Magic of Egypt Part 2 of 2

Chapter 4

Mel and Janice's Tent in Egypt - 1946

"You're still up?" Janice asked, as she entered the tent. Mel turned to find her partner dressed in a wet towel. She watched as Janice rushed over to her side of the tent pulling an undershirt and a pair of boxers from her travel bag. She was naked for only a matter of seconds, but long enough for Mel to see the archeologist firm nipples and curly red hair that matched the color of the hair on her head.

Mel realized she shouldn't let the silence linger any longer. 

"I got caught up readin'," Mel said pulling her glasses off to rub her eyes.

Once dressed, Janice walked over and placed a concerned hand on Mel's shoulder. 

"It's late. You should get some rest."

"I suppose yer right," Mel said, standing up and stretching. She carefully collected the scrolls and put them in the safe. When she turned she saw Janice picking up what the archeologist assumed were her notes. Mel looked at the journal cover. In a panic, she rushed back over. "I'm not done with them yet!" Mel exclaimed ripping the notebook from Janice's hand.

Janice, who was not a nervous person by nature yet always alert, jumped at the urgency of Mel's voice. They had often covered the scrolls together, even though they weren't completed, so Mel's reaction startled her.

"So what?" Janice teased, taking the notebook back from Mel and jumping over a cot.

Janice began to open the notebook. 

"No!" Mel shouted. "That's mine!"

"Yours," Janice said raising an interested eyebrow. "I thought these were our scrolls. Are going to claim ownership again?" As Janice started to thumb through the pages, Mel leapt. She swiped the notebook from Janice yet she wasn't graceful enough to steady herself and fell to the floor. Janice took the opportunity and snagged the book back. She quickly darted away from Mel who was still sprawled out.

Janice cleared her throat as if to read and opened a page as Mel darted to her feet. 

"Let's see what we have here, shall we?" Janice teased.

"That's my diary!" Mel finally confessed as Janice began to read. "It has nothing to do with the scrolls. Please give it back!"

Janice could hear the desperation in Mel's voice, but the words on the page made her refused to look up. As Janice's jaw dropped lower and lower, Mel realized the archeologist found something she never expected the honey-haired woman to see. Janice finished but she still couldn't look up. So she began to read the page aloud.

"September 13, 1946. Janice arrived this evening. She's in the next room, in fact. I wish it was my bed she slept in tonight, but I realize I'm just kidding myself. I should move on ' find a nice, stable fella with a nice, stable job and raise nice, stable kids. That's what women do, right? If so, why are my dreams filled with an emerald eyed, copper-haired goddess? Why do I wonder what her lips feel like? Why do I look at those callused hands and wonder what they would feel like running over my body? I almost told her tonight. Almost. But I realize if I did, I'd lose my best friend. My friendship is worth more than my desires so I'll admire her in silence. I'll keep Janice in my dreams as my lover and in my waking life as a best friend. It's difficult though. Especially on nights like tonight. She wore a gold dress that brought the blond out in her hair, making those emerald eyes shine even brighter than usual. She whisked me away from Randell on the dance floor tonight and I thought, just for a moment, that maybe... Maybe she loved me too. But I know I'm just kidding myself... "

Slowly, as she closed the book she lifted her gaze to Mel. Neither woman said a word at first.

"I don't believe it," Janice whispered, more to herself than Mel.

Mel began to cry. Her shoulders rising and falling rapidly.

"I'm sorry, Janice," she wept. "I'm sorry I didn't tell ya the truth. I... I was gonna but then ya asked me to come here. And I knew if I told ya that night ya'd leave and I'd never see ya again... I'll leave first thing in the mornin'... I'm sorry, Janice. I know what yer thinkin' right now and I don't blame ya. I've never quite understood it myself. It's unnatural - I know... but it feels right to me," Mel felt like she was rambling and yet she considered starting her explanations over. The silence was growing too large. She opened her mouth again but closed it when Janice spoke.

"You love me? I mean, you're IN love with me?" The shock was still evident in the archeologist's voice.

Mel only nodded, adverting her eyes from Janice. She closed her eyes and kept her head low, even as she felt Janice closing the distance between them.

Janice was in front of her now. Mel could tell by the smell the recently shampoo hair. Her body tensed, waiting for the smack across the face she was sure would come. But it didn't. Instead, she felt Janice wiping away the tears with the back of her fingers.

"Why me?" Janice whispered. "How could someone like me capture the heart of someone as beautiful and lovely as you?"

Mel's eyes widened at the words. "You mean-."

"Sweetheart." Janice grinned. "I've had it bad for you for a really long time now. I'll admit at first it was physical but, as the years went by, I've realized it's not just the dazzling blue eyes or legs that go on forever that really hooked me.

It's the way you walk. The way you can take my best shot and send it right back at me. It's your courage to stand up to every stuffy suit at that university and defend my honor... Oh yeah, Eph told me about the last department meeting when they wanted to dismiss me instead of give me this research time off ... I can't believe a woman like that would ever love me. But here it is in black and white," she added waving the journal.

Finally, Mel grinned too and released a nervous giggle. "Well, what do we do now?" she asked quietly.

"Well, first," Janice replied, tossing the journal on a near-by table. "First, I'm going to kiss you like you've never been kissed before."

Mel put her hands on Janice's shoulders to stop her approach. "I've had other lovers," Mel confessed. She didn't want Janice thinking she was a novice to all this.

Janice stroked Mel's face. "I didn't say you hadn't," Janice teased with that devilish grin fully in place. "I said 'I'm going to kiss you like you've never been kissed before'."

"Awfully cocky, aren't we?" Mel replied, with a grin.

Janice took Mel's face in her hands and pulled close, barely touching her lips. "Tell me later if you still think I'm just cocky."

Janice didn't wait for Mel's next argument. Her lips were feathery soft, lightly nipping at Mel's mouth; teasing the top and then the bottom lip. When she finally made full contact, Mel felt her knees, literally, buckle.

As the kiss continued, it began to deepen. Janice's tongue teased Mel's lips, lightly circling the tender flesh. Mel wanted to wrap her entire body around Janice. Suddenly her clothes felt burdensome and her whole body ached with desire. When Janice finally decided she would tease Mel no longer, her tongue found Mel's instantly and the dark-haired translator, moaned long and deep. Mel felt dizzy and warm. And she realized yes, Janice did keep her promise.

As they broke away, Janice rested her forehead on Mel's. "Told ya," Janice breathed in a final tease.

"Ya certainly did," Mel complimented, trying to catch her breath. "Tell me some more," she whispered.

