The Last Scroll

ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

The Last Scroll

by Sarah Miller

Disclaimers: These characters belong to you know who for you know why.

Sex/Subtext/Violence: No violence or sex. Subtext and flirting? Oh yeah. More in the following stories.

PART 1

***

The shrill sound of the phone made her jump. Looking at the clock, she saw that it was three in the morning.

"Now, who could that be?" She grabbed the phone. "Hello."

"Hey Mel, did I wake you?"

"No. What is it?"

"We found some new scrolls."

"How many?"

"Six. One was torn in half. I have men looking for the rest of it. It looks hopeful. Anyway, I need you down here to translate. Do you think you can?"

"I'll try."

"Can you leave tonight?"

"Janice, it's three in the morning."

"Oh, sorry."

"I'll get a plane and be there when I can. Probably not till late this evening. Okay."

"Great. See you then. Goodnight Mel."

"Goodnight."

***

The dry heat hit her immediately as she stepped off the plane. As she walked down the steps, her eyes scanned the crowd.

A blond head popped up from the group of people and raised a hand.

Mel smiled and stepped off the stairs.

"You got here sooner then I would of thought. When I got your call, I was cleaning the tablets. I almost didn't make it. How was the flight?"

"A bit bumpy, but I'm here now."

Janice nodded.

"Where did you find the scrolls?"

"A small cave. A few men were trying to find anything else they could from the last dig and they came across them. Neat huh?"

"Yeah."

Janice bent down and grabbed her bag. "Didn't bring a lot." She raised the small bag.

"I brought what I needed. So you found six."

"Yeah. We still have the chakram and a leather bag was found too. I don't know...you'd have to look at it." She opened the door. "Here you go." She threw the bag over into the back seat and climbed in.

***

They reached the camp and headed to the tent.

"Not so hot in here, but it's still dry. Can I get you a drink?"

"Oh please."

Janice set her bag down and grabbed two cokes. "Here you go."

"Thanks. Where's the scrolls?"

"You're in a hurry to get started aren't you?"

"I'm excited to know what is in them. What more information we can pick up. That's all." She adjusted her glasses and unrolled one:

Ulysses

'Not as normal days would go, but the day went well. Trying to get Xena to stop and smell the flowers turned into a whole new meaning.

The day had been peaceful, no wars to stop, enemies to fight. Just a slow day, taking a walk.

A battle erupted, more like Xena heard it. I swear she has ears like no one I have ever met. She can hear a person sneeze two miles away, I'm sure of it.

The battle looked uneven, Xena stopped to sit down. Asking what she was doing, I got a response like, I'm smelling the roses. She waited and watched the unknown man fight off his attackers.

When the balance was broken by several men running into the picture, only then did we run to save the day. Again!

The fight was won of course by us again. The name of the man was learned, Ulysses.

Strangely, Xena seemed more interested in him then I was. If you know what I mean.

We set sail for Ithica, on the warning from Poseidon. Ulysses had killed his son or brother, I don't know, he hated him for whoever he had killed anyway. Xena of course put her nose in things and got one more god mad at her. That makes what? All but a few.

The ship was not the greatest of places to be. Sea sickness was made for me. Nothing I did helped. I bobbed this way and that way. I had my head thrown over the side more times then I can remember.

Poseidon wasn't ready to give up so quickly. He had one more plan to fill. The Sirens. The legends say they lure boats to the rocky shores with the sounds of their song. With one result, death.

Ulysses would of been one more to add to the list if it weren't for Xena. She turned things around, by singing herself. With a voice like hers, its no wonder the sirens spell was broken. They gave up and Xena was victorious once again.

I wonder why she doesn't sing more often.

That night he brought her some food. They thought I was sleeping but I wasn't.

They talked of soul mates, and loves to be found. They shared a kiss. I knew she was gone.

I talked to her that morning and she asked me what I thought. I told her to follow her heart. She was herself as usual and told me that she didn't know what to do and wanted to know what she should do. I honestly don't know. I told her to go, but I can't lose her.

The island of Ithica was beautiful.

Saving a friend, we learned that not only was Ulysses's wife alive, but she was also waiting for him. I could tell that Xena didn't take it easy. She hid the pain but I can read her eyes. She can't hide it from me.

To save his life, Xena told Ulysses that she couldn't follow him, she didn't love him. I don't know if she was telling the truth or not and I don't think I ever will. She helped him string his bow and then left his life forever.

She just steered the boat away from Ithica, to home. She has more strength than I thought. I would never be able to do it.'

*Gabrielle of Poteadia*

Setting it down, she glanced over at Janice, who was reading some papers. "Janice."

"Hmm."

"Have you read this?"

"I can't."

Mel nodded. "Oh yeah, that's right. Sorry."

Janice looked up. "Why? Is something wrong with it?"

"No."

Janice returned to her work.

Mel grabbed another one, this one entitled, Amazon Queen. She adjusted her glasses and started reading.

***

"Hungry?"

Mel slips off her glasses. "Starving."

Janice claps her hands and stands up. "Great, lets go."

They head to the food hut, grab a seat and start eating.

"So what was the first scroll about?"

"About Xena and Gabrielle meeting Ulysses. They save him and return him to his home in Ithica."

"And?"

"That's it. Nothing...." She looks down at her food. "Nothing interesting."

"Uh huh. Get it translated, so I can read it."

Mel nodded. "I already did."

"Great. And the second."

"It told about the time Gabrielle became princess of the amazons."

"Princess."

"Yep, she had saved a woman named Terrais and was given her right of caste. That is her title as Amazon princess."

"What else?"

"Xena fought against the queen and became queen herself."

"Xena was queen of the Amazons."

"Yes. But she probably gave it up."

"Why do you say that?"

"Xena wasn't the type to stay in one place too long."

"And how do you know that?"

"The scroll." She hesitated. "Gabrielle did a great job telling both stories. I can't wait to read the third." She returned to her food.

***

The sky grew dark and the moon shone brightly over their camp.

"I'm tired, what about you?" She sat down on her cot.

"Nah, I think I'll sit up a bit longer."

"Okay. I'm going to sleep, wake me if you need anything."

"Fine." Mel walked outside into the night air. The breeze blew softly on her hair. She closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of the pine around them. The air was a bit warm, but it had a cool breeze. There was something about the night that was familiar. She looked around and saw the different tents set up around the camp. She looked up at the stars and sighed. Something was missing, but she didn't know what.

Turning back, she looked at the tent they shared. Turning around again, she headed out into the darkness.

***

Janice woke up and looked around. Her eyes focused on Melinda's cot, nothing there. She sat up and looked around the room again. "Mel." She stood and walked outside. "Mel."

She scratched her head and walked towards the trees. "Mel."

***

The rushing water fell against her skin. She turned and let out a soft sigh. Turning around she raised the soap and rubbed it over her skin. Working up a lather, she rinsed. Tilting her head back, she wet her hair and lathered it up with soap. Rinsing it, she took a few turns in the water.

A stick cracked, but she didn't move. She had heard it but made no move that she had. She turned her ear toward the sound and picked up a new one. Rustling of grass.

The breeze picked up and she caught a smell in the air. She smiled and tilted her head back, continuing with her shower.

***

The tent was quiet when she entered. Janice was sitting across from her on her cot, reading the translations to the first two scrolls.

"What do you think?"

"They are great. You have every word here, don't you?"

"Yes, why?"

"No reason." She kept reading.

"I guess I should start on the third. Right?"

"Yeah, I guess. Plenty of time though."

Mel sat down at the table and picked up the other scroll. "Janice, what soap do you use?"

"Lavender oil, why?"

"No reason." She smiled and started reading a scroll named 'Beauty Pageant.'

***

Melinda had no idea what was happening to her. Ever since she had come here, she had felt different. Stronger, calmer, and something else. She still had the lost feeling with her. Something was either wrong or..she didn't know.

She heard Janice call her name and turned. "Hmm."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing why?"

"You're reading without your glasses."

Mel looked over at the table. "Oh, well. I don't have to use them all the time."

Janice didn't buy it but let it go. "So what's this one about?"

"I need to teach you how to read Greek."

"You okay? You seem moody lately. I never seen you lose you temper."

"It's just this heat."

"Yeah."

"I've had to take about five swims today to cool off."

"Sorry."

"It's not your fault." She kept reading.

"So you'll tell me about it later."

"Yeah."

Janice turned to leave.

"Janice."

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry for snapping at you."

"It's okay." She walked away.

Mel looked up at the sun. "I need another dip." She walked towards the forest and passed the horses. One caught her eye. A golden mare.

***

When she reached the tent, after the swim, she saw Janice over by the table, tending to her leg. She could see a huge gash in her inner thigh. "What happened?"

"A damn stick, I'm fine." She continued to wipe the blood away.

"That looks deep Janice, want me to look at it?"

"Nah, I got it."

Mel smiled and grabbed a whiskey bottle. "Let me." She pulled Janice's hands away and poured some liquid on it. Janice jumped with the pain. "The alcohol should clean it."

"I said I got it."

"And I say I got it now." She knelt next to her and moved her legs apart so she could get a better view. "It'll need stitches."

"I know. I got the stuff out. I can do it."

"I got it." She grabbed the needle and threaded it. "Shh. Just relax." She wiped the new blood away and began to stitch the wound.

The closeness of the dark haired woman, was making her skin tingle. She let out a breath and reached out to touch the long strands, when Mel looked up. She pulled her hand away quickly.

Mel looked back down and continued to sew. "How did you get this?"

"I told you a stick. I was getting some water from the river, and stepped on a stick. It popped up and cut me in the leg."

"Ah. Did you get cut before or after you got water?"

"After why?"

"No reason." She finished stitching and bandaged the leg up. She moved to walk outside but stopped and turned. "Janice, next time you go to get water, fill up the skins." She smiled and walked out.

