The dining room was filled with people as Gabrielle entered the room with Terreis. The dining table had been extended by adding another long table to each end in order to accommodate so many visitors. Multiple dishes and platters of food had already been spread down the tables, with the servants placing several more as multiple people from both the keep and the Amazons moved to the available seats but remained standing as they waited for everyone else to find a place and for the two leaders to give the go ahead to sit. As more people begin to find a seat Gabrielle and Terreis heard a voice behind them.
LEONIDAS
You should find a place to sit before space runs out.
The two young women looked over their shoulders to see the Conqueror's lieutenant standing behind them.
TERREIS
Oh.
The princess looked at Gabrielle.
TERREIS
Come on Gabrielle. Come sit with me.
Gabrielle looked down the length of the table to see an open spot next to the Amazons queen that had clearly been reserved for Terreis to sit beside her mother. And noted that there were only the Amazons seated on that side of the table.
GABRIELLE
I don't think there's room for me. Plus it looks like it's just your people sitting on that side so...
TERREIS
I'm sure it's fine Gabrielle. You're my friend, so I doubt anyone will mind if you sit with me. Besides seeing us mingling will probably help to ease any awkwardness or tension between everyone here.
GABRIELLE
(Skeptical tone) I guess.
TERREIS
And even if it ends up not being okay I'm sure the worst thing that'll happen is you'll just be asked to move.
Still not completely sure, but seeing that everyone else who weren't the Conqueror or the queen were already seated and clearly waiting on them to sit, Gabrielle just decided to go with Terreis and followed the princess to a couple of open spots near Melosa and sat down as Terreis greeted her mother, who gave Gabrielle a quick glance before looking back at Terreis who smiled. Gabrielle sat completely straight with her hands folded across her lap as she felt unsure of what she should do, before Melosa turned her attention away from the two and to Xena who stood at the other end of the tables and gave a small nod to say that Gabrielle sitting there was fine with her and Xena moved on, picking up the goblet of the keeps finest wine that was on the table before her and raised it in the air as she began to address the room.
XENA
This evening we welcome our guests. Melosa, queen of the Amazons. Her daughter Terreis and the rest of the women that have accompanied them from their tribe. All of whom have come in search of aid against Draco and his army. And while it's no secret that though we may be allies, queen Melosa and I haven't always seen eye to eye on how we each run our respective kingdoms. But throughout the years we've come to understand and hold a great respect in for one another as leaders who at the end of the day want what's best for the people they each ruled over. So it goes without saying that I will gladly join forces with her and her people in order to defeat Draco, his army and whoever joins him in his foolish attempt at taking what's not his. So make no mistake that by the time we're done with all of them, Draco and his allies will be nothing more than a stain on the history of Greece that too will quickly fade from memory while this kingdom only grows and spreads over their shallow graves. But though Draco's days are numbered, tonight isn't about his impending demise. Tonight we celebrate our guests and a strong alliance that we've forged.
The room clapped and cheered as the Conqueror wrapped up her short speech.
XENA
So everyone eat and drink your fill. There's more than enough to go around. While we feast tonight, tomorrow we begin the fight. And put an end to Draco once and for all.
The room erupted in more applause and chears as Xena raised her cup high and many others did the same before taking a drink in celebration as Xena sat down and everyone began to have their plates fixed with food from the massive spread of options before them as they began to eat. As the meal carried on Gabrielle overheard Melosa speak to Terreis.
MELOSA
I see you've found something to occupy yourself.
TERREIS
Yes. Intact while you were busy meeting with the lord Conqueror Gabrielle was kind enough to show me around a bit.
Gabrielle felt her nerves begin to kick in as she glanced over at saw Xena raise an eyebrow in intrigue at the exchange between the mother and daughter as Gabrielle wondered if she should've done such a thing.
MELOSA
That was certainly nice of her. Though I hope you didn't pull the girl away from anything important Terreis. You wouldn't want to cause her trouble, would you?
GABRIELLE
Oh it's not a problem. Really.
(Thinking to herself) I hope.
TERREIS
Yeah the other woman in the archives that Gabrielle works with said it was okay.
MELOSA
I see. Did you enjoy yourself?
TERREIS
I did. Gabrielle was an excellent tour guide.
Melosa smiled as she turned her eyes to Gabrielle.
