GABRIELLE
War. God's Xena what am I gonna do?
Gabrielle sat in a chair in their living room as she put her face in her hands for a moment. Before sitting back and looking up at the ceiling of their home back in the secret village. Silently a small part of her hoping that Zeus would just throw down a bolt of lightning and just kill her right then. Xena walked over and crouched down in front of her.
XENA
We'll figure this out Gabrielle. I promise. And we'll find out who really killed Nevaea.
GABRIELLE
If this war really happens it could do so much damage to all the Amazon's. Even the ones not involved.
XENA
I know and we're gonna do everything we can to stop this. But we still have to be prepared for if it dose to come to that.
GABRIELLE
I know.
Gabrielle sighed.
GABRIELLE
I still have to tell the rest of the village about this. Everyone was already nervous about the summit to begin with and now... Damn it!
Gabrielle pounded her fist on the arm of the chair in frustration.
GABRIELLE
Ah.
Gabrielle shook her hand from hitting the chair too hard and hurting herself slightly. Xena gave her a small, reassuring smile as she took Gabrielle's hand and kissed it as she held it in hers.
XENA
We'll get through this. All of us. The people out there trust you as their queen and friend. You can do this Gabrielle and I'll be right beside you no matter what.
Gabrielle took a deep breath as she mentally prepared herself as she and Xena stood up and went to the front door. Gabrielle stood there for a moment as she entered her "queen" mode. Knowing that she was going to have to put on a confident and brave front in front of the others. She knew that now wasn't the time to let her emotions get the better of her. As much as she just wanted to scream and cry out of anger, frustration and fear over everything that was happening so quickly that she hadn't even really had much time to process everything. But Gabrielle made a mental note that there would be time for all that later. Now the people that supported her still needed their leader and Gabrielle was determined to do anything she could to live up to that loyalty and not let them down. Not when there was so much on the line.
XENA
Ready?
Xena's voice pulled Gabrielle from her thoughts.
GABRIELLE
Huh?
XENA
I asked if you're ready to go out there.
GABRIELLE
As ready as I'll ever be.
Xena put her hand on Gabrielle's arm for a moment showing her support as she opened the front door and let Gabrielle walk outside ahead of her. The two made their way to the hall building in the village where everyone had already gathered. Xena had the others who had come with them to the summit get everyone together for the news of what was going to be happening. As Xena held open the door and let Gabrielle enter first, Gabrielle stepped inside and instantly felt her stomach churn as everyone turned to look at her and bowed to a knee. As much as she hated that, Gabrielle had been told that Ephiny and the others told the village that this was an official meeting that the queen was holding. And if there was one thing amazon culture was known for it was the traditions and rituals that they followed religiously. Gabrielle knew that this was just something that she had to deal with. Especially when it came to important ceremonies and takeing official acts as queen. Plus Gabrielle had far more important things on her mind at the moment to pay attention to the usual discomfort she had for being bowed to. As she walked passed everyone, to the front of the room Xena walked around the outside and stood beside the throne like chair that was waiting for Gabrielle. Once she got to the front, Gabrielle turned around to face everyone as Ephiny took her place on the opposite side of the throne. Since she acted as interim queen when Gabrielle was away from the Amazon's. And because Gabrielle knew that she could come to her for anything that she needed to know about being queen. This wasn't only due to her status. But because Ephiny was also a very good friend. So it was an obvious choice that Gabrielle would pick Ephiny to stand by her side for things like this. Once Gabrielle sat down everyone got up from their bowing positions and sat down as well. Gabrielle cleared her throat as she looked out at everyone before her waiting for their queen to speak. After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Gabrielle began.
GABRIELLE
Thank you all for getting together like this. I'm sure most of you are wondering why I've called this meeting today. I wish it was for a happy occasion. But unfortunately that isn't the case.
Gabrielle stood up as she continued to speak.
GABRIELLE
As most of you probably know by now I was summoned to speak with the Amazonian Council about what happened here with the slaver attack. I won't go into everything that was said, due to the fact that we have more pressing problems at the moment. But on the second day of the summit one of the council members was found dead.
