Disclaimer & Notices: See Chapter 1.

AN: So it's been forever and a day since the last update. Sadly, I had kind of backed off from this story because I thought few readers were still following it. There was a small response on the last update, but, it wasn't a terribly exciting chapter either. The other day I gave myself a lecture and sat down to write Chapter 25. The story is so close to being complete and needs its closing after so long. I do have the next chapter nearly complete too. It won't be long before it gets posted and that probably will be the last chapter that wraps several things up. Thank you to everybody for your support.

I hope y'all enjoy!

Started: January 27, 2009

Series 3: Putting the Puzzle Together, Story #27

The Warrior Gargoyle

by Red Hope

Chapter 25

Gabrielle had stripped of her damp clothes and had to forego a nightshift since their rucksacks were long gone. She could careless because she was so exhausted, and she knew Xena would keep her warm tonight. Their night had been long after traveling through the chilly, damp night. Most of it had been on foot since there was a lot of mist. A warm bed was a blessing tonight.

The black gargoyle entered the bedroom after she had a brief discussion with Devlin. She raised her brow ridge at Gabrielle's nude form. Thankfully her large stature hid any gazes from seeing her nude dravoh. She quickly closed the door.

Gabrielle climbed into the cool bed and mentioned, "I left the fireplace for you to do." She had little interest in starting the fireplace. "I figured you could breathe fire into it."

Xena rolled her eyes and started over to the dark fireplace. "Roar," she joked. She easily prepared the fireplace and used flint stones to spark the kindle.

The bard was on her side and curiously watched her partner, who was barely visible in the soft candlelight. "This bed is amazing." She enjoyed the gargoyle's deep chuckle.

"I hope to find out soon… if there is no other duties to perform." Xena straightened up after the wood started to catch on fire next.

"Well," Gabrielle started. She let her voice fade off and grinned at the gargoyle. "Perhaps just keeping me warm would be next."

Xena chuckled and decided to do so. She copied Gabrielle's earlier actions by stripping of her attire. She quickly washed up before she joined Gabrielle in the bed. "Mmmm." Her pleasure rumbled in her throat. She was amazed by the soft bed.

The bard was pulled onto her dravoh's warm, leathery skin and nestled into a perfect spot. "I think it's filled with wool."

"It is nice." The gargoyle adjusted her head on the pillow, her back sunk into the soft bed, and Gabrielle on top of her. She worked her wings around them after an awkward moment then adjusted the blankets next.

Gabrielle lifted her head and stole a quick kiss. "Sleep well." Once she rested her head again, talon fingers tangled in her blond locks. "I'm getting a haircut tomorrow," she muttered. She enjoyed the laugh that rumbled in Xena's chest.

"Go to sleep," the gargoyle ordered.

The bard heeded the command and quickly dozed off. She slept soundly until morning when Xena transformed to human. For a moment, she and Xena adjusted in the bed until Gabrielle was able to hold Xena from behind. They were comfortable again and slept a few more candlemarks before they decided to face the day. For once, they were greeted by warm morning sunlight.

Gabrielle put on her clothes, which had dried in front of the fireplace last night. She noted Xena slipped on her leathers and boots only. Together, they entered the main room where they found Dro'marash seated by a lit fireplace. He had a mug between his hands and seemed content. Gabrielle smiled at him first.

"Hello," Dro'marash greeted in Latin.

Xena ran her fingers through her hair after she heard his Latin. She recalled that Gabrielle had started working with him. "Good morning." She tempted the conversation further. "How are you?"

Dro'marash seemed to take a beat then smiled again. "Good. You?"

Xena decided to keep it simple and answered, "Good too." She mirrored Dro'marash's smile.

Gabrielle was pleased that the language barrier between Xena and Dro'marash was starting to break down. "Have you seen Devlin?" she asked in Dorian tongue.

Dro'marash nodded and pointed at the door to the left. "She is in the kitchen." He canted his head. "You look well rested."

"You do too," Gabrielle offered to the khajiit. She then looked at her partner. "Devlin is in here." She guided them into the kitchen.

Xena's eyebrows hiked up upon seeing Devlin in a mad rush in the kitchen. "Are you winning?"

Devlin glanced over her shoulder at the pair and sighed. "Great timing. Breakfast is almost ready."

Gabrielle hastily moved forward. "Let me help you." She ignored Devlin's refusal. She then glanced over at Xena and suggested, "Maybe you can teach Dro'marash a few more Latin words." It was her way of getting Xena out of the kitchen.

