AN-so updates are so infrequent. work, life and working on published work attempting to get my attention. hope you enjoy! and i will finish this story. you have my word. 3
There are some things I won't ever forget. Like how I was so naïve, even after so many moons traveling with Xena. How I had nearly succumbed when my soulmate had warned me.
Bacchus. I'd heard tales as a young girl. Most villages told the tale of Bacchus and his Bacchae, if only to scare them from wandering in the woods at night.
Yet, when I discovered we were in the woods of Bacchus, I was beyond curious. Though I knew to be afraid, I also wanted to know what it was like to be one.
I feel azure eyes on me. I don't think I've ever told Xena this part of the tale. Unless she read it in my scroll, I don't think she knew how drawn I was to the thought of Bacchus and his followers.
When I feel the hands on my shoulders and the gentle kiss on the top of my head, I am reminded. Another adventure, after our Eve was born, when we nearly parted enters my mind.
Why? Because it was the one time Xena had taken the time to read my scrolls. Until then, my soulmate had patiently, or not so patiently, listened as I regaled her with my stories or regaled an enamored crowd.
I should know by now that I cannot hide anything from Xena. The gentle touch on my shoulder stiffens, momentarily. There is one moment in time I wish with every fiber of my being that I could take back.
While I kept some things from my soulmate, there is one time which will forever be something that could tear us apart. Yet, I know we are past it.
I swallow hard as now I feel the gentle touch of both her hands upon my shoulders. It's to tell me I need to forgive myself. It's something I may never do. Like I know Xena will not forgive herself for many of her past deeds.
Now that I am so far off topic and depressed, I'll return to a lighter subject. While turning into a Bacchae could have ended so horribly wrong, I have to take the moments of lightness that occurred along the journey.
As were most our adventures with Joxer, this seemed to have a comical side. He was a good friend. And in this case, he helped Xena right a wrong she regretted. Here is the tale of how I nearly lost myself, not knowing it until it was too late.
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
Three girls kidnapped. Who would do such a thing? Gabrielle knew slavers were everywhere, but they normally attempted to remain closer to the coast. It was easier to ship the future slaves if there was less distance to transport them.
When Xena shushed her and informed her that was her answer, Gabrielle still was uncertain. Bacchae forest. The stories came flooding back. While her father had had the local bard tell her and Lila tales of Bacchus, she had known the forest was far from her home village.
Orpheus. Those were not as known in the stories Gabrielle had heard as a young girl. It wasn't until later that she had learned of his music and how it was said to calm the savage beast. Silence meant something was wrong.
As they walked deeper into the forest, Gabrielle told the tale she had learned. It was while she was at The Academy she had heard the most detailed story of all.
As with all tales, was there truth? Or was it completely made up by the bard. Though Xena didn't react as Gabrielle spun what she knew, she sensed the warrior princess had heard the same tales as she had.
Which meant without the music to calm the Bacchae, they were free to lure young women, bite them and lead them back to Bacchus. And if the young woman drinks of his blood, she is forever his.
The most interesting part for Gabrielle was taking another form. She wasn't certain which form she would choose, but being something she wasn't, at times, called to her.
Just as Gabrielle was saying how she thought the stories were exaggerated to scare people, there was a shriek. Someone flew by screaming as Xena was telling her to remain behind her. It was something the bard gladly would do as the rabid wolves encircled Joxer and them.
Xena was able to do her usual and it wasn't long before Gabrielle was attempting to make certain Joxer was all right. As usual, he attempted to exaggerate causing the bard to roll her eyes.
And to say a mission to save the world. A package from Orpheus directly to Xena. Something that speaks for itself? Now Gabrielle was extremely intrigued.
Gabrielle wasn't quite ready when Joxer produced Orpheus' head. The bard was intrigued as she listened to Orpheus. Even more intrigued when she realized there was a connection to Xena and Orpheus, beyond him asking for help.
They only had until the next evening to rescue the young girls who had been lured to Bahcchus' lair. It would complicate matters as Orpheus was among those that loathed Xena. Gabrielle knew it was most likely justified, but still hated how most held anger and hate toward her soulmate.
