CopyRight: Universal/MCA and Renaissance Pictures own all Xena, Gabrielle, Argo, Toris, and Cyrene not mine damn it. The story line as always is all mine as well as the characters, Ferus, Potestas, and Saada so don't let the thought cross your mind to use them. You will receive hell from me if you mess with my story or characters.
Subtext: Oh defiantly, wouldn't be good otherwise, hehe. But not sex written between the soulmates…read another story if you want that.
Started: January 15, 2000 Saturday
If anybody has comments about my story please let me know at:
Part 3
Section 3
~*Part 10*~
Will you marry me Gabrielle?
It repeated over and over in Gabrielle's head. Her heart skittered each time. Xena lifted her head up from Gabrielle's hand as she waited. Slowly Gabrielle lifted her eyes from the ring and turned around. Xena's arms dropped from her soulmate's small waist, her cloak falling back to her side.
Gabrielle searched her soulmate's eyes. Gabrielle's legs were so shaky, her breathing ragged as her heart pounded and sent shots of electricity through her nerves.
Xena was smiling so deeply while her twinkling crystal blue eyes were soft and loving. Even for Xena this was making her nervous, she'd never been this nervous or even scared. Yes scared, scared of her soulmate's reaction being bad.
Their eyes are locked and they both thought time had stopped for them. Yet at the same time Xena thought time was ever so slow.
Will you marry me Gabrielle?
It repeated again in Gabrielle's mind. Her body went a little weak, so she reached out for her soulmate. Xena instantly grasped her soulmate by the sides and kept smiling at her small soulmate's reaction.
"Xena" It came out low as a whisper, almost like a plea. "Gods, Xena…I can't believe…gods…Xen…." Without anticipation from Xena, Gabrielle reached up for the back of Xena's head. She pulled Xena's head down and captured Xena's lips in a strong loving kiss. In between Gabrielle started to cry, they pulled away from the kiss. Their foreheads still touched. Gabrielle cried with a smile and just let a faint laugh escape her lips from the surprise.
Sapphire and emerald eyes met again. Xena never lost her smile.
Xena's soulmate was still crying some with her smile. She then whispered up to Xena. "Yes Xena…gods I'll marry you" Gabrielle went in for another kiss.
Once it broke, Xena sighed in relief. Her body relaxed and she felt her limbs all go shaky from the waiting. She brought up one of her hands from Gabrielle's waist and brushed back some of her soulmate's blond hair. Xena still smiled, a few tears started to roll down her cheeks as Gabrielle let tears trail down her face. They both smiled to each other.
"Xena how…when…gods…where"
Xena lowered her head down close to Gabrielle's with a lopsided smile. "Sshhh, I'll tell you everything later"
Gabrielle nodded her head. The soulmates closed in the distance and kissed again. The snow still fell and dusted over the soulmates. But they seemed to have forgotten about everything around them, nothing else mattered. After the kiss, Xena pulled her soulmate in, wrapping her arms tightly around Gabrielle. Gabrielle also wrapped her arms around Xena in a huge embrace. They savored the moment as their bodies began to relax again. Their breath was still heavy, hearts pounding, and bodies shaking, they felt drained. Another moment in time locked away in their soul they shared.
Soulmates.
~*Part 11*~
The soulmates had left the ridge after being in each other's embrace for so long. They really had no idea how long they'd been gone from the tavern, but they knew it was a good amount of time. Deciding it was best to head back to the inn before Cyrene went hunting for them. Xena knowing her mom like she does, she wouldn't be a bit surprised if Cyrene did exactly that.
By the time they returned to the inn, it was late afternoon or so. Once they entered into the tavern they went upstairs to warm up. The cold had nipped away at their bodies some, especially their exposed faces. So now Xena was in front of the small fireplace in her room, she was lighting the logs inside of the fireplace.
Gabrielle though was removing her cloak and putting it on the back of a chair to let it dry. She came up behind her partner as Xena stood up. The bard's hands going up to her soulmate's shoulders and grasping the cloak. The warrior smiled as she shrugged out of her cloak and Gabrielle took it. The Amazon Queen went to another chair by the table and hung it off the back of that chair. The bard then moved to the saddlebags to rummage through them. She quickly found two mugs, tea, a spoon, and honey, she grinned.
Xena though began to remove her boots, quickly untying them. Once that was done with and boots set aside, the warrior removed her armor, gauntlets and armbands. Now she only stood in her leathers as she shifted to her old dresser. She began to open the drawers, searching for something.
The bard though was busy making tea, water almost boiled. As she waited she took off her own boots, placing them near Xena's. Heading back to the fireplace, Gabrielle removed the kettle from the fireplace, it was boiling. She poured the hot water into each mug that held the herbal tea. The water turned to a shade of brown as the tea and water mixed, steam rising from the mugs. Occasionally the ring would catch Gabrielle's eye on her left hand. The bard opened the jar of honey and poured some into the spoon, she stirred it into one mug. Repeating the same process with the second mug. The Amazon Queen then placed the spoon on top of the resealed honey jar. Lifting the mugs, she turned to her soulmate.
Xena sat on the wood floor, back against the foot of the bed's board. She smiled to the bard, Gabrielle smiling back. Beside the warrior on the floor was a quilt blanket, it look relatively old and used but warm.
The bard came up to her soulmate and handed a mug to Xena, the warrior taking it. Xena then propped up her legs and Gabrielle position herself between her soulmate's legs. Both their mugs hit the floor and Xena wrapped her arms around her partner's waist. The Warrior Princess tugged a little on Gabrielle, the bard grinned to herself and leaned back into Xena's warm body. The warrior's left hand released the bard and lifted the blanket from the floor and Xena opened it up. The blanket fell on top of both their bodies. They both quickly warmed between the tea, fire, blanket and their own bodies.
Gabrielle sighed in contentment. She could still feel the new found weight on her left ring finger, she smiled. Her eyes closed as her head rested against the warrior's shoulder. "I love you"
Xena smiled at her soulmate's low whispered affection. Turning her head some, the warrior kissed the bard on the temple. "I love you too Gabrielle" Xena's right hand was snaked around the bard's stomach under the quilt. Her left hand though was lifting the mug to sip from.
Gabrielle lifted her head from Xena's shoulder and lifted up her own mug, drinking from it. Afterwards the mug went back to the floor, Gabrielle dropping her head back again. "So do I get an answer to all of this?"
Xena grinned. "Which question first? The how? The when? Or the gods where?"
The bard chuckled. She brought her right hand from on top of the blanket to go underneath. She quickly found Xena's hand and locked their hands together. "Start with the how"
The warrior nodded, she brought up the mug sipping from it. Placing it back to the floor she answered. "Well I bought it, that's how"
"Very funny warrior. You know what I mean. How did you…pay for the ring? Give"
Xena chuckled, then she went serious. Gabrielle could tell by the way Xena's body just faintly went rigid. "Back when I was a pirate I still had a little hope…belief in love and that I'd find my soulmate someday. That of course was when my ship was filled with money. So I set aside some money incase I were to ever find my soulmate, I could buy them a ring or something. Forgot about it after I became a warlord but still had the money tucked away"
The younger woman nodded her head. "I never knew"
Xena grinned again and tried to relax. "I'd hope not"
Gabrielle chuckled a little then she took a deep breath. "So next question. When did you get it…plan this?"
"I have to tell all my secrets?"
