Ephiny sat and listened to Gabrielle who explained the idea she had just gotten.
GABRIELLE
So is it possible?
Ephiny thought for a moment.
EPHINY
As far as I know it's not completely unheard of, but that being said it isn't very common at all. Typically people have opted not to do that because of how complicated it can be.
GABRIELLE
Why, what's so complicated about it?
EPHINY
I'm not really an expert in this area but I'd assume that it can lead to a multitude of issues. Like internal power struggles, jealousl, betrayal, possibly assassinations, murder. All of which could throw the entire amazon nation into chaos.
Gabrielle sighed as she looked down.
GABRIELLE
(Talking quietly) Wow I hadn't thought about any of that.
Gabrielle looked back at Ephiny.
GABRIELLE
So I guess it's not possible then?
EPHINY
I never said that. There have been times where it's worked out fine. Though I think those times mostly came after the tests were put in place.
GABRIELLE
Tests?
EPHINY
As far as I know in order to ensure that both parties involved can be trusted by not only each other but to have the ability to carry out their duties without having their judgment clouded by each other there's some kind of test that they have to go through. But that's pretty much all I know about it. Like I said it's something that isn't typically done.
Gabrielle thought for a moment.
GABRIELLE
Do you know anyone who might know more about this?
EPHINY
I'm not sure. There might be details written somewhere but I doubt you'll find anything here. I think alot of the things involved can be more mental than physical so maybe find someone who's more versed in spiritual matters. Even then I'm not sure how much they'll know.
GABRIELLE
I guess it can't hurt to try.
Gabrielle smiled as she and Ephiny stood up and Ephiny walked Gabrielle outside.
EPHINY
Well before you do anything I'd suggest you have a talk about it with Xena first.
GABRIELLE
(Laughing) Come on Ephiny it's not like I could do this without her.
Ephiny smiled.
EPHINY
Fair point. Well good luck.
Gabrielle left Ephiny's house as she went to look for Xena. Though dispite her outward enthusiasm, Gabrielle was actually very nervous about what Xena's reaction to her idea might be. After all maybe there was a reason for why something like this had never came up before.
XENA
Open up here comes the pegasus flying in for a landing.
Hearing the door open and shut behind her, Xena smiled as she got another spoonful of mashed up food into Aurora's mouth that the baby had switched to shortly before Xena's time out of the village when she was helping the other Amazons as Gabrielle walked over and smiled at the baby's messy face.
GABRIELLE
Well someone looks like she's enjoying her lunch.
Xena continued feeding Aurora as she spoke.
XENA
Did you enjoy your chat with Ephiny?
GABRIELLE
It was okay.
XENA
So what was it that you needed to talk to her about anyway?
Gabrielle looked off.
GABRIELLE
Oh you know amazon and queen stuff.
Xena glanced over at Gabrielle catching the way she reacted to the simple question.
XENA
(Suspicious tone) Riiight.
And did you find out what you needed.
GABRIELLE
Kinda?
Xena sighed as she turned her full attention to Gabrielle.
XENA
Okay what's going on?
GABRIELLE
There's something I wanna talk to you about but I'm really sure what you're gonna think.
XENA
Gabrielle you should know that you can talk to me about anything.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I know that so why do I still feel so nervous about it?
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
I know.
Gabrielle was about to tell Xena what she spoke to Ephiny about when Aurora apparently decided that she was done with her meal and knocked the bowl of remaining food on the floor and splattering some of it on Xena's face as she laughed. Xena looked at the baby with a blank expression.
XENA
(Flat tone) You know there are easier and less messy ways to tell me that you're full.
A little later after everything was cleaned up and Aurora had been put down for a nap. Xena was sitting on the couch as Gabrielle came downstairs from putting the baby to bed. Xena patted the spot next to her for Gabrielle to join her. After Gabrielle sat down and got comfortable Xena waited for her to start.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Well it's now or never Gabrielle. Just come right out with it and see what happens.
Gabrielle took a breath and began. She told Xena what she and Ephiny had talked about and then waited to see what her response would be.
GABRIELLE
So that's it. What do you think?
Xena was quiet for a bit which made Gabrielle think that she had just made a big mistake.
GABRIELLE
If you don't wanna do it it's fine. I probably shouldn't have brought it up. We can just forget I said anything about it. I...
Gabrielle's rambling was cut off when Xena placed her finger on her lips.
XENA
Relax and just take a breath Gabrielle. I haven't even said anything yet.
Xena took her hand away as Gabrielle took a deep breath.
