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 to follow.

PART 3

***
They rode on through each town, trying to get there as fast as they could. Gabrielle held on fordear life. Every time she felt that she might slip, Xena grabbed her arms and held her tight.

As it got dark they decided it would be best to camp, since traveling at night could be tougherwithout light.

Ephiny set up her things and bed down, in hopes to start fresh and early in the morning.

Gabrielle helped Xena unload the blanket. Their bedroll was hidden under Argo's pack and they didn't have time to unload her. They settled down on the ground and covered up, next to each other as they slept.
 

***
In the morning they started right off the bat, before the dawn had even approached. They couldn't of slept for more then five hours. Gabrielle complained the whole way.

As they rode, Xena looked off into the distance, just staring without looking at anything in particular.

 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 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.

Xena started to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking is all."

"You sure?"

"Yeah." She patted the bards hand and let out a breath.

"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."

"Hmm?"

"What were we... Never mind."

"Xena, you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just a little tired." She felt the arms around her waist tighten and the head fall down across her back. "Why don't you try to sleep. We won't be there for a while yet."

"Promise to not let me fall."

"Oh, I promise. Better yet, why don't you get in front so I can make sure you don't fall off."

"Okay."

They stopped Argo and changed positions. Gabrielle curled up under Xena's chin and fell asleep. Xena looked up at a smiling Ephiny and shrugged her shoulders as they headed off again.
 

***
When she woke, she couldn't see a thing. There was total darkness.

A hand was felt at her arm, making her jump.

"Who..." She was stopped mid sentence by a blinding headache as she sat up. She shook her head and tried again to peer through the darkness. "Who's there?"

"It's me."

"Gabrielle."

"Yes."

"But how is..."

"Shhh." She gathered the warrior into her arms and held her tight.

"Where are we?"

"Cell, somewhere. I don't know."

"Have I been out all day?"

"No, well I don't know. They just brought you in a half hour ago. I don't know how long you were out before that."

"How long have you been here?"

"I don't know. I...well..maybe a week."

Xena swore under her breath. She heard the short breath from Gabrielle. "What is it?"

"Oh, nothing. Nothing. Why?"

"You tensed up."

"No, I'm fine. I just..." She touched the back of Xena's head and felt her wince. "Oooh sorry." She ripped some of her skirt and pressed it against the wound. "How did you get this?"

"I don't know. Probably when I was hit. From behind no less. Cowards." She shook her head. "So how long before day break?"

"What?"

"Daylight Gabrielle? How long. I don't know what time it is. Too dark in here."

It was then that Gabrielle realized that not once since she had gotten here, did Xena look at her. "Xena."

"What?" She heard the slight tremor in Gabrielle's voice. "What is it? You can tell me."

"Xena... It is day light."

"Huh?"

"It's noon. The sun shines brightly through the bars at the window." She felt a tear work its way down her cheek. "You can't see it."

"No." She dropped her head. "I can't."

"Well I'm sure it will come back, just needs some time. A blow to the head...can.."

Xena nodded. "Yeah, sure it will." She laid her head down on Gabrielle's lap and fell asleep.

Xena opened her eyes, unaware that she had fallen asleep. She looked around them and noticed that they were nearing their destination. She could see Ephiny still in front of her leading the way. Argo snorted her comment.

"Yeah, I know girl." She patted the soft fur at the horses neck and shook her head.
 

***
"Come on Gabrielle, wake up."

The girl mumbled but didn't wake up. She only turned more towards Xena, towards the warmth.  "Mmm." She nuzzled the soft skin.

Xena smirked. "We're here. The village."

"The what?" She still didn't get up. The only thing she did do was rise up and plant a big long kiss on Xena's lips. She jumped when she heard cheering. Opening her eyes she looked around to see all the smiling faces of her Amazons. "Uh, hi." She waved and turned red as she hid her head back under Xena's cloak.

"Come on get up." She jumped off of Argo and pulled the queen down.

Ephiny walked up to them. "Well, I see you are awake. Hungry?"

"Yes." She followed Ephiny while Xena took care of Argo.

The barn was cool and dark. She led Argo to an empty stall and started to unload their gear.

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.
 

***
"So Gabrielle, what would you like to eat?"

"I don't know. Surprise me." She sat down to wait for her food.

"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."

--

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 ever 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.

Ephiny walked over to the table Gabrielle was at. "Okay, I've got some ham, some beef, I have some nut..." She looked up and saw that Gabrielle was gone. "...bread."

