Title: No
Place Like Home Part 2
Author:
CN Winters
Fandom:
Xena Fanfiction, Xena fanfic, Xena fan fiction, Xena and
Gabrielle fanfiction, Xena fiction
Rating: R
Disclaimers:
As always Xena, Gabby and the gang aren’t mine. They belong to MCA/Universal. This story is however mine and it’s just for recreation. If the idea of two women in love (who show their affection explicitly and use some ‘naughty’ words in the process) offends you please move on. Same rule applies if love is illegal where you live or if you’re too young.
Author
Note: Please keep in mind this is the
four story in the
‘Homecoming’
series. It’s
not necessary to read it the others, but you may enjoy them and gain
greater insight on my take of the Xena/Gabrielle love thang.
Synopsis: Xena
and Gabrielle go about finding a suitable male to produce an
heir.
Feedback:
I love feedback so if you felt moved by these words (either positive or negative) drop me a line at: cnwinters71@yahoo.com. I look forward to non-homophobic constructive comments. Thanks for reading.
No
Place Like Home Part 2 of 2
CHAPTER
XV
Ephiny paced in her
hut, wringing her hands together. Xena smiled. It felt like
yesterday to the warrior when she was in the same position.
"Nervous?"
Xena asked.
"I shouldn't
be," Ephiny replied firmly. "I know this is what I
want."
"But you're
still not sure, right?"
Ephiny looked
concerned - almost afraid to reply. So Xena continued.
"I felt it
too. I wondered if I was making the right decision. I knew I
loved Gabrielle. She was everything I ever wanted, but I... I
didn't know if I could measure up to any of her expectations...
And I wondered if she would always be what I wanted. Looking
back, I know I made the right choice. I'm betting you will too,
Eph'."
That made the
blonde warrior release the smallest of grins - perhaps not
grand in scale, but it spoke volumes to Xena.
"It's just
jitters, right?" Ephiny began. "Because I know I
love her. When I almost lost her in Zagreus' attack... " Ephiny
trailed off remembering the pain and torture she felt watching
Diteria cling to life, fighting her hardest to come back.
"But you
didn't lose her," Xena replied reassuringly.
"Thanks to you." Ephiny grinned.
"She's alive because of you," the regent said with
pride as a realization occurred to her. "And you fixed me
up with her too, if I remember correctly," she added
jabbing the warrior.
"It was the
least I could do," Xena said softly; sincerely. But soon
a mischievous smile crossed her face. "And if I remember
correctly the reason I fixed you up with her is because you
were starting to have eyes for your queen who, by the way,
just happens to be my bondmate."
"I most
certainly did not," Ephiny replied soundly. "It was
strictly a reaction to seeing her naked." Xena watched as
Ephiny called up the memory. The regent couldn't help but
smile. "You have to admit she looks damn good
naked."
Xena laughed at the
tone in the regent's playful voice. "No arguments
here," Xena answered with a hands-up gesture. "She's
absolutely gorgeous," the warrior added.
"What do you
like most about Gabrielle?" Ephiny asked. "And don't
say something like her 'heart' or her 'soul'. We're talking
body parts here," she added.
"Well, the
body isn't much without the woman inside of it, but if you
insist... " Xena considered the question. She loved
everything but she knew that wouldn't please Ephiny. "The
small of her back," Xena finally answered.
"Really?! The
small of her back?!" Ephiny was amazed.
"You
asked!" Xena said defensively.
"Yes, I
did," Ephiny countered. "I guess I wasn't expecting
that answer... What's so special about it?"
"She's very
trim... toned... smooth."
Xena looked across
the room as she thought of the bard's lower back and the way
it felt in her fingertips. As she gave a small shake, she came
back to the present conversation and Ephiny had to laugh.
"You're really
not kidding about being worked up over her back, huh?"
Xena let the
comment go and turned the tables. "Now... What do you
like about Diteria?"
"Everything,"
Ephiny answered sincerely meeting the warrior's azure eyes.
Xena smiled.
"You stole my original answer - everything - I would have
told you that, but I didn't think you'd let me off that
easy."
"You're right." Ephiny grinned.
"I wouldn't have," she chuckled.
"What makes
you think I'm going?" Xena countered.
"Because I'm
nervous now and you wouldn't be that cruel." Ephiny
replied, trying to talk her way out of this confrontation.
Xena shook her
head. "Nope. I'm not buying it... Come on. What
part?"
Ephiny thought a
moment. "Her arms... She's an archer so they get a good
work out on a daily basis. And the shape is unique. Not as
strong as a man's but not petite like a woman's... Kinda
in-between... Kinda wonderful."
