They had decided to just get away for the day so that Gabrielle could have a break from council meetings and Xena from trainees. With a basket of food and a blanket, they walked to the lake that they had heard about from Ephiny.

The lake was just as she described; glassy and peaceful, a place where they could think, talk and express the new facet of their love for each other.

*Should have known she would come here. Those were happy times.* Xena did not want to frighten the bard, so she called out.

Gabrielle did not respond. Xena walked around her so that she could face her. Dark gray-green eyes did not take notice of her presence. "Gabrielle?" No response came forth.

Darkness never felt so inviting to the bard. She knew she was surrounded by it; its numbing appendages holding her tight. She can almost feel it as she reached out her arms to embrace it. But something is trying to breakthrough. She tightened her grip on the darkness, ignoring the new presence.

"Gabrielle, don’t do this!" Xena knelt in front of the bard, making sure she did not come into contact with her. "Do you remember the promise that you made to me? You promised me that you would lean on me, that you would remember that you were not in this by yourself. I’m holding you to your promise Gabrielle."

Darkness still engulfed her, but the new presence will not give up. It reached out to her, and she felt its warmth as it tried to envelope her in its arms.

"You have always been my light and anchor. When I wanted to give up, you wouldn’t let me. Please let me be there for you. I want to share your pain, your fears and burdens. I understand how the nightmares torment you. We can fight them together, just as we always had before."

The comfort the darkness promised had become cold and distant. As the voice grew louder the colder the darkness became. She no longer wanted to stay, nor did she want to return to the pain. A solitary tear rolled down the bard’s face and Xena knew that she was breaking through.

***

"No matter how hard you push Gabrielle, I’m not going to let you out of my life. Of all the people I know, you are the most special that I ever had met. Your love and compassion touches everyone you come into contact with. If it wasn’t for you, the centaurs and amazons would still be at war, but instead they live in peace with one another. If it wasn’t for your bravery and insight, Valesca would have became Queen and destroyed this nation. And if it wasn’t for your love, the darkness in me would have taken control again."

**

Other tears flowed from her eyes. She closed her eyes as she tried to hold back the emotional tidal wave; but the ice wall cracked and was beginning to melt. Sobs began to rack her body. She leaned into Xena and cried.

*

"It was your love Gabrielle that has changed this warlord forever. You are a gift from the gods. Don’t ever doubt that. Herodotus couldn’t destroy you while he was alive. Don’t let him destroy you now."

"I just want it to stop. I want all of it to stop."

Xena gently raised her hand and began to stroke Gabrielle’s hair. "One thing I can promise Gabrielle is that the nightmares will become less and less. And the pain and fear will ease. Just remember, you are not doing this alone. We are here for you."

"Lila? Is she alright?"

"She is fine. In fact, she is probably arguing with the others that she should be out looking for you."

They stayed there, in their present positions for a candlemark. When the sobbing turned into breathing, Xena looked down at her partner. "Are you ready to head back?" Gabrielle slowly nodded. Once they were standing, Xena held out her hand.

Gabrielle looked down at the hand and slowly took it. They walked back to the village; silently realizing that an understanding had been reached.

After much apologizing between the sisters, Xena and Gabrielle finally left the healer’s hut and headed back to their own, walking hand in hand. Even though they had missed dinner, neither of them were hungry, just tired. They both got ready for bed in silence. Gabrielle looked at her bed and her fear of nightmares ebbed into her.

"Xena? Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure. What is it?"

Gabrielle sighed as her eyebrows furrowed together. The words got stuck in her throat and she had to force them out, "Can you hold me tonight?" She quickly looked down at the floor.

Xena walked over to the Queen of her heart. "Of course. I’ll hold you for as long as you want, okay?" They both laid down in the small bed, facing each other. Xena wrapped her arms protectively around the bard and soon they both fell asleep.

