This is a piece of ALT fan fiction...

Chapter I

"There ... that thatch of brush." Xena whispered, extending her muscled arm and index finger, pointing in the direction her words were indicating. Gabrielle strained to she not only where, but WHAT her partner was seeing.

"Sorry Xe, I don't see ...." she began softly, then stopped suddenly as the object came into view. Faintly, in the ever encroaching graying of dusk, she could see the faintest swishing of a tail. Not just any tail, but her adopted nephew Xenon's, junior centaurian tail. Apparently he had anticipated their search to be coming from the opposite direction and carelessly backed into the brush to lay in wait for them. Gabrielle's eyes sparkled as she silently looked to her partner for the telepathic signal to strike. With a glimmer in her eyes and the flash of the most dazzling smile, Xena jerked her chin in his direction and they were off at full gait, waterskins at the ready.

"Whhhhoooooo ......." he skidded out of the bush as the cold water splashed his unsuspecting hindquarters. He bucked up and tried to rearrange his own waterskin to counter attack. A difficult task for someone who was twitching, and ducking, laughing and dodging. The end result was major moisture on him and minimal moisture on them.

"Gotcha again Xenon!" Gabrielle teased, to which he replied with a hunch of his broad shoulders. "I guess I'm no match for my favorite aunts!" and took a swig from his skin. Xena caught the impish glint just a millisecond after his cheeks filled and realized what his intentions were. Her eyes wide, she reached out for her partner who already had her hands up, both getting sprayed simultaneously. He almost choked on the little remaining water in his mouth when he saw Gabrielle's shocked expression. Xena seized the opportunity to take out his front legs, wrapping herself around his haunches and bring him down to the ground.

"NOW Gabrielle! NOW!!" she called out as she proudly realized that Gabrielle was already swiftly approaching them, after her subconscious retreat, with her waterskin raised high. She haphazardly doused ... the duo.

'Or maybe NOT so haphazardly.' Xena thought, as she realized that she had detected a glimmer of mischief every time she had "inadvertently" gotten a dousing. Xena realized that Xenon was panting with the extent of his laughter, but had long since stopped struggling. She'd been set up! Doubled crossed! An idea took root.

"Owwwww! Damn it!" Xena grimaced, grabbing the knee that was pinned under the young centaur's body. Two sets of bookend eyes stared back at her with apparent concern. Xenon gingerly raised himself, looking more startled now as he could better see Xena's face. When he looked at Gabrielle, the confirmation of his fears was evident.

"No ... no... it's okay." Xena continued, rubbing the alleged injury, and she tried to get up.

"Owowow .... okay. It's not all right. Someone help me up." she grumbled in apparent annoyance. Gabrielle and Xenon almost fell over each other coming to her assistance.

"I'm sooo sorry aunti ....." he was saying, his voice trembling making him sound much younger than his seasons. Xena almost regretted the little plan she was executing. ALMOST. She leaned warily on her two playmates shoulders and hobbled tentatively.

"Now Xe, don't make it any worse by trying to put any weight on it. We'll get you to Saras ...." Gabrielle began, but was rudely interrupted.

"And tell her what?? We were playing hide and splash and I fell down go boom?? No way! Nah Unh. Ep gets one word of that ....." she let her sentence trail off for affect. They looked to each other then to her in steady realization. She chuckled inwardly.

"Just help me get over to where we have Argo tethered and I'll figure out what to do after that." she bargained. They nodded in unison and began their gentle advancement with Xena draped over each of their shoulders, favoring the injured knee. She kept her expression stoic, mostly to repress the raucous laughter that was threatening to burst from her lips as she noticed the painful guilt-ridden expressions on her partner, and nephew's faces. Mostly her facade went a long way toward lending authenticity to her claim. The trio had reached the area as agreed. Argo snorted at their approach, rolling her eyes over them, inspecting the scene. Xena pulled her arms from around her cohorts necks, then winced and almost toppled, trusting their reflexes to stop her from actually hitting the ground.

"For Gods' sake Xena, let us help you around to the stirrups." Gabrielle scolded, then looked over Xena to Xenon, making sure he was still holding up his side. They moved her around gingerly.

'Just a little more .... a little more ....' Xena breathed as they moved from the right of Argo to the left. Xena dragging her right leg all the while.

'NOW!' she signaled silently herself, pulling them off balance and sent her caregivers sailing into the river behind them with a mighty backwards drop and roll, then landing on her feet at the waters edge as they flailed about trying to get their bearings in the icy current.

"Gang up on ME will ya!" she gloated, hands on hips, and threw her head back laughing with uproarious richness at her victory.

"Ummppf" she sounded milliseconds later, as she was toppled forward. Her breath was taken with the shock of impact and then the surprising temperatures.

"Good one Argo!" Xenon shouted, having witnessed the mare backing into her mistress. All Gabrielle could do was laugh at the spectacle and made a mental note to see that Argo had an extra apple AND carrot tonight with her grains; then swam over to her surfacing lover.

"I'm surrounded by traitors!" Xena howled, with a sparkle apparent in her eyes, belying her grievous sense of injustice. She looked over to Argo and would've sworn she saw her (formerly) trusted steed chuckle.

'Even Argo's getting into the spirit.' she thought as she swam toward her love, closing the distance between them.

"You have to admit Xe, we got you." Gabrielle chortled triumphantly, floating on her back awaiting Xena's nearness. A quick glance over her shoulder and she could see her nephew treading gently in the water, a peacefully innocent expression on his face. This made her nervous. Focusing her attentions back on her lover, she was rendered breathless, for the umpteenth time by the splendor that was her warrior.

"I am THE luckiest woman who ever drew a breath ." she uttered, just audibly enough for the acute hearing of her lover, laboring to force the air out of her lungs evenly as she said it. The glint in Xena's eyes, conveyed that she thought she herself had captured that title. She pulled her lover closer, until there was no space between them. Their bodies squeezed every drop of moisture that threatened to part them, so intent on their task to connect their bodies with the same tangibility that enveloped their souls. Xena lowered her head torturously slow, never breaking eye contact with her bard, until the intensity of the imminence of their actions forced Gabrielle to close her eyes in surrender. The moan that escaped into her mouth, so unnerved Xena that she became oblivious to everything except the synchronized beating of their hearts, the ragings of their souls, the fullness of her love. Her hands began to travel lightly along her bard's shoulders, down sensuously to trail along her spine. The water bobbed around them, jealously and desperately attempting to edge into this most intimate of dances. Xena gently traced the seam of Gabrielle's kiss with her tongue, grunting approvingly as the bard parted and eagerly welcomed her in. Their tongues emitted those delicious electric fire shocks upon contact, leaving them heady and hungry for more. It was as if nothing could get them close enough to suite each other, as their lingual muscles caressed their counterparts.

"Uuuuuhhh" was heard as Xena lifted her bard, until Gabrielle's legs were wrapped around her waist, pressing intentionally against her bard's torrid valley.

"Oooooohhhhh Xeeeeeee ......." Gabrielle moaned, dropping her head onto her lover's shoulder and hanging on desperately with her arms about her neck. The buoyancy of the water made it exceptionally easy for Xena to maneuver her lover into the position of her desire. She gently encouraged the bard to lie back and float, kissing her way down Gabrielle's neck, collarbone, cleavage, abdomen ......

"Ugh - ahem" she heard from the very distant peripheral.

"Arrgh! .... XEEnon .... ummmm ..." Gabrielle stammered, flailing about in the water, suddenly unable to maintain her float. Xena increased her hold on her lover's waist, stabilizing her, and rolled her eyes in the direction of her nephew.

"Didn't I hear your mother calling you???" she teased.

"As a matter of fact ..." they heard from the embankment, all heads turning to see Ephiny standing with her hands on her hips, an amused smile on her face. With the safety of re-enforcements, the young centaur sent a wave of water into the faces of his compatriots, and swam toward his mother as quickly as his lanky equine legs would carry him. Xena and Gabrielle exchanged knowing grins and sped off after him. Hearing their rapid approach, Xenon was over taken by an apprehensive excitement and lost his rhythm, floundering for a bit, until he regrouped. This falter allowed the lovers to catch up to him just as he was about to reach the river bank.

"Not soooo fast, young man!" Xena snarled and pulled him back by his hind legs.

"Moooooommmmm!" he squealed, feeling Gabrielle's hands already seeking out his most torturously sensitive ticklish spots.

"Sorry son. You line your bed with rocks ... you sleep on rocks!" She plopped down on the bank and watched with unabashed glee as the trio rolled and squirmed, becoming one large carbon-based ball of mirth. It did her heart good to see her son, and her nearest and dearest friends genuinely enjoying themselves and each other. She couldn't remember the last time her son looked so completely happy, even joyous. Not to mention the warrior! She marveled again at the magic that was Gabrielle.

