Xena agreed, "but you and I both knew I'd step in between even if it was something you could have handled."

"Maybe it's my fault for never telling you no," Gabrielle concluded.

Xena tilted her head then stated, "You just did it." She then bitter sweetly smiled but affectionately messed up the bard's short hair. She took a seat on the ground next to her friend's side.

Gabrielle felt her shoulder brush against the ruler's. "You will tell me right away if something like this happens again?" She meant Cornelio's kidnapping.

"I will," Xena promised.

"Thank you." Gabrielle shifted her hand to rest on the ruler's knee. "What are we going to do?"

The Conqueror was quiet for a moment but said, "I have Tracker working on it. I worry that Cornelio's kidnapping is somehow bait for me or you... both of us."

"If the Romans took him," the bard hypothesized, "then they'll use him against us. They know I'll want everybody back alive... which means you'll be put in a rock and hard spot."

"It's not much different than Draco trying to get to you so that he could have an advantage over me."

Gabrielle shook her head at all the invisible pieces she had in her hands about the Romans. "Okay... wait. What do we know right now about the Romans?" She stared at her lap like she had the pieces there and needed to put them together for the big picture. "Legio IV Macedonica is located in Macedonia Salutaris, right?"

"Yes," Xena agreed.

"That puts them on the borders of Thrace, right?" Gabrielle licked her lips and shook her head at her thoughts. "They've been trying to influence the battle outcomes since you started your campaign for northern Greece." She now looked up at Xena. "They were funding Draco. They gave Cortese an alliance and provided him with asylum."

"Now this business with Hecht," the ruler offered.

"That attack the other night," the bard reminded. "Cornelio being kidnapped." She shook her head a few times. "They're trying every angle to get to us... to you." She peered up at the ruler. "But what's the ultimate goal?"

"Greece," Xena merely answered.

"If it's about Greece," Gabrielle argued, "then why would they not just start a war with you?" She furrowed her eyebrows. "What's the point to all this?"

"Smoke screen." Xena then tilted her head. "If I'm too focused on things like those attackers, Draco, Hecht, or Cornelio then I won't see what's really happening."

Gabrielle was silent but after a beat, she dared to ask, "What is really happening then?"

"An invasion," the Conqueror whispered. She noted the bard's confused look. "Legio IV is a distraction, Gabrielle... they were levied by Caesar." She didn't want to alarm her friend, but she knew she had to tell her. "Several other legions have been levied throughout Rome... they're marching this way. Also there are reports that the shipyards in Rome are pouring out three quadriremes per moon."

Gabrielle was dumbfounded and hastily argued, "But you told me that the Greek army rivaled Rome's."

Xena bowed her head slightly but honestly explained, "My army rivals Legio IV... easily. But the army is no where as large as all of Rome's forces."

The Amazon Queen could find no words and became horrified at the truth. She found the courage to ask, "Can they... beat you? Can they take Greece?"

Xena was silent then slowly nodded. "Greece is strong... but our numbers do not compare."

"Greece defeated Xerxes all those generations ago. He was the size of Rome then, and Greece was broken apart by the city-states." Gabrielle shook her head and argued, "How can we not stop Rome?"

"Greece has a small navy and no admiral like Themistocles, Gabrielle." Xena understood how the bard felt.

"You sound like you've already surrendered," Gabrielle stated.

"Caesar wants Greece... he means to conquer it to win Rome's favor, and he will do anything to have it."

"Xena, there has to be a way to stop him," Gabrielle demanded. Then it hit her at Caesar's plan. "He's just using you, again. He's waiting for you to rule all of Greece then he wants to defeat you. If he does then all of Greece will be his in one easy step."

"I know," the ruler softly whispered. "I'm packaging it nicely for him... I should place a bow on it for him."

Gabrielle was surprised by the sarcasm and underlining notes of self defeat. "Xena, you didn't come this far or work this hard to hand over Greece to Caesar."

"And I won't," the ruler promised. "I am working on it."

The bard prayed so and that Xena found some way to stop Caesar and Rome. She shuddered at the thought of becoming apart of Rome. To her, they were a plague slowly consuming the world at any cost. And it seemed that Caesar enjoyed fueling the hunger.

Xena then leaned in and quietly asked, "Are we done our fight?"

Gabrielle slightly grinned because Xena always asked her that as if she were in charge of it all. She lost her grin and peered up. "I'm sorry I did..." She sighed. "You know what I mean."

Xena knew that Gabrielle meant earlier before she walked out of the hut. It would be unusual for most people to figure out that despite Xena's strength, personality, and imposing character that she could submit easily to Gabrielle. But Xena, like Gabrielle, knew that Gabrielle had a hold on Xena and could always have the final-say.

"It's alright," the ruler soothed. She revealed a lopsided smile. "It just goes to show who really wears the leathers in this relationship."

Gabrielle laughed and shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Besides, I think it demonstrates you do know how to put your foot down if pushed hard enough." Now the Conqueror then raised her eyebrow in reference to her earlier question.

The bard playfully slapped her friend's muscular thigh. "Yes, we're done." But she quickly pointed a finger at the ruler. "Just don't do it again, seriously."

"Yes, Queen Gabrielle," Xena promised.

Gabrielle huffed then grabbed her staff.

"Are you hungry?" Xena started to get to her feet and felt the relief at standing up.

The bard shrugged once she was up too. "Not really." She leaned into her staff for support.

The Conqueror narrowed her eyes but deduced, "That'll change once you smell the food." She started back towards the huts. "Come on, Bri."

Gabrielle slowly walked in the direction of the dining hut. She considered whether or not they'd still be serving. She then hoped that not many Amazons were around because she really didn't want to face them. She didn't like the fact that most likely all of the Thrace Nation now knew she was a slave. And worse yet, she'd badly frozen when Hecht showed up.

Xena caught the distraught features on her friend's face. "What is it?" She became concerned when Gabrielle grabbed her arm and stopped them.

"You said you could retrain me... my reaction to being tied or shackled."

The Conqueror shifted closer so that she could talk quieter. "I can, Gabrielle... it won't be easy for you."

"I need to do it." The bard slid her hand down Xena's gauntlet until she had long fingers loosely tangled with hers. "I lost focus... my thoughts... everything today when Hecht showed up." She ran her thumb across Xena's knuckle. "Please teach me."

"I will."

Gabrielle felt some relief, but she pressed, "Can we tomorrow?"

The Conqueror just nodded her agreement. She would not look forward to it.

Gabrielle squeezed Xena's hand now. "Thank you." She released Xena's hand and continue to the dining hut not far away. She wasn't the least surprise to find Ephiny, who had been one of the Amazons at today's fiasco in front of the gates.

Gabrielle and Xena sat down with Ephiny and talked about what happened. Ephiny was obviously worried and didn't want to see Hecht return. But Ephiny was careful not to bring up the fact that Xena had Gabrielle's deed. She instead kept the conversation on any plans for when they left Thrace to go back to their Nation and what if Hecht showed up again. After a little bit, Ephiny excused herself because she knew Gabrielle needed to eat in peace. She gave the bard a gentle squeeze to her shoulder as she passed then left the quiet dining hut.

The bard pushed her plate aside, which still contained most of her dinner. She'd lost her appetite plus her headache wasn't helping.

Xena didn't have anything left on her plate, but she also didn't get large portions. She softly ordered, "Let's get you back to the hut huh?"

"Yeah," the bard muttered. She got out of her seat and collected her staff. She was about to grab her plate but Xena had already taken it. She partially smiled at her friend.

The Conqueror took care of the dishes quickly then joined her friend just outside the hut. She and Gabrielle quietly walked back and found a few candles lit by patrol. Also the mat over the window was fastened in place to keep the chill out.

Gabrielle set her staff against the wall and slowly took her sword off her back.

Xena decided to deal with the fireplace but suggested, "Why don't you get comfortable? I'll get this going." She was knelt in front of the fire and loading some wood into it.

