XENA
After you.
Gabrielle walked into Xena's private quarters as the other woman held the door open for her before following her inside and shutting the door.
XENA
Why don't you go make yourself comfortable.
GABRIELLE
Sure.
Gabrielle walked over to the chair that sat near Xena's desk where she usually sat.
XENA
No not there. Over here.
Gabrielle stopped and looked over to see Xena walking toward her bedroom.
GABRIELLE
Oh I uh.
Xena paused in her steps to look back at Gabrielle and smiled.
XENA
I figured it would be easier to relax on a bunch of pillows than just sitting in those chairs all the time.
GABRIELLE
Oh, yeah. I guess it would be.
Gabrielle followed Xena into her room and watched as Xena moved to get herself a drink before going over to where the number of pillows were spread on the floor and settled herself down in them before calling Gabrielle over to join her.
XENA
Well come on over and make yourself comfortable. You want anything?
GABRIELLE
No I'm okay. Thanks.
Xena patted the pillows near her.
XENA
Okay. Then come have a seat.
Xena smirked.
XENA
Unless you just wanna stand way over there while you're telling me some of those stories I've been looking forward to hearing?
GABRIELLE
Oh yeah I guess you did want me to tell you some of my stories, didn't you?
Gabrielle walked over to where Xena was laying casually on her side and sitting down on one of the pillows as she remembered the first day of her being in the keep and how utterly terrified she was standing in this room as her mind raced with the worst possible thoughts of what was going to happen to her at the hands of the woman who was laying within arms reach of her. But now there Gabrielle was willingly in the Conqueror's bedroom as she thought of how much had happened since then and thought of how if the girl from then could see her now, she would probably think that she had gone completely mad. Which to be honest, the Gabrielle of the present still wasn't convinced that she hadn't. Regardless of how she had begun to feel.
GABRIELLE
So um, which story would you like to hear first.
Xena shrugged casually.
XENA
I don't know which ones you know. Just pick one, and I'll let you know if I've heard it before.
GABRIELLE
Sure thing. Okay let's see.
Gabrielle thought for a moment and picked out a rather adventurous tale that she had heard, as she figured that an action packed story would probably hold the Conqueror's interest more than some of the other more romanticized stories that the young woman knew.
GABRIELLE
OK, this is the story of Alexander. The mighty kingof Macedonia And hailed as the fearless leader of one of the greatest army's known to the entire world.
Xena raised her eyebrow in interest at the statement.
XENA
One of world's greatest army's, huh?
GABRIELLE
Well, maybe aside from yours, my lord.
Xena smirked.
XENA
I think that goes without saying. But please, continue.
Xena lounged back as she listened to the young woman weave her tale and watched with a focused interest to not only the story that Gabrielle was telling, but Gabrielle herself. Noting how joyful and enthusiastic she was when spinning the tale, a fact that couldn't help but cause the Conqueror to smile. Gabrielle carried on for several minutes uninterrupted as she became more engrossed in her storytelling and began to move and gesture dramatically during various points until she finished and realized that she had stood up in the middle of the story, having been fairly animated while telling it and felt slightly embarrassed for doing so as she returned to where she had been sitting.
GABRIELLE
(Slightly embarrassed tone) Anyway that's the story of the man we know now as Alexander the Great. Hope you liked it.
Gabrielle looked at the Conqueror who had an unreadable expression on her face for a moment before smiling slightly.
XENA
Has anyone ever told you that you can really hold an audience's attention with the way you do that storyteller, bard-like thing you do.
Gabrielle smiled gently.
GABRIELLE
Thank you. I'm happy to hear that you liked it. I can tell you another if you'd like.
XENA
If you want to, but I actually got a few from the archives that I like and thought perhaps you'd read them and perform some of your magic on 'em.
GABRIELLE
Of course, my lord. I'd be happy to.
XENA
Sounds like a plan then.
Gabrielle watched as Xena turned over and reached behind the pillows before rolling back to her previous position and holding out a few scrolls for Gabrielle to take.
XENA
Oh, and you don't have to, but I thought it might be better if you started calling me by my name instead of just my title.
Gabrielle gave the woman a curious look.
GABRIELLE
Are you sure? Everyone here just refers to you by your title. Well, expect for Cyrene I guess. But she's your mother, so I guess understand why you'd be okay with her doing it. But why me?
XENA
I guess I just figured since I spend more time with you than anyone else here, it would just be easier for you to not need to be so formal.
