Sex/Subtext ~ No doubt, nothing but the best. Sex though… well we all will find out huh? Sex just happens sometimes eh? *laugh* And I only know… casual sex… whatever that is.
Copyright ~ And as we all know Universal and MCA always own Xena, Gabrielle, Argo, Cyrene and Aphrodite. However, Torqueo, Saada, Ferus, Michael, Potestas, and the story line are definitely mine.
Started: July 18th 2000 on Tuesday
Series One-The Binding of the Soulmates of Time Story-Nine
If anybody has comments about my story please let me know at:
Part 6 (Conclusion)
Section 6
~*Part 14*~
She walked out onto the ledge and let her arms cross over her bare stomach. Her green eyes studied Alexandria in the eastern sunlight. Gabrielle wore her Egyptian attire but hadn't put her wig on yet.
Xena came up behind her partner and slipped her arms around her lover's waist. Her nude body pressed into Gabrielle.
The small warrior moaned softly and dropped her head back. "What are the plans?"
The older woman rested her chin on her Soulmate's shoulder. "To put Octavius in power, leave Egypt in Roman hands, and go home."
Slowly the warrior-bard let a grin crease her lips. "I like that plan."
"Me too," whispered the warrior. "By this time tomorrow we'll be heading home."
"I'm loving the plan." Gabrielle chuckled as she glided her fingertips over her lover's arm.
"It'll take us three to four days to make it back to Greece."
"That's fine with me," admitted the smaller woman. "I'll have you there, that's all I need."
The Warrior Princess kissed her Soulmate's neck. "I love you," she whispered.
The younger woman turned in her friend's arms and pulled Xena's head down for a long warm kiss. At the end of the kiss, she pressed her forehead against the warrior's. "I love you," she uttered back. She closed her eyes and let a grin twitch at her lips. "And you better get into some clothes before…"
Xena's sly smile started to appear. "Before?" she pressed on.
"Before I take you," rumbled the not so normally hard voice.
The darker warrior chuckled and kissed her partner quickly. She let go and strutted across the room to collect her Egyptian outfit for the day.
Gabrielle clenched her hands. "Control Gabrielle… control." She watched the tall, dark, perfectly tanned, and muscular warrior shift through the room. "Control… don't ravage her… she's innocent… its not her fault she's sexy."
Xena laughed after picking up her clothes. She came around to stand tall in front of her Soulmate. "That's me." She winked. "Innocent." Her eyes darkened before she turned around and went into the washroom.
"Control." The warrior-bard closed her eyes tightly. She breathed deeply and opened her eyes to stare at the entrance to the bathroom. "To Hades with control." She power walked into the bathroom with darkening eyes.
Xena adjusted the wig on her head with the gold wraps flickering the light. She walked out of the washroom and saw her Soulmate lying on their bed. A grin spread across her lips as she sauntered over to her partner's side.
Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes to peer up into crystal blue eyes. She smiled contently. "Hey."
The warrior laughed quietly. "Satisfied now?" She sat down on the edge of the bed. Her right hand came over the warrior-bard's stomach as she leaned down to kiss Gabrielle's stomach.
"For now," whispered the Amazon Queen. She combed her fingers through her lover's hair. She then pulled Xena's head to her own and kissed her Soulmate deeply.
The older woman lifted her head a smidge to let her lips just touch Gabrielle's. "We need to get back to business." Her voice was deep.
"Right," ushered the smaller woman. "What's the plans?"
"I am going to take care of Antony and you take care of Octavius. We'll meet up and let Brutus know we know his murder."
"Alright." Gabrielle smiled before pulling her lover's head back in for a long kiss. After the kiss, she started a second.
The tall woman moaned when she felt small hands grasp her sides and try to pull her onto the bed more. She pulled back from the kiss. "Gabrielle," she growled.
The younger warrior chuckled and grinned. "Sorry."
Xena smiled warmly and sat up straight. "We can handle it."
Gabrielle sighed dramatically and sat up. "Maybe." She ran her right hand through her short hair and glanced around the room for her wig. She spotted it but furrowed her eyebrows as she looked for her sandals. "Where are my sandals?"
"Where you left them earlier." Xena stood up and made her way hastily to the door.
"Xena," yelled the smaller woman. "Do not leave here without telling me where the sandals are." She turned her head towards her partner.
The dark woman laughed and opened the door. "Try under the sofa." She winked and left.
"Warriors," grumbled the small warrior. "What am I saying?" She laughed and went over to the sofa to get her wig and sandals.
"And what about Octavius? I hear he is a good man."
Marc Anthony peered up from the map on the floor. "He may be a good boy, but I cannot let him live to be a good man."
The warrior sighed inwardly. Her right hand came up to tip Anthony's head up. "Antony … take my navy. No, I insist. This gesture of yours is very sweet, but I get the point. I know that you love me. I've had reports that Brutus' fleet is approaching the Nile. Draw him into battle there. At the appropriate time, I will reinforce you. Brutus will be crushed."
Slowly, Anthony let a smile etch its way on his lips. "Rome is eternally grateful." He stood up to leave the large room.
Xena watched the man disappear as she sighed. She stared at the map again and narrowed her eyes. As she studied the map, an evil smile found its way in her expression. She then felt her body go extremely warm, which made her look up.
Gabrielle folded her arms and smiled to her Soulmate across the room.
The dark warrior stood up then came over to her lover. "Half the plan is set."
The warrior-bard nodded. "Good." She shifted her weight to her right foot. "Now we need Brutus."
"Yesss." The warrior raised an eyebrow. "And what of Octavius?"
"He's idealistic. His heart's in the right place, Xena." The small woman dropped her arms.
"Sounds perfect." The tall woman bent down to kiss her friend tenderly. When she pulled back she whispered, "Let's take care of Brutus."
The Amazon Queen nodded in agreement and headed out of the room with Xena beside her.
"Queen Cleopatra."
Xena felt a grin curl her lips. "Approach, Roman."
Gabrielle watched Brutus step up to the throne. Xena's grin reflect her lips as she watched her Soulmate lean forward and say, "Boo!"