The bard passed behind the ruler, but she allowed a feather touch to the ruler's cheek. She disappeared in the washroom to clean up and use the toilet. She soon heard the fire started and the initial pops from the wood. She set aside the towel after washing her face with the olive soap.

Xena was near the saddlebags and looking for her tu. She wanted a different one for tonight. She already had her kettle over the fire. She spotted Gabrielle coming out and towards her. She set the pouch of tu on the table then went to her friend.

Gabrielle was relieved when her friend pulled her into a warm hug. She slipped her arms around Xena's waist and rested her cheek against the ruler's chest.

Xena bowed her head and murmured, "Your head is bothering you."

"It's not too bad."

"Get changed," Xena instructed. "I have water boiling for some tu." She pulled away. "Alright?"

Gabrielle nodded and patted Xena's side. She then slipped past and went to her saddlebags to get her shift. She noticed that Xena went to the washroom now.

The Amazon Queen removed her clothes and reached for her nightshift just as the Conqueror stepped out of the washroom. She had her back to Xena and started to slip the shift over her head.

Xena stopped short just from coming out of the doorway. She had a perfect view of her friend's muscular and curvy body. She lowered her gaze once the shift covered the bard's body.

Gabrielle turned around and took in the ruler's uneasy features. She figured out why, but she came over and carefully grasped the ruler's large shoulder pads that held the cape in place.

The Conqueror stilled Gabrielle's movements, Gabrielle gave her a certain look that made Xena let go.

The bard unhooked the claw like shoulder pads then easily hung the cape off the back of a nearby chair. She then grabbed the gold like chain that crossed over Xena's chest, and she lifted it off. Next she went for the hooked armor.

Xena remained motionless and let her friend remove her armor. She noticed Gabrielle's sudden grin. Xena asked, "What?"

"How do you do this everyday?" Gabrielle signaled all the wire armor that she somehow managed to free.

"I have many skills," the ruler joked.

The bard smirked and teased, "I think you have little sense... with putting this stuff on." She now worked on the gauntlets while balancing the wire armor over her right arm. "You really should consider the bronze armor over this." She heard her friend's sigh so she grinned and mentioned, "You would match your hoplites better... the whole golden bronze theme."

"Are you done picking on me?" the ruler inquired.

Gabrielle smirked and honestly replied, "Never." She then sauntered off to rid herself of the endless armor and accessories that Xena somehow managed to wear day in and day out. She almost dropped the load on the table but set it down carefully. "I think I broke a sweat." She glanced over at the ruler, who'd taken a seat in the chair that held the cape. "No wonder you work up the muscles you do."

Xena softly grunted and leaned forward to get her boots off.

Gabrielle picked up the sheathed dagger in the tangled mess. She carefully extracted the dagger and studied the ivy vine engraving that tangled up the blade. She ran her left thumb over it then peered up when she felt Xena beside her.

The Conqueror reached over and closed the dagger into the sheath by pushing the bard's hand down. She then whispered, "Go sit down on the bed. I'll get the tu."

Gabrielle relinquished the dagger then turned to her friend. She pressed her the flat of her hand against Xena's cloth covered stomach. She realized Xena had quickly slipped out of her black leathers to only be in her thin shift. She patted Xena's firm stomach once then went over to the bed. She climbed onto the foot of the bed and became comfortable. She then removed her arm bracelet that Xena bought her and debated what to do with it. Gabrielle ended up crawling down the bed and setting the bracelet on the nightstand. Just as she rolled around, she found her tall friend towering over her.

"Here." Xena handed a mug. Next she set her mug down on the nightstand then got into the bed behind her friend. She let her left leg dangle off the bedside while she managed her other long leg underneath Gabrielle's propped up legs. Xena grabbed her hot mug with her left hand and slid her right arm around the bard's waist.

The friends quietly drank the warm tu. They didn't pass any words and just enjoyed the other's quiet presence. The fire occasionally crackled, and its orange flames danced around much like the Amazons could do at festivals. Gabrielle's headache started to sooth away by the tu and relaxation. She handed over her empty mug to Xena.

The Conqueror set her and Gabrielle's mugs down on the nightstand. She then pulled Gabrielle in closer to her body.

The bard curled up against the larger body. "Xena?"

"Mmmm?"

"Your ribs," Gabrielle merely prompted.

"They're fine."

The bard managed her head up and sleepily looked at her friend. "Are you breathing okay? I can redo the wrap."

"It can wait until the morning."

Gabrielle tried to judge her friend's honesty.

"I'm fine... promise."

Gabrielle believed it finally and curled back up into Xena. She could barely stay awake and started to doze off.

Xena lifted her legs up from their cramped position. She had Gabrielle between her legs, and Gabrielle's right side was pressed up against her. She was use to the small woman curling up to her like this. And it was something she really missed; she especially missed the bard's low but constant breathing.

Xena spent her time thinking about the upcoming future for her, Gabrielle, and Greece. She hadn't wanted to worry Gabrielle about Rome, but she had to be honest. Nor could she admit to Gabrielle that apart of her was actually scared. She didn't fear the invasion or the wars, but she feared what could happen to Gabrielle because Rome obviously knew Gabrielle could be Xena's weak point.

The Conqueror set aside her thoughts. She needed to get some rest and focus on her alliance. All she could do was continue her preparations for the Roman invasion. She hoped her messages to Corinth that would leave tomorrow would go quickly.

Xena slowly lowered her head and rested her cheek against Gabrielle's head.

The bard softly stirred at the movement, but she didn't wake up.

Gradually Xena dozed off too. Later she would wake up to a chill in her skin, and she'd get them under the sheets for warmth.

By the morning, the ruler and Amazon Queen woke up to an early day. They didn't rush to get ready and leisured along until they were ready to go to the dining hut. Gabrielle was extremely hungry since she barely touched her dinner last night. It secretly pleased Xena to hear the bard's gripes and grumpiness because she was starving.

Gabrielle was thrilled to smell the food in the dining hut. She had no problem loading up her plate then getting a drink.

Xena just shook her head a few times, but she knew it was safer to stay quiet. Once Gabrielle ate then Xena could torment the bard because the bard's good nature would be back.

Queen Gabrielle dropped her staff to the ground near her table. She sat just as Xena took a spot next to her. She mentally blessed Artemis for her huge breakfast before she dove into it. After she had a few mouthfuls down, it was obvious her mood was improving. "Xena?"

"Mmmm?"

"How did you get my deed exactly?"

The ruler sighed and explained, "It was in the top drawer of Cornelio's desk."

Gabrielle was baffled and hesitated in her next mouthful. She lowered her empty spoon to her plate. "He never keeps his important documents in his desk."

Xena hesitated at this news then asked, "Where does he typically keep them?"

"Adara, his wife, told me he had a blacksmith install... like a little vault under the floorboards in their bedroom." Gabrielle shook her head. "I never saw it, but Adara was always honest." She shoveled up some food, but she was still thinking about it. "Why would he have pulled out my deed?"

"I'm not sure." Xena was now thinking back to the day that her, Tracker, and Prostig searched Cornelio's house. She never went to his bedroom but that didn't mean Tracker or Prostig didn't look.

"He once talked about giving me my deed." Gabrielle toyed with her food now. "Maybe he was getting ready to do it."

"There's no use in speculating." Xena nudged her friend. "Now eat." She and Gabrielle finished up their breakfast then headed out of the dining hut. Xena had promised she'd begin the retraining this morning with Gabrielle.

The bard came to a stop a few paces outside the hut when Xena abruptly halted.

"Go ahead down to the sparring fields," Xena started. "Warm up with your staff. I need to grab a couple of things from the hoplites for this."

"Alright. I'll see you there." Gabrielle separated and headed off to the training fields to find one for them.

