*Hi all, I hope this finds everyone well. I am sorry this took a while but I am doing my best to squeeze it in between the other things I am working on. Thanks for reading and for all of the words of encouragement that follow. Also thanks for supporting me with my original… I truly appreciate it. Please take care and stay safe out there.
Surrender 17
"You can't leave her to face the Council alone!" Aphrodite tried to plead with her sister Artemis who just shook her head sadly in response.
"She has to." Artemis crossed her arms, a sad look of resignation on her face.
"How can you call her your chosen if you won't even back her up when she needs you the most? I don't understand…" Aphrodite furrowed her brow and glared at her sister. "She deserves better than this. It's not fair."
"Oh, sweet Dite… nothing is fair in the life of a mortal. We both know that." Artemis uncrossed her arms and reached out in a gesture of comfort.
"Well, how fair can it be if we continue to meddle in their lives? Gabrielle has never asked you for anything, how can you just leave her like this?"
"That's not true..." Artemis said with a sigh.
"What? What could she possibly have asked you for?" Aphrodite sneered as if she had a bad taste in her mouth.
For a minute, Artemis was quiet as she regarded her sister with a frown. Aphrodite was right when she said that Gabrielle deserved more but Artemis had promised herself that if the Amazons survived, she would grant Gabrielle the one thing she wanted more than anything… except for having Xena back, of course. When Aphrodite continued to glare at her, she let out a heavy breath in frustration. "She's asked me for a child. One born from both her and Xena…" she dropped eyes from Aphrodite's angry ones.
"Why wouldn't she have asked me?" The hurt was evident in Aphrodite's tone as she pushed a handful of platinum blonde curls over her shoulder.
"She's my chosen, Dite… not yours."
"I know, but I'd give her anything she asked for." Aphrodite frowned again.
"Look, I know how you feel about her but it's up to me. Not to mention I'm the oldest so you have to listen to me." The statement was meant to add some levity to their conversation, but it only made Aphrodite's frown deepen.
"I don't have to listen to you. If Gabrielle wants a child… I'll give her one." Aphrodite said with angry conviction.
"Hold up…" Artemis lifted her hand to stop Aphrodite from arguing. "I've already decided to grant her request, but only if she accomplishes what I've asked her to. If she can save the Amazons from the wrath of Ares, then…" she shrugged her shoulders.
Aphrodite placed her hands on her hips and stared at Artemis with uncertainty. "You promise?" She asked and waited for Artemis to answer. "If you don't, I will…"
"You're playing a dangerous game… I owe nothing to the mortals and neither do you. But…" she hesitated briefly before giving Aphrodite a soft smile. "I promise to give Gabrielle what she desires most in this world."
"Good, because I'm going to make sure she has the other thing she desires most…" Aphrodite huffed impatiently but then elaborated when Artemis raised a questioning eyebrow at her. "I am going to make sure Xena comes back to her… whole and in her own body."
"What?"
"You heard me." Aphrodite pointed a finger at Artemis. "I'm tired of these games. I'm going to make sure Xena gets to the Fountain of Strength with her ashes and gets her body back. Nothing you say will change my mind, so get over it." She threw her hands up in the air and dared Artemis to argue.
"We had an agreement with Ares…" Artemis started to say.
"I don't care. He has been breaking the rules since the beginning. Gabrielle needs Xena… the real Xena, not some cheap imitation to appease her. I'm done being nice about this…" Aphrodite's eyes held a spark of anger Artemis wasn't used to seeing. "If you want Gabrielle to save the Amazons you have to give her something to fight for or I'm afraid…" she paused as tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm afraid she'll sacrifice herself. I can't… we can't lose her like that."
"If she sacrifices herself, it will be her choice…" Artemis started to say but stopped when Aphrodite stomped her foot and shook her head.
"No, it will be her only choice. We've taken everything from her and now expect her to give all she has left. I won't be a part of this any longer."
"Your love for her has made you bold." Artemis sighed in defeat.
"I won't deny that I love her, but I'll never interfere with the fates again. She and Xena are destined to be together and I'll do everything I can to make sure that happens. All that matters to me now is saving Gabrielle from herself and…" Aphrodite stuck a finger in Artemis's chest and gave a gentle shove. "From you…"
Artemis was quiet as she watched the anger drain from Aphrodite's face only to be replaced with a look of determined sadness. "I'm sorry. I know what she means to you." She reached up to scratch the back of her neck, dropping her eyes from the penetrating blue that stared back at her. "But sometimes love isn't enough, Dite…" her voice trailed off with a sad lilt.
