There were three ships waiting on the beach when they arrived. The men
and women who worked for Xena were very dependable. The soldiers had
quickly set up camp and got adjusted. Everyone knew what had to be done
and it was perfect before it got dark.
Numerous rows of tents stretched across the shore line, each with a small campfire out side in front of it. The largest tent was in the very center. It was hers and Ares. She hadn't been inside it yet but just by looking at the outside she knew it would be glorious inside. The men drank and ate dinner. Xena could hear their laughter as they expressed amusement with their fellow soldiers. She hadn't eaten yet though, and wasn't going to. All the excitement hadn't left her with much of an appetite. She just wanted the three days to be over.
Xena stood tall, looming over a large table with an enormous, precise map of the region stretched out over it. Next to her was Ares and across the table was Glyphira. They all examined the map closely.
"We are here," Glyphira pointed to their location on the map, a small coastline of a bay in northern Gaul. Glyphira dragged her dirty weathered finger across the map to another point on the coast. "Draco is here, and Pompey here."
Xena then placed her hand on the map and touched her finger to the southern coast of Britannia. "This is where we want to end up."
"How long is the voyage?" Glyphira asked. Xena thought for a moment. She had been there before. The memory wasn't one she wanted to recall however.
"If we leave at sunrise we will be there by late afternoon. It doesn't take long."
"Good, anything else?" Glyphira asked.
"Call the scouts in but make sure there are guards on duty at all times," Ares ordered.
"Give them shifts, and make sure the ships are secure. Everything needs to be ready in the morning," Xena added.
"It will be done."
Xena nodded at Glyphira and took a look around. The smell of the fires and the crisp night air relaxed her. She sighed and pulled the fur coat she was wearing around her tighter as the breeze hit her. It was only the first day and it had been a long one.
"Alright, I'm going to sleep now. I'll see you in the morning," Xena sighed. Glyphira bowed her head respectfully and Xena turned to walk away.
"I'll be there in a minute," Ares said to her as she walked away. Xena turned around quickly.
"What?" She asked.
"I said I'll be there in a minute."
She had forgotten they slept together in this world.
"Right..." She said quietly and walked off to her tent. She didn't want to sleep with him.
Ares looked back down at the map studying it. Glyphira's eyes followed Xena until she couldn't see her anymore. When she was gone Glyphira turned her gaze to Ares and smiled wickedly. She slowly sauntered around to the other side of the table next to Ares who was still entranced by the map. She raised her hand and gently stroked his bare muscled arm. This pulled Ares attention away from the map and he slowly turned to the woman beside him. He was puzzled by Glyphira's sudden gesture. She smiled.
"I thought she'd never leave..." Glyphira purred and took hold of Ares vest pulling him close to her. "Let's hurry before she notices you've been gone to long," Glyphira moved to kiss him, her lips touched his for a second before he pulled away sharply.
"Hey!" He scowled at her. She pulled away confused and angry.
"What!? You don't want to?"
Ares gave her a bemused look and shook his head 'no'. Glyphira rolled her eyes in disgust and disappointment.
"You are so whipped! I don't know why your trying to play nice and loyal all a sudden. She cheats on you; you've cheated on her, what is another fuck going to hurt?" Glyphira hissed as she made another move to capture his lips. He pushed her away.
"Know your place Glyphira!" He was angry. Mostly because he didn't know what was going on. Glyphira must be his lover here. There was plenty he didn't know about this world either.
"I don't believe this! You just use me! You get in a fight with precious Xena and come to me for comfort. No more Ares, next time you come to me, I'll be the one to say no!" She hissed.
Xena wasn't the only disloyal one. Ares was silent; he didn't know what to say to the angry woman before him. He had no feelings for her and he was sure the Ares of this universe didn't either. How long had he and Xena been doing this to each other?
"How many times have..." his voice trailed off.
"With me? Three. With other women...Too many to count!"
Ares looked away in shame. They were silent, and Glyphira approached him again standing inches away from him.
