Walking Through the Woods – by Marista

DISCLAIMER: Xena, Gabrielle and anyone else remotely familiar is property of Universal Studios/MCA. All others are of my own creation. This story takes place during season 3 after the rift. I

Sex: Warnings for explicit sexual content and strong language.

Violence: Mild violence

Subtext: Yes

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Constructive criticism and feedback are always welcome.

____________________________________

The forest was quite thick as Xena and Gabrielle meandered through the trees in search for a clearing and their home for the evening. Dusk would be at the onset in just another two candle-marks. There was still wood to collect, a fire to build and dinner to catch, prepare and cook. Gabrielle looked over at her dark haired companion and thought to herself how life just doesn’t get any better. During those periods where she would grow weary of life on the road she would try to imagine what her life would have been like, if she had remained in Potadia. ‘Perdicus would still be alive, and we would probably have a house with a farm and at least one child’. She shuddered at the thought. ‘Yeah, I’d also still be telling third hand stories and old legends to schoolchildren. Listening to everyone tell me things like get my head out of the clouds as I watch my waistline expand every year. Instead my life is my adventure, my best friend is a legend and I’m an Amazon Queen’.

Gabrielle smiled to herself as she walked closely by Xena and Argo, making sure not to step on any twigs or branches. She knew she would never match the warrior’s stealth, but she always worked hard to be her best. She realized long ago that life on the road, and more specifically life with the Warrior Princess was not a game. One mistake, or misstep could lead to disastrous results. Especially now because there were reports of 3 separate groups of bandits in the area. Not that bandits were any problem for them, but it’s always better to catch them by surprise than to be surprised.

As they crept on silently Xena suddenly jumped off Argo and raised her hand signaling Gabrielle to stop in her tracks. Xena cocked her head and listened as Gabrielle closed her eyes and strained to see if she could pick up the sounds as well. It was very faint, a woman whimpering or something.

"Sounds like someone might be in trouble" Gabrielle whispered.

Xena turned and pointed towards their right and motioned for Gabrielle to stay close. Xena moved ahead for a bit then stopped suddenly in her tracks. The stop was so sudden that Gabrielle walked into her back. Gabrielle moved to the side so she could see what Xena had found. It was the sight of a couple making love in the clearing about 30ft ahead. Xena turned to Gabrielle, smiled slightly, shook her head, then proceed back the way they came. Gabrielle started to follow but turned back again for one more look at the couple. Something caught her eye. As she stared more intently, she realized what was wrong. ‘Those are two… women? Women?!’ her mind exclaimed. ‘Women don’t do that, and how is it even possible unless one of them had a male member. Yes that must be it’ she thought. ‘One of them must be like Ms. Artifice from the Ms. Known World contest. Ms. Artifice, the woman with the penis or was it a man with breasts?’ She never really understood the whole situation although Xena had explained it to her more than once. And so Gabrielle narrowed her search looking for a male member and found none on either woman. As she watched them writhing and moving together her heart started beating faster. She tried to analyze them and see what it was exactly they were doing and then she felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped. Thank the gods she didn’t scream. In watching these two she’d forgotten that she was supposed to be following Xena. Xena glanced over Gabrielle’s head at the couple, and then down to the very red face of her friend. She looked up at Xena sheepishly,

"Sorry" she whispered.

"It’s OK" Xena replied with a smirk, "let’s just get a move on."

As they continued on Xena found an adequate spot near water.

"Ok, this is it. I’m going to go check the perimeter and catch us some dinner."

Gabrielle nodded and replied "Ok".

Gabrielle knew what to do, but she found herself unable to focus since they had spied the couple in the woods. She was replaying the images in her head, her mind swimming with questions. Xena didn’t seem to be surprised, so they must not have been the first women to try to do this with each other. She found herself intrigued and there was another feeling she couldn’t identify.

Xena returned with two plump rabbit carcasses. ‘It will be a good meal tonight’, she thought. As she stepped into the clearing she noted there was no fire, no pile of wood, not even the beginnings of a stone circle for the fire. Nothing had been done, ‘has Gabrielle been standing there staring at the water this whole time?’

"Gabrielle?"

The bard jumped a little as she was startled out of her daydream. "Huh? oh Xena I’m sorry, I don’t know where my mind was."

"Are you feeling OK?"

"Oh yeah, fine, just a little distracted. I’ll set up the camp right now."

Gabrielle trotted to find some stones. She started picking up stones and brought back an arm full and started putting them in a circle. She glanced up and watched Xena kneeling on the ground cutting the skins and innards from the rabbits. She watched the taut muscles in her arm move under her skin. And in that moment she was transported back again, watching the women in the woods. Xena looked up when the girl just knelt there, not moving and seemingly staring into nothingness.

"Gabrielle, are you sure you’re alright?"

This woke the bard out of her reverie and with a jump and she got up again to start collecting wood.

"I’m fine."

Was the response over her shoulder as she walked into the woods to begin wood collection. The meal was eaten in silence, which sent alarm bells off in Xena’s head. They had been forced to travel in silence for most of the day and this usually meant that Gabrielle would be talking non-stop for the night. Usually by this time Xena would be contemplating knocking her over the head with a rock to shut her up and put her to sleep for the night. The warrior was getting concerned now.

"Gabrielle are you sure you’re OK?"

"Yeah, I’m fine I just have a lot on my mind" she said as she stared into the fire, still chewing on a bone.

Xena bit her lip and uttered the unthinkable "Well it might help if you talked about it".

‘I can’t believe I just said that’ she thought to herself.

"No… I… well… yeah… um… OK! Xena, why weren’t you shocked by what we saw this afternoon?"

"We saw something this afternoon?"

Gabrielle just looked at her with the features of her face reflecting her profound puzzlement. "Xena, those two… we saw in the woods."

"What? Two people having sex, why is that shocking?"

"Two people having sex? Xena weren’t you looking? Those were women."

"Yeah, women aren’t people?"

"No, I mean yes, of course they are. But women don’t have sex with each other."

"Sure they do. It happens all the time"

"That’s ridiculous. Women don’t even have all the right parts, how are they able to… why would they…"

"For exactly the same reasons that men and women have sex."

‘Xena seems so at ease about this’, Gabrielle thought.

"So you’ve heard of this type of behavior before?"

"MmmmHmmm".

Now that Xena knew what was on the bard’s mind she decided it was silly. Thus her need to talk left with her concern for the bard’s well being. Xena picked up her sword and whet stone, to begin her nightly sharpening ritual. After a few moments Gabrielle’s expression completely changed as if a light came on.

"Xena, have you ever… I mean umm… did YOU ever… I uh, never mind."

‘OOOhhh this must REALLY be bothering her. I’ve never heard her speechless before, I guess I’d better answer her’. "Yes, Gabrielle – I’ve had male AND female lovers."

Gabrielle just stared at her wide-eyed. ‘Fe? Lov? Fema?’ Gabrielle’s mind began to spin with shock to the point where all she made were little stammering sounds.

"Gabrielle, you want some water or something. You don’t look or sound too good".

Gabrielle turned her eyes outward again and looked at Xena and immediately recognized the hurt there, and the revelation sobered her. She was still in shock, but had no desire to hurt her friend.

"No, I’m fine. I just had no idea" she said with astonishment. And those two words just seemed to echo in the back of her mind… ‘Female lovers… Female lovers… Female lovers…’

"Well Gabrielle, there’s nothing wrong with it."

"I’m not saying there is, I just didn’t have any idea…" her voice trailed off.

Xena got up and grabbed the bedrolls and tossed Gabrielle hers. "Listen it’s getting late and we need an early start in the morning if we’re going to make it to Laconia by nightfall."

"Uh, sure."

"Goodnight."

"Uh, nite Xena."

Gabrielle snuggled into her bedroll. She noted that Xena set her bedroll on the other side of the fire tonight. Xena laid down and appeared to drift right off to sleep. It had been a tough day considered Gabrielle as she lay there looking at the form of her friend through the fire. ‘Female lovers?’ As Gabrielle closed her eyes to sleep, she was haunted by the images she saw earlier that day.

Gabrielle’s thoughts didn’t keep her up for long, but the images were the center of every dream she’d had that night. Except that in a few of the dreams one of the miscellaneous women was replaced with an image of Xena laying naked on the grass with the sunset glistening off of her beautifully tanned skin; another woman in her arms, kissing her. She awoke earlier than her usual, but not as early as Xena. Although the idea of women having sex with each other was becoming less shocking to Gabrielle, she was still disturbed by the intensity and single-mindedness of her dreams.

The fire was going strong, as the warrior had fed it before she left. Gabrielle scanned the campsite. ‘I wonder where she is? Although lying back down was tempting, Gabrielle shook off Morpheus’ spell. Stronger than her need for sleep were her feelings of remorse. ‘I hope she’s not still hurt by my reaction’, Gabrielle thought to herself. ‘The last thing I want to do is offend her, but to find out something like that was even possible… and then to find out my best friend for 3 years has been part of it’.

She stood up and stretched and noted how refreshing it was to get up on her own, without someone silently urging her to hurry. She heard splashing at the lake, although no one was in plain view. She proceeded with last night’s conversation rolling over and over again in her mind. ‘I have got to apologize; I’ve got to talk to her about this’. Her mind wandered slightly in wonderment about how women viewed each other. As she headed towards Xena’s location she began pondering how another woman or even a man would view Xena sexually. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw all of Xena’s clothing laying on a rock near the lake. She’d seen Xena naked dozens of times before, but in her present train of thought… before she could retreat Xena emerged from the water and stood up. The water reaching her taut waistline. The first rays of sunrise shone on her, it was as if her entire body glistened. Gabrielle was mesmerized by the sight and couldn’t take her eyes off of Xena’s body, as she continued her ascent. Gabrielle caught herself after those few seconds and hoped that Xena hadn’t caught her staring.

"Well, you’re up early." Xena started as she grabbed a cloth to dry herself.

‘Whew, she didn’t notice’. "Yeah, uh, Xena?"

"Hmmm" Xena replied as she started to dress.

"I’m sorry for my reaction last night. It’s just that it’s hard to stay polite when a boulder is dropped on you like that. I mean, not that it’s a bad thing, but the idea of two women… well, it had never even occurred to me and then to find out that others, and you…" her voice trailed off.

"I’m doing it again, I just need to get used to the idea. And I’m sorry if I offended you."

"Gabrielle I’m not offended, believe me. I know that Potadeia is a small town, and that you were pretty sheltered there; but we’ve been out on the road together a long time now. For the sake of the gods, you ARE the Queen of the Amazons!"

"The Amazons? What do they have to do with this?".

Xena looked at Gabrielle blankly for a second and laughed to herself as she finished with the shoulder straps of her leathers. ‘I can not believe this!’

"What’s so funny?" Gabrielle inquired.

Xena walked over to her friend with the towel and her wet underwear in one hand and gently put her hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder with the other. ‘I’d better be gentle about this’. She looked down into her friend’s confused eyes.

"Gabrielle, the Amazons are known for the love of woman for woman. Think about it Gabrielle, the Amazons don’t even allow men in their villages. You’ve been married. I know you must get sexual urges, what do you think they do to relieve themselves sexually?"

Gabrielle’s eyes changed with a look of understanding, although Xena still detected some confusion behind those green eyes.

"All of them?"

Xena gave her a small smile as she motioned for them to head back towards the fire.

"I can’t say all of them or not, but I know for a fact that many are." Mostly because of how many offers she received every time they entered the village, but she didn’t think Gabrielle could deal with another new piece of information at this moment. "In the Amazon nation, sex with a man is for the sole purpose of reproduction."

Gabrielle set up the pot for tea and started to cook breakfast. She handed Xena a cup as they sat down together.

As Xena took her first sip, Gabrielle asked "Xena, tell me about the first time you were with a woman."

Xena started to cough as her tea went down the wrong pipe.

"Xena are you OK?" Gabrielle asked as she moved to pat the warrior on the back.

"Fine, just fine." ‘Oh boy, this is going to be one long day’. She sat thoughtfully and began to answer as she continued to drink her tea.

"To make you understand better, I’ll tell you about when I first connected with another woman. Back in Amphipolous, I had a close friend, you know her, Flora... the Black Wolf." Gabrielle’s head nodded enthusiastically at the mention of someone she knew. "I was always much bolder than Flora, about EVERYTHING. I hadn’t taken my first lover yet, but I had had minor experiences with a few different boys. Nothing big, just kissing and a little touching. Flora found a boy she really liked and he liked her. He wanted to kiss her, but she was afraid and stopped him because she didn’t know how. So, she asked me to show her. I couldn’t think of any way of doing that except to kiss her myself. She was nervous and unsure so she demanded that we kiss a few times. There was a softness in her lips, a tenderness that I had never experienced with any of the boys. She came back to me the next day and said she finally got up the nerve to let the boy kiss her. She said they kissed a couple of times in those few minutes and she came back to tell me how disappointed she was. She asked me for another kiss, which I gave her and she pronounced that she liked kissing me much, much better. We remained friends, as you know and it never developed into anything, nothing really changed. Except that sometimes when we were alone talking we would end up kissing and holding each other. After Cortese’s men came to attack my village and I moved out into the world, I found out that it wasn’t just Flora, but that women were different. Not just in look, but in feel, the tenderness, the warmth, even those times when it was a one night stand, it always had the same effect."

"Do you prefer women to men?"

Xena sat thoughtfully for a moment. "Honestly, it depends on what mood I’m in. There have been times when I craved the raw brutality that I’ve only experienced with men, soldiers in particular, especially after a good battle. But with women, even though every partner is different you know that there’s going to be a certain… intensity, it’s hard to describe. But somehow I find it to be more intimate."

"You make it sound nice."

"Oh it is."

"Have you been with any women since we’ve started traveling together?"

Xena tilted her head and considered for a moment whether she should tell Gabrielle the truth. ‘With all that we’ve been through, no more secrets… no more!’ And finally she answered as nonchalantly as she could…

"Yes."

And again Gabrielle’s eyes went wide. Her mind tried to comprehend this information and before she could even consider exercising tact she blurted out.

