Subtext ~ Maintext on the subtext and there might be sex.

Copyright ~ Universal and MCA own Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny, Solari, Eponin, Amarice, and Argo. However I own Lux, Gelidus, Augeus, Seoirse, and Cacus. So don’t take my characters or story line, I'm very protective of them.

Thank You ~ My huge thank you goes to Leslie for her endless grammar checking for me. From the looks of things earlier, this story was chaos but Leslie really brushed it up for me. Thank you so much Leslie!

Series Two-Meeting in the Midst as One Story-Three

~*Part 1*~

Xena's eyes lifted slowly. She stared up in the dark at the brown canvas of the top of the tent. She turned her head, on the pillow, to study her lover's back. Her right hand came forward and gently brushed over the almost healed scab. Again, her fingertips grazed over the scab on Gabrielle's right lower back. She sighed, lips twitching into a grin as she returned to her past memory.

"What is that?" roared the warlord as she touched her soulmate's lower right back.

"I just told you," snapped the Amazon Queen.

"I know what it is," growled Xena in response. "What I don't know is why you have it!"

Gabrielle whirled on her heels. She eyed Xena. "Because I'm yours."

"That's no reason!" yelled the tall woman. "Our men have that symbol for a different reason," she said hotly. She narrowed her eyes and brought her head close to Gabrielle's. "I'm removing it," she said coldly.

"No you're not," argued the Amazon Queen. "You can't."

"Watch me," barked the warlord. She rose up to her full height in the tent.

Gabrielle narrowed her eyes as her knuckles went white on the staff. "Don't you dare. I got it for a reason."

"You are no longer my slave!" yelled the Warrior Princess. "It does not belong on you."

"Yes it does." The young woman put her free hand on her hip. "I'm part of this army and I'm yours. Its fine."

Xena stood tall, fuming with anger. Her teeth clenched.

Gabrielle was starting to think she could actually hear her lover's teeth grinding like two rocks. "I like it," she whispered.

The older woman leaned down towards her partner again. "That brand does not belong on you." She narrowed her eyes but still tried to hold a calm tone. "I will have Jacob remove it."

The small woman sighed deeply. "Xena… you can't get rid of a tattoo anyway."

"You can, and you're about to find that out."

"No," growled the smaller woman. She dropped her shoulders then grasped her lover's arm. "Please Xena… I like it, and, well… I like how it's your symbol on me." She smiled. "It shows you own me."

Yes, it was the symbol that Xena placed on everybody in her army except for Gabrielle… until now.

The warlord sighed dramatically and looked away.

"Please Xena," begged the small woman. She squeezed her soulmate's arm. "Think of it as… an incentive. Nobody will touch me knowing I belong to the Warrior Princess… it'll keep me safe."

"Or get you killed," added the warlord sadly.

Gabrielle dropped her eyes knowing her partner's words held truth. "Xena, it means a lot to me. It's symbolic… please." She gave a sad smile. "I love you."

The Warrior Princess closed her eyes. "Under one condition." Her eyes opened again.

"What's that?"

"I'll tell you later."

"Xena-"

"Agreed or not?" asked the dark woman as she turned her head to Gabrielle. "Yes or no… your choice."

"Alright, I'll agree." The Amazon Queen sealed the agreement with a tender kiss.

The tall woman smiled wryly.

"You'll warn me about this condition before you care it out… right?" Gabrielle corked an eyebrow.

"Considering you didn't ask me about this tattoo before hand… probably not," teased Xena. She strolled out of the tent.

The young woman closed her eyes and dropped her head against her staff. "Oh no, I've done it now."

The warlord receded from her memory and she came back to reality. She stared at her partner's back. She sighed deeply and grazed the scab again. The tattoo had her name in purple block letters with a jet-black panther stalking up between the 'X' in the background.

"Xena?" whispered a gentle voice.

"Hey…" The tall woman slid her hand over Gabrielle's side to her stomach. She shifted to press her body against her soulmate's back. "Did I wake you?"

"Maybe," chuckled Gabrielle. She snuggled into her partner's body and laced her hand through Xena's. "Just woke up." She moved her lower body a little and flinched. "It's really sore."

"Yeah," uttered the warlord. She kissed her lover's neck. "That scab will be there for a day or two. You shouldn't be sore tomorrow."

"Good." The Amazon Queen groaned, then felt a squeeze given to her hand. "I still haven't heard or seen… the condition for our agreement."

Xena chuckled and closed her eyes. "Soon." She grinned. "Go back to sleep."

Gabrielle felt herself already slipping. "Love… you."

The warlord smiled and kissed her soulmate's shoulder. "Go to sleep."

The small woman nodded faintly before drifting off.

The Warrior Princess soon made her way to a rare dreamscape of peace.

~*Part 2*~

"Jacob."

The small man raised his head quickly when he heard his commander's voice. He saw the evil expression on Xena's face when she entered his tent. "My liege." He stood up instantly and bowed his head.

"I've seen your… recent artwork." The warlord took a step closer and folded her arms. "May I ask why Gabrielle has my branding tattoo?"

Jacob gazed up with a worried look. "Because she requested it." He tilted his head. "She… she said you agreed to it!"

The dark woman took a menacing step. "I didn't agree."

"B-b-but-"

"Did I tell you I agreed?" snarled the warlord.

"N-n-no, my liege." Jacob took a step back and shook his head. "Queen Gabrielle-"

"Queen Gabrielle, got you to hear what she wanted you to hear." Xena's lips twitched with a grin as her eyes twinkled with amusement. "Now then… there still might be some hope for you." She raised an eyebrow in suggestion.

The man nodded and gained his composure. "Anything, my liege."

The warlord flashed a cat grin. "Sketch me an emblem for Gabrielle."

"You mean a branding tattoo like yours?"

"Yesss." The warlord narrowed her eyes and turned to sit. "Now," she commanded in a deep voice.

Jacob nodded and found his sketchpad with a piece of small charcoal. His head turned and tilted each way as he put together a design. Within ten minutes he was done and handed the pad over to the woman.

Xena took the sketchpad and glanced at the design. Gabrielle's name was done in block letters of the same style as Xena's and a feather floated above her name. "What color would her name be in?"

"I believe white would be appropriate, my liege."

The warlord waved her hand horizontal. "Fine… and touch it with black. Is that clear?"

"Yes of course." Jacob peered at his sketch. "The feather will be in brown."

"Fine." Xena nodded. "Make sure the feather can be taken as a quill also."

"Done." The man nodded and took back his sketchpad.

The warlord grinned as she sat back in her seat. "Everybody in this army is required to have this tattoo put next to my branding tattoo."

Jacob's expression went into hidden surprise. "Visible like yours?"

"Yes." The dark woman nodded and examined the design from a distance. "Start today." She grinned slowly. "I'll be your… test subject."

Jacob gaped with wide eyes. "My liege?"

"You heard me." Xena narrowed her eyes. "Get your supplies, and let's get this done."

The warrior nodded his head and stood. He collected his needles and colors. He came back over with a curious look. "Where would you like it?"

She turned around in her chair. "On the back. On my right shoulder." Reaching back, she pulled her hair out of the way to one side.