"Xena?" Brutus narrowed his eyes instantly.
"That's right, I've been playing the part of Cleopatra … because you killed her."
The small warrior raised an eyebrow as she stayed silent to hear Brutus's response.
"You have to understand. I needed that navy and knew that I could never compete with Antony for the affections of a beautiful woman. I thought if she were gone, I would have a chance to negotiate with her admirals."
Now the warrior-bard retorted to that snidely. "That's your justification for murder?"
The Roman Commander lifted his eyes to the Amazon Queen standing stoically beside Xena. "When I killed Caesar, I crossed the Rubicon of blood." His eyes shifted back to Xena. "Why have you called me here?"
"It seems we have a common enemy." The Warrior Princess leaned forward in her seat to lock eyes with the small man. "Marc Antony."
"You see what a dangerous man he is."
The warrior inwardly chuckled. "Oh, yes, I do. His fleet is moving toward the mouth of the Nile. You meet him there and I'll reinforce. Together, we'll chop him into little pieces."
"Why should I trust you?" Brutus shook his head in disagreement.
"I'll go with you." Gabrielle folded her arms against her chest as she gave a smug look.
"I can't ask for a better guarantee that that. You won't regret this."
Xena laughed faintly and sat back in her seat. "I won't regret this." She watched Brutus study her then walk off.
Gabrielle turned her head to her Soulmate. "The trap's been set. Perhaps you won't have to…"
"Kill Antony," finished the warrior. Xena narrowed her eyes with her hands folding her lap. "I can't wait to kill him," she whispered darkly.
The small warrior couldn't hold back the tiny grin from tweaking her lips. She did suggest Xena's dark side coming back… didn't she?
"Perhaps when we have dealt with Brutus, a journey on the scented waters of the Nile … on a golden barge with oars of silver which will keep stroke to the tune of flutes and make the waters which they beat to follow faster as though amorous of each stroke."
The Warrior Princess closed her eyes to hold back her anger. Slowly her eyes opened again. Only with my Soulmate, Antony. "Antony, we're about to go into a major sea battle."
Marc Anthony turned his head to Xena as his body swayed with the ship's rocking. "With Egypt's navy, we cannot lose."
"Once we engage Antony, you'll give Xena the signal?"
"Yes." Gabrielle smirked inside of herself. If only he knew… prices to pay.
"Then we'll see who will become Rome."
The warrior-bard turned her head to the man. "You've become an ambitious man, Brutus."
The Roman Commander narrowed his eyes a little at the small woman. "People change, Gabrielle. I remember when you spoke only of Peace … and now you're a warrior."
Xena's Soulmate clenched her hands. "And you're a murderer," she whispered angrily.
"I killed Cleopatra for the good of Rome."
"How many people have to die for the good of Rome?" asked the Amazon Queen with a harsh tone.
Octavius looked across the Nile as his eyes widen. "There!" He pointed to the signal. "Time to order the Egyptian fleet against both Antony and Brutus." He ordered the Egyptian men to, "Prepare for battle!"
"The Egyptians are attacking our fleet!" yelled Brutus's soldier.
"What?!" Brutus turned to Gabrielle. "You knew?"
The small warrior backed up while kneeling.
"Cleopatra's navy is attacking both Roman fleets from the rear!"
"Both Roman fleets?!" Marc Anthony turned towards Xena and saw her stepping back. "Xena!" He drew his sword instantly. "You win my trust … my love … and then you betray everything."
Xena's eyes darkened as she drew her sword. "Antony…" You're asking for your death, she continued mentally.
"I did…" The Roman stabbed forward with his sword. "…love you!"
Gabrielle ducked and spun her sais forward. "Come on Brutus, an eye for an eye." She grinned and went on attack against her enemy.
Brutus growled and spun his sword to stop the warrior's attack. He soon made quick use of his strength and anger.
"You should have saved yourself," whispered the Warrior Princess as she rammed her sword through Marc Anthony's heart.
Marc Anthony dropped his sword and leaned into the warrior's sword. His eyes closed at knowing he was defeated by the person he loved. "I lost you," he ushered back.
"You never had me," answer Xena. She jerked the sword hard and felt the warm blood creeping into her hands. "You played with fire." She pulled her sword out and watched the man fall to his knees. Her navy blue eyes flickered across to her Soulmate. She spotted her lover on her back with Brutus over top of her. "I don't think so." She took running steps to go after her partner.
Gabrielle narrowed her eyes at the man above her. "Brutus, don't." She had felt herself go warm and saw her Soulmate out of the corner of her eye coming towards her.
"This is your price for betrayal, Gabrielle." The Roman raised his sword up.
The warrior-bard gritted her teeth, spun her sai out, and sat up rapidly. Her sai went plunging into Brutus's stomach simultaneously as Xena's sword. She jerked her sai hard and said, "Your price for murder, Brutus."
Brutus closed his eyes, dropped his sword, and was connecting to the wood planks.
Gabrielle sighed in relief as she watched Brutus's body slip free of her sai and her Soulmate's sword. She rapidly turned to Xena beside her. "Xena?"
"Got you." The warrior dropped her sword and pulled her partner in.
The Amazon Queen held tight as the darkness from even inside of her began to fade out. She was shaking.
~*Part 15*~
"Xena … Rome owes you a debt of gratitude." Octavius smiled to the Warrior Princess.
"Rome owes me nothing. Octavius, you'll soon be the new leader. It is you who must support and recognize this new alliance. It cost Cleopatra her life. Make sure it was worth it."
Octavius nodded as he watched Xena and Gabrielle walk down the pier towards a Greek merchant ship. Why couldn't he shake that feeling of 'it wasn't suppose to happen like this?' But he couldn't explain that part, he could only stand there and watch the Soulmates of Time board the Greek ship.
The Soulmates quickly went on the ship and went below. Down there, they rid themselves of their articles. They did want to see the last seconds of Egypt that they could on deck.
Before Gabrielle climbed the steps to go above deck, she stopped. "Xena?" She grasped her Soulmate's hand.