"Okay, okay! Enough's enough. It's getting dark and a certain little centaur has his eve meal waiting before grooming and bed!" Ephiny begrudgingly interrupted, standing and extended her arms and a linen cloth to her son. He poked his tongue out at his aunts and was surprised to see the gesture returned in stereo. They all laughed and swam casually back to the embankment. Xena hoisted herself up and out, extending her hand to her lover and easing her out to stand before and against her. She stole a quick look over at Ephiny, who was cowering behind her outstretched hands, attempting to duck away from the spray of water her son shook from his hair and coat. Xena leaned into Gabrielle again for the continuation of their aquatic kiss. This time to be interrupted by two pieces of dry linen being flung at them.

"Don't you two, EVER get enough???!" Ephiny teased in feigned amazement. Synchronized shrugs was their reply.

"When you two come up for air, there's food waiting for you as well, but I can't vouch for how much. If I know my son, he's worked up quite an appetite!" her sentence was punctuated by Xenon rearing up and vigorously rubbing his belly. Xena chuckled.

"I guess if we're to compete with that, we better get going, huh, love?" she replied, tipping Gabrielle's chin up and kissing her quickly on those most supple lips. Gabrielle nodded dreamily and dropped her arms around Xena's waist saying "You have already proved you can live on love. I however ...."

"Consider love an appetizer?" Xena finished for her, thus being rewarded with a smack to her midsection.

"No. A buffet. To be savored with ALL of the other delicacies life has to offer!" and glared mischievously at her lover with a self-satisfied grin.

"The consummate bard. I am humbled.." and Xena bowed gracefully.

"And rightfully so!" Gabrielle countered and curtsied to her lover.

"Oh GODS, Xenon. Let's go before they spoil MY appetite!" Ephiny mocked, turning towards the path back to the village. Her progress was halted by the sudden impact of damp linens connecting with the back of her head. Unanimous laughter could be heard up and down the path leading to and from the river.

Chapter II

The communal food hut was surprisingly crowded for this time of the day. Helios had long since concluded his ride across the horizon, leaving Artemis to shine brightly in his wake. The evening meal was one of Gabrielle's favorite. It more often than not, provided the bard with the opportunity to socialize with the majority of her Amazon sisters - in that some left earlier than others; for hunting parties, battle drills, sentry duty, harvesting, or whatever early rising Amazons did that kept them occupied while their Queen still peacefully slumbered. But at the setting of the sun, they all came together to share their thoughts, insights and energies to conclude their day. Truly making THIS the community meal. It was here that she could watch the families, newly expanded or newly committed. It was here that she caught up on the latest goings on in the surrounding villages. It was here that she was able to commune with her own extended family, and, on occasion, embark on her bardly tasks of story telling. It was here she was most comfortable.

Xena watched her bard as she appeared lost in the wave of emotion she recognized as Gabrielle's "family reunion mode". She lovingly absorbed the twinkle in her lover's eyes as she scanned the hut, smiling enthusiastically when Eponin and Lyzandra entered, then resuming their sweep around their surroundings. It was at these moments that Xena could clearly see Gabrielle as the matriarch of the Amazon Nation, for it was then that she lovingly appreciated, protected, and nurtured her sisters, with little more than her gaze. Xena unconsciously pulled Gabrielle closer, and nuzzled into her hair, breathing in deeply, both her lover's scent and her own fortuity. She chuckled softly against her love's neck as she felt Gabrielle ease further into her and snuggle back. She was still amazed at her own lack of discomfort in this most public display of affection. As she was about to surrender completely to the sensations, her keen ears perked at the detection of hooves swiftly approaching, and stiffened.

"What is it sweetie?" Gabrielle asked, her instincts peeked by her lover's shift in demeanor.

"Horses. Several. Approaching the village at high speed." Xena replied already feeling her sword leap into her hand. Gabrielle in unison retrieved her staff. Ephiny had witnessed the whole exchange, taking in the warrior's change in visage, leaned over to her royal guard and instructed them to calmly get the others out of here and to the safety of the caves, then spun around to her lover Taia, saying "Take Xenon and go with the others." She wasn't sure what was going on, but her years of experience with the Warrior Princess, conveyed that affirmative action had to be taken. She trusted her intuitions even above her own. Watching her Queen nod approvingly in her direction went a long way to convincing her she had acted appropriately. They weren't sure what or who was out there, but to intrude on Amazon land in this fashion didn't lend itself toward peace, nor propriety.

"My Queen." a sentry ran in, dropping breathlessly to the ground in front of Gabrielle and her consort.

"Yes. Rise Adora. What is it?" Gabrielle commanded, again annoyed with the pomp and circumstance that continued to plague most of her interactions with her sisters.

"Horses approaching. Eight or nine. The archers have relayed that they are unknown to us. It's also reported that there are injured among our northern patrol, the point at which they accessed our territory. The archers are at the ready and our warriors are in position to launch an assault at your command." with this last part said, Adora looked to the Queen's consort General. That look did not go unnoticed by their Queen.

"Is there something else Adora?" Gabrielle asked, uncertain why the hairs on the back of her neck were suddenly standing at attention. The sentry shifted her feet nervously, looking down at her royal blue tunic.

"Out with it!" Xena barked, much harsher than she had intended, fully aware that her hairs were on end as well, anxious to know the cause. Gabrielle absently caressed Xena's knee, subconsciously calming her as she continued to look to the sentry for the answer.

"They're carrying ...." she faltered.

"YYYEssssss?" Xena hissed. Adora blinked, gulped then went on.

"They're ... carrying ... your standard General." and she hastily leaped backwards as Xena lunged forward, almost knocking Gabrielle to the floor. She caught herself and the bard, looking every bit the deer trapped in the torchlight. Her mind raced in its attempt to wrap itself around this piece of information and decipher its significance. Xena relaxed, at least outwardly, as she realized that the sentry was still beating a hasty retreat.

"I'm sorry Adora. Trust me. I won't kill the messenger. This time." She chided, with a wicked grin. Adora's shoulders slumped visibly, and she made a mental note to check the straws that Anja carried, seeing that she had suddenly developed a knack for drawing the short one.

"I guess we better go see what all this is about, huh love?" Gabrielle asked rising to her feet. When she noticed Xena, tighten (was that even possible?) some more, and watched her jaw muscle flex, she reached out and grabbed her warrior's arm. Pulling her around to sail into her eyes, she reached up and caressed the overactive muscle and whisper for her warrior's ears only -

"We will deal with this together!" feeling more than a little reassured when she witnessed Xena's countenance soften followed by an almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment.

"Shall we." Xena growled, her back stiffening.

"We shall." and Gabrielle left the hut, stealing a quick glance at her plate. 'And I was sooo looking forward to dessert.' she thought and sighed, exiting the hut via the flap that Xena held open for her. They were followed by Ephiny, Eponin, and Lyza, with Adora glad to bring up the rear and put as much distance between she and the queen's consort as possible.

The night air seemed chillier than Gabrielle would've suspected for this time of year. She was relieved when Xena indicated that the party on horseback had stopped less than a third of a league outside the Amazon village. This information was confirmed by another royal guard who seemed to eye Adora with as much dis-ease as Adora had the consort before. Xena's eyebrow arched in contemplation as she surveyed the two.

"My Quee - um, Gabrielle." Anja bowed.

"Yes. Anja. Report." Gabrielle commanded with the air of an experienced leader. The arched eyebrow turned to her this time.

"The party has stopped on the northern access road about four furlongs from where we stand. They seem to be .... setting up camp."

Xena was beyond perplexed by this new bit of information. If they were riding under her colors, then you would think they at least fashioned themselves after her army, and anyone with the sense the gods gave a goose would know better than to storm into Amazon territory, injure a scouting party, advance the gate, then make camp!!?? Out in the open no less? She whistled for Argo.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Gabrielle asked as Argo approached her mistress. Xena vaulted onto the horse's bareback, extending her arm down to Gabrielle.

"'We' are going to see who it is that so foolishly entreaties DEATH!" she said pulling her bard up behind her.

"Oh." Gabrielle said looking around and noticing that Lyza was leading the other horses out of the stable, heading in their direction.

"Heeeyahh!" Xena shouted, encouraging Argo into a full gallop. The others followed shortly afterward.

'Who in Hades' Harem, would be marching around the countryside under my colors.' Xena pondered as the gates were thrown open as if automatically. The guard grumbled as she struggled with the weight, unprepared for the fast approach of the rider and about to voice her contempt until she realized who it was. Choking back dust, she barely got the gate open enough for them to pass safely through.

