ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

I Love You...Always

by Artemis Wolf

Disclaimer:  The characters of  Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, King Lias, Diana, Eve Philemon, and Mineus belong to  MCA/UNIVERSAL and RENAISSANCE PICTURES, the story however is mine.  If you wish to make a copy or use it, please REQUEST PERMISSION.

Warning: This story contains a scene of some graphic sex between two extremely consenting women.

Argo struggled over two feet of snow.  Xena sensed how tired her steed was and was relieved to know that they were but a few miles away from their destination. She carried Eve upon her chest inside her cloak.  The warmth of her body was keeping her safe and sound.  Her little face resembled that of a little angel sleeping so sound.

In the horizon she could see King Lias’ Castle. It had been almost three years since she saw the king last.  She received news that his health had improved but that he decided to pass his throne to his daughter Diana.  She was now queen and her husband Philemon now ruled by her side.  She wanted to share this new event with the woman who had made it possible that the transition of the crown would go so smoothly.  She also wanted Xena and Gabrielle to be there for the third birthday of her daughter.

            “How’s Eve?” Gabrielle asked concerned as she urged her brown stallion to catch up to the warrior princess.

            Xena smiled as she looked at her daughter’s face within her cloak.

            “Better than the four of us, I guarantee you.”

            Gabrielle smiled and then looked over the horizon with a hint of relief over her face as she saw the castle.

            “How about you?” Gabrielle asked Xena.

            Xena sighed and looked at her friend.

“Gabrielle, our health has not decreased since that last five minutes that you asked.”

“Xena, I am just worried about you and Eve in this cold weather and…”

“Gabrielle,” Xena closed her eyes a little, annoyed by her friend’s concern.  She thought that at the beginning it was cute but now it was beginning to be VERY irritating.  She took a deep breath and then answered with a “trying to be smooth” voice but firm. “Look, you do not need to be so concerned, all right.  I am an experienced healer, a warrior princess, I have commanded more armies then Caesar himself, therefore, I think I am pretty capable of taking care of myself and Eve.”

“Why are you being so defensive? I am just concerned about…”

“Gabrielle,” Xena interrupted again” You are being too concerned. I can take care of my daughter, and myself okay?  Just lay off a bit okay?   I do not mean to be rude but please give us a little space. Thank you…anyway.  Look we are but half an hour away from the castle’s gate. Lets pick up our pace. Argo is tired and so are we. Come on”

As Xena rode ahead of her, Gabrielle stopped in amazement at her friend’s words. She couldn’t believe Xena snapped at her like that.  She was just trying to make the trip more comfortable for her and Eve.  They had been through so much lately that she just wanted to make things better for them that was all.  After the twilight she thought that maybe things would get better, but in a way they had not.  That tension was still present.

She tried to push the words of her friend to the back of her head.  She started to catch up to Xena, but then decided to keep a few feet behind.

She just needs her space.  That’s all, Gabrielle.  No need to worry. She just needs her space.

                        *********************************

Xena entered the throne room with her daughter at her back and the warrior bard at her side.

“Xena!” Diana said in gladness as she stepped down from her throne and walked over to her friends with open arms.

“Diana.” Xena said as she smiled and embraced the new queen.

“So good to see you again my friend, so good to see you. Oh and you, Gabrielle.” Diana turned to the warrior bard, “Look at you!” she said in awe. “This is not that young little girl who used to travel with you, Xena. By the Gods have you changed!” Diana embraced Gabrielle. “You look so wonderful and beautiful! I bet you have all the men that you meet falling helplessly at your feet.”

Gabrielle rolled her eyes at the comment playfully.

“Don’t I wish, but as soon as they see Xena they flee.  I don’t know why but they find her intimidating for some reason.” She winked.

Diana laughed at Gabrielle’s comment and Xena looked at Gabrielle and mocked a silent laugh of her own pronouncing with her lips silently the words very funny so that only Gabrielle would see.

“Where is King Lias? Is he all right?”

“Oh father is just great, Xena. He is back to his usual self.  I am so happy.  He is resting now.  You will see him tomorrow at the breakfast. He called it a night early since tomorrow will be such a great day due to little Diana’s birthday festivities, he wanted to have all of his strength for the big day.  I am so glad you made it in time for tomorrow.  I thought you were not going to make it.  We have been concerned for the three of you and these troubled times.”

“We have had our share of bad times but, we are here and in one piece.  Leaving more and more of Olympian territory behind has made it harder for the Gods to reach us. We are very safe now, and so are you. Besides, we wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Xena smiled

“Thank you, Xena. We are more than honored to have you three here. And speaking of three Oh!” Diana said excitedly waiting anxiously to meet the daughter of the warrior. “Where is she? Where is she Xena?”  Smiling, Xena took the strand of leather that held the satchel where she held Eve at her back and pulled it carefully to the front.  Gabrielle walked over to Xena’s back meaning to hold the baby up as she was moved to her mother’s arms.  Xena looked at Gabrielle with the corner of her eye and in an unsympathetic voice said, “I got it.”  Gabrielle looked at her and held her hands up in the air as if saying fine. She then crossed them on her chest and stepped back a little to watch the queen and Xena, feeling a little left out.

“Oh by the Gods, she is BEAUTIFUL!” Diana replied as Xena placed the baby in her arms. Diana held the baby like an expert mother, gently squeezing the baby’s cheeks and talking to her in a baby voice.  “Aren’t you a beautiful baby? Yes you are, yes you are. Oh, look at you. You are so pretty with mommy’s eyes, and her strong grip,” Diana said as the baby held her finger.  She laughed and kissed her forehead and cheeks. “Oh Xena,” she smiled widely. “She is beautiful.”

“Thanks. I know.”

“Oh I have got to show Philemon! He was here a minute ago. Where is that man?” Diana said as she looked around the room. “Wait here I will be right back.  Let me bring him over. Make yourselves at home ladies.” Diana giggled.  She was so exited to meet Eve.  As she walked away towards a door in the back of the room she continued talking to Eve in baby talk and admiring her.

 Gabrielle felt someone tugging on her coat.  She looked towards her back, but there was no one there. She felt the tug again and this time it came with a sweet gentle voice.

“What are those things on your boots?”

Gabrielle looked down to find a beautiful girl about three years old with long straight black hair and piercing blue eyes looking straight up at her.  Gabrielle thought she looked so much like Xena that she knew this had to be Diana’s daughter, the princess.

“Well, hi there.” Gabrielle said smiling as she turned to the little girl and bent down to meet her eyes. “And who might you be?” She smiled sweetly

“Diana.” The little girl replied, “What are those things on your boots?” she insisted

Gabrielle smiled widely as she began to explain.

“These are sais. They are weapons.”

“Oh, weapons. Like the guards have?” 

“Yes.” Gabrielle smiled. “Only a bit smaller.”

“Oh.” She replied as if understanding. “What’s your name?”

“Gabrielle.”

“Oh.”

Little Diana then looked over at Xena and ran to her side.

“Mommyyyyy!” She screamed as she hugged her tight.

Xena felt a shove coming from her back and placed her hand on the child’s back.

“Hey!” She managed to say smiling.

Little Diana walked to the front and embraced Xena. She then looked at her.

“Mommy that woman there has Sas…”

The little girl did not finish her sentence. She gave a puzzled look to Xena. She knew there was something different about her.

“Mommy? Why are you wearing those clothes?”

When Xena was about to speak Diana came into the room with Philemon at her side.  His eyes were set on Eve as well as Diana’s. Little Diana looked at the woman coming into the room and then at Xena.  She took a few steps back with a confused look on her face.