The warrior shook her head. She knew what her lover wanted to ask and responded to that. "Cleopatra always put the well-being of her kingdom ahead of her own. Respect this. She died in the hopes that the Egyptian people might for the first time choose their next great leader. She was Egypt."
"I know," whispered the small warrior. "But you know I think it's wasteful… her death."
"I agree." The warrior bent forward to kiss her lover's cheek. "But I think it was unavoidable." She lifted her head a little.
Gabrielle sighed sadly and climbed the steps. She knew her Soulmate was right.
Xena licked her lips. She knew that was the answer and the worst one but it was fate. She ascended the ladder behind her partner.
Once on the deck, they found Torrid standing tall with his hand behind his back, waiting.
"Ra," whispered the warrior-bard. She crossed the distance and pulled the minister in for a hug.
The warrior smiled faintly as she stood near the main mast.
"Safe travels, Gabrielle." Torrid released his friend. "I'll miss you."
"And I'll miss you, Ra." The Amazon Queen squeezed the Egyptian's shoulder. "Thank you for all your help."
"Quite welcome." He smiled then lifted his eyes to Xena.
The Warrior Princess smiled warmly and strolled up to the man. She pulled him in for a hug. As she pulled away, she whispered, "Thank you for helping Gabrielle."
Torrid nodded and gave a wink. He took a step back towards the gangplank. "Egypt is in your debt once more." He bowed his head. "Ask of her and Nile, and she will deliver."
"We need nothing, Ra." Gabrielle folded her arms. "Just Egypt's prosperity."
"And this will come true due to both your hands." The minister lifted his heads. "I'll see you in the future, ladies." He walked over to the gangplank. "Take care."
"You too." Gabrielle smiled warmly and waved.
Torrid nodded briskly before disappearing off the boat.
~*Part 16*~
Gabrielle moaned and closed her eyes tightly.
Xena tightened her arms around her partner. "Hang in there."
"I'm good," whispered the short warrior. She opened her eyes to stare at the wood planks. Her left arm hung out from the bed.
The Soulmates slept together in a bunk in a cabin with other sailors. It was surprisingly a large cabin to begin with. But here they laid as they stuck it out in a small storm. They'd been at sail for three days now and Greece was in their horizon.
"Hey, come here." The warrior turned her partner.
The Amazon Queen snuggled into her lover's warm body. Her head tucked under Xena's chin and she wrapped her legs around the older woman's legs. "Thanks," she whispered.
"No problem." Xena's eyes closed gradually. "The storm is almost over."
"How you figure?"
The taller woman chuckled to only shake Gabrielle. "Because the rocking is lighter."
"Right," whispered the younger woman. "Just testing you."
"Glad I passed." The warrior kissed her lover's forehead.
"Me too," teased the small woman. She lifted her head a little and kissed her lover.
The warrior deepened the kiss and placed her right hand behind Gabrielle's head.
A hatch slammed.
The Soulmates separated instantly with a giggly Gabrielle.
The small warrior rolled to her other side so it looked like nothing.
The sailor walked along the wood planks with tense legs against the rolling. He peered up to the bunk with the two women. "How you be, mates?" He walked spread his legs while swaying with the boat.
"Fine," smiled the warrior-bard. "How's it going up on deck?"
The sailor rolled his eyes. "Bloomin ridiculous up there." His lips creased into a grin. "Loven every second of it."
Gabrielle chuckled. "Good, we'll come up there when it's… drier."
"I don't blame ye." He chuckled and started walking. "Excuse… gotta use the loom."
"Not needed information," whispered the small woman.
Xena chuckled and dug her head a little more into her lover's neck.
"We're always getting caught like a couple of kids," grumbled the small warrior.
Again, the older woman chuckled. "Maybe 'cause we're a couple of love sick kids."
"I know that," jibed the Amazon Queen. "We always have been."
"Keeps getting worse too," added the warrior.
Gabrielle laughed then patted her lover's thigh. "No… keeps getting better too… you mean."
"Yeah… just testing you."
The small woman snickered and mocked her partner with, "Glad I passed."
"You're relentless."
"I had to get it from somewhere." Gabrielle heard the door to the head open and saw the sailor walking by again.
"Wasn't from me," ushered the warrior.
"Cha'right." The small woman said loudly. She smiled sheepishly to the sailor when he turned around.
"Beg me pardon, mates but…" The sailor stumbled to his right from the strong rock. "But… why didn't ye two get separate bunks?"
The short warrior opened her mouth, getting ready to respond but was cut off.
"We like sleeping together," deadpanned the warrior.
Gabrielle shut her eyes and mouth. She groaned inwardly.
The sailor smiled shyly. "Right… was jus' wonderen…. I'll be on me way." He turned and scrambled up the ladder to go above deck.
"Oooh gods!" Gabrielle turned to face her partner. "And I'm relentless?"
The warrior shrugged. "Was just telling the man the truth."
"Uh huh." The small warrior poked her lover's chest. "You're nothing but trouble."
"Mmm, with a capitol 'T' too."
The Amazon Queen snickered while brushing her fingertips over her warrior's lips. "More like all capitol letters."
The boat rolled hard to the left.
"Oh Hades!" The small warrior-bard clung to her lover as she felt herself getting ready to fall out of the high bunk bed.
Xena pressed her boots hard against the wall to hold herself in place. She pulled her Soulmate in tightly. "Hang on."
"Agreed." Gabrielle closed her eyes as the boat settled back to normal. She let her breath out slowly. "What a way to ruin a moment."
"Uh huh." Xena lifted her head a little and reached for a blanket. She pulled it over their bodies. "Getting a little cold."
"Yeah," replied the small woman. She pressed her body against the older woman's tightly. Her fingers curled around the blanket as she tugged it over their bodies. "Hey, snug as a bug in a rug."
"You're a poet and you didn't even know it."
"Oh that's so rich, warrior."
Xena chuckled and closed her eyes. "Wasn't trying to be."
"Sure." Gabrielle sighed and snuggled in with her eyes closing now. "I can't believe… what happened back there," she stressed.
