Soul Mission by Chef Etiquette

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Ephiny and Xena had been sparring all morning. She was actually giving Xena a run for her money. “Tired yet warrior princess?” she poked Xena before taking a swig of water.

“You wish.” Xena said with a gleam in her eyes. Just then 2 sentries walked up and bowed. The red head spoke. “Ephiny. Queen Gabrielle and Ava have returned. They should be arriving within minutes.”

“Very well. I will be at the gates momentarily.” Said Ephiny. “You coming with Xena?”

“Go on. I will be there as soon as I put these weapons away.” She said feeling butterflies in her stomach.

Xena neatly tucked each weapon away as she noticed her breath was coming in short waves. By the Gods she was nervous. She had to suppress this. She breathed deeply and started walking towards the gates. When she was a few feet away from Ephiny, her eyes fell upon a chocolate horse. As her eyes moved up, she saw Gabrielle holding on to the saddle horn, wind blowing her short blonde hair and of course she was midsentence. Xena noticed her head was turned and suddenly she noticed the hands holding the reins of the horse, neatly tucked around Gabrielle, riding in front. She studied the woman. She had dust colored skin and eyes the color of rain. From the looks of it she was a warrior. Her locs hung past her shoulders. She was gorgeous especially with those freckles. It irritated her beyond belief.

She watched as Ava dismounted and held out her hands for Gabrielle as she slid into her embrace. They were so wrapped up in each other that Ephiny startled them when she called out. She could see them having a conversation about something Gabrielle didn ’t like. But she was too far away to hear. Then finally those Emerald eyes met hers, for the first time in months.

“I know but, I still think things would be calmer if women ran the world.” Gabrielle argued to the beautiful woman behind her.

“Ok, I am not disagreeing, I am just pointing out that things wouldn ’t be as rosy as you think they would be.” She chuckled.

“Ok impasse.” Said Gabrielle. “I love our talks. I love that you like them too.” Her nose began to scrunch.

“Is the bard blushing?” Ava spoke as Gabrielle smiled. “I love our talks too.”

Gabrielle felt the butterflies in her stomach flapping wildly. Of course, that happened any time Ava was near. “Do you want to have a picnic with me now that we are back?”

Ava dismounted Katsina without answering. She had already noticed who she assumed to be Xena, standing there waiting for Gabrielle. Just then she looked up into those Emerald green eyes sparkling down at her. She almost lost her breath. “Come on beautiful.” She spoke opening her arms wide. Gabrielle swung her leg over and happily slid into her love ’s arms.

“So, are you going to leave a girl hanging?” Gabrielle asked as Ava reached for her Gabrielle ’s backpack and handbag that were hanging on her Katsina ’s saddle.

“I would love to. But we can ’t.” said Ava averting her eyes. She could feel the scowl on Gabrielle ’s face.

“Why not?” Gabrielle frowned.

“Someone is waiting to see you.” She said with half smile. “Go on.”

Suddenly, Ephiny walked up calling out to them. It startled Gabrielle.

“She ’s right Gabrielle. Xena has been here for seven days. “Ephiny spoke. “She has a lot of questions.”

Finally, Gabrielle turned and looked into piercing blue eyes. She still loved her despite herself she fought it. Was it possible to love Xena and Ava at the same time? She couldn ’t be with both. But she wanted to be with Ava. Xena had wanted her to move on. But Ava made her promise to try. So, she would. She looked at Ava with pleading eyes. “I am nervous. Would you come with me?”

“You want me to come with you, to meet Xena?” Ava asked confused.

“Yes, you don ’t have to stay. But I am scared, and you make me feel better. Please?”

Ava could see the gentleness that gave way to the fear of this reunion in her love ’s eyes. She could not refuse. So slowly they turned and walked to towards a nervously waiting Xena.

When they were a few feet away Gabrielle stopped not wanting to get to close. Not wanting to show how much she cared for Ava ’s sake. Silence. Ephiny realized no one was saying anything. Xena stared, while Gabrielle averted her eyes.

“Go on.” Gabrielle felt Ava ’s strong hand at her back.

