ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Lady Warrior

by T. Andrews

Copyright: 10/19/2001

Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, Argo and all other characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess, together with the names, titles and are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.

NOTE: All works remain the © copyright of the original author. These may not be republished without the author's consent.

VIOLENCE WARNING/DISCLAIMER: Yep. Not a whole lot though.

SEXUAL DISCLAIMER: This story is Alt-Xena in nature; in other words, it depicts scenes of sex between two mature women. So, for those of you who are under the age of18 or it is illegal in your state or state of mind then please do not continue.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I wanted to try something a little different but I don't want to give anything away. But I hope you enjoy.

Please send any comments (and be nice) to terri.andrews@worldnet.att.net

PART 1

PREFACE

The sounds of swords clashing with wood and metal echoed through the evening. Men screaming and yelling as their lives are being stolen in one fell swoop. Throats slit with daggers. Midsections ripped apart with swords. Hearts pierced by arrows. Quickly, men of the small village were falling to their deaths as their families and friends watched in horror.

In the midst of it all, one lone female warrior sat tall on a black as night colored mare observing and smiling at the very scene before her. She wore black leather pants with silver studs aligning the outer seams. Her black boots came only up to the middle of her legs. She wore a sleeveless black V-neck vest that allowed the top of her breast to be seen. Silver studs aligned the seams of the shoulders and the outer seams of the vest. One lone armband is worn on her upper left arm with patterns of swirls all around. The wristbands she wore had the same pattern. A sword hung in its scabbard on her left side, which signified that she was right-handed. However, the warrior learned how to use the sword with her left as well. A small dagger was attached sideways to her pants in the back and she also had two daggers that was affix to the inside of her boots on the inside of her legs. Her face was partially covered with a deep dark red scarf so that only her medium brown eyes could be seen. She also wore black leather gloves with silver studs. Her hair was of the same color as her eyes, straight and about neck length and ties into a small ponytail. Her skin was that of a light brown complexion and she had a small scar under her right eye.

Gareth, her 1st lieutenant, was approaching her. He watched as she dismounted from her mare. His mouth curved into a seductive smile as he admired her body. She was tall and her body showed a strong muscular physic. She deliberately wore clothing that did now show this strength except in her biceps and only then when she would flex involuntarily.

The warrior saw the seductive smile across Gareth's face and she herself smiled underneath her red mask. Gareth was about an inch taller than she was with short black hair that was nearly trimmed. His face bore no scars or hair as he prided himself on being clean-shaven. For her, Gareth was simply her bed-warmer and nothing more. "They're all assembled, my lady," Gareth said upon reaching her.

The female warrior stood in front of Gareth and without a word, she reached behind his neck and roughly pulled him forward. Her lips met his and her kiss was demanding and forceful. Just as quickly as it started she pulled away leaving him breathless. "Very good, Garth." she said in a low voice. She turned and walked away.

She made her way to the high back chair that was now situated in the middle of the village. Her soldiers located it in one of the buildings. She begins to circle the chair admiring it. It had a dark blue velvety type cushion in the seat, on the back and on the arms. A single emerald stone was embedded on the back of the chair. The warrior removed one of her daggers from her boots and worked the stone from the chair. As she was studying the stone, she heard Gareth walk up behind her. She took a seat in the chair, held up the stone and stated, "See this stone? Beautiful, isn't it. These simpletons have hidden treasures, Gareth. Tell the soldiers to take what they want but Gareth; make sure that they find my possession. I want…it…back." And without a moment's hesitation, Gareth turned on his heels to pass the order on to the warriors. The female sat studying the stone, smiled then slipped it between her breasts.

CHAPTER 1

Xena opened the door and guided a blindfolded Gabrielle to the center of the room. Stopping Gabrielle, she closed the door behind her, stepped behind Gabrielle and slowly removed the blindfold. Gabrielle opened her eyes trying to focus.

"By the Gods, Xena." she whispered.

"Surprised?" Xena asked placing her hands on the bard's shoulders. Speechless, Gabrielle simply nodded her answer as she slowly surveyed the room.

The bed was large and was covered with animal furs. Five large pillows were arranged on the bed with one white and yellow rose, crossing each other, settled in the middle. There was a stand on both sides of the bed with a candle burning. The fireplace illuminated a soft glow to the room and animal furs were on the floor in front of it. To the left of the fireplace was a large tub filled with warm water and had several candles around the edge of it. To the right of Gabrielle was a table for two with a single candle burning.

Slowly and lightly, Xena was rubbing Gabrielle's upper arms and waited for her bard to say something. When Gabrielle put her both hands to her mouth and closed her eyes, Xena lightly pressed herself into her back. Folding her arms around her bard, her love, she whispered, "Happy Anniversary, my love".

Gabrielle turned, facing her wife. With tears in her eyes she asked quietly, "How did you…When did you…?" Xena smiled and leaned in to kiss those lips. It was slow and gentle and it took every ounce of Gabrielle's resolve to pull away. Looking into the beautiful blue eyes of her warrior, she asked again.

"Xena. How…when in Tartarus did you do this? You've been with me all day in town during the festival. When did you get this room and how much did you spend? And…?"

"All right, all right", Xena stated as she quickly cupped Gabrielle's face into her hands and put both thumbs to her wife's lips stopping her in mid-sentence. She led Gabrielle to the bed, sat her down and then sat next to her. Holding her love's hand she began to explain.

"Remember, when I received a message from a friend asking for my help? It was around the third moon of our bonding in Amazonian."

"Yes, I remember. I wanted to go but you insisted that I stay there".

"Well. There was no message. Trycas holds an annual festival in honor of Aphrodite and I thought that it would be a nice anniversary present…from me to you.", she stated kissing the back of Gabrielle's hands.

"You mean…that you came here…to secure a room…for us…that far in advance?"

