If this offends you or you feel that reading this fiction may make you uncomfortable in any way, please do not continue.

Subtext: Yes

Plot: Well, somewhat... This story takes place following Xena and Gabrielle's most recent adventure. I was delighted that, with a few minor modifications, it fit so well with my story.

For those of you who bravely endured my last X+G tale, thank you for trying my second. Isn't it ironic that my second story should be a first-time story of sorts? I guess this should lend a little insight into my own nature. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Please feel free to let me know what you think: bardkelly@hotmail.com. And now, on with the show!

"Please, Xena."

"I don't think so, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle shook her head at the warrior's stubbornness. She was ecstatic at finally having Xena all to herself for a while. She was also quite relieved to be heading away from that last village. Xena's friend, the sheriff, had so uncannily resembled Queen Melosa that Gabrielle had felt uncomfortable. She had found it way too weird and kept having to remind herself not to stare.

"Come on Xena, you know you want to." Gabrielle brushed her hair away from her eyes and gazed soulfully into her best friend's eyes. She had originally made her request playfully, only intending to tease the warrior into a conversation. Yet, once the words were out? She knew that deep down, she asked in earnest. She needed this.

"No, Gabrielle? I don't."

Gabrielle batted her eyelashes invitingly and brought a slow smile to her lips. A smile that, if used sparingly, usually helped her win any argument with Xena. It was her ace-in-the-hole and she used it shamelessly to her advantage. She waited for that strange look, which always came into Xena's eyes when she used her special smile, certain that triumph was again close at hand.

The harsh lines of Xena's face softened as they always did when Gabrielle looked at her that way. She stepped in closer to the bard, as close as she dared, and placed a gentle hand on the bard's shoulder. Her deep, liquid blue eyes connected with the emerald gaze of her partner and for a moment she found it hard to even breathe. Gabrielle's skin felt so warm and soft beneath her callused fingers. Her lips were so close; mere inches separated her from her secret longing. 'Perhaps, I should just show her how I feel. Just one kiss,' she pleaded with herself.

Instead, she dropped her hand and turned away.

"It's too dangerous," she stated quietly. 'Yes, too dangerous indeed, my bard,' she thought to herself, 'what you want could get you hurt and what I want could hurt us both.' The risk of losing her only source of happiness was just too great. She and Gabrielle hadn't touched one another since before the events leading up to their crucifixion. She wasn't' sure where exactly this left their relationship. To be quite honest, she was afraid to find out. She only knew that she couldn't lose Gabrielle. It would kill her. Gabrielle hadn't approached her either. So Xena kept her distance, loving from afar and not really knowing if they could ever get past this. And to make matters worse, she was pregnant. The news must have hurt Gabrielle so much. 'Please believe me Gabrielle,' she pleaded silently, 'I never betrayed you.' But, Xena didn't have any answers for the bard, no explanation, so she remained silent. There was nothing to say.

Gabrielle stared dreamily up into the space where Xena's face had been only moments before, waiting for a kiss that never came. Then realizing that the warrior had stepped away, she tried to pull herself together. 'I hope she didn't notice my little lapse there,' she thought ruefully. With a shake of her head she stepped toward Xena's turned back. Mirroring the warrior's earlier action, she placed her small hand on Xena's shoulder. 'Oh, Xena,' she longed to say, 'I wish that I could tell you that I love you. I wish I could touch you the way I've yearned to do from the moment we awoke in that cold tomb.' Remembering the way that Xena treated her when she thought the bard had followed her out of hero worship stopped the flow of words. 'Just think what she would do if she knew I watched her like a lovesick puppy.'

With an inward snort of derision, she said instead, "You know I can take care of myself, Xena. And remember you agreed to stop treating me like a child. Please, Xena. Teach me to use the chakram."

Xena dropped her chin in defeat. She allowed herself a moment to savor the feel of the bard's hand on her skin. The light contact sent searing bolts of desire coursing through her entire body. Taking a steadying breath, she pulled away and turned to face what had, over the last few months, become her greatest temptation.

"You're right, Gabrielle. And so, I promise to teach you to use the chakram on one condition..."

"I'll do anything," the bard replied rashly, stepping even closer.

Raising her hand to forestall anything further the bard intended to say, Xena gazed at the smaller woman intently. "It won't be easy, Gabrielle, but it has to be the next step in your training?"