Finally, Gabrielle looked up. “Hi.” Was all she could think to say.

“Hey.” Xena replied.

Ava saw the tension needed to be broken. So, she held out her arm to Xena. “Hi, I am Ava.”

Xena clasped her arm hesitantly. “Hi, friend. I am Xena. I hear you have been taking care Gabrielle. I thank you for that.”

“It was a pleasure.” Ava said as she turned to look into Emerald green orbs. They were pleading with her to stay. “Brie, I am going to find Anaiya, to get an update on the council.” She said as she kissed her cheek. “You can do this.” Ava said then she looked at Ephiny motioning for her to walk with her.

Ava caught up with Anaiya. She was sparring. Anaiya had just finished a match and she turned to see Ava standing just inside the sparring ring. She smiled as her eyes fell upon her best friend. She ran to meet her.

“Hey stranger I missed you.” Said Anaiya.

“Naiya. I missed you too.” She smiled as they hugged. “Let ’s take a walk.”

As they settled infront of the lake in the woods nearby Ava quietly stared. “Any word from the council?” she asked.

“Yea, they want to meet with us in a spirit connection in two days.” Anaiya spoke curiously.

“Good, we can leave tomorrow evening.” Ava said not looking into Anaiya ’s eyes. Knowing her friend was in distress over Gabrielle, she decided to push a little.

“She loves you, Ava.” Anaiya spoke. “We all see it. She will choose you.”

Ava felt disheartened. She knew she had done the right thing. But she was already so completely and irrevocably in love. “It doesn ’t matter Naiya.” She spoke in a slow long whisper of a voice. “She belongs with Xena. You know the stories.”

“What about your heart Ava?” Anaiya spoke. “Your whole life you have given yourself to everyone. When You found Anessa, I was so happy. When she died my heart ached for my best friend. Now love has found you once again.” She spoke as she got up in Ava ’s face. “What happened up in that cabin that made you so afraid?”

Ava thought about Gabrielle and her heart raced. She didn ’t mean to let her in so deeply, but it was too late. Still, she had a responsibility to all time. She had to stay focused. “It doesn ’t matter Naiya, you know what must be done.” She spoke matter of factly. “We leave for the cabin tomorrow afternoon.”

The walk to the queen ’s hut was silent. Xena felt her heart beating a mile a minute. But someone had to break the silence. Their dinner long gone; they began to ready themselves for bed. Xena sharpening her sword and Gabrielle picking up her scroll to write. Long moments passed and Xena couldn ’t take it anymore. So, she sheathed her sword and walked over to the chair Gabrielle sat in. She squatted in front of her and took the quill from her hand and placed it on the table. Then she looked up into emerald orbs. “I ’ve missed you.” She spoke in a whisper.

Gabrielle ’s heart ached as she felt Xena embrace her. Her body tingled as well. “I missed you so much Xena.” She pulled back and smiled. But hurt gripped her heart. She looked deep into blue eyes. “Why were you gone so long?”

Xena backed away. She didn ’t know what to say. “I am sorry Gabrielle; the mission took longer than I ….” Her words were cut off by the bard ’s voice.

“Mission? Xena, I know there was no mission. I know you were giving me space. Space to get over you. But what I can not understand is why you were gone so long. Four months after you said you would return. You sent no word to say that you were ok. I thought you would never come back. Now magically you ’re back. I need more of an explanation Xena.” Gabrielle spoke without taking a breath.

Xena was speechless. She had not meant to stay away so long. But as the time went by it just became easier than facing her feelings.

“I am sorry Gabrielle. I didn ’t mean to lie to you. The funny part is, I actually believed you bought it.” Said Xena feeling remorseful.

“I know you like I know my own heart, Xena.” Gabrielle spoke tilting Xena ’s face towards her own. “I know when you set your mind to something, I can ’t change it. I just want to forget about it, ok.”

It occurred to Gabrielle that if she kept talking that she would have to talk about Ava. She couldn ’t handle that right now. So, she acted as if she was done with the conversations.

