"Come on Gabrielle. I need you to wake up." Xena's voice sounded so soft as she urged me to awaken.

I moaned in pain and touched the bandage now wrapped tightly around my pounding head. I could feel my stomach rolling in nauseated turmoil. Even still it didn't take long to realize the complete change of scenery. I could hear the crackle of a fire burning in a fireplace but the light was for the most part blocked by a heavy looking out of place bookshelf.

I was tucked into the softest blankets I had ever felt. For the life of me my pain riddled head could not fathom the facts that were slowly coming to me. Why would a former slave turned personal bard be afforded such expensive bedding? The warrior raised me up out of the warm bed but after I could not stay upright on my own as the world spun she decided to help, tucking herself into the space behind me.

I languished in the feel of her warm arm encircling my aching stomach and the feel of her hand lightly touching my bare side. I couldn't help myself from the needy moan that sprang from my lips. Blushing, I turned my head to the side and leaned against the warrior's chest. My own hands held onto the warrior's arms. I felt so heavy at the moment that I feared I would sink into the bed and warrior respectfully.

I opened my eyes, thankful that the sun had been blocked by heavy looking blue curtains. The beautifully decorated room was huge lit by several candles around the room though they too had been cleverly concealed behind objects to block the majority of their bright light.

I felt so cold that the warrior felt like a burning hot fire. I burrowed further into the warmth of her strong body trying my best to leech off of her warmth and causing the warrior to breathe strangely.

The warrior cleared her throat before she placed a cup of steaming hot broth to my lips, "Here, drink this."

I grunted in disapproval and attempted to push away the mug albeit the push was weak at best so the mug didn't move very far away at all. To cope with the frustrating fact I turned my head even further into the warrior's chest until my ear picked up on the rapid heartbeat pounding just beneath the surface. The light scent of my empress invaded my senses. I felt so comfortable that my eyes quickly began to grow heavy once more.

"Drink it, Gabrielle." it was little more than a harsh growl.

How could she be so callous when I'm in so much pain? The next thing I knew I was groggily glaring up at my conqueror only for her to glare right back and arch that sexy eyebrow at me. I opened my mouth to give her a piece of my mind but just as quickly I snapped it shut only a small impish growl of my own making it out of my tightly sealed lips.

Suddenly remembering my place I sighed heavily in resignation. Then I inhaled deeply and just as the cool air hit my lungs I suddenly realized that the conqueror was doing her best to take care of me in my weakened state. It made me instantly regret the childish antics I was displaying. I took a deep breath willing the roiling inferno within me to settle into at least a small fire and for a moment I could see a flash of amusement lurking in those gorgeous eyes of hers.

Finally I accepted the drink, slowly drinking the warm beef broth. After I finished the mug the warrior put it down on the side table. I held her other arm a little tighter. I was honestly afraid that the warrior would want to get up and leave me alone in the massive room.

The warrior, feeling my grip tighten, looked back at me as though she was confused. She swallowed before her free hand came around my stomach and joined her other arm. Then laid us back until her back rested comfortably against the plush pillows and headboard. I sighed as a wave of comfort and pleasure swept through my body. I snuggled deeper into the warrior's chest letting her scent fill me with even more comfort. I had no idea why I found so much enjoyment and comfort within the Destroyer of Nations arms but I just knew that nothing else had ever compared.

After the broth settled in my stomach and began to nourish my aching body I had to admit that the groggy feeling had ebbed considerably. Even the dull roar in my head had also wained to a mild ache. My stomach had even stopped hurting. As I drew closer to feeling normal it let my brain focus more on the unusual connection I seemed to have with my empress.

I wondered if the warrior felt as good as I did at that moment or was I all alone in the marvelous sensations that filled my body. Did she envision the same future with me that I could see so clearly with her? At least I could hear the warrior's heart already racing as mine did.

The skin beneath my hand felt so soft and inviting that I couldn't help but to let my fingers experience more of the surface. I could feel the strong muscles as they twitched under my slow exploration. I listened intently when the warrior's breathing increased slightly and the heartbeat also increased but this was dramatic.

The warrior lifted us up just a little from the comfortable pillows but just as fast she fell back into them. For a moment I could feel her arms starting to pull away from me only to be drawn right back around me only this time they were even tighter than before. It was as though she was checking to see if she still held any control of the situation at all. At least that is what I imagined. Either way I don't believe she liked what her tests had concluded not from the frustrated but low growl I could barely hear if not for my ear still pressed firmly to the woman's chest.

A soft knock on the door and we both looked over to our left, the conqueror cleared her throat before answering, "Come."

Cassidy opened the door and came into the room stopping directly in between the door and the bed her head bowed in respect.

"What?" the empress sounded annoyed by the interruption.

"Apologies, my empress. The royal guard has returned to the castle. They sent me to inform you that the slave shops have all been closed as per your orders. The women from Potidaea are gathered in your dining hall and are filling their bellies. The woman's sister is safe and as per your orders she has been bathed by herself. The guest room next door has been prepared for her as well. Do you wish me to do anything else, my empress?" I had sat up and looked accusingly towards my empress the instant Cassidy had mentioned my sister.

"Just continue to make them comfortable. That'll be all for now." Cassidy bowing made her exit and Xena cautiously looked back at me.

My jaw was hung open in hurt and shock. Xena was trying to gauge my reaction to the news and I had no ability to stop my protective nature.

"I thought you were going to free them?" I asked accusingly of the conqueror.

"As I have. But when you told me who it was that captured you I knew the odds of there being anything left of your village was slim to none. I thought it better that your sister didn't see that so I sent a riding party instead to see if anything was left. They will be back in a few days. Although you should know that it has probably all been burnt to the ground." The warrior seemed so sympathetic to me but I could see I had hurt her. What's worse is she suddenly couldn't look me in the eyes.

I realized quickly that I can't stand hurting her. I despised it in fact. My voice was apologetic when I asked her, "Does she know?" I was thinking of the sensitive teen hearing the horrific news with no one there to console her.

"I thought it would be better not to tell her until I knew for sure." Xena looked back to my eyes no doubt surprised by my change of tone.

"Thank you my conqueror." I whimpered as the tears formed helplessly in my eyes.

"Would you like to go to her? I'm sure you would find comfort with her." The suggestion, though endearing, made my heart lurch even more. I hated the thought of not being in my conqueror's embrace that I now found so comforting.

I shook my head in the negative and lunged forward burying myself back into the shocked warrior's warm embrace. Letting the terrible thoughts of my parents and everyone else that was left behind being killed and burnt to ash. It was more than my aching heart could bear.

I cried for the loss of my family and the place I called home. I cried for the little sister who almost had to see it all firsthand. I cried for what felt like an eternity and still the conqueror was patient and nurturing. She stroked my back and petted my hair letting my pain leak down and ruin the front of her silk sleeping dress.

When I had nothing left to cry I squeezed the woman who had offered such immense comfort to me. I honestly knew that no one else could have after such heartbreaking news. Everything inside of me knew that if she hadn't been there then I would certainly still be lost in the tortured thoughts and endless tears. Now with all of it out I was just so tired that I could do little else but fall into a deep slumber.