The five newly arrived Amazons had set up camp over by the nine renegades. Cyane had said that they were her responsibility more than the warrior and the bard. It was a relief of sorts though Xena was still on high alert. The damned Amazons had gotten too close. Usually her senses would have alerted to them being that close. She was mad at herself for putting Gabrielle in that much danger.
The sun had almost gone down on now what was becoming a long day for the bard. The thought echoed that she would always be an Amazon. That even giving up her caste of right would do her little good. It was as if she had been granted a curse instead of a gift. Or maybe she was just overreacting to the situation. Maybe it was for the best that they keep their ties to the Amazons open.
The petite blond was sitting on their bedroll having just finished up her dinner of wild turkey. The Amazons had provided their own rations so it had been only she and her warrior. If it hadn't been for fourteen sets of eyes staring at them from a little ways away it would have been like old times. Traveling and being out in the open like this still had a great deal of appeal and she knew that deep down neither of them would totally want to give that up.
A blanket was placed around her with stealth and ease and a familiar strong arm was pulling her head against a strong shoulder. Slowly they slid to the ground and the bard put her head on her lover's shoulder and wrapped an arm across her stomach. It was amazing how they just naturally went back to their old habits when they were out on the road like this.
The stars were starting to peak out a little at them. It reminded her of the many times they would pass the time trying to find shapes in the stars. The bard knew that it was more difficult for her soul mate not because she had no imagination but because she had long ago learned to travel at night by the position of the stars. It had come in handy when she had also sailed around the world.
That was something that Gabrielle hated even the thought of. Being seasick was like second nature to the young blond. She had the trick that Xena had showed her but it had its side effects. While on the boat back from Japan she actually let herself remain seasick on purpose. Though her stomach felt all tore up it actually took away just a little of the pain that she felt inside on that long and dangerous voyage.
"Xena?" The bard got a mumbled response. "I know we don't like to talk about Japan and all but did I ever tell you about the boat ride back?" She felt her partner's muscle tense and heard a barely audible no. "Would you like me to tell you about it? It's kinda well as you can imagine sad and painful but I'd like to share it with you."
Xena felt her grip on her soul mate tighten in reflex. She hates talking about that time. I hate thinking about how once again I chose death over her. But if she's willing to tell me I have to be brave and strong enough to hear it. The warrior relaxes a little and found Gabrielle's hand and made sure she had a strong grip on it. "I'd love to hear any of your stories. I could hear your thoughts, you know. But that's only half the picture, right?"
Gabrielle smiled sadly at the thought that of Xena having heard all her thoughts. Must have driven her crazy hearing how much I missed her. I wish I hadn't done that to her. And yet if I hadn't she might never know how I felt. "You're right. That only gives you half the picture of what I went through. I should have told you a while ago. I think I need to because I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I want tonight to be about us."
Xena was a bit surprised by the words and the sad tone of her lover's voice. Once again she tightened her grip on the smaller woman as if she could just take away all the pain. I would do anything to take away the pain I obviously caused you so. "I always want every single moment of every single day to be just about us. But that is selfish and can't happen. So go ahead, my lil bard dazzle me with that brain I love so much."
There was a warming flush to the bard's cheeks. No one makes me feel like you do. Whether it be a touch or a comment you get deep down inside of me and make me feel so good. I hope I am worthy of you. "All right. Just settle back and relax and watch as the stars dazzle even more." The bard closed her eyes in concentration before beginning to speak.
The first night on the boat was the worst for me. Leaving Japan was like leaving a part of me behind. It's true I had your ashes still held tightly in my hands. But the essence that was you was left on the cursed island. The only person in my life that I had ever been in love with, had a connection so strong, was still there on that island and I lost it.
The crew took me down to the quarters they had set aside for me. I found out later that was because you had paid handsomely just in case something happen to either one of us but I know it was because you were worried you would have to give up everything to atone one last time. That hit me hard. It hit me so hard that I pretty much just passed out for half the night.
When I awoke the boat was rocking hard as we'd come across some storm. If I hadn't known that you'd killed Poseidon I would have wondered if he weren't behind it in some way. I stayed below with a bucket next to me swinging back and forth in the hammock that was my bed. I wanted to write in my diary while my thoughts were so fresh in my mind but I could barely even keep from falling out of the hammock.
