Gabrielle hissed as she tried to move forgetting about her two major wounds and her minor head wound. Her head was pounding and the bright light was not helping matters when she tried to open her shadowed icy green eyes. As soon as she managed to get them open just a tad, she quickly closed them. The battling bard could sense there were at least two people with her. One she was certain was Eve. The other must have been the healer.
"Don't try to move around." The sweet voice of the woman that she had longed to watch grow up called out. The petite blond also sensed a wave of the woman's hand and quickly the bright light that had been tormenting her finally dissipated. Still she was loathed to attempt to open them again anytime soon. Gentle hands were on her and she automatically went into a defensive posture. No one had touched her like this since Xena had died. Even when she had been injured she'd tended her wounds herself. Of course that left some angry looking scars on her already translucent skin. "It's just me. I'm changing your bandages."
"I know who you are and what you are doing." The words seemed to hiss as they escaped the short haired blond's mouth. Finally she blinked her eyes open to look at her daughter's face. It had been almost a year since she had seen the dark haired woman. There was a tiny scar across her face. Of course she wondered where it came from but was only concerned with one thing at the moment. She wanted to get healed so she could find her next battle seeing that the wounds she suffered from were nonfatal. "I don't know why you're bothering unless you want me for something. Fighting. It's all I'm good for anymore."
While Eve was still on her journey of peace and of love that Eli taught right now she wanted nothing more than to smack Gabrielle and knock some sense into her. Having been told of the blond's condition and seeing it for herself were two different things. "I've come here to spread the word of Eli. But also there are no more pharaohs. After Cleopatra was killed, Rome took over." That got one eyebrow raised. "I thought that might interest you even though…" She cut herself off short not wanting to mention her birth mother.
Gabrielle's fiery green eyes kept steady with her daughter's blue ones. "First off I was never the one obsessed with the Romans. They cost me so much. I would rather they all just go someplace and die every last one of them." Blue eyes blinked in surprise. A smirk was on the bard's face. "I'm not the woman that you remember, Eve. That person died a painful slow death when your mother made her choice. If it was you that wanted the woman with the chakrum I'm sorry to disappoint you. Once I'm healed I'm off. Where I don't know. But I won't stay here if it's under Roman rule."
"I know how you must…" The bitter and angry look that she never would have expected to see from the once gentle and forgiving woman shut the priestess up very quickly. Eve had known that Gabrielle would have trouble dealing with her soulmate's death once again. From the stories she heard after they had been reunited after the twenty five years of separation spoke volumes the time that Xena died and managed to make it back. Then when they died on the cross together, though she never would have been born, it was almost like the perfect ending for two warriors that loved one another beyond death.
"You know nothing!" Gabrielle managed to sit up even with her head spinning and the pain in her shoulder and her leg. "No one knows anything!" The bard wanted to stand but even she knew the limits that her own body put on what she wanted to do. Though as of late she was pushing those boundaries further and further and she knew it and didn't care. "I don't even think she thought about me or what it would do to me. I can't…"
When Eve moved to take her into an embrace the petite bard quickly pulled back wincing at the pain in her shoulder. She felt the soft trickle of blood and knew that she had torn her stitches. Sighing heavily she settled herself on to her back once more. Without a word the priestess went about fixing the torn stitches. If only fixing a broken heart was as easily. A sigh escaped her as she took in the scars that she knew were not there the last time they had been together. While her life with Xena had caused some of them she knew most were more recent.
Eve cursed silently. She was not cursing Gabrielle or her actions. The dark haired woman had no clue how she would have reacted if the one that she had loved for what seemed like several lifetimes had been ripped away. And that she had no say in it with the added mistaken thought that that person had chosen to leave willingly. What those kinds of thoughts and feelings must have done to the woman that was stronger than most gave her credit for.
As she took out the old stitches on the wound in the shoulder only the skin betrayed any feelings. It contracted and released at the pulling of the gut out of the wound. Gabrielle never flinched either with her eyes or with her body as the needle continued to penetrate her skin and close the slowly seeping arrow wound. In fact those green eyes that were once so full of life just seemed to stare out into an unknown abyss. Once again Eve's heart tightened in her chest.
"Here, drink this." Gabrielle eyed her daughter with suspicion. Even someone that she had been close to was not one to be trusted anymore. What Xena had stolen from her was not only the life they had built together, the love that kept her going but also the ability to trust. Trust anyone. Not Aphrodite. Not Eve. No one. "It's just some herbs that will keep infection away and will help you sleep for a bit. You look like you could use some sleep."