Gabrielle's chamber, Ancient Egypt - around 500bc

After their first night of love making, Gabrielle awoke tightly wrapped in Xena's sleeping arms; their naked bodies intertwined. So many nights she watched the warrior sleep, longing to feel this connection. She often played with the warrior's hair as Xena slumbered, feeling the softness between her fingertips, hoping she wouldn't get caught. This morning she did the ritual once more without worry ' only contentment.

Xena stirred slightly and tightened her grip on the bard. She mumbled something intelligible but it made the bard grin just the same. Xena, herself looked content too with a small grin on her slumbering lips.

Gabrielle brought her warrior to consciousness with soft kisses to the neck and shoulders. Kisses that turned into caresses; caresses that turned into squeezes and so on. Soon they were making love again, stroking each other to the heights of passion.

Gabrielle fell back asleep soon after peaking and the warrior let her rest ' satisfied in the fulfillment of her body and her mind. The 'Gabrielle' she made love to months before didn't hold a candle on the real one. The fiery look in the red-heads eyes as they touched each other and the look of utter joy as she watched the warrior climax was unlike anything Xena had ever seen in all her days.

She laid next to her bard stroking her porcelain cheeks, still in amazement that someone so righteous, so pure could ever love a battered soul like hers. But she knew as well as she breathed that this woman did love her. Not because she felt protected, not because her needs were met. Simply because it was Gabrielle; her nature of finding the good in everyone. 'Even someone like me,' Xena thought as she grinned.

Gabrielle awoke to the gentle caresses and an apology from Xena, for waking her up. Gabrielle 'kissed' her reply and climbed out of bed. Xena watched with admiring eyes as the bard dressed in her amazon attire.

"We should get going before long," Xena commented, rising as well.

"Where are we going?" Gabrielle asked, handing Xena her robe.

"Arborea," Xena replied. "I thought you wanted to go to the amazons."

Gabrielle grinned "I only said that because I didn't want to get in the way around here."

"Well, let's get outta here anyway. With all these people waiting on me, I might get used to it. Then you'll have a lot more work to do on the road," Xena teased.

"We wouldn't want that now would we?" Gabrielle answered, hooking her hands around the back of Xena's neck as she stood on her tip toes. "I wouldn't have as much time for ... more important things," she whispered suggestively.

Desire swept through both of their bodies just thinking of 'more important things'. The kisses that started casual were becoming deep and heated. Both women stopped and took a step back.

"Okay," Xena said putting her hands up. "Gotta calm things down or we're never gonna get outta here," she grinned.

Gabrielle didn't reply. She simply looked at Xena. That's all. She just looked at her. Of course her breathing was still ragged, her skin still deep pink from arousal and her eyelids still heavy with unspent passion. Xena studied the look for a few more seconds.

"Oh Tartarus," she sighed, sweeping the giggling bard into her arms, taking her back to bed.

By the time they did leave to board the ship, the sun was quite high.

Chapter 5

Janice and Mel's tent, outside of Cairo, Egypt - 1946

Mel was basking in the feel of Janice's second round of kisses when she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. 

"Mel?" she heard Janice say. "Mel?"

Mel's eyes shot open and she realized she fell asleep on the desk.

Janice was dressed in the same garments as her dream - undershirt and boxers - but she knew the archeologist would have no 'recollection' of their budding romance. It was simply another illusion in Mel's overactive mind.

"That cot is much better for sleeping than that desk," Janice joked. "Of course, not by much," she added with a grin.

Mel turned to look at the cot Janice pointed to, but she felt a sharp pain up her neck. "Ahhhh," she reacted as she clutched at the muscle.

Janice moved quickly behind Mel and began to work at the sore muscles. Mel tensed up even more when she felt Janice's finger prodding into her, making skin on skin contact. Mel had to mentally tell herself to breathe and she relaxed her shoulders. Janice felt Mel let go and start to move her head back and forth slowly, almost seductively.

'Great God o' Mighty this woman will be the death of me', Janice's mind screamed as she watched the erotic movements.

Of course, in and of themselves, the moments were quite normal. However, as Janice watched Mel's head sway to and fro, she imagined what Mel looked like as she climaxed. The simple gestures took on a whole new meaning.

Janice felt herself, leaning forward, feeling magnetized to Mel's neck. She let go and pulled back sharply before she did anything she was sure they would both regret. Mel felt Janice's abrupt departure and opened her eyes.

"Hope it feels better now," Janice grumbled as she walked away. "Stop sleeping on desks and you'll be just fine."

Mel was about half-way done with the third scroll and she was surprised that Janice didn't ask about it. She usually wanted to know what she had discovered, but for some reason Janice seemed distracted; off-centered. She watched as the archeologist, smoked her last cigar of the day and thumbed through an old Life magazine. She heard Janice giggle.

"What?" Mel asked, with a chuckle.

"This," Janice said, holding her cigar with her teeth, showing her the book. "Is this a great shot or what?"

Mel recognized the picture and smiled. A sailor in dark uniform, kissing a girl in white. Her body bent back; his hand firmly on her hip. Two people in Time Square, celebrating the end of the war. Janice turned the magazine back and looked at the picture again.

"He made it home." Janice grinned. Mel watched as the joyous expression scurried from her face. "A lot a boys didn't," she whispered.

Mel knew this is what she loved most about Janice. Under that tough, gruff exterior there was a compassionate, caring human being who, as Rollows could attest to, would lay their life down without question for another human being. Janice didn't talk much about her trips overseas during the war and Mel didn't ask. But she knew. She knew Janice saw things that most women never saw. She did things that most women never did. And although she knew Janice wouldn't trade a single day of it, she knew it haunted the strawberry blonde woman, aging her more than her actual years.

Mel rose and shyly disrobed, putting on a nightshirt. She thought Janice was still buried in the magazine. Little did she know the strawberry blonde watched the skirt fall, taking in the site of those long legs. Janice knew her preoccupation with Mel had to come to an end. She had to find someone soon who would take these longings away from her, if only for a night. She sighed in frustration and Mel picked up on it.

"Feelin' okay?" Mel asked as she took a seat on her cot, across from her partner.

"Just tired," Janice replied as she put the book down and snuggled into her blankets.

Mel turned down the oil lamp, dim enough to sleep, but bright enough to see in the darkness of the massive tent. Mel began to climb under her covers as well when she heard Janice's voice.

"How far did you get on the scrolls tonight?" Janice inquired.

"I've gotten through the first two. Turns out they're numbered," she remarked.

"Really!" Janice replied, her exhaustion taking a back seat for the moment. "What do you have so far?"

