Violence Disclaimer: This story depicts scenes of violence and/or their aftermath. Readers who are disturbed by its depiction may wish to read something other than this story.

Love/Sex Disclaimer: This story depicts a love/sexual relationship between two consenting adult women. If you are under 18 years of age or this type of story is illegal in the state or country in which you live, please do not read it. If depictions of this nature disturb you, you may wish to read something other than this story.

Copyright 1998 by Mythe. All rights reserved.

Feedback: mythe_bgon@hotmail.com

This story contains a relationship between Xena and a lost love. Gabrielle is in it, but they are best friends only.

A group of young Amazons were sparing in front of their mighty Queen Cyane, whose brown eyes studied their every move for any mistakes. "Sasha, keep eye contact!" she decreed, then shook her head and sat down in her throne. "She's going get knocked down, if she doesn't pay attention..." she uttered under her breath.
 
"Yes, my Queen!" replied Sasha. She turned and nodded, but didn't realize that her opponent was taking this advantage and swiped her legs from beneath her. She landed hard on her back, winded and embarrassed.
 
Cyane grinned and ran her strong fingers through her long blond hair. "Great job, Rebecca!" she acknowledged to her fellow warrior in training.
 
"They're raw, but they have spirit..." Xena revealed and took a sip of her port, then handed a wooden mug of port to Cyane.
 
"They certainly do," Cyane agreed and took the mug. "Thank you," she nodded.
 
Xena turned and continued to watch these young warriors spar. "They remind me of my first sparring session," she disclosed, "My body was covered with cuts and bruises for days!"
 
"Yep..." Cyane agreed, "I felt that pain too."
 
A young Ninja, dressed all in black, flew out from the foliage and landed in the middle of the sparring. The mysterious person commenced an assault on the young Amazons. Within a few seconds, everyone was on the ground groaning and moaning. They laid there stunned at this mass of unfettered slaughter upon them.
 
Xena was in awe at this change of events and gasped. "Who's that warrior?" she inquired and instinctually reached for her sword.
 
A sly smirk creep upon Cyane's beautiful face and replied, "A very good friend..."
 
"Well, your friend is very good!" Xena asserted and took another sip.
 
"The very best..." Cyane revealed and stood up.
 
The stranger glanced around at the fallen Amazons and turned to their Queen. "They're in training I presume?" the dark one inquired and bowed her head to her.
 
"Of course..." Cyane replied and took a sip. She gazed into the stranger's intense brown eyes and felt a kindred spirit arise.
 
"By the Gods..." the stranger sighed, "good, because I would have to retrain them the right way!" The warrior took off the dark mask and revealed a tanned, attractive young woman with short black hair. Her strong warrior demeanor changed as a mischievous smile erupted. "It's been awhile, Cyane..." Sierra greeted and walked towards her.
 
"Too long!" Cyane said and hugged her. She whispered, "I've missed you..." They kissed each other's cheek ever-so gently.
 
"Me too..." Sierra acknowledged and noticed the tall, beautiful woman to her friend's left.
 
"Well...Cyane, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" Xena inquired.
 
"Uh...sorry..." Cyane caught within the moment and grinned, "Xena, this is Sierra...Sierra this is Xena."
 
Xena held out her hand, "Nice to meet you, Sierra."
 
"Hello," Sierra smiled and firmly shook her hand, "It's nice to meet you too."
 
"Your entrance was stunning!" Xena exclaimed and queried, "are you an Amazon?"
 
"Why thank you!" nodded Sierra and responded, "You could say that..."
 
Cyane elaborated further, "Xena, Sierra here is the Queen of all the Amazon tribes."
 
Xena's confused and blurted out, "There's a rank that high?" She turned to Sierra, who nodded in agreement.
 
"Her mother is the goddess herself, Artemis..." Cyane unveiled.
 
"Artemis?" Xena repeated and chugged the rest of her port.
 
"Yep..." Sierra acknowledged and inquired, "So, is there any more port?"
 
The young Amazons got to their feet and whispered amongst themselves. They dusted themselves off and picked up their staffs. "She's the Goddess's daughter?" one inquired to another.
 
"I guess so..." another girl shrugged.
 
"She's dressed funny!" another replied back.
 
A young brunette Amazon walked up behind the young woman and startled her. "You should hold your tongue," she advised.
 
A stronger and meaner Amazon stepped up to her. "She's our Queen!" Aro grumbled and flexed her chest muscles.
 
Another Amazon with long sandy blond hair stood next to her. "You guys have a lot to learn..." Samantha sighed and shook her head.
 
Aro growled out, "We need to teach them the meaning of respect!"
 
The group of youths huddled together for support. Fearing the wrath of the older Amazons they turned to Sasha as their leader and spokesperson. "Hey!" she shouted, "We didn't mean anything about..."
 
Cyane overheard this whole conversation and realized that her friends heard it too. "SHOW OUR QUEEN SOME RESPECT!" she roared.
 
The older and wiser Amazons fell to one knee and bowed their heads to their Queens. They suddenly made a fist with their right hand and hit their chest. Then raised it to their Queens in respect. The younger ones were in awe at this sight. They finally followed suit and did the same. Everyone silently awaited the next command from their Queen.
"About time..." Cyane grumbled under her breath and turned to her guests, "By the gods!" Sierra and Xena turned to her and smiled. "They're ready, Sierra..." she relayed.
 
Xena glanced over at the awaiting Amazons. "I guess so..." she grinned.
 
The mischievous smile formed on Sierra's face, "All right..." She stepped forward and addressed her Amazons. "Hello, fellow Amazons!" she greeted.
 
"Greetings, my Queen!" everyone replied back and looked up at her.
 
"All I ask is that you all train hard, do your best at everything and learn from one another," she declared. "I've noticed that there're some new faces in this tribe," she revealed and smiled, "I hope you're not hurt too bad!" then began to laugh out loud.
 
Everyone glanced over at them and smiled too. The young ones turned to one another and blushed from embarrassment. They shrugged and wondered what they should do. Sasha turned to her fellow Amazons and spoke up, "My Queen, you didn't!"
 
Sierra calmed herself down and replied, "Good...that was a lesson in humility!" She looked over them and then over at her friends. "I am here to check up on your training," she informed and began to pace.
 
Cyane whispered to Xena, "I love this part..."
 
"Oh really," Xena responded and drank from her mug.
 
"I am Artemis's daughter, which means I am the warrior that you all strive to be," Sierra decreed. "I am a person who you don't want to cross, because, I can easily take out everyone of you!" she explained and elaborated further, "See, I have the skills do so...I've fought fierce armies and won!" She turned to them and saluted them back. "Now, stand my sisters!" she ordered and turned to leave. "I hate these formal things..." she sighed under her breath and remembered something. "Oh, by the way...I have excellent hearing..." she added further.
 
"Go, girl!" Cyane cheered.
 
"Is it true that she fought against an army?" Xena inquired.
 
Cyane nodded, "Yes, four winters ago."
 
"But, how?" Xena gasped. She half heartily believed that one person could really do that. By some chance, if she could accomplish this, I must gain this knowledge.
 

 
Cyane elaborated, "Ares, had an fierce army called the Deathlords. Their goal was to destroy anything that got into their way. Anyway, Ares promised them power and wealth if they destroyed our tribe. Artemis finally stepped in and brought Sierra to us." She took a sip from her port and continued, "Artemis came to us and warned us not to help her daughter in this battle."
 
Xena gasped and raised and eyebrow, "She told you not to fight?"
 
"Yes," Cyane nodded and continued, "She gave Sierra her enchanted bow, her sword and a chakram. This was to be Sierra's coming of age test. She was to fight them herself in order to be the Queen of all the nations."
 
"What's a chakram?" Xena inquired.
 
"It's a round disk that can bounce off of objects and come back to you," she illustrated, "It can slice through just about anything, even enchanted metals."
 
"What a weapon..." Xena wondered.
 