Ephiny was now the
one staring off. Before Xena interrupted her.
"Nice to see
I'm not the only passionate woman here," Xena teased.
"Besides, Gabrielle, that is. She can be so passionate it
scares even me."
"Oh
really?" Ephiny asked with extreme interest.
Xena realized she
may have put her foot in her mouth. Taking about favorite body
parts is one thing but talking about activities with those
parts was something else all together. She wasn't sure if
Gabrielle would be agitated if Ephiny found out some intimate
details of their life together.
Xena decided to nod
her reply. Of course that didn't stop Ephiny from probing
further. "Like what?" the regent asked.
Xena thought
quickly. "Let's just say that Gabrielle is the type of
woman that when she sees something she wants she goes after
it. And also seeing that she's not always the most patient
woman in the world that leads to ... unexpected results."
Ephiny chucked but
the sound was soon overshadowed by a wailing baby girl.
Gabrielle entered the hut with the infant in her arms.
"I don't think
she's willing to wait until after the ceremony," she said
to the two warriors.
Xena held her hands
open and Gabrielle brought their daughter over. Within seconds
the infant was contently suckling from Xena, filling her empty
belly. "Guess we'll have to wait a while longer,"
Xena apologized.
"I'm a mom
remember?" Ephiny grinned. "I know how things go --
Usually never the way you expect or intend," she laughed.
"But well
worth it," Xena added.
"Most
definitely," Ephiny agreed.
CHAPTER
XVI
The joining went
smoothly. Well... accept for the fact that Diteria almost
passed out from the heat and Ephiny threw up moments before
she was supposed to walk down the 'aisle'. Other than those
small details things went well.
Gabrielle now
watched Ephiny and Diteria feeding each other with large grins
plastered on their faces. She had never seen her regent so
happy. Watching Ephiny's joy made the bard grin as well.
"Any ideas
yet?" Xena asked, taking their daughter back from
Gabrielle's protective arms.
"Huh?"
Gabrielle asked, totally confused.
"Her name." Xena smiled,
raising the baby in her cradling arm. "Any ideas on what
to name her or are we just going to say 'hey you' for the rest
of our lives?"
"You're lucky
you're holding that baby," Gabrielle answered in a mock
threat. "I'd have smacked you by now."
"Knew this kid
would come in handy for sumpthin'," the warrior teased.
Gabrielle chuckled
before resting her head on Xena's broad shoulder, considering
a name.
"We could name
her Cyrene," the bard offered after a bit of silence.
"Nah,"
Xena shot down. "Don't get me wrong. I love my mother,
but I want the child to have it's own identity...
Understand?"
"Okay ...
Let's see... Oh wait! I've gotta list," the bard said
moving quickly to their hut.
Xena rolled her
eyes, but didn't say anything and it went unnoticed. The bard
had a list for everything - she was convinced. So much in fact
that she was sure that Gabrielle stashed notes on their sex
life. Kind of a do's and don't theme. The warrior chuckled at
the thought as the bard returned taking her seat.
"Okay,"
Gabrielle began. "I've narrowed my list down to these
names and their meanings."
"Meanings?"
"Yeah. What
the name means?"
"Huh?"
Gabrielle sighed.
"Let me explain... Let's see - Maja. It means pearl.
Aurora. It means golden dawn."
"So names
actually have meanings?" Xena inquired.
"Absolutely."
"What does
Gabrielle and Xena mean?"
"Well,
Gabrielle is 'God's heroine'-."
"That
fits," Xena answered. "You've saved their necks big
time on quite a few occasions. What does Xena mean?"
Gabrielle paused a
moment. She knew the meaning, but she wasn't sure if she
should say it. However, she cleared her throat and found
herself uttering, "Distant place."
Xena smiled.
"Once again, that fits."
"You're not a
distant place to me," Gabrielle offered sincerely.
"In fact, you're home... Poteidaia. Amazonia. These
place aren't home to me. It's only when I'm with you do I feel
at peace. And I always will, Xena."
"The feeling
is very mutual," Xena replied kissing the bard's
forehead. She looked over at Gabrielle's list and tried to
lighten the mood. "What else ya got there?"
"There's Lexia,"
Gabrielle said hopefully.
"Lexia,"
Xena said the name out loud. This had potential. She liked the
way it rolled off her tongue. "Lexia? What does it
mean?"
Gabrielle smiled.
"It means protector of humanity." She smiled broader
when Xena's eyes lit up.
"I like
that," Xena nodded.
"I liked it
too." Gabrielle agreed. "It seems fitting with our
'line of work' and the fact that it's a child 'we'
created."
Xena turned back to
the infant. "What do you think ... Lexia?" The baby
cooed happily and that was all Xena needed. "Lexia it
is!" she whispered excitedly.
