SKYLA
Whaaat?
CLOVER
Are you serious?
FAUNA
You're not really leaving, are you?
Gabrielle finished chewing her food as she and Xena sat at the table in the mess hall with their usual group.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, we talked about it yesterday, and Xena and I decided that it might be time for us to move on.
IRIS
We're gonna miss not having you two and Aurora here.
FAUNA
Things around here definitely won't be the same without you guys. We're really gonna miss you.
It was the morning after Xena and Gabrielle had decided to leave the village as Xena held Aurora in her lap and sat quietly as she listened to their friend's disheartened reactions after having just broken the news of their plans to leave. Gabrielle gave a sad smile.
GABRIELLE
We're gonna miss all of you too.
Ephiny looked at Xena.
EPHINY
So when were you guys planning on heading out?
Xena shrugged.
XENA
Few days.
Ephiny fiddled with her spoon for a moment as she appeared to be thinking before speaking again.
EPHINY
Hmm, now that you mention it I think that might be a good idea. I never planned on staying here this long. I'm sure everyone back home is thinking I just decided to change tribes. Might be time to head back and see everyone there. Maybe I'll head out when you do.
SKYLA
Ephiny, not you too.
AMARICE
I guess I should probably go too then. It'll be smarter to not travel by myself later.
CLOVER
And there goes Amarice too.
Skyla looked at the last two remaining non-native residents of the village being Willow and Cora.
SKYLA
Let me guess next the both of you are gonna say that you're leaving now too.
Cora and Willow looked at each other for a moment as Willow shrugged in indifference.
CORA
I guess I have been feeling kind of homesick lately. And besides we were originally brought here to expand this village's horizons. Which I think we did. And we learned a lot from everyone here too. But our stay was never intended to go on this long. In fact, if I'm remembering correctly I think it was only supposed to be for a year, two at the most. So we're well overdue to return home.
WILLOW
Huh, I guess you're right.
Gabrielle chuckled.
GABRIELLE
I guess this village just has that effect on people.
XENA
(Joking/ Ominous tone) Maybe that's the point. And once they get cha here and before you know it you completely forget that you can even leave.
Gabrielle nudged Xena in her side from the terrible joke as she laughed.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) You know now that I think about it, it might be a good thing that we're leaving. I think you've been hanging around Ephiny too long. You're starting to catch her bad sense of humor.
XENA
(Joking) Oh come on Gabrielle it wasn't "that" bad.
Ephiny gave both Xena and Gabrielle an unhappy look.
EPHINY
(Flat tone) You two do realize I'm still sitting here right?
Xena smirked at her and shrugged as Skyla let out a slightly frustrated scoff and shot Xena and Gabrielle a semi-serious look of disapproval.
SKYLA
(Half joking) You see what you two started? Now everyone's leaving.
Clover sighed.
CLOVER
This is my fault.
GABRIELLE
What? No. Why would you even think that?
CLOVER
It's because of what happened with us turning against you guys. We banished you and Aurora from the village in the middle of winter and nearly executed Xena. Why would anyone in their right mind want to stay somewhere after enduring something like that at the hands of the people who were supposed to care about them?
The others looked at Clover and figured that she must've been right. After all, why would anyone want to stay someplace where the people had tried to kill them in one way or another? Because while it wasn't direct, they all knew that sending Gabrielle and Aurora out in the middle of such a brutal winter was essentially as much of a death sentence as what they planned on doing to Xena. While it had all worked out in the end, and both Xena and Gabrielle had said they didn't hold what happened against them, even if that was true, it still didn't mean that they wanted to keep living in the same village as the people who had turned their backs on them and nearly destroyed their whole family. Not that anyone could blame them.
GABRIELLE
No, trust me this has nothing to do with that. We still love it here and you guys will always be our friends. All of what happened was Alti's fault. And honestly a little bit of mine for naming Xena queen in the first place knowing her history with the Amazons.
Gabrielle stopped Xena from defending her actions like she already knew she would.
GABRIELLE
But that being said we all made mistakes and did what we thought was in the best interest of the Amazons at the time. In the end, everything worked out so there's no need to worry. We really don't hold any anger towards anyone here.
Xena smiled.
XENA
And you can believe her when she says that. Gabrielle's never really been one to hold grudges. And I can't exactly hold what happened against you guys either. Given that you've all been able to look past the things I've done to your people.
CLOVER
That's a relief to hear.
SKYLA
Even if we still don't like the idea of you leaving.
the group moved to other topics of conversation before finishing breakfast and carrying on with their day.
GABRIELLE
Is that everything?
Xena looked around for a moment before checking their packs.
XENA
Uh... Yup looks like that's all of it.
Gabrielle walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.