Xena looked up as the doors opened to see Gabrielle making a fast approach. She stumbled back a bit when Gabrielle threw herself into her with force. She put her arms around the woman she loved when she heard the soft crying.

"Gabrielle, what's wrong?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "I almost lost you."

"What are you talking about?"

"We died and I lost you." She cried even harder. "I love you." She tightened her hold on her.

"Hey, shh. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. You are stuck with me."

Gabrielle cried some more.

"Gabrielle. What is that matter?"

"I was in the food hut waiting to eat when I had a vision."

"A vision? About what?"

"Not exactly a vision. It was something we had already been through and a vision is something that is not or hasn't..."

Xena put a finger to her lips to silence her. "You're rambling."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. Just tell me what you saw."

"I'm not sure. I heard our voices saying...talking about never forgetting each other."

"And?"

"And a scroll I had written."

"What was it about?"

"You, me. Lots of things."

"Where is this scroll?"

"I don't know. I can't seem to find any of my scrolls."

"Hmm."

"Xena."

"Hmm?"

"If you ever have a vision or whatever, you'll tell me right?"

"Right."

"Good." She snuggled in closer to Xena. "Love you."

"Love you too."

Ephiny scratched her head as she stood in the doorway and cleared her throat. "Excuse me."

They turned.

"Sorry Ephiny." Gabrielle walked to her. "I needed to see Xena."

"So I guessed." She smiled and handed Gabrielle the two plates. "I'll talk to you two later." She
left them alone.

Gabrielle looked down at the food. "Lots here. Wanna join me?"

"Unless you figured on eating it all by yourself."

"Hmm that could get tricky." She handed a plate to Xena.

They sat down on a couple bails of hay and ate in silence.
 

***
"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."

"Any luck."

"None. We have set up a party to look for her but nothing has been found."

"Keep looking." She turned and looked out over the hills. "She's out there somewhere."

"Xena. You realize that we may..."

"Ephiny. Please, go."

--

"Xena." Ephiny ran into camp out of breath. "We found something." She held out a piece of clothing.

"Its from her skirt."

"Can you be certain?"

Xena looked up.

"Never mind. So what do you suggest we do?"

"Where was it found?"

"About three miles from here. The scouting party is looking around the area to search for more clues."

"Stay here and rest." She jumped on Argo.

"Where are you going?"

"To get Gabrielle."

"But you don't even know where to look."

"Which direction?"

"But Xe..."

"Which direction? I won't ask again."

"East."

She led Argo away.

Ephiny sat up and looked around her hut before laying back down. She rubbed her temples and tried to figure out what she had just seen. She sat up again and stood up.

Walking outside, she saw Xena walking across the village. "Xena."

Xena stopped and looked her way, waiting for her to run to her. "What?"

"Do you remember anything about the time you had died before?"

"Bits and pieces here. Why?"

"I just dreamed a bit of that."

"Can you remember any of it?"

"Not a lot." She looked at Xena. "Have you been having dreams about it too?"

"Yes."

"Gabrielle?"

"Yes."

Ephiny looked down. "Has to be a reason for it right?"

"I don't know. The gods control our dreams and whatever they have planned is a mystery to me."

Ephiny nodded before turning and walking away.

"Ephiny, you took care of the man who was responsible for our deaths didn't you?"

Ephiny stopped walking but didn't turn around.

"Didn't you?" Xena moved behind her. "Please tell me you did."

"Okay," She turned. "I did."

"Are you lying?"

"Yes."

"Ephiny!"

"Hey, look Xena. Its not easy to go and find someone just like that. Especially when we had no idea where he was. When we got to him, he had already gone. What were we to do?"

Xena turned and walked off. "Don't worry Ephiny. I'll take care of him." Her voice was cold and rough.

Ephiny shuddered as she watched the warrior walk away.
 

***
 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.

Gabrielle sat up with a jump. She had no idea what she had dreamed but knew that it must of been important. She didn't see any problems around her hut so she laid back down.

Xena walked into their hut and looked over to see if Gabrielle was still sleeping. She was. She laid down her bags on the table and took a seat in a chair.

She heard Gabrielle stir and looked over at her. "Xena."

"I'm here Gabrielle."

Gabrielle turned and tried to make out the figure through the shadows. "Where?"

