ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Sweet Seduction

by Sarah Miller

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

Violence: Yes.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

PART 3

***
A shadow loomed over her. She looked up to see Ephiny.

"Are you done? Because if you are, we could eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"Yeah, well, I don't care." She pulled Gabrielle up. "You are eating, you haven't eaten a complete meal for months."

Gabrielle pulled her arm away. "Leave me alone."

"Why? So you can sit here and cry. She isn't worth it, you're stronger than that."

Gabrielle glared at her. "She is worth everything. Try being a friend."

"I am. I've seen what she did to you. She rode off and not once did she turn and look back."

"Ephiny, enough."

"Gabrielle, if you could just see who she...."

"ENOUGH! I'm not going to sit here and take this, I'm queen."

"Yes, queen, why don't you get off of this and her and start acting like one." She walked off.

***

"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.

Gabrielle woke up with a jump and looked around the hut. She heard music and walked to the door to look outside. She jumped when Ephiny popped up in front of her.

Ephiny smiled. "Did I scare ya?"

"A little. What do you want?"

"Come on." She grabbed Gabrielle's arm and pulled her out. "We have a party planned to cheer you up."

"No, Ephiny, I don't care for a party now."

"Then sit in a corner and be bored. I'll have fun." She laughed as they stopped.

Gabrielle looked around at the women, dancing and having a great time. She didn't want to disappoint those who were having fun, so she sat down.

"You'll stay?"

"Yes."

"Good." Ephiny sat down too. "Wanna dance?"

Gabrielle started to shake her head but shrugged her shoulders. "Why not." Ephiny led her out and they started to move to the beat.

"You know Gabrielle, everyone in this village likes to see you happy. I've talked to a few and they offered to make you happy." She smirked.

"I don't think so Ephiny. There is no way I could be with any one right now. I would just imagine it was...." She stopped and changed the subject. "So, how long has it been since we had a party?"

"Too long. But do think about what I said. I can recommend some for you if you like."

"Thanks Ephiny." She moved back to the table.

"You should eat something."

"I'm not hungry."

"Please, for me." She snapped her fingers and a woman came over holding a tray of bread. "Nut bread. It's still you favorite isn't it?"

"Yeah." She watched as the woman made a slice and placed it in front of her. "It is." She closed her eyes and took in the wonderful scent.

Ephiny whispered in the woman's ear before sending her away. She sat down next to Gabrielle. "Eat."

Gabrielle ate a piece and soon it was all gone. "I didn't realize how hungry I was."

The woman came over and set the plate of the bread in front of her.

Gabrielle ate it all. She didn't even realize it until it was all gone.

"I guess you were hungry." She laughed. "Why don't you get some sleep?"

"No, I'm not tired. I don't think I can sleep any ways. I've tried."

A mug was set in front of her and she took a drink before thinking and emptied it.

"You know your a great friend right."

"Yeah." The effects of the hidden herbs were starting to work.

"Good, then in the morning perhaps you'll forgive me."

Gabrielle knew she had been tricked. "You drugged me." She fell over and Ephiny caught her before she hit the ground.

"Yes, my queen, I did." She carried her away.

***

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.

--

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. "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."

Ephiny rubbed her eyes as she sat up. She dressed and walked out to start the day. "Solari, Gabrielle up yet?"

"Not yet."

"Thanks."

Solari nodded and walked off.

Ephiny walked to Gabrielle's hut and took a breath before she entered. Gabrielle was still sleeping. By the looks of the sheets she hadn't slept much even with the drugs. She stepped further into the hut and looked around. She saw the vase on the table with the dead flower hanging down the side. She turned to Gabrielle again. She walked to the bed and looked down on her. She looked troubled, even in sleep she was bothered with dreams and problems.

"What?"

Ephiny jumped. "You awake?"

"Yes."

"Oh, sorry. I didn't think yo..."

"I know. What's wrong?" She opened her eyes and looked up at her.

"I was just checking on you."

"Thanks. I mean it. I... Never mind."

"What?" She sat down on the bed. "Tell me."

Gabrielle looked at her. "I just wanted to thank you for sticking with me. I know I haven't been the easiest person to get along with. And thank you for slipping whatever it was in my drink last night. It helped."

Ephiny looked at the blankets again. "Not by the looks of it."

"I didn't sleep well, but I slept." She smiled.

Ephiny just looked at her. The lines around her face from her worry seemed to make her look older. "I hate her for what she did to you."

"It wasn't her fault. She left yes, but she couldn't help it if she didn't remember things. That's how things work."

"Don't give me that. I've heard tales of you guys. You've gotten out of lots of things. Why not this?  What made this different?"

"Because for once, she didn't know what to do and that scared her. A warrior can't afford fear, Ephiny. You know that."

"So you don't think she'll be back."

Gabrielle thought for a minute. "No. I just need to accept that. It won't be easy though."

"Well, you won't be alone. I'm here if you need me."

