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I dont know if I should have rated this story as M for it's sexual content so this a warning to you reader. I dont wish to upset anyone. Thanks for bareing with me and I hope you will enjoy and review.

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She still felt there was an invisible wall between them, still there makeing them both feel awkward and for a moment Xena thought Gabrielle was going to jump up and run away from her. Most galling of all was although speaking there was also the silence that hung there. like a nightmare. Most of all the lonely nights spent without Gabrielle missing the love of her friend sleeping alone and having waited so long wanting just to tell her how much she loved her and then not being able to get past her feelings, when it was obvious that she should have helped Gabrielle from the begining made her begin to wonder if she truly had done the right thing after all in taking the advice of Urgit's healer and distanced herself from the bard and whether it had done more bad than good. Xena looked over the table's contents and in an attempt to start conversing and she said. " You've been reading your old scrolls." Gabrielle nodded and she rubbed her hands together." Yes and trying to catch up a little." the bard looked anything but comfortable.

Seeing the look of consternation on Gabrielle's face caught Xena out too. What a pathetic start she was making and she felt at a loss for words and didnt know how to go on." You saw in the scrolls how we were lovers." she blurted and groaned inwardly and feel gauche as her words caught in the back of her throat. I hate that she admonished herself and feeling no better for it nor taking much notice of what was in the scrolls' contents she heard a voice in her head. It's actions that count for anything here.

Actions. That was it she thought and smiling and taking Gabrielle's head in her hands she began to lay soft kisses to her lips, then to her eyes and cheeks. Her hands began to seek and unlace Gabrielle's bodice top freeing a small neat beautiful breast and Xena bent to kiss it fondly then she felt sudden resistance and a stiffening in reaction to her touch. Xena bolted upright and stared at the bard with a sudden thought. This is wrong. I CAN'T DO THIS.

" Gabrielle I can't, I'd love nothing better than to... I'm sorry I shouldn't have." Feeling she was making a mess of it she backed away. " Xena I'm ok really I am, maybe I feel a bit aprehensive ok but I do." Gabrielle tried to look less than the aprehension she felt. Then she saw on the table the open bag and the sex toy." This is it, this is what you are so scared of isnt it. Touch, contact, not just from me, from anyone." Xena pulled out the dildo and saw Gabrielle make an involuntary shudder. She began to make a protest but Xena stopped her." A bit.. Gabrielle you are not." Xena shook her head sadly." This is the reason. This is what it's all about. We were soulmates until all this, we used to love each other, travel, have adventures, enjoy sex, all that. Now we may as well be strangers. If you would only get past the fear you have I know it will be alright only it's not for me to lead you. I can't anymore, not without your trust in me." she said.

If that were true, there was no more trust between them what then ? what more could she do ? This was no game, and it wasnt about sex for the sake of it either. Right now their love everything, was hanging in the balance because of their lack of connection, lack of contact with each other and their relationship was just going to end with them drifting further apart. There had been so many changes coming at them from all directions it was hard for them to see straight anymore Xena thought." Gabrielle above everything I love you and I will never do anything you dont want or might hurt you." then she stopped and Xena sat back on the bed lost for anything left to say. Hands reached out and fingers touched as the girl settled down beside her and then entwined with hers and Xena looked up into Gabrielle's sea green eyes." Don't you know there's nothing I wouldn't do for you Gabrielle ? " Gabrielle took a deep breath. " I know. Your right, so let me take the lead okay ? "

Xena blinked, she could hardly believe this unexpected suggestion. It was the best idea yet, but would she do it could she do it ? Somehow the physical barrier they'd suffered with had been breeched. What seemed an insurmountable barrier was now no more to them and they had to let go and let it happen by itself. Xena bent her head and laid her lips in a tender kiss on the bard then Xena swung her legs either side of the girl handing Gabrielle an unbelievable sight of the top of her legs beneath the leather. Then she put the vibro into the bard's hand Gabrielle's eyes widened and stared and licked suddenly very dry lips." Go on, do it." the warrior purred.

Looking at Xena Gabrielle knew now she could no more deny what she wanted any longer than to breathe. A memory of how once Xena laughingly claimed that she had enjoyed sex with a wanton passion reminding her somewhat of what Meg and what she had just been daydreaming of was there in front of her for real. Xena gloriously available to her was to her like an unbelievable dream come true." My pleasure, gods Xena listen to me I want it all, everything. I don't ever want to be afraid of you and your love again Xena. I love you I want you, I want to taste you." Gabrielle said breathing heavily her face was flushed a hot crimson and she put the vibro down on the bed and Xena held back her laugh of triumph." Not so fast my love, take your time and you shall. Just know that I love you and that I always will Gabrielle." " I love you too Xena."

