Chapter XXV

The first stop on their trip was at the original native village. Gabrielle was amazed to see the changes and growth that had occurred during her lengthy absence. There were many men and even quite a few women, though they were considerably less in number. Ephiny and Gabrielle were welcomed warmly, then left to look around at their leisure.

The market area was large and Gabrielle spent a bit of time going through it, dickering back and forth with the merchants and bartering until both parties were satisfied with her purchases. Ephiny just stood back and watched, shaking her head at the whirlwind side of her friend she'd never thought to see. She thought back to the private scrolls of her ancestor she carried and wondered if she'd see anything else described in them.

They spent several days in the village, with Gabrielle talking to their ruling council among other things. The agreement she had drawn up between them and the Amazons so many years ago had worked out mutually beneficial to all involved and Gabrielle was gratified to know that it was still honored.

Several of the men of the village circled both she and Ephiny in interest, mating being the primary reason most Amazons visited them, but after several rejections and one rather abrupt dismissal, the men understood that neither of them were interested in producing children.

"Ephiny, did you really need to leave a mark?" No censure in the question... just honest curiosity.

"Considering where his hands were," Ephiny growled, "he's lucky I didn't break them." She motioned with her own just exactly where his had tried to be.

"Ooh. He's lucky it was you and not me in that case." Ephiny's brow arched in inquiry. "I'd have put the pinch on him."

"The pinch?" Ephiny's face was awash in confusion as she went through her mental catalogue of fighting techniques. "OH!" she exclaimed as it dawned on her. "You mean THE pinch. Xena really taught you that?"

"Yep, she really did," Gabrielle answered softly, remembering all too clearly kneeling on the floor in the room in Japa. Even now, she felt the roiling in her gut that she'd felt then and it was all she could do not to puke. Ephiny's hand on her arm grounded her and after a moment of intense concentration, Gabrielle was able to put the fierce feeling aside.

"I'm sorry Gabrielle. I didn't mean...."

Gabrielle waved off Ephiny's apology. "Don't be, Eph. You have no way of knowing what's taboo and what isn't. Just like I never know what exactly will set me off." She smiled wanly. "Sometimes a mere scent will remind me of something.... Anyway, just bear with me, my friend. It doesn't happen often, thankfully. And I always live through it."

She patted the hand on her arm and Ephiny squeezed back lightly in return. "Besides," Gabrielle commented wryly, "I brought it up, remember? Now c'mon. Let's go visit the Uluru tribe."



"It's been a long time since I crossed a desert," Gabrielle commented. "Now I remember why."

"At least we haven't run into any sandstorms," Ephiny said with a chuckle.

"Don't even joke about that," Gabrielle warned with a smile. "It's not pretty."

"You're kidding... you've really had to travel in a sandstorm?"

"No, I'm not and yeah, I really have. You think the sand you have all over now is bad?? Wait til it gets *blasted* into crevices it doesn't belong in."

"EW! Thanks, Gabrielle. Wasn't like I was itchy before the little mental image."

"Yeah, well, let me assure you the physical one is much worse. Been there, done that, don't want a repeat."

It had been nearly three weeks since they'd left the native village to make their way to the central Amazon village of Uluru. They had been given directions to the one or two small pools of water along their route, but it had been five days since they'd seen any and they were both getting pretty desperate to find some.

"Why exactly are there Amazons in the middle of nowhere?" Gabrielle asked, hoping to take her mind of the sand.

"After the plague was over," looking at Gabrielle to see if she remembered that time. Gabrielle nodded and Ephiny took a deep breath. "After the plague was over, the council and regent decided that it would be prudent to the life of the nation for us to expand a little bit. Have a few separate tribes in the Nation instead of just the one."

"And who got punished that they ended up in the middle of the desert?"

Ephiny chuckled. "No one. It was decided that the western outpost would become a permanent outpost, though we rotate people in and out of that one every six months. They the council decreed that a scouting party would travel until they found a good spot to start a second village."

"The desert?"

"Hush!" Ephiny admonished. "I'm trying to tell the story here." Then she clapped a hand over her mouth as she realized what she'd said to whom. Gabrielle simply chortled.

"Go, on, Ephiny," she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'll be quiet, I promise."

"Ahem, yeah, well anyway, about halfway across the desert, several of the party were taken grievously ill. It was decided that they and a few of the well Amazons would stay while the remainder continued on their journey."

"During the year it took the scouting party to reach the far coast and set up a small outpost, the Amazons that stopped here had been busy setting up a colony of their own. By the time the few from the original scouting party not already settled in the east had returned for them, they had managed to make themselves a comfortable home."

"In the desert?"

"In the desert. When the scouts returned and gave the news, the council decided that it was all good... especially as it gave us not one, but two more villages. And it gave us a place to rest on the journey between coasts."

"Well, for that reason alone, I am glad they found a home here. I am over the sand thing."

Ephiny laughed. "You know, you sound a lot like the way you describe Aphrodite when you talk like that."

Now it was Gabrielle's turn to laugh. "What can I tell you? She rubs off on you after a while."



Finally, they stood within sight of the big red rock that was the only thing that could be seen for miles.

"Wow! That's pretty amazing," Gabrielle said softly.

Ephiny glanced up, but she was more interested in scouting the area. The Uluru tribe was supposed to be located near the rock, but she could see no signs of life or habitation. And never having traveled this far, Ephiny was at a bit of loss on how to find them.

"Uh," she grunted, before turning her attention back to the cleverly unmarked landscape. Gabrielle looked at her strangely.

"Um, Ephiny? What are you looking for?"

"The village," came the distracted answer.

"There's nothing here."

"Yeah, there is. I just have to find it."

Gabrielle sat on a rock and leaned back, squawking in startlement when the rock moved. A grinding noise and what felt like a miniature earthquake caused both of them to look around before noting the growing hole in the ground.

"Underground? They live underground?" Gabrielle questioned Ephiny.

"Yeah, though I'm not sure I'd have ever found the trigger if you hadn't leaned against it. They've disguised it really well. Nice work, my Queen."

Gabrielle swung at Ephiny lightly, who easily ducked the punch. "Smarty." She looked down the darkened hole that showed the beginnings of a set of stairs. "Well, c'mon. Let's go see this underground village."

Gabrielle started down the steps before Ephiny had the chance to stop her. But she'd only gone down two stairs before she halted abruptly... so abruptly that Ephiny nearly plowed into her back.

"Gabrielle?"

Suddenly the two spears that were locked on her belly lowered slightly. "My Queen?" came a voice from the darkness.

"Yes," Gabrielle answered succinctly.

The spears were lowered further and one guard came up the steps slowly, blinking in the bright sunlight. "Apologies, my Queen. We weren't told to expect you so soon."

"Well," Gabrielle commented wryly. "I commend you for your diligence. May we enter?"

"Oh... oh, yes. Please. Dina, pass me a torch so the Queen and...." The guard looked beyond Gabrielle's shoulder. "Ephiny, wasn't it?" The curly head nodded. "Ephiny can see to get downstairs to the village."

The village itself was an amazing piece of work. Tunnels had been carved from the rock that glittered with color where the light hit it and rooms were scattered throughout. In places, the ground above had been shaped to let sunlight through and an underground water supply created a vast pool in the center square.

"Welcome, my Queen," the regent said with bowed head. "Welcome to Uluru."

Gabrielle looked around in awed delight. "This is amazing, Pyrna. Simply stunning."

"Thank you, my... Gabrielle," changing her address when Gabrielle held up a hand and gave her a look. "We are very proud of our home here."

"You should be," Ephiny commented. "This is fantastic. Did you carve all this out yourself, or...?"

The regent laughed. "Gods, no. Our ancestors were very lucky to have found the main caverns when they first settled here. We've put in a lot of work to expand them and still are, actually. We continually need more room as the tribe grows."

"Where do you find men? We haven't seen anyone for nearly three weeks."

"We travel to either of the other tribes. Both have agreements with the native villages near them."

"And that works for you?" Gabrielle asked.

"Yes. We lose a few women to the other villages, but for the most part, everyone comes home... and usually they bring someone with them."

"Well, this is all quite fascinating. Could we have a tour?" Gabrielle asked again, her eyes taking in everything with muted delight.

"Absolutely. Then we will have a banquet. This is a first for us, you know."

Gabrielle looked stunned. "Your first banquet??"

The regent howled in laughter until she doubled over from it. "No, your majesty. This is the first time our Queen has visited. I assure you we know how to throw a good party."

Ephiny snickered. Gabrielle chuckled. "Born in the blood," they muttered to one another simultaneously. Then they followed the regent through the vast cavern network.



Both Ephiny and Gabrielle enjoyed their time with what they referred to as the cavern Amazons. Gabrielle had been amazed to see the many different ways they had adapted their underground life to be almost what even a topsider would consider normal. There was hot and cold running water, a grist mill, an elaborate system for removing wastes and a large area for games and tournaments.

Ephiny really liked that as it was home to all sorts of contrived means of exercise. "This makes so much sense," she commented to Gabrielle as they used the facilities on morning. "Not like they can climb trees or run for long distances."

Gabrielle looked to Ephiny who was climbing up the rock face beside her steadily. "Nope, but I tell ya, this has to be one of the hard things I've tried to do."

The most ingenious thing to Gabrielle, though was the greenhouse and the deliberate management of heat and sunlight and water.

"This is... this could solve any number of famine problems," she commented to the head grower. Gabrielle had seen famine and the devastating results firsthand.

"Yeah, but we haven't figured out how to share our knowledge and we're still testing in the other two villages to see if it will work aboveground."

"This would be a way for the Amazons to leave their mark on the world," Ephiny commented. Gabrielle nodded, but didn't say anything.

When it came time for the duo to leave, they found themselves with something of an entourage.

"I'm sorry, Gabrielle," Ephiny muttered. "If I'd known we were gonna be taking half the tribe with us, we would have snuck out in the middle of the night or something."

Gabrielle rolled her shoulders. "We'll cope," she said, hoping it was the truth and not just wishful thinking on her part. It would make for an unbearably long trek otherwise.

As it turned out, it wasn't nearly as bad as either Gabrielle or Ephiny expected it to be. A majority of the women only wanted to accompany them a short distance before returning home. The few who were left were determined to prove their worth and mostly left Gabrielle alone except to ask for the occasional story. That was one contribution Gabrielle was always happy to make.

They reached the coastal village in good time and the women who had traveled with them went on into the native village to see about finding a mate. Gabrielle shivered with the cool, detached precision the task was performed with. Even for children, she didn't think she could copulate with a man she didn't at least feel affection for.

"It's not as bad as it seems, Gabrielle. Most of the women spend a few months finding someone that at least like and feel some compatibility to. Only a few approach it from a clinical point of view."

Gabrielle shuddered. "I guess I've always thought sex and love should be a part of each other. I just couldn't...."

Ephiny placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I understand, Gabrielle. Some Amazons feel the way you do and never have children for that reason. But it is their choice and it is our way. Always has been."

"I know and I wish them well."

"Well enough to preside over the fertility rites tomorrow night?"

"Yes, I will preside at yet another Amazon party," Gabrielle replied with a laugh. "I swear I party more during my relatively brief stays with the Amazons than I have the rest of my life put together."

Ephiny chuckled. "Gotta make sure you wanna come back."



The rites went well and the party was a lot of fun, but increasingly Gabrielle found herself growing edgy. Even her enjoyment at being introduced to the community and visiting a new village was muted. She wasn't sure whether to put it down to the increasing need to feed again or the constant companionship she seemed to be surrounded by.

After a couple days of watching Gabrielle's increasing frustration, Ephiny finally took Gabrielle aside. Gabrielle wasn't totally surprised. She and Ephiny had become good friends and she figured it was apparent even to the most non-observant among them that she was out of sorts. What stunned her completely were Ephiny's words.

"Gabrielle, how long has it been since you fed?"

"Ex... excuse me?" Wide green eyes looked at Ephiny with a mixture of fear, relief and despair.

Ephiny took Gabrielle's arm and led her away from the village and down toward the beach. When it was obvious they were alone, Ephiny cleared her throat to speak.

"Let me tell you a story. Many years ago, there was a young Amazon Queen named Gabrielle whose chose her friend Ephiny to be her regent. Ephiny was very fond of the Queen and occasionally wrote about Gabrielle in the private journals she kept."

"As time passed, Ephiny noticed subtle differences in both her Queen and the Queen's unofficial consort, Xena. Nothing definite that she could put her finger on, but something changed between them, long after Ephiny knew they were lovers."

"It was sometime after the..." she paused and chose her words carefully, "village incident. I don't know how long afterwards though. It was the first time you had returned to the village since Xena had dragged you from the Nation and there were still some very hard feelings towards the warrior. It was after Xena had thanked Ephiny for the actions she had taken to protect her Queen and apologized for her own that Ephiny literally stumbled on their secret."

"She had gone into the woods to get away and think, knowing that any punishment meted out to Xena was her responsibility alone. She went straight to her thinking tree, muttering and cursing as she struggled to climb up with a still weak arm. Finally, though, she was up and getting to her favorite spot didn't take a lot more effort."

"Ephiny sat unmoving for quite some time, letting her mind still and reviewing all the facts as she knew them. She was shocked when without warning Xena and Gabrielle stopped beneath her and began making love almost frantically. She opened her mouth to announce her presence when she saw Gabrielle open her mouth and sink fangs into Xena's neck, drawing an unexpected response from both warrior and bard."

"It didn't last long and Xena returned the favor before their lovemaking became tender. Ephiny recognized the moment she was spotted by Xena's senses and turned away to give her friends some privacy. They dressed one another slowly when it was over and headed back to the village. Xena pinned Ephiny with a stare and accepted the solemn nod as her agreement to remain silent. Ephiny stayed in the tree most of the night trying to understand just what she had seen."

"She never mentioned it to anyone. But she did always wonder what had happened."

Gabrielle sat very still, arms wrapped around her body as though for protection.

"I'm sorry I upset you Gabrielle," Ephiny said softly. "I only asked out of concern and a little bit of confusion."

"Did everyone in your family know?" Gabrielle asked hoarsely. "Has this been a secret passed from mother to daughter for thirteen hundred years?"

"No, Gabrielle. Not at all. At least if anyone else knew, no one ever talked about it. I discovered the journals by accident." Gabrielle's skeptical expression made her hurry on. "When we left Greece, everyone was allowed to bring a small box of their possessions." Gabrielle nodded, remembering far too well the anguish that had caused some.

"My ancestors brought a chest that Ephiny had made herself, full of intricate designs and delicate carvings. At first, it was used because it was all we had and then it was put away as the only reminder we had of our old homeland and the things left behind there."

"My mother died when I was thirteen, but I was in warrior training and considered an adult. So I was allowed to keep my home." Ephiny drew a breath. "The night that we graduated from basic warrior training we were able to spend the night at home. It was the first time I had been there alone and it was a little scary." She chuckled self-consciously.

"I spent a lot of time just wandering around the empty hut until the chest caught my eye. For a long time I just studied it, wondering. Finally, I saw a pattern in the grain and I realized it was a puzzle. It took me nearly two months before I figured out the secret, but when I did, I found the hidden crevice the journal was in. It was... I thought it was the greatest thing that would ever happen to me."

She smiled at Gabrielle. "And for the longest time, it was. I was the keeper of an undiscovered bit of Amazon history... my own little secret. Then I met you."

Ephiny looked at the still figure whose tense back was facing her. "Gabrielle, will you explain something to me?"

For the longest time there was nothing but silence and Ephiny had about given up hope of an answer when a whispered voice was heard in the stillness. "If I can."

"You're not a regular bacchae. You eat and sleep like anyone else, you go out in the sunshine and you seem to be able to control the need to feed." Ephiny hesitated, wondering how to voice her question, but Gabrielle understood.

"I am not a full bacchae and I have a goddess that looks out for me." She paused. "I drank the first time Bacchaus offered the chalice and that gave me the immortality and the blood need. Xena stopped me before I could drink the second time and complete the ritual."

"I eat because I enjoy it and occasionally, I am even hungry, though that usually only happens after great exertion or stress. I sleep because it helps pass the time and reminds me that I was completely human once upon a time. Of course, sometimes I actually get tired enough to sleep, but not often."

