ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

The Change

by Sarah Miller

Disclaimer:  Characters don't belong me, but everyone knows that already.

Sex/Subtext/Violence: There is always a chance of violence when Xena is around and sex is always a question in every story. Will they, won't they. The question should be, why haven't they. I think I can answer the first question. Yes!!!!!

I wanted to stop and do something different this time. I have written a conqueror story. I've read many that I have liked and haven't liked so I thought I would give it a shot. A what if story. What if Hercules had never changed Xena and Xena had never met Gabrielle but instead came to lay claim to Greece.

Cover by Michelle Galea

(Click photo for larger image)

***
A small rock sailed through the air, hitting the water with a plunk, and sinking fast.

The hand that threw it came into view along with the rest of the form. The dark haired woman stood up, slowly walking to the waters edge. She looked down to gaze upon her reflection that stared back at her.

She heard a voice fall over her shoulders as a man ran fast toward her. She spun around and gave a look that showed her mood. Bored.  "What is it now?"

The man stepped back a few feet and stared up at her. "Sorry to disturb you, Mistress, but you said to inform you when the prisoners had come."

She smiled. "Excellent." She wiped her hands and walked back to the camp.

She walked into her tent and saw that the prisoners were lined up in a row, shackled around the wrists. They looked unhappy, it made Xena laugh. She moved to one. "Tell, me. Do you now believe me."

He didn't answer.

"Well?" She kicked him in the gut, pleased when he fell over. "Pathetic." She walked away and sat down on her chair. "Now, what am I going to do with you?"

A man looked up at her. "Please, we were only trying to survive."

"Survive. I asked for tribute, not for you to....survive."

"Please, we had little food as it was, we couldn't give up any."

She rose and and walked to the man. "You are not very smart." She nodded to a man besides her, one of her guards. "Take them away."

"And the village?"

She turned. "Do what you want with it."

"What will we do with these people?"

"I don't care. Sell them." She sat down in a chair and motioned for everyone to leave. When they had gone, she got up and slipped out of her dirty shift, and into a robe. She peeked out her tent.  "Water now."

She soaked into the hot water and relaxed a bit.

A man rushed into her tent, realizing his mistake instantly and turned his back to her. "Sorry my queen, I didn't mean to interrupt your bath, but there is a problem."

"Oh? And why can't you handle it alone?"

He noticed her calm voice and smiled. "I thought you might wish to know."

"Very well. What is it?"

"The Potedians are not giving in."

"No?"

He shook his head.

"Well. Then I suppose we should go and pursued them. Hand me my robe."

He walked over to the bed and grabbed the fine cotton robe. He walked backwards to the tub.

"What's the matter? Afraid of me?"

He smiled. She was in a good mood. "No, my queen. I'm just being proper."

"Oh, proper is it." She rose. "You might want to move back more."

He turned around and held up the robe.

She took it and slid it on then turned to him. "Now leave me." She waved her hand.

He walked slowly out of the tent and headed towards the horses.

Xena dressed then walked out into the cold air. She ran a hand through her wet hair and rolled around her neck. She saw her horse being brought into view. Stepping into the saddle, she waited.  "I'm leaving." She headed out and soon the men did as well.
 

***
They made it into Potedia by midday and Xena was pleased by all the scared faces on the villagers. She jumped down from the horse and made her way to a small tavern. "Drink."

The woman nodded and went to work, pouring her a drink.

Xena took the mug, bringing it to her nose and smelled. The poison was strong. She slammed it back down onto the bar. "You think I'm stupid?"

The woman shook her head.

"Give me another one." She threw the cup at the woman, spraying the red liquid over her dress.

The second mug came and Xena drank it fast. She eyed the woman a bit longer before walking back out.

The men had gathered up the villagers. She walked around, examining the goods, so to say. She smiled, liking what she saw. "Who is the leader here?"

"I am."

She turned to see an elder man standing to her left.

"You? And who are you?" She walked closer, smiling when she saw him tremble.

"Philimon."

"Well, Philimon, we asked for a small amount of tribute for out protection. I heard you refused. Is that so?" He trembled more. "You wouldn't want to upset me would you?" He shook his head.  "Good. Now, I'm in a good mood. I'll give you until tomorrow morning to come up with a...tribute." She eyed the villagers, noticing a small redhead. She smiled and turned back to the man. "Or, I take what I want."

"We will have your tribute tomorrow, I promise."

"You had better." She turned and walked to her horse. "Saddle up."

The men followed her command and they headed out of the town.

The redhead walked up to the man. "Why do you give in to her?"

"Gabrielle, we have no choice. She will kill us."

Gabrielle gazed at the retreating army. "I know."
 

***
Xena sighed as she laid down on her couch, glass in hand. She turned to her second in command, the man from earlier. "Today has been a very boring day."

He smiled.

She turned. "You smile?"

It disappeared. "Sorry."

She hid her smile before he could see it. "Good." She stood and walked to her table.

His eyes followed her every move and she knew it.

She turned, and knew where his eyes had just been. She smiled as she stepped forward. "You like what you see, commander?"

He was silent.

"Hmm? Its okay to answer me."

He nodded. "Yes I do."

"And what would you like to do about that?"

He felt her body against his. "What can I do?"

"Very good question. You'll go far in this army." She stepped back and set down her cup. She turned to him and slid the straps of her shift off of a shoulder, then the other one. It fell and pooled around her feet. She watched him stare at her with amusement in her eyes. "Well?"

He reached for her and pulled her into his arms. His eyes took in every curve, every line, every scar. She was beautiful and she was all his.

She pulled away and sat down on the bed spreading her legs. "Come here."

He kneeled and crawled to her. It almost made her laugh. "Pleasure me."

He didn't need to be told twice, and buried his face into her hot flesh.

She threw her head back and grabbed hold of the bed sheets behind her.
 

***
The horses set out before dawn, heading towards the village.

They made it there as everyone was getting up.

Xena jumped off of her horse and walked towards the elder again. "Have you come up with a fair size of tribute?" She followed him inside, frowning at their tribute. She let out a breath and saw him tense up. "I see." She stepped back and walked out side again. "What else will you give me?"

"What?"

"We need more."

"What else do you want?"

Xena glanced around the town, looking for what she knew she wanted already. She spotted Gabrielle and smiled. "Her."