"Mm hmm." Then looking seriously but loving into Gabrielle's eyes, Xena said, "I wanted us…you to have a special day. So when I got here I came to this particular inn and told Mavis what I wanted to do. She immediately showed me this room and was kind enough to hold it for me." Gabrielle shook her head almost not believing what she was hearing. Her love for Xena grew stronger and deeper at that very moment and a single tear began to fall as she closed her eyes.

Xena scooted close to her, put her hand to Gabrielle's face and gently wiped away the tear then kissed both eyelids. Gabrielle opened her eyes as Xena finished speaking almost in a whisper. "Gabrielle, I wanted…needed…to do something that would show my love for you. I needed to make this day special. My love for you never wavers or falters. I love you. I'm in love with you. Stronger and stronger every day."

"Xena, I love you so much.". Gabrielle began kissing Xena slowly and sensually. After a few moments, both women broke away just to catch their breaths. Still looking into each other eyes as if under a spell, it was Gabrielle who finally broke it.

"Ok. You explained how you got this room. But when did you do all of this?", stroking the furs on the bed.

"Oh, well, I sent a message to Eponin and Solari to meet me here today. They were the ones who set up the rooms.".

"Eponin…and… Solari.".

"Yep".

"They were in on this?"

"Uh huh".

Looking down, Gabrielle smiled at the idea that her two Amazon sisters and friends would take the time to help her warrior make this day unforgettable.

"What?", Xena asked seeing the smile on Gabrielle's face.

"We have good friends, don't we?".

"Yeah, we do." Looking down, Xena was still holding Gabrielle's hands. She brought the left hand up and kissed the back of it then turned it over to kiss the inside. Then she did the same to the right hand. Gabrielle closed her eyes and felt the sensation of her wife's lips. A small sigh escaped her lips as she was trying to control her breathing, her heart beating just a little faster.

Looking up and seeing Gabrielle's closed eyes Xena smiled to herself. She was enjoying the softness of her lover's hands that was caressing her lips. She slowly made her way up Gabrielle's arm until she was sucking lightly unto her neck. She then took Gabrielle's earlobe and was nibbling on it. Gabrielle was completely spellbound with her warriors touch and let a throaty moan.

Xena suddenly stopped all movement and whispered in her ear, "Don't…move."

Gabrielle opened her eyes quickly and saw the smile that Xena gave her. Xena walked over to the chair at the table and retrieved a package. She walked back to the bed, sat back down and put the package into Gabrielle's lap.

Gabrielle was shaking her head as she stated, "Xena? No. The festival, this room… and you…are more than enough. You didn't have to do anything else.".

"Like I said, love. I needed to do something special. So please, open it".

Gabrielle gave Xena a small peck on the lips and opened the package. She stopped, looked at Xena with her mouth slightly open as if she wanted to say something. Instead, she pulled out the garment, stood up, raised the garment up and was simply staring at it with no expression.

It was a silk robe that shined in the light. The color was that of emerald. It was nothing fancy just a simply robe. But Gabrielle just stared at it lightly shaking her head.

Xena stood up and looked at Gabrielle noting the non-expression on her face. "I know that it's not fancy or regal but…the color just reminded me of your eyes so I got it for you.".

She waited for Gabrielle to say something, do something. Gabrielle face broke out into a big grin and then she started to laugh. Xena looked at her bewildered and wondered what was so funny.

"You don't like it." Xena stated in a low whisper. It was more of a statement than a question.

Gabrielle did not here the last comment made by Xena. She turned to Xena, put the robe down and said, "I'll be right back". And with that she abruptly left the room. Xena sat down on the bed, looked at the robe and said in another quiet voice, "She doesn't like it".

Gabrielle came back into the room after only a few moments and saw Xena sitting on the bed with her head down. When Xena looked up at her, Gabrielle could see the hurt in her eyes. Gabrielle stood there for only a moment when she quickly thought of what happened earlier. 'Oh. How could I be so in sensitive? She probably thinks I don't like the robe. Well, wait till she sees this.' With a smile on her face, Gabrielle walked over to Xena and sat next to her.

"Xena, I love the robe. Here, open your present." She settled the package into Xena's lap.

Xena slowly began to unravel the paper. She stopped when she saw the item. A smile broke out on her face as she looked up to Gabrielle. Now she understood what Gabrielle was laughing. Xena stood up, held the garment up and just slowly shook her head.

It was a long silk robe. The robe was the same as Gabrielle's except in sapphire blue. Now it was Xena's turn to laugh. Gabrielle stood next to Xena. "When I saw it, it reminded me of your eyes. I guess we really are soul mates, huh?"

"It looks that way". She put the robe down on the bed and pulled Gabrielle to her. The kiss was sultry and demanding as Xena's tongue began to probe the inside of her lover's mouth savoring the texture. Both women were enjoying the sensations of each other and this time it was Xena who had pulled away.

With a wicked glint in her eye, she said in a low, seductive voice, "Why don't we see…if… our…". She was stopped in mid sentence as she took in to what Gabrielle was already doing.

Gabrielle did not have to wait for the question as she had already began to undress her warrior smiling ever so seductively. 'Oooo…I get to unwrap my second present.'

'Mmmm…I like unwrapping small packages,' Xena thought as she started removing Gabrielle's top.

CHAPTER 2

"AHHHGGG…" the female warrior was screaming at the top of her lungs. She was throwing anything and everything in her tent, as her anger was uncontrollable. She could not believe that she spent all of the time wasted in that village and still came back empty-handed. She wanted her medallion back and was going to get it if she had to kill every single person Greece.

"Those simpletons have no idea how close they all came to death!' She screamed. Instead she opted to tie them up in the stable and burn the village to the ground. But the smell of death was still in her and she had to gratify it.

"GARETH! GARETH! GET IN HERE…NOW!" Gareth entered the tent slowly knowing that with her anger and fury, death was eminent for someone and it sure wasn't going to be him.

Without entering all the way into the tent, Gareth said in a low voice, "What is your request, my lady?"

The warrior spun around and looked at him. What were once beautiful medium brown eyes were now black including the whites of her eyes. Gareth himself recoiled somewhat and had to look down so that he would not waver at her fury.