Narrowing her green eyes suspiciously and tipping her head slightly to the side, the bard questioned, "What is it, exactly, that you want to do?"

"You have to learn to ride, first." Xena stated this quietly, looking down at her toes and hoping that the young woman before her wouldn't explode in a tantrum. Fortunately, the bard sensed both the sincerity and the truthfulness of the warrior's proclamation. She glanced over at the bay tethered near Argo. He deserved to be ridden well. She admitted to herself that she was a novice and hadn't been doing all that well. And she was sore as Hades! Perhaps, she could use a few pointers from Xena. So, sighing at what lay ahead, Gabrielle quietly agreed. Smiling at how easily she had won the argument, Xena turned bardly shoulders towards the bedrolls arranged near the fire and nudged her forward. "Good, now get into that bedroll and get some sleep. We start tomorrow." Xena walked over to the log near the fire to finish sharpening her sword.

Tired from the long distance they had covered today, Gabrielle crawled into her bedroll and fell almost instantly asleep. The warrior shook her head at the ease in which the bard could fall asleep. She sat by the fire for a few candle marks, contemplating how she should begin her riding lesson for tomorrow. Once she had a strategy firmly in place, she banked the fire for the night and crawled into her own bedroll. Xena rolled as close to the bard as she could get without actually touching her. Eventually, she fell asleep to the gentle rhythm of Gabrielle's breathing.

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Xena's nude form was so beautiful in the firelight. Obviously, she had just come from a late bath. 'That must have been what had awakened me,' the bard thought to herself. She watched as Xena approached her. As she came closer, the bard heard her calling to her. 'Come to me Gabrielle. Wake up and come to me, my love. I need you. I want you. I love you. Please, come to me now." Gabrielle sat up. She needed to go to her warrior.

"Come on, Gabrielle," the warrior said for what seemed like the hundredth time. "Wake up or I swear that I'll come at you with Argo's water bucket." The threat seemed to work as Gabrielle rose up into a sitting position. Just as Xena was about to rise to her feet, the bard threw her arms around the warrior's neck. Xena was shocked to find herself suddenly pulled into the bard's embrace. She wrapped her own arms around Gabrielle's back and pulled her closer as she knelt before her. "Is everything all right, Gabrielle?" she asked, pulling the bard away to look into her eyes.

"What?" The bard seemed confused for a moment. Then, taking in her surrounding, she flushed and pulled away from the warrior. "Uh, yeah," she said as she rolled to her feet. "Thanks for waking me," she mumbled as started gathering her blankets. 'What was I doing,' she silently demanded of herself, 'Xena obviously doesn't feel that way about me anymore.' She needed to do something to cover her embarrassment over the blunder. In an attempt to disguise her confusion, she busied herself with a frenzy of packing.

Bewildered, Xena watched the agitated young woman before her. She had never seen the girl this animated so soon after waking up. Gabrielle literally flew around the camp gathering their belongings. She hadn't even gone into the bushes to relieve herself for Zeus's sake! 'Perhaps she is coming down with something,' Xena thought to herself as she went to check on Argo.

She had been considering the possibility of staying here while she taught the bard the skills necessary to ride proficiently. They weren't expected to meet up with Joxer and Amarice for a few weeks, yet. They had the time and the display she had just witnessed clenched her decision to stay. Her bard evidently needed a rest. 'Her bard,' she thought with a sad smile. As soon as she finished caring for the horses she would tell Gabrielle.

Xena found Gabrielle stumbling across the clearing carrying what looked every one of their possessions. Looking over the top of her burden, Gabrielle spotted Xena's approach. Walking briskly towards her she called out to the warrior, "I think that's everything. Are you ready, Xena?"

"Well, actually, I was hoping that you wouldn't mind staying here for a few days while I give you a few riding lessons."

Gabrielle slid to a stop and stared at Xena for a moment. "Why didn't you tell me this before I packed everything up?" she demanded.

Xena shrugged and held her hands up in a helpless gesture. "I, well, uh, you were?"

"Oh, never mind," the bard said grumpily. "Just go snare us something for breakfast while I go freshen up." With a sound of exasperation, Gabrielle dropped all the items she had been balancing in her arms and marched off towards the stream.

Xena watched the bard stomp away and sighed. Turning away, she slipped into the forest. 'Maybe a nice plump rabbit would appease the woman,' she thought to herself.