Gabrielle nodded with a smirk. "Oh yes you do"
Xena grinned to herself and shook her head a little. She then took a sip of her tea, the mug going back to the ground, her fingers still on the handle though. "I bought it back in that small town after we left the Amazons"
"You mean the one that had the Dionysus festival where I got my scrolls?"
"Yup"
"You sneak" Xena chuckled and the bard went on. "You didn't need a sharpening stone at all did you?"
"Nope"
"Gods Xena. And I happened to look at a stand there selling jewelry that had wedding band rings"
"I know"
"Oh gods…" The bard then groaned. "You saw me at the stand?"
"Yup"
The bard then chuckled and shook her head. She reached down to retrieve her mug, drinking from it. The mug half drained while Xena took a sip from hers being three quarters empty.
"Xena?"
"Mmm?"
"How…how are we going to get married exactly? Amazons?"
The warrior grinned. Xena drank the rest of her tea. Gabrielle decided she didn't feel like finishing the rest. So she leaned back into Xena. Now both of Gabrielle and Xena's hands were under the quilt, intertwined together.
The warrior could feel the ring on her soulmate's hand, it made her grin. "I talked to Ferus"
"Really?"
"Uh huh, he talked to the council about us becoming married"
"So what happened?" The bard's words had came out fast and with excitement.
Xena grinned. "Welllll…"
"Xena"
The warrior chuckled and spoke again. "He talked to the council and reminded them about what happened with Draco over a year ago and then mentioned the raiders"
"Hold on Xena, they said you weren't a citizen of Amphipolis anymore right?"
"They did when I first came back here"
"Yeah so how can they hand out a marriage license of you're not considered a citizen, or me for that matter?"
"That's the other part Ferus talked to them about. After hearing that we stopped the raiders and the reminder of Draco they believe I've earned the right to become a citizen again"
"Gods that's great"
Xena smiled and nodded. "You'll also become a citizen"
"What?" The bard then looked sidelong to Xena.
"Once we marry that'll official make you a citizen of Amphipolis. I also mention the fact that if Amphipolis makes you a citizen then they'll have an alliance with the Amazon Nation"
"And they would too. How are we going to work the marriage? I mean Ephiny will kill us both if we don't have an Amazon ceremony. She'd already pulled that out on us not to long ago. But then doesn't Amphipolis want an official marriage too?"
Xena chuckled over her soulmate's wonderment and quick voice. "I took care of that too"
"You're good"
"I know"
"So what did you have in mind Xen?"
"I mention to Ferus that we could do an Amazon ceremony here in Amphipolis then the council could approve it as an official marriage as could the Amazons can consider it official"
"So did he go for it?"
"Ferus did, I don't know about the council. I think tomorrow it would be a good idea for us both to talk to the council. Make it official that the Amazon Nation will have an alliance with Amphipolis. It'll make them happy"
Gabrielle nodded her head in agreement. "Do that first, then send out a letter to Ephiny huh?"
Xena also nodded. "That's my thoughts"
"Xena, when are we planning the marriage date?"
Xena grinned devilishly. "Solstice"
Gabrielle turned around in Xena's embrace to face the warrior. "You're kidding?"
"Nope"
"Gods Xena" Actually expecting it this time, Xena felt her soulmate's lips seal with hers. The kiss was long and shot warmth through both of their bodies.
As the kiss ended, Xena smiled and talking in a low whisper. "Come here"
The bard grinned and snuggled up into the warrior's lap. Xena readjusted the blanket over them and dropped her head onto Gabrielle's. Soon sleep came to them as the soulmates drifted off into another world.
The bard's sea green eyes fluttered open. She took a deep breath, her sense being filled with the scent of spice.
"How'd you sleep?"
The Amazon Queen grinned then replied back. "Pretty well. I can't believe I was tired"
"I know"
"We're both lazy"
Xena grinned at that, she tightened her arms more around her soulmate. "But we're lazy together"
Gabrielle chuckled and then smiled to herself. "We deserve it anyway"
"Uh huh"
Silence came between the partners for a little while. Gabrielle thought about everything that has happened and what will happen. Her face then brightened up. "Gods Xena"
"Mmm?"
"Do you realize everything that will happen?"
"Uh huh"
"You'll be my consort, an Amazon, and a citizen of Amphipolis. I'll be a citizen of Amphipolis too and there'll be an alliance between Amphipolis and the Amazon Nation. Then we'll be married, gods"
"Yup" Xena then grinned and began to lightly caress her soulmate's warm stomach.
Gabrielle sighed then giggled a little.
"What's the giggling about?"
"I was just thinking that Toris will be my brother-in-law" She chuckled again while Xena grinned. "That's going to be real interesting"
"Yeah give me legal rights to…"
"Xena" The warrior started to laugh at her soulmate's warning voice. The bard grinned then continued on. "No it'll give me legal rights to kick-"
"Gabrielle"
The bard then snickered and snuggled more into her soulmate. "Was just agreeing with you Xe"
"Uh huh. I thought I fight while you cook?"
"Well somebody's gotta watch your butt"
"Oh no, you're gonna stay right beside me my bard"
"Fine by me" The bard then sighed.
Xena's head went down to kiss the bard on top of her head. "Speaking of butts, I need to get up"
"Oh yeah, I bet that floor hurts after a few" The bard then hugged her soulmate tightly, Xena doing the same. Gabrielle then stood up from Xena taking the quilt with her. The warrior looked up to her soulmate and the bard grinned. Holding out a hand, the warrior took it. She was then pulled up to her feet with her knees cracking.
"Getting old"
"Whatever Miss back flips"
The warrior rolled her eyes then grinned. She turned around to the bed where she left her armor and proceeded to put it on. The bard though lifted the mugs up and put them by the honey where the slowly dying fire is.
Then folding the blanket she walked over to her soulmate. "Nice blanket"
Xena looked to her soulmate with a smile. "Real old"
"Childhood?"
Gabrielle grinned and the warrior nodded. "Mother made it a long time ago. Surprise she still has it"
"I'd say she missed you"
After hearing that, silence fell. The warrior's eyes locked with her soulmates.
"It's hard to let some things go Xena. I should know"
Xena nodded her head to the bard. "We both know"
The Amazon Queen nodded at that then smiled some.
Xena smiled back with warm eyes. "Thanks"
Gabrielle nodded and kissed her partner on the forehead. "Love you Xena"
"I love you"
The bard smiled deeply. "Dresser third drawer?"
Xena nodded her head and Gabrielle went to the dresser placing it into the third drawer. Both soulmates then went over to their boots by the saddlebags. They both quickly put them on then straightened back up.
Cyrene placed a few mugs down on her bar, she then looked up from the sound of boots connecting with the steps. She spotted the soulmates coming down and she smiled to them. "Well decided to come down dears?"
Xena grinned, she came to the bar first followed by her soulmate. "Yeah, we fell asleep upstairs"
Cyrene nodded her head. "Yes well I don't blame you" The innkeeper arranged her mugs under the bar table and looked back up. "I'm expecting a good size crowd tonight, hopefully"
Gabrielle then spoke up with a smile. "Mom?"
"Yeah sweetie?"
"I was wondering if I could do a story tonight?"
Immediately the tavern owner's face brightened up. "Why of course sweetie. That would be wonderful"
The bard then brought up her arms to the bar resting them there. "So when do you expect the crowd in tonight?"