The Conqueror stood there for a beat and watched her friend go. Her black cape ruffled behind her, which drew her attention back to her mission. She turned and started a fast walk to the closed gates. She soon made it out of the gate's door and went to her hoplites.

"Good morning, my liege," Cyryl greeted. He bowed his head.

Xena bowed back in respect. "How are the hoplites?"

"They're rousing slowly. Are we to practice today?"

The Conqueror followed the dekadarchos to the main campfire for the camp. "Yes, I want them to practice today, but I won't be able to join."

The dekadarchos hid his surprise because he knew how much the Conqueror liked to join. "Perhaps tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow," the ruler agreed. "Cyryl, I need you to get me two pairs of shackles with keys, and I need some rope."

Officer Cyryl hesitated but he checked, "Now, my liege?"

"Yes." Xena held back her slight annoyance. "And where's Prostig?"

"He stays in that tent." Cyryl pointed past Xena's shoulder.

The ruler turned and noted the marked tent with Prostig's family crest. "Meet me here in a few." She marched off and went to the tent. "Prostig," she hollered in warning, but she barged into the tent.

The burly hoplite jumped out of his mass of furs and revealed his completely nude form. He was flustered at seeing the Conqueror in his tent.

Xena arched an eyebrow but spoke to him like it was any regular day. "Jog your thick head from when we went to Cornelio's home."

Prostig hastened to yank a large fur up and covered himself. "Cornelio?" He tried to clear his sleepy head.

The Conqueror come up to the large man. "Gabrielle's former master."

"Right," the hoplite murmured. "What about him?" He held his fur around his waist with one hand. But with his left hand he touch his bald head.

"You and Tracker searched through his house. Did either of you go through the bedrooms?"

"We both did," Prostig replied. "I went through a few as did Tracker."

"Who searched through Cornelio's master bedroom?"

"I did," the hoplite answered.

Xena felt some prospect at this news. "Did you happen to notice anything out of place?"

"There was something... There was a rug pulled back and floorboards thrown aside."

The Conqueror placed her hands on her hips. "Did you investigate it?"

Prostig removed his hand from his bald head. He slightly adjusted his iron signet ring on his middle finger that'd shifted during his sleep. "It was some hiding spot for something... a vault was hidden under the floorboards. But it was empty."

"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" Xena was clearly annoyed now.

"I didn't think it was important at the time." Prostig looked away for a beat then added, "If I'd known secrets vaults were apart of our search I would have mentioned it." He could tell Xena was not satisfied yet there was little he could do about it now. "Does Gabrielle know what was in it?"

"Yes, documents... her slave deed should have been in there."

"But you found it in his desk." Prostig furrowed his features until his blond eyebrows almost touched. "They must have been looking for her deed."

Xena completely agreed with his assumption. "Her deed is very valuable... even in Greece right now since I haven't abolished slavery."

"If Hecht had it yesterday then he would have complete legal right to her."

"Legal right perhaps," the Conqueror murmured.

Prostig knew what Xena's words meant. He clenched his freehand at his side. "Xena, it's no coincidence that Hecht found us here." He leaned in closer and quietly mentioned, "He, like all the slavers, fear the day you rule Greece. They'll have to leave Greece to continue their slave business... and that's costly."

"Indeed," the ruler murmured.

The hoplite sighed and quietly asked, "Don't you think it's a bit strange how long it took to get the slavers' list? And we have yet to meet Bracis... he did not disappear."

Xena had nothing to say back so she headed to the tent flap.

"Kid?" the hoplite called.

Xena stopped in front of the flap but turned back to her old friend.

"Whatever comes out of this, I will stand by your side or die by your side," Prostig promised.

The Conqueror honestly believed him and softly called, "Thank you, Pro." She then disappeared out of the tent and met up with Cyryl. She retrieved the few items then promised she'd be around this afternoon to check on things. She quickly made her way back to the village and went to the sparring fields. From a distance, Xena spotted her friend practicing with her staff out in the middle of a field.

Gabrielle spun her staff at a swift speed then she suddenly twisted around and slashed with her staff. She did a few moves against her invisible opponent. She'd clearly warmed up by the small beads of sweat on her brow.

Xena stopped on the edge of the field and watched her friend. She had the chance to take in Gabrielle's grown features, muscular figure, and fast movements. She decided the soft yet sharp red attire that Gabrielle now wore gave the Amazon Queen an intimidating and sexual appeal all at once.

Queen Gabrielle had noticed Xena earlier, but she didn't let it distract her either. She saw that Xena now approached her so she completed her warm up. She spun her staff one last time then slammed it into the ground as she turned on her heels to face the ruler.

The Conqueror had the tangled chains in her left hand and the rope in her right.

The bard looked at them and held her breath for an instant.

Xena tried a joke by lifting the chains. "Accessories." She darkly grinned.

Gabrielle huffed and remarked, "Not my color."

"They never really have been." Xena opened her hand and let the chains fall to the ground in a noisy heap. She then tossed the rope on top. "How are you at hand to hand combat?"

Gabrielle slightly lifted her eyebrow at the question. "I'm not the best but I've been taught some."

"That's a start then." The Conqueror reached to her back and unhooked her sheath. She grabbed her chakram and hooked it through her sword's cross-guard.

Gabrielle cleared her throat as she realized the lessons were about to begin. She tossed her staff aside then pulled her sheath's strap over her head. She set her weapon down beside Xena's sword.

The Conqueror had walked out to an open spot and waited for the bard. "If you're captured and tied up or chained then the next step is to get freed."

Gabrielle stepped in front of the ruler.

"Once you're free, most likely you'll find yourself without any weapon." Xena now removed her gauntlets just to make it a bit easier on them both. She tossed them over by their stuff. "So, on that note let's warm you up." She suddenly swung her arm at the queen.

"Hades," Gabrielle growled, and she jumped back. She took a beat to mentally prepare herself, and she had fisted hands.

The Conqueror though had her hands slightly curled but not fisted. She expected Gabrielle's natural defense to be punches, and she was right as a punch came for her. She caught Gabrielle's fist in her hand then swiftly lowered, spun her body, and took Gabrielle's feet out from under her.

Gabrielle slammed her back hard into the ground. She groaned and had no time to get up because a heavy knee pressed into her chest. Then she was surprised that Xena's fist drove into her neck and cut off her air. She grappled Xena's much stronger arm.

"I would say you haven't been taught anything," Xena concluded. "You may want to invest your Nation's drachmas into training your Amazons."

The Amazon Queen clenched teeth because the pressure wasn't easing up. She felt a faint haze settle over her head, but she still tried to think of a way to get the larger, stronger warrior off her.

"Most women, like yourself, Gabrielle can never physically overpower men," Xena commented. "They're just naturally stronger than most women... say perhaps me."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes back at hearing the gloat. She then felt a sense of deja-vu from when they were kids and used to wrestle a lot.

The Conqueror leaned down a bit more. "How's the throat feeling?" Xena hadn't increased or decreased her pressure, but she knew just a bit more would break the bard's throat and block her breathing. "That light headed feeling you're getting will make it harder and harder to think... you'll eventually fall unconscious if you don't get me off you." She glanced at the bard's left hand up on her arm and noticed the nails had dug through her skin and caused blood to come through.

Gabrielle finally managed to ram her right knee into Xena's stomach.

The ruler was barely put off by it. She sucked in her breath then remarked, "Nice thought at least."

The bard clenched her teeth and rasped, "It was just a distraction for you."

Xena was indeed distracted because Gabrielle's right palm suddenly slammed harshly into her jaw then her nose. She hissed in pain and tumbled off the bard. She covered her lower face with her hand as the warm liquid pooled in her palm.

Gabrielle rolled away but got onto her knees and looked over at her friend. She noticed the blood seeping between Xena's fingers. "Did I mention Ly told me about that move in case I ever got into a wrestle lock with you?"