"I know what you're afraid of." Aphrodite let out a heavy sigh as she reached out to touch Artemis on the shoulder, needing the connection for her own comfort. "There will come a time when people will forget us, it's inevitable. You know it's true and that's why you're pushing this so hard with Gabrielle." She paused as she thought about what she was saying. "They are meant to be together forever. Every life they live after, they will find their way to each other. And you and me… we'll be remembered through them. If they don't survive, neither will we."
A contemplative silence fell over them as Artemis took a moment to think about what Aphrodite had said. It was true that she was afraid of being forgotten but it was also true that it was inevitable. Shaking her head, she turned to Aphrodite, her hazel eyes filled with sadness. "I fear even my beloved Amazons won't survive the passing of time." The heavy sigh that escaped from her lips indicated she had been holding her breath. "You're right. Xena and Gabrielle will be the only link to us not being forgotten."
"That's why we have to make sure we do whatever it takes to keep Ares from keeping them apart. He knows he can't have Xena but…" Aphrodite hesitated before finishing. "We both know that Gabrielle's anger and grief have made her an easy target for his manipulation. We can't let her give him what he wants. If you thought Xena, the Destroyer of Nations was bad…" her voice trailed off as she bit down on her bottom lip.
"Do you think Gabrielle is capable of such atrocities to rival Xena's?" The furrowed brow and frown indicated that Artemis wasn't convinced.
"Gabrielle's thirst for revenge is as strong, if not stronger than Xena's was when Ares entered her life. The lure of power is a strong force, one that Xena couldn't deny but Gabrielle doesn't care about power, she doesn't care about herself… it's the most dangerous combination and Ares knows it. His only hope is to harness it. He wants to use it destroy what seeks to destroy him…"
"And what's that?"
Aphrodite took a deep breath before expelling it slowly. "You already know the answer to that question."
Running her fingers over the braided hair that fell over her shoulder, Artemis shook her head with a sad resolve. "Xena…" her voice was barely a whisper.
"Do you understand now why it's so important to finally do the right thing. Gabrielle needs you by her side if she's to conquer the hold our brother has on her. She is drawn to their shared grief and her anger will drive her straight into his arms. Xena sees it too, that's why we must bring her back. It's time to set things straight, their fates and our legacies are relying on it."
"Okay, you win Dite." Artemis relented with a heavy sigh. "What should I do?"
"Let Gabrielle meet with the Council, and if she needs you… go to her. Let everyone know why you picked her in the first place." Aphrodite smiled softly. "And I'll help Xena. Hopefully, we'll be back before anyone notices… except for Gabrielle, of course." She wasn't sure what Xena was going to tell Gabrielle, but it pained her to know it wouldn't be easy for any of them to be apart. "I'll need you to watch over her, make sure she doesn't give up or by the Gods, try and follow us."
"I'll do my best, but Ares is a crafty devil. And he doesn't play fair." Artemis frowned at the thought of her brother and the many times they had clashed over mortals. But Aphrodite was right, their best revenge against Ares would be to keep Xena and Gabrielle together and perhaps with a little divine intervention, she and Aphrodite could live on through the promise she had made earlier. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea and a small smile creased her lips.
"What's the smile for?" Aphrodite asked.
"Oh, nothing… just thinking about the promise I made earlier to grant Gabrielle's wish of motherhood."
"You're really going to do it?" Aphrodite's bright, blue eyes lit up and a smile filled her face.
"Absolutely, in fact, I'm thinking that twins might be a good idea." Artemis smiled back. She wouldn't' tell Aphrodite that she might have an ulterior motive, but her sister would thank her later when they continued to live on even if their fates would be intertwined with those of mortals. If it was the only way to ensure they didn't disappear, she'd willingly do it at whatever the cost. Not to mention, it would put Ares in his place… gone.