MELOSA
Well you have my thanks Gabrielle, for keeping my daughter entertained. She can be rather excitable at times when experiencing something new, so I appreciate your kindness towards her even if it came at some inconvenience to you.
Melosa looked at Xena.
MELOSA
I hope Terreis being shown around by someone wasn't a problem.
Gabrielle sat anxiously waiting to see what the Conqueror would say. Though she wasn't kept waiting for long as she saw Xena look at her, Terreis and Melosa for a brief moment before she spoke.
XENA
I suppose not. As long as you don't have any issue with it.
MELOSA
Not at all. I'm grateful for the hospitality she showed Terreis.
XENA
Alright then.
Xena looked at Gabrielle and gave her an approving nod.
XENA
Nice job.
Gabrielle let out a releaved sigh as the conversation moved on to other various topics as everyone ate and spoke amongst those seated near them. Including Gabrielle and Terreis who carried on a casual conversation which as Xena idly made small talk with Melosa, couldn't help but notice how much more talkitive and animated that Gabrielle seemed to be when speaking to Terreis. A side she hadn't seen from the young woman. Though that didn't exactly surprise Xena as she knew full well that she was far from the most approachable person around. And even less so as of late due to her having to deal with her injury and everything else with the situation involving Draco. Still for some reason Xena couldn't help but keep her eyes fixed on the young woman. Finding herself somewhat oddly enjoying watching a more cheerful and upbeat side of Gabrielle that she hadn't yet seen. As Xena momentary wondered if who she was watching at the table was the person that Gabrielle really was. And as the meal died down some people begin to excuse themselves while a smaller group was remained at the table, with some residents of the keep and others a number of the visiting Amazons, Xena was about to excuse herself as well but stopped as she suddenly got an odd feeling that something wasn't right. She couldn't put her finger on it but something within her said that something felt off. However, she didn't want to say anything aloud in order to avoid causing a panic, and instead was about to motion for Leonidas who was seated near by to come over but just before she could, Xena's super human hearing picked up the sound of a small, speeding projectile cutting through the air as an arrow flew into the room and stuck into an empty chair. The room suddenly fell silent as everyone who was remaining stood up. But before Xena or anyone else could fully react to the sudden arrow being shot toward the group, a large string of multiple arrows began to fly in from various directions around the room.
XENA
Everyone get down! Now!
Pandemonium erupted as everyone rushed to take cover from the sudden onslaught. Many finding refuge beneath the tables as Xena caught an arrow in mid-air as it came her way before tossing it aside and quickly grabbing a large platter from the table and using it as a shield as she moved around the room trying to locate where all of the arrows were being fired from, as she spotted Melosa and several other Amazon's doing the same, while Gabrielle, Terreis ducked under the table for shelter.
TERREIS
What's going on?!
GABRIELLE
I don't know.
TERREIS
We have to do something before someone gets killed.
GABRIELLE
Do what?
TERREIS
I don't know but I can't just do nothing.
Gabrielle watched as Terreis slowly moved out from beneath the tables and stood up as she looked around to see if she could spot any of the archers that had already claimed several guards and others that hadn't made it to safety. She quickly searched the rapture above and spotted several figures as Melosa noticed Terreis standing out in the open.
MELOSA
Terreis get into cover!
Terreis didn't move as her eyes widened when they locked onto one of the figures, recognizing them and opened her mouth to call the person out before she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest and looked down to see that she'd been hit by an arrow. She then looked back up and saw Melosa who along with Gabrielle, Xena and number of others had seen as in seemingly slow motion, the young Amazonian princess fell to the floor.
MELOSA
Terreis!
With more arrows flying, Melosa tried to reach her fallen daughter but was dropped to the floor as an arrow pierced her leg.
GABRIELLE
No Terreis.
Without thinking of her own safety, Gabrielle rushed out from beneath the table to try and save her friend but was driving to the floor as she too found herself being struck by an arrow, causing Gabrielle to let out a painful yell as she felt the arrow became embedded into the back of her shoulder. She layed there for a moment as more arrows flew over her before she lifted her head to see where Terreis was still laying. And though her shoulder hurt and she honestly didn't know what she could do, Gabrielle crawled toward the fallen Amazon and in an effort to prevent her from being hit by any more projectiles that continued to fly around them, Gabrielle used her own body to shield Terreis from getting hit again. It was several more long moments before the arrows finally stopped and Xena carefully made a quick movement from behind where she had hunkered down during the onslaught. When nothing happened, then peeked out and took a look around to see several other's doing the same with no more arrows being fired, which made Xena conclude that their attackers had likely done what they had intended to do and left. Still as she stood Xena ordered for the remaining guards in the room.
