PART THREE

Chapter six

Xena was in a foul mood. After speaking with the Amazon Elder she went to tend Argo, hoping to vent some of the anger she felt before facing the bard again. She brushed down the horse, her mind furiously going through what had happened and wondering what she had missed.

Gabrielle was almost asleep when the healer came and announced that she was to be moved into a private hut. She immediately protested, for the long day had left her exhausted and all she wanted now was to rest.

"Can't it wait until tomorrow?" she complained, realizing that the incident in the forest had frightened her more then she wanted to admit. "I'm really tired and all I want to do is sleep."

Kastra looked at the girl aware that she was obviously not informed as to what was going on in the village.

"The Conqueror has decided to remain as our guest and she requested your company," the healer said and found that her words had immediate results.

"Xena's staying?" Gabrielle was surprised. The Conqueror hadn't mentioned anything of this to her during the afternoon. She immediately began struggling to get out of bed and only the cautious words of the healer made her be careful.

The hut they were assigned was the Queen's official residence. It contained a large bed with a second smaller cot set up in one corner. It also had a neatly carved table and chair set, a long bench covered in soft cushions, a fireplace and it's own private wash facilities. Gabrielle ignored everything but the bed which she eagerly sought out, climbing under the blankets.

It was a long time before Xena felt calm enough to return to her lover. The small dark haired warrior who had escorted her from the border that morning, now led her through the village to a hut near the center. She recognized it as the Royal residence. A pair of tall, slender Amazon warriors were stationed by the entrance. She glared at them briefly before stepping into the hut.

She paused inside the doorway, her eyes quickly sweeping around the room, surveying every angle and recess like a warlord searching for treasure. She found it, laying on the bed in the middle of the room. The girl turned her head.

"Xena," she murmured softly.

The Conqueror closed the door quietly, placing the saddlebags on the table before crossing over to the pallet and kneeling on the ground so that their faces were level.

"How are you doing?" she noticed a slight flush to the girl's features and worried that they had overdone it that afternoon.

"Just a little tired," the bard admitted truthfully. She gave her lover a weak smile. "I'm not used to all the excitement."

"You can sleep now," Xena said. "I will be right here if you need anything."

"Xena," the bard said quietly.

"What?"

"Is everything okay?' there was a pensive expression on the girl's face.

"It is now," the warrior replied tenderly brushing the blonde's bangs off of her forehead.

"Xena..."

"Shhh," the Conqueror whispered softly. "We'll talk about this later, sleep now."

"Okay," the girl sighed closing her eyes before letting them flutter open again. "Xena."

"What sweetheart?" the warrior asked patiently

"I enjoyed today, thank you," the girl said simply.

"Anytime love," the Empress felt a lump of emotion catch in her throat and unable to prevent herself, she leaned forward and brushed her lips across the girl's warm brow. "Now go to sleep."

The girl mumbled something in response and within minutes she was asleep, her soft snoring the only sound that could be heard in the quiet room. Only then did Xena take her eyes off her lover. She cast a severe glance around the room, noticing the positioning of everything from the window to the narrow cot nearby. The warlord inside her was calculating a variety of ways she could protect the bard if someone chose to mount another attack.

It was late into the night before Xena finally extinguished the candles in the hut and lay down next to her young lover. She curled her body around the sleeping woman, savouring the warmth that was coming off the girl. She could only sleep now that she had rigged small traps around the hut to prevent anyone from trying to attack them while they slept. She lay up against the bard, draping her arm over the slender waist and fitting her body tightly next to the girl's before closing her eyes.

Gabrielle woke in the night and felt the warmth of her lover snuggled up against her back. She carefully twisted around so that she was facing the woman she loved. It was so rare that she ever caught the Conqueror asleep that she took the time to study the sleeping face.

Xena looked so peaceful. The dour expression and the tiny lines that crinkled the corners of her eyes were gone. She looked so much younger and more vulnerable then when she was awake. A warmth and contentment settled over the bard's heart as she reached out and lightly traced the tips of her fingers over the woman's classical features. She knew that this was where she belonged. It was as simple as that.

Here inside this woman's arms, she was at home and she would never choose any place else. Not her home in Potedaia or the chance to Rule a Nation of Amazon's. With this thought she closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep. When she woke again she was alone and unconsciously a soft moan escaped from between her lips.

Xena glanced up. She was sitting by the table where she had been cleaning and sharpening her sword. She watched as the bard slowly woke to a new day. The sight of the younger woman stirring in those first few moments before full consciousness took over, caused a twisting pain in her chest. It was a sight that she embraced in her memory.

"Hey sleepyhead," she called softly, sliding the sword back into it's sheath and moving across the room to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Good morning," the girl smiled sleepily, opening her eyes.

"How you feeling?" the Conqueror asked brushing her hand against the bard's forehead, still worried that their excursion the previous afternoon had affected the girl's health.

"Fine," Gabrielle replied and smiled. "Last night was nice."

"Yes," the Conqueror nodded gruffly, feeling an overwhelming rush of emotion fill her heart. She stood up. "I'll ask one of the guards to fetch you something from the kitchen."

The bard unconsciously scrunched her nose at the idea. "Is there anything leftover from the picnic?"

"Yes," the Conqueror nodded her head and moved across the hut to where her saddlebags and the picnic basket were stored. She pulled out the remainder of their lunch and brought it over to the bard who struggled up into a sitting position.

"Join me," Gabrielle said patting the spot next to her and the Empress willingly obeyed, settling onto the bed next to the girl. There was a lengthy silence as they ate.

"Xena."

"Hmm," the Empress murmured picking a few grapes off a vine and passing them across to the girl who popped them into her mouth and started chewing.

"Why do you think they attacked us yesterday?"

It was a question that the Conqueror had been expecting. She was silent for a moment as she considered the answer. It was a question she had asked herself the previous night while the bard slept. It would have been simple for her to give the expected answer but she was curious as to know what her companion thought.

"Why do you think they attacked us?" she turned the question back at the girl and for an instant the bard's face burrowed into a frown.

"I don't know," Gabrielle finally sighed. She had a few hunches but she was afraid to give voice to them. She knew her companion was unpopular and the target of many plots of assassination but in this case she wasn't certain that the Empress was the intended victim. "I was thinking that I should talk to the Elders."

"About what?" the Conqueror was curious, plucking a fig from her friend's lap, aware that the younger woman had not really answered the question.

"I have to tell them what I have decided," the young woman said.

Xena was silent as she continued to pick at the various pieces of fruit aware that the room had suddenly grown tense.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" she asked quietly, hoping it was yet afraid that the girl might still change her mind.

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded her head decisively as she glanced at her companion. "I don't want to stay and rule the Amazon's. They deserve someone who was born and raised here."

Xena studied the face of her lover for a few moments before nodding her head solemnly and carefully rising off the bed and onto her feet. Her companion had made her decision and she would do nothing to make her reconsider.

"I'll get the one of the guards to summon the Council Elder."

Lesta was not really surprised when the Amazon guard came to her hut with a message that their Queen requested her presence. She had been pondering an excuse to go over and talk to the girl about Velaska. She rubbed her temples, commiserating over the problems which just seemed to keep piling up.

She knocked on the door to the Royal hut and was curtly invited inside. She stepped through the portal into the room, her eyes automatically going to the bard who was sitting up in bed. The Conqueror was lounging casually in a chair by the window, her sword perched against the wall nearby.

"Good morning, my Queen, I hope you had a good night," she bowed her head.

"Good morning and yes, I had a wonderful night," Gabrielle replied cheerfully and motioned to a chair next to the bed. "Have a seat, there are some things that we need to discuss."

The Elder did as she was requested, her nervous eyes straying over to the Conqueror whose idle posture was a mere mask for the tension that was radiating from her taut body. She turned back to the girl and waited for her to speak.

"I have been studying the Amazon scrolls," the bard began glancing across at the Empress to booster her courage. "There is a law that states the Queen can name a Regent to rule in her place."

"Yes," Lesta nodded. "But it is hardly done and only in circumstances where the Queen will be absent from the tribe for a short term. I'm not certain that the tribe would accept leadership under a Regent."

"I disagree," the young woman shook her head. "I am an outsider, and the extent of my knowledge of your society is the little that I have read. It would be better if the Amazon nation were led by someone born and raised here."

Lesta looked at the woman. She saw the set expression on the girl's face and knew that no amount of discussion would make the woman change her mind. In a way she was relieved for she knew a majority of the tribe would agree with the decision.

"Perhaps you are right though I'm not sure who the Council would consider a good candidate for the position," the Elder conceded with a sigh, her mind already dwelling on the problems that would follow.

