Another day came at the keep as Xena stood with a small smile on her face and her shoulder casually leaning against the wall as she watched through the doorway to the dinning room where she had been standing for several minutes.
CYRENE
Now don't you look happy.
Xena looked over as Cyrene walked toward her after exiting the kitchen to dtand beside her daughter as she turned her eyes to where Xena's attention had previously been just a moment prior as she smiled.
CYRENE
And I have a feeling that I can probably guess why.
Xena smirked at her mother's comment as her eyes went back to the room.
XENA
(Disingenuous tone) Oh yeah. And just what might that be?
CYRENE
Perhaps it has something to do with a certain young woman whose clearly stolen your heart.
XENA
I'm that obvious, huh?
Cyrene chuckled slightly.
CYRENE
It's written all over your face. I don't think I've seen you this happy since you were a little girl.
Cyrene placed her hand on the Conqueror's shoulder as Xena smiled, and the two stood silently for a moment before the older woman spoke again.
CYRENE
But seriously, I'm happy for you Xena. Gabrielle's been good for you.
Xena gave Cyrene a questioning look.
XENA
What do you mean?
CYRENE
Come on Xena, you can't think that I haven't noticed how much you've changed since Gabrielle's come into your life.
XENA
Have I? Can't say I've really noticed or thought about it.
Cyrene smiled.
CYRENE
You might not have, but everyone else around here sure has.
Cyrene turned her attention forward.
CYRENE
Including her.
Xena looked in the direction as her mother and saw Gabrielle who was sitting with Elle looking her way and smiled when their eyes met before looking away quickly when Elle said something that Xena couldn't hear.
XENA
She said she loved me. Me, of all people. How that actually happened, I don't think I'll ever know.
CYRENE
Isn't that what you wanted?
XENA
Yeah but I never imagined it could actually become anything more than just wishful thinking on my part.
CYRENE
Well maybe she sees something in you, she likes.
Xena gave a quick, sarcastic snicker.
XENA
(Sarcasm) Right because I have such a charming personality and great track record when it comes to my interactions with other people.
CYRENE
True. But that doesn't mean that things can't be different going forward.
XENA
I don't know about that. People don't just change mother.
CYRENE
But can't they?
Cyrene smirked at the Conqueror who was about to say something in response but didn't get to before noticing that Gabrielle was coming their way as her small grin turned into a full smile upon seeing the young woman's approach.
GABRIELLE
Hey.
XENA
Hey.
Gabrielle turned her attention to Cyrene.
GABRIELLE
Hello Cyrene, how are you today?
CYRENE
Just wonderful. I'd ask you the same, but I think that smile on your face already says it all.
Gabrielle let out a small chuckle as she tried to pretend that she didn't know what the older woman was talking about.
GABRIELLE
I guess I'm just in a good mood today.
CYRENE
No doubt.
Çyrene glanced over at Xena who just rolled her eyes in response, giving the older woman a good chuckle.
CYRENE
Well I'll leave you two to your business while I head into the kitchen. I'm sure I'll see you later.
Cyrene began walking off as she called back over her shoulder.
CYRENE
(Joking tone) Don't go causing too much trouble... Xena.
Cyrene chuckled at Xena's unamused expression as she fully turned away and pushed through the door to the kitchen.
GABRIELLE
What did she mean by that?
XENA
(Lying) Nothing.
The Conqueror held her arm for Gabrielle to hold.
XENA
Come on. I thought we'd go for a little stroll together.
Gabrielle took Xena's arm and let the woman lead her from the dining room.
GABRIELLE
Where are we going?
XENA
You'll see.
The halls were quiet, where the two walked arm in arm for a while until coming to a small side door that lead outside.
XENA
Here, put this on, it's cold out there.
Gabrielle took the fur wrap that Xena picked up from the windowsill and held out to her before grabbing her own coat to put on. Then, once both women donned their warm over clothes, the Conqueror opened the door and held it as Gabrielle walked outside with Xena right after, shutting it behind them as they walked off arm in arm once again.
XENA
You warm enough?
GABRIELLE
Yeah I'm okay.
XENA
Well let me know if you get too cold, and we'll go back inside.
GABRIELLE
I will.
Gabrielle smiled as she leaned her head on Xena's arm while they walked.
GABRIELLE
So was there something out here that you wanted to show me?
The Conqueror shrugged.
XENA
Not particularly. I just remembered you saying that you liked how the ice that froze over the trees branches looked in the sunlight, and thought you might enjoy a little more of an up close view of it.
The younger women looked up at Xena.
GABRIELLE
You remembered a silly little comment like that and then took time out of your day just to do this for me?
Xena smiled at her.
XENA
Of course I remembered. And I could never be too busy to do anything that'll make you happy, no matter how big or small.
Xena chuckled slightly.
XENA
Besides it's not like I have a ton to do around here lately anyway.
Gabrielle leaned closer against Xena.
GABRIELLE
Well I still really appreciate it. Thank you.