The man turned and gasped. "No, anything but that. I'll give you anything else you want."

"I want her." She drew a dagger and held it to his throat. "Give her to me or I kill you. Don't give her to me, I kill you and take her anyway. What'll it be?"

The man looked at Gabrielle and frowned. He saw her shrug her shoulder and give a knowing smile, like she had a plan. "Okay, take her."

"I will." She put away her dagger and hopped onto her horse. "Take her to camp, and grab the food." She rode out of town.

Two men came towards Gabrielle, but she just stood there. They grabbed her hands and bound her wrists. She was thrown onto a saddle and led away from her home.
 

***
Xena walked into her hut to see Gabrielle calmly sitting on the bed. She smiled and walked closer.

"You can't keep me here."

"Oh yes I can." She sat down next to her.

Gabrielle raised her elbows, trying to make a solid hit. With her hands tied, she could only move a little.

Xena laughed. "Spirited, I like that." She kissed Gabrielle's neck and smiled when the girl pulled away and stood. "Where you going?"

"I'm not just going to sit here and let you take me."

"Oh? And how do you plan on stopping me?"

Gabrielle was stumped.

"I thought so." She rose, walking to a table to pour two drinks. She untied Gabrielle's wrists and handed one of the cups to Gabrielle. "Here. Drink." She walked closer to her.

Gabrielle looked down at the cup and then back up to Xena who was right in front of her. She flipped the cup, spraying the contents all over Xena. She threw down the cup and moved for the door.

Xena grabbed her around the waist and hauled her over to the bed. She covered her body with her own. "I like it when they fight."

"Let me go."

Xena grabbed her arms and held them above her head. "And if I don't."

"I'll kill you."

"With what?"

Gabrielle was silent.

"All bark and no bite." She bit down on Gabrielle's neck.

"Ow, stop it." She kicked her legs but it was no use. Xena had her pinned.

"I think I'll enjoy this."

"Over my dead body."

"Okay." She grabbed a dagger and held it to her captives throat. "Ready?"

"HELP!!"

"No one is going to help you." She rose up, straddling Gabrielle's waist.

"Let me go." She pushed Xena's hips away, but she didn't move. "Get off me!"

Xena laughed and pushed her hips against Gabrielle. "You have no idea how much you are turning me on Gabrielle." She ground her hips against her again.

"Let me go." Gabrielle struggled when Xena grabbed her arms and held them tight.

"No, I don't think so. I'll tie you up if I have to, but I will have you." She laughed again, showing her perfect white teeth.

Gabrielle was helpless. She laid back and closed her eyes. "Just get it over with and let me go."

"Oh no, its not that easy." She was above her ear. "I'll want you begging for release."

Gabrielle opened her eyes to look at Xena who was so close. She looking into her eyes and for a faint minute felt attraction for this woman. She soon hid that and glared at her. "You're really full of yourself aren't you?" She received a slap across the cheek for that one.

"Don't forget who you are talking to."

"Oh I haven't. I'm fully aware who I'm talking to. A murder who has to force people to be with her." She was slapped again.

"Watch what you say. I could kill you in an instant."

"Good, then do it. I would rather die then share your bed."

Xena smiled at this young girl with so much spirit. She rose off of her and grabbed at towel, wiping of Gabrielle's wine. "You ruined my outfit." She looked down at her armor.

"Oh, poor thing."

Xena glared at her. "You aren't afraid of me."

"I'm terrified. But I'm not about to let that interfere with what I want."

"And what is that?"

"I want you to leave my village alone."

"Why would I do that? What's in it for me?" She looked Gabrielle up and down. "Hmm?"

"What...what do you want?"

She stepped closer, looking down at Gabrielle's body again. "You know what I want."

"Forget it." She moved away.

"So you don't want them to live."

"I do."

"But you aren't willing to give yourself for that."

"No."

"Then, sorry, I will have to take the village."

"But they gave you tribute."

"Yes, and she is unwilling."

Gabrielle looked away. "If I do," She looked up. "will you leave them alone?"

Xena smiled and walked forward. "Maybe."

"I need a yes or a no."

"I'll give you what answer I want to give you." She pulled Gabrielle to her.

"No." She pulled away, out of her grasp.

"Listen to me slave, I order you obey, you got that."

"I am not your slave!"

"Oh really?" She looked around the tent. "You're in my tent, in my possession, I'd say you were my slave."

Gabrielle moved away, closer to the door.

Xena saw this and smiled. "I wouldn't. I have two men outside."

Gabrielle looked up at her with confusion. "How di....."

"I just did."

Gabrielle sat down and pulled a blanket over her.

"So is that a no?"

Gabrielle looked up. "What?"

"You won't go willingly."

"No."

"Then I'll just take you." She was besides Gabrielle quicker then she could blink and pulled the blanket off of her. She stared down at her body through the shift. "Mmm, I like." She raised her hands to cup Gabrielle's breasts.

Gabrielle moved her hands. "No."

"Yes." She cupped them again and squeezed.

"No." Gabrielle tried to move but couldn't.

Xena slid the straps off of each shoulder and Gabrielle held the front up. Xena stood and looked down at Gabrielle. "Stand up."

No answer.

"Stand up, now."

Gabrielle looked up at her. "Please don't do this."

"Give me one good reason." She pulled her up and lowered the shift.

"I'm a virgin."

Xena was shocked for a moment. She looked down at Gabrielle's exposed top and back up to her face. "You're lying."

"Why would I lie?"

"So I would leave you alone. It won't work. I've had my share of virgins."

"Then why did you look so shocked?"

"I just can't believe you are. With this body." She ran her hands down Gabrielle's back.

Gabrielle grabbed the front of the shift and covered herself. "Leave me alone, please."

Xena smiled and stepped towards her.

A man rushed in. "Xena."

She turned to him angrily. "What?"

"We have a situation."

"Oh? And what is that?"

"The villagers want her back."

Xena turned back to Gabrielle and smiled. "Looks like I won't get to play with my new toy yet."

Gabrielle glared at her. "I'm not a toy."

Xena roughly grabbed Gabrielle's chin. "You are my toy, get used to it." She pulled her face to hers and kissed her roughly.

Gabrielle pushed her away from her. "Don't touch me."