She couldn’t see him, but she knew he was near, watching her. She began to run, his voice screaming for her to come back. She ran, dodging trees and limbs, until she tripped. He was coming closer and closer...

Gabrielle tossed in her sleep; her body reacting to the nightmare her mind was living. "Gabrielle, it’s alright. You are safe. He can’t hurt you any more. I’m here. It’s alright love, it’s alright." Xena spoke as she continued to stroke Gabrielle’s head.

Gabrielle settled down and continued sleeping. Each time a nightmare tried to take hold, Xena spoke, her words calming the sleeping bard. As the sun sent its warmth upon their faces, the warrior woke up. Even though she spent most of the night soothing Gabrielle, she knew that she was willing to do that for all of eternity if it meant that she would see the spark in Gabrielle’s eyes again.

The bard yawned and realized two things. First, this was the first time in a long while that the sun had beat her out of bed. Second, she felt safe when she awoke. She looked up at Xena. "Hi."

"Hi there. How did you sleep?"

"Okay, I guess. How about you? I didn’t keep you awake all night did I?"

"No you didn’t." She looked at her bard. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For sharing with me. I know it took a lot of trust on your part to let me hold you."

Gabrielle did not respond and they laid there in silence. Xena finally spoke, "So what are your plans for today?"

"Talking. I know you are right Xena. I do need to talk about this. And there is no one I trust more than you." She looked away from the cobalt blue eyes. "But there are some things I’m not sure I can talk about, even with you."

"Tell you what, I’ll send one of the guards to get us breakfast. After we eat, we will talk for a little while. We’ll take it slow. If there are things you need to get off your chest, but you can’t speak about them, write them down on a scroll. But don’t keep things bottle up inside, okay?"

Gabrielle nodded and closed her eyes, falling asleep once more. *Well so much for breakfast,* Xena thought as she smiled and followed her partner’s example.

Sophia smiled as she saw her favorite couple walking together hand in hand towards the lake. Almost two weeks had past since Xena found Gabrielle and things were slowly getting back to normal; everything that is but one--Xena and Gabrielle seemed stronger now than ever before. And Sophia couldn’t be happier.

She visited Gabrielle yesterday and remembered how the bard teased her aboutSophia’s infrequent visits -- "You are just too busy playing match-maker. So who are you matching yourself with?" Sophia laughed at the memory. *I wish I was busy finding my soulmate.*

Even though she was no longer a guardian, Sophia still acted like one; helping others with their relationships and love probblems. *Aphrodite is probablylaughing at me right now. Still taking on the responsibilities without any of the French benefits.* "Speaking of benefits, I wonder if my soulmate is here in

Amazonia?" Sophia looked around at the Amazons as they passed by. It was true that a few of the Amazons had shown an interest, but Sophia did not bother pursuing. She knew what soulmates were, and did not want to settle for anything less. As she scanned the area, she saw Lila heading her way. ‘Oh great, just what I needed.’

"Hi Sophia? Have you seen my sister?"

"Yeah, she and Xena were heading off somewhere. I think they wanted to be alone."

"Oh." As Sophia looked at Lila, her gut sank lower and lower. She realized that Herodotus may have told her the truth, but the only person who knew for sure was in Poteidaea and Sophia had no intentions of seeing that woman. Sophia was so busy thinking, she did not notice the constant chattering coming from Lila.

"...even though Mother and Father said that was wrong, seeing them together, I can only hope I find someone to love me like that. Do you think that I will find my love?"

"Huh? Oh sure, it will happen."

"Cool. So I can move in with you right?"

"WHAT?!?!??!!" Sophia’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as her jaw dropped to the ground.

"Haven’t you been listening? I said that Xena and Gabrielle are soulmates and are very good for each other, and I know that they have been getting real close and all, and I know that it is difficult having me living in the same hut, I was thinking about staying with you, you know with them being in love and all that even though Mother and Father..."