"Be with me Ares, Xena is washed up. It's time to leave her and start with something new; I can better lead this army and be a better lover," Glyphira kissed him again, this time the kiss lasted longer. Ares couldn't deny that Glyphira was an attractive woman, but he couldn't do it. Not with the woman he loved not far away waiting for him to join her in bed. Not that it meant there was going to be anything between them but sleep, but he had actually gotten somewhere with her toady and didn't want to blow it by sleeping with this woman. He pushed Glyphira away once more. He was out of breath and starred at her angrily in the eye.
"Try that again and I'll have Xena order you crucified."
Glyphira was silent and clearly upset. Ares gave her one last hard look and left quickly.
The inside of the tent was warm compared to the frosty air outside. Xena sighed contentedly as she took in the luxurious sights of the tent. There was a large full bed with beautiful dark blue covers and fluffy pillows to match in the center of the tent. The walls were decorated with exotic articles. In one corner was a chair and a large chest. On the other side in the corner was a small wooden dresser with a mirror put in it.
Xena took the heavy fur coat off and hung it on the coat rack by the entrance of the tent. She wanted to get out of the uncomfortable armor as soon as possible. She unlatched the breastplate and lifted the tunic over her head and placed them folded in the corner. She pulled her boots of slowly and rolled her ankle gently stretching the sore tendons. Xena was now only in a scanty black shift. It felt good. As she started towards the bed she caught a glance of her reflection in the mirror and did a double take. Her hair was a mess and there was a smudge of dirt along her collar bone. She frowned. On the dresser below the mirror was a small bottle of perfume and a hairbrush. Xena slowly knelt down in front of the mirror and opened the bottle of perfume bringing it to her nose and sampling the sent of it. It smelled like roses. Her favorite flower. Not that she would ever admit to anyone that she even liked flowers, but she did love the smell of roses. She dripped some of the liquid onto her finger tips and touched it to the pulse points on her neck and wrists. She set the bottle down and picked up the hairbrush. First running her fingers through her tangled hair then brought the brush to her locks and forced it though. She repeated the motion until the brush went through with ease and her hair started to shine.
It was then that she heard loud hard footsteps and Ares entered the tent. She quickly put the brush down on the dresser and stood up. Ares stopped and gave her a curious look. He saw how quickly she had moved away from the mirror and how much better her hair looked. He smiled at her.
"Getting all gussied up for me?"
Xena scowled at him and turned away.
"Don't flatter yourself."
When she turned back Ares was already changed. Instead of black leather pants, he wore black silk and had no top on at all. Xena tried desperately not to look at his gorgeous chest. She turned around again and made her way over to the bed. She pulled the quilt up first along with the sheet and slid underneath. She stayed propped up against the pillow not allowing herself to be comfortable.
"I'm not too thrilled about sleeping in the same bed with you either; don't you have a room on Olympus you can sleep in?" She asked resentfully.
Ares frowned. "This Ares hasn't slept there in years; Zeus has probably turned it into his private recreation room by now."
Xena's face softened. In years? Ares really would have dedicated all his time to her.
"You're really with me every night?" She asked curiously.
Ares offered her a bemused glance. Was she serious?
"No, I'm with some bar maid every night. Of course I'm with you...What man wouldn't be," He said the last part quietly and almost sadly. He knew that if he had Xena he wouldn't let her out of his sight.
Xena was silent now and kept a soft gaze on him. Ares stretched and slowly crawled into the bed next to her. Xena tensed and kept her eyes on him. She was expecting him to say something sarcastic or for him to put his arm around her or something enticing. He didn't he just rolled over a closed his eyes. Xena didn't move. Was she disappointed? No way, just surprised.
She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. What would she say? He can't just go to sleep now. She tried again.
"Ares?" She said quietly, but didn't know what else to say after that.
He turned over to face her "yeah?"
She hesitated at first. "Uh...can I have another blanket?"
His brows furrowed. "Are you cold?"
She wasn't really, the blankets she had were sufficient enough but she had to say something.
"Yes."
Ares shrugged and rolled over off the bed. He walked over to the wooden chest. Xena noticed his defined back muscles and unconsciously looked them over, but stopped herself when she noticed. He opened the chest and pulled out a long black wool blanket. He walked back over to the bed and handed it to Xena. She eyed him suspiciously. And he noticed.
