HEY everyone, here is the next chapter. We have finally found our way to the Hall of Anubis...All standard disclaimers apply, not mine, no money being made etcetera...my recommendation for this time is "Dreams of the Nile" by Rebecca Hall, an alt X&G, with a bit of spice. Very well written, hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Anyway...on with the show. spirit
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
They sat like that for some time, Xena resting against Gabrielle's chest, while the bard held her, loathe to let go. This was a role reversal, and one the bard found quite satisfying. For years it had been the stalwart warrior who defended, cared for and protected the bard. It was nice that for once, Gabrielle could return the favor. She was touched that Xena would allow herself to be so vulnerable, and realized that it was a measure of the warriors trust, that she could do so. Gabrielle gave a soft smile, born of her depthless love, and enjoyed the opportunity to coddle her warrior a bit. She knew the times that this would happen would be few and far between, but it made her feel as though they were truly partners of the heart, and it gratified her no end.
Gabrielle gave the warrior an affectionate squeeze, and nuzzled her temple with smiling lips. Considering where they were and what had transpired in the last candle mark, the fact that she felt such contentment was quite remarkable.
Xena tipped her head back in surprise and regarded the bard with bleary, bloodshot eyes. " What was that for?" she asked quizzically.
Gabrielle smiled down at her, gentle humor and a surfeit of adoration giving her eyes an attractive sparkle,
" Do I need a reason?" she asked.
" Under normal circumstances, no. But then, we aren't under normal circumstances, so it seemed a bit….incongruous."
" Good word," the bard replied distractedly, " Actually, I suppose it is a little odd to be so completely, giddily happy, things being as they are…but, my heart just seems to be full to overflowing at the moment, and I needed to bleed off a little affection towards you before it just explodes."
Xena's eyes widened at the bards candid explanation, and then she chuckled soundlessly, the vibration rumbling in her chest and through the embrace. Gabrielle grinned, " Weren't expecting that, now were you warrior mine?"
Xena sighed, relaxing into the unusual comfort of being cradled in the protective arms of her lover, " can't say as I was," she replied, " But, I'm pleased by the sentiment."
" I suppose that's a plus," the bard chuckled. Growing serious she tilted her head and gazed down at her partner," How are you feeling now, love?" she asked gently.
Xena considered for a moment then said," As well as can be expected I guess. Though I'd be a lot worse if you hadn't been there to see me through. Thank you Gabrielle, for looking out for me …for standing beside me."
The bard smiled," You're welcome. Now…do you think you can go on? I believe the Hall of Anubis is close , and the end of this ordeal is at hand."
" Gabrielle?"
"Hmmm?" she hummed against the warriors dark hair, savoring their closeness.
" I'm…I'm scared."
" Me too love, but we've gotten through the Underworld, we'll get through this as well. Have faith in us Xena."
"Us, is the only thing I've ever really had faith in Gabrielle." Xena said with conviction.
The bard nodded," Me to Xe…me too. C'mon, let's go." She scooted out from behind the warrior and stood up, extending her hand down to help her partner to her feet. Xena looked up and grasped Gabrielle's forearm and pulled herself upright. She was a bit wobbly, but shook her head to clear it and after a moment, indicated that the bard should precede her. Another role reversal, that touched Gabrielle's heart
Gabrielle shouldered her pack and headed off down the tunnel with Xena on her heels. For all her positive encouragement, she too was very frightened now. When they had been battling their way through the various barriers, she hadn't had time to worry about the final destination . Now her mind was a whirlwind of disjointed thoughts, second guessing herself and her approach to the coming ceremony to the extent that she was sure if she opened her mouth before Anubis, Xena was doomed.
They rounded a corner and were met with a wide stream barring their path. The waters were black and moved sluggishly, and pulled up to the rocky bank was a two person boat. They looked at it, and then each other and then back at the boat in confusion. Two paddles rested on the gunwales, and it appeared that it was the only way across the stream. Xena held the torch aloft, " There isn't a path on the other side , it looks like we have to take the boat downstream."