"I think I may know someone," Gabrielle said cautiously and the older woman glanced across at the girl. "Ephiny."

"Why?" the suggestion did not really surprise the Amazon but she was curious to know the girl's reason for picking the warrior.

"Because I am certain that if your Queen Melosa had been aware that she was still alive that day, she would have given Ephiny the Right of Caste. Really it belongs to her."

"That's true enough but she is a warrior and I'm not certain she will accept it," the Elder shook her head with a frown. "She is not the most patient of people."

"Sometimes the most impatient make the best rulers," the young woman commented casting a brief glance towards the Conqueror who snorted quietly at the implication. "I have watched her and I think the Nation would accept her as their new Queen."

"She is popular with most members of the tribe," Lesta conceded, seriously considering the idea. "Queen Melosa once suggested that she had allot of possibilities, but she may not accept the Mask."

"She will accept," Gabrielle said confidently and the Elder peered at her intently for a long moment wondering if there was something this woman knew that she didn't.

She cast a sly glance at the Empress who had remained silent through this whole exchange. There was nothing on the warrior's face to indicate what she was thinking. It was the same stoic mask that she always wore. Lesta turned her attention back to the bard.

"I will approach her with your suggestion," the Elder agreed, acceding to the younger woman's wishes.

"No," the bard was not about to pass off her responsibilities on to anyone else. "I think I might have a better chance at persuading her."

Lesta looked at the determined expression on the girl's face and knew then that the young Amazon warrior would have no chance at turning down this request. The bard would persuade the warrior and then it would be up to the Elders to train her the right way.

"Are you certain that this is what you want?" the woman dared to ask one last time.

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded. "For most of my life I have relied on my gut instinct to guide me. It has never failed me. I belong some place else."

"You have no doubts?" the Elder marvelled at the confidence that this woman displayed. It was as if she was absolutely certain of where she belonged in life. That was rare in someone so young.

"No," the bard shook her head without hesitation her green eyes briefly seeking out the intense pale blue orbs that were staring at her from across the room.

"Then I will send for her," the older woman said and stood up to leave but the interview was not over.

"What have you done about the incident yesterday?" the Conqueror spoke for the first time. The older Amazon looked slightly uncomfortable.

"I have our best warrior looking into the matter," was the quiet response.

"Why are you hesitating? We all know who was involved," Xena chided the older woman as she rose slowly from her seat, like a panther uncoiling itself from a restless slumber. "If they had been a member of my army I would have dealt with the matter by now."

"Yes," the Elder nodded stiffly. "You probably would have had them drawn and quartered or put up on a cross, but that is not how we do things here in the Amazon Nation."

"No, you allow perspective assassins to run free," the Conqueror snarled. "Perhaps you secretly wished that one of those arrows had met there mark, it certainly would have solved one of your problems. What would you have done if one of those arrows had killed your Queen?"

"We would have dealt with the matter," came the cool reply.

"And if I had been killed?"

There was silence and the Elder looked into the cold blue eyes that had become dangerous slits of pale. "It has become very clear to us that it is impossible to kill you."

"Certainly it will take more then a few disgruntled Amazon's," Xena snorted and without another word stormed out the door, leaving both women staring after her.

"The Amazon's responsible can not go unpunished," the bard commented softly not entirely disagreeing with the Conqueror.

"It is a difficult situation," Lesta sighed helplessly.

"Why?" Gabrielle wanted to know and then remembered something she had forgotten. "Is it because of the challenge issued against me?"

"Yes," the other woman confessed solemnly. "There are many in the tribe who would side with Velaska. We cannot punish her. If we did, she would claim it was to prevent her from challenging for the Mask."

"But we were the victims," the bard shook her head in a slight fit of temper. "She and her friends attacked us."

"Yes," the other woman agreed. "But you are both outsiders and Velaska, as difficult as she may be, is still a Sister. The tribe is divided over the matter and many are still undecided about the treaty and the question of you being Queen. Unless this situation is handled delicately, there could be much more trouble."

"Trouble that could be avoided by doing nothing," the bard finished for the Amazon in a tense voice.

"Yes," the Elder was honest.

"Why is everyone so afraid of Velaska?" Gabrielle wondered out loud and the Elder stared at her intently.

"Because she is the type of warrior who will do anything to secure her goal," the older woman admitted with a heavy sigh.

"Then we have to make sure that doesn't happen," Gabrielle said quietly.

The Amazon looked down at the girl. "Are you still certain that you do not wish to inform the Conqueror of Velaska's challenge?"

"Yes," the bard was very sure. "After what happened yesterday I shudder to think of her reaction. She might blame not only the warrior but all the Amazon's and then we really would have trouble. Don't worry I will think of something else."

The Elder wasn't certain whether to trust the girl but if Gabrielle believed she could find a solution then she had to believe the same.

"I will send Ephiny to see you," Lesta said and then strolled out of the hut.

Xena walked around the village scowling at every Amazon who turned an eye in her direction. She was beginning to wonder why she hadn't settled the whole matter the previous afternoon when she had the Amazon in her grip. It would have been so easy to kill the woman, yet she had released the woman in spite of knowing that she was responsible. She didn't even want to think about why she had done that, because she knew of course. Gabrielle wouldn't have wanted her too yet inside she knew if the bard hadn't been there then the red headed Amazon would have been dead.

She ground her teeth together. She hated these women and felt a restless itch to snatch the bard and ride out of the village. She didn't want to get involved with these people yet she had been irrevocably drawn into their politics.

She found her way to the stables where she tried to absolve her feelings by brushing Argo. It did little to distract her thoughts and emotions and she was still upset by the time she found her way back to the Royal hut where Gabrielle waited. She paced angrily around the room uncertain that she could let matters rest. She turned and saw that the bard was watching her closely.

"You could have been nicer," the girl said softly but the Conqueror only glared.

"Only when they start treating us better," came the sharp retort and Gabrielle sensed that her lover was still tense. The Conqueror had been in a foul temper since the incident in the forest. She met the woman's gaze and then patted a spot on the bed.

"Come here," she said and then tacked on in her most pleading voice. "Please."

Xena grumbled something but did as the smaller woman requested. She was finding it nearly impossible to refuse this woman on any level and most of the time found herself unwilling to even try. She shook her head fighting to remind herself of what was happening around them.

"What?" she asked in a pouting voice as she sat down on the bed next to her lover. Gabrielle picked up one of her large hands and folded it between her own.

"Xena I'm not certain why these Amazon's attacked us," the bard said in a quiet voice. "There are some bad Amazon's but there are good ones too. You just have to give them a chance."

Xena said nothing but realized she would do whatever this woman asked.

"All right," she mumbled.

"Thank you," the bard said and leaned over to kiss the dark haired woman's cheek.

"But if they try anything again I can't promise you I won't take matters into my own hands," the Conqueror said grumpily.

"If they try anything else I will not try and stop you," the girl promised solemnly and was thankful when she saw that her lover was slightly mollified.

There was a knock on the door and Gabrielle automatically bid the person to enter. As she suspected it was Ephiny. They watched as the Amazon tentatively stepped into the hut, her eyes naturally falling onto the bed. The blond Amazon stared at the two women and then watched as the Conqueror unfolded her body and stood up.

"Sit," Xena commanded before moving over to the chair near the window. Gabrielle winced at the sound of her voice.

"Please," the bard smiled and the Amazon obeyed.

"You wished to speak with me, my Queen?"

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded. "I have been reading the scrolls in regards to Amazon traditions and laws, and I came upon a section that mentions that a Queen has the right to name a Regent to rule in her absence."

"Yes," Ephiny nodded remembering her own schooling in the laws. "It is an obscure tradition and not used very often. Usually the Princess is requested to look after the tribe in the Queen's absence, but generally that only extends for brief periods of time."

"Well, I am about to change that," the girl announced with a smile and somehow the Amazon was not surprised. "I have made no secret of the fact that I have no wish to rule the Amazon's so naming a Regent would prove to be a perfect solution to the problem."

"It would be a solution, but who would you name?" Ephiny was curious. "You haven't been with us long enough to get to know anyone well enough to trust someone to be Regent."

"But I have," Gabrielle disagreed and looked intently at the other woman.

"Oh no," the Amazon shook her head, her eyes growing wide at the realization of whom she meant. "I'm a warrior, not a politician."

"Some warrior's I know are very good rulers," Gabrielle remarked with a sly smile as she glanced at the Conqueror who only rolled her eyes in response. The bard returned her attention to the Amazon.

"I have been watching you. You are popular with the other members of the tribe and I think a little wiser then most."

