My Cup Runneth Over, part 6
Skip to: part twelve
by Susan Owens
Gabrielle looked at herself in the mirror. "I can't wear this, Xena!"
"Why not, Gabrielle? You look so wonderful in it."
Gabrielle flushed. "Because, Xena I'm not aÉ" She lowered her voice, "you know
what anymore!"
Xena burst into loud laughter. "The word is virgin, Gabrielle, and it's not a
bad word."
"GAH, like you'd understand!" Gabrielle turned around to see her parents and her
sister Lila. Gabrielle ran to her family. "Oh Mother! FatherÉ Lila! I can't
believe you made it!"
Hecuba hugged her fiercely. "Oh Gabrielle, I'm so glad we did make it. We
wouldn't miss this for the world."
"I'm so glad you made it! But how did you know?" Gabrielle asked her mother.
"Xena sent a pigeon," Hecuba explained.
Gabrielle looked confused. "But Poteidaia's so far away from here!"
Hecuba smiled warmly. "Xena told us weeks ago about the wedding so we could
surprise you," she explained.
Gabrielle turned to Xena. "Thank you Xena, for believing in Joxer."
Xena smiled.
Lila grinned at her older sister. "It's about time you opened your eyes,
Gabrielle, because if you didn't, I would have asked Joxer to marry me. He's
such a hunk!"
Herodotus raised an eyebrow as he gazed at his oldest daughter. "Well, at least
you'll settle down now and raise a family," he commented.
Gabrielle shook her head. "Father, I'll still travel with Xena - both myself and
Joxer. That won't change."
Her father started to say something but Hecuba grabbed him by the arm. "Come on,
Herodotus. Let's go get a seat."
Herodotus jerked away from her and turned to Gabrielle. "Let go of me, woman!
Gabrielle, a wife's place is with her husband."
"I know and that's where I'll be. I just won't be settled on a farm somewhere,"
Gabrielle replied calmly.
"No you won't! You'll be with thatÉ thatÉ woman, Xena!"
Gabrielle sighed. "Father, please!"
Her father shook his head. "I don't understand why you don't want to settle
down," he said finally.
Hecuba pulled her husband towards her again, attempting to stop what would
surely turn into a nasty confrontation that both her husband and daughter would
regret. "Come on, let's go find a seat. Things will be fine."
"Very well." Herodotus turned to Gabrielle. "I love you, Gabrielle."
"I know you do," Gabrielle smiled and leaned over to kiss her father on the
cheek.
An hour later, Gabrielle turned to Xena with a huge smile on her face. "Well,
I'm ready, so let's go."
Xena nodded. As they were leaving the hut, one of the Amazons walked in. Cyane,
who had stepped inside for a moment, looked at her curiously. "What's wrong,
Fawn?"
Fawn bowed before her queen. "My queen, I am sorry, but there is trouble between
two of the guests."
Cyane rolled her eyes. "Which two guests, Fawn?" she asked.
"Joxer's brother the assassin and Queen Gabrielle's father," Fawn replied.
"Oh, for the love of Zeus!" Xena growled as she and Gabrielle ran out to try and
stop the fight.
Jett's eyes were blazing and Hecuba was trying her best to make peace between
the two men with no success at all. "You take that back, old man! I could easily
cut you down. You're not family yet!"
Herodotus growled, "I won't! Everything I said about you is true! You're a
murderer and worse. There's no way Gabrielle is marrying Joxer now. Not with you
for a brother!"
Jett reached for his dagger, and then remembered he no longer had it. His eyes
narrowed as he muttered in a low voice, "I don't need a weapon to kill you, old
man."
Gabrielle's father stood firm. "I'm not afraid of you!"
Hecuba was frightened and tried to pull him away again. "Please, let's just go
and sit down!" she pleaded.
"No! Not until that man leaves," Herodotus replied stubbornly.
"Sorry. I'm not going anywhere," Jett said, folding his arms over his chest.
Herodotus turned to his wife and daughter. "Then we are. Come on, HecubaÉ Lila.
We're leaving."
Lila looked at her father then back at Gabrielle. "But Father, Gabrielle is
getting married!"
"It doesn't matter. We are leaving! I WILL NOT GIVE MY BLESSING TO THIS
MARRIAGE!" Herodotus thundered.
Gabrielle's mother looked at her husband, "Herodotus, my love, please be
reasonable!"
"You heard me. We're leaving!"
Gabrielle suddenly flared up. "Forget it! Just forget it! There's not going to
be a wedding. I won't marry Joxer. I won't marry anyone as long as I live. This
wedding is off!" Gabrielle threw down her bouquet and ran off. Xena gave
Herodotus a murderous look and went after Gabrielle.
Hecuba turned to her husband. "I hope you're happy! You just broke your
daughter's heart."
"I don't want our daughter to marry into that family," Herodotus repeated.
"I swear that you are as stubborn and unyielding as a rock sometimes, my
husband!" Hecuba retorted. Herodotus' face turned red.
Jett looked at Herodotus and cleared his throat loudly to get his attention
before a fight broke out between his prospective in-laws. "Listen, Gabrielle
isn't marrying our family. She's going to marry Joxer, not his family. I don't
care how you feel about me, but I do care how Joxer feels about her. He loves
her. He's a good man and he will treat her right. So if you want to hate me,
fine, I can live with that. Just don't stop this wedding. Give her your
blessing."
Herodotus said nothing in reply and stared at the assassin. Arose felt tears
stinging her eyes as she ran off to tell Joxer the bad news.
Lila turned to Aphrodite, who had been listening in silence the entire time.
"Can't you do anything?" she whispered.
"Uh, uh! As much as I'd like to fix everything with a zap or two, I promised
Studmuffin that I wouldn't mess around with his love life. It's up to him and
Her Bardliness to fix it themselves," the love goddess replied. "Daddy Dearest,
however, needs a bit of peace, love and understandingÉ"
Xena stopped in front of the hut Gabrielle ran into because two Amazons held
lances in front of her, blocking her way. Xena tried to get past them, but they
would not let her. "Let me pass! I need to talk to Gabrielle," Xena growled.
"You are not allowed in there, Xena. It is the queen's ceremonial hut and only a
queen is allowed inside Ð unless the queen allows somebody to come in with her
permission," Cyane, who had followed her, explained.
"But Cyane, Gabrielle needs me!"
"I'm sorry Xena, but you can't." She nodded at the guards.
Xena tried to pass the guards again, but they would not let her. "Either you let
me in or else!" Xena snarled.
Suddenly the door of the hut opened and Gabrielle stood before them, her face
red from crying, but now scarlet from anger. "Go away, Xena! I don't want to
talk to anyone! Just leave me alone! Go away, all of you! LEAVE ME ALONE!" At
that, the former Amazon queen slammed the door shut and they heard her sobbing
behind it. Xena looked at Cyane and the two guards. Cyane shrugged her shoulders
while the guards impassively stood their ground. Xena sighed loudly and slowly
walked away.
Arose ran into the hut where Jace was making last minute details. "Now I think
you are ready. Got your song? Yes, yes, of course you do! Oh, I know it's going
to be great!" Jace wiped his eyes and blew his nose into his silk handkerchief.
"Oh, my little brother is getting married! I'm so happy!" Jace gave Joxer a big
hug.
"Jace, I know that you're happy, butÉ" Joxer was trying hard to breathe when he
noticed Arose standing in the hut crying as if her heart was broken. "Jace, let
go of me! BlaughhÉ"
Jace squeezed tighter in response. Joxer tried to break loose from his brother
again. "JACE! LET GO, DAMN IT! Arose is crying!"
Jace stopped hugging Joxer and both of her brothers were looking at her, very
concerned. Jace pulled out another handkerchief from his vest pocket. "What 's
wrong, chiquita?" he asked as he wiped her tears away.
Arose looked at Joxer. "Gab...ri...elle...called...off...the...wedÉdingÉ" she
stammered out through her tears.
"WHAT!" Joxer stepped back, stunned. "She did? ButÉ why?"
"Be...cause...of...her...father...and....JÉJ...Jett...." cried Arose. "They were
fighting. I think they wanted to kill each other. Gabrielle's father knew who
Jett was."
Joxer said nothing. He walked out of the hut and over to Cyane, Xena, and Cyrene
who were talking at once. He placed his index and middle fingers in his mouth
and whistled loudly to get their attention. Xena placed her hand on her sword,
startled by the noise until she realized who did it. "What is it, Joxer? We're
busy right now!" she snapped.
"I want to speak to Gabrielle. Where is she?"
Cyane walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Joxer, you can't.
Gabrielle doesn't want to see or talk to anyone. I'm sorry."
"I won't see her and she doesn't have to speak to me. I just want to tell her
something. Cyane, please let me go to her," Joxer requested softly.
