As fast as the group traveled, the trip back to the secret village still felt far too long for Xena. Hooves pounded the dirt as Xena, Willow and Iris finaly spotted the hidden entrance to the village in the distance. The group stopped to give their horses a quick break as Xena watched the waterfall in silence as her thoughts went to Gabrielle.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I'm home Gabrielle. I made it back. Just a little longer and everything will be alright.
After the brief rest, the group made the final stretch home. Recognizing the trio the village guards opened the way for them to enter before they had even reached the falls. Seeing this Xena kept Argo at a full gallop as she passed through the village entrance with Iris and Willow close behind. None of them noticed the look that the guards had given Xena as they rushed by. Finally inside the village Xena slowed Argo to a trot to not actually run anyone over as she made her way to the village square. Not even waiting for Argo to completely come to a stop, Xena practically jumped down from the saddle as she saw a large crowd gathered together. Her heart skipped a beat as she hoped that it didn't mean what she thought it meant. Xena left Argo as she began moving towards the crowd. Ephiny who was standing in the back heard footsteps and turned around to see Xena.
EPHINY
(Sad tone) Xena you're back.
XENA
Ephiny please don't tell me this is what I think it is.
Ephiny could hear the desperation in Xena's voice as she searched for the night thing to say.
EPHINY
(Sad tone) Xena, I'm sorry.
Xena felt a sinking feeling in her chest as she didn't want to believe what she was hearing.
XENA
No.. no she can't be gone. Not yet. I wasn't here.
Ephiny could see the storm within Xena brewing as she wasn't sure what Xena would do next. It was no secret that Xena had gone off the deep end in the past when she was faced with incredible grief. Ephiny tread carefully in and effect to defuse the ticking time bomb that she knew had been sparked within Xena.
EPHINY
It just happened last night. I know it's of little comfort right now but just so you know she went peacefully Xena. She was unconscious and didn't feel anything.
Xena didn't say anything as she felt her legs give out and she dropped to her knees as she let out an anguished yell that echoed throughout the village. Finally making it to the group after Xena had charged ahead, Iris and Willow saw Xena fall and cry out, instantly they knew what had happened. That Gabrielle had died. No one said anything for a bit as Xena wept. Ephiny crouched down beside Xena and hugged her friend as Xena cried.
XENA
(Crying) No, Gabrielle. I was too late. I was too late.
After a bit Xena managed to pull herself together enough to speak coharently.
XENA
Where's Aurora?
EPHINY
She's fine. Skyla and Clover are with her.
Knowing that her and Gabrielle's daughter was okay, Xena moved on to the heartbreaking matter at hand.
XENA
And Gabrielle?
EPHINY
We moved her body to the village hall to prepare for the funeral ceremony.
Xena looked at Ephiny with a very unhappy look on her face that wasn't only about Gabrielle being dead.
EPHINY
Don't worry Xena, we weren't going to do anything until you got back. We were gathering today to simply make the funeral arrangements nothing more.
Xena relaxed slightly as Ephiny helped her back up. Xena stood silently for a moment before spoke again.
XENA
I wanna see her.
EPHINY
Of course. Come on I'll walk over with you.
Xena slowly walked with Ephiny to the village hall and Ephiny opened the door for Xena to go in.
EPHINY
I'll give you your privacy and wait out here. Take all the time you need and just yell if you need anything.
Xena looked at Ephiny for a moment with a look of utter heartbreak but didn't say anything.
EPHINY
Just remember Xena, I'm here for you. We all are.
Xena spoke quietly.
XENA
Thanks.
Without another word Xena turned away and slowly walked inside as Ephiny shut the door behind her and waited outside. Inside Xena stopped just in front of the door as she saw Gabrielle laying on a platform ready to be brought to the funeral phyre when the time came. Xena's first thought as she slowly walked up to where Gabrielle layed was that she looked so peaceful. Almost as though she were only sleeping. But after confirming for herself that Gabrielle wasn't breathing, Xena knew that wasn't the case. Unable to hold her tears back Xena cried again as she spoke to Gabrielle's lifeless form.
XENA
I thought you said you'd wait for me.
Xena reached out a lightly touched Gabrielle's face. She was still slightly warm but her face was pale. Just needing to confirm it for herself, Xena held her fingers to Gabrielle's neck and felt nothing. Gabrielle truly was gone. And Xena wasn't able to be there with her like she had wanted.
XENA
I'm so sorry I wasn't here with you. If I hadn't gotten hurt I could've been here sooner. I could've made it back before...
(Angry tone) Damn it I never should've even left to begin with. You lay here dying while I'm off pretending to be something I'm not.
Xena stopped as everything she had been through over the short time since she had left sank in.
