Subtext ~ Maintext here but no sex between the characters that I'll write.

Copyright ~ Lets see, Universal and MCA both own Xena, Gabrielle, Draco, Melosa, Solari, Epinion and Argo. I though own Lux, Gelidus, Augeus, Seoirse, and Cacus. So don't take my characters or story line, I'm very protective of them.

Started: April 18th 2000 on Tuesday

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

If anybody has comments about my story please let me know at:

redhope@redhope.net

Part 1

Section 1

~*Part 1*~

The warlord shifted some in her saddle, she kept her eyes pinned on her partner walking down the road towards the village. She sighed, she wasn't sure she was liking this idea now.

"Xena, are you sure you do not want me to escort Gabrielle in and out of Cirra?"

Xena turned her head to her left at her new second in command, Seoirse. "No." She turned her gaze back to her slowly receding soulmate. "They'll be fine. We'll wait here."

Seoirse nodded his head at his commander. Behind him were two other warriors of Xena's army. They were waiting on the road that led into Cirra. Seoirse, himself, is in his mid twenties and has been apart of Xena's army for three years now. A good fighter, smart fighter, and very loyal. That's how he got his position as Xena and Gabrielle's second in command of their army. Seoirse really took a fond liking to both Xena and Gabrielle. He admired the warlord for her abilities as a warrior and warlord and he liked Gabrielle's light air that surrounded her. And ever since Gabrielle came along Xena seemed to change quietly but Seoirse noticed it and liked it. Plus an idea of an army of the greater good, well he thought it to be perfect. He wasn't planing to leave this army any time soon.

Gabrielle looked to her left at the man. "Thanks for coming Lux."

The cook smiled. "No problem little one. I figured Xena would like somebody to come into Cirra with you."

"Yeah, she doesn't like this village much." Her attention went back to the road as she kept walking.

"No, Xena had a bad run in with Cirra a number of years ago."

"Do you know what happened Lux?" Ahead Gabrielle saw the town that led to a smile crossing her lips.

Lux shook his head. "No I don't. I was away from her army then." He sighed. "You'll have to find out from Xena."

The peasant grinned. "I'll have to work it out of her you mean." The pair entered into the village and Gabrielle gazed around. "Okay, where do you think the market would be?"

The cook searched as well. "My guess little one it's over in that direction." He pointed to his right.

The small woman turned her head that way to see a lot of people shuffling through that area. "You're probably right. Come on." Gabrielle started off in that direction with Lux right beside her.

They came into the market area of Cirra. The pair searched around for a stand selling clothes and quickly found one. Gabrielle milled around in the clothes debating on the clothes and form of them.

Lux though stood off to the side grinning and chuckling at the young woman. "Little one, don't be picky."

The peasant glanced up. "Well I need to make sure I get something that fits right and looks good."

"It's for fighting little one not a fashion show."

Gabrielle grinned. "Uh huh." She looked back down and smiled as she pulled out two pieces of clothes. Looking to her right she spotted an area with boots lined up in a row. She went over to them and guessed which would fit her, so she pulled out a brown-reddish set. Gabrielle then walked into a makeshift dressing room and changed into the clothes she'd selected.

Lux stood outside waiting. He then saw a woman off to his left. She was tall and skinny with blond almost white hair. The woman had no smile what so ever, rather cold eyes. That in turn only made the cook stiffen up. He then saw Gabrielle come out of the dressing room with the new clothes on.

Gabrielle glanced down her length and looked back up to her friend. She took a step closer to Lux and smiled. "How's this look?"

Lux crossed his arms against his chest and studied the peasant. "I like it."

"Think Xena will like it?"

The cook chuckled. "Little one, I think she'd like anything you wore."

"You're probably right." Gabrielle then brought her hands to her hips. "I feel really exposed in this though."

Lux nodded. "Well I can't say it hides your body." He stared at the young woman standing in a green halter-top with a brown skirt and the boots on from earlier.

Gabrielle smiled. "Well I think it'll work." She held her older clothes in her right arm with a small leather pouch in her right hand as well. Slowly she turned to the woman Lux had spotted earlier. "How much is all of this?"

The woman looked up with cold eyes. "Five dinars, dear."

The peasant could feel a cold chill from this woman's voice. She lifted the leather pouch in her right hand and removed five dinars. Gabrielle then handed it to the woman. "Thanks."

The other woman simply nodded.

Gabrielle couldn't help but wonder about this woman, she felt like she'd known her before. "Um, you live here?"

"Yes." She never seemed to smile. "All my life."

The peasant nodded a few times. "What's your name? Mine's Gabrielle."

"Callisto." The woman then lifted some of the clothes on the table placing them in another stack. "You just passing through?"

Gabrielle nodded. "I am." She paused. "I feel like I've met you before but I know I haven't."

Callisto gazed up with her cold eyes. "Trust me you haven't girl."

The peasant took a deep breath. "I was just noticing how harsh you are. Any certain reason?"

Callisto dropped her hands to the table and leaned towards Gabrielle. "One, a warlord killed my family. So is that a good enough reason for you?"

Gabrielle nodded. "It is, happened to me." She then smiled sadly. "I just learned to move on. I hope you do to, not much fun living in anger." She then shifted to Lux's side and started walking with him.

"Gabrielle?"

The peasant stopped walking and turned her attention back to Callisto. "Yes?"

"How?"

Gabrielle smiled, she saw a deep sadness in Callisto's eyes. "Let love touch your heart. Then you'll forgive and forget and finally you'll live again."

Callisto nodded, a very small fine smile crossed her lips. "Thanks, maybe I'll try that."

"It works, I promise." Slowly she turned around and she started walking again with Lux.

They left the town and trekked down the road together till they came up to four waiting people on the road.

Gabrielle looked up with a smile to see her soulmate mounted high on Argo. Xena wore her warlord attire.

Xena saw her partner coming and she smiled warmly. She then took in her friend's new clothes. They were definitely different then what she'd been wearing earlier. That only made the warlord grin.

The peasant strolled up to the mare and went to the saddlebags, she shoved her older clothes into the saddlebags. Gabrielle still held the small leather pouch and she looked up to Xena. "I'm set."

Xena grinned. "Good." She held down one hand to her partner.

Gabrielle took the offered hand and was pulled up onto the warhorse's back, she sat in the saddle behind her soulmate. "Xena?"

The warlord was turning her mare around as she answered. "Yeah?"

"How long will it take to reach the eastern section of Greece?"

"Around three days. We have to go around the Amazon Mountains." Xena sent her mare into a fast walk, her men right behind her.

The peasant furrowed her eyebrows. "Too steep to go through?"

"No, too guarded."

That's when Gabrielle knew whom guarded the Amazon Mountains. Who else would but the Amazons? As of right now Xena, four of their warriors, and Lux all rode back to the army. There the army was waiting for them to head east. Xena and Gabrielle's plans were to head east and start by taking small villages in the eastern section of Greece and slowly work west. They would start with the town of Mani and work west to the Amazon Nations.

Xena though hadn't discussed any ideas on how to take the nine Amazon Nations. She was still considering that part. Gabrielle for her part said she did not want to fight them but then she had a bad feeling they would have to. A group of women warriors wouldn't give up peacefully.

Right now, the warlord was more worried about taking the far east side of Greece so she could increase the size of her army. They would need a large army to take Greece and armies need fighters. Her ultimate plan would be to take Greece from east to west along with the northern portion. The southern portion of Greece would be the hardest and where she'd have to be careful. But that is to far ahead to plan for, later.

Xena pulled her mare to a halt as she came to the head of her army. She grinned and turned her head to Seoirse. "See if everybody is ready."

The second in command nodded. He was off his horse and gathering the men up.

The warlord looked sidelong at Gabrielle. "Walking or riding?"

"I rather walk need to get in shape."

Xena grinned. "The walking will certainly help."

Gabrielle chuckled. "I know." She then began to climb off the horse with Xena's help. Her boots hit the ground and she glanced up to Xena. "Thanks."

The warlord smiled, nodded, and looked back up to the army. She spotted Seoirse walking up to her. "Are we ready?"

The warrior nodded his head. "We are." He strolled over to his horse again and began to mount.

"Good." Xena took a deep breath and spoke in a loud voice. "We're headed east to begin our conquering of Greece. From here out there will be no stopping this army." She grinned. "Let's move!" Xena turned Argo around and sent her into a walk.

The army migrated out of the clearing and up onto the road going east bound. Gabrielle trekked along beside her soulmate's mare. She could feel a smile crossing her lips, she felt so alive and excited. But the army traveled for around four candlemarks. Xena didn't want to come to quickly near the Amazon Mountains, just close. They arrived near there and made camp. Tomorrow the warlord had plans to head southeast around the Amazon Mountains and weave through the Nations. She just hoped her army wouldn't be caught.

"Bye Lux."

"See you little one." He watched Gabrielle walk out of the cooks' tent into the late afternoon. He sighed and shifted to his bed.

The peasant walked through the afternoon sunlit camp and headed directly to her and Xena's tent. She ducked inside and found her soulmate at her desk. Xena was writing something.

"What you working on?" The small woman shifted to Xena's side and looked down at the scroll.

The warlord dropped her quill and sat back in her seat. "The plans."

Gabrielle stared down at the scroll as she brought her left arm to snake around the other woman's back. "Hold on, what's that part?" She pointed to one spot.

Xena peered down and read. She grinned. "That's the part where the army splits."

"Okay, I get that part Xena. But why does it say I take command of half and you the other. I have no problem with it saying you take half but the part with me taking half."

The warlord grinned. "You'll be fine." She looked up and smiled. "Come here." She pushed back her seat.

The peasant smiled and sat down in her soulmate's lap, still studying the scroll as she wrapped one arm around Xena's shoulders. "Xena, I can't control an army."

"I know but you'll learn." She lifted the scroll. "This isn't for another couple of weeks or so."

"Couple of weeks? Xena, I can't learn how to be a commander in two weeks."

The warlord grinned and turned her head to the other woman. "You will, you're not giving yourself enough credit Gabrielle."

Gabrielle sighed and dropped her head against her partner's shoulder. "I don't know. It's a big thing."

"It is but you can handle it." The warlord placed the scroll back on the desk. "Besides, it's only half an army." She grinned. "You'll be do great. I see this leader side in you, I just need you to grab a hold of it."

Gabrielle nodded and stared at the scroll. "I'll try." She smiled some.

"Thank you." Xena then leaned back into the chair.

The small woman grinned. "Since it'll be another two candlemarks or so till dusk. Can we do some staff work?"

The warlord stared into her partner's eyes, debating whether she really wanted to teach Gabrielle a weapon.

"Xena, please. I need to learn and the sooner the better."

The older woman sighed then nodded. "Alright."

Gabrielle leaned in and kissed her soulmate soundly. She pulled back with a smile. "Thank you Xen."

Xena arched an eyebrow at the nickname, then she grinned. "Come on love."

The peasant chuckled. "Sorry." She hopped off the other woman's lap to stand.

The warlord then stood and faced her partner. "I liked it."

"Really?" Gabrielle now smiled. "I'll remember that."

"Just don't-"

"Say it in public, I know I know." Gabrielle chuckled and moved to the tent flap with her soulmate following.

The pair went outside of the tent and started to walk to the other end of the camp to an area that is open. As they kept going in that direction they spotted Seoirse coming in the opposite direction.

They came up to him and Xena stopped walking. "Seoirse?"

The warrior had stopped with a smile. "What's up Xena?"

"I need you to help me demostrate something. Mind?"

The man shook his head. "Love to help."

The warlord nodded. "Great." She turned back to her soulmate and started walking again with Seoirse on one side and Gabrielle on the other. Xena spotted the tent she'd been searching for. "Head down to the open field, I'll be right there."

Both Seoirse and the peasant nodded and continued on strolling down to the end of the camp.

Seoirse turned his attention to Gabrielle. "How was it in Cirra?"

Gabrielle gazed up at the second in command. "Busy and there wasn't a? pleasant air to the town."

"That's what I figured." The warrior looked back ahead. "So you're learning to fight?"

The peasant grinned. "I am."

"Which weapon?"

"The staff."

The second in command quickly glanced back down to the peasant. "Really?" They now came to the end of the camp and he stopped walking. "That's interesting."

"And why is that?" Gabrielle peered up to the man.

Seoirse brought his arms against his armor chest. "Most warriors fight with a sword."

Gabrielle nodded a few times. "They do, but I don't intend to kill."

"Now that is a feat I'd like to see in an army." Seoirse sighed. "Quite impossible."

"Well there's always a first." The small woman caught a glimpse of her soulmate coming.

"True. Well I have to admire you for such a goal." Seoirse looked to his left to see Xena step up beside them.

Xena held two staffs, she looked to her second in command. A grin spread across her lips and she tossed Seoirse a staff. "I want to show Gabrielle what staff fighting looks like."

Seoirse nodded. "Defense or offense?"

"Either." Xena took a step back and glance at Gabrielle with a nod.

The peasant nodded back and took steps away from her soulmate and her second in command so that she could watch them. She watched as Xena and Seoirse circled each other and Seoirse was the first to make a move.

The warlord quickly parried the attack and came at the warrior's chest with the butt of her staff. Seoirse jumped out of the way and swung the staff at Xena's side. Xena simply placed her staff to her right side to stop the other staff and lifted the end to hit Seoirse in the arm.

Seoirse jumped back in reaction and reposition himself. The warlord came at him. And the pair went at the fighting for a number of minutes. The entire time Gabrielle studied them, mostly her soulmate. She tried to memorize the moves and watch the footing. She then watched the facial expressions of both her partner and Seoirse. Noticing how Xena kept up a grin while the second in command was just serious. Gabrielle could easily figure out which would be more effective, the grin for sure.

Xena put her staff horizontally to stop Seoirse's staff. "That's good there."

The second in command nodded. He took a step back and lower his staff. "Anything else?"

"No." The warlord paused. "Thanks." She just thanked one of her warriors, she couldn't believe it. Then again she liked Seoirse quite a bit. Especially knowing Seoirse was loyal to her and respectful so that led her to thank him.

Seoirse nodded with a small smile. "Sure." He tossed his staff to Gabrielle.

The peasant easily caught it. "Thanks Seoirse."

The second in command nodded faintly. "Good luck Gabrielle."

Gabrielle chuckled. "I'll need it with my teacher."

"I know." Seoirse grinned and strolled off back into the camp.

The warlord turned to her partner. "Trying to say something by that?"

The smaller woman arched an eyebrow. "Yes, the last time I saw you "practice" you wiped the ground with five of your own warrior's bare handed."

Xena grinned. "I was little rusty then."

Gabrielle laughed. "Right."

The warlord still had her grin and shifted to stand beside Gabrielle. "Okay, we'll start with defense. Remember you can not attack your opponent when you do not know defense. There is no offense without defense." Took a step to her left away from Gabrielle to put space between them. "First lets start with the different ways you can position your staff for defense."

Gabrielle nodded. "I'll follow you."

Xena nodded. "First, the staff directly in front of you horizontally." She followed her own instructions placing the staff directly in front of her upper body and little in front. She then glanced at Gabrielle's positioning. "That looks good but don't lock your elbows alright?"

The peasant nodded and unlocked her right elbow. "Why shouldn't I do that?"

"Because if go to block that blow with your elbows locked, you'll only ruin your joints. You want to let your arms give with the blow some. You will hardly stop an attack at first, you will slow it then stop it."

The small woman nodded her head in understanding. "Makes sense."

The Warrior Princess grinned. "Good."

The pair continued to go about the defense lesson. It took around a quarter of a candlemark for Gabrielle to learn all the positions she could place her staff around her body. Well at least the simplest and most effective positions. Then Xena moved on to show her soulmate how to move her staff quickly to these different positions without getting the staff caught up in anyway.

By the end of all of this there was about a little more then half of a candlemark of light left. Dusk was approaching them.

Xena stood up straight and lower the end of her staff to the ground. "Feel like doing a little practice with defensive work?"

The peasant nodded. "Yeah."

"Good, then we'll be done." The warlord took a step back and raised her staff in defense. "Ready?"

Gabrielle raised her staff defensively, she mentally flipped through all the positions she could do. "Go."

The warlord came at Gabrielle's stomach and the peasant had easily deflected the swing. Xena next brought the staff around quickly to go at the other woman's side. Her staff was stopped and that made the warlord grin. Xena knew her soulmate would pick the fighting up fast. The warlord now went at Gabrielle's other side and the small woman blocked it.

The older woman jumped back and grinned. "Let's try this a little faster."

Gabrielle nodded with a smirk. "Of course."

Xena chuckled and came at her partner. She did several rapped thrusts and swings trying to find an opening in Gabrielle's defensive. And she did, the warlord stopping her staff's end right when it almost hit Gabrielle's knees. "Don't move."

The peasant stiffened up where she stood and gazed at Xena.

"What'd you do wrong?"

The young woman looked up and down her length, Xena's stance, and her staff's location. She then reflected about how the fighting was going. "You were in a pattern."

"Exactly."

Gabrielle shook her head. "So I got caught up in the pattern then you threw in an odd move to throw me off."

The warlord nodded with a smile. She lowered her staff. "Never expect your opponent to just stick to a rhythm. They won't because they want to get at an opening. And if you notice a pattern be aware they're probably doing it so they can find an opening and catch you off guard."

"Okay." Gabrielle thought for a moment. "I should study my opponent's moves right?" Now she began to relax as she listened to her soulmate's response.

"Yes, try to stay two seconds ahead of them so you can anticipate their next move."

Again the peasant nodded with a seriousness. "And just a lot of practice huh?"

The warlord grinned. "Definitely." She then smiled warmly. "That's good enough for today."

"Work on offense next time?"

The older woman straightened up. "We'll see. Come on."

Gabrielle nodded and began to walk beside her partner.

The pair went back into the camp as dusk took over. Xena had taken her friend's staff and put it back in the tent with her own. Afterwards they went to the dinning tent to eat dinner. They ate quickly then headed to their tent for a relaxing evening.

Gabrielle sat down on the bed with a sigh. She peered up to her warlord whom was by the desk. "You like the outfit I picked out?"

