Love/Sex Warning/Disclaimer: Oh yeah now we're getting down to it. YES this story depicts a sexual relationship between two women and between a woman and a man. Is it graphic? Well, maybe… kinda… in a tasteful sort of way… that is to say… yeah okay it's graphic but hey let your hair down a little. Give yourself a little thrill. As is indicative of a Conqueror story there is some nonconsensual sex, one scene of the disturbing kind and the other more of the "she's forcing herself on me and I just hate myself for loving it" kind. If you are under the age of 18 or live in a state or country where this kind of story is illegal or this kind of thing disturbs you then read no further. Oh yeah that love thing. Lots of love in this story, love between two women, love between a woman and a man and they all love me! Me, me, me! Hey it's my story and I can write it anyway I want. You want love too? Oh all right, they love you tooJ Happy now?

Feedback: What did ya think? tlh277@aol.com

Part 3

Ephiny watched from her knees until Gabrielle and the Conqueror had disappeared into the forest. When they were gone from her sight she finally stole herself for what she had to do. She took a deep breath and wiped away her tears then tied the ornate necklace the queen had given her around her neck. She stood and faced the others who were still on their hands and knees in a state of complete shock. In those few moments their whole lives had been forever changed.

Their happy little village was gone, no more was that feeling of safety and comfort from being tucked away deep in the forest, no more full moon festivals were they had all shared food and drink, danced and laughed, no more were the tournaments where their best warriors would compete for the queen's honor and most devastatingly no more Queen Gabrielle. They had all loved her. Loved her for her beauty and for her kind generous nature and for her inspired leadership. She was strict when she needed to be but she was always fair. They all wept for her now, hauled off by that monster and they all cried for their champion as well.

Poor Varia was arrogant and tough but everyone respected her. She was fiercely loyal and dedicated to the village's safety. No one was surprised when Varia had attacked the Conqueror, she was fearless, they were surprised however at how easily the Conqueror had defeated her. The Conqueror had taken their champion down with barely an effort. They knew then that this woman was not human and that there was nothing any of them could do to stop her.

Ephiny cleared her throat and spoke. "Get up." She ordered simply.

The Amazons slowly got to their feet and stared dazed at her. This, Ephiny knew was a time for strong leadership and she tried to think of what Gabrielle would do when she made her next command.

"Tessa, you and Nadia take Varia into the queen's council hut and make her comfortable. Sarah get your healers kit and see to her. I want everyone else in the hut as well." Ephiny stated in a clear even voice that sounded a lot more confidant than she felt.

They all went about their instructions. Tessa and Nadia laid Varia gently on her stomach on a thick fur rug by the fire then Sarah was cleaning and dressing her wounds. Varia had managed to quit sobbing and she lie on a rug staring blankly into the fire, a lost distant look on her face.

The others were all inside when Ephiny entered. The council hut was large enough for all thirty of them. Next to the dinning hut it was the largest in the small village. They all sat in a horseshoe around the large fire in the center of the hut. Ephiny went to the open end of the gathering and poised herself to speak. All eyes were on her now.

"Before she was taken by the Conqueror, Queen Gabrielle passed on the right of cast to me and gave one final instruction." Ephiny made the statement and the hut was deafly silent, all of them were desperate for direction from their beloved former queen.

"She wanted us to leave her to her new fate and to save ourselves." Ephiny managed to make the statement without being overwhelmed by emotion.

The hut was silent. Everyone lamented over the lose of their queen but they all understood the logic in her last instructions. If they tried to rescue her with their small numbers the Conqueror would more than likely slaughter them and even if they did by some miracle manage to save her their was no way they could hope to kill the Conqueror. Then she would send her troops to hunt down and kill every last Amazon in Greece. No, Gabrielle was wise enough to understand this and her first thoughts were as always for her little village.

After giving everyone a moment to absorb the gravity of her statement Ephiny continued. "We're going to go join the northern Amazons in the far northeast. They're so far from anyone we should be safe with them."

A red haired Amazon of medium build stood then. "What about what the Conqueror said? If we don't go to Athens then she'll send her soldiers to hunt us down."

Ephiny had been expecting this; she took a deep breath and answered the question. "We are not going to become the Conqueror's slaves. We'll be so far and so well hidden with the northern Amazons that the Conqueror's troops won't be able to find us."

The red headed Amazon wasn't satisfied. "The Conqueror's soldiers won't dare go back empty handed and if they do she'll just send more to find us, more than anyone could resist. Then when they find us they'll rape and torture us for months while they take us back to Athens!"

Ephiny didn't like this, Lara was getting the others more upset and worked up than they already were. She had to defuse the situation fast before the fiery redhead completely demoralized them all. "If we go to Athens the same thing will happen there. At least if we go north we have a chance and a good one."

"No, our only chance is to go to Athens like the Conqueror ordered! At least then she won't have us crucified for defying her when we get there." Lara shot back.

Ephiny took a more authoritative stance. "No one is becoming a slave or getting killed! We're Amazons, we're good at not being found when we don't want to be!"

The hut was silent again; even Lara was quiet then after a few moments she spoke softly.

"Better to be a live slave than a dead Amazon."

With that Lara moved to leave the tent and over half of them followed her.

Ephiny lowered her head and fought back her tears. She wished Gabrielle were here, she would have known just what to say and no one would have left.

As Lara was about to exit the hut with more than half of the small village Varia's weak voice halted them.

"Wait." The warrior chief said in just over a whisper but the unmistakable voice froze everyone in place.

Varia's wounds had been cleaned and dressed and the healer had put her in a large, very soft nightshirt. The tortured warrior rose unsteadily to her knees.

"Take me with you." Varia's plea was barely audible but it seemed to boom in the still hut.

Everyone stared shocked at her. Varia was the most courageous among them and if anyone would be willing to risk defying the Conqueror they thought surely the warrior chief would be among them.

After a moment of deafening silence Lara nodded for two of the women with her to help Varia. As they helped her from the tent fresh tears spilled down Varia's checks. She had been broken, completely by the Conqueror's humiliating torture. She no longer had it in her to defy the ruler of the known world.

A few more left when they saw the former warrior chief leave and now only ten of them remained. Ephiny stared at the small group that was left in the large tent and tried to muster an encouraging smile but she couldn't. Her failure to keep them together overwhelmed her and she lost it. She sank to her knees, tears and sobs erupting from her. The new queen placed her hands over her face and bowed her head in shame as a torrent of emotion flowed out of her.

The others in the tent quickly surrounded her offering her comfort.

Sarah took the new queen in her arms and rubbed her back gently. "Shhh, it's okay Ephiny. There's nothing anyone could have said to make them stay. It's not your fault, if it weren't for you we would all be heading to Athens right now."

Tessa and Nadia had also stayed along with the healer and they both offered the new queen comfort.

"That's right, we love you Ephiny and we need you." Tessa reassured her.

"We'll be okay just like you said. Everything will work out and then maybe Gabrielle can convince the Conqueror to let the others go." Nadia added.

Ephiny stopped cried and wiped her tears away. She hadn't thought of that. If anyone could convince the Conqueror of anything it would be Gabrielle. She felt a new ray of hope and the tiny spark was enough to sustain her. The new queen gave the small group before her a weak smile.

"Thanks. Nadia's right, maybe Gabrielle can save the others. We better start packing though, we should leave as soon as possible." Ephiny said trying to regain her composure.

The others nodded at her and helped their new queen to her feet.

Ephiny reassured them all that she would be okay and remained in the hut as they went off to pack what they would need for the long journey. When they had all gone and she was alone in the large empty hut the former regent took one last look around the large council hut and fought back the tears that threatened to spill out again. She had spent many a happy hour in this place with her former queen. Being here with Gabrielle always made even the most mundane issues something to look forward to.

"We all love you Gabrielle and we'll never forget you." Ephiny said aloud to the empty tent then turned and left before she was overcome by her emotions again.

"Stop crying!" Xena shouted at Seth.

