A SIMPLE AND MEANINGFUL CELEBRATION

She's dropped the hunting law! By Ouroboros I can't believe this has just happened I've wanted this for so many years. I've watched so many werewolves die because of this law and yet now it's about to end. I have so many feelings running through my mind most of which I've not felt in many years. The strangest is happiness it's a difficult emotion to describe when you've not had it for so long and then you have it so suddenly again it feels like an intruder in to your life. I don't want to second question Xena because she seems so genuine in all of this, funny to think that this is the same person who had me chained up and dancing in front of a bunch of royals.

I eat breakfast with her true I didn't have any thing much to say and yet she didn't seem to mind. If she makes this come true and if she lives up her word, this will be the first dream which I can truly hold in my hands, which won't spill through my fingers like sand, like so may others have before it. I won't lie I'm second guessing her but maybe that due to our history. Now I have to come up with a werewolf version which will confirm her scroll as true and yet I find that prospect even more daunting. It's been so long since I wrote a scroll with formalities. The Imperial Council stopped me writing them two years before I went on the mission to Corinth they preferred that my adviser Adrienne write my scrolls for me because her hand was better than mine.

Frankly that was a lie in my opinion they just preferred her scrolls over mine because she loved to write in a forceful way which was more threatening than noble. I hated putting my seal on anything she wrote because I hated to think that she was twisting my words to suite the Imperial Councils wants and needs, as the bitch was always loyal to them. I'm thankful that I don't have to see her ever again I hope they killed her and that her skeleton is rotting in a pit somewhere, it would be no less than she deserves. Gabrielle looked up sharply as Thaleia walked back in to her room a smile on her face as she spoke. "How did your breakfast go with the Empress?"

Gabrielle looked at her friend for a long moment before speaking in a voice which sounded distant even to her. "Xena…she's made a scroll…it's about ending the hunting law…she had me sign it." She put a hand on her silver ring. "I put my seal on it." Thaleia felt her smile turn in to a wide grin. "That's wonderful Gabrielle!" Gabrielle eyed her silver ring before lowering her hand. "Is it, I mean she's never betrayed anyone's in that way has she I mean she's never made a scroll sealed it then changed her mind?" Thaleia moved forward so she was standing in front of the blonde woman whose hair was now touching her shoulders. "No Gabrielle she's never done that, the Empress is true to everything she signs and seals."

She put her hands together seeing the uncertainty in the other woman's face. "We should celebrate, would you like me to bring you some wine?" Gabrielle looked up slightly. "No thank you." Thaleia eased out her hands. "Oh come on, you should enjoy this, this is what you've been wanting, you deserve to let yourself go even if its just for an hour." Gabrielle looked up slightly seeing a very wide eyed look from her close friend which was almost like silent begging. She put a hand on her face suddenly it felt very hard to say no to her friend she wanted this so badly. She looked up slightly. "All right I'll have some wine, but not right now how about tonight, I have something important to write up?" Thaleia put her hands together. "All right well then I'll get a hold of something good for you, what kind of wine do you like?" Gabrielle took in a deep breath. "I have no idea, I don't normal drink alcohol." Thaleia stepped back. "That's fine I'll get something good, my mother knows a really good wine type she'll help me get it from the kitchens, she'll be so happy to hear this news."

She moved towards the door. "I'll go and talk to her now." Gabrielle nodded watching as she left the room the wide grin still on her face. She clearly loved the idea of celebrating over wine. She'd never really celebrated anything and she didn't understand the need to do so, but the truth of the matter was that she didn't really know how to have fun anymore. She took in a deep breath moving over to the her work shop she slowly pulled open the door walking towards the desk which she normally used to sketch her wood carving designs on and carve on. She eyed the wooden symbol of her goddess Ouroboros which was now complete and sitting on the wooden stool close by ready to be put up.

She could put it up tomorrow, she slowly sat down in her chair pushing the drawing on parchment gently to one side as she eased up a piece of clean scroll taking out the quill from the black ink pot, which she normally used to sketch with. She eyed the blank scroll in front of her for a long moment before easing her quill down towards it. It had been so long since she'd written anything like this, she paused what if it wasn't good enough? What if she sounded like a rambling idiot? She leaned on her elbow only to sit up slightly as Damokles words echoed once more in her mind. "Don't write from your head Gabrielle everything always sounds better you write it from your heart." She felt a slight smile form for a moment before it faded as she put the quill on the paper creating her first stroke as a word formed in her mind.

