Title: Homecoming
Part 1
Author:
CN Winters
Fandom:
Xena Fanfiction, Xena fanfic, Xena fan fiction, Xena and
Gabrielle fanfiction, Xena fiction
Rating: R
Disclaimers:
Although I wish I could say Xena and Gabby are mine, they are
not. They belong to MCA/Universal. This story however is mine
and mine alone. There’s a bit of violence but not too
graphic. All and all it’s a story of two friends who decide
to become much more - much, much more. If the thought of two
women deeply connected and hopelessly in love offends you read
no further. If you are too young, read no further. If you live
some place where this may not be kosher, read no further.
However, if you are open-minded, old enough and live in a
progressive neighborhood... enjoy!
Author's
Note: This is the
first story in the ‘Homecoming’
series.
Synopsis: Xena
gets word from her old friend Sappho for help when local
authorities aren't able to stop a murderer targeting same-sex
couples.
Feedback:
Drop me a line at cnwinters71@yahoo.com.
Homecoming Part
1 of 2
CHAPTER
I
"Xena!"
The warrior
couldn’t contain her grin at the sound of her name echoing
across the crowded, dimly lit tavern. She was unsure of the
reception she would be given at her arrival. It had been
years, almost another lifetime, since she visited the island.
Even longer since she was considered an honorary resident.
Warm waves and nods
of acceptance greeted her as she walked to the bar. "Long
time, no see," the barkeep remarked with a sly grin.
"I bet you’re thirsty." She was a lovely woman,
about Xena’s age but smaller in stature.
"Yes! May we
please have a bottle of wine?" Xena asked formally,
strictly for show. It was an odd experience for Gabrielle to
see Xena so relaxed, almost playful, with someone besides her.
"And who are
‘we’?" the barkeep asked as she addressed Xena.
"This is
Gabrielle," the warrior said with the gentle wave of her
hand.
"Gabrielle,"
the woman said with a nod, shaking her hand politely. Soon her
attention turned back to Xena, "She’s a bit young
isn’t she?" the barkeep teased. Xena’s eyes narrowed
and the barkeep knew she had best discuss other topics.
"What brings you all the way back here?"
"I was
summoned here," Xena replied in her cool, casual tone.
Gabrielle stood close by, trying to stay focused on the
conversations while surveying the surroundings, remembering
ever detail for one of her stories, no doubt.
"Really?"
the barkeep pondered, "By who?"
"By me,"
a voice interrupted. Xena and Gabrielle turned to see a woman
walking toward them. "It’s been a long time," she
continued with a seductive grin.
"Too
long," Xena said opening her strong arms, welcoming the
stranger slowly into them. "How have you been Sappho?"
"I can’t
complain," she replied pulling back from the embrace.
"I’m sure
she could," the barkeep interrupted with a teasing grin.
"Sappho’s made herself respectable." Xena simply
questioned the barkeep with her raised eyebrow. "She got
married!... Get this!... To a man!"
Xena looked at
Sappho, totally shocked. "Is that true?"
"You seem
disappointed," Sappho teased. Xena could feel herself
beginning to blush.
"It’s not
disappointment," Xena replied. "It’s
disbelieve."
"I guess
that’s why your cheeks are so crimson." Xena knew she
would lose in a battle of words with Sappho and being an
intelligent warrior that she was, she knew she had to retreat.
However, before she could, Sappho became suddenly distracted.
"This must be your bard companion," she said moving
in front of Gabrielle.
"Yes.
Gabrielle meet Sappho. Sappho this is Gabrielle."
"Charmed...
" Sappho replied reaching for Gabrielle’s hand and
kissing the back of it in a ‘gentlemanly’ fashion.
"... to say the very least." Gabrielle could
tell that she was the one blushing now with the temperature
rising to her face. "You know," Sappho continued as
she still held Gabrielle’s hand, "I’m somewhat of a
bard myself. Maybe tonight we could go over some scrolls and
teach each other a thing or two."
"Okay. Okay!
That’s enough," Xena said, taking Gabrielle’s hand
away from Sappho predatory grip. "Enough with the
introductions. Let’s get down to business."
As they made there
way to a small table, Sappho pulled Xena to the side and
tiptoed to whisper in her ear. "She’s a young one
isn’t she?"
"Sappho!"
Xena exclaimed, making Gabrielle turn around to study both of
them.
"Simply an
observation... jeez. Don’t get so bent outta shape... And
speaking of your shape, it’s lovely. So don't change
it."
"It’s nice
to see some things never change," Xena retorted
sarcastically. "Does your husband know you behave like
this?"
"Are you
kidding?" Sappho laughed.
"That’s what
I thought," Xena said smugly.
"He adores
it," she grinned. "Last year, on my birthday, I
walked into my house and there was this gorgeous redhead
sitting right on my–."
"I get the
picture," Xena interrupted. "Could we talk about why
we’re here?"
Sappho grinned.
"Of course," she replied. "But first I need to
take care of this beautiful creature," she said looking
at Gabrielle. "Would you like something to drink,
something to eat perhaps. They have wonderful lamb stew here,
my dear."
Gabrielle could
feel Xena’s eyes heavily upon her, even though she would
looking at Sappho. "We have wine coming, but thank you
anyway."
"Well, where
is it!" Sappho exclaimed. "Barkeep! Please bring
this darling young lady her wine before it ages another
year!" Sappho’s demanding nature turned back into one
of seduction as she looked at Gabrielle again. "Are you
sure there’s nothing else you desire?"
Xena’s fists were
clinching and unclenching under the tablecloth, but the real
discomfort showed on her face. Sappho and Gabrielle both
smiled at Xena - Sappho because of the jealousy she knew she
was invoking in Xena; Gabrielle out of the embarrassment of
the situation. Sappho knew one more romantic overtone from her
would leave her with a black eye or worse. "Anyway,"
she said lightheartedly. "I did call you here to ask for
your help."
Xena in typical
fashion waited for Sappho to continue with a gesture of her
head that said ‘get on with it’.
"The local
government has been having some problems lately. It seems
–"
"Stop right
there." Xena ordered. "I don’t get involved in
politics," she said as she started to rise.
"Please let me
finish," Sappho begged. "I don’t know who else to
turn to."
Gabrielle heard the
plea in her voice. "Xena, at least hear her out. We’ve
got nowhere to go and we’re stuck on the isle until tomorrow
morning. Besides, I’d like a glass of wine after that long
boat trip."
The warrior
considered Gabrielle’s request. She did have a point. Xena
avoided eye contact with Sappho as she sat back down. When she
did look over, Sappho was waving her pinky finger in the air
as she mouthed the words ‘she’s wrapped’ to Gabrielle.
Upon being caught by Xena’s crystal blue glare, she cleared
her throat in a nervous manner. "Anyway, as I was saying,
it seems the mainland has suddenly taken an interest in
us."
"In what
way?" Gabrielle asked.
"In the way we
live, well, the way some of us live... We’ve been performing
commitment ceremonies for same sex couples for quite a long
time. The mainland wants to see us put an end to it. Most
Lesbians, whether male or female, involved in same sex or
opposite sex relationships, feel it’s an oppression."
"Here’s your
wine ladies. Sorry it took so long. Is there anything else
you’d like?" the keep asked.
"No, we’re
okay," Gabrielle answered quickly, wanting to get back to
the story. "If the majority here doesn’t want a change,
what’s the problem? At this point, the mainland can’t do
anything accept vocally disapprove."
"Yes, that’s
true. But it’s a little more complicated than that."
"It always
is," Xena replied in her dry wit style.
"People are
turning up dead.... Same sex couple have been killed at night
on the street, some in their own beds as they slept... We
never had this problem until we got the message from the
mainland. One of the things Lesbos prided itself on was the
fact it was a place for all people, all walks of life. It was
a center for unbiased creativity and culture. Athens may be
the nerve center for the arts, but Lesbos is the heart... or
at least it was."
"I’m still
not sure were we fit in," Xena asked downing the last of
her wine.
"The council
asked me if I had any suggestions on what to do. I told them I
would contact you; perhaps get some advice on how to protect
our people. And if I was so lucky, perhaps I could convince
you to stay long enough to see who’s behind the
murders."
Xena refilled her
glass as well as Gabrielle’s’ without responding. Of
course, it was Gabby’s voice to first break the silence.
"Sappho could you go to the bar and order me some of that
wonderful lamb stew you spoke of earlier. I’d like to talk
with Xena."
Sappho’s admiring
grin returned, "Anything for you, my sweet."
Once she was out of
earshot Gabrielle turned to Xena. "What do you
think?"
"I think we
could be getting into more than we expect," Xena replied
quietly.
"Perhaps, but
don’t we always take that chance." The bard grinned.
Xena studied
Gabrielle’s smile and wondered when the young girl she met
years ago became the compassionate woman she was today. That
smile and this mission could be dangerous. Could Xena spend a
week, maybe two, on the island and still be able to be ‘best
friends’? Would her strength, in suppressing her desire,
survive the onslaught of women loving women thrown in her face
everyday? Would her strength be able to keep Gabrielle save if
they faced the murderers?
"What do you
say?" Gabrielle asked with an encouraging nudge of her
elbow.
"Are you up to
this?’ Xena asked, the seriousness of the situation pouring
into her words.
"Absolutely,"
Gabrielle replied.
She is a woman
now Xena thought. The gung-ho ‘let’s experience
life’ tone was gone from Gabrielle’s voice. It was now the
sound of a confident, self-assured woman who understood the
peril that may come to be, yet accepting it just the same. It’s
going be a long week Xena thought to herself again.
Sappho returned
with Gabrielle’s stew. Since the bottle was now empty
(mostly between Gabrielle and Xena), Sappho ordered another
one.
"We’ve
agreed to stay and help you." Xena smiled. Sappho was so
delighted she kissed Xena. It was a quick peck, but just a bit
shy of her lips.
The band began to
play and many of the women got up to dance. Gabrielle, now
full of spirits and wine, wanted to join in the merriment.
When Xena declined her dance invitation, Sappho offered her
services, which in Xena’s opinion the bard accepted all to
eagerly.
It was an odd
feeling watching the two of them on the dance floor. A feeling
she hadn’t had since... since Gabrielle’s wedding to
Perticus - the mixed cauldron of joy for seeing Gabrielle’s
happiness and the torture of her being stolen away. Unsteadily
and slightly intoxicated, Xena rose and moved carefully to her
companion - her companion, not Sappho’s.
When Xena asked,
"Can I cut in?" all three knew it wasn’t a request
or a question open to debate.
Sappho simply gave
Gabrielle’s hand to Xena before taking her seat, back at the
table. As the tempo slowed down, Xena felt Gabrielle’s hands
slip around her neck as her own hand possessed the bard’s
shapely hips.
"Why the
change of heart?" Gabrielle teased, keeping full contact
with those beautiful blue eyes.
"You were
having too much fun," Xena retorted.
"I’m not
allowed to have fun with Sappho?" Gabrielle questioned,
keeping the mischievous tone in her voice.
