The next few days passed in a similar fashion. Xena went for a ride on Argo daily but found it was for shorter periods. Her anger at Lindos and Ares was abating, what was left was sadness at what Gabrielle had suffered. They were able to talk about the rape now, stilting at first; with Xena asking about it and they could both discuss it without becoming overly emotional.
Xena was still concerned by how weary Gabrielle had appeared recently. As Xena waited patiently for Gabrielle to return to their hut, she made the decision to talk to Piri the next day. Gabrielle and Ephiny were working on arranging a visit to the centaur village-something that excited queen, regent and warrior princess.
Gabrielle finally walked in, carrying scrolls. She placed them on the table and was about to sit down when Xena dragged her away to the bed. Gabrielle raised her eyebrow and smiled.
"Have a night off," said Xena. "Please."
Gabrielle was about to argue when Xena gave her most charming smile and produced some massage oil from her breastplate. "We need to work your arm and hand."
"You tease," said Gabrielle lightly. She lay on the bed and closed her eyes. Xena's fingers were dancing over Gabrielle's hand, and she gradually moved up her arm, paying special attention to the area that had pained Gabrielle so recently. Gabrielle kept her eyes closed and only opened them as Xena was slowing down. She cupped Xena's face with her right hand. "Thanks."
Xena leant in to give Gabrielle a kiss, just as Gabrielle raised herself up to do the same. Their lips met and to Xena's surprise she could feel urgency behind the bard's kiss. After several moments they pulled away and Xena could see longing in Gabrielle's eyes.
Gabrielle sat up and removed Xena's breastplate. Xena held her breath. Gabrielle threw the breastplate to the floor and framed Xena's face with her hands. She kissed Xena passionately on the lips at first and then started to move down to the pulse point on Xena's neck that she knew drove the warrior mad. She slipped her hands underneath the shoulders of Xena's leathers and started to slip it off.
Xena could feel herself getting excited, despite her best efforts. Usually she would have taken control but she was torn. She wanted Gabrielle to lead, and knew that Gabrielle may call a halt to it at any time. Gabrielle's hands roved underneath her shift and soon that was on the floor with her leathers. Xena groaned as Gabrielle pushed her onto the bed and lay across her and then found her nipple with her mouth. Xena instinctively squeezed her thighs against Gabrielle's leg that lay in between them and gently placed her hands across the bard's back.
"Oh Gabrielle," she moaned. She needed to say this, even at present she could barely think coherently or form any words. "If I do anything that-"she took several deep breaths in and Gabrielle started to grind against her.
"I will, I promise," said Gabrielle and started to kiss Xena on the lips again.
Xena held her preciously bundle as the light streamed into the hut. Gabrielle started to stir and Xena kissed her forehead. A green eye appeared open followed by the second and then a wide smile.
"Hey," said Gabrielle in their customary greeting.
"Hey yourself." Xena smoothed the hair on Gabrielle's forehead. "You ok?"
"Never better love, thank you."
"Don't thank me, you did quite a bit of the work as I recall." Xena smiled and looked indulgently at Gabrielle.
"But you waited, you didn't rush me, and you understood." Gabrielle's eyes welled up with tears.
"Oh Gabrielle," said Xena. "That was nothing. I wanted it to be right for you."
"For us both," added Gabrielle. Xena gave her a squeeze. "You've helped me banish those memories. Thank you Xe."
There was silence. Gabrielle swallowed and placed one hand on her stomach and looked down at it.
"Why so sad?" asked Xena.
Gabrielle took her time to answer. "I'm just worried that you won't find me attractive, as I get bigger." She patted her stomach.
Xena smiled. "Are you kidding? Making love to a pregnant woman is a dream."
Gabrielle turned to look at her. Her eyes flashed with jealously. And despite her best efforts she said coolly "Have you been with many pregnant women?"
Xena laughed. "No. But I remember what I was like when I was carrying Solon." She smiled and her voice became softer. "I was insatiable. Luckily Borias was imaginative." She looked at Gabrielle and wrapped both arms around her. "I'm looking forward to be even more imaginative." She felt relief as Gabrielle snuggled up.