"Bring me the idiots that stated that we should to that village…NOW!" And with that Gareth bowed slightly and left her tent.

The female sat down on her chair and began to rub her temples.

'You might as well give it up. The longer you are without it, the stronger I get.'

'SHUTUP. I will find it and put you back in place where you belong. I AM IN CONTROL. NOT YOU.'

'No. Without the medallion you are losing control and you will become weaker and weaker.'

'I AM NOT WEAK. YOU ARE. After all, it was I who saved you. REMEMBER.'

'Yes. I remember. But now you trust the medallion to make you strong. It won't last much longer. I will be in control again.'

"No. No. NOOO!" she screamed.

"My lady?" The female looked up trying to focus. She looked at Gareth standing in front of her. "Are you okay? Do you need something?" There was obvious concern in his voice; one she chose to ignore.

Sometime ago, Gareth no longer wished to be just the warriors' bed warmer. He wanted more. He had slowly begun to fall in love with her and wanted her to return it. But deep down he knew that that was not the case and since she has been without the medallion all her focus was just on retrieving it and nothing more. He had no idea what type of spell it had on her but he was willing to get it back just to show her his love. And hopefully, once she had it she would begin to love him.

"Where are they", she spewed as she stood up.

"Outside. They're bound and waiting." She stormed pass Gareth and made her way out of the tent. Gareth simply lowered his head and followed.

The three warriors were all on their knees in the middle of camp, arms tied behind their backs at the wrists. Her entire army had heard their leader screaming earlier and made circle around the three men. Death was in the air.

She entered the circle and slowly strode over to the three. She stopped in front of them and was rolling her head slowly from side to side; her right shoulder twitching slightly as she tried to control the anger that was consuming her. She oh so wanted to thrust her sword in each one of them but needed to get some answers from them first.

'They don't deserve to die.'

'They will.' Then she silenced the voice.

"It seems we have a problem. You three were told to find the boy and my medallion. You were ordered to report back to me when it was accomplish. Is that not correct?" The three men looked up at her, looked at each other then looked to the ground. She waited for an answer her back teeth grinding hard. When there was no answer, she unsheathed her sword quickly and without hesitation, she plunged it deep into the chest into the man on her right. She pushed him off of her sword and he fell backwards…dead before he reached the ground.

"Is that not correct?" she asked again. The two remaining warriors looked at the dead man and answered solemnly, "Yes."

Two soldiers grabbed the dead man's arms and pulled him away. The female handed her sword to Gareth who was standing behind her. As he began to wipe the blood off she started to circle the other two kneeling men.

"Yeesss." Stopping behind the warrior who was originally in the middle, she leaned downed to his ear. "And is it not correct…that YOU…were the one…who reported…to ME…that he was in that village?"

The warrior swallowed hard and barely audible, answered, "Yes, my lady." She immediately grabbed the man's hair, pulled it back and sliced his throat with her dagger that she had retrieved from the back of her pants. She wiped off the blood from her dagger onto the man's tunic and let him slowly fall forward to the ground.

The remaining warrior, who saw out of the corner of his eye his leader slicing the man's throat, closed his eyes tightly. She walked around to the front of the remaining man and watched him for a few moments. His eyes were tightly closed, his breathing was rapid and shallow and sweat was forming on his brow and upper lip. And if she listened very closely she could almost hear his heart beating very rapidly. After a few moments, she leaned down and put the tip of the dagger underneath his chin.

"Then explain to me…why is it…that when I get there…the boy is gone…and you…did not see him leave?" she asked in a semi-controlled voice.

The warrior was a young man no more that 20 winters old. He slowly opened his eyes only to stare into the black ones that was his leader. Not knowing how to answer, he began to stammer. "I…uh…we…uh…" The young man stopped, closed his eyes again and slowly shook his head. The female waited.

'Might as well get this over with and tell her. I'm going to die anyway,' he thought gravely.

Taking a deep breath, he was finally able to control his breathing. He opened his eyes and without so much of a flinch of fear but a knowing look of death he stated in a controlled voice, "My lady. Crissus, Balin, and I had been searching for the boy for days with very little rest. When we finally tracked him to the village, Balin and I kept watched while Crissus reported back to you. You asked why 'we did not see the boy leave?' Simply put my lady…we were tired and fell asleep."

She stared at the young man for a few moments without moving the dagger. After awhile, she began to chuckle softly. "You…fell…asleep. Is that your answer?"

"Yes." he simply answered never taking his eyes off of her. "I have failed you and am ready to accept my fate at your hands."

'You cannot kill him. Look into his eyes. He reminds you of someone,' The voice within stated. The female continued to stare into the eyes of the young man. 'He does. But who?' she asked herself. She slowly lowered her dagger and stood up.

Looking at the two warriors standing behind him, she stated calmly, "Untie him." And then looked back down at the young warrior. The two men looked at each other with surprised faces and then looked back at her.

"NOW!" One of the warriors quickly cut the robes from the wrists of the bound man.

"Stand up." The warrior quickly got to his feet while rubbing his wrists.

As she replaced the dagger to the back of the pants, she said, "I like your honesty, Lynius. The fact that you spoke the truth and were ready to accept your death says a lot. That's why you are not speaking with Hades right now. Therefore, you get a second chance."

The warrior could not believe what he was hearing. A second chance? No one in her army received second chances. No one. If you fouled up and failed her, death was the punishment: pure, plain, simple and quick.

The female could see the confusion in Lynius's eyes. "Don't look so confused, Lynius. You are, as of right now, one of my best trackers. Take the two behind you and find him. GO."

"Yes, my lady. I will not fail you this time." He quickly turned and motioned to the other two to follow. The rest of her army began to disband and return to their tasks.

She watched him from behind. Without thinking she called out, "Lyceus." Everyone stopped in the tracks and looked at her, bewilderment evident on their faces.