Xena grabbed her arm and pulled her over to the bed. She grabbed the cuffs and chained her wrist to the bed post. "Stay." She walked to the man. "Lets go."

"Quite a thing you've got there."

"No problem."

Gabrielle kicked the table over.
 

***
Xena walked into the tent and looked over at the man sitting down. "Well, what do you want?"

"I want Gabrielle back."

"And who are you?"

"I'm her father."

"Oh." She leaned closer. "You sure no how to grow them, don't you."

The man raised a fist but noticed her glare. He lowered his hand.

"Smart." She sat down and looked at the other person in the room. "Who's that?"

"Lila."

"You look like Gabrielle." She took a drink from her cup.

"I'm her sister."

"Hmm." She looked the woman over. "Nice."

The woman covered herself best she could.

"Ah, don't do that." She laughed.

The man rose. "Please, we'll give you anything else you want, just let her go."

"And what if I don't?"

The man looked confused. "Please. Anything else you want."

"No, I want her. She interests me."

"Interests you. Leave her alone. She isn't meant to be taken by a warlord. She's getting married in a year."

"Boy isn't he in for a surprise. She's got quiet an attitude."

"Please." He stepped forward. "She's still pure. I'd like to keep it that way."

Xena smiled. So the girl was telling the truth. "How old is she?"

"Twenty two, why?"

"She's old enough."

"For what?"

Xena leaned forward. "I've had enough of your company. Leave."

"But..."

"Leave before I kill you."

He saw her clutching a handle to a dagger. "Okay." He rose and they walked out.

"So my little toy is still un played with." She laughed and rose from her seat.
 

***
Gabrielle looked up as Xena walked in.

"Your father paid me visit. He asked me to spare your......body."

Gabrielle looked away.

Xena walked closer. "I told him no. I'd much rather enjoy you." She sat down. "He told me you were getting married."

"To a bumbling idiot." She closed her mouth as fast as she had opened it.

"So I see you don't want him." She sat closer. "Well, my dear. I'm here to ask you what you do want?"

"For you to let me go."

"No. I will have you like I said, but its up to you to choose how I do that."

Gabrielle looked at her confused.

Xena rose an eyebrow. "That's right. Choose."

"Choose?"

"Yes. Phallus, fingers." She raised her dagger. "My dagger handle." She ran it down Gabrielle's cheek. "I promise to be gentle."

Gabrielle looked away. "I don't believe you."

"Hmm?"

Gabrielle was silent.

"Talk to me. What do you mean?"

Gabrielle turned to her. "How can you be gentle?"

"You may be surprised at how gentle I can be." She ran a finger lightly up Gabrielle's arm. The young woman shivered. "You like that?"

Gabrielle turned away.

"Oh Gabrielle. Talk to me." She ran a hand along Gabrielle's thigh. "Come on. Tell me your fantasies. I bet you never thought it would be a woman that would take you."

Gabrielle turned to her. "Please leave me alone."

Xena stood. "Still you resist me."

"I will always resist you." She turned her head.

Xena sat down again. "I can't. I must conquer you."

"That's exactly why. You conquer people. I want to be with someone who will love me."

Xena looked at her strange. "What is love anyway right?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes when she felt those soft hands on her thigh again.

"Just relax Gabrielle. You'll like it. I can be gentle." She placed soft kisses at Gabrielle's neck. "I'll show you." She reached up and unlocked Gabrielle's wrist.

Gabrielle sat looking at her for a minute before standing and running out the door.

Xena laid back down on the bed and waited.

Two huge men came into the tent, carrying Gabrielle. They set her down and walked out.

"I told you." Xena sat up.

Gabrielle sat down and looked at the wall.

Xena stood and walked to her. "I've never had anyone resist me this much. It excites me to know I have to try harder." She kneeled in front of her. "You not attracted to me?"

Gabrielle just sat there looking at her.

"Hmm?" She stroked Gabrielle's cheek softly. The woman didn't pull back. "Maybe I am having an effect on you."

Gabrielle pulled away and looked at the wall again.

"Gabrielle." She put her hands on Gabrielle's knees and pushed her legs apart.

Gabrielle pushed them together again and tried to move.

"Stay there." She pushed them apart and settled her arms on her knees. She looked up at her.  "Don't be scared."

Gabrielle looked down at her and for a moment thought she saw a bit of caring in those eyes before it was hidden. She still couldn't relax.

Xena ran her hands up Gabrielle's thighs and up her shift. She reached around and cupped the soft ass cheeks. "That's right. Just give in to me."

Gabrielle couldn't breathe. She was so scared.

Xena pulled her forward till her cheeks were on the edge of the couch. She spread the legs wider and took in the scent. "Gabrielle. I think you want me more then you know." She looked up at the soft green eyes.

Gabrielle closed her eyes. The woman's voice was becoming more and more hypnotic. She allowed her legs to be spread wider and felt Xena run her fingernails along the skin at her inner thigh. She shuddered.

Xena felt it and smiled. She reached her hands up and hooked them around the white breeches, to pull them off. Gabrielle stopped her. She looked up at her. "What's wrong?"

"No."

"Still resisting me?"

Gabrielle closed her legs when Xena moved away. She looked away and felt Xena's hand on her arm. She looked up.

"Stand."

She did.

Xena took a look at the soft body in front of her and smiled at her success. She slid one strap off then the other. Gabrielle again held the front. "No, let it go." She did. Xena smiled. She looked down at the two perfect breasts. "Perfect." She lowered her head and took one into her mouth, sucking softly.

Gabrielle felt a surge of sensations running through her body. Her head fell back and she heard a groan be let out. She wasn't sure if it came from her or the dark woman. With one last bit of control, she pushed Xena's head away and backed up.

"What?"

"I can't."

"Yes you can." She stepped closer.

Gabrielle closed her eyes when she felt the woman come up in front of her. Her chin was raised and she opened her eyes to look in the soft blue of Xena's.

Xena put a hand to the back of Gabrielle's head an pulled her close. She ran her lips gently across Gabrielle's then kissed her. She kissed her again and raise a hand up to Gabrielle's breast. When Gabrielle opened her mouth to gasp, she slipped her tongue inside and gained control.