The heat and humidity was the first thing that assaulted Xena's senses as she followed Gabrielle into the council meeting. The second thing was the lack of light, except for the fire burning in the middle of the circular room they now stood in. There were no windows to bring about a sense of relief from the stifling air that now surrounded them, and she took a deep breath in the hopes of alleviating that feeling of being suffocated. It didn't help. It only caused her to fidget nervously, drawing Gabrielle's attention away from five sets of eyes watching them with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.
"Are you alright?" Gabrielle asked in a hushed whisper.
"Yeah, but is it just me or is it hot in here?" Xena shifted from one foot to another as she tried to find something to focus on.
"Try and relax. It'll be over soon enough." Gabrielle reached over to run her fingers along Xena's arm.
"Is it always like this in here?" Xena asked, her eyes wide with wonder. Looking up, she could see the sky above them through a large hole in the roof, and relief washed over her knowing that there was an opening to allow some sort of fresh air to circulate.
"I forgot that you've never been in here before. I guess if we'd joined…" Gabrielle's voice trailed off with regret at the memory of the things they should have done. A frown creased her brow as she realized that they always thought there would be time.
"When this is over… I promise… we'll do everything we never had the time to do before." Xena tried to smile but the sweat that had beaded on her forehead began to run down into her eyes.
"Before…" Gabrielle let out a heavy breath but before she could say anything else, she heard someone clear their throat impatiently trying to get her attention. "We'll finish this later…" she leaned closer to Xena before straightening up to give her full attention to the five women who were waiting to hear what she had to say.
"Gabrielle…" Nantak, the head of the council greeted Gabrielle with a smile that didn't quite reach her dark eyes.
"Nantak… good to see you again." Gabrielle gave a slight bow of acknowledgment before sweeping her eyes across the other four women. She only recognized three of them, Nantak, Myrina, and Ainippe who was Ainia's mother. "I believe you have me at a disadvantage though, I only know three of you." She nodded at the two women she didn't know.
"Allow me to introduce you to our newest members." Nantak waved a hand towards a younger woman who appeared to be in her thirties. Her skin was the same color bronze as Nantak's but her hair was blonde in stark contrast to the jet black curls that haloed Nantak's head. And her eyes were a light blue that reflected the orange and red flames from the fire that provided the only light in the room. "This is Cyme…"
"Your reputation precedes you, Queen Gabrielle." Cyme tilted her head to regard Gabrielle with a curious gaze.
"Just Gabrielle, Varia is our Queen now." Gabrielle tried not to sound frustrated at having people call her Queen.
"True as that may be, you have earned the title and it must be recognized among the council. You will always be an Amazon Queen in our eyes." Cyme challenged Gabrielle to argue and when she just bowed her head, she smiled. "I must say, I always thought you'd be taller." The statement drew a few chuckles from the people around the room, Xena included.
Nantak cleared her throat and Cyme dropped her eyes from Gabrielle's to indicate she was done, although a small smile still played across her lips. "And this is Latoreia, she is from the Northern tribes and a survivor of the sickness that took their Queen Cyane."
Gabrielle turned her gaze to the woman who sat next to Nantak's right. Her posture was ramrod straight and her expression passive as she studied Gabrielle. "I was sorry to hear of Cyane's passing." She offered her condolences, but instead of getting a response, she saw as Latoreia's eyes moved to Xena or Leia to everyone else.
"What is she doing here?" The words came out on a hiss as a furrowed brow fell over Latoreia's dark eyebrows.
"She is here with me." Gabrielle clenched her fists and grit her teeth as she spoke. She knew that it wasn't going to be an easy task to convince these women that she knew what was best but this wasn't the start she was hoping for. She could feel Xena shift nervously next to her and gave a quick side glance at the woman who seemed to be completely out of her element.
"So it's true?" Ainippe, Ainia's mother asked. She leaned forward as if to get a better look at the two women standing before them. Her hazel eyes were filled with concern and kindness as she waited for Gabrielle's response.
"I'm not sure what you're asking me, Ainippe…" Gabrielle slid her gaze across the five women, daring them to speak out loud of the rumors going around the camp.
"You are together." Myrina huffed impatiently. "I thought it was only rumor's but seeing you both standing here, the only conclusion we can come to is… well…" she waved a hand towards Gabrielle and the young woman standing stock still next to her.
Crossing her arms, Gabrielle stared at the woman second in line to become the head of the council and nodded. "What of it?" Her green eyes flashed with the anger she was trying to control. "I wasn't aware that would be a problem."