'Lyceus? Where did that come from', she thought. Lynius was staring at his leader. "My lady? She was brought back from her thoughts and looked at him. "Lynius." She walked to him until she was nose to nose with him.

"Do not come back here until he is found…Again."

"Yes, my lady."

"And Lynius. You will NOT get a THIRD chance. Understand?"

"Understood, my lady." And with that, all three warriors mounted their horses and set off into the night.

Gareth was standing behind his leader watching the whole scenario, deep in thought. 'Lyceus? I wonder who he is. Someone from her past most likely. Oh, well. At least she hasn't mentioned the other. Good for me though. If she ever found out what…' He was quickly brought back to realty when he felt lips crushing into his.

The female was rubbing her body against his as she growled and moaned into his mouth. As she felt Gareth's member getting hard, she herself was getting wet and her throbbing bud was aching to be touched.

She pulled away from him. Gareth could see that her eyes had changed from black to a smoldering brown. 'Lust', he thought. 'Pure lust. Gods, how I wish she would let me love her.'

The female could tell that Gareth was somewhat lost in his thoughts. But what about, she didn't care. She grabbed his vest and pulled him to her tent.

CHAPTER 3

Xena was slowly washing Gabrielle's back, lost in thought. 'When? When did I fall in love with you? Better question; WHY would YOU fall in love with ME? I'm ex-warlord, Destroyer of Nations. I'm a woman warrior with so much darkness. And a past so horrific that even I have a hard time forgiving myself. Why…?'

"I love you, Xena." Xena was aroused from her thought. Gabrielle turned around to face her lover. She looked at the startled expression on Xena's face.

"Was I talking out loud or something," Xena asked.

Gabrielle smiled and shook her head. "No. I just felt you. I don't know what it was…but I could sense you…questioning…my love for you.

Xena lowered her head not meeting her lover's eyes. " I was…just…thinking…why..."

"Xena, don't. Don't do this." Gabrielle lifted Xena's chin until the warrior was looking into her bard's loving and tender eyes. "Don't ever question my love or why I fell in love with you. Just know that I do. That I will always love you."

Gabrielle brought her lips to Xena's. She began kissing her as if she was trying to erase all doubts from Xena's mind. Xena began to return the kiss as she pulled her lover closer to her. A moan escaped from Gabrielle as Xena worked her way down her neck, cupping one of Gabrielle's breasts, slowly caressing the erect nipple.

"Aaahhhh…Xena", Gabrielle whispered.

Xena worked her way back up to her earlobe and was sucking and nibbling on it. In a low throaty voice, "I need you…Please."

Xena and Gabrielle made their way to the furs in front of the fireplace. Neither one cared about the fact that they were both still wet from the bath. They only cared about how they needed each other. Standing face to face, Xena slowly lowered Gabrielle down to her knees all the while kissing and probing with her tongue. Gabrielle knew that tonight, Xena was going to be in control of the lovemaking and so she allowed herself to give into Xena's passion.

Xena wanted to make this day special for her lover and making love to her was going to be more than that, if possible. As she began to lay Gabrielle down onto her back she felt Gabrielle's body relax. Xena knew then that her lover was giving her complete control.

As Gabrielle lay on her back, Xena pulled back and sat up on her knees in between Gabrielle's legs. Gabrielle looked up at her warrior with passion and need in her eyes. But Xena wasn't looking into her eyes. Instead she was staring and admiring her lover's body. The taut muscles of her abdomen. The firm round breasts. The slender neck. Xena looked deeply into her lover's eyes and could see the need within them. Xena slowly lowered herself back down, supporting her weight with her arms. She lightly brushed her lips and tongue across Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle let out a small sigh; her breathing just a little ragged. Xena then took her wife's mouth into her own and rocked forward, just enough for her breasts too lightly graze against Gabrielle's breasts.

Both women moaned as their breasts made contact causing the nipples to become hard and erect. Xena then took one of Gabrielle's breasts and was gently caressing it as she made her way to her neck, sucking and moaning.

Feeling Xena's mouth on her and her hand kneading her breast was making Gabrielle's head sway. She felt Xena's hand leave her breast and was lightly and gradually rubbing the sides of her breasts, waist and hip. She unconsciously arched her back when Xena's mouth came down onto her breast. "Aaahhh…Xe", unable to complete her comment.

Xena barely heard her, as she was now caught up into her lover's body. The feel, the texture, the softness of Gabrielle was intoxicating to the former warlord. Xena was methodically running her tongue around Gabrielle's breast until she came to the erect nipple. Without hesitation or thought, she quickly but gently took the hardened nipple into her mouth and began sucking on it, a throaty moan leaving her lips.

"Xe…na", Gabrielle whispered. She felt herself getting wetter and wetter by the moment. She began to rock herself into Xena as she found her hands into jet-black hair of her warrior. "Gods."

Xena was also rocking into Gabrielle as she began sucking on the other nipple. She slightly raised herself up so that she could slip her hand onto Gabrielle's mound. Without disconnecting herself from her, she began to gradually rubbing her. Xena separated the folds slowly and was now stoking her sex back to front slightly grazing Gabrielle's engorged clit. "Gods…Gabri…"

As soon as Gabrielle experienced Xena's fingers touching her swollen bud, her hips involuntarily left the floor and suspended for a moment before returning back down. She started rocking and bucking again as Xena continued her ministrations with her fingers, never entering her and only flicking the hard clit.

"Xena, Please. Oh Gods, please," Gabrielle cried as she was uncontrollably writhing beneath her.

Xena carefully slithered her way down to her lover's essence. As she lays flat on her stomach she made contact with her tongue to Gabrielle's clit. A sudden light shock went through both women and all contact stop but for only for a moment. Xena moaning loudly and her mouth began to suck delicately to her lover's hard bud.

"Ohhhh," Gabrielle exclaimed in a slightly raised voice. She started rocking a little harder and faster as her hands clasped and unclasped the furs. "Xena…pleeasse," Gabrielle begged.