Everyone in the crowd began to talk at once as they were all in shock from the news. Gabrielle raised her hand to quiet down the room as she continued.
GABRIELLE
I know that's terrible news and I'm in no way trying to diminish this tragedy, but there is something else that I need to tell you.
Everyone went silent as they allowed Gabrielle to continue.
GABRIELLE
This next part might be even more difficult to hear, and theres no good way to say this but due to everything that happened it seems highly likely that the whole amazon nation may be on the brink of a civil war.
As exspected everyone who wasn't at the summit began to erupt into a panic at the thought of an all out war. Clover stood up from her seat.
CLOVER
War? What in Tartarus happened there to warrant a war?
Gabrielle did her best to explain the basics of what went down during the summit.
IRIS
The sacred tree is really gone? This is terrible.
AMARICE
How can anyone actually blame Gabrielle for any of what happened or whats happening now?
SKYLA
So what are we gonna do now?
Gabrielle looked down sadly for a moment before looking back at the audience.
GABRIELLE
What we have to. I'm going to try my hardest to stop this before it really starts but if I can't we need to be ready for what will likely happen. I'm not going to order anyone to go with me onto the battlefield if you don't want to. I'm simply telling you what's going to happen.
SKYLA
I don't know about anyone else but I'm with you Gabrielle. I know that you could never be responsible for what happened.
CLOVER
Same here.
IRIS
I'm with you as well queen Gabrielle.
AMARICE
I can't believe anyone would blame you for something like this. Of course I'm in.
Of course everyone who was at the summit stated their allegiance with Gabrielle. Well besides Velasca who only gave a slight nod when asked by someone if she supported Gabrielle.
VELASCA
I'm on the side of who's technicality right. And in this case it's Gabrielle.
Xena had overheard the brief conversation and was somewhat relieved that Velasca wouldn't be a problem.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Huh maybe Velasca's finally getting over her jealously and resentment of Gabrielle being queen. I guess that's something.
After Gabrielle finished breaking the news she did her best to answer any questions. Finally she assured everyone that she would do everything within her power to bring the situation to as peaceful of an end as she could. With that she ended the meeting and everything went off to begin to prepare for what was to come. A few weeks later Gabrielle received a letter from the council members Luna and Gianna, stating that Gabrielle had the support of them and their tribes. Along with a number of other tribes who pledged their allegiance to their queen. Gabrielle sat down on the bed as she finished reading the letter when Xena walked in the room.
XENA
Whatcha got there?
GABRIELLE
Another letter of allegiance from some of the council members and their tribes.
Gabrielle tossed the letter on the bed as she fell back and layed on the bed staring up at nothing.
GABRIELLE
This is really happening.
XENA
Afraid so.
Xena walked over and sat on bed next to Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
How did this all go so wrong Xena? I don't even know what to actually do here. How do we even win this?
XENA
The same way all wars are won. Kill enough of the enemy to the point where you either wipe them out completely or force them to surrender.
Gabrielle gave Xena a very unhappy look as she sat up.
GABRIELLE
You know that's not what I ment.
XENA
I know. But that's what we're dealing with here Gabrielle. Nothing I say is going to make this mess go away or make it easier. I'm sorry I wish there was something I could do.
GABRIELLE
So when exactly does the fighting start?
XENA
Besed of the intel we have I think we need to head out tomorrow to reach the point where all our allies are set to gather. Then we go from there.
GABRIELLE
This is all happening so fast. Not long ago we were celebrating our victory in beating the slavers and rebuilding. And now we're preparing for a civil war amung the Amazon's. Do our lives always have to be this insane.
Xena put her arm around Gabrielle's shoulders as they sat there for a while.
GABRIELLE
Xena with us leaving tomorrow and not knowing how things are going to play out after tonight. I know this might sound silly to think about right now but I know how things can go in a big battle or war. And I love you and I just...
Gabrielle looked up at Xena who understood what Gabrielle was trying to say. Xena softly touched Gabrielle's cheek as she smiled.
XENA
It's okay come here.
