Thank you for the reviews, I hope you enjoy the new chapter and of course I'd love to hear what you think.
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Ares looked down at the sleeping woman beside him. Her breaths were soft, gentle; so unlike the persona she showed to the world, and to him. Her face in slumber had a fragile quality to it, one that he doubted many men saw at all. The furs laid upon the makeshift wooden pallet were pulled lazily over her smooth naked body, the tops of her breasts just visible above the mass of warm blankets, her chest moving shallowly as she dreamt. He bent carefully to her bare shoulder and kissed the soft skin, nuzzling her gently; breathing in the scent of her and their recent love making that still clung to the air. Slowly he rose from the still, beckoning form of his warrior princess and dressed quietly, being sure to not wake her. When he was finished he looked back at her, she sighed and rolled over in her sleep.
He smirked, how she tormented him, his senses... he adored her, and some may even have said he was obsessed by her. She was always powerful, commanding... dominating. His gaze grazed over her once more, his eyes lingering upon her exposed back, in this moment she was so vulnerable. She was his favorite, of that anyone could be certain, but still - Ares was a cruel God, he reveled in his schemes, his games with mortals, enjoyed seeing their pain and suffering.
Although Xena was his to command he wanted her to beg, to plead to him on her knees. He wanted the proud warrior that stood before him sneering, knowing, to be reduced to his slave. He tried to suppress a laugh of pure excitement at the thought, yes this new game was highly amusing, he was very impatient to see where it went and what his little warrior would do faced with more betrayal He smirked at her, his eyes glinting, before raising his arms and disappearing in a flash of light.
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Ares reappeared in a great palace. The pillars around him were made of the finest white marble, the floors a beautiful pattern of coral and cream mosaics, swirling into intricate designs. The walls were painted expertly in reliefs of various depictions of hunting, battles and sexual pleasures. A few feet away a grand golden bed stood upon a raised platform of dark marble, the two occupants sleeping within obscured by shimmering, translucent crimson curtains.
Ares cocked an eyebrow at the grandeur, finding it amusing that this man lived as though he were a God, in fact considered himself to be Godlike... normally any statement like that would have enraged the God of War, but Ares had bigger plans for this destiny seeking fool.
He walked up to a wall painting that was bathed in the glow of a nearby torch. It was of a scene by a fountain, the dark sky painted in twilight blues, stark white stars seeming to almost glow like jewels. He leaned closer, finding that they were in fact inlaid gemstones. The figure that dominated the relief was the likeness of the man that currently slept soundly. He was dressed in crimson and dark honey colored robes, his black hair adorned with a golden laurel wreath head-dress, and he was encrusted with gems, this clothing sparkling in the firelight, his face stoic, strong and commanding. But Ares' eyes were not drawn to him in all his glory, his gaze was pulled demandingly to the figure by his feet. A beautiful, powerful looking woman dressed in a sanguine translucent gown edged in gold, her hair dressed into an elaborate braided bun atop her head, the dark tresses threaded with gold.
But she was devoid of any gems save two; her eyes were made of startling ice blue topaz. He smirked, noticing the woman's position at the foot of the throne, her hand curled around the man's leg, the great Caesar, and his hand rested upon her shoulder, in that small gesture claiming ownership. Ares laughed lowly, knowing now that he was not the only man obsessed by Xena.
He turned from the intriguing relief and walked towards the bed in long, certain strides. He was a few feet away, his eyes falling upon the mass of pillows and silken covers where the man should still have been deep in slumber, but his side of the bed was empty, the covers crumpled in a testament to a quick and silent escape. A girl with long blonde hair slept on unaware of anything, a golden chain was curled around her ankle. Ares glanced about, his eyes scouring the shadows and then there was a slight movement and a tall man stepped into the torch light. He was just as commanding as the painting had foretold, his dark eyes burning with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. Within his right hand was a Roman short sword, steady for use, its wielder experienced enough to not be afraid that a stranger had entered his private chambers.
"Who are you?" Caesar asked, calmness making his voice sound like honey, his manner unconcerned for the girl in the bed.
Ares laughed at the man's nonchalant manner.
"A friend" Ares replied, sitting down upon the bed, untroubled by the sword's presence.
Caesar narrowed his eyes, ignoring the comment. "How did you get in, past my guards?" he asked in genuine interest.
"I didn't come past your guards." Ares said truthfully.
Caesar slowly lowered his sword, his eyes fixed on the man upon the bed. "Who are you?" he repeated, the desire to know burning brightly within his words.
Ares smirked, "I am Ares." He stood, letting the mortal look at him in full. So few Romans ever saw the Gods, their presence was weak here where less believed in them and more in the science and power of people. Even now Ares could feel his powers weakening; he would make this conversation brief.
Caesar laughed mockingly. "The God of War?" he sneered, "The Gods have no place here, I am God in Rome."
Ares' brow furrowed in annoyance, he pointed his finger leisurely to the left of the man and let a single, small fireball loose, sending it shooting towards a painting, upon the impact the relief cracked and crumbled.
Caesar's eyes widened slightly and he glanced back at Ares, as if only now truly believing him.
"I'm weary of this, now will you listen?" Ares demanded.
Caesar nodded. "I will listen" he replied, unruffled.
"I come bearing an idea." He paused, his eyes glinted as they connected with the dark honeyed gaze of the ruler of Rome. "I want you to go to war."
Caesar raised an eyebrow, "To war? For you?" His attitude was again growing cold and proud.
Ares laughed, "Not for my benefit, for my… amusement." Ares paused once more, choosing his words carefully. "I wish for a battle like no other, for fields to be littered with the dead and dying… a real battle" he finished with a grin.
"And you will support Rome to do this?" Caesar asked unconvinced.