When Xena first felt the shock, moans and whimpers were now escaping her. As soon as she heard Gabrielle's please she took two fingers and entered her. She began to move in and out of her slowly. But as Gabrielle rocked faster, Xena found that she had to keep up and started moving her fingers at a fast tempo.

"Oh Gods, yesss." Gabrielle was rocking and writhing faster as Xena entered a third finger into her. Gabrielle was now climbing higher and higher as knew that she was at her limit.

Xena was doing everything in her power to maintain self-control as she was getting wetter and wetter. Gabrielle had no idea that her pleas, her wet sex, and her movement were causing Xena to escalate to the point of no return. She tried to maintain her focus on Gabrielle's satisfaction and release but was finding it more difficult. Still she knew that nothing was going to stop her from pleasing her lover.

As she continued her ministrations she felt Gabrielle beginning to tremble. Xena now began to suck and nip a little hard onto Gabrielle's clit. She stopped moving her fingers in and out but instead she found the soft spot that would bring Gabrielle to her release.

Gabrielle grasped Xena's hair and cried out, "Xena…Ohhh…sweet Gods." She continued to buck harder and faster onto Xena and with on final cry of her lover's name, Gabrielle climaxed sending wave after wave onto Xena's fingers and mouth.

Gabrielle was trying to get her breathing under control as her body slightly jerked with the aftershocks that was coursing through her. Her senses seemed lost for a moment as she tried to figure out what was happening to her. When she finally regained control, she found herself wrapped in strong arm her head on a strong shoulder.

"By the Gods. What was that? It…it felt like…like."

"Love?" Xena asked.

"Yeah, but in its purest form…if that makes sense. I don't know. I can't explain it."

"I can't either but I felt it too. Did you feel as if you disappeared…or felt suspended?"

"Yes. I…I did."

"So did I. I climaxed with you, Gabrielle."

"Really?" Gabrielle asked looking into blue eyes. "That's never happened before."

"I know. I…I felt…light…and lost…at the same time but yet…I kind of knew where I was. When I finally got my senses back I simply crawled up here next to you." Xena tightened her hold onto her lover.

Gabrielle laid her head back down onto Xena's shoulder. "Must have been the shock I felt."

"You felt that too?" Xena asked in a surprised voice.

"Yeah, I did." Gabrielle whispered.

Both women became quiet lost in their thoughts. After a few moments, Xena began to untangle herself from Gabrielle.

"What's wrong?" Gabrielle asked as she watched Xena rise to her feet.

"Nothing. I just thought that we would be more comfortable on the bed. Don't you." Xena reached out her hand, which Gabrielle gladly accepted. Once on her feet, Xena lifted her into her arms. As she was kissing her she strode over to the bed and laid Gabrielle down. Xena then settled herself next to her bard.

In a small whisper and looking deep into green eyes, Xena said, "I love you, my Queen."

"I love you…my warrior," Gabrielle responded just before she took Xena's breast into her mouth eliciting a soft moan from Xena.

CHAPTER 4

The female warrior was abruptly awakened from her sleep. She immediately grabbed her temples and began to massage them. The voice was relentless. She sat up on the side of the pallet and put her head into her hands as she began to rock back and forth.

'I'm getting stronger and will be in control again.'

'No. I won't allow it.'

'You can't stop it.'

"My lady?" The female was startled. She quickly turned around trying to focus.

"Are you all right? Is there something that I can get for you?"

"Gareth, why are you still her?" she snapped.

"I just figured…I mean…I thought that it…would be…"

Turning back around she put her head back into her hands. "Don't think, Gareth. Just leave. Go check on the men. Find out if anyone has returned with a report. GO!"

Gareth got off of the pallet. He pulled on his trousers, grabbed his tunic, vest and boots and made his way to the entrance of the tent. He stopped and turned to look at her.

'Gods, I love you. What I wouldn't do for you. I just wish you would love me back.' He stared at her for a few more moments and then exited the tent.

When she heard him leave she allowed herself to moan out-loud. She then slowly got off of the pallet and stumbled her way to the table located at the back of the tent. Still trying to focus, she began mixing herbs to relieve the throbbing pain. She quickly drunk the entire mugful of medicine and made her way back to the pallet to lie down.

A half hour later, she quickly opened her eyes and looked up to the leather-clad man standing beside her pallet.

"Feeling better?"

"What do you want, Ares?" she asked, closing her eyes and putting her arm over them.

"I want it back!" he growled.

She opened her eyes, her brows knitted together. "Want what back?" she asked. She still had no idea what he was talking about. Ares had been to her on several occasions demanding that she give something back to him. Problem was he wouldn't tell her what IT was. He just assumed that she knew what he was talking about.

"I AM NOT GOING TO PLAY GAMES WITH YOU!" he bellowed. She kept staring at him still trying to figure out what he was talking about. She got off of the pallet and stood in front of him.

Looking at him straight in the eyes, she said calmly "Ares, you have been here more times than I care demanding that I give something…whatever it is…back to you. But you won't tell me what IT is. Since you won't tell me then how am I supposed to know? And as of right now, I really don't care what IT is. The only thing I care about is retrieving my medallion. That's all that matters. Now leave."

She turned away from and walked over to a table aligned with maps of the region. Ares quickly followed her. Grabbing her by the arms he spun her around to him.

"Your medallion? What about what YOU'VE STOLEN FROM ME?" he yelled.
"I HAVEN'T STOLEN ANYTHING FROM YOU ARES! NOW LEAVE!" she yelled back.

Ares stared into her eyes for a few moments as he watched them change from brown to black. The female stared back, not flinching, knowing that at any moment, he could easily toss her across her tent. She waited.

He finally let go of her and backed away. "This is NOT over," he stated as he slowly vanished away.

She stared at the space where he stood confused at why his disappearing act was sluggish. She shook her head and called for Gareth.

CHAPTER 5

Gabrielle gradually opened her eyes as the sunlight coming in through the window welcomed her to a beautiful day. She unconsciously reached for her lover only to find an empty space. She sat up in the bed looking around the room. 'Now, where did she go', she questioned.