My stomach was aching from all the seasickness. My head was aching from all the crying. I wanted to give up right then and there. I just wanted to run up and launch myself into the angry sea and not have to worry anymore about the pain both mentally and physically feeling. It was taking every ounce of strength for me to just stay where I was.
Xena's grip was almost crushing her at this point. "I remember hearing you say those things. I wanted; no I needed to do something about it." Her eyes were red as she had allowed tears to fall freely. If I could go back in time. "I think I know what happens next. I just wish you hadn't had to go through any of it. I wish I had known what was really behind everything."
"Neither of us could have known." Gabrielle pulled herself out of the grip just long enough to wipe the tears away gently with sweet kisses which led to a passionate and comforting kiss. "Had either of us known that we were being deceived and that you had been deceived so long ago neither of us would have had to go through that much pain and agony. My story gets better you know. And I'd say it has a very happy ending."
The warrior managed to laugh softly at this and felt the tension drain from her body. She kissed the bard once again and allowed her to slide back down into the familiar and comforting position that they slept in. "Go ahead, my lil bard." She firmly put her arms around her and squeezed gently. "Tell me a story." She settled in content knowing exactly how the story ended.
It felt like a dream. Suddenly standing very real before me was someone I loved. When I tried to get up to run to them I was knocked back into the hammock. I tried again but this time there were loving hands pushing me gently back onto the hammock. It was as if the whole world stilled as the boat was no longer rocking, the hammock was still, and my body and heart no longer ached.
Blue eyes that were full of love and understanding were looking into my tired and red eyes. I felt closer to that person at that moment than I had before that time. I felt a familiar body lay next to me. I smelled the intoxicating smell that was the one person in the world I wanted more than anything and yet I knew it couldn't be true.
Still that night I felt more connected to a certain warrior princess than I ever had. The touches were so real. The tastes were so real. I still don't know to this day if it was real or not. All I know is that it saved me that night. I was ready to join my soul mate on the other side. I wouldn't have cared where we ended up as long as it was together. Maybe we could have even started or next life together.
The thing I want to take out of Japan now is that while you taught me a lot at the time and you showed me just how much you loved me I will take out of it the voyage home when I was so distraught I could no longer go on. And somehow this amazing woman that I love found a way to come to me, whether real or dream, and kept me from doing something I would regret.
Now the bard had tears in her eyes as the darkness had surrounded them. The sky that had moments before been twinkling with a billion stars was now blanketed with low lying clouds. The air had taken on a sudden chill which meant the likely hood of rain before the morning. Neither woman cared at this point. All they cared about was staying wrapped up in each other's arms and never ever having to let go again.
()()()()()()()()()()
The rain held off until after they'd had their breakfast. Xena had gone off on Argo to see if she could find any signs of Varia or the council. It was now going on to noon and the rain was still coming down luckily it was a light misting rain. Still, Gabrielle had moved their gear into the small stand of trees as it gave at least a little bit of protection from the rain and just in case the rain decided to pick up.
The air was cooling as fall was quickly upon them. It made Gabrielle want to get this over just that more quickly as they needed to get the village ready for the oncoming winter. Luckily they had the two trade agreements or there would be nothing for the village to live on all winter. She knew in her heart by this time next year their first harvest would be coming in and the village would well be on its way back to the bustling place it had once been.
Cyane had come up to her a couple times to try to talk about the caste of rights issue but the bard was resigned to waiting until the council was to show up. They would know the regulations better and be able to advise her. At the moment the bard was standing at the edge of the stand looking out in the direction that her soul mate had ridden off in.
Deep down she knew that Xena could handle pretty much anything. It was a rarity when anyone could hurt her to the point where she needed help. But it had happened. The bard took a tentative step out in to the rain which was slowly picking up. A flash of lightning followed by a crackling of thunder made her shudder just a bit. Storms when you live outside are not the most pleasant of things.
Her eyes focused on something just where Argo and her rider had disappeared. It was Xena riding fast and furious. She had been heading toward their camp but changed direction when she saw the familiar form of the bard standing there. The horse and rider came to an abrupt halt. "We've got more trouble." Carefully she handed Gabrielle the reins so that she could drain the excess water out of her hair. "Varia is on her way with the council but there are more from Estra's camp coming."