There was a retort on the tip of the blond woman's tongue but decided just to leave it there. Truly Eve was only doing what she thought was best and wouldn't want to hear how she wanted to go to sleep and never wake up. That much was not past her cold icy heart. Which surprised the bard that she could actually believe even that anymore. She took the wooden mug and downed the bitter concoction remembering how her Xena would always put something in it like mint or honey to make it go down just a little easier. Just another slap in the face reminder that the holder of the other half of her soul was gone and that she was half a woman if even that.
Eve watched as thankfully Gabrielle finally settled back into a restless sleep. The priestess was not stupid. She knew that even in her dreams that her other mother would be haunted by nightmares of what had happened and nightmares of what could have been. A shadow just behind her formed and she turned to see the expectant figure. "She's worse off than I had anticipated." The dark haired woman turned to see the Goddess of Love watching the blond woman toss and turn. "What in Hades did my mother think she was doing? The world and especially Gabrielle are not better off."
Aphrodite hesitated in answering. Instead she made her way to her favorite human being. Carefully she put a hand on her good shoulder and it seemed to calm the sleeping woman. Without removing her hand she turned to the concerned woman. "There were…" The Goddess was having trouble finding the right words. "I wasn't there but from what I know there were powers at work that went beyond what they knew they were fighting. Both Gabrielle and Xena were tricked."
The mortal sighed heavy at the thought. "It wouldn't be the first time." She eyed the Goddess carefully. "I hope it won't be the last time. At least that is why I hope that you are here." The dark haired woman crossed her arms over her chest and the stance was unmistakable. It would mirror one that the warrior princess had down to an art form and that bard had learned to imitate perfectly. Even her foot began tapping slightly waiting impatiently for an answer.
If the situation hadn't been so serious and so dire the Goddess probably would have laughed at the imitation. As it was, the situation was one that could either destroy the friend she knew or it could salvage her. After seeing and hearing just how she felt it was time that she put her own fears aside and simply do what was the right thing. Righting a wrong that was supposedly been done for the greater good. "I've been with her ever since…" Aphrodite trailed off. "But there is another reason as well. Ares came to me…"
"Ares?" Eve now came at the Goddess in a threatening manner. "No offense because I know he's your brother and all but he and my family don't have the greatest history. I really don't know if it's wise to be trusting him." She pulled up when she realized that there was really nothing she could do to the Goddess and more that she could do to her. "Why would he want to help get my mothers back together?"
Aphrodite had been thinking about that for a long time. "Perhaps he wants to see Xena happy." When that got a smirking smile on the formidable mortal she was facing she quickly went on. "Or it could be that he wants to get the warrior princess back in the flesh so that he can try and turn her back to what he wants." The Goddess of Love simply shrugged her shoulders. "I haven't been able to figure out exactly what it is that is pushing him to do this. He even wants to involve the Egyptian Gods."
Eve visibly cringed at the thought. "No offense but I learned from both my mothers that most gods cannot be trusted." That got a look from the figure in pink. "I also have learned that there are exceptions to every rule." That seemed to appease the Goddess at least for now. "I think right now that if I had to try and deal with Lucifer I would." That made both the Goddess and the mortal cringe. Lucifer was one of the biggest and most powerful enemies that Xena had left.
A voice startled them from their conversation. They turned to see a grumpy looking battling bard lying very carefully on her right side. Green eyes had taken on a lost look instead of that of the icy one that had shown not that long ago. "I'd deal with the devil himself. And by that I mean Ares if it meant that just maybe I could get Xena back." The petite blond let her gaze go over her body for a moment. "I had a dream while I was sleeping. At least I think it was a dream."
Aphrodite made her way over to the bard and gently pushed her back so that she was lying fully flat. She sat on the edge of the pallet and watched as green eyes went unfocused for several moments. That was when a single tear slowly trickled down her cheek. All that the Goddess wanted to do was to wipe that tear away but was afraid of making any kind of physical contact. "I don't think it was a dream, Sweet Pea. In fact if it was what I think it was you might want to heed it."
Gabrielle looked up at the tall blond Goddess. She then closed her eyes and the dream came crashing back. Along with it was finally the realization of what she had been doing to her body, her mind and her soul. It was not just punishing herself but also punishing the other owner of the other half of her soul. It was unfair of her to do that to Xena no matter how mad she might be at her soulmate. The rush of pain that flooded her body was almost too much to handle.