The Warrior Princess smirked and teased, "I'd be happy to help cook."

The bard gave a weak laugh and came over to her partner. "You're too kind." She grabbed Xena's hips and pushed her to the door. "I think we have it under control."

The warrior gave a low chuckle and quietly left. "Just call me if you need any help."

Gabrielle was returning to her cutting and smartly replied, "Don't worry, we won't." She heard Devlin's low snicker.

"She does not cook, I take it?"

Gabrielle paused and replied, "She burns."

Devlin shook her head and hurried to the hearth. "Not all warriors can wield a knife in the kitchen too." She traded a grin with Gabrielle.

For a moment, Gabrielle admired Devlin's striking features and actually enjoyed the green hue to her skin. She thought it was becoming of Devlin, in human or gargoyle form. She refocused on her work and shortly they were in the living room with plates of food.

Everybody sat around the fireplace and ate together. Xena and Dro'marash were in chairs while Devlin and Gabrielle sat on a fur beside the fireplace. Different conversations started and ended during the meal. Everybody was happy to be away from the ruined temple and have Dahak behind them. Gabrielle quickly realized that she had a perfect opportunity too. She noted that Devlin and Xena chatted about Devlin's life on the small farm and how Devlin earned a living.

"Thankfully I have built a relationship with many of the locals, and they do not scorn me for my green skin," Devlin explained to Xena.

"You've made a comfortable life here," Gabrielle summarized for Devlin.

Devlin looked at Gabrielle and nodded. Some glint in Gabrielle's eyes made Devlin worry.

"Are you happy here?" Gabrielle posed. She caught Devlin's uneasiness, but Gabrielle pushed the topic anyway. "I mean, you're not with a clan."

"I make do," Devlin replied.

Gabrielle's eyes flickered up to her dravoh before she focused on Devlin. "But if you had a choice to stay here or join a clan, what would you do?" She had certainly made Devlin uncomfortable. She hoped that Xena understood her barely subtle hint.

Devlin had finished her meal awhile ago, but she toyed with her Roman fork for a moment. She parted her lips and looked at Gabrielle. She faltered and completely lost her reply when a strong hand gripped her shoulder.

"You don't have to remain here if you wish to travel with us," Xena offered. She squeezed Devlin's shoulder. She studied Devlin's uneasy profile. Quickly her eyes cut to Gabrielle once she realized her partner's plan.

"I am…" Devlin shook her head and argued, "I cannot stray far from Rowan."

Gabrielle reached over and touched Devlin's knee. "Perhaps she will wish to join us too." She pulled her hand away but noticed that Xena still held onto Devlin.

Xena smiled at Devlin and offered, "We can discuss it with Rowan tonight."

Devlin was relieved to have a temporary out so she could think about it. She nodded and replied, "I would like that."

Xena drew her hand off Devlin and decided it was a good start. She hardly realized that Devlin or Rowan would want to join them. They seemed established in Britannia, yet they lost their ties with their original clan.

Gabrielle looked over at Dro'marash and explained, "We may have two more companions."

Dro'marash smiled at this news. "That would be excellent. A khajiit prefers a larger pack."

Gabrielle chuckled and softly stated, "So do gargoyles." She met Xena's gaze and smiled. She was glad that Xena recognized the issue. She looked at Devlin and asked, "Do you know if there's anybody in town that could fix my hair?" She indicated its strange length.

Devlin laughed and was glad for the funny conversation.

Xena sighed dramatically and slouched in the chair. "We don't have much coin left."

Gabrielle pointed at her partner. "Enough to fix my hair though." She ignored Xena's grumble because it was just play.

"We can travel to town," Devlin agreed.

"What you say?" Gabrielle looked hopeful at her dravoh.

Xena shifted in the chair and sighed. "I will get my armor." Shortly, Xena was traveling with her dravoh and Devlin to the town. They had left Dro'marash at Devlin's home so that Rowan was safe during her stone sleep. Thankfully Dro'marash was happy to stay at the house.

Once in the town, Devlin guided the duo to the best cureus and patiently waited outside for them. She considered whether to go to the forum, but she remained seated outside on a step. It gave her time to think about Xena's offer to join her, Gabrielle, and Dro'marash. Perhaps Rowan would be open to the idea. Normally a clan stayed tied to one area, but Devlin was curious about places like Greece and Rome. Her thoughts were broken by Gabrielle and Xena's return. She stood up and faced the pair.