The Conqueror was seated on a log before the campfire with Gabrielle on her knees before her, the blonde's right arm in the warrior's tight grasp in her other hand she held her dagger with the tip of its red hot blade poised to burn her mark into the Amazon's shoulder.

The Conqueror had returned with her new acquisition to find Seth fast asleep on their bedroll and fur blankets. She glared again at Gabrielle for allowing the boy to consume alcohol, mistake or not.

The remainder of their trip back to camp had been an awkward silent one. Both women pondering the strong emotions that the other triggered in them and wondering what it meant.

Xena decided to let Seth sleep off his first encounter with too much drink and she put Gabrielle to work preparing food for their dinner. A few hours later the enticing smell of dinner cooking woke Seth.

The boy was surprised to see Gabrielle but quickly decided that it was a good idea for her to be with them after tasting the dinner she had prepared.

Xena gave him a hard look when the boy complimented the Amazon on the meal and Seth thought she must still be angry about the alcohol. She had also insisted that he sit right next to her during dinner, something that she generally didn't do.

The Conqueror felt the sting of jealousy when the boy complimented the little blonde on her cooking. He never compliments my cooking; she brooded, then made the boy sit next to her and glared over at Gabrielle.

After dinner the Conqueror took her dagger which she had placed into the fire earlier and called Gabrielle to her. It was then that it donned on Seth why his mistress had placed the blade in the flames and he panicked.

"Stop crying!" The Conqueror repeated.

Seth tried unsuccessfully to stifle his tears. He was on his knees at his mistress's side tugging on the skirt of her leather battle dress and trying to come up with a coherent statement.

"This isn't for you! What in Tartarus are you crying about?" Xena barked exasperated.

Seth gathered himself enough to speak. "It… it hurts Xena, please don't hurt Gabrielle!"

The Conqueror's jealousy got the better of her and her eyes blazed. "Oh I see this is your new little friend is that it?"

"She… she wouldn't let the mean one hurt me Xena, please don't hurt her." Seth pleaded wiping at his tears with the back of his hand.

Xena's jealousy waned a bit as it donned on her that the boy felt obligated to try and return the favor that the Amazon had done for him. Her expression grew less harsh as she considered what to do for a moment.

"W… what if she promises not to run away?" Seth asked hopefully.

Interesting, Xena thought then looked at Gabrielle with one eyebrow raised in question.

Gabrielle had been watching the exchange between the Conqueror and Seth rapped. She was shocked by the boy's defense of her and even more shocked to see the Conqueror considering Seth's request. She had resigned herself to her slave status for the time being, deciding that she would wait and allow her Amazons enough time to get far away before she tried to escape and brought the Conqueror's army down on them. Now she was on the spot, she never broke a promise and she didn't want to promise now but poor Seth was so upset and….

The Conqueror shook her cutting off her thoughts.

"Well girl?" Xena questioned.

Gabrielle looked away from her into the fire her face somber.

"That's what I thought." Xena said and raised her blade back to the girl's shoulder.

Seth started crying again and buried his face on the Conqueror's thigh.

"Alright, I promise!" Gabrielle blurted out. She couldn't stand the sight of Seth so tormented any longer.

Xena looked at her surprised and lowered her dagger then let the girl go. Seth's head came up off the Conqueror's thigh and his eyes were bright with relief.

"The first time you try to run this mark will be the least of your punishment." The Conqueror stated in a serious tone then stuck the dagger in the ground to cool.

Seth hugged his mistress tightly and kissed her check. "Thank you Xena!"

The Conqueror grunted at him but she couldn't help but to smile as the boy lavished her with his love and adoration hugging her fiercely between innocent kisses.

Gabrielle watched stunned from across the fire as the Conqueror's face changed and she actually smiled. She could hardly believe that this was the same destroyer of nations that had whipped one of her friends half to death and crushed her village earlier in the day.

Seth clung happily to his mistress for awhile longer with Xena rubbing gentle circles on his back.

"Time for bed boy." Xena said running her fingers through the boy's thick hair.

Seth released his hold on the Conqueror and kissed her on the check again.

"Okay Xena." Seth said then went to the blankets and crawled under them after taking off his boots.

"Good night Gabrielle." Seth said before closing his eyes.

"Good night Seth." Gabrielle said awkwardly, this was hardly what she had expected and she was off balance.

Xena watched as Seth closed his eyes and in moments was fast asleep. She smiled at him then turned to see Gabrielle staring at her from across the fire and her expression grew stern again.

"He really loves you." Gabrielle said flatly.

The unexpected words caught her off guard and Xena smiled unconsciously giving the sleeping boy a side ways glance before looking back at Gabrielle.

"He's a good boy." The Conqueror said simply, although her face betrayed the depth of emotion she held for the boy.

In that moment Gabrielle realized just how lucky she and her entire village was to be alive. She could see the depth of emotion that the Conqueror felt for the boy. She had no idea how their strange relationship had come about but she could tell that the boy had changed something in the ruthless ruler of the known world. She continued to stare at the Conqueror in rapped fascination. She couldn't help it, the tall warrior had a powerful presence that drew you to her and Gabrielle found that she was in no way immune to this force.

The Conqueror stared back at Gabrielle for awhile still pondering what had passed between them earlier in the day. There was something about this woman that lit something within her. She had taken her mainly to demoralize the other Amazons but now that she had her the girl was having an effect on her. The Conqueror thought again of her reasons for venturing out of her palace and she felt like she was getting closer than ever to the answers she was seeking.

Xena drew her attention back to the Amazon sitting across the fire from her. "Time for you to go to bed too."

Gabrielle lowered her eyes submissively as her slave status and the reality of her situation washed over her. "Yes Mistress."

Gabrielle started to move then froze and looked awkwardly about. "Um… where do I sleep Mistress?"

Xena was silent for a moment caught off guard again. It was too cold this far into the mountains to just sleep on the ground next to the fire and they didn't have any extra blankets. Finally Xena nodded her head towards Seth the bedroll and the thick fur blankets, which were easily large enough for the three of them.

"Get into the blankets next to Seth." The Conqueror said with slight apprehension.

Gabrielle picked up on the Conqueror's uneasiness and her sharp jealousy over the boy and she slipped under the blankets keeping a fair amount of covers between herself and the sleeping boy.

The former queen closed her eyes and her thoughts bombarded her mind. She wondered how her Amazons were fairing and how far they had gotten? Then her mind turned to the afternoon with the Conqueror, their time in the woods when she was sure that her mouthing off to the warrior was about to earn her a severe beating but had turned into an intense sexual encounter. It had never been like that with anyone before. It must have been the build up of strong emotions and the body's way of releasing the tension, Gabrielle thought although she wasn't buying it. The Conqueror was a beautiful woman that was for sure. It was only a natural reaction to her touch, right? Her thought's shifted again and she wondered about the Conqueror and Seth? What had happened there? Whatever it was she could tell that it had changed the Conqueror. This wasn't the same woman who had ruthlessly destroyed nations to become the ruler of the known world. Not that she was soft, by no means was she anyone trifle with. In fact she's probably even more deadly now with the boy to protect. It was just that this Conqueror was fairer than the one of legends, the destroyer.

The evening hadn't turned out anything like she thought it would. She was sure that she would have had multiple beatings by now and found herself bound and sleeping with the Conqueror's horse. She was shocked that the only thing she had to do was cook dinner; she didn't even have to clean up. Seth did it, it must be one of his regular chores she thought. And now she was sleeping untied in the Conqueror's blankets. Although she did narrowly escape being branded. She was still awed that Seth could have persuaded his mistress at all. She thought of the cost, she would never break a promise. Not even to the Conqueror. Well at least it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be, so far anyway. With that the stress of the day took her and blonde fell into a deep sleep.

The Conqueror watched the blonde fall asleep next to Seth and she marveled at how right it seemed. As she watched the two sleeping she knew that they were the key to what she had ventured out into the wilderness to find.

