It was my first taste of motherhood, in a way. Though I had helped to raise Lila, it wasn't the same as finding that baby in the basket. There had been a part of me that had wanted to keep the young boy. But with me being so young and traveling with Xena, that wasn't possible.
And yet, there were three young children that touched my life. Correction, touched our lives. There was sweet Solon. He had helped to make certain his two mothers were able to get past their anger, hate and grief. There was the one who had caused so much of that anger, hate and grief. And there was Eve. The one that was truly a part of both of us. And luckily comes to visit every so often, taking from her travels of spreading the word of Eli.
But once again, I'm getting ahead of myself. I remember the young baby, that I now know was named after me, fondly and wonder what had happened to him. He made me realize something. I wanted a family. I wanted it with Xena. But I couldn't say it. And at the time, Xena was dealing with the darkness inside. Still coming to terms with how the past was always a part of her.
I have to pause. I always do when thinking of how our pasts and the bumpy road it took for both of us to admit our feelings. Not only to each other, but to ourselves. Once again I'm ahead of myself. This was one of those moments. When I could have, had I known what true love and soulmates was all about, known that I already had my eternity. That I had my family. Even without any children or siblings entering our lives.
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The Cradle of Hope
Mmm. Gabrielle loved already to be awakened by Xena. And today she had allowed her to sleep in. It wasn't all that unusual, but normally after something happening like had happened with Morpheus a moon ago, Xena liked to be on the move. She liked to be on the road before the sun rose. And she'd keep pushing until well past sunset.
But last night, Xena had retired early. And the last two mornings she had allowed Gabrielle to sleep in. There was no rhyme or reason to it. And there didn't need to be. This was Xena. She had many skills and one had to trust in her decisions. Most of the time.
How had she slept? Gabrielle hastily put away her blanket. She hadn't slept. Ever since her experience with Morpheus, she hadn't slept much. It wasn't because of nightmares. In fact, it was because of the dreams. There was this figure. They were hazy, but of darkness and light. And there was the scent of leather.
In fact, it reminded Gabrielle of the woman moving about camp. She was about to say more, of course not revealing her true thoughts, when she was told to be quiet. There was a sound. The bard in her wanted it to be something great so that they could share yet another adventure together.
And when it was revealed, at first Gabrielle didn't know how to react. A baby? It had been quite some time since she'd been around a child. As she'd gotten older, some of the neighbors had asked she watch their children. But that had faded away as her tales were thought to inspire unsavory behavior.
After thinking about it a little, Gabrielle wanted a baby. Or at least she wanted what it could represent. A family. A unit. A way of life. It was something she had had, in a way, growing up. And yet, from what she knew of Xena's childhood, it hadn't exactly been that.
And holding the young child. Trying to figure out what was wrong with him. Xena sounded clueless. Was she? Or was it she didn't want to expose the child to the dangers that constantly followed her and Gabrielle. Of that, Gabrielle understood. It was why she would never have a child, at least before she was settled.
The thought of being settled caused her to cringe. For there was a part of her that would want to settle with Xena. And she knew, deep down, that Xena might never want to settle down. Though it depressed her, Gabrielle managed to keep her chipper demeanor.
That was why she had suggested her own name as a temporary name. And suggesting the twist on Xena's name wasn't just covering. There was something strong about the name. It would be an honor either way.
Another thought to be different. Another who was to be punished merely for being different. More than punished. If Xena hadn't used her trusty chakram to cut the rope, the woman would have been killed. What was unique was how Xena merely knew this person wasn't dangerous. It was the unruly mob that was.
Careful of a bag? What was in it? Weapons? Something fragile? It wasn't as if Gabrielle wasn't careful. She was holding a baby in her arms after all. It peeked Gabrielle's curiosity. And that was a dangerous thing. That had been shown when it came to wielding a weapon. That had been shown when dealing with a potential soulmate.
Pandora? This was THE Pandora's box? That only contained the hope of men? Gabrielle so wanted to see this box up close and personal. But even more, Gabrielle wanted to learn more about these desires that were fleeting. There were so many desires.
