For the third morning in a row, I woke up abruptly, my whole body drenched in a cold sweat. My heart was pounding in my chest, but even more incessant than that was the itching in my nipples and the pounding between my thighs. My brain was racing with certain thoughts, and I suddenly found myself having to clench my teeth to keep from acting them out. Gabrielle, as usual, had draped herself over me in our sleep. Her shiny blonde hair barely tickled my nose, and her arm was wrapped firmly around my waist. It took just a little bit of my focus to realize her mouth was very near the peak of my right breast. I could feel the heat of each of her exhaled breaths, even through the material of my shift.

I fought back a shudder, and then gave her a slight shake. She grumbled something in her sleep, and rolled off of me, her subconscious familiar with the routine. I freed myself from her embrace, and quickly made my way away from the camp.

I didn't like what was happening, but didn't know how else to handle the situation. The images I had been dreaming about were beginning to sneak into my wakeful moments. I had walked a distance from where Gabrielle lay sleeping, and leaned back against a tree. It was the exact same kind of tree I had used with Gabrielle. It wasn't a coincidence that I chose it.

Gods, I no sooner had my back against the tree before the images started. They infiltrated my thoughts like a fever. Yes, I was as sick as the time I got hit with the poisoned dart Callisto shot me with. That time, I was able to slow my life's functions to the point that I was scarcely alive. I used that conserved energy to heal myself. I couldn't do that this time. I knew there was no way I could heal this particular fever on my own.

I couldn't hold back the groan as I lost my battle with my own body. It was with great shame that I reached underneath my shift with my right hand. My breeches were sodden with my excitement, as they had been constantly the last few days. I shoved my hand underneath them, and my fingers came into contact with my own swollen flesh. A shiver ran through me, and I didn't fight back the visions this time.

Another groaned bubbled forth as my arousal increased impossibly more. I reached up with my left hand and pushed it under the top of my shift, latching on to a nipple, pulling sharply at it. Damn Ares and those Furies! Gabrielle's face, her voice, the vines, my desires…everything flashed before my eyes in a series of images that enflamed me beyond reason. The final image came…the one that had been accompanying my climaxes the last few days, and with a grunt, I came, my inner muscles clamping down on my own fingers. The orgasm was strong, and helped me curb my lust a small amount. But this wasn't the first time I had done this the last few days, and each time, my lust was eased a little bit less. It was only a matter of times before my fingers wouldn't help at all.

I heard Gabrielle calling my name, and I jerked my breeches back into place. Without thought, I called back, "Over here!" I felt dirty. Dirty for what I had just done…dirty for hiding the evidence…and most of all, dirty for the thoughts that where bringing all this on. I wiped my sticky fingers on the grass around the tree, and glanced down at myself. Gods, my nipples had constricted so hard they looked like dagger's points. The flesh surrounding them was so blood-engorged; the dark circles were clearly evident through the material of the shift. Gabrielle was almost there, and I hastily crossed my arms to cover the telltale signs.

"There you are!" she smiled as she approached me. Zeus, but she was even more alluring beautiful this morning than ever! Her hair was sleep tousled, and shone brightly as shafts of sunlight hit it. She was wearing one of my shifts, which was way too big for her. It made her look more petite and more like a little girl than a woman. I held my breath, fighting my impulse to grab her.

"Xena?" she was saying as she moved nearer. I tried to back away, but the tree was still supporting me. My eyes darted from side to side as I sought an escape route. She asked what was wrong, and I saw fear in her eyes as her legs covered an amazing amount of space in just a few strides. She was in front of me almost instantly.

I took another deep breath, and somehow found the strength to relax. I forced a smile across my face. "Nothing's wrong," I answered. I couldn't stop the quaver in my voice, and it was so low that it vibrated my chest. I shrugged. "Nature called.'

In a sense, it was true. Gabrielle peered up at me, her emerald eyes sparkling. She nodded, and then said brightly, "Good morning."

My smile didn't falter until she stood on tiptoes to press her lips to mine. Her mouth was warm and soft under mine, and opened hungrily to me. I heard a moan, and knew it came from me. I wrenched my head away suddenly.

It was long seconds before I could compose myself to look at her again. I didn't know what expression to expect from her.

Finally, I opened my eyes. She was still studying me, her face full of concern. She told me my face was flushed. She reached a hand up, and it felt so cool against the heat of my face. "You feel feverish," she told me.

Once again, I abruptly pulled away. I snapped at her that I wasn't sick.

She murmured that something was wrong, and she reached for my face again.

This time I sidestepped her, growling, "Don't touch me." My voice sounded dangerous.

Her eyes grew wide as she realized I was being deadly serious, then I saw the hurt there. Gods, I couldn't stand that look!

"Sorry," I stammered, with what I hoped was an apologetic smile." I just feel uncomfortable without my weapons close by. Let's get back to camp."

She hesitated a second, then took my outstretched hand. We didn't speak as we walked. I suddenly didn't trust my own voice, and she seemed lost in thought. The air was pregnant around us.

We began to break camp in a routine that was very familiar, and required no talking. After making sure the fire was out, I whistled for Argo, and saddled her, then climbed on her back. Gabrielle walked along side, and we resumed our travel toward Paone.

