The war waged on. As hours turned to days. And days became weeks of blood shed between the two sides. Both taking heavy casualties as the cost of the conflict began to severely weigh on Gabrielle. She sat in her tent alone as she heard these outside going about preparing for the next battle. She closed her eyes for a moment as she attempted to clear her mind. Hearing a noise, Gabrielle instinctively grabbed her staff that she had next to her and swung as she stood up and turned. A hand reached up and easily caught it.
XENA
You've really improved your reflexes with that thing.
Gabrielle sighed as she relaxed and sat back down as Xena let go of her staff.
GABRIELLE
Yeah well what other choice do I have?
Xena walked around and leaned against the table that was in front of Gabrielle. She could see the dark circles under Gabrielle's eyes. She hadn't been sleeping well since the war began, but she did her best to keep it from Xena. But deep down she knew that she couldn't hide it from her. Xena knew her all too well. Xena gave her a gentle smile.
XENA
(Half joking) You look terrible.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Hey is that any way to talk to a queen?
XENA
It is when she's running herself ragged.
GABRIELLE
Yeah well it's not like I have any other options. There doesn't seem to be any signs of this ending anytime soon.
Xena sighed knowing how true that was. Things weren't exactly going well for their side. It seemed like after most battles they came out on the loosing end. Even with Xena's strategies. It wasn't just Gabrielle that was feeling the pressure. The ally army was beginning to lose morale as well. Xena knew from experience that was never a good sign. Things were not looking good for any of them at the moment. As Xena and Gabrielle spoke, Ephiny entered the queen's tent.
EPHINY
Gabrielle, Xena we've received word from the scouts. The enemy is on the move.
She handed Gabrielle a scroll with the information that the scouts had learned.
GABRIELLE
Already? Damn it.
Gabrielle stood up after reading the message and gave it to Xena to look it over as well.
EPHINY
They do seem to be regrouping fairly quickly after each fight.
XENA
It's a good strategy. Don't give us time to rest. They certainly have the numbers for it.
EPHINY
What should we do?
Xena put down the scroll and walked over a map that was spread out on the table. She looked it over and came up with an idea based on the intel they just received. After telling Ephiny what she had in mind, Ephiny left to spread word to the camp of what their next move was. As Xena stood over the table, Gabrielle walked over beside her.
GABRIELLE
I'm gonna go wait near Argo.
XENA
Alright. I'll be right out once I grab my stuff.
Before Gabrielle left, Xena pulled her close and held her for a moment.
XENA
We'll put an end to this soon.
Gabrielle leaned into Xena's embrace.
GABRIELLE
I hope you're right Xena.
The two separated and Gabrielle left the tent. Entering queen mode and masking her fears, anxiety and fatigue as she left. Xena sighed as she watched the shift from her sweet bard, Gabrielle to the Amazon queen who she had come to see more and more of since the war began. Not that Xena didn't like to see Gabrielle take charge like this. Xena was more concerned about the toll that she knew it was taking on Gabrielle to have everything resting on her shoulders. Xena just hoped that this war would end soon. She moved from the table and grabbed her chakrum and placed it on her hip as she picked up her sword. She was just finishing hooking it on her back when Xena made a very unhappy growl.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Get lost. I don't have time for your nonsense.
Xena turned around as with a flash Ares, the god of war appeared. He smirked as he casually leaned against the table and folded his arms across his chest.
ARES
You know I will never not be impressed with your ability to tell when I'm around.
XENA
Go away Ares. I'm too busy to deal with you right now.
ARES
Ah yes with this whole Amazon war thing.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Why am I not surprised that you're involved in this.
ARES
Well I am the god of war. It's kind of what I do.
Xena glared at him.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Why are you even here?
ARES
I'm pretty sure we just covered that.
XENA
(Irritated tone) I'm in no mood for your games Ares. Why are you in this tent talking with me?
ARES
Oh I just thought I'd offer my help in ensuring that your side wins this war. I'm well aware that things haven't exactly been going your way as of late. So here I am.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Help from you? Yeah not interested.
Ares pretended to be offended.
ARES
Xena I'm hurt that you would turn down such a kind offer. Surely you aren't going to let your pride allow everyone around you to die. Oh and what about poor, poor Gabrielle.
Ares bringing up Gabrielle really got under Xena's skin. As he knew it would.
XENA
(Angry tone) You have better watch it Ares. I'm warning you.
Ares smirked again.
ARES
You are so hot when you're pissed off.
XENA
Just as I thought. I suppose that's what you want in return for your help. Me.
ARES
Oh you're good.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Oh please it's always the same with you Ares. Get it through your thick skull. I'm not now nor will I ever be yours. I have no interest in becoming your little warrior queen or anything else that I know you have in mind. So I highly suggest that you get lost before I knock you back to Olympis myself.
Ares lost his grin seeing that he had once again failed to persuade Xena to his side. He stood up straight as he scowled at Xena.
ARES
(Angry tone) You're making a very big mistake. Mark my words Xena by the time this is over you'll be wishing that you had accepted my offer.
At that moment Gabrielle came back into the tent.
GABRIELLE
Xena we're waiting for... Ares!
She scowled as the god glared at her for a brief moment and then smirked before looking back at Xena.
ARES
(Angry tone) This isn't over Xena.
Before Xena or Gabrielle could respond, Ares disappeared with a small flash. Gabrielle walked over to Xena.
GABRIELLE
You okay?
Xena sighed as she calmed herself down and turned to face Gabrielle.
XENA
Yeah I'm alright.
GABRIELLE
Do I even need to ask what he wanted?
XENA
No. But that's not what's bothering me about him showing up.
GABRIELLE
What do you mean?
XENA
There was something else. Something he wasn't saying. I don't think that's the last time we're gonna see him before this is over.
GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) Oh great that's just what we needed right now.
XENA
Well whatever he's doing, we'll deal with him when the time comes. For now we have a battle to win. Come on.
Gabrielle walked back out of the tent and looked over shoulder at Xena who followed. Outside they met up with the others as they left camp and rode into the next battle.
ALANIS
(Angry tone) There she is.
The Amazon stood over looking the field as she spotted Gabrielle riding in front of the army as she held on to Xena.
?
(Whisper) All of this is her fault. Once she's dead, the Amazon's will all be better off.
Alanis held her weapon ready as she looked around for the source of the voice but didn't see anyone.
ALANIS
Who's there?
?
(Whisper) An ally who wants to see justice done.
ALANIS
What do you want?
?
(Whisper) Only to help you win this war. And all you have to do is kill that so called queen and the rest will fall.
ALANIS
Getting to her is going to be difficult.
?
(Whisper) Don't worry you'll get your shot. Just make sure that your ready when you do.
ALANIS
I'll be ready.
(Angry tone) Count on it.
Just like that the voice was gone and Alanis moved towards the battlefield where the days fighting had already begun.
ALANIS
(Angry tone) I'm coming for you, you little traitor. Gabrielle will die by my hands.
TO BE CONTINUED...