Xena stood and walked to the bed. "Here." She stroked Gabrielle's face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I....would you just lay here with me. I need to hold you."

Xena nodded and laid down, holding onto Gabrielle. "Love you."

"Love you too," came the sleepy reply.

Soon Gabrielle was snoring.
 

***
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.

--

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

"Lavender oil, why?"

Xena rose up to look at Gabrielle, who was sleeping soundly and peacefully. She tried to move but Gabrielle clung closer and held her there.

She laid back down and tried to sleep.
 

***
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."

Gabrielle woke up and looked the Xena who was asleep. She tried to get up but Xena held her down with her body. She smiled and stroked Xena's soft cheek as she kissed it. She laid down and fell back asleep.
 

***
Gabrielle was the first to wake. She stared at Xena's sleeping face and smiled at the way the lips twitched here and there. She bent down and laid a soft kiss to them. They stopped twitching.

Gabrielle moved a bit and saw the covers fall off of Xena's shoulders. She trailed a hand down her arm. The skin was so soft. She remembered the last time she touched Xena like this. A smile came to her face as she lowered and started kisses along her shoulder, down her arm and back up.

Xena made a noise in her sleep but didn't wake up.

Gabrielle covered one of Xena's breasts with a hand.

That was all it took. Xena's eyes opened and she looked up at Gabrielle. "What are you doing?"

"Playing."

"Playing?"

"Yeah. Wanna play?" She laughed.

Xena had to as well. She brought her arms up and rolled them over. She laid down on top of Gabrielle and gave a wicked smile. "Sure. Lets play." She lowered and covered Gabrielle's mouth with hers.
 

***
Ephiny watched Xena twitch and move in her seat. She laughed, not knowing what was wrong with the warrior. "Something the matter Xena?"

"No, why?"

"You seem tense. Like you wanna get out of here."

"No I'm fine."

Gabrielle laughed and noticed the glare from Xena. Ephiny noticed it too.

"Something you want to share?"

"No." She stood and walked out.

Ephiny moved to sit next to Gabrielle. "What's the matter with her?"

She shrugged. "You know warriors."

"Yes I do. They don't squirm in their seats." She tilted her head. "Tell me."

"Xena would kill me."

"Hmm. Okay. I'm going to take a bath. Meet me back here at dinner."

"I'll be here." She laughed as Ephiny left.

As she entered the bathing pools, she saw Xena settling in the water.

"Xena."

She turned. "What?"

"Care to tell me what that was about back there?"

"No." She closed her eyes and sunk lower into the water. Her wince didn't go unnoticed by Ephiny.

"Xena, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine." She sunk to her shoulders and relaxed. "See."

"Mmm hmm." She undressed and slipped into a bath, next to her. "Tell me."

"No."

"Xena."

"No."

"Fine." She settled into the water. She saw Xena turn towards her. It was obvious now that something was wrong. She looked here over for any bruises or cuts, but couldn't see any. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine. Drop it."

And she did.

Until it was time to get out. She watched Xena exit the water, seeing that she always kept her back away from her sight.

Ephiny got out of the water and ran to see her back. Xena moved out of the way, her back to the wall.

"Ephiny let it go."

"Oh no, I'm curious now."

She turned left, Xena moved away. She faked a turn and grabbed Xena's shoulder, spinning her around. She opened her mouth wide, when she saw her back. She had scratches running from her shoulder blades, to her tailbone. They were deep and it looked painful.

"Xena."

"Okay, you got it. Now let me leave."

Ephiny couldn't help but laugh. "Should I tell Gabrielle to cut her nails?"

"Don't bother."

Ephiny grabbed her clothes and dressed as Xena did. She walked to her. "Come with me."

"Why?"

"Those scratches need to get some medicine on them." She led Xena to the healers.
 

***
Gabrielle looked up to see Xena enter her hut. "Xena. Did she find you?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"And I have sticky layers of medicine on my back. It itches."

Gabrielle laughed.

"This is all your fault you know."

"Oh come on Xena. You've had worse."

"A knife wound I can take, a arrow too, but these scratches hurt like Hades."

"Its your fault."

"Mine?"

"If you hadn't of..."

"Never mind."

Gabrielle smiled at her victory. "Don't worry. I don't think you'll have any scars."

"Oh how kind of you." She smiled and sat down.

"Do they feel any better?"

"Yes. The herbs helped."

"Good, then quite complaining."