"I know," whispered the dark woman. "It's over."
"Thank the gods."
"Thank love, you mean."
The Queen nodded and nuzzled her lover's neck. "Hey, you have to admit we did well. We beat Egypt's power. How many people do you think get to say that?"
"Only us."
"Exactly," added Gabrielle. She went silent for a moment but ushered, "I was scared of the darkness at the end."
"I know." Xena fell quiet as she started thinking. "Is the darkness what you really want from me?"
"I want you." The younger warrior lifted her head with powerful green eyes. "That includes the darkness."
"Gabrielle-"
"Xena-"
"Gabrielle-"
"Hold on, Xena-"
"No, Gabrielle-"
The small warrior moved her hand over her lover's mouth to stop her. "Don't, damn it." She narrowed her eyes. "I was scared." She removed her hand. "But I didn't say I didn't like it."
Xena stared into her lover's eyes as she let her friend's fingertips warm her lips. "Why were you scared?" she whispered in concern. She knew the reason why but had to hear her partner say it.
"Because I enjoyed it… because I felt it too and enjoyed it."
"That's the risk we run, Gabrielle." The warrior shook her head as she became worried. "That's the risk… you getting the darkness too through our bond. I don't like that… I do not want you to fall into something like that."
"Wait." The short woman paused and relaxed. "Okay… we share emotions… share everything." Gabrielle rested her hand on her lover's shoulder. "So… that means better control."
"That also means things are more intense."
"Maybe so but…" The small woman held her hand up. "But we have the same emotions at the same time… its shared. Ssso, the darkness is split between us. Then that means the darkness is only half as strong on you."
"But it's got you too."
"I can deal."
"No deal." The warrior narrowed her eyes. "You can't handle it like I have over time."
"Xena…." Gabrielle narrowed her eyes now. "You are me… I can handle it fine." She shook her head while raising an eyebrow. "And the light between us? It has and never will disappear. That's shared between us as well and it's balancing the darkness. It works perfectly."
"No," growled the warrior.
The small woman leaned in so that their noses touched. "Yes," she growled back. "Don't be stubborn."
"Mule," growled the older woman.
"Ass," growled back the short warrior.
Xena dropped her jaw. "I'm offended."
"Ha!" Gabrielle poked her partner's chest. "So am I." She narrowed her eyes. "Darkness."
"No," responded the hard voice.
"Yes."
"I don't think so."
"I think so."
"That's only you than."
"Pffft." Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "I know you agree with me." She pressed her nose harder against Xena's. "You couldn't hold that darkness back if you wanted to."
The warrior's eyes narrowed. "This isn't funny."
"Who's laughing?"
"You're trying to trick me into this."
Gabrielle shrugged. "I'm just pointing out the fact you're scared."
"That's the last thing I am." The tall woman's eyes shifted into darkness.
"Oh, there it is." The small woman breathed deeply. "Come on Xena, you know you wanted the darkness free."
"Gabrielle," whispered the stoic voice.
"Oooh, look at those baby blues twinkle." Gabrielle moved to kiss her partner tenderly.
Xena ended the kiss quickly and ducked her head under her lover's. She breathed heavily. Her eyes closed tightly in control.
The small woman pressed her lips against Xena's forehead. "I'm sorry but… protection, Xena."
"What could this darkness protect?" The warrior lifted her head with eyes that wanted to understand.
"Us." Gabrielle brushed her Soulmate's hair back as a sad smile formed. "We can't lose what we have between us." She kissed Xena's cheek. "We can't lose the love." She kissed Xena's forehead. "We can't lose the bond." She kissed Xena's nose. "We can't lose our soul." She kissed Xena's lips.
The warrior collected her lover's hands as the understanding did come clearer. She smiled partially when the kiss finished. "As long as we have control over the darkness, then it could be helpful."
"And we do with everything, together." The Amazon Queen had a reassuring smile. "Everything is yours, mine, and ours." Her eyes narrowed. "If anybody… or anything tampers with our love and soul then the darkness will come to snub it or them out." She shook her head and held tightly to Xena's hands. "It's time to make use of that darkness and its time we protect us."
"What perfect way for my darkness to pay back in full than to protect our love." Xena chuckled a little. "How ironic."
"Only in the stories." Gabrielle grinned and winked. "Then it's agreed?"
"Agreed… the darkness to protect our love." The warrior raised an eyebrow. "But there will always be a price-"
"That I'll be willing to pay for if it means we walk off together in the end."
Xena nodded with serious eyes. She couldn't say anything more only promise in her kiss that followed.
~*Part 17*~
Gabrielle tilted her head back as she tugged her cloak close against her body. She stared up the main mast. "What's that?" She pointed.
Blue eyes gazed up the mast. "It's a crow's nest." Xena glanced at her lover beside her.
"Interesting." The small warrior looked across the ocean and saw Greece in the horizon. "I can just smell your mother's cooking from here."
The taller woman chuckled and folded her arms so she could keep her cloak close against her body. She gazed over the bow towards Greece. She saw how smooth everything had became after the tiny storm. However, there was still a good breeze to catch the sails, which sent them homeward.
The Amazon Queen gazed upward at the crow's nest high on the main mast. "I bet there's a nice view from up there."
"Uh huh." The warrior corked an eyebrow at knowing her partner was formulating a plan. "Nice view from on deck too."
"That too." Gabrielle smirked up towards her Soulmate. "Let's get a better view." She strolled over to the ladder for the crow's nest.
"Gabrielle," warned the warrior. She came up behind her partner. "Heights and you don't mix."
The young warrior grabbed the ladder and went up a little. "I know but you're coming. So us and heights mix." She looked down at her warrior. "See you up there." She started climbing again.
The dark woman sighed but grinned. "Right behind you," she whispered. She started climbing up the ladder.
The Amazon Queen popped through the small opening and came into the crow's nest. She peered down the open hatch. "Come on, pokey."
Xena looked up and rolled her eyes. "Be patient with the elderly will ya."