"Who? When? …"

"Gabrielle, that’s not important. I haven’t had a relationship with a woman since we’ve started traveling, but I have had sex with both genders. Listen we’re pushing time. We can pick this conversation up later… much later. For now I’ll just let this information seep through the narrow-mindedness of your small town upbringing."

Normally Gabrielle would have been more than a little offended at such a remark, but her mind was consumed, swimming with this new information. Gabrielle remained absolutely quiet as they continued their journey. Xena falsely assumed that Gabrielle was keeping quiet because of the bandits, but the real truth was that the bard was more than a little preoccupied with images of Xena rolling around in a grassy meadow with miscellaneous women. First it was a red head with long curly hair; then a short woman with short black hair, on and on her fantasies went. About midday a scream was heard, Xena and Gabrielle took off in its direction without the slightest hesitation. As they approached a clearing off the beaten road they saw the source of the commotion. A young man and woman were surrounded by thieves. Xena made it to the clearing first with a summersault that left her right in the midst of the group. The young man was fighting and swinging a tree branch wildly, but not doing very much damage. 4 of the thieves were surrounding him, merely toying with him before they killed him and took his money. The other three surrounded the woman and were discussing the ways they would defile the beauty. One man reached out and ripped the shoulder of her dress, but that was as far as he got when they heard a voice from behind them.

"You’re not going to do anything to her."

The thug turned around and appraised the leather-clad beauty.

"Oh, I will have her. But first I’m going to have you. Come here luscious."

Xena smiled. "Sure thing lover boy."

She walked slowly and seductively towards him and gave him a roundhouse punch right in the face. He was immediately down and out. The others just stood there in shock, then all 6 of the remaining thugs charged her. Her one hope was that the man would turn and hide until it was over. Unfortunately he felt he needed to help this woman, after all she just threw a lucky punch and there was no way she could take on another man, much less 6. He ran after the closest of the attackers, but the bandit was no longer in the mood to play with his victim. He sliced his sword sideways catching the man in the leg. When he bent down to put his hands over the pained area he was greeted with the hilt of the sword in the back of his head and was unconscious. His body lay prone and as he was about to receive a last strike which would surely kill him. The sword was stopped by a wooden staff that seemingly came out of nowhere. The bandit released the strike he was going to make and lifted his sword quickly to get the wielder of the staff. But all he saw was the wood coming straight for his face followed by a golden wave of hair before he was knocked unconscious. The bard looked around for her next opponent, but there weren’t anymore. 5 men lay unconscious and the last 2 were hobbling their way back into the woods as fast as they could.

Gabrielle just sighed, "Xena, you couldn’t wait for me. I wanted a little more action."

Xena turned and smiled as she shrugged her shoulders. "Sorry, there just weren’t enough to go around."

Gabrielle walked to her friend and commented, "You didn’t even break a sweat".

"Naw, those guys were just too easy" and she pinched Gabrielle in the arm. "Let’s go see if these people are OK".

Xena went to the side of the young man laying on the ground to inspect his injuries. Gabrielle moved to the side of the young woman who knelt next to a tree, hugging it for dear life. When Gabrielle drew close and inquired her name, she didn’t answer. It was as if she were in another world. Gabrielle recognized this reaction; she was in shock. Patiently Gabrielle sat near, speaking gently to the woman until she came back to herself. After her shock wore off, Gabrielle engaged her with small talk to help her transition back to facing the horrible reality of what had just happened. As it turned out Drucilla and Elwin were just married and on their way to Laconia to visit the bride’s grandparents during the harvest festival. "Well, we’re also heading to Laconia, so we can travel together. We’ve heard reports that there are several bands of thieves in this area."

There was a rustling sound as Xena shifted the man’s body. The woman turned to look behind her and saw her husband lying prone with blood all over his pants. She started to scream. Xena turned to tell Gabrielle to handle the woman, but Gabrielle was already on it.

Xena finished patching up the man’s wound and then gave her patient a once over. Gabrielle walked over and knelt down next to Xena after Drusilla quieted down.

"This isn’t so bad. I’ll make a splint for it and it should heal up just fine in a few days. When he wakes he’ll be in pain."

Gabrielle told Xena about her conversation with Drucilla. They both knew that they’d never make it to Laconia by nightfall if they brought the young couple with them, but with the threat of other bandits Xena dare not leave them out there alone.

XXXXXX

Xena was more than a little annoyed that Drucilla turned out to be the nervous, skittish type. She needed Gabrielle’s constant comforting to get through her husband’s wounded leg. But Xena saw the blessing in disguise because Gabrielle didn’t have the time to continue to grill Xena about her sex life. If Gabrielle was in shock just by learning she had been with women she would probably run back to her mommy if she learned about some of Xena’s more daring sexual escapades. In he warlord days she had quite a sexual appetite that she freely indulged and explored. ‘Oh yeah, Gabrielle would probably faint if she heard the half of it.’

The greatest drawback of traveling with the couple was that a half day journey would now take 2, since Elwin could barely walk they put him on a litter which slowed their progress considerably. Every night Gabrielle lay at Xena’s side on her separate bedroll and dreamed of women making love with women. Each night the dreams became more intense than the last. It was strange because Gabrielle had no idea what women did together, so the dreams were hazy and devoid of any real details, except two naked female bodies rolling around together and generally one of them was Xena.

By the third morning, they were fairly close to Laconia. When Gabrielle woke, she looked towards the east and realized she could see the tops of the Laconian gates. Then she made another startling discovery, she felt moisture between her legs. ‘did I pee on myself?’ she thought to herself with panic. Gabrielle began to shift around and feel her skirt, and it was still dry to her relief. No one would know that she apparently had a little accident last night.

As Gabrielle was in a bush changing her underwear she started thinking about her dreams that night. Last night’s dream had been the most intense of them all. As she allowed the fog to clear from her brain she sat down and tried to recall the dream. It was Xena’s face again, but the other woman… ‘by the gods!, I was the other woman! I was the other woman? That’s it I have got to put this out of my mind’.

The four travelers reached the Laconian kingdom gates by mid-day. The first stop was the grandparents of Drucilla. Xena was more than glad to say good-bye to this woman who constantly whined and cried. As they stood at the front porch Drucilla turned to Gabrielle.

"How can I thank you for your support through this trial. We would have been robbed and much worse if you both hadn’t been there to help. Xena, I don’t know how I could repay you. But Gabrielle, I think I know a way to pay you back."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to protest, but Drucilla just put up her hand.

"Laconia isn’t as big as Athens, but there are some hidden secrets in this city. One of them being the Maiden’s Bazaar, which occurs only once a year and is not open to unescorted outsiders." Drucilla smiled as she watched Gabrielle’s eyes light up.

"Many of the festival vendors sell their best wares there at prices cheaper than you’ll find at the main festival. You will attend with me day after tomorrow as my special guest. We’ll be gone most of the day, but I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the bargains available."

"Yes!" Gabrielle said out loud. Her glee apparent on her face.

"Well it’s settled then. Meet me here, two candlemarks past dawn".

Everyone said goodbye, Gabrielle and Xena headed towards the castle. Upon Xena and Gabrielle’s arrival at the festivities, they were given the royal treatment. Two years ago they aided in ridding the kingdom of the evil warlord Pomonious. He would have destroyed the kingdom if not for Xena’s intervention. This was a strange visit for Xena because she had attacked Laconia in her earlier days. It was the time before she became a warlord before she med Caesar and was simply the self-proclaimed protector of Amphipolous. She extracted their loyalty to Amphipolous and a generous part of their treasury to fund her efforts in protecting the world from the type of person she was in the process of becoming. Now, years later she returned to this place not as a threat, but as a celebrated hero. Gabrielle knew Xena didn’t care for such events, but when she was summoned by the king of Laconia she conceded. Gabrielle knew Xena felt she still owed a debt to this kingdom.

Xena and Gabrielle were shown to their state chamber within the castle. Gabrielle’s eyes lit up as she entered the multi-room chamber. She managed to keep her decorum until their escort left them alone. As always in these types of situations, Xena’s face remained impassive; but on the inside she was very impressed over the size and grandeur of the furnishings. Gabrielle beamed "Would you look at this!" She reached a small couch and picked up a pillow with the long fur of an animal that she couldn’t identify. She started to spin around the apartment just admiring the spaciousness of the room. Then she noticed a door, actually three doors. She ran to each of them and quickly inspected the compartments.

"Xena can you believe this place? It’s got more space than my parent’s entire house. There’s a big private bath in the first room, a bed in the next room and the last one has a large table and chairs. Then there’s this huge room. Xena, I feel like we just landed in the Elysian Fields".

Xena never bothered to go to any of the rooms. She spotted a table in the center of the room adorned with fresh flowers, ripe fruits, sweet meats and fresh breads. In the center was a wine bottle, Xena made a beeline to the table and poured herself a large cup of port while Gabrielle explored their surroundings. She finished a huge gulp of the fine wine as Gabrielle returned muttering something about the Elysian Fields. Xena looked around the room, shrugged her shoulders again and said,

"It’s nice".

Gabrielle just dropped her head and gave Xena the --I can’t believe you look--. "Nice! Nice? I know you’ve been around, but this place has Princess Diana’s castle beat by a mile. Xena you have to admit that we have just fallen into the very large lap of luxury. And after this, there’s a good chance you may be traveling alone, because I’m not sure an army could pry me out of this place".

Now it was Gabrielle’s turn at the central table, she found a napkin that was made with one of the finest fabrics she had ever seen and laid on it some of the tasty treats as she joined Xena on the couch.

XXXXXX

Although they already missed the opening day of the festival, they were just in time for the royal banquet celebrating the 2nd day of Dionysus’ 2 week harvest festival. The banquet started with a cocktail hour before dinner. Xena retreated into a corner of the large meeting hall, as the rest of the room was alive with buzz and chatter. It made her especially uncomfortable because she knew a large part of it had to do with her arrival. There she was, in the flesh, the ruthless warrior turned legendary hero. Gabrielle was in her element at the gathering, walking around meeting people and exercising her bardly skills to eager small audiences who wanted to know more about the infamous warrior. Gabrielle took note of a woman who stayed and listened to EVERY tale with intensity. When the woman wasn’t hanging onto Gabrielle’s every word she was staring in Xena’s direction. ‘Ahh, hero worship. I remember when I looked at her like that, before I felt accepted as her friend’. Gabrielle took note of the woman’s beauty. She was tall, slightly shorter than Xena and very well built with beautiful wavy brownish red hair, intense green eyes and sharp features. A thought flashed across her mind ‘would Xena find her attractive?’ And the mere possibility made a wave of jealousy rise through Gabrielle like nothing she’d experienced before. Gabrielle put aside her story telling for a few minutes and went on a little mission of her own to inquire whom the woman was. It turned out she was the niece of one of the King’s chief advisors, Tolman. He was a good man with a good heart. Gabrielle liked Tolman very much and believed that if not for his influence Xena would never have gotten the chance to prove to this kingdom that she had changed.

Later that evening Tolman’s niece sat across the table from Xena. Gabrielle couldn’t be sure, but she thought she saw her elbow one of the other guests to get that seat. The dinner was going as well as could be expected; once Xena’s initial hunger was satisfied she kept insisting no one would notice if she left. Gabrielle had her hands full entertaining the warrior, keeping her engaged enough to sit through the entire 12 course dinner. Gabrielle noted that Tolman’s niece was blatantly staring at Xena through the entire dinner. Fortunately Xena didn’t seem to notice… at first. Somewhere around the 5th course the warrior looked across the table towards the warm breads that had just been brought out, and then it happened. Her eyes locked with Tolman’s niece. Gabrielle could see Xena appraising the woman and she knew that Tolman’s niece had definitely done so earlier that evening.

Xena looked across the table to the bread and met with two beautiful green eyes. As she focused on the entire person she saw that look of invitation, she looked the woman over and was quite pleased. Then she wondered why she hadn’t noticed the woman earlier. Xena was very choosy about her lovers since her warlord days were over. She no longer needed to use her body as a bargaining chip, so she selected only those she truly wanted to lay with, and even then it was only after the urges of her body grew too strong to ignore. This was one of those times and the woman sitting across from her had definite possibilities. Xena nodded her head in acknowledgement and Tolman’s niece smiled back. Normally this entire exchange would have been lost on Gabrielle, but not since her discoveries about her friend. ‘Could this be it? Are they flirting with each other?’ Gabrielle tried to look elsewhere. Then it happened, Xena flashed a seductive smile and there was no doubt in Gabrielle’s mind that Xena was interested.

After dinner everyone went to the grand hall for wine, music and dancing. Many statesmen were posturing and blubbering about their political victories as a band of stringed instruments gently plucked away a sweet melody. Gabrielle decided to stay close to Xena, but as soon as they entered the hall Xena was whisked off by Tolman. Gabrielle followed close behind and stood there as Tolman formally introduced his niece, Anansa. Gabrielle just stood there as the women looked into each others eyes intensely. At that moment Tolman noticed Gabrielle standing behind Xena.

"Oh my, but where are my manners? Come Gabrielle and meet my lovely niece."

When he turned around for the introduction Xena and Anansa were already halfway across the room. Gabrielle was about to follow them when she heard Tolman’s voice again

"Gabrielle, we didn’t get to speak earlier, but I wanted to tell you that since you were last here I’ve taken an interest in storytelling. I wanted to share some stories with you and would like you to critique my style." Gabrielle started to reply by asking when he wanted to meet but before she could get the first word out he began "I sing a song of myself, a man of stature and a great scholar. I…".

