Disclaimers: See Chapter 1
Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is a companion with, Xena & Gabrielle: A Turn of Fate. If you haven't read both stories' chapters preceding this one, you should do so now. Thank you to all my readers, and my amazing Beta reader, Jinxie 2013. Enjoy. :-)
The Conqueror & Ri,
A Twist of Destiny,
By, Ahkiken
Chapter 33: Clandestine
With her headache tapering and coming to terms concerning the predicament she was enduring, Gabrielle laggardly hung the remainder of the new clothes that Enya made for Ri inside the closet. Notwithstanding, her thoughts were detached from the function, instead dwelling on Xena and how she was grappling the switching situation.
Next, Gabrielle's cognition pondered on the other occupants on the tremendous warship. Would the Shogun react indifferently to Ri's unique arrival? What about his Samurai, Zicalus, Moku, Koska, Kenji, and Tanya? How would they deal with the quagmire once it became known? Would Ri be safe in Japa during the curse of its land by Yodoshi?
"Xena will think of something and protect Ri." Gabrielle opined, acknowledging how limitlessly the Warrior Princess did whatever it took to always persevere in her duty, no matter the obstacle of any mission.
Accumulating strength from the insight that Xena would ultimately be alright coping with the dilemma that were forced on them, Gabrielle concentrated on her course of strategy if she was to survive. The Amazon had to integrate herself into Ri's life to become her, but that already posed challenges. To play a part, the person had to have vital knowledge of the role they were acting, however, Gabrielle wasn't privy of Ri's status or her comportment other than the fact that she'd decided not to attend Athens Academy.
She didn't know where the castle was located nor the in's and out's of its interior. Most importantly, the cropped blonde had shorter hair than her double, which could, at worse, oust her masquerade, or, at the least, erroneously signify her as a slave. Knowing she was crafty enough to pull off the impersonation, Gabrielle tried discounting the former and abruptly disregarded the latter; she didn't care what any of the denizens presumed about her.
'Pivotal intel was gathered from Enya's visitation, though. I've learned that Diana is a goddess, possibly the one who Eli alluded to controlling the Omphalos shards. The Dirae are the Furies, and Ri is friends with someone named Iona.' Musing on the useful information still left Gabrielle full of questions. 'But I don't know what Iona looks like... Or who the heck Selene and the Chancellor are!'
Ceasing her growing ire, she finished her dull task and actually started to appraise the clothing. She was drawn to the colorful assortment of tunics, chitons, dresses, and nightgowns. Even the silk undergarments caught her eye, but one attire really made the bard fascinated.
'Wow!' Gabrielle's astonished orbs settled on the dark blue, strapless dress. 'Gotta admit, the seamstress surely can stitch a fine fabric.'
Pleased that she was the exact size as Ri and enticed to take the beautiful apparel out, along with its white sash, Gabrielle's somber mood dismissed it. Instead, the petite Samurai chose an orange-colored tunic with silky, sheer underwear, and laid them on the bedding. She remembered the yin-yang chakram that was under the bed and chose to hide it beneath the pillow.
Deciding that was a dumb concealment notion, she took it to the closet. Depositing it adjacent to varied sandals, Gabrielle closed the door and gathered the garments she was going to wear after her bath to reluctantly get rid of the lingering scent of Xena that remained on her body from their passionate night.
Evaporating the lascivious memory, Gabrielle traipsed to the bath chamber, hoping she didn't have to summon a servant, or find a source of water herself to fill a bucket and carry it to whatever vessel that was utilized for washing up. When she entered into the moderate sized area, she became surprised by the big, marbled-tub.
It wasn't the black and greyish tub that amazed her; she'd seen many of decorative bathtubs. What had puzzled her were the two crystal-like knobs that were embedded in the wall just above it. Gazing upwards, Gabrielle saw a silver pole with a widened hole that dangled from below the ceiling.
"What in God's name is this?" Gabrielle inquired aloud.
Setting the clothes on the rack of the bathing room, Gabrielle curiously began pulling on one of the knobs, but it wouldn't give. She halted her tugging and assessed the other. Trying the second ornament handle, she got the same results. Losing patience, the Amazon stepped into the tub and tugged with all her might.