"Oh, and who's going to make me?"

"Me." She was thrown onto her back by Xena. "What do you think you are doing? We have a meeting with Ephiny."

"She can wait."
 

***
Ephiny saw Gabrielle walk across the village to the food hut. "Gabrielle."

"Don't say one word Ephiny."

"I wasn't."

"Seems Xena has a bit of a problem."

"And what's that?"

"She always has to beat me at everything."

"Oh."

Gabrielle moved to a chair and sat down with a grunt. "I'm not going to walk straight for a week."

Ephiny laughed.

Xena entered the hut and looked at Gabrielle. She started laughing. "Who's laughing now?"

"You." Growled Gabrielle.

Ephiny waited till Xena took a seat. "I've assembled a party to go. About fifty Amazons. Did you want to join us?"

"Yes."

"So do I."

Xena turned to her. "Gabrielle you can't even walk, how are you going to ride a horse."

Gabrielle thought about it. "Oh, your right. Ouch. It's your fault you know."

"I do."

Gabrielle playfully slapped her on the arm. "I'll get you back."

"Don't count on it."

Ephiny interrupted them. "Go get some sleep. We leave at first light."

Gabrielle rose and wobbled out of the hut, fully aware at the laughter coming from the two women as she left.

***
Gabrielle walked around the hut, waiting for Xena to come back with any news. She sat down at the desk and opened up a drawer. There wasn't anything in there so she stood up and walked to their saddlebags. She looked through them. She didn't know what she was looking for but knew she would know when she found it.

Her hand hit against something. Sticking in her hand, she pulled it out to see that it was a scroll.  She smiled as she moved to the bed and unrolled it.

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.

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.

If I could I'd write a poem for her. 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.

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.

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.

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

Gabrielle clutched the scroll to her chest as she felt tears slid down her cheek. She looked up when she saw someone enter the tent. It was Xena.

Xena looked at her and saw the tears. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She sniffed and wiped the tears away.

Xena sat down on the bed next to her. "Tell me."

Gabrielle didn't say a word. She just held out the scroll.

Xena looked down and read it.

"Its beautiful. I never knew that you felt that way."

She looked at it again. "Where did you get this?"

"Saddlebags."

"I forgot it was in there." She looked up at Gabrielle and wiped a tear away with her thumb.  "Don't cry."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Don't apologize for anything."

Ephiny knocked, then walked in. "Sorry, am I interrupting?"

"No, come on in." Gabrielle wiped her tears.

"Xena, we are starting out again later."

"Okay." She turned to Gabrielle. "Feeling any better?"

"Yeah. You go on and catch whoever it is you are catching." She hugged her and watched them walk out.

"You didn't tell her?"

"No, she has enough to deal with. I'm not going to make it worse." She turned to Ephiny and stopped. "If anything happens and we don't come back...."

"I'll arrange someone to take care of her. Take her home or whatever she wants to do."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome." They started walking again.
 

***
Gabrielle woke to the sounds of yelling and horses riding off. She ran to the door and looked out.

She saw a few women run to the gates, including the healer. She turned to look and froze in shock. Running out, she got closer and realized she had seen the truth. Xena was laying over the saddle on Argo.

Gabrielle tried to remember to breathe.

Ephiny saw her. "Someone get her out of here."

"No, I want to see her." She tried to maneuver her way around the women, but was grabbed and led away. "NO! LET ME GO! I WANT TO SEE HER! XENA. XENA. NO, XEEEENNNNAAA!"

Ephiny turned to Eponin. "Just what we need."

Eponin nodded. "How do we handle this?"

"Don't know."

Gabrielle screamed as she woke up. She tried to get her breathing back to normal. Turning on her side, she saw Xena sleeping soundly. She was so exhausted she didn't hear her scream. She smiled and laid back down.

She ran a hand down her face and gasped as she felt cool liquid on her neck. She brought back the blanket and saw that Xena's neck was covered in blood.

"NOOO!" She woke. Looking around she saw that she was in her hut. She looked down at the bed but Xena wasn't there. She laid back down and tried to sleep.
 

***
She woke earlier then usual. It was easy. She hadn't slept all that night.

She walked out and looked for Xena. She spotted Ephiny. "Ephiny. Xena?"

"Food hut." She walked off.

Gabrielle ran into the hut. She saw Xena look up at her quickly.

"Gabrielle, something wrong?"