Xena held Gabrielle's face in her hands as she softly kissed her. She took off Gabrielle's clothing. Followed by her own. Xena kissed her as she went to lay Gabrielle down but Gabrielle stopped her.
GABRIELLE
You've been doing so much for me Xena, let me love you tonight.
XENA
Of course. Whatever you want.
Xena layed down as Gabrielle moved and positioned her womanhood against Xena's as she knelt between her legs. Xena reached up and gently ran her hands over Gabrielle's body.
XENA
What ever happens after tonight, I love you Gabrielle and I'll always be by your side no matter what.
GABRIELLE
I love you Xena.
Gabrielle placed her hands on the bed as she began moving herself against Xena. Both moaned as they felt their centers meet. Xena held Gabrielle's waist as Gabrielle thrust against her. Gabrielle slowly pushed against Xena as she leaned down and kissed her. Xena's hands slid up Gabrielle's back while Gabrielle continued to move. Gabrielle whispered Xena's name as she thrust herself against her. She began to move her feminine treasure a little faster against Xena's. Xena held Gabrielle's waist pulling her tighter against her as she called Gabrielle's name. Gabrielle let out a small moan as she continued pushing herself against Xena. She gripped the sheets under them. Feeling herself getting closer to her climax. Xena was close too as Gabrielle kept moving. Gabrielle thrust harder against her as she felt her orgasism just on the horizon. She moved faster and then with one more push, Gabrielle let out a blissful cry as she came. She layed her head on Xena's chest as she slowly calmed her breathing while feeling her center spasm in orgasism. Xena ran her fingertips over Gabrielle's back until Gabrielle looked up at Xena, seeing her loving smile.
XENA
Feel a little better?
GABRIELLE
A little.
XENA
Good.
Xena kissed Gabrielle as Gabrielle moved to lay next to Xena. She looked at her as she thought of something.
GABRIELLE
Xena you didn't um... you know. Did you?
XENA
It's okay Gabrielle. I know that you needed that more than me tonight.
GABRIELLE
It's not okay Xena. I said that I wanted to love you and I know I left you hanging last time too.
XENA
Sure I was slightly disappointed but Gabrielle you know I was only joking about being actually upset about that right?
GABRIELLE
I know. But with what's coming up I want tonight to be good for both of us. So if you want I wanna make you feel good too Xena.
Xena smirked.
XENA
If that's what you want I'm certainly not gonna turn that offer down.
Gabrielle smiled as she leaned in and kissed Xena. She then got out of bed and retrieved something that Xena recognized instantly.
XENA
(Seductive tone) Now what did you plan on doing with that.
GABRIELLE
I can think of a few ideas. You just stay right there.
Gabrielle climbed back into bed and knelt between Xena's legs. She held the phallic item that she had grabbed in her hand and lightly rubbed it along Xena's womanhood. Xena shuttered slightly in anticipation. After a few moments Gabrielle preceded to push the item into Xena. Who let out a low moan as she felt it sink deep inside her. Gabrielle slowly began to move it in and out of Xena's warmth. It wasn't long until Xena felt her orgasism approaching. Gabrielle could tell and began to pump the phallus into Xena faster. Using her other hand Gabrielle began rubbing Xena's clit as she continued weaving the item in and out of her. Xena clenched at the sheet under her as she felt herself ready to reach her climax. Her feet dug into the bed as she threw her head back and let out cry of pure extacy as she came. Gabrielle slowly stopped moving the phallus and took it out. Xena began to come down from her high when Gabrielle layed on her stomach between Xena's legs and began running her tongue up and down Xena's womanhood. After a moment Gabrielle found Xena's clit pulled it into her mouth as she began sucking the the little bud.
XENA
Gabrielle...
Xena felt herself nearing another orgasism quickly as Gabrielle continued to suck. Gabrielle moaned into Xena who let a yell as she came again. She felt her nether region spasm in orgasism as the waves of extacy crashed into her. Gabrielle kept sucking as Xena reached down with both hands and gently lifted Gabrielle's face from between her legs and smiled at her.
XENA
I think I'm good. You keep that up and I won't be getting out of bed tomorrow.