The ruler slotted her eyes then pulled her hand away. She wiped the blood on her leathers then slowly got to her feet.

The Amazon Queen stood up but kept her knees bent. She gingerly touched her neck and realized she'd have a bruise later. "Charming," she muttered. She noted Xena's smirk, and it really annoyed her. She then came at Xena.

The ruler ducked away from another punch but then she took a nice kick to her stomach. She smiled at Gabrielle's contact. She stood her ground and only did defensive moves to see the bard's raw technique. She then finally caught Gabrielle by the arm, spun her around, and jerked her into her body. Xena brought her right arm against Gabrielle's throat and held her in place with her left arm at Gabrielle's waist.

"Geeee... didn't we just do something similar to this," Xena taunted.

Gabrielle growled at being in another lock. She thought faster this time and managed to take Xena's feet out from under her but the only problem was that she wasn't freed either. Gabrielle went falling backwards on top of the Conqueror.

Xena slammed hard onto the ground and the wind was knocked out of her by the bard's weight. She still had her arms loosely in place. "Where'd... you learn that one?"

"Apparently it's creative inspiration that worked better in my head," Gabrielle muttered. She gingerly touched her forehead. "If we keep this up, Xena we're both going to limp out of here to the healer's hut." She painfully rolled off the ruler.

Xena sucked in a deep breath then looked at the queen. "You do realize in hand to hand combat that you're suppose to injure your opponent, not yourself too?"

Gabrielle groaned but got onto her hands and knees. She then snapped, "I hate you." She sighed when Xena smirked at her again.

The Conqueror surprisingly flipped up onto her feet and brushed back her dark hair.

Gabrielle stood up and glowered at Xena's earlier flip. "Show off." For the third time, she received a smirk from the ruler. "I swear to godssss," she hissed, "I'm going to wipe that smirk off your face by the end of the day."

"Promises, promises." Xena wagged her finger at the bard. "Don't make a promise that you can't keep, Gabrielle."

The Amazon Queen was growing infuriated, but she quickly recalled Eponin's many lessons about letting one's emotions get the best of them. She took a deep breath. "Alright, mule can you teach me something useful?"

The Conqueror chuckled and gingerly approached the bard.

Gabrielle eased herself and let the ruler get close to her. She could tell Xena, for once, actually wanted to school her rather than toss her.

"Now that we've established you can't fight," Xena needled. "Let's see what we can do to improve your odds." She then instructed, "Go into your fighting stance you were using earlier."

Gabrielle did as she was told. She bent her knees, arched her back forward, and raised her fisted hands.

"What's this?" The Conqueror tapped the bard's fisted hands. "Do you really think you're going to slug your opponent?" She arched her eyebrow into a perfect arch. "Don't you realize how much it hurts to punch somebody?"

Gabrielle sighed and recalled how Xena was positioned earlier so she opened her hands.

"Mmmm," the Conqueror muttered, "you might be a quick study after all." She now walked around the still bard. "You'll see plenty of idiots with their hands fisted. But you're not going to win a fight by punches alone." She came back in front of the bard. "There's more than one way to deliver a blow to your opponent."

Gabrielle peered up at her friend but said nothing.

Xena stepped in closer. "You have different points of contact you can use to deliver a blow." She touched Gabrielle's hands. "Your fists of course." She then touched the bard's nearest knee. "Knees." She tapped Gabrielle's elbows. "Here." She then tapped the bard's forehead. "And here."

Gabrielle grew smug and teased, "That explains some things about you."

The Conqueror amusingly grunted but pointed at Gabrielle's boots. "Feet too. You could use your shoulder if it's done right." She then stepped back once. "Now let's teach you some defensive moves."

And Gabrielle was quickly educated on basic defensive moves that she had to repeatedly demonstrate on Xena. She first learned them at a slow pace then Xena increased the tempo each time. She eventually had six of them down after a candlemark and was able to perform them effectively during a practice.

Xena then moved them onto offensive moves. She explained to Gabrielle that at times a better defense is an offensive strike. She showed the different blow techniques the bard could randomly used depending on her attacker's approach. Soon enough, she and Gabrielle were practicing a hand to hand combat spar again, and Gabrielle showed impressive improvement.

The Conqueror was satisfied Gabrielle had it down pat. But she went over to their stuff and freed her sword from the sheath and chakram. "The only problem though is if you do get freed that most likely your opponent is going to have a weapon." She spun her sword and stepped up to the bard.

"Xena," the bard worriedly tried, but she was ready for Xena to come at her with the sword.

However Xena tossed her sword at the bard. "I'll show you a few ways to disarm your enemy."

Gabrielle caught the hefty sword and tried to adjust to the weight. She was already familiar with kicking her opponent's hand to free a sword. But she planned to see what else Xena could show her so she carefully paid attention.

The Conqueror went into her stance and signaled for the bard to come at her.

Gabrielle sighed and spun the sword once then came at her opponent.

Xena was fast and broke into Gabrielle's space. She slammed her elbow first into the bard's chin then broke Gabrielle's grip on the sword with a sharp chop to the wrist.

The Amazon Queen sharply hissed from pain and backed stepped once. She peered up at the Conqueror with curious eyes and asked, "Can you show me that again, but slower?" After Xena's nod, she picked up the sword and spun it.

The Conqueror did indeed repeat the move but went step by step so that Gabrielle could clearly see it. She repeated it once more and gave an explanation. Then she insisted Gabrielle to give it a try while she took the heavy, steel sword.

Gabrielle's first attempt failed but her second attempt worked after Xena made a few verbal corrections to her technique. Gabrielle beamed at her success and repeated it several more times but at a fast pace. Xena then taught her two other maneuvers to use that would help her dispose of her enemy's weapon.

After another candlemark, the ruler felt rather content that Gabrielle had it down. So she moved onto the next aspect of today's training, which required the shackles first. She broke away and returned her sword beside their things then picked up the shackles.

Gabrielle sensed the natural knots developing in her stomach. She nervously clenched her sweaty hands at her side.

The Conqueror had two pairs of shackles in hands, but she dropped one pair off to the side then edged closer to the bard. "We're going to start with your hands." She held the shackles by the chain, yet she grabbed the open cuff. "Technically these are manacles," she explained, "if they're going around your wrists." She peered up from the cuff to her friend. "If they're restraining your legs then they're shackles." She held up the cuff higher in hidden signal.

Gabrielle licked her dry lips then held up her fists. She felt the cool iron close over her wrist then the distinct clip of the lock. The process repeated for her right wrist then the chain rattled at being freed from Xena's hand. She was breathing hard and dark memories from her past surfaced.

Xena back stepped once and took a shaky but silent breath at seeing her friend chained like a slave. She gave Gabrielle a beat to become familiar again with the restraints. She knew her next training would be the hardest for Gabrielle yet the most crucial.

Gabrielle estimated she had two hands length worth of chain, which didn't give her much range with her hands. She lowered her hands in front of her then peered up at Xena. She noted her friend's almost hidden apologetic look before Gabrielle was suddenly dragged on her feet.

The Conqueror sharply grabbed the dangling chain by the middle then harshly jerked Gabrielle towards her. She then coldly hissed, "They're still a good fit, aren't they?"

Queen Gabrielle stumbled but just caught herself as she became a breath away from her friend. She quickly found her arms forced above over her head. She started to find her feet on her tiptoes because the Conqueror lifted her so high, and the cuffs chewed into her wrists. "Xena," she painfully complained.

The Conqueror just smirked at the pained bard. She then tossed Gabrielle away and stood in place with a dark expression.

Gabrielle had tumbled to the ground but hastily looked up at her friend. She saw the coldness and nothing friendly about Xena. She softly gasped.

The Conqueror stalked forward and menacing stood over the slave. "You're branded, Gabrielle. Do you know exactly what that means?" She started to walk around the slave. "You're not merely a slave, but you're a slave for life." She arched an eyebrow. "There is nothing lower than you." She paused behind the slave. "You should accept it."