"No." She sat down next to her and pulled her into a hug. "You wouldn't believe the night I had."

"Why don't you tell me then."

"I dreamed you were dead."

This wasn't what she expected. "Remember any of it?"

"I remember all of it."

"Tell me about it."

"I can't." She looked around the hut, they were the only ones in there. She looked up at Xena's eyes. "You can't go with the party tonight."

"Why not?"

"You won't come back, that's why."

"Gabrielle, you have had a b...."

"Bad night I know." She studied her face. "I'm telling you the truth. Believe me this once. Don't go.  There are plenty of people to go. Why do you have to?"

"I have to. I already promised Ephiny."

"And what about me? I'm not taking a chance of losing you. Not again. Not when I finally got you."

"You're just upset about the dreams. Dreams aren't reality."

"Mine are."

"Gabrielle...."

"No, don't give me any lines about you knowing what you are doing. I'm not in the mood to hear them. I know what I saw and I know what will happen. I'm not going to lose you even if I have to tie you up to make sure you don't go." She felt Xena laugh.

"Are you saying you want to tie me up?"

She didn't smile. "Are you saying that you are staying?"

She looked at her face. She was dead serious. "I'm staying."

Gabrielle threw her arms around her and laid her head down on her chest. "Thank you." She felt Xena nod against her head.
 

***
Xena searched the village for Ephiny, finding her in her own hut. "Ephiny."

"What?" She turned, map in hand. She looked up. "Xena."

"I can't go with you tonight."

"Why not?"

"Gabrielle is upset. She had a dream, in it I died."

"And you aren't going because it will upset her. Xena we need you."

"I'm sorry. Not once has Gabrielle been wrong at something like this. She can dream things that will happen."

"I hope you're right." She set down the map. "We're leaving in an hour. Make up your mind?"

"I did."

"Okay then."

"Be careful Ephiny."

"I will."

They walked out.
 

***
Gabrielle watched the Amazons leave and let out a breath as she felt soft hands at her shoulder.

"What? Afraid I would go anyway?"

"I think so."

"You should know I always keep my word."

"I do." She turned and stared up at Xena. "Marry me."

"What?"

"Marry me soon. Not spring. I can't wait that long."

"Okay. As soon as this whole thing is taken care of. We'll be joined. I promise."

Gabrielle laid her head on Xena's chest. "Forever."

"Forever."

Eponin hated to break this moment but had to. "Xena. Sorry for interrupting. I was told to give this to you." She handed her the paper.

Xena eyed her as she turned and left.

"What is it?" asked Gabrielle.

"I don't know. Eponin."

She turned. "What?"

"Who is it from?"

"Ephiny." She started to walk back. "Don't read it until tomorrow. Promise?"

"I promise." She rolled it and tucked it into her leathers.

Gabrielle looked up at her then down at her chest. "What else you got stored in there?" She reached her hand in and pulled out the dagger. "Oh yes, I remember this."

Xena laughed and grabbed it back. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all." She watched Xena put it back. "I just love watching you put it away, that's all." She smiled.

"Oh. Is that so?"

"Oh yeah."

"Care to watch me put other things away?"

"Glad to. What did you have in mind?"

"Well I sure can't show you here." She led them to their hut.
 

***
Gabrielle woke to the sound of yelling. She rose quickly and dressed. She looked for Xena but didn't see her anywhere.

She walked out and saw everyone running towards a big group. The scouting party.

"Xena." She couldn't see her anywhere. She started to walk towards her when she froze in her tracks. This is exactly how her dream had started. She slowly walked to the group and looked through. She gasped as she saw the litter with a blanket thrown over it.

Xena was there at her side. "Gabrielle, go back to the hut. I'll be there in a minute."

Gabrielle shook her head and moved forward uncovering the body. She held her breath as she saw who it was. Ephiny. She felt for a pulse but there was none. She knew there wouldn't be any.

She felt Xena's arms surround her and she turned. She looked up at her eyes. Xena was crying.  She hid her head in her chest and cried.
 

***
They stood around the fire as they watched Ephiny leave.

There were several dancers dancing around, praying to Artemis to take Ephiny home.

Gabrielle sat on her throne, proud and strong, with Xena by her side. She held the mask in her hands and walked to the fire.

She looked down at the mask, that had once belonged to Ephiny, then threw it into the fire. She felt the tears threatening to fall and held them in check. She didn't want to lose control now. She turned and saw Xena standing behind her.