"Sierra, changed more than half the army into the trees, which created the forest of shadow. She killed the rest with the chakram and her sword. When she was done fighting the soldiers, she had to fight Ares's best warlord, Horede a seven foot man who had been blessed by Ares himself, with the power and strength of ten men. He was given enchanted armor, that only a few mortals would ever wear. After hours of intense battle, Sierra noticed an opening in his armor and took the opportunity to throw the chakram at him, not knowing if it would damage his armor or not."
 
Sierra silently walked up to them and overheard Cyan telling a story. "Hum...I assume you're telling Xena of my famous battle," she inquired with a smile.
 
Cyane nodded, "Of course!" She patted Sierra on the back, "I'm almost done..." she elaborated.
 
"Do tell," Xena implored.
 
"The chakram sliced through his armor, as if it was paper. It gutted him in a second as he stood in horror. All he could do was stare at me as I severed his head from his shoulders," Sierra revealed with a sigh and took a big gulp from her port. The very scene replays within her mind's eye as if was just yesterday. 'That was turning point for me...'
 
Cyane and Xena were in awe at the way she retold the final fatal moments. They turned to one another and shrugged. "Sierra?" Cyane called and asked, "Are you all right?"
 
Sierra snapped back from the past and glanced over to her. "Yeah..." she responded, "I was just thinking."
"About what?" Cyane probed further.
 
"That it was a turning point in my life," she declared.
 
"I'd say so!" Xena acknowledged with a hard pat to Sierra's back. "Let's get some more port!" she suggested.
 
FOURTEEN WINTERS LATER
 
Two woman are sleeping next to a slowly dying fire. They are wrapped tightly in their furs to keep the cold wind at bay.
 
Suddenly, Xena wakes from her restless visions. She instinctively reaches for her sword and realizes that everything's all right. "A dream..." she grumbles and notices that the fire is going out. She picks up a log and puts it into the fire. Then watches the flames grow brighter and stronger.
 
Gabrielle groans and turns over. Her peaceful dreams create a smile on her innocent face.
 
Xena turns to her friend and smiles, "Sleep well, little one." Satisfied that all is right, she lays back down to sleep. Within moments she's out again as the visions return.
 
THE PAST
 
"I'm going to bed guys," Cyane enlightened and yawned.
 
"Goodnight, Cyane..." Xena gestured and turned her attention to Sierra.
 
Sierra got up and hugged her, "Goodnight."
 
"I'll see you two later," Cyane waved as she was engulfed into the darkness.
 
"Well..." Xena sighed and took another drink. "I guess we're the night owls," she illustrated with a smile.
 
Sierra sat back down and agreed, "I guess so!" She started to take off her shirt to reveal a bra-like top. A very toned and tanned chest was underneath. "I hope you don't mind," she inquired and stretched her muscles. Then made herself comfortable and took another sip.
 
"Uh..." Xena gasped as her lusting eyes explored her late night companion's body. "No, not at all..." she finished. I've always been attracted by physically fit women. Especially, being around all these fine Amazons. I've had a hard time controlling my urges and needs. I can't get involved with them...oh...but the hunger.
 
"So...Xena are you going to stay here or at your other camp?" she explored.
Xena came back to her senses, for a moment and replied, "Uh...I'd like to stay here, if you don't mind."
 
"Good!" she acknowledged and finished her port. "Do you need another?" she offered as she got up.
 
"Okay," Xena responded. She chugged the rest of her drink and handed the mug to her.
 
"I'll be back," Sierra advised and disappeared into the darkness.
 
"By the gods..." Xena sighed and ran her fingers through her long hair. "I'm falling for an Amazon Queen, that's just great..." she whispered and tried to gain control, "Get a grip Warrior Princess..." She stood up and began to pace, "People like me don't fall in love," she reminded herself,
 
"I've got to focus..." Her heart wasn't listening to her as it continued to beat at the thought of this amazing woman.
 
Sierra was standing in the shadows watching this warrior fight a losing battle within herself. A smile crept up on her loving face at the thought of all this. She's falling for you know... She silently headed towards her with the full mugs.
 
"She's coming back..." Xena remembered and sat back down, "Get a hold of yourself."
 
Sierra crept up from behind and held the mug to her left. "Here you go," she offered.
 
This unexpected presence startled her. "Ah!" she blurted out, then took a breath and asked, "How?"
 
"Oh, sorry..." she apologized with a smile, "It's my training." She handed her the mug, "There you go."
 
"Thanks," Xena took it and drank from it.
 
Sierra sat down next to her. This should be fun... "So, did I startle you?" she inquired further.
 
"Yeah, you can say that..." Xena replied abruptly. She turned to look at this fine woman. Calm down... "So, tell me about yourself," she decreed.
 
"Well, I've been training as a warrior ever since I can remember," Sierra revealed, "I've traveled around the world for the teachings of the great ones." She took a sip and continued on, "I've mastered many arts and the art of war."
 
Xena's eyes wondered over Sierra's body and noticed the Ninjisu uniform. "You're a Ninja?" she quizzed.
 
"You can say that..." she disclosed with a smile, "Why?"
 
"I remember fighting Ninjas when I was..." Xena held her tongue, not wanting to reveal her past.
 
Sierra studied her every move and read the answer in her blue eyes. "Conquering foreign lands..." she finished.
 
"But, how?" Xena probed at this feat of mind reading. She tried to block her thoughts from Sierra. "You're reading my mind!" she gasped.
 
Sierra shook her head and laughed, "No...I can't read minds but, I can see it in your eyes."
 
Disbelieving this, Xena scoffed at the idea, "Yeah, right!" She turned to watch the fire burning away. "So, are you and Cyane an item?" she inquired.
 
She turned and replied, "Once...why."
 
"I noticed the way Cyane was looking at you," Xena responded and continued, "She always had her eye on you."
 
"It was a while ago..." she glanced into the fire and inquired further, "Why?"
 
"I just wanted to know..." Xena retorted.
 
"Anyway, it's true..." she reached over and gently turned Xena's face towards hers. "Your eyes are the doorway to your soul. You can read anyone if you just look," Sierra proclaimed and stared into her eyes again. A feeling of peace and love overwhelmed her soul. A part that she hadn't felt in a long time. It was as though there was a bond of sorts that connect them. "I didn't know..." she revealed.
 
Xena read this too in her brown eyes and everything she needed was right in front of her. Her plans for conquering the world meant nothing at this moment. She finally let herself go... She leaned over and softly kissed Sierra's luscious lips. The fire within her ignited as a burst of passion overwhelmed her senses.
 
The gentle kiss became one of fiery passion as their tongues explored one another. Their hands caressed each other's faces and hair, pushing each other closer as the kiss grew stronger and rougher.
 
"Hold on," Sierra gasped, then pulled away from her and took a much needed breath.
 
"But...I thought," Xena sighed. Her heart broke at the thought of losing this feeling.
 
Sierra realized what she may think and objects, "No...it's not that," she explained and grinned, "I had to breathe!"
 
"Good!" Xena expressed as tears of joy fell from her eyes.
 
Sierra noticed the tears and wiped them from her eyes. "I made the Warrior Princess cry," she whispered and asked, "What will everyone think?"
 
Xena pulled her close to her and retorted, "I don't care what they think..." She kissed her cheek and gently licked a trail to Sierra's ear and whispered, "only what you think," then began to kiss her earlobe and slightly nibbled it. My soul's desire for this woman overwhelms my entire being.
 
PRESENT
 
"XENA!" Gabrielle shouts and shakes her friend awake. "Come on, wake up!" she pleas.
 
Losing her best friend is not on her agenda this morning. Xena never over sleeps, nor would she let me do this. "Please, don't be dead!" she begs.
 
"I'm not dead, Gabrielle..." Xena grumbles and rubs her eyes.
 
"Xena!" Gabrielle praises, "Thank the gods..." then hugs her tight against her.
 
"All right...all right," Xena sighs and smiles, "Why don't you get the fire going and I'll get us some breakfast." She slowly gets to her feet and notices that it's almost afternoon. I never sleep this late! What's going on...
 