"Yer friggin' welcome!" the gate guard shouted at their backs, sure she wouldn't be heard over the sound of Argo's thundering hooves. She began closing the gate. Her mouth dropped open again as she struggled once more to rapidly open a gate that wasn't used to this kind of access and egress. Her breathing labored under the effort, but she completed the task and the remaining riders sailed past in a cloud of dust, rendering the guard a wheezing hacking mess. She paused to look back toward the compound to ensure that that was the last of the departures, before securing the gate. She looked up at the sentry who had witnessed the entire fiasco from atop the wall, and shrugged. They resumed their duties. Things had become pretty quiet of late. They'd be lying to themselves if they tried to deny they weren't the least bit pleased with the recent turn of events. The wall guard absently thrust and parried as she watched the Amazon "welcome wagon" disappear into the night draped glade.

"Yep. This could get interesting. Very interesting." she said with a smirk and continued her perimeter patrol and drills, eyes keen for any movement beyond her bailiwick.

Chapter III

'Who woulda thought a horse's bareback would be harder than a saddle.' Gabrielle mused as she bounced, none to cheerily, on Argo as they had slowed to a canter, approaching a group of Amazon archers who rappelled from a grove of trees along their path. Xena dismounted and waited with arms akimbo across her chest.

"Warrior." one greeted Xena coolly.

"Rogue." Xena replied just as icily.

"Hear you'd gone soft. Must be the easy village life, huh?"

"Hear you'd gone soft in the head. I guess this proves it." Xena retorted with an arch of an infamous eyebrow. This gesture was all it took for the duo to drop the charade and hug each other openly. The warrior hoisted the "rogue" off her feet, being no easy task since the womon was nearly her equal in height and weight - the stark difference being their nearly paradoxical coloring. Where Xena was dark in coloring, hair and skin, with light eyes, her composite was fair, with the deepest violet eyes.

"Seb. When'd you get back??" Xena asked holding the womon at arms length. Sebastia took in the warmth and mutual fondness as she replied.

"Around sunset. I was trailing this ill fated band of miscreants flying ...."

"Under my colors?" Xena finished for her. Seb nodded.

"Where did you pick them up?" Xena asked, refocused on the mission at hand. She began to etch a rough diagram of the area with a twig in the ground. Seb already up to speed with her actions, began pointing with a twig of her own.

"We were coming back from Coniaris, when we happened on a village that had recently suffered a raid. There were a lot of injuries and fire. The people where beside themselves with fear and anguish. We helped as much as we could, wondering all the while who was responsible."

"Let me guess .... " Xena offered, disgust dripping from her statement like it were a stranger's. Seb, placed a comforting hand on Xena's shoulder, looking over it to see Gabrielle standing just behind her. They smiled sweetly acknowledging each other, then both returned their attention to Xena. Gabrielle moved to Xena's side, kissed the top of her head and sighed against her. It was arduous enough for her love to live down the destruction she was responsible for, now possibly having all that hard work float away like the sands in an hourglass was bitterly, bitterly unfair.

"Actually, my friend, they said they were aided by Xena." A noticeable change in air pressure was detected as a collective gasp of surprise escaped from the group.

"Wha-what?" Xena asked, more than a little taken aback, but not enough to let the amused smirk on Seb's face go unnoticed.

"Yup. Xena and her, and I quote, 'army of love' ....." Seb finished, barely able to contain the giggle that threatened to breakout.

"Dragon droppings!" Xena exclaimed, and stole a look at her lover hoping for some sign that she hadn't in fact heard what she had. Gabrielle just shrugged with a sheepish grin. Xena turned back to Seb, and fought the urge to box the woman's ears who appeared to be enjoying her discomfort more than anyone who valued their life should. With the pained and confused look apparent on her friend's face, Seb dropped to the ground and howled in laughter. Unable to resist now, Xena pummeled the woman on her arms in rapid succession, much like they did when they drunkenly played frog.

"Ow ow ow, hahahahaha.." Seb snorted, tears of laughter streaming down her face. Xena soon became infected herself, grinning as she dropped down beside Seb. After struggling to catch their breaths, they looked around the group to she Gabrielle, who with the others, was only mildly amused. Rising from the ground, and helping Seb to her feet, Xena dusted herself off asking more seriously now.

"So what can you tell me about their leader?"

"I approached their camp, quickly dispatched their watch, and took a look around. I located what appeared to be the command tent, didn't detect any movement, and entered. I found this woman, 'Ceile', sitting at a table looking at a map. She recognized me as an Amazon, knew of Gabrielle, 'the bard that chronicles the redemption of Xena', and assumed I knew you. Well apparently, they're just "ambassadors of love" sent out to do your bidding, oh Warrior of Good Intentions." Seb was struggling to maintain the loose grasp she held on her composure. Xena lunged at her again, nearly knocking them both back onto the ground.

"Will you two cut it out!" they heard from behind them and spun to see a no longer mildly amused Gabrielle. They both looked at each other docily, with Seb giving Xena that 'you're in trouble' smirk. Xena almost slugged her again.

"Okay. Okay. She's right. Behave! I don't know how you pull me into this ox patty every time I get around you." she scolded.

"Just lucky I guess." Seb said with mock innocence. Xena leaned into her and whispered "When we're done here, I'm gonna kick yer arse ALL over the compound!" to which Seb responded

"Deal." with one more glint of violet for her friend, met with a smile.

"We were told that there were injured among the northern patrol. Did you happen on them on your way here, and does this have anything to do with that band of misguided souls?" Xena asked Seb moving closer to Gabrielle as she spoke. The bard placed a casual arm around the warrior's waist as she drew to her side, smiling with the renewed comfort of her closeness.

"Yeah, I saw them." Seb replied smugly.

"Whaaaat ...?" Xena drawled, eyeing her comrade suspiciously.

"Ahhh - nothing!" Seb's eyes dropping and, though it was hard to tell in the dimness of night, Xena woulda bet dinars to honey dips, Seb was blushing. She chalked that information away for future reference as well. Seb continued.

"Yeah there are some injuries. No, to the army thing. Apparently the party ran up against a mama bear with cubs. Daphne was being chased, fell, twisting her ankle. Her bondmate, Kya, dove in front of the bear, and was smacked around a bit, but was able to grab her lover and escape through the trees. All told ... a sprained ankle and maybe some busted ribs." Then seeing Gabrielle's concerned expression, she added. "They'll be back as soon as their replacements show up at the checkpoint. They're probably already back at the village." She gently placed her hand on the Queen's shoulder, smiling warmly to comfort her with her person and her words. Gabrielle gruffed something about 'warriors', then turned to Xena.

"So what are your thoughts on 'your' army?" she asked her lover casting a conspiratory glance at Seb.

"I guess .... they want an audience." Xena replied with a shrug of her shoulders. It was determined, by Gabrielle, that she, Seb, Ephiny and Eponin would accompany her consort to parlay with the "Love Army". Adora and Lyza would head back to the village, with Lyza carrying strict orders from the Queen that both Daphne and Kya's return included a visit to the healer. Lyza was walked back to her horse by her lover Eponin, whose arm seemed reluctant to release her as they reached her mount. She pulled Lyza back into her embrace and kissed her deeply. This produced a delighted, yet concerned look to her love's face.

"What's that for?" Lyza asked searching her lover's eyes for the answer she knew would not be coming with words.

"You go with my heart." Ep surprisingly uttered against her lover's forehead, where her lips had settled after their kiss.

"And you with mine, sweetest." was her reward. Seb seemed to float away into her own stream of consciousness watching the exchange covertly from the corner of her eyes. Xena and Gabrielle exchanged curious glances as they took in all the responses to this tender moment. Gabrielle silently signaled Xena with raised eyebrows to go talk to Seb. Xena, just as silently conveyed, both 'why me?', and 'what about?' with a furious hunch of her shoulders; to which her Queen responded with a stern look and a shove of her warrior in Seb's direction. Xena swiped back at the hands that shoved her, missing their target and bumping into Seb.

"Wha ....?" they both gasped in surprise. Xena rolled her eyes toward Gabrielle in mock annoyance, but Gabrielle ignored the look and gestured for her to continue with her assignment like she was shooing chickens. Xena sighed and turned to Seb, who was watching the entire interaction with more than a little amusement,

"So." Xena started.

"So indeed." Seb replied, she wasn't going to make this any easier. Xena looked to Gabrielle again and was met with her expression of annoyance. She turned back to Seb.

"So."

"Been there ...." Seb countered with a wicked grin.

"Is your nose open or what?" Xena finally spat out.

"WWHATT!?" Seb and Gabrielle exclaimed together. Gabrielle, sensing that this was entirely a lost cause, moved over to the two warriors, slipping her arm around Xena's waist.

