Title: Changes
of Heart Pt. 2
Author:
CN Winters
Fandom:
Xena Fanfiction, Xena fanfic, Xena fan fiction, Xena and
Gabrielle fanfiction, Xena fiction
Rating: PG
to NC-17
Disclaimers:
These characters aren’t mine. They belong to Mr. Tapert and
Co. I’m just borrowing them to vent. It’s not a happy tale
and it involves two women who once loved each other deeply. If
either of these facts disturb you don’t read this tale. Also
it contains spoilers for the last few eps of season five.
Author
Note: Like most Xena Gab shippers season five was a joke
and the ender, with Xena hitting Gabby in the head with her
chakram was the straw that broke the camel's back. I wrote
this series in response to my anger and the total character assignation
of season five. Enjoy!
Synopsis: Gabrielle
is traveling alone after 'Motherhood' (Season Five) when she
finds a young admirer, while Xena and Eve continue to travel,
searching for an old friend, Hercules.
Feedback:
Drop me a line at cnwinters71@yahoo.com.
Changes of Heart
Part II
ASTONISHMENT
It’s a gloriously
sunny day; not that one could tell by the dim in here.
Gabrielle sat at
the bar in the dark tavern, her back to the barkeep and her
eyes watching the patrons around her. Perhaps it’s an
unwritten rule in every drinking establishment that they have
poor lighting and even poorer clientele. She was on the verge
of taking a sip of her ale when she noticed a woman
approaching her on the left with a crooked grin. She looked
like a walking tree, as tall as Xena, but not nearly as
beautiful. A small scar ran down the right side of her cheek
and her broad shoulders were protected by armor that looked
like it hadn’t seen polish in about three years. Oh boy,
Gabrielle sighed nervously to herself as the woman got closer
and the smile got wider.
"Gotta
name?" the woman asked cocking her head waiting for a
reply.
"Yep."
A few seconds
passed and Gabrielle added no more. Get a clue Adonis wannabe.
The woman released a chuckle at Gabrielle’s ‘hard to get’
demeanor.
"Why don’t I
buy you a drink? It will loosen you up, I’m sure," she
replied, running her fingertips down the bard's arm.
"No,
thanks," Gabrielle said finally making eye contact.
"I have one already. See?" the bard replied, showing
her mug of ale before taking another sip.
Gabrielle didn’t
notice, but a cloaked woman at the far end of the bar was
taking the scene in with a great bit of interest, however she
said nothing.
The admirer was
starting to lose her patience, however, and her finger trail
became a firm grasp on the bard’s arm.
"Don’t go
acting like you’re too good for me missy or I’ll show you
just how well suited I am for you." The woman tried to
nuzzle against Gabrielle’s ear, but the bard reared her head
back and hit her admirer square in the forehead, knocking the
intruder a good four feet back.
"I don’t
want any trouble," Gabrielle announced. Damn it my
head hurts. How in the hell does Xena do it so easy? Right.
She’s hard headed. Shake it off. Shake it off. "I’m
not looking for a one night stand or happily ever after. I’m
looking for... me. Thank you for the offer, but I'll repeat, I’m
not interested."
The woman cracked
her neck and menaced closer to Gabrielle.
"Well, that’s
not good enough," she said getting closer.
Gabrielle held her
ground, keeping an eye on the intruder, but also staying aware
of her surroundings. Stay focused, Gabrielle. Even breaths.
Be bold. The advice of Xena came to her mind. 60
percent of any battle is between the ears, the other is just
muscle. Who ever can psyche the other will always be the
winner. Gabrielle threw a cocky grin on her face, although
at the moment she felt anything but confident. "Do I have
to kill you? How about if I just beat the stuffing out of you
instead?"
"Ooooo a
gambling woman, eh?" the admirer taunted.
Hey, that’s
not a bad idea. "Yeah, I’m a gambling woman. What
do you say? Do you feel like you’re in a winning mood? I’ve
got a proposition for you if you do," Gabrielle offered
in a lusty tone, taking a step closer in challenge, teasing
her, taunting her.
The admirer
grinned. Knew she was just playing hard to get. "What
do you have in mind, beautiful?"
"Money,"
Gabrielle proclaimed with a wide grin. "Winner take all
to the warrior left standing. How much do you have on
you?"
"20 dinars,"
the woman answered.
"I can meet
that bet," Gabrielle answered confidently. "So pick
your weapon and your conditions."
"Oh no,"
the woman laughed heartily. "I’ll battle you, but it’s
not your money I want when I win."
Oh lord. Could
she leer and drool any more? How disgusting!... Okay.
Think, Gabrielle. Could you really go through with this if you
lost? No, you couldn’t, but that doesn’t mean that you’re
going to lose. Sure, she’s big, but you knocked her back
with one headbutt. She obviously doesn’t have your speed
either. The bard’s grin widened.
"Okay,"
she replied confidently. "I’ll take that bet. 20 dinars
vs. my... ahem... virtue," she teased with a wink.
"Show me the money and we’ll get it underway,"
Gabrielle instructed.
"I got
it," the woman said defensively.
"Okay,"
Gabrielle said staying as cool as the Ganges. "Show it to
me then."
"Well, it’s
upstairs," the woman grunted, motion her head toward the
rooms upstairs.
"It’s
upstairs? I thought you said you had it?" Gabrielle
toyed. All part of the game. All part of the game.
"Anyway, doesn’t matter where it’s at right now.
Later it will be in my hands. Still I’ll wait for you to get
it," Gabrielle counted with a grin. "Unless of
course you’re not a warrior of your word," she added in
challenge.
That put the woman
in motion. She stomped up the stairs and Gabrielle casually
went back to her drink as all eyes on the tavern were on her.
"Ahh... this is good ale," she told the barkeep in a
friendly tone.
The cloaked figure
came behind the bard and whispered, "She’s gotta glass
jaw. Go for the face."
