Xena waited patiently by the priestess.

And waited….and waited……and waited.

With every ticking second, she became more and more nervous. More and more away of her vulnerability. Where is she? Xena's eyes darted back and forth searching for any sign of the bard, but she found none.

Her already speeding heart increased to a deafening pace. Xena changed from a light perspiration to a cold sweat. She began to tremble. She trembled with fear. Fear of what was keeping Gabrielle. Fear of what could be. Fear of what might be. It was a mind numbing fear.

She became lost in herself. Lost in her own self loathing. Lost in her fear. Lost in her thoughts. She was entranced by her racing mind. Xena stared blankly at the back of the crowd, and waited. Waited so long, too long. Where is she?

The warrior's deepened trance was broken by the sight of Sara walking through the parted crowd. Xena looked up for signs of hope. She was met with a disturbing vision. Sara stopped and held an inexplicable forlorn look upon her face. Xena trembled.

Sara simply looked at her and shook her head. Xena's eyes popped wide open. What is that? What does she mean? No…no what? IS she coming? The warrior was filled with questions. Questions she wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answers to.

Sara sensed her confusion and could do little to ease the woman's pain. She didn't know what to say because she didn't know what Gabrielle was going to do. She just knew that the bard wanted to be alone. I have to do something. I can't let her just stand out here, for nothing. The long walk ahead was intimidating, but Sara tried to maintain an inconspicuous repertoire. She slowly strode up to Xena.

Xena was now beside herself in worry. She was left less then hopeful by Sara's gesture. And now, if she's coming all this way up here…..oh no! An ominous impeding sense of doom thickly coating the air. Xena closed her eyes and inhaled its musky scent.

Still several feet away, Sara saw Xena's closed lids and depressed expression. She looks so sad, like a lost child. Sara knew she could lie. Go up to the warrior and whisper in her ear 'She's coming. She's just late, you know how girls are. Everything has to be perfect.' Something cheery and to that effect. But she couldn't, she couldn't lie about this. All that remained was the truth.

Sara tip toed over to the silent warrior and placed a hand on Xena's shoulder. She leaned over to whisper into Xena's ear. But, Xena stopped her.

The entire situation was flying out of Xena's control. She wanted it back. She didn't want to have to have her heart broken by Sara's words. It was already written all over her face.

“She's not coming is she?” Xena said in a high tone, ending it as if it were a question rather then a statement.

“I don't know.” Hopeful blue eyes shot up. Sara immediately corrected herself. “I don't think so.”

A single tear slipped from Xena's eye down her cheek. Gabrielle's not coming. The realization hit her harder then a punch in the gut. She'd lost control. She hated that feeling. Control was her base, her balance, without it she was thrown into this sort of chaos.

This is what I get. There you go warrior, you finally get what you deserve. Xena had put herself in a position to be vulnerable. There were no defenses against battles of the heart.

Sara saw Xena retreating deep within her thoughts. She had to stop her before it was too late. There might still be a chance.

“Go to her.” Sara voiced with desolate urgency.

“What's the point?” Xena asked, lost. She had given up the war before even setting foot on the battlefield. It hurt too much to fight.

“Go to her. Talk to her.” Sara looked her squarely in the eye. “You might not have a second chance.”

A second chance. Gabrielle had given her that and she had promised herself she wouldn't blow it. Her mind perked up again. The Warrior Princess determination began to shine. Xena nodded at Sara and stormed through the crowd towards Gabrielle's tent.

The music began a seductive beat. The participants on the dance floor swayed to the beat.

Although it hadn't been easy, Xena and Gabrielle explained to the nation why…once again…there would been no marriage. There had been a few upset faces, but most took the news light heartedly. The couple assured everyone that there would be a wedding, just not right now. Sometime in the near future, and when it was to happen, not even Ares himself could stop it.

But, the food had been made. The hall prepared. And hundreds of Amazons dressed in their best. It was too much to waste. No Amazon worth their leathers could resist a party. So, too please the masses, Gabrielle and Xena decided on throwing a little celebration. They called it a delayed engagement party.