Cyane nodded. "You may go to the hut, but you will not be able to enter unless
Gabrielle allows you to come inside."
Joxer nodded then turned to Xena's mother. "Ma'am, would you mind asking Jace if
I could borrow his lute?" he asked.
"Of course not," Cyrene smiled at Joxer, understanding why he didn't want to go
back to the hut and walked over. When she walked inside, Jace and Arose were
clinging to each other and crying. "Jace, Joxer needs your lute," she said.
Jace broke the embrace and blew his nose. "Why?"
Cyrene shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know why. He just wants it."
Jace nodded, picked up the case that contained the lute, which was propped up
against the wall and gave it to Cyrene. "Thank you, Jace." She left the hut
shaking her head.
Arose stopped crying shortly after she left. "Some Amazon I am, bawling like a
baby!" she sniffled.
Jace wiped his eyes again. "Crying is good for the soul."
Cyrene gave Joxer the case. "Thank you," he said. He turned to Cyane. "Please
don't call off the wedding yet."
"I won't," Cyane agreed as he walked away. She then turned to Xena. "What do you
think he's going to do?"
"I don't know, but whatever it is, I hope it works," Xena replied fervently.
Joxer slowly approached the queen's ceremonial hut. The two guards had their
lances ready. Joxer gazed at them for a moment before speaking. "I have
permission to talk to Gabrielle alone. I promise I won't enter the hut," he
said.
"I'm sorry, but we aren't allowed to leave our post," replied one of the
Amazons. Joxer was quiet and then he slowly opened the case.
"What do you have in there?" the second Amazon asked suspiciously.
"A lute." He took it out to show it to them. Both Amazons looked at each other
and shrugged their shoulders. "We will give you a few minutes, but do not enter
the hut," the Amazon who had spoken first told him.
"I won't. I promise. Thank you," Joxer replied.
The two Amazons moved away a short distance from the hut, but watched him
carefully. Joxer stood by the window but did not look inside. "Gabrielle, please
don't say anything. Just listen to me." He paused for a moment. "I wrote this
song for you. I was going to sing it for you at the wedding, but I think you
need to hear it now."
Gabrielle was lying on the floor mat. She lifted her head when she heard Joxer
speak. She was about to tell him to go away when suddenly the air filled with
soft, sweet music. Then she heard his voice, not like it sounded when he sang
his silly song, but soft, beautiful and the words he sang came completely from
the heart:
Sometimes in the mornin' when shadows are deep
I lie here beside you just watching you sleep
And sometimes I whisper what I'm thinking of
My cup runneth over with loveÉ
Gabrielle sat up as she listened to him sing:
Sometimes in the evening when you do not see
I study the small things you do constantly
I memorize moments that I'm fondest of
My cup runneth over with love
Tears of joy were streaming down Gabrielle's face as she continued listening to
Joxer's beautiful voice and words:
In only a moment we both will be old
We won't even notice the world turning cold
And so, in these moments with sunlight above
My cup runneth over with love
My cup runneth over with love
With love
The music slowly came to an end and Joxer said very softly, "Gabrielle, that's
how I feel about you. I love you and always will. If you feel you can't marry
me, I'll understand. But if somehow you change your mind, I'll be waiting for
you at the altar. I love you, Gabrielle." He walked away, hoping he got through
to her. Gabrielle sat on the mat taking in Joxer's words.
When he came back, Xena was waiting for him. "Well?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm going to go get Jett. We're going over to the altar to
stand and wait. I believe with all my heart Gabrielle will come."
Xena nodded.
Joxer found Jett with Herodotus and Hecuba. Herodotus was looking down at Jett's
hand with a look of disbelief on his face. "Who are you kidding? You never did a
farmer's job in your life! Look at those hands Ð smooth, not one callus!"
Jett laughed. "That's not true! I was a farmer for a week. I came across a
farmer who was killed by some warrior because the local warlord wanted his land.
He had a wife and four children. There was no reason as to why that farmer was
killed. He wasn't even armed! So, I killed the warrior that killed him and
stayed on to help protect her home until the warlord was defeated."
Herodotus' mouth dropped open in shock. "Why would you do such a thing? You
gained nothing from it!"
"I don't know, really. I just felt at the time it was the right thing to do,"
Jett admitted, looking completely embarrassed.
Herodotus clapped Jett on the shoulder, almost bowling the much thinner man
over. Jett caught himself before he stepped forward and gave him a look. "And it
was the right thing to do, my boy! Helping that widow and her children was noble
indeed. You sir, are a noble man even though you don't think that you are. Mind
you, I don't approve of your job, but I think we could be friends."
Jett looked unconvinced. "Well, it's the only thing I know how to do, and I'm
too old to change."
"Nonsense! I believe Maramis has a farming work-release program. I'm going to
sign up and get you in it."
Jett shook his head slightly. "Thanks, but no thanks."
"Please reconsider this," Herodotus said.
Jett's brow furrowed in thought before he replied, "I'll think about it."
Joxer stared at Hecuba in astonishment. "Arose said they were fighting! What
happened?" He saw Aphrodite and his eyebrows drew together. "Aphrodite, did you
do something to them?" he asked suspiciously.
Aphrodite burst into laughter. "Moi? Huh, as if! I didn't do a thing,
Studmuffin. Besides, I just got a manicure. I would have been so totally bummed
out if I had to resort to drastic measures and do something to wreck it! See?"
She waved her fingers in front of Joxer's face. "They worked it out all on their
own! Now is that like totally rad or what?" she finished with a giggle and a
swing of her curls.
"Okay, I thinkÉ" Joxer replied, not quite understanding everything she said, but
satisfied that she didn't do anything. He touched Jett carefully on the
shoulder. "Jett, let's go."
Jett looked at him. "The wedding's on?" he asked.
"I hope so. Come on."
"You hope so?"
"Yeah. Please, let's go."
"All right," Jett nodded and went with Joxer.
Herodotus gazed at his wife sheepishly. "I'm going to go talk to Gabrielle. I
need to tell her I'm sorry and I give my blessing."
Hecuba smiled at her husband and kissed him. "I'm so proud of you. Lila and I
will be waiting."
Herodotus stood outside the hut. "May I speak to my daughter?" he requested.
One of the Amazons entered the hut and quickly returned. "You may enter, sir.
Gabrielle wants to speak to you."
"Thank you." He entered the hut. "Gabrielle?"
Gabrielle turned around sharply. "No Father, don't say anything! You're going to
listen to me for a change. I love Joxer and I'm going to marry him! I don't care
about his background or his family! I'm not marrying his family. I'm marrying
him today, with or without your blessing."
"You're right, Gabrielle. You're marrying Joxer today," Herodotus agreed.
"I don't want to hear it, Father! I've made up my miÉ What did you say?"
Gabrielle stopped her diatribe.
"I said you're right. You're marrying Joxer today and with my blessing. I'm so
sorry, Gabrielle. Please forgive this old fool."
Gabrielle flew into her father's arms. "Oh Father, I love you so much! Of course
I forgive you and you're not an old fool."
Herodotus held his daughter and kissed her on top of the head. "Well then, we
better get going. I believe that Joxer is waiting for you at the altar. Now,
where's Xena?"
Xena poked her head inside the door. "I'm right here. Ready, Gabrielle?"
Gabrielle beamed. "Oh yes, Xena! I'm so ready. But how did you know I'd change
my mind?"
Xena smiled at her best friend. "Because I know you."
Joxer stood nervously in front of the Amazon priestess who was waiting to begin
the ceremony. Jett leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Are you sure she's
coming?"
Suddenly the Amazon wedding horn sounded. Joxer turned to his brother and
replied, "Yes."
Everyone stood up as Xena walked down the aisle holding a bouquet of
wildflowers. Eve followed behind her carrying a basket, gleefully throwing
flower petals. Jace looked at the two of them and burst into tears. "Oh, they're
so beautiful! Oh my!" Jace loudly blew his nose into his handkerchief.
Arose gave him a very odd look. "Jace, don't start crying now! It's only Xena
and Eve!" she scolded.
"I can't help it! I always cry at weddings," he blubbered shamelessly.
"Oh boy," Arose sighed.
Xena stood next to the Amazon priestess and smiled at Joxer. Eve giggled softly
as she waved to Joxer, who returned the wave with a smile. Everyone waited as
the Amazons blew their horns for the bride. Gabrielle's father walked down the
aisle leading a white horse with Gabrielle sitting sidesaddle on it. Everyone
stood up and bowed as they went by. Jace bawled even louder, getting strange
looks from the Amazons standing around him. One Amazon whispered into another
Amazon's ear, "If he doesn't knock it off, there's going to be a death ceremony
after this!" The other Amazon nodded.