"It isn't." Nantak sighed as she gave Myrina a look that caused the woman to drop her head in reprimand. "It's just difficult for us… those of us that know you that is, to see you with someone other than Xena. It is…" she hesitated before she continued. "Unexpected…"
"I'm sorry that moving on with my life comes as such a shock to you, but I can't… I won't mourn her forever." Even in the dim light, Gabrielle could see the reddening of Myrina's cheeks at the mention of Xena and she let out a long, slow exhale to reign in the anger that was beginning to bubble in her chest. It wasn't enough that the council was questioning her sanity by calling this meeting but they were questioning the relationship she had established with the woman they saw as Leia.
Myrinia reached for the braid of red hair that lay over her shoulder and began to stroke it nervously. "She would have…" the words came out on a breathless whisper as she lifted her light blue eyes back up to meet Gabrielle's. Everyone knew she had developed a crush on Xena as a teenager, and although it had been years ago, it was apparent she still felt the need to defend Xena's memory.
A small smile curled along Xena's lips at Myrinia's words but she quickly dropped her expression when she felt the anger radiating off of Gabrielle's body in hot, rippling waves. This wasn't the time to gloat because she knew that Gabrielle would have mourned her forever if Xena hadn't found a way to come back to her, that is.
"She made her choice on the mountainside and it wasn't me…" Gabrielle ground out through clenched teeth.
This statement caused all of the women to drop their gaze from Gabrielle's blazing green eyes. None of them dared to challenge her, not over this. By now, she was breathing heavily in an attempt to restrain the anger that threatened to boil over.
"I'm sorry Gabrielle…" Nantak sighed and when she raised her eyes to meet's Gabrielle's, they were shadowed by the sadness she felt for her friend.
Gabrielle's pain caused Xena to reach out to in a show of comfort but when they touched, she hadn't expected the stiffening of the body next to hers. But it was apparent that the anger coursing through Gabrielle at the moment would not be quelled by Xena's touch and it reminded her of those times her temper had flared and how easily Gabrielle could soothe her. At that moment, Xena realized that Gabrielle wasn't willing to give it up, instead, it fueled her purpose and Xena understood because she had been in the same position before… before her life had been changed by a mischievous blonde who wouldn't take no for an answer. But she also knew that had she met Gabrielle before she was ready to change, she wouldn't have given up on her source of power so easily either. So, as they stood there, side by side, she refused to allow Gabrielle to push her away and instead of pulling back, she stepped closer so she could take Gabrielle's hand in her own and thread their fingers together in a tight, unwavering grip, one that surprised them both. She was grateful when she felt Gabrielle begin to relax next to her and then directed a death glare to each and every woman on the council, daring them to say something. When no one did, she gave the room a satisfied smirk and Gabrielle's hand a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
"Well, I suppose we should get down to the business at hand…" Nantak pushed some of her dark hair away from her face. "Where would you like to start?" She raised an eyebrow in Gabrielle's direction, doing her best to ignore the tension that had built up in the room.
"Ares is at it again…" Gabrielle let out a heavy, tired sigh.
"Tell us something we don't know." Myrina scoffed.
"If you had let me finish, I would have explained that he intends to bring an end to the Amazons… all of us." Gabrielle's green eyes flashed with a warning that the council took to heart.
"What do you know?" Nantak asked.
"He intends to drive a wedge between tribes, weakening us so he can attack."
"And how do you know this?" Ainippe tilted her head to regard Gabrielle. She knew that what they were being told was true, she needed Gabrielle to confirm it.
"Artemis…" Gabrielle gave the hand in hers a squeeze, trying to gain the love and support she needed at that moment.
"You expect us to believe that Artemis has chosen you over any one of us?" Cyme challenged but before anyone else could say anything, the room filled with smoke causing everyone to cough and rub their eyes.
"That is exactly what I expect you to do." A strange, otherworldly voice filled the lodge as the smoke dissipated to reveal the Goddess of the hunt. She stood tall in her buckskin pants and shirt to mimic the one Gabrielle wore. Her light brown hair was in a braid that fell down her back with her trademark bow and arrow. It had been deliberate to dress the same as Gabrielle so they would see the young woman as an extension of Artemis herself.
