From meeting one of Xena's exes to seeking out the king of thieves. It was like making a sharp left turn the meetings were so different. One was painful. The other was a time of seriousness, but also of mirth.
One of the things I learned from that meeting was how unconventional Autolycus truly was. It made for some comical moments in our adventures together. But he also revealed he was more than the king of thieves.
Autolycus would prove that on more than one occasion. I still owe the man a debt I can never repay. I know Xena feels the same way. It was why we could never say no when he asked with an adventure or two.
The only regret with the time was how it placed revealing our feelings back, once again. I know everything happens for a reason, as it should, but there's a part of me that wished we could have had more time together as a couple.
The chakram flies and nearly hits my quill. Is that an indication Xena knows the serious thoughts entering my mind and attempted to distract me? Besides having to make certain my quill is at the ready, her move hasn't taken away my thoughts.
It's part of the process. It's part of the reason I continue with these chronicles. At one time, I had a majority of these words on parchment. When we were frozen for twenty-five years, a majority of them were lost. Will the originals ever resurface?
Once again, I'm distracted. It's easy to do. The life we share now does sometimes get in the way. But mostly, it's the heartache, the grief, the loss, the coming together and the love that overwhelm me.
If this continues, I may have to turn over some of the writing duties to my soulmate. "Not on your life." I was so distracted, I didn't sense Xena behind me. She must have been reading over my shoulder as I attempt to write.
"If I give you the proper motivation, you'll do anything I ask." I wink as Xena's cheeks slightly redden. I don't think she thought I'd actually write those words into the chronicles. She should know better by now.
"Yes I should." Xena leans in and kisses the back of my neck. I'm so content at this moment. It makes all the trials we've had to endure seem like nothing. Ok, mostly nothing. They shaped our lives together. Who we are as individuals.
And having someone like Autolycus in it made us better people. Even if all he ever wanted was to be known as the king of thieves. He especially never wanted anyone to discover his heart of gold.
At a time when I needed it most of all, Autolycus made me believe in joy. Made me know there was joy, amongst the hate and greed in the world. Here's a chapter devoted to the one and only king of thieves.
ROYAL COUPLE OF THIEVES
Out to trap a thief. It wasn't their normal way to operate. But Xena's friends needed assistance. The kind only the king of thieves could provide. While the warrior princess had many skills, thievery wasn't exactly one of them. At least, not on this level.
It was actually quite fun to use a piece of candy to trap the king of thieves. In the sun, it had appeared to be a diamond. If Gabrielle hadn't known, she might have thought it was real. It was a trick Xena had picked up over the years.
Tempting Autolycus with the most valuable object in the world was nearly too easy. He'd perked up and was now more than willing to listen. Or was it merely humor them because of Xena's reputation.
At the mention of Hercules, Gabrielle couldn't help remember. Their lone adventure together. How she had possibly fallen for Iolaus. Though naïve, she hadn't missed the subtle glances, the touches and way Xena had acted around the semi god.
At the mention of the warlord, Autolycus seemed genuinely scared. He said he wasn't, but Gabrielle knew that look. She'd experienced that look. So how were they to receive the man's assistance?
For starters, Gabrielle wasn't about to let on that she knew his hands were untied. It was a part of the plan, for one. If he were a thief, entice him with the thought of gold and jewels. Even Gabrielle wasn't certain what the box contained.
It was always interesting to Gabrielle to find former friends of the ruthless Destroyer of Nations. The latest were a group who sought to protect a weapon. One Xena wasn't even certain exactly what it was.
Gabrielle couldn't help laughing at the sight of Autolycus falling on his face. He hadn't been expecting his bootlaces being tied together. Laughing had been a mistake. The bard needed to stroke the man's ego, not harm it. It was easy by attempting to say he wasn't worthy of his reputation.
After only speaking to him for a short time, Gabrielle knew it would work. At first, she didn't think anyone could be that conceded. But then again, she was still learning about people and how they acted and reacted.
The short trip to Xena's friends was made in mostly silence. Xena was in her own world. Gabrielle wondered if it was merely the focus on the mission, as always, or if it was what was in the back of the bard's mind.