"Okay I got that part." Sophia was looking for an escape route, "You know, I was in the library the other day, looking over the laws and customs of the Amazons, and I think I read that Amazon princesses get their own hut." She was lying through her teeth, but at this point Sophia was willing to chew through an arm to get out of this conversation.

"That’s nice. What does that have to do with me?"

"Since you are the Queen’s sister, you are technically an Amazon princess. Now to become an official Amazon, you will have to go through the necessary training and rituals. But you still get your own hut."

Sophia quickly scanned her surroundings and saw an Amazon walking close by. "Now if you will excuse me, I hear someone’s heart breaking." With that she walked up the Amazon and offered an arm to her, "I’ll explain later, let’s just keep walking, okay?"

Gabrielle leaned back against the warrior and stretched her legs in front of her on the blanket. She rested her arms on Xena’s bent knees as the pair studied the clouds in the sky. "That one looks like a pouncing cat."

"That was good. See that one to the left? I think it looks like a chakram."

Gabrielle squirmed around to look Xena in the face. "You think everything looks like a chakram," she turned back around and leaned back into Xena before continuing, "or a target."

"That’s not true." Xena pointed to another cloud. "That one looks like the pyramids in Egypt."

"Where?"

"There."

"No way. That is a mountain range."

"How can you say that looks like a mountain range? It is the pyramids."

"Mountains."

"Pyramids."

"Mountains."

"Pyramids."

"Mountains."

"Must we argue over clouds too? You would think we were talking about the stars or something."

Gabrielle grabbed the bunch of grapes that was next to her and popped one into her mouth. "And I was right about it too. It was a bear."

"No, it is a dipper."

"Oh shut up and eat your grapes." With that she turned and shoved a grape into the warrior’s mouth. The look of surprise on Xena’s face caused her to giggle.

"Are you laughing at me Gabrielle?"

"No, I would never laugh at you." Xena’s eyebrow quirked upward."Okay, I may be laughing at you just a little bit." She reached out and tucked Xena’s hair behind her ear. "But the main reason I’m laughing is because I’m happy."

"I’m glad. There is nothing that I want more than for you to be happy.... Sometimes I wondered if we would find this type of happiness again."

"I did too." She caressed Xena’s cheek. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For fighting for me even when I gave up. For so long, you told me that I was your light; but now, you are mine. You are my rock and shield." She bent closer to Xena, "and I love you for that." She lowered her head and their lips barely touched. Xena knew that Gabrielle needed to be in control, so she sat back and let Gabrielle dictate the kiss. The kiss deepened as Xena let Gabrielle gain entrance into her mouth. The kiss wasn’t demanding, but it was passionate.

Gabrielle pulled back and turned back around, wrapping Xena’s arms around her.

Once she caught her breath, Xena spoke the first word that popped into her mind, "Wow."

"My sentiments exactly."

Xena kissed the top of the bard’s head. "I love you bard."

"Love you too warrior."

Sophia smiled as she saw Gabrielle blush. "Yep, you got it pretty bad."

"Sophia, stop teasing me."

"Okay, okay. So I take it that you are happy, no?"

"Yes, very happy." The smile on her face could light up the sky.

"Xena's been so patience, so giving, so loving." She lowered her eyes to the ground. "I just wish that she would let me show her how much I love her."

Sophia furrowed her brows. "What happened?"

Crimson painted itself on Gabrielle’s face and neck as she talked to Sophia. "Last night, I wanted to, you know, make love to her. But then she stopped me. She told me that she wanted to make love to me and asked if I was ready for that."

"And you said..."

"No."

"Good."

"Good? What’s good about that?"

"You were honest with her, and that is good Gabby. So how did she take it?"

A small smile came upon her face. "She said that the next time we make love, she wants us to do it together, not just me making love to her or vice versa. I didn’t know whether to cry or to kiss her."

"Let me guess, you did both."

"Yeah, I did." Her voice turned serious, "Sophia, what if I can’t let her make love to me? I still get scared just thinking about it. What if..."