The two took their spots. The queen and consort's chair was placed at the bead of the room. Varia had strategically decided to skip the events, reasons apparently unknown. So, Gabrielle was set to fill her shoes as well as her seat. The bard fell naturally into the role and Varia was barely missed.

Xena sipped sparingly on her wine. It was very sweet and very potent. She drank lightly for tonight she'd rather stay alert. Be fully aware of her time with Gabrielle for she was never more conscious of the preciousness of their time together.

The warrior lightly popped her head to the music. Not a bad song, the warrior thought as she took another sip of her drink.

Gabrielle was enthralled in the music. She loved he beat. She tapped her toes and swayed her head to the rhythm. That she was able to do anything physical at all was a miracle in itself. Gabrielle had just consumed a humongous amount of food.

With all the tribes together, each had brought a chef from their region. The cooks got together to create some of the most tasty morsels Gabrielle had ever seen. She had originally planned just to taste everything. But, every little taste was so good, she couldn't resist.

First it was a bite, then it was a helping, then it was seconds. Before she knew it, the bard had been thoroughly stuffed. The monster had ceased…..for a while. And now, the monster was creeping up again, but Gabrielle was content to sip on her cider for the wine was much too potent, and listen to the music.

She smiled as she saw all the other Amazons dance by. It was very reminiscent of her last Amazon celebration. That of course had turned into an Amazon orgy, herself included. Aphrodite. It had been a while since she'd seen hide or hair of the Goddess.

Gabrielle truly missed her. It wasn't that she missed the sex or the intimacy, but she missed Aphrodite as a friend. She was great to talk to. She was great to party with. And she was an excellent dancer. When they were out on the floor, it was as if they meshed into each other and became one with the beat.

The bard remembered her first dancing experience with the Goddess. That was a load of fun. It had turned into an almost orgy on the dance floor. Stirred up a couple Amazon hormones then didn't we? It had not only been sensual it had been fun.

As Gabrielle watched the others twirl around, her mood was unusually dampened. I wanna dance. She thought. I wonder if Xena's a good dancer. The only time she had truly danced with Xena was back in Amphipolis. While they had both been somewhat possessed, the dance had been extremely passionate and had left Gabrielle more unsatisfied then she was willing to feel.

Even so, that dance had only been for several moments, barely long enough to create a memory. Now, now they had all night to revel in each other without shame. Gabrielle peered unabashedly over at Xena. Gods, I wish she would ask me to dance. Her beautiful green eyes spoke pleadingly.

Xena, however, was oblivious to Gabrielle's silent pleas. She was too enthralled in her voyeurism. She watched the other couples silently mesh together. Their dancing was so sensual, so sexual, so open.

The Warrior Princess, herself, had seen many displays as such. Hell, she'd even taken part in quite a few, but she'd wondered if Gabrielle had seen so much sexuality in full view. She was curious to see how the bard would react.

She suddenly felt Gabrielle's gaze upon her. She turned to find the bard staring straight at her. The warrior smiled and leaned over to place a chaste kiss upon the bard's lips.

“Simply breathtaking.” Gabrielle breathlessly remarked.

“Yes they are.” Xena replied, looking out to the dancing couples.

“I was talking about you.” Gabrielle smiled and was rewarded with an uncharacteristic Warrior Princess blush. “All that red for me?” The bard teased coyly, grazing her fingertips over Xena's cheek.

“Everything is for you.” She remarked, heartfelt. Now it was Gabrielle's turn to blush. Not out of embarrassment, but out of the sheer excitement that those words brought.

“Good music.” Gabrielle said is a light tone, her eyes widened. Trying to alert the seemingly thick headed Warrior Princess to her desires.

“Yeh, it is.” Xena replied glancing lightly at the dance floor, missing Gabrielle's hidden meaning. She seemed much more interested in her drink.

Gabrielle waited…and waited…and waited for Xena to ask. She didn't wanna seem too eager, but she really wanted to dance. She tossed another quick glance at Xena which the warrior picked up but took with a grain of salt.

More time passed by and Gabrielle continued given more and more glances at Xena. Finally, Xena had decided something was wrong and asked her blonde companion.