"Sheesh, what does a woman have to do to take a bath?" She was rhetorical, kneeling down to get a better grip.
Shutting her irises, Gabrielle continued yanking until she leaned slightly, accidentally turning the knob.
"I did it." Gabrielle's excitement coaxed her to turn the handle a bit more, but the arousal dimmed once she realized nothing was happening. "Now what?"
Only hearing odd noises, Gabrielle surrendered taking a bath and planned getting out of the bathtub when water spurted from the gaping aperture, showering her. She let out a startled squeak whilst the freezing liquid drenched her and the kimono. Leaving the vessel and, despite her ill-humor, she stood on the side of it laughing at the inane moment of foolishly becoming soaked.
Gabrielle moved the wet fringe of hair from her forehead, thinking, 'What a strange device. It's like a waterfall!'
Collecting herself, Gabrielle twisted the other knob and tested the water with her hands to discover that it altered from frigid to a mixture of lukewarm. Understanding that each of the handles controlled the cold and hot temperature of the water, the bard slowly rotated one of them to get the desired hotness.
Clogging the drain with a cloth so the water would halt depleting, Gabrielle unadorned the doused robe while watching the water rise in the tub, until she was content with the level it reached. Thereafter, she'd shut the water off and returned into the vessel.
'I can use this back home.' Gabrielle ruminated, her nude frame submerged in the steamy water. 'Mmm, Xena would love...'
The Amazon's cogitation of her lover shattered the frail stability that she needed to build for her sake of survival. Nonetheless, Xena's absence in this world was deplorable to her, but having a morose mentality made Gabrielle temperamental also. She displayed that when the castle's tailor was offering a friendly insinuation. To continually indulge in this manner would increase the chances of exposure, and that would lead to a trip into the dungeon, eventually culminating in death. Closing aqua orbs to prevent tear-drops from falling, Gabrielle knew she had to clamp the repine for her soul mate.
'No more tears.' Gabrielle splashed her face with water, clinging onto a loving reminiscence of Xena, her friends, and family.
"That cake certainly hit the spot." Autolycus grins, patting his stomach at the table we all are sitting around. "Cyrene, got any good beverages that'll go well with desert?"
"Milk." Xena's mother avers.
He gazes at his full mug and retorts, "Yeah... But, ya know, after the night we had, ale would be preferable."
"Gabrielle doesn't usually drink spirits, and since it's her birthday..." Xena pause and takes a sip from her cup for effect. "You'll have to settle for what ya got."
"I thought this was a tavern." Autolycus grumbles, reticently drinking his milk.
We all laugh, and I have to agree with Autolycus on one thing; this was a Tartarus of a night. Because of Ravenica's demise; a bounty hunter who bit off more than she could chew by coming for Xena, Discord, the new goddess of retribution, threatened that we had till sunrise to yield the culprit. Before long, she became eager to dish out justice and wound up giving us even shorter time. Who would have guessed that, in self-defense, Argo had done the deed?
I glance sideways at Xena, knowing that if it weren't for her keen instincts of observation, Discord would've killed us without mercy. How does she do it? At times I surmise that she has a solution for every problem and, unless necessary, waits for the final second to execute her genius. She's so wise, I wouldn't doubt that she probably knew beforehand that Argo dispatched Ravenica, but I'm overly praising her skills, which is kinda understandable. I did watch her turn into a goddess to save Eli and me from a demon god.
I try focusing on Joxer and the fable he's telling about his encounter with a three-headed sea-serpent that was terrorizing the ports of Naupactus. He's a brave, kind-hearted man, but he lies to boast himself. Anyway, I can't keep my eyes from glimpsing the woman who's beside me. It's my birthday and I'm assured she has plans for us. Discarding everything that has happened these past moons throughout our travels, I wonder will she take me tonight.
I hope she does.
My body begins to feel flush and Minya says, "Joxer, you should stop. Your far-fetched story is making Gabrielle's cheeks red from embarrassment."
Minya's outburst brings unwanted attention to me and my face burns hotter from the stares.
