Having successfully stealthy infiltrated Draco's camp, Gabrielle found herself at long last reunited with her sister who she had feared she'd never see again and quickly moved further into the tent to embrace the younger women.
GABRIELLE
Lila.
Gabrielle put her arms around her sister and held her for a long moment as tears of joy streamed down her face.
GABRIELLE
I can't believe you're actually here. I've missed you more than you could ever know.
The reunited sisters stood there for a bit longer before Gabrielle finally composed herself and released her hold on Lila, who she could hardly believe was actually standing there before her.
GABRIELLE
After all this time, I finally found you.
Gabrielle smiled as she wiped her own tears away.
GABRIELLE
I was beginning to think I'd see you again, but now here you are. God's I can't believe Xena and her people actually did it. She really is amazing. I honestly don't know how I'm ever gonna be able to thank her enough for this. Oh, well, I can figure that out later. Right now we...
LILA
Gabrielle?
Hearing Lila say something, Gabrielle paused for a moment, feeling a bit confused by the question, but then realized that given where they were, now probably wasn't the best time to just stand around and talk.
GABRIELLE
Oh right, I suppose this isn't really the place for talking.
The blonde turned to leave.
GABRIELLE
Come on we can gather any one else being held here and sneak out before anyone notices us.
Gabrielle moved to the tent entrance and carefully peeked outside.
GABRIELLE
Okay the cost is clear. Come on. Make sure you stay low and quiet, and we should be able to get out of here without...
As she spoke, Gabrielle glanced back at her sister, who remained in place and stopped speaking mid-sentence when she saw Lila sit back down on the floor of the tent and pull her knees up to her chin as she wrapped her arms around her legs and stared at the ground in front of her.
GABRIELLE
Lila, what are you doing? Come on, we need to get out of here before someone sees me.
Not looking at her older sister, Lila spoke in for what Gabrielle for the first time realized was a very monotone voice.
LILA
What are you doing here?
GABRIELLE
Like I said before, I came to get you away from Draco. Now hurry we should get out of here before someone finds us.
Lila raised her eyes to meet Gabrielle's who for the first time noticed the vacant and broken look in her sister's eyes.
LILA
You shouldn't have come here Gabrielle. If those men outside see you...
Lila paused for a moment as she looked away.
GABRIELLE
Lila...
LILA
Please just go before someone sees you. Believe me, the further away from these monsters you are the better.
GABRIELLE
Not without you. I left you once, and I've regretted it every day since. I won't do it again.
Gabrielle quickly moved back to stand near Lila and knelt in front of her.
GABRIELLE
It's haunted me every day since. I wanted to find you and mother more than anything. I just… didn't know where to even begin.
Gabrielle lowered her eyes sadly.
GABRIELLE
I'm so sorry Lila. If things could've been different, then maybe I could've found you sooner and...
Gabrielle couldn't bring herself mention what she knew her sister had suffered as she looked at the young woman and held to fight to keep herself from breaking down as Lila averted her gaze again as she couldn't bear the painfully sympathetic look she was receiving from her.
LILA
How did you find me anyway? It's been a year since the day we were taken from Potidea. Then after those men came back after chasing you, I thought they had caught you and...
Lila shook her head in disbelief.
LILA
I thought you were dead. We all did. And mother, she was so devastated. I don't think I'veever seen her so distraught in my whole life.
Hearing Lila mention their mother, Gabrielle remembered that she still had no idea where she was and hoped Lila could tell her what happened to her after she escaped.
GABRIELLE
Speaking of mother, do you know where she is? Is she somewhere here too?
LILA
(Sad tone) No. She's not.
Though it was a long shot that Draco would have kept both mother and daughter together, Gabrielle couldn't help but feel somewhat dejected about the fact that she clearly wouldn't be reuniting with her mother that day as well.
GABRIELLE
Well don't worry Lila, Xena found you. I'm certain she'll be able to find mother too.
LILA
That's not possible. It's too late. She's gone.
GABRIELLE
Don't say that, Lila. I know things have been dark, but I promise once we get you out of here we'll find her. You'll see. Then we can...
Feeling like Gabrielle wasn't listening to what she was saying, Lila scowled as she stood up in frustration.
LILA
(Slightly angry tone) Don't you get it?! There is no finding her Gabrielle. She's gone and there's nothing anyone can do.
Taking aback by her sister's sudden outburst, Gabrielle couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed in her sister's apparent willingness to give up on finding their mother.
GABRIELLE
(Slightly Irritated tone) And why not? I found you, didn't I? So there's no reason that we be able to find mother too.
LILA
(Angry tone) Because she's dead.
An almost defining silence suddenly filled the tent as not wanting to believe her sister's words, Gabrielle shook her head as what Lila had just said sank in.
GABRIELLE
No... she can't...
LILA
It's true. I wish it wasn't but...
Lila sat back down where she had previously been sitting, as the frustration she had felt just moments ago evaporated and was replaced with a deep sadness.
LILA
She's gone.
Able to see the clear heartbreak at the news of their mother's death on her sister's face, Lila took the initiative of answering the obvious question that she knew that the other young woman had.
