Morning sunlight poured in through the window as Xena stood in front of the mirror fidgeting with the tie on the back of her dress that didn't seem to want to stay put. She scowled as she made an annoyed growl. She was about to just cut the things off when there was a knock on the door. Sighing Xena opened it and saw her mother who smiled at her.
CYRENE
Oh just look at you, Xena. You look beautiful.
XENA
Thanks.
Xena let Cyrene in as she went back to fidgeting with her dress. Noticing that Xena was having a little trouble, Cyrene took over and helped secure the sash.
XENA
Thanks, Mom. I can fight warlords and gods any day. but apparently completing a simple task like that is too much for me to handle.
Cyrene smiled as she hugged her daughter.
CYRENE
You're just nervous that's all.
The two separated.
XENA
Yeah, but I don't get why. It's not like I'm having second thoughts or anything. I've known for a long time now that I've wanted to spend the rest of my life with Gabrielle. So...
CYRENE
It's normal to be nervous Xena. This is an important day for both of you. It's just the anticipation of what's to come that really does it. But you'll see once you're both standing in front of each other you'll forget all about this nervousness because you'll know that you're doing the right thing.
Xena smiled.
XENA
Thanks, I feel a little better now.
CYRENE
Of course. You might be the great Xena, warrior princess turned Amazon queen, but I am your mother. I'd like to get you got some of your better qualities from somewhere.
The two chuckled a bit as Xena finished getting ready and Cyrene walked her out.
GABRIELLE
Well, how do I look?
Lila smiled as Gabrielle did a little twirl to show off her wedding dress.
LILA
You look great. Xena's gonna love it.
Gabrielle smiled as she finished putting on a few pieces of jewelry and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
GABRIELLE
I can't believe this is really happening Lila. Me and Xena have been together for years now, been through so much. Even when we were just friends I knew that there was something special about her.
LILA
Something special. About Xena. That's certainly putting it lightly.
GABRIELLE
Oh, you know what I mean. But still I never really thought that we'd be here. But now that we are I know that wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
LILA
I know. I'm happy for you Gabrielle. For both of you. And I hope that you'll have many more happy years together.
Gabrielle walked over and hugged her sister.
GABRIELLE
Thanks.
The two pulled apart and Gabrielle headed for the door as she smiled back at Lila.
GABRIELLE
Okay, let's go. Xena hates it when I keep her waiting.
A gentle breeze blew across the grassy area as the sound of rushing water from the waterfall could be heard. Along with the gentle songs of the few birds that were perched in the nearby trees. A crowd of people began to take their seats along the rows of benches that had been set up. Along with an arch of flowers, twigs, and greenery in the front. A decorative pedestal sat in the center of the arch. Flower petals littered the ground in a path from behind the benches that lead up to the arch. It was both simple and beautiful and the same time. The crowd talked amongst themselves as everyone there was fairly excited for the upcoming event as it drew closer by the minute. A couple of guards escorted Toris and Herodotus to their seats in the front and then walked and stood to the side to keep an eye on them, as was protocol for allowing men inside of any Amazon village. Toris simply shrugged it off as he looked around for a moment to take in the "sights". He then thought better of continuing when he remembered the very strong warning he'd gotten from Xena before being brought into the village. Basically telling him that if he was caught being anything less gentlemanly the Amazon's punishment would be the least of his worries. He shuttered as he thought of what Xena might do to him. Not only for disrespecting the Amazons but for making the day anything but perfect for Gabrielle. And Toris, like many knew that when it came to Gabrielle there was damn near nothing that Xena wasn't willing to do. So he simply sat politely as he waited for the ceremony to get underway. Which didn't take much longer as the crowd settled down when soft flutes, drums, and singing began. After a few moments, Xena walked into view as she stood at the back of the crowd. Everyone turned in their seats as Xena began walking towards the front. Her arm linked with Cyrenes who walked with her and had the smile of a very proud, happy mother. Several Whispers could be heard making comments on how lucky Gabrielle was to have an incredibly beautiful woman like Xena. Xena smirked to herself having her superhuman hearing pick up the Whispers as she thought of how wrong they were because she was the real lucky one. She made it to the front and Cyrene went and took her seat in front next to Toris. Xena stood beneath the arch in a beautiful, long, medium brown dress that flowed all the way to the ground. It was sleeveless and came over one shoulder. A golden pattern went around her midsection and shoulder that looked similar to cruddy drawn large leaves which had a rustic yet eloquent look to them. A gentle breeze sweep through Xena's long, raven hair which she had decided to keep down as she stood waiting for Gabrielle to make her appearance. She stood unmoving with an unreadable face despite feeling like a raw bundle of nerves and anxiety that she knew wouldn't go away until she saw Gabrielle come into her view. And after several very long minutes, Xena felt her heart skip a beat as Gabrielle finally stepped into view. She was in a long, multi-toned green dress that faded from light to dark on the way down which complimented her eyes beautifully. It tied around her neck, with a long sash that hung off her waist and came down the front. There was also what resembled a very light cloak that hung off her shoulders and flowed down most of the length of the dress in the opposite fading green that flowed downward, going from dark to light. Xena stood breathless for a moment as she and Gabrielle locked eyes. After a moment Xena remembered to breathe as they smiled at one another and felt all of their nerves melt away. Knowing without a doubt that this was what they wanted. Everyone watched as Gabrielle walked to the arch where Xena stood by her Hecuba and Lila, who then took their seats next to Herodotus. Xena and Gabrielle stood facing one another as they linked hands and Xena leaned her forehead on Gabrielle's.