Cyrene was about to reply, but she stopped as something caught her eyes. "By the gods sweetie. Where did you get that?" Quickly Cyrene's reached out with her right hand to grasp Gabrielle's left hand. She stared down at the gorgeous ring on the Amazon Queen's hand.
The bard blushed while Xena grinned. The warrior looked to her soulmate. "Well you are going to tell Mother right?"
Gabrielle looked up to her soulmate to say something, but closed her mouth. She then looked to Cyrene and opened her mouth to say something again but didn't.
The tavern owner looked to Xena's smiling face then to Gabrielle's red face. Her eyes widen. "No?" Nobody said anything and Cyrene looked between the two women then smiled very warmly. "You're engaged to each other?"
The bard nodded bashfully and Xena still looked to her soulmate but nodded as well.
The innkeeper kept her smile and talked in a loud happy tone. "This is wonderful! Gods" Xena's mother released the bard's hand and came around from the bar. She quickly pulled Gabrielle into a hug, they both hugged tightly. "Congratulations sweetie"
"Thanks Mom"
Cyrene smiled and placed a light kiss to Gabrielle's right cheek. She then looked to Xena and went in for a bear hug with her daughter. "Congratulations Xena" Once the mother and daughter broke the embrace did Cyrene take a step back to face both soulmates. "Its about time you asked her Xena"
The warrior chuckled. "Well I had to work up to it"
Gabrielle looked up to her soulmate with an arched eyebrow. "Work up to it?"
Xena looked down to her partner with a grin. "That love, was the hardest thing I've ever done"
The Amazon Queen placed her hands on her hips. "How many fights have you been through? And you're telling me it was hardier then fighting?"
The warrior kept her grin but replied in a deep voice. "It was and I'd do it all over again"
The bard grinned back and dropped her hands from her hips.
"So when is the date set?"
The soulmates looked to Cyrene, Xena answering her question. "Solstice"
The tavern owner smiled brightly. "That's wonderful" Cyrene then grinned. "So who's going to be setting up the ceremony?"
"Mother"
The tavern owner looked up to daughter and placed her own hands on her hips. "Dear, I just want to make sure whoever sets up your marriage does it right"
Gabrielle chuckled. "Actually Mom, so far we're planning for the Amazons to do it"
Cyrene furrowed her brows and looked to the bard. "Amazons? Why the Amazons?"
The warrior took a deep breath and replied before Gabrielle could. "Mother, how about we sit down and we'll explain everything"
The innkeeper nodded her head. So the three women shuffled over to a table and sat down. The soulmates then went into explaining the whole plan and as to why. Cyrene had listened without questioning by the end though she definitely had some questions.
Once the soulmates had explained everything, Saada had came into the inn. She was about a half a candlemark ahead of the crowd, which gave her and Cyrene ample time to prepare for the dinner crowd. But once the crowd did show up, Xena and Gabrielle had already occupied a table off in a corner. The warrior had started up the fire in the fireplace, warming the inn faster. Toris though had yet to return from his journey in Neapolis that in turn concerned Cyrene.
The warrior looked to her right to see people come into the tavern and sit down at a table. She then looked to her left where her soulmate sat. She could tell her bard was thinking, her eyes were unfocused and dark. Reaching out, Xena's large hand fell on Gabrielle's right leg.
Gabrielle's eyes refocused and she looked to Xena. A smile formed on her lips. "Sorry"
The warrior smiled warmly and squeezed the bard's leg for a moment. She removed her hand back to her own lap. "Nothing to be sorry about"
The Amazon Queen nodded her head. "Xena?"
"Mmm?"
Emerald eyes shifted from the tavern to the warrior. "You don't mind becoming an Amazon…right?"
The warrior dropped her gaze for a moment, sighed then crossed her arms against her chest. She looked back to Gabrielle with a serious expression. "For you, I'd do anything"
"I know, but I also know you don't ever like being considered an Amazon"
Xena nodded a little then responded after a moment. "No I didn't but I've grown to like the Amazons a lot more then what I have" The bard smiled and the warrior did also. Xena then mumbled something low with a grin to her lips. "I'd better anyway"
"What?" The bard's question came out low and hard, but she was grinning.
Xena smirked and looked away from her soulmate to gaze around in the room. "I said I'd better anyway"
"And exactly what is that suppose to mean?"
"Its suppose to mean you're the Amazon Queen and I don't have much choice"
The bard chuckled. "Oh that's right" Then her face brightened up. "Wait a sec, so you'll be an Amazon, one of mine"
Xena laughed and looked to her bard. "Yup, I'm all yours"
"Perfect"
The warrior lightly shook her head. Xena then spotted her mother coming over making her way through the people.
"Hey dears"
"Mother"
"Is there anything I can get you two?"
Gabrielle looked to her partner and shrugged her shoulder.
Xena grinned and looked up to her Mother. "Warm cider for the both of us"
Cyrene grinned with a nod. "Be back in a jippy"
The bard watched Xena's mom leave then she looked to her soulmate. "You're nothing but trouble warrior"
"I know"
Silence fell for a moment, Gabrielle then looked back to Xena. "Hey I need to go do something real fast. I'll be right back"
The warrior arched an eyebrow. "I'll be here"
"Good" After saying that with a wink to follow, Gabrielle stood up from her seat and went up stairs.
Xena watched her go the entire time then Cyrene returned with two mugs, a little steam rising from the tops.
"Where'd the little one go?"
Xena smiled. "Upstairs to do something"
"Interesting"
The warrior nodded at that one in agreement.
"Do you want dinner now dear?"
Xena grinned. "Yeah actually"
"Something spicy?"
The warrior chuckled and replied back. "Yeah, what's spicy back there?"
"Doing gyros. Gabrielle doesn't mind peppers, onions, chicken, and little mushroom?"
"Oh no, Gabrielle will eat anything"
Cyrene chuckled. "Okay, I'll bring out some. How many?"
The warrior reflected for a moment. "Five will do it"
The innkeeper nodded and left the table to go into the kitchen. That's when the bard reappeared from upstairs. Xena quickly saw her and she saw something very small and light brown slightly tucked down in the belt of Gabrielle's skirt on her side. The warrior quickly figured out it was a bit of scroll, her mind went into curiosity.
"Back"
"Was wondering what took you so long"
"Yeah well…"
Xena brought up an eyebrow. "Well?"
"Um…I forget"
The warrior grinned at the smirking bard. "Uh huh"
Gabrielle sat down then looked to her partner. "So what's for dinner?"
"I forget"
"Xena" It was definitely a low whine from the bard.
The warrior grinned and then replied back. "Two can play at that game love"
The bard huffed then crossed her arms in her lap. She then freed her right hand bringing it to lift the mug and she drank the warm cider. She felt it flow through her body and travel down into her stomach. Her body shivered for a moment as it rushed out the coldness.
"You'll like it though, something spicy" The spicy part came out low and deep from Xena's lips.
Now Gabrielle choked on her drink. She started to cough as she brought the mug from her mouth. After placing the mug down to the table she coughed a few more times then advanced to clear her throat.
"What?" The bard's question came out low as she coughed again.
"I said it is spicy"
"That's what I thought"
Xena chuckled at her soulmate and lifted her own mug to drink from it.
The bard then began to grin very devilishly. Two can definitely play at this game. "Well I know how you love real sweet things like…that cider for instance"
Xena's turn to choke on her drink. She placed her mug back down as she coughed now from the cider going down the wrong pipe.