Seth she had figured out. His innocence had changed her. Made her care for something more than just her own gains. She realized then just how important he was to her. He was everything that she cared about now.

The Amazon on the other hand was a different story. She had no idea yet how the little blonde fit into the puzzle, she just knew that she did. She could tell that the former queen wouldn't break her promise. Knew that she wouldn't have to put her through what she had done to Seth.

The thought of how she had caned Seth brought an instant pang of regret and shame, doing the same thing now seemed inconceivable to her. She stared at the boy smiling in his sleep and remembered how relieved he was the next morning to have it over with and how he smiled at her then. Such trust, the boy never even considered that the caning could be just the start. He just looked at her with those big blue eyes and gave her that look of awe that she had become so addicted to, and then he smiled.

Xena felt the emotion welling inside her and decided that she couldn't sit on the log for another second. She needed to hold the boy and feel his calming affect on her.

The Conqueror crossed to her slumbering slaves and dropped her weapons and armor in the customary pile next to the blankets then slipped underneath next to the boy and pulled him to her. Seth unconsciously molded himself to her side and sighed contentedly in his sleep. Xena kissed the top of his head then glanced over at Gabrielle who was sleeping surprisingly well for it being her first night as a slave. She stared at the blonde's full lips and soft, pale skin and felt something stir within her that was completely different from what she felt for Seth.

Seth she knew deep in her heart she loved more than anyone she ever loved in her life. It would be awhile before she could admit it to anyone, especially the boy but she knew herself well enough to recognize the truth and fooling herself was not something she did well. It was a maternal kind of love though and what Gabrielle stirred in her came from someplace else.

Xena stared off into the clear night sky, lit with a million tiny points of light and sighed contentedly. The mountain air was crisp and fragrant and it felt good as she inhaled. It was growing colder and the first snow wasn't far off at this altitude.

The Conqueror kissed the sleeping boy's head again then closed her eyes and let sleep take her not long after.

Xena was the first to wake just before sunrise. The morning air was cool and damp. Seth was far from waking still lost in dreams, his breathing low and even. As the Conqueror looked at her, Gabrielle's eyes fluttered open and for a moment they stared into each other's eyes. Something seemed to pass between them, a knowing. For the briefest of moments they were equals, best friends and lovers, then it was gone like the pedals of a rose floating on a swift stream.

Gabrielle changed her focus to Seth and smiled at how contented the boy looked. Xena caught the look and a smile curled onto her lips. The two women smiled at each other and Gabrielle felt strangely contented. Maybe it was the relief of not being mistreated or maybe it was the sight of Seth's peaceful sleep or maybe it was just a strange feeling that she was in the right place at the right time. She wasn't sure but she had learned to trust her intuition and decided to go with it now and see what new opportunities lie ahead for her.

Xena gently slipped Seth's head from her shoulder and laid it on the soft fur blankets then she slid from beneath the covers. Gabrielle followed suite and stood waiting for the tall warrior to finish putting on her armor and weapons.

The Conqueror finished replacing her weapons and armor then looked to Gabrielle and placed her forefinger to her lips in a gesture of silence then crossed to the Amazon and led her out of camp.

"I'm going to the stream to catch breakfast. Get a fire going and put on some tea. We'll let Seth sleep for a little while longer." Xena said with a grin.

"Okay." Gabrielle replied simply then her mistress turned and headed off for the stream. The Conqueror's obvious good mood surprised her again. Although it did make her feel at ease she was still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for the moment the Conqueror would turn cruel. She wondered then what the tall warrior had meant by 'we'll let him sleep some more'. We? Strange she thought then went about building a fire and making tea.

Seth woke to the smell of fresh fish cooking on the nearby fire. He lifted his head from the warm blankets and looked towards the fire. Xena and Gabrielle were sitting by the fire drinking tea and waiting silently for the fish to finish cooking. Xena was the first to notice him.

"Morning sleepy. See what happens when you drink." Xena said with a smile teasingly.

Gabrielle smiled at the comment and Seth got wearily to his feet, put on his boots and crossed to Xena who was sitting on the fallen log. He sat on the ground at her feet then rested his head on her thigh and yawned.

Gabrielle had managed to find another short log and placed it off of Xena's forming an L shape. She sat on the log and stared at Seth while Xena ran her fingers through his hair.

Seth got the distinct impression that they had both been waiting for him to get up. He smiled as Xena's strong fingers raked through his hair.

"What's the matter sleepy head? Does your head hurt this morning?" Xena asked the silent boy.

"No, just sleepy." Seth said then yawned again.

"Alcohol will do that to you. See why you're not aloud to have it? And you had a nap yesterday too." Xena continued to tease Seth.

Seth frowned. "I'm not that sleepy." He said and bit off another yawn.

Xena laughed and so did Gabrielle, the collective mood this morning far less tense than the night before.

"Smells good." Seth commented sniffing the air.

"Thanks." Gabrielle said turning the fish. "Xena caught them."

Seth looked up at his mistress with 'the look' and smiled.

Xena smiled back and shook her head slightly at the boy's intense pride in her.

Seth turned his head back to the fire and rubbed his hands together and extended them to the flames.

"It's getting cold." He said to no one in particular.

"It's going to get colder where we're going. I'll kill some more game and Gabrielle you can make winter furs for everyone." Xena said looking to the Amazon who was removing the fish from the fire and placing large pieces on three thin wooden plates.

"I can do that." The Amazon said handing out the plates.

They all three ate in silence and Gabrielle thought of how strange her situation was. She was a slave that was for sure. She couldn't come and go as she please or even decide when she went to bed. That was rather humiliating she mused but the Conqueror wasn't treating her cruelly, not yet anyway. She talked to her as if she were with them out of choice rather than a slave she had abducted. That made things easier and harder, easier to live up to her promise but harder to deal with not being with her Amazons. She almost felt guilty for not having been beaten yet, as if it were her duty to suffer if she weren't with them.

Gabrielle sighed and hoped that her friends were okay then finished her fish.

A little while later the three of them were on the trail heading further north into the forest and higher into the mountains. The day passed uneventfully with Gabrielle and Seth following Xena who was guiding Argo on a meandering trail through the woods.

Gabrielle wondered for the first time since she had questioned Seth in her hut where they were going and why the Conqueror was out here in the first place. She had been so preoccupied with worrying over her small tribe that she hadn't really thought about what in Tartarus they were doing anyway. Her curiosity got the better of her and after awhile she decided to risk asking the Conqueror. She was in a good mood today and hopefully the question wouldn't spark her anger.

"Mistress?" Gabrielle asked tentatively.

Gabrielle had been extremely quiet all day and Xena was mildly surprised when the blonde addressed her. She reined Argo to a halt and she and Seth both turned to look at the Amazon who was bringing up the rear.

"Yes." Xena answered.

Gabrielle was a little uneasy now suddenly having become the center of attention.

"Where are we going Mistress?" She asked in calculated shyness.

Xena was quiet for a moment considering what to tell her newest slave when Seth spoke up for her.

"We're going north." The boy said seriously.

Xena smiled at him then affirmed the boy's proclamation.

"That's right, we're going north." The Conqueror said with a bemused expression.

Gabrielle decided to try another approach. "Why are we heading north Mistress?"

This time Seth too turned to look at Xena.

Xena suddenly looked annoyed, she didn't feel like explaining what she had been feeling in the last few months before she left the palace and what she was looking for in the forest or what she had already found. She thought for a moment, she didn't want Seth bothering her with a million questions either, which she new the boy would do if she didn't satisfy his curiosity.

"Because I like the snow." Xena said with a smirk, lowering her eyes dangerously at Gabrielle.

The Amazon got the point. The Conqueror didn't feel like elaborating and if she new what was good for her she had better not push it.

Seth on the other hand was delighted by Xena's answer.

"I've never seen snow before!" He said wide-eyed and excited.

Xena smiled at him silently and nudged Argo back into motion.

