NOTES:
-This is the 7th 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
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL VI: AN ABOMINABLE ASCENSION
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.
SACRAMENTS = rights, rituals, ceremonies, customs, weddings
SUBSTANTIATION =evidence sufficient to establish a thing as true, valid, real, to find proof of.
INTRO QUOTE:
"It's the love that goes through the hardest trials and survives that's worth having."
A chill hung in the air as heavy breathing could be both heard and seen from a rapidly moving figure. The sunlight slowly peeked out from behind the trees as the figure moved in a series of various motions which caught the attention of a passersby. Slowly the second figure moved silently as they got closer in order to observe better. Steady eyes watched the continuous motion of the first figure, as if mesmerized. After a moment the first figure ceased it's motion before taking off running, leaving the second to follow. The second figure reached a clearing and looked around for the first but saw no signs of the first until hearing a voice directly behind them.
?1
You know sneaking up on me can be very hazardous for one's health.
The second figure stood unphased at hearing the voice right in their ear before breaking into a smile without turning around.
?2
Trust me I'm very well aware of just what you're capable of. So I can handle myself just fine against you.
?1
Is that so?
?2
Yes.
?1
Then perhaps we should put you're theory to the test.
There was a small noise before either spoke again.
?2
As tempting as the might be I came here for another reason. I have something very important to give you.
?1
And tell me just what might that be?
?2
This.
The second figure turned around and handed the first a small moving bundle before smiling. The bundle cooed as the second figure then stepped into the sunlight as they began walking away before the first followed revealing both identities.
XENA
Hey Gabrielle wait I can't watch Aurora I have to lead sparing practice in a few minutes. I was just out here warming up first.
Gabrielle smiled as she looked over her shoulder and kept walking.
GABRIELLE
Hey you're not the only one with stuff to do today you know. Besides I've had Aurora all morning while you were out here.
Xena sighed as she looked at the baby in her arms for a moment knowing full well that Gabrielle was right.
XENA
Okay but what am I supposed to do with her while I'm leading practice?
Gabrielle kept the smirk on her face as she shrugged and walked off.
GABRIELLE
You're a smart woman Xena, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Xena smirked as she looked at Aurora.
XENA
You know little one your mommy can really drive me crazy sometimes. But I wouldn't change that for anything in this world.
The little girl giggled as Xena playfully poked her belly before walking off with the child to the village practice field. It had been a couple weeks since Xena had returned from helping some other Amazons after Gabrielle had given Xena her right of caste when she had fallen deathly ill due to infection that was caused by the injuries she sustained during their efforts to rescue Aurora after she had been kidnapped. Though it seemed as though Xena had returned with a way to save Gabrielle too late, somehow the mixture that Xena was given by those she had helped save had miraculously worked. And brought Gabrielle back from the dead which wasn't supposed to have been possible. But Xena didn't care how or why it happened, all that mattered to her was that Gabrielle was alive now. But not only had the mixture brought Gabrielle back to life, it had completely healed her as well. Xena pushed aside the recent memory of almost losing Gabrielle.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) At least she's okay now. That's all that matters. Maybe now we can finally catch a break and just relax for a while.
Xena chuckled to herself.
XENA
(Thinking to herself jokingly) Yeah right like we'd get that lucky.
(Thinking to herself) Oh well as long as both Gabrielle and Aurora are safe, healthy and happy then anything else that happens I'm sure we'll be able to handle just fine.
Xena was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a number of voices go "Awww". She smirked as she stopped at the side of the practice field, seeing all the women there with their eyes on the child in her arms. Xena looked at Aurora.
XENA
(Joking tone) And I thought Gabrielle was popular with everyone else here.
Xena handed Aurora off to Amarice who was more than happy to look after the baby as she sat with a number of others as they watched the sparing session that Xena lead.
CORA
Huh I wonder where Gabrielle is. She usually likes to watch this.
AMARICE
Don't know. Xena didn't say.
SKYLA
Knowing her royal highness I bet she's off putting together some new, exciting story.
AMARICE
That wouldn't surprise me one bit. Gabrielle is our resident bardic queen anyway.
Meanwhile elsewhere in the village Gabrielle sat quietly looking at her reflection in the water as the sound of rushing water from the waterfall surrounded the area. She sighed as she turned her attention to the paper that had only a few lines of the beginings of a story that she had been trying to write for days now. However no matter how hard Gabrielle tried, no ideas for what to write would come. Making a frustrated grumble, Gabrielle crumpled the scroll up and tossed in aside before falling back and laying on the grass as she looked up at the white, puffy clouds over head. She sighed.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) What's wrong with me? I never have this much trouble writing. But lately I just have no idea of what to write.
Though if Gabrielle was being honest with herself writers block wasn't entirely the only reason for her not writing recently. If she was being completely honest she just hadn't really wanted to. And it wasn't even just with writing, it seemed like ever since Xena had brought her back to life after she had died from that infection, something deep within Gabrielle had felt different. Honestly she wasn't really sure how to describe it, and that was part of the problem. Gabrielle had always been very intuned with her emotions so not knowing what it was that felt so off, was becoming some what annoying. But she was determined to not let it bother her too much. After all what did she really have to worry about?
