NOTES:
-This is the 6th story in my
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" :
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL I: THE NEW ORDER
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL II: THE GREAT CAMPAIGN WITHIN THE DOMAIN
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL III: MUTINY IN THE MONARCHY
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL IV: A FRUITFUL STATE OF SKEPTICISM
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL V: BLOODLINES
So it's highly suggested you read those in order before this one if you haven't already. As this is a direct sequel and knowing the events and/or characters introduced in the previous stories are important for understanding the plot of this story.
"(ABOMINABLE= causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
ASCENSION= the act or an instance of rising or climbing up)
INTRO QUOTE:
"Brave women are not born from comfort zones. They are made in the fire"
Motionless was the body which layed alone. An illumination of light from the midday sun peeked in through the half drawn curtain as it bellowed slightly from a gentle breeze coming in from the world outside. A world that seemed so close and yet far as a single wrong move caused a loud painful groan to break the silence which had previously filled the room. Upon hearing the sound footsteps quickly followed before coming to a stop in the doorway.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Xena paused for a moment as she saw Gabrielle with a pained expression on her the post at the foot of their bed for support as she stood there.
XENA
What are you doing out of bed? You know if you need anything you're supposed to call me.
Xena walked over and gently guided Gabrielle back into bed as Gabrielle winced.
GABRIELLE
I'm just so sick of having to spend basically all of my time laying in bed. I thought I could at least move around the room or something.
(Disappointed tone) But I guess not.
XENA
I know. But you're just not healed enough yet.
Xena placed a couple pillows behind Gabrielle so she could sit up more comfortably.
GABRIELLE
I feel so helpless like this. You pretty much have to do everything for me Xena. Plus you've got Aurora to take care of by yourself now too. And it's just not fair to you.
Xena sighed as she sat on the edge of the bed next to Gabrielle.
XENA
I've already told you that I'm fine. Taking care of a baby and you isn't a big deal. You're main focus should be on getting as much rest as you can while you heal. It's only been a few days since we've been home. I know you're strong but you almost died Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) Thanks for reminding me I almost forgot.
Xena smirked.
XENA
(Joking) Damn I didn't think you were suffering from memory loss. That's not good. You must've gotten struck in the head pretty hard.
GABRIELLE
(Annoyed/ Sarcasm) Sure make your jokes while I lay here. If I wasn't comfortable right now I'd throw this pillow at you.
XENA
(Joking) I suppose I should consider myself lucky then.
Gabrielle gave Xena a disappointing glare.
XENA
My point is you just need to take it easy. If you remember I wasn't able to do much when I was pregnant with Aurora. Not to mention some of the injuries I've gotten over the years that had me layed up in bed for a while. So trust me I understand how you're feeling right now. You're just gonna have to deal with it until you're better.
Xena smiled.
XENA
But I'm sure it won't be too much longer. You always do seem to heal relatively quickly so I'm willing to bet that you'll be back on your feet in no time.
Gabrielle gave a small smile.
GABRIELLE
And you say you're not that great with words.
XENA
Compared to you, I'm not even close.
Xena gave Gabrielle a quick kiss as she stood up.
XENA
Now how 'bout I go get you some lunch?
GABRIELLE
Sounds good.
XENA
Got anything in mind?
GABRIELLE
Surprise me.
Xena began walking towards the door.
XENA
(Joking) You know you'd think with everything that's happened over the past year or so, you'd be tired of surprises by now.
GABRIELLE
(Sad) Fair point.
Xena stopped and turned around when she heard the change in Gabrielle's tone.
XENA
I'm sorry I didn't mean to...
Gabrielle saw the concern on Xena's face as she pushed away some of the painful memories of what she and Xena had endured during their lengthy stay in the secret Saphire Snow Owl Tribe's amazonian village. Mainly their most recent trial of having their daughter Aurora kidnapped by the now dead Kai and Celine. Who were both bent on seeking revenge on Xena and Gabrielle. Kai for blaming her exile from the village on them due to her attempt to aid in Valassca's attempt to assassinate Gabrielle. And Celine who was revealed to have been Valassca's daughter bent on claiming revenge over the death of her mother. Though Xena and Gabrielle had gotten Aurora back safely, the struggle against them had put Gabrielle and Xena in a situation where Gabrielle was forced to protect the baby. Nearly causing her death and having sustained multiple series injuries as a result. Though Aurora was safe and both Celine and Kai would never be a threat again, the whole ordeal had lead Gabrielle to the current state that she now found herself in. Having still not being recovered from the brutal beating and murder attempt. Gabrielle broke the momentary silence as she tried to assure Xena that she wasn't upset at her for the reminder of their recent struggles.