Gabrielle then looked up to see Cyrene coming their way. The bard looked to her warrior with a grin. Xena was still coughing a little. The younger woman then leaned to her right closer to Xena. She whispered up to her soulmate in a low sensual voice. "I'll take your surrender to this game later tonight in bed"
The warrior's eyes widen instantly as a very deep red blush creeped up from her neck to the tips of her roots.
Cyrene put her hands on her hips as she stared at her blushing daughter. "Is there something wrong with the cider?"
Xena took a deep breath to calm herself but she still felt like she was on fire. "Um no Mother it's quite-"
"Sweet"
The tavern owner looked to the bard after she spoke. "Good, sweetness is good. Just like you sweetie"
Gabrielle looked to her soulmate, she watched as Xena went another shade of red that she never thought was possible. That's when Gabrielle broke out laughing, she leaned back in the chair clutching her stomach as she laughed. Her stomach began to hurt as her face went red from laughing so hard. "Oh…gods…that…that was…so funny"
The small bard kept laughing for a few more heartbeats. Xena though was trying to recover from her embarrassment. The warrior took a deep breath then looked to her partner who had finally settled from her laughter. The Warrior Princess slightly glared at the bard then smiled to her, the bard grinned back.
"Now then if you dears are quite finished. I came by to see if you needed anything else?"
Gabrielle shook her head. "No I think we're quite fine Mom"
Cyrene nodded her head. "Alright, I'm off to the kitchen" The tavern owner disappeared through the inn to her kitchen in the back. Saada came out of the kitchen heading to some tables.
"Get some good laughs out of that?"
The bard looked to her soulmate and grinned. "Uh huh"
Xena rolled her eyes some and shook her head. She looked to the tavern again. Gabrielle's grin slipped and she reached over with her right hand. Her small hand quickly grasped the warrior's larger hand in Xena's lap. Gabrielle squeezed Xena's hand and the older woman looked to the bard. The Amazon Queen smiled lovingly to the warrior, Xena smiled back deeply as her eyes warmed.
The warrior turned her hand so that her palm was up and she squeezed the bard's hand back. Xena was entranced by those sparkling forest green eyes. She ached to just lean over and…well let's just say she couldn't since so many people surround them. One last time Xena squeezed her soulmate's hand and then Gabrielle pulled her hand away before letting people notice anything.
Dinner came later on in the evening. Gabrielle certainly got her fill having three gyros and Xena had the other two. Afterwards the bard rested back in her seat with a huge content look. The warrior looked to her and smiled. The smaller woman then looked down to her left hand resting in her lap. Her eyes stared down at the ring as it shimmered from the firelight. She sighed and looked back up and found Xena grinning at her. Gabrielle chuckled then stood up. "I think I'm going to go try out a story. Plenty of people"
Xena nodded her head. "Good luck" The warrior then stood up. "I think I'll stand so I can watch everything"
Gabrielle grinned and then leaned closer to Xena. "Xen?"
The warrior arched an eyebrow as she looked down to her soulmate. She leaned down closer to the bard. "Yeah?"
"I love you" Gabrielle peered up into blue eyes that started to twinkle very warmly to her. A rare smile creased Xena's lips as the warrior bent down more to reply back.
"You'll do wonderful up there" Xena then grinned and went on. "I love you too my bard"
The bard grinned. "Thanks" The warrior nodded and Gabrielle began to turn around, but stopped and turned back to Xena. She reached to her belt on the side and removed the small slip of scroll paper. She handed it to Xena whom took it. Gabrielle winked then turned back to the fireplace shifting to it.
The warrior arched an eyebrow as she began to open the paper. She didn't read it just yet but looked up to her bard who was in front of the fireplace.
"Excuse me everybody, I'm a…guess you could say a travelling bard and I was hoping I could do a story for everybody"
All the people turned their heads to Gabrielle once they heard a sweet voice cut through the dim of noise in the air. The tavern fell silent. Then some man yelled out a question.
"Who are you young lady?"
Xena grinned at this as Gabrielle smiled to reply back. "My name is Gabrielle"
There was a slight buzz to the air then everybody fell silent as the same man talked back. "Gabrielle of Poteidaia?"
"Yup that's me"
Then another man yelled out. "She's the bard who won the contest at the Athens' Bard Academy, really good"
Gabrielle slightly blushed and brushed a piece of hair back. "Yeah that was me too"
"Tell a story!"
Xena grinned at that she took a step back and leaned against the tavern wall. She looked down to the small slip of paper still contained in her hands. She proceeded to read it.
DaysDays fade in and fade out
I use to not remember them
Then you stepped into my life
Days were to long
Now my days don't fade in and out
Each day having its own tale
Each day having its own meaning
Days are to short
My life is yours
Yours is mine
We are intertwined
Days are ours
The warrior took a deep breath, her eyes burned just a little. She looked up to her bard, Gabrielle took a deep breath and went into bardic mode. It was so easy to see by the smile that took her lips, the look on her face, her eyes sparkling and her hands began to move.
Her emerald eyes looked over to Xena, knowing she'd just read the small paper with poem. Gabrielle smiled and Xena smiled back. The bard began to speak.
"This is a story of two friends…"
~*Part 12*~
Our image begins looking over a bed, a pair of soulmates sleeping soundless. It was early dawn, the lands around cloaked in snow. The air crisp with a zip of cold to chill the bones. Our heroes of course don't feel that cold, instead they feel the warmth of each other in bed. The night before was long but well worth it. The bard getting her surrender from her soulmate late into the night.
Gabrielle had never felt more herself in a long time. She'd thought she might have almost lost her bard side, but she hadn't. The audience last night was incredible, asking for one story after another. Eventually Cyrene had stopped them and said the bard had done plenty. Gabrielle felt good again knowing she'd never lost that side of herself. She is in a daze, a daze of love.
Xena had the confidence that her bard would do wonderful telling her stories and Gabrielle had. The warrior had listened to each story and kept smiling each time Gabrielle looked to her. Occasionally Xena would look down to that poem written in the small scrap of parchment and reread it. The warrior was no longer just a warrior, but a warrior with something to protect and hide from the world around. She had every intent in doing just that, anything.
Together the soulmates were in a daze, a daze of seeming perfection. A world they created together and ruled together, nobody and nothing outside could destroy it. A single realm meant only for each other where their parallels joined them. We can naturally assume this is what joins two people together, not only joins them but we can go farther to say that it binds them. We know through this that nothing around them could break this binding, nothing around them. Around them.
But this is the day our heroes have to confront the Amphipolis council. And in this instant the warrior's eyes slowly slip open to take in everything. She took a deep breath. Her smaller soulmate was actually sleeping on top of her. Xena grinned up at her bard's face as she tightened her arms more around the younger woman.
Gabrielle had her hands holding Xena's sides loosely. Her head rested on Xena's chest, on the right cheek. The covers were pulled over them to trap the heat in. Both their bodies were completely bare from last night, skin and skin touched.
The warrior took another deep breath. The bard stirred from it and tightened her hands a little on Xena's sides. Xena grinned and then released one of her hands to lightly caress the bard's back.
Gabrielle lifted her head from Xena's chest and she had a groggy expression. "To early"
The warrior grinned at the bard's words, she replied back in a low voice. "If you were to get up late in the afternoon, you'd still think it was to early"
The Amazon Queen grinned and dropped her head back down on Xena's chest. "Yup"
The older woman grinned to herself and brought her head up a little to kiss Gabrielle on her forehead. "Sleep well?"