Gabrielle closed her eyes for a beat at hearing the cold truth from her friend. She clenched her right hand but pressed her left palm flat against the ground.

"You think you're an Amazon?" the amused Conqueror inquired. "But what Amazon is branded? There is no such thing." She came to a stop in front of the slave. "You are not an Amazon."

Gabrielle finally started to get up to her feet, and she harshly fought, "I am an Amazon." She'd just gotten her feet under her and started to rise.

The Conqueror laughed in response and swiftly took the slave's feet out from under her. She grinned at the fallen slave at her feet again. "No, you are branded slave." She continued her circle around the slave. "I want you to tell me you're a slave, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle coughed but managed her knees under her body. She was determined to get up again. "I am an Amazon." She was taken by surprise when a boot harshly connected with her stomach and sent her on her back.

The Conqueror quickly knelt beside the slave, grabbed the manacles' chains, and sharply snapped them. "You are a slave!" She leaned down closer to the frazzled green eyes nearby. She then definitively whispered, "You are… nothing."

Gabrielle quickly tried to get up but Xena's arm forced her back down.

"Tell me you're a slave!" the Conqueror yelled.

"I am not!"

The Conqueror hissed then growled, "You are my property! You will tell me you are my slave!"

"No!" Gabrielle suddenly slammed her fists into the side of Xena's head. She found her chain loosened from Xena's relinquished hold, and she hastily got to her feet.

The Conqueror stood up a couple of steps away. She now displayed a bleeding wound to her temple, but she ignored it and slotted her eyes at the slave. "Kneel, slave."

Gabrielle gritted her teeth and raised her chained hands.

"Kneel," the Conqueror coldly commanded, "Or by the gods, I will show you, slave."

Gabrielle clenched her hands tightly then loosened them. "You cannot make an Amazon kneel." She was fully prepared when the Conqueror came at her. She met the immediate attack that came at her head. She challenged the Conqueror's every move then finally found her own opening.

The Conqueror ducked just before the boot struck her head. But she took a sharp kick to her stomach that made her lose her air. She almost rose up just as Gabrielle disappeared yet a swift kick to the back of her left knee made her collapse to a kneel.

Gabrielle was now behind the Conqueror. She swung her arms over the kneeling ruler's head and sharply yanked the chain against the Conqueror's neck.

The Conqueror clawed at the tightening chain on her neck and dropped her head back some. She hissed at the immediate pain.

Gabrielle leaned forward and growled, "I am an Amazon, and I am queen." She jerked on the chain and yelled, "I am nobody's property!"

The Conqueror tilted her head back more, shut her eyes because of the white speckles, and she softly whispered, "Gabrielle… stop."

Gabrielle lost her fire and realized what she was doing to her friend. She loosened the chain then quickly brought her arms back over Xena's head. "Oh gods… Xena?" She raced around in front of the ruler and worriedly looked over her. "You alright?"

Xena was hunched forward now, and she coughed a few times. She gingerly touched her sore neck then rested her left arm on her left knee. She lifted her head and softly grinned at the bard.

"Damn it, Xena." Gabrielle sighed and tenderly touched the ruler's neck. "Are you okay?" She peered up into amused blue eyes. "This really isn't funny."

"No… it is not," the ruler agreed. She grabbed the bard's hand and promised, "I'm fine." She cleared her throat and added, "A little sore but plenty impressed."

Gabrielle frowned and lowered her chained hands. "That I can strangle you?"

"Mmmm." Xena tilted her head and explained, "That you're willing to believe in your freedom and stand up for it."

"That's great… but can we not repeat this one?"

The ruler patted her friend's leg and promised, "We won't... come on." She rose up, and Gabrielle did the same. Xena stretched her neck some while she spoke. "I want to show you how you can fight while still being chained. You also need to learn how to pick these locks." She signaled the cuffs. "Then we'll go over what you can do if your legs are shackled." She hesitated but explained, "The last thing I'll show you is what you can do if you're actually bound by rope... it's a stickier situation than being chained."

Gabrielle moved her head in agreement to the rest of the lesson plan.

"You have your ivy dagger?" the ruler checked.

"In my boot," the bard agreed.

"Good." Xena reached up and brushed away the blood on her temple. She wiped the blood onto her leathers then focused on the next lesson. She first explained to her friend that she could take advantage of the manacle's chains as a weapon during fights.

Gabrielle carefully listened then followed Xena's next practice on how to fight with restrained hand motion. Xena stood at her side, and together they attempted various attacks that would allow for Gabrielle to perform hand to hand combat. Then Xena had Gabrielle practice against her at a slow pace that quickly sped up.

The Conqueror continued to train her best friend on how to handle various scenarios if chained or tied up. Xena made sure to show Gabrielle how to pick the locks merely with the dagger's tip. The bard hadn't realized how simple it really could be.

Xena concluded the practice by shackling the bard's legs and tying her hands behind her back. Xena demonstrated the shackle's key to her friend, tucked it between her cleavage, and brandished her sword.

Gabrielle had no weapons beside her dagger tucked down in her boot, but she really couldn't access it with her hands tied at her back. She stepped back twice from the Conqueror and took a deep breath for her final test. But what she realized before Xena's attack was that she no longer felt fear at being shackled or tied. Gabrielle's mind was clear and quickly making plans to remedy her situation so that she could succeed. With that epiphany, Gabrielle surged with a new confidence, and it clearly showed to the Conqueror through Gabrielle's new attitude.

Xena estimated it would take half a candlemark for the final test. But she'd been wrong and underestimated Gabrielle's fast abilities and sharp learning curve. Xena was extremely pleased that it only took a quarter of a candlemark for Gabrielle to free her hands during the fight. She was further happy that Gabrielle didn't even bother to use her dagger during close quarters fighting. Instead, Gabrielle swiftly disarmed Xena and rapidly finished up the test.

The Amazon Queen jumped back after she saw Xena's steel sword go soaring off to the right. She listened to her chained ankles rattle but focused on her opponent.

The Conqueror grinned and performed a few hand attacks but was repelled each time. She then surprisingly gave a roundhouse kick at Gabrielle's chest.

Gabrielle released a low cry and fell backwards. Then a trained move that she only successfully achieved in the past once instinctively took over her body. She arched her back up, and her arms stretched out over her head as she went head first towards the ground. Gabrielle sensed her palms hit the dirt then she surged up with all her strength, which sent her body flying towards Xena.

The Conqueror didn't expect it, but she saw the boots coming right for her chest. She was slammed hard by Gabrielle's thrust, and she launched off her feet. Xena started to tumble to the ground while Gabrielle rocketed off her chest and sprung up into the air. The Conqueror slammed hard into the ground and instantly hissed from the harsh pain to her body.

Gabrielle flipped once in the air then landed neatly on her feet a few paces away from her friend. She spun around to face the ruler and was shocked at the fact her move worked. But she instantly became concerned about the Conqueror and rushed over.

Xena groaned and rolled onto her side that hurt the least. She found the bard kneeling beside her.

"Xena, you alright?" The bard was worried about her friend's ribs.

"I'm okay," Xena painfully managed. She held up her freehand to keep the bard from touching her.

Gabrielle sighed and insisted on helping the ruler to her feet. "I think your ribs have taken a beating today." She frowned at that fact.

The Conqueror forced her back straight and heard her spine pop into place. She sighed in relief then commented, "My pain has been well worth it considering what you just demonstrated now." She grinned at her friend. "And wherever did you learn that last move?"

Gabrielle folded her arms and leaned to her right side. She was proud of herself. "Eponin taught me some time ago... it took a long time to learn it. I've only ever executed it right once before."

"Very nice," the ruler softly praised. She then reached down into her cleavage and produced the key to the shackles. Xena knelt down and unlocked the ankle cuffs then removed the shackles. As she stood up, she slung the shackles over her right shoulder.