***

She took in the smells of the forest as she unrolled yet another scroll. The fourth:

Death

She got hurt yet again, helping out innocent people.

She had stopped a group of men from attacking some villagers. By doing so, she was knocked against a tree by a moving log. She hit hard.

When I got to her, she was bleeding bad. I was stabbed in the leg trying to protect her from one of the attackers.

She told me to take her somewhere. It was a far journey and I protested but it was what she wanted so I had to do it. I made a stretcher and attached it to Argo so she could pull it.

We made it there, through the snow. A man came out and saw her. He knew her for he called her by name. He told me to bring her inside. He bent down and I saw Xena's lips moving but I couldn't hear what she was saying.

We brought her inside and she instantly fell into a coma. She twitched and talked as if she was having a dream. A dream she couldn't wake up from.

The healer looked her over and told me she needed rest and that he wanted to take a look at my leg. I told him to help her first, I could wait. He said that he had done everything he could and that it was up to her now. I protested but lost. He looked at my leg. I needed ten stitches. I'll have a scar to remember it.

I stayed with her all the way through it.

She quit breathing and I lost her that day. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't breath, I couldn't think. I didn't know what to do. I tried to write but nothing came out. The pain was so intense.

I asked her not to leave me, but she did. The one true friend I had in this world was gone. I had finally found something in my life that had meant something and it was taken away from me.

I woke up that night to the storm. The lightening shone across the skies and the thunder shook it. I looked over at the sarcophagus and my dream became a nightmare. It was real. I had lost her. I crawled over to her. I still remember what I said. "Every night I see it happen, every day I wish it was a dream."

I had lost my love. Nothing mattered anymore. I found one thing out that day, I'm in love with Xena.

*Gabrielle of Poteadia*

A tear worked it's way down her cheek. "Gabrielle." She knew now what was happening. Somehow she was getting Xena's abilities, her senses, strengths, and her love for Gabrielle. She turned her head towards the river and stopped the tears. She wiped her face and set down the scroll.

***

Janice tossed and turned. The dream held her in check, she couldn't wake up;

The door slammed behind her as she let it go and walked into the barn. There was silence except for the soft sounds of a horse chewing.

The golden mare looked up and snorted as she walked in.

As the young woman approached, the horse looked away. Grabbing the sword from the saddlebags, she twirled it around and stuck it into a bale of hay before pulling it out.

She heard the door open, before someone stepped behind her grabbing the sword from her hands.

"I said get it for me, not play with it."

She turned. "I wasn't playing with it Xena. I was....." She searched for the words. Seeing Xena step back, arms folded across her chest, she gave up. "Okay, so I was." She handed her the chakram. "I said I would get it for you. Why'd you come down?"

"Saddle bags."

"I can get them too." She threw them over her shoulders and grunted with the weight. "See I.." Grunt. "..told you..." Grunt. "...so." She headed toward the door.

Xena rolled her eyes and grabbed a hold of the bags. "I'll get them."

"I can do it." She grabbed for them but Xena moved out of her grasp.

"Yeah." She walked out with the bags and without a word.

"Big dumb warrior." Gabrielle kicked a bale of hay and heard the low chuckle as she followed.

***

Janice woke with a jump. "What was that?" She wiped her eyes and stood up. She ran her hands through her hair and walked outside.

The air had cooled down some and it wasn't as hot. She looked around and saw few people walking around. The camp wasn't silent, but not a lot of commotion was going on. Everyone seemed to be resting. She turned towards the forest and saw Mel walk out. "Hey."

Mel nodded and waved, scroll still in her hand.

Janice met her half way. "Anything we can use?"

"Xena's death."

"Her death. But I thought that they..."

"No, she died once, but the way Gabrielle described things it made it sound like....like she came back somehow. She didn't say how though. Perhaps it was a secret. I don't know."

"I see." She grabbed the scroll from Mel's hand and opened it. "Interesting." She saw the name at the bottom. She handed the scroll back and walked away.

Mel followed.

"It has cooled down a bit. Wanna go for a ride?"

"Horse ride?"

"Yeah. Can you?"

"Yes."

"Good." They walked towards the horses. "Take your pick."

Mel walked forward and knew which one she wanted. "I'll take this one." She untied the golden mare. It snorted.

"Sure you want that one? No one has been able to ride it. It has a wild streak."

"So do I." She whispered.

"I think you should pick another one. For safety."

"I can handle it."

"Okay."

Mel grabbed a saddle and loaded up the horse while Janice watched. She slipped on the bridle and climbed up onto the back. "See no problem."

Janice, wipe mouthed, stared as the two headed out. "That's strange." She loaded up another horse and followed.

***

Two hours later, they tied up the horses and headed in for something to eat.

While they were in the tent, Janice kept wanting to ask Mel what had happened earlier. She had seen grown men get thrown off of the horse. It didn't even look differently at Mel. They just connected. It was strange. She turned to Mel and cleared her throat. "How did you do it?"

Mel looked over at her. "Do what?"

"Calm that horse. Ride her."

"I have many skills."

Janice nodded slowly and turned back to her meal.

"Something the matter, Jan?"

"No, I'm fine. It's just strange that's all."

"I guess the horse just likes women. Has any other women tried to ride her?"

"No just the men."

"There you go. Case solved." She returned to her food but looked up again. "Any luck finding the other half of the seventh scroll?"

"No."

"Where is it?"

"Locked up."

"Can I read it?"

"Its not all there."

"I know, I just want to know what its about. I should be able to tell from the half we have."

"Okay. I'll get it after we eat." She smiled.

Mel watched the woman return to her food. "Quite an appetite you have."

Janice laughed. "Well, it runs in the family." She smiled.

"Yes it does."

"I heard Gabrielle had an appetite."

"She did. Could out eat a whole army." She smiled and noticed Janice was looking at her. "What?"

"And how would you know about her appetite?"

Mel didn't answer and filled her mouth with the stew. "I'm going for a walk. Be back later."

"What about the scroll?"

"Leave it on the blankets. I'll read it later."

"Okay." She watched Mel walk out.

***

Mel returned when the sky had turned dark. The moon was missing tonight and the camp was dark, except for a few lights that had been put up. She walked into the tent and heard light snoring. Turning over to look at Janice, she smiled as she saw her fast asleep. "Nothing has changed." She smiled again and walked to her cot.

She picked up the scroll and sat down at the table to read:

In all the times I have spoke, written, thought, nothing would ever have troubled me like that day I had. She's sleeping now, softly snoring, as I watch. She looks peaceful as she dreams. Of what I don't know.

<<<<BOOM...BOOM....BOOM>>>>>>>

She stood up and ran outside, followed by Janice.

"What is it?"

"I don't know." Mel turned to see a group of men trying to put a fire out. They grabbed buckets and filled them with water, throwing it on the fire. It was helping.

"Must of had an accident."

"Yeah."

A man ran over to them. "Sorry Janice. The wind picked up and our fire moved. It hit the gun powder. Sorry we disturbed you."

"Just don't let it happen again." She turned and walked back in the tent.

Mel followed.

"Always a problem with them." She fell down on her cot and curled up. She looked up at Mel. "Get some sleep will ya."

Mel nodded. "Yeah, I will. I promise." She sat down at the table.

"Now."

"But the scroll."

"It can wait. Sleep." She closed her eyes.

"Okay." Mel put the scroll in a drawer and laid down.

***

Mel's dream

"You all right?"

"I'm great. I can't see, but I'm good."

"Try using both eyes."

"Oh yeah, that's better."

"Think you can stand?"

"You mean I'm not?"

"C'mon....there ya go."

"By the gods." She dropped to the floor, onto her butt.

"What is it?"

"You are beautiful."

"Uh huh." She helped her up.

Janice's dream

"I can do this, I tell you."

"Do what Gabrielle?"

"That story. You said I couldn't write it."

"I never said you couldn't, I said you shouldn't."

"And why not?"

Xena turned and gave her the look.

"Hey." She threw a pillow at her friend. "Just wait and see." She sat back and got comfortable in her tale.

Xena rolled her eyes and sighed.

Gabrielle looked up. "I heard that."

Xena smiled. "I'm going to take Argo for a run. Be back later." She walked to the door and grabbed the handle before turning back. "Stay here. Don't get into trouble."

"Me? Me get into trouble. Yeah right." She looked up at Xena and swallowed the lump in her throat. "Okay, I'm staying put. I have writing to do any ways." She smiled sweetly and kept writing.

The warrior shook her head as she left the room.

***

Janice opened her eyes and looked around the room. She could see that Mel was still asleep. She sat up and lit an oil lamp. She set it down on the table and opened the drawer. Pulling the scroll out, she sat down and got comfortable then began to read:

She's oblivious to how I feel. I understand her love of writing. Helps you express in words what you can't say.

She doesn't know I'm writing this. I don't even know if she's aware that I can read. I laugh at the thought. Of course she knows I can.

She moves but doesn't wake. I hold my breath till I hear the soft snoring again. I continue.

She has been with me for two years now.

Thinking about our time together, I have no idea how I was able to be without her. She gives each day new meaning. Because of her, I wake up each day and live. I live for her. I live for us. And I live for the day I can tell her what's in my heart. Someday.

For now I'll hold my love for her secret. I wouldn't dare do anything to kill this friendship. Its all I have. Without it I'd be nothing. She's the only one that ever believed in me. She believed in me when no one else would. Not even my own mother.

She came into my life like a dream. I can't really remember what it was in the beginning that made me let her stay. Maybe her smile, her eyes, her light. Her love. I know she loves me, but does she love me the same. As I love her? I don't know and probably never will.

For now, I'm here writing the thoughts of my head and heart. For no one in particular, just to clear things up. I lover her with all my being and nothing will ever change that. Nothing.

In time I will grow to learn how to share that love, but for now I'll stay. I have come up with a plan to figure things out. Perhaps that's why I have written. Here it is.

.......................................................................................................................................................