She heads to the small lake that's just beyond these trees. "We'll have fish today," she declares. She stops at the lake's edge and takes her leathers off, then jumps into the cold lake and swims a bit. She dives and resurfaces with two trout, which she easily tosses to the lake's bank. They flop around, wanting to get back in the water. "Oh, no you don't!" she warns and climbs out of the lake.
 
Meanwhile, Gabrielle's packing up their gear and getting ready. Xena kept calling out Sierra's name...I kept waking up to it. "I wonder who this Sierra person is?" she asks herself.
 
Xena reaches their camp just in time to hear Gabrielle's question. How does she know Sierra's name? She walks over to Gabrielle and hands her the gutted fishes. "Breakfast is served," she announces with a smile.
 
"Great..." Gabrielle smiles back and takes the fish over to the fire. "Xena, I have question..." she states and pauses a moment.
 
"Sierra, was a very close friend..." Xena takes a deep breath and sits down. I can't believe I'm talking about this. I've closed that door for some time now. My heart still aches at the thought.
 
"Xena?" Gabrielle calls out to her best friend, "If you're not ready to talk, then I'll understand."
 
Xena replies, "No...I'm ready to it's just..." she takes a deep breath and exhales. "I haven't talked about this in over four winters now," she expresses with sadness in her voice.
 
I've rarely seen this side of Xena...I just want to hold her and tell her that it's all right. But, something tells me that she needs to let this out. "Are you all right?" she worriedly inquires.
 
Xena nods and begins her story...
 
THE PAST
MANY MOONS LATER
 
Sierra and Xena were sparring in the early morning's rays. They were blocking each other's blows and kicks with ease. Suddenly, Xena did a round-house kick to Sierra's face.
 
"I don't think so..." Sierra grinned. She observed and reacted with a quick leg swipe.
 
Xena fell flat on her back, winded and out of breath. "How did you know?" she groaned.
 
"I kept eye contact, until you looked down..." she revealed and held out her hand. "Let's try this again," she advised.
 
"All right..." Xena sighed. She grabbed her hand pulled her down on top of her. Her arms wrapped tightly around Sierra's waist and stated, "What are going to do now?"
 
Sierra held her close, "This..." She kissed her lover ever-so gently and began to kiss a trail to her neck. I knew that this would drive her insane and she loved it!
 
"By the gods!" Xena expressed and ran her fingers through her lovers hair. "You're driving me crazy..." she decreed with a smile of joy.
 
A thunderous roaring of horses were heard all round them. Yelling and shouting were also heard in the distance. "KILL EVERYONE!" a loud bellowing voice ordered.
 
"AMAZONS, ATTACK!" Cyana roared.
 
"What's going on?" Xena turned towards her voice.
 
Sierra got up and helped her up too. "A battle..." she replied, "Let's go!"
 
Cyana was beating the Tartarus out of a soldier. She looked over and noticed Sierra and Xena. "Deathlord Soldiers!" she yelled.
 
The other Amazons were in their own battles to the deaths. Amazingly, they were doing just find and didn't need any help. Even the young ones kept up the fight.
 
Sierra scanned the battle looking for their leader and noticed him on his mighty steed. "I'm going after him," she decreed and ran towards him.
 
"Wait!" Xena called out and ran after her. She noticed that the leader's second was speeding towards Sierra. "Oh, no you don't..." she grumbled. She lept into the air and knocked him off his horse, then unsheathed her sword and flipped it around in her hand.
 
Sierra did a flying kick and knocked him from his saddle. She landed on her feet and pulled out her sword. Suddenly, she recognized her opponent and greeted him, "Well, well it's Horede's little brother..." she added, "Deserter?"
 
"Beserter!" he roared and swung his sword at her head.
 
She easily blocked the blow and replied, "Now...now don't get irate!" then delivered a punch to his gut.
 
"NO!" Beserter groaned. He doubled over and is kneed in the face, then flew back and landed hard on his back.
 
Sierra glanced over and noticed that Xena missed a block. She was about to be stabbed through. "NO!" she yelled and threw her chakram at him. It slit his throat, a soldier's behind him and rested in the chest of another.
 
Xena smiled and pulled the chakram from the dead warrior's chest. "Deadly..." she recited and turned to Sierra's direction. Then realized that a sword was thrust into her lover's stomach. "NO!" she bellowed and ran to her aid.
 
Sierra looked down and Beserter's sword was inside her to its hilt. "No..." she groaned and backhanded him.
 
Beserter flew back a step or two, pulling with him his sword from her body. "I've avenged your death, brother!" he roared and raised his arms to the sky. He looked over at his dying victim and uttered, "I bet you didn't expect that!"
Xena came up behind him and used the chakram to slit his throat. "I bet you didn't either..." she decreed as he fell to the ground dead.
 
Sierra fell to her knees in the dirt. "I took my eyes..." she sighed.
 
Xena held her fallen lover close to her and assured her, "It's going to be all right, Sierra." Her heart is dying along with her lover. Tears were flowing from her eyes as she comforted her, "Sierra, you're going to be fine..." She covered her mortal wound and tried to stop the bleeding. "I'm not going let you die!" she decreed with utter hopelessness.
 
Sierra started to cough up some blood and whispered to her, "Xena, take the chakram..."
 
"No...you'll be all right!" she decreed.
 
She took a shallow breath, "It belongs to you..." Pain erupts through her entire body as it started to shut itself down.
 
Realizing her lover was now dying she pleaded, "Please...by the gods don't you dare leave me!"
 
"I love you, Xena..." she whispered. She caressed her lover's face, which smeared her blood on Xena's beautiful face.
 
Xena began to cry and whispered back, "I love you too, Sierra..." She leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "You're my light..." she revealed and added further, "my soul mate..." Sierra's body went limp and she closed her eyes one final time. Xena held Sierra's body close to hers and wailed, "NO!" she broke down and wept, "No...no..."
 
A burst of white light appeared in front of Xena. Within a moment, it changed into Artemis. Her saddend eyes look down upon her fallen daughter. "Sierra...no..." she whispered and glanced over at Xena. "Can I have my little girl?" she inquired with the same sadness in her eyes.
 
Xena nodded and handed her to Artemis. "I loved her with all my heart and soul..." she revealed and wiped tears from her eyes.
 
"I know..." she acknowledged with a loving smile. She wrapped her loving arms around her fallen daughter and they both disappear.
 
Xena sat there looking at her hands, which were covered in her soulmate's blood. "Sierra...no..." she bellowed out as tears continued to flow from her eyes.
 
PRESENT
 
Xena is beginning to tear up as all her emotions let loose. "That's when I turned..." she revealed.
 
Gabrielle's heart broke at her loss... "Xena, I'm so sorry..." she apologizes her, "I didn't mean to..."
 
Xena interrupts, "It's all right," My heart feels a little better than before... "I needed to let it out," she acknowledges. A small smile forms on her sad face as she wipes the tears from her eyes.
 
Gabrielle hugs and comforts her, "Xena, you amaze me everyday!"
 
"What do you mean?" Xena responds.
 
"Under that warrior exterior..." she pauses and continues, "there's wonderful woman with heart of gold."
 
"Gabrielle..." Xena retorts and elbows her.
 
"Face it, I'm right..." she insists and elbows her back.
 
"You're right!" Xena acknowledges and gets up. "We should leave now, maybe we'll make it there before dark," she advises.
 
LATER THAT DAY
 
"The end," Gabrielle finishes and looks over at her walking companion.
 
"That was good, Gabrielle..." Xena acknowledges with a smile. "The town is just over that hill," she informs.
 
"Good, I'm starving!" Gabrielle declares and rubs her stomach.
 
A woman's screams are heard. "LEAVE US ALONE!" she shouts. "CLANG!" the sound of a frying pan hitting a helmet is heard too.
 
"We have nothing!" a male voice pleads.
 
"Come on, Gabrielle!" Xena yells and runs towards the commotion.
 
"I'm right behind you!" she replies and follows her lead.
 