The fact money seemed to be all that drove Autolycus could be a plus or a negative. The promise to get the treasure back was one Gabrielle hoped they could follow through with. If only because it meant so much to her warrior princess.
Sinteres sounded terrifying. Someone ruthless. Someone Gabrielle didn't want to come across. In a way, she was glad she would remain behind. In another, she would miss out on the adventure and would have time to think of what else but their relationship.
Her mind was brought back into preparing for the mission. Both Xena and Autolycus would have to dress the part. Sinteres was known to be a dresser. The ring caught Gabrielle's attention. There was a story behind it. One she figured she knew.
One way the bard could be useful was to take the stories she had heard of Sinteres and provide useful information. After all, Gabrielle remained only slightly skilled when it came to fighting. So words were her weapon.
Three or four days? Gabrielle knew it would be some time she would be on her own, waiting once again. But to hear the words…The bard attempted to focus on the here and now. Making certain her warrior princess had everything she needed before journeying with Autolycus.
And they were off. Gabrielle sighed heavily. She could find an inn to stay at, but dinars were scarce, especially after having to buy supplies for Xena and Autolycus. The bard barely had enough dinars to buy supplies she would need until they returned.
Gabrielle didn't want to be too far from the dock in case something transpired. It was the stable for the bard. The money was just right and she didn't mind the accommodations. Now to attempt a good night's sleep.
Instead, Gabrielle tossed and turned. Images were entering her mind. It was of a short time ago. They were camped, as usual. There was something about a waterfall. Something happened that had Xena panicked.
But when the bard attempted to see for herself what was happening, she couldn't. It was as if she were blindfolded during certain parts of the time. Xena's voice. So caring. So tentative. Her words…
Gabrielle awoke in a sweat. She sighed heavily as she realized it was from the strain of attempting to remember. Another day had begun and it meant keeping busy until Xena returned.
Breakfast was merely cheese and bread. Not much, but it was enough to give the bard energy enough to explore the village. Later, if she was allowed, she would entertain in the local tavern. Any dinars would be appreciated.
As dinnertime was upon them, Gabrielle managed to secure some time at the local inn. The tales were strewn and a few dinars were earned. It was enough until they made it to the next village. Of course, there was the next night.
As part of payment, Gabrielle also received a meal and drink. As she was sitting in the back by herself, she overheard something. The real Sinteres was in town. And he was on his way to confront whoever was impersonating him.
As Gabrielle attempted to seek passage, she was discovered. The pain was unreal. Not only could she tell the tale of what Sinteres was capable of, she was unfortunately living it. And the world went dark.
Though it was fuzzy, Gabrielle was grateful for the vision of Xena when finally she was awakened. She had to apologize for ruining the plans. But she couldn't stand by and not attempt to warn Xena.
At least her warrior princess wasn't too upset. However, Sinteres remained upset. Or was it showing his power? Pressure points were something Gabrielle never thought she'd experience for herself. Already her head was killing her.
Now the wait. To see what trick Xena came up with to get them out of this. It wouldn't be easy. Her life was in danger. They were no closer to achieving their goal. But to watch the mind that was Xena in work was a bonus.
Watching how easily Sinteres killed merely by using the pressure points was terrifying. Gabrielle wondered if her warrior princess knew of all the ways to kill a person. There was the pinch, but to have a heart explode like that…
And the escape was made. Gabrielle was grateful Xena wasn't mad at her. Though her head hurt even more, she knew her warrior was attempting to make her feel better. In time, she would. Just like if she could express her true feelings.
At least Gabrielle was being useful, instead of being left behind. Babysitting villagers didn't seem all that exciting, but at least it kept her out of immediate harm's way. Yet, the bard would worry until Xena was in her sights.
Just when Xena was in her sights, another fight was about to take place. Gabrielle made certain to protect the villagers before worrying about anyone else. When it was Sinteres versus Xena, her sole focus was on her warrior princess.
Though it was interesting, Xena won the day. They still had the rest of the men to defeat. At least the villagers were safe, especially when the box was opened. Xena's warning was cryptic, yet she did as she was told.