After a few minutes of polite listening, Gabrielle pretended to cough so she could turn her gaze for a moment and track where Xena and Anansa were. She spied them standing off in a quiet corner talking alone and standing rather close to each other. Gabrielle was getting upset, she didn’t want them talking, especially alone; and she just couldn’t understand why. After half a candle mark of Tolman’s stories which became more boring by the second Gabrielle managed to break off their session with the promise that they would continue at a later date. She had to think of a gentle way of telling this man that no one wants to hear a bard go on and on about themselves, especially if they are a politician. She made her way closer to the two women and tried to act as casual as possible. Xena smiled when Gabrielle drew close and that eased Gabrielle’s disposition. When she reached the two women, Xena introduced Anansa who warmly smiled. "I absolutely loved your stories. You are an excellent bard." Gabrielle smiled back as she thanked Anansa, and tried not to let her face betray the wide range of emotions she was feeling. But at the forefront of them all was her embarrassment. This woman was charming and Gabrielle began to kick herself for harboring any ill feelings towards her. She was about to take her leave of the new found friends when she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Anansa’s fingers were in the folds of Xena’s skirt. Gabrielle walked away as if nothing was wrong, but she didn’t go far. Fortunately a young man, named Ezik engaged her. He was tall and thin with a kind face you would trust automatically. She feigned interest in him to keep her inconspicuously in bird’s eye view of the couple. She noticed that Anansa’s hand was moving back and forth in such a slight motion that no one would have noticed unless they were specifically looking for it like Gabrielle was. ‘Surely Xena must feel what this woman is doing’. Gabrielle studied the angle and figured that if the woman had average length fingers they must have reached the warriors thigh by now. And yet Xena did nothing as this perfect stranger stood there running her fingertips back and forth along her upper thigh. Finally to Gabrielle’s joy the two were broken apart when one of the king’s aides summoned Xena to meet another guest who had just arrived. Talking with Ezik wasn’t too bad. He turned out to be a pretty nice guy. He would make a nice catch except for the fact the he reminded Gabrielle too much of Perdicus. He was however perceptive and realized that Gabrielle was not interested in a romantic relationship with him. At the end of the evening they each felt that they had made a pretty good friend.

XXXXXX

Gabrielle hung her head in disappointment as she walked the corridor to the chamber she shared with Xena. This was not her week, she still felt anguish inside over Xena and Anansa being attracted to each other and now she was going to miss the Maiden’s Bazaar. She tried to rationalize the events, ‘it’s not Drucilla’s fault that Elwin’s leg is starting to give him a lot of pain; and who said that there was anything between Xena and Anansa. Xena has probably forgotten all about her by now’. Gabrielle had seen many injuries, and Elwin’s leg wasn’t that bad. Turns out he’s just a big baby, ‘a perfect match for Drucilla’, Gabrielle supposed. There was plenty of other shopping in the town but the Maiden’s Bazaar was going to take her mind off of things. Gabrielle was feeling very introspective and she planned to do some writing alone in the chambers while Xena was out at the competitions. She would spend her afternoon shopping once she had written her anxieties away.

Gabrielle was in the "writing room" as she called it, with the door slightly cracked when she heard Xena’s familiar footsteps. She was about to enter the room and greet her friend when she heard Anansa’s voice. Gabrielle knew it would only be polite to come out and greet them, but she really didn’t want to see the two of them together. So Gabrielle settled herself back at the table with her quill and parchment.

Xena stood at the central table in the main room and poured two cups of port as she watched Anansa remove her shawl. Xena stood taking in Anansa’s beautiful form. Her hair was pulled up in beautiful elegant swirls. Her low cut tunic perfectly showed off her large full breasts.

"So where is your little friend?"

Xena crossed the room and handed Anansa the cup. "She’s spending the day shopping, something called the Maiden’s Bazaar?"

Anansa raised her eyebrows and took a sip "I’m impressed. Not many outsiders know about that, or even have the connections to get in".

Xena walked past Anansa to the entryway and barred the door. "I doubt if I’ll see her again until dusk, but just in case…"

They gave each other knowing smiles as Xena quickly closed the space between. She put their cups down and took Anansa in her arms. The kiss was deep and passionate. Xena opened her mouth and ran her tongue along Anansa’s luscious lips, and Anansa eagerly opened to her.

Xena stepped back a second. "I want to make sure we’re thinking the same thing. I have no plans to stay in Laconia past the festival."

"I know. Just what I had in mind, no strings, no attachments. We can enjoy the moment while it lasts."

"Perfect." Xena said. She resumed her exploration of Anansa’s mouth.

After she had her fill Xena moved down her neck and trailed kisses wherever she went as she used her hands to explore her body. She lowered one hand and gently ran her hand over her breast. She lightly squeezed the large breast. Anansa held Xena firmly and then started tugging at Xena’s armor, trying to figure out how to undo it. Xena took a step back and unhooked the scabbard and breastplate and put them on the floor. Xena then reached behind her and undid the bindings of her leather dress. She quickly removed all of her garments and when she was done Anansa just stood before her in awe. "Wuh" she moaned, not immediately capable of coherent language at the magnificent sight of the naked warrior. Anansa licked her lips.

"Let me pleasure you first. Please, it would be an honor" she said breathlessly.

Anansa slowly walked over and placed one hand on Xena’s waist and the other on her shoulder as she came in for another deep sensuous kiss. Shortly the two of them were naked and sprawled across the bearskin rug on the floor. Anansa spent a lot of time kissing along Xena’s sumptuous neck and then moved down until she reached the firm mounds of her breasts. Her mouth captured one of the nipples and she felt it harden in her mouth, while she massaged the other with her hand. She moved her right hand up to Xena’s face and stuck her thumb in Xena’s mouth and the warrior began to suck gingerly. The more time Anansa spent on her breasts, the louder Xena began to moan. Anansa continued her downward exploration until she reached her treasure.

Eventually the sound of the moaning and panting broke through Gabrielle’s writing focus. She listened for a few moments and found it strange, without thinking she rose and went to the door to take a peak at what they were doing. Her eyes went wide and her complexion turned several shades of red when she saw that both figures were naked. She knelt down and kept watching through the crack in the door. She was fascinated although she didn’t have a very good view. She couldn’t see their complete bodies, but she could tell that Anansa was sort of laying on top on Xena. She also had a pretty good side view of Xena’s face. The warrior’s back was arched, her head thrown back and her eyes closed as she moaned in pleasure. The beauty of Xena’s face mesmerized Gabrielle; she had never seen her friend make those expressions before. She was covered in a thin film of sweat and her skin seemed to glisten in the sunlight. Xena’s sounds started intensifying and gasps and sighs were added to the moaning, which was getting even louder. Gabrielle felt breathless, her palms were beginning to sweat and she started to feel like she peed on herself again. ‘oooh. Why does this keep happening? I hope nothing’s wrong with me.’ She decided to ignore her condition best she could so she could take in as much as possible. She could see Anansa kissing Xena’s neck as she seemed to move back and forth on top of her. Gabrielle couldn’t see that Anansa was deep inside of Xena pleasuring her with her hand. Finally Xena’s entire body seemed to convulse and then she stiffened as she let out a yell. Her eyes flew open and closed again. Gabrielle was stunned, it wasn’t a cry of pain, but the warrior cried out all the same. For a moment Gabrielle thought she should intervene, but then she realized that nothing would be happening to Xena unless she wanted it to. Gabrielle sat quietly trying to understand what was happening before her eyes. She could see Xena’s body trembling as Anansa kept making the same motions she was before. The scene repeated again and again as Gabrielle watched in awe. She was so overcome with emotion, so over come with… love? ‘Yes, I think I am in love with her’. In that moment Gabrielle experienced total clarity. She finally understood her dreams, her emotions and especially her jealousy of Anansa… Marcus… Hercules… Flora… Borias, and every other person who had had intimacy with Xena. ‘I want to be there with her on the floor. I want her to make that face for ME’. Gabrielle was completely overwhelmed and she was beginning to feel lightheaded, but she never took her eyes off of the couple.

Xena finally opened her eyes and recovered from her orgasms. Gabrielle noted that the smile she gave Anansa was very much like the one she gave to the people she fought in battle. Xena rolled Anansa over on her back and the women kissed. Suddenly Xena tensed. Anansa looked at her questioningly

"What’s wrong?"

Xena simply smiled "Nothing’s wrong. I just had an idea that would make this more interesting. Let’s change scenery."

Anansa shrugged and Gabrielle froze, her heart pounding a mile a minute at the possibility she was discovered.

"I’m game. Wanna go into the bedroom?"

Xena stood up and gathered Anansa’s clothes and threw them at her "No, I want something more drastic. Let’s go to your chambers."

Anansa frowned, "Come on just take me here, I want to feel you…"

Xena put her fingers over Anansa’s mouth before she had the chance to finish the sentence. "Trust me, do as I say and you will not regret it."

With that they both began to dress. Anansa stood by the door, looking completely disheveled. Her hair clip was still in place, but large chunks of hair had fallen out of it and strands were stuck to her face and neck. Her dress was on inside out and her shawl was loosely draped around her shoulders. She had what appeared to be a pink handkerchief in her hand, but Xena knew they were her panties. She smiled slightly as she saw the shine around Anansa’s mouth and knew it was residue from her own juices.

"Come, the afternoon is wasting." Anansa was quickly running out of patience.

Xena walked over gave her a light kiss, practically a peck on the lips. "Go to your chamber and wait for me there." Then she leaned into her ear and whispered seductively "and you’d better be naked when I get there!"

With that Anansa turned and sped down the hall. Xena hadn’t bothered with her armor because she knew she’d be out of it shortly. Xena smiled to herself and went back to the central table to finish the drink she had left there. Gabrielle finally exhaled, ‘she doesn’t know I’m here, she really just wants a change of scenery, thank the gods’. Xena took a sip of the port and stood there seemingly lost in thought. She continued looking off into space as she uttered

"Were you enjoying the show?"

Gabrielle’s heart started beating so hard she thought it was going to beat right out of her chest. She slowly stood up, opened the door and walked out of the writing room.

"Xena I’m sorry, I didn’t mean..."

"Listen Gabrielle, I know you’re curious and all about sex between two women, but it is just as intimate and private as between a man and woman. Even though you may not have fully understood that, I would still expect you to have more respect for me than to watch".

"But Xena, I had no idea you were going to be here with Anansa. The same way you had no idea I was here."

"You’re being here doesn’t matter to me, it’s the fact that you watched. You could have made your presence known, or just stayed in the room doing something other than watching us. I just wish I had recognized it sooner."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to try and explain, but Xena put up her hand to stop the shaking bard and replied "Listen… we can talk about this later. Right now I’m going to Anansa’s room and we’re going to spend the rest of the afternoon fucking each other’s brains out. You’ll have to find your entertainment elsewhere."

Gabrielle replied "But I…"

"Later for it Gabrielle! What you did violated me."

Xena said sharply as she turned to leave. Gabrielle sat down on the couch and watched as Xena left and slammed the door after her. She sat for a few moments; her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Finally she spoke her mind although there was no one around to listen. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"But I FINALLY understand… I’m in love with you, and I want to be the one in your arms this afternoon."

XXXXXX

Gabrielle decided she’d had enough moping around. First over the Maiden’s Bazaar, and now over her feelings for Xena. She left their chamber and headed over to the festival market. Shopping always made her feel better. In the midst of all the shops and street vendors she saw one stand in particular that captured her attention. She couldn’t tell what they were selling from this distance, but she was drawn by the bright colors of the drapes across the stand. As she neared she saw a smiling friendly face.

"Ezik. How are you?"

"Pretty good, but you look like you could use a friend."

"Yeah I could." But it was a particular best friend she wanted to talk to.

"Let’s go for a walk."

Ezik turned the stand over to his brother. They walked through the various vendors and down the road towards the competitions, strolling in a comfortable silence. Ezik finally broke the silence.

"Where is your friend Xena?"

"She’s with Anansa." She said neutrally. However Ezik picked up on a slight flinch as she said Anansa’s name.

"I see. I noticed that they had gotten acquainted at the banquet. I wasn’t happy when I saw that."

Gabrielle was surprised by his response. "Why?"

"I’ve known Anansa most of my life. She just recently went through a bad breakup. She should spend some time letting her emotions rest."

"Really? That’s too bad for her. Do you know why her relationship went sour?"

"No, not the entire story. But the bottom line is that she chose someone who didn’t feel as strongly for her as she felt for them. She was so crushed I didn’t think she’d recover. When Xena walked in, I saw the look in her eyes. I warned her that night not to pursue your friend. I would imagine she’s not going to stay in town after the festival is over. But Anansa can’t resist someone so beautiful."

Gabrielle thought to herself as they walked ‘Yeah, we’ll be outta here soon, I’ve just gotta keep it together.’

"Ezik, can we talk about something else?"

"Sure." Ezik spent the rest of the afternoon telling Gabrielle stories, and jokes that took her mind off of her worries.

XXXXXX

Xena woke up early as was her usual custom, but today she felt especially invigorated. Initially she thought it was because of all the great sex she’d been having the past few days. Then she smiled to herself as she donned her leathers ‘I’ve got something to look forward to’. She realized it had been a few days since she’d had any type of fight. Today was the sword competition and the prize was 50 dinars. She didn’t care anything about the prize money, she just wanted the thrill of the fight and the chance to kick some ass.

She turned to the still sleeping Gabrielle and just shook her head. Gabrielle loved festivals and yet this one seemed to put her in a perpetual bad mood. They were starting to argue a lot. Xena wished she could understand her friend.

She whispered "What am I going to do with you?"

She completed dressing, headed out for a quick breakfast and then to warm up before the competition began.

XXXXXX

The matches hadn’t been particularly tough, but there were so many who entered just to pit their skills against the Warrior Princess. Her last challenger had been the most demanding. ‘How ironic’, Gabrielle thought, ‘they send their best in fresh as a daisy while Xena must be tired, although you would never know it to look at her’. On and on they went, with various thrusts and parries. Xena decided to enjoy the match and go all out; she began to add flips and rolls to her attack as the crowd cheered. Finally she disarmed him, and sheathed her weapon. The match was over, but instead of walking away her opponent moved into hand-to-hand combat, convinced his size and strength would be an advantage. The crowd booed him when he attacked her from behind without warning. He soon learned the power that the warrior had at her command. In no time she had him on the ground in a chokehold he could not break free from.

Finally he yelled, "Give".

Xena released him and stood as the crowd began to cheer and roar. She held up her hand and smiled to the crowd. They moved in towards her to shake her hand and congratulate her, many just wanted to get an up close look at this human marvel.

