The sun filtered through the leaves creating dappled shadows. A young strawberry blonde woman lay naked on the bank of the river absorbing the warmth of the sun. Suddenly a shadow intercepted the light falling on the beautiful body. Tensing, the woman's fingers curled around the staff that lay at her head while seemingly unaware of the impending danger. She barely heard as a booted foot slipped closer. Judging the distance, she whirled into motion, swinging her staff wide at the figure looming over her.

The staff stopped suddenly as it was jerked from her hands. "Hi, honey, I'm home," the tall warrior grinned at her.

"I really hate it when you sneak up on me like that," the bard pouted.

"I made plenty of noise. You were certainly prepared just now to take my head off."

"Xena, what if I had connected?" The warrior merely smiled to say 'as if.' "It could happen."

"In your dreams," she teased as she speared the rabbits to put them over the fire.

"You are so mean sometimes."

"And you love every minute of it."

"I love every inch of you, my big warrior," she said as she wrapped her arms around the dark woman.

"Gabrielle, I really wish you wouldn't sunbathe ? like that especially ? when I'm not around."

"You were around," she replied nuzzling the strong neck before her.

"Gabrielle - " she said with her firmest tone.

"Xena, come on, you never go very far when you hunt. I know you're always within calling distance." The warrior merely sighed knowing all too well this was true. Ever since she'd been tricked into letting her bard get kidnapped, Xena had been extra attentive. Gabrielle saw the guilty look that flashed through the blue orbs as the warrior reached for her armor to busy herself. "Xena, you need to relax. You know I can take care of myself. That whole episode with Jax was a fluke. I think it taught us both to be more careful."

"Yes, but you're the one who suffered for my mistake."

Slapping the tall woman's shoulder, she retorted, "We both screwed up. We both learned. Now we both need to let go and move on, Xena, please," she finished as she began to slip back into her clothes. The warrior nodded in agreement, but knew she'd never forgive herself for the torture Gabrielle had endured. The bard knew it, too, but still she tried repeatedly to assuage the warrior's guilt. "Xena, since we don't have anything pressing right now, could we go to Athens for the Festival of Demeter?"

The warrior groaned at the prospect. "Didn't we just go to that?"

"A full year ago, last summer, yes. Come on, it'll be fun."

"You know how I hate crowds and festivals and-"

"And relaxing? Ok, fine, then how about I go to Athens and you go home to Amphipolis and visit Mom?"

"No." End of conversation.

"But, Xena, I really want to go. Pleeeease," she cooed, batting her lashes at her companion.

The warrior stared blank face while the bard continued to make coaxing, seductive faces. Unable to stand it any longer, she gave in with a crooked grin, "Fine, we'll go."

"Really, you don't have to. I don't mind going alone."

"We stay together."

"No offense, but sometimes it's more fun to go alone than with someone who's been forced to go," she said timidly.

"Oh - ok, then I'll take you and stay in the Inn while you do your bardly thing.
The young woman's gentle laughter sprinkled the air, "Xena, don't be silly. You'd hate that just as much. Now go visit your mom. End of discussion, my big dumb warrior."

The dark woman fidgeted uncomfortably. 'Has she forgotten my pledge?' Taking herself in hand, she tried her best to look happy at the prospect of the festival. "It's all right, Gabrielle, I'm sure once I'm there, I'll have a great time. And I'll make sure I don't put a damper on your fun, ok?"

The younger woman looked quizzically at her lover who had suddenly become engrossed in polishing one particular spot on the breastplate. 'Something is going on, that's for sure, but what?' She placed herself firmly before her love. "All right, spill it."

"What?" she said as she continued buffing.

"Why you don't want to let me go to Athens by myself."

She gave a small laugh to ease the tension. "Trouble follows you everywhere, Gabrielle. I just think it's better to stick together."

Gabrielle wondered if it was actually possible to polish a hole straight through the armor. "Xena, we've gone our separate ways before taking care of different problems. There's more to this than you're telling me. Now I want to know what it is."

The tall woman stopped her work on her armor and glanced at the determined look on her partner's face. "I gave my word," she said lightly, "and you know I don't go back on my word."

"I know - warrior's honor - yada, yada, yada. But, Xena, I don't even remember asking for such a promise. You might want to consult me before you go making promises to yourself, especially if they include me."

"I pledged to Artemis. Don't think you want me pissing off your patron," she tossed out with her crooked half smile.

"What are you talking about?" There was a wary edge to the bard's voice.