Becoming truly abashed, I assert, "I'm just awaiting its conclusion."
"Me, too." Lila agrees, goggling fondly at the maladroit warrior. "Finish your fantastic story, Joxer."
"You mean, fantastical." The self-proclaimed King of Thieves snickers, till my little sister throws him a silent glare. "Jeez, Lila. You got fire like your Amazon sibling. Speaking of which, Gabrielle, are you still an-"
"Hush." Lila interjects, and I wink at her for being boldly stern.
"Alright, alright." Autolycus cedes.
Silence is restored and Joxer clears his throat in Autolycus' direction. "Now that the rudeness is over, I can recite my story without further interruptions. The villagers and fishermen were frantic, running every-which-way. Their port in turmoil, they cried out for a hero, and although I wanted to eat my scrumptious, trout sandwich, I had to answer the call. Me, Joxer the Mighty! A warrior who was forged in the heat of battle. I had the power, the passion, the danger. They knew my courage would change their harbor... Uh, save their harbor. I meant to say, save their harbor."
Minya scowl and leans toward my ear, quietly professing, "It might be me, but I'm positive I've heard that monologue before. I just can't remember where."
Biting my bottom lip to refrain from laughing, my sight swiftly and secretly shifts to Xena again. She's a true hero. Having been trained by the god of war himself, she is incontestably forged in the heat of battle. She has the puissance and vigor to endure any circumstance, videlicet when Xena's defeating her opponents in battle or using her fingers to coax me into shuddering on our adjoined bedrolls.
Oh, and her vehemence! Goodness, she is passionate about tackling a problem and not surrendering until completion, namely every time I try to hinder a moan or my climax. She'll dive into me with fierce velocity, touching my sexual core, and that mostly give her the corollary she desires. Nevertheless, if I hold out, sometimes she uses her tongue and that feels great. No... No, better than great. Especially when she flicks it on...
Shoot! My orbs linger on her too long and Xena catches me, giving me a knowable smirk. I instantly dart my vision away, but I'm aware that her sapience has formulated what I'm doing. She knows I'm wanton for her. Xena could be ruminating on me kissing her flat stomach, roaming my lips and mouth downwards to the apex of her thighs. Maybe she's lustful for me as well.
I hope so.
Hmm, should I be considering the prospect of sex? A woman did die tonight, and the Way of Love ordains that death has to always be mourned. On the other hand, she was malicious and tried to maim Argo, but that's barring the point, right? Ravenica got murdered and I have to show a decency of respect...
Esteem for a bounty hunter who'd killed others. Who would have harmed Xena if given the opportunity, the person whom I've recently discovered is my soul mate. If Argo got crippled and Xena's life was in jeopardy, could I stand idle, allowing the Warrior Princess to die at the hands of Ravenica or anybody else who wanted to hurt her? Would I kill to protect her, breaking my oath of non-violence?
I rather not hypothesize an atrocious wonderment. Moreover, Xena is absolutely too invincible to be conquered by anyone. I know it's hardly true, but on my birthday, I can feel how I want. Also, I will not bounce Eli's teachings of peace and love, but I do have to mark Ravenica down as an enemy who regrettably lost her life due to her wicked ways.
Peeking at Xena once more, I observe while she dips her index digit into the icing on her half-eaten piece of cake. She closes her eyes and commences sucking it. The air becomes stifling and I gulp down my entire drink, wishing that the white liquid were a peculiar nectar. Ooooh, I ponder will she let me straddle her gorgeous face like I allow her to.
God, I hope she does!
Basically gawking at her, Xena ejects the cleansed finger out of her oral orifice, slowly.
She opens her blue eyes and pin me with them, declaring, "That was good."
My libido goes into overdrive, then Autolycus' dubious tone ruins it, "No, it is not, Xena. Are you hearing this? Joxer's tale is getting ridiculous by the second."
"I can't believe it's not over." Minya adds.
"Aww, give Joxer a chance." Lila defends him. "His story isn't finished yet."
"It is for me. I can't listen to anymore drivel about this imaginary sea-monster. The storm outside has passed and I have some pricey jewels that I need to praise Hermes for." The King of Thieves rises from his chair. "So, adios."