"I'm a warrior," the Amazon insisted. She had never seriously considered wearing the Queen's mask.

She had always been happy with the tribes leadership.

"And I'm a bard," Gabrielle reminded gently. "Do you think I am any better equipped to run a tribe then you? Hades I'm not even a Amazon, so you are already one step ahead of me."

"I don't know," Ephiny was honest. The whole idea was a little overwhelming.

"Think about it Ephiny," the bard requested. "I know that you would be a good Regent and I would have confidence in leaving the Queen's mask in your hands. If you ran into trouble you would know where to find me and I wouldn't be the only one to help. I know that Xena would also help."

The Amazon cast a quick glance towards the Conqueror but could see nothing in the dour expression that masked her thoughts and feelings. Not for the first time she wondered what was going on inside the woman's head.

"There are others more qualified," the warrior was uncertain.

"Perhaps," Gabrielle agreed. "But I'm not asking anyone else. There is no one here who I trust more then you."

"Why?" the blond Amazon wanted to know. They were still very much strangers.

"You forget I saw you in the forest that day when I came to your rescue," the bard reminded her with a gentle smile. "You were more concerned for your Queen then you were for your own safety. If I remember correctly you were praying for her to forgive your failure when I stepped in."

"Yes," Ephiny nodded her throat suddenly clouded with emotion.

"Someone who shows such loyalty and devotion, is someone who I could fearlessly put my trust in. It is someone who I could feel confident in turning the Amazon Nation over too."

Ephiny was silent. She knew then what her decision would be. She was unable to refuse this young woman's request. She glanced cautiously at the Conqueror and saw that the tall warrior was staring at the girl with an odd expression. Privately she wondered if it was the same for the Empress.

Was she as powerless to say no to this woman as the rest of them seemed to be?

"I will think about it," she finally answered. "Have you spoken to the Elders?"

"This is my decision," Gabrielle said. "In a way the Mask really belongs to you anyway. If I hadn't been tending the Queen when she died you would have been given the Right."

"I would have been dead," the Amazon repeated echoing the Conqueror's own words and Gabrielle could almost see the smug look on the dark haired woman's face.

"Either way I think she would have liked you to have it," the girl replied. "But I want you to be aware that accepting the Mask will also have some consequences. I presume you heard what happened yesterday."

"Yes, Eponin is looking for those responsible even as we speak," the blond Amazon answered. The news had travelled quickly through the village. "It was most fortunate that nothing happened."

"I have my friend to thank for that," the bard said quietly glancing tenderly at the Conqueror who returned the steady gaze. "However, if you accept the Mask, whoever is responsible might turn their hatred on you. There is a good chance that you could also become a target. I want you to be able to live with that."

"Anyone who becomes Queen is a target," Ephiny replied solemnly.

"Perhaps, but my association with the Conqueror only intensifies that," Gabrielle said and then paused, "and because you are my choice, some might also see you as a part of that association."

"I am not afraid," the Amazon announced straightening her shoulders. "It is a honour for you to think of me and I will give this request my deepest consideration."

"That is all I ask," the bard smiled softly.

Ephiny left the Royal hut burdened with the thoughts that the bard had put in her head. She had never really thought about being the Queen. She didn't think she had the necessary skills or wisdom that was needed. She went straight to the Elders hut and sought out Lesta.

"Gabrielle asked me to be Regent," Ephiny confessed to the older woman once they were alone.

"That was a wise choice," Lesta didn't seem surprised by her announcement.

"She told you she was going to do that didn't she?"

"She mentioned it," the Elder confirmed. "I told her you were a fine choice. Queen Melosa had a high opinion of you. If anyone were to be Regent I couldn't think of a better choice myself."

"But I'm not sure I can handle the job," the warrior confessed and the other woman smiled.

"You wouldn't be alone Ephiny. You would have the help of the whole Council. You have a lot of friends in the village and that is important."

Ephiny was silent for a moment uncertain if she could handle the job or even if she wanted it. There was so much responsibility in assuming leadership of the tribe. More responsibility then she had ever had.

"But this is all talk," the Elder said with a sigh. "As you know Velaska has challenged Gabrielle for the Mask. The matter of Regent may become a mute point."

"The Conqueror should be told," Ephiny did not agree with this secret.

"Yes, but silence is our Queen's decision," Lesta shook her head staring intently at the younger woman. "For some reason she does not want the Empress to know and I think we should abide by her decision."

Ephiny glanced at the Elder knowing that it was wrong. If their places had been reversed and she was in the Conqueror's shoes then she would want to know. The Empress deserved to know even if everyone else thought that it should be kept a secret.


Chapter seven

In spite of her brave words Gabrielle wasn't certain how she was going to defend the Queen's Mask, though she had accepted the importance of it. She sat outside the hut and watched the Amazon's hurry about making preparations for the next day's celebration. It was supposed to be a happy time yet she couldn't feel the cheerfulness for which she was known.

She glanced at her lover who was sitting only a short distance away. Xena had not left her side, following her every move like a shadow. Even now supposedly relaxing in the sunshine outside their hut she could feel the tension radiate off the warrior. The Empress was restless, barely able to stay seated for any length of time.

She sighed, wondering, not for the first time, if Xena wouldn't be better off if she stayed with the Amazon's. Yet at the same time as she had those thoughts she knew that she would only leave when the Conqueror told her to go. Still the matter had to be resolved and she knew there was only one way to do that.

"You got something on your mind?" the Conqueror asked interrupting her thoughts. She had been watching the bard from the corner of her eye and had witnessed the pensive frown that marred the girl's delicate features.

"I was thinking you should go for a ride," Gabrielle said not revealing her thoughts.

"I'm not leaving you alone," Xena said abruptly even though the thought of taking Argo out for a run sounded very appealing. "It's not safe."

"It will never be safe," the bard sighed. "If it makes you feel any better I will promise not to move from this spot and I will get a whole squad of Amazon's to stand around me for protection."

The hint of sarcasm was not lost on the stoic warrior and she made her feelings known by scowling at the younger woman who only shook her head.

"Without lying to me, tell me that you wouldn't love to go for a ride," the girl dared and because she couldn't lie, the Empress remained silent. "Come on Xena, I will be okay for the short time you're gone. I'll ask Ephiny to sit with me. You trust her."

The Conqueror grumbled but the idea of getting out of the village for a few short candlemarks and the opportunity to clear her head was very appealing. She looked across at the bard and saw the entreaty in those large green eyes.

"All right," she muttered. "But only if you promise to stay right here."

"I swear," Gabrielle crossed her finger over her heart and then turned to a nearby Amazon. "Could you see if Ephiny is available to sit with me awhile?"

The blond Amazon warrior didn't dare think of turning down the Queen's request. It wasn't that she thought it was a command to keep the girl company but it was becoming more like an honour to be associated with the bard.

"I hope I didn't get you away from anything important," Gabrielle said after the Conqueror was gone and they were alone.

"No," Ephiny shook her head.

"I'm glad," the bard sighed. "Xena needed to get out of here for a while and I think the only one she trusts to look after me is you."

Ephiny felt a surge of pride at that knowledge. The Amazon's had come to recognize how important the girl was to the Empress and there in was the reason they worried now about the up coming challenge.

"Have you thought about my request?" Gabrielle asked when the silence between them began to lengthen.

"Yes," the Amazon nodded. "I would be honoured to accept your Right, but it may mean nothing, if Velaska defeats you in the Challenge."

"Does nobody think I have a chance?" the girl asked with a smile that did not reach her eyes.

"You have said it yourself, you are a bard. Velaska is a warrior. She knows many ways to kill and has done so," the Amazon was blunt, her voice grave. "You should tell the Conqueror, she is the only one who would have a good chance at defeating Velaska. She could Champion you. I know that she would do that for you."

"Yes," the bard agreed softly, knowing that her fierce lover would take up the challenge, yet at the same time she shook her head. "But there is nothing that she can do. I have read your laws and the only one who can act for me as my Champion is another Amazon."

"Then allow me to Champion you," Ephiny declared boldly.

"No," Gabrielle was quite certain. "As honoured as I am to have you put yourself in danger like that, I will not have you sacrifice yourself for me."

"You are so certain I would lose," the Amazon retorted with a hint of sarcasm.

"No, but I don't want to risk that chance," the girl said quietly. "I could not live with myself if you were to take my place and then die."

"It would be better for all the Amazon's if I were to die instead of you," the warrior corrected. "If you were to be killed in the Challenge then the Conqueror would hold all the Amazon's responsible."

"Then we better not tell her about it."