“Ok.” Xena smiled back at her friend. “Come to bed. We ’ll spend some time together tomorrow.”

Gabrielle took Xena ’s hand as she led her to the bed. As they settled in, she reluctantly felt like she was home.

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Gabrielle had made it the sparring ring just in time to see Ava walk up.

“Hey beautiful, what are you doing here? I thought you would still be asleep.” Ava smiled.

“I just wanted to spend some time with you.” Gabrielle spoke softly. “Besides, Xena being here doesn ’t change the fact that I need exercise, right?”

“I guess.” Ava said shaking her head knowing it was a ruse.

A few hours later they had finished a run, sparring, and a cool down version of yoga.

“That was a new move, right?” Ava said before she began to gulp down water.

“Yep!” said Gabrielle smiling proudly. “Did you like it?”

“I loved it. You know your technique is really developing.” Ava said with pride.

Gabrielle was content that she had impressed her teacher. She considered the fact that she had never had this feeling with Xena. A need to impress her with her continued learning. She decided to ask ava to talk.

“Ava, are you really ok? You know with me and Xena, trying?” she asked bravely.

Ava did not want to have this conversation. She was already having a hard time with the idea of not being with Gabrielle, she had to stay strong. This was for the best. She decided to avoid Gabrielle until she and Anaiya could leave quietly later.

“Brie, can we talk about this later, I have to go and talk to Naiya about some things.” She said feeling her heart drop at lying to Gabrielle for the first time.

Gabrielle heard a suspicious tone in Ava ’s voice. But she decided to trust her.

“Alright.” She said narrowing her eyes.

Xena woke before she lifted her eyelids. She had slept restful for the first time since she had left Gabrielle behind. She felt like she had come home. She smiled with her eyes closed as she reached to her side, where Gabrielle was sleeping. Or so she thought, but when she reached for her all she felt were the furs on the bed. She opened her eyes to confirm the empty space next to her. She looked out the window to see the sun had not even risen yet. Suddenly the door to the queen ’s hut opened slightly as Gabrielle stepped in wearing a brown top and some sort of short version of pants. She watched her through mostly closed lids until Gabrielle began to take off her boots.

“Well, you were up early.” Xena spoke in a groggy voice sitting up. “When did this happen?”

Gabrielle jumped a little startled by Xena ’s voice. “I ’m sorry Xena I didn ’t want to wake you. It was so early.”

“It ’s alright.” Xena smiled. “You beat my wakeup time. Maybe I should leave you alone more often.”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Gabrielle joked as she made a face at Xena with a silly smile.

“I missed this. The day to day of us.” Xena smiled as she gazed into emerald orbs. “Where ’d you go this early any ways?”

Gabrielle turned her back to Xena not wanting to answer. Saved by a knock she ’d heard at the door; it was two sentries bring in 7 buckets of steaming water for her bath.

“Will that be all my queen?” The young red head asked.

“Yes, Jessa.” She spoke smiling at the young amazon.

“My queen, will you and Ava be sparring at any time today? We just want to know if we should clear the ring at a certain time.” Jessa asked.

“No, Jessa. That will be all.”

Gabrielle sat again and began unlacing her boots again. She was hoping Xena forgot about her question. But this was Xena, so her hopes were quickly dashed when she heard Xena speak again.

“So, where ’d you go?” Xena asked again, curious that she had not received an answer yet.

Gabrielle avoided her eyes and spoke. “Um, Ava and I went on our morning run and sparring session, and then we did a cool down session with yoga.”

Xena got butterflies in her stomach as she listened to Gabrielle describe her morning routine with Ava. After all, Gabrielle never had a morning routine with her. She decided to ignore the feeling she so clearly recognized as jealousy.

Hours later after Gabrielle met with the amazon council and Xena had sparred with a few of the amazons she decided to take Gabrielle on a picnic.

“So, when do you want to leave?” Gabrielle asked. Their lunch was long gone, and their bellies were full. She knew Xena would get antsy soon and want to leave. She decided she would just request that they return in half moon.