Her voice, already quiet, dropped to a whisper. "The blood need isn't something I can control... I still have to feed as long as Xena and I are apart. Aphrodite just gave me a talisman that makes it more manageable for me; I don't have to feed very often."

Ephiny walked up to Gabrielle then, close enough to touch but still separate from her. "Thank you," she said softly. "I appreciate your trust." She drew a deep breath. "Now go. I'll tell the Amazons you needed a bit of peace."

Ephiny started to move away when she was stopped by Gabrielle's voice. "Thank you for understanding."

Ephiny chuckled. "There is still so much I don't understand, but I do understand that I'm your friend and friends stick together."

Gabrielle smiled through tears the younger woman couldn't see. "They sure do, Eph. They sure do."



They became more comfortable with one another after that and their time in the coastal village was marked with a lot of laughter. The tribe was very sorry to see them go.

"My Queen, your boat is stocked and ready for travel."

"Thank you, Kima. Are you sure this won't create a hardship for your village? It's not like I am coming back anytime soon. Several years at the very least," Gabrielle commented to the regent as they walked towards the docks.

"Gabrielle, the boat is one we confiscated from raiders who tried to overrun us. We refitted it to make it a more comfortable pleasure vessel on occasions we get the opportunity to use it. As for the crew... every woman here understands it may be a while before they get to come home. You were very forthcoming about that. We still had to have a tournament to determine who got to go with you." Kima chuckled softly at the embarrassed consternation so apparent on Gabrielle's face.

"I'm sorry, my Queen. I don't think you really understand the effect you have on people... especially Amazons." They stopped at the bottom of the gangplank. "Safe journey to you, Gabrielle. May you soon find the one your heart most desires."

Without giving the Queen an opportunity to respond, the Regent turned and walked back to the end of the dock where most of the village had gathered. A commotion from the back of the group caused them to part and Ephiny pushed her way through.

"Apologies, my Queen."

Gabrielle held up a hand to forestall her words. "Glad you could join us. Now let's get started. If I understood correctly, this journey is gonna take us several months."

Ephiny groaned silently, then jogged up the gangplank, stopping short when she noticed their captain.

"Elizabeth?"

"Hello, Ephiny," the low voice rumbled. "I thought it was time I was honest about my feelings for you," were the words she spoke, but Ephiny clearly read the intent in the dark eyes facing her. Suddenly, several months at sea together didn't seem a bad prospect.



They had been at sea ten days when the call of "Land Ho!" echoed down from the crow's nest. Since it was completely unexpected, most of the women on the ship ran topside to see. Sure enough, there was a small bit of land visible and with a nod from Gabrielle, the navigator made for it.

The land was beautiful, green and lush in a way Gabrielle had not seen in years. The beach was black sand, fine and smooth as silk and Gabrielle wondered for a long moment if she really needed to see the world Cecrops had told her of. This one was simply astounding.

Then she decided they had time to do a little exploring. Hopefully, their enjoyment of this place would not cause her to lose her entire crew.

Days and weeks turned to months before Gabrielle decided she needed to press on to the other world she sought. Their explorations had shown them mountains and valleys, green hills and snow covered peaks. The lakes were clear and the volcanoes... well, they would have been just as happy without them. But then again, as the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be boring. A little bad now and then in your life makes things so much more interesting.

As it was, about a third of the crew decided to remain behind, including Ephiny and Elizabeth. Gabrielle wasn't surprised, though she would miss Ephiny greatly. She was flattered to be asked to marry them before the ship left for open water.

When the ceremony was over, Ephiny found a private moment to say goodbye.

She gave Gabrielle a strong hug, which the Queen returned in full measure. "I'm gonna miss you, ya know. Traveling with you was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life and I'll never forget it... or you."

"I'll miss you too," Gabrielle said quietly. "I can't tell you how nice it was for me to have your company for just a little while. Be happy, my friend. And love one another long and well."

Elizabeth stepped up beside Ephiny then and extended a hand towards Gabrielle, who accepted it with a firm squeeze.

"Thank you, my Queen. You brought me to my future and I will always be in your debt for that."

"I'm glad I didn't interfere with that."

"No, that was my own stubborn foolishness. I'm glad Ephiny has you for a friend."

Now Gabrielle gave a genuine smile. "So am I. And I hope I can count you in that number?" tentatively.

"I would be honored, my... Gabrielle."

"Thank you, Elizabeth. Now I'm sure the two of you have better places to be than here talking to me." She made shooing motions with her hands. "Go on, now."

The two of them were out bright and early the following morning with the rest who were remaining behind to give the ship a proper send off. Then the long voyage for the New World began.



It was a long, monotonous trip, broken only by the days they would stop to swim and refresh themselves. They ran into several small islands along their route, more by accident than design, though everyone was grateful for small blessings. Those stops made the voyage much more tolerable and provided them with precious fresh water and food.

After two months at sea, Gabrielle's boredom drove her to try something that reminded her of Xena.

She dove from the stern of the ship carrying a long rope that was looped around an iron ring attached to the very outermost piece. With a yell, she gave a directive to the captain and Marta began tacking the ship to catch the breeze. Soon the boat was racing along and Gabrielle was standing up in the water, racing along behind it.

The color in her face and the sparkle in her eyes was a welcome sight to all and they laughed with her in her joy. It would be an experience she would repeat several times before they reached the coast.



Gabrielle shuddered in remembrance. What she had found when she reached the New World was not what Cecrops had told her to expect. Though she did manage to find what he spoke of after a bit of foot travel on her part.

"Xena, I don't know exactly where you are, but I hope with all my heart you're in a safe place... not where we ended up on my first visit. America is a wild, beautiful country," here Gabrielle chuckled. "A lot like you, my love."

A knock on her door interrupted her internal dialogue. Gabrielle admitted the steward with her hot water and then closed the door behind him.

"I wonder if you have the luxury of taking a hot bath. Those were always more fun together."

With a wistful smile, Gabrielle dropped her robe and stepped into the small tub to clean up for the day.

"Ahhhhh...."



Chapter XXVI

"Brrr," Xena murmured softly as she shook the water from her arms and squeezed the excess from her hair before snatching up the towel and drying herself off briskly. Even being out of the wind didn't help warm the almost frozen water she was bathing in and she glanced down at herself wryly, double checking to be sure her fingers and toes were still attached.

The weather had turned violent somewhat unexpectedly, since Xena was still learning the signs and patterns of a land still pretty new to her experience. She knew enough, though to gather wood and find a dry cave to hole up in until the worst was over.

Besides being dry, the cave had provided her with a new bearskin coat and enough bear meat to sustain her entire journey east, as well as a feeding that should last a while. It had also made the bath a necessity.

"Oh Gabrielle," she muttered as she returned to the welcome warmth of the cave. "What I wouldn't give for a hot bath with you right about now." Then she added a bit more wood to the blaze and set out to cure both the meat and the hide. If her weather senses interpreted the indications correctly, she was going to need the coat for a while.

The scroll had been somewhat vague in its clues, but it told enough to send her traveling to the northeast. She had to find the trees it was made from and from there she would find the staff. Keto had told her to look for the blue trees and a few well-placed questions had put her on the path she now walked.

She questioned the wisdom of being out in the weather, but knew her heart wouldn't allow her to let up, even if her head knew better. For now, the weather dictated her actions and it decided she was staying put.

With the hide stretched out and the meat slowly curing over several small fires, Xena found herself at a loss. Her supplies were few and those not currently in used had already been well tended to. That left Xena with more time to think than she was comfortable with, knowing her thoughts would turned to Gabrielle and what she had lost.

So she rose from the bedroll and began going through a series of motions - arts she had learned in the eastern lands that allowed for both offensive and defensive movements designed to maim or kill without the use of any weapon.

Round and round she went doing forms slowly and precisely, then brought the movements together faster and faster til they flowed like a waterfall... fast, beautiful and deadly.

Finally, dripping sweat and exhausted, Xena fell on her back into her bedroll. She lay there for a moment, breathing heavily, before adding more green wood to the smoke fire and banking her cooking one.

Just before she closed her eyes in sleep, Xena's mind turned to the warmth she'd long ago come to associate with Gabrielle. A smile crossed her lips.



The next several days were spent in much the same routine, much to Xena's dismay. Sleep hadn't been a friend to her in a very long time and now she found she had to work harder than ever to be able to do so.

On the one hand it was nice. She hadn't been in such great shape since before Solon was conceived. She felt as though years had simply dropped from her body like they'd never happened.

On the other hand, however, Xena was bored. It wasn't like Gabrielle was around to appreciate the hard work and there was no one else Xena wanted or needed to impress. Besides, repetition of this kind made her a little stir crazy. It was one thing to repeat an exercise to learn a new move or build up certain muscles. It was something entirely different to be forced by circumstance to do the same thing over and over and over again.

After four days, the storm abated and Xena stepped out into... bare prairie. The wind had blown so hard that it had swept the snow clean away in its fury. Xena was amazed. In her experience, snow tended to fall and stick to whatever it hit and stay there until the spring thaw.

The sight of sunshine made her smile and she hurriedly packed up her small camp, doused her fires and began her northwest trek again, thankful beyond words for the bearskin coat. It might have looked warm with the sun shining, but the temperature was frigid and the wind pierced everything around it with a bone-chilling numbness.

Winter seemed to last forever and the fact that she was slowly and steadily moving north did not change Xena's perception. Finally though, winter gave way to the inevitable and spring. And spring found Xena in the mountains.

Months passed as Xena walk up and down every hill and valley, growing more frustrated every day. She figured it was a good lesson in patience; she just wasn't sure she had the patience to learn it.

"A tree is a tree is a tree," she muttered to herself. "How am I supposed to find a staff in the middle of a forest? Better yet, how do I know if I have the right forest?"

Xena rubbed her hand on the back of her neck, feeling the stress of almost a year of fruitless searching. A look at the sky showed the approach of the first winter storms and she decided to find a place to wait for spring.



Spring came again and Xena was even more determined to find the staff. She'd spent a majority of the winter studying everything she could to try to best ascertain where she would find it. She packed her bags and headed northeast once more.

Without warning, an odd little man stepped in front of Xena and instinctually she reached for a sword that was no longer there. She stopped, realizing her mistake almost immediately and giving the man a second look. Her jaw nearly dropped in recognition.

"Joxer?" she whispered.

The man cocked his head, the pot that he wore as a hat slipping to one side before he reached up a hand to stop its motion. He resettled it, then extended a hand towards her.

"Name's John Chapman, but folks 'round here all call me Johnny Appleseed. You like an apple?"

"Not from you, buddy," Xena muttered. "You don't know the power of an apple seed."

He looked a bit startled at her answer, but swallowed and bravely continued on. "Oh, but I do. I've made it my job to spread them all over the country," he said, not understanding the strange look Xena was giving him. "Please, take one," trying to press an apple into her hands.

"No, thanks," she answered adamantly. "I don't share that kind of thing with anyone but Gabrielle."

He held up his hands. "All right. If you change your mind, I'm planting orchards all over. You're welcome to help yourself."

"Thanks," Xena said as she moved away from him.

"Hey," he called just before she was out of sight. "What's your name?"

"They call me Xena."

He opened his mouth to speak again, then shrugged his shoulders. She was nowhere to be seen. He turned his steps westward again and walked away... whistling.



The city was crowded, noisy and full of sights she'd never imagined to see in her lifetime. And the smell... it was indescribable. It reminded her... Xena's lips twitched in memory. It reminded her of the first time she'd decided to cook for Gabrielle. She'd never known hot cooking oil would burn like Greek fire and smell even worse.

Then she smiled, remembering how Gabrielle had pitched right in to not only clean the mess, but had the grace not to tease her about it afterwards. And the night itself had been... wonderful. A beautiful memory she still treasured.

Xena sighed, wanting more than memories and she turned unwavering footsteps to find the answers she sought.

The first place she tried was an inn and they refused to let her inside, citing a policy against allowing "Injuns" in the door. The second mocked her clothes, stating that no respectable woman would be seen dressed as a man. She considered starting a fight, but remembered Keto's final words of caution.

"White men different from us, Zee-nah. Look for reason to do harm to those not them. Some good, but hard to tell who."

She agreed, but she felt that way about most people. It was impossible to tell good or bad by appearance alone.

Xena thought for a while, then decided to find a lawman. That might give her a start on finding Hercules.



"Hey!"

The two men at the desk turned to face her, then raised an eyebrow at her appearance. The older one beckoned her forward, though and she closed the door behind her as she stepped into the room.

"Can I help you... uh, ma'am?" the older man asked. It was clear she was a woman, but he'd never seen one dressed so.

"I hope so. I'm looking for somebody."

Silence.

The younger man spoke up. "This someone got a name?"

Xena shrugged. "I'm sure he does, but he didn't give it to me."

The two men exchanged glances. "Okay, so whaddya want from us?" said the older man. Obviously he was in charge and Xena felt it equally obvious that neither of them had any intention of helping her.

"Look, just forget it, all right? I'll find him on my own."

"Now, hold on, little lady. Hold on." He saw her eyes narrow and stepped back instinctively. "I'm sorry, Miss... Miss.... What's your name, anyway?"

"You can call me Xena. Just Xena. And I'm no lady."

"I'm sorry Mi...." He hesitated at the glare. "I'm sorry, Xena. We didn't mean to make you think we wouldn't help. It's just usually when we're looking for someone, we at least know *who* the someone is."

"Well, he's my height, a little taller... blue eyes, light brown hair, muscular," gesturing to the width of her shoulders. "Kind of reminds you of a hero from legend."

"Hey, boss, that sounds like...."

"Yeah." The older man turned back to who was looking at him with a raised brow. "Oh 'scuse us again, Mi... Xena. A fella who mostly fits your description is actually a fellow lawman. He's the Marshall in these parts."

Xena nodded, though she really didn't understand what a Marshall was. She still didn't know exactly who these two were or what their titles were. She only knew the kind woman at the mission had pointed her in this direction when she'd asked for a lawman. She tended to dismiss the rest of the woman's diatribe.

"Can you tell me where to find him?"

"Well, he's out of town on business, but he should be back directly... a week at the outside."

Xena's eyes widened. She didn't want to be in the odd town a week. It was loud and it stank and the people... well, she'd about reached the end of her rope with rude and obnoxious. And there was no bloody way she was going to put on those ridiculous costumes she saw the women here wearing. There was no sense and little practical purpose to them. They reminded her vaguely of the outfit Gabrielle had worn the first time they'd met.

"Tell ya what," the older man said, seeing the uncomfortable look in her eyes. "My name's Jake and this here's Billy." They exchanged head nods. "Miss Lucille owns the boarding house where we both live. Why don't one of us take ya over and you can stay there and wait for Hank?"

Xena studied them both for long moments. So many times she'd trusted, only to have it come back and bite her badly. But she was at a loss to find Hercules and this was the best chance she'd had in the months since she'd started her quest. What was one more week?

"All right," she finally drawled, realizing that she could easily take both of them if they were lying to her, but hoping that, for a change, someone was being honest with her right up front.

Jake nodded and snatched his hat from the rack. "I'll be back in a minute, Billy," stopping the younger man's protest with a look before it could be voiced. "I'll ask Miss Lucille 'bout some of her special muffins for ya, all right?"

Billy grinned and nodded. Unlike Jake, he always felt a little shy around Miss Lucille, though she'd never been anything but nice to him.

Jake reached for Xena's elbow, then stopped when he heard a growl emanate from deep in her chest. Instead, he opened the door and gestured her to go in front of him. She rolled her eyes and stepped back out into the dirty, smelly, crowded outdoors.

There were times and this was one of them, when adding the heightened awareness of her bacchae senses to the already very aware warrior senses pushed her to overload. It made her wish for way to turn them off.

Jake led them down the road until Xena realized they were moving to the outskirts of town. She kept a careful eye on where they were going. She wanted to be able to get back to town if things didn't work out.

Xena was able to breathe a little better here and Jake smile slightly to see her relax. He placed a friendly hand on her arm, removing it when she flinched. "Don't worry, Xena. Miss Lucille will take good care of you."



Miss Lucille reminded Xena a lot of her mother Cyrene. And since Xena would not tolerate charity, she spent her days doing chores around the place to earn her keep while she waited for the mysterious Hank.