The smaller woman nodded her head. "Yeah, you?"
"Not to bad"
A smile etched on to the bard's lips in response. A few heartbeats passed and then Gabrielle tightened her hold more on Xena. She took a deep breath and sighed in contentment. "Gods" It was low and came out with another sigh.
"Mmm?"
"Xen, this is just perfect"
The warrior grinned to herself and kept her caressing on the bard's back. "Yeah"
Gabrielle lifted her head with a bit of a grin. She pushed herself forward a little and claimed her soulmate's warm lips. Xena's right hand that was caressing came up to the back of Gabrielle's head. The warrior deepened the kiss more, the bard going with it, dying for it. They stopped the kiss for a quick instant then went into another long kiss, their bodies became hot as a blue flame.
They did stop the kiss soon though, knowing they needed to get up. So the bard dropped her head just under Xena's chin. The warrior's hand was still on Gabrielle's head but massaging the bard's head.
Emerald eyes closed and the Amazon Queen sighed. "Do we really need to get up?"
Xena grinned to herself. "If you want to get the marriage agreement settled, then yeah"
The bard grinned as she opened her eyes again. She then lifted her head a little and kissed her warrior on the cheek. Gabrielle then rolled off Xena and slipped out of the bed. She trailed over to her clothes on the table. She slipped into her skirt and then heard her soulmate shift out of bed. Once she adjusted her skirt she felt a warm presence come up behind her.
The bard felt Xena's warm strong arms wrap around her across her bare breasts. She leaned back into her partner and the feel of leather brushed against Gabrielle's back. She sighed and brought up her hands to Xena's arms, grasping them.
Xena leaned forward, her head going to the bard's ear. She whispered in a low voice. "We need to be careful today with the council"
The younger woman nodded a little then replied in her light tone. "Worried they'll take something wrong?"
"That but we need to be careful how we say…approach things. I don't want to strike an alliance with them that the Amazons might not be able to keep"
"Yeah, considering I don't have Ephiny or the Amazon council here"
"I know, we'll keep everything in the best interest for the Amazon Nation"
The bard nodded in agreement. "Sounds good"
That's when the comforting silence came around. Gabrielle dropped her head back as Xena lifted her head some. Eyes locked and the bard's right hand went up behind the warrior's head, she pulled Xena down. Their kiss was long, conveying of love and when that kiss was over, Gabrielle only turned around in her soulmate's arm to kiss again.
Once the second one was over did Xena release her partner. "We need to get moving love"
"Right…let me just remember how to get changed"
The warrior laughed and kissed her soulmate on the forehead. Xena then turned to the table to collect her armor and spot her bard pulling her top on. By the time the bard had everything of hers on did the older woman put on her boots.
So in turn Gabrielle snagged her cloak along with Xena's. She slipped into hers and waited for her soulmate. Xena tied her last boot then stood back up and looked to her bard, Gabrielle smiling to her. The warrior stepped over to the Amazon Queen and Gabrielle helped her soulmate put the cloak on.
The soulmates then went down stairs to the tavern. There Cyrene was cleaning the bar from the front side, she looked up when she saw the pair coming down.
"Morning Mom"
"Good morning sweetie"
"Mother"
Cyrene smiled to her daughter and replied back. "Morning dear. Sleep well?"
Xena nodded the responded as well. "I did"
The innkeeper nodded her head. "Good. So you both up for breakfast?"
Gabrielle looked up to her partner and Xena looked down to her. The warrior then looked back to her mother with a devilishly smile. "Definitely"
Gabrielle shifted her weight from her right foot to her left as she stood in front of the council. She nodded her head to something in agreement. This meeting is getting way to long. She took a deep breath to calm herself and tried to stay focused on the topic at hand.
"So it will be assured that Amphipolis will receive an alliance with the Amazon Nation?"
The bard brushed back a piece of hair behind her right ear then responded. "Yes, I can guarantee you that the Amazon Nation will agree to an alliance. But what we need to make terms as to the alliance. Although I can't promise these terms because I personally may not be allowed to approve the terms without the consent of the council and our regent"
The head council member of Amphipolis nodded his head. He sat in the center of this long stretched table. Behind the table were six other members excluding the head member. Xena stood beside the bard and was listening carefully. The soulmates though were both standing before the council in front while off to the side sat Ferus.
"That is fine by the council if the terms are not yet agreed to. We prefer to wait till we can speak with the Nation about the terms instead of preparing them now. If that is alright with you Gabrielle?"
The Amazon Queen nodded her head. "That is fine, I'd rather wait myself"
The head council member nodded and looked to Xena, his face stern. "And Xena, the council has decided to make you a citizen of Amphipolis again. The reasons being because first you saved Amphipolis from the warlord Draco over a year ago. Second you stopped raiders from attacking Amphipolis and lastly because you saved Constable Ferus from being killed"
The warrior looked from the council to the Constable, he grinned up at Xena. The warrior nodded then looked back to the council. "Thank you, I've missed being apart of my hometown"
"Well then consider it your home once more Xena"
All the council members nodded as well all of them smiling. The head council member then rolled up one of two scrolls he had in front of himself. He then looked back up to the soulmates. "The third issue we must contend with is the marriage arrangements. Constable Ferus re-laid to me Xena that you wished to have an Amazon Ceremony here. What is the purpose of having an Amazon Ceremony here?"
Xena took a deep breath and crossed her arms against her chest, she then answered. "The idea behind it is to say kill two birds with one stone. If we do an Amazon Ceremony in Amphipolis then I do believe the Amphipolis and Amazon councils can both approve of it as a marriage"
All the members began to talk in low whispers to each other. Some shaking their heads, others nodding.
The head council member then spoke up load. "Silence" Everybody went quiet. "And exactly why an Amazon Ceremony?"
Gabrielle narrowed her eyes for a moment then took that question. "Because it will be required of me as being an Amazon even more so the Queen"
The council members all nodded their heads. The head was still staring at the bard.
Xena then cut in. "I do believe that Amphipolis can approve of the Amazon Ceremony as a marriage, correct?"
The head looked up to Xena. "I would have to discus that with the other members"
Then another member at the far right end spoke up. "Will the ceremony be under control of Amphipolis or will the Amazons have completely control of the ceremony?"
Gabrielle took that one. "The Amazons will be responsible for setting everything up and the arrangements, its custom"
The head council member nodded his head along with everybody else. "It sounds if there would be little problems. Does everybody agree?" The head council member looked down at the follow members to see them all nodding or mumbling in agreement. He looked back to the soulmates. "It's agreed then. On Solstice day there will be held an Amazon marriage ceremony for Xena and Gabrielle. The marriage will be approved by the town of Amphipolis as a legal marriage. In turn Gabrielle of Poteidaia and Amazon Queen will become a citizen of Amphipolis. Finally the Amazon Nation and Amphipolis will have an alliance under the terms agreed between the Nation and Amphipolis. Is this agreed?" The council member looked to his right and watched as each member raised their hand up in favor. He then looked to his left to see the members raise their hands up as well in agreement. He nodded and looked once more to Xena and Gabrielle. "It is agreed then by the council of Amphipolis. This meeting is over" The head council member began to roll his scroll up as the other members all began to shuffle up out of their seats.