"What?" he stopped half way into the bed and asked. She pulled the blanket over her.
"Nothing," she simply said trying to hide her embarrassment. But Ares noticed and shook his head triumphantly.
"You thought I was going to make a move on you didn't you?" He asked. She rolled her eyes and tried to ignore him. "Didn't you?" he pushed for an answer.
She gave him an aggravated look. "Well what was I supposed to expect? That's what you usually do."
Ares frowned and sat up in the bed with the covers pulled over him. "I can control my self Xena."
"Good," She responded. Or was it not good. A small part of her had hoped he would try something. They both sat silent. They were close to each other, their shoulders almost touching. It was making her slightly uncomfortable. The whole situation had made her uncomfortable. She had to remind herself again why she agreed to go to this place with him. Her reason was to prove to herself she made the right decision and couldn't be taken over by evil again, but what exactly his reason for bringing her was she didn't know. She looked at him with a serious expression. He looked back at her.
"Why did you bring me here Ares?"
Ares was silent and looked away from her. He shrugged.
"I guess I just wanted to let us, well let me spend more time with you. You know, away from the heroic deeds and the blonde girlfriend. And I wanted you to see that if you had been with me you wouldn't be some cold, heartless murderer. This is a pretty good world Xena. Cities are prosperous; there is peace because everyone is united. You're a good ruler and it's a good empire. Sure you had to do some cruel things to make it great but-"
"The end doesn't justify the means Ares, not for me," She cut him off. Ares looked at her with understanding; however he was still disappointed that she would never share the enthusiasm he had for this dream of his.
"I have a good life with Gabrielle, I'm happy. Riches and glory wouldn't make me a happier person," She continued. Ares nodded.
"I know," he said sadly. Xena smiled. She hated to see him sad. It meant their conversation was too serious and that could lead to dangerous things. She had to lighten the mood.
"It would be fun though," She smiled. He looked at her and smiled back. They both quickly looked away. Another uncomfortable silence.
"Ares, about your sacrifice," Xena said in almost a whisper. She soon wished she never said it at all. He looked at her. He was a bit unsure if he wanted to talk about it. He appeared nervous. But he allowed her to continue.
"I'm still a little confused about your motives...did you do it to save your own but, or...or did you do it because of, because of how you feel about me?" It was the first time she had ever really acknowledged his feelings for her. It made her even more uncomfortable, but she had to know.
Ares was silent, deep in thought. Xena started to suspect he wouldn't answer because he only did it for selfish reasons. But before she could accuse him he spoke up.
"When Eve died and you lost the power to kill gods, I knew Athena would kill you...when I saw her raise her sword above her head I couldn't think about anything but life with out you. I remembered the 25 years that I thought you were dead and how long I mourned for you...I wasn't going to lose you again even if that cost me my family. So yes, I did it because of how I feel for you...Because I love you," He said softly and looked her in the eyes.
It was the first time he was able to tell her that sincerely and while she was conscious. Xena looked away quickly. He made her feel so weak and vulnerable when he looked at her deeply like that. She knew he had feelings for her she just never knew exactly how serious they were. He had told her before but she always tried to deny it was love he felt for her. If it was he wasn't very good at expressing it. He couldn't love; he is the God of War.
Xena finally got up enough strength to look back over to him.
"Do you really love me?" She asked. She almost wanted to laugh she thought she sounded so strange almost girlish. It made her smile immediately after she spoke and then she quickly tried to hide it without success.
Ares didn't smile though, he was dead serious. "Yes."
His answer was so certain it took the smile right off her face. She hoped she hadn't offended him. She didn't understand though. Ares was immortal, the God of War. Gods don't fall in love; don't know love, especially with a mortal and especially with her. What did he love about her? They had caused each other so much torment.
"Why?" Xena asked. He looked at her stunned, almost speechless.
"What? You can't ask why, I don't know why I just do!"
"I just don't understand. I had always thought that you just wanted to own me to use me as your ultimate warrior. After I left you I thought for sure you would kill me. And after that, the way you treated me the things you did, I was convinced you hated me and just wanted me a vicious servant for you and-"
It was his turn to cut her off.