Four days after her introduction to Miss Lucille's boarding house, a large roan horse ambled up the path. Lucille came out onto the front porch, smiling when she caught sight of the big man climbing down from the horse's back.

"Howdy there, Hank!"

"Hey, Miss Lucille! How is everything?"

"Good, good! Got somebody here been waiting for ya. Did Jake tell ya?"

"Nope, I came straight here first. I need a bath. It's been a long road."

"You want me to send 'em up after you get done?"

"Yeah. I won't be too long, but I gotta get rid of the trail dust. It's making me itch."

Lucille laughed. "Git along with you then. I got water heating for the wash... I'll give you that and heat more for the laundry." She held up a hand before he could speak. "Tell me a hot bath don't sound real good to you 'bout now."

"No fair, Miss Lucille. I'm trying to be selfless."

"Why? I made the offer. Oughtta enjoy it while you can."

Hank chuckled. "All right, Miss Lucille. All right. Thank you. I'll take the water up when I go."

"Thanks, Hank."

He waved a hand to her as he entered the house. The door slammed behind him and Lucille stood on the porch listening to both indoor and outdoor sounds. She nearly jumped from her skin when Xena came around the corner noiselessly.

"Land sakes, child. How do you do that? I've never known anyone to be so silent in my entire life."

Xena smirked to herself, but merely shrugged her shoulders at Lucille. She'd given up trying to get the middle-aged redhead from calling her child. Not like she'll understand I'm nearly two thousand years old.

Lucille shook her head. "Look, Hank's home and he needed the hot water I had on for the laundry for his bath. You wanna fetch me a couple more buckets of well water?"

"Sure," Xena answered, glad for the chore to fill her time til Hank got done. She was ready for this part of her quest to be over. She smiled to herself. And if she was very lucky, it would be nice to see an old friend as well.

Lucille watched Xena for a moment before she returned to her kitchen. She'd have to fix a substantially larger dinner than she'd been planning. But she was glad to have Hank back. She was more than a little curious as to why Xena was searching for him.

"Never met a more closed-mouthed woman than she is," Lucille muttered to herself, before pulling out her big skillet.

Xena brought the two buckets of water into the kitchen and set them by the stove since the pot Lucille had put on there that morning for laundry wasn't there. Then she went back to the barn to curry the horses and let them out to pasture.

Hank hurried with his bath, though he surely did enjoy his hot water. He was curious about the person waiting to speak to him. Funny Miss Lucille didn't mention a name. Don't even rightly know if it's a man or a woman, though he figured it to be a man. Given his line of work, it was the most logical conclusion.

Besides all that, he needed to get into town to check with Jake and Billy. The rustlers he'd captured were part of a bigger group he suspected and he wanted to see if they'd heard anything new.

So Hank rushed through his bath, though he made sure to scrub every bit of dirt and trail dust from his skin. He sighed. He missed the plumbing he had once known and looked forward to the time when mankind caught up to where progress had been many civilizations ago.

Sometimes being an immortal among mortals just sucked wind.

The dinner bell rang just as that thought crossed his mind and he climbed from the tub and dried off. He pinned on his badge when he finished dressing, knowing he would need to spend the afternoon in town catching up on work.

He walked into the dining room, noticing right away the long, dark hair and broad shoulders. It reminded him.... And then the figure turned around and he was met by familiar blue eyes. It was only his god's blood that kept him on his feet.

"Hello, Hercules," said in a low voice she knew only he would hear.

"Hank! HANK!" Lucille waited until his eyes tracked to hers. "You all right? You look like you've done seen a ghost."

"I'm fine, Miss Lucille. Just never expected to see Xena again." Certainly not in this time and place. How...? He reached out to take her hands, pulling Xena from her chair and wrapping his arms gingerly around her body lest she disappear like a dream. She returned the hug fully and he smiled.

"It's been too long, my friend," he said when they separated. "I can't tell you how amazing it is to see you again."

"Her... Hank," Xena answered with a smile, though Hercules could see so many other things in her eyes. He raised his eyebrow in question and she nodded ever so slightly. Herc blew out a breath. He couldn't wait to hear this story.

Lucille beamed. "Well, now. Ain't this nice? She's been waiting to see ya, Hank. I'm glad you're the one she was looking for. Now let me get dinner on the table. I'm sure ya both have lots to catch up on."

She direly wanted to stay around and listen, but she knew Xena wouldn't speak if folks were hanging round. Even after only four days Lucille had learned that much about her mysterious boarder.

Hercules waited until he knew Lucille had left them alone before asking in a sibilant whisper, "What...? How? Why? When?"

Xena held up a hand to stem the flood tide of questions her was sending her direction. "Later. Suffice it to say that I'm trying to get home... to my time and to Gabrielle."

Now both eyebrows went up and Hercules was becoming more intrigued by the minute. At that moment, however, Lucille came back out of the kitchen and set two bowls full of vegetables in front of them, then swept back out of sight to retrieve the meat platter.

"We'll talk?" he asked.

"Yes," was the only answer she gave before Lucille was seating herself and the topic of conversation became more general.



"Miss Lucille, if Jake or Billy come looking for me, tell them we'll talk business tomorrow. I've got some personal stuff to take care of this afternoon."

Lucille looked between him and Xena and nodded. She wasn't sure if she was jealous or not. It was obvious the two had a history between them, but if she was reading her signals right, they were nothing more than good friends.

"They don't know you're back yet, Hank, so they shouldn't be asking any questions til they get back from town."

"Well, Marty and Ruford took the prisoners into custody, so they know I'm here. They just can't drop everything to come out here." He grinned and Lucille laughed.

"You two go on. I'll hold down the fort if they git back 'fore you do."

"Thanks, Miss Lucille." Hercules turned to Xena. "Walk or ride?"

"I don't have a horse."

Herc smiled. "I think we can fix that problem if you wanna ride."

The sparkle in her eyes was answer enough and in a very few minutes, the two were galloping across open field. They slowed as they reached the small creek near the back property line and dismounted easily. They let the horses free to graze and they walked to the bank of the trickling water.

Hercules sat against a tree trunk, watching the woman he'd known so many lifetimes ago. A lot had changed since he'd seen her last, but so much more had stayed the same. He waited patiently, knowing eventually, she'd be ready to talk to him. It didn't take nearly as long as he expected it to.

"How much of my story do you know?" she asked softly, never turning from her contemplation of the water.

He shrugged. "Not nearly enough," he responded, "given my shock at seeing you here." He paused. "I know what happened in Japan."

She laughed derisively. "No comments? No mention of how stupid I was? How selfish?"

"What would you like me to say that you haven't already told yourself a thousand times?" he countered as he stood up.

She clenched her fists and waited, needing him to say it out loud.

"All right...." he relented. "You made the wrong choice, the wrong decision and it was for nothing! Gabrielle was left to suffer alone! Is that what you wanted me to say??"

Even knowing it for the truth, hearing it come from his lips made Xena's shoulders slump. "Is that what you really believe?" in a bare whisper.

"It's what I know. I saw what happened there... how you were manipulated. How you let yourself be manipulated so you could ignore the truth in your heart and then justify it to yourself." Hercules drew a deep breath. There was no point in railing at her for things long past. He was sure she indulged in enough self-castigation as it was.

He walked up behind her, close but not touching. "It doesn't matter now. It's in the past and you can't change it. All you can do is hope to make the life you have now better."

"No! NO!" she said again, fiercely. "I have a way to go home... home to my time, to Gabrielle. And by the gods, I'm going to get there!"

He looked at her and the conviction in her voice and the fire in her eyes made him believe she really could. "All right," he said slowly. "Is there a way I can help?"

Xena nodded and turned away from him again. Then slowly, she poured her story out to him... starting with the surprise of finding herself naked in an unknown land, glossing over her bacchae tendencies and immortality and finishing with the scroll and its totems that she was now on a quest to find.

"So you think finding all the totems will give you a way to go home... back to our time?"

"Yes. Keto has assured me the results are mine to choose if the ritual is done right. And that's what I want." She closed her eyes. "I need to go home to Gabrielle."

"Why?"

The single word fell into silence and Xena froze with the chill it sent skittering over her skin. She waited, mouth open, trying to come up with a response that wouldn't sound selfish and found to her dismay she couldn't. When Hercules realized she had no ready answer, he pushed a little harder.

"Why would you put her through all the turmoil she has already suffered at your gruesome death again?"

"You've seen her? She's still alive?"

He hated to dash the hope he could see in those blue orbs, but he'd promised Aphrodite to keep Gabrielle's secret.

"Xena, I saw her in the scrying bowl not long after your death. She was devastated." Truth. "I haven't seen her since." Also truth, as far as it went. Dite kept him informed of things, though. They had an arrangement.

"You couldn't at least go check on her?" furious now at his neglect of Gabrielle.

"For a while there, we couldn't even find her. And once we did, Dite asked me not to seek her out."

"So you just let her be alone??"

"No, Xena. YOU did that." And even though they were true, Xena felt the words slash her heart and soul to ribbons and she sucked in a breath at the pain of it.

"You're a real bastard, Hercules," she managed to whisper through clenched lips. "I don't know why I thought you'd bother to help me." She stalked away from the creek, headed back towards the boarding house at a ground eating pace.

Hercules sighed and shook his head. That hadn't gone well, he thought sourly. Then he whistled for his horse, mounting his and gathering up the reins for Xena's. It didn't take him long to catch up to her.

"Leave. Me. Alone." The words were hissed at him very distinctly and he felt his nape hair rise as it hadn't in nearly two thousand years. He deliberately moved his horse in front of her and jumped down mere inches from her face. Plenty close enough for her to take a swing.

Which she did. Hercules was the only person who not only knew and understood what she was feeling, but was honest enough to push her on it and strong enough to handle her reaction.

She swung at him repeatedly and he let her, only protecting his face from the onslaught. She didn't say a word or shed a tear, but finally she dropped to the ground exhausted.

"Feel better?" as he fell down beside her, wincing at the bruise he could feel forming on his ribs. "Ready to listen to me now?"

Xena didn't answer, but she didn't move either.

He cupped his fingers under her chin and raised her eyes to meet his. The pain and turmoil swirling in their midst made him catch his breath and he swallowed hard, remembering the desolation he'd felt when he'd lost Deianeira and the children and again when Serena had been killed. And knowing through Aphrodite what Xena and Gabrielle had shared....

"Xena, I have the staff. I can't tell you how surprised I was to find it in my possession again. I'll give it to you, but you have to promise me something first."

She nodded, her eyes never leaving his face.

"I want you to promise me that if the ritual works, if it gives you what you ask for... you have to promise me not to waste the chance you get." He held her face still when she would have nodded her agreement. "Whatever it takes, Xena. You make Gabrielle your greater good from now on and let the future take care of itself."

"But...." Confusion as those words fell from his lips. He moved his finger up to cover hers and she trailed off. Then he sat back on his haunches and looked up towards the late afternoon sky.

"Let me explain something to you, Xena... something I know from experience. Eternity is a very long time to have to live with regrets. To regret not being there when you should have, or as often as you wanted to. To regret putting things in front of those you cared the most for instead of putting them first. To be alone...." He broke off unwilling or unable to finish his thought. It didn't matter though. Xena knew just what he meant.

"So you have to promise me, if I help you on your first step back to Gabrielle, that you will put your responsibility to her first from now on. You're an immortal now, Xena. Do you really want to live with eternal regrets?"

He waited in silence for a very long time, just watching the sun slowly slip beneath the horizon. Twilight was upon them before Xena spoke.

"I promise."



Hercules took a few days off and he and Xena spent it renewing their friendship and reminiscing about times long gone. The night before Xena was ready to leave, they sat out on Lucille's front porch with the scroll on a small table between them.

"I'm telling you, Xena. This clue is sending you into Mexico... somewhere near the ancient civilization ruins."

"He... Hank, why would there be an Amazon mask in the Aztec ruins?"

"I don't know, but that's were you'll find it." He paused. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Xena hesitated, then shook her head no. "You have a life here and this is my quest."

He nodded, accepting her answer because he'd known what it would be. But he felt better having offered.

"Maybe I'll see you again then?"

"Maybe," Xena said. "But I won't forget," she added in a whisper.

"Good. I'd hate to have to hunt you down and remind you again."

They chuckled together easily like the old friends they were. Then Hercules turned serious once more.

"Be careful, my friend. The Aztecs were dangerous when they were a thriving civilization."

Xena gave him a feral smile. "I'm still dangerous. I'll find that mask and it will lead me to Gabrielle." She turned to the stars and whispered fiercely. "You hear me, Gabrielle? I'm gonna find you."



Chapter XXVII

Oh, Xena... I wish I could find you now. Or you could find me. Several of my Amazon crew died and the new mask Ephiny made for me is gone. This is one nightmare experience that will always haunt me.

Gabrielle looked up from her diary, remembering still all too clearly the incident involving the Aztecs had been one of the most gruesome she had lived through.



After almost three full months at sea, they had finally reached land and they were all very happy to see it. The scouts went first, though Gabrielle insisted that as an immortal, she was the better choice. The Amazons insisted and Gabrielle had good-naturedly let them override her, knowing it was a matter of honor for them. It was a decision she came to rue very rapidly.

The four women moved silently, swiftly and cautiously. They had no idea what to expect and didn't want to be taken by surprise. Unfortunately for them, their watchers had seen them as the ship came over the horizon much earlier in the day and were laying in wait for them.

The men moved silently, just as they had been directed by their priest. He stood on a high hillock away from the shore dressed as a representative of the war god. The blue and green plumage of his mask was disconcerting and it hid him well in the lush jungle just off the beach. He watched with impassive eyes as the warriors readied themselves to capture the encroacher they would sacrifice to their god.

The Amazon dropped without a sound, though she was seen and instantly the guards formed up near her to defend her against the threat. Unfortunately for them, they were ill prepared for the darts that flew from the foliage unseen until it was too late. The women were gathered up and disappeared into the jungle as the alarm went up and the rest of the crew readied themselves for rescue.

Armed to the teeth and wearing their ceremonial masks, the Amazons followed their fallen sisters. The trail wasn't hard to see, but caution slowed them somewhat. There were already four of them in trouble; no one wanted to add to that burden.

When the reached an opening in the brush, they stopped in horror at the sight before them.

The priest, dressed in feather robes and mask stood on the far side of an altar, knife raised high in the air. Even as they watched, the knife came down into the still living chest of the man strapped to the altar before him. The man screamed in pain before the shout ended abruptly. The priest raised bloody hands high above his head, the man's heart clenched in one of them.

Several of the Amazons turned away to be sick. The next person forced down onto the altar was an Amazon and Gabrielle felt the fury in her rise. She let it. The red wash of familiarity reminded her of her experience at the Library and then she let the blood lust take her.

The coppery scent in the air caused her fangs to protrude rapidly and she became a blur as she cut through men and women who went from chants of worship to cries of terror in the moments it took for her wrath to reach them.

Gabrielle felt her mask ripped from her face and laughed at the look of terror that met her glowing red and yellow eyes. She didn't hesitate, but dug her claws into the man, watching dispassionately as the man sank to the ground dead.

She was fortunate, this time, in that the Amazons around her were much too busy with their own battles to notice her transformation. She reached the altar and didn't even slow down, but simply sank her teeth into the priest's neck and drained him dry before tossing his withered body aside. Then she turned to the altar and nearly wept.

The Amazon was still sluggishly bleeding, but it was the look of horror frozen on her face that was the most telling. Gabrielle closed her eyes, willing herself to calmness, not wanting to desecrate her Amazon sister's death by exposing the most violent part of herself.

When she opened her eyes again, Gabrielle noticed that the sounds of fighting had faded away. The Amazons stood waiting for her orders and the natives, if any had remained alive, had simply faded back into the jungle.

Gabrielle shrugged. She had no way of knowing that they had seen her fury and had scattered in fear. She only knew that even her hyper-aware senses could find no trace of them nearby and she was satisfied with that. Her Amazon sisters deserved whatever respected in death could be afforded them and that was her primary concern... that and taking care of her wounded.

"Is everyone okay?" Several of them had minor wounds, but they understood what her question meant and they all nodded in assent. Gabrielle looked at them in satisfaction. "Tish, Lorrin... divide the sisters up. Tish, you take your half and head back to the beach to collect firewood. Lorrin, bring your group up here and let's find a way to get our fallen to their pyres."