Xena pulled her into her arms and held her as she cried. "I love you."

"I love you too." She wrapped her hands around Xena's waist as they walked off.

Once inside Gabrielle let it out and Xena just held her. "Never leave me. Not again."

"Never."

"I knew I was telling the truth."

"I know."

"I knew that if you went you would be the one on the pyre."

"I know."

"I'm glad you didn't go."

"So am I."

"I bet that now you will always listen to me."

"Don't go that far."

They laughed weakly.

"Can we go to bed now? I'm exhausted."

"Yes." She led them to the bed and waited as they put their shifts on.

They climbed under the covers and Gabrielle laid down on Xena's chest. The moment she closed her eyes, she was gone. The tension of the day took its toll on her body and she slept soundly.

Xena laid there, holding her love, stroking her hair and humming softly.
 

***
Gabrielle rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she sat up. She couldn't see Xena in the room anywhere. "Xena."

A head popped up from under the bed making her jump. "What are you doing under there?"

"Looking for my dagger. You seen it."

"Last time I saw it it was hidden. Very well I might add."

"Where did you put it?"

"I don't know. I can't think on an empty stomach."

"Gabrielle." She sat on the bed now on all fours.

Gabrielle swallowed the lump in her throat. "Xena."

"Where is it Gabrielle?"

"I told you I don't know."

"Gabrielle come on. I'm tired and I've had a hell of a few days. So come on."

"Okay." She stood and walked across the room. Turning as she reached the dresser, she saw Xena looking at her. "What?" She looked down and realized that she didn't have any clothes on.  "Oh yeah. I forgot." She turned a few times and shook her breasts. "Do you want the dagger?"

"I'm starting to forget it." She came closer.

"Oh." She took a breath when Xena was a foot away. "Perhaps I should make you find it."

"Perhaps I should dunk you in the cold lake."

"Okay okay, I'll give it to you." She pulled it out of the drawer and handed it over.

"Thank you."

"Welcome." She smiled as she realized that Xena hadn't moved even though she had the dagger now. "What do you want?"

"Do I have to tell you?" Her eyes hungry fed upon the bard's naked form. "How do you do it?"

"What?"

"Seduce me without doing a thing."

"Oh. Well I learned from the best." She bent down to scratch her leg. When she raised up, she saw pure lust in the warrior's eyes. "Xena, you okay?"

She yelped as strong arms picked her up and dumped her on the bed.

They heard loud cheering outside.

Xena growled as she rose and walked outside to see what was wrong. Gabrielle joined her a few moments later.

"What is it Xena?"

"I don't know." She walked to the women. "What's all the noise about?" That was when she saw the man with a rope around his hands and a rope around his neck. "You?"

The man looked up as if he'd seen a ghost. "Xena. You're, you're dead."

"Wrong."

"But I saw you."

Gabrielle walked up to them and the man's eyes followed her. "You are too."

"What?" She didn't understand what he was talking about.

"I saw both of your dead bodies. I made sure you were dead before they dropped you off in the woods."

"Well, when you kill someone, make sure they are dead."

They Amazons pulled him away.

Gabrielle turned to Xena. "Was that the man who....."

"Yeah."

She sighed. "At least we won't have to worry about him anymore."

"For now?"

"What?" She looked up at Xena.

Xena laughed. "Just kidding."

"Why you...." she swatted Xena on the stomach.
 

***
The full moon shone brightly down on the village. The Amazons gathered around in a group.

Xena walked down the row to the throne where Gabrielle sat. In that moment Xena knew that she had never looked more beautiful them now. Her hair had been curled and wound up around. She wore a white dress that accented her body. Her breasts were pushed up, showing her cleavage.

Gabrielle looked down at Xena. She wore the same dress as Gabrielle. Her hair was up in a bun with a few strands hanging down that had been curled. She looked breathtaking.

Gabrielle rose from her throne and walked to her. She grabbed her hand and led her up the steps where the village holy woman stood.

The woman smiled at the love she could definitely see in the two women. "Are you ready?"

They turned to each other and then back to the woman nodding.

"Good." The woman looked out over the village. "We have come here tonight to bless this happy union. A union made by the gods. A love that is so pure it makes me smile. I haven't seen two people so committed to each other for a very long time." She turned back to Xena and Gabrielle.  "Now, do you promise to love each other, no matter what may happen, no matter who might try to stop this love from strengthening?"

