AN-sorry it's been so long. i've had health issues as has my better half. so brain not in it as much as would like. i'm also taking an online course. i promise to continue to update until the series is finished. hope all is doing well. stay safe. :)

Boats and I didn't mix during our travels. To this day, I don't ever want to board a ship again. Even canoes and I don't mix all that well.

Azure eyes roll. Xena still loves the sea. She still loves to fish. And she loves spending time on the canoe with our daughter and…

I'll finish that thought, I promise. It's a tease, I know. But all the best bards know their audiences. And my audience enjoys the adventures of my better half. And the warrior princess' adventures never are smooth and always leaving you wanting more.

Once again, azure eyes roll. Xena doesn't always realize that just because we've settled in one place that the adventure has ended. The day we met was the day the adventure began.

I don't mean the actually travelling across the known world. I'm speaking of the journey of life together. Though we've been together how many seasons now, there are still adventures we have.

I believe, as always, I'm off topic. But it's true. Without Xena by my side each and every day, my life would be boring. Just waking up and being able to look into those amazing azure eyes makes waking up before the sun rises actually worth it.

For the sentiment, I receive a very intimate kiss upon my neck. A shiver races up and down my spine. It enters areas that I can't place, yet, in this scroll.

I'm going to wrap this up and say I never imagined I'd meet the legendary Cecrops. After meeting Hercules and knowing The Gods influenced our lives, you'd think I'd be ready for anything. But I wasn't.

Perhaps it was because I never wanted to be trapped upon the sea for that length of time. And if Xena hadn't taught me the trick, with certain not so good side effects, I never would have survived the time we were upon the legendary cursed ship. Thankfully, my soulmate did the usual and was able to set Cecrops free.

Right now, Xena wants to set me free. I will return to writing. I'm not sure when. With the hunting trip having lasted longer than expected, my soulmate has been a tad more affectionate than usual. Not that I'm complaining. Nor will I ever.

THE LOST MARINER

The sea and the bard were not a good mix. It didn't matter if the weather was pleasant or not. Poseidon had decided, for whatever reason, to make this journey an unpleasant one.

So much so, Gabrielle found herself with Xena's sword. Her soulmate expected her to cut the ropes. What good would it do with the ship nearly on its side already?

As it turned out, it didn't do any good. Gabrielle was swept overboard. She managed to keep hold of the one thing she had of her soulmate's as Poseidon and his home attempted to take her very life away.

Suddenly, Gabrielle found herself on the deck of another ship. She found herself face to face with a tall, intimidating man. He had taken possession of Xena's sword and was admiring the craftsmanship and telling someone to take it below.

Was she with the pirates or merchantman? That was easy to answer. The pirates were attempting to overtake them. Xena. Had the strange man saved her friend?

Pushing up seaweed? Not Gabrielle's soulmate. This man obviously didn't know of Xena or what she was capable of. There was land near where the merchantman ship had gone under. It was close enough that her miraculous lover could have made it.

Gabrielle didn't understand the danger? This man didn't understand how dangerous it could be for him should he not take her to shore. Boats and the bard didn't mix. otherwise, the deck would receive a quick and colorful washing.

When the man once again reiterated Gabrielle was stuck on the boat, another man who had been saved spoke. Cecrops? The legendary man who had been cursed to live forever on a ship never to step foot on dry land again?

The stranger continued rambling. Fear was his motivator. Cecrops attempted to warn him, yet the terror the man experienced drove him over the side of the boat and into the water. The screams penetrated deep within Gabrielle's soul.

Couldn't Cecrops have prevented it? True. Gabrielle had just been, ironically, telling Xena the story of The Lost Mariner and what happened to those that happened to be cursed upon the ship.

It was finally sinking in. Gabrielle was cursed upon Cecrops' ship. Was it for eternity? It was only small solace that it was the man himself who was cursed forever. Still, it meant the bard would forever be separated from her soulmate.