The Amazons moved quickly to do Gabrielle's bidding and in minutes they had located four dead. A few among them were wounded, but nothing that couldn't be taken care of once the pyres were built.

It took a while, but finally they had travois built for the bodies and they began the slow journey back to the beach. With great care, each woman was lifted to her final resting place and at Gabrielle's signal the pyres were lit. For a long while the Amazons stood in respectful silence before Gabrielle spoke again.

"Those of you who are wounded need to tend to your wounds immediately. Misha, set short guard rotations tonight. No more than two hours each. Tomorrow, I want all of you back on that boat and headed away from here."

"What of you, my Queen? We can't simply leave you alone here... not after this."

"They won't bother me, not for a while," Gabrielle answered with a feral glint in her eyes that made each of them flinch. "Especially not after what happened here."

"Are you, sure, Gabrielle? I mean...."

"Trust me, Tish. I haven't lived as long as I have without knowing how to take care of myself. Besides, they can't kill me, remember? And I'll not have anyone else risking themselves on my behalf." Gabrielle waited half a beat before lowering her voice and delivering the look. "Understood?"

Every Amazon nodded her agreement rapidly and Gabrielle smiled sadly. She'd enjoyed her time with these women, but she would not risk their lives for the sake of alleviating her loneliness. With a bit of luck, Aphrodite would pop around soon.

She completely forgot about her mask, until quite some time later.



Gabrielle watched the Amazon ship safely out of sight. She felt the eyes of the natives watching her and smiled grimly to herself when she felt intuitively they were going to keep their distance from her.

They followed her at a distance, but not so far away that her senses couldn't detect them both by hearing and by scent. Gabrielle shied away from returning to the place that held so much death and destruction and by instinct, her footsteps turned northeast.



For days Gabrielle walked, enjoying the solitude and more than happy to put the memories of the recent past behind her. They brought more painful, far older memories to mind and Gabrielle had no desire to revisit them again. She was so far beyond it, her mind felt it shouldn't hurt anymore. Her heart knew better.

"That's because you have a totally radical heart, babe! It knows."

Gabrielle smiled at the voice in her ear and turned to find Aphrodite standing next to her. She laid a friendly hand in concern on Dite's arm.

"Aphrodite, are you all right?"

The goddess looked a little run down and tired to Gabrielle... something she hadn't seen since Gabrielle had made her a mortal, once upon a scroll.

Dite nodded and shrugged lightly. "A little tired I guess. I'm not getting the power like I used to and there is still so much work for me to do...." She trailed off and shrugged again. "I'm sorry. I came here to check on you, not bitch and moan about my stuff."

Gabrielle took Dite's hands and drew her to sit down beside the small fire she'd built. The land she was traveling through was very hot during the day, but the temperatures became quite chilly when the sun went down. Aphrodite reached towards the fire appreciatively, Gabrielle noted in concern and she offered her friend a cup of hot tea that was gratefully accepted.

They sat in silence for awhile, taking comfort from one another's presence and the tea they shared. Finally Dite gave in to Gabrielle's questioning look, knowing she deserved an explanation.

She set down the cup and opened her arms wide, gesturing to Gabrielle with her head. "C'mere, cutie and give me a hug. I could use a little bard lovin'," said jokingly, but Gabrielle easily picked up the tension behind the words.

Instead of accepting Dite's invitation, Gabrielle opened her arms and smiled warmly. Dite didn't hesitate, but fell right into Gabrielle's embrace.

They sat together for the longest time while Gabrielle held Aphrodite, gently rubbing her back and murmuring nonsensical words in her ear. Aphrodite drew strength from the actions and when she sat up and drew away, Gabrielle could see a distinct difference in her.

"Wow, babe! I so cannot tell you just how totally amazing that feels. I just got more bitchin' love vibes from you than I've felt from anyone in like, ages. This totally rocks."

Gabrielle sat back, astounded by the transformation a bit of caring had given the goddess. Realization suddenly dawned.

"You're getting weaker aren't you... losing your powers?"

Dite's euphoria vanished and she nodded her head sadly. "I'm not gonna, you know, fade out of existence or anything, but it's becoming radically hard for me to like, do much. Most of the others never leave anymore. Ares and I can, but...."

"But it's such a drain you have to pick and choose when and where you go." Dite nodded. "And you spend most of your time between visits with me saving energy to come see me again." Another nod, a little slower this time.

Gabrielle looked down at her fingers, then raised her eyes to Aphrodite's with a look of profound sadness. "I'm sorry, Aphrodite. I didn't mean to be so selfish."

Dite's jaw dropped open. "SELFISH?!? Where'd you get a totally bogus idea like that?"

Gabrielle started to answer when a soft touch on her lips halted any words she might have said.

"I want you to listen to me carefully, Gab. 'kay?" Dite said seriously. Gabrielle nodded her agreement, knowing by Aphrodite's speech and look that she was being completely serious. "I'm here because I want to be here. I need your friendship as much as you need mine and I wouldn't trade it for all the followers in the world."

Gabrielle's eyes widened at that sentiment, but she remained silent. Dite caught the look.

"I know, I know... it sounds like so much tripe, but it's really the truth. I've had a lot of years to think and I've come to understand a thing or two. Not the least of which is the importance of friendship. I'm never lonely when we're together, Gab and I've rarely NOT been lonely... even at the height of my power."

"Now, I will tell you it takes a little more effort to see you these days," Dite reached out and caressed Gabrielle's face gently. "But it is totally worth it to me. So unless it's become a problem for you, I'd like to keep it up as long as I can."

Gabrielle clasped the fingers lingering on her face. "You're welcome any time you can make it."

"Cool," Dite said, reverting back to her valley girl speech patterns. "Maybe we can like, figure out a way to get your bodacious self to Olympus without Ares, you know, finding out... although... I'm not totally sure that's such a radical idea." She nibbled a perfect nail. "I'm not sure how...." Dite looked at Gabrielle apologetically.

"Yeah," Gabrielle agreed. "I'm not sure how they'd feel about me being there either." She shrugged. "We can play it by ear... maybe set up some sort of signal if it's safe."

"Oooh, what a fab idea! I'll work on it. Now, ya wanna know why I'm like, here? I mean besides missing ya, I mean." She blinked as she rethought that statement then shrugged her shoulders. She knew what she meant and so did Gabrielle.

"Sure," Gabrielle answered with a laugh. "I'd wondered, but figured you'd get around to sharing eventually. We can always find stuff to talk about."

"Ain't that the truth," Dite snorted. "But this trip has a specific purpose. I found out a few things you need to know and take care of before you... are you leaving or staying here?"

Gabrielle thought about the question. "Leaving," she finally said. "It's gonna be a while before Xena is here and I want to get back to what passes for civilization these days for a little while. I feel like I've been out of touch forever."

"Well, depending on how you like, look at things, you have. Now, we gotta get down to business. You have way lots to do before you take another long sea voyage." Aphrodite grinned at Gabrielle's groan.

They stretched out together, one on either side of the fire. Dite concentrated really hard and after a moment had a bedroll and blanket similar to Gabrielle's and some thicker clothing. She shrugged at Gabrielle's questioning look.

"I can, you know, feel the cold a little bit. This is gonna like, take a while, so I figured I might as well be, well, comfortable."

"Good," was all Gabrielle said, but she smiled warmly.

Aphrodite pulled her glasses out of her pocket and set them on the bridge of her nose. Then she pulled out her notes and looked them over carefully before returning her attention to Gabrielle once more.

"Now, be patient with me, Gab and I'll try to make this make sense. I've been working on this for a while, so my notes are a little scattered."

Gabrielle nodded. Dite had reverted to all business again and Gabrielle knew when Dite was serious, it was time to simply sit and listen.

"I got to surfing on the world wide god web, looking to see if I could find a few things out... namely how Xena got transported across time two thousand years without benefit of the Cronos stone. What I found was almost a paradox."

She passed Gabrielle a sheaf of papers and Gabrielle slowly looked through them. Finally she turned verdant eyes back to Aphrodite's.

"How did you find all this stuff... the ritual, the totems?"

"Research," Dite groaned. "Lots and lots of research."

Gabrielle giggles at the expression on Dite's face.

"Yeah, you laugh. I have read more war stuff than I EVER wanted to know about looking for this. Actually, Ares put all this into place... something he's been working on for a while."

Gabrielle paused in her review of Aphrodite's notes. "Waitaminute... Xena's chakram is part of this ritual?"

"Yep. Kinda makes you wonder what he was like, thinking, but he's been a little bit off since she, you know, disappeared too. Oh and that reminds me... he can really feel your fury. He so doesn't understand it and he sure doesn't know its source, but he can totally feel when you unleash the bacchae side of you like you did the other day. So be careful, huh?"

"I will." Gabrielle sighed deeply. "I try not to let it go, but sometimes...."

Aphrodite sat up and scooted closer to Gabrielle, laying a hand on the blonde hair and stroking it tenderly.

"I know, hon. I wasn't criticizing... just giving you a heads-up."

"Thanks, Aphrodite. I appreciate it." She sighed as the long fingers continued to gently massage her scalp. "I get so tired sometimes," she mumbled before her breathing deepened in sleep. Dite caught the tear sliding down her own face.

"I know you do, Sweet Pea."



It was the sun in her eyes that woke Gabrielle and she looked across the banked campfire to find Aphrodite laying on her bedroll sound asleep. Gabrielle sat up with a yawn and stretched, her almost silent efforts still waking the love goddess from her repose.

"Good morning," Dite whispered. Gabrielle whipped her head around.

"Sorry," she murmured. "I thought I was being quiet." She cleared her throat. "Good morning, by the way."

Aphrodite struggled to sit up, moaning as a night in the rough caught up with her immortal body. "Gods, Gab! How do you stand this? Ugh... When did the ground get so hard?"

Gabrielle chuckled. "Aphrodite, the ground has ALWAYS been hard. You just never stick around long enough to find out."

Dite groaned as she stretched, feeling all kinds of popping along her spine. "Ew! That is so grody. Ick! Remind me to order the majorly deluxe outdoor package next time."

Gabrielle laughed. "I'm gonna go clean up," motioning towards the river she'd been following north. She grabbed her towel and soap and slipped through the brush.

Aphrodite considered following her, then decided against it. Nothing was worth risking the friendship she had with Gabrielle, though the temptation was greater than she expected it to be after fifteen hundred years. Then she rolled her eyes at herself.

"C'mon, love goddess. You better than anybody know how eternal some things really are." Then she got up and walked around, hoping to work out some of the kinks she could still feel in a body that had lived a hundred lifetimes.

She endeavored to start a fire the old fashioned way, then realized it was more futile than fruitful. Besides, with the surge of true affection that Gabrielle held for her, Aphrodite felt renewed, better than she had in more than a century. So she snapped her fingers, giving a satisfied sigh when a small blaze popped up.

"That's cheating, you know," Gabrielle commented as she came back in the clearing towel drying her hair. "Most of us can't make fire at the snap of a finger."

Aphrodite looked Gabrielle up and down closely before giving her a sensual grin. "Oh, I dunno, babe... I'm betting you don't have any problems lighting all kinds of fires with just a touch."

Even after fifteen hundred years exposure to flirting with the goddess of love, Gabrielle still managed an enviable blush. Of course, she'd also learned to give as good as she got.

"Startin' 'em's easily, Dite... it's putting 'em out that takes the most... care and effort."

Gabrielle cast Aphrodite a sultry look over her shoulder, causing Aphrodite to fan herself furiously. "Ooh, Sweet Cheeks. You sure do know how to totally turn a girl's head. No wonder you wrapped up that radical warrior babe of yours so tight."

"Yeah and I'm liable to hog tie her to the bed for a while when I finally catch up with her too," Gabrielle muttered sotto voce, but Aphrodite managed to hear every single word.

"Whoo, girlfriend! Don't go making promises you don't intend to keep!" Dite said in a soft voice.

Gabrielle's head whipped around from where she was heating water for tea. "Excuse me?!?"

"Hmm?" Aphrodite asked with an innocent batting of eyelashes. "Oh, sorry. I was just thinking how forward you must be looking to your reunion with Xena."

Gabrielle looked hard at Aphrodite, but the love goddess returned the look benignly. The bard didn't buy the innocence for a second, but Dite didn't look away and finally Gabrielle turned back to preparing the tea. Dite just cheered silently, looking forward to that experience with relish.



Gabrielle found it odd that Aphrodite wanted to accompany her for a while, but she accepted her company with grace and good humor. In truth, she was glad to have Dite along. It meant someone else the natives could look at funny because of the odd colored hair and strange colored eyes. The few she'd met, aside from the very first, of course, were very polite and kind, but they were also very curious. Curiosity she could handle... it was the touching that went along with it that made her uncomfortable.

She thought about that and figured it was because there was no intimacy in her life. It made every touch feel invasive. So she welcomed Dite's presence of only so there would be a place to direct their interest.

Dite on the other hand was glad to be along not only for Gabrielle's sake, but also to insure that the scroll she had carefully copied out into a story like she'd heard her friend deliver time and again would be where it needed to be when the time came for it to be found.

They traveled slowly, following the river and finding that they had many things to talk about. Gabrielle knew that Dite's flighty personality covered a vast intelligence and the discussions they had between them in their travels only reinforced that belief.

"But why?" Gabrielle finally asked her. "Why let everyone underestimate you?"

Dite shrugged. "It wasn't, you know, intentional. It just sorta like, happened. It made things easier for me though... no one expected anything from me and I was able to get my love gig done without a lot of interference from anyone. It was kinda nice."

"You didn't mind everyone thinking you were...."

"Flighty, ditzy, a dumb blonde?" Dite shrugged. "I dunno... I mean... yeah, sometimes. But it just got easier to let it go than to fight it. And everybody left me alone to do my thing. I totally hate the whole politics thing, ya know? It just so wasn't worth it to me."

"What about now?" Gabrielle asked.

"Now?" Dite chuckled mirthlessly. "Now, they still totally leave me alone... because I am about the most rockin' goddess among them. And I stay way busier than they do. Their little schemes are just so much radical horse puckey to occupy them because they have, you know, like nothing else. I just so don't have the time for their petty little games and intrigues... I never did have."

Gabrielle started at the vehement harshness of Aphrodite's words, easily feeling the unease that was rolling off Aphrodite in waves. She realized that the only times Dite had stood up to her family had been for Gabrielle and Xena and always at great cost to herself. She smiled sadly and patted Dite's arm.

"Well, I like you just the way you are, my friend. Ditzy blonde and all."

Aphrodite laughed. "From one blonde to another, huh?"

Gabrielle chuckled. "You betcha."



The duo crossed into land so flat Gabrielle felt as though she could see to the other side of the world. For days they walked and Gabrielle wondered at Aphrodite's fortitude. She didn't conjure anything up and she didn't complain about the hardship of the trail. It was so different from anything Gabrielle had ever experienced with Aphrodite and she found the effort the goddess was making endearing.

They'd found a cave out of the wind and weather that had sprung up suddenly out of nowhere and Gabrielle had gone about her ritual of setting up the camp. It was one thing Dite never interfered with and Gabrielle didn't notice the scroll that Dite took with her as she explored the cave.

A bit later Dite came back flushed with success and excitement. The scroll had been hidden and the cave....

"This place is totally amazing. The pictures are so fabulous. I'd love to know what rockin' stories are told in these stones."

Gabrielle smiled. "I'll bet they are pretty interesting. The few people we have met in this place seem to have such different ways. I've enjoyed my time in this place."

"So have I," Dite agreed, not seeing the look she was getting from Gabrielle.

"Why?" The question was unexpected.

"Huh?"

"C'mon, Dite. Much as I have enjoyed your company over the last few weeks, it's not like this is your normal gig. You've never been fond of doing things the hard way and let's face it, living like a mortal has never been easy... even for those of us with lots of practice."

Aphrodite smiled sadly. "You're right. But I dunno if I'll ever have the chance to spend time with you like this again."

Gabrielle turned to face Aphrodite fully. "Why? Is there...?"

"You know my power is fading and even being here with you isn't enough to change it. I don't know if I'll have the power to do this again. And I just wanna enjoy it as much as I can." Never mentioning the scroll or the part it would play in both Xena's and Gabrielle's futures.