Gabrielle tried to pull away, this woman was too much. She had to fight her. It was wrong, wasn't it. But she felt her body becoming to ache more and more. She couldn't fight it and kissed Xena back.

Xena felt the girls surrender and pulled her hips to hers. "Oh yes, Gabrielle." She kissed her again.

Gabrielle was surprised how gentle this woman could be.

Xena pulled away and looked at Gabrielle's flushed face. "Still want to resist me?"

"Yes but...."

"But? There is always a but." She squeezed the soft breast again and heard Gabrielle moan. She smiled when Gabrielle pulled away. "Always fighting what your body wants."

"I have to." She turned.

Xena came up behind her and placed soft kisses to her neck. "You think you feel good now, you haven't felt nothing yet."

Gabrielle closed her eyes when she felt Xena slid her hands under her skirt, sliding it up. She raised it over her head and Gabrielle was almost naked. Her breeches stood in the way.

Xena unhooked her armor and slid it off. She pulled the shift over her head and was now the same as Gabrielle. She pulled the warm body to her and kissed her neck again.

Gabrielle's head spun when she felt the other woman's nipples rub against her back. She moaned.

Xena smiled and turned Gabrielle around. "Lay down on the bed."

Gabrielle stared up at her.

"Do it."

Gabrielle walked to the bed and was about to climb on when she heard Xena clear her throat.

"Take off your breeches."

Gabrielle did and just stood there after, facing the wall.

Xena came up behind her and ran her hands down over the woman's hips. "This is going to be so great." She lifted her up and laid her down on the bed. She took off her breeches and climbed on to lay down on the woman. She heard Gabrielle sigh as their flesh met. "You like that Gabrielle?"

"Yes." She had surrendered and it felt wonderful.

"Good." Xena lowered her head and took a breast into her mouth, sucking hard at the nipple, running her teeth over it before letting it go and doing it again.

Gabrielle's hips jumped. She didn't know she did it until she felt Xena slid down between her legs.  She could feel the woman's soft, warm stomach against her sensitive flesh.

"Oh, you feel so good." She ground her hips against Gabrielle's.

"Oh...." Gabrielle threw her head back and grabbed onto Xena.

Xena looked up at Gabrielle and smiled. "I told you I could be gentle." She was surprising herself at how gentle she could actually be.

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around Xena.

Xena looked at Gabrielle. "What do you want me to do?"

"I don't know." She closed her eyes.

"Feeling that ache yet?"

"Yes."

"Good." She slid down Gabrielle's body and off the bed.

Gabrielle looked up. "What are you doing?"

"I told you I would make you beg for me."

"Xena don't do this."

Xena leaned forward. "I'm not about to let you make me go soft just because I'm enjoying myself." She realized she had said it out loud and looked away.

"What?" Gabrielle rose.

"Nothing, never mind." She sat down.

Gabrielle rose and grabbed her shift. "Fine, you don't want me anymore, that's fine. I'm not going to beg."

Xena watched her dress and cleared her throat. "Come here."

"No."

"NOW!"

"NO!!!"

Xena stood and grabbed Gabrielle, pushing her down onto a chair. "I gave a command."

"And I said no."

Xena glared at her. "You wanna play rough then." She grabbed Gabrielle's breeches and ripped them off. She stood and walked to her tent flap.

"What are you going to do?"

"Bring someone in here to fix you."

"Fix me?"

"Take your virginity."

"Xena no." She stood.

Xena turned around. "Then you will obey me?"

"Yes." She lowered her head.

"Good." She walked to a chair and sat down. She spread her legs and smiled. "Come here."

Gabrielle started to walk.

"No, crawl."

Gabrielle crawled over to her.

"Pleasure me."

Gabrielle looked up at her. "I don't know ho...."

Xena gripped her chin. "Now." She grabbed Gabrielle's head and pushed it into her cunt. "There."  She felt that Gabrielle wasn't moving. "Lick me."

Gabrielle brought out a tongue and slid it down her sex.

Xena moved her hips. She moved forward and looked down at the redhead between her legs. "Faster."

Gabrielle picked up pace.

"Mmm." Xena grabbed Gabrielle's head and pushed her face harder into her. "Fingers."

Gabrielle stopped and looked up at her.

"Use your fingers."

Gabrielle didn't move.

Xena bent down and grabbed Gabrielle's hand, plunging three fingers in. "Yeah, just like that."

Gabrielle moved them slowly, in and out. She could smell Xena's musky scent and it was making her dizzy with pleasure. She felt Xena move her hips faster.

"Mmm, yes Gabrielle, just like that." She closed her eyes. "Put your mouth to me, now."

Gabrielle did as she was told and found a pleasure spot of Xena's and sucked hard.

Xena's hips leaped. "Oh gods." She came with a powerful climax. Her hips sank back onto the chair, her eyes still closed.

Gabrielle pulled away and wiped her face with her shift. She looked up at Xena before walking and sitting down on the couch. She closed her eyes, trying to stop the ache her body was demanding to be ended.

Xena opened her eyes and looked over at Gabrielle. "Gabrielle."

She opened her eyes. "What?"

"Come here."

She didn't move.

"What did I say?"

She moved off of the couch and crawled over to where Xena stood. She rested her head along Xena's calf.

Xena smiled. "Oh yes." She grabbed Gabrielle and threw her onto her back. She stood and grabbed her harness and phallus. She walked over to Gabrielle, strapping it on and smiled down at her. "Know what this is Gabrielle?"

"Yes."

"Good, get ready." She laid down on Gabrielle and bent to take a nipple into her mouth as she pushed the phallus into Gabrielle.

Gabrielle screamed and tried to push Xena off of her.

Xena stopped. "Just wait." She kissed Gabrielle lightly.

Gabrielle felt the pain leave and an increase in her ache begin. She felt Xena moving inside of her and it felt wonderful. She wrapped her legs around her and pushed her harder into her. "Oh gods."  Her nails left a bloody trail down Xena's back.

"That's right." She closed her eyes with the sensations. She had taken Gabrielle and without force, well almost. She pushed harder and faster into her, feeling every vibration of the phallus against her sex.

"Oh, oh oh oh oh. OH gods." Gabrielle was getting close.

Xena pushed into her one last, hard time and they both came.

Xena stayed in her for a bit more before pulling out. She kissed Gabrielle. "How do you feel?"