"We do." They said in unison.

"No turn to your soul mate and tell of your promise to each other."

Gabrielle started first. "I remember seeing you for the first time. Fighting for people you didn't even know. You didn't have to let me follow you but you did. In the years that I traveled with you I've grown to love the woman inside and out. I love your strength, your wisdom, your courage, and everything about you. I love you and nothing will take that love from my heart. I will love you till I die. I promise this to you now and forever. You will never have to worry about my love for you."

Xena wiped a tear from her face and took a breath. "You followed me even when I tried to run you away. You have saved me from my darkness by your love and light. I'll never forget what you have done for me and I will try to make you understand how much you have done for me. I'll always be here for you no matter what. You never have to ask me if I'll love you. I'm telling you now that I will love you until the day I die. I never could imagine how anyone could charge through my barriers. All the barriers I have put up to shield me from the outside. I never let anyone get close to me and when I wasn't looking you did. Hercules unchained my heart and you stole it. I'm telling you now that you will always have it. I'm handing it to you, to break, to hold, to do whatever you want to. Forever."

Gabrielle felt the tears running down her cheeks. "That was beautiful. I love you." She threw herself into Xena's waiting arms and kissed her with all the love that she had in her heart.

"Well then. By the order of this village with the blessing from Artemis, I bless this union and announce you life partners forever."

The crowd cheered.

Xena and Gabrielle walked down from the throne and heard the music start up.

Xena spun Gabrielle around. "I guess you know that this means you belong to me forever."

"I do. And I wouldn't want it any other way."

"I love you."

"I love you more."

Xena laughed.

"I just wished Ephiny was here to see us get joined."

"Oh I think she was." She laid her head down on Gabrielle's head. "She was here."

"That's good. She wanted to see it." Gabrielle lost herself in the music before she remembered things. "Xena."

"Hmm?"

"What was that paper? The one Eponin gave to you."

"I don't know. I never read it."

"Can we?"

"Later." She started in the dance again.
 

***
They woke up late the next day and ate a big breakfast.

Gabrielle made a pig of herself as usual.

"Gabrielle don't you ever get full?"

Gabrielle looked over at Xena with a knowing grin. "Never."

Xena swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. "I see." She pulled the note out from her
leathers. "Look what I have."

"Read it out loud."

Xena cleared her throat and read. "My friends. If you are reading this, then I didn't make it. I'm sorry. I couldn't figure out you two for the longest time. I never could understand how two people where were so completely different find love together. I'm glad you found each other. I'll always remember you and what you have both done to me and the world. Never forget that you will always have a name in this world and a home in this village. I have thought to myself over and over again about how I would ever repay you for what you have done for me. I came up with the answer. I pulled a few strings and it was settled. I've asked Eponin to give this note to you before I went with the scouting party. I knew what would happen but I needed to go. It was meant to be. I will say this to you two. Love each other and spend each day making that love you both have stronger. I love you both and remember to say a prayer of thanks to Artemis. You'll know why."

Gabrielle saw a tear run down her face. "What did she mean by that? The part about Artemis."

"I don't know, but I have a feeling that we will find out soon."

They walked away.
 

***
The next morning Gabrielle woke to see that Xena was gone. She rose and dressed then made her way outside. She was starving and headed towards the food hut.

She sat down and ordered some food. Xena came in and sat next to her. "Hey."

"Morning. How are you feeling?"

"Fine why?"

"Just wondering."

The food came and Gabrielle took in the sight. Suddenly she didn't feel all that good and threw her head down over to the side and let it all out.

Xena rubbed her back with a smile on her face. "Why don't you go get some medicine for that.  The flu is going around here."

"Okay." She looked at her food and shoved it towards Xena. "Enjoy. I don't feel like eating anymore."

Xena smiled and stood. "Want me to go with you?"

"No, I'm fine. Just sit down and eat. I'll be right back." She left and Xena sat back down.
 

***
An hour later Xena heard Gabrielle enter their hut. She turned and smiled. "What's wrong?" She noticed a weird look on Gabrielle's face.

Gabrielle took a few long breaths and tried to figure out how to tell Xena this. She looked up at the warrior and figured the direct approach was in order. "I talked to Elise, the healer. Good news, I don't have the flu. She said I just caught a bug. A big bug and it should go away in nine months."

"What?"

"Xena, I'm pregnant."

THE END

Back to FanFic Index