The morning progressed for the most part uneventfully. After Xena had conveyed their desire to eat in the garden to a maid. She began happily supporting and escorting Gabrielle carefully out of the living quarters. The women slowly walked in a beeline towards the garden. Xena didn't want to push Gabrielle too much and the castle was huge by anyone's standards. They'll have time for the grand tour when Gabrielle has some of her strength back. For now Xena would focus on the requested daylight.
In the garden surrounded by gorgeous and pleasantly fragrant vegetation the women found a nice table in the sunlight. Gabrielle sat down on one of the comfortable sofas. Moving a plush pillow she swatted the seat next to her to ensure that it was clean for the queen. Watching as her smirking warrior claimed the seat next to her. When Xena was good and comfortable Gabrielle scooted even closer. She was highly pleased when the warrior wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. With a smile and a small appreciative groan she tucked her body into the warm body next to her.
"Thank you Xena. This is just what I needed." Gabrielle was smiling but she was also aching in the rib area.
Gabrielle watched fascinated as a contingent of Amazon guards rumbled past them on the gravel path next to them. She had been admiring all the Amazon guards posted around the palace all throughout their walk. Soon Xena realized that so she began to explain how early in her career she had learned of the power of the ferocious warriors.
Seeing the potential of the lethal fighting force Xena had infiltrated the northern camp. Becoming friends with one of the most talented fighters, a young Amazon by the name of Amarice. At first she had used the woman to learn the skills of the Amazons but as time wore on they had become actual friends.
It didn't take long for Cyane, the northern Amazon's queen, to take an interest in Xena. Though Xena artfully dodged telling the part where they had become fast lovers. Instead she skipped right to a brutal but short battle with a fellow Amazon. A witch named Alti during which the amazon queen had been fatally injured. After the battle Xena and Amarice were the last two survivors of their hunting party.
Realizing the queen was down at the same time they had both scrambled to the injured queen's side. They attempted to give aid to her while the Amazon queen, knowing her time had come, gave her right of cast to Xena and the new Amazon queen was born.
Soon after Xena lost Cyane she began to systematically take over the other nations one by one via challenges to the death. Until she had become the sole queen of the Amazons. She then artfully used the powerful armies now joined as one to grow and take over the world as they knew it. With the Amazon nations at her beck and call the rest of the world seemed to come under her rule almost like magic.
Xena, thinking her tale finished, apologised, "I know I'm not a bard so forgive my attempt to act like one."
Gabrielle smiled and stroked Xena's cheek feeling and seeing the melting warrior lean into her touch. Gabrielle was more than ready to stroke the queen's ego; she spoke honestly, "You did amazing. I was hooked from start to finish."
Xena smiled back as her heavy eyes found Gabrielle's, "If I did amazing then it is because you inspired me to do so."
While Xena had told her origin story Gabrielle watched her every move, listened to her every infliction and even picked up on Xena's subtexts with the former queen, explaining her next insightful question, "Do you ever miss the northern queen?"
Xena clenched her jaw and gave a nervous grin, she had hoped to avoid this conversation, she should have known better, "Queen Cyane was fierce and smart. She will always have my respect in one way or another. My sisters and I are loyal to a fault to her even to this day. We will always carry her with us."
"Would you go back and save her if you could?" Gabrielle asked, she was not sure why she felt as though she needed to know this tidbit of information.
"In a heartbeat." Xena was just being honest though the intention might have been shrouded.
"Even though you may have never become the queen of the amazons? If she was still around you might have never become the ruler of the world."
"It would have been worth it. I could have learned so much more from her." Xena answered honestly, then with a snickering laugh she teased, "Hey maybe it would be Cyane who took over the world."
"I doubt it. No, I think you are the only person capable of that particular job." Gabrielle informed the smiling warrior. Relishing the way Xena looked into her eyes.
"You didn't know Cyane." Xena said matter of factly.
"You must really love her." Gabrielle was jealous for the first time in her life and it felt so wrong.
"In a way I once did. Though that was another lifetime Gabrielle." Xena could see the twinge of jealousy painting Gabrielle's expression, 'Gabrielle is so gorgeous when she is mad.'
"Do you think you would still be with her now?"
Xena's mouth fell open as she fully embraced what might have been, after a short thoughtful moment Xena took a breath and spoke from the heart, "No. I don't think I would still be with her. I'm where I am meant to be." she took Gabrielle's hand and graced the woman with a warm smile that was instantly returned.