8

Tiara pushed the mop across the floor finishing the final corner of the throne room which had been empty for a long while. The builders had put in a new set of double doors to replace the one Gabrielle had smashed through. There had been a lot of questions about that from them but all of her staff had given excuses as no one would say that Gabrielle was here. She wouldn't lie she missed Thaleia who had been on her staff but she had now moved up to a very high position as Gabrielle's personal maid. She also saw Gabrielle most nights walking around in werewolf form she had said hello to her and had asked how she was. The raging temper was gone and Gabrielle seemed much calmer now and no longer depressed.

Clearly the Empress had really gone out of her way to fix the pain she had caused. Despite Gabrielle smashing things up she had never really blamed her for her actions she had, had a right to be angry after being turned in to the dancing entertainment for the royals. She just found it sad that it had come to that as it should never have happened to begin with. She hadn't looked at the Empress in the same way since if she was honest with herself. She breathed in putting the mop down hearing a talking from the corridor on the other side of the room where the double doors were open. She turned watching as Thaleia walked inside she was holding a pottery wine bottle which was clearly a very expensive brand.

She looked up as Gabrielle followed her in, in werewolf form on all fours only for one of her clawed feet to slide sharply on the wet floor causing Thaleia to laugh out loud. She felt a smile form as she walked towards the two of them watching as Gabrielle raised a clawed hand walking slightly more carefully across the wet marble surface. "I see you two, are having fun." Gabrielle shook her mane the alcohol was nice but it had no effect on her, truth was it took a lot to make her drunk but she'd never been that big of a drinker anyway. Though she had, had moments in her life when she'd been so drunk she couldn't stand, but they were moments she preferred to forget as she was drinking away her sorrows.

Maybe that was why she'd always preferred opium because she had so much more control over her actions, while being drunk was a horrible blur. She turned to Thaleia clearly her friend didn't drink much as she was tipsy but some how that felt all right as she could watch her to make sure that she didn't get to drunk, she felt that, that would be what Fedora would expect her to do. To take care of her daughter and look after her and truth be told she didn't mind doing that she liked Thaleia she was a good friend she'd never led her astray and despite that she was her personal maid they still had a friendship out side of Thaleia's shifts.

She paused before speaking. "Hello." Thaleia smiled as she took a drink from the wine bottle. "Hello Tiara." She felt her grin widen as Gabrielle stopped she leaning against her side putting a hand on her furry back to balance herself. "We were just having a little celebration." Tiara folded her arms. "Celebrating anything good?" Gabrielle shook her mane. "Yes a good thing." Tiara moved towards her. "I'm glad to hear that." She felt her smile widen. "How have you been Gabrielle, I do hope the Empress is treating you well and giving you everything you deserve." Gabrielle looked up slightly meeting her concerned gaze. "Yes she is treating me much better now."

Tiara eased up her hand. "I hope it stays that way I do not wish to see a repeat performance of what I happened with the royals." Thaleia smirked. "The royals are idiots…especially king Marmax and his wife." Tiara laughed inwardly as she spoke. "Truer words were never spoken but don't say that in front of the Empress she may not see the humour in it." She eyeing Gabrielle's clawed hand which had a gleaming silver ring on the third finger. "What's that ring on your finger?" Gabrielle eased up her clawed hand as she sat down on her hind legs watching as Thaleia moved to learn against her shoulder. "The ring is called the Horn Hind seal it's very special there's only one in existence and no copies have ever been made."

Tiara looked at the gleaming ring she put a hand on top of Gabrielle's feeling the soft fur which felt like silk as she looked at the ring with is gleaming deer seal. "It's very beautiful, very fitting for a kind young woman such as your self." Gabrielle carefully lowered her hand as she looked up at the older woman feeling very unsure of her self all of a sudden. "Thank you." She lowered her gaze she still wasn't used to this kind attention or compliments it was something she was still getting used to. She paused remembering that this woman had left a bowl out for her every night since she'd mentioned it. "Thank you for putting out a bowl and cloth for me to wash my feet."

