Violence ~ This will certainly have violence.

Subtext ~ Yes of course subtext or rather maintext here.

Copyright ~ Lets see, Universal and MCA both own Xena and Gabrielle. The rest of the characters, Manson, Mordred, Sir Williams, Sir Gawain, Sir Percival, Sir Galahad, Sir Marlory, and King Arthur I definitely own and nobody else along with the story line. I will admit however, the movie First Knight and television-movie Merlin influenced me somewhat, love those movies and actors.

Note ~ This is my first shot at my new fourth series. I hope everybody will like the opening story for my immortal series. I plan to keep up with it till I get to modern day. Enjoy and thanks for reading!

Started: May 27^th 2000 on Saturday

Comments? Questions? Advice? Email me at redhope@redhope.net

Series Four: History is Fickle Story: One

---

Section 1

~*Part 1*~

The stallion's reins were pulled back and the horse came to a quick stop with a huff. The rider of the horse released one rein and turned in the saddle to gaze back. They studied back in that direction through the small opening in their helmet's visor. The rider saw nobody and heard nothing but the horse's breathing. Slowly the rider released the other rein and hopped off the horse, the heavy armor on their body clanking from the movement.

Gradually the rider reached up with both hands, their armor clad hands grasping the metal helmet over their head. The helmet was lifted up over the rider's head and the rider tucked the metallic helmet under their right arm still staring off in the direction they'd just rode from. The rider's right left hand came up to rest on the hilt of their sword. The rider then walked to the front of the horse and smile. "Thank God you're like your great grandfather Torqueo."

The horse nickered as he threw his head up and down making the chanfron, armor over his face, clank.

The rider smiled as a breeze picked up in the fall air blowing the rider's short blond hair back some. The rider leaned forward to place a gentle kiss to the horse's nose then straightened back up. "Okay we have a five minute break boy. Those knights are still on our tails."

The stallion nickered and bobbed his head.

The rider smiled and began to walk off the dirt rode. "Be back in a second Torqueo." The rider strolled into the surrounding woods to come to a lake. They leaned against a tree still holding the helmet under one arm while resting their left hand on the sword's hilt. The rider stared into the lake's water and her memories came to life taking her back.

Gabrielle sighed and tore her eyes away from the lake after staring at it. She flipped the sai in her right hand then inserted it into her right boot. Things were so peaceful for her now that she left the Amazon Nation all in order.

A small crack of a twig filled the air, which only made Gabrielle grin to herself. A warm set of arms soon wrapped around her chest. The Amazon Queen leaned back into her Soulmate's warm leather clad stomach.

"Beautiful area."

The small warrior nodded at her partner's words. "It is." Gabrielle lifted her right hand to grasp Xena's hands that rested on her chest. "It's nice to be traveling again."

The warrior nodded. "It is, that was a little to long in the Amazon Nation."

Gabrielle quietly laughed. "Even I have to admit it was." She sighed happily. "I still can't believe I'm Queen of all the Amazons." She shook her head. "Something else."

Xena grinned to herself as she stared over the lake. "It is but you'll be perfect for the job."

The small warrior nodded. "Hope so. At least we have a vacation before I have to take charge."

"Mmm, I would have forced your Amazons."

The small warrior grinned. "I know." She let her eyes drift shut. "It's nice that it's just you and I again traveling."

Xena let a smile take her lips. "It is." She leaned her head down closer to her partner's. "Just us."

Gabrielle grinned devilishly and opened her eyes to lift her head up to her Soulmate's. "Just us." She'd whispered in a low voice.

The warrior grinned and captured her partner's lips in a sound kiss. After it broke she began to talk again. "We should go into the camp."

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah it's getting late. Thank the gods we had dinner early." She stood up and began to walk with Xena beside her.

Xena stared up to the trees and saw the wind ruffle the few brown leaves. Lowering her head she gazed over at Gabrielle. "It's going to be a cold night."

The Amazon Queen arched an eyebrow. "Well then, we'll just? have to find a way to get around it huh?"

The older woman grinned. "Count on it."

The pair entered into their camp after having a long day of traveling. They'd left the Amazon village for their vacation first in Amphipolis then in Egypt. Their plans after that were probably going to deal with the new Amazon Nation and getting everything in order.

But right now the Soulmates were falling into each other's touch and words. And something like that can only led the pair to fall asleep. Their dreamscapes only being one and the same for they are Soulmates. Yet this dream the Soulmates had tonight was not of the normal, was not in their control.

Gabrielle rested in her Soulmate's arms as they sat on the ground. Her eyes were shut and she knew Xena's were too. Slowly she opened her eyes and gazed across the gray space of her dream. Directly in front of her was a huge black swirling cloud of dust. Her eyes instantly widen. "Xena?"

Xena gradually opened her eyes and her arms automatically tightened around Gabrielle. She saw what was in front of them and it made her eyes narrowed.

"Xena, what is that? How'd it get into our dream?"

"I don't know Gabrielle." Xena's blue eyes only went to slits now. "Let's take a look."

The pair of Soulmates stood up and gradually made their way over to the black swirling mass. They studied it trying to figure its purpose. Once they neared suddenly lightening bolts filled the swirling black dust and it spun faster till it almost seemed to be still. Then images began to appear before the Soulmates.

Gabrielle reached to her right to grasp Xena's arm as she watched the images. "What is that?"

Xena studied the images recognizing the first few then the rest she really didn't. "I'm not sure?"

Gabrielle was still examining the images she'd recognized a few herself then the rest of the images she couldn't. Then it seem to make sense to her. "It'sss the future Xena."

The first image was the death of Julius Caesar, the next were different images of the Roman Empire and its emperors. The next following were of the increase of the Byzantine Empire and a group of slaves in Egypt being freed by one man. An image of a man nailed to a cross and people mourning over this. An image flashed of Rome's great Colosseum being built along with the conquest of Britannia.

Numerous more images flipped by. One's of war and of peace. Changes and discoveries. Then the last image was of a white mushroom like cloud that disappeared and left behind an image of people dead on the ground, smoke rising, and buildings toppled over into rubble. It was nothing but a barren waste field. Earth's end.

This image stayed and the Soulmates stared at it with wide eyes, utterly surprised.

"Xena, we destroy ourselves."

Xena stared at the image and shook her head. "Looks like man finally did it to themselves."

Gabrielle closed her eyes for a moment and released Xena's arms as she opened her eyes again. "I can't believe it."

A masculine voice then cut in saying, "Neither can I." Quickly to follow this was the dark dust mass disappearing and a man appearing in front of the Soulmates.

Xena narrowed her eyes at the man. "Zeus." She crossed her arms over her chest and took a step in front of Gabrielle. "What brings you to our dream?"

Zeus took a step closer. "I've came to ask for both your help."

Xena arched an eyebrow.

Gabrielle though took a step forward to stand beside Xena. She stared hard at Zeus. "Help with what? Xena and I are not just a service agency." She paused. "Especially when somebody invades our dreams."

Zeus nodded for a moment. "And I understand that." He took a deep breath. "But as you both saw just now, man destroys himself and I can't let that happen."

"And why would you care Zeus? The Gods have always beaten down on mankind." Xena's voice had came out hard and cold, almost threatening.

"If you remember correctly Xena, I created mankind. They are my creation and I intend to protect them. I have given them everything they need to survive against other Gods and nature. But I can't not protect them from themselves."

"And we come into this how?"

Zeus looked away from Xena to Gabrielle and he quickly answered her. "You both always speak of the greater good. The greater good is not a what it is a who. The Greater Good is you both of you and I am asking you now to take the next step and become the Greatest Good."

Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows at Zeus.

Xena had a raised eyebrow with her cool look. "And exactly what are your intents Zeus and why?"

Zeus sighed and began to explain. "You both have always fought for good doing much as you could. But mankind needs protectors from themselves. I want you two to both become the protectors of mankind from themselves."

"How do you propose that Zeus?" Now it was Gabrielle's turn to cross her arms over her chest after asking her question.

"Simple, make you both immortal."

Xena's arms uncrossed and went to her hips. "I don't think so." She turned to Gabrielle. "We're out of here."

Gabrielle nodded and shifted closer to her Soulmate.

"Wait."

Xena sighed at Zeus's request. She gazed over at him.

Zeus took a step closer. "You both saw what will happen to man."

Xena shook her head. "Not my problem Zeus."

Gabrielle wasn't saying anything she was staring down to the dark ground.

Zeus knew he wasn't getting to Xena, so he decided to try the other half. He reached out to Gabrielle. "Gabrielle, I know you can't let something like that happen."

Gabrielle closed her eyes as she felt the man's hand disappear from her shoulder. She opened her eyes again and lifted her head up to Xena.