"But how do you intend to keep it from her?" Ephiny wanted to know.

"I don't know exactly," this was one point that the bard hadn't worked out yet. "I suppose I will tell her that I have changed my mind and decided to stay with the Amazon's for awhile."

"And if you die in the Challenge, how do we explain that to her?"

"You merely tell her I was killed in an accident," the bard reasoned and the other woman looked at her incredulously.

"Do you honestly think she will believe that?"

"You will have to make it convincing," the girl shrugged.

Ephiny stared at the blond woman for a long moment. She could tell that the girl was fooling herself. There wouldn't be a story good enough to hide the truth from the Conqueror.

"If my opinion counts for anything I think you are making a mistake," Ephiny said bluntly as green eyes looked across at her. "The Conqueror deserves to know."

"No," the bard was firm in her reply and silence fell between them. Suddenly Gabrielle felt incredibly weary. She looked at her new friend. "I hope you don't mind but all this talk has worn me out."

"It's because you're not completely healed," Ephiny understood the girl's need for rest. "I will wait out here until the Empress returns."

"Thank you," Gabrielle was grateful.

The Amazon watched the girl rise and disappear into the Royal hut. She could understand the woman's weariness, for the whole situation was a heavy burden to bear. She leaned back against the hut and turned her face towards the sun.



***************

On Mt. Olympus Ares could hear the bard's thoughts and he clapped his hands in glee. He would use this opportunity to his advantage. With a wave of his hand and a flash of light he disappeared only to re-emerge in the mortal realm.



****************

Gabrielle lay down on the bed inside the hut yet when she closed her eyes she was unable to sleep. She tossed restlessly, her thoughts not allowing her peace. She felt a slight breeze and turning her head she was startled to peer into the dark eyes of a bearded stranger. She sat up in bed feeling an instant of panic as she recognized who he was.

"Ares!" she blurted out his name.

"You know me," he was pleased by the recognition. He had thought he would have to go through the whole boring task of introducing himself.

"I have seen your likeness in your temples," she replied and he smiled.

"I must reward my worshippers for that," he preened and then fixed her with an intense gaze. "You do know that The Conqueror is my Chosen?"

"No," she was honest. She had heard rumours but had never given them much thought.

"Well, she is and you are making the right decision by not telling her about the Challenge," he said allowing his eyes to wander over the girl. The Conqueror had good taste he had to admit. "You must not let the Empress fight in that Challenge."

"Why?" the bard wanted to know.

"It is forbidden for me to interfere so I cannot share the reason with you," he shook his head sadly, "but know that it is for her welfare. You must tell her that you have to stay at the village as the Amazon's have asked you to remain for a transitional period. You must convince her to leave without you. It could mean the difference between life and death."

The God of War was gone before Gabrielle could ask any more questions and she was left to stare through empty space with the ominous warning bouncing around her head. There was one thing she knew with certainty. If the Gods were interested in the situation enough to make an appearance then the matter must be very important indeed.

She sat for a long time pondering what she must do. Xena was Ares Chosen and he would be most concerned about her welfare. For that matter, if it came between making a decision between her life and that of her lovers she would sacrifice herself without hesitation.

She thought about the God of War. He had said that she was doing the right thing by not telling the Conqueror about the Challenge so she had to believe that was true. Somehow that knowledge did nothing to alleviate the sadness she felt. With all chance of sleep gone, she climbed out of bed and stepped back out of the hut, rejoining her friend.

"Are you okay?" Ephiny asked perplexed by the bard's sudden appearance. She had expected the girl to sleep the rest of the afternoon away.

"Yes," she nodded giving the other woman a weak smile. "I found I couldn't sleep."

The Amazon thought to question the girl but she saw the paleness of the woman's skin and decided against prodding her any further. They sat in silence waiting for the Conqueror to return.



Xena was grateful that she had let the younger woman convince her to get out of the village for a while. The place was stifling and she knew that any minute her patience would dissolve allowing her temper to reign. It was something that she did not want to happen, aware of how it would reflect on her young partner.

She guided Argo along a narrow trail through the forest, turning the warhorse loose once they reached the open space of a meadow. She felt the wind comb its brisk fingers through her hair, and caress her bare skin, and for a moment she gave herself up to the wonderful feeling. They moved as one invincible creature, hurdling across the plain, slowing down only once they neared the forest again. She lead the powerful animal to a nearby stream, sliding out of the saddle while the horse quenched its thirst.

"I never thought I'd live to see this day," a male voice interrupted the quiet that surrounded them. The Conqueror turned to see the God of War sitting on a nearby boulder.

"What do you want Ares?" Xena was not in the mood for a visit from the man.

"I want to find out what's happening to you Xena," the God said. "I want to know why you are letting that girl boss you around?"

The Conqueror remained silent. She was determined not to get into a debate with this God. Ares only knew about war so he could not understand. She hadn't understood until Gabrielle had come into her life.

"I thought you weren't going to bother with me any more," she said with a hint of sarcasm. "After all I'm such a disappointment to you."

"I was going to leave you to suffer the consequences but the compassionate part in me couldn't just sit by and watch you get hurt," the God of War explained.

"Ares, you don't care about anyone but yourself," Xena snorted and the God pretended to be hurt by the comment.

"Now you are being cruel," the entity shook his head. "You know I care about you. You are the only one I care about."

"Then why don't you just leave me alone?" she wanted to know.

"It's because I care," he replied. "Xena, you think you know what you are doing but the truth is you are only setting yourself up for a big fall. Gabrielle is the Queen of the Amazon's, doesn't it bother you that she hasn't ordered those women who attacked you to be punished? She can do that yet she choses not to."

Xena remained silent aware of what Ares was trying to do. He was trying to make her doubt the bard and she was determined for him not to succeed.

"Think about it Xena, you have all this faith in her yet she will disappoint you just like all the others," the God prodded aware that he had planted a seed of insecurity in her mind. "Right now she is sitting back at the Amazon village discussing with her new friend how she can avoid returning to the Capital with you."

"Gabrielle does not want to stay with the Amazon's," Xena was angry that she had allowed herself to be drawn into this debate.

"I know she has told you that, but maybe there are some things she hasn't told you," he said stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Think about it Xena, put yourself in her place, would you give up the opportunity to Rule a Nation?"

"Gabrielle isn't me," she retorted.

"Perhaps in the beginning she wasn't, but more and more each day you influence her, your thoughts and actions," he paused to let those words sink in. "I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't have a change of heart."

"Gabrielle is not like that," Xena shook her head.

"You will see," the man said and before she could argue he was gone.

She shook her head, clearing it of all thought as she remounted Argo and turned him back towards the village. Ares unexpected visit and his words had put an unexplained fear in her gut. It wasn't that she believed the God of War, she had more faith in Gabrielle then that, yet when the bard was involved nothing was ever as simple as it seemed.

By the time Xena returned from her ride, Gabrielle's mind had been made up. She looked at the face of her beloved and knew that she could not wait, afraid that if she put this scene off any longer she would lose her courage.

"We have to talk," Gabrielle said, standing up and taking her lovers hand as the Conqueror approached from the stables. What she had to say to the tall dark haired woman needed to be said away from the prying eyes of the Amazon's.

Xena glanced suspiciously at the blond Amazon who remained seated and who now could not meet her gaze. Automatically her defense's went up. The Conqueror looked down at the smaller woman as she was led into the hut, an intense fear gripping her heart. Instinctively she knew that the bard had been keeping something from her, and in spite of the girl's fearless declarations she worried that something would separate them. Ares words surfaced in her head.

"Xena," she began but got no further as the Conqueror captured her in a tight embrace hoping that this action would forestall the bad news she feared was coming.

Gabrielle moulded her body against her companion, savouring the taste of the other woman's lips and the feel of her hands on her hips as they melted into each other. She wanted to enjoy this one last time before she said goodbye. It was a struggle but after a long moment she managed to break free.

"Xena we have to talk," she tried again, hoping her voice sounded firm. Xena looked at the smaller woman. "We have to talk about us."

"We will," the Conqueror said reaching up to stroke her lovers face with tenderness. "After the treaty is signed, we have all the time in the world. We can even stop at some private places I know on the way back to the Capital."

"I can't go with you," Gabrielle blurted out, struggling not to cry, "at least not right away."

There was a disturbing silence and the Conqueror's hand fell away from the bard's face. She took a step backwards, her heart hardening against the pain that threatened to engulf her senses. The expression on her face was dour. All her worst fears seemed to be coming true. She thought of Ares words, which now echoed loud and clear in her head.

"Why?" the Empress wanted to know in a cool voice.