Their first objective was to retrieve Orpheus' lyre. The hatred was made even clearer when Orpheus made certain to warn Xena innocents were involved.
While Joxer was left to make Orpheus presentable, Xena and Gabrielle made their way toward the nearest village. The bard had to ask what had transpired between her soulmate and Orpheus.
For once, Xena only hesitated momentarily before telling the tale. War. Xena's army versus Bacchus'. An innocent woman caught between. She had been Orpheus' wife. He blamed Xena, even though it could have been either army.
Not that it would matter to the warrior princess. Gabrielle knew by now that Xena would take the blame because it was under her leadership that an innocent had lost their life.
Things turned slightly more jovial as they neared the village. It was a festival. It was to scare away the Bacchae. There was a contest for best costume. Joxer's attempt at humor didn't distract Gabrielle from the festival and the different costumes.
Gabrielle shuddered after discovering that Orpheus' friend had met such a horrible demise. The lyre was gone, most likely taken by the Bacchae.
Normally, Gabrielle would have insisted on going with Xena. But there was a part of her that knew Joxer wouldn't be able to protect Orpheus by himself.
Something was calling to Gabrielle. Was it the music? Was it the women scantily clad? The bard was uncertain. All she knew was she needed to be with the villagers.
A haze overtook Gabrielle. The music. The camaraderie she felt with the women she was dancing with. She didn't even know for certain how long she had been dancing with the strangers when Joxer interrupted.
Bacchae? Gabrielle would know if they were Bacchae. Wouldn't she? She wasn't about to allow Joxer to know she was even slightly doubting herself.
Luckily, Xena returned. Innocents had been used to distract her and the Bacchae had managed to take the lyre. It didn't matter. Gabrielle would help Xena retrieve it from Bacchus' lair.
Joxer wanted to come. Gabrielle shook her head. That was until he said he knew how to play the lyre. It was unbelievable, yet made sense as Joxer was not even remotely a warrior.
Just as Xena walked away, Joxer made certain Gabrielle saw the trickle of blood on the warrior princess' neck. While it could be from a bite, the bard wasn't so certain. Of course it meant she and Joxer had to keep their eyes open.
If Xena had been bitten, why hadn't she turned into a Bacchae? Joxer said it was because it took time. It made sense and added to the need to watch the warrior princess.
Joxer was acting even stranger than usual. Why wouldn't he listen to her and simply ask Xena if she had received the wound in a fight? For now, Gabrielle would continue to watch the woman she loved.
Making camp wasn't routine. It wasn't merely because it entailed two others. Gabrielle was watching Joxer and Xena. She nearly cut herself as she attempted to prepare their meal.
It would be a long evening. Gabrielle wanted to know what had transpired between Orpheus and Xena, but settled in for the night. Somehow, as she usually did, the bard managed to fall asleep and remain so throughout the night.
On their way to the lair, weapons were needed. Gabrielle wasn't certain what to expect when they came upon a cemetery. Did they dig up one of the Driad?
Joxer did his usual. Xena warned them not to step on any graves, yet that's exactly what he did. It took them both pulling to keep Joxer from remaining underground.
The screeching sound. The skeleton like creatures flying above them was a Driad. Luckily, Xena was able to fight them and retrieve the bones they would need to kill a Bacchae.
Being around the sharp bones felt…Gabrielle couldn't quite put it into words. She was grateful Xena wasn't a Bacchae. But something informed her they weren't safe. And it wasn't from the Bacchae that had already attacked them.
That's when the sensation hit. It was a craving. Gabrielle needed to be with her fellow Bacchae. She needed to find Bacchus for herself.
Xena was speaking. Gabrielle could only half understand what she was saying. It was as if something was blocking out everything else. It was only this pull and need to be with Bacchus that mattered.
First, Gabrielle needed to slow Xena and the others down. Bacchus was commanding her to come to him. But he also wanted her to keep the warrior princess from his lair for as long as possible.
Finally, Gabrielle stood before Bacchus. She was honored when he chose her to be the first to drink of his blood. It would make her one with him. It would make her one with the other Bacchae.
