Xena awoke to blurred colors: deep crimsons, peacock greens and bejeweled blues. She squeezed her eyes shut and reopened them slowly but the colours were still there. She frowned and let her senses take over for a moment; she could smell the soft, floral scent of incense burning, mingled with the aroma of fresh fruit, oranges, apples and grapes. She made to move, to sit up, but found that the silk sheets beneath her were too comfortable, that in a strange way she was content… happy.

Her memories seemed to be floating just out of her reach and no matter how she groped they evaded her touch. She grasped a moment to even recall her name, where she was… who she was, but before she could dwell upon these things one of her questions was answered.

"Xena." The voice was low and distant sounding; she looked up, her eyes connecting with a dark honeyed gaze, only his eyes were clear, the rest of his face was hazy as if a dense fog clouded it from her view.

She felt a hand upon her cheek and without thinking clasped her own hand over it, her eyes closing at the caress, her lips parting at the warmth, and her hand was lifted to yielding, inviting lips and then a pressure covered her body as the man with the sweet, dark eyes leaned over her, examining her face. His hand came back to her cheek, his fingertips gently tracing over the outline of her jaw.

She could hear his slow, steady breathing and her mind fought for his name, for her own thoughts.

"You want to stay here, with me." The man's tantalizing voice was close to her ear.

Xena gave a small low groan as her mind seemed to swirl slightly with his words. She felt his hands travelling down to enclose her neck lightly, she moaned at the sensation, the feeling of vulnerability that her mind distantly tried to tell her was dangerous. Before she could fully grasp any more his mouth founds hers, the kiss soft and wet, their lips melding together in a sweetness she had never experienced before.

Her whole body seemed to ache from the emotion and she wished to wrap her arms around him, bring him closer, feel his touch. He began to leave small feathered kisses across her lower lip as his hands supported her limp body, seeming to read her thoughts, bringing them closer together, but even in the euphoria that was building between them she could sense… something. She furrowed her brow, her mind trying to concentrate as his lips worked upon her, the little fiery lines they left in their wake distracting her and making it hard for her to focus on anything but the feeling he was causing. She heard him gasping lowly with pleasure as he worked, his mouth becoming more demanding upon her flesh, his hands now joining in the caressing.

"Stay with me" he whispered between softly pressed kisses against her stomach. Xena threw her head back in pleasure as he moved further down, brushing her hips, nipping slightly at the exposed skin, she let out a gasp, feeling his hands skimming up her legs.

A strange rushing noise seemed to sound within her ear, causing her to flinch… a voice?

The man continued to kiss her, his lips moving in fluid motions down the side of her leg.

Xena closed her eyes and furrowed her brow, listening, and again she heard it, and then again, but she couldn't make out the words… She listened harder, the man seemed to have become aware, his nips now turning into bites, his actions meant to distract her, but she focused…

"My Lady."

The voice was not the man that was with her now it was distant, echoed. She bit her lip trying to keep her mind upon the voice.

Then as clear as a bell sounding she heard as if booming with her mind "XENA!"

Her eyes flew open and she wildly scanned her surroundings before sitting up with a shocked jerk of her body.

She was aware of someone kneeling upon one knee beside her and raised her gaze to meet theirs.

Markis met her eyes, his brow furrowed in a look that could have been concern. She glanced about, her eyes taking in her tent; her pallet… all was how she had left it. She looked back at Markis and he regarded her with a stunned look, something in her eyes disturbing him.

"Are you alright?" he ventured slowly.

Xena raised her hand shakily to her brow, feeling the light covering of sweat upon her face.

"I'm fine" she managed, her eyes meeting his, the familiar blue flame reappearing quickly in their depths, easing any anxiety her new lieutenant had felt moments ago.

"Just a dream." She gave him a smirk and quickly got to her feet. "Why are you in my tent?" she asked, fully regaining herself.

Markis hesitated, his expression becoming a little agitated.

"I had… a bad feeling" he finished, as if it were an idiotic thing to say. "I had to come and see if you were…" he trailed off.

Xena picked up a loaf of bread and tore a chunk out of it before throwing him the rest. She took a bite, her thoughts making her eyes narrow as she concentrated.

"I've heard before you… sense things" Xena stated slowly.

Markis nodded but said nothing in reply.

"I think the feeling you had tonight was right… that was no dream." She placed the bread down, opting instead for a cup of wine. "It seems our plans are known to Rome and his little sorcerers too." She paused, pondering upon the strange dream for a moment. "No matter," she smiled, with a devilish glint to her eyes, "it's more fun if he knows."

--

Caesar sat once more with his Oracles, the hour was late but Prisca was performing a spell he wanted to be part of.

"What kind of dream shall I send her My Emperor?" she questioned, her hands hesitating over a few jars and pots as if she already knew the answer. "If it works she will fall into a sleep that only I can wake her from… leaving her vulnerable for you to capture."

Caesar's mouth twitched. "Something…" he hesitated, his eyes shifting nervously from the fire back to her, "passionate" he ended flatly.

Prisca smiled knowingly, "Something with you My Lord." Her smile grew into a broad grin.

Caesar gave her a warning look; she knew exactly what it was he wanted Xena to dream about.

Prisca's hovering hands now grasped the various items she needed, she crushed herbs, ground bones and with a knife sliced open the belly of a large rat, picking out its entrails carefully before mixing them all in her huge cauldron. She turned to her brother who relaxed in his seat with a look of boredom upon his face and held out her hand to him, he gladly placed his hand in hers and again she took up the knife, letting it cut deep. Dark red blood began to flow; she caught it in the cup of her palm and then let it join the other ingredients. She then sucked at his wound before continuing on with her task.