Riding lessons began after Xena and Gabrielle broke their fast with a meal of roasted rabbit. As Xena had suspected, Gabrielle's mood lightened once she had appeased the mysterious force that masqueraded as the bard's appetite.

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The women remained in their secluded clearing for a fortnight. With equal amounts of patience and exasperation, Xena coached the bard on what cues to use on Argo. After alternately coaxing, cajoling, and even pleading with her, Xena found, to both women's amazement, that the bard actually had an aptitude for riding. The girl was a natural. Her seat was perfect and she was gentle on a horse's mouth. She did carry her hands a little high, but with a little coaching, the bard quickly learned to drop them, gaining better control over her mount's head. With the bard's aptitude for memorizing, she had the rudimentary cues learned fairly quickly and they progressed into areas that Xena had not, at first, even intended to teach the girl.

"That's enough for today, Gabrielle," Xena called to the horse and rider practicing pivots in the center of what had been adopted as the practice field. "Why don't we take Argo back to camp and you can give her a rub down while I catch something for dinner?"

Gabrielle loped the horse over and reined Argo in next to Xena. She stepped down from the horse's bare back and moved into step with the warrior, leading the horse behind her.

"You're getting quite proficient at those battle maneuvers-even without the use of the saddle." Xena stated this casually as they walked back to camp.

"Thanks," Gabrielle responded. She was absolutely glowing from the compliment. Xena seemed to know everything about horses, but she was quite the taskmaster. So, what praise she did receive from the warrior was that much more treasured. "Why are we quitting so early," she asked. Usually, Xena had Gabrielle training until dusk.

Xena shrugged. "I thought we should get an early night since we're breaking camp in the morning."

Always the inquisitive bard the girl questioned, "Where are we headed?"

"We're not too far from a village. I thought we might find an Inn with a hot meal and bath. We also need to get you appropriate riding gear. What do you say?"

Gabrielle slipped her arm around Xena's, cupping the taller woman's elbow as she walked beside her. "Sounds wonderful! I'm so excited and a little nervous at the prospect of having a horse of my own, though it will probably make traveling with you a lot easier," the bard responded enthusiastically. From that moment until the bard lay her head down in slumber next to Xena's, the bard talked non-stop about what they would find at he village, what attributes she liked most about her horse, what breed she thought was, and what color of tack that she thought would best match her own coloring. Xena just nodded, smiled indulgently, and waited for the bard to sleep. When Gabrielle's even breathing indicated that she had finally fallen under the spell of Morpheus, Xena allowed herself to pull the slumbering bard into her arms. 'I'll awaken first anyway and Gabrielle need never know that I held her close this night,' the warrior thought to herself. She couldn't resist, just this once. Stroking the golden silk of Gabrielle's hair, the warrior fell into a peaceful sleep.

The rest at the Inn did wonders for both the women. For Gabrielle, they also managed to find the appropriate items necessary to complete her mount's tack, at a reasonable price.

"I wonder what Joxer and Amarice have been up to," Gabrielle wondered as she patted the neck of her mount affectionately. They rode away from the village in the pre-dawn light. Both women were anxious to continue their travels.

Xena chuckled as she watched Gabrielle's devoted attentions; secretly wishing that it was her own skin that felt that gentle caress. To redirect her thoughts, she smiled at the bard and teased, "I don't want to ever hear another comment about my spoiling Argo?"

Suddenly, five mounted men rushed from the bushes, closing in and surrounding the women. "What do we have here," one of the men growled viciously. Xena cursed herself for being so inattentive to her surroundings, even as she swung her fist in a wide arc to knock two of the men from their horses; the force of the blow knocking them unconscious before they hit the ground. Whirling Argo around, she faced the two men behind as Gabrielle faced off against the remaining rider blocking the path before them.

Gabrielle nudged her horse forward and sideways to push the other horse and rider off balance; then, in an attempt to use the forward momentum to her advantage, she gave her mount the cue to rear-up and strike out with his front hooves. The gelding bumped into the horse in front of him and then stood shaken and confused. Realizing that her mount didn't understand what she was asking him to do, Gabrielle pulled a dagger from its sheath in her boot and turned to face her opponent.