Xena stopped their walk and moved to stand in front of Gabrielle.
XENA
Of course Gabrielle. I would do anything for you.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
I know you would.
Without another word Gabrielle stretched up to her tiptoes and pressed her lips against Xena's who leaned into the kiss as she put her arms around the younger women, and they stayed in a passionate embrace for a few moments until pulling away.
XENA
(Joking tone) Not that I'm complaining or anything, but any particular reason you just did that?
Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
Just because I love you. That's not a problem, is it?
Xena smiled.
XENA
Not at all. I love you too.
The pair walked around idly, just enjoying one another's company for a while longer before the cold began to get to be too much, and they decided to go back inside.
XENA
After you.
Xena pulled open the door and held it for Gabrielle to go in first and was about to follow when she stopped suddenly and turned to look back out into the courtyard.
GABRIELLE
What is it?
Gabrielle moved to stand right behind the Conqueror, who had her senses now on high alert as she slowly stopped back outside.
XENA
Stay there.
Doing as she was asked, Gabrielle stayed in the doorway as Xena walked further outside before coming to a stop and looking around at the quiet scenery as she searched for whatever had caught her attention. And then without warning she drew her dagger from her waist and swiftly sent it into a bush several feet away causing a small rabbit to come scurrying out and sprinting away. Rolling her eyes at herself, Xena walked over and retrieved her dagger before returning to Gabrielle who gave her a questioning expression.
XENA
Hey you can never be too careful. Being in any position of power means that you have to stay on alert for those who would love nothing more than to take that power from you. You should know that. Given what happened with the Amazon's, and that Velasca who came after you when you got in her way of seizing the Amazon throne.
GABRIELLE
Oh, yeah.
Gabrielle lowered her eyes.
GABRIELLE
I guess I just don't like to think about that too much.
Xena cursed at herself for ruining an otherwise pleasant experience for the young woman but at the same time knew that she couldn't shield Gabrielle from some of the unpleasant truths of what their lives together could look like.
XENA
Well perhaps that can be a discussion for some other time.
Xena smirked.
XENA
(Joking) Besides, I don't know if you've ever noticed, but sometimes I can have a habit of being just a tiny bit intense.
Gabrielle smiled back.
GABRIELLE
(Joking) Who, you? No. I never would have guessed.
XENA
(Joking) I know, shocking, right?
Gabrielle chuckled as Xena put her arm around her, and they walked off to her quarters.
LEONIDAS
You wished to see me my lord.
The lieutenant entered the Conqueror's study as another morning rose on the keep to see Xena sitting behind her desk scribbling something down on a scroll before glancing up for a moment and telling him to come in before returning to her task.
LEONIDAS
I'm surprised that a certain someone isn't here with you.
Not looking up from her paper, Xena replied.
XENA
(Sarcasm) Yes, well I do have to get some work done around here at some point.
Leonidas smiled.
LEONIDAS
I suppose having the little one around all the time would be rather distracting, wouldn't it?
Xena raised her eyes from the paper in front of her and glared at her lieutenant.
XENA
I forget Leonidas, we're you always such a smart ass? Or is this some new personality trait that you've only recently discovered the past number of months?
LEONIDAS
(Joking tone) Nothing new here, my lord. I just thought you might've become more appreciative of my humor.
XENA
(Sarcastic tone) Is that what you call it?
Leonidas chuckled.
LEONIDAS
You sound like my Sara.
XENA
(Joking tone) Well if this is the kind of thing she has to deal with all the time, I'll have to send the poor woman my sympathies.
LEONIDAS
(Joking tone) I'm sure she'd be more than appreciative of that.
Xena chuckled slightly before returning to her paper and after giving it a quick look over, she rolled it up, poured a bit of hot wax on it and pressed a seal into it before setting the paper with a number of others that sat in a neat pile on her desk.
XENA
Well if you don't mind I didn't call you in here to discuss your terrible sense of humor.
Xena moved to a small stack of scrolls to the opposite side of her desk from where she sat as she continued.
XENA
I need you to give these to our massagers and have them go out immediately.
LEONIDAS
Is there some urgent matter that I'm not aware of?
XENA
You could say that.
Xena leaned back in her seat.
XENA
I'm looking for information on someone. A slave to be more precise.
LEONIDAS
A slave? But I thought you've always been opposed to slavery.
XENA
Relax I'm not looking to buy anyone. Well, at least not for my own personal gain anyway.
The Conqueror's lutenant gave the woman a baffled look, that told Xena she should probably explain herself.
XENA
It's for Gabrielle. You see while she was able to escape, her sister, mother and many others from her village were taken by Draco's men, and I'm sure have been sold off into slavery to who knows where by now.
Xena sighed as she leaned back in her chair.
XENA
I promised her that I'd do everything I could to find her family and reunite her with them once I did. Though thinking about it now, I'm not sure how I'm reasonably gonna be able to keep a promise like that. I mean even with all the resources I have at my disposal, finding one or two specific people without having the slightest clue where they could be is basically impossible.