“Mommy?” She said almost scared, as she looked first at Xena and then at Diana.

“Oh sweetheart,” Diana walked to her daughter and kneeled next to her. “It’s okay precious,” she said sweetly. “This is Xena. Remember I told you about her?  She came here for your birthday festivities, and this is her daughter Eve.”

Little Diana placed her head on her mommy’s shoulder leaning her body as close as she could to her as if seeking protection.

“Look sweetie, this is baby Eve, Xena’s daughter” Diana said as she kissed little Diana’s forehead. “You will have to look after her while she is here.”

“Xena and Gabrielle this is my daughter, Diana.” The queen smiled proudly. “And Sweetheart these are my friends.”

Little Diana looked at Eve and smiled. Then she looked at Xena. She shyly went over to the warrior princess.

“You are Xena?” she asked sweetly.

“Yes.” Xena smiled gently as she kneeled down in front of the little princess. “I am Eve’s mommy. Nice to meet you, Diana.”

“You look a lot like my Mommy.” Eve said as she touched Xena’s face not being afraid anymore, her eyes examining every inch of the warrior princess’ body. “Only you have a sword.”

Xena laughed at the comment as she gently moved a strand of hair that was lingering on the little girls face.  She couldn’t believe how much little Diana looked like her.  She could see the resemblance.  She wondered if Eve would look like this one day.

“Yes,” she laughed, “I have a sword.”

“Xena,” Philemon smiled as he walked up to the warrior princess extending his arm for a salute. “So good to see again.”

“Philemon,” Xena nodded as she shook Philemon’s arm. “The pleasure is all mine.”

“Your daughter is just beautiful.” He smiled widely.

“Thanks.” Xena smiled back.

“What about me, Daddy?”

Philemon and Xena both looked down at the little girl and laughed.

“You?” He said as he picked her up. “You are the princess of my heart. The most beautiful woman in my life.” Philemon kissed his daughter's nose.

“What about mommy?” She whispered in her daddy’s ear.

“Mommy too, but only after you.” He whispered back as he winked.

Little Diana giggle as she placed her little finger on her lips insinuating to her daddy that is was a secret between them.  Philemon did the same.

“Gabrielle?” Philemon said as he looked at the warrior bard in wonder. “Is that you?” Philemon walked over to Gabrielle holding his daughter in one of his arms and extending the other to the warrior bard.  The bard just laughed and walked over to him.

“Yes, Philemon.” She smiled as she put her hand in his. “It’s me only with shorter hair.”

“By the gods have you changed lass!” Philemon kissed her hand and then held it tight as he looked at Gabrielle still in awe. “Look at YOU.  Diana did you see how much this lass has changed?”

“Well she is not a lass anymore, Philemon.” Diana walked over to Philemon’s side. “She is a warrior woman now.”

Philemon laughed in disbelief as he placed his arm around his wife.

            “She sure is.” He said as he smiled at Gabrielle.

            “Oh Please, stop now, you two are embarrassing me, really.”

            “She has sassis daddy.” Little Diana said as she pointed to Gabrielle. “They are weapons but they are not as big as swords.”

            “Does she now?” Philemon kissed his daughter and winked at Gabrielle.

            “Well you two must be exhausted from the trip.” Diana said as she looked at both women in concern. “I have prepared a room for the three of you. Xena, I put the crib of little Diana when she was a baby there for Eve along with change of clothes and dippers and,” Diana gently wiggled her nose on little Eve’s talking in baby talk “And all sorts of baby goodies to make this little precious one comfy, yes I did.”

            “Thank you very much, Diana.” Xena said

            “Oh anything for you two and the little precious one.”

            “Um, Diana?” Gabrielle said. “If it’s not too inconvenient, could I have a separate bedroom?”

            Diana looked at Gabrielle, confused, then at Xena.  The two women always stayed together in the same room when they came to visit. She was wondering why this time it would not be the same.

            Xena looked at Gabrielle wondering what was going on.

            “Gabrielle?” Xena asked waiting for an answer for the quick change of plans.

            “It’s just that I think Xena and Eve need to spend time alone after all this time.” Gabrielle switched her gaze over at Xena.  “You know you have not had any quality time with your daughter since she was born, Xena. You need that, and I need time to think and put my thoughts together to do some writing.  I have not done the bard thing in the longest time.”

            “But…” Xena tried to speak

            “Come on, Xena.” Gabrielle said. “You are tired. We both are.” Gabrielle looked at Diana. “But if it’s too much to ask, don’t worry about it, Diana.”

             “Well…of course it is not too much to ask, silly…. Anything that would make you feel at home, Gabrielle,” Diana smiled. “There is a connecting room to the one Xena and Eve will be staying in. You can stay there if you’d like.”

            “That would be perfect.” Gabrielle smiled. “I’d be close to them just in case they need me. Not that Xena needs any help anyway.”

            Xena gazed at Gabrielle after her comment.  Gabrielle looked at her and then at Diana waiting for her to lead the way to the rooms.

            “Well, come on you two. Let's take you to your rooms.”

            Xena went over to Diana to take her daughter.

            “Oh no you don’t. I am carrying this one upstairs,” Diana insisted as she walked in front of them, leading the way.  Gabrielle walked quickly over to Diana’s side striking up a conversation catching up with the times leaving a troubled Xena behind.

*******************************

            Xena laid her daughter down into the white crib next to her bed gently.  It had been three hours now since she took a nice long bath with Eve had dinner and finally put her to sleep.  Three hours now had passed and not a sign of Gabrielle.  It seemed rather odd that the bard had not appeared within her room the whole night, not even during dinner.  Gabrielle had send word to Dianna that she would remain in her room for she was way exhausted and was going to bed early.  Dianna was kind enough to send Gabrielle her supper.  Gabrielle surely wanted her privacy and Xena understood completely, so she kept her space and let Gabrielle have her own.

            Xena could not understand why Gabrielle did not want to share a room with them.   She kissed Eve on the forehead, placed her coat over her shoulders and walked over to her balcony. Maybe I was a little harsh on her earlier.  She thought as she looked at the snow-covered garden. I mean after all she was just trying to help and care for Eve and me, but Gabrielle was just being too overwhelmingly protective... It sure bugged the Tartarus out of me.  Still tonight, I miss her.  She missed her just like she always missed her when she was not by her side, even if that meant being in the room next door.

            Xena took a glance at the balcony next door to her, the one that belonged to the bard and saw a dim light on. “Gabrielle.” The name fell off her lips in a whisper. “Maybe I should go over and say goodnight.”  Xena said knowing what she was doing. Any excuse would be helpful right now, just to see Gabrielle.

            The warrior princess walked inside her room once more closing the tall crystal and wooden doors behind her, and pulling the curtains together.  She walked over to the door that connected the two rooms and gently opened it.  She peeked inside. The fire from the fireplace was almost extinguished, a very dim light danced around the body of the sleeping bard, traveling profoundly in her sleep on the pillar bed.  In her hand her quill still remained and a half-opened scroll on her tummy laid.  Xena bit her lip gently at the sight of her friend.  She felt so guilty on how she had treated her, and at the same time so sorry for Gabrielle.  She knew how tired she must be from the trip and also of trying to keep up with her.

            She walked over to the fireplace and placed some more wood in it, and then she walked over to her friend and gently took the quill from her hand.  Gabrielle shifted a little in her sleep making the scroll fall onto the floor.  Xena placed the Quill on the nightstand next to the bed and then kneeled down to pick up the scroll. She placed the scroll on the night table and looked at Gabrielle once more.  A smile formed on her lips and then she walked out of the room.     