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Come on Gabrielle what's your problem? Everything's good. I'm alive. Aurora's happy and safe. And Xena's...
Gabrielle sat up.
GABRIELLE
I knew I forgot something. Poor Xena, I'm surprised that she didn't say anything yet.
XENA
You mean about my still technically being queen?
Gabrielle jumped as she looked back and sighed.
GABRIELLE
(Annoyed tone) Gods Xena you scared the living daylights out of me.
Xena smiled as she sat down next to Gabrielle and picked up the crumpled up paper.
XENA
Still can't write anything?
Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
It's no big deal. Are you done with the sparing practice already?
XENA
It went on about the same length as usual.
GABRIELLE
Oh guess I've been sitting here even longer than I thought. Where's Aurora?
XENA
With Skyla and Clover being coddled by half the village.
(Joking) You would think that no one in this village had seen a baby before she came along.
Gabrielle chuckled.
GABRIELLE
She's a lucky little girl.
XENA
She sure is.
GABRIELLE
Anyway about the whole leaving you as queen...
XENA
It's fine. You've had other things on your mind. After all it's not everyday you come back from the dead. Besides after everything I kinda forgot about it too.
Gabrielle smiled as she learned against Xena.
GABRIELLE
So other than the reason behind it, did you like going from warrior princess to amazon queen?
XENA
It was alright I guess. Though due my history with the Amazon's it didn't exactly make things any easier.
GABRIELLE
(Joking tone) With you is anything ever easy?
XENA
(Joking tone) Apparently not. But I'm used to it though.
Gabrielle idly played with a leader strip from Xena's skirt that Xena had returned to wearing along with the rest of her usual leather and armor outfit after Gabrielle's recovery.
GABRIELLE
I am gonna miss seeing you in those amazon clothes though.
Xena raised her eyebrow.
XENA
Is that so? Well I'll have to remember that for special occasions.
Xena winked as Gabrielle laughed for a moment before falling quiet as she began to think about something. Seeing the change in Gabrielle's expression, Xena couldn't help but be curious about what Gabrielle was thinking about.
XENA
Something on your mind?
Honestly there had been quite a bit on Gabrielle's mind recently but this was something new that she hadn't thought of before.
GABRIELLE
Actuality there is but I'm not sure what you're gonna think about it. Or if it'll even be possible.
XENA
Why what is it?
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Maybe I shouldn't say anything until I know if it can even be done. After all there wouldn't be any point in bringing it up to Xena if it won't even work.
XENA
Gabrielle is everything alright?
Gabrielle was brought out of her thoughts.
GABRIELLE
Yeah I'm fine.
Xena had a concerned look on her face as Gabrielle stood up which didn't go unnoticed.
GABRIELLE
Trust me Xena, everything's okay. Really. I just thought of something I wanna go talk to Ephiny about.
XENA
That seems sudden. This has something to do with what you were thinking about when I came over here doesn't it.
GABRIELLE
Actually no.
(Thinking to herself) Though maybe if I talk to her about that too I can figure out what's been bugging me.
Gabrielle smiled as Xena stood up.
GABRIELLE
Anyway I'll see you later.
Gabrielle gave Xena a quick kiss on the cheek before walking off to find Ephiny. Leaving Xena standing there as she watched Gabrielle leave.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Just what is she up to?
Xena smirked before leaving to go get Aurora and bring her home.
EPHINY
It's open.
Ephiny turned towards the door to her house after hearing a knock to see Gabrielle come in.
EPHINY
Oh hey Gabrielle. If you're looking for Xena I think she was looking for you.
GABRIELLE
Actually I came here to see you.
EPHINY
Oh was there something you needed?
GABRIELLE
Actually there is. I was wondering if I could talk to you about something.
EPHINY
Is something wrong?
GABRIELLE
No nothings wrong. Well not necessarily anyway. Not right now at least but...
Gabrielle could see the confusion on Ephiny's face and sighed.
GABRIELLE
Sorry I have a few different things going through my mind right now.
EPHINY
Have you talked to Xena about it?
GABRIELLE
No not yet. Which is why I'm here. I wanted to get any information ℹ could before I talk to her.
(Thinking to herself) Besides I don't even know what Xena will even think about this anyway. It's never even come up before. Which is a bit surprising but then again maybe that already means I have my answer.
EPHINY
Gabrielle?
Again Gabrielle was brought back to reality.
GABRIELLE
Oh sorry.
EPHINY
Are you sure you're okay?
GABRIELLE
I'm fine. I was just thinking about something. Anyway I was wondering if I could ask you a few things about Amazonian traditions.
EPHINY
Sure. You know you can always ask me about anything you need to know.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
Good. Thanks Ephiny I know I can always count on you to help me out with this stuff.
EPHINY
Anytime.
Gabrielle gat comfortable as she began to tell Ephiny about what she had just thought of. Though she didn't say everything that had been on her mind which involved the strange feeling that she couldn't quite explain. Of which Gabrielle had hadn't been able to shake for a while now and had said nothing to anyone about. And especially not to Xena.
TO BE CONTINUED...