Just as Gabrielle was to drink, the familiar sound and then the knocking of the chalice from her hands caused the bard to hiss. The voice was so familiar, yet Gabrielle still found herself drawn to Bacchus.
The momentary interruption in the spell Bacchus had over Gabrielle ended after the fight ended. Once again, the bard wanted to taste the blood of Bacchus.
Instead, Joxer managed to play the lyre and Orpheus sang an awful tune. It was enough for Xena to strike, but Bacchus explained it had to one of his Bacchae to kill him.
Standing behind Xena was intoxicating. Gabrielle hearing her to bite her was enough to stir the bard. Slowly, deliberately, she enjoyed sinking her teeth into her soulmate's neck.
The transformation was instantaneous. Together, Xena and Gabrielle attacked Bacchus. It was too much. The instant he had been stabbed, the bard felt the haze leave her.
It also left a majority of the young women confused. None remembered what had happened. They would need reuniting with their families.
The best part was how Orpheus had his body back. And as Gabrielle and Xena made their way out of the forest, they heard the song. He was reunited with his wife.
That's when Joxer invaded their space. It took Gabrielle only a moment to come up with fighting the legendary Medusa. Nearly instantly, Joxer was running for the hills.
As Joxer headed off, Gabrielle had to attempt to thank her soulmate. Once again, the bard had been saved from certain death if Xena hadn't intervened.
Xena merely smiled at her and informed Gabrielle she already had. Simply by scaring off Joxer. But it wasn't enough. There had to be something the bard could do to properly thank her soulmate. She'd think of something…
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Six girls. Xena had an uneasy feeling. Especially since they were so close to a certain forest. There was always the possibility of slavers, but she knew better.
The answer to Gabrielle's question was silence. They were in the Bacchae forest. Normally, there would be the music of Orpheus to keep them calm or at bay. There was only silence to be heard.
Was it Bacchus that had taken the girls? Xena knew of only one way to make certain. It was dangerous. She was certain she could handle Bacchus and his Bacchae. It was Gabrielle that worried her, as always.
Stories always had a basis in fact. Especially the ones to scare young people into behaving. Gabrielle felt they were exaggerated. Xena only hoped that was true.
Before Xena could weigh in, a scream echoed. It was a warning to come of the rabid wolves. She made certain Gabrielle was behind her. She used her whip to fend them off as Joxer managed to make it to slightly higher ground.
Xena merely shook her head as Joxer claimed he'd had the wolves exactly where he wanted them. She was more concerned with Gabrielle's welfare and why Joxer appeared to be seeking them out.
Orpheus? Xena couldn't imagine what Orpheus would want with her. After what had transpired between them, it must be something that affected the known world.
It definitely spoke for itself. Xena was able to hide her shock at seeing only Orpheus' head staring back at her. She was grateful Joxer took the head from her. It was a bit unnerving. Not because it was only a head. But because of the memories stirred within.
It was easy to realize it was Bacchus who had done this to Orpheus. It was difficult to listen to the tale. As long as Bacchus was in the known world, Orpheus would remain in this state. It meant torture, if only because he would be kept from his precious wife.
Orpheus needed Xena's help as it was Bacchus who was behind taking the girls. He needed the warrior princess' help. It wasn't easy for him to ask.
Overlooking how Orpheus would never ask for a favor, except for the circumstances, Xena asked about the lyre. His friend could play it, if they made it first.
Orpheus would need to be disguised. Holding just a head wouldn't do, even with the festivities in full swing. As they left Joxer to do the work, Gabrielle asked the question Xena knew she had held in check for so long.
Once again, Xena related a tale of how an innocent died because of her. Her army was fighting Bacchus. Orpheus' wife had somehow become trapped between them.
Xena was certain to this day that it was Bacchus' army who had actually killed Orpheus' wife. Not that it mattered who had struck the blow. Had her army not been there, Orpheus' wife may still be alive. And so might his friend.
A festival. One that was specifically held to scare the Bacchae away. Xena didn't like the looks of it. She didn't like the fact women were in costumes. And she didn't like how Gabrielle was already enthralled by the crowd.