'Uh-oh - tread lightly, warrior, you've only been together a moon since Jax was put away and you know how insecure that whole episode made her.' Giving a sigh, she began, "I told you all about it."

"Refresh my memory."

'Oh great, there goes the eyebrow.' "When I was searching for you when that bastard took you, I prayed to Artemis and she helped me to find you. Simple as that."

"And for that help, what did you promise - exactly?"

"To protect you with my life and take you to the Amazons for healing."

"And ? ?"

"And to never leave you unless you wished me gone."

The young woman let the information sink in as the ramifications of such a pledge began to dawn on her. "So if I want to go to Athens, you have to come." It was a statement of fact, not a question.

"Yes," the warrior answered evenly.

"And if I wanted to go to Potediea, you'd follow."

"Yes."

And if I decided I wanted to settle down in Potediea, you'd stay."

The warrior's eyes grew big at the prospect and gulped as she answered, "Yes." Xena could see the tension in the small woman before her as she paced. 'Why is she so agitated?'

And then the explosion came. "The only reason you're with me is because of this pledge!"

"What?!"

"You'd have done anything to save me because you felt responsible and you never run from duty. Even if it means making a cock-eyed pledge that keeps you bound to a helpless chattering little farm girl!"

"No, Gabrielle, I wanted to be with you-"

"Wanted! Past tense! Guess the novelty of conquering the virgin wears off after awhile."

"But-"

"You know, I never understood how an inexperienced little girl like myself could keep the worldly warrior satisfied. Now I know! Just one more requirement!"

"Now you're being ridiculous!"

"Just add that to my other endearing qualities."

"Try to calm down."

"Why? You don't like this? Isn't this what you expect from me? Crazed! Babbling! Emotional!"

Eyeing the increasing hysteria of the young woman, Xena tried a different approach, "Please, sweethea-"

"NO!" She rounded on the warrior, finger waving. "Don't - you - dare! No!"

"What?"

"You never call me pet names when things are fine so don't you dare try it now!"

"I just don't understand what the big deal is."

"You don't understand? Are all warriors this dumb or are you special?!" She paced furiously muttering to herself. "How am I suppose to know what's real and what's not? All of this is the result of a promise, which is the result of duty, which is the result of guilt from not having fulfilled that duty in the first place. Gods be damned! I'm out of here." Like a whirling dervish, she began to gather her personal things.

"What ? what are you doing?"

"Packing."

"I can see that!"

"I'm leaving, Xena! I'm going - departing - exiting posthaste!" Confused, the warrior began to break camp. Noting the woman's actions, Gabrielle stopped to confront her. "No, I said I am leaving - not we! You are not going with me. I need time alone and that means by my self!" Grabbing her scrolls and bedrolls, she reached for the second waterskin.

Taking the bard's arm, she snapped, "Stop this! You're behaving like a child."

"That's it! Artemis! Listen to me. I no longer wish the company of this warrior! I don't want her anywhere near me. Got that?!" she yelled looking directly into the azure eyes. Xena could only stand slack jawed in shock.

"Gabrielle?" came the whispered plea.

"Artemis!"

A blue flash of light sparkled brilliantly causing the women to shade their eyes. "You bellowed, My Chosen?"

Ignoring the jibe, Gabrielle continued to fume, "I don't want her anywhere near me!"

"I was wondering when you'd come to your senses," she said as she touched the warrior's chest. The gift Artemis had given her was gone. The warm glow which connected her to her bard had vanished leaving a void. "Ready to leave?" Before the warrior could intercede, the Goddess vanished taking Xena's soul with her.

'This can't be happening. This is a dream and I will now wake up.' She pinched herself. She walked around the campsite looking for Gabrielle's things. She stopped and felt the panic wash over her as she realized her bard was gone. "This isn't over, Gabrielle. I will find you and I'll prove to you somehow that all I feel is real. I love you, Gabrielle, and I know I can't live without you."

* * * * * *

Gabrielle opened her eyes fighting back the queasy sensation after blinking from one locale to another. "Where are we?"

"Right outside the Amazon border," replied the Goddess. "I know you wanted to go to Athens, but since you no longer have a protector, you'll need an escort first." The bard's brow arched in annoyance. "You have a duty to the nation, my Queen. Be glad I don't demand the whole royal guard go with you." And with that she was gone.

* * * * * *

While Gabrielle fussed with Amazon protocol, Xena had broken camp and was already on her way to Athens figuring that would be the most logical place to begin. She made good time since she could allow Argo a quick trot.