LILA
After we were taken, everyone was brought to some big compound or something where we were all prepared to be sold off. I'll spare you the details, but it was about as bad as you could imagine. Anyone who disobeyed or was thought to not be working up to the standards they set were beaten. We were treated like animals. Worse even. Though for as terribly treated we were physically, the mental and emotional abuse was far worse. Because I guess selling slaves that aren't fit to perform the tasks given to them would be bad for business, breaking us down mentally was more beneficial I guess.
Lila paused for a moment as Gabrielle watched her clearly struggling with the memories of what she, their mother and so many others had suffered through as Gabrielle crouched in front of her and waited a few moments as Lila composed herself enough to continue.
LILA
It was there that mother fell ill. I tried everything I could to care for her, but even as I begged those monsters to help her, all they gave me was water to lower her fever.
Lila looked away.
LILA
(Sad tone) But after a bit even that did nothing to help. She just kept getting weaker and weaker until not long after she was gone. And a couple soldiers just dragged her body off and left it for the scavengers, complaining that it took too long, and they should've just got rid of her when she first got sick.
GABRIELLE
(Sad tone) ...No.
Gabrielle clenched her fists angerly as she listened to how cold these people truly were. Her heart broken at the terrible way her mother must have suffered before she died. But for as upsetting as this news was, Gabrielle remained where they were and knew that she would have to grieve later as she wiped the tears from her face and took her sister's hand.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry Lila. For everything. But we need to go. Xena and her army are fighting Draco and his men as we speak. So we need to move while they're distracted enough for us all to escape and get to where we're supposed to meet up later.
Gabrielle stood up and helped a confused Lila to her feet as well.
LILA
Whose Xena? What army? What's going on? You still never explained where you've been all this time. Or how you found me.
Gabrielle picked up her staff that she had set down and moved to peek out of the tent.
GABRIELLE
Damn, there's too many walking around out there now.
LILA
Gabrielle.
Gabrielle turned around and began looking around the tent.
GABRIELLE
We need another way out of here.
She began rummaging through the things on the tent.
GABRIELLE
Lila, do know if there are any knives or anything like that around here?
LILA
I'm a slave, do you really think these people would leave deadly weapons just lying around for me to get my hands on?
Gabrielle paused in her search.
GABRIELLE
Good point. That means we're gonna have to figure out some other way for getting out of here unseen.
The blonde stood thinking for a moment as she looked around for anything that could potentially aid the pair in their efforts to escape. And after a moment her eyes found a small wooden crate that was sitting in the corner and got an idea.
GABRIELLE
That might work.
Quickly Gabrielle moved to the crate and spilled out its contents of assorted items on to the ground.
LILA
I doubt you'll find anything useful in that box. Like I already told you, there aren't gonna be anything that can be a weapon in here.
GABRIELLE
I'm not looking for a weapon and I already have what I was looking for right here.
Gabrielle held up the now empty crate for a moment before setting it back down on it's side and placed a foot on top of it to hold it down as she grabbed one of the small boards and began to pull on it.
GABRIELLE
Come on. Come off.
While focusing on her efforts to pry the wooden object apart, Gabrielle heard Lila speak again.
LILA
Gabrielle, whose Xena?
GABRIELLE
Huh?
Gabrielle paused in her task and looked back at her sister, having been too preoccupied with what she had been doing to fully hear what Lila had said.
LILA
Xena. You mentioned that someone named Xena was fighting against Draco. Is that how you got here? With this Xena person.
GABRIELLE
Oh. Yeah.
Gabrielle smiled and went back to pulling on the board as she spoke.
GABRIELLE
Xena's the whole reason why I'm even here. She had her people find you, and then we came here to rescue you and anyone else who might have been being held captive by Draco.
LILA
But you have no idea what kind of monster that man is Gabrielle.
Lila walked up to her sister.
LILA
I don't know who this Xena is, but her and her army are no match for what I've seen Draco capable of. I honestly don't think he's fully human.
Gabrielle gave the board one more yank before feeling it give way and break in two sending her stumbling back slightly before she steadied herself and grabbed her staff as she moved to the back of the tent and put her staff back down.
GABRIELLE
Oh don't worry Xena said she has a plan to stop Draco for good. And if the Conqueror of Greece says she's gonna do something.
Gabrielle chuckled slightly.
GABRIELLE
Then believe me, I've learned that she'll find a way to do it.
Gabrielle raised the broken piece of wood in her hands and was about to continue when Lila suddenly grabbed her arm.
LILA
Did you just say the Conqueror? Is that who this Xena woman is? The Conqueror of Greece. That's who you're here with? Is that where you've been all this time?
Gabrielle lowered her arms as she turned to face her younger sister.
GABRIELLE
Yeah.
Lila shook her head in disbelief as she let go of Gabrielle and backed away.
LILA
Unbelievable. All this time I thought I was living in a nightmare. But I can't even imagine what you must've gone through at the hands of that woman. Gabrielle...
GABRIELLE
It's okay Lila, I'm fine.
The blonde walked back toward her sister.
GABRIELLE
Xena isn't the monster that people say she is. True, at first she kinda held me captive because she thought she could use me as leverage against Draco but then...
