With the sun shining through the window, Xena sat back in her chair while looking over the piece of paper she was holding when there was a knock on the door to her study.
XENA
Come in.
The Conqueror raised her eyes from what she was reading as the door opened, and a couple people walked in. One of whom brought a smile to the woman's face upon seeing them.
LEONIDAS
Look who I ran into on my way here.
The Conqueror's lieutenant smiled at Gabrielle who was standing next to him as he politely gestured for her to continue further into the room before him. As the two made their way toward Xena, the woman stood and walked out from behind her desk to meet Gabrielle as the two shared a kiss before Xena offered Gabrielle to take a seat as she ignored the smile she saw on Leonidas' face and returned to her place behind her desk as Leonidas spoke.
LEONIDAS
You wanted to see me my lord?
XENA
Would I have called you in here if I didn't?
Leonidas smirked.
LEONIDAS
No, I suppose not.
Xena sat down as the man continued.
LEONIDAS
So what did you need my lord?
Xena placed her hand on a large stack of papers and scrolls that sat on her desk.
XENA
A few things, actually.
Seeing all the papers on the Conqueror's desk, Gabrielle stood up.
GABRIELLE
I can see your pretty busy right now, so I'll let you get back to work and see you a little later. Okay?
The young woman began to turn to leave before stopping when she heard Xena call after her.
XENA
Gabrielle wait a minute.
Gabrielle turned back to face the other woman.
XENA
I'm actually glad you're here. This'll save me some time from having to talk to you separately later.
A curious expression crossed the younger woman's face as Xena motioned for her to sit back down, and she sunk back into the chair.
GABRIELLE
Is everything okay?
The Conqueror gave her a reassuring smile.
XENA
Don't worry, everything's just fine. I know I probably should've spoken with you about this sooner, but in order to prevent any rumors from going around and potentially causing any widespread panic and confusion, I wanted to make sure I had everything in order before I said anything.
GABRIELLE
What do you mean? Xena you've been acting distracted for weeks now. Ever since our wedding. You've been trying to hide it, but I can tell that something's been on your mind.
A look of concern formed on the young woman's face as she continued.
GABRIELLE
Please Xena, whatever it is you can tell me.
Seeing the worry in Gabrielle's eyes, Xena reached over the desk Xena put out her hand for her wife to take, and held it in her firm yet gentle grip.
XENA
I'm sorry if I've been making you worry Gabrielle. That's the last thing I wanted to do. But while I know I haven't said anything, you're right. I have had some things on my mind lately.
Letting go of Gabrielle's hand, the Conqueror sat back as her attention returned to both Gabrielle and Leonidas.
XENA
Which is exactly why I'm here all of this here.
The Conqueror motioned to the scrolls and other papers on her desk as Gabrielle glanced over to Leonidas hoping he would know what Xena could have been talking about but only got a look that told her that the lieutenant was apparently just as much in the dark about what the woman was doing as she was.
LEONIDAS
Then if you don't mind, my lord, much like the little one, I'm curious to know what exactly all of this is about?
Xena's focus turned to Leonidas.
XENA
Well to start, I need these to be distributed immediately.
The Conqueror briefly scanned through the scrolls for a moment as she separated them into the piles
XENA
The smaller group needs to be sent out while the rest are for the people here at the keep. Including one for you too,
Xena picked up a scroll and casually presented it to Leonidas.
LEONIDAS
For me, my lord?
The man curiously looked at the rolled up paper for a moment before accepting the scroll and opening it to read in silence. Once he had finished reading what was written, Leonidas looked up from the scroll with a very shocked and confused expression
LEONIDAS
What is this?
Xena shrugged casually.
XENA
Exactly what it says.
Leonidas looked back at the paper to make sure he had read it correctly before and after eeing he had, slowly shook his head in disbelief.
LEONIDAS
My lord this is so generous of you.
He returned his attention to Xena as Gabrielle sat quietly as she looked on and tried to follow what was happening.
LEONIDAS
I can't accept this.
Xena smiled as she gave the man a friendly pat on his shoulder.
XENA
Sure you can. You're a good man Leonidas. Throughout all my years of leading an army you've served me far better than any other soldier I've ever had. You deserve every bit of what's in that scroll and more
The man stood there near speechless for a moment before he was able to speak again.