The festival was already under way by the time the dark warrior arrived and the city was so packed it was almost impossible to move. The warrior began a systematic search assuming the bard had been there at least two days before her. By the end of the day the warrior was still empty handed, exhausted, and irritable to boot; not the best combination on a good day and this was certainly not one of those. And to top it off she could not even find a vacant room. The brooding woman decided to relax with a drink in a tavern before joining Argo in the stable for the night. But over crowding and over drinking are prime ingredients for trouble. Add to that one frustrated warrior and things were primed for a healthy brawl. However a city the size of Athens has a formidable force in place to keep the peace and soon all concerned found their way to the local jail including one warrior princess.

As they were being led off, Gabrielle and Anise, her Amazon escort, were just arriving. From the shadows the bard thought she saw Xena among the prisoners. "That's not possible. Why would she be here?" But just in case, she steered them to the opposite end of the town.

The next morning the rabble rousers were released and the warrior resumed her search. 'Maybe she had enough of the crowds and has already left. No, Gabrielle loves crowds. She's got to be here somewhere.' The woman made sure to hit every merchants' stand describing her bard in detail before she would move on.

However the bard was not spending her time at the bazaar. She was totally engrossed in a bard competition being held outside Demeter's temple. Her companion nudged her after the last bard had left the small stage. "You should perform - show them what a real bard looks like."

"I'm here to enjoy, not perform."

"But I thought you enjoyed performing," Anise continued to coax.

"Well ?"

The young Amazon jumped to her feet dragging the queen with her. "Sir, I have another bard who wishes to pay homage to Demeter."

The master of ceremonies looked skeptical at the pair. "A woman? That's hardly a woman's job."

Originally Gabrielle was going to decline but the man's condescension raised her ire. "Forgive me, noble sir," she began sweetly, "but who better to declare the praises of the Goddess than a woman?" Cheers from the women in the crowd could be heard as the bard ascended the steps to the stage. With confidence she launched into one of Demeter's lesser known stories and soon had all, including the men, spellbound.

Her voice traveled easily on the air, finally reaching the ears of a certain hopeless warrior. Pushing her way through the crowd, she was soon in view of the woman who held her heart. Relief rushed through her. Now that she'd located her, it would be simple to keep track of her.

As the story came to an end, applause rang out with enthusiasm. The warrior's eyes filled with pride as she watched a man bestow a wreath of flowers on the bard's head. More cheers erupted with the crowning and dinars sailed onto the stage. Keeping herself hidden among the throng, Xena watched as the bard descended the steps to be greeted by a striking Amazon warrior she didn't recognize. Her heart skipped a beat seeing her bard take the woman's hand. 'Surely I haven't been replaced so quickly?' The warrior followed the pair with her usual stealth, completely undetected. Keeping at a safe distance she continued to track them throughout the day.

Settling at an inn for the evening, the bard managed to talk the tavern keeper into a small room in exchange for stories. Slipping into the shadows Xena kept watch the entire evening. As the last patrons departed at the end of the night, Gabrielle and Anise started for their room.

"Excuse me, Gabrielle, this was left for you." The barkeep handed over flowers and a small package. She looked questioningly at him. "Sorry. No note. I was just told to give this to you. Guess you've got a secret admirer," he smiled at her.

She unwrapped the small package which contained nutbread. "Not so secret," she smiled back. 'So Xena followed after all. Thought she might have been relieved to be free of her burden. Gods, do you feel that guilty? Or just maybe ?no. Don't go there, bard. Wishful thinking is what landed you here in the first place. Time to deal with reality, not fantasy. I'm sure she just wanted to make sure I was safe. '

For the rest of the festival Gabrielle would find small tokens left for her. Sometimes these were items she had admired at a vender's stall, so there was no doubt in her mind that Xena was watching her every move even though she never saw the mighty warrior. "Why is she doing this? I thought she'd be long gone by now. She hates crowds and surely she can see everything is fine."

The Amazon escort had patiently watched the intrigue unfold before her. She was sure she could see love in the eyes of her Queen whenever her thoughts drifted to the warrior. So if you love someone that much, why wouldn't you want to be with them? Though she'd never met Xena, she knew the woman's reputation. "Perhaps the Destroyer of Nations is not as reformed as the Queen would lead us to believe. Maybe the relationship has been abusive and Gabrielle has simply had enough." Their final evening, in the privacy of their room, Anise ventured, "My Queen, may I ask you something?"

"Only if you call me Gabrielle."

The young warrior smiled shyly. "Gabrielle, it's obvious this woman knows you well and wishes to please you. It's also obvious you love her."

Sighing deeply she whispered, "Very much."