Gabrielle
recognized the voice, but couldn’t quite place it. She tried
to turn to see who was giving her instructions, but the clang
of change purse next to her got her attention.
"You can count
it if you like," the woman said.
"Thanks,"
Gabrielle answered. "Don’t mind if I do."
Just as the woman
said 20 shinny dinars were in the bag. Casually, the bard
tossed it back to her.
"Shall
we?" she asked with a grand gesture toward the door.
At this point, the
entire tavern had come to a stop – no one was eating,
speaking or even moving for that matter. As the intruder made
her way out, Gabrielle followed close behind. Before they
could clear the door, the tables began to rise spot by spot,
following the women outside. THIS they had to see.
They walked
outside, toward a weapons hut located adjacent to the
tavern.
"Mind if we
try out a few weapons," the woman called over to the
shopkeeper.
"No, be my
guest," he said hoping to make a sale. He did start to
wonder, however, if that was the intention when the bar
patrons all followed behind them.
The woman then
turned back to Gabrielle. "Since we’re going to be
getting to know each other much better after this little duel
perhaps we should be on a first name basis. I’m Gailes,"
she introduced gallantly.
I can play along.
"Pleasure to meet your acquaintance... And I’m sure
that’s all it will be... an acquaintance... With that aside,
let’s get down to business. I made the challenge so you pick
the weapons."
The woman could
tell this little blonde was a queen at being evasive. After
all this trouble, she STILL didn’t have her name. Gailes
noticed the sais on Gabrielle’s boots so she opted for a
more ‘traditional’ and ‘old school’ weapon, something
she was sure the young woman would be unfamiliar with.
"Fighting
staffs," she said firmly, taking one in her hand.
Gabrielle gave the
largest of grins and went over to collect her weapon. She
walked back into the street to meet her challenger, but asked
for a small moment to ‘get acquainted’ with the weapon.
"Take your
time," Gailes answered, certain she had made the right
choice. Her smile crept away more and more with each drill she
watched the bard preformed, getting faster and faster as the
weapon settled into her hands as if it were an extension of
her body.
"By the
way," the bard told her, coming to a stop. "My name
is Gabrielle of Potiedaia."
"The amazon
bard who travels with the warrior princess?" the woman
asked, a sudden quake coming to her voice.
Is she starting
to sweat? "Yep that’s the one... well, at least I
USED to travel with Xena, but I’m on my own now... I must
confess, it’s been a few years since I seriously picked up
one of these," she said with all the confidence in the
world. "But I’m sure I’ll get back into my groove.
The staff was one of the first weapons I mastered incidentally...
Good choice," she mocked. Gabrielle watched the woman
give a hard swallow, but say nothing. "Anytime you’re
ready," she told Gailes.
Gailes took a deep
breath to steady herself before taking an uncertain step
toward Gabrielle. That’s all the bard needed. She opened up
with a yell deep from her diaphragm and rushed Gailes with
blow after blow. Gailes tried for a sweep, but Gabrielle on
pure instinct jumped and avoided it. She chuckled loudly.
"Not bad, but you did it wrong," the bard teased.
Without adding more
Gabrielle made two strikes and one sweep that promptly took
Gailes on her backside. Gabrielle moved to give her a chance
to stand and grinned down at her.
"That’s the
proper way to sweep," the bard remarked egotistically.
The folks who
gathered to watch the battle began to chuckle, especially the
cloaked figure. Gailes confident facade began to unravel, but
instead of backing down, just the opposite occurred. She got
angry. And when she got angrier she was unable to even strike
Gabrielle, let alone do any damage. She got sloppy. At one
point, Gabrielle tried the turn and pivot move the amazons had
shown her years before, but as times past she nearly knocked
herself in the head. Enough of getting fancy bard. Take her
down. And with that, Gabrielle saw her opening and took it.
With Gailes trying
to regain control of the staff, Gabrielle let loose and
whacked her clean across the face. The warrior dropped the
staff and wobbled back on her heels. A second later she fell
backward, the force so great that the impact lifted the
warrior’s legs off the ground before they came crashing back
to the dusty main street. She was out cold.
A cheer went around
the crowd and the spectators began to throw their own dinars
at Gabrielle’s feet.
What?! Why are
you-?! "What’s going on?" she asked taking one
of the on-lookers by the sleeve.
"We’ve
waiting years to see someone put Gailes in her place," a
man chuckled. "Congratulates sweetie. You’re one
helluva fighter," he chuckled. "Here," he added
putting five dinars in her hand. "This is well worth
it."
Group by group, the
villagers made their way back to the tavern. Since a bet was a
bet Gabrielle snatched Gailes change purse that was on her
waist and filled the bag with the rest of the dinars she’d
earned from the townspeople. After she was finished she looked
back at the unconscious woman. Gabrielle took 10 dinars from
her pouch and closed them in the woman’s hand.
"You might
need an ale later to nurse that jaw," Gabrielle teased,
although the woman couldn’t hear a word. The bard wasn’t
about to leave her ‘penniless’. She’d put up a good
fight.
Gabrielle picked up
the staff and gave it a few light tosses feeling the weight.
The shopkeeper looked at her and grinned. Gabrielle returned
the gesture and asked, "How much?"
He smiled.
"For you... five dinars."
"Sold,"
the bard answered and handed over the coins. That’s when
Gabrielle noticed the reflection of the cloaked figure behind
her in a shield that hung outside. Before the informant could
move away Gabrielle went over to her.
"Your turn and
pivot is off," the unknown figure told her.
Who are you? "Yeah,"
Gabrielle said slowly, trying to find out who the figure was
behind the cloak, not quiet able to see. That voice - I know
that voice. "Seems the problem lies with my-."
"Footing,"
the two said in harmony.