With the ring of metal clashing against metal, Xena blocked the sword swing of one man as she kicked the other in the face with her foot. She watched the man fall to the ground where he laid, unmoving. Then, she swung Argo into the maneuver that Gabrielle had just attempted. Argo obediently followed the command, rising to lash out at the other horse. The man flew from his mount as it fell under the powerful blow of Argo's hooves. She watched with a feral grin as the man jumped to his feet and ran into the forest. Swinging her horse back around, Xena looked to see how Gabrielle had faired. She watched as Gabrielle blocked the sword thrust aimed at her chest and then parried a few more swings. Before Xena could reach her, Gabrielle butted the man out of his saddle with the handle of her dagger. He immediately jumped up and ran to join his comrade disappearing into the trees.

"Are you alright?" Gabrielle quickly looked the warrior over for any apparent injuries as she asked the question. She worried about Xena. 'In her condition, she really shouldn't be fighting, should she?'

"I'm fine," Xena responded as she watched the bard who was attempting to calm the jittery gelding that continued to sidestep gingerly in his distress.

Gabrielle smiled sheepishly. "He doesn't know the cues! I'm glad I had my daggers handy."

Xena rode up to Gabrielle and placed a hand on the bard's shoulder. "You were terrific. You handled that horse magnificently."

"Well, I don't think this guy was trained for riding defensively. I was almost at a loss for what to do, especially after learning Argo's tricks." Gabrielle patted the bay's neck reassuringly, having calmed him down enough to stand still.

Xena frowned. "You're right about that Gabrielle," she said. "Follow me." With that she turned from the path they had been following onto a dusty track that led down toward the coast.

"Where are we going now?" Gabrielle asked as her now docile horse followed behind Argo.

"To catch a boat," Xena replied over her shoulder as she moved Argo into a ground-covering jog.

"Oh no," Gabrielle groaned before urging her own mount forward to catch up with her companion.

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Upon reaching their destination, Xena easily arranged passage for herself, the bard, and the horses. After seeing the palomino and the bay safely settled in the hold, the found one of the more reputable trade houses that operated in the port city. With Gabrielle's bargaining abilities, they paid only half of what they had expected to replenish their supplies. Gabrielle took a moment to peruse a few more stalls, then followed Xena as she made her way to a tavern close to where their ship was docked. They had a few candle marks to get dinner before boarding the ship scheduled to carry them away at high tide. As they ate, Xena reminded Gabrielle to use the pressure points that she had learned to stave off seasickness. Much to the bard's chagrin, she also took advantage of the opportunity to tease Gabrielle about not eating any raw squid on the upcoming voyage.

"What about Joxer and Amarice?" Gabrielle asked in an attempt to change the subject.

Xena shrugged. "They'll be here when we get back, I'm sure." 'Besides,' she added silently to herself, 'this way I get to have you all to myself for a while longer, my bard.'

Once they had themselves settled in their cabin and had gotten underway; Xena began to tell Gabrielle about their destination. Within a week, they would be docking in the land of the Shin'itah. Much to Gabrielle's delight, Xena spent their time on ship telling the bard about them. Explaining that they are a nomadic warrior tribe dedicated to the breeding of "Horses of the Blood," an ancient line of sleek warrior horses. "These horses are rare, and sought by many, desired for their intelligence, speed, and stamina," she told the bard. "They have been the mounts of royalty and many great military leaders. It is said that these horse choose their riders, rather than the other way around." Xena lowered her voice conspiratorially, "In fact, legend has it that the animals form a special bond with their rider, even choosing to die if they loose their chosen." Xena smiled as she made this last comment, knowing that Gabrielle loved things like that. It would probably wind up in several of her bardly exploits?. Her smile widened when she saw the bard's eyes light up.

"Xena, Argo is one of these special horses, isn't she?" On many occasions, Gabrielle had wondered at the dedication that Argo had exhibited for her mistress. This seemed to explain so much. She knew her hunch was right when Xena looked somewhat surprised. She smiled her approval at the bard's deduction and nodded.

"Very good," the warrior murmured approvingly. "Now, let's get some sleep. We'll probably be docking early in the morning." They spread out on the bunk and Xena waited for Gabrielle to fall asleep before pulling her into her arms as had become her custom. Only then was she able to sleep herself. 'I'm becoming quite addicted to this,' she thought as she drifted off to sleep.

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The next afternoon found them riding across an arid plain of golden grasses. The bard and both of their mounts seemed glad to be on solid ground. Gabrielle jabbered quietly to Xena as they rode along, commenting on the view, the weather, and the ride in general. They slowly progressed towards a group of tall cliffs that could be seen just on the horizon as they rose majestically out of the rolling hills. Gabrielle nodded towards the cliffs and asked if that was where they were headed.