Jacob sighed and spread out the containers of colors and needles. "Do you want something for the pain?"

"No."

The man sighed, put the sketchpad in his lap, took a needle after dipping it, and began the tattooing process.

~*~*~*~

"Yes, tomorrow, is that clear?"

"Oh, it's clear, but I don't like it," replied the short female.

Xena sighed deeply and sat in her chair near the desk. "Gabrielle, we've had these plans for a week now."

"And for a week I haven't liked them." Gabrielle started pacing back and forth in the tent. "Xena… I'm not a commander."

"Get ready to be one." The warlord folded her arms.

The small woman shook her head while still pacing. "I can't do it."

"Yes you can," reassured the older woman. "Just put on an angry mask and lead fifty men." She laced her hands together. "Your Amazons will be with you."

"I know," whispered Gabrielle. She stopped and turned to Xena. "What happens if I can't lead them?"

"They'll listen." The warlord narrowed her eyes. "They will." She stood up to her full height with her cape cascading down. "Just look inside, Gabrielle." She came up to her partner. "You'll find that side of you that is me." She grinned. "Then you'll know how to be a leader."

The small woman lifted her eyes to Xena. "You're sure?"

"I'm positive." She bent down and took Gabrielle's lips.

The young woman wrapped her arms around Xena. Her left hand came up to the back of Xena's shoulder. She pulled away from the kiss instantly. "What is that?"

The warlord arched an eyebrow. "What?"

"Turn around." Gabrielle narrowed her eyes.

The tall woman smirked. She turned around slowly and felt a small hand brush her hair to one side.

"Xena?" growled Gabrielle.

"The condition," stated the warlord. She turned back around.

"But…" the young woman couldn't come up with a reason why not. "Hold on, Jacob made that design?"

"Yes." Xena crossed her arms and stood tall.

"And… does he still have it?"

"Yes."

"And… what's he going to do with it?"

"Copy it."

"And… who's he tattooing it onto?"

"Our army."

"What?" Gabrielle yelled and grabbed her partner's arms. "Tell me, you're joking."

"No." The dark woman grinned. "That's the other half of the condition."

"Xena… Xena… Xena that's my name on a hundred men's bodies," she said in anger.

"Actually it’s a hundred thirteen… excluding me."

The Amazon Queen's eyes widened. "By the gods… that's just great."

The warlord sighed and took her partner's hands. "This is your army as it is mine. It's only appropriate."

The small woman nodded slowly. What could she do? Only agree with her soulmate. "Yeah." She peered up. "At least it’s a good design."

Xena chuckled deeply. "Uh huh."

"But, I'm still not liking this idea."

The warlord straightened up for her best intimidation.

"That's… not going to work." The Amazon Queen grinned and folded her arms.

Xena corked an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yes." Gabrielle grinned. "You were scary." She brushed past her partner.

"I was?" The tall woman spun around on her heels and studied her lover's back. "I'm hurt."

The younger woman chuckled and came up to the desk. "I think your pride will be fine." She reached down then picked up a scroll. "The plans?" She peered over at Xena while holding the scroll up.

The warlord nodded. She came up behind her soulmate and encircled her waist. "They'll work."

"I hope."

"If you have the confidence, it will," whispered the older woman. She lowered her head. "Do you want Greece?"

"Yesss." The Amazon Queen grinned at her warlord.

Xena's lips twitched with an evil grin. She lowered her head more and whispered into Gabrielle's ear, "Then I will conqueror her for you."

Gabrielle closed her eyes and turned her head. She kissed her warlord forcefully.

The warlord's hands crept up her soulmate's warm stomach. Her fingertips slipped under the green halter-top.

The small woman pulled back from the kiss with a grin. She pulled Xena's head back down for a long kiss.

The Warrior Princess lifted her soulmate's top off at the end of the kiss. She kissed Gabrielle roughly then brought her hands up and kneaded Gabrielle's breasts.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle crossed her arms and settled them on her lover's chest. She dropped her chin onto her arms. She peered across into crystal blue eyes. "Alright, I'll try it."

The soulmates were laying in bed after an extensive… activity. Gabrielle was resting simply on top of her partner's still hot body.

Xena chuckled. "Oooh, now you will?" She grinned while running her fingertips up and down her lover's bare back.

The blond woman laughed quietly. "No, it wasn't the great sex that convinced me."

The warlord arched an eyebrow. "Then?"

"Looking into your eyes," whispered the Amazon Queen. She leaned forward and captured Xena's lips.

"I promise, you'll do fine as a commander." Xena smiled warmly, which she did on rare occasions and only for her soulmate.

Gabrielle didn't reply at first as she soaked in her partner's smile. "Okay," she uttered. "But I still don't like the idea of not having you with me."

"It'll be between a week to two weeks." The warlord went serious. "Things will be fine."

The small woman nodded. "Can we go over the plans again?"

"Yes." The Warrior Princess crossed her legs over her lover's. She was feeling a little intoxicated with Gabrielle's nude body pressing into her own, but she was willing to focus. "We split tomorrow morning, fifty-two men go with you and sixty-one with me." She paused. " Seoirse goes with you."

"No." The Amazon Queen shook her head. "I'd like for him to go with you. I'll have my Amazons with me to protect me, take Seoirse to protect you," she pleaded. When she saw her partner was not about to agree, she tried another tactic. "For me… please."

The tall woman took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Alright, Seoirse goes with me." She studied her lover before continuing. "You will head east to Mani. I will head northeast and we'll meet up a little north of Mani. Got it?"

Gabrielle nodded briskly. "How large will these towns be?"

"In eastern Greece, most of the towns are small with only a hand full of people. Mani is the largest… with probably thirty plus people."

"Okay." The small woman furrowed her eyebrows. "What about our men?"

"We'll need to recruit some… I'll take care of that." Xena paused as she thought. "By the time we head back towards the Amazons we'll need an army of two hundred… minimum."

"And you think we can get that those men?"

"Yes." The warlord grinned. "As soon as we take the small eastern portion of Greece, warriors will come." Her eyes narrowed with twinkles. "They know my reputation."

"Your past reputation," corrected the young woman.

Xena chuckled. "True." She grinned. "None the less, they will come."

"We'll need a large army… a real army as we head west," stated Gabrielle.

The warlord sighed before nodding. "Yes, our army now is to loose but it'll make do for now." She paused in thought. "Once we take over the Aeolians province then we'll focus on the army."

"Xena, we'll need actual forces… not just these basic warriors."

The Warrior Princess chuckled with an amused smile. "I know this. And after we take over the province then we'll organize a true army."

The Amazon Queen raised an eyebrow. "With hoplites, calvary, archers, foot soldiers… thousands of men?" she asked in excitement

"Everything," whispered the older woman with darkening eyes.

The small woman's eyes sparkled with darkness. "Perfect," she purred. She grinned evilly. "Mercenaries?"

"Yes," answer the warlord. "We'll have it all." She pulled Gabrielle up and kissed her soundly. When the kiss ended, she grinned but lost the grin. "I want to make something clear to you."

Gabrielle nodded. "Alright, I'm listening."