The cloak hood came
down to reveal a woman with salt and pepper hair, perhaps in
her early 50’s, maybe late 40’s. "After all these
years, I figured you’d have mastered that by now. But I can
see you still nearly chuck yourself in the head," she
laughed.
"It can’t be...
Is it really you?"
"Yes,
Gabrielle it’s me... But first things first, what’s your
secret? How did you manage to stay so young?"
Sweet Aphrodite,
the bard thought as her jaw fell and she gathered the woman
into a tight embrace.
EXPLANATIONS
Xena grinned when
she spotted Hercules in the distance putting the finishing
touches on a stone retaining wall that surrounded a small
house. Xena climbed aboard Argo and called down to Eve,
"I’m going ahead. See you when you get down
there."
She took Argo into
a full gallop, kicking dusty behind her on the trail.
Hercules looked up
when her heard the hoofs approaching. Is that Xena? No she
can’t look that young... Well I’ll be. It is Xena. He
gave a smile and chuckled as she approached. He hopped the
fence with ease to meet her. Xena reeled Argo in when she was
close enough and leapt from the mare, jogging over to see her
friend.
They both laughed
as they embraced and Herc gave her a playful twirl in the air,
gently putting her down.
"Where’s
Gabrielle?" He asked with a smile. But soon his smile
began to fade realizing that perhaps Gabrielle was no longer
on the earthly plain.
"We decided to
go our separate ways... well, she decided that, but we’ll
discuss that later," Xena gave a nervous chuckle. He
looked as old as when he had battled Zeus for Eve’s life and
not a day older. "Anyway, you’re looking as young as
ever," she commented on his appearance.
"You should
talk," he said pulling her arms up and away from her body
giving her an appraising eye. "Did you find the Tree of
Fietus too?"
Xena smiled. Ah
ha. "So you do know where the tree is? Any mortal
that eats the fruit is said to become immortal? Looks like it’s
true ummm?"
Herc smiled and dug
his toe in the dirt a moment. "I didn’t want to do it, but
Iolaus convinced me otherwise."
"Damn right I
did. The world needs the big guy around," they heard a
voice behind them add. Iolaus, it appears didn’t eat the
fruit. His hair was thinning and graying. The laughlines
around his lips and eyes were more prominent, but he still
appeared very dashing with the same mischievous sparkle in his
blue eyes. He offered his arm to Xena in greeting.
"How have you
been, Xena? Forgive me for saying it, but the last we heard...
you were dead."
"We were in a
way I suppose," Xena said before silently cursing herself
for using the word ‘we’. We? She’s not here anymore.
When are you gonna realize that? "Gabrielle and I, I
mean, we... ". Why the hell am I stumbling all over
this? Just spit it out already! "Ares froze us
accidentally when he thought we died, but we managed to escape
and come back. Some... things... happened and she decided to
go out on her own."
Xena’s voice
cracked and Herc’s eyebrows crunched in examination.
"Actually I
heard part of the story already. My sister told me. Are you
okay?"
Sister? Ahh - Dite...
Xena chewed on her lip to push down the tears that threatened
to come forth with Herc’s question.
"Yeah, I’m
doing okay," she sighed. "It’s been about two
months now since she left. I’ve been so busy with dealing
with Ares being a mortal and getting to know Eve that I haven’t
had much time to really consider things with Gabrielle...
I mean I think of her all the time, but I just haven’t
thought about it... Does that make any sense?" she asked
exasperated at trying to explain to the men who stood silently
watching her.
"Well, do you
mean that you miss her? You just haven’t had time to realize
that it’s over...for good?"
"Yeah." Xena smiled
bitter-sweetly. "Gabrielle was always good with words
like that." The smile was only brief as she began to hear
Herc’s words sink in deeper... It’s over. For good...
She shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts. The sooner
she could get Ares out of her life the better. She pointed up
the path to Ares and Eve who were now almost within earshot.
"Anyway, I’ve
got ex-god trouble and thought you could lend a hand,"
she chuckled.
With that Herc,
looked up the path and he saw Ares and a young woman walking
toward them.
"Who’s the
girl?" Herc asked, nodding toward her.
"That’s our
daughter... Eve."
You did it again
- using words like ‘our’ as if Gabrielle is standing right
here. Xena took an unsteady breath. Come on and get a
grip here. Why are you acting so mushy now? Pull it together
warrior. Xena wiped her eyes with her fingertips to guard
against any tears that might escape. She didn’t think being
near Herc would have this kind of effect on her - the
overwhelming urge to ‘spill her guts’ as it were. At the
moment, she couldn’t even lock eyes with the demi-god for
fear of losing what control she had over her tear ducts.
"Ares gave up
his godhood to save Eve’s life... and Gabrielle... I
don’t want to make him a god again, but life as a mortal is
just too painful for ME with him around," she joked.
"And it’s tough for him too I guess. Will you help?...
Make him immortal, I mean? Obviously you have the answer to
immortality," she teasingly prodded.
Finally, Xena
looked up to see the beam on Herc’s face as he watched Eve
come down the path.
"She’s a
beautiful girl, Xena."
"Yes, she
is," Xena answered. "Does that mean you’ll help
us?"
"Help
Ares?" Herc chuckled.
Xena simply nodded.
"No,"
Herc answered. "But I’ll help you. And who knows since
he did something unselfish for ONCE in his life... perhaps he
could change too... but I’m not holding my breath." The
demi-god winked.
"Eve,"
Xena called out, pulling her closer. "I’d like you to
met Hercules and his partner, Iolaus."
"Nice to meet
you sounds like an understatement," Eve said offering her
forearm.
Herc took her
gently by the hand and gave a light kiss to her knuckles
instead. "It’s my pleasure." He grinned warmly. He
escorted her over to Iolaus who still stood behind the wall
where they shook hands.
"Come in
everyone," Iolaus instructed. "Yes... even you,
Ares," he teased.
Ares rolled his
eyes, but joined the group passing through the gate, making
their way to the house.