Mel knew exactly what she had, but she didn't feel comfortable disclosing anything this late. "I wanna to go over them again tomorrow before I say anything. I wanna make sure I'm reading things correctly."

"Could you at least give me a hint?" Janice prodded.

Mel smiled. Janice was like a kid at Christmas every time they found a new scroll and with this trunk she really hit the motherload.

"Tomorrow." Mel said firmly. "Let's get some rest 'k?"

"Okay," Janice agreed reluctantly. "But you promise that after breakfast we'll go over them together, deal?"

Mel grinned at Janice. "Deal," she answered, reaching her hand out. The two partners shook hands and both women enjoyed the short contact of skin against skin immensely. "Good night Janice."

"Goodnight Mel."

Arborea - around 500bc

"Well, it's about time!" Ephiny exclaimed quietly in the amazon royal chambers. It was nothing like Cleopatra's royal chambers had, but it felt more like home to Gabrielle.

"Shhh!" Gabrielle replied putting her finger over her mouth.

"I am being quiet!" Ephiny whispered. "At least as quiet as I possibly can... This is wonderful news! I'm so happy for you Gabrielle. You've wanted this for a long time I know."

Gabrielle smiled at the regent. "I know. I can't believe it myself sometimes... but ... it's the greatest feeling in the world."

"She's pretty good, huh?" Ephiny teased the bard about her lovers prowess.

"Ohhhh, Ephiny," Gabrielle whispered, shaking her head side to side. "You have nooo idea."

They both began to giggle uncontrollably like young girls before a small knock at the door cut them short. 

"Come in," Gabrielle ordered.

Xena walked inside and both amazons began to laugh again. The warrior examined herself from her bangs to her boots.

"Why does the sight of me invoke such laughter?" She grinned.

"It's not you," Gabrielle replied, pulling the taller woman down for a quick peck on the lips. "Really. It's us... well, actually more Ephiny than me."

"Hey!" the regent defended. "I have 'nooo idea' what you're talking about Gabrielle."

Gabrielle started to laugh again. "Inside joke?" Xena offered. The two amazon started to giggle once more. Xena through her hands up. "I don't wanna know." Gabrielle gained enough composure to ask what Xena needed. "Oh, yeah. Solari wanted me to go to the practice field and work with some young amazons. I wanted to know if that was okay?"

Ephiny couldn't hold it. Her laughter bursts so loud the guards outside could hear her. Gabrielle and Xena both looked at her. She quieted herself down and walked closer to the couple.

"Look at this! The Warrior Princess, feared by the bravest of men, asking permission from the amazon bard to go play with her friends. I'd never believed it if I hadn't seen it."

"Alright Ephiny," the warrior remarked through the regents' growing giggles. "For the record, I asked because I didn't know if Gabrielle had any plans for me this afternoon."

"Oh, I have lots of plans warrior princess," Gabrielle said seductively interrupting the two, "but they can wait until tonight... Go play dear," she added with a pat to her lover's head.

Xena leaned down to Ephiny's ear. "Say what you will Eph' but who's sleep in the royal chamber tonight with that beautiful creature. If I didn't know any better, someone could say you were just jealous." Xena leaned back with a wide condescending smile on her face. "I'll see ya later," Xena replied sweeping the bard closer by the waistline. The kiss was passionate; siring. So much so it made the regent blush with embarrassment... and arousal.

"Tonight," Gabrielle whispered.

Xena shot one more smirking look at Ephiny before leaving. 'Yeah' Ephiny decided with her grin back in place. 'I'm jealous... but of who, I'm not sure'.

Chapter 6

The conference/communications tent in Egypt - 1946

"Ah, here's Miss Pappas now," Janice said as she waved her into the room full of associates. Rollows, LeMonde (from the French Institute), and Jackson (from the Smithsonian) along with a few 'skilled' diggers sat in the room.

Mel was going to address the room regarding the recent finds, but she had yet to talk to Janice about them. She looked nervous and Janice could see her anxiety.

"Jan-Dr. Covington? Do y'all mind if we talk about these scrolls... in private?" the translator asked timidly.

"Sure, Mel," Janice nodded. When no one began to move Janice addressed the room calmly. "You heard the lady," she said slowly. In an instant, her face turned harsh. "Move! Everybody Out! Now!"

Suddenly, bodies were in motion, chairs squeaking, papers shuffling. Almost instantly the tent was cleared with only Janice and Mel remaining. Slowly, the archeologist walked over and put her hands on Mel's shoulders.

"What's wrong, Mel? Did you find something wrong with the scrolls?" Janice asked concerned. "Are they fake?"

"Oh know, as far as I can see they're real. It's not the quality that I'm worried about it's the ... the content."

Janice quirked her head. "What on God's green earth are you talking about?"

Nervously, Mel took a seat and motioned for Janice to do the same. When the archeologist sat down, Mel cleared her throat.

"Where should I start... Let's see... I read two scrolls last night. I read them again this morning and I'm now convinced that I did get it right the first time."

"Get what right?" Janice asked impatiently.

"I thought maybe I was readin' things wrong. Forgettin' a word or an expression, but ... how do I say this... Xena and Gabrielle were lovers."

Mel let the sentence hang. And hang it did for a long time until Janice spoke. "Are you sure?"

"I'm almost positive... Turns out Marcus wasn't the love of Xena's life... That's why I've been re-reading them over and over. I thought maybe I've made a mistake, but I ... I don't think I have. As a matter of fact, the other scrolls that I managed to start, three and four that is, get even more... graphic."

Janice studied Mel's expression but began to grin. "You mean I'm the descendant of a lesbian, erotica writer?"

Mel laughed out loud. "It would appear so, yes," she said formally.

"Well, I'll be goddamned," Janice whispered, looking at Mel's notebook. The translator could tell her partner was deep in thought.

"That's why I wanted to talk with ya first. I don't think we should disclose these," Mel offered.

"Mel, it was ancient Greece. Things were different then," Janice argued.

"You're tellin' me," Mel replied in reaction. She wished she could take the words back. Janice was now examining her with suspicious eyes. "I mean look what happened in Germany, Janice," she answered. "Jews weren't the only ones to die in those camps... And you don't hear much outcry for the homosexuals who were murdered there, now do ya?!"

Janice knew Mel spoke the truth. She had almost worn a black triangle herself. In a moment of reckless abandon with a serving girl in Paris, a pair of SS officers came across them in an alley. If not for the courage of that young lady, Janice would have been on the next boxcar out of town. The archeologist could tell this was a hot issue with the raven-haired beauty. There was a fire that flashed through her eyes as she spoke of the injustices. Mel's devotion to civil and human rights was just one more aspect Janice grew to love.