"I don't have a clue what that means." Cyrene seems offended. "Autolycus, you have terrible conformity to insult your friends."
"What? Firstly, everybody here isn't my friend. Secondly, I haven't insulted no-one, either. Thirdly-"
"You're about to help me convey Ravenica's body into the stables." Xena interjects.
"That's not what I had in mind for number three." Autolycus refute.
In fast movement, Xena is on her feet and stands next to him. "You're gonna have to change your third promulgation then."
"It doesn't appear that I have a choice in the matter." He assents with reluctance.
"Smart man." Xena replies, turning her attention to us whom remains seated. "After we move Ravenica, I'm heading to bed. Good night, y'all."
Cyrene, Minya, Joxer, and Lila, all bid Xena a good night, except for me. She must be joking and can't be serious about going to sleep after that stunt with the icing. Xena's playing around... She's being inconspicuous to keep our friends and family in the dark anent to the secret relationship we share.
"Good night, Gabrielle." Xena repeats to me and I note the glimmer in her sapphire irises.
"Good night indeed, Xena." I affirm.
Xena's lips curl, and with a knowing grin, she walks to Ravenica's lodgings.
"You all know I'm vanishing once this job that Xena bullied me into is accomplished." Autolycus bend to kiss the back of Cyrene's hand. "Thank you for being a wonderful hostess."
"Come on, Autolycus!" Xena yells.
"Coming..." He starts following Xena's trail, mumbling, "The Warrior Princess has the muscle to bash heads, but not enough to lift one body. Give me a break."
"Quite the charmer." Cyrene pretends to swoon, making me chuckle.
"It is getting late. I gotta get started on my journey." Joxer states.
"You don't have to leave, Joxer. You can use one of the rooms that's made up." Cyrene proposes.
"You should stay." My sister insists. "I didn't hear the rest of your story about the sea-monster."
"It was a sea-serpent." Joxer huffs, standing from the chair whilst adjusting his hat. "Nah, I have to get going. Thanks for the offer Cyrene, but somebody's waiting for me in Argilus, and if I don't arrive there soon, she may wound up being with another."
I have no doubts that he's referring to Meg. I'm ready to ask Joxer why she didn't come to my surprise party when Argilus is very close to Amphipolis. Cyrene would've been shocked to meet Xena's twin. From the corner of my eyes I see Lila's sad mien and suppress the question about Meg. Lila really does have feelings for him and he refuses to acknowledge it. Perhaps he doesn't see her intense adoration. How can a person be so blind to someone's affections?
Joxer begins giving out hugs, minus Minya, who objects to it with a disgusted look. Lastly hugging me, his tight embrace is similar to the way Lila hugged him and it puzzles my brain.
"Happy birthday, Gabby." Joxer kisses my cheek and depart the tavern.
"I'm glad the wanna-be warrior is gone." Minya utter.
"Hey!" Lila goes on the offensive. "Joxer isn't a phony. He has helped Xena and Gabrielle lots of times. He's the most doughty man I know."
"You're right, he is doughy. Have you seen him without a shirt? Yuck!" Minya grunts.
"That's not the word I used. I didn't call him doughy." Lila clarify.
Minya ignores her, releasing a loud yawn. "I'm tired. Cyrene, is it okay if I crash in one of your rooms?"
"Go right on ahead." Cyrene accedes.
"Thanks." Minya vacates her seat. "I have to wake early to drop Lila off in Potidaea and hitch a boat to Torone to meet up with Paulina."
"How is the lifestyle of a thespian?" I query.
"It's mostly fun. Well, Paulina makes it worthwhile. She likes to act out scenes on late nights, but I barely can accommodate her because of being worn down from our every day activities, so we settle on talking and stuff. She is far more interesting than Hower ever was." She complains. "He is an absolute..."
I subconsciously rivet on the scenarios Xena and I can create. Centurion and the Gladiator is an explosive one. The Roman Mistress and the Slave can get pretty rough, but is exquisite, too. Engrossed in my musings of Xena plausibly becoming my slave tonight, I drown out Minya's grievance for her ex-boyfriend until she treks away.