Xena nodded. Then surprised the bard by continuing to speak, "It's a natural fortress. The great rock is hollowed. There's a crack in the wall spanning about two horse widths that serves as an entrance. You can't see it at this distance. Inside is the only permanent settlement of the

Shin' etah. I know someone there who might serves as an instructor in teaching you how to train your horse."

Gabrielle looked at her companion, slightly confused. "Why can't you teach me? You trained Argo, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did. I could probably do a passable job. But, I want you to have the best, Gabrielle." Xena didn't see the flush color her lovely cheeks. She had kept here gaze fixed ahead of her as she spoke, fearful that she might reveal too much if she looked into the eyes of her bard as she said this. They rode in silence for a few candle marks, the walled fortress looming up before them.

"Sit still," Xena said suddenly reining in her horse. Gabrielle brought her mount to a stop beside her, a silent question in her eyes.

"There's a scouting party coming to meet us." Xena motioned towards the blurred movement on the plains ahead. The bard started when she realized just how close the scouting party really was. She hadn't even noticed their approach. "They're hard to spot," the warrior murmured as if reading the smaller woman's thoughts. "They choose scouts whose horses blend well with the landscape. Mostly duns are used out here on the steppes. Wait here, I'm going out to meet them." Xena urged her mount forward smoothly stepping her horse into a lope as she directed a parting suggestion over her shoulder. "Try to remain as still as possible, it'll impress them."

Gabrielle watched Xena meet up with the scouts and dismount to speak with them. She saw the warrior point back in her direction and tried to keep her horse as still as she could. A swish of his tail as he swatted away an errant fly was the only movement that either made. Patience wasn't really one of the bard's strong suits, but Xena soon remounted and led the scouting party over to where she waited.

"Gabrielle, meet your new instructor," Xena replied as she approached.

An elderly man, who seemed to be leading the scouts, guided his horse up to the stand beside the bard's without the use of any tack, apparently only using leg pressure for direction. Smiling broadly, he dismounted and lifted Gabrielle's hands, kissing the insides of her wrists in greeting. "Welcome, shec' itah Xena." The man's voice was melodious as he spoke to her with an unusual accent. Then, raising his voice so that all could hear, he continued. "Praise be to The Blood; my daughter has returned along with her shec' itah!"

'Daughter?' Gabrielle mouthed as she shot a quick look at Xena. 'I guess Xena left out a few things when she was telling me about these people on the ship,' she thought.

"I, uh, was sort of adopted into the clan during my last stay here." Xena shrugged, "That's why they agreed to teach you the secrets. As my shec' itah, you are entitled to that right.

"Your shec' it what?" Gabrielle asked. Tilting her head, she smiled self-consciously at the shining faces around her as the scouts openly studied her.

"The translation is rather complicated, I'll explain later." Xena hedged.

The scout leader remounted after examining the bard's horse. He nodded to Xena. "A lost one is returned to us," he stated solemnly. He motioned for them to continue towards the walled city. "Come, food and drink await. We must celebrate your homecoming."

"You were lost to them?" The bard directed her question to Xena who rode beside her.

"No," she replied calmly. She patted the neck of Gabrielle's horse. "He was. Your horse is of The Blood." The warrior smiled at the bard's startled look. "I suspected it when I first saw him caught in that trap; my adoptive father just confirmed my suspicions. Evidently, he was stolen as a colt. Now, he has returned to his clan with his chosen rider."

They entered the walled city to find that a feast had already been prepared. The clan missed little as they observed the plains from the great height of their protective walls. Festivities had already began at many of the campfires that were interspersed with tents throughout the canyon. Xena and Gabrielle were treated to food and drink as their horses were led away to be cared for. Many of the people in the encampment greeted Xena by name and stepped up to kiss their wrists. It amazed Gabrielle that Xena seemed so relaxed with these people. They lounged before one of the large fires and Gabrielle sat quietly at Xena's feet while the warrior caught up the on news of the clan. She was content to simply listen as Xena absently brushed her fingers through the short strands of the bard's hair while she answered the many questions of those siting around them. Sometimes, the warrior would answer in the lilting language of the clan, sounding as if she were singing rather than speaking.