"Then why don't you wish her beside you? Did she abuse you?"
"What?!" The question took the bard completely by surprise. "Never. She's so incredibly gentle with me and she'd die first before she hurt me."

"Then why aren't you with her?"

Her mind was a swirling mass of insecurities. "I ? I just want to be sure."

"I don't understand." Gabrielle didn't know this Amazon very well and felt a little awkward discussing her doubts with a virtual stranger. But the soft doe eyes captured hers, "Gabrielle, sometimes it's easier to talk to someone you don't know. Just think of me as your friendly neighborhood barkeep."

The captivating smile loosened the bard's tongue easily. "I can't understand what a warrior would see in a simple farm girl."

"As a warrior I can tell you I don't care what my partner does, only who she is inside."

"But what you do is part of who you are."

"I'm sure it molds you to a certain extent. But it doesn't effect your laugh or the way your nose crinkles when you smile or the delight you take in the beauty around you. I've seen you use your staff, Gabrielle, and you are a beautiful blend of strength and compassion. It's a joy being in your presence." Their eyes were locked for long moments before Anise finally looked away.

"Thank you, Anise."

"That's what friends are for, right?" she beamed trying to lessen the intensity of the mood.

The bard contemplated her words, wondering about her own desirability. She studied the young woman who lay on the floor beside her bed. 'Did I see interest in her eyes?'

"Anise, I know it's small, but as I've told you before, I really don't mind sharing the bed. I feel guilty having you sleep on the floor."

"I'm fine, honest."

"But Anise-"

"Gabrielle, I think it best for me to stay right here."

"Because I'm your Queen?"

"Because you're a desirable woman and more than enough to hold any warrior's heart," she said, promptly turning her back and pulling the cover almost completely over her head.

* * * * * *

They rose early the next morning, or at least Anise did. "Gabrielle, you said you wanted to be on the road before dawn." No response was returned. "Gabrielle, rise and shine." Still no response. "Gabrielle, wake up!" Her only reply was mumblings and the young woman burrowing deeper into the blankets. "I sure hope you remember this was your order, my Queen," she sighed as she grabbed the covers yanking them back.

"What ? what's going on?" came a foggy voice.

"You said you wanted to be on the road before Apollo started across the sky."
"Why would I say such a ridiculous thing?" she mumbled turning her back.

"You were hoping to slip out unnoticed by your warrior."

"Oh ? five more minutes."

'Sweet Artemis, please let her remember this is her idea,' thought the uncomfortable Amazon as she threw a pitcher of water on the sleeping woman.

Gasping, she sprang up, "What the ?? Gods be damned! What are you doing?"

"Following your orders, your majesty. Your command was to dump the water if you asked for more time," she said trying her best to stifle a laugh.

The young woman glared at her as she wiped wet hair out of her face. "Thank you, Anise," she said tightly, trying to regain her dignity.

* * * * * *

As dawn touched the inn, the warrior was already across the street. Today was the last day of the festival and she was determined to face the bard and express her feelings in front of the whole town if necessary. It grew later and still she stood patiently. She knew Gabrielle liked to sleep late but the activities of the festival were well underway and Xena began to worry. 'Could she be sick? It's the last day. I thought she'd want to be out early to enjoy it all.'

Unable to contain herself any longer, the anxious woman made her way to the tavern. "Barkeep, has the Amazon bard been down yet?"

"What? Oh yeah, she and her friend settled their bill last night so they could be off early before the sun. Guess they had a long way to go," he smiled good naturedly. "You're Xena, right?" Warily she answered with a nod. "Then this is for you," he said as he handed her a parchment and small package.

"Thanks," she mumbled as she turned quickly, striding out of the inn. With long strides she made her way to the stable to lean into the warmth of her steed. She didn't want to be alone opening these things. "Hey, girl, seems our bard left us a message." Sensing her mistress' distress, the large horse gently nuzzled her shoulder. The warrior leaned into the horse for a moment gathering her courage and then unwrapped the parcel. Within lay all the trinkets she had bought her friend over the last few days. Feeling as if someone had slammed her in the gut, she slid down to the hay covered floor. Looking up at Argo, eyes filling, she barely whispered, "Guess I might as well get this over with, huh?" Slowly she unrolled the scroll to gaze at her friend's beautiful script.