The short warrior laughed and kneeled down. She held her hand through the open hatch.
The Warrior Princess came up a little more and took her lover's hand. She felt herself actually being hauled into the crow's nest. She bursted through the opening and landed on the planks of the crow's nest. She shook her head and raised an eyebrow at Gabrielle. "Have you been working out?"
Gabrielle started to laugh hard and leaned back against the mast that went through the center of the crow's nest.
"Did I say something funny?" whispered the warrior.
The warrior-bard smiled as she stopped laughing. She pushed herself off the mast and slammed the hatch down with her foot. "You saying something funny?" She came up to her partner. "Always." Her body was pressing into Xena's.
"Glad somebody thinks I have a sense of humor." Xena encircled Gabrielle's waist with her arms. She pulled her partner in.
"They just don't understand you like I do." Gabrielle grinned while slipping her hands through her lover's coat.
Xena lowered her head when a cat grin took her lips. "And what you understanding about me now?"
"That you're loving this incredible view."
"Mmm, true…"
Gabrielle trailed her fingertips to her lover's thighs. "But… there's more."
"Yesss." The tall woman lowered her lips closer to Gabrielle's.
"I understand there's some kind of need going on." The Amazon Queen placed her hands between Xena's legs. She gave a certain command.
"You're getting real close." The warrior kissed her lover gently and spread her legs out.
"Mmm, I'm getting hot," whispered the warrior-bard. Her right hand crept up the muscular thigh past the leather skirt.
"Me too," ushered the Warrior Princess. Her body straightened up without warning. She dropped her head back, placed her hands to the railing of the crow's nest, and sprawled her arms out. Her knuckles went white plus she leaned against the railing.
The Amazon Queen let her lips creep along into a grin. "I think I found the understanding." Her right hand was slowly pumping in and out from Xena's cloak.
"Definitellyyy." Xena closed her eyes tightly.
"Lean into me, Xen." Gabrielle wrapped her left arm around her Soulmate's waist.
The warrior was more then happy to do just that. She let go of the railing and leaned against her lover. Her head dropped down onto Gabrielle's. She sucked in a breath and gritted her teeth.
"This looks better." The small warrior's right hand was still moving and picking up speed. "Now it looks like we're just trying to keep warm."
The dark woman wanted to laugh but she could only moan. "I think we… accomplished… that," she rasped. She felt a strong thrust given to her body and the passion washed over her.
Gabrielle closed her eyes and nuzzled her Soulmate's neck. "I love you, Xena."
The warrior whimpered faintly and held tighter to her partner. She felt the speed increase.
"It is a nice view from up here," she chuckled.
Xena grinned for a brief second. "I'll… look… later."
"A little busy?" teased the small woman. She took a deep breath.
"I think… the bottth of us… are."
"True." The Queen pressed her lips against her lover's neck and lifted her head. "Hold on tight."
The warrior knew that meaning. She clenched her teeth, tightened her arms around her partner, and let the feelings take control. She let her Soulmate take control.
And within a few seconds, Gabrielle had complete control of her Soulmate. Gabrielle, however, gave the control back in a kiss to her Soulmate.
It all left the warrior breathing heavily and holding onto the warrior-bard, in hopes not fall to her knees. These were some of her most favorite feelings.
"Yup…" Gabrielle bobbed her head. "The warriors are nestling in the crow's nest."
Xena groaned dramatically.
"No, I'm serious."
The tall woman shrugged and lifted her eyes to the horizon. "Prove it." She shook her head. "I see no proof that the known-world could be round." She grinned at another one of Gabrielle's ideals.
"Common sense tells you the earth is not flat… it's stupid."
Xena chuckled. "And people today would pronounce you insane for saying the earth is round."
Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Then people are stupid," she grumbled.
The warrior smirked and lowered her chin on top of her partner's head. "Maybe."
The Soulmates still stood in the crow's nest together in each other's arms.
"No… people are just… uneducated." Gabrielle breathed in relaxation. "But the world is round."
"Prove it," urged the warrior. She knew her partner was right but wanted to hear this ramping and raving.
The warrior-bard made a smug look. "First, everybody says there is a huge waterfall at the edge of the world. Where in Hades do we get all this water to replenish the oceans? That's a lot of water going over a waterfall that size."
"We get water from the gods."
The Amazon Queen chuckled. "Right… come on, Xena. You believe in the gods as much as I do." She drummed her fingertips on the railing. "Okay, the sun."
"What about it?"
"How it sets." Gabrielle tilted her head as she studied the horizon and the sun's reflection on the water. "If the known-world was flat then the sun wouldn't move across the sky like it does." She grinned. "The sun arches across the sky instead of going straight across."
"So?" shrugged the warrior.
The small woman didn't reply instantly as she studied the horizon. "That's it… the horizon." She pointed at the small strip of land that was Greece. "If the world wasn't round we'd be able to see farther. But since the world is round there's a horizon and we can only see for a certain amount." She peered up to her partner. "And the stars, they're around us not just above us. " Gabrielle arched an eyebrow. "You know I'm right."
Xena laughed quietly and kissed her lover's temple. "You are." She looked up at the horizon. "We just better not tell anybody."
The Queen chuckled and nodded. "True… we'd probably get hung for it."
"Probably," agreed the warrior with a grin. She sighed contently then tightened her arms around her Soulmate's waist. "It'll be nice to see Amphipolis again."
"Yes it will be." Gabrielle dropped her head against her best friend's shoulder. "I wonder how many Amazons will be at the port… waiting for us."
"I don't wanna think about that."
The small woman chuckled and smiled. "Just our admirers."
"Yours… not mine."
"What's mine is yours," teased the warrior-bard.
"Hades," replied the older woman with a chuckle. "I just want you."
"You got me." Gabrielle took a deep breath. "But I still want a new outfit when we get home," she whispered.
"Gabrielle," growled the warrior.
The small warrior slung the pack over her back and walked down the gangplank.
Xena followed behind with a grin.
As soon as their boots connected with the dock, they heard a yell.
"Queen Gabrielle!"