She got out of the bed and grabbed her robe. She smiled to herself as she once again admired the robe. When she put the robe on, her mind wandered back to last night. She looked around the room, the furs in front of the fireplace, the tub, the bed and back to the robe.

Then her brows creased as she remembered what Xena said to her. "I needed to do something special."

'Gods, Xena. You did make it special, didn't you? The festival, this room, the robe. You made everything so perfect. And now I need to do something for you. I just don't know what it is yet.' She walked over to the tub. It was already filled with water that was now at a nice temperature for her bath. 'How do you do it?' She smiled, removed her robe and got in.

An hour later, Gabrielle was dressed and standing in front of the mirror brushing her hair when a knock was at the door. "Come in."

The door opened and a woman about 50 winters old walked in with a tray of food. She was slightly shorter than Gabrielle but was plumper. The color of her hair was completely silver and wavy. Because her hair came down to the middle of her back, she wore it as a ponytail. She had beautiful hazel colored eyes. She had a scar about the length of Gabrielle's small finger that ran straight down the side of her face near her left ear. According to Xena, some lowlife did not want to pay for his room. Mavis and the man got into an argument. He pulled out a small dagger and lunged at her face. Mavis was able to move but not before the dagger made contact to her skin causing the scar. She pulled out her own dagger, killed the man and then searched his pockets retrieving several dinars that not only paid for his stay but for her trouble. Xena said from that moment she liked Mavis.

Gabrielle could definitely understand why Xena like her because Gabrielle liked her the first time Xena introduced her to Mavis. Gabrielle reflected on the first day they arrived in Trycas. Xena suggested the she take their things their room while Gabrielle stabled Argo. When Gabrielle finally went into the inn Xena introduced her to the owner, Mavis. Immediately, Mavis wrapped her arms around Gabrielle in a bear hug and had literally picked her up off the ground, swinging her around all the while laughing. When she had set Gabrielle back down, Mavis and Xena were both laughing as Gabrielle was trying to catch her breathe. She could not believe how strong the shorter woman was.

"Any friend of Xena's is a friend of mine. Welcome to mine inn, little bard," she exclaimed.

"Ah. I see you are up, little bard," she stated as she put the tray down onto the table smiling.
"Good morning, Mavis," she said as she walked over to her and the table.

"Good morning to you. Xena said that you would be hungry so I bring you food. We need to put more meat on you. You are to skinny," she said laughing.

Gabrielle laughed right with her. Mavis had a jubilant spirit that couldn't be ignore. "Mavis, do you know where Xena is?"

"No but she asked me to give this to you," as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded parchment, handing it to Gabrielle. "She left just before sunrise. She told me to tell you not to worry. Did you enjoy you bath?"

"Yes, I did. Thank you."

"Ahh…good." She grabbed Gabrielle into a bear hug and kissed her on the cheek. She cupped Gabrielle's face into her hands. "You are good for. Love her," she stated seriously.

"She's good for me, Mavis. I will always love her," Gabrielle said smiling.

"Good. Good. If you need anything, you come see Mavis, little bard. Enjoy." She walked over to the door and opened it.

"I will. Thank you, Mavis."

"No, little bard. Thank you," Mavis responded speaking softly. She smiled at Gabrielle and walked out of the room, closing the door behind.

Gabrielle sat down at the table and unfolded the parchment.

Hello Love,

I'm sorry that I did not get to see your beautiful eyes as you woke this morning. A friend sent a message to me. He asked that I would come to his village that is about five hours from here. The trouble has passed but he needed to talk to me. I won't be long and should be back before sunset. I miss you. Love you.

Your warrior,
Xena

Gabrielle's face broke out into a huge grin. 'My warrior, I love you too.' She re-folded the parchment and set it on the table. Eyeing the food, she suddenly realized that Xena was right. She was hungry.

CHAPTER 6

Gabrielle stepped out of the inn into the bright sunshine. She looked up into the cloudless beautiful blue sky. She had finished her breakfast and since Xena was going to be gone for the day, she figured that she would continue to enjoy the festival and maybe even catch a Sappho reading. And hopefully, she'll be able to find another present for her warrior, too.

The festival honoring Aphrodite was still going strong. The festival usually lasted for 8 sunrises. There was music and dancing day and night. The booths aligned the sides of the road selling anything from food to clothing to jewelry. The only thing that wasn't sold, and only during the festival was weaponry as love, not war, was the theme. Gabrielle walked along the path stopping at different booths trying to decide what else she could get for Xena.

Mavis had mentioned to Gabrielle that Sappho was here at the festival just for the day. Since, it was now midday and after browsing at different items still unable to decide what to get, Gabrielle resolved that she would attend the reading. She figured that she could look for a present later on after the reading.

Gabrielle walked along the path heading towards the building where Sappho is to be. 'I wish you were with me, warrior. I wonder what was so important that your friend had to speak with you about? Then again, you maybe up to something. After all, the last time you said a friend needed you, you ended up here to…'

"Something for your mate?" Gabrielle, startled out of her thoughts, halted her steps. She turned to the voice, looking at the young woman standing behind a booth.

"Were you talking to me?" Gabrielle asked pointing to herself.

"Yes. Would you like something for your mate?" The young woman asked again, smiling.

Gabrielle stared at her as she move headed for the booth. The young woman's hair was reddish-brown, short and straight. Her eyes were the opposite color of brownish-red. She was the same height as Gabrielle but smaller. She wore a simple light green tunic and dark green skirt. She also had a several bracelets on both wrists.

"Yes. I would like…to…" Gabrielle didn't finish her statement as she was drawn to her eyes. Gabrielle gazed into the young woman's soft and tender eyes.

The young woman maintained eye contact with her deliberately and slowly drawing Gabrielle to her. When Gabrielle finally reached the booth, the young woman handed her a bracelet. Gabrielle took the bracelet as the eye contact was finally broken.