Gabrielle giggled
softly. "Now how about this one?" she said rubbing
her stomach. "Let's pick something right here, right now...
I know we talked about knowing a child, but really, Xena...
let's just have something to start with. If it doesn't seem
fitting we can always change it, okay?"
"You're the
boss," Xena agreed.
"No. We're a
team, so I'd like your input."
"Alright,"
Xena drawled. "How about is one here," Xena pointed
to the parchment. "... Karis... It means grace. And since
you and Autolycus are both pretty 'smooth' it seems
fitting."
"You like
Karis, huh? Guess it could be a girl or a boy." Gabrielle
considered the name. It sounded like a fine name indeed.
"Karis works for me," she finally replied.
CHAPTER
XVII
Gabrielle was in
her sixth month. She'd given up her royal amazon attire for
something more presentable. Something that covered her growing
belly. Xena, of course, loved all the curves that were taken
shape in different regions and locales on the bard's physical
landscape.
Gabrielle now opted
for long tops and skirts. It reminded Xena of the clothes the
bard donned in their first year of travels together. "She
even has her 'glow' back," Xena remarked to Ephiny one
evening. The warrior explained to the regent how content and
carefree the bard seemed back then.
It wasn't exactly
the same however. Life experience had taught the bard much
about the world. The 'glow' now came from a peace the bard had
found - as a queen, as a mother - her overall self. The future
may not be easy, but it was bright and beautiful because they
were a family now and in just a few short months their family
would grow bigger.
One night, Xena
asked the bard if she was up for traveling. Gabrielle's first
concern was Lexia. But as Xena explained, the baby was sitting
on her own and eating soft food, she should be just fine.
So with four royal
guards the party set forth to Poteidaia and Amphipolis. The bard's
folks were the first to see the latest 'arrival'. They
promised they would return after Gabrielle's child was born
and after that they continued on.
When they arrived
in Amphipolis, after the bard's many 'call of nature' stops,
Gabrielle went into the inn first.
Cyrene quickly put
down her serving tray and rushed over to the smiling bard.
They hugged, but Cyrene pulled away quickly. Her hands shot
down to the bard's stomach and soon her eyes lit up.
"Yes. You're
going to be a grandmother," she told the elder amazon.
Cyrene began to
laugh and called amazon bondmate Taria from the kitchen.
"We have
another surprise," Gabrielle announced.
"What could be
bigger than this?!" Cyrene asked as Taria walked over.
"You'll see."
Gabrielle grinned.
Moments later, Xena
walked in with Lexia in her arms. Cyrene didn't move. She
didn't trust her legs to support her.
Xena did the
introductions. "Mom. This is Lexia. Lexia. This is
Grandma Cyrene and Grandma Taria."
Cyrene thought she
would cry, but instead she opened her arms, gently snatching
the infant away.
"How old is
she?" Cyrene asked.
"Six
months," the bard replied.
"She's big for
six months!" Taria exclaimed softly.
"Look at her
momma," Gabrielle giggled as she slipped her arm around
Xena's waist.
"Six
months?" Cyrene asked. "You've had this child for
six months and this is the first I hear about it?"
"I wanted to
surprise you," Xena explained. "Besides, she wasn't
old enough to travel and I didn't want you and Taria traveling
alone to see her."
"Sure,"
Cyrene teased. "You can travel alone, but we, grown
women, can not?"
"Who said we
were alone?" Xena smiled as she heard the Amazons come in
behind her. "We'll be needing three rooms by the
way," she retorted warmly.
Cyrene smiled and
shook her head. "Always prepared, huh, little one?"
"Always." Xena smiled.
"Think you can put us all up for a few nights?"
"Of course!
Come in everyone! Come in," Cyrene replied happily,
moving toward the living area. Xena reached out for the child, but
her mom walked away - not ready or willing to give the baby
back. Gabrielle, gently put Xena's hands back down.
"I think we've
lost our daughter," the bard snickered.
"Think you're
right." Xena grinned as well. "But don't think I
won't wrestle that old lady to the ground to get her
back."
The bard simply
chuckled as they followed Cyrene's lead.
CHAPTER
XVIII
The stay had been a
pleasant one and it was the final night of their visit. Taria
spent most of the time catching up on the village gossip with
the guards who arrived. She missed her friends in the village, but
she was more than satisfied with her life since she had Cyrene
again.
Xena sat on the
porch after feeding Lex. The baby snoozed in her arms, quite
content listening to her mother's heart beat. Quietly, Cyrene
took a seat next to her daughter.
"So what's it
feel like, little one?" Cyrene asked.