"Gabrielle, don’t deal with what ifs. They will only make you crazy. Instead of dealing with what ifs, deal with facts. Fact number one, you have come a long way. Do you remember when you first woke up? You wouldn’t let any one near you, much less touch you. And now, listen to yourself. You are talking about making love. Fact number two, Xena loves you with her entire being. She will not rush you in doing anything that you aren’t ready for. Therefore, don’t rush yourself. You two have plenty of time to rediscover that part of yourselves. Fact number three, when the time is right, you will know." An evil smirk grew across Sophia’s continence. "And when that time comes, please do the rest of us a favor. Go to your hut, lock yourselves in, and place a parchment that reads ‘Do Not Disturb’ on the door okay? We don’t want an angry Xena throwing her chakram at us because we knock at an inappropriate time." Both of them started to laugh. "But seriously Gabby, you will know when the moment is right. Trust me."

Gabrielle nodded. "Thanks Sophia. Now let me give you some advice." She grabbed Sophia’s hands and gave them a squeeze before continuing. "You my dear friend, in your heart you are still a Guardian, and whether you like it or not, it is who you are. Maybe you should consider becoming one again."

Sophia smiled at her friend. She knew Gabrielle was right. Ever since Aphrodite let her see the power of love, she had felt her doubt slowly but surely melt away. She was no longer the guardian who naively believed that love could conquer everything, but she was no longer as cynical either. And she knew that balance would allow her to become the best guardian she could be. But there was still one loose string she had to take care of, one that could wait. "I’ll think about it. If I do become a guardian again, the first thing Aphrodite is going to do is ship me off to somewhere else. And right now, I’m having too much fun here."

"You are not corrupting my Amazons are you?"

"Gabrielle, your Amazons are corrupting me. I was filled with purity until your Amazons got a hold of me. Now, I will never be the same." Sophia tried to look wide-eyed and innocent. Gabrielle just laughed.

"That was some excellent fertilizer that just came out of your mouth. Now why don’t you go spread it somewhere else, because I have a council meeting to go to."

"Council meeting? Is it something serious?"

"No, just planning the Fall Harvest Festival."

"You mean the After the End of Summer blowout but before the Winter Solstice Celebration Party."

"You know, you are starting to sound a lot like Xena. You don’t have to come you know."

"And break all those hearts? Never! After all, I have my reputation to maintain."

"Oh brother." Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "See you later." Gabrielle headed toward the council hut, shaking her head all the way there.

Xena smiled at the sight that greeted her when she opened the door. At the table was Gabrielle furiously writing; her brow furrowed as her quilt speedily went across the parchment.

Gabrielle grinned as she wrote yet another line. It was then that she noticed Xena. "Hi Xe. How did training go?"

Xena took off her scabbard and armor. "Fine. The young ones are going to be fine warriors." Xena walked over to Gabrielle. "What are you writing?"

"I promised some of the children that I would have a story for them at the Fall Festival." Gabrielle then told Xena about the story. All the while, Xena noticed the twinkle in Gabrielle’s eyes, the twinkle that had been missing so long. It was just one more indication that her love was going to be alright. "I’m glad you are writing again. And speaking of writing, can you do me a favor?"

Gabrielle returned to her writing. "It depends. What is it?"

"I was wondering if you could rewrite some of your stories?"

Gabrielle frowned. "Why? Don’t you like my stories?"

"I do. But don’t you remember that promise we made to Loki? Well, I wanted you to rewrite the old stories, making sure you include the great deeds that you did."

Gabrielle lifted up her head and eyed Xena. Her instincts told her something was up, but she couldn’t place her finger on it. ""So you want me to rewrite mystories so that Loki won’t be disappointed? What’s the catch?"