Trudging the steps, Minya announces, "Happy birthday again, Gabrielle. See y'all in the morning."
"Good night." We all predicate.
Once Minya disappears inside her room, Lila gapes at me. "You did say thespian, right?"
"Yes, Minya is a thespian. An actor."
"Oh, I thought she was a Lesbian from Lesbos." Cyrene remark, causing us to giggle.
"Is it okay if you and Xena take me back to Potidaea, Gabrielle?" Lila inquires. "I'm sleepy myself, but I haven't seen you in moons and would like to catch up tomorrow."
"We'll do that for you. Besides, I want to spend time with you also."
"Great." Lila stifles her yawning. "Can I shack with you tonight, like old times before you left to follow Xena?"
I struggle to give a good reason for my sister to slumber in her own lodging when Cyrene astoundingly responds for me, "Of course you both can share a room. You go on ahead and rest, Lila. I want to converse with Gabrielle for a bit."
"All right." Lila concurs, arising from the table to hug me. "Happy birthday, Gabrielle. And although it is a beautiful look on you, if spirits made you snip your hair shorter, plus get tattoos, I'm glad you've trimmed down on drinking."
"Night, Lila." I laughingly say to her as she wearily climbs the stairs to the area that we are undeniably sharing now, 'cause of Cyrene's voluntary affirmation.
I pray that Xena does not plan on surprising me and creep into my room. I'll have to astonish her by entering hers. Rats! Xena's lodged contiguously to her mother's room! I'll really have to muffle myself, and knowing my lover, she'll try to provoke me into breaking my quietness like she normally does when we're not alone...
"Lila doesn't take long to fall asleep, does she?"
Cyrene's inquiry dispels my introspection. "Nope. She usually drifts once her head hits the pillow. Undoubtedly, Lila's sleeping already."
Cyrene nods, looking thoughtful. "That should allow you and Xena to have some privacy and be undisturbed for a while."
"Huh?" I'm confused.
Cyrene trades her current chair for another next to me. "You looked like you were having a hard time trying to find words to apprise Lila that she couldn't sleep in your room. I assumed you and Xena wouldn't have a problem making love in hers. That's why I told her that you two could share it together."
My eyes become so wide that I am flabbergasted that they aren't popping from their sockets. Again, I'm floundering for anything in my vocabulary to expostulate Cyrene's declaration.
I fail at playing it cool by tittering. "Ha, ha, Cyrene... Xena... Me... We... We're friends... I... There's no need for us... To have private-"
"I saw you two earlier."
The inserted sentence dissipates my rebuttal and I get earnest. "What? What are you talking about?"
"As Joxer was recounting his amazing tale, I'd happened to notice you covertly eyeing my daughter." Cyrene rubs her chin. "At first I thought nothing of it. However, your features began changing, and Minya mistakenly postulated that you were embarrassed of Joxer's story because your face turned a reddish hue from blushing. I decided to study you more, and you appeared to be listening to his recital until Minya whispered in your ear, then your gaze returned to Xena."
By God, she was scrutinizing me. Whilst I was enthralled in my own stealthy examination of Xena, Cyrene was doing hers on me.
Unbelievable!
"Once Xena caught your spying, you diverted your survey. Admittedly, this is when it got intriguing. I'd deduced that you were enchanted with her, but after viewing what my daughter did with the icing and the way you had drunk your milk, my curiosity was quenched. Xena made it distinguishable by taunting you, stating that the icing was good while connecting her eyes with yours. All of a sudden, your countenance seemed..." She thinks of a suitable word. "We'll go with enlivened."
I'm speechless from Cyrene's accurate elucidation. How foolish of Xena and I to reveal ourselves like that in front of everyone. What if the others seen it as well, and Cyrene isn't the only person who'd uncovered our clandestine romance? Bizarrely, I am not disappointed with the revelation of the Warrior Princess' mother finding out about us, and feel pacifying passivity. Albeit, I am fearful of Xena's reaction to having this faucet of our lives divulged. It was her decision to keep our sexual relations secretive, and I had withheld my aversion, reluctantly agreeing.