A few miles later it was starting to get dark and they made camp not far from the same icy mountain stream they were camped near the day before.

Xena unloaded Argo while Seth gathered wood and Gabrielle built a fire.

The Amazon found a couple deadfalls and placed them one on either side of the fire then made dinner for the three of them at her mistress's instruction.

The three ate then Xena read Seth a scroll by the light of the fire while Gabrielle watched drinking tea.

Gabrielle was amazed at how animated and playful the Conqueror was. As the tall warrior read she would pitch and lower her voice in the appropriate spots in the story, her face vivid with expression.

Seth sat at Xena's feet completely riveted by her. The boy's face would go from elation to panic in harmony with the Conqueror's vivid descriptions as she let the story unfold.

Gabrielle couldn't help but to get caught up in the joy that the two shared in the stories. Xena she could tell loved to tell them to the boy and watch how excited he got from the telling and Seth she could tell just loved anything that the Conqueror did. Especially anything that involved him.

When she was finished with the story and after she gave Seth a firm no to rereading it, she had Seth read aloud. The boy read for awhile and Xena helped him with the words he stumbled on. When she was satisfied with his progress for the night the Conqueror sent Seth to bed.

Gabrielle watched as Seth kissed the Conqueror on the cheek then trudged off to bed. The two women sat watching the boy for a few moments until he was fast asleep.

An awkward silence fell over them with Seth asleep. Gabrielle was the first to pierce the quiet.

"Would you like some tea Mistress?"

"That would be nice." Xena said with a warm smile.

Gabrielle poured another cup of tea and handed it to the Conqueror. Another silence ensued as they drank their tea and regarded one another.

"You know you can call me Xena while it's just the three of us." The Conqueror said not looking away from the fire.

Gabrielle's face took on a surprised look but she quickly recovered. "Thank you Mis… Xena."

Wow, Gabrielle thought, she wasn't expecting that but then the Conqueror always seemed to do the unexpected. Nothing that had happened so far was what she thought it would be. She found herself actually enjoying being with Xena and Seth. It felt very family like and the warmth with which the two interacted was contagious. Many times during the past two days she found herself caught up in their laughter and despite herself she also felt her body longing for the Conqueror's touch.

She was ashamed that she was feeling so drawn to the woman who had destroyed her village but she couldn't seem to help it. Deep down she always knew that there was a risk that one day their small village would be found. They were technically outlaws, living by their own rules and not paying taxes into the royal coffers. She just never dreamt that it would be the Conqueror herself that found them.

A new thought occurred to Gabrielle. What if it were her destiny to change things by influencing the Conqueror. The idea seemed utterly fanciful but somehow just felt right. She thought about it some more and decided that it was definitely an interesting possibility.

The Conqueror continued to stare into the fire not wanting to look at the fair skin and soft features of the beautiful Amazon sitting across from her. She had thought about just taking the girl as soon as Seth had fallen asleep. Dragging her out into the woods and having her way with her but decided against it. For some inexplicable reason she found herself wanting to be nice to Gabrielle. She wanted the smaller woman to feel comfortable around her and she knew that if she forced herself on her that wouldn't happen.

Xena sighed, why do I even care? She was the ruler of the known world if she wanted something she took it. So why in Tartarus am I just sitting her instead of taking this slave behind some trees and… Xena sighed again. Maybe it's just that I want Seth to feel comfortable with her being with us and if Gabrielle is scared all the time that will upset the boy, Xena mused. Yeah that's it.

The dark haired woman looked across the fire into sharp sea green eyes and a face with full red lips that smiled back at her own unconscious smile.

I'm screwed, Xena thought, tomorrow the day after at the max.

"Ready for bed?" The Conqueror asked.

Gabrielle looked away shyly for a moment. "If it's okay, I'd like to stay up for awhile?"

The Conqueror thought about it for a brief moment regarding the girl. "It's okay. I make Seth go to bed early because if I don't he walks into trees the next day."

They both laughed and shared an intimate moment then Xena got up and went to the blankets and the sleeping boy. She removed her armor and boots then slid under the thick furs next to Seth and pulled the boy to her. With Seth settled nicely against her she closed her eyes and began to relax.

Gabrielle stared at her mistress as she lay in the blankets with Seth. She wasn't sure how her asking the Conqueror if she could stay up was going to go over. She was relieved when the larger woman had allowed her and made light of sending Seth to bed early. She smiled again remembering. She liked the sound of the Conqueror's laugh she decided while she studied the woman's face. Her long black tresses framed an angular, bronzed face. The soft flowing lines of her neck sweeping down to the swell of her breasts and… better stop right their Gabrielle, the Amazon chastised herself feeling her desires stir. Gods what is wrong with me? I'm like a love sick little girl with her first crush.

Gabrielle sighed and drank the rest of her tea then rose and crossed to the bedroll. She took off her boots and slipped underneath the thick blankets. She lay on her side watching Xena and Seth sleeping together, the boy's head nestled on the Conqueror chest and shoulder, her arm wrapped around him. She stared at them and found herself wishing she could scoot over next to them, share their warmth and feel the Conqueror's close presence.

It must be nice to sleep with someone you love, Gabrielle thought watching the two. She had never taken a partner in the Amazon village. It seemed to make things easier as the queen not to have such attachments. Not that she didn't get offers, she was considered quite the prize among them and many had made advances towards her, especially her warrior chief. Varia had just wanted the sex though and the conquest of having taken the queen to her bed. She never accepted, if she had been with anyone it would have been Ephiny. Her regent too had made her intentions clear but she unlike Varia was in love with her queen. Gabrielle liked Ephiny a lot, she was her closet friend but she didn't love her, not like that anyway and had gently turned the woman down.

What's happening to you Gabrielle? The former queen asked herself then sighed and closed her eyes. Before she fell asleep she was thinking that it smelled like snow.

Xena, Gabrielle and even Seth woke in the early morning light to falling snow. A thin blanket of pristine white covered the forest including their blankets. The small fire valiantly continued to smolder but it was losing its fight with the snow.

Xena rose up on her elbows and looked over at Gabrielle who did the same. They shared a knowing glance while Seth scrambled to get out from under the covers. To the boy snow was a new adventure; to Xena and Gabrielle it meant new challenges.

The two women smiled at each other as Seth walked bare foot into the snow and scooped up a handful and tentatively smelled then tasted it with the tip of his tongue. He was shaping the fluffy white stuff into a ball when Xena's voice called out.

"Seth put your boots on before you do anything else." Xena said sitting up along with Gabrielle.

Seth had turned to them with a mischievous look. He knew he should obey Xena and put his boots on first but the temptation overwhelmed him and he tossed the snowball at his mistress.

The Conqueror's warrior reflexes reacted instantaneously and she caught the ball in her hand and it disintegrated in a shower of snow. Xena looked at Gabrielle and a sly smile spread on her lips.

"I think war has just been declared." She purred then lunged to her feet and was off after Seth in an instant.

Seth laughed then turned and ran scooping up snow as he went, tossing it aimlessly over his shoulder not chancing a look back. The Conqueror rounded in front of the boy and headed him back towards Gabrielle. Seth ducked behind a tree next to their bedroll then hesitantly stuck his head out to see and it was immediately met by a snowball.

Gabrielle laughed as the ball splattered across the boy's face then a snowball hit her right in her cleavage and she drew a sharp breath and leapt to her feet brushing franticly at the cold powder in her halter.

Xena thought she would die laughing as she watched the spectacle.

Seth having recovered threw another snowball while Xena was distracted and the ball hit her shoulder.

Seth let out a cry of triumph and ducked back behind the tree as the Conqueror honed in on him.

Xena circled silently behind the tree where Seth was just sticking his head back out with another snowball at the ready. He frowned when he didn't she his mistress then turned back around and gasped! She was face to face with him.

The shocked look on the boy's face started the Conqueror laughing again as she stuck snow down the front of Seth's shirt.

Seth laughed uncontrollably and shook the snow out of his shirt.