LEONIDAS
I don't know what to say. Thank you. But I don't understand why are you giving this to me?
XENA
(Half joking tone) Well I had to do something with all this.
Still smiling, Xena returned to her seat.
LEONIDAS
I'm afraid I don't understand.
The Conqueror reclined in her chair.
XENA
What do you think is in the rest of those scrolls?
A look of shock and disbelief appeared on Leonidas' face as like Gabrielle, the lieutenant suddenly became very concerned that something was wrong.
LEONIDAS
What are you saying?
XENA
It's just simple logic really. None of this will do me much good if I'm not here.
LEONIDAS
Not here? Were you planning on taking a trip of some kind soon?
XENA
I suppose you could say that.
Now feeling more baffled than ever by what was going on in Xena's head, both Leonidas and Gabrielle found themselves at a complete loss for what to think.
LEONIDAS
Okay. But I'm afraid I'm still confused as to why your taking a leave from the keep would require you to give away everything that you've worked and fought to build for all this time. I know mean no offense when I say this, but that just doesn't seem to make very much sense my lord.
XENA
Actually Leonidas it all makes very perfect sense. After all once I leave why would I need to keep this place intact when I have no intention of coming back.
LEONIDAS/ GABRIELLE
No intention of coming back?!
Now fearing what the Conqueror meant by saying that she was planning on leaving the keep and not returning, Gabrielle looked at the woman with sad eyes.
GABRIELLE
You're giving up the keep and leaving? But why? But everyone here, with you and all of this gone, what are they supposed to do?
The young woman paused for a moment to try to calm her thoughts that were now racing with a whole multitude of other questions. With one in particular being something that while she was afraid of what it might be, Gabrielle needed an answer to
GABRIELLE
And what about me?
XENA
... Gabrielle.
Seeing the hurt in the other woman's eyes, Xena stood up and walked around the desk to where Gabrielle was sitting and crouched down in front of her as she placed her hand on the young woman's knee.
XENA
You are the most important thing in my life. Don't you know that? The whole reason I've even decided to do this in the first place is because of you.
She smiled softly, taking Gabrielle's hand as she continued.
XENA
You should know by now that I would never wanna be anywhere if it meant I couldn't have you by my side. You do know that, don't you?
Gabrielle could see the sincerity of the Conqueror's words mirrored in her eyes and knew without a doubt that what she was saying was true as a small smile crossed her lips.
GABRIELLE
I do. I guess you suddenly saying you were leaving just took me by surprise.
XENA
And that's my fault. I shouldn't have just sprung this on you like that. Especially since this decision doesn't only affect me. But also you and everyone else here.
GABRIELLE
(Slightly Irritated tone) No you shouldn't have.
XENA
You're right. I guess between making the decision to do this and actually getting what I needed to do done, I got caught up in trying to make sure everyone would have what they needed to start over somewhere else so it wouldn't feel like as much as a loss when I broke the news, that I kept putting off telling you.
Xena placed a small kiss on Gabrielle's hand.
XENA
And for that I'm sorry. I understand if you're upset with me.
GABRIELLE
I'm not upset Xena. At least not anymore. I just think that maybe going forward you could let your wife know ahead of time when you're planning on making any big, life altering decisions.
The Conqueror smiled.
XENA
Deal.
Xena stood and made her way back to her seat behind her desk as Gabrielle moved on to trying to sort out the remaining questions she had when it came to Xena's motivation for making her decision to leave.
GABRIELLE
But I still don't understand why you're doing this?
LEONIDAS
If you don't mind my lord...
Hearing Leonidas speak, both Xena and Gabrielle looked at see the man walking up to them after having stepped aside to give the two women a little space while they worked out their misunderstanding.
LEONIDAS
I would very much like to know your reasons for doing this too.
Xena let out a short, saddened sigh.
XENA
Because in one way or another and directly or not, far too many people have been made to suffer at my hands. A lot of whom never deserved any of it. It wasn't right and though I know I could never truly fix everything I've done, I think it's about time that I begin to try. But I can't do that if I stay here and just continue on as I've been. It won't be easy, but I know if I even want a hope of trying to make up for all the horrible wrongs I've committed, I can't stay here surrounded by everything I gained from all the damage and suffering I caused. Which why I have to give all this up. And why as of today, the woman that this world knows as the lord Conqueror is officially dead.