Xena stared down into her Soulmate's eyes and saw that plead. That plead that meant Gabrielle couldn't turn her back on something. She sighed, her Soulmate had to big of heart at times but then it always made her smile because it would always be caught in Xena. But she wouldn't let it be known as she gazed over to Zeus. "Tell me exactly why you can't do it yourself? You're a god."

Zeus looked away then glanced back. "There is a prophecy that one day the Gods will be forgotten and only recorded into myths and tales. If I knew for certain I'd be around for all of eternity I would not have asked you both." He paused for a moment. "Everything you both have fought for will be destroy in a heartbeat one day. Everything will be left in nothing but ashes."

Xena closed her eyes as she turned her head away. She lowered her head down to Gabrielle's to let her forehead lean against Gabrielle's. "Immortality Gabrielle."

Gabrielle nodded her head her eyes shut tight. She kept weighting the good things and the bad things about such a thing. Then she considered the reason for being immortal. Could she and Xena really change mankind's destiny?

People have spoke of eternal life and of the grandeur it brings. But is it really all that grand? Even more so for a pair of Soulmates that have found each other in such a time period as this?

Gabrielle took a deep breath. "I've said the only thing I've ever needed or wanted is you Xena. And that has and never will change." Her eyes drifted open.

Xena's eyes opened and she lifted her head to peer down at her Soulmate. "The same for me love." She took a deep breath. "But do you want to be immortal in this life?"

Gabrielle smiled sadly. "With you, immortality? I wouldn't have it any other way." She grinned. "It would be loads of fun."

Xena grinned now. "It would be interesting." Why was she agreeing to this now? Xena knew why, the why was her other half standing here. Standing here and believing that her and Xena could change man?s destiny believing it was worth the try.

Zeus cut in just then. "It is now or never for you both."

Both Soulmates turned towards Zeus.

Xena nodded her head.

Zeus nodded back and gazed over at Gabrielle in question.

Gabrielle nodded her head as well.

Zeus smiled at both and lifted both his hands up, one going to each Soulmate's heads. His hands began to glow a bright white then a white dust fell over the Soulmates.

The Soulmates closed their eyes and felt the dust began to glow over them and a certain strength and power filled them. The white glow grew strong and then centered in their chests then disappeared.

Zeus pulled his hands away.

Slowly the Soulmates kept their eyes closed as the power of immortality filtered through their bodies. And as they let this happen Zeus spoke.

"There are a few changes to your immortality Xena and Gabrielle. You both will still feel emotions, still have such things as hunger, and want sleep. But such things as being hungry or sleep are only wants not a need. Emotions will always be there even if I tried to rid them, for your love is to strong for me to try and destroy." He smiled as he gazed at the Soulmates still taking in the immortality. "But remember this, the days will disappear quickly but you will want them to go in reverse. Time only knows forward but there will be a day when you both will feel the need for reverse and you will have the chance to go to the beginning." Zeus took a deep breath. "Good luck to you both, I will always be watching over my creation." Zeus then disappeared from the Soulmate's dreamscape, his last words in whispers. "Just keep walking down to the end of the road."

The Soulmates gradually opened their eyes and found themselves staring into each other's eyes with their arms around each other. They were in the fire lit camp.

The Amazon Queen furrowed her eyebrows. "You think it was just a dream?"

"Only one way to find out." Xena kissed her partner's forehead and sat up after releasing the smaller warrior.

Gabrielle also sat up in the bedroll.

Xena turned to her right to grasp her chakram by the middle swirl handle. She lifted the dark chakram and stared at it then gazed at Gabrielle.

"Xena you're not going to?"

The warrior grinned. "Only way to find out." She held out her left-hand palm up. Carefully she placed the chakram's blade over her hand then pressed hard while running the blade down her skin.

Quickly the skin tore open then closed just as quickly.

Xena lifted the chakram up to see her palm the same as it was a second ago.

The younger woman's eyes were wide with surprise. "It was real Xena." She gazed up from her Soulmate's palm to Xena. "We're immortal."

The sound of horse beats filled the air and the rider quickly came out of her trance of memories. She raced away from the lake and came up to her stallion's rear. She gazed down the road to see three horses with riders coming at her. "Goddamn it they're good." She turned to her horse's rump and placed her helmet on the saddle and grabbed three arrows and a crossbow. She frantically placed an arrow into the crossbow and raised it at the first knight on horseback coming at her.

She found an opening in his armor. She pulled the trigger and the arrow sped through the air and sunk deep through the chain mail into knight's chest. He fell off the horse in a second.

The other two knights on horseback however were coming fast and the rider had no time to string up another arrow. So instead she tossed the crossbow with arrows to the ground by her stallion and grabbed the helmet putting it on. She then unsheathed her sword and raced ahead to take on the other two galloping enemies.

The two knights unsheathed their swords and lowered them towards their opponent on the ground. One knight was ahead of the other and sped ahead aiming for their opponent.

The rider raised her sword and grinned as she gazed through her visor. The knight in dark armor came at her and she jumped a little to take out the knight with her sword. She struck him in the chest and he went falling to the ground. She landed back on the ground with the knight she'd killed in front of her on the ground. She lowered her head as the other knight on horseback breezed past her.

She stood up and turned around to see the last knight had stopped his horse and turned it around to face her again. The knight on horseback came at her again and she did her same trick but instead hit him lighter to knock him off his horse. His horse stomped off and she came to land on the ground beside this still breathing knight. She quickly placed her sword's tip down to go between his chest armor and helmet touching the skin of his throat. She bent down to one knee and with her free hand she pulled off the other knight's helmet. "You're not good as you thought huh?"

The knight in dark armor glared up at her. "To Hell with you bitch."

She grinned. "No I'm sorry, I believe it will be you and your leader that will be going to Hell."

The dark knight narrowed his eyes up at the female knight. "Either way Mordred will kill King Arthur." He then grinned evilly.

"I highly doubt it." She leaned down close to his face while pressing her sword more into his throat. "Now then, tell me how many others are following after me."

"Just us three."

"Don't play games with me." She sneered. "I know your second in command. He wouldn't send three knights after me knowing whom I am." Her next words came out in a growl. "How many and who?"

The dark knight felt the sword press hard and he couldn't breathe. "Alright there are five other knights including Commander Manson."

"Thanks." She then punched the knight hard in the face with her armored covered hand. She then slowly stood up while sheathing her sword on her left side.

The sound of louder horses' hooves filled the air and she looked down the road to see five knights in dark armor round the turn. "Oh Hell." She quickly ran to her horse, Torqueo, and got up onto his back in a fluent motion. She kicked her stallion into a gallop. "Let's go boy they're coming."

Torqueo picked up his pace and sped down the dirt road through the dark and hilly woods.

Directly behind the female knight could be heard her pursers. She gazed ahead trying to figure how long it would till she reached the end of the woods. "God Torqueo this is crazy. I hope she's there waiting for us."

Torqueo bobbed his head up and down in agreement as he galloped. The entire armor over his body clanked from the fast movement and it always slowed him down some.

The single female knight raced down the road in the woods on her stallion. Her five pursuing dark clad knights right behind her. Then within five minutes the end of the woods appeared, well at least the view of the rolling hills could be seen down the road. The female knight smiled under her helmet. "Come on Torqueo we're almost there." Turning back around in her saddle she gazed back to see that the five knights behind her were starting to fall behind her and that only made her grin.

Torqueo though came to the end of the woods and bursted through the woods into the open fields of the rolling hills of Wales. He continued to race ahead down the dirt road.

The female knight gazed ahead through her visor to see eleven knights down the road. They were all mounted on armored horseback with their armor bright and metallic, they were waiting. Torqueo and the rider went straight for them and soon as they came in talking distance the rider pulled back on the reins. "They're coming. There are five riders and one is Commander Manson."

There was one knight in the front of the other ten and nodded at the female knight. This knight then looked at the other ten. "Go stop them, kill them all except for Manson. Take him as prison as we planned."

The ten knights nodded and kicked their horses to race ahead to meet up with the five pursuing knights.

The female knight on Torqueo signaled her stallion to take a few steps forward and close to the other knight's horse. She then reached up to remove her helmet with a smile taking her lips. "Glad this worked."

The other knight nodded. "Figured it would." The knight released the reins and reached up to remove their helmet and soon as they did long dark black flowing hair came down. "Good job Gabrielle." Blue eyes twinkled deeply.

Gabrielle grinned as she shifted a little in Torqueo's saddle. "Just glad your plan worked Xena."

Xena chuckled. "Our plan love." She then leaned towards her partner to place her right hand on Gabrielle's left cheek.

Gabrielle felt her Soulmate's hand against her cheek along with the cool chain mail. She leaned forward.

Xena did the same and their lips captured each other's. The kiss was long and deep. At first they heard the sound of battle in the background then it faded out, as they became lost in the kiss.

Gabrielle pulled back slowly with a smile. "Thanks for getting here."

The warrior nodded. "Anytime." A small grin.