"What my silver tongued lover was delicately (pinching Xena's waist to emphasize) trying to say was ... If you need to talk about it, or her, we're here for you."

"Hey my 'silver tongue' wasn't earned by talking!" Xena countered, wrapping her arms around her love, and was rewarded by an instant flush and an eye dropping smile from her Queen. Seb roared her laughter and hugged them both. Quickly regaining her composure, she puffed back into her warrior subterfuge and slapped Xena on the back.

"Thanks." Seb began sheepishly. "But, it's - it's nothing .... I think." she stammered finding the ground incredibly interesting all of a sudden.

"What do you mean, 'it's nothing'?! You've been - Oomph!" Xena started, only to be cut off by an elbow to her ribs.

"What she means is (glaring once again at her lover) our offer stands, if you should need it." Gabrielle translated, enjoying the warmth that always spread through her when she was in Xena's arms. Seb watched the mutual softening and sighed. Her heart ached, but her head hurt more, she turned and headed into the darkness.

"Another warrior's heart drawn and quartered." Xena replied as their friend walked alone into the night. She looked down at her love and was met with the deepest sparkle and the brightest smile.

"Wha ...?" she began.

"This." was her answer, followed by warm lips and an even hotter tongue.

"Forget the silver. Let's go for gold!" Xena teased, pulling Gabrielle in for a deeper kiss. They parted, both knowing where this was leading.

"Let's get this over with and get home .. FAST!" Gabrielle said for them both. Xena could only swallow visibly and nod.

"Alright Amazons. LET'S DO IT!" she shouted, whistling for Argo. They were both pleasantly surprised to see the horse appear fully bridled and saddled. Xena looked to Ep.

"Thanks." she said as she shifted her sword from her back to her side.

"I knew the Queen would appreciate it, even if you didn't." Ep teased with a hunch of her shoulders. Xena smiled re-emphasizing her gratitude. She scaled her seasoned mount and held her arm out to Gabrielle to aid her in her ascent. Gabrielle slid in behind her consort General and snuggled in. Her hands instinctively began moving about her love's abdomen and breastplate. Xena's throaty moan brought them both back to reality as they each scoured the group for any signs they had been observed.

"Ahem." Xena covered the moan by clearing her throat.

"Heyah!" she called out and they were off to meet with "her Army of Love".

Chapter IV

As the group approached the well maintained camp, Xena could make out seven to nine figures huddled by the fire, probably the advance scouts she heard approaching the village earlier she thought. The camp was unnaturally quiet. Especially in light of the number of tents that symmetrically contrived the makeshift village. Xena guessed probably a band of forty to sixty members all told. Secretly she was impressed with the apparent organization and thought that maximized the layout for defense and safety. She spied the tent that Seb mentioned earlier, as she heard a shout from the camp perimeter.

"Riders!" She slowed Argo, vaulting to the ground before she came to a full stop, landing in front of the sentry.

"I want to meet with your leader. Ceile, I believe she is called." Xena requested, her hand on the hilt of her sword as she lead Argo with Gabrielle astride, by the reigns.

"As you wish!" the greeter shouted with enthusiastic recognition.

"Make way! Make way for the Warrior Princess of Redemption! Make Way!" he called leading them within the confines of their camp.

"Weeeellll. Welcome!" they were greeted by a woman of middling years, but with a youthful glimmer in her soft hazel eyes. Her salt & peppered short cropped, tightly curled hair stood in sharp contrast to her rich mahogany coloring. Her smile brilliant. She wore leathers, tanned to enhance their softness, and their pliability. She had the lithe body of a runner or an archer. A quick glance behind her inside the tent confirmed the latter as Xena spied a quiver and bow suspended from a post.

"Please. Join me." Ceile asked, bowing humbly and gesturing to the tent's interior. Xena pushed past first to inspect the confines, then turned to ensure that Gabrielle came in positioning herself between Ceile and her Queen. Ceile followed Xena with the Amazons bringing up the rear. Seb remained outside the flap, monitoring the activities outside as well as in. Xena caught her eye and nodded approvingly, then moved over to the table, followed by Ceile. She perused the maps, picking up a small replica of the flag that waved in the center of their camp. Turning an icy stare at Ceile she pushed the flag in the woman's direction.

"I guess we start there." Ceile chortled taking the flag from her protagonist.

"Yes, Warrior Princess. It is your flag." twirling the object absently, she seemed to drift to a time unseen except to her eyes.

"I was an archer in Klestra's army, for many winters. TOO many winters."

"Klestra!?" Xena repeated, her color changing at just the mere mention of that name. Gabrielle reached out and stroked her arm as it twitched about her sword hilt.

"Who is Klestra Xena?" she asked softly, suddenly very concerned for her lover and unnerved at not knowing why. Xena just stared at Ceile, now she too saw what it was that the browned skinned woman was seeing through the eyes of retrospection.

"Xe..?" Gabrielle gently uttered, lightly gripping her lover's arm. Xena patted her grasp but never looked at her. Ceile went on.

"Ah. Yes. Klestra. She was a ruthless warlord of the cruelest kind. Only to be bested in her atrocities by ...." Ceile answered then cast a shy glance toward Xena.

"Me." Xena said flatly, finishing the woman's statement. Ceile nodded solemnly, and continued.

"Do you know the story of Alghera? (taking in the warrior's nod) Ahhh, thought you would've heard."

"It was a village of farmers in the valley of the Nordes."

"Was?" Gabrielle queried. Her lover and Ceile just nodded in unison.

"Was. We had suffered a terrible loss at the hands of Ebon. Barely escaping with half our people and less than half of our supplies. We fled into the mountains and stayed until the worst of our wounded either recovered or were buried. My lover being one." Ceile was again adrift in that nether world of recollection.

"She was a warrior by necessity, not by choice." she shuddered visibly. Still missing her greatly.

"As she lay dying in my arms, I thought about what an incredible waste her death was. It served absolutely no purpose whatsoever except to goad an already insane individual into greater depths of despair and inhuman torture. How was I to go on without her? Why should I? She, seeing into my heart, as only she could gave me the answer. 'If Xena: Warrior Princess could, so shall you my love. You must ......' and she was gone." there was a moment of silence in respect for this womon's still apparent and immense loss. As the tears silently streamed down her face, she continued.

"The emptiness, the agony, the terror. It was as if a great northern frost was ripping at the void in my soul, shredding me from the inside out. I held her, trying to digest the significance of this loss. I couldn't. I recalled the deadly torture of my family before my eyes. I relived the brutal rape of my body and the theft of my spiritual being. I tried desperately to erect the wall that had been my savior even then, but couldn't. All the memories, all the pain, came racing back a hundredfold, adding pecks of salt to the already raw and savagely fresh wound of losing her. Tears I could not shed for my Ma & Da, my sisters, Jenna & Raffia, or my brother Sigourn - flowed for her. I held her lifeless body in my arms for two days, praying, begging her to take me with her. I knew if I let her go, even to take my own life, I'd never hold her again, and I couldn't make myself do it." Ceile had her arms wrapped around her own body now, and gently rocked back and forth, much as she must've done on that dreadful day.

"Then I heard Klestra approaching." the rocking stopped, and a snarl as vicious as any ever witnessed spread acrossed Ceile's face.

"'Look at you!!' she began. 'Sniveling like some whelp who's lost her teet!' I tried to ignore her, but the words stung at the outside of my consciousness. 'If you can't do it, I sure as Hades CAN!' she shouted at me, spittle flying in my face as she savagely attempted to rip Octavia from my grasp. We struggled like that for what seemed like an eternity, then blackness." Xena looked at the woman, her anguish palatable.

"You don't have to ...." she started, but was cut off by the shaking of Ceile's head.

"You need to know, as much as I need you to know." Ceile said, sounding like a ghost from the past. Xena nodded her understanding, and Ceile went on.

"When I came to, the camp was empty. There was no sign of Klestra, her army or my beloved Octavia. There weren't even any graves. I located my quiver and bow, and followed the tracks I could in the encroaching darkness. All the way to Alghera. When I got there, it had already begun. There was smoke and soot so thick I had to cover my face to breathe. The wails of the injured and the mourning were deafening. I scoured the village looking for Klestra, finding more and more death, destruction and desolation instead. Then I saw her. Octavia. She smiled that smile she reserved only for me, turned and disappeared into a hut to her left. Beside myself, I ran after her. Oblivious to the flames that licked around me. I called for her, over and over again, then I saw them. A small girl, 7 maybe 8 summers old was huddled over the limp bodies of her mother and baby brother, the expression in her eyes very familiar to me. 'Come on. We must leave.' I shouted to her over the roar of the flames. 'Not without them.' she said so matter-of-factly that I warmed with instant respect. Looking around once again for my beloved, I quickly decided that I couldn't condemn another gentle soul to an eternity in living Tartarus and lifted the mother and brother into my arms. Checking to make sure the child followed, I led them from the remnants of their charred home. They would be the only thing to remain of Alghera." At some point, unbeknownst to Xena, Gabrielle had moved around to comfort the storyteller, her eyes moist with empathetic sorrow and loss. Ceile appeared to swell as she continued her tale.