Gabrielle thought about that, then she patted Aphrodite's arm. "Well, I'm glad you did. I've enjoyed it too. How long...?"

"I should be going soon. I've been gone long enough for even Ares to notice. And we don't want him to get curious enough to come looking, do we?"

"No, but I'm sure gonna miss you."

"Me too, babe. It's been totally bitchin' to have this time just to hang together."

"Well, you let me know when it's safe and I'll stop by and see you."

"You got yourself a deal, Sweet Cheeks."



Aphrodite was gone when Gabrielle woke up. "Goodbye, my friend. I'm gonna miss you."



Gabrielle took her time crossing the rest of the wild and untamed land. Like Cecrops, she was amazed by the beauty of the place and the friendliness of its natives. The land had a freshness she had long missed in the old countries she'd spent most of her life traveling in. Only the two places where the Amazons now resided were similar in newness and fresh beauty.

Eventually, Gabrielle reached the coast and realized she was gonna have to find a way to cross the great water that would take her back to the old countries and Greece.

She walked north, hoping she would run into the Viking's descendents. She remembered well the stories both Dite and Ch'uang had shared with her about the trips the Vikings had made to this new land. So she walked, enjoying the fresh air, even when it was laden with snow. The memories it inspired were happy ones and she had faith she would find the Vikings and be headed home again soon. She had things to do.



Chapter XXVIII

Gabrielle was both happy and sad to see land again. It had been a long journey and any excuse to be off a boat, even with the talisman she wore was excuse enough for her. There were a lot of things to be said for stable earth and after months at sea Gabrielle was pretty sure most of them were good.

On the other hand, most of her life for the past few years had been lived in a pristine frontier environment, exploring places that few had seen and fewer still actually believed existed. Coming back to civilization was a shock to her system. There were crowds and noise and a smell that made her eyes water.

And the clothes.... Gabrielle couldn't understand why mankind's supposed advancements put women in harsher and more restrictive clothing than before. What the women wore now made her peasant skirt and blouse look positively liberating.

However, Gabrielle continued to wear her trousers and tunics. It was comfortable and no man, or woman for that matter, was going to dictate to her. Not at this stage of her life. She was able to take on any challenge of male authority and it was this that brought her to the attention of a pair of Spanish rulers.



The messenger halted in front of the tiny inn. It had taken him nearly a month of frantic travel, chasing clues and whispers before finally stumbling across this place. He hoped his information was correct this time. He did not want to have to go back to his Queen and King and tell them he had failed.

The year of our Lord was fourteen hundred and ninety-one and Spain wanted to be a world leader in exploration. Word had reached King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella that there was a woman with great courage and skill, who stood for herself and those who could not stand for themselves. And they had decided they wanted to meet this crusader. She was just the sort of brave soul Spain needed to lead its explorations into far away lands.

Finding this woman had been a daunting task, however. She rarely remained in one place longer than a day and she moved like the wind - felt and appreciated, but always unseen. The messenger couldn't even get an accurate description of her. She was short; she was tall. She was blonde; she was red-headed. She would kill with a look; she could slay with words; her talent with weapons was unmatched.

The man shook his head. He sincerely doubted the reality of such an apparition, but it was not his place to make that decision. It was his duty to find her and bring her back with him. Then his rulers would decide if the paragon truly existed, or if she was simply the figment of some peasants' overworked imaginations.

He never stopped to consider the different sources of his information and realize that their perceptions could all be correct. It simply depended on interpretation.

He stepped into the darkened room, standing in the doorway a moment to let his eyes adjust. The late afternoon sunlight highlighted him nicely and the room grew silent when they realized there was a royal messenger in their midst.

Lucius closed the door behind himself and strode to the bar. "Good day, good sir," he said to the barkeeper who carefully tended to his business while giving the stranger the once over.

He nodded politely. "Greetings, sir. What can I get for you?"

"Wine and a little information," Luciua said, laying a gold piece on the bar. The 'keep eyed it a long moment before reaching for a fresh glass and filling it from the keg behind him.

"What sort of information?" asked with hesitation, knowing that some things couldn't be bought and paid for so easily.

"I'm looking for a woman," the messenger said, draining half his drink in a single gulp.

The barkeep snorted. "'Fraid you're in the wrong place for that sort of thing, friend. This here is nothing more than an inn and tavern. The brothel is down the way and over one street."

"What?? Oh, no. Not that kind of woman! Holy Mary... my wife would kill me if she.... Um, no. I am on official business. I've been sent to find a particular woman and she was last seen in this area. I'm hoping she's still here."

"This woman got a name?"

"I'm sure she does, though it's never been told to me. All I have is a somewhat unreliable description."

The barkeep scratched his head, then he reached over and refilled Lucius' mug. "Sounds like you've got a problem then, friend. I don't see how you can find anyone without a name or reliable description."

Lucius hung his head. "I know. But I really don't want to go back to the King and Queen a failure." He scrubbed at his tired eyes and finished the rest of his ale. "Will that get me a bed and bath tonight?" motioning to the coin that still lay on the bar between them.

"Bed, bath, dinner, breakfast and food for the road if you wish."

Lucius nodded tiredly. "I wish. I am so tired right now...."

"Come," the barkeep gestured, putting the coin in his pocket. "This is the bathing room," opening a door next to the kitchen. "Once you're done here, it'll be dinner time. Then I'll have a room ready for you to sleep in."

"Thanks," Lucius replied, not bothering to dissimilate. He was just thankful for the chance to sleep in a real bed. Then he filled the tub with water, stripping and sinking into the warm depths with a feeling of complete relief.

Lucius felt like a new man when he emerged from the bathing room. He crossed back into the tavern area with a slight wave at the barkeep and took a seat near the back of the room. Night had fallen and Lucius quickly realized that the inn was extraordinarily busy. The girl brought him a plate of dinner and another wine and Lucius sat back, giving thanks for his change of luck. It had been a long time since he'd been this comfortable and he was thoroughly looking forward to getting back to the palace... even if he returned without the mysterious woman. He had already come to the conclusion that he'd been sent of a fool's errand and couldn't wait to find out who it was that started the ridiculous rumors about this woman.

He pushed his plate back and pulled his ale forward, determined to enjoy his drink before he went upstairs to sleep. To his surprise, the barkeep stepped up onto the makeshift stage in the front of the room and the crowd grew expectantly silent. Lucius turned his attention there as well, curiosity overcoming his natural reserve.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Gabrielle."

Lucius watched as a short, blondish red headed woman crossed the stage and took a seat on the stool the barkeep had placed there for her. He watched mesmerized as she held the audience in the palm of her hand, capturing them with her looks and her words and her hands. And he suddenly realized why the descriptions of the woman he was looking for changed from person to person. It was all in perception... and he had finally found the woman of rumor.

When she was finished, Gabrielle came down into the audience to accept their compliments. Lucius deliberately made sure he was the last to greet her and when she stopped at his table, the messenger dropped to one knee in front of Gabrielle.

The bard looked at him, startled. "Um, sir, I should tell you that not only will I not marry you because I am quite taken, I have real issues with proposals before a first date."

Lucius laughed heartily, caught completely off guard by Gabrielle's distinct sense of humor. He sat down on the floor cross legged and let his arms rest on his knees. Gabrielle watched him amused as she sat down in the chair he had recently vacated and waited for him to come to his senses.

Finally Lucius laughed himself out and wiped the tears from his eyes. "You speak the language like a native, though it is very clear you're not."

"LOTS of practice."

Lucius chuckled again. "I can see the King and Queen are going to adore you. No wonder they're so anxious to meet you."

"Excuse me?" Gabrielle wondered if her face showed the disbelief she felt.

"Beg pardon, mi'lady," Lucius said as he rose and bowed, assuming the formality of his role. "I bring greetings from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. And a humble request for your presence at court."

"Why?"

Now it was Lucius' turn to be dumbfounded. "Excuse me?"

"Why is my presence requested at court? I don't know anyone there." Gabrielle crossed her arms over her chest and waited patiently.

Lucius rubbed his eyes. "I don't know, Mi'lady. I was just told to find you and extend the invitation."

Gabrielle nodded her understanding. "Do you have a room here?" She waited for his affirmation. "I'll give you my answer in the morning. Good night."

Before Lucius could answer, Gabrielle was up the stairs and out of sight.

Well, that explains a lot, he thought with a shake of his head. Then he moved to find the barkeep and get a key to his room.



Morning found Lucius waiting in the tavern for Gabrielle. He was anxious to succeed in his mission and had been up with the dawn to be sure he didn't miss her. He had no way of knowing she had long been gone on her hunt before he arose and he watched with surprise as she emerged from the bathing room. He wondered how long she'd been in there that he'd missed her going in, then he shrugged.

He couldn't blame her for wanting to soak, especially if she was going to travel back with him. The road was harsh and dirty and he understood well the need to get rid of the dirt.

He watched as she surveyed the room and only when she was satisfied that things were to her standard did she cross to his table.

"I'll be sitting over there," motioning to a back corner, "if you'd like to join me."

Lucius picked up his plate and moved swiftly to set it on the table in order to seat her. Gabrielle rolled her eyes, but allowed the courtesy. She nodded at the table wench, who brought her a trencher and some ale. Then Gabrielle waited until she was nearly halfway done with her food before she spoke again.

"Lucius, do you have a written invitation for me?"

The messenger nodded furiously, wiping his hands and digging through his small carry sack on his belt. He pulled out the missive that was still sealed with the royal signet and passed it across the table to her. Gabrielle popped the seal and read the note, then set it aside.

"Thank you Lucius. You can return to the King and Queen and tell them I will be there within a month. I have a few things to take care of first, but I will be there."

"But...I thought...."

"I travel alone, Lucius. I prefer it that way. But I'll be there. I give you my word and I'll give you a note to carry back with you, all right?" realizing the man was afraid of being punished for failure if she did not return with him.

Lucius nodded, glad Gabrielle understood where his fear was coming from. He went to offer her paper and quill, astounded when she pulled out some of her own from what appeared to be a beautiful, custom-made leather case. He wondered at the sad expression that crossed her face as she took a moment to caress it, then she quickly got down to business, writing a note and sealing it with an unknown sigil.

Lucius accepted the note, tucking it carefully into his belt pouch. Then he finished his breakfast and without further adieu bid Gabrielle goodbye. Lucius crossed himself as he crossed the threshold, hoping beyond hope that Gabrielle was true to her word.



Lucius arrived back at the palace in less than a fortnight and delivered the message Gabrielle had given him to the King and Queen. They granted him mercy, dependant on Gabrielle's appearance and he spent the remainder of the month doing menial chores around the palace.

As the end of the month rapidly approached, Lucius grew more and more nervous. But he recognized the sound of redemption as a voice asking for admittance to the palace was heard in the forecourt of the castle.

Lucius dashed down the steps and escorted Gabrielle into the main audience chamber and performed the introductions with nary a quiver in his voice. But he spent the rest of the day alternating between being sick and giving thanks.

"Come in. Come in, Gabrielle," Isabella beckoned. "We've heard so much about you. Please, welcome. Come in and be comfortable."

Gabrielle was a little overwhelmed. She didn't really understand the invitation and it had been a long time since she'd had to do the royal thing. Still, she called upon her years of experience and her Amazon training, letting them serve her now in this unknown.

"Thank you, Queen Isabella," she nodded graciously. "I was caught somewhat unaware by the invitation. I'm still not sure why I'm here."

"We really have heard a lot about you, Gabrielle...." King Ferdinand broke off a little confused. "It is all right to call you Gabrielle, yes? It was the only name Lucius gave us for you. You can't imagine the time the man had searching for someone with no name and the most varied descriptions and...."

Gabrielle interrupted him with a wave of her hand. "Gabrielle is fine."

"Good. So we wanted to find out what all the talk was about... WHO all the talk was about. And then well, we'll just have to see how things go. We might have a proposition or two."

"I'm not sure I like the sound of that, quite frankly."

Queen Isabella spoke. "I promise you, Gabrielle. You won't have to do anything you don't want to. You are free to leave at any time. Though we do hope you will at least stay and break bread with us."

Gabrielle agreed. "I think I can do that much. After that...." She shrugged. "We'll see."



Dinner was an interesting and enjoyable affair for Gabrielle. The talk back and forth was of world affairs and she found that Ferdinand and Isabella would take opposite sides of an issue just to argue the logic points, then turn to her and ask for her opinion. On several things she was able to bring out obscure facts to back up her position on a subject that would cause both monarchs to stop and think.

By mutual consent, Gabrielle remained with Ferdinand and Isabella. It took several weeks before they broached the idea of her leading an expedition to found more Spanish colonies. Gabrielle was quick to refuse.

"But why, Gabrielle?" Isabella asked honestly. "You're a perfect candidate."

"There are several reasons, Isabella; some of them very personal to me. Suffice it to say that it's not my destiny."

"You're so sure?" Ferdinand questioned.

"Yep. I sure am. But I have heard a few rumors."

Isabella leaned forward. "Oh? Do tell."

"Well, it seems as though an Italian explorer named Columbus is looking for backing to go west to find a sea route to China and India."

"Yes? And?"

"And my sources tell me that he's been turned down by the Italian king. It would be very easy to let him know his petition would be welcome here."

"And do you think we should... welcome his petition, I mean?"

Gabrielle appeared thoughtful, pursing her lips slightly and stroking her chin. Finally she signaled her tacit agreement. "Yes, I do. He seems to have the drive and the initiative and he has a firm theory in place. I think he could be very successful."

Ferdinand nodded sagely. "This could be a very good thing for us, Bella. Perhaps we should ask Gabrielle to put a bug in his ear, eh?"

"I think it's a good idea, Andy." The Queen turned to Gabrielle. "Would you mind?"

Gabrielle smiled. "You leave everything to me. I'll bring him here myself personally."



Italy was much changed in the centuries since Gabrielle had last set foot on Roman soil. Instead of the death and decay she remembered from the Roman Empire, there was a sense of renewal.

So many things were different. On street corners, vendors hawked books and pamphlets and everyone was reading. It was so different from what had been that Gabrielle was able to ignore the stench of the city. New ideas and philosophies ran rampant through the streets and Gabrielle breathed in the scent of renaissance with happiness.

It took a little time, but eventually someone was able to point Gabrielle in the direction of Christopher Columbus.

Columbus was nothing like Gabrielle expected, though she'd tried not to build up expectations. She knew how misleading impressions could be, but she'd been given enough descriptions that she fully believed Columbus to be a giant of a man with a brash personality.

What she found was a man of middling stature who was soft-spoken and well-thought. While she was somewhat amazed at his processes and conclusions, he was a thinking man and very ambitious.

He looked at her somewhat dubiously when she first approached him. After all, she was a woman... and a woman who refused to bow to convention. Still, what she had to say was interesting to the explorer, especially since she carried with her a royal missive inviting him to the court of the Spanish monarchs.

"Tell me, Gabrielle. How did you hear of me?" Columbus asked as they walked towards his family villa. The family was having a celebration in his honor and Mama had commanded that he bring the woman who had brought such opportunity to their doorstep to the party. Gabrielle had tried to decline, but she knew better than most how hard it was to refuse Mama sometimes, remembering well Cyrene's tenacity.

"It really wasn't hard, Chris. I have an interest in the scientific community and your theories are well espoused there."

Columbus nodded. He knew it to be true. They were silent as they walked together a ways, then he cleared his throat to speak again.

"Do you find them to be valid theories?"

Gabrielle thought about the question for a few moments to formulate her answer. "I do believe the earth is round," she finally said, honestly. "I'm not sure traveling west to get to the east will necessarily get you there, but I do think there are things out there waiting to be discovered."

He watched her face carefully and realized that she truly did believe. It made him smile. So many didn't, even in his own family. It was nice to hear something positive for a change.

"Well, I hope King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella agree with your outlook, Gabrielle. It'll be nice to be able to prove my theories once and for all."

"I think I can fairly say they will give you every opportunity to prove yourself, Chris. What you do with the chance is strictly up to you."

They were welcomed heartily by Columbus' many family members. Gabrielle soon found out that everyone who had any claim at all towards being counted as family had been invited and attended the gathering. More times than she could count, she was introduced to this cousin or that in-law until she was sure her head would fall off from overload.

Finally, late in the evening, she found a quiet corner in the garden and simply sat absorbing the peace.