LILA
What did she do to you?
Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
I got brought back to her home and put to work
Lila stood up and walked over to Gabrielle.
LILA
God's Gabrielle, I'm sorry. I never even imagined that you'd end up in an even worse place than I did.
GABRIELLE
What? No, I'm fine. Really. True at first I was scared and didn't know what was gonna happen to me, but then after a while Xena began to change. She actually saved me multiple times, and then I began to see a whole different side to her and...
Gabrielle paused as realized now wasn't the time or place to gush over her feelings for the Conqueror and looked down to try and hide the blush that she could feel creeping onto her face as she thought about the woman she loved. However, Gabrielle's attempt was in vain as Lila took notice of the way Gabrielle was acting as she spoke about the Conqueror as though she not only cared about her but felt something much deeper for the woman.
LILA
Okay now I'm really worried because the way you're acting makes it seem like you're about to tell me you're in love with her or something.
Gabrielle smiled sheepishly as she turned to work on making their way out.
GABRIELLE
We actually have our wedding coming up.
LILA
Your wedding!?
Lila grabbed her sister and turned her back to face her.
LILA
Gabrielle, have you lost your mind? What has that mad woman done to you?
GABRIELLE
Nothing.
Gabrielle gently pushed her sister's hands away.
GABRIELLE
Look I know it sounds crazy. I get it. I honestly thought I had lost my mind when I first started falling for her. But Xena's not the same person she was when I first met her. She's kind and caring for the people around her. She's changed so much sor the better. The whole reason we're here is because she knows how much you mean to me, and she did everything in her power to find you so we could free you.
LILA
You expect me to believe that?
GABRIELLE
If it wasn't true then why would we be here. More so why would I be here?
Gabrielle pointed toward the tent entrance.
GABRIELLE
You've been with Draco this whole time, so I'm sure I don't have to tell you what Xena's going up against. He nearly killed her the last time they fought. The gods only know how she was able to survive, but now she's out there fighting against him again knowing full well that she's overpowered. And she's doing that to save you and the others and stop that evil man from making anyone else suffer the way you, our mother and so many others have because of him. So please Lila I know it sounds crazy but if you can't trust Xena I understand. But please at least trust me.
Gabrielle lowered her arm as she held out her other hand toward her sister.
GABRIELLE
Hurry we need to go before someone notices. I promise I would never do anything that would put you in danger. You're my little sister and I know I couldn't save you before, but I can now. So come on let's go, and you can finally begin leave this nightmare behind. Please just trust me.
Gabrielle watched for a long moment as the younger woman seemed to contemplate everything she said and weighed her opinion. Then finally, she reached out and took Gabrielle's hand.
LILA
Alright Gabrielle. I trust you.
Smiling slightly for a moment that Lila was willing to go with her, Gabrielle's face quickly returned to being serious as she brought Lila over to the tent's opening before letting go and peeking outside and saw the coast was clear before looking at the other young woman.
GABRIELLE
Okay we have to get to where Xenaand the others will meet us when the battle was over. Are there any other slaves being kept here?
LILA
A few.
GABRIELLE
Do you know where?
LILA
Yeah.
GABRIELLE
Okay. We'll get them and then get out of here and head to where Xena said to wait for her. Come on. And remember to keep low and stay quiet. Okay?
Lila gave a quick nod.
GABRIELLE
Alright let's go.
With the coast clear, and her staff in hand Gabrielle led Lila out of the tent and stealthily the sister's moved through the camp as Lila directed them to where the rest of the few slaves were and after some quick convincing, the small group carefully made their way out of the camp before any of the guards could notice them fleeing. And as the last of the captives moved past Gabrielle as she stood with Lila among the trees just outside the camp, the younger sister looked back at the camp for a moment until she felt Gabrielle's hand on her shoulder.
GABRIELLE
Don't worry Lila, you and the others are safe now. And soon Xena will make sure that no one else ever has to suffer at the hands of Draco again.
LILA
You really believe in her, don't you?
GABRIELLE
I do.
A saddened expression fell over Gabrielle's face as she thought of their mother.
GABRIELLE
I just wish we could've found you sooner. Then maybe mother...
Lila took her sister's hand.
LILA
I know she would be proud of the way you risked your life to come save us. I know things were sometimes tense between you and mother and father, but they loved you, you know.
A sad smile crossed Gabrielle's lips.
GABRIELLE
Yeah I know.
The older sister turned back toward where the other escaping captives were waiting for her to continue leading them.
GABRIELLE
Come on we should keep moving. We've got some way to go to reach the safe spot where we're supposed to wait.
Moving to the front of the small group, Gabrielle lead Lila and the rest of the captives toward the rendezvous point that had been given to her by Xena. And though Gabrielle was happy to at last see her sister safe, her heart still ached for the loss of her mother. But as the battle waged on in the distance, it would soon be unclear if Gabrielle would soon suffer another painful loss. Because with the showdown between Xena and Draco about to take place, it was still an unknown of just how Xena was even going to stand toe to toe with the powered up Draco. And more so, how she could possibly be able to defeat him. Or if she could even survive.
TO BE CONTINUED...