"Motherhood?"
Xena clarified.
Cyrene simply
nodded and smiled. Half-expecting the answer.
Xena thought for a
moment. "Joyous. Wondrous. Frightening... Many
things."
"Don't forget
funny and tiring too," Cyrene chuckled.
"Oh
never," Xena said with a half-grin mischievously.
"You must be thinking of Toris when you say that."
Cyrene chuckled
lightly not wanting to wake the baby. "You had your funny
and tiring moments too, dear."
"Oh
really," Xena challenged.
"Uh ha,"
Cyrene answered. "Remember that time Toris convince you
to take a mud bath. Only thing I could see that night when you
came home was the whites of your eyes and your smile."
Cyrene chuckled. "I remember the first trip we took to
Lookout Canyon. Your eyes got so big when you saw that
waterfall for the first time - it was like I was looking at it
for the first time myself." Suddenly, however the glee
soon became replaced by anguish. "I also remember that
fever you caught the winter you were seven. You were rarely
sick, but this sickness you couldn't seem to shake... I prayed
to every God I could to see that you got well again... And of
course I did." Cyrene's mood seemed to lighten. "And
I pray to the gods once more that everything will work out for
you and you'll have many happy memories with your children.
Kids aren't everything in life, Xena, but the world wouldn't
be the same without them. "
"I know
that," Xena answered soundly.
Cyrene chuckled.
"Xena... You ain't seen nothin' yet, dear."
The woman continued
to chuckle as she made her way into the house as Gabrielle was
coming out. She put her hand on her daughter's bondmate
shoulder as they passed. "I'm tired," she told them
both. "Goodnight you two."
"Goodnight,"
the duo said in harmony.
Gabrielle quietly
took her seat next to Xena and their sleeping daughter.
"How you feeling?" the bard asked.
"I was just
about to ask you the same thing," Xena replied.
Gabrielle grinned.
"I'm good. Actually better than good. I feel...
frisky."
Xena gave a broad
tooth smile. "It's nice to know your increased appetite
isn't just for foods," Xena teased.
"You mean I
might get 'lucky' tonight?" the bard said with a giggle.
"You?
Lucky?" Xena countered. "If anyone is lucky around
here, it's me, Beautiful. You are the sexiest thing ever to
walk the earth." Gabrielle blushed at the compliment
before turning away. Xena could feel a tension, flow over the
bard. "What is it?" Xena asked
"Look at me
Xena. I'm starting to get as big as a house. How can you say
you find me sexy?"
Xena could hear the
insecurity in the bard's voice. "You're kidding
...right?" the warrior asked.
"No,"
Gabrielle croaked back tears, remaining strong. "I'm
quite serious."
Xena took
Gabrielle's chin in her fingertips softly, gently forcing
their eyes to lock. "You are and always have been the
most beautiful woman in the world to me. The way your body is
changing; growing - it is delightful! Every new curve, every
valley - let's just say I'm a very happy explorer." Xena
kissed Gabrielle softly on the lips - just once - before
pulling back to meet her eyes again. "I truly feel like
I'm the luckiest woman on earth or in the heavens. So yes
Gabrielle, I think you're sexy and yes I'm very lucky because
I'm the only person you grace by letting me love you so
intimately."
Xena knew that was
just what the bard needed to hear. And she was rewarded with a
smoldering kiss.
"Let's go to
bed," the bard whispered seductively.
It reminded Xena of
the first time she'd heard the come hither tone in the bard's
voice. They were on Lesbo - drinking and dancing. But this
time was not like the first. The first time there was great
desire and indecisiveness. Her feelings were somewhat similar
now. But unlike that time years ago, Xena was quite sure of
what she wanted. Tonight she wanted her bard without
reservation.
Gabrielle rose and
walked to the door holding it for Xena and her precious cargo,
whom slept soundly in the warrior's arms. They traveled to the
room. No sooner had Xena laid down their sleeping daughter she
felt Gabrielle's 'attack'.
"Gods, you
feel so good," Gabrielle whispered behind Xena squeezing
the warrior's mounds.
Xena moaned her
response and covered Gabrielle's hands, encouraging her
exploration. That, however, was soon not enough. Xena felt
Gabrielle stripping her of her linen garments, planting
delicate kisses along her back.
When the warrior
could take no more, she turned; welding her lips passionately
to the bard's. She pulled back long enough to removed
Gabrielle's dress - button by button. Once her task was
finished she slipped the material off Gabrielle's shoulders.
Xena made her descent to her knees, along with the fabric.
Carefully she pulled down the bard's britches. She inhaled
deeply. Gods how she loved the smell of her lovers
arousal.