"Oh no," whispered the Amazon Queen. "Hide me, Xen."
The Warrior Princess chuckled and brought her arm across her lover's shoulder. "Come on, my Queen. Be brave." She walked down the dock.
Gabrielle sighed and peered up to Xena. "A little c-c-courage."
The older woman winked down at her smaller warrior. She lifted her head up to see two Amazons come sprinting down the dock towards them. "Here we go," she whispered.
"Gabrielle and Xena!"
The Queen was slammed with a hard hug.
The Consort was rammed with a powerful hug.
Peeling off the two Amazons is exactly what the Soulmates were doing in a few seconds.
The small warrior sighed in relief. "Hi, Joan," she rasped then chuckled.
The redhead Amazon smiled warmly and released her Queen. "It's guid to see you, lass."
Teresa patted Xena's back hard and stepped back. "You look tanner."
Xena rolled her eyes. "Thanks."
The Queen smiled to her two Amazons. "Figured somebody would be here."
"A lot of somebodys, lass." Joan folded her arms. "There's a whole lot of us."
"Oh no." Gabrielle glanced between her Amazons with desperation. "How many?"
The third in command started counting with her fingers. "One… two… three, four five… six of us."
The small warrior dropped her jaw. "I do not need my whole Nation here."
"Awe lass, we're not all here." Joan grinned and put her hands on her hips.
"Where are the rest?" questioned the warrior.
Teresa glanced back down the dock. "They're coming." She gazed back to Gabrielle. "Three of them are new."
"Gabrielle!"
The Queen was pulled out of the conversation at hearing the familiar voice. She peered between the two Amazons to see her regent. She smiled so warmly. "Ephiny!" She chuckled. "Excuse me." She broke off running towards her friend.
Xena smiled and crossed her arms. She watched her Soulmate engulf the regent with a large hug. She chuckled and walked down the dock with her two friends.
"Xena?"
The Warrior Princess corked an eyebrow at the regent. "Ephiny?"
"Stop being stubborn," Ephiny joked.
Xena laughed at her friend. "Like I haven't heard that before." She stepped forward to hug her friend tightly.
"It's ssso good to have you both home." The regent pulled back with her smile. "How was the trip?"
"It was… interesting." Gabrielle grinned and moved to stand beside her Soulmate.
Ephiny put her hands on her hips. "Did what happen… happen?"
"Yes," whispered the Queen. "Later."
The regent nodded in agreement. She brightened up. "We have three new Amazons in the central Nation."
"Really?"
"Yup, brought them along for the ride." Ephiny turned in time to see these three new Amazons.
The three Amazons strolled up with warm smiles and stood beside their regent.
Ephiny held her hand out to the farthest away. "That is Lesia, from the northern tribe." Her eyes went to the middle Amazon with dirty-blond hair and looked older. "And this is Renotta from the western tribe." She grinned to the last Amazon closes to her. "And beside me is Karena." She turned her head back to her Queen. "Karena is from the southeastern tribe."
Gabrielle smiled warmly to each of the new Amazons of her Central tribe. "Nice to meet you three."
The three new Amazons smiled right back.
"We heard about your challenge a month or so back."
The Amazon Queen focused her attention on Karena. "Seems like awhile ago." She chuckled.
Lesia grinned. "You're famous." She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head. "I wish I could have seen the challenge against you and Mairead."
"It was something to be had," whispered Renotta.
"I take it you were there?" Gabrielle raised an eyebrow at the older Amazon.
Renotta laughed slightly and nodded. "I was, sweetie. You did a beautiful job of handling Mairead."
The warrior-bard crinkled her nose with a smile. "Thanks." She turned her head to Ephiny. "Who's in charge in the village?"
"Reece."
Gabrielle's eyes widen. "And she's… trained enough to run the show?"
The regent nodded and grinned. "It'll be good for Amarice, Gabrielle." She laughed quietly. "Don't worry, Solari and Ep are there to watch over things."
"Good." The Queen nodded in approval. "And how did things go with Masika earlier?"
"The village was in one piece and the Amazons were shaking in their leathers."
The small warrior laughed.
"Figures," mumbled Xena.
Ephiny peered up to the dark woman. "You two still not getting along?"
"Masika and I?" The warrior shook her head. "Never, it's a platonic agreement between us."
The regent laughed then shook her head. "Right on." She sighed contently and smiled to her Queen. "Ready to head to Amphipolis?"
"More then you can imagine." Gabrielle held her hand out towards the end of the dock.
Ephiny nodded, stepped aside, held her hands out, and bowed her head. "My Queen."
The Queen just rolled her eyes and strolled off with her Soulmate. "Thank you, my regent." She turned back and smirked to Ephiny. "And please walk behind me like any other regent."
The regent laughed and straightened up. "That's the last thing I'll do." She power walked along the dock with Gabrielle's Amazons bringing up the rear. "I'm not like any other regent."
"How true." Gabrielle smiled to her friend walking beside her.
Joan came up beside Ephiny and glanced over to Gabrielle. "So lass, any guid capers to share?"
The warrior-bard chuckled as her head bobbed. "A real good one, Joan."
"I can't wait to hear this caper."
Ephiny turned her head to the third in command. "TC, where'd you stable the horses?"
Teresa looked ahead from Ephiny and pointed to a left of the port. "Over there." She shrugged and dropped her hand. "Didn't cost anything."
"Probably because they know we're Amazons," cut in Lesia.
"Amazon explains a lot of things," said Renotta as she elbowed Lesia in the side.
Lesia snickered evilly.
"I'm missing something guid here," whispered Joan. "I know I'm new but for Teufates's sake."
Karena chuckled and patted Joan on the back. "It's for Artemis's sake… you're an Amazon and not a Celtic warrior anymore."
"Under my reign she's still a Celtic warrior." Gabrielle shot a smug look to Karena. "I do like versatility in my Nation." She was still grinning but seriousness was in her eyes.
Karena chuckled and bowed her head. "Yes of course, my Queen." She gazed back up with a grin. "Then I can call all my friends… mates."