That thought and the seas had Gabrielle hanging over the side. She could hear Cecrops shouting orders. It surprised the bard when he was next to her suggesting she become the new cook. Not that she was opposed to it. It was just the situation was still so new.

Especially the being separated from Xena. Gabrielle didn't know what was worse. Spending the rest of her natural life on a ship full of men or never knowing the touch or even the sight of her soulmate.

Two more men attempted to soothe the bard. One, Gabrielle shuddered immediately at. The second had a kindness about him. Hopefully, he would be someone she could rely on since she would not have her soulmate.

Deciding to find a quieter place, Gabrielle made her way below deck. Not realizing exactly where she was, it felt like a treasure room. One item in particular caught her eye.

Just as the bard was to touch the emerald, Cecrops voice rang out. Gabrielle stumbled through an explanation. Thankfully, he was most understanding. He was even blasé about the value of the rather large stunning jewel.

Value was indeed in what it meant to a person. In how it touched a person's soul. The fact the sun touching upon the emerald caused it to remind Cecrops of something even more valuable than money said everything.

Gabrielle shouldn't be surprised when Cecrops knew of the lost Athena of Antigus or that he was the one that stole it from pirates. He corrected her minor flaw in storytelling even.

The bard was surprised by the fact Cecrops asked her if she knew how Athena became the goddess of Athens. It was a story she knew well. Though it seemed not every detail as her new captor corrected a minor mix-up.

Emerald eyes grew wide as Cecrops added the details. No one had remembered how it was the lost mariner who had passed judgment that angered Poseidon so or that it was merely the reflection of the people. Yet, he was the one that suffered. And anyone who was unlucky enough to wind up on his ship.

The story was intriguing. The only way Cecrops could be redeemed was by love. Those were the best kinds of redemption as far as Gabrielle was concerned.

In a way, Gabrielle could understand hating Athena for cursing Cecrops with immortality. At least the goddess had given the condemned man a chance at redemption. It was more than Poseidon even wanted for him.

Who could love Cecrops? Gabrielle understood why the man was so self-loathing. But love was more than about between two souls. It was between family members. It was between friends. And it was learning to love one's self.

Before Gabrielle could state any of this, a commotion caused them topside. There was something that had to be seen all right. It was Xena. She somehow knew that her bard was on the ship and was attempting to make her way there.

When Gabrielle heard Xena call her name, there was such a relief that flowed throughout the bard that she forgot about her seasickness. She could only think how good it would feel to have her soulmate's arms around her.

Gabrielle was blinded. Though it meant damning her soulmate to her same fate, she couldn't help it. The bard needed her warrior princess by her side.

Besides, Gabrielle knew in her soul that Xena would fight tooth and nail to be by her side. She knew without a doubt that the warrior princess would do everything in her power to be by her side.

Cecrops was attempting to take Xena's chances away from her. Gabrielle was rooting even more for her soulmate to find a way to be condemned like she was.

Emerald eyes tracked every movement her soulmate made. Even from the great distance, Gabrielle could see that Xena was enjoying toying with the pirates. It was getting her creative war juices flowing once again.

When Xena landed with a laugh and a gotcha, Gabrielle instantly wrapped her soulmate in a hug. There were very few times that the warrior princess hugged her with so much vigor when they were in public.

It was so like Xena to ignore anyone but Gabrielle. Yes, the bard was ok. She was seasick. She was cursed. Ok, she was seasick beyond the telling of it.

It wasn't surprising in the least that Xena already knew who Cecrops was. In a way, it caused Gabrielle to feel even more special. Her soulmate had once again done something amazing. She had given up her freedom just to be with the bard.

So now Cecrops was stuck with two women aboard his ship. Gabrielle hastily led Xena to the captain's cabin. She hated asking, but it was up to the warrior princess, as usual.

No, they didn't have all the time world, if only because Gabrielle's stomach couldn't handle a lifetime of seasickness. The pain when Xena first touched upon the bump on her wrist caused the bard to yank it away. After a few moments, of being forced to continue, her stomach began to ease some.