"Great." She pulled Xena closer. "Stay with me."

Xena rose and pulled Gabrielle up. "Bend over."

"What?"

"Do it."

Gabrielle moved till she was on all fours and looked behind at Xena. "What are you doing?"

"You'll see." She pushed a finger into Gabrielle's ass and watched the blonde squirm. "Like that?"  She pushed the phallus into her tight ass and continued to fuck her.

Gabrielle lowered her head and groaned. "Oh gods yessss. Xena. Yes."

Xena kissed the middle of Gabrielle's back then pulled back, disgusted with the soft display. In her mind she knew she was feeling a bit more then just wanting to conquer this woman's body.  She wanted to conquer her soul.

Gabrielle soon came and fell to the ground, Xena still in her.

Xena pulled out and rolled Gabrielle over. "Aren't you glad you gave in?"

"Yes." She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Xena watched her for a minute before picking her up and laying her down on the bed. She covered her up and watched her sleep, but couldn't figure out why.
 

***
Gabrielle woke up and looked around. She couldn't remember where she was at first then the events of last night came to her. She looked for Xena, but she wasn't anywhere in the tent. She stood and grabbed her shift, slipping it over her head. She smiled as she sat down. Her body felt so good. She felt complete, energized.

The tent flap opened and Xena stepped in. "Up."

Gabrielle stood.

"They want you back and we're giving you to them."

"Them who?"

"Your village."

"But I thought that...."

"That what Gabrielle? That I would let you stay here with me? Get real. I'm a conqueror, that what I do. I conquer villages and I conquered you last night. So what?"

"So what? You're just going to take me and let me go?"

"That's what I do."

"You're heartless."

Xena clenched her jaw and looked away.

Gabrielle saw this. "You're running away from me."

"No. I had my fun with you and I'm done. Got it."

Gabrielle slapped her across her face.

Xena grabbed her wrists and threw her down on the bed, climbing on top of her. "No one hits me and gets away with it."

"You deserved it."

"Don't test me, you won't win."

"Xena..you..."

"Not one more word or I'll hand you over to one of my men." She stood. "Besides, you should be happy that you are going home. Away from me."

Gabrielle stood and walked to a chair, she sat down. "Fine."

Xena looked down at her and shook away a warm feeling that was starting to over come her senses. 'No, you are not getting soft with this woman. You are Xena, warrior princess, no mercy.'  She looked down at the woman and held her breathe. 'Damn.' She knew she had somehow developed a thing for this woman and knew now more then ever, that she needed to get rid of her.

Gabrielle stood and bend to grab her boot. She heard Xena choke behind her and looked up at her. "You okay." She stood and turned to her.

"I'm fine. Wrong pipe?"

"Huh?"

Xena looked away and grabbed Gabrielle's other boot. She threw it to her and sat down on the bed.

Gabrielle looked at her and felt her heart burst. Xena looked so vulnerable right now. She just wanted to rush over to her and hold her in her arms.

Xena looked up and saw Gabrielle looking over at her. "Go, now."

Gabrielle saw the blue eyes. They had softened a lot. She walked towards her and held out her arms.

"No." She pushed Gabrielle away. "Go." She pointed to the exit. "Now. Leave me alone." She pushed her again.

Gabrielle didn't move but stared down at Xena. "It scared you didn't it."

"What?"

"That you could let yourself go and feel for once. Scared the hell out of you."

Xena rose and looked Gabrielle right in the eye. That was her mistake. Doing this, Gabrielle could see right what Xena was feeling. Xena saw Gabrielle reach out to her again and stepped back, sitting on the bed. "I said get out."

"Xena."

"Go now before I kill you where you stand." She held up a dagger.

"You couldn't." She bent down and kissed Xena's cheek. She turned and walked out.

Xena dropped the dagger to the floor and laid back onto the bed. She rolled onto her stomach and cried. Something she hadn't done for a long time. "Damn you."

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

PART 2

Gabrielle looked back at the camp as they led her away on horseback. She took a long breath and turned away. She should of been happy that she was going home, but was not. She didn't want to leave Xena alone.
 

***
It had been a few months since she had been taken back. Gabrielle was sitting around the dinner table, alone, when she heard a sound. She looked around the room but no one was there. She listened for another minute but no more sounds came. She continued to work when she heard another noise.

She stood and walked to the window. Looking out, she not only discovered that it had gotten dark, but also that no one was around making noises. She shook her head and sat back down.

Then she heard it again. She rose and ran outside.

The air was cool and dark. She couldn't see much around her, there was no moon. She sat down on a log and listened.

"Gabrielle."

She rose her head up and looked through the darkness to try and see anything. There was nothing. She heard someone walking towards her and froze when the figure game into view. It was Xena. She looked like she had gotten in a fight she hadn't won. There was a huge gash in her left side and blood was running down her body. She fell to the ground.

Gabrielle woke up with a jump. She looked around her bedroom, to see Lila still asleep. She laid back down and tried to relax. A dream. It had been a dream. She wiped the sweat from her face and concentrated on the dream. Xena was hurt or was going to get hurt. Somehow she knew it and had to go protect her. She sat up and grabbed her bag, stuffing this and that in it. She took one look at Lila then escaped out the window.

She knew how to get to the camp, she knew it by heart. Her mind had memorized it for this reason. She stepped around trees, falling twice, but getting back up. She had to drive herself to get there before dark. She had plenty of time, the dawn was approaching.

About an hour into her trip, she had to stop and rest. She knew she was close to the camp, she could smell the smoke and horse droppings. She shook her head and was up again.

When she came into view, she pushed aside some bushes and looked right into their camp. It was how she remembered it. Clean and in order. The men were on the other side, Xena's tent was somewhere in front of her. She just had to make it past the three tents that blocked her view. She looked around her to make sure no one was around, then slipped through the bushes towards her goal.

Gabrielle rounded a corner and slipped into the tent. She closed her eyes as she took in the scent of the dark woman. She turned around and took in the sight, her night with the warrior coming into her mind. She blushed.

She heard the flap open and someone walk in. She turned and her eyes met those of blue. She was stunned at just how beautiful the woman was. She kneeled instantly and looked up at her. "I know I shouldn't of come but..."

Xena held up her hand. "You're right. You shouldn't be here."

