AN-sorry it's been so long since an update. dealing with some health issues. i promise to complete this story. even if it takes longer than i originally planned. thanks for reading and standing by me 3
The greatest gift I've ever received was Xena's friendship. The second greatest gift was realizing we were soulmates. Somewhere in there was the fact, just before Solstice, my warrior princess regained her body.
It was an awkward time, but we managed to get through it. Thankfully, it only lasted a few weeks. But it was enough for both of us.
It led to one of my favorite memories of our time together. There were very few times when we were able to solve whatever problem we faced without using force of some kind.
I remember one time when one word allowed for peace. This was so different. We used words and parlor tricks so that we made the king see the error of his ways.
I know it wasn't easy on Xena. While my warrior princess would rather use words, the way the man was treating children frustrated her more than words could say.
It frustrated me. I'm the one that nearly came to blows, if I remember correctly. How could anyone kick out children on Solstice Eve? Thankfully it worked out for the best.
I remember how we spent the rest of our Solstice together. Xena is hastily by my side. This could be considered the private part of the scrolls.
Xena stares at me then the parchment. The ink is still drying from my words. She once again finds my eyes. We exchanged something in one glance.
I swallow as I set the quill in its place. The ink can dry while we reenact our first Solstice together. It will help me remember so that I can do it justice later.
SOLSTICE CAROL
Shopping. While Xena loathed it, Gabrielle loved it. The bard especially loved it when it came to Solstice. It was a new sensation when it came to her soulmate.
Xena would be difficult to buy a gift for. What did one get for one who didn't want anything besides anything to do with being a warrior?
Still, it would be fun to shop. Gabrielle didn't always need to buy anything. It was browsing that got the bard's juices flowing.
Their shopping trip was cut short as Gabrielle was run into. It wasn't just someone being rude. Xena's chakram had been taken. The bard was to take the back way.
They both converged at the same time. Gabrielle was held back. Was it Solstice or was it because Xena wanted to know where her chakram had been taken.
To say Gabrielle was surprised when she saw the chakram wrapped in ribbons and upon the Solstice tree would be an understatement. Though it really was beautiful adorning the top of the tree.
The children were so innocent. What else could something so shiny and round be used for? Gabrielle knew it was killing Xena to see it upon the tree, but children were her soft spot. As were tagalong bards it seemed.
The announcement had Gabrielle seething. How could anyone demand a thousand dinars or be evicted on Solstice Eve? Worse was how the soldier wanted them evicted for celebrating Solstice? What kind of king could do such a thing?
Though it was Solstice Eve, Gabrielle agreed a little kicking of the soldier backsides was necessary. Her soulmate even did giftwrapping and sent the soldiers on their way to the basement.
What to do with the man who had initially decreed the violation? He claimed to be a toymaker, but King Silvas had outlawed anything to do with Solstice and needed to make a living.
Xena would have placed Senticles in with the soldiers had it not been for the bard's memory. Gabrielle had had a lamb made by the toymaker at one time. It had even opened its mouth when she pulled its tail.
The tale was a familiar one. A king who was not necessarily the kindest became frigid when his beloved died. It was something Gabrielle could relate to. She shuddered at the thought of ever losing Xena again.
In fact, it was so familiar that Gabrielle was able to enter bard mode. The only problem? The tale didn't have a very satisfying ending. But she and the children could remedy that.
Just like Gabrielle was able to talk her soulmate into doing things her way. The situation was so grave, the bard would be happy to resort to throttling if the king were to not see the wisdom of their words.
They convened outside. They would need to buy supplies. They didn't have many dinars. It was a good thing Gabrielle had the gift for bargaining. Hopefully she would be able to require all they needed.
That was when Gabrielle came across the man fighting with a donkey. There was a part of her that wanted to move on. But there was another that couldn't allow the poor animal to be taken to the tannery. Especially not on Solstice Eve.
The bard's bargaining skills came in handy as she talked the man into selling her Tobias. The problem was it was all the dinars they had. Now what would they do to obtain what they needed to convince King Silvas?
Gabrielle discovered just how stubborn the donkey could be. Attempting to move Tobias outside was proving fruitless. That was until one of the children whistled. It turned out the donkey was a little like Argo in that regard.