Silence reigned for quite a while, but I was growing increasingly more uncomfortable. I glanced occasionally at my partner, and each time, she was looking back at me, her eyes wide with confusion. She was probably thinking the worst of me, and my impulses went beyond that even. Now not only did I feel guilty for what I wanted to do with her, but I also began to feel guilty for confusing her so much.

"Look, I'm sorry," I finally said.

Her eyes widened as my words sunk in. She knew apologies didn't come easy for me. But she didn't speak; she just turned her head pointedly and watched the path ahead of us. She wasn't going to let me off that easily.

I sighed, feeling her irritability from my perch on Argo's back. I tried again. "There is something wrong, Gabrielle, and it's not a fever. It also has nothing to do with you. It's me, and it's something I have to work through on my own. I'm trying…"

Gabrielle muttered something, and I thought I knew what she was asking, but I made her repeat it. "Are you sure the problem doesn't involve someone else?"

I couldn't believe my ears, and swung down out of the saddle to land in front of her, startling her. She didn't have fear in her eyes though, now they were just blazing daggers at me. "How can you ask that?" I demanded, more harshly than I would have liked.

Her voice was just as angry now. "What do you think, Xena? In the last three days you have changed! You don't want to touch me, you don't want to talk to me, and when you look at me, you look as if you want to chew me up and spit me out! If it doesn't involve me, then it has to involve someone else! Did you meet up with an old friend in Amphipolis that reminded you how things used to be?" Her voice faltered on the last words, and I realized she was far more aware of a problem than I had thought.

I saw her tears then, and softening, I pulled her to me. "No, My Love, there is no one else," I promised her. "I love only you." I wrapped one of my hands in her hair, and made beseeching moments on her back, comforting her. The lust that had overpowered me the last few days abated a bit. A bit.

She was sobbing now. "You don't want to make love, and I smell you on your own fingers. What have I done that makes you want yourself more than me?" I groaned, knowing I had been had. She was far more observant than I had given her credit for.I had to find some way to make it right.

"Gabrielle," I began, my voice soothing, and she clung to me tighter. "It's difficult to explain…I want you more than ever…but I'm afraid…" What was I afraid of? Frightening her? Letting myself go? Losing her?

She was studying me intently. "Xena, does this have something to do with the Furies?"

Gods, she was so good! How she had figured this one out was beyond me, and she could tell by the way that I stiffened that there was truth in her own words. Her demeanor suddenly changed, and she began tracing a finger over my breastplate. Her voice held a chuckle in it, as she breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "I think I'm getting closer…I knew it was one of three things…either you were sick…there was someone else…or…not all the things the Furies did to you were that unpleasant, were they?"

I released her abruptly and pushed her away, so I could stare into her face. Her lips were parted, her eyes narrowed, and she was looking at me with that combination of love and lust I had learned to live for.

"Do you have any clue what you are saying?" I asked her, when I finally found my voice.

"Oh yes," she purred back, and her hand was suddenly hovering below my nose. "I've been thinking about it too."

Gods, the scent on her fingers was her own! I grabbed her hand and sucked three fingers into my mouth, violently licking at the flavor of her desire. The images flew into my mind again, but this time, they were different, as Gabrielle wasn't whimpering in fear, but moaning in pleasure. I felt my juices flowing freely. Once again, I thanked the gods for finding such a perfect match for me.

I released her fingers, and gave her a smoldering look. "Not now," I promised her in my low voice. "Tonight…we'll see if we both want the same thing. Just remember, I love you."

"And I love you. I trust you."

I let myself go and chuckled menacingly. "We'll see," I said, and swung back up into the saddle.

We continued to move along, not discussing that particular subject any more, but moving on to other more familiar topics of conversation. I felt as though a great curtain had been pulled from my eyes, and could breathe easier as the day ebbed on. Gabrielle may not know exactly what she was in for, but she was at least willing to give it a try, and it was far more than I had dared to hope for. I prayed I could stop myself if she didn't like what happened, but the glances she continued to give me were sending signals that I underestimated my bard, and that I may have missed a few signals of her own she been sending.

I thought back to our relationship over the last six months, since we had finally consummated our love in that tavern in Pergos. Our expressions of love were often, and the most intense I'd ever had. Sometimes Gabrielle took the lead, teasing and tormenting me with her hands and mouth until I was squirming for release beneath her, but more often it was the opposite. The few times I had gotten really excited and held her down to the ground, restraining her arms, she had mewled and fought and finally succumbed with great fervor. But it was a matter of letting her hands go, and she would pounce on me with the same eagerness, sometimes doing a little restraining of her own.

Gods, it was a mistake to think about this! The steady gait of Argo rubbed the saddle against my sensitized core, and I was beginning to wonder if I could make it until tonight. I wanted the cloak of darkness to offer a bit of mystery and some privacy, but nighttime seemed so far away.

In the long run, I should be grateful for the interruption the group of attacking highwaymen provided. There were ten of them, and they weren't particularly skilled, but as Gabrielle and I crashed and bashed, one of them got through my distracted defenses, and cut a wide gash down my thigh with his sword. It bled profusely, but didn't hurt much, and it was only a matter of time before the thugs turned tail and ran.

Gabrielle grinned triumphantly, savoring another victory, then whirled toward me. "You're hurt," she stated the obvious. "Let me check it out."