"There are certain matters I need to take care of," Gabrielle was purposefully illusive. "Ephiny has agreed to be Regent but there are certain Rights and passages that have to be followed and then I need to stay for a transitional period to help her settle in to the position."

It was a poor excuse and under any questioning it wouldn't have stood up but the Conqueror didn't seem inclined to press her for more details. Gabrielle was unaware that Ares had visited her beloved and had set them both up for this moment.

"How long will that take?" Xena demanded, her eyes narrowing into pale slits. She had read nothing about this in any of the scrolls she had researched. She knew this was just an excuse. "How long before you make it to the Capital?"

"I don't know," the bard said quietly unable to look at the woman afraid what she might reveal with her eyes. There was a long silence as Xena refused to believe what she was hearing.

"Before you said that you didn't want to stay," she tried to remain calm. "What changed your mind?"

"You did," Gabrielle replied in a weak voice, her throat suddenly dry. "I thought about what you said and I realized this was an opportunity that I didn't want to miss."

The Conqueror didn't want to believe the girl. She wanted to call her a liar yet the word stuck in her throat. She stared at the bent head, aware that the bard could not look up at her.

"Look at me Gabrielle," the Empress commanded. "Look at me and tell me that you want to stay."

It took every ounce of strength that she possessed to lift her head and return the Conqueror's gaze without breaking down. She only managed it by thinking that she was doing it to save her lovers life. The God of War had told her as much.

"I want to stay with the Amazon's," she said in an unwavering voice.

"All right," the Empress said in a cold voice, hardening herself to the pain that filled every inch of her being. "You have made your decision. I will leave you to your Amazon's."

"Xena," Gabrielle looked across at the angry woman. "What about the treaty?"

"I will not break it," the tall dark warrior said in a harsh voice. "For now it serves my purposes to keep it. I will be back tomorrow to sign it as agreed."

Without another word the Conqueror turned and stalked out the door, the expression on her face cold and uncompromising. She headed straight to where Argo was stabled, ignoring the curious stares of the Amazon's as she tossed on the saddle she had only just removed a few moments ago. She needed to get away. She needed time to think about what she could do. Wondering what had happened in the few candlemarks that she had been gone. She vaulted onto its back with one easy motion.



**************

Ares intervention did not go unnoticed. Up on Mt. Olympus his Godly sisters were watching with intense interest to ensure that nothing else went wrong. They watched the Conqueror storm out of the hut. They saw the bard settle onto the bed in a crying heap. With a wave of her hand Artemis directed one of her own people to intervene.



***************



Ephiny had to move fast. She had been waiting outside the Queen's hut aware of what Gabrielle was intending to do. Though she had promised not to interfere she could not let her new friend make such a huge mistake. Not telling the Conqueror about the Challenge would put not only the bard but the whole Nation in jeopardy, for the Empress would one day learn the truth. She arrived at the stables just as the raven haired woman was leaving.

"Don't go," the blond Amazon reached out and put her hand on the Conqueror's leg. She felt the woman stiffen.

"Don't ever touch me," the Conqueror spat viciously and the Amazon withdrew her hand as if she had been bitten. "Nobody touches me."

"Except Gabrielle," Ephiny chanced.

"Not any more," Xena said harshly and turned her head, her heart stinging with the pain. "She is no longer interested, she prefers to stay with you and the rest of your damn Amazons."

"No, she doesn't," Ephiny hotly contested the claim, not understanding how her new friend could live with someone so hot tempered and volatile. "Gabrielle wants to touch you, just like she wants to go with you but she can't."

"Why should I listen to you?" the taller woman scowled.

"Don't listen to me, listen to your heart," the blond Amazon said. There was a long silence as the two women stared at each other. The smaller woman suddenly found the courage she had been lacking.

"Ask yourself why Gabrielle would suddenly want to stay when before all she could think about was being with you? Ask yourself what could be making her stay? Ask yourself what she hasn't told you?"

"What hasn't she told me?" the Conqueror demanded to know. Intuitively she had felt the bard was keeping a secret and now she felt a surge of hope as emotion tightened her throat.

"Someone has challenged her for the Queen's Mask," the Amazon confessed revealing the secret that the bard had wanted to hide.

"Velaska!" Xena hissed immediately knowing who would be the one to challenge her lover.

"Yes," Ephiny nodded. "She can't leave until the matter is settled."

"Gabrielle is not a warrior, she will die," the Conqueror stated the bold truth. As quickly as she had mounted the horse she was on the ground. She knew with certainty that the other Amazon would kill her partner. "I will champion her."

"You can't, you are not an Amazon," the blond warrior said. "Why do you think she kept this to herself? She knew how you would react."

"There must be another way," the Conqueror hissed.

"The only other way is if you swear fealty to her."

Xena hesitated, knowing what this Amazon was saying. Surrender, Artemis' words echoed through her head. Know real happiness or lose that chance forever. Xena glanced at the Amazon before brushing passed her and stalking across the village and into the Council hut where the Elders were meeting. She walked straight up to the older Amazon.

"You didn't tell me a challenge had been issued against Gabrielle," the Conqueror accused, glowering at the woman. Lesta looked at the intimidating warrior.

"It was not your concern, it is Amazon business."

"Let me make something clear," the Empress said in a terse voice. "If you hadn't already figured it out, anything having to do with Gabrielle is my business, Amazon's or not."

"You can not interfere."

"I can't?" the Conqueror snorted in cold amusement. "Do you honestly think I would stand by and watch as you offer up Gabrielle as some sort of sacrificial lamb?"

"It is our tradition," Lesta said.

"To Hades with your traditions, I will not let Gabrielle be murdered," the tall woman said with icy resolve and for a moment there was silence. "I will fight in her place."

"That's impossible," the Amazon shook her head. She knew the danger that Gabrielle faced and wished it could be otherwise, but she was committed to following the laws and traditions as they were written. There could be no exceptions.

"Oh?" the Conqueror raised her eyebrows. "Do your laws not allow for the Queen to have a Champion?"

"Yes but she must be an Amazon, or the Queen's consort," Lesta replied and Ephiny choose that moment to step forward. She had been hovering in the background listening to the tense exchange. She made her decision in that instant despite the bard's earlier refusal.

"I have offered to Champion my Queen," she said stepping up to the Elder. "She saved my life, now it's time for me to repay that honour."

"No one but I will champion Gabrielle," the Conqueror said in an icy voice, her blue eyes pale slits and the Amazon's knew what she was saying. The bard was her possession and only she would defend the girl.

"To be the Queen's Champion you must swear to be her loyal subject, you must swear fealty to her."

Surrender! The word once again echoed through the Conqueror's mind. She looked at the Amazon faces knowing they expected her to walk away, they knew the Empress bowed to no one.

"When is this Challenge supposed to happen?" she asked in a terse voice.

"Tomorrow after the treaty signing," Lesta said. "Velaska agreed to wait until then."

The Empress nodded. "I will be here for the treaty signing. Make certain nothing happens to Gabrielle until then."

Without another word she turned on her heel and stalked out of the hut. The Amazon's followed uncertain what the Empress was planning but knowing that there was something about to happen. They watched as she mounted her golden horse and rode swiftly out of the village.

"What do you think?" Ephiny asked the Elder.

"I don't know," Lesta sighed unable to hide her worry. The older Amazon had half hoped that some miracle would occur but she knew now that it was to much to ask. The Empress would not bow before anyone. The Conqueror would simply let the woman she loved die. It was a sad thought but one that could not be dismissed.

Xena rode all the way back to the camp where her army waited. She had needed to get away, afraid that she would have been unable to control her actions. Surrender, the Goddess' voice echoed in her head as she paced restlessly around her command tent.

"I can't," she argued out loud to herself.

"Why?" a soft voice questioned and the Conqueror whirled around to see Artemis standing by the doorway.

"I will be perceived to be weak," the Empress responded tersely.

"You are wrong," the Goddess shook her head. "Only the strongest are able to sacrifice all for those they love. You love Gabrielle yet you are afraid."

"I am afraid that one day she will look at me and see someone she doesn't like," Xena ground out between clenched teeth.

"No, Gabrielle sees who you are," Artemis disagreed and then paused so that her next words had more effect. "But perhaps it's not Gabrielle of whom you are afraid. Perhaps you are afraid of yourself. Are you afraid to see who you are?"

"I know who I am," the Empress retorted angrily.

"No," the Goddess did not accept that answer. "You have created this person to hide your real self from the world. You have been hiding since that day that Lyceus died, because that person feels pain. The Conqueror, the Destroyer of Nations feels nothing.. The Conqueror controls everything around her but Xena can't. Xena of Amphipolis is human. You want to be in control, and you can't if you give in to these feelings. It's not Gabrielle of whom you are afraid, it is yourself."