"I love your Courage and determination, the way you never give up. I love you passion and intelligence. And I love your beauty..." He finished softly.
Their eyes met and Xena felt a pain in her heart. He looked at her so intensely; he stared into her soul with his dark brown eyes enchanting her. He really did love her. And she needed him. Wanted to feel loved by him. Xena smiled lightly and Ares slowly leaned into her, stroking her check with his fingers gently. Her eyes invited him and their lips met tenderly. They kissed gently, slowly melting into a more passionate kiss. A kiss without malice and deception. They slowly broke the kiss and looked into each others eyes. Ares waited for a reaction, waited for her to slap him or push him away, but she didn't. He couldn't tell what she was thinking only that he wanted to kiss her again. He moved in once more and she didn't resist but kissed him with the same eagerness. They kissed each other with a deep longing. She had denied them both for years and now she finally let her guard down, losing themselves in each other.
Xena wrapped both her hands firmly around him and laid back on the bed pulling Ares down on top of her holding him close. He moved away from her full lips and hungrily kissed the soft flesh on her neck and trialed his lips tenderly down to the skin above her shift. Xena let out a soft sigh of pleasure and caressed his naked back feeling the solid muscles flex under his warm flesh. She moved underneath him and he came back up to meet her wanting lips. She held him tightly feeling him hard against her, wanting her. Ares ran his hand down her side resting it on her bare thigh. She moved her leg allowing him to roam freely. He kissed her neck again and she softly moaned as he moved his smooth hand up her thigh and over her flat firm stomach removing her shift. Xena felt the cool air against her skin as she moved her body helping Ares to take the clothing off her body. The shift got stuck going over her head and she struggled to get it off. While she was occupied Ares grinned devilishly and held her arms and kissed her breasts gently. She stopped struggling and he could hear her breath harder. Her chest moving up and down heavily as he captured her nipple and gently sucked until it was hard against his tongue. He moved over her letting his hard muscular body press against hers. He reached up and pulled off her shift revealing her beautiful smile. He threw her clothes aside and they kissed again passionately. Xena took hold of his thick arms and pushed him over onto his back. She moved on top of him straddling his hips. Looking down at him he smiled and gently caressed her back. She smiled and moved out of his hands. She grasped his black pants and pulled them down. Xena fell back on top of him and they met in a crashing passionate kiss. Ares quickly took her in his arms and rolled on top of her wrapping the blanket around their naked bodies.
The night air was crisp and inside the tent Ares held Xena close to him. They had finally been together. After all the years and all the games, they had been together without any motives or deals. Ares laid awake with Xena's head resting on his bare chest. He began to wonder what it meant. If they would be together again or if this was all it would ever be. He pushed the thoughts away though. He didn't want to think about the future just the present. He wanted this moment to last as long as it could with him holding the woman he loved in his arms.
Ares stroked Xena's hair lightly with his finger tips, taking in how beautiful she was, how passionate she could be. He hoped this wouldn't be it. Ares wanted to quiet his mind and he decided to let sleep take over.
He tenderly planted a soft kiss on the top of Xena's head. As he did Xena's eyes slowly opened, but she didn't make a sound. Ares thought he felt her lashes flutter against his chest.
"Xena?" He asked silently.
She didn't answer and Ares assumed she was still asleep. He wasn't sure if he was disappointed or not that Xena wasn't awake. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but didn't want to face her if she didn't have anything to say back to him. If she was asleep he was safe from her rejection.
"I love you," He whispered and closed his eyes.
Xena closed her eyes again hard almost in pain. She didn't know what was going to happen. She knew the decision was hers, always had been, but she didn't know what she wanted, didn't know how she felt. Ares really loved her, but did she love him? Or was she just trying to get him out of her system. She never denied her physical attraction to him, but maybe it was more, maybe they could be together. That would change her whole life though. It would change her relationship with Gabrielle, her living arrangements and maybe even her and what her mission was in life. She wasn't ready for a change. Her thoughts were driving her wild, her emotions taking over. With her eyes shut tightly a small tear ran down her cheek.