“Why do you want to leave? I thought we could stay for a while. Spend some time together, get used to each other again.” She spoke. Xena didn ’t want to stay really, but she could tell that Gabrielle wanted to stay for some reason. She wanted to give her the space to decide that she really wanted to come with her this time.

“Really?! Gabrielle ’s face lit up. “Thank you, Xena!” She hugged her really tight.

As she pulled back, she felt her breath catch as she stared down into sea green eyes. They were so close they could feel each other ’s breath. She felt Gabrielle pull away. She wondered why but was afraid to ask. So, she let it go for the time being.

“You know she ’s going to be upset, don ’t you?” Ephiny said pacing the room of her hut.

“Yes, my love, but Ava is insisting we leave tonight while everyone is at dinner.” Anaiya spoke not wanting to argue.

“Naiya, what happened in that cabin?” She asked. “Ava has avoided me and Gabrielle all day.”

Anaiya knew she shouldn ’t assume, even though she suspected she was right that Ava was running from her feelings. But she knew she had to say something.

“I am not entirely sure Eph. But Ava seems to insist that Gabrielle spend time with Xena. I am not sure why. I will try and find out. For now, I need you to go to dinner and try and distract Gabrielle for me while we leave tonight.” She pleaded as she kissed Ephiny gently.

“Ok. But she is definitely going to kill me when she realizes Ava left without saying goodbye.” Ephiny spoke as she turned to leave.

“Thank you, my love.”

“Dinner was particularly nice tonight; don ’t you guys think?” said Gabrielle as she walked with Xena and Ephiny from the dining hall.

Xena and Ephiny both chuckled at the bard ’s veracious appetite.

“Eph, I wanted to ask you, where Ava was. We were supposed to talk but I noticed she was not at dinner.” Gabrielle asked as innocently as possible.

Ephiny didn ’t know what to say. She thought it would be morning before Gabrielle asked. She was not ready to answer the question, but she knew she had to. She began to try and formulate an answer when she heard Gabrielle ’s voice sounding slightly aggressive.

“Eph.” she said grabbing Ephiny ’s arm. “Where is she?”

“I ’m sorry Gabrielle, Naiya made me promise not to say anything until..” but her words were cut off.

“Not to tell me what?” Gabrielle said angrily.

“She and Anaiya left during dinner. She didn ’t say when they ’d be back”

“What?!” Gabrielle almost yelled. Suddenly the conversation she had with Ava about talking came back to her head. She realized Ava was avoiding eye contact.

She felt her breathing speed up. Why did Ava insist on her being with Xena. She couldn ’t stand not knowing where she was or if she was safe. Suddenly Xena ’s voice jostled her out of her thoughts.

“Gabrielle? Are you alright?” Xena asked beginning to put the pieces of the situation together.

“I ’m fine Xena.” Gabrielle said barely above a whisper. “I think I am ready for bed.”

“Come on.” Xena said.

Xena was beginning to realize this Ava meant something more to Gabrielle than she was trying to let show. She had never considered the fact that Gabrielle could fall for someone else. She tried to keep the butterflies in her stomach still.

They reached the Queen ’s hut and Xena opened the door for Gabrielle. As she walked in, Gabrielle considered Ava ’s words as they started their journey home from the Cabin.

“Brie. I know you don ’t understand. But your destiny is with Xena. You will understand soon I promise beautiful.” Ava ’s words hit Gabrielle like a rock in the gut. She had wanted to be stubborn, but she also had the strange need to make Ava happy no matter what.

By the time the memory had subsided she noticed Xena was staring at her while she was in her thought process.

“What?” Gabrielle asked innocently.

“Nothing, I… you just seem so far away.” Xena said sadness in her voice.

Gabrielle could sense a change in Xena since she had returned.

“No Xena, I am right here.” Gabrielle turned her head to the side and stared.

“Now why are you staring?” Xena said half joking.

Gabrielle considered saying out loud what she was thinking. Then she decided to go for it. So, she turned her back and spoke.

“Xena, I was sort of wondering.. um” her words trailed off as her breath sped up.

“Spit it out Gabrielle.” Xena said growing impatient.

