Author's Notes: Still don't own anything
Author's Notes part B: Probably have a few more chapters left, at least get the gang to be able to celebrate their victory! Thank you all for the reviews and staying with me.
Queen's tradition Chapter 8
Gabrielle began to stir, the healers hut was dark. Looking around, her eyes caught Solari sitting in the corner.
"Not long, maybe a few candlemarks" Gabrielle shakes her head thankful for not having to ask.
"Do you want me to let Xena know you're awake"
"Not yet, she needs to rest as well. But Ephiny if you don't mind." Solari stands and heads out. Gabrielle so wants to brush Sam's hair from her face, but with Sam cradled in her good arm, she can't quit reach it.
"This certainly was quite the camping trip. I had hoped you would be closer to 30 summers old before seeing any battle. I realize that would never be reality, I just really wanted to protect you a little bit longer. Despite all that happened, I am glad that you let me get to know you. I am sorry that our relationship hasn't been what either of us probably want or needed. Your mother is so good at this, so good with you, and I, well wasn't. I hope you know that I am so very proud of you, that you are my shining beacon and everything I strive for as Queen was to make your life better. You are the most precious part of me and Sam I love you so very much." Gabrielle was so lost in her confession to her "sleeping" child, that she didn't feel Sam start to shake, it wasn't until she felt wetness on her that she looked down and saw Sam crying.
"Sam, honey are you okay, I can get the healer" Gabrielle begins to sit up, fighting the exhaustion of her confession and injuries. She is almost sitting up, when she feels Sam grab onto her and shakes her head.
Settling back down, Gabrielle pulls Sam closer, hugging her tighter.
Trying to inject some humor "Mom, your squeezing me" remembering what she would say to Gabrielle when she was younger and trying to struggle out of a hug from Gabrielle. Loosening her grip, just a tad and looking at Sam
"Mom, I'm okay" wiping her eyes "you are not a terrible mom and thank you for saying that. I think I really needed to hear that.'
"I am so sorry Sam that you ever thought I didn't love you or wasn't proud of you. And I really hope we can work on our relationship and you will consider me your mom, not your queen. My first job is to be your mom."
"I think I can do that. And more importantly, I would really like that."
"Good. I have one other thing to say. You did an amazing job out there, you did everything I asked of you and fulfilled your duties in protecting your Queen. You shall be formally commended. I can tell that Ephiny agrees with me" All turn to look up at the Regent who had snuck in, not wishing to disturb this moment.
"My Queen, I certainly agree and will make it happen. Now you asked to see me" Bowing to Gabrielle while Gabrielle shakes her head.
"I need an update on things. I promised to be a good patient, which I presume will mean hanging out in here, so I believe we should move the council meeting here."
"Gabrielle" Xena stands in the doorway, arms crossed, shaking her head "We discussed you needing rest, attending to council meetings is not resting."
"Xe, I am capable of laying here and listening to you all and barking orders" she says smirking.
"I will however, not be interrogating our one prisoner from here. This doesn't exactly strike fear in anyone"
Both Ephiny and Xena look at each other, knowing that their one prisoner will only speak with Gabrielle
"What do you both know that I….Dasani survived and will only speak to me because I bested him. For hades sake, what is it with these men. Now besides that, what else do you need to catch me up on?" Despite her lying in the healers hut, still pale and bruised, no one in that hut is willing to cross Queen Gabrielle, as that is very much who she is projecting at this minute. Sam is amazed how she went from nurturing mother, to Queen of all the Amazons. Sam sighs feeling very proud to be her daughter and wondering why she never noticed this before.
"Gabrielle, if we agree to move the council meeting in here, do you consent to delay it till tomorrow? So you get an extra day to rest?" Xena asks.
Taking a breath and mentally checking herself, she would never want to admit it, but she does feel like Hades right now. Her moving to try and get up to get Sam help, her turning into "Queen" mode had drained any energy she had replenished from her brief respite. Gabrielle knew she could really take the extra day to rest up, she was also aware that her nation would be worried about their Queen if she took too long, and her critics would seaze the opening to put doubt on her ruling abilities and take a shot at her crown. She did know that those critics were few and far between, but she didn't want to give anyone the chance to pounce.
"Bri, hey, Greece to Bri. Can we schedule the meeting for tomorrow?"
"Will that give us enough time, we need to meet, we need to deal with the prisoner, and we need to hold a celebration and honor everyone." Gabrielle was about to push back and insist she was fine, but she looked around to her family and saw concern and worry all over their faces, no one, not even the healer was masking their concern for her. Gabrielle sighs.
"I want to argue, but I am touched by all of your concern, and frankly I just can't do it right now. We will hold the council meeting till tomorrow afternoon. We will celebrate the following evening. I know if anyone dares to complain or push back or call me weak, that you all will handle things." Gabrielle locks eyes with Xena.
"Xe, I really, truly heard you earlier and am much too tired to care right now about proving anything. Our prisoners can wait, our council can wait. I hope you all can excuse me, I need to rest up."
Solari and Ephiny approach Gabrielle, placing gentle squeezes upon her and take their leave, only the healer and Xena remain
"Could I trouble one of you for some tea that might make me a tad more comfortable" Gabrielle sees the healer begin to hussle about, not hiding her surprise at the Queens request.
"Xe, would you mind staying for a bit. I have Sam, but really need to feel you."
"Do you even have to ask, I can't quite snuggle with you, but I will stay and hold your hand till you are able to rest. And thank you" Xena says kissing Gabrielle on the lips. She slightly deepens the kiss, conveying her love and thanks to her soulmate.
Gabrielle takes the tea offered, makes sure Sam drinks hers and settles in with the help of Xena.
Soon both Sam and Gabrielle are fast asleep. Xena stays about another candle mark before taking her leave and heading back to her very quiet quarters. But relieved that Gabrielle did not fight her on this.