Gabrielle smiled to herself and thought how Xena would want a backrub to release the tension of battle she saw in her shoulders. She waited patiently as Xena got herself out of the midst of the crowd as tactfully and graciously as she could after battle. Xena made a bee line straight to Gabrielle’s side, but half way there Gabrielle saw Xena stop, turn her head to the right and look into the neighboring forest. Xena smiled briefly, put up her hand to Gabrielle and mouthed for her to wait there. There was a feeling of gloom in Gabrielle’s heart. She couldn’t see why Xena turned into the forest, but she guessed Anansa had something to do with it. ‘I know she told me to wait, but I’ve got to see what’s going on or my mind will not be at ease’. She mustered up every bit of training Xena taught her about stealth and silently proceeded into the woods after Xena.

XXXXXX

As Xena walked towards Gabrielle she heard someone very quietly call her name. Anansa smiled and with a seductive curl of her finger she motioned for Xena to follow. Xena smiled and was about to follow Anansa when she realized that if she didn’t say anything to Gabrielle she would also follow. She motioned and mouthed for her to wait there, and hoped that the bard would heed her instructions for once. Maybe it’s nothing, but hopefully it’s something she thought as she walked into the woods after Anansa. Xena continued trailing her until they were well out of view although sounds from the festival could still be heard. Anansa stopped and leaned up against a tree watching Xena walk towards her.

"What’s going on?" Xena asked, as she looked Anansa over.

"I’m here to help you" Anansa answered with a seductive smile.

"Help me? With what?" replied Xena just as seductively.

"With the battle lust that has risen in you, that is seething just below your surface."

Xena just snorted and looked away trying to discount what she said, but when she turned and looked at Anansa its truth was painfully obvious to both of them. Xena continued to eye Anansa as she let her pretenses drop and her eyes gleamed with battle lust.

"Come here" Anansa said in a low and throaty tone, and the warrior eased over.

Anansa raised her hand and touched it against Xena’s face as she watched the warrior close her eyes with the enjoyment of the contact. She moved her thumb into Xena’s mouth and the warrior nipped at it gingerly, Xena opened her eyes and roughly grabbed Anansa by the head and began to kiss her hard. She allowed her desires to control her and she kissed Anansa deeply taking all that she wanted from the open and inviting mouth. Xena began to grab at her large breasts and pinch her nipples through the light and delicate cloth of her dress. As she had her fill of Anansa’s mouth she moved to the hollow of her neck. Anansa pushed her back and lifted up her dress to reveal a phallus strapped between her legs. Xena sighed with appreciation and pinned Anansa to the tree. Anansa slid her hand between them, moved aside the strips of Xena’s leather skirt and stuck her hand inside of Xena’s undergarments. The warrior was dripping wet already from the battle lust. Xena gripped the phallus, moved Anansa’s hand, spread her legs and slid on top of the instrument. She gripped Anansa’s waist and began to rock back and forth on her, letting her body’s passions guide her freely.

Gabrielle wandered in a diagonal path cautiously and slowly. She thought she had lost them all together when she picked up faint sounds of panting. She made her way towards the sound and caught the sight of Xena pinning Anansa against a tree. Xena was holding onto Anansa and grabbing at her as their bodies moved together in gyrating motions. Xena’s gyrations became more pronounced and more violent, then her head tilted back and her panting became louder and finally she lurched forward with a yell and all at once it all just stopped. Anansa moved her arms to gently support Xena by the waist and back, Xena leaned forward and rested her head on Anansa’s shoulder. Anansa held and rocked her lover as she was released from her battle lust with the powerful orgasm.

Gabrielle felt knots in her stomach and she began to sicken with jealousy over the sight. Tears welled up in her eyes as she turned to head back to the spot where Xena had told her to wait. In spite of her jealousy her curiosity tempted her to stay and watch, but after Xena’s reaction last time, she wanted to get as far away from them as possible. As she walked away she started quoting her favorite poem "Elysian Fields". When Sisyphus had stolen Ares’ sword and she was no longer able to control her emotions Xena told her to quote the poem when she felt angry. Even after Ares and Xena were back in their proper places and everything was right with the world she found comfort in quoting it. On her way back she concentrated on the poem and forgetting what she had just witnessed. She had to fool Xena into believing she had been waiting there the entire time, and Xena was not easy to deceive.

Xena picked her head up and tenderly kissed Anansa. She moved to satisfy Anansa, but Anansa put her hands on Xena’s chest as a signal to stop. Xena just looked at her questioningly.

"Gabrielle will be waiting for you. Don’t worry about me; I only wanted to take care of your needs. We’ll have time for that later."

Xena gave Anansa another kiss "Thank you. And I promise you the night of your life tonight."

She turned and ran back into the woods towards Gabrielle. Her entire demeanor changed; where she was tense, she was now relaxed.

Xena headed out of the forest and adjusted her course to arrive where she last saw Gabrielle. Xena emerged trying to look non-chalant as Gabrielle was doing the same. She couldn’t have Xena mad at her for the same thing again. ‘Act casually… act casually… what would I normally say now?’

"Uh, where did you go Xena?"

Xena kept her eyes focused on the road leading back to the castle "Something in the woods caught my eye."

Xena’s reply rolled around Gabrielle’s mind for a few moments, we agreed not to lie to each other and that wasn’t exactly a lie, it was more of an omission. Because of the indiscretion of spying on Xena in the woods she decided not to hold it against her. She decided what they needed was some quality time alone together so they could chat about everything and about nothing. Gabrielle wanted some of the normalcy of their regular life even though they weren’t on the road.

"That was quite a workout they gave you? Let’s go back to our chambers and I can massage the tension out for you."

Xena considered it for a moment, but then she thought about Anansa. The self-less ness of her act really touched Xena deep down. She promised Anansa a night of passion she wouldn’t forget, but in order to make it special she would need to gather a few items.

"No thanks, I think I’ll pass this time. I’ve got some errands to run. Listen I’ll catch up with you later." Xena began to trot off ahead.

"Sure, no problem. I’ve got some thing to write in my scrolls anyway."

Gabrielle felt that now familiar knot in her gut. Xena didn’t say what errands she was running, but Gabrielle knew in her heart it had something to do with Anansa. She decided to go back to their chamber, pick up the scroll of weeping and sadness and sit by the river writing her pains away.

XXXXXX

The next day, Gabrielle was walking through the garden alone. She and Xena seemed to constantly be at odds, as Xena’s relationship with Anansa blossomed. Gabrielle felt horrible because she knew Xena had no idea what was going on. She didn’t know the jealousy and anger Gabrielle felt and how it manifested itself through these arguments and fights. But this place, this beautiful garden had become her refuge. She walked along clearing her mind and enjoying the scent of the many multicolored flowers in bloom. She admired the long purple ones, the short white and those deep red ones with that amazing smell. Just as she leaned down to inhale the scent of one of the red ones she heard…

"Gabs, how lovely to see you here."

Gabrielle immediately recognized the voice and a shiver of dread went through her body. Gabrielle stood up and turned as her mind ran a single thought over and over ‘This woman has done nothing to me… this woman has done nothing to me…’ and she presented the most sincere smile she could muster.

"Hi Anansa, how are you? Sorry, I don’t know where Xena is right now."

Anansa smiled back warmly, "I wasn’t looking for Xena, I was just taking a walk and saw a friend. Although I don’t know you well enough to call you a friend. But a friend of Xena’s is a friend of mine. Mind if I enjoy the walk with you?"

Gabrielle looked at her ‘she is too nice, how can I hate her?’ "Certainly, I would love the company".

The two continued to stroll through the paths in the spacious garden.

"So Gabs, Xena tells me that the two of you have been traveling together for three years now."

"Yeah"

"As I’m sure you know, Xena is not one for conversation and small talk. So, tell me what you did before you met Xena?"

"I didn’t actually do anything. I was uhhh… well, I was the daughter of farmers and I was betrothed to a farm boy. All the training I had until I met Xena was to become a wife and mother. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to learn other things, but I was regarded as strange and odd because of it. I wanted more out of my life, to see the world, which is why when I saw Xena I ran after her like my life depended on it… because it did."

Gabrielle smiled inwardly as she thought about that first day when she saw Xena beat the crap out of Draco’s men in her home village. ‘I think I loved her even then.’

"You’re fortunate to have spent so much time with her. And the stories you told your first night here, I would have given anything to have seen some of those things first hand."

"I have to admit, yes I am fortunate. If I had a chance to go back and change my decision to follow her… I wouldn’t. We’ve had some great times and some really hard times, but I wouldn’t change it for anything! She been my best friend, my companion, my guide, my teacher, my protector, my confidant and most importantly my friend… she’s my heart". Gabrielle shocked herself with that last statement.

"Hmmm. Your face lights up when you talk about her. On your first night here I thought it was some bards trick to bond with the audience. But here it’s just you and me and your face lights up the exact same way."

"It’s possible, I never really thought about it."

"Did you ever tell her you were in love with her?"

Gabrielle’s head snapped up and her eyes went wide "What?!"

"Sorry Gabs, I didn’t mean to upset you"

"I’m not upset. But why would you think I was in love with Xena?"

"Are you kidding, it is beyond obvious. And it’s not just the way you talk about her, but the way you talk to her. The way your eyes follow her as she walks around a room, the way you smile when she comes by. It’s pretty obvious to me, but perhaps you haven’t admitted it to yourself."

"I ahh…" Gabrielle managed to stammer out.

"Well, it’s probably for the best anyway. After all what could come of it?" Anansa said as she shook her head and chuckled to herself.

"What’s that supposed to mean?" Gabrielle said as some of the anger she suppressed started to rise to the surface.

"Huh?"

"Anansa you said ‘what could come of it’. What did you mean by that?"

Anansa responded, her voice remained sweet and disarming although her words weren’t. "Well, sorry it’s just another thing that I thought was completely obvious. She is a woman of the world with many vast experiences and exotic tastes. How could a peasant girl like you be of any interest to a woman like her in terms of a relationship?"

"Excuse me. But I’m not a peasant girl and haven’t been for years. I’ve seen things, experienced things that would have you running and calling for your uncle. I have a special bond with her that you will never have."

"Oh, sorry again Gabs. I guess we should change the subject since you can’t handle hearing the truth."

"So tell me NANS what is the truth? I’d really like to hear your twisted version of it".

"Truth be told she’s just out of your league. I know that you’ve shared a few life experiences, but you are still inexperienced in dealing with someone like her on her level in a relationship."

A person could almost see the smoke rising out of Gabrielle’s ears at this point.

"I’m not being mean or anything. Let me just explain it to you in a way that makes it as painfully clear to you as it is to me. Let’s say we were back in the bedroom in your chambers. Xena is lying there on the bed stark naked, her nipples hard, her clit swollen she’s definitely in need of sexual release. What would you do Gabs?"

Gabrielle remained silent for a few moments unnerved by the sudden change in the conversation. And then finally stammered out, "I’d start by kissing her".

"Certainly. That’s how most sexual encounters start. But then what… how would you make her scream out in passion? Do you know how to touch a woman to make her cum? How to lick her swollen lips until she screams in absolute bliss?"

She smiled when she saw Gabrielle raise her fingers to her mouth. "This just proves my point. I was talking about the lips between a woman’s legs, not the lips on her face."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak, but she was at a loss for words. Anansa was right, and they both knew it.

"She needs someone who can match her on MANY levels. You may have experiences of life with her but what’s the big deal. Once I’ve been with her for three years I will have just as many experiences, and much more".

Anansa continued to sweetly smile as Gabrielle’s mind reeled, ‘Is Xena really planning on taking this woman with us when we leave? I’m not sure I could handle Anansa around all the time, even if she wasn’t Xena’s lover’. The mere possibility sickened her to her stomach.

"Listen Gabs, I don’t mean any harm. I’m just looking out for your best interests. It’s best if you never, ever voice your feelings to her. More than likely she’ll just laugh at you. And if she doesn’t, then you’ll know that she’s taken up with you out of her desire to keep you around as her companion. After all if you weren’t around who would cook for her and gather all the firewood?"

"Well Anansa, I appreciate your thoughts. But the next time you have some, keep them to yourself. I’ve got to go, there’s a foul stench around here that’s souring the smell of the flowers".

And with that she turned on her heels and headed back towards the castle. Gabrielle kept her stride confident and her head was held high, but on the inside she was crumbling. Her feelings of love for the warrior were just beginning to take root and become a conscious thought in her mind, but now... ‘I don’t trust Anansa, but there is truth to what she said. I don’t have any idea of how to please Xena and if I did voice my thoughts would she entertain the notion just to keep happy?’ By the time Gabrielle reached her quarters her face was streaked with tears. Xena wasn’t back yet so Gabrielle went into the writing room. It was the one room she knew Xena would not enter. She needed to be alone with her thoughts and her parchments and try to make some sense out of all she had just heard.

Anansa spent the rest of the evening in the garden. Sampling the flowers and patting herself on the back for getting rid of her competition for Xena’s affections. Deep down inside she knew that if Gabrielle ever gave voice to her feelings that she would be dumped like yesterday’s meal. Xena was in love with Gabrielle too, although the warrior hadn’t admitted it to herself. But it didn’t matter anymore because she had taken care of the problem. Xena was the most exciting and intoxicating lover Anansa ever had. She figured Xena must feel the same way, after all they made love every day, sometimes two and three times a day since her arrival. She conceived a real future for her and Xena, and nothing would stand in her way. She was determined she would never be alone again, her heart would never be broken again.

XXXXXX

Xena and Gabrielle were in yet another heated argument. The fifth in as many days, and Xena couldn’t figure out why Gabrielle was so confrontational lately. Anansa knocked and walked into their chamber without waiting to be invited in. She eyed the two who seemed to be involved in harsh talk. As the pair turned their attentions to Anansa she smiled seductively.

"Please don’t let me interrupt. I can wait until you’re finished".

Xena turned and looked at Anansa with desire "I’ll be with you in a minute".

