It was an early afternoon at the keep as Xena sat behind her desk trying to get a bit of work done but found herself unable to focus as her mind refused to focus on the task in front of her.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) What's wrong with you? You're a grown woman, quit acting like you're some kind of young teen girl who's nervous about talking to her crush.
With far more effort than what it should have taken, Xena wrote down a couple more words on the scroll in front of her and let out a sigh as she gave up on her attempts at getting any work done and casually tossed the quill on the desk in front of her as she reclined back in her seat.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Is this what the almighty, fearsome Conqueror has been reduced to? A lovesick fool who can barely get through a task without having her mind wander off to something involving her.
Xena smiled slightly as she chuckled a little at herself.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Though to be honest at this point I don't think I'd have it any other way.
Xena looked at her desk and signed as the conversation she had with Cyrene a few days ago.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Gabrielle's where she wants to be. She chose to be here. Be with me. Is this really something I should do?
Xena sat there with her thoughts as her mind went back to how she felt before telling Gabrielle how she felt about her. The conflicting inner turmoil she went through as the fear of Gabrielle's rejection plagued her. Then a smile crossed the Conqueror's face as the thought of what eventually happened as a result of her revealing her love for Gabrielle. It wasn't immediate, but after some time, Gabrielle had actually fallen for her too. A feeling that Xena had no doubt was genuine.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) And look where we are now. Who would have thought that such an amazingly kind, caring, truly good-hearted person like Gabrielle could ever feel anything even close to love for someone like me.
Xena chuckled again.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I suppose the truth really can be stranger than fiction.
Letting out another sigh and a smirk, Xena stood from her chair and began making her way across her study to the door.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Well if that saying really is true, then I guess I'll have to take my chances and see where this all ends up.
It had been a few days since Gabrielle fully recovered from ingesting the poison that Isidora had put into the cider she drank that nearly killed her. But fortunately due to Xena's quick reaction during the situation, Gabrielle was feeling completely fine and hadn't suffered any additional adverse effects from the attempt on her life. And with Isidora dealt with and on her way to serve out the rest of her life, everything in Gabrielle's life seemed to retain to the new normal that she had come to know.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) It sure is a peaceful day around here.
Gabrielle walked idly through the halls as she made her way back to the archives after eating a small lunch in the dinning room. She was just turning the last corner to get to the hallway where the entrance to the archives were when she felt herself being grabbed from behind and pulled back as she let out a small, surprised yell as she fell back against something.
GABRIELLE
(Slightly Irritated tone) I really wish you would stop sneaking up on me like that.
A small chuckle hit Gabrielle's ears as she tilted her head back slightly to look up into the blue eyes gazing back at her.
XENA
Sorry.
The Conqueror smiled.
XENA
(Teasing tone) I guess I get a kick out of that little yell you make when I do it.
Gabrielle scowled.
GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) Well I'm glad you find it funny. Because I sure don't.
XENA
Well if that's how you feel about it, I'm sorry.
Xena placed a small kiss on Gabrielle's lips.
XENA
I won't do it anymore.
GABRIELLE
Good.
A smile worked it's way on to Gabrielle's face as Xena playfully poked at her side, making the young woman laugh as she wigged to get out of Xena's grasp.
GABRIELLE
(Laughing) Ah, Xena. You know I'm ticklish there.
XENA
Exactly.
Xena continued poking Gabrielle's side as the young woman laughed.
GABRIELLE
(Laughing) Quit it.
Xena smiled.
XENA
(Teasing tone) Are you still mad at me.
GABRIELLE
(Laughing) No, I'm not mad. I'm not mad.
XENA
(Teasing tone) Are you sure? Cause the last thing I would ever want is for you to be upset.
GABRIELLE
(Laughing) I promise I'm not upset. I swear. Now if you don't stop tickling me, I will be.
XENA
(Teasing tone) Well in that case I had better stop then.
Xena finally relented in her playful assault, and put her arms around the still giggling Gabrielle, who after a couple of moments calmed down completely as she looked up at the taller woman.
GABRIELLE
You're clearly in a good mood today.
XENA
(Joking tone) As opposed to my being a miserable bitch most other days?
GABRIELLE
No Xena, I didn't mean...
XENA
It's alright Gabrielle. I was just kidding.
