Copyright: Wouldn't know how to get one or what to do with it once I had it. Feel free to take any part of this story and use it any way you want to! (My editor says I shouldn't put that part, but I just can't be possessive about this - everything else yes, but this, no.)

Warning: Romance ahead between two women. If not your cup of tea, please order take-out.

Setting: There was no journey to Chin; no Hope; Ephiny is alive and doing well. In other words, the world of ancient Greece is just the way I like it.

Responses: My great editor insisted that I would like feedback, so email me your

comments at word_chaser@hotmail.com.

Finally, on with the show.....

August 23, 1999

THE REQUEST

"You want what!" The sound seemed to bounce off the surrounding hillsides and echo back to the warrior who had stopped in the middle of the trail to stare at the bard in amazement.

"You heard me," replied the bard with a firm set of her lips.

"I heard you, I just couldn't believe you."

"I want to be courted," she replied, hands on hips, with that "don't give me any of your warrior lip" look on her face.

"Courted?" Xena shook her head as if she couldn't be hearing this statement again.

"C-O-U-R-T-E-D," the bard spelled out as if talking to a little child. When Xena didn't want to hear something, you just had to keep at it like wearing down a mountain.

"But why? I don't need to court you; I've already got you. We've been lovers for almost a year now." This was Xena logic at it's most simple . . . and desperate.

Now Gabrielle knew that Xena loved her, but she also knew that the warrior wasn't always the most romantic person around. She had been a warrior with a warrior's way for so long and fighting wars usually didn't leave a lot of time for the niceties of romance. That's not to say she didn't try or have her moments. In fact, her mind wandering, some of those moments could take her breath away. Remembering one time when Xena had them camp early for the night and proceeded to . . . .

"Gabrielle? Gabrielle?" Xena waved her hand in front of the bard's face trying to get her attention.

Blushing and catching her wayward thoughts, Gabrielle's mind (and heart) went back to the subject at hand - being courted. She'd have to be careful how she explained to Xena what she wanted - what she needed.

"Xena . . . when Perdicus and I were to be married - the first time, in Potedia - it was just expected of us. There wasn't really any love and certainly no courtship. And then, when we were to be married the second time, we were surrounded by battle. Most definitely not my idea of being courted."

"Gabrielle . . ." Xena reached over and touched her bard's arm gently. Looking deep into her emerald eyes with a troubled look, Xena started to speak, "If you . . . ."

"No, Xena, don't," Gabrielle replied softly. "It's not about Perdicus. Never doubt that you are the love of my life - you are my life, the very air that I breathe. It's just that every little girl has some dreams that she can't let go. And no matter how different her life is from what she envisioned, some dreams die hard."

Xena opened her arms and Gabrielle flew into them and buried her face in Xena's shoulder. Little snuffling sounds could be heard from the bard and her warrior clasped her tighter still as if to protect that little girl from all the bad things in the world. Bad things that the warrior knew all too well.

Turning her head so she could be heard, Gabrielle whispered, "I know I'm never going to have the big wedding with my family all around and I've even gotten used to the idea of not settling down in my own home and raising a family. But, I can't give up on all my dreams. I have to be able to hold on to at least one. And that dream is of being courted by my true love."

The warrior, who had negotiated many a treaty, argued with kings and gods - was speechless. Tightening her arms, she felt her resolve melting like the mist before the rising sun. There were many things in life that Xena would never be able to give her love - the riches and luxury she deserved, a home surrounded by happy children, even security - but this was something that she could, and would, give her bard. She had survived worse. "How bad could it be?" she thought innocently.

NORTH TO AMAZONIA

Gabrielle had spent too long traveling with Xena not to recognize the "deep in thought, planning a battle, don't bother me now!" look. After a half candlemark of arguing this morning, she had given in to the immovable object that was Xena. Without explanation, they were turning and heading for Amazonia. It was only a two-day walk if they kept up this pace (which Xena showed no signs of slacking.) To her knowledge, they had received no summons from Ephiny to return, no word of danger in the Amazon Territory, not even the rumor of some festival that they should attend.

Xena had been quiet since the day before when Gabrielle had made her request to be courted. The bard knew that the request was foolish, and that Xena really did show how much she loved her in a hundred silent ways. Gabrielle would regret the request forever if it made the tall warrior walking in front of her doubt her love.

By the second day of the journey to Amazonia the bard was truly worried.