Cyrene clasps my hand, asking, "Gabrielle, am I wrong?"
"No, you're not."
"Are y'all in love?"
Nodding my head, a tear of resplendent joy cascade from my eye. After so many years of dodging queries pertaining to me and Xena's affinity, it feels gratifying to be able to confer the veracity of our life together with none other than the woman who gave birth to my lover. Not even Queen Ephiny, nor any of the other Amazons are cognizant of us, and they're renowned for having same-gendered relationships, including bondings.
"What's the matter?" She wipes the droplet off of my face. "Y'all love for each other is veritable, is it not?"
"Yes." I squeeze her hand in mine. "Are you okay with us... You know... Being intimate?"
"People have to be an idiot to not recognize the love between you two. I'm taken aback by y'all romanticism, but I am okay with it. Were you crying because you was worried about my acceptance?"
"No." I decline telling Cyrene how assuaged I am to be sharing this information with her. "We've discovered that we are soul mates."
"Soul mates?" Cyrene echoes with apparent misunderstanding.
"Our spirits are destined to be intertwined forever, from the past to the future... We will be reunited in every reincarnated life." I explicate.
"Y'all spirits are interlaced for eternity? How's that feasible?" Cyrene asks. "Surely all mortal souls are subjected to spending eternity in Tartarus or the Elysian Fields."
"Not for me and Xena." I reply.
Cyrene is gearing for another inquiry as Autolycus stalks into the lounge, unknowingly interposing on us.
"I recall you alleging that I was discourteous to friends." He starts his grousing to the tavern owner. "Ha, your daughter is a class-act. She's the epitome of the definition."
"Where is Xena and what has she done?" Cyrene indulges him.
"I don't know. Xena took off after she had me carry Ravenica's heavy, lifeless body to the barn on false pretenses that we were gonna do it together. Also, she claimed that since Ravenica is technically paying me because of the diamonds I..." The King of Thieves censures himself. "The diamonds I arrogated from her, I have to build a litter so Argo can transport her to the mortician tomorrow."
"Seems fair to me." Cyrene concedes in favor of her child.
"Well, there's a shocker..." Autolycus' appendages are akimbo. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and I had thanked you for being a splendid hostess. I rescind that acclaim now."
Finishing his revocation, Autolycus storms off while Cyrene and I chortle at his displeasure.
Moments later, our merriment subsides and Cyrene declares, "I have tons of questions for you, but I have a feeling that Autolycus' demurred stint was for Xena to extricate herself so she can prepare for you, Gabrielle. You should go to her."
My enthusiasm for Xena is piqued again and I'm hasty to excuse myself to seek her out, but I forego it to implore Cyrene of what she has learned. "Promise me something?"
"Hmm?" Her hum is reminiscent of her daughter's.
"Xena and I, we made a pact to keep our love affair hidden."
"Why would y'all do a silly thing like that?" She is on the verge of being reproachful.
I intercept her denunciation, "It's... It is what we want. Please, don't disclose this to anyone."
Cyrene emote negation to my solicitation, but tardily her expression settles into acceptance. "Though I don't perceive why you two are keeping y'all love in ambiguity, I swear by the goddess Aphrodite, I'll never speak of your and Xena's relationship."
"Thanks, Cyrene." I surround her with my enclosing arms.
"You might as well cease calling me by name and start announcing me as mom." Xena's mother infers.
"Okay... Mom." I experiment with the endearment and decide that it fits.
I'm jubilant that she has consented to retain me and Xena's secret. I disapprove concealing our amorous emotions, too, but this is the way Xena needs it to be and I can't remiss that. The love that flows between us was always there and I had to fight hard to get her to confess the urges she has for me... I do not wish to live on Xena's mutual love by itself in the form of a platonic relationship, so I won't lose her from my bedroll because of my wants. Pondering on the aspects of a warm bed, I get enviable for her from the anticipation of our copulation.
Disengaging, we descry Autolycus returning inside the lounge with us once more. "I can't find the materials for the stretcher."
"I'll get the canvas and a frame for ya." My newly acquired mom has risen from the chair and I follow suit.