GABRIELLE
Are you sure? I don't mind calling you my lord like I've been, but if you would rather I use your name?
Xena waved off the notion that it wasn't a matter of her preference.
XENA
It's not about what I want I just thought it might be a simpler option for you. But as I already said, I'll leave the decision for whether you wanna use my name or not completely up to you.
Unsure of what to make of the unexpected freedom, Gabrielle decided to just move on.
GABRIELLE
Okay. Well if it's okay with you, I think I'll stick with Conqueror.
Xena shrugged slightly, showing her indifference on the matter, as Gabrielle took the gesture for what it was and moved on as she looked at each rolled up paper for a moment before returning her attention to the Conqueror.
GABRIELLE
Which one do you want me to do first?
XENA
Surprise me.
Returning her eyes to the scrolls in her hands, Gabrielle read each title quickly and picked one at random to read and set the others down before opening the one she chose and again let her words paint the scenes that were written down before her, as Xena despite knowing the tale found herself hanging onto each and every word that flowed from the blonde's lips.
GABRIELLE
The tale of Leto and Asteria. In a time before mortals and even many of the gods upon Olympus, there were the titans. Many of which would give shape to the very world we walk today, there was a pair of sisters among them, and their names were Leto and Asteria. The two sisters were close and loved each other, and were very close. Always by one another's side. That was until Zeus, king of God's set his sights on Leto, and she became pregnant with his offspring. This action however would in turn endure the wrath of the queen of the god's and Zues' wife Hera, who came after Leto, forcing her to flee from the vengeful goddess. But as Leto ran to escape her pursuer, she soon found that hiding herself from the queen of the god's themselves was anything but an easy task as Hera was relentless in obtaining her revenge for Zues' betrayal. But all the while that Leto was on the run, Asteria had been keeping watch over her dear sister and as soon as the opportunity presented itself, she came to Leto's side and offered her safe harbor from Hera. Doing so by transforming herself into an entire hidden island where Leto then stayed and gave birth to her and Zues's children. Safe and protected by her sisters... love.
Gabrielle lowered the scroll as she finished reading and stood there quietly as Xena gave a brief applause for her performance.
XENA
Very good. It's been quite a long time since I read that one, and hearing you read it like that added a whole new life to it. I might have to ask you to eventually read all the works I have in my collection.
Gabrielle remained silent as her eyes stayed fixed on the open scroll she had just read and Xena continued to speak as she idly poured herself a drink and sipped it.
XENA
But I think that's probably good for now. Why don't you come sit down, have something to eat.
Again Gabrielle didn't say anything as her mind had gone elsewhere and everything that the Conqueror just said went completely unheard as she just stood in place.
XENA
And don't be shy. Help yourself there's well more than enough so go ahead and...
Xena looked up from the spread of food that had been brought to the room shortly before they got there, and paused when she saw Gabrielle standing there with a sad look on her face, her eyes still drawn to the page in her hand.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Xena got up from her spot where she had been laying and moved to stand in front of the other women.
XENA
(Soft tone) Hey, what's wrong?
The Conqueror generally reached out and touched Gabrielle's arm, which finally got the young woman's attention as she raised her head to look Xena in the eyes.
GABRIELLE
Oh forgive me, my lord. I think my mind kinda wondered off there for a moment. It won't happen again. What was it that you were saying?
XENA
Well I had invited you to come sit down. So why don't you do that, then you can tell me what's bothering you.
Gabrielle looked away slightly, figuring there wasn't any point in telling the Conqueror what was on her mind, as she assumed nothing would or could be done about it. Especially since the Conqueror likely had a long list of other things that she would find a far more important and valued use of her time and effort.
GABRIELLE
(Lying) It's nothing. Really. I guess I just must be a little tired.
Knowing that Gabrielle was lying but not wanting to scare her into thinking that she was going to be in trouble for doing so, Xena knew that she needed to be careful with how she proceeded if she wanted the young woman to feel comfortable enough to open up to her and not fear punishment for what might be thought of as wrong doing in the Conqueror's eyes.
XENA
Then in that case you should come sit down for a bit. Come on.
Before Gabrielle could offer any level of protest, she found the scroll being slowly taken from her hand and replaced with the Conqueror's, whose grip was so gentle as the woman led her over to the pillows, where she encouraged Gabrielle to sit. Once seated Gabrielle watched as Xena sat across from her and placed the scroll Gabrielle had read between them.