The warlord took a deep breath. "While we're apart, I want you to be extra careful." She arched an eyebrow. "Especially with that tattoo, people will know who you're with, and it could give you problems."

Gabrielle nodded slowly.

"If for any reason after two weeks, we do not meet up, I want you to return to the Amazons. Do you understand me?"

"Xena-"

The Warrior Princess cut her off instantly. "Do you understand me?"

The small woman sighed. "Yes." She narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

"Because I know I will be attacked before you. If somehow I don't make it out of a battle, I want to know you're safe." She paused. "The Amazons are the safest place for you." She shifted her head and brushed back her lover's hair. "If I live through a battle, I'll come find you. The Amazons will be the first place I'll look. Is that clear?"

"Yes." Gabrielle sighed and thought, Its clear, but I won't follow through. She studied her lover's eyes. You're too important to me to wait around for.

"Another thing." The warlord sighed. "Your Amazons."

"What about them?"

Xena took a deep breath before explaining herself. "Do not get to close to Eponin and Solari."

"What you worried about?"

The tall woman lifted her head and pressed her lips against her lover's forehead. "They want you." She lowered her head back to the pillow.

The Amazon Queen's eyes widened. "You mean…"

"Uh huh." The warlord chuckled at her lover's reaction. "I see how they look at you."

"Great," whispered the small woman. She shivered because her mind took her all the way back to Darphus.

Xena tightened her arms. "They won't do anything." She grinned. "They know the price they'd have to pay."

Gabrielle nodded. "What should I do about them?"

"Just maintain a certain distance… I think eventually they'll look to each other." The Warrior Princess sighed. "However, trust Solari's advice when it comes to battle tactics and Eponin's wisdom on weapons and fighting." She smiled. "Amarice, trust her friendship. She'll make a loyal and protective friend… even if she won't admit to it."

The young woman chuckled. "Thank you," she uttered.

"Just watching after my soulmate." Xena smiled. "Either way, your Amazons will protect you if need be."

"I know… they're prepared to die for me." The Amazon Queen sighed.

"Don't worry, that's one of the last things on our list." The warlord glanced over at the flap of the tent. There was still a little light left. "Let's go check on our men and confirm things with Seoirse."

"Sounds good." Gabrielle leaned forward and sealed her lips with Xena's in a loving kiss.

~*Part 3*~

"The men are split in half." The warlord glanced at her right side. She fingered her chakram and made sure it was secure. "Are you ready?"

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "It's now or never," she whispered.

Xena looked back at her soulmate. "I'll be with you." She smiled warmly.

"My liege?"

The Warrior Princess turned and saw Seoirse had brought Argo to her. "Thank you, hold her for a second."

"Of course." The second in command nodded.

"And the men are prepared to travel?"

"Yes," responded Seoirse. "Ready and itching to go." He grinned. "They want to conqueror this country."

Xena grinned. "Good."

The grin caught on Gabrielle's lips. "Time to scratch our names in history," she said.

"Indeed." The warlord grinned at her partner. "Remember everything I told you."

Gabrielle nodded. "I will." She smiled and grasped her partner's arm. "Be careful, Xena."

The warlord wasn't about to leave their parting at this. She took a step closer and rested her hands on Gabrielle's hips. "You too, love," she whispered.

Seoirse was looking everywhere but at the soulmates. He turned to Argo. "How are you, girl?"

Gabrielle chuckled at her second in command's words. "You picked a good second in command."

"Smart one." Xena grinned and lowered her head. "If anything goes wrong, abandon the men and take your Amazons. Come find me," she whispered. "I will make sure your attackers pay a heavy price."

The small woman nodded faintly because she knew what that heavy price would be. Death. "Same goes for you." Gabrielle reached down and took her lover's hands. "I'll miss you."

"I know." The warlord lowered her head closer to Gabrielle's. "Please be careful, love."

"I will, promise." The Amazon Queen looked up with pleading eyes. "And you'll be careful too, right?"

"Yes." Xena smiled warmly. "I love you, Gabrielle."

"I love you too." Gabrielle moved in for a long sensual kiss.

Seoirse turned away and stared up at the sky. He wasn't about to interrupt a private moment such as this.

The soulmates pulled away slowly, pain in their eyes.

Xena winked at Gabrielle, turned, and took her horse. "Thank you, Seoirse." She began to mount her mare.

"Yes of course, my liege."

"Mount up, Seoirse."

The second in command nodded yet turned to Gabrielle. "Be safe, Queen Gabrielle."

Gabrielle smiled. "I will, you too." She walked over to Seoirse and peered up at him with a hidden plea in her eyes. "Protect her," she whispered.

"With my life," Seoirse promised. "Don't worry." He smiled easily and held out a hand.

The Amazon Queen shook it. "See you in two weeks."

"I will be counting the days, Queen Gabrielle." The man smiled, let go, and strolled off after his mount.

Three horses came up beside Gabrielle.

"My Queen?"

The small woman turned and smiled at Solari. She was handed her staff and she gratefully took it. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Solari nodded with a smile. "Are we ready?" she questioned seriously.

"Yes," replied the Queen. "Let's join the rest of the army." She walked over to her fifty-one-man army and saw that everybody was prepared to travel east.

The mounted Amazons kept close to their Queen. That was one thing they would do for the rest of the journey.

Gabrielle whirled around on the heels of her boots. She faced the other half of her army that would travel with her soulmate.

Xena examined her half of the army and decided they were ready to move out. "Seoirse?"

The second in command shifted his horse towards Xena's side. "My liege?"

"Time to split and head northeast." The warlord grinned as she faced her partner across what were the campgrounds. "Today, this army splits. Sixty-two are traveling with me while fifty-one are leaving with Queen Gabrielle." She shifted in her saddle as her eyes went cold. "The plans are to take eastern Greece!"

The army roared with excitement.

Gabrielle glanced around and started to grin when her eyes met Xena's.

The Warrior Princess grinned back.

"Silence!" yelled the Amazon Queen. She had to try this commanding thing. She took a deep breath. "Our mission is to take the northern and central sections of eastern Greece." She paused briefly before continuing. "The army will rejoin halfway and take the southern portion. Afterwards, we will head back west with an increasing army. Then the major part of our campaign will begin." She grinned evilly. "Prepare yourselves."

The hundred plus warriors all yelled at once in excitement.

Gabrielle was still grinning when she looked back to Xena.

The warlord nodded in approval. She took a heavy breath. "Alright." She paused for the silence. Her eyes rested on her soulmate. "In a maximum of two weeks, we will rejoin. Is this clear?"

The Queen nodded and took a step forward with her staff. "Between a week to two weeks we will meet. Any problems occur we are to send word to the other."

Xena nodded briskly. "Safe travels, Queen Gabrielle." She bowed her head. "Courage, bravery, and honor in battle." She lifted her head with her warlord expression but warm eyes.

The Amazon Queen lowered her head. "Safe passage, my liege." She took a deep breath. "Courage, bravery, and honor in battle."

The warlord nodded with her twinkling eyes. She turned her head sidelong to her half of the army. "Fall out!"

Gabrielle turned around. "Alright men, let's move!" She watched her warriors turn and begin traveling. However, her Amazons stayed beside her.