XENA
You know I don't care about staying queen. I've been wanting to give you back your title from the moment you recovered.
GABRIELLE
I know. But I think you can really do alot more good for the Amazon's if you remain queen with me. But if you don't want to I'd understand.
Xena could see the expression in Gabrielle's eyes as she looked away, realizing that this was far more than being just about the both of them remaining queen. Xena took her hand and gently guided Gabrielle's face to look back at her.
XENA
Gabrielle if this had nothing to do with the Amazon's, would this still be something that you wanted? For us to be married?
Gabrielle looked into Xena's eyes as she searched for what Xena might've been thinking or feeling in that moment. And what she saw in that sea of blue was something that she had seen countless times reflected back at her, and that was pure, unconditional love. Which she knew radiated from the depths of Xena's soul. It was then that she finally found her speech again as the two's eyes remained locked and Gabrielle uttered one single word as she knew she would remember this moment for the rest of her life.
GABRIELLE
Yes.
Xena smiled.
XENA
It looks like we've decided then.
GABRIELLE
So you're okay with this? Us being married?
XENA
Of course I am.
GABRIELLE
Really? I never thought... I mean we've been together for a long time now and since it's never come up I guess I just figured that you didn't ever want to.
XENA
Gabrielle I've thought about marrying you for some time now.
Xena saw Gabrielle's eyes light up.
GABRIELLE
Really?
XENA
I have. And if I had known that this was something you truly wanted I would have married you long ago.
Hearing Xena say those words pushed Gabrielle over the edge to where she couldn't contain her joy as she practically jumped on Xena and hugged her tight.
GABRIELLE
Oh Xena you have no idea how happy I am to hear that.
Xena put her arms around Gabrielle.
XENA
Actually I think I might have a fairly good idea.
After a moment Gabrielle pulled back and kissed Xena.
GABRIELLE
I think I might be the happiest woman in all of Greece right now Xena. I love you.
XENA
I love you too Gabrielle. And I think that title of happiest person around here actually goes to me. Along with the luckiest.
Gabrielle couldn't keep the smile from her face as she learned close and kissed Xena several more times. Each becoming more heated and passionate than the last. Before long Xena's lips begin leaving a trail down Gabrielle's neck and chest. Then Gabrielle gently pushed Xena back against the arm of the couch as she began undoing Xena's armor. After getting rid of the armor sat up and Xena pulled off her leather top. As she dropped it on the floor Gabrielle resumed tracing her lips down Xena's neck to her chest and stomach and back up. Xena sighed happily as she felt Gabrielle's tongue began to circle around her nipple before taking it into her mouth. As she sucked, Gabrielle placed a hand on Xena's other boob and began to move her palm over it before squeezing it lightly. After a few moments Gabrielle switched her mouth over to Xena's other nipple as her actions were swapped between each breast. Xena's hands began to roam down Gabrielle's back but were stopped when Gabrielle grabbed hold of them as she took her lips off of Xena's body and looked at her. Xena saw a spark of something that she didn't quite recognize in Gabrielle's eyes. There was love, lust and passion that was always there when they were together in this way. But now along with all of that there was something new. Something that Xena couldn't quite place. But it was almost as if there was a flicker of a new fire that layed just behind that sea of green just wanting to burn. After a moment Gabrielle continued tracing her lips across Xena's body before reaching her skirt. Xena moaned quietly as Gabrielle's hand moved under and began stroking her fingers over Xena's center outside of her underwear before slipping inside to come in direct contact with Xena's warmth. Gabrielle could see the look of pleasure on Xena's face as she continued running her fingers up and down Xena's womanhood. She learned close to Xena and whispered sensually in her ear.
GABRIELLE
(Alurring Whisper) Why don't you get rid of the rest of these clothes and I'll be right back.
Xena raised her eyebrow and smirked as she watched Gabrielle walk off and head upstairs.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Well someone's full of surprises today.
After a few minutes Xena had completely stripped down and sat waiting for Gabrielle to come back when heard Gabrielle's voice from a top the stairs telling her to close her eyes. Wondering what Gabrielle was doing Xena did as Gabrielle said. After a moment Xena could feel Gabrielle near her.
XENA
Can I open my eyes now?
GABRIELLE
Not yet.
Gabrielle leaned in and whispered in Xena's ear again.
GABRIELLE
Alurring Whisper) You'll know when.