Gabrielle watched her walk to her. "I had to see you."

Xena stopped. "You did. Why?"

Gabrielle smiled. Xena had never had anyone care for her so she didn't understand. Gabrielle had to explain it to her somehow. "Because I care."

Xena rolled her eyes. "Yeah right." She sat down.

"I do." She stood up. "I'm not lying."

Xena looked up into the green jewels. "No, I guess you're not." She looked away.

"I was....I had a dream that you got hurt."

"I'm fine." She met her gaze again. "As you can see."

"Are you?" She saw something in her eyes.

Xena looked away. "You've seen that I'm fine. Now go."

Gabrielle smiled and looked away as she grabbed a bowel of grapes. "I'm not going anywhere."

Xena watched her sit down. "What do you want?"

"Why does anyone have to want anything?"

"In my line of work I've learned to never trust anyone."

"Well I'm different."

"We'll see." She turned away.

Gabrielle reached forward and guided her face towards hers. "Why else would I come?"

"Maybe you're here to kill me. Only one who could get close to...." She stopped.

"Get close." She moved closer to her.

"Leave now." She closed her eyes.

"Is that what you want?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll obey." She laid the grapes down and stood up. "I won't be far though. I need to make sure you will be all right."

Xena looked up and Gabrielle could see those blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Her mouth parted and she fought back her own tears. She bit her lip and walked out.

Xena looked away from the door and closed her eyes, a tear falling down her face. "What is happening to me?"

Gabrielle hid in the trees and leaned up against a tree as she closed her eyes. "What is wrong with me?"

 The Commander, Arimus, stepped into the tent. "Ready?"

She looked up and took a few breaths. "Yeah." She grabbed her sword and walked past him.

He watched her walk by and looked back in the room. He followed her.

Xena sat on her horse while her men robbed a town. She was watching but wasn't focusing. She couldn't help her thoughts from running to a certain redhead. She would shake them away but they  always returned. "I need a therapist." She covered her face with her hands and actually jumped when someone put a hand to her thigh. She looked down to see Arimus.

"You okay, my Queen?"

"Fine." She looked down at what he was holding. "What is that?"

He held it up. "I found it in one of the houses. Its a bracelet." He held it up to her. "Here."

"Why you giving it to me?" She looked down at him.

While he looked up, he noticed that her eyes had softened a bit since he had last seen her. "A gift." He got ready for the kick that would follow. There was none. He turned back up to her to see her examining the small chain with mild amusement. He smiled and walked away.

She looked down to see that he had left. She looked back at the bracelet and smiled.
 

***
-Five months later-

"Xena."

She turned and kicked the man backwards. "Don't address me so, soldier."

The man got up and bowed. "Sorry, my queen. There is trouble."

"What is it?"

"Barius is leading an attack against you."

"Oh he is, is he?" She looked down at the man and glared at him. "Get the soldiers ready." The man did not move. "NOW!"

He turned and ran, falling a few times.

"Complete morons." She shook her head and walked to her tent.
 

***
The ride had gone smoothly. They got into position and waited.

Soon the men marched over the rise and headed towards Xena. She readied her men and they charged forward. They met in the middle with a loud crash. Swords smashed against each other as body collided. Xena swung her sword catching a man in the gut. She wiped her sword off with his body and ran for more.

She jumped over a few of her soldiers to land right in the middle of the attack. A man came up behind her and was kicked in the groin. He fell to the ground. She stabbed him and kicked a man backwards. Looking around her, she noticed that they were slightly out numbered. She shook her head and charged forth again.

She threw her dagger, taking out another man. She heard a loud crack and turned to see Arimus.  "Wha..."

He just smiled and looked down at the two men that lay at his feet. He had saved her. He left.

She watched him go and turned to see a man right in front of her. Before she could react, he punched her, sending her to the ground. Bringing his sword up high, he brought it down, cutting through her.

A dagger flew through the air, hitting the man in the chest.

Arimus walked to her and picked her up. He ran his fingers over her wound and walked away.

He set her down in the tent and checked her wound. It was deep and she was losing a lot of blood. He put a rag against it but it wouldn't stop. He applied more pressure until it did. He turned her onto her side and gasped when he saw that the sword had gone completely through. He put another rag on her back and laid her back down, covering her up. He didn't know how to help her. The wound was bad and if she didn't get medical attention, she was going to die. The healer had gotten killed some time ago, so there was no one. She usually took care of her wounds.  Never had  anyone got close enough to kill her.

He stood up and walked backwards when a hand touched his shoulder. He jumped and turned around to see a young woman, smiling up at him. She looked almost angelic. He moved out of her way and watched as she approached his leader.

She turned to him. "Leave us." He hesitated. "I'm not going to hurt her."

The woman walked out after a while and turned to Arimus.

"Is she going to live?"

"I don't know. That wound was bad. I have no way of telling if it grazed or injured any organs.  We'll have to wait and see if she recovers."

Arimus nodded. "Who are you?"

"I'd rather not tell you my name. I don't want her knowing I was here, if she wakes up."

"Tell me. I won't tell her, I promise."

"Gabrielle." She started to walk away.

"Wait."

She stopped.

"Stay here. Just in case we need you."

"Sure?"

"Yes. We've lost all but half of the men and even more are missing. We don't have any medicines, if she gets worse. Please help us."

"I'll stay."

"Great." He smiled. "Where would you like to stay?"

"With her. So I can observe her condition better." She walked back inside and sat down on the side of the bed. She brought a hand down to caress the skin of Xena's right cheek. "Please get better."
 

***
Gabrielle stayed by her side day and night.

Xena had started to get a fever and Gabrielle worked to get that fought off.

By the second day, she knew that nothing major had been damaged. Xena was still alive and was starting to get back her color. Gabrielle was amazed at how fast her body was healing itself. She rose to get some water, when she heard a faint cough. She turned to see Xena sitting up. She froze and ran out the tent.

Xena looked down when she felt the pain at her side and saw a bandage over her waist. She had no idea what happened. She looked around and saw that she was still in her tent. She threw her legs over the side and pulled herself up to a sitting position. She managed to stand up and slowly walked outside.

Arimus met her right outside. He was on his way to see her. "Feeling better?"

