(I)
"Like this?" Eden inquired as she gripped the sword.
"Yes, now, hold it out from your side, and move your left leg backwards. You have to learn to parry if you expect to be even somewhat successful." Eden followed her instructor's commands and suddenly took the form of a warrior ready to deflect any oncoming attacks. "Good… Now, I'm going to attempt to attack you… you block my sword with your own, but don't allow yourself to lose your position."
"O-okay…" Eden replied with uncertainty as she tried to imagine how to accomplish such a feat.
"Ready?" Xena asked. Eden nodded her head, but was surprised when Xena did not subsequently attack. Xena slowly took a step to the right, which left her facing Eden at an awkward angle. Intuitionally, Eden turned so that she was facing the warrior head on once more. Pleased with the woman's natural response, Xena began circling the younger woman, monitoring her closely as she continued to adjust to each step.
"Xena, really, how long are you going to tease me? You're making me quite anxious." Eden's voice hinged on the very edge of seduction, indicating the underlying meaning behind her selected words.
"You must learn to anticipate the first move." Xena answered. "If you allow yourself to lower your guard, even for a moment, your opponent will have you at his will."
Eden sighed dreadfully, "I don't understand while we're even wasting our time. I've never been able to wield a sword… I do not understand why you suddenly think it's a spectacular idea."
Xena maintained in teacher mode, "I will not always be there to protect you, you need to learn basic survival tactics."
"Yes, well, that was not part of the agreement you made with my father." Eden quipped. "You are bound to me, Xena, as protector, not instructor."
"When we return to the Empire, you'll need to protect yourself." Xena replied casually.
Eden laughed lightly, "Do you not understand the pretense of the agreement you made with the chief? I am bound to you."
"It's not the same as marriage…"
"It is of it's own right, but akin to marriage nonetheless." Eden objected.
"Don't be ridiculous." Xena lowered her sword and narrowed her eyes, "We are not joined." Xena emphasized.
"You're going back on your word." Eden gripped her sword tightly. "My father placed his trust in you, and now you're going to dishonor him?"
"Your father stole my supplies right from under my own hut, and then bribed me into taking his daughter in order to get them back." Xena spat.
Eden threw the sword down onto the cold ground; it clanged loudly against the hard, compacted surface. "Would you have agreed by any other terms?" she demanded.
Xena eyed the sword and then stared at the woman, "I will protect you while you are in my care, but you cannot stay with me when we return to the Empire. If it is marriage you seek, there are husbands in Rome."
Eden could taste the bitterness forming in her conscious. "You've disappointed me." She finally stated. "I thought better of you."
"That is unfortunate." Xena replied. "We'll practice again tomorrow. That's enough for today. Pack a light bag, we're taking an overnight trip." With that, Xena turned and began walking back towards the hut.
Gabrielle spotted the raven-haired warrior marching up the path. Instantly, her curiosity peaked as to what the warrior was doing out in the field with Eden. She imagined that Xena was teaching her something, for it was like Xena to play the educator role. Surprisingly, though she found herself curious, she lacked the jealousy she assumed would normally have followed.
"Gabrielle, I'm going to ride out and check on Adalei this afternoon. I intend to spend the night at the safe house, I'll be back tomorrow." Xena began gathering supplies. "Don't worry, I plan to take Eden with me. I'm sure her knowledge of the land will prove useful."
Gabrielle was taken aback by Xena's sudden announcement. She hadn't assumed that Xena was considering paying a visit to the safe house. "We could all go… if you'd like. It may be good for Alix to see her."
Xena's eyes shot up, "No. We can't leave the hut unguarded. Besides, I don't Alix would be up for the reunion."
Gabrielle nodded, realizing that Xena's response was highly logical. She had only suggested the idea out of uncertainty of what else to say. A fleeting thought raced across her mind as she wondered if Xena was intentionally leaving she and Alix alone, so they could spend the time together and without restraint.