XENA
You look beautiful.
GABRIELLE
Thanks. I was about to tell you the same thing.
Their lips met. And though both had only planned on it being a small loving kiss, they ended up finding themselves getting lost in the moment. That is until they heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. And reluctantly separated and they caught their breath.
CORA
(Joking) I understand that it's been a long road to get here but if you two could just manage to restrain yourselves until after the ceremony to get all hot and heavy, I think everyone else here would appreciate that.
Gabrielle blushed as she and everyone else including Xena laughed. After a moment everyone settled down and Cora began the ceremony.
CORA
Family, friends, and fellow Amazon sisters, we are gathered together today to witness the joining of Queen Gabrielle and Queen Xena. I'm certain that everyone here is already aware of the circumstances which led to Gabrielle granting her queenhood to Xena so we won't go into such sad matters on a day that is meant to be joyful. In short, they have decided to be joined and rule over the Amazon's together. But such a task is not to be taken lightly. As they have both learned during the required trials to prove their love, trust, and loyalty to not only each other but to the Amazon people. Which they subsequently faced and passed together. And so, now it is my great honor to preside over the official joining of these two women. Each is proven worthy of holding the lives of our people in their hands.
Xena and Gabrielle smiled at one another as Cora spoke.
CORA
As such I will now allow Gabrielle and Xena to speak their vows to one another.
Cora nodded for them to begin as Gabrielle chose to go first. She looked deeply into Xena's eyes as they held hands and she began to speak.
GABRIELLE
Xena all the words in the world wouldn't be enough for me to truly express everything that I feel for you. I've never imagined growing up in a small farming village like Potidaea that I would be living the life I do with you. So much has changed from those early days of us on the road together. Though I guess my whole life has never really been the same ever since that first day our paths crossed. I felt so empty and alone before. But then you came along and everything changed. And while I didn't know what it was right then, I was drawn to you like a moth to a flame. Because what I did know was that I had to be wherever you were. And whether it was my yearning for a life that lay outside the confines of a simple village or something more that I couldn't quite explain at the time, I knew that it was a feeling that I simply couldn't ignore. And over time that feeling grew into an all-consuming fire as I realized that I loved you so much more than the best friend that you had come to be to me. Because of you Xena I've been able to see and experience so much more than what I had ever imagined. And even though the highest of highs and lowest of lows, I can't imagine my life without you and never want to be anywhere else if you're not there beside me. I love you Xena, more than I could ever say. But I hope to spend the rest of our lives and onward to an eternity with you trying.
Xena stood with tears in her eyes at the beautiful and heartfelt words as Gabrielle finished speaking. Gabrielle reached up and gently wiped Xena's eyes as Xena smiled and pressed her hand over Gabrielle's.
XENA
(Half Joking) I probably shouldn't have let you go first. Now how am I supposed to follow that?
(Joking) Guess that's what I get for marrying a bard.
They both smiled as after a moment Gabrielle took her hand away and Cora motioned for Xena to speak her vows next. Xena took both of Gabrielle's hands in hers as she gazed deeply into her eyes.
XENA
Gabrielle you know that words have always been more your thing than mine but I'm gonna try my hardest to make sure that you always know just what you mean to me. Every day I wake up amazed that you're there with me. Because I know for a fact that I don't deserve to have you in my life. And that I could never be worthy of the love you've given me. I was nothing more than a lost and broken soul when you found me. You've brought light into my darkness. You see the good in me that no one else including myself sees. So while I'll never understand exactly what you see in me I could spend an eternity in Tartarus when I die and be okay with that because for all the ups and downs we've been through, having you love me has made it feel as though I've somehow already made it to the Elysian Fields.