"No," Janice answered quietly. "You don't here about that... Maybe you're right. Maybe we should hold off."

Mel grinned. She was happy that Janice agreed with her and took her advice. But one problem still remained. 

"What are we goin' to tell them?" Mel asked. "They're gonna ask about the content."

Janice reflected for a moment. "You're pretty creative, Mel. Make something up to please them. Then we'll hide the scrolls and say they were stolen last night. That's why you wanted to talk to me alone. I'll put on a big, maniac rage for the boys... Then a few years down the road, when things have cooled down, we'll 'find them' at another site."

Mel smiled. Janice was smart. It was admirable trait that made up for the archeologist hot temper. She could think on her feet with originality, that Mel had never witnessed in all her years. Mel was going to speak but Janice interrupted her.

"I'll do this, but on one condition."

"What's that?" Mel asked.

Janice took a step closer. As she took a deep breath she could smell the translators intoxicating perfume. Even in this god-forsaken heat, Mel's scent was alluring. The archeologist gripped Mel's arms as she spoke.

"Promise you'll read them to me tonight. No editing. Word for word the way you see it... Deal?" she whispered.

Mel looked deep into Janice's eyes, unblinking. "Deal," she whispered.

Arborea - around 500bc

"Oh Gods... yes, Xena," the bard moaned. Her hand was fused to the back of the warrior's head; the warrior's face resting on one of the wide spread thighs. Her body shook, almost violently. Slowly, Gabrielle's breathing began to relax into an easy, soft rhythm. Only then did the warrior make her way back up the body of her beautiful, young lover with tender kisses filled with lovers trust and devotion.

"Hi there," Xena said casually as she supported herself over Gabrielle, coming face to face with her. "Back from your little trip," the warrior teased.

The bard always seemed like she was world's away as she climaxed. Xena didn't mind. In fact, it was one of the many things the warrior enjoyed about their love making. Gabrielle could be so focused and attentive, but once her release took hold of her she was gone ' floating miles away. Xena liked the fact she could send Gabrielle to these heights. She also like the fact Gabrielle had this power over her as well. The look in the bard's eye now told her that her time for sailing would soon be upon her.

"Let me show you where I've been," Gabrielle whispered huskily in her ear. With that the warrior was on her back.

It still amazed her how strong Gabrielle really had become. Not too many people could say they could flip the warrior princess, but the little bard could. It was almost as if her passion tripled her physical strength. This time was no different as Gabrielle now leaned over HER; that strawberry-blonde hair, damp with passion, trickling down one side, teasing both of their breasts. Xena moved to kiss the bard, but she pulled away with a grin.

"Ask nice," Gabrielle cooed. In that moment, the bard's fingers found the warrior's clit, making both women groan at the contact.

"Please," Xena asked, her hips beginning a rhythm with the bard's hand.

"Please what?" Gabrielle asked innocently, knowing full aware what the warrior wanted.

"Kiss me," she asked, breathlessly.

Gabrielle applied more pressure and quickened her pace. She wanted to feel those lips of the warriors' on hers, but she held herself in check.

"Beg," Gabrielle teased. "I wanna hear you beg."

Gabrielle loved the little power game. Xena had to admit ' she loved it too. She was never able to submit to anyone. Her honor, her pride, her control needs - they always came first before anything or anyone else. Being able to relent ' to hand Gabrielle the reins, and knowing she would be safe ' was the greatest feeling she ever knew. Power wasn't the greatest victory in the world. It was giving. And by giving into Gabrielle's request she knew she could feel true victory.

"I'm begging," Xena whispered. "Please kiss me."

"That's not good enough," Gabrielle continued to tease.

Xena grinned. "What do you want me to do?" Xena said between pants. "Get on my knees?"

Xena recognized that sly smile and soon felt herself being lead up by Gabrielle. They both kneeled face to face and Gabrielle continued her movements with her hand. But she still refused the warrior her request. Xena grind her hips faster; harder. Gabrielle could tell she was very close so she took her hand away. Xena whimpered a protest and gripped the bard's wrist.

Gabrielle said not a word, but her disapproval, of Xena confining her wrist, showed on her face. Xena released and steadied her breathing.

"Let's try this again Xena," the bard offered. Her voice was so domineering; regal. "What do you want?" she asked slowly.

"You," Xena replied. "I want you to kiss me... like it's the first time; like it's the last time ' all the power; all the passion you can muster... I need you to touch me... feeling every hill and every valley of my burning flesh ... I'm begging you... Please."

That did it. Gabrielle gave Xena all that she asked for. Their lips locked, fiery and hard as Gabrielle's hand shot back to Xena's center.

"Guide me," Gabrielle whispered, looking down at her hand which was now pumping in and out of the warrior. "I love it when you guide me."

Xena reclaimed Gabrielle lips in a moan as her hand took the bard's wrist once more.

Gabrielle, for her part, loved it. Watching Xena use their bodies together, as one, excited her to no end. She had caught Xena once ' masturbating in the woods not far from camp. The sight still played in her mind. Xena, her head thrown back as her fingers moved fast and high under her skirt, was a vision of true erotica.

She had never spoken of the incident, despite the fact they were now intimate. It wasn't embarrassment that brought on this decision. It was privacy. It was a private moment ' for the bard, not the warrior ' and it didn't need to be disclosed. She wanted memories of Xena that were unknown to the warrior. And later that sultry evening, as the warrior slept, she herself brought herself to release.

Xena's strong, callused hands now wrapped around the young amazons small wrist, holding tighter. She drove those petite fingers deeper and deeper, delving into the sensations of the bard's digits working their magic. She remembered seeing those digits moving on the bard herself. The amazon assumed Xena was deep asleep, but the warrior with her acute hearing noticed the bard's breathing one night as they shared a bedroll. She remembered the smell of Gabrielle's growing arousal. When she was sure the bard was caught up in the sensations of her own body she opened one eye and watched.

Gabrielle's body swayed ' the bard's fingers teased both her clit and her breast at the same time. Xena opened both eyes to study the bard as the storyteller brought her breast up to let her tongue play with the harden nipple. Xena could feel her own saliva increase at the sight, along with another wetness. It took all the strength the warrior ever had to not reach out and touch the shaking bard. Xena had never told Gabrielle of that night. And she probably never would. 'Secrets aren't always a bad thing to keep' the warrior mused with a grin. She loved the idea of seeing Gabrielle so raw, so openly sexual... so unsuspecting. 'No' the warrior had decided. That was something she would keep with her forever ' with her and her alone.