"You don’t
know Sappho as well as I do."
"And how well
do you know her Xena?"
Xena didn’t
answer immediately. The grin that came to her lips was enough
for Gabrielle to know the truth.
"I see,"
smiled the bard. "Are you afraid she’ll sweep me off my
feet?"
Xena didn’t
answer. The smile she displayed at Gabrielle’s first
question vanished with the thought of Sappho doing all the
things Xena dreamed of, but never had the courage to do. She
was a woman who would bolt headlong into a warlords' hideout
as quick as blinking an eye. Yet standing before this auburn
beauty, she cowered away like a lost, scared child. Gabrielle
noticed the look in Xena’s eyes and knew what it meant.
"Don’t
worry," the bard insured. "There’s only one woman
in here that could sweep me off my feet... and it ain’t
Sappho."
Gabrielle pulled
Xena closer, resting her head on Xena’s bosom. The feel of
leather and flesh caressed the bard’s cheek at the same
time, as they swayed their bodies against each other. As she
sighed in contentment, the warrior could feel her hot breath
tickle her cleavage as a shutter ran through her body. Her
first reaction was to disguise her desire, like she had so
many times before. But she quickly surrendered the impulse and
let Gabrielle weave her magic around her heart.
"I can’t
remember the last time I dance," Xena reflected.
"This feels wonderful."
Gabrielle lifted
her head to met Xena’s eyes again, feeling less inhibited
with each passing moment as deep blue connected with sea
green. Xena watched helplessly as Gabrielle wetted her lips as
if preparing to be kissed. Before she took the opportunity
though Gabrielle spoke.
"We should
take more time out for simple things like this."
Another odd
sensation passed through Xena at the sound of Gabrielle’s
words. She truly was a woman. She was firm, confident and
capable of handling herself. She was no longer a damsel in
distress as when they first met. She wasn’t a sidekick with
a staff, one who lent a hand when the going got rough. She was
an equal and on some levels, as in dealing with human
emotions, superior to Xena.
The day had finally
arrived. The moment had come. Xena had, at last, found a
companion, a confidant, a soulmate, that she could envision
being with her for today; for forever. She was elated that she
realized she had found her and dismayed that it had taken so
long. Her dismay, however, didn’t have long to fester as she
felt her head being pulled down and Gabrielle’s lips seizing
her neck and earlobe.
"It’s
late," Gabrielle whispered, making the hairs on Xena’s
neck stand at attention. "Could we please get a room for
tonight?"
Yes! Oh Gods
yes! That was Xena’s first inclination. But instead she
found her voice uttering other things, betraying her heart...
and loins. "We’ve both had a lot of wine."
"And your
point is?" Gabrielle replied with her hands now on her
hips, totally defiant.
Suddenly, Xena felt
defensive.
"My point is I
don’t want anything to happen that you may regret," she
countered sternly.
"I’m a grown
woman Xena. I’m free to make my own choices."
"So am I and
maybe I don’t want to make a decision that I’ll
regret."
Xena could see
Gabrielle’s spirit shatter behind the sea of green in her
eyes. Without another word, Gabrielle darted from the dance
floor and back to the table. She didn’t even have the chance
to call Gabrielle’s name before she saw her talking with
Sappho. Xena walked over, just catching the tail end of the
conversation.
"I’ll be
waiting outside," she heard the bard tell the poet, as
she hurried away.
Sappho sat mute for
a moment, summing up the warrior. "Xena, I say this in
love and in friendship... You are an idiot! Look at her! Look
at how beautiful she is. Look at the talent that she
possesses. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I knew her
name before you introduced us. I’ve heard about her
storytelling from my friends in the mainland. She really wowed
them with her tales and her skill at prose. My Gods woman! Are
you total blind?!"
"No! I’m
not!" Xena spat back. "I’ve known how special she
was from the first moment I saw her. I don’t want to lose
her because of two bottles of wine. I need her to know that
it’s coming from me and not the alcohol. I need to know she
feels the same thing. I can’t lose her Sappho... I can’t
lose her."
Sappho walked
around the table and pulled Xena into a tight hug. The warrior
was on the verge of tears.
"Look,"
Sappho began trying to calm the shaking ex-warlord,
"Gabrielle asked if she could go home with me."
Suddenly, Xena
pulled away. Her sorrow filled face now glowing in red, hot
anger.
"Don’t
worry. I had no intention of taking advantage of her... well,
the thought did cross my mind, but it left as soon as it
came... anyway, I told her 'yes' because I don’t want her
wondering around the unfamiliar street alone tonight with a
killer on the loose... I want you to come with me. I have a
guest house that you and Gabrielle are welcome to use during
your stay... Please come with us... Talk to her... She’s
just as unsure of your heart as you are of hers. Talk to
her."
Xena slowly nodded
and they made their way outside to the waiting bard.
"I’m not
going if she’s going," Gabrielle announced as they both
walked over.
"Yes, you
are," Sappho said matter-of-factly.
"No, I’m
not," Gabrielle protested.
"See that
wagon over there?" Sappho pointed. "That’s mine.
You’re going to get inside with Xena and I. We are going to
ride to my house. You’re going to take the guesthouse and
you’re going to sleep. It’s late. We can all argue in the
morning."
Gabrielle tapped
her foot in frustration for a few moments before storming off
and sitting in the wagon. Xena and Sappho followed suit and
they were at Sappho’s house in a matter of minutes.
Once at the guest
house, Gabrielle went in first, letting the door fall in
Xena’s face. The warrior pushed it open nearly ripping it
from the hinges. Gabrielle didn’t even look back. She bolted
to the bedroom and slammed the door. Looking around, Xena
tried to find something to cover her body with for the night.
Reluctantly, she moved toward the bedroom.
"Can I at
least have a blanket?" she shouted. After a little
commotion on the other side the door flew open and a white
cover was hurled at her face knocking her off balance at
impact. She didn’t have time to pull it away before she
heard the bedroom door slam again. "Thank you o’ amazon
queen!" she shouted. Reluctantly, and with a pounding
headache, she curled up in front of the empty fireplace.
CHAPTER
II
A fire was roaring
and the smell of bacon filled the room as Gabrielle, peered
out with fingers rubbing her temple. Xena couldn’t help, but
smile at the bard’s hung over fate. She had felt the same a
few hours ago, but after having time to move around she was
feeling quite normal. Carefully, Gabrielle crept until she
reached the closest chair in the living room, collapsing into
it.
"How are
you?" Xena asked in a calm, quiet voice.
"Please
don’t shout," Gabrielle insisted.
Xena’s coy grin
took shape as she looked at the bard’s aching state. "I
didn’t. I’ll just whisper until you tell me not too."
"Thank
you," Gabrielle replied, as Xena handed her a cup of tea.
Xena finished
cooking the breakfast as Gabrielle watched in silence trying
to put the puzzle pieces together from the night before.
"Where
are we?" she asked looking around the room.
"Sappho’s
guesthouse," replied softly as she began to eat her food
"Are you hungry?"
"Oh Gods,
no!" Gabrielle exclaimed. Immediately, she clutched her
temples as the words rattled around in her throbbing head, not
to mention her stomach beginning to do back flips.
Xena finished her
breakfast in silence. She knew Gabrielle was watching her the
whole time, but she wasn’t going to be the one to bring up
last night’s events. She knew that’s what the bard was
trying to do - put together all the situations that lead her
to this place.
"Xena?"
"Hmm."
"What happened
last night?"
Xena paused a
moment. "You had too much wine," she replied in her
short, straight to the point style.
"I know
that," Gabrielle insisted. She took another drink of her
tea but her thirst still wasn’t being quenched. The ball of
cotton in her mouth refused to leave. "But what did I
do?"
"What do you
remember?"
Gabrielle focused
in silence for a few beats. "I remember Sappho telling us
about the local trouble. Then... dancing with her." Xena
watched as Gabby’s face went blank, almost in horror.
"Remembering
now?" Xena teased, moving closer a few inches.
"I kissed her
on the neck," Gabrielle replied almost dropping her cup.
The grin left
Xena’s face and she quickly turned away. Should she tell her
the truth or let her believe it was Sappho?
"Do you
remember anything else?" Xena asked quietly.
Gabrielle thought a
moment longer. "I threw a blanket at you, didn’t
I?"
"Yep."
"Yep? That’s
all you can say?... Please tell me the whole story,"
Gabrielle pleaded.
Now or never Xena
thought. She walked over and knelt between Gabrielle’s
thighs, taking her hands in hers. "It wasn’t Sappho you
kissed. It was me." Xena rattled the words off so quickly
Gabrielle’s mind had to catch up after a bit of silence. She
waited for Xena to begin discussing the evening events, but
she knew she would need prodding.
"It was
you?"
Xena nodded.
"You wanted to get a room for the evening and when I
declined, you asked Sappho to take you home with her."
"I
didn’t," Gabrielle said, shock still hanging in her
voice.
"Yeah. You
did."
Xena rose and began
to gather the dishes for cleaning when Gabrielle’s voice
made her turn around.
"I’m
sorry," she whispered.
"About
what?" Xena asked. "About coming on to Sappho or
about kissing me?"
"Both,"
Gabrielle replied quickly.
They paused looking
at each other. Gabrielle began to respond, but Xena put the
finger up that always silenced her.
"Let’s just
forget about it, okay?"
Reluctantly,
Gabrielle nodded in agreement. Xena picked up the dishes and
headed outside to the wash basin leaving the bard to her
private thoughts. Xena didn’t stop until she was at the
basin. Her sobs didn’t start until she knew Gabrielle
wouldn’t hear them.
Xena chopped wood
in the backyard for their stay as Gabrielle slowly got her
nerves together to face the day. The tea calmed her headache
and she managed to eat a few grapes for breakfast. By the time
she went out to meet Xena, you’d think they would be staying
for a year with all the wood piled up outside.
Focusing herself of
chopping, slicing the mighty oak in one swoop of the ax, she
never noticed Gabrielle until she caught her out of the corner
of her eye.
"Feeling
better?" she asked, trying to disguise her shattered
heart. Gabrielle did a beautiful job of putting up her front
as well.
"Yes. Thank
you. The tea really helped."
Xena went back to
chopping without adding more. After a few more logs were
split, she noticed Sappho coming from the mainhouse.
"How’s
everyone feeling today?" she asked, the slyness bubbling
in her words. "Has the earth stopped spinning?"
They all smiled and
Xena hurled the ax into a nearby tree. Sappho looked at all
the logs around the yard; then at Xena.
"I thought
I’d cut some wood for our stay," Xena explained.
"Holy
Zeus!" Sappho exclaimed. "Just how long do you think
it’s going to take to solve this problem?"
Xena shrugged in
embarrassment as Gabrielle giggled.
Sappho moved next
to Xena, and away from Gabrielle’s hearing range.
"Sexual frustration is wonderful for one’s work
ethic." She winked. "Anyway," she announced to
both of them, "I thought I might take you to meet the
council members today. That is, if you’re both up to the
occasion."