Gabrielle began studying the bracelet. It was silver about two fingers wide. Gabrielle looked intently at the design. It was a figure of a chakram with a single white gemstone in the middle. Gabrielle looked back up to the young woman.
"You will give it to her," the young woman stated, smiling. The statement was more of a command than a suggestion.

"Yes. She…she'll love it? How much?"

"It is a gift." The young woman handed her a box and lid.

Gabrielle turned to leave when she thought of something. Turning back around to face her, Gabrielle asked, "Where did you…" She was now looking into an empty booth, as the woman was no longer there.

"Hello? Helllooo?" Gabrielle called out.

An older man stepped from behind a curtain. "Can I help you, miss?"

"Yes. I'm looking for the girl that was just here?"

"Girl, miss?"

"Yes. Reddish-brown hair, brownish-red eyes, about my height. She was just here".

"I'm sorry, miss but I'm the only one running the booth."

"Really?" The man nodded. Gabrielle looked at him for a few moments, confusion evident on her face. "Well, sorry to bother you. Thanks."

Gabrielle turned and started down the road, deep in thought, when she suddenly found herself flat on the ground. She quickly got to her feet and began to brush the dirt off of her. Without looking at the person who knocked her down, she said angrily. "You could say excuse me."

"Maybe, it's you who should say it!"

Gabrielle stopped what she was doing abruptly. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Here she was picking herself up off the group and this rude, obnoxious man was telling her that she should apologize. 'How dare he', she thought angrily.

As she looked up to correct his error she completely froze, fear gripping her as she stared into black eyes. She momentarily looked down and saw something like a black illumination surrounding an object that he was wearing.

"What are you staring at?" he snapped.

Gabrielle looked back up into his eyes unable to move. "Nnnothing…nothing", she stuttered.

The young man looked at her, anger evident on his face. After a few moments, he started walking away, deliberately bumping into her to get by.

Gabrielle stood there tying to calm her rapidly beating heart. She turned to watch him from behind as he was forcefully pushing people out of his way.

"Well, that was rude. Are you okay?" Someone asked.

Gabrielle was still watching the young man as he faded into the crowd. "Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine. It's just that…" Gabrielle stopped in mid-sentence as she turned and stared at the young woman. "Saranen?" she asked in a surprised voice.

"Gabrielle? By the gods, Gabrielle!" Saranen exclaimed as she quickly hugged her. She pulled back from Gabrielle but was still holding onto her arms. "Oh, it's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you too, Saranen. Gods, how long has it been? Four, five?"

"Try almost six."

"Six? Has it been that long?" Saranen simply nodded. "What happened to you, Saranen? You just left no word?" Gabrielle asked with a frown.

"It's a long story, Gabrielle. But what about you? Why are you here in Trycas?"

"Weell. I'm here for my…anniversary." Gabrielle responded somewhat hesitant.

"Anniversary? You're married?"

"Yes."

Saranen slightly shook her head. "I don't believe it. Gabrielle, when we were younger, we both said that we did not want to marry a farmer and become a farmer's wife. And now you're married? Well, where is he? I would love to meet him," Saranen said as she was searching in the crowd.

Gabrielle grabbed Saranen's hands from her arms and held them into hers. "First of all, I'm not a farmer's wife. And second, it's not a him…it's a her." Gabrielle stated calmly.

Saranen's eyebrows rose in a surprise gesture. "A her?" Gabrielle nodded slowly. "You married a woman?" Gabrielle nodded her answer waiting for Saranen's reaction.

Saranen looked away for a moment then looked back at Gabrielle, slowly smiling at her. "Three questions: Do you love her? Does she love you? And…are you happy?

"Yes. Yes. And oh, yes." Gabrielle stated smiling back.

"Well then, we have a lot to talk about. Come on." Saranen wrapped her arm into Gabrielle's leading her away.

CHAPTER 7

Xena had been in the village for about three hours. Valin, an old friend, was able to get a message to her pleading for her help. When she first arrived, she couldn't believe the devastation. At least all of the homes and building were burned to the ground, save one or two, excluding the stables.

She had just finished helping the surviving villages bury their dead and was not sitting on a log with Valin.

"What happened, Valin? Who did this?" Xena asked evenly.

"An army, warrior army. Their leader is after my cousin, Draconus." Valin responded sadly as he once again looked around at the burnt buildings.

"Tell me everything, Valin. Take your time."

Valin took in a slow, deep breath and began.

"My cousin, Draconus arrived here night before last. I could tell something was wrong. He hadn't ate or slept in days. He told me that a warlord was after him and then he showed me this medallion that he was wearing."

"Does this thing belong to this warlord?"

"Yes."

"Draconus, why don't you give it back?"

"Because I can't get it off!"

"What does that mean? All you to do is removed it from around your neck."

"DO YOU THINK I'M STUPID, VALIN! I CAN'T GET THE HADES OF THE THING OFF OF ME!"

"It was weird, Xena. It seemed like as soon as he became angry, that thing began to glow, giving off some sort of black illumination. And then his eyes changed. They became completely black."

"Black?"

"Yeah. Draconus eyes are hazel. But they changed. Becoming black as night even covering most of the white of his eyes."

"Go on Valin."

"Calm down, Draconus. Maybe it's stuck on a piece of cloth or something?"

"Stuck…on a piece…of CLOTH. IT'S NOT STUCK ON A PIECE OF CLOTH, VALIN. THIS THING IS STUCK ON ME!!!"

"Maybe you just need some help. Here let me try."

"I reached for it to help get it off of him. When I touched it, the thing let off some type of lightening bolt. It threw me clear across the room. I was dazed for a few moments and when I was able to focus, Draconus was bent over me. His eyes were back to normal and the medallion was no longer glowing. He told me that when he gets angry, the medallion takes control of him and that he doesn't know how to stop it other than trying hard to get his anger under control. And even then it's becoming more difficult for him to do that. I told him that he could rest here for a few days and that we would help."

"I can't."

"Why?"

"If I stay, the army will tear this village apart. They want me and will do anything to get me."