As darkness fell and the full moon appeared to shine down on them, the bard's eyes began to droop and she could not contain a yawn. Taking that as their cue, the people began to drift away to their own fires, leaving Xena and Gabrielle to make their way into the tent that they were to share during their stay in the city.

Xena took the bard's arm to lead her into the tent. Gabrielle gasped at the opulence that greeted them upon entering. Silken hangings adorned the inner walls and a pallet spread with thick lush bedding lay before them. The bed looked terribly inviting to the tired bard. They readied themselves for the night, slipping into sleeping shifts, and crawled into the bed, which turned out to be even more comfortable than it looked. Once Gabrielle was asleep, Xena spooned herself around the girl before drifting to sleep.

The next few days passed in a flurry of activity. Xena instructed some of the younger scouts in hand-to-hand combat while Gabrielle spent long days with Shai'toh, Xena's father, who turned out to be a patient and talented instructor. Again, Gabrielle practiced on Argo while she learned the rudiments of training a horse. The girl advanced through her lessons quickly and each night Shai'toh would praise the intelligence and innate riding abilities of Xena's shec' itah.

Finally, the day came when Gabrielle was to begin working with her own horse.

Xena and Shai'toh accompanied her out to the training pen. Once there, the small man kissed Gabrielle's wrists, thanking her for being such an excellent student. "The rest," he said with a smile and a nod towards the bay, "is up to you. Ride well, my child." With that he turned and walked back inside the walls of the city.

"You should be proud of yourself, Gabrielle. You managed to learn in a few days what takes most clan adolescents a year."

"Well, you've been giving me lessons, so I've had a head start," she responded modestly. Xena hugged her and turned to follow Shai'toh.

"Please stay for a while," the bard pleaded. Xena nodded and moved to the center of the ring so that Gabrielle could begin working the bay along the rail. Time passed quickly and Gabrielle soon found herself working with the horse on more difficult maneuvers. It wasn't until she began teaching the bay the cues for striking out with his front hooves that the bard experienced her first problems.

The bay tossed his head and danced to the side, seeming to sense her conflicting emotions-pride, excitement, and yes, a little fear. Gabrielle applied pressure with her legs and hands and with a burst of speed, her mount bolted forward as he reared back on his hind legs. Xena, still in the middle of the training pen watched, stunned as Gabrielle launched herself at what had always been her haven of safety, Xena.

Tucking her body into the ball as she was taught, she rolled into Xena's legs. Xena twisted her body into the roll, catching the bard, instinctively trying to protect that which is most precious to her in all the world. In a tangle of limbs, they rolled a few feet, coming to rest with Xena on her back in the thick soft dirt of the pen and looking up into the blue sky above. Gabrielle is stretched out on top of her with her back pressed into Xena's chest. Xena's right hand rests on Gabrielle's bare midriff and her other hand is cupping the bards left breast. They lay for a few moments trying to comprehend what had just happened.

"Are you alright?" Xena asked gently.

Gabrielle, blissfully aware of Xena's hands on her answers quietly, "Yes, just perfect. Are you Ok, we didn't injure the baby did we?"

"I'm fine," the warrior answers; her voice is deep and smoky as she suddenly realizes how she is holding the bard. Slowly, she began to slide her reluctant hand off the bard's breast when both of her hands are covered by Gabrielle's smaller ones. Gabrielle holds Xena's hands in place for a moment. "Stay," she says quietly as she presses down firmly on the warrior's hands. When she is certain that Xena will remain as she is, Gabrielle loosens her grip and begins to slowly, absently caress the hands beneath her fingers as she tries to choose her words.

In a husky, emotion-filled voice she begins, "Xena, please listen to me. Don't interrupt until I've finished. I love you so much and I can't keep my feelings inside any longer. I want you. I dream about what it would feel like to have your hands on my body like this, to feel your lips on mine. I watch you sometimes and my heart nearly bursts. I'm enraptured by the splendor of your body and entranced by the beauty in your soul. I don't know, I think you still feel the same way about me, at least I hope you do. I'll understand if you don't, really. I know it will break my heart if you leave me now, but I?

Gabrielle's rambling confession of love is suddenly halted as Xena slides the bard's body off and over to the ground, rolling over her to capture her lips in a soul-shattering kiss. Stunned, the bard stays motionless for a moment. At the feel of Xena pressed against her and her wet tongue running along her sensitive lower lip, the bard opens her mouth and pushes her own tongue out to duel with Xena's. Never breaking the contact of their lips, the warrior balances her weight on her hip and elbow, freeing her other hand to slide up from the taught muscles of the bard's stomach, across the valley between her breasts to wrap long fingers gently around the bard's neck. Lifting her closer, Xena deepens the kiss for which she has hungered so long.