"I’m
fine," Gabrielle answered.
Sappho nodded to
the strawberry blond before turning to the warrior.
"Xena?"
She nodded as well.
"Let’s go."
The city was
buzzing with people as they made their way to the grand hall.
Xena steered the wagon as Sappho and Gabrielle sat in the
back. Gabrielle felt the overwhelming need to explain her
actions for the night before. "Sappho?"
"Yes,
dear," she replied softly.
"I’m sorry
about what happened last night. Xena told me I..."
Gabrielle couldn’t get the words out and began to blush.
"... asked me
to make mad passionate love to you." Gabrielle hung her
head down in embarrassment. "Please don’t
apologize." Sappho grinned. "A few years younger,
and a wedding ring less, and I would have taken you up on the
offer."
"Thank
you," Gabrielle replied sheepishly.
"No problem...
Although I can’t say that’s entirely true." Gabrielle
questioned Sappho with her eyes. "I mean, you’re
beautiful - don’t get me wrong. You’re really, really
beautiful –."
"Sappho!"
Gabrielle exclaimed in a quiet tone so Xena wouldn’t hear
her.
"Sorry. I
can’t help myself. Lovely ladies bring it out in me...
Anyway, I couldn’t do anything with you. Xena would do that
‘neck pitch’ thing on me in a heartbeat."
"I have to
admit," Gabrielle smiled. "She is quite protective
of me."
"Protective?"
Sappho laughed. "Darling, it’s not protection. It’s
love."
Gabrielle felt the
air leaving her lungs but she still found the courage to
speak. "Love?" she questioned.
"Of course.
Why do you think she refused you last night? She didn’t want
to hurt you. She didn’t want to do anything that you would
regret or worse, not even remember in the morning."
"But this
morning she said to forget about it?" Gabrielle asked,
hoping Sappho would have an answer.
"Well, in what
context did she say it? Did you express regret when she told
you?"
Gabrielle thought
back to the conversation. "Oh Gods!"
"I’ll take
that as a yes... What did you do? Say you were sorry?"
Gabrielle slowly
nodded.
"There you
go," Sappho offered. They felt the wagon come to a stop
and peeked outside. "We’re here," Sappho said
stepping to the ground.
Xena moved in front
of Sappho and opened her arms to help Gabrielle down. Xena
could feel Gabrielle’s hesitation. "Come on," Xena
ordered. Slowly, Gabrielle took Xena’s hands and jumped to
the dusty road. "You’re not still feeling sick, are
you?" Xena asked concerned. Something was up. Xena could
tell. She shot a look to Sappho when Gabrielle didn’t answer
immediately.
"Don’t look
at me!" Sappho replied, showing her hands in a sign of
truce. "I didn’t do anything."
"I’m
okay." Gabrielle interrupted. "Let’s go meet the
council."
With that, they all
walked inside the marble structure.
CHAPTER
III
Six Lesbians,
including Sappho, sat on the council - three women and three
men.
"I’m sure
Sappho has told you about the situation," a graying man
informed Xena.
"She has. Do
you have any ideas?"
"No. But we
are sure it is someone from the mainland. There isn’t a
Lesbian who would do such a thing. We live by a very different
code. If anyone isn’t in agreement with us they are free to
live elsewhere."
"So what
you’re saying is ‘Lesbos. Love it or leave it’."
"Yes. I guess
that is what I’m saying." He grinned before looking
serious again. "I think the outside is putting pressure
on us to conform. The best way to do that is to slit a few
throats and hope we fall into place at their side. That, of
course, will never happen no matter how many people they kill.
We’ve asked you here in the hopes we can prevent more deaths
and put an end to this suffering."
Xena paused
studying the council. "I’ve agreed to stay and help
Sappho, so if you need to contact us we’ll be staying at her
place... Any more questions?" They all shook their heads
and Xena rose from the table. "Until later then."
"Meeting is
augured." Sappho said knocking the gavel.
As the room began
to disperse, Gabrielle pulled Xena to the side. "What do
you think of the council?"
"I trust them
about as far as I couldn’t throw them."
"Good. I
thought I was just being paranoid." Gabrielle smiled.
"We’ve got
to get outta here. Go someplace private and talk to Sappho.
Nobody up there, except her, is going to give us a straight
answer."
"Could you
believe all the patriotic crap about different codes and
nonsense?"
"No, I
didn’t," Xena replied giving her a wry grin. "But
I’d bet you ten dinars he expected me to. Perhaps all of
them expected it." Xena paused for a moment. "We
have to find out what connects these leaders with the
mainland."
"Should we
start by asking Sappho?" Gabrielle questioned.
"Yeah. I trust
Sappho. Well, not completely on some manners. But as far as
the reason for our trip here, yes, I trust her."
Gabrielle grinned.
She knew what the ‘some manners’ involved were. Sappho
said it herself-beautiful women were her weakness.
"Are we
ready?" Sappho asked as she strolled up to greet them.
"Let’s get
back to your place. We’ve got some questions," Xena
said firmly.
Xena took Gabrielle
by the arm as soon as the breeze from outside rushed over
them.
"What’s
wrong?" the bard asked.
"Trouble."
Before Gabrielle
had a chance to ask, they found themselves surrounded by ten
secretively clothed swordsmen. The street cleared and people
scurried when Xena unsheathed her sword.
As she twirled the
weapon skillfully in her hands she spoke in her slow menacing
draw. "We really don’t have time to play. Go
home." When she pivoted around to see the others she
noticed Gabrielle wasn’t carrying her staff. Untypical
she reflected briefly. She could tell Gabrielle was upset that
she left herself unarmed as she searched around. Xena found
something that would work.
"Yiyiyiyiyiyi!"
She jumped over the
ring of men with a summersault landing in front of a merchant
tent. In one quick stroke she sliced the thin support beam,
causing half the tent to collapse on the owner.
"Sorry,"
she apologized without haste. With another summersault
backward, she was standing in front of Gabrielle again, beam
in hand. Quickly, she tossed it to the bard.
"Don’t ever
do this again!" she snapped before she charged the first
assailant. Sappho’s eyes widened as she watched Gabrielle
and Xena go to work on the thugs.
A slice here and
whack there. Soon, all was quiet and a path for safe passage
back to the wagon had been cleared. As they started on their
way, council security showed up, surveying the damage.
"You’re a
little late boys." Xena smirked over her shoulder.
Gabrielle began to
following Xena, but not before having to pull an awestruck
Sappho by the arm to get her in motion.
CHAPTER
IV
"It was an
accident," Gabrielle contested.
"There are no
such things as accidents. Only consequences." Xena’s
cheeks were flamed as Sappho drove the wagon. "How could
you forget it?"
"Apparently
I’m not the only one who forgot. You didn’t mention that I
left it behind!" Gabrielle confronted.
"It’s not my
staff. It’s not my job to see that you’re armed. That’s
your job. I guess I’ll just have to act like your mother and
remind you from now on."
"You’re not
my mother," Gabrielle spat. "My mother would never
treat me like such a child."
"Well, maybe
if you didn’t act like a child, I wouldn’t treat you as
such," Xena hissed.
"Xena!
That’s enough!" Sappho warned. "I think she gets
the point. You know, as well as I do, she is not a child. Now
the two of you can shut up and sit down!"
Gabrielle’s eyes
would have burned holes into Xena if it were possible. Xena
gave her ‘the look’. But Gabrielle refused to be
intimidated. The bard challenged the warrior’s glaring gaze
for glaring gaze. When the wagon slowed down, Gabrielle jumped
from the side, staff in hand.
"See,"
she spouted. "I didn’t forget, Mother!" She ran
the rest of the way to Sapphos’ house without looking back.
As Sappho came to a halt, she turned back to Xena.
"I know the
only reason that you got upset is because you love her. You
want her to keep herself safe. But she’s right Xena,
accidents do happen."
"Drop the
intellectual conversation until dinnertime Sappho," Xena
warned. "I’m not up to the battle right now."
Xena walked to the
back to the guesthouse. She knew she’d find Gabrielle there.
When she walked inside, Gabrielle was packing her gear.
"What do you
think your doing?" Xena asked authoritatively.
"What’s it
look like?! I’m leaving."
Xena shook her head
and grabbed the bard’s hand as she tried to pack her
scrolls.
"Let me
go," Gabrielle ordered dropping the scrolls on the floor.
Xena was caught off
guard by the demand in her voice. She’d never heard it
before - no - She had never heard it directed toward her
before. The longer she held Gabrielle’s wrist, the more the
blonde tried to resist. "Let me go!" she shouted
again, as Xena spun her toward her capturing the bard’s
other wrist.
"Never."
They stood
face-to-face, just inches from each other. Xena could feel
Gabrielle’s labored breath under her chin; the pinched flesh
of her wrists under her strong fingertips.
Gabrielle was on
the verge of tears but she knew she couldn’t let them show. Just
one more reason I’m a child she thought. Her eyes left
Xena’s for a moment and she felt Xena let her go. She looked
up, but Xena was already going to the door.
"Xena?"
she called out making her stop in the doorway.
Xena didn’t turn
around. She spoke toward the living room. "Maybe you
should go."
The bard looked at
the packed bags and then at the warriors' back.
"Is that
what you want?" she asked.
Don’t say it.
Let her go. Don’t tell her what you really want. Xena
repeated over and over in her mind. "I think it’s
obvious we can’t continue this way." Good answer
Xena commended herself. Nice and neutral.
She heard
Gabrielle’s footsteps and turned to meet her. The next
sensation she felt was the sting on her cheek from the
bards’ palm. Xena did her best to stay calm.
"Don’t do
that again," the warrior warned.
Gabrielle swung
once more in defiance and Xena caught it with ease. She tried
again with her free hand yet was met with Xena’s grip before
making contact. Both hands were trapped. Again.
This time, however,
the warrior didn’t look nearly as diplomatic as the first
time. But the bard stood her ground, not backing down in the
slightest. Suddenly, she felt her legs go out from under her
as she began to move further into the room. Xena cradled her
in her arms. She laid the blonde beauty gently on the bed,
rising to take off her armor. She rested it easily on the
ground so the only sound continued to be their uneven
breathing.
"What are you
doing Xena?"
"Something I
should have done years ago," she whispered as she pulled
the leathers from her body. "Something I think you’ve
been wanting too," she added as she pulled off her boots.
"I’m leaving
remember," Gabrielle remarked boldly. The quiver in her
voice, however, gave her away as the warrior tugged away the
bard’s boots.
"Never."
Without another
word, Xena laid her naked body on top of the bards. She stared
into the green of Gabrielle’s eyes, reading two things -
fear and desire. "It’s alright, Gabrielle. I’d never
make you do anything you didn’t want to."
Gabrielle closed
her eyes when she felt Xena’s fingertips begin to journey
through her strawberry blonde hair. After a few silent
moments, Gabrielle felt Xena rise above her, straddling her
waist. When she opened her eyes, Xena cocked her head and gave
her a coy grin.
