ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Sweet Seduction

by Sarah Miller

Sex: I can say that the name says it all.

Violence: Yes.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

PART 1

+++
"Hey, Gabrielle over here."

Gabrielle turned to see who was calling her. "Ephiny."

"Why don't you come join us?"

"I shouldn't."

"Why?"

"Xena, doesn't want me to drink."

"So?"

"Ephiny."

"You're a big girl now. Come on." She threw an arm over Gabrielle and led her to her table.

Xena looked around as she walked out of her hut and looked for Gabrielle but didn't see her anywhere. "Gabrielle." She heard laughter and turned to see a bunch of Amazons sitting at a table, drinking and having a great time. She shook her head and was about to turn away, when a blonde head caught her attention. "I told her not to drink." She sighed and headed for a bench.

"Mine," started Eponin, is to be chained to a wall, no movement and be taken over by some gorgeous woman.

Ephiny set down her drink and looked over at Solari. "And you?"

"Hmm, I think it would have to be...... Call me weird but I just want to have a normal thing." She laughed.

"Okay." Ephiny turned to Gabrielle. "What about you?"

"Don't have any."

"Ah, come on. You have to have some fantasy. You do travel with Xena. I'm sure you fantasize about her all the time."

"Your wrong, I don't think of her like that."

"Liar. Fine tell us this. When you camp out in the middle of no where with her, and she sits down to sharpen her blade, relaxed against a log or something. You don't have the urge to just go over and........."

"No." Gabrielle said quickly.

"Okay, now I know you're lying. You can tell us."

"You are drunk."

"Just a little, come on." Ephiny pleaded. "Tell us about a moment when you almost said something to her."

"I'm not having anything to do with this discussion. Excuse me." She stood and was pulled down by Ephiny.

"Come on Gabrielle. No ones gonna tell her."

"I can't."

"Why?" Ephiny looked around. "I can't see her anywhere so how would she know. Just tell us and we'll leave you alone."

"No.

"Then answer questions."

Gabrielle nodded.

"Okay she's in the bath. Do you want to go over and join her?"

She gave in. "Yes."

"Why don't you?"

"I don't want to risk our relationship, I don't think she feels that way about me."

The table erupted with laughter as Eponin and Solari left.

"What?"

"Trust me Gabrielle she does." Ephiny thought. "Your in a campsite alone with her. She beds down for the night. Does she make one or two together? Does she let you sleep next to her?"

"Yes but...."

"Does she stay close to you, put an arm over your waist and pull you close?"

"Yes."

"What about dressing? Does she dress openly in front of you?"

"She's not modest about her body. Never has been."

"Does she undress or dress slow or fast?"

"Both. What does this have to do with anything?"

"Shh. She does ask you to help her with her armor, that's what you told me once right."

"Right."

"Does she ever jump when you touch her skin or tremble?"

"Yes."

Ephiny smiled. "What about when no one is around. Does she touch you more or look at you differently. Does she talk differently?"

"Yes, but that's just because she has to keep a warrior face in towns."

"I don't know what your problem is? Why do you have doubts? Its obvious that she does care for you. I've seen it. I see the way she looks at you. Why would you think differently?"

Gabrielle looked away. "I don't know. I guess I'm just scared."

"Of what?"

"That she won't be pleased by my inexperience."

"She loves you so I don't think that would do anything."

Gabrielle nodded.

"So about your fantasies. Have any?"

Gabrielle nodded slowly.

"Tell me." Ephiny leaned closer.

"Well I have one in particular. We are riding on Argo, me in front. She rubs my thigh, moving higher and higher. She kisses my neck softly, her hands trailing upward. I lean back to get closer to her and that's it." she looked down in shame.

"That's it."

"Yeah." She looked up. "I don't know what comes next."

"Hmm. Perhaps you should take a trip with me."

"Where?"

"The library."

They stood and left the party.

Xena watched them go and wondered what they had talked about.

+++

"I think this one will do." She handed Gabrielle a scroll. "Go ahead read it."

Gabrielle unrolled it and began to read out loud. "The valley full of dark green grass, blossomed with bright yellow and white flowers. Flowers that helped conceal the two lovers who hid amongst the colors." She stopped and read on in silence. She obviously came over a good part because her eyebrows shot up and her face turned red. She looked up. "Who wrote this?"

"The authors are unknown."

"Are they all like this?"

"Some are about different things. These here are all about love and sex. Read more if you like."

"I need to tell Xena but I don't know how."

"You should take her down by the river." She leaned closer. "Bring some rope and honey. Find some way to get her to go swimming with you and when she takes her clothes off, tie her to a tree. Make sure you do it right, she's strong. Smear the honey on her and of course lick it off." She smiled. "That's what I would do."

Gabrielle started to laugh. "I don't know if I can do that."

"Sure you can. All she needs is some good old fashioned seducing. By you. Good luck."

"Once I have her tied up and honeyed, then what?"

"You'll think of something." She smiled and patted

Gabrielle's arm, then walked away.

"Wait."

She stopped and turned. "What?"

"When should I do this?"

"How about now. She's in a good mood." She grabbed a pouch from her side and opened it up. "Give me your cider."

"Why?"

"Just do it." She grabbed the cup and sprinkled some powder into it. "Its like wine. Gives you an edge without making you drunk and without the hangover."

She smiled. "Good luck."

Gabrielle downed the liquid and felt a warm tingle spread through her body. She looked over the scroll again, then put it back in its hole. She saw some rope next to the door and grabbed it. "How weird." She slipped it into her pouch at her side and took a big breath as she walked out. She looked around and saw Xena sitting on a bench. She thought about somehow slipping under and taking her there but the trying up thing sounded fun. She grabbed some honey from a table, slipped it into her pouch and walked over. "Hey, Xena."

Xena smiled. "Hi."

"Don't worry, I haven't drank anything....although I wish I had."

"What?"

"Never mind. Hey, I have a great idea."

"And what's that?"

"Lets go take a walk."

"Nah, I don't feel like it. Lets just sit here and enjoy the party."

"Well I'm going for a walk." She started to walk away and called over her shoulder. "I hope no one tries to come down and attack me. I'm not bringing my staff."