Gabrielle nodded. "I know." She pulled Ephiny in for a hug.

***

The next couple of months went by much smoother for both Gabrielle and Ephiny. Both had started to spend a lot of time together. Gabrielle had started to tell stories again. She wrote in her scrolls, and even told Ephiny to get rid of her old scrolls. All the ones about Xena. She had found herself reading them from time to time and it made it all the worse.

Ephiny didn't mind. She knew Gabrielle would want them later so she didn't throw them away but hid them in her hut.

The spring was here. The flowers had blossomed coloring the valleys around them in beautiful art.  The animals were having young and Gabrielle found that most her time was in the barn with the young colts or out in the field with the new baby rabbits. She for once in the past six months had began to feel like her old self.

She was laying out in the field one day with her eyes closed when she heard Ephiny calling her name. She turned to see a big grin on her friends face. "What are you grinning about?"

"Come on, I'll show you."

Gabrielle ran to catch up with her friend and found herself back in the village. "What's the good news?"

Ephiny pointed to the stables. "Go see for yourself." She pushed her along.

Gabrielle walked slowly into the barn and looked around. A few Amazons walked past her till she was alone. She walked around trying to figure out what was so great, when she heard a small snort. She turned her head and looked down to see a small baby colt.

As she looked at it, her heart leaped. She lowered and crawled over to it. Reaching her hand out, she laughed when it pushed its snout up against her hand. She moved away and watched as it tried to stand. It wobbled and fell but finally it stood.

Gabrielle stepped back. "Come on." She smiled as she sat down and waited.

The colt walked towards her. It was when it walked into the light, the Gabrielle gasped. "Oh by the gods." The colt was a light tan, Palomino. She smiled and reached out her hand again. The colt laid down next to her. She looked around and couldn't spot the mother. No other horse in the stables was a Palomino.

She heard someone come up behind her. She turned to see Ephiny. "Where's the mother?"

"Over there?"

Gabrielle turned to see a black horse. "Father?"

"There."

She looked to see another black horse. "How can two black horses get a tan..."

"Mystery."

Gabrielle looked down at the colt.

"He seems to have taken a liking to you."

"Seems like it. Who owns the mother and father?"

"Why?"

She turned and looked up at Ephiny. "I want this baby."

"But I thought you didn't like horses."

"I do now."

"Why the change?"

"I don't know. Maybe the similarity to Argo."

"Oh, so you noticed."

"How could I not? That's what you wanted me to see isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Do you know how to ride?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me to get someone to train him when he's older?"

"Yes."

"Okay." She walked away.

Gabrielle turned to the colt who was now sleeping with its head on her lap. "Now what do we call you." She closed her eyes to think. "I know, Adam." She stroked its head. "Adam."

***

The next months went by quickly. It was now a year since they had seen Xena and no one cared to see her again. Gabrielle spent most of her time with Adam, riding, walking, and just talking to him. He was full grown now and had quite a spirit.

Gabrielle was walking through the field, Adam behind her, when she heard a crash. She looked ahead and saw that a tree had fallen. She looked back at Adam and saw him watching her, ears twitching. He snorted and went back to the sweet grass.

Gabrielle laid down and closed her eyes.

Adam popped up his head and saw a man woman walking towards Gabrielle. He waited till she got closer and moved to stand between his mistress and this stranger.

Gabrielle raised her head and looked up at Adam. "What are you doing?" She followed his gaze and saw the woman. She sat up quickly.

The woman seemed to be out of breath. "Is this the way to the Amazons?"

"Yes."

"Can you help me find them? I'm in need of their help."

"What is the problem?"

"Are you an Amazon?"

"Yes, I'm queen."

"You must help her."

"Her who?"

The woman collapsed to the ground. Gabrielle gasped and tried to wake her up. She turned to her horse. "Adam, go get Ephiny."

The horse took off.

Soon Ephiny was coming into view on Adam's back, with a few other women. "What is it?" She stopped and looked down at the woman. "Who is that?"

"I don't know. She came here, looking for the Amazons and said she needed our help. Then she fell."

The three other Amazons picked up the woman and carried her away to the village.

Ephiny and Gabrielle turned and started to walk back.

"Ephiny."

"Hmm."

"She said that we must help someone."

"Who?"

Gabrielle looked back the way the woman had come. "I don't know."

***

It had been two days and still the woman hadn't woken up. Gabrielle had came to check on her many times. There was something about her, if not her, then what she came for. She knew she had to find out.

It was after one visit that Gabrielle rose to leave, when the woman began to stir. She turned to her and smiled. Sitting in the chair next to her, she wiped her face with a wet wash cloth.

"How do you feel?"

"Fine." The woman opened her eyes and looked around her, then at Gabrielle. "Where am I?"

"Don't worry, you are safe. You're in the Amazon village."

The woman relaxed a bit, then tensed up as she sat up. "We need to leave immediately. We need to help her."

"Who?"