“Well, I, will you hold me tonight? I missed you; I promise I won ’t ask again.” Gabrielle spoke.

When she got no answer, she felt her heart drop. Gods she missed Ava.

But then she heard a small voice that sounded like Xena.

“Come on my little bard.” When she turned, she saw Xena lying in the bed holding the blanket open. She happily slid in.

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“You gonna tell me what happened between you two?” Anaiya spoke softly as she handed Ava a cup of herbal tea. They made it to the cabin a few hours later. Ava had been quiet the entire time.

“Naiya, please. This is hard enough without all the questions.” Ava said trying to avoid the subject.

“Why, Ava? I know you love her. Why is it so easy for you to let her go? You ’re in love with her, just like Nessa.” Naiya said speaking frankly. “I know the mission and the prophecy. But What if you live? Can you seriously watch her be happy with someone else? A someone who, might I add, left her.

Ava turned to Anaiya. “How do you know that?”

“It helps that my girlfriend is good friends with yours.” Anaiya said before she could stop the words from spilling out. It had not occurred to her that she hadn ’t discussed her relationship with Ephiny yet.

“Wait, you and Ephiny? That ’s wonderful Naiya. I am Glad you have somewhere to settle once the battle is finished.” Ava smiled.

Before Anaiya could respond, they heard pulsing from the communication crystal sitting on the table in front of the couch.

The Council was 2 days early with their call.

A few hours later they knew everything.

“What are we going to do?” Anaiya asked. “If it ’s true, and you are the reincarnation of Xena ’s soul, which explains a lot. And with Anessa being the reincarnated soul of Gabrielle, that means, you were always meant to be with her.

“I know.” Ava spoke. “But the mission still must be completed. I will remain here, and you will return to the amazons. I need you to pretend you don ’t know anything. I need a few more days. I am going to move the cabin to a different location. Knowing Brie, she will insist on coming to find me.”

“Ava, I can ’t lie. Why won ’t you just come back with me? We can tell them the truth together.” Anaiya said trying to encourage her friend.

“No. We will tell them the truth but at the right time. If Daemon is due here in a few weeks, it is the only way to protect everyone. Tell them any earlier and they will only put themselves in harms way. I have to preserve them, all of them.”

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“You know you still suck at hunting.” Xena chuckled at her blond companion.

It had been three days since Anaiya and Ava left and she and Xena had begun to relearn each other. Gabrielle had to admit that she was still in love. It was nice to be near Xena again.

“Hey, no teasing.” Gabrielle pushed her back.

Xena felt her heartbeat speed up. She was so happy to be where she was.

“I was wondering if we could have dinner in the hut tonight, just us 2?” Xena asked.

Xena could not help wanting to make the bard happy.

“Ok.” Gabrielle said curiously.

A few hours later they were laughing and joking with full bellies. It felt good to be near Xena again. It felt good to hold her. But still Ava ’s face was strong in her mind. Why did Xena give her time love and affection, when she never planned to be with her. Ava was every bit the dark warrior, yet she loved her so freely.

“Hey, where are you?” Xena spoke pulling Gabrielle out of her thoughts.

“I ’m sorry Xena. I was just thinking.” Gabrielle said averting her eyes. They had settled on the bed.

“Thinking about what?” Xena asked, the butterflies in her stomach growing larger.

She knew even though Gabrielle had not told her so, that Ava was giving her something Xena felt like she couldn ’t. But it still seemed like she had the bard ’s heart as well.

Gabrielle took a deep breath and decided to tell Xena she was still in love. She braced herself.

“Well, I was thinking about how right it feels with you here these last few days.” She spoke with trepidation. “Xena, I, still, have feelings for you.”

Xena ’s heart soared for a moment and then she felt it drop like a stone. Her resolve to refuse the blond was wearing thin. But she still could not herself to indulge. She decided to remain silent. What could she say anyway?

When Gabrielle noticed the prolonged silence, she continued speaking.

“I know you don ’t want to try, but I just want you to know, I can ’t make my feelings go away so easily. If you change your mind, I want to try.” She spoke. There she had said it. Although she couldn ’t figure out why she did. But she promised.