"By Drakon," Devlin breathed out.

Gabrielle hopped off the last step. She held out her arms and asked, "What you think?"

Xena stood to the side and considered her partner, who had given up her green halter top and brown skirt for the red and black attire days ago. Gabrielle looked older then, but Xena swore another year or two was added due to Gabrielle's short hair style.

Devlin approached Gabrielle, reached up, and played with the short blond strands. She brushed a few bangs off Gabrielle's brow and grinned when they fell back into place. "I love it." She shook her head and argued, "You look older, somehow."

Gabrielle crinkled her nose, which seemed to shave off a few years. "That's what Xena said too."

Devlin gazed over at the Warrior Princess, who was leaning against Gabrielle's staff. "What you think?"

Xena straightened up and spun the staff once before she handed it to Gabrielle. "Not bad." She strolled off after Gabrielle took it.

Devlin's eyes were trained on Xena's distant form.

Gabrielle took Devlin's side. "She loves it too." She shrugged and softly added, "We'll try to keep it down tonight."

"Gabrielle!" Devlin hissed. She stared wide eye at the human.

Gabrielle smirked and followed after Xena. "Come on, Devy."

Devlin huffed at the infrequent nickname. She caught up to Gabrielle, and they met up with Xena on the outskirts of the market. "I do not need much." She then eyed Xena and mentioned, "And I thought perhaps you had the wicked streak."

Xena smirked and playfully looked at her dravoh. "We rub off on each other."

"A lot," Gabrielle hastily chimed in with a devilish tone.

Devlin groaned and parted from the two. After a candlemark, they were headed down the road to Devlin's home. It was a quiet but pleasant walk. The day had been beautiful compared to yesterday's mucky weather. It was late afternoon by the time they returned home, and they found Dro'marash sleeping on a fur near the fire. The three women decided it was a good idea and separated so they could do the same.

Gabrielle was grateful to lay down. Her body still hurt from the fight with Dahak. Once Xena was in bed, she snuggled up to her.

"How's your shoulder?" Xena inspected the irritated wound.

"Still tender," Gabrielle admitted.

The warrior nodded and drew the covers over them. "Get some rest." She gently moved her hands up and down her dravoh's back. She was mindful of the nearly healed claw wound from their recent bonding several nights ago. Like Gabrielle, she was still exhausted from the fights. She was happy to doze off for awhile.

By nightfall, the gargoyles' transformations stirred everybody in the home. It was a quiet night besides Gabrielle's time in the kitchen. She rejoined the group after there was food ready, and she had large stomachs to feed too. The chatter among the group was lighthearted until after the meals were done. Rowan was the first to prompt Xena and Gabrielle to relay the battle against Dahak. Gabrielle took her cue and easily fell into bard mode.

Dro'marash could barely follow the story since it was all in Latin. However, he had been there, and he could tell some pieces thanks to Gabrielle's dramatic motions. He hoped later he could fully understand Latin so he could listen to Gabrielle's stories. It was obvious she was an excellent bard by how the gargoyles looked on with held breaths.

After the story, Xena brought up the earlier discussion about the future. She sensed that Devlin became uncomfortable for some strange reason. She hoped to ease it.

Rowan perked up and smiled at the news. After Xena's offer, she looked at Devlin. "What do you think?"

Devlin sighed after she saw Rowan's excitement. She was seated cross legged between Gabrielle and Rowan. Her tail twitched against the floor a few times. "I am unsure."

Rowan canted her head and argued, "You wish to remain here?" She indicated the small home.

Devlin frowned but reminded, "We will leave Britannia… for many moons, sister."

Rowan chuckled. "That is the idea."

Devlin's features darkened slightly more.

"What is it?" Rowan poked her sister. "What is holding you back?" She became serious "It is certainly not our father."

"You both don't have to decide tonight," Gabrielle cut into the conversation.

Rowan shook her head and looked from the human to her sister. "We should decide tonight."

"We will be far from our clan," Devlin reminded her sister.

Rowan grew wide eye and was amazed by Devlin's continued devotion to a clan that banned her years ago. "They are not your clan… and not mine anymore."

"Sister, what about Garson?"

Rowan huffed at the mention of her brother. "He has father." She was hardly close to Garson even though they had grown up together and had the same father. However, she felt closer to Devlin in the few years they grew up before Garrison banished Devlin.