Slowly Xena turned around to gaze at her partner, the jewels in her hair twinkling with her blue eyes. "Yes." She slowly walked over to Gabrielle. "A bit concerning."

The peasant arched an eyebrow. "How's that?"

"Concerning because we might be having our men staring at you instead of fighting."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Right." She stood up from the bed. "I'm actually amazed I'm this skinny. I think it's 'cause I'm not eating." She lifted her head to glance up to Xena. That's when she saw her soulmate had a worried look on her face. Gabrielle then quickly spoke. "Not that I'm not eating? just not as much? I mean not as much as I normal do." A groan now.

The Warrior Princess grinned. "It's okay, I know what you meant."

"Good." The small woman sighed. "I normal eat a lot in Poteidaia then hardly do anything. But I think I eat the same here but all the traveling and moving around helps."

Xena grinned. "You're to worried about explaining it."

The young woman chuckled. "You're right." She then took a step to Xena and wrapped her arms around the other woman.

The warlord smiled and enveloped the small woman tightly with her arms. "You okay?" Xena nuzzled her cheek against Gabrielle's.

"Yeah." Gabrielle's eyes closed. "This is just real nice."

Xena grinned. "I know."

"Xen?"

"Mmm?"

The peasant lifted her head up to smile to her partner. "Let's go check the stars out."

The warlord arched an eyebrow her expression a bit skeptical.

Gabrielle smiled. "Come on. It's a nice quiet night. We might not get to many chances too."

Xena sighed with a smile. "Alright but not to long. We have to get up early tomorrow."

"Deal." The young woman moved to the tent flap going outside.

Xena shook her head with a grin and followed behind. And they went outside of the camp near the woods that surrounded. Gabrielle stopped in her tracks and half turned around to see her soulmate coming up behind. The warlord smiled and stopped behind Gabrielle then slowly wrapped her arms around Gabrielle's soft stomach.

The peasant leaned back into her partner's body. "This isn't bad."

"No." The warlord was actually studying the stars above. She'd never had before but now standing here with her soulmate made her want to. "Pleasant."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Is that related to lovely?"

Xena lowered her chin down onto the other female's head. "Maybe." She grinned.

"Uh huh." The small woman let out her breath slowly. "Did you ever hear that story about how the gods split people in two?"

"No." The warlord smiled. "What's the story?"

"Once a long time ago all humans had four legs and two heads. Then the gods threw down thunderbolts and split everyone into two. Each half now had two legs and one head." Gabrielle paused for a moment as her story came to life inside of herself. "But the separation left both halves with a desperate yearning to be reunited with each other because they still shared the same soul." A smile took over Gabrielle's lips as she finished her story. "And ever since then, all people sped their lives searching for the other half of their soul."

Xena stared up to the stars as she repeated the story in her head. Then slowly a smile crept into place as she lowered her head down closer to Gabrielle's. "Interesting story."

The peasant grinned. "I thought so too." She sighed contently. "When I was young I believed in it but now I know it? I'm living it."

The warlord grinned. "Both of us."

"Definitely." Gabrielle then let her head rest back into the other woman's shoulder. She kept her eyes pinned on the stars above. "You think we'll be able to make it through the Amazon territory without being caught?"

Xena nodded. "We should, just have to be quick."

"But we are camping in the forest one night right?"

"Yes, we have no other real choice."

Gabrielle slowly closed her eyes. "Let's hope nothing happens." She lifted her hands now to Xena's own hands, lightly grasping them. "You know what I should have gotten in Cirra?"

"What's that?"

"Scrolls and a quill."

The warlord arched an eyebrow. "For what?"

The small woman chuckled. "Writing."

Xena grinned. "I figured that." She tightened her arms briefly. "Bard?"

Slowly the young woman's eyes lifted. "Yes, I've been thinking about that. I like stories."

"So I'm noticing." The tall woman let her lips brush against her soulmate's soft neck. "I think I can help you out."

The peasant chuckled, she turned around in her partner's arms. "Great." She grinned. "I want to? expand in one of my services."

The warlord grinned to her friend. "Really? You have quite a few services."

"I told you, I have many skills."

Xena chuckled. "And you do." She leaned in to capture her soulmate's lips in a tender kiss. "We better get back."

Gabrielle grinned. "No fun."

The Warrior Princess arched an eyebrow as her eyes began to twinkle. "Think so huh? Mmm come back to the tent and I'll show you different."

The peasant grinned evilly. "Earlier I had somebody telling me we had to go to bed early."

The warlord chuckled. "The plans have changed."

"Sounds good to me." Gabrielle still had her grin and she brushed past her soulmate to power walk towards their tent.

Xena turned around to watch her go, she grinned to herself. She then took off walking fast to catch up with her partner.

That night had been long yet for the soulmates to short for them. They eventually did get around to sleeping, not always a top priority. Top priority is always being with each other in one fashion or another.

~*Part 2*~

Xena and Gabrielle had risen early in the morning after their short sleeping hours, well more like a nap. The warlord left the tent quickly with her soulmate right behind. The two women went about getting their army up and moving so they could break camp. Within a candlemark the army was almost mobile.

Seoirse was ambling to the front of the army to his commanders. "We're ready."

Xena nodded and peered down to her partner.

Gabrielle looked up with a small smile and faintly nodded.

The warlord lifted her head back up to the army with a serious expression. "Today we're going through Amazon area, we have to move quickly. Tonight we will be camping in Amazon territory so be on the look out tonight. Let's fall out!" Xena turned her mare around and put Argo into a walk.

The army started to head southeast at a rapid pace. By late afternoon they rounded the Amazon Mountains and came to the northern outskirts of Neapolis. After they came north to Neapolis they stopped for the day. Xena wanted to stay close to the small city so that they wouldn't be suspected by the Amazon Nation in that area. The fact the Amazon Nation controls the area north of Neapolis only made Xena very tense.

Once the camp was settled down, Gabrielle went directly to find Seoirse. She'd quickly found the man in his tent. "Seoirse?"

The second in command looked up as he saw the peasant come into his tent. "Yes?"

"I want look outs posted tonight. Can you handle that?"

Seoirse nodded. "Sure, how many you want posted at a time Gabrielle?"

The peasant crossed her arms against her chest as she thought. "Probably three at a time in shifts."

The warrior nodded his head. "It'll be done. Anything else?"

"No, that about covers it."

Seoirse nodded yet again. "By the way, how was your staff lesson yesterday?"

Gabrielle grinned. "Quite interesting."

"I'm sure of it." The warrior chuckled then smiled warmly.

"It is, best teacher." She then sighed. "I better go Seoirse. Thanks."

"No problem." Seoirse watched the young woman leave his tent. He shook his head and turned back to his desk.

Gabrielle ducked into the cooks' tent. "Lux?" She spotted him in the back of the tent.

"Hey little one." The cook smiled.

"Hi, how are you?" The peasant stepped up to the older man.

"I'm good, yourself?" Lux sat on his bed seeming to rest for a moment or two.

Slowly the small woman sat on the bed beside the man. "Pretty good. That was a lot of traveling today."

"It was little one. I'm just happy I travel in the wagons." He grinned.

Gabrielle chuckled. "I'm not as lucky." She then sighed. "Xena keeps offering for me to ride but?"

"But you rather walk ay?"

The young woman shrugged her shoulders. "Why not? Walking is good for me." She grinned. "Speaking of which, I was wondering if you'd like to come for a walk with me."

Lux crossed his arms against his chest. "Little one, we both know it's not safe out of the camp."

"I know? but I just want to do a quick walk."

The cook sighed with a smile. "Alright, but we're staying close to the camp."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Yeah, I put men on patrol."

"Good planning." Lux then stood up with a sigh. "Come on."

The peasant smiled and stood up. The pair left the tent and headed straight out of the camp into the surrounding woods. The walk was relaxing with the scent of spring in the air. Yes spring the beginning of the cycle to life.

Gabrielle looked to her left at the cook. "Thank you Lux."

The man turned his head to his friend. "For what may I ask little one?"

"For being there for me." The small woman crossed her arms against her chest. "You've been like a father to me." She gazed up to the cook with a warm smile. "I've really needed that."

The cook smiled back. "Well little one I use to have a daughter." His eyes averted away. "I don't know what has happen to her but?" He smile back to Gabrielle. "I'm glad to have somebody like you around. You remind me of her quite a bit."

The peasant stared down at the forest floor as she continued ambling through the woods. "Well it's nice to have a father again." She smiled up to Lux.

The man still had his smile and then he chuckled. "Glad I could help little one."

Gabrielle prepared to respond as her mouth opened but then she stopped. Now she also stopped walking, as did Lux. She turned her head left and right as a sound came to her. A sort of bird call but yet it wasn't a bird it sounded more? human like.

Both Gabrielle and Lux looked around for the source but they saw none. Then out of no where came something flying through the air and it sunk into Lux's right shoulder. The man yelled and reached up to his right shoulder to see an arrow embedded deep into his shoulder.

The cook then quickly stepped in front of Gabrielle. "Stay behind me little one." He felt his head becoming dizzy, his sight shaking.

The young woman quickly tried to shift in front of Lux but he wouldn't allow her. "No Lux."

Directly in front of them three forms dropped from the trees with swords up and masks on. One held a bow with an arrow strung up aimed at them. The tip of the arrow had a white tint to it, which made Lux narrow his eyes. He then knew that the arrow in his shoulder was poisoned. As soon as he realized that the drug seemed to take control as he brought his right hand to his head. He then collapsed to the ground with his eyes closing and his breathing going shallow.

"No!" Gabrielle bent down quickly beside Lux. She grasped his shoulders shaking him. "Come on Lux wake up." Her eyes burned as she looked up with narrowed eyes. "You poisoned him."

One of the women sheathed her sword and took a step closer to Lux and the peasant. "He'll be fine." It came out hard. The woman then crossed her arms against her chest. "You've just entered into Amazon Territory without signaling peace."

Gabrielle's mind quickly worked to come up with a story. "We didn't know. My friend and I were just going through the area for a walk."

"I highly doubt that. We know of Xena's army in this area and you came from that direction. Now you are our captives."

The peasant started to breath heavy she couldn't let this happen. Her imagination then embellished a story to tell. "Yes I am from Xena's army but I am Xena's slave." Gabrielle shook her head and looked down to Lux. "And he's one of the cooks not a warrior." She gazed back up with hard eyes. "We meant nothing by coming in this area."

The Amazon uncrossed her arms from her chest. "And you expect me to believe that? A slave and a cook whom just happened to walk into Amazon territory that were able to walk out of Xena's army. I'm not stupid."

"Look Xena posted guards up in this area to watch over the camp. We were staying in the regulation area of the camp. So how could we escape from her army? Everybody knows that Xena won't let anybody in her army just escape. If they do anybody would know they'd be dead instantly. You think we're that stupid?"

The Amazon sighed, she then bent down to one knee close to Gabrielle. "No just smart." She turned her head to Lux then back to Gabrielle. "You will come with us. Get up." The Amazon stood back up.

The peasant looked down to the man. "What about my friend?"

"He'll stay here."

Gabrielle lowered her head then slowly stood up. What else could she do? She gazed at the leader Amazon. "Just don't send me back to Xena's army."

The Amazon slowly reached up to push back her mask. "That is not my decision it is Queen Melosa's." The Amazon stood there with cold amber eyes. Her hair was short a little under her ears and a dirty blond shade that was perfectly curly. "Follow us." She quickly turned around to her partners and walked up to them and nodded.

The two other Amazons nodded back and sheathed their swords while the one lowered her bow and arrow. Slowly they pushed back their masks as well. One Amazon was fairly tall with brown wavy hair that was pulled back and brown eyes she seemed rather tough. The other Amazon however was smaller built with brown straight hair to her shoulders with brown eyes as well. But this Amazon, Gabrielle believed, to be the sort of person that would probably tell a good joke.

The peasant stepped up behind the lead Amazon then the other two Amazons shifted behind Gabrielle. The leader started walking at a fast pace and Gabrielle follow with her two guards. The four women weaved through the forest. Gabrielle wondered if they really knew where they were going after about a quarter of a candlemark. But then out of no where a pair of gates materialized before them.

They'd quickly entered through the gates into a village with nothing but women, Amazons. Gabrielle studied the entire village finding it amazing. She then realized how many Amazon were gazing at her with hard eyes. So she lowered her head feeling as if they knew whom she really was. She couldn't let them know that she's Xena's partner let alone soulmate. They are her enemies? right? The peasant sighed as she lifted her head some to see a hut in front of her.

The leader Amazon opened the door and went in with Gabrielle and her guards following in. One of the Amazons closed the door behind.

Another Amazon sat at a desk with her back to them. Gradually this Amazon stood up from her desk and turned to the others in her hut. She stood tall with hard eyes. Her curly black hair emphasizing her strength. Then there was a golden belt with a distinct design, Gabrielle had to wonder if this Amazon was the Queen.

The Amazon stepped forward from her desk and turned her head from the peasant to the lead Amazon. "Who is this Ephiny?"

The Amazon called Ephiny looked to Gabrielle. "She's a slave supposedly of Xena's, my Queen."

"Really?" The Queen turned her eyes back to Gabrielle. She shifted to stand in front of the peasant. "So what's your name?"

The peasant took a deep breath. "Gabrielle."

The Queen nodded a few times. "I am Queen Melosa and this is my Nation." She crossed her arms against her chest. "So you're apart of Xena's army huh?"

"I am unfortunately." Gabrielle was never one to lie but she had to for her sake, for Xena's sake. "What? what do you plan to do with me?"

Melosa smiled some. "Well what would you like?"

The peasant shook her head. "Don't send me back to Xena, that's all I ask."

"Then it is granted Gabrielle." Melosa turned her head to Ephiny. "What happened exactly?"

"We found her walking through the perimeter area with a man she claims to be a cook. We shot him with an opium tipped arrow and left him."

The Queen uncrossed her arms and let her hands rest on her hips. "And did either of them struggle?"

Ephiny shook her head. "No. The man tried to protect her but the drug took affect and knocked him out."

Melosa nodded her head and averted her attention back to Gabrielle. "Are you a regular slave in the army?"

"No." The peasant shook her head. "I'm Xena's personal slave."

"For how long?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes then opened them again as she answered the Queen. "For a week almost now."

"That is all? Where are you from Gabrielle?"

The peasant smiled sadly. "Poteidaia."

Melosa's head bobbed up and down. "I heard Xena recently attacked that village."

"She did and almost enslaved my village."

The Queen furrowed her eyebrows. "Almost?"

"Yes." Gabrielle sighed sadly. "She had plans to enslave my village but I was able to persuade her not to."

"In return what did Xena receive?"

"Xena setup a treaty with Poteidaia and I? I handed myself over as a personal slave to her." Gabrielle then crossed her arms over her chest.

Melosa smiled. "Quite a brave thing I'd say." She then looked to Ephiny. "Take her to a hut for now. Make sure she gets something to eat."

Ephiny nodded. "As you wish my Queen."

Melosa still had her smile. "Thank you Ephiny."

"You're welcome Melosa." Ephiny then turned to Gabrielle and nodded with seriousness. She brushed past the peasant to the door and opened it.

The Queen looked to the other two Amazons. "Thank you Epinion and Solari."

Both Amazons smiled back with nods. They turned to go exit the hut after Gabrielle and Ephiny left, they went their own separate direction. Ephiny and Gabrielle on the other hand walked together through the village.

Ephiny was leading, she turned her head to Gabrielle. "Are you really in Xena's army?" The words had came out cold and accusingly.

The young woman shifted her sights to the Amazon. "I am." She then sighed. "Have a hard time believing that don't you?"

The Amazon narrowed her eyes and looked away. "Anybody who travels with Xena is bad news, that's all there is to it."

"Even the one's that are enslaved by Xena?" Gabrielle had said that with a harsh tone. She really hadn't meant it but then again she did. This was her soulmate being talked about.

"Yes." It was low from Ephiny. "Xena's a disease, people get infected by her. That's how she works."

Gabrielle controlled her temper and bit her tongue from the quick sharp response that wanted to burst from her lips. In a way she could understand what the Amazon was saying. She'd been there herself not to long ago until she'd truly gotten to see the real Xena.

Ephiny gazed ahead to see the hut she'd been heading for. "Here you go." She came up to the door and opened it. "I'll return by dusk to take you to dinner."

Gabrielle nodded and smiled to Ephiny. "Thank you."

"Uh huh." The Amazon still held the door.

The peasant sighed and went inside to hear the door close behind her. She gazed around in the hut to see a bed directly in front of her, off to her left was a table with chairs. Then off to her right behind was a fireplace then directly to her right across the hut was a doorway to another room. She figured that to be the washroom.

Gabrielle shifted to sit down on the foot of the bed. "Gods I've got myself into a big hole." She groaned and dropped her head back to stare at the ceiling. "I'm sorry Xena." Lowering her head back down she stared at the door. "I hope Lux is okay." She then shook her head and dropped her head into her hands. "What you doing right now Xena?" It was a whisper that only created a sinking feeling in Gabrielle.

The warlord lifted her eyes to stare ahead. She then felt a hopeless feeling fill her, it came from no where for no reason she could think off. Xena lowered her quill to her desk as her eyes narrowed. She leaped out of her chair to whirl around and quickly power walk out of her tent. As soon as she came outside she searched around in the camp.

She couldn't find what she was searching for so that led to Xena jogging towards her second in command's tent. Xena went inside to find Seoirse. "Have you seen Gabrielle?"

The warrior shook his head. "Nnno, what-what's going on Xena?" He stood up from his desk, he could see the slight panic in the warlord's eyes.

The Warrior Princess took a deep breath to calm herself. "I'm not sure? yet. You haven't seen her since we made camp?"

"She was here? about a candlemark ago. She came to get a post setup for the evening."

Xena nodded. "Thanks." She shifted to the tent flap.

"Wait Xena."

The warlord stopped and gazed back at her second in command.

"May I help? I do care about what happens to her." Seoirse's eyes were serious.

Xena smiled very finely. "Yes? thank you." She went out of the tent quickly.