**********************************

            Gabrielle awoke from her sleep in the middle of the night.  It was past midnight already when she finally had awoken enough to have a sense of time. She looked around herself and noticed her quill and scroll on the night table next to her.  She could have sworn she had them with her when she fell asleep. But she knew that sometimes she woke up in the middle of the night for water or to put more wood in the fire when she and Xena were out camping and then completely forgot about what she had done.  She probably placed them there when she placed the blanket around her. She got up from her bed picked up her quill and scroll and walked over six feet to the desk alongside the bed.  She felt like writing again, which Gabrielle knew was good, for she had not done that in such a long time.  She sat down on the chair and let her thoughts roam free for a while. The more thoughts the better, for the chances of catching them with her quill and putting them on the scroll would be greater, and so will be the period of reflection.

She felt a little more at ease now knowing that they were leaving Greece to go over to the Amazon tribe outside of Olympian territory.  This persecution was worrying her for the sake of Eve.  She loved that child as if she was her own and she swore to protect her.  She was also concerned for Xena.  Being a mother had made her a little more vulnerable than before, not in strength of course, but because of the worrying. She wanted to mellow Xena’s worries by letting her know that she was trying her best to be more sharp, focused and more cunning in battle than before, but Xena was not seeing her efforts and that…that hurt her.  She understood Xena’s request for space, and she would comply.  That did not mean that she would stop worrying or looking after them, but she would give them their space. 

Writing is good for me anyway, and I need time for it.  It helps me focus and get back into balance.

            She laid her quill down and her eyes wondered to the door that lead to the other room.  She got up and walked over to it. Whispering Gabrielle opened the door,  "I haven’t kissed my little angel good night.”  Then she walked silently to the other room. 

            As she stood next to the crib she couldn’t help but smile tenderly at the little baby sleeping so sound and safe before her.  She reached down for Eve and soothingly picked her up. The baby shifted a little, but as soon as Gabrielle placed her against her bosom the baby snuggled into her, recognizing her scent, and kept on with her peaceful slumber.   Gabrielle felt a tear trickle down her cheek as she looked down at the precious child amazed of all the intense and immense feelings this little baby aroused in her.

            “By the Gods.” She whispered as she soothingly rocked the baby from side to side in her arms. “What a blessing, what a joy to have you in our lives.  Even though life right now may seem so restless and so overbearing, having you in it makes it all worthwhile.  You fill my heart with hope and happiness just by looking at you, just by holding you in my arms. It amazes me so, that someone so small, so fragile can have such an enormous impact in my life...in OUR lives.  I love you Eve, with all of my heart, and I vow to you that I shall never let anything harm you.” Gabrielle caressed the baby’s petal soft, warm cheek.  “I shall always be there to protect you and be by your side, just like I have vowed in my heart to do the same for your mother, whom I love with all of my being. You both are my life, and when I pray, I pray for just one thing, to be with you always.” Gabrielle lowered her head and placed a gentle kiss on top of the baby’s head.  She sniffed as she laid the baby smoothly back in her crib. She looked at her one more time as she caressed the baby’s face. She sniffed as she brushed her tear away from her cheek.  She then looked up at were Xena laid.  “I’ll give you your space, Xena, but I will keep you close to my heart.” She smiled as she began to walk away.  She stood at the doorway commencing to close the door when she suddenly stopped and looked back on the two beings that she loved the most in her life. “I love you.”  She whispered to them in the silence of the night. “Always.”  And with those words said she turned around and closed the door behind her.

            ***********************************************************

            The festivities for little Diana’s birthday celebration started early the next day.  The enormous ballroom of the palace was vividly decorated with paper cutouts and paintings of cuddly baby animals.  Pastel colors vividly decorated every item from tablecloths to curtains.  All kinds of exotic candies and chocolates decorated the tables and were being served by many servants on their silver platters next to the rich varieties of wine for the adults.  The jovial sounds of melodic instruments filled the air as giggling children ran between the dancing parents. Philemon and Diana were no exception to these parents, and they danced along with the others celebrating their happiness. A very long table off to the eastern side of the ballroom was covered inch-by-inch with an abundance of all sorts of fruits, wines and food for the guests.  Across from that table on the other side of the ballroom a table just as big was filled with all sorts of wrapped presents for little Diana, not just from the guests but from all around the kingdom. At the throne King Lias sat next to his daughter’s chair and to his side two chairs where set for their guests of honor.  Xena filled one and the other was empty waiting for her respective guest, Gabrielle.  Xena was sitting next to Lias with Eve on her lap, her little eyes wide open observing and taking in the whole unfamiliar scene.  The warrior’s dark burgundy gown with the silhouettes of dragons faintly sewed with a golden thread all around her dress made her look elegant, yet strong and powerful.  Her shiny, raven hair gracefully fell upon her shoulders, giving her dress a much deeper and defined adornment. King Lias was so ecstatic to have her there and between laughter, music, dancing and enjoyment their conversation would evolve around old times and new events.

Throughout this whole vivid occasion, within Xena’s head the question, where is Gabrielle? would very often arise.  Every now and then she would look up very discretely to see if she was among the crowd meeting new acquaintances which she so much enjoyed and was so good at doing, or even see her come through the big doors, but no such luck in her small quest.  There was no sign of Gabrielle anywhere.  Her thought was reciprocated when Lias finally asked concerned, “Where is Gabrielle, Xena?”

“I don’t know Lias.  I saw her last, last night, but according to Diana she should have been here by now.”

“I am looking very much forward in seeing her.  My daughter and Philemon keep telling me how much she has changed over the past three years.  I can’t wait to see that young lass.”

“Oh, she has changed quite a bit, that is for sure.” Xena’s eyes wandered to the door again.

“I bet she is quite a big hand around this little angel of yours.” Lias pinched Eve’s little cheeks playfully. “I tell you one thing. She made a very good impression on my granddaughter last night.”

“Last night?”

“Oh yes! Apparently after you went to bed and after she had awakened from her nap my daughter went over to her room.  Little Diana had awakened from a bad dream and Diana asked Gabrielle if she could go and tell her a story.  Gabrielle very willingly complied.  She read one of her scrolls to her, one which apparently turned my granddaughter’s giggle box on.” King Lias chuckled to himself and his face made a gesture as if trying to remember something. “What was it now, hmm, something about obsessions and Aphrodite?  I know Joxer was in it for a fact.”

“Adus the ape man!” Little Diana shouted as she looked back at her grandfather gently tapping her chest with her hands and making brief monkey sounds.  She then looked at Xena. “You love fishing don’t you?

Xena laughed, “Yes, I do.”

“That’s right Adus the ape man!” Lias said with much enthusiasm to his granddaughter. He then looked at Xena. “Children need a lot of love and attention, and by the look of things this little angel of yours won’t be lacking any from either of you.”

A nostalgic smiled appeared in Xena’s lips. “No she won’t.  That’s for sure.”