Gabrielle caught Xena’s look and her anger flared up even more. Anansa stood looking around the room, and pretended to be disinterested in their heated conversation. She casually made her way over to Xena’s armor. The breastplate sat on a nearby table to the side of the arguing women. Anansa took her finger and slowly ran it along the top, outlining the intricate patterns of the armor. Then she opened her hand flat and began caressing over one of the breast cups as if it were real flesh and not a piece of metal. The motion was not lost on Xena who caught the movement out of the corner of her eye. In her curiosity she turned her head, which alerted Gabrielle to Anansa’s actions. Anansa looked up when she heard the intense conversation stop. She looked up and smiled sheepishly when she saw both sets of eyes on her, but she never bothered to remove her hand from the metal breast. She stood there and her eyes locked with Xena’s. A mutual understanding of desire passed through both women as Anansa pivoted her body and started to walk towards Xena.

"You two seem busy, I’ll wait for you in my chambers Xena."

Anansa then produced a small brown pouch from a hidden pocket, which she held in her hand. She opened it up, stuck her fingers inside and produced an oddly colored greenish brown leaf that she put in her mouth and began to chew and roll around her mouth slowly and seductively. She lifted another to Xena’s lips.

Xena replied "I’ll be there as soon as I can" as she ate the leaf from Anansa’s hand. Anansa smiled and looked at them both.

Xena saw the seduction in Anansa’s smile, and Gabrielle saw the taunting. As soon as Anansa left the room Gabrielle’s focus changed.

"What is that?"

Xena just snorted as the lustful look left her face. "It’s nothing."

Gabrielle just cocked her head. "Yeah right. What’s the leaf for?"

Xena was really starting to get antsy because she was aroused by the knowledge that Anansa was ready and waiting for her. Xena held up Gabrielle’s arm to her mouth and lightly blew on it. Gabrielle’s eyes widened as the skin where Xena’s breath touched tingled quite pleasantly. She looked at Xena questioningly.

"It brings pleasure to the person you’re with."

In the heat of the moment, or perhaps the total frustration of the situation, who knows? Gabrielle spoke what was on her mind with boldness.

"I want to know what this really feels like."

Xena just looked at her "Gabrielle, you just felt it on your arm. What more…" she was cut off as Gabrielle shoved her shoulder.

Xena just raised an eyebrow at her, "So you want to know what it’s really like huh? I’ll show you."

She grabbed the bard’s head and pulled her in for a kiss. The kiss was motivated by frustration and anger, but after their lips touched for a few seconds it changed. The softness of Gabrielle’s mouth, the connection with her spirit, and the tingling sensation of the wild herb drove Xena wild. Xena forgot herself in the kiss as she put her arms around Gabrielle and moved from the bard’s mouth down her jaw line to the very sensitive nape of her neck. Gabrielle felt like she was on fire and floating in a wave of passion unlike anything she had ever dreamed of. The skin still tingled in the wake of Xena’s kisses. She arched her neck and back, giving herself over to the sensation.

She finally opened her mouth and whispered "Xena".

With the soft call of her name Xena’s eyes snapped open and reality came crashing around her. Xena took a step back and looked at Gabrielle with wide eyed surprise. Gabrielle was completely flushed, her eyes unfocused and glassy. Her pupils were dilated.

"Gabrielle, I’m so sorry… I just sorta lost myself. I didn’t mean to… Oh gods, look at you."

Gabrielle wanted to tell Xena of her love, tell her to keep kissing her, to never let her go, something, anything… but all the bard could do was stand there in a stunned state.

"Gabrielle, just sit down and breathe deeply. It will take a little time, but what you’re feeling will pass. I’m so sorry."

With that Xena simply turned and headed for the door and straight into Anansa’s arms. Xena was in a huff as she walked the hallway to Anansa’s room. Her heart was racing, she was upset by what just happened. Not because kissing Gabrielle was so horrible, in fact she really enjoyed it. But she knew Gabrielle would be mad at her and this would lead to another round of fighting. Everything seemed to tick her friend off now. ‘Boy that Gabrielle really pisses me off sometimes’ she thought. She couldn’t wait to get to Anansa and work off all her frustrations. ‘Damn, what am I going to do when I get back on the road and don’t get to have sex everyday anymore.’ She stormed down the hall, every step on edge with the tensions she felt. She walked up to Anansa’s door, barged in and slammed it behind her. Anansa stood there dressed in a light blue see-thru robe. The robe perfectly accentuated her figure. The two glared at each other and the passions built almost as a physical cloud in the air. They took each other quickly and passionately. Xena’s passion was driven by new and disturbing feelings that she was barely conscious of, but were bothering her all the same. She had Anansa pinned under her, the wood and leather phallus deep inside her. She rocked back and forth letting the pleasure and passion build within her and suddenly a vision of Gabrielle flashed in her mind. She saw Gabrielle standing there with her face flush, nipples hard. She started grinding harder and harder against Anansa as she recalled the softness of the skin on the hollow of Gabrielle’s neck.

Xena was on the verge of cumming and she cried out "Gah…", but she caught herself just in time before she screamed out Gabrielle’s name.

Xena caressed and squeezed Anansa’s large breasts. The two women came together and in that moment they were never farther apart as Xena’s mind was swimming with thoughts of Gabrielle. Consciously Anansa wasn’t aware of it, but in her heart she knew that something had changed. She tried to shake off the feeling and looked into the deep blue pools of Xena’s eyes for comfort, but when she did it confirmed the distance.

"Dinar for your thoughts…"

Anansa said as she tried to snuggle up to Xena and get the warrior to lay in an embrace with her. Xena pulled away, but when she looked into Anansa’s eyes she reconsidered and laid back down next to her.

"I’m sorry Anansa, I don’t know what’s with me." Xena’s words didn’t comfort her and her heart started racing

"It’s ok Xena. If there’s anything you want from me, anything you want me to do, just let me know."

Anansa struggled to keep the desperation out of her voice, but failed miserably. She could sense that the dream was almost over. She had been with Xena for less than 2 weeks, but her entire world had changed and she was determined that it would never change back. As the two lay there together Anansa’s mind was struggling for any straw that would keep Xena in her arms.

XXXXXX

Anansa woke suddenly. She had been asleep no more than a few minutes, but Xena was already gone. She tried desperately to ignore the feelings of separation where Xena was concerned, but they were too strong. She lay there for the rest of the night seeking for Morpheus to bring her oblivion, but he eluded her.

Xena walked through the castle for a time checking on security, and then headed back to her chambers. She knew that Gabrielle would be asleep by now, giving her some time to sort out her feelings while she sharpened her sword by the fireplace. She quietly opened the door and to her surprise she found Gabrielle sitting in the exact same spot where she had left her four candle marks earlier.

When Xena walked in she closed the door behind her and just stood there. She and Gabrielle looked at each other for a short time, neither of them moving. Xena broke the silence first.

She asked softly "Are you alright?"

"Yeah"

"I thought you would have been asleep by now, but you haven’t even moved from that spot."

"I just had some thinking to do."

"Listen Gabrielle, I’m very sorry about that incident earlier."

"It’s Ok Xena."

"But I should have had some self control, or something. You were only curious, and I took a liberty with you that should never happen without someone’s permission. It’s especially bad because you’re someone that I care so deeply about."

"It really is Ok Xena. I didn’t mind."

"I don’t get it. You say it’s OK, but obviously it’s bothering you. You’re still sitting here just where I left you."

"I just had some thinking to do, some feelings to sort out."

"I can’t believe I…"

Gabrielle cut Xena off sharply. "Xena!" The bard then continued in low measured tones. "I need you to just listen to me for a few minutes. I have to tell you something while I… while I have the courage."

Gabrielle looked in the direction of Xena’s boots, but her eyes didn’t focus on anything in particular.

"These past two weeks have been like a whirlwind. The incidents that have taken place have opened my eyes to a world that didn’t exist for me before, and have forced me to examine my life and myself. Xena…" at this point Gabrielle finally lifted her head and looked up into Xena’s brilliantly blue eyes. "I’m in love with you."

Xena just stood there as her shock was reflected in her perfect Grecian features. She opened her mouth to speak but Gabrielle just lifted her hand, palm forward "please let me finish. I know that you’re with Anansa now, I guess I made my discovery a little too late, but I just needed to tell you that. I know that you love me as a friend, and I want you to know that I don’t expect anything from you, I just needed to tell you. I felt I owed you an explanation after giving you such a hard time over the past few days. But once I understood my feelings I would get so enraged when you and Anansa were together… I’m sorry for being so argumentative. I won’t get between you two anymore, and I hope that one day you might consider me as someone you could love that way, but if you never do, it’s Ok. That’s all I wanted t say."

Xena just stood there taking in the confessions of her friend. Xena had seen so much and done so much in her life, but nothing had ever moved her quite like this. She was actually choked up and for a moment and couldn’t find her voice. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply to regain her control and composure. Gabrielle stared at Xena as she searched her feelings, but Gabrielle was overcome with all the tension she had been holding in, she put her hand up to her face and began to cry. Xena rushed over and took Gabrielle in her arms and held her. With every sob she released the tension, the hatred, the envy and every other emotion she had been carrying around over the past few weeks. When Gabrielle sat up the sobbing had stopped, but a few stray tears still fell from her eyes. Xena sat with her and quietly and lovingly wiped every one away.

"Gabrielle, I’m so…"

Gabrielle was too afraid to hear what Xena would say next. She decided to put it off for now. She touched Xena’s arm.

"I can’t talk about this now. Can we speak about it later."

Xena looked at her friend and nodded. "You’re exhausted. Come on let’s go to bed."

They entered the bedroom and immediately fell into their comfortable routine of Gabrielle removing Xena’s armor. After which they laid down together in the luxurious bed and fell to sleep. That night as they lay in bed, they dreamed of each other.

XXXXXX

The next morning when Gabrielle woke she was surprised to find that Xena was still in bed with her. She allowed her eyes to focus, looked towards Xena’s face and saw her staring back at her.

"What are you still doing here?"

"I decided to hang around a bit."

Xena looked at Gabrielle lovingly and gently stroked the bards face with her hand, gently fingering the creases on her cheek made by the pillow.

"Let’s go get some breakfast". She playfully touched the tip of Gabrielle’s nose before she got out of bed.

"Ok"

Gabrielle was starting to feel giddy. Xena never paid attention to her like this before. She got out of bed and stood in front of the basin to wipe her face and hands for breakfast. ‘I know Xena’s not one for words. Is this her way of telling me she loves me back, or is she just trying to soften the blow of rejection?’ She decided not to think about it, and just enjoy this time with her while it lasted. Gabrielle felt as if she were floating on air. She almost got the feeling like she was with a boyfriend or something with Xena’s attentiveness. ‘Is this a dream?’ Gabrielle asked herself. ‘If it is, I don’t want it to end.’

XXXXXX

When Anansa woke she immediately went looking for Xena at the practice range. She was surprised not to find her there. She went to the morning festival events, no Xena. Then to the stream to see if she was fishing, to the weapons shop and finally to her uncle Tolman. No one had seen Xena. She decided to go to the dining hall to grab a muffin or something before she went to Xena’s chambers. At the entrance she stopped in her tracks as she saw Xena and Gabrielle enjoying a very leisurely breakfast. She was surprised because Xena had told her that she didn’t care for taking her meals in such a fashion; it was time consuming and pointless. Anansa thought to herself ‘Well everyone is allowed to try something different.’ She was about to join them, but as she moved to take her first step something struck her as odd. They were leaned in together seemingly in intense conversation, but there was something more to it. It was very subtle, but the way they were looking at each other as they were talking. Anansa started getting a sickening feeling in the core of her being. She didn’t enter the dining room, but decided to wait in the hallway. She stood in a place where she couldn’t easily be seen, but she had a fairly good view of the couple. She had lost her appetite and patiently waited to see if there were any telltale signs of what was going on. Normally Xena’s keen senses would have picked up on the eyes watching her, but she was preoccupied at the moment, she was on her first date with Gabrielle.

After breakfast Xena and Gabrielle went on a stroll of the castle together. They were lost in conversation and just walked together aimlessly. Eventually they ended up in a small side room near the reception hall. The room was meant as a waiting place for the more important dignitaries and contained elaborate furnishings for a room of its size. Since Gabrielle’s confession last night, Xena’s tactical mind had been in overdrive weighing the pros and cons of pursuing a relationship with Gabrielle. ‘It might destroy everything, or it might be the start of something wonderful’. Xena decided the reward was worth the risk. She loved Gabrielle more than any other person, but to be in love was something more. She never gave it much thought because she viewed Gabrielle as forbidden territory. She never nurtured the feelings that she had for her friend, but today was a new day.

Anansa continued to follow Xena and Gabrielle throughout the castle. She knew that they were very good friends, but she couldn’t recall ever seeing them walk so closely together. And they weren’t headed to any place in particular, just meandering through the castle halls. Anansa was very careful to make sure she stayed far back. Eventually she found herself standing in the hallway and looking into the main reception area. Xena and Gabrielle walked into one of the private lounges and closed the door.

XXXXXX

Gabrielle saw that Xena was no longer with her, but in deep thought. ‘I’d give anything to know what’s going on in that mind right now.’ Xena looked around the room, focused on Gabrielle and smiled. She walked over to her and took the bards hands in her own. She said nothing as she lifted their clasped hands together and held them there looking at them as she gently caressed Gabrielle’s hands with her thumbs. She then pulled Gabrielle’s hands up to her mouth, closed her eyes and gently kissed them. It took Gabrielle’s breath away. She just stood there looking at Xena expectantly; her heart was beating a mile a minute. Xena held Gabrielle’s hands up to her chest with one hand and moved the other to gently caress her face. She ran her fingers down the length of her face, tracing the eyes and that adorable button nose that crinkled in the cutest way when she smiled. She ended at Gabrielle’s mouth, running her fingers over those soft lips. She lowered her hand to cradle behind Gabrielle’s neck as she stood taking in the beauty of her face as a whole. Xena leaned forward and kissed Gabrielle for the first time as a love interest. The kiss was feather soft and filled with wonder and promise.