Arose poked Jace, "Knock it off, will you? They're all staring at you!"
"I can't help it! Oh, isn't she so beautiful!" Jace blew his nose again. Arose
slowly moved away, her eyes wide.
My Cup Runneth Over, part 6
by Susan Owens
The Amazon priestess nodded to Joxer, who moved over to Herodotus. "I give you
my daughter. Please take care of her."
Joxer nodded and stood before the white horse. He reached up to help Gabrielle
down. Everyone held their breath as they watched Gabrielle slide off the saddle
and into his arms, hoping Joxer would not drop her, but he didn't.
"Oh Gabrielle, you are so beautiful," Joxer said softly when she stood before
him.
Gabrielle looked at Joxer, taking in his outfit. "Joxer, you look soÉ"
"Stupid?" Joxer interrupted.
"No, you don't look stupid! Joxer, you look wonderful," she told him, smiling.
Joxer returned the smile, offering the crook of his arm to her. She took it and
they walked over to the Amazon priestess.
"Sisters and friends, we are gathered here for this wonderful occasionÉ"At that,
Jace cried even more. Joxer and Gabrielle rolled their eyes as Jace blew his
nose for the fifth time in as many minutes, followed by loud sobbing.
"What's his problem?" Eris whispered in Rhea's ear.
"Dunno, but Xena's really starting to look pissed off," Rhea replied.
"It's a good thing that the guests aren't allowed to carry weapons during the
wedding ceremony then," Eris said.
"Like she really needs a weapon... Oh, good grief, here he goes again!" Rhea
watched in amazement as Jace began crying even louder than before, almost
drowning out the Amazon priestess' words.
Xena looked at the Amazon priestess, jerking her head very slightly in Jace's
direction. "Would you excuse me for just a moment?" She turned to Eve. "Sweetie,
you stay right here, okay, while I take care of something?"
"'Kay!" Eve nodded.
Xena looked at the priestess, who nodded fervently. "Thank you!" she mouthed.
Xena stormed over to Jace, grabbed him by the collar and glared into his teary
eyes. "Either you knock it off, or I will put you to sleep and you will miss the
wedding! Do I make myself clear?"
Jace sniffed, swallowed and then nodded, too afraid to say anything. Xena patted
him on the cheek. "Good boy. NOW BE QUIET!" Jace did what he was told and
everyone cheered. Xena returned to her place, a smirk crossing her lovely
features. "Please, go on."
"Thank you. Prepare the groom."
"What? Prepare me for what?!" Two of the Amazons suddenly grabbed Joxer and
pulled his hands behind his back, tying them, and then they blindfolded his
eyes. Joxer was slightly frightened. What's going on? And what are they planning
on DOING to me? he thought to himself.
The Amazon priestess intoned, "Lower the Apple of True Love."
An apple on a string was lowered in front of Joxer. "Joxer The Mighty, you must
take a bite of the Apple of True Love then feed it to Gabrielle."
"Apple? What apple? I can't see anything with this blindfold on!"
"Joxer, it's right in front of you," replied Gabrielle.
The Amazon priestess smiled and looked at Gabrielle. She then took the apple and
swung it away from Joxer's reach. "You must guide him to the apple. This will
prove if he listens to you."
Gabrielle sighed. She knew Joxer would be upset at having to pass yet another
test to prove he was worthy of her, but tradition was tradition. "Okay, Joxer.
Listen carefully. Move to the right."
"My right or your right?" he asked.
Gabrielle thought for a moment as the apple quickly swung towards her. "UhÉ my
right!" The apple moved too quickly and he ended up moving away from it. "No
wait, your right!" Joxer then moved towards the swinging apple. He felt it hit
against his cheek but taking a bite with his hands tied behind his back made it
seem almost impossible.
"Oh no! He can't do it! He'll never marry Gabrielle," cried Jace, blowing his
nose. Xena turned around and wiggled her fingers at him. Jace quickly got
himself back under control. Joxer had told him about Xena's pinch and he didn't
want to experience it first hand.
Joxer managed to get a nip of the apple, but not enough for Gabrielle and the
apple swung out of his reach. Gabrielle guided him again towards the apple. This
time, Joxer got a good-sized piece. Now to find Gabrielle, he thought to
himself. Gabrielle was about to guide him to her, but the Amazon priestess spoke
before she could. "Joxer, you must find Gabrielle on your own. Gabrielle, you
may not guide him. You must be quiet."
Joxer nodded. Now, how do I do that? I can't see or hear her.
"Use your other senses," the priestess said and fell silent.
My other senses, thought Joxer. Let's see: I can't use touch because my arms are
tied up. Suddenly, something dawned on him. He began moving towards the
direction he last heard Gabrielle's voice. His body made contact with someone,
so he sniffed. The smell was too strong for Gabrielle Ð leather, he realized.
Xena, he thought. Then Gabrielle is close by. He moved over an inch or two to
the right and felt someone else. He sniffed again, this time getting a wonderful
smell. This has got to be Gabrielle, but I wonder if I'm wrong, Joxer thought.
Everyone held their breath, for Joxer was standing right in front of Gabrielle.
Come on, Joxer, thought Arose. What are you waiting for? Give her the apple bit!
Joxer sniffed again, this time recognizing the smell Ð daisies Ð and his heart
rose. GabrielleÉ He pushed the apple bit to her lips and she ate the piece when
their lips met. The Amazon priestess clapped her hands. Joxer's blindfold was
removed and his hands were untied. He blinked to readjust his sight and smiled
when he saw Gabrielle standing before him. "The goddess Artemis approves of this
joining! Our sister Gabrielle and Joxer The Mighty are now one."
Everyone stood up and cheered. Arose and Jace hugged each other. Cyane walked in
front of the couple and faced the guests. "Let there be dancing and celebrating
all evening!" The cheering grew louder. Gabrielle and Joxer heard none of it.
They were too busy kissing to pay attention.
Xena looked at Jace. "Now you can cry," she told him. Jace let the tears roll
down his cheeks and Arose joined him. Eris and Rhea looked at the two of them,
but said nothing. They ran over to congratulate the happy couple.
The party went on for hours, with people dancing, singing, eating and having
lots of fun. Jace even sang a song for the happy couple.
At dusk, Aphrodite clapped her hands to get everybody's attention. "The things I
do for you, Studmuffin! Here's a little gift for you and the Bardly One from
me!" With that, she raised her hands and gave a little fireworks display, to
oohs and ahhs from the rapt audience.
"I thought you didn't want to ruin your manicure," Xena murmured in an aside to
the love goddess when she finished the display.
"I can always get another one tomorrow. Besides, I'm just glad to see the two of
them happy," Aphrodite replied. "OOH! Potential love-match happening here!
'Scuse me!"
Xena laughed as Aphrodite skittered away, shaking her head. She felt a gentle
poke on her shoulder and turned around to see Jett standing before her. "Want to
dance?" he asked softly, gesturing over where several people were dancing to the
wild beat. She saw that Jace was dancing with Gabrielle and to her complete and
utter astonishment, Cyane was dancing with Joxer.
"I'd like that," Xena replied. The two of them walked over and joined the others
It was quite late when Cyane finally stopped the celebration. "It's time for
Gabrielle and Joxer to go to the hut and make more Amazons."
Joxer suddenly looked a bit green. "Now? Right this minute?" Oh gods, please
don't tell me it's tradition that you WATCHÉ
Cyane slapped Joxer on the back, making him lose his breath. "Why wait? The
sooner you get started, the more Amazons she can have. I want at least ten
more!" Cyane winked at Gabrielle. "After all, Joxer, I am the queen."
Joxer swallowed. "I'll try my best," he said earnestly.
Everyone started laughing and Gabrielle hugged him. "Joxer, don't be so dense!
She's yanking your chain," growled Jett.
"Hey! Don't you dare call my youngest brother dense!" said Arose.
Jett looked at Arose and snorted derisively. "Hmph! I have to get used to that,
but as far as I'm concerned you're a teenager, which still makes me the oldest."
"Not in this lifetime, Jett!" Arose retorted tartly.
Aphrodite appeared before Jett in a shower of pink rose petals. "Yo, dark and
and broody dude! Hate to break the bad news to ya, but it's time for you to go
back."
Jett turned back to Joxer and Gabrielle. "Well, I have to go back. Joxer,
remember what I told you before. Don't let anyone tell you who you are who you
can be. That includes family."
Joxer smiled and walked over to his brother. "Go ahead, Jett. I know you want
to."
Jett returned the smile. "Thanks, Jox."
Aphrodite waited patiently as Jett gave Joxer a wet Willie, following it up with
a noogie and a hug. "Ciao Ð and congrats to you both! Don't do anything I
wouldn't do tonight!" she giggled. She placed one hand on Jett's shoulder and
snapped her fingers with the other. They disappeared in a series of pink and
gold sparkles.