Xena,
I should have returned these immediately. These gifts are much too
expensive for friends to give each other. I thank you for the flowers
and yes, I ate every bit of the nutbread. You don't need to worry about
me or feel responsible or guilty or any other silly warrior notion that might
be going through your head. I have Anise to protect me and she's been
a good friend to me. Don't worry, you fulfilled your pledge. You're free, Xena. Be at peace.
Gabrielle

The warrior just sat staring for the longest time at the letter. Her heart pounded and she found it hard to catch her breath. Sweat broke out on her body and her vision blurred. If she hadn't known better, she would have sworn she'd just been poisoned. In a sense, she had been and the words were the poison. She was lost. "What do I do now, girl?" she asked the large palomino that seemed to be reading the letter over her shoulder. "I don't want to be free of her. Why can't she understand that? I'll never be at peace without her." Tears slid silently down her cheeks as her hands began to tremble, slowly crushing the note they held. The large woman curled up into a tight ball rocking herself into despair. But it wasn't in her nature to just lie down and die. "Damn it!" she cried as she jumped to her feet, wiping away the tears. "She didn't even give me the chance to talk. She's the bard! She always wants me to talk about my feelings, but when it comes to facing her own, she runs away!" The horse merely nodded patiently as the dark woman fumed, pacing back and forth. "She's not getting away with it, Argo," she continued to rant as she grabbed the saddle. "It's time we had it out face to face!" The horse snorted as the cinch was pulled a bit too tight. "Sorry. Ok, let's go find our bard." And with her usual grace, she slipped onto the large steed and was off.

* * * * *

As the sun approached its zenith, Gabrielle and Anise pulled off into a shady glen for a mid-day meal. Though Anise was a warrior, she was much more relaxed than Xena and Gabrielle enjoyed the easy interaction between them.

"What's with the goofy grin?" Anise asked as she turned to find the bard staring at her.

"Sorry. Being with you is so easy. Usually I spend my time trying to coax Xena into talking past her mono-syllabic grunts. It's nice to have an honest to gods conversation for a change."

"Warriors do tend to take themselves rather seriously."

"Why is that, Anise?"

"The responsibility I guess. We can't ever really let down our guard. Even though I am listening to you, a part of me is always listening to the forest around us."

"That must be a burden."

"It becomes second nature. But it does make for limited conversation," she smiled warmly.

They continued talking and laughing as they ate. Midway through their meal, Anise sensed company. Letting the bard continue her chattering, the Amazon's senses reached out to locate the presence. Slowly she tracked the dark figure hidden up in the trees. 'Oh, so her warrior has found us.' Knowing that Xena was out there watching, Anise decided to relax completely and enjoy the woman before her.

Gabrielle became even more animated as she sensed Anise's full attention on her. Unconsciously she scooted closer, her arms waving wildly as she demonstrated her story. Her hand landed lightly on the strong Amazon thigh as she finished.

The warrior observed as Amazon and bard interacted, the body language being all too obvious as far as she was concerned. 'So that's how it is. I've been a fool all along. I should have known I was no more than a fantasy realized. She's had her 'hero' and now she's ready to move on. And why shouldn't she? So much blood is on my hands. What made me think she could want me in the first place?' As much as it ached to watch the two below her, she couldn't tear herself away. So intent was she on the scene below her, she was caught unawares as five large bandits emerged from the shadows. 'Damn! Why didn't that Amazon hear them?!' Then she realized, 'Same fool reason I didn't.' Her first instinct was to summersault into their midst and take them all with one stroke. 'That would show Gabrielle who her real hero is!' But she grabbed onto the tree limb tightly, forcing herself to remain still. Watching anxiously, the warrior observed the fight that was unfolding.

Anise had drawn her sword, placing Gabrielle behind her. But the smaller woman would have none of that as she rolled for her staff, coming up to face the danger. The men laughed seeing the little girl with her big stick. "Come on, boys," sneered one of the ruffians, "let's take care of the Amazon. We'll let Tiny take care of the little girl." The rest of the men circled Anise as the seven foot giant known as Tiny advanced on the bard. Though faced with the towering mountain, Gabrielle refused to let fear overtake her and used her quick agility to her advantage. Anise was not as fortunate, as the four swordsmen continued circling. Xena continued to keep a close eye on both the women in case she was needed.

Though the Amazon was holding her own, it soon became apparent that the men's skills were above average. Taking out one of them only caused their anger to rise and press even harder. While parrying the blades of two, the third slipped in to stab at the Amazon's side. Crying out more in surprise than pain, she pulled free of the blade and was knocked down before she could protect herself. Unfortunately, this caused Gabrielle to be distracted by her concern and soon found herself eating dirt, also. Quickly she turned her attention back where it belonged, but only in time to see the club as it connected with her head.