The soulmates looked to each other and grinned. Gabrielle wanted to rush over into her partner's arms but knew she couldn't quite yet. Xena nodded for the door and they made their way outside with Ferus following behind them. The soulmates walked a few steps then heard somebody call for them.
"Xena and Gabrielle"
The pair stopped and turned back around to see Ferus coming up to them at a power walk. He smiled to them and then came up to them. "Congratulations"
Gabrielle smiled and replied back. "Thanks you Constable Ferus, you've been a great help"
The Constable nodded his head. "Quite welcome, I was glad to help out"
Xena now smiled. "You were a great help Ferus, I don't think we could have done it without you"
Ferus smiled to the warrior. "Its good to have you back Xena, this town has seen a large difference in you" He then took a deep breath. "Well now, I'll let you both go. A lot of planning. Let me know if there're any problems"
Gabrielle nodded. "We will, thanks you again Constable Ferus"
He nodded. "Welcome again, bye" With that he treaded off in the snow in opposite direction the soulmates were headed.
The soulmates looked to each other. Gabrielle grinned. "We did it Xena"
Xena smiled. "Yup, now we just have to get through the ceremony"
The bard laughed. "Oh that's the easy part"
The warrior arched an eyebrow. The Amazon Queen laughed and threw her arms around her taller partner. Xena hugged her friend back and then grinned. She grasped the bard's sides tightly and spun her around in a circle. The bard screamed joyfully until her boots hit the cold snowy ground again.
Xena lowered her head so that her forehead touched the bard's. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me Gabrielle"
The younger woman smiled and replied back as she peered up into crystal eyes. "Xena, I…gods there's just no words to express how much I need you in my life. How much I love you. I could never stop loving the other half of my soul"
The warrior smiled very deeply as her eyes softened to a rare degree. She brought her lips down to lightly kiss the bard on her lips for a quick instant. Xena smiled and brought up a hand to the bard's back. "Come on, let's go before we freeze"
The pair began to walk to the tavern, the warrior's hand had moved from Gabrielle's back to her farthest shoulder. The smaller woman grinned and shifted closer to her soulmate and wrapped her left arm around Xena's waist. "Xena?"
"Mmm?"
"You think Toris is back by now? I mean he should have been back yesterday. Mom at breakfast seemed quite worried about him"
The warrior took a deep breath. "He's fine I'm sure. Just running behind 'cause of the snow"
Gabrielle nodded her head. "You're probably right"
The soulmates walked on in silence for a little ways then climbed the stairs to the inn. Once inside the warrior stomped off the snow in her boots, the bard didn't care.
Cyrene came out of her kitchen while wiping her hands on her apron. "Thought that was Toris. How was the meeting dears?"
Gabrielle smiled and began to walk up to Cyrene while replying. "We did it Mom"
"That's wonderful sweetie"
Xena came up long side her soulmate. "Went well Mother"
Cyrene looked up to her daughter with a smile. "That's great to hear dear. No problems?"
Gabrielle shook her head. "Nope, they seem to be happy with the plans"
"That's just wonderful. So I guess this means you'll have to send for your Amazon friends?"
Gabrielle nodded her head. "Yeah, you don't mind them all coming here Mom?"
The innkeeper smiled. "Oh no sweetie. How many do you expect?"
The bard reflected then looked up to Xena. "Seventeen?" The warrior nodded her head and Gabrielle looked back to Xena's mother.
"Seventeen then?" Cyrene thought then looked back up with a smile. "I can handle that"
"Now Mom, they're a rowdy bunch these Amazons"
Cyrene chuckled at the bard's words. "Even better sweetie, no worries"
The Amazon Queen was about to retort but the door to the tavern swung open. There came stepping through the doorway was Toris, snow on him and falling to the floor.
Cyrene's face brightened up rather quickly. "Toris what took you so long dear?"
The tavern owner smiled as Toris walked up to the group of women. "Just got caught up in that snow storm. Sorry about that Mother" The man shrugged out of his wet cloak and tossed it to the nearest table.
His mother smiled and stepped up to him. "Its good to see you back dear" She then engulfed her son into a large bear hug, he returned it equally.
Once Cyrene stepped back, he looked to his sister. "Xena"
The warrior grinned. "Toris"
He then looked to Gabrielle who stood a little in front of the warrior and close to her. "Its good to see you again Gabrielle"
The bard smiled. "Glad you made it back safely Toris"
"Yes well it was a Hades' of an ordeal"
"I can imagine"
Toris' furrowed his eyebrows and he caught sight of something. He reached down to Gabrielle's left hand lifted the small woman's hand. "Now who's the lucky guy may I ask?"
Gabrielle looked up from the ring to Toris with a grin. "I'll give you one guess Toris"
Xena's brother released the bard's hands and he crossed his arms against his chest. "I have no idea"
The Amazon Queen looked up to Xena and the warrior grinned.
Toris caught this quite quickly. "No?"
The bard looked back to the man and nodded.
"I'll be centaur poop on a stick. When in Hades did this happen?"
Xena now crossed her arms against her chest and answer the question. "Yesterday"
"I'd never guessed. I guess you do know everything about her huh sis?"
The warrior rolled her eyes. "Toris"
The man chuckled. "Well congratulations to you both. That's wonderful news"
"Thanks Toris"
"Thanks brother dear" Xena then grinned and placed both of her hands on her soulmate's shoulders. Her eyes locked with Toris'. "By the way, she's mine"
Xena grinned, Cyrene grinned and the bard did as well.
Toris nodded his head and then grinned to his sister. "Right, got that part"
The warrior nodded with a grin then removed her hands from her soulmate's shoulders.
"Toris let me know if you ever want a…female friend, I can help you out. I know lots of them"
Toris shifted his eyes to the bard and laughed lowly. "I'll keep that in mind Gabrielle, thanks"
Gabrielle chuckled then looked to her soulmate. "Ephiny letter?"
The warrior nodded her head. "Sounds good" Xena then looked to Toris and her mother. "Excuse us, we're off to get things ready"
Cyrene smiled to the soulmates. "Let me know if you need any help dears"
"We will Mother thanks" The soulmates then were off heading to their room.
Dear Ephiny,
Xena and I have been relaxing in Amphipolis for the past two weeks. Its been so wonderful! I hope things are going well in the village. We had a bit of a small problem last week. There was a group of raiders south of Amphipolis. So Xena and I went to a cavern they were hiding out in and found out their numbers. Once we did the Constable of Amphipolis, Xena's brother Toris, Xena, few villagers, and myself went to the cave and scared them off. They didn't pose much of a problem. But so much has been going on for the past couple of weeks.
So, how are you and Solari doing? Are Ep and Teresa talking more? I could see there was something in the makings there. Did everything go well with Criostoir and the other mercenaries after we left? I know that must have been a big mess of a party to clean up after.
Right now though Xena and I are requesting you, Solari, Eponin, Teresa, the priestess and the council to come to Amphipolis. Xena and I are engaged and would love to have an Amazon Ceremony done in Amphipolis for our marriage. Ephiny, I can't wait to tell you how Xena asked me to marry her. It was so incredible, you'll die to hear it. You have to request the council and Artemis' priestess to come. We're planning the date on Solstice day. Get back to me as soon as you can. Take care Eph. It'll be great to hear from you!
Love,
Gabrielle
The bard lowered her quill from the scroll and read over it twice finding it satisfactory. Gabrielle then dropped her quill to the table and looked to the bed where her soulmate sat.