The story of how Xena received her conquering army was absolutely fascinating to the bard and she wanted to hear more about Xena but she was so in awe of the warrior's words that filled her with so many powerful emotions. Lost in the moment Gabrielle closed the short distance between them and kissed the receptive warrior with a fiery passion. Determined to make Xena feel as good as her words had just done for her.
Xena also losing herself to her own desires straddled the bard's lap softly caressing Gabrielle's soft face. Gabrielle grinned as she let her hands cup Xena's round butt pulling her warrior closer. Xena's hands emboldened by Gabrielle's gently massaging hands began her own massage to her bard's heaving chest. Making Gabrielle moan into the tender lips still sensually kissing her own.
"Gabrielle!" Lila shouted, already sprinting as fast as she could go through the garden's doors, still blocked by the large veranda headed straight for sister.
Xena spun off the excited bard, both women breathing heavily as they straightened their individual sleeping outfits. Simultaneously their heads turned to the steps of the veranda where they could now see the brunette pausing to look around for the slowly calming duo. A lust clearing 'em hm' from both aroused women and Gabrielle sat up a bit trying to adjust her legs only fanned the raging flames.
"Lila!" Gabrielle shouted with bright eyes. She saw her sister quickly turn her way with a large smile as she began running full speed.
Seemingly lifted by the gods themselves Gabrielle lept from her comfortable sofa and holding her injured side began to waddle towards the sprinting teen. Luckily she didn't have to go far before her sister was on top of her.
Xena for her part also rose to her feet to greet her new guest. She watched with nervous eyes as the sisters embraced lovingly. Hearing the 'ow' from Gabrielle as Lila hugged too enthusiastically made Xena wince from her failed writ of protection on her part. Lila and Gabrielle quickly reworked the hug already speaking a billion miles a minute to the other.
Xena was honestly impressed at the speed of the words coming out of them. A part of her internally joking that they must be speaking a different language all together. In fact Xena doubted anyone else would understand either of them. Which brought out a nervous but pleased smile to the warrior queen. She was more than a little leary of this moment but so far it seemed to be going well.
Hecuba and Marcus were the next to enter the garden, both of them quickly settling angry eyes on the nervous queen. Xena looked behind her trying to find the source of their anger when she saw no one there to explain the critical looks, she realised that it was her they were mad at. Xena's jaw fell a bit under the glare from the angry mother. Like a storm the mother stomped her way right up to Xena never seeing just how rough Gabrielle still looked because she was still buried in her sister's arms.
Marcus however had paused in the doorway, even from there he could see the clear trepidation in Xena's eyes. A stunning fear he had never seen in the warrior queen. Suddenly he looked down feeling absolutely silly for trying to break up Xena's affairs. He had no more business in Xena's love life because theirs had ended so long ago. Besides Xena had enough on her plate with the fiery mama bear and the attack they had just endured getting the women here.
Xena pulled out her most winning smile for Gabrielle's mom and offered her hand to shake while saying, "You must be…"
What seemed all too familiar for Xena Hecuba slapped the warrior queen. Xena flinched as an angry fire ignited in her blue eyes. Xena touched her face out of shock all the while holding a hand up to her alerted guards. Still she was instantly engrossed in the countless memories of her own mother slapping her. Hecuba for her part had not thought clearly on the situation but now she felt the danger everywhere as she suddenly saw all the Amazons ready to pounce. Gabrielle and Lila were frozen. Not really sure what to do.
After a brief frozen moment filled with harsh hesitation Xena snapped out of it and straightened up so much that she stood a full two inches taller. She shook her head no at her guards to confirm the situation was under control before dropping her hands. Calmly Xena returned her gaze to a startled Hecuba she waited with bated breath. Seeing the warrior protect her even after that slap gave Hecuba pause. Still irrational thoughts forced her to bravely continue.
"What in the world is going on? What is all this foolishness about? Herodotus would never do the things you wrote about… You can't just take someone's daughter!" Hecuba waved the innocent letter Xena had sent at the swallowing warrior.
Nervous eyes looked anxiously for her bard. Desperate for reassurance and assistance, finding her embarrassed but rapidly approaching holding her sister by the hand made Xena grateful beyond explanation nor measure. No matter that Gabrielle seemed even more at a loss than she was.
"Mom. Stop!" Surprisingly this outburst came from a furious Lila.