Anansa stood outside the reception hall tapping her foot for several minutes. She knew the room wasn’t very big and nothing in there was interesting enough for them to stay in there so long. She decided to see for herself what was going on. She walked through the grand hall with a purposeful step, her beautiful Auburn hair flowing behind her. She threw open the door to the lounge. The sight made her feel like a dagger had gone through her soul.

Anansa walked into the room just as Xena and Gabrielle were ending their first real kiss. She just stood there looking at them defiantly.

"What is this?" She said in a near hysterical tone.

Gabrielle jumped as she pulled away from Xena and started fidgeting nervously under Anansa’s glare. Xena’s face was unreadable.

"Anansa we need to talk" she said softly.

Anansa folded her arms and cocked her head "Apparently so."

Xena turned back to Gabrielle and her features immediately softened as she looked at the bard.

"Give us a few minutes please." She said as she gently caressed the bard’s arm, trying to calm her down.

"Um, sure" replied the bard.

"No! Let her stay."

Anansa enjoyed watching Gabrielle’s discomfort. She wanted Gabrielle to know just how much this hurt her. Xena shrugged and Gabrielle’s nerves now reached her legs, which didn’t seem to want to move at the moment.

Anansa simply said "So this is it! What about me? What about our relationship?"

Xena looked at her and smiled slightly "Listen, we..."

She reached out to touch Anansa on the arm, but she took a step back. "How could you?"

Xena looked at her sincerely and answered her in soft tones. "Anansa, I don’t understand your anger we agreed that what was between us was casual, temporary. We don’t have a romantic relationship, were friends and sex partners. To be enjoyed for the moment, remember?"

"Yes Xena, I know that’s what we discussed, but we’ve spent a lot of time together over the last two weeks. We have a real connection. I’ve felt it, and I know you must feel it too. What we have is special. I know we agreed that this was just a fling, and that we would separate just as easily as we came together, but then our relationship blossomed. We became more than convenient lovers, didn’t we? Don’t I mean anything to you?"

Xena stood silent, apparently looking for the right words.

"This is insane, I can’t even stay mad at you, I love you too much. Just looking at you standing there, my heart fills with love for you Xena." Xena’s eyes locked with Anansa’s as she read the sincerity of her words. "There’s no need to drag this out. I know it’s over Xena, I just have one request." Xena nodded slowly. "Kiss me, just one last time… like you really mean it."

At this Gabrielle’s legs found their strength and she backed out of the room. Xena turned to gauge Gabrielle’s response to the request, and saw Gabrielle leaving. She turned back to Anansa and gently raised a hand to caress her cheek with the back of her hand. When she turned her hand over to cup the side of her face Anansa closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. Xena slowly moved forward and lingered at Anansa’s lips for a few seconds before moving into the full kiss. Anansa wrapped her arms around Xena’s neck and opened herself to the warrior. Xena felt bad about the way this ended so she decided to allow the kiss to continue as long as Anansa needed. Ansana drunk long and deep of Xena’s lips and mouth and ended the kiss only when she didn’t have enough air to continue. Xena pulled back slowly and opened her eyes and was surprised to see Anansa’s face streaked with tears. Xena began to gently wipe them away. Anansa looked her in the eyes and asked so softly it was almost a whisper "just tell me one thing, if she weren’t here, would I still be the one you’re with?" Xena frowned slightly trying not to make a bad situation worse, but she had little to no skill in this arena.

Her tones were soft and measured, "I care for you, and hope we can remain friends but I don’t love you. It wouldn’t matter if Gabrielle were here or not, I’m sorry Anansa."

And with that Xena turned and walked out the door. Anansa just stood there looking like the most lost person in the world.

Suddenly her eyes sparkled with enlightenment "I can make her love me. No, wait, I don’t have to… she does love me, she just doesn’t realize it yet. But I’ll help her understand."

And with that her entire face lit up as she turned and practically skipped out of the room, her eyes gleamed with a touch of insanity.

XXXXXX

Gabrielle felt like she was on Mount Olympus. For two days Xena made Gabrielle the focus of all her free moments. When they would sit to eat a meal, or walk down the corridor Xena’s loving little touches were the most soothing and reassuring testament of how much she cared. A casual touch of her hand, an arm around her shoulder; her heart would simply pound. Her favorite was when Xena would touch her arm. It was a motion made hundreds of times in their travels, but now she would leave her hand on Gabrielle’s arm for longer periods. She especially liked when they would sit side by side and chat as they normally did, but there would be kisses here and there. Last night was the best. As they sat in front of the fireplace in their room, kissing was more intense than ever. Gabrielle even went so far as to put her hand on Xena’s bare thigh. Then she pulled away and asked to stop. She felt bad that she broke it off so abruptly, but she started feeling like she had peed on herself again. ‘Of all the rotten luck’ she thought. When she pulled away Xena didn’t question or pursue. Gabrielle just changed her underpants and they went to sleep for the night.

XXXXXX

Xena and Gabrielle were standing on the balcony, chatting as they looked over at the jugglers in the garden below. They stood in a gentle embrace, just enjoying each other. The festival would close tomorrow and soon they would be on their way. Gabrielle nuzzled her head against Xena’s chest and inhaled the scent of her friend deeply.

"Xena…" she whispered "will you have sex with me?"

Xena leaned back from the embrace just enough to look into the bards eyes, and simply said "No".

She reached a hand up and gently ran her hand along Gabrielle’s face, taking note of the hurt in her eyes.

Xena’s heart over ran with emotion as she finally finished her sentence. "But I will make love to you."

Xena pulled Gabrielle into the bedroom, then leaned down and kissed Gabrielle passionately. The two started to explore each other with their hands. Although Gabrielle’s tentative touches never roamed far from Xena’s slim waist. Xena opened her mouth and ran her tongue over Gabrielle’s lips during the kiss. She repeated this motion several times until it dawned on her just how inexperienced Gabrielle was. Xena pulled back from the kiss, the desire already burning in her heart and in her loins. Her eyes reflecting the passion she felt for her friend.

"Gabrielle, open your mouth" she said softly and gently.

Gabrielle looked puzzled, but opened her mouth without question. Xena moved her hand to the back of Gabrielle’s head and gently cradled it. She then leaned down again and took Gabrielle’s mouth; slowly at first allowing the bard to get used to the sensation of her tongue. But with each passing moment the pressure and depth of passion became stronger. She explored Gabrielle’s mouth and had to run her tongue over Gabrielle’s several times before she responded. Xena moaned her pleasure into Gabrielle’s mouth and then began to suck on her tongue. Gabrielle was just moving from one shock to another as her senses were being assaulted. Her nostrils were filled with Xena’s scent; her mouth was filled Xena’s tongue, her body was encircled in Xena’s embrace. She felt Xena’s hand move from around her waist and travel lower and lower. A hand cupped one of her buttocks and then it happened again, her body betrayed her and she felt the water gathering between her legs. Here she was about to make love with Xena and now this happens. Her body tensed, Xena sensed the change and wondered if Gabrielle changed her mind.

Xena pulled back "It’s OK if you change your mind. We don’t have to do this. We can stop anytime."

Gabrielle just hung her head low, and was about to break off the encounter to try to see the local healer as soon as possible. Then she thought about it, ‘Xena’s a gifted healer. Maybe she’ll know what to do?’

"I’ve been having this problem lately and maybe you could help?"

Xena saw the concern in Gabrielle’s eyes. "Sure tell me what it is and I’ll try to help."

"Well it started happening a few weeks ago, and it happened again just now." Xena was really starting to get concerned now. "For some reason it’s like my body is leaking. I feel like I just peed a little, but I know I didn’t, and I have no way of controlling it."

Xena just stood there in shock. Part of her wanted to laugh, but that would definitely destroy this precious moment, so she smiled and tried to think of the best way to explain this. She cupped Gabrielle’s face in her hands and gently kissed her forehead.

"Gabrielle, there’s nothing wrong with you."

The bards face immediately lit up. "You mean this has happened to you?" Xena just nodded her head

"EVERY woman gets ‘wet’ when she’s sexually excited. It’s a good thing."

Gabrielle exhaled "Wow what a relief."

Xena pursed her lips. "I don’t understand why you said this was a recent occurrence, didn’t this happen when you were with Perdicus?"

Gabrielle just shook her head no. Xena gently ran the back of her hand across Gabrielle’s face, her features apparent with sympathy.

"Will you tell me about the night you were with Perdicus?" Gabrielle looked at the floor. "It’s OK, you don’t have to tell me, I…"

Gabrielle’s head popped up and looked Xena in the eyes "No, no I want to tell you, I was just trying to put the words together. I don’t want any secrets from you."

Xena nodded her head in understanding.

"We were together talking about our experiences with sex, and he told me he had been with other women. Then we started to kiss. I was sooo nervous and couldn’t stop the knots in my stomach. He started kissing me really hard, too hard, I didn’t like it. Then he pulled me onto the bed and lifted my skirt. When he put it in me, it hurt so bad; but that was OK because it was over in just a few flickers of a candle. I was crying a little bit and he told me that it would get better once I got used to it. Then he lay down. I pulled down my skirt down and lay next to him. Then we fell asleep. So, what do you think? Was that right for a man and woman? I noticed that when you were with Anansa it took a lot longer." Xena winced a little as she smiled. ‘Gabrielle deserved much better.’

"Sorry to break it to you, but that wasn’t very good. He should have spent time touching you, caressing you, getting to know your body and allowing you to discover his. That would probably have made you wet between your legs."

Xena started to move her hand slowly over Gabrielle’s back, paying special attention to the lower area where the flesh was exposed. Gabrielle’s breathing began to intense almost immediately. Xena leaned down and ran light kisses along her neck. She opened her mouth and began breathing hot breath along her neck. Xena lifted her head slightly and whispered into Gabrielle’s ear.

"Gabrielle I want to make this special for you. I’ll make sure this is a day you will never forget."

Xena pulled back from Gabrielle’s ear and kissed Gabrielle deeply again.

When the kiss was broken for air Gabrielle said breathlessly "It already is Xena. It already is".

Xena just smiled with a knowing anticipation and continued her exploration of the bard’s body. She ran her hands over the firm backside kneading the firm mounds of flesh. Then she moved her hands to Gabrielle’s front, cupping a tender breast in each hand. She could feel Gabrielle’s hard nipples through the green fabric. Xena buried her face in Gabrielle’s neck, nipping at the sensitive flesh. Gabrielle was moaning with pleasure, and the sound was driving Xena wild. Xena pulled back and moved her hands to the center of Gabrielle’s shirt and slowly undid the lacing holding the top together. Gabrielle’s breasts bounced slightly as they fell out of their confinement. She pushed the top back over Gabrielle’s shoulders and let it fall freely to the floor. Xena’s hand’s returned to touch Gabrielle’s naked breasts. It was the first time they’d ever been touched and Gabrielle could do nothing but stand there and gasp with pleasure. Xena moved her kisses down Gabrielle’s neck and headed south until she reached one of the breasts. She lovingly took a nipple in her mouth and began to gently suckle it. Gabrielle’s mind was reeling. She never noticed when Xena unhooked her leather belt or anything else. When she finally was able to think again she was laying stark naked on the bed. Xena’s armor was gone and the leather dress hung loosely from her body, apparently she had loosened the laces in the back.

As Xena went to take Gabrielle she looked between her legs and uttered "Oh, is this for me? How wonderful, because I’m thirsty."

Xena moved to put her face between Gabrielle’s legs. Gabrielle’s face showed nothing but shock and confusion as she saw Xena’s head quickly descend between her legs.

She only got out the words "What are…" when she felt the first lick against her outer lips.

The question was quickly replaced by a deep guttural moan. Xena popped her head up, her eyes wide with false innocence, yet with a smile that reflected seduction.

"Do you want me to stop?"

Gabrielle could only shake her head emphatically. Xena’s expression changed to a mischievous smile and she resumed her drink at Gabrielle’s fountain. The bard came very quickly. Xena pouted a little, she was just getting started. She wanted to continue her exploration of her lover, but Xena didn’t want to overwhelm her for her first time. She moved back up the bards body and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She smiled slightly, Gabrielle was trembling. Then she lay back against the pillows, holding the bard closely to her.

Gabrielle was overwhelmed by the pleasuring Xena had just given her. She never imagined anything could feel so good. After the wave of her orgasm receded she became anxious and couldn’t wait for her chance to try and "learn" Xena’s body. Images of Xena’s face as she was writhing on the floor with Anansa flooded her mind. She could hear Xena’s moans and pants and she was determined that Xena would sing that sweet song of passion for her. Gabrielle took a moment to collect herself and clear her mind for the task ahead of her. Then she noted that Xena shifted her body again slightly and seemed to be getting rather comfortable as if she were…

"Xena? Are you going to sleep?"

Xena sat up slightly the strap of her dress hanging seductively off her shoulder. "I don’t know, I just thought I’d rest awhile and if I sleep so be it. But I was sure you’d be asleep by now".

Gabrielle scrunched up her face as she thought silently. "I know I’m new at this, but are we supposed to take a break now? When do I get to… you know?"

Xena’s eyebrows raised in surprise "I didn’t think…" Xena’s voice trailed off. "Gabrielle, I don’t want you to feel obligated, you don’t have to do this."

Gabrielle looked down for a moment as if searching her feelings, then she looked into Xena’s eyes and said with certainty "I don’t have to, but I want to. Let me touch you. I’ve never done this before, but I want to learn… let me love you."

Xena was moved by the passion in the bard’s voice.

"Yes Gabrielle, love me."

The bard sat back on her haunches. "First thing is you need to take this off." She said pulling at Xena’s leathers.

Xena got up and slowly removed all of her clothing. She stood there allowing Gabrielle to take in her form for the first time as her lover. Gabrielle’s face reflected something that Xena had never seen before from her friend… pure lust. After a few moments she laid back on the bed, her anticipation was mounting although she reminded herself this was Gabrielle’s first time. ‘I probably won’t cum, but it will still be a pleasant experience.’ she thought. Gabrielle slowly descended to Xena’s mouth for a kiss, but she pulled back after only a few moments and licked her lips. Xena smiled, that’s you your tasting.