The sun was shining when Gabrielle walked outside and stood looking at the last few remaining carts that were still being loaded up with people and their belongings. Several weeks had gone by since Xena had made the extremely shocking announcement that she had decided to give up her title and rule as Conqueror. Shortly after she had told Gabrielle and Leonidas, Xena made the official announcement to everyone else. All of whom were just as taken by surprise by the news, with many making multiple attempts at trying to get the woman to change her mind to no avail. However, with the now former Conqueror's mind set, everyone who had been in Xena's employ as a result of her stepping down as Conqueror suddenly found themselves out of a job. Which was why in order to make sure that her decision to no longer rule as Conqueror didn't cause any unnecessary issues for those who had faithfully served and worked for her, before the day to leave came every single person had been given a portion of the vast amount of the wealth that Xena had accumulated and saved over the years in order to help them start over wherever they chose to go after leaving. And now there they were several weeks later as a few people climbed into the cart and Gabrielle watched them ride away from the now empty building and out of the front gates.
ELLE
It's kind of a sad sight, isn't it?
Hearing her friends voice come from behind her, Gabrielle turned around and saw Elle walking down the steps carrying a decent sized pack as she made her way over to where Gabrielle was standing.
GABRIELLE
Yeah I guess it is. So what are you gonna do now that you aren't working for Xena?
Elle shrugged.
ELLE
Don't know yet. I've been here so long that I'm not sure what's out there now. So until I decide what I'm gonna do I think I'm just gonna do a little traveling for a bit.
GABRIELLE
Well I'm gonna miss you Elle. Ever since I got here you've been such a good friend.
Elle gave her friend a sad smile as the two young women shared a hug and tried not to cry.
ELLE
I'm gonna miss you too Gabrielle.
Elle pulled back
ELLE
But I refuse to believe that this is goodbye forever. I'm sure we'll see each other again.
GABRIELLE
Sure. I look forward to it.
Elle looked over to the cart that was walking for her for a moment before returning her attention to Gabrielle.
ELLE
Well I had better get going. We've got a long trip ahead.
GABRIELLE
Then I guess this is goodbye for now huh.
ELLE
Guess so. Take care of her lordship. And you stay safe out there too.
Elle turned toward the cart and smiled back at Gabrielle before walking away.
ELLE
Until we see each other again, Gabrielle.
With a small smile and a wave, Gabrielle watched Elle walk away and climb into a cart that then pulled away, following in the same path that the other carts had taken until it faded out of view.
XENA
You're gonna miss her huh?
Xena stopped to stand beside Gabrielle after walking back from making sure that everything that needed to be attended to had taken care of.
GABRIELLE
She's my friend, of course I'm gonna miss her.
Xena put her arm around the younger woman to comfort her.
XENA
Well like you said, I'm sure this won't be the last time you see each other.
GABRIELLE
Yeah.
Wrapping an arm around Xena's waist, Gabrielle leaned her head against the taller woman as she looked out at now basically empty courtyard before she realized that something felt different and moved her head to look at the woman standing beside her only to get yet one more unexpected surprise.
GABRIELLE
I've never seen you wearing that before.
Gabrielle looked Xena up and down as she took in the woman's new look as instead of the typical style of shirts and pants she had always worn since Gabrielle had known her, Xena now stood there in a dark brown, sleeveless, leather top that had a bit of bronze armor that layed in a decorative design on the front and back and a short skirt that was layered with multiple strips of same colored leather. with some of the strips having golden studs going down them. And to round out the new ensemble, the dark haired woman wore a pair of boots that came up to her knees along with a set of arm bands that went around the upper part of both her arms and gauntlets that started at her wrist and came most of the way up her forearms. All of which were made of the same dark brown leather and had a series of different gold designs on the arm bands and gauntlets. And then finally, Xena carried a sword that sat in a brown leather sheathe on her back as she smiled at the surprised look she was getting from her wife.
XENA
I thought since my days as Conqueror are over, it would be better to leave as much of that part of me behind me as I can. So I had this made.
After taking in Xena's new look for a moment, Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
Well I think it fits you perfectly.
Xena smirked.
XENA
(Joking tone) Glad to hear you approve.
?
That is quite the impressive new look my lord.
