In the Season 3 Solstice story “Raindrops on Roses,” Gabrielle and Xena try to make the best of their near-death experiences in THE BITTER SUITE and ONE AGAINST AN ARMY. This continuation explores different ways others take the heroic partners’ presumed demise as a gift. For Cousin Liz and Nancy G.
December 2010
The
tall woman in leather brushed dark hair from her eyes for an unobstructed view
of the castle. Through the dusk she
could make out four guards at the entrance.
A figure scaled one of the side walls, undetected by the enemy. Another approached up the main path. He could be heard a mile away.
The
woman watched the first figure disappear inside a window. “Get ready,” she said to the blonde beside
her. “Our guys are almost in
place. Gotta time this just right.”
“You
sure about this?” The blonde scowled at
the “diversion” clanking and stumbling toward the guards. True, she’d seen him challenge the greatest
of warriors, but he’d been no match in the fighting department. “He could get himself killed, if they don’t
buy his antics.”
“Nah. Nobody’s better’n him. See?
They’ve dropped their spears, laughin’ so hard. Okay, they’re startin’
ta push him around. Better get movin’.”
The
two spies left their hiding posts and jogged toward the fort.
“Hi
ya, boys.” The brunette stopped a few
feet from the guards. “Forget about the
stumble bum. Wanna have some real fun?” She sneered. “With me?”
The
guards stood gaping, until one went for his spear.
“Nuh
uh uh.” The woman snatched a disk from
her waist. “`Less you wanna lose a
hand.”
Another
guard retreated a few paces. “That’s
Xena! I saw her cut down six men with
that thing.”
“Maybe
when she was breathing. Only way she
could now is from the grave.”
“Pfft. I look like a ghost to you?” The tall woman twirled the disk. She gestured toward her comrade, who
expertly twirled a staff. “And if I
don’t get ya, she will.”
The
guards shifted uncertainly. Finally one
stuck out his chin. “You know whose
castle this is? Lord Croesus. Men’re crawlin’ all over the place, you
thinkin’ of goin’ after the treasure.”
“Yeah? You oughtta be more worried about crawlin’
away at all. Leave now, I won’t hafta
chop off any of your body parts.”
The
guards exchanged looks. “Even if we do,
how you figurin’ on gettin’ in?” The
bold guard snickered. “Ya gonna get ‘stumble bum’ there ta knock?”
On
cue, the door opened. A masked man in
black poked his head out. “Boo!”
Needing
no more hints as to their best course of action, the guards scattered into the
forest. The “diversion” jogged up to
the masked man.
“You
get the treasure?”
“But
of course.” The masked man tossed out
bulging sacks. He wiped his
forehead. “I usually prefer less
weighty gigs. I suggest you folks grab
those sacks. Oh, and after you do,” he
warned at shouts from within, “run!”
With that, he took off for the hills.
`````
The
vigilantes had hidden Croesus’ treasure, intent on returning it to the village
of Annapolis. They now relaxed in
Xena’s mother’s inn, where they’d hatched their plot. Cyrene sadly noted their half-hearted attempt at celebrating
their successful caper. As heroic as it
had been, she understood why it didn’t quite fill the void they felt.
“Xena?!” A short, chubby man had come in. He hesitated, staring at the
vigilantes. “I thought …. I mean, I’d heard ….”
Cyrene
walked over to the newcomer. She laid a
sympathetic hand on his arm. “I’m her
mother. Are you another of her
friends?”
“Um,
well, we do have history.” He ducked
his head. “I won’t go into some of it,
you being her mother and all. Not that
it was … you know … that kind of history,” he hastened to add. “Heh, not with Hercules as my competition
anyway. Now, if it was when I still had
my – .”
“And
you would be …?”
“Oy.” He slapped his forehead. “Salmoneus.
Merchant extraordinaire. Nice
place you have here, by the way,” he said, discreetly checking out various
accessories. “You might be interested
in my line of ….” His eyes again landed
on a certain dark-haired beauty. “But
that can wait. I came here expecting
…. Let’s just say, I’m relieved to see
Xena’s okay.” He started toward the
table.
“Salmoneus?” Cyrene’s caught his arm. “I’m so sorry.” Sighing, she led him over to the others. “That’s Joxer and Ephiny.” She took a deep breath. “This young woman – the spitting image of my
daughter – is Meg.”
`````
“Hard
to believe, I know.” Joxer sat forlornly
after recounting once again what he and Ephiny had witnessed at the Amazon
compound some weeks earlier. Gabrielle
in a sweat hut – desperate to purge her agony over her child killing Xena’s,
angry Xena’s obsession with Caesar had ignited the tragic chain of events. Xena, equally consumed with grief and rage,
thundering in, attacking her friends, on horseback dragging Gabrielle to a
cliff high above the sea.
“Xena’s
survived certain death before. I’ve
seen it. Twice.”
“I
have too, Salmoneus. We searched for
days. Both vanished. Their footprints
and signs of a struggle all they left behind.”
Ephiny bit her lip. “Seems the one thing they couldn’t survive was
killing each other.”
Such
a conclusion hung in the air, shrouding the friends’ recollection of brighter
moments, rendering the loss of Xena and Gabrielle especially hard to take. No two people loved each other more. Their example had inspired many along their
travels to exhibit unaccustomed bravery and compassion.
“I
judged Gabrielle a silly child,” Ephiny revealed softly. “An outsider stumbling into a heroic
act. Into our royal line. No clue about the consequences.“ Her mouth twitched. “I … tested her. Taught her hard lessons about Amazon life. She never backed down. Showed her courage was real. As natural to her as the birthright we took
for granted. When a renegade sister
threatened our unity? Gabrielle became
the queen we turned to.”
“Yeah,
well, that’s nothin’ compared to wearin’ this heavy getup,” Meg groused,
adjusting her breastplates. “People
thinkin’ I’m the WP is even heavier.
Standin’ straight like a pole.
Minding my manners and such.
Every Tomas, Dicus and Hareos expectin’ me to come to their aid.”
“I
hear ya. Can’t say I always had the
best of intentions. Or wanted any part
of Xena’s heroics.” Salmoneus smiled
wryly. “The one time it was real? Mostly me?
I thought she was dead. The only
way I could save a village was ….” He
shuddered. “Sacrificing myself. Thank the gods she rose to the rescue like
usual.” He winced. “Um, like used to be usual.”
“Yeah,
I wasn’t always the warrior I am now.