"Thank you, Cyrene." Autolycus enunciates. "I abjure everything I'd avouched to you."
"Repose your charisma for some other susceptible female." Mom riposte, leaving the usually loquacious thief nonplussed. "You get up to 'bed', Gabrielle. We still have a conversation to conclude about soul mates and whatever reincarnated means."
I rein in my discomfit at her emphasis on bed, knowing what she meant. 'Til now, I haven't entertained the idea that she knows what Xena and I will be doing carnally. Regardless, I'm not gonna let that obviate me from the lovemaking with my lover this night.
"Yup, we'll discuss it in detail. Good night."
"Good night and happy birthday, Gabrielle." She beams at me, then profess to Autolycus, "Let's go, I'll get what you need and supervise you while you're making the litter."
"Sure you will." The King of Thieves murmurs. "What a spectacular day and night your birthday has turned out to be, Gabrielle. I'd gave up the chance to get a valuable sceptor to come here, almost got killed by a goddess, I can't get a cup of ale in a tavern, and I'm stuck doing an unnecessary task. I don't understand why I cannot lay Ravenica atop Argo, in lieu of creating a stretcher. When you see Xena, tell her I'm pissed and y'all might not be seeing me for a long time."
"Stop all your whining." Mom rebukes him. "Once you're done, I'll pour you a stiff drink, and it will be on the house."
"Well..." Autolycus strokes his mustache with a smug expression. "Things are looking up. Night, night, Gabrielle, and, uh... Forget apprising Xena of what I avowed."
"I won't emit a single phrase you're spoken." I give him a quick hug. "Good night and safe travels, Autolycus."
After we part, they exit to collect the things that are required and I ascend the staircase. Checking in on Lila, I witness her slumbering peacefully and become filled with nostalgia of my childhood. Because of what happened in Potidaea with Hope and the Destroyer, I'm jaded on why our parents haven't bothered to come for my birthday, but I'm really gladdened that Minya picked my sister up so she could be here.
I look forward to Lila lavishing me with accounts on what's been happening in her life for the past several moons. I can't wait to inform her about Eli and my adventures with Xena in India. Remembering my raven-haired lover, I begin setting a course for the Warrior Princess' lodging. I knock softly on the door and linger outside it for an answer. Losing my forbearance from Xena's lack of responding, I open the door, stepping into the dark room. She better not have fallen asleep!
Closing the swinging barrier of the entry and locking it with the bolt, I'm rendered blind by the room's darkness.
"Xena?" I prompt.
Taking a footstep ahead from the threshold, realization dawns on me that I'm under an empirical view.
"Cut it out, Xena." I chide, assuming that I'm standing in the center of the room that has a singular window, which isn't illuminating anything. "I know you're in-"
I gasp as Xena encircle my waist from behind.
"What took so long?" She purrs into my ear, replacing my nervy panting with stirred prurience. "I've been waiting for you."
Xena rains seductive kisses below my earlobe and I stammer, "I had... I had to say good night to... Mmm... To every one. I couldn't just coarsely... Brush them off and followed you. That would've looked suspicious."
"Mm-hmm." Xena's tongue trace the skin of my neck as her fingers caress the mehndi markings on my toned abdomen. "I want to taste every inch of you, Gabrielle."
Leaning onto her more stoutly, I derive that Xena has divested her armor, donning only the leather battle-dress. Reaching up and backwards, my hand rummage through thick, sable hair, whilst tilting my head, giving her ample access to my neck. She doesn't miss a beat, ardently sucking and laving it with cupidity.
Her digits repeatedly roam my stomach to my covered chest, then back down again, each time moving closer to the waistband of my skirt. Xena's loving alacrity causes moisture to permeate between my legs and my clitoris starts to react, coercing me to ache. Keeping my groans low, my nipples grow taut, straining against the fabric of my yellow top.
Xena's extremities modify their replicating course, now raising my shirt marginally beneath my breasts before descending downwards inside of my skirt, only to recoil upwards once more. Xena is committed to abstaining from touching the parts of my body that begs for her attentiveness as she continuously lick my neck, halting her furious suction so she won't leave a passion-mark.