She heard Xena rise and smiled as she was followed.

Once down by the water, Gabrielle leaned back against a tree and wondered just how she was going to pull this off. She set down the pouch and looked at Xena. "Want to take a swim?"

Xena bent down and stuck a hand in the water. "Seems warm, why not." She started removing her armor. Gabrielle was shocked. No way was it that easy. Well not easy. The hard part came next. She watched the dark hairdo beauty until she was fully naked. "Xena."

"Hmm?"

"Come here."

Xena dropped the rest of her clothes and walked towards Gabrielle with a catlike grace.

Gabrielle lost the nerve and looked down at the tree. "There's something written here, but I can't make it out."

Xena bent down. "Where?"

"There?"

"Gabrielle I don't...." She felt a rope being tied to one wrist. "What are you doing?"

Gabrielle didn't answer and grabbed the other wrist, tying them together around the tree.

"And now that I'm all tied up and no where to go, now what?" She had a glint in her eye.

Gabrielle picked up her pouch and pulled out the honey. She smiled as she saw the look Xena had. "I had a long talk with Ephiny. She cleared up a lot of things."

"She did, did she?"

"Mmm hmm. I didn't believe what she told me but I do now."

"What made you change your mind?"

She smiled. "The fact that you let me tie you up was one."

Xena couldn't comment. "So what did you talk about?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Yeah. She suggested I take what I want, that you'd let me because you wanted it too." She stepped closer and looked down at Xena. "We'll see if she was right." She opened up the bottle and let the cold sticky substance fall down onto the warriors skin. She saw Xena jump at the coldness and smiled. She set it down and knelt, taking a look at Xena to see if she had any problems. There was none. "Imagine. So many have tried to get you. I do it without trying. Hmm." She rubbed the honey over Xena's skin and licked her fingers.

"And what are you going to do now?" Her voice lowered.

She couldn't stop watching Gabrielle's tongue slid over her fingers slowly, licking every drop of the honey off. She was unaware of the groan that left her lips.

It didn't go unnoticed by Gabrielle. "I've had supper, now I think I'll have my dessert." She looked down at Xena.

A tingle ran down Xena's body as Gabrielle moved her tongue up her arm and down a shoulder. "What brought this courage on?" She was trying hard to concentrate on thinking.

Gabrielle answered her by trailing her tongue along her stomach. "Mmm sweet." She felt Xena shudder under her touch. "Remind me to speak with Ephiny more. She has great ideas." She circled her tongue around a nipple and watched it harden. Teasing the skin around over and over, she couldn't take it and took the whole thing into her mouth. Xena moaned which drove Gabrielle on. "Xena."

Xena moaned.

"You taste good."

Xena answered with a groan when Gabrielle took her other breast into her mouth. "And you are torturing me."

"I know. Good thing you taught me how to tie knots last time we were on a ship, otherwise you'd be free."

Xena pulled at the ropes and found that they slackened some but she stayed still, not yet wanting this sweet torture to end.

"Xena. Tell me what you want?"

"I am yours, take what you want."

"Mmm." Gabrielle moved up Xena's neck, tongue swirling around her pulse. She captured Xena's lips with her own and took control. Slowly she explored Xena's mouth, taking possession, while her hand trailed up, capturing one of Xena's breasts. She heard a sharp intake of breath and kissed her jaw, neck, shoulder and down to her breast. "I should of done this a long time ago."

Xena pulled tighter on the ropes and felt them give. She kept her hands away from view, ignoring the voice in her head telling her to grab Gabrielle and roll her over. She moaned as she felt Gabrielle travel down her body, running her tongue along a thigh. Gabrielle slid her nails up Xena's legs, and seeing them widen, she ran a finger along Xena's opening.

"Xena, are you ready for this?"

A moan answered her.

She lowered her head and flicked her tongue across Xena's clit. She felt the shudder and smiled, before opening her mouth around it and sucking hard.

Xena couldn't take it. This was too much. She grabbed onto the tree behind her and held on as wave after wave crashed through her.

When it was over, she gained control of her body again and felt Gabrielle slid up to meet her lips.

"Gabrielle."

"Hmm."

"My turn." Without a response, she flipped them over and held Gabrielle's hands above her head.

"How did you get loose?"

"I've been loose for some time."

"Then why did..."

"I wanted to see how far you would go."

Gabrielle saw the warm smile. "So I take it you liked it."

"Oh yeah." She bent and took the laces in her mouth. Pulling one after the other free.

"What else can you do with your mouth?"

Xena looked up. "You'll see." Her eyebrow twitched as she slid the fabric open, taking a breast in her mouth. Feeling Gabrielle arch and took control of the other breast. "You know this changes everything. Once I'm able to have you once, I'll always want to touch you."

Gabrielle nodded.

"Speechless my bard?" She rose up to meet her face.

"You know what I think?"

A shake of the head.

"I think that your way over dressed for the occasion." She slid down and undid Gabrielle's skirt, sliding it off. Her breeches came next, and Gabrielle rose up to help her slid them off. "There, that's better." She parted Gabrielle's legs and slid her waist between them. "I love you you know." She captured her mouth, driving her insane with pleasure.

"I love you too."

"I was planning on telling you sometime. But I never expected it would be like this."

"Xena."

"What?"

"You want to talk now."

"Oh, yeah. Sorry." She trailed fingers down to Gabrielle's urgency. "My my, what do we have here?" She entered with no problem and found Gabrielle matching her rhythm. When she felt Gabrielle close, she pulled out, noticing the growl from Gabrielle. "Don't worry. I'm just getting started." She slid down and moved her mouth over Gabrielle's sex.

Gabrielle slammed her head back and moaned loudly. "Yes, oh gods yes." She grabbed a hold of Xena's head and held on. It didn't take long and soon she stiffened and let out a groan of release as she called Xena's name.

Xena was there with her, stroking the hair out of her face. "Shh, I've got you." She kissed her forehead. "You okay?"

"Are you kidding? I'm great. Better than okay." She laid her head onto Xena's shoulder and closed her eyes.

"You want to sleep here?"

"No. I'm not tired." She moved and got up to get her clothes.