Gabrielle appreciated the weightlessness on her ankles again. She softly smiled at her friend.

Xena mirrored the the smile then with her left hand, she brushed Gabrielle's cheek. "Well done today, Bri." With that, Xena strolled off to their things on the edge of the field.

Gabrielle remained motionless for a beat. She released her breath slowly and enjoyed her friend's rare praise. Finally, she followed after the ruler and quickly scooped up her sword and staff. She slung her sword over her back and tossed her staff from her left hand to her right.

Xena had the shackles over her right shoulder. She planned to return them to her dekadarchos then she wouldn't mind a couple candlemarks to relax.

"So," Gabrielle started, "do you feel up to a bath before dinner?"

The Conqueror grinned at the bard's excellent idea. "That sounds perfect." She slowed down though because they were coming near the center of the village. "I'm going to return these to Cyryl then I'll meet you at our hut."

"Alright... I'll see you there." Gabrielle broke away from her friend and went directly to the hut. She quickly made it to the hut and decided to get ready for the bath. She organized two towels, her Amazon leathers, and dug out another set of black, clean leathers from Xena's bags. She also decided she'd wash her new red attire at the bathing pool to get the sweat and dirt out.

The bard hung her sword up on the peg board and decided to leave her staff too. She sat on the foot of the bed and proceeded to get her boots off. Just as she finished, she smiled at seeing her friend's arrival.

Xena noted some items already organized for her next to Gabrielle on the made bed. She was appreciative and decided to get prepared too.

"How are the hoplites? Did they practice today?" Gabrielle leaned back some with her arms spread out behind her.

"They sparred," Xena answered. "They seem to keep busy." She worked to get her boots unlaced and off.

"You don't think they're getting bored?" the bard checked.

The ruler peered up from her boots and grinned. "A hoplite without a battle is always anxious, Gabrielle." She now pulled off her boots.

"Hmmm." The queen considered the statement then popped off the bed. She collected two pairs of sandals that came with the hut. She put on the smaller pair and took the other, larger pair to her friend. "I'm going to bring the medical kit so I can wrap your ribs after the bath."

Xena slipped on the sandals then stood up. She only nodded.

Gabrielle backed up twice but ordered, "Come here. I'll do the armor." She found Xena coming to her then Xena's back faced her. She unclipped the heavy sheath and set it down on the table. Next she unhooked the cape then quickly freed the wire armor after already learning the straps earlier. She helped her friend pull off the armor, bracers, and gauntlets, which were set aside.

The Conqueror only remained in her black leathers that would need a thorough cleaning tonight along with the seams being inspected.

The Amazon Queen went over to Xena's saddlebags and dug out the medical kit.

The ruler collected their things but handed the bard her pile. Together, she and Gabrielle left the hut and made their way through the huts until they came to the one hut that had steam rising from the roof's small stacks.

Queen Gabrielle entered the lobby first and realized the bathing hut wasn't that far different than her Nation's. She concluded that most likely she could get a private bath for just her and Xena. She asked Xena to wait for her, and she entered the main, community bath. Eventually, she came back to the lobby room and ushered for Xena to follow her.

The Conqueror indeed tailed the bard into the communal bath then through a door. She was taken down a narrow hallway but Gabrielle finally opened a thatch door to a private bathing room. She enjoyed the warm steam that brushed past her as she entered the room.

The pair set their items down on a bench then easily stripped off their clothes. Gabrielle made sure to place her top and skirt near the ledge so she could wash them. Then she slipped into the warm pool just after Xena.

The Conqueror dipped under the water and let her hair soak. She came up right next to the bard, who had taken residence on a stone seat that protruded from the bath's wall. "How's your ankle felt today?"

Gabrielle hadn't considered her ankle all day because it really didn't bother her. "Good, actually."

Xena was glad to hear it. She suspected within the next day or two that Gabrielle's ankle would be fully healed. "Tomorrow we'll do the ride and lunch then."

The bard had forgotten their original plans for today. "I completely forgot."

The ruler grinned while she took a spot on another stone seat. "That comes with age."

"Funny," the queen muttered. She sighed contently and leaned her head against the ledge just behind her. "I think tomorrow we need to get better focused on the allegiance with Cyane."

"Mmmm," Xena softly agreed.

Gabrielle then had an unexpected thought and lifted her head. She skeptically inquired, "How am I suddenly the ambassador for you?"

Xena had her eyes closed, but she slowly lifted her eyelids. She peered down at her friend with a smirk. "Because you can't tell me 'no'."

The bard huffed then sharply argued, "I have a good mind to charge you some fee for this, you know."

The Conqueror eyes lit up at the remark. "Oh?" She leaned closer to her friend. "How much are your... services a candlemark?"

Gabrielle suddenly sensed a flush over her cheeks because Xena had drawn out the question in a husky tone. "Well are we talking in drachmas or..."

"Or what?" the ruler tested. Her eyes clearly showed amusement, and she had a sexy grin.

The bard couldn't back down now. First she cleared her throat then finished, "Or favors?"

Xena leaned in slightly closer and purred, "I prefer favors."

Gabrielle had a dry mouth and wasn't sure what to say back. She wasn't accustom to Xena's sexual banter back.

Xena chuckled deeply but murmured, "I'll let you think about what favors you'd like as payment."

"Thanks," the bard squeaked out, yet she loosened up when Xena cracked a smile.

The ruler straightened up and relaxed against the bath's wall. She sighed happily.

The Amazon Queen released a low and shaky breath but managed to calm down. She adjusted herself on the stone seat and also relaxed. She was able to tilt her head back against the ledge of the bath and closed her eyes.

"I was thinking," the Conqueror started.

"Mmmm?" the bard encouraged.

"Next summer," Xena explained, "will be an Olympiad."

Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows but lifted her head and opened her eyes. "The Olympics haven't been celebrated in a generation."

"I know." The ruler now opened her eyes and met her friend's gaze. "All the Panhellenic Games have been stopped." She had a slight dim look. "The games united the city-states."

"They did," the bard softly confided. She tilted her head and considered why the ruler brought up the games. "You want to bring them back... to unite Greece?"

Xena raised an eyebrow some. "To celebrate the unity of Greece."

Gabrielle slowly smiled at the ruler's words. "I think it would be a success... absolutely huge. The games weren't just for prestige but political statement."

"Mmmm," the Conqueror softly agreed.

"Doesn't the stadium need to be fixed up some?"

"Yes." Xena rested back in her spot. "There's been some weather damage to the stadium and the surrounding area. It'll have to be fixed up before the event."

"You think there's enough time to have it complete before the Olympiad?"

"I don't believe it's too bad so yes."

Gabrielle softly smiled at this news. She considered the Olympic Game that she'd heard so much about as a child but never witnessed. She recollected all that she knew about the games. "You know," she mentioned, "only men can play or watch the games."

"No," Xena corrected, "single women may watch the games."

The queen now did recall that piece of information. "Couldn't Zeus's priestesses watch too?"

"Mmhmmm."

Gabrielle mulled over it then inquired, "Are you going to keep with tradition then?" She peered up at her friend. "Only single women can watch and no women can compete?"

"For the first Olympiad, yes." Xena then slowly grinned and casually mentioned, "The proceeding Olympiads will reflect the ever changing face of Greece."

The Amazon Queen slotted her eyes but out of curiosity. "How?"

The Conqueror chuckled and casually replied, "Time will tell."

Gabrielle huffed because of the lack of information. She decided not to probe Xena, for now. She instead enjoyed the quietness.

The friends sat quietly for awhile longer until Xena decided it was time for them to get the soap and cloth. She and Gabrielle used a white bar soap, and Gabrielle distinctly recognized the sirene scent to it. Gabrielle smiled at this but went about her wash with Xena. After cleaning up, Gabrielle realized that the sirene bar soap left her skin feeling far more smooth than the olive soap she used in her Nation. She made a mental note to ask Queen Cyane for a few bars of sirene soap too.