Gabrielle grimaced, remembering all the times they had gotten into trouble in a craft such as the one waiting for them, " I hate boats," she sighed," Nothing good ever happens to us in a boat."
Xena snorted, her humor resurfacing in the face of Gabrielle's morose reaction, " Yeah I know," she replied, giving the bard a little push toward the water," But it doesn't look as though we have much choice. C'mon waterlilly, let's get it over with."
Still grumbling, the bard stowed her pack then climbed cautiously into the skiff, seating herself in the front and taking up her paddle. Xena stepped in behind her confidently and took her seat, pushing them off from the shore. Dipping her own paddle into the water, she steered them downstream as Gabrielle held up the torch to light their way.
Xena maneuvered them through the water with ease, drifting with the current. They didn't talk, there really wasn't much left to say between them. In fact, Xena had bared more of her hidden feelings on this journey, than she had in her entire previous life. She was actually emotionally exhausted, especially after the last ordeal and she was now just wanting it all to be over, come what may.
They coasted along for a half candle mark before Gabrielle spoke up in a strained voice," There's something up ahead Xe." The warrior lifted her paddle from the water and let them slip along unaided," Can you see what it is?" she asked. "Looks like…doors. Big ones, stretched across the stream."
As they got closer Xena could make out the outline of very tall, very solid looking doors. They were closed and Xena gazed at them speculatively. Their boat slipped up alongside, bumping gently against the rough wooden surface and coming to a halt. " I guess we..knock?" she ventured, to which the bard shrugged and nodded, reaching out a tentative hand to rap her knuckles against them.
At the first touch of her hand, the doors swung inward to reveal a well lit hall. Pillars of white marble held up a ceiling covered with hieroglyphics, and friezes depicting Egyptian gods. The walls were likewise covered in colorful murals, gilded with gold. Braziers glowed throughout the room, giving off warmth and the curling smoke from burning incense. On both sides of the stream, Egyptian soldiers lined the banks, resplendent in their glittering armor. Each held a woven wicker shield and a spear, was dressed in a padded linen breast plate, and wore the traditional headscarf. They stood at rigid attention, none acknowledging the arrival of the boat or its passengers. Bard and warrior drifted past the ranks in bemusement until the boat bumped gently against a stone dock. With nowhere else to go, they disembarked and walked the length of the dock, entering the hall.
Ahead of them was a long carpeted hallway leading into a room dominated by a large ornate throne, bracketed by golden braziers. On either side of the throne, stood tall figures wearing armor of ebony, gold and lapis lazuli. Their heads were covered by helmets shaped like the snarling face of a jackal, at their feet lounged sleek red Pharaoh Hounds who watched them approach alertly. On the throne, a figure sat at ease. The body was that of a man, dressed in golden sandals, shin guards and knee protectors. He wore a scarlet kilt, with a belt of gold encrusted with precious gems. His chest was bare aside from a wide gold necklace with a jackals head set into the center, his muscular arms sported golden greaves and bands encircling his biceps. It was the head which drew their attention however, from the neck up it was a jackal. Not a helmet, like the guards, but an actual jackal. Dark brown eyes regarded them curiously, and the lips curled back over gleaming white canine teeth.
"Come forward,' the deep masculine voice commanded. Xena and Gabrielle moved towards the throne in unison. Remembering Shay's words of advice, the bard prostrated herself before Anubis, giving Xena's hand an urgent tug indicating she should do the same. The warrior gave her a sardonic grimace, but complied. Anubis rose from his seat and descended to stand above them, neither lifted their eyes until he spoke again.
" You will follow me into the Hall of Judgment," he said, then turned and walked toward a door behind the throne. Bard and warrior rose hurriedly and followed, " here goes nothing," Xena said. Gabrielle's only reply was to reach out and squeeze her hand.