It wasn't just the pain from the fresh wounds that was coursing through her. It was the damage that she had self-inflicted on herself over the past three months. The way she had treated herself, she was lucky to be alive. And that was not counting the fights that she had thrown herself in with abandon. It was the fact that not eating and not sleeping well had basically robbed her once vibrant body of what it so desperately needed. And now she had a chance to get it back.
One green eye opened and she found her daughter who had inched a little closer but also was respectfully maintaining her distance. Their eyes met and in that instance she knew who she could trust. Should have known I could trust family instead of trying to make it as a lone wolf. "If it's not too much trouble I could use some broth or something. Maybe later work my way up to some soup." Her other eye opened and maintained the stare that had begun between the two women.
Eve smiled but tried to keep it tempered lest she make her mother mad and change her mind. That must have been some dream if she wants to take care of herself. "I think that can be arranged. I'll go and get it. You just keep resting." The priestess quickly turned to the healer who nodded. They both left the room. For some reason the dark haired woman just knew that Gabrielle needed just a little more time to talk with the goddess of love.
"So, you finally going to stop being so stubborn like your other half?" Aphrodite wasn't sure how it would be taken referring to Xena in this manner but she decided that it was better not to back down. Gabrielle was stubborn as they came but she also knew when to give up a good fight. Or at least she used to before Xena had once again sacrificed herself for the greater good and left the other part of herself to somehow survive.
That brought a faint smile to the shallow face of the petite blond. "Everyone always thought she was the stubborn one." Carefully Gabrielle shook her head remembering more than one time when she knew it was her own stubbornness that had gotten her into trouble only to have Xena come rescue her. "I have her beat hands down. Which is a good thing by the sounds of things. You knew." It wasn't a question it was simply a statement.
Aphrodite nodded her head. Of course she had known about the two stubborn wills that faced one another each day. If it weren't for Gabrielle's stubbornness they never would have stayed together. It was her dogged following that had brought the two together in the first place. It was what kept them together for all the years. It was what had given them the ability to forgive one another and to love one another despite all odds. "Yeah, I knew."
()()()()()()()()()()()()
The short trek to where the three people that really she got to know so little in her life, especially her own son, seemed to take an eternity. Of course it was only a matter of moments before Xena was standing before her family. Her mother took in her face and instantly knew what was about to happen. She took a hold of her son's arm and steered him just out of earshot. While all four needed to say their goodbyes, she knew her daughter needed to say special ones to a son she never truly knew in life.
Xena put a hand on her son's shoulder and gently guided him to a hill. They both sat cross legged with their knees touching and looking at the children still playing with the rope swing and in the small lake. To some it would look beautiful and what every child wishes for on a hot summer day. But to the warrior she saw all the lives that were cut too short. The ones that never had a chance to experience adulthood just like the young man that was sitting next to her.
"I'm going to have to go." Xena heard just the smallest noise coming from her son. To anyone else they most likely wouldn't have heard it but her superior hearing and trained warrior senses she heard what most people chose to ignore. "And I might never be able to come back here to be with you, your grandmother and your uncle." Her hand absently found its way onto the boy's knee. Usually intimate little touches like that were reserved only for Gabrielle.
Solon, who had stiffened at the words relaxed at his mother's gentle touch. He had really never gotten a chance to experience that when he was growing up. When they had first met again, he had thought her nothing more than an enemy and killer of his father and mother. But that was only part of who his complex mother truly was. With the help of Gabrielle and the way that Xena had helped the Centaurs, he had come to realize that the warlord Xena of legend was dead and gone as much as his father was.
The woman that he met had found a way to turn her life around. That had made the young man happy and it had made him proud. His one wish would have been to have gotten to travel with her and Gabrielle. Even at his tender age he knew that there was a connection between the two women. And he would have been more than lucky to have them both in his life. But that had not been in the cards and instead he had moved on.
But what had he moved on to? He, in his mind, had been tricked into choosing Tartarus and it was his mother and the bard's ability to execute an improvised plan that had allowed him to escape from his torment and end up here with his family. That was something he would be eternally grateful for and so could not deny his mother this terrifying yet simple request. "I hope that someday we will be reunited. But I know that for both of us, Mother, we will live in each other's hearts and never truly be apart."