Xena smiled with her eyes remaining closed as she felt Gabrielle's fingertips began tracing her body. She sighed at the gentle yet sensual touch that only served to highten her desire. Xena heard Gabrielle chuckle knowing full well the effects that she was having on her. Finally Xena felt Gabrielle's hands move over her thighs and spread them apart. She could feel Gabrielle move between them before feeling something rubbing up and down her womanhood. Xena smiled as she knew what Gabrielle was doing. After feeling the sensation for a few moments Xena let out a moan as she felt herself being entered. Figuring that was the "when" that Gabrielle mentioned, Xena opened her eyes and was met with Gabrielle's face inches from hers.
XENA
(Joking) It's been a while since we've used our little friend here.
Xena sighed as Gabrielle moved slightly which caused the phallus that she was wearing and was now nestled inside of Xena's netherlands to go a bit further inside of her.
GABRIELLE
(Sensual tone) I know.
Xena felt Gabrielle move her hips as the phallus slid most of the way out of her before pushing forward and guiding it back in. Gabrielle slowly repeated the motion a few times as she gradually began to pick up a steady rhythm. As Xena felt the phallic item moving inside her she placed her hands on Gabrielle's hips as she began pushing herself against her. But again Gabrielle took her hold of her hands as she stopped moving her hips and moved Xena's hands above Xena's head as she wrapped Xena's fingers over the back of the couch.
GABRIELLE
(Sensual tone) I've got things covered here. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy yourself. And if you really need something to hold on to, you can just hold there.
Xena was a bit surprised by this level of boldness that Gabrielle was showing. Not that she wasn't normally an enthusiastic participant during their love making, but no matter their position, Gabrielle had tended to let Xena take the lead or set the pace as she pleased. But again Xena spotted something different in Gabrielle in that moment. It wasn't even that Xena didn't like it when Gabrielle would "take charge" of things between the sheets. Not long after they had first moved their relationship into a sexual one there was an unspoken give and take between them that both had found a happy middle ground with. In fact Gabrielle was really the only person that Xena had ever been with where she was actually not only able but completely comfortable with given up control to but welcomed it. She knew that it was just one more way that Gabrielle had broken down the walls that Xena had built around her heart. But that being said Xena was still bit surprised by the sudden commanding position that Gabrielle was taking. Simply because it was a bit out of character for her. Though Xena found that wasn't able to focus on that fact at the moment as she felt Gabrielle thrust the phallus into her depths again and then again. Xena's grip on the couch tightened as she felt Gabrielle begin to move with more vigor. Gabrielle continued to thrust as she felt the friction from her movements cause the other end of the phallus that was attached to the leather piece she was wearing rub against her. She could feel it push against her center each time she sent the phallus into Xena. Pausing her movements Gabrielle took Xena's leg and put it on her shoulder along with the other as she moved closer to Xena and placed her hands on either side of Xena's that were still gripping the back of the couch. With a different angle for leverage Gabrielle resumed thrusting the phallus into Xena who felt it reaching deeper into her depths from the new position. Xena groaned Gabrielle's name as she felt the repeated pumping of the phalic item inside of her. She could feel the beginings of her orgasm starting to build as Gabrielle continued, noticing the increase in speed and force she was putting behind each thrust that was a tell tale sign that Gabrielle was edging ever closer to her own release as well. Still Gabrielle continued to move her hips as the phallus rapidly drove in and out of Xena's womanhood. Xena felt as though her core was on fire as she pushed up against Gabrielle as much as she could. The room was soon filled with the rapid breathing, moans and words of sheer bliss as well as the sound of flesh being rapidly driven together as Xena felt Gabrielle's use of the phallic item pushing her towards the euphoric release that she new was only moments away. Gabrielle was unrelenting as she too wasn't far from hitting her own climax. Unable to stop the rushing stampede of her desire Gabrielle pushed hard against Xena once more as she felt her heated center rapidly spasm as her orgasm hit. Gabrielle bucked her hips several more times as each wave of her high hit. Finally she stopped as she learned her forehead on Xena's chest and breathe heavily as she felt the lingering blissful sensations within her center. After a moment Gabrielle felt Xena lovingly brushing her fingers through her hair and looked up at her.
GABRIELLE
(Seductive tone) No one said you could move your hands from the couch.
Xena smirked an arched her eyebrow as she put her hand back where it had been.
XENA
(Joking tone) My mistake.