“What? Do I have something on my face or something?” Xena said moving in close to Gabrielle.

“What?” Gabrielle asked, dazed.

“You keep staring at me. Did I do something?”

“No, its nothing.” Gabrielle said quietly and turned around, avoiding Xena's gaze. The warrior picked up on Gabrielle's quick retreat and realized something was probably amiss.

“Come on, it's not nothing. Please, what's wrong?” Xena's voice held a desperate quality. Gabrielle saw how her behavior had been completely mistaken. Great Gabrielle, you just got over this and you're starting something already. I forget how worried she gets.

“I want to dance.” Gabrielle said sheepishly.

“What?” Xena asked, completely thrown for a loop.

“I said I want to dance. Come on Xena, let's go dance.” Gabrielle said taking the warrior hands in her own.

“Gabrielle, I hate to dance. No thank you. I'll just end up embarrassing myself.” Xena said, taking her hands back.

“Oh Xena come on. The music is so great and it's so much fun. Please, let's go dance. Just me and you, no one else is watching.”

Xena took the bard's hand and brought it slowly up to her lips.

“Gabrielle, if you go out their and dance I doubt anyone will be able to turn away.” She winked at her partner. Gabrielle smiled but still was not satisfied.

“Same goes for you, but who cares for that matter. Everybody can watch, it wouldn't matter. You're the only thing that matters. Let's go dance.”

“No.” Xena said, trying to sound concrete, but her will was bending. Gabrielle, on the other hand, was getting more and more determined. Alright, miss Warrior Princess. Obviously, begging is having little to no effect. Guess I'm gonna have to try a different route. Jealousy is always good.

“Fine, Xena.” She said, smiling, with a fake tone of compromise. Xena smiled, thinking she'd gotten her way. She took the bard's hand in hers and returned to her wine. Gabrielle, however, was not so easily defeated. “But…” She left the word hanging in the air.



Dammit! Xena thought. There's that word again. But.

“But, if you don't wanna dance, I'll just have to go find someone else who will.” The bard said with eyes innocently looking towards the ceiling.

“What?”

“Please Xena, I know hearing is one of your many skills. Now, if you don't wanna dance, I'll just go find someone who will. Mmmm…let's seee.” Gabrielle feigned deep thought for a moment, trying to goad the warrior even more. “There's always anyone here. Hmph…maybe Varia, I know she was pretty eager last time.”

“Well, when I said I didn't want to dance…..” Xena began, but was interrupted by Gabrielle continued on.

“Oh I know. I can call Aphrodite!” Gabrielle spoke in enthusiasm when Xena's eyes shot up to twice their normal size. “Yeh, she said I'll I had to do is just call and she'd be here. I could do that. She loves to dance. You should have seen the last time she was here. Woo! Not only did we dance, but we kicked off and entire Amazon moon festival…aka orgy. That was fun.” She smiled as she watched Xena squirm.

“APHRO…” Gabrielle yelled out, but was silenced by a steady hand over her mouth. It belonged to one deliciously jealous Warrior Princess.

Xena was now completely flustered at Gabrielle's words. Jealous, I haven't been jealous in forever….well since the last one of Gabrielle's little boy…girl toys. Just no one can get to me like she does. Xena thought retrospectively. Who are you kidding Xena? You love the way she gets to you.


“You want to dance? I love dancing. Let's go.” Xena pulled Gabrielle on to the floor. The bard grinned smugly, she loved getting her way.

The dancing Amazons moved out of their way, allowing the couple some allotted space to groove. The beat was somber and reflective….and just a little but sexy. Gabrielle reveled in the music as Xena lad her to the center of the floor.

The warrior took the lead, placing two confident hands around Gabrielle's waist. The bard responded in kind, putting her arms around Xena's neck. They began to sway lightly to the music, together.

“See, this isn't so bad.” Gabrielle remarked, reveling in her small victory.

“Yeh.” Xena said with a raised eye brow. “I could get used to this. A pretty blond in my arms.” The warrior smiled and let her hands roam down to Gabrielle's derriere and gave it a guilty pinch. The moved earned a short yelp from the bard. “Oh yeh, I could definitely get used to this!”