There are twenty heavily armored soldiers beating five traveling villagers.
"Give us all your valuables!" the leader orders and backhands one of the villagers. Getting annoyed at their lack of values and shouts, "Kill them all!"
"I don't think so!" Xena shouts and flips into the air. "YIYIYIYIYIYI!" she cries out and lands in the middle of the horde. She begins her assault on them, knocking them one by one down.
 
Gabrielle reaches the scene and is ambushed by two sword wielding soldiers. They easily are succumbed by her staff and are knock to the ground. A lone soldier sneaks up on her and hits her in the back, with his spear.
 
The soldier's blow knocks Gabrielle's staff from her hands as she falls to the ground. She instantly gets to feet and gets into a fighting stance. Her staff is thrown into the awaiting hands of an on-coming soldier. He uses her weapon against her and swings it at her. She ducks and leg swipes him and he lands hard on his back. This causes him to throw her staff into the air, once again. She notices that there're six soldiers coming for her, then looks around for a weapon but, there isn't any. "Xen-" she starts to call out.
 
A warrior, dressed in black, flips into the air and catches her staff. The dark one lands in front of her and commences a violent assault on the attacking soldiers, knocking them back in lightning speed.
 
By the gods...this warrior fights as good as Xena! He's faster than Xena with the staff... She looks over at her friend and she's doing just fine on her own. "I think she's having too much fun!" she sighs. She could easily knock them senseless but, she likes to get her juices flowing... She turns back to this lone warrior and notices that all nine soldiers are on the ground.
 
The warrior walks up to her and hands her the staff. "There you go, my lady..." the warrior informs and bows her head.
 
"Thank you," Gabrielle responds with a smile.
 
The warrior takes off the mask that covers her face. It reveals a beautiful woman with short black hair and big brown eyes. She replies, "You're very welcome..."
 
She notices the necklace of an Amazon Queen around her neck. "Ah...your an Amazon Queen!" she exclaims and adds with a touch of flirtation, "A beautiful one at that..."
 
Gabrielle's heart skips a beat and her ego takes another step higher. "Well..." she sighs and blushes. "My name is Gabrielle," she acquaints and holds out her hand.
 
"Beautiful name," she replies, "For a beautiful woman..." She takes her hand and kisses it gently.
 
"Ah..." Gabrielle's face gets redder by the second. I've never had woman tell me all these romantic lines. Well, except when we where at that Amazon festival... She looks up and notices the soldier.
A lone soldier comes up behind her and tries to attack her, with his sword.
 
"Excuse me, for a moment..." she expresses. She does a back flip and lands behind him.
The lone soldier stops and turns around. He swings his sword at her head, but she ducks just in time. She punches him in the gut, which causes him to drop his sword. Suddenly, she does a round house kick to his face. He flies back and is out for the count.
 
"Sorry, about that..." she notifies and adds, "Sometimes they come back for seconds!"
 
A thought forms...could this woman be Sierra? Nah...well her mother is Artemis after all! "You remind me of my best friend," Gabrielle reveals with a smile and illustrates, "You both love to fight!"
 
"Sounds like a cool friend..." she agrees and walks over to her new friend. "I'd love to meet-" she's interrupted by familiar presence behind her.
 
Xena finally finishes them off and turns to Gabrielle. She notices a warrior in black walking towards her. Her heart skips a beat...could this be? It can't...it's someone else. My gut is tells me that's it her... "Sierra..." she hesitantly calls out.
 
"Yes?" Sierra replies. She turns around and realizes that Xena is right behind her. Her heart skips a beat as she stares into those blue eyes of hers. "Xena!" she acknowledges with big grin.
 
Xena grabs Sierra and hugs her tightly. "Sierra!" she laughs and a smile grows. "I thought you were dead..." she fills in, as tears of joy fall from her eyes. "Oh, you're alive and here!" she hugs her again. Just to make sure that it's not a dream...
 
"I've missed you so..." Sierra reveals. My heart is beating so fast that I swear that it's going burst out. "I'm so sorry that I didn't come earlier," she confesses.
 
"It's all right, you're here now!" Xena decrees.
 
Xena remembers Gabrielle and turns to her. "Are you all right?" she asks.
 
Gabrielle nods, "Yes..."
 
Xena introduces her, "Gabrielle, this is Sierra."
 
"Hello, Sierra..." greets Gabrielle and adds, "Thank you, again for saving me."
 
"Sierra this is-" Xena's interrupted.
 
"We've met and you're very welcome, my Queen!" Sierra finishes.
 
"I'll go get Argo," Gabrielle notifies and runs off.
 
"So, where are you heading?" Xena inquires.
 
"Well...I was on my way to see Ephiny," Sierra discloses.
 
"We're heading that way anyway..." Xena reveals, "If you wouldn't mind some company."
 
"I'd be honored," Sierra replies.
 
"It's settled," Xena acknowledges and grabs Argo's reins from Gabrielle.
 
"Where's your horse, Sierra?" Gabrielle inquires.
 
"Ah...I can't forget Cronous!" Sierra exclaims and whistles.
 
A black stallion comes racing towards her and stops two paces from her. "Good boy!" she praises him and pets him. "Cronous, this is Xena and Gabrielle," she introduces and adds, "And this is Argo." He neighs and shakes his head, then turns to his fellow horse and does the same.
 
"It's getting dark," Xena advises, "We should stop and find a room."
 
Gabrielle spots a tavern and shouts, "FOOD!"
 
"A little hungry?" Xena slyly smiles.
 
"I'm famished!" she expresses.
 
"There's a stable," Xena makes known.
 
"Here...I'll stable them and you two can get a table," Sierra suggests.
 
"Xena..." Gabrielle whines.
 
Xena hesitates and notices Gabrielle's pouting eyes. "All right," she agrees and watches Sierra leave.
 
"Come on," Gabrielle insists and walks ahead of her.
 
By the gods...she's really here. I need to talk to her...about what? Everything...life...lost love...I wonder if she still loves me? Xena snaps out of all her thoughts and replies, "I'm coming..." She follows her young companion into the tavern.
 
The tavern is sparsely decorated as all the others they have visited. It's busy with the evening travelers, seeking dinner and warm place to rest. Everyone turns to the new guests and then back to their own conversations.
 
Gabrielle finds a table, pulls out a chair and sits down. She sits her stuff down and waits for Xena to sit. "This is quaint," she decrees.
 
"Yes, it is..." Xena acknowledges. She pulls out a chair, next to the wall and sits next to her.
 
A barkeep walks up to them and asks, "What would you ladies like?"
 
"Two ports and a cider," Xena instructs.
 
"All right," she nods and leaves to fetch their drinks.
 
"So, do you think she still loves you?" Gabrielle quizzes.
 
"Huh?" Xena blurts out.
 
"Sierra," she divulges.
 
"I don't know..." Xena replies. I hope so...my heart longs for her still, over all these winters.
 
The barkeep comes back with their drinks. "Here you go," she informs and sits them down and asks, "Would you like anything else?"
 
"Can I get a steak, some potatoes and some bread?" Gabrielle inquires.
 
"Sure," she responds and turns to Xena, "And you?"
 
"Some cheese and bread, please.." Xena informs.
 
"I'll be back," the barkeep replies.
 
"That's all?" Gabrielle interrogates and takes a drink.
 
"I'm not really hungry," she retorts and takes a sip from her port.
 
Sierra enters the tavern, carrying their saddle bags. She walks over to them and hands Xena's bag to her. "Well, they're both brushed and ready for bed," she illustrates and takes a seat.
 
"Thank you, Sierra..." Xena smiles and sits her bag next to her feet.
The barkeep walks over to her and inquires, "Would you like something to eat?"
 
"Ah...sure, can I have some cheese and bread?" Sierra responds with a smile.
 
"All right," she smiles back and leaves.
 
"Thanks, for the port..." Sierra acknowledges and takes a sip.
 
"You're welcome," Xena nods and takes another drink.
 
"So, Gabrielle you're a bard?" Sierra explores and takes another drink.
 
"Why yes, I am!" she responds and asks, "How do you know?"
 