The warrior quickly followed and came out the tent behind.

The Warrior Princess turned her head to the man. "Check with the men. I'm going to go find Lux."

Seoirse nodded and went off jogging to where he knew the warriors to be. Xena watched him go for a second then she broke off jogging to the cook's tent. She went inside. "Lux?" She searched inside to find nobody, her eyes narrowed. "Hades. Where are you Gabrielle?" Xena bolted out of the tent and jogged in the direction Seoirse had went, to the warriors.

Xena came to the area where all her warriors laid around resting and talking.

Seoirse looked up to Xena as she came near. "Nobody has seen her for a candlemark Xena."

The warlord nodded and looked at her men. "When was the last time any of you saw her?"

One of the men glanced up with a serious expression. "I saw her leave with one of the cooks for a walk I think."

"Where from the camp?"

The warrior furrowed his brows as he thought. His expression brightened up. "They left through the northern portion of the camp."

Xena nodded and turned to her second in command. "Get some men together and search that portion of the woods. I'll go scout around."

Seoirse nodded.

The warlord then turned around and broke off running to the northern portion of the camp. She came into the woods and sprinted through the forest heading north as fast as she could. Xena searched around and listened carefully as she ran quickly. Suddenly ahead she spotted a body lying on the ground and that only increased her speed. Coming to stop at the person lying on the ground, Xena bent down to one knee.

Her eyes were wide as she let her hands grasp the person's shoulders. "Lux?" Xena got no response so she lifted her right hand over his nose and mouth after noticing the arrow. She could just barely feel his breath and she cursed. Carefully Xena grasped the shaft of the arrow and broke most of it off. Gradually the warlord stood up as she heard people rushing up to her from behind.

Xena knew it was her warriors and she turned her head sidelong to them. "Take him back to the camp and to his tent. I'll take care of him myself."

Seoirse was there and he looked to the four warriors that had come with him. "You heard her. Be careful taking him in."

The four warriors nodded and carefully lifted Lux up into their arms and carried him off.

The second in command stepped up beside Xena and gazed at her. "Who do you think it was?"

Xena stared at the feathers on the top of the arrow shaft. She recognized the colorful feathers all to well. "Amazons." The word came out in a growl.

"They have Gabrielle." Seoirse had said that with hatred, his eyes narrowed. "We'll get her back."

The warlord's eyes narrowed as she turned the arrow shaft in her fingers. "We will and they will pay." She turned to the man and lowered her hand with the arrow. "Get some men together. Tomorrow we're headed to the Amazons." The sound of the arrow breaking filled the air. Xena then broke off running back to the camp, she needed to help Lux right now.

Seoirse watched her run off, he sighed and turned his head to the woods. His right hand fisted up and he averted his eyes back to the direction of the camp and he went off jogging.

Lux coughed hard as he opened his eyes to gaze up. He rolled to his right and quickly regretted it and moaned from the pain that came to his shoulder. He then heard a movement and saw Xena come up to his side.

The warlord grinned. "Welcome back."

The cook chuckled. "Thanks." He then took a long breath and shifted some in his bed.

"How you feel?"

Lux closed his eyes. "Truthfully, awful." His eyes lifted open.

Xena grinned. "Tomorrow the pain shouldn't be as bad." She now went serious. "What happened?"

The older man sigh sadly. "I'm sorry Xena, I tried."

The warlord shook her head. "It's alright I know you tried to protect her Lux. That's all that matters to me when it comes to your actions. Tell me what happened?"

The chef let out his breath gradually and told his story. "Gabrielle came in here earlier asking to go for a walk. I knew she'd go on one with or without somebody. So I thought I'd better go with her and we were walking through the forest. I was hit with an arrow before these three women with masks came out of the trees. After that I don't know what happened I blacked out from the arrow." He then felt anger fill him. "I should have been more careful."

Xena smiled sadly. "You did all you could Lux." She then brought her arms up against her chest. "We'll get her back."

The cook nodded. "I know." He paused. "What you plan to do?"

"Tomorrow I plan to head into the village."

"Xena don't you think that's risky?" Lux felt a little odd questioning the warlord. But he couldn't help but do it since it dealt with Gabrielle and her safety.

"It is Lux but more then likely they have her captive."

The cook sighed. "You can't be sure Xena. If we both know Gabrielle she probably told them a lie so that they wouldn't find out who she is."

Xena's head bobbed up and down a few times. "You're right." She ran her tongue against her molars as she thought. "We'll just have to demand her back."

"Or what?"

The warlord grinned evilly. "Or we'll be at war with the Amazons a little sooner then planned." She then turned to the tent flap. "Get some sleep Lux it's late."

Lux nodded. "I will and thank you Xena."

The Warrior Princess smiled to herself. "Anytime but let's not do this again. Goodnight." She went through the tent flap and headed directly to her tent, it was dusk.

~*Part 3*~

The small woman slowly rose out of the bed in the new morning. Gabrielle last night after dinner with the Amazons quickly went to bed. She was exhausted from the night before not to mention all the traveling. When she'd risen out of bed she went about putting her boots on quickly. Once she'd tied her last boot on a knock came to the door. "Come in!"

The door swung open and it was Ephiny that stepped in with a serious face. "Queen Melosa wishes to speak with you."

The peasant nodded. "Alright." She came up to the Amazon.

Ephiny turned around walked out of the hut with Gabrielle following behind hearing the door close. She led the peasant through the village to the Queen's hut where they went inside.

When they came in Melosa turned her head to the pair as she stood behind her desk. She looked directly to Gabrielle. "Please sit down." She then turned her eyes to Ephiny. "We'll be fine alone."

Ephiny nodded. "Yes my Queen." She then left the hut closing the door behind silently.

The peasant went to sit down at one of the chairs near the desk, she gazed up at Melosa.

The Queen took a step back and sat down in a chair to face the other woman. "What do you know of Xena's plans?"

Gabrielle blinked, she wasn't really expecting this. But right now she needed to make something up and quick. "Her plans with what exactly?"

"Well for starters does she plan to attack the Amazons?"

The peasant shook her head. "Not that I know of, I heard we were just passing through this area. Headed to the far eastern portion of Greece."

Melosa nodded her head. "Well I am a bit concerned with having her in this area. We've never really had a problem with her before and we'd hoped never too. But I know we will someday and I'm praying it's not today." Now she sighed. "I am even more inclined to wondered if she does have plans to attack us now."

"Why?" Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows.

The Queen lifted her right leg to cross over her left leg. "North of us we have a warlord by the name of Draco there. As of right now we're at war with him and he's killed a number of our Amazons."

The peasant lowered her head. "I'm sorry."

Melosa smiled unhappily. "It's okay, death is a part of life. And I believe mine will come soon." She paused. "Right now I have concerns that Xena is allied with Draco. They've been known to ride together."

Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows. "Really? I kept hearing gossip through the camp that we were headed east."

The Amazon leaned back into her chair. "Well Xena is known for telling her plans to her men but having her own hidden personal plans to carry out." Melosa shook her head. "She's here to help Draco Gabrielle and that is something I can't allow to happen. To many Amazons have died. Draco will die for all the Amazons' deaths especially for my own sister's death, Princess Terreis."

The small woman lowered her head. "That's horrible." Gabrielle looked up and saw the deaths in Melosa's eyes. She was beginning to side with the Amazons, understand the Amazons. "Is there anyway to stop Draco?"

The Queen shook her head. "Only fight him there is no other way. And now that Xena is in the area to support him it will only make matters worse. It is only a matter of time before she strikes against us."

Gabrielle shook her head. "I wouldn't be sure Queen Melosa. I've always heard Xena isn't the one to be second to another warlord. Maybe she isn't here for that."

Melosa sighed. "I hope you are correct Gabrielle."

The small woman was about to reply but Ephiny came bursting into the hut.

The Amazon turned her head to the door. "What's going on?" Melosa quickly stood up.

Ephiny was breathing heavy. "Draco's men are attacking at the northern perimeter Melosa. There're twenty Amazons there now barely holding them back."

Melosa came up to Ephiny. "How many men?"

Ephiny stepped out of the hut with the Queen. "There are forty-five of Draco's men."

"Okay gather up ten Amazons in the trees and fifteen on foot, now!"

Ephiny nodded and broke off running to gather up Amazons.

The Queen turned to Gabrielle who stood outside the hut with her. "Come with me and stick beside me."

The peasant nodded. Melosa then turned around and went off jogging with Gabrielle beside her. The two women went out of the gates of the village where they had saw a number of Amazons rushing out of the gates unsheathing swords.

Melosa lead Gabrielle out of the village into the woods heading to the northern section. Ahead they could hear the sound of battle going on with yells and screams, swords clashing. Melosa slowed down as they came near she then ducked behind a brush with Gabrielle beside her.

The Queen turned her head to the young woman. "Stay low." She then cupped her hands over her mouth and did a sort of birdcall.

Out of now where Ephiny dropped to the ground beside the Queen.

"Report."

Ephiny nodded. "Ten of Draco's men are down. Fifteen of our Amazons are down. We're holding them but they'll break through in a matter of time."

Melosa nodded. "Alright. We have the archers in the trees?"

"Yes my Queen."

"Good, have them shooting those hemlock arrows. Got me?"

Ephiny nodded. "Yes my Queen. Anything else?"

"Yes, as soon as you report to the archers get back here." Melosa then nodded.

Ephiny nodded back. "Right away." The Amazon then jumped to disappear in the trees above.

Melosa then carefully stood up some to gaze over the brush to watch the battle. She then saw a shower of arrows begin to soar down at Draco's men. Her eyes searched around for Draco himself and didn't see him near. Then she heard Ephiny land beside her on the ground. "Stay here Ephiny and protect Gabrielle."

Ephiny was about to object but then knew better. "Yes my Queen."

The Queen nodded. She then reached behind to unsheathe her sword and raced forward to join in the battle.

Gabrielle stayed close to Ephiny but watched the battle go on. She was breathing heavy for real no reason. She'd never been in the middle of a real fight before. The entire time she watched Melosa fight Draco's warriors. Taking one down after another and another.

Draco's men began to fall fast now between the Amazons fighting and the arrows killing the men. That's when Gabrielle knew the Amazons would win this small scrimmage. And within a few minutes it was Draco's men losing ground and backing off. Then there was a loud yell from one of Draco's men. "Retreat!"

Gabrielle grinned after hearing that. She kept watching seeing the men run off while some Amazons still fought a few warriors. Melosa had killed her opponent and then looked up to see the enemy retreating and she grinned. That same grin seemed to reflect on Gabrielle's lips. Slowly the peasant looked to her right at some of the last retreating enemy and saw one of them standing with a bow and arrow pointed at Melosa.

The peasant's eyes widen. "Melosa!" She quickly sprung to her feet and raced forward.

Ephiny jumped up from her hiding spot to see Gabrielle running towards the Queen. She glanced to her right to see and arrow speeding through the air towards Melosa. "No!" The Amazon started to run to the Queen.

Melosa turned her head in the direction she heard the whistle coming from as her eyes widen. She could feel her feet turn into rocks as if she couldn't move.

Gabrielle suddenly lunged forward sailing through the air at the Amazon Queen, hoping beyond hope. Her body slammed into Melosa's and they went crashing to the ground. A scream had erupted from Melosa's lips.

The two women hit the ground, the Queen on her back with Gabrielle on top of her protecting her. The peasant lifted her head and looked down at Melosa and she become horrid filled.

Melosa slowly closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath.

Ephiny raced up to their side and looked down shaking her head. "No? no." She bent down to one knee and reached forward to grasp the arrow shaft in Melosa's right side. "Melosa?"

Gabrielle carefully lifted herself off the Queen and saw Melosa open her eyes.

"Ephiny it's too late." The Queen then groaned.

"No my Queen. We'll get you to the healers, you're not going to die." Ephiny was frantically holding her hands over the arrow wound where the blood began to seep out. "You'll be fine my Queen." Her voice was quivering.

"Ephiny no." The Queen grasped the other Amazon's hand. "Let me go." She then turned her head to Gabrielle. "Thank you."

The peasant shook her head in response.

"No Gabrielle." Melosa closed her eyes as a pained expression took over but she opened her eyes again. "You risked your life for me. That is what Amazons are truly about something only an Amazon would do for another Amazon." Her eyes closed again as she sucked in a breath and her eyes slowly opened again. "Gabrielle take my right of caste as Queen. I know? I know you'll save my Nation?. Your Nation. I can see you are the chosen for the Amazons. Please take my caste."

The peasant shook her head. "Melosa I can't I don't-"

"Yes you do know the Amazons Gabrielle. Please save us, please."

Gabrielle nodded faintly. "Alright, I accept your caste Melosa." She then felt warm tears roll down her cheeks.

Ephiny was grasping the Queen's hand when she saw Melosa close her eyes with a sigh. The Amazon shook her head. "No Melosa, don't leave us."

Melosa's breath began to slow and then finally stopped, her chest rose one last time then lowered. Her hand lost its grasp on Ephiny's hand.

The peasant looked up and saw that there were numerous Amazons all surrounding them. They knew what happened and stared down at the scene, their eyes hollow in disbelief. Disbelief that one of their greatest Queens lay here on the forest floor dead by an arrow with crimson blood crawling across the ground.

Ephiny lowered her head to Melosa's and placed a gentle kiss to the Queen's cheek. She then lowered her head down onto the Queen's chest and began to cry.

Gabrielle stared at this, she couldn't believe it either. She'd known Melosa hardly a day and yet she felt this deep sadness for her death. Even felt a deep guilt for not saving the Amazon. And that was the creation of her anger, her hatred towards Draco. She then made it a personal objective to have Draco killed for this.

Ephiny took a deep breath and glance up to the surrounding Amazons. "Take her to the village." Her eyes were nothing but red. Slowly she stood and stepped back.

Gabrielle also rose up and took a step back as she kept her eyes pinned on the dead Queen.

Four Amazons came up to Melosa's side and lifted her carefully into their arms. All the Amazons there had tears for their Queen. Now there were a surrounding of twenty plus Amazons that all begin to slowly walk to the village with the four Amazons carrying Melosa in the lead. The Amazons all sung a song of death in Amazon tradition as they trekked to the village with low hanging heads. The Amazons lost that battle.

Gabrielle slowly walked out of the funeral hut where she'd prayed to Melosa. Where they were preparing Melosa's body for the funeral pyre for tonight so that Melosa's soul would be release safely. As soon as she came out Ephiny came up to her side.

"You're the Queen now Gabrielle." It came out semi-cold from the Amazon's lips.

Gabrielle nodded. "I know and not for the reason it should be." She sighed and gazed over the Amazon village. "How many Amazons were killed in that scrimmage?"

The Amazon crossed her arms against her chest. "Five? excluding Melosa."

The peasant nodded her head. "Okay have pyres set up for them as well." She lowered her head. "We'll have the funerals done for them as well tonight."

"As you wish my Queen."

Gabrielle raised her head again to stare at Ephiny. "Look Ephiny." She paused trying to phrase her words right. "I didn't come here to become Queen. It just happened and I feel as if I've known Melosa all my life when I haven't. I promise you Draco will pay for it along with all the other deaths. And for now on you and I are going to be working together so lets try to get along. I know you don't like me for whatever reasons but right now? right now I need a friend here."

The Amazon blinked at the woman, she couldn't believe what she just heard. Ephiny glanced away as she considered that. Did she want to be friends with this stranger that came into their village and became Queen? For an odd reason she did so that made her turn her head back to Gabrielle. "I will try my Queen." She smiled slightly.

The peasant sighed with a smile. "Thank you Ephiny but don't call me Queen just Gabrielle."

Ephiny nodded. "As you wish my Queen? I mean yes Gabrielle."

Gabrielle still had her smiled and looked away. "When?"

The Amazon smiled sadly. "It's okay Gabrielle. We will go through the ritual for you to become Queen tonight before the funeral pyres. It is tradition if the Queen next in line is here."

The peasant nodded her head. "Thank you." She turned her head away from Ephiny and saw ahead Solari running towards them.

Solari came up to them. "We have more problems my Queen."

"What's going on Solari?" Ephiny then took a step forward after asking.

Solari gazed at both Ephiny and Gabrielle. "Xena has just crossed over into our southern territory with some warriors. She's headed this way."

Ephiny quickly looked to Gabrielle. "Gabrielle?"

The peasant turned her head to Ephiny then back to the other Amazon. "How far away is she?"

"About a few minutes run."

Gabrielle nodded. "Okay, go? go find Epinion then meet Ephiny and I at the gates. The three of us will go meet up with Xena."

"What?!" Ephiny completely turned to the peasant.

Gabrielle turned her head to Ephiny. "We're going to go meet with her Ephiny. If she's just walking into our territory then there is no threat. Trust me."

Ephiny sighed. "Alright."

Solari broke off running to find Epinion them meet at the gates.

The young woman looked to the Amazon. "Come on."

The pair went off jogging to the gates and when they got there Epinion and Solari came up. All four women then left through gates with Solari leading. They went through the forest heading to the southern portion of the woods. Within a few minutes they came through a set of trees and straight ahead was a clearing where they spotted Xena and five warriors walking into.

Gabrielle stopped running along with her three Amazons. She stepped up beside Solari along with Ephiny and Epinion. Gabrielle stared down at the warlord knowing Xena had spotted them. She watched to see Xena stop her men from walking.

The warlord had Seoirse standing beside her, she looked to him said something and she turned back towards Gabrielle's direction. She walked forward while Seoirse walked back to the four men talking to them briefly. Xena though ambled into the middle of the clearing and stood there with her five warriors at the edge of the clearing behind her.

Gabrielle held back a grin that wanted to break across her lips. She turned her head to Ephiny. "Stay here." She was about to shift but a hand grasped her shoulder tightly.

"Gabrielle, are you crazy?" It was Ephiny.

The peasant sighed at the Amazon. "No Ephiny, I'm being smart." She sighed and gazed at Xena. "She wants to talk." Her head turned back to Ephiny.

"How can you be sure?" She released the other female's shoulder. "She could kill you in an instant."