In that moment Xena felt an overwhelming warmth take over her body.  Her eyes automatically turned over to the big doors and standing in the middle of the doorway with her arm entwined in a handsome man’s forearm was Gabrielle.  She smiled so radiantly at the festivities, being introduced to several people by the handsome fellow.  Xena recognized him right away. It was Philemon’s brother, Mineus; the one Diana was supposed to have wed, but thanks to Xena she ended up marrying her true love Philemon. Xena’s first impression of Mineus was one of an arrogant, pompous, superficial, delicate flower of a man.  She remembered the look on his face when he thought she was Diana and discovered that “Diana” was a good butt-kicker. “This is whom I am marrying?” He asked with a disgusted look on his face, followed by an “I am not marrying this woman.” and that was all that came out of his mouth.  Xena felt like knocking him unconscious right there. She, after all, had saved the alliance between the two kingdoms and not to mention his life, but all he could think about was that she was more a “man” than he would ever be and she did not have a satisfying curtsey. But all train of thought on Mineus was vanished by contemplating the beauty beside him, Gabrielle. Oh, she looked so dazzling.  She was wearing a light yellow colored dress that gently fell so freely upon her figure caressing it with its gentle smooth waves as she walked.  She looked like a very princess herself, walking and moving so gracefully among the crowd.  She greeted everyone with such courtesy and elegance, and Mineus seemed to notice her alluring beauty for his eyes did not leave her for a single minute.  She looks so free, so rested, so incredibly at ease, Xena thought. Maybe being away from me really did her a lot of good.

“Oh, there is Mineus.” Smiled the king as he looked over at the couple, “And who might that alluring young lady with him might be? I have not heard that he has engaged yet.”

“That, King Lias, is Gabrielle.” Xena gave a proud, half-smile as her eyes stayed on the radiant Gabrielle.

“Oh my.” Was all Lias could manage to say.

Gabrielle looked up from the crowd and saw Xena sitting next to Lias on the throne.  Her eyes seemed to sparkle when she saw Xena and a big smile broke across her lips. Xena could not help but do the same.  Lias waved at Gabrielle and Gabrielle very gently waved back at the stunned man, gently bowing her head at the king in reverence from a distance. Mineus once again offered his arm and Gabrielle so gladly took it as he led the way to the throne.

“Gabbyyyy!” Little Diana said excitedly as she jumped from her grandfather’s lap and rushed over Gabrielle.

“Hey there!” Gabrielle said as she opened her arms to receive the little princess.  She picked her up and kissed her gently on the cheek.  The little princess locked her arms around the warrior bard's neck with a big smile.

“By the Gods! She was more excited to see you than her favorite uncle, but to tell you the truth I do not blame her.” Mineus managed to say. Xena caught herself rolling her eyes at the comment.

“Oh that was sweet Mineus, thank you.” Gabrielle replied

“Why hello, Xena.” Mineus cordially extended his hand towards Xena.  The warrior princess placed it in his as he kissed it. “So glad to see you again.”

“Mineus.” Was all she replied in a not very enthusiastic voice as she bowed her head slightly.  She knew it was all an act on his part.  He new that if he respected and acknowledged that which Gabrielle felt so strongly about, like her best friend, he had her won over… and so he thinks.

“Will you tell me another story tonight, Gabby? Please, please, please, will you? Will you please?” Little Diana begged as she looked at Gabrielle with big puppy eyes.  How could the bard resist that? Especially when the little girl looked so much like an older Eve.

“You bet I will. I would love to.”

“Yeyyyy!!!’The little princess shouted joyfully as she clapped her hands.

“Say, how about a hug for your uncle?” Mineus said as he extended his arms to take the child.

“Uncle Mineus! What did you get me?”

“Is that all the greetings I get?” He said as he took her in his arms.  Little Diana giggled as she kissed him on his cheeks and hugged him. “Now that is better! How about a dance, you and I?”

“Yes!” The princess agreed as her uncle took her away to the dance floor and danced around with her, turning her around and around making both of them laugh.

“Gabrielle.” Lias managed to say as he extended his arm to Gabrielle.

“King Lias.” Gabrielle smiled as she extended her arm and placed her hand in Lias’ curtsying. Unintentionally, passing right by Xena without a word to her.

“By the Gods, child! What a beautiful flower you have bloomed into!” Lias kissed her hand gently.

“King Lias?” Gabrielle placed her hand upon her chest pretending to act a little hurt. “Are you saying that I was not beautiful before?”

“Oh child of course not, that is not what I am saying. It’s just that the last time I laid eyes on you, you were but a young beautiful lass, but now, you are a beautiful woman.” Lias remarked patting her hand gently.

“Well, thank you your majesty.  You are very kind.”

“Please come join us and have a seat.  I must say one more thing, Gabrielle, and it is that your short hair is quite becoming.”

“King Lias, you are quite a charmer and you are making me blush.”  The king laughed at the beautiful woman’s remark and sat looking over at her.

As Gabrielle sat she looked over at Xena. “Hello.” She smiled

“Hey.” Xena smiled back.

 “You look very beautiful.” Gabrielle said as she looked at her dress. “That color is certainly very you.  It brings out this dark elegant look about you.  It is very stunning, Xena, and so are you.”

“Why thank you.” Xena smiled.

            “You do not look bad yourself.”

Gabrielle grinned disappointedly at Xena’s unexciting compliment, “Thank you.” 

“I mean…you look really…” Xena found herself stuttering and tumbling over words. She noticed Gabrielle’s frustration at her not being able to compliment her. She wanted to tell her how alluring she looked, how enchanting, how she made her heart beat fast and skip a beat, how she felt chills down her spine when she first saw her come into the ballroom…when she first saw her come into her life.

Gabrielle placed her hand over Xena’s.  Her warm touch made the warrior shiver. “It’s okay, Xena.  I know what you mean.” She then looked down at Eve. “Hey there beautiful, and don’t you look ravishing. May I?” Gabrielle looked up at Xena.

“But of course.” She gently placed Eve in Gabrielle’s lap, smiling awkwardly.

 “I guess it took you a while to join our festivities. But I am very glad you made it.” King Lias smiled.

“Oh, I am so sorry about that, King Lias. It is just that I was so pampered and comfortable last night that it was very hard to get out off bed. I have not rested and relaxed like that in such a very long time.”  Gabrielle responded.

“And it is certainly understandable.”

“I was actually down here about an hour and a half ago, but once I came down the steps I met with Mineus and he just started introducing me around to everyone.  I can’t believe it took me so long to get from the stairs to here. I must say Mineus is very kind and a gentleman.”

“He sure is, and he seems to fancy you. You know?”

Xena felt herself gritting her teeth at that comment, trying to mellow herself a little.  She did not understand why she felt so angered at the comment by Lias.

“Well, I am sure he has quite a procession of beautiful ladies lined up for him.” Gabrielle replied. “I certainly believe it now, more than ever after being an hour and a half trying to walk such a short distance from the stairs to the door. He was very charming, elegant and graceful. It certainly seems like a very intricate task sometimes, being so social and graceful with people, but he gets along and does it very well.”

“That is what I had to go through every single day when I was king, now the role is on my daughter’s shoulders and Philemon’s for the most part, and they seem to handle it very well.  I must say if I did not know any better I would have sworn you were of royalty by the way you graced in here and talked with the new faces you met.”

“Well, King Lias, I am an Amazon Queen, you know.” Gabrielle joked.

King Lias laughed, “That is right my child, you are. You are indeed, and I am quite sure you are an excellent one.”

“But I tell you one thing, Lias,”

“What is that, Gabrielle?”

“This little one right here,” Gabrielle picked the baby up in the air.  She kissed her and brought her to her chest gently hugging her, closing her eyes for a brief moment taking in the moment and the amazing feeling of having Eve against her.  It made her feel so alive and so full of love. “This one will be a far better Amazon Queen than I’ll ever be.”

“I am sure of that with such examples as you and Xena, she wouldn't turn out anything but excellent and victorious.”

“Well, we sure will strive for it.” Xena said.

“I am sure you will.”  Lias smiled. "The hopes and joys a child brings to one's life are immeasurable."