Watching the man be incinerated was beyond anything Gabrielle had ever witnessed. It would remain with her until her very last breath. There were many ways to die, but burning from one's own fear was something else.
Finally, the box and the people who would care for it was reunited. Hopefully it was as Xena said. They could care for it. Gabrielle hated to admit it, but some of those rules were ones even she wasn't certain she could abide by.
Like stealing. It wasn't exactly stealing as Gabrielle managed to take the ring from Autolycus. Perhaps one day she would find the rightful owner. Until then, she would keep it safe and sound. Though she felt a little guilty when she realized the reward had been given back.
Now, it was time to face life as the traveling pair. Gabrielle had been too distracted for most of the adventure to truly study her feelings or Xena's behavior. Perhaps that was for the best. Perhaps she should just let things happen in their own time…
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
A distraction. Xena needed it, now more than ever. While she had become an expert at suppressing her feelings, when it came to Gabrielle, it was different. Everything was different because of her bard.
It wasn't only because they traveled the same path. It was because, if Xena allowed for herself to admit it, she and Gabrielle were soulmates. There would be no separating them. In this life, and the many yet to come.
So doing a favor for old friends and chasing down the king of thieves was welcomed, indeed. The banter of the man who was so sure of himself was sweet when Xena managed to trap the man so they could speak.
Gabrielle seemed in better spirits. Perhaps she was truly happy. Or was she becoming as adept at hiding her feelings as the warrior princess was? Xena couldn't think along those lines. It would give her hope that there could one day be more between them than friendship.
One of the ways Autolycus could be enticed in helping them was to present a target any thief would want. The most valuable object in the world. The only problem? Who was placing the value upon the object.
Whether Autolycus realized it or not, tying his hands had dual purposes. One, it ensured he would at least join them at the tavern. Two, it would provide yet another way in which he could prove his reputation was true.
A man such as Autolycus couldn't be trusted. No matter how he presented himself. The moment Hercules was mentioned, Xena could sense her bard stiffen. While there would always be a connection, the warrior princess had never truly been in love with the demigod.
Oh Xena had cared a great deal for him. After all, it was Hercules who had shown her the good she had inside. Who had attempted to show her she was worthy of love. But he wasn't her redeemer. She was sitting beside her.
Was Autolycus afraid as it appeared? Or was it there were ones he was wise enough to not steal from. There was a difference. It was a fine line, but one Xena had learned over the years. And willingly crossed.
Did Autolycus really think he was fooling the warrior princess? Xena knew immediately it was a ruse. It was why she had also taken the precaution of tying the man's bootlaces together.
While the gold and jewels could entice Autolycus, it wouldn't be enough to go against the likes of Malthus. Not even revealing that it was the most powerful weapon in the world would be enough.
A man like Autolycus could only be enticed by one thing. The bottom line. Until he heard what was in it for him, he would not even think about helping them. Even then, would monetary compensation be enough?
Xena had been right. The monetary reward wasn't enough. But proving he was indeed the king of thieves seemed to be just the trick. She was grateful her bard had said what she had. As always, what would she do without her Gabrielle?
Even after hearing the story, Autolycus wanted money. Xena hated that money meant everything to some people. Looking back, it was part of what had driven her. But there had been more to it.
The ultimate assassin. Xena wondered if she could have been known as that if she hadn't seen the light. After all, she could sneak in on The God of War, if she had a mind to. The skill served her well as she attempted to right some of her wrongs.
Even the interaction between Autolycus and Gabrielle regarding the ring caused Xena a small amount of jealousy and envy. To place a ring upon her bard's finger…It could never be. No one could know they were more than friends. Not that that day would ever happen.
Autolycus was right in one regard. Gabrielle was young. And naïve. And looked for the good in everything and everyone. It was her light that made all the difference. Gave Xena the strength she required to face her own inner demons.
Though Xena knew a great deal about Sinteres, she was grateful her bard had stories of her own. It wasn't so much for the information, though it was useful. It was because it made Gabrielle feel useful.