The ex-warlord took in a deep breath as she let the words sink in. You'd almost think that part of him was Gabrielle with thinking like that. I like that thought. I hate leaving him but he understands. Wonder if it's because of all he went through in life or if he was just this smart. She took in her son and realized he had been lucky to be born with this intelligence. He would have wielded it better than I ever did. "That's true. I just wish…"
A gentle squeeze of her knee and she knew that he knew. For a young boy that had not quite gotten to experience manhood he was all grown up. It made her proud that at least she had a little to do with that even if it was in such a brief time. They sat there for several moments before they both got up and made their way to the remaining pair of their family. Xena tried to keep her gaze steady on her brother and mother but the emotions were just too much.
"Daughter." Finally the warrior princess managed to look up and into her shared blue eyes. "We have not always seen eye to eye." That got a flinching of the lip from Xena trying hard not to smile for many reasons. "And if it weren't for Gabrielle I may never have found forgiveness for you. She is a special woman that is hurting more than anyone ever should. We will always love you. We will always be a family. So go and do what you have to to make her happy again. And of course, yourself."
The mother/daughter duo hugged fiercely. Just after they parted she found a large hand on her shoulder. She had trouble looking at her brother still blaming herself for his death after all these years. It was as if he could read her mind. "I'm as stubborn and pigheaded as you. I would have fought no matter what. If not that day then some other day. Our time was cut short but I know how much you loved and missed me. And I heard that day so long ago what your Gabrielle said to you. As long as you two have each other you will never be alone. Go. Make things right."
There was another round of hugs for each of her family members and then one big group hug. Never one for hugging this was different and Xena knew it. While part of her was terrified of never seeing them again the other half of her which was Gabrielle made it impossible for her to stay. There was no Heaven or Elysian Fields for her. There was only one place that was home, that was safe, that made life and death worth it. And that was being able to be, just be, with her soulmate.
Ares made his presence known and the tall warrior turned away from the people that had in the end loved her unconditionally. However each one of them had their issues during their relationship. A small quirky smile was on her face and gone so fast that the God of War never had a chance to see it. The thought of Gabrielle and how she had always, always accepted her with unconditional love. Even after what had happened with Hope. Even after what happened in Chin. Even now when she had had the choice and walked away from the one person that made life worth living. It was always and forever would be her soulmate.
The dark God looked into blue eyes. While there was a bit of emotion on her face he was not surprised to see the 'warlord' face in full effect. Not only was the look used to gain her an advantage in a fight it was also used to cover up when the warrior princess was hurting as deeply as she was now. It was a bittersweet moment for his protégé and even he was not that heartless to know that. "We have one thing to take care of before your journey begins."
Xena quirked an eyebrow at him. Trusting the God was not something that came too easily for the dark warrior. But this was for Gabrielle. It had only been three months but that was one second too long to have been without her touch. Without being able to take a glance and see that beautiful face. Not being able to watch her as she slept. There was just so many little things that Xena missed about her soulmate the least of which was just holding her tight all night long as she slept and feeling her breath and knowing that their hearts were as one. "Anywhere. As long as the road we're on ends with Gabrielle."
Ares smiled a wry smile. I wish that you had at one time felt like that about me. But all you wanted out of me was power. That's intoxicating but apparently not as intoxicating as whatever it was that the bard did for you. He sighed heavily and motioned her forward. It was not someplace that he could go nor would he or the warrior princess would want him to go. "Just relax. You'll be back here in the blink of an eye." He closed his eyes waiting for the signal. He heard his sister's voice. "It's time." He tapped his protégé on the head and she fell forward in his arms. Gently he let her down to the ground.
Blue eyes blinked in confusion. She was in a place that didn't exist anymore and hadn't for quite a long time. "Home?" Xena took in her appearance. She was dressed exactly like she did that first time that Gabrielle had ever waltzed into her mother's inn. Her sword was at her side instead of her back. She wore that hairband in her head. Yet her body was like before she had died. Her body had gotten toner and sleeker and more muscular over the years and it showed.
A noise at the entrance caused her defenses to go on high alert. Reaching behind her, she cursed as she realized that her sword was not at her back like she was so used to. Pausing when she heard the familiar footsteps she simply let her arms drop to her side. She was not surprised to see her soulmate walk through the door dressed exactly as she had been all those years ago. However she was shocked to take in the condition that her lover was in which was obvious even through the layers of clothing.