+++

Ephiny looked over at the forest and saw them exit. Nothing looked different. "Did she do it?" She smiled as Gabrielle separated from Xena and headed over to her. "Well?"

"Xena said thanks for the idea."

"You mean you did?!"

"I did."

Ephiny pulled her into a hug and laughed. "Yes.

Wahoo."

"Ephiny calm down."

"Sorry. I'm just so glad for you both. Did you do it like I said?"

"Yes. I wasn't sure what to do when I would get there. The funny thing is though that when it came to that, I just did what I wanted to do and it turned out okay."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you." She turned. "I should get back." She returned to Xena.

"She seemed happy?"

"She was. I am."

"Me too. That's one less thing I have to worry about."

She noticed a funny grin on Gabrielle's face. "What?"

Gabrielle didn't answer but slid down under the table.

"Gabrielle what are you...oh...never mind." She closed her eyes and moved her hands under the table. "Where did you learn that anyway? Mmmm....oh...don't answer that." She threw her head back and moaned softly. "You are good at that....gods yes you are."

Ephiny saw everything that happened and laughed at their boldness in the middle of a party. She shook her head and walked away to give them privacy.

Gabrielle emerged from under the table and smiled.

"You're gonna pay for that."

"Promises promises." She smiled and felt a hand slid under her skirt. "Think this is wise? I mean in the middle of a party and all."

"Oh I'm sure I can handle it. The question is, can you?"

Gabrielle turned to Xena and saw that evil grin. "Do I have a choice?"

"No." She slid closer and whispered in her ear. "I'm going to take you. Right here right now." She slid two fingers along Gabrielle and smiled when she saw her eyes closed. She pushed the fingers in and felt Gabrielle jump. "Oh yeah." She kissed her neck and sucked hard on her pulse point, smiling at the small red mark forming. "Now everyone will know you're mine."

"Xena."

"Yes."

Gabrielle didn't answer but moved and climbed onto Xena's lap. "Okay." She felt Xena continue. "Gods I love you."

"Glad to hear it. I love you too." She bit down on Gabrielle's neck, hearing a soft intake of breath.

"You know that now I've had you, I'm never going to get enough of you."

"Ditto."

Gabrielle cried out Xena's name, no longer caring that they were at a party. "Oh Xena. Yes, yes, oh gods.

XENA!" With one final thrust of her hips, she was still. Her head fell against Xena's shoulder.

+++

The light from the dawn woke Gabrielle up. She groaned as she opened her eyes to see bright sunshine flowing through a window. She sat up and looked around. She could see Xena's sword sheath, and chakrum laying on a table so she knew the warrior wasn't far. She rubbed her eyes and looked down to see her nakedness. She laughed as the events of last night came to her.

She stood and grabbed a shift, throwing it over her head, then ran a hand through her hair as she walked out. She stepped into the light and shielded her eyes once again. "Oh that sun. I guess I did have something to drink last night. I feel like I have a hang over."

"Its exhaustion," said a voice behind her.

"Hi Ephiny." She turned to see a smiling face. "And what do you want?"

"Hey, you ran into me."

"I didn't move."

"So?" She laughed. "Lighten up Gabs. Look at your warrior." She pointed to the training grounds.

Gabrielle looked up to see her spinning in an attack. Her hair flowing around, shining in the sun, her
muscles flexing as she moved. She took in a breath and sighed. The heat had returned and she shook it off.

"Can't say that I blame you, she is stunning."

"What?"

"Your face is getting pink Gabrielle." She smiled.

"Last night must of been some time. You look tired."

She smiled and walked away.

Gabrielle looked back at the grounds, but didn't see Xena. She moved to another position but still didn't
see here. "Where did she go?"

"Right here."

She turned and saw the most beautiful smile she had ever seen.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" She rose an eyebrow.

"I did. You wore me out."

"I wore you out! I woke up late as well my bard." She smiled as she moved closer, taking the bard up in her arms. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Just checking."

"You never have to worry. I always will love you."

Xena gave a warm smile and hugged the bard. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"For loving me."

Gabrielle pulled her close. "Well, it wasn't easy. You can be a grouch when your not feeling well, and you never smile, oh and there's that temper, don't get me started on that."

Xena shut her up with a kiss. "Now I have a new way to shut you up." She slid a tongue along Gabrielle's lips, teasingly, then slid her tongue in, pulling Gabrielle's into her mouth. "I'll never get tired of doing that. I love kissing you."

Gabrielle moved forward and hit her hips against Xena's in a teasing jester. "Oh is that what you
love?"

"Not all." She took Gabrielle's lips again.

"Excuse me, hate to interrupt, but you're needed on the grounds."

They turned to see Eponin.

Xena groaned and shrugged. "Very well." She kissed Gabrielle again. "I'll be back."

"And I'll be waiting." She watched Xena walk away. "Don't be too long." She saw Xena turn back and played with the laces to her top.

Xena growled and said something to Eponin who laughed.

Xena ran to Gabrielle, pushing her inside the hut.

"You my bard, are a tease."

"I know, but I'm so good at it." She pulled Xena's lips to her and showed her how good she was. When the kiss started to deepen, Xena pulled back, pecked Gabrielle on the cheek and headed out.

"Your kidding me."

"Oh no my bard, I never kid. But I can tease too." She walked out.

She ran to the door and watched them walk away. "I love it when you call me that."

Xena shook her head and continued walking.

+++

Xena returned from the grounds, sweaty and irritated. She hated working through the sunny weather, but she promised so she did it. She went to her hut and looked around for Gabrielle, who was no where to be seen. She looked down on the bed and saw Gabrielle's green top and skirt.

She walked out and headed for the food hut. It was noon and Gabrielle would probably be eating. She was right. She walked in and saw Gabrielle sitting at a table eating chicken. Xena's eyes traveled down
Gabrielle's body as she took in her new out fit. It was pale gray, with the front exposing more than her
green top. The skirt came down and around her waist. She had a arm band on and hair braided. She looked positively stunning. "Almost good enough to eat," she whispered.

Gabrielle looked up and smiled. "How did you know I'd be here?"

"Good guess." She sat down next to the blonde. "What's good?"