Once again, Xena would undergo the old stereotype which was to be a concubine. Oh for the day when a woman could be more than sexy. Though being thought of as soft was to a warrior's advantage.
Leaving Gabrielle behind once again was not something Xena was looking forward to. At this point, it would be easier to explain an assassin and his assistant. Though there were those that traveled with a harem of sorts.
Yet, Xena needed her distance, at least at times. Once again, as trained as she was at hiding her feelings, there was only so much a person could do. Though Gabrielle could take care of herself, she would be worried constantly about her bard.
As soon as they entered the ship, Autolycus was into playing the role. But was it how he should? After all, the king of thieves wasn't known for his fighting. And Xena could only do so much without the others realizing it.
That included making certain Autolycus wasn't challenged. The repayment? The king of thieves had procured the nonexistent outfit and suggested she wear it. It was a good thing Xena wasn't modest. But she would want her revenge.
Her revenge would have to wait as revenge by another was taking place. It left herself and Autolycus hanging over the side. Luckily, Xena had many skills and was able to rectify the situation. However, it would take a little more for her to rescue herself.
Autolycus was becoming too into the part. It was making things difficult, at best. They would have to have a discussion once they were fully alone. As soon as they were on dry land, they were supposed to remain in their rooms until called for.
Instead of making certain Autolycus behaved, Xena made certain they were on the same page. First things first, they needed to acquire the chest. After that, they would be able to escape. There was one exception to let the king of thieves know he was going too far. Literally flipping him.
The security seemed unbelievable to Xena. Autolycus scoffed at the invisible wires. Hopefully, the king of thieves knew what he was doing. Especially when he suggested a distraction, which entailed her dancing.
Offering her as part of the deal wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Xena didn't mind that part. It was how much Autolycus was enjoying the show. She made certain he knew he'd gone too far, once again.
Of course, they didn't remain in their room. They had work to do. As Xena watched the king of thieves in action, she wondered where her bard was. She hoped Gabrielle was safe. Safer than they were as there were invisible threads and a dead body.
The murder of Malthus complicated things. The fact the ship had already sailed meant they were stuck. Though Autolycus thought otherwise as he was about to flee the island. It would leave Xena on her own because she wouldn't return without the chest in her possession.
The story was true. Xena had been rescued by the people, wanting nothing in return. It was so rare that one came across people such as these. The fact that one of them had died was something the warrior princess could never repay.
Part of her wondered why it hadn't been enough to change her. Why had she attempted such cruelty in her life before realizing there was another way to live? Yes, she was a warrior. But she could fight for right, not for her overwhelming need for revenge.
The story was enough. Autolycus had a story of his own. It wasn't much different from what she had experienced. It was life. Everyone had an experience, or lack thereof, that made one who they were.
Their plan was halted, once again, with the discovery of the chest. Luckily, the guards were inept and were too terrified of Sinteres' reputation to bother searching. It worked well in their favor.
The irony was they had the box. But to get the boat back, they would have to put the box back in its hiding place. It would mean Autolycus would have to work in reverse. It was a challenge and fascinating to watch.
As he worked, Autolycus had to attempt to discover her connection to Hercules. Very few knew just how deep their ties were. She wasn't about to discuss the past with the king of thieves. She barely discussed it with her bard.
In fact, Xena had to deflect otherwise Autolycus wouldn't have kept his mind on the project at hand. It meant the warrior princess would have to distract the way most women distracted, unfortunately.
Luckily, everything worked out. At least for the moment. They still needed to discover who the murderer was and to take possession of the chest. Simple. But then again, nothing was ever simple for Xena.
Though she could be pissed, Xena was actually relieved when she saw Gabrielle. Of course her bard was in danger and that was off putting. At least she was safe. And they could put an end to this charade.
It all happened so fast. Sinteres was revealed. The killer was revealed. The duel happened. But it wasn't much of one. When one knew pressure points, the advantage was theirs. And Sinteres wanted a showdown with the warrior princess.
The escape wasn't a part of the plan, but as always, Xena was able to think on her feet. It meant relieving Gabrielle of her pain, along with saving the villagers from a potentially horrible fate.