It was the truth. Xena slumped onto the pallet and stared across the room at the Goddess. She wanted to curse the day she met the bard but she couldn't. The small woman had brought her back into contact with the girl she had once been, a person a part of her still wanted to be.

"You can be everything you are," Artemis said as if reading her thoughts. "You can be that girl from Amphipolis again and not have to give up being the Conqueror. These parts of yourself can live together. You don't have to be afraid of that."

"Gabrielle doesn't want me to help," the Conqueror sighed in defeat. "If she did she would have told me about the Challenge."

"No," the Goddess disagreed. "It is her love for you that prevents her from telling you. She is afraid that you might lose and therefore die."

"But at least I would have a chance," the Empress scoffed at the suggestion. "She is no warrior."

"No but she loves you so much that she would rather die then risk losing you."

Xena sat for a long time staring into empty space after the Goddess had gone. She felt more exhausted then she had ever been. Yet the weariness brought with it a new strength born of a revelation delivered by a God.

She did not trust the Gods, yet if they believed that she could be this one person with these many parts then it was possible. But she knew she had to have Gabrielle at her side to do that. She knew then what she had to do.


Chapter eight

Gabrielle did not find peace that night, finally crying herself to sleep. She wanted to be with Xena but knew that the Fates had contrived to keep them apart. It was as if destiny was taking them in different directions.

She knew that Xena loved her. The Conqueror had never said those words, but her actions had spoken the truth. The Empress was a proud woman who would bow before no one. It was that pride that she loved and therefore she could not fault the Conqueror for leaving.

Even though the treaty ceremony was not scheduled until noon she rose early the next morning.. Her heart ached at the realization that this would probably be the last time she saw the woman she loved. She wished it could be different yet the situation could not be changed.

She didn't feel hungry and so skipped breakfast preferring instead to take a long hot bath before dressing. There was no debate about what she wore that day. She was representing the Amazon Nation and therefore it was only appropriate that she appeared in costume. She struggled into the outfit feeling self conscious at the amount of bare skin it exposed.

She was ready by the time Ephiny came to fetch her. The Amazon warrior stood for a long moment staring at the smaller woman. The bard was dressed in the Queen's costume and she looked beautiful. The warrior had to shift her eyes away before she was caught staring.

"Everyone is ready to begin with the ceremony," the Amazon said.

"Is the Conqueror here?" the bard asked.

"Her party just arrived," Ephiny said and Gabrielle nodded, feeling a sense of gloom settle over her heart. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She would not go out like a coward.

Xena was perched a top Argo. Joshua and Zenon, as well as three other members of her Royal Palace Guard, had accompanied her that morning. She was waiting for Gabrielle to make her appearance, her eyes automatically drawn to the bard the instant the girl stepped out of the Royal Hut.

For a long moment Xena stared at the younger woman appreciating the view that the Amazon costume afforded, happy to know that the girl was all hers. Pale eyes narrowed as they followed the young woman who walked stiffly towards the podium that had been erected, to where the Elders and other tribal officials now waited.

Gabrielle felt her heart hammering inside her chest as her eyes came to rest on her lover. Briefly her steps faltered and she wondered if she would be able to make it through this ceremony. As if sensing her distress Xena slipped off her mount and stalked quickly over to the girl, grabbing her arm for support. The bard looked up and for a moment their eyes met.

"You look very beautiful Gabrielle," the Empress said in a tight voice. The bard blushed wondering if she would ever grow comfortable with her lovers compliments.

"Thank you," she mumbled, unable to say any more afraid that she might start crying. The Empress guessed her predicament.

"Why didn't you tell me about the Challenge?" the Conqueror demanded quietly towering over the blond woman who meekly looked away.

"Because there is nothing you can do," the bard said quietly. "This is my destiny."

"You are wrong," the Empress disagreed. Your destiny is to stand beside me, the thought ran through her head but she said instead. "We make our own destinies."

"Xena..." she began but the warrior hushed her before she could complete her sentence.

"No, later," the Conqueror said decisively placing a finger over the bard's soft lips. "It's not going to end today. I am not going to let anyone defeat us. We are going to grow old together."

Gabrielle felt her heart swell painfully inside her chest. She looked at her lover and believed her words. She moved swiftly and the Empress barely had enough time to open her arms before the girl was wrapped around her. She returned the hug not caring what anyone thought.

"I love you Xena," the bard said in a emotional whisper and the Conqueror dropped a gentle kiss on the bard's blond crown. "I don't want to stay here."

"I know and I won't leave you," the Empress confirmed the truth. "Are you ready? They are waiting for us."

Gabrielle nodded and then stepped out of her lover's embrace. They walked hand in hand across the short distance to the platform, mounting the steps together. The girl smiled briefly at the Elders who were gathered there. On a table in the middle of the platform was the treaty laid out and ready for all parties to sign.

"Today is a great day in the history of our Nation," Lesta began the formal ceremonies with a speech to the Amazon's that were gathered to witness the transaction. "Today we sign a formal treaty of peace with the Conqueror, Empress of Greece, Xena of Amphipolis."

Xena barely listened to the woman's words, her eyes roaming over the crowd of women who surrounded the platform. She had begun to recognize some of the faces but the one she sought was that of a red headed warrior with green eyes.

Velaska was standing at the back of the crowd with a barely concealed expression of contempt on her face. She was observing the formalities with little interest and even across the distance the Conqueror could see the woman's muscles twitch with tension and anger. It was the same way her own body reacted before battle. For the first time she recognized Ares hand in the warrior.

A surge of anger pierced her body at the realization that the God of War may have had a part in this whole situation. She knew from personal experience that the other Gods were watching and so it was not unreasonable to assume that they had also interfered. A well of hatred for the Immortals rose up inside her, so that she had to struggle to keep herself under control. However, it did serve to make her more determined then ever to control their destinies.

The Amazon Elder finished with her speech and turned to the Conqueror. Xena merely shook her head. She was not prepared to give any speeches. When it was time she accepted the proffered quill and dipped it into the ink well before scribbling her name across the parchment. She acknowledged it by pressing her seal into the hot wax that had been dropped on the scroll.

Gabrielle took the quill from her lover and with a shaking hand scratched her name across the parchment, formally signing the agreement on behalf of the Amazon's. She was a storyteller but today she was a statesman.

Lesta waited until all the parchments had been inked before stepping forward. She picked up the agreement and held it up for all to see. A cheer arose from the crowd, but there was one section that did not greet this formality with elation. Velaska waited until the cheering died down before stepping forward, pushing her way to the front of the crowd. It was time for her to take the Mask.

"That is a fine piece of parchment," she said in a voice that carried over the assemblage. There was a sardonic smile on her face as she glanced over her peers and then at the Empress. She was confident she would soon be ruler of this Land. "But it means nothing. As your new Queen my first act will be to tear that scroll apart."

"Your Majesty," she turned her attention to Gabrielle and snarled the title with disdain. "You accepted my challenge for the Queen's Mask and I agreed to wait until the treaty was ratified. I have been patient, now I request that you honour my challenge."

Xena glanced down at her lover and in the silence of the moment a hundred small messages passed between them. Foremost among them all was the love that they felt for each other.

"The Queen is allowed to have a Champion," the Conqueror spoke in a loud voice addressing the Amazon nation that watched in anxious silence. "I am her Champion."

"Good try Conqueror but you are not a Amazon, and therefore not allowed to Champion the Queen,"

Velaska sneered already confident of a clear victory.

Surrender! Xena turned and stared at the bard. She knew this was something that she had to do, or she would face losing the woman forever. To her that was an unacceptable solution. She dropped to one knee taking her lovers hand in her own and for a long moment green and blue eyes met. Gone were the harsh lines of the Conqueror, replaced by the look of a woman in love.

"I, Xena of Amphipolis, Empress of Greece, pledge my allegiance and swear fealty to Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons."

There was utter silence as everyone was to stunned to move. The Amazon's had expected the Conqueror to do something, but they had expected her to do it with her sword and not her mouth.

"No," Gabrielle finally spoke. She would rather die than risk Xena's life. "I can't let you do this. Not for me."

"If not for you then for who?" Xena asked with a gentle smile as she reached up to tenderly stroke her lovers cheek.. "Gabrielle do you not yet understand. You have become my life, my very existence. I would move heaven and earth to be with you. I won't let anyone take you away."