There was a part of Xena that wanted Gabrielle to come with her. There was danger lurking around every corner. But Joxer couldn't be trusted to keep Orpheus safe. It was difficult leaving her bard behind.
Even with the music and crowd, it didn't take long for Xena to locate the ones who had stolen the golden lyre. The fact two men were in danger caused Xena's focus to be divided. She didn't want to lose sight of it, but couldn't allow these innocent men to be killed.
Once the fight was over, the men were safe. But the lyre was missing. Worse, there was no sign of the Bacchae who had attacked the men and taken it.
Xena hated admitting she had failed. But there were times when things didn't go as planned. She only hoped that the plan Joxer unknowingly put into place would go a little smoother.
Orpheus didn't trust her. Xena realized she would have to prove it. Would that include giving up her life? If it would save how many more innocent women, it was something she was more than willing to do.
Somehow Joxer managed to worm his way in. If it weren't for the fact he knew how to play the lyre, she would have insisted he remain behind.
Xena suddenly realized there was a distance between her and the others. Something had transpired between them. Even Gabrielle refused to tell the truth. Hopefully it wouldn't interfere with their plan.
Joxer was acting stranger than usual. His words were stranger than usual. Xena stole the knife from his possession. Soon, they would attempt to sleep. Before having to retrieve the special weapon.
Before turning in, Xena had to see how Orpheus was doing. It was a mistake. It opened old wounds for them both. Xena had made a friend who happened to be Orpheus' wife. She had been killed. And there was no way either would not continue to blame her for her death.
Orpheus' words kept running through Xena's mind. It meant for little sleep. Luckily as a sand spider attempted to strike Joxer. He really was acting as if something was wrong with the warrior princess.
Special weapons were required for killing Bacchus and his followers. Gabrielle nor Joxer knew what to look for. And Joxer stepped in it, literally, as he always did. It took her quick reflexes to keep Joxer from sinking to Tartarus.
Finally, they came across what they were there for. It would take a blow just right to kill the Driads. Their bones were naturally sharp and would be fatal to Bacchus.
Why would the Driad bone scare Xena? Because Gabrielle thought she had been bitten. Something informed the warrior princess this was mostly in Joxer's mind. No matter, she wasn't afraid.
But it appeared Gabrielle was. To Xena's horror, her bard transformed in front of her eyes. If only her soulmate would listen to her voice. If Gabrielle could ignore the pull that was already upon her.
There was no time to waste. They needed to make it to Bacchus' lair before Gabrielle drank of his blood. Before she became immortal and Xena lost her soulmate forever.
Orpheus was probably right in a way. Bacchus had already won. He definitely had the upper hand. There was no way, no matter how Orpheus pleaded, that Xena would not attempt to rescue her soulmate.
Xena knew they had to remain together. Joxer finally appeared with Orpheus, just as Gabrielle did. Once again, Xena attempted to reach her soulmate. Instead, the bard managed to gain a head start.
It was time. The apology meant everything to Xena, but not because she would ever forgive herself. It was so that Orpheus could find some release from the pain he suffered each second of each day.
Timing was everything. Xena managed to knock the goblet away just as Gabrielle was taking a sip. It at least gave her precious few moments to keep her bard from becoming an immortal.
Xena had to watch out for Gabrielle and buy time so that Joxer and Orpheus could make it to the lyre. It wouldn't be easy. There were so many of Bacchus' minions, including her bard.
Once again, Gabrielle was about to drink. Luckily, Joxer made it to the lyre. While not the most melodious of songs, it did the trick long enough for Xena to make it to Bacchus.
The ugly truth was Xena couldn't kill Bacchus. At least she couldn't while she remained mortal. It meant she needed Gabrielle to bite her.
Together, they lunged at Bacchus. Together, they took him out. Instantly, there was confusion among the young women, including Gabrielle.
The one thing not confusing was seeing Orpheus whole once again. With Bacchus gone, his spell was reversed. Xena only hoped Orpheus would find happiness now.