"Oh...I noticed the scrolls," Sierra informs. She can feel Xena's eyes upon her. By the Gods...I just want to lean over and kiss her.
 
"She's the best bard by far, that I know!" Xena illustrates and finishes her drink.
 
"Ah...Xena, thank you!" Gabrielle blushes and takes another drink.
 
Sierra looks over at her and then over at Xena. She makes eye contact and feels the connection again. Gods, her eyes...my heart is melting... She finishes her drink and asks, "Do you want another?"
 
"Sure," Xena nods and hands her the mug.
 
"And you, Gabrielle?" she inquires.
 
"Sure," Gabrielle answers and hands her the mug.
 
"What are you drinking?" quizzes Sierra.
 
"Cider, but I'd like to try a port..." Gabrielle retorts with a grin.
 
"I'll be back," Sierra decrees and heads to the bar.
 
"You don't drink port," Xena reveals.
 
"It's a special night," she illustrates and confesses, "And I think she does."
 
"How..." Xena half-heartily objects and rebuttals, "You're not her." You're so true, little one...
 
"No," she replies and elaborates, "Her eyes gave it away." Gabrielle turns to her and raises an eyebrow. "Xena, you can't tell me you didn't notice," she advises.
 
The barkeep and a helper, come back with their food. "Here you go ladies, enjoy!" she notifies and leaves.
 
Sierra approaches with their mugs and sits them down. "Here you go," she smiles and takes a seat.
 
"Thanks," Xena and Gabrielle responds together.
 
Sierra looks over at the all the food that's in front of this beautiful Queen. "By the gods, hungry are we!" she expresses.
 
"She eats a lot for being so small," Xena acknowledges and adds, "And where it goes, no one knows!" She laughs and puts her hand on her companion's shoulder, then tears a piece of bread and eats it.
 
Sierra smiles, tears a piece of bread and eats it too. She takes another drink and eats some cheese.
 
"So, tell us how you came back..." Gabrielle probes for some information as she digs into her food.
 
She looks over at Xena and begins her story. "Well, when I died..." Sierra takes a drink, "my mother took back to Mount Olympus." She eats more bread and continues, "She gave me some ambrosia and it brought me back."
 
Xena lovingly stares at her and hangs on her every word, then takes another sip from her port.
 
"Then I was sent to far lands..." she reveals with a sigh and finishes, "I wanted to find you..." Sierra looks into her blue eyes and responds, "But, as the seasons went by I realized that maybe it wasn't meant to be," then finishes her port in one big gulp.
 
"No..." Xena blurts out and put her hand on hers. "Not then..." she illustrates and suggests, "We were young." Then finishes her port and lovely stares over at her.
 
"Maybe..." Sierra sighs and looks into her empty mug. Not wanting to stare into her loving eyes...for fear of falling into them again. Not that would be bad...but...
 
Gabrielle finishes her drink and burps. "Excuse, me!" she utters and declares, "This isn't half bad!"
 
Sierra and Xena look over at their excited friend and burst out laughing. "Well, you know you should be careful..." Xena advises, "It'll sneak upon you."
 
"I'm a big girl, Xena..." Gabrielle informs and suggests, "I think I'll have another!"
 
The barkeep comes back and inquires, "Would you ladies like a refill?"
 
"Sure!" Gabrielle blurts out.
 
Sierra responds, "Yes, please."
 
"Sure," Xena nods.
 
"Okay," the barkeep smiles back and takes their mugs.
 
Xena inquires, "Oh, we also need two rooms."
 
"Well, all we have is one left..." she informs and asks, "would you like it?"
 
Xena looks over at her companions and nods, "All right."
 
"We'll get it ready for you all," she decrees and leaves.
 
"I guess we're all going to be bed buddies!" Gabrielle shouts. I'm feeling something...warm and happy...that's it! She looks over at her friends and notices that there's a pink aura between the two. "Wow..." she gasps.
 
"What is it Gabrielle?" Xena worriedly questions.
 
"I can see this pink aura around you two..." she declares with a smile.
 
"My Queen, I think you're buzzed!" Sierra suggests with a smile.
 
"Maybe, you shouldn't drink anymore..." Xena recommends.
 
Gabrielle proclaims, "I'll be fine, Xena!"
 
The barkeep comes back with their drinks and expresses, "Here you go. Do you want to pay for everything now or later?"
 
"How much is it?" Xena inquires and digs for her bag of dinars.
 
"For the food, drinks and the room..." she adds it up and replies, "Thirty dinars, please."
 
"I've got it," Sierra implies and lays fifty down. "And your tip," she declares.
A big smile erupts on her face and thanks her, "You're so generous."
 
"You don't have to do that," Xena insists.
 
"I wanted to..." Sierra decrees with a smile.
 
Suddenly, a winded Ephiny rushes in and calls out, "Sierra!" She finds her sitting with Xena and Gabrielle, then runs to her table and slams her hands on the table out of breath. "I've got..." she takes a deep breath, "bad news..."
 
"Slow down," Sierra calms her and pulls out a chair, "Here, sit and tell me."
 
She looks over at Xena and Gabrielle and greets, "Hello, Xena and Gabrielle," Then turns to Sierra and discloses, "Morgana is coming!"
 
"Who's Morgana?" Gabrielle asks and takes a drink.
 
"A ruthless Amazon whose only goal is to destroy our peaceful existence!" Ephiny decrees.
 
"Here," Xena says and hands her the mug.
 
"Thanks," Ephiny nods and drinks from it. "She wants you, Sierra..." she reveals.
 
"I know..." Sierra replies and takes a large gulp from her port.
 
"What does she want with you?" Xena questions.
 
"My title..." Sierra answers and finishes her drink. Then adds, "and my life." She gets up and informs, "I'm going for a walk."
 
"Wait," Xena utters and gets up. "We need to make a plan," she advises.
 
Sierra turns to her and stares into her eyes. I've got be alone now... "We will..." she decrees and grabs her bag. Then turns and leaves them in the tavern.
 
"Xena, what are we going to do?" Gabrielle surveys and puts her hand on her arm.
 
By the gods, I want to follow her and talk to her...in a few... "I don't know," Xena responds and sits back down. "Tell me about Morgana," she asks.
 
"Well, she was part of our sister tribe to the west..." Ephiny discloses and continues, "She's a Shamaness, who turned dark and lusted after power."
 
"What about Sierra?" Gabrielle quizzes.
"Power?" Xena utters. She eyes her and feels that she's hiding something. "There's something else," she probes further.
 
Ephiny nods yes, "Well, they were an item at one time or another." She takes another sip and reveals, "Sierra found her giving her allegiance to the dark one. She broke it off and banished her from the tribe." Then finishes her drink and continues on, "Ever since then, Morgana has been gaining a army. She wants Sierra's title and revenge."
 
Gabrielle's stunned and gasps, "By the gods..."
 
"How many warriors does she have?" Xena quizzes her and tries to stay focused.
 
"From what I heard, she had at least a hundred or so..." she shrugs.
 
"How many Amazons do you have?" asks Xena as a plan forms in her mind.
 
"We have fifty," Ephiny replies and realizes what she's thinking. "I've sent word to the other tribes for reinforcements. It's going to take a moon for them to get here," she illustrates.
 
"Good," Xena acknowledges and probes further, "Where is Morgana's army now?"
 
"Maybe a day's travel or less..." she sighs.
 
Xena shakes her head and expresses, "That's cutting it real close..."
 
"All the Amazons are getting ready as we speak," she reveals.
 
"Good," Xena acknowledges and suggests, "Why don't you take Gabrielle back to the tribe and keep her safe," then gets up and sits her bag on the table.
 
"But..." Gabrielle says and stands.
 
Xena puts her hand on her shoulder and discloses, "I need you there." She hugs her and reveals, "I want to make sure everyone's ready, okay?"
 
I can't win... Gabrielle nods, "All right..."
 
Sierra walks back in to the tavern and notices everyone getting up. "Going back to the tribe?" she inquires.
 
"Yes," Ephiny replies and stands. Then gestures to Gabrielle. "We should go," she advises and puts her hand on Sierra's arm. "We'll see you in the morning," she discloses.
 