It left time for Gabrielle to entertain the children with a story. It was fitting on why the celebration of Solstice takes place. It led to Solstice wishes for each of the children. It broke the bard's heart hearing the simple wishes. She only hoped she and Xena could make them come true.
Once again Xena made it known that she would do whatever it took to make the children's wishes come true. Gabrielle made certain the warrior princess knew she agreed wholeheartedly.
After introducing Xena to Tobias, Gabrielle was relieved to hear the warrior princess had gathered everything they needed at the castle. After all, the bard had used all their dinars to free the donkey.
Playing a spirit was not the easiest thing in the world, especially since Gabrielle was dangling by a rope. She had to trust that Tobias and Senticles had her back.
It especially wasn't easy when Gabrielle made a mistake. It was because Senticles had informed them King Silvas' wife had died. Worse, she had left him because of his coldhearted ways.
Since Gabrielle was left without help, it wasn't easy to free herself from the rope. The donkey was smarter than he appeared and helped the bard by pointing her in the right direction.
Gabrielle did find Senticles. She chastised him as she and her warrior princess could have been caught. She felt for him that he was nearly caught, but he had left them out to dry.
After listening to his fearful ramblings, Gabrielle realized Senticles was attempting to hide the toys he had made. They were amazing. She wished she could have the lamb once again.
Senticles was afraid of small spaces but didn't realize how he was living his entire life in a small place. Not because of where he lived, but because he refused to be true to himself.
The pair bundled up the toys. When the coast was clear, they made their way to the orphanage. One of many problems was the guards outside. There was only one way Gabrielle could think of gaining entrance.
It wasn't one of Gabrielle's best entrances, but it got them inside. It was interesting how Senticles actually enjoyed gliding down the chimney.
Too many soldiers were now involved. Gabrielle's way hadn't worked. It was time to unleash the warrior princess upon the unsuspecting soldiers.
It was a combination of Xena and Gabrielle's ways. Technically they were fighting the soldiers, but they were using toys and any means that wouldn't harm them.
It was nearly comical how easily they defeated the armed soldiers. Even King Silvas joined in and helped defeat his own men.
The best part was watching as Silvas begged for forgiveness. He realized his mistakes. It was partially the spirit of the day, but mostly it was the love of two soulmates.
Morning came. It had them on the road again. Seeing the couple struggling with a newborn caused Gabrielle to want to help them. The least she could do was gift them Tobias.
It meant Xena and Gabrielle were on their way to their next adventure. When the warrior princess handed the bard the lamb, she nearly broke down.
It was with greater difficulty that Gabrielle kept it together when Xena informed her she was her gift. No, there was something only the bard could give her soulmate. She would. But not until they made camp.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Shopping. It was something Xena never wanted to do. Even when it involved weapons or leathers, she hated to bargain. Being around so many people didn't help any.
The fact it was shopping for a Solstice present for her bard only made it somewhat tolerable. With the restrictions Gabrielle was placing on them, couldn't they just give each other the dinars? Nope.
That's when Xena felt it. She was actually impressed the kid had taken a chance and stolen her chakram. Normally most were put off by her appearance. Either this young man was desperate or thought he was just that good.
The pursuit gave Xena a little bit of a workout. It was always good to keep the warrior juices flowing. One never knew when they would need them.
Xena met Gabrielle just outside the not so appealing building. When she saw the chakram atop the tree, the warrior princess understood. It was out of desperation. The young man was attempting to give the younger children a happy Solstice.
The warrior princess nearly growled at Gabrielle as she said how the ribbons brought out the shine of her chakram. There was no way her weapon was an ornament.
The voice kept Xena from explaining it was a weapon, thankfully. But the voice caused the warrior princess to be even further annoyed. Who would send innocent children onto the streets on Solstice Eve?
Breaking the law? Who would have the guile to outlaw celebrating Solstice. Xena might not be thrilled with the holiday, she would never begrudge anyone celebrating.
It hadn't been her intention, but Xena really did know how to giftwrap the soldiers. They were taken to the basement while they turned their attention to the man who was with them.
How could anyone work for a man who outlawed Christmas and toys? Xena didn't believe him that the king had taken away his livelihood until Gabrielle described the toy she had had as a child.