The small woman chuckled and kicked Torqueo forward to turn him around and come up along beside Xena's horse again but to face the woods now. "You really think Manson knows enough of Mordred's plans?"

Xena shrugged her shoulders, the armor shifting up and down with her shoulders. "I would think so. We'll find out. If I know Mordred he'd be stupid enough to tell Manson his plans."

"I just hope they're the real plans Mordred intends." Gabrielle turned her head to Xena. She then let a grin slip into place. "So who's doing the interrogating? You or Merlin?"

The warrior chuckled. "Whoever King Arthur wants."

Gabrielle grinned and gazed back towards the woods. She then saw some of the metallic knights coming out. Two of them were walking and in the middle of them was a knight dressed in dark armor and tied. Other knights were following behind on horseback. "I guess it depends on whether King Arthur wants the information from Manson by magical means or physical ones."

The taller knight nodded as she watched King Arthur's knights returning with Manson captured. "I think it depends more on if Arthur wants Manson alive or dead after the interrogation."

Gabrielle laughed and nodded. "True." She let her hands rest on her armor clad thighs watching the other knights. "By the way, thanks for teaching me how to string up a crossbow in record time."

Xena grinned to herself. "Helpful isn't it?"

The small warrior nodded. "Definitely."

Now the ten knights came up with the dark knight in the front with his helmet gone and his arms tied behind his back.

Xena and Gabrielle both gazed down at the dark knight, he is Manson the second in command to Mordred.

Xena grinned evilly down at Manson. "How's your day been Manson?"

Manson glared up at the knight on the horse. "It seems to just keep getting better Xena."

"Good to hear." The warrior quietly laughed. "I do believe you have? a meeting with King Arthur."

Manson's eyes narrowed. "Hell if I'll tell you all what Mordred's plans are."

The warrior laughed and leaned forward. "Manson? you were never the bright candle were you? I'm glad now that you told me you do know Mordred's plans." She only laughed again and sat back in her saddle. "Take him to the dungeons in Camelot." Xena watched the ten knights walk past her horse and continued to head down the road towards Camelot. She watched them go for a distance then gazed back to her Soulmate. "He might not know the plans."

Gabrielle raised an eyebrow. "Because he said he wouldn't tell the plans."

The warrior nodded and turned her horse around to face towards Camelot. "Yes, it might be a setup." She watched to see her partner do the same with her horse.

"I guess we'll find out huh?"

Xena nodded and gazed down at her mare. "Yeah." She took a deep breath and brought her hand down to her mare's neck. "Ready to go back Argo?"

The mare nickered and threw her head up and down.

Xena chuckled and lifted her head to Gabrielle. "She's a lot like Argo."

The smaller warrior grinned. "I know what you mean. Torqueo is a lot like is great grandfather." She sighed. "Ready to go back?"

The taller woman nodded. "Yup." Reaching down she lifted her helmet and put it on over her head. Glancing over at Gabrielle, she saw Gabrielle do the same with her helmet. "Let's go."

Gabrielle nodded and kicked her stallion into a trot with Xena right beside her.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle carefully knocked on the large wood door. She waited for a moment and saw the door open with her Soulmate?s head poking out. "Hey."

Xena grinned. "Was wondering what took you." She shifted out of the door?s opening and let Gabrielle come in.

The small knight came in with her right hand resting on her sword at her right side. She gazed over at her partner. "You haven?t gotten out of your armor yet?"

The warrior chuckled. "No, I am slow after so many years."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Right." She walked across the large bedchamber and came to sit at the foot of Xena?s bed. She sighed.

Xena ambled over to the bed near her Soulmate. Xena still wore her armor along her arms and legs. Her helmet and breast armor was gone along with her sword that rested in the closet. She raised her left arm and began to remove the armor. "Is Manson in his cell?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah, I just came from there. King Arthur says we have a meeting in twenty minutes about this."

The warrior sighed. "Great. Is Merlin suppose to be there?"

The younger woman gazed up with a grin. "Yes." Gabrielle sat in a white knit long shirt. Then she had own black pants with boots and her sword on her right side attached by a leather belt at her waist.

Xena sighed. "Great." She carried her armor over to a closet to her left. She reached into the open closet and placed her armor inside then took off her armor from her right arm.

"Xena, it could be worse."

"How?s that?"

The small warrior grinned. "Merlin could be against us."

The knight grumbled as she threw the armor in. "I know." She reached in to pull out the same white cotton knit shirt like Gabrielle?s and slipped it on. "You know how I feel about magic."

The small warrior chuckled quietly. "Don?t I." She stood up from the bed and padded over to Xena. "Neither of us like magic." She came up behind Xena.

The Warrior Princess turned around. "At least you try to talk to him."

Gabrielle smirked. "I try to see past the magic." She went serious. "If it wasn?t for him Arthur wouldn?t be king. All of England needs a king like Arthur."

Xena nodded. "True." She sighed. "But Arthur has lost his edge since Lancelot."

"Mmm, you mean Lancelot and Guinevere." Gabrielle shook her head. "We should have never gone on those crusades. Those crusades destroyed everything."

"We would have no matter what Gabrielle."

"Yeah I know." The small woman gazed up. "Arthur always believed in God and the Holy Grail."

The warrior nodded. "Bunch of crap if you ask me."

Gabrielle snickered. "You?re bad."

"I know." The warrior lifted her hands to her Soulmate?s sides.

Gabrielle smiled. "I?ll tell you what?s crap Xena. It?s this separate room thing."

Xena sighed unhappily. "Yeah, I agree." She leaned down to kiss her partner gently. She pulled back. "But we both know what will happen if anybody finds out about us."

The small warrior laughed sarcastically. "I am surprised we haven?t been arrested for just being knights and dressing in men?s attire."

The taller woman sighed. "They won?t, Arthur needs us and he knows it."

"True." Gabrielle gazed up with sad eyes. "I can?t wait to sleep in each others arms every night again."

"Me too." Xena lowered her head and kissed her Soulmate lightly on the forehead. "Till then we?ll have to make do." She pulled her partner into her arms.

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her Soulmate and held her tightly. "I hate this Christian religion."

The warrior snickered. "You?re getting bad as me."

"Mmm, remember I am you."

"Always." Xena lowered her head down onto her partner?s head. "When?s that meeting?"

The smaller knight closed her eyes. "Sometime or another."

"Gabrielle."

Gabrielle quietly laughed. "Soon."

"Gabrielle." Second warning.

The smaller woman sighed. "In ten minutes or so."

"Mmm okay." Xena lifted her head. "I need to get my armor off my legs."

Gabrielle tightened her hold. "Later."

The warrior grinned and lowered her head again on top of Gabrielle?s.

The Soulmates didn?t move or shift, both holding each other. They rarely were able to do that these days. The Greek gods had faded away into time as the prophecy for told and now a new religion had sprung. Christianity. And both Soulmates hated the religion. They would normally tell each other it was because of the discrimination towards same sex relationships. Yet they both knew it was more then that, it was mainly because they could see the growing strength in the religion. Especially since the crusades. If a religion is powerful enough to start wars then it was powerful enough to control people and corrupt eventually. They both disliked such a thing.

Xena placed a kiss to her partner?s head. "We better go."

Gabrielle raised her head and opened her eyes. "Yeah, don?t need to be late." She released her friend and shifted over to the door.

The knight turned to her closet again and pulled out her sword with its belt. She strapped it on her waist and glanced over to Gabrielle. "You like me in this leg armor."

Gabrielle?s lips shaped into an evil grin. "Yes. I like that metallic armor on you. It?s you."

"What happened to the love for the brass armor." Xena ambled up to her partner.

"I miss it." The small warrior opened the door. "I miss my leathers too."

Xena sighed and walked out of the room and closed the door behind. A small bang echoed down the long stone hallway. "Same here."

"I know what you really miss using is that chakram."

The warrior evilly laughed. "Gods yes." She started walking down the hall beside Gabrielle.

"It?s God Xena."

"Whatever." The tall woman grinned. "Either way, it?s same thing."

The smaller female quietly laughed and shook her head. She came to the stairs and started going down them with Xena. She listened to the sound of Xena?s armor clanking. As soon as they came to the main part of the castle they saw Sir Williams come up by them.

"Afternoon Xena and Gabrielle."

The two women smiled.

"I heard your plan worked. I commend you."

Xena nodded as she walked down the long hall towards the meeting room. "Thanks Williams. I am glad it worked."

"It seemed to." The knight took a deep breath and looked at Gabrielle. "I heard you were the bait."

Gabrielle gave a grin. "Yup. Worked like a charm."

Sir Williams nodded. "Quite." He gazed ahead. "Do we know what this meeting is about? I assume about Manson?"

"More then likely it is." Xena then shifted her right hand to her sword hilt to rest there.