"Be careful," Sierra decrees.
Gabrielle slightly grins and comforts her. "We're here to help..." she puts her hand on her forearm, "It'll be all right," then follows Ephiny out of the tavern.
 
The barkeep comes up to her and informs, "Your room is ready," then points towards the stairs, "It's the last door on your right."
 
"Thank you," Sierra replies and looks over at Xena who's now standing next to her. "Hello, I guess we should make it a night," she advises and smiles.
 
Xena nods and smiles back, "It's going to be a busy day."
 
Sierra leads the way towards their room. I guess I'm going to explain everything...as much as I can... She reaches their room and opens it.
 
There's a large bed to the north above it is a large window, a fireplace on the west wall along with two chairs on each side and a large wooden chest to the east. A lit lantern sits on a table next to the bed. It lights this modest room up.
 
"Home sweet home," Sierra decrees and enters.
 
Xena enters too and declares, "I think we got the best room!" She smiles and shuts the door. "I'll get the fire going," she informs and sits her bag next to the bed.
 
Finally we're alone...
 
Memories of their past flash before her eyes... A grin forms on her otherwise serious face. Sierra sits her bag next to the bed and sits down. Then continues to stare at Xena. Gods, she looks so beautiful...
 
I can feel her eyes on me... Come on warrior, chill out...it's been a long time. She turns and looks into Sierra's eyes. Yep...she still loves me...
 
She loves me still... Those baby blues can't tell a lie. It's as though we've never been apart...the feelings that I felt then are still here. "So..." Sierra's interrupted by a knock.
 
"I'll get it," Xena instructs and bolts to the door. This better be important... "Yes?" she greets firmly.
 
The barkeep is standing there holding pitcher of port and two mugs. "Hello again," she enters and sits the port down next to the bed. "I though you two would like this," she suggests and leaves, "Thank you again for the tip."
 
"You're welcome," Sierra smiles back and takes off her sword.
 
"Thanks," Xena responds and closes the door.
Sierra pours some port into the mugs and hands one to Xena. "There you go," she informs.
 
"Thanks," Xena smiles and takes a drink. She sits down on the bed and stares at Sierra. There's a lot on her mind...
 
She opens the window's shutters and sits on its sill. She notices that there's more than plenty of room for Xena to sit across from her. "I guess I should tell you what happened," Sierra discloses and looks over at her.
 
Xena gets up and sits across from her and replies, "If you want," then takes off her armor and gets comfortable.
 
"Okay..." she drinks and begins, "Number one, we weren't together like everyone says. Really close friends...nothing more. I think maybe she started the rumors. Anyway, I left and when I came back she changed into what she is now."
 
"She wanted more..." Xena states and drinks.
 
Sierra nods and runs her fingers through her hair. Sierra continues, "Well, I banished her and she swore vengeance on me. Since she couldn't have me...she didn't want anyone else to either."
 
"Well, I guess we'll have to put a stop to her ravings!" Xena decrees.
 
"We have to be careful," she illustrates and continues, "She's a shamaness...a dark one at that but, besides that she also has Ares on her side," then looks out the window up at the stars and reveals, "She's gained a lot of power over all these winters..."
 
"Well, I have a plan..." Xena informs with a sly smirk.
 
MEANWHILE
 
Ephiny and Gabrielle are riding fast and hard back to the tribe.
 
"So, what's going on with Sierra and Xena?" Ephiny asks.
 
"What do you mean?" Gabrielle replies.
 
"I got this feeling when I sat down," she reveals.
 
"Oh, about that..." Gabrielle sighs and utters, "Unrelenting love."
 
"What?" Ephiny remarks with surprise.
 
"Yeah, lost love..." she reveals and realizes that she didn't know. "You didn't know?" she inquires.
 
"No," she responds. I've heard every tale fact or fiction but, this...was a biggie. "When did this happen?" she probes further.
 
"Fourteen winters now," Gabrielle discloses and states, "Today, was their first contact since that sad day..."
 
"What do you mean?" Ephiny interrogates.
 
"The day Sierra died saving Xena's life," she divulges and proceeds, "She died in her arms. Her death pushed Xena over the edge."
 
"Sierra died?" she gasps.
 
"Yes..." Gabrielle repeats and asks, "You didn't know that either?"
 
"NO!" she retorts and expresses, "I can understand how Xena felt..."
 
"Me too," Gabrielle sighs. Memories of Perdicus's death flash before her eyes. "The loss of your soul mate..." she envisions Xena's tragic loss and goes on, "Then today your face to face with each other in the flesh. Everything you were and are comes to blows," she illustrates and adds, "Xena's so strong..."
 
"Yes she is," Ephiny acknowledges and states, "You have the best friend, that everyone desires."
 
Gabrielle smiles and agrees, "I guess I do."
 
"We're almost there," she informs.
 
"Good!" Gabrielle expresses, "My butt's asleep!"
 
MEANWHILE
 
"That's a good plan," Sierra decrees with a smile and gazes into the heavens.
 
"Thanks," Xena expresses and inquires, "So, tell me what's going on in that beautiful mind of yours?"

"I was thinking..." she informs.
 
"About what?" Xena probes further and adds, "You know you can tell me anything."
 
"I know," she nods and discloses, "All those lonely nights after that day..." Sierra looks away and continues, "wondering if you ever thought about me..."
 
Xena moves closer to her and gently turns her head towards her. "Yes," she reveals and discloses further, "After all those battles I would leave my camp and wonder the same thing. Sometimes, I would envision what it would have been like if you had lived."
 
"What did you see?" Sierra explores.
 
"Me, actually settling down!" she divulges.
 
"But, that wasn't you..." Sierra suggests and decrees, "and that wasn't me."
 
"I know," she makes known and continues, "But, it was the happiest time that I've had since childhood."
 
"Really?" Sierra asks.
 
"Yes, you brought happiness, friendship and love into my otherwise dark heart..." Xena confesses and proceeds, "You brought my life meaning." She looks into her eyes and falls into them again, then leans over and kisses her on the lips.
 
Their lips gently meet as if was their first time. They let themselves go as it becomes stronger and harder. They pull each other closer as the kiss becomes fierce. All their pent-up love rises to the surface. Then it slowly ends and they look into each other's eyes.
 
"By the Gods..." Sierra gasps with a smile.
 
"What?" Xena worriedly asks.
 
"It feels as though we were never apart," she reveals with a smile.
 
"I know," Xena replies and caresses her face gently.

A loud pop is heard from the fire that is now going out.
 
"Let me get it," Sierra informs, then gets up and adds another log to it.
 
Xena climbs down and takes off her leathers, then sits on the bed seductively. Her loving eyes watch her lover. She's so beautiful... "Why don't you come over here..." she suggests.
 
"All right," Sierra replies and turns to see her lover. She's so lovely... She walks over and Xena gets up.
 
She takes off her shirt and advises her, "I don't think you'll be needing this." She leans over and begins to kiss her, then stops and sits back down on the bed.
 
Sierra bends over, unties her boots and takes them off too. She sits down next to her and asks, "Is this what you really want?"
 
"Yes..." she answers and pulls her close. She expresses, "More than ever," then kisses her again and buries her tongue inside her lover's mouth. Their tongues caressing each other and tasting each other. Again the kiss becomes furious and rough as their passion overwhelms them.
 
She slowly lowers Xena onto her back, then climbs on top of not letting their lips part. Suddenly, Xena flips her on her back and straddles her. She holds her arms down and smiles down at her. "Oh...I forgot you're the aggressor," Sierra decrees.
 
A wicked grin spreads on her face and pulls Sierra up. She takes off her top that covers her breasts. "You don't need this..." she states and gently kneads them.
 
Sierra reaches around and tries to pull off her slip.
 
"Not yet..." she directs and pushes her down on her back.
 
"Xena, you're driving me crazy!" Sierra declares.
 
"That's the idea..." Xena grins. She reaches down and pulls off her pants, in one swift move, revealing a tanned, very toned goddess, with a few more scars. "You've kept yourself up," she remarks and runs her hands across her thighs.
 
