A Happy Solstice Tale

ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

A Happy Solstice Tale

by Paully Adams

Xena, Gabrielle and any other characters featured in the actual TV series are copyrighted to MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures; just borrowing for this story. The rest of the story and other characters are mine. Please contact me before using any of my stuff. Thanks.

LOVE WARNING/DISCLAIMER: This story depicts love between two consenting females, but nothing too graphic. If you can't handle that, there are many fine general/classic stories out there or can I suggest that you open your mind to love in all of its forms. If you are underage, please leave. Again, there are fine general fan fiction out there for you to read. If you live in a state where this is illegal, the I suggest you rent a truck, pack your things and move.

TIME LINE: Takes place before "Fates Collide." So just about the whole series is up for spoiler information especially season six. You've been warned.

Feed the bard. PLEASE!

***
Xena woke up to the cool breeze caressing her face. Even though the breeze was cool, she was still very warm. The Warrior Princess tilted her head downward, looking at the source of warmth. Gabrielle's short blond hair gently blew in the breeze, dancing upon the stage of air. Her legs and arms wrapped tightly around Xena, holding her close. Xena knew she should get up and go by the stable to check on the steeds, but didn't have the will just yet to untangle herself. Instead she looked out of the opened shutters to the sky. The sun had not fully risen, painting the sky several brilliant shades of red, orange, and blue; each color reaching to the others; like hands reaching out to each other for an embrace. *A perfect start for a perfect day.*

She looked again towards her love, friend, soulmate. Xena grudgingly unwrapped Gabrielle's arms from around her back. "Come on Gabrielle, time to wake up."

But instead the young woman sighed and tightened her grip.

"Gabrielle, it's time to wake up. Look the sun is rising. I know this is the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen." But not Xena sighed and looked up to the sky once again.

Moments passed before the sleeping Bard finally opened her eyes.

"You know, a girl can get use to waking up like this." It was then she looked out of the window and groaned. "Xena, why did you get me up so early for? We aren't in a hurry to get anywhere, are we?" Xena shook her head no, and smiled; which caused the Gabrielle to gently swipe at her arm. "Then why, in the name of all that is good, did you get me up so early?"

"Because I know just how much you love sunrises." A wicked smile danced across her lips, "Or was that sunsets." Gabrielle turned over and snuggled underneath the blankets, trying to find once again her way into the dreamscape. Xena leaned over and whispered, "Besides, have you forgotten what day this is?"

A blond head shot out from under the blankets, green eyes dancing with excitement. "It's Solstice!"

"It sure is."

"So what did you get me?"

"Oh, you want to exchange gifts now?" Xena began to leave the bed, but a strong hand stopped her.

"I'm on to you."

Mock indignation covered Xena's countenance. "Whatever do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean." Since their first Solstice, it had become a tradition for one to surprise and outdo the other. "Is this some kind of trick?"

Xena sighed. She actually didn't have the gift on hand. In fact, she planned to outdo every past Solstice. But she did enjoy making the Bard sweat. "Fine. Have it your way. We'll exchange gifts tonight."

Gabrielle nodded. "Might as well. I have to help Sara this morning." She gave Xena a quick peck, and then headed out of their room.

*That was too easy,* Xena thought as she watched Gabrielle leave the room. "Okay, my bard, just what are you up to?"

*****

*What is she up to?* Gabrielle wondered as she continued to make those special pastries Xena loved. Never being the talkative type, Xena had no problem keeping mum about things, a fact which had driven Gabrielle crazy a number of times. In fact, most people called the Warrior Princess stoic, but that's because most people rely too much on shallow surface communication.

But Gabrielle knew that Xena was so much more the moment she first saw her. The Bard's mind floated back to that fateful day. It wasn't the Warrior Princess strength or bravery that captured her: It was those blue orbs. Those pale aqua eyes stood out against her olive skin and midnight tresses. And they were filled with such determination, regret and pain that day. They cried out to the young peasant girl, touching her so deep that Gabrielle ignored every rule of common sense, and followed the Warrior Princess.

"What are you thinking about?" Sara asked her aunt.

Gabrielle gave the young woman a small smile. "Nothing."

"Really? Then why are you so quiet?"

Lila chuckled as she peeled some potatoes. "Because she has one thing...or should I say a gift from a certain person, on her mind." The old woman glanced at her sister. "Give it up, Gabrielle. You'll never going to figure it out Xena's surprise."

Gabrielle quirked her eyebrow. "Really? So what do you know..."

"Oh no! The last thing this old woman needs is for the Wraith of the Warrior Princess to befall me. You two go right ahead and try to out fox the other, just keep me out of it."

"Fine." Gabrielle placed the pastries near the fire. "Let's see what you'll get in your Solstice Stocking this year." She could hear Lila's laughter as she left the hut.

*****

"Is everything ready?"

"Of course. We are always prepared."

Xena brushed down the steed as she eyed her friends. "Of course. Just make sure you guys stay out of sight."

"Don't worry, she won't find out a thing."

"Hmm. She's been able to put together clues and ruin surprises before, so just don't get caught."

"I promise, we'll stay in the loft until nightfall."