"Goddess…" all five women on the council stood and bowed before their Goddess.
Artemis gave a slight bow to the woman who stood in awe at her presence but when she turned to Gabrielle and Xena all she got was a dramatic eye roll, deflating her slightly inflated ego. She couldn't blame Gabrielle for not being impressed but still… she thought her appearance garnered some sort of appreciation.
"Artemis…" Gabrielle dipped her head ever so slightly as her eyes held Artemis's gaze. There was the hint of a dare in the dark green that stared into the hazel that watched her with curiosity and amusement.
As Artemis allowed Gabrielle to gaze into her eyes fearlessly, she realized this was why she had chosen Gabrielle to represent her in the mortal world… and why Gabrielle would be the perfect vessel to carry the gift she would bestow upon the young blonde. When Gabrielle finally looked away, Artemis's eyes found Xena's and she could almost feel the crystal blue penetrate her to her core. For a split a second she thought maybe Xena would have been a better choice but then she remembered the courage and strength that Gabrielle held in her heart. Gabrielle was her chosen and for good reason.
"Is what Queen Gabrielle say's about Ares true?" Cyme asked without lifting her eyes to meet's Artemis's.
"Please, sit…" Artemis waved her hand so the woman would sit. She waited patiently for everyone to get comfortable and it made her wonder if her weaknesses were showing. Never had she waited for anyone to get comfortable in her presence but then she realized that the world around them was changing and with her existence balancing on the edge and Gabrielle was the key to keeping that balance, for now at least.
"We are at your will…" Nantak lifted her head to look at Artemis, drawing a small smile from the Goddess.
"My will is that you do whatever Gabrielle asks. I have set her on a task and I believe with your help, we can save my Amazons. I suggest you listen carefully to what Gabrielle has to say…" Artemis glanced at Gabrielle, offering a reassuring smile to let the young woman know she was there to support her. "She is my chosen, therefore an extension of me… so, I expect full cooperation from everyone. Make sure you send word to all the tribes that Gabrielle speaks for me."
"It will be done." Nantak nodded her understanding then looked at Gabrielle. "We are sorry for not heeding your warnings. It won't happen again."
Gabrielle acknowledged Nantak with a quick nod. And although Artemis's presence had been welcomed, it still bothered her that her friends had questioned her intentions. The feeling of Xena's hand in her own was the only thing that kept her grounded and the sudden need to be alone with her true love almost overwhelmed her. The funny look she got from Artemis made her wonder if the Goddess could sense the urgency and need that coursed through her. And when the sound of her name jolted her from her thoughts, she realized she had drifted away from the moment.
"Gabrielle?" Nantak's voice held a hint of concern as she watched Gabrielle's unfocused green eyes come back into focus again at the sound of her name.
"Yes, sorry…" Gabrielle reached up to push her unruly blonde bangs away from her eyes.
"What do you need from us?"
"I believe a diplomatic envoy to bring the Amazon nations together will be our best defense. If we stand united, Ares can't beat us. Separate…" Gabrielle sighed heavily before continuing. "We don't stand a chance."
"You have the permission of the council to take whomever you need," Nantak said but when Myrina huffed impatiently she tilted her head to regard the woman sitting next to her with a stern expression. "Do you have something to say?" She asked as she continued to stare at Myrina, daring her to argue in front Artemis.
"No…" Myrina had the decency to look down, duly chastised by her outburst.
"I will need to take five, maybe six with me. I suspect it will take a fortnight for us to reach the north and another fortnight to reach the west but once I have their word… we can prepare for what comes next." Gabrielle glanced at Artemis for her input.
"What will come next?" Ainippe asked, leaning forward as if it might make it easier to hear.
"We fight Ares…" Artemis said with a sigh, her shoulders sagging under the strain of the truth. They would have to fight her brother, there was no other way but perhaps they would survive if they stuck together.
"And will you be at our side?" Latoreia looked at Artemis with hope in her eyes.
"I will…" Artemis nodded.
Gabrielle glanced at Artemis, a look of surprise on her face. "You will?"
"Are you so surprised that I would stand by my Amazons in their time of need?"
"Well frankly… yes..." Gabrielle said what they were all thinking.
"You don't think highly of me, do you?" Artemis seemed amused by Gabrielle's bravado. "I suppose I have been… absent, for lack of a better word."