"Later that night, after the child was sure her family was safe, she led me around the remains of the village. Together she and I tended those we could, mostly just easing their passage to Charon. She led me to a stump, taking only the briefest of second looks, then reached inside and produced a bag of dinars. Apparently the villagers were not strangers to the ways of warlords and had planned for what they felt was their inevitable demise. The sad realities of life for them I guess. Anyway, we lined all of the bodies and buried each with Charon's token neatly tucked into their mouths. The child worked non-stop beside me, only breaking to check on her own loved ones. It took me several days to locate and bury what was left of her people. It was exhausting, spiritually and physically, but the most rewarding thing I had done since before my own people were slaughtered. This time the tears were for all of us." There was a pause as Ceile savored that memory before taking a deep breath and continuing.

"When it was all done, and her Ma and brother could travel, we set out for Brunei. I knew a healer there who would take care of them until they could take care of themselves. It wasn't until I was about to leave that I realized that I didn't even know this child's name. I turned to say good-bye and was struck by the intensity of her innocence even after what we had been through together. I knelt and reached out to her asking 'What is your name child?' the first smile that mattered since my love's passing, met me at that moment. 'Octavia.' the child said, kissed me and returned to her family. My feet have never left the path since."

"So how did you come by this army of ...." Xena reluctantly interrupted, fearing she might end the peaceful smile that graced Ceile's face.

"Along the way I've come across a lot of people who, for whatever reason, have their own atonement to make. Ex-Army friends, though I wouldn't have called them that then, and villagers alike. Little by little, as we entered a new region we would be asked 'What kind of army are you?' and one by one we'd answer 'An Army of Love'. We would help out whenever and where ever we could. There are always warlords, and raiders to vanquish, but there were also sick to tend, fields to till, villages to rebuild. Our mission was to transform the damage caused by the destructive forces among us, and hopefully provide our children with some semblance of hope instead of a community collection for the river Styx. Hopefully we've done that and led others by our example, as you have led us by yours, Xena." Ceile produced her arm in the gesture of a warrior and was warmed by its return by her mentor.

"It's not a good idea to be traveling around the countryside under my colors Ceile. Someone might mistake you for ... I have lots of enemies." Xena began to caution.

"I considered that Xena. I know that once upon a time, your flag sent a quaking fear through the souls of many, the innocent and hearty alike. But now I think it should be a monument to the bravery, and gifts you bring NOW. A reminder that everyone has the will to change, if only they have the courage of heart. So in the memory of my beloved last words, I take up your colors, a symbol of her faith in me and a reminder of my pledge."

"You honor me, but I think it is you who should get the recognition. Your path and your choices are just that - Yours. I know how difficult it is to maintain the righteous footing. You do that because of what's in you, not what's in me." Xena stated softly.

"This is your army Ceile. Not mine. This army of salvation should have its own colors, as it has its own leader."

"Hmmm - The Salvation Army? I don't know Xena. You've given us so much ....." Ceile began.

"And you've already given it back. Now give from you." Xena punctuated with a gentle poke to Ceile's chest in the vicinity of her heart.

"You've made Octavia proud, both of them." Gabrielle offered, coming to stand beside her lover. Ceile's reply was the same dazzling smile that accompanied their introduction.

The rest of the time at the camp was spent sharing stories of a new kind of victory. Ceile shared that she came into Amazon territory in hopes of finding someone who could lead her to Gabrielle, and through her, perhaps, to Xena. She explained that she felt it only right that the Warrior Princess have a say in who should or should not fly under her colors.

"It was truly a gods send that we found you." Ceile had gushed, causing Xena to, yet again, shift in her spot uncomfortably. She wasn't accustomed to this kind of fawning attention from anyone other than her bard. At the end of the visit, it was agreed that Ceile's "Salvation Army" would carry a new flag, one with the colors white on red.

Chapter V

"Well that was interesting." Xena said to Gabrielle, breaking the silence as they rode back to the village.

"Yes, yes it was. Kinda makes you feel good to know that what you're doing now, is having a positive effect, huh?" Gabrielle responded snuggling in closer to her lover.

"Ummm." was Xena's only reply. Whether to the statement or the snuggle was unknown, even to her. Gabrielle's first stop was to Saras' hut to check on the welfare of Daphne and Kya. Xena rode to the stable with Seb. Seb had been unusually quiet on the return trip and Xena was curious as to the workings of her young friend's mind. She removed Argo's saddle and bridle, tossing the blanket over the railing. The ride back had been easy, so no cool down was necessary, but oats and water were.

"Toss me that comb will ya?" Xena asked Seb, who complied with a moments hesitation as it took a while to compute her request.

"Huh? Oh yeah. Catch." she said tossing the object to Xena, who caught it adeptly.

"So what's got your leathers in a bunch?" Xena asked as she curried her four legged friend, casting an eye toward her two legged one.

"I .... don't know..." Seb said, absentmindedly kicking the straw on the dirt floor around. Xena continued to comb Argo, patiently waiting for Seb to come through the door she'd opened if she chose to. Nothing. Followed by more nothing. Xena was tending to Argo's coat as slowly as she could without raising suspicion. When that task was completed, and still no more words, she began checking Argo's shoes.

"It's Rhoane." Seb said at long last. 'Ahhhh.' Xena thought as the mystery woman came into view. Rhoane. She was one of the chobo instructors for the royal guard. Xena had sparred with her many times. The pieces began to fall into place. All the times Seb had just "happened to be in the area" wasn't to see Xena as she had suspected.

"How long?" Xena asked with a knowing smile.

"How long what?" Seb asked, genuinely confused.

"How long have you been in love with her?" Xena asked with an exasperated expression on her face.

"Love??! Who - who, ahem, who said anything about love???" Seb stammered nervously.

"Well, what would you call it?" Xena asked, smiling smugly behind Argo.

"Wellll. I don't know. Admiration. Respect maybe. Yeah respect. That's it."

"Ah huh. And it's your, 'respect' is it? That makes you sneak back early to meet with her during her scouting patrol?"

"I didn't ...." but she stopped when she saw the look on Xena's face.

"Okay. Maybe a little early, but I had been tracking your army and they happened to head this way sooooo...."

"Uuuum hmm." was Xena's only response. She walked over toward her friend and ushered her out of the stables just as Gabrielle rounded the corner in search of them.

"Thought I'd find you two together." she replied cheerfully.

"Ah, by the way Seb, Rhoane just asked for you."

"YEAH!? Ah - I mean, yeah?" she corrected catching sight of the look on Xena's face. Xena draped an accustomed arm around Gabrielle's shoulder.

"Yeah. She asked if I knew where you went. I told her I thought you'd be here with Xena." Gabrielle had not missed the sudden scan of the area made anxiously by the younger warrior. Nor the rapidly communicated delight on her face when her eyes landed on the figure they sought. Rhoane approached the trio, looking bashful and lovely in her linen tunic. Her blond mane bouncing about her shoulders as she confidently strode across the common. An inescapable smile began spreading across Seb's face at Rhoane's approach.

"Do I ever look that sappy?" Xena whispered to her bard.

"Oh noooo. Of course not, love." was her reply, but the twinkle in her eye and a grin conveyed another message entirely.

"Hello again Rhoane. It seems you found her." Gabrielle greeted the advancing Amazon.

"By Artemis, I have." she retorted, beaming at the object of her quest.

"Hey." Seb said, with a tenderness no one except Rhoane knew she possessed.

"Hey back at you." Rhoane greeted, placing a casual arm about her warrior's waist.

"Yeah it's 'respect' alright!" Xena teased, flinching out of the way of an awkward swipe, but not avoiding the pinch from her lover. She looked down at her bard, whose broad smile and subtle shake of her head communicated an aggravation only her lover could create. "Come on, warrior mine. We have some, ummm, unfinished business of our own to tend to, don't we?" Gabrielle drawled, pulling her lover by her breastplate toward their hut.

"That we do, love!" Xena replied, hoisting her Queen up on her shoulder and jogging the remainder of the distance to their hut. Seb and Rhoane chuckled at the duo as they disappeared into their own private world.

Xena carried her lover across the threshold, once again feeling the tingles that seem to accompany the act since the very first time she had done that following their joining two seasons ago. She expertly butted their door closed, lowering Gabrielle and allowing their bodies to slide sensuously against each other - stopping her progression when their lips met. The fireplace, more for the light than as a buffer against the cold, shed an orange glow that wrapped everything and everyone in a shroud of Hypnos. Swaying slightly upon parting, they sought and found their desires reflected in their lover's eyes.