But I was side by side with `em against the worst of the worst. Even stood up to Xena herself when ….” Joxer’s eyes closed briefly. “When she came to hurt Gabby.” He looked around the group. “See, I just couldn’t remember them like
that. I wanted us to do it in a way that
would be more ... them. You know?”
“It
was a wonderful idea. I’m glad you came.”
Cyrene rested a hand on Joxer’s shoulder. “What happened to their children …. That’s hard on any mother.
Bringing my daughter back to me like this ….” She paused to wipe away tears.
“What I’d hoped for her lives on in you. I can’t thank you enough.”
She ruffled Joxer’s hair. “But I
can insist you eat and rest well. You
must be strong for whatever you decide tomorrow.”
“Mmmm.” Gabrielle stretched, eyes still closed, and
focused on the sounds outside their makeshift tent. No pitter-patter of raindrops, just the usual early morning
chirps. She sniffed the air, spiced
with the rich scent of damp earth.
“Hmmm.” And the smoke from a
campfire. She smiled. With any luck, she’d soon smell breakfast
cooking – one of the upsides to living with an early riser who liked to snare
anything with fur or fins.
Motivated
now to leave the cocoon of her bedroll, she shifted enough to peek
outside. She did indeed see her warrior
chef crouched beside the fire, knife in one hand, a fish in the other. Staring into the flames with other matters
besides eating obviously on her mind.
“Good
morning.”
“Oh. Hey.
Figured you’d sleep in awhile longer.”
“You
know me and food.” Gabrielle sat next
to Xena. “My spidey sense is always on
alert.”
“Mm.” Xena dangled the fish in front of Gabrielle. “Meet today’s special,” she teased, settling
in to begin gutting her catch.
“It’s
been a few days since we had them poached.”
“Mmhm.” A moment passed before Xena looked up. “What?”
“You
seemed to be pondering something deep.”
Gabrielle smiled wryly. “Like
maybe which method to use? How about
poaching?”
Xena
raised a “think you’re so smart, huh” brow.
She sucked in her cheeks. “Not
sure Mom’ll take too kindly to that.”
Satisfied with Gabrielle’s blank expression, she decided she might as
well come clean. Not that her smugly
intuitive companion would be surprised. “I was thinking about heading home.”
Gabrielle
nodded. “Makes sense.”
“Guess
I can’t put it off any longer. Word’s
probably reached her by now. Must be
beside herself. Hearing we’re
dead. Maybe about losing a grandson she
didn’t know she had.”
“Uh
huh.” Gabrielle swallowed. “Lot of catching up to do.”
Xena
took a deep breath. “Yeah.” She turned to give Gabrielle a lopsided
grin. “Glad you’ll be with me,” she said,
her eyes communicating the question behind her words.
Gabrielle
ducked her head, blinking back tears, then rested it a moment against the
warrior’s shoulder. “Where you poach, I
poach. Even if it’s Cyrene.”
Xena
chuckled. “No doubt you’ll make things
more palatable. As usual.”
“Let’s
hope so.” Gabrielle patted Xena’s arm
before rising to begin taking down the tent.
“Let’s hope that’s all we have to deal with.”
“All?”
“Not
everyone’ll be happy to learn you’re alive and well. I’ve wondered if they’ve stepped up their mischief, you
supposedly unavailable to stop them.
Amphipolis no longer especially off limits.”
“Yeah. Crossed my mind too.” Xena’s jaw tightened. “If so ….”
She impaled the fish she’d been working on. “They’ll wish all I had planned for `em was poaching.”
`````
Gabrielle
peered down from their vantage point on a ledge. Over a dozen warriors had stopped to talk with uniformed men
headed in the opposite direction.
“That’s the third gang we’ve seen.
You think it’s a coincidence – .”
“They’re
traveling toward Amphipolis?” Xena’s
lip curled. She shifted to begin her
descent.
“Xena?” Gabrielle caught the warrior’s arm. “What’re you – .”
“Nothing
too bloody. Wanna have a chat.” Xena pointed to the uniformed men. “Unless they’re not into friendly
conversation.”
The
two made their way down to where they’d left Argo. Xena reached into her saddlebag.
“We’ll put our cloaks on. Might
help those guys be more talkative.”
“Riiight. That’ll make you less threatening.”
“Fine. You kick it off.”
They
pulled up their hoods, mounted and caught up to the men.
“Sirs?” Gabrielle smiled shyly as the men turned
around. “You seem to be soldiers of
substance,” she said, gesturing toward their handsome battle gear. “Not like the ruffians we’ve been dodging
now for days.”
One
with epaulets on his shoulders stepped forward. He scrutinized the smaller woman, then the other behind her.
“You’re out here alone?”
“On
our way to bury my uncle in Amphipolis.
A group of us. Our party was
attacked. We managed to escape.” Gabrielle bowed her head. “Not sure what happened to the rest.”
The
man nodded. “Strange times. Riffraff coming out of their holes. Running amuck. Challenging even the law in these parts.”
“The
law?”
“Governor
Croesus. We served under him.” The man spat on the ground. “Until thieves broke into his castle. Stole his …. Stole the taxes he collected to maintain order.”
“You
left to find the culprits?”
“We
left to find other work.”
“Is
Croesus dead?”
The
man snorted. “Tax collection’s not as
easy as it looks. Any goon can
rob. Croesus had rules. A system.
Done right, that’s where the authority comes from. People know what to expect. When.
Enforcement’s only needed for the few who like going their own way. If it gets to be too many ….”
“Ah. The … lawlessness?”
The
man nodded. “Croesus might as well be
dead. Made a fool of in his own
house. Nothing left to pay for starting
all over again. Unless he uses
goons.” He lifted his chin. “That’s not us.”
Xena
came up beside Gabrielle. “We saw you
talking to some armed men. What about
them? They didn’t seem the kind to
share your sense of … discipline.”
The
man studied Xena a moment. “No. You’d do well to stay out of their way.”
Gabrielle
took hold of Xena’s arm. “Oh, my. They weren’t interested in working for
Croesus?”
“They’re
more interested in taking his place. So
are others, according to them. Maybe
they’re after what was stolen.
Whatever, let’s just say, I’d think twice about continuing on to
Amphipolis.”