"The chicken." Gabrielle picked up a piece and brought it to Xena's lips. "Try some." She watched Xena take the piece into her mouth, running a tongue over Gabrielle's fingers. "Good huh."

Xena nodded.

"Hard day?" She saw the look and new the answer. "I Guess so. You look tired. Perhaps you should go wash up."

"Good idea." She rose and started to walk away when she turned back and bent down to Gabrielle's ear. "I love the new outfit. Leaves nothing to the ,imagination." She ran a hand over Gabrielle's back.

"The clasp is tricky, I'll have to practice taking it off of you later." She slid her tongue around Gabrielle's ear and left the hut.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and let out a breath.

Ephiny smiled from across the table. "Boy is she good."

Gabrielle eyed her and smiled as she returned to her meal.

+++

Xena slipped into the warm water and sighed. "Just what I needed." She laid her head back and closed her eyes.

The door opened and Ephiny walked in. She saw Xena asleep and crept closer.

"What?"

"I'm sorry did I wake you?"

"No, I'm awake."

"Oh, I just came to see if you needed anything. The queen insists that I bring you these bath oils." She held them out till Xena took them.

Smelling. "Strawberries, lilacs, vanilla. Thanks."

"No problem. If you need anything. Just call." She turned to leave when she remembered something. "Xena."

"Hmm."

"Gabrielle and I had a talk about things last night."

"And?"

"And she told me of a fantasy." She saw interest on Xena's face. "You want to know?"

+++

Gabrielle moved through the village slowly. She entered the stables and saw Argo bobbing her head up
and down. "Hey girl." She moved closer and petted her nose. "All alone." She looked over and saw the saddle. She walked away from Argo and knelt down, grabbing the blanket. She threw it over Argo's back and then threw the saddle on. Fastening the hooks, she slid the bridle on. After that done she grabbed the reins and led Argo out of the stables. She opened the door and was face to face with Xena. "Hi."

"What are you doing?"

"I thought that maybe you wanted a ride."

"I was coming here to do just that. I talked with Ephiny a little bit ago."

Gabrielle smiled and handed the reins to her.

"Nope."

"What?"

"Your leading."

"Me?"

Xena hopped onto Argo and held out a hand for Gabrielle. "Come on."

Gabrielle took the hand and jumped on in front. She felt Xena get comfortable against her. "Comfy?"

Xena rested her head against Gabrielle's shoulder. "Mmm hmm."

They exited the village.

Gabrielle moved Argo. "Where to?"

"Just lead. She'll go where she wants." Her hands went around Gabrielle's waist tightly.

Gabrielle shivered as she felt Xena's breath hit the hairs at her neck. A thought came to her. "You talked with Ephiny. About what?"

"You."

"What did she say?"

"She told me about your little fantasy."

She panicked. "My fantasy."

"The one about the horse."

"Oh so that's what this is about? She promised that she wouldn't tell you."

"So you don't want to go on a ride?"

"I do."

Xena slid her hands along Gabrielle's thighs. She moved to Gabrielle's ear. "I think I'll make your
fantasy come true." She felt Gabrielle shiver.

"You already have."

Xena smiled and kissed her neck. "So soft." Her hands rubbed their way up Gabrielle's thighs till they reached under her skirt. She felt Gabrielle jerk. "Problem?" She rubbed harder.

"Gods what you do to me."

"What I do to you? Purely the opposite I think. You're the one that drives me crazy." She moved her hands and grabbed a hold of Gabrielle's breasts. "Perfect size. Fits in my hands." She blew at Gabrielle's neck and felt the sharp intake of breath. "I love this outfit." She slid her hands under the top, rubbing the soft flesh. She felt the muscles harden under her touch and moaned. "I want you. Here and now." She moved her hand between Gabrielle's legs and under her breeches. Feeling the warm flood, she moaned again. "So wet. Is that from me?"

"Always is." She leaned her head back.

Xena slid three fingers in and heard Gabrielle cry out with pleasure. She pumped harder and soon Gabrielle matched the rhythm she set. She kept it at her own pace. Driving Gabrielle insane until she moved faster.

Gabrielle cried out Xena's name. "Gods, don't stop."

"Didn't plan on it."

"Mmm, yes...gods you do that so well.....ah...mmm...yes....." With one final thrust she went over with a scream of Xena's name.

+++

Xena stopped Argo and jumped down. She grabbed Gabrielle's waist and pulled her off. She led them off of the path and into the trees. She saw a mossy area and laid Gabrielle down.

Argo walked off as if to leave them with privacy.

Xena laid down and curled up next to Gabrielle.

Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked over at Xena.

"Xena."

"Hmm."

"I don't believe that we're done."

"Uh oh." She was pushed to the ground and felt Gabrielle roll on top of her.

+++

Xena woke to the sound of Gabrielle's not so light snore and smiled. Some strands of hair hung in her face and she pushed them away. "I love you."

"I love you too," Gabrielle said not yet awake.

Xena laid back down and pulled Gabrielle into her arms. "Gabrielle."

"Hmm."

"Will you marry me?"

Gabrielle woke up quickly. "What?"

"I asked you to marry me."

"That's what I thought." She rubbed her eyes.

"Well?"

"I'm thinking, I'm thinking." She received a light push and turned to Xena. Xena's smile had faded as if
she was afraid she would say no. "Why do you need to be worried? Of course I will." She was pulled into a tight hug and they stayed like that for some time. No one said a word, neither wanting to break the silence.

It was Gabrielle who finally did when she looked up and noticed storm clouds. "Xena, we better get back before it rains."

Xena looked up and smiled. "You're getting better at that."

"I had a great teacher." She stood and held out a hand and pulled Xena up. "When did you grab a blanket?" She bent down to roll up the blanket when Xena grabbed her and held her. "What?"

"Nothing. I just like holding you."

Gabrielle patted her arms and rolled the blanket. "I love this side of you."

"Oh, yeah. Which side is that?" She turned right then left.

"Uh no. Your inside. I hardly get a chance to see it."

"Well I promise to let you see it more often okay."

"That's a promise I'm holding you for." She picked up the blanket and walked to Argo, placing it on the
saddle.

+++

They rode into the village and Xena let Gabrielle off while she went to put Argo in the stables.

