As the sun sets behind the nearby hills, Xena and Gabrielle enter the village. They are immediately surrounded by people who praise them and invite the two women to sit with them. Smiling Xena and Gabrielle take their seats.
Marcus then stands and spreads his arms wide, "My friends, this harvest feast is very special. Please join me in welcoming and thanking our saviors and honored guests Xena and Gabrielle."
Everyone claps and cheers and together they raise their goblets for a toast. Xena and Gabrielle smile and nod politely and happily.
The two women are enjoying the evening with excellent food and good company. Gabrielle is talking animatedly and tells the people some of her and Xena's adventures.
Precisely when the two friends are relaxed Marcus comes over, "Would you do me the honor and dance with me?" he asks Xena in a soft voice.
The warrior is startled and remains frozen for a moment, but when she feels Gabrielle's hand squeeze her knee, she says, "Ah, yes, thank you."
Marcus extends his hand and Xena gets up taking it. He gives Xena a wide smile which she returns and, hand in hand, they set off towards the dance floor.
Torn between happiness for Xena and terror of losing her, Gabrielle watches them go and start dancing. When people begin talking to her again, she shifts her attention back to the villagers.
"Can you tell us more about yourself and Xena? How did you meet?" a woman asks.
Gabrielle smiles and begins the story, "Well, one day Xena saved my village from some slave traders. She then stayed overnight at my family's home. I was very young then and immediately fascinated by her, her life and skills. You see, I'd always dreamt of having adventures and telling stories about them. I'd always wanted to be a bard and Xena seemed to have a life very much worth putting into story."
She pauses and her glance strays towards the dance floor.
"Please tell us more, Gabrielle!" the villagers prompt her.
"Ah, … Xena and I talked for a long time that night. I tried to convince her to take me with her but she didn't want to. But, when she left the next morning, I followed her secretly. Of course, I got into trouble and Xena had to come to my rescue. And then, somehow, we became friends and ever since then we've been travelling together", Gabrielle finishes the story, her eyes again focusing on Xena and Marcus.
She can see the two dancing slowly and Xena seems to be comfortable. She's looking at Marcus with a kind expression and he's obviously overjoyed at having her to himself. Overwhelmed by her feelings Gabrielle excuses herself and, saying she needs to walk a bit after having so much of the delicious food, gets up and leaves the table.
As Xena approaches the dance floor holding Marcus' hand, she finds herself drifting back to the time of their relationship. It does feel wonderful to touch him again but Xena is still uneasy.
"Thanks for coming and for giving me this dance, Xena", Marcus whispers.
He turns to face her and they start moving to the music.
"Xena, I know we haven't known each other for long but … but I have this feeling…", his voice trails off.
"Yeah, not for long", Xena answers, thinking how bizarre the situation is.
Marcus plucks up all his courage and says, "Could you imagine settling down here with me?"
Xena does a double take and stares at him, completely taken aback by this question.
"Well, …", she tries to find the right words, "I like you but you know I'm a warrior and … and I fight and you are a devout follower of Eli. I don't think this could ever work, Marcus", she finishes.
"Marcus?"
"Ah, sorry, Felicus!" the warrior corrects herself quickly. "You just remind me very much of someone I once knew", Xena adds.
"But couldn't you stop being a warrior. Wouldn't it be wonderful not to have to fight anymore and to have a home?" Marcus asks.
At these words Xena tenses and frowns at him, "No, Felicus. I'm sorry but my destiny has always been the way of the warrior", she pauses and looks over Marcus' shoulder at Gabrielle telling a story to the raptly listening villagers, "And, for a very long time, my home has not been a place, it is a person."
"But … what … how?" Marcus stutters confusedly.
Xena squeezes his hand, smiles warmly at him and says, "I'm sorry, Felicus. You are a good man. You deserve someone who can really give you what you need and want. And I can't do that. I'm sorry! Good bye, Felicus."
With that she turns and walks away, leaving Marcus standing nonplussed in the middle of the dance floor. When Xena looks towards the table in search of Gabrielle, she can't spot her anymore. Letting her gaze wander, Xena glimpses a trace of blonde hair disappearing into the trees at the edge of the village. She follows Gabrielle's tracks and finds her standing on a little hill looking up at the stars.
To be continued...