Gabrielle shook her head as she dried her eyes.
GABRIELLE
You know you really should give yourself some more credit with this sort of thing Xena. Because that was beautiful.
Xena smiled as she glanced at their audience and saw a lot of them drying their eyes as well after hearing both of their heartfelt speeches to one another. Cora then carried on with the ceremony. She picked up two identical silver bracelets that were contacted by a length of brightly colored ribbon. They were simple with just a thin band of silver that had two balls that sat equidistant from one another as the band connected them on both sides.
CORA
Now Xena, Gabrielle each of you take one of these bracelets.
Cora handed them each a bracelet and continued speaking.
CORA
From this day forward these will be a symbol of the eternal bond that you will share. The balls represent each of you. The band itself is the connection that you share. Continuous and never-ending. The ribbon is the life that has brought you together and to this moment. And though it may Frey or break, may you're love for one another endure. Now each of you repeat after me and then slip the bracelet you hold on to the other woman's wrist.
Xena and Gabrielle gave a smile to confirm that they understood and Cora carried on.
CORA
I Xena, take you, Gabrielle...
XENA
I Xena, take you, Gabrielle...
CORA
...to be my wife for the remainder of this life and the next.
XENA
...to be my wife for the remainder of this life and the next.
CORA
To stand with you and let no mortal or God come between us.
XENA
To stand with you and let no mortal or God come between us.
CORA
And freely give everything that I am. Mind, body, heart, and soul.
XENA
And freely give everything that I am. Mind, body, heart, and soul.
CORA
To only you from this day on.
XENA
To only you from this day on.
CORA
Lest my heart I've given you stop beating...
XENA
Lest my heart I've given you stop beating...
CORA
should I ever betray these vows I've here before you today.
XENA
should I ever betray these vows I've here before you today.
Cora then gave a slight nod and Gabrielle held out her hand as Xena slipped the bracelet she held onto Gabrielle's wrist. Cora then spoke to Gabrielle.
CORA
I Gabrielle, take you, Xena...
GABRIELLE
I Gabrielle, take you, Xena...
CORA
...to be my wife for the remainder of this life and the next.
GABRIELLE
...to be my wife for the remainder of this life and the next.
.
CORA
To stand with you and let no mortal or God come between us.
GABRIELLE
To stand with you and let no mortal or God come between us.
CORA
And freely give everything that I am. Mind, body, heart, and soul.
GABRIELLE
And freely give everything that I am. Mind, body, heart, and soul.
CORA
To only you from this day on.
GABRIELLE
To only you from this day on.
CORA
Lest my heart I've given you stop beating...
GABRIELLE
Lest my heart I've given you stop beating...
CORA
should I ever betray these vows I've here before you today.
GABRIELLE
should I ever betray these vows I've here before you today.
Gabrielle then slid the bracelet she'd been holding on to Xena's wrist. Cora then instructed them to join the hands that the bracelets were on and she wrapped the ribbon still connecting the bracelets around their clasped hands.
CORA
With the bonding on your bodies that are the link to your hearts, I now pronounce you bonded for life.
Cora smiled.
CORA
Okay, now you can kiss your wife.
Xena and Gabrielle could hardly contain their joy as they embraced into a passionate kiss as everyone else in attendance clapped and cheered. Xena and Gabrielle turned to face everyone as Xena held Gabrielle close.
XENA
Okay now that that's done let's have some fun.
Everyone cheered again as before long the whole village was alive in a very festive atmosphere as everyone ate, drank, danced and just had a good time. The music was upbeat as Gabrielle felt a pair of very familiar arms come around her waist as she leaned back against the person behind her.
XENA
Enjoying yourself?
GABRIELLE
I was. But I think I'm enjoying myself far more now.
Xena smiled as she looked out at the party that had been going strong for several hours now.
XENA
Looks like it's starting to die down a little.
GABRIELLE
Yeah.
Xena kissed Gabrielle's neck as her hands began to roam over her body.
XENA
You know Mother said that she'd watched Aurora tonight.
Gabrielle felt her yearning for Xena's hands in very specific places as she remembered just how long it had been since she and Xena were able to make love. She let out a sigh that Xena knew very well. Which fueled her own desire for Gabrielle that she'd practically been feeling all day.
XENA
(Seductive tone) Now why don't you and me head home?