"Xena?"
The warrior had between her teeth a bit of thread that she broke off. She pulled the gauntlet away from her face and looked up to her soulmate.
"Yeah?"
"Finished it up" Gabrielle then picked up the scroll and stood up. She walked over to the bed and sat beside her partner.
Xena placed the wrist guard down in her lap and looked at the scroll. She read over the letter to Ephiny. Xena then nodded at the end and looked up to Gabrielle. "Can I add something?"
The bard arched an eyebrow but nodded. "Sure"
The warrior trade with the bard, giving her the gauntlet and taking the scroll. She walked over to the table where the quill was laying near the ink well. Xena picked up the quill, tipped it with ink then wrote at the bottom under the bard's signature.
P.S. Ephiny, do not even think of planning a party for this marriage between Gabrielle and I. We'll take care of that, sorry to put a small damper in your leathers.
Sincerely,
Xena
The warrior grinned then deposited the quill down on the table again and reread it. She kept her grin as she walked back to her soulmate and handed the scroll to the bard.
Gabrielle read the warrior's words then started to laugh. "Xena you know that'll only antagonize Eph to do one?"
"I'm counting on it"
The Amazon Queen chuckled and shook her head. She then nodded. "Looks good?"
The warrior's hands went to her hips. "Yeah, you seal it up and I'll go find a messenger. Deal?"
Gabrielle grinned. "How about you seal it and I'll go find a messenger?"
Xena arched an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because I want to get out and you can finish up fixing your armor"
"Alright"
Gabrielle handed her soulmate the scroll and Xena went to the table and rolled the scroll up. She then went to the bard's scroll satchel and retrieved a red ribbon with her bard's Amazon seal on it. Xena then tied the scroll with it and turned back to the bard. "Gauntlet?"
The bard looked down at the wristband in her hands and looked back up with a sheepish smile. "Whoops, sorry"
Xena grinned and took her gauntlet back and put it on. The warrior handed her bard the scroll as she stood up.
Gabrielle then walked over to the table again and retrieved her cloak from behind the chair she sat in earlier. "Okay I'll be back soon Xen"
The warrior nodded, she was back on the foot of the bed with her other wristband. "Don't take to long love"
The bard grinned and nodded her head. "I'll try not to" She then turned to her scroll satchel and reached in. Her small right hand lifted up a small leather pouch with something inside. She placed the pouch inside of her cloak where there was a small inside pocket. Standing back up, Gabrielle turned to her soulmate and walked over to the bed.
"Be careful"
"Xena, I'll be right across town, nothing to worry about"
The warrior nodded. "I know, I just like you to be careful anyway"
The bard grinned. "Thanks" The younger woman leaned forward and kissed her soulmate deeply, her right hand touching the warrior's smooth cheek. After pulling away she grinned. "I'll be back, I love you" Gabrielle then moved to the door, opening it and going through.
"Love you Gabrielle"
The bard looked back to her soulmate before shutting the door. She wink at Xena then closed the door.
~*Part 13*~
The bard stepped out of a building, she'd just given a messenger her letter meant for Ephiny. She could only hope it would arrive in the Amazon Nation within two to three days. Gabrielle took a deep breath and reached up with her hands to the collar of her cloak. She pulled the collar closer against her throat then looked to her left. Taking a deep breath then releasing it and seeing it in the air, Gabrielle began to walk down the snowy quiet streets of Amphipolis. Her hands dropping from her collar to cross against her chest.
Passing by an array of buildings mostly shops her eyes gazed up at the signs. She then came to one and grinned. Climbing the steps the bard went inside of the shop, a man looked up as she entered.
"Well its great to see you again Gabrielle"
The bard smiled at the man. "Nice to see you again too Potestas"
The jewelry owner stood behind his counter, wiping down the counter a little with a dirty rag. He turned behind himself and dropped it on a stool. Turning back around he kept his warm smile to the bard as Gabrielle walked up to him. "So what may I help you with Gabrielle?"
The Amazon Queen grinned. "I need a wedding band"
In a flash Potestas' face brightens up. "I have a huge stock of them. Who's the lucky person?"
The bard grinned. "Xena"
"Gods, that's wonderful Gabrielle. When did this happen?"
Gabrielle smiled then responded. "Just yesterday"
"That's stupendous, my congratulations Gabrielle"
"Thank you very much"
The jeweler nodded his head then went into a back room directly behind him between two curtains. "So what kind of a band are you looking for?" He came back out with a wood box and a glass cover over top. "Something large or small?"
The bard reflected. "Um…about medium size and nothing to plain"
Potestas grinned with a nod. "That's what I figured my dear" He placed the box down on the counter and turned it so Gabrielle could peer down in it. "These are all my very valuable and rare wedding bands. I only show them to my special customers"
The bard looked up from them to Potestas with a smile. She then looked back down. Her eyes carefully looked over each and every one. Finding some to large, too small, or a right size but not a design she wanted. As she came to the end of the collection a ring caught her eye.
In the lower right hand corner of the case was a gold and silver band ring. The center of the band was made of gold and had a Greek design for immortality then surrounding the gold was silver to make the gold stand out.
The bard's lips form into a lopsided smile. "Potestas can I see that one right there?" Gabrielle pointed to the ring.
Potestas nodded his head and opened the case, he carefully pulled the ring out of its home and handed it to Gabrielle. "Very lovely ring"
The small woman grinned as she inspected the ring. She turned it every which way looking at every detail. Now the size, next step. So the bard slipped it on to her middle right finger, to large for her middle. So she placed it on her thumb and it was just a smidge to big for her thumb. That's when the bard knew it would fit her soulmate's larger left ring finger. Almost perfect.
The bard looked up with a smile to the jeweler. "I love this one Potestas"
"That one? Lovely choice my dear. Engraving?"
"Was going to just ask you that"
"What would you like engraved?"
Gabrielle's emerald eyes looked down from Potestas to the ring, she thought. Looking to the inside of the band she figured the spacing. Her face then brightened up as she looked back to the jeweler.
"My soulmate forever"
Potestas nodded his head. "I do believe that'll fit. When would you like this done by?"
"As soon as possible please"
The jeweler nodded again and Gabrielle carefully handed Potestas the ring. He kindly took it and pulled out a bit of rough scroll paper and quill, he jotted down something. Looking back to the Amazon Queen.
"How much do I owe you Potestas?"
The jeweler shook his head, bringing up his right hand in protest. "Nothing my dear. You've done plenty for this village and Xena, that's all I need for payment"
"No Potestas I can't do that"
Potestas smiled very warmly. "May I speak freely?"
The bard nodded her head. "Please"
The jeweler took a deep breath then replied. "First this village could have been destroyed by Draco but you helped bring Xena to stop him. Then second you both also stopped those raiders. And you brought Xena back home and stood beside her when nobody else would. Gabrielle I've always cared for Xena and I was quite sad to see what happened to her. But now she's back and that's due to your help. I can't thank you enough for that. Please except the ring as a gift, I'll feel insulted otherwise"
Gabrielle dropped her eyes then looked back up with a warm smile. "Thank you Potestas"
"Thank you my dear. I'll have it done within three days max, just stop by"
The Amazon Queen nodded. "Thank you again Potestas, that truly means a lot" Gabrielle then reached out and the two shook hands. She then began to head for the door.