To be continued....
Numerous rows of tents stretched across the shore line, each with a small campfire out side in front of it. The largest tent was in the very center. It was hers and Ares. She hadn't been inside it yet but just by looking at the outside she knew it would be glorious inside. The men drank and ate dinner. Xena could hear their laughter as they expressed amusement with their fellow soldiers. She hadn't eaten yet though, and wasn't going to. All the excitement hadn't left her with much of an appetite. She just wanted the three days to be over.
Xena stood tall, looming over a large table with an enormous, precise map of the region stretched out over it. Next to her was Ares and across the table was Glyphira. They all examined the map closely.
"We are here," Glyphira pointed to their location on the map, a small coastline of a bay in northern Gaul. Glyphira dragged her dirty weathered finger across the map to another point on the coast. "Draco is here, and Pompey here."
Xena then placed her hand on the map and touched her finger to the southern coast of Britannia. "This is where we want to end up."
"How long is the voyage?" Glyphira asked. Xena thought for a moment. She had been there before. The memory wasn't one she wanted to recall however.
"If we leave at sunrise we will be there by late afternoon. It doesn't take long."
"Good, anything else?" Glyphira asked.
"Call the scouts in but make sure there are guards on duty at all times," Ares ordered.
"Give them shifts, and make sure the ships are secure. Everything needs to be ready in the morning," Xena added.
"It will be done."
Xena nodded at Glyphira and took a look around. The smell of the fires and the crisp night air relaxed her. She sighed and pulled the fur coat she was wearing around her tighter as the breeze hit her. It was only the first day and it had been a long one.
"Alright, I'm going to sleep now. I'll see you in the morning," Xena sighed. Glyphira bowed her head respectfully and Xena turned to walk away.
"I'll be there in a minute," Ares said to her as she walked away. Xena turned around quickly.
"What?" She asked.
"I said I'll be there in a minute."
She had forgotten they slept together in this world.
"Right..." She said quietly and walked off to her tent. She didn't want to sleep with him.
Ares looked back down at the map studying it. Glyphira's eyes followed Xena until she couldn't see her anymore. When she was gone Glyphira turned her gaze to Ares and smiled wickedly. She slowly sauntered around to the other side of the table next to Ares who was still entranced by the map. She raised her hand and gently stroked his bare muscled arm. This pulled Ares attention away from the map and he slowly turned to the woman beside him. He was puzzled by Glyphira's sudden gesture. She smiled.
"I thought she'd never leave..." Glyphira purred and took hold of Ares vest pulling him close to her. "Let's hurry before she notices you've been gone to long," Glyphira moved to kiss him, her lips touched his for a second before he pulled away sharply.
"Hey!" He scowled at her. She pulled away confused and angry.
"What!? You don't want to?"
Ares gave her a bemused look and shook his head 'no'. Glyphira rolled her eyes in disgust and disappointment.
"You are so whipped! I don't know why your trying to play nice and loyal all a sudden. She cheats on you; you've cheated on her, what is another fuck going to hurt?" Glyphira hissed as she made another move to capture his lips. He pushed her away.
"Know your place Glyphira!" He was angry. Mostly because he didn't know what was going on. Glyphira must be his lover here. There was plenty he didn't know about this world either.
"I don't believe this! You just use me! You get in a fight with precious Xena and come to me for comfort. No more Ares, next time you come to me, I'll be the one to say no!" She hissed.
Xena wasn't the only disloyal one. Ares was silent; he didn't know what to say to the angry woman before him. He had no feelings for her and he was sure the Ares of this universe didn't either. How long had he and Xena been doing this to each other?
"How many times have..." his voice trailed off.
"With me? Three. With other women...Too many to count!"
Ares looked away in shame. They were silent, and Glyphira approached him again standing inches away from him.