"No catch." Gabrielle arched her eyebrow and waited to hear more. "Okay, maybe one small catch. Today, during practice, one of the trainees gushed about my ‘skills’ as a warrior. She started to recite some of your tales. Gabrielle, do you know that you have some people believing that I can do the impossible like fighting off 30 soldiers single-handedly. Now if I remember right, you took out at least ten of them yourself."

"Well, sometimes facts don’t make a story as interesting Xena. It is called poetic licensing."

"Call it whatever you want. But I think your Amazons would find it much more interesting if they knew that their Queen was a great warrior as well." Xena threw up her hands. "Just trying to give you advice that’s all."

"And when did you become interested in barding?"

"Hey, if you can be a warrior, then I could be a bard."

Gabrielle held back a laugh as her hand dropped her quill. "Oh really?"

"Yes really. I think it is only fair that we learn from each other." Xena saw doubt written all over the bard’s face. She walked over to where Gabrielle was sitting. "For example, I taught you how to fist a fish, how to track, and hunt." She reach out and gently took Gabrielle’s hand, pulling her out of her seat, "And you taught me how to enjoy the stars, how to see the good in others and most importantly how to see the light inside of myself."

"Xena, I didn’t teach you those things, they were already inside of you."

"Maybe, but you help me discover them. And I want you to discover the hero that you have always been. So what do you say, you help me discover the bard in me, and I’ll help you to see who you are. Is it a deal?"

Gabrielle lowered her head, for she did not want Xena to see the tears that were forming in her eyes. If she did not love the warrior already, she knew that at this moment she would have fallen head over heels. She looked up and instead of answering Xena’s question, she kissed her; and in that one kiss she tried to express all the love that she felt for her champion. As the kiss continued and deepened, Gabrielle decided that a kiss wasn’t enough to show Xena her love.

"I think...that we have...talked about stories enough..." Her lips move across Xena’s jawline to her very sensitive earlobe. "What do you think...my warrior?"

Xena took a breath, hoping that it would cool down the heat that was rising in her. "Um...Gabrielle?" The bard ignored her as she suckled on the lobe. "I think...um...I think," *I can’t think!* "Um...that you should," *continue,* "behave yourself."

Gabrielle raised her head and looked Xena straight in the eyes. "So, you are not going to let me seduce you?" She lowered her head and delivered a kiss that Xena could feel in her toes. She pulled away and waited for Xena’s answer. Xena did not trust her voice at this moment, so she shook her head no. Gabrielle smiled as she noticed the effect that her kisses had on the warrior.

"Fine. See you later." She walked right out of their hut. Xena’s body felt the loss immediately. Once she was sure that her knees wouldn’t buckle, she put back on her armor and scabbard and headed to Eponin’s hut. She knocked on the door hard. Eponin yanked the door open.

"By the gods Xena, what’s the big.....HEY!" Xena grabbed her and dragged her to the training circle. The warrior released the Weapon Master and pulled out her sword. Eponin swallowed hard as she noticed the intensity that flashed in the cobalt blue eyes that saw her every move.

"Um, Xena, are you mad at me or something?"

"No, I just need to work out some...frustration."

After an intense workout and a cold bath, Xena returned to the hut to find Gabrielle already in bed. Narrowed eyes met smiling eyes.

"Tell me one thing Gabrielle, are you going to behave yourself?"

Gabrielle snickered. "I promised, no funny business."

"Good." As she began to remove her armor, she could feel Gabrielle’s stare on her. She decided to give retribution to Gabrielle for her little game. She slowly removed her armor and leathers, then stretched out her body as she let her sleeping shift slip over her body. As she crawled into bed, Gabrielle had one word to say to her, "Tease."

Xena laughed as she pulled the bard near. "Love you."

"Love you too."

"Are you sure?"

Gabrielle’s eyes twinkled as she thought about the preparations."Positive."

Sophia grinned and then laughed. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

"You think you can pull it off? Are you going to need any help?"

"Oh please. You are talking to Aphrodite’s former number one Guardian of love here. Leave it all up to me."