Ares nodded, "I will back you." His grin was sly.
"I don't think it would benefit Rome to do your bidding."
Ares laughed once, more knowing that 'Rome' really meant Caesar himself.
"You haven't heard who your enemy would be" he chuckled.
Caesar sneered as if nothing this 'God' could say would sway his resolve. He threw down the sword and picked up a golden jug filled with wine, pouring the liquid into a golden embossed cup. He took a large gulping swig and then returned his eyes to Ares, his expression telling the God to continue if he liked.
Ares smirked knowing that disinterested look would leave the proud man's eyes soon enough.
"In Gaul there is a warrior that is unbeatable." He made a quick gesture with his hand to the balcony behind Caesar, gesturing that they should go outside, perhaps the cool night air would lessen the weak feeling he felt. Caesar nodded and led the way to the impressive marble balcony that overlooked a large part of the city of Rome.
"What warrior is it you speak of? Vercingetorix? He will soon be within my grasp; I have no need of you." Caesar sipped a little more of his wine, surveying the city.
Ares smiled smugly. "No, not him" he said, his tone mocking, enjoying the game.
"Then who is the man?"
Ares' grin widened, the foolish man played right into his hands with such ease. "No man." He stared out over the scenery, his mouth twitching, wanting to burst forth the laughter that bubbled within.
He saw from the corner of his eye that Caesar's hand holding the cup, bringing it once more to his lips, froze in mid-air, his eyes widening in surprise. It took him several seconds to find his composure; he blinked hard twice as if only just regaining his vision and turned his glaring gaze upon Ares.
"Xena…" he whispered, his voice speaking her name in a soft honey coated drawl, his eyes the only thing that betrayed his cruel longing, his loathing, his lust for the woman whose name passed his lips.
Ares smiled broadly, "Xena." He repeated Caesar's words and glanced at the man beside him, seeing the longing within his gaze. Ares found himself wondering if he were to tell of his night of passion with the woman that clouded the Emperor's thoughts, that he had left her naked and satisfied sleeping, waiting for him to return and caresses her awake, would Caesar pick up his sword once more and attempt to run him through? Ares laughed lowly, knowing that he probably would, the thought was appealing, to watch this stoic man become unraveled, lose part of his proud presence and become like any other jealous fool.
Caesar gave him an annoyed look, knowing full well that the God had seen something that he had not wished to be seen. He took a long drink, regaining himself.
"Why do you wish me to go to war with her?" he asked, his voice far too interested for his manner.
"I have already explained, I want a glorious war" Ares smirked. "What is your answer?" he asked bluntly, wanting to be away from the place, to not return unless he was needed, the stale scent of the city was beginning to make him feel worse.
Caesar eyed Ares suspiciously and finished the last dregs of his drink. "Perhaps" he said finally. He narrowed his eyes against the cool breeze that gathered in the air. "It would amuse me for a while."
Ares grinned, "She matches to the North, you can begin your attack when you wish."
Caesar nodded, "Not that I will need to, but if I should want to call upon you…"
"Don't call upon a God" Ares interrupted with a sneer, "I will come back when I wish, or…" Ares gave a quick glance around him, "I will send word."
Caesar nodded, "Very well."
Ares gave one last smile and with a crack he disappeared in a burst of light.
Caesar smirked, this night had become quite amusing, but he would make no decision now, not until he had consulted the oracles, they would be able to tell him exactly what the God's plan was.
His thoughts instinctively drifted back to his first meeting with Xena, she had been the leader of a band of pirates, beautiful, arrogant, young and very naive. He had been unconcerned by her threats to kill him, knowing that his destiny would not allow him to be killed by such scum. He had intrigued her and she had become a little obsessed, going as far as seducing him, never suspecting that she was falling into his hands and she was in fact falling hopelessly, easily for his seduction. He promised her the world, his hands gliding across her smooth skin and she gave herself to him, fully, willingly, she had loved him.
The thought made him flinch, even after he had left her for dead, hanging upon a cross, her legs broken at his command on that fateful beach, he had felt nothing, concerned with only himself, with Rome. He had learned of her escape, sent his soldiers after her, his blood boiling for her lifeless body to be laid out before him. Only after she evaded capture, killing all of his men that were in pursuit did his feelings begin to change. She had impressed him, stunned him… that was not an easy task to accomplish, and with time as word reached him from Ch'in, and as the years passed Gaul, of the warrior woman that was unstoppable, that feeling grew into a strange obsession. Her face would creep into his mind as he took his serving girls, the touch of her warm lips pressing against his would awaken him harshly from dreams. He commissioned statues, paintings in her likeness and sent his soldiers scouting after news of her current location and recent victories.
He breathed in deeply and closed his eyes, his mind once more drifting back to that first night in her cabin. He could clearly see the scant crimson dress clinging to her curves, her breast heaving in moans as his fingers pleasured her, his kisses melding into her own. When he reopened his eyes his mind was set upon one thing, the honey colored depths of his gaze glazed in desire. He turned and walked back inside to his chambers.
He carelessly placed the cup down upon a nearby table, letting it fall onto its side, his eyes fixed hungrily upon the figure still sleeping. He quickly walked to the golden engraved bed and slipped under the covers. He snaked his hand around the girl's waist and nuzzled her neck, she gave a low moan and her eyes flickered open sleepily, revealing beautiful sea green eyes that seemed to change in color as if they were the very ocean itself.
She looked up at him, her gaze apprehensive, nervous; her blond hair falling away from her delicately beautiful face.
"It is time to please Rome, Gabrielle" he said with a sly smirk.
The girl forced a smile full of fake desire and Caesar pulled her to him, tonight his slave would curb the lust, but he knew only too well it would rear again tomorrow for her… for Xena.