Last night, they had made tender yet passionate love until they were both exhausted. Then the warrior had held her close, but Gabrielle could sense that something was different, something had changed in their relationship. Xena seemed to be holding something back, she seemed reserved despite all her passion. Gabrielle couldn't put her finger on it but felt that her request, Xena's reserve, and their journey to Amazonia were connected. Her silent fear was that she had somehow pushed Xena too far and she was being taken back to her Amazon sisters so that Xena could travel on - without her. This was the fear that Gabrielle had lived with from the beginning: that Xena would realize Gabrielle wasn't worth all the effort and that she was better off alone as she had been before. Even after they became lovers that fear still persisted.

Well, whatever faced her in Amazonia she would face with her usual courage. Although it would take more courage than she had to face losing Xena.

AMAZONIA

They had picked up their usual entourage of Amazon warriors from the outposts they had passed after reaching the Amazon territorial boundaries. Word had gone quickly ahead that the Queen and her Champion were in Amazonia and heading towards the main village. Ephiny sent out the royal guards to escort them in, and based on past visits, had put the cooks on alert that the Queen and her appetite were on their way to the village. It was hard to tell who was more upset by the sudden and very unexpected visit: Ephiny, who feared something was very wrong; or the cooks, who feared there wouldn't be enough food supplies in the whole territory to feed their little Queen.

As Gabrielle, Xena, and their royal escort broke through the woods that surrounded the village, they were met enthusiastically by the gathered Amazons. Pushing through the crowd, they could see Ephiny standing with the members of the council to officially greet them.

Ephiny stepped forward as regent, "My Queen, we are honored by your return and rejoice that you are safe in your homeland again."

Gabrielle, ever conscious of her position as Queen, solemnly accepted the words of her regent and council. Then with a whoop of joy, she launched herself at Ephiny, laughing and hugging her. "It's good to be among friends! I need to hear all the latest gossip, news of the village, and of course, what's on the menu," laughing at her own reputation as "The Stomach That Ate Greece".

A young warrior stepped up to Xena, "Queen's Champion?"

"Yes?" A raised eyebrow had the poor girl blushing.

"With your permission, I'll take care of Argo."

"Xena, leave my young warriors alone," called Eponin from across the way.

"Me? What did I do?" Xena asked, trying (and failing) to look innocent.

"Don't act all innocent. That eyebrow has caused many a warrior to wet his breeches. But what could you expect from men?" Eponin clasped arms with Xena, warrior to warrior. "Argo will be safe with Thelisa; she has a gentle hand with horses."

"All right, all right." Handing over the reins, Xena gave Argo a loving pat and murmured in her ear to be good and behave with the young Amazon.

Xena turned with Eponin to follow Ephiny and Gabrielle, staying behind to allow the Queen and her regent their "girl talk".

Ephiny turned to see Xena engaged in conversation with Eponin. "Gabrielle," she quickly asked, keeping her voice low to avoid Xena's legendary hearing, "what are you doing here? Is everything all right?" Concern was evident in her voice. Although the Amazons had been reluctant to accept Gabrielle at first, she was now a cherished member of the tribe - not to mention an excellent Queen.

"This was Xena's idea. I don't know why we're here. Not that I'm not happy to see you again!" Gabrielle couldn't help looking over her shoulder at the warrior in question as if to find an answer there.

Ephiny's brow furrowed in concern, "You have no idea?" She knew that Xena liked to keep her battle plans to herself - to keep Gabrielle from fearing for her warrior's safety, if Xena would only admit it. But Ephiny could see no reason for not telling the bard the reason for traveling to Amazonia . . . unless there was danger. Ephiny's concern went up at least ten notches.

Arriving at the royal hut, the regent turned towards her Queen, "Your hut has been made ready and your things will be delivered soon."

Xena put her hand on Gabrielle's arm to stop her from entering the hut. Turning towards Ephiny, she requested, "Could you have my things taken to another hut?" She saw the amazement on Ephiny's face and the hurt on Gabrielle's, but steeled herself to do what she must.

"Xena??" Gabrielle couldn't disguise the hurt and fear in her voice. Was her worst fear truly coming to pass?

"I think this is for the best, Gabrielle," Xena was firm in her statement. She had decided her path and would walk it like the warrior she was - no matter what the cost.

Moving as if to take the bard into her arms, Xena stopped herself, and instead stared deeply into the emerald eyes below hers and turned away stating, "I'll be with Argo; let me know when my hut is ready."