Janice took in a breath. "She loved her. We need to find the rest. I need to know what her plan is. Or was." She stood up and walked towards the door when it hit her. She stopped and turned back towards the table and scroll. "I can't read greek!!!" She dropped her jaw. She didn't have any knowledge of the language but a minute ago she had read a scroll with the exact language and understood it. She ran outside.

***

Mel woke and stretched out her stiff muscles. She looked around and spotted an empty cot. "Janice." She looked around. The sun was shining overhead, making the tent very warm. A nice swim was in order. She'd find Janice later.

She grabbed a towel and walked out.

***

Janice kicked a leaf here and a rock there. She stopped and leaned back against a tree. She heard footsteps and moved behind the tree. Mel passed by, towards the falls.

Janice tried to turn towards camp and walk back but she couldn't. She turned and headed for the falls.

She sat down and moved the bushes aside.

Mel had no idea she was being watched by Janice. She knew she was being watched but didn't know it was her. She could feel their eyes on her body. She didn't care. She was here for a cool off and wasn't about to stop because someone got curious. She turned her back to them and wet her hair.

Hearing the person move closer, she moved from the falls.

Janice moved to a better view, but Mel was no longer there. She looked around the falls but couldn't see her anywhere. She stood up and walked away.

Mel stepped from behind a tree and smiled as she watched Janice walk away.

***

Mel walked into the tent, but Janice wasn't there. She grabbed another scroll and moved outside again. Walking back in, she grabbed the other scroll.

Settling herself next to the river, she began to read it.

She sits across the fire watching the flames sometimes, sharpening that sword of hers again. She breaths softly and steady. The fire cracks. No sound but the scraping of metal against rock.

I look away before those eyes pull me in again.

I see her out of the corner of my eye. She looks up, for only a minute, before she looks away again.

She doesn't know I have these scrolls. My personal scrolls. She nearly found them once. When I visited my family, I dropped them off. No one will find them, I hid them well.

I look up again. I wonder if she knows she's being watched. I'm sure she does.

I smile and write off into fantasy.

'She sets down her sword, moving over to me. I look up and read her eyes. They are full of hidden emotions. I feel the scroll being pulled out of my hands replaced with her own hand. I shiver at her touch. Electric.

She smiles and tilts my head up to look at her. I shiver again as I make contact with her yes. She leans down and presses her lips against mine, so softly. I almost cry at how right it feels. I move out of her hold and she follows me.

I move to my bedroll and start unlacing my top. She stops me and continues to do it. I watched her eyes light up with wonder and desire as she pulls it from my shoulders and tosses it away. I lay down and feel her hands on my thighs. She slides off my belt and throws it away. I feel my skirt come off and I look at her eyes. She's scared. I tremble as I sit up and pull her into a kiss.

Her tongue battles with mine, so soft but yet rough.

I slid the shift off of her shoulders and look down at her body. I smile and tell her she's beautiful. Its true.

She stands and slides it the rest of the way off and then kneels again. I close my eyes as I feel her fingers hook my breeches. They slid off. I feel the cool air hit my warm skin.

Its only for an instant because she soon covers my body with her own, offering me her warmth. I tremble, can't seem to stop. I feel her slid down lower.

Her lips touch my neck, shoulder, breast. I jump. It feels so good. I move my legs apart and feel her slide in between. She.....

She has called my name. It's late and we have work to do tomorrow. I shall finish this fantasy some other time.

"You never finished did you." She brings the parchment to her nose and smells softly, remembering. "Soon" She stood and started to undress to take another swim, to cool down.

***

Janice walks into the tent, searching for Mel. No sign. She lets out a breath and sits down at the table. She opens the drawer and reaches for a scroll, but they are gone. "Mel must have them."

She sits back in the chair and sighs. "What to do? If Gabrielle were here, she'd know." She closed her eyes. A faint whisper was the last thing she heard before she fell asleep.

"Gabrielle. Gabrielle. It's me. I'm not dead."

Gabrielle cries and moves forward. "Xena."

Xena holds out her hands to stop her. "At least, not completely."

"Why? Why did you leave? There's so many things I want to say to you...."

"Gabrielle. You don't have to say a word. We don't have much time. I need to get to the ambrosia, otherwise I will be gone."

"Xena, I can't lose you again."

"Gabrielle, I'll always be here." She leans forward, brushing her lips across Gabrielle's. The kiss starts simple but explodes into passion.

Janice opens her eyes and takes a breath. "What was that? I don't...." She reaches for a scroll. One already read. She reads it over, the one about Ulysses.

"Liar. You didn't write it all down." She laid it down and grabbed another one and again was angered. Mel had left valuable pieces out of her translations. Very valuable. She stood up and marched toward the door to go look for Mel.

She found her all right. She ran smack dap into a wet Melinda. They fell to the floor of the tent.

Mel shook her head and looked at Janice. "What's the hurry?"

Janice's eyes raised as she looked down. "Um Mel...you...ah..your towel." She swallowed.

Mel looked down and smiled. "Oh sorry." She stood and covered herself up. "Your fault. If you hadn't of run into me, it wouldn't of fell off." She gave a sexy smile that made Janice's heart stop.

"Sorry."

"It's okay." She saw Janice holding a scroll. "Whatcha doing?" She started to dry her hair with another towel.

"I was curious."

"Ah."

"Mel, why did you leave parts out?"

Mel looked at her. "What?"

"You left some parts out. In your translations."

"How do you know? You can't speak Greek."

Janice stands still, silent.

Mel leans closer. "Or can you?" Her voice is low.

"I....I..." She closes her eyes.

Mel pulls back and watches her. "Hmm?"

Janice steps back. "I had a dream, a vision, I don't know. In it Gabrielle was writing a story. Xena was there too. Somehow I know....I know how to speak and read Greek. Very strange huh."

"Very."

"Is that even possible?"

"I'd say that it was in you all along. You just needed to be inspired."

Janice nodded.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. But it's not just me that's...different."

"Oh?"

"Its you."

"Me? And what's different about me?" She smiled slyly.

"How you carry yourself, walk, talk. Everything. Like your a whole new person."

Mel shrugged.

"You don't feel any different?"

"No."

"You're lying."

"Oh." She dropped the towel in her hand. "And how would you know?"

"I know you." It just came out.

"We've known each other for a few months. You can't know me that well." She was pushing it.

"I know you more than you think." She moved closer.

"Hmm."

"I'm going for a swim. This hot weather is getting to me." She grabbed a towel and walked out.

"Oh my bard, you have no idea." She smiled and turned towards the door.

***

Far away from camp, she stopped and leaned against a tree. "What is happening to me? To us."

"Shouldn't talk to yourself. People will think your nuts." Said a calm voice.

She opened her eyes and saw Mel. "Who are you?"

"Melinda Pappas. You know that."

"Do I?" Her green eyes glared.

"If I'm not her then who am I?" Her eyes narrowed, an eyebrow raised.

Janice had seen that look before. "You're...."

"Yes."

"You're....."

"Yes."

"You're....Mel."

Mel relaxed. "Very good. And you're Janice Covington. Now that we know who we are...."

Janice closed her eyes and listened to the low voice. So familiar. She had heard that tone somewhere.

"Janice. Janice. Look at me."

Janice opened her eyes. "What?"

"You all right?"

"I'm fine." She nodded. The truth in her eyes.

Mel stepped back. "Its a great day. Feel that sun on your skin." She spread her arms out wide. Her towel fell to the ground. She looked down. "Oops." She smiled and laughed. "That just seems to keep happening." She bent down and grabbed it. She leaned in closer to Janice's ear and whispered. "Not that I think you mind." She wrapped the towel around herself. "You okay?"

"Fine."

Mel smiled and walked away.

***
Janice woke up and wasn't surprised to find Mel gone. She sat up and dressed, then walked out into the hot sun. Squinting against the brightness, she could see Mel walk across camp towards the food tent. She followed.

The air was much cooler inside. She saw Mel sitting at the far corner, facing the door.

"Janice. Bout time you woke up."

Janice looked around the tent. They were alone. She took a seat across from the table.

"I see we require a conversation."

"Yes."

"What about?"

"Lets start with you?"

"What about me, Janice? What would you like to know?"

"How about you start right after you came here."

Mel leaned forward. "Why? What are you trying to find out?"

"I'm trying to figure out what's going on with you."

"I'm fine."

"Oh."

She moved away. "I'm not having any problems. Something on your mind."

"No." She stood and walked out of the tent.

***

Janice entered her tent and took a seat at the table. She closed her eyes and fell into a light sleep.

"Stop it."

"What?"

"This, protecting me like a mother hen. I have a mother already."

"Gabrielle don't start this with me now. I've made my decision."

"What about me?" She saw Xena turn. "Have you ever asked me what I thought about things. Never once have you included me in your decisions." She walked past Xena, but was grabbed by her arm. "Let me go."

"You need to realize that I do things to protect you for a reason. My intent isn't to leave you behind."

"Funny, because that's always what you end up doing." She pulled her arm and walked away.

She didn't get far. Xena stepped in front of her, blocking her from the door.

"We need to stop this. I hate fighting with you."

"Then stop being selfish." She regretted it as it came out. "Look I didn't mean..."

"If you think I'm selfish for wanting to keep you safe then so be it. But I do care and I am trying." She walked out the door. Her hand was grabbed by Gabrielle.

"Xena, please look at me." She waited. "Please." She saw Xena turn her head in her direction. "I'm sorry for always doubting your reasons for...everything. I know you know what you are doing. It just hurts that you don't have enough trust in me to let me help you out once in a while."

"Gabrielle." She stopped.

"Forgive me."

"If you forgive me first."

"Agreed." She pulled Xena into a hug.

***

Mel entered the tent and saw Janice laying her head on the table, fast asleep. She smiled and walked to her. She gently shook her and watched her eyes open. "I'm sorry."

Janice raised her head.