"Do we know who?s doing the interrogation yet?" Williams glanced over at Xena.

The warrior shook her head. "No."

Williams nodded. "Does Manson know the plans?"

Gabrielle took that question. "We think so but we?re not sure yet."

Sir Williams reached forward and opened up the door to the meeting room. He held it open as he let to the two women walk in. Following in, he closed the door behind.

Xena and Gabrielle quietly walked down the three marble steps into the round room. There in the center of the room was a massive round white marble table with twelve seats around it.

Arthur sat in his seat already and there were seven other knights already sitting down. Two other knights were missing.

King Arthur lifted his eyes to the two warriors that entered in with Sir Williams. "Xena, Gabrielle I want to thank you." He slowly stood up.

Xena smiled warmly and bowed her head. "Thank you King Arthur for trusting Gabrielle and I?s judgement." She raised her head again.

Arthur smiled. "I always do." He was an older man these days. His hair had turned white and gray along with his beard and wore his black shirt and pants with basic silver armor over his chest, legs, wrists, and sword at his side.

Gabrielle smiled now. "Thank you Arthur."

The king smiled to Gabrielle and nodded.

Sir Williams moved his seat to sit down calmly. He?d taken Lancelot?s position.

Gabrielle and Xena both shifted to sit down in their seats beside each other.

Arthur sat again and leaned back in his seat. "We?re still waiting for two others." He sighed. "I visited Manson in the dungeon. He doesn?t seem quite happy." A grin took his lips.

Xena grinned. "Not at all." She rested back in her seat.

Gabrielle glanced back to see the doors open and two other knights came in then came Merlin.

Merlin walked over to stand beside Arthur.

The Warrior Princess tried so hard not to narrow her eyes at the magician but couldn?t help but let them narrow faintly.

Arthur stood quickly. "Everybody is equal here in this room."

All the other knights followed his action and stood.

The king drew his sword and held it in front of his body.

The eleven other knights drew their swords together and placed them down on the table before each other as Arthur did. The room was filled with a small cling of the swords meeting the marble table. Together everybody sat once more.

Arthur took a deep breath. "I called this meeting because of our new guest, namely Manson."

Everybody in the room quietly laughed.

"First we must figure out if Manson knows Mordred?s plans or not." The king shifted his attention directly to Xena. "Do you believe Manson knows the plans?"

Xena sat back in her seat and considered the question. "I am not quite sure."

The other knights with the exception of Gabrielle all began to mumble to each other.

King Arthur took a deep breath. "Silence." The room went quiet and he spoke to Xena again. "You?re not sure?"

The warrior shifted in her seat a little. "I can?t be till I? talk to him."

Arthur leaned towards the table. "Xena this is not the time to be questioning your intuition whether you think Manson knows the plans or not."

The knight was about to give a sharp response but her chance was taken away.

"Arthur, I believe Xena is saying she can?t be sure till? she gets Manson to talk." Merlin stared at Xena for a second then lowered his eyes to the king. "I can understand that. Manson may be setting us up."

Arthur sat back in his seat considering that. "It?s possible." He thoughtful stared at Xena and her partner, almost trying to read them but it wasn?t happening.

"Arthur I believe the best thing now is for you to select somebody to question Manson."

Arthur turned his head to the person that spoke, Sir Galahad. "You?re right Galahad." He took a deep breath while resting back in his large chair. "And who should that be?" The king watched to see half the knights? eyes fall on Xena and the other on Merlin. "Well? this will not be simple."

"It is your final decision my Lord."

The king?s eyes fell on Sir Gawain. "No, it?s our decision in this room."

"True my Lord but it is your final decision considering you have yet to decide."

Arthur nodded at Gawain?s further explanation. He peered up at Merlin. "How would you get Manson to speak?"

Merlin grinned faintly. "Arthur, you know how I would go about it."

Arthur quietly laughed. "Very true." He glanced over to Xena who sat stoic. He also knew how Xena would go about getting the information from Manson. It was not a question of how he wanted the information. It was a question of if he wanted Manson dead or alive after the questioning. "Merlin?" He lifted his eyes to the magician. "Question Manson and report to me what you find out."

Merlin bowed his head. "As you wish."

Arthur gave his attention back to all his knights. "After Merlin finds out the information we are to convene here for a follow up meeting. Is that suitable for all of you?"

All eleven knights nodded.

"Wonderful." The king stood.

The eleven knights rapidly stood and grabbed their swords, all lifting them and holding them towards Arthur.

King Arthur lifted his sword to hold it up for a second then sheath it.

The other knights sheathed their swords and shifted from their seats. Some of the knights gathered around to start talking. Others left together talking.

Xena power walked out of the room with her best friend following right behind. The warrior marched down the long hall at a fast pace with anger in her stride.

Gabrielle took a deep breath and jogged to catch up with her fast moving Soulmate. "Xena?"

The knight slowed down and took a deep breath. "Sorry."

The smaller warrior placed her right hand on her partner?s arm. "It?s okay. Let?s go to the courtyard?"

"Yeah." The older woman walked again but at a much slower pace.

The smaller female had her head low thinking. She had to be careful with her words. One thing she learned over the centuries was to be careful with her words when it came to her Soulmate?s pride being hurt. Lifting her head she saw they were coming to the large courtyard with the massive garden in the center. "Arthur can be stupid at times."

Xena quickly turned her head to gaze at her Soulmate. "You?re serious?"

Gabrielle gazed at Xena. "You know I am being serious." She took a long breath. "But I understand why he chose Merlin over you." She stopped walking in the garden and grasped Xena?s arm again. "We both know why he chose Merlin."

The warrior nodded as she stared at a tree in the garden. "He?s always been peaceful." Her eyes lowered to Gabrielle. "Have to admire that."

Gabrielle smiled warmly. "Yeah." She took a deep breath. "He doesn?t want this war as much as the rest of Camelot doesn?t."

The older woman nodded and felt her friend release her arm. "Merlin won?t get anything out of Manson though."

"How you figure?" Gabrielle studied her partner with a confused expression.

"Merlin?s hocus pocus won?t work on Manson." Xena gave a grin. "Manson is to stupid for the magic to work on him."

The smaller warrior laughed low. "You?re bad."

The warrior shrugged her shoulders. "Just telling it how it is."

The smaller woman laughed and shook her head. "Xena, god." She took a deep breath. "How?s that pride?" She gave a small grin to Xena but her eyes held concern.

Xena took a very deep breath. "Never better." She grinned down at her Soulmate.

"Uh huh." The small knight crossed her arms against her chest.

The warrior suddenly went serious. "Thanks Gabrielle." She now cross her arms over her chest.

Gabrielle smiled lovingly. "Hey, you know I am always around." She brought her right hand to Xena?s closes arm. "I am only immortal."

Xena quietly laughed. "That makes two of us." She smiled. "Let?s go back inside."

The younger woman nodded and released Xena. She took a quick glimpse to her right at the sundial. "Mmm about half an hour before dinner."

The warrior looked to the sundial. "Good." Her eyes shifted to Gabrielle. "You?ve always loved those sundials."

"Oh yeah." Gabrielle smirked up to her partner. "They?re great. Better then saying candlemarks."

Xena chuckled. "Agreed." She started walking with her partner beside her. "I was baking in my armor today."

The smaller warrior raised her eyes towards Xena. "I was fine today."

"That?s because you were in the shade of the forest."

"Xena, I was being chased. You?re telling me you were baking just sitting on Argo? waiting?"

"Pretty much."

Gabrielle gave an odd look to her partner. She bumped Xena hard and quickly walked ahead.

The older woman narrowed her eyes at Gabrielle?s back with a grin. She quickly came up behind Gabrielle and grabbed Gabrielle?s shoulders stopping her from walking. Lowered her lips close to the smaller woman?s right ear, she whispered to her. "I?ll take care of you tonight."

"Ooooh, is that a threat warrior?"

Xena growled low in her partner?s ear. "Yes." She paused. "And it?s knight."

The smaller woman chuckled. "Whatever Xena, you?re still a warrior. You still think like a warrior."

The warrior grinned. "And what?s the difference between a knight and warrior?"

"Mmm, the egos." Gabrielle snickered and started walking away heading to the stairs to the bedchambers.

Xena crossed her arms against her chest and watched her Soulmate walking. She ran her tongue across the back of her molars. "Oh yeah, definitely egos." She followed behind.

~*~*~*~

Xena sat back in her large wood chair once she finished eating her dinner. Gazing across the table she made eye contact with her partner.

Gabrielle winked and went back to eating.

The warrior grinned for two seconds then lost it before anybody caught it. Sitting beside her was Sir Galahad and Sir Malory. The dinner was in the main dinning hall on a long stretched wood table. And once Xena sat back finished with her meal a servant came up to collect the plate. "Thanks."

The young female servant bowed her head at Xena then disappeared.