"So this is
the kinda pad heroes have when they retire, huh?" Xena
said giving the home an appraising eye. "Not bad." She grinned.
"Kinda reminds me of Gabrielle’s hut at the amazon
village."
"Yeah, but
there’s no naked woman running around in the front
window," Iolaus teased as they walked inside which earned
him a jab from his buddy. "Have a seat. Supper’s almost
done," he said pointing to the dinning table.
Xena noticed a limp
as Iolaus went to the stew pot.
"Hurt your leg
Iolaus?" Xena asked.
"Nahh, just
old war wounds catching up to me. It comes and goes and today
it’s flaring up. Come on and grab some spoons and bowls.
There should be enough for everyone."
As Xena and Eve
went to the kitchen area, Herc and Ares spent the time just
looking at each other, neither one willing to lose in the
staring contest.
"What?!"
Ares finally asked irritated.
"I could kick
your fanny allllllll over the place right now," Herc
chuckled.
"Well, why don’t
you give it a shot tough guy?" Ares taunted.
Xena could hear
their voices behind her, beginning to rise. She didn’t even
bother to turn around to face them. "Can’t you two give
it a rest?" she sighed.
"I take it
they don’t get along too well," Eve whispered to Xena.
"Like Greek
Fire and water," Iolaus said whispering into the
conversation.
"I HEARD
that," Herc called into the kitchen.
"Well, it’s
not like it’s untrue," Iolaus said bringing a bowl for
Herc too as he sat down at the table.
Xena had two bowls
and she slid one over to Ares. "Don’t argue. Just eat.
That will keep your mouth busy for awhile."
"He started
it," Ares rebutted pointing his spoon at his
half-brother.
"Well, if
Daddy were around you could go back and cry to him. But since
he’s not, shut up and eat," Xena warned.
Herc could tell by
the snap in her voice that Xena had about all she could take
of the former god of war.
"I’m
sorry," Herc apologized to the group, hoping it would
give Xena a respite he felt she very much needed. "I
promise Ares, no more arguing. Agreed?" Herc offered his
hand in truce.
Ares pushed Herc’s
hand away, along with the bowl.
"I’ll be
outside if you need me," he told Xena.
Herc shrugged his
shoulders and settled himself down to eat. "Well, so much
for trying," he replied before putting a spoonful of stew
in his mouth. Xena and Eve ate in silence until Xena
complimented Iolaus on the food, a comment that Eve quickly
echoed with a thanks.
"Don’t
mention it." He grinned. "It’s just nice to see you
again, Xena. We haven’t see our old friends in ages,"
Iolaus added before turning to Herc. "How long’s it
been since we seen Autolycus?" he asked. "At least a
year I think."
Herc nodded.
"Yeah around last summer."
"You mean the
King of Thieves is still around?" Xena smiled warmly.
"What’s he doing?"
"Well, he DID
about 15 years in prison after getting caught in a diamond
mind." Herc grinned. "But he paid his debt to
society and decided to take up woodworking."
"Woodworking?"
Xena couldn’t hold back the laugh at the thought. "You’re
pulling my leg, aren’t you?"
"No,"
Iolaus said shaking his head. "That sofa over there was a
house warming present he made for us when we built this place.
He’s really creative and he’s got a knack for that kinda
stuff. He’s actually making a better living doing that than
stealing."
"Eh, who
thought Autolycus had other skills," Xena said checking
it out from across the room.
Everyone took a
moment to go back to their stew. Autolycus is still alive.
I wonder now about mother. And Lila! Lila is probably still
alive. Damn it! We should have gone to Potiedaia. Maybe that’s
where Gabrielle’s gone too. Maybe we should-.
"You
okay?" Herc asked.
Xena realized Herc
had been talking to her, but she got so caught up in her mind
she didn’t hear him. "I’m sorry." She grinned
bashfully. "I didn’t catch that."
"Yeah, you
seem pretty distracted. Are you finished eating? Would you
like some more?" the demi-god asked.
"Oh no, I’m
fine. Thank you both. It was very good," Xena remarked.
"You’re
welcome," Herc answered. "Now, let’s go out back.
I’ll show you the pond we made. Iolaus... maybe you can show
Eve some of those scrolls we’ve got?"
"Do you like
scrolls?" Iolaus asked, the young woman.
"Are you
kidding?! I love them - especially the one’s my mom wrote- I
mean Gabrielle."
"Actually, I
have a couple of Gabby’s scrolls." He winked.
"You do?"
Eve and Xena both asked in harmony.
"She didn’t
say she’d given any away... but then again I never
asked," Xena replied guiltily.
The room fell
quiet, not sure of what to add at the moment. The tone of ‘regret’
hung in the air a few more seconds until Herc spoke up.
"Well, we’ll
be back later. Come on, Xena," Herc said wrapping his arm
around Xena’s shoulder and leading her out the back door.
"So are you
ready to tell me what happened?" Herc asked.
"About
what?" Xena said evasively. Herc didn’t reply. He just
gave her a ‘look’ that spoke volumes. No getting around it
with him. "I’m not sure. I mean I know why I just...
Oh, damn it." Xena broke down into sobs.
She wasn’t sure
how long it lasted, but when she calmed her breathing enough
to speak again she noticed that Herc’s shirt was slightly
wet.
"I’m sorry.
I don’t know why I did that," Xena chuckled nervous.
"Because you’re
sad... you’re confused... and if I know you, you haven’t
taken time to grieve yet. You’ve been babysitting Ares
because of some unspoken debt you feel you owe him for saving
your family and as a result... you’ve avoided dealing with
your breakup with Gabrielle."
Xena gave a genuine
chuckle of amusement for the first time since her arrival.
"You’re good." She smiled. "I guess that’s
exactly what’s going on."