"A stranger had come to our village as we were being attacked and helped us, then was captured. I don't know where they took her."

"Her?"

"Yes."

"Where is your village?"

"North of here. I was told that you could help. Can you?"

"Yes. What is your name?"

"Talia."

"Okay. Just lay back down and get some sleep and we'll get things taken care of."

The woman laid down. "Wait, when will we leave?"

"My Amazons and I will leave at first light. You will stay here and rest." She moved closer. "Don't worry we'll bring her back." She watched Talia close her eyes and she walked out.

Ephiny met her at the doorway. "Any change?"

"She's awake. She told me that there was a woman that had helped her village and was captured.  We need to go and save her." She looked up. "Can we leave at first light?"

"We can leave now." She left.

Gabrielle turned back to the hut once more then walked away.

***

Gabrielle walked through the village to where a party of Amazons where being put together.  "Ephiny."

She looked up. "What?"

"I want to go."

"No."

"No?"

"Yeah, no. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Ephiny."

Ephiny looked up. "Look, I'm sorry, but we don't know what we are getting into here. Just trust me. I hate to sound like you know who, but I promise that I'm not wanting to leave you behind. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"But what if you get hurt?"

"I'll be fine." She continued to fight with a buckled to her armor.

"Let me help." Gabrielle grabbed it and snapped it on.

"Thanks." She jumped up onto her horse. "Leave a candle in the window for me." She smiled and rode off.
 
Gabrielle watched till she couldn't see them anymore, then headed towards the healer's hut.

She walked in and saw Talia sitting up, eating some soup. "You feeling better?"

"Much. Have they started out yet?"

"Yes."

She nodded then turned back to Gabrielle. "I can't tell you how much this means to me."

"Its not a problem. That's what we do." She sat down at the table. "This woman, that you said helped you, what was she like?"

"Oh, she was unique."

"Any more details?"

"She was kind and strong. She just jumped into our fight with no questions and didn't stop till we were safe. Well almost safe. She...."

"Did you have a chance to talk to her?"

"No. There wasn't any time. She came, she fought, she was taken away."

Gabrielle looked down, a question forming in her mind. "What did she look like?"

"Oh, she was beautiful. I've never seen....... She seemed hard at first but when she smiled, it melted my heart. I hope she comes back with the Amazons. I would love to get to know her." She smirked.

"So I take it you were taken by her a bit."

"More than a bit."

"Anything else that you can tell me about her?"

"Well, not really, I didn't get to see her that much. It all happened so quickly. One minute she was there and the next they were taking her away from us." She sighed. "She saved my life." She turned to Gabrielle. "Have you ever met someone that made you think different about things? I saw her for only a little while and still I can't stop thinking of her."

Gabrielle looked down at the ground.

"You have haven't you."

"Have what?"

"Met someone like her?"

"Yeah."

Talia stood and walked to Gabrielle. She took a chair next to her. "I can listen well."

"I don't know."

"Come on, tell me."

"Her name was Xena. I met her a long time ago. Slavers had captured my village and she saved us. She saved my life in more ways then I can imagine. She taught me how to life, fight, love." She looked away. "I love her."

Talia put a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Did she die?"

"No."

"Then why do you speak so sadly of her? If you love her."

"She left me."

"For someone else?"

"No. Just left."

"Tell me about it?"

"There was a fight and she was hit in the head. She was out for a few days and when she woke up, her memory was messed up. She couldn't remember me. I thought that was the end, until a few days later. She had recovered from the hit and started to remember. It fell back and she forgot more again. She told me that she didn't know if she was in love with me and I told her that I had to leave. She left me." She turned to the woman. "I can't believe I'm telling this to you. I just met you two days ago."

Talia put her arm around Gabrielle. "I told you I was a good listener. People tell me lots of things. Don't worry, this conversation is just between me and you."

"Thank you."

"My pleasure. I never met a queen before."

"Well I wasn't born an Amazon but..."

"A queen is a queen. You don't have to be born into it, I can tell you have the heart of a queen."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"So, tell me more about this woman."

"Okay. What would you like to know? I don't know much about her, but you're welcome to what
I do know."

"Just tell me what she looked like."

"She had a strong face, high cheek bones, soft looking lips, beautiful blue eyes, the bluest I've seen." She looked at Gabrielle. "Eyes so pretty, but looked so sad."

"Blue eyes. Were they bright blue? As the sky."

"Yes."

Gabrielle swallowed the lump in her throat. "Did she have black hair?"

"Yes."

Gabrielle looked away.

"What is the matter dear?"

"Did she have dark leather on. Black perhaps."

"Yes."

"And did she have a tan horse?"

"I don't know, I didn't see the horse."

"Oh."

"Why? What's wrong?"

She looked up into Talia's brown eyes. "I think that was Xena."

"Really? Your Xena."

"Not my Xena, not anymore."

"Oh, sweetheart." She pulled the woman closer to her. "I'm sure it will all work out in the end."