But it's nothing
compared to the taste, Xena thought. With that she ran her
finger through Gabrielle's lips, making the bard sigh in
excitement. Without wasting a moment, Xena tasted the bard's
sweet nectar on her finger, sucking it dry.
"Delicious,"
Xena replied after she was done with the appetizer. She smiled
because she knew the feast was yet to come.
That voice. Those
words. It was doing the bard in. Her legs felt wobbly.
"Bed," she told Xena. "Now," she added
urgently.
Xena rose and
scooped the bard in her arms. Xena thanked the gods it wasn't
far. Gabrielle hadn't gained much weight, but the warrior
still felt unsteady herself - done in by her arousal more than
anything.
She sat the bard
down on the edge of the bed. Then she grabbed the pillows to
make sure she was comfortable. Gently ,she laid the bard down.
Her kisses started at the bard's forehead and worked down inch
by inch - her nose, her lips, her chin, her neck, her
collarbone. Gabrielle was soaking up the seductive attention.
It amazed her, even after all their years together, that Xena
was such a careful yet passionate lover. Xena knew exactly
what she needed and delivered tenfold.
Xena worked further
southward. The bard's breasts were next. They were heavier and
fuller than ever and Xena loved the feel of them in her hands.
She made no secret of her admiration as she emitted a groan
from deep within herself. Hearing that sound made Gabrielle
echo the warrior with a groan of her own.
Next, Xena made
sure to cover the area of Gabrielle's growing belly. Her
fingertips lightly stroked the skin, teasing the bard as the
warrior's hands came dangerously close to her center.
Gabrielle could take it no longer.
"Please,"
she whispered down to Xena.
"Please
what?" Xena teased.
Gabrielle buried
her fingertips in the black locks. Her tight hold was fierce
and ardent and to tell the truth, slightly painful. Xena loved
this 'determined' side to her lover. The side that demanded
'proper service'. Xena stroked the arm of the hand that was
behind her head.
"Just say it
Gabrielle," the warrior prodded seductively. "I
wanna hear you say it, Beautiful."
Gabrielle moaned.
She was hot. She was wet. She was racing with desire. "Do
it," Gabrielle ordered, giving Xena's hair a light yank.
"Do me," she clarified, her voice dark and husky.
Xena sighed - both
at the words and the feel of Gabrielle forcing her face
between the bard's legs.. She lapped at the bard like a kitten
with a saucer of milk. And want glorious milk it was. She
tasted so sweet, so magnificent. Xena thought for a moment or
two she was actually purring.
It didn't take
much. Gabrielle had been more than ready. The constant lashing
across her clit made her explode in mere minutes and Xena
drank the bard of all she had to offer her lover. Finally, as
Gabrielle's breathing steadied out, Xena made her way back up
to her bard. Gabrielle licked Xena's chin clean of her juices
and the warrior couldn't help thinking just how 'feline' the
pair really were. Of course that wasn't all she was thinking.
Gabrielle's lips batting across her chin made her think of the
bard's mouth on other caverns on her body.
She didn't have
much time to dwell on it. Soon she was on her back with
Gabrielle over her. "I want you," Gabrielle said
almost apologetically.
Xena understood.
Gabrielle wanted to taste her. She didn't want to explore any
other area except the one between Xena's legs.
Who am I to deny
my bard? Xena smirked silently.
Xena nodded her
reassurance as she whispered her reply.
"Take
me."
Those two words
were all Gabrielle needed. She delved deep into the warrior's
apex as her hands caressed the warrior's full breasts. Soon
however Xena took the bard's hands and lead them to her
center. She forced the bard's fingers deep inside her, from
which point the bard and warrior found a steady rhythm
together.
"Yes,
Gabrielle. Yes," the warrior panted. Gabrielle simply
moaned at the growing cries, her mouth happily full at the
moment.
When Xena arched
and began to contract, Gabrielle pulled away. "Oh
Xena," the bard sighed. "Give it to me. Give it to
me."
Xena understood
just what the bard meant. She watched as the Gabrielle
returned, lapping up the explosion of juices that oozed as a
result of her release. Gabrielle contently dined on Xena's
body until the warrior had little left to offer. Xena moved
first and pulled back the bed covers. She patted Gabrielle's
space as she laid down. In silence, the bard joined her.
Neither woman needed to speak - the closeness alone spoke
volumes as they snuggled.
Xena felt joyous
that they had reached this point to where no words were
necessary - where just a look or a caress was a tale in
itself. Of course words were a nice touch Xena thought
silently.
"I love you,
Gabrielle," Xena whispered in a sleepy haze.
"I know. You
just told me a few minutes ago." Gabrielle grinned. "And
in the most wonderful of ways," she added slyly.