But Xena had seen to not receiving an explanation. Why? Did she really see her as that much of a kid? Gabrielle also saw how quickly Xena kept her from receiving an answer to the question. Was it because she didn't think Gabrielle could handle it? Or was it something else?
And the way Xena had merely known she was going to attempt to at least check out the box. Would she have opened it? Gabrielle didn't know the answer. And in a way, that scared her. What if the next time something drew her curiosity? Would she react the way she was supposed to? Or like some kid?
It had felt like forever waiting out the storm. The baby was definitely hungry. And between them, there was nothing to feed the poor baby with. And the entire time, Pandora stared after the box as if it was the most important thing. Although, the baby did gain her attention at times.
Xena without her weapons was a little alarming, but Gabrielle knew from past experience Xena was a walking weapon. One moment Gabrielle was handing off the baby, the next the man was demanding the baby. Even though it had happened before, Gabrielle still wasn't used to it.
The box was important, but a child's life was even more important. Why had it been so difficult to choose? Of course Gabrielle had always had a maternal instinct. It was one of the things she knew she was, at least temporarily, giving up. Maybe not giving up, so much as giving herself time to grow and know who the real Gabrielle was.
By now, Gabrielle was used to staying out of the way. Oh she still craved fighting, or helping, or something. But for Pandora to freeze like she had…It went back to how it was easy for Gabrielle to protect others, not only a small, helpless child.
It was sweet of Xena to ask if she was all right. The warrior princess was becoming better at allowing small glimpses into her true self. Which Gabrielle knew was quite caring. She only showed it towards a select few, like herself.
Gabrielle didn't know which was worse. The box being in the wrong hands or the fact the king wanted the baby dead. What kind of man would want a child dead? But why? What could a child possess that would threaten someone with the power of a king?
It always made Gabrielle feel useful when Xena used her, even if was to send a message. Of course, this time it was more important. It was an attempt to open up communications so that they knew for certain what King Gregors wanted with the child.
As much as she wanted to go with Xena, Gabrielle knew remaining with the baby and Pandora were more important. Especially after the way Pandora had basically been shocked into whatever stupor she was in. It wasn't something Gabrielle could relate to. And hoped never to.
Leaving Pandora alone with the baby might not have been the wisest of moves, but Gabrielle wanted to do something to help. She needed to help. Her skills at the moment were limited to cooking, talking and taking care of Xena. Even if Xena didn't always want looking after.
Finding Ophelia hopefully would make up for leaving Pandora and the baby alone. The fact Ophelia had blankets and food for the young boy was a positive. And the praise Xena had given Gabrielle more than made up for the fact she had not necessarily done what Xena had wanted.
So, the king wasn't the true enemy. He was only looking after his people like a true king should do. And unfortunately Xena's reputation was hindering the process of protecting the child and doing what they could for the greater good. But his second in command…
Knowledge is power. Gabrielle was quickly learning that. After all, she knew the real Xena. Something very few people would ever get to know. Cyrene was probably the only other person alive that would ever get to see and know the true Xena.
Ophelia wasn't only the key to obtaining access into the castle, she was also a fountain of knowledge. Nemos almost always had the box with him. Whether under his personal guard or by one of his lackeys. It seemed Nemos was the key to everything. But there was something more. Gabrielle just wasn't certain what it was.
The frenzy of the people to find the baby was getting out of hand. Part of Gabrielle wished they'd remained hidden. Part of her wished it was Xena who was transporting the child. But in the end, she knew it had to be this way. They would simply have to do whatever it was to keep the child quiet. Hopefully it was close enough. Though knowing Xena, it could nearly be anywhere.
At least Pandora seemed to have some kind of rapport with the baby. But when Gabrielle asked about ever having a child, it hurt her. Not that Gabrielle thought about it. It was just she never disregarded it either. She knew it wouldn't be until she was ready to settle down. To leave Xena.
But would that day ever happen? Would Gabrielle be able to have a family? She considered Xena and Cyrene her family. Yes, there were her parents and Lila. But to have a child of her own. And with someone she loved…It was something she knew wasn't in the stars. At least not for quite some time.