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It had been a week since she had seen Ava ’s face, she went to the spot that the cabin was the last time she had been. But after feeling around the area, she realized that Ava had moved the cabin. She couldn ’t help but wonder if she was safe. Anaiya had returned, said she didn ’t know why Ava left or why she had not returned. But she could tell that was A lie. Gabrielle sat by the lake waiting for Xena to bring lunch down.

“You mean, you have known where Ava was the entire time after she left, and Gabrielle has no idea she is here?!” Ephiny yelled. “She ’s going to think I have been lying to her?”

“Yes, my love, I have been helping her keep her presence a secret. I am sure she won ’t be angry at you. There is a mission that needs to be carried out. We haven ’t told you. Ava will tell you in her own time. But she and Gabrielle have to talk. I know that too now. I just need help in getting them to accidentally run into each other.” Anaiya spoke hoping Ava would not be too mad.

“You think we should? “Ephiny spoke.

“Yea. I think we should. I know Ava needs this.” Anaiya spoke.

Ephiny considered her actions and then decided to help.

“Ok so, what I am thinking is this. I asked Ava to train Janessa. I have noticed that those to were getting pretty tight. Well, they train every afternoon by the lake before dinner. Janessa always has her dinner later. So, I can ask Gabrielle to meet you there and you just not show up. But she will see Ava and nature will take its course.” Said Anaiya.

“That ’s perfect.” Said Ephiny.

Gabrielle was running late to meet Ephiny. But only by a few minutes. Just as she was wondering what was going on she heard a familiar voice. She peered through the trees. She saw Ava directing and sparring with Janessa. Instead of alerting them to her presence she watched them for a while. She saw them joking and frolicking with one another. Then suddenly Janessa charged at Ava. This landed them both on the ground Janessa on top and staring into each other ’s eyes for a short time. This obviously wasn ’t the first time they had done this. Which meant Ava must have been back for a while. After a while their lesson ended, and Ava sent Janessa back to the village.

Then she sat down to take a rest, when she heard footsteps walking towards her. “Brie.” she spoke without looking.

Gabrielle could barely breathe she was so angry. “How long have you been back?”

“Brie, I, I didn ’t want to come between you two.” Ava said as she stood her back still facing Gabrielle. “You need time with her, and I won ’t be your distraction.”

Gabrielle felt her frustration build and before she knew it, she lashed out. “How long have you been spending time with Janessa?” She knew she shouldn ’t let her jealousy show but she couldn't help it.

“Brie. I was asked to train her. That ’s all. It ’s easier to do that if we are friends.” Ava spoke.

“Why do you avoid me? Why would you not tell me you had returned? I was so worried this whole time.” Gabrielle spoke in a panic as she turned Ava around.

Gabrielle slowly moved in towards Ava grabbing her waist.

“Brie, we can ’t. You promised.” She barely whispered as Gabrielle grabbed her face gently. She was so close that she could feel Gabrielle ’s breath on her lips.

As hard as it was Ava broke the embrace and backed away. Gabrielle ’s frustration resurfaced.

“So, what were those 2 weeks in the cabin. The last 8 months, were you just pretending this entire time?” Gabrielle felt her heartbeat speed up.

When Ava Looked down and did not answer she felt her chest swell.

“You were.” she whispered.

She felt like she was going to faint, and she turned to run. But she felt Ava ’s strong hands catch her before she could.

“Hey, hey.” Ava spoke as she held the blond in place in front her. “Brie, look at me.”

She slowly raised her eyes. “You know that isn ’t true.”

Gabrielle still felt angry, she struggled against the hold she was in, but Ava was stronger.

“Brie, I, you know how I feel.” She spoke desperate to make the blond understand without uttering the words.

“Just tell me then Ava, please. I need to hear you speak it.”

As Ava looked it to Brie ’s eyes, she felt her heart melt. She pulled the blond into her so close they could feel each other ’s breath. “I am so in love with you gorgeous.” She spoke as she claimed the blonde ’s lips. She grabbed Gabrielle ’s waist and held her tight.