Xena placed a small kiss on Gabrielle's lips.
XENA
(Half Joking) It seems my bitchiest days may very well be behind me.
Xena let the younger woman go and turn around to face her as she continued speaking.
XENA
And I have you to thank for that.
GABRIELLE
Me? But I didn't do anything.
XENA
See that's where you're wrong.
Xena's expression went serious.
XENA
Gabrielle, it's because of you, the kindness you've shown not just me but to everyone around you, that made me even begin to think about the person I've been. The things I've done... the people I've hurt.
A look of sadness shown in the Conqueror's eyes as Gabrielle reached up and gently laid her hand on the other woman's cheek.
GABRIELLE
Xena...
Xena brought her hand up to cover Gabrielle's.
GABRIELLE
I don't believe that there's anyone in this whole world who could make you do anything you didn't already wanna do. Yes you've changed since I first met you, but you did it because you wanted to. Not because of anything I did.
Xena smiled.
XENA
I guess that's just something we're gonna have to agree to disagree on.
The Conqueror took Gabrielle's hand from her cheek and brought it to her lips as she placed a gentle kiss on the palm before lowering their hands as she looked deeply into Gabrielle's eyes.
XENA
Gabrielle...
Xena paused for a moment as she pushed down the nerves that had suddenly hit her before continuing.
XENA
Listen there was something that I wanted to talk to you about.
Seeing an uncomfortable look appear on Xena's face, Gabrielle felt herself become concerned that something was wrong.
GABRIELLE
Xena, is something wrong?
Realizing that she was inadvertently causing Gabrielle to worry, Xena smiled as she cupped Gabrielle's cheek with her free hand that wasn't holding still Gabrielle's hand.
XENA
No Gabrielle. Not at all. I just...
Xena paused briefly as she gathered her nervous thoughts, before continuing.
XENA
There's something I wanted to ask you.
Again, Xena paused as she heard voices from people down the hall and looked around for a moment as she realized that perhaps standing in the middle of a hallway wasn't the way she wanted to say what she had to say.
XENA
Actually if it's okay with you, I was thinking we could continue this somewhere a little more private.
Xena took her hand from Gabrielle's cheek but continued to keep her gentle grip on the young woman's hand.
XENA
Would you care to accompany me to my quarters?
Now highly curious as to what Xena could have possibly wanted to ask her that could have the typically bold woman acting almost timid, Gabrielle agreed to join the Conqueror.
GABRIELLE
Um, sure I guess.
With a reassuring smile, Xena placed Gabrielle's arm around hers and began walking as she brought them both up her bedroom and out to the balcony that overlooked a good portion of the keep's grounds.
GABRIELLE
At least it's not that cold out today.
XENA
Yeah.
Xena and Gabrielle stood side by side for a bit as they looked out at the scenery in silence for several moments until Gabrielle spoke up.
GABRIELLE
You know I really like the view from up here.
Xena smiled.
XENA
Yeah, I've always enjoyed standing out here too. Though this particular sport has kind of become something more special to me recently.
Gabrielle looked over at the Conqueror.
GABRIELLE
Why's that?
Xena turned to face the other woman.
XENA
Because this is where you first said you loved me.
GABRIELLE
You remember that?
XENA
Of course I do. It's a night that I'll carry with me for as long as I live.
Gabrielle felt Xena gently take her hand in hers again and turned toward her.
GABRIELLE
You know I think that night will be with me forever too.
The young woman gazed into Xena's eyes.
GABRIELLE
Thoughto be honest I knew I felt something for you for a bit before then, but I was too afraid to admit it.
XENA
Because of who I am?
Gabrielle lowered her eyes as she knew her honest answer would likely hurt Xena's feelings.
GABRIELLE
Yeah.
Gabrielle felt a gentle touch on her chin that brought her attention back to Xena.
XENA
You have nothing to feel ashamed, or sorry for Gabrielle. I wasn't a good person when we met. Any sane person would have given paused to being involved with someone like me. And to be completely honest, I still don't know what you see in me that caused you to give me access to your heart.
GABRIELLE
Because you're not the same person that I first met when I stumbled into your camp all those months ago. You're nothing like that woman anymore. You're a completely different person now.
XENA
And though I know you disagree, regardless of what you might think, you Gabrielle, are the reason for that.