"If that was her intent Ephiny she would have done it already." Gabrielle took a deep breath. "Just trust me on this one. Please wait here."

Ephiny sighed. "Be careful."

"I will." The peasant then turned to where Xena stood. She slowly padded across the clearing with her back straight. How she just wanted to run straight ahead into her soulmate's arms but knew better. That's why she had to keep her back straight, to keep control of her emotions and desires. Gabrielle now stepped up to Xena with a smile. "Hi."

The warlord gazed down to her partner. "Are you okay? The Amazons didn't do anything?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "They didn't do anything and I'm okay just a bit tired."

Xena nodded. "Good." She then crossed her arms against her chest because of her urging desire to lean forward and place a kiss to her soulmate's lips. "What happened?"

The peasant grinned sheepishly. "You're not going to believe me Xena."

The warlord arched an eyebrow. "Try me."

The small woman took a long breath. "Well they took me to Queen Melosa and she decided to keep me as a guest. And it turns out Draco is in the area." She paused because she saw her partner stiffen up and her blue eyes go hard.

"Go on."

Gabrielle nodded. "Well as you can guess Draco and the Amazons are fighting. This morning there was a small fight between some of Draco's men and the Amazons. The Amazons were able to stop his men."

"'But?"

The young woman sighed, her soulmate knew her to well. "But? Melosa was killed and well? I'm kinda sort of the Queen now." She crossed her arms over her stomach.

The Warrior Princess's head bobbed up and down a few times. "This wasn't in our plans."

"No." Gabrielle shook her head. "Sorry."

Xena faintly smiled. "No, this will be helpful."

The small woman looked away then back to Xena. "Xena I can't look at it like that." She sighed. "This is more to me then just? well just then an extra bonus. These are real people Xena with a will to survive."

The older woman smiled. "I figured." She lifted her eyes to the Amazons that were across the clearing, she studied them. "We'll take care of Draco." She lowered her eyes back to Gabrielle. "You owe something to Melosa."

Gabrielle shook her head and stared at the ground for a moment. "Not just Melosa Xena but all the Amazons in that village." She looked up. "I don't know why either."

Xena smiled warmly. "I know why, it's because of who you are."

Gabrielle smiled back. "Thank you." She then went serious. "What we do now Xena?"

The warlord also went serious. "I'll send Seoirse back with our men. Then well you're going to have to invite me into the Amazon village."

"Xena you don't know how hostile the Amazons are towards you." She shook her head. "I don't know if?"

Xena nodded. "I know, you'll just have to tell them we're going to make an alliance between my army and your Nation."

"But Xena the Amazons are convinced you're here to help Draco."

The warlord grinned. "Well I'll have to convince them otherwise." She then lost her grin. "Just be a Queen, they'll follow you."

Gabrielle nodded. "Alright." She then smiled warmly. "Xena?"

"Mmm?"

"I love you."

Xena smiled back just as warmly. "I love you to Gabrielle." She winked and gave her small soulmate a confident smile. "Come on."

Gabrielle nodded. "See you in a second." She turned to her Amazons and jogged up to them.

The warlord though turned her head sidelong to her men and called Seoirse over to talk to.

"What's going on Gabrielle?"

The peasant grinned. "Xena is coming with us." Gabrielle's response was three jaws dropping down with wide eyes.

Ephiny shook her head. "I ask again. Are you crazy my Queen?"

Gabrielle still had her grin. "Yes, in a way you'll never know Ephiny." She then crossed her arms against her chest. "So is there any problem with Xena coming into the village?"

"What about the other Amazons Queen Gabrielle? We all know the Amazons won't approve of this." Epinion had asked that.

The peasant glance to Epinion. "I know and we'll have to work that out." She sighed. "Look, Xena won't do anything, she want's an alliance with us. And I am the one to know along with anybody else in her army that her word is good. Besides that, she's only coming into the village. If that's not her plan we'll still have her for a prisoner, we can't lose."

Ephiny sighed. "I don't like it."

Gabrielle nodded. "You don't have to like it Ephiny but you have to do it. She's a guest of the Amazon Nation. Let's respect that. I don't like letting a warlord into our village either but what other choice do we have?"

None of the Amazons said anything.

"Okay, let's escort her in." Gabrielle turned towards the warlord and jogged up to her. "We're set Xena."

The Warrior Princess nodded. "Good, I sent Seoirse and the men back. I told him to stay with the army and I'd get word to him on what the plan is in a day or two."

The young woman nodded. "Sounds good. You ready?"

"Yes, let's go." Xena started walking with Gabrielle beside her. They came up to the three waiting Amazons.

Gabrielle gazed at Xena then to her Amazons. "Xena, this is Ephiny, Solari and Epinion."

The three Amazons nodded to the warlord with cold eyes.

Xena simply lowered her head then raised her head back up as she kept her expression stoic. That's when she began to trek through the woods beside Gabrielle with the three Amazons heading to the village.

Gabrielle watched her soulmate enter into the guest hut and close the door behind, with a sigh she turned around to face Ephiny. Behind Ephiny stood Solari and Epinion.

"So what are? your plans now?" Ephiny then lifted her hands to her hips.

The peasant sighed. "I don't know." She then looked beyond the Amazon to the other two Amazons. "Solari Epinion thanks for your help."

Solari nodded. "Sure, Epinion and I are going to go back on patrol duty."

Gabrielle nodded. "Okay great." She watched the two Amazons leave, she turned her eyes back to Ephiny. "So exactly what position did Melosa have you as?"

Ephiny raised an eyebrow. "What you mean?"

"Well are you second in command to Melosa or third?"

Ephiny grinned. "Melosa didn't create any rank except between her and her sister."

The smaller woman nodded. "Okay." She then smiled. "Well I'll create rank, you're second in command." She then crossed her arms against her chest as she thought. "And make Solari third in command. Got me?"

Ephiny nodded. "I think we can handle that." She then averted her eyes to the door to the hut Xena was staying in. "What are we going to do with her?"

Gabrielle followed the second in command's gaze. "I'm not sure? yet. Either way I need to talk to her alone."

"Gabrielle you think that's wise?" Ephiny turned her head to the other female.

The peasant nodded. "It is." She looked to the Amazon. "Ephiny, I know her."

"How? You were her slave."

"Exactly." Gabrielle stared at the door to the hut again. "I know how she works. I think I can convince her to side with us against Draco." She smiled to Ephiny.

The second in command sighed. "If you say so."

The small woman smiled. "Trust me Ephiny." She then went serious. "Tonight the tradition for the right of caste will take place?"

Ephiny nodded. "It will, I'll get that taken care of."

"Good." Gabrielle sighed. "By the way, how good are you with a staff?" She grinned up to the Amazon.

The second in command arched an eyebrow. "Very good, was my first weapon."

"Perfect. You think you can teach me a little staff work Ephiny?"

The Amazon grinned. "Love to. Um how about you go to the sparring fields and I'll go get us some staffs."

Gabrielle nodded. "Sounds good to me. One thing? where's the sparring fields?"

Ephiny chuckled a little. "Other side of the village."

The peasant nodded. "Thanks, meet you there." She turned in the direction of the sparring fields and started walking that way. Ephiny though had to go the other way to the weapons hut and her own hut. She needed to pick up her staff along with one for Gabrielle to use.

Ephiny ducked her head as her opponent's staff almost hit her. She popped back up with a grin and went on offense against her opponent trying rapped thrusts and hits and getting no where. Ephiny then went as swiping at her opponent's knees but she missed. The Amazon was quickly noticing Gabrielle had a great defense system but her offense was weak. And to Ephiny that was a good thing, she always found defense more important then offense. Offense is easier to improve upon while defense is something that needs to be created first to make a strong bases.

Gabrielle took a step back and lowered her stance. "Okay I think I'm worked to death."

The Amazon grinned as she lowered her staff. "Good." She then smiled. "You're not bad defensively. Where'd you learn to fight?"

The peasant shrugged her shoulders. "Just sort of learned in my travels."

Ephiny arched an eyebrow at the other woman. "Well I'd say for a beginner you're pretty good. Work on the defense a little more and then learn your offense and I'd say you'll be set."

Gabrielle smiled. "Think you can teach me with my offense?"

The second in command nodded. "Sure." She turned her eyes to her staff in her right hand that had a large wood bird's head. "This was my first weapon."

The smaller woman gazed at the Amazons staff. "It's a nice staff."

"Thanks." Ephiny smiled.

Gabrielle smiled return. "I think I'm going to go try and talk to Xena before the Queen's ritual starts."

"Be careful Gabrielle."

"I will. Thanks for the staff practice Ephiny."

"No problem." The Amazon took a step forward to take Gabrielle's staff back. "I'll come by Xena's hut to get you two for the right of caste ceremony and for the funeral pyres."

Gabrielle nodded. "Great, thanks. See you then." Now she ambled off the sparring fields heading back into the village towards Xena's hut.

Ephiny stood there for a moment watching the young woman in the green halter-top and brown skirt with strawberry-blond hair walk away. She actually liked this woman for some reason, liked her light air to her. The Amazon sighed and walked off heading to the weapon's hut again.

Gabrielle opened the door after knocking, she carefully stepped into the hut.

Xena turned her head to smile at her partner. She still wore her warlord attire with sword and chakram.

The younger woman smiled back. "Hey." Gabrielle closed the door and stood in front of it.

"How are you?" The warlord turned to her soulmate and walked up to her.

"Good? now." The peasant smiled up. "How about you?"

The tall woman grinned as she lifted her hands to her friend's sides. "I'm good too? now." Slowly she leaned down to seal her lips with Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle moaned in the middle of the kiss as she felt it wash over her and she wrapped her arms around the warlord. Slowly Xena pulled back and the peasant grinned. "I've missed you."

The warlord smiled. "I know." She lifted her right hand to brush some of the young woman's hair back. "I was worried about you."

The young woman nodded with a sigh. "I know." She looked away. "I'm sorry Xena."

"For what?" The tall woman furrowed her eyebrows.

"For leaving the camp like I did." Gabrielle shook her head. "Pretty stupid."

"It happens Gabrielle, I'm just happy you're okay. But like I told Lux, let's not do this again."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Isn't in my plans too." She then went serious. "How is Lux?"

"He's fine. I removed the arrow from his shoulder and I check on him before I left the camp. The wound is healing perfectly."

The small woman nodded. "Good. What was the arrow tipped with?"

"Opium poppy it's a morphine."

"Morphine? Made him sleep?"

Xena nodded. "Yes it's sometimes used to put people asleep when a healer needs to remove a limb."

Gabrielle cringed. "Remind me never to get a limb removed."

The warlord chuckled. "Don't worry." She lowered her head again to place a light kiss to Gabrielle's lips and she then released the small woman. Xena shifted to sit in one of the chairs by a table. "So tell me what story you used on the Amazons."

The peasant grinned and moved to sit down on the end of the bed facing Xena. "I told them I was your personal slave. They seemed to buy it except for Ephiny really."

"Ephiny? She's the one with the curly hair?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah and amber shade eyes. She didn't like me earlier but right now I think she's okay with me." She shrugged her shoulders. "The other Amazons I don't know they're to busy mourning over Melosa right now." She then stared at Xena with worried eyes. "What we going to do Xena?"

The warlord sighed and crossed her arms. "I am not sure yet."

The small woman nodded. "Xena I'm scared about the part of when this is over how I'm going to walk out of this village by your side. If these Amazons find out we're partners, the Fates only know what will happen. It would probably be treason."

Xena nodded and stared down at the floor. "Right now." She gazed up to Gabrielle. "We need to worry about Draco, he's our main problem. I think on the way we'll be able to solve the problem of telling the Amazons who we are together." She smiled now. "If we play our cards right Gabrielle, everything will fall into place perfectly."

The peasant smiled back. "Good." She then stood up from the bed, feeling the desire control her now. Gabrielle shifted to stand in front of the warlord and she then sat down in Xena's lap facing her.

Xena grinned and wrapped her arms around her soulmate's waist to support her. "So they're making you Queen tonight?"

The young woman nodded. "Yeah and we're doing the funeral pyres." Now she let her breath out slowly. "Why you think Draco is here?"

The warlord narrowed her eyes. "I have my guesses."

"Let me guess?. Slaves right?"

Xena nodded. "More then likely. Amazons are hot on the slaving market."

Gabrielle sighed with a shake of her head. "What is it, a trend now?"

Xena chuckled. "No, slaves are just a quick way to make money." She then went serious. "Tomorrow I'll talk to Draco, find out his motives for being here."

The small woman's eyes were a little cold now, in defense. "Are you going to have to-"

"Work the information out of him?" The Warrior Princess nodded. "I might."

The peasant leaned in to let her forehead lean against Xena's. "Be careful Xena."

"Always." Xena finished the distance to start the deep kiss. It went on and Gabrielle had moved one hand to the warlord's side and the other to her back. After it ended another kiss began as the warlord pulled her soulmate more into her lap.

That's when it happened, the door to the hut quickly opened without a knock. In stepped somebody who's voice filled the air after they closed the door. "By the Gods. What in Tartarus?" The Amazon quickly began to reach up to her sword but thought differently.

For Xena had ended that kiss and stood up in a flash. The warlord had her left arm wrapped around Gabrielle's stomach while her right hand held her unsheathed sword. The tip of the sword under the Amazon's throat. Xena narrowed her eyes at the Amazon. "Nobody points a sword in Gabrielle's direction and lives." Her voice was death cold while her eyes were a deep navy shade flashing to show her anger.

Gabrielle gazed at the Amazon. "Ephiny just let go of your sword, please."

The second in command still had her eyes locked with Xena's. She felt rather small up against this dark warlord who's every intention was to kill her in an instant if she didn't remove her hand from her Amazon sword hilt. Slowly Ephiny let go of her sword's hilt and heard it slip back down into its sheath. The Amazon then lowered her hand gradually to her side with her eyes still locked with Xena's. She could feel the cool sword's metal pressing against her throat which only made her breath hard.

The warlord lowered her sword then carefully sheathed it again but still kept her hand around her partner's waist in protection. Her eyes were still pinned on Ephiny.

The peasant knew she was suppose to be the peacemaker here so she went with it. "Okay Ephiny just back off."

The Amazon's eyes shifted to Gabrielle then back to the warlord. Ephiny then took two steps back and slowly crossed her arms against her chest.

Gabrielle sighed in relief and gazed up to her soulmate. "Xena?"

The warlord nodded and released her partner and slowly sat back down in her seat, she still watched the Amazon.

The second in command looked to Gabrielle. "Care to explain your? secrets my Queen?"

Gabrielle sighed and lowered her head for a moment. "I will." She raised her head to Ephiny to lock eyes with her. "Care to sit down?"

Ephiny narrowed her eyes. "I prefer to stand for this."

The peasant nodded and turned to grasp another chair near Xena. She pulled it behind herself and sat down beside her soulmate. "Ephiny I didn't completely lie."

The Amazon snorted. "Right after what I just saw. What is Xena really your slave?"

The warlord's eyes narrowed but she didn't shift, she'd let it go for now.

"No. Ephiny I was Xena's slave about seven days ago or so." Gabrielle sighed sadly. "But now? Xena and I are partners."

The second in command raised an eyebrow at the peasant. "Partner in what way?"

"In the way her and I control her army together." She paused. "The part about when you came in here. Well Xena and I are soulmates."

Ephiny still had her arched eyebrow. "Really? Well I won't ask my normal question then. I now know the answer for sure."

Gabrielle's right hand fisted up. She slowly rose up from her seat and walked over to the Amazon. "Xena may kill you for raising a sword at me. But I will kill you for insulting my soulmate or my relationship with her. I'm sick of your centaur shit with that, you're luck you're still standing Ephiny." She paused. "And you damn well better start giving her and I both a chance. If not at least a chance to let us explain what's going on." That's where Gabrielle ended her anger.

The Amazon blinked as she stared into crystal green eyes. "I'm sorry." She lowered her head.

The peasant let out a breath. "Thank you." She turned around to pad over to her seat and sit.

Ephiny gazed over to Gabrielle. "So your plans were to become Queen after all." She hadn't said that angrily or accusing just a matter of factly.

Gabrielle shook her head. "No Ephiny, it wasn't our plans, it just sort of happened. Our army was only passing through here and we had no intentions to attack this village."

The second in command nodded. "So then what were your original plans?"

The peasant turned her head to her right at her silent soulmate.

Xena out of the corner of her eye saw Gabrielle signal her to take this one. "We're headed east." Ephiny turned her sights to the warlord and Xena continued on. "But now that has changed." She paused. "Even more since I know Draco is in the area."

The Amazon nodded. "I heard you use to ride with Draco."

"I did." Xena crossed her arms. "But since that time I've had? bad relations with him. He's a? friendly enemy of mine." She grinned evilly.

Gabrielle sighed inwardly, she remembered the last time she'd heard that one. Not a good thing. "Look Ephiny, whether you find Xena and I being partners good or bad, either way Xena and I are going to stop Draco."

Ephiny nodded her head. "And you know what the penalty is for what you've done Gabrielle? Both you and Xena will be dead in a snap of a finger if the Amazons find out."

Gabrielle nodded. "I know."

The warlord was staring hard at Ephiny, she had to question. "And will the Amazons know Ephiny?"

The second in command's eyes averted to Xena to stare at her for a moment. She then shook her head. "Not unless either of you tell."

Gabrielle smiled. "Thank you Ephiny."

The Amazon nodded. "Just don't expect me to help keep your secret." She then sighed. "Right now Gabrielle you should be getting prepared for the right of caste as Queen."

The peasant nodded and stood. "Right." She turned to her soulmate. "We need to figure out the terms for the alliance between the Amazons and our army."

Xena nodded as she stared up to her partner. "Tomorrow. But you better go, I'll be there for the rituals."

Gabrielle nodded with a smile. "Great." She badly wanted to lean down to Xena but? ah Hades why not? So the small woman leaned down to kiss her soulmate warmly then she pulled back. "See you then." She smiled.