Xena's chuckle was
the last thing they heard. Well, at least for four candlemarks
which was marked by Lex's scream for her pre-dawn feeding.
CHAPTER
XIX
Another three
months had passed and Gabrielle was getting closer. She drove
Xena nuts. Every day when the warrior walked into their hut
she found the bard cleaning, dusting or washing something. It
was beginning to draw on the warrior's nerves, but Terris
explained it was perfectly natural. She watched many amazons
do the same thing - very bird-like in a sense. And there stood
Sparrow Gabrielle, make sure the 'nest' was nice and secure.
Actually,Xena was
surprised Gabrielle didn't have the baby already. Gabrielle
had lost her mucus plug the week before when she tripped.
Gabrielle, against Xena's orders, decided to work out with her
staff - just to stay in shape, when she took a header in the
dirt after her third swing. Xena confiscated the weapon
immediately upon finding out. And once more Xena was
concerned. And again Terris told her she had seen it happen
before, but everything worked out fine. That, again, put the
warrior at ease.
But for now, Xena
was in the mess hall - after her morning run with Argo, eating
some eggs and bread. Nagen, however, came running in, crashing
into the table. "Queen Gabrielle ... " she said
trying to catch her breath.
"What's
wrong?" Xena asked.
"I've been
looking everywhere for you. She's with Terris. 'This is it'
she says."
Xena, Ephiny and
Diteria - with whom she was eating with - all looked at each
other before bolting up from the table. Xena, of course, held
the lead all the way to their hut.
As Xena came into
the entrance, she saw Terris ordering Gabrielle to push. Upon
seeing the warrior, Terris told Gabrielle, 'I'll be back'.
Terris asked Ephiny
and Diteria to stay with Gabrielle. Quietly, the healer took
Xena outside by the arm.
"Something's
wrong," Terris said.
Xena could hear the
graveness in her voice. "What is it?"
"Her labor is
coming fast," Terris answered. "Almost faster than
yours. I've only seen it once before and that was with a woman
who had an infection in her womb."
"What
happened?" Xena asked fearfully.
Terris paused a
moment. "I lost the mother and the baby," Terris
said remorseful.
"I'm not going
to lose her," Xena said defiantly, rushing back into the
room. Terris followed and they found Ephiny 'coaching' while
Diteria wiped Gabrielle's sweaty brow.
"She's burning
up," Diteria said cautiously, trying to hide her level of
fear. Women often ran warm during the strenuous part of labor...
but not THIS warm.
Terris assessed the
situation again, examining Gabrielle once more.
"Okay," she coached. "Just a few more
pushes."
Xena took Diteria's
place along with the cool towel. Diteria was right, Gabrielle
was burning up and the warrior stroked the bard's body, trying
to keep her cool. Xena wasn't sure how much time had lapsed.
She was caught up in the bard's condition. 'If Terris is right
then Gabrielle could... ' She didn't finish the thought.
Suddenly, she heard a baby crying. She looked down and saw
Terris grin.
"It's a
girl," the healer said wrapping her up. Quickly, she cut
the cord and handed the baby over to Gabrielle.
"Isn't she
beautiful?" Gabrielle asked the warrior as she snuggled
the baby into her arms.
Xena did her best
to muster a smile. "Yes, she is."
"Her hair is
so dark," Gabrielle remarked, at the little black fuzz on
top of the child's head. "You know for years people will
think this is your kid, the way people say Lexia is
mine."
"Well, I say
they are both ours no matter what anyone says," the
warrior menaced jokingly. She wanted, no - she needed to keep
things optimistic. She wanted to be strong for Gabrielle.
Xena noticed that
Terris had been examining Gabrielle through the whole
conversation, but she hadn't said a word.
"Are you still
warm?" Terris asked Gabrielle.
Gabrielle hadn't
paid much attention to her temperature. She was enjoying their
new princess too much. "Yeah. I am," Gabrielle
replied. "Is something wrong?" she asked.
Terris knew she had
to tell the bard, but she looked at Xena for 'approval' first.
Xena did the job
for her. "Terris believes you may have an infection. Your
labor was very hard and very fast, Gabrielle."
"What does
that mean?" the bard asked.
"It means I
have to start some herb therapies as soon as possible to
combat it," Terris said. "I'm going to do everything
I can."
"You're
certain there's an infection?" Xena asked the healer. It
sounded quiet intimidating; challenging.
"Almost
positive," Terris answered. "Almost."
Ephiny, Diteria and
Terris all left for the healers hut. Once they were gone for
sure Gabrielle turned to Xena.
"Am I gonna
die, Xena?"