It was now or never, do it or do nothing ever again, she drew them closer and their lips met again in a soft and tender kiss. Xena's deep breath was close to Gabrielle's ear as the bard slowly undid her armour and unlaced the leather battledress drawing away Xena's clothes and feeling the sensation of her own clothes being undone by the woman, gently revealing her. Kiss on kiss, became deeper and turned to licking and nipping exposed flesh. Caress apon caress turned to fondling and tickling arouseing each other more and more as one did so the other did also. Slowly lanquidly each drew from the other. Hot kisses became burning as their explorations drew one another closer massaging breasts and nipples and carressing lower down becoming faster and faster. Soft sighs turned to moans as Gabrielle sought and then drove her fingers into Xena's love triangle and Xena's hips rose and fell grinding in her passion dance against Gabrielle's hand crashing at the pinacle of pleasure as Gabrielle had her way, tasteing Xena holding hard to her as she peaked thrusting in her abandon til she could not stop and cried out. But it didnt end there as Gabrielle then brought the bigger, longer vibro into play, turning it on and entering pushing it into her and taking Xena to an explosion of sensations and a climax beyond anything she had ever known.

Cyrene was in the kitchen prepairing supper as there wouldnt be time for it when it came to opening of the bar for the evening customers when a very disgruntled looking Solan joined her." I thought you were going to take a rest ? " " I was but was disturbed by the noise of those two in the love nest." He grumbled jerking a thumb to the ceiling. Cyrene tutted not sure how she should act to that. Xena and Gabrielle together was what she wanted after all but they could have at least waited til the boy was out of earshot. Well maybe they couldnt, wait." Well you can help me if you don't mind women's work." she said breazily changeing the subject. " My uncle Kaleipus says cooking is for everyone because we all eat though he is not that good at it himself. I would be happy too." the young man chuckled. I've a daughter like that, not very good at it she thought." And you ? " Cyrene asked." Basic stuff really." he admitted bashfully." No problem everyone must start somewhere." She grinned handing him some tubers and a knife.

" Are you alright my love ? " she said to the head laying between her breasts Gabrielle didn't speak what she was thinking as she lay listening to Xena's slowing heartbeat. She just couldn't believe how lucky she was, she'd known very well that in denial of her feelings it certainly had been cause enough for a reason to end their relationship forever, and she'd seen how close they had come to it becoming a reality. She clung to the warrior's naked body laying beneath her and believing after all they had been told, it was true they were soul mates for all eternity.

Wondering if she had heard her Xena asked again." Are you alright my love I didn't frighten you did I ? " Gabrielle sighed. This time she did answer." No I mean yes I feel fine, I just can't believe what I did, I think we should have talked this out after all." Xena knuckled her bangs." What's to talk out, I love you that's all that matters." " No I mean why I didn't want to, do it you know." Gabrielle said and Xena lifted her face and kissed her lips." Gabrielle the why is obvious and a natural feeling for any woman to have. Onagru was nothing but a brute and a tool for Callisto to use against us. I'm only sorry that I couldn't get to stop him in time." Gabrielle sighed. It always came down to timeing wasnt it she thought sadly." It was my fault Xena, because of my pride I was kidnapped by Callisto in the first place." Xena shook her head vehemently. " Dont take the blame on yourself. It was Callisto who took that decision." " I didn't think I was ever going to love again. It was you and your mother who saved me and gave me a second chance." " We didnt do it all Gabrielle, believe me some of it was you, being brave enough to speak up and brave enough to trust me." Xena said gave her an abashed grin and traced her hand over the girl's back." " Maybe, it was." Gabrielle said in a whisper thinking of what might have been.

" It wasnt our only worry either, I thought you might have been left preganant or diseased." Xena admitted flatly and to Gabrielle's look of horror she added quickly. " Both would have shown by now, rest assured there is no problem." A child, or worse! how awful. Gabrielle shuddered as she thought of the possibilities. " No maybe about it believe it Gabrielle, you did it and broke the fear." Xena said softly. " That's what your mother said though I dont think she quite meant that. Was it alright then ? " Gabrielle said from where her head was on Xena's chest. " You mean you dont know ? " Xena looked down at her suprised and not least a little dissapointed and Gabrielle smiled thinly. " Was that alright ? Gabrielle you truly have a most remarkable gift for dropping a person on their head. For your information I've never had 'it' quite so goood as that, I thought I was going to take the roof off when I, I loved it and love you. Anyway what do you mean what my mother said. What ? " " Oh that about we aren't two seperates because we are two halves of a whole, much like the story I told Iolas remember? about being together oh no ofcourse you wern't there were you, anyway we are as one when we are together. Soulmates, but she couldn't have meant that sort of joining surely ? " Xena laughed." How do you think she got three children Gabrielle. Well I don't often get to agree with mum but this time I do, whole heartedly." Xena said capturing her and wrapping her arms about her." And to prove it...I'm going to make us as one right now and fuck you ragged." " Xena ! we're not in a barracks now." but her critical words to her crudity were lost as Xena laughed and began to do as she intended and kiss her way to Gabrielle's centre. Starting at her neat breasts under her hand that Xena was gently massaging and she kissed and licked them til the bard began to sqirm and bucked to her tongue then her mouth traveled further down to her stomach and then to her wet folds and her tight swollen nub and entering her with her fingers. It was Gabrielle's turn to find that other world and burn in the fire as Xena began to claim her body and drive her to her climax. Then just as Gabrielle had done to her Xena changed her fingers for Jan's dildo and Gabrielle reached and saw then touched the golden rainbow.