Arose turned to Joxer and Gabrielle, giving them both a hug. "Goodnight, you
two. Have fun!"
Joxer started into the hut. "Are you coming, Gabrielle?"
"In a minute, Joxer," Gabrielle replied.
"Okay," Joxer walked inside leaving Gabrielle to talk to Xena.
"Well, here I am again," Gabrielle said softly.
"It will be fine, Gabrielle. Joxer's not planning on dying anytime soon."
Gabrielle laughed at Xena's words. "I know. Xena, thank you so much."
"For what?" Xena asked curiously.
"For showing me how much I really loved Joxer," Gabrielle said.
"Oh Gabrielle, I knew you loved him and deep down inside you knew it too," Xena
gave her best friend a hug.
Gabrielle smiled and went inside the hut, quietly shutting the door behind her.
Joxer was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands. Gabrielle looked
concerned. "Joxer, what's wrong? Are you sick?"
Joxer looked up at her. "No, just nervous," he confessed.
"Why? This isn't your first time," she said as she joined him on the bed.
"I know. It's just my first time with someone I really love. I meanÉ Well, the
othersÉ You know, Meg and her girls," Joxer continued, his face turning a lovely
shade of red.
"What about Meg?" growled Gabrielle.
"Uh nothing, nothing at all!" He took her hands in his and stared into her eyes.
"I want this night to be perfect, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle kissed her new husband. "It will be, Joxer." Her eyes began to sparkle
with mischief. "Now, come on. You heard Cyane. She wants ten more Amazons and we
need to get started Ð right now." She sat up on the bed and began to take
Joxer's shirt off, running her hands down his smooth yet muscular chest, making
him shiver in anticipation. Slowly they climbed under the covers and into each
other's arms.
All night long, the entire village could hear the happy couple.
"Oh, godsÉ J-J-O-X-E-R!"
"GABBY!! OH, GABBY!"
Xena groaned and turned over again, checking to see if Eve was still asleep. She
was. She sighed and pulled the pelts up over her ears to drown out the racket.
It was going to be a long night if the two of them kept this up, not that she
blamed either one of themÉ
In her own hut, Cyane sighed as she turned on her side. "This is one time when
tradition really bites the big one."
Bright and early the next morning, Arose was up and noticed Jace, who was
getting ready to leave. She ran over to him. "Jace, I'll miss you! You send word
of where you are, okay?"
"You got it, chiquita. You and me have a date buying new clothes. Oh, I just
can't wait!" Jace wiped his tears away. "Oh, there I go again! Now you be good
and do what Cyane or Xena tells you to do."
"Jace, I'm older than you! I'm not a child!" Arose groused.
Jace climbed into his wagon and ignored her. Arose rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Wait! How did you become an honorary Amazon? Joxer wanted to know," she
remembered.
Jace smiled, leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Till we meet again,
Chiquita." Then he clucked to the horses and left, leaving Arose to wonder. Xena
and Cyrene walked over to her.
"You okay, Arose?" asked Xena.
Arose nodded. "Yes, Xena. I'm fine. Hey, I have two families - the Amazons and
three younger brothers."
Xena smiled. "Yes, you are lucky. Joxer and Gabrielle are going on trip together
for a week Ð have a little bit of time for themselves. I'm going to go home with
Eve to visit Mom until then. Cyane said you can either stay with the Amazons or
come with me if you wish."
Arose looked down the road. "I know what I want to do. Xena, can you help me
catch up with Jace?"
"Sure. Let me get Argo."
Xena returned shortly, mounted on Argo. She reached down and pulled Arose up
beside her. "Let's go tell Cyane and Joxer that you're going with Jace first."
Cyane was cleaning her sword when they approached, blinking several times in an
effort to keep awake. "Cyane, Arose has something to tell you."
Cyane looked up at Arose. "What is it?"
"My queen, I would like to ask permission to go catch up with my brother Jace
and travel with his troupe for a while. I really want to learn more about what
he does. He said I had talent."
Cyane turned to gaze at Xena. "What do you think?"
"Arose isn't a fighter. We both know that. I think being with Jace for a while
may be best for her," Xena replied.
"All right, you may go," Cyane agreed. "But if Jace says no, you must come back
here and you must promise to practice whatever you choose to do."
"I will, my queen. I promise."
"Then go with my blessing, sister."
Xena turned Argo around and rode out to find Jace. Xena spotted his wagon after
they had traveled a few miles down the road.
"Come on, Argo!"
They quickly caught up with him. Jace was surprised to see them. "Is there
anything wrong, Xena? Arose, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Jace. I want to come with you."
"You want to come with me? But I thought you wanted to stay with Xena, Gabrielle
and Joxer!"
"Well Xena's going to go home while Joxer and Gabrielle go on their honeymoon.
I'm not much of a fighter, and I really want to see what you do. May I come?"
Jace rubbed his chin. "Well, this is not a easy life Arose. There's a lot of
work in it and sometimes it's not all fun and games. There will be days you'll
be so tired you won't be able to sleep. But, if you like hard work and are
devoted, then Chiquita, I would be glad to have you."
"Thanks, Jace! I promise to work hard."
Jace smiled and helped Arose up into the wagon with him. "Xena, my troupe will
be in Amphipolis in two weeks. Hope to see you there."
"I'll be there. Take care, Jace and Arose."
"Goodbye, Xena, until we meet again. Please tell Joxer his older sister loves
him."
"I will," Xena promised.
Jace smiled. "I'll never get used to having a teenage girl for an older sister!"
Xena laughed as she watched them leave. Then she returned to the Amazons, where
Joxer and Gabrielle were waiting.
"I heard Arose went with Jace," Joxer said.
"Yes Joxer, she did and I think it was a good idea. Please don't be upset."
"I'm not upset. I'm glad Arose went with Jace. I don't want her to fight and
this way she won't."
Gabrielle smiled and gave him a hug. "I love you, Joxer."
"I love you too, Gabrielle. Hey, does anyone want to hear the latest verse of my
song? Joxer the Mighty..."
Gabrielle colored. "JoxerÉ Uh, could you sing my song again so everyone else can
hear it?"
"Oh, yeah. Sure Gabrielle!" he agreed cheerfully. Joxer looked around for a lute
and seeing one, he looked at Cyane. "May I?" She nodded. Joxer picked up the
lute, played a couple of notes to make sure it was tuned and began singing.
Everyone smiled and applauded when he finished. Gabrielle looked at Xena. "I'm
so lucky to have him in my life."
"Yes you are Gabrielle," Xena replied and joined in on the applause.
Joxer gave the lute back. "Are you ready to go, Gabrielle?"
"Yes, Joxer I'm ready. Goodbye, Xena."
"It's not goodbye, Gabrielle. It's until we meet again," Xena replied.
Gabrielle and Xena gave each other a hug. Joxer walked over and hugged Xena too.
Then Gabrielle climbed on the white horse the Amazons gave her and Joxer as a
wedding gift. "Here Joxer, let me help you up," she offered.
"No, it's okay, Gabrielle! I can do it. I've seen Autolycus do it lots of
times!" Joxer backed up and took off running. He started leaping in the air to
land on the horse, but missed it completely and landed in the water tough with a
loud splash.
Gabrielle jumped off the horse. "Joxer! Are you all right?"
Joxer looked up at her all soaking wet. "Well, I'm definitely back Ð and that
was surprisingly refreshing!"
Everyone started laughing and she began laughing too. "Oh Joxer, I love you!"
Joxer reached out his hand for Gabrielle to help him out. As she held her hand
out to help him, Joxer pulled her in. Screaming in surprise, she landed with a
loud splash on top of him and whipped her head around to face him as the
laughter grew in volume. He grinned his goofy grin and his last words before he
slid his lips over hers were, "I love you too, Gabrielle."
The End
Continued in "How Jace Became An Honorary Amazon"!
Authors notes:
I want to thank my beta readers for helping with this story. For their
suggestions and all they've done. Sandy and Marci Without them this story would
have been lost. I thank them for helping me and for becoming my friends. Thanks
gals
Please take the time to write to Susan at sasondo42@yahoo.com, and let her know
how you liked the story!
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Cyane, Rhea, Eris, Ephiny, and
all other characters who have appeared in the series, together with the names,
titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and
Renaissance Pictures. No infringement of copyrights or trademarks is intended in
the writing of this fan fiction. The characters of Marina, Ali, Arose, Ariel,
and other Amazons of the Amazon Underworld were created by the author for use in
this fiction. This story is copyright © 2001-02 by Susan Owens and is her sole
property along with the story idea. This story cannot be sold or used for profit
in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must
include all disclaimers and copyright notices.
