Authors Note: A reader gave me the idea for this title weeks ago. I told them when they see it they will know that Xena and Gabby finally kiss and . . . ahem. . ..make up. (G) . And I’d like to thank all the folks that wrote to tell me they were still reading this series. You’ve been this bard’s inspiration. In fact I think I’ll keep this one going throughout season six but I’ll rename it so it’s two different series. But enough of my babbling (G), on to the final Changes of Heart story.

Gabrielle sat up in bed, her back resting against the headboard. Her head was pounding but not nearly as bad as she thought it would. Xena finished opening the window to circulate some air in the room and turned back to the bard.

"Do you remember anything from last night?" the warrior chuckled.

"Everything," the bard answered. She watched as Xena reached down and picked up the chamber pot to take it outside.

"Even this," the warrior said raising the pot just a bit.

"Sadly yes," Gabrielle grinned.

Xena paused a moment. "Last night you said you loved me; that I’m your soulmate. I didn’t get the chance to tell you but . . . I love you too and you’re still my soulmate. You always will be."

Gabrielle grinned and fidgeted a bit with the blanket. "You know . . . that would seem really romantic and sweet if not for the fact that you’re holding that bucket right now," Gabrielle joked.

Xena briefly looked down and back to the bard. "Bad timing huh?" the warrior nodded.

"Just a little," Gabrielle smiled.

"I’ll work on that I promise," the warrior grinned. "I’ll be back in a few."

Xena opened the door but paused in the doorway. "I’d give you a kiss goodbye but . . .." she said as she motioned to her full hands.

"I won’t take it personal. Believe me," Gabrielle laughed.

Xena gave Gabrielle a bright smile. "I’ll be right back sweetheart."

No one was up but the innkeeper as Xena walked downstairs. "Gotta place I can empty this?" Xena asked.

"Yeah right out back," he said pointing to the back door.

"Thanks," Xena replied. She did has he instructed and emptying the pan. Upon cleaning it out and washing her hands by a well outside, Xena went back in. "Could I get some salt, cinnamon, ale and mint leaves?"

"Someone’s got a hang over eh?" he grinned.

"Just a small one," Xena grinned.

"Let me see what I can round up," he smiled warmly.

He seemed like a nice enough fellow, Xena considered as she watched him make his way to the back, toward the kitchen. A few minutes later he returned with a tray and all the items – except for the cinnamon.

"What do I owe you?" Xena said.

"Don’t worry about it. You gals drank enough ale last night. It’s on the house," he winked.

Smart ass…but very true, Xena grinned. "I’ll let her know we’ve kept you in business for the next month," she answered dryly before cracking a smile. "Thanks."

He gave a chuckle and a nod before he went back to his morning preparations. Xena climbed the stairs back to their room, doing a good balancing act. She managed to make it into the room and Gabrielle tried to dart over when she saw Xena’s hands were full but she didn’t even make it to the end of the bed. She groaned and held her temples.

"I got it," Xena chastised. "Stay put." Xena slid the tray to the nightstand and put the pot on the other side of the room.

She inhaled deeply and turned to the bard. "Smells better in here already," she teased.

Gabrielle’s hand rubbed her forehead, trying to hide her face as she blushed. "I’m sorry," she answered in a meek voice.

"That’s okay," Xena replied, going to the stand to mix her concoction. She made a quick stop to her saddleback and pulled out some nutmeg. I’d rather have cinnamon but this should do, she considered. Next she got out the white powder they used for pain now and then. She put a little in the ale along with the salt and mixed it up. "Here. Drink this."

"What is it?" Gabrielle asked.

"Hangover remedy. You’ll feel as good as new."

"What’s in it?"

"Don’t worry about that," Xena smiled. "Just drink it."

Gabrielle gave a sniff. "It’s ale. You’re giving me ale?"

"Nothing else will stay down believe me. You will feel better I promise."

Gabrielle gave a small sip and cringed.

"Take a big drink," Xena coached.

Gabrielle looked at the mug. Then at Xena. Then the mug. Then at Xena.

"Trust me."

Gabrielle took a deep breath before taking six healthy swallows. "Oh Xena, that’s sick," she said shoving the mug toward Xena, trying to breathe again.

"Here," Xena answered, giving her the mint. "Chew this. It will make the taste go away and settle your stomach."

Gabrielle didn’t argue. Hell anything has to taste better than that ale, she considered. As Gabrielle chewed, Xena downed the rest of the mug. The bard grinned as she watched the warrior cringe. At least I’m not the only one who had to live through that, she thought as the warrior’s face contorted. Xena grabbed the other leaves and began to chew like the bard.