"I'll speak with Alix before we leave." Xena grabbed the backpack that Alix had purchased for her a few weeks before. "If something happens, just trust Alix. She'll know what to do." Xena paused for a moment as she held eye contact with Gabrielle, but then turned and loaded her pack onto Argo. Eden was slowly walking up the path, as Alix stepped out of the hut. Xena pulled the other warrior aside and began conversing about her plans.
Gabrielle smiled politely as Eden came closer to the camp. "Looks like you're heading out for the night…"
Eden glanced over at Xena, "Not like I was giving much of a choice."
"You'd rather not go?" Gabrielle asked.
Eden was hesitant to respond; "I don't know… she just has this way about her that makes me want to rebel and surrender at the same time. It's driving me mad."
Finding this comment strange, yet interesting, Gabrielle offered some friendly advice, "If you can learn to do both, you'll have mastered her." Gabrielle lowered her voice, "If you'd honestly prefer not to go, I can talk to Xena. I wouldn't mind making the trip in your place."
"No." Eden immediately replied. "I'll stay with her." She turned quickly and grabbed her pack.
After finishing up their conversation, Alix stepped away from Xena and moved towards Gabrielle. They stood beside each other and watched as Xena and Eden took off together on Argo. Gabrielle's eyes focused on Eden, who was riding in her spot atop Argo. How off it felt to see another in her place.
"What's the matter, Gabrielle?" Alixandriah asked thoughtfully as she slowly placed an arm around the bard.
Gabrielle's head turned slightly so that she could face Alix, "It feels odd…" Gabrielle honestly admitted. "She hasn't gone many places without me… she's never really taken anyone else besides me…"
Alix smiled briefly, "But now we're alone." She reminded. "For the first time in a while."
"Are you curious about Adalei's condition?" Gabrielle asked, swiftly shifting the subject.
Alix noticed the intentional topic change and responded to it delicately, "I hope that Xena finds her well."
"Do you miss her?"
"Not when I'm with you." Alix's honesty surprised herself as much as it did Gabrielle.
Impressed by the frankness of her response, Gabrielle felt compelled to confess her true feelings as well. "I miss Xena, sometimes…"
"I know." Alix replied with a hint of a smile.
"And when I remind myself that I cannot be with her…" Gabrielle paused. She wanted to say, that's when I'm the most thankful that I have you. But she quickly realized that Alix could easily misunderstand her meaning or even worse, understand it perfectly.
Alix's voice softened, "Gabrielle, I know that it's something you still struggle with. I watch you battle with it every day."
"I don't want it to interfere." Gabrielle took Alix's hand in her own. "It's a burden… it weighs down my heart and clutters my mind."
Alix shook her head, showing that she understood. "I've assumed as much. It's why you're so hesitant about moving forward with me." Alix licked her lips nervously before continuing, "So, I've thought about it…. It's not presumable that you'll ever get over your feelings for Xena if you're forced to spend every day with her."
Gabrielle's head snapped up, "What are you proposing?"
"A break." Alix replied simply. "A vacation… time away."
"A break from Xena…" Gabrielle compiled the thoughts. "Leave her?"
Alix could tell the idea did not set well with the bard, but it did not hinder her attempt to make Gabrielle see the benefit of distance between herself and Xena. "Consider it. We could head out before solstice, and visit some of the villages in Gaul. I have friends there; we can spend the rest of winter safely. Then in the spring, we'll head back to the Empire, meet up with Xena, and help Eden find a nice mate…" Alix tacked on a smile to show her extra enthusiasm for the idea.
"Xena could use the time to teach Eden about survival." Gabrielle pondered the thought, "Do you really think that it will be safe in Gaul?"
"For the two of us, absolutely. It was only a threat when Adalei was part of the group." Alix explained. "I think a short time apart would do you both well. Don't put yourself through any more grief, Gabrielle. Let the wound heal."
Gabrielle smirked, "You'd say anything to convince me to go off with you."
Alix eyed Gabrielle's face for several moments before replying, "Is it working? I'm prepared to beg…" Alix quickly dropped to her knees, triggering a giggly response from Gabrielle.