"It's okay," I said, through clenched teeth. "Let's get off the path before we clean it."

She took one look at the hazy state of my eyes, and nodded, as if in a trance. I led her through the brush, and we found a clearing. I sat down on a fallen tree, and reached into my saddlebag, to retrieve my healing kit. Gabrielle knelt on one knee, and placed a hand on my good thigh. "Let me take care of that," she said, her eyes glowing. She could see the cut wasn't that serious.

The combination of lust from the last few days egged on with the brief fight and her loving touch was quickly taking its toll on my newly restored sanity. "Go get some firewood," I told her. "And make camp. I'll take care of this…and don't touch me again until I tell you."

She jerked her hand back as though it had been burned, but I could see she wasn't going to question me. She had to be aware of the passion that was flowing through me in waves. I could sense her own.

Without another word, she moved to do my bidding, while I cleaned the cut. It wasn't deep enough for stitches, so I bound it with a clean cloth and immediately forgot about it. Gabrielle was back with an armload of firewood, and watching her bend to build the campfire became a most pleasant task. Her breasts strained against the material of her shirt, offering me a wonderful view of her ample cleavage. And she pointedly walked to the near side of the campfire, so I could get a view of her backside as well. I could feel my hands tighten into claws, wanting to sink my fingers in her flesh, burrowing my face in the cleft of her perfect ass. But not yet…

I stood up. "I'll be back later," I growled. "Be ready."

I could feel her eyes follow me as I strode purposely from the camp. That ought to make her stew! Let her figure out what "Be ready," meant. As far as I'm concerned, she was quite ready as it was.

I didn't go far…just far enough to think through what I intended to do. This wouldn't be the first time I had used these tactics. Not by a long shot. But this would be the first time I had done it with someone I loved. Someone I would never hurt intentionally. Someone I wanted to bring to the point of ecstasy repeatedly. I suddenly realized that I didn't want this for me. I wanted this for her. I wanted to bring a new realm to our lovemaking that would open up many many doors for us…for her.

<br>I took to the trees as the sun finally began to dip below the horizon. She was there at the camp, sitting on the same tree trunk I had used. A scroll was on her lap, but she wasn't writing in it. She was sitting nervously, occasionally looking around, sensing I was near. I watched her for a long time, letting her own mind enflame her. Oh yes, this was going to be good.

Finally, she laid the scroll aside. She stood, and stretched, her breasts straining at the front of her shirt. I held my breath, waiting to see what she would do. She knew for sure now that I was watching her.

Gods, what a minx! She lay down on top of MY bedroll, and picked up MY whip, which I had left beside MY saddlebag. She began running her fingers over the length of it, caressing the leather as she liked to caress the leather of my battle dress. Oh gods, was she asking for it!

I jumped from the tree silently, and with a few steps, was standing above her. The sky was dark now, and there was no moon. I knew the campfire would throw flickering light on my features, and I had no problem putting a sneer on my face. My teeth flashed in the ebony night.

"What are you doing with my things, Gabrielle?" I asked.

She looked at me with that little girl expression, and I bent down. I grasped the front of her shirt. "Do you like my whip? You like the way it feels beneath your touch?"

She gulped up at me, speechless for once. I used it to my advantage. "My whip is just like me, Gabrielle," I breathed in her ear. "It has many skills." I ripped the leather from her hands, and lifted her with my other. "Let me demonstrate."

I pulled her roughly behind me, until we were at the edge of the clearing. Gabrielle's eyes widened when she saw the tree, the vines already in place. "Look familiar?" I sneered, and then I shoved her back against it. She whimpered as I wrapped the vines around her arms and legs, and tied her securely against the tree. She could move her fingers and toes, and that was about it.

I sensed her fear, and had to put her mind at ease before I continued. I leaned forward so my mouth was near enough her ear for my breath to tickle it. "I did this before, and told you I couldn't be trusted. This time you can trust me, but we don't have to do this. Tell me now, do you want me to stop?"

Her head pulled toward me. "Gods, no, don't stop!" she pleaded, and my mouth bore down on hers hard, my tongue plundering her mouth. Three days of pent up frustration were in that kiss, and we both felt it plow through our bodies. She sucked on my tongue, not wanting to end the moment, but I had far more in store for her. I tore myself away, and stepped back.

I curled the whip over my shoulder, and crossed my arms over my armor as I studied her up and down. She squirmed against the tree, and I caught a glimmer of wetness on her thigh. "Excited?" I asked.

"Xena," was all she could manage, and her eyes drifted close as she shuddered. I was close to her in seconds.

"Keep those beautiful greens open, Gabrielle. I want you to watch everything I do to you. If you can't keep them open, I'll blindfold you and you'll regret it, I assure you!"

Her eyes snapped open again in a heartbeat, and I chuckled, satisfied. I stuck my tongue out and licked across her lips, which opened to me for another kiss. But I resisted, and stepped back.

"Do you want me to keep my armor on, Gabrielle?" I asked, rubbing my hands up my stomach and over my breastplate. "I know how you like the way it looks on me. Or do you want me naked? So you can see what you do to me?"

She licked her lips, where my tongue had been seconds before. "I don't know," she whispered.

I smiled freely. "Decisions, decisions," I seemingly mused. I had decided long ago the answer. "I think I'll do this naked…makes for easier access for myself."