The Conqueror's laughter was silenced by a large snowball landing precisely in the center of her breasts and sliding down between them.

It was Gabrielle's turn to laugh as Xena brushed the snow from her cleavage.

For the next half hour the three scrambled around the little camp tossing snowballs at each other, their laughter echoing through the forest. Finally Xena said it was time to stop before the boy got sick with no boots on.

They ate a breakfast of bread and dried fruits, Xena and Gabrielle drinking tea then they quickly broke camp and were back on their way north. Around midday they came to a small mountain lake and they made a hasty camp under the lee of a small stone cliff where the snow had yet to drift. The Conqueror built a fire and her two slaves huddled around it for warmth. They hadn't made any winter clothes yet and the two were tiring quickly from the cold.

Xena striped one of the heavy wool blankets from Argo and tossed it around their shoulders. Seth and Gabrielle both looked up and smiled as one and thanked her.

"Gabrielle and I are going to hunt this afternoon." Xena said to Seth although it was the first time that Gabrielle had heard it either. "We need more fur's to make you two some winter clothing."

Seth touched Xena's arm as she squatted next to them by the fire.

"Don't you get cold Xena?" The boy asked with concern.

The Conqueror smiled warmly at him. "I'm warm blooded, don't worry about me boy." She said reassuringly.

Xena rose and grabbed another blanket from the now heavily laden Argo and handed it to Gabrielle who slipped from beneath the blanket with Seth and took it. The blonde wrapped herself in the wool cover then crossed to Xena.

"We won't be more than an hour boy." Xena said then turned and walked from camp with Gabrielle in tow.

Seth watched them leave and he couldn't believe his luck. Xena hadn't said anything about him having to work on his scrolls or gather wood or anything. He could do whatever he wanted. The boy thought about it for a long while trying to come up with something good to do. He looked around the little camp mischievously and his eyes stopped on the lake. He had only gotten to swim the one time since Xena had taught him and he had been dying to do it again.

Seth rose and let the blanket fall to the rock ground he was sitting on. He crossed from the fire to the edge of the little lake. He knelt down and peered into the calm surface, it was crystal clear. He placed a tentative hand into the water and the cold stung his fingers but after awhile it went away. He surmised if he swam around a lot he could keep warm and it would only take him a few minutes to get used to it.

The boy stripped off his clothes and laid them in a pile in the snow next to his boots. Stark naked he placed one foot in the icy water, then another. He moved slowly letting his body get used to the freezing cold of the water and finally the stinging subsided and he lunged straight in kicking and stroking the water furiously. To his delight the boy found himself swimming again and he swam paralleling the shore not having the courage to venture into deeper water without his mistress there. He smiled broadly as he swam, immensely proud that he had retained the knowledge of how to swim.

Gabrielle followed Xena out of the little camp and she felt her breath begin to quicken. It was the first time she had been alone with the Conqueror since the day she had taken possession of her and now the memory of their encounter in the woods rushed to her senses. As she watched the tall warrior's back and her determined stride she found herself fantasizing about her mistress taking her again and suddenly she began to feel very warm.

Xena strode through the forest not really paying any attention to tracking any game. She had other quarry on her mind. The little blonde Amazon following her was more temptation than she could resist. She hoped that the younger woman wouldn't be to distressed over it. She was after all an Amazon and another woman's passion wouldn't be a new concept to her. There was something about this woman that the Conqueror couldn't put her finger on but whatever it was it compelled her to the former queen. She caught herself thinking about her often and she enjoyed the brief time they would spend together after she sent Seth to bed. Even though they had said little to each other in those times she still felt a strong connection to the smaller woman.

A few minutes later Xena saw what she was looking for, a thick circle of trees that had managed to keep the forest floor beneath them clear of snow. The Conqueror walked under a low-slung branch and into the center of the small ring of trees, their thick branches shading the area beneath.

Xena turned as Gabrielle entered the ring of trees behind her. The tall warrior reached out and took the blanket from the Amazon's shoulders and laid it on the ground between them.

Gabrielle stood and silently watched as the Conqueror removed her armor and weapons, tossing them in a pile beside the blanket then her breath caught as her owner slipped the straps from her battle dress and slid the leather garment from her body.

Xena sat and removed her boots then lie back on her elbows and beckoned the blonde to her with a wave of her fingers.

Gabrielle swallowed then took a shaky breath, the Conqueror lay before her wearing nothing but a pair of black leather underwear. The warrior motioned for her and Gabrielle got to her knees before the larger woman.

Xena said nothing; she just raised her hips off of the blanket locking her blue eyes with green. Gabrielle understood, reached forward and hooked her fingers under the Conqueror's underwear and slid them from her hips and down the warrior's toned thighs. Xena lowered herself back down on the blanket and raised her feet. Gabrielle slipped her mistress's undergarment from her legs and laid them with the warrior's battledress then she sat back on her heels and nervously rubbed her hands on her knees.

The air was crisp and a slight breeze fluttered through the trees and over the Conqueror's heated skin. She lay back on her arms and let her anticipation build as she watched her new slave fidget nervously.

Gabrielle tired to look away but her eyes kept finding their way back to the Conqueror's body. They roamed from the nape of her neck down to the swell of the larger woman's breasts then lower past the warrior's flat stomach to the patch of dark curls at the apex of her thighs. Gabrielle couldn't seem to keep herself from staring at her mistress's sex and she bit her lower lip self consciously as heat flushed her tingling skin.

Xena smiled at Gabrielle's reaction to her naked body. She reached up and wordlessly took the blonde by the back of her neck and guided her down between her legs.

Gabrielle felt a rush of relief as the Conqueror drew her down to her. The anticipation was becoming unbearable and she gratefully knelt down between the warrior's smooth thighs. The musky sent of the Conqueror's sex further inflamed her desire and she greedily pleasured her mistress.

Xena moaned and arched her back, clenching and unclenching the blanket in her hands. She rocked her hips forward into the Amazon's mouth as her passion's intensity grew until finally she slipped over the edge. She lie there panting as Gabrielle gently kissed her inner thighs and heated center.

When she had regained her breath the Conqueror drew Gabrielle up into her arms, draping the Amazon over the top of her naked body. Gabrielle's breath was still ragged and her eyes blazed with desire.

Xena let her hands roam over the blonde's body, slipping them under the smaller woman's skirt and pulling it up around her waist then moving upward to the Amazon's halter and pulling it off over her head, tossing it aside.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and sighed deep in her throat as her naked breasts met the Conqueror's. When she opened her eyes again Xena was drawing her into a kiss. The kiss was deep and long then suddenly the Conqueror rolled her over onto her back, pressing the full length of her toned body down against her.

Xena smiled at the look of anticipation on Gabrielle's face. The warrior propped herself up on one arm then took her index finger and ran it lightly over the Amazon's cheek.

Gabrielle sighed and arched her back, rocking her hips involuntarily into her mistress's.

Xena smiled again then ran her finger over the blonde's lips. Gabrielle caught the Conqueror's finger in her mouth and sucked on its length completely losing herself in her own desire.

After a moment Xena removed her now wet finger and ran it down the smaller woman's chin and neck to her breasts where she circled each nipple before taking them one then the other into her mouth. Xena sucked on one of the blonde's nipples while her hand traced its way down the former queen's smooth stomach then underneath her underwear.

Gabrielle gasped as her mistress's hand explored her, manipulating her sex with surprising gentleness. She ground her hips into the hand with increasing need until finally she reached her limit. She cried out the Conqueror's name as she lost herself in ecstasy. Then the warrior was there beside her drawing her into strong arms. Gabrielle laid her head on the Conqueror shoulder and curled her body against the taller woman and she felt something she had never felt before. She couldn't explain the feeling or even what it was really she just knew that it felt right.

Xena felt the Amazon relax against her and she marveled at how natural it felt to hold the woman. She didn't have the calming affect that Seth had on her, it was a different feeling entirely. Not that it was better or worse just different. The Conqueror had the sudden realization that this is what it must feel like to have a family, something she hadn't had in very long time and never had of her own.