"Well at least we’ll be minty fresh now," the bard teased as she rolled the leaves around in her mouth.

Xena grinned with closed lips. She then spit the leaves in the mug and handed it to the bard to do the same.

"How ya feelin’?" the warrior asked.

"Well the inn has stopped spinning now," Gabrielle replied. "The room doesn’t smell like an outhouse and I can actually see just one of you now."

Xena chuckled and took the mug from the bard. She placed it on the dresser near the chamber pot and returned to bed but not before stripping herself of her battledress and boots. Gabrielle was still propped up against the headboard, so Xena stretched out putting her head in Gabrielle’s lap.

The warrior felt rather than heard Gabrielle chuckle as she lay there feeling the bard stroking her hair.

"What?" Xena asked.

"You’re so big you don’t fit our bed." Gabrielle smiled and pointed to the end where Xena’s feet were hanging over.

Xena looked down at her dangling ankles. "So I see. Perhaps I should scoot up," she replied as she leered up at the bard.

"You can scoot if you want," Gabrielle replied in a soft tone.

Xena slowly threw her leg over Gabrielle’s and crept up her body until they were eye to eye. Gabrielle sat against the headboard while Xena knelt on all fours in front of her.

"Do I fit now?" Xena asked lecherously.

Gabrielle couldn’t even blink – she was so captivated by the sight in front of her. She realized at some point she had begun to hold her breath in anticipation and released it with a single word.

"Perfectly."

"Mmm, good answer," Xena replied as her lips covered the bard’s gently. Xena would have continued but she felt the bard was a bit tense. When she looked down to Gabrielle’s hands she noticed the bed sheets were in a ball within the bard’s tight fists.

"Nervous," the warrior grinned.

Gabrielle released her grasp when she saw that Xena took notice of it. No sense in lying. "A little. I mean . . . aren’t you?"

Well now that you mention it . . . "I guess. But I know that I love you. And I know that you love me. And I know I desire you more than anything in this world. That just keeps my nerves at bay I guess," Xena concluded. When Gabrielle didn’t add more, Xena spoke up again, "Look I’m not gonna push you Gabrielle. If you’re not ready-."

Gabrielle put her finger over Xena’s lips. "Believe me," she smiled. "I’m ready. I’m more than ready. I’m way past ready here . . . I suppose I’m just . . . worried."

Xena smiled warmly and sighed. Cool yourself down here warrior. Sensitive bard chat time. "What are you worried about?" Xena asked with a smile as she stroked Gabrielle’s face.

Gabrielle started to blush and looked away for a moment. "It’s stupid," she chuckled.

"Come on," Xena prodded gently. "Tell me. What’s got you worried?"

It was Gabrielle’s turn to sigh. Just say it. . . ."It feels like the first time . . . all over again."

"I remember the first time," Xena smiled. "We kept the amazons up all night," she grinned. "You were a wonderful lover. You’ve always been wonderful."

"I might have been wonderful but I had butterflies in my stomach the size of seagulls."

Xena chuckled.

"What?"

"You," Xena said kissing the top of Gabrielle’s nose. "You’re so descriptive. I love you my bard. I really do."

A comfortable silence fell between them as they just stared at each other, admiring one another. Not just their physical beauty but the traits they each had that brought them together.

"I love you too," Gabrielle finally whispered in response.

She stroked the warrior’s face and Gabrielle felt her heart skip when she watched the warrior soaking it up with closed eyes. Slowly Gabrielle’s hand trailed down Xena’s neck. She could feel the warrior’s pulse pumping harder and as a result she felt hers rise as well. When her fingers drifted to play with the cleavage line of Xena’s shift, the warrior was so warm. Her blood was racing fast. Suddenly Gabrielle too felt too warm for her undergarments.

Slowly Xena opened her eyes and focused on the bard who was so wrapped up in examining her body she didn’t notice she was being watched. When they did lock eyes, Xena was grateful that the bard didn’t shy away like before. She met Xena’s lustful glare with one of her own.

"You’re everything to me," Xena whispered to the bard.

Gabrielle’s fingertips reached up and traced Xena’s lips, feeling the warmth and fire that they promised. It had been months . . . in truth, years, since Gabrielle saw that kind of passion in Xena’s eyes when she looked at her. Xena wanted her unlike she wanted anything. Antony got some pretty lustful glances in Egypt. But it was nothing like the look that Gabrielle was getting this moment in Athens. Oh no, he never got this look. Not this one that says I’m it. I’m the one. . . God I have to have her.

With that thought Gabrielle’s lips seized the warrior with abandon. Everything began to melt away - the trials they faced, the years they lost. All they had was this moment and in this moment all they had was each other. Hands searched and pulled and pressed and within minutes both women were totally nude and totally absorbed in each other. Both of their bodies started to become slick with excitement.