The warlord smiled back and watched her soulmate and the Amazon leave the hut. She sighed and closed her eyes as she thought for awhile. She needed to figure out how to work things out. How to stop Draco, save the Amazons, and make sure Gabrielle wasn't pointed at for treason against the Nation. Either way though, Xena was going to make positive that her and Gabrielle walked out of this Nation alive.

~*Continue to Section 2*~

Section 1

~*Part 1*~

The warlord shifted some in her saddle, she kept her eyes pinned on her partner walking down the road towards the village. She sighed, she wasn't sure she was liking this idea now.

"Xena, are you sure you do not want me to escort Gabrielle in and out of Cirra?"

Xena turned her head to her left at her new second in command, Seoirse. "No." She turned her gaze back to her slowly receding soulmate. "They'll be fine. We'll wait here."

Seoirse nodded his head at his commander. Behind him were two other warriors of Xena's army. They were waiting on the road that led into Cirra. Seoirse, himself, is in his mid twenties and has been apart of Xena's army for three years now. A good fighter, smart fighter, and very loyal. That's how he got his position as Xena and Gabrielle's second in command of their army. Seoirse really took a fond liking to both Xena and Gabrielle. He admired the warlord for her abilities as a warrior and warlord and he liked Gabrielle's light air that surrounded her. And ever since Gabrielle came along Xena seemed to change quietly but Seoirse noticed it and liked it. Plus an idea of an army of the greater good, well he thought it to be perfect. He wasn't planing to leave this army any time soon.

Gabrielle looked to her left at the man. "Thanks for coming Lux."

The cook smiled. "No problem little one. I figured Xena would like somebody to come into Cirra with you."

"Yeah, she doesn't like this village much." Her attention went back to the road as she kept walking.

"No, Xena had a bad run in with Cirra a number of years ago."

"Do you know what happened Lux?" Ahead Gabrielle saw the town that led to a smile crossing her lips.

Lux shook his head. "No I don't. I was away from her army then." He sighed. "You'll have to find out from Xena."

The peasant grinned. "I'll have to work it out of her you mean." The pair entered into the village and Gabrielle gazed around. "Okay, where do you think the market would be?"

The cook searched as well. "My guess little one it's over in that direction." He pointed to his right.

The small woman turned her head that way to see a lot of people shuffling through that area. "You're probably right. Come on." Gabrielle started off in that direction with Lux right beside her.

They came into the market area of Cirra. The pair searched around for a stand selling clothes and quickly found one. Gabrielle milled around in the clothes debating on the clothes and form of them.

Lux though stood off to the side grinning and chuckling at the young woman. "Little one, don't be picky."

The peasant glanced up. "Well I need to make sure I get something that fits right and looks good."

"It's for fighting little one not a fashion show."

Gabrielle grinned. "Uh huh." She looked back down and smiled as she pulled out two pieces of clothes. Looking to her right she spotted an area with boots lined up in a row. She went over to them and guessed which would fit her, so she pulled out a brown-reddish set. Gabrielle then walked into a makeshift dressing room and changed into the clothes she'd selected.

Lux stood outside waiting. He then saw a woman off to his left. She was tall and skinny with blond almost white hair. The woman had no smile what so ever, rather cold eyes. That in turn only made the cook stiffen up. He then saw Gabrielle come out of the dressing room with the new clothes on.

Gabrielle glanced down her length and looked back up to her friend. She took a step closer to Lux and smiled. "How's this look?"

Lux crossed his arms against his chest and studied the peasant. "I like it."

"Think Xena will like it?"

The cook chuckled. "Little one, I think she'd like anything you wore."

"You're probably right." Gabrielle then brought her hands to her hips. "I feel really exposed in this though."

Lux nodded. "Well I can't say it hides your body." He stared at the young woman standing in a green halter-top with a brown skirt and the boots on from earlier.

Gabrielle smiled. "Well I think it'll work." She held her older clothes in her right arm with a small leather pouch in her right hand as well. Slowly she turned to the woman Lux had spotted earlier. "How much is all of this?"

The woman looked up with cold eyes. "Five dinars, dear."

The peasant could feel a cold chill from this woman's voice. She lifted the leather pouch in her right hand and removed five dinars. Gabrielle then handed it to the woman. "Thanks."

The other woman simply nodded.

Gabrielle couldn't help but wonder about this woman, she felt like she'd known her before. "Um, you live here?"

"Yes." She never seemed to smile. "All my life."

The peasant nodded a few times. "What's your name? Mine's Gabrielle."

"Callisto." The woman then lifted some of the clothes on the table placing them in another stack. "You just passing through?"

Gabrielle nodded. "I am." She paused. "I feel like I've met you before but I know I haven't."

Callisto gazed up with her cold eyes. "Trust me you haven't girl."

The peasant took a deep breath. "I was just noticing how harsh you are. Any certain reason?"

Callisto dropped her hands to the table and leaned towards Gabrielle. "One, a warlord killed my family. So is that a good enough reason for you?"

Gabrielle nodded. "It is, happened to me." She then smiled sadly. "I just learned to move on. I hope you do to, not much fun living in anger." She then shifted to Lux's side and started walking with him.

"Gabrielle?"

The peasant stopped walking and turned her attention back to Callisto. "Yes?"

"How?"

Gabrielle smiled, she saw a deep sadness in Callisto's eyes. "Let love touch your heart. Then you'll forgive and forget and finally you'll live again."

Callisto nodded, a very small fine smile crossed her lips. "Thanks, maybe I'll try that."

"It works, I promise." Slowly she turned around and she started walking again with Lux.

They left the town and trekked down the road together till they came up to four waiting people on the road.

Gabrielle looked up with a smile to see her soulmate mounted high on Argo. Xena wore her warlord attire.

Xena saw her partner coming and she smiled warmly. She then took in her friend's new clothes. They were definitely different then what she'd been wearing earlier. That only made the warlord grin.

The peasant strolled up to the mare and went to the saddlebags, she shoved her older clothes into the saddlebags. Gabrielle still held the small leather pouch and she looked up to Xena. "I'm set."

Xena grinned. "Good." She held down one hand to her partner.

Gabrielle took the offered hand and was pulled up onto the warhorse's back, she sat in the saddle behind her soulmate. "Xena?"

The warlord was turning her mare around as she answered. "Yeah?"

"How long will it take to reach the eastern section of Greece?"

"Around three days. We have to go around the Amazon Mountains." Xena sent her mare into a fast walk, her men right behind her.

The peasant furrowed her eyebrows. "Too steep to go through?"

"No, too guarded."

That's when Gabrielle knew whom guarded the Amazon Mountains. Who else would but the Amazons? As of right now Xena, four of their warriors, and Lux all rode back to the army. There the army was waiting for them to head east. Xena and Gabrielle's plans were to head east and start by taking small villages in the eastern section of Greece and slowly work west. They would start with the town of Mani and work west to the Amazon Nations.

Xena though hadn't discussed any ideas on how to take the nine Amazon Nations. She was still considering that part. Gabrielle for her part said she did not want to fight them but then she had a bad feeling they would have to. A group of women warriors wouldn't give up peacefully.

Right now, the warlord was more worried about taking the far east side of Greece so she could increase the size of her army. They would need a large army to take Greece and armies need fighters. Her ultimate plan would be to take Greece from east to west along with the northern portion. The southern portion of Greece would be the hardest and where she'd have to be careful. But that is to far ahead to plan for, later.

Xena pulled her mare to a halt as she came to the head of her army. She grinned and turned her head to Seoirse. "See if everybody is ready."

The second in command nodded. He was off his horse and gathering the men up.

The warlord looked sidelong at Gabrielle. "Walking or riding?"

"I rather walk need to get in shape."

Xena grinned. "The walking will certainly help."

Gabrielle chuckled. "I know." She then began to climb off the horse with Xena's help. Her boots hit the ground and she glanced up to Xena. "Thanks."

The warlord smiled, nodded, and looked back up to the army. She spotted Seoirse walking up to her. "Are we ready?"

The warrior nodded his head. "We are." He strolled over to his horse again and began to mount.

"Good." Xena took a deep breath and spoke in a loud voice. "We're headed east to begin our conquering of Greece. From here out there will be no stopping this army." She grinned. "Let's move!" Xena turned Argo around and sent her into a walk.

The army migrated out of the clearing and up onto the road going east bound. Gabrielle trekked along beside her soulmate's mare. She could feel a smile crossing her lips, she felt so alive and excited. But the army traveled for around four candlemarks. Xena didn't want to come to quickly near the Amazon Mountains, just close. They arrived near there and made camp. Tomorrow the warlord had plans to head southeast around the Amazon Mountains and weave through the Nations. She just hoped her army wouldn't be caught.

"Bye Lux."

"See you little one." He watched Gabrielle walk out of the cooks' tent into the late afternoon. He sighed and shifted to his bed.

The peasant walked through the afternoon sunlit camp and headed directly to her and Xena's tent. She ducked inside and found her soulmate at her desk. Xena was writing something.

"What you working on?" The small woman shifted to Xena's side and looked down at the scroll.

The warlord dropped her quill and sat back in her seat. "The plans."

Gabrielle stared down at the scroll as she brought her left arm to snake around the other woman's back. "Hold on, what's that part?" She pointed to one spot.

Xena peered down and read. She grinned. "That's the part where the army splits."

"Okay, I get that part Xena. But why does it say I take command of half and you the other. I have no problem with it saying you take half but the part with me taking half."

The warlord grinned. "You'll be fine." She looked up and smiled. "Come here." She pushed back her seat.

The peasant smiled and sat down in her soulmate's lap, still studying the scroll as she wrapped one arm around Xena's shoulders. "Xena, I can't control an army."

"I know but you'll learn." She lifted the scroll. "This isn't for another couple of weeks or so."

"Couple of weeks? Xena, I can't learn how to be a commander in two weeks."

The warlord grinned and turned her head to the other woman. "You will, you're not giving yourself enough credit Gabrielle."

Gabrielle sighed and dropped her head against her partner's shoulder. "I don't know. It's a big thing."

"It is but you can handle it." The warlord placed the scroll back on the desk. "Besides, it's only half an army." She grinned. "You'll be do great. I see this leader side in you, I just need you to grab a hold of it."

Gabrielle nodded and stared at the scroll. "I'll try." She smiled some.

"Thank you." Xena then leaned back into the chair.

The small woman grinned. "Since it'll be another two candlemarks or so till dusk. Can we do some staff work?"

The warlord stared into her partner's eyes, debating whether she really wanted to teach Gabrielle a weapon.

"Xena, please. I need to learn and the sooner the better."

The older woman sighed then nodded. "Alright."

Gabrielle leaned in and kissed her soulmate soundly. She pulled back with a smile. "Thank you Xen."

Xena arched an eyebrow at the nickname, then she grinned. "Come on love."

The peasant chuckled. "Sorry." She hopped off the other woman's lap to stand.

The warlord then stood and faced her partner. "I liked it."

"Really?" Gabrielle now smiled. "I'll remember that."

"Just don't-"

"Say it in public, I know I know." Gabrielle chuckled and moved to the tent flap with her soulmate following.

The pair went outside of the tent and started to walk to the other end of the camp to an area that is open. As they kept going in that direction they spotted Seoirse coming in the opposite direction.

They came up to him and Xena stopped walking. "Seoirse?"

The warrior had stopped with a smile. "What's up Xena?"

"I need you to help me demostrate something. Mind?"

The man shook his head. "Love to help."

The warlord nodded. "Great." She turned back to her soulmate and started walking again with Seoirse on one side and Gabrielle on the other. Xena spotted the tent she'd been searching for. "Head down to the open field, I'll be right there."

Both Seoirse and the peasant nodded and continued on strolling down to the end of the camp.

Seoirse turned his attention to Gabrielle. "How was it in Cirra?"

Gabrielle gazed up at the second in command. "Busy and there wasn't a? pleasant air to the town."

"That's what I figured." The warrior looked back ahead. "So you're learning to fight?"

The peasant grinned. "I am."

"Which weapon?"

"The staff."

The second in command quickly glanced back down to the peasant. "Really?" They now came to the end of the camp and he stopped walking. "That's interesting."

"And why is that?" Gabrielle peered up to the man.

Seoirse brought his arms against his armor chest. "Most warriors fight with a sword."

Gabrielle nodded a few times. "They do, but I don't intend to kill."

"Now that is a feat I'd like to see in an army." Seoirse sighed. "Quite impossible."

"Well there's always a first." The small woman caught a glimpse of her soulmate coming.

"True. Well I have to admire you for such a goal." Seoirse looked to his left to see Xena step up beside them.

Xena held two staffs, she looked to her second in command. A grin spread across her lips and she tossed Seoirse a staff. "I want to show Gabrielle what staff fighting looks like."

Seoirse nodded. "Defense or offense?"

"Either." Xena took a step back and glance at Gabrielle with a nod.

The peasant nodded back and took steps away from her soulmate and her second in command so that she could watch them. She watched as Xena and Seoirse circled each other and Seoirse was the first to make a move.

The warlord quickly parried the attack and came at the warrior's chest with the butt of her staff. Seoirse jumped out of the way and swung the staff at Xena's side. Xena simply placed her staff to her right side to stop the other staff and lifted the end to hit Seoirse in the arm.

Seoirse jumped back in reaction and reposition himself. The warlord came at him. And the pair went at the fighting for a number of minutes. The entire time Gabrielle studied them, mostly her soulmate. She tried to memorize the moves and watch the footing. She then watched the facial expressions of both her partner and Seoirse. Noticing how Xena kept up a grin while the second in command was just serious. Gabrielle could easily figure out which would be more effective, the grin for sure.

Xena put her staff horizontally to stop Seoirse's staff. "That's good there."

The second in command nodded. He took a step back and lower his staff. "Anything else?"

"No." The warlord paused. "Thanks." She just thanked one of her warriors, she couldn't believe it. Then again she liked Seoirse quite a bit. Especially knowing Seoirse was loyal to her and respectful so that led her to thank him.

Seoirse nodded with a small smile. "Sure." He tossed his staff to Gabrielle.

The peasant easily caught it. "Thanks Seoirse."

The second in command nodded faintly. "Good luck Gabrielle."

Gabrielle chuckled. "I'll need it with my teacher."

"I know." Seoirse grinned and strolled off back into the camp.

The warlord turned to her partner. "Trying to say something by that?"

The smaller woman arched an eyebrow. "Yes, the last time I saw you "practice" you wiped the ground with five of your own warrior's bare handed."

Xena grinned. "I was little rusty then."

Gabrielle laughed. "Right."

The warlord still had her grin and shifted to stand beside Gabrielle. "Okay, we'll start with defense. Remember you can not attack your opponent when you do not know defense. There is no offense without defense." Took a step to her left away from Gabrielle to put space between them. "First lets start with the different ways you can position your staff for defense."

Gabrielle nodded. "I'll follow you."

Xena nodded. "First, the staff directly in front of you horizontally." She followed her own instructions placing the staff directly in front of her upper body and little in front. She then glanced at Gabrielle's positioning. "That looks good but don't lock your elbows alright?"

The peasant nodded and unlocked her right elbow. "Why shouldn't I do that?"

"Because if go to block that blow with your elbows locked, you'll only ruin your joints. You want to let your arms give with the blow some. You will hardly stop an attack at first, you will slow it then stop it."

The small woman nodded her head in understanding. "Makes sense."

The Warrior Princess grinned. "Good."

The pair continued to go about the defense lesson. It took around a quarter of a candlemark for Gabrielle to learn all the positions she could place her staff around her body. Well at least the simplest and most effective positions. Then Xena moved on to show her soulmate how to move her staff quickly to these different positions without getting the staff caught up in anyway.

By the end of all of this there was about a little more then half of a candlemark of light left. Dusk was approaching them.

Xena stood up straight and lower the end of her staff to the ground. "Feel like doing a little practice with defensive work?"

The peasant nodded. "Yeah."

"Good, then we'll be done." The warlord took a step back and raised her staff in defense. "Ready?"

Gabrielle raised her staff defensively, she mentally flipped through all the positions she could do. "Go."

The warlord came at Gabrielle's stomach and the peasant had easily deflected the swing. Xena next brought the staff around quickly to go at the other woman's side. Her staff was stopped and that made the warlord grin. Xena knew her soulmate would pick the fighting up fast. The warlord now went at Gabrielle's other side and the small woman blocked it.

The older woman jumped back and grinned. "Let's try this a little faster."

Gabrielle nodded with a smirk. "Of course."

Xena chuckled and came at her partner. She did several rapped thrusts and swings trying to find an opening in Gabrielle's defensive. And she did, the warlord stopping her staff's end right when it almost hit Gabrielle's knees. "Don't move."

The peasant stiffened up where she stood and gazed at Xena.

"What'd you do wrong?"

The young woman looked up and down her length, Xena's stance, and her staff's location. She then reflected about how the fighting was going. "You were in a pattern."

"Exactly."

Gabrielle shook her head. "So I got caught up in the pattern then you threw in an odd move to throw me off."

The warlord nodded with a smile. She lowered her staff. "Never expect your opponent to just stick to a rhythm. They won't because they want to get at an opening. And if you notice a pattern be aware they're probably doing it so they can find an opening and catch you off guard."

"Okay." Gabrielle thought for a moment. "I should study my opponent's moves right?" Now she began to relax as she listened to her soulmate's response.

"Yes, try to stay two seconds ahead of them so you can anticipate their next move."

Again the peasant nodded with a seriousness. "And just a lot of practice huh?"

The warlord grinned. "Definitely." She then smiled warmly. "That's good enough for today."

"Work on offense next time?"

The older woman straightened up. "We'll see. Come on."

Gabrielle nodded and began to walk beside her partner.

The pair went back into the camp as dusk took over. Xena had taken her friend's staff and put it back in the tent with her own. Afterwards they went to the dinning tent to eat dinner. They ate quickly then headed to their tent for a relaxing evening.

Gabrielle sat down on the bed with a sigh. She peered up to her warlord whom was by the desk. "You like the outfit I picked out?"

Slowly Xena turned around to gaze at her partner, the jewels in her hair twinkling with her blue eyes. "Yes." She slowly walked over to Gabrielle. "A bit concerning."