Lila was still holding Gabrielle's hand and that gave her the strength she needed to finally start protecting Gabrielle. The one person in her life who had in the past always done so for her. Lila figured that it was well and truly time to return such a precious gesture. Even if it meant protecting the nervous looking queen herself.
Hecuba turned angrily on her youngest daughter ready to tell her off but as soon as she faced her Gabrielle's healing but beaten face came into view. She was startled at first but soon she saw that there were no fresh bruises. She could only deduce that Xena had only taken care of her daughter and from the looks of the precision stitches on her forehead it was excellent care. The tears and sobs came instantaneously when she saw what she had essentially allowed her husband to do.
Helpless Hecuba fell to her knees, Xena's eyes were wide open in shock. Trying to think what Gabrielle might do if she was able to. Xena quickly put her fragile gloves on once more. Xena kneeled next to the woman putting supportive hands on the sobbing mother's shoulders. Hecuba soon after began pleading for Gabrielle's forgiveness.
Gabrielle for her part was so shocked and down right humbled by the sight of her mother being held so caringly by the warrior queen herself. Who also happened to be looking to her for guidance. Her mother's violent outburst just seemed honestly offensive and downright embarrassing. With every bit of herself Gabrielle pleaded with her eyes for Xena's forgiveness at the way her mother was behaving. Gabrielle felt so much relief after Xena answered with a worried but still very reassuring smile.
Meanwhile in the far off recesses of both Xena and Gabrielle's perturbed minds a small voice echoed ominously, 'The three fates. Could it be madness?' Gabrielle was the first to shake the eerie feeling enough to translate thought into action at least.
"I'm ok mom. Xena has made sure of that ever since she saved my life."
Gabrielle reached her hand down to help her mother up. Xena knowing her ribs were still mending lightly swatted her hands away while conveying her ability to help her mother via their fixed eyes and then proved it by helping Hecuba up herself. Much to the unwitting mothers disapproval who only saw attempted slaps.
Angry once more. Hecuba slipped out of Xena's stunned hold and rushed forward to her injured daughter. Blissfully unaware of the pain she would have inflicted. That is if Xena hadn't stopped her at the last second with a gentle hand on her shoulder. Xena looked Gabrielle in the eyes trying to convey through eye contact that her mother might get away with striking her but Gabrielle was strictly off limits.
Hecuba looked angrily at the queen who looked back apologetically and simply said, "Gabrielle's ribs are badly bruised so be gentle with her." Xena released her gentle hold.
Humbled, Hecuba swallowed and nodded once to thank the tall queen knowing that she was just about to give the bard a bone crushing hug. Recalculating everything she wrapped gentle arms around the bard's shoulders. Soon the whole family was involved in the gentle hug leaving Xena standing on the outs with her odd feeling thoughts.
At first Xena was just happy to see that Gabrielle was so excited. It didn't connect for Xena that the happiness was that they were all together. Or that Gabrielle was looking forward to sharing the queen that she adored with the family that she loved. Xena turned to look deeper into the vast garden and give the family some privacy. Suddenly Xena's hand again connected with the well meaning mother's slap. It didn't hurt in the traditional way. The pain was more in the fact that Gabrielle's mother clearly didn't like the idea of them being together.
The part of her strategic mind that often dwelled on things she found torturous now toyed with the idea that Gabrielle's mother was just biding her time with the overall intent to eventually convince the bard to leave? Tears were already a near certainty that the warrior fought against with all the might she had. Xena's jaw clenched and her eyes narrowed studiously to the garden beyond, her heart racing with a cold self belittling dread. Xena had already been fearful of the day that Gabrielle would snap to her senses and leave her.
Then Xena wondered what would happen the day that Gabrielle returned to full strength. Wasn't it logical to the queen that Gabrielle would inevitably leave her alone once more. Maybe even throwing in a devastating and heartbreaking betrayal just for good measure. Like every other person she had ever entrusted with even the smallest shred of her heart. For now all Xena could do was what she had already been doing. Cherishing every moment the bard gave her.
After a moment in the consoling arms of her family Gabrielle pulled away and wiped the happy tears from her face. She pulled the women until they faced the estranged queen who was still awkwardly looking out to her vast garden. Sensing the many eyes falling on her Xena took a calming breath and with a warm smile she turned to greet the 'happy' family. Xena was surprised halfway into her turn to see that Gabrielle had come back to her. Her body stopped, sinking in an instant in those worrying blue eyes.