That earned another shiver from her, and I slowly removed my armor for her. The gauntlets and armbands were first, then the boots. Next was the breastplate, and then I reached behind me to unfasten my leathers. Clad only in my shift, I took my time carrying my clothes back to my bedroll, bending over deeply. I heard her gasp as she saw that I had removed my breeches hours ago. I'm sure she could see my glistening center. All that stood between nudity and me was my shift.

I picked up my whip, and moved to stand before her, and lowered the straps on each side of the shift. "Do you want me to take it off?" I asked.

"Yes, please," she breathed.

I grasped the bottom of the shift, and then hesitated. Her eyes pleaded with me to continue. I released the hem. "Xena, please! I want to see you!"

I shook my head at her, enjoying this game. "I don't think so…not yet. I like the way the cloth scratches at my breasts. It feels good." I saw her gulp as I widened my legs in front of her. "Do you play with your nipples when you touch yourself, Gabrielle?" I asked. My center clenched with my words, and I saw it had the same effect on her.

"Well?"

"Yes, Xena." Her face was pink.

"That's what I thought. Your nipples are very sensitive. I like the way they stand out so firm when I touch them." I stepped forward, and brushed my hands across her chest. "Oo…they are already so hard." I was tempted to use my dagger to release the lacings, but we didn't have any replacements in our supplies. Gotta remember to get some at Paone!

I untied the laces, and her breasts sprang free. Her nipples were a dark pink, and tightened to the point of delightful little nubs. The skin of her areoles were pebbled and constricted. Gods, was she ever ready!

"You have lovely breasts," I crooned, and I reached up to scrape my fingers along the sides of them. Light pink streaks appeared immediately, but it wasn't because I had hurt her. Her light skin had a tendency to do that. "And your nipples…gods, I could suck on them for hours." I tweaked them both, harder than usual, and she squirmed. I saw more juices making its way down her thighs. "Do you want me to suck them, Gabrielle?"

"By the gods, yes!"

Her begging eyes were almost my undoing, but I held my ground. "Later," I promised, and I ran my nails over her stomach. She sucked in her breath, so her abs shrank away from my touch. "Don't want my hands on you? Oh well."

She whimpered more strongly as I reached for my shift and removed it swiftly. I pointedly draped the whip over my shoulder and stood proudly before her, my aroused body betraying my own desires. "I'll use my hands on myself, then."

Her mouth and eyes gaped as I ran my hands over my neck and down to my breast. "Did you know that I can suck my own nipples, Gabrielle? Can you do that?" She nodded, not trusting her voice. I lowered my head and pulled my breast close to my mouth. "It's very nice, but not nearly as nice as your mouth tugging on me." I released the breast, and my hands began moving down over my own stomach. "But we have to save something for later…I'm too wet to think about that right now."

I ran a hand through my folds, and held it up in the camp light. My fingers were glistening. I held the hand near my mouth. "Do you want a taste, Gabrielle?"

"Yes, please."

I chuckled again, knowing I was being cruel, but knowing it would be worth it. Stepping closer, I ran my wet hand over the tips of her breasts. She groaned. The scent of my center was surrounding her now. Her tongue slipped out. "Please?"

My smile returned. "Only if you're a good girl," I said. I returned my hand to my cove, and it made a sloshing sound. Gods, I was drenched!

"Oh, this is nice," I purred, my eyes never leaving her. My breathing grew deeper. "How many fingers do you use when you touch yourself, Gabrielle?"


She wriggled against her bonds, and didn't answer. "How many!"

"Thr-three."

I held up three of my long digits. "Three is a nice number…just enough to fill without straining too much. My fingers are much bigger than yours."

She just made a little sound as she continued to stare at me. "Do you ever use four?"

"Y-yes."

"Me too," and I plunged four fingers into my vagina, moaning at the sensation. This little game was exciting me as much as it was exciting Gabrielle. I pumped my hand a few times, and my thumb brushed against my clitoris. I considered having a good come in front of her, but decided to torment myself too. As my stomach began to contract with an orgasm, I pulled my hand away leaving my inner muscles to spasm at nothing, and my climax was denied. It hurt briefly, but I calmed myself, and then reached for her skirt.

"Let's get this out of the way…oh…you're a little damp!" The skirt removed…I dropped it so it pooled near her bound ankles. She was now clad only in her boots and underwear. I could see the dampness had permeated the crotch of her panties…and could clearly see the outline of her fleshy mound. I bent and removed her boots.

"What do you think about when you touch yourself, Gabrielle?" I asked, stoking my fingers over her mound, my touch feather light.

"You…always you."

"Really? You don't think about some of those cute boys you used to flaunt in front of me?"

"No…n-never."

"Are you sure?"

Tears were forming in her eyes, and I felt guilty. "Xena…it's always you. Those boys were to make you jealous…you know that."

"And what about Petracles…and Iolas? They weren't boys…"

She knew what I wanted and she gave it up to me. "They had been with you…I wanted to be as close to you as I could…" Her face reddened in shame at her confession, and she lowered her head in embarrassment.

"Don't cry," I said, my voice gentling. I leaned in and gave her a warm kiss, not demanding, not even sexual. "I just wanted to know if I had guessed right."