Without hesitation the warrior hurtled from her perch, feet slamming into the giant's back sending him to swallow his own share of the earth. The men surrounding Anise had frozen when they heard the warrior's battle cry. Taking advantage of their distraction, the Amazon rolled out of their reach bringing her sword up in protection. The pair made short work of the remaining bandits sending them to join their comrade in Tartarus.

As the women caught their breath, Xena quickly lost hers again when tree trunk arms wrapped around her, lifting her off her feet. The strength she felt squeezing her very life away rivaled that of Hercules. Snapping her head back she connected with the brute behind, but only succeeded in stunning him slightly. With her last bit of strength, Xena kicked backwards into Tiny's knees forcing them to buckle in an unnatural way, and causing him to release the warrior. Her fingers went into action finding the pressure points to render him unconscious.

Free from the distractions, Xena raced to the bard's side where she longed to be. Gingerly she turned the small woman over, checking her pulse and, with great relief, found it strong and steady. Gazing at the woman she longed to hold, she frowned as a bruise was forming all along the right side of the bard's face. Then she heard a muffled gasp behind her and reluctantly turned her attention to the Amazon.

"Stay down," she ordered.

"I'm fine."

"Of course you are," she replied as she pushed Anise down none too gently to examine her wound. "You were lucky, but it will need stitching."

Anise watched Xena's grim face as the warrior worked in silence quickly closing the wound. "Good thing you were here."

"Next time I won't be, so stay alert," she snapped.

"I only relaxed because I knew you were out there." Eyes locked for a moment, then Xena returned to her stitching without comment. Frustrated by the lack of communication between the two women, Anise forged ahead. "You need to talk with her."

"You seem to be doing just fine."

"For goddess sake, Xena! What you saw was Gabrielle's confusion. She doesn't know what she wants."

"Didn't look that way to me."

Glaring at the woman, Anise challenged, "Didn't realize the great warrior princess was so afraid to talk to a little girl." With a quick jerk, Xena tied off the suture. The tension that crackled between them was suddenly interrupted as a moan came from the bard. "Good. Now you two can finally-", but as Anise turned to face the warrior, she was gone. 'Warriors!' she thought in disgust, "Goddess, we're a cowardly lot when it comes to love.'

Slowly the bard's senses returned to her as she struggled to rise. 'Anise ??!' Where was Anise? She searched through slightly blurred vision.

"Over here," came a tight voice.

Locking onto the sound, Gabrielle made her way to the prone figure. "Are you all right?"

"Fine ? really. What about you?"

"Vision's a little blurred, but otherwise, I think everything's ok. Let's get you out of here before our friends come to." Gently she helped the wounded warrior to her feet and onto the horse. Then carefully she hoisted herself behind to support Anise. "Anise, my vision hasn't cleared yet so you take the reins. But I want you to lean against me to rest as much as possible."

"Yes, ma'am," she said with a smile, relaxing against the strong warm body. The mare moved forward in a gentle gait, quickly taking them from the scene of destruction. Soon Anise spied a small glen hidden off to their left and guided the animal off the road. "Gabrielle, duck down, we're going through some trees to get to a clearing. You doing all right back there?"

"When I get off this horse, I'll be just fine." Laughter filled the air as Anise pulled their mount to a halt. Relieved, the bard slid from her perch, but found the sudden movement too much and was flat on her back before she could blink.

"Gabrielle, are you all right?" Anise asked with concern, dismounting as quickly as she could. Her side ached, but she ignored it as she knelt beside her friend.

"Well ? my pride is certainly in tatters right now. Guess I'm still dizzy, and fuzzy vision doesn't help."

"Just take it slow. This place seems relatively secure. I think we should set up camp and rest the remainder of the day." The Amazon turned to remove the saddle, but her wound wouldn't let her.

"Anise, you're as bad as Xena. Now sit down and I'll take care of everything. I'm just going to have to move real slow." Gingerly the strawberry blonde began her task and was finished sooner than she thought, even if she did have to sit down a few times and close her eyes in order to stop the earth from spinning. When a fire was going, and water heating, Gabrielle turned her attention to her companion. "Your turn. I want to see what damage they did to you."

"Just a scratch. Besides, I thought your vision was still garbled. How can you see anything?"

"I can see well enough and I have an excellent sense of touch." Carefully, the bard examined every inch of her friend, stopping to inspect the suturing job. "How did you do this? You would've had to turn to reach it and that would have pulled the wound."

"Xena stitched me up."

There it was - hanging in the air between them. Neither moved.

"She's here?"

"She was."

