Chapter 6: Army Recruiting, Part II

The sun had barely peeked over the horizon as the camp stirred with the awakening of the recruits. Bleary-eyed but grateful, the men lined up for breakfast. Their conversation was a blend of exhaustion and anticipation.

"If they're feeding us like this, I dread to think what the training will be like," remarked one. His words connected with the others, who nodded in agreement. Another man voiced his thoughts about Xena.

"She seems so stern. I'd be afraid to make one wrong move," he admitted, casting a wary glance towards the direction where she might appear.

"Yes, she is intimidating, but undeniably beautiful," another chimed in. All the men agreed to that statement. Once the men finished their meal, a loud trumpet blast pierced the air, signaling the arrival of the king accompanied by Xena. All eyes turned towards them, their hearts pounding as they realized the gravity of the day ahead. The king and Xena stood before them in their warrior attire.

The men stared at them with wide eyes, knowing today was going to be nerve wrecking since the king himself was dressed in fighting clothes. They quickly placed their bowls and plates back on the table and stood at attention, waiting to be addressed. Xena's voice cut through the silence, commanding their attention.

"Men, today you will spar with either me or your king for a few moments. Within this session, we will determine your strengths and weaknesses." Whispers could be heard throughout the courtyard. A glint of excitement danced in her eyes as she issued the challenge.

"Get in two lines in front of me or your king, now !" Without hesitation, the men formed two lines, eager to prove themselves in combat. Xena and the king drew their swords, ready to assess the skills of each recruit. The couple figured that the people that stood in their lines weren't afraid to spar with them, so they switched sides. Gasps filled the courtyard. Xena pointed her sword at the 1st person in her line, her gaze steely.

"Come and get me," she taunted. The man swallowed nervously but stepped forward and Xena swung her sword violently at him. The man quickly picked up he would be dead before his time was up if he didn't fight back. Pushing his fear aside, he sparred with her more confidently, realizing he needed to impress her if he wanted to move forward in the tryouts.

As the first recruit stepped forward to face Ulysses, his heart pounded. This was his chance to prove himself worthy of joining the king's army. Ulysses watched intently, sensing the young man's fear and determination. This was more than just a test of strength; it was a test of guts.

As they clashed swords, each blow carried their ambitions. The recruit fought with everything he had, driven by the desire to impress the king. Ulysses, seeing potential, continued the spar, assessing the recruit's fighting skills, grit, and ability to handle the battlefield.

With each exchange, Ulysses pushed the recruit to his limits, testing his stamina and will, while offering guidance. As the spar ended, both men stood exhausted but proud. Ulysses saw the determination in the recruit's eyes and knew he had what it takes to be a soldier.

Once Xena and the king finished sparring with each recruit, they felt the weight of the training session settle on their bodies. They watched as the men scattered.

"We'll meet up again later this evening," Xena announced, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "For now, enjoy your break." The men nodded, grateful for the chance to rest and recharge. The sound of clinking plates filled the air as the footmen brought out platters of sandwiches, piled high with turkey, ham, and all the fixings.

"Help yourselves," the king called out exhaustedly. "Eat as much as you like."

The men eagerly lined up as their stomachs growling in anticipation. They piled their plates high with sandwiches, their appetites raging after a morning of training. The king could tell Xena's body was sore from the day's activities. He escorted her to the bathhouse with 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. While they stood facing each other, Ulysses gently reached for the strap of Xena's dress, his touch filled with longing.

"May I?", he asked softly. 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 was 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 was suddenly dry while he got 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 at 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 while her fingers tangled 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. The heat coursed through her veins as she lowered herself into the soothing embrace of the water. A contented sigh escaped her lips as the warmth enveloped her in a cocoon of comfort. While she relaxed in the water, Ulysses picked up the lavender soap.

"Come here," he commanded. Xena 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 massaged 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.

Ulysses stepped into the tub and the warm water engulfed him, sending ripples across its surface. He settled beside Xena. Their bodies were close but not touching. They exchanged a lingering gaze, their desire unspoken but unmistakable. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, they moved closer, their bodies finally connecting in a tender embrace.

Their closeness intensified as they leaned into each other while 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.

~XA~

Xena and Ulysses decided to postpone the tests until the following day. They both felt exhausted after spending half the day sparring. Once they finished their baths, Ulysses took care of Xena, wrapping an oversized towel around her and providing her with soft slides. He then attended to himself, draping a towel around his lower half and slipping on his own pair of slides. Together, they exited the bathhouse, where the chambermaids eagerly awaited their departure to tidy up the space.

"Xena, will you accompany me to my room?" Ulysses asked with a hopeful tone.

"Sure."

She followed Ulysses into his bedroom while her mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of their shared time. Once they entered, he directed her attention to a stack of clothes neatly folded on his bed. Her eyes widened with surprise as she examined the garments, each one made perfectly for her.

"It's... it's beautiful," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude. Ulysses smiled warmly, selecting a short dress in deep purple from the stack.

"I thought this would suit you," he said, holding it out to her.

"It would be an honor if you would put it on now." Her heart swelled with affection as she accepted the dress, letting her towel fall to the floor and slipped into the garment he had chosen. She a closeness to him as he stood before her, his chest rising and falling with each breath.