Gabrielle wasn't certain she could survive her puppy love. Especially when he was offering her raw squid. Her wrist took a great pounding just to attempt to make certain she didn't lose more of her lunch.

Yet, after a short time, Gabrielle found she was fond of the squid. Never one to eat raw fish, this time it was actually quite appealing. Though by the look upon Xena's face, the warrior princess didn't agree.

The ship had turned. Gabrielle hoped it meant Xena had talked to Cecrops into finding a cure of the curse. If anyone could talk someone into something they didn't want to, it wasn't the bard, it was the warrior princess.

Wandering the ship, Gabrielle found herself with the one man who had attempted to help her. He was more like a father in some ways than her own father was. He was doing busy work. It appeared complicated, but it was rather simple.

As Gabrielle listened to the man's tale, she felt saddened. He had just made the decision to stop being a pirate and possibly attempt to redeem himself when his ship attacked the wrong one. At least he had found a friend in Cecrops, even if the man didn't always acknowledge it.

The bard made a mental note. The kind man had a daughter around her age. Perhaps they could help him find his daughter, once Xena found a way off from the ship.

Shouts caused Gabrielle's attention to the main deck once again. The pirates had found the ship. The idiots were attempting to attack or board Cecrops' ship. Most pirates knew to avoid his vessel.

Just when Gabrielle didn't think things could become more interesting, Poseidon emerged from the sea. His offer to allow Xena and finally the bard their safe passage was denied by the warrior princess. Why? Because he allowed something to slip. Gabrielle just wasn't certain what it was. Yet.

The sailor stuff could be fun, if one could become used to the seasickness. While Gabrielle still wanted to be off the ship, at least she could tolerate being on it until Xena found a way to way for Cecrops to end the curse.

Since Poseidon was increasing the storm, Gabrielle wondered if Xena wasn't on the right track. And if not? It meant the bard would be stuck on the ship avoiding her puppy crush.

There was one thing. Why hadn't Xena showed the trick of curing seasickness before? Because it killed the taste buds. It made it so one ate things that weren't always good for you. The thought caused the bard to feel ill once again. But that would have to wait until later.

More reason to be ill. The storm hit once again. Xena was by the bard's side. She had Gabrielle sheltered as all Tartarus broke out.

Gabrielle had to turn her head as the crates hit her father figure. He had, without thought, shoved Cecrops out of harms' way. It was because he cared, if not loved, Cecrops.

His dying wish was for Cecrops to touch the earth once again for him. Gabrielle had seen so much sorrow. This was another one for the scrolls. Something the historians would never write of.

It had been a long night, but finally the skies were clearing. Once again, Cecrops was headed toward where Xena had thought this could all end. Gabrielle wondered if her soulmate was right. At least the seas were calmer.

The pirates continued to pursue them. Why? Gabrielle knew they thought there was treasure upon the ship, but they were messing with both Cecrops and Poseidon. It baffled her.

As did how Cecrops could not understand how Hisdism could care for him. That the man could give up his life without thought.

Before Gabrielle could make her own case, the ship was caught in the current. If they didn't break free from the whirlpool, the ship would go under. Everyone aboard, besides Cecrops, would perish.

No one besides Xena was brave enough to ascend to the crow's nest. Gabrielle attempted to help, yet she couldn't take her eyes off from her soulmate.

To make things even worse, of course, the pirates were attempting to get alongside. They would make the situation worse. And they would likely be stuck themselves.

But it wouldn't matter if Cecrops had finally figured everything out. And he had. He wouldn't do Poseidon's bidding. Gabrielle watched as the sword was given to Xena so she could free herself. She listened as Cecrops spoke of the love Xena had for Gabrielle, the love Hidsim had for Cecrops. It's that simple.