Xena turned around from speaking with Gabrielle as the pair saw Leonidas and Sarah walking down the steps to met them.
XENA
I appreciate the compliment. And you know you can just call me Xena now. If you remember I gave up my title of Conqueror.
Leonidas shrugged.
LEONIDAS
Old habits.
XENA
So what's the plan for you two after leaving here?
LEONIDAS
There's a little piece of land not far from here that Sarah and I decided would make a good place to settle down. Think I might try my hand at farm work and see how that goes. After all, even with your generosity we can't live off what you gave us forever
The former lieutenant smiled.
LEONIDAS
Especially since before long it seems we're gonna have another little mouth feed.
Realizing what Leonidas was saying, Gabrielle looked at Sara with a surprised but happy expression.
GABRIELLE
You're gonna have a baby?! That's amazing news. Congratulations I'm so happy you both.
Sara smiled as she hugged Gabrielle.
SARA
Thank you. We really couldn't be happier.
Xena looked at Sara.
XENA
I agree, that really is some great news.
The former Conqueror returned her focus to Leonidas as she held out her hand and gave the man a congratulatory handshake.
XENA
Congratulations I'm certain you'll be an excellent father.
LEONIDAS
(Half joking tone) Here's hoping.
XENA
Trust me I doubt you'll have anything to worry about.
Leonidas and Xena released each other's hands.
XENA
Anyway, I wanted to thank you for all your service. You've always been an amazing lieutenant and an even better man. I'm glad I could always count on you both on and off the battlefield. Even though I know I wasn't always the easiest person to have to deal with.
LEONIDAS
(Joking tone) You? Difficult?
(Exaggerated gasp/ lying) No.
The lighthearted expression that been on Xena's face changed to an unamused blank stare.
XENA
(Flat tone) Though I can't say I'm gonna miss that smart ass attitude of yours that you decided to start letting out more recently.
Leonidas shrugged and smiled as Gabrielle couldn't help but giggle at the exchange. Both of which got an eye roll from Xena as she waved her former lieutenant off.
XENA
(Joking tone) Oh just get out of here already.
Though still smiling, Leonidas returned to being sincere as he looked over to Gabrielle.
LEONIDAS
It's been a pleasure to get to know you Gabrielle. You really brought a lot of new light and life into this place. Especially when it comes to the lord Conquer- or Xena.
Gabrielle smiled as she received a hug from the man.
LEONIDAS
You take care now and stay safe okay?
GABRIELLE
Thanks, you too Leonidas.
After a moment Gabrielle was released from the man's embrace and moved on to hug and say goodbye to Sarah before the husband and wife bid Xena one final goodbye and got into their own horse-drawn wagon before they too rode away, leaving just Xena and Gabrielle standing in front of the keep for a bit before looking to the doorway when they heard a series of thuds coming from inside.
CYRENE
Sorry to keep you two waiting.
The older woman came into view dragging a large bundle behind her as Xena swiftly climbed the stairs to meet her.
XENA
Mother what are you doing? You know you could've just asked someone to help you.
CYRENE
Everyone's gone Xena, just who do you suppose I should've asked.
XENA
Fair. Then you should've come gotten me.
Xena took hold of the bundle that Cyrene had been somewhat struggling with and effortlessly lifted and put it over her shoulder.
XENA
What do you have in here anyway?
CYRENE
Just some things from the kitchen.
XENA
Of course you do. Why does that not surprise me?
Helping her mother get safely down the stairs, Xena had Cyrene hold one arm as she carried the large bundle with the other and brought both over to the last remaining horse drawn cart that she kept for them. Then after helping Cyrene get into the back Xena put the older woman's things in the cart with her.
XENA
There. Now were just waiting on Gabrielle's sister. Though I can't imagine what could be taking her so long.
Xena looked back toward the building as she thought for a moment before idly giving the wagon a couple taps as she turned around completely.
XENA
Wait here for a, minute, I'm gonna go have Gabrielle check on her and see if she needs anything.
Leaving her mother in the cart Xena walked back over to Gabrielle and was just about to suggest that she go check on her younger sister, when they saw Lila step outside and walk down the stairs with a small bag of a few things she had been given during her relatively short time at the keep after she had been rescued.
GABRIELLE
There you are,Lila.