"So you want us to forget about the traditions of the Amazons?" Artemis stared at the warrior as they stood in her temple. "There are several things that stand against you Xena."

"Artemis, I know what I’m asking for is unusual..."

"Highly unusual," she interrupted. "Tell me warrior, why should I grant your request?"

"Artemis, you can see inside my heart and you know it is filled with her. If you asked me a few months ago if I thought it was possible for me to love her more than what I already do, I would have answered you no, but now even with," Xena paused trying to find the right words, "correction, because of the pain and suffering we have gone through, every single day, I love her more than the day before.

Beside Artemis, all of this is a technicality. Because what I’m asking for today has already taken place in our hearts, and even if you tell me no, it would be too late."

Artemis smiled to herself. She knew that she would give permission to Xena, but she did like to see the warrior squirm.n"It seems that you have already made up your mind warrior. If this is just a

technicality, why come to me?"

"Even though I don’t need your blessing Artemis, I know that Gabrielle would want it. And I would do anything to make her happy, even if that includes asking a god for permission to propose to the woman I love." Xena kneeled down in front

of the goddess and lowered her eyes. "So, I am asking you, Artemis, goddess of the Amazons, may I ask Gabrielle to be

my bondmate?"

"Xena, I do know what is in your heart, and I know what is in my chosen one’s as well. So let me get this little technicality out of the way." She cupped Xena’s chin and raised her head, making eye contact with the warrior. "Go warrior, you have my permission."

Xena stood and bowed, thanking the goddess before leaving.

The drums slowly pounded out their rhythm as the crowd awaited the arrival of their Queen and Regent. Everyone stared in awe as the two women made their way to the daises. Both were dressed in their ceremonial leathers and masks & both looked truly regal.

Chilapa looked over to Gabrielle, awaiting her signal to begin. The Queen nodded and Chilapa began. "We have come here to celebrate the bountiful blessings that have been bestowed upon us by Artemis and Demeter. Let us thank the goddesses of the hunt and the grain." The crowd cheered and yelled as Gabrielle walked to a giant pile of wood and started the bonfire.

"Let the celebration begin!"

Both women returned to their thrones. "I want to thank you my Queen for allowing me to officiate with you tonight."

"Chilapa, we have gone through this a million times, please call me Gabrielle." She smiled at the regent. No matter how much Gabrielle talked to her, Chilapa was determined to follow protocol. "And there is no need to thank me, Ephiny and I always shared in officiating duties for the festivals."

"Nevertheless, it was a great honor for me."

They chit-chatted for a few moments until Sophia made her way to the daises. Sophia did not say a word, for she did not need to; the giant grin and ‘two-thumbs up’ signal said it all. After she gave the sign she took off.

"I’m afraid to ask, but what was that about?"

Gabrielle started to blush. "Oh, it was nothing. Sophia can be a bit unusual at times."

"So, how did you and Sophia meet?"

"We grew up together in Poteidaea." Both watched as Sophia flirted with yet another Amazon. "You know, I really need to talk with her about corrupting Amazons."

"She is a big flirt." It was at that moment Sophia looked up and caught both of them looking at her. She smiled and waved. Chilapa smiled and waved back.

As she looked at the two, an idea popped into Gabrielle’s head. Chilapa needed someone to help her unwind and Sophia needed someone who wouldn’t be putty in her hands.

"You know what she needs Chilapa? Sophia needs someone to dance with. Why don’t you go and dance with her?"

"Why me?"

"Because as Regent, she won’t turn you down. Besides, this is a night of fun, so go have some. Don’t tell me you planned on being up here all night?"

"And how about you?"

A smile broke across her face. "I’m saving all my dances for someone."

Chilapa shook her head. Everyone in Amazonia knew about the deep bond between Xena and Gabrielle, most long before the two of them realized it. The couple was the talk and envy of many of the Amazons.