She muttered long verses over the large pot, her hands moving in circles, skimming the boiling concoction.

"Come and watch." She beckoned to Caesar without turning to look at him, her eyes fixed upon the shimmering depths of the liquid.

Caesar rose and walked to stand beside her, he leaned over the pot, the surface was as if glass and within it were pictures that moved as if he were seeing the scenes take place before his very eyes. It was Xena, naked and beautiful, lying upon a bed; and he was beside her kissing her. Caesar felt his breath catch within his throat at the sight, her moans and gentle squirms under his… no, not his, the illusion's touch, was intoxicating. He longed with a furious passion that it was him, his lips pressing against her bare stomach… He shook his head, dispelling the thoughts, and turned to Prisca.

"Soon she will be locked within this dream; all it takes is for her to give in to… you." Prisca gestured to the dream figure that bore the likeness of himself.

Caesar's eyes locked back upon the two naked bodies and he fought the desire that rose once again within him. He leaned forward, his eyes now glued to the water's surface. He saw Xena's brow furrow, she bit her lip and he glanced once more at Prisca.

"She's fighting" Prisca said, her tone indicating that this was quite compelling to her. "Her spirit is strong."

Caesar turned back to the scene, his heartbeat quickening within his chest, and within that split second Xena's form vanished from the strange vision. Caesar frowned and turned his glare upon Prisca once more.

Prisca laughed throatily, "Stronger than I gave her credit for."

"You lost her?!" Caesar's voice soared in anger.

"It is of no consequence, we have another plan - that was the easier one." She winked playfully at him.

"Xena is no fool Prisca; she will know magic is behind this - that I am behind this!"

Prisca sauntered back to her brother, resting herself in his lap. "It's of no consequence" she repeated.

"She is more cunning than you know, she will be more cautious now." Caesar backed away from the fire, his expression thunderous.

Prisca let out a hollow laugh, "She is cunning but she is also proud and arrogant, I can outwit her."

Caesar stared at her, his anger fading in her confidence.

"Do not fail me" he warned, his eyes narrowing.

--

Caesar stormed into his chambers, his look thunderous. He collapsed into a large chair, his eyes smoldering. If only it had worked, if only Prisca had been able to grasp hold of Xena's mind… Now he had an impending war to think about, his domain to protect. He knew his army out matched Xena's easily but over the last five years he had become complacent, self assured that no one would dare take on Rome. Now his army was scattered all over Gaul, Greece and Britain… it would take them weeks to return, by then it may all be too late.

Prisca had assured him that all would be well, that she would not fail, that Priscus would have his turn now. Prisca was skilled with potions, spells and knowing the future that could be, Priscus… Caesar had only used his powers once before when he had his arch rival Pompey murdered. Pompey had been a real threat to Caesar finally taking his rightful seat as ruler of Rome and he had been a difficult opponent, good at evading capture and good at disappearing when he needed to.

Priscus had sent one of his many daemons to do the work… Caesar's men had found Pompey a few days later, or what was left of his half charred, half eaten body… they said his face was a contortion of pain. Caesar shivered at the thought but still he knew Priscus would obey his order to not kill Xena… he wanted her alive. Having such a great, powerful commander in his dungeons would bring the people of Rome much reason to celebrate.

He heard a metal tray being placed onto a small table beside him and looked up into the curious eyes of his slave, Gabrielle. The young blonde picked up a cup of wine and held it out to him.

Caesar gave a weak smile before taking it with a nod of thanks, Gabrielle hesitated, her mouth opening in a silent question. Caesar glanced at her, seeing the curiosity lurking just behind her innocent eyes.

"I'm fine." He answered her question effortlessly, he could tell what she was thinking with just a glance most of the time, her open, unguarded expressions were too easy to read. His eyes lingered over her clean clothing and styled hair, she had bathed and eaten, her manner was better for it, she was behaving herself, for now. "My mind is upon battles… or a battle."

Gabrielle didn't answer, instead her large expressive eyes seemed to gleam with condolence and understanding, she lowered herself onto a soft cushion by his feet and turned her fresh face up to his, telling him silently that she was ready to listen.

Caesar reached out to her, as he always did in times when he grew worried, unsure, and grasped her hand lightly in his, feeling the smooth, coolness of her palm against his own.

"A great warrior wishes to match upon Rome."

"Who?" she asked, finally finding her voice.

"Xena" he stated bluntly.

Gabrielle's eyes grew wide. "The Destroyer of Nations" she said in one awestruck breath. "But why, Rome has never stood in her way?"

Caesar laughed, his hand lightly touching her face. "You're so naive" he chided teasingly. "Everyone wants land, riches, power… and more importantly Xena wants what I have."

Gabrielle furrowed her brow, not understanding what he meant.

"She despises me; I wouldn't even say it is too harsh to think she wants me dead, to be the one to push the sword deep into my chest. She'd laugh while she did it" he mused with a smirk upon his face, the thought amusing him.

"Why does she hate you so?" Gabrielle asked in genuine interest, her thoughts flicked to the very real possibility that she shared something in common with this great warrior woman.

Caesar finished the rest of his drink and placed the cup back down upon the tray.

"I made her love me…" He paused, seeing his slave's eyes grow a little wider at his unguarded statement. "And then I betrayed her, tried to kill her."

Gabrielle looked away, stunned by his manner, his solemn air; she glanced back up, her eyes avoiding his in a nervous reaction to the question she wished to ask.

"Do you regret… hurting her?"

Caesar turned his honeyed gaze to the open balcony, his eyes glazing over as if something in his thoughts disturbed him.

Gabrielle shifted uncomfortably beside him, wondering if she should again ask if he were truly alright, but his soft voice dispelled the idea.

"Rome regrets nothing" he whispered.