"Be with me Ares, Xena is washed up. It's time to leave her and start with something new; I can better lead this army and be a better lover," Glyphira kissed him again, this time the kiss lasted longer. Ares couldn't deny that Glyphira was an attractive woman, but he couldn't do it. Not with the woman he loved not far away waiting for him to join her in bed. Not that it meant there was going to be anything between them but sleep, but he had actually gotten somewhere with her toady and didn't want to blow it by sleeping with this woman. He pushed Glyphira away once more. He was out of breath and starred at her angrily in the eye.
"Try that again and I'll have Xena order you crucified."
Glyphira was silent and clearly upset. Ares gave her one last hard look and left quickly.
The inside of the tent was warm compared to the frosty air outside. Xena sighed contentedly as she took in the luxurious sights of the tent. There was a large full bed with beautiful dark blue covers and fluffy pillows to match in the center of the tent. The walls were decorated with exotic articles. In one corner was a chair and a large chest. On the other side in the corner was a small wooden dresser with a mirror put in it.
Xena took the heavy fur coat off and hung it on the coat rack by the entrance of the tent. She wanted to get out of the uncomfortable armor as soon as possible. She unlatched the breastplate and lifted the tunic over her head and placed them folded in the corner. She pulled her boots of slowly and rolled her ankle gently stretching the sore tendons. Xena was now only in a scanty black shift. It felt good. As she started towards the bed she caught a glance of her reflection in the mirror and did a double take. Her hair was a mess and there was a smudge of dirt along her collar bone. She frowned. On the dresser below the mirror was a small bottle of perfume and a hairbrush. Xena slowly knelt down in front of the mirror and opened the bottle of perfume bringing it to her nose and sampling the sent of it. It smelled like roses. Her favorite flower. Not that she would ever admit to anyone that she even liked flowers, but she did love the smell of roses. She dripped some of the liquid onto her finger tips and touched it to the pulse points on her neck and wrists. She set the bottle down and picked up the hairbrush. First running her fingers through her tangled hair then brought the brush to her locks and forced it though. She repeated the motion until the brush went through with ease and her hair started to shine.
It was then that she heard loud hard footsteps and Ares entered the tent. She quickly put the brush down on the dresser and stood up. Ares stopped and gave her a curious look. He saw how quickly she had moved away from the mirror and how much better her hair looked. He smiled at her.
"Getting all gussied up for me?"
Xena scowled at him and turned away.
"Don't flatter yourself."
When she turned back Ares was already changed. Instead of black leather pants, he wore black silk and had no top on at all. Xena tried desperately not to look at his gorgeous chest. She turned around again and made her way over to the bed. She pulled the quilt up first along with the sheet and slid underneath. She stayed propped up against the pillow not allowing herself to be comfortable.
"I'm not too thrilled about sleeping in the same bed with you either; don't you have a room on Olympus you can sleep in?" She asked resentfully.
Ares frowned. "This Ares hasn't slept there in years; Zeus has probably turned it into his private recreation room by now."
Xena's face softened. In years? Ares really would have dedicated all his time to her.
"You're really with me every night?" She asked curiously.
Ares offered her a bemused glance. Was she serious?
"No, I'm with some bar maid every night. Of course I'm with you...What man wouldn't be," He said the last part quietly and almost sadly. He knew that if he had Xena he wouldn't let her out of his sight.
Xena was silent now and kept a soft gaze on him. Ares stretched and slowly crawled into the bed next to her. Xena tensed and kept her eyes on him. She was expecting him to say something sarcastic or for him to put his arm around her or something enticing. He didn't he just rolled over a closed his eyes. Xena didn't move. Was she disappointed? No way, just surprised.
She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. What would she say? He can't just go to sleep now. She tried again.
"Ares?" She said quietly, but didn't know what else to say after that.
He turned over to face her "yeah?"
She hesitated at first. "Uh...can I have another blanket?"
His brows furrowed. "Are you cold?"
She wasn't really, the blankets she had were sufficient enough but she had to say something.
"Yes."
Ares shrugged and rolled over off the bed. He walked over to the wooden chest. Xena noticed his defined back muscles and unconsciously looked them over, but stopped herself when she noticed. He opened the chest and pulled out a long black wool blanket. He walked back over to the bed and handed it to Xena. She eyed him suspiciously. And he noticed.