LEONIDAS
Perhaps. But if there's anyone I know of who has the best chance of succeeding in such a monumental task, it would be you, my lord. And I'm not just saying that.
XENA
Well for Gabrielle's sake, I hope you're right Leonidas. I really do. She's already been through enough and the last thing I want is to hurt her by getting her hopes up of seeing her family again only to leave her empty-handed and broken-hearted.
Elsewhere, the wind whipped as a large number of horses stood tied up outside an inn as a ruckus and unruly crowd had taken over inside.
SERVER
Here's your ale guys, I'll be right back with your food.
SLAVER 1
Oh forget the food, I see something else that I would much rather sink my teeth into instead.
The man laughed as he gave the server a firm pat on her rear end, and the woman jumped slightly as she stepped away from the man's reach with a scowl on her face.
SERVER
(Irritated tone) Well I'm afraid that's NOT on the menu.
SLAVER 1
Oh but what's a good meal without a little desert.
The man stood from his seat and leaned over the table as the rest of his comrades began to holler louder, and the woman stepped back and pulled a dagger from her waist.
SERVER
I'm warning you to either back off or leave right now. Or else.
The group of men laughed.
SLAVER 1
(Condescending tone) Oh no boys. The little lady has a weapon. What ever will I do?
The man stood up straight as he drew the sword from his side and pointed it toward the woman as he smiled an evil grin and the woman stood frozen in fear as the tip of the blade was brought up to her throat as the man chuckled.
SLAVER 1
Huh, it looks like mines bigger.
?
(Joking tone) Really? That's not what I heard, little man.
The man looked over toward the voice with a scowl as the rest of the slavers around him laughed.
SLAVER 1
(Sarcasm) Ha ha. That's real funny Draco.
The warlord smirked as he shoved an emotionally beaten down young woman inside and shut the door to the inn after just coming inside after being gone for a bit after the group arrived at the inn.
DRACO
Who said that was a joke?
He walked over to an empty chair at the head of the table and sat down. Having the young woman stand silently behind him with her head hung low.
DRACO
Now why don't you let the woman get back to work, and you can go occupy yourself with one of the girls we have upstairs.
SLAVER 1
Ugh, please. It's no fun if it's the same few over and over. Sometimes a man needs verity.
The man smirked.
SLAVER 1
Unless I can finally have a go with that girl you insist on keeping to yourself?
He locked over to Lila who didn't react in the slightest as her lightless eyes just looked down at the floor, and she waited for whatever she would be made to do next.
DRACO
Yeah not gonna happen.
SLAVER 1
Oh come on Draco, what makes her so special?
The warlord shrugged.
DRACO
Nothing. I just don't wanna share her.
He flashed an evil look in the direction of the subordinate he was talking to.
DRACO
(Threatening tone) You got a problem with that?
SLAVER 1
(Nervous tone) No of course not Draco. No problem at all.
DRACO
Good.
The warlord reclined in his chair as he picked up a cup and took a drink as another one of his men spoke up.
SLAVER 2
I just wish we weren't stuck around here. The damned winter in this area makes it near impossible to do anything.
DRACO
Maybe, but I say we take this as an opportunity to rest up as much as we can before we go after Xena in full force.
SLAVER 2
You say that, but you haven't done anything to capitalize on your opening against the Conqueror at all.
Draco laughed.
DRACO
Oh you have no idea just how wrong you are.
SLAVER 2
I mean aside from the Amazons.
DRACO
I know what you mean. And my answers the same. You forget just who we're dealing with here. Even with my amplified power, Xena's smart. Going right after her or her territory directly would only give her the opportunity she's been waiting for to pull some kind of trick and figure out some way to defeat me even with this power given to me by Ares. No, I need something else. Some other type of advantage over her that isn't just brute strength.
Just then the door to the inn opened and one of Draco's men entered and shut the door before walking over and handing him a small rolled up piece of paper.
SLAVER 3
This just arrived a carrier bird.
The warlord took the paper, opened and read what was written before an evil smile came across the man's face.
DRACO
And it looks like thanks to our little song bird, I believe I may have just found the perfect thing to use against her.
Draco let out an evil laugh as a plan to finally get to Xena quickly formed, and he had a reply message written down and attached to the birds left before sending it back to where it came. And to it's recipient, who would begin to carry out Draco's new plan of attack. A plan that would soon cause the new world that Xena had begun to build to come crashing down. And weither she would be able to somehow hold it all together, or if the pieces would simply slip through her fingers, remained to be seen. As the events that were soon to come would put not only test Xena's resolve in holding on to everything she held closed to her. But would prove to be first great trial in weitherthe person she had begun to become would be strong enough to face such adversity. Or would a potential tragedy be too much for the woman to handle without going back to the dark place within herself that she had only begun to leave behind?
TO BE CONTINUED...