"You know..." Sierra expresses, "I've gotta look good for all those women!"
 
"Yeah, right!" Xena laughs and removes her slip.
 
Sierra's eyes scans over her naked body and proclaims, "You're as beautiful as I remembered." She reaches out touches her abs and grins.
 
Xena moves her right leg and positions it between Sierra's legs. She rests it next to her lover's crotch and slowly climbs on top of her. Ever-so softly letting her tongue lick a trail from her abdomen up to her breasts. Where she kisses it, takes one nipple and gently suckles, letting her tongue play with it as it starts to perk up. She tenderly bites it as Sierra jumps slightly. Sierra runs her hands through her long dark hair and pulls her towards her. She innocently asks, "Yes?"
 

 

"Come here," Sierra commands and draws her closer for a kiss. She kisses her as her tongue pries Xena's lips open. She gives in and lets her fill her. She commences to rub her knee into her womanhood and feels her wet warmth. A soft moan leaves her lover's mouth.
 
Xena pulls away and goes to the other breast. She takes its nipple and grazes it with her tongue. Her right hand embarks on a journey over her body, towards her lover's center. She moves her knee and lets her hand continue where it left off. Her strong fingers caresses her and rubs its nub. Sierra groans as she's getting wetter by the second. She rubs faster and harder as her lover is about reach her climax. Then stops and evilly states, "Oh not yet, love..."
 
"Huh?" Sierra sighs and takes a deep breath, then runs her fingers through her hair.
 
Xena kisses a trail to her lover's mound. She stops and deeply inhales her musky scent. "By the gods...you smell so good!" she declares and lowers her mouth to her prize.
 
She wraps her strong arms around her legs and begins to taste her lover.
 
Sierra ever so softly moans at lover's contact.
 
She continues her attack on her lover's clitoris. She holds her tight as her body begins to quiver. I'm already there...lover. She gets ready as Sierra climaxes and commences to lap up all her juices.
 
Sierra sighs heavily and takes a long deep breath. "Come here..." she notifies and looks down at her.
 
"Yes?" Xena replies as kisses her inner thigh. She wipes the excess juices from her lips and climbs up to her. "So, are you a geyser now?" she inquires with a smirk, then leans over and kisses her.
 
Sierra flips her to her back, in split second. "I'll show you a geyser..." she decrees and kisses her neck. She kisses a trail to her breast and licks a circle around the nipple. Then takes it into her mouth and lets her teeth graze up it. Her knee finds its place between hers and rubs oh so softly.
 
Xena shivers and lets out moan. "I didn't do this to you..." she admits with a whimper. Then gyrates against her lover's knee. I can't take much more of this...
 
She licks a trail from her breasts, over abs and towards her mound. "Not so fast, lover..." Sierra advises and moves her knee. With her right hand, she caresses around her prize and along her inner thigh.
 
"For the love of Zeus..." Xena groans.
Sierra kisses a trail past her mound towards the ultimate prize. She softly blows upon it which, causes her to tremble beneath her. She lets her tongue graze upon her nub and gently sucks it in.
 
Xena moans and shutters as she reaches her climax.
 
Sierra laps up all her juices and continues her assault. She wraps her arms around her thighs and holds her down for another round.
 
Before Xena could recover, she's back to taking short shallow breaths. I'm going to get her for this... Her legs starts to quiver as she's about release herself again. Within a moment she's spent again and lays there trembling.
 
Sierra kisses her inner thigh too and wipes her mouth. She climbs up and leans on her right arm, then caresses Xena cheek and expresses, "You're a goddess..."
 
Xena grins and pulls her close to her. "I love you," she whispers and kisses her lover's warm lips.
 
Sierra lays her head on her lover's chest and replies, "I love you too..." She reaches over, grabs a blanket and covers them from the chilly night air, then closes her eyes and is out.
 
Xena sits there for a moment and runs her fingers through Sierra's hair. We're finally together...I'm not going let anything happen to you, love.... She closes her eyes and falls fast asleep knowing that her soul mate is sleeping on her.
 
THE NEXT MORNING
 
Xena wakes first and notices Sierra's arm is laying on her stomach. She turns and her head is on resting next her shoulder. "You're so beautiful..." she whispers. Then slowly gets up, making sure not to wake her lover up.
 
Sierra turns over and continues to sleep.
 
"I love you..." she expresses and covers her with the blanket. She gets dressed, grabs her stuff and heads out the door.
 
Xena reaches the stable and gets Argo ready for their journey. "We've got a busy day ahead of us," she informs.
 
I'm getting a disgusting feeling in my gut... She looks around the barn for a sign of someone.
 
Ares appears before her and greets her, "What a beautiful day for a battle!"
 
Xena's not surprised and inquires, "What do you want?"
 
"Xena, I just wanted to talk..." he informs.
 
"I'm busy," she decrees.
 
"Oh yeah..." he smiles and reveals, "Your plan of leaving Sierra here while you fight Morgana."
 
Xena's amazed and expresses, "Do you have a point?"
 
"Sierra is going to be bit upset..." Ares discloses.
 
"I can deal with her," she reveals.
 
"If you fight her and win..." he advises and continues, "there's a price that you're going to have to pay."
 
"There's always a price," Xena states.
 
"This one's a biggie," he illustrates and inquires, "Are you willing to pay it?"
 
Xena turns to him and responds, "Yes..."
 
"This battle doesn't involve you," Ares asserts and explores further, "Does she mean that much to you?"
 
Xena retorts, "YES!"
 
Ares finally realizes something and proclaims, "You're in love with her!" He starts to laugh and adds, "The mighty Warrior Princess is in love!"
 
"I don't have time for this!" Xena grumbles and leads Argo out of the stables.
 
"If you go through with this," he warns and continues further, "I won't be able to help you."
 
"I never asked you for any help," she decrees and leaves.
 
"Fine!" Ares shrugs and disappears.
 
Xena reaches the Amazon's tribe and notices Gabrielle talking to Ephiny. She gets off of Argo and instructs a young Amazon, "Can you tie her up?"
 
"Sure," she nods and takes his reins. Then leads her off to where all the other horses are at.
 
"Is everyone in position?" Xena inquires and scans the battle field.
 
Ephiny nods, "Yes, Oh...our reinforcements came early," she points to the trees and adds, "There're out there too."
 
"Good," Xena nods.
 
Gabrielle notices that Alex isn't here. "Where's Sierra?" she probes.
 
"She's at the inn," Xena abruptly replies.
 
"Is that wise?" Ephiny raises an eyebrow and continues, "This is her fight too."
 
"Yeah, Xena maybe she should be here too..." Gabrielle acknowledges.
 
"She's safe there," she retorts and decrees further, "End of discussion."
 
Gabrielle and Ephiny shrug at one another.
 
Sierra flips through the air and lands near them. "Xena, I'm the Queen..." she states and continues, "I can take care of myself." She turns to the others and greets, "Morning."
 
"Hello," Gabrielle nods.
 
"We're ready," Ephiny informs.
 
Xena turns to her and pulls her to the side. "I didn't want anything to happen to you," she reveals.
 
"You're letting your heart speak for you," Sierra discloses and states further, "But, your mind tells you that I'm an asset."
 
"I know..." Xena agrees and illustrates, "I don't want to lose you again."
 
"You're not going to lose me..." she decrees.
 
"Ah...how romantic!" a mighty warrior exclaims. She's clad in black armor and rides atop a large black steed, who's covered with armor as well.
 
"Morgana..." Sierra reveals and turns towards her voice.
 
"You remembered me," Morgana states with a grin and adds, "I'm flattered."
"Well, don't be..." Sierra declares.
 
Morgana a mischievous smile erupts as she notices Xena and her friends. "Well, isn't this special..." she sighs and continues, "Xena...the warrior princess, here in the flesh. Oh...how I've longed to meet you."
 
"I can't say the same," Xena decrees.
 