Tiara smiled as she folded her arms. "Well we wouldn't want you to have wet paws now would we? Also because of what you did, I don't have worry about Iona messing up my floor." Thaleia looked up slightly. "Rumour has it she is on the mend though, they say she might be walking around soon she was only bed ridding due to her broken ribs." Tiara rolled her eyes. "The later the better." She turned meeting Gabrielle's uncertain gaze. "I'm not holding anything against you dear you did what was right the woman needed to be knocked off her high horse she's a rude and arrogant and she constantly messes up my floor." She eyed the marble floor. "She has always made my job more difficult than it needs to be."

She turned to Thaleia feeling a smile form as she felt the need to change the subject as it was clear that Gabrielle's looked slightly uncomfortable about Iona being mentioned which was understandable as she was the who had made her bed ridden. "Your mother's room for teaching the children is almost complete I saw them putting the final touches to it this morning." Thaleia felt her smile turn to a wide grin. "Does it look good?" Tiara nodded slightly. "It looks beautiful, I think the children will love it, it's even got paintings of animals and birds on the walls and there's even a statue of a Minotaur. I sort of hinted that they should put a one in there for the children."

Thaleia raised the wine taking another drink from it before passing it Gabrielle who put the bottle in her jaws, then took a long drink from it. "I can't wait to see her face when she sees the new room she's been wanting this, for so long." Tiara turned to Gabrielle feeling a smile form. "I did get a little message from Fedora today, she said as soon as the schools finished she wants you to visit now and again the children were very taken by you on your last visit." Gabrielle shuffled nervously looking down at the floor some how she should have seen this coming. "I can't imagine why."

Thaleia moved putting her hand on one of her friend's velvet covered horns very gently. "Oh I can think of lots of reasons why they like your company Gabrielle, my mother said you very good with children." Tiara smiled as she stepped closer to Gabrielle who once more looked completely out of her element. "She told me that as well and that you have a very gentle touch when it comes to children." Gabrielle lowered her gaze to the floor not wanting to meet the older woman's gaze. "I just don't believe that the children should be scared of me that's all." Thaleia eased her hand off her friend's horn. "Oh you're just being modest." Tiara smiled as she stepped back. "Well I'm going to go now you two should enjoy the rest of the night." Thaleia watched as Tiara picked up her mop before leaving the room she turned watching as Gabrielle moved forward on all fours. "You know I think the children would love a second visit from you." Gabrielle took in a deep breath. "You think so?" Thaleia gave her a wide smile. "Yes I do, you should visit them when the new room is open." Gabrielle shook her mane. "I'll think about it." Thaleia smiled she knew what that meant it meant that Gabrielle would defiantly do it.

8

I did the right thing and it feels like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders today I gave werewolves equal rights in every way shape and form. I know I should be celebrating but now I have a question on my mind which is really eating me. I don't know who put Gabrielle in that vile pit to suffer and die and no new evidence has come to light. Thaleia hasn't reported anything odd ether, I guess I was hoping something would come to light, be it a shred or a hint as to where to look or who planned it. Chara hasn't found anything ether since finding personal chest she gone through two years of prison palace records and all are clean there's been no hint of anything unjust going on.

The fact is who ever did this is probably still here in the palace somewhere plotting away. I feel very guilty for letting this rest because I saw Gabrielle as a monster and I stopped caring about the fact that she was dragged out of a pit and close to death. Now I want to continue the investigation further and push as hard as I can. I would hate to have to wait for this vile individual to come out of the crack in the wood work, but I know that this may be the case and I don't like the sound of it. The person who did this cannot hide forever, though at this moment they might be smiling smugly as they may think that I've given up the search and no longer care as my attention is on Gabrielle's feelings.

Though that might bother them even more and give them even more reason to attack. I know Gabrielle's in her room sleeping she just got back in from being out with Thaleia and I hate to do this to her as I know she's feeling tired but I need to ask if she remembers who did this to her as I want to bring them to justice for making her suffer like that for two years in darkness. I hope she can remember something even if it's no more than a few memories at least it's something to go on. The problem is that I worry that she may not want to remember because it was so terrible that she might want to forget and the memories maybe very fuzzy in her mind.