She shook for a few seconds, but I slipped lower and sucked a nipple into my mouth, stoking the fire. I was done with my questions about her past interest, knowing it was a very sensitive topic. I let my teeth nip her, and she was soon over her tears. I nursed at her roughly, my other hand kneading and pulling at the other breast. I could taste my own moisture on her breasts, and it caused my own core to convulse. After licking the other breast clean, I pressed my mouth to hers again, and this time, she could taste me. She drank me in, as I slid her underpants down her thighs to rest on top of the forgotten skirt.

I bent my legs a bit, and rubbed my pubic mound over her center. Her lubrications mingled with my own, and we were both soaked in a matter of seconds. Despite her bindings, she tried to press harder into me.

"Tell me what you want, Gabrielle," I whispered into her ear, as I pressed my own breasts firmly against hers. She managed to rub her nipples against my own, and I felt fresh fluids slice down both our legs. "What do you want me to do to you?"She couldn't answer, and I swirled my fingers suddenly through her sex. "You're so hot, Gabrielle…what do you want me to do to you?" She just continued to stare into my eyes, her mouth trying to form the words and failing.

I pulled away again, the sensation of losing her warmth leaving mine hitting me like a fist in the gut. "If you don't tell me, Gabrielle, I'll bring myself to climax and leave you tied to that tree so you can't do the same."

It was a promise she knew I'd keep. "I want you to touch me!" she screamed finally, into the night air.

"Where, Gabrielle?" I smiled, my hands inching toward my own sex.

"Everywhere…inside…I want you to fuck me, Xena…Gods, I want you to fuck me until I cum all over you!"

That was even better than I had hoped for. "What about my mouth, Gabrielle? Do you want me to use my tongue?"

"I want your hand, Xena,…" she said finally. Her voice was quiet and shaky. "I want it hard…I know you want to give it to me hard. Fuck me, Xena."

Ah! Finally, I had what I wanted. She loved it when I used my mouth…of that, I had no doubt. But tonight, I had worked her into such a fury that my mouth would be too gentle for her…she wanted to be taken…just as she put it…hard.

The whip had been curled over my bare shoulder the whole time. I indicated it in the light of the campfire. "You want it hard?"

I saw the terror in her eyes briefly, and then she remembered my words to trust me. "Hard…" she whispered back.

I ran a hand through across the juncture of her thighs. It came away drenched. Before she could protest, I pressed the hand to her mouth, and my own mouth lowered to hers. Together, we licked my hand clean, our tongues brushing each other and our breaths blowing across the other. Leaving my mouth there, I reached down and plunged two fingers deep inside.

"Gods, yes!" I heard her groan out her relief against me as I began to move my hand in a pistoning motion. Another finger slipped inside and I began pumping in earnest, lifting her to her tiptoes with the motion.

"Hard enough?" I snarled.

Her eyes found mine. "More," she pled, and I immediately added another finger. Four fingers…she had never taken that many but I slipped inside her easily. She was producing enough oils for more, but I sensed this was enough for now.

Her body began to wrack in great shudders, and I could feel her breathing pick up speed. Her nipples reached out toward me, and her mouth grew lax beneath me. She was so close.

I stopped, and she screamed at me.

"Why?"

I pulled the whip from my shoulder, and eyed her curiously. "Something wrong?"

Her eyes were gleaming in frustration, and her breasts were heaving. "Are you trying to kill me?" she demanded, her power of speech evidently restored.

I stepped forward and caressed the side of her face with my whip handle. "No, my love…if I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead already." I chuckled at my own joke. I deftly released the knots of the vines holding her, and caught her before she could fly at me, as she was obviously going to do. It was easy to pull her arms behind her back, and my whip was soon tied securely around her hands, once again restraining her. "To your…no…my bedroll…now."

She stepped out of her skirt and underwear, leaving them behind. Her legs shook as she dutifully moved to do my bidding. She now knew that this wasn't over, not by a heartbeat. She stood on my bedroll and looked wondering at me.

"On your knees, Gabrielle."

She struggled to her knees, arching her back so her chest thrust toward me. Gods, but she was beautiful! I pressed myself forward, so her mouth was even with my core. "Feel how hot you've gotten me."

Gabrielle dove in like I was a lake, her tongue licking up my juices and bringing more forth. She expertly found my clitoris, and she pursed her lips around it, sucking hard in the rhythm guaranteed to bring me over. "Oh no, you don't," I said, pulling away with a hand on her head as I felt my excitement triple. "I just wanted you to know you're doing your work well."

She hissed out her frustration, and I knew she was at her limit. Zeus, I was at MY limit. "Still want me to fuck you?"

Tears were forming again, but they were different tears now. I knew what they meant. She was afraid to answer me…afraid I was just leading her on more. I leaned forward for a kiss. "Are you ready?"

My words of "Be ready" must have been echoing through her brain. She managed a nod, then lowered her head to my bedroll, still on her knees. I ran my hands through her hair, then up over her back. The perfect globes of her ass were stuck up in the air, and she wiggled it enticingly, trying to find relief for an itch that only I could satisfy. I moved so I was beside her, my head facing the same direction as hers.