"You're right. Something is wrong with me. I've felt different ever since I came here. I don't know what it is and I can't explain it. Can you forgive me?"

"Of course." She smiled. "Just don't do it again."

"I see I'm not the only one that has changed."

"Huh?"

"You. Your calm, gentle, nothing like the Janice I met three months ago."

"It's this place."

"I know."

"Let's get our work done and get out of here."

"Sounds good to me." She stood and walked out.

***
The heat had lessened some and the breeze blew softly now. She walked. She didn't know where she was going, she just walked.

The waterfall rushed down with its water. She smiled. Something about it. Walking forward, she didn't even bother taking her clothes off.

She dived into the river and came up near the falls. Getting out, she climbed up onto the rocks and moved along them. It was a bit slippery but she managed.

She pushed along the wall, searching. Finding nothing, she moved towards the side of the rock. (CRASH) She fell down fast and hard.

There was total darkness. No light shone anywhere. She crawled along the sandy floor and moved slowly.

After crawling for sometime, she still had found nothing.

A light shone up ahead. She looked up and saw a figure holding a candle. She stood and followed.

Running through the tunnel, she couldn't seem to catch up to the figure. Even though the figure moved slowly, she seemed to stay far ahead.

She reached a door and opened it. The room was huge, lit by several candles. She looked around and could see a shelf, a small shelf. Walking towards it, she saw four scrolls, some skins, a few rolled up blankets, water skins, and a sword sheath.

She picked it up and pulled out the sword. When she touched the blade, it drew blood. As her blood ran down the metal, she was hit with a light that threw her back against the ground.

She opened her eyes to see a woman standing over her. The woman had long blonde hair, she wore a cloak, and carried a staff. Her face was gentle and it relaxed her.

"Remember Xena, remember everything." She vanished.

She tried to sit up but was hit with a wave of dizziness and fell back down.

Mel opened her eyes and looked around. She was laying in her cot, in the tent. Janice was still asleep on the table. "Was it a dream?" She raised her hand and saw a small red line across one of her fingers. She rubbed a finger over it. It stung a bit. It was a newly done wound.

She sighs and lays back down.

"Don't touch her!"

"You! Out of my way!"

"No. I won't let you beat her."

"Won't let me?! Then by the gods, you'll take her place!" He raises his baton, he starts to bring it down when Xena reaches up, grips the stick, and stops it mid decent.

For a moment, they remain that way.

"Wait. Stop!"

They look to see Maphias.

"I can explain."

The man wrenches free of Xena with a scowl and turns to Maphias.

"It's all a misunderstanding. Right darling?"

Xena stares, speechless.

"You see, we're getting married soon, which means we're in the market for a house slave." He turns to Xena. "Isn't that so, sweetheart?"

She doesn't have time to answer.

"And she's right. This girl would be perfect. But if I've told her once, I've told her a thousand times. Ask before you examine the goods."

Xena nods. Getting his point now. "Yes, yes it is! So how much?"

"Forget it. Mezentius likes her too much to sell at any price."

"Mezentius?" Her jaw drops.

Placing a load of logs beside the enormous fireplace where something's simmering over the fire, Gabrielle starts back for some more when a hand suddenly covers her mouth and drags her backwards.

Xena signals for quiet as she pulls her further into the room which is filled with large barrels of mead.

Seeing Gabrielle's wide, frightened eyes, Xena quickly uncovers her mouth. "Don't worry. It's me. I was at the market yesterday, remember?"

"I remember. You wanted to buy me. What do you want now?"

"I've come to get you out. Soon as its clear, we make our move. And stick close. The timings everything."

"You're crazy. The only move I'm making is back to work."

"No! Wait."

"Why? You know what they do to runaway slaves? You ever seen it?" She pulls down the shoulder of her blouse to reveal old lash scars.

"Oh Gabrielle, I'm so sorry."

She quickly pulls up her blouse. "How do you know my name? Who are you? Why are you doing all this?"

"My name is Xena. I just want to help you."

"Right." She moves out again but is stopped again by Xena.

"Gabrielle please. Lyceus and I can hide you till its safe."

"Lyceus? The same Lyceus who stood up against Cortese....before running for the hills, I mean."

"How do you know about him?"

"I heard 'em talking, Mezentius and Krykus. They think I'm like an animal, or a piece of furniture. But I hear, and I remember."

"My mother was about your size, so these ought to fit." She hands Gabrielle the outfit.

"This is your mother's? It's beautiful."

"So was she. I'll leave you to change."

"Wait. Why are you doing this? I know what you said about wanting to help me. But if there's one thing I've learned, its that everyone's out for themselves. So, what's in it for you? Guess you need a house slave pretty bad, huh?"

"No. But you're right. There is a reason I'm doing this. The truth is, you remind me of my best friend."

"Gabrielle. I'm sorry. If it wasn't for me, none of this would've happened."

"You're right. If it wasn't for you, I'd never have known how it felt to be free again. And now I don't know whether to thank you.....or hate you for it."

"Hate me?"

"At least before, I'd forgotten what a real life was. Then you showed me. You gave me hope, made me think that maybe it wasn't too late, that I could be happy. And now.....

"I never meant it to be like this. I only wanted to help."

"Yeah.....because I reminded you of your friend."

"No. Because you are my friend."

Mel opened her eyes and sat up. She looked outside and could hear the hoot of an owl in the distance. She closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the night.

***

"She's dead," Hippocrates stated calmly.

"She is not dead. I wouldn't let her. Come on Gabrielle wake up. Come on wake up. Come on wake up. You're scaring me wake up. Wake up. Gabrielle breathe. Come on......Come on breath...maybe she just needs air. We need to get air into her lungs." She tilted Gabrielle's head back and breathed into her mouth. "Come on breath."

Gabrielle was still.

"Xena stop it. She's dead now. She's in another place."

"Get out of my way! You don't know anything." Her voice was raising fast. She turned from him, back to Gabrielle and spoke softly. "Don't you listen to him, Gabrielle. Come on. I know you're in there, prove it. You can show them." She blew air into her mouth again. She was cracking hard and fast. Her voice raised and she was screaming now. "Come on, wake up and breath." Softer now. "You never ran from anything in your whole life. Come on fight."

"Xena."

"Fight!"

"Xena! It's time to stop now. Let her cross over peacefully."

"What do you know, you've killed so many."

"So have you. Let it go."

"No...no...Come on, Gabrielle. Come on. Come one. Don't you leave me..." She was yelling again. "Don't leave me, don't leave. Wake up." She pounded on Gabrielle's chest hard. "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

Gabrielle gasped as she took in a breath. Xena pulled her into her embrace and cradled her gently.

Gabrielle could hear Xena's heartbeat and closed her eyes, realizing her decision to come back.

Janice jumped awake. She opened her eyes and looked over at Mel's cot. No one was there. She sat up and turned to look outside. There she was. "Mel."

She turned. "I'm fine. Go back to sleep."

"I had a dream. Of....of them."

Mel turned again. "So did I." She looked back outside.

***

Janice met Mel in the middle of camp. "I saw your bags, what's up?"

"I'm leaving."

"Why?"

"I can't stand it here anymore. I need to go home and sort things out."

"Okay."

Mel nodded and turned towards the tent.

"Will you let me drive you?"

"You'll have to." She smiled.

Janice smiled and followed her to the tent.

The ride was silent. Neither said a word. No one knew what to say. A thousand thoughts ran through each women's mind but nothing was said.

They pulled up to the plane and Janice walked Mel to the plane. "You'll be okay?"

"Yeah."

"What about the seventh scroll?"

"It's lost."

Janice nodded and looked down at the ground. "So you'll call me when you get in right."

"Yeah." She pulled Janice close for a hug and walked up the stairs.

Janice walked back to her car and watched till the plane was out of sight. She sighed and started the car.

***

The key slid through the lock with a click and Mel opened the door. She looked around her house and smiled. "Home." She set her bag down and took off her coat. She headed to the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

Sitting down on the couch next to the fire, she felt alone. Without the talkative Janice around, it was truly quiet. She laid her head back against the cushions and relaxed.

Sitting up again, she walked to her bag and pulled out a scroll. "Xena's scroll." She carried it back to the couch and sat down. She started to read it:

She's oblivious to how I feel. I understand her love of writing. Helps you express in words what you can't say.

She doesn't know I'm writing this. I don't even know if she's aware that I can read. I laugh at the thought. Of course she knows I can.

She moves but doesn't wake. I hold my breath till I hear the soft snoring again. I continue.

She has been with me for two years now.

For now, I'm here writing the thoughts of my head and heart. For no one in particular, just to clear things up. I lover her with all my being and nothing will ever change that. Nothing.

In time I will grow to learn how to share that love, but for now I'll stay. I have come up with a plan to figure things out. Perhaps that's why I have written. Here it is.

She let it fall down on her lap and closed her eyes. "Where is the rest of it?" She looked around her room and took in a breath. "Something isn't right here." She set the scroll down on the table and stood up. She scanned the room. Finding nothing out of place, she walked out. She looked up the stairs and around the room. She could see the kitchen.

She was about to walk back to the fire, when she heard a crash. She turned around and opened a drawer of a dresser. Pulling out a gun, she stepped forward towards the stairs. She took one after the other till she was to the top.

She walked down the hall and waited. Another crash. She moved to a door and grabbed the handle.

Quickly opening it, she pointed the gun at the intruder.

"Ah Artie. What are you doing?" She entered the room and grabbed the white cat off of her dresser. She looked down at the floor to see perfumes and other bottles broken. "You know you can't fit everywhere anymore." She stroked the soft fur and exited the room.

Back downstairs, she sat down on the couch again with the cat and picked up Gabrielle's scroll:

I look away before those eyes pull me in again.

I see her out of the corner of my eye. She looks up, for only a minute, before she looks away again.