XENA
Listen, over my many years of traveling and interacting with all different kinds of people, I've gotten pretty good st reading people. So I'm able to tell fairly often when I'm being lied to.
A brief look of worry crossed Gabrielle's face as she was just about to Apologize for lying when Xena continued.
XENA
But don't worry, I'm not mad.
Gabrielle watched as again Xena took hold of her hand and just held it as she continued.
XENA
I'm not gonna force you to say or do anything you don't want to, but I can see that something's bothering you. So please, tell me. I promise you that whatever it is, nothing will happen to you, no matter what you say.
Taking her free hand, Xena gently cuped Gabrielle's cheek.
XENA
So please Gabrielle, talk to me. Let me try and fix whatever's wrong.
Gabrielle saw a look of pure sincerity in the Conqueror's eyes and could see that the woman meant every word of what she had just said. And while she was touched so deeply by the woman's very real desire to help her, Gabrielle still didn't feel that telling Xena would do any good as regardless of how much power Xena might have held, as even the Conqueror's resources had their limits. Not to mention the strong possibility of it already being too late for anything that was said or done to even matter.
GABRIELLE
(Sad tone) I don't know if you can.
XENA
Well if that's how you see it, then what do you really have to lose from telling me?
The comment caught Gabrielle off guard, as she couldn't find any holes in Xena's reasoning. And with the look of genuine care and compassion being reflected by the Conqueror's gaze, Gabrielle decided that if nothing else, talking to someone about what had been weighing on her might at the very least give her some level of comfort to know that she had tried to do something. Even if it was just telling someone who had a better chance of doing something about it than she did.
GABRIELLE
It's about what happened that ended up bringing me to your camp the night we met.
XENA
You mean when you escaped from Hector and the rest of Draco's men who were with him.
GABRIELLE
Yes.
XENA
Oh, I see.
Not liking where she felt this conversation was going, Xena sat there for a moment as she tried to reason with the thoughts running through her head.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) And here I thought she had come to like it here. Come to like me. After all, she's seemed so much more at ease and comfortable around me lately. But maybe I've just falling prey to my own stupidity and wishful thinking and was simply imagining it all. Damn it, when did I become such a fool.
Not wanting to make Gabrielle possibly think she was upset for bringing up the subject, Xena snapped out of her thoughts and moved the conversation forward.
XENA
Yes I remember. What about it?
GABRIELLE
Well you see while I was lucky enough to escape, there were quite a few others from my village that were taken by those men. And everyone in that group, They were good people.
Gabrielle felt her eyes beginning to tear up as she continued.
GABRIELLE
And among them were my mother and sister. My family. They were with everyone else that got taken from Potidea. I tried to stand up and protect everyone, but I couldn't do anything. So I just...
Gabrielle clenched her fists that rested in her lap as she found herself unable to hold back her tears any longer, and began to cry as she continued.
GABRIELLE
They were taken to be sold into slavery and I just ran. I kept telling myself that I would find help and go save them. But instead I've just been here, wrapped in my own little world here. I'm here, safe and happy, and they're who knows where. My sister's out there somewhere likely going through things that I would never wanna even imagine, and I'm just going on with my life like she never even mattered to me at all. What kind of monster just leaves the people who they claim to love behind and never look back like that?
Xena watched as Gabrielle cried and could feel her heart break for Gabrielle as Xena often forgot just how much the young woman had been through.
XENA
(Soft tone) No, Gabrielle. No.
Xena gently lifted Gabrielle's chin up to look at her.
XENA
(Soft tone) None of what happened when Draco's men came to your village was your fault. You ran to get help for everyone?
GABRIELLE
But ever since then I haven't done anything to find them. It's like I don't even care about any of them.
XENA
And what were you supposed to do? Where were you supposed go, huh? You understand that they're not all gonna be together. So, how are you planning on tracking them down? And even if you did, how would you go about freeing them? Because trust me, anyonre who uses the work of slaves aren't particularly fond of having the people they paid good money for just taken away from them.
Gabrielle lowered her eyes sadly.
GABRIELLE
(Sad tone) I... don't know. It's just that after that story and the dreams I've been having. I just really miss my family, and I don't even know where my mother and sister are. Or if they're even still alive. Not to mention all the others who were taken. I don't know if I'll ever see them again.