"Here it comes," I told her, and without ceremony, my four fingers were inside her again, jamming hard against her until she was grunting with each thrust. She quivered and shook against me, her face burrowed in the place I made my bed each night, yet I could tell she was trying to steel herself for my denial of her pleasure again. But I was done torturing her, and slid underneath her. My mouth closed on her enflamed clitoris, and I began to suck in rhythm with the strokes of my wrist.

With a cry, her orgasm finally overtook her, her inner body milking my hand in concentric waves. Her sex pumped juices into my waiting mouth, and she thrust hard against my face, then my hand in turns. I rode out her pleasure easily, and my fingers found my own clitoris, and with just a few touches, I cried out my own rapture against her pulsating flesh. She finally collapsed on me, her body weak from exhaustion, my hand still buried inside her.

I eased my fingers out of her, and took one last lick of her slit, savoring the flavor of her juices. My own core throbbed with pleasure, and my fingers were wet as I released her from the whip's hold.

Her hands pulled at me immediately, and she lay on top of me, her embrace threatening to smother me. "Xena…gods, Xena…how did you know?"

It took me a moment to recover, but I quirked an eyebrow at her. "Know what?" I asked curiously.

"Know what I've been dreaming about." Her mouth covered mine in a kiss of gratitude, and I pulled the edge of my bedroll over us…my brain racing with the new knowledge.

What else did my bard dream about?

I love sleeping, especially with my warrior as my bed. My favorite place to lie is in the small distance between her shoulder and breast. Her continual scent is my addiction; with every breath I inhale, I take in a part of her.

The dreams I have had lately are powerful, and the physical effects it has on my body starts my day with needing Xena to make love to me as soon as I open my eyes. It seems I've been waking up alone too often the past few days. Since her confrontation with The Furies, she has acted distant. I fear they took away part of the love she has for me.

It's the same scene…Xena is laying between my legs; my legs wrapped around her back, grinding into me and making me want her literally inside me. Her body completely covering my body, I love having as much of her flesh next to mine as possible. Looking up at her as she moves, watching her sweat dripping down to rest on me, and seeing the look of ecstasy on her face makes me flood with wetness.

I woke myself up moving my hips, my hands brushing my own center, wanting more. I reached for Xena and instead found a cold blanket. How disheartening to reach for her and she isn't there. My mind races with questions. Is there someone else? Is she not attracted to me anymore? Is the sex we have not dangerous enough? I could certainly change that. I will have to admit that her dominance at times draws me to her. I would like for her to understand I will do anything to keep her with me. Pleasing her is my priority.

Calling her name, I heard her say "Over here" not too far from our campsite. I was tempted to use the privacy and finish touching myself, because the need for her inside me was only mounting each day. Finding her and trying to see that spark in her eyes was more important.

By the gods, she was gorgeous. "What's wrong, Xena?" She seemed a little shaky in her reply. "Nothing's wrong." Reaching up to kiss her, her mouth was so warm and completely inviting. I wanted to get on my knees and place my head firmly between her legs, lapping up every ounce of moisture that came down from within her. But she suddenly moved her mouth from mine, and I noticed that her cheeks were rather flushed. I was worried that maybe she had been sick and hiding it from me. Feeling her face, I noticed she felt feverish, but she insisted she was all right. She finally snapped, "Don't touch me!" and my eyes began to sting with tears that I immediately dried up. I was mad and hurt. I was very concerned about her, and I missed her tremendously. She said she was sorry and blamed it on not having her weapons. At least she held out for my hand for me to walk with her.

Not feeling needed and loved by her probably hurt more than anything. She occasionally pulls herself away from me, and I try to be very patient. I try to give her space with whatever she might be dealing with. Leaving our campsite, our trip to Paone seemed especially quiet. My heart grew heavy inside me, and I guess Xena could sense my worry.

Almost an hour had passed and we hadn't spoken. I had studied her, trying to sense the reason for her silence. Maybe there is someone back in her hometown that I don't know about. She finally broke the silence and said, "Look, I'm sorry."

It almost made me mad. Why was she putting me through this? I was the one person in this whole world who loved her more than life itself. And I'm the one she acts like she could do without. How is that supposed to make me feel? But fear underlies the small feeling of anger, because I can see how nothing my life would be if I didn't have her.

She began explaining that there was a problem, but it wasn't about me and it was something she had to work through. How could she keep anything from me? Under my breath, I muttered my curiosity about another love interest, and of course her perfect warrior hearing skills picked up my mumbling. She made me repeat myself, and at my confession she had jumped off Argo and directly in front of me. I was a little surprised at the speed of her dismount. I knew I had struck a major nerve to get this kind of response. Good or bad, I was about to find out.

"How can you ask that?" she almost yelled, seeming really pissed. I was preparing myself for the worst, and tried responding with more anger than hurt, to give me an edge. I told her I thought she had changed these past 3 days. Lately, she has seemed more turned off by me than turned on. She hasn't touched me, and has barely held me while we have slept. When I began explaining my feelings, my emotion took over and the tears were there before I could stop them. I let her know I knew she had been touching herself. I found that exciting, actually. I just don't want to miss the performance. Anything that Xena does can be deliciously sexy.

She drew me close, and let me know there was no one else. This was such a relief and I felt lighter already. Being held in the warrior's arms is a haven. Being held in her heart is paradise. "I love only you," she said, and this only made me cry harder. I couldn't understand why she hasn't wanted to make love to me. She has never lost interest yet, but something has changed.