`````
Cyrene
surveyed the dining room, now clean and ready for the morning’s dirty
dishes. Empty of the guests who’d
retired to their rooms. On one hand, she
was heartened by the reunion of Xena’s friends, despite their news about her
probable death. But it also reminded
her how little she’d gotten to know the child she’d raised in hopes of a vastly
different future. How she would have to
rely on the memories of strangers to acquaint her with the woman her daughter
had become.
“Cyrene,
I presume?”
She
whirled, startled to see a masked man only a few feet away. “W-who ….”
She prepared to defend her turf.
“I’m not alone. One scream and
–.”
“Don’t
be afraid.” He held up his hands. “I’m here for the same reason as the
others. To honor Xena.”
Cyrene
raised a brow. “You look more like a
thief.”
“Not
just any thief.” He bowed. “The King of Thieves. But you may call me Autolycus.”
“Mm. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. My daughter navigated many circles. Most not devoted to sewing.”
Autolycus
chuckled. “I see where she got her
sense of humor. And beauty.”
“Ah. A silver-tongued thief. Are you a handsome one as well?” Cyrene
inquired coolly, eyeing his mask.
Autolycus
pulled out a chair at Cyrene’s table.
“May I?”
“Manners
too?” Cyrene resumed her seat,
curiosity overcoming fatigue. She
nodded permission for Autolycus to join her.
“A
king has certain etiquette to observe.
Especially with the fair mother of the Warrior Princess. However, I do have my … professional …
reputation to maintain.” He pulled off
his mask. “I helped with the Croesus
heist. Wouldn’t do for word to get out
I’ve become a softie. Except for Joxer,
the others don’t know my identity. No
reason they should. You,” he added,
reaching across to take and kiss Cyrene’s hand, “are another matter. I’m so sorry for your loss and proud to make
your acquaintance.”
“My.” Cyrene fanned her blushing cheeks. “Xena does have method for her … odd … taste
in friends.” She cocked her head. “Wouldn’t be surprised if you stole her
heart.”
Autolycus
chuckled. “Oh, I tried. She has a way of turning things back on
you. Doesn’t matter what you’re king
of. She’ll have the stronger hand.”
Cyrene
sighed. “And tougher heart. I do hope it’ll soften one day for the right
man.”
“Mm. It’s certainly softened for the right
woman. Gabrielle’s an ace of a
sidekick.”
“You’ve
given up?”
“Pfft. Me?
Give up?” Autolycus winked. “A good thief’s a master of patience. And timing.
In fact,” he said, leaning in conspiratorially, “I’ve already been
inside her.”
“You
mean …. Xena? You’ve …. The two of you
….”
Autolycus
enjoyed the shock on Cyrene’s face.
“Well, actually, it was more the other way around.” He sobered a bit. “Another time she was … badly injured. Her spirit left her body.
Entered mine.”
“Ohhhh.” Cyrene regarded the thief with some
awe. “She chose … you?”
“Eh.” Autolycus shrugged sheepishly. “Truth is, she needed me to steal something
– ambrosia – to restore her.” He
snorted. “Ended up getting me to do
flips, battle Amazons and otherwise make a fool of myself.”
“But
you succeeded. In bringing her back?”
“With
a little help from her sidekick.”
“She
must’ve trusted you a lot. Not an easy
thing for my Little One.”
Autolycus
ducked his head. “She has a way of
forcing the best from even somebody like me.
Humph. And doesn’t have to be
inside you to do it.”
“Maybe
she saw what was already there?”
The
King of Thieves mock scowled. “I’m
simply a man who likes challenges. With
a weakness for gold molded as exquisitely as your daughter.”
Cyrene
laughed. “Not a description I would’ve
expected. I like it.” She patted his hand. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
Autolycus
smiled his thanks. “Well,” he said,
stretching, “guess my work here is done.
With you anyway. My apologies
for keeping you up.” He stood. “I’ll be nearby. Never can tell what other crazy schemes Xena’s crew’ll come up
with.”
“Why
not stay here? There’s the cellar. You can get to it through the kitchen or a
concealed trap door out back. No one
will be the wiser.” Cyrene winked. “The room service alone might be worth it.”
“Hmm. Does sound better than the accommodations I
had in mind. No harm in having a
look-see.” Autolycus offered his
arm. “M’lady? Mind giving me a brief tour before we trundle you off to bed?”
Croesus
seldom appreciated the humble beginnings he’d worked so long and hard to put
behind him. The castle he’d built a few
years ago might be modest, but he’d filled it with the trappings of a
king. Now, as he dined alone on peasant
fare in the dungeon he’d had to confine himself to since robbed of his fortune
and left with a mere fraction of his army, he counted on remembrance of his old
life to carry him through this setback.
He’d
adjusted well enough to his current lodging.
It was the most fortified, with secret passages affording quick
escape. Large enough to accommodate
loyal guards. Equipped with the chains
and instruments of punishment he envisioned for the thieves he intended to take
his place – without benefit of the food, drink and unlocked cell he presently
enjoyed.
He
heard sounds of someone at the door. He
expected it to be one of the men stationed as lookouts or sent to scout the
area. Just in case, he pulled closer
his old sword and shield. A key turned
in the lock.
“Lord
Croesus? It’s me. Barabus.”
“Enter.”
“I
have news for you. Some good. Some not so good.”
“Sit.” Croesus indicated a chair across from him,
as well pitchers of water and wine.
Barabus
brushed the dust from his uniform before taking his seat. He poured water into a mug, first using some
to wet his face. After a long drink, he
began his report.
“I
contacted various gangs. Promised them
a share of our take. I figure some will
arrive in a couple days. Maybe 50 or
so. At least, the ones who’ll fight
with us.” Barabus filled his mug with
wine. “From what I could tell, might be
as many with different ideas.”
“Such
as?”
“Going
after the stolen treasure. Taking over
the castle. Your territory.”
“And
we’ll know who’s who how?”
Barabus
bit his lip. “Our guys’re supposed to
signal us with blue flags when they come.
Not sure all of `em’ll get that message.”
“Was
the good news in there? Must’ve missed
it.”
Barabus
swirled the wine in his cup. “`Here’
depends on which story they get.
Neither of the ones I told ends up at the castle.”
Croesus
leaned forward. “Explain.”
“The
ones I recruited? They’re to assemble
in the caves east of Amphipolis. We’ll
meet up with them there.”
“And
the others?”
“I
spread word you’d moved your operations.
Whether they’re after you or the treasure, they’ll have to go through
Amphipolis.”
“What
about Xena? Have you forgotten that’s
her home village? She may have a bigger
force than those thieves who hit the castle.”