"I'm sorry to here that..." Morgana replies and shrugs. "Time's up, Sierra!" she declares and whistles.
 
An hundred or so warriors appear behind her. They have their swords drawn and ready for the battle.
 
"What do you think, Sierra?" Morgana inquires, gesturing to her men.
 
Sierra isn't impressed and expresses, "Is this all that was left from under all those rocks?"
 
Morgana's enraged, signals the attack and roars out, "KILL EVERYONE!!!"
 
The soldiers charge, yelling and shouting all the way. They run through the dense forest towards them. All of a sudden, they are attacked from above. Amazons jump from the trees and land upon them, which knocks them out. Arrows are shot from the trees, pelting the unfortunate. The few that pass them, fall into pits full of spears. Complete chaos is covering this battle field.
 
Sierra turns to Xena and smiles. "Till the end," she says and runs towards Morgana.
 
Visions of the last battle flashes to her eyes. "Sierra..." Xena utters and follows.
 
"Come on!" Ephiny shouts back to Gabrielle.
 
"I'm right behind you," she replies.
 
Morgana scans this slaughter and grumbles, "You're so cleaver...Sierra." She turns and spots Sierra coming for her, then pulls out her sword and charges towards her.
 
Xena's path is blocked by two sword wielding soldiers. She pulls out her sword and they attack. She easily blocks their blows and knocks them back. As they come at her again, she swings her sword and slices their guts open, then flips over them and continues the chase.
 
Ephiny dodges a battle ax to the head. She hits her assailant in the gut and he doubles over, then knocks him in the back of head with the butt handle of her sword. He falls to the ground in a heap. She turns and looks over at Gabrielle.
Gabrielle is just finished serving a final blow to her attacker. "I'm fine..." she nods.
 
"Great job!" Ephiny commends.
 
"Thanks!" replies Gabrielle.
 
Sierra jumps into the air and knocks Morgana off her horse. She lands on her feet as does Morgana.
 
"Are you ready to die?" Morgana asks.
 
"Are you?" Sierra rebuts and pulls out her sword.
 
"AHHHH!" Morgana cries and attacks her with her sword.
 
Their swords strike each other. Morgana pulls out a dagger and swings it towards her gut. Sierra jumps back in time and kicks it from her hand. Then pushes her back a few feet.
 
Morgana notices Xena is coming towards her and utters, "So, you both want to fight me..." She begins to chant and reveals, "So be it!"
 
A bright light flashes within her and another Morgana steps from her body. The second one rushes Xena and attacks with her sword.
 
"Leave her out of this!" Sierra decrees.
 
"No..." she nods and adds, "I'll have fun killing you both!" Morgana rushes her and swings her sword at her head.
 
Sierra ducks and slashes her in the gut. "You're losing your touch Morgana..." she reveals and remarks further, "I guess you shouldn't spread yourself too thin!"
 
Xena easily blocks her sword and hits her in the gut. Knocking her back a step or two. She taunts her, "Come on..." she twirls her sword in her hand, "You're supposed to be this great Amazon."
 
"How dare you!" the second Morgana roars and charges her again.
 
She reaches for her gut and notices blood on her fingers. "ARES!" Morgana cries out.
 
Sierra taking this moment to rush her, is suddenly hit by a ball of red light, causing her to fly back twenty feet and land on her knees. The light creates a red barrier around her arms, which she can't move. She tries to struggle but, it does no good. Then realizes this and roars, "What? You can't fight your own battles anymore!"
 
Xena kicks the second Morgana back and causes her to land hard on her back, winded. She turns to check on Sierra and notices her on the ground. "NO!" Xena bellows and realizes that the second Morgana is up and ready.
 
"Thank you, Ares..." Morgana responds with a smile.
 
"I'm always at your service," Ares replies and appears behind her.
 
"Sometimes, Sierra..." she illustrates and continues, "I needed that little advantage." Morgana slowly walks up to her and decrees, "Time to die..." She swings her sword back for the kill. When a bolt of white light strikes her in the chest, which sends her back ten feet, then lands hard on her back on the ground.
 
"What the..." Ares ponders. Then another bolt of light strikes him and sends him flying into a tree. He lands on the ground in heap and shakes off the blow. "Ah...little sis," he utters, "That was good." He gets up and shakes the dust off of him.
 
Artemis appears next to Sierra and orders, "Stay out of this, Ares! I'm warning you!" She turns to her daughter and smiles, "You're free, sweetheart."
 
The red barrier disappears and Sierra is once again free. She looks up at her mother and grins back. "Thanks mom!" she expresses and gets up.
 
"You're welcome baby," she acknowledges and disappears.
 
"Fine..." he sighs and disappears.
 
Xena stabs the second Morgana in the stomach and kicks her off her sword. She falls to her knees, with another swing of Xena's sword she's decapitated. Then turns to Sierra's fight and watches.
 
Morgana screams out in disgust, "NO!" She wildly swings her sword at Sierra.
 
Sierra dodges and blocks them all. She slices her deeper in the gut again and Morgana drops her sword. Suddenly Sierra swings her sword again and beheads her, in one quick move.
 
Then stares at her body and puts her sword away. "It's finally over..." Sierra whispers.
 
"Yes, it is..." Xena confirms with a gentle touch on her shoulder.
 
"Thank you," Sierra thanks with a smile and adds, "I couldn't have done it without you."
 
"You're very welcome," she replies back and pulls her away from Morgana's body. "So, what are you going to do now?" Xena inquires with a mischievous grin.
Sierra responds with another grin of her own, "I guess we could figure that out together..."
 
They walk away from the bodies and continue their private discussion. The bodies begin to glow and a bright ball of light leaves each of the dead bodies. Then hovers into the air and pulsates.
 
Gabrielle looks over at her triumphant friends and notices the orbs. "What in Zeus..." she bellows.
 
Sierra and Xena turns to find out but, it's too late. The orbs fly straight for them and strike each one in the chest. Sending them back ten feet and landing hard on their backs. The orbs' light surrounds their bodies and engulf them. Within a second it's all over.
 
She gets to her knees and gasps for air. "Sierra..." Xena calls and asks, "Are you all right?" Then gets up and walks over to her. "Sierra..." she repeats and reaches her downed friend.
 
She gets to her knees and kicks Xena in the stomach. "Oh...I'm fine now!" she decrees as her eyes turn red. Sierra side swipes her legs out from under her. "As soon as I finish you off first!" she reveals and pins her down. Then pulls out her dagger places it against her throat.
 
Xena's on the ground before she said a word edge wise. "Sierra, what's wrong with you?" she pleas and notices her eyes. "Morgana..." she utters.
 
Sierra replies, "Finishing what I started!"
 
"Fight her, Sierra!" she advises and continues, "You're stronger than she is..."
 
"NO!!!" Sierra cries out and throws the knife to the side. She puts her hands to her head as if that would help but, it doesn't. She gets off of Xena and is possessed again by Morgana, "I'm going kill you slowly!"
 
Xena gets to her feet and expresses further, "Fight her, Sierra!"
 
"STOP IT!" she roars to Morgana's voice within herself. Sierra gets up turns to Xena and stares into her eyes. "I'm sorry.." she pleas.
 
Xena stares into her lover's sad eyes and whispers, "I love you..."
 
Sierra bows her head and raises it slowly again. Revealing her glowing red eyes and utters, "How touching..." She declares with a warning, "if I couldn't have her, then no one will!" She turns and runs towards Morgana's steed. Then leaps, lands in the saddle and rides off.
Xena just watches her lover ride off. No...this isn't over... "This is just the beginning..." she sighs.
 
Ares appears next to her, with large grin on his face. "Surprise!"
 
"What do you want?" she asks.
 
"How does it feel?" he probes further.
 
"What?" Xena's agitated.
 
"Being an immortal..." Ares discloses with an evil grin and disappears. "Was it worth it?" his voice echoes after.
 
Xena nods and replies, "Yes..."

Gabrielle walks up to her and asks, "What are we going to do?"
 
Xena answers, "Find her." Then turns to the horizon and expresses, "I'm not going to lose her again..."