Gabrielle stared at the retreating back of her champion, friend, and former (?) lover. Ephiny reached out a hand to clasp Gabrielle's arm in sympathy. "Gabrielle, what is going on?!?"

"I don't know, I just don't know." Shaking her head, she tried to sound reassuring to her friend, an assurance she didn't really feel. "I'll be all right Ephiny . . . truly. I just need some time by myself to think this through. There has to be a good reason for Xena's actions, there always is." Turning, she entered the hut - alone.

Ephiny stood outside the royal hut stunned. She could hear Gabrielle crying inside and was uncertain whether she should go inside and offer comfort or go and confront the obvious source of the problem - Xena. Although she had a better chance of moving a mountain, she decided to confront the warrior.

Entering the stable, Ephiny saw Xena calmly grooming her horse. "Xena you have to tell me what this is all about."

"No - I don't."

"But maybe I can help."

"No - you can't."

"If you and Gabrielle are having problems . . . ."

"No - we're not."

The Amazon gritted her teeth over the warrior's terse answers. Being a woman of few words was one thing but this was ridiculous. Didn't she realize what was at stake?

"Xena, can you at least say more than three words about this?"

"Yes, I can." And so saying, the warrior turned and left the stable, hiding a smile. She knew that Ephiny truly wanted to help but also knew that this was something that she had to do on her own.

Dinner that evening was a subdued affair. Word had spread quickly of the trouble between the Queen and her Champion. The fact that these two - so obviously in love - were estranged disturbed the whole village. Everyone could sense the Queen's pain but were powerless to help.

The Queen sat with her Regent, deep in conversation. Ephiny tried to keep Gabrielle talking and her mind off of her worries, but the bard kept losing her train of thought and would end up staring at her warrior. Well, maybe not "her warrior" anymore.

For her part, Xena sat alone deep in thought. The Amazons didn't know what the problem was but they felt confident that it had to be the warrior's fault and didn't mind letting her know. Her food had been served cold, her wine was bitter, and she was being treated like she had the plague. To the Amazons' surprise, Xena showed neither guilt nor anger, just stoic silence.

Mercifully, the evening came to an early end and everyone returned to their duties, or if they were able to, their huts.

In the royal hut, the Queen tried to find solace in sleep, tossing and turning in an effort to find a comfortable position. But there was no comfortable position without Xena's soft breasts under her head, silky skin against her own, and comforting heartbeat in her ear. It was going to be a long night - a long, lonely night.

Across the village in another hut - "her" warrior stared at the wall, equally uncomfortable, but preparing for the coming day.

The day dawned sunny and beautiful but moods were still muted in the village. Except for one particular warrior who was whistling as she groomed her horse. Giving Argo a final pat, Xena murmured, "Wish me luck girl."

Stepping out of the stable, Xena straightened her leathers and armor (all newly cleaned and shined) and headed for the Queen's royal hut. She stood outside, patiently waiting for Gabrielle to come out and head for the cooking hut.

Gabrielle stepped outside, surprised to see Xena. Her sleepless night was evident in the circles around her once bright green eyes. Xena held out her arm to the little Amazon and gave a little bow. Gabrielle could only stare in surprise. "What are you doing?"

"I'm here to escort you to breakfast," Xena replied calmly.

Placing her hand tentatively on the warrior's arm, Gabrielle allowed herself to be led across the common. Silently, the warrior sat the Amazon and proceeded to serve the Queen personally. A stunned silence fell across the room - ignored by Xena and never even noticed by a bemused Gabrielle. Breakfast was eaten in total silence.

After picking at her food, the Queen finally indicated that she was finished. The warrior stood, offered her arm, and escorted the confused bard back to her hut. With a little bow, Xena left and turned toward the practice field. She could feel the eyes of a certain Queen boring into her back. It was all she could do not to turn and grin.

After a good workout with sword, staff, and eager young Amazon warriors, Xena hurriedly cleaned up. Walking swiftly, she presented herself outside the council chamber just in time to catch the Queen leaving. Bowing, she offered her arm and again escorted Gabrielle into the cooking hut. Another meal of silence and confusion was had by all - but one.

The entire affair was repeated at dinner time, with the exception that Xena went so far as to feed the bard a few choice morsels by hand, her fingers lingering against the luscious lips just a fraction longer than necessary. Gabrielle was even more confused than ever. Pausing in the middle of eating, she turned to the warrior and asked, "Are you leaving me?"

"No"

"Are we in trouble?"

"No"

"Are you trying to send me a message?"