There was silence and Gabrielle felt the tears that stung her eyes suddenly roll down her cheeks. She couldn't hold them back giving into the feelings of love that filled her heart. This proud woman had gotten down on her knees, humbling herself for all to see because she cared.

Gabrielle had not expected the Conqueror to make such a move in public. A stunned audience watched as the young Queen helped the Empress to her feet. This was a story that no one would believe. The Conqueror brought to her knees without a weapon.

"Will you join with me, and become my consort?" the Empress asked, her heart hammering the wall of her chest. Her stomach churned and her throat felt constricted.

"Yes, I would be honoured to join with you." Gabrielle nodded and unable to control her actions, she wrapped her arms around the other woman and kissed her passionately. The pact was sealed with an intense look and then the Conqueror looked at the Elders for confirmation. Any more intimacies with the smaller woman would have to wait.

"How very tender!" Velaska laughed sarcastically at the scene. Xena stepped swiftly in front of her lover and eyed the Amazon warrior coolly.

"Do you have a problem with something?" the Conqueror asked coldly, allowing the animal inside her to rise out of its cage.

"I have no problem with anything," the Amazon laughed in a low voice. "I think it's so sweet. To bad you won't have a chance to enjoy your happiness."

"The Conqueror has just proposed to the Queen, requesting to become her Consort, as well she has sworn fealty to the Queen and according to Amazon law is therefore able to act on her behalf," the Elder paused uncertain how her announcement would be greeted. There was silence from the crowd so she turned to the Conqueror. "Xena of Amphipolis you have fulfilled all the requirements needed to Champion the Queen."

Xena's nostrils flared as she nodded her head tersely. The Elder turned to the red headed Amazon who had been momentarily caught off guard by the events that had unfolded before her.

"Do you accept the Conqueror as the Queen's Champion?"

All eyes now turned to the challenger. There was a long silence as the Amazon warrior contemplated this new revelation. She was arrogant enough to believe that she could defeat the Conqueror. A smirk inched its way across her face.

"I relish the opportunity to be known as the one who killed the Destroyer of Nations," she snorted defiantly eyeing the Empress contemptuously, a twisted smiled curving her thin lips. "Enough talking, my patience is exhausted. I will fight the Queen's Champion and when I win Conqueror, know that I will take your precious bard to my bed and enjoy every minute of ravaging her body."

The crowd of Amazon's parted as the Conqueror jumped down from the platform to face this discontented warrior. Her manner was calm and controlled, like a jungle cat assessing its prey. Any keen observer would have noticed the subtle tension in the Empress' body or the way her muscles rippled when she moved.

"I told you before, you will never lay a hand upon your Queen," Xena replied with a smile though her eyes held a deadly intent, the animal inside herself rising up to the challenge. "I hope Amazon you have prayed to your God because today you will take a ride on Charons boat."

Velaska laughed and made the first lunge which the Conqueror easily sidestepped without drawing her sword. The Amazon flushed, embarrassed by the simple way this hated woman treated her. There was contempt and loathing on her face.

"Today you will die," the Amazon sneered.

"No," the Conqueror shook her head with amusement, unsheathing her sword and twirling it effortlessly with one strong hand. "You have never faced anyone like me before. You are a simple warrior. I am the Destroyer of Nations. You would not even be a corporal in my army."

"Die," Velaska screamed, angered by the insult. She charged the Conqueror allowing her rage to dictate her actions.

Gabrielle watched, her heart in her mouth. She knew with certainty that had Xena not stepped in she would have met Hades this morning. Velaska would have easily defeated her but the Amazon was no match for the Conqueror who made her seem like a very ordinary soldier. The bard felt sympathy for the woman who had so foolishly thought she could defeat the Empress.

The Amazon thrust again and this time Xena engaged her with her sword. There was the clanging of metal as the blades met, but the deadly dance did not last long. The Conqueror had little patience for the ignorant or the foolish. There were more important matters to be dealt with then petty jealousies. The Empress swung her blade with several mighty strokes that knocked the Amazon back on her heels. Another series of strokes and the challenger's weapon went flying out of her hand. Instead of admitting defeat however, the obstinate Amazon drew a dagger from her waistband.

Gabrielle closed her eyes unable to watch the woman rush to a certain death. A hush had fallen over the crowd of watchers and she waited to hear the final blow but instead there was a collective gasp and she opened her eyes to see the Conqueror standing with an outstretched hand in front of her, long fingers wrapped around a dagger just inches from her head. She glanced with wide eyes up at the Empress and saw only ice chips in return. She did not recognize the person inside the body she knew.

Xena had almost guessed too late the Amazon's intentions, but there had been the briefest flash in her opponents eyes to alert her to the danger. She had used all her strength to leap onto the platform and grab the knife in mid air, knowing that if she failed the young woman who held her heart would be dead.

She ignored the pain the knife made in her hand. She didn't think about the blood that was dripping from the wounds in her fingers. She thought of only one thing and her eyes now focused on the Amazon who was watching her with astonishment and fear. She dropped the knife and jumped back into the arena. The Amazon seemed almost paralyzed but the trance broke in time for her to dive for the sword lying in the dirt nearby.

But Velaska was not swift enough to protect herself from an enraged Conqueror who lunged forward through her feeble defenses. There was an audible hiss of breath as the tip of the sword pierced and severed naked flesh. The Amazon whimpered as the blade was twisted to inflict more pain and then a heavy sigh as the Conqueror withdrew her sword.

Xena watched as the Amazon slumped to the ground. She felt no guilt at killing. She only felt pity for those foolish enough to think they could defeat her. She turned to scan the faces of those watching aware that they had taken notice of the way she had defended the Queen and she was pleased.

The assembly of Amazon's was silent, overwhelmed by the fierce way the Conqueror had protected their new Queen. They knew of Velaska's prowess with a sword yet they had seen how easily the Conqueror had taken her life. All knew that there would be no more challengers to the Mask as long as the Empress remained the Queen's Champion.

Gabrielle tore off a strip from the cloth that was draped over the table and moved slowly down the steps towards the Conqueror. Instinct told her to move cautiously in approaching the Empress. She could see the heaving of the tall woman's chest even though Xena had barely raised an effort to defeat her opponent

"Xena," she whispered quietly and the Conqueror turned to look at the smaller woman. Gabrielle moved in closer, motioning with her head to the bleeding hand. Xena transferred the sword to her other hand and watched as the bard tenderly wrapped a cloth around the bleeding wounds of her fingers. Their eyes met.

"I love you," the bard said in a thick voice and suddenly the darkness in the tall woman's eyes began to recede. The animal hurrying back to its cage.

Xena dropped the sword completely and reached out to the blond woman, pulling her into her arms and burying her face in the girl's blond hair, breathing deeply the scent and savouring the love she felt flowing from this woman. In this moment she knew her life was forever changed. Gabrielle had seen the dark side and stayed.

"I love you," she whispered only loud enough for the bard to hear and in return the girl tightened her embrace squeezing her hard around the waist.



The party continued late into the night as the Amazon's celebrated the treaty. Xena sat on the platform leaning back against a support pole watching the festivities. She allowed her eyes to roam slowly over the gathering, seeing the lithe gyrating forms of the Amazon dancers as they circled the bonfire that had been lit in front of the podium. They were moving to the pulsating beat of the drums that were pounding and she felt her own senses begin to move in rhythm.

She turned to look at her lover who was resting against her shoulder. Gabrielle was talking to Ephiny and Lesta, as she had been throughout the meal and into the evening. She had listened to snippets of their conversation but none of it interested her so she had contented herself by leaning back, savouring her port and watching the festivities unfold.

But candlemarks had past and the full moon was high in the sky. It was late and she was tired, besides the pulsating music was doing things to her body. She felt the warmth of her companion where their bodies touched and she savoured the feeling. Gabrielle had never been more than a step away from her throughout the entire evening and most often they had been physically touching in some manner.

She longed now for a more intimate touch and gently she reached up and fingered the strands of reddish blond hair that lay on her partners back. The tender caress caught the bard's attention and she turned to look at her companion, a question in her eyes.

"You ready to go to bed soon?" Xena asked reaching up to brush blond hair off of the girl's face.

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded. She was tired but it was a good kind of feeling. Besides after the long day she was eager to be alone with her lover. "Just let me say goodnight to the others."

Xena nodded and slowly uncoiled her body, rising to her feet. The others on the platform watched as she reached down to help their Queen up. The pair was oblivious to the envious glances they were receiving from the others, unaware of the attractive couple they made as they walked hand in hand across the compound.