"May I?"
she asked motioning to Gabrielle’s green tunic with an
arched eyebrow.
"By all
means," Gabrielle whispered.
She watched eagerly
as Xena took her time, slowly moving lace by lace until she
could pull the garment from her shoulders. Xena studied
Gabrielle’s’ naked breasts intensely. She could finally
look at them for more than a fleeting glance, admiring them
with lover’s eyes. The look reminded Gabrielle of when Xena
observed battle plans - the intensity, the calculations of
making sure every detail was memorized to insure victory.
But this battle was
already over. Xena had won. Gabrielle would be her
"prisoner" forever. There was never going to be any
escape from Xena’s charms - the charms no one ever saw
except for Gabrielle, like her warmth, underneath her fiery
temper; her sincerity and concern, underneath her stern
orders; her hope for the future, underneath her tortured past.
Gabrielle knew Xena, all of Xena, and loved her just the same.
Being Xena’s prisoner was truly a gift from the gods.
"You’re so
beautiful, Gabrielle. But this is what I love most," Xena
whispered putting her hand over the bard’s heart. "This
is what saved my life. This is what drives me to be better
person... I had my body and my mind when I met you... but you
gave me back my heart and my soul."
Gabrielle almost
began to cry herself as she watched the tears well up in
Xena’s eyes. "Don’t cry warrior," Gabrielle
choked. "Make love to me."
Xena pulled
Gabrielle into a passionate kiss, welding all her desire and
need into her lips, forcing it upon the willing bard. Their
hands caressed and explored each other, like long-time lovers.
The touches were delicate at first until their mingling heat
for each other was overwhelming. Xena couldn’t contain
herself any longer.
In haste, she
pulled off Gabrielle’s skirt and began a trail of butterfly
kisses up Gabrielle’s thighs. Gabrielle’s whole body was
aflame. Each touch, each stroke of Xena’s tongue and
fingertips quickened the bard’s pulse. Xena grinned slyly as
she parted Gabrielle’s thighs, noticing the glistening
wetness waiting for her hungry mouth. Gabrielle knew Xena was
up to something. What it was exactly she didn’t know.
"What are you
gonna do?" she asked in a ragged breath. A breath that
was continuously being stolen by Xena, who was now caressing
her round, full breasts.
"Patience
Gabrielle. You’ll see."
With that the
warrior ran her tongue, slow and steadily, between
Gabrielle’s thighs, making sure to give the protruding nub a
little quick lashing. She watched her bard grab two fists full
of the sheets as she repeated the procedure again. "Oh
Xena!" she cried in pleasure.
Xena laughed
silently at her loves’ reaction, going back to nibble on the
inside of Gabrielle’s thighs. The bard reached down and
tried to direct the warrior back to the place she just left
moments before. This time Xena’s laugh vocalized. The desire
in Gabrielle was so enormous, she ignored the humor Xena
found.
"Please
Xena!" she begged. "I need your lips there. Give me
your tongue again."
The cocky, coy
attitude dripped from Xena’s mischievous grin as she came
back up to gaze at Gabrielle. The bard brushed Xena’s hair
away from her face to see her beautiful crystal blue eyes.
"You want it
bad?" Xena teased.
"Yes."
"How
bad?" she continued with her arched eyebrow.
Gabrielle moaned as
she felt Xena’s upper thigh make contact with her molten
center. The bard’s hips began to move at their own accord.
Xena looked down, watching Gabrielle trying to bring herself
off on her leg, and felt a river of nectar begin to work
it’s way down her own leg.
"Oh Gods,
Gabrielle. You’re making me so wet," Xena exclaimed
softly in her ear, biting gently on the lobe. "Look at
the way you’re moving against me."
Gabrielle opened
her eyes, catching the sight of hips bucking to meet Xena’s
flesh. She groaned deep and pulled Xena’s thigh tighter
against her, causing even more friction.
The warrior could
feel the bard’s wetness soaking her on the front of her
flesh and the bard’s fingernails digging into the back. Any
other time the pressure of those fingertips would be torture
but Xena adored it now.
"That’s it,
Gabrielle," Xena encouraged. "Make me wetter. Make
me wetter."
All Gabrielle could
do was moan. Her sense of touch and hearing took over her
vocal cords, rendering her speechless.
"I’m all
yours, Gabrielle," Xena whispered seductively. "Push
harder. I can take it. Let me bring you all the pleasure
you’ve been hiding from."
Xena felt
Gabrielle’s teeth sinking into her neck, before sucking as
much of it in as she could, leaving a red/purplish impression
of their passion. Gabrielle’s hands wrapped around the
warrior’s head pulling her down toward her lips.
"Say my
name," the bard insisted. "I love it when you say my
name."
"Oh,
Gabrielle," Xena mumbled against her neck.
"Ahh...
Again."
"Gabrielle."
Xena was the one struggling with words now.
"Again."
The bard insisted once more, running her fingernails up
Xena’s back.
"Gab... ri...
elle."
Gabrielle used all
her will power to stop her hips from moving. She took Xena’s
face in one hand as she spread her legs farther apart. She ran
a finger up through her saturated center bringing it to her
own lips. Xena watched helplessly as she sucked her own juices
off her finger.
"Ummm...
Tastes good," she teased. She ran her finger across her
body once more. Then she offered it to Xena, which she
hungrily took. "There’s more where that came
from," Gabrielle replied coolly. "But you’ve got
to go get it... Tell me Xena ... How bad do you want it?"
"You’re a
fast learner," Xena replied with a smile she couldn’t
suppress.
"I prefer the
term quick study."
Xena didn’t waste
anymore time. GABRIELLE had won this battle. She moved with
such speed, capturing Gabrielle’s flesh that she didn’t
have time to breathe. She went straight for her target,
avoiding any teasing or buildup. She had to have Gabrielle, to
taste her, to smell her, to feel her softness on her tongue
and to hear her voice in ecstasy.
Xena’s lips
covered Gabrielle’s flesh. But soon, it was Xena who was
covered - her lips, her chin, her cheeks - in Gabrielle’s
sweet, sticky nectar. The sound of her name on Gabrielle’s
lips fueled Xena’s desire, quickening her pace. Her fingers
plunged into Gabrielle’s slippery folds. First one. Then
two. Then three. Gabrielle’s hips rose off the feather
mattress, rotating to match Xena’s strong, callused hand. As
Gabrielle’s breath began to come in short, even strokes,
Xena knew her task of bringing the world’s greatest pleasure
to her bard was nearly finished.
"Great God
O’Zeus!" Gabrielle yelled as her back arched and her
legs began to shake.
"That’s
it," Xena whispered, her affection spilling into the
words. "Let go. Let my love carry you."
Xena smiled as she
looked down on Gabrielle as the bard climaxed - her eyes
closed, her mouth slightly opened fighting for air, the
growing smile coming to her flushed face. Gabrielle felt Xena
over her, as Xena’s long black hair slid over her sweat
covered breasts. She opened her eyes to see Xena’s loving
gaze caressing her; protecting her.
"Are you
alright?" the warrior teased.
"Yeah...
.Yeah. I’m great." Gabrielle smiled. The tone and the
words took Xena back to the ‘nutbread incident’ as she
liked to call it - the first time Gabrielle told her she was
beautiful.
"Any
regrets?" Xena asked sincerely.
"Yes,"
Gabrielle answered the smile darting from her face. Xena
pulled herself up to a sitting position yet remained close to
Gabrielle. "We waited far too long for this day. But now
that it’s here, I couldn’t be happier."
Xena sighed in
relieve. "Please don’t do that. You really scared me by
thinking you felt bad."
"I’m
sorry," Gabrielle said sincerely. She rose to meet the
warrior, stroking Xena’s face with the back of her
fingertips. "I have every intention of making it up to
you."
Gabrielle began to
nibble on Xena’s neck as she moved to her knees. Xena took
the time to caress Gabrielle’s hair, feeling the softness
and fullness. She closed her eyes and imagined the feel of it
running down the length of her body and spreading over her
thighs. The combination of Gabrielle’s kisses and her
fantasy caused her to moan out loud.
Gentle, delicate
hands pushed the warrior back on the bed, as Gabrielle latched
onto her nipple, swirling her tongue around it. Xena arched
and grabbed Gabrielle by the hair, burying her fingers deep
within. "Have I told you lately how beautiful you
are?" Gabrielle asked, her voice slightly jumbled against
Xena skin.
Gabrielle’s hands
on Xena were like a child’s’ with a new toy - full of
wonderment and exploration. Her body felt so different from
Perticus’. Their shoulders were both broad with incredible
muscle tone, but Xena’s skin was so much softer, the hair
less course. Her scent wasn’t strong and musky. It was
subtle and sweet. Her moans weren’t deep and forceful. They
were light and breathless. Gabrielle’s senses overloaded and
she found herself getting pleasure from giving pleasure. It
was a new experience. No. This was not Perticus. Not at all.
This was Xena.
She smiled,
watching Xena’s body sway, reaching for her caresses, her
eyes casually closed. Xena’s face was the picture of passion
and love.
Gabrielle felt
proud; wanted. She always felt pretty but Xena’s expression
brought about a new description - sexy. She was sexy and Xena
needed her. It gave Gabrielle the confidence she needed as she
worked her way southward. Xena felt her movements and began to
sit up.
"Gabrielle,
you don’t have to –."
"Yes. I
do," Gabrielle said cutting her off, her lust evident in
her words. "I need to taste you. I need to bring you the
same pleasure you brought me... unless you don’t want me
to," Gabrielle teased.
She knew better.
She knew Xena wanted her. She could feel that want in the
warrior’s fingertips; see it in her hypnotic blue eyes.
"I want you
more than anything in life," Xena whispered
affectionately.
"Then lie back
and let me take you," Gabrielle replied, stroking
Xena’s face. Slowly, Xena closed her eyes and rested her
back on the bed again. As Gabrielle crept lower, Xena
reflexively opened her legs wider, giving the bard greater
access.
"That’s
it," she said bravely. "Let me inside."
Gabrielle nibbled
on the warrior’s thighs, causing the warrior to laugh.
Gabrielle had to laugh too. Xena’s laugh was infectious.
"I’m sorry," she apologized between giggles.
"I forgot how ticklish your legs are."
"It’s
okay," Xena insisted. "You’re doing
wonderful."
"Am I
now?" Gabrielle prodded.
"Oh yes!"
Xena complimented.
"I can do even
better." Without waiting for a response, Gabrielle’s
tongue seized Xena femininity in one swift stroke, causing the
warriors' hips to rise. Gabrielle’s lips followed and she
took the opportunity to place her hands under Xena. As she
quickened her pace, allowing Xena to grind against her face,
she found her hands gave her greater control over the warrior.
Xena loved the
sensation of the young woman’s fingernails lightly scraping
her backside, feeling her tongue drive deeper and deeper
inside of her.