Xena kicked Argo in the sides and headed for the woods while Gabrielle took the road. Before entering the woods she stopped, and turned in the saddle. She smiled at her soulmate.

Xena's soulmate smiled back to her lover. I love you, she mouthed.

The Warrior Princess winked and nodded her authority to carry out this separation. Her eyes stayed locked with Gabrielle's for a few seconds.

Gabrielle saw the love coming from her warlord and knew that within only a candlemark she would miss her soulmate.

Xena turned away and kicked Argo. She disappeared into the woods.

"Gabrielle?"

The young woman looked up to her weapons master. "Let's go." she said coolly.

~*~*~*~

"Gabrielle?"

The small woman looked up. "Hi, Lux." She smiled.

"How are you, little one?" He came into the commander's tent.

"Alright." She patted the bed. "Can sit down."

"Thank you." The cook walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. He peered at Gabrielle, who sat cross-legged in the middle. "What you writing?"

The Amazon Queen glanced down at the scroll in her lap. "Thought it'd be interesting to write about the conquering of Greece." She lifted her eyes. "About Xena," she added quietly with a tinted sadness.

Lux nodded slowly. "How you doing what that?" The cook studied his young friend.

"I'm okay." Gabrielle nodded and stared at the scroll in her lap. "It's only been the first day without her."

"That's all it takes," responded Lux. He patted Gabrielle's knee. "Let me know if I can help."

"Thanks." The young woman smiled warmly. "I'm glad you came with me."

"Wouldn't miss it." The cook chuckled and laced his large hands together in his lap. "Dinner should be ready soon."

The small woman chuckled and grinned. "Did you cook it or Cacus?"

"I did, little one." The older man winked. "And they're all your favorites." He grinned. "Cacus is just getting everything ready to serve." He stood up from the bed. "Actually, I better go check on things."

"Alright, thanks for coming by." Gabrielle smiled. "Can't wait for dinner."

Lux chuckled deeply. "Its almost ready." He walked towards the tent flap. "Bye, little one."

"Bye, Lux." The small woman watched the man leave and went back to writing her scroll.

Lux came out of the tent and soon as he did, an Amazon stepped up.

"Excuse me," said the Amazon coldly.

The cook peered up at the Amazon. "My apologies." He brushed past the woman and headed to the food tent.

The Amazon huffed and watched him disappear in the sunset-lit camp. She turned back to the tent flap and went inside.

Again the small woman looked up to see the newcomer. "Hey Solari."

"How are you, my Queen?" Solari smiled warmly and strolled over.

"Not bad." Gabrielle rolled up her scroll. "What brings you here?"

"Checking on you." The Amazon sat on the side of the bed. "And to find out the plans."

The Queen raised an eyebrow. "Tomorrow we finish the distance to Mani."

"Mmm." The second in command nodded and studied her own fingers. "And what about taking Mani over?" She lifted her head back up with an intent look.

"We will take over the town the following day."

"How are we doing this?" Solari laced her hands together. "I know we're not going to fight them."

"We won't."

The Amazon sighed deeply and grasped Gabrielle's hand. "I'm not trying to be bitc- witchy." She grinned momentarily. "I'd just like to hear the plans on how you expect to take a town over with them happily agreeing." She let go. "It's not going to happen, Gabrielle. They're not going to slap on smiles, throw you the key to their town, and say take us."

The commander sighed deeply. "I wouldn't say that." She grinned evilly. "I'll talk to the town's leaders, and when I walk out that door, I'll have the town's key."

Solari sighed dramatically. "I can't wwwait to see this."

"Just watch and learn." The Queen winked. "See your Queen's magic."

"Well, I can say you're not going in alone." The second in command narrowed her eyes. "Incase those villagers decide sweet and innocent you isn't what they want and try to hang you."

Gabrielle chuckled. "I was hoping you, Ep, and Amarice would come with me."

"Definitely." Solari grinned. "Besides, I don't want your partner after me."

The small woman laughed at her friend's words. "True."

"Yeah, well, I like my feathers right where they are," mumbled the Amazon.

The commander chuckled and smiled. "Don't worry. She isn't here."

"That doesn't mean a darn thing." Solari laughed uneasily. "If I looked at you the wrong way right now and I went to leave this tent, she'd be right there waiting for me."

Gabrielle laughed and grinned. "You're probably right."

"I know I am," grumbled the Amazon. "Anyway." She stood up from the bed. "I'll see you at dinner. Let me know if you need anything."

"Sure." The Queen nodded. "Thanks, Solari."

"Anytime." The Amazon flashed a smile and left.

~*~*~*~

"Explain to me why this army has better food than our Nation?" whispered Amarice to Eponin.

The weapons master laughed deeply. "Ask our Queen."

"What?"

The three Amazons looked up and saw Gabrielle at their table now. They all smiled sheepishly.

"Amarice…" The Queen sat down near the Amazon. "Like the food?"

"Um, yes."

"Which?" growled Gabrielle with an innocent smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about, my Queen." Amarice batted her eyes.

Gabrielle laughed and shook her head. "Lux is just a good cook."

"So I've tasted," replied the sassy Amazon. She sighed. "Can we switch Logos and Lux?"

"I don't think so." The commander grinned at her Amazon. "I like Lux with me." She chuckled. "Besides, he's a he."

"That's true." Amarice grinned and continued eating.

"Are we headed to Mani tomorrow, Gabrielle?"

The Queen looked across the table. "Yes, Ep." She stopped eating. "The following day we'll take Mani."

The weapons master corked an eyebrow. "And how do you purpose that?"

"I don't purpose it." Gabrielle grinned. "I'll do it."

Eponin chuckled deeply. "Yes of course, you're the commander." She grinned while going back to eating.

"Yeah… you are getting a little cocky, Gabrielle." Amarice peered over at her Queen.

"Somebody needs to be around here." The small woman grinned. "Especially since Xena is not here."

"Ah yes." Solari pulled the drumstick away from her lips. "The Warrior Princess, how we miss her." She smirked.

"Yeah I bet," Gabrielle teased. "Be glad she isn't here to hear that."

"Ha." Eponin turned her head to Solari. "With your luck Solar, Xena will hear about this."

"How you figure?" The second in command mumbled between her eating.

The weapons master nodded at her Queen.

Solari drew the chicken leg away from her mouth and wagged it at Eponin. "Now, you have a point there."

Gabrielle groaned and rolled her eyes. "Alright Amazons, let's not talk about people that aren't here."

"Is this a new rule?" Amarice asked with a grin.

"Yes." Gabrielle laughed quietly and then glanced around at her other Amazons with a serious look. "Has anybody else noticed how Eph needs to grow her hair out?"

The three Amazons bursted out laughing and choking on their food. All the male warriors turned their heads to the four women laughing together in the middle the food tent.

~*Part 4*~

"I want that village taken!" yelled the warlord. She twirled around while drawing her sword. "Do not kill anybody but take hostages if necessary." Xena paused as her eyes went to slits and she scanned her half army. "Attack," she whispered coldly.

The warriors all hollered and yelled as they drew their swords. They went running past Xena and towards the village ahead.