Not worrying how they had gotten there or what was really going on quickly the pair covered the remaining distance between them. Instead of engulfing Gabrielle in the hug that she so desperately wanted to do Xena took her by the shoulders and held her at arm's length. Green eyes look hurt at the greeting. Taking in the skin and bones look of her lover the warrior princess grimaced. "I would love to hug you but I'm afraid I might hurt you. What have you done to yourself?"
Gabrielle shoved off the hands on her shoulders. To her it wouldn't matter what condition that Xena was in. She would have just rushed into her arms and never let go. Cautiously the warrior princess closed the distance hoping that the angry bard would not pull further back. Slowly she pulled up the peasant blouse that her lover was wearing. The sunken skin revealing every rib and a stomach far too thin was revealed. Gently Xena touched the ribs and the stomach.
The bard realized that even that gentle touch hurt. There was nothing between the bones and the skin anymore. There was barely any definition of muscle left. And because of that it hurt to feel the softness of her lover's touch. Green eyes saddened and tears were at the corners of her eyes. "I just missed you so. I…" The breaths were coming out in shuddering intakes as the crying became too much to handle. "I wanted to be with you anyway I could." The words were said between gasps for breath.
With as much reverence as she had in her, Xena picked up the bard and held her to her body. The grip that held her was achingly weak and a couple tears streaked down the warrior's face. I did this to her. I've done a lot to her and other people but this? I caused her to choose death over life. How could I be so selfish? With gently steps she made her way to the first chair she could find and settled her soulmate on her lap. "I know. I've heard all your cries. And I'm sorry. I was selfish. I never thought about what it would do to you only that I could gain redemption that I realize now I already had. Thanks to you."
Xena rocked the small woman in her arms. It felt so good to hold her like this even if her body had been rather badly abused. There was still that familiar scent that drove her crazy. The bard smelled of ink, parchment, lilacs and just that scent that was unique to her. Of course there was the tang of metal as the warrior figured that while she was gone the bard had become acquainted with many weapons. She cursed herself softly once again for letting this happen.
Gabrielle rubbed her face against the familiar leathers and armor. It was the first thing that had assaulted her senses but in a good way. Leather was always a part of her soulmate as well as the armor. But that weren't the only things. Xena had this exotic scent to her that was difficult even for a bard to describe. It was just that something that was forever a part of the warrior and it was intoxicating, comforting and plain amazing to the petite woman.
"I need you to do something for me." Xena brushed her lips against the soft blond tendrils that were just below her chin. Gabrielle got lost in just that small touch for a long moment before she managed to focus on the soft blue eyes that held nothing but love and concern in them for her. "I need you to live. And I don't mean like this." Carefully she extracted one hand and once again gently touched the protruding limbs. "I need you to live like I was by your side."
Green eyes almost turned into little embers at the words that her soulmate spoke to her. "But you're not by my side, Warrior Princess." The bard tried to get away from her lover but strong arms kept her securely where she was. "Let me go!" She took her free hands and started to hit anything that she could get her hands on. All it did was make her feel weak and for her body to ache. She buried her head into the shoulder she missed so much and cried some more.
"I will never let you go. I've done that twice now." Xena shifted her bundle until she was in a little bit more comfortable sitting position. Her strong arms tightened and she poured every ounce of love that she had into that embrace. Words were not going to be enough. She needed her bard to know just how much she loved her and needed her and regretted what she had done. "I vow right here and now that I will never leave you again." She waited until the crying had stopped. "Your path is my path."
"So if I just…?" Gabrielle leaned back so she could take in the pained expression on her soulmate's face. She was almost horrified to realize that Xena would indeed remain in the Elysian Fields just to be with her. Why was that so terrible? Because I want to live out our lives. I want us to keep fighting side by side righting as many wrongs as we can. I want us to grow old together. I want us to be there for Eve and any grandchildren we might have. The bard swallowed hard at the thought. "I…c-can't let you do that. Any more than y-you can watch m-me slowly k-kill myself."
Xena simply nodded. They held their gaze for a very long time just soaking in being together again even if it was in some kind of dream state or alternative reality. It didn't matter at the moment. The only thing that mattered was that they'd had this time. That they'd found one another. And that they were both thinking the same thing. Their love was never going to die. And the best way to keep that fire alive was to live. The warrior princess kissed soundly the battling bard. Sadly she watched as the petite blond disappeared. And yet she was happy in the knowledge that soon they would be reunited.