Gabrielle looked around and spotted Ephiny. "Hey."

"Gabrielle. Where have you been?"

"Took a little ride."

"Oh." Ephiny laughed.

"Plan a party tonight."

"Why?"

"Because, I have a surprise."

"Okay." Ephiny ran off to make the preparations.

+++

The party was in full swing sooner then they thought it would.

About half way through, Ephiny walked to Gabrielle. "Okay, what's the surprise?"

Gabrielle smiled and whispered in her ear.

Ephiny's eyes went wide. "She asked you to join with her?"

"Yes."

"This just gets better and better doesn't it." She ran off.

Gabrielle shook her head and was about to find Xena when she heard the music stop.

"Quite down please. This party was for a special reason. My sisters some great information has been
brought to my attention and I will tell you all." She took a breath. "Xena and Gabrielle are to be joined at the next full moon."

The crowd cheered their approval.

Gabrielle bit her lip and turned around to see Xena looking at her. "What?"

She smiled and walked away to Ephiny. "You have a big mouth."

"So I've been told." She gave a wicked smile and pulled Xena into a hug. "And you princess are amazing." She pulled back and raised an eyebrow, then walked away.

+++

The day before the full moon was full of excitement. Everything was to be just right. The flowers were hung in decoration. Music was picked as well as dancers.

Gabrielle walked into her hut and saw Ephiny. "What are you doing?" She looked down and saw the most beautiful dress. "I made it for you."

"Its beautiful. Thank you." She picked it up and held it. "Soft."

"Xena has one too."

Gabrielle looked up. "You're planning on getting her to wear a dress?"

"If I tell her that you want her to, I don't think she'll protest." She walked out handing Xena's dress to her.

Both were white satin, and both were gorgeous.

She heard someone come in and figured it was Ephiny. "How did you make these?"

"I didn't."

She turned and saw Xena. "Oh sorry. I thought you were Ephiny again."

"Kinda figured that." She smiled.

"You know that's a good look for you."

"Smiling?"

"Yeah."

Xena grabbed one dress. "She made these huh?"

"Yeah, aren't they gorgeous?"

Xena nodded and handed it back to Gabrielle. "You want me to wear this? You know I don't do dresses."

"For me, just once." She stuck out her bottom lip.

"All right. Just once."

"Thanks."

Xena shook her head.

"I do believe warrior, that you're getting soft in your old age."

"Yeah yeah." She bent and touched Gabrielle's lips with her own. "Just don't let anyone know. I have a
rep to protect you know. How would I scare my enemies if they knew I'd gone soft?"

"Good point."

There was a knock at the door.

"What?" asked Xena annoyed.

Ephiny walked in. "Sorry to interrupt but I'm going to have to steal Xena away."

"Why?" asked Gabrielle.

"Tradition. Can't see her until tomorrow."

Gabrielle groaned. "Well, can't we just overlook things just once?"

"No." She grabbed a hold of Xena and pulled her away.

Gabrielle broke away and stole one kiss from Xena before she was led out.

"So now what?" she asked the amazon in the room.

"You are to be cleaned, and purified before the ceremony." She led her to the bathing pools.

+++

Xena saw a few amazons in the room and shrugged. They pulled her to the tub and helped her undress. Once done, she went into the tub.

They scrubbed and scrubbed.

"Leave some skin will ya."

They washed her hair and dried her off, then dressed her in a clean shift.

"Now what?"

Ephiny smiled. "Now we must give thanks to Aphrodite for this match and pray for a good blessing from Artemis."

"Lets get this over with."

"You have no patience."

"Sure I do. Just not today."

+++

Gabrielle looked up from the high bubbles and laughed. "What is Xena going through?"

"Same as you. She baths and gives thanks."

"To who?"

"Aphrodite and Artemis."

"Oh."

The woman grabbed a towel and helped Gabrielle out and wrapped it around her. Once dry, she handed her a shift. "You are to stay on this side of the village. Do not cross over to see her. She will have to stay on that side. You will sleep in different huts tonight and tomorrow more of the same thing. You will not see each other until the time of the joining."

"Oh, this is going to be the longest two days ever."

The woman laughed. "Not two days just one and a half."

Gabrielle groaned.

+++

It was finally time. The music was going strong, dancers were moving about, food filled the air. Gabrielle was practically bouncing off the walls earlier but had calmed down a bit now. Eponin had been put to the job of making sure she kept her distance from the warrior. She had to practically drag
Gabrielle away from where Xena's hut was.

Gabrielle watched the sky darken and jumped when a knock sounded outside her hut.

"My queen may I come in?"

"Yes."

Ephiny walked in and smiled. "Time."

Gabrielle rose and walked toward her.

"You don't just get to see her right away."

"Why?"

Ephiny held up a strip of cloth. "You have to be blind folded."

"You're kidding?"

"No, amazons never kid." She smiled.

+++

Xena stretched out her arms and slid into the dress. She walked to the mirror and looked. She smiled. It was beautiful. She heard someone near the door. "Come in."

Solari walked in. "Its time."

Xena turned and walked to the door.

"Wait."

"What?"

Solari held up a cloth. "You have to be blind folded first." She smiled.

"Oh no. I don't think so!"

+++

Gabrielle couldn't see where she was but could hear all that happened around her. She heard Ephiny talking to another woman and was led up some stairs.

"Now, Gabrielle. You are on the stage. Xena will be brought here in a minute. She is blind folded too."

Gabrielle nodded.

Ephiny turned and saw Solari leading Xena and smiled.

The warrior looked stunning. Her hair was up in some braided bun and her face was positively glowing. She looked at Gabrielle and saw her glow as well. "She's here. Don't say anything," she whispered. Gabrielle nodded and heard someone come up next to her. She was about to open her mouth and call for Xena, when she remembered she couldn't say anything.

"Sisters. We are here to bless this union. There is a special bond in marriage. Love can only be found once they say. These two rule all the facts out. Complete opposites made by the gods. With the help of courage and love, they have finally admitted their love. Now, let us give praise to them now."

The crowd cheered.

Ephiny turned and moved them so that they were facing each other. "Remove your blind folds."

