It was a few weeks later as the entire village found itself under a thick blanket of snow. It was a moderately warm day compared to the past few that had been fairly cold as Xena stepped into the mess hall and shook off the light dusting of snow that had accumulated on her while leading sparing practice. She then shrugged off her coat as she made her way to the table where she saw Gabrielle sharing her breakfast with Aurora who sat in her lap. Gabrielle sat contently, handing the toddler a piece of fruit as she unexpectedly found her whole world suddenly going dark.
GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) Very funny.
Gabrielle reached up and pulled the fur coat off of her head that Xena had dropped over her. She leaned her head back and saw Xena smirking, which brought a smile to her face as well as she shook her head disapprovingly. She looked down at Aurora.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) You know Aurora, sometimes I really wonder why I put up with your mother.
The little girl just looked up at Gabrielle for a moment and smiled as she continued to naw on the fruit that she held in her little hand.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) And you don't care at all, do you?
The toddler just continued to eat as Gabrielle heard Xena chuckle as she tussled Gabrielle's short, blonde hair.
GABRIELLE
Hey!
Gabrielle playfully swatted at Xena with her free hand as Xena then took her coat, walked to the other side of the table, and sat across from Gabrielle. The two idly chatted as Xena mulched on a few pieces of fruit from Gabrielle's plate.
XENA
There's a hunting party getting together to go out tomorrow. They asked me to lead their group because they think my tracking skills will come in handy with all of the snow on the ground and a lot of the animals being in hibernation by now. Luckily there should be some stuff like deer and rabbits running around. Might get even be lucky and there could be some good spots of unfrozen water where we can grab some fish from too.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) You and your fishing.
XENA
(Joking) Well, excuse me for having hobbies besides running things through with my sword.
GABRIELLE
Xena you still kill and eat the fish.
XENA
Well yeah. But it's not like I use my sword for it.
GABRIELLE
Only because it's not practical.
XENA
(Joking) No, it's because it's more fun to reel 'em in. Or just get right in there with my bare hands.
Gabrielle smiled as she shook her head.
GABRIELLE
Of course, it is.
XENA
So?
GABRIELLE
Yeah, yeah your going is fine with me. Go and have fun. Just make sure you clean up good before you step foot back into the house. Or at least head straight for the bath. I'd rather not have to air out the whole house from smelling like week-old fish again.
Xena rolled her eyes as she recalled being yelled at by Gabrielle when they were forced to leave every window in the house open for days after she had mistakenly fallen asleep on the couch and Gabrielle's favorite blanket after coming back from a day of fishing in the hot sun.
XENA
(Defensive tone) Oh, one time. I said I was sorry.
GABRIELLE
(Sighing) I really liked that blanket. I wish we could've gotten the smell out and didn't have to burn it.
The next couple of days went by with Xena and the other few women getting together supplies for the trip and planning out the route where they were most likely to find the wild game. And soon it was the night before Xena and her hunting party were set to leave.
GABRIELLE
How long did you say you'd be gone again?
XENA
Only a few days. A week at the absolute most. But I don't see it taking that long unless we run into some bad weather out there.
Gabrielle leaned further against Xena as they sat comfortably on some furs by the fireplace just enjoying a quiet evening together after putting Aurora to bed.
GABRIELLE
Just promise me that you'll be careful okay? You know how bad Iris said the weather can get. I'd rather not have you getting stuck out in a blizzard and freezing.
Xena smiled as she idly ran her fingertips along Gabrielle's arm.
XENA
Don't worry I've been through my share of bad storms during my old days of trampling around different lands. So I'll be fine.
GABRIELLE
Still, I know I said I didn't have a problem with you going, which I don't. It's just that everything has been so good lately and I know that it sounds ridiculous but I think that there's a part of me that's had this feeling of dread for a while that says that something has to go wrong soon.
Gabrielle looked up at Xena.
GABRIELLE
But I'm probably just being paranoid, aren't I?
Xena smiled as she kissed Gabrielle's forehead.
XENA
No, I don't think you're paranoid at all. Given how our lives normally are it's perfectly reasonable to feel that way. But Gabrielle if you're just gonna be worried about me all while I'm gone, I don't have to go. I won't be upset about staying either if that's something else that you're worried about.
Gabrielle sighed.
GABRIELLE
No, it's okay Xena. Really. I know you wanna go and I want you to go. I mean it. I'm probably just getting worrying for nothing anyway. I think it's just the way Iris described how bad the weather can sometimes get around here.
XENA
She did kinda make it sound like anyone going outside during these "bad winters" basically has a death wish, didn't she?
(Joking) Maybe I should go rough her up a little later for scaring you.
Gabrielle reached up and playfully patted the top of Xena's head as though she were a dog.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Down girl. It's okay, I think we can leave her be.
Xena raised her eyebrow.
XENA
Did you just scold me as if I were your pet?