As the kiss deepened, she backed Gabrielle up against a tree and her hands were everywhere. She felt Gabrielle ’s mouth open in invitation, beckoning her tongue. She obliged. As her hands continued to roam Gabrielle ’s body freely, it wasn ’t until she heard a deep moan from Gabrielle that she realized what was happening.

She gripped Gabrielle ’s wrists against the tree. “Please Brie, we have to stop.” Ava spoke out of breath as she pinned the blonde ’s wrists down by her sides.

Still barely an inch from Gabrielle ’s face her chest heaving, she did not back away, but she did not move forward either. “Please Ava, I love you. Don ’t stop.” Gabrielle spoke.

“Brie, there are things at play, things that you don ’t understand.” Ava spoke finally backing away.

“So, explain it to me. Let me in.” Gabrielle pleaded as she leaned in to kiss Ava. She was determined to love this woman. Right here, right now. The air between them grew thick and their breathing became audible as Gabrielle whispered one word, her voice thick with desperation. “Please.” Ava ’s grip on her wrists loosened considerably.

She claimed Ava ’s full lips once more. Exploring her mouth. She slowly grabbed Ava ’s hand and slid it between her legs to cover the molten lava that had taken residence. Gabrielle arched her hips so that she pressed against Ava ’s hand, causing her to moan deep in her throat. “Gods Brie.” Ava whispered breaking the kiss. “I want you, so badly but I can ’t. I ’m sorry.” She said breathing heavily into Gabrielle ’s ear. “I know you don ’t understand but you will soon.” Ava said as she moved back staring into emerald eyes. Then she turned and left a tear sliding down her left cheek.

Gabrielle leaned against a tree and slid down the truck and huddled her face in her arms and cried. She felt so confused and alone.

Xena watched as her heart cried. Blue eyes wide with shock. Gabrielle had fallen for Ava. She would have willingly given herself to her, but Ava didn ’t allow it and she was grateful. But if she couldn ’t be with Gabrielle, maybe she deserved to be happy. She knew that she couldn ’t go back to the hut tonight and face Gabrielle. So, she decided sleeping in the stables was best.

She also decided to have a talk with Ava, who had clearly broken Gabrielle ’s heart. She needed to know why exactly, when Gabrielle was so willing. She resolved to talk to her in the morning.

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A few hours later while laying on a blanket on top a few bails of hay in only her leathers, she felt movement and awoke slowly as she heard rustling to her left on the other side of the wall. She peered over and saw Ava, readying her horse and gear. She was obviously planning on leaving again.

Then she heard her name being called. “Xena, Xena, I know you ’re there.” Ava spoke staring at the wall.

Slowly Xena stood. “How?” was the singular word uttered from Xena ’s mouth.

“I know you were at the lake. I know what you saw and heard.” Ava said with a heavy heart.

“So, why leave her, why break her heart?” Xena practically yelled at Ava. “She ’s in love with you. And from what I heard; you love her too.” It felt like someone had punched her in the chest, letting those words fall from her lips.

Ava said nothing. She could not believe she had to encourage Gabrielle to be with someone so frustrating. She looked Xena in the eyes for a moment. Then she saw it, her soul, it was rough and raw in its form. But looking into those Sapphire eyes, she saw herself, staring right back at her. Judging from the emotions playing across Xena ’s face, it seemed she was having a similar revelation. Even if she could not identify it for what it was.

As Ava began to mount her horse, Xena spoke. “Don ’t leave her.” It was an aggressive statement, and it got its desired response.

Ava stopped, faced Xena and spoke gently. “As I said earlier, there are things, forces at play, I know you don ’t understand. But I must protect her, you, the amazons, everyone. I can ’t explain now, but I will when the time is right. As for Gabrielle, I will never leave her Xena, in any lifetime. After all, she has you.” Ava spoke cryptically. Then she mounted Katsina and left.

Xena had no idea what Ava meant with that last statement. But she knew that she was truthful in her reply. So, she returned to her makeshift bed.