Barabus
smirked. “If that was really her who
robbed us. Some of the men heard she’s
dead. I talked with a trader who deals
with the Amazons. He confirmed she went
over a cliff and hasn’t been seen since.
Even if it is her, not like her kinsmen’ll jump at following her into
battle again.”
Croesus
finally saw a glimmer of hope. He
snickered. “Yeah. Good as she’s reputed with a sword, not much
reputation for winning friends.”
`````
Cyrene
busied herself serving breakfast to patrons beyond her daughter’s friends. Some were extending Solstice season by
enjoying the amenities Amphipolis offered.
Others had shortened their road trips, feeling more secure in town. Their tales of thugs and mysterious warriors
roaming about were especially troublesome to the wannabe do-gooders plotting
what to do next.
“What’s
everybody lookin’ at me for?” Meg glowered
at her comrades. “Got a piece a meat
stuck,” she said around the fingernail between her teeth. “Pickin’ too loud for ya?”
“Sorry.” Salmoneus rubbed his forehead. “Just can’t get over how you could look so
much like Xena, yet ….” He watched Meg
slouch even further as she concentrated on her task. “Be so … different.”
“Yeah,
I’m used to looking to her for ‘the plan.’
Um, not that I didn’t help. I
mean, `cept for Gabby and Xena, I’ve probably been on more missions than – .”
“So
you have no plan.” Ephiny scowled at
Joxer. “I doubt we’ll get one from Meg
either. No matter how much we wish she
really was Xena.”
“Hey! Least I got skills at pretendin’ I’m
her. I’m not hearin’ much from the rest
a ya.” Meg snorted at the heads bowed
in confirmation. “Even that thief fella
went on the lam.”
“Nah,
he’s just low profile. My sidekick, so to speak. You know, another experienced guy to lead.” Joxer sighed. “We had a plan. Get
in. Get the gold. Get the gold to its rightful owners.”
Salmoneus
patted Joxer’s shoulder. “On the bright
side, you’ve managed two-thirds.”
Joxer
brightened. “Yeah, only half to
go.” His face fell again. “Now we’ve got a bunch more bad guys to deal
with. Only one warrior besides me,” he
muttered, looking at Ephiny. “No
offense,” he added, glancing at the others, “but we gotta have more than a
salesman and barmaid pretending she’s Xena.”
“Will
I do?”
“And
me?”
`````
“So,
what’s the plan?”
Xena
descended the tree she’d used for surveillance. “It’s your call.”
“Excuse
me?”
“Deer
a little east of us. Probably fish to
the west. Rabbits, of course, just
about everywhere.” The warrior
sauntered over to her Palomino.
“Xeeena.”
“Hey,
I don’t have to make all the decisions, you know.”
Gabrielle
scowled at her partner. “Mighty big of
you. Too bad we’re not talking today’s
menu.” Her stomach growled. “As the primary topic anyway.”
“Oh,
you mean the bad guys? We’re headed in
the same direction.” Xena
shrugged. “Good enough for now.”
Gabrielle
observed the warrior fuss over Argo a bit too casually. It occurred to her Xena might be more
worried about danger to Amphipolis than she let on. And because she hadn’t yet come up with a plan.
“Okay. Rabbit.”
“What?”
“Rabbit’s
good enough for now. Much quicker. Less muss and fuss.” Gabrielle smirked. “Assuming that won’t be too boring for a muss-and-fuss kinda
gal.”
Xena
watched her companion begin gathering wood for a fire, humming as though the
idea of feasting on standard fare qualified as exciting. It occurred to her Gabrielle sensed
something worrisome, including the absence of a plan to deal with it. She snorted, wondering why she bothered
trying to fool someone who knew her so well.
“Another
round of rabbit, huh? Well, you’re the gourmet
among us,” Xena said, taking out her hunting knife. “I’ll see if I can make capturing it as unboring as apparently
you find eating it.” She blithely
ignored the eye roll response to her statement and headed into the woods.
Gabrielle
glanced up from a scroll she was working on when the warrior finally
returned. “Find what you were looking
for?” she inquired dryly.
“Mm.” Xena dropped her catch next to the
campfire. “Not always easy to tell.”
“Oh?” Gabrielle squinted at the two small bodies,
as though they were the primary topic of conversation. “Fur.
Long ears. Cute bunny tails. Not enough for a definite ID?”
“Sure.” Xena snorted. “If we’re talkin’ bunnies.”
Gabrielle
rolled her tongue in cheek. “That’s
your call. I made mine.”
Xena
knelt beside their washbowl to clean her hands. She took out her knife and sat cross-legged by the fire, staring
absently at the rabbits. When Gabrielle
scooted closer, the warrior exhaled a resigned sigh. No sense prolonging admission of what Gabrielle had presumed –
her “muss and fuss” partner scouting more than dinner.
“I
spotted warriors riding alone. Some in
small groups. We’ve seen soldiers under
somebody’s command. There’s the rag-tag
bunch who robbed Croesus. Who knows how
many of his guards hung around?
Apparently one thing in common.”
Gabrielle
brushed the warrior’s clenched hands.
“Amphipolis?”
“Either
there or someplace too close for comfort.”
“And
you’re not sure what they’re after.”
Xena
nodded. “Could be the treasure. Maybe replace Croesus.” Lip curling, she plunged her blade into one
of the rabbits. “Shop in the Warrior
Princess’ home village? Since she’s
reputedly out of the picture?”
Gabrielle
bumped shoulders. “`Reputedly’ being
the operative word.”
“For
all the good that does.”
“This,
from the single-woman army?”
“Those
Persians?” Xena extracted her knife
from the rabbit and began the rote process of skinning it. “I knew what I was up against. What they wanted.” She snorted wryly. “All of `em considerate enough to bring the battle to me in a
confined place. This time ….”
“You
saying you could use backup?” Gabrielle
chuckled. “Besides the half-dead
sidekick you had then?”
Xena
sighed. “And no time or way for more
recruits.”
“What
about Amphipolis? Surely – .”
“I’m
lucky they forgave me for the first time.
I can’t …. It’s too … soon.”
Gabrielle
decided it best not to share her more optimistic opinion on that subject. She patted Xena’s shoulder. “Well, at least your sidekick’s in better
shape this time.” She chuckled. “Apparently as resistant to death as you.”
“Not
something I wanna keep testing. But
definitely a bright side.”