"I hope so."

***

Three days went by without a word from the warriors.

As the fourth day rolled around, they rode into the village.

Gabrielle ran out of her hut to Ephiny.

Ephiny jumped down and walked to her. "Gabrielle. Things go well here?"

"Yes. How is she?"

"Fine. Considering."

"Considering? Considering what?"

"Considering that she was barely alive when we reached her." She turned to the extra horse.

Gabrielle gasped when she saw Xena laying over the back of the animal. "Oh no. Is she?"

"She's alive. But we need to get her some treatment and fast." She walked off.

Gabrielle watched as they moved Xena to the healers hut.

Talia walked up to Gabrielle. "She looks awful."

"Yes, I know." She ran away.

Talia watched her and walked to the hut.

She sat in the back till the women had gone, then walked to the warrior. "You saved my life and I thank you but now you must save hers. She needs you and I think you need her, otherwise, you wouldn't be alive now." She walked out.

Gabrielle entered the hut and looked at Xena. She walked to her and sat down. She grabbed Xena's hand and squeezed. She didn't say a thing, just sat there looking at her. She had changed.  She was thinner, her muscles were stronger looking. Her hair was much longer.

Gabrielle picked up her other hand and kissed it. She started to cry when she noticed that the ring was still there. She laid her head down on Xena's stomach and closed her eyes.

***

Ephiny walked into the stables and looked over at Adam who was busy munching away at some oats. She turned her head towards Argo and smiled. Both horses were beautiful.

She smiled as an idea came to her. She walked to Adam and opened the stall, then opened Argo's stall as well. She sat back on a chair and waited.

Ephiny saw Adam snort as he finished with the oats and looked up. She smiled as the horse walked to Argo and made a few sounds. Argo looked up and Ephiny walked out of the barn.

She smiled as she walked to the healers hut but the smile faded when she walked in to see Gabrielle asleep on Xena's stomach.

"Gabrielle."

"Hmm?"

"Oh, I thought you were asleep."

"No, I'm just.....sitting here I guess." She didn't raise her head.

"I have great news."

"What is that?"

"Argo and Adam have seem to notice each other."

Gabrielle looked up. "Really?"

"Mmm hmm. So we should probably be expecting a little one soon."

"Oh, that's great news. I hope they have one." She turned back to Xena.

"You knew it was her didn't you?"

"Yes. I talked with Talia a lot when you left and she told me all about the brave warrior who had won the fight, and I told her all about the brave warrior who had won my heart."

"Gabrielle,....."

"I know. I'm not getting my hopes up. I don't care if we never are lovers again. I'll just be grateful for each day I get to see her face, hear her voice, feel her warmth."

Ephiny nodded. "You know she was beaten pretty badly don't you. She might not...."

"I know. I'm willing to take that risk. I'll just be here for her."

"Okay. Well I'm going to go see what trouble I can get into." She walked out.

Gabrielle turned to Xena. "But if you don't make it, I will surely die."

***

Three days had gone by with still no sign from Xena that she was going to make it. Her color was still pale. Her body broke into sweats as it tried to rid off any infections. They made sure they got food or some kind of liquid down her to keep her strong. Gabrielle braided her hair so she could keep it out of her way. She stayed with her as long as she could each day before she had to leave.  She didn't eat well and couldn't sleep at all. She kept getting up and sneaking into the healers hut.  Ephiny had gone to see Xena on several occasions and had found Gabrielle either asleep in the chair next to the bed or in the bed. She would wake her each time and tell her to go to her own hut. She would refuse of course until Gabrielle pulled rank and Ephiny let her stay there a few more hours.

It was on the tenth day that Xena started to twitch. No one was in the hut to see it though so her progress wasn't witnessed.

Gabrielle walked into the hut to check on Xena like she did everyday and noticed that there was color to Xena's face. She sat down on the chair to get a closer look and smiled when she saw Xena turn her head slightly.

"Ephiny."

She came running in. "What?" She turned to Xena and noticed her change to. "Well, looks like we got ourselves a miracle here." She walked to the door. "I'll tell Kiera." She left.

Gabrielle turned back to Xena and grabbed her hand giving it a squeeze. She started to cry when she felt the light pressure return hers. "Xena. That's it, fight. Come on back to me, love."

Xena let out a painful moan and tried to open her eyes, only to shut them again. "Ga...." Her voice was dry. She couldn't finish the word. She rubbed her eyes and let out another dry word.

"Xena. Just be quiet for now. You've been out for a while so just take it easy." She patted her arm. "Are you thirst?"

Xena nodded.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

"No.." She coughed.

Gabrielle rushed to her side. "What is it?"

Xena raised her arm but it fell before she could get it high enough. "I need to...."

"What?"

Xena grabbed Gabrielle hand and held it to her face then passed out.

Gabrielle stood there for a minute looking at her hand against Xena's face. She carefully slid it free of her and left to get her some water.