"Get up." Gabrielle replied in amusement as she gently tugged at Alix's shirt collar, "You don't have to beg."
Alix rose to her feet, "Does that mean you'll go?"
"Only for the rest of winter." Gabrielle pointed out. "I don't think we should stay separated from Xena long, it's not the safest idea."
"Don't fret over Caesar." Alix reassured. "He'll not harm you. You have my word."
"It's not just Caesar. There are numerous reasons why it's safest to travel with Xena. Plus, I worry about Adalei and her unborn baby… and now I find myself worrying over Eden and what will happen to her once we reach the Empire… How we have gotten involved in so many lives in such a short time?"
Alix thought carefully before responding to Gabrielle's concerns, "I brought you into all of this. It's my fault that you've fled the Empire."
"I don't regret that, Alix. I just hope that we're making the right decisions."
(II)
At the safe house, Adalei had been waiting patiently for a visit from Alix and her friends, but so far they had not lived up to their promise. She was beginning to lose hope of ever seeing them again, until the evening she spotted Xena riding towards the safe house with a young woman nestled behind her.
"Xena…" Adalei mouthed the name from the window of the house, and then quickly turned to run down the stairs. She greeted the warrior warmly, as they met out in front of the safe house. She hugged Xena tightly for several moments before finally pulling away, "I'm so glad you came. I thought you wouldn't."
"I would have come sooner, but the weather has been terrible for traveling." Xena glanced back at Eden and pulled her forward. "This is Eden. She's the daughter of one of the chieftain's. We're looking out for her for a while."
Adalei's eyes fell upon the younger beauty, "I see." She replied simply. Immediately her mind filled with questions and accusations about the woman and what she was doing among the trio.
"How are you? Have you had any problems?" Xena asked as they began to travel inside, and out of the colder winter weather.
"I've been well." Adalei's eyes softened. "They've been very kind to me here. There's been no threat of Caesar…"
"Good to hear." Xena smiled. "Eden and I were thinking of spending the night tonight, then heading out at first light tomorrow."
"Really?" Adalei's voice gave away her shock. "That would be lovely, Xena. I would cherish the opportunity."
Adalei led them into her own bedroom, and closed the door behind them. "Would you like some wine?" Adalei asked as she invited them to take a seat in a couple of chairs she had sitting by her bed. "I don't drink it, of course. Many healers say that it can be bad for the baby, so you're more than welcome to the entire bottle."
Eden graciously accepted the offer, "I could use a drink." She stated dryly as she took the bottle for Adalei's hands.
Xena instantly grabbed the bottle from Eden's grasp. "We'll have water… or tea if you have any." She set the bottle aside and gave Eden a straightforward look of warning.
"I could make some tea." Adalei quickly began gathering her cups and teapot. She kindled the fire inside the hearth of her room. "So, I take it Alixandriah did not wish to see me." Adalei asked the question over her shoulder while she continued at her task.
"She's still hurting." Xena replied.
"Hurting…." Adalei repeated. "Well, she isn't the only one."
Eden watched Xena's response carefully, taking great interest in the matter. "I cannot speak for her further." Xena hoped that this would be enough to subdue the questioning.
"Will you take a message for her, then?" Adalei turned and reached for a small bag by her bedside. As she turned back to face Xena, she pulled out a scroll. "I wrote this letter a few days ago, and I thought that I would have to send it by a messenger in the spring, but with you arriving here today, you could take it to her."
Xena took the scroll, "Of course."
"Thank you." Adalei poured the three of them a cup of tea and took a seat on the bed. "So, Eden, you must tell me all about yourself." She smiled.
"There isn't much to say." Eden replied as she sipped her tea. "I'm quite the bore, really."
"On the contrary." Adalei remarked. "I'd never believe you were a chieftain's daughter, considering how unique differences from most of the tribal people I've seen around these parts."