She doesn't know I have these scrolls. My personal scrolls. She nearly found them once. When I visited my family, I dropped them off. No one will find them, I hid them well.

I look up again. I wonder if she knows she's being watched. I'm sure she does.

I smile and write off into fantasy.

She smiles and tilts my head up to look at her. I shiver again as I make contact with her eyes. She leans down and presses her lips against mine, so softly. I almost cry at how right it feels. I move out of her hold and she follows me.

Her tongue battles with mine, so soft but yet rough.

I slid the shift off of her shoulders and look down at her body. I smile and tell her she's beautiful. Its true.

She stands and slides it the rest of the way off and then kneels again. I close my eyes as I feel her fingers hook my breeches. They slid off. I feel the cool air hit my warm skin.

Its only for an instant because she soon covers my body with her own, offering me her warmth. I tremble, can't seem to stop. I feel her slid down lower.

Her lips touch my neck, shoulder, breast. I jump. It feels so good. I move my legs apart and feel her slide in between. She.....

She has called my name. It's late and we have work to do tomorrow. I shall finish this fantasy some other time.

She reads both scrolls a second time, getting nothing.

She bites her lip as she tries to think. She closes her eyes and listens to the soft voice in her head.

"You won't forget me will you? No matter what?"

"Never."

"I'm sorry things happened this way. There was so much I wanted to share with you, to tell you."

"How bout now. Tell me."

"I wanted to tell you that I love you. I don't exactly know when or how it happened but I know that it did and I couldn't stop it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." She raised a hand and stroked the soft cheek before her. "I love you and I'll be waiting till the day we will be together again."

"Oh Gabrielle. What are you guys trying to tell me?" She leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. The flames made the colors dance across it.

She stood, clutched the cat at her side and walked to her bedroom.

***

"She promised."

"I know. She's sorry. She told me not to tell you. She'll be back."

"No." She ran ahead. "No she won't."

"Xena, what are you saying?"

"She won't be back, Ephiny. Where did she go?"

"I don't know."

"We need to find her quickly."

"I'll start a scouting party." She ran off.

Xena looked out into the distance. "Oh Gabrielle. Why can't you ever listen to me?" She dropped to her knees and was silent.

***

The morning came quickly. Mel made breakfast and sat down to read the paper.

Artie came up and sat on the paper. "You're not helping." She petted her behind the ears and picked her up from the paper. "Let me read." She continued.

The cat purred and rubbed it's body on Mel's arm.

"Okay, okay." She stood and walked to the door, and let the cat out. "Weird feline." She laughed and returned to her paper.

***

The day ended as it had started. Slow and boring. She was used to having someone to talk to and without Janice around, the conversations with herself were one sided.

She made a cup of hot cocoa and settled down by the fire.

The phone rang, making her jump. "Hello. No, wrong number." She hung up and returned to her cocoa.

She looked down at the table, where the two scrolls lay, close together. She smiled and leaned back into the cushions. "I wonder what it was like. Traveling with a warrior, traveling with a bard. Did it go well in the start. Did they have problems, fights, make ups. Did they have friends. Who is Ephiny? How did they die? What happened to Gabrielle? I want to know these things." She sighed. "Someday."

"Need any help?"

She drew a knife. "Stay away from me."

"Hey, take it easy."

"Give me a reason to."

"Come on, do I look dangerous?"

"Looks can be deceiving."

"If you want to stay here and threaten every good Samaritan who come along, be my guest. But I'd be glad to help you get to the village."

"Are you sure that's what you really want to do?"

"Put down the knife and I'll be glad to help."

"Oh, sorry." She lowers the knife to her side.

"Hello, I'm Xena."

"I'm...."

"He's my best friend in the world, that's who he is."

"But does he have a name?"

Laughing. "Oh yeah, sure. This is Hercules."

"Is everybody you know so famous?"

"Famous? Him?"

Laughing. "Has Iolaus always been a comedian?"

"I'm afraid so. Until its time to get down to business. And then I wouldn't want anyone else on my side."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't want you to fall in love with me."

"It may be too late to warn me, Xena. Did you ever think of that?"

"I was hoping I'd be the only one to go away from this with a broken heart."

"You don't have to go away from anything. I want you right here."

She caresses his face. "I know you do. And I'd stay if..if it didn't mean I was letting somebody else down."

"You never talked about another man."

"Not one man. Many of them. And women and children, too. They're under siege by a warlord named Pettakis. He's trying to drive them out of the Arcadian highlands, and I'm building an army to defeat them."

"So that's why you were traveling with so many weapons. You're a warrior."

"I used to think I was. But now I know that no matter how hard I fight, I can't beat Petrakis by myself. I need help."

"You came to get Hercules, didn't you?"

"Yes. But I found you."

"Then I should be the one to ask for help."

"I can't do that."

"Why? You think Hercules is better than I am. Is that it? He's the warrior and I'm some meaningless jester?"

"No, its because it wouldn't turn my life upside down if he got hurt....or even killed. But if something happened to you."

"If he was really your friend, he would not have come here and tried to interfere."

"I suppose you're right, Xena. It's just that I've never been on a different side than Hercules."

"You didn't let that stop you from standing up to him. You were a true warrior."

"If I was anything less, you wouldn't want me here."

"You've turned out to be everything I thought Hercules would be. But Hercules..... I can be fierce and violent, Iolaus. You've seen that with your own eyes. But to hear Hercules say what he did was like having a dagger plunged into my heart."

"His words ended my friendship with him."

"Then you must be in pain, too."

"Not as long as I'm with you."

"Come to bed when you finish with your sword. I'll be waiting."

"I thought I was going to die."

"That's not the Hercules I know, ambushing people, attacking women. He must have gone crazy."

"You'd know he had if you'd seen what he did to Estragon."

"Estragon shouldn't have been out there with you. I should have."

"Then Hercules would have killed you."

"Does that mean you expect me to run away not?"

"Other men would."

"Other men couldn't love you as much as I do."

"Do you mean it? Can you really put me in your life before Hercules?"

"I did once."

"But this time is different. You've got to know that."

"I know if he comes for you, I'll have to kill him."

"Can you do that?"

"Only for you."

***

Janice moved the scrolls out of the way and grabbed a notepad. She wrote down any notes she could that might help her later.

She picked up Xena's scroll and read it again.

In time I will grow to learn how to share that love, but for now I'll stay. I have come up with a plan to figure things out. Perhaps that's why I have written. Here it is.

She finishes, reciting from memory.

I will devise a plan to tell without revealing too much, what she feels. Use what I know to get what I want. Or not. Perhaps I will.....

I'll buy her a new top, the old one is terrible. The green just isn't right. I'll buy her a new one like I said, get her to wear it. As she tries it on, I'll watch, glancing up now and then to watch her.

Hopefully she doesn't realize what I'm doing.

I'll arrange a bath for her. Filled with bath oils like she likes. Make sure I have plenty of Lavender soap. I'll ask her if she wants me help her wash her back.

She usually does. I'll slid off my shift and climb in behind her. I always notice the shiver that runs through her body each time I touch her. I settle in and grab the sponge, sliding it over her skin.

I forget what I'm supposed to do and run my hands along her bare skin. She trembles again. I slid my nails along her sides. She jumps. She's ticklish. I run my hands up and cup her breasts. I can't stop it from happening.

I stop. I need to stop imagining what will never be.

I hear her come into the room and I hide the scroll in my saddlebags. I let out a breath as she enters and doesn't ask what is wrong. I slip into a shift and slid under the covers. Its a cold night. Gabrielle slides in next to me and rolls on her side. I wrap an arm around her and pull her close. She places a hand over mine and we fall asleep.

Xena

***
The shower feels great against her skin. Calming her nerves and tired muscles. She looks over at the bathtub and smiles.

Shutting off the water, she wipes her face and gets out. She wraps the robe around herself and walked to the bathtub, turned on the water and waited. 'A bath would be heavenly right about now.'

The bath water took a bit to fill but soon she was relaxing in the warm water. She let out a sigh, much better then the shower. The hot water helped calm her stiff muscles much better then the shower. She laid her head back against the side and closed her eyes.

The doorbell brought her out of her dreams. She opened her eyes and looked around the bathroom. Getting out with a sigh, she wrapped the robe around herself and headed downstairs.

She looked through the peephole and gasped. Opening the door quickly she smiled as she saw the familiar face. "Janice. What are you doing here?"

"Hello to you to. Nice to see you Janice. Hmm."

"Oh, yeah, nice to see you." She closed the door.

Janice looked down at her robe. "Did I interrupt anything?"

"Just a bath."

"Ooo, that sounds great. Can I take one when you're done?"

"Of course." She tightened her robe ties.

Janice looked around the house. She saw the huge stairs leading up and parting to form two walkways around the house in a circle. To her Right was a huge room with couches, and a fireplace. To her left was another room with couches and chairs. Ahead of her on the right of the stairs is a hallway. "Wow. Big house. You live here alone?"

"Yes. Well me and Artie."

"Artie?"

"My cat."

"Where is it?"

"Sleeping I'd imagine, she's so spoiled."

"Ah." Janice set down her suitcase. "So, show me around."

"Now."

"Yeah."

"Okay. To your right is the living room, your left, the sitting room. Through that hallway is the dining room and kitchen, and upstairs is the library, and bedrooms."

"How many bedrooms you got?"

"Seven. Four bathrooms."

"Gee, lots of space for only one person."

"I like it. Gives me my own space to be...."

"So Mel, show me to a room."

"Sure." She lead her up the stairs and to the left. The first door she came to she opened. "Here, this should be big enough."

Janice looked in. "I'd say so. Big enough for three people and look at that bed." She dropped her case and jumped on it. "Perfect." She raised up. "Where is yours?"

"Down the hall. Two doors down."

"Oh." She stood up again. "What time is it?"

"About nine I think." She turned and looked down the hallway. "I'm going to finish my bath, are you okay here" Everything you need?"