As they made their way through the forest, music engulfed them. It was Orpheus playing his wife's favorite song. At least Xena had helped reunite them and save innocent girls.
Her bit of joy was hastily overshadowed by the fact Joxer wanted to join them. Xena couldn't help smirking as Gabrielle easily came up with a tale that terrified the warrior wannabe away.
Once again, Gabrielle was attempting to figure out a way to thank Xena for saving her. She already had. As much as Xena admired Joxer, she could only take him in small doses.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Xena knew Gabrielle wanted to thank her more than by just shooing Joxer away. It wasn't necessary. She didn't want it. If it weren't for the warrior princess, the bard wouldn't have been placed in the position in the first place.
"Sometimes, I wonder if it's best we travel together." Gabrielle nearly dropped the frying pan in the fire. "I continually place you and other innocents in danger."
The warrior princess wasn't certain where this was coming from. Yes, she had to face the fact in her warrior days, an innocent had lost her life. Orpheus had forgiven her. But she would never forgive herself.
"I long ago accepted the consequences of our travels." Gabrielle managed to save the fish she had been cooking. They had traveled nearly till midnight.
Once again, Xena had wanted to place as much distance as they could between them and their last adventure. It had taken its toll on them both.
"That doesn't mean I have." Xena had been mending her leathers. They had been neglected over the past moon. It wouldn't be long and she would need to save for another set of leathers.
"Xena, I don't want to discuss this." Gabrielle removed the fish from the fire. She was exhausted. It wasn't merely the traveling. Something had happened to her while she was under Bacchus' spell.
"I know. And I'm sorry." Xena tied off the knot before placing the leathers beside her bedroll. She took the plate offered before settling on the bedroll.
"I do want to ask you if there are any side affects to having been under Bacchus' spell." Gabrielle felt nearly as bad as when she had come down from the henbane.
"No one has ever been released." Xena had trouble swallowing the bite of food. It was delicious, as always. It wasn't the reason for her trouble in eating the food.
It was because of how close Xena had come to losing her soulmate. She couldn't bare the thought of traveling alone. "We were lucky."
"I'm just feeling unfocused. It's as if I'm not myself." Gabrielle was pushing the fish around. Unlike usual, she found she didn't have an appetite.
What Gabrielle wanted was to know was why she was feeling like she was. It felt as if her judgement was off. And if Xena didn't know, how was she to discover the answers?
"Perhaps we need to head to Potidaea." Xena really didn't want to face Gabrielle's parents, but knew her bard probably missed her family.
Besides, the last time Gabrielle had felt lost, she had made her way home. Perhaps seeing her sister would help right whatever was happening internally with the bard.
"I hadn't thought of that." Gabrielle placed her nearly full plate by the fire. She didn't even want to look at food at the moment. "It did help last time."
There was a moment or two of silence broken by the bard. "I don't want it to be like last time." Eyes the color of an evergreen met nearly purple eyes in the darkness.
"I was foolish to make the trip alone." Before Xena could say anything, Gabrielle continued. "I know you wanted to come with me last time. I had thought I needed to do it alone."
Xena stared at her bard. Something had happened to Gabrielle. It was something the warrior princess hadn't experienced. There had been a little bit of haze, but nothing like what her soulmate was experiencing.
"I guess I'm asking you to take me home." Gabrielle continued to stare into purple eyes. "I may even tell my parents about us."
The thought caused Xena to swallow. It was one thing for her mother to know. Cyrene only wanted for her daughter to be happy. There was the fact the innkeeper realized how much of a calming influence Gabrielle was on her daughter. How she kept Xena fighting for the greater good.
What little interaction Xena had had with Herodotus, she knew the man hated her. He thought she had corrupted his little girl. In a way, she had.
"Let's just concentrate on seeing that you feel like your old self." Xena opened her arms. Gabrielle didn't hesitate in snuggling against her soulmate.
Sometimes, instincts and foreshadowing were not the most pleasant things. Xena had the feeling trouble lay ahead. Not that trouble wasn't around every corner.
It was something more personal. Something that could cost Xena everything. It was a night filled without sleep for the warrior princess. The only plus was holding her soulmate as she slept.