Skip to: part twelve
by Susan Owens
Gabrielle looked at herself in the mirror. "I can't wear this, Xena!"
"Why not, Gabrielle? You look so wonderful in it."
Gabrielle flushed. "Because, Xena I'm not aÉ" She lowered her voice, "you know
what anymore!"
Xena burst into loud laughter. "The word is virgin, Gabrielle, and it's not a
bad word."
"GAH, like you'd understand!" Gabrielle turned around to see her parents and her
sister Lila. Gabrielle ran to her family. "Oh Mother! FatherÉ Lila! I can't
believe you made it!"
Hecuba hugged her fiercely. "Oh Gabrielle, I'm so glad we did make it. We
wouldn't miss this for the world."
"I'm so glad you made it! But how did you know?" Gabrielle asked her mother.
"Xena sent a pigeon," Hecuba explained.
Gabrielle looked confused. "But Poteidaia's so far away from here!"
Hecuba smiled warmly. "Xena told us weeks ago about the wedding so we could
surprise you," she explained.
Gabrielle turned to Xena. "Thank you Xena, for believing in Joxer."
Xena smiled.
Lila grinned at her older sister. "It's about time you opened your eyes,
Gabrielle, because if you didn't, I would have asked Joxer to marry me. He's
such a hunk!"
Herodotus raised an eyebrow as he gazed at his oldest daughter. "Well, at least
you'll settle down now and raise a family," he commented.
Gabrielle shook her head. "Father, I'll still travel with Xena - both myself and
Joxer. That won't change."
Her father started to say something but Hecuba grabbed him by the arm. "Come on,
Herodotus. Let's go get a seat."
Herodotus jerked away from her and turned to Gabrielle. "Let go of me, woman!
Gabrielle, a wife's place is with her husband."
"I know and that's where I'll be. I just won't be settled on a farm somewhere,"
Gabrielle replied calmly.
"No you won't! You'll be with thatÉ thatÉ woman, Xena!"
Gabrielle sighed. "Father, please!"
Her father shook his head. "I don't understand why you don't want to settle
down," he said finally.
Hecuba pulled her husband towards her again, attempting to stop what would
surely turn into a nasty confrontation that both her husband and daughter would
regret. "Come on, let's go find a seat. Things will be fine."
"Very well." Herodotus turned to Gabrielle. "I love you, Gabrielle."
"I know you do," Gabrielle smiled and leaned over to kiss her father on the
cheek.
An hour later, Gabrielle turned to Xena with a huge smile on her face. "Well,
I'm ready, so let's go."
Xena nodded. As they were leaving the hut, one of the Amazons walked in. Cyane,
who had stepped inside for a moment, looked at her curiously. "What's wrong,
Fawn?"
Fawn bowed before her queen. "My queen, I am sorry, but there is trouble between
two of the guests."
Cyane rolled her eyes. "Which two guests, Fawn?" she asked.
"Joxer's brother the assassin and Queen Gabrielle's father," Fawn replied.
"Oh, for the love of Zeus!" Xena growled as she and Gabrielle ran out to try and
stop the fight.
Jett's eyes were blazing and Hecuba was trying her best to make peace between
the two men with no success at all. "You take that back, old man! I could easily
cut you down. You're not family yet!"
Herodotus growled, "I won't! Everything I said about you is true! You're a
murderer and worse. There's no way Gabrielle is marrying Joxer now. Not with you
for a brother!"
Jett reached for his dagger, and then remembered he no longer had it. His eyes
narrowed as he muttered in a low voice, "I don't need a weapon to kill you, old
man."
Gabrielle's father stood firm. "I'm not afraid of you!"
Hecuba was frightened and tried to pull him away again. "Please, let's just go
and sit down!" she pleaded.
"No! Not until that man leaves," Herodotus replied stubbornly.
"Sorry. I'm not going anywhere," Jett said, folding his arms over his chest.
Herodotus turned to his wife and daughter. "Then we are. Come on, HecubaÉ Lila.
We're leaving."
Lila looked at her father then back at Gabrielle. "But Father, Gabrielle is
getting married!"
"It doesn't matter. We are leaving! I WILL NOT GIVE MY BLESSING TO THIS
MARRIAGE!" Herodotus thundered.
Gabrielle's mother looked at her husband, "Herodotus, my love, please be
reasonable!"
"You heard me. We're leaving!"
Gabrielle suddenly flared up. "Forget it! Just forget it! There's not going to
be a wedding. I won't marry Joxer. I won't marry anyone as long as I live. This
wedding is off!" Gabrielle threw down her bouquet and ran off. Xena gave
Herodotus a murderous look and went after Gabrielle.
Hecuba turned to her husband. "I hope you're happy! You just broke your
daughter's heart."
"I don't want our daughter to marry into that family," Herodotus repeated.
"I swear that you are as stubborn and unyielding as a rock sometimes, my
husband!" Hecuba retorted. Herodotus' face turned red.
Jett looked at Herodotus and cleared his throat loudly to get his attention
before a fight broke out between his prospective in-laws. "Listen, Gabrielle
isn't marrying our family. She's going to marry Joxer, not his family. I don't
care how you feel about me, but I do care how Joxer feels about her. He loves
her. He's a good man and he will treat her right. So if you want to hate me,
fine, I can live with that. Just don't stop this wedding. Give her your
blessing."
Herodotus said nothing in reply and stared at the assassin. Arose felt tears
stinging her eyes as she ran off to tell Joxer the bad news.
Lila turned to Aphrodite, who had been listening in silence the entire time.
"Can't you do anything?" she whispered.
"Uh, uh! As much as I'd like to fix everything with a zap or two, I promised
Studmuffin that I wouldn't mess around with his love life. It's up to him and
Her Bardliness to fix it themselves," the love goddess replied. "Daddy Dearest,
however, needs a bit of peace, love and understandingÉ"
Xena stopped in front of the hut Gabrielle ran into because two Amazons held
lances in front of her, blocking her way. Xena tried to get past them, but they
would not let her. "Let me pass! I need to talk to Gabrielle," Xena growled.
"You are not allowed in there, Xena. It is the queen's ceremonial hut and only a
queen is allowed inside Ð unless the queen allows somebody to come in with her
permission," Cyane, who had followed her, explained.
"But Cyane, Gabrielle needs me!"
"I'm sorry Xena, but you can't." She nodded at the guards.
Xena tried to pass the guards again, but they would not let her. "Either you let
me in or else!" Xena snarled.
Suddenly the door of the hut opened and Gabrielle stood before them, her face
red from crying, but now scarlet from anger. "Go away, Xena! I don't want to
talk to anyone! Just leave me alone! Go away, all of you! LEAVE ME ALONE!" At
that, the former Amazon queen slammed the door shut and they heard her sobbing
behind it. Xena looked at Cyane and the two guards. Cyane shrugged her shoulders
while the guards impassively stood their ground. Xena sighed loudly and slowly
walked away.
Arose ran into the hut where Jace was making last minute details. "Now I think
you are ready. Got your song? Yes, yes, of course you do! Oh, I know it's going
to be great!" Jace wiped his eyes and blew his nose into his silk handkerchief.
"Oh, my little brother is getting married! I'm so happy!" Jace gave Joxer a big
hug.
"Jace, I know that you're happy, butÉ" Joxer was trying hard to breathe when he
noticed Arose standing in the hut crying as if her heart was broken. "Jace, let
go of me! BlaughhÉ"
Jace squeezed tighter in response. Joxer tried to break loose from his brother
again. "JACE! LET GO, DAMN IT! Arose is crying!"
Jace stopped hugging Joxer and both of her brothers were looking at her, very
concerned. Jace pulled out another handkerchief from his vest pocket. "What 's
wrong, chiquita?" he asked as he wiped her tears away.
Arose looked at Joxer. "Gab...ri...elle...called...off...the...wedÉdingÉ" she
stammered out through her tears.
"WHAT!" Joxer stepped back, stunned. "She did? ButÉ why?"
"Be...cause...of...her...father...and....JÉJ...Jett...." cried Arose. "They were
fighting. I think they wanted to kill each other. Gabrielle's father knew who
Jett was."
Joxer said nothing. He walked out of the hut and over to Cyane, Xena, and Cyrene
who were talking at once. He placed his index and middle fingers in his mouth
and whistled loudly to get their attention. Xena placed her hand on her sword,
startled by the noise until she realized who did it. "What is it, Joxer? We're
busy right now!" she snapped.
"I want to speak to Gabrielle. Where is she?"
Cyane walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Joxer, you can't.
Gabrielle doesn't want to see or talk to anyone. I'm sorry."
"I won't see her and she doesn't have to speak to me. I just want to tell her
something. Cyane, please let me go to her," Joxer requested softly.