Gabrielle just shrugged as Xena smirked and noted the playful change in Gabrielle and went along with it as she moved her head to lightly grab one of Gabrielle's fingers between her teeth and made a very dog-like growl before saying something between her lightly clenched teeth.
XENA
(Joking) Alright, then how's this for pet-like behavior?
Gabrielle laughed as Xena growled again and began slightly tugging on the finger before letting it go and began very lightly nipping down her arm to her neck. Gabrielle laughed and then sighed as she felt Xena's playful nipping turn into sensual kisses along her neck and shoulders. She let her head lean back as Xena's hands slowly made their way up her stomach to her chest. Gabrielle turned head and met Xena's lips for a passionate kiss as she reached behind her and tangled her fingers in Xena's hair. They continued to share several more kisses as Xena worked on undoing Gabrielle's top. Then Xena pulled her lips away as she pulled off Gabrielle's shirt and then proceeded to make quick work of removing the rest of Gabrielle's clothing. Afterward, Gabrielle sat leaning back against Xena whose fingers were lightly stroking up and down her center. After a moment Xena smiled as she got an idea and whispered that she'd be right back as she got up and left the room for a few minutes. When she came back she saw Gabrielle laying in a seductive pose on the furs who smiled when she saw Xena come back wearing nothing but the phallus as she walked back over to where Gabrielle lay. She knelt down and kissed Gabrielle a few times. Gabrielle laid back as she waited for Xena, who leaned close and kissed her before pulling away as she motioned for Gabrielle to move, which got a curious expression from Gabrielle in response. Xena let out a playful growl and Gabrielle got what Xena was doing as she giggled and rolled over to her hands and knees as she looked over her shoulder at Xena and smiled at her. Xena then moved directly behind Gabrielle as she placed one hand on Gabrielle's hip and used the other to begin to rub the phallus along Gabrielle's womanhood. Gabrielle moaned slightly at the contact as she felt the tip of the item running up and down her entrance. After a moment Xena pushed the phallus inside Gabrielle and held Gabrielle's hips as she slowly began moving her own back and forth. Gabrielle moaned as she felt the phallus moving inside of her. After a few moments, Xena moved her hands from Gabrielle's waist and placed them beside Gabrielle's as she continued to thrust her hips and weave the phallic item in and out of Gabrielle's femininity. Gabrielle gripped the furs beneath her as she felt herself being entered repeatedly and Xena pressed up against her back. She moaned for Xena not to stop as Xena began to push into her a little harder. Xena continued to thrust as Gabrielle felt the phallus reaching deep within her. After several minutes Gabrielle felt her arms becoming weak as the familiar sensation of her orgasm began to build. Xena moved faster as she heard the telltale pitch in Gabrielle's voice that told Xena that she was close to reaching her climax. Knowing this, Xena took one hand and moved it under them as she used her fingers to rub Gabrielle's clit as she continued to thrust the phallus into her. Gabrielle's arms shook as she soon found herself unable to keep herself up any longer and let her lay on the soft furs that she clung to as moaned and felt herself on the verge of release. Xena held Gabrielle's lower half in place as she thrust a few more times before hearing Gabrielle let out a euphoric cry as she came hard. Gabrielle felt her nether region spasm and pulse as her orgasm hit and felt Xena still her thrusts but continue to rub her sensitive little nub, prolonging her high and sending blissful shudders through Gabrielle's body and instigating more blissful moans that were always like sweet music to Xena's ears. Xena continued rubbing little circles against Gabrielle's clit Gabrielle quickly found herself moving against Xena's hand as she felt herself quickly building to a second orgasm. As she moved Gabrielle also felt the phallus moving inside of her. Seeing Gabrielle pushing back against her, Xena began thrusting her hips again which got a groan from Gabrielle as she tightened her grip on the furs, who cried out Xena's name as Xena took her hand away from her clit and put her focus into her movements as she continued to repeatedly drive the phallus into Gabrielle's depths. Xena wrapped one arm around Gabrielle's midsection and pulled Gabrielle back against her each time she pushed forward as she changed her speed for a slower but more powerful tempo. Not hard, but more deliberate. Gabrielle buried her face into the furs as she let out a muffled moan each time she felt the phallus enter her deeply. It didn't take long until Gabrielle felt herself ready to reach her climax again. Knowing this, Xena sped up a little. It was then that Gabrielle cried out in ecstasy as she came for the second time and Xena stilled her movements and let Gabrielle come down from her high before gently letting her completely lay flat on the furs as she pulled the phallus out and layed down beside her. Gabrielle smiled at Xena as she moved and cuddled up against her as they kissed.
GABRIELLE
(Joking/ seductive tone) That's a good girl. I think you deserve a nice treat for that.
XENA
(Alurring tone) Oh, do I now?
GABRIELLE
Mmhm.