It almost always came down to love and being spurned. In this case, King Silvas had been left by death. It wouldn't be easy to help him overcome his anger and hate. But Xena could be very persuasive.
As Xena listened to the story her bard related, she knew what was coming. In her own heart, she hated to resort to violence, if only because of Solstice. It didn't take much on Gabrielle's part to convince the warrior princess of just that. Especially with the promise of clobbering if words failed.
Not many dinars were left. Xena knew Gabrielle was good. She only hoped her bard was good enough. In the meantime, she turned her attention to Senticles. He would have a way into the castle.
The talk Xena had with King Silvas wasn't very fruitful. The man was hateful. He couldn't see what he was doing to the children and his kingdom if she drew him a picture. They would have to do this the hard way. And maybe the physical way.
Xena found Senticles changing some of the sentences and fines of King Silvas. If he was willing to do something that could cause him imprisonment if not worse then why not help change the king.
It was sad how Senticles could not see how brave he was. He was terrified of being caught, yet he still went ahead and attempted to help people.
After arriving in time to hear the wishes the children made, Xena reiterated the fact she would do whatever it took to see the king changed his mind. Gabrielle, not surprisingly, agreed with her.
Tobias was Gabrielle's new friend who listened to commands, not unlike Argo. The donkey could come in handy. Luckily, before she had left the castle, Xena had gathered all they needed.
Playing the part of one of the fates was not something Xena relished. But it was part of the plan. She only hoped the king would have a change of heart.
A little parlor trick convinced the king Xena was who she said she was. It was now up to Gabrielle to play the part of his wife. A wife that hadn't died but had left him. It complicated matters. Luckily her bard recovered quickly.
Xena watched as Gabrielle recovered when something went wrong with Tobias. It meant Senticles was not helping them anymore. That would have to wait for later.
The next part of the plan was to take King Silvas to the orphanage. Perhaps if he were to see firsthand what his subjects suffered through, yet opened their homes to strangers, he would have a change of heart.
The young man offered everything to the strangers. He also made certain King Silvas knew he was not a liked king. That he was thought of as a miser.
As the children sang, Xena thought she saw something change in the king's eyes. But no. He wouldn't even think of changing, especially to her. Why?
King Silvas blamed The Fates for his wife leaving him. This was the kind of man Xena was dealing with. He couldn't believe it was his own actions or inactions that had driven his wife away.
That's when the soldiers arrived. They wouldn't believe the king since he was dressed in the rags of his people. Things were spiraling out of control. How much longer would Xena be able to keep her promise?
The king was taken to the basement after discovering the other soldiers had escaped from there. He wasn't alone. Xena had this suspicion that the woman caring for the children was the perfect one to watch over him.
It seemed Gabrielle had Xena's impeccable timing. It was quite the entrance. For a moment, the warrior princess flashed to a different place. One where her brother was alive. One where she and her bard had traveled up a chimney to make their great escape. It was much better this time around.
Xena was glad Senticles had enjoyed his trip down the chimney and was planning on doing it again to deliver toys to children. But they needed to focus on the soldiers outside and keeping the children safe. She still intended on doing it Gabrielle's way.
It was one of the more unusual fights Xena had ever been a part of. No actual weapons were used as the fight was on. It was even more enjoyable as no one was hurt. Even the king joined in and they were able to defeat the soldiers.
As Xena suspected, Inalia was the one running the orphanage. She listened as King Silvas pleaded for forgiveness. Thankfully, Inalia agreed. Hopefully she would be able to heal the king's heart.
Daylight and on their way. It was a happy ending without any bloodshed. To top it off, they were able to help a family as they traveled. Xena could see it was difficult to part with Tobias for Gabrielle. It was sweet.
The way Gabrielle's eyes lit up when she unwrapped the lamb made it all worth it. The fact the bard didn't know how much of a gift she was each and every day to Xena was a shame. It was something the warrior princess would have to work on proving to her.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
It wasn't an inn, but it was secluded. Gabrielle hadn't always been a fan of caves. She often wondered if they were as secure as they appeared. Falling rocks were her fear.
But it beat being out in the cold. It beat being out in the open where anyone could come across them. It beat sleeping on the hard ground, but not by much.
Gabrielle glanced at her bedroll. Upon it was Xena's Solstice gift. She couldn't believe her warrior princess had acquired the lamb without her knowing it. And yet, it was one of Xena's many skills.