The Queen laughed and gazed forward. She saw them coming to the end of the dock. She peered up to her lover. "I'm glad we're back," she uttered.
"Me too," whispered back the warrior. She bent over to kiss her Soulmate's cheek. "Soon we'll be home."
The smaller woman nodded in agreement and she smiled with her rare smile.
"So things are going well with Amarice?" Gabrielle spread her legs a little and propped her elbows on her knees. She turned her head to Ephiny.
"Yes." The regent sat back against the rock. "I'm very happy with her results so far." She looked away from the fire. "She's learned a lot, Gabrielle."
The Queen smiled and glanced across the camp in the dark. "Good suggestion."
Xena smiled to her partner. "I had help." She winked and went back to stoking the fire.
It was fairly late at night. The group had dinner, everybody was asleep but Ephiny and the Soulmates.
The warrior-bard smiled however went serious when she looked back to her Amazon. "How are the other Amazons responding to her?"
"Very well too." Ephiny folded her hands in her lap. "She's shaping to be a very good Princess." She chuckled a little. "She's matured in a few days."
"She stopped jumping beds?" the warrior joked as she walked across the camp.
The regent grinned to the Warrior Princess. "I think she learned her lesson."
"Good," responded the warrior evenly. She walked over and sat on the ground in front of her Soulmate.
Gabrielle moved her left hand then ran her fingers idly through her lover's midnight hair. "How about Teresa?"
"Solari has her well trained." Ephiny nodded her head to the new third in command sleeping beside Renotta. "She's perfect for the job." Her eyes averted back at Gabrielle.
"Good to hear." Gabrielle sighed with a contended smile. She lowered her eyes to Xena and she thought for a moment. "Mmm." She turned her head towards the regent. "This winter."
Ephiny raised an eyebrow in question.
"This winter… Xena will be Queen for a week or two."
The fire crackled in the silence.
The regent opened her mouth to reply but she said nothing. She closed her mouth and thought. She opened her mouth again but nothing came. She chuckled and shook her head. "Just… why?"
"It'll be good for both the Amazons and Xena." Gabrielle went serious and spoke lowly. "Because I'm worried something may happen to me in the future and Xena might need to run the show." She saw Ephiny about to protest but she held up a hand. "I know Ephiny… you're the regent." She lowered her hand. "But Xena is my consort and the chosen… she should be next in line to run the Nation."
The regent sighed deeply and flickered her eyes over to the silent Warrior Princess. "Xena?"
The warrior corked an eyebrow. "I couldn't fight her either, Eph."
The Amazon laughed deeply. "What the Queen wants… the Queen gets." She grinned at the Queen.
Gabrielle shot a smug look back. "Naturally." She chuckled and gazed at her partner. "Tired?"
The older woman dropped her head back. "Yup."
"Get some sleep you two." Ephiny stood up. "I think I will."
"We will." The small warrior smiled. "Sleep well, Eph."
"I will, you too." The Amazon smiled before glancing away. She went to the other side of the camp and settled down beside Lesia.
"That… went well," confessed the younger woman.
The dark female chuckled and dropped her head against Gabrielle's leg. "Seemed too."
"You know…" Gabrielle shook her head. "I'm still rocking like last time."
Xena patted her companion's leg. "You'll feel better tomorrow."
"True." The short woman sat up straight so she could stretch her back out. "I am exhausted."
"We're gonna need a vacation from our vacation."
The Queen chuckled and leaned forward once more. "We did… work when we were in Egypt."
The warrior nodded before reclining back. "We still have a month before we go to the Amazons." She lowered her head back into her lover's breasts.
"Yeah, thank the gods." She encircled her arms around Xena's chest. "Plenty of time to fatten up and sleep."
"I don't think so." The warrior narrowed her eyes. "We're going to be exercising."
Gabrielle pouted. "No fun."
"Let me put it this way…" The dark warrior started to grin. "Do you want your Warrior Princess to get her butt kicked by mere thugs after our vacation?"
"On second thought…" The younger woman chuckled. "I don't feel like getting my own kicked."
"Gee thanks," snapped the warrior.
The small woman dropped her forward into her lover's head. She muffled her giggles.
The warrior let a smile twitch at the corner of her lips. "We're exercising," she declared.
"Alright…" Gabrielle lifted her head. "I don't think I could be that lazy anyway."
Xena formed her expression into disgust. "Nasty feeling."
"Uh…" The warrior-bard bit back her yawn. "Huh."
"It's way past our bedtime." The warrior stood up and peered into unfocused green eyes. "The seas got to you, huh?"
The small woman nodded. "Yeah." She ran her fingers through her hair. "I'm pretty exhausted." She lifted her eyes high up to Xena. "Boat rides keep me tense."
"I know." The Warrior Princess stepped forward, leaned down, and scooped her partner up into her arms.
Gabrielle nuzzled her lover's neck. "Be quiet, I don't want my Amazons knowing you carry me."
The tall woman chuckled. "I'll tiptoe."
"You can't…" The small woman dropped her head against her Soulmate's shoulder.
The Warrior Princess maneuvered silently through the camp. "Why not?" she whispered.
"It's not in the warrior's religion."
Xena stopped beside the fire. "And carrying you is in the warrior's religion?"
"Sure." The Queen smirked. "Its fine if warriors carry each other… we just can't tell anybody."
The dark woman just grinned as she knelt down next to a bedroll. She placed Gabrielle in it then reached down and removed her lover's sais. Standing up, she removed her own weapons and placed them all together above the head of the bedroll. "Scoot over," teased the warrior as she lay down.
"Excuse me, Miss 'I wear my armor to bed,'" remarked the warrior-bard.
"Hey you never know… an army might attack."
The younger warrior rolled her eyes and rolled into her Soulmate's arms. "Always prepared huh?"
"When around you… yes."
"Now now… we established the fact that we both bring in the trouble… together."
Xena chuckled and smiled. "True." She kissed her companion's forehead. "Get some sleep… enough of the sarcastic jokes."
Gabrielle chuckled but sighed. She lifted her head. "I love you," she uttered.