"Excuse me?"

Gabrielle let her eyes flutter open in the darkness. She had sensed no malevolence, only a bit of curiosity, though she'd vainly hoped to be left alone. She sighed quietly.

"Excuse me, miss?" came the soft voice again and this time she turned her head to see who it was.

"Can I help you?"

"Don't think me too forward, but do you think I could possibly paint you?"

Gabrielle blinked, not sure she wanted to understand just what the man in front of her was asking. Before she could open her mouth to answer, though, Columbus came into the garden looking for her.

"Oh, here you are. Mama sent me to fetch you. It is time for our final toast and you simply must be there." He noticed the man still standing patiently to one side. "Leo! How've you been? I haven't seen you in forever!"

Columbus turned back to Gabrielle. "This is Leo, my second cousin, twice-removed on my mother's side. Leo, this is Gabrielle." He turned back to the bard. "He's a bit of an artist, something of a genius really."

Gabrielle looked at the shy young man who was now blushing visibly in the moonlight. "Really? Well, once I get Columbus squared away with the King and Queen of Spain, perhaps you'd welcome me back to see your work?"

Leo nodded and Gabrielle smiled. "Good. I'll look forward to it." Then they all went inside to toast Columbus' proposed voyage.



Convincing Ferdinand and Isabella to back him wasn't nearly as hard as Columbus presumed it would be. Though they did want specific details involving his theories and plans, they were more than willing to mentor him once they were satisfied that he had indeed done his research.

"Why were you so willing to hear me?" Columbus asked frankly when the negotiations were complete. "The Italian monarch barely gave me the time of day before refusing to back me."

Isabella shrugged gracefully. "Gabrielle. She convinced us you were the man we were looking for."

"But she didn't even know me," he said perplexed. "Have you known her so long that you trust her judgment implicitly?"

"Not really. But she has given us every reason to trust her and like you, she did her homework." Isabella paused. "She was actually our first choice."

"She turned you down?" A nod. "Why? This is a great honor."

"It was not something she desired to do. So she recommended you. Count yourself lucky."

"Guess this means she won't captain a ship then, huh?"

"I'd say that was a good guess, Captain. Go with God."

"I will, your majesty. And will come back with new trade for Spain."



Gabrielle stayed in Spain near Isabella and Ferdinand during the months that Columbus was gone on his voyage. She wasn't comfortable remaining with them constantly, but she did keep in touch with them regularly.

She went through the countryside much as she had with Xena in their early travels together. She met people and continued to reconnect with the bard side of her that had been dormant for too long. Her skill at arms was seldom tested, once word of her defeat of Ferdinand and his best weapons master at court began to circulate throughout the countryside.

There were always incidents of course... people who did not believe the reputation that preceded her. And always Gabrielle tried talking first and only then would she resort to violence. And afterward she went off by herself for a bit to satisfy the bloodlust that burned so easily given the opportunity.

But for the most part, Gabrielle had a peaceful repose and she welcomed the chance to talk to common people again.

Finally, months after Columbus had set sail for what he hoped was China and India, Lucius came searching for Gabrielle again. This time, though, he knew whom he sought and he found her with all due haste.

At the sight of him, Gabrielle finished up her conversation with the merchants and moved to his side. He smiled and bowed his head.

"Greetings, Gabrielle. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella have requested your presence will all expediency. Columbus has returned and has had much to report."

She accepted the horse he offered her and mounted with graceful ease. "The report is good then, Lucius?"

"I believe so, yes. He did not find India, but he found a new land that has been claimed in the name of Spain. Looks like the King and Queen will have the new colony they sought after all."

"Very interesting." Then they pushed the horses to a gallop and raced towards the castle.



Columbus was unhappy with his discovery, though it brought him some wealth and fame. It had not been what he had sought and he felt compelled to return to sea again to continue to search for the route he was sure existed.

For their part, the Spanish monarchs were pleased with his find, as this would give them new territories to conquer and explore. Gabrielle grew weary of the politics and soon made preparations to return to Italy.

"But why, Gabrielle?" Ferdinand asked. "You've been so valuable to us."

Gabrielle accepted the words with a nod. "Perhaps," she allowed. "But there are other places I need to be now and I have to return to Italy to see Leo's art. I promised."

"Leo?"

"A relative of Chris's. I met him when I went to find Chris to bring him here for you."

Now the monarchs nodded in tandem, thinking they understood something they did not. "Of course, Gabrielle. Our apologies. We never meant to keep you from your lover so long. Go now, with our blessing."

Gabrielle's mouth hung open in shock from the assumption the king and queen had erroneously jumped to. Then she shook her head in disbelief, not bothering to correct them. It just wasn't worth the argument or the justification.

"I don't think Tony would appreciate having to share Leo that way," she muttered to herself, remembering the big man's protective fierceness of the artist and knowing the source of that protectiveness intimately. The familiarity had made her heart ache all over again, even as it did now just remembering.



The trip to Italy was long and arduous as it was winter when she set out. Gabrielle took her time though, appreciating the fury of nature as a beauty unto itself. Still she was happy to see the spring rains take the place of the winter snows and even the stench of too much long unwashed humanity couldn't remove the smile that the sunshine put on her face.

Gabrielle took the time to see what a difference a little knowledge made for so many people. Again people were reading and discussing philosophy. Painters were set up along the broad boulevard and it the distance, Gabrielle could clearly hear chamber music... both vocal and instrumental.

She found her way through the maze of streets and finally knocked on the door of the number she'd been given. She'd only met him once, but he remembered her and with a smiling flourish, Tony opened the door widely and bowed.

"Welcome to our humble abode, Gabrielle. We are delighted to have you here at last."



Chapter XXIX

Tony had taken her bag and dropped it in a spare room before guiding her out to where Leo was busy working. The workshop was completely different from what Gabrielle expected. All over were plans and sketches... ideas she and Xena had discussed brought to life on paper.

Hanging from the ceiling were several models - a couple she recognized, but the rest.... A large glass box held water and in the water were other models... working models that moved and functioned as she suspected their life sized counterparts were supposed to do.

On the walls were sketches and pencil drawings so detailed, Gabrielle nearly cried at the beauty of them. She stood still in the middle of the room for a long time simply absorbing the magnitude of creative genius and the two men watched in silence, appreciating her wonder.

After a few minutes, Gabrielle took a deep breath and looked squarely at the artist she'd come to see. "Leonardo da Vinci! You're a fraud!"

Two sets of dark eyes bulged from their sockets at both her words and tone. Da Vinci took a step in her direction and was outmaneuvered by Tony. Leo saw the twinkle in Gabrielle's green eyes, though and he held Tony back.

Tony turned to look at Leo's face and he caught the sparkle in Leo's eyes. He twisted around to catch a grin of sheer delight on Gabrielle's face. He cocked an inquisitive brow in her direction."

"'A bit of an artist', Chris said. 'Something of a genius'. *Something*?? Leo, this stuff is fantastic," walking around a model of a flying machine and reaching out delicately, stopping before her hands actually touched.

"Does it fly?"

She didn't give him a chance to answer before she bent down to observe the underwater ship and was reminded of the time she and Xena had found themselves caught in that situation.

"Is this intentional? Did you really mean to put the boat underwater?"

"Oh yes! I think boats could be made to travel underwater. See...." He motioned to the water turbines he had running in one corner of the tank. "I think these could be made to push a boat beneath the water."

"Okay," Gabrielle said slowly. "But why would you *want* to?"

"Well, I have this theory," Leo started saying, taking Gabrielle's hands and pulling her with him to his work table. Tony shook his head and went back to the house to start some dinner for them all.

For hours Leonardo shared his ideas and theories with Gabrielle and her eyes sparkled and shone at the thoughts that circulated through the conversation. So many of the things were ideas she and Xena had discussed all those years ago in the many fireside chats they'd shared in their travels. To know that others had finally come to the same beliefs and conclusions was gratifying.

For his part, da Vinci loved having someone new to talk to. He loved Tony, but Tony didn't talk much. He listened really well, but he rarely felt the need to contribute ideas to any conversation. Gabrielle, on the other hand, was happy to discuss, argue and converse on all sorts of points and ideas.

Days this went on from morning til night, though they spent a majority of their time in the house to include Tony, until he would run them out for a bit of peace and quiet. Leo would bring up an idea and Gabrielle would listen. Then she would formulate her own opinions and the discussion would be off and running. Many were the times when she would bring up a salient point, only to have him halt the talk so he could add it to his notes. Then they would pick up the thread and begin again.

After almost a week of discussion on every subject under the sun and some of the sun itself, Leo finally broached his initial reason for inviting Gabrielle to his villa.

"So, have you decided to let me paint you?"

Gabrielle shook her head. She had seen some of Leo's other paintings and felt fairly sure it was an easy way to become immortalized. She had enough immortality issues without putting a face to them.

"Um, no," she said at last. "I was wondering if instead you might be willing to apprentice me for a while... let me learn from you."

Leo thought about this for a time, then shrugged. "I can try. I can teach you technique, color mixing, brushstrokes, but the art itself...." He tapped her on the chest. "That has to come from inside. I cannot teach you heart."

She nodded. "That I understand, Leo. All my best stories come from here," patting her own chest. "And it's not something I can explain. It's something I have to feel to be able to relate to others."

Da Vinci nodded sagely. "You understand the most important part then already. The rest is simple mechanics and any good teacher can instruct an eager student."

So the following morning Leo set Gabrielle up at an easel in the corner of his workshop. He took several hours explaining perception and shading and showed her several of his sketches.

"I do a preliminary sketch of my ideas before I actually get the paints out. It helps me to picture what I want to show people with my art... shows me all the possibilities within the piece that I can convey." He paused. "Can you sketch?"

Gabrielle turned her gaze inward. "I've never tried, but...." She trailed off. "I think I could."

Leo looked at her a long moment, waiting for her gaze to track back to him. When she finally saw him staring, she smiled nervously at him and rubbed the back of her neck.

"What?"

He walked to his desk, shuffling things around and pulling out drawers. Without a word, Tony came into the room and neatly moved Leo out of the way before reaching into the pile of papers on the desk and grasping a neatly bound sheaf of paper. He handed it to Leonardo.

"Dinner is ready," Tony announced without preamble, knowing they would follow him back into the villa.

"How did he...." Gabrielle asked, gesturing to the pad Leo now held in his hands. Da Vinci smiled as he looked at the bundle and shrugged.

"I dunno. He's always known when I've needed something and can pretty much put his hands right on it." He paused when all the implications of that statement sank in and blushed faintly. Gabrielle was kind enough to keep her reaction to a look of devilish merriment in her eyes. Leo cleared his throat and continued.

"Anyway, I made up a few of these. I've been tinkering on improving the printing press and found that the binding plays a huge role in book quality. So I put a few of these together and use them for sketch pads now." He handed the paper to Gabrielle, who accepted it delicately. "Enjoy it in good health, my dear."

"Thank you, Leo. I look forward to seeing if this is one of my many skills."

He wondered at the sadness of her tone, but the distant look in her eyes kept him from asking questions. Instead, they went inside to share the lovely meal that Tony had prepared for them.



Over the course of the next few days, Gabrielle spent hours outdoors. Leonardo found he missed Gabrielle's companionship, but he turned his attention back to his scientific studies, incorporating some of the ideas that he and she had discussed. Tony missed her as well because she had added something to his kitchen.

Every time either of them checked on her, she seemed to be staring out into space accomplishing very little. Only occasionally did they see the charcoal move across the paper at all.

Finally, after nearly a week of this, Gabrielle came back in quietly late one afternoon. She put the sketch pad down carefully and sank into da Vinci's padded thinking chair near the workroom's vast window.

She turned her attention out across the vista, not even realizing when Leo set his own work aside and approached her.

"Problem?"

Gabrielle looked at him and gave a brief smile before shrugging and returning her focus back to the view outside the window.

Leo rubbed his hands over his beard, trying to figure out how to ask without being too nosey or condescending. Finally, he just spoke.

"You shouldn't be too disappointed, Gabrielle. Not everyone can draw, you know. Perhaps you should try simply painting instead."

Now she smiled at him again and he could see the sadness lurking behind the slight mischief her saw in those green depths. She reached for the sketch pad and shook her head.

"Drawing wasn't the problem, Leo. I seem to have a knack for it. But I can't paint these. The images are just too personal for me."

"May I see?" Leo asked hesitantly. "I know they aren't for public consumption," he said holding up a hand. "Believe me when I say I can totally understand that. I have some of those myself. I have several sketches that will never see the light of day because of... well, here... see for yourself."

He moved to a small box tucked in a corner of the room. Lifting the lid, he removed several sheets, the topmost one bringing a smile to his face.

"I always wanted to paint Tony. He has such a beautiful face and body. I thought it would make an incredible picture." Leo passed the sheaf to Gabrielle. "I was right."

Gabrielle accepted the papers hesitantly, feeling like she was prying even though Leo was offering them to her for her perusal. She looked in his eyes a minute longer and he nodded. Gabrielle turned her attention to the pages and felt her eyes widen.

The love the artist had for his subject was apparent in every stroke of the pencil. Gabrielle felt as though she stumbled into the privacy of someone's bedroom and she turned back to Leonardo.

"These are... so personal."

"Yes, so you see, I do understand. But I would also like to see your work if you feel you can share... one artist to another. No one else will see them... not even Tony, without your permission."

Gabrielle stared at him for a long moment, weighing his words and his honesty against the need she felt for privacy. And found, surprisingly, that she wanted his honest opinion... knowing he understood at least part of her dilemma.

She hesitated, then handed him the sketch pad and turned her attention back to the window while he studied them. For a while, the only sound in the room was the occasional turn of pages and the breathing of two people. Then only the breathing could be heard as the rustle of paper ceased. The sharp silence went on interminably, until Gabrielle looked at Leo's face to try and gauge his reaction.

The tears in his eyes surprised her and she moved to kneel beside him. Leonardo gazed at the picture, not acknowledging her presence. She laid her hand on his arm and asked softly, "Are they that bad?"

He shook his head, then asked in a whispered voice, "They're incredible. Who is she?"

"Someone who is everything to me... someone that has been gone from my life for a very long time."

The pictures were all memories of Xena she most cherished, but the one Leo was focused on was particularly precious. It was Xena as she had appeared to Gabrielle when their souls had left the cross before they had ascended into heaven. The look of sheer love and joy on Xena's face was so intense, it was palpable even on paper.

"She loved you." A statement.

"Yes and I love her."

"Still?"

A nod. "Always."

"I see your problem, Gabrielle," matter-of-factly. "Perhaps you would do better to simply paint... something you can see instead of something you remember."

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "I can try," she said at last.

Leo nodded. "You are very gifted. The skill is there. Just let it work for you." He motioned to the easel he'd set up in the corner for her a week prior. "It's here and set up, ready to go when you are ready to start. Just let the art lead you."

Everyday after that, for a least a little while, Gabrielle stood in front of the wood. She added a little at a time... sometimes no more than a single brushstroke and other times she would stand there for hours working on tiny details.

Leo and Tony neither one got to see the work before it was completed. They could have peeked, of course, but Gabrielle kept a cloth over it when she was not working and they respected her need for privacy.

Finally, the day came when she was finished and Gabrielle left the cloth covering off the painting and went for a walk. She was fairly certain neither man would resist the temptation to look given the opportunity and she wanted a chance to prepare for whatever reaction they might have.

When she returned to the villa, the house was silent. She was glad for that little fact. It gave her time to take a bath and she relished the experience to the fullest. Leonardo had contrived to produce a bathroom complete with indoor plumbing and Gabrielle loved the efficiency.

The house was still empty when she finished and she figured she'd stalled as long as she could. Gathering up her courage, she walked to the workshop and poked her head in the door.

Leo and Tony sat in front of the painting, studying it silently. They merely turned to look at her a moment when Gabrielle crossed the threshold, then they resumed they contemplation of the portrait before them.

"Who is she?" Tony asked when the silence grew heavy.

Gabrielle shrugged. "She is many people. She has your eyes, Tony and Lisa's hands. Her facial shape is Leo's and the clothes belong to the bishop's wife. Her hair is part of a memory for me and the body shape belongs to the baker."

"She's remarkable," Leo commented finally. "What is she called?"