"Yes"

"Well I'm not getting it. TELL ME!" The bard was past the point of understanding and patience.

The warrior leaned in close and lowering her voice, murmured in Gabrielle's ear, "I love you. There is nothing I would not do for you."

Gabrielle's heart caught in her throat and she was grateful that she was sitting for her knees felt too weak to hold her. Equally low, Gabrielle whispered, "What are you doing?"

"I'm courting you," the warrior replied, placing a hand on the bard's thigh and stroking gently.

"COURTING ME?!?" the bard managed to say just under a shout. Heads all over the cook's tent turned to stare at the Queen and her . . . courter?

"Well, that must clear up a number of misunderstandings around here," Xena replied with a wry grin and just the hint of a blush. The silence of before was now punctuated by many conversations, not to mention a few snickers directed at the Queen and "her" - oh, yes, quite definitely - her champion.

"Xena, can we go back to our hut, please?" Gabrielle requested desperately. She wanted to be away from the prying eyes of her sister Amazons and to have an opportunity to explore this "courting" thing.

"We're staying in different huts, Gabrielle. But why don't we take a walk in the moonlight? We can look at the stars and you can tell me all your dreams." Xena looked deeply into the green eyes that held her world, meaning every word she said - all the words she had failed to say in the past.

"Where is my warrior and what have you done with her?" Gabrielle asked in mock horror. But in her mind she was asking herself, "Who was this woman that she had loved for so long?" She couldn't believe that Xena was doing this for her - the little village girl from Potedia being courted by the Conqueror of Nations.

They walked out into the night, oblivious of the envious eyes watching them from the cooking hut. They strolled around the village and off into the woods, Xena bending her head to listen closely as the bard talked. Surprising her once again, Xena reached over to link their hands as they continued walking. Every now and then, the mighty warrior would bend a little closer to brush her lips across a delicate ear, along the line of a smooth neck, and even, gently and so tenderly, along silken lips. Returning to the royal hut, Xena stopped Gabrielle at the door. Bending down, she wrapped her arms around the smaller woman, holding with love what she could never take by force - the heart of the Queen of the Amazons. Slowly she lowered her head until her lips were but a breath away from that which she craved. Her voice husky, she whispered, "I love you. Never doubt how much, never doubt how long. There is no other in the world for me but you - always." The last word could barely be heard as she pressed her lips against Gabrielle's, tightening her arms until they were pressed against each other so tight that it was impossible to tell where one began and the other one ended.

When the warrior raised her head, Gabrielle stood swaying in the moonlight. The sparkle in her eyes owing to more than the stars' reflection. Grasping the hand of her love, Gabrielle turned to enter the door but Xena stopped her again, and bending over her hand, gave it a gentle kiss, saying, "The night was enchanting and you were a dream. Sleep well my Queen. I will be here in the morning to escort you to breakfast."

"Xena? Don't you want to come in with me?"

"It wouldn't be proper so early in our courtship, my Queen. `Till tomorrow." The warrior turned away with a wicked grin on her face though her heart was still pounding from the kiss.

"You have GOT to be kidding?!" Gabrielle called to the retreating back. But she was rewarded with only silence. Several candlemarks later, the tossing and turning from the royal hut finally stopped as a happy - but frustrated - woman finally fell into a dreamless sleep.

Breakfast had gone pretty much the same as before except for the open staring of the entire tribe at the two "lovebirds", as Ephiny put it. Not that that is what she said to the Queen or to her deadly Champion.

Again Xena left Gabrielle to her queenly duties in the morning and afternoon. Before going to escort her Queen to dinner, Xena made a side trip to get her a bouquet of flowers. As she walked to the royal hut, she passed Eponin who couldn't help snickering, "Well, isn't that just the cutest thing I've ever seen. The big, bad warrior taking her sweetie pie some flowers". The big, bad warrior didn't even pause in her stride as she passed the weapons master and calmly backhanded her right in the face. The Amazon slid down the hut she was leaning against like a lead weight. Xena glanced back to see the effect and snickered at the dazed look on Eponin's face. This courting stuff had its hazards and baiting a sexually frustrated warrior just happened to be one of them -- maybe all of them!!

Inside her hut, an equally frustrated bard was waiting for her escort. She was enjoying the courting but she definitely didn't like the "separate huts" part. Xena had assured her that it was one of the rules of courtship. "Who made up such a stupid courting rule anyway?" she grumbled. "It had to have been a nervous parent because no one that I know would come up with that one if they were being courted. I am a Queen, for Zeus' sake! Can't I break stupid rules like that?" Hmmm . . . that was food for thought. Delicious food indeed.