"Oh,
Gabrielle," the warrior cried. "That feels... so...
good... so... wonderful... so... ohhh... ohhh... "
Gabrielle brought
her hands around to capture Xena’s hips. The sight of
Gabrielle’s head whisking vigorously back and forth and her
beautiful strawberry blonde hair tasseled and stuck to her
face from perspiration and Xena’s nectar, sent Xena over the
edge. She gripped Gabrielle’s shoulders as gently as her
desire would allow.
"Oh
Gods," she shouted as her back arched. The love in her
heart was so overwhelming. A feeling of freedom washed over
and she taunted her nemesis. "Look at me, Ares! Look at
me now! I’m hers! I’m hers!... I’ll always be
hers!"
After Xena’s body
subsided, Gabrielle worked her way up to Xena with soft kisses
and a smile. Xena captured her and the bard snuggled up in the
warriors’ strong arms.
"Always,
huh?" Gabrielle teased.
"Always...
always," Xena whispered, placing a gentle, feather-like
kiss on top of the bards head. The lay still; relaxed
listening to each other breath. Soon the rhythm put them to
sleep as they curled up naked in each others’ arms.
CHAPTER
V
Gabrielle was
unsure of how long they slept, but the indications that it was
still bright outside lead her to the conclusion it couldn’t
be too long. She looked over at Xena, who was still out. Xena
was beginning to do the little nasal sound she did whenever it
had been a long day. Gabrielle knew they had work to do, but
she took the time to watch Xena a bit longer.
Xena never looked
so ‘at peace’. She would have sworn that the curls at the
ends of Xena’s lips were a smile. Innocence was not a word
the bard used in any of her scrolls about the warrior. But she
looked like a peaceful child as she lay there in the afternoon
sunlight.
She lightly stroked
the warriors’ face, trying to bring her to consciousness.
Slowly, Xena’s eyes flickered and widened trying to focus.
She was delighted when the first sight she saw was
Gabrielle’s face beaming down at her.
"Good
afternoon," Gabrielle welcomed.
"Wonderful
afternoon," Xena said pulling the bards' lips down to
hers. The kiss was long and passionate. Their tongue reaching
and prodding each others’. Gabrielle broke away first.
"We have to
meet Sappho," Gabrielle whispered. "I’m sure
she’s wondering what happened to us."
"Sappho’s a
bright woman," Xena chuckled. "I’m sure she’s
figured it out."
Xena went back for
another kiss, but Gabrielle darted back and stood up, trying
to find her clothing. Xena groaned and put her head back in
the pillow.
"Come on blue
eyes. Outta bed. We gotta get moving," Gabrielle smiled
as she nudged Xena, trying to get her into motion.
"You’ve been
looking forward to this moment, haven’t you?... The one
where you have to bug ME to get going."
"Years!"
the bard replied, now fully clothed. She moved back onto the
bed leaning over the naked warrior. "Get up
sleepyhead."
Xena darted her
hands around Gabrielle’s waist and she had her on her back
in a matter of seconds. "Not so fast," she said
trying to undo Gabrielle’s laces again.
Gabrielle kissed
Xena passionately, distracting her. Soon, it was the warrior
who was on her back as Gabrielle jumped up, swiftly moving to
get her boots. "Come on Xena. We’ve got a few murders
to solve."
Xena watched
helplessly as Gabrielle blew her a kiss and headed out the
door.
Never to be one who
let the simplest of details go unnoticed, Sappho questioned
Xena about the love bite on her neck as soon as she seen it.
"Gabrielle
over here tells me you two made up... From the look of your
neck I’d say that’s only the beginning of the story."
Xena grinned as
Gabrielle blushed and took a sip of her tea. Xena was sure
Sappho was only testing her. She was also sure Sappho already
knew of the days events. The bard loved to tell Xena stories.
She was sure this was one she felt compelled to share with
Sappho - if not the whole story, at least the jest of it.
With that
realization, concern flood Xena - not concerning Sappho's
knowledge, but the fact that the bard was a story teller and a
sucker for romance. Letting the world know she loved Xena and
that Xena felt the same could prove very dangerous indeed.
Xena tried to push the thought from her head, for the moment.
She made a mental note to speak with Gabrielle later. Sappho
picked up on the change in Xena’s demeanor and assumed it
was her questioning.
"Did I strike
a sore topic?" she asked wearily.
"No."
Xena grinned. "Just caught off guard. That’s all."
"I, Sappho,
the only human to catch the mighty warrior princess off
guard... I’ll have to write about this one." She
grinned.
"Actually,
you’re the second," Xena replied with a smile to
Gabrielle. "She hit me with a stick one starry
night."
Gabrielle looked
confused for a second, but she smiled when recollection took
over.
"She let me
hit her," Gabrielle replied.
"No, I
didn’t," Xena countered, giving her a quick kiss on the
bridge of her nose. "I told you ‘you got me fair and
square’." As she finished, Xena brushed Gabrielle’s
nose tenderly in the location of the shafts’ assault before
getting a cup of tea for herself.
"All’s fair
in love and war, I guess." Sappho shrugged.
"Speaking of
war," Xena replied. "We just might have one on our
hands here if we don't get moving on things... Gabrielle and I
found the meeting today very interesting."
"Really?"
Sappho asked. "Why?"
"We don’t
trust anyone on the counsel," Gabrielle replied.
"Except you."
"Well,
that’s good to know," Sappho commented. "Who IS
under suspicion?"
"I have two in
particular. Mr. ‘Lesbos... love it or leave it’ and
–"
"Wait a
second! Waticles! You think Waticles is behind the
attacks!"
"Could I
please finish?" Xena remarked authoritatively. When no
one spoke she continued. "Yes, Waticles. I’m also not
too sure of Barbideen."
"Why on Zeus
green earth do you suspect them?!"
"I understand
these people are your friends," Xena began.
"No. It’s
not that," Sappho interrupted. "What makes them any
different than the rest?"
"Well, as
Gabrielle said they are all under suspicion, but these two
didn’t ring true for me."
"Why?"
"A
hunch."
Sappho waited for
more. But when ‘more’ didn’t come she looked to
Gabrielle. "She doesn’t say a whole lot, does
she?"
Gabrielle
considered the question and thought back to earlier in the
afternoon and begin to grin. "Well... except when
–."
"Like, I was
saying," Xena cut in, glaring at Gabrielle. "These
two are my first priority."
Sappho couldn’t
suppress her grin at the exchange. Xena and Gabrielle knew
each other. Knew each other well. Real well.
"Okay. What do
you need from me?"
"Everything,"
Xena said sincerely.
"Everything?"
Sappho said mischievously. Her eyes shot back and forth
between Xena and Gabrielle. "Sounds like fun."
Xena rolled her
eyes in frustration. Gabrielle, who was becoming accustomed to
Sappho style, released a small giggle that Xena’s piercing
eyes extinguished. Gabrielle soon began to chuckle again
however; before taking shape in a laugh.
"It wasn’t
that funny," Xena replied beginning to grin, just a tad.
"No. She
reminds me of someone we know. Quite well, I should add."
"Who?"
Xena questioned the bard.
"Autolycus,"
she giggled. "She’s a female Autolycus. Witty.
Creative. A real ladies... lady. If she’s not ogling
beautiful women, she thinking up come-on lines."
Xena could see a
resemblance and began to laugh herself.
"The king of
thieves?" Sappho replied. "I’m not the king of
thieves, my dear. I’m the thief of hearts. And I could steal
anyone’s heart if I wanted too - even yours."
"Not if you
want to stay healthy," Xena replied menacingly, leaning
over the table.
"Too
true," Sappho replied. Xena still didn’t move away or
unlock her eyes. "I said if I wanted to Xena."
"And you
don’t, right?" she questioned with a raise of her
eyebrow.
"Of course
not!"
"So you
don’t think Gabrielle’s beautiful enough for you, is that
it?" Xena prodded, searching for a fight. It was a game
now. Xena knew it. Gabrielle knew it. Sappho was a different
story.
"Damned if I
do. Damned if I don’t... You know what I mean!" Sappho
spat.
Xena’s menacing
eyebrow did a little dance and she smiled in friendship.
"I know what’ch mean. I'm just messin' with ya."
She sat back down next to Gabrielle taking her hand. Sappho
released a sigh everyone could hear and the warrior and her
bard began to giggle again.
"Anyway, back
to the troubles at hand. What do you need me to do? Where do I
begin?"
"First is
Waticles," Xena answered.
"What about
him?"
Xena and Gabrielle
looked at each other. "We didn’t believe his little
speech. We’d like to know if a break from the mainland could
hurt him in someway," Gabrielle asked.
"He’s lived
here his whole life as far as I know. I don’t think he had
any ties."
"And Barbideen?"
"She’s new
to the counsel. Her lifemate served on it for a few years, but
she died... about two years ago, I think. She has a sister in
Athens, I believe. Other than that I can’t think of anything
else."
"We need to
talk to these members one-on-one."
"Well, you
could count out Barbideen, Lilith, and Helen. They all have,
or had, lifemates. Why would they be behind it?"
"No one is
above suspicion,’ Gabrielle offered.
"How do we
know it isn’t a local bent on changing Lesbos?"
"We
don’t," Xena offered. "However, I doubt anyone in
any of these villages could afford to hire ten assassins to
attack us this afternoon... No. It has to be a Lesbian with
power, money and connections. Someone who could sway Lesbians
to be believe the greater good is to kill other
Lesbians."
"The killers
could be from Athens."
"Not
likely," Gabrielle commented. "Lesbos is not a big
place. That many strangers arriving at once would have been
noticed by local authorities. Besides, Athens wouldn’t be
stupid enough to send in assassins. If the local government is
against any change, the defiance would be even greater if
Athens is accused of murder."
"We’re going
to meet with Waticles," Xena said rising; Gabrielle right
behind her.
"Okay,"
Sappho said, rising as well.
"No."
Xena stopped her with her palm. "Stay here. We’ll take
care of this. Where can we find him?"
"In town. The
second house on the left, next to the Starlight Inn."
"Come on,
Gabrielle," Xena motioned.
Sappho watched them
travel to the wagon, and start their journey to town.
CHAPTER
VI
"Gabrielle,"
Xena began as they bounced along on the wagon. "We need
to talk."
"You’re
kidding," Gabrielle teased as she stroked Xena’s arm
lovingly. "The woman of few words."
"I’m
serious, Gabrielle," Xena said sternly yet allowing her
affection to seep inside her words.
"What is
it?" Gabrielle was now concerned.
"I don’t
mind that you told Sappho about the two of us. Or anyone
we’re close to, like Ephiny or Hercules, for that matter...
It’s just... We should... " Xena found herself
stumbling.
"It’s okay,
Xena," Gabrielle reassured her. "Take your
time."
"I’m worried
that if people found out about us... the real ‘us’...
You’d become an even bigger target for those out to hurt
me."
Gabrielle smiled
with realization. "You’re worried I’m going to end up
in some tavern telling Xena stories that involve how skillful
your hands are and how lightening fast your reflexes
are."