Gabrielle smiled at her companion's obvious enjoyment of the situation. She leaned her head forward as placed it comfortably in the crook of Xena's neck. Strange, Gabrielle thought. My head fits so perfectly there. It was funny, they seemed to fit so perfectly together. Obviously, we were meant to be.

Xena was simply reveling in the closeness. She had forgotten about the hungry eyes watching her. She'd forgotten about everyone else in the room because to her, there was no one else. Only her and the woman she loved. Gabrielle was huddled closely to her, fitting perfectly within her arms.

This was the way it was supposed to be. Xena thought as she let out a heavy sigh. Gabrielle felt the deep release of breath and came out from within her little hiding place to see what it was all about.

“What was that for?” She said, indicating the sigh. “This is supposed to be fun.”

“Oh, it is fun.” Xena assured with a genuine smile. “I was just thinking, you know. This just feels so right. We just fit together, just right. Like we were made for each other, you know.” The warrior spoke introspectively.

Gabrielle felt an innocent tear fall down her cheek at the warrior's sentiment. Geez, when she decides to speak she really says it all. Xena watched hesitantly for Gabrielle's response, feeling a bit sheepish at the depth of her words.

“I guess that's stupid, forget it.”

Ohh, Gabrielle thought. Sometimes I forget how truly insecure she can be.

“No, no it's not stupid Xena. Actually I was thinking the same thing.”

“Really?” The warrior spoke with child like wonder.

“Yeh, really.” She grinned confidently before regaining her spot on the warrior's shoulder.

Just then the music changed pace. It went from a somber beat to a more seductive rhythm. Xena noted the change but was content to remain the way she was, lightly swaying with a bard in her arms. Gabrielle, however, had other things in mind.

One of the arms around Xena's neck was gently removed. A liberal hand began a journey down the length of the warrior's body. The warrior shuddered at the contact. Gabrielle made a slow descent down to Xena's waist as dropped a firm hand, grasping onto the lower back. The taller woman simply smiled at the contact.

“Now I have you.” Gabrielle said in a sultry tone.

And it was true.

“You do have me.” Xena repeated, looking deep into a sea of green. “You have me in everyway. You always have. Forever.” She remarked honestly.

The bard was moved beyond words. A rare condition that she seemed to be coming down with a lot more often. She decided humor was best to lighten the mood.

“You know you better be careful oh Mighty Warrior Princess. All these kind words lately and feelings. Next thing you know you might be asking to share my feelings and be giving ritual hugs.” She laughed light heartedly.

“Am I really that bad?” Xena asked honestly.

“Xena, I was joking. Come on. Besides, I understand. You can't get too mushy, it'll ruin your image. Remember, I like 'em rough and tough. And, especially the strong silent type.”

Xena smiled slightly at the comment but still had her reservations. Don't I tell her how I feel? Obviously not enough. She's everything to me. It's about time she knew as much. I've got my second chance. I can't blow it.

Gabrielle saw Xena lost in her thoughts as was determined to bring her out.

“Hey…” Gabrielle said with no avail. “ Heeellloooo…Xena.” Still, the warrior remained in her thoughts. The bard would have to resort to more drastic measures. She bent her head back into the crook of Xena's neck and gave her a quick little nip.

“Ouch! Hey.” Xena exclaimed looked down at her little culprit.

“Ouch?! A little bite and ouch?! Xena: Warrior Baby!”

“Hey, that did hurt!” She brought a hand up to her neck.

“Did not!” Gabrielle defended herself, maturely sticking out her tongue.

“That's nice.” She said alluding to the protruding tongue. “If I only knew you still had some bacchae blood I you…”

“Well you know, every few moons or so the monster is unleashed and I attack an unsuspecting, defenseless young girl.”

“Defenseless?”

“Of course. No one can quite resist my charm!” She cackled devilishly.

“I'll drink to that.” Xena agreed, bending down and taking her own little bit of the bard. “Tasty, I guess we both have a little Bacchae left.”