"What's happening between us Xena?" Gabrielle asked shyly from her side.

Xena thought about it for a moment. "I'm not sure." She said finally. "But whatever it is I'm not complaining."

Gabrielle smiled at that. "Me either."

The Conqueror returned the smile.

"Come on we better get going, if I leave Seth by himself for too long no telling what mischief he'll get into." Xena said with a wry grin.

Gabrielle laughed. "Not much trouble for him to get into way out here."

Xena gave her an exasperated expression as she tugged on her battle dress. "You'd be surprised."

Seth's head felt fuzzy. He had been swimming for about forty-five minutes in the near frozen lake. He kept thinking that maybe he should get out and go dry off next to the fire but he didn't feel that cold really anymore and he just didn't want to waste this opportunity. No telling when Xena would leave him alone again with no set of instructions he would have to obey. He was starting to feel strangely sluggish though, his body seemed awkward to him for some reason. Oh well, he thought, just a little more swimming.

Xena stood at the edge of camp for a moment too shocked for words. Gabrielle stood rooted in place behind her equally stunned. The boy was swimming! Snow was lightly falling and piling up all around the freezing lake and the boy was swimming! Her mind rejected it but there he was.

Xena scrambled to the water's edge suddenly scared, a heart wrenching fear, and then the anger kicked in as it always did to guard her from the fear.

"Seth!" The Conqueror yelled at the boy.

Seth stopped swimming, stood in the shallow water and faced his mistress. He had been so engrossed in swimming that he didn't hear Xena and Gabrielle come running up to the water. He took one look at Xena and knew he was in trouble; she was angry, real angry. He forced a weak smile.

Xena gasped at the boy's blue body as he stood in the waist deep water.

"What in Tartarus do you think your doing?" Xena barked at him.

Seth stammered trying to think of a response but his cold dulled mind was slow to react. "I… I…"

Xena cut him off. "Get out of the water now!" She turned to Gabrielle. "Give me your blanket and go build that fire up!"

The Amazon did as Xena asked handing her the blanket from her shoulders then scurried off to the fire. Xena turned back to Seth as he walked unsteadily from the water his coordination impaired. She wrapped the boy in the blanket when he reached the shore then scooped him up in her arms and ran up the bank to the fire Gabrielle was just starting to feed.

Seth tried to think but for some reason couldn't. He stared dully at Xena as she hauled him up to the fire. She set him on the thick fur blanket next to the fire and began rubbing him furiously with the blanket.

"I leave you alone for one hour! Just one hour and you can't stay out of trouble! What were you thinking swimming in that freezing lake? I have a mind to give you the whipping of your life for doing something so foolish and scaring me half to death! By the Gods boy you're freezing!" Xena realized suddenly that she was rambling and stopped abruptly and stared at the boy while she continued to rub him down with the blanket.

Seth just gave her an apologetic look then he broke and started crying, her disappointment more then he could bear.

"I… I'm s… sorry Xena." Was all the boy could manage between sobs.

The Conqueror's heart fell at the sight of the tears and she sighed heavily. It seemed impossible for her to stay mad at the boy and as the anger faded the fear returned.

"That's enough, shhh, that's enough." Xena said wrapping the boy in a fresh blanket and holding him to her. "It'll be okay, you just scared me. I don't want you getting sick." She kissed the top of Seth's head and the boy stifled his sobs.

Gabrielle finished feeding the fire and looked on concerned. Her eyes met Xena's and it pained her to see the warrior so upset. "What can I do?"

"Brew some tea. We need to get his core temperature up."

Seth's body began to sting all over as the numbness slowly began to wear off from the heat of the fire and Xena's body heat as she held him wrapped in a thick wool blanket to her side.

"It… it hurts Xena." Seth said looking up into vivid blue eyes pleadingly.

The boy's pain hurt Xena more than any physical pain she had ever endured. She smiled reassuringly at him. "It won't last long. Just until your body warms up."

"Here." Gabrielle said handing Xena a steaming cup of tea for Seth."

Xena held the tea to the boy's lips. "Drink this, it will help warm you."

Seth did as she asked and sipped the steaming brew shivering now.

Xena handed the cup to Gabrielle. "Here, help him with this while I mix some herbs for him."

Gabrielle took the cup and scooted next to Seth, pressing her body next to the boy in the same manor as Xena did to help keep him warm.

Seth gratefully sipped the tea and thanked the Amazon with a scared look on his face. He hadn't realized how cold he was until they started warming him back up.

Gabrielle smiled at him. "It'll be okay. Don't worry." She said rubbing the boy's knee then giving him another sip of the tea.

Xena dug through her saddlebags and retrieved her healers bag then mixed a cup full of herbs to help keep the fever down and numb some of the pain. She sat on Seth's free side sandwiching him between herself and Gabrielle.

"Here, drink this." The Conqueror instructed.

Seth took the cup and drank, wrinkling his nose at the taste then handed the cup back to Xena.

A few hours of bundling by the fire squeezed between Xena and Gabrielle and about a gallon of tea later the boy's body was warm again. His skin was no longer blue now but still a little pale.

Xena felt the boy's forehead with the back of her hand and her fears were confirmed. The boy was warm all right, too warm, he had gained a fever. She mixed him another dose of the herbs this time adding a powerful sleeping agent. She wanted him to rest so his body could use all of its energy to fight the fever. Seth drank the mixture then laid his head in Xena's lap and quickly fell asleep.

It was dark now and thankfully the snow had stopped falling. Gabrielle had gathered enough fuel to keep the fire burning strong throughout the night and the lee of the small cliff they made their little camp in still kept the snow from drifting around them.

Xena shifted the boy's head into Gabrielle's lap, then spread the blankets out between the fire and the cliff wall to reflect the heat back on them. She placed Seth in the middle of the furs and thick wool blankets then dug out the boy's spare clothes, knowing that he would sweat throughout the night as the fever broke, and would need to stay dry. When she had finished laying everything that she would need out by the blankets near the sleeping boy, she finally took a moment and sat by the fire next to Gabrielle.

The Amazon was sitting drinking tea regarding the flames when the Conqueror sat beside her.

"Would you like some?" Gabrielle asked proffering a cup of tea to her mistress.

"Thanks." Xena said simply taking the cup.

Gabrielle studied the worried expression on the Conqueror's face and before she knew what she was doing she reached out and cupped the warrior's check with her open hand.

"He'll be okay. He's strong and young, very young." The blonde said with a smile.

Xena was mildly shocked at the affectionate touch but her body welcomed it and she tilted her head into the hand and allowed herself a moment's indulgence before responding.

Gabrielle slowly removed her hand suddenly realizing what she was doing but pleased that the touch hadn't been unwelcome. She made a mental note of it regarding the Conqueror now.

"That he is." Xena said finally responding to the Amazon's comment.

"Why was he swimming do you think?" Gabrielle asked curiously.

Xena sighed stealing a glance back at the boy before answering. "Because I just taught him how a few weeks ago and I'm sure he was excited to try it again." She replied gloomily.

Gabrielle picked up on the shift in the Conqueror's mood again. "Hey, this isn't your fault."

Xena stared blankly into the fire. "Yes it is. I should have known he would try something like this. He'd never been anywhere but his uncle's farm before I got him. He just doesn't know any better. I should have told him to stay out of the lake before we left then he would be okay. He would never disobey me."

Xena's voice broke a little at the last part of her statement and Gabrielle could see the immense hurt in the woman's face. In that moment she saw something that touched her heart. She saw that the Conqueror, this ruthless destroyer of nations cared for someone else more than anything else. She saw a woman that had this enormous love trapped inside her fighting to get out and that had found a foothold in this boy. She scooted next to the warrior and placed her arm around the woman's shoulders.

"He's going to be okay, you'll see." Gabrielle said reassuringly.