The memory of the bard and the present feel of the bard's fingers pushed the warrior closer and closer to the edge. Gabrielle could tell Xena was close ' the warrior's bangs were wet. Gabrielle couldn't hold back the grin. She knew when the warrior's temperature increased enough to make her hair damp, she would slip over. Gabrielle leaned into Xena's ear.

"You asked please," Gabrielle muttered, her voice filled with passion. "Are you pleased?" she asked in a knowing coo.

Xena nodded quickly and lead Gabrielle's hand quicker. "Yes," the warrior answered fighting for air.

"Good," Gabrielle said smugly. She knew she had the warrior right where she wanted her ' approaching the pinnacle fast. "Now come for me," she whispered softly, sincerely, lovingly. "I'm begging you now... come for me Xena... come for me."

Gabrielle's voice gave Xena the last push she needed. And the warrior found herself gripping the bard's shoulders.

"Yessss... for youuuu... yessss," Xena's compilation of a moan, a cry and breath poured out of her throat like the honey that poured from her center.

Gabrielle wrapped her arm around the warrior's waist and stopped her movements so she could feel the warrior contractions around her fingers as the warrior shook.

Slowly Xena returned from HER trip to find herself, lying on her back and the bard nestled snuggly in her arms. She had not the faintest clue of how she went from kneeling to being here.

Being someone who always kept her physical guard up, these little excursions were unlike anything she ever knew. With Marcus and with Hercules, she experienced the heights of passion too, but the loss of self, the giving of her state of being ... now this was something new. She kept telling herself that this should scare her, but as she looked down at the admiring green eyes she knew things were right. And for the first time in her life she had nothing to fear. Nothing except losing this precious bard, amazon, best friend and now lover. Reflexively, Xena tightened her hold.

"Never," the warrior whispered.

"Never what?" the bard asked, resting her head on Xena's shoulder; playing with the long black hair wrapped around her fingers.

"I'm never going to let you go," Xena whispered, kissing the top of the bard's head. "Never."

Gabrielle burrowed deeper into the strong shoulder as a response. As she drifted off the sleep a thought occurred to her. 'This is going to make a great story'.

Chapter 7

Mel and Janice's Tent, Egypt - 1946

"Well," Janice said growing irritated. "I'm waiting."

Mel scooted her glasses up higher on her nose and cleared her throat. "Ready?" she asked.

They each sat on their respective cots facing each other, dressed in their night clothes ' Mel in her long night shirt and Janice in her undershirt and boxers.

"Yeah I've been ready for the last half-hour. Get on with it," Janice demanded.

Mel smiled. After six years she could tell when the archeologist was joking about her temper or dead-serious. It took a while - almost two years - but Mel had learned. As long as Janice's lips were slightly curved and the mischievous twinkle was still in her eye, she was kidding. Janice still had that twinkle, but the grin was starting to slip and Mel knew she could postpone things no longer.

She had to do this. She had to tell the woman she loved more than life itself a tale of undying, smoldering love between two other women ' their own ancestors in fact. Mel didn't believe in the fates ' she believed people made their own destiny. 'But if they do exist, they certainly got it in for me tonight' the translator thought silently.

"Okay," Mel finally said; her voice filled with nervousness. "Here it goes-

"Look Mel," Janice offered. "If this is too uncomfortable for you to read out loud, let me see your notes. I know you're kinda native and I don't want to put you on the spot."

Suddenly Mel felt offended and determined. 'Native huh?' Mel thought sarcastically as she studied the archeologist.

"Listen here ya damn YANKEE," Mel insisted, pointing her finger for emphasis. "I am NOT native! JUST 'cause I happen ta look for the light 'n things instead of the darkness and JUST 'cause I accept people up-front for who they are without judgement, that does not make me native. I understand that I have not traveled the world like you - Dr. Covington - but one does not have to see the world to be a part of it. So if ya don't mind, sit down; shut yer mouth and ya just might learn something!"

Janice had never seen Mel make such a stand against her. Janice could feel her jaw hanging and she cleared her throat. "I'm sorry I-

"Shhh," Mel said dropping the notepad to her lap. "WHAT did I say?! BE QUIET!"

Janice put both hands in her lap and only nodded. She didn't even what to breath because that might constitute a sound.

Mel pushed her glasses back up. "Okay," she began feeling more at ease. "I have two scrolls. One that was written by Gabrielle and one that was written by Xena, I believe ' actually I'm almost positive it's Xena, but we'll need conformation on that. If we find another scroll-

Janice didn't say a word, but the roll of the archeologist eyes let Mel know she was being long-winded.

"Anyway," Mel stated. "Which do you want to hear first?"

"I can talk now?" Janice grinned. Mel gave Janice an arched eyebrow and a disapproving glare. Janice lost her grin. "Xena first, of course," she answered quickly and politely. Mel flipped through her notes. When she stopped she cleared her throat once more and began to read.

"I'm not sure why I'm doing this... actually I do... Love... The woman I loved asked me to write something to take back to Egypt where it all began five years ago. I loved Gabrielle from afar for a long time. I kept my feelings shrouded; hidden deep inside... I considered myself a brave woman. At least until I felt my love for Gabrielle. When that happened I realized I was perhaps the biggest coward the world had ever known.

I think it was the time she decided to return home to Potidaea when I realized Gabrielle was much more than a friend. She was my center. My source. With her by my side I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I was always a determined woman. But when this little bard from Potidaea stole my heart something changed. I was no longer just determined. I was driven. I had a purpose in life unlike anything I had ever known. And that purpose was love.

I had plenty of lovers before Gabrielle, but none compared to her. None reached in and touched my heart, my soul, like Gabrielle. And that first night when we made love under the Egyptian moon I knew no one would ever compare. Every touch, every caress was filled with gentle warmth yet fiery passion. Words fail to describe just what she meant to me that night ' the things she did that night... and every time since. My desire refuses to subside even in light of all our years together. I can anticipate her climax. I can predict her every touch. I always believed these things hampered love making (becoming familiar with a lover), but with her it doesn't. It only makes my love and passion for this beautiful red-haired woman stronger.

When we ride our mare or sleep in the comfort of each others arms we fit perfectly together. I'm much taller than she when we stand, but still ... we fit... perfectly. If I live to walk this earth without her, I know I'll spend the rest of my days walking alone. For no one will ever replace my Gabrielle. I once wished to rule the world. My only wish now is for Hades to keep us together in this life for as long as possible and see that we find one another again in the next life. I made a promise that I would never leave her. It's a promise I will keep for all my days... and beyond."