“Hmmm…would seem so.” Gabrielle agreed, letting several moments of slow silence pass between them.

“Gabrielle, about what you said earlier about me not telling you …” The bard prudently interrupted.

“Xena stop, ok. It was a joke. I wasn't serious.” But, the bard saw that Xena still was not convinced. “You do tell me how you feel, everyday.”

“Its different kind of communication. You don't say it in words. But, your actions, your gestures, they all tell me how much you love me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like the way you always make sure that my ink well on my desk is full. Or how you always give me the last piece of bread, even though you're still hungry. Or, how you stay up at night and listen to my stories, even though I know all you'd rather do is go to sleep.”

Xena cocked a comical eyebrow.

“Well maybe not all you'd rather do. The point is I know how you feel. You tell me everyday. I use words, you use actions. But we still love each other just the same. Ok.”

Xena nodded in agreement.

“No more feeling guilty?”

"I can't promise that.”

“Can you try? For me?”

“I'll try, just for you.”

“Good!” Gabrielle smiled giddily and placed a gentle kiss upon the warrior's lips before returning to the warrior's shoulder. Xena began a more seductive sway to reflect the beat. She placed her head on top of Gabrielle's head and intook a deep breath and inhaled the scent of the bard. This is how it was meant to be.

A trail of wet nibbling awoken Xena from her thoughts. It seemed the bard had more then just a little Bacchae in her tonight. Gabrielle started a nice wet trail of kissing on Xena's neck, then she began to move to the shoulder, giving it adequate attention.

The bard worked her way down the Warrior's neck to her collarbone and began to give it her full attention. For a moment, Xena was able to simply revel in the contact. But, before long, the rest of the word came back to her and the Warrior Princess became very aware of their illustrious onlookers.

“Gabrielle…” Xena only half heartedly protested. The bard paid her no heed and continued on with her feast. “Gabrielle…..” She spoke up again.

“What? I'm enjoying my meal!” She bent down and took another kiss. “Tasty!”

“But, Gabrielle, everyone's looking!”

“Really! And, you being the model of modesty would care why….?” Xena, instead of giving a vocal response, raised an eyebrow to the bard's words. “Xena, I don't care!”

“Really! And, since when have you become the little exhibitionist?”

“Well, since I fell in love. I don't care who's here or who sees. All that matters is us.” Gabrielle said, leaning forward, placing her lips upon the warrior's.

All that matters is us. It was beautifully true. Xena stopped her half efforts to thwart the bard and simply succumbed to temptation. Oh hell, let 'em watch. We'll give them something to talk about this week. The queen and the consort getting it on on the dance floor. She deeply returned the kiss and let her hands begin quest across the bard's body.

She began a light but fluid motion of drawing her hands up and down Gabrielle's back in synch with the music. Gabrielle, for her part, kept one hand pleasurably massaging the warrior's neck. While the other hand kept inching lower and lower down the Warrior's back.

The two meshed into each other. They truly did fit together perfectly. The music drew them in, revealing deeper passions, pushing them further and further to the surface.

For Xena the room was spinning, Gabrielle was making it do so. Her eyes, her head, her thoughts were filled with nothing else but the woman before her. The woman she loved: Gabrielle. It didn't matter that other people were there. Gabrielle was here, that was enough. That was everything. Sometime I should tell her that.

Gabrielle was just reveling in the intimacy they were sharing. It was so rare to get Xena to be so attentive and loving in public. Not that the warrior wasn't loving, but Xena had two sides. One she wore for the world, and one she wore for Gabrielle. It was very rare that the two ever meshed. Tonight they did, and it was all Gabrielle could do to relish the rare occurrence.

The music played on and they continued to dance. Unbenounced to them, the entire floor had cleared out. Simply everyone was dying to have a gander at their beloved queen and her beloved Warrior Princess. But, tonight their looks were not of loyalty or of respect, although they felt it deep within their heart. Their looks were of desire. Of surfacing passion which the two inspired. Oh yes, there would be no early nights for any Amazon tonight.