They kissed again as Gabrielle had Xena on her back. Xena then felt Gabrielle's lips begin to leave a trail down her neck chest and stomach. She then reached Xena's waist and with a little cooperation from Xena, she slid the straps that secured the phallus off of Xena and then put it on herself and adjusted it to fit her smaller frame. Afterward, Gabrielle guided the phallic item into Xena's entrance as she layed her body over Xena's and their lips met for a passionate kiss. Gabrielle begin moving her hips as Xena's hands found their way to Gabrielle's backside as she pulled Gabrielle deeper into her. Gabrielle thrust into Xena who moaned as she felt herself being entered and pulled out of again and again. Gabrielle continued moving as she heard Xena's moans grow louder and she began to thrust faster as a result. This got several profane words from Xena as a result as she told Gabrielle not to stop. Xena could feel the beginnings of a hastily building orgasm deep within her core as Gabrielle continued the rapid probing of her depths with the phallus. She tightened her grip on Gabrielle as she pushed Gabrielle tighter against her each time Gabrielle sent the phallic item into her. Gabrielle thrusts several more times before Xena felt a powerful orgasm slam into her. She threw her head back and yelled as she came. Allowing herself to be swallowed by the literal orgasmic high as Gabrielle pushed the phallus into her a couple more times before stopping and laying still as she lowered her head and rested it in her usual spot on Xena's chest as she watched Xena come down from her climax. The two gradually felt their breathing return to normal as Xena trailed her fingers over Gabrielle's back and kissed the top of her head as they shared their usual post-lovemaking "I love you's". Both comfortable and content, it took a while before either of them wanted to move. But eventually, Gabrielle lifted herself from on top of Xena as she removed the phallus from both within Xena and around her waist. Then being happy where they were in the living room by the fireplace, the two snuggled up together beneath the furs that Xena folded over them and settled in to go to sleep. Knowing that they would still be able to hear Aurora from downstairs if she cried.
XENA
Not sure if I'm getting old or just spoiled after being used to sleeping in a bed now. Either way, I gummm...
Xena was cut off as Gabrielle popped a chunk of cheese into Xena's mouth as she spoke and stretched out the stiffness in her neck and shoulders.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) It's probably both.
Now eat the breakfast that I got you while I finish packing your things.
Xena took a bite of her food as she looked out the window of their bedroom where they kept their packs.
XENA
At least it looks like it's gonna be a sunny day to start the trip.
GABRIELLE
Let's just hope it stays that way until you get back.
XENA
I'm sure it'll be fine. Gabrielle...
GABRIELLE
I'm fine Xena. I was just making idle conversation. I know that you can handle yourself just fine.
XENA
But you still can't help but worry about me regardless right?
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Hey as your wife I reserve the right to worry about your well-being as much as I want.
XENA
(Joking) So I guess you can't complain when I do the same thing to you then.
Gabrielle knew that she couldn't reasonably argue with that.
GABRIELLE
Fair is fair I suppose. Just make sure to be careful okay?
XENA
(Joking) Aren't I always?
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Xena if you thought that was funny, I think you've been hanging around Ephiny too much lately.
Xena shook her head knowing that their friend had a pretty terrible sense of humor on the off chance that usual more serious Ephiny had attempted to be funny.
XENA
Alright. I'll be careful, just like I already promised.
GABRIELLE
Good.
Gabrielle kissed Xena as Xena then grabbed her stuff and said goodbye to Aurora as she told the little girl that she'd see her in a few days and to be good for her mommy. Which is what they had taken to referring to Gabrielle as when talking to Aurora. With Xena being momma or mother when Gabrielle was actually speaking to Xena through the thin veil of acting as if she was talking to the toddler.
XENA
I'll see you in a few days.
GABRIELLE
Bye.
Xena gave Gabrielle a kiss goodbye as they stood at the front door in her coat. She then tossed her pack over her shoulder as she opened the door and said one more goodbye before stepping outside and meeting up with the rest of the hunting party that was waiting. Which consisted of Clover, Willow, and Ephiny. She looked back towards Gabrielle and gave a smile and a quick wave. Gabrielle smiled back as she took Aurora's arm and had her wave to Xena, before seeing Xena turn away to get in Argo's saddle that they had waiting for her. Then after a final glance Gabrielle's way Xena turned Argo and lead the others out of the village. As Gabrielle watched them ride out of view, Skyla came over.
SKYLA
It never gets easier to see the one you love leave does it?
GABRIELLE
Nope.
They both sighed and then laughed as Skyla mentioned that they were acting like love-sick teenagers. Gabrielle then invited Skyla in for some warm tea and joked about them being miserable together for a bit. To which Skyla gladly accepted the invitation and followed Gabrielle who carried Aurora inside and shut the door behind them as outside of the village Xena and the others rode further away. Though perhaps if either Xena or Gabrielle would have known what was about to happen during this trip and the events that would take place because of it, Xena never would have left. And even if she had tried, Gabrielle definitely would've found some way to convince Xena not to.
TO BE CONTINUED...