Cyane nodded. "You may go to the hut, but you will not be able to enter unless
Gabrielle allows you to come inside."
Joxer nodded then turned to Xena's mother. "Ma'am, would you mind asking Jace if
I could borrow his lute?" he asked.
"Of course not," Cyrene smiled at Joxer, understanding why he didn't want to go
back to the hut and walked over. When she walked inside, Jace and Arose were
clinging to each other and crying. "Jace, Joxer needs your lute," she said.
Jace broke the embrace and blew his nose. "Why?"
Cyrene shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know why. He just wants it."
Jace nodded, picked up the case that contained the lute, which was propped up
against the wall and gave it to Cyrene. "Thank you, Jace." She left the hut
shaking her head.
Arose stopped crying shortly after she left. "Some Amazon I am, bawling like a
baby!" she sniffled.
Jace wiped his eyes again. "Crying is good for the soul."
Cyrene gave Joxer the case. "Thank you," he said. He turned to Cyane. "Please
don't call off the wedding yet."
"I won't," Cyane agreed as he walked away. She then turned to Xena. "What do you
think he's going to do?"
"I don't know, but whatever it is, I hope it works," Xena replied fervently.
Joxer slowly approached the queen's ceremonial hut. The two guards had their
lances ready. Joxer gazed at them for a moment before speaking. "I have
permission to talk to Gabrielle alone. I promise I won't enter the hut," he
said.
"I'm sorry, but we aren't allowed to leave our post," replied one of the
Amazons. Joxer was quiet and then he slowly opened the case.
"What do you have in there?" the second Amazon asked suspiciously.
"A lute." He took it out to show it to them. Both Amazons looked at each other
and shrugged their shoulders. "We will give you a few minutes, but do not enter
the hut," the Amazon who had spoken first told him.
"I won't. I promise. Thank you," Joxer replied.
The two Amazons moved away a short distance from the hut, but watched him
carefully. Joxer stood by the window but did not look inside. "Gabrielle, please
don't say anything. Just listen to me." He paused for a moment. "I wrote this
song for you. I was going to sing it for you at the wedding, but I think you
need to hear it now."
Gabrielle was lying on the floor mat. She lifted her head when she heard Joxer
speak. She was about to tell him to go away when suddenly the air filled with
soft, sweet music. Then she heard his voice, not like it sounded when he sang
his silly song, but soft, beautiful and the words he sang came completely from
the heart:
Sometimes in the mornin' when shadows are deep
I lie here beside you just watching you sleep
And sometimes I whisper what I'm thinking of
My cup runneth over with loveÉ
Gabrielle sat up as she listened to him sing:
Sometimes in the evening when you do not see
I study the small things you do constantly
I memorize moments that I'm fondest of
My cup runneth over with love
Tears of joy were streaming down Gabrielle's face as she continued listening to
Joxer's beautiful voice and words:
In only a moment we both will be old
We won't even notice the world turning cold
And so, in these moments with sunlight above
My cup runneth over with love
My cup runneth over with love
With love
The music slowly came to an end and Joxer said very softly, "Gabrielle, that's
how I feel about you. I love you and always will. If you feel you can't marry
me, I'll understand. But if somehow you change your mind, I'll be waiting for
you at the altar. I love you, Gabrielle." He walked away, hoping he got through
to her. Gabrielle sat on the mat taking in Joxer's words.
When he came back, Xena was waiting for him. "Well?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm going to go get Jett. We're going over to the altar to
stand and wait. I believe with all my heart Gabrielle will come."
Xena nodded.
Joxer found Jett with Herodotus and Hecuba. Herodotus was looking down at Jett's
hand with a look of disbelief on his face. "Who are you kidding? You never did a
farmer's job in your life! Look at those hands Ð smooth, not one callus!"
Jett laughed. "That's not true! I was a farmer for a week. I came across a
farmer who was killed by some warrior because the local warlord wanted his land.
He had a wife and four children. There was no reason as to why that farmer was
killed. He wasn't even armed! So, I killed the warrior that killed him and
stayed on to help protect her home until the warlord was defeated."
Herodotus' mouth dropped open in shock. "Why would you do such a thing? You
gained nothing from it!"
"I don't know, really. I just felt at the time it was the right thing to do,"
Jett admitted, looking completely embarrassed.
Herodotus clapped Jett on the shoulder, almost bowling the much thinner man
over. Jett caught himself before he stepped forward and gave him a look. "And it
was the right thing to do, my boy! Helping that widow and her children was noble
indeed. You sir, are a noble man even though you don't think that you are. Mind
you, I don't approve of your job, but I think we could be friends."
Jett looked unconvinced. "Well, it's the only thing I know how to do, and I'm
too old to change."
"Nonsense! I believe Maramis has a farming work-release program. I'm going to
sign up and get you in it."
Jett shook his head slightly. "Thanks, but no thanks."
"Please reconsider this," Herodotus said.
Jett's brow furrowed in thought before he replied, "I'll think about it."
Joxer stared at Hecuba in astonishment. "Arose said they were fighting! What
happened?" He saw Aphrodite and his eyebrows drew together. "Aphrodite, did you
do something to them?" he asked suspiciously.
Aphrodite burst into laughter. "Moi? Huh, as if! I didn't do a thing,
Studmuffin. Besides, I just got a manicure. I would have been so totally bummed
out if I had to resort to drastic measures and do something to wreck it! See?"
She waved her fingers in front of Joxer's face. "They worked it out all on their
own! Now is that like totally rad or what?" she finished with a giggle and a
swing of her curls.
"Okay, I thinkÉ" Joxer replied, not quite understanding everything she said, but
satisfied that she didn't do anything. He touched Jett carefully on the
shoulder. "Jett, let's go."
Jett looked at him. "The wedding's on?" he asked.
"I hope so. Come on."
"You hope so?"
"Yeah. Please, let's go."
"All right," Jett nodded and went with Joxer.
Herodotus gazed at his wife sheepishly. "I'm going to go talk to Gabrielle. I
need to tell her I'm sorry and I give my blessing."
Hecuba smiled at her husband and kissed him. "I'm so proud of you. Lila and I
will be waiting."
Herodotus stood outside the hut. "May I speak to my daughter?" he requested.
One of the Amazons entered the hut and quickly returned. "You may enter, sir.
Gabrielle wants to speak to you."
"Thank you." He entered the hut. "Gabrielle?"
Gabrielle turned around sharply. "No Father, don't say anything! You're going to
listen to me for a change. I love Joxer and I'm going to marry him! I don't care
about his background or his family! I'm not marrying his family. I'm marrying
him today, with or without your blessing."
"You're right, Gabrielle. You're marrying Joxer today," Herodotus agreed.
"I don't want to hear it, Father! I've made up my miÉ What did you say?"
Gabrielle stopped her diatribe.
"I said you're right. You're marrying Joxer today and with my blessing. I'm so
sorry, Gabrielle. Please forgive this old fool."
Gabrielle flew into her father's arms. "Oh Father, I love you so much! Of course
I forgive you and you're not an old fool."
Herodotus held his daughter and kissed her on top of the head. "Well then, we
better get going. I believe that Joxer is waiting for you at the altar. Now,
where's Xena?"
Xena poked her head inside the door. "I'm right here. Ready, Gabrielle?"
Gabrielle beamed. "Oh yes, Xena! I'm so ready. But how did you know I'd change
my mind?"
Xena smiled at her best friend. "Because I know you."
Joxer stood nervously in front of the Amazon priestess who was waiting to begin
the ceremony. Jett leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Are you sure she's
coming?"
Suddenly the Amazon wedding horn sounded. Joxer turned to his brother and
replied, "Yes."
Everyone stood up as Xena walked down the aisle holding a bouquet of
wildflowers. Eve followed behind her carrying a basket, gleefully throwing
flower petals. Jace looked at the two of them and burst into tears. "Oh, they're
so beautiful! Oh my!" Jace loudly blew his nose into his handkerchief.
Arose gave him a very odd look. "Jace, don't start crying now! It's only Xena
and Eve!" she scolded.
"I can't help it! I always cry at weddings," he blubbered shamelessly.
"Oh boy," Arose sighed.
Xena stood next to the Amazon priestess and smiled at Joxer. Eve giggled softly
as she waved to Joxer, who returned the wave with a smile. Everyone waited as
the Amazons blew their horns for the bride. Gabrielle's father walked down the
aisle leading a white horse with Gabrielle sitting sidesaddle on it. Everyone
stood up and bowed as they went by. Jace bawled even louder, getting strange
looks from the Amazons standing around him. One Amazon whispered into another
Amazon's ear, "If he doesn't knock it off, there's going to be a death ceremony
after this!" The other Amazon nodded.