Things were getting hot. Too hot. Xena was feeling much too turned on. Not that any of that was a bad thing. But, she was losing her control. She wanted Gabrielle. She wanted her now. If they continued this seduction, here and now, she was afraid she could not be able to stop when prudence called for it.

Gabrielle too was feeling the loss of control and the temptation of chaos. WE could really have an actual orgy! The idea spun around for a moment before being quickly discarded. Plan B…let's get the Hell out of here!

“Let's get out of here.” Xena said in abandonment. Gabrielle shook her head in agreement and the two slipped out of the gathering, hand in hand.

They went for the hut in a mad dash and, after what seemed like forever, finally made it. Xena began the arduous task of removing her armor. But, with years of experience, it flew off and landed precariously on the floor.

Gabrielle was lost within herself and simply followed Xena's lead. The two barely made it over to the bed before collapsing unto each other. Xena initiated a series of very passionate kisses that lasted not quite long enough.

Xena began descending her kisses lower, but the bard stopped her, bringing her mouth back up upon hers. Another series of delicious kisses ensued. Xena made yet another attempt to push the contact further, but this time Gabrielle verbally stopped her.

“Stop.” She voiced breathlessly. Xena simply smiled and continued on with her menstruations. Gabrielle allowed her to do so for several minutes before regaining her will.

“No, Xena I'm serious. Stop.” She emphasized her words by giving the warrior a short push back.

Xena took the shove with stride and raised a hand to her chest as if she'd been burned. Rejection, it was always worse from the one you love.

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing….everything.” Gabrielle answered cryptically, still leaving the warrior princess completely in the dark.

“I thought everything was ok. You said everything was ok.” She stared, pleadingly.

Again with the fear, Gabrielle thought, sometimes I really forget how truly insecure she is. We'll have to work on that.

“Everything is ok Xena, I promise.”

“But…but I thought you wanted this.”

“I did…I do…but…” She stuttered for an answer.

“But what?” Xena asked feverently, fearing the worst.

“Everything's happening so fast. I promised myself I would wait. And, I wanna wait.”

“Wait for what?”

“This….us… being together. I mean, I still a little confused about everything that we've been through. I don't want to complicate things even more.”

“But it never has before.” Xena said, leaning in so the full length of their bodies were touching.

“But it does now. You know how I said I wanted more time for just us. I think, I think we should spend it without sex. You know, so we can focus more on us.”

Well, not as bad as she thought. Xena, in truth, didn't quite understand why Gabrielle wanted to wait or what purpose it would serve. But, if that's what her bard wanted then that's what her bard got. I'm willing to wait for her. I'm willing to do anything for her.

“So you want to wait? Till when?” She asked in as even a tone as she could muster.

“I don't know. I'm not saying forever, just until I'm sure everything is fixed. I want the next time to be absolutely perfect, you know. I don't want to take anything for granted.” She blushed at her won sentiment. “Probably think it's stupid.” She hung her head.

“No.” She lifted the bard's chin up. “Hey, no I don't. It's not the root I would have taken, but I understand what you're getting at. I think it's a good idea. Let's wait until we are perfectly settled.”

“Thank you Xena.”

“So does this mean no nothing?”

“No, no that's not what I'm saying. I mean kissing, cuddling and all that is completely ok. Just no…you know.”

“Sex.” The bard's less modest companion finished for her.

“Yeh.”

“So…” Xena began moving in and placing a light kiss on the base of the bard's neck. “This is ok.” She finished as she worked her way up to an inch from the bard's lips.

“Ok.” Gabrielle answered.

“And this is ok?” The warrior asked as she descended upon the bard's lips for a passionate kiss that left them both a little too unsatisfied.

“Very ok!”

As they continued on, Xena stuck to her promise. They didn't do….it. They came very close several times, and at the end of the night they were both needing, but they maintained.

And, at the end of the night, they held each other until the sun came up. It was nice…It wasn't…it.

But, for now, it was enough.

*****

The day had been pleasantly uneventful.

The two had rode, side by side throughout the day. Several times, sharing a horse had been brought up. But, Gabrielle conceded that it was simply too much temptation for either one to resist. They had talked, light chit chat about everything.