"And where is Xena anyway?" A frown showed itself upon the Regent’s face. Proper protocol had been broken once again. "As your champion, she should be up here with you."

"Trust me, Xena is never too far away." Gabrielle didn’t have to look up, for she felt her warrior princess’ eyes on her. "She is standing to the left, near the pavilion, in the far corner."

Chilapa looked up to the area that the bard had described and Xena was standing right there. Chilapa looked back at Gabrielle in astonishment. "How did you do that?"

"Practice." Gabrielle looked at her warrior and smiled; liking what she saw. The warrior princess had her usually brass armor and dark brown leathers. But both had been thoroughly cleaned and oiled. One had to be either dead or totally oblivious (like Joxer) to not notice the charge in the air between the two. They did not take their eyes off of each other as Xena made her way towards the daises.

Chilapa was so enthralled with what was happening on her left, that she didn’t noticed that someone had managed to sneaked up on her right side.

"You know, if someone could bottle up the chemistry that those two have, that person would be a very rich and happy person." Sophia grinned as she realized that Chilapa was taken completely off guard. Chilapa soon recovered.

"Of course, if true love could be bottled, it wouldn’t be worth much, guardian."

"Ah-ah. Former guardian." They watch as Xena extended a hand towards the Queen, and after she had taken it, led her to the dance area. "I don’t know about that. True love, even if it could be bottled up, it would still be very rare." She looked at the Regent, giving a dazzling smile, "As rare as someone with your beauty and your power."

"Tell me guardian, do lines like that usually work?"

"Sometimes. But I can see that it didn’t work with you, so let me cut to the chase." She extended her arm. Will you please dance with me?"

Chilap shook her head. "No. You see, proper protocol states that I, as Regent, get to chose my dance partners." She extended her arm. "So will you dance with me?"

Sophia threw her head back and laughed. "I would be honored."

Sophia linked her arm with Chilapa’s as they headed towards the dance area.

"Are you okay Gabrielle?"

"Yes, why?"

"You are so quiet."

"Well, I had a busy day today." Busy was the word for it, as Gabrielle made plans for tonight; plans that did not include staying at the festival all night long. "I guess I’m a bit tired."

"Yeah, me too." Xena thought about all that she haad done today to make tonight perfect, and the perfect night did not include staying at this festival. Xena looked around at the Amazons. "Do you think that they would mind much if we cut out early? You know how I feel about festivals."

Gabrielle looked around and spotted her regent dancing with Sophia. "I don’t think so. It looks like everyone is having fun, so they shouldn’t miss us."

"Good." They walked back to the hut hand in hand. Before Gabrielle could open the door, Xena stopped her.

"Gabrielle, I need to ask you something." Hoping that her surprise wasn’t spoiled, Gabrielle turned around and asked, "What is it?"

Xena had rehearsed all afternoon what she was going to say, but now, looking in the eyes of the woman she truly loved, she knew she needed to speak from her heart. "Do you remember when we first met? I did everything to push you away. Do you know why?" Xena asked her love while tenderly caressing her right cheek.

"I did it because I knew from the moment I first saw you, that you were able to touch me in places I feared to be touched. You managed to get in my life and in my heart. I have no idea when I fell in love with you, but the moment I realized I had, I knew it was for always. Although we are one soul, and in our hearts we are already joined that is not enough for me."

Xena then reached into her boot and pulled out a pouch. She opened it and pulled a bracelet from it. The bracelet was made up of two metal bands, one silver the other brass, that intertwined with each other. On each band was carved a pattern similar to the pattern on Xena’s armor and where the bands crossed each other sat a small blue-green stone.

Tears welled in both their eyes as Xena slipped the bracelet over Gabrielle’s hand and onto her wrist, "I know that the Queen is suppose to chose a Amazon to be bonded with, but I have already asked Artemis and she has given me permission to do this so. Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons and of my heart, will you be my bond-mate?"