Xena returned to her stone seat against the bath's wall. She curiously watched her friend wash her new but dirty red attire. She softly grinned.

Gabrielle had lathered up the skirt real well with the sirene soap then proceeded to ball up and rub the skirt against itself. She worked out the dirt she'd collected on it today. Once she was satisfied, she dipped it into the bath water and worked out the soap's residue. She repeated the process with her top.

"So how do you like the new attire?"

The bard had just set her cleaned, wet items back down on the edge of the bath. She now turned towards Xena and answered, "I like them." She came over to her friend but didn't take her earlier seat; she just remained in front of Xena. "I think I've come to notice over the seasons that my skirt keeps getting shorter."

Xena suddenly laughed at the unexpected observation made by Gabrielle. She bowed her head some as a few more chuckles escaped her.

"I mean," the queen ranted, "my skirt as a kid started down at my ankles. Then it went to my knees... now it's up to my thighs."

The Conqueror smirked and remarked, "Apparently you have no problem with the length... or lack of length."

Gabrielle placed her hands on her hips, which allowed her elbows to poke out of the water. "I worked hard to build up these muscular legs I have." She dropped her arms and grinned. "I should show them off."

Xena had a wide grin and bright blue eyes. She didn't argue, but she silently agreed.

"Come on," the bard encouraged, "let's get out of here before we turn into dried olives."

The Conqueror complied and pushed off the stone seat. She straightened up to her fuller height, which almost allowed her breasts to peak out of the water. She followed her friend across the large bath to the steps.

Gabrielle was out first, and she went to the wood bench. She collected their towels then came to Xena just as Xena stepped out of the bath. She let the white towel fall open and handed it to her friend.

The Conqueror graciously accepted the towel and proceeded to dry herself.

Gabrielle shifted away and did the same. She could now distinctly pick out the sirene scent that mildly coated her skin and hair. She imagined it wouldn't last long like the olive soap, but she liked it. She finally ran her towel through her wet, short hair.

Xena had her head dipped forward and worked the towel through her long tresses.

The bard finished first and went to her clean leathers that she typically wore everyday in the Nation. She considered them rather plain, but that's what she liked about them. She easily got the skirt on then had her top on and took a beat to hook it at her back. Just as she finished, she turned to her friend.

Xena dried her hair as much as possible and proceeded to flip her hair back in an old habit since she was a child. She then brushed back her wet bangs, which fell back into place anyway.

Gabrielle clenched her jaw after witnessing the scene. She absolutely adored how Xena looked after taking a long bath because she could always see how the warm water soothed away Xena's stress. It often left Xena looking calm and peaceful.

The Conqueror slowly approached her friend and nonchalantly dropped her towel on the empty bench space. She faced her friend.

Gabrielle kept her gaze above Xena's shoulder just to help herself. She tried to convince herself that the warmth in the bathing room had suddenly increased and that it wasn't her own body temperature. But Gabrielle could never deny the fact she was attracted to Xena. However she wasn't completely convinced that Xena was just as attracted to her.

Xena studied her best friend's now flushed features. She softly caressed the bard's smooth cheek then leaned down to her. She hesitated for a beat but closed her eyes like Gabrielle and started a warm, long kiss.

Gabrielle breathed deeply at the end of the kiss. She had her right hand hooked behind Xena's neck, and she leaned her forehead against Xena's. She painfully murmured, "Xena, this is hard for me." She developed a squinched face. "Can you please get your leathers on?"

Xena didn't move and kept her forehead against Gabrielle's. She finally raised her head and found pleading green eyes looking back at her. She softly confessed, "This isn't easy for me either." She searched her friend's eyes but quietly reminded, "You know that I'm not very good at explaining myself." She waited a beat then added, "It's gotten worse since we've been apart, and I've become a warrior."

Gabrielle felt her heart drop. She pressed her palms against Xena's cheeks. "You've always done a pretty good job... you've always tried, which has meant the most to me." She sensed there was something else that Xena wanted to tell her so she encouraged, "You can tell me anything, you know that."

Xena indeed knew that after so long. She trusted Gabrielle the most out of anybody in her life. She also found it easiest to talk to Gabrielle because despite how much Gabrielle could talk, she could also listen very well. Xena gathered herself then tried her best to open up her emotions and deeper thoughts. "I do want this, Gabrielle."

The bard considered the words carefully and mentally broke down each word to understand what exactly Xena was telling her. She knew the conversation had to be handled carefully. She didn't bother questioning Xena's statement because Xena never stated anything she wasn't fully sure about. Gabrielle instead softly revealed, "I want this too, Xena." She showed a gentle smile. "But you know that."

Xena faintly smiled but became serious again. She kept her voice quiet as she continued the conversation. It was as if others could hear them, and Xena didn't want others to hear the mighty Conqueror's hidden emotions that she never articulated. "I just don't know how to do this."

Gabrielle read between the words and figured out her friend was scared to progress the relationship further. She also considered the fact that most likely Xena had never been in a normal relationship and had the worst one with Julius Caesar. Gabrielle gathered her next words, delicately.

"We can take it as slow as you want." Gabrielle saw some relief in Xena's eyes. "And if it's not right for us..." She shrugged and promised, "We won't lose our friendship." She could tell by how Xena's shoulders slightly shifted down that most likely that was Xena's biggest concern. "Xena, we've been friends since we were kids and something like that just doesn't go away."

"I hope not," the ruler replied. She then tilted her head and mentioned, "I see how you are with Ephiny."

Gabrielle sighed because mostly likely Xena worried that if her and Gabrielle didn't work out that Gabrielle would treat Xena much like she treated Ephiny. And it was true that Gabrielle had grown quite distant with Ephiny, but Gabrielle hoped to return her and Ephiny back to the close friendship they once had together.

"Xena," the bard honestly explained, "Ephiny and I are... well Ephiny and I." She shook her head and argued, "You shouldn't compare my friendship and past with her with you and I." She shifted her fingertips to Xena's jawline. "You and I are very different on so many levels."

Xena couldn't argue the facts. She then cleared her throat but in a nervous manner.

Gabrielle slightly narrowed her eyes and tenderly asked, "What else is it?"

The Conqueror looked past Gabrielle and tried to gather her inner resolve. She finally admitted, "I've never been with another woman." She didn't have the nerve to meet Gabrielle's eye contact.

Gabrielle couldn't help her soft grin, and she refused her low chuckle. She thought Xena looked cute when she was bashful, and it was a rare occurrence. She became serious though and honestly responded, "I don't think you'll have a problem." She finally found blue eyes back on her. "Seriously." She tried to settle her friend by placing her arms around Xena's neck and leaning closer to her. "You have many skills... you can pick up these ones quickly, I'm sure."

Xena now grinned and finally relaxed. She instinctively placed her hands on the bard's hips. "Sooo..."

Gabrielle leaned into Xena's tall and nude form that she craved and resisted, right now. "So, how about we try to move forward with this?" She then added, "Slowly."

"Mmmm." Xena seemed to gain back her cool confidence that she typically showed. She now felt in control again and because Gabrielle helped get her there, like always. "How we do that?"

The bard chuckled and suggested, "Maybe we can... loosen up with the whole kissing thing." She noted the ruler's arched eyebrow. "I wouldn't mind being able to kiss you for once... and when I feel like it."

Xena indeed realized that she'd initiated all the kisses and never once had Gabrielle done one. "Alright," she agreed.

Gabrielle smiled at the simple yet important word. She then added, "And we'll keep this just between us."

The Conqueror couldn't be more appreciative in Gabrielle's offer. She bowed her head and whispered, "Yes... thank you."

Gabrielle's smile went a bit silly as she replied, "My pleasure." Finally, she rocked onto the front of her feet and pressed her lips into Xena's.