"Yeah I'm fine."

Mel nodded and closed the door behind her.

***
As the fire cracked and popped, Janice sighed. She laid back against the cushions of the couch and tried to relax her stiff muscles. She had taken a bath earlier but it didn't help. She looked up and saw Mel walk into the room. She smiled.

"Hungry?"

"Yes."

"Come on." She bent her finger and pulled it towards her a couple times.

Janice looked at the fire then stood up and followed Mel down the hallway by the stairs. They passed a room with a large table and then the kitchen.

"What would you like?"

"What do you have? None of that rich food."

Mel looked at her funny. "What do you mean?"

"You know the snails, fish eggs, all that. I hate that stuff."

Mel laughed. "You honestly think everyone eats that."

"Yes."

Mel shook her head. "I wouldn't be caught dead eating that stuff." She pulled out a can of stew. "How's this?"

"Perfect."

Mel opened the can and poured it into two bowels. "So what did you while I was gone?"

"Kept trying to look for the other half of that scroll."

"Oh." Mel looked up for a second. "Any luck?"

"None."

She nodded. "I wouldn't worry about it. It probably wasn't that important anyway."

"Yes it was. I read the first half. It was her feelings, thoughts, I liked reading them. I want to read the rest of it."

Mel turned around and opened her mouth to tell Janice that she somehow knew how it ended, but nothing came out. She turned back around.

Janice looked up. "I hate not knowing, you know."

"I do." She popped the bowels into the microwave and leaned back against the counter.

"Big kitchen, Mel." She looked over at the woman to see she had her eyes closed. "Mel."

"Hmm?" She opened them and looked at Janice. "What?"

"I said you had a big kitchen."

Mel looked around. "Not too big."

"Just right, huh."

"Yeah." She scratched her ear.

The mic dinged and Mel pulled out the two bowels, and set them down at the table Janice was sitting at. "Here."

"Stew."

"You don't like it."

"I do. Just something weird about it."

Mel looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, never mind." She started eating her food.

Mel raised a brow and Janice looked up. She smiled. "I like that."

"What?"

"When you do that eye brow thing."

Mel tilted her head.

"You know, raise your brow. Just one. Its neat."

"You feeling okay?"

"Yes." She jumped. "Mel."

"What?"

"Remember when I said that I had been having dreams and things like that of them?"

"Yeah."

"Well in one or maybe more, Xena does that exact thing with her brow. She raises it whenever she tries to be mean, or get Gabrielle to mind. You look just like her when you do."

"Uh huh. Have you gone loopy?"

"No, I'm just in a good mood." She crinkled her nose.

Mel smiled as Janice looked up. "You do the same thing."

"Huh?"

"In my dreams, Gabrielle did that with her nose."

"This is weird."

"Yes it is."

Janice finished her stew and looked up at Mel. She looked down at her plate. "You haven't touched a thing."

"I'm not that hungry." She pushed it forward and before Janice had a chance to speak, she said, "Go ahead and eat mine."

Janice's jaw dropped. "How did you know that I would ask that?"

Mel smiled. "Lucky guess." She watched Janice finish off her bowel and stood. "I'm going to go to bed. It's getting late."

"I'm a bit tired myself." She yawned.

***
A creak was heard as someone walked down the stairs. She moved through the darkness towards the family room. Moving about, she saw what she was looking for and picked up her hat.

The light came on in the room. She turned quickly and saw Mel standing by the wall. "I uh...well...my hat."

"It's okay. I came down to get a drink and I heard some noise. Didn't mean to scare you. What are you doing up so late?"

"My hat."

"Your hat."

Janice turned it over and pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to Mel.

Mel took it and unfolded it then began to read:

I had a dream last night. One of several. I can't talk to her, she wouldn't understand. She'd just think I was crazy. Maybe I am.

The dream started out normal. We were riding to Poteidaia when an Amazon rode up to us with a message. The message told us to get to the Amazon village as soon as possible. I read further and it was signed by Ephiny.

I looked up at the rider and asked her what this was. She told me that there was a problem and that the regent needed us to help.

We agreed and headed towards Amazonia.

Took us a day and a half but we made it. I went straight to Ephiny when we got there. She explained that there was a man that was set on attacking the Amazon village at dawn. I asked her what the big deal was, surely the Amazons can defend themselves. She nodded and frowned.

Shaking her head she told me that it wasn't that simple.

Mel looked up. "What is this?"

"I was hoping you would know. I found it after you left. Same as Xena's scroll, torn in half. I can't find the other half to either of them."

"Who wrote this one?"

"I don't know. It doesn't say and it doesn't give a name or description of anything."

Mel read it over again. "It's strange."

"Why?"

"Both were but off before information was told. Could it be that whoever tore them didn't want anyone to know what happened."

"Could be." She grabbed the scroll half and put it back in her hat. "I think its Gabrielle's."

"Why do you think that?"

"I don't know. It could be Xena's, its just that we only found one scroll that Xena had written in. It could be either of theirs. We'll never know unless we find the rest." She clutched her hand to her side and started for the stairs.

"Janice."

"Hmm." She turned around.

"That scroll that we had found. The one that belonged to Xena."

"Yeah."

"I read it over again and....I know this is going to sound strange." She stepped forward.

"Try me. After everything that's happened. What could be strange?"

"I seem to know what...I mean how the scroll ends."

She had Janice's attention now. "You know what it says?"

"Yes."

"Tell me."

"I wrote it down. It might be easier for you to read it then if I spoke it." She returned to the room and searched around in a drawer. She pulled out a scroll. "Here."

She's oblivious to how I feel. I understand her love of writing. Helps you express in words what you can't say.

She doesn't know I'm writing this. I don't even know if she's aware that I can read. I laugh at the thought. Of course she knows I can.

She moves but doesn't wake. I hold my breath till I hear the soft snoring again. I continue.

She has been with me for two years now.

For now, I'm here writing the thoughts of my head and heart. For no one in particular, just to clear things up. I love her with all my being and nothing will ever change that. Nothing.

In time I will grow to learn how to share that love, but for now I'll stay. I have come up with a plan to figure things out. Perhaps that's why I have written. Here it is.

Janice looked up. "And your ending?"

"Right here." She handed her a notepad.

I will devise a plan to tell without revealing too much, what she feels. Use what I know to get what I want. Or not.

Hopefully she doesn't realize what I'm doing.

I'll arrange a bath for her. Filled with bath oils like she likes. Make sure I have plenty of Lavender soap. I'll ask her if she wants me help her wash her back.

I stop. I need to stop imagining what will never be.

Xena

"So they were lovers?"

"No. No I don't think so." She took the items back.

"Then what?"

"I think they wanted to be. The scrolls of each tell us that. But I don't think they ever did."

"Bummer."

"Something must of happened that made them lose their chance."

"I had went into the tent to take a nap, I had a dream."

"What was it about?"

"I wrote it down. I'll go get it." It didn't take her long and she soon came down and handed Mel a piece of paper. "Here read this. It's word for word. I wrote down the actions too."

Mel looked down at the paper and began to read:

"Stop it."

"What?"

"This, protecting me like a mother hen. I have a mother already."

"Gabrielle don't start this with me now. I've made my decision."

"You need to realize that I do things to protect you for a reason. My intent isn't to leave you behind."

"Funny, because that's always what you end up doing." She pulled her arm and walked away.

She didn't get far. Xena stepped in front of her, blocking her from the door.

"We need to stop this. I hate fighting with you."

"Then stop being selfish." She regretted it as it came out. "Look I didn't mean..."

"If you think I'm selfish for wanting to keep you safe then so be it. But I do care and I am trying." She walked out the door. Her hand was grabbed by Gabrielle.

"Xena, please look at me." She waited. "Please." She saw Xena turned her head in her direction. "I'm sorry for always doubting your reasons for...everything. I know you know what you are doing. It just hurts that you don't have enough trust in me to let me help you out once in a while."

"Gabrielle." She stopped.

"Forgive me."

"If you forgive me first."

"Agreed." She pulled Xena into a hug.

She looked up at Janice. "What is this?"

"I don't know. I thought it might be of use so I wrote it down." She smiled and looked at the floor.

"I had dreams too Janice."

"I bet you wrote them down too."

She nodded.

"This is great." She was handed the notebook again and was showed to the page. She looked down at the words and began to read:

"You won't forget me will you? No matter what?"

"Never."

"I'm sorry things happened this way. There was so much I wanted to share with you, to tell you."

"How bout now. Tell me."

"She promised."

"I know. She's sorry. She told me not to tell you. She'll be back."

"No." She ran ahead. "No she won't."

"Xena, what are you saying?"

"She won't be back, Ephiny. Where did she go?"

"I don't know."

"We need to find her quickly."

"I'll start a scouting party." She ran off.

Xena looked out into the distance. "Oh Gabrielle. Why can't you ever listen to me?" She dropped to her knees and was silent.

Janice looked up. "This is strange."

"Maybe this is why they weren't able to get together. Because of some fight or attack that happened. We need to find out who wrote the scroll. Xena seemed to know that something was wrong maybe it was her who wrote it and had the dreams."

"Sounds logical. Let me think."

"Lets stop this discussion and continue in the morning. Sound good to you."

"I don't think that I can sleep after this. No." She shook her head. She looked over at Mel. "You know, I wonder what it was like with those two."

"What do you mean?"

"You know. Going each day loving each other and not saying a word."

"Yeah." Mel looked down at the floor. "Well if your not tired, what do we do?"

"Don't know. What is there to do in this little place?"

Mel raised a brow. "Just a little town. There is a small bit of forest behind us though."

"What's in the forest?"

"It leads to the lake."

"Lake. Lets go." She walked out of the room and pulled Mel along with her.

***
"Wouldn't believe it would be so warm."

"Lot cooler here then back at the dig sight."

"The water is warm. Maybe its heated somehow."

"You never came here before?" She turned to Mel.