Herc took Xena by
the hand as they walked toward the water’s edge. They stood
there for a moment and just looked out at the water and the
small rippling when a fish would jump now and then. "Are
you going to look for her?" he asked quietly. "Or
have you given up on getting her back?"
Xena sighed and
consider the question. Yes. No. Maybe.
"I haven’t
decided," she answered. "I figured that if she wants
to see me then she’ll come to me."
"What if she’s
thinking the same thing?" Herc asked. "What if she’s
waiting for you? Someone has to make the first step. You said
it’s been what? Two months?"
"Yeah."
"Are you ready
to see her?"
"I’m not
sure," Xena answered honestly. "I took Gabrielle for
granted in many ways, but... "
"But
what?" Herc asked sincerely.
"But she let
me down too... No... she spent some time examining who she was
and I didn’t see us having a future. She always did though...
I was scared of her... and me."
"Scared? Of
what?"
"Of losing
her, of loving her... I mean she was on a path of
non-violence. With our life it’s not the safest path to be
on and I worried that I might not be able to help her. And
then later... when she realized that the warrior life was what
she was truly destined for instead of supporting that I... I
got scared again. My brother was a warrior and I lost him.
Then a time came and I lost myself. I was worried that
Gabrielle might die. I was worried that I might lose her to
the darkness of war someday - just like my soul had been lost...
I didn’t say anything though. I just... shut her out.
She’d make
comments about how much she loved Eve and how we could build a
future together and instead of loving her like I should have...
like I wanted to... I turned away because I was scared to get
TOO close. I could give this woman my sword and my body... but
I couldn’t give her my heart. And when I reacted and struck
her with my chakram... that was it for her. She’d had enough
and left... and the sad part is I don’t blame her. And the
really sad part is what I feared most... losing her...
came true in the end anyway."
Herc was
speechless. He’d never heard Xena be so ‘wordy’; so
open. He wondered if Gabrielle had heard all these thoughts
Xena just expressed to him.
"But that’s
my story." She grinned for show. "If I could take it all
back I would. If I could show her how much I love her and
trust her I would. But it doesn’t look like that’s meant
to be. I’m sure she’ll move on. She’ll fall in love. She’ll
find someone who sees how wonderful and special she is...
that person could have been me if I hadn’t been so proud or
so cowardly... perhaps both."
She’s gone.
She’s really gone now.
Xena started to cry
hysterically at that point. She never took the time since
Gabrielle left that night on the beach to really cry. Her time
was spent training Ares on being human or telling the ‘happy’
stories about Gabrielle to Eve. It kept the darkness of it all
at bay. But now. Now that she had time to think about it.
Emotions she didn’t have time for before hit her full force
- the devastating feeling of loss and dread and on a certain
level anger.
How could she
just leave? After five years just walk away.
Xena pulled away
from Herc’s embrace and she found herself starting to pace. Okay.
Enough is enough. Quit feeling sorry for yourself Xena... I’m
gonna find that damn tree. I’m gonna lay out all the cards
for Eve about Gabrielle and I from now on, even the ugly ones.
Then with Ares out of my hair and Eve knowing the whole truth...
Xena wiped her eyes
and looked at Herc. "I need your help," she told
him.
"You got it
Xena. You know that. What do you want?" he asked noticing
a shift in her mood to one of gloom to one of determination.
"I’m gonna
find that tree. Will you help?" she asked him.
"Consider me
there," he smiled.
"Good." She grinned
confidently. "Because after that... I’m gonna find my
bard."
SIDEKICKS
"Gabrielle!
Behind you!!"
Without looking
back, the amazon queen raised her staff behind her head
blocking the sword strikes of the two men that worked their
way behind her. With cat like reflexes, she spun around taking
one man out with a quick strike and then the other. As both
men lay scattered across the ground, unmoving, she was finally
able to rejoin her partner.
"Good work." Gabrielle smiled.
"Come on," she said as she motioned her traveling
partner toward a young woman who was curled up on the ground,
timidly watching the action.
"Are you
okay?" the bard asked.
"Yes... thanks
to you," the young woman answered. She finally had the
chance to look up and when she did she found herself getting
lost in the green eyes that shined down upon her.
Great Aphrodite,
she’s beautiful.
"No thanks
needed," Gabrielle replied with a comforting grin.
"Did you know these men?" she asked pointing behind
her to the four men that lay unconscious on the ground.
"No, they’re
not from my village. I’ve never seen them before," the
young lady replied. Aside from a little dirt and some scraps
the lady was quite beautiful – dark, flowing brown hair and
eyes to match. "I was doing the laundry and they came out
of nowhere."
Gabrielle dusted
the woman off a bit and stood up offering her arm.
"Well, let’s
get you home. Where’s your washings?" the bard asked.
"Over
there," she pointed meekly, still a bit shaken by the
events of the day.
"Could
you-."
"I’m all
over it," Gabrielle’s new partner replied, before
starting toward the bank to get the woman’s belongings.
"I’ll tie the men up and catch up in a bit."
Gabrielle gave a
nod and turned back to the young woman.
"Let’s get
you back to the village and notify the sheriff,"
Gabrielle said starting to walk down the path.
The young woman
couldn’t take her eyes off the bard and she tripped on a
rock in the road. Gabrielle helped her catch her balance and
couldn’t help notice the sense of awe transpiring in the
young woman’s eyes. There was a time when you were in awe
yourself Gabrielle so tread lightly here, she warned herself.
"Are you sure
you’re okay?" Gabrielle asked.
Don’t blush now. She’ll
think you’re just some stupid kid, the young woman
berated herself silently. "Yes I’m fine. I guess I just
never saw a real amazon before... I mean you are an amazon,
aren’t you?"
Gabrielle grinned.
"Last time I checked yes I was still an amazon," she
teased. "My name is Gabrielle."
"Gabrielle,
the amazon bard?! Is that Xena?!" the young woman asked
excitedly, looking back over her shoulder to the woman just
putting the finishing knots on the attackers.