Tears streamed down Gabrielle's face as the likelihood of her never seeing anyone who was taken from the village ever again hit her hard. But none more so then her sister Lila, who she had thought of while reading the story of Leto and Asteria. A pair of sisters who loved each other so much, they were willing to sacrifice so much for the sake of one another. Much like what Gabrielle had tried to do for Lila along with the rest of those who had been taken captive by Hector. But sadly, unlike in the story, Gabrielle felt that she had failed to protect anyone.
GABRIELLE
My sister and mother are gone, and I don't know where they are or how I could ever possibly find them. They're gone, and I'm probably never gonna see them again.
Gabrielle completely broke down as she wept for the loss of her mother and sister. The fact, paired with the guilt of having not thought about finding them in some time, brought a whole new level of sorrow that Gabrielle never knew she could feel as she closed her eyes and just let the tears fall, as all seemed lost. But then in the midst of her sorrow Gabrielle felt herself being pulled forward and opened her eyes as she suddenly found herself wrapped in the Conqueror's arms with her head resting on Xena's chest.
XENA
I'm sorry you went through all that. Losing the people you love no matter how it happens is never easy. And I know that being here all this time hasn't made any of it any better.
Though Gabrielle was surprised by being pulled into the other woman's embrace, she didn't resist or try to pull away as she found being held by Xena incredibly and unexpectedly comforting. And remained in Xena's arms for several minutes until the young woman's tears slowly begun to subside.
XENA
(Soft tone) Shhh. Everything will be okay. It might take time, but wherever they are, one day you'll see them again. I promise you I'll find them and bring them back to you.
Hearing the words Xena had just spoken but not able to believe her own ears, Gabrielle pulled back from the other woman and looked at her in shock.
GABRIELLE
You mean it? But how? They were taken to be sold into slavery. They could be anywhere by now.
Xena smirked.
XENA
I think you're forgetting just who I am. With the vast amount of resources I have at my disposal, there really isn't very much I can't find a way to do. So even if your family was taken to a foreign land, I'll find where they are. And I won't rest until you have them back.
Gabrielle sniffed.
GABRIELLE
You mean it? You would really get them back?
XENA
Of course I will.
Xena reached over and began to gently wipe the tears from Gabrielle's face.
XENA
Gabrielle, you've become the most dear thing to me in all the world. Don't you know that? I would do anything for you to be happy.
Gabrielle looked into Xena's eyes and knew without a doubt that she had meant every word she had said. As for the first time since her village was attacked, Gabrielle had actual hope that she would be reunited with her family and friends that she had been separated from for so very long now.
GABRIELLE
I don't know what to say. Thank you.
Overcome with joy, Gabrielle couldn't contain herself as she threw her arms around the Conqueror and hung on to her.
GABRIELLE
I can't tell you how much this means to me.
Xena smiled softly as she returned Gabrielle's embrace and lightly brushed the young woman's soft, long hair.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) If it's anything close to what you mean to me, then I think I understand far better than you know.
The two stayed holding one another for several moments. During that time Gabrielle couldn't help but reflect on how happy and safe she felt in the other woman's arms. And as the recent feelings that Gabrielle had come to develop for Xena, she knew that she couldn't hold it back any longer. And though Gabrielle wasn't sure what exactly would come of telling Xena how she felt, and could feel her heart begin to pound in her chest, Gabrielle pulled back slightly and raised her eyes to look into Xena's. The two stood there in silence for a moment as something unspoken passed between them and without a word Xena leaned closer to Gabrielle and both women's eyes closed as their lips softly met in a gentle, yet meaningful kiss. It was just a moment later when Xena pulled back just slightly and both her and Gabrielle's eyes opened as Xena heard the words that, as much as she may have hoped, never truly believed she would hear come from the young woman looked slightly up at her.
GABRIELLE
I love you.
Xena smiled, having not felt so happy in as long as she could remember, and brought her hand up to softly brush Gabrielle's cheek.
XENA
I love you too Gabrielle. So much more than I could ever say.
The two fell silent once again as Gabrielle laid her head back on Xena's chest and the Conqueror held her close. Both women letting themselves just simply enjoy the beautiful moment as they spent the rest of the day and well into the night quietly together. Each silently deciding on their own to hold nothing back any longer and let whatever was to now happen between them unfold in its own time.
TO BE CONTINUED...
NOTE:
Thanks for sticking with me this far in. I know it took a long time to get here but from here on things are really about to pick up. I promise.