"What about travel?" Devlin debated. She now looked at the rest of the group. "It is not as if we can travel during the day." She then indicated the khajiit. "And Dro'marash will be spotted a league away by humans."

"It will not be easy," Xena agreed. Lately, she and Gabrielle often traveled at night once she was cloaked in darkness.

"Even by day, I am green skinned," Devlin reminded the group. She shook her head and stood up. She collected more firewood and put it into the dying fire. "Perhaps it is not feasible."

Gabrielle watched Devlin as her mind worked out the issue. "Then we travel at night."

Devlin faced everybody in the small circle. Her tail whipped through the air. "At dawn, we sit and wait for Rowan to awake?" She pointed at her sister. "We cannot lift her and take her with us when she is in her stone sleep."

Xena bowed her head and rubbed her brow. Devlin had a valid point.

Gabrielle refused to give up on the idea of forming a clan, not matter how complex. She nearly spoke until her attention was drawn off Devlin and to the front door across the room.

Xena sensed a shift in her dravoh. She gazed over at the bard. "What is it?"

Gabrielle seemed deaf to Xena's question and instead stood up. She went to the front door.

Xena popped up and followed her dravoh halfway to the door. "What is wrong?"

Gabrielle stood in front of the sealed door. Her dazed expression cut off, and she glanced back at Xena. Suddenly a sharp knock made her look at the door.

The black gargoyle hastily hurried to the bard's side.

Gabrielle had already opened the door, and a huge smile pulled at her lips. "Aphrodite," she warmly greeted the goddess.

"Gabs!" The giddy Goddess of Love rushed forward and collected her friend for a hug.

Xena folded her arms and watched the pair exchange greetings. She quickly realized Gabrielle had developed a sixth sense for the goddess. She was unsure what to make of it.

Aphrodite withdrew but held onto the bard's hips. "Bitchin' haircut. I totally love it!"

Gabrielle laughed and played with her short hair. " Thanks."

The goddess shifted her attention the black gargoyle. "How's it going, warrior babe?" She then waved her hand in the gargoyle's direction. "I mean warrior gargoyle."

Xena sighed and simply replied, "Bitchin'."

Aphrodite laughed and decided to scoot into the house. "So, I'm totally sorry I'm late to the party."

Gabrielle had closed the door. She noticed Devlin, Rowan, and Dro'marash watched on in absolute confusion and curiosity. She drew Aphrodite closer to the group. "Everybody, this is Aphrodite. She's the Greek Goddess of Love."

"A god?" Rowan checked.

Aphrodite smiled brightly. "The Goddess of Love and Slayer of Virginity everywhere."

Gabrielle gave a low snort, but she quickly continued the introductions. "Aphrodite, this is Rowan and Devlin." She indicated the sisters by name. She then held on her hand to the khajiit. "And this is Dro'marash." She looked at the goddess. "He speaks Dorian but is learning Latin."

"Oh okay!" Aphrodite smiled at the strange creature she had never seen until now. "I'm Aphrodite," she introduced in perfect Dorian.

Gabrielle blinked in amazement and studied Aphrodite in surprise. "You know Dorian?"

"Duh!" Aphrodite playfully huffed at Gabrielle before she approached the feline creature. "So what handsome race are you from?"

Dro'marash was taken aback by the goddess's Dorian tongue. He would have flushed, if possible. "I am a khajiit."

Aphrodite gave a dramatic shiver and stated, "I love how that rolls of your tongue." She edged closer and tempted, "May I?" She held out her hand near him.

Dro'marash shrugged and gave his arm to the goddess.

Aphrodite petted his soft fur and was dazzled by it. "It must take candlemarks to keep your fur so shiny and soft."

Dro'marash was unsure how to reply and gave a small smile.

"Aphrodite," Gabrielle interrupted.

"Hmmm?" Aphrodite released the khajiit and looked at the mortal human. "Yes?" She had to tear her eyes off Dro'marash.

"What brought you here?" Gabrielle tempted.

Xena had taken Gabrielle's side. She wondered the same thing.

"Well, I sorta was passing through the area," Aphrodite started. "I wanted to check on you." She cleared her throat once then admitted, "Then I kinda heard your convo about travel logistics."

Gabrielle considered where Aphrodite learned such a fancy word. She folded her arms and waited for the rest.

