Authors Note: Still own nothing. This one ended up getting a tad steamy! Changed the rating (or I hope I did). I am working on answering everyone's question on Sam's origin. But have not decided if it will be within this story or a stand alone. Much love!
The Queen's Tradition Chapter 14
Gabrielle spent the next couple days resting and regaining her strength. Awaking today, she was ready to head out of the Healers hut, the Healer was also ready to discharge the Queen. It wasn't that Gabrielle hadn't been a good patient, it was that while the Queen was in the Healers hut, there were Amazons in and out of the hut, checking up on their Queen along with Amazon's simply hanging out around the Healer's hut. Add in the fact that neither Sam nor Xena left Gabrielle's side, she had pleaded with Ephiny and Xena to help, and all that got her was a 2 Amazon visiting limit, in addition to Sam and Xena.
Gabrielle, Xena, Sam, Ephiny, Mariska, and the Healer were all gathered in the hut discussing moving Gabrielle back to her hut. Everyone was surprised when the Healer was the one to say that Gabrielle could walk back to the hut.
"Listen, the Queen has been resting, taking short walks around here, sitting up, she will be fine to walk back herself. I am sure you all will be close by if she needs a break or help. Any objections?" Looking around at everyone to see none.
"Good, Ephiny we will be ready to leave in half a candle mark, I am sure there is something you need to arrange or set up before then. Mariska, please prepare some supplies to leave with Xena and the Queen" after the Healer gave her orders, Gabrielle added
"Ephiny, let's plan on holding the celebration tomorrow evening, that gives me today and tomorrow to rest up some more. And I'll address the nation before heading back to the hut."
Gabrielle emerges from the healer's hut. She takes a gentle step forward, leaning pretty heavily on her staff that is in her right hand. Her left arm still in a sling, the bruising on her face is more pronounced, and the wound on her side, while healing is still very tender, and she is not able to walk upright without undue pain. She takes a deep breath, and with the ease of a leader, slips into "Queen" mode. She steps to the top of the steps in front of the healer's hut to address her nation
"My sisters, I want to thank you all for your vigils, your visits, and all your prayers to Artemis. I felt them all over the past couple days. It seems like only a few short days ago, I was in a similar position addressing you after a victory won. So again I stand before our nation, stand before you as your humble Queen, proud to lead you all to another victory!" Cheers arise before Gabrielle, fist raising in the air.
"I also want to thank you all for your patience for our long over due celebration to Artemis, and to our victory! Tomorrow we will properly celebrate and rejoice!"
And with that, Gabrielle, with Xena help proceed down the steps and to their hut. As they begin towards their hut, the Amazons part, kneeling and saluting their most revered Queen. They are about 50 yards from their hut, Gabrielle's pace has slowed considerably, a light sheen of sweat dons her forehead. She places her hand upon Xena's arm as she stops, her staff and Xena are the only reason she is still standing. The Healer comes to stand in front of the pair, she is about to speak when Gabrielle looks at Xena and winks
"You look like a strong one, care to give a lady a ride"
"Well I don't really see any ladies here, but I'd be happy to give you a lift, where too?"
"There a cute little hut just over there, can I show you around"
The soulmates quit their banter back and forth as Xena picks up Gabrielle and carries her to their hut, Gabrielle's head is tuck into Xena.
Xena sets Gabrielle on the edge of their bed. Gabrielle looks around the room, her eyes lingering on the floor and the wall, she is momentarily taken back to the last time she was here. Xena kneels in front of her, grabs her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze of reassurance, and whips a tear off her cheek.
"Xi"
Xena leans up and captures Gabrielle's lips, knowing that is what her soulmate is asking for. Gabrielle's hand comes up, her fingers woven through Xena's hair, forcing their lips together. Gabrielle parts her lips, inviting Xena into her mouth, their tongues dancing together. Gabrielle breaks the contact, her head bent down, her breathing is heavy. She looks up at Xena, stares into her soul, searching for that part of Xena that is her, as Xena is searching for the part of Gabrielle that is Xena.
"I need you, I didn't think I would ever get to feel your touch again, but I need you to heal my soul." Xena is searching her lovers eyes, she feels it too, she feels how their souls need to reconnect, she feels how they need each other in a way that only those who share the same breath could understand. She gently lays Gabrielle onto the bed, and begins to caress her face with the edge of her fingertips, she traces the outline of the bruise then gently kisses it, forcing her energy to heal it quicker. She trails her lips down to Gabrielle's, where she takes her in a powerful kiss before dropping her lips down Gabrielle's neck, allowing her tongue to find its way to the wound on her shoulder, again she traces the wound with her lips, willing it healed. Xena slowly unties Gabrielle's shirt, exposing her breasts. She takes one in her hand, caressing Gabrielle's nipple with her thumb, sometimes bringing her forefinger up, applying a slight squeeze, her mouth goes towards her other breast, her tongue toying with the nipple. A moan escapes Gabrielle's mouth, as Xena's whole mouth attaches to Gabrielle's breast, sucking on her nipple as her teeth and tongue alternate their dominance. Xena can feel her lover's need grow and grabs Gabrielle's legs and spreads them as she lowers herself down. Xena tosses aside Gabrielle's skirt and remaining clothes, as she kisses and nips the inside of Gabrielle's thighs. She makes her way towards Gabrielle's center, her tongues dances as she brings pleasure to her soulmate. Xena's tongues dances inside and out of Gabrielle, to a beat only Xena and Gabrielle can feel. She takes her time, allowing the bridge between their souls to reconnect. Feeling her own need arise, Xena reaches down to her own center, easing her own needs. Gabrielle senses that their connection is almost complete and knows what her lover is doing, her need growing ever stronger, her soul desperately yelling out. Xena internal beat extends to her own pleasures and as the soulmates connection has been recharged, both woman cry out in ecstasy as Xena collapses on Gabrielle. Gabrielle lies there, feeling their connection, allowing herself to be wrapped within the safety that is their love, and then the tears fall. All the fear and terror of fighting while trying to keep Sam safe, all the concern and worry about not living up to the expectations of her nation, all the pain and heartache over her daughter having to take a life for the first time are released through those tears. When they finally stop, she finds herself nestled into the safety of her everything. They lock eyes, Xena bends down, kisses her on her forehead as Gabrielle closes her eyes and sleeps.