Gabrielle shuddered with desire as Xena pulled her tighter against her.
GABRIELLE
Don't you think everyone at our party will realize we're gone?
XENA
It's us on our wedding night Gabrielle. And after over a month of no sex, they're probably surprised that we didn't just skip this party all together.
Gabrielle laughed as she had a good feeling that Xena was probably right. And didn't take any more convincing to leave the party for their house, and more specifically their bedroom.
SKYLA
And there they go.
Skyla, Clover, Ephiny, and a few others stood in a group talking as they saw Xena and Gabrielle sneaking away from the party and knew full well what they were heading off to do.
EPHINY
I think that means I win ladies.
Ephiny held out her hand as a number of the other women around handed her a few dinars. One of which being Clover.
CLOVER
(Joking tone) Yeah, yeah.
Honestly, they lasted a lot longer than I thought they would given how long they couldn't get it on.
EPHINY
(Joking) "Get it on"? Okay. Keeping it classy Clover.
Clover shrugged.
CLOVER
(Joking) What? I could've said given how long they couldn't fu...
SKYLA
(Stern tone) Clover!
Not long after there was a moan as Gabrielle lay naked on the bed and felt Xena's tongue moving down her stomach. She let Xena push her legs further apart! as she reached the object of her desires. Xena lay on her stomach as she lightly touched Gabrielle's center, running her finger along her opening. Gabrielle shuddered as Xena continued to lightly stroke her for a few moments.
GABRIELLE
Xena please, it's been too long. I don't think I can handle this teasing.
Xena smirked at her as she moved her fingers up and down Gabrielle's womanhood a few more times. Feeling how wet they had already gotten and she had barely even touched Gabrielle yet as she raised her eyebrow.
XENA
I can tell.
Xena smiled as slid her fingers inside Gabrielle and began stroking her from within her depths. Gabrielle gave an erotic groan as she felt Xena enter her. She moaned Xena's name as she felt herself being entered repeatedly by Xena's skilled fingers, which always seemed to know just the right spot to hit that left Gabrielle to think that it might've been a good thing that they had been at odds for a bit before their wedding, because there was a very high likelihood that they would've been able to keep from giving in to their lust for one another and had broken the rule of celibacy the neither of them were too thrilled about otherwise. Gabrielle lost her train of thought as she felt Xena push deeper inside of her and moaned Xena's name as she grabbed the sheet beneath her. Xena's movements continued as she felt Gabrielle begin to push herself against her hand. She then placed her free hand on Gabrielle's stomach to keep her still as she continued weaving her fingers in and out of her. She heard Gabrielle whimper slightly and smirked as she used her thumb to brush against Gabrielle's most sensitive area. Gabrielle lightly moaned as she felt Xena come in contact with her little nub. Xena repeated the action for a few moments before focusing her hand's movements on moving inside of Gabrielle's netherlands. However, that specific area on Gabrielle wasn't left unattended for long as Gabrielle's grip on the sheets tightened when Xena's lips found their way around her clit and Gabrielle felt her beginning to suck on the highly sensitive area. Gabrielle's toes dug into the bedding as she felt herself already on the verge of release. She cried out Xena's name as she pleaded with her not to stop what she was doing. Xena weaved her fingers in and out of Gabrielle faster knowing that Gabrielle's climax was close she released Gabrielle's clit and flicked her tongue over it several times before taking it back between her lips and she sucked on it with more vigorous ferocity. Feeling this, Gabrielle threw her head back as she felt her orgasm suddenly surge through her as she let out a blissful cry of ecstasy. Xena held Gabrielle's yell and felt her tighten around her still-moving fingers as she continued suckling on her clit for a couple of moments. Then slowed down and stopped her hand as she took her mouth off Gabrielle's stimulated nub. Giving it a couple of flicks with her tongue and making Gabrielle jump slightly as she felt the jolts and aftershocks of her orgasm hit her. Gabrielle sighed happily as Xena left the area between her legs and crawled up to her, laying her body on top of her. They kissed and Gabrielle could taste herself on Xena's lips as she mentioned and then Seductively commented that she much preferred the way Xena tasted though. Which got a very high eyebrow raise and smirk in response.
XENA
(Seductive tone) Well, I do aim to please I suppose.