"No. You tell
stories like that all the time." The warrior smirked
confidently.
Gabrielle liked
this little game and she began to grin. She leaned next to
Xena just shy of her ear and began to whisper.
"Okay. So you
don’t want me to tell stories how about those skillful hands
set my body ablaze and how fast my reflexes take over when
your skin touches mine."
Xena’s growing
wetness mounted as Gabrielle slid her tongue back and forth,
playing with the warriors’ earlobe.
"Yeah,"
Xena answered in a cracking voice. "Of course in private,
you can tell me as often as you like."
"I’d rather
show you," Gabrielle whispered as her fingers crept up
Xena’s inner thigh.
"Keep this up
Gabrielle and we’re not going to make it to Waticles house
anytime soon," Xena warned, as she pulled the wagon off
to the side of the road.
"Is that a
threat?" Gabrielle teased.
"It’s a
promise," Xena whispered, resting her forehead on
Gabrielle’s.
"Gotta catch
me first," Gabrielle proclaimed, leaping off the wagon
and running into the woods.
Xena’s arousal
made her response time lag as she watched Gabrielle’s feet
take off. Without wasting another moment, she too leaped off
the wagon, running head long into the ferny growth and tall
trees.
Her eyes searched,
but couldn’t find Gabrielle and her acute hearing wasn’t
detecting anything except for insects and small birds.
"Gabrielle," Xena drawled out her name. "I know
you’re here someplace."
"Aren’t you
up for the hunt warrior?" Gabrielle teased.
The sound was
definitely behind her and she turned to meet it. She was still
unable to see Gabrielle.
Xena liked this
game. She liked it a lot. She knew Gabrielle had developed a
keen sense of stealth, so much that even Xena couldn’t
detector her location now. The forest surrounding them created
an echo affect. She could hear the bards’ general location,
but she couldn’t pin point it. Her adrenaline pumped through
her veins for two reasons - her overwhelming desire to find
Gabrielle and the prospect of being caught by surprise.
"You’re
getting warmer," Gabrielle taunted as Xena moved toward
the noise.
Xena narrowed her
search down to two huge oak trees - one to the left; one to
the right. She stopped and she listened.
Gabrielle tried to
repress a giggle, sensing Xena’s closeness. Accidentally,
her foot shifted and she heard a tiny twig snap. Looking down
with wide eyes, she knew she’d be found. The next sound she
heard was Xena’s voice.
"Ah ha,"
Xena proclaimed as she darted to the right. Gabrielle tried to
run, but Xena had her by the waist in a matter of seconds.
"All right,
warrior. You’ve got me," Gabrielle answered huskily,
the passion escaping in her words. "Now what are you
going to do with me."
Xena’s adrenaline
was still running through her veins. The desire in
Gabrielle’s voice overpowering her.
"Anything I
want," the warrior whispered, pushing Gabrielle against a
tree in a frisk position.
Gabrielle moaned.
The thought of being taken by Xena, being controlled by her,
ignited an even greater fire inside of her. She didn’t want
slow and gentle. She wanted fast and furious. She wanted to
feel Xena consuming her. She wanted to see that passion and
power Xena displayed in so many battles raining down upon her.
Xena heard the moan
and she knew what it meant. Without a question, her hand
traveled up the bard skirt, finding Gabrielle’s center...
and just the way she assumed it would be - warm and slippery.
Her other hand reached around and grabbed Gabrielle’s
breast, kneading it and pinching it forcefully.
Xena’s desire was
at a fever pitch, but so was her love for Gabrielle. She
whispered in the bard’s ear trying to keep the mood alive
yet expressing her deep affection.
"If it starts
to be too much," Xena instructed, "say ‘that’s
enough’ and I’ll stop."
Gabrielle could
only nod as Xena continued the sweet assault on the bards’
body.
Gabrielle gasped as
Xena’s hand, which possessing her breast, leapt up to her
chin, pushing her head up high. Gabrielle turned her head
slightly and let Xena’s index finger come to her lips. She
sucked and bite it as Xenas’ other hand worked in a circular
motion on her sweltering sex below. Gabrielle’s moans
invaded Xena’s eardrums, making her moan as well.
"You love to
be taken, don’t you?" Xena taunted in the bard’s ear.
"You love the feel of my hands on your beautiful young
body, don’t you?"
"Yes,"
Gabrielle whispered.
"I didn’t
say you could speak!" Xena ordered as she moved her hand
to pull Gabrielle’s hair until her head met the warrior’s
shoulder. Xena’s lips and teeth captured Gabrielle’s neck,
biting it fiercely. "Paybacks are a bitch, aren’t
they?" she asked.
The bard knew what
she was talking about and her mind flashed back to the Bacca
cavern. It was the only incident she remembered - the
sensation of her teeth piercing Xena’s flesh, the soft moans
Xena emitted when her tongue began to lap at the blood. For
Gabrielle, it was a moment of Tartus and the Elysian Fields
all rolled into one. Much like the moment she had now. Except
now, she was the one being consumed.
‘Yes’
Gabrielle’s mind screamed. ‘Take me. Take me. I’m
yours’. She wanted to speak so badly. When Xena’s pace on
her sex increased even more she couldn’t hold out in spite
of the consequences.
"Oh,
yes," Gabrielle shouted. "Please Xena... "
Xena’s mouth
released its hold on the bard’s neck. "I can’t keep
you quiet for a minute," Xena minced in anger. Gabrielle
knew it wasn’t real anger, but she enjoyed the jolt it gave
her. "I got a cure for that."
She spun
Gabrielle’s aroused body around with ease just before
plunging her tongue into the bards mouth. Their lips would be
bruised by the impact, but Xena didn’t care. She wanted
Gabrielle. Wanted to possess her. Make her feel the intensity
of her desire. As they kissed, Xena unbuttoned her leather
body suit between her legs. Once free she pushed Gabrielle
down to her knees. She crooked one leg on the tree giving the
strawberry blond a full view of her femininity.
"Do it,"
Xena ordered.
It took all of her
strength to suppress what Xena was asking her to do.
"No," she
said defiantly with a arrogant grin. "Make me."
Xena’s eyes
narrowed and she grabbed Gabrielle by the back of the head,
driving the bard’s face between her legs. Gabrielle’s
little battle of wills was reduced to zilch once she caught
Xena’s smell and taste. Her tongue went wild and they both
moaned at the time of impact.
"That’s
it," Xena moaned. "Behave and give me what I
need." Xena tugged her head up a little more, making
Gabrielle press harder and quicker. The bard’s moans now
overshadowed Xena’s as Xena’s nectar dribbled down her
chin. "Gods, what you do to me... " Xena gasped.
Gabrielle knew she
had Xena where she wanted her. In a flash she darted back to
her feet and pushed the warrior against the tree. Before she
could even retaliate, Xena felt Gabrielle’s’ fingers
plunge into her - hard and fast. Xena was helpless to resist.
Gabrielle pumped Xena repeatedly and without mercy.
Xena felt the
quivering inside her begin. "Oh Gods, Gabrielle... "
she moaned. "If you don’t stop now, I’m going to
come."
Gabrielle smiled at
Xena. She certainly had the warrior princess - eyes closed,
head thrashing from side to side. "You’re going to come
alright," Gabrielle whispered. "All over my
hand."
Xena arched.
Gabrielle’s words sent her over the edge and she felt
herself losing her balance. Gabrielle couldn’t catch her and
she tumbled to the ground, a shaking and quivering pool of
desire. Gabrielle giggled as she crept down, watching the grin
on Xena’s face grow into a smile.
"I won,"
Gabrielle teased in a whisper.
Like Zeus’
thunderbolt, Gabrielle was on her back with the warrior over
her. "It’s not over yet," Xena sneered. Without
any delay the warrior’s fingers pushed aside the bards'
underclothing. Seconds later, she was inside Gabrielle,
building a steady pace.
"Open your
eyes, Gabrielle," Xena whispered; the words drug out
leisurely. Gabrielle did as she was told and was met by the
bluest blue she’d ever hope to see. "I want you to see
who’s loving you like this... I want to see the desire in
your eyes when you go over the edge... I want you to see
who’ll always be there to catch your fall."
Xena’s fingers
continued their probe building quicker and quicker each
passing moment. Gabrielle moaned and watched as Xena herself
was struggling to make eye contact.
"I love
you," she whispered.
"I love you
too, Gabrielle." Xena smiled. "Now come for
me."
With a few more
strokes of Xena’s loving hand, Gabrielle felt the crest
approaching. Instinctively, she closed her eyes, but Xena
caressed her cheek, making her eyes snap back open. In an
instant, Xena could see all the love and desire the bard had
as she arrived at the pinnacle reflected in those beautiful
emerald eyes. And when she heard her name on Gabrielle’s
lips with such passion, such devotion, she knew she had
finally found her destiny.
Xena planted
tender, delicate kisses across Gabrielle’s face - her
eyelids, her forehead, her chin - so no place was left
untouched. Gabrielle stroked Xena’s hair, loving the feel of
the silky, black strands.
"You’re so
beautiful," Xena whispered. "Inside and out. What
did I ever do to deserve you?"
"I can say the
same about you Xena," the bard replied. "I know
you’re haunted by the past... but know this... my life was
meaningless until you arrived. And if you ever left, it would
be meaningless again."
Xena grinned.
"Thank you," she whispered. "But I know you
would survive without me."
Gabrielle returned
the smiling gesture. "Yes, I would survive, Xena. But my
life wouldn’t have ‘meaning’. I’m a writer and
you’re my muse. Without that, what good would I be to this
earth?"
Xena’s eyes
filled with pain. She needed to know Gabrielle would go on
without her should the day ever arrive.
"But you’re
more than a writer Gabrielle. You’re so many things to so
many people. Promise me you’ll always remember that."
Hurt was the last
thing Gabrielle wanted to invoke in Xena. "I
promise," Gabrielle grinned. "As long as you
continue to keep your ‘monster promise’."
Xena placed one
hand over her heart and the other in the air. "I promise.
Should anything ever happen to you I will not become a
monster." Xena held out her pinky. "Promise?"
Gabrielle wrapped
hers around as they shook in camaraderie. "Promise."
Xena rose first and
helped Gabrielle to her feet. "Come on. We’ve got to
find out what’s going on... If we can avoid any more
excursions that is."
Gabrielle grinned.
"You’re asking a lot, you know?"
Xena kissed
Gabrielle on the neck, tenderly yet erotically. "Believe
me, I know," she whispered.
CHAPTER
VII
"Waticles?
Mind if we come in?" Xena asked as she entered his barn.
He was working on a horse shoe when the two women walked
inside.
"Not at all.
What did you need?" he asked casually.
"Horse throw a
shoe?" Gabrielle asked keeping the conversation friendly.
"Yeah. Third
one in as many weeks."
"Which
one?" Xena asked.
"Right
front." He pointed.
Xena walked over.
"Do you mind?" she motioned to the animal as if she
would inspect him.
"Go right
ahead."