Gabrielle
gave the warrior a hug. “I say we focus
now on what we know.” She picked up the
other rabbit. “Something that looks
like a bunny. With a good chance of
tasting like one.” She studied the
rabbit. “Could be a sign even. You know, for a plan? Recruits?”
Xena
raised a skeptical brow. “In case you
haven’t noticed, these bunnies aren’t particularly talkative. Or able to take up swords.”
“True,
that’s not their strong suit. But like
you said ….” Grinning, Gabrielle spread
her arms. “Even if you don’t see it
yet, there’s plenty more of the little critters around, just waiting for you to
find them.”
`````
Xena’s
friends stared at the two warriors standing at attention by their table. One a powerfully built young man, the other
confidently mature enough to be his father.
“Pardon
the intrusion.” The white-haired man
bowed. “We heard about the
memorial.” He bit his lip. “For Gabrielle? And Xena?” He gestured
toward Cyrene. “She sent us over here.”
“Y-you’re
… friends of theirs?” Joxer narrowed
his eyes. “How come I don’t know you?”
“We’re
more … fellow warriors. Can’t say we
spent much time with them. But we owe
them our lives. Xena’s mother says you
aim to carry on their legacy. Even
fight for it.” The older man patted his
sword. “If so, you can’t do much better
than Meleager The Mighty.” He bowed
again. “At your service.”
“B-but
you can’t be! I’m already known as
….” Joxer looked around the table,
realizing the only two people who could back up his claim as “The Mighty” were
dead. Whatever rep he gave himself,
he’d have to earn it all over again.
“Um, ‘Meleager,’ you say? I … uh
… thought you said …‘Leaper.’ I’m
called that. For my ability to
jump. Almost as high as Xena.” He cleared his throat. “Okay, then. We could use a veteran. I
mean, to reinforce me and Ephiny.” He
shifted his attention to the other stranger.
“You his sidekick?”
The
younger warrior smirked. “We just
met. On the way here. Name’s Paelemon. No title, but ….” He
stroked the scar on his cheek. “I’ve
won my share of battles. Even fought
Xena.”
Joxer
stiffened. “Then you oughtta be dead.”
“And
you’d do well to hear why he’s not. Or
me.” Meleager’s eyes traveled from a
long leg propped on the table, to the leather skirt and bustier of a
dark-haired woman in leather. “And
explain why it seems Xena’s not dead either.”
“Well,
I sure ain’t,” the woman emphasized in her best Xena drawl. She gave both warriors an approving
once-over. “And I got a plan for
provin’ it with ya. But it won’t be
fightin’.” Her wink clarified she was a
decidedly different brand of woman.
“Meg!”
“What?” She scowled at Joxer before resuming her
perusal of Meleager and Paelemon. “You
was just complainin’ about not enough swords.
Not enough … big, strong, manly … vet’rans. I’m just saying, more’n one way ta strut their stuff.”
`````
Unbeknownst
to the planners, two sets of strategies were discussed the next couple of days
along parallel lines. Joxer had
secretly sent Autolycus off to scout the enemy. The latter described a similar situation to the one Xena had also
found: not much visible going on at
Croesus’ castle, an ever-growing assemblage of warriors hanging out in caves
located outside Amphipolis, and various gangs setting up camps throughout the
area.
“So,
what do you think?”
“Still
not sure.”
“Strange
no one’s made a move, huh?”
“Mm. Could be Croesus is calling the shots
somehow. At least with the men in that
cave. I saw a command type from there
visiting the castle.”
“You
more worried about them than the gangs?”
“Not
necessarily. Any of `em might have
designs on Amphipolis.”
“And
if any does? Xena, finding out what
they’re all up to will be hard enough. Fighting them, even harder. Forget what I said about ‘one-woman army.’ I wish you’d consider getting help.”
“In
Amphipolis? I need to know more
first. Think I’ll start with that
castle.”
“So,
whaddya think?”
“Even
when she was blind, Xena could smell trouble at its source. That Croesus guy had a lot of power. So his castle’s quiet. Doesn’t mean he’s lost his fangs. Cut off the snake’s head, might not have to
worry about the rest.”
“Pfft. The ‘rest’ wouldn’t scare Xena. Ever hear of Callisto? Xena went after her and her
army. Nah, Paelemon, I say she’d take
on the biggest threat. Those guys in
the cave or roamin’ around outside Amphipolis.”
“If
I may? I know about being a one-man
army. Humph. Thanks to Gabrielle forcing me to sober up. Be the warrior I should. She believed in people. In giving them a chance. She’d argue we should turn to Amphipolis for
help, like she did in her home village. And I’d agree with her. We need as many ‘heroes’ as we can get.”
“Meleager
has a point. The Amazon Nation became
stronger because we learned from both their ways.”
“Yeah,
yeah, make up your minds soon, will ya?
All this talk about Xena, figure you’ll be needin’ her double
again. Fortified m’self just’n
case. Couple more rounds of fortification,
I’ll be three sheets to the wind. Have
ta tie me to a pole. Oooo. Warrior Princess Scarecrow. Now there’s a plan!”
`````
Two
women took faltering steps toward the castle, the taller one supporting the
other, who appeared to be ill. Spotting
no guards, they cautiously made their way to the main doors. Nothing to bar their way there either. The main halls were empty, though showing
signs of a struggle. Scuffmarks led to
a huge cabinet pushed aside to reveal a hidden passage to the dungeon. Food and goblets were strewn across the floor
of one of the cells where apparently someone had been holed up. But no more.
The
women inspected rooms throughout. They
found no one. Just as they prepared to
leave, they heard horses and shouts.
They peered outside to see an assortment of warriors, some bearing blue
flags, glaring at each other. Suddenly
the leader of the largest contingent signaled an attack. His men hurtled themselves into the second
largest formation. Soon others joined
the fray, no clear indication of who was siding with whom.
The
two spies returned to the dungeon and found an uncovered tunnel allowing escape
unseen. Awhile later, they arrived at a
cave where they knew other warriors had been massing. It too was uninhabited.
The women looked at each other, perplexed, before heading toward
Amphipolis.
`````
“You’re
back!” Cyrene rushed over to greet the
vigilantes. “Safe and ….” She visually inspected them as they made
their way to a table, hiding her surprise they seemed unscathed. “You were successful?”
Meg
grabbed a pitcher of ale before plopping into a chair. “Piece o’ cake. Pfft. Could’ve been four
sheets to the wind and done okay.”
