Subtext: Portrays a loving relationship between two consenting adult women. Nothing at all graphic. If this is offensive to you, or you are under age, please don't read any further.

Author's Notes: Thanks to all bards in the Xenaverse for their silent inspirations. A special thank you to my partner of 11 years who believes in me and everything that I do. Hugs and kisses.

Feedback (be nice) always welcome: cjamazon@yahoo.com

My Dearest Eve,

It's been six months since I wrote to you of your mother's passing, and I hope this parchment finds you in good health. I am sorry that I was not in Greece to tell you about Xena in person, but destiny had brought me to the lands that were once ruled by Cleopatra.

How I miss her, Eve. I miss her terribly. I have never known such heartache as this. When we slept, our hearts beat as one. Now the only heartbeat I hear is my own. And I get very lonely. To be without one's soul mate must be one of the greatest sacrifices. My heart aches for my best friend and the other half of my soul. I am so lost. Xena was my home for so long that I don't know of any other 'place' to call home. Sometimes when I think I can't go on anymore, because of the pain, her words echo in my mind, 'Even in death Gabrielle, I will never leave you.' And then I know she is right beside me, reaching out to me. I will survive. Since Xena's been gone, I haven't slept very well. Memories of her still flood my mind. Sometimes the dreams are so bad I wake up screaming and covered in sweat. Your mother once told me that I was a gift to her. But she, was the greatest and most precious gift I have ever had.

In the end, your mother was a brave warrior, Eve. For her final battle was not an easy one. It was a terrible, bloody death that the villagers had described to me. I thank the gods you or I did not witness the execution. And when her quest for redemption came to an end, the peace she always sought was finally attained. I need you to understand Eve, that your mother had to avenge those souls, there was no other way. Or everything would have been for nothing. It was all for the greater good.

You are such a good person Eve, and so much like your mother. That same stubborn streak which I think I'm always going to miss. I hope you continue down the path of love that you're on. May the fates be kind to you. The fates have brought me back to the land of warmth and sand. It was the place where Xena and I originally talked about going to. They needed a girl with a chakram, and your mother could never pass up a challenge!

Nights here are warm and you can see a million stars. These are the times that I miss Xena the most. At night we used to just gaze up and view the stars and talk. My two new feline companions (I haven't named them yet, but when I do I'll let you know) are comfortably entwined and sleeping peacefully. They are such interesting creatures, Eve. We didn't have them in Greece. Not that I ever saw anyway. Maybe someday in your travels you can stop and visit for a while. There's plenty of room in the palace and the daughter of Xena: Warrior Princess will always be welcome. Sounds like I'm staying awhile, huh?

I'm sorry Eve, but I have to say goodbye. The royal priests are summoning me.

Oh, and as for my life? My adventures are just beginning.

Yep, I think this is definitely going to be a very interesting place.

Gabrielle, Guardian of Egypt