Xena lightly squeezed the young woman's hand as she continued.
XENA
You showed me a level of kindness and compassion that I never deserved. You made me see that there was still light in this dark world. And you, are my light. I love you, Gabrielle, and I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you in my life.
GABRIELLE
...Xena.
Already not knowing what to say, Gabrielle found herself suddenly loosing all train of thought as she watched Xena bend down to one knee before her and look up at her.
XENA
I love you Gabrielle. More than I ever imagined I could love anyone. And when I almost lost you, I knew that I didn't wanna waste another day without having you by my side. And though I know you could do far better than to be with someone like me, I swear on my very life that I will spend the rest of my days doing everything I can to prove myself and to be someone worthy of giving your heart to. I can't promise you that I'll be perfect, but I promise you that I will do everything I can to be someone that you can be proud to have stand beside you in life. So now I ask, Gabrielle, will you let me stay by your side for the rest of the time we share in this world together? Will you marry me?
Gabrielle stood there in a stunned silence as it took a moment for the question she had just been asked to sink in, unable to believe that Xena would actually want to marry her. But having heard her heartfelt speech and the sincere look of love in the ocean of blue looking up at her, Gabrielle knew without a doubt that Xena's words were true. And as such didn't need any longer to think about what her answer to Xena's question would be.
GABRIELLE
Of course Xena. Yes, of course I'll marry you.
Hearing Gabrielle's response brought the biggest smile imaginable to Xena's face as she stood up and pulled the younger woman into a tight embrace.
XENA
I can't tell you how happy you've just made me Gabrielle.
Xena pulled back slightly as she kept her arms around Gabrielle.
XENA
I love you so much more than I could ever tell you.
GABRIELLE
I love you too Xena.
Both women feeling overjoyed at their future together, their lips met in a gentle, yet passionate kiss that was followed by several more before with a great deal of difficulty, Xena pulled herself away from Gabrielle and smiled.
XENA
Well I guess we have a wedding to start planning now don't we.
GABRIELLE
When should it be?
Xena thought for a moment.
XENA
I was thinking maybe late spring. Hopefully that should give enough time to prepare the wedding you deserve.
GABRIELLE
Xena, you know you don't have to do something so big just for me. It could just be the two of us making our vows to one another, and I would be happy.
Xena smiled.
XENA
I know. But you deserve so much more. And I have the means, so I wanna give you the wedding of your dreams, Gabrielle. And after everything you've done for me, it's the very least I could do.
Xena took Gabrielle's hand again.
XENA
So whataya say Gabrielle. Let me give you the wedding of your dreams. I know that it'll only be for one day, but let me make it special and one that no one in attendance will ever forget.
Hearing the excitement in the Conqueror's voice, Gabrielle's smile grew larger as she realized that this was as much about Xena being happy as it was her and decided that if Xena wanting to give her a big, extravagant wedding made the woman happy, then why not let her do it. Besides, it would be just as muchXena's wedding than hers anyway. And so Gabrielle relented in her opposition to a large ceremony.
GABRIELLE
Okay. If you really want us to have a big celebration, then I'm okay with that.
Xena's smile grew.
XENA
Wonderful. We can start the planning whenever you're ready.
Xena held out her arm for Gabrielle to take.
XENA
Come on let's go back inside. It's getting colder out here.
Gabrielle happily put her arm around Xena's as the pair walked together back inside and spent a quiet evening together as Xena happily listened to Gabrielle as she excitedly ran off multiple ideas for their future wedding.
LEONIDAS
My lord.
Xena looked up from her papers as she heard Leonidas' voice as the lieutenant entered her study. It had been a few days since Gabrielle's accepting of her marriage proposal and the whole keep had been a buzz with the exciting news after Gabrielle had told Elle and word quickly spread like a wildfire throughout the large building.
XENA
If this is more people sending their congratulations come back later. I have work that I need to get done.
Xena's eyes returned to the paper in front of her as Leonidas entered the room and walked up to her desk.
LEONIDAS
I wish that the joyful occasion was the reason for what brought me here today, but unfortunately that's not the case
Hearing the seriousness in the man's voice, Xena's attention returned to her lieutenant as she saw a grim expression on his face which caused a sudden fear in Xena's heart as she quickly stood up from her chair.