GABRIELLE
(Half joking) Well, I'm definitely gonna miss sleeping on something comfortable. Gotta stay going back to sleeping on the hard ground is not something I'm looking forward to.
XENA
I know what you mean, I might be in trouble too. I think I've gotten much too used to sleeping in an actual bed.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Uh-oh, great warrior princess, you're not going soft on me, are you?
Xena raised her eyebrow.
XENA
(Joking) Careful Gabrielle that kind of talk makes you sound like some of those guys we know from my warlord days, or Ares.
Gabrielle cringed at the thought of the God of war and all the trouble he had caused for them even through the years. Even though he'd been gone from their lives since the great Amazon war thanks to Artemis.
GABRIELLE
Oh god's no. Never mind forget I said anything. The last thing I wanna do is sound anything like Ares.
Xena laughed as she placed their packs in the corner until morning.
XENA
Oh don't worry, I don't foresee that becoming a problem.
She walked back over near Gabrielle as she began getting ready for bed.
XENA
Well anyway, we should probably make it an early night. It'll be better to get an early start tomorrow.
Gabrielle stood as she also began getting undressed.
GABRIELLE
So do you have any plans for where we're heading after we leave?
XENA
Actually I was thinking about paying mother a visit. It's been a while and I'm sure she's dying to see her granddaughter.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
I'd like that. It'll be good to see Cyrene again.
XENA
I had a feeling you'd like that idea.
Gabrielle finished pulling off her clothes and noticed Xena giving her body a good look over from where she now layed on their bed.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Don't you see this enough for you to not start feeling all frisky over it?
Xena smiled.
XENA
Gabrielle we could grow to be a couple of old crones and I would still find you incredibly unbelievably attractive. Both inside and out.
Gabrielle smiled as she shook her head in mock disbelief, knowing full well that it was true for both Xena as well as herself as she got into bed with her. After all their attraction and love for one another went so far beyond just the physical. Gabrielle had oddly enough often explained what the two felt for one another as something that simply couldn't be explained. Because if you thought about it the two were so drastically different in so many ways that it seemed to defy all logic and reasoning that a relatively sheltered, wide-eyed, enthusiastic young woman from a small farming village, and a somewhat moody, reformed ex-warlord with a dark and bloody past on a quest for redemption would even become friends, let alone fall for one another. But yet there they were. Having been together romantically for years at that point, married and raising a child together. With both knowing without a doubt that this was the way it would stay for the rest of their lives and on to eternity. Gabrielle leaned close and softly kissed Xena.
GABRIELLE
I love you, Xena.
XENA
I love you too Gabrielle. Always.
Xena smiled as she began lightly running her fingertips up and down Gabrielle's arm.
XENA
(Alluring tone) You knooow... given that you mentioned that this is probably our last night getting to sleep in a bed for a while, I was thinking maybe we should make sure that we fully enjoy our last night of having one.
GABRIELLE
(Teasing tone) Oh were you?
Gabrielle smiled knowing full well what was on Xena's mind but decided to have a little fun teasing her first.
GABRIELLE
I couldn't agree with you more.
Gabrielle leaned in and gently kissed Xena before turning over and laying down so her back was facing her.
GABRIELLE
So we should probably get to sleep now, so we're well rested for tomorrow.
Xena sighed to herself in disappointment as she fought to ignore the building yearning between her legs and got in a comfortable position to go to sleep.
XENA
(Lying) Yup, that's exactly what I meant.
GABRIELLE
Goodnight Xena.
XENA
Night.
After a few moments, Xena closed her eyes where shortly after she felt a familiar hand beginning to roam across her skin. Not opening her eyes right away, she smiled as she enjoyed the gentle caressing.
XENA
(Joking) You can be a real tease at times you know that?
GABRIELLE
(Teasing/ Lying) Who, me? I swear I don't know what you're talking about.
Xena opened her eyes and saw Gabrielle now facing her, with her head propped up in one hand as she smiled and continued lightly tracing her fingertips along Xena's body. Xena smirked.
XENA
(Joking) Mm, I'm sure you don't. Now get over here you.