"What?" he stopped half way into the bed and asked. She pulled the blanket over her.
"Nothing," she simply said trying to hide her embarrassment. But Ares noticed and shook his head triumphantly.
"You thought I was going to make a move on you didn't you?" He asked. She rolled her eyes and tried to ignore him. "Didn't you?" he pushed for an answer.
She gave him an aggravated look. "Well what was I supposed to expect? That's what you usually do."
Ares frowned and sat up in the bed with the covers pulled over him. "I can control my self Xena."
"Good," She responded. Or was it not good. A small part of her had hoped he would try something. They both sat silent. They were close to each other, their shoulders almost touching. It was making her slightly uncomfortable. The whole situation had made her uncomfortable. She had to remind herself again why she agreed to go to this place with him. Her reason was to prove to herself she made the right decision and couldn't be taken over by evil again, but what exactly his reason for bringing her was she didn't know. She looked at him with a serious expression. He looked back at her.
"Why did you bring me here Ares?"
Ares was silent and looked away from her. He shrugged.
"I guess I just wanted to let us, well let me spend more time with you. You know, away from the heroic deeds and the blonde girlfriend. And I wanted you to see that if you had been with me you wouldn't be some cold, heartless murderer. This is a pretty good world Xena. Cities are prosperous; there is peace because everyone is united. You're a good ruler and it's a good empire. Sure you had to do some cruel things to make it great but-"
"The end doesn't justify the means Ares, not for me," She cut him off. Ares looked at her with understanding; however he was still disappointed that she would never share the enthusiasm he had for this dream of his.
"I have a good life with Gabrielle, I'm happy. Riches and glory wouldn't make me a happier person," She continued. Ares nodded.
"I know," he said sadly. Xena smiled. She hated to see him sad. It meant their conversation was too serious and that could lead to dangerous things. She had to lighten the mood.
"It would be fun though," She smiled. He looked at her and smiled back. They both quickly looked away. Another uncomfortable silence.
"Ares, about your sacrifice," Xena said in almost a whisper. She soon wished she never said it at all. He looked at her. He was a bit unsure if he wanted to talk about it. He appeared nervous. But he allowed her to continue.
"I'm still a little confused about your motives...did you do it to save your own but, or...or did you do it because of, because of how you feel about me?" It was the first time she had ever really acknowledged his feelings for her. It made her even more uncomfortable, but she had to know.
Ares was silent, deep in thought. Xena started to suspect he wouldn't answer because he only did it for selfish reasons. But before she could accuse him he spoke up.
"When Eve died and you lost the power to kill gods, I knew Athena would kill you...when I saw her raise her sword above her head I couldn't think about anything but life with out you. I remembered the 25 years that I thought you were dead and how long I mourned for you...I wasn't going to lose you again even if that cost me my family. So yes, I did it because of how I feel for you...Because I love you," He said softly and looked her in the eyes.
It was the first time he was able to tell her that sincerely and while she was conscious. Xena looked away quickly. He made her feel so weak and vulnerable when he looked at her deeply like that. She knew he had feelings for her she just never knew exactly how serious they were. He had told her before but she always tried to deny it was love he felt for her. If it was he wasn't very good at expressing it. He couldn't love; he is the God of War.
Xena finally got up enough strength to look back over to him.
"Do you really love me?" She asked. She almost wanted to laugh she thought she sounded so strange almost girlish. It made her smile immediately after she spoke and then she quickly tried to hide it without success.
Ares didn't smile though, he was dead serious. "Yes."
His answer was so certain it took the smile right off her face. She hoped she hadn't offended him. She didn't understand though. Ares was immortal, the God of War. Gods don't fall in love; don't know love, especially with a mortal and especially with her. What did he love about her? They had caused each other so much torment.
"Why?" Xena asked. He looked at her stunned, almost speechless.
"What? You can't ask why, I don't know why I just do!"
"I just don't understand. I had always thought that you just wanted to own me to use me as your ultimate warrior. After I left you I thought for sure you would kill me. And after that, the way you treated me the things you did, I was convinced you hated me and just wanted me a vicious servant for you and-"
It was his turn to cut her off.