"Ahem - I better get some more wood, while I still have the strength, if NOT the inclination." Xena mused.

"Mmmhm." Gabrielle agreed, stealing another soul searing kiss before releasing her warrior completely. She received an arch of a notorious eyebrow for her efforts. Xena sighed heavily, and spun toward the door.

"Maybe - if you run into anyone ... you could ask them toooo .." Gabrielle started, trailing her finger down the side of her lover.

"Let me guess - a little 'snack'?" Xena finished for her with a knowing grin.

"For after!" Gabrielle drawled with a twinkle and a nod. Xena knew her bard was renowned for her zest for food, but those dimensions paled in comparison to her "afterglow appetite".

"Should I have them roast you a boar for 'after'." she teased.

"Mmmmm if you think I'll need it!" Gabrielle teased back with a seductive swat on the warriors backside.

"Oooooh, my bard, you will DEFINITELY need it!!" Xena growled, pulling Gabrielle roughly into her arms and kissing her firmly - deeply. Her tongue scorching ever millimeter of Gabrielle's mouth, leaving them both breathless.

"Hurry!" Gabrielle whispered hoarsely when their lips parted. Xena could only responded with a jerky nod, and anxiously left their hut.

"YOU!" Gabrielle heard Xena shouting as she raced acrossed the compound.

"Tell Ursa that her Queen will have a voracious appetite for this mid eve's meal. She is forewarned!" Gabrielle chuckled to herself as a shiver of anticipation crept down her spine, ending in a warmth radiating in her core.

"Oh my warrior, I DO love you!" she whispered to herself as she readied water for the bath they would share when Xena returned. As if on cue, Xena did. She took in the warm glow of a fire newly ablaze in the hearth, and noted the smoldering fire still blazing in her loins, as she watched her bard strutting around their hut naked, lighting the candles that littered the perimeter of their home. She detected the aroma of wild flowers before she actually observed them strewn about in apparent abandon.

"You've been busy my bard." she acknowledged, as Gabrielle approached her.

"Mmmmhm." was all the response she received. Soon she felt adept fingers unfasten the various clasps and fasteners that held her armor in place. Her armor slid free and was affectionately retrieved, being placed in its usual spot. When Gabrielle returned to her, she had not left the spot of her undressing. Eyes fixed on the sensual movements of her lover as she moved about her untieing and releasing the laces that held Xena's leathers. Under hands that flowed with rapt experience, Xena felt her leathers drop to the floor, and butterfly kisses replace the adornment.

"Now where were we?" Xena asked, drawing Gabrielle into her arms skin to skin.

"Right here, I think." was the throaty reply as their lips sought each other again. Xena pulled her lover down onto the large skin that adorned the hearth. Their kissing taking on a wet succulence that sent shivers of icy fingers throughout their scorching centers.

"Just when I think I couldn't possibly love you more, I do." Gabrielle whispered breathlessly. Xena reiterated her consensus nonverbally, yet very orally.

Chapter VI

"Nice night, huh?" Seb asked nervously, breaking the silence that enfolded she and Rhoane. At first it had been pleasant; even peaceful, but as time wore on Seb's insecurities surfaced and it began to unnerve her.

"Mmmhmm." Rhoane moaned, cradling Seb deeper into the arm she still had wrapped around her waist. They had chosen a path along the river, not far from the supply cave. Still unsure of where they were going, geographically as well as romantically. Silence fell again. Hearing the scamperings of tiny forest creatures, and sure it was the resounding beat of her heart that scurried them, Seb decided to broach a conversation again.

"So." she started.

"So." Rhoane repeated.

"Umm ... any problems with the patrol change?" 'Smooooth' Seb thought critically to herself.

"Not a one."

"Good."

"Yep." Another pregnant pause.

"Sooooo.." she stopped, turning to look at her companion. Rhoane took the lead, as usual, and eased her chin up, starring into the young warrior's eyes in invitation.

"Sooooo ..." she repeated, then shivered as Seb closed the distance between their lips. The kiss was sublimely sweet and tender, but spoke volumes of what lie just beneath the surface for them both. Moment later, when the blood had returned to their brains, Rhoane pulled Seb down with her onto the river bank.

"Did you tell the General about us?" she asked, watching for her warrior's reaction from the corner of her eye.

"Yeaaah, kinda." was the answer, albeit vague.

"'Kinda'?"

"Yeah." and Seb shifted uneasily in her seat. Rhoane decided now was not the time to push the issue. She perceived her budding relationship with Seb akin to that of getting anything wild to trust you. She would advance slowly, and retreat just before Seb retreated. Making sure all of her moves were well communicated, non-threatening, and clearly welcomed. This emotional tug-of-war had been going on for three moons now. Three of the most glorious moons, as she watched her warrior peel back her layers, as subtly as a blossom opening it's bloom. She recalled the first time she caught the warrior watching her 'in that way'. She had watched the warrior too, when she was sure she could do so undetected of course. It was after the festival of Dionysus. It had been a gloriously warm day and the festivities had lasted into the night. She had strolled away from her friends into the darkness to cool off and clear her head. She had seen Seb off and on throughout the night. More on than off, mind you, as it seemed that their paths just kept crossing, either by divinity or design. She found herself along the banks of this very river and decided that the best way to do both was to take a swim. Shedding her leathers, she dove into the crystalline waters resulting in a spray of diamonds as the water reached out to accommodate her and embrace the moon. She swam underwater for a spell, surfacing gingerly for air. She floated on her back, reveling in the peacefulness that enveloped her. Then she felt it. Or more accurately; she felt her. Turning to peer onto the embankment, she recognized the silhouette. They just watched each other in silence. Both wishing the other would join them, both to fearful to invite. Then with an obvious weight upon her shoulders, Seb disappeared into the bush, leaving a similar weight upon Rhoane's heart. That was three moons ago.

"Whatcha thinkin'?" Seb interrupted, alarmed by the painfully distant look in her companion's eyes. Rhoane looked intently upon her, trying to decide if now was the time to explore the issue.

"Remember the festival?" she decided it was.

"Of Dionysus?" Seb answered, her brow knitting in confusion.

"Yeah. Of Dionysus."

"Yeeaahh..." more nervous now.

"That night - by the river ..." Seb's shoulders began to droop again. 'I wanted to believe you didn't know it was me.' she thought to herself forlornly.

"Why ... didn't ... you say something?"

"Like what?"

"Anything." Silence again.

"Why didn't you?"

"I was afraid." and Rhoane dropped her eyes.

"Of what? Me?" Seb asked, tipping her companion's head up via a thumb and forefinger on her chin.

"Of you - and me. Us." Rhoane surrendered.

"Us?"

"Yes. I knew how ... ah .. I was feeling, but I had no idea what was going on for you. We hadn't even said so much as six words to each other by then. Although ....."

"Although, we had 'bumped' into each other ... alot!" Seb finished.

"For awhile, it seemed like I couldn't take a step without running into you. Sometimes literally!" They both laughed at the reference in recollection.

"Nor I you Sebastia. It was like our feet were set on the same path, and I was drawn ... to ... "

"You." Seb finished for her, having the same rhythms in her heart. Rhoane just nodded slowly, her eyes magnetically pulled into the violet of her companion's.

"What is this?" Seb asked, not breaking their contact, their connection.

"What is what?"

"This?" Seb re-emphasized, gesturing with her hand between them.

"What does it feel like to you?" Rhoane asked cautiously.

"I dunno. I've never ....." Seb began hesitantly.

"Me neither." Rhoane replied.

"Then I guess ....." Seb offered, her eyes quickly searching Rhoane's.

"Weeee ... find out ...." Rhoane said leaning into her.

"Together." in unison, and their lips met again sending forth sparks from the bonfires that illuminated them within. Unsure how much more of this she could take, and even more unsure how much further she wanted to take 'them', Seb reluctantly withdrew. Rhoane gasped with the suddenness of the action.

"Wha - what?" she panted, anxiously searching her companion's eyes for any clues.

"I have to be sure..." Seb started hesitantly.

"Sure? Of what?"

"Of you, me - of .... us, before ..." offered apologetically. Realization set in as Rhoane's expression went from soft and wanting, to cold and distant.

"What do you want for us Seb?" she asked hopeful.

"I ... don't ... know ..." Seb answered, looking away.

"Is there any room in your heart for me?" Rhoane asked. No answer.

"I see." she said, rising as if to leave. The transition frightened Seb.

"Wait!" she called, grabbing for Rhoane's arm. Rhoane avoided her grab, knowing how painful it would be to feel Seb's touch right now.