Mineus came waltzing inn with a very giggling niece in his arms. “Oh what a lovely dance, Mi lady.” Mineus said to his niece as he placed her on her grandfather’s lap. “I am quite honored to have had the pleasure. Now if you excuse, I shall ask this lovely lady here out to dance.” He winked as he whispered loud enough to be heard by Gabrielle. “Do you think she will say yes?” Little Dianna giggled.  Mineus walked over to Gabrielle. Xena watched the whole act and thought it was pathetic as she bit her cheek and sighed heavily.

“May I have this dance, Mi Lady?” Mineus extended his hand as he bowed slightly.

Gabrielle hesitated a little, placing her hand on the bare part of her upper chest.  She really did not feel like dancing, but then she heard Little Diana say loudly and giggling, “Say YES! Say YES, Gabby!” a satisfying smile arose on Mineus’ lips.  Gabrielle looked at the excited little girl and forced herself to smile.

“How could I say no, Mi Lord?” was Gabrielle’s final say on the matter. Little Diana clapped her hands in joy at Gabrielle’s reply. Gabrielle gently got up and placed Eve on Xena’s lap. She then positioned her hand on Mineus’, stepped down from the chair and strolled over to the dance floor alongside Mineus, as he gracefully led her in a dance.

King Lias Gently tapped Xena’s arm with his elbow. “They look great together, don’t they?” He winked as he smiled widely.

“Just peachy.” Xena muttered between her teeth as she forcefully smiled, gritting her teeth.  Her eyes wandered to Gabrielle and how happy she looked in Mineus’ arms.  That dance seemed like an eternity to Xena.

             The music stopped and the master of ceremonies announced the next entertainer of the morning. Diana and Philemon took their seats at the throne. Their daughter got off her grandfather’s lap and ran over to her dad’s.  The queen looked at Xena with a begging look.  Xena knew what she wanted.  She laughed silently and went over to her, placing little Eve on the Queen’s lap.  “Thank you.” She whispered as her attention glided into making the baby comfortable in her arms.   Mineus led Gabrielle to her seat and sat right next to her.

The singing bard Adipus was announced by one of the servants. The children gathered around the singing bard with the jolly, vibrant painted face.  His stage was set on the right side of the throne steps.  He told stories, sung songs and made funny jokes and faces that not only children enjoyed, but anyone who was a kid at heart.  The bard also brought with him a jolly gang of bards who were there to help him perform several puppet shows throughout the morning and afternoon as well.  They brought along with them a very vibrant gold and red puppet stage where they performed their acts, manipulating those puppets so they would come to life, and make the children believe that the puppet and puppeteer where two very separate individuals, igniting their vivid imaginations. 

            Throughout the performances evolution, little Diana’s was sitting at her grandfather’s lap on the throne. Her face just marveled at the singing bard and his enactments of the different characters in his stories of baby animals being little rascals and of the puppets.  King Lias was no exception, his laughter along with that of his granddaughter and the other kids spread unanimously across the room. 

Xena noticed that everyone around her was having a great time, and that pleased her, but she was not.  Gabrielle seemed distant from her, paying all her attention to Mineus and that bothered her a lot.  She tried to make some conversation with her friend, but everytime she looked back, Mineus seemed to have started a useless conversation with the bard over the stupidest of things. After the last song of the act by Adipus the musicians resumed their playing and once again the dancing began. Xena turned around to ask Gabrielle if she wanted to get something to eat from the table, but to her surprise she was already gone.  She got a glimpse of her back as Mineus lead her away from the ballroom.  She felt her heart sink and her blood boil.

*******************************************************

            Queen Diana lead Xena into a bathroom downstairs, where she had everything prepared for Eve’s diaper change.

            “I know, I have been a little domineering with your daughter, Xena but, May I? Please.”

            Xena gave a silent laugh and placed her daughter with much confidence in Diana’s arms. “I don’t mind, go ahead.”

            Diana’s eyes smiled widely as she took the baby and placed her on the crate and begin to change her.  A big joyous and satisfied look came over Diana’s face as she changed Eve’s diapers.  Xena could not help but notice that something was up, and she knew exactly what it was.

            “I have not done the diaper thing in a while, and I am afraid of getting rusty at it. Specially now when my second child is on it's way.”  She shyly looked up at Xena.

            Xena smiled widely and embraced Diana. “Congratulations!”

            “Oh thank you! You’re the first person I’ve told, Xena.  I did not want to make it an issue until I knew for sure, but now I know.”

            “I am really happy for you Diana, and for Philemon, for you both.” She laughed. “I am sure Philemon will be ecstatic.  He seems like an amazing father.”

            “He is.  He truly is.”

            “ I must say I am a great matchmaker.” Xena replied arrogantly.

            “You sure are.” Diana laughed.

            “Have you seen a doctor yet?”

            “Yes, I have.”

            “Has he told you how long you have been with child?”

            “No, he can’t tell, but I am pretty sure it has been 3 weeks now.”

            Xena placed her hand on Diana’s tummy. “Hmmm, three and a half.” She said matter of factly.

            “You can tell?”

            “But of course.  I have many skills.”

            They both laughed at Xena’s comment.  Diana continued with her task with the baby.

            “So, have you seen Mineus and Gabrielle together?”

            Xena turned around pretending to do something else.  She grabbed the first thing she saw, which was a vase, and pretended to look at it, as she rolled her eyes and sighed. “Yes, I did.”

            “Don’t they look GREAT together?”

            An alarming sound came from behind Diana, making her jump.  When she looked back the vase was a million pieces at Xena’s feet. “I am sorry.” Xena apologized. “I guess I have butter fingers today.”

            “Oh, that is quite all right Xena.  I’ll have someone take care of it right away.”

            “Tell you what, I’ll go and get someone.  You finish what you were doing.”

            “Sure.”

            “All right.” Xena rapidly walked out of the door, her blood boiling more than before.  She was determined to look for Gabrielle and that poor excuse for a man Mineus and…and say what? What are you going to say to her, Xena? Don’t hang around with him anymore because it bugs the hell out of me?  Or better yet, how about, Why are you completely ignoring me today? She did not know what she was going to say, but she just needed to be with her alone for a minute or two, she needed to breathe and Gabrielle was her fresh air. She walked rapidly down the corridor to the foot of the staircase.  She saw a glimpse of the bard as she made her way into the ballroom again, her arm and Mineus’ still entwined.

            “Nice party,” a sarcastic voice rang into her ear from behind her. “Too bad you don’t have a date.”

            “Ares.” She whispered in a low husky voice. She turned around to find a grinning Ares behind her.

            “Let me rephrase that.” He said looking straight at Gabrielle  “Too bad your date has all ready been taken.” He began to laugh as his eyes wandered back to Xena.

            “What are you doing here?” She muttered between her teeth.

            “She disappoints me you know.” Ares continued, ignoring her question. “I thought she had better taste than that.  I would have thought she would have picked, oh…I don’t know…say maybe… you. Hell, I would.” He laughed again.

            Xena very discreetly grabbed his arm tightly and walked him up the stairs.

            “Hey, easy on the grip!” He wined as they walked up the stairs and into an empty room.

            “What are you doing here?” She hollered again as she closed the door behind them.

            “What’s the matter? Not glad to see me?  I thought you’d miss me since…I have missed you.”  He smiled wickedly at the warrior princess.

            “Cut the crap Ares and get to the point. Now what are you doing here?  What kind of trick do you have up your sleeve? If you just try anything, ANYTHING at all to harm any of these people or my daughter because of a personal grudge I swear to you, Ares, I will run you down like a…”

            Ares sighed heavily raising his shoulders and then letting them down again heavily, his hand resting on the handle of his sword at his belt. “I am not here to raise Tartarus, Xena.” He interrupted. “I am here to help.”