Sir Galahad lifted his eyes to Xena. "I could never understand you Xena."

The warrior grinned at the man. "Good."

Galahad chuckled and finished his meal and rest back in his chair. "It is ashame Arthur selected Merlin over you."

Xena grasped her goblet. "Maybe? maybe not. You have to admire Arthur for selecting Merlin over me." She drank some of the rich wine.

"Really?"

The warrior nodded as she swallowed the wine, she carefully placed the silver goblet down on the red cloth covered table. "Yesss. Arthur dares to select the most peaceful route. Most kings would have had the prisoner?s life beaten out of him for the information."

Galahad nodded a few times and gazed across the table. "Very true." He took a long breath. "Interesting perspective you have Xena."

The Warrior Princess grinned. "It?s not mine."

Sir Galahad quickly turned his attention back to Xena. "Not yours? Who?s then?"

Xena grinned at the other knight and shifted her eyes over to Gabrielle. "Hers."

The knight followed Xena?s eyes and saw Gabrielle sitting back eating. "Gabrielle?s?"

"Yes."

Galahad nodded a few times. "Very interesting."

Gabrielle lifted her eyes to see Galahad and her Soulmate staring at her. She furrowed her eyebrows. "Am I all that interesting?"

Sir Galahad and Xena both quietly laughed.

The warrior mouthed a yes.

But it was Galahad that said it. "Yes you are Gabrielle." He took a deep breath. "Xena and I were discussing your perspective."

Gabrielle?s eyes shifted to her Soulmate first then to Galahad. "And what perspective was that?"

The knight smiled warmly. "You?re perspective on? well let?s say peaceful methods over physical ones."

The small warrior raised an eyebrow as she considered those words then it struck her. "Ah that perspective."

Sir Galahad quietly laughed. "I?ve come to notice you have interesting ideas Gabrielle."

The young woman nodded and sat back in her seat finished with her dinner. "So I?ve been told."

A small female servant took Gabrielle?s plate.

"Thank you."

The servant nodded with a shy smile. "You?re welcome." It was just a whisper.

The small warrior gave a smile back to the servant and watched her go for a second but gazed back to Galahad and her Soulmate. Her expression was a little more serious now. "I?ve become very proud of my morals and ideas over time."

The knight nodded his idea. "And you should. They will make a person strong."

Gabrielle laughed lightly. "I suppose so." She took a deep breath and stood. "But I think I am going to retire for the night. It?s been a long day."

Sir Galahad nodded. "Of course after your? activity today."

The small warrior grinned as she stood behind her chair with her hands on the top. "Definitely." She shifted her eyes over to Xena.

The Warrior Princess gave a small grin and her eyes picked up a twinkle.

Gabrielle only let her eyes take on a warmness for a moment but they went normal as she gazed back to Galahad. "Have a good evening Sir Galahad."

"You too Gabrielle."

The small knight shifted her emerald eyes to Xena. "Goodnight Xena."

The warrior lowered her head for a second and glimpsed back up. "Goodnight Gabrielle."

Gabrielle nodded and strolled out of the dining room and into the main hall.

Galahad watched her go but sighed. "Very interesting woman."

Xena quietly laughed. "You have no idea."

The knight turned his attention to the warrior. "So how long have you and Gabrielle been partners?"

The female knight took a long breath as she thought. "A long time." She smiled. "It?s been interesting working with her."

"I bet." Sir Galahad smiled. "I know Arthur has always been appreciative of you both arriving in his court and I myself have."

Xena nodded with a smile. "We?re glad we came. Traveling was getting old."

"I would think so." Galahad crossed his arms over his chest. "The rumor was you both came from Greece."

The warrior nodded. "The roomer is true. We came over about five years ago."

The knight nodded. "And why was that? Tired of Greece?"

"No never." Xena chuckled. "We had to get away. To many? memories."

"Ah." Sir Galahad nodded. "That?s understandable. Change of scenery."

The warrior laughed light heartily. "Definitely." She sighed a little. "Well I think I might head to my room myself."

Sir Galahad nodded. "May I accompany you?"

"Of course." Xena stood up as the other knight did.

The two knights quietly exited out of the main dining hall and into the long main hall.

Sir Galahad placed his hands behind his back. "So why did you and Gabrielle decide to become fighters?"

Xena stared at the stone floor for a second in the torch lit hall. "A number of reasons." She lifted her eyes to gaze down the hall. "I did because my past. Gabrielle on the other hand? well she?s a different story."

Galahad nodded a few times. "You both are amazing fighters."

Xena quietly laughed. "Yes well we?ve both had plenty of time to practice."

"Quite." Sir Galahad took a deep breath.

"So what brought you here Galahad?" Xena glanced over at the blond haired knight.

"Dreams." Galahad smiled. "Child?s dreams mainly." He quietly laughed and continued on. "I was very young and always wanted to become a knight. So from birth I trained myself mentally and physically to be one. Looks like I got lucky with Arthur?s court."

"Mmm, Arthur?s court got lucky with you I believe is the right words." Xena smiled warmly to the other knight.

Sir Galahad laughed. "Thank you." He glanced ahead to see the stairs going up to the rooms. He turned to them and began to climb them beside Xena.

The warrior listened to the sound of her boots and Galahad?s tapping up the steps. "I believe tomorrow we?ll find out if Manson knows the plans."

"Hopefully." Galahad sighed. "I don?t believe Merlin can get them out of Manson."

Xena glanced over to Galahad. "Oh?"

The knight grinned slightly. "Like you Xena, I don?t believe to much in all of that hocus pocus." He let out his breath. "But I?ve heard he has the power. I?d like to see it."

"So would I." The warrior began to stroll down the hall of the bedchambers.

"Wouldn?t we all." Sir Galahad paused. "But we must learn to trust Merlin. Arthur does."

"Mmm, I?ll let Arthur trust him. Merlin hasn?t earned my trust."

Galahad grinned up to the woman. "You?re a chary woman Xena."

The warrior smirked. "I?ve been called many things but not? quite that Galahad." She stopped walking as she came to the door to her room.

"Well you may place that into your self descriptions." Galahad grinned. "Free of copyright."

The Warrior Princess quietly laughed. "I will."

The knight nodded. "Goodnight Xena."

"Goodnight Galahad. Sleep well tonight."

"Of course." The man continued his trek down the hall to his room farther down. "Have a lovely evening."

"Always." Xena flashed down a smile to Galahad and opened the door. "See you tomorrow." She stepped into her room and silently closed the door behind.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle was leaning against the wall starring across Camelot on her balcony, her arms over her chest. She watched the flickering of the torches across the large city. It always reminded her of a city of gold. She called it the city of gold. She wrote it as the city of gold. Yes, Gabrielle was a warrior bard again. One thing she couldn?t pass up was the chance to write the world?s history in her scrolls along with her own accounts. It was a chance in a lifetime. A chance in immortality.

And as she stood there she considered her account. All the things her and Xena had been through. Sofar everything in those images from her dream with Xena and Zeus had come true. The Gods had faded away, the Roman Empire grew strong and fell apart. Another religion came into existence because of one man named Jesus. Yes those images from the dream were all coming true and Gabrielle couldn?t help but wonder if her and Xena were really changing man?s destiny. Were they? Could they ever? Only time will tell.

Soon the young woman?s thoughts took her to Greece. She missed Greece so much. She missed the lands and light rolling hills. Granted England had them too but not quite like Greece. She missed the mountains in Greece, they were all to glorious. And Gabrielle missed traveling alone with her Soulmate. For a time she became sick of it and that?s when they both decided to go to England and get away from Greece. Get away from their past with Greece. As soon as they settled down in Camelot they both wanted to the pack their bags and go back to Greece.

Yet the Soulmates knew they had to let go of Greece and their past. That life was over. Their friends were gone, their family, and the Amazon Nation was gone. These people only lived on inside of Gabrielle and Xena?s memories. If they ever whispered such names as Cyrene, Ephiny, or Solari nobody would understand. They could only whispered these names between each other and only if they wanted to become sad together. So they rarely did whisper the names for what emotions, desires, and memories it brought upon.

Gabrielle turned her head to the right as she felt a warmness take her over, she smiled. "Hey."

The warrior smiled back warmly. "Hey." She quietly began to walk over to Gabrielle. "I still don?t understand how you got the balcony."

The small warrior laughed. "Hey you got the hidden passageway."

The warrior came up to her partner. "And what good does that do me if it doesn?t lead me to your room?"

The smaller woman laughed. "Good point."

"Mmm I know." Xena saw her partner lifted herself off the stone wall and step forward. She just grinned and shifted to stand behind Gabrielle and lean against the wall now.

Gabrielle let herself settle back into Xena?s body and felt strong arms come around her waist. She carefully rested her head back against Xena?s chest.

They were in the darkness. Yes in the darkness, it was safe. The darkness kept them safe.