The peasant arched an eyebrow. "How's that?"

"Concerning because we might be having our men staring at you instead of fighting."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Right." She stood up from the bed. "I'm actually amazed I'm this skinny. I think it's 'cause I'm not eating." She lifted her head to glance up to Xena. That's when she saw her soulmate had a worried look on her face. Gabrielle then quickly spoke. "Not that I'm not eating? just not as much? I mean not as much as I normal do." A groan now.

The Warrior Princess grinned. "It's okay, I know what you meant."

"Good." The small woman sighed. "I normal eat a lot in Poteidaia then hardly do anything. But I think I eat the same here but all the traveling and moving around helps."

Xena grinned. "You're to worried about explaining it."

The young woman chuckled. "You're right." She then took a step to Xena and wrapped her arms around the other woman.

The warlord smiled and enveloped the small woman tightly with her arms. "You okay?" Xena nuzzled her cheek against Gabrielle's.

"Yeah." Gabrielle's eyes closed. "This is just real nice."

Xena grinned. "I know."

"Xen?"

"Mmm?"

The peasant lifted her head up to smile to her partner. "Let's go check the stars out."

The warlord arched an eyebrow her expression a bit skeptical.

Gabrielle smiled. "Come on. It's a nice quiet night. We might not get to many chances too."

Xena sighed with a smile. "Alright but not to long. We have to get up early tomorrow."

"Deal." The young woman moved to the tent flap going outside.

Xena shook her head with a grin and followed behind. And they went outside of the camp near the woods that surrounded. Gabrielle stopped in her tracks and half turned around to see her soulmate coming up behind. The warlord smiled and stopped behind Gabrielle then slowly wrapped her arms around Gabrielle's soft stomach.

The peasant leaned back into her partner's body. "This isn't bad."

"No." The warlord was actually studying the stars above. She'd never had before but now standing here with her soulmate made her want to. "Pleasant."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Is that related to lovely?"

Xena lowered her chin down onto the other female's head. "Maybe." She grinned.

"Uh huh." The small woman let out her breath slowly. "Did you ever hear that story about how the gods split people in two?"

"No." The warlord smiled. "What's the story?"

"Once a long time ago all humans had four legs and two heads. Then the gods threw down thunderbolts and split everyone into two. Each half now had two legs and one head." Gabrielle paused for a moment as her story came to life inside of herself. "But the separation left both halves with a desperate yearning to be reunited with each other because they still shared the same soul." A smile took over Gabrielle's lips as she finished her story. "And ever since then, all people sped their lives searching for the other half of their soul."

Xena stared up to the stars as she repeated the story in her head. Then slowly a smile crept into place as she lowered her head down closer to Gabrielle's. "Interesting story."

The peasant grinned. "I thought so too." She sighed contently. "When I was young I believed in it but now I know it? I'm living it."

The warlord grinned. "Both of us."

"Definitely." Gabrielle then let her head rest back into the other woman's shoulder. She kept her eyes pinned on the stars above. "You think we'll be able to make it through the Amazon territory without being caught?"

Xena nodded. "We should, just have to be quick."

"But we are camping in the forest one night right?"

"Yes, we have no other real choice."

Gabrielle slowly closed her eyes. "Let's hope nothing happens." She lifted her hands now to Xena's own hands, lightly grasping them. "You know what I should have gotten in Cirra?"

"What's that?"

"Scrolls and a quill."

The warlord arched an eyebrow. "For what?"

The small woman chuckled. "Writing."

Xena grinned. "I figured that." She tightened her arms briefly. "Bard?"

Slowly the young woman's eyes lifted. "Yes, I've been thinking about that. I like stories."

"So I'm noticing." The tall woman let her lips brush against her soulmate's soft neck. "I think I can help you out."

The peasant chuckled, she turned around in her partner's arms. "Great." She grinned. "I want to? expand in one of my services."

The warlord grinned to her friend. "Really? You have quite a few services."

"I told you, I have many skills."

Xena chuckled. "And you do." She leaned in to capture her soulmate's lips in a tender kiss. "We better get back."

Gabrielle grinned. "No fun."

The Warrior Princess arched an eyebrow as her eyes began to twinkle. "Think so huh? Mmm come back to the tent and I'll show you different."

The peasant grinned evilly. "Earlier I had somebody telling me we had to go to bed early."

The warlord chuckled. "The plans have changed."

"Sounds good to me." Gabrielle still had her grin and she brushed past her soulmate to power walk towards their tent.

Xena turned around to watch her go, she grinned to herself. She then took off walking fast to catch up with her partner.

That night had been long yet for the soulmates to short for them. They eventually did get around to sleeping, not always a top priority. Top priority is always being with each other in one fashion or another.

~*Part 2*~

Xena and Gabrielle had risen early in the morning after their short sleeping hours, well more like a nap. The warlord left the tent quickly with her soulmate right behind. The two women went about getting their army up and moving so they could break camp. Within a candlemark the army was almost mobile.

Seoirse was ambling to the front of the army to his commanders. "We're ready."

Xena nodded and peered down to her partner.

Gabrielle looked up with a small smile and faintly nodded.

The warlord lifted her head back up to the army with a serious expression. "Today we're going through Amazon area, we have to move quickly. Tonight we will be camping in Amazon territory so be on the look out tonight. Let's fall out!" Xena turned her mare around and put Argo into a walk.

The army started to head southeast at a rapid pace. By late afternoon they rounded the Amazon Mountains and came to the northern outskirts of Neapolis. After they came north to Neapolis they stopped for the day. Xena wanted to stay close to the small city so that they wouldn't be suspected by the Amazon Nation in that area. The fact the Amazon Nation controls the area north of Neapolis only made Xena very tense.

Once the camp was settled down, Gabrielle went directly to find Seoirse. She'd quickly found the man in his tent. "Seoirse?"

The second in command looked up as he saw the peasant come into his tent. "Yes?"

"I want look outs posted tonight. Can you handle that?"

Seoirse nodded. "Sure, how many you want posted at a time Gabrielle?"

The peasant crossed her arms against her chest as she thought. "Probably three at a time in shifts."

The warrior nodded his head. "It'll be done. Anything else?"

"No, that about covers it."

Seoirse nodded yet again. "By the way, how was your staff lesson yesterday?"

Gabrielle grinned. "Quite interesting."

"I'm sure of it." The warrior chuckled then smiled warmly.

"It is, best teacher." She then sighed. "I better go Seoirse. Thanks."

"No problem." Seoirse watched the young woman leave his tent. He shook his head and turned back to his desk.

Gabrielle ducked into the cooks' tent. "Lux?" She spotted him in the back of the tent.

"Hey little one." The cook smiled.

"Hi, how are you?" The peasant stepped up to the older man.

"I'm good, yourself?" Lux sat on his bed seeming to rest for a moment or two.

Slowly the small woman sat on the bed beside the man. "Pretty good. That was a lot of traveling today."

"It was little one. I'm just happy I travel in the wagons." He grinned.

Gabrielle chuckled. "I'm not as lucky." She then sighed. "Xena keeps offering for me to ride but?"

"But you rather walk ay?"

The young woman shrugged her shoulders. "Why not? Walking is good for me." She grinned. "Speaking of which, I was wondering if you'd like to come for a walk with me."

Lux crossed his arms against his chest. "Little one, we both know it's not safe out of the camp."

"I know? but I just want to do a quick walk."

The cook sighed with a smile. "Alright, but we're staying close to the camp."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Yeah, I put men on patrol."

"Good planning." Lux then stood up with a sigh. "Come on."

The peasant smiled and stood up. The pair left the tent and headed straight out of the camp into the surrounding woods. The walk was relaxing with the scent of spring in the air. Yes spring the beginning of the cycle to life.

Gabrielle looked to her left at the cook. "Thank you Lux."

The man turned his head to his friend. "For what may I ask little one?"

"For being there for me." The small woman crossed her arms against her chest. "You've been like a father to me." She gazed up to the cook with a warm smile. "I've really needed that."

The cook smiled back. "Well little one I use to have a daughter." His eyes averted away. "I don't know what has happen to her but?" He smile back to Gabrielle. "I'm glad to have somebody like you around. You remind me of her quite a bit."

The peasant stared down at the forest floor as she continued ambling through the woods. "Well it's nice to have a father again." She smiled up to Lux.

The man still had his smile and then he chuckled. "Glad I could help little one."

Gabrielle prepared to respond as her mouth opened but then she stopped. Now she also stopped walking, as did Lux. She turned her head left and right as a sound came to her. A sort of bird call but yet it wasn't a bird it sounded more? human like.

Both Gabrielle and Lux looked around for the source but they saw none. Then out of no where came something flying through the air and it sunk into Lux's right shoulder. The man yelled and reached up to his right shoulder to see an arrow embedded deep into his shoulder.

The cook then quickly stepped in front of Gabrielle. "Stay behind me little one." He felt his head becoming dizzy, his sight shaking.

The young woman quickly tried to shift in front of Lux but he wouldn't allow her. "No Lux."

Directly in front of them three forms dropped from the trees with swords up and masks on. One held a bow with an arrow strung up aimed at them. The tip of the arrow had a white tint to it, which made Lux narrow his eyes. He then knew that the arrow in his shoulder was poisoned. As soon as he realized that the drug seemed to take control as he brought his right hand to his head. He then collapsed to the ground with his eyes closing and his breathing going shallow.

"No!" Gabrielle bent down quickly beside Lux. She grasped his shoulders shaking him. "Come on Lux wake up." Her eyes burned as she looked up with narrowed eyes. "You poisoned him."

One of the women sheathed her sword and took a step closer to Lux and the peasant. "He'll be fine." It came out hard. The woman then crossed her arms against her chest. "You've just entered into Amazon Territory without signaling peace."

Gabrielle's mind quickly worked to come up with a story. "We didn't know. My friend and I were just going through the area for a walk."

"I highly doubt that. We know of Xena's army in this area and you came from that direction. Now you are our captives."

The peasant started to breath heavy she couldn't let this happen. Her imagination then embellished a story to tell. "Yes I am from Xena's army but I am Xena's slave." Gabrielle shook her head and looked down to Lux. "And he's one of the cooks not a warrior." She gazed back up with hard eyes. "We meant nothing by coming in this area."

The Amazon uncrossed her arms from her chest. "And you expect me to believe that? A slave and a cook whom just happened to walk into Amazon territory that were able to walk out of Xena's army. I'm not stupid."

"Look Xena posted guards up in this area to watch over the camp. We were staying in the regulation area of the camp. So how could we escape from her army? Everybody knows that Xena won't let anybody in her army just escape. If they do anybody would know they'd be dead instantly. You think we're that stupid?"

The Amazon sighed, she then bent down to one knee close to Gabrielle. "No just smart." She turned her head to Lux then back to Gabrielle. "You will come with us. Get up." The Amazon stood back up.

The peasant looked down to the man. "What about my friend?"

"He'll stay here."

Gabrielle lowered her head then slowly stood up. What else could she do? She gazed at the leader Amazon. "Just don't send me back to Xena's army."

The Amazon slowly reached up to push back her mask. "That is not my decision it is Queen Melosa's." The Amazon stood there with cold amber eyes. Her hair was short a little under her ears and a dirty blond shade that was perfectly curly. "Follow us." She quickly turned around to her partners and walked up to them and nodded.

The two other Amazons nodded back and sheathed their swords while the one lowered her bow and arrow. Slowly they pushed back their masks as well. One Amazon was fairly tall with brown wavy hair that was pulled back and brown eyes she seemed rather tough. The other Amazon however was smaller built with brown straight hair to her shoulders with brown eyes as well. But this Amazon, Gabrielle believed, to be the sort of person that would probably tell a good joke.

The peasant stepped up behind the lead Amazon then the other two Amazons shifted behind Gabrielle. The leader started walking at a fast pace and Gabrielle follow with her two guards. The four women weaved through the forest. Gabrielle wondered if they really knew where they were going after about a quarter of a candlemark. But then out of no where a pair of gates materialized before them.

They'd quickly entered through the gates into a village with nothing but women, Amazons. Gabrielle studied the entire village finding it amazing. She then realized how many Amazon were gazing at her with hard eyes. So she lowered her head feeling as if they knew whom she really was. She couldn't let them know that she's Xena's partner let alone soulmate. They are her enemies? right? The peasant sighed as she lifted her head some to see a hut in front of her.

The leader Amazon opened the door and went in with Gabrielle and her guards following in. One of the Amazons closed the door behind.

Another Amazon sat at a desk with her back to them. Gradually this Amazon stood up from her desk and turned to the others in her hut. She stood tall with hard eyes. Her curly black hair emphasizing her strength. Then there was a golden belt with a distinct design, Gabrielle had to wonder if this Amazon was the Queen.

The Amazon stepped forward from her desk and turned her head from the peasant to the lead Amazon. "Who is this Ephiny?"

The Amazon called Ephiny looked to Gabrielle. "She's a slave supposedly of Xena's, my Queen."

"Really?" The Queen turned her eyes back to Gabrielle. She shifted to stand in front of the peasant. "So what's your name?"

The peasant took a deep breath. "Gabrielle."

The Queen nodded a few times. "I am Queen Melosa and this is my Nation." She crossed her arms against her chest. "So you're apart of Xena's army huh?"

"I am unfortunately." Gabrielle was never one to lie but she had to for her sake, for Xena's sake. "What? what do you plan to do with me?"

Melosa smiled some. "Well what would you like?"

The peasant shook her head. "Don't send me back to Xena, that's all I ask."

"Then it is granted Gabrielle." Melosa turned her head to Ephiny. "What happened exactly?"

"We found her walking through the perimeter area with a man she claims to be a cook. We shot him with an opium tipped arrow and left him."

The Queen uncrossed her arms and let her hands rest on her hips. "And did either of them struggle?"

Ephiny shook her head. "No. The man tried to protect her but the drug took affect and knocked him out."

Melosa nodded her head and averted her attention back to Gabrielle. "Are you a regular slave in the army?"

"No." The peasant shook her head. "I'm Xena's personal slave."

"For how long?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes then opened them again as she answered the Queen. "For a week almost now."

"That is all? Where are you from Gabrielle?"

The peasant smiled sadly. "Poteidaia."

Melosa's head bobbed up and down. "I heard Xena recently attacked that village."

"She did and almost enslaved my village."

The Queen furrowed her eyebrows. "Almost?"

"Yes." Gabrielle sighed sadly. "She had plans to enslave my village but I was able to persuade her not to."

"In return what did Xena receive?"

"Xena setup a treaty with Poteidaia and I? I handed myself over as a personal slave to her." Gabrielle then crossed her arms over her chest.

Melosa smiled. "Quite a brave thing I'd say." She then looked to Ephiny. "Take her to a hut for now. Make sure she gets something to eat."

Ephiny nodded. "As you wish my Queen."

Melosa still had her smile. "Thank you Ephiny."

"You're welcome Melosa." Ephiny then turned to Gabrielle and nodded with seriousness. She brushed past the peasant to the door and opened it.

The Queen looked to the other two Amazons. "Thank you Epinion and Solari."

Both Amazons smiled back with nods. They turned to go exit the hut after Gabrielle and Ephiny left, they went their own separate direction. Ephiny and Gabrielle on the other hand walked together through the village.

Ephiny was leading, she turned her head to Gabrielle. "Are you really in Xena's army?" The words had came out cold and accusingly.

The young woman shifted her sights to the Amazon. "I am." She then sighed. "Have a hard time believing that don't you?"

The Amazon narrowed her eyes and looked away. "Anybody who travels with Xena is bad news, that's all there is to it."

"Even the one's that are enslaved by Xena?" Gabrielle had said that with a harsh tone. She really hadn't meant it but then again she did. This was her soulmate being talked about.

"Yes." It was low from Ephiny. "Xena's a disease, people get infected by her. That's how she works."

Gabrielle controlled her temper and bit her tongue from the quick sharp response that wanted to burst from her lips. In a way she could understand what the Amazon was saying. She'd been there herself not to long ago until she'd truly gotten to see the real Xena.

Ephiny gazed ahead to see the hut she'd been heading for. "Here you go." She came up to the door and opened it. "I'll return by dusk to take you to dinner."

Gabrielle nodded and smiled to Ephiny. "Thank you."

"Uh huh." The Amazon still held the door.

The peasant sighed and went inside to hear the door close behind her. She gazed around in the hut to see a bed directly in front of her, off to her left was a table with chairs. Then off to her right behind was a fireplace then directly to her right across the hut was a doorway to another room. She figured that to be the washroom.

Gabrielle shifted to sit down on the foot of the bed. "Gods I've got myself into a big hole." She groaned and dropped her head back to stare at the ceiling. "I'm sorry Xena." Lowering her head back down she stared at the door. "I hope Lux is okay." She then shook her head and dropped her head into her hands. "What you doing right now Xena?" It was a whisper that only created a sinking feeling in Gabrielle.

The warlord lifted her eyes to stare ahead. She then felt a hopeless feeling fill her, it came from no where for no reason she could think off. Xena lowered her quill to her desk as her eyes narrowed. She leaped out of her chair to whirl around and quickly power walk out of her tent. As soon as she came outside she searched around in the camp.

She couldn't find what she was searching for so that led to Xena jogging towards her second in command's tent. Xena went inside to find Seoirse. "Have you seen Gabrielle?"

The warrior shook his head. "Nnno, what-what's going on Xena?" He stood up from his desk, he could see the slight panic in the warlord's eyes.

The Warrior Princess took a deep breath to calm herself. "I'm not sure? yet. You haven't seen her since we made camp?"

"She was here? about a candlemark ago. She came to get a post setup for the evening."

Xena nodded. "Thanks." She shifted to the tent flap.

"Wait Xena."

The warlord stopped and gazed back at her second in command.

"May I help? I do care about what happens to her." Seoirse's eyes were serious.

Xena smiled very finely. "Yes? thank you." She went out of the tent quickly.

The warrior quickly followed and came out the tent behind.

The Warrior Princess turned her head to the man. "Check with the men. I'm going to go find Lux."