"I have. Just never at this time of year. Always in the summer." She smiled and disappeared under the water.

"Mel. Mel. Where are you?" Janice looked around. She felt the water stir by her legs. "Mel. Mel." She looked around and was launched through the air backwards and hit the water.

When she came up she could see Mel laughing at her. "And what was that?"

"I was curious."

"Ah. Didn't think you had it in you."

"What in me?"

"I thought you were weak when I first met you."

"And now?" She swam closer.

"Your stronger than I thought."

"Being with Xena that one time musta gotten to me."

"I guess so."

"But it was fun right."

"Yeah. Where did you see that done?"

"I don't know. I went under and just did it."

"Hmm."

"What?"

"I think you got more of Xena in you then you thought."

"What are you talking about?"

"The scroll I read. There was one more. The sixth scroll. You didn't read it. It was about Gabrielle, Joxer and Xena. They were having a relaxing day I guess, taking a swim. Gabrielle had written it. Anyway, Gabrielle was swimming and looked around for Xena. She couldn't see her anywhere. She was shot out of the water just like you did to me."

"Weird."

"Just a bit."

"I didn't know. I just got a picture in my head and went with it."

"Right now. What is on your mind?"

"I don...."

"No, just close your eyes and think."

Mel closed her eyes and instantly saw images. Xena, Gabrielle, Ares. She opened her eyes
quickly and looked at Janice. "Can we do this some other time?"

"Why what did you see?"

"Nothing just..." She moved to get out of the water, but Janice pulled her arm back. "Janice."

"Tell me."

"I told you its nothing."

"No, you don't get scared for nothing, now tell me."

"Let me go."

"No."

"You know I can just throw you away."

"Oh?"

Mel widened her eyes. "I didn't mean to say that. I don't know where it came from."

"Its her. She's trying to get back."

"But she...."

"Let her. Don't fight it."

Mel pulled her arm away from Janice and went under the water.

Janice got out and sat on a rock, waiting. She didn't want to get in the middle of this.

Mel didn't come up for some time, and Janice was starting to get worried.

"Mel." She leaned forward the water looking.

A hand came out of the water and pulled her in, head first. She let out a scream and fell in.

When she came up, she looked around and didn't see Mel anywhere. "Mel." She walked away from the water and leaned against a tree. "Mel. I'm going back." She didn't move.

"Shh, just relax and feel the breeze," said a voice in her ear.

She turned but didn't see anyone.

"Janice."

She looked all around her but didn't see a thing.

"Janice."

"Mel this isn't funny."

There was a low chuckle coming behind her. She turned but didn't see anyone. "Mel."

"Gabrielle."

Janice jumped at the name. "Mel."

"Gabrielle."

"Xena."

The voice stopped.

Janice looked around her and started to panic just a little. "I'm leaving." She turned and started walking back to the house, when she felt a hand at her shoulder. She turned to see Mel. "What the hell was all that?"

"All what?"

"You calling my name and Gabrielle's."

"I didn't I...."

"I heard you. I'm not in the mood for practical jokes Mel."

"Janice." She looked hurt.

Janice calmed down a bit. "You mean you didn't."

"No. I was pulled under the water and just came up. What happened?"

"Nothing. Let's just go back to the house."

Mel nodded and walked through the darkness. Janice turned around and looked at the lake again, then followed.

***
Janice walked slowly down the steps. Reaching the bottom, she could see Mel sitting in by the fire. Her eyes were closed and her head was leaned back against the couch. She was sitting on the floor up against the side of the couch. She looked asleep.

Walking closer she tried to figure out if she was indeed asleep or just relaxing. "Mel." No answer. "Mel."

Mel opened her eyes and looked over at her. "Hmm."

"You okay?"

"Fine, why?"

"Just asking." She walked into the room. "Were you sleeping?"

"No." She turned to the fire again. "I was just......." She took a breath. "Just relaxing, I guess." She smiled.

"Oh. I'll leave you alone then." She turned to walk out.

"Do you think it's possible for them....well." She stopped.

Janice stopped walking and turned around. "Them who?"

"Xena and Gabrielle."

"What about them?"

"Could she come back? Like she did before."

"Very unlikely. You haven't touched the chakram. That's what brought her back last time." She was in the room now.

"It's just that lately....I've felt...I don't know." She looked up. "Different."

"Different. How?"

"Like for starters my attitude. You yourself said that it had changed. I thought that it was the weather down there but now I don't know."

"What else?"

"My senses. They seemed to pick up or...I don't know."

"I don't get what your saying."

"Okay, before I could hear normal right."

"Right."

"Now, I can hear...more....all these different sounds that I never heard before. And my eye sight. How do you explain that? I went my whole life with glasses, suddenly I don't need them anymore. I don't think so."

Janice sat down. "Your right."

"This whole thing is strange. What about you? You have any problems."

"No." She thought. "Although I have had different ideas in my head now and then."

"Like?"

"Stories."

"Stories?"

"Yeah different stories."

"Well Gabrielle was a bard."

"Yeah I know." She scratched her head. "You don't think they are trying to come back do you?"

"Honestly, I don't know what to think." Mel stood up and sat down next to Janice. "There is one thing that is strange."

"What?"

"I feel strangely close to you. Like I've known you longer than I have."

"I've felt that way lately too. I just ignored it." She looked up to see Mel's eyes closed. "What is it?" No answer. "Mel."

"Shh."

Janice waited till she opened her eyes again. "What was it?"

"Them again. The dreams have intensified."

"I know. I haven't slept well."

Mel noticed the bags under her eyes. "Perhaps you should try to take a nap."

"Why? They'll just return."

"What kind of dreams are they?"

"Bad."

"Care to add to that."

"I dream of death. Of Xena's death. It's as if I'm living it. I feel the loss, I feel Gabrielle's pain."

"That's because you are part of her."

"No, that's not it." She stood. "It's more then that. I don't know how to explain it to you. It's as if I've lived these dreams before, as if I was her." She looked at Mel. "Have you dreamed of Xena?"

"Yes."

"Do you remember what she looked like?"

"Yes."

"You're aware that you look like her aren't you."

"Yes."

Janice nodded and moved farther away.

"Janice."

"Hmm."

"You look like Gabrielle you know."

"I do."

"So what is this. What does this mean?"

"I don't know." Janice closed her eyes. "I need to get out of here." She looked up at Mel. "Away from you. Just for a minute."

"Why?"

"I don't know. There is thoughts and images in my head that I don't care to share." She blushed.

Mel raised her eye brow and smirked. "Oh."

"Yeah."

"And why am I a problem?" She stepped closer.

"Mel, just don't."

"Don't what?" Even closer.

Janice closed her eyes. "I can't."

"You're not the only one feeling out of place. I too feel what she feels, or has felt. And right now you had better leave, before she comes back."

"What?"

"She has come back Janice. Many times." She moved closer.

Janice turned to walk out when Mel grabbed her arm and pulled her back against her. She bent and whispered in her ear. "You know what I think."

"What?" She closed her eyes.

"I think you are beautiful."

"Mel!"

"No."

Janice opened her eyes and tried to pull away. The arms held her tight. "Then if you aren't Mel, who are you?"

"I don't think I need an introduction."

Her low voice, and the warm breath on her ear made Janice shiver. "Xena."

"Mmm." A hand raised higher.

"No." She pulled away and out of the grip. She turned around. "No, I'm not Gabrielle."

Xena moved closer. "Yes you are, you just don't know it yet."

A burst of emotion hit Janice like a wall. She closed her eyes and felt a tear run down her cheek. She soon felt soft fingers brushing it away. When she opened her eyes, she looked up to see the most amazing blue ever. "I'm not." Her eyes trailed down to her lips.

Xena smiled and moved away. She turned and walked away, through a door.

Janice woke with a jump. "What the..wh.." She wiped her forehead and looked around. She was in her room. No Xena, or Mel. She let out a sigh of relief and sank back into the covers. Closing her eyes, she tried to get back to sleep.

***
The next morning, Janice came down and found Mel in the kitchen, cooking. "You know. With your money and this house. You could hire a maid or cook to do that for you."

Mel turned and smiled. "I like doing it. I don't think I could get used to having someone wait on me hand and foot."

"Well I guess that sounds fair. You probably wouldn't get any space to yourself."

"No. Daddy had a few on staff when I was growing up. I sent them away. I don't need them." She looked at Janice. "If I need anything, I've got you."

"Hey, I'm no maid. I can hardly pick up after myself."

They shared a laugh.

"So what are you making?"

"Eggs, bacon, sausage, and french toast."

"Mmm, sounds good." She moved closer. "Need any help?"

"I've got it all about done, so just grab a plate and dig in." She smiled and returned to the food.

They ate in silence and cleaned the dishes. Janice surprised herself when she offered to help clean up.

***
"Gabrielle, get back here."

"No, if all I am is a useless tag along, then fine, I'll leave." She kept walking.

"This is silly. Come on."

Gabrielle stopped and turned. "Give me one good reason. Why should I stay?"

"Because......because I need you."

"For what? To pick up and cook."

"No, for company. As a friend."

Gabrielle's green eyes softened a bit. "And?"

"And. What else do you want me to say?"

Gabrielle turned and started walking again.

"Okay. You're my best friend. You make me laugh. You help me through my dark past. I...I...can't go alone without you. I love you."

Gabrielle stopped. "Mean it?"

"Yes."

"Good." She turned and walked back to Xena. "Just because I'm coming back, doesn't mean that I'm not still mad at you."

Xena smiled as she watched the young woman walk away and turned to follow.

***
Janice met Mel outside. "Mel, how many scrolls did we have again?"

"I don't know, six. I think. Why?"

"I have this strange feeling that we're missing one."

"Hmm. I don't know."

"Do you feel that? That something isn't right."

"Yes but...."

"Then help me."

"How?"

"Come look for it with me."

"Where?"