"Don't." she said as she shrugged out of reach. The anguish in Seb's eyes was immense, but Rhoane missed it.

"I guess we should be getting back. At least, I ... should." and she started walking back, hoping upon hope that a certain warrior would stop her- her heart breaking with every step she didn't.

"Rhoane!" Seb called out more desperately than she'd wanted. Rhoane froze on the path, but didn't turn around. Her back straight, she waited. She could feel the warmth increase as Seb approached her. The heat was intense as she hovered a mere breath away, but the chill of their distance was palatable.

"Rho -" then gingerly grabbing her by the shoulders, she spun Rhoane toward her.

"Rhoane. Look at me." she gently encouraged, when the object of her affection, and at the moment, torment, refused to make eye contact with her. Reluctantly, aqua met violet, and the thaw began.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean ..." Seb began as her own tears followed the example before her. Gathering the woman in her arms, Seb buried her face in her pale curls, indulging in the intoxication it always ushered. A sharp stab of pain, akin to a fiery arrow ripped through her when she felt Rhoane stiffen even more in her arms.

"There's no need to apologize. It's - it's not your fault ... if .. if you don't ..." Rhoane answered, sounding so much further away than her embrace.

'I don't what?' Seb was asking herself. 'Want you?' 'Need you?' 'Love ....' her thoughts were interrupted by an almost primal moan, as Rhoane pulled free of her arms and headed quickly into the darkness.

"Rhoane!!" Seb called after her again. Rhoane kept moving, now at a jog that was steadily picking up speed. She hoped that she could outrun the agony, the absolute misery that was enfolding her as she felt Seb struggle to comfort her, but not dissuade the truth.

"RRRRHHOOOOANNEE!!" she heard vibrate through the foliage and reverberate through her every nucleus. She pushed harder.

Chapter Chapter VII

It was a breezy, overcast day, Xena detected via the window opposite their pallet.

"A good day to just snuggle." she whispered into the ear of her cuddled bundle.

"Every day is a good day to snuggle!" was the groggy response ushered forth by her bard, who punctuated her words with a throaty nuzzle into the cleavage of her warrior. This brought forth a chuckle from the Warrior Princess, who hugged her lover closer to her. They remained that way in silence until Xena heard the familiar shuffling of Seb just outside their door. After nearly a quarter candlemark, and still no knock, Xena shouted out to her.

"Either come in or go away, Rogue!" This was met by a slightly crimson head poking in through the door.

"Umm - Hi." Seb said as she sheepishly smiled at the couple still huddled together on the bed.

"Greetings, Seb." Gabrielle responded, snuggling further into her love. Xena just growled. Seb resumed her shuffling.

"Is there something we can do for you Rogue?" Xena asked, impatient with the shuffling silent treatment. Gabrielle playfully reproved her with a nip on the breast she had been nuzzling. Xena arched an eyebrow, and raised their bed furs revealing fully erect nipples to her bard indicating that she had other ideas in mind to spend this time. Gabrielle acknowledged this revelation with a light grazing of her finger tips across the taut peaks. Xena shuddered, and warned the bard.

"Don't start anything you can't finish." she whispered throatily. The look that greeted her conveyed that her bard could and would finish this. Gabrielle began to softly, silently, lick and nibble along the pulsing of Xena's throat. Another arch of an eyebrow.

"So, Sebastia, what brings you here this fine morning?" Gabrielle asked as innocently as a babe, ignoring the flush rising in her beloved.

"I - ah - I just thought ...." Seb started, but trailed off, shuffling again. Gabrielle grabbed her warrior as she was about to leap from the bed at their friend. Seb caught the action from the corner of her eye.

"Maybe I should come back ..."

"Maybe ..." Xena started.

"Nonsense. Sit down." Gabrielle interrupted and encouraged gently. Her hands now under the bed furs, stroking her lover's inner thigh. She was playing with fire and the danger was tantalizing. Xena raised her knee closest to the outside of the bed, trying to obstruct any view Seb may have of the goings on under their furs. She would make her bard pay for this ... eventually.

"So, you were saying Seb?" Gabrielle asked, her voice low and even.

"Weeeelll ..." she began, but trailed off again.

"Is it about Rhoane?" Gabrielle offered, trying to ease the womon into at least initiating a conversation.

"Yeah." was as far as she got.

"Did you two ... have a fight?" Gabrielle was fishing and growing distracted as she drew nearer to the heat generated between her warrior's legs. She looked up to see that Xena's eyes were closed, lips slightly parted, and knew that her time for conversing was limited.

"Not really, but I think - she's mad at me." Seb said in genuine painfilled confusion. If Gabrielle didn't already, literally, have her hands full, she would have hugged the young woman. A shudder from Xena refocused her on just how full her hands were. She slid two fingers inside her warrior, quickly clamping down on her lips with her own to swallow the moan she knew was coming. Seb was facing the fire, apparently oblivious to the goings on behind her. Gabrielle held her fingers deep and still in the silky moistness of her lover. Xena peaked out at her with hooded pleas, and subtle arching of her hips, trying to usher the bard further. Gabrielle complied with deliberate slowness. Withdrawing her fingers almost completely then inching excruciatingly slowly back into her lover's depths. Xena jerked against Gabrielle's returned fingers, shoving them deeper within her, the noise causing Seb to spin around to face them. Gabrielle turned her gaze innocently to meet Seb's.

"Why do you think she's mad at you?" she asked, as if she had merely been contemplating the information Seb had provided.

"Last night .. we .. went for a walk - down by the river." Seb turned around to face the fire again. Gabrielle continued her explorations, brazenly dropping her lips to an awaiting nipple. Xena clamped her teeth together, trying to silence the moan that clamored for escape. She would get the bard for this! And get, and get ......!

"We were holding hands, and ... kissing, then, I don't know, like a fool, I stopped us!"

"Ummmhmm?" Gabrielle mumbled, encouraging Seb to continued, the vibration of the response in combination with the manipulations of her tongue, nearly breaching the grasp Xena had on her moaning.

"I told her that ... I wasn't sure about .. us .."

"What aren't you sure of?" Gabrielle asked, grateful again for her ability to divide her attentions, although, right then she wished she didn't have to! 'I shouldn't have started this.' she decided, but knew there was no stopping now, and was absolutely sure she didn't want to. Not until .........

Seb thought about Gabrielle's question for a while, grateful that Xena hadn't said anything. This was hard enough, fearing the ridicule, though she was sure Xena knew just where she was coming from. She absentmindedly stirred the dying embers and tossed another small log onto the fire. She squatted and continued poking it, urging it into a blaze. She watched the flames lick up, anxious to hungrily consume the new offering.

"I just don't know. I know I have .. feelings for her. Deep feelings. But to go as far as call them lo .. I don't know. How can I ask her to share with me what's inside of her if I'm not sure what's inside of me? How can I expect ... Hades! What do I have a right to expect?? How am I suppose to know?" she tossed another small log onto the new blaze.

"What I do know is, I can't stop thinking about her. I miss her the minute she turns to walk away from me. I grow faint when I'm anywhere near her. I get this warm hungry feeling deep inside me whenever we touch, Hades, whenever our eyes meet!" she poked the new log around into place.

"But do I lov - love her?" she feel silent.

"Sounds like you're well on your way to finding your own answer there Sebastia." Gabrielle said, still gliding slowly in and out of her lover, her other hand moving toward the nipple closest to it.

"Yeah. I guess you're right. Thanks." then turning to face them, noticing Xena turn her head toward Gabrielle, 'Sparring me the embarrassment of looking into her eyes, I bet." Seb thought warmly.

"Thank you - both." and she turned and left.

Gabrielle threw back the furs and positioned herself over her lover who now spread her legs wider for greater access. With her free hand massaging Xena's right breast, her mouth sought the left, as she slid a third finger inside the drenched sex of her warrior. Using the thumb of her right hand to circle and apply pressure to Xena's clitoris, she thrust her fingers inside her. Xena was raising her hips off of the pallet to greet her bard's thrust, already swirling from the many smaller orgasms she had enjoyed while in consultation. She began grunting loudly when she felt the addition of a fourth finger and Gabrielle's teeth scraping across her hypersensitive flesh.

"That's it, love. Give it to me." Gabrielle husked, thrusting madly inside her lover, getting lost in the sensations of power and pleasure.

"I want it all! ALL of you!" she moaned against her warrior's nipple, filling her with rapid motions, reaching deeper for the change in texture within.

"Yessssssssss ...uuuuh - ohhhhh ... YESSSSSS!" Xena screamed with her explosive release.

"Ohhhhhhhhhh yeeeeeessssssssss." Gabrielle sighed heavily, savoring the silky wetness of Xena's molten love flow pass her fingers and onto her wrist.