The crowd was growing even more restless. Their hiding place wasn't the greatest. And when Gabrielle heard the familiar cry for her…Something caused her heart to race. Was it only the fact she was afraid for herself, Pandora and the baby? Or was it something more?
Ever since the dreamscape, something more seemed to be happening for her when it came to Xena. It could only be the fact in a way, Xena was everything for her. Her survival was so connected to her best friend; it was almost scary. It was…Beyond words for the young bard.
Give the baby to Gregor? While Gabrielle trusted Xena with her life, this one didn't make any sense. While Xena had said she didn't think Gregor was an evil man, could he be trusted with the life of the child? And yet, Gabrielle knew she had to trust her best friend.
Before she knew what was happening, Gabrielle was having a baby tossed at her. Though not the greatest of athletes, she somehow managed to catch the child. The fight was epic. The tossing of the baby back and forth terrifying. In the end, Nemos was killed.
What a clutz. Gabrielle couldn't believe that she knocked over the box. But to find out it was empty…It gave Pandora the freedom to live. To truly live. Not tied to the box. Yes, she and King Gregor were becoming more, even before. But now, she had what all of us strive for. A dream of being whatever we want to be.
As she walked off at Xena's side, Gabrielle was wondering what her dream was. She knew it would forever, in one way or another, be connected to Xena. But would they always walk the same path? Would they always be side by side as they made it through life?
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Gabrielle was always so adorable when she slept. Though Xena knew they had to keep moving, there was something about watching her friend sleep. Was it the innocence she still embodied? Was it everything Gabrielle stood for? Was it the hope for a life Gabrielle managed to keep inside?
Xena sighed. Would life ever be more than traveling? Would she ever find what she was looking for? What was it she was looking for? And as she watched Gabrielle sleeping, she knew. It was what she could build with her friend, if she allowed for it. Whatever they could and would build together.
But that wasn't in their present. Would it be in their future? Xena sometimes wished she was a prophet. A seer. She had instincts. She had many skills. But when it came to her life outside of being a warrior, she was anything but certain of herself.
The warrior princess shook off the thoughts. For one, her life would never be what she once dreamed of. It was never every little girl's fantasy. But it wasn't having to live with all the lives she'd taken, the lives she'd destroyed and the villages that never recovered from her rampage.
A heavy sigh escaped Xena before she finally awoke her best friend. Like a rock? When had Xena ever slept like a rock? Especially since she had taken Gabrielle under wing. While she had some natural abilities she had honed over the years, she wasn't about to take chances when it came to her young friend.
When they heard the noise, Xena wasn't certain what it was. Gabrielle had quite an imagination. And when they saw what was making the noises, Xena internally cringed. It was the biggest secret she had yet to reveal to her friend. The fact she had, if only briefly, taken care of her infant son.
And the reason she had given her son up…Xena had nearly lost what tiny resolve she had to maintain her composure. No matter what, it seemed the children affected her the most. There was a time when that wasn't necessarily true. There was a young boy in Chin she had terrorized.
But when it came to an infant, like Solan had been the last time she held him, it was different. Especially the one. The one that had finally made her stop. If not stop, pause enough to see what she had been doing. And the consequences. Yet, it had led her on this path. It had led her to Gabrielle.
The enthusiasm of her friend. Xena shook her head as they made their way toward the village. Gabrielle was a natural with the baby. It pained Xena on so many levels. After all, there was no way either could have a child while she was so wanted or hated by everyone.
And there were the other thoughts. Stray thoughts Xena couldn't ever allow voice to. After all, it would mean their relationship would evolve beyond friendship. And that could never happen. It wasn't safe. For either of them to allow this kinship to turn into something more. Even though it pained Xena to think it could never be anything more.
Why was it there was always one idiot who thought he was king? That he was the greatest thing and leading people to do something stupid, such as hang a woman. And was proud of the fact he was the leader? Xena shook her head. She knew talking this mob out of hanging the strange woman was nearly hopeless.