Wrapping a comforting hand around the warrior's elbow Gabrielle asked, "Are you okay?" her hand softly caressed where her mother had struck the now sappily smiling warrior. All negativity and melancholy drained in a fraction of a millisecond.
"I'm okay." Xena's heart was racing once more as she melted heart and soul into the deep concern in her bard's eyes.
"Why didn't you stop her?" Gabrielle knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the warrior was more than capable of blocking the slap so she was a little awe struck that she didn't defend herself in the least.
Xena is not sure what to say and acknowledges out loud, "She's your mom." Xena shrugged sensing the need for comedic relief Xena nonchalantly said, "I'm sure she just wants to protect you from the big bad conqueror." Xena laughed shortly but her own words had left a visible scar in her own eyes and it was so painfully visible to Gabrielle.
"I'm so sor…" Gabrielle blinked at the feel of soft fingers on her lips, her honest eyes shedding tears for the warrior queen in the same blink.
"Hey now." Xena gently removed the tears and with a reassuring smile said, "It is not your fault. Everything is fine. It's already over." Xena tried to answer every worry she saw hiding in those teary eyes she gave her warmest smile.
After giving the bard a few moments to gather herself Xena gestured to the shocked women beside them. Who at the moment held two very different expressions. Lila was all smiles as she watched the loving interaction. While the mother had gone through several layers of emotions starting at the already angry in the beginning of the conversation and slowly working her way to understanding by the time the young couple had looked.
"Now then. Are you going to introduce me to the family?"
"Yes of course." Both of Gabrielle's hands wrapped around Xena's as she turned to gesture at the stunned women with their joined hands, "I want to introduce you both to Xena." Gabrielle was smiling and feeling so happy that it quickly spread through the group of women, "Xena this is my mother Hecuba and my sister Lila."
Xena ever the charmer clasped the women's hands one by one and acted like the diligent queen that she was.
The change in the charged air between a faithful mother and an extremely protective queen was considerable. Hecuba was now thankful that the queen had protected her daughter so well thus far. She didn't understand much about the world Xena had created but she knew one thing for sure. In fact Hecuba understood the moment that her daughter's eyes had connected with the queen. Love was such a rare thing but she knew what it looked like when she saw it. They both had that fiery chemistry towards each other.
"I owe you an apology, Empress. I don't know what came over me." Hecuba was properly chastised by her own children and the interaction she had just witnessed between her eldest and the queen.
"Nonsense, Hecuba. You've had a long trip and I'm sure you're exhausted." Xena offered to assuage the mother who gifted the world with Gabrielle, "I understand the drive to protect Gabrielle." Xena was drawn back into the gorgeous sight of Gabrielle's pleased smile, "Let's just say that I've been there."
Just then, a grandiose and steaming covered lunch arrived in the garden more than plenty for all. Gabrielle's back turned to the approaching waiters, had only the delicious smells tickling the bard's stomach until it roared to life and demanded the attention of everyone around the snickering group.
Curious family members turned eyes that could have been construed as accusational although it truly would have been a bit of a stretch. Really though Xena knew they just wanted to see what the conqueror thought of that truly opinionated belly.
Still seeing the opportunity given, Xena simply grinned and answered Gabrielle's excited eyes, "Charlette did you get those appetizers I requested?"
"Yes, Empress." Charlotte was the maid that Xena seemed to interact the most with and she quickly acquired one of the other trays laying the heavy lid with the stack of the other ones slowly growing larger she brought the appetisers over.
Xena looked over everything before she picked a random appetiser and ate it. Taking her time to give any poison plenty of opportunity to take hold before she nodded her approval for the rest of them to eat. The que to Charlotte to let the guests try the sampler plate. It was something she had been doing behind Gabrielle's back making sure that if anyone died it would be the true target, the queen herself.
The women were all huddled back together so they could all reach the plate. Gabrielle was the first to make a move on the food, snatching up a steaming hot mozzarella stick, and dipping it in the red sauce before ever reaching for a napkin square. Gabrielle thanked Charlotte before turning thankful eyes to her smiling queen. She smiled back but she had plans to ask Xena about the obvious poison check. For now though she took a bite and grunted in approval as she munched on it. The others finally began picking out their own food from the tray. Thanking Charlotte and the queen before they too tried the wonderful food.
Once everyone had a piece and were eating it Charlotte moved to the table and placed the last of the trays in the middle of the fully prepared table.