Xena felt like she
could become a puddle of tears at any moment, but she knew
healing the body with a positive mind helped. She wanted to
encourage Gabrielle to fight even though she was unsure of
what the final out come would be.
"Of course
not," Xena insisted. "Of course not... because I
won't let it happen."
CHAPTER
XX
A week had past.
The fever hadn't broken. Terris didn't want Gabrielle to nurse
so Xena took on the task of feeding both babies. That was when
she wasn't wiping down Gabrielle's sweat soaked body. The bard
ate under protest, saying she wasn't hungry. Terris and Xena
however made her eat, trying to keep her strength up.
On the eighth day,
Terris came into the healing hut to see Xena searching through
her herbs and bottles. Gabrielle's breathing was growing
shallower and Terris knew the bard didn't have long. So did
Xena and the warrior looked frantic as she searched through
Terris supplies.
"I've tried
everything," Terris said sadly.
Xena acted as if
she didn't hear her as she searched. After a few more bottles
were examined she muttered, "There must be
something."
"I've tried
everything," Terris repeated.
Xena was angry. She
couldn't believe this was happening. This isn't how it was
supposed to end. After all the danger they face. After all the
times when Hades had taken them - both - and returned them
safely. This wasn't Gabrielle's destiny. The warrior was sure
of that. Zeus be damned! They were a family now. This wasn't
right. This wasn't fair.
How many more
people do I have to lose? Xena thought.
And the more she
thought, the angrier she got. Suddenly, her arm lashed out
clearing the table of its contents with a loud smash. As the
last bottle teetered on the table's edge, she wondered why she
didn't feel any better. How could she find release from this
Tartarus?
"I'm
sorry," Xena sobbed as she looked at the mess she
created. "I know you've done everything, but I... I just
can't accept this... She's supposed to grow old. She's
supposed to tell her grandchildren all her beautiful stories...
It's not supposed to end this way. Not for her."
Terris didn't say
anything. She wanted to let Xena get everything out.
"And Karis...
That poor baby," Xena said turning around.
"Sometimes I look at her and I... I hate her. She's just
a baby... It's not her fault, but I feel like I should
blame her. If she wasn't here then Gabrielle would be okay...
Gods, Terris! Does that make me a terrible person?"
"No,"
Terris said honestly. "It makes you human, Xena. And
believe it or not, it's actually a good thing that you
recognize your anger with the child. It's even better that you
understand that it's unfounded. Your anger with Karis will
pass if you talk about it... And I'll listen if you like;
without judgment."
Xena's reserve of
the last eight days fell apart. She'd been so strong in front
of Gabrielle. Never taking the time or courage to cry. She
found herself balling now with Terris joining her. Terris
loved Gabrielle too. And she loved Xena. And she knew leaving
someone you love is the hardest thing - no matter what the
means to the depart may be.
After a few minutes
of holding each other while they cried, Xena pulled away and
wiped her tears from the dark circles under her eyes. She
hadn't had much sleep either and that wasn't helping HER
health or spirits any either. Terris recognized this.
"Lay down in
here," Terris instructed. "Even if it's for only an
hour. You need your rest."
"No,"
Xena answered firmly. "Gabrielle might call for me."
"Xena, I'll
stay with her myself. If she asks for you or it looks like
she's... passing over... I'll send for you. But for now -
please - just close your eyes for awhile. You look like Tartarus,
Xena and that has to be hard on Gabrielle too."
Xena didn't want to, but
yet she grinned in admiration. Terris was really good at that
'mind stuff'. If reassurance didn't work, she would throw in a
little guilt. "Okay," Xena replied, taking one of
the medical beds. "You win."
Xena snuggled in.
And for the first time, in months actually, she slept for six
hours straight. Terris was quite please with herself about
getting the warrior to rest - at least until she had a reason
to wake Xena.
CHAPTER
XXI
"Xena? Xena.
You need to wake up."
The warrior's eyes
shot open and focused on Terris.
"She wants
you," the healer informed the warrior.
Xena jumped up and
moved swiftly from the healers hut. Lila and Ephiny watched
the consort sprint to the royal chambers as Terris walked
slowly outside. Lila and Ephiny looked briefly at each other
before both resolved that they needed to speak to the village
healer.
"Well?"
Lila asked Terris, not adding more. She was still in shock
over the whole incident. All Gabrielle wanted was a baby. Not
this.
"Her time's at
hand. She knows it. Xena knows it," Terris shrugged. She
didn't know what more she could add.
"I can't
believe this," Ephiny whispered.
Suddenly, Xena
emerged from the hut yelling, looking around outside. "Ephiny!
Lila!"