Gabrielle watched in horror and amazement as Cecrops jumped overboard. Poseidon bellowed as if in a great deal of pain. The sea seemed to erupt.

The next thing Gabrielle knew, she was on the beach. She was being let down gently by her puppy love. And she was expelling some unwanted friends.

The bard was grateful Xena aided her to her feet. In a way, she wished she had been the one to figure it all out. After all, she was the one writing about love and how it would be the savior of the world.

The moaning from Cecrops' body startled Gabrielle. The laughter caused her to smile. It was because he was on dry land once again. Instead of cursing Athena, he should have been praising her all these years.

Sitting and remembering. One's first love. Gabrielle couldn't help feeling warm inside. But she did have a suggestion. When Cecrops was up for it that was. She figured he'd like the thought of attempting to find Hisdism's daughter. But of course, he would walk wherever he went.

As for Poseidon, Gabrielle had a feeling that they hadn't seen the last of the god. In fact, she knew there was a grudge to be held. And if anyone held grudges, it was gods.

For now, Gabrielle wanted to spend a night on dry land. Preferably somewhere with a roof over her head. And of course, snuggled up to her soulmate

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

While Xena loved the sea, this was beyond anything she had experienced in a long time. Even what they had experienced during their trip to Ithaca couldn't hold a candle to this. Perhaps Poseidon remained angry with the warrior princess.

Or perhaps their timing for sailing was off. All Xena knew was that the rope had to be cut and she couldn't do it herself. Hating to give up her sword, she would only trust one other to keep it safe for her.

Xena's heart went into her throat when she lost sight of her soulmate. She screamed Gabrielle's name, but the bard was lost overboard and enveloped by the sea. The warrior princess could only hope that her bard found land or another ship.

Surviving was the name of the game, then Xena could worry about where her soulmate was. Once the warrior princess made it to land, she had another issue. There were pirates following her. The same ones who had attempted to overtake the ship they had been on.

What Xena didn't need was a fight with the pirates. Especially one who was determined to gain the prize that had been placed upon her head.

When Basculis mentioned the ship Gabrielle had been rescued by belonged to Cecrops, it became dire that Xena make it to her soulmate. Her bard would never survive an eternity on a damned ship without her.

It wasn't easy making her way along the shore and keeping an eye upon the pirates. Xena would have to find the fastest way to the ship. And she just might have to hinder the speed and/or direction.

Thankfully, the pirates were inept at fighting. Perhaps, it was being on land that was causing them to be easily bested. Or maybe they were pirates because they couldn't make it as warriors.

Finally, Xena made it close enough to Cecrops' ship for Gabrielle to notice her. She returned her soulmate's call before continuing to evade the pirates.

The trees led to the perfect opportunity. The only thing was Cecrops was turning the ship away from the shore. Xena could easily take care of that with her trusty chakram.

Now, Xena would need to retrieve her special weapon and her soulmate. A few acrobatic moves that the Olympic competitors would appreciate later and the warrior princess had done just that.

In fact, Xena was never so grateful when she felt Gabrielle's arms wrap around her. While she was good, the warrior princess had worried she wouldn't make it in time.

Holding her weapon as a warning and giving a glare, Xena ignored Cecrops question of being out of her mind. She had what she came for. She had her lover in her arms and she hated to let go.

Discovering Gabrielle was seasick and cursed were not surprises. Xena would help her bard with both. One sooner than later. There was one demanding her attention and could no longer be ignored.

Yes, Xena knew exactly whom she was speaking to. Cecrops didn't like fact the warrior princess was glib to him about the fact she wasn't about to leave her 'best friend' behind or that he was now stuck with both them.

Xena was grateful when her soulmate led her to the privacy of Cecrops' cabin. It gave her a moment to think. There had to be a way out of this. She knew the consequences, if not. And not just the discomfort for life her soulmate would endure.

For the time being, Xena could at least alleviate some of the discomfort. It was a trick she had been reluctant to show Gabrielle while traveling to Ithaca because of certain side-effects.