"So like, I thought it was a good time for me to pop in." Aphrodite looked from Devlin and Rowan back to Xena and Gabrielle. "I totally got the perfect solution."

Xena shook her head and argued, "If it is one of your spells…" She sighed when Gabrielle touched her side.

"Give her a chance," the bard quietly requested her dravoh.

Aphrodite beamed at the opportunity and grew excited after her frown vanished in a blink. She looked between everybody as she spoke her idea. "I think I can create a spell that can shrink Rowan's stone form to a smaller size." She smiled and offered, "To pocket size."

"Is that really possible?" Gabrielle prompted.

"I think so." Aphrodite was clearly excited. "The spell would enlarge her just before sunset."

Rowan carefully listened to the idea. "Then the clan could travel during the day."

Gabrielle brightened and looked at her dravoh. "I think it is worth a try."

"It could also be dangerous," Devlin cut in.

Xena was leaning with Devlin's thoughts, especially because she knew Aphrodite.

"I also think I have a spell that will cloak Dro'marash's looks so mortals see him as human." Aphrodite was clearly excited to help them.

Gabrielle peered up at her dravoh, who had a deep frown. "I think it's worth a try at least," she repeated again.

Devlin worried for her sister's safety. "What happens if the spell doesn't work? Could it hurt my sister?"

Aphrodite looked to the pair and realized they did have a few similar features. She hesitated and weakly admitted, "She could remain small after the transformation."

"Could you undo it?" Gabrielle checked.

The goddess nodded and explained, "Only after she returns to stone form."

"What about Dro'marash?" Gabrielle shifted her attention to him. "How would the spell work?"

"I can make it safer," Aphrodite replied. She noted a necklace around the khajiit's throat. "I could cast the spell on his necklace so that it only works if he's wearing it."

Gabrielle liked the idea better. She canted her head and asked, "Can you do that for Rowan too?"

The goddess shook her head and frowned. "It can't work like that." She sighed. "Rowan has to be in stone form already."

"And you can't attach anything to her by that point," Gabrielle realized aloud. After Aphrodite's nod, Gabrielle considered also Devlin's trouble with remaining emerald colored by day. "Can you change Devlin's skin color?" She indicated the gargoyle.

"During the day, Devlin changes into a human," Rowan explained to the goddess, "But she is still green skinned."

"It is some kind of error in my mother's spell," Devlin softly added.

Aphrodite had carefully listened to the explanation, and she frowned after the last tidbit. "I could… buuuut, it's probably a bad idea." She looked from the gargoyles to Gabrielle's hopeful features. "Magic on top of magic is never a good idea." She sighed and looked at Devlin. "Besides, your mother's magic is obviously far beyond my skills. I can do simple things but to have the skill to alter somebody's body is totally mind blowing."

Rowan touched her sister's arm in silent apology.

"Sorry, Gabs." Aphrodite gave a pout but went back to her original offer. "What about the other two spells?

Gabrielle gazed up at her dravoh. "We should give it a shot, at least for Dro'marash."

Xena had listened carefully and was still somewhat skeptical. She sensed everybody's attention on her and knew that each person gazed upon her as the leader. Somehow they had unofficially formed a clan, and she was deemed the leader by birth right. Xena inwardly sighed and dropped her folded arms. "Rowan, what do you wish to do?"

Rowan blinked and realized the choice was given to her. She shifted on her feet. "I…" She bit her lip and glanced at her sister, who was obviously concerned about the spell. "I wish to try it."

Xena nodded and looked at Gabrielle. "Can you ask Dro'marash?"

Gabrielle took a step closer to the khajiit and explained the goddess's offer to him. She was pleased when he agreed to it. She nodded at Xena in confirmation.

"Very well." Xena gave her permission.

"Bitchin." Aphrodite was pleased and smiled at Dro'marash. "May I barrow your necklace?" She shortly received the item from the khajiit. "First though, I'm gonna research this shrink spell." Pink sparkles started to fall around her. "I'll be back shortly. Toodles." She was gone.

Gabrielle shook her head then focused on the rest of the group. "Well… where were we?"

Xena grinned and placed a hand against the small of Gabrielle's back. "Let us sit down again." She and Gabrielle returned to their earlier spots.

As a group, they continued to talk about their plans. Xena explained that she wished to return to Amphipolis first. After that point, she wanted to find out if there was a way to return Dro'marash. Gabrielle was the first to bring up the Sigil Stone. She asked Dro'marash if he knew more about it. Dro'marash only shook his head. Xena suggested that seek out somebody that may know more about it. However, Devlin was skeptical since the stone was from another plane.