            “Oh that is a first. Ares helping me and my daughter and Gabrielle.” Xena added sarcastically

            “Ye of little faith.” Ares said seriously rolling his eyes.

            “What do you want?”

            Ares sighed once more and looked straight into Xena’s eyes.

            “My presence here does not endanger these people, but yours does.”

            Xena laughed silently. “Are you going to blackmail me, you bastard? Are you going to send Olympus down on us, if I don’t give you…”

            “I am here to warn you, Xena.” Ares interrupted.

            “To warn me? Right like if you…”

            “Look, I am here to tell you that Athena has not let go of you so easily, the bitch is more conniving and cunning than I am.” Ares interrupted.  His face and voice taking a slight pinch of worry and seriousness.  “She is searching for you and Eve, Xena, and believe me she will find you.  The farther from Olympus you are the less she will be able to find you, but the longer you stay in Greece your chances of hiding and living are scarce. I can keep her occupied for only so long, but she can see right through me, and you know it.  You have at least a day or two to continue your journey, after that…I can no longer help you.”

            “Why are you doing this?” Xena said suspiciously.

            “I’ve told you many times, I have a soft spot for you. I just want to help.”

            Xena looked at him with a harsh glare. “You are forgetting I don’t need your help.”

            “Fine! Have it your way, Xena. Do what you want, but you have been warned.” Ares held on tight to his sword in frustration, “You have less than two days, after that your daughter, your girlfriend and your pals will be roast!” And with that he disappeared.

            The door of the room immediately opened and a worried Gabrielle came into the room.

            “What’s going on?”

            Xena turned around, surprised to see her.

            “Nothing.” Xena replied.

            “I saw you come up here a little perplexed and that look, that look you get when you smell Ares. Was he here?”

            “Yes. He was.” Xena started to walk towards the door.

            “Well, what did he want?”

            Xena turned around to look at her. “He was here to warn us. Athena and all of Olympus are still on our tail.  We have less then two days to get out of here without leaving a visible trail and without harming anyone.”

            “And you believe him?” Gabrielle asked puzzled.

            Xena looked at her for a moment and then at the spot were Ares was standing. “Yes.” She whispered and began to walk towards the door. Gabrielle grabbed her arm, stoping her.

            “You believe him? After all he has put Eve and us through, you believe him? Gabrielle added in disbelief.

            Xena looked right at her with her cold glare. “Yes, I do. Ares may be a soulless bastard, but I could see it in his face that he was not lying. We’ll be out of here by tomorrow. So enjoy your last minutes with Mineus. We’ll be on our way by dawn.”

            “Oh and what is that supposed to mean?” Gabrielle responded.  She couldn’t believe what she just heard.

            “It means to keep your cool and act like nothing has happened.  No one needs to know about this, especially Diana and Lias.  It will spoil the festivities for the day, and we do not need that. The last thing we want is to create a commotion, focus, Gabrielle. Now let's get back to the show. You do your thing and Eve and I will do ours. Enjoy your evening.” Xena opened the door and walked out of the room, leaving a hurt Gabrielle behind.

            Xena thought about what she had said and how she had acted before she walked out of that room. She couldn’t help but to feel worried and hurt.  Worried for her daughter’s and Gabrielle’s well being, as well as her friends, and hurt for how she just talked to Gabrielle.  The whole morning all she wanted to do was to be close to her, and now she had pushed her away.  She could have beaten the Tartarus out of herself in that moment, but she needed not to let her emotions get a hold of her.  She needed to focus, and so she did.  The rest of the day she pretended to enjoy the festivities.  She did not see Gabrielle again during the whole night; only heard from other people what places she graced with her presence and how Mineus was behind her like a puppy dog. The only time she got to see her again was when they got together with their host after the festivities to tell them they were leaving the next day early. They told them that they were headed to Amazon land, where they were being expected any day now for Gabrielle needed to perform some rituals and ceremonies that needed the assistance of an experienced queen.  Their host, although sad, understood their reason.  They thanked them for their presence, and wished them happy journeys with a heavy heart. After that Xena and Gabrielle went their separate ways towards their chambers.

            *************************************************************

Xena sat comfortably on a rocking chair next to the baby’s crib alongside her bed. She was breast-feeding Eve as she softly sang a lullaby to her.  The warm light of the fireplace across the room brushed against her skin, making it glow.  The movement of the rocking chair, the sweet voice of the warrior and the warmth of her mother’s skin were having a hypnotic effect on little Eve, making her fall into the sweetest slumber.

            There was an almost soundless knock on the door that connected the warrior’s room with that of the bard’s.  The door gently opened and Gabrielle peered into the room.

            “May I come in?” she whispered.

            “Of course.” Xena looked up and smiled at her friend. She was so glad to see her.

            Gabrielle stepped into the room barefooted wearing her bright red long sleeved and pants pajamas and carrying her quill in her right hand. She smiled at the tender sight before her.

            “Is she asleep?” she said as she walked over to Xena and Eve.

            “Almost.” Xena smiled as she looked at her daughter and stopped the rocking.

            Gabrielle walked over to her friend and looked at Eve.  She bent down and carefully placed a soft kiss upon the baby’s forehead.

            “Night Eve.” She whispered.

            “Did you tell a story to little Diana already?”

            “Yes, I did.”

            “How’s your writing coming along?”

            “Slow,” She said as she rolled her eyes. “But at least it is coming.  That nice long hot bath and the amazing dinner helped.  Gods, I could get used to having everything brought up to my room like that.”

            “Oh, tell me about it. Eve and I could not be pampered enough. ” She gave a soft laugh and then looked at her friend with query eyes. “So, are you calling it a night?”

            “No, not yet.  I mean, I am tired, but there are still a couple of things that I need to lay down in my scroll before I doze off.”

            “Well, you should get enough rest.  We are leaving tomorrow.  We are not safe here and the longer we stay our friends will not be either.  We can’t take that risk.”

            “I know.” She paused for a bit.  “My stuff is already gathered, so.... I just have to pick up and go.” As Gabrielle spoke she tapped her quill against her left hand. “Well,” She cleared her throat. “I just came to say goodnight to Eve.” She added and began to turn away.

            “Oh, okay.” Xena said as she continued to rock herself on the chair. “Just to Eve?” She said as placed her eyes on Eve continuing with her labor.

            Gabrielle stopped and turned around once again to look at her friend.

            “To you too.” She added

            “Oh,” Xena nodded “Thanks.”

Gabrielle smiled and walked towards the door.

“Gabrielle?”

            “Yes?” The bard responded, turning around once more.

            “Why the other room?” Xena asked as she looked at the bard, trying to find answers.

            Gabrielle crossed her arms on her chest in frustration, her quill sticking up as she held it with her right hand.

            “Isn’t that what you wanted?”

            “What I wanted?” Xena said in disbelief.

            “Well, yeah, when you said to “lay off”.  Isn’t that what you wanted?”

            “I didn’t say…”

            “Yes, you did, Xena.” Gabrielle interrupted. “When we were riding up here you told me to lay off you and Eve.”

            “Gabrielle, I was… look I am sorry. I didn’t mean…”

            “It’s okay, Xena.” Gabrielle interrupted again. “Either way, whether you meant it or not it doesn’t matter anyway. I needed a little of my own time and I think you needed it too.”

            “Gabrielle, I don’t need any time.  Time for what?” She asked in a little laugh.

            “To think, about the changes in our lives in the past few months, Xena.” Gabrielle sighed and touched her face in frustration. “Xena,” She said calmly, “your life has changed drastically in the past few months, and so has mine.” She looked at Xena crossing her arms on her chest and sighing once more. “I just think we needed and need our space and time out to think about how we will go about this.”