"Mmmm," a low moan begins in her throat as Gabrielle runs her hands up her warrior's back and into the long silken locks of her hair. Time seemingly stands still as the women reacquaint themselves with the taste and feel of the other. When they finally break apart, both are breathing hard.

"Thank you. I didn't mind that time," Gabrielle gasps between ragged breaths.

Xena blinks, finding it hard to concentrate with Gabrielle caressing her back that way. She is lost in the green depths of the bard's eyes and crinkles her brow as she responds. "Hmmm?"

Chuckling, Gabrielle reaches up for another quick, open-mouthed kiss. "You interrupted me?again. But I definitely didn't mind this time." Slowly, she brings one hand around to cup the side of the warrior's face. "I love you," she whispers against her lips before lifting up for another kiss. Xena, delighted to comply, kisses her with long strokes of her tongue. Long moments pass before either can think of anything other than this sweet ambrosia they had thought forever out of reach.

Diffidently, Xena pulls her head back to break the sweet contact of their mouths. "Gabrielle, I wish we could stay here forever?"

"Shhhh, I know," the bard whispers, placing a finger across Xena's warm lips to cut off her words. "I need to get back to the horse. He can't be allowed to get away with throwing me like that."

Rising to their feet, bard and warrior enjoy one last embrace -- both, reluctant to let the other go. Looking up into the azure liquid of Xena's eyes, Gabrielle steps away. Backing a few steps away and towards the bay watching curiously from the other side of the pen. She murmurs softly, "I'll see you tonight?"

Xena nods. Smiling slightly at her love, she turns and leaves the pen. She heads for the practice field, deciding that a good workout is what she needs to work off some of the pent up energy flowing through her veins. She doesn't look back, unsure that her resolve to leave will hold if she looks back at her beautiful bard. 'Tonight,' she promises herself silently, 'tonight.'

Gabrielle watched the warrior's retreating back until she was out of sight. With a sigh, she brushes a wisp of hair out of her eyes and turns her attentions back to the bay. Equine eyes are the only witnesses to the dreamy smile that plays upon her kiss-swollen lips. "I really need to think of a name for you," she said quietly to the horse.

As she walked away, Xena smiled upon overhearing Gabrielle's gentle words.

Gabrielle made it back to her tent before Xena. She drew a bath, luxuriating in the sweet scent of the oils that had been added to the water. Once dressed again, she went in search of dinner for the two them, bringing it back the tent.

As she entered, her eyes locked on the most beautiful sight the bard could ever remember seeing. Xena sat in the bathing tub, submerged only to her waists. Dark tendrils loosely fell from her hair that she had pinned up on her head. Never breaking her gaze with Xena's, Gabrielle stepped further into the tent and set their dinner aside. Suddenly, she was no longer hungry? for food. The bard stood in front of the tub where Xena watched as she removed her clothing. The warrior's gazed raked over the bard's nude form as she moved to kneel beside the tub. She took the sponge from Xena's hand and ran it down the column of the warrior's neck, over the softness of her breast, and down into the water. Dropping the sponge, she leaned forward to kiss Xena's soft lips as she slipped her hand between the woman's thighs to cup her intimately.

Xena looked into Gabrielle's concerned face when the bard suddenly pulled away, stilling her hand beneath the water. "Xena, will I hurt the baby?"

"No, my love," Xena whispered before pulling the bard's head down for another long kiss.

Gabrielle pushed two fingers deep inside the warrior and began stroking the swollen nub of Xena's passion. The warrior began to move against her in the water and within moments the bard felt her tense against her hand. Gabrielle reached down to capture the warrior's mouth in a deep kiss, capturing Xena's cry of passion. Xena dropped her head back to rest against the tub. She smiled up at the bard as she rested there for a few moments. Each was lost in the others eyes.