"Yes, I’m
the amazons' bard." I guess my reputation DOES
proceeds me at this point. "And no that’s not Xena.
That’s Eponin – she’s an old friend of mine that’s
been traveling with me for the past moon now."
"Oh... " Come
on! Come on! Think of something witty or clever. You’re a
poet for gaia’s sake. It was obvious the young woman
didn’t know what to add so Gabrielle picked up the
conversation.
"And what’s
your name?"
"I’m
August," she answered. Yeah, that will really wow her.
"I’m a writer too. Not stories. Just poetry. My folks
think it’s a silly waste of time, but someday I’m going to
be famous - like you!"
"I’m not
famous," Gabrielle chuckled.
"Are you
kidding?" the girl said excitedly, the pace of her speech
quickening. "Every traveling bard that comes through our
town has at least one story of the Warrior Princess and the
Amazon Bard. I know lots of the tales about your journeys.
Would you like to hear one?! How about Cecrops? Or Baccus? I
could tell you one if you like. I said I write poetry, but I
know I could do a good story too if you want."
Oh boy. Did I
sound this over anxious when Xena road into town? Yep. You
probably did. No wonder Xena was always so quiet. I did all
the talking, Gabrielle chuckled out loud and the girl gave
her an inquisitive look. Gabrielle shook her head to clear her
mind of the memory and to let the girl know it wasn’t her jabber jaw
that was making her grin. "No, that’s okay,"
Gabrielle told her. "I’m sure you’re a great
storyteller. Let’s just get you back home safe, okay?"
The rest of the way
Gabrielle learned practically everything about the young girl’s
life. She was non-stop and very open about everything. The
more Gabrielle listened, the more it sounded like an echo of
years ago. But soon they were at the girl's home where she was
met by her parents and her brother.
"Please stay
for the evening at least," her mother insisted. "A
hot meal and a warm bed are the least we can offer you for
saving August."
Eponin and
Gabrielle looked at each other and nodded in agreement to each
other before taking the offer. Later that night, after dinner,
August’s father offered to give Gabrielle one of their
horses, but Gabrielle solidly refused. Dinner and shelter for
the evening was more than generous enough. August’s father
relented, but made the bard promise if she ever needed
anything that their door was always open. That was an offer
Gabrielle could accept in good faith.
As Eponin and
Gabrielle walked around the village after supper they noticed
August trying to follow close behind, but also trying to be
inconspicuous. Eponin couldn’t help, but take note of the
smile that played on the bard's lips.
"You seem
awfully happy this evening."
Gabrielle looked
around the town and then back to Eponin. "This little
place reminds me of my hometown. It’s funny. When I was
August’s age I could wait to leave it, but looking back now...
it was a peaceful place. Quiet. Sometimes I miss it."
"Looking to
settle down my queen," Eponin teased.
"Far from
it," Gabrielle chuckled. "Poteidaia is a nice place
to visit, but I don’t think I could ever live there again.
Kinda like you and the amazon village. You miss it... but then
again you don’t. Do you understand?"
Eponin considered
the question. "Yeah... but I left because of love,"
Eponin countered. "After Ephiny and I broke up... I
couldn’t sit by and let Solari build the life I hoped to
share with Ephiny. It was too hard... I left because of
love."
"I left
Poteidaia because of love too." Gabrielle smiled.
"Although the circumstances were different... the end
result seems to be the same though, huh? Abandonment." I
traveled the world with Xena and came full circle and what do
I have to show -- numerous notches of kills on my swords and
once more, a staff in my hand.
Eponin noticed
Gabrielle’s mind at work and she could tell it wasn’t
anything good. Gods how I wish I could make that ache go
away that’s in her eyes, her soul.
"At least we’re
not alone," Eponin countered optimistically.
"I get the
feeling in this village we’ll never be alone,"
Gabrielle teased pitching a thumb over her shoulder toward
their ‘shadow’ who quickly turned to act like she was
looking at some scarfs.
"You know what
I meant," Eponin pushed. "We’ve got each other
now. It’s been a long time since I had anyone I could relate
too. I make a pretty good sidekick even though I’m almost 50
summers old."
"Partner,"
Gabrielle corrected. "I’ll never have a sidekick...
ever."
Eponin gave an
agreeable nod and let the conversation be. So what did the
hero do to you Gabrielle? What’s happened that the word ‘sidekick’
brings such pain to your eyes? Gabrielle had opened up and
told her of some of the facts that drove sidekick and hero
apart. She was sure there were many more tales to be told and
she was confident that in time Gabrielle would confide them to
her.
Weeks before she
was delighted that Gabrielle had recognized her. It HAD been a
long time since she had a real friend to relate to. The years
she spent away from the amazon village consisted mostly of
traveling from place to place doing odd jobs here and there.
Then suddenly she was there... And as gorgeous as ever. Eponin
felt herself admiring her traveling partner a little too close
and looked for another distractions. She soon found it when
she turned around to see August move a few stalls closer.
"What are you
going to do about her?" Eponin teased, nodding toward the
young woman. "She’s been bitten by the love bug you
know." She smirked.
Gabrielle chuckled.
"Believe it or not, I remember what that’s like... hero
worship I mean. I had Xena so high on a pedestal you’d never
think she could fall," Gabrielle answered with a grin.
"It seems like another lifetime some days."
"You gonna set
her straight?" Eponin asked.
"What’s to
set straight? Nothing wrong with admiration," Gabrielle
countered.
That’s good to
know for future reference. "That’s true,"
Eponin answered out loud. "But still... "
Gabrielle put down
the bottle of wine she was looking at and faced Eponin.
"I gotta tell
her, huh?"
Eponin shrugged her
shoulders. "It’s your call... your admirer," she
teased.
"Thanks,"
Gabrielle answered sarcastically before giving a sigh.
