Chapter 5: Army Recruiting, Part I
Xena arrived in the courtyard, astonished by the 200 men gathered for recruitment. Ulysses joined her, equally surprised by the turnout.
"This will take all week," he said. Xena laughed and began walking through the center, the men parting to either side.
"Alright, everyone listen up," Xena's commanding voice echoed.
"By the end of the night, half of you will be back home. Show us your best skills. Form lines of ten!" The men hurried into lines, the clanging of weapons filling the air. Xena's voice cut through the morning quiet.
"Today, we'll test your combat skills and discipline. Each group will spar. This is about proving your worth to join Ulysses' army. Begin!" The warriors nodded, determination etched on their faces. As they sparred, Xena moved among them like a predator, her eyes sharp.
"Stay focused! Work together! Watch each other's backs!" she called out. She corrected techniques and praised good form. Ulysses watched from the edge, his admiration for Xena growing. By evening, the trials intensified. Sweat covered the warriors, muscles straining. Ulysses signaled an end to the day's trials.
"Half of you have shown promise. Only the strongest and smartest will join my ranks. Rest now; tomorrow brings new challenges." The footmen brought food and wine for the men so they could finally feast.
He guided Xena by the hand to the front of the courtyard, the men watching with curiosity and respect. Despite her sweat and fatigue, she held Ulysses' gaze like a guiding star, her presence captivating him as never before. In that moment, Ulysses knew with certainty that he was deeply in love with Xena.
As Ulysses and Xena strolled down the halls of the palace, Xena informed Ulysses that she was heading to the bath hall to soak her muscles. Ulysses held onto her hand tightly, his gaze locked with hers.
"You were amazing out there," he praised, pride evident in his voice. Xena smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. Ulysses gently ran his fingers through her sweaty hair, his touch tender and affectionate.
"I'm glad to have you by my side," he confessed sincerely. He longed to tell her he loved her in that moment, but he decided to wait for the perfect time. Instead, he leaned in and kissed her tenderly, his lips demonstrating the depth of his feelings.
"Enjoy your bath," he murmured softly as he reluctantly released her hand, watching her depart, longing to accompany her.
~XA~
Once Xena's bath was done, she got dressed in a simple yet regal dress. While she brushed out her wet hair, there was a soft knock at the door. It was Zephyra.
"My lady, dinner is ready."
"Thank you, Zephyra. I'll be down in just a moment," Xena replied.
Xena walked into the dining hall. She was impressed at the sight. She remembered Ulysses telling her he had a great cook, but she never imagined this type of presentation.
"It's nice, isn't it?" his voice came from behind her.
"More than I imagined," she replied. He led her to the seat at the other end of the table, as he sat at the head. Just then, the prince walked in. He had a look of horror on his face once he saw the seat Xena was sitting in.
"She is not the queen," his voice was loud and commanding. The whole room fell still and silent, and the music stopped. Ulysses jumped up from his seat in an uproar.
"Xena is my guest and I will NOT tolerate ANYONE disrespecting her. You shall apologize at once," he demanded. The prince looked at Xena outraged, looking her up and down.
"Sorry," he muttered and stormed out of the dining hall, bumping Gabrielle violently as she entered. Xena got up from the seat and went to Ulysses.
"He's right, you know. If that seat is for the queen, then I have no right to sit there." Ulysses looked at her apologetically and pulled out the seat next to his chair.
"Then you will sit next to me," he said tenderly.
The music started playing again, and the staff resumed their duties. Gabrielle took the seat next to Xena and asked how the recruiting went. Before Xena could reply, Ulysses praised her,
"Gabrielle, you should have seen her! She was amazing. Today was just the first day, and man, Xena tested all of their resolve." Gabrielle smiled at the king's enthusiasm.
"Yeah, Xena is pretty skilled on the battlefield."
"After dinner, we have to decide who will not be advancing," the king said.
"I have a few in mind that I'm ready to send home already," Xena added.