Gabrielle shrugged. "I dunno. You can call her whatever you want. I'm giving her to you."

Leonardo gave a slight gasp. "Gabrielle... that is... she is.... Thank you. She is simply amazing."

"One condition, Leo." He tilted his head and waited for her to elaborate. "She is YOURS. Your work, your art, your name."

"But... why?" This from Tony with a perplexed look on his face.

"It's the best thing for me, Tony and everyone already knows Leo is 'something of a genius' when it comes to art," Gabrielle said with a sly snicker. Leonardo gave her the appropriate adult response and stuck out his tongue.

"But...."

"Tony," Leo cut in quietly. "Let it go. I understand." And the look he shared with Gabrielle assured her that his understanding went deeper than she imagined it could.

"So what are you gonna call her?"

"I don't know. Mona maybe? For Many Odd, Nefarious Assets... Lifted In Sacrilegious Accord From All Things Surrounding...."

Gabrielle burst into laughter. "Mona Lisa Fats?!?" She paused, still chuckling. "Although Mona Lisa has a nice ring to it." She shrugged again. "You can name it whatever you want, Leo. It's yours." He voice softened and she reached around to give him a firm hug, gratified when it was returned in full measure.

"Thanks, Leo."

"For what, my friend?" brushing the blonde locks back out of her eyes.

"For teaching me. For talking and listening. For allowing me to stay here and for just being my friend. You'll never know the difference you have made in my life."

Leonardo kissed the top of Gabrielle's head. "And you'll never know the difference you have made in mine."

"Hey!" Tony's voice suddenly cut in. "Is this a private hug, or can anyone here get in on the action?"

Gabrielle and Leo stepped back a pace from one another to allow the big man to participate and Tony promptly scooped them into an all-encompassing hug. It lasted for several minutes before Tony pulled back.

"Now, let me go see what I can throw together for supper."

They waited until he was gone back into the villa before turning to one another again. "How much longer can you stay?" Leo asked after a moment's silence.

"A little while. I just take it one day at a time."

Leo chuckled. "We should all do that. The world would be a better place." He paused. "You know you're welcome here as long as you're comfortable."

"I know. Thanks, Leo."



As it was, Gabrielle stayed longer than she'd planned. Within just a few months, Leo's father passed away, then a beloved uncle. And then without warning, Tony died in the darkness of night. No sickness than anyone was aware of, no pain that he ever spoke about - he simply drew his last breath in his sleep.

Leo was devastated and Gabrielle stayed with him for a while as he recovered. They spent many hours talking and finally the day came when Leo smiled again.

"I'm sorry to have changed your plans so drastically," da Vinci said the night before Gabrielle was leaving. "I hope you didn't miss something important."

Gabrielle took his hands in hers. "Nothing was more important than this. Tony was good people and I consider myself lucky to have known him."

Leo released her hold and turned to the window. "I still miss him," he said simply.

Gabrielle smiled sadly. "You always will, but the fact that you loved and remember him is important. It allows him to live still."

"You live with this everyday, don't you?" asked without turning from the view.

"And have for longer than I remember," Gabrielle replied softly.

Now, finally, Leonardo turned from the window. "You are a woman of great strength and courage, Gabrielle. Thank you for coming here. Thank you for sharing with me. I wish you much success on your journey... and your search."

Though they had never spoken of it, Gabrielle could see that Leo understood... far more than she'd explained to him. She looked questioningly at him and he smiled.

"It shows... in your words and your actions... and your art. Good luck, my friend."

"You too, Leo."



For reasons she could only later put down to a macabre curiosity, Gabrielle headed to Rome. She had heard some comments about the art that could be found there and wanted to see for herself how it compared to Leo's work. Besides, she and Rome had a long history and she was interested in seeing how the old city was holding up under the weight of years that had passed.

What she found was both surprising and disheartening. Much of what she had known was crumbling around her and it reminded her just how old she really was. On the other hand, she didn't mind the fact that the Coliseum that had brought her and Xena such repeated misery was becoming a heap of rubble.

She walked the streets of the city slowly, her bright eyes taking in the many new sights that graced the walkways and boulevards of the capital city. As in other parts of Italy, the arts abounded in Rome. Everywhere Gabrielle looked, philosophers and scholars thrived and she caught bits and pieces of conversation that reminded her of her talks with Xena so many years before.

"Looks like the world may finally be catching up with us, love," she whispered under her breath, before beginning her search for a comfortable lodging.

She spent several days just looking around the sights of the city, impressed again by the quality of workmanship in so much of the artwork now flowing all around her. The sculptures, in wood, brass and marble, had such exquisite detail that Gabrielle could only marvel at its intricacy. She had rolled her eyes when she realized that most of it was devoted to some aspect of religion or another, then set that fact aside and simply enjoyed the work for the beauty of the art itself.

As she crossed into yet another cathedral, she came across a piece simply labeled 'David.' She started laughing so hard it brought tears to her eyes and a man to her side in concern.

"Is there a problem, Miss?"

Gabrielle calmed her chuckles and wiped her eyes, trying not to look at the sculpture for fear it would bring the laughter all over again. "No... no. I'm fine, thank you."

"Can I ask what was so funny?"

Gabrielle gestured to the statue. "David didn't look like that. And he certainly never left himself flapping in the wind that way." She chuckled again and headed out the door, the man following rapidly behind her.

"You speak as though you knew him."

Gabrielle answered him absently as she gazed out across the boulevard. "I did."

The man did a double take at her matter-of-fact response. He caught her eyes and noted they were the eyes of a dreamer, an artist like himself. He smiled at her and extended his hand in greeting.

"People call me Mike. That's my sculpture," pointing back to the church.

Gabrielle blushed lightly. "Well, it's very well done." She rubbed her nose. "It's just not very, um... realistic."

Mike laughed. "No, but it is good art. Come. Have some lunch with me and I'll take you to my latest project, so you can critique it as well."

Gabrielle looked at him for a long moment. "You sure your boyfriend won't mind?" she asked impishly, watching for the shocked reaction she knew was coming.

"I don't.... How did...? Never mind. You wanna come, or am I eating alone?"

She took his arm and Mike led her down the boulevard towards the chapel where he was working.

"So what brought you to the cathedral in the middle of a work day if you're working way down here?" Gabrielle asked as they entered the chapel. It was large as far as chapels went, Gabrielle thought, then stopped abruptly as she realized the interior was completely covered in scaffolding. "Wha...?" She turned and looked at Mike's face.

"I've been commissioned to repaint the ceiling in Bible stories. Sometimes, it gets a little overwhelming. So I take some time and go look at David. Sorta puts things in perspective for me. Reminds me I can do this, even if it takes me years."

Gabrielle glanced at the ceiling and noted a small portion of it was covered in murals. But with her lack of height and the imposing scaffolding, all she could see were bright colors occasionally. She looked back at Michelangelo who was watching her face with an amused expression.

"Do you think we could get a little closer? All I can see from here is a lot of pretty color." Now it was Mike's turn to laugh.

"Sure. Um, you don't have a problem with heights, do you?"

"Not for years," Gabrielle said drolly, thinking back to her first experiences with the Amazons and learning to walk in the trees. Mike didn't notice her distant expression.

"Good," he mumbled, "because it's a long way up."

It was a long way up, but well worth the climb, Gabrielle decided when she reached the top of the ladder. The little bit that had been completed was so rich in detail, it brought tears to her eyes.

"This is fabulous!" she said breathlessly, after taking a long time to look around at each panel. "The storytelling involved here is just incredible."

Mike smiled. Though he and Leo were rivals and had been for years, it was almost a friendly rivalry and something both men secretly enjoyed. When he'd received the missive from Leo detailing Gabrielle's arrival in Rome and the subtle favor asking Mike to look out for the bard, it had piqued the artist's curiosity enough to make him go looking for Gabrielle.

So what he'd told Gabrielle about David was the truth, just not the entire truth. He'd spent the last seven days waiting for her arrival there, knowing that if what Leo had said about her was true, she'd be there sooner or later. Personally, he was glad it was sooner. The Pope and his archbishops were getting a little perturbed at his continued absence.

"Thanks," he said with a blush. He wasn't much for the girls, but there was just something about Gabrielle.... "Say, I got a note from a mutual friend the other day."

Gabrielle cocked her brow in question.

"Leo told me there was a beautiful artist headed my way and that...." He cleared his throat self-consciously before affecting a nasally voice. "It would behoove me to make your acquaintance."

Gabrielle chuckled. "That sounds like Leo." She paused. "So it wasn't just dumb luck running into you?"

"Not exactly, but I'm glad I took the chance to find you. I haven't laughed like I did at your critique of David in a while," motioning to the ceiling. "This is such tedious, exacting work." He went on before she could answer. "Not that I don't love it, but still." He hesitated. "I don't suppose you'd like to do some, would you?"

"How do you know I have the talent?"

"Because for all the grief Leo and I give one another, we never lie about artistic talent," he said without delay. "There's no room for fakers in this business."

"You don't know me or anything about me. How do you know I won't take you for a ride or screw things up for you?"

"I know Leo. He'd never get taken in by that and I know you spent a while with him and Tony. He trusts you."

Gabrielle watched his face, gauging the sincerity of his words and voice. Finally she nodded, satisfied with what she found. "I'll help, on two conditions," she said at last.

"Yes?" Michelangelo was curious now. Given what Leonardo had shared, he had a fairly good idea what was coming.

"You keep my name out of it and you feed me."

"I can do that," Mike said with a smile and an extended arm.

Gabrielle accepted his handshake. "Then you've got yourself a deal."



Gabrielle came back to the present with a start. It had been a while since she'd either sketched or painted and now she carefully withdrew the pad Leonardo had given her those centuries ago. The feel of the thick paper brought a smile to her face and the pictures still brought a teary twinkle to her eyes.

"I'll have to take you to Rome again, Xena and show you what I painted. You can't tell the difference, but I remember. It was an amazing work of art... still is. That time made me appreciate so many things."

She put the sketch book away and pulled the feather out of her diary that marked her place and twirled it in her fingers, remembering the time long ago when she'd watched Xena repair her Queen's mask before a festival.

"One day, when we have time, you're gonna have to teach me how to make an Amazon mask, Xena. I know you've got the skills and though I have no use for one now, I'd like to have my Queen's mask again. I'll never get the one Ephiny made for me back." She shuddered. "Not that I'd want it with the memories attached to it now."

Then she picked up her diary, closed the door and headed for the sunlight.



Chapter XXX

Xena twirled the feather Keto had given her in her fingers as she made her way across the plains towards the Mexican part of the continent. Only two days out and it had been rough going so far - her animal companions were still greatly put out with her and the feather brought so many memories of Gabrielle to the forefront of her mind. She decided to focus on the animals first. The trip was going to allow her plenty of time to explore her memories of Gabrielle.

"C'mon, guys. I said I'm sorry I went without you."

She wasn't sure how, but they managed to look at her with complete disdain. Xena sighed and stopped walking. The animals kept their slow pace in front of her.

"I know... I should have waited until spring, but I... just.... I need to find the totems. As fast as I can. I've got to get back to Gabrielle."

They didn't forgive her exactly, but they did stop walking and look at her, waiting for her to catch up to them. Xena smiled. It wasn't the warm welcome she wanted, but it was a good first step.

They walked along in silence for a time. It was what they were all most comfortable with. Eventually, Xena's attention turned back to the feather she still held in her hand.

It was long, thin and the same shade of dark gold that Xena remembered the feathers of Gabrielle's mask being on top. She could still clearly see the defiance the bard's face had worn as she accepted the responsibility away from Velaska. Xena had been pretty damn proud of Gabrielle at that moment.

Xena let the memory run, remembering what she'd felt when her spirit had taken over Gabrielle's body. It was the first time she was sure that what she felt for Gabrielle was returned in full measure and it had been the most wonderful, terrifying feeling. And it had been the first step on a journey she desperately wanted to get back to.

She twirled the feather absently, letting it caress her lips as she let her mind wander over the few times after that she'd seen Gabrielle don her ceremonial clothing. She rarely wore the mask, claiming it hot and confining. She preferred to leave it hanging in the small hut set aside for their use.

Xena knew there was more to it than that and she made it her own personal mission to insure that the mask was in pristine shape on the rare occasion Gabrielle had deigned to wear it. They had actually discussed it once, just before Ephiny was killed.

"It's a symbol of honor, Gabrielle. Of tradition."

"I know that, Xena." Gabrielle scrubbed her hands through her recently shortened hair in frustration. "I'm proud of the symbolism, the honor and the tradition that goes with it. But I should no more wear that mask than Ares should. I'm not an Amazon Queen." She sighed. "I never have been," finishing on a much softer note.

"I disagree with you, Gabrielle, and so would many of the women of your tribe. Why do you think Ephiny is holding it for you? Why else would it hang in your hut and not hers?" Xena gently brushed the shaggy bangs off Gabrielle's forehead. "One day... one day, you'll wear that mask and you'll understand why you really are a true Amazon Queen."

Xena came back to the present, realizing that the sun was going down and she was going to have to make camp for the night.

The two animals went off on their own hunt while Xena conducted hers and once the large rabbit had been drained of blood, she set it over a spit to cook. Not that she was ever particularly hungry, but she had quickly realized that if gave her body a regular ration of food, her need to feed on blood significantly decreased.

Xena hated this facet of her immortality... the price she paid for her continued existence. Her thoughts wandered to how Gabrielle would be coping with something similar. The loss of dignity and control were humiliating and Gabrielle had always been much more sensitive to killing and death than Xena, even after becoming a warrior.

It had been much easier and here Xena smiled broadly, much more pleasant when they had been together. Not even something they acknowledged between them, but there nevertheless. Now her smile faded completely. Why hadn't she thought of that *before* she made her decision in Japan? She shook her head to clear it. No matter how many times she went over it, how many regrets she lived with, it would never change what she had done... to herself and to Gabrielle.

Would you change it if you could?

Xena's head whipped around, her hyper-alert senses scanning the area for anything to clue her in to what could have been a whisper of the wind or her over-active imagination. She snorted in derision. No one had *ever* accused her of THAT particular malady. Gabrielle had always been the part of their partnership that could imagine all sorts of possibilities. Xena loved listening to the bard's musings, but tended to stick to cold, hard facts.

So she waited, patiently, trying to sense... something, anything... to explain what she had heard, what she had literally felt as a caress of her skin as it crossed her hearing. Only silence and stillness greeted her senses, however and Xena knew there would be no rest for her as the question continued to play over and over in her mind.

The next several days passed the same, though now that question weighed most heavily in her thoughts. Though she knew the answer without a doubt was an unequivocal YES, the query remained as a constant reminder... a constant thought. At times, Xena felt sure she would go mad from the unending cycle, sure that the Furies had returned to haunt her once more.

Finally, through sheer force of her will alone, Xena set the question aside and turned her attention back to the mask she needed to find.

When he'd given her the feather, Keto had explained that finding the mask would be a little more involved than her search for the staff had been.

"Kya not share much, but took two full cycles of seasons before he return to us. Feather you hold is all left from mask."

"He destroyed it??"

"No. Was left with single feather when totems returned home."

Xena nodded and wondered what it had taken for Keto to obtain the feather from Kya. The young man still harbored a huge grudge towards Xena and the fact that she had undertaken a quest he felt was rightfully his. She had no way of knowing that the rest of the tribe had insured he understood the penalty for dishonoring Xena again.

"Will need stealth to find... many traps, well-hidden."

Xena nodded and took the scroll and the staff in hand and headed southwest, into what had once been Aztec territory.

Now she found herself well into the journey, though she knew it would take some time on foot. She didn't feel right taking one of the few horses the tribe had, though Keto had made one readily available for her use. There were so many fights and little wars that plagued them and Xena didn't want the warriors to get caught short.

So she walked, finding a new appreciation for the world around her and for Gabrielle's strength those many years ago. Of course, having no horse, she carried a bit more than Gabrielle had to. In addition to the backpack that carried her spare set of clothing, towel and some foodstuffs, she also carried the pot for her tea and her lone cup and plate. Her bedroll was tied to the bottom of the pack and rested snugly at the small of her back.

Around her waist she wore the gun Michael had given her with a quiver on the other side and slung over one shoulder was a short bow. She was thankful for the staff in a way she hadn't expected to be. No wonder Gabrielle had taken to riding once she'd given up her staff.