Glistened. That was the word Gabrielle used when describing how Xena looked when they made love. She glistened. On this morning however she glistened and shimmered and shined brighter than any star in the heavens. Gabrielle caressed Xena’s face moving the warrior’s damp bangs out of her eyes. Gabrielle had to admit she only saw Xena like this in bed and after a hard fought battle – and both made her blood boil with excitement.

Gabrielle raised her leg, making just the slightest of contact with the warrior’s center. The favorable moan she received as a result brought a grin to her face and a fire to her sex she’d never experience before. She loved Xena with her all her mind, body and soul. Yet today, when months before she never thought she’d have the warrior again, it had a greater depth and meaning to it. She felt charged. As if Zeus had struck her with a lightening bolt, rattling her soul to it’s foundation. She had no choice but to moan in response.

Xena heard the sexy whimper come from her bard. Her bard. Not Najara’s. Not Eli’s. Not anyone whom Xena saw as a rival for Gabrielle’s talents or affections. Ares even tried his hand at taking her away with no success. Gabrielle had strayed from her path now and then but Xena knew that Gabrielle’s heart was hers and hers alone. And she’d work everyday from this day forward to prove that Gabrielle had made the right choice. But for right now the only work that Xena wanted to engage in was bringing the bard ecstasy.

She loved the way Gabrielle whimpered in her desire. She loved the way Gabrielle looked deep into her eyes trying to read her soul. Just like she was doing at this moment as their bodies began a rhythm – hot and slick.

With all her prior lovers not a single one could she meet their eyes. At least not for the amount of time that she let Gabrielle see her – the ‘real’ her. She wanted to be the best lover Gabrielle ever had. She wanted to be the only lover Gabrielle would ever have. People could admire her, fantasize about her, perhaps even touch her if that’s what Gabrielle wanted. But no one, NO ONE, would be better than her – ever. Xena’s athletic prowess on the battlefield would be nothing like the prowess that Gabrielle would experience in bed. People called Xena the best of the best. Of course they meant her warrior status. But Xena wanted to ensure that the term carried over into the bedroom in Gabrielle’s mind - into her mind, over her body and down through to her soul.

As Xena felt Gabrielle take hold of her hips, guiding her across her thigh, trying with all her might to help the warrior climax, the warrior closed her eyes.

She, not so quietly, fantasized about times past – the extended stays with the amazons, nights out under the stars, the booth at the back of a darken tavern in many a town. Xena was always amazed at how daring Gabrielle could be sexually.

The time at Gabrielle’s parents house was probably the best and most dangerous. They stopped by for a quick visit and the bard tortured her all day long with sexual innuendoes that went over her family’s head but were crystal clear to the warrior. The bard was gonna get it good when she got her alone, Xena decided. And Xena did get her chance.

In the early morning hours, Xena woke to find Gabrielle gone from her bed and a note on her pillow. ‘Meet me in the barn’ was all it said. Xena grabbed her leathers but didn’t bother to put them on just yet. She walked out to the barn to find Gabrielle, stark naked. Xena couldn’t believe her eyes. Any minute now Gabrielle’s father would be rising to start the day and in all likelihood, be headed toward the barn first. Gabrielle sensed Xena’s indecision and gave the final prod.

"No guts no glory," she told the warrior, casually flicking her long blonde hair seductively over her shoulder.

That did it. Xena had guts. And she’d have glory that morning too. She’d take that woman in the barn and she didn’t give a damn if the whole town came in to watch. Both women were close when the rooster began to crow.

"He’ll be out here any minute you know," Gabrielle whispered in the warrior’s ear as their fingers pumped in and out of each other.

Xena could only groan. She was well beyond the point of no return.

"He’s gonna walk out here and find you doin’ his little girl you big bad warrior," Gabrielle teased in a heated whisper, moving faster and harder. "He’s gonna hear you come all over my fingers and he’s gonna catch yours buried deep inside me. And you love it don’t you? Don’t you Xena? Don’t you?"

"Yes," the warrior answered as her eyes shot open, returning from her fantasy. She looked down the see the shorthaired blonde smile up at her, feeling the quake that poured over both their bodies in the little Athenian inn this morning. So close Xena’s mind called. A little more Gabrielle. A little more. "Please," however was all Xena could manage to say.

Not wanting to break the rhythm or contact Gabrielle rose just a bit and slid her fingers between her thigh and Xena’s sex which rode her harder now than before. She knew that Xena liked things a bit rougher closer to her climax. Once her finger were able to take over Gabrielle could move to sit up a bit. Given her size she fit perfect to the warrior’s bustline.