Aphrodite soon returned in a display of pink sparkles. She was clearly thrilled with her results. In haste, she explained what she had figured out about the spell for Rowan. She then returned Dro'marash's necklace, which was already enchanted by the spell.

Once Dro'marash put it on, he looked expectantly at the women.

"Apparently it does not work," Rowan pointed out first.

The goddess sighed dramatically and explained, "All of you will see him as he truly is." She had her hands on her hips. "But other mortals will not." Then an idea occurred to her so she held out her hand. In a beat, a small mirror shaped in her palm, and she gave it to Dro'marash.

The khajiit took it and curiously studied his altered reflection. "By the Nine," he whispered. "It has worked."

Gabrielle came over and gazed at his reflection. She admired his handsome features, rich brown eyes, and soft looking skin. She smiled at Aphrodite. "Thank you."

Dro'marash returned the mirror and repeated Gabrielle's earlier words but in ancient Dorian.

"Nothin' to it." Aphrodite enjoyed the praise. She then turned to the red gargoyle. "So like, we won't know if your spell works until sunrise."

"And also sunset," Devlin reminded. She prayed that her sister did not transform from a miniature statue into a miniature gargoyle.

Aphrodite pouted at Devlin's pessimistic attitude. "Like chill… it'll work."

"It better," Devlin stated. She folded her arms under her cloaked wings.

The Goddess of Love blinked and then looked at Xena. "Are you two related or something?"

"Aphrodite," Gabrielle cut in, "Can you perform the spell?"

"Alright." Aphrodite pretended to push up invisible sleeves on her arms. "Let's get started." She approached Rowan. She held out her right hand, palm up, and a small bottle materialized before her. She freed the cap, which had a glass insert attached to it. The insert held the magical elixir, and Aphrodite gently blew it off.

The elixir formed into blue bubbles that crossed the distance and connected with Rowan's face. All the bubbles connected into one then surprisingly grew until it fully covered Rowan's entire body. Finally the bubble popped and soaked into Rowan's leathery skin.

Aphrodite let out a low breath because that was all normal. She put the cap on again. "Let's hope that works on gargoyles as well as it does on humans."

"Aaaaphrodite," Gabrielle warned.

The goddess bashfully smiled at the mortal human. "Sorry, Gabs… but it's not always a sure fire thing when it comes to magic."

Devlin grumbled because she knew the goddess was right.

"You can reverse it if it does not work?" Xena checked. There was a dangerous rumble in her voice.

Aphrodite even felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. She gave her best smile to Xena. "Don't worry, warrior gargoyle." However, Xena's raised ridge brow indicated otherwise. Aphrodite cleared her throat and allowed the bottle to vanish from her hand. "I'll pop by in the morning."

Gabrielle touched the goddess's arm. "Thanks, Dity."

"Anything for you, Gabs." Aphrodite winked at the bard then hastily disappeared before Xena could even growl at her.

"What was that?" Xena's voice nearly shook the walls.

Gabrielle quickly latched onto her dravoh's arm. "I'm ready for bed." She smiled at the black gargoyle. "Take me to bed." She pushed Xena towards their small bedroom.

Rowan let out a few snickers. She looked to her sister. "How about a flight?"

Devlin seconded it and hurried out with her sister.

Dro'marash was left bewildered after everything and looked from the closed bedroom to the front door that swung shut. He shook his head before he decided he needed fresh air and maybe a walk.

Back in the second bedroom, the black gargoyle cornered the human at the foot of the bed. Gabrielle had a shy smile and held onto the gargoyle's armor clad hips.

"So what was that?" Xena tempted again.

Gabrielle shrugged and tried acting casual about Aphrodite's parting words. She noted Xena's slotted eyes and slight pull against her lips. She easily read the gargoyle's emotions. "It's nothing to be jealous about." She cringed at the low growl.

"Your words encourage my jealousy," the black gargoyle argued. A white glow highlighted the blue of her eyes.

The bard sensed she was indeed treading serious ground that would hardly be normal if Xena were human. She mentally took her next step carefully. "I recently found out I'm her chosen."

Xena huffed and stated, "That is hardly a surprise."