Seoirse nodded and went off jogging to where he knew the warriors to be. Xena watched him go for a second then she broke off jogging to the cook's tent. She went inside. "Lux?" She searched inside to find nobody, her eyes narrowed. "Hades. Where are you Gabrielle?" Xena bolted out of the tent and jogged in the direction Seoirse had went, to the warriors.

Xena came to the area where all her warriors laid around resting and talking.

Seoirse looked up to Xena as she came near. "Nobody has seen her for a candlemark Xena."

The warlord nodded and looked at her men. "When was the last time any of you saw her?"

One of the men glanced up with a serious expression. "I saw her leave with one of the cooks for a walk I think."

"Where from the camp?"

The warrior furrowed his brows as he thought. His expression brightened up. "They left through the northern portion of the camp."

Xena nodded and turned to her second in command. "Get some men together and search that portion of the woods. I'll go scout around."

Seoirse nodded.

The warlord then turned around and broke off running to the northern portion of the camp. She came into the woods and sprinted through the forest heading north as fast as she could. Xena searched around and listened carefully as she ran quickly. Suddenly ahead she spotted a body lying on the ground and that only increased her speed. Coming to stop at the person lying on the ground, Xena bent down to one knee.

Her eyes were wide as she let her hands grasp the person's shoulders. "Lux?" Xena got no response so she lifted her right hand over his nose and mouth after noticing the arrow. She could just barely feel his breath and she cursed. Carefully Xena grasped the shaft of the arrow and broke most of it off. Gradually the warlord stood up as she heard people rushing up to her from behind.

Xena knew it was her warriors and she turned her head sidelong to them. "Take him back to the camp and to his tent. I'll take care of him myself."

Seoirse was there and he looked to the four warriors that had come with him. "You heard her. Be careful taking him in."

The four warriors nodded and carefully lifted Lux up into their arms and carried him off.

The second in command stepped up beside Xena and gazed at her. "Who do you think it was?"

Xena stared at the feathers on the top of the arrow shaft. She recognized the colorful feathers all to well. "Amazons." The word came out in a growl.

"They have Gabrielle." Seoirse had said that with hatred, his eyes narrowed. "We'll get her back."

The warlord's eyes narrowed as she turned the arrow shaft in her fingers. "We will and they will pay." She turned to the man and lowered her hand with the arrow. "Get some men together. Tomorrow we're headed to the Amazons." The sound of the arrow breaking filled the air. Xena then broke off running back to the camp, she needed to help Lux right now.

Seoirse watched her run off, he sighed and turned his head to the woods. His right hand fisted up and he averted his eyes back to the direction of the camp and he went off jogging.

Lux coughed hard as he opened his eyes to gaze up. He rolled to his right and quickly regretted it and moaned from the pain that came to his shoulder. He then heard a movement and saw Xena come up to his side.

The warlord grinned. "Welcome back."

The cook chuckled. "Thanks." He then took a long breath and shifted some in his bed.

"How you feel?"

Lux closed his eyes. "Truthfully, awful." His eyes lifted open.

Xena grinned. "Tomorrow the pain shouldn't be as bad." She now went serious. "What happened?"

The older man sigh sadly. "I'm sorry Xena, I tried."

The warlord shook her head. "It's alright I know you tried to protect her Lux. That's all that matters to me when it comes to your actions. Tell me what happened?"

The chef let out his breath gradually and told his story. "Gabrielle came in here earlier asking to go for a walk. I knew she'd go on one with or without somebody. So I thought I'd better go with her and we were walking through the forest. I was hit with an arrow before these three women with masks came out of the trees. After that I don't know what happened I blacked out from the arrow." He then felt anger fill him. "I should have been more careful."

Xena smiled sadly. "You did all you could Lux." She then brought her arms up against her chest. "We'll get her back."

The cook nodded. "I know." He paused. "What you plan to do?"

"Tomorrow I plan to head into the village."

"Xena don't you think that's risky?" Lux felt a little odd questioning the warlord. But he couldn't help but do it since it dealt with Gabrielle and her safety.

"It is Lux but more then likely they have her captive."

The cook sighed. "You can't be sure Xena. If we both know Gabrielle she probably told them a lie so that they wouldn't find out who she is."

Xena's head bobbed up and down a few times. "You're right." She ran her tongue against her molars as she thought. "We'll just have to demand her back."

"Or what?"

The warlord grinned evilly. "Or we'll be at war with the Amazons a little sooner then planned." She then turned to the tent flap. "Get some sleep Lux it's late."

Lux nodded. "I will and thank you Xena."

The Warrior Princess smiled to herself. "Anytime but let's not do this again. Goodnight." She went through the tent flap and headed directly to her tent, it was dusk.

~*Part 3*~

The small woman slowly rose out of the bed in the new morning. Gabrielle last night after dinner with the Amazons quickly went to bed. She was exhausted from the night before not to mention all the traveling. When she'd risen out of bed she went about putting her boots on quickly. Once she'd tied her last boot on a knock came to the door. "Come in!"

The door swung open and it was Ephiny that stepped in with a serious face. "Queen Melosa wishes to speak with you."

The peasant nodded. "Alright." She came up to the Amazon.

Ephiny turned around walked out of the hut with Gabrielle following behind hearing the door close. She led the peasant through the village to the Queen's hut where they went inside.

When they came in Melosa turned her head to the pair as she stood behind her desk. She looked directly to Gabrielle. "Please sit down." She then turned her eyes to Ephiny. "We'll be fine alone."

Ephiny nodded. "Yes my Queen." She then left the hut closing the door behind silently.

The peasant went to sit down at one of the chairs near the desk, she gazed up at Melosa.

The Queen took a step back and sat down in a chair to face the other woman. "What do you know of Xena's plans?"

Gabrielle blinked, she wasn't really expecting this. But right now she needed to make something up and quick. "Her plans with what exactly?"

"Well for starters does she plan to attack the Amazons?"

The peasant shook her head. "Not that I know of, I heard we were just passing through this area. Headed to the far eastern portion of Greece."

Melosa nodded her head. "Well I am a bit concerned with having her in this area. We've never really had a problem with her before and we'd hoped never too. But I know we will someday and I'm praying it's not today." Now she sighed. "I am even more inclined to wondered if she does have plans to attack us now."

"Why?" Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows.

The Queen lifted her right leg to cross over her left leg. "North of us we have a warlord by the name of Draco there. As of right now we're at war with him and he's killed a number of our Amazons."

The peasant lowered her head. "I'm sorry."

Melosa smiled unhappily. "It's okay, death is a part of life. And I believe mine will come soon." She paused. "Right now I have concerns that Xena is allied with Draco. They've been known to ride together."

Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows. "Really? I kept hearing gossip through the camp that we were headed east."

The Amazon leaned back into her chair. "Well Xena is known for telling her plans to her men but having her own hidden personal plans to carry out." Melosa shook her head. "She's here to help Draco Gabrielle and that is something I can't allow to happen. To many Amazons have died. Draco will die for all the Amazons' deaths especially for my own sister's death, Princess Terreis."

The small woman lowered her head. "That's horrible." Gabrielle looked up and saw the deaths in Melosa's eyes. She was beginning to side with the Amazons, understand the Amazons. "Is there anyway to stop Draco?"

The Queen shook her head. "Only fight him there is no other way. And now that Xena is in the area to support him it will only make matters worse. It is only a matter of time before she strikes against us."

Gabrielle shook her head. "I wouldn't be sure Queen Melosa. I've always heard Xena isn't the one to be second to another warlord. Maybe she isn't here for that."

Melosa sighed. "I hope you are correct Gabrielle."

The small woman was about to reply but Ephiny came bursting into the hut.

The Amazon turned her head to the door. "What's going on?" Melosa quickly stood up.

Ephiny was breathing heavy. "Draco's men are attacking at the northern perimeter Melosa. There're twenty Amazons there now barely holding them back."

Melosa came up to Ephiny. "How many men?"

Ephiny stepped out of the hut with the Queen. "There are forty-five of Draco's men."

"Okay gather up ten Amazons in the trees and fifteen on foot, now!"

Ephiny nodded and broke off running to gather up Amazons.

The Queen turned to Gabrielle who stood outside the hut with her. "Come with me and stick beside me."

The peasant nodded. Melosa then turned around and went off jogging with Gabrielle beside her. The two women went out of the gates of the village where they had saw a number of Amazons rushing out of the gates unsheathing swords.

Melosa lead Gabrielle out of the village into the woods heading to the northern section. Ahead they could hear the sound of battle going on with yells and screams, swords clashing. Melosa slowed down as they came near she then ducked behind a brush with Gabrielle beside her.

The Queen turned her head to the young woman. "Stay low." She then cupped her hands over her mouth and did a sort of birdcall.

Out of now where Ephiny dropped to the ground beside the Queen.

"Report."

Ephiny nodded. "Ten of Draco's men are down. Fifteen of our Amazons are down. We're holding them but they'll break through in a matter of time."

Melosa nodded. "Alright. We have the archers in the trees?"

"Yes my Queen."

"Good, have them shooting those hemlock arrows. Got me?"

Ephiny nodded. "Yes my Queen. Anything else?"

"Yes, as soon as you report to the archers get back here." Melosa then nodded.

Ephiny nodded back. "Right away." The Amazon then jumped to disappear in the trees above.

Melosa then carefully stood up some to gaze over the brush to watch the battle. She then saw a shower of arrows begin to soar down at Draco's men. Her eyes searched around for Draco himself and didn't see him near. Then she heard Ephiny land beside her on the ground. "Stay here Ephiny and protect Gabrielle."

Ephiny was about to object but then knew better. "Yes my Queen."

The Queen nodded. She then reached behind to unsheathe her sword and raced forward to join in the battle.

Gabrielle stayed close to Ephiny but watched the battle go on. She was breathing heavy for real no reason. She'd never been in the middle of a real fight before. The entire time she watched Melosa fight Draco's warriors. Taking one down after another and another.

Draco's men began to fall fast now between the Amazons fighting and the arrows killing the men. That's when Gabrielle knew the Amazons would win this small scrimmage. And within a few minutes it was Draco's men losing ground and backing off. Then there was a loud yell from one of Draco's men. "Retreat!"

Gabrielle grinned after hearing that. She kept watching seeing the men run off while some Amazons still fought a few warriors. Melosa had killed her opponent and then looked up to see the enemy retreating and she grinned. That same grin seemed to reflect on Gabrielle's lips. Slowly the peasant looked to her right at some of the last retreating enemy and saw one of them standing with a bow and arrow pointed at Melosa.

The peasant's eyes widen. "Melosa!" She quickly sprung to her feet and raced forward.

Ephiny jumped up from her hiding spot to see Gabrielle running towards the Queen. She glanced to her right to see and arrow speeding through the air towards Melosa. "No!" The Amazon started to run to the Queen.

Melosa turned her head in the direction she heard the whistle coming from as her eyes widen. She could feel her feet turn into rocks as if she couldn't move.

Gabrielle suddenly lunged forward sailing through the air at the Amazon Queen, hoping beyond hope. Her body slammed into Melosa's and they went crashing to the ground. A scream had erupted from Melosa's lips.

The two women hit the ground, the Queen on her back with Gabrielle on top of her protecting her. The peasant lifted her head and looked down at Melosa and she become horrid filled.

Melosa slowly closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath.

Ephiny raced up to their side and looked down shaking her head. "No? no." She bent down to one knee and reached forward to grasp the arrow shaft in Melosa's right side. "Melosa?"

Gabrielle carefully lifted herself off the Queen and saw Melosa open her eyes.

"Ephiny it's too late." The Queen then groaned.

"No my Queen. We'll get you to the healers, you're not going to die." Ephiny was frantically holding her hands over the arrow wound where the blood began to seep out. "You'll be fine my Queen." Her voice was quivering.

"Ephiny no." The Queen grasped the other Amazon's hand. "Let me go." She then turned her head to Gabrielle. "Thank you."

The peasant shook her head in response.

"No Gabrielle." Melosa closed her eyes as a pained expression took over but she opened her eyes again. "You risked your life for me. That is what Amazons are truly about something only an Amazon would do for another Amazon." Her eyes closed again as she sucked in a breath and her eyes slowly opened again. "Gabrielle take my right of caste as Queen. I know? I know you'll save my Nation?. Your Nation. I can see you are the chosen for the Amazons. Please take my caste."

The peasant shook her head. "Melosa I can't I don't-"

"Yes you do know the Amazons Gabrielle. Please save us, please."

Gabrielle nodded faintly. "Alright, I accept your caste Melosa." She then felt warm tears roll down her cheeks.

Ephiny was grasping the Queen's hand when she saw Melosa close her eyes with a sigh. The Amazon shook her head. "No Melosa, don't leave us."

Melosa's breath began to slow and then finally stopped, her chest rose one last time then lowered. Her hand lost its grasp on Ephiny's hand.

The peasant looked up and saw that there were numerous Amazons all surrounding them. They knew what happened and stared down at the scene, their eyes hollow in disbelief. Disbelief that one of their greatest Queens lay here on the forest floor dead by an arrow with crimson blood crawling across the ground.

Ephiny lowered her head to Melosa's and placed a gentle kiss to the Queen's cheek. She then lowered her head down onto the Queen's chest and began to cry.

Gabrielle stared at this, she couldn't believe it either. She'd known Melosa hardly a day and yet she felt this deep sadness for her death. Even felt a deep guilt for not saving the Amazon. And that was the creation of her anger, her hatred towards Draco. She then made it a personal objective to have Draco killed for this.

Ephiny took a deep breath and glance up to the surrounding Amazons. "Take her to the village." Her eyes were nothing but red. Slowly she stood and stepped back.

Gabrielle also rose up and took a step back as she kept her eyes pinned on the dead Queen.

Four Amazons came up to Melosa's side and lifted her carefully into their arms. All the Amazons there had tears for their Queen. Now there were a surrounding of twenty plus Amazons that all begin to slowly walk to the village with the four Amazons carrying Melosa in the lead. The Amazons all sung a song of death in Amazon tradition as they trekked to the village with low hanging heads. The Amazons lost that battle.

Gabrielle slowly walked out of the funeral hut where she'd prayed to Melosa. Where they were preparing Melosa's body for the funeral pyre for tonight so that Melosa's soul would be release safely. As soon as she came out Ephiny came up to her side.

"You're the Queen now Gabrielle." It came out semi-cold from the Amazon's lips.

Gabrielle nodded. "I know and not for the reason it should be." She sighed and gazed over the Amazon village. "How many Amazons were killed in that scrimmage?"

The Amazon crossed her arms against her chest. "Five? excluding Melosa."

The peasant nodded her head. "Okay have pyres set up for them as well." She lowered her head. "We'll have the funerals done for them as well tonight."

"As you wish my Queen."

Gabrielle raised her head again to stare at Ephiny. "Look Ephiny." She paused trying to phrase her words right. "I didn't come here to become Queen. It just happened and I feel as if I've known Melosa all my life when I haven't. I promise you Draco will pay for it along with all the other deaths. And for now on you and I are going to be working together so lets try to get along. I know you don't like me for whatever reasons but right now? right now I need a friend here."

The Amazon blinked at the woman, she couldn't believe what she just heard. Ephiny glanced away as she considered that. Did she want to be friends with this stranger that came into their village and became Queen? For an odd reason she did so that made her turn her head back to Gabrielle. "I will try my Queen." She smiled slightly.

The peasant sighed with a smile. "Thank you Ephiny but don't call me Queen just Gabrielle."

Ephiny nodded. "As you wish my Queen? I mean yes Gabrielle."

Gabrielle still had her smiled and looked away. "When?"

The Amazon smiled sadly. "It's okay Gabrielle. We will go through the ritual for you to become Queen tonight before the funeral pyres. It is tradition if the Queen next in line is here."

The peasant nodded her head. "Thank you." She turned her head away from Ephiny and saw ahead Solari running towards them.

Solari came up to them. "We have more problems my Queen."

"What's going on Solari?" Ephiny then took a step forward after asking.

Solari gazed at both Ephiny and Gabrielle. "Xena has just crossed over into our southern territory with some warriors. She's headed this way."

Ephiny quickly looked to Gabrielle. "Gabrielle?"

The peasant turned her head to Ephiny then back to the other Amazon. "How far away is she?"

"About a few minutes run."

Gabrielle nodded. "Okay, go? go find Epinion then meet Ephiny and I at the gates. The three of us will go meet up with Xena."

"What?!" Ephiny completely turned to the peasant.

Gabrielle turned her head to Ephiny. "We're going to go meet with her Ephiny. If she's just walking into our territory then there is no threat. Trust me."

Ephiny sighed. "Alright."

Solari broke off running to find Epinion them meet at the gates.

The young woman looked to the Amazon. "Come on."

The pair went off jogging to the gates and when they got there Epinion and Solari came up. All four women then left through gates with Solari leading. They went through the forest heading to the southern portion of the woods. Within a few minutes they came through a set of trees and straight ahead was a clearing where they spotted Xena and five warriors walking into.

Gabrielle stopped running along with her three Amazons. She stepped up beside Solari along with Ephiny and Epinion. Gabrielle stared down at the warlord knowing Xena had spotted them. She watched to see Xena stop her men from walking.

The warlord had Seoirse standing beside her, she looked to him said something and she turned back towards Gabrielle's direction. She walked forward while Seoirse walked back to the four men talking to them briefly. Xena though ambled into the middle of the clearing and stood there with her five warriors at the edge of the clearing behind her.

Gabrielle held back a grin that wanted to break across her lips. She turned her head to Ephiny. "Stay here." She was about to shift but a hand grasped her shoulder tightly.

"Gabrielle, are you crazy?" It was Ephiny.

The peasant sighed at the Amazon. "No Ephiny, I'm being smart." She sighed and gazed at Xena. "She wants to talk." Her head turned back to Ephiny.

"How can you be sure?" She released the other female's shoulder. "She could kill you in an instant."

"If that was her intent Ephiny she would have done it already." Gabrielle took a deep breath. "Just trust me on this one. Please wait here."

Ephiny sighed. "Be careful."