"On our
way!" Ephiny yelled back as the duo broke into a run.
Once they all
entered the chamber they found the bard looking drained. She
was white - snow white - and her breathing was labored even
more than their last visit days ago.
Lila couldn't
control it and she started to cry. Gabrielle shushed her and
held out her hand. They all came over, but it was Lila who
took the offered appendage.
"I'm giving Ephiny
my rite of caste until you're confident to lead the nation,
Lila. When Lexia is old enough I'd like you to give her the
throne, but only if she wants it. Who knows? Maybe she'd
rather trample the countryside telling stories."
Gabrielle giggled before becoming serious again as she faced
Xena. "Make sure she's free to make her own choices in
life, Warrior Mine - Lex and Karis both. Teach them everything
about you - the darkness and the light. And tell them my
stories," she added with a weary smile.
"I'll never be
able to tell them as well as you," Xena insisted.
"Sure you can.
You have many skills," Gabrielle encouraged. "Tell
me my favorite - about how Zeus created man. Let me hear
you."
"Now?"
Xena asked astonished. This was not the time or the place for
the warrior to show her lack of bardic skills. "Gabri-."
"Please,"
the bard whispered. She didn't have to ask twice.
"A long time
ago," Xena began as she took Gabrielle's other hand.
"People had two heads and two hearts. And Zeus, using his
great thunderbolts, separated everyone so they had only one
heart and one head. But something was missing. So for years
people have been looking; searching for that 'something' - the
other half of their soul... to make themselves whole once
more."
"See,"
Gabrielle said proudly. "I knew you were always listening...
You CAN do it Xena," the bard added with a light squeeze
of the warrior's hand.
Xena understood
that Gabrielle wasn't speaking of just her stories. The bard
was also talking about raising their daughters.
Xena squeezed her
hand back. "I'll do my best, Beautiful."
Gabrielle closed
her eyes. "My other half... " Gabrielle grinned,
fighting to get the words out. "I'll wait for you."
Xena didn't have
the chance to respond. Gabrielle... Queen. Bard. Mother. Lover...
was gone. Lila began to cry again. She dropped Gabrielle's
hand and buried her face in her hands. Ephiny, with a
solitaire tear running down her left cheek lead Lila out of
the hut.
Xena sat
expressionless; numb. She didn't cry. She didn't scream. She
simply sat stroking the bard's overgrown bangs away from her
eyes. She didn't even hear Terris enter the hut. It wasn't
until the healer put her hand on her shoulder that she knew
she was there.
"Come
on," Terris said leading the warrior to her feet. "Ephiny
will take care of you. I'll see to Gabrielle and make sure
she's ready for the pyre."
"No,"
Xena said harshly.
"She's gone
Xena. There's nothing more you can do."
"I'll take
care of her," Xena argued. "I've always taken care
of her."
"Xena, are you
sure you're up to this? I mean -
"Please
go," Xena interrupted in a softer voice.
"Please."
Terris nodded in
understanding. It was just something the warrior need to do to
let go and say goodbye. "I'll be outside if you need
anything."
Xena cut
Gabrielle's clothes away and cleaned the bard's body, taking
the sheets away with the soiled garments. Once Xena had her
dressed in her amazon regalia - breastplate and all - she
brushed the bard's long hair. It was a difficult task, but she
pulled the body up so it rested on her shoulder and she
stroked the golden red tresses with great care and
gentleness.
Not like she can
feel it now, the warrior had to remind herself.
It was at that
point that the situation hit home. Gabrielle was dead. Her
lover was gone. She left. She just... left. By Hades and the
bard herself, was Xena mad.
How dare she
leave me to raise these kids ... alone. I have to raise these
kids alone while she prances in the Elysian Fields.
She began to feel
guilty next. It wasn't Gabrielle's fault, but she still felt
angry. She had to be mad at someone or something. But the
longer she sat there brushing her bondmate's hair the more she
realized something.
Yes, the bard was
gone, but someway; somehow they would be together again. And
she would make the bard proud of her by raising happy, healthy
daughters someway; somehow, even though she was alone.
Gently, she sat
Gabrielle's body back down. She looked at the beautiful face
of the woman she loved.
She can hear my
thoughts. Xena grinned. Okay, I'll say it again... Even
in death, Gabrielle... I'll never leave you... never...
never.
The End
Authors Note:
Okay. You can direct your hate mail to: cnwinters71@yahoo.com
or just reply below. Yes I killed the bard, okay? I figured if the producers could
do it, I could too.<G> This 'Homecoming' series was just
getting a little too perfect for me so I decided to make
'necessary changes'. I hope you liked this story and I would
like to hear your comments. Thanks, as always, for reading.
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