They raised together and were silent. Neither could believe how beautiful the other looked.

Gabrielle smiled and saw Xena smile as well.

Ephiny shook her head and grabbed two rings. She grabbed a hand from each and held tight. "Are you
ready to accept the other for who they are now and will be in the future. Are you willing to give everything up for each other. Never lie, hurt, or betray?"

"We do."

"Now, with this promise to each other." She held their hands up high in the air. "I pronounce you life long partners." She handed them the rings and watched as they slipped them on each other.

The crowd cheered wildly.

Xena picked Gabrielle up and twirled her around.

"That is so sweet." Came a voice.

Everyone turned to see a man standing in front of the village.

Ephiny stepped forth. "Who are you?"

"I am Atilys."

"How did you get in here?"

"While you were busy with your little party here, I easily slipped in."

Ten soldiers came from the forest.

"And you think you'll defeat us with them?"

"No, with them."

A hundred more men came from the forest.

The amazons attacked and Ephiny turned to Xena. "With us?"

"Yes. Make sure Gabrielle is safe." She ran off.

"Xena, I'm not a child."

Xena didn't hear her. Ephiny shrugged and led Gabrielle away.

+++

Gabrielle woke and looked up. It was daylight. She sat up quickly and looked around again. She stood and walked outside. Seeing Ephiny she ran to her. "Where's Xena?"

Ephiny looked pale, while she turned.

Gabrielle gasped when she saw all the bodies laying over the ground. "Did we win?"

"Barely. Only sixty of us are left."

"And Xena?"

"Perhaps you should come with me." She started to walk away when Gabrielle grabbed her hand.

"Wait, tell me."

Ephiny took a deep breath. "She was injured."

"Is she okay?"

"Yeah. She took a bad hit to the head and.......Gabrielle she hasn't woken up since yesterday."

Gabrielle's face dropped, along with her color. "She's gonna make it though right?"

"I don't know. Our healer has never seen this before."

"Can I see her?"

"Sure." She led Gabrielle to the hut and waited outside while she entered.

Gabrielle held her breath when she saw Xena laying down, helpless. She sat down on a chair next to her and sighed as she stroked Xena's face. "You were right. Once things go right for you, things turn
again. I'm sorry. But I know you'll pull through. You've been through harder things before." She wiped a tear from her face. "Just wake up. I.... Come on Xena please. I can't do this alone."  She grabbed a hold of Xena's hand and squeezed. The hand was warm but lifeless. "I can't believe your letting this take you. You would never give up like this. I know you. Just wake up and look at me. I need to see your eyes. Whenever I don't know what to do, I just look at your eyes and find the answer I need. Your love gives me strength and without you here I can't do this. I know your here but your not too. I know you can hear me." She laid her head down on Xena's arm and closed her eyes.

+++

She woke up to see Ephiny looking at her. "Hi, I guess I fell asleep." She turned to the bed and jumped.

"Where is she?"

"She woke up a few hours ago."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"I didn't know."

"Why didn't she wake me?"

"Gabrielle I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want first?"

"Good news."

"The good news is that she is fine. No injuries, head trauma. Nothing permanent."

"The bad."

"One little thing happened. Her memory was effected."

"What? Did she lose a few hours, days, because she got hit before and it..."

"She can't remember me," Ephiny interrupted her.

"What?"

"She doesn't have any idea who I am."

"How can that be?"

"I don't know."

Gabrielle saw her expression drop again. "What?"

"She...can't remember.... I asked her about you and she...... Gabrielle she doesn't know you either."

Gabrielle's heart dropped. Her mouth moved but now words came out.

"I'm sorry."

"Where is she?"

"Training grounds. She said that her muscles were sore and she needed to stretched them out."

"Sounds like her." She stood and walked out of the hut and headed for the grounds. She saw Xena moving her sword around and walked to her. "Xena."

Xena turned. "Yes, that's me. What do you want?"

"So its true."

"What?"

"You don't know me."

"No, why should I?"

Tears were about to come out but she held them back. "You were hit last night. How much do you remember? What is that last thing you remembered?"

"Why do you want to know? You a healer?"

"No."

"Then its none of your business." Her words were cold. She turned back around and concentrated on her sword again.

"Xe.."

"Look I'm tired and I need to work out. If there is nothing else you need, then leave me." She gave that
glare Gabrielle hated but never feared till now. There was no warmth in those blue eyes.

"Fine." She turned and walked away. "Is it me or were you always a heartless bitch?"

Xena spun around and looked at her through narrowed eyes. "How dare you?"

"How dare I?" Gabrielle laughed. She started to say something when she stopped. "Never mind. You wouldn't understand anyway." She turned to go when Xena grabbed her arm.

"No, you will Finnish what you were saying, Amazon."

"Or what? You gonna kill me Xena?" She stood fearless.

"No." She let her go and pushed her a little backwards. "Who are you?"

"That's not important."

"What is your place here?"

"I'm queen."

"Figures."

"What does that mean?"

She didn't answer but turned back to twirling her sword.

Gabrielle couldn't stand it and knocked it out of Xena's hands.

Xena turned toward her and if looks could kill, Gabrielle would be on her way to Hades. "First, you
come here and demand to talk with me. Then, you insult me, and interrupt me when I'm busy." She was close to Gabrielle's face and Gabrielle knew she was going to get hit at any minute. "Men have died for less."

Still the confidence surged through her. "Is that a threat?"

Xena rose a hand to strike her and saw that Gabrielle hadn't flinched. She followed through and slammed a hand across her face. Gabrielle looked like it didn't hurt but she knew it did. "I like you amazon. You have guts. Not a lot of smarts but guts." She walked away.

Gabrielle grabbed her cheek and felt completely torn. Her lover had struck her. She never thought she would ever hit her. The tears were demanding to be let loose but she held them. She took a breath and ran into Xena, knocking her down.

Xena fell with a thud and rolled whoever it was over onto the ground. "Are you suicidal?"

Gabrielle used her strength and rolled Xena over, pinning her arms above her head. "I know you are in
there somewhere and I will find you. It will just take time." She was flipped back over.

"I was gonna let you go but now I think I'll kill you."