Xena coaxed the
animal by talking softly, affectionately. Her love of animals
amazed Gabrielle, especially horses. Slowly, the horse lifted
its leg and Xena took a good look. "Ah ha," she
heard Xena say. "Here it is."
Waticles and Xena
spoke, but Gabrielle didn’t listen to the words.
She just watched
Xena’s movements - how she stroked the animal to keep him
calm, pointing out the problem to his owner. Her movements
were always so graceful, even in something as simple as
petting a creature.
"Stay off him
for the next few weeks," Xena recommended.
"Thanks,"
Waticles replied graciously.
"No
problem." Xena grinned.
After a few beats,
Waticles spoke. "So what brings you back out here.
Looking for more trouble? I heard about what happened after
the meeting."
"Gabrielle and
I were just passing through town to get a look around,"
Xena replied. "We thought we’d just stop by... So what
do you do for a living? Farm?"
"Hades,
no," he laughed. "I’ve got crops for the family,
but that’s about it. The isle pays well enough to support
us."
"You mean the
council seat?" Gabrielle asked for clarification.
"Yeah. But
it’s pretty time consuming. We act as a court as well - you
know settling petty neighbor disputes, handing out punishment
to pushy drunkards, things of that nature."
"Sounds like
you’re not real enthused about being a counsel member."
Xena commented.
"Don’t get
me wrong. I enjoy it. I just can’t envision myself here 10
years from now."
"Where do you
see yourself? Gabrielle prodded, trying to sound naïve.
"Athens."
Waticles smiled. "At least, that’s the goal... Yah,
I’ll spend a few more years here then move up to the big
leagues."
"Of course, if
Athens views you as a rebel, wouldn’t that put a kink in you
plan?" Xena pushed. Gabrielle gave her the, "not yet
- back off" look. Xena didn’t miss it and stifled
herself from continuing.
"What do you
mean?" Waticles asked innocently.
"What she
means..." Gabrielle began, looking at Xena with the
'don’t even start to open your mouth' gaze, "if Athens
wants Lesbos to ‘reform themselves’ and you fight that
reform wouldn’t that make you an outsider?"
Waticles smiled and
shook his head. "To some perhaps, but I know enough
people to get a position. Besides, I think Athens would value
a man who stands up for what his people believe."
‘Here comes the
patriotic crap again,’ Xena thought. ‘Is this man totally
disillusioned?’ Gabrielle’s grin told Xena she shared her
thoughts. The look in Xena’s grin told Gabrielle her
‘looks’ would no longer work. It was now open season on
the councilman.
"If Athens
decides to cut Lesbos off from the mainland you could stand to
lose a lot. I think you’ll realize ‘your people’ in the
big leagues would drop you like a sack of manure if they
thought their own reputations were damaged as a result of
their friendship to you."
"What are you
saying, warrior?" Waticles said beginning to get
defensive.
"I’m saying
your plans would go up like a piece of parchment on a campfire
if Lesbos doesn’t fall in line with Athens law soon... Are
you still going to stand there and tell me different?"
Waticles moved
closer to Xena. "I don’t like what you’re
insinuating."
"So
what?" Xena smiled with a shrug. "You never answered
my question."
"And the
question was?" he prodded, trying to intimidate Xena.
Xena paused meeting
him stare for stare. "Do you honestly think your
reputation isn’t going to be damaged because you chose to
ignore Athens?"
Waticles flinched
as he began to back down. "Alright," he agreed
reluctantly. "I know my allegiance to Lesbos will hurt me
in the long run perhaps. But it’s what my people want. They
are my boss. I must and I will do as they ask me to do... even
if it means I never realize my goals... People can say many
things about me, but I am an honest man."
"No one here
is saying you’re dishonest," Gabrielle interjected.
Xena studied the
man. She thought he was telling the truth, but something just
didn’t sit well with her. And she didn’t know what it was.
At least, not yet, but she was determined to find out.
Xena nodded toward
Gabrielle. "Yeah, like she said," the warrior
replied casually as she made her way to leave. "But know
this," Xena added turning around. "We WILL find out
who’s behind this so the more you tell us the better off you
are... Come on, Gabrielle."
Xena continued on
her way out, as Gabrielle began to make her way as well.
"Really Waticles. Anything you hear will be helpful.
Please let us know. For everyone’s sake," Gabrielle
added as she walked outside.
Gabrielle jogged a
little to catch up to Xena’s long strides. "So what do
you think?" she asked her dark-haired lover.
"Again, as far
as I couldn’t through him." Xena smiled.
"I knew you
were goin’ say that," Gabrielle teased.
CHAPTER
VIII
"Please.
Please. Come in," Barbadeen replied opening her door
wide. "Would you care for some of my wine? They say
it’s a favorite in Athens. I just poured myself a
glass."
"I think
I’ve had enough wine for my stay here," Gabrielle
replied. "But thank you anyway."
Xena and Gabrielle
took a seat on the feather down sofa as Barbadeen took a spot
in a rocking chair across from them. "What brings you out
here today?" she asked.
"We wanted to
know if you’ve heard anything regarding the recent
murders?" Xena asked causally. "Anything you could
tell us would be of help."
"Sappho knows
as much as I do. We’re looking into the workers at the Hall
who handle the joining ceremonies. It seems two of the three
couples killed had recently signed up for their nuptial before
their death."
"Who has
access to that information?" Xena prodded.
"Any worker in
the records department," Barb replied.
"What about
the counsel?" Gabrielle interjected.
"Well, yes, I
suppose... but why would anyone on the counsel care?"
They let the
question float in the air. But a painting caught Gabrielle’s
attention.
"Who is
she?" Gabrielle asked. "She’s beautiful."
Barb turned around.
"That was my lifemate, Rommy. She caught a fever two
years ago last winter. Needless to say it didn’t go
away."
"I’m
sorry," Gabrielle replied sincerely.
Barb shrugged.
"I try to focus on the time I spent with her instead of
dwelling on the time that was stolen. Hades takes us when he
wants us. It was simply her time, I guess."
"You’ve
never met anyone else?" Gabrielle asked.
"No one can
ever take her place. She was the love of my life... "
Gabrielle smiled.
She knew what Barb meant. And she realized at that point that
she herself would never have another lover. Gabrielle cared
for Perticus, but Xena was the love of her life. She wondered
if the warrior felt the same. She glanced in Xena’s
direction and noticed the look in the deep blue eyes. Yes. Yes
Xena did feel the same.
"Love is a
funny emotion." Barb mentioned breaking Xena and
Gabrielle’s gaze on each other. "It brings about so
many different feelings - happiness, sorrow, guilt, comfort,
anger and peace. Sometimes all in the same day!" Barb
laughed at her appraisal. And Xena concurred with a chuckle of
her own.
"Ya got that
right." Xena smirked.
Barb shook her head
and walked over to the painting.
"Nah... Rommy
was the one... No one else."
Gabrielle cleared
her throat. "Barb, we’d like to be able to help the
people of Lesbos. Are you sure there isn’t anything else you
could tell us?"
Barb turned back to
face the two. "Not that I could think of off hand,"
she replied. "But if I hear anything, I’ll let you know
as soon as possible."
Xena rose and
Gabrielle soon followed suit. "We appreciate you taking
the time to speak with us. Again, we’re staying at Sapphos’
so if you hear anything please let us know."
"Will do,
warrior," she replied with a handshake as she lead them
to the door.
Once outside, and
away from Barb, Gabrielle turned to Xena. "Now what did
you think of this visit?"
"Three
things." Xena replied quickly. "One. I think she
under less suspicion. And two, I’m even more convinced
it’s someone one the council."
"And number
three?" Gabrielle questioned.
"And third...
I’m certain that YOU are the love of MY life... no one
else."
The warmth from
Gabrielle’s smile, flooded Xena’s soul yet again.
"The
feeling is mutual, warrior mine."
Xena smiled at the
statement. "Warrior yours, huh? I like the sound of
that."
CHAPTER
IX
Xena fell back on
the bed in exhaustion.
After talking with
the rest of the counsel they proceed back to Sappho’s for
dinner. After dinner, they excused themselves as quickly and
politely as possible, to return to the guest house. Now they
were wrapped in each other's arms after their forth session of
love making.
"No
more," Xena plead. "You’re going kill me,"
she teased with a giggle in her voice. "I have to admit
though, it’s a wonderful way to go."
Slowly and with
delicate kisses up her body, the bard made her way up to lay
next to her raven-haired beauty.
"And I thought
you were strong," the bard provoked. "I thought you
had stamina... Are you giving up so easily Xena?". The
bard pulled herself up on her knees, placing two fingers deep
inside herself.
Xena was captured
by the motions of the young woman, beginning to work her own
body into another frenzy with her own fingers.
"Don’t
do this to me Gabrielle," the warrior plead again.
"I’m not
doing anything to you," the bard replied coyly,
continuing to stroke herself. "I’m doing this to
me." Xena was even more helpless when the bard’s voice
grew lustful, straining to get the words out. "You love
watching, don’t you?" she whimpered. Xena had to strain
to hear the redheads’ whispers. "I love the affect this
has on you."
Xena lust and
strength resurged as she watched Gabrielle beginning her
climax. "Oh no, you don’t," Xena whispered, moving
to her knees now. She robbed the bard of her hand and started
to suck on her nectar covered fingers. Her taste was
exceptional. Xena had more than her fair share of lovers -
male and female - but none delighted her palette like
Gabrielle. "That’s my job," the warrior replied
after she licked the bards’ hand clean.
Xena rolled onto
her back and wiggled under the kneeling bard. In only a few
heartbeats the warriors' lips and tongue found Gabrielle’s
core. Amazingly, she was just as wet as when they began five
candlemarks before.
Gabrielle rocked
her body against Xena’s face while she squeezed and pitched
her own nipples. She opened her eyes and looked down to see
Xena stroking herself as her tongue continued it’s lashing.
‘Perfect’ Gabrielle thought. ‘Just perfect’.
The next sensation
Xena felt was her hand being pulled away and Gabrielle’s
breasts crushed against her lower abdomen. The ache within her
own sex grew mightier as she felt Gabrielle’s breath tickle
her inner thigh. With much labor she continued to work
Gabrielle’s body into an erotic frenzy, plunging her tongue
in and out.
When Gabrielle
began to blow lightly on Xena’s sex, the warrior couldn’t
stand it any longer. She lifted her hips begging for bolder
contact; craving it; needing it.
"Please,"
Xena whimpered. "Your fingers. Your tongue. Anything.
Just touch me."
Xena’s lips were
so close they vibrated on Gabrielle’s’ slick skin. The
bard had to comply.
"How about
both?" Gabrielle replied seductively. Two seconds later
her fingers were high and deep within her warrior as the bards
tongue danced rapidly across Xena’s engorged clit. Gabrielle
was learning: the quicker, the better. Xena’s movement soon
mimicked Gabrielle’s.