My masterful lover is effectively inducing me to be sexually tortured to the breadth of becoming unbearable. The height she wants me to soar has been surpassed, and my core is soddened. Afraid that Xena will be inexorable to a plea, I yank on her hair, signaling for the pussyfooting to end.
Thankfully, Xena takes the hint, coaxing my breath to hitch when her deviating left hand fondles my breasts underneath my shirt and the right one delves into my skirt, detouring around the loincloth to explore my womanhood. Her lips peck my lower jaw, and shifting a bit, I kiss her mouth. Letting loose soft moans to be swallowed by her facial concavity, our kissing becomes urgently needy and Xena's fingers strokes me rapidly.
Extinguishing the osculation, but nowhere near dousing our fire, I transfer my hand from Xena's tresses to her face, tenderly feeling the structure of chiseled cheekbones when she inquires, "You do know I'm honoring all your requests tonight, right?"
I have not perceived that! This is a stunning disclosure because, habitually, Xena would love me in her own discretionary way, no matter what position I wanted to be in, rather submissive or domineering. If I'd made an error of seemingly usurping her as the dominate lover, she would unceremoniously reclaim her domination over me. Nonetheless, her stance tonight brings delightful purpose.
"Gabrielle?" A sole finger of Xena's slips inside of me and I cry out, holding onto her in order to remain on my feet. "What is your requisition?"
She finger-pops me painstakingly languidly and my slippery sex welcomes the intrusion. I muster the effort to repress myself from howling, while I cogitate on what I pine for Xena to do. What she's doing now is good. I can just have her strum me with her fingers till I erupt? Nah. I shouldn't...
"Xena." I groan out loud because her last stroke caught me off guard.
What was I thinking? Oh yeah, I shouldn't waste this night of having Xena in any way I choose. I know what I want.
The opacity of the space we occupy makes me gallant enough to demand, "I command for you to go down on me... Xena, I want you to suck my clit like you did your finger downstairs at the table."
"As you decree." Xena invades me with a final plunge before withdrawing, seizing my arm.
Using her extraordinary skills to navigate the dark room, I sense she's bringing us to the bed and I jerk free from her.
"No, Xena." I articulate. "I don't want it done on the bed. I want you on your knees."
"You're bossy." She purports.
"Takes one to know one."
In maddening celerity, Xena arrests my arm again, dragging me until she pushes me in the corner of the wall. Fingers clutch my skirt and, with equal speed, I'm unclad. It was so instantaneous that I hope it isn't riven. Afterwards, my leg is braced on a broad shoulder and a succulent tongue is spelling the greek alphabet on my juicy slit.
Now that Xena is on my favorite letter, it takes strenuous determination to encumber my vociferation, and I jounce from every swipe of her tonguing me. Planting both of my hands on Xena's head, I practically focus on calming my hectic breathing whilst visibly smiling at her in the darkness, 'cause I've been granted my fond wish of having Xena's head between my thighs...
And goodness, it feels better than great.
'You wounded up taking me however you wanted to that night, didn't you, Xena?' Gabrielle's memorization of her birthday nearly twenty-eight years ago gave the bard minuscule bliss.
Next, she began casting her happiest memories to the furthermost recesses of her consciousness. Until the blonde created the perfect illusion that she was Ri to dupe everyone, Gabrielle had to castaway her own identity, too. She would no longer be the Battling Bard of Potidaea, or the fiancée of a blue-eyed warrior. Becoming a factitious woman who Eli had warned she must disguise herself as, was her prime relevance, and Gabrielle would do it.
'Xena wouldn't expect anything less of me.' A ghostly grin etched on Gabrielle's lips. 'Although she can be reckless at times, I have faith she'll be strong and manage everything smoothly, like I will here. Other than my teleportation by the shard, what's the worst that can happen there with Ri?'
Raising the bar of soap to wash her bodily flesh, the Samurai's eyes closed while she settled into a rhythm when a bellowing voice that resonated outside the bath chamber made her motionless.
"Hey, Ri! It's Iona!"
To Be Continued...