Xena nodded and watched as her friends hid themselves in the loft. Then the barn door opened. Xena quickly picked up a horse brush headed for the stall.

"Xena?"

"Yes Gabrielle."

The young woman strode up beside her soulmate. "So are you going to tell me anything?"

"About what?"

"About tonight."

"No, its a surprise."

The Bard's voice lifted with glee. "You know how much I love surprises!"

Xena continued to brush the mare. "You mean you love to figure out surprises. Trust me, you're not going to figure this one out."

Gabrielle sighed. "So you're not going to tell me anything, huh?" She cocked her head to on side and looked at Xena which those crystal green eyes. "Just one little hint," she stared right into the blue orbs. "Please."

"That won't work this time Gabrielle."

She stepped closer and dragged a finger down Xena's arm, her voice barely a whisper. "What happened to whatever I want, I get?"

Xena placed her "warrior" look upon her face, for this is truly a battle of wills, one she was determined to win. She bent down towards the Bard. "Trust me, you will get what you want." She stood up straight and smiled. "Just not now."

"Fine, have it your way."

Xena watched as Gabrielle walked away. A big smile placed itself upon her lips. "Can't wait for tonight."

*****

"Boy, this is going to be one hell of a night!"

"Yeah, I can't wait to see Xena's face."

"Are there any questions?" Gabrielle scanned the room, making sure everyone understood what was going to happen. "Good. See you tonight." After giving everyone a hug, she walked out of the tiny inn. After stopping at a few stalls, she made her way back to her childhood home.

"Where's Xena?" Gabrielle asked Sara.

"In the barn."

*Again?* A smile danced across her face. *My gift must be in there. Now, all I have to do is get her out of there so that I can find it.* "Tell Lila I'm heading out to the barn."

"Oh no you're not!" Lila rushed out of the bedroom. "I'm going to need your help to feed your guests."

Gabrielle looked around at the small feast. "I don't think they can eat all of that."

"Well, we have to feed you too."

"Ha-ha. Real funny Sara. Okay Lila, just what stories have you been telling her?"

"Not stories, just fact!"

"Fine." The Bard walked towards the back door. "If anyone needs me I'll be in the barn."

Gabrielle walked towards her destination, slowly opened the door and peeked inside.

"And what do you think you're doing?"

Gabrielle quickly turned around, a sheepish grin plastered on her lips. "Oh, hi Xena. I was just..."

"Being nosy? Trying to ruin a surprise."

A nervous chuckled escaped from the Bard. "Um, well to tell you the truth, yeah."

Xena sighed. "Well, seeing that you're so impatient, I guess I can give it to you now." She took the younger woman's hand and led her into the barn. "Come on." The pair walked into the barn. Xena climbed the ladder to the loft. Once there, a look of befuddlement filled her face. *Where are they?* Xena scanned the area once more. *Maybe Lila knows where they are.*

Gabrielle saw the hint of confusion in Xena's eyes. "What's the matter?"

"Um, nothing." Quickly, the Warrior turned on her heels and headed back to the house.

"Xena, what's going on?" She caught up with soulmate. "Xena I know something is up."

"Nothing's up, just change my mind that's all." The Warrior pushed open the back door.

"SURPRISE!!!!" Gathered in the back room were both of their surprises. Both women stood with their mouths open in shock as friends and family gathered around them.

"Xena." The older man whispered her name before enveloping her in a hug. As he pulled back, the Warrior Princess found herself staring into a pair of eyes just like her own. "Toris? But how..."

"I was living in the East. One day a prophet came, and was talking about love and peace. I told her battles were sometimes necessary. She told me I sounded like her mother." He looked at his niece and then back at his sister. "You have one hell of a kid there Xena. You should be proud."

"I am."

Gabrielle was no less in shock as she stared at a pair of smiling brown eyes and a ticklish moustache that had grown gray over the years. "Autolycus?"

"The one and only." He motioned towrds the Warrior Princess. "It seems that a few moons ago, you two ran into one of my pupils. Xena followed him and found me." He lifted her hand to his lips. "By the way, do you still have my ring?"

Xena looked around the room and pointed towards Hercules, Eponin and Autolycus. "You three were suppose to be in the barn."

Gabrielle piped up as she looked at Toris, Eve and Virgil. "And you guys weren't suppose to be here until tonight."

"You have to blame Mom and me for this." Sara smiled as she continued to explain. "When Gabrielle wrote Mom and told her about her plans, I told her about Xena's message to me about her surprise. We added one and one, and decided to make it a big celebration. So we send messengers to Auto, Eve, Virgil and the Amazons. And they told everyone else."

"We knew that the two of you would be so busy trying to surprise the other, you wouldn't even notice that we were pulling the wool over your eyes," Lila added as she smiled at Xena and Gabrielle. "Happy Solstice you two."

There they were: Autolycus, Toris, Sara, Eve, Lila, Virgil, Eponin, and Hercules. Sharing hugs, laughter, tears, stories and memories with the Warrior Princess and her Bard--once again becoming friends. Once again becoming a family. After all, isn't that what Solstice is all about?

THE END

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