When she got back, Xena was still out. She set the pitcher next to the bed on the table and sat down on the chair. "I'm here Xena, don't worry." She covered herself with a blanket and closed her eyes as well.

***

"Gabrielle."

She opened her eyes to see Kiera standing over her. "What?" She quickly looked at Xena and relaxed when she realized she was okay.

"She's fine Gabrielle, I was just making sure you were. I need your help."

"For what?"

Kiera held up the bowel she was holding for Gabrielle to see. "We have to apply medicine to her wounds again. Help me turn her over onto her stomach."

With some effort, they managed to do just that.

Gabrielle let out a gasp when she saw all the welts crisscrossed up and down Xena's back. "I'll kill him."

"You'll do no such thing." She started to apply the salve.

"She's been here a while and these still look fresh."

"I know. They're deep."

Gabrielle ran a finger over one that wasn't bleeding and started to cry. "How can anyone be so cruel." She bent down and kissed the small line.

"People can be cruel. We are the only species that kills its own kind." She wrapped a cloth around Xena's back and took a look at her leg.

Gabrielle saw her shake her head. "What is it?"

"She has amazing healing powers, but not right now. This leg is still not healing fast enough. It will take longer than I thought."

"What's wrong with it?"

"Its broken Gabrielle."

"What are her injuries? All of them."

"Well, broken leg, whip marks, sprained wrist and ankle, pretty bad gash to her side, and a head blow."

"Oh my gods. But she will get better right."

"I don't know. Its a miracle she made it this far. We'll just have to see what happens."

Gabrielle looked down at Xena's side and grabbed Kiera's arm. "What is that?"

"What?" She looked down. "I don't know."

Gabrielle set pillows behind Xena as they rolled her onto her side.

There was a small symbol, like a tattoo. There were two lines, one on top and one on the bottom with three lines running through the middle. There were two triangles on each side.

"Some kind of tattoo." Gabrielle looked up at Kiera.

"Looks like it. Probably from the bastard that did this to her." She walked away to wash her hands. "Doesn't matter now, he's dead anyhow." She walked out.

Gabrielle ran her fingers over the small sign and smiled. It was beautiful anyhow. She felt and heard her stomach growl and headed out to get something to eat, feeling hungry for the first time in a long time.

***

Ephiny walked into the food hut and looked around till she spotted Gabrielle. "Hey, I talked to Keira." She sat down. "She told me about the tattoo."

"Yeah."

"I was on my way to see Xena now. Kiera said she's making quite some progress. Her color looks good and....." She looked at Gabrielle. "What is it?"

"Nothing. I'm just a bit worried."

"About what."

"About why someone would mark another."

"Some sort of property thing. The man was a slaver. He knew Xena's reputation. She's worth a lot of money for whoever brings her in."

"I know that, Ephiny."

"So what do you think the mark meant?"

"I don't know. It wasn't any bigger than my thumb nail but it means something."

"Lets go see it."

Gabrielle stood and they walked to the hut.

Xena had rolled onto her stomach again so they had to roll her back onto her side.

Ephiny opened her jaw. "Its weird."

"I know."

Ephiny walked out.

Gabrielle sat down fingering the mark and let out a sigh. She rolled her over onto her stomach again and sat down.

Xena moved her hand out as if to grab onto something. When Gabrielle put her hand in her path, she grabbed onto to it and fell back to sleep.

As strange as this was to Gabrielle, all she could do was laugh.

***

Five more days went by with little improvement. Xena was looking much better. She drifted in and out more often and everyone had their hopes up.

Gabrielle spent lots of time with Adam and Argo. She couldn't believe how much alike they looked.

She was stabling Adam, when Ephiny walked up to her. "Hi."

"She's up. Been up for half an hour. Come see, she's asking for you." They ran to the hut.

Gabrielle walked in alone and saw Xena sitting up on the bed. "Hi."

She looked up and smiled. "Hi."

"Feeling any better?"

"Yes actually."

"You look better."

Xena's eyes looked so soft that she couldn't help but feel a shudder run through her.

"You okay?"

"Yeah..a.uh...why?"

"You look a little....flushed." She smirked.

"I'm fine."

"Come here."

"No."

Xena shifted her position and leaned back on the pillows. "Please."

Gabrielle walked to the bed and stood there. She closed her eyes as Xena placed her hand on hers.

"Gabrielle."

"What?"

"You okay?"

"Yeah." Her eyes opened and looked down at Xena.

"Gabrielle. I know I've acted badly and I..." Gabrielle placed her fingers over her mouth.

"Don't worry about that now."

Xena had the urge to take those fingers into her mouth, but fought against it. "Gabrielle we need to talk."

"No we don't."

"Yes." She coughed.

"Your not completely well yet. We'll talk when you get better."

"Don't try to avoid this."

"I'm not."

"Gabrielle, I can read you better than you know."

Gabrielle looked away and pulled her fingers away.