The bard seized the nipple in front of her with such force she was sure it would bruise. But she also knew that was something the warrior would love. Xena’s orgasm ripped through her body as she grabbed Gabrielle by the back of the head, burying her fingers into the blonde locks, crying out in a consuming pleasure.

The ripples still quaked through Xena’s body when she pulled Gabrielle from her breast and pushed the bard back to the bed. In one strong heave she picked up Gabrielle’s lower half of her body, tossing the bard’s knees over her shoulders until the bard was rested on square on her shoulders. Gabrielle looked up to the warrior who paused for a moment to teasingly blow on the bard’s slick center.

"Please," Gabrielle whispered.

"Please what?" Xena asked slyly. Gabrielle groaned as Xena gave a single playful lick from her clitoris to her anus. "You gotta tell me," she bantered.

The bard took a shaken breath."Feast on me," she moaned.

With an arch of her eyebrow, Xena replied.

"As you wish."

Gabrielle hands reached out and grabbed Xena’s legs as Xena’s mouth went wild against her. Only a few moments had passed but Gabrielle knew it wouldn’t take much more. Besides she wanted this release. She needed it beyond words at this point. Xena’s hair cascaded down and tickled her thighs and stomach. She loved every moment. Xena stopped the task with her mouth and gave a few light slaps and rubs to the bard’s center.

"Come on Gabrielle. Come on sweetheart. Let me hear you. Come on sweetheart. Let it go. Release it. For me Gabrielle. Give it to me sweetheart . . . Let me drink you."

That sent Gabrielle over the edge. Xena’s hands and sexy request was all she needed. Wave after wave crashed over as she repeated the warrior’s name over and over with each vibration she felt in her body. Xena lapped at her like a thirsty kitten at a saucer of milk. Gabrielle watched as Xena licked her lips, all the while not breaking eye contact in the slightest. Gently Xena returned Gabrielle back down to the bed.

"Mmmm" Xena hummed coming up to meet the bard face to face. "See how wonderful you taste?" she asked the bard before giving her a deep, soulful kiss. Gabrielle could taste her own excitement on Xena’s lips and tongue. It started a whole new set of fantasies in each woman’s mind.

Hands began to roam anew. Minds began to jump from the present to the past to the present again. Hearts they thought were lost to each other were once again found.

Eve, August and Eponin all looked up from their lunch when they heard a door upstairs open. Quietly Xena and Gabrielle made their way downstairs.

"I’m surprised they’re dressed," Eponin remarked with a chuckle that got her a nudge from both Eve and August who were on either side of her.

"Good morning," Gabrielle answered with a grin that refused to leave.

"Morning?" Eve teased. "That was about 4 hours ago. The sun is quite high at this point," she added.

Before Xena and Gabrielle could reply a warrior in armor walked in. "I’m looking for Xena, the warrior princess."

Oh no, Xena sighed inwardly. And the day was going so good.

"I’m Xena," the warrior reluctantly raised her hand. Not that she was fearful of the solider. She just didn’t want to have to kick someone’s ass after such a beautiful morning.

"I deliver a message from Ares, the god of war," he said handing her a scroll. With a salute the solider walked out.

Xena unrolled it and read it. "Seems Ares needs us to meet him . . . Guess he'll have to wait," Xena answered.

Gabrielle took the scroll. "I know what I said earlier Xena but perhaps we should check this out. Besides, it’s not like it’s out of our way or anything. Let’s see what he wants and then head to Amphipolis. Agreed?" Gabrielle asked as she rolled up the scroll while Xena and Eve nodded.

Outside however they didn’t see the solider round the corner and vanish into thin air. Moments later the solider materialized at Ares camp in the amazon hills. He strolled into Ares tent without announcement. Ares looked up.

"Did you do it?"

Suddenly the armor melted away and a pink nighty took its place, along with the body of Aphrodite. "Yeah I did it . . . but I gotta ask . . . Are you feeling okay?"

"Since when did you care?" Ares replied sarcastically. "You could get me the ambrosia you know?"

She paused a moment with her finger to her temple in thought. "You know that’s a good idea. I could turn you back into the God of War and you could go off and kill lots and lots of people - - NOT!! You’re better off this way Ares. Trust me."

"I don’t trust you. I don’t trust anyone. Except Xena. Xena I trust. She’s coming right?" Ares asked.

"Chill out," Dite said. "Are you sure you’re okay because you’re acting a bit wigged there bro’?"

"Leave me," he told his sister.

Dite took a moment but realized this conversation wasn’t getting her anywhere. "Whatever!" she retorted before disappearing.

The End

(and on to season six folks . . .enjoy)

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