"I love your Courage and determination, the way you never give up. I love you passion and intelligence. And I love your beauty..." He finished softly.
Their eyes met and Xena felt a pain in her heart. He looked at her so intensely; he stared into her soul with his dark brown eyes enchanting her. He really did love her. And she needed him. Wanted to feel loved by him. Xena smiled lightly and Ares slowly leaned into her, stroking her check with his fingers gently. Her eyes invited him and their lips met tenderly. They kissed gently, slowly melting into a more passionate kiss. A kiss without malice and deception. They slowly broke the kiss and looked into each others eyes. Ares waited for a reaction, waited for her to slap him or push him away, but she didn't. He couldn't tell what she was thinking only that he wanted to kiss her again. He moved in once more and she didn't resist but kissed him with the same eagerness. They kissed each other with a deep longing. She had denied them both for years and now she finally let her guard down, losing themselves in each other.
Xena wrapped both her hands firmly around him and laid back on the bed pulling Ares down on top of her holding him close. He moved away from her full lips and hungrily kissed the soft flesh on her neck and trialed his lips tenderly down to the skin above her shift. Xena let out a soft sigh of pleasure and caressed his naked back feeling the solid muscles flex under his warm flesh. She moved underneath him and he came back up to meet her wanting lips. She held him tightly feeling him hard against her, wanting her. Ares ran his hand down her side resting it on her bare thigh. She moved her leg allowing him to roam freely. He kissed her neck again and she softly moaned as he moved his smooth hand up her thigh and over her flat firm stomach removing her shift. Xena felt the cool air against her skin as she moved her body helping Ares to take the clothing off her body. The shift got stuck going over her head and she struggled to get it off. While she was occupied Ares grinned devilishly and held her arms and kissed her breasts gently. She stopped struggling and he could hear her breath harder. Her chest moving up and down heavily as he captured her nipple and gently sucked until it was hard against his tongue. He moved over her letting his hard muscular body press against hers. He reached up and pulled off her shift revealing her beautiful smile. He threw her clothes aside and they kissed again passionately. Xena took hold of his thick arms and pushed him over onto his back. She moved on top of him straddling his hips. Looking down at him he smiled and gently caressed her back. She smiled and moved out of his hands. She grasped his black pants and pulled them down. Xena fell back on top of him and they met in a crashing passionate kiss. Ares quickly took her in his arms and rolled on top of her wrapping the blanket around their naked bodies.
The night air was crisp and inside the tent Ares held Xena close to him. They had finally been together. After all the years and all the games, they had been together without any motives or deals. Ares laid awake with Xena's head resting on his bare chest. He began to wonder what it meant. If they would be together again or if this was all it would ever be. He pushed the thoughts away though. He didn't want to think about the future just the present. He wanted this moment to last as long as it could with him holding the woman he loved in his arms.
Ares stroked Xena's hair lightly with his finger tips, taking in how beautiful she was, how passionate she could be. He hoped this wouldn't be it. Ares wanted to quiet his mind and he decided to let sleep take over.
He tenderly planted a soft kiss on the top of Xena's head. As he did Xena's eyes slowly opened, but she didn't make a sound. Ares thought he felt her lashes flutter against his chest.
"Xena?" He asked silently.
She didn't answer and Ares assumed she was still asleep. He wasn't sure if he was disappointed or not that Xena wasn't awake. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but didn't want to face her if she didn't have anything to say back to him. If she was asleep he was safe from her rejection.
"I love you," He whispered and closed his eyes.
Xena closed her eyes again hard almost in pain. She didn't know what was going to happen. She knew the decision was hers, always had been, but she didn't know what she wanted, didn't know how she felt. Ares really loved her, but did she love him? Or was she just trying to get him out of her system. She never denied her physical attraction to him, but maybe it was more, maybe they could be together. That would change her whole life though. It would change her relationship with Gabrielle, her living arrangements and maybe even her and what her mission was in life. She wasn't ready for a change. Her thoughts were driving her wild, her emotions taking over. With her eyes shut tightly a small tear ran down her cheek.
To be continued....