The forest seemed to still as the bard fought with her warring emotions. Though the world echoed silence, her mind and body did everything but. Her stomach tied its knots into knots. Her heart screamed at her to call for Xena, but her mind denied her emotions. "It's just a coincidence. She was going this way and saw we needed help and that's what she does now - helps those who need it. If she cared anything for me, she would have stayed. So that's it. She's gone and it's over. Oh Aphrodite, who am I kidding? Something has to be real first, before it can be over." She stared off into the trees for a long time, perhaps looking for the warrior princess.

"You know we won't see her unless she wants us to."

Startled, she returned her attention back to Anise's wounds. "I'm sure she's long gone by now. Besides, I wasn't looking," she stated simply.

"Riiiight. Tell me another." Ignoring the Amazon, Gabrielle continued her ministrations. "I certainly don't understand you. I know we warriors stink at expressing ourselves, but you're a bard! What are you so afraid of?"

At first her eyes blazed at the accusation, but then they softened into a look of sorrow. "That I'm not enough for her," she quietly confessed.

"So rather than risk having her walk out on you in the future, you walk out on her now." The bard turned away unable to maintain eye contact. "Can you tell me - do you love her?"

"Can you love someone if you no longer trust them?"

Anise looked into the wet green eyes which held such sadness. "Why can't she see it doesn't matter when it comes to love? You'll follow your true love to Tartarus and back. O Artemis, what I wouldn't give to be loved as Gabrielle loves Xena." It was time for the Amazon to make her move for better or worse. Drawing closer she leaned in placing a soft kiss on the lips before her. The bard held very still, uncertain what to do or say. "If you're sure that the warrior princess no longer holds your heart, I would like to offer mine in its place." Without waiting for an answer, she leaned in again. This time she felt a timid response. "I'll take that as a 'yes'." Anise let the intensity of her passion flow over them both.

Unexpectedly the strawberry blonde froze, pulling away. "Anise, I'm sorry-"

"Don't be sorry - just don't stop." She wrapped her arms firmly around the smaller woman.

"No ? please ? stop-"

"Gabrielle, you don't really want me to stop. If you did, I'd be on the ground."

"Anise, I don't want to hurt you."

"Then kiss me," she said with a firmness, locking herself in place. She felt the bard push against her and then suddenly felt herself being lifted and thrown backwards. She landed painfully against a tree, looking up at blue eyes that burned with fire.

"She said stop." The voice was hard and cold. Then just as quickly, Anise found herself hoisted up by her neck, her back being pushed fiercely into the tree, and her feet dangling looking for some sort of leverage. Her breath came in ragged gasps.

"Xena! Stop!" The strangle hold lessened, but Anise was still not released. The bard spoke gently, almost a whisper, "Xena, please ? put her down. I'm all right. She didn't hurt me. This is all a misunderstanding."

Slowly the Amazon found the earth returning to her feet. Unable to support herself, she sank to the ground drawing in lungfuls of air. "You took ? your time ? getting here," Anise rasped with a slight chuckle. The remark took the warrior by surprise. Carefully the brunette pulled herself up. "I think I'll just go ? down to the stream ? my throat's a little sore. Maybe the two of you can ? find something to talk about." With a sense of victory, Anise walked away leaving the two women staring dumbfounded at her retreating back.

"She did that on purpose."

"I think we were set up."

Finally they turned to each other uncertainly. Amazingly it was the warrior who broke the silence. "You didn't even give me a chance to talk." The bard looked at the toe of her boot in shame. "You're always saying we should talk about our feelings. Why did you run?"

"I was scared."

The warrior looked at her in surprise. "Scared? You've faced Titans, fought Ares, and ridden Argo." The warrior's attempt at humor was not lost on the bard and a small smile pulled at her lips. "Can we sit and try talking ? please?"

Shyly she replied, "Wow - I get a 'please'?"

"I'm desperate." There was no joking this time and the eyes were plaintive.

"You're right. I've always said it's good to get your feelings out. And the first really big problem I have, I run. That wasn't fair to you."

"Or you," the tall woman offered.

"I didn't have faith in myself - simple as that."

"What do you mean?"

"I couldn't believe someone like me could attract you, let alone keep you without help. So when you told me about the pledge, I knew it was the only thing holding you to me."

"I see," she began slowly, "you think I'm a woman without honor?"

The bard was completely surprised by this comment. "What? No, of course not! That's why I knew you'd never break your pledge."

"I pledged to stay by you. I never pledged to love you." The smaller woman looked up, speechless, the glen sounds the only noise to ride the wind. Green eyes searched blue for assurance. "Looks like someone didn't stop to think things through before exploding."

