Surrender 9
"You look good Gabrielle." Eponin put her arms around Gabrielle and hugged her close. "A little too skinny if you ask me though."
"Yeah, I've been hearing that a lot lately." Gabrielle allowed herself to be hugged by one her oldest and truest friends.
"You know…it still amazes me to see how young you look, even after all of these years." Eponin pulled back so she could give Gabrielle the once over. "Hard to believe we're the same age."
"Well, being put to sleep in a frozen cave for twenty-five years will slow things down a bit." Gabrielle pushed some of her blonde bangs away from her eyes and grinned crookedly at Epnon's raised eyebrow.
"Hmmm…I may not look it but, I'm still younger than you." Eponin tried not to smirk.
"I guess I can't argue with that." Gabrielle's expression eased into a relaxed smile.
"Who's your shadow?" Eponin lifted her chin in Leia's direction just over Gabrielle's shoulder. She had noticed the protective stance of the young woman who was vaguely familiar to her, but what caught her eye was the stern look she got when she hugged Gabrielle.
"Oh…um…that's Leia." Gabrielle gave a fond glance in Leia's direction that set the young woman at ease immediately.
Eponin watched as Leia relaxed under her questioning gaze. She was acquainted with the young Amazon and her infamous temperament. She hadn't seen much of her over the last few months since she had been away. Instantly she recognized something different as she continued to study the penetrating blue eyes that gazed back at her with veiled curiosity.
"Good to see you again Leia." Eponin crossed her arms in a defensive stance. It wasn't her intention to appear put off by their meeting but she didn't understand why Leia was even there.
"Eponin…," Leia gave a curt nod in response. She had watched with trepidation as Eponin had wrapped Gabrielle in her arms and seemed to offer some semblance of comfort that Leia herself was afraid to try. She could also see that Eponin was trying to figure out what her presence meant. "Did you have a good trip?"
"I did." Eponin squared her shoulders as she continued to study Leia with a wary eye. "A little shorter than I had expected but when I got the message that Gabrielle needed me…well, not much could keep me away."
Gabrielle sighed and ran her fingers through her hair again in an attempt to push her unruly bangs away from her face. She could feel the tension that radiated off of both Leia and Eponin. The uncertainty in Eponin's eyes she could understand but she wasn't sure about Leia. She wasn't sure why Leia would be unsure of Eponin's presence unless there was the possibility of that small spark of jealousy again. The thought that Leia was jealous had Gabrielle letting out another sigh as she turned to find herself trapped by Leia's piercing blue eyes. Blue eyes that her heart recognized as those belonging to her Warrior Princess, Xena. For a split second she could see that penetrating gaze soften the same way that Xena's had all those years ago, any time their eyes met. The sudden need to put some distance between her and Leia almost overwhelmed her in to running away but she knew she couldn't.
"Leia, I think that Eponin and I have somethings to talk about before the meeting with the counsel. Why don't you head over to join the other girls for the afternoon drills…," It was more a statement than a question.
Leia's answer was a slightly raised eyebrow that immediately reminded Gabrielle of Xena. It brought a small smile to her face, one that didn't go unnoticed by Eponin, who tilted her head slightly to regard Gabrielle with a look of curiosity.
The idea that Gabrielle could become flustered by anyone other than Xena was something that Eponin wasn't used to seeing. Even though she hadn't seen Gabrielle since that fateful day she arrived to announce Xena's death to her Amazon sisters, she knew it had all but destroyed Gabrielle's spirit. The loss of her love had been unsurmountable and Eponin worried that Gabrielle wouldn't be able to pull herself out of the grief she seemed to be drowning in. So, she continued to watch the interaction between her friend and the young woman who seemed to be able to bring a smile to Gabrielle's face with a sense of trepidation and interest.
"Do me a favor… go have this checked out by the healer." Gabrielle reached out and gently touched the bruise on Leia's cheek with the backs of her fingers.
The touch, even though it was gentle caused Leia to wince slightly. She wasn't sure if it was from pain or the jolt that traveled through her body when Gabrielle's skin made contact with her own. She didn't care which one it was as she reached up and pressed the palm of her hand to the back of Gabrielle's. The move caused both of their hands to rest against Leia's bruised cheek. Gabrielle instinctively stiffened but her expression softened when she saw the beginnings of a pout appear on Leia's lips.
"I've heard that you have the gift of healing as well. How about I come find you later and you can make sure I'm okay?" Leia's voice was strong at her bold suggestion.
Gabrielle studied light blue eyes that looked into her own. She could see a familiar playfulness within the gaze and it caused a warm sensation to radiate out from her chest. It was a warmth she had long since forgotten. It wasn't the excitement that surprised her, it was that she liked it.
"I'll tell you what…," Gabrielle paused and allowed herself a moment of pleasure. "If you promise to go see the healer, then you can come find me later tonight. Okay?"
"Consider it done." Leia gave Gabrielle's hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. As she turned to leave, she couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder with the beginnings of a playful smirk and a quick wink.