Xena turned around and faced the small village. She lifted her left hand.

Argo nickered and galloped up to her owner.

The Warrior Princess mounted her mare and sent Argo into a canter towards the village.

And within a half of a candlemark the village was taken and partially burning.

"I want that fire put out!" ordered the warlord. "We need this village," she growled lowly. She turned her head to the right and walked towards the group of huddled villagers.

"What do you want with us?" asked one young man from the villagers.

"Your town," Xena smiled coldly. "Seoirse?"

The second in command came up beside Xena. "Yes, my liege?"

"What's the report?"

"Five houses burned, the fire is almost out, none of our men hurt or killed, two villagers wounded, and one killed."

"Killed?" whispered Xena.

"Yes." The second in command studied Xena's profile. "What will you have me do, my liege?"

"Bring me the warrior," uttered the warlord with an angry voice.

"It will be done." Seoirse disappeared into the circle of Xena's warriors to find the killer.

The Warrior Princess rotated her head slowly to the villagers. "Now then, let's talk friendship."

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle came up the top of the valley and gazed down the valley and viewed Mani.

"Here she is, my Queen."

"So, I see." The commander leaned against her staff. "Amarice?"

"Yes?" The young Amazon came near her Queen's side.

"Bring me a messenger from my army."

"Yes of course." Amarice started to move.

"And Amarice?"

The Amazon stopped and turned back. "Yes?"

"Tell Francis to please join me. I will need his assistance."

Amarice nodded at the orders. She turned and jogged back to the camp.

"You've changed, Gabrielle." Solari turned to her Queen. "You've taken on a powerful mindset within two days."

The Amazon Queen didn't looked at her second in command. "It is a demand of me, Solari." She took a deep breath. "I am an Amazon Queen and a commander of an army. How can I not?"

Solari sighed and glanced back to the town at the bottom of the valley.

Eponin stood on Gabrielle's other side. "What are the plans?"

Gabrielle tilted her head. "We'll give them half a day to decide."

"Decide what?" The weapons master studied the town.

"Whether they want to join us freely or have us make them join."

Eponin nodded in agreement. "I do believe that will… rattle their cages."

Gabrielle chuckled. "That is the effect I'm looking for."

Solari sighed. "Let's hope we don't have to attack."

"I'm praying," whispered the commander.

"You called, Queen Gabrielle?"

The commander glanced back and saw Francis, a messenger, and Amarice coming. "Yes, Francis."

The small young man came up beside Gabrielle. "What can I help you with?"

"Controlling the men." The small woman gazed at the messenger. "But first, let's get this message taken care of."

The messenger nodded and removed a quill and scroll from a satchel on his side. "Here."

Gabrielle took the items and unrolled the scroll. She wrote down a message that reached to the middle of the scroll. At the end, she signed Queen Gabrielle. She rolled up the message and handed it back.

The messenger received the scroll and quill and tucked them away.

"Deliver it now, we'll wait here," ordered the commander.

The messenger nodded and started power walking down the valley.

Gabrielle watched him go for a moment. "Francis, how is your respect in the army?"

Francis chuckled deeply. "Quite well."

"Perfect." The small woman smiled up at the man. "Here is what we'll do tomorrow. My Amazons and I will go down to the village to discuss terms. You will stay here and…" she continued telling the plans with an attentive audience, including a sunset.

~*~*~*~

The warrior fell to his knees in the center of the circle of people. He closed his eyes and prayed the pain would end soon. He could taste the blood in his mouth. Suddenly his head was jerked back by his hair.

"Follow my orders next time," growled the warlord.

The warrior opened his eyes and gritted his teeth. "Yes, Xena." He received a blow to his back that sent him on his stomach.

"Try my liege." The warlord paced around the man. "Now, have I made myself clear to you?"

The man coughed and sat up. "Yes, my liege." His body was shaking uncontrollably.

Xena smiled evilly and knelt down in front of her warrior. "You will follow my orders accordingly." She lost her smile. "Or next time I will kill you for your mistake." She smiled coldly again. "Is that clear too?"

"Crystal, my liege."

The Warrior Princess nodded gradually. "Good." She narrowed her eyes. "Have a nice evening." She stood up and walked off while yelling, "Show is over boys. This is your time now."

All the warriors nodded and left the circle after seeing the killer, of the single villager- being punished.

Seoirse came near Xena's side. "The villagers request a meeting tomorrow morning."

"About what?" The warlord continued walking to her tent.

"About a treaty," said the second in command smugly.

The tall woman chuckled deeply. "If they waited any longer, I would have…" She cut herself short and stopped walking. "Tell them their request is granted." She put her hands on her hips. "And tell them to prepare the treaty by the morning." She paused in thought. "Also post outlooks. Make sure one person is watching the village… incase they try something."

"You think they will?"

"No," responded the warlord.

"It will be done, my liege," called Seoirse.

Xena glanced back to her second in command. "I will be expecting you too." Her lips twitched with a grin.

"Of course… my liege." Seoirse bowed momentarily then left to carry out his orders.

The dark woman grinned and continued her short journey to her tent. She went inside and removed her weapons. She sat at her desk with a sigh. She opened the one drawer of the small desk and corked an eyebrow. Reaching in, she extracted a scroll. A grin tweaked her lips. "Gabrielle," she whispered and unrolled the scroll slowly.

"Xen, how are you, love? I'm sure you're reading this after taking over a village or a day of grueling traveling." Xena paused. She chuckled because she could just hear her soulmate's voice. Her eyes lowered back to the scroll and she continued reading the scroll silently. "I'm still trying to figure out why I agreed to separate the army. I think it all has to do with that rotten apple I had the other day. You remember that?" The warlord chuckled deeply and shook her head. Don't I, Gabrielle? I've never seen a disgusted face like yours when you ate that apple, thought the warlord. She continued to read, "Well either way, here I am writing this letter a day ahead. You're asleep beside me with a peaceful look on your face. You probably don't believe that. Peaceful, loving, and sweet are the last words you'd want to hear in your description. But I can say it anyway." Xena chuckled again and smiled warmly.

"My liege?"

Xena broke away from the scroll and glanced over. "Seoirse?"

"The posts have been set and the village has agreed to the meeting."

The Warrior Princess nodded. "Perfect." She raised an eyebrow. "Make sure our patrol doesn't… sleep."

"Yes of course." The second in command folded his arms. "Are we discussing further plans this evening at dinner?"

"Yes, we will." The warlord rolled up the scroll. "That would be now, correct?"

"Yes, my liege." Seoirse held the tent flap open. "Duty calls."

"So it seems." Xena studied the scroll in her hand. She sighed sadly and placed it carefully on the desk. She stood up and strolled out of the tent. She was never able to finish Gabrielle's scroll that night, or following night, nor the next, and she wouldn't until one dark stormy night far into the future.

~*Part 5*~

"Right this way, please." The large man opened the door and held it open.

Gabrielle nodded briskly. "Thank you." She went up the steps with her Amazons directly behind. She entered into a small room that was darkly lit, there were no windows and it took a moment for her eyes to adjust, this made her narrow her eyes in concern. She then saw there was nobody in the room, just a long wooden table stretching before her.