And it always took violence, not words. As Gabrielle came closer, Xena hoped with every fiber of her being that one day it would be words and not swords that would end a conflict. For now, it had been her chakram and the threat of violence against the cowards that had ended the standoff.
Xena knew the look. Xena knew the reaction. The woman was defeated. The woman had a destiny she couldn't outrun. It was something the warrior princess was more than familiar with. She wondered what burden the woman had. The box was the key. Was she who Xena thought she was? Now, shelter was her main concern.
Even after finding shelter, the box was the stranger's concern. Even without being told, Xena knew who she was. But she wasn't about to reveal that fact. Not because she thought it would upset Pandora. More so she wasn't certain how her inquisitive young friend would handle knowing the box belonged to the famous Pandora.
Pandora's reaction to how Gabrielle had attempted to handle the box confirmed Xena's suspicions. The warrior princess had to get Gabrielle away from the box. Not because she didn't trust her friend, but because of her naturally inquisitive nature. And also not wanting to upset Pandora more than she already was.
And once Xena had called Pandora on the box correctly. And the nonchalant explanation…Sadly, it was something the warrior princess could readily relate to. And Gabrielle's reaction had been true to form. How Xena wanted to protect her friend from all the evils and dangers of the world. Whether they were perceived or real.
The box was the most important thing in her life? Xena knew she had to distract Pandora. To begin showing her that there was more to life than what one thought was one's destiny. After all, Gabrielle was slowly showing the warrior princess that. It was a long, hard learning process. But one Xena was willing to endure, if only for her young traveling companion.
Luckily, it wasn't long before the storm had let up. The baby was hungry. Xena was becoming nervous. Not because she was worried about the child or the box. It was what could happen if Pandora were to become too caught up in her obligation or Gabrielle to her curiosity. The origins of the child also had her internally on edge.
Even more so was having to relinquish her weapons. Xena was a walking weapon, true. But without her trusty chakram, she felt lost. It was as if there was a connection to it. There was a power to it when she held it. She'd never confided in anyone what she felt when she held her signature weapon. Would she ever, even to Gabrielle?
The innkeeper was up to something. Was it Xena he recognized? Was it Pandora? Or was it the baby? The way he had stared at the baby and had whispered into the young man's ear…It had the warrior princess even more on edge than before.
Just like that, Xena knew there was trouble. Whoever this man was, it didn't matter. He wanted the baby. He wanted him in the name of King Gregor. Worse, he placed an infant under arrest? Who did that and why? More than ever, Xena wanted to get the child and Gabrielle to safety while she discovered what exactly was transpiring.
And luckily years of fighting and improvising came in handy. Xena hadn't used the flame trick too many times. But to get Gabrielle, the baby and Pandora to safety, she would have done nearly anything. But leaving the box, that hadn't been a part of her plan. Not that she had an actual plan.
Luckily, the innkeeper was brighter than he appeared. With just a little gentle prodding, he was talking freely. Word was King Gregor wanted the child dead? Or was that just the talk of the masses? When it came to a witch hunt, Xena knew things were exaggerated and easily grew out of hand.
It was only a little surprising that King Gregor agreed to meet with Xena. If he was the kind of man Xena had this gut instinct about, he wasn't the one she had to worry about. But until she could look the man in the eyes, she couldn't be certain. And with both the fate of the child and the box at stake…
A reward on Xena's head. It wasn't anything new. From the moment she had picked up a sword in hate and anger, there had been a reward. It was something she never wanted for her young traveling companion. But sometimes, even with the greater good, there was a steep price to be paid.
Pandora was paying a price of sorts. She hadn't been out of sight of the box in probably a lifetime. It was something Xena could understand, in a way. Her naturally heightened senses were engaged, even while she slept. But to say she'd made the wrong choice caused the warrior princess to cringe.
While the box was of great importance to the world, the child's life had been in immediate danger. No man in his right mind would open the box. Even a greedy fool would know better. At least Xena hoped Gregor and his men would realize the possible consequences.