Mel's voice trailed off. Slowly, she looked up to see Janice's reaction.

"I guess the useless, tag-a-long had some uses after all," Janice muttered. "She made a good bed warmer."

Mel shook her head in disgust and threw the notebook on the cot.

"Why do you always insist on puttin' Gabrielle down? It's obvious she meant a lot to Xena... "

Janice watched as Mel's nature changed from anger to one of... realization? She didn't quite understand the look in the southerners' eyes. 

"What is it Mel?"

Mel locked eyes with the honey-haired archeologist. 

"You... For years, ya spent your time lookin' for these scrolls, thinking you were a descendant of Xena, but the truth was you were Gabrielle's kin."

"Yeah. That's been established. What's the point?"

Mel chuckled and shook her head. 

"Your quest of all these years hasn't been because of Xena has it? It's been Gabrielle... Your great, great, great, great, great, great ' so on and so forth ' grandmother wrote these scrolls ages ago. Now it's your job to find them and, how should I say, keep them in the family." Mel found herself giggling again. "All these years it's not Xena you've been searching for. It's Gabrielle."

"You're nuts!" Janice argued rising from the bed. "My father-."

"Not your father," Mel interrupted. "You. You've been wanting to know about Gabrielle just as much as Xena and what you found out worries you."

"Me?" Janice smiled, pointing at herself. "Worried? About what?"

"You found out that Gabrielle wasn't a tough talkin', aggressive-natured, staff weldin' bard. She was soft, compassionate and caring woman. Yer worried because yer a lot more like her than Xena, deep down. You've always thought that Xena was the strong one and Gabrielle was weak. The truth is out now. Gabrielle gave Xena her strength, which in fact proves that Gabrielle was the stronger of the two... And maybe, just maybe... yer scared because ya realize that under that gruff exterior of yers lies someone who's just as soft, compassionate and caring as her ancestors."

Janice studied Mel for a few moments. 

"I'm not a useless tag along side-kick and I never will be."

"No. You're not," Mel replied softly before going back to sit on the cot. "But I am... Funny how things change yet stay the same."

"Listen to me, Mel," Janice said taking a seat next to Mel. "Hey," she whispered pulling Mel's chin up gentle so they locked eyes. "You are not a useless tag along side-kick. You're much more than that."

Mel pulled her head away from Janice's hand. "You don't need me here. You don't need me period. Xena needed Gabrielle to keep her focused; centered. You can read these scrolls almost as well as me now and you were doing just fine on your own when we met... Unlike Gabrielle, I serve no purpose here."

Janice could feel her tears beginning to well up, but as usual she pushed them back down, afraid the let her heart show.

"Mel," Janice began pausing briefly. "When I was shot, my first thought was you. I wondered if I'd ever see you again... and the whole time I was tended to all I could think about was you. The pain as they prodded around inside my leg would have been unbearable if it wasn't for you... I kept thinking 'Come on Covington, if you die on Mel you'll never hear the end of it'."

Both women grinned and chuckled. 

"It sounds silly, I know," Janice added with a grin before a look of dead calmness washed over her face. "But I loved you. I ... "

Janice wished she could have taken the words back, but soon she heard them reflected back at her. 

"You love me?" Mel asked with a huge grin. "You've never told me that before."

Janice knew there was no denying her words, but she still had the option to be evasive. 

"Yeah," she said falling back into her gruff style, rising up and putting her hands on her hips almost like a challenge. "I love you. Is that a problem? Because I can't guarantee that I'll stop caring about you."

Mel picked her notebook back up with a smile. "No. It's not a problem," Mel said, pushing her glasses back into position again. "Should we begin again?" Mel asked, sensing Janice's uneasiness.

"Let's," Janice said thankfully, taking her seat back on her cot again.

"Okay," Mel sighed. "This one is Gabrielle's. I must warn you she's much more graphic about their 'coupling' than Xena, but, after all she was the writer in the family-."

Janice motioned 'get on with it', that ceased Mel's ramblings.

"Okay. Here it goes... I don't know at what point I fell in love with Xena. Point is I loved her and do love her. And I know I will always love her.

We were here in Egypt five years ago. After saving Queen Cleopatra from an assassin, she asked us, well, actually Xena, to come to her kingdom. She prepared a hero's welcome for her and offered her a position as a private guard. She also offered Xena her body, which my warrior refused. And that night instead of making love to the Queen of the Nile, she made love to me, the Queen of the Amazons. As I said, that was five years ago. We have returned here to Egypt. Not for a celebration of Cleopatra's, but her funeral. It seems odd that such a strong woman could be so broken by a man, a Roman of all things, that she would take her own life. It's a pity too. She was a beautiful, intelligent, graceful woman, much like my Xena.

My Xena. It feels wonderful to say that. I think back to the first night we shared in this room together. Her first kisses were soft, tentative. For a woman who is so confident in many areas of life the kisses caught me off guard. But soon they deepened and we connected.

Grapes... she still tasted of the sun ripened grapes as her mouth moved against mine. Her scent was familiar that evening ' jasmine lingered in her wet hair along with a ting of her natural scent, brought on by her nervousness and her arousal. Her distinct smell drove me wild on many occasions afterward, especially at times when defeating an enemy on the road. Sometimes we find ourselves on top of Argo, after traveling well enough from the trouble, and soon be making love. At other times we wait, letting our passion simmer all day long until nightfall. I can't say which days I enjoy most ' the immediate urgency ones or the lingering desire-filled ones. Both bring a smile to my face and make my heart overflow.

They say the first time isn't the greatest, but if I did have to pick one moment ... it would be that first night... .She gathered me in her strong arms and carried me toward the bed. Gently, she laid me down and I couldn't take my eyes off her beautiful body. She too admired me before her lips claimed my neck. The feel of her tongue tasting my flesh, the feel of her teeth lovingly grazing my breasts was pure ecstasy. I can still recall how familiar yet how new her long, black tresses felt as my fingers buried behind her head, pulling her closer, wanting her deeper. I would have embedded her in my soul that night with just the sheer force of my well-toned arms.

I remember as she worked her way down my stomach and the soft whimper she herself released as she breathed in my arousal. My want for her seeped from my body, running toward my backside, soaking the sheet below me. She sighed my name seconds before claiming me with her mouth. That first contact shut down all rational thought. My body began to move at it's own accord; my hips grinding against my goddess' sexy face. Her sounds of desire and satisfaction rivaled my own as she worked my body skillfully. She often says she has many skills. I never realized just how true that was until that night. My body has never been the same since.