"Ephiny said she went from wanting sex constantly to feeling totally put off by it on a daily basis," said Gabrielle. She sniggered. "Poor Phantes, didn't know if he was-"
"I can guess the rest," laughed Xena. She groaned as Gabrielle eased herself from the bed. "Don't go."
"I have to Xena. I've got a meeting with Eph and Aella." She started to pull on her clothes. She turned to look at Xena who had now stretched out across the bed. "What are you doing?"
"You tired me out! I'm staying in bed."
Gabrielle laughed. "You, the woman who fought 300 Persians alone, freed Prometheus and fought Garth, are tired?"
Xena smiled and turned over. "I'm meeting Pony later and helping with some drilling."
"Oh you do need some rest then. Facing the Xenites." Gabrielle finished dressing and helped herself to some fruit.
"The Xenites? What are you going on about? And I hope you are going to eat more than that." Xena sat up in bed.
"You know exactly what I mean. Epinon's youngsters that follow you about, watching your every move."
"They're learning from me," said Xena seriously.
At that Gabrielle spluttered. "Call it what you will. Enjoy the attention." She moved over to the bed and sat down on the edge.
Xena clasped her hand. "Thank you."
"No thank you, Xena." Gabrielle kissed Xena on the lips and it became more passionate. Eventually the bard dragged herself away. "Later."
"I'll hold you to that," said Xena as she settled down and watched Gabrielle leave the hut.
"Can you think of anything else, Gabrielle?"
Gabrielle considered for a few moments and shook her head. "Aella, I think you have thought of everything. Eph?"
The regent nodded. "Paperwork up to date, nothing outstanding. I do believe everything is set."
"You just need to have a nice time. Ephiny, I bet you can't wait to see Xenon," said Aella.
"I know, I only saw him a month ago, but I am sure he has grown." Ephiny wore a typical proud mother's look. "I'll bring him to see you next time, Aella. He always asks after you. He loved the bow set you made for him."
Aella looked down momentarily embarrassed. Gabrielle looked from one to another and gave an imperceptible smile. She rubbed her head; she was feeling a little warm and had the beginnings of a headache.
They rose from their chairs. Aella turned to Gabrielle. "I think Piri is a little upset at missing out. She would like to have met up with Joxer. In a totally professional manner of course," she added quickly.
Gabrielle smiled, and then rubbed her head again. Suddenly she felt chilled and her vision darkened. She was barely aware of the worried voices of Ephiny and Aella as they sounded muffled and distanced. Her legs felt very wobbly and couldn't support her. She was unaware of hitting the floor as she slipped into unconsciousness seconds before.
Ephiny watched as Gabrielle rubbed her head and suddenly went very pale. She asked if she was alright, as did Aella but the only answer they got was Gabrielle swaying. Ephiny reached her after she hit the ground. She gathered her up and patted her cheek gently repeating her name. Ephiny felt Aella's hand on her shoulder. She looked up into her friend's concerned eyes. "We need to get her to Piri's. Can you manage her?"
Ephiny moved her hands underneath Gabrielle and rose up with the bard in her arms. Aella strode out of the room and asked one of the guards to inform Piri they were coming. She then went back into the room and walked alongside Ephiny.
Piri was waiting for them. Ephiny gently laid her on the bed and as she did Gabrielle's eyes fluttered open. "What happened?" asked the healer, bending over Gabrielle, her fingers lightly checking for any injuries the queen may have suffered.
"I'm fine, don't fuss so," Gabrielle spoke weakly and tried to get up but Piri's strong arms pushed her back.
"She fainted," said Ephiny finding her voice.
Piri stood up and looked at the two worried faces crowding around her. "Out," she said gently, and started to shoo Ephiny and Aella to the door. "And can someone tell the warrior," she whispered.
Aella nodded and pulled Ephiny out of the room and Piri shut the door behind them.