"Gabrielle." She pulled her closer to sit down on the bed next to her. "I'm not clear on details but...."

Ephiny burst into the room. "Gabrielle. Oh sorry."

Gabrielle looked up. "What is it?"

"Um, its not important, I'll come back later." She left.

Gabrielle turned back to Xena. "Hi." She laughed.

Xena laced her fingers with the bards. "You look troubled."

"Not anymore." She looked into the blue eyes. "Oh how I've missed those."

"What?"

"Your eyes."

Xena laughed. "Well I've missed you too my bard."

"My bard. I haven't been called that for...." She looked down.

Xena hooked two fingers underneath her chin and pushed her face up. "What is it?"

Gabrielle bit her lip.

"Tell me."

"I've just missed you."

"Missed you too."

Gabrielle started to stand, when Xena held a grip on her arm. "Boy are you getting your strength back." She sat back down. "I need to see what Ephiny wanted."

"She can wait. We need to talk."

"No." She couldn't help but look down at Xena's lips. So soft, so sweet, so close.

Xena smiled and raised her eyes to meet hers. "Something on your mind?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"How much do you remember?"

"Why?"

"Just answer."

"I remember leaving here, and heading towards.....well I didn't have a destination. I wandered for a long time till I came to a village and helped some people. The next thing I know is I'm waking up in chains, hooked to a wall."

"I met a woman from the village you had helped."

"Oh?"

"Her name was Talia. She was quiet taken with you as she told me."

"Where is she now?"

"She went home. Now that you were safe. She was the one who told us that you were in trouble."

"Then I owe her some thanks."

Gabrielle nodded. "We started to talk......thats how I found how it was you that had been captured."

"Why did she leave?"

"I told her that I knew you." She looked down. "She asked me a lot of questions and I answered."

"What kind of questions?"

"Basically she wanted to know if I was your lover."

"And what did you tell her?"

"I told her I used to be." She looked at Xena and noticed her weird expression.

"You were?"

Gabrielle nodded. "You can't remember because of the hit you took to the head. Twice."

"Twice?"

"You were hit twice."

"Oh. Gabrielle I'm so sorry."

"Yeah, well I've heard that before. I don't care what was, so lets not think about it." She stood up and walked to the door.

"Gabrielle."

"I can't be here right now." She walked out.

Xena watched her leave and tried to figure out what it was that she was supposed to remember. "I can't...." She closed her eyes. "I can't remember."  She raised up and threw her legs over the side of the bed. She stood and instantly fell back to the floor. She looked at her legs as if they had betrayed her, which they did. She pulled herself up to a chair and managed to sit up.

She looked up at the bed and sighed. "Great, now how am I going to explain this."

***

Ephiny walked into the hut and looked at the bed, Xena was gone.

"Down here."

She laughed when she saw Xena sitting on the floor. "How did you get there?"

"Well its a long story but an even longer fall." She showed her elbow and the bruise that was forming.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine. I could use some help getting up though."

Ephiny bent and pulled her up, throwing one of Xena's arms over her shoulder. "Your legs don't work?"

"Seems to be the problem, yes." She looked down at them.

"Can you move them?"

"Yes."

"But you just don't have any strength in them."

"Right." She settled back into the soft pillows.

"Anything else you need?"

"No."

"Should I put some pillows down on the floor?" She laughed.

"Very funny, Ephiny and no."

"Okay then." She walked out.

Xena wiped her forehead and looked down. She peered closer and moved the rest of the blanket off. "What is that?" She ran a finger over the small tattoo. She studied it for a minute before giving up and laying back to get some sleep.

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.

Xena opened her eyes and looked around the room as if looking for an answer to what she just saw. No one was in sight, so she just closed her eyes again and fell asleep.

***

Two days had passed and Xena had recovered well. Her system had kicked in and she was healing in no time. The marks on her back were faint scars, her leg was healed and her wrists were fine. Her ankle still hurt and her legs weren't quite strong yet but they were waiting. She had fallen many times and was getting frustrated.

She woke up today and tried to give the walking thing another try. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and raised herself up. Holding onto the post, she tested the power in her legs. She wobbled a bit but managed to take a few steps to the table.

She walked around the room and smiled. It felt good to get out of the bed. She looked outside at the sunny day and walked outside.

Ephiny met her at the door. "Where do you think you are going?"

"Getting out of here." She brushed past her and walked into the sun. She closed her eyes and tilted her head up to feel it on her face, and fell right back on her butt with a thump.

Ephiny broke out into a laugh.

Xena raised up and rubbed her backside. "Think that's funny?"

Ephiny tried to stop laughing but just shook her head and kept on doing it. "Sorry Xena. You are hilarious."

"Yeah, just wait till I get all my strength back." She glared up at Ephiny.

Ephiny put down a hand to help her up.

"I can do it." She pushed it away and stood up, shakily. "See."

"Ooh yeah." She laughed and walked away.