Gabrielle scooted down a little as Xena crawled up to the head of the bed and straddled Gabrielle's head as she remained on her knees. Gabrielle placed her hands on Xena's thighs as she brought Xena's femininity to her mouth. Xena groaned in pleasure as she felt Gabrielle's tongue press inside of her. Gabrielle wasted no time in hungerly sweeping her tongue and lips all over Xena's sex which she knew was practically aching with need. Xena grabbed the headboard of the bed as she felt Gabrielle moving her tongue inside her. It wasn't long until Xena was unable to resist moving against Gabrielle as she felt Gabrielle's tongue press further into her. Gabrielle moaned into Xena with sent a very nice vibration into Xena's center. Xena's head fell back slightly as Gabrielle continued probing Xena's core with exspertees. It wasn't long until Xena felt the rush of her orgasm beginning as she gripped the headboard tighter. She groaned and Gabrielle pulled her closer and moved her tongue faster knowing that Xena was almost at her peak. Xena shuddered as Gabrielle began repeatedly running her tongue over her clit and it was only moments later when Xena's orgasm hit and she let out a euphoric yell as her high hit her in waves of sheer bliss. Gabrielle ran her tongue up Xena's womanhood a few more times before Xena slid back and covered Gabrielle's body with hers as they met for several deep, passionate kisses. Whether it was their lack of lovemaking for a while, the atmosphere of the day, or just their general need and desire for one another they couldn't seem to get enough of one another as they quickly found themselves sitting across from each other pressing against each other as they thrust their hips. Their heat meeting as each movement drove them both closer to another climax. One of Xena's arms held Gabrielle around the waist holding her close as the other was placed a little behind her as she used to brace herself as they thrust against one another. Gabrielle held on to Xena's shoulders and neck as they began to move faster, both feeling their next orgasms just over the horizon. The room was filled with pleasure their fueled cries as they felt their orgasmic floodgates open and they were both swept up into the crashing waves of their love and desire for one another. Xena and Gabrielle held one another as they kissed and felt their current orgasms beginning to subside. They sat there for a few moments before Xena laid back and pulled Gabrielle on top of her as Gabrielle began moving against Xena once again.
GABRIELLE
God's Xena, that was... Mm, I don't really know how to describe what that was.
XENA
Good, I hope.
GABRIELLE
(Sleepily) Good doesn't even come close to how that felt.
Gabrielle and Xena lay wrapped in one another's embrace after they come down from their final climaxes, the number of which was unknown as Xena had lost track after the fourth one of hers.
XENA
(Joking) if that's what happens after we don't have sex for a while, I think we might have to try doing that more often.
Xena shifted a little and Gabrielle noticed her tense very, very slightly.
XENA
(Joking) Then again that might end up being a bit dangerous.
Gabrielle gave Xena a concerned look.
GABRIELLE
Gods Xena did I hurt you? I'm sorry I never meant to. Why didn't you say something? I...
Xena placed her finger on Gabrielle's lips to stop her worrying.
XENA
I'm fine Gabrielle I promise. You didn't do anything to hurt me or anything that I didn't want you to do.
Xena smirked.
XENA
(Joking) All it is is the result of a little too much friction that I don't regret for one single second. And would more than gladly do it all over again.
Relieved, Gabrielle laid her head on Xena's chest as Xena held her as the need for sleep began to fall over both of them. Gabrielle idly ran her fingertips over Xena's stomach as smiled happily.
GABRIELLE
Thank you, Xena.
Xena raised her head slightly to look at Gabrielle.
XENA
For what?
GABRIELLE
Just everything. You've done so much for me. And I know that the past number of months have been rough and I didn't make it any easier with my feeling insecure and pushing you away.
XENA
Gabrielle, we've been over this. I already told you that I understand that you were going through some stuff. I don't hold any of that against you.
GABRIELLE
I knew. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you and everything you do for me. Even when it's not easy.
XENA
I should be the one saying that to you. The problems you've had to deal with because of me far outweighs anything like that coming from you. Trust me. I just hope you remember that you never have to walk through anything alone. I'm always gonna be by your side.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
Just like I'll be there for you.
Xena smiled in response.
XENA
And I would never want it any other way. I love you, Gabrielle. And I always will.
GABRIELLE
I love you too Xena. Always.
The two shared a gentle kiss before settling down and happily drifted off to sleep. Their dreams filled with the beautiful memories of the day's events. Of which they would never forget. Along with the worthwhile trials they had faced together. And even though they now both held the title of Amazon queen, to Xena they would always be the princess and her queen. Regardless of what happened which had led to their sacraments for Substantiation.
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL VII: SACRAMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIATION
END ❤️
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TO BE CONTINUED IN THE 8th STORY OF THE SERIES...
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL VIII: CONQUERING A BYGONE ERA