Xena waited until they were in the privacy of the Royal hut before swinging her partner around and pulling the girl into her arms. Their lips met in a passionate embrace from which there was no return. The Conqueror bent and scooped the smaller woman into her arms and carried her to the bed.

It was dawn before they finally collapsed, exhausted into each others arms. Xena cradled her lover feeling happier and more contented then she had believed possible. Gently she stroked the girl's hair from her face.

"Yah, Gods, I missed this so much," Gabrielle breathed once her voice was less ragged. She snuggled deeper into her lovers embrace savouring the feel of the Conqueror's naked skin pressed up against her own.

"I was beginning to wonder if this would ever happen again," the Conqueror admitted more content then she could remember being in a very long while. For a brief while everything else was forgotten, the Amazon's, the challenge, everything except the wonderful feeling of being alone with the woman she loved.

"Come on Xena, it always happens for you," the bard joked gently pressing her lips against her lover's neck. She felt the sudden change. The tension that had been absent for a long while was suddenly then again stiffening her lovers body.

"What do you mean?" the Empress was confused.

"Well, you know..." the bard shrugged, unable to look at her lover. "I don't like it but I understand that you have other lovers."

"Gabrielle, I haven't been with anyone since the last time we were together in Corinth," the Empress said in a tight voice, releasing her hold on the smaller woman and rolling over to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I just thought...," Gabrielle didn't know what to say.

"I know what you thought," Xena sighed aware of her reputation.

"Why?" the bard sat up wanting to know and the Conqueror glanced over her shoulder at the girl. There was a sad smile on her lips.

"You," was the simple answer. "Every time I thought of taking someone to my bed I thought of you and I just couldn't do it. Just ask Archius I have been rather miserable to live with recently."

Gabrielle was stunned by this confession. She felt an overwhelming surge of love fill her. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her love and squeezing her tightly, as she laid a series of kisses on her partners shoulders and neck.

"I love you Xena," Gabrielle said, continuing to shower her with kisses. "Every time I thought of sharing you it nearly killed me. I don't want to share you with anyone man or woman."

Xena twisted her body grabbing the bard's hands so that the assault would stop. For a long time green and blue eyes stared into each other. For the first time Gabrielle understood the depth of feeling that this tall dark haired woman felt towards her. It was overwhelming and filled her entire being. Xena had said all the right words before but only now did she see that she meant every one.

She leaned forward and gently kissed her lover, and Xena responded matching the bard's passion with her own.

"While we are together there will never be anyone else," Xena promised solemnly. "I don't want to ever do anything that might cause us ever to part. I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," Gabrielle smiled through watery eyes. "Now come lie down."

It was much later when Xena finally left their bed. She leaned over the still sleeping bard and laid a tender kiss upon her brow before slipping into a simple tunic and a pair of boots. She stepped out of the hut, pausing only briefly to glance at the two Amazon guards stationed outside the hut door. With a curt nod she took off jogging, cutting through the village and out along a path that ran through the forest towards the stream. It was the same path that she had lead Argo on the day before. She did not stop running until she came to a halt by the water.

She stood for a moment, breathing deeply and savouring the fresh scent of the early morning. She could smell the sweet grass and the fresh aroma of the water as it bubbled and gurgled it's way downstream. It was the smell of life and she enjoyed every breath.

"Ares," she called out in a loud voice breaking the silence that surrounded her. "I know you are here so come out."

"You called," the God of War appeared in a brilliant flash of light. There was a seductive smile on his face. "I knew you wouldn't be able to do without me."

"Oh, I can do without you," Xena snorted without amusement.

"Then why did you call?" he was curious.

"Because I wanted to give you this message personally," the Conqueror said without emotion. "I want to tell you not to interfere in my life again. You do anything to harm Gabrielle and I will do something so terrible that it will bring all the forces of Mt. Olympus down on your head."

"Don't threaten me Xena, I am a God," Ares sneered, his face red with rage.

"I don't care who you are. Just leave us alone," she said never feeling braver or stronger then she did at that moment. Without another word she turned on her heel and started walking away.

"You can't talk to me this way, I am a God," he yelled. "We aren't done Xena, not by a longshot."

The Conqueror stopped listening and kept walking aware of what awaited her back in the Amazon village. The mere thought of the bard made her break out into a jog.



It was almost noon before Gabrielle struggled to open a weary eye. She stretched her lazy muscles, aware that she was alone. She turned her head and caught sight of her lover sitting by the table. She took a moment to stare at the raven haired beauty, her muscular body cloaked now by a linen shift. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest and she wondered if it would ever be different. She hoped not.

She lay quietly, content to watch the other woman as she recalled the events that had followed Velaska's death. The Amazon's body had been removed and the celebrations had proceeded. The gala feast and bonfire had stretched late into the night. Finally the Conqueror had taken her back to the Royal hut and to bed where the woman had reminded her of all the reason's she loved her. In her heart she knew there would never be anyone else.

She climbed out of bed and walked across the room. Xena glanced up and smiled softly unable to hide the emotion she felt for this young woman. She had given herself completely to the bard and it had been easier then she thought. In return she had been given so much more then she had ever expected from anyone. All the riches she had won were nothing in comparison to this.

"How do you feel?" Gabrielle asked gently fingering the bandages on the taller woman's hand.

"The wounds will take a while to heal," Xena said lazily, her eyes still shrouded by the love making they had shared. She flexed her digits. "It's a little stiff but once the stitches are out I will be able to exercise them back into shape."

"I haven't thanked you for saving my life," the bard said quietly as their eyes met.

"It was an honour," the Empress replied with a slight flush. She reached up and gently brushed the hair away from the bard's face with her free hand. "I hope I will always be there to protect you."

She reached around the bard's neck and brought the girl's head down. Their lips met in a lingering kiss that spoke of love and passion and a future. There was silence when they finally broke apart. They had not spoken yet of the commitments made on the platform. Both had been reluctant to spoil the reunion they shared. Gabrielle felt it was finally time to speak. She withdrew a little from her companion.

"What you said yesterday," the bard was suddenly tongue tied. "You asked if I would join with you.

Were you serious?"

Xena took a moment to formulate her answer. She knew words were very important to the younger woman. She pulled the small woman down into her lap, circling her waist with her arms. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

"I have never knelt before anyone," Xena said quietly. "I swore I never would, yet I would kneel before you anytime. I was serious Gabrielle. Once we return to the Capital I would like to have a formal ceremony, a celebration for all the Nation to see. I want them to know where my heart belongs."

"Are you sure?" Gabrielle asked in wonderment. "I mean you don't have to, knowing you love me is enough."

"I will not let you settle for anything less," the Conqueror shook her head giving her a gentle kiss.

"Now that everything is settled I thought we could leave tomorrow morning. Where would you like to go?"

"I thought we were going back to the Capital?' the blond asked twisting in her lovers arms.

"We are," the Empress assured her giving the girl a peck on the cheek. She liked the warm weight that was settled against her body. She drew a deep breath savouring the scent of her lover. "But it might be awhile before we're back in the region and I thought there might be some place you want to visit before we leave the area."

A pensive frown burrowed its way across the girl's face as she thought about that question. Her eyes suddenly grew wide as a smile came to her lips, she twisted around to face her lover again.

"Can we stop at the lake where we first met?" she asked with an impish grin and the Conqueror eyed her with amusement, raising an eyebrow.

"Feeling sentimental?"

"A little," the bard confessed with a blush. "I just want to see it again and the water falls by the army camp," the girl suddenly became excited. "Can we go see them again?"

"Yes, yes, yes," the Empress laughed giving the girl a seductive smile not unpleased by the idea of getting the bard back to that special place and thinking of how even more special they could make it.

She was just about to say something more when there was a knock on the hut door. They called for the visitor to enter and watched as a Amazon warrior stepped into the hut.

"I am sorry to bother you my Queen but this message came for the Conqueror," the warrior said handing over a scroll.

"Thank you," Gabrielle smiled politely and watched as the Amazon hastily retreated from the hut. She glanced at her lover who had broken the seal on the scroll and was scanning its contents with an intense look.

"Is it bad news?" the bard asked.

"Caesar's army under the Command of Pompeii has attacked our northern borders," she replied.

"Oh!" the girl said quietly, afraid that this news meant another lengthy separation. She opened her mouth to speak but the Conqueror gently put a finger over her lips.

"No, not this time," the tall dark haired woman said quietly. "This time you come with me."

The bard beamed, happy with the knowledge that she would not be left behind.

"I guess we won't have a chance to stop at the waterfall then?"

"I am sorry," the Conqueror apologized. "I am needed."

"I know," Gabrielle sighed wistfully. "It doesn't matter so much, because this time I will be with you."



The End