"What were you thinking about?" Xena nuzzled her left cheek against Gabrielle?s.

"Just bad thoughts." She sadly laughed.

The warrior understood and tightened her arms more around her Soulmate. When she was in her room she felt a deep sadness fill her. And she knew exactly why and that led her to Gabrielle?s room. "Come here."

The smaller woman turned around and wrapped her arms tightly around the warrior.

Xena kept her arms tightly around her Soulmate.

Gabrielle shut her eyes and rested her head against Xena?s chest. She couldn?t cry any longer she was beyond that point. And one day she knew she?d be beyond the point of being sad. At least she hoped she would get beyond that point.

The warrior took a deep breath. "I miss it all too."

"I know. Gods I know." The small woman took a shaky breath then felt Xena?s head rest on her own. Taking another deep breath she felt herself come back to herself. She lifted her head. "But then there?s you."

Xena quietly laughed while peering down into her Soulmate?s eyes, she saw them begin to twinkle. "Oh?"

"Oh yeah." Gabrielle brought her right hand behind her partner?s head. She carefully kissed Xena.

But the older woman made the kiss go stronger and brought her lips down to her friend?s neck. "I owe you."

"Mmm so you do." The small knight stepped back from the warrior?s arms. She saw the faint upset in Xena?s eyes and she grinned. "You coming?" Slowly she walked back to go inside of her room.

The warrior grinned and watched her go inside, her blue eyes averted to the glowing city. She sighed and ambled off the balcony and into Gabrielle?s room. She caught sight of Gabrielle taking her sword off and placing it inside the closet. "You know that?s a bad habit."

Gabrielle glanced over to her Soulmate. "Why? Is somebody going to sneak into my room and kill me?"

The knight placed her hands on her hips. "Funny."

The smaller warrior chuckled and noticed her Soulmate still wore her leg armor. "I believe it?s later." She came up to Xena and kneeled down. Carefully, small hands worked the armor off Xena?s body.

Xena gazed down at her partner removing her armor. "Mmm forgot about that."

"I noticed." Gabrielle removed the armor and was about to move but felt soft fingertips come under her chin. She raised her head up to lock eyes with sapphire ones.

The tall woman gradually gave her Soulmate the physical command to rise up as she kept her fingers under Gabrielle?s chin. Soon as Gabrielle was standing Xena brought her head down to seal her lips with Gabrielle?s.

Gabrielle held the armor in her right hand but she pressed her left hand into the warrior?s strong stomach.

Xena moaned lightly and took the armor from Gabrielle and stepped away to shift to the wood table in the room.

The small warrior narrowed her eyes with a grin. "You?re bad."

"I know." Xena leaned against the table. "So what you going to do about it?"

The knight raised an eyebrow. "Do about it?" Her head bobbed up and down a few times as she pondered. Then a smug look came over her. "Nothing." She quickly moved to the door grabbing the handle. But as soon as she had her fingers wrapping around the handle and opening the door, the door slammed shut by Xena. Gabrielle peered up to her Soulmate with an amused look.

"Play nicely Gabrielle."

The small warrior laughed and wrapped her arms around Xena?s waist. Her hands went to the sword?s belt buckle. "Alright." She leaned up to kiss the other knight. "Let?s play nice." Another kiss started but this one was more powerful.

Xena grabbed her partner?s sides and lifted her off the floor at the end of the kiss. She swung herself and Gabrielle around towards the bed that was right behind them. She lowered Gabrielle onto it and crawled onto the bed over the smaller woman. Her left knee came to press up between Gabrielle?s center.

"Oh God." The small warrior closed her eyes as demanding lips took hers.

~*Part 2*~

Gabrielle bounced back and grinned, she twirled her sword in her left hand. She then threw the blade in the air to grab it with her right hand. "Hands behind the back."

Xena nodded and placed her left hand behind her back and saw her Soulmate do the same. Her lips shaped into the biggest grin ever.

The smaller knight attacked with her sword.

The dirt field filled with dust as these two knights practice together. They always practice together and every day at around the same time. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon for about an hour.

And now the smaller woman was having a hard time concentrating because she was trying so hard not to laugh at her Soulmate.

Xena was having the same problem, trying to not laugh at her Soulmate either.

This was something they did every now and again. Both the Soulmates one-day had seen two knights fighting with their hands behind their backs. And both the Soulmates had fallen over laughing at the scene. They both had never seen anything like it before in their time. Gabrielle repeatedly said it looked so snobby.

So since then the pair would fight like that to make fun of the fighting style. And every time the two warriors would get the biggest kick out of it. It was just a fighting style warriors of their time would never do.

As they fought in the early afternoon a figure slipped out onto the field to watch them.

Xena glanced over and saw that it was Merlin. She narrowed her eyes but kept fighting against Gabrielle.

The small warrior took a quick glimpse to see the magician as well. "Stop?"

The warrior jumped backed and lowered her sword and left arm.

Gabrielle stopped as well and sheathed her sword. She then lifted her eyes to Xena to see the warrior sheath her sword.

Xena turned towards Merlin. "Hello Merlin."

Merlin nodded. "Hello Xena." He walked up and averted his eyes to Gabrielle. "Gabrielle."

The small knight nodded faintly. "Merlin."

The magician gave his attention to Xena again. "Arthur asked me here."

The Warrior Princess placed her hands on her hips. "And why? Arthur doesn?t have his magician visiting people for the fun of it."

"True." Merlin crossed his arms against his chest. "He asked me to tell you and Gabrielle that you both have his permission to interrogate Manson."

Gabrielle?s own hands went to her hips. "And why is that?"

Merlin?s green eyes shifted to Gabrielle. "Because I could not get anything from Manson."

Xena had a faint amused looked on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Really?"

The magician sighed and replied to the warrior. "Yes, sometimes magic works and sometimes it doesn?t Xena." He grinned a little smugly. "Now you may have your way with him. Good luck." Merlin spun around on his heals with his cape black cape flowing, he stalked off into the castle.

Gabrielle smirked up to her Soulmate. "Trouble."

"Me?" Xena batted her eyes down at Gabrielle. "Never."

The smaller woman shook her head. "Right. Come on tiger." She put her left hand to Xena?s back.

The pair walked into the castle together and into the main hall.

"Dungeons Xena?"

The knight nodded. "Let?s have some fun." Xena grinned and her pace of walk went fast.

"Lets keep him alive though. I think Arthur would like that."

"Yeah yeah." Xena chuckled. She came to the entrance to the dungeon and went down the steps with Gabrielle beside her. The sides of the wall were lined with lit torches.

This dungeon was one of the cleanest Xena had ever seen and lacking torture tools. That was one way to always figure out what kind of king was ruling. Check their dungeons.

They came to the bottom floor that was lined with cells and guards here and there.

One of the guards stepped up to the Soulmates. "Can I help you both?"

Xena smiled evilly. "Yes, where?s Manson?s cell?"

The guard grinned back. "This way." He stepped ahead and walked along in the dungeon with the knights following behind.

The group came up to the cell and Manson was sitting on a wood bench and he lifted his head to see the people. He narrowed his eyes. "They sent the women now." He snickered.

Xena held out her hand to the guard with a serious face, her eyes pinned on Manson. "Key?"

The guard pulled of a ring with a single key and handed it to Xena.

Gabrielle turned her head to the guard. "We can handle this."

The guard nodded. "Just give me the key when you?re done." He ambled off back to the entrance.

Xena inserted the key and turned it to hear the lock come undone. She swung the gate open and walked in.

Gabrielle on the other hand stood in the open entrance with her hand on her sword?s hilt.

The warrior grinned down at Manson, he was shackled and chained at the legs and arms. "We can do this the hard way or the easy way."

Manson gazed up with narrow eyes. "I?d prefer hard."

"Me too." Xena?s fingers instantly came down to presser points at Manson?s shoulders.

Manson shut his eyes at the pain in his arms, he couldn?t move them.

"Stand up." Xena?s voice was in a growl.

Gabrielle sighed as she watched Manson stand up slowly. They always choose the hard way. She stepped back twice still holding her sword?s hilt.

Manson came out while gritting his teeth.

The small warrior glanced over him to Xena.

The warrior nodded and received one back from Gabrielle.

The smaller knight stepped in front of Manson and started walking down the dungeon?s hall.

Manson walked behind Gabrielle and Xena behind him.

Gabrielle led them to the end of the hall and she took a right into another hall that was prison cells just more fortified. She came to a cell that was open and she pulled the metal handle opening the heavy door.

Manson was shoved in by Xena and he went stumbling to the ground on his knees.

Xena came in and handed her partner the key.

The smaller female took the key and tucked it away. She shifted to close the large door in the stoned cell. She then leaned against the door as it locked and she still kept her hand on the sword?s handle.

Inside of the walled cell there was only one bar window up high filtering in the sun?s light and right on Xena.