"I'm fine." She started to sway and he held her up. She pulled herself from his grasp. "I don't need your help." She started to walk away and he shook his head.

Arimus peeked inside but didn't see Gabrielle anywhere.

"Looking for something?"

He turned. "No my queen."

"Then get your nose out of my tent."

"Yes." He walked off.

Xena shook her head and walked away.
 

***
By the fifth day, her strength was back and she was eating better.

She heard Arimus right outside her door, talking to someone. She smiled and walked out.  "Arimus."

He turned to her voice. "Yeah."

"Come in here."

He followed her and waited till she turned around.

She slipped the straps off of her shoulders and the shift pooled at her feet. She stepped out of it and looked over at Arimus. "Come here."

He walked to her.

"It seems my body craves release." She pulled him to her and kissed him passionately. "Oh yes." She backed up and crawled up on the bed, laying down. "Undress soldier."

He shed his clothes fast and climbed on her.  He was surprised when she didn't roll him over and take the lead. He took that moment to capture a breast between his mouth. Her hand was at his head, holding him there. He slid his body between hers and felt her hot warmth on his stomach.  He took the other breast in his mouth and bit gently at the nipple. She moaned.

Suddenly she pushed him off of her and moved away. "Leave." She turned her head.

"What?"

"I said go." She gave him an icy stare.

He moved off the bed and dressed then left the tent.

She punched the wall and fell back against the bed.
 

***
Gabrielle walked through her town, carrying a bucket. She walked down a path, through the trees, to the small stream that was behind them. She knelt down and dipped the bucket in and filled it. She laid it down on the ground and looked into the water. She sighed and reached out to touch the cool surface. She ran her palms over the water, never quite touching but hovering. She closed her eyes and her thoughts turned to the raven haired warrior. She heard someone come up behind her and turned around quickly to see her sister.

She pulled her hand away and grabbed the bucket as she started to stand. "Hey."

"Hey yourself." She looked down at Gabrielle's hands, they were shaking. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." She walked past her.

"Its help to talk about things."

"I don't want to talk."

"That's a first."

Gabrielle stopped and looked at Lila. "What was that for?"

"I'm trying to be supportive and you aren't letting me help."

"I don't need help."

"Oh come on Gabrielle. I've seen you how you have been acting. You spend more time on your chores then you ever have."

"Lila, just stay out of it. I'm fine." She walked away.

Lila turned to the water and sighed. "No, you're not."
 

***
Xena walked out of her tent and moved to the horses. She heard some men talking she cocked on ear and listened.

"And her eyes, wow. Solid green pools."

"I'd do her."

"Shh, you idiot, if Xena hears you talk about her, she'll kill you."

"Why?"

"Because she doesn't even know the woman was here."

Xena stepped forth and they all stared at her, wide eyed. "Who are we talking about?"

"Uh...d...no one."

"When was she here?"

"She was here when you were injured, right after the fight."

"Why?"

"She had medicines. She helped you." He turned away afraid she would kill him. When he turned back around, she was gone.

Xena walked back to her tent to find Arimus there already. "What do you want?"

"I came to inform you that Gabrielle is here."

"Why?"

"She wouldn't tell me. She said that she wanted to speak to you."

Xena rolled her eyes. "No." She sat down.

"Yes, my queen." He started to walk out.

"Wait." She eyed him. "Let her in."

He bowed and walked out.

Soon Gabrielle stepped in.

"I heard that you wanted to talk to me."

"Yes."

Xena stood. "What about?"

Silence.

Xena walked towards her and felt her body pull towards this woman. "Perhaps I know." She ran a hand down Gabrielle' cheek.

Gabrielle pulled away. "That's not why I came."

"Oh? But why not?" She grabbed her and pulled her forward.

"Xena stop it."

Xena pushed her down onto the couch. Before Gabrielle had the chance to get up, Xena had covered her body with her own.

"No." She tried to push her off of her.

"Yes." She bent her head to kiss her neck.

"Stop it."

"Go ahead and fight me. I like it." She slipped a knee between Gabrielle's legs, parting them.

"Let me go."

"No." She grabbed hold of one of her breasts. "Oh so soft." She ripped the shirt, exposing one to her view. She took it into her mouth and bit down on the nipple.

"Xena, please stop." Her voice did nothing to hide her fear.

Xena looked up into her eyes and saw that she was scared. She looked down at what she was doing and stood up. "Go.......and....get out of my life." Gabrielle didn't move. "GET OUT!!"

Gabrielle pulled the torn pieces together and left the tent.

Xena stood and walked out her tent. "Arimus."

"Yes."

"Assemble the soldiers, we leave at dusk."

"Why?"

"We are going to attack."

"But....."

"Are you questioning me?"

"No."

"Good. Then get it done." She disappeared back into her tent.

Soon she stood next to her horse, in full battle armor.

"Mistress, may I ask where we are going to attack?"

"No you may not." She jumped up. "Lets head out."

Arimus watched her leave.
 

***
Xena watched one of her men grab a woman and drag her outside. He stabbed her and looked up at Xena, smiling. He ran off.

Xena jumped down from her horse and walked over to the now dead woman. She just stared, not knowing why.

"My Queen?"

She turned. "Hmm?" Her gaze went right back to the woman.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine." She looked at him. "Go." She watched him leave and turned back to the woman.  Kneeling, she brought a hand to the warm skin, that was cooling fast. "Is this what I have become?" She looked up and around, at her soldiers, burning the huts. She closed her eyes and stood up.

A man walked to her and kneeled at her feet. "Please have mercy on us."

Her instincts took over and she kicked him backwards, knocking him out.

She saw a man come to sit next to the dead woman. She saw him crying. He looked up at her and she saw the pain in his eyes. She turned around and walked away.

Arimus watched the whole thing with interest and looked at the man who was now carrying his wife away.

Xena walked around the forest, not knowing exactly where to go. She saw some light up ahead and walked forward. She parted some tree branches and looked over to see a village. It looked familiar. She looked around at the people, perhaps to look for something that would spark her memory of the place.

"Gabrielle."

She turned and saw the redhead, her heart stopped.

Gabrielle turned to see her sister. "Lila. What?"

"Mother has been calling you."

"Oh. What now?" She smiled and clutched the basket closer her to.

"I don't know. Just come on." She grabbed her sister's arm and pulled her along.