"So you noticed?" Eden asked sarcastically, knowing everyone was well aware of her stark difference from the tribes. "Funny how you're kind never seem to consider adoption as a possibility."
"Kidnapped may be a more accurate word…"
"Adalei." Xena broke into the conversation. "Don't be so hard on our new friend."
Adalei leaned back across the bed, "Merely making an observation. I apologize."
"If you must know," Eden sighed, "I was rescued by the tribe when I was a little girl. My parents, my real parents, were traveling through the borderlands and an evil tribe attacked them… attacked us." Eden clarified. "My father killed so many of them, but there were countless heathens coming at us in all directions. My mother and I took off running from the battle. We didn't make it far until we realized another tribe was swiftly approaching us. At first we assumed that they were after us as well, but then they began fighting with the heathen tribe attacked. It was too late for my father, he died protecting my mother and I, but the tribe was able to save my mother and me."
Xena's eyes were fixated on the young woman. It was the most she had spoken about her past since Xena had met her. "And your mother? I never saw her with the chief."
"She was a part of the tribe for a while." Eden cleared her throat and continued, "We had no where else to go… no one else to help us…. My father was dead… they offered us a home." Eden stared into the warm hearth as she proceeded. "My mother married the chief a couple years later, and I've been his daughter ever since. They were very happy together until the winter she took ill."
"You don't have to continue." Adalei interrupted, as she realized the story was painful for Eden to recount. "I think I can put it together from here."
"I ended up with Xena because my father knows that the heathen tribe is planning to attack soon."
Eden's sudden confession caused Xena's head to jerk. "There's going to be an attack in the borderlands and you haven't told me?"
"You haven't asked…" Eden defended. "Or cared about anything, really… All you've managed to speak about is how I must learn to live on my own when you drop me off by the roadside."
Adalei shook her head, "I've heard talk about a hostile tribe in the north, but they haven't attacked in years."
Eden scoffed, "You mean they haven't attacked the safe house in years."
"Who, exactly, do they plan on attacking?" Xena asked.
"Anyone who stands in their way." Eden answered simply. "They've been peaceful for far too long. Father believes it is because they are strengthening their warriors."
"And what is it that they want? The borderland?"
"What else?" Eden raised her eyebrow, "They have battled in those fields for hundreds of years, each tribe claims ownership of the land. It's preposterous… My father's ancestors clearly have right to the land, but it's a beautiful land and resources are plentiful here."
"Eden, we can't afford to be in any battles… We're not prepared… We do not wish to take part in it." Xena rambled on, "If we had known…"
"Relax, Xena." Eden interjected. "No one is expecting your assistance in the battle, that is why my father made his agreement with you. If we are attacked, we must leave immediately. You must protect me. That is the deal."
Adalei laughed lightly, "Well, lose one young woman, gain another…." She glanced over at Xena, "I'm sure Alix doesn't mind being bothered with this one."
"No, Alix is quite taken already by the young blonde." Eden returned.
Xena's face went blank as she awaited Adalei's reaction. Adalei stared at Eden for several moments, trying to decide if her words could be accurate. When she finally turned her attention to Xena, she knew she had heard the remark correctly.
"Alix and Gabrielle?" She asked the warrior. Her voice was tiny, like that of a small child.
Xena frowned, "Things have changed quite a bit since we've seen you last."
"It appears that way." Alix's eyes narrowed and she immediately reached a hand to her stomach. "Damn this beast…." She whispered. "Damn you…." She added as her eyes shot back to Xena. "How could you let something like that happen? Do you not care for Gabrielle at all?"
"I cannot help what has been done. Gabrielle and I have talked. We have resolved our issues." Xena slowly stood to her feet, "Perhaps we should leave…"
"They are there alone…." Alix stated, as her jaw clinched. "At the hut. And I know Alixandriah well enough to know that she does not waste an opportunity alone with her lover. Still hurting, you spewed to me… what a crock. I'm sure she's feeling pretty wonderful at the moment."