The warrior reached down with her right hand to the back of Manson?s neck. She lifted him up and turned him around. "You know what I want to know Manson."

The man laughed. "As I said before Xena. Hell if I?ll tell you." He grinned up at the warrior.

The tall woman nodded. "We?ll see." She suddenly jammed her right knee into his stomach and stepped back as Manson fell to the floor.

Xena walked around him in a circle. "I wont try any hocus pocus on you Manson like Merlin did."

"Oh goody." Manson got up to his feet. "Because you?ll need a lot for me Xena."

The warrior stood behind Manson and she shot a grin to Gabrielle.

The smaller knight bit back her grin and just let her eyes sparkle.

The Warrior Princess came around to the front of Manson. Her fingers quickly moved to those same pressure point as she undid them.

Manson shut his eyes and sucked in a deep breath.

"I am being nice. So why don?t you try too Manson." The warrior crossed her arms against her chest. "Don?t ruin my good mood."

The man narrowed his eyes. "To Hell with you."

Xena?s right hand shot up around his neck beginning to squeeze hard. "Manson, tell me what I want to know."

Manson shut his eyes. "You can?t kill me Xena. Not without the information I know." He felt the air start to leave his lungs.

The knight jerked her hand away.

Manson stumbled back and reached up to rub his neck.

"You?re right Manson." The tall woman grinned. "But it doesn?t mean I can?t beat it out of you."

Manson narrowed his eyes and he quickly lifted both his arms and the chain fell behind Xena?s head. He crossed his arms and tried to choke Xena.

The warrior closed her eyes and pretended to be choking by placing her hands to the chains.

Gabrielle grinned and lifted herself off the door. Strolling up she lifted her right hand and punched Manson hard in the face. "Don?t." She heard Xena remove the chains from around her head. Gabrielle placed her hands on Mansons shoulders and rammed her knee into his stomach.

The dark knight fell to the cell?s floor with his arms over his stomach.

The small knight grinned down at Manson. "I suggest you tell us what we want to know Manson." She kicked him hard in the stomach again and glanced up to Xena.

The warrior raised an eyebrow at her partner.

Gabrielle shrugged her shoulders and strolled off to lean against the door again.

Xena glimpsed back to see her calm Soulmate, she lowered her eyes to Manson again. "We?ll finish this now." She leaned down and did pressure points to Manson?s neck. "Thirty seconds Manson. That?s all you have."

Manson clamped his eyes shut and struggled to breath.. "Alright alright. I?ll tell you anything." He felt the blood trickling down his upper lip. "Just undo? this."

Xena?s fingers quickly moved to undo the pressure point.

Manson sucked in a deep breath as he saw Xena kneel down in front of him. His eyes narrowed at the warrior while he breathed. "What you want to know?"

The warrior grinned. "Everything."

~*~*~*~

The small knight slammed the cell door closed then turned the key to lock it. Her emerald eyes stayed pin on Manson in the cell for a moment. She almost laughed then but held back as she pulled the key out. Turning to Xena she grinned.

The warrior knew what her friend was thinking and held herself back from laughing also.

The pair started walking down the hallway and came to the two guards. Gabrielle handed the one his key back and thanked him. The two Soulmates then climbed the stairs again.

Once they were halfway up them Gabrielle broke down and started laughing hard. "That was the funniest thing Xena!"

The warrior was laughing right along. She stopped walking up the steps and leaned against the wall. "I couldn?t believe it."

The smaller woman leaned against the wall and took a deep breath to calm. "Man he took ?everything? literally Xena."

The warrior reached up to wipe away the tears from her cheeks. "Really. He babbled about everything in his childhood."

"Yes." Gabrielle chuckled. "Even about the time he peed in his bed when he was five." Gabrielle doubled over and started to laugh again.

The older woman laughed hard a few times. She sucked in a deep breath. "Come on. We better report to Arthur."

The small warrior nodded and straightened up. "So what we tell Arthur? That Manson peed in his bed at age five?"

"Nnno!" Xena snickered. "Bad enough the man is captured. We don?t need to make fun of him."

Gabrielle nodded as she climbed the last step to come into the main hall. "You?re getting soft in your old age Xena."

The older woman slowly gazed down at her partner as they walked down the hall. "Ohhh really?"

The smaller woman snickered. "Definitely."

"Mmm." Xena gazed ahead with a large grin. "We?ll put that to the test."

Gabrielle quickly looked up to her Soulmate. "Don?t even."

"Oooh but you started this Gabrielle."

The small bard stopped and gazed up to her partner. "I know what you?re planning? warrior."

The warrior?s eyes twinkled. "Now you?ll just have to wait." She started walking again.

Gabrielle raised her eyebrow at her Soulmate?s back. "Hades." She power walked to catch up with Xena.

The two women made their way to Arthur?s office where he sat behind a desk writing something.

Xena came in first and stood in front of the king.

Gabrielle came in second and stood beside her partner. Her hands went behind her back.

Arthur lifted his eyes and warmly smiled. "I believe you both had success."

The warrior grinned. "To say the least." She took a deep breath. "Manson told us Mordred?s plans. But I still have some? concerns."

The king nodded. "And what concerns may that be?"

Xena crossed her arms against her chest. "Well? Manson broke down so to say before Gabrielle and I." A pause as she glanced at Gabrielle then back to the king. "Excuse my French, but Manson is a pussy foot. He?s rather weak."

Arthur studied the two knights. "And this leads you to believe what?"

"That Manson really doesn?t know the plans my Lord." Gabrielle took a deep breath and brought her hands forward. "Xena and I?s theory is that Manson is not even really Mordred?s second in command. That Manson is a setup." She paused. "Even if Manson is the second in command he doesn?t know the plans. It isn?t Mordred?s style to tell his men his plans, he?s secretive."

Arthur nodded a few times and sat back in his seat. He lifted his right hand to let his elbow rest on the chair?s arm and his chin in his palm. "And how can you be so sure? Mordred calls him his second in command."

Xena nodded. "True but we?ve never heard Mordred himself call Manson his second in command."

King Arthur nodded. "Well I see your perspective but yet neither of you hold real proof."

Gabrielle glimpsed up to her Soulmate then back to the king. "Give us two days to get you proof my Lord." She paused. "I think we can come up with something."

The king took a deep breath and considered the request. "I?ll give you both a day to come up with a plan to finding out of Manson is his second in command or not. If you can not then we?ll have to go with what we know."

Xena smiled a little. "Thank you." She turned towards the door and started to make her exit.

Gabrielle followed along.

Arthur kept his eyes pinned on the pair watching them leave. Once the door closed his eyes went back to his papers on the desk.

~*~*~*~

The bard sat on the foot of her bed with a sigh. "Xena, we need a plan."

The warrior paced back and forth in from of her Soulmate. "I know I know." She brought her right hand to her forehead.

Gabrielle dropped back onto her bed and tried to come up with a plan. She closed her eyes listening to the rhythmic pacing of her Soulmate. Her eyes flew open. "Let?s give him back." She shot up from the bed.

Xena stopped pacing and gazed at her Soulmate. "What?"

"Well not quite give him back. But ransom him back to Mordred." A grin took the small woman?s lips. "Think about it Xena."

The tall woman studied her partner as she thought about the idea. A small grin spread across her lips. "Perfect Gabrielle." She shook her head with a grin. "If Manson is important to Mordred he?ll buy him back. And if he isn?t-"

Gabrielle grinned. "Mordred will leave Manson here to rot with us." She chuckled lightly.

Xena suddenly turned to the smaller woman. Her hands tightly grasped Gabrielle?s thighs. She bent forward to eye level with her smaller partner. "Soft huh?"

"Oh Hell." Gabrielle felt the warrior take her lips in a powerful demanding kiss. She closed her eyes and moaned slightly. Then she found herself on her back and warm hands slipping up her shirt closer to her breasts. The warrior?s lips moved to come down to her neck and the small warrior moaned as Xena?s fingertips grazed across the bottom of her breasts.

Xena raised her head to Gabrielle?s right ear. Her lips grazed across the small woman?s soft ear. "I?ll see all of you? tonight." She quickly stood, slipping her hands out from under Gabrielle?s shirt. She moved with speed to the door and left.

"Damn that warrior." The small knight took a deep breath and let it out shaky. Her hands came up over her face as she felt her body cool down. "Damn me for what I said." She quietly laughed. Taking another long breath Gabrielle sat up and ran her hand through her short hair. Standing up, she made her way out of the room. Her legs carried her directly to King Arthur?s office again.

~*~*~*~

"Come in." Arthur smiled as he saw Gabrielle enter in. "Welcome Gabrielle." He held his hand out to his chair to the left. "Sit down and join us."

The small knight walked through the office and found her Soulmate sitting in the chair to the right.