Tears flowed freely from the pair of sea green eyes that had seized and conquered the former destroyer’s heart. "Yes." Gabrielle returned, wrapping her arms around Xena’s neck and kissing her. "Yes." Another kiss. "Yes." They stood there, holding each other and looking into each other’s eyes, as time halted.

Xena finally broke the silence, but not the magic. "You have made me the happiest woman ever."

Gabrielle smiled. "Come on, let’s get inside."

As they opened the door, Xena gasped in surprise. The air in the hut was scented by both potpourri and lit candles that had resigned the darkness to only the furthest corners of the hut. On the table was an array of fruit, cheese, bread and wine. Gabrielle turned and wrapped her arms around Xena.

"I wanted to surprise you." She whispered, claiming the warrior’s lips with her own. The little queen then pulled back and gazed into blue eyes, eyes that reflected the passion she was feeling. "Xena, I want us to make love tonight."

"Are you sure?" Xena searched into the sea-green orbs for any sign of fear or doubt. Physically the warrior wanted oh so badly to express the love she felt in her soul for her bard, but only if Gabrielle was ready. What she found in her queen’s eyes was passion and undeniable love.

"Yes." Gabrielle silkily returned.

Slowly they undressed each other, every new area of exposed skin was treated with a kiss. They walked to the bed hand in hand. Their lovemaking was slow and passionate; their bodies and words expressed what was in their heart and soul. After riding waves of ecstasy together, the bard and the warrior fell asleep, cradled in each other’s arms.

The sun’s rays streamed into the hut and shined upon the couple. Gabrielle opened her eyes and smiled as she saw her partner and the memories of the previous night danced in her mind. Love welled up in her heart for the woman laying by her side, as tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to blink them back, hoping that Xena did not see them. Xena silently watched as Gabrielle tried to hide her tears.

"Do you have any regrets about last night?"

Gabrielle shook her head.

"None what so ever. I love you so much Xena." With those words spoken, she kissed Xena, and did not break the kiss until she was sure she had proven her point. "So love, what are your plans?" She asked.

"Long term or immediate?"

"Both."

Xena smiled. "My immediate plans include snuggling with you for at least the next few candlemarks." Her face became serious as she spoke the next sentence. "My long term plans center on one thing; to show you everyday for the rest of my life how much I love you." The smile returned to her continence. "And how about you?"

"My long term plans are the same as yours--to show you everyday how much I love you. My short term plan is very simple. I’m planning on starting my long-term plan right now." She pulled Xena’s head down and kissed her and their passion for each other flared again.

The knock at the door interrupted them. *Of all the things to forget, Sophia forgets the Do Not Disturb parchment,* Gabrielle thought to herself. The thought was quickly removed when Xena’s lips found a very sensitive spot on her neck.

They both ignored the second pounding upon the door, but alas, the third rap caught their attention.

"You wait here, Gabrielle. I’ll get rid of them." Xena climbed out of bed and placed on a shift. Gabrielle could hear whispering, but she thought that Xena was just giving the intruder a piece of her mind. She closed her eyes and pulled the covers snuggly around her. Xena climbed back into bed and wrapped her arms around the bard tightly. Gabrielle could feel the tightness in Xena’s muscles and knew that something was amiss.

"Xena, what’s wrong?"

Turmoil and anger raged in Xena’s mind. It seemed like someone was determined to snatch away their happiness. She knew she could not hide the truth.

"That was one of the guards. It seems that the border patrol found someone coming across the borders. They are escorting that person to the village as we speak."

She took a deep breath before she continued. "Gabrielle, it is your mother."

***

Daughter finally confronts her mother; the truth is revealed; and too many bridges may have been burnt for there to be a happily ever after ending. Stay tuned for the (hopefully) conclusion of "Sins of the Father."

Oh yeah, FEED THE BARD. Please.

Written and (c)Copyrighted by: Paully Adams

August 1, 2001