Wild thoughts have overtaken my senses. I've allowed myself to become so involved, as to lose myself completely. Sitting here, actually listening to her life, actually caring what comes out of her mouth next. I think back and try to place if I've ever felt this way before.

"What is it?" Her words push their way through the cloud of my thoughts.

"Just enjoying this. I don't have moments like this often." I toss an olive in my mouth. My eyes shift to Alexius who stands against the wall, waiting in case we should need something. I give him the most imperceptible of nods, dismissing him.

"That's sad." She frowns.

"I'm not sure a warlord deserves anything like peace, no matter how small the moment." She doesn't seem to have a response for this.

"Did you enjoy it?" She asks after a moment. I breathe in deep, filling my lungs.

"It was intoxicating." I can't seem to look her in the eyes, I fear what she may think of me. "Power over life and death can consume you so easily."

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely." The statement brings my attention back towards her. Her face shows nothing but understanding.

"Who said that?"

"I did." She grins, and the infectious nature of it spreads to me. "You're different now though. I may have not known you before, but you are miles away from a warlord." I shrug at her.

"Maybe not as far as you think." We drown in the silence. After awhile she stands, walking to the low wall and looking out into the moonlit night.

"Look how big it is." The moon stands like a giant over us. For a moment I look at her, standing there in such awe of simple things, things I have taken for granted. Finally getting up, I move to stand beside her, my hand on the small of her back. "It's almost as bright as the sun." She whispers as if the Goddess Selene might hear. Her body leans more into mine, and I'm not sure if it's a conscious act or not.

"In Chin they have a moon festival where they recite poems. I think you would really enjoy it."

"You've been to Chin?" Her eyes are wide as she turns to look at me.

"And Japa, and a few other places." I look up at the glowing orb in the night sky. "But nothing compares to this, right now." It comes out of my mouth before I realize it's reached my lips. She turns, hands resting on my biceps.

"Do you mean that?" I swallow hard, looking down into green eyes that I find I'm falling into.

"Yes." My throat is tight, my heart beginning to race.

"Xena….." She can't seem to find the words she wants to say, and looks away.

"A bard should never be lost for words." I smile, trying to put distance between myself and the feelings welling up.

"I'm not a bard yet." She finds the courage to look at me as I find the courage to touch her cheek with the back of my fingers. I can't think of a time I've touched skin so soft. "What's happening?" Her eyes search mine.

"I don't know." I honestly don't. "I'm not sure I want it to stop." My voice is barely above a whisper. I find myself in awe of her, in awe of what she makes me feel. Taking her face between my hands, I lean down, bringing my lips to hers in the briefest, softest of kisses. My breath is lost in this moment. "We shouldn't.." The rest of my words are captured by her lips upon mine. Her tongue delves into my mouth, flicking across my teeth. "You should probably think…" I try to speak when we break for air, but again she doesn't let me finish. My body is betraying me, melting into her touch. My brain is trying to stay coherent, to talk sense into her. She can't possibly know what she's doing. "Gabrielle…"

"Shut up Xena." Her hands slide to my back, pulling me further into her. I let my fingers tangle in her hair, pulling it from its carefully braided confines. We kiss as if we are hungry for each other. My senses are devouring every touch, every breath, every second that passes.

I grab her hair in my fist, yanking her head back and exposing her neck to me. The skin there is delicate and salty as my tongue begins to explore. The sounds coming from her slightly parted lips only fuels my desire. I know I need to stop, this can't possibly happen. With as much determination as I can gather, I pull away from her.

"What is it?" There's confusion and hurt, and maybe betrayal lacing her gaze at me.

"You don't know what you're getting into." I'm panting, my heart is pushing its way out of my chest. Her hands fall back to her sides as she begins to back away.

"I'm just a simple farm girl from Potidea, right?" Her voice is like a slap.

"Yes." I whisper, unable to make eye contact.

"Why don't you be honest with yourself." She balls her hands into fists. it's taking too long for my mask to fall back into place. I should tell her she means nothing to me, that I just like toying with people like her, push her away and get her out.

"I can't ." I choke out, turning away from her. I'm not sure if it is for my own thoughts, or in answer to her question.

"Why not?" Her voice is softer now. I can feel her presence behind me, so close.

"This wasn't supposed to happen. I don't deserve this to happen." I turn towards her, feeling the wildness inside grow. "This." I begin to gesture around me. "I don't even deserve this. But you…" I can barely seem to catch my breath. "You are too good for me." My words sound pleading and desperate. "This is not what I set out to do. I'm supposed to fix the wrongs I've committed. Not fall in love." The words come out in a messy tumble that I just can't seem to stop. "Those closest to me always get hurt by me." The mad rush of feelings begins to slow. "I don't want to hurt you." I feel defeated. This one person defeated me with almost no effort. I find myself sinking to my knees, my soul wrought with pain.

"Xena." Gabrielle falls to her knees in front of me, her hands grasping my face. "I started out wanting to be like you, but I soon realized that was wrong. I don't want to be like you, I just want you. That first moment I saw you, saving us, to think there was a woman out there that personifies strength and beauty. I know what you were, and I will do anything to help you become what you want. I've been telling you, the fates brought us together."

"I don't believe in fate."

"Believe that the worst thing you can do, is to push me away. I'm here for a reason, whether you believe in fate or destiny. I may be inexperienced in a lot of things, especially compared to you." She grins a little. "But I think we can learn from each other." Standing up, she offers her hand to me. My eyes shift back and forth from her face to her hand several times, but eventually I accept her offer and stand as well. Our fingers intertwine as she leans up and kisses my cheek. "I'll leave you to think about it." Her eyes sparkle as she turns and walks away.

"Gabrielle." She stops, but doesn't turn. I know I don't want her to leave, but I can't find it within myself to tell her.

"I'll see you in the morning on the practice field." Then, she's gone.