GABRIELLE
No it's okay. You're right we've been through quite a bit since we came here. But we've also had a lot of good things happen to us too. Plus I know that any kind of surprise coming from you will be a good one so I'm not worried.
Xena gave a small smile.
XENA
Okay, one surprise lunch coming right up.
As Xena left the room Gabrielle thought of something she wanted and quickly shouted her food order to Xena who replied as she headed down the stairs.
XENA
(Joking) As you wish your majesty.
GABRIELLE
I heard that.
Gabrielle got comfortable as she chuckled to herself at Xena's ability to chear her up as Xena left the house and headed to the village mess hall. No long after Xena was walking back to the house with a small basket full of food. Along the way she ran into Ephiny, Skyla and Clover.
EPHINY
How's she doing today?
XENA
She's fine. Even if she's getting tired of staying in bed so much.
SKYLA
(Joking) Never thought I'd hear Gabrielle complaining about having to stay in bed.
CLOVER
(Joking) Well from what I've heard from that window many times It's pretty clear that she definitely enjoys her time in bed.
Skyla looked at Clover.
SKYLA
(Scolding tone) Clover!
CLOVER
What? I meant because she likes to sleep. You've heard her complaining when Xena wakes her up alot of the time.
SKYLA
Oh. Yeah that's true.
CLOVER
(Talking quietly) That and because of all the good sex.
Hearing the comment Skyla nudged Clover in the side with her elbow as Ephiny rolled her eyes and Xena made a bad attempt to hide her proud smile and chuckle before changing the subject as she slightly lifted the basket of food she was holding.
XENA
Well I should really get back. As you can see I'm on a delivery run. Why don't you guys stop by later. I know Gabrielle would appreciate the company.
SKYLA
I think that's a great idea.
EPHINY
Sure.
XENA
Alright, I'll see you guys later then.
Xena left the trio and walked back home. Later, after enjoying a quiet lunch, Gabrielle fell asleep and Xena sat in the living room with Aurora playing with the happy baby when there was a knock at the front door. Xena answered and let Ephiny, Clover and Skyla in.
XENA
Hey come on in. I think I just heard Gabrielle waking up a little while ago.
Xena carried Aurora upstairs as Ephiny, Clover and Skyla followed. Gabrielle smiled when she saw the small group enter the bedroom.
GABRIELLE
There's my favorite girl.
SKYLA
(Joking) Gabrielle shush! Xena, Clover I'm sorry you had to find out this way.
Clover glanced at Skyla as she shrugged and smirked.
CLOVER
(Joking) Hey she can have you. Saves me the headache.
Gabrielle shook her head at the ridiculous joke.
XENA
Funny. But none of us stand a chance compared to this one.
Xena looked at Aurora for a moment before returning her attention to the rest of the people in the room.
GABRIELLE
Now that's true.
Xena sat on the bed next to Gabrielle with Aurora in her lap as Ephiny, Clover and Skyla pulled up a seat. The group chatted for a bit and after a nice visit everyone decided that it was time to let Gabrielle get some more rest. Xena got up to put the baby in her crib as the others wrapped up their conversation. After a couple minutes Xena returned to see that Gabrielle had drifted off to sleep and showed the others out as the sun began to set on the relatively uneventful day. Xena smiled as she gently brushed a few stray hairs from Gabrielle's face thinking of how peaceful she looked as she slept. And how she just wanted their lives to be the same way. At least for awhile. Not only for Gabrielle's sake, but for Aurora's too. And if Xena was being completely honest with herself, even she needed a break from the continuous chaos that had seemed to be pursuing them far more vigorously since they had begun living in the village. But with Gabrielle on the mend and no signs of trouble on the horizon for once, Xena felt as though the worst of their tribulations might finally be behind them. At least for a while anyway. Though as much as Xena hoped for clear skies ahead, lingering just over the horizon layed something that Xena could've never seen coming. As unforeseeable, and heart wrenching circumstances were about to usher in a drastic change in her, Gabrielle's and the rest of the village's lives. Of which would lead Xena to stare down a road that she never exspected to walk. A road that as much as Xena would fight it, she very well may be forced to walk alone.
TO BE CONTINUED...