The bard continued to stare as the words slowly bored their way into her brain. Several times she tried to speak, to explain, to argue; but the intensity of those blue eyes held her speechless. Finally she lowered her head, ashamed and feeling foolish. "I've been such an ass." Silence bounced between them. "Not going to say anything?"

"Hey - when you're right, you're right."

The strawberry blonde head tilted up as green eyes peeked shyly beneath feathery bangs. "You're not going to make this easy, are you?"

"Any reason I should?"

"Because I'm really sorry," she whispered pleadingly.

"Keep talking."

Taking a deep breath, the words exploded rapidly. "I know you told me Artemis helped you. But that time was all one big jumble. Besides, I've never really felt equal to you and after what Jax did, I just didn't feel good enough for you." Ignoring the warrior's attempt to interrupt, she raced on. "You've been very good to me; kind, gentle, patient ? but I know it's not easy being with me after him. I'm moody - sometimes it's difficult to let you touch me and I know you can sense my hesitation. And that doesn't even account for all the times I flat out refused. What kind of relationship is that for you? My body may have healed, but I know my mind's damaged and you deserve better." Tears threatened to fall as her fear welled inside her, but somehow she held them at bay. Pity was not what she wanted and she didn't want Xena feeling any more guilt over what had happened.

Birds filled the quiet as it stretched on, the warrior attempting to organize her thoughts. Impulsively she reached out and gathered the small woman into her arms. Holding tight, she kissed the head tucked under her chin. "You say I deserve better. I say I don't deserve you at all. Quite a pair we make." Gently she stroked the bard's cheek. "Gabrielle, I understand your doubts. I felt much the same way after Cortese, which is why I can be patient. You remember when we were at the Amazons and you ran away?"

"I thought you didn't want me because of-"

"Yes, I was very stupid then. I handled it all wrong. But when I found you and saw you holding that dagger, I knew my life would end the instant yours did."

"You held me and I felt safe for the first time since it had all begun."

"And you remember what we did that night?"

The bard's eyes blinked in confusion. "We did nothing."

"Is that how you saw it? Now I'm the one who's having doubts. Gabrielle, that night was the most loving, sensual, and intimate time I'd ever shared with someone."

"But all we did was hold hands ?. Well, ok, we did kiss once."

"We didn't just hold hands. You made love to me with your hand. Your fingers caressed my palm in such a way as to set me on fire. And that one kiss went straight to my soul, breaking down every protective wall I'd ever built. That was the night I finally understood what love was. Please don't dismiss it."

The young woman stared up into the blue eyes which held only honesty. "You really mean it," she said in awe.

"I give you my word."

The solemn-ness of the vow assaulted her. "You really love me," she continued in amazement.

"You're finally catching on," and the warrior leaned in to silence any further discussion. Then a twig snapped and a throat cleared as they turned to the forgotten Amazon.

"Do I need to get more water or have you two worked things out?"

"We're good," the petite woman blushed as she glanced sideways at the powerful woman at her side. "Anise, you've been a really good friend to me. Thank you," she finished as she placed a kiss upon the bronze cheek.

"Hope you cleared that first with the warrior," she smirked. Straightening, Xena rose to her full imposing height, striding towards the brunette. With her warrior mask in place, she held out her hand. "Thank you, Anise." The young woman tried to gage the taller woman's mood. Deciding it was safe, she returned the warrior handshake and immediately felt herself pulled in close. "But you ever touch her again, and I will happily break every bone in your offending hand," she whispered in her ear. Startled, Anise pulled back to look into Xena's smiling face.

"Well ? since everything here is under control," she gulped uncertainly, "I think I'll start back for Amazon territory, if that's all right with you, My Queen?"

"Of course it is, but there's not much day left. You could stay with us for the evening and get an early start tomorrow."

"If it's all the same to you, I wouldn't mind getting a jump on the journey," she jabbered as she quickly unpacked Gabrielle's things. "I'll let Ephiny know that all is back on track. I hope you'll stop by soon though to tell her yourself. I know all your friends would be happy to see you again." Vaulting on her stallion, she smiled down at her Queen wistfully.

"Thank you for everything, friend." The bard squeezed the Amazon's hand, smiling up at her.

"Artemis's blessing on you ? both." Nudging the horse into a trot, she was off.

The bard kept her eyes on the disappearing figure as she felt strong arms wrap around her. "I think we have some catching up to do, my bard."

"More talk?"

"We can do that, too ? later."

End