“Oh?”
Joxer
nodded. “Plan worked like a charm. Almost like we had the gods on our
side. I know Xena wasn’t real keen on
`em, but ….” His eyes grew wide. “Hey, maybe it wasn’t the gods.” He glanced around the table. “We talked about Xena and Gabrielle. Before we headed out? You think maybe we conjured `em up? Their spirits?”
“Xena’s
sure must’ve entered me, the time I stood up to that warlord.” Salmoneus grinned sheepishly. “Even though she wasn’t actually dead like I
thought, it had the same effect.”
Ephiny
shrugged. “I did see it once, when we
thought Xena dead. Gabrielle brought
her body to us for Amazon funeral rites.
Next thing we know, some guy is flipping and fighting like Xena. Saved her body from the flames. We found out later she was actually inside
him.”
“Oh, that must’ve been – .”
“Any
old random guy.” Joxer coughed, using
the ruse to secretly shush Cyrene. “You
know, some worthy stranger? Like I was
at first? They did that all the time.”
Paelemon
chuckled. “Xena was something all
right. One minute you’re trying to make
a name for yourself killing her. The
next, pulling her out of harm’s way.
End up somehow letting her turn your life around.”
“Uh
huh. Same as Gabrielle. I willed my few possessions to her – the
daughter I always wanted.” Meleager
grinned. “She made that unnecessary
when she kept me from getting hanged.”
“I’ve
no doubt they were with you in spirit.
If they helped guide your success, even better.” Cyrene noted the villagers filling the
room. “Well, I’d better get back to
work. Relax. I’ll bring you something.
You can tell me all about your victory then.”
`````
“Now
what do you think?” Gabrielle heard a
snort in response. “Oh. Right.
My turn.”
“You’re
lucky you got credit for the bunnies.”
“Hey,
picking what we eat should count. Like
I get to choose much else.” Gabrielle
cut her eyes, but otherwise maintained her study of what they could see of
Amphipolis. “Can’t tell much from
here. At least no warlord types on
guard. No sounds of something
amiss. Does seem unusually busy. More saddled horses than wagons. Maybe they’re preparing for trouble? Don’t realize yet it might not come?”
“Wouldn’t
bet on it. Being over yet. That was too easy, considering the mess we
faced. Could be Croesus’ forces or some
of the others came here first. Maybe
made a deal to call off their threat.”
Xena growled in frustration.
“Something’s off. And it smells
like it’s coming from there,” she said, pointing in the direction of her
mother’s inn. “Time for a closer look.”
“Hey,
I was about to say that.” Smirking,
Gabrielle reached for her cloak.
“Not
so fast.”
“What? Can I help it if you took the words right
out of my –.”
“I
meant, you won’t need the cloak. I
remembered a better way in.”
“Cyrene?”
“I
know, Anna, but we’re out of lamb.
You’ll have to sell them on – .”
“No,
no. You don’t hear it?”
Cyrene
turned to see her helper bent over, ear tilted toward a faint sound coming from
the floor. “Ah. Nothing to worry about. Take that platter out. Do the best you can. Mingle awhile until I can come up with
something else.” Cyrene kicked aside
the rug covering the trap door. She
pulled on the ring. “I wondered when
you’d come b-.” Instead of Autolycus,
she saw the unmistakable blue eyes of ….
She
regained consciousness to semi-darkness.
She wondered if she’d been dreaming, although she lay on a surface much
harder than her bed. And something cool
and moist covered her forehead.
“Mother? Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Cyrene
felt a hand on her shoulder. Though
light, the touch was all that kept her from bolting upright. She took a few deep breaths to slow her
pounding heart. “They talked about your
spirit,” she finally murmured, stifling a sob.
“I wanted to believe. I never
imagined it would be so … so ….”
“Real?” Xena helped her mother sit up and hugged
her. “I am. I’m so sorry you had to find out this way.”
Cyrene
realized they weren’t alone. “Gabrielle? You too?”
“Uh
huh.” Gabrielle put her arms around
mother and daughter. “We’re both alive
and well.” Her stomach communicated a
different opinion. She chuckled along
with the others. “Although at least one
of us is dying for your lamb.”
`````
“There
she is! Cyrene! We tried to wait for you. Hurry!
You don’t wanna miss the best parts!”
Cyrene
surveyed the animated crowd huddled around the table where Joxer perched. She used the time to gather herself, to
assume an expression that wouldn’t hint she in fact already knew the best part.
“Well,
I see everyone seems taken care of,” she noted, raising a brow at the numerous
pitchers full and empty of wine. “I
suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a break.”
She settled into a chair and poured herself a drink. “I’m ready.
Go on with your tale.”
“Oh,
it’s much better than a tale. Unless it
was one of Gabby’s. This’s real, just
like hers.”
“Got
that right.” Meg thumped her Warrior
Princess breastplates. “These babies
sure got a work out today. Never
thought I’d be – .”
“Meg! Hold on a minute. I gotta bring `er up to speed first.” Joxer reviewed how they’d divvied up assignments. “Me, Ephiny and
Paelemon dealt with Croesus. Took out
his few guards. Found him in the
dungeon. Quite a set-up he had. Grabbed his sword and said he’d rather die
than leave.” Joxer swallowed. “So we … um …. I …”
“Joxer
let me give the man what he wanted.”
Joxer
breathed a relieved sigh. “Yeah.” He shot a grateful look at Paelemon. “We brought the rest of `em here to the
jail.” He winked at some men sitting
nearby. “With a little help from your
fine neighbors.”
“Indeed.” Meleager saluted those gathered at another
table. “Last time I commanded a better
group of raw recruits was with Gabrielle in Poteidaia.”
Cyrene
gasped. “You fought those gangs?”
“Not
quite. Got them to battle each other.
We convinced them we knew where the loot was hidden. That I was building a force.
Told them those interested should go to Croesus’ castle. Said we’d partner with whoever prevailed.”
“They
won’t come looking for you?”
“Last
we saw, they were cutting each other up pretty good. The few who limp away?” Meleager inspected his fingernails. “We stationed folks beside the road in, with
directions for any survivors. They’ll
find a fort about two days’ ride away.
Not the loot they expect, but a new commander.” He smirked.
“Who happens to supply free labor for rich landowners. And doesn’t care how he gets them. He’ll probably welcome the guys we send with
open arms.”