Xena watched this with fascination and slipped back into the darkness of the forest.
 

***
Xena jumped down from her horse and headed towards her tent. Once there, she laid down and relaxed.

Arimus walked in. "Sorry to disturb you."

She sat up. "What is it?"

"The prisoners are here." He opened the tent flap and they entered.

Xena looked down at them from her bed and saw the shackles that were around their arms and legs. 'They don't look dangerous.' Her eyes fell to a small girl, no older then five. Is this the monster she had become? She closed her eyes.

"Mistress."

She looked over at Arimus.

"What do we do with them?"

She hid her emotions from her face and stood, looking down at them. Her eyes met the small child's and she winked, and gave a hidden smile. The child smiled back at her.

Xena hid her look and turned back to Arimus. "Let them go."

"Right, get slavers and... What? Let them go, but Mistress."

"Did you not hear me? I said, let them go."

He eyed her and turned to the prisoners. "Very well. Release them."

Two men unshackled them and the prisoners stayed where they were on the floor. No one believing that she was going to let them go.

She noticed this. "You are free."

The people ran out of the hut, fearing that she would change her mind.

Arimus walked to Xena. "What was that about? Having a change of plans?"

"No, more like a change of heart." She smiled for once in a long time, and if felt great.

He shook his head and left.

Xena looked around her tent, at her decorations. Many worth a lot of money. She started to remove the silk and lace coverings. She grabbed a box on her way out and walked outside. She saw the prisoners leaving. "Wait."

An old man turned and walked to her slowly. "Yes."

She raised her offerings. "Take them."

He looked down at the gifts, then back at her.

She shoved them into his hands. "Go on, take them."

The man smiled and took the gifts, running back to his people.

Xena watched them leave and felt a warmth spread through her body.

The man handed the silk and lace to someone while he opened the box. He stopped when he saw the contents. There were a numerous amount of jewels and coins. He turned to the camp. "Thank you." He ran to catch up to his people.

Xena watched the man laugh at the jewels and laughed herself as she walked back into her tent.  Once inside, she sat down at the table and grabbed a box. It too was full of jewels. She opened it and pulled out an object, a silver rose shaped ring. The rose curled into a circle then wrapped around the ring. She closed the lid and laid down the ring. She stood and grabbed three other boxes. She walked to the door, to a man. "Get me my second in command."

The man rushed off and soon Arimus stepped into the tent. "What?"

She smiled up at him before holding out a box. "Give one of these to each village that we have destroyed. We have more in the storage tent. Divide what's left to the men."

"Xena," He hadn't used her name in a long time. "what has gotten into you?"

"I have no idea." She turned to him and smiled. "I think I'm in love."

He smiled. He knew who she meant. "I like it." He turned to walk out but stopped and turned back to her. "I hope she knows." He grabbed the box and two other men came to grab the other four.

Xena sat down at her table, with the last box. She ran her hands over its metal casing and gold lining. She pushed it away and stood up, looking around her tent. The decorations were gone, her boxes of jewels were gone and she felt wonderful. She had for once in her life, given instead of taken. And it wasn't the fact that she had started to feel guilty about what she had done, it was the fact that she had to do this for herself. She knew that she would never make up to the people for what she had done, but she was going to try. She now knew that she was on the wrong path. She had never felt this wonderful and found that she was loving every minute of it.

She stood and walked out.
 

***
Gabrielle sat down at a bench and looked up at the sky. The sun was shining brightly over head and there was a beautiful blue sky to show it.

She closed her eyes and leaned back against the wall.

A shadow loomed over her and she opened her eyes to see Lila standing in front of her. "What?"

"Nothing. Just making sure you are okay?"

"I'm fine." She actually meant it. Xena didn't want her, but she knew that she had felt the woman's love, even if only for a night.

Lila walked away and Gabrielle turned her head to look at the forest. She opened her mouth when she saw Xena standing across the village, sun shining down on her. She looked magnificent.

Gabrielle stood and ran to her.

Xena opened her arms and held on to Gabrielle tight. She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't get the words that she wanted to say out.

"I love you."

Xena smiled. Gabrielle had said what she wanted to say.

Gabrielle looked up at her and poked her. "Is this real? Are you really here?"

"I'm here, my love." She covered the woman with her arms again.

Gabrielle took in her scent, but pulled away.

"What?" Xena looked confused.

"I can't be with you."

"Why?" She had started to feel her heart opening up, now it was breaking.

"You conquer villages and people. I can't live with someone who owns an army and lays claim to everything in her path." She looked away.

Xena smiled. "Wrong. I did own an army."

Gabrielle looked up at her. "What?"

"I gave it up. The army, the looting, the command." She took a moment to pause and looked at Gabrielle. "All of it..........for you."

"Really?"

"Yes." She let go of Gabrielle for a second to grab something out of a pocket. It was the ring.

Gabrielle watched it glow in the sun.

Xena took Gabrielle's hand and placed the ring on her finger. "Be with me. Be with me forever."  She smiled.

Gabrielle looked up at her. "But how do I know that you can change. Its not that easy and even if you believe it, I can't."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I need to be sure. I need you to show me that you can change."

"Come with me then."

"Where?"

"To my......the camp." She pulled Gabrielle along.
 

***
Gabrielle was pulled out of the trees, into a clear meadow, where the camp used to be. All that remained where fire pits, and wagons loaded with tents. She looked up at Xena. "You really did give your army up."

"I did. But look."

Gabrielle turned to see a group of people coming and going. At the head of this group was a large table that was filled with boxes of jewels and gold coins. There were silks, and lots of other things.  She turned up at Xena. "What is that?" She watched as the soldiers handed things to the villagers.

"I'm giving back. To those who I've taken from. I know I'll never be able to truly give back what I have taken, but I'm going to try and give what I can."

Gabrielle looked down at the ring. "So you want me. Earlier you told me to get out of your life."

"I know. I couldn't figure out what was happening to me. Ever since you came into my hut that night, my whole world changed. I love you.........am in love with you."

"How do I know that that won't change?"

"I can only give you my promise." She looked down at Gabrielle with a straight face. "Will you believe me?"

Gabrielle looked down at the ring started to cry. "Yes." She wrapped her arms around her warrior and held tight, not wanting to let go.

THE END

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