"I didn’t realize…" The bard gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

"Do you taste like that?"

Xena smiled "well, I’ve only had second hand samples like the one I just gave you, but yeah pretty much. Each woman is a little different, but it’s all in the same family."

Gabrielle leaned in for another kiss. Finally Gabrielle pulled back and admired Xena’s body, and she felt a wave a pleasure at being able to openly stare at her beauty. She laid a hand on her taut stomach, and closed her eyes; enjoying the feel of the silky smooth flesh under her hand. She ran her hands all over Xena’s body, although she avoided Xena’s breasts. Gabrielle’s careful touches were driving Xena wild. Every touch was meaningful and reflected the bard’s love. She was taking her time running her hands over every inch of Xena’s body. Sometimes she would caress the skin with her palm, other times with just the tips of her fingers. It was as if she were trying to take Xena in by touch alone. On occasion she would bend down and kiss the area that she was exploring. Although Gabrielle hadn’t touched Xena’s most sensitive areas, she was still highly aroused.

Then it happened, with shaking hands she touched Xena’s breasts. The nipples were already hardened, and Gabrielle moved her hand until a hardened nipple was in the palm of each hand. Xena’s back arched and Gabrielle sat in awe as she looked at her friend. She lovingly caressed her breasts and watched in awe as Xena’s knees slowly pulled up and her legs opened. As Gabrielle looked at her friend she realized, that this was by pure instinct alone, an absolutely visceral response. She started to squeeze and kneed the breasts just as Xena had done to her. She noticed that Xena’s hips were subtly raising off the bed in slight motions. The bard moved down between Xena’s legs and everything just stopped, she sat there and stared. Xena lay there with her eyes closed, she felt Gabrielle’s hands leave her breasts, and she was waiting for the sweet pleasure to continue. After long moments she looked up at Gabrielle. The bard just sat there as if in a daze.

"What are you doing?"

Gabrielle’s head snapped up like she was wakened from a day dream. "Oh nothing."

Xena just chuckled to herself "I can tell that, but what are you looking at?"

Gabrielle looked down at the bed sheets for a second then back to the face of her new lover "Well, it’s just that I’ve never… I‘ve never seen…"

Xena smiled slightly, "It’s Ok, I understand. You don’t have to do this".

Now Gabrielle smiled. "No, no, I want to, you have no idea how much. But I had no idea you were so beautiful down there. It reminds me of a flower in bloom."

Gabrielle began to touch Xena gently, running her finger along the swollen outer lips. Feeling the silky smoothness and the beauty of the fine folds and lines all neatly framed in beautiful curly black hair. She ran her fingers over the glistening hairs, picking up some of the moisture on her finger. Then she sat considering what to do next and moved her finger upward. She spread Xena’s folds and found a surprise. ‘oh look at this’. Once again Gabrielle put a tentative finger on Xena’s flesh. As Gabrielle ran her finger over the sensitive nub Xena moaned. Gabrielle gasped and looked up into her friend’s face. Gabrielle was captivated at Xena’s expressions as she continued to touch, caress and explore. Finally, Xena used her own hand and patiently showed Gabrielle how she liked to be stroked. Gabrielle tried to recount in her head all that the warrior had done to her. After a few moments she remembered that Xena had used her mouth to pleasure her. Gabrielle wasn’t sure what to do, but figured she’d try and Xena would let her know if it was wrong. Gabrielle slowly leaned her face between Xena’s legs and immediately felt intoxicated. She was not prepared for the scent of Xena’s arousal. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply allowing it to penetrate her, she leaned in closer and placed a kiss right over Xena’s entrance. She moved back a bit and licked her lips. It was unlike anything she had tasted before, and the only thing she knew for certain was that she wanted more. The feeling was like running your tongue over the softest silk. She licked her tongue over the entrance several times before she remembered that special place in Xena’s folds. She gently parted Xena’s folds and ran her tongue over the sensitive nub. Xena made a noise of pure pleasure. Gabrielle took the nub into her mouth and began to suck.

Now she was having a hard time because the warrior’s pelvis was starting to make gyrating motions. As the tension increased the movements became harder. Xena needed release, she stopped Gabrielle for a moment, took two of Gabrielle’s fingers and slid them inside of herself. Xena’s back arched instinctively with the pleasure. From the intensity of Xena’s movements, Gabrielle quickly caught on that she should increase the intensity of the thrusts of her hand. She carefully paid attention to Xena’s body as a whole. Monitoring the writhing of her body, the expressions on her face and the sounds coming from the sensuous mouth, she made sure that she was producing the desired effect. Gabrielle was engrossed in her task and all at once she heard Xena cry out and then Xena’s insides seemed to grip her fingers and let go. She was surprised and remained still as it happened again and again. She looked up at Xena’s face, which was completely overtaken with pleasure. Her eyes were closed her mouth was open, panting and sighing with each contraction around Gabrielle’s fingers. Gabrielle moved up Xena’s body so that she could see the face of ecstasy up close. She was moved as she saw something so intimate, so special and it was all for her. She was overcome with love and her eyes started to fill with water. Xena’s body and facial expressions began to soften and by this time the tears flowed freely from Gabrielle’s eyes.

For the warrior princess this encounter should have been much less than earth shattering by this inexperienced woman. But the love behind every touch made Xena cum hard. She felt absolutely fulfilled. She lay for a second allowing the feeling to wash over her, her breathing still labored. Xena smiled a little before she opened her eyes. When she did she was greeting by Gabrielle’s tear streaked face. Xena was immediately on alert thinking that she had taken the bard too far, too soon, or had hurt her in some other way.

"I’m so sorry Gabrielle, I didn’t mean to rush you" she said with immediacy. She moved to take the bard in her arms.

"Oh no Xena, you didn’t rush me. Tonight was absolutely perfect."

Xena gently ran her hand over Gabrielle’s cheeks wiping away her tears. "Then why are you crying?"

Xena said with a softness that showed a side of her that the bard had never seen before. Gabrielle shifted in the embrace, placing Xena flat on her back again. The bard leaned over her looking at her, their bodies gently touching. She started to run her fingers through Xena’s silky raven lochs.

"I’ve never felt so close to anyone in my life. While we were making love I realize now that I have loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you back in Potadia. I’ve always had these feelings for you lurking just below the surface. If anyone had asked me I wouldn’t have even realized that they were there, but now I truly understand… I love you so much. Now that we’ve made love I feel so connected to you."

Xena just looked into her eyes and the truth of what she said was reflected there with such intensity that Xena had to avert her gaze temporarily. She resumed her gaze into those big green eyes and leaned in for a tender kiss. The passion in the kiss was such that no other words need be spoken. The two were exhausted, and briefly took a nap. When they woke it was still light outside. They ordered a bath.

Xena walked out onto the balcony wearing a bathrobe, her wet hair cascading down her back. Xena was feeling introspective; she stood looking over the garden and then up at the setting sun. She began to think of all the lovers she’d had over her lifetime, and it was quite a long list. She realized that no experience had left her feeling quite this way. She was satisfied physically, but more so, she felt complete. She felt satisfied on the inside as if Gabrielle had made love to her soul as well as her body. Xena shook her head to herself, ‘Gabrielle had only had sex once before, so how could she have such a profound effect on me?’ She smiled inwardly as she realized the truth ‘This is it! I am head over heels in love’. At that moment Gabrielle emerged on the balcony as well, dressed in a similar robe to Xena’s; her hair wrapped in a towel. She stood next to Xena, her eyes focused on how beautiful Xena looked in the waning sunlight. She turned to stare at the same rays of sunset and just enjoy this quiet moment with her lover. She moved closer to Xena and laid her head on her shoulder. ‘Life is perfect’ thought Gabrielle.

"You know Xena, I realized something today."

"What would that be?"

"That I never loved Perdicus, I only thought I did. My feelings for you are so strong, so intense, so consuming. And every moment that passes they grow stronger. What I felt for Perdicus isn’t even a small fraction of what I feel for you. Xena, I love you with all my heart."

Xena closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She turned to her young friend "Gabrielle… I love you too." Gabrielle smiled and laid her head back on Xena’s shoulder.

At that same moment Anansa was strolling through the far end of the garden. She was about to start collecting roses for her next encounter with Xena, after all she must have forgotten about Gabrielle by now. She thought she would sprinkle her bed with rose petals along with some scented oils know for being aphrodisiacs. As her hand extended to pick the first bloom, she looked up and saw the couple on the balcony. They were just standing there, but Anansa could tell that they had just been together. There was such an afterglow emanating from the balcony, and the sight sickened her and made her blood boil with jealousy. ‘I will not let her take what’s mine! Gabrielle has to die’. As she left the garden towards her chambers she mulled over and over in her mind how Xena could pick Gabrielle over her. When she returned to her chambers she looked herself over in the mirror. Anyone would agree that she was a stunning beauty and she knew that she pleased Xena in bed.

Anansa tried to reason the situation as she spoke to herself "Gabrielle must have, given her a love potion, put a spell on her or something".

XXXXXX

It had been two days since Gabrielle and Xena first made love. The festival was over and Tolman asked Xena to stay on a few days and review some of their security procedures and methods. Sources reported that an army was heading in their general direction, and Tolman wanted to be ready just in case. Normally Xena would have been itching to hit the road again by now, but with the recent development in her relationship with Gabrielle they both wanted some time to get adjusted to this new depth in their relationship before going back on the road and facing their daily uncertainties. Xena spent her days with Tolman and the Laconian security officers while Gabrielle sat in the garden, filling scroll after scroll. They spent each night continuing to learn each other’s bodies and share the secret desires that had previously been taboo between them.

XXXXXX

Four days after the festival’s end Gabrielle was walking down the hall towards the garden for the second time that day. She was practically singing as she thought of how she would continue her scroll. It was her first story that included sex… graphic sex. ‘I’m wet just thinking of what to write next. Wet?’ She laughed inwardly at how comfortable she had become with that word, and so quickly. To think that this time last week she had no idea what it even meant and thought it was a sickness. And now only a mere look from Xena, or even just thinking about her would bring floods. Then a chill ran down her spine for no apparent reason. She began to look around and she saw… Anansa. She had all but forgotten that Anansa even existed. She was standing in the corner near one of the doors. She looked as if she hadn’t slept or eaten in days. Gabrielle with her compassionate nature wanted to inquire if anything was wrong, but Anansa’s eyes were filled with coldness. The stare was filled with such raw hatred the dead could probably feel it. Ezik’s words about Anansa’s hurts rang through Gabrielle’s head. ‘I can’t blame her. She’s reacting this way because she’s been hurt again.’ Although Xena never led her on, it would hurt all the same. She averted her eyes and gradually increased her pace to the garden. Sadly enough, when she got there she didn’t feel like writing anymore.

XXXXXX

Gabrielle awoke in bed alone. The spot where Xena had been was still warm. She rolled over and leaned her head into the pillow. It smelled like Xena. They had made love well into the night, but Gabrielle was facing challenges with this relationship, unbridled lust. Too bad Xena didn’t wake her before she left for the day. She thought of how Xena would kiss her, touch her, stroke her. ‘Perhaps I could do it myself?’ She lay there pretending her hands were Xena’s hands. She ran them slowly over her body, taking lot of time with her breasts. Xena loved her breasts and paid lots of attention to them. Pinching the nipples, caressing them, squeezing them and leaving her love bites all over them. She centralized her fingertips over one she received last night. Eventually she trailed down, spread her folds and found one of her special places. She loved the feeling of Xena’s warm moist mouth sucking on it, but her hand would have to do for now. She ran her fingertips back and forth over it. ‘Man, that feels pretty good.’ The wetness poured out of another special place, and she’d get to that one soon enough. Gabrielle closed her eyes and started moaning. At that moment Xena entered their chambers to retrieve a scroll she’d forgotten which outlined proposed security plans. She paused when she heard the faint sounds of moaning coming from her bedroom. Her heart started racing as she tried to figure out who was in there with Gabrielle. Whoever it was, she would kill them. She opened the door and saw the naked bard having a pretty good time all by herself. Xena smiled then went back to the front door to speak with Tolman and his chief of security. They were probably wondering what was taking her so long to get a scroll.

"I need some time here. How about I meet you in the conference chamber after lunch".

Tolman looked surprised, but he left without comment. Xena locked the door and soundlessly removed her armor and put in on the floor. Her leather dress and shift ended up thrown across the couch. The only clothing that remained on her was her bracers. She moved into the bedroom and found her bard still pleasuring herself. In between moans she heard Gabrielle whisper "Xena". ‘That’s my cue’ she thought.

"You called?" Xena said as she got on the bed and knelt in front of Gabrielle.

Gabrielle’s eyes flew open, but the surprise was soon replaced with lust. In a move that surprised them both Gabrielle quickly sat up grabbed Xena by the shoulders and pushed her back on the bed. Gabrielle was on top of her kissing her, placing her hands everywhere, dripping her essence all over Xena’s lower half.

Gabrielle pulled back for a moment, and their eyes locked "I love you, Xena."

Before the warrior could even responded Gabrielle laid claim to her mouth again.

Unbeknownst to them Anansa had a master key and had slipped into the chamber. She knew of Gabrielle’s love for sleeping late, and she had already seen Xena in the company of her uncle. With butcher’s knife in her hand she intended to slit Gabrielle’s throat. In her fog of insanity she never noticed Xena’s armor or clothes in the main room. She did however note the panting as she approached the bedroom. Her heart soared because this meant that Gabrielle was fucking someone else. All she needed to do was see who it was and she would present the story to Xena who would promptly dump Gabrielle. Then she and Xena would be free to live the rest of their lives together. She crept up close to the door and discretely peeped in. She noticed the long dark hair laying off the edge of the bed. Then she looked behind her and spied the trail of body armor and clothing. Her first reaction was to rush into the room and have at them both with her knife, but even in her madness she knew it would be suicide. She quietly left knowing what Xena was capable of if she were discovered there. She needed to sit down and work out a good solid plan.