"Why don’t you head back to the barn for the night
while I have a sensitive chat, okay?"
Eponin gave a
hearty chuckle. "Sensitive chat?" She grinned.
"I like the sound of that... Okay, I’ll catch you later...
PARTNER."
Gabrielle saw her
young admirer taking a sudden interest in some horseshoes when
the duo had turned around.
"August!"
she yelled over toward her. When the girl looked up Gabrielle
waved her over.
"Did you need
something, Gabrielle?" the girl asked excitedly, nearly
tripping over herself willing to help as she passed Epinon.
Gabrielle did her
best to hold back a smile. "You’ve been following me
around for some time now. Is there something you want to ask
me? Something you need from me?"
You bet there
is, the young woman thought lecherously. "You’ve
done so much I really couldn’t ask for more," she
replied instead.
"Care to tell
me why you’re following me around?" Gabrielle asked
without malice. The bard saw August’s cheek grow crimson and
her suspicious were confirmed. "Look, August,"
Gabrielle began, "You’re a very beautiful young girl
and we have a lot in common. I can see you admire me-."
"You really
think I’m beautiful?!" the village girl replied
hopeful.
Oh no, now you’ve
done it. "Yes August, but let me explain. You’ve
got a family and life here and come sunrise I’ll be leaving
and-."
"Then take me
with you! I can cook for you and clean for you. I sharpen my
father’s sword all the time so I can even do that. Please
say you will. I’m not meant for this town, Gabrielle. I’m
not the little girl my parents wanted me to be. I’m meant
for bigger and better things."
What?! Oh great.
I should have let Eponin do this. "I can’t,"
Gabrielle replied. Why can’t you? Xena did. Oh shut up
you don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re not up
to babysitting a starry eyed kid. You could do it you know.
You could be a mentor to her... Just great. I’m
arguing with myself and losing. I think my mind IS going.
"August," Gabrielle said holding her temples trying
to regroup. "You don’t understand what you’re
asking."
"Yes I do. I
want to be a poet. I want to go to Athens. I can’t be a poet
here. If I want to be someone - ANYONE - who leaves a mark it
won’t be in this little town. I mean look at you! You did
it, didn’t you?! I could do it too if the right opportunity
comes along and like it or not YOU’RE that opportunity... So
I’m begging... Please... Take me with you. You can’t leave
me here in-."
"Potiedaia,"
Gabrielle mustered with a far off look in her eyes completing
the girl’s sentence.
"No. Geddeus...
Potiedaia is at least 10 towns away," August answered
somewhat confused.
"Huh?"
Gabrielle asked reflexively before coming back to the present
conversation, pushing the one from years back further into her
memory. "Anyway, August, the answer has to be no. I’m
sorry."
Gabrielle started
to walk away, but she heard August’s voice behind her. that
stopped her in her tracks.
"Haven’t you
ever dreamed?"
That stopped
Gabrielle from taking another step away.
Dreams. Yes I
did have dreams and despite the pain, the suffering most of my
dreams came true... except for ‘happily ever after’... and
the reason they did was because of Xena. She believed in me
when no one else did. I was never the proper young lady and if
I had stayed in that little town I would have been dead years
before... perhaps not physically, but spiritually. You gotta
do it. You gotta say yes.
"Okay,"
Gabrielle sighed before turning to face the girl. "But
you have to tell your parents you’re leaving. No sneaking
out. Understood? I made some mistakes when I left home and I
don’t want to see you repeat them. Got it?"
August stood slack
jawed, but quickly recovered. "I got it! No problem. We’ll
go right now and I’ll let them know that I’m going to
Athens with you! This is so great! I can’t believe it! Maybe
while we’re on the road you can give me some bard tips and
we could-."
"Your parents
have yet to agree," Gabrielle pointed out. "If they
say no, then I say no."
"Of course, of
course. But I doubt they would say no. If I leave then father
doesn’t have to pay the dowery for me to marry Erereous - he’s
a nice guy, but very dull and boring... Hey! You know what?!
Maybe at night I can read my poems to you? Would you like
that? I’ve got one that I’ve been working on for the last
month!"
Ohhhh boy
was all Gabrielle’s mind could repeat.
CONFESSIONS
"Mother? Are
you crying?"
She had been crying, but
Xena didn’t turn around to face Eve who was whispering from
her bedroll. "I’m okay. Just get some sleep. We’ve
got a big climb tomorrow. You’ll need your strength."
Within moments,
Xena felt her daughter’s hand upon her shoulder as the young
woman took a seat next to her on the boulder looking out over
the valley they traveled through earlier that day. The Tree of
Fietus, which only bared the special fruit once every ten
years, would be in bloom this season. Many people tried to
attain it and met their demise in the process. If the mountain
didn’t kill them the wild animals of the area did. The odds
were against them, but what else was new.
"It’s a
beautiful view from up here," Eve commented. "But I
don’t think it’s the majestic scenery that has you so
teary eyed."
Xena smiled.
"No, I can’t say I’ve been one who’s moved by
nature."
"Then what
does move you?"
"Gabrielle."
There was no pause
between question and answer. Xena knew it immediately,
instinctively. Xena loved her daughter dearly, but nothing,
absolutely nothing compared to Gabrielle. It’s true I CAN
live without Gabrielle, but it’s not a life worth living at
this point.
"She’s got a
wonderful way of looking at life," Xena offered.
"She sees beauty and meaning in everything - even a
broken down ex-warlord. I always loved your mom, but lately,
with her gone, I realize just how much. I can see that I took
her for granted in many ways. And I pray that Eli finds
someway from the heavens to bring her back to me. Even if I
never have her as my partner again, I just wish I have the
chance to tell her how much she means and how much she changed
my life for the better."
"After we get
Ares out of the way, we’ll search," Eve responded.
"We’ll find her again, I’m sure."