Of course the fact the box had to be reset before midnight changed things. Still, Xena knew they had made the right choice. There was a way. There was always a way to make things happen in her favor. Even if it didn't always seem like it. This was not one of those times. It was only a matter of things falling into place.
Meeting face to face was never easy. Her reputation had preceded her, as always. Would one day her name be greeted with warmth instead of hate? Would she ever be accepted as attempting to atone for her past sins? Xena internally shook her head. She needed to remain focused. To discover what kind of man both Nemos and the king were.
The threats were from Nemos, not from the king. Xena would still need to learn more about Gregor. But it seemed his right hand man was the one to watch. She'd seen the look of greed. Of the need of power in too many of her so called allies and foes over the years. She had seen it in her own eyes.
Leave it to Gabrielle to find an ally. The one who happened to have placed the baby in the river. And the fact she worked at the castle only worked in their favor. While Gabrielle would want to come, it was safer for Xena to work alone. And yet, there was that part of her that hated to leave Gabrielle defenseless.
Seducing a man was the easiest of weapons. Xena had learned early that her body could be a deadly a weapon by enticing a man. It allowed her to come close to her opponent. In some cases, she had not maintained a distance. It had caused her dark decent into the evil she forever would be known for. If not for one man…
But that would never happen again. Xena had easily vowed it. And the fact she was more than a little fond of her traveling companion made it even easier to maintain. Not that she would ever act on her feelings. Yet, she would attempt to be true to Gabrielle. Hoping always to remain true.
How Xena loved to surprise her opponents. It was easy to escape from Nemos. The unexpected was a great weapon indeed. The fact the child needed to live was not so unexpected, at least not when one was thinking clearly and not fearing one's own mortality to end. Gregor was the key. Convincing him of that fact the child could be his heir and not enemy wouldn't be easy. But getting past Nemos would be the difficult part.
And just like that, Nemos revealed his true self. The king had easily accepted the fact the young child could be his heir. It was the greedy Nemos that wanted the power and everything that went with it. Using the betterment of the kingdom of his poor excuse for doing so.
Playing catch with the child was dangerous. But there wasn't anything else Xena or Gabrielle could do. And in the end, Nemos received exactly what was coming to him. If it hadn't been Xena, she was certain Gregor would have a fitting punishment for betraying the kingdom. And the crowd chanting for her for good…
The only reward Xena wanted was giving her friend a namesake. It was only fitting. After all, it was Gabrielle who had saved Xena and kept her on the path of good. Was this child any different than what her traveling companion had been? Not that Gregor had been traveling as devastating a path as Xena had, but still…
And Gabrielle's klutziness revealed the truth. That hope was always, and had always, been with man. It was when we stop believing in such things as hope that we lose it. It would grant Pandora her freedom, not only to settle down in Gregor's kingdom, but also in traveling freely if she so chose. Would Xena ever truly feel free? To be released from the sins of her past?
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The woods seemed to engulf her for some reason. Xena had already been fishing. She had already taken her evening bath. For some reason, she was avoiding her traveling companion. Why? The warrior princess sat on a rock and stared at the stars. Hoping to discover the reason.
Yet, Xena knew the reason. It was made more clear with their latest adventure. Gabrielle was her hope. Gabrielle was her moral compass. Gabrielle was…The young bard was her everything. She represented what the box had held all these years for mankind.
Yes, it was hope. But it was so much more than that. It was a future. It was the chance to make a life. When Xena had struck down her first opponent, not in protection of her village, but in anger and hate, she had left that behind her. And while there were others along the way that had attempted to see there was another path, it was Gabrielle.
For some reason, the others' faces were flashing before Xena's eyes. Most were gone. Some at her own hand. Most attempting to save her. There were a couple that were alive, at least last she knew. But she was out of touch with some of her past cohorts. In some ways that was good.
In others, it was not. Because it allowed for the unknown. It was something Xena didn't like. This unknown path she was on. It was simply put…life. The warrior shook her head. It wasn't that long ago that she had a purpose. Of course that purpose was carnage. Death. Power. Money. Whatever she could gain.