Ephiny paced up and down, every few seconds looking at the door. She heard footsteps coming nearer and sniggered as first Xena, and then Epinon, Solari and lastly Aella, panting slightly ran into the room. Xena had stopped suddenly and the others all ran into the back of her.
"Everyone alright?" Ephiny deadpanned trying to keep a straight face as well as breaking the tension. The concern radiating from Xena was palpable.
Xena pointed to the door and Ephiny nodded. She opened it and stealthily crept in, shutting it behind her.
Piri looked up from her examination and gave a slight smile. The smile from Gabrielle was wider. Xena gave a sigh of relief and sat down on the bed the opposite side from Piri. The healer muttered under her breath but said nothing out loud.
Xena stroked Gabrielle's hair, as Piri rose and went to her cabinet. Xena watched her intently and when she saw Piri bring back a mug she asked coolly, "What is it?"
The healer glared at Xena and thrust the mug in her direction. "A tonic." Xena stared at the healer and then turned her attention back to the prone Gabrielle. She helped to raise her up and Gabrielle swallowed the drink with a "yuk!"
"Has this happened before, my Queen?"
Gabrielle shook her head.
"Have you been eating well?"
"Not as much as she-"Xena began but a rub on her arm from Gabriele made her stop.
"My appetite has been better, I'll admit but I am eating more than before, thank you Piri," said Gabrielle.
"And how have you been sleeping?" Piri looked from one to another and noticed the immediate reddening of Gabrielle's face and even Xena had the grace to blush slightly.
"I see." She smiled, her lips quivering. There was a pause before she said, "That is a good thing. I am pleased for you." She held up her hand to stop a concerned looking warrior from speaking. "It is perfectly natural for couples to enjoy even if one is pregnant. That did not cause you to faint."
Gabrielle smiled at Xena who was looking slightly mollified. "What did then?" She said.
"Have you had a sore throat at all?" asked Piri.
"It's been a little scratchy," said Gabrielle.
"Wearier than usual?"
Bard and warrior nodded in unison.
"I think it's a case of having a mild infection and working too hard. You need to slow down, my Queen. "She gently patted Gabrielle's stomach.
She got up and started mixing some herbs together in a pestle. She walked back to the bed and before Xena could ask she said," A mild sedative and some thing for the infection." She gave Gabrielle a mug of water and she swallowed the powder quickly followed by the water.
Xena helped her lie down and within minutes the sedative had worked and Gabrielle was asleep. Xena got up and saw Piri was writing. The healer looked up. "I'll talk to the worried crowd out there and then I want to chat with you warrior." Xena nodded and Piri left the room while Xena sunk into a chair suddenly drained. When Aella had told her about Gabrielle's collapse she went cold. Even though it had proved not to be serious, Xena was still anxious.
Piri entered the room and brought over a bottle and two mugs. She filled them both up and handed one to Xena and then sat down. "I think you need this."
Xena sniffed at the liquid, which was wine, and then swallowed it in one gulp.
"It is not your fault warrior. And I mean what I said, making love is natural. It is doing more good than harm."
Xena looked less than convinced.
"Things are becoming like before the attack. A sense of normality is returning. Don't take that away from her." She paused. "It is not uncommon for women to faint during pregnancy," continued the healer.
Xena stared at her mug and then looked up. "She used to be so healthy, so robust. But recently, she's seemed so fragile. And that's not like Gabrielle. I've noticed how weary she has been recently." She snorted. "I was going to speak to you about it. Bit late now," she muttered.
The healer sighed. "She's been through a lot, and her body needs time to heal. Still having nightmares?" Xena nodded. "Those will pass, as she is more open about what happened. That drains a person."
Xena looked back at the bed and as she turned to face the healer said, "She's not going to the centaur village is she?"
"No. She needs bed rest for a few days. The infection is very mild, but I would prefer her to remain here."
"She won't take it well," said Xena.
"I know," said Piri. "But it's my job to heal not be popular. You can stay here with her tonight." Xena raised an eyebrow and gave the healer a look that said, you try and stop me. "You can also make yourself useful." Xena rolled her eyes as Piri dumped a pile of herbs on the table to be sorted.