Xena looked around her at all the people standing around watching her. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

They scattered.

She laughed and walked to the fountain.

"Look who's up and about."

She turned to see Gabrielle standing above her. "Hi."

"Should you be up?"

"I'm fine Gabrielle." She turned back to look into the water.

Gabrielle sat down. "You wouldn't believe how many times I looked into this each day."

Xena looked at her.

"I always thought about you." She looked down at Xena. "You need a bath. Come on."

"Where?"

"Bathing pools, or do you want to take a dip in the lake?"

"River is good." She stood up.

"You're still a bit weak, take it easy okay."

"Yeah yeah."

***

Gabrielle sat back while Xena splashed around in the water. "Is it cold?"

"Yeah, but it feels great." She dived.

Gabrielle stood up and walked to the waters edge and sat on the sand. She saw Xena pop up.  "Having fun?"

"Yes." She swam to her. "You should join me."

"No."

"Come on."

"Okay." She undressed and dived in the water. "Oh you're right, this does feel great."

"Told you." She smiled.

"Yes you did."

Xena swam closer and watched as Gabrielle closed her eyes taking in the feel of the cool water. She couldn't breathe all of the sudden and tried to focus on getting her breath back. She opened them again and looked at Gabrielle. She smiled and before she knew it, she leaned down and touched her lips to the bards. She pulled back but couldn't stop herself from tasting those sweet lips again. When Gabrielle opened her mouth, she slipped her tongue through and caressed Gabrielle's mouth. She heard a moan and pulled back. She realized what she just did and started to panic.

Gabrielle seemed to sense this and put a hand to Xena's shoulder. "Xena, its okay, really."

Xena looked at her and shook her head. "No its not."

"Why?"

"Because you're my best friend, I shouldn't be kissing you." She looked down at her lips again.  "But I want to again so much. No." She shook her head.

"Xena, its okay."

She turned around. "No, no it is not okay, Gabrielle. Its not okay."

Gabrielle moved closer.

"No." She moved back.

"Xena come here."

"No, I don't think so."

"You afraid of me?"

"Yes."

Gabrielle smiled. "There isn't any reason to be afraid of me."

"Yes there is." She watched as Gabrielle moved in front of her.

"Give me your hands." She grabbed them when they were raised. "Close your eyes." She waited until she did so and smiled as she tried to get her breath back. She pulled the hands closer and placed each of Xena's hands on a breast.

Xena jumped and tried to pull her hands away but Gabrielle held them tight. "No. Don't think, just feel."

Xena focused on the soft flesh beneath her fingers, the heart beat start to pick up under her hands and smiled as she figured out she loved it. She moved closer to Gabrielle and squeezed the flesh she held.

"There, see."

Xena opened her eyes. "I may not remember taking the last step with you, but my body does." She laughed. "Who knew you'd be this brave."

"I may surprise you."

Xena looked up and smiled. "Oh yeah. And how is that?"

"Trust me. I'm full of surprises."

Xena leaned down to touch the soft lips only to pull back. "I can't do this." She moved away from Gabrielle and walked out of the water.

"Xena. Xena." Gabrielle stepped out of the water. "Xena look at me."

Xena turned and looked at her. She gazed all over the bard's dripping wet body and shuddered.  She took a breath and walked to her. She grabbed hold of her face and pulled her down for a hot scorching kiss that left them both breathless.

Gabrielle was let go and stepped back a bit. "Wow." She touched her lips with her fingers.

Xena leaned forward to take in the scent of her love and relaxed a bit. "Gods I've missed you."

"I've missed you."

Xena bent down and picked Gabrielle up.

"Wait a minute. Should you be doing this?"

"I don't care." She laid her down on the soft grass and covered her body with her own. "I just want you. Right now right here. Will you let me?"

"Yes."

Xena leaned in and trailed kisses along Gabrielle's throat and up to her ear. She bit and nibbled her ear and heard her let out a soft moan. She moved down her throat to her chest and licked between her breasts. "Tell me if you want me to stop Gabrielle."

"Don't you dare."

Xena laughed and took a nipple into her mouth and bit it gently. "Oh you taste so good."

"Xena, I love you."

"I love you too." Her hand found its way down into the soft silken folds and slipped it with ease.

Gabrielle arched forward and ground her hips against Xena's hand. "Yes."

Xena added two more fingers and took the other nipple into her mouth. She stopped her fingers and brought them up to her, slipping them into her mouth, tasting her love. She found she wanted more.

Leaving the softness of her chest, she moved lower till she could smell Gabrielle's essence. "You smell so good." She didn't ask but just buried her tongue deep into Gabrielle, sucking all she had to offer.

Gabrielle's hips leaped off the ground and her hands tangled themselves into Xena's hair. "Oh my gods, yes, don't stop. Oh how I've missed you. Its been too long." She lost though and just felt all the sensations going through her body.