She felt a blade at her throat. "Look around Xena. This isn't your camp. Your army is no more. This is my village. You are not the hungry warlord you used to be. You are Xena, warrior princess, friend of everyone you meet....lover of Gabrielle."

"Who is Gabrielle?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" She pushed Xena off of her and walked away.

"Hey, Amazon."

Gabrielle turned. "What?"

"Who are you?"

"I am queen." She walked off and left Xena alone.

+++

"Did you talk with her?"

"Yes I did. Ephiny, do you think she would ever try to....kill me. I know how she was back then and she seems to have slipped back there."

"Why? What did you do?"

"I forced her to speak with me and totally pissed her off. She hit me and I tackled her."

"You are dumb."

"I'm not. I told her that her army was gone and she isn't who she used to be and I told her she was my
lover. Well she didn't know who I was so I didn't actually tell her."

"What did she say?"

"Nothing. I didn't let her."

"What exactly did you say?"

"I told her all the army stuff and then I told her she was lover of Gabrielle. She asked me who Gabrielle was and I didn't tell her. I got up and she asked me who I was and I told her I was queen. Then I walked away.

"I see. Well I hope you get her back."

"So do I." She walked away.

Ephiny turned and saw Xena walking up to her. "Yes, what do you want?"

"I need to speak with Gabrielle. Where is she?"

"She went into the food hut." She grabbed Xena's arm. "Be nice to her or I'll make you regret it."

Xena glared but nodded.

Gabrielle entered the hut and grabbed a cloak. She slipped it on and hid under the hood as she ate. She
heard someone enter fast.

Xena looked around and saw many women. She didn't know which one was Gabrielle. None of them looked familiar.

She saw a cloaked figure and approached. "Are you Gabrielle?"

The figure shook her head.

Xena turned and saw another figure cloaked but was soon giving up. She sighed and sat down. She didn't want to approach in case it wasn't again. She was handed a bowel of stew and started eating, when she heard humming. She raised her head and looked around. The tune sounded familiar. She couldn't remember what it was but knew she had heard it. It came from her left. She watched the women and saw that no one was doing it. She slid along the bench to Gabrielle and moved to her ear. "Please tell me you are Gabrielle."

The figure nodded.

"Raise your hood."

A shake.

"Why?"

A shrug.

Xena growled and pulled back the hood and saw the queen. "You."

She looked up. "Yes. Surprised?"

"No, I guess I did well with myself. Getting a queen and all." She received a slap across the face for
that. "Watch it."

"Why should I?"

Xena scooted closer and ran a hand down Gabrielle's neck. "So, lets say we get out of here and see what I have forgotten." She placed a kiss on the skin.

"I don't think so Xena."

"Why not?"

Gabrielle turned to her. "You aren't yourself. I'm not making love to you. I want my Xena back." She looked away again.

"Fine." She stood. "I'm leaving anyway."

"Where are you going?"

"Don't know." She walked out and heard Gabrielle follow her. She turned and took a minute to glance down the bards body. A gleam came to her eye as she came closer. "You sure you don't want me?"

Gabrielle backed away. "I'm sure."

Xena didn't like the answer and picked her up, hauling her over her shoulder to her hut and laid her down on the bed. "I don't like to be rejected."

"And I don't like to be hauled around like a sack of potatoes."

"No huh? Pity. I know it would be good." Her eyes ran over Gabrielle's body. "Mmm." She looked up into her eyes and Gabrielle could see how dark they were with passion. "I hate to be rejected."

Gabrielle pushed her off of her but was grabbed from behind, only to land back onto the bed, Xena on top of her, straddling her waist. "Get off of me."

"No" She pushed her hips against Gabrielle's stomach. "Are you sure you don't want to....." She leaned down so close that her breath fell across Gabrielle's face. "......get my memory back."

"No." She lifted up and pushed Xena off of her as she headed towards the door. She walked to her own hut, where she dropped to her bed and cried herself to sleep.

+++

Ephiny had just came out of her hut when she heard and saw commotion. She sighed as she saw it involved Xena, of course. She walked over to see what was going on.

"Hey, what is this all about?"

Xena turned.. "These women won't tell me where my weapons are."

One amazon looked up. "Ephiny, she wants them to....possibly hurt the queen. We couldn't take the risks."

"Good. Leave us."

They left.

"Xena, you are not completely well."

"I'm fine."

"No you're not."

Xena grabbed her by the throat and gripped. "Don't tell me what I am amazon. I say I feel well then I am. You got that."

"You can kill me, but you'll never find your weapons. No one will tell unless I say so." She closed her eyes as she started to pass out.

Xena glared and let go, watching her fall to the ground, trying to get back her breath. "We'll see about that." She walked off.

Ephiny rubbed her throat and watched Xena moved towards Gabrielle's hut. She got up and ran toward
her, blocking her path. "Don't."

Xena knocked her out of the way and entered. She saw Gabrielle asleep on the bed. Sitting down, she watched her breath. "I should remember you, but I don't." She found herself running a hand down Gabrielle's cheek. "I'm sorry." She stood and was about to exit when she heard Gabrielle sit up, and turned around. "I'm leaving."

"I know. Do you remember anything, anything at all? I'm not giving up on you"

"Some."

"What do you remember?"

"I remember my armies defeat, Hercules' strength to help me, but I don't know you."

Gabrielle nodded. "You didn't hurt anyone did you?"

Xena nodded. "Its funny. I felt nothing but anger outside but here by you I....." She turned.

"Xena. I know things must be confusing right now. I'm sorry you have to go through that. But please remember that whenever you feel like hurting someone, you remember me."

Xena nodded and walked out.

+++

Ephiny shook her head and saw Xena come out.

"Gabrielle." She ran into the hut. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. She won't hurt me."

"But she d..."

"I know. There is a tenderness in her eyes. She'll come back. She is already starting to." She smiled and Ephiny left.

Ephiny saw Xena mounting Argo and walked to her.

"You're leaving?"

"Yes."

"Where will you go?"

"That's for me to know, not you."

"You'll need your weapons."

Xena's head spun in her direction. "Where?"

"Will you promise me that you won't hurt her?"

Xena seemed to think for a minute before nodding slowly. "I promise." Ephiny turned. "But, I'm taking
her with me."