"I will." The peasant then turned to where Xena stood. She slowly padded across the clearing with her back straight. How she just wanted to run straight ahead into her soulmate's arms but knew better. That's why she had to keep her back straight, to keep control of her emotions and desires. Gabrielle now stepped up to Xena with a smile. "Hi."

The warlord gazed down to her partner. "Are you okay? The Amazons didn't do anything?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "They didn't do anything and I'm okay just a bit tired."

Xena nodded. "Good." She then crossed her arms against her chest because of her urging desire to lean forward and place a kiss to her soulmate's lips. "What happened?"

The peasant grinned sheepishly. "You're not going to believe me Xena."

The warlord arched an eyebrow. "Try me."

The small woman took a long breath. "Well they took me to Queen Melosa and she decided to keep me as a guest. And it turns out Draco is in the area." She paused because she saw her partner stiffen up and her blue eyes go hard.

"Go on."

Gabrielle nodded. "Well as you can guess Draco and the Amazons are fighting. This morning there was a small fight between some of Draco's men and the Amazons. The Amazons were able to stop his men."

"'But?"

The young woman sighed, her soulmate knew her to well. "But? Melosa was killed and well? I'm kinda sort of the Queen now." She crossed her arms over her stomach.

The Warrior Princess's head bobbed up and down a few times. "This wasn't in our plans."

"No." Gabrielle shook her head. "Sorry."

Xena faintly smiled. "No, this will be helpful."

The small woman looked away then back to Xena. "Xena I can't look at it like that." She sighed. "This is more to me then just? well just then an extra bonus. These are real people Xena with a will to survive."

The older woman smiled. "I figured." She lifted her eyes to the Amazons that were across the clearing, she studied them. "We'll take care of Draco." She lowered her eyes back to Gabrielle. "You owe something to Melosa."

Gabrielle shook her head and stared at the ground for a moment. "Not just Melosa Xena but all the Amazons in that village." She looked up. "I don't know why either."

Xena smiled warmly. "I know why, it's because of who you are."

Gabrielle smiled back. "Thank you." She then went serious. "What we do now Xena?"

The warlord also went serious. "I'll send Seoirse back with our men. Then well you're going to have to invite me into the Amazon village."

"Xena you don't know how hostile the Amazons are towards you." She shook her head. "I don't know if?"

Xena nodded. "I know, you'll just have to tell them we're going to make an alliance between my army and your Nation."

"But Xena the Amazons are convinced you're here to help Draco."

The warlord grinned. "Well I'll have to convince them otherwise." She then lost her grin. "Just be a Queen, they'll follow you."

Gabrielle nodded. "Alright." She then smiled warmly. "Xena?"

"Mmm?"

"I love you."

Xena smiled back just as warmly. "I love you to Gabrielle." She winked and gave her small soulmate a confident smile. "Come on."

Gabrielle nodded. "See you in a second." She turned to her Amazons and jogged up to them.

The warlord though turned her head sidelong to her men and called Seoirse over to talk to.

"What's going on Gabrielle?"

The peasant grinned. "Xena is coming with us." Gabrielle's response was three jaws dropping down with wide eyes.

Ephiny shook her head. "I ask again. Are you crazy my Queen?"

Gabrielle still had her grin. "Yes, in a way you'll never know Ephiny." She then crossed her arms against her chest. "So is there any problem with Xena coming into the village?"

"What about the other Amazons Queen Gabrielle? We all know the Amazons won't approve of this." Epinion had asked that.

The peasant glance to Epinion. "I know and we'll have to work that out." She sighed. "Look, Xena won't do anything, she want's an alliance with us. And I am the one to know along with anybody else in her army that her word is good. Besides that, she's only coming into the village. If that's not her plan we'll still have her for a prisoner, we can't lose."

Ephiny sighed. "I don't like it."

Gabrielle nodded. "You don't have to like it Ephiny but you have to do it. She's a guest of the Amazon Nation. Let's respect that. I don't like letting a warlord into our village either but what other choice do we have?"

None of the Amazons said anything.

"Okay, let's escort her in." Gabrielle turned towards the warlord and jogged up to her. "We're set Xena."

The Warrior Princess nodded. "Good, I sent Seoirse and the men back. I told him to stay with the army and I'd get word to him on what the plan is in a day or two."

The young woman nodded. "Sounds good. You ready?"

"Yes, let's go." Xena started walking with Gabrielle beside her. They came up to the three waiting Amazons.

Gabrielle gazed at Xena then to her Amazons. "Xena, this is Ephiny, Solari and Epinion."

The three Amazons nodded to the warlord with cold eyes.

Xena simply lowered her head then raised her head back up as she kept her expression stoic. That's when she began to trek through the woods beside Gabrielle with the three Amazons heading to the village.

Gabrielle watched her soulmate enter into the guest hut and close the door behind, with a sigh she turned around to face Ephiny. Behind Ephiny stood Solari and Epinion.

"So what are? your plans now?" Ephiny then lifted her hands to her hips.

The peasant sighed. "I don't know." She then looked beyond the Amazon to the other two Amazons. "Solari Epinion thanks for your help."

Solari nodded. "Sure, Epinion and I are going to go back on patrol duty."

Gabrielle nodded. "Okay great." She watched the two Amazons leave, she turned her eyes back to Ephiny. "So exactly what position did Melosa have you as?"

Ephiny raised an eyebrow. "What you mean?"

"Well are you second in command to Melosa or third?"

Ephiny grinned. "Melosa didn't create any rank except between her and her sister."

The smaller woman nodded. "Okay." She then smiled. "Well I'll create rank, you're second in command." She then crossed her arms against her chest as she thought. "And make Solari third in command. Got me?"

Ephiny nodded. "I think we can handle that." She then averted her eyes to the door to the hut Xena was staying in. "What are we going to do with her?"

Gabrielle followed the second in command's gaze. "I'm not sure? yet. Either way I need to talk to her alone."

"Gabrielle you think that's wise?" Ephiny turned her head to the other female.

The peasant nodded. "It is." She looked to the Amazon. "Ephiny, I know her."

"How? You were her slave."

"Exactly." Gabrielle stared at the door to the hut again. "I know how she works. I think I can convince her to side with us against Draco." She smiled to Ephiny.

The second in command sighed. "If you say so."

The small woman smiled. "Trust me Ephiny." She then went serious. "Tonight the tradition for the right of caste will take place?"

Ephiny nodded. "It will, I'll get that taken care of."

"Good." Gabrielle sighed. "By the way, how good are you with a staff?" She grinned up to the Amazon.

The second in command arched an eyebrow. "Very good, was my first weapon."

"Perfect. You think you can teach me a little staff work Ephiny?"

The Amazon grinned. "Love to. Um how about you go to the sparring fields and I'll go get us some staffs."

Gabrielle nodded. "Sounds good to me. One thing? where's the sparring fields?"

Ephiny chuckled a little. "Other side of the village."

The peasant nodded. "Thanks, meet you there." She turned in the direction of the sparring fields and started walking that way. Ephiny though had to go the other way to the weapons hut and her own hut. She needed to pick up her staff along with one for Gabrielle to use.

Ephiny ducked her head as her opponent's staff almost hit her. She popped back up with a grin and went on offense against her opponent trying rapped thrusts and hits and getting no where. Ephiny then went as swiping at her opponent's knees but she missed. The Amazon was quickly noticing Gabrielle had a great defense system but her offense was weak. And to Ephiny that was a good thing, she always found defense more important then offense. Offense is easier to improve upon while defense is something that needs to be created first to make a strong bases.

Gabrielle took a step back and lowered her stance. "Okay I think I'm worked to death."

The Amazon grinned as she lowered her staff. "Good." She then smiled. "You're not bad defensively. Where'd you learn to fight?"

The peasant shrugged her shoulders. "Just sort of learned in my travels."

Ephiny arched an eyebrow at the other woman. "Well I'd say for a beginner you're pretty good. Work on the defense a little more and then learn your offense and I'd say you'll be set."

Gabrielle smiled. "Think you can teach me with my offense?"

The second in command nodded. "Sure." She turned her eyes to her staff in her right hand that had a large wood bird's head. "This was my first weapon."

The smaller woman gazed at the Amazons staff. "It's a nice staff."

"Thanks." Ephiny smiled.

Gabrielle smiled return. "I think I'm going to go try and talk to Xena before the Queen's ritual starts."

"Be careful Gabrielle."

"I will. Thanks for the staff practice Ephiny."

"No problem." The Amazon took a step forward to take Gabrielle's staff back. "I'll come by Xena's hut to get you two for the right of caste ceremony and for the funeral pyres."

Gabrielle nodded. "Great, thanks. See you then." Now she ambled off the sparring fields heading back into the village towards Xena's hut.

Ephiny stood there for a moment watching the young woman in the green halter-top and brown skirt with strawberry-blond hair walk away. She actually liked this woman for some reason, liked her light air to her. The Amazon sighed and walked off heading to the weapon's hut again.

Gabrielle opened the door after knocking, she carefully stepped into the hut.

Xena turned her head to smile at her partner. She still wore her warlord attire with sword and chakram.

The younger woman smiled back. "Hey." Gabrielle closed the door and stood in front of it.

"How are you?" The warlord turned to her soulmate and walked up to her.

"Good? now." The peasant smiled up. "How about you?"

The tall woman grinned as she lifted her hands to her friend's sides. "I'm good too? now." Slowly she leaned down to seal her lips with Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle moaned in the middle of the kiss as she felt it wash over her and she wrapped her arms around the warlord. Slowly Xena pulled back and the peasant grinned. "I've missed you."

The warlord smiled. "I know." She lifted her right hand to brush some of the young woman's hair back. "I was worried about you."

The young woman nodded with a sigh. "I know." She looked away. "I'm sorry Xena."

"For what?" The tall woman furrowed her eyebrows.

"For leaving the camp like I did." Gabrielle shook her head. "Pretty stupid."

"It happens Gabrielle, I'm just happy you're okay. But like I told Lux, let's not do this again."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Isn't in my plans too." She then went serious. "How is Lux?"

"He's fine. I removed the arrow from his shoulder and I check on him before I left the camp. The wound is healing perfectly."

The small woman nodded. "Good. What was the arrow tipped with?"

"Opium poppy it's a morphine."

"Morphine? Made him sleep?"

Xena nodded. "Yes it's sometimes used to put people asleep when a healer needs to remove a limb."

Gabrielle cringed. "Remind me never to get a limb removed."

The warlord chuckled. "Don't worry." She lowered her head again to place a light kiss to Gabrielle's lips and she then released the small woman. Xena shifted to sit in one of the chairs by a table. "So tell me what story you used on the Amazons."

The peasant grinned and moved to sit down on the end of the bed facing Xena. "I told them I was your personal slave. They seemed to buy it except for Ephiny really."

"Ephiny? She's the one with the curly hair?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah and amber shade eyes. She didn't like me earlier but right now I think she's okay with me." She shrugged her shoulders. "The other Amazons I don't know they're to busy mourning over Melosa right now." She then stared at Xena with worried eyes. "What we going to do Xena?"

The warlord sighed and crossed her arms. "I am not sure yet."

The small woman nodded. "Xena I'm scared about the part of when this is over how I'm going to walk out of this village by your side. If these Amazons find out we're partners, the Fates only know what will happen. It would probably be treason."

Xena nodded and stared down at the floor. "Right now." She gazed up to Gabrielle. "We need to worry about Draco, he's our main problem. I think on the way we'll be able to solve the problem of telling the Amazons who we are together." She smiled now. "If we play our cards right Gabrielle, everything will fall into place perfectly."

The peasant smiled back. "Good." She then stood up from the bed, feeling the desire control her now. Gabrielle shifted to stand in front of the warlord and she then sat down in Xena's lap facing her.

Xena grinned and wrapped her arms around her soulmate's waist to support her. "So they're making you Queen tonight?"

The young woman nodded. "Yeah and we're doing the funeral pyres." Now she let her breath out slowly. "Why you think Draco is here?"

The warlord narrowed her eyes. "I have my guesses."

"Let me guess?. Slaves right?"

Xena nodded. "More then likely. Amazons are hot on the slaving market."

Gabrielle sighed with a shake of her head. "What is it, a trend now?"

Xena chuckled. "No, slaves are just a quick way to make money." She then went serious. "Tomorrow I'll talk to Draco, find out his motives for being here."

The small woman's eyes were a little cold now, in defense. "Are you going to have to-"

"Work the information out of him?" The Warrior Princess nodded. "I might."

The peasant leaned in to let her forehead lean against Xena's. "Be careful Xena."

"Always." Xena finished the distance to start the deep kiss. It went on and Gabrielle had moved one hand to the warlord's side and the other to her back. After it ended another kiss began as the warlord pulled her soulmate more into her lap.

That's when it happened, the door to the hut quickly opened without a knock. In stepped somebody who's voice filled the air after they closed the door. "By the Gods. What in Tartarus?" The Amazon quickly began to reach up to her sword but thought differently.

For Xena had ended that kiss and stood up in a flash. The warlord had her left arm wrapped around Gabrielle's stomach while her right hand held her unsheathed sword. The tip of the sword under the Amazon's throat. Xena narrowed her eyes at the Amazon. "Nobody points a sword in Gabrielle's direction and lives." Her voice was death cold while her eyes were a deep navy shade flashing to show her anger.

Gabrielle gazed at the Amazon. "Ephiny just let go of your sword, please."

The second in command still had her eyes locked with Xena's. She felt rather small up against this dark warlord who's every intention was to kill her in an instant if she didn't remove her hand from her Amazon sword hilt. Slowly Ephiny let go of her sword's hilt and heard it slip back down into its sheath. The Amazon then lowered her hand gradually to her side with her eyes still locked with Xena's. She could feel the cool sword's metal pressing against her throat which only made her breath hard.

The warlord lowered her sword then carefully sheathed it again but still kept her hand around her partner's waist in protection. Her eyes were still pinned on Ephiny.

The peasant knew she was suppose to be the peacemaker here so she went with it. "Okay Ephiny just back off."

The Amazon's eyes shifted to Gabrielle then back to the warlord. Ephiny then took two steps back and slowly crossed her arms against her chest.

Gabrielle sighed in relief and gazed up to her soulmate. "Xena?"

The warlord nodded and released her partner and slowly sat back down in her seat, she still watched the Amazon.

The second in command looked to Gabrielle. "Care to explain your? secrets my Queen?"

Gabrielle sighed and lowered her head for a moment. "I will." She raised her head to Ephiny to lock eyes with her. "Care to sit down?"

Ephiny narrowed her eyes. "I prefer to stand for this."

The peasant nodded and turned to grasp another chair near Xena. She pulled it behind herself and sat down beside her soulmate. "Ephiny I didn't completely lie."

The Amazon snorted. "Right after what I just saw. What is Xena really your slave?"

The warlord's eyes narrowed but she didn't shift, she'd let it go for now.

"No. Ephiny I was Xena's slave about seven days ago or so." Gabrielle sighed sadly. "But now? Xena and I are partners."

The second in command raised an eyebrow at the peasant. "Partner in what way?"

"In the way her and I control her army together." She paused. "The part about when you came in here. Well Xena and I are soulmates."

Ephiny still had her arched eyebrow. "Really? Well I won't ask my normal question then. I now know the answer for sure."

Gabrielle's right hand fisted up. She slowly rose up from her seat and walked over to the Amazon. "Xena may kill you for raising a sword at me. But I will kill you for insulting my soulmate or my relationship with her. I'm sick of your centaur shit with that, you're luck you're still standing Ephiny." She paused. "And you damn well better start giving her and I both a chance. If not at least a chance to let us explain what's going on." That's where Gabrielle ended her anger.

The Amazon blinked as she stared into crystal green eyes. "I'm sorry." She lowered her head.

The peasant let out a breath. "Thank you." She turned around to pad over to her seat and sit.

Ephiny gazed over to Gabrielle. "So your plans were to become Queen after all." She hadn't said that angrily or accusing just a matter of factly.

Gabrielle shook her head. "No Ephiny, it wasn't our plans, it just sort of happened. Our army was only passing through here and we had no intentions to attack this village."

The second in command nodded. "So then what were your original plans?"

The peasant turned her head to her right at her silent soulmate.

Xena out of the corner of her eye saw Gabrielle signal her to take this one. "We're headed east." Ephiny turned her sights to the warlord and Xena continued on. "But now that has changed." She paused. "Even more since I know Draco is in the area."

The Amazon nodded. "I heard you use to ride with Draco."

"I did." Xena crossed her arms. "But since that time I've had? bad relations with him. He's a? friendly enemy of mine." She grinned evilly.

Gabrielle sighed inwardly, she remembered the last time she'd heard that one. Not a good thing. "Look Ephiny, whether you find Xena and I being partners good or bad, either way Xena and I are going to stop Draco."

Ephiny nodded her head. "And you know what the penalty is for what you've done Gabrielle? Both you and Xena will be dead in a snap of a finger if the Amazons find out."

Gabrielle nodded. "I know."

The warlord was staring hard at Ephiny, she had to question. "And will the Amazons know Ephiny?"

The second in command's eyes averted to Xena to stare at her for a moment. She then shook her head. "Not unless either of you tell."

Gabrielle smiled. "Thank you Ephiny."

The Amazon nodded. "Just don't expect me to help keep your secret." She then sighed. "Right now Gabrielle you should be getting prepared for the right of caste as Queen."

The peasant nodded and stood. "Right." She turned to her soulmate. "We need to figure out the terms for the alliance between the Amazons and our army."

Xena nodded as she stared up to her partner. "Tomorrow. But you better go, I'll be there for the rituals."

Gabrielle nodded with a smile. "Great." She badly wanted to lean down to Xena but? ah Hades why not? So the small woman leaned down to kiss her soulmate warmly then she pulled back. "See you then." She smiled.

The warlord smiled back and watched her soulmate and the Amazon leave the hut. She sighed and closed her eyes as she thought for awhile. She needed to figure out how to work things out. How to stop Draco, save the Amazons, and make sure Gabrielle wasn't pointed at for treason against the Nation. Either way though, Xena was going to make positive that her and Gabrielle walked out of this Nation alive.