"Take Care Gabrielle"
The bard opened the door looked back and smiled. "You too, bye" With that the bard was out the door and into the snowy streets. Gabrielle looked down a ways through the street. She looked up to the signs of different shops, she spotted one she wanted. The Raggedy Shop. The bard grinned and began to head down the street to the shop.
Xena shifted her right hand a little under her head. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes again. This wasn't working, she couldn't sleep without her soulmate. It just doesn't work. The warrior chuckled at herself and then sighed.
She lay on the bed, boots off, armor, wristbands, and armbands all off. The only thing she lay in was her leathers. The only thing that was off was her mind, off and wandering. Each time she thought of the marriage it sent a shock of excitement and started butterflies deep within. A smile slipped onto her lips.
Crossing her legs at the ankles the warrior began to think about her soulmate. Think about the number of changes that has occurred in Gabrielle's life. There were numerous negative ones as there were positive ones. No now that she thought about it, Gabrielle would only ever see the positives, that is how it always is with the bard.
Sighing again Xena's mind slipped to her days. She began to compare her life before Gabrielle and since the time she met the younger woman. It amazed her the large difference this one single person had on her life. Hercules may have stopped the warlord side but he never ever helped Xena understand herself. No a younger more loving woman had stepped into her life and said a few words, kept at her side and flashed her confident smiles. Xena then began to believe in herself again and in turn understand herself.
Now, now she was about to be legally bind with the bard. Xena was quite happy with the fact she was able to arrange a marriage. Fear had struck in her that she might not have been able to do one. She knew to her bard it wouldn't have matter but then Xena knew how much it would mean to Gabrielle. And she'd do anything just to make her soulmate smile.
The door to the room opened, the warrior knew who it was a long while ago. Nothing was said between the two people. Xena kept her eyes close as she heard the other form take off their cloak then boots. Within a heartbeat the warrior felt a warm presence come close to her. Warm lips claimed hers. Xena's right hand went up to caress a smooth cheek.
The kiss broke after a few, the warrior opened her eyes to look into emerald eyes. Xena smiled deeply. "What took you?"
Gabrielle grinned and then moved herself to sit on the side of the bed. "Bumped into some people"
The warrior nodded her head. She then removed her other hand from under her head to rest on her stomach with her right hand. "Get the message out?"
The bard nodded her head. "Yeah" Her right hand went on top of her soulmate's larger hands. "They seemed to think it would take two to three days"
Xena nodded her head. "Sounds about right"
Gabrielle then bent her head down to Xena's and the pair kissed again. Gabrielle found her hands on Xena's sides while the warrior's own hands went the bard's sides. Soon the Amazon Queen had herself climbing onto the bed well it's more like onto Xena as they kept kissing. Once the bard felt comfortable on top of her soulmate she stopped the kiss and dropped her head on top of the warrior's chest.
Xena's right hand went up to rest on the bard's head, massaging it while her left arm wrapped around Gabrielle's midsection.
"Xen?"
"Mmm?"
"Sparring?"
"Not now"
Gabrielle chuckled. "Later" That came out low. Her warm lips then began to kiss Xena on the neck. It left the warrior feeling on fire in each spot. Then it would shoot to the center of her being. The warrior's hand went under the bard's chin, lifting Gabrielle's head. Xena captured her soulmate's lips. And well, we can figure the rest out for ourselves.
Soon after the soulmates'…rest they got up late in the afternoon to spar for a good two candlemarks then head back to the inn. There they had an early dinner and Gabrielle later on in the evening told stories to the patrons of the tavern. By the end of her lengthy stories she was smiling and thanking everybody. Once she thanked everybody she went to her partner, finally being with the one person she wanted to be near. Xena had given her a very warm smile and her eyes twinkled to the bard, Gabrielle knew that was Xena's way of congratulating her for the stories and captive audience.
But the following day was more peaceful around the town. They'd expected Ephiny to be receiving their message either today or tomorrow, they hoped. The soulmates had five days till Solstice day, not much time. The days passed on and on, the warrior and bard preparing for their marriage, mentally.
The regent looked up as one of her Amazons entered into her hut. "Hi Ep"
The weapons masters smiled and stepped up to Ephiny's desk, she adjusted the cloak on herself then replied to Ephiny. "How are you Eph?"
The Amazon Regent looked up from a scroll on her desk to the other Amazon, she smiled. "Good, yourself?"
"Not to bad"
"Anything going on I don't know about?"
The weapons master grinned. "Actually yeah, Solari has a message for you. It's from Gabrielle, just came in from a messenger out of Amphipolis"
Ephiny nodded as she stood up, she pulled her heavy cloak off the back of her chair. She slipped into the cloak. "Where's Solari?"
Eponin thought for a moment. "I believe she's still on patrol"
"Great, thanks Ep" The regent began to move to the exit of the hut, Eponin right behind her. "Ep, why didn't Solari bring it?"
The weapons master shrugged her shoulders. "She was still talking to the messenger when I came to find out"
Ephiny nodded her head as Eponin closed the door behind them. The two Amazons were outside heading out of the village to the woods. Once outside of the gates of the village they came to the forest.
"Lead the way Ep"
The weapons master nodded her head and stepped ahead of Ephiny. The pair went through the forest for a ways and then up ahead the regent could see three people. One is a young man, Solari, and then Teresa all standing in the snow bundled up. The second in command was talking to the messenger.
"What's up?"
Solari looked up after hearing her regent's voice, she smiled. "Message for you Eph" She handed the scroll over to the regent and Ephiny took it.
The regent untied the ribbon then unrolled the scroll, she began to read. Her burrows furrowed together at the first bit, the second half she grinned at then chuckled to herself. Then she came to the last paragraph, her eyes widen immediately. "Gods" She kept reading a little hastily and then read the part from Xena, that made her chuckled with a devilish grin.
"What's going on Eph?"
The regent looked up from the scroll and rolled it up as she looked to her second in command, replying to her. "Seems as if our Queen is getting married"
"What? Are you kidding? When?"
Everybody chuckled at Solari's words and Ephiny answered her second in command's question. "Solstice is the date. They want you, Ep, Teresa, the council, priestess and myself there"
"An Amazon Ceremony?"
The regent looked to Teresa nodded then retorted back. "Yeah, that's the plan"
Eponin looked to her regent. "If they plan on it Solstice then that doesn't leave us much time. What five days till Solstice?"
Ephiny nodded her head at the weapons master. "Not much time. We better leave early tomorrow morning" Ephiny then looked to the quiet messenger. "Exactly how long did it take you to get here?"
The young man reflected then replied back. "About two days"
"The roads treacherous?"
The man shook his head then answered back to the regent. "Not to bad at all. No ice yet"
Ephiny nodded her head. "Good. What's your name?"
The young man smiled. "Michael, but everybody calls me Mike for short"
The Amazon Regent nodded her head. "Okay, here's the plan everybody. I'll get together the council and priestess today and by dawn tomorrow we'll head out of here. Mike, you can ride with us, make things simple"
Everybody nodded their heads. Ephiny then looked to her second in command. "Take Mike to a hut for the night"
Solari nodded her head and looked to Michael. "Just follow me"
The young man nodded his head and followed behind Solari. Eponin and Teresa looked to the grinning regent. Eponin being the first to say anything about Ephiny's look. "There's something else you're planing I can tell Eph"
The regent grinned and looked up to her weapons master. "Yup"