Xena's life was more than just like this. Every day was something different. Whether it was action packed or if it was revealing one's love only to have the desired person forget, there was always something.
As they attempted to make things right, Autolycus had to bring up Hercules. Hadn't she made it clear that subject was off limits? While she would always care for the big man, her heart belonged to another.
Autolycus continued to surprise the warrior princess. It wasn't normal. Usually, Xena could read a person like the back of her hand. Yet, there was something different about the king of thieves. Perhaps if they spent more time together, she would discover just what. For now, she was grateful for the aid in escaping.
It was the showdown Sinteres had wished for. Xena could hear her bard quietly cheering for her. Though she would never admit it, it made her want to do more. To be more. To show off for Gabrielle.
After the fatal blow was struck, Xena was under attack. Luckily, Gabrielle was able to help, as was Autolycus. As they continued the fight, the warrior princess could hear how her bard directed everyone to safety.
The power of the chest was intense. Xena was grateful she had discovered the secret. Don't fear the truth. Don't run from it. Stand and embrace it. Was it something she should learn from? Face the her fear that Gabrielle could never return her feelings, even if she did love her?
Returning the chest was the priority now. After hearing some of the rules, Xena had to agree with Autolycus. Some of them were understandable. But others were too much for an average mortal to abide by and impossible for any god she had ever had the displeasure of meeting.
After seeing Autolycus not take any reward for his efforts, Xena knew what it was about the man. While he remained a thief, he still had a heart of gold. He just hated to show it.
Xena couldn't believe she had missed her bard stealing from the king of thieves. Seeing the ring on Gabrielle's finger…Perhaps one day there would be a symbol of their love. Or perhaps it would be the symbol of another's.
It was a thought that angered Xena. It took everything in her power to keep her stoic façade upon her face. The end of an adventure, that had some comical moments, meant it was time to find their next adventure. And it meant traveling together, concealing her true feelings.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
"How's your head?" Xena was readying them for a long journey. She wasn't certain how far they would have to go if the pass was blocked. Hopefully, they wouldn't have to discover another path.
"It's almost like I didn't have the pinch placed on me." Before Xena could correct her, Gabrielle laughed. "I know. It wasn't your pinch. But it certainly was painful. I feel for anyone you've had to use it on."
"Why I only use it when absolutely necessary." The fire was smoking just enough for her to smoke some of the fish she had caught. The fishing had been therapeutic, as well as necessary. They hadn't earned anything, but the few meager dinars Gabrielle's stories brought in.
"Maybe one day you can teach me the pinch." The deathly stare Gabrielle received informed her of the answer. "Or maybe just the one that helps when you are using your healing skills."
Xena shook her head. "There's no way I'm teaching you the pinch." The warrior princess checked to see if the fish was smoking as she would like. It was a tenuous procedure, as was keeping her bard at bay.
"There's so much I could learn from you." Gabrielle didn't know where this was coming from. Perhaps it was watching Xena at work battling Sinteres. Perhaps it was the need to be useful.
"And there's so much you have to offer someone. You don't even realize it." The first of the fish was preserved to perfection. There was still several more batches. It would mean camping here for the night and starting at first light.
"I'm a bard who barely knows how to fight with a staff." Gabrielle finished washing the dishes they'd used to cook their main meal. Luckily, there would be no more washing since Xena used stones and leaves to smoke the fish.
"You are better than most fighters with the staff. As far being a bard, your stories and knowledge come in handy." Xena chanced a glance at her bard. How she wished she was as sweet and innocent as Gabrielle.
Gabrielle shrugged. "I've been lucky to read or hear stories. I'm lucky I have these stories in my mind." The bard placed their plates and silverware in the knapsack. It would be at the ready in the morning.
"But what you do, it's what every person dreams of." Gabrielle began the next norm in her routine. She placed each of their bedrolls near the fire. Soon, it would be time to attempt to sleep. It was becoming more difficult to sleep next to her warrior princess.