"We'll protect you."

"You can't, Valin. You just can't. I need to leave."

"Draconus. At least, eat something and stay the night. We'll talk in the morning."

"By the next morning, Draconus was ready to leave. I showed him an escape route that the villagers use for their children whenever we are raided. Later that evening and true enough, the warrior army came. We fought as hard as we could but were no match for them. Most of the men were killed. The rest of us including the women and children were grouped together in the middle of the village with her men surrounding us."

"Her?" Xena asked.

"Yes. The warlord is a female. She approached us asking if we had seen a young boy with a medallion. Draconus kind of grew up in this village even though he didn't live here so everyone knew him. When she described him no one said anything. She grabbed one of our council elders asking him had he seen him. When he didn't answer her…she…she stabbed him. She killed my father, Xena," Valin stated as he broke down in tears.

Xena stared straight ahead her thoughts overcoming her. How many villages had she burnt to the ground? How many fathers had she killed? How many sons had wept for them? After awhile Xena pushed the thoughts away and waited patiently for Valin to continue.

Valin wiped the tears from his face. "I'm sorry, Xena."

"Why?" She questioned as she turned to him.

"For breaking down like that."

"You have ever reason to Valin." Xena put her hand upon his shoulder to comfort him. "Tell me the rest."

"After she killed…my father…she then grabbed one of the young girls, Traska. She forced Traska on her knees and put a knife to her throat."

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"Normally, I don't like asking questions over and over again. But maybe you all didn't hear me the first time. I'm looking for a young man, about 17, 18 winters old. He has short, curly blonde hair. His eyes are hazel. He has a medallion that belongs to me. Where is he? WHERE IS HE?"
*****************************************************************************
"When she pressed the dagger to Track's throat, Traska let out whimpered. I knew then that if she didn't receive some type of answer that she was going to kill Traska…and the rest of us. So I gave her an answer." Valin finished turning to look at Xena as she turned to look at him.

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"Wait. Please, don't hurt her."

"Answer my question and I won't."

"He's not here."

"What do you mean, he's not here. He was here this morning."

"Yes. But he left. He just stopped to ask if we could give him some food and a bed. We've never seen him before but he looked bad. So I took him in. But he left this morning."

*****************************************************************************
"All of sudden, she screamed, turned around and threw the dagger embedding in into a pole. And when she turned back around Xena, it…it was weird. Her eyes…they were medium brown but then they turned black, just like Draconus."

Xena had removed her hand from Valin's shoulder. She knitted her eyebrows together as she tried to fit the pieces together according to the events told to her by Valin. "What else happened Valin."

"She pulled her sword and motioned for one of her men to bring me to her. He placed me on my knees in front of her and she placed the sword on the side of my neck."

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"He left this MORNING!"

"Yes."

"You're lying. My men were watching this village. They didn't see him leave. SO WHERE IS HE!"

"I'm telling the truth. He left this morning. You can check the entire village."

"We did. Unfortunately for you: your life is forfeited, GARETH."

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"She had her men tie us all up. I thought that we were dead, Xena. The look in her and the sound of her voice just made me realized that we all were going to die. When her men finished bonding all of us, I saw her talking to the one she called Gareth. After a few moments, he approached us and told her men to put us all into the stables. Next thing we knew, we began to smell smoke. I was able to free the others and myself but by the time we left the stables, most of the village was burning. There was nothing we could do, Xena. We just watched our homes, businesses, everything burn to the ground. What you see is what's left." Valin put his head into his hands and began sobbing softly.

Xena sat straight, maintaining her stoic expression, thoughts running together. 'Who would do this? Who is the female warlord? Can't be Callisto, she's in that lava pit with Velaska? And there hasn't been another female warlord since her? Unless…'

Turning back to Valin, Xena asked, "Valin, did you hear any of her men call her name?"

Valin lifted his head, thinking. "Yeah, I heard Gareth call her, Lady Warrior, I think."

"Other than that, did you hear her name?"

"No. Her men either addressed her as 'my lady' or 'Lady Warrior'. That's all I heard."

Xena did not want to ask the next question for fear that it may lead to her suspicions. "Valin, can you describe her?"

"Well, like I said earlier, her eyes are medium brown and her hair was of the same color. It was straight, about neck length and it was tied into a ponytail. She was slightly shorter than you. And she was black."

"Black?" Xena asked.

"Yes. I mean she wasn't dark-skinned. In fact, her skin color was more of a light brown complexion."

Xena's eyes narrowed as her suspicions grew. If Valin answered the next question correctly then she will know for sure. "Valin. By any chance, did she have a scar on her face?"

Valin hesitated as he tried to remember. Xena waited hoping that his answer would be a no.

"Yeah. A small one…under her right eye."

Xena closed her eyes. 'It can't be. It just can't be.' She thought.

Valin stared at Xena, as her eyes remained closed, different expressions upon her face. "Xena? Are you ok?"

Xena opened her eyes, her brows creased together. She turned to Valin asking, "Valin, what do you need from me?"

"Protection, Xena. This warlord is intent on getting her medallion back. If she finds Draconus, she'll kill him as sure as you are sitting here. Xena. Please. Find him. Protect him. Don't let her kill him. Please?"

Xena looked into Valin's pleading eyes. She remembered the time where he found her wounded from battle. He bandaged and tended to her wounds, took care of her even though he knew who she was. He never acted like his was afraid. He was the one person during her warlord days that cared about her and hoped that they would be friends. She told him that being her friend would definitely end his life by those who wanted her dead. When she was back to full strength, she told Valin that if he ever needed her to get a message to her and she would help in anyway possible. And now, here it was 6 years later, Valin asking for that help.

Xena stood up with Valin. "Consider it done, my friend." She extended her arm and Valin grabbed it giving her a hearty shake. Xena saw the relief across his face and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Xena." Valin stated.

"Can you show me which way he left the village? Maybe, I can still track him?" Valin had Xena follow him to where he last saw Draconus.

PART 2

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