Xena couldn't be more happy, she was where she wanted to be for so long and even though she had been here before, her mind didn't remember. She was glad she got another chance to appreciate this gift that Gabrielle offered.

"Xena, oh my gods. Xena." Gabrielle's hips were moving faster and faster with the pace Xena set.

Xena removed her tongue and placed three fingers deep inside of Gabrielle and pumped fast while her mouth twirled around.

Gabrielle's grip on Xena's hair tightened as she fell over the edge with a shattering climax. She lowered her hips and enjoyed the feeling her body was giving her right now.

Xena moved up to lay on her shoulder. "Gabrielle." She stroked her face softly.

"Xena."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For loving me and letting me love you."

Gabrielle opened her eyes. That sounded so familiar. She looked into Xena's eyes and saw the love that reflected there. "Your welcome. Xena."

"Hmm?"

She stroked her hair. "May I show you how great you made me feel?"

"Yes."  She rolled over onto her back and waited as Gabrielle crawled on her taking her lips to hers.

Gabrielle covered Xena's breasts with her hands and squeezed.  She slipped her hand down to Xena's dark curls and pushed two fingers in.

Xena arched into her touch as Gabrielle took a nipple into her mouth and sucked hard. "Mmm, yes Gabrielle, more."

Gabrielle added another finger and started pumping slowly.

"Faster."

She kept the slow rhythm driving Xena crazy. Working her way down Xena's body, she twirled her tongue around each nipple before moving down to roll her tongue around the soft hairs at Xena's belly. She sucked at the skin of the tattoo and moved even lower.

When Gabrielle touched her needing flesh, Xena's hips jumped. "Oh yes. Faster Gabrielle."

She increased the pace of her hand and sucked hard at her prize. She felt Xena getting closer and pulled her fingers out to replace them with her tongue. She pushed it deep into her, sucking the juices that poured from her. "You taste so good, my love."

Xena closed her eyes tight, focusing on the sensations. "Yes, Gabrielle, Oh, mmm. Almost there. GABRIELLE!!" Her climaxed crashed around her, knocking her out of her body for a moment. It was when she felt Gabrielle crawl up her body and place a soft kiss on her lips, that she came back. She reached around Gabrielle and held her there. "Stay with me."

"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere." She laid her head down on Xena's chest and closed her eyes.

***

Xena woke up and opened her eyes to see the tree tops above her. She tried to sit up but found that she was held down. She looked down at her chest to see lots of blonde hair. The events of earlier came back to her. She stroked Gabrielle's hair softly. "I love you." She gently rolled Gabrielle of her and laid back to watch her sleep. "How did I get so lucky. I thought it was just chance the first time, but you let me into your arms again. Thank you." She kissed her forehead. "I am yours forever."

"Forever," Gabrielle mumbled still asleep.

Xena laughed and stood up. She dressed then grabbed Gabrielle's clothes. "Gabrielle. Gabrielle." She bent down to get closer as she shook her. "Gabrielle, come on wake up."

Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked up at Xena. She smiled. "Hi. Did I sleep long?"

"No."

She sat up and stretched out her muscles. When she turned to Xena she saw that she was being watched. "Problem?" She smiled.

"No."

"Oh." She grabbed her clothes and dressed. "Should we be getting back then?"

"Yeah that might be good."

They walked back to the village.

Ephiny watched them walk in and smiled. Xena still hobbled a bit and Gabrielle looked tired but they both looked peaceful. "Perhaps they have patched things up."

Xena sat down on a bench with Gabrielle. "You know I would of come back for you right."

"When?"

"When I left the first time?"

"Oh, I didn't actually."

"I was going to right after I saved that village, but you know what happened. I'm sorry for what you must have gone through. Thinking that I had left you for good."

"It wasn't easy, I'll admit that. But its all over now because I have you."

Xena pulled her closer. "Yeah you do. Forever." She raised her hand. "I've got the ring to prove it."

"That's mine you know."

"Not anymore." She pulled another ring out from who knows where and slipped it on Gabrielle's finger. "Now we go together." She kissed Gabrielle's hand.

"Forever, that is if you can handle me."

"I have a feeling you'll wear me out before long."

Gabrielle laughed. "You have no idea what I'm capable of." She raised her eyebrows.

"Oh really?"

"Really?"

"We'll just have to see who wears who out then huh?"

"I guess so."

They sat down for a few more minutes.

Xena looked at their hut then back at Gabrielle. "I'm free now."

"Let's go."

They raced there.

***

As they sat up thinking about the last year, and those before them, Gabrielle looked down at Xena's side.

"Did you see this?"

Xena looked down and fingered the tattoo. "Yes I did." 

"Who gave it to you? The slaver?"

"I don't remember getting it. I have no idea who gave it to me or what it means." She looked down it again. "But I have a feeling that I will."

"Hmm." Gabrielle placed a soft kiss on the mark and then covered it with her hand. "I guess we'll never know."

"Guess not."

THE END

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