Gabrielle stood, rooted to her spot as she watched Leia walk away. There was a confidence in the stride she hadn't noticed before and she couldn't stop the wistful smile that appeared on her face.
"I never thought I'd see you look at someone like that again." Eponin shook her head and ran her fingers through her long dark hair which held a touch of gray.
"What?" Gabrielle frowned at the comment.
"Do you know how many times I prayed to Artemis that you would look at me like that?" Eponin dropped her gaze, not quite able to stand the intensity directed at her through sad green eyes. "More than I care to count."
"Eponin…," Gabrielle started to reach out to put her hand on the other woman's arm but stopped short, unsure if her touch would be welcomed. "I never knew…," she let out heavy sigh.
"How could you?" Eponin finally looked up to meet Gabrielle's eyes. "It was always Xena…even before you realized it yourself. We could all see it, but I always hoped."
"I'm sorry…," Gabrielle's voice was soft and filled with compassion as she finally reached out to touch Eponin.
"You have nothing to be sorry about Gabrielle. I was young and idealistic…I didn't understand the depth of the relationship you shared with Xena until I found someone I could love in the same way." Eponin accepted the offer of comfort by placing her hand atop Gabrielle's and gave it a gentle squeeze. "But…," she hesitated briefly. "She is a bit young…isn't she?"
Gabrielle blinked a few times as her mind processed, yet again that the people who knew her best could see the change in her. She was in no way ready to field questions about her and Leia because she was adamant that there was nothing to talk about. But deep down she knew there was something growing, something she couldn't bring herself to admit. Even though her heart recognized her soul mate, her head was still struggling to accept it. As far as she was concerned, it was a moot point.
"Okay…I get it. You're not ready to talk about this." Eponin said when Gabrielle didn't answer.
"There's nothing to talk about." Gabrielle couldn't stop herself from sounding somewhat petulant.
"Time will tell…," Eponin said rather cryptically. "For what it's worth…whatever is happening is working. I almost didn't recognize her."
Gabrielle let out a heavy sigh as she reached up to rub her forehead to stave off the impending headache that lingered at the back of her eyes. She was suddenly very tired and wanted nothing but to go back to her quiet solitude that she had come to crave over the last three years.
"I can see that it's taking everything in you not to run away so why don't we get right to it and discuss this upcoming council meeting." Eponin moved to stand next to Gabrielle. She slipped her arm around a slim waist and started to lead Gabrielle away from where they had been standing.
"You know me all too well Eponin." Gabrielle allowed herself to be pulled along. "I'm just tired though. It's been a busy couple of days for me and I'm not sleeping well."
"Well then, why don't you start at the beginning and tell me what brought you back to us in the first place." Eponin drew Gabrielle closer as they walked towards the center of the village.
"So…you gonna tell me what you're doing here?" Eponin took the seat across from Gabrielle. She leaned forward and placed her hands on the table that separated them. Her eyes drifted around the small room that Gabrielle now called home and she couldn't help but notice the slightly impersonal feel it gave off.
"Well…it seems as if the Gods are in the mood to play again." Gabrielle let out a heavy sigh as she leaned back in her chair needing to put some space between her and Eponin.
"Let me guess…we are the pieces of their sick, twisted game." Eponin scowled.
"It would seem so." Gabrielle leaned her head back and looked up at the celling. She reached up with both hands and ran her fingers through her hair before dropping her chin to look at Eponin. "It's Ares…he's back at it."
"Back at what? Waging wars?" Eponin seemed surprised.
"Waging war against the Amazon nation." Gabrielle shook her head sadly.
"Us…? I don't understand." The confusion was evident on Eponin's face.
"It's no secret how he feels about the Amazons. He has always done his best to insert himself…as we well remember with Varia." A sad smile crossed Gabrielle's lips. "I'm afraid he's looking for his next 'Destroyer of Nations' and I expect he has his eyes on one of our Amazon sisters."
Eponin sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. She wasn't sure if it was a move of defiance or a form of protection…perhaps it was both. "You know who it is…," her eyes watched as Gabrielle fidgeted nervously.
"I have my suspicions…," Gabrielle looked away from Eponin's seeking eyes.
As Eponin continued to stare at her, contemplating what it was the Gabrielle wasn't saying, a loud pop followed by a sizzle and shower of light interrupted them.
"Hey Sweet Pea…," Aphrodite appeared behind Gabrielle. Placing her hands on Gabrielle's shoulders, she bent down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Turning her head to accept Aphrodite's greeting, Gabrielle gave her a tired smile in return. "Hey Dite…glad you could join us."
"Well that answer's my next question." Eponin watched as Aphrodite glided around the table and sat between her and Gabrielle.
"What question would that be?" Aphrodite asked, not at all sure she liked the tone coming from Eponin.
"I was going to ask Gabrielle if she's talked to Artemis but I suppose you'd be the next best thing." Eponin shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. Her experience with the Gods was non-existent and it showed in her attitude. She had no love for those who continued to cause Gabrielle pain and she wanted to do her best to let Aphrodite know how she felt.
"Look here…," Aphrodite could sense the ill content coming her way from Eponin. "if you think for any second that I'm the cause of any of this…then well…," she waved her hand in the air dismissively.