It was an odd, but
wonderfully overwhelming experience for Gabrielle. She felt as
if she were touching herself as Xena touched her. Her lips,
her fingers were giving herself the pleasure she craved. Her
mind was spinning, unsure of where she began and Xena ended.
And for the first time in all their lovemaking sessions,
Gabrielle felt truly connected to Xena - mind, body and soul.
"Incredible,"
Gabrielle whispered to Xena. She felt herself being
transformed. She was no longer just Xena’s lover. She felt
as if she were honestly a part of Xena herself as they lay
there intertwined; groping, licking, sucking, caressing.
"I feel it
too," Xena replied, the excitement yet exhaustion filling
her words. "We’re finally one."
"Yes,"
Gabrielle moaned in agreement. Soon, however, her cries took
on another meaning. "Oh yes... Xena... Yes... Yes.
Xena.Yes... "
The cascades of
Gabrielle’s satisfaction sent Xena toward the pinnacle.
"Oh Gods... Please don’t stop," Xena pleaded.
"I’m so clossse. Please... "
Gabrielle shuttered
as her orgasm over took her body and mind. She relied on her
mere reflexes to abide by Xena’s urgent request. Seeing how
desperately the bard tried to continue her administrations
allowed Xena’s passion to overtake her. Now - at the end -
it wasn’t Gabrielle's lips, or fingers or words that pushed
Xena to ecstasy. It was the love the bard had for her. And the
love she had for Gabrielle she never knew she possessed.
"Gods, I love
youuuuuu..." Xena cried out as the pleasure washed over
her in long, powerful waves. She could feel tears streaming
from her eyes. She pulled Gabrielle back up forcefully,
wrapping her strong arms around the smaller woman as she
quivered. She clutched to Gabrielle as if her life depended
upon the closeness. Xena’s sobs made Gabrielle’s hold a
little tighter on the muscular woman.
"Okayyy,"
Gabrielle whispered stroking Xena’s hair. "Let it all
go. I’m here. I’ll always be here."
Xena didn’t
expect that reply. She thought Gabrielle would try
reassurance. She was certain the bard would ‘schuss’ her,
telling her everything was fine. But everything wasn’t fine.
Walls around the warriors heart were crumbling into sand. Her
emotions were upside down. Her love overwhelming... And
Gabrielle knew. Everything wasn’t fine. And for the bard
that was ‘okay’. She would stand by her warrior without
reservation.
That knowledge only
made the warrior cry harder. More walls came crashing. But
again... that was ‘okay’. Gabrielle stroked Xena, rocking
her gently, soothing her with her voice.
"I love you,
Xena. I love you so much... I thought I knew what love was...
I never had a clue until now... And something tells me...
perhaps it’s the same for you."
Xena pulled herself
together as much as possible at this moment and met
Gabrielle’s loving eyes. She wanted desperately to speak but
she could only nod. As she reached up and placed a tender kiss
on Gabrielle’s’ face, the bard could feel the wetness on
her check from the warrior’s tears. With herself more in
check, Xena pulled away to look deep into Gabrielle’s eyes.
"I never want
to be without you. Ever. I always want to wake up in your arms
and I always want to sleep at your side. If the time comes
that you want to settle some place - a small village, a big
city, Amazonia, wherever - all I ask is that you let me stay
with you. All our joys, all our sorrows - I want to share them
together in this life and in the next. I’ll spend the rest
of my days loving you and protecting you... Could you agree to
that?"
Gabrielle smiled.
"As long as you let me love you and protect you too. I
know you’re the warrior princess and all, but I think I can
protect you too... if you let me; if you trust me
enough."
Xena started to cry
again and Gabrielle pulled her close once more, feeling the
tears dripping on her bosom. "I love you, Gabrielle, and
I trust you. I never thought there could be anyone on this
earth I could trust like I trust you," the warrior
sobbed. "Just promise you’ll never leave me for
another. I don’t think I could take it," she added.
Gabrielle smiled
again and raised Xena’s head to see her eyes. "I can do
one better, warrior mine."
"Hmmm?"
Xena asked unsure.
"Xena of
Amphipolis will you do me the honor of becoming my lifemate on
the Isle of Lesbos and the consort to the Amazon Queen? Ephiny
tells me it’s a position many warriors would like to fill...
However, I know there’s only one that could measure up to
the task."
Xena said nothing.
Her expression showed nothing. And for a brief moment,
Gabrielle concluded that she had made a terrible mistake. Xena
began to crack the tiniest of grins. To an outside observer no
one would have noticed. But Gabrielle wasn’t an outsider.
"If you want
time to think about it –"
"Yes,"
Xena replied quickly.
"That’s
okay," Gabrielle replied. "It’s a big step. I
know. I don’t want it to be taken lightly."
Xena looked
confused, until she concentrated on the context of the
exchange. "I mean, yes! Yes, of course, I’ll be your
consort!"
"Yes?!"
Gabrielle exclaimed, still a bit unsure.
Xena kissed
Gabrielle passionately. "Yes," the warrior whispered
lightly against her ear. "I love you with all my
heart." Xena snuggled in closer to Gabrielle’s neck as
the bard pulled the sheet up their body, making sure Xena’s
back was covered.
"I love you
too Xena. And no matter what happens, I’ll never stop."
Those were the last
words the warrior heard before she drifted off the sleep in
the safety of her bards’ protective, loving arms.
Gabrielle’s eyes
shot open. It was dark. Very dark. Dawn couldn’t be but a
few candlemarks away. Reflexively she pulled Xena and herself
off the bed with a scream.
"Xena!!!!"
The warrior bounced
to her feet at once seeing the shadowy figure slash out with a
sword. Stark naked, the warrior jumped back to avoid the blade
as it swiped just inches past her mid section. She leaped into
the air and over the figure to the other side of the bed where
her sword lay. With a swift kick to the blade end, it was in
her hand, slashing the opponent down, across the throat. Xena
grabbed Gabrielle’s robe and tossed it to her. "Run.
Get Sappho. Now!"
Gabrielle grappled
with the garment as she ran out the door toward the house.
Quickly, Xena dragged the body outside to prevent any more
blood from spilling on the floor. Once in the grass Xena took
the hood off the figure. The woman looked familiar, but she
could remember from where. Looking up she saw Gabrielle and
Sappho running toward her, with Sappho’s husband Harrold,
bringing up the rear, watching their backs. It was only then
that she realized she was still naked. Casually as possible,
she went back inside grabbing her own robe as everyone met at
the doorway.
"What
happened?" Sappho asked.
"Somebody
wants us a little dead," Xena replied dryly, pointing at
the body. "You two know this woman?" she asked
Sappho and Harrold.
Sappho, never being
a blood and gore person, quickly buried her head in her
husband's chest after they looked over. "Yes," he
replied softly. "Her name is Arenia. She’s an aid to
the counsel."
"Go
figure," Xena replied, tossing the hood to cover the
wound.
"Guess this
proves the theory," Gabrielle replied.
"Yeah, but it
doesn’t solve the crime," Xena replied looking at the
body. When she turned back she noticed Gabrielle’s’ arms
folded across her chest; her hands stuffed under her arms.
"Are you okay?" she asked concerned.
"Just coming
down from the rush. Sweat and cold air don’t mix well."
"Come
on." Harrold announced. "You two are staying at the
house for tonight. We’ll settle this in the morning and
inform the guards."
No one posed an
argument and they all walked to the house with Sappho and
Harrold in front of Xena and Gabrielle.
"Thank
you," Xena replied.
"For
what?" Gabrielle inquired.
"For
protecting me. If you hadn’t reacted the way you did by
pulling me, I’d probably be the one lying out there."
Gabrielle tried to
smile, but the truth of Xena’s statement haunted her. Xena
probably would have been dead.
"I made a
promise to always care for you," Gabrielle replied taking
Xena’s hand in hers as they walked. "I keep my
promises."
Xena smiled down on
the younger woman. "Remind me to thank your folks next
time we see them. They did a great job of raising you."
Gabrielle playfully
slapped Xena’s arm as they made their way into Sappho’s
home.
Xena was already up
and dressed, having a cup of tea with Sappho when Gabrielle
appeared in the doorway, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"I take it
you’re not a morning person," Sappho replied with a
warm smile.
"Far from
it," Gabrielle mumbled going to the teapot.
Xena just admired
the view of Gabrielle as she shuffled across the kitchen in
one of Sappho’s night shifts. Gabrielle was taller than
Sappho and the garment exposed all of her legs. Just enough
material was left to cover her backside, except when she
walked. Sappho noticed Xena’s eyes covering the bards’
body.
"Get your mind
outta the gutter!" Sappho teased, slapping Xena’s arm.
Gabrielle turned to watch the exchange.
"I can’t
help it!" Xena laughed. "Look at her. She’s
gorgeous."
"Oh no!"
Sappho replied. "I’m not going to look at her anymore.
It gets me into trouble, remember? I’d like to keep my blood
flowing to my brain."
"I wouldn’t
cut the flow of blood to your brain," Xena remarked.
"You can look at her all you like... Just don’t dare
touch her."
Gabrielle smiled as
she settled to the table with her tea. "Jeez, it sounds
like I’ve become property now. Are you going to brand me
later Xena?"
The warrior
smirked. "No. You’d probably like it too much."
Gabrielle was now
the one smacking the warrior’s arm.
"Why is it all
the women around me today feel the need to hit me?" Xena
asked rhetorically.
"You need a
good smack now and then. And we’re probably the only ones on
earth who could get away with it," Sappho offered.
"Some of us more than others," she added winking at
Gabrielle.
At that moment,
Harrold entered with two Lesbian guards. "We’d like to
ask you a few more questions?" one of them said to Xena.
"Sure,"
she said, walking outside with them. Harrold took Xena’s
seat after she left.
"I didn’t
know they were here," Gabrielle replied.
"Xena told us
to let you sleep," Sappho explained. "Here. Have
some eggs," Sappho said making her a plate.
A few minutes
later, Xena returned as the guards left.
"Everything
okay?" Gabrielle asked. She wasn’t sure if they were
going to hold Xena accountable for the death.
"Yeah.
They’re going to take the body now... It seems this woman
had a lifemate... That’s why the guard wanted more
information."
"What did you
tell them?" Harrold asked.
"There’s
nothing I could tell them. I’ve never seen her before. But
have to admit she looks very familiar."
Gabrielle jumped
from the table and ran outside, pushing Xena out of the way.
"Hold up!" she yelled to the wagon.
All three followed
Gabrielle’s lead as the wagon came to a halt.
"What is it
Miss?" the guard asked.
"Can I see the
body?" she asked.
The guards looked
at each other then shrugged in acceptance.
Gabrielle climbed
in back and pulled the sheet away. "That’s it,"
she whispered.
"What?!
You’ve seen her before," Xena asked.
"No,"
Gabrielle replied. "Not her... but I’m sure she’s a
relative of someone we’ve seen," the bard added with a
grin. "Although not in the flesh."
"Who?"
Sappho asked.
Gabrielle grinned
with the realization and looked at Xena.
"Rommy."
Continued
in Part II
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