Gabrielle let out a curse which surprised the warrior princess. The bard only shrugged at the look she received. "Sorry. Been frustrating without you here." She lowered her voice so low yet she knew that Xena would be able to hear her. "Cyane won't leave me alone. She's trying to convince me to not give up my caste of right and leave her as regent like we did Ephiny. Maybe, that's what we should do. I mean, we do need all the allies we can get."
Xena took the reins once again and they walked to the little area that the bard had set up as their new camp. Since the rain had picked up there was a light misting coming down on them. A lightning flashed and a few seconds later the thunder rolled once again. She took a moment to tie Argo's reins loosely around a tree. She then pulled Gabrielle into a hug warming both of them as even the stoic warrior was becoming chilled to the bone. A whisper into her ear, "I don't give a flying Centaur what happens to the Amazons. All I care about is your heart my bard. If you want something I'll do my damnest to get it for you. As for this all I can say is that whatever your heart tells you I'll support you."
The bard nuzzled even more into the warrior's chest. Her soul mate's words echoed in her mind. It was something else to have someone tell you that all they cared about was you and your happiness. It was something else to hear them say they would do anything for you. Of course she felt the same way. "I think I'll just wait and see what the council says. From what I remember of Cyane she would be good to lead the Amazons."
"Well, they should be here in about an hour or so." Xena nuzzled even more into the intoxicating scent that was her lover. "We should probably tell the Amazons that company is coming." Reluctantly she pulled out of the embrace. For some reason though Gabrielle kept her arm wrapped the warrior causing the warrior to keep her arm wrapped around the bard. "Cyane, your friends are going to be here in about an hour or so. The council and friends of the lot over there."
Cyane sighed heavily. "I was hoping it would be just the council. As a warrior I'm always up for a fight. As a sensible person I know that there are times when fighting just isn't the right thing." She barked some orders at one of the Amazons with her. "I gotta get these guys looking presentable. Remember my offer Queen Gabrielle."
"Amazons!" Gabrielle hissed the word in a small whisper. She placed her head against the strong shoulder of her warrior. "Part of me also thinks I owe it to Ephiny to at least see that the Nation is in good hands. Whether I'm stuck with this for the rest of my life or not at least I can make it so that her precious family is headed in the right direction."
Xena smiled with a deep sense of pride. As much as I hate the Amazons this has always been a part of her. Brining Ephiny in this brings up a whole new point as well. I wish I could make the decision for her. I guess as long as I stand by her. "As much as I like Ephiny you have to think about something so much more important than her and the rest of the damn Amazons. You have to think about yourself."
The bard sighed heavily. "I've never been one to be selfish or tried not to be. Part of the reason that I fought my feelings for you for so long. I was never quite sure if you felt the same and I didn't want to ruin a friendship that I knew you were starting to count on." That garnered her a gentle squeeze. "So I guess what I'm saying is that I will think about myself but I'll continue to think of the Amazons. Damn!"
"I'm gonna have to wash that mouth out you keep up with up with those naughty words my bard." Xena saw the twinkle in Gabrielle's eyes. "You know I'm just the one to do it." Without another word she swooped the smaller woman into her arms and began kissing her. "I like this punishment a lot better. How bout you?"
"Punishment?" The bard managed to say in between kissing. "If this is punishment you can punish me anytime that you want." Instantly she could feel Xena's strong muscles tensing around her and reluctantly slipping her slowly down to the ground. Without even a word Gabrielle went for her sias. She could see that the Amazons were on alert as well.
Xena unsheathed her sword and turned the way that the Amazons should be coming. Riding like Hades was Varia. She was followed by about two dozen Amazons. The warrior let out a colorful curse that got a tap on her backside. Varia made her way to the stand of trees and then saw the warrior and the bard. The warrior princess grabbed for the reins in her free hand. "What is going on?"
Varia was breathing heavily and took a moment to catch her breath. "The council is being held back a few hours by Estra's bunch. The rest of her bunch is on their way." Gabrielle had put her sias back in their cases just for a moment and brought her a water skin. The grateful Amazon took a long pull on it before continuing. "We've got trouble and in a big way."
A thousand and one curses in various languages entered Xena's mind as she looked into the distance. Even with the rain still coming down in sheets she could still see it. There were about thirty Amazons on horses. That made the count thirty nine to only eight. "Damn Amazons." She felt familiar arms on her waist. "Never is easy for us is it?" That got her a squeeze, a hug, and a kiss.