Arose poked Jace, "Knock it off, will you? They're all staring at you!"
"I can't help it! Oh, isn't she so beautiful!" Jace blew his nose again. Arose
slowly moved away, her eyes wide.
My Cup Runneth Over, part 6
by Susan Owens
The Amazon priestess nodded to Joxer, who moved over to Herodotus. "I give you
my daughter. Please take care of her."
Joxer nodded and stood before the white horse. He reached up to help Gabrielle
down. Everyone held their breath as they watched Gabrielle slide off the saddle
and into his arms, hoping Joxer would not drop her, but he didn't.
"Oh Gabrielle, you are so beautiful," Joxer said softly when she stood before
him.
Gabrielle looked at Joxer, taking in his outfit. "Joxer, you look soÉ"
"Stupid?" Joxer interrupted.
"No, you don't look stupid! Joxer, you look wonderful," she told him, smiling.
Joxer returned the smile, offering the crook of his arm to her. She took it and
they walked over to the Amazon priestess.
"Sisters and friends, we are gathered here for this wonderful occasionÉ"At that,
Jace cried even more. Joxer and Gabrielle rolled their eyes as Jace blew his
nose for the fifth time in as many minutes, followed by loud sobbing.
"What's his problem?" Eris whispered in Rhea's ear.
"Dunno, but Xena's really starting to look pissed off," Rhea replied.
"It's a good thing that the guests aren't allowed to carry weapons during the
wedding ceremony then," Eris said.
"Like she really needs a weapon... Oh, good grief, here he goes again!" Rhea
watched in amazement as Jace began crying even louder than before, almost
drowning out the Amazon priestess' words.
Xena looked at the Amazon priestess, jerking her head very slightly in Jace's
direction. "Would you excuse me for just a moment?" She turned to Eve. "Sweetie,
you stay right here, okay, while I take care of something?"
"'Kay!" Eve nodded.
Xena looked at the priestess, who nodded fervently. "Thank you!" she mouthed.
Xena stormed over to Jace, grabbed him by the collar and glared into his teary
eyes. "Either you knock it off, or I will put you to sleep and you will miss the
wedding! Do I make myself clear?"
Jace sniffed, swallowed and then nodded, too afraid to say anything. Xena patted
him on the cheek. "Good boy. NOW BE QUIET!" Jace did what he was told and
everyone cheered. Xena returned to her place, a smirk crossing her lovely
features. "Please, go on."
"Thank you. Prepare the groom."
"What? Prepare me for what?!" Two of the Amazons suddenly grabbed Joxer and
pulled his hands behind his back, tying them, and then they blindfolded his
eyes. Joxer was slightly frightened. What's going on? And what are they planning
on DOING to me? he thought to himself.
The Amazon priestess intoned, "Lower the Apple of True Love."
An apple on a string was lowered in front of Joxer. "Joxer The Mighty, you must
take a bite of the Apple of True Love then feed it to Gabrielle."
"Apple? What apple? I can't see anything with this blindfold on!"
"Joxer, it's right in front of you," replied Gabrielle.
The Amazon priestess smiled and looked at Gabrielle. She then took the apple and
swung it away from Joxer's reach. "You must guide him to the apple. This will
prove if he listens to you."
Gabrielle sighed. She knew Joxer would be upset at having to pass yet another
test to prove he was worthy of her, but tradition was tradition. "Okay, Joxer.
Listen carefully. Move to the right."
"My right or your right?" he asked.
Gabrielle thought for a moment as the apple quickly swung towards her. "UhÉ my
right!" The apple moved too quickly and he ended up moving away from it. "No
wait, your right!" Joxer then moved towards the swinging apple. He felt it hit
against his cheek but taking a bite with his hands tied behind his back made it
seem almost impossible.
"Oh no! He can't do it! He'll never marry Gabrielle," cried Jace, blowing his
nose. Xena turned around and wiggled her fingers at him. Jace quickly got
himself back under control. Joxer had told him about Xena's pinch and he didn't
want to experience it first hand.
Joxer managed to get a nip of the apple, but not enough for Gabrielle and the
apple swung out of his reach. Gabrielle guided him again towards the apple. This
time, Joxer got a good-sized piece. Now to find Gabrielle, he thought to
himself. Gabrielle was about to guide him to her, but the Amazon priestess spoke
before she could. "Joxer, you must find Gabrielle on your own. Gabrielle, you
may not guide him. You must be quiet."
Joxer nodded. Now, how do I do that? I can't see or hear her.
"Use your other senses," the priestess said and fell silent.
My other senses, thought Joxer. Let's see: I can't use touch because my arms are
tied up. Suddenly, something dawned on him. He began moving towards the
direction he last heard Gabrielle's voice. His body made contact with someone,
so he sniffed. The smell was too strong for Gabrielle Ð leather, he realized.
Xena, he thought. Then Gabrielle is close by. He moved over an inch or two to
the right and felt someone else. He sniffed again, this time getting a wonderful
smell. This has got to be Gabrielle, but I wonder if I'm wrong, Joxer thought.
Everyone held their breath, for Joxer was standing right in front of Gabrielle.
Come on, Joxer, thought Arose. What are you waiting for? Give her the apple bit!
Joxer sniffed again, this time recognizing the smell Ð daisies Ð and his heart
rose. GabrielleÉ He pushed the apple bit to her lips and she ate the piece when
their lips met. The Amazon priestess clapped her hands. Joxer's blindfold was
removed and his hands were untied. He blinked to readjust his sight and smiled
when he saw Gabrielle standing before him. "The goddess Artemis approves of this
joining! Our sister Gabrielle and Joxer The Mighty are now one."
Everyone stood up and cheered. Arose and Jace hugged each other. Cyane walked in
front of the couple and faced the guests. "Let there be dancing and celebrating
all evening!" The cheering grew louder. Gabrielle and Joxer heard none of it.
They were too busy kissing to pay attention.
Xena looked at Jace. "Now you can cry," she told him. Jace let the tears roll
down his cheeks and Arose joined him. Eris and Rhea looked at the two of them,
but said nothing. They ran over to congratulate the happy couple.
The party went on for hours, with people dancing, singing, eating and having
lots of fun. Jace even sang a song for the happy couple.
At dusk, Aphrodite clapped her hands to get everybody's attention. "The things I
do for you, Studmuffin! Here's a little gift for you and the Bardly One from
me!" With that, she raised her hands and gave a little fireworks display, to
oohs and ahhs from the rapt audience.
"I thought you didn't want to ruin your manicure," Xena murmured in an aside to
the love goddess when she finished the display.
"I can always get another one tomorrow. Besides, I'm just glad to see the two of
them happy," Aphrodite replied. "OOH! Potential love-match happening here!
'Scuse me!"
Xena laughed as Aphrodite skittered away, shaking her head. She felt a gentle
poke on her shoulder and turned around to see Jett standing before her. "Want to
dance?" he asked softly, gesturing over where several people were dancing to the
wild beat. She saw that Jace was dancing with Gabrielle and to her complete and
utter astonishment, Cyane was dancing with Joxer.
"I'd like that," Xena replied. The two of them walked over and joined the others
It was quite late when Cyane finally stopped the celebration. "It's time for
Gabrielle and Joxer to go to the hut and make more Amazons."
Joxer suddenly looked a bit green. "Now? Right this minute?" Oh gods, please
don't tell me it's tradition that you WATCHÉ
Cyane slapped Joxer on the back, making him lose his breath. "Why wait? The
sooner you get started, the more Amazons she can have. I want at least ten
more!" Cyane winked at Gabrielle. "After all, Joxer, I am the queen."
Joxer swallowed. "I'll try my best," he said earnestly.
Everyone started laughing and Gabrielle hugged him. "Joxer, don't be so dense!
She's yanking your chain," growled Jett.
"Hey! Don't you dare call my youngest brother dense!" said Arose.
Jett looked at Arose and snorted derisively. "Hmph! I have to get used to that,
but as far as I'm concerned you're a teenager, which still makes me the oldest."
"Not in this lifetime, Jett!" Arose retorted tartly.
Aphrodite appeared before Jett in a shower of pink rose petals. "Yo, dark and
and broody dude! Hate to break the bad news to ya, but it's time for you to go
back."
Jett turned back to Joxer and Gabrielle. "Well, I have to go back. Joxer,
remember what I told you before. Don't let anyone tell you who you are who you
can be. That includes family."
Joxer smiled and walked over to his brother. "Go ahead, Jett. I know you want
to."
Jett returned the smile. "Thanks, Jox."
Aphrodite waited patiently as Jett gave Joxer a wet Willie, following it up with
a noogie and a hug. "Ciao Ð and congrats to you both! Don't do anything I
wouldn't do tonight!" she giggled. She placed one hand on Jett's shoulder and
snapped her fingers with the other. They disappeared in a series of pink and
gold sparkles.