"I’m not
sure if she wants to be found, Evie. That’s the problem. I
did so many terrible things to her over the years. I let my
anger do things I swore I’d never do. I blamed her for Solan’s
death. I asked her to choose me over Hope. I shut her out at
times when she needed reassurance and all because I was
scared. I even hit her with my chakram while her back was
turned. Some brave warrior that makes me, huh? I don’t blame
her one bit for leaving. In fact, I’m surprised she stayed
as long as she did."
"Mother,"
Eve began, "You said yourself that Gabrielle doesn’t
blame you for those things and she’s found
forgiveness."
"She’s
forgiven me, yes, but I haven’t forgiven myself. I’m not
sure I’ll ever find that. Eve, I told you that I was a
terrible person for many years, but the worst things I’ve
ever done have been to Gabrielle... I know now that I will
never... ever... harm her again. But I don’t even know how
to convince her. Hell, I don’t even know if she’s okay. I’m
on top of a mountain, helping a man I can’t stand to be
around when I should be at her side."
"You will be
at her side again, Mother," Eve answered. "I have no
doubt in that. Just be brave when you see her. Tell her all
the things you never told her while she was here. That’s the
first step... well, after ditching Ares that is," she
whispered conspiratorially. "You can’t really expect to
work on things with Gabrielle as long as Ares’s in the
background. You’re doing things the right way. Get Ares out
on his own so you can focus on Gabrielle... I have faith that
things will work out."
"Always the
optimist." Xena grinned. "Your mom’s that way too with
many things."
Xena looked over to
Eve and she watched as the young woman sat cross-legged, her
elbow on her knee and her chin on her fist, deep in thought,
looking at the valley below them. I haven’t realized it, but
Gabrielle does the same thing when she’s pondering
something.
"What is
it?" Eve asked facing her mother after feeling she was
being scrutinized.
And those eyes!
My god those green eyes! I have blue. Callisto had brown. The
green of those eyes. Could it be? Is it really possible? But
how?
"Mother, tell
me what’s wrong?!"
Xena held a finger
up for Eve to hold on for a moment. She darted over to Ares
bedroll and tore the blanket away. He woke with a start as
Xena grabbed him by his leather vest.
"Hey! What
the-."
"I want
answers and I want them now," Xena began, giving him a
shake for good measure.
"Well, good
morning to you too, Sweetheart," Ares retorted.
At this time, Herc
woke up with all the commotion. "Everything, okay?"
"Yeah, as soon
as Ares answers a few questions. Such as who's Eve’s
mother?" Xena said pushing him back to the ground.
"You
are," Ares answered. "Is this is a trick
question?"
"Who
else?" she pressed.
"Callisto. At
least that's what I’ve heard," he replied.
"Okay... Now
who else? Come on Ares. I’ve been watching Eve for weeks now
and the more and more I see, the more there’s someone else
that’s not being figured in here. Tell it to me straight.
What’s the real story here? Why were you trying to talk
Gabrielle out of leaving Eve and me? You of all people would
love to see her go... so why the change of heart? Hmm?"
Ares looked to Xena
and then Eve standing behind her.
"You’re not
supposed to know," Ares muttered.
"Wrong
answer," Xena replied, pulling Ares to his feet. He oofed
and ouched until they stood toe to toe. "I want the truth
or you’ll be dead before you ever see that tree," Xena
pressed as she poked him in the chest with a pointed finger.
Ares looked to Eve
and then Xena and then back to Eve again.
"Eve is
Gabrielle’s daughter too - flesh and blood."
I knew it! That
son of bitch knew the whole time and never said a word. But
how...
"Who gave the
helping hand Ares? You? Your sister, Dite?"
"I did,"
Ares answered. "But it wasn’t help. Call it
serendipity. I didn’t know Calli gave you the little twerp
when I did the meld."
Serendipity?
Meld?... Mavican!
"When you put
Gabrielle and I in one body then-."
"Part of
Gabrielle became part of Eve," Ares finished. "Her
love of scrolls, her blue-green eyes, her bad temper," he
chuckled. "Boy does that bard of yours have a temper when
pushed, Xena. Worse than you or Callisto. Sometimes worse than
the two of you put together... Eve’s that way too whether
she admits it or not." He smirked.
"Wow,"
Herc mutter in amazement from his bedroll.
"You said
it," Eve reiterated. "So I actually have three
mothers?" she asked Ares who answered with a nod.
"This is incredible... So Gabrielle IS my mom... We’ve
got to find he, Mother! We’ve got to let her know," Eve
said to Xena taking a step closer.
"Well, first
things first. Tomorrow we get that damn fruit and you my dear
ex-god of war will kindly get the hell outta our lives. You
got that?" Xena said continuing to poke him in the chest
with the end of every sentence.
"Yeah, I got
it," Ares answered without argument. "Now that the
family tree is all in order do you mind if we get some
rest?"
He didn’t wait
for a reply. He crawled back under his bedroll and covered up.
Herc followed suit.
"Come
on," Xena said tugging her daughter to their bedrolls.
"Let’s at least TRY to get some sleep."
Eve agreed and they
snuggled into the bedroll, getting situated for some shuteye.
Eve cleared her throat a bit and asked, "Do I really have
mom’s eyes?"
"Yes,"
she heard three voices answer. "Now go to sleep,"
Ares mumbled gruffly.
Xena and Eve gave a
chuckle. "He’s awful grumpy since he’s lost his
godhood, isn’t he?" Eve teased.
"I heard
that," Ares said.
"Ares,"
Hercules piped in. "Shut up and go to sleep."
"I think
everyone should shut up at this point... Starting now,"
Xena ordered.
Eve lay next to her
mother and watched her. Xena’s eyes were closed and she was
beginning to breathe deep. My mother... the hero. And if you
don’t find her... I know I will.
"I love you,
Mother," Eve whispered.
"I love you
too, Evie."
Continue
to Part III |