Xena didn?t look up to her partner and held back the largest grin. She?d barely held herself back in Gabrielle?s room. And Xena knew Gabrielle knew this and would play off it.

Gabrielle sat down quietly and sat back comfortable. "So what is the topic of discussion."

The warrior turned her head to gaze at her best friend.. "Your idea." Her eyes twinkled.

The bard averted her attention to Xena. Which idea is that Xena? Her ivy eyes took on a sparkle towards Xena. "Ah yes, my wondrous idea." She looked to Arthur. "Did Xena tell you?"

"No." Arthur sat back in his chair. "Xena was just getting to that when you came in." He smiled warmly. "But since you?re here, why don?t you explain your idea."

Gabrielle nodded. "Right." She crossed her legs at the ankles. "I figure since Manson is technically Mordred?s second in command he would be valuable. What we could do is ransom Manson back to Mordred. If Mordred agrees to the ransom then we know Manson is important if not?" Gabrielle shrugged her shoulders. "Then Manson is just a decoy and we?re wasting time."

Arthur nodded. "Do you agree to this Xena?"

The warrior nodded. "I do, it?s a beautiful idea." She paused. "Nor do we have any other options."

The king sighed as he weighed the idea. He took a deep breath. "And if this plan doesn?t work. What then?"

Xena closed her eyes for a second. "Then we can?t trust Manson?s words." Her eyes opened again. "And by then my guess is Mordred will attack."

"I can?t have any screw ups Xena and Gabrielle." Arthur laced his hands together. "To many have happened in the past years." He studied both the women. "If Mordred succeeds in taking over my kingdom then there will be turmoil in all of England. England has been through too much this past century. To many wounds to heal."

"Xena and I both realize that Arthur." Gabrielle took a deep breath. "We?re both considering all of this. But when it comes right down to it with or without Manson. Mordred will attack and we need to be prepared."

The king shifted in his chair. "True. But none of us can be prepared unless we know what is going on."

"Not true." Xena sat up in her seat. "Gabrielle is right. Whether we find out if Manson knows the plans or not it will not matter." She paused for a second. "We are better off preparing the men and attack Mordred then rather sitting like ducks." She shook her head. "I do not see the point in waiting for Mordred to attack us."

Arthur leaned forward. "You know my system Xena." His eyes shifted to Gabrielle. "The both of you." His attention was on both women. "We can not attack without good cause."

"How much cause do you need Arthur?" Gabrielle was now leaning forward with burning eyes. "Everybody knows Mordred is threatening peace for all of England. Is that not cause enough? Or must he attack us first and kill a certain number of people for us to act? Why have more people die then need be?"

The king?s head bobbed up and down a few times. "I understand both of your concerns. But there are always different ways to go about this."

Xena quickly stood and leaned over the king?s desk. "If you?re looking for a peaceful one Arthur. You will never find it with Mordred." She spun around on her heals and stalked out of the office.

Gabrielle sighed when she heard the door shut.

The king gazed at the small woman. "Is that the same for you Gabrielle?"

The small knight considered for a moment. "There was a time I would say no my Lord." She shook her head. "But knowing Mordred as I do, I do believe war is the only way." She let her breath out in a sigh. "Sometimes the only way to find the answer is at the tip of a sword and there maybe no avoiding it." She leaned forward. "I do not however look down on your methods Arthur, I never have. I admire them and try to follow them myself." She paused. "But there are certain lines you must cross to protect the ones you love and the morals you believe in." She stood herself. "But I need to catch up with my partner. Excuse me." Gabrielle started walking towards the door.

"Gabrielle?"

The young woman gazed back. "Yes my Lord?"

"Do you believe there is an end to all good things?"

Gabrielle?s eyes fell to the floor. "Yes." Her eyes lifted. "But one good thing will create another, and that one another, that one another and so on. One good thing may die out but others will spur from the first and touch so many lives." She locked eyes with Arthur. "And sometimes one good thing must end for something more magnificent to begin and reshape the world and the people. Everything has a purpose. Why do you ask?"

The king sadly smiled to the bard. "I have a feeling that it?s Camelot?s end."

The young woman sadly smile. "No it would be Camelot?s greatest feet. To end and only begin as a form of hope to mankind." She turned around and opened the door to quietly leave.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle came up to Xena?s door and was about to knock, about to. She stopped and placed her hand on the door handle and held it for a moment. Her eyes narrowed faintly and she quickly released the handle. She power walked to her room and came in quickly but silently closed the door. Once inside she walked out onto her balcony to find her Soulmate there.

Xena turned her head towards her Soulmate. "How?d you know?"

The small knight shrugged her shoulders. "I just know you." She came up to her friend?s side. "I am you."

The warrior smiled for a second but averted her eyes to Camelot. Her arms were over her chest.

Gabrielle quietly stepped up to stand beside her Soulmate. "You know, you can?t blame Arthur. He has his own style Xena."

The warrior sighed. "I know." She shook her head. "And I have my own style."

"And it?s killing you not to be able to do what you want."

The tall woman grinned. "Yes." The grin was gone. "Not being in command is rough."

The younger woman laughed lightly. "You have no idea Xena."

Xena furrowed her eyebrows at Gabrielle. "What?s that suppose to mean?"

"Come on Xena." Gabrielle looked up to her partner. "That first year or so we first started traveling. I couldn?t say or do anything without you approving of it first."

"That?s not true."

"You know it is." The small warrior bard peered up. "Come on. Remember the time with the Titans? Or the time with Pandora?s box? Or how about the time we first met the Amazons? Or-"

"Okay okay?" Xena grinned. "You made your point. Just don?t pin on me the time you left for the Academy."

Gabrielle quietly laughed. "No that was all my idea."

The warrior grinned. "I can still remember how happy I was when you came running up behind me, ready to travel." A small laugh.

"I noticed." The young woman grinned. "That Academy wasn?t for me." A small sigh.

"No." Xena gave a smirk. "You belonged with me."

"Oooh." Gabrielle placed her hands on her hips. "Is that a little ownership I detest? Maybe even jealousy?"

The warrior snickered. "Over you, yes."

The young woman chuckled and dropped her hands from her hips. She looked at the scene of Camelot again.

"Was I really that hard to get along with?"

"God! Xena, I can?t believe you?re asking me that."

Xena started to laugh. "I can?t remember, it was a llooong time ago."

Gabrielle devilishly grinned up to her partner. "Lets put it this way. Traveling with you the first year was like traveling with a mule." She walked off the balcony and into the room.

The warrior blink. "A mule?" She ambled over to the doorway to the balcony and saw her partner by her closet. "You?re relating me to an ass?" She stood in the doorway.

"Pretty much." Gabrielle turned her head to Xena. "You were stubborn as an ass and about as talkative as one."

Xena raised an eyebrow. "Now?"

The young woman grinned and strolled up to the other woman. "Now?" Her hands came to Xena?s side. "Now after whipping you into shape. Well maybe you?re like? well like Tubius was."

The warrior?s jaw dropped. "Tubius."

"Yeah, he was so cute and sweet once we understood each other." Gabrielle grinned.

Xena nodded a few times. "Right." She crossed her arms against her chest. "And you know what you reminded me of the first year?"

"Oh god. What is that?"

"One of those annoying song birds early in the morning that you wish would just shut up because it sung to much and to loud."

The small knight?s mouth hung open. "Well at least my tweeting sounded better then your heehawing."

Both Soulmates regarded each other for a moment but suddenly they both broke out laughing together.

Xena took a step back and leaned against the wall as she slowly stopped laughing.

Gabrielle had her arms against her stomach. "Oh god my? stomach? hurts." She took a deep breath and felt the laughter leave her. Reaching up she wiped away the few tears from her eyes. "Okay that makes sense, I am immortal and my stomach hurts." She shook her head.

Xena grinned. "Makes perfect sense." She chuckled and rested her arms on her stomach.

The young woman smiled and stepped up to her partner.

The warrior pulled her Soulmate in and held her tight.

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her Soulmate and rested her head against Xena.

The older woman kissed her partner?s head and sighed. "A mule huh?"

"Welll?" Gabrielle grinned and lifted her head to grin at her friend. "Maybe more like a black panther." She carefully caressed Xena?s right cheek. "Sleek, soft, dangerous, jet black coat, beautiful?" She saw Xena?s eyes shut and her lean into Gabrielle?s touch. Gabrielle continued with her analogy in a light voice. "Powerful, yet gentle like a kitten, cunning, graceful, with a protective instinct for what it owns, and very deep piercing blue eyes."

Xena took Gabrielle?s hand and moved her lips to place gentle kisses to Gabrielle?s soft hand. Slowly her sapphire eyes drifted open and locked with Gabrielle?s eyes.

Gabrielle smiled warmly and laced her hand together with Xena?s hand.

The warrior smiled back warmly and lowered her head to take Gabrielle?s lips in a protective kiss.