Cyrene
shook her head. “You’re right. Quite a story. And all of you were in on it?” she asked, sweeping her eyes
around the room. “I must say, the men
of Amphipolis have done us proud.”
“Nuh
uh. Not just them.” Meg scowled at Joxer. “Now is it my turn?”
“Isn’t
it always?” Joxer muttered.
“Humph. Didn’t hear ya complainin’ when -- .”
“Yes! I mean, yeah, go ahead. Sheesh.”
“Okay
then.” Meg straightened in her
chair. “All of `em might not wanna admit
to it, but some of the ladies did their thing too.” She smirked. “And not
just the ones ya might think.” She
waved her hand at the sound of discreet coughing. “Nah, don’t worry. If
there’s anybody knows about keepin’ mum, it’s me. Bad for business otherwise.
Lotta so-called ‘gentlemen’ and loyal husbands --.”
“Meg!”
“What?”
“Just
tell the story, will ya?”
“I’m
settin’ the stage is all. Bet you
didn’t mind ol’ Gabby doin’ it.” Meg
rolled her eyes at Joxer’s glare.
“Anyhoo, the ladies and me had a mission too. Bad guys holed up in a cave outside of town. The warrior types among us wanted to rush
in, swords swinging. Even I know ya
can’t be in three places at once.”
With a smug smile, she inspected her fingernails as Meleager had done. “I said there’s more’n one way to skin a
cat.”
Meg
recounted how she’d gathered volunteers to pose as “entertainment” for the
enemy. The women had dressed suitably,
loaded up a wagon with a keg of ale and arrived at the caves as “gifts” from
Croesus. A dozen or so ribald songs and dances later, the men began dozing
in their mugs from a sleeping potion in the ale.
“That’s
when I barge in doin’ the eye-yi-yi thing.
Bangin’ on my chest. You know, for the ones still seein’ straight? ‘All right,’ I say, ‘If ya don’t recognize my yell, I’m Xena the
Warrior Princess. I got my army here to
protect my home turf.’” Meg gestured
toward some of the villagers in the room.
“It was really those guys. But
they didn’t have no trouble handling warriors who could barely sit up. Wasn’t that many of `em anyway. Turned out most had heard about Meleager’s
deal and left already.”
“Those
warriors in the cave. They’re still
there?”
“Nope. We loaded `em on their horses or in
wagons. I told `em – as ‘Xena’ – I might
let `em in my army if they passed muster at my camp.”
Cyrene
chuckled. “Let me guess. That fort
Meleager sent the others to?”
“Yup. Gave the sober ones directions, and off they
went.”
“What
about Salmoneus and … and your secret accomplice. Did they fare all right?”
”Arggh!” Joxer slapped his jaw. “Almost forgot about them. Salmoneus got a covered wagon. Decked it out like a traveling
merchant. Heh. Pots, cloth, straw baskets – stuff most
thieves don’t care about. Nobody’d
guess what’s hidden underneath.” He
nodded at the look of wonder on Cyrene’s face.
“Uh huh. The treasure Croesus
stole. On its way back to
Annapolis.”
“Amazing. You pulled off a miracle. I can see why you felt Xena’s and
Gabrielle’s spirits on your side.”
“Uh
huh.” Joxer snorted. “Didn’t always seem so easy when they did
it.”
“They
didn’t have all of you,” Cyrene suggested, smiling at her daughter’s
friends. “Or them,” she said,
indicating fellow Amphipolans who normally shrunk from confrontation of any
sort.
“Kinda
surprising, huh?” One of Cyrene’s
regular customers grinned sheepishly.
“Maybe your kid’s spirit gave us a kick in the pants too.”
“If
so, I’m sure she’d feel honored beyond words.”
Meleager
gallantly kissed Cyrene’s hand. “I hope
so. It’s why we came.”
“Is
it?” Ephiny was fingering a bracelet of
feathers and beads from the royal mask Gabrielle had left in the Amazon
village. She glanced up at the stunned
silence that greeted her comment. “We
mourned what we thought lost without them.
Instead, we found it inside.” She glanced wryly at the yawning Meg. “In places we might not have looked
before. Maybe we came to honor
ourselves as much as them?”
“It is the Solstice season,” Cyrene reminded. “What’s more fitting than gifts all around? All of us filled with spirits of generosity
and wonder.”
“I
guess.” Joxer sighed. I only wish ….”
“They
could have been here? To see it? Share it?”
“Yeah. I mean, I’m glad we did it and all. Meeting these guys. Talking about our adventures. Laughing.
Doing a mission in their honor.
Brought `em closer. Gabby and
Xena. Almost as close as that
battledress,” he said with a crooked grin at Meg. He shrugged. “S’pose
that’ll have to do now.”
“It
will for me,” Paelemon acknowledged.
“Xena tried to get through my thick skull. I thought I understood. I
see now what she meant. Or maybe …
why. Friends. Dedicated to her as she was when she risked everything to save
Gabrielle.”
“Aw,
come on,” Meg huffed. “You call this
‘celebratin’’? Cryin’ about what you
miss? Yakkin’ about makin’ it all
better? What happened to ‘ain’t we
grand’ and rounds of ale?”
“Now,
now,” Cyrene admonished the others, laughing at their scowls. “Meg’s got a point.” She signaled for Anna to refresh the
mugs. “Since you’ve finished your tale,
I believe a toast is in order.” She
raised her cup. “To all of you. The best friends and kinsmen anyone could
know.”
“To
all of us!”
“Yeah,
and to -- .”
Cyrene
caught Joxer’s arm as he was about to make another toast. “Hold on, young man. I’m not done yet.” She walked to the kitchen doorway. “I have news. As good as
the stories you’ve told.” She
swallowed, brushing away a tear.
“Forgive me. I’m not sure how to ….”
She drew herself up and closed her eyes. “I’ve learned they truly are with us. Not just in spirit. In
the flesh. They’re alive. My daughter and Gabrielle are alive!”
`````
“You’re
sure?” Cyrene sat across from Xena and
Gabrielle, watching them enjoy the meal she’d brought down to the cellar. “They miss you so much.”
“I
know how they feel. You have no idea
how hard it was not to run out there and give them all a big hug. Something,” Gabrielle said, narrowing her
eyes at Xena, “restrained me.”
“Listen,
I was right there with you. I’m not a
complete slug, you know.”
“Then
why, Xena? It was like new energy
poured through me, when I saw you.
Don’t you want that for your friends?”