“You mean Eve?” Xena said in a serious almost defensive tone

“Yes, I do mean Eve.  Xena, she is a big change that impacted and will continue to impact both of our lives,” Gabrielle replied, reciprocating her tone of voice as she looked into Xena’s eyes.

Xena laughed to herself and looked away, she moistened her lips and then looked at Gabrielle and spoke in low, husky voice.  “Well, I am sorry that she turned out to be such an inconvenience for you.”

Gabrielle felt a bolt of pain as Xena pronounced those words.  She felt like if a dagger had just been jabbed into her heart. She smiled and nodded as tears began to form in her eyes.

“I can’t believe you said that, Xena.  I love that child as if she were my own. I was thinking more of me being an inconvenience for you.”

Tears ran down Gabrielle’s face as she turned around and walked out of the room.

******************************************

Gabrielle stood outside at the balcony of her room.  She was wearing her coat to keep her from the cold.  Even though the ground was covered in snow it was not as cold as when they came in this afternoon.  There was no breeze outside. Everything was still. The view from her room was beautiful.  There was a full moon that night and it was flawless.  It was glowing bright making the snow glow in a light of it’s own.  The view she had was from the back gardens, and what a view it was.  Gabrielle tried to let her pain get lost in the snow covered pine trees and marble fountains.

            She felt more tears coming down her cheeks and she wiped them away as rapidly as they came down.

            “Gabrielle?”

            A soft and almost shaky voice spoke from behind.  Gabrielle just stood there looking at the scenery as she tried to swallow the rest of her tears and quickly wiped the last one away from her cheek.

            “Just leave me alone, Xena.”

            “Gabrielle, I can’t. Let’s talk about this.”

            Gabrielle gave a silent laugh.   “That’s funny.” She said still giving her back to Xena.  “Just this afternoon you wanted me to lay off and now you won’t leave me alone. I guess the tables have turned.”

            “Gabrielle, about what I said…”

            Gabrielle turned around and spoke in a firm voice, looking straight into her eyes, “What you said was one of the most harsh things you have ever said to me.”

Xena looked at her friend and felt more guilt than she ever had before. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, as she lowered her head. “I am so sorry for what I said, Gabrielle,”

Glancing back up at the bard. Gabrielle looked away and began to walk into the cozy, warm room. Xena closed her eyes as her friend walked past her. She turned around to look at the bard taking off her coat and placing it on the back of the chair that belonged to the beautifully wooden carved desk.

“Gabrielle, I don’t know what is going on.  Everything lately has been just a big blur.  Everything has happened so quickly, I haven’t had the time to react to us and think about us. You are right.  Things have changed a lot between us, and I just don’t know how to face that.  It has been confusing.”

“Confusing?” Gabrielle sighed laughing, “That is the understatement of the year… confusing.” Gabrielle sniffed.

            The bard rested her hands on the back of the chair and closed her eyes.  This was her best friend she was talking to.  The woman she had talked for hours on end about every subject on earth and never once had difficulty in expressing her thoughts.  But now, somehow it seemed so hard.

 “Xena, I don’t know how to act around you anymore, or around Eve for that matter.  What am I in her life right now, Xena? Tell me, because I don’t know. Am I a friend or an aunt or a sister?” Gabrielle’s voice began to shake. She raised her arms gently in the air and let them drop to her sides, “I have no idea how to act around you either. What am I to you, Xena? Tell me,” she said as the tears that she had been choking back spilled down over her cheeks once more, “because I do not know! Am I just a friend, a sidekick or am I that annoying little tag along, the irritating blonde which everyone referred to when they spoke of me because sometimes that is just how I feel.  Actually, more now than ever, I am beginning to believe it.”

“Oh, Gabrielle.” Xena reached to embrace her.

“Don’t.” she said as placed her hands between her and Xena, shrugging her shoulders and turning her face. “Just don’t.”

             Xena sighed and closed her eyes, a tear falling down her cheek.

“Gabrielle, you have never been just a sidekick, nor an irritating tag along to me.  You have always been so much more.  You have been my spirit, my light, my source, my reason to live, to do good.  Because of you, I fight for the greater good; because of you, I have managed to face my past, my demons and my darkness, because of you I manage to get up every day and am able to face my past and make the choice of not falling into it’s claws anymore.  Because of you, I do not have to make that choice anymore.  You are my balance.  You make me complete. Because of YOU, I love who I am and what I have become.  You are not just my friend, Gabrielle; you are so much more than that.  You are my family and my companion in life, my soul mate …and as for Eve ... Oh Gods!” tears began to fall down Xena’s her cheeks, “...and as for Eve, I don’t want you to be just her friend or her aunt or her sister. If it is possible and if you want to, I want you to be her mother as well as me.”

Gabrielle began to cry as she heard her friend’s words.  She lowered her head, her tears falling on the red cushion on the wooden chair.

“I want us to raise Eve together as one, as her parents, you and me. I don’t want to do this alone Gabrielle. I can’t. I might be a warrior princess, an experienced healer and commander of armies, but I am afraid of doing this alone.  I don’t want my daughter to end up like I was before I met you.  I don’t want my daughter to follow the same fate as Solon.  I want her to live and be all that she can be, and I want her to be loved by both of her parents Gabrielle, you and me.”

“Why were you pushing me away then, Xena?” Gabrielle turned to her with watery eyes.

“Because I was scared. For the first time in my life I felt that I was in a situation that I could not handle on my own, and that scared the living Tartarus out of me. But I know now that I could NEVER do this alone.  This is one battle I am going to have to fight alongside another.  I need you Gabrielle, but more than that, I want you to be by my side.  I want my daughter to also have that light that shines so powerfully from you that I can’t live without.”  Xena’s eyes were filling up once more as she walked over to the young woman. “I am so sorry for placing walls between us caused by the ignorance of fear.  I want us to be a family, Gabrielle.” Xena whispered as she knelt down in front of the bard. “Would you?  Would you be a mother to Eve and,” Xena paused as she looked into the bard’s eyes, which were clouded over with tears as they looked down upon her friend. Xena swallowed hard. Then she looked at the ground.

“And what?” Gabrielle managed to ask as she sniffed.

Xena looked up at Gabrielle.

“…You are the one Gabrielle.  I new it the first time I laid eyes on you at Poteiedia.  I resisted it yes, for a long time mainly because I did not want to be a burden to your life.  You were so young, so full of life and light, everything I was not.  I knew that I would end up hurting you with my darkness, but… I couldn’t let go of you Gabrielle; I couldn’t let go of your light. You are the other half of my soul, the one to share my life with, and I want us to acknowledge that now in our eyes and in the eyes of everyone.”

Gabrielle closed her eyes tightly, a few tears dropping down as she did.

“Xena…” she whispered, managing to control her tears, “I…don’t know what to say.” 

“I have overwhelmed you. Haven’t I?”

            “Yes…No…Ahhhh.” Gabrielle brought her finger tips to her temples, “I don’t know…I just...I had no idea you felt that way about me.”

“Gabrielle,” Xena spoke, still on knees, “I have always felt this way.  I have always loved you, more than a friend, more than a companion, more than just a partner. Tonight when I saw you with Mineus I….” Xena looked down. “I got jealous.”

“What?”

“That’s right jealous.” Xena spoke with more confidence.  “I wanted to be the one dancing with you.  I wanted to be the one who was showing you off in front of everyone, I wanted to be the one having you hold on to my arm as I proudly walked around with you. I wanted to be the one with you, and I wanted you to be the one with Eve and me.”