The bard shivered at the thought of one of Xena's skills. It had been forever since they'd made love. So many things had happened. The worst being the body switch. The thought of Callisto calmed Gabrielle's libido, but not by much.
Once again, Gabrielle's gaze drifted to her bedroll. This time she wasn't seeing the lamb. She was picturing her present to her soulmate.
First, they would have a meal. It wouldn't be long before Xena returned with fish or rabbit or whatever her many skills could provide for them.
Until then, Gabrielle had plenty of time to think of all she wanted to do to Xena. It wasn't merely the sexual things. This time there would be so much more.
Gabrielle jumped when the fish was placed in front of her. It was already cleaned and ready for the frying pan. She was grateful as it meant it wouldn't take long to prepare.
"I didn't mean to startle you." Xena noticed as her bard was shivering. "Do you want me to gather more wood? You seem cold."
The bard had already placed the fish in the pan. It would only be a few moments before it was ready. "I'm all right though it does seem a lot colder than earlier."
"Storm heading in." Xena made her way to her gear. Something was off with her bard. She couldn't place it. "We might be stuck here for a day or two if we get as much snow as I think we will."
Snow. It was something they didn't deal with a great deal during winter, if only because they'd traveled mostly by the sea and remained in the south. Being in the mountains and to the north changed that.
"Should we stock up on firewood and game?" Gabrielle didn't mind being stuck in the cave with Xena. In fact, it was enticing in some ways.
"Why don't you finish with the fish. I'll gather firewood and make certain all the waterskins are filled." Xena watched her bard. It could be the flames, but she could swear there was a coloring to Gabrielle's cheeks. She hoped she wasn't becoming ill.
"Thank you." Gabrielle watched Xena head back out. This time the warrior princess was wearing her cloak. Being naturally warm, it was odd seeing Xena wear hers. Unlike the bard who was almost always cold, even in summer.
In fact, Gabrielle added more wood to the fire. It wasn't so the fish would cook faster. It was to make certain the cave would be warm enough for the activities she had planned for after supper.
Xena managed to collect enough wood for at least three days. It was probably overboard as she would still be able to navigate in nearly the worst of weather. Still, it didn't hurt to be cautious. As far as food, they had enough to last for four days, thanks to King Silvas of all people.
The warrior's mind was on how odd Gabrielle was behaving. Was this residual after seeing Xena in Callisto's body for so long? It didn't matter really. What did matter was making her way back to her bard and hunkering down for a couple days.
The scent of fish and bread assaulted Xena as soon as she had made it to the entrance of the cave. She hadn't even known her bard had the makings for bread. It would be a real treat to have fresh bread while between villages.
"That smells great." Xena barely looked at her bard as she piled the wood not far from the fire. The waterskins were placed near their bedrolls.
Gabrielle had changed out of her traveling outfit. It was rare, outside of an inn, that the bard changed into something different. It wasn't fancy or enticing, but it was a warm and comfortable tunic.
Xena's eyebrow rose when she noticed how her bard was dressed. In a way, she envied Gabrielle. Her leathers were serviceable, but were restrictive when it came to true comfort.
"I hope it tastes all right. I don't know if I had enough flour for the bread." Gabrielle didn't realize she was being studied. They were so familiar with one another, a glance between them sometimes went unnoticed.
"You made it. I'm sure it will be." Xena debated on whether to join her bard in more appealing attire. Since it was close to bunk time, she chose to remain in her normal attire.
There was a slight blush upon the bard's cheeks as she made up a plate for each of them. Their hands brushed as Xena took her plate. A familiar sensation of electricity flowing between them did not go unnoticed by Gabrielle.
The first few moments were spent on consuming their meal. There was a part of Gabrielle that wished she had wine to go with the meal. Water would have to do.
"I want to thank you again for the Solstice present." Gabrielle retrieved Xena's plate. She would give them a quick wash before putting her plan into motion.
"Don't mention it." Xena winked at her bard. There was something in those emerald eyes. It could be the lack of light in the cave or it could be something else. The thought of something else caused the warrior princess to swallow hard.
"I do want to mention it." Gabrielle didn't bother placing the plates and utensils in their travel bag. They were in a cave and would need them come daylight.