Another tender dinner, another moonlight walk. This time it was the bard who took the warrior's hand to pull her close as they walked. The Queen, in her best rule breaking mode, kept brushing her body against the taller woman, even going so far as to brush her breast against the muscled arm as she, oh, so casually turned to listen closer to the warrior. The warrior, stoic even in courting, courageously ignored the Queen's attempts to break Courting Rule #1: No Sex during courtship".

"The moon on your hair shines like a river of light," the courter murmured low in the courted's ear.

"WHAT?"

"That's a compliment Gabrielle," groused the warrior. Hades, this was hard to do if you weren't going to be taken seriously.

"I know what it was. I've just never heard you say something like that." "Would this woman never fail to amaze me?" the bard wondered?

"What did you expect me to say? That your hair gleamed like the metal of a new sword?"

"Well, that would have been more in keeping with your style," Gabrielle assured the disappointed courter.

"Let's try this again, and YOU remember that THIS is what you asked for!"

Pulling the contrite bard off the path, Xena led her to a log in a small clearing. Sitting the smaller woman down, Xena took her place in front of the bard - on her knees, no less! Taking the smaller hand in hers, blue eyes with depths that few could fathom gazed into green. Momentarily lost in the sea of emotion that she saw there, the warrior grew very serious. Looking down at the hand in hers, she was amazed at how small and yet how strong it was; its whiteness showing in such contrast to her sun darkened skin. How was it possible that this tiny hand could hold her heart, her soul, her very future in its grasp? How could she have loved this petite woman for so long and so deeply and failed to convey these feelings? Had she truly not expressed the depth of her emotions? Maybe Gabrielle was right. Maybe she should have been courting her bard, her Queen...her heart's heart.

Glancing back up, Xena caught the look of confusion in the green eyes she loved. Gabrielle must think the warrior couldn't find the words to say. The truth was not in finding the words, it was getting them out around the heart that always found it's way to her throat when they were together like this.

"Gabrielle . . . ."

"Yes?"

"Gabrielle . . . . . . . . . . ."

"Yes?" more encouragingly.

"Gabrielle . . . . Looking at our hands like this . . . it reminds me of how different we are. You're small, I'm tall . . . er; you're light to my dark; you're innocent and I'm world weary. Some people see the differences and can't imagine how we could ever be together. I see the differences and wonder how we could ever be apart. The differences make us strong where we need to be strong, and weak where we need to be weak. The difference in you completes me and makes me whole. It is my hope that you feel the same way - and have no regrets for the differences."

Clasping their hands together so tight that the one was lost in the other, Xena laid her head upon their hands and murmured, "I once wanted to conquer the world. Then I found that if I could only conquer your heart - that was world enough for me. More than I dared hope for, more than I deserved."

Gabrielle bent her head to the darker one and rested her cheek against the smooth jet black hair. "Xena, you did not conquer my heart. It was freely given. The differences you see are great, but the differences between our hearts are as from one rain drop to another. When you put them together, they meld to form one perfect union."

Moving her arms up around the perfect waist of her love, Xena brought her lips close to those she craved. With a catch in her voice, Xena growled low, "And I'm supposed to be courting you."

"Is there a rule against courting each other?" Gabrielle smiled against the warrior's lips.

"I'll check my courting guide . . . later." And pressing her lips softly to Gabrielle's, stopped all communication. After a few moments, softness gave way to passion - deep and hard. Raising her lips slightly, she gazed down at the swollen red lips beneath hers and then into the liquid green pools above.

Gabrielle, stunned at the feelings running riot through her heart, looked into the smoldering blue eyes above her and was lost . . . and found . . . at the same time. Unable to bear the intensity, she turned her head aside and buried her face in the nearest shoulder. Xena's skin felt like fire and reaching out her tongue, she tasted the slightly salty taste of her skin. Entranced by the taste, she continued her exploration across the shoulder to an inviting neck, replacing her tongue with her teeth in silent exploration.

Gasping with the rush of feeling these small touches could incite, Xena returned the favor by allowing her hands to explore as much of the exposed skin they could find. Not finding enough, her hands began to make exploratory missions into hidden territory. The roughness of the skin on her fingers in contrast to the silky texture of what she found causing a shiver to run down her spine. Made bold by the discoveries of what could be found in hidden mountains, her hands, as if with a mind of their own, began to search a new kingdom to conquer. Loosening the band to Gabrielle's skirt, one hand began the assault. Feeling the smoothness of the taught stomach, it paused in its quest to softly knead the flesh it found.