"I do too," the king said, laughing out loud. Gabrielle wanted to ask what had caused Telemachus's outburst, but the mood was too enjoyable to dampen it. Once the king saw everyone seated, he stood and spoke aloud,
"I want to apologize for your prince's behavior this evening. We all have our own personal adjustments to make. I hope this didn't dampen anyone's day. Now, let's feast." He held his cup in the air and said, "To Ithaca." Everyone in the room held up their cups and exclaimed,
"To Ithaca," and they all began to eat.
~XA~
Xena and Ulysses walked back to the courtyard hand in hand. Attendants carried outside two grand chairs. He led Xena to one chair, and she took her seat, with Ulysses settling into the one beside her. They both wore the clothes they had worn to dinner. Some of the men's eyes lit up as Xena's radiance captured them. The king stood, and all the men stopped talking, eager to hear what he had to say. His voice was loud and commanding as he addressed them,
"I want to thank each and every one of you for trying out today. I kindly ask that you form one line, and one by one, you will stand in front of Lady Xena and me, and your fate will be determined." Nervous looks spread across the courtyard as they realized the moment of truth was near.
"You stay," Xena said to one.
"I'm sorry, but you'll have to return home," she told another. Ulysses echoed her decisions. When the last man departed, Ulysses announced,
"Congratulations, you all made it to day two. Rest well. We will see you in the morning." The men dispersed, relieved. Ulysses turned to Xena, his hand extended in a silent invitation. She took it without hesitation, their fingers intertwining naturally with ease that spoke of their growing connection. While Xena's dress danced in the wind, they retreated into the palace. Inside, the king turned to Xena smiling, his eyes reflecting the exhausting activities of the day's events.
"I know you must be tired," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"I will see you in the morning. Goodnight, my lady."
Xena returned his smile, a warmth spreading across her features. She leaned forward, capturing his lips in a tender kiss. Pulling back, she met his gaze with affectionate eyes.
"Goodnight, my king," she whispered. His heart grew at the sound of those words, so much, that his chest began to ache. Yes, he knew he would make Xena his queen. Ulysses watched her disappear into her room and walked away, feeling like his life would finally be complete again after 20 long years.
~XA~
The sun barely peeked over the horizon as the recruits lined up for breakfast.
"If they're feeding us like this, I dread to think what the training will be like," one remarked, his words resonating with the others.
"She seems so stern. I'd be afraid to make one wrong move," another said about Xena. Despite her sternness, all the men agreed she was undeniably beautiful.
A loud trumpet blast signaled the arrival of the king and Xena, both in warrior attire. The men quickly placed their bowls back and stood at attention. Xena's commanding voice cut through the silence,
"Today you will spar with either me or the king. We will determine your strengths and weaknesses. Get in two lines!"
The men formed lines, eager to prove themselves. Xena and the king drew their swords, ready to assess each recruit. They switched sides, surprising the men. Xena pointed her sword at the first man in line, challenging him,
"Come and get me." Despite his nerves, he stepped forward and fought with determination.
Ulysses faced his opponent with intense focus, assessing the young man's fear and determination. This was more than a test of strength; it was a test of grit. The sparring grew intense, each blow carrying the weight of their ambitions. Ulysses pushed the recruit to his limits, testing his stamina and will. When it ended, both men stood exhausted but proud, and Ulysses saw the determination in the recruit's eyes.
Once the sparring ended, Xena announced,
"We'll meet again later this evening. For now, enjoy your break." The men gratefully rested as footmen brought out platters of sandwiches.
"Help yourselves," the king called out. The recruits eagerly ate, their conversation lively.
The king could tell Xena's body was sore from the day's activities. He escorted her to the bathhall, their arms wrapped tightly around each other. She leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked. Upon entering, the king instructed the chambermaids not to allow anyone else in until they were finished.
The water was hot and ready, and he pulled out a tray of scents, asking Xena what her favorite was. Before she could answer, he guessed it would be lavender, but he wanted her to correct him if he was wrong. Xena smiled at his thoughtfulness and confirmed that lavender would indeed be lovely. He filled the tub, and the scent of lavender filled the entire room.
As they stood facing each other, Ulysses gently reached for the strap of Xena's dress, his touch tentative yet filled with longing.