"I don't know." She looked around.

Just then an idea came to Mel. "Hey Janice."

"Hmm."

"I think I can help you."

Janice ran over to her. "How?"

"Back at the dig, I had a dream. I was at a waterfall, when I fell through the rock. I fell into a dark tunnel and at the end was a room. A huge room. I saw a shelf with...I can't remember how many, but it had scrolls on it, a sword, and something else. I don't know. Can you make anything out of that?"

"Let me think. A dark tunnel, cave. A room of the cave with a shelf. Waterfall. Hmm. Waterfall. That might be a problem. Know of any waterfalls around here?"

"No."

"There was one back at the dig."

"We're not flying back there are we?"

"What choice have we got?"

"Lets check around here first. There might be a waterfall. I can't be sure about that. I haven't been everywhere around here."

***
Three hours later, their search was still on. They had found no waterfalls, not even a small waterfall. They did however find a small pond.

"Where did they live?" asked Janice.

"I don't know, Greece." Mel shrugged.

"Too far away."

"Maybe we missed something in the scrolls."

"No. We looked over each of them a dozen times." She scratched her chin. "I don't know. Lets go back and get some rest. Then maybe we can try again." They headed for the house.

***
"Okay, here they are but I don't see anything different. Nothing we haven't seen or read before." She handed them to Mel.

"Well what else do you suggest? That we go all the way back to the dig?"

"Well, no, but if you had a dream, what else can we do. We need to find something."

"Okay."

"Did it look like the waterfall you were in before?"

"The one at the dig yes but............"

"Then, Mel. We need to go back. Pack your bags and lets get out of here."

"Janice, what do you hope to accomplish? What if we get there and the cave isn't...then what?"

"Lets just get there and find out." She smiled. "Please Mel, I need to do this. I need to find out what is in those other scrolls. The sword.." She paused. "Her staff."

Mel looked at her. "Something you aren't telling me?"

"No."

Mel rose a brow. "Janice."

"I had a dream again. She had come back."

"She as in?"

"Xena."

Mel nodded. "Lets go."

***
"Oh gods this heat." Janice wiped her brow. "Mel, give me that water bottle will ya. Thanks." She took a big drink.

"Okay lets get to the cave and get out."

They walked to the forest and then to the small lake.

"This is?"

"Yes."

"Where is the cave?"

"Other side of the waterfall. Janice."

"What?"

"If there is a cave and we find things, what then. Are they coming back?"

"Lets just see okay." She looked back at the water. "We can't go around. We'll need to go through the water." She started to take off her shirt, underneath was a small undershirt. Her pants followed and soon she was in her underwear. "Okay." She turned to Mel. "Come on."

"Janice. In the middle of...." She looked around.

"No one is around and if they are, give them a show." She smiled.

"Janice!"

"Okay okay. Sorry. Wanna do this or not?"

"Yes."

"Then strip. Or do you want to walk through this heavy water and manage to climb out in heavy clothes."

"No, I don't." She took a breath and slipped off her dress.

"Mel."

"What?"

"No bra."

Mel looked down. "Yeah so." She laughed. "Look we were in a hurry, I sorta forgot." She covered herself with her arms. "Lets just get in and get out." She grabbed Janice's shirt. "I'm taking this." She slipped it over her head.

They dived in and swam to the waterfall. Reaching it, they climbed out and climbed up onto the
rock.

"Where Mel?"

"Around back."

They moved along the rock just like in Mel's dream. Everything was exactly how she had seen it before. Moving back, they still hadn't found a thing.

"Mel it isn't here." Janice searched around the ground.

"I told you it was just a dream."

(Crack)

The ground gave way, sending them crashing down. Hitting bottom, they both grunted as the air was knocked out.

Janice rolled over and shook her head. "Mel."

"I'm here."

Janice turned around in the darkness. "Is this how it was?"

"Yes."

"Where to?"

"I don't know. In my dream a figure appeared. Pretty slim chance of that happening. But when it did, I was facing this way, the way we are. I just kept crawling and soon I came to the room." She started crawling. "Come on Janice."

They crawled, and crawled, and crawled. It seemed like they had crawled forever. Both were tired and stopped to take a rest.

Janice leaned against some wall and closed her eyes. No need because of the darkness, but she did anyway. She relaxed and tried to sleep.

"Janice. Come on, lets keep going."

"Mel, there is nothing down here."

"Well, the way I look at it, we can't go back, we can't stay here, so the only thing is to go forward. Right."

"I guess so." Janice started to crawl again.

After crawling for half an hour, they had come to a light. There seemed to be some sort of door and the light was shining from under it.

Mel reached up for the handle and pulled it open.

They dropped their jaws when they saw it. Just like Mel had seen it in the dream. The big room, the hole in the top, shelf, but one thing was added. A small heated pool. They could tell it was heated, steam rose from it.

They stood and while Janice walked to the pool, Mel walked to the shelf.

There were four scrolls on it, a water skin, a few animal pelts, and a bag. She ran her hands along the scrolls and smiled. They were real. Stepping forward, her foot hit against something. Looking down she saw a sword. It was dusty but in good condition. The handle was black with gold coloring. Stones ran along the handle and top of the blade. The blade was nicked and banged and seemed to have been used quite a bit.

Mel felt Janice come up behind her and picked up the sword. "Janice look. Her sword."

"How do you know?"

Mel smiled. "I just do." She ran her hand along the blade. This time no blood was drawn.

"Well look what I found."

Mel turned to see Janice holding a staff. "Hers?"

"Yes, I'm sure of it."

They both smiled and looked at their weapon. Then they turned back to the shelf.

Janice pulled one of the scrolls down.

"Janice this was hers."

Janice looked up to see Mel holding a small bag. She reached out and grabbed it. "Thanks."

Mel grabbed a scroll and opened it up:

For as long as we have known, the fates control out destiny, and even though we can't fight against what has to be, sometimes they mess up.

For us it was exactly that.

Never had I known or felt such love as I did when I was with her. She held me, protected me, and sheltered me from the rain and storm. I knew I could count on her for any reason at all.

I remember when I first met her.

Standing in her dirty white shift, I thought I was imagining her. She looked to perfect to be real. She smiled and leaped into action, fighting off our attackers. Our attackers. She didn't even know who we were and she saved us. I had heard stories about her but none compared to the real thing.

I loved her that first moment and ever since then my love has grown. Deeper and deeper each day it seems. I'm scared of the day when those feelings will burst out. I will tell her how I feel someday and I hope she acts kindly. If she doesn't return those feelings, I hope she doesn't hate me and send me home. I couldn't bear not being able to see her face, hear her voice, or feel her warmth ever again.

I don't know how I ever managed to get through life without her. With all the hardships we have been through and suffered, we have only grown closer because of them.

Someday I'll gather enough courage and tell her but for now I leave my thoughts on this scroll for whoever will find them.

Take care all of those who have ever loved someone as much as I love her right now.

*Gabrielle of Poteidaia*

Mel looked up. "Janice, you have to read this. This goes much deeper then any other we have read." She handed it to her and took the one Janice held.

-I see her across the flames, lonely and afraid. She wouldn't admit it but I know. I know she cares, wants to care for someone else. She has had it rough, through her life. It must be hard not knowing what to do or who to trust. Not knowing who is around the corner to make a name for himself by slaying the warrior princess. It makes me hurt because of it. I feel her pain. I see her pain through her eyes. I can read her better than anyone. I know who she is even if she doesn't.

-If I could I'd write a poem. A poem for the one I love. I can't seem to get it right. I've written before, but no words can describe how I feel or what she does to me. She can make me melt at a look, a word, a touch. I love her with all my being and if that means living without telling her, so be it. I know she loves me as I do, but I'm not sure I'm ready to take the first step. It is I who am afraid. I, the Warrior Princess, am afraid of loving too much. Every time I had loved, they were taken away from me. I learned never to get close to anyone. I couldn't help it. I didn't have a choice with her. I just happened. I know what I should do, but I don't know if it is what I should do. If I should risk our friendship.

"Janice, this is two pieces glued together."

"I know." Janice looked up. "This is beautiful."

"I know."

They turned to the shelf and spoke together. "The last scroll." They picked it up and read it:

On the eve of the joining moon, if two souls are ready. The souls will come back to the time they were once before. Memories of the past will follow but the earthly possessions will be hollow. Against the time of the love that was shared. Those two souls will come together again and be one and united as they should be. Beware for nothing comes without a price. Some things must be lost to leave room for the new.

They looked up.

Mel bit her lip. "What does that mean?"

"I think it means that they are coming back through us."

"What happens to us then?"

"I don't know."

Mel grabbed the sword again and twirled it around. Such a simple move but yet it was familiar. She could see out the corner of her eye Janice. She was twirling the staff.

A bolt of light shone through the cave, causing both women to fall backwards.

Mel looked up and saw a figure standing before her. It said one word. 'Thanks'

***
The sky had darkened, warning of the approaching storm.

The two women stood up and looked around.

"Where are we?"

"I don't know."

They looked down at their hands, they held the weapons. Sword and staff.

One looked up. "Xena!"

"Gabrielle!"

Gabrielle rushed forward and knocked her down. "We're back."

"Yes we are." She held her tight. "Thanks to them."

Gabrielle moved up. "Wait. What about them? Where are they? What will happen to them?"

"Shh. One at a time."

"Okay, where are they?"

"Gabrielle." She tapped the young woman's nose. "We are back in our time, they don't even exist yet."

"Oh." She laughed. "What now?"

"Don't know."

"I remember everything."

"Of what?"

"Their thoughts feelings, Xena they helped us."

"Yes I know and I'm grateful."

"Pretty tricky to put that stuff in the cave."

"I didn't."

"Yes you did."

"Gabrielle I didn't put anything in a cave."

"Well if you didn't then who did?"

"Beats me. All I know is that I'm here, you're here and we get a new chance at life."

PART 2

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