Xena quickly grabbed Gabrielle and pulled her on top of her as they both laughed and lightly kissed a few times before those kisses turned more passionate and heated letting their hands and lips find their way to various places on one another. After a few moments, Xena then rolled them both over before she rose to her knees, straddling Gabrielle's waist, and pulled off her nightshirt, tossing it to the floor before leaning down and kissing Gabrielle several more times as she felt Gabrielle's hands trail up her stomach as they find their way to her breasts and began to mold them in her gentle grasp. Xena moaned as she felt the need within her nether region becoming more abundant. She then pulled back from Gabrielle's touch as she began lifting Gabrielle's nightgown as Gabrielle sat up and raised her arms over her head as her clothing immediately followed and was discarded to wherever it was tossed across the room to be found in the morning along with the rest of their current clothing that quickly found itself being removed before Xena layed herself over Gabrielle as their lips met for another deep kiss. After several moments Xena pulled from Gabrielle's lips as she got to her knees and staredled one of Gabrielle's thighs, pressing their center's together. Gabrielle let out an enjoyable sigh as she felt Xena's femininity meet hers. Xena slowly began to rock against her and Gabrielle sighed Xena's name as she felt the beginnings of the always pleasurable friction between them. As she moved Xena placed one hand on the bed and slid the other under Gabrielle's hips as she pulled and held Gabrielle tighter against her. The two let out rasps and moans of enjoyment as Xena continued to drive herself against Gabrielle. Gabrielle grabbed at the sheet beneath her as Xena rocked against her, both feeling the slow-building sensation within their depths fueling the already vigorous hunger that they were feeling for one another even further. Xena kept a steady rhythm as she repeatedly thrust against Gabrielle, each of their womanhood's starting to feel the beginnings of a building orgasm as they groaned in bliss. Gabrielle moaned Xena's name and urged her not to stop as she felt her climax approaching. Xena bucked harder as she also felt her high stampeding ever closer. She pressed harder against Gabrielle and drove her hips forward with more vigor. Each thrust sending them both careening towards their finish. The room became filled with their moans of all-consuming passion as only moments later Xena thrust hard once more before letting out a euphoric cry as she felt a powerful orgasm overtake her. She felt her core spasm in orgasm as she reflexively bucked against Gabrielle with every jolt that coursed through her. After a few moments, Xena felt her climax begin to subside as she caught her breath and lifted herself off of Gabrielle as she got to her hands and knees and shared a couple of passionate kisses with Gabrielle, before guiding her lips down Gabrielle's neck, chest and midsection as she inched further down the bed before laying on her stomach between Gabrielle's legs. Xena slid her hands under Gabrielle who bent her knees and parted her legs further, giving Xena clear access to the object of her desire. Xena ran her finger along Gabrielle's feminine treasure a couple of times as Gabrielle breathed deeply feeling her need for release becoming more urgent. Which was something that she made known by the pleading tone in her voice as she said Xena's name. Xena smiled as kissed the inside of Gabrielle's thigh. Which led to another closer planted closer to Gabriellle's point of need, and then another. This continued as only a few seconds later Gabrielle felt Xena's mouth come in contact with her center. Xena let the tip of her tongue lightly graze against Gabrielle's femininity as she moved it along her opening. Gabrielle whimpered in need as she tried to push Xena against her and Xena got the hint not to tease and sunk her tongue into her. Xena immediately began probing Gabrielle's opening as Gabrielle gasped. She felt Xena's tongue sweeping up and down her center. And each time Xena would pass over Gabrielle's little bud, she would linger just long enough to give it a little extra flick of her tongue causing Gabrielle to shutter. This went on for a bit as Gabrielle felt her orgasm building. She clung to the covers as Xena feasted on her. Pushing her ever closer to her peak. Knowing that Gabrielle was nearing her release, Xena moved her lips around the stimulated clit and proceeded to vigorously suck the little nub as just moments later, she felt Gabrielle arch and stiffen as a fierce orgasm overtook her. She let out a cry of pure ecstasy as her body shuttered in climax. Xena kept her mouth in place as Gabrielle rode out her high, and as she began to calm down Xena took her mouth away as she lightly ran her tongue over the sensitive little bud a couple of times causing Gabrielle to jump slightly as her netherlands still being affected by the aftershocks of her high. After a few more gentle passovers with her tongue, Xena smiled as she left Gabrielle's womanhood and crawled up to share a few loving kisses with her before settling down beside her as she pulled the covers over them as the two snuggled up and got comfortable as before long began to drift off to sleep.
XENA
Goodnight Gabrielle, I love you.
GABRIELLE
I love you too.
As they fell asleep in one another's embrace, morning came all too soon as they were soon standing at the village entrance with Aurora and both of their horses loaded up with their things. Ephiny, America, Cora, and Willow also had their things packed and loaded onto their horses as well as the five of them stood surrounded by the women of the village with their friends right in front. Skyla sniffled as she tried to fight back her tears but failed miserably.
SKYLA
(Sad tone) You guys better not just leave here and forget about us or I'm gonna be really upset.
Clover looked at her.
CLOVER
(Sarcasm) Right because this is you happy.
Skyla nudged Clover in her side as Gabrielle gave a sad smile.
GABRIELLE
Never. And I can't say when but I promise we'll come back and see you guys.
Gabrielle and Skyla hugged.
SKYLA
You better.
They separated as both Gabrielle and Skyla wiped the tears from their eyes.
SKYLA
You make sure you keep an eye on that warrior of yours your highness. You know how much trouble they can get into.