Xena watched as her bard closed the distance between them. Gabrielle had grown so much. She had been a kid when they had first met. She had been so naïve. Now, she knew a great deal of the world. Yet, she was continuing to learn.
"I want to give you my gift." Before Xena could respond, Gabrielle kissed her gently. "I know you said that I am your gift, but there's a gift we both can enjoy."
Once again, Xena found herself swallowing as the full impact of her bard's words hit her in a certain part of her anatomy. "Gabrielle, you know I love you. And I love when we make love. But you don't have to do this. Again, you are my gift. Each and every day is better because of you."
"Xena, do you not want this?" Gabrielle had loosened the belt on her tunic. There as nothing underneath. All it would take was a simple pull and to be shoved from her body.
"Gabrielle…" Xena could barely even utter her soulmate's name. Of course she wanted this. It was so far and few between they were able to show their physical love for one another, outside of a quick touch or glance.
But was this because Gabrielle hadn't had a gift for her? Why was Xena fighting something she was so rarely treated to? Why not just give in?
Gabrielle took Xena's hands and placed them on her shoulders. It was with ease that the tunic was slowly shoved to the ground. It was with ease white, soft skin was exposed to hungry azure eyes. "So beautiful."
The bard smiled. She was still uncertain when it came to lovemaking. She would do what her body informed her to do. She would follow instincts she didn't even know she had possessed to take the lead.
"I'd like to see you. Though this is technically my gift to you." Gabrielle blushed. Her smile was shy. It was almost as if the farm girl was coming to the surface.
Without a word, Xena had her leathers strewn about the cave. Normally, the warrior princess made certain everything was in its place. Right now, her bard was the only thing that mattered.
"Now, you lie on your stomach." Gabrielle could see the hesitation in Xena's eyes. "I want to start with a special gift. Trust me."
"With my life." Xena didn't hesitate in lying on her stomach. While a part of her felt exposed, it wasn't because Gabrielle was staring at her. It was the inner warrior. No matter how safe it seemed, there would be a part of her that was always on edge.
"You are so tense." Gabrielle's hands began at strong shoulders. They took their time as the massage continued. There was an audible pop when they made their way to Xena's neck. "Too tense."
Xena wanted to respond, but she was in The Elysian Fields. There was no way she could even think of responding. The hands being so tender and tentative made their way lower. Every so often the warrior princess would groan. There was an audible pop as Xena's spine was paid special attention to.
Soon, Gabrielle found her hands upon Xena's lower back. She debated on how full a body massage she wanted to give. It wasn't so much wanted to give. From her position, she could already smell her lover's desire. There was a part of her that wanted to sample a taste.
This was part of the gift. Gabrielle forced herself to continue the massage down one leg and then up the other. Once she had made it to Xena's center, she could no longer resist.
"Roll over." It was with authority Gabrielle spoke. It was with submission that Xena complied. The bard settled between her warrior princess' legs, their cores coming into full contact.
Gabrielle decided to feast on one breast then the other. All the time, her body was rocking methodically against Xena's core. Already, she needed her release. How did her soulmate feel?
As if she'd done it several times before, Gabrielle reached between them. She never stopped feasting on a breast as she parted her slick folds. Xena seemed to naturally open up to her. It wasn't long before their clits were gliding together.
Xena moaned as Gabrielle continued to gift her with sweet love. As with the first time they had made love, it showed the warrior princess how her other times of lovemaking were nothing but sex. This was love. This was showing that love in a most pleasurable manner.
The warrior princess' hands could not be still. They found firm buttocks and squeezed. The extra pressure caused their clits to press together with even more ferocity.
It wasn't long before Xena could feel the pressure building. It was happening too fast. Yet, she knew it would always be this way. Gabrielle was her soulmate. She just knew how to love her.
Gabrielle collapsed upon her warrior princess. Her plan of attack hadn't exactly transpired how she had envisioned it, but that didn't make it any less than what it was.
And what had this been? It had been making love. It had been a special Solstice gift for both of them. Gabrielle managed to look her warrior princess in the eyes. "I love you."
Xena brought her bard tightly to her body. She tucked Gabrielle's head beneath her chin. "If the weather holds, we have a few more days to show one another just how much we love each other. I love you my amazing bard."