XENA
What is it? Is Gabrielle alright? Something else hasn't happened to her, has it?
LEONIDAS
No, no to my knowledge the little one is just fine.
Hearing that Gabrielle was okay but still seeing the troubled look Leonidas was giving her, Xena's thoughts turned to Cyrene.
XENA
Mother?
LEONIDAS
She's in the kitchen as usual. I just saw her going in there as I was coming to see you.
Xena breathed a sigh of relief as she took a moment to compose herself and gave an unhappy look to Leonidas as she sat back down.
XENA
(Slightly Irritated tone) What's the big idea coming in here acting as though the world is crashing down around us. You can't do that to me. Good god's Leonidas are you trying to send me to an early grave from worry.
LEONIDAS
Apologies my lord. I'll be more mindful of my temperament when speaking with you in the future.
XENA
Good. Now, what's the actual problem? Is there some kind of threat headed our way?
LEONIDAS
No. But this does involve the mess that you've been tangled in involving Draco.
Hearing the warlord's name finally resurface after months of him going silent piqued the Conqueror's interest in the conversation as her whole demeanor changed to reveal a long simmering anger, and she leaned her elbows on her desk, resting her chin in her hands and spoke.
XENA
So that son of a bitch has finally decided to show his face again.
LEONIDAS
Yes. It seems that he's been held up in a town far north for some time now. Perhaps even making the area his base for at least these winter months.
XENA
Interesting.
A feral smile crossed Xena's face.
XENA
It seems that I might soon have my revenge on that bastard at last. Where was his army last spotted?
Leonidas told her where the warlord had last been spotted. as Xena's smile was replaced with a scowl as she lowered her hands to her desk.
XENA
That's not all that far from here. Barely a couple days march. So how in the name of Hades did he get that far into my territory without me being notified sooner?
LEONIDAS
I'm afraid that's still unknown my lord but...
MESSAGER
My lord.
Leonidas paused in his update involving Draco as both his and Xena's attention turned toward the doorway to see a young man standing at attention in the doorway to Xena's study.
MESSAGER
A message just arrived for you from one of the scouts.
XENA
Bring it here.
Figuring that it was another update on Draco, Xena held out her hand for the messager to give her the letter she could see him holding. Which he did as he walked over to her and passed the scroll over to her.
XENA
Is this all there is?
MESSAGER
Yes my lord.
XENA
Very good. You may go now.
The man brought his fist to his chest in salute as he responded with a "Yes my lord", turned around and left as Xena opened the scroll and began reading it.
XENA
(Angry tone) Damn it.
Leonidas watched as a couple moments later, Xena slammed the paper down on her desk.
XENA
(Angry tone) That son of a bitch.
LEONIDAS
What is it?
XENA
I just got some news about something I've been wanting for some time to hear back about.
LEONIDAS
I take it that it's not something you were hoping to hear?
Xena let out a defeated sigh as she rubbed her face ìn frustration.
XENA
To put it lightly, no.
LEONIDAS
What is it?
XENA
It's Gabrielle. You remember a while back I had our scouts go out searching for information about the location of Gabrielle's family?
LEONIDAS
I remember.
XENA
Well while there's still no word on Gabrielle's mother, it seems that they found where her sister has been.
Xena's lieutenant gave her a puzzled look.
LEONIDAS
Isn't that good news my lord? We know where one the little one's lost family is. Why are you acting so grim?
XENA
It's great that we found her, obviously. But it's where she is that's the problem.
LEONIDAS
Why? Where is she?
XENA
Draco has her.
Xena sighed sadly.
XENA
And from what's in this letter it's apparent that he's kept her this whole time as his personal body slave.
Leonidas shook his head in disbelief and disgust.
LEONIDAS
That's terrible. The depravity some people are willing to stoop to.
A moment of silence passed between them as the weight of the situation sank in before the Conqueror's lieutenant spoke again.
LEONIDAS
What are you gonna do?
XENA
I'm not sure yet. But we need to work fast and come up with a plan to stop Draco and get the girl away from that son of a bitch.
Xena shook her head as Leonidas could see a sadness appear behind the woman's eyes as she sat back heavily in her chair.
XENA
(Sad tone) And now I have to figure out how I'm gonna break this news about the girl's fate to Gabrielle.
TO BE CONTINUED...