Xena is unlike anyone I've ever known. The slightest touch; the smallest of glances and I'm captured. Sometimes at night as I write, I'll watch her sharpen her sword, the same way I did for years before our love making. But now I no longer have to advert my eyes as she looks up and I can see all the love and all the passion I have for her reflected back onto me. I feel I am truly loved and I, myself, have never loved like this in my lifetime.

We are in unison. We are two half making one whole. I've found my soul mate and I will never let her go... Never."

As Mel finished she looked up for Janice's reaction, but she wasn't there. Mel had gotten wrapped up in her reading and didn't even notice Janice had moved. Suddenly, she recognized the two strong yet petite hands on her shoulders, working at her muscles.

"They really loved each other," Janice whispered as she continued her ministrations. "Needed each other... Desired ... each other." Mel could tell that Janice's breathing had changed. Her voice had grown deeper; huskier. "Be honest Mel... Do you love me the way Gabrielle loved Xena? Do you? I have to know."

Janice could feel the muscles tense under her fingertips at the question and that was all the answer she needed. She stopped rubbing the dark belle's shoulders and turned her head back to face her, resting two fingers on her cheek. "It's okay," Janice reassured her.

Mel felt like the weight of the world lifted off her and she found herself starting to cry. Janice gathered the translator in her arms and rocked her gently. "Shhhh," Janice repeated softly. A thought occurred to the archeologist - Mel's crying. It was similar to the ones that would pop up on a moment's notice. 

'I'll be goddamned,' the archeologist thought, She's been in love with me.

"I'm all yours," Janice whispered out loud. "I'm all yours, Mel." The words only made the woman cry harder. And Janice just let her get it all out.

Finally, the translator pulled back and wiped her tears. 

"I'm sorry, Janice. I look like a moron-."

"Hey!" Janice argued. "No one calls the woman I love a moron. Not even the woman herself. You got that, sweetheart?!"

"Yeah, Janice." Mel grinned. "I got that."

Neither woman said a word or made a move. They sat silently, clinging to each other's arms. 

"I've loved you for a very long time, Mel. I never dreamed in a million years you would ever feel the same," Janice finally whispered.

"Tell me 'bout it." Mel grinned. "I almost told you 'n Carolina ' that night of the ball... You looked so beautiful... But ... you asked me here and I knew if I told you how I felt I'd never see you again and... " the belle trailed off and began to sob again.

"And what?" Janice asked.

"I'd rather take whatever time I could have with ya, even if ya never felt the same 'bout me."

"But you were wrong," Janice whispered. "I do feel the same. Please don't cry. I promise I'll never leave you. I promise."

Janice's lips covered Mel's with feather softness just once. She tenderly wiped the tears from the belle's cheeks, lowering herself again to connect with Mel. The second kiss wasn't quite as delicate. By the third kiss, their mouths were welded together. Mel broke the barrier of their connected lips first. As her tongue darted into Janice's mouth, the archeologist's eyes widened in surprise. Mel's eyes were still closed; her tongue searching. There was much more to Mel Pappas than she realized, but she didn't dwell on it long. She found it much more satisfying to be lost in the kiss. So, in closing her eyes again, she did just that.

Moments later, Janice was vaguely aware of the fact she was now shirtless. She didn't know at what point the dark beauty began to undress her, but suddenly she was naked from the waist up. As Mel began to nuzzle her neck, Janice basked in the glow of loving someone and being loved in return. And with that warm thought also came a tension. Mel sensed it and pulled back with an apology.

"I'm sorry," Mel whispered. "I'm movin' too fast for ya, but I couldn't help it, Janice. I want ya so much."

Janice studied Mel's eyes and stroked her face. "It's not that," the archeologist explained. "I want you too, but I'm... scared."

"Oh, Janice," Mel said sympathetically. "I would never hurt you ' ever."

Janice shook her head before hanging it low, staring into her lap. "Everyone I ever loved, every cared for... they all left me - my mother, my father. I'm afraid that if I ... "

"Janice," the translator said taking the archeologist by the upper arms. "Listen ta me. I'm not goin' leave ya. Great God O'Mighty woman! Don't ya realize I've searched my whole life for ya?!"

Janice grinned as tears welled in her eyes, refusing to fall. "Do you really mean that Mel?"

Mel had a sly smile on her face as she pulled her glasses off, tossing them on Janice's cot. She stood up and pulled her nightshirt off, exposing her lovely peaks and valleys.

"I could tell ya that all night," the southerner cooed. "But I'd much rather show ya, if ya'd let me."

Janice released a nervous giggle. She'd had lots of women - actually lots and lots of women - in her bed, but none so beautiful, so sexy, as Mel. Her discomfort came from the fact she was about to make love for the first time in her life. She knew that. She wanted it. And she realized it had been a long time coming.

Mel closed the distance between them. Her body blanketing Janice's. Her tongue driving forcefully into the archeologist accepting mouth. Mel nipped at her ear playfully, seductively. And once again Janice found herself unclothed without suspicion; her boxers joining her undershirt on the floor. 'How does she do that?' Janice wondered in admiration.

Mel began to work her way southward and Janice sighed as Mel caught the archeologist areola between her lips and began to manipulate it.

"Oh god, Melinda," the digger whispered at the sensations.

"Umm," the belle answered, not quite ready to release the nipple. Gently, she pulled it with her as she raised her head before letting it snap back into place. "I love the way ya say my name... It makes me wet, Janice... Feel."

Mel led Janice's hand to her center.

"Oh god. You're soaked!" the archeologist answered looking at her hand in astonishment before meeting those gorgeous, laughing blue eyes.

"Told ya," Mel replied as her own hand darted to Janice's center as well. "It seems I'm not the only one," she added coyly.

Janice smiled, but it didn't last long. Mel's circular movements of her fingers made desire course through Janice's veins at a maddening rate. Her smile fell and the look of ardent want replaced it.

"So sexy... so sexy," Mel said appreciative as she watched Janice moving against her hand.

"Look who's talking," Janice antagonized.

Janice made her caresses against Mel harder and faster. She watched, entranced, when Mel's head fell back as she arched, exposing her neck and breasts to Janice. The archeologist couldn't resist. She had to touch that perfect body. She had to taste it... taste her.

Janice maneuvered herself into a sitting position with Mel straddling her hips. Given the dark woman's height, the archeologist was perfectly level with those beautiful breasts that were teasing her moments before. Janice took both nipples into her mouth at once and delighted at the sound of Mel's sigh.

"Oh, Melinda," Janice sighed looking up at Mel. "I wanna taste you. Will you let me taste you?" she asked, practically begging.