Most of it was in good spirit, but some conversation had been of the more serious nature. Xena had asked about Aphrodite, and Gabrielle openly answered. She told Xena about their precarious arrangement, but assured the warrior it was nothing more then a deep friendship.

“A friendship with perks.” She explained, giggling to lighten the situation. Xena grudgingly accepted it and they moved on.

Gabrielle had asked Xena about her little encounter with Ares. Xena was reluctant to explain, but she knew it was the only way either one would get over it. She explained tat Ares had caught her at a weak moment, she wanted to feel good. He offered that and she was not in any condition to resist.

It had been purely sex, nothing else. It only served to further her torment and she wished it had never happened. Everyday they were apart; she wished she could take it back. In the end, it only made her feel more hollow then before.

“Because it was just sex.” The warrior admitted. At first, I tried to somehow justify it but saying that maybe he meant something to me. But, I knew he didn't. I knew it didn't. It was nothing.”

And that was the end of it. They had both confessed to their indiscretions and they both forgave each other. It may never be forgotten, but they could both say concretely that they had moved on.

Night came quicker then either had realized and before long they were both looking for a place to set up camp. The cave would have been a nice choice, except it was out of range. They had made good time today and traveled far away from Amazonia. Gabrielle had been keenly impressed, but it had been Xena's plan all along. She wanted to be far from that place as soon as possible. The bad memories definitely outweighed the good….for now.

When we go back I'll have to work on that.

Xena spotted a serene little spot right under a giant tree by a small stream. Perfect, she thought as she veered the horse in the direction.

“What do you think?” Xena asked, pointing to the secluded area. Gabrielle looked up to the delicious hollow and gave a genuine grin.

“Perfect!” She exclaimed as they rode off towards the direction. I knew it, Xena smiled despite herself.

They soon reached the spot and routinely began to set up camp. They feel in sync and it was as if no time had even passed. Once the area was set up, Xena began to pick up some of her gear and headed out to hunt…or was about to head out when she was stopped by a strong hand on her shoulder.

“Stay.” Gabrielle spoke innocently.

“I was just going to scrounge us up something to eat. These field look like decent hunting grounds.”

“We have plenty of trail rations, plus there is a stream right there. Why don't we just have fish tonight?”

“But, I know prefer rabbit to fish, we just had that the other night.”

“I know, but…”

“Is something wrong?” Xena asked honestly.

“No, I just want you stay.” She blushingly admitted. Xena was touched by the sentiment and was all too happy to stay. Who needs rabbit anyway?

“Ok, I'll stay.” Gabrielle grinned and Xena couldn't help but return it. “So you want fish do you? Well, let's see what I can do about that.”

The meal had been superb. Sometimes Xena forgot just how great of a cook Gabrielle really was. Just another one of those little things I love about her. I wonder if I ever told her that.

Gabrielle was secure in a full belly. She had turned their meager means into a feast fit for two. Everything had been perfect. They'd had idol chit chat over the meal and then they'd both helped to clear away the remains, which there weren't much of. Both had truly ate their full. After that, they'd taken short baths. Separate bathes, in the stream. It would have been simply too easy any other way.

Now they were simply lying on their backs, gazing at the stars. They were beautiful, it was beautiful. In Gabrielle's eyes, everything tonight was beautiful.

“Gabrielle.” Xena called.

“Yeh.”

“That was really great. You truly are a master when it comes to meals.”

“Why thank you.” Gabrielle responded in kind, turning slightly crimson at the praise. “Wasn't too bad it I do say so myself. You know today, just riding and talking with you, it was really nice. No despots to foil, no damsels in distress, just us being us. I really loved that.”

“Me too.” Xena agreed, taking the bard's hand within her own. “So what does that one look like?” She pointed up to the sky.

They discussed the stars until they were both too tired to keep their eyes open. Then, Gabrielle crawled over to Xena and placed her head on the warrior's shoulder. Then she brought an arm around to securely hold the Warrior Princess within her grasp. Xena indulgently enjoyed the bard's possession of her and took it in stride. There they fell asleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

And that, that was beautiful.