An unwelcomed risqué image popped into Xena's mind. She quickly batted it away and tried to forget the idea that Adalei had so forcefully brought to light. "We'll head back to the hut tonight…."
"The hell we will…" Eden exclaimed as she jumped to her feet. "Xena, I refuse to get back on that horse. You have forced me along on this journey and now that I am in a warm room with a bed, I will not simply give it up and return to camp in the middle of a cold winter night."
Adalei and Xena both stared impressively at the younger woman's rant. Xena knew that there was not much she could say in return to such an abrasive declaration.
"Of course, don't be ridiculous, Xena. You're more than welcome to stay here tonight." Adalei lowered her head. "I am sorry. Please do not take my anger over Alix as any ill feelings towards you."
"Isn't it about dinner time?" Xena asked, taking the opportunity to change the subject.
"Yes, it is." Adalei smiled faintly. "I'm sure we're having something delicious… Let's go see, shall we?" She turned and opened the door, holding it open for Xena and Eden to step through.
(III)
Gabrielle threw a couple more pieces of wood into the fireplace, now content that it would stay bright and warm for a while. She felt the familiar touch of Alix's arm gently finding its way around her waist.
"Finished with the outside chores already?" Gabrielle asked without turning around.
"Not as much to care for when there's only one horse." Alix reminded as she pulled the bard closer. "Need any help in here?"
Gabrielle leaned her body back against Alix. She allowed herself to stay comfortable there for a moment before replying, "No, I've finished everything."
"Then we can call it an early night." Alix spun the blonde around. "How about a story?"
"A story? Which one?" Gabrielle playfully inquired.
"One of my own. One that I've written for you." Alix pulled Gabrielle towards her bedroll. "Sit here… I'll get it for you." Alix returned quickly with a scroll in hand. "I could read it aloud…. Or just hand it to you if you prefer."
Gabrielle chuckled, "I'd love to hear you narrate."
"All right…" Alix unfolded the scroll and cleared her throat. "Once, not so long ago, the great goddess Aphrodite decided that she would share he wisdom and grant one human being the opportunity to know true love, as she knew it." Alix paused and glanced over at the attentive Gabrielle, "Like it so far?" She asked.
"Yes. Keep going." Gabrielle commanded as she waited eagerly for the rest.
Alix smirked and then continued, "Aphrodite scavenged the earth in search of the perfect person to fulfill her goal. She hunted as far and wide as possible, evaluated nearly every single human being, and then suddenly realized that none of them were truly worthy to know love as she knew it. This left Aphrodite feeling extremely sad for all of humanity, for they would never know what was meant by the words, 'true love.' Before giving up hope, Aphrodite remembered the gentle nature of a bard that she had come into contact with before; a young Potidaean girl with a heart a gold and hair to match Perhaps this young woman would be worthy of experiencing true love. If not, she would certainly be the closest contestant. When Aphrodite swept down to Earth in the form of an eagle, she followed the young Potidaean around for several days; thus, determining that she was truly worthy of the goddess' gift. As she cast her love spell upon the young woman while she slept, she must have accidentally recited the wrong words, for when the sleeping beauty awakened, not only did she feel and understand the meaning of true love, but also she radiated of it. This warm, glowing light that surrounded the young woman touched all who met her. By being in her presence alone, one could feel the warmth of love emanating from her. From that moment forward, Aphrodite's love began to spread through all who met the Potidaean, causing countless hearts to turn from black. At first, the goddess assumed she had made a mistake, but shortly after she realized what a splendid thing was occurring. For once, humanity was experiencing love the way it was meant to be experienced…. Unconditionally. What a wonderful change to ensue the world, right when it seemed the darkest…. Gods bless the Potidaean girl, without whom, I would never know unconditional love."
Gabrielle felt the heat rush to her face and though she wanted desperately to reply, she had trouble finding any words to speak. She searched for any phrase that would be thoughtful enough, but every comment paled in comparison to the beautiful writing she had just heard.