(Joking) Especially a certain warrior princess who shall remain nameless for my own safety.
Xena rolled her eyes as Skyla looked her way for a moment and winked jokingly. Gabrielle smiled as Skyla returned her attention to her.
GABRIELLE
We both know when it comes to Xena that's much easier said than done, but I always try. Take care of yourself Skyla I'm gonna miss you.
SKYLA
Same here Gabrielle.
They gave a sad smile to one another as Skyla looked at Xena.
SKYLA
I'm gonna miss you too Xena.
Xena smiled sadly.
XENA
Ditto.
Clover stepped forward next as she put her arm out towards Xena who took it in the traditional warrior's handshake.
CLOVER
(Half joking) It's not gonna be the same around here without you kicking everyone's ass's all the time.
Xena smirked.
XENA
(Joking) Guess that'll be your job now, won't it?
Clover smiled as they gave each other a quick half hug.
CLOVER
You and Gabrielle take care of yourselves and Aurora okay?
XENA
We will. You and Skyla make sure to do the same.
They both stepped back from the brief embrace as they put on a tough front of not being upset about Xena and Gabrielle leaving as Skyla and Gabrielle looked at each other and smiled.
GABRIELLE/ SKYLA
Warriors.
Next Iris and Fauna stepped forward to say their goodbyes to their dear friends.
IRIS
Gabrielle, Xena it's been such a wonderful experience to have you in our home. As crazy as things might've gotten at times I'm so glad that came here. You'll both always hold a special place in my heart. I'll miss both of you and Aurora very much.
She hugged both of them so they each said their goodbyes to her.
GABRIELLE
I'll miss you too Iris.
XENA
We'll see you again, take care.
FAUNA
Gabrielle thank you for being such a wonderful queen and an even better friend.
Fauna and Gabrielle embraced.
GABRIELLE
Thanks. I'm so glad I got to know you Fauna.
Fauna then moved on to Xena.
FAUNA
Even without being an actual Amazon, you've done so much for us Xena, I can never thank you or Gabrielle enough for everything you've done for us. And I'm happy to call you my friend.
XENA
Same here.
The native villagers also said their goodbyes to Ephiny, Amarice, Core, and Willow as the last two also bid farewell to Amarice and Ephiny before turning their attention to Xena and Gabrielle.
WILLOW
I guess this is goodbye, isn't it? Hopefully, we'll meet up again sometime.
GABRIELLE
I'm sure we will someday.
XENA
Maybe we'll come find you're village and visit some day.
WILLOW
I'd like that.
Cora then stepped forward and hugged Gabrielle.
CORA
Bye Gabrielle, you, Xena, and Aurora stay safe okay... or as safe as you guys can be anyway.
GABRIELLE
We'll try. Though I'm sure you know that we can't make any promises about that one.
Cora then moved on to Xena.
CORA
Make sure you and Gabrielle stay honest with and take care of one another. What the two of you share really is something incredibly special.
XENA
Oh, believe me, I know. But thanks. It was good to meet and get to know you, Cora.
Once all of the tearful and bittersweet goodbyes had been said Ephiny Amarice, Core, and Willow mounted their horses as the last of their villager friends finished dotting on Aurora as the little girl soaked up the attention, smiled, and giggled as she always did. No longer in her Amazon attire and opting not to return to her green top and brown skirt and instead wearing the reddish top and skirt she'd gotten a while ago Gabrielle got up into Arrian's saddle. She reached out as Xena lifted Aurora up to her and Gabrielle settled their daughter in front of her and made sure she was secure. After making sure Gabrielle, Aurora, and half of their packs were all set, Xena took a few steps to Argo and gave the stuff on her saddle one last check. Satisfied that everything was good, Xena mounted her mare as she and Gabrielle looked out at the villagers as they gave one more farewell before turning towards the open secret passage within the waterfall as Ephiny, Amarice, Cora and Willow followed them out with the residents of the village calling after them as they sent the group off with Amazonian cheats and singing. Once outside the village's protective barriers and the guards closed the entrance behind them the group split up and went their separate ways with Cora and Willow heading back to their home village and Ephiny and Amarice doing the same after saying goodbye to Xena and Gabrielle. With Gabrielle giving Epiny her standard temporary seat as queen until Gabrielle returned to the Amazons as they made promises of hopefully seeing them again soon. And so after watching the others leave making it just the two of them and Aurora, Xena, and Gabrielle looked back at the waterfall for a moment before looking at one another smiling and riding off as they left the secret village of the Sapphire Snow Owl Tribe behind and onward towards wherever the road would take them next. Unaware that the road would unexpectedly lead them back to the village much sooner than they could have expected. With a reunion between them and the residents being anything but a joyful experience.
TO BE CONTINUED...