Slowly, Xena rose and stepped from tub. As water dripped from her to pool in wet rivulets upon the floor, the warrior reached for her bard's hand. On wobbly legs, she led the smaller woman to their sleeping pallet where they tumbled into the soft, thick blankets. Xena pushed her love back into the pillows and moved to straddle the bard's thighs. Balancing her hands on either side of Gabrielle's head, Xena began to kiss along her jaw and down her neck. She found the hollow at the base of the bard's neck with her tongue. Then, she moved down to lavish her attention on the bard's beautiful breasts. Gabrielle arched her back in an attempt to push herself closer to the warrior's teasing mouth. Soft moans escaped her and she raked her fingernails gently along the warrior's thighs.

"Xena, please." The bard sobbed the words between ragged breaths. Understanding what her bard needed most, the warrior moved to crouch between the bard's legs, pushing them up and out so that her most intimate parts were revealed. Xena dipped a finger into the molten core of Gabrielle's essence. She looked up at the bard's passion-flushed face as she brought her finger up for a sample taste of her bard's essence. This only served to wet her appetite and the warrior ducked her head down to drink from the spring of Gabrielle's passion. Crying out Xena's name, the bard bucked her hips against the warrior's mouth as Xena began to run her tongue over and around her most sensitive spot. Sensing that the bard's climax is near, Xena slips two, and then three fingers into the bard to match the long thrusts of her tongue. Gabrielle's vision blurs, as she is lost in the rapture of her release. A cry of pleasure fills the tent as the warrior rides out the waves of her lovers thrusting hips. With one last thrust of her fingers, she stills-waiting for the contractions to slow before sliding her hand free.

Climbing up to straddle the bard's midriff, Xena bends to kiss the bard's sweaty forehead. Gabrielle strokes her palms along the warrior's thighs as she waits for her eyes to regain focus. A gentle smile plays upon Xena's lips as she watched the bard's breathing slowly returned to normal.

Gazing up at Xena, Gabrielle whispers, "I love you."

"And I you, Shec' itah," Xena responds as the bard began to tug Xena's hips towards her. Realizing her intent, the warrior looks at her in hesitantly. "Are you sure you want to do that?" She asks quietly.

"I need to taste you," the bard pleaded, tugging more insistently at the warrior's hips. Giving the bard a look of reverent devotion, Xena lifted up on her knees and moved the center of passion up to the bard's mouth. Wrapping her hands around the warrior's thighs and pulling her down, the bard began to suckle at her lover. "Mmmmm," she relished the salty-sweet taste of her lover. The bard began to administer long strokes along Xena's sensitive nub with her tongue, savoring the taste and feel of her lover against her mouth. Matching the quickening rhythm of her lover's tongue, Xena began to thrust against the bard's chin.

When Gabrielle felt the warrior's thigh muscles constrict, she dropped her chin and thrust her tongue deep inside her lover. With her nose pressed against Xena's sensitive nub, Gabrielle held her breath and stroked against her warrior's inner core. She concentrated on the sensation of the convulsive movements that signaled the extent of her lover's pleasure. Only when she felt her lungs were about to burst from lack of air, did the bard withdraw, replacing her tongue with her fingers. The bard rested the side of her face against a rock hard thigh as she felt the warrior squeeze against her buried fingers only then hearing the cries of ecstasy escaping Xena's beautiful lips. It was the sexiest sound the bard had ever heard. She smiled as she listened to this new version of Xena's battle cry. This deep, husky, undulating cry-that was somehow musical, almost made the bard cry out at its beauty.

Xena rested her buttocks against Gabrielle's breasts as she waited for the knotted tension in her thighs to relax. When she was able to move, she lifted herself off the bard and collapsed onto the bed. Immediately, the bard moved into the crook of Xena's arm, throwing an arm across the warrior's midriff and a leg across her thighs. Almost half a candle mark passed before either was able to move again.

Gabrielle felt Xena begin to stroke the hair at her temple. She reached out to kiss the nearest bit of Xena's skin, her lips meeting the soft flesh at the base of Xena's breast. The bard chuckled as she felt the warrior shiver.

"I thought you were asleep," Xena husked, her voice strained from the workout she had given her throat earlier.

"No, just resting," the bard replied. Then after a few moments, "Xena?what does shec' itah mean?"

The hand on her temple stilled momentarily and the bard looked up to meet the deep blue gaze of her lover. Xena smiled as she continued caressing the bard's hair away from her temple. "Roughly translated, it means soul mate." Leaning down she placed a gentle kiss on the bard's soft lips.

Gabrielle mirrored her lover's smile as she whispered, "You complete me, Xena." It was the bard's last conscious thought before drifting to sleep.

END

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