And there was an overly friendly crewman. Xena made a mental note of the man. She would keep an eye on him. If Gabrielle couldn't handle him, the warrior princess would.

Xena found Cecrops staring at the land. So close yet so far for him. The warrior princess could relate as she had yearned to touch Gabrielle for so long.

The warrior princess was grateful for her sword. Xena had had it for a long time. It had served her well. But if Poseidon had wound up with it, at least Gabrielle remained out of the sea.

It was time to convince Cecrops he was giving up too much to Poseidon. Hope was the biggest thing he had given up. Of course, it was because he had lost the love of his life. For this, Xena could not blame him for giving up some of his hope.

Wow. Cecrops was quite descriptive. Yet, Xena could relate. If her mind could only speak what her soul saw when she even thought of Gabrielle, it wouldn't be unlike what Cecrops had just related about an amazing woman.

The whirlpool. Keeping Cecrops from his beloved's village. Something was informing Xena that this was the key to the puzzle. It would solve the curse. But could she convince Cecrops of that?

It had to be painful to return to a place related to the woman one loved. A place one was forced to watch as she grew older and then one day disappeared.

For now, Xena had Cecrops convinced to turn east. Would Cecrops continue all the way? Time would tell. For now, she wanted to check in on Gabrielle. Her preference in food had changed.

Cecrops attempted to brush off the change in direction with the need for new crew. There was the fact the pirates avoided them when they couldn't rid themselves of the ones who had chased Xena.

Just as Cecrops was about to maintain course, something was happening. Xena sensed him before he appeared. Poseidon. What did he want? He had already cursed Cecrops. What else would he need?

As it turned out, Poseidon didn't want Xena around. He didn't want her interfering. He didn't say it in so many words. It was the fact he had given her and Gabrielle a chance to leave unharmed. It meant the warrior princess truly was the key.

After turning down Poseidon, Xena turned to sharing her knowledge. If she could sail a ship with only herself, Ulysses and Gabrielle, she could help streamline this ship so the motley crew could sail it without issue.

Was Xena right? She hoped so. As Gabrielle said, there was no way she could survive on the open sea for eternity, even with the little trick. The trick that had side effects. Ones that once the bard realized made her ill again. Though there was no time for that now.

Especially once Cecrops' most trusted men informed Xena that he planned on turning around first light. It sent the warrior princess in search of Cecrops.

Guilt. It was something Xena knew all too well. Cecrops didn't want to be released from his prison that maintained the guilt. Yet, if he did, there would be more that would suffer as those had before.

Cecrops' justifications were dizzying. He truly was afraid. Afraid that he would be free of the bonds he found himself in. Of the punishment he saw fit. And of one day not living anymore.

What did Xena know of fear? More than most could ever conceive of. It wasn't that long ago that she had had to fight to bring back her soulmate. To have Gabrielle perform that miracle. It was why she had so easily understood the bard's acceptance of marriage to someone else.

Why did she stay? That was easy. Xena wouldn't leave until everyone was free. Was it that simple? Cecrops couldn't see past the past three hundred years. Life wasn't complicated. It was simple, unless you made it more than that.

Poseidon was on a tear before they could truly finish their conversation. It sent Xena in search of Gabrielle. It seemed just in time that she was able to reach out and grab her soulmate. To keep her bard from danger.

Unfortunately for Cecrops' friend, he wasn't so lucky. Hidism shoved Cecrops out of harms way. The blow of the crates was too devastating. There was no recovering from it.

Xena knew that Cecrops couldn't understand why Hisdism had done what he had. He had reacted for the person he cared for. Even had grown to love. It was that simple. Hopefully his last wish to touch the earth would be fulfilled.

Something had happened. Xena had that familiar sense when she entered Cecrops' cabin. The fact he abruptly said that they were turning toward the east and that this would end here also had her warrior senses tingling.