"What help have you been to her…or any one of us?" Eponin leaned forward and asked through gritted teeth.
"Eponin is it?" Aphrodite pushed some platinum curls over her shoulder as she leaned forward as well. "I understand your protectiveness…and that is why I won't take what you say personal. This beautiful soul…," she reached over to take Gabrielle's hand in her own, interlacing their fingers. "She is the only reason I am still here and I will do anything within my power to ensure nothing happens to her." Her eyes met the one's that stared at her from across the table. "You prayed to the wrong God all those years ago. But we both know I would have been powerless to sway the course the fates had laid out for my Sweet Pea and her Warrior Babe."
Eponin's cheeks flushed with her embarrassment and she looked away from the intense glare that held her pinned to her chair.
"But I did guide you to the love of your life…did I not?" Aphrodite's lips curled up into a sly smile as she watched Eponin's expression soften.
"Yes…," Eponin let out a heavy sigh. "It's just that she's lost so much already. I don't want to see her hurt again."
"Enough!" Gabrielle jumped up from her chair, pulling her hand away from Aphrodite's. She placed both hand's, palm down on the table and leveled her gaze at both surprised women. "I'm right here…stop talking about me as if I weren't."
"Sorry…," Both women muttered under their breath.
"I think you can do better than that." Gabrielle pushed off of the table so she was standing up straight. She let out a sigh when two pairs of eyes looked up at her filled with regret and uncertainty. "Look, I get it. Really I do, but I can take care of myself and that is precisely what I am going to do. So if you'll excuse me, I'm going for a walk and you…," she pointed at Aphrodite. "Can explain everything to Eponin however you see fit."
Both Eponin and Aphrodite watched in surprise as Gabrielle headed out the door, closing it rather hard as she left. They looked at each other, both wearing rather sheepish grins as they realized their light hearted arguing had been the cause of Gabrielle's abrupt departure.
"I just worry about her." Eponin let out a heavy sigh as she shifted uncomfortably under Aphrodite's curious gaze.
"I know you do. But don't doubt her resilience. She's strong…stronger than anyone gives her credit for." Aphrodite pushed up from her seated position. "I'll give you the edited version of what we're facing then I have to boogie outta here."
"Okay…," Eponin looked up at the Goddess of Love with a feeling of uncertainty.
"Gabrielle told you about Ares and his plans to wage a war against the Amazon nation." Aphrodite tilted her head to regard Eponin trying to decide just how much she was going to reveal. "Well, that is true and before you ask I don't know why. When he wants something…there isn't much that can be done to distract him."
"Gabrielle said something about him wanting to find a new protégé." Eponin pushed her hair away from her face as she gave Aphrodite a pensive look. "It's Leia…isn't it?"
"I'll be honest with you Eponin…I don't know, but I have my suspicions." Aphrodite let out a heavy sigh. It was the truth but her suspicions weren't about Leia at all and it was something she couldn't tell anyone just yet.
"Please don't let her heart get broken again…," Eponin implored as she watched Aphrodite take a deep breath.
"I can't make any promises, you know that." The sadness Aphrodite was feeling radiated off of her in waves. "But I will do my best to make sure she isn't hurt again and speaking of that…" she waved her hands in the air. "I have somewhere I need to be."
"We have a meeting with the counsel tomorrow. Will Artemis be there?" Eponin asked, her voice filled with hope.
"I'm gonna try to convince her that it would be in everyone's best interest for her to show up. But if she doesn't, try to follow Gabrielle's lead. She knows what she's doing." Aphrodite gave Eponin a quick wink before she disappeared in a flash of light.
"I'm thinking that's left me with more questions than answers…," Eponin shook her head before getting up and leaving in a slightly confused state of mind.
Leia leaned against the trunk of a tree with her legs stretched out in front of her enjoying the shade provided the large branches that hung high over her head. The slight breeze that blew past her brought with it a sense of hope, something she couldn't ever remember feeling before now. She closed her eyes and let the silence that surrounded her lull her into a contemplative sleep.
She let out a heavy sigh as images of Gabrielle floated to the forefront of her mind as she slid deeper under Morpheus' spell. Her thoughts traveled along to the last moments she had spent with Gabrielle and the touch that still left her skin tingling. Then there were the green eyes that gazed into her own, the ones that held such a familiarity that every time she looked into them she felt at home. But as her thoughts drifted over her memories from the last few days, images of a much younger Gabrielle flashed before her. Gone was the short hair, replaced by long blonde hair that shone in the sunlight like spun gold. And the smile directed her way was both shy and inquisitive. The lean, muscular body she had come to associate with the Gabrielle now held the hint of soft curves.
Images came at Leia so fast, she wasn't able to grab ahold of a single one, that is until one of Gabrielle smiling up at her came into sharper focus. Her face was relaxed and her smile radiant. Leia could feel herself drowning in the look of love directed her way but when Gabrielle spoke, it took her breath away.
"I love you Xena...," The words echoed throughout Leia's mind and she awoke with a gasp.