"Absent? You would have to be present to be counted as absent…"
"Gabrielle…" the long, low drawl of her name coming from Xena's lips was enough to reign in the anger that was beginning to grow in Gabrielle's chest again.
"That anger and resentment will lead you down a dark path, my dear Gabrielle." Artemis reached out to touch Gabrielle on the shoulder. She didn't make it a habit to touch mortals but for some reason when it came to the young blonde who had captured her sister's heart, she was breaking all her own rules. "Don't let it keep you from the love that can set you free." Her eyes found Xena's and a silent understanding passed between them.
"What would you know about love?" Gabrielle murmured on a shaky breath. She wasn't sure where her courage was coming from, or perhaps it was just foolishness to provoke a Goddess like Artemis… even if she was her chosen. Whatever spurred her own, she refused to back down.
For a moment, Artemis studied Gabrielle in silence. It was an uncomfortable silence that spoke volumes to everyone present. No one dared to speak for fear of bringing down the wrath of the well-known temper that Artemis was known for. But instead of getting angry, she let out a long, heavy breath. When it was apparent that she was finally ready to speak, a collective sigh of relief traveled over the dimly lit room, breaking the tension that had settled over them. "Perhaps I've overestimated you, Gabrielle… and you're love for…" her eyes moved from Gabrielle's to Xena's as she tilted her head ever so slightly. "For your sisters." She finished her statement with a sweeping wave around the room without moving her eyes from Xena's. It was subtle but both Gabrielle and Xena knew what she meant. "I thought, you of all people would understand that love will always afford you a second chance. Don't throw away your second chance, Gabrielle. Some things are more important than revenge, take it from me, I should know." This time she let a tired, sad sigh.
Gabrielle's gaze went from Artemis to Xena and she felt the anger she had been holding on to drain away at the silent plea in Xena's light blue eyes. The heaviness in her heart lifted at the thought of having her soulmate back in her life, and back in her arms soon enough. All she wanted was to be held by the arms she missed so much; arms that were always willing to hold her all night long. It was hers for the taking, all she had to do was… take it. With a resolute nod, she brought her gaze back to Artemis. "I understand. I won't let you or my sisters down."
"I know you won't. But remember, my brother is crafty and will lie to you at every turn. Please hear me when I say that I have never nor will I ever lie to you." Artemis said with an authority that brokered no argument.
Gabrielle knew it was the truth. Artemis may have avoided her, but she had never lied. "Then it is settled, I will take a small group for a diplomatic mission. I assume I have the support of the council?" She looked at every one of the five women sitting before her and got an earnest nod in response. "Okay then, I think three or four days should be plenty of time to get ready." Glancing at Xena, she was surprised by the slightly smug and satisfied smirk directed her way.
Xena felt relief wash over her at Gabrielle's estimated timeline. She had every intention of returning from her quest within two days with the help of Aphrodite. There would be plenty of time for her to return and help Gabrielle prepare for their mission… in her own body.
"Well ladies, if this matter is settled to everyone's satisfaction, then I will be on my way." Artemis looked around the room, making eye contact with everyone in the room before turning her attention to Gabrielle and Xena. "I have faith in you… both of you." She gave Xena an understanding nod. "I won't be far should you need my counsel." Her eyes found Gabrielle's when she said this, knowing that the next few days would be a challenge for them both.
There was a sense of reassurance in the words that Artemis spoke and Gabrielle felt a wave of relief wash over her. It was about time she got support from the one who had chosen her because she certainly hadn't gotten it over the years. With a curt nod, she acknowledged Artemis and then reached out for Xena's hand. "I would like to offer my thanks to you…" she looked at her Goddess with newfound respect. "And the council." Tilting her head towards the five women watching her… some with reverence and some with unveiled uncertainty. "And if we're done here, I bid you goodnight."
Artemis smiled and gave Gabrielle a quick wink. "See ya on the flip side." She said with the wave of a hand, disappearing in a cloud of smoke but not before thinking that she had made the right choice in choosing Gabrielle and Xena to ensure her and Aphrodite's immortality.
"I think she's been hanging around Dite too much." Xena took the outstretched hand as she leaned in to whisper in Gabrielle's ear.