The large man peered through the door. "The village leaders will be with you."

The Amazon Queen nodded and watched the man close the door. She glanced at her Amazons. "Stay by the door and pay attention."

The three Amazons nodded and shifted back against the wall in attention.

Xena's soulmate scanned the candle lit room. "You'd think it was night in here," she whispered.

Eponin chuckled. "Maybe they're trying to scare us."

"Hardly," mumbled Solari.

"Well, my feathers are shaking," cut in Amarice sarcastically.

"They would," jibed Solari.

Gabrielle held her hand up for silence. She looked sidelong at her Amazons. "Do not make me throw you two out the door on your feathers." She narrowed her eyes. "This is serious."

The second in command coughed and glared at Amarice.

The young Amazon's mouth dropped. "Solari, don't-"

"Be quiet," growled Gabrielle.

Eponin faced Amarice. "We're here to protect Gabrielle," she whispered hotly. "Let's start doing it." Her eyes flickered over to Solari.

Both Amarice and Solari nodded together.

"Thank you," uttered the weapons master sincerely. She moved back to her position against the wall.

The Amazon Queen's head whipped to the right as a door opened.

Five men came in together and sat down in chairs along the table.

The man in the center studied Gabrielle before saying, "You are Queen Gabrielle?"

"That would be me," answered the commander. She walked up close to the table and folded her arms. "I'm here to discuss your village's… relations."

The five men exchanged glances.

~*~*~*~

The large man scanned the town. The villagers were working but a number of houses burnt to the ground. He narrowed his eyes and walked into the village.

One villager turned to the large man entering her village. "Hello."

The large man stopped and smiled to the woman. "Hi." He glanced back towards the burned houses. "Fire recently?"

"Sort of." The young woman nodded too. "They were burned by a warlord."

The man furrowed his eyebrows. "A warlord in these parts?" His eyes lowered to the woman.

"Yes." She nodded and folded her arms. "She left this morning."

"She?"

"Xena… the Warrior Princess." The woman was smiling partially.

The large man stood there stunned. Not because it was Xena's name but because the woman was smiling as she said the name. "Are we… talking about the same Xena?"

The woman folded her arms. "Tall, dark, gorgeous jet black hair, and beautiful blue eyes."

The man stared at the small woman. He heard a small squeaking sound begin in the center of the village. He looked that way and saw a flag rising up a wood pole. He squinted as the emblem came into view. It said Xena in block letters with a black panther stalking up from the background. "That would be her," he mumbled.

The woman shook her head and asked, "What do you have against Xena?"

"The fact that she is a murdering harlot," growled the man.

The young woman laughed quietly. "Hardly, she's given us protection."

The man's eyes widened as he glimpsed down at the woman. "In return for what?"

"Joining her and providing supplies." She put her hands on her hips. "And who are you?"

"Hercules."

~*~*~*~

The five men laughed together.

Gabrielle folded her arms against her chest and waited.

The three Amazons glanced between each other with worry.

The man in the middle settled down and smiled with amusement at Gabrielle. "And you expect us to surrender our town to… you?"

"Naturally." The Amazon Queen arched an eyebrow with her stoic expression. "I want this town." She narrowed her eyes. "And I will take it… at any cost."

"You and what army?" a man joked and nodded to the three Amazons. "You and your three women?"

The commander glanced side long at her three Amazons, smiled coldly. "Myself, my three Amazons, and… my army."

The five men went dead silent.

Gabrielle strolled up to the table with an evil grin. "My army that is waiting at the top of this valley. My army that awaits my arrival in two candlemarks. My army that will attack this village if I do not return in two candlemarks." She put her hands on the table, bent forward, and locked eyes with the man in the center. "Me and that army." Her eyes flickered over to the two other men.

"And what are you the Queen of?" asked one man quietly.

The Queen straightened up. "I am Queen Gabrielle of the Central Amazon Nation." She smiled. "I am the commander of a hundred and thirteen warriors." She folded her arms against her chest. "And I am giving Mani the chance to join me willingly or I will make Mani join me." She held her hands out. "Your choice."

"We've never heard of you… as a warlord."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Yes, well I'm rather new." She shrugged. "But I know the rules." She glanced around. "So, what is your choice?"

"Considering we do not know your reputation," one man went on, "we hardly feel threatened." The man straightened up in his seat. "On the contrary, you're the one who should feel threatened. You obviously do not know conquering. We have the means to fight back, Queen Gabrielle."

The small woman ran her tongue along her molars. Reputation-? I need a reputation? Mmm… maybe I can use a reputation that's not mine. She smiled at the men "A reputation?" she asked, spinning around on her heels. She smiled at her Amazons. "Supposedly I need a reputation on how to kill." She stood still and let the candlelight reflect off her back.

The five men gaped.

"Xena," one whispered in fear.

Jack pot… they saw the tattoo. I hope it was a good idea. Gabrielle turned back around and smiled. "Did you mention my partner's name?"

~*~*~*~

"Seoirse!"

The second in command turned around and saw his commander. "My liege?" He strolled over.

The warlord waited for him, her armor reflecting the midday sun. "Is the army ready to travel for the next battle against Kani?"

"Just about, my liege." The second in command glanced around then back at Xena. "You look… puzzled."

Xena was silent for a moment then whispered, "I want a scout."

"My liege?"

"I want one of my men scouting around these areas." Xena gazed upon the surrounding lands. "I can feel it, Seoirse."

"What is that?"

"I don't know… yet." The Warrior Princess crossed her arms. "My… intuition says something is after us." She raised an eyebrow at her second in command. "I want a scout out and about. Is that clear?"

"Yes." The warrior nodded his head. "Anything else?"

"No, that'll be all." The warlord ambled off.

Seoirse watched her go for a second before he broke off in a jog. He had to find a smart scout, who could easily track. That day's afternoon, Xena gained control of another small village. This second small village was also happy to join Xena's miniature country that would grow in time. So after agreeing upon a treaty wit the village, the army settled down on the outskirts. Xena had retired to her tent for the evening when the scout, from earlier, returned.

"Xena?"

The Warrior Princess placed her chakram back in the hook after hearing her name being called. She turned around and spotted Seoirse coming into her tent. "What is it?"

The second in command stepped aside as another of Xena's warriors stepped in. "The scout, my liege."

The scout glanced from Seoirse to the warlord. "My liege, I've come across tracks."

Xena arched an eyebrow. "Go on."

"They're coming towards us but I lost them after the stream." The scout paused as he recalled everything. "But they're coming from the west… the village we took first."

"And the tracks themselves?"

The scout folded his arms. "They were of a large man, my liege. Alone, on foot."

"Mmm." The warlord turned away. "Continue scouting and see if you can find our stalker."

"Yes, my liege." The scout began to move.

"Oh, another thing." The warlord glanced sidelong at Seoirse and the other warrior. "If you find our stalker, don't attack. Return here and report to me."

"Why?" asked the warrior.

"I highly doubt you would return to this army in one piece," said Xena coldly. "Back to your post."

The scout nodded and left.

Seoirse, however, didn't depart.