Xena getting a nod from Charlotte before she left the women alone for
Xena offers with a welcoming smile, "Ladies I'm sure you are famished. Please sit down and dig in. Then I'll get you settled into the guest house and once you've had time to rest we can discuss the options."
The women sat down around the table. Once everyone else appeared to settle into the food Marcus finally gathered enough courage and moved in to let the queen know about the attack, "Empress. I need to have a word with you."
Xena looked over to Gabrielle's happily smiling face turning quickly to one of immense worry as she looked to the warrior for support. Xena smiled as Gabrielle's hand grabbed and tightened around hers. The women joining hands tightly together on the table, the full focus of Marcus' attention. Xena narrowed her eyes when she returned to looking at the still slightly jealous Marcus, "Can it wait?"
"No I believe it can't." Marcus was adamant as he pushed away his troubling feelings. He had a job to do.
Xena sighed with an arched brow before she leaned in to ask Gabrielle, "Can you accompany me for a moment?"
Gabrielle was the personification of gratitude as the sudden fear vanished as fast as it had come on. Still she wondered why the empress would want her involved in her business, "Are you sure?"
Xena smiled and stroked Gabrielle's brave hand. She had thought of the solution to this moment the second she had seen Gabrielle cowering in the corner the other night. Now was as good a time as any to let Gabrielle know what she had come up with. Xena had no intention of ever letting the woman be that scared again, "Why not? You ask good questions. Besides, it would be rather silly of me not to bring my top advisor with me everywhere I go. Now wouldn't it?"
Gabrielle's face lit up but at the same time it was a little suppressed with the gravity of such a title. Xena wasn't the type to keep advisors. In fact up to that point Xena has always been too calculative to rely on the insight of others, and trust was a thing the conqueror often fought against with every ounce of her being. With Gabrielle however Xena held no such restrictions and zero doubts.
"Is it about the attack?" Lila piped in; she really wanted to know what the empress was going to say about it.
Xena let go of Gabrielle's soft hand and stood up so fast that her chair flew to its back and clattered a few times before it finally settled behind her, "Attack?" she glared at Marcus for playing games about something so serious.
Marcus had the widest eyes Xena had ever seen from her long time friend, "We were attacked as we came into the city. Sixty mounted men and I figured there were about twelve archers on a roof."
"Did we lose anyone on our side?" Xena knew every rider that she had sent to protect the women and they were some of her most skilled.
"We lost the driver. I think his name was…"
Before Marcus could get it wrong Xena solemnly interrupted, "Harold. He was a good man. See that his family receives a warrior's payout." Gabrielle wasn't quite as affected as her family was; they seemed absolutely stunned by Xena's grief; they found it odd for a ruler to display so much care for the lives under her thumb.
"The warriors weren't that well trained and we easily killed them all."
"All of them? So what you're telling me is that you didn't save any for questioning?" Xena was furious at such a slip up and Marcus' swallow informed her that he at least knew he had messed up.
"I sent a larger contingent out to search for survivors. I thought it wise to just get the girl's family here safe and sound." Marcus rightly defended himself.
"You did good work Marcus but next time let me know right away. You damn well know better. I know that it has been ages since we've seen a battle but that's why we train." Xena looked at Gabrielle finding her soothing even now.
"Have you sent out riders to the other gates?" Gabrielle asked, absolutely inspired by those loving blue eyes buried in hers. Everyone else at the table looked to Gabrielle and after a short nervous adjustment she reasons, "There could be warriors still waiting for the caravan at a different entrance. How would they know which way you were going to come in?"
Xena had never been prouder in her entire life as she held her advisor's shoulders and arched dubious eyebrows at the messenger, "Well?"
"No ma'am. I didn't think of that." Marcus was even impressed by the woman's brilliant idea. He was even hopeful that she was right.
Xena smirked as she went over to Marcus protectively moving him away from the group a few feet and speaking low so the family would be spared the brutal realities of ruling the land with an iron fist, she ordered, "Send soldiers to every entrance Marcus. I only need ten of the warriors for questioning. The rest are fair game. If nothing else I'll burn through some of my armies' thirst for blood today."
"I'll get on it right away, Empress." He saluted the queen and rushed off to follow his new mission.
Xena turned back to the group giving Gabrielle her best simper and getting a nose wrinkling smile in exchange. Completely happy with how her life was changing for her these days Xena reclaimed her seat at the table. Letting Gabrielle and her family drag her into a conversation.