Xena again was surprised at the affectionate touch but glad for it. She leaned into the Amazon a little.

"Thanks, I don't know what I would do without him anymore. Come on you need to sleep and I want be near Seth so I can keep track of his fever." Xena said setting her cup down and standing.

Gabrielle followed suite and they both got into the blankets on either side of the boy. When they were settled in Gabrielle reached for a small cloth and a bowl of cold water the Conqueror had set on the ground near Seth's head.

"What are you doing?" Xena asked while checking the boy's temperature with the back of her hand again.

Gabrielle answered while she wet the cloth in the cold water and wrung it out. "I'm helping you take care of Seth. No way I can sleep either while he's sick. He's kind of grown on me too and besides there is no way I'm going to let you do this alone."

Xena just stared at the blonde woman for a moment at a total loss. "Thanks." She finally said regaining her composure.

The Amazon just gave her a warm smile in return and placed the cool cloth on Seth's forehead.

As the night drew on Seth began to mumble incoherently as the fever reached its peak. The two women took turns keeping the cloth on the sleeping boy's forehead damp and cool, his fever drying it out about every twenty minutes. Then when the moon was well past its zenith his fever finally broke.

The boy's clothes were soaked with sweat. Xena, ever vigilant stripped them off of him and Gabrielle helped her dry and re-clothe the still fast asleep Seth.

An hour or so before sunrise Seth was sleeping comfortably his body temperature and skin tone back to normal, the danger had past.

Gabrielle lay on her side with her head propped on one elbow. She watched as Xena gently stroked the boy's hair, a peaceful serene look on her face. The Conqueror was lying similarly to her with her head propped on one elbow facing her with Seth sleeping between them. The warrior bent over the boy and kissed him on the forehead. The corners of her lips turned up as a smile spread across Seth's sleeping face from the kiss.

Just then the Conqueror looked from the boy to Gabrielle and the Amazon felt herself melting into those deep blue eyes.

"Thank you." Xena said simply.

Gabrielle felt the warmth of her words wash over her and she smiled reflexively. "You're welcome."

The Amazon could tell that the warrior's gratitude was for more than just helping with Seth. It had been a rough night for the Conqueror. Seeing the boy so ill had taken a toll on her. Although she was a gifted healer the Conqueror still wasn't able to relax until after the boy's fever had broke. Before that she had been an emotional wreck. Worry was a new sensation for the ruler of the known world. Gabrielle's casual touches and calm reassurances had made things a whole lot easier.

The two women just basked in the intimate moment for awhile then Xena impulsively leaned over Seth and drew Gabrielle into a deep kiss.

Gabrielle was surprised by the unexpected kiss but quickly got over it as her lips lingered on the Conqueror's. She was falling in love with this woman she knew. Strange as it was if there had been any doubt before it faded away in the shared passion of their kiss and in the way the warrior had taken care of the sick boy. She was so powerful yet so gentle and loving when it came to Seth.

Xena finally broke the kiss and just stared into Gabrielle eyes for a few moments.

"We should try and get a little sleep before he wakes up hungry." Xena said with a smile.

Gabrielle returned the smile. "That's true he didn't eat any dinner last night so I'm sure he'll be ready to eat a big breakfast. The plate included."

The two women laughed then settled back into the thick fur blankets to try and get some sleep.

Gabrielle lie there thinking about Xena and wondering if the warrior was having the same feelings that she was. She thought so but she couldn't be sure. She had never been in love before so she was in new territory. People had always told her that you just know it when you are in love and she was finding that to be true. She found herself yearning for the Conqueror's touch and wanting to be near her, to hear the sound of her voice and to do little things like sharing a cup of tea with her in the evenings. Xena seemed to want these things too and her heart told her that the larger woman felt the same way for her but she just couldn't be sure. She was after all the Conqueror. She could have anyone she wanted, but you couldn't force someone to love you. It just didn't work that way. Did the Conqueror even need love? She sure needed it from the boy and his love sure has changed her. But does she need my love? Gabrielle thought about it for awhile but couldn't seem to come up with a definite answer, just a wish. She closed her eyes and let sleep take her still wishing.

Xena lie similarly thinking with the boy snuggled against her side. He just kind of found his way to her anymore once she laid down. Xena smiled at that. Funny she never would have expected that to happen, not in a thousand years but it did and she was glad. She found that she had become needy for the boy's love. She wasn't sure exactly when it had happened she just knew that it did. She also knew something similar was happening between her and Gabrielle. She just enjoyed being with the blonde woman. She felt comfortable with her and relaxed. Not to mention the way she felt when they made love.

Xena looked down at Seth contentedly snuggled on her breast and then over at Gabrielle sleeping soundly and she wondered if it really were possible for her to have a family. She never really thought about it before but now that it was within her grasp it was what she thought about most. The boy she knew would go wherever she went without question, not just because he was her slave and didn't have a choice but because he loved her. It still felt strange to have someone actually love her like that, so completely and innocently. Gabrielle on the other hand she wasn't sure of. Sure she would have to follow her too but would she want to? Could she love me? Xena thought about it but wasn't sure, couldn't be sure until she took the plunge and asked her but that would take courage. More courage than it took to win a battle with her sword. With Seth it was easy, the boy had just taken to her and his love was unconditional. He loved her whether or not she loved him back. The boy couldn't help it but Gabrielle wasn't going to be that easy. She would have to reach out for the Amazon. As she closed her eyes and fell asleep the Conqueror was hoping that she had that kind of strength.

Seth stirred slowly awake and was surprised to find that he was the first one up. He never got up before Xena and he looked at her puzzled for a moment then lifted his head from her shoulder and sat up. The sun was shinning as he looked around their little camp. He looked over and noticed that Gabrielle was still sleeping too, hmm funny he thought.

Well I'll just get up and make a snowman until they wake up, Seth mused with a grin. He eased his way out of the covers and had crawled to the bottom of the bedroll when Xena's low voice stopped him.

"And where do you think you're going?"

Seth recognized the low, intense tone to be the 'behave or else' one.

"I was just going to get up and… ah…" Seth realized that make a snowman was not a good answer after being sick and tried desperately to come up with another but he was just no good at lying.

Xena, her eyes still closed answered for him. "Make a snowman."

How did she always do that? Seth thought busted.

"Well, yeah." The boy said weakly.

"You've got five seconds to get back under these covers." Xena said then started counting her eyes still closed.

Seth started then scrambled to get under the thick furs. He made it by three. He wasn't sure what would have happened if he didn't but he was sure that he didn't want to find out. He lie there in between Xena and Gabrielle and just stared at his mistress. She hadn't moved and her eyes were still closed.

Xena reached over and grabbed the boy rolling him onto his side against her. Seth settled in a little stiffly.

"We're sleeping in." Xena said her voice still low.

Seth thought about a protest for a moment then thought better of it. Best not to push it when Xena took this tone with him.

"Yes Xena." Seth said then stared dejectedly off, his only means of protest.

"Close your eyes and go to sleep boy." Xena ordered eyes still closed.

How does she do that? Seth wondered again in disbelief. She really did know everything. He closed his eyes and with them closed couldn't fight off sleep for very long.

Xena allowed herself a satisfied grin as she felt the boy drift off into sleep, his breathing low and even.

Gabrielle opened her eyes and peaked at Seth sleeping curled up against Xena's side and a small giggle erupted from her.

Xena opened her eyes and smiled at her then lifted one finger to her lips in gesture of silence.

Gabrielle nodded. "Yes Xena." She teased mockingly.

Xena's smile grew wider and she barely contained a laugh as the two closed their eyes and went back to sleep.

When Seth woke again he could smell fresh fish cooking on the fire. Xena and Gabrielle were both up sitting on the blankets in front of him drinking tea and watching their breakfasts cooking on the fire. Seth stared at their backs for a moment blinking the drossiness away.

"How do you feel?" Xena asked without turning around.

Gabrielle turned to look at him, an amused look on her face. Curious as to how the Conqueror always knew what the boy was doing.