The feeling of Xena's warm breath against her ear caused Gabrielle to visibly shiver. "And I think we need to get out here." She said, surprising Xena with her boldness. The gentle squeeze she got in response was the answer she was hoping for and it caused her to smile in that way that made her nose crinkle and the light in her eyes to dance playfully.
"Lead the way, my love." The words were spoken so low that only Gabrielle could hear, and as she allowed herself to be lead away from the council, she could hear the soft murmurs of surprise. But she didn't care. The only thing that mattered to her was the warmth of Gabrielle's hand in her own and the knowledge that she would soon have her own body back and the love of her life back in her arms. Their journey was about to come full circle and Xena knew it would either make or break the small blonde who held her heart and soul in the palm of her hand.
Slivers of moonlight slipped in through the cracks of the blinds that covered the window's, painting Xena and Gabrielle in a splatter of black and white stripes. Xena lay on her side watching Gabrielle sleep and marveled at the way the shadow's and light bathed them both creating a living, breathing contradiction of good versus evil. The memory of her days as the Destroyer of Nations, her life before Gabrielle's presence, made her shiver. But the memory of Gabrielle's anger from earlier that day made her afraid for both of them. She knew Gabrielle's love was at a crossroads and her decisions tomorrow would either lead her to Xena or further away. This realization had Xena questioning if she was doing the right thing by leaving, but she knew she had no choice. If they were to have a future together beyond today, she would have to return as the Xena everyone knew and loved. She just hoped that Gabrielle would forgive her in the long run.
Contemplating the best way to sneak away, Xena felt Gabrielle stir slightly under her watchful eyes and then let out a sigh of relief when the small blonde snuggled deeper into her pillow and continued to sleep. Her mind wandered to earlier that evening when they returned from the council meeting. Gabrielle had been a strong, bold leader then but the closer they got to their quarters, the quieter she became. Xena could feel the tension rolling off Gabrielle in waves but was uncertain of what would or should transpire between them once they were alone. But all of her unanswered questions were quickly answered when they went inside and Gabrielle closed the door behind her. The memory of Gabrielle seeking out the comfort of her arms broke Xena's heart but instead of asking why, she quickly offered comfort and strength by encircling Gabrielle in the safety of a hug. The exhaustion from the day was catching up to them both and the heavy sigh that escaped Gabrielle's lips conveyed all Xena needed to know at that moment. It was her job… no her duty, to shore up the wall of doubt that threatened to topple them both over. She knew in her heart that Gabrielle would not fail to bring the Amazons together against Ares. What worried her was that she might fail Gabrielle before they even got started. But when Gabrielle tucked her head under Xena's chin, her resolve steeled and she knew she wouldn't fail ever again. She would come back to Gabrielle, she had to. So with her newfound surge of courage, Xena led Gabrielle to their bed and pulled the younger woman down into her arms and held her until she fell asleep but Xena's eyes had remained open and ever watchful.
While wisps from the memory of their evening together floated away like clouds in the sky, Xena slowly but surely climbed from their bed and moved across the room to the small desk and parchment paper roll that awaited her mark. She knew she couldn't leave without leaving a note because waking up alone might break Gabrielle, so a quick and vague explanation was the only way to keep the hope that everything would be alright, alive. With precision she didn't know she possessed, she set about explaining why she left and that she would return as quickly as she could. In a matter of minutes, she was grabbing the urn with her ashes off the shelf and slipping out the door to find Aphrodite waiting for her on the other side with a sad, resigned smile on her face.
"You ready Warrior Babe?" Aphrodite's blue eyes twinkled in the moonlight as her platinum blonde curl's glowed and bounced around her shoulders.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Xena let out a heavy sigh as she glanced over her shoulder at the door she had just shut. "Am I doing the right thing, Dite?" She couldn't stop herself from asking the question that had burned in her chest all night.
"I think so…" Aphrodite paused, nodding slowly. "Yes… Gabrielle needs Xena more than anything right now but so does everyone else. The Amazonss need you, Eve needs you… and well dammit, I need you too."
"Okay then, how do we do this?" Xena waved her hands around to imitate Aphrodite's ability to pop in and out at will.
"Well… take my hand and don't let go."
Taking a deep breath, Xena took Aphrodite's hand and held on tight as the world around her disappeared and their journey back to the end, began again.