"May I?" he asked, his voice soft. Xena's desired filled gaze met his. Without a word, she began to unfasten her armor, letting it hit the floor with a loud clank.
With a silent understanding, she placed her hand over his, guiding him as they undressed her. Each movement was deliberate and filled with unspoken intensity. Ulysses felt a surge of electricity run through his body as he pulled down the strap, his heart pounding in his throat. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her, captivated by her presence.
He swallowed loudly, as he placed his hand on her other strap and pulled it down, his throat suddenly dry. He was lost in her eyes. Time seemed to stand still as they stood there and the only people that existed were her and him. She bit her bottom lip as he pulled her dress off her sweaty body, leaving on her white shift.
He looked her body up and down, his heart racing at the moment of finally seeing her naked. He swallowed another dry gulp. Xena lifted her shift over her head and threw it on the floor, never taking her eyes off of him. His breath caught in his throat. Her body was even more magnificent than he could imagine.
He pulled her into his arms, and she captured his lips. Xena melted into his arms, her fingers tangling in his hair as they kissed with a hunger born of longing. Their mouths moved in a dance of passion, their tongues exploring each other that left them both breathless.
With a gentle tug, Ulysses pulled back, his eyes ablaze with desire as he took her hand in his. Without a word, he led her towards the awaiting bath. Xena followed willingly, heat coursing through her veins as she lowered herself into the soothing embrace of the water. A contented sigh escaped her lips, the warmth enveloping her in a cocoon of comfort.
As she relaxed in the water, Ulysses picked up the lavender soap.
"Come here," he commanded. She walked to the edge of the tub, where he was waiting. He positioned her back in front of him and began to lather her hair, his fingers tenderly massaging her scalp. She moaned softly under his touch, sending shivers down his spine. Her moans stirred something deep within him, igniting a fire of desire. They were driving him wild. He couldn't focus on the task at hand. His mind kept wondering what it would be like to make love to her. To bring her ultimate pleasure while she moaned his name.
"Xena," he spoke softly, his voice filled with desire.
"I hope my hair washing skills aren't too terrible." She let out a contented sigh and replied,
"Your hands feel amazing," her eyes closed in bliss. Once he rinsed her hair, he rose to his feet.
"Well, I'll let you enjoy your bath, and I'll see you later," he said, turning to leave. But before he could pull open the doors, Xena called his name.
"Ulysses, wait." He turned around to see her holding her hand towards him.
"Join me," she whispered.
He walked slowly towards her, dropping an article of clothing on the floor with each step. Xena raised an eyebrow at his actions, a cunning smile displayed on her lips. Her heart began to race faster and faster with each step he took. Every step seemed to heighten the anticipation, each movement dripping with a magnetic pull that drew her closer to him.
She could feel the heat radiating from his skin, sending waves of warmth cascading over her. Her breath caught in her throat as he stood beside the tub, completely exposed. The sight of him, vulnerable and raw, ignited a primal desire within her, a hunger that threatened to consume her entirely.
As Ulysses stepped into the tub, the warm water enveloped him, sending ripples across its surface. He settled beside Xena, their bodies close but not touching, the heat between them noticeable. They exchanged a lingering gaze, their desire unspoken but unmistakable. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, they moved closer. Their bodies finally connected in a tender embrace.
Their closeness intensified as they leaned into each other. Then, their lips met in a passionate kiss. The warmth of the water and the heat of their desire mingled, creating an intoxicating sensation that pulsed through their bodies.
Lost in the throes of desire, they explored each other's bodies with an intense hunger, their hands tracing every curve and contour. As the steam from the bath enveloped them, their passion intensified, and he positioned himself between her. Xena waited with low eyes.
Instead of succumbing to his desire to make love to her, he stopped himself. Running his fingers through her hair, he whispered,
"This moment is one of the most special moments we will share, and I would rather wait." Xena smiled lovingly at him as she stepped out of the tub.
"Where are you going?" he panicked. She went to the soaps, found one she liked for him, and returned to the water. Slowly, she lathered his body, and they bathed together as one.