Arose turned to Joxer and Gabrielle, giving them both a hug. "Goodnight, you
two. Have fun!"
Joxer started into the hut. "Are you coming, Gabrielle?"
"In a minute, Joxer," Gabrielle replied.
"Okay," Joxer walked inside leaving Gabrielle to talk to Xena.
"Well, here I am again," Gabrielle said softly.
"It will be fine, Gabrielle. Joxer's not planning on dying anytime soon."
Gabrielle laughed at Xena's words. "I know. Xena, thank you so much."
"For what?" Xena asked curiously.
"For showing me how much I really loved Joxer," Gabrielle said.
"Oh Gabrielle, I knew you loved him and deep down inside you knew it too," Xena
gave her best friend a hug.
Gabrielle smiled and went inside the hut, quietly shutting the door behind her.
Joxer was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands. Gabrielle looked
concerned. "Joxer, what's wrong? Are you sick?"
Joxer looked up at her. "No, just nervous," he confessed.
"Why? This isn't your first time," she said as she joined him on the bed.
"I know. It's just my first time with someone I really love. I meanÉ Well, the
othersÉ You know, Meg and her girls," Joxer continued, his face turning a lovely
shade of red.
"What about Meg?" growled Gabrielle.
"Uh nothing, nothing at all!" He took her hands in his and stared into her eyes.
"I want this night to be perfect, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle kissed her new husband. "It will be, Joxer." Her eyes began to sparkle
with mischief. "Now, come on. You heard Cyane. She wants ten more Amazons and we
need to get started Ð right now." She sat up on the bed and began to take
Joxer's shirt off, running her hands down his smooth yet muscular chest, making
him shiver in anticipation. Slowly they climbed under the covers and into each
other's arms.
All night long, the entire village could hear the happy couple.
"Oh, godsÉ J-J-O-X-E-R!"
"GABBY!! OH, GABBY!"
Xena groaned and turned over again, checking to see if Eve was still asleep. She
was. She sighed and pulled the pelts up over her ears to drown out the racket.
It was going to be a long night if the two of them kept this up, not that she
blamed either one of themÉ
In her own hut, Cyane sighed as she turned on her side. "This is one time when
tradition really bites the big one."
Bright and early the next morning, Arose was up and noticed Jace, who was
getting ready to leave. She ran over to him. "Jace, I'll miss you! You send word
of where you are, okay?"
"You got it, chiquita. You and me have a date buying new clothes. Oh, I just
can't wait!" Jace wiped his tears away. "Oh, there I go again! Now you be good
and do what Cyane or Xena tells you to do."
"Jace, I'm older than you! I'm not a child!" Arose groused.
Jace climbed into his wagon and ignored her. Arose rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Wait! How did you become an honorary Amazon? Joxer wanted to know," she
remembered.
Jace smiled, leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Till we meet again,
Chiquita." Then he clucked to the horses and left, leaving Arose to wonder. Xena
and Cyrene walked over to her.
"You okay, Arose?" asked Xena.
Arose nodded. "Yes, Xena. I'm fine. Hey, I have two families - the Amazons and
three younger brothers."
Xena smiled. "Yes, you are lucky. Joxer and Gabrielle are going on trip together
for a week Ð have a little bit of time for themselves. I'm going to go home with
Eve to visit Mom until then. Cyane said you can either stay with the Amazons or
come with me if you wish."
Arose looked down the road. "I know what I want to do. Xena, can you help me
catch up with Jace?"
"Sure. Let me get Argo."
Xena returned shortly, mounted on Argo. She reached down and pulled Arose up
beside her. "Let's go tell Cyane and Joxer that you're going with Jace first."
Cyane was cleaning her sword when they approached, blinking several times in an
effort to keep awake. "Cyane, Arose has something to tell you."
Cyane looked up at Arose. "What is it?"
"My queen, I would like to ask permission to go catch up with my brother Jace
and travel with his troupe for a while. I really want to learn more about what
he does. He said I had talent."
Cyane turned to gaze at Xena. "What do you think?"
"Arose isn't a fighter. We both know that. I think being with Jace for a while
may be best for her," Xena replied.
"All right, you may go," Cyane agreed. "But if Jace says no, you must come back
here and you must promise to practice whatever you choose to do."
"I will, my queen. I promise."
"Then go with my blessing, sister."
Xena turned Argo around and rode out to find Jace. Xena spotted his wagon after
they had traveled a few miles down the road.
"Come on, Argo!"
They quickly caught up with him. Jace was surprised to see them. "Is there
anything wrong, Xena? Arose, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Jace. I want to come with you."
"You want to come with me? But I thought you wanted to stay with Xena, Gabrielle
and Joxer!"
"Well Xena's going to go home while Joxer and Gabrielle go on their honeymoon.
I'm not much of a fighter, and I really want to see what you do. May I come?"
Jace rubbed his chin. "Well, this is not a easy life Arose. There's a lot of
work in it and sometimes it's not all fun and games. There will be days you'll
be so tired you won't be able to sleep. But, if you like hard work and are
devoted, then Chiquita, I would be glad to have you."
"Thanks, Jace! I promise to work hard."
Jace smiled and helped Arose up into the wagon with him. "Xena, my troupe will
be in Amphipolis in two weeks. Hope to see you there."
"I'll be there. Take care, Jace and Arose."
"Goodbye, Xena, until we meet again. Please tell Joxer his older sister loves
him."
"I will," Xena promised.
Jace smiled. "I'll never get used to having a teenage girl for an older sister!"
Xena laughed as she watched them leave. Then she returned to the Amazons, where
Joxer and Gabrielle were waiting.
"I heard Arose went with Jace," Joxer said.
"Yes Joxer, she did and I think it was a good idea. Please don't be upset."
"I'm not upset. I'm glad Arose went with Jace. I don't want her to fight and
this way she won't."
Gabrielle smiled and gave him a hug. "I love you, Joxer."
"I love you too, Gabrielle. Hey, does anyone want to hear the latest verse of my
song? Joxer the Mighty..."
Gabrielle colored. "JoxerÉ Uh, could you sing my song again so everyone else can
hear it?"
"Oh, yeah. Sure Gabrielle!" he agreed cheerfully. Joxer looked around for a lute
and seeing one, he looked at Cyane. "May I?" She nodded. Joxer picked up the
lute, played a couple of notes to make sure it was tuned and began singing.
Everyone smiled and applauded when he finished. Gabrielle looked at Xena. "I'm
so lucky to have him in my life."
"Yes you are Gabrielle," Xena replied and joined in on the applause.
Joxer gave the lute back. "Are you ready to go, Gabrielle?"
"Yes, Joxer I'm ready. Goodbye, Xena."
"It's not goodbye, Gabrielle. It's until we meet again," Xena replied.
Gabrielle and Xena gave each other a hug. Joxer walked over and hugged Xena too.
Then Gabrielle climbed on the white horse the Amazons gave her and Joxer as a
wedding gift. "Here Joxer, let me help you up," she offered.
"No, it's okay, Gabrielle! I can do it. I've seen Autolycus do it lots of
times!" Joxer backed up and took off running. He started leaping in the air to
land on the horse, but missed it completely and landed in the water tough with a
loud splash.
Gabrielle jumped off the horse. "Joxer! Are you all right?"
Joxer looked up at her all soaking wet. "Well, I'm definitely back Ð and that
was surprisingly refreshing!"
Everyone started laughing and she began laughing too. "Oh Joxer, I love you!"
Joxer reached out his hand for Gabrielle to help him out. As she held her hand
out to help him, Joxer pulled her in. Screaming in surprise, she landed with a
loud splash on top of him and whipped her head around to face him as the
laughter grew in volume. He grinned his goofy grin and his last words before he
slid his lips over hers were, "I love you too, Gabrielle."
The End
Continued in "How Jace Became An Honorary Amazon"!
Authors notes:
I want to thank my beta readers for helping with this story. For their
suggestions and all they've done. Sandy and Marci Without them this story would
have been lost. I thank them for helping me and for becoming my friends. Thanks
gals
Please take the time to write to Susan at sasondo42@yahoo.com, and let her know
how you liked the story!
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Cyane, Rhea, Eris, Ephiny, and
all other characters who have appeared in the series, together with the names,
titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and
Renaissance Pictures. No infringement of copyrights or trademarks is intended in
the writing of this fan fiction. The characters of Marina, Ali, Arose, Ariel,
and other Amazons of the Amazon Underworld were created by the author for use in
this fiction. This story is copyright © 2001-02 by Susan Owens and is her sole
property along with the story idea. This story cannot be sold or used for profit
in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must
include all disclaimers and copyright notices.