"I love you too." The warrior kissed her Soulmate warmly. When she pulled back she studied the warm emerald eyes. She opened her mouth to speak but didn't say anything at first, she still composed her words. "Gabrielle… thank you for…" She didn't know how to phrase it right.
"I know… I know." Gabrielle caressed her lover's cheek. "You'd do the exact same if part of me strayed." She smiled warmly. "We made it though… right?"
"Yeah," whispered the warrior. She knew that was all that mattered. She studied her Soulmate's eyes and saw all the answer for everything she'd ever have questions about.
Slowly, Gabrielle let a smile crease her lips. Just times like this sent her stomach quivering with excitement. She lowered her eyes with a small nervous laugh.
"Every time." Xena grinned and leaned forward.
The Queen felt the lips brush her nose. She moved her head and pressed her lips into her lover's. At the end of the kiss, she wrapped her arms and legs around Xena. Her head tucked under Xena's chin.
Xena held tightly to her Soulmate with a smile. "Gods, I love perfection."
"Dido," whispered Gabrielle. She closed her eyes with another rare smile.
Xena mirrored the smile herself and shut her eyes slowly.
The Soulmates of Time…
~*Part 18*~
Xena leaned against the post of the tent. "What's taking her so long?" she mumbled under her breath.
Cyrene raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "Patience honey, I'm sure she's putting everything on perfectly."
The warrior huffed and crossed one leg over the other.
"Dear, she isn't doing this for herself."
The dark warrior glanced back to her mother. "Then tell me why she's getting a new outfit?"
The mother chuckled as she brushed back her hair from the slight breeze. "Try looking in the mirror, dear."
The taller woman sighed because she knew her mother was right. She stared across Amphipolis's market place.
They'd made it back to Amphipolis yesterday afternoon and glad for it. The Amazons headed back to the Amazon Village as soon as they left the Soulmates in Amphipolis. Today, Gabrielle decided to go hunting for that new outfit. So here was Xena, waiting for her partner to reappear with her new outfit she had in mind. She'd also realized, while standing here, that Gabrielle had snuck the two Egyptian armband bracelets along.
Gabrielle took the tight necklace off and placed it down on top of her other clothes. She looked down at the silver jeweled belt and adjusted it perfectly with the short red skirt. "I think I'm good," she whispered to herself. She gazed out of the crack of the tent flap and smiled to Cyrene.
The innkeeper knew the meaning. She grinned at her daughter. "Come here, dear."
The warrior lifted herself from the post and stood beside her mother facing the tent.
The Amazon Queen chuckled and walked through the tent flaps with her head down.
As Gabrielle raised her head up, Xena raised an eyebrow up.
Gabrielle took a step forward, clenched up her hands, and stood in waiting judgement of the new outfit.
Xena blinked.
Gabrielle grinned evilly.
Xena stared.
Gabrielle chuckled deeply.
"Cat has her tongue, sweetie." Cyrene laughed quietly and smiled to the young woman. "You look beautiful, Gabrielle." She shifted her weight to her other foot. "The red is you." She titled her head. "Velvet?"
The warrior-bard nodded. "Yup." She reached up with her right hand to adjust the golden armband on her opposite arm. "Still getting use to this."
The tavern owner shook her head with an awed smile. "Very impressive."
The young warrior smiled. "Thanks, mom." She peered up to Xena with hidden concern in her eyes. She was needing her Soulmate's words.
Xena never shifted her stoic expression. She unfolded her arms, walked up to her partner, placed her hands on Gabrielle's shoulders, and lowered her lips close to Gabrielle's ear. "Please, explain to me why you keep looking so much more incredibly sexy?"
Gabrielle's tongue ran across her molars as she came up with a good response. "Trust me," she whispered back, "I only do it for you." Her voice was deep and in a purr.
"Keep it that way." Xena licked her lips and her voice went deeper as well as more into a whisper. "The moment we're alone…" She didn't finish the sentence and straightened up. Her eyes twinkled to Gabrielle.
The small woman grinned and her eyes sparkled back.
The warrior stepped backwards to stand beside her mother again. "Not bad." She nodded.
Cyrene chuckled. Oh, she knew the truth. "So, the sweetie gets a new outfit?" She peered up to her daughter.
"I'm gamed." Xena crossed her arms with her eyes locked on Gabrielle. "Love?"
The small warrior nodded. "A little cold for it but I'm… liking this outfit."
"Good." The Warrior Princess strolled off to find the merchant.
Cyrene watched her daughter leave and chuckled to herself. She turned her head to Gabrielle. "You've done her in."
"I know," whispered the warrior-bard. "I'm afraid of what will happen to me." She chuckled and walked into the tent.
The innkeeper followed and helped her daughter-in-law collect her things. "Now, where'd you get the arm bracelets?"
Gabrielle peeked at her arm bracelets. "Xena bought them for me in Egypt."
The older woman smiled as she studied the bracelet on the woman's left arm. "They're lovely, sweetie." She glimpsed up to the warrior-bard. "She's spoiling you, huh?"
"Oh yeah," she chuckled. The small woman straightened up with her old leathers, skirt, and jewelry.
"But I have a feeling she doesn't get off that easy either."
"Never," confessed the young woman with an even voice. She strolled out of the tent with a smile.
Cyrene smiled to herself and headed out.
Xena came up beside the other two women. "Paid for." She reached forward to take her partner's now older outfit. "Got these."
"I can handle them," refused Gabrielle.
The taller woman leaned towards her Soulmate. "Trust me love, you want me busy carrying these," she uttered.
The short warrior laughed nervously and let go of the leathers. "I'm in big trouble."
"With a capital 'T' too." Xena sauntered off with her lover's leathers.
"I do believe I'll be… visiting Ferus this evening." Cyrene nodded briskly as she stared at her daughter's back. "For supper." She flashed a smile at Gabrielle and strolled off.
The small warrior's head bobbed. "I won't be walking for a week… minimum." She made a grin tweak her lips. "And I can't wait!" She laughed with excitement and jogged after her Soulmate.