Ephiny stopped. "You can't."

"I will. Don't try and stop me Ephiny. I don't wanna have to kill you."

Ephiny shook her head. "I can't. You'll hurt her."

"I never could."

"You did today. She has a mark that..." She was kicked backwards. She looked up and saw Xena looking down on her. "Is that better? Does that make you feel good?"

Xena jumped off of Argo and advanced towards Ephiny.

Ephiny saw her look and stood, running away. She knew Xena would catch her. She just had to make her follow her. She had almost made it to her hut, when she felt herself being pushed to the ground. She rolled over and saw Xena.

"You must be stupid."

"No, just smart. Okay, I give. You follow me to my hut and I'll give you your weapons."

Xena read her face, looking for any sign that she was lying. She couldn't see any. "Okay." She let the
amazon up and followed her into the hut.

A net was thrown over Xena and she struggled to get free, but it was of no use. She couldn't. "Ephiny! Let me go."

"I can't do that Xena." She punched her, knocking her out. "Its better this way." She nodded to the other amazons and watched as they carried Xena out. "Sorry, my friend."

Gabrielle walked out of her hut to see Xena being carried. "What happened to her?"

No answer.

She saw Ephiny and grabbed her arm. "What did you do?"

"I'm going to lock her up, until she is better."

"And if she never gets better?"

Ephiny looked at Gabrielle. "Lets hope we never have to deal with that." She walked away.

+++

Xena opened her eyes and saw bars around her. She stood and looked out to see a guard sitting outside. She studied her cell, looking for any weak points. There wasn't any. She knew there wouldn't, this was an amazon cell after all. She sat back down and started planning.

The door opened and she looked up to see Gabrielle. She talked to the guard who left her to talk with the prisoner.

"Xena. I'm sorry this had to be done. But it was the only solution."

No answer.

Gabrielle walked closer. "I wish you knew what......please try and remember."

"I can't."

"What do you remember? The last thing that happened before you woke up in the healers hut."

"I....I...don't know. I'm not going to be of any use to you."

"Kinda figured that."

Xena smirked. "Is what you said true? Are you my......lover?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Not just that." She looked into the dark blue eyes. "I'm your wife too."

"Now, don't you think I would remember that?"

"Why? You didn't remember me, why should you remember that?"

Silence.

"We got married last night. Before a fight came to the village. You were hit an...."

"Yeah, I know the rest."

"Look at me." She waited until she could see Xena's eyes. "You can't remember me? Nothing at all?"

"I...." She closed her eyes. "I remember a stick, an arrow, and a bunch of soldiers." She opened them. "You were there."

"Can you tell me more?"

"You held a stick, staff. You were trying a flip, when you jumped wrong and fell. You hurt your ankle and then was hit with an arrow." She looked into the soft green eyes. "You almost died."

"I did. That was a long time ago. Anything else?"

"I remember... I died and you, you fought to protect my body. Why did you do that?"

"You told me that you wanted to be buried next to your brother and I would of fought for that, I did fight for that. It was your last wish Xena. I couldn't forget it."

Xena turned away and sat down, back against Gabrielle.

"Xena, you.."

"Go away."

Gabrielle nodded and walked out.

Xena watched her till she was out of sight and laid down.

+++

She woke to the smell of fire. She rose and looked out the small window. Soldiers, lots of soldiers. She
turned to the guard but she wasn't there. She turned back to the window and hit her fists against the wall. She looked around the cell, circling it like a predator and heard a scream. Gabrielle's. That was the last straw. She looked up and jumped high into a flip, breaking her way through the roof.

Gabrielle's staff was knocked out of her hands and she fell to the ground when she was hit across the face. She felt him kick her in the side, then it was still. She looked up just in time to see the man's throat being cut by Xena. She saw her look at her and flinched when the warrior held out a hand.

"Its okay, come on." She pulled Gabrielle up and ran to help others.

"This can't be good." Gabrielle grabbed her stick and ran toward the soldiers.

Ephiny saw Xena come behind her and heard a thud. She turned to see Xena had knocked out a man behind her.

"Hi, no hard feelings?"

"We'll talk about it later." She left.

Xena slashed her sword, connecting with a man's stomach and turned to slice through another's chest.

She turned toward Gabrielle and saw a man come up behind the bard. She pulled out her dagger and threw it, stopping the man before he came close to striking.

Gabrielle looked up just in time to see a man come up behind Xena, raising a sword handle and bringing it down hard on her head. She watched Xena fall. "Noo!"

She looked around and grabbed the dagger out of the man's chest and ran toward the man who was about to kill Xena. She ran into him, plunging the blade into his side. He fell and she knelt down next to Xena.

"Hey, you okay?" She turned her over and saw her eyes closed. She checked her pulse and let out a breath.

"Ephiny."

Ephiny saw Gabrielle bent over Xena and rushed to help her.

+++

Gabrielle saw Xena's eyes flutter and stroked her face softly. "Xena."

"Gabrielle." She opened her eyes.

Gabrielle smiled. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, what happened?"

"You were hit again?"

"Again?"

"Yes. Don't you remember yesterday?"

"No, I don't. Should I?"

"But you know who I am right?"

"Of course I do, your my..." She smiled. "Wife."

"Yesterday, you couldn't remember who I was."

Xena looked confused.

"You tried to.. Well that's not important, what matters is that your here n..."

"What did I do?"

Ephiny walked in. "It doesn't matter."

"I need to know."

"Shall I or shall you tell her?" Ephiny asked.

"I will. Xena, after you had gotten hit in the head, your memories were mixed up. You knew who you were, but not who I was or who Ephiny was. It was like you were....."

"Like I used to be?"

"Yes."

"I didn't hurt anyone did I?"

Gabrielle hesitated. "No, no you didn't." She smiled and watched as Xena laid back down. "Get some sleep. We'll talk later okay?" She kissed Xena's forehead and walked out with Ephiny.

"You're a liar."

"I know. I just couldn't let her know what she did."

Ephiny put a hand to her shoulder. "She's lucky to have you."

"No, I'm lucky to have her." She smiled and continued walking through the village.

PART 2

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