"Yes, Seoirse?" Xena strolled towards her desk.

The second in command put his hands on his hips. "Who is it?"

"What makes you think I know?" The warlord turned around with a grin.

"Despite the grin." The man chuckled. "The way you talk."

The Warrior Princess smirked now and she removed her chakram. She lifted and studied it while saying, "My old friend." She stared through the center of the chakram. "I told him he hadn't heard the last of me," she whispered with twinkling blue eyes.

~*~*~*~

Solari stood there shaking her head with an amused expression. "I'll be a son of a Bacchae." She chuckled and looked at Eponin. "Do you see this?"

The weapons master gave a smug look. "Uh huh… that's our Queen." She peered over.

Gabrielle smirked as the light breeze brushed her bangs back. "I did want this village." She stared down at Mani in the sunset from the top of the valley.

"What the Queen wants… the Queen gets," teased Amarice.

"Damn straight," growled Solari with a grin.

The four women all laughed together as they continued to watch Xena's flag being raised up on the pole in the center of town.

The second in command glanced at her friends. "And the best part was not even one single drop of blood was spilt."

"The magic of our Queen," uttered Eponin.

"Okay Amazons," cut in Gabrielle. "Let's not embellish this victory."

"How couldn't we?" asked Amarice. "You just convinced a town join you without even putting up a fight."

The Amazon Queen chuckled deeply. "You just have to know how to… thrill them."

"Understatement," huffed Solari.

"So, Solari?" the Queen asked her second in command, "How do you like the fact I walked out of Mani with their key and them smiling?"

Solari laughed, and her head bobbed. "Looks like you were right, my Queen."

"Thank the gods," whispered Gabrielle. "Even I was worried."

The other women chuckled.

"So, where to next?" asked the weapons master.

The Queen took a deep breath, thinking. "There's a village a little east of us on the border. They're our next stop."

The Amazons nodded simultaneously.

"What's the path we're taking to join with Xena?"

The commander didn't respond instantly, she just stared at the village below. "A zigzag, we'll hit a number of villages that way."

"And what of the Aeolians? The province will be furious once they found out their northern lands have been taken."

Gabrielle nodded at Solari's words. "Well, so far only Thessaly would disagree." She grinned. "If their northern villages submit to us, they lose power."

"True," agreed Eponin. "Maybe Thessaly won't even put up a fight once they've see all their villages have sided with you."

"I doubt it." Gabrielle sighed. "We all know Greek pride."

~*Part 6*~

"How much longer will we continue to travel, my liege?" asked Seoirse tiredly. He shifted in his saddle with an inward groan from the long day of endless traveling.

The warlord swayed in the saddle as her mare walked down the dirt road. The army marched wearily behind. "We'll stop here soon. I don't want the men to be too tired tomorrow."

"As you command." Seoirse nodded and glanced back at the army to make sure they were keeping up. Satisfied, he turned back in his saddle and stared down the empty road.

Xena herself became hypnotized from swaying in her saddle, the beat of the army walking, and the endless road ahead. She was into her fourth day since splitting up with Gabrielle and she was ignoring the ache in her soul caused by her partner's absence. She knew if she dwelt on it, it would destroy her focus on the mission at hand. Thankfully, she let herself become lost in her warlord side. She didn't have time for love's games.

Within a candlemark Xena's army stopped their travels. They came to a large camp area and settled down for the evening. Xena retired to her tent so she could work on attack plans against Thessaly. She had to plan this just right.

"My liege?"

The warlord sighed at her second in commands. "Seoirse?" she asked without looking to him.

The second in command stepped into the tent. "My liege." He bowed his head. "The scout is returning from the west."

The Warrior Princess narrowed her eyes and strolled out of the tent.

Seoirse followed behind. "He should arrive momentarily."

"Fine." Xena power walked in the early evening towards the western part of the camp. Ahead she spotted the small scout dismounting his horse. She came directly up to him. "Report." She folded her arms.

The scout breathed deeply and said, "I found our stalker, my liege." He paused. "Its Hercules."

The warlord smiled with amusement. "Continue."

The scout was taken aback by the smile but proceeded his report. "He's about two candlemarks behind us… west, on foot, and nobody is with him." He paused. "Right now, he's camping for the night. He won't travel in the dark it seems."

Xena nodded gradually. "Alright, stay here. You've done your job."

The scout nodded. "Yes, my liege." He took his horse's reins and walked off.

The warlord didn't look at her second in command but said, "Seoirse, follow me."

The warrior nodded and trailed behind Xena back towards her tent.

The pair went in and faced each other.

"What are you considering?" Seoirse asked quietly. "He'll try to stop you."

"I know this," whispered the warlord coldly. She started pacing in the tent. "I think he should get what he wants."

"What?" The second in command widened his eyes. "You're not considering handing yourself over, are you?"

"Yesss," growled the Warrior Princess. She stopped pacing and faced her warrior. "I know him, Seoirse."

The man shook his head. "Suppose you do hand yourself over. What then?"

Xena grinned while folding her arms. "You stay here and run the army." She corked an eyebrow. "Hercules needs to be distracted, and I can do that." She paused. "Send a messenger to Gabrielle. Once she is here, the full army can take Hercules down."

"What are you going to do?"

The warlord grinned. "Play cat and mouse." She unfolded her arms.

"You're the commander." The second in command sighed. "When will you leave?"

"A few candlemarks before dawn." Xena raised an eyebrow. "And have a scout follow me, incase something goes… wrong." She went serious. "Get me a messenger."

Seoirse nodded briskly and left the tent.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle stood tall at the edge of the camp in the night.

"What's taking Francis so long?" asked Amarice impatiently.

The Queen sighed. "Control your feathers, Amarice."

"I'll have to apologize for Amarice, Gabrielle." Solari began to grin. "Its way past her bedtime and she tends to get… grouchy if she stays up too late."

Amarice glared at the second in command. "Ha, I can stay up later than you… older woman!"

Solari opened her mouth but was cut off by a hand covering her mouth.

The weapons master narrowed her eyes at Solari. "Don't even reply." She lowered her hand.

The second in command chuckled.

Amarice smiled victoriously while looking towards the dark woods.

The Amazon Queen sighed deeply and listened carefully as she heard the sounds of hoof beats. "He's coming."

The three Amazons squinted towards the woods trying to find Francis.

Suddenly a horse emerged from the black woods and came up to the four women. "They refuse, Queen Gabrielle," Francis said, dismounting.

The commander swore under her breath before asking, "And you told them the consequences for not joining us?"

Francis nodded while taking his horse's reins. "Yes, they said they're prepared to fight."

"Very well," Gabrielle said coldly. "Tomorrow morning, we attack."

Francis nodded. "As you wish."

"I don't wish it," muttered the Amazon Queen. She leaned against her staff. "Alright, get some sleep Francis. Thank you for delivering the message."

"You're welcome." The warrior walked past the women and went into camp.

"Alright, Amazons." The Queen eye's flickered between them. "Get to your tent and get some sleep too."

The three Amazons nodded. Solari and Amarice strolled off.

The weapons master stayed and arched an eyebrow at her Queen.