Mel grinned mischievously. "Only if you let me taste you too... at the same time... It isn't fair that one of us should go before the other. We've both wanted this forever."

Janice could have sworn she felt the onset of her orgasm right then. Mel wasn't as native as she thought. She had to admit... she liked that.

"So," Mel said maneuvering Janice until the archeologist's back was on the cot again. She began to lick and suck on Janice's earlobe as she spoke. "Who gets ta be on top?"

Janice could feel the tingling deep within her building, brought on by Mel's racy words.

"It better be you," Janice warned. "I'm close to exploding as it is. And I don't think I could move if I tried," she added with a sincere grin.

Mel chuckled softly. "Grin of the devil, heart of an angel," she whispered before she flipped around.

Suddenly, Mel's tongue claimed Janice's hot, sopping core. Janice, in return, captured Mel's fleshy lips with her own. Both reviled in the taste of the other, licking and sucking all the nectar they could find. Janice's fingers entered Mel first and the translator gave a muffled whimper of approval yet refused to give up the task her mouth had found. Once they established a gentle rhythm with each other only then did Mel's fingers join her lips and tongue.

Mel was a woman who truly loved to give pleasure and for the first time in her life Janice felt herself lowering her guard, letting the woman above her take her body. But more importantly she felt Mel take her soul, lick by lick, caress by caress. Janice for the first time in her life felt connected to someone in the present; in her arms. With that realization firmly in tack, her orgasm crashed over her in wave after wave.

"Yes... Oh God, yes... Melllllindaaaa," the smaller woman cried out, clutching tight to the body above her. Even as the contractions ran through her body, she continued stroking Mel. She had to bring Mel the same joy.

Mel, for her part, felt her climax building just moments before Janice, but she calmed herself to listen to Janice's release. Now she rested her weight on her forearms with the feel of Janice's tongue batting at her clit and her fingers giving her the pumping of her life.

"Harder," Mel whimpered. "Faster... So close, Janice."

The raw, needful voice of her lover sent Janice into another sexual frenzy ' not one built around herself, but a frenzy of wanting to give Mel the most pleasure she possibly could. Janice did as Mel asked and when she felt Mel go rigid and her back arch, throwing the dark mane around, Janice thought that she, herself, just might swoon.

"Ohhh Jan... Ohhh Jan," Mel replied as her orgasm took her. Her hands gripped the side of the cot, the steel feeling colder than normal against her burning palms.

Finally, as the quakes subsided Mel collapsed next to Janice's side, facing her feet. Janice disengaged herself of the tangle of limbs and grabbed a blanket from her cot. She covered the resting woman, making sure she was snug and secure before cuddling next to her in the small space.

Slowly, Mel turned her head and smiled when she saw Janice's beaming face, lying next to her. "Always lookin' out for me, huh?" Mel replied motioning to the blanket.

"Always." Janice smiled. "Come mere," she added opening her arms as much as the small space would allow.

Mel snuggled into her lover's shoulder. "I love you, Janice," she whispered as she felt sleep trying to claim her.

"Love you too, Mel," she replied, stoking the long black hair. Mel raised up and planted a slow, powerful kiss on Janice's lips that spoke volumes of what was in her heart.

"I do have one complaint though," Mel said seriously.

"What's that?" Janice asked concerned.

"If we make this a habit, we gotta get a bigger cot."

"Oh yeah?" Janice smiled. Mel nodded with her grin back in place. Softly, she settled down into Janice's embrace once more. "Well, then. Looks like we're going shopping tomorrow. Doesn't it, Sweetheart?"

The last sensation either woman felt was Mel's fingertips lightly caressing Janice's arm. And the next morning as the crew searched high and low for the 'missing' scrolls, Janice and Mel went shopping.

Ancient Egypt - around 500 BC

"Tell me again why we're doing this," Xena asked as she continued to dig the hole. "You made me write something only to stick it in the ground. I should have included this crazy story," the warrior added.

Gabrielle smiled. "You can stop if you want," the bard offered. "I'll do the digging."

Xena gave her the look and continued to dig in silence. What sensation overtook the bard to feel she needed to bury her work was beyond the warrior. But she found herself digging the hole just the same, and all because Gabrielle asked.

"I told you, Xena. I want something left here from our time together. Then years from now someone will find it, maybe after were long gone, and a part of us will be here forever. "

"But we will have a legacy. Our children will remember us."

"Well, with the luck Toris and I have been having I don't foresee that happening soon, if ever," the bard answered with frustration. "I mean you and Autolycus get together one night and bam it's over and done with."

Xena rose from the dirt pit and dusted herself off the best she could. 

"Hey," the warrior said pulling Gabrielle's chin to meet her eyes. "It will happen. We'll have another child. You'll see," the warrior grinned. "And she'll have beautiful green eyes and her mothers' short temper," Xena teased.

"Which mother?" Gabrielle shot back, grinning.

Xena grinned and shook her head. 

"Great comeback!" she complimented.

"Can't think of a reply, can ya?" Gabrielle teased, sensing her victory.

Xena paused and looked up to the heavens before meeting the bard's eye again. 

"No. I can't, but at least I'm honest."

Gabrielle threw her arms around the warrior and gave her a big kiss, making a smooching sound in the process. 

"What's that for?" the warrior asked.

"A thank you," Gabrielle said coyly. "For cheering me up... and moving that trunk into the hole you just dug."

Xena chuckled. "That's what I thought. There's always an ulterior motive."

It only took a few moments, but the trunk was soon in place and Xena began to refill the hole.

"I miss Lye," Xena said as she shoveled, reflecting on her son - their son.

"I'm sure he misses us too. But I'm also sure grandma is taking good care of him."

"And spoiling him rotten," Xena added sarcastically.

Gabrielle giggled. "Yeah, you're probably right. Cyrene makes a habit of overindulging the kid."

Xena had a smile on her face as she finished putting the last of the dirt in the hole and patting it in place.

"Alright," Xena sighed. "Can we go now?" she asked impatiently.

Gabrielle simply smiled and pushed the hair back that had fallen in Xena's eyes. "I love you. You know that don't cha?"

Xena smiled. "Yeah. I love you too. After all, it isn't anybody who'd dig a whole for ya out in the middle of nowhere, for now real reason whatsoever."

"I told you-."

"Yeah. Yeah," Xena said starting to make her way up the trail. "Legacy. I get it... I just hope that whoever does find them appreciates all my hard work."

Gabrielle smiled and took Xena by the arm. "I'm sure they will Love. I'm sure they will."   

The End