GABRIELLE
Oh right. Sorry I don't know what came over me.
XENA
I do.
Gabrielle crawled up and layed beside Xena as Xena pulled the covers over them.
XENA
You just wanted something to take your mind off of things for a while.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry I didn't mean to use you like that.
XENA
You have nothing to apologize for. I'm more than happy to be that kind of distraction anytime.
Xena smirked as she gave Gabrielle a quick wink.
XENA
Plus that'll probably help us both get a good night's sleep too.
Xena pulled Gabrielle close as they settled down for the night.
GABRIELLE
Xena.
XENA
Mmm?
GABRIELLE
Be honest. Do you think I could've done something more or different to avoid this war?
XENA
Honestly no. I wish there was. But unfortunately there's nothing we can do about that now. Things just spiraled out of control too fast. The ones to blame are everyone who jumped in right away. Whether they were blinded by grief, anger, hate, their loyalties or whatever else made them decide that war was the only option. Everyone involved now has made their own decisions to do this. And now unfortunately whether we like it or not we're a part of this.
GABRIELLE
It's this sort of thing that makes me sometimes really wish that I wasn't the queen.
XENA
I know. It'll be okay Gabrielle.
Xena kissed the top of Gabrielle's head.
XENA
Some how.
Gabrielle and Xena fell asleep and morning came. As Gabrielle walked outside she noticed that the sky was dark and gray. She thought of how fitting the whether seemed to be for what was about to begin to take place. Everyone from the village that was a capable fighter stood ready and armed with horses behind them. Xena walked out behind Gabrielle and handed Gabrielle her staff. Xena looked out at everyone waiting on them and put her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder, who reached up and lightly squeezed Xena's hand.
XENA
It's time to go.
GABRIELLE
Okay.
Xena and Gabrielle went and got on Argo as everyone else mounted their own horses. Gabrielle decided to wait to give any sort of rousing speech until after they joined up with their allies at the designated place that everyone had agreed to gather to discuss strategy and anything else that needed to be dealt with before the fighting got underway. Plus in all honesty she didn't really have anything all that inspiring to say at the moment anyway. Everyone remained quiet as they rode out of the village. The group traveled for several days until Xena spotted the ally camp that they had been heading for. As everyone rode in Gabrielle looked around in shock at the number of Amazons just in that camp alone. And just from the volume of those in attendance there, Gabrielle knew that there were multiple camps just like this one. And on both sides. She didn't really want to think of the sheer number of Amazons involved in this conflict in total. Not to mention how it would effect even those who weren't fighting. Xena felt Gabrielle tighten her grip around her midsection as she tensed up but did her best not to show it to those around her. Xena rubbed Gabrielle's arm in an effort to soothe her even just a bit. The group found a spot to dismount and left their horses as they were approached by a few high ranking warriors.
AMAZONI WARRIOR
Queen Gabrielle?
With a deep breath Gabrielle pushed aside her fears and went into her "queen mode".
GABRIELLE
Yes.
The woman bowed in respect and then stood back up.
AMAZON WARRIOR
We've been expecting you and your party. We have the queen's tent set up for you. And several tribe leaders are waiting to speak to you once you're ready.
GABRIELLE
Thank you.
After everyone else in the party spread out to do anything they needed to do to get ready, Gabrielle and Xena followed the Amazon to the large tent. The woman held open the tent entrance for Gabrielle to enter and was about to stop Xena from following when Gabrielle spoke up.
GABRIELLE
This is Xena and she stays with me.
AMAZONI WARRIOR
Of course, apologies my queen.
The woman gave a nod to Xena apologizing to her as well as she let Xena pass. Inside the large tent, a number of Amazons sat waiting for Gabrielle's arrival. While she and Xena recognized Gianna and Luna from the council, there were a few unfamiliar faces amung the small group. Clearly other higher ups from other tribes who supported Gabrielle. Gabrielle took a deep breath as she got ready for things to truly begin.
GABRIELLE
Thank you for being here. Now let's get started so we can put an end all this.
And with those words the stage was set for the war between the Amazon's to truly begin.
TO BE CONTINUED...