The small woman gave an amused smile. "Yes, Ep?"

"Don't hide it, Gabrielle." Eponin paused. "It's not an easy choice… to attack a village."

"No its not," whispered the Queen. "But it has to be done." She dropped her head against the staff. "I wonder how Xena did it her first time."

Eponin didn't respond at first. "I'm sure it wasn't easy for her then either." Because it was her first step towards darkness, thought the Amazon. "Get some rest too, huh?"

"Yeah," replied the young woman. "You too, Ep."

"I will." The Amazons smiled warmly and hugged Gabrielle.

The commander wrapped one arm around her weapons master and hugged tightly back. When she pulled back she smiled. "Thank you."

"Anytime." Eponin winked and headed off.

Gabrielle turned around and faced the camp. She studied the tents and warriors milling about. "My army," she whispered, shook her head, and went to her tent.

~*Part 7*~

"No horse?" asked Seoirse.

"No," answered the warlord. She sheathed her sword and faced her second in command. "I sent the messenger out." She paused in thought. "Stay here, Seoirse, and keep the men under control. Is this clear?"

"Yes, my liege."

The pair was on the edge of the camp near the road. Xena was prepared to leave, and a scout was mounting his horse. It was three candlemarks before dawn.

"Good," Xena said and check to see if her scout was ready to go. "Once Gabrielle arrives, she'll be in command. Help her." She narrowed her eyes. "Either I'll return with plans to finish Hercules or I'll send the scout. Is this clear?"

"Yes, of course." Seoirse crossed his arms. "You're sure about this?"

"No." The warlord walked onto the road. "There are too many variables." She turned towards the scout. "Are you ready?"

The scout nodded and spurred his horse forward. He came up onto the road beside Xena.

"Keep things intact, Seoirse." The Warrior Princess took a deep breath. "I'll be back." She turned and walked down the road in the dark.

The second in command watched her go and uttered, "Be safe." He turned on his pivot foot then went into camp.

~*~*~*~

"Alright, get the men up!" commanded Gabrielle.

Francis nodded as he went to various tents. He began the process of waking the army.

The small woman glanced towards the east. She noticed the sun had yet to rise over the horizon. She shivered though the morning air was warm. Her right arm went across her bare stomach and her shoulders dropped. She continued to stare at the dark eastern horizon. "Something is wrong," she whispered. Her head turned as she heard her Amazons coming, complaining of the early morning.

~*~*~*~

Xena reached forward and spread open the leaves of the brush. There slept Hercules close by a dead fire of black ashes. She smirked. Then moved and left the area silently. Walking up to the road, she came towards her scout. "Alright, he's in there." She folded her arms. "I want you to stay near but do not get involved. Is this clear?"

The scout nodded. "What will you do?"

"I'll keep him busy." The Warrior Princess studied the sunrise peeking over the horizon. "Do not let him know you're here. If I am taken, wait around to hear Hercules's plans, then go back to Seoirse. Understood?"

"Yes, my liege." The scout shifted the reins in his hands. "Good luck."

The warlord nodded, unsheathed her sword, and went towards Hercules's camp.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle studied the tiny village ahead. She took a shaky breath know what she was about to order her army to do.

The army came to a stop behind their commander. On their commander's signal, they unsheathed their swords simultaneously.

The Amazon Queen turned around to face them while her Amazons stood beside. "We take this village hard and fast," she ordered. "Nobody is to be killed however do what you must to control the village. Is this clear to you all?"

Every warrior nodded and grinned.

"Alright." The small woman lifted her staff. "I control of this village in half of a candlemark." She grinned slowly. "Attack!"

The warriors together yelled, "Queen Gabrielle." And raced down the road towards the small town. Some ran on foot others galloped on horseback.

The Amazons stood close to their Queen while watching the warriors roar past.

Gabrielle turned around and saw the flow of men rush into the small town. She walked near the town slowly with her Amazons.

~*~*~*~

Xena strolled into the middle of the camp and stared down at Hercules. "Morning, Hercules."

"What took you so long?" rumbled the deep voice. Hercules opened his eyes slowly and smirked at the woman above him.

"Oooh, I was deciding how I wanted to enter your camp." She propped the blade of her sword against her shoulder. "Miss me?"

The demi-god narrowed his eyes then placed his hands palm down on the ground. "I've heard of your recent… conquering."

"Quite different isn't it?" The warlord shot a smug look before strolling off to the other side of the camp.

Hercules stood up and watched the woman. "Decided not to kill now? How sympathetic of you."

The Warrior Princess laughed and whirled around with her cape flowing behind. "Isn't it?" She grinned. "I've decided I'd need people if I desire to have a country." She lowered her sword.

"You're after Greece?"

"Very much," Xena answered. "With renewed strength," she whispered deeply. She came right up to Hercules. "Greece will be mine." She pressed her free hand against the demi-god's stomach. "You're welcomed to join."

Hercules raised an eyebrow. "And you know my answer to that."

"Mmmm." The warlord smiled seductively as she ran her hand up the man's chest. "Thought I could convince you otherwise," she purred. "You're the son of Zeus, you should show it." She ran her fingertips over his lips. "Don't you think so?" She leaned in and kissed him roughly.

He pulled back from the kiss with an angry expression. "I don't think so." He grabbed both of Xena's wrists and put them behind her back.

Xena laughed and tilted her head. "You won't win, I can promise that."

"Then I'll put that to the test." Hercules started to squeeze the warlord's right wrist to get her to drop the sword.

The Warrior Princess's upper lip twitched and she ignored the pain. Her eyes went cold, she smirked, and without warning rammed her right knee into Hercules's… groin.

The large man doubled over in agony, releasing her wrists.

The dark warlord chuckled and stepped back. "Always a man's downfall." She spun her sword.

Hercules rose up to his full height with gritted teeth. He held up his hands. "Let's dance."

"Would love too." The warlord made the transition into her fighting stance with dark and flashing eyes.

The demi-god grinned and prepared to fight.

The scout kept watch of his commander fighting the legendary Hercules. He hid deep in the brush. The display before him was of Xena and Hercules fighting equally. And that was what surprised the scout… equally. He knew his commander's potential as a warrior and the way she fought now was not her best. That led him to believe that Xena wanted to be defeated… in this battle.

Xena's sword went soaring from her hand. She turned her head to Hercules with a laugh. "Not bad."

"Thanks." Hercules grinned and with no warning punched.

The warlord let the blow connect, and she went spinning to the ground. She pretended to try and dodge the next punch but Hercules's fist rammed into her face. The Warrior Princess's head slump to the ground as she went out cold.

Hercules stood up and searched for some vines. He came back and tied the warlord's hands behind her back. He took her chakram and sword and placed them on his own body. By the time he was done, Xena was waking up.

The dark woman moaned softly and lifted herself up. She noticed immediately that her hands were tied and her weapons gone. She glanced over at Hercules near the dead fire. "Have me tied with no weapons." She grinned. "And what do you plan to do? I won't stay in these that long."

Hercules raised an eyebrow and walked over. He knelt down in front of the warlord. He had a serious expression. "You're going to pay for your crimes… you're going to prison in Thessaly."