Xena caught a glimmer of the same look she had seen earlier in Gabrielle's eyes as she felt herself distracted once again by the feeling of the phallus being removed from within her womanhood. Xena put her legs down and watched as Gabrielle then knelt on the floor in front of her and began running her fingers along Xena's sensitive nether region. Xena knew that it wouldn't take long for Xena to go over the edge and after a couple strokes along Xena's entrance, Gabrielle took her hand away and replaced it with her tongue as she ran it up and down Xena's womanhood. Xena groaned as she felt the renewed attention to her heated center. She tightened her grip when she suddenly felt Gabrielle move her focus to her most sensitive spot. She felt Gabrielle's tongue began to roll over her clit and layed her head back as she relished the contact. Again and again Xena felt Gabrielle flicking her tongue over her sweet spot. This sent shutters through Xena's body as she felt her orgasm rapidly approaching again. Just as Xena thought that she was about to hit her apex she felt Gabrielle grip her hips as she pulled Xena closer and put her lips around her little nub and began to suck it. That action was the final thing needed to throw Xena over the edge as within moments Xena arched her back as she felt her center convulsed in orgasm and Xena yelled as she came. She clung to the chair as her orgasm coursed through her and Gabrielle continued to suck and lick her over stimulated clit. Before Xena knew what hit her a second, more powerful orgasm hit her. She groaned Gabrielle's name as her body shook from the euphoric sensation that hit her in multiple waves. Finally as Xena didn't think she could take anymore she felt Gabrielle take her mouth away from her. She jumped slightly as she felt Gabrielle lightly run her finger along her womanhood a couple of times as she looked up at her and smiled.
GABRIELLE
You can put you're arms down now if you want.
XENA
Good now I can do this.
Xena smiled back and lowered her hands to Gabrielle's face as she leaned forward and the two shared a number of passionate kisses as Xena tasted herself on Gabrielle's lips. The two shared "I love you's" before Gabrielle took off the phallus from around her waist and Xena grabbed a nearby blanket as she and Gabrielle then snuggled up together on the couch as Xena draped the blanket over them. Xena smiled as Gabrielle rested her head in her usual spot on Xena's shoulder as she watched Gabrielle close her eyes. As she saw how peaceful Gabrielle looked, Xena thought back to the strange look she could've sworn that she saw in Gabrielle's eyes as well as how she seemed to act a bit differently while they had just been making love. Xena shook her head as she pushed aside those thoughts.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I'm probably just imagining things and making more of a deal out something that I should. Come on Xena you don't have to always find something wrong in a situation. You should be happy right now. You're finally gonna marry the one person who you've known for a long time that you've wanted to spend the rest of your life with. For once just allow yourself to enjoy this and take something good that's been given to you.
Xena smiled as she placed a gentle kiss on Gabrielle's head and got comfortable. After a bit Xena drifted off to sleep. Once she heard Xena's steady breathing Gabrielle peeked opened her eyes and saw Xena's eyes closed. Slowly and carefully Gabrielle removed herself from Xena's arms as she got dressed and went outside. Hearing the front door close, Xena peeked opened her eyes.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Hmm usually after we're together like that Gabrielle falls asleep afterwards. I wonder where she's off to now.
Xena shrugged it off as she yawned, figuring Gabrielle probably went grab something to eat from the mess hall.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I guess that much activity can work up an appetite.
Xena smirked as she closed her eyes once again and fell asleep. It was a decent time later as Gabrielle stood amongst a group of trees. She huffed as she put her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. After doing just that she stood up straight and looked down at the backs of her hands that were now all sore, scraped up and slightly bloodied.
GABRIELLE
(Talking to herself) Come Gabrielle pull it together. If you keep this up Xena's gonna notice that something's up. And you already know how she'd react. She'd become all concerned about me and feel as though she needs to fix things.
Gabrielle fell a sudden rush of anger hit her as she sent her fist against the trunk of the tree. She learned her forehead against the tree's rough bark as she closed her eyes and let the burst of anger pass.
GABRIELLE
(Talking to herself) But she can't. How can she when it's my own fault that I'm like this. Even after everything we've been through together and as hard I've tried it still wasn't enough. Infact it never has been. And it's not fair. It's just not fair.
Gabrielle pushed down her tears that had been building behind her eyes as she looked up.
GABRIELLE
(Talking to herself) No Gabrielle crying won't do anything. You're the queen of the Amazon's for god's sake. It's time that I truly started acting like the leader that everyone deserves. Who can stand on her own. And doesn't need someone to keep coming in and saving you.
Gabrielle watched the darkening sky above as she clenched her fist and made a silent vow.
GABRIELLE
(Talking to herself) Never again. From this day on I swear that I'll do everything possible to make sure that I never become a burden to anyone, and especially Xena ever again.
TO BE CONTINUED...