Gabrielle nodded and moved closer to Xena. "I'm sorry about earlier." She hoped her next words came out correctly. "I understand, trust me." She hooked Xena's thick forearm with her hand. "I can better understand the dynamics between you and Ares that I've always gotten jealous about." She was thankful when the white hue faded from Xena's eyes.

"Perhaps you are her chosen, but you are mine," the black gargoyle stated.

Warmth spread down into Gabrielle's stomach and weakened her knees. Xena's deceleration reminded her how territorial a gargoyle could be, especially about their mates. Gabrielle unknowingly gripped Xena's arm harder. "I am," she softly agreed. She slightly stiffened when Xena bent forward closer to her. Her breathing grew heavy as Xena seemed to assess her. She closed her eyes when long talons went through her hair. She felt Xena's head close to hers.

"Take your clothes off before I destroy them again," the black gargoyle ordered. She felt Gabrielle's nails dig into her forearm. "Then come over to the fireplace."

Gabrielle could barely nod. She let out a shaky breath after the gargoyle left her. She decided to sit on the bed and start with her boots. She was dazed for a beat until the wood going into the fireplace jarred her.

Xena started the fire and built it up. After she was done, she unhooked her great kopis from her waist and freed her chakram from her back. She hooked the chakram through the kopis's crossguard then leaned the weapons against the hearth. Xena tore her eyes off the fire when her naked dravoh came to her.

Gabrielle had removed everything except a silver armband. Her bare feet warmed against the fur next to the fireplace. She was drawn into Xena's body, which was still plated by the bronze hoplite armor. Her nipples hardened against the cool bronze.

"We are bonded," Xena started, her words rumbled in her chest. "You can never be with anybody else."

Gabrielle shook her head. "There is nobody else for me." She loved the sensation of Xena's warm hand traveling across her ass cheeks then up her back. "Ever," she softly added.

"You know as time goes on, my two forms will meld together," Xena informed the human.

Gabrielle reached up and caressed Xena's high cheekbones. "I know."

"That does not frighten you?" the gargoyle tested.

Gabrielle let out a low chuckle and replied, "Hardly." She felt Xena's right hand graze across her nearly healed shoulder wound from the Breeder's Moon.

Xena knew they would be driven apart years ago by all the changes in their relationship if they were merely an average human. However, they were both fiercely loyal to the other and bound by something they had yet to completely understand right now. She doubted any of Aphrodite's love spells were remotely this powerful.

Gabrielle continued touching Xena's chiseled features. She felt Xena's tail wrap around her right thigh.

"You are my dravoh," Xena whispered. Her urge to mate with her dravoh increased each heartbeat. She suddenly gripped Gabrielle's ass cheeks and lifted her.

Gabrielle bit back a yelp and latched onto the gargoyle's bronze shoulders. She soon found herself flat on her back on the fur beside the fireplace. She wished Xena's armor was gone, but she suspected it was out of her hands, for now. Gabrielle tilted her head back when black lips claimed hers. She felt Xena's tail loose from her thigh and travel up until the tip toyed with her clit. Gabrielle whimpered between the kisses and heard Xena's talons cut into the wood floor above her head.

Their night grew long and drained Gabrielle by the end. She kept pace even though her recent injury attempted to slow her. Eventually she worked the armor and tunic off Xena. The feel of her skin against the black leather of Xena's skin was amazing to her. She then encouraged Xena to remain standing, spread leg, and bent forward with the hearth offering support. Gabrielle remained on her knees, hands on Xena's ass or thighs, and she had her mouth around the gargoyle's sensitive clit.

Their lovemaking offered much more learning for both of them. The differences between human and gargoyle intrigued both of them. Gabrielle found Xena's stamina as a human to be long and even longer as a gargoyle. They also discovered certain positions worked better when Xena's body was larger as a gargoyle. Nothing beat Xena on her back with Gabrielle resting on top of Xena with her back into Xena's front body. Xena's entire body could envelope Gabrielle, including her wings.

Once their mating ended, Gabrielle was curled up against Xena's warm body in the bed. She slept soundly, like Xena. By first light, they hardly moved once Xena changed into a human. It was only a bit later that it occurred to Xena that Rowan would be stone. She encouraged Gabrielle to get up. Groggily, the bard changed into her clothes then followed Xena out of the room. Much to her amazement, she and Xena found Rowan in the palm of Devlin's hand. Aphrodite's spell had worked, at least so far. It gave all of them hope for the future.

To be continued.