Gabrielle shook her head.  Xena’s feelings had taken her completely by surprise.  She didn’t know if she wanted to run away from her or kneel down with her and kiss her. In many ways she had never seen herself without Xena.  Xena was her home, but she had never truly considered the possibility that she and Xena would become one. She had thought about it, many times.  She just never thought that Xena would as well, so she always pulled the thought back in to her mind.

Gabrielle just shook her head, her hands gripping the back of the chair once again as she looked down upon the red cushion.  There was total silence.  All that was heard was the crackling of the wood in the fireplace.

“Xena, I’m sorry.” She managed to say in whisper. “This is just so unexpected.”

Xena looked down and then sighed.  “Hey,” she said smiling, “I understand.”  She stood up looking at the bard.  Gabrielle’s eyes were still on the red cushion.  “I guess, I really screwed up things between us now,” Xena laughed nervously. “Just like I thought I would if I ever told you how I really felt,” Xena held her shaky hands together. “But, nonetheless, it is out finally.” She stood and began to walk past her friend.  She opened the door to her room and then she turned to face the warrior bard. “Gabrielle, if you decide to leave, I will understand. Just know that my love for you will never die, and my daughter will know about you and will love you as much as I do through my words and stories.” Xena looked down and then raised her head up as she let out a deep breath. “I am not a great bard like you,” She smiled,  “but…I love you, and I know that my love for you will shine through me, to my daughter, no matter the circumstances.”

Xena opened the door and was about to walk into the other room when she heard Gabrielle speak her name.

“Xena,” Gabrielle whispered.

The warrior princess turned around to face Gabrielle. The bard took a few steps towards her.

“I don’t think I would ever be able to breathe without you.  Just like a night is hopeless and lost without it's moon, I am lost without you. Nothing would make me so proud, and my life so complete as to be yours and a mother to Eve. I love you Xena, with all of my heart, soul and being.”

A big smile broke across Xena’s lips. “Ditto.” The warrior princess manage to say before breaking into tears and opening her arms for a running bard, who was running straight into her arms, smiling as she cried.

Gabrielle rushed into Xena’s arms, holding onto her tight, as if to never let go of her.  Xena held the back of Gabrielle’s head with her hand and she kissed her head gently. The bard gently moved back to meet her eyes with those of her newfound lover.  As she gazed into those ocean blue eyes she smiled a smile that seemed to brighten the whole room.  Xena smiled back as she saw her lover’s eyes brighten, feeling her heart skip a beat.

“What do we do now?” Gabrielle said as she placed her hands around Xena’s neck.

“Love each other, forever.” As soon as Xena pronounced these words, her lips lowered themselves to those of the bard, embracing them in the most gentle of kisses. Both women felt their knees weaken and their hearts beating faster and faster. They both gently separated from the kiss.

“Oh gods…” Gabrielle whispered panting, her eyes still close, “Did you feel tha...”

“Yes.” Xena whispered back not letting the bard finish her sentence. Xena tenderly placed her forehead on Gabrielle’s. “I felt that.” She panted.

Gabrielle reached for Xena’s hand, her eyes still closed, feeling the warrior princess' breath on her face.  She placed the warrior’s hand delicately over her heart and placed both of her warm hands over Xena’s.

“I have never felt my heart beat so fast before.” Gabrielle whispered.

Xena reached for one of Gabrielle’s hands and placed it over her heart, gently placing her hand on top of Gabrielle’s.

“I have never loved anyone with such depth before.” Xena whispered.

Gabrielle smoothly titled her head so that her eyes would meet the vast ocean of her love’s eyes. Xena nervously looked into Gabrielle’s eyes.  Never before had her love for Gabrielle been so exposed as now.  In a way it was so freeing, and in another it was so frightening for it was so new.  She had been through so many battles and adventures with Gabrielle but this was unlike anything they had gone through.

“I love you, Xena.” The warrior bard whispered.

“I love you too, Gabrielle.”

Gabrielle caressed Xena’s face with the hand that held Xena’s and gently brought her face over to that of the warrior’s.  Xena gently reached down to meet Gabrielle’s silent request, which had been hers as well. Embraced in the most powerful of gentle kisses, Xena let her hands wander to Gabrielle’s waist, gently bringing her body against hers. Gabrielle let her arms wander once more around Xena’s neck as she let her fingers get lost in the black raven hair of the warrior woman.

“What do we now?” Gabrielle asked between the sweet kisses.

“I guess we will have to figure that one out together. Like we always do.” Xena smiled.

Xena brought her hands up to Gabrielle’s shoulders squeezing them gently as she separated from the kiss.  She smiled as her fingers lightly brushed Gabrielle’s lips and chin, letting her hand wander up to the top button of Gabrielle’s red pajamas. Gabrielle moved her hands down to Xena’s shoulders as the warrior gently unbuttoned the first button, then the next and the next and on until the last button was undone.

“May I? Xena asked.

Gabrielle let her arms drop to her sides, as she looked into her lover’s shy gaze.

“Yes.” Gabrielle whispered as she took Xena’s hands and placed them on each side of her top.

Xena's hands reached inside Gabrielle’s red top, lightly tracing the bard’s soft skin with her fingers until she reached her shoulders.  She moved closer to Gabrielle embracing her lips once more in a soft kiss as her hands reached down her arms making the top fall to the bard's feet.  The warrior caressed the bards back as she continued to kiss her. 

From Gabrielle’s mouth a soft moan escaped as she felt her skin shivering with every touch the warrior gave her.  The warrior separated her lips from that of bard's for an instant.  Her eyes set on the bard's naked upper body.  She looked intently and in awe at the beauty before her.

“By the Gods, Gabrielle, you are so beautiful.” She managed to say.

She had seen Gabrielle naked so many times when they bathed or changed clothes, but this time it was different.  This time that body was completely surrendered to her.

Gabrielle shyly took Xena’s hands in hers and placed them over her firm breast. Xena looked at her, still marveling.  She gently squeezed the bard’s breasts, feeling them entirely as the bard closed her eyes and sighed in pleasure.  Xena closed her eyes and sighed in pleasure as well as she felt the contrast of the softness and firmness of Gabrielle’s breasts.  Once again, this time more hungrily, the warrior bonded with the bard’s lips in a passionate kiss, gently squeezing her breasts simultaneously.  Gabrielle began to pant as small moans began to form in her mouth.  She then opened her mouth, giving full access to the warrior princess.  Xena’s tongue began to reach beyond the bard’s lips exploring softly her lover’s mouth.  As their tongues engaged in their own erotic dance, Xena’s hands moved downward and to Gabrielle’s sides, her fingers enjoying and caressing every inch of skin all the way down to her waist.  Gabrielle’s whole body jerked in chills at Xena’s touch.  The warrior princess separated from the kiss and held the bard’s face gently in her hands.

“Are you okay?” She asked gently as she looked into Gabrielle’s’ eyes. “I will not go any further if you are uncomfortable.”

Gabrielle smiled as she placed her hands on Xena’s and brought them to her lips, kissing them. 

“No,” she smiled. “Don’t stop. I am fine.  It’s just that your touch is so powerful, Xena.  I have never felt anything like it.”

The bard caressed the warrior’s face.

“Never?” Xena asked as she thought about the memory of Gabrielle’s beloved husband Perdicus.

“Never.” The bard reaffirmed, knowing what the warrior was thinking. “Perdicus was my husband, and I loved him,” Gabrielle smiled as she look deep into Xena’s eyes, “but you are the one, Xena, you are the other half of my soul.”