Her purpose had changed. And saving another child helped to reinforce that purpose. But still…Xena sighed. There was a child out there that she should be protecting. Was she really protecting her own son by staying away? There was still a price on her head. There were those that knew of her reputation and would do anything to take her down.
The snapping of the twig didn't surprise Xena. Gabrielle was already attempting to learn to walk as quietly as the warrior princess. In a way, it was good. In another, it meant her traveling companion was attempting to become more like her. And where would that path lead her?
"I was…" Gabrielle stood in front of her. Her face was pale. Was it from the moonlight? Was it from the coolness of the night air? The storms the previous day or two had caused the temperatures to fall. There was also the fact the strawberry blonde locks were darkened still from being wet.
Xena knew without Gabrielle having to finish her thought. She was worried. It was kind. It was touching. On a physical basis, it was unnecessary. On an emotional one, Xena wasn't certain she would truly be all right again.
"Worried?" The blush was adorable. Xena chastised herself for such thoughts. "You don't need to worry about me. Though I know you will." Xena wanted to say more. If only to reassure Gabrielle. It would, the warrior princess suspected, always be this way.
"I know I don't have to, at least when it comes to fighting." Gabrielle found a spot next to her friend. There was just enough room on the rock for both of them to sit. "I guess today kinda had me thinking. I know you're not like most girls, but thought it could…and if you wanted to talk…"
Did she want to talk? Xena eyed her companion out of the corner of her eye. Her gaze never left the stars above. The light she had used since she was a young girl for guidance. If only they had provided the proper guidance when she was a youth…
But that was merely an excuse. There was no one to blame but herself. Cyrene had always been there for her. And Toris would have been, she was certain. But she never gave either of them a chance. There was the way her mother had spoken to her when she brought Lyceus' body home…
"It was just another day." Xena knew she was attempting to convince herself as much as she was Gabrielle. It had been another day, at least since her young friend had joined her. It was the baby. And it was the fact Pandora had this burden lifted in what seemed like the blink of an eye. Xena knew her burden may never truly be lifted.
Gabrielle wanted to reach out. She wanted to take Xena's hand in her own. They had come so far in such a short time traveling together. Yet, she didn't want to push it either. The only thing the young woman wanted to know? Was it the baby or the perceived destiny Pandora had carried around for so long?
While the younger woman didn't know about destinies or the burdens of life beyond being expected to marry and produce children, Gabrielle hoped she could somewhat empathize with whatever it was Xena was dealing with.
"It wasn't just another day." Gabrielle could sense, more than feel or see, the stiffening of her companion. "It's not every day that you meet a living legend. Of course, there are those that consider you a living legend. It was one of the reasons I…"
Gabrielle trailed off. They were beyond this, weren't they? While it had begun as hero worship, the aspiring bard was beyond that in so many ways. She was nearly an equal to Xena. If only she could fight or contribute more. And if only she could live up to those in Xena's past.
"Stop." Xena abruptly stood. Without another word, she and her string of fish were on their way to the camp. She knew she had made a mistake in staying away from the camp. Gabrielle would worry. She would always worry. And she couldn't blame her one bit.
The bard had trouble keeping up with her friend. Xena's long strides and determination left Gabrielle behind. She knew how easy it would be to be left behind. Not because Xena would want to. It was already settled. It was up to Gabrielle when they were to stop following the same path.
Something overcame Gabrielle in that moment. Somehow she managed to not only meet up with Xena, she managed to overtake her. She knew the fish needed cooking. But there were more important things at the moment.
As she stood in front of Xena, her friend not meeting her gaze, Gabrielle knew in that moment that this was difficult for Xena to accept. That someone wanted to be with her. That someone looked up to her. That it wasn't about her evil past. It was about this adventure called life.
"I know you don't like to speak of why I followed you or the fact someone looks up to you." Xena still managed to look over her head. It wasn't that difficult seeing the height difference. "But as you made it clear not long ago that it's my choice when to leave, it was also my choice as to why."
When Xena shifted her weight, Gabrielle knew her friend was about to say something. If it was her usual, the bard needed to put a stop to it, before they were spoken. "We don't ever have to speak of it again. And I'll try to remember not to even hint at it. But you need to know why."