I held her tightly, and began to think of the time we started falling in love with one another. We didn't feel the freedom to discuss it, I suppose because we were afraid to reveal our true feelings. At that time, she distanced herself from me and I later learned it was because she didn't trust herself. She didn't know if I wanted her to touch me. How could she ever doubt? Since the incident with the Furies, was she afraid she might hurt me? Her small form of "bondage" when tying me to that tree was very exciting. I felt ashamed to admit it. Here she was, battling with a force that had sentenced her to both persecution and madness, and I was having thoughts about being touched without any way to respond. That was it. It had to be.

"Did this have anything to do with the Furies?" I was almost certain I had nailed her, enjoying the good news this was going to be to me if it was true. Just remembering that scene at the tree, I felt myself become wet. "Is there something you are wanting to try, but are afraid I won't be willing, Xena? I'm open to new experiences if you want to teach me." She had a very far away look in her eye, like she was thinking about something very deeply. I desperately wanted her to make love to me, or even talk about making love to me. She put me on hold though, and said, "Not now...tonight…" Telling me she loved me, she mounted Argo once again and seemed entertained that I was playing along with this new quest. I completely trusted her, because she had never let me down before. Waiting for nightfall was going to feel like forever.

There was a certain amount of danger and excitement in the unknown that awaited me tonight. It made me incredibly turned on, knowing that Xena had some sort of plan. And knowing that we have been apart the past few days, she would be wild with her lovemaking. I couldn't help but envision her naked body doing things to me that made me willing to beg. A little torture has its advantages in the long run. A few times, she has pinned my arms down while on top of me. Being restrained while being touched by a woman as beautiful as Xena is torment, but the reward at the end makes every ounce of agony worth two ounces of ecstasy.

Traveling a little farther that afternoon, Xena received a cut on her thigh during a slightly unfriendly meeting we had with some thugs. I told her to let me take a look at it, but when I put my hand on her leg, it was like lightning bolts from Zeus had struck my nerve endings. I would have let her have anything she wanted if she would have taken it, but she told me to gather some firewood and not to touch her again…until she told me to. I tried to keep her interested in the view while I went about my chores. A little extra bending over and heightened cleavage couldn't hurt. I was already so turned on that I knew my nipples were in visibly hard. She suddenly left camp and said in a command-like voice, "Be ready." Oh yes, this was going to be quite a night.

I unrolled a new scroll, and even the smell of the parchment wasn't enough to keep my mind off the aching between my legs and the remedy she was for my problem. I was a bit nervous, but it only added to my anticipation. I decided that Xena was most likely watching me from somewhere near. Knowing I could lure her to me a little quicker, I laid down on her bedroll, sort of playing with her whip. I didn't expect her quite so suddenly, but there she stood. The sky dark behind her, the firelight revealing her beauty-yet the dominance she felt set the mood.

She startled me by seeming almost angry. Asking with a sneer, she wanted to know if I liked touching her things, referring to the whip I had been touching. Grabbing me and dragging me to a tree, she was very rough and forceful. She wrapped the vines tightly around my body with my arms to my sides. A slight fear filled me, but she quickly sensed my need and leaned in close to whisper that we didn't have to do this if I didn't want to. That alone turned me on…the way she cares for me. Telling her I didn't want to stop, she kissed me-and gods, how I had waited for that kiss. I've missed her mouth on mine, how it fits so well with mine, the warmth and softness, her tongue, how she moves it against mine-her kiss is lovemaking in itself. I loved having her inside my mouth, but she didn't let it last long. I was ready.

The urge to touch her was killing me. Not being able to move was complete torment. She had me so turned on, and then stood back and stared a hole up and down my entire body. I felt somewhat embarrassed when she noticed my own wetness streaming down my leg.

The shyness was forgotten when Xena started to completely seduce me. First she told me I had to keep my eyes open to watch everything she did to me. Teasing me, she moved in closely and traced her tongue over my lips. I couldn't keep my mouth from opening, to savor the feeling of her mouth in mine. Warm and smooth, the sensation of her licking my mouth caused my center to contract. She moved away quickly, and made things even worse by asking if I wanted her to keep her armor on or to be naked, revealing what I do to her. Feeling like my heart could jump through my throat, there was no room for my voice to escape. She undressed slowly and painfully, even taking her own sweet time carrying her clothes and boots to our bedrolls. To top it off, she bent over; legs stretched long and tight, and showed she had on no underwear. She was trying to kill me. There was no doubt.

Returning to me, she asked if I wanted her to take off her shift. She was going to pull it over her head, and then decided she would keep it on a bit longer. "Xena, please! I want to see you!" She told me not yet. Spreading her legs apart, I could feel myself throbbing at the thought of touching her, or licking her.

She began asking a few questions that were so personal, but I had nothing to hide. She was always my desire, the only lover I wanted. And she was being so incredibly sexy; everything was even more arousing than usual. Studying my chest and then referring to my nipples, she stepped in and rubbed the back of her hand across my chest. The sensation only made me wetter. My nipples were so hard; she could have made me come with just a few strokes of her tongue and mouth. She unlaced my shirt and exposed my chest. "You have lovely breasts" she said and lightly rubbed her fingers around them. "Do you want me to suck them?" I felt faint at all the blood rushing towards my center. I couldn't wait to feel her mouth all over my breasts, but again to my disappointment, she said, "Later."