“You
saw how they were. Just knowing we’re
okay?” Xena snorted. “They’re having way too much fun guessing
how we made it. Arguing and wondering
about how we are.” Xena bumped knees
with her partner. “With each other.”
“You
really believe they’d rather that? Than
hearing it from you? Seeing you?”
“Um,
hate to admit this, but Xena may be on to something. Two minutes after we appeared, could be like we might as well
not. Until they sucked us into proving
who was right.”
“And
after we tell them the truth? ‘Sweet
little Gabrielle? Pushed you off a
cliff?! No way!’ ‘You drowned? Callisto revived you? With
a kiss? Eewww. When pigs fly!’”
“`Sure,
Xena has a temper. But stab you
in the heart?’” Gabrielle feigned
horror. “`She’d never do that.’”
Cyrene
glanced between the two, shivering a little at sensing they weren’t
exaggerating the nightmare they’d endured.
Beginning to understand their reluctance to rehash such an experience
while still so fresh. And why doing so
might dampen more than enhance their friends’ presently joyful mood.
“We’re
really okay,” Xena assured, sensing her mother’s thoughts. “We did a lot of
forgiving. And healing. May need to do more.” She smiled at Gabrielle. “Happens when people care about each other
that much. It’s personal, you
know? Not something we want bandied
about. Or put on others. In time, it’ll matter more that we’re
back. Less, how or why.”
Cyrene
sighed. “You’re right, I suppose.” She leaned across to squeeze her daughter’s
cheeks. “My Little One. I certainly don’t care what happened. Only that you’re here. I’ve shared you with the world for so
long. Having you all to myself these
moments isn’t so bad.”
Xena
brushed her mother’s hand. “For me
either.”
“Besides,
I got to know you better through your friends.
You heard why they came?”
Xena
nodded. “Paelemon was a surprise.”
“And
Meleager.”
“Nah,
you were on target about him. Good
man.”
“Same
with you and Paelemon. I guess we take
it for granted. You know, that people
can be good if given the chance?”
Xena
snorted. “Um, one of us does. More of a necessity for me. Like when I’m blind or semi-dead. Not disappointing a certain merry bard at
Solstice.”
Gabrielle
laughed. “Now that would’ve been
something – Senticles tumbling down the chimney to honor our memory.”
“Um,
girls? Much as I love the reminiscences
I’ve heard the past few days, I’ve neglected my duties.” Cyrene stood. “Finish your food. The
next course is Xena’s favorite dessert.”
“Oooo,
now there’s a Solstice gift worth waiting for.”
Cyrene
paused, soaking in again the reality of her child. “You know the two of you can stay down here as long as you
want.” She grinned. “That Autolycus fellow found it comfortable
enough.”
“Ah. The mystery conspirator accompanying
Salmoneus?”
“Uh
huh. Quite the charmer, that one. Has eyes for you, you know.”
“Mm. Has eyes for most things he shouldn’t.”
“Says
he hasn’t given up. Although he
believes your heart already taken.”
Cyrene held Gabrielle’s eyes.
“I’ll bring fresh bedding with your dessert,” she said before heading up
the stairs.
The
two guests ate in companionable silence, each reflecting in her own way on
recent events.
“Well,
at least now we know why resolving this was so easy.”
“Mm.” Xena snorted. “I was beginning to wonder myself if it was really us.”
“Really
us?”
“Jumping
in first.” Xena chuckled. “You know – before we got there.”
Gabrielle
laughed. “In a way it was. According to our friends anyway. Our spirits guiding them.”
“Riiiight. Like me whispering in Meg’s ear, ‘Seduce
`em. Get `em drunk.’”
“What
about Amphipolis? Getting them to
help?” Gabrielle threw the warrior a
smug grin. “Seems somebody might’ve
heard me suggesting that. Good thing they
had enough sense to listen.”
“Ya
got me there.” Xena glanced at the
ceiling, recalling her shock when she learned the town had gotten involved
despite her doubts. They’d sat on the
steps with the trap door cracked open enough to hear everything after Cyrene
returned for the recounting of how victory had been won. “Kinda nice.” She snickered. “Not many
get to witness their own memorials.”
“Or
enjoy the fruits of their good deeds.
The loyalty and love.”
“A
side benefit of dying so much?”
Gabrielle
scowled. “But not reason enough to keep
doing it.”
“Um,
no. I suppose not.”
“So.” Gabrielle patted her stomach. “I’m sated on one side benefit of
living. What’s next?”
Xena
rolled her tongue in her cheek.
“Dessert?”
“Ha
ha. The plan. I believe it’s your turn again.”
Xena
sprawled in her chair in her best Meg impression. “Ain’t it always?”
Gabrielle
stared at the warrior before punching her in the arm. “Fine. I say we spend a
little more time here with Cyrene. Make
sure there aren’t repercussions to our friends’ good deeds. Cyrene said they’d probably be going their
separate ways soon.” She rubbed her
nose. “Joxer’ll probably come looking
for us.”
“Pfft. Sure has a knack for popping up.” Xena pursed her lips. “Unless we plunge into the ocean again.”
“Also
not reason enough to do so.”
“No. Definitely not on my list of repeats.” Xena allowed a rueful smile. “Except for the ending. Finding ourselves on firm ground. Safe.
Whole.”
“Together.”
“Absolutely.” Xena put an arm around Gabrielle. “The best part of all.”
“Cyrene’s
right,” Gabrielle murmured, laying her head on Xena’s shoulder. “A wonderful Solstice all around.”
“Victory
without us lifting a finger. Spilling a drop of blood.”
“Believed
dead, yet visible in those who love us.”
“More
rabbits?”
“Mmhm.” Gabrielle raised her head. “Wait.
I’m sorry, I …. What was that?”
“And
you say I don’t listen.” Xena patted
the top of her partner’s head. “Back
when I worried how we’d fix the Croesus mess? You suggested we could get
recruits.”
“Um
… okay. And …?”
“I
didn’t see much potential in that. At
the time, all we had was a couple dead bunnies. You reminded me there were plenty more around.”
“Ah. Like our friends? Those folks upstairs?”
“And
you.” Xena kissed Gabrielle’s
forehead. “Just waiting to be found.”
“Xena, you brought out the
best in me. Before I met you, no one
saw me for who I was. I felt …
invisible. But you saw all the things
that I could be. You saved me, Xena.”
-- Gabrielle in IDES OF MARCH