AN: Sorry about the wait on this one, guys. I have no good excuse, just a lack of inspiration. I'm no good at writing for extended periods of time. About a week of one chapter a day (one very, very short chapter) and I'm burnt out. Yeah, I have no stamina to speak of :) Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter; I think it sucks major a$$, but hey, let me know what you think.
Return
The weeks pass slowly, dragging by with excruciating slowness, as though time has got caught in a sea of molasses. I am thoroughly tired of pretending, after all, what is the point of life if you don't pursue those things that make you happy. All it becomes is a long, long day full of nothing and no one of meaning. It is with these thoughts in mind that I, one day many weeks into my new resolve, abandon the pail by the well and continue into the forest. Mother will no doubt be annoyed that the washing water has been delayed in its delivery to her, by I'm fairly certain I can live with that.
The shade of the trees welcomes me, branches parting before me as though they have anticipated my return and seek to make my journey peril-free. Long grasses caress my calves and twigs catch on the long skirt of my dress. The birds sing playfully from their boughs, twittering a sweet lullaby as I pass. All of this amuses me; it is as though nature is conspiring to bring be to my destination swiftly. It is humming its approval in the groans of the trees and swoosh of the wind.
Quickly I come upon the clearing, parting the last branches and stepping into the soft sunlight that filters through the thinned leaves. The grass has grown taller since I was last here, nearly completely obscuring my log from view. I smile quietly, rustling through the green stems to sit comfortably on the familiar bark.
Ares is not here and there is nothing to indicate that he has ever been. This thought brings a frown to my face, my lips drawing down in a huff of anxiety. It is as though he was never here, as though we never argued or laughed or strolled through the trees. There should be something, some mark to say that he was here, that Ares, God of War was here. How can a being so apparently powerful leave behind no trace?
"Ares?" I call, turning my face hopefully to the sky, as though the sunlight might carry my voice to him, wherever he is.
It appears to have worked, for within seconds the air becomes charged with electricity, teasing the hair on my arms into standing and my breath to catch awkwardly in my throat. The waves of grass flow outwards from the center of the lightning as he appears, flattening in a perfect circle around his feet. I never noticed that before. Although, I suppose the grass is extremely long at the moment, perhaps while it was shorter it never drew my attention.
He eyes me seriously for a moment before nodding, "Gabrielle."
His voice nearly elicits an excited squeak from me, but I simply settle for smiling as subduedly as I can manage. I really shouldn't be so excited to see him, but I am.
"Ares, you came!" I grin, standing quickly. I really want to run over and hug him, but I know he would probably kill me if I try. Instead, I cross my arms to give them something to do and take a couple of steps closer to him.
He raises one eyebrow, evidently amused by my enthusiastic greeting. He obviously seems to think my inane words do not require, or deserve, a response. At his silence I begin to fidget uncomfortably. Really, does he have to be so... unresponsive. I'm beginning to think a hug would have been a better greeting. Or at least it would have gotten a response rather than this silence.
"Are you still annoyed?" I finally ask, feeling that it would be rather petty of him if he is. Really, what did he expect I would say? I've never been one for violence.
"Annoyed? I wasn't annoyed," He nearly bursts out, obviously stunned at my assumption. Almost instantly he looks irritated and I'm beginning to think he doesn't understand what he feels.
"Oookay," I squint at him dubiously and tilt my head, flicking my hair away from me as it tickles my neck.
"Could you not look at me like that?" He huffs, setting his hands on his hips.
"Like what?" I'm really trying not to laugh, but he's still standing there, hands on hips, looking not nearly as threatening as he's probably aiming for. When did he become so not scary?
"Like that!" He nods at me incredulously. At my seeming incomprehension he rolls his eyes then tilts his head and squints comically in my direction.
At that I really can't hold it in anymore and I finally release my pose, snickering as quietly as I can manage. I knew all along what he meant, but this opportunity was far too good to pass up. Out of the corner of my eye I can see him getting angry but, really, what did he expect?
After a moment of grinding his teeth and half-reaching for his sword the God of War finally rolls his shoulders and shakes his head, a vague smirk lingering about his eyes.
"Was there a reason you called me? One that doesn't include laughing at me?" He is being surprisingly good-natured about this and, in a moment of good-will, I cease my snickering and straighten up.
"Well," What to say, that I missed him? I'm sure that will go down well. "I just wanted to find out if you were angry with me, that's all. After all, it can't be good to have a God annoyed at you."
I'm trying for reasonable and friendly, but I'm failing miserably and just managing Bad Lie.
He doesn't seem particularly interested in discovering the real reason for my calling him here and so he accepts this. I'm both relieved and a little miffed at his utter disinterest in my real reasoning and it is one the crest of this wave that I speak the next few words.
"I also wanted to tell you that... I want to find the person who killed Xena. I want to know why they did it," I know my face is pale and taut with tension and unhappiness, not to mention shock. I never intended to say this, never. But now it is out there and the look on his face is one of hope and relief and there is no part of me that wants to take that away.
He nods, eyes dark with warmth and a kind of reverence.
"Okay."