Removing her shift, I could see that her own nipples were extremely firm. She appeared to be very wet, and this only made me want her more. I was aching for her touch, but I also was aching to touch her. She reached down and touched herself. I could see her drenched fingers in the firelight, and craved to suck each finger until it was clean. I could practically taste her. She teasingly rubbed her wetness across my nipples.

She thrust her fingers inside herself, making me whimper like a dog. By the gods, what a gorgeous creature. She knew how to push every button with me, how to break me down until there is nothing left except desire. "How many fingers do you use when you touch yourself, Gabrielle?" Once again, I had almost lost the ability to communicate. She had me in a daze, and the craving between my legs was almost more than I could stand. She touched herself-moving deep inside herself-and I thought I might faint while restricted against the tree.

She removed my skirt and then started interrogating me about who I thought about when I touched myself. This hurt me more than excite me, because Xena was the only person I had ever truly loved. And since I had begun falling for her, I never thought of anyone else when I touched myself. Why would I want to? It was always Xena for me. I needed no other visual images.

My eyes stung with tears of embarrassment, but she quickly kissed me and let me know things were okay. She then bent down and took my nipple in her mouth, and soon her hands were on my chest, finally beginning to touch me the way I had desired. She came up and kissed me, her taste on her own mouth from my nipples. She pressed herself hard against me, our wetness mixing and increasing. Gods, this was bliss.

"Tell me what you want, Gabrielle. What do you want me to do to you?" Our nipples rubbed together, my body trying to break free from the vines. I wanted her so desperately. Our skin was hot to the touch, and her body felt so good as it rubbed against mine. I couldn't concentrate clearly enough to answer. I could just hear myself breathing very hard. She grabbed my face and whispered in my ear, "What do you want, baby? I want you to tell me…" She was going to make me speak to her, or else. Finally, I yelled, "I want you to touch me!" I told her I wanted her to fuck me, and to do it hard. I wanted her to fill me completely, and I could take anything she had to give.

She collected some of my wetness on her hand and brought it up to our mouths. We each licked with a hunger, and then she moved her hand down and went inside me. She moved with such force, pumping wildly and asked if it was hard enough. I wanted even more of her inside me, and the juices that were flowing so freely made it so easy for her to move in and out, fucking me like I had wanted for so long. I was close to orgasm, but she suddenly drew back her hand and wouldn't let me come. I was angry when she stepped back and so casually asked if something was wrong. I needed her but was not being allowed to move my body. The refraining had taken its toll.

She untied the vines and immediately wrapped my hands behind my back in her whip. At first, I thought she might strike me with the whip, but she told me to go to her bedroll and get on my knees--my wetness streaming down both thighs like a river. She stood directly in front of me. Her center was at my mouth, and she told me to see how hot she had gotten. She let me taste her…. definitely a sweet reward. I sucked her clit, which seemed larger than normal. She was definitely turned on, but stepped back and stopped the pleasure my mouth was finding.

I didn't think I could stand one more delay. Seeing that I had gone my limit, she asked, "Are you ready?" She bent and looked into my eyes and made that connection I had needed these past few days. Yes, I had missed making love with her, but I had missed her more than anything. She connects with me in a way I don't think I can describe. We are one in so many ways. It's the most wonderful feeling, sharing your life and heart and love with the perfect mate. On the contrary, it hurts when that person doesn't seem to feel that love.

With my hands still tied behind my back, I lowered my head to her bedroll. I felt her move behind me, her breasts brushing my lower back and creating new wetness seeping from my lips. She shoved almost her entire hand inside me, with no resistance from my center. I was slick and ready to take whatever she gave. Fucking me hard, my body was responding to how good she made me feel. Never leaving my vagina, she turned and slid beneath me, spreading my legs a little further apart. I was open and ready for her mouth to take control of my entire body. She circled my clit with her tongue, hardening her tongue a little more with every round. She barely sucked me in, applying a steady suction while she fucked me from below. I sat up above her, seeing that her face was drenched with my wetness. She started sucking my clit in long, hard strokes, using the same rhythm in which she was fucking me. I wanted to prolong the pleasure this was giving me, but I couldn't fight any longer. The total groans of pleasure that were coming from beneath me only made me want it more. I moved hard against her tongue and the force of her hand entering me. Xena's mouth totally drinking in all my wetness and the way she touched me sent me spiraling into the most intense orgasm. Feeling her hand leave my right thigh, I heard her moaning with me and knew she came with me.

She stayed inside me until my body calmed. After untying the whip and freeing my hands, I moved to lie on top of her, completely exhausted; yet completely satisfied. We didn't speak for a short while and just enjoyed the feeling of the moment. The night was clear and we had made love with every ounce of strength we could find. "Xena?" She was tracing her fingers along my back, thinking about all that had happened. "You do know that I liked what you did tonight, don't you? Ever since you tied me to that tree when you dealt with the Furies, I've thought about the intensity of excitement it made me feel. I want you to be satisfied with me-never bored." "Gabrielle, I could never be bored with you." Reaching for her whip, I decided to make sure she was anything but.

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