XENA
I still don't get why you went and made me queen. I know you think it's for the but... honestly Gabrielle I don't know what I'm going to do without you. You've always been the best thing that's ever happened to me. Then we got Aurora and the both of you became everything to me. Who would have thought that this worn down former warlord could get so lucky to have such a beautiful family.
Xena let out a defeated sigh.
XENA
But I guess my luck finally ran out.
Xena idly took out the vile of the mixture that Naomi gave her and looked at it for a moment before continuing to talk.
XENA
I managed to get this stuff for you before we headed back home. Because of you we were able to defend Echidna and this was made from her blood. And boy does this stuff work. I ended up in pretty bad shape and this fixed me right up. They gave me this to bring back to you.
Xena looked a the bottle as she remembered being told that it wouldn't work on someone who was already dead.
XENA
Too bad it won't do any good now.
Xena gripped the small bottle tightly in her hand, feeling a burst of grief fueled anger course through her as everything hit her at once. Gabrielle being injured and taking ill with Xena unable to do anything for her. Xena being made queen which forced her to leave Gabrielle when she should've stayed. Being gone so long and unable to make it back to not just save Gabrielle, but to simply be with her when she moved on to the afterlife. Everything piled up in that moment as with an angry yell Xena hurled the bottle against the wall causing it to shatter as the broken pieces scattered on the floor. Hearing the sudden commotion, Ephiny hurried back inside.
EPHINY
Xena what happened?
Xena didn't answer as she turned her attention back to Gabrielle. Ephany stepped forward and stopped when she heard something crunch beneath her boot. Moving her foot back Ephiny saw the pieces of glass on the floor. She crouched down for a moment and picked up to bottom of the vile and examined the small amount of liquid that was left inside.
EPHINY
What's this?
Xena didn't look at Ephiny as she spoke.
XENA
(Sad/ defeated tone) It doesn't matter now.
Ephiny didn't press the subject further as she walked up and stood next to Xena, placing the broken bottle next to Gabrielle's body.
EPHINY
I'd ask if you were okay but I think that would be a fairly dumb question right now.
XENA
(Sad/ defeated tone) Yeah.
Ephiny stood silently with Xena for a bit before one of the villagers knocked on the door and said that the final preparations for Gabrielle's ceremony were finished and the funeral phyre had been lit.
EPHINY
It's time Xena. I'll head out and give you a few more minutes. Just come out when you're ready. You'll be okay in here right?
XENA
(Sad/ defeated tone) It's okay nothing else will get broken once you leave.
EPHINY
Sorry, I didn't mean it like that.
XENA
(Sad/ defeated tone) It's okay Ephiny, I know what you meant. Don't worry I'll be alright. I just need a few minutes.
EPHINY
Okay. Come outside when you're ready.
Ephiny patted Xena's shoulder as she left again. Hearing the door shut behind her, Xena took a few moments to regain her composure. As she prepared to leave, Xena looked over at the bottom of the broken vile that Ephiny had picked up. An idea crept into Xena's mind that told her to try using the bit of the mixture that was left on Gabrielle.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Why bother. They told you that it can't bring back the dead. It would just be a waste of time to even try.
Dispite the logical part of her brain telling her that it was pointless, Xena picked up the broken bottle and stared into the bit of liquid at the bottom.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Even if it is pointless I know it'll haunt me for the rest of my life if I don't at least try. After all what more can happen if it doesn't work.
Her mind made up, Xena gently lifted Gabrielle's head slightly with one hand as she used the other to part Gabrielle's lips a little and poured the rest of the mixture into her mouth. Afterwards Xena layed Gabrielle's head back down as she placed the broken bottle to the side and stood watching Gabrielle closely for any signs of life. Xena didn't know how long she stood there watching Gabrielle's unchanged state when she heard Ephiny.
EPHINY
Xena I know that this is hard for you but we really have to begin soon.
Xena didn't turn around as the last bit of hope of Gabrielle returning to her evaporated
XENA
(Sad tone) I know.
Taking one more look at Gabrielle, Xena leaned down and gently kissed Gabrielle goodbye.
XENA
Even though you won't be here beside me physically anymore, I'll carry you with me in my heart always. Goodbye Gabrielle, I'll love you forever.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself Xena stood up straight as she turned around, seeing Ephiny standing a couple feet away.
XENA
Thanks for waiting. I'm ready now.
EPHINY
Okay. Let's give Gabrielle the send off site deserves.
Ephiny turned around as she and Xena headed outside to lay Gabrielle to rest. As Xena thought of what her future was going to be like now that she was forced to face a life without Gabrielle.
TO BE CONTINUED...