They were close to their destination. The pirates right on their tail. Xena knew Cecrops was still struggling with the ultimate sacrifice he had witnessed. From enemies to friends to a respect few can ever expect.

They suddenly became caught in the outer ridge of the whirlpool. To break free, they would need someone in the crow's nest. No one from the crew would volunteer. Xena was more than happy to be the one.

Things happened so quickly that even Xena had little time to react. She found she was in need of assistance. She needed her sword. She could hear Gabrielle's calls. If Cecrops didn't come through, she would do whatever it took…

For a moment, Xena thought Cecrops would take Poseidon up on his offer. At the last minute, he helped to free her. And he smiled as he said he finally understood.

The love that Cecrops had needed all along wasn't the love others could have for him. Being cooped up on the ship and seeing his beloved grow old and die and caused him to forget. He himself had love to give. Like Xena's for Gabrielle and Hidsim's for Cecrops.

Xena couldn't help calling out her no when she realized Cecrops intended on leaping into the whirlpool. The world seemed to crash around them.

The next thing Xena knew she was on dry land. She scanned the shore. Gabrielle was heaving, the poor thing. It appeared everyone was all right.

The warrior's nose crinkled as she realized Gabrielle's second set of friends were the squid she had been eating. She eased her soulmate into a standing position. She was grateful overall her bard was all right.

The love you can give. Gabrielle probably didn't even think about it because it came so naturally to her. For the bard, there was so much good and innocent in the word. That's why she hadn't seen it. Xena had to remember to tell her that.

After they checked on Cecrops. Even the lost mariner had survived. He was alive. And he hugged the warrior princess like few ever had nor would live to tell.

Though not one for the gods, Xena had to agree. Instead of cursing Athena, Cecrops should have been praising her. Hopefully he would have some kind words from now on.

Sitting and remembering. Xena couldn't blame him there. She wasn't certain what she would do if…Nope. She wasn't about to think of losing her bard. Never again.

Leave it to her bard to make the perfect suggestion. Xena loved her soulmate. The little things like this that the warrior princess would never think of endeared her even more.

As for Poseidon, he was a god. There was always someone for them to be angry with. Who? Xena didn't care. All she cared about was finding a place a little distance from the sea where she and Gabrielle could spend the night. And perhaps snuggle. Or more…

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

It took a majority of the day for the bard and warrior princess to reach a village. It was one of those times Xena wished she had Argo and Gabrielle had chosen to ride double. The village would have been reached in half the time.

"I have a few dinars that didn't make it to the bottom of the sea." Gabrielle turned toward her soulmate. "Why don't you use one of your many skills and get us a room and dinner for the evening."

"I might even attempt to have breakfast thrown in." Their eyes locked. Gabrielle couldn't help the gentle brush of her soulmate's arm. She had nearly lost the chance to do that simple act that meant so much to both of them.

"With your abilities, I'm certain you will. In the meantime, I'm going to see about sending Mother a note." Xena had other plans, but wanted them to be a surprise.

"Tell Cyrene hello for me. I hope we get to visit her soon." Their eyes continued to remained locked. Even looking into one another's eyes had nearly been lost.

"I will." Xena reluctantly broke the eye contact. She counted out dinars and handed them to her soulmate. "Meet you here in about a quarter candle mark."

Gabrielle nodded. Xena waited until her bard was on her way inside before beginning her latest mission. Writing a hasty note to her mother was taken care of. Finding what she wanted for her soulmate proved to be a little more challenging.

With her many skills, Xena was able to accomplish what she intended well within the time she had allotted. Luckily, the items were easily hidden until she could place them in the room.

The dining area of the tavern was quite crowded. As usual, Xena 'found' a corner table so that she could keep an eye on the crowd. That didn't mean she wasn't keeping an eye on her bard.

For once, Gabrielle wasn't sitting across from Xena. The bard had insisted on sitting next to her soulmate. In fact, when not using it to eat, Gabrielle's hand was upon the warm thigh of her warrior princess.