"That's the end." Alix added as she began rolling up the scroll. "You can keep it, if you like." She awkwardly handed over the roll.
"Alix, I can't think of anything to say to you other than…." Gabrielle paused, "Thank you… thank you so much." She reached over and took the scroll, "I'll keep it with me always."
"It's not exactly a myth or fairytale… but it's a start." Alix swallowed heavily, "I'm a little rusty with my writing, I hadn't done anything for so long, and …"
"It was wonderful, Alix. I loved it." Gabrielle soothed as she scooted closer to the taller woman and took her hand. "I wish I had something that special to give to you."
"You do." Alix replied squeezing the bard's hand gently. "Every day with you is special, Gabrielle. So special." Alix leaned in closer and softly placed a kiss on Gabrielle's lips, "I…I…" Alix hesitated to continue.
"I know…" Gabrielle replied in a low whisper as she used her free hand to touch Alix's cheek. "I know you do."
"I can't help it… from the moment I met you…." Alix's voice softened more with each stammered phrase, "I can't resist you."
"You don't have to…" Gabrielle pressed her lips against Alix's. They kissed for several minutes, each one more passionate than the one before, "I'm sorry things have been so complicated." Gabrielle managed to squeeze in before another session began.
"You're worth it…." Alix breathed quickly as she slowly began unbuttoning her shirt.
"Am I?" Gabrielle inhaled just as heavily as she frantically assisted Alix with her buttons. Her body ached to be touched, to be caressed and she had grown tired of denying it its only desire.
"Absolutely." Alix gasped as she felt Gabrielle's warm hands slide in through her shirt and brush against her naked sides."
"Even though I'm in love with Xena?" Gabrielle paused and stared steadily into the eyes of her new partner. She knew the answer to this question would seal the deal one way, or the other. It was the moment that would determine the future of their relationship, or whether there was to even be a future.
"Is she the only one you're ever going to allow yourself to love?" Alix asked, holding eye contact with the blonde.
Gabrielle took a few moments before replying, "No..."
"Then it's worth it." Alix pulled Gabrielle towards her and enveloped her in a passionate embrace. Alix allowed her hands to travel freely over her latest lover's body. Gabrielle felt the burning intensity in each of Alix's touches, and in the back of her mind she relentlessly explained to herself how Xena could never fulfill these desires.
"Alix, I've only ever been with one person…" Gabrielle began, "And he… well…" She didn't finish.
"It's all right." Alix pushed a stray hair away from Gabrielle's face, "We'll take our time." She smiled. "Learning is the best part."
Alix removed her shirt and was beginning to unlace Gabrielle's when the sudden sound of a several horses galloping towards the hut caught both women's attention.
Gabrielle looked towards the door of the hut, "What in Tartarus is that?"
"Who is the more likely question." Alix remarked as she grabbed her shirt and quickly buttoned it. "Stay here, I'll take a look." Alix reached for her sword and moved towards the door.
"Alix, be careful. Don't try to take on an army." Gabrielle warned as she began re-lacing her shirt.
Alix swung open the door to reveal a small group of tribal warriors standing in a semicircle around their hut. "May I help you?" Alix asked.
The main leader of the group stepped forward, "Ni'ling." He stated boldly. "Ni'ling!" he repeated.
"I don't understand." Alix gripped her sword tightly. "You should leave. I can't help you."
The tribe talked amongst itself and then the leader took another step forward. This time, he spotted Gabrielle creeping up beside Alix in the doorway. "Ha'nah…. Ha'nah shu opala!" he pointed to the bard.
Alix instinctually put an arm in front of Gabrielle and stepped forward slightly, to show her protection of the girl, "Don't worry, Gabbie. I'll handle this."
"Ha'nah…" The man repeated. He looked back the other men in his tribe who were now jumping down from their horses and stepping up behind him. Each pulled out a weapon and held it plainly for Alix and Gabrielle to see.
"Alix…" Gabrielle's voice shook, "What do they want?"