Gabrielle took the fish. She had the confidence Xena wouldn't run. While it was her friend's first instinct when emotions were involved, the bard knew she was different. That her friend wouldn't always feel comfortable with what she had to say. But also wouldn't run.
Sure enough, Gabrielle watched out of the corner of her eye as she prepared the fish. Xena sat on her bedroll. Her sword was across her lap. It wasn't long before the sharpening stone was in the warrior's hand as she seemed to stare into space. The bard knew for a fact Xena was attempting to be anywhere but there.
"When I was younger, I often would spend time in the fields." Gabrielle could hear the momentary halting in Xena's motions. She knew her friend had expected something different. "And it wasn't just because I was expected to watch over the sheep or not come home until I'd tilled my portion of the field."
The sizzling and the scent of cooking fish caused Gabrielle's stomach to grumble. She knew she needed to eat. She would have to slow the cooking process if she were to complete her tale. That way Xena could digest her meal, as well as the tale she was relating.
"I was what my father would say was a dreamer. In some ways, I think he was jealous of my imagination." Gabrielle removed the fish from the flames. The way Xena prepared it never made it take long to cook. "I would think of the many ways I could leave home, without hurting mother, father and Lila."
"And the few tales I heard from traveling bards aided with the stories I came up with." Gabrielle finally had to dish up the food. One, she was starving. Two, she didn't want it to get cold or overcooked. She handed the plate to her friend. Xena still would not look her in the eyes.
Between bites, Gabrielle continued her tale. "I always focused on those that were considered dark heroes. While I admire the likes of Hercules, to me someone who has a past they are attempting to overcome means so much more." The fact it had been a woman who had caused her to leave didn't escape the young bard.
It was something Gabrielle was continuing to reconcile. Though she knew of the gods and how they loved without abandon, her father had never once spoken kindly of those who loved differently. And if she did…
"I didn't know who you were, exactly, when we first met. But the moment I did, it caused me to want to follow you even more." Gabrielle placed her empty plate on her bedroll. Next would be the cleaning up, before attempting to sleep. Some nights, like tonight, she knew it would nearly be impossible. If only for the emotions she was still dealing with.
"While I'm naïve, I know that changing isn't easy." Gabrielle was now kneeling next to the fire. She had heated some water so that she didn't have to go to the spring to wash the dishes. "While I wanted more than anything to follow you, I realized I don't know how the world works, not really."
Still Xena had not said a word. Still, the warrior sat with her sword across her lap. Instead of sharpening the blade, she was now polishing it. Next would be the chakram. Then there would be one more scouting of the surrounding woods, before finally she would settle, remaining a safe distance from the bard.
"But I knew there would be things in life I could help you with. And I don't mean cooking." There was a slight pausing in the polishing. Gabrielle wasn't certain why, but the hesitation caused something to stir within. "And I can continue to learn the ways of the world. I may not like everything I learn, but so far I've enjoyed the company. I hope you have to."
Xena was speechless as she slowly stood. Gabrielle remained silent as she prepared things for the morning meal. The warrior princess placed a hand on her young charge's shoulder before making her way into the darkness.
Gabrielle was an innocent. She was so unlike those Xena had been around in the past. Lao Ma, M'Lilla, Caesar, Boris and Marcus had all had a dark side to them. For some, it was the price of the knowledge they had gained. For others, they were like her. The need for power and greed influenced every decision they made.
The warrior once again found herself staring at the stars. A million and one cries running through her mind. A million and one faces flashing before her eyes. It was the price of redemption. It was the price of doing for the greater good. But the faces of the past would forever haunt her. Especially those she had influenced in her dark times.
Xena fell to one knee, leaning on her sword. She wasn't a believer in the gods, though she had been influenced by more than one. But what she wanted was something she couldn't allow for the fates or destiny to decide. She needed something or someone to intervene. She prayed Gabrielle would never know darkness. That she would never know the need for revenge. And that she would not end up like so many in her past. If only she had taken a different path…