XENA
Block the exits and search every inch of this building. I want whoever's responsible for this found and brought to me immediately.
Xena then turned to assess the damage of the attack as she saw Melosa move as fast as she could with an arrow in her leg toward the table where the Conqueror then noticed Gabrielle and Terreis laying in a heap on the floor as well as several others scattered around the room that were either dead or injured.
XENA
And get the healers in here, quick.
Multiple of the surviving guards rushed out of the room as more ran in after hearing the commotion and followed the others that ran out after seeing the terrible scene that they had walked in on. Hearing the Conqueror's voice, Gabrielle looked up to see that the attack had stopped and winced as she raised up from covering Terreis to see the Amazon princess had her eyes closed and looked very pale compared to her usual complexion.
GABRIELLE
Terreis?
The Amazon didn't respond.
GABRIELLE
Terreis, can you hear me?
Gabrielle felt tears welling up in her eyes as she slowly reached up and touched Terreis's cheek. The touch seemed to stir the other young woman as the princess slowly opened her eyes and saw Gabrielle looking down at her.
TERREIS
(Weak tone) Gabrielle, you tried to save me.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry Terreis. I wish I had been faster or noticed in time to actually do something.
TERREIS
(Weak tone) You've got nothing to apologize for. You took an arrow for me. Even after I was already hit. We've only met twice and really haven't known each other long over all and yet you were willing to sacrifice yourself to protect me.
GABRIELLE
Because you're my friend. I just didn't wanna see anything more happen to you.
Gabrielle found herself unable to fight back her heartbreak as the tears in her eyes began to overflow and run down her cheeks feeling that her friend was slipping away as Terreis gave her a weak smile.
TERREIS
(Weak tone) And I couldn't ask for a better friend. Someone who does everything they can for the people they care about. I knew from the moment we met that you were an amazing person Gabrielle.
The Amazon took a labored breath before continuing to speak.
TERREIS
Which is why I know I'm making the right choice when I do this.
Gabrielle gave Terreis confused look as the princess continued.
TERREIS
(Weak tone) Gabrielle... I want you to have my rite of caste.
GABRIELLE
Your rite of caste? Terreis, I, I don't understand.
Xena walked over and crouched down beside the two as the Amazon began to gasp for air as she coughed and blood began to seep from her mouth.
TERREIS
(Weak) Please, Gabrielle...I know I don't have a lot of time left.
GABRIELLE
Don't say that. The Conqueror has some amazing healers here. I'm sure they can save you.
Gabrielle looked at Xena who had been looking over the Amazon's injury and shook her head in response.
XENA
The arrow hit her heart. There's nothing anyone can do. The fact that she's even still alive and able to speak is unbelievable.
Hearing the Conqueror's words and knowing that she had no reason to lie about such a thing Gabrielle cried a little harder as though she still didn't understand what Terreis meant by wanting to give her the princesses right of caste, she didn't want to upset the dying young woman, Gabrielle quickly agreed to accept whatever her rite of caste was.
GABRIELLE
Okay, okay. I'll accept it.. just please hold on Terreis.
Terreis smiled slightly at Gabrielle before closing her eyes and only a few moments later, Xena checked her pulse before standing up and facing Melosa as a number of healers rushed into the room.
XENA
Im sorry, she's gone.
With those words the already somber and tense room felt a weight hang over them as the seriousness of what had just happened sank in. An Amazon princess, the daughter to the Amazon queen had just been murdered within the Conqueror's keep. A situation that Xena knew full well was not a good look for her and needed to be cleared up and have the true killer found. Otherwise she would find herself facing more than just Draco and Ares as her enemies. And as the Conqueror was left to begin to try and unravel the tragedy that had just occurred, Gabrielle also found herself in yet another unexpected position, as she had just accepted Terreis's right of caste, not knowing what it entailed. Or how the decision she had just made in the moment out of emotion would bring about multiple changes in her life and where exactly her fate would lay.
TO BE CONTINUED...