Gabrielle and Xena continued their lovemaking, completely unaware that they ever had a visitor. Xena wasn’t easy to sneak up on, but there were certain situations where she was more vulnerable. Unfortunately one of those times was during intense sexual stimulation. Xena lay back and allowed herself to be ravished by Gabrielle who was only just beginning to discover herself as a sexual being, much less as a sexual aggressor. Xena’s hand rested on Gabrielle’s waist. She tried to shift Gabrielle slightly to make them more comfortable, but Gabrielle grabbed both of Xena’s hands and pinned her arms back on either side of her. The warrior was slightly shocked by this move, and she felt Gabrielle was also. Gabrielle was aroused like never before, sexually charged. They both knew Xena could have over powered her at any time, but the fact that she didn’t… that she allowed her to take control, well Xena could tell the effect it was having on Gabrielle by the pool that was collecting on her stomach. Gabrielle’s eyes were on fire with passion. Her breath was ragged as she looked down at the warrior. Xena saw so much in the face of her young friend. It was a mixture of love, lust, desire, surprise, confusion, fear and frustration. Now that Xena was in this submissive position under her, she didn’t know what to do next. She ached inside for the warrior’s release, but she also wanted Xena to remain in this position.

Finally she just shook her head in frustration and attacked Xena. She savagely laid claim to her mouth and released the warriors hands so she could touch her as much as she could, everywhere. The fervency of her kisses were almost as if she were trying to consume the warrior whole. Her hips were grinding furiously against Xena’s stomach, and as tight as Xena’s stomach muscles were, they weren’t able to touch Gabrielle the way she needed to get release. Xena managed to move her arm around the bard’s furious touches to get to Gabrielle’s center. As she laid her fingers against the sensitive nub Gabrielle let out a howling scream, her eyes were wild. Xena continued to touch the trembling, crazed woman as she shifted her slightly so that Gabrielle straddled her thigh and Gabrielle’s knee rested between Xena’s leg. With another shift of her body she felt what she would need in order to find her own release. Gabrielle was so consumed that she never even noticed that her knee was now slicked in Xena’s wetness. As Xena continued to work on releasing Gabrielle, Gabrielle’s resulting movements were in perfect rhythm to satisfy Xena. After several long moments, Gabrielle’s pants became louder, turning into incoherent noises and animalistic grunts. Then all of a sudden she became silent. She was poised above her lover, with her face twisted and contorted and dripping with sweat. Her mouth was open as if she could speak, but nothing was possible; her orgasm so deep that it stole her very breath. After several long moments she gasped and collapsed on top of the warrior. Xena was so overcome at the intensity of Gabrielle’s orgasm that she came as well. And when Gabrielle fell on top of her, she held the trembling, gasping form. Gabrielle held onto Xena like her life depended on it. As her orgasm quelled she gently kissed the warrior on her neck.

"You don’t know how much I love you Xena." Xena leaned over and kissed the bard on the head.

"And I you."

Most of her lovers were more skilled than Gabrielle, but none loved her as Gabrielle none meant as much to her as Gabrielle and that difference was enough to make every encounter the most fulfilling experience of her life.

XXXXXX

Gabrielle sat under a tree in the garden daydreaming as she picked blades of grass and examined each one intensely.

"Hi Gabs"

Gabrielle shivered as her blood ran cold with the sound of that voice. Gabrielle looked at Anansa, her expression apparently gave away all of the apprehension she felt.

Anansa just smiled sweetly "Listen I know how you probably feel about me, but I just want you to understand that I love Xena. So much so, that I just want to see her happy. Even though she chose to be with you, I still want to be a part of her life as her friend. In order to do that I need to make peace with you. Can we be friends?"

Anansa’s face showed nothing but sincerity. Gabrielle put herself in Anansa’s shoes and just couldn’t hold it against the woman.

"Of course we can be friends" replied Gabrielle with a warm genuine smile.

Anansa smiled again, and her entire face lit up. Seeing her like this reminded Gabrielle why Xena found this woman so appealing in the first place.

"Come on, walk with me."

Anansa turned and headed out of the garden as Gabrielle fell in step next to her. The two spent their time chatting amiable and yet cautiously about nothing in particular. It took Gabrielle a few minutes to realize they were heading out of town.

"Where are we going?" Anansa pointed ahead towards a cave.

"Just up ahead. Inside that cave is a spring with water unlike anything anywhere else. It’s very cold and sweet. It’s something we rarely share with outsiders. There’s been friction between us, and I’ll admit that I did harbor ill feelings towards you, but I’m over it now. I really do want to be your friend, and I thought you would appreciate the value of my sharing it with you. Think of it as a peace offering."

Gabrielle couldn’t help but feel warm on the inside at Anansa’s heartfelt confession, and the thought that she would be allowed to see something, only for the people of Laconia.

"I’d heard that Laconia had many secrets and privileges only for their people."

Gabrielle started to feel badly for some of the resentment she held towards this woman. As they entered the mouth of the cave, Gabrielle could smell the moisture. There were torches lit inside the cave and she could see the water flowing up from under the ground. Along one of the walls were shelves with various cups, pouches and other containers. She stood by the flow of water just taking in the place; she saw entrances into two other chambers. Anansa grabbed two cups from the shelf and walked over to Gabrielle.

"The chamber to the right contains another pool like this one, but the water is hot instead of cold. We use it to heal people from their infirmities. That other one leads to an echo chamber, nothing really interesting in there."

She leaned over and dunked both cups into the water flow and when she came up she gave one to Gabrielle and began to drink liberally from the other cup. Gabrielle put the cup to her lips, she could smell a light and clean perfumed scent in the water. She tentatively took a sip, and let the cool water flow over her lips. It was sooo satisfying and different than any water she had ever tasted. She put the cup back to her lips and greedily drank down the contents.

"You’re right, I’ve never had water this good."

Anansa just smiled, "See, told ya so. If you like that, wait until you try this. Be back in a second."

Anansa headed back to the shelves against the wall as Gabrielle bent over and refilled her cup. She finished it almost as quickly as she had filled it. Anansa had two pouches in her hand. One she attached to her belt, the other she began to open.

"Fill both cups again."

Gabrielle immediately complied and held up both full cups to her. Anansa poured powder from the pouch into each cup and produced a wooden spoon to stir the contents. She attached the second pouch and spoon to her belt, took one of the cups from Gabrielle and began to drink.

"What was that you put in the cup?"

Anansa looked at her questioningly, "oooh sorry, I should have explained. Most of those pouches contain flavored powder made by one of the townswomen. The one I just put in there is made from apples. I’m not sure what else she uses to produce the flavor. She won’t tell anyone how she makes it, but she freely shares with everyone. She’s got one for almost every kind of fruit."

Gabrielle sniffed the cup and could smell the apples, she cautiously tried the contents of the cup. The drink was very sweet, and she could taste the apple flavor. It reminded her a little of apple juice, but not quite. She quickly emptied the contents and took Anansa’s cup and refilled them. She stood with both cups held out to Anansa waiting to sample the next flavor. Anansa opened the second pouch and began to pour some of the powder into each cup.

"This one is strawberry."

Anansa stirred the contents again and took the cup from Gabrielle. As she held the cup and spoon in one hand she attempted to reattach the pouch to her belt with the other. Gabrielle had already started drinking.

"Oh my, this one is fantastic".

Anansa just nodded "Oh yeah, it’s one of my favorites."

The cup then slipped out of Anansa’s hand, she managed to catch the cup before it hit the ground, but all of the contents were gone.

"Oh well, good thing there’s lot’s more" said Anansa as she smiled sheeplishly.

Gabrielle finished the contents of her cup and turned to the rack. "How many flavors are there?"

Anansa leaned back over the spring and filled her cup with water.

She answered as she sipped "I think there are 20, but I know she’s always working on trying to make new ones".

Gabrielle suddenly felt a little lightheaded. She shook her head slightly trying to clear it. Unfortunately shaking her head made it worse and she almost fell over. She grabbed onto one of the rocks to keep herself steady.

"Gabrielle, are you alright?"

The cup that Gabrielle was holding fell out of her hand as she looked up. "I’m Ok, I just feel a little dizzy."

Anansa ran over and grabbed Gabrielle around the waist and began to lead the young woman into the chamber to the left.

"Where are we going?"

Anansa smiled "Don’t worry Gabrielle. There are some blankets in the back chamber, I’m just going to lay you down on them until the dizzy spell passes. By the time they reached the entranceway Gabrielle was out cold. She unceremoniously dumped Gabrielle onto the floor and looked at her.

"All too easy." she said to herself. "This proves you don’t deserve Xena."

XXXXXX

Xena was talking with Tolman, reviewing the policies about security for Laconia. Mid sentence she abruptly stood up and closed her eyes as if she were listening for something. Every fiber of her body screamed that something was wrong, but she just couldn’t put her finger on it.

"What’s wrong Xena?" At that moment everything clicked, her eyes opened and she just knew that Gabrielle was in danger.

"I’m not sure yet Tolman. Just stay put and I’ll be back soon." Xena started heading for the door.

"Can I get some of my men to assist you?"

"I’m not sure what’s going on, I just know something’s wrong".

"Then I’ll go with you."

And with that Xena ran out of the official’s chambers with Tolman trailing closely behind her. She was moving on instinct alone as she trotted through the garden in a nearly straight line towards the spring water caves.

Meanwhile Anansa looked at Gabrielle and then looked over the side of what looked appeared to be a crevice at first glance. But she knew it was a pit so deep that some believed it was bottomless. Her brain told her to just drop Gabrielle down there and be done with it. But her need for revenge, her need to see the defeat and hurt in Gabrielle’s eyes was too great. She was going to be the one spending the rest of her life with Xena, and she wanted Gabrielle to know it. The knockout powder she added to Dena’s strawberry mix wasn’t that strong. She estimated she had a quarter candlemark or so before Gabrielle woke up. She quickly bound Gabrielle’s hands as tightly as she could, gagged her mouth and threw the rope over a cross beam that went over the pit. The town added the cross beam to ensure the preservation of the cave for generations. She hoisted Gabrielle up so that she was dangling over the mouth of the pit and she tied the end around a nearby boulder. With that done, there was nothing to do but wait until Gabrielle woke up. At which point she would talk to Gabrielle and taunt her as she slowly ran her blade across the rope. Her blade was sharp enough to cut the rope instantly, but more than likely she would want to savor her victory and take several minutes to cut through the rope. Now there was nothing to do but wait for her to awaken.

Xena stepped into the first cave with the cold spring and felt Gabrielle’s presence very strongly. She ran into the first chamber and noted the bard over some kind of pit.

"Gabrielle!" Xena cried out as she saw her friend’s situation. Xena immediately moved toward her friend but Anansa stepped out of the shadows.

"Uh-uh. If you go any closer to her, I’ll cut this rope."

Tolman looked on in shock. "Anansa what are you doing?"

"Uncle Tolman?" she exclaimed.

Anansa looked at him in amazement. She looked down at the knife in her hand as if seeing it for the first time. It seemed as if she came to her senses and would put the knife down. She looked over at Xena and her face changed as she looked at them with new resolve.

"I’m going to put to rest a great evil."

Xena shook her head trying to make sense of this "Anansa, I don’t understand. Why are you doing this? Killing Gabrielle won’t change anything between us."

"Oh Xena, that’s where you’re wrong. You don’t see it, but I do. Xena she’s a witch"

"A Witch?" replied Xena and Tolman in unison. Xena continued "That’s ridiculous!"

"No, she’s taken Amazon magic and put a love spell on you. You’re upset because you don’t see clearly. You only see through the haze in that witch’s magic. But once she’s dead her magic will die with her and you’ll be released. You’ll see, things will be as they were before."

"Your insane"

"No, you’re in love with me, not her."

XXXXXX

Everyone’s head turned when muffled sounds started abruptly. Gabrielle awake and struggling.

"Enough of this! Now I will release you from her spell".

Blade in hand Anansa sliced thera quick swipe at the rope with the blade. With that Xena was airborne. She jumped halfway across the room and grabbed Gabrielle as she was about to drop into the pit. The force of her motion kept them both airborne long enough to reach the other side. Anansa just stood there with her mouth hung wide open as she watched Xena seemingly fly across the room and catch Gabrielle. She’d heard Gabrielle’s tales of Xena leaping into action and flipping, but she thought they were exaggerations and metaphors. Xena started to loose Gabrielle’s bonds and un-gag her mouth. Anansa’s mind was spinning, because what she witnessed was not humanly possible. ‘Gabrielle must have used another spell to give Xena the power to save her’. No matter, Xena would be hers, she had to be.

She looked at the knife in her hands and ran towards the couple screaming "Die Witch!"

Xena turned to stop her, but Anansa’s arm was already in a downward motion and heading straight for Gabrielle. All Xena could do was deflect the below and to her dismay Anansa’s arm swung right into her own stomach. Anansa’s eyes went wide as she doubled over and began to gasp with pain. Xena caught her and gently laid her on the ground. Anansa’s hands were over the knife wound and the blood was spilling fast. Xena sat back looking over the wound. The blade of the knife was long, about 6 inches and it was in her almost up to the hilt. Xena knew there was no chance of saving her. As Anansa lay on the ground she reached out one of her bloodied hands towards Xena.

Xena moved in closer and Anansa said, "Hold me please."

Then Anansa looked up into Xena’s eyes for the last time. Tolman stood over Xena’s shoulder. He was in a state of shock over what he had just witnessed.

"You don’t know how much it means to me that I will die in your arms. I will love you for always my princess."

Xena felt a shudder go through Anansa’s entire body. She looked down and put her hand to Anansa’s nose to check for breath, she was gone.

Epilogue

Xena and Gabrielle were walking down the road leading away from Laconia. Gabrielle reflected that this place would always hold so many memories for her. She wished that they were all good, but you have to accept it the way the fates lay it out she mused. She felt badly that Anansa didn’t find the love she sought, but she hoped that she found peace on the other side. The experiences of these last few weeks would always serve as a reminder of all the joy and pain that love could bring. And she was most grateful that Xena returned her love. She looked over her shoulder one last time at Laconia and said good-bye to the place where she discovered true love.

Finis – January 2003

Back to Home Page