LILA
Sorry I kept you waiting. I was in my room and I ended up getting lost in my thoughts and guess I just lost track of time.
GABRIELLE
Don't worry about it. We're not in any hurry. Are you ready to go?
LILA
Yeah.
Smiling, Gabrielle took her sister's hand as the two made their way over to the cart where Xena helped Lila into the back with her mother before she and Gabrielle got in the front and Xena grabbed the reins that was hooked up to a tan horse with a white mane.
XENA
Alright let's get going. First stop Amphipolis. I know you've been itching to get back there and back to running your inn mother.
CYRENE
As much as I've loved staying with you Xena, It'll be nice to finally head back and see everyone there again.
Xena smiled.
XENA
Well then we had better get moving. We can go there, and then we can figure out where Gabrielle, Lila, and myself are going to do next.
LILA
Actually if it's okay I kind of already have an idea of where I wanted to go.
Hearing the young woman speak up, Xena looked back to where she and Gabrielle were seated.
XENA
Sure I guess that's okay.
With a bit of disappointment in her eyes from assuming that Lila would be traveling with them for a while, Gabrielle looked at her sister who was seated across from her.
GABRIELLE
Wait what do you mean you know where you wanna go? I thought you were gonna stay with me and Xena.
LILA
Look Gabrielle it's not that I don't want to stay with you, it's just that I think I need some time away from everything. Maybe go somewhere quiet for a while.
GABRIELLE
But where do you plan on going? Back to Potidea?
LILA
No. At least not yet anyway. There's just too many bad memories that I know living there right now will bring up. I was actually thinking of maybe seeing about going to stay with some of the family that last I knew lived in a cottage far south.
GABRIELLE
(Disappointed tone) Oh.
Hearing the disappointment that Gabrielle was unable to keep hidden despite trying, Lila began to feel bad about not wanting to stay with her.
LILA
I'm sorry Gabrielle, I should've talked to you about this before. But if you really want me to stay...
Gabrielle shook her head.
GABRIELLE
No, it's okay. I don't want you to think that you have to stay with me and Xena if you don't want to. And if you need to go stay somewhere quiet so you can better deal with what happened to you, then I want you to go.
LILA
Are you sure you're okay with me not staying?
GABRIELLE
I'm sure.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
Besides it's not like we aren't gonna get to spend time together while we're taking you there. Plus it's not like Xena won't bring me to come visit you.
XENA
Any time you want.
Hearing the conversation, Xena glanced back at the sister's as she reinforced Gabrielle's statement.
GABRIELLE
See? It's settled then.
Lila smiled.
LILA
Im glad you understand.
GABRIELLE
Of course. You're my sister Lila. All I want is to see you safe and happy.
LILA
Still, thank you Gabrielle. It means a lot to hear you say that.
XENA
Well now that that's settled...
Having been unable not to overhear the conversation that was going on right behind her and listening it the misunderstanding between Gabrielle and her sister resolve itself, Xena spoke to all three of the other three women in the cart with her.
XENA
Shall we get a move on?
After both Lila and Cyrene confirmed that they were ready to go, Xena looked over to Gabrielle who put her arm around Xena's as she smiled at the dark haired woman.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, let's go.
After giving the command for the horse to start walking, the cart carrying Xena, Gabrielle, Lila and Cyrene began to move. And as the small group existed the front gates of the keep and made its way onto the open road, Gabrielle rested her head on Xena's shoulder and both women smiled as they knew that thanks to the one fateful night that brought them together for the very first time just outside Xena's camp over a year ago, both of their lives had been forever changed. Not only in things that they had already seen, but also in ways that neither Xena nor Gabrielle could have ever hoped to dream.
THE END
POST STORY NOTES:
Well it seems we've finally come to the end of this tale. I know that this was a pretty long road and by this was by far the longest story I've written to date when I'm posting this. So to everyone who got through reading such a long story, that I'm sure at times felt very slow moving, thank you for sticking with me and reading all the way through to the end. I appreciate your time and feedback and hope you enjoyed reading and taking this epic, alternate journey of Xena and Gabrielle's in the first Conqueror story I've attempted doing even a fraction as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Thanks for all your views, likes and comments on this story and I hope tohave another new exciting adventure involving our favorite warrior princess and her battling bard very soon. I always appreciate your feedback on all my works.
THANKS FOR READING