Slowly, Etor and Melo were warming up to her again, though they'd made it clear she had made them angry but good. The fox looked as though it wanted to forgive and forget... there was an almost forlorn look in the green eyes that watched her from across the campfire. The panther, though, continued to glare and growl in her direction. Knowing that they were similar in temperament to Gabrielle and herself, she couldn't help but wonder if it was an indication of what her welcome from Gabrielle would be. She almost hoped so. At least Melo wanted to forgive her, even if it was taking a while. Etor still looked ready to bite.

For days and weeks they walked on together in relative silence. There was little to bother them along the way except the expected predators and the trio gave off enough of a predatory scent themselves to make everything else move away from them.

The plains melted into mountains and the mountains fell away into desert sands before the sand gave way to the jungle the scroll had told her to search for. The air was much heavier here, wet with the scent of age and decay.

They walked stealthily for a long time, careful not to disturb the silence that was as heavy as the air. Finally, they reached a pyramid and Xena began her search.

It was oppressive here and there was no evidence that anyone had been here in a very long time. She walked around the area slowly, noting absently the crumbling remains of what appeared to have been a once-thriving civilization.

She searched carefully. Though she had definite ideas of where she suspected the mask would be, it wouldn't do to overlook either the obvious possibilities or the obscure ones.

Xena checked the area around the temple first, working in a spiral pattern that slowly closed the circle. Eventually she reached the temple and not seeing an obvious way in began the trek towards the top.

She looked around each side of the pyramid, knowing the mask could have been lost or hidden, but fairly certain that it was somewhere inside, given the excellent condition of the feather now in her possession.

She reached the top and the altar area and let the revulsion she felt at what she found there wash over her in waves. Quite without her conscious permission she felt her eye teeth elongate as her nose picked up the scent of very old blood. Her eyes noted the stains still on the altar and she cringed inwardly at both the horror of the place and her uncontrollable reaction to it.

She was pretty sure the evidence before her attested to human sacrifice and would have prayed, had she had any faith left at all, that Gabrielle had been spared the ghastly experience of seeing that atrocity in the name of a god. Knowing the memories that would invoke, she swallowed the bile it brought to her own throat.

A meticulous search around the altar area finally turned up the trigger she'd been hunting for. She moved it, then waited patiently for the door to slide open, allowing her entrance to mysteries that had been hidden from prying eyes for generations.

The air was old and stale, though it was relatively free from the scent of blood Xena noted happily. She explored the opening carefully, then fashioned several torches from the materials she could scrounge from the vicinity. It took her until nearly dark, but she decided she preferred to be inside and away from the smell of blood and death. So she lit a torch and slipped inside feeling the two animals slide in beside her.

The darkness was thick and cloying and the torch made little headway against the oppressiveness the heavy air conveyed. The going was slow as Xena didn't want to trigger potential traps, nor did she want to allow the possibility of the mask she was searching for to escape her notice.

The steps lead downward and Xena figured that they led to ground level and probably a main chamber. So she followed the stairs slowly and methodically, watching as bugs and beetles scurried out of her path and careful not to disturb the snakes and other more deadly creatures that watched her passing.

The blackness pressed around her and Xena stood still a moment once she reached the floor. The area here was free of anything living and it made the warrior wonder. It made no sense... either that anything could survive inside the temple, or that those that did avoided the openness of the floor. Then something caught her attention in the darkness and she put her confusing thoughts aside to get a closer look.

It was another altar, but utterly different from the one she'd seen outside. This one was in pristine condition, save the coating of dust and laid out across its surface were a variety of knives. They were very similar in hilt and form... only the length of the blade differentiated them from each other. They were clean and still razor sharp, though Xena's senses detected the faintest traces of blood where the hilt and blades met.

She walked slowly around the altar, aware of a variety of things hanging on the nearby walls, though nothing was clear in the thick shadows outside the small circle of light. Xena moved closer to the walls to investigate. She didn't notice when the panther and the fox wandered away together.

Directly behind the altar hung a large blue and green feathered cape with a gash on one side at the neck and bloodstains around the whole itself. A decorated mask hung neatly above it and Xena reached the torch higher to examine it more closely.

The mask was made of wood and feathers, but the only feathers Xena found evidence of were the blue and green of the cape and not the gold she sought. Xena lifted a hand to touch it, but a low rumble from beside and slightly behind her changed her mind.

Her torch began to sputter and dim, so Xena took another from her stash and lit it, leaving the first one to give her extra light until it died of natural causes.

On one side of the robe was a staff of sorts with beading and decoration Xena did not readily recognize. On the other hung a shield... again more decorative than useful. Xena fingered it lightly, the slowly continued her trek around the chamber.

Various other bits of artifacts hung well preserved on the walls and she had cause to wonder where they had come from and why they remained still when no one was left to appreciate them or understand their place in the society that had one obviously thrived here.

When she reached the wall directly across from the altar, a familiar tingling skittered up her spine. "Gabrielle?" she whispered, even though her conscious mind knew the impossibility of that prospect. Still the feeling lingered and she slowed even more, desperate not to miss the slightest clue.

Here there was a pile of bloody weapons, none of them cleaned from their last use and all of them randomly thrown on the floor. Her nose twitched and she wondered why the weapons had been left in such a condition.

Her eyes moved around and up the wall slowly, lighting at last on another mask. This one was held in place by virtue of a knife buried to the hilt between the eyes of the mask and into the wall itself. Xena brought the light closer to the wall, unable to stop the slight gasp that escaped her when she could clearly see the mask in front of her.

It was an Amazon war mask and more precisely, it was the war mask of a Queen.

Xena wondered how it had come to be in this time and place and then put her questions aside to remove it from the wall. She pushed the bloodied weapons aside and planted the torch in the ground. Then she jumped straight up, removing the knife from the wall and catching the mask with her free had as it slipped free.

Xena dropped the knife and grasped the mask in two faintly shaking hands. There was blood spattered all over the front. She let her fingers trace the familiar form, remembering the rare few times she'd held a mask similar to this one in her hands before offering it to Gabrielle.

She looked around again, hoping to find some clue as to where the mask came from and why it was here. Seeing nothing, Xena turned it over in her hands and froze. Nestled in the straps and crevices of the backing were blonde hairs the shade of which Xena had only ever seen on one person in her lifetime.

"Gabrielle?" She reached towards them then pulled back, not wanting them to be real and at the same time needing the tactile confirmation her eyes were insisting was the truth.

Xena removed her backpack and set the mask calmly on top of it. Then she sat and leaned against the wall, refusing the comfort of tears and simply letting her mind wander.

She hated this... hated where she was; hated what she'd done; especially hated not knowing the whole truth about WHY she was here and HOW to go home. And the thought that Gabrielle had been here without her sent a pain through Xena so sharp it made her gasp in reaction.

The fox left its place near the panther and curled up without hesitation in Xena's lap. Xena let her hands gently stroke the red-gold fur, feeling the satisfied rumbling purr in the warm body. The panther came closer, maintaining a sentinel watch but not approaching within Xena's reach.

"Why was she here, Melo? Because I know she was. I can feel that truth in my very bones. When was she here? By all accounts the people of the valley have been gone for centuries. She's alive... and immortal. I'm positive of that much now. Question is - how do I find her?"

Xena shifted to make herself more comfortable, lighting another torch. "May as well wait until morning before starting out again," she muttered to her two companions before turning her attention back to her wayward thoughts.

"What do you think, Melo? Will Gabrielle be happy to see me when I find her? Does she want me too? Will she want to go home or will she want to stay here? She's been alone for a long time... maybe she'd rather...." Xena slapped her hands to her face and scrubbed them hard.

"Sorry," she mumbled again. "Being stupid." And just why are you being stupid, Xena? Where is this bout of insecurity coming from, hmm? Gabrielle has never given you reason to doubt or mistrust and if she wants to stay here, then you'll find a way to stay here and make it work. Her choice this time, warrior!

Xena knew the sentiment was her own and heartfelt, but the words felt as though they belonged to another. She briefly wondered again if the Furies had been sent to punish her, then pushed the idea aside. There was nothing they could do to her worse than she could manage on her own. And right now, she seemed to be managing just fine... if driving herself nuts was on the agenda.

Xena knew those kinds of thoughts were pointless, but it was so much harder to dismiss them here. Maybe because she'd had no transition time; maybe because Gabrielle wasn't here; maybe... maybe this place is just depressing and I should just let it go.

She closed her eyes and deliberately let her mind take her into some of her happier memories with Gabrielle.



With morning came a better perspective and Xena put her mood down to the darkness of the temple. She hadn't let her torch go out through the night and now was down to her last one.

"C'mon guys. We've got other places to be besides here."

Xena looked around, hoping to find a way out at the bottom. After much searching, she finally found a crack in the wall that resembled a door and went about hunting for a key to unlock it. Just as she found the keystone, the torch sputtered and went out. Xena breathed a sigh of relief when the stone door swung soundlessly open, allowing fresh air and sunshine through the portal.

The respite from the darkness and the stale air was a welcome one and the trio slowly made its way back out of the temple area with the mask strapped to Xena's backpack and the staff still well in hand.

After many days travel northward, Xena finally reached an inhabited area of the country, but the number of soldiers she'd seen in the area was unnerving. It made her blood burn... and then the unthinkable happened.

A soldier pushed a young boy down and raised his rifle. The boy's mother, frantic and distraught, threw herself in front of the child in an effort to protect him. The soldier laughed derisively and reached for the woman, thrusting her aside and raised his gun again.

This time the mother jumped him from behind and the soldier threw her off him and onto the ground, lifting the gun like a club and swinging it backwards....

... only to find it caught and held by a blue-eyed demon woman.

Xena pulled back her arm and punched him hard enough that she felt his brains rattle before he fell solidly to the ground. The woman screamed and Xena had just time to kick out before several soldiers fell on top of her and started hitting with a will.

She let them swing for a while... they were mostly hitting one another and she saw no reason to stop them. One of them landed a lucky punch on her nose however and as soon as the blood started flowing, everything changed.

Xena's focus closed and her world narrowed to just the men on top of her. She felt her fangs grow and the burning howled in her blood and she let it, drawing strength from it for the coming battle.

Without warning, she pushed herself from the ground and slowly, methodically decimated the squad of soldiers that had jumped on her. When all was said and done, she was the only living thing left standing in the small town. The people had scattered to their homes and only bits remained of what had moments before been proud Mexican soldiers.

Slowly, her fangs receded and she stepped back, bloody and sated from what was in essence, the remnants of a war zone.

Xena walked over to her gear where the fox and the cat sat patiently guarding her things. She lifted the backpack carefully, not wanting to get more blood on the mask, or any of her other gear for that matter. She bent to retrieve the staff when a hissing sound caught her attention.

She turned and there stood the woman she'd stood up for only moments before. With a tug on the warrior's sleeve, the woman made it clear she wanted Xena to follow her and since her senses no longer prickled, Xena complied.

The woman and her family offered Xena a place to bathe off and a hot meal while the woman scrubbed the blood from Xena's clothes. They didn't talk much, which was fine with Xena. She felt more drained than she'd been in years. They offered her a bed that she fully intended to refuse, until the boy she had saved looked at her with pleading eyes that reminded her so much of Gabrielle.

Xena smiled then and riffled his hair and he gave her a big grin in return. Tomorrow would bring more soldiers and problems, but for the night they had their very own hero.

The family looked askance at the two animals that followed Xena calmly to the tiny bedroom they'd given her, but both panther and fox casually strolled in and promptly disappeared.

When dinner was over, Xena went to her room and opened the window to look out at the stars. Most of the night she laid that way, thinking about how good it felt to fight the good fight again. It wasn't like it had been in Greece. Even without the bacchae curse, fighting was different in this place and this time.

With guns, it was much easier to kill... much easier to die. And without Gabrielle to watch her back, it changed the dynamics of the way Xena fought. It had taken her years to think of Gabrielle as a partner, an equal and now the habit was so ingrained Xena found it almost impossible to fight differently.

"I miss you, my bard... in more ways than I ever imagined I could," she whispered to the stars as they faded with the dawn. "But I think I've gotta find a way to do the 'greater good' thing again, at least for a while. It seems like the best way to cope without you, until I find you again. I've always been proud of you, Gabrielle and I want you to be able to say the same thing of me."

Then she rose from the bed and dressed, eager to head out for her next destination.



The scroll had been less than specific on where she needed to go, but Xena knew enough to move west towards the ocean. Along the way she helped those who needed it - nursing the sick, building homes and corrals, mending fences and occasionally fighting the bad guys.

Xena took great joy in her fighting and found a renewed optimism in herself and her abilities as she allowed herself to indulge her skills and instincts. Word began to spread of a fierce, blue-eyed defender and champion of the weak, but now, no one knew her name.

She simply swept in, did what needed to be done and moved on without much conversation. Occasionally, her spirit guides would be seen, but by and large, Xena was seen as a lone warrior. Not that people didn't want to get closer... a few even tried. But Xena made it clear she wasn't interested in making friends or anything else. She would accept a meal and sometimes a bed and bath, but she that was enough to satisfy her need for human contact.

That and the fighting that is. It was then that she felt whole again and she was careful to try and contain her enthusiasm to the point that no one was exposed to the bacchae side of her personality.

So she slowly made her way up the coast, hoping she would sense where she needed to be to find the fishhook. The description in the scroll made it sound very familiar... something she remembered seeing Ephiny wear in the Amazon village.

Xena easily recognized the representation of skill it afforded, but she was at a loss to explain how an Amazon necklace had ended up halfway around the world. Surely she wasn't simply following Gabrielle while chasing these clues. She shook her head. No, she'd know if Gabrielle were that close, she was sure of that. Her Gabsense had rarely failed her and it had been so long since she'd felt it, she'd identify the change immediately.

Still she contemplated the whys and wherefores of the objects she was forced to track down. Their being here in this time and place was a mystery of no small proportion and it was interesting, if not always fun to speculate on the reasoning behind it.

Not many folks had made it so far west yet and Xena could go for days without encountering another living soul besides the animals that were so prevalent. Once in a while, she would run into a native tribe and do a bit of bartering, but by and large, it was wide open country.

Or it had been, Xena thought wryly as the stench of a shanty town hit her nose. It still amazed her the way humanity smelled when it congregated and she couldn't believe it didn't make people as nauseas as it did her. And adding cattle to the mix....

Her first impulse was to turn around and head for the hills and the fresh air she knew she could find there. But she'd been there and found nothing. Her instincts had brought her here and if there was one thing in the world Xena still trusted implicitly, it was the instincts she had honed from her days as a warlord.

Somewhere in this tiny, stinking shanty town was the next piece to her puzzle.



Xena got a job on the building crew. Not what she wanted to do really, but it beat the only 'work' that was available to most women in this town. It had taken a bit of convincing on her part, but when the boss saw she did the same amount of work as the men with less effort, he nodded his approval of her into his crew. The men watched her for a while and with grudging acknowledgement accepted her as one of them.

Slowly the town began transforming from a shanty town to something more respectable and once or twice Xena caught the profile of someone who stirred ancient memories. But she was never able to see clearly enough to confirm her suspicions.

Days passed and Xena found she missed the clean air and quiet she'd reveled in since coming to this land. Her animal companions had abandoned her when she reached the edge of town, disdaining the noise and smell for the peace they could maintain away from the mass of humanity. Xena missed them.

Several times she felt the wanderlust calling her, remembering so clearly the call of the open road she had shared with Gabrielle. Only that innate sense she'd come to respect held her in the town though she'd investigated as much of the surrounding area as she could reasonably manage. And still she was without the talisman she sought.

Building slowed as the weather turned colder and nastier and Xena found it increasingly hard to stay in one place... especially this one. But her nightly talks to Gabrielle eased the frustration and loneliness and Xena took comfort from them. She imagined she could feel Gabrielle's presence growing closer and felt better just sharing her day.

Then came a day in the beginning of the New Year when three things happened that brought both satisfaction and a frightening, disturbing annoyance into Xena's life.

Xena entered her small room at dusk and flopped on the bed gracelessly, looking up at the wooden ceiling. For the first time in several months she felt optimism and she smiled as she clutched the fishbone to her breast.

"Oh, Gabrielle... do I have a story to tell you."



Continued...