"I don't know." Alix answered anxiously. She spoke louder to the leader, "I warn you. Go away." The leader took several more steps towards the hut. Alix raised her sword and pointed it towards the man, "I said, leave!"
The man's eyes focused on Gabrielle. "Ha'nah…" he snarled. "Shu ji undon." He pointed at Gabrielle again, this time aiming more towards her neck.
"My necklace?" Gabrielle asked as she clenched at the piece of jewelry. "You want my necklace?"
"Ha'nah."
"Ha'nah… necklace…." Gabrielle concluded. "Here… here, take it." She immediately began to fiddle with the latch until she had removed it from her neck. She attempted to take hand it over to the man, but he backed away quickly when she approached him. "
"Gabrielle, stop." Alix reached for the bard, pulling her back inside the hut. "You can't just throw yourself at him."
"Give him the necklace, if that's what he wants; give it to him. It's not worth dying over, Alix."
"He doesn't want the necklace… he's afraid of it." Alix snatched the jewelry from Gabrielle's grasp. She shook it in the direction of the tribe and all the men backed away quickly and coward from its presence. "It must mean something to them."
"The carvings…" Gabrielle pointed out. "Perhaps they're a symbol for something…"
"Perhaps." Alix agreed. She held up the jewelry and approached the group of men, her sword ready by her side. "Get out of here!" She shouted. "Get!" she shook the necklace in their faces, and immediately the men jumped atop their horses and began to ride away. "That's right, you bastards! Leave or I'll slap you with my necklace!"
Gabrielle slapped Alix's arms, "Alix, don't make light of this. They're dangerous."
"Dangerous all right." Alix laughed, "Frightened of a piece of jewelry."
Gabrielle reached for the necklace and snapped it back on around her neck, "It's only a matter of time before they return."
"And when they do return, they'll bring more with them." Alix added as she led Gabrielle inside the hut and closed the door behind them.
"What do we do?"
"What else can we do? We leave." Alix replied grimly. "Tonight."
Gabrielle's eyes widened and her mouth gaped open, "Tonight? Alix, Xena and Eden are at the safe house, we can't just leave without them…."
"We do not have a choice, Gabrielle. Those men are part of a different tribe… a hostile tribe… if we stay here, we'll be sitting ducks. We can't just keep waving your necklace at them until they get tired and leave."
"Then we should gather our supplies and head towards the safe house. We can warn the others."
"We don't have time. Xena will be fine… and she'll take care of Eden… Lets' go to Gaul. We'll send word to Xena when we can." Alix swallowed heavily, knowing her suggestion was a long shot.
"Alix, I can't just leave without saying goodbye… without warning Xena what's happening." Gabrielle sighed softly, "And then there's Adalei… we can't let harm come to her and her baby. We can't be that selfish."
"You're right." Alix finally admitted. "It is selfish…" She grabbed her pack, "I hope Adalei still has that mare I gave her; we'll need it for sure with five of us traveling. Of course, I don't know where the hell we'll be going… Having Adalei knocks Gaul out of the question, we can't return to the Empire yet, and the borderlands aren't safe… Zeus' sake, the only place left to go is farther north!"
Gabrielle was deeply relieved that Alix was willing to compromise, "We'll still take our vacation… some time. I'd love to see Gaul… I want you to show me. And as for where we'll go, we'll figure it out. If we have to go farther north, we will."
Alix exhaled heavily as she began packing supplies, "I'd rather take my chances in the Empire and give Caesar what's already coming to him."
"Whatever happens, we're in this together…" Gabrielle reached over and took Alix's hand. "We'll get through it." Alix pulled the blonde into her and held her closely. "We'll have to ride all night to reach the safe house by morning." Gabrielle mumbled against Alix's chest.
"Then that's what we'll do." Alix held the woman at arm's reach and looked down at her thoughtfully, "You truly have the purest heart I know, Gabrielle. I have a lot to learn from you."
"Learning is the best part." Gabrielle teased as she brushed by the taller woman and began gathering her own supplies.