"Gabrielle, sometimes I wonder what you know of me." Xena rotated the fish. They were cooking faster than she had anticipated. It would mean more time to have to face her bard. More time to deny her feelings, especially vocally.
"No one dreams of being what I became." Xena made certain she was looking her bard directly in the eyes. "While it did start with wanting to protect my village and family, I rapidly grew into something even the darkest of people would not want to be."
In a way, Gabrielle couldn't argue with her warrior princess. Was it part of what kept her from discussing her emotions? Or was it the fear of being rejected? The bard knew it could be easy to walk a path of darkness. But the strength it had taken to leave it all behind…
"They want to be the person you are now." Xena stiffened at her bard's words. "Do you think you could fight as well as you do if not for the dark path you followed? Do you think you could outthink most of your foes if not for the lessons you learned while still attempting to conquer the world?"
Xena sighed heavily. "I understand what you are saying." The warrior princess took the final fish and placed it to cool with the others. In a few moments, she would be able to place them in her knapsack. "But you have to remember, I would give anything to have my brother back."
It was something that wasn't far from Gabrielle's mind. Her family. While she missed her mother and father, she missed her sister most of all. They had had this unique bond. In some ways, she wanted to teach Lila some of the things she had learned from Xena.
The fact Gabrielle hadn't written to her family in so long was another reason she should visit her sister. Right now, they were too far away. There was adventure to be had. And no matter what, Xena would always be her family.
"I understand. If something happened to Lila…" Gabrielle shuddered. If something happened to her sister, it could cause her to want vengeance. She would feel the same if something happened to Xena. Yet, vengeance wasn't the way.
It was with her unusual speed that Xena moved so she was sitting next to her bard. "I understand you think you know the price of vengeance, but you don't. I hope you never go through what I did when I lost Lyceus."
"Do you want to tell me about it?" Gabrielle knew she was pushing it. She knew Xena had spoken about her experience. But she had never fully shared everything that had happened. And she knew Cyrene would probably never tell her.
Was this the time? Xena slowly made her way to where the smoked tuna was. She deliberately made certain everything was ready for the morning. For a moment, she stared into the night sky. It was as if she was asking for guidance.
For some reason, Xena could swear she heard a whisper. It was telling her to trust Gabrielle completely. That she needed to know more than the warrior princess was willing to share with her. It was as if someone or something wanted her to let down her guard, even though she knew it could lead to another possible slip.
"The battle was forced upon us." Xena never turned to look at her bard. Instead, she remained staring at the darkening sky. Soon, there would be an untold amount of stars to light the sky. It was to be a chilly, but beautiful night.
"A handful of the villagers had fled for the hills. Some thought fighting was of no use." Xena could feel the emotions. It was as if it was happening once again. "Lyceus and I were different. We'd played warrior so many times over the years. We both had the skill and the minds for warfare, but we were the children of an innkeeper. That's what we were to be."
Finally, Xena took a chance and glanced at her bard. Emerald eyes were wide. She wondered if this would make it into one of Gabrielle's scrolls. "Playing warriors was one thing. But seeing the bloodshed. Knowing those you care about will never be the same again…"
Gabrielle slowly slid closer to her warrior princess. Would Xena finish the tale? Or was it too much remembering what had transpired? The bard eagerly awaited whatever tidbits her soulmate gifted her with.
"When I brought Lyceus to mother, I'll never forget the words. I'll never forget the expression." Xena stiffened. "It's why I'll never be worthy of redemption. And why you need to cherish your family. Promise you'll always cherish your family."
"I promise." Gabrielle placed an arm around her friend's waist. "Just know I think of you as family. So that means I will cherish you with the last breath I take." The bard almost had said more. Had said what Xena truly meant to her.
Instead, Gabrielle had managed to hold her tongue. Would she look back on this moment and regret it? Already, she regretted not telling Xena she was in love with her. It was too late. Perhaps it was time to visit her family. Not her true family, as Xena was as much a part of her true family as her sister and parents.
Xena blushed. She was glad the fire would hide the coloring of her cheeks. It was a moment when the warrior princess could confess her feelings once again. Instead, she held her bard as they watched the embers die down.