Seth sat up and crawled in between Xena and Gabrielle then he let his head plop down into Xena's lap before responding.

"Okay." The boy said then yawned.

Xena looked down into her lap and smiled at him then placed her hand on his forehead. Satisfied that his fever had gone she combed his short hair back with her fingers.

Seth closed his eyes and smiled at the contact.

Gabrielle turned the fish cooking on a spit. "Breakfast is almost ready."

"I'm not hungry." Seth said not lifting his head from Xena's lap.

Xena and Gabrielle stared at each other for a moment then in unison they both looked back to Seth.

"You're not hungry?" Xena asked exaggerating the words as she spoke them.

Seth shook his head then closed his eyes rubbing his face on the Conqueror's thigh still drowsy from sleeping for so long.

Xena lifted the boy off her lap concerned. She took hold of his head and examined him, feeling his forehead again then checking his eyes, mouth and then lifting his shirt and checking the color of his skin.

"You said you felt okay. Since when are you not hungry? You haven't eaten since lunch yesterday." Xena said after finishing her exam of the boy, a worried edged to her voice.

Seth looked confused for a moment then just shrugged. "I don't know Xena. I feel okay just not hungry and kinda sleepy now."

Xena scowled, she didn't like that one bit.

"You have to eat something. It's been too long since your last meal and you need your strength to get better." The Conqueror stated firmly.

Seth frowned. "But I'm not hungry, I don't want to eat!" He protested.

Xena's eyes narrowed and she glared at the boy. Seth got the point and lowered his eyes then meekly returned to his position laying his head on her lap.

"You're going to eat and you're staying in bed all day." Xena said firmly then began to unconsciously rake her fingers through the boy's hair again.

Seth didn't say anything he just stared gloomily into the fire.

Gabrielle leaned over then and rubbed Seth back smiling at Xena.

The hard worried look on Xena's face vanished when she caught Gabrielle's smile and the gloomy expression was replaced by a smile of her own.

"It won't be that bad. I read you a scroll." Gabrielle said rubbing small circles on the boy's back.

Seth smiled. "Thanks Gabrielle."

"Sorry you two but I read the last story a few days ago." Xena said.

"That's okay, I think I can come up with something." Gabrielle said then took the fish from the spit and placed equal portions on three plates.

Seth sat up and Gabrielle handed out the plates of fish with some wild rice that she had cooked in a small pot on a rock.

"You're a bard?" Xena asked then took a bite of the dish then smiled. Gabrielle was an excellent cook and the Conqueror enjoyed her meals immensely.

"On occasion." The blonde replied modestly then started eating her breakfast.

Xena smiled to herself having the feeling that the Amazon was probably an exceptional bard. The blonde woman was good at everything she did and the Conqueror was sure that story telling was no exception.

Xena took a sip of her tea then noticed that the boy had yet to take a bit of his breakfast. It unnerved her to see him without his appetite, the boy was usually the first one done and looking for seconds. He was looking down at his plate without interest today though and he looked a little sleepy still.

The Conqueror nudged the boy with her elbow and glared at him. Seth got the point and took a small bite of fish and chewed it slowly.

When Xena and Gabrielle had finished the boy looked over at the Conqueror and gave her a weak, pleading smile. He had eaten half of his fish and a little rice and he hoped that would be enough to satisfy his mistress. The little that he had eaten had taken a great amount of will to get down his protesting body.

Xena looked from the plate to the boy and his puppy eyes then sighed and took his plate from him and handed it to Gabrielle.

Seth lowered himself back into Xena's lap and gratefully kissed her thigh then closed his eyes still smiling.

"Hey you're going to offend the chef if you keep eating like this." Gabrielle teased rising to take the plates to the lake to wash.

Seth opened his eyes and looked at her about to say something then he noticed what she was doing and started getting up.

"Wait let me do that Gabrielle. I'm sorry I almost forgot." Seth said halfway up.

Xena's strong hand on his shoulder stopped him and forced him back down into her lap.

"I've got it, don't worry." Gabrielle said then trudged off through the snow to the lake.

"You're just going to take it easy for the next couple days." Xena stated running her fingers through the boy's hair again. "Gabrielle can make you some soup for lunch. That will be easier for you to digest."

Seth nodded then his eyes started to flutter closed and he began to fall asleep on Xena's leg.

The Conqueror watched as the boy struggled to stay awake. "It's okay, you can fall asleep."

Seth smiled his thanks and kissed her thigh again then closed his eyes and was asleep in minutes.

Xena continued to gently stroke the boy's hair while he slept. She didn't like the boy being sick but she did find herself enjoying mothering him. It was a quality that she never realized that she had but had just come naturally with Seth. She watched his slow even breathing and felt contented. She felt confident that the boy was out of danger. He would just have to ride the rest of the sickness out. She wondered then if this is how the boy's mother had been with him when he was little and had gotten sick. Then she wondered what he did later on after she died, wonder who took care of him when he was sick, no one probably. She thought about the boy shivering with a fever and his uncle probably beating him for being sick. The thought made her sad and she swore to herself then that she would always take care of him.

Gabrielle returned with clean plates. She stuffed them into Xena's saddlebags then plopped down beside the warrior.

"Out again huh?" The Amazon commented eyeing the sleeping boy.

"Yeah, I'm glad, he needs it."

The Conqueror turned to Gabrielle who was sitting on the opposite side of her that Seth was. Their eyes met and held for a moment then they both leaned into one another for a long, slow kiss. It was so natural that neither one of them had thought about it, their bodies just reacted to a need. Their lips lingered then finally separated.

Gabrielle tried to slow her pounding heart. Xena smiled at her and she blushed shyly for the way she was feeling. She realized then how much she had come to need the Conqueror's touch. She burned for it.

"I'm going to go find a good spot for us to spend the winter. I'll probably be gone for most of the day. Make sure Seth stay's in bed and eats some soup for lunch, oh and make sure he drinks a lot of water and give him another dose of the herbs, oh and…"

Gabrielle's lips pressed against the Conqueror's cutting her off. Xena's eyes rose in surprise then relaxed as she settled into another passionate kiss. Their lips slid apart slowly.

"I'll take good care of him, don't worry." Gabrielle said smiling at Xena's motherly concern.

Xena returned the smile then she lowered her eyes to the boy sleeping in her lap. "I'm just not used to leaving him with anyone."

Gabrielle realized then what a huge measure of trust Xena was giving her. Seth was the most important thing in the warrior's life and she was entrusting him to her, if even for just a few hours.

"I promise I'll take care of him. Thank you Xena." The bard said seriously.

Xena looked puzzled. "For what?"

Gabrielle stared into deep blue eyes. "For trusting me with him."

Xena just smiled at the smaller woman. She knew that Gabrielle would die before she let anything happen to Seth even before she made her promise. That was just the way the Amazon was. She had this personal code, an integrity that you could sense in her presence.

Xena reached behind her and threw the blankets back then she leaned over and scooped Seth up in her arms and stood. She lowered the sleeping boy into their furs and tugged the blankets back over him then kissed him on the forehead eliciting an unconscious smile from him.

Gabrielle was amazed at the Conqueror's strength. She was a good two inches taller then the boy and lifted him easily, even for a woman of her size.

Gabrielle rose to her feet and stood in front of the Conqueror and looked up at her.

"I'll see you later tonight." Xena said smiling down at the Amazon.

Gabrielle nodded feeling a sudden lump in her throat. She'd only been with the Conqueror for a few days but now the thought of her leaving for even the day made her feel strangely sad and lonely. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed the larger woman goodbye.

"Be careful." Gabrielle said then lowered her eyes feeling silly for being so emotional.

Xena smiled at her then drew the blonde into a hug. "Thank you."

This time Gabrielle looked at her puzzled. "For what?"

"For caring."

With that Xena crossed to Argo and quickly saddled her then rode out of camp with Gabrielle staring after her.

Continued in Part 4.