Momentarily distracted from her own exploration of her lover's neck, Gabrielle gasped and pressed herself tighter against Xena's chest indicating her need.

Pressing her mouth to Gabrielle's, Xena eased the Amazon to the ground, leaning her back against the log. The sound of Gabrielle's resulting moan only served to inflame the warrior's blood even more. Leaving the sweet skin of her stomach for sweeter territory still, Xena's hand continued its downward descent until she could feel the proof of Gabrielle's desire - moist, hot - hers!! Her own hot center trembled in response and she felt a burning need to press into the delicate body beneath hers - to fill and be filled in return. Xena's fingers began a rhythm that Gabrielle knew all too well. This would be fast, hard, and soul shattering. The nights spent apart had whet their appetites to the point that the main course was all that concerned them. Dessert would be a treat for later when the storm of passion had subsided.

Gabrielle threw her head back, her neck muscles straining as beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. She tried to grasp Xena's shoulders to anchor herself to the earth but instead found the warrior's breastplate. Her fingers finding their way up and curling between leather and skin, she held on for dear life, pulling the woman above her closer . . . closer. "Yes . . . yes, oh . . . Xena . . . . ."

Hearing her name through the roaring in her ears, Xena suddenly paused to look down into the flushed face of her love. Shaking her head as if in a daze, she tried to remember what had brought them here. She was supposed to be courting the bard and here they were out in the woods (still fully clothed, for Zeus' sake!!) in the full throes of passion. This she had always been able to give the bard. What Gabrielle seemed to want was the romance with all the frills and special things that she deserved.

Easing the motion of her fingers to just the lightest touch, and with an internal groan of agony, the warrior princess relaxed her hold on the warm woman beneath her. Planting gentle kisses along Gabrielle's hairline and smoothing back the blonde hair with her free hand, Xena attempted to dampen down the fires in her lover's blood.

Taking a ragged breath (she had been so close!), Gabrielle looked at her lover with concern, confusion and utter frustration. "What is it? Are we in danger? Is something wrong? Xena! Talk to me!!"

"This isn't what you wanted," murmured the warrior in distress.

"WHAT?" Gabrielle loosened her hold on Xena's leathers and fell back against the log with a thud. "Are you out of your mind? NOT want this?" Xena must have lost her mind or was possessed - or she, the Queen of the Amazons, was going to have her killed for stopping - especially at that precise moment.

"You wanted to be courted. The tender words, soft touches, gifts. It's what you wanted, what you deserve . . . and by Aphrodite, I'll give them to you if it kills me!"

"Or kills ME," Gabrielle muttered under her breath.

Xena removed her fingers from their tender resting place causing Gabrielle to gasp and press up against the warrior's hard body. In one fluid motion, Xena stood with the bard held closely in her arms. "I'm sorry Gabrielle. I didn't mean for things to go this far. I only wanted . . . needed . . . forget it. Let's just go back."

Feeling too weak to stand, Gabrielle allowed the larger hands to straighten her clothes and brush back her hair. Thoughts flew through her mind as she barely noticed their return to the main path and the village common area. "I can't believe that Xena could just stop like that! What in the world had she been thinking of? '. . . . her bard . . . her lover . . . the other half of herself.' That's what she was thinking of," Gabrielle realized. She had asked Xena to court her, said it was what she had always dreamed of. And Xena, the silent, stoic warrior, was doing everything she could to make that dream come true. Gabrielle almost wept at the thought.

Standing before the royal hut, Xena tried to form the words of apology and explanation. "I'm sorry if I've ruined the courtship Gabrielle. Tomorrow I'll start all over again. I'll write you a poem tonight and tomorrow we'll have a picnic by the river and I'll (gulp) sing to you."

Knowing, at last, what all of this was costing the Conqueror of Nations, Gabrielle slowly drew the warrior forward. Placing her hand behind the raven hair, she could feel the tenseness in the neck and understood the frustration it reflected. Pulling Xena's head down to her own, she whispered against the full, red lips, "Xena. Some things are to dream about and some things are to have. You don't have to court me . . . you already have me."

With a whoop of joy, Xena, the Conqueror who had been conquered, lifted the Queen of her Heart and entered the dark inner chamber. With a deep growl of passion, Xena couldn't resist stating in triumph, "I told you that in the beginning!!"

The End