Not long after Gabrielle sighed contentedly. " Oh Xena. We did didn't we." " Yes I think we can safely say we did it. Now are you sure that you don't want to stay behind with mum here and wait for me ? " " Xena how could you, after all that's happened ? as much as I love your mother dearly she's not really, say." Xena laughed." You cannot expect me to stay not, now. I'm not going to wait. I mean it, it's not fair besides which I'd be bored witless waiting for you and like we won't have the company all the time will we." Xena gave her a look." Your begining to sound jealous." " Not at all." " Then you wont mind that Solan is with us then." " Alright I get the point." " Look I'm sorry Gabrielle but I did promise and I can't get out of it now. We've already outstayed our weicome by that lump of a master at arms and he wants Solan and me out. You know it won't be easy and we shall have to ride." Xena said ruefully Gabrielle huffed. " I know I KNOW. Like it's not as if he'll even be in the same bedroll with us will he ? " " GABRIELLE ! " " O'Kay. I didn't know you'd be so,,, mamma." " I'll give you mamma." Xena growled and slapped her butt playfully and Gabrielle giggled as Xena tickled her, then she stretched her long frame." Hey time we got up and joined the rest of the world. Coming? " That produced even more hilarity from the bard as Xena rose from the bed and began to dress." Oh very funny." she groaned.

Cyrene looked at the two women and nodded sadly as they came toward her." I know what it is you're going to tell me. It's time isn't it. Your ready to go, now." She heaved a sigh knowing the truth. She knew it would happen and now it had. Gabrielle kissed her cheek." We've had such a wonderfull time here. Thank you Cyrene." " Mother if you please, your as much a daughter to me as my prodical here is." she said hugging the girl and looking to Xena." Well you shall both have a leaving feast to remember." " Mum there's no need for that really." Xena protested and Cyrene scowled fiercely and cuffed her, or would have if she hadnt quickly moved out of the way. Cyrene would not ignore the traditions a leaving feast was required and so a feast they would have. There were only two people Xena would ever give in to and they were Gabrielle and Cyrene and as a dutiful daughter Xena accepted defeat and gave in.

The next few days were spent in heavy work with the tasks Xena set for them. Xena hunting in the forests and countryside not only replenishing Cyrene's food stocks but collecting their own food they would need while Gabrielle worked along with the inn's staff in the kitchen, her arms covered in blood from cutting and prepairing the raw meat for cooking and plucking the game birds to go in the ovens that Xena had brought to her table. Solan also brought to her fish he caught in the river with his pole and they too had to be washed and gutted for the smokehouse. His other job was providing the kitchen and stables with water and he was seen running to and fro with his buckets sloshing. When the hunting was done Xena kept the fires stocked up cutting and collecting wood til the store was full and a stack rose against the kitchen and bathhouse wall. Eventually they had everything they were going to need for the journey and there was no reason or excuse for them to stay on.

The next evening the bar was closed to all but family and those invited friends which included the two hardworking servants who had helped to set things up and musicians to play flute and drum. The tables were pushed together and laden with food and wine. wine cups were raised and toasts given and Cyrene toasted and blessed her 'two daughters.' Her own returned after so many years gone she said, and the other now proudly loved and adopted she pointed to the bard. But now her family had a journey to make and farewells to be said and tears to be shed and then she raised a toast, and her wine cup rose to the cheers from everyone. Xena and Gabrielle accepted the accolades and the people ate and drank and the musicians played on and sang and the people danced enjoying the fun. Even Gabrielle allowed herself to be talked into telling a tale or two and she chose not a Xena story because it would only embarress her but a Hercules and a tale about Joxer to keep the atmosphere light and both received a raptuous applause.

Xena had noticed Cyrene's strained look as she gave her speach seeing she would have liked to add her grandson. But because he was still unaware that would not have been unfair to Solan and she couldnt do it. Pragmatic as she was Cyrene wasnt going to let the party or him suffer to her feelings because Xena still hadnt said anything nor felt the right to, and Xena also felt guilty for the loss she was putting her mother through. She would have liked to slip away but knew she couldnt do that without upsetting her mother and she swallowed down her discomfort and watched the night and the party wear on.

The next morning after a hearty breakfast of flat cakes yougurt, raisins and honey with fruit drinks and light cider to wash it down with and the horses saddled and packed. Xena, Gabrielle and Solan were at long last ready to leave. Gabrielle squinted painfully under a wide brimmed hat to shield her eyes and the hangover she had and Cyrene walked with them to the east gate and she kissed them all as she bade them farewell before they mounted up and began to take to the road ignoreing the master at arms watching them from the jailhouse door. Turning to wave at her a last time Cyrene watched the riders until they disapeared from view and whiped away a tear as she wondered when or if she would ever see her loved ones again.