The meal was uneventful. When some of the patrons discovered who was seated in the corner, they begged for a tale or two. While normally Gabrielle jumped at the chance to entertain, she had wanted to retire for the evening.

It was Xena's encouragement and informing her they could make the most of their night together that had Gabrielle centerstage. There was the chance the bard, if she made enough dinars, could convince her soulmate to stay a second night.

With the adventure fresh in her mind, Gabrielle related their latest tale. For her, it was a love story. It wasn't a traditional one, of course. But it was still about how the love we all have for our fellow man can bring so much to the known world.

After also relating how she had obtained the right of caste, Gabrielle had to claim being tired and a sore throat or her audience would have continued to beg for more. Besides, a very patient warrior princess sat in the corner nursing a mug of mead.

Their eyes met. It didn't take long for Xena to gulp the remaining mead before making her way to her bard. The intimidation radiated off of the warrior easily parting the way. "Shall we?"

Gabrielle was speechless, but managed to nod. She held out her arm. A dark eyebrow rose before Xena placed her hand upon it. The two hastily made their way to their shared room.

"Do you mind if I take a bath?" Xena swallowed at the thought. "We could always share…" When azure eyes darkened, she wasn't certain that was such a good idea.

"You go ahead." Xena wanted very much to share the bath. And perhaps she would surprise her bard. "I have something to do."

Disappointed, Gabrielle nodded before gathering her things. One more glance at her partner and she reluctantly exited the room.

In her particular way, Xena placed the few things she'd wanted about the room. She practically tore her armor from her body, as well as her leather. Only a towel was wrapped around her as she made her way toward the bathing room.

The gentle knock upon the door caused Gabrielle to jump sloshing some of the water. "The room is being used." The bard automatically reached for her staff she had brought out of habit.

When the door began to open, the staff was in both hands. A blonde head shook when she realized it was her barely covered soulmate. "Xena. You startled me."

"Sorry, Gabrielle." Xena took the time to make certain no one could enter the bathing room. "But I just had to enter." Without ceremony, the towel slipped from around the warrior princess' naked body.

The bard swallowed as greedy emerald eyes took in the body. "By the gods you are beautiful." Gabrielle knew it was something she had said while high on henbane. It was true whether she was stoned or had full use of her faculties.

"And you are sexy all wet." Xena didn't wait for an invitation. She eased herself behind her soulmate. The warrior princess didn't waste any time. Her hands found full breasts as her lips nibbled an earlobe and neck.

"Oh, Xena." Gabrielle was in The Elysian Fields. She hadn't felt her lover's touch in too long. And with the fear of not ever being able to as Cecrops had turned his ship from shore…

While Gabrielle wanted to allow Xena to have her way, the bard needed to touch. She needed to taste. Not caring that more water sloshed over the side, Gabrielle turned until she was straddling her soulmate.

Their lips met as hands reached for the same destination. They both entered at the same time. Gabrielle couldn't help rocking against her lover's hand. She leaned forward so that their breasts were rubbing against one another.

Somehow, both managed to used their lips to explore what skin was exposed. "I don't think I would have lived long without being able to do this."

Gabrielle could feel the tears forming. They soon were joining with the soapy, lukewarm water. What she didn't see was that Xena's tears were also mixing with the bathwater.

"It's why I fought so hard to get on the boat." Xena could barely speak. It was partly from the sensations of making love. The delights her lover's finger was inflicting on her clit. But mostly it was because of the thought of never being with Gabrielle again.

When finally they both climaxed, Gabrielle leaned her forehead against Xena's. "I don't care what it takes. We are to be together for eternity. I'll follow you to Tartarus if I have to. But I can't not be denied even looking into your eyes."

Xena forgot all about the flowers and nutbread she had purchased for her bard. All she wanted was to dry Gabrielle and carry her to their room. Not so they could make love again. Just so she could hold her until time no longer existed.