Xena moaned once her tongue raced across Gabrielle's, and she slid her arms around Gabrielle's waist. She felt her body pressed into Gabrielle's much smaller frame.

Gabrielle had to forcefully pull out of the kiss. She then quickly begged, "Please get your leathers on, Xena." She then peered up with smoky green eyes. "Or slow is going to turn into real fast any heartbeat."

Despite her smug look, Xena conceded so she separated from the bard. She picked up her black leathers from the bench.

The bard forced herself to go over to the bath's edge and collect her damp but clean attire. "I want to do your ribs too."

The Conqueror had her leathers pulled on, but she didn't bother to pull her leather straps over her shoulder. She instead placed the medical kit in her lap and hunted through it for the balm.

Gabrielle folded her skirt in half then laid her red top on her skirt. She sighed at her body's earlier natural, powerful attraction to Xena. She shut her eyes briefly and mentally prayed she could hold out until Xena was completely ready. She knew that Xena trusted and relied on her to guide her through the transition of their relationship, and Gabrielle intended not to let it go wrong.

The Conqueror found the bard back at her side. She watched Gabrielle set the clean clothes on top of the used towels.

"Here." Gabrielle took the wood jar of salix alba balm. She popped the top off, coated her fingertips, and set the jar in Xena's lap. She stood in front of her friend but leaned forward and proceeded to rub the balm into Xena's sides.

The ruler kept her back straight, and the faint chill of the cream caused a ripple to go up her spine. She waited until Gabrielle was done then she handed over a long wrap.

The queen quickly wrapped the ruler's ribs then tied off the two ends. "There you go."

"Thank you." Xena shot a smile at her friend. She closed up things in the medical kit then slipped on her sandals. While she pulled up her leathers and straps, she watched Gabrielle put the red outfit into a towel then set the rolled up towel onto the bench.

Gabrielle then pushed down really hard onto the towel and hoped the outfit's water would soak into the towel. Finally, she collected the towel and put her sandals on too. She looked at her friend in silent question.

Xena had her things in her arms and nodded. She led the way out of the bathing hut and into the corridor. She noticed that in the communal bath that most of the Amazons were gone so she suspected dinner wouldn't be too far. Once outside, she was greeted by the afternoon's slightly cool air.

"It's gotten cooler," the bard noted aloud. She then added, "It seems a bit cooler here than in Macedon."

"We are further north," the ruler agreed, "and near the mountains."

"It's beautiful though." Gabrielle shifted closer to her friend. "I wish I could see more of Greece. I've never been further than Athens."

"Corinth is beautiful," Xena confessed. "And Sparta represents the dedication of Greece."

The queen tilted her head and asked, "Is Corinth more beautiful than Athens?"

"Very much so." Xena smiled and promised, "You will see for yourself."

Gabrielle mirrored the smile but curiously asked, "I've always heard about the..." She shook her head because she couldn't recall the terminology. "It's the system that King Periander built so long ago that moved ships across the Isthmus to the Corinth Gulf?"

"You're talking about the portage road called the Diolkos," the ruler clarified.

Gabrielle lit up at the name of the portage road. "Yes, does it still exist?"

"Of course." Xena adjust her things in her arm. "It's still in use."

"Wow," the bard breathed. "So ships can really be transported across the Isthmus on it?"

"Mmhmmm."

The Amazon Queen shook her head at the idea of ships moving across land. She could imagine it but truly wanted to see it.

The Conqueror silently chuckled at the bard's dazzled features. She stretched out her legs into a wider gate because the hut was just ahead. She opened the door for them and let Gabrielle pass before she entered. Quickly, she and Gabrielle organized their things because they knew dinner would be shortly.

Gabrielle placed her damp clothes by the fireplace, and she was grateful when Xena decided to go ahead and start a fire. She figured it would be a cold night considering the afternoon chill.

Gabrielle grabbed her boots and laced them up while Xena finished with the fireplace. She leaned back in her chair when the Conqueror stood in front of her. "I'm definitely hungry since we skipped lunch and... kept busy."

The ruler's soft lips upturned. She glanced at her saddlebags on the table, and she recalled something she needed to discuss with Gabrielle.

The Amazon Queen noted the suddenly serious look but she didn't have a chance to ask anything.

Xena went to her bags and routed around for an item. "There's something I've been meaning to give you... talk to you about."

Gabrielle fidgeted a bit in her chair but waited.

The Conqueror came back in front of her friend and knelt down. She carefully placed a small but heavy pack into Gabrielle's lap. "I want you to take this one."

Gabrielle instantly recalled one of the packs from the cave that was filled with drachmas. "Xena, no." She quickly shook her head and pushed the bag back towards her friend. "No, no, no..."

Xena stopped her and held the pack in Gabrielle's lap. "Yes." She had a serious, strong tone that left no room for arguments. "I want you take this and use it."

"For what?" Gabrielle quickly fought. "I don't need this kind of money." She looked down at the bag. "And I don't even know where it came from other than your pirate days."

The Conqueror released a hefty sigh then carefully explained her intentions. "I would like for you to use it on your family's land."

Gabrielle looked up from the bag and slightly slumped her shoulders. "Xena, I don't live there anymore."

"No you don't," the ruler agreed, "but it has to be maintained... taxes paid each census." She tilted her head and inquired, "How have you been paying the taxes? I know your income in the Nation isn't enough to cover it."

The bard looked away and quietly confessed, "Cornelio took care of it... I was able to help some." And it was true that her small income from the Nation couldn't cover her taxes for the land. She, like any Amazon, was given a small stipend each season from the Nation for spending purposes but most Amazons didn't need the drachamas. The Nation provided everything they required yet still the Nation graciously handed out stipends.

"Well, I think it's time you handled it." Xena tilted her head and explained, "Potidaea falls under Macedonia, and I can try to pardon your taxes, but I rather not make that kind of statement."

"It would bring a lot of attention," the bard murmured.

The ruler nodded then furthered her reasoning. "And I want you to fix up your house... the barn. I don't think it's a bad idea for it to become a vacation spot for your Nation or stopping point for Amazons between Macedonia and Thrace."

Gabrielle had her head hung down and stared at the pack. "The barn could be converted to a stable."

Xena sadly smiled at the fact that Gabrielle was starting to accept the idea. "These drachmas..." She laid her right hand on the pack. "I took them.... from warlords and other pirates, who attacked villages like ours. Or they planned to attack our villages." She found curiously green eyes on her. "My men and I often looted their camps, stole as much as we could, and I sold what we took down in Athens. I'd hoped one day to use the drachmas to raise a small army and attack Hecht so that I could get you back."

"I was probably long gone by then," Gabrielle muttered.

The ruler silently agreed, but she revealed, "I'd collected so many drachmas that I had to hide them throughout the Aegean and beyond. I'd used much of it during my campaign for Sparta but there's still plenty left."

Gabrielle was amazed and couldn't guess how much Xena had hidden away in remote spots. She didn't plan to ask either.

"I think it's fitting that you use these drachmas." Xena patted the pack once. "You'll spend it in Potidaea to fix your land and in return the merchants in Potidaea will be happy."

Gabrielle chuckled and nodded. She was speechless though.

"The drachmas will return to the people, who they were taken from or killed for." Xena watched Gabrielle's hands cover hers.

"Thank you," Gabrielle sincerely whispered.

Xena knew now that Gabrielle had accepted the drachmas. She softly smiled and repeated Gabrielle's earlier response. "My pleasure." She started to stand while saying, "Now, let's get you fed."

The queen and her stomach fully agreed to the idea. And tonight, she felt more confident about seeing the crowd after being outed about her slave status. She knew she had to face Queen Cyane and the rest of the Thrace Nation. She planned to hold her head up much like Xena had taught her as a kid. Gabrielle had worked hard and earned her caste not only as Amazon but queen too, and nobody could tell her otherwise.

To be continued.