Xena stood up she picked up the lit candle and then moved towards the inner door she knocked on it keeping her voice low. "Gabrielle?" A tired voice came back. "Come in." She carefully opened the door catching sight of the other woman who was in werewolf form and curled up on her bed, it was just about big enough for her to lie on although her clawed feet did come of the edge. She was slightly curled up with her head on her arms so that her horns didn't poke the bed frame, clearly she couldn't lie on her side because of them. She watched as the green eyes opened slightly reflecting in the darkness as she placed the candle down on the table near the bed. "Is that comfortable lying like that?"

Gabrielle didn't bother to move her head. "Yes it is I know it doesn't look it, I guess it's my mane it acts like a cushion on my neck." She breathed in deeply. "How can I help you Xena?" Xena stepped forward so she was closer to her. "I know it's late and your feeling tired but I needed to ask a question." Gabrielle looked up slightly. "Go ahead." Xena put her hands together feeling the uncertainty as she spoke. "Do you remember who put you in that pit?" Gabrielle felt her body tense she knew this question was going to come up sooner or later but a part of her had wanted to avoid it because in truth even when all off her memories had returned to her the memories in the pit had still been very disjointed.

She had flashes of images but no solid flowing memory the few pieces she could remember was being fed and feeling ill because the food was drugged. The rest was messed up her mind images of screaming in to the darkness and seeing light for the last time and then nothing. She had expected it all to come back by now but it hadn't. The truth was she didn't want to remember and maybe that was why she couldn't she'd had pain in her life but nothing compared to starving like that, it had been constant every moment her body wanting food and no way to give it what it wanted it was worse than any torture because it was so slow and so painful.

She eased up her head meeting the other woman's concerned gaze. "I don't remember much, just jagged images here and there and darkness and pain, I've been trying to remember but it never works I still don't remember anything." Xena shook her sadly gods she had so been hopeful that this wouldn't be Gabrielle's answer. "You don't remember anything a face or a name?" Gabrielle shook her head. "I remember everything including getting in to your palace I remember being locked in the cells along with the other Northern Rebels, but something happened someone came in I couldn't see there face it was covered by dark robes the next thing I knew they'd hit me in the face with a wooden bat and everything went dark. They hit me very hard because my head was stinging and when I woke up again I realized that my clothes had been stripped off and I was being dragged along the floor, that's the last thing I remember with crystal clarity after that it just gets really hazy."

Xena put a hand through her hair feeling the frustration hit home. "Do you have any idea who would you do this to you?" Gabrielle lowered her head so it back in position so she could sleep. "I have many enemies not everyone in my own race likes me put it like that." Xena looked at her for a long moment she slowly kneeled down so she was opposite her bed seeing the distant pained look in her green eyes. "If you remember anything you have to tell me right away Gabrielle." Gabrielle turned her head slightly. "Why does this matter so much to you?" Xena sighed aloud. "It matters because I want to see the person who did this to you brought to justice, they left you to starve and die in that pit they took away every right you have. I have very strict rules about prisoner treatment and they broke every rule I laid out."

Gabrielle took in a deep breath. "Oh I'm sure who ever they are they'll show themselves soon enough, after all I was meant to die down there. They'll be disappointed that I'm not dead." Xena eased up her hand. "You want them to come to you?" Gabrielle tapped her clawed fingers on the sheets. "Yes I do if you question everyone now they won't come out they'll probably delay." Xena looked up meeting her gaze. "Then let me help you, if you get any thing even a flash back tell me about it, then maybe it won't come to that." Gabrielle closed her eyes slightly. "If I remember anything you will be first to know, I assume you asking this of me because they've covered there tracks very well?"

Xena stood up slowly. "Yes they have I can not find anything out of place, they made sure that they covered up everything you didn't exist they made sure off that. I have nothing to go on and now I need your help." Gabrielle yawned before shaking her mane. "You have my word that if I remember anything you will be the first to know." Xena picked up the candle from the table. "Thank you." Gabrielle blinked trying to stay awake. "One way or another I will help you find this person." Xena felt a smile form. "I'll let you get some sleep, good night Gabrielle." Gabrielle watched as she opened the central door she closed her eyes as sleep finally caught up with her. "Goodnight Xena."

End of part 43

Silvermoonlight

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