"Ulysses," she whispered, her fingers tracing a pattern on his chest.

"I'm really tired."

"I am too," he admitted, his gaze softening.

"Would you like to join me for a nap?" Xena laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Well, since you insist," she teased, crawling into his giant bed. Ulysses followed suit, wrapping his arms around her as they settled into the soft blankets. With Xena's head nestled against his chest, they both drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

~XA~

The recruits gathered around tables outside, chatting and laughing loudly. They drank beer and ate meat and potatoes brought by the footmen. One young man, Kryocles, looked serious.

"Maybe we shouldn't drink too much yet," he said.

"The king could appear at any moment with a new task." Some of the others laughed and told him not to worry.

"We've earned this break," one said, raising his mug.

"Let's enjoy it!" Despite Kryocles' concern, they all enjoyed the food and drink, enjoying each other's company after a hard day. Kryocles ate his food, feeling weary, as if something was going to happen later that night that the drunken recruits would soon regret.

~XA~

Gabrielle and the prince gathered for lunch. He smiled softly at her as he took a seat next to her. Everyone waited at the table, chatting softly while they waited for the king before they began their meal.

The prince asked Gabrielle,

"Have you seen my father?" She shook her head no and then asked,

"Have you seen Xena?" He shook his head no.

"Maybe they are still with the recruits?" she said softly.

"No, they're having their own feast." He turned to Zephyra and asked,

"Have you seen my father?" Zephyra said,

"Yes, my prince. He and Lady Xena were last seen leaving the bathhall." The prince shook his head slowly with understanding at the news, rising to his feet.

"Everyone, please eat, as my father will not be joining us this afternoon," and took a seat, diving into his own plate.

~XA~

Xena shifted in Ulysses' arms while her stomach growled softly. Slowly, she opened her eyes, glancing toward the window where the sun was beginning to set. They had slept entwined for hours. She turned to face him and gently traced her fingers along his jawline. Ulysses stirred, his eyes fluttering open. A tender smile crossed his lips as he met Xena's gaze. He leaned in and kissed her softly.

"I'm sure you're hungry, I am too," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. With a gentle nod, he rose from the bed and made his way to the door.

"Lysandra!" Ulysses called out softly outside the door.

"Bring two plates of dinner with water. Knock once you return."

"Yes, my king." Ulysses turned back to Xena, a gentle smile on his lips.

"So, do you want to catch up with the recruits? We did tell them we would see them later today." Xena smiled back, feeling better after their rest.

"Yes, I'm feeling much better now. Did you have anything in mind?" she asked him. Ulysses shrugged lightly.

"I'm all ears to your suggestions."

"Well, since we worked so hard today, I was thinking we sit back and test their archery skills," Xena suggested. Ulysses' admiration for her shone through.

"My, you are brilliant," he said, lifting her hand to give it a soft kiss. Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door. Xena gently touched Ulysses' hand, signaling that she would answer. She opened the door to find Lysandra, who seemed surprised to see her still in the room. Lysandra handed Xena the tray and asked,

"This is what the king ordered, is there anything else you may need?"

"This is more than sufficient," Xena replied, closing the door behind her. Xena and Ulysses dined together, reminiscing about their past adventures and sharing laughter. Afterwards, they strolled hand in hand to the courtyard, where Xena still wore her mini purple dress. Taking their seats, they observed the scene before them. Most of the men lay passed out, surrounded by empty mugs.

Enraged by the sight, Xena stormed inside. Moments later, she returned with a line of footmen carrying buckets of cold water. They began dousing the drunken recruits, eliciting laughter from the sober ones who stood back. Pointing to the sober men, Xena commanded,

"All of you, come stand over here." As the cold water shocked the drunk men into sobriety, Xena expressed her disappointment.

"You knew your purpose here, yet you let yourselves become slobs! Get up, every last one of you, and run until I say stop." The men stumbled to their feet and started running, while Xena returned to her chair with a determined look. Ulysses, observing the scene, asked,

"How long are you going to make them run?" Xena smirked,

"Until every last one of them passes out." Slowly, the men began to succumb to exhaustion, vomiting and collapsing to their knees. When the last man fell, Xena addressed them sternly.

"This is the first and last time I will tolerate such antics." One man, still trying to recover, dared to ask,

"Who are you anyway?" Ulysses quickly intervened, rising from his seat and racing towards the man. Kneeling down to the man's level he spoke in a low voice,

"Your future queen. Question her again, and I'll have you exiled." Xena smiled inwardly at his protectiveness. She spoke up once more,

"We will see you all in the morning," and turned to walk away. Ulysses gave the recruits a firm look before following behind Xena. As he entered the palace, he found her waiting for him. Taking her hand, he was ready to walk, but she pulled him back towards her.

"Their future queen?" she asked with a smug smile.

"I haven't agreed to marry you," she teased. Ulysses blushed with embarrassment.

"Hey, you can't blame a man for wishing," he replied with a boyish grin.

"Uh huh," she said, starting to walk with him by her side. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the top of her head as he escorted her to her room for the night.