"Ohhhh yeeeessss ..... I love you sooooo." she whispered hoarsely, feeling her own body jerking, and shuddering with her own release. Xena's arms wrapped instantly around her bard, as they shuddered against each other, murmuring and cooing love's intimate language of gratification.

Moments later, when their heartbeats returned to normal and they didn't need a herd of centaurs to pry their eyes open, they spoke.

"Seb's really got it bad for her doesn't she?" Gabrielle mused, feeling more than a little guilty she had not given their friend her undivided attention when she had come to them so vulnerable.

"Who?" Xena asked, still not among the wholly conscious.

"Seb. Rhoane. Remember them?" Gabrielle teased.

"Oh. Yeah. Them." Xena replied, a small smile playing at the corner of her mouth.

"Whhhhaaaat?" Gabrielle asked suspiciously, instinctively drawing away from her lover toward the wall.

"You are soooo naughty!" Xena drawled, finally opening one eye, partially.

"I didn't hear you complaining." Gabrielle cooed, easing back against the warrior.

"You didn't feel me complaining either, but you're still naughty!" she responded, pulling Gabrielle into her embrace.

"No harm, no foul then right?" Gabrielle asked, knowing the answer.

"No harm, no, but very foul!" Xena said cradling her bard gently, her eyes closed yet again.

"Okay. What if I apologized?" Gabrielle bartered.

"Okay." Xena answered, still sequestering the cerulean blues.

"Oh, Xena. I am sooooo sorry. I shouldn't have taken advantage of your virtue ...." she began dramatically.

"And reputation." Xena corrected.

"And yes, your reputation, to give you what you so desperately wanted!" again she eased away from her lover. This time her instincts were correct, but not sure enough to escape the quickness of the warrior.

"You call that an apology?" she growled as fingers found ribs and other familiar ticklish places.

"You didn't say it had to be a good apology!" the bard countered, among uncontrollable giggles. The warrior smiled broadly, growling again and tickling more furiously.

Chapter VIII

Seb roamed around the village with no real destination in mind. She knew she should seek out Eponin for her patrol, but there was still time for that.

"Maybe I'll volunteer for the mountain pass territory patrol." she thought out loud, knowing that patrol would keep her out of the village for several sunsets. That was usually the least favored assignment, because it was isolated due to the rough terrain and shear cliffs. Only a deity or an idiot would try to traverse it, and since it was proven there were lots of idiots in the world, it was patrolled - though less than a handful had been that ignorant, and no one in recent history. Reports were sent back to the village via runners who performed security checks at various checkpoints, the pass being one.

"Yeah. That's what I'll do." Seb decided, already feeling like her old self just coming to the decision. She went in search of Eponin.

"Sorry. That patrol's already been assigned." Eponin replied, hiding her surprise that the most distasteful patrol had not only one but two suitors.

"To whom?" Seb asked incredulously, a sinking feeling already developing in the pit of her stomach.

"Anja ...."

'Phew.'

" ... and Rhoane."

"Rhoane!?"

"Yes. Why?" Ep inquired, her intuition clanging that there was something she should be attuned to going on here.

"Oh. Nothing." Seb responded as nonchalantly as she could muster with a red face.

"If you're really set on the pass .. maybe Rhoane would switch .." Ep began.

"Naw. That's okay. Ahhh, which one requested the pass?"

"Why?"

"Just curious." 'playing a hunch really.' Seb thought, then went on.

"Maybe I'll trade with the other."

"Well Rhoane requested ...." 'Bingo!'

"But Anja's been assigned, shall we say, for disciplinary reasons." Ep had gotten wind of the straw pulls and wanted it clearly understood that cheaters never prosper, especially at the expense of her Amazon sisters. Seb's shoulders dropped in disappointment, but not the disappointment that Ep assumed.

"Oh alright. If you've got your heart set on it .. I guess I could find another form of ...." she didn't get the rest of the sentence out before Seb had thrown her arms around her in gratitude.

"Just let Anja know and send her in to see me. I'll find Rhoane and let ......"

"That's okay Ep, I'll tell them both." Seb offered and left before Eponin could refuse. Ep hunched her shoulders.

"I think I'll be one of the first runners to head up to the pass to see what in Tartarus is so all fired up attractive about the pass patrol!" Ep decided then spied the hearth wisp. She pulled a straw from it.

'Let's draw straws to see who gets to muck out the stables Anja.' she acted out in her head with a wicked smile as she eyed the lone straw.

Chapter IX

"Mmmmm." the bard moaned in rapt appreciation. She and Xena finally hobbled into the food hut a little late to break fast, but too early for the mid day's meal. Royalty has its privileges though, so she would never go hungry.

"They spoil you, my bard." Xena scowled, watching Gabrielle consume yet another slice of nutbread.

"Someone has to!" was the retort.

"And I don't, Miss Poteidaia of the many orgasms!" Xena playfully chided back.

"That's Mrs. to you." Gabrielle corrected haughtily, flashing the ring that Xena gave her at their joining. They both giggled, receiving curious nods and head shakes from Ursa and her crew. The hut flap opened and Ephiny appeared.

"Thought I'd find at least one of you in here!" she teased as she sat down on the bench on the other side of their table.

"Of course. She's eating for two you know?" Xena deadpanned. She almost lost it when she saw the wash of emotions flood across the Regent's face.

"You mean - are you ...???" she gasped, looking hastily from one to the other.

"No. She just eats enough for two." Xena teased, getting swatted by both of the Amazonian leaders at once.

"How do you put up with her?" The Regent teased.

"Oh, I have my ways." the Queen offered slyly. Xena raised and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, as she popped a sugared date into her mouth. Gabrielle leaned into her, and poked her with her elbow, chuckling softly. Ephiny just shook her head.

"Ep told me about the 'Salvation Army'. That had to be kinda weird, huh?" she asked sneaking one of the dates from Xena's trencher.

"I have to admit, it wasn't at all what I'd expected. You sorta get used to an army causing destruction, not reparation." Xena replied reflectively.

"Well if they truly follow you, then on the path of healing and light is just where their boots should be." Ephiny added in all seriousness, not missing the appreciative glance she received from her Queen.

"I really hafta admire their courage. You're one tough act to follow, oh mighty Warrior Princess!" Ephiny teased to lighten the mood.

"That she is." Gabrielle concurred, staring dreamily at her consort. She was greeted with a tender, yet ardent kiss from the former warlord, who flushed just a little under all this admiration.

"You're getting in here either pretty late or pretty early aren't you?" Xena inquired of the Regent in hopes of changing the subject, or at least refocus the attention.

"Yeah, I - ah, like a snack, after ....." Ephiny blushed.

"Must be something about that mask!" Xena quipped, glad the shoe was on someone else's foot.

"That doesn't look much like a snack! More like a feast!" Ephiny jested, looking at all the food spread out in front of the bard.

"Hey! A girl's gotta keep up her strength! Especially when the warrior -- hmph" she was silenced by a sword callused hand over her mouth.

"Huh? What was that??" Ephiny joked, raising a hand to cup her ear.

"Ahh, she said that she needs to keep up her strength especially when I lead us all over Tartarus and back." Xena offered as correction, smiling broadly.

"Yeah. Sure. That's what she was about to say alright!" Ephiny grabbed a pear from the pile of food before them, tossing it into the air, and catching it behind her.

"Gotta keep up my strength too! I have my own warrior to keep up with!" she said with a sly wink and headed for the flap.

"We have some of the villagers from the Regalia Region coming just before sundown to trade - would be a great opportunity for a celebration ..." Eph suggested.

"Squirrels mating would be cause enough for Amazons to celebrate!" Xena retorted, catching the pear that raced toward her for her efforts.

"We're not that bad, consort!" The Regent rejoined, hands on hips in frustration that she had missed her target, though never really holding out hope that she'd be successful. Xena, noting the Regent's smile, tossed the pear back with a chuckle as her partner sailed in with her agreement that 'a party would be nice.'

"Great! I'll take care of all the arrangements. Give it kind of a fair feel to it!" Eph agreed, poking her tongue out at the warrior.

"No thank you, I brought my own." Xena relied, wrapping her arm around her bard. Gabrielle blushed profusely, almost choking on the bite of flat bread she had just bit off. Ephiny rolled her eyes and left the hut. Xena patting her bard of the back, more than a little sparkle of mischief apparent in those sky blues.

Chapter X

"Why did I just do that?" Seb was chastising herself as she searched the village for Anja, having not found her in her quarters.

"I was volunteering for the pass so I could put some distance between us! What in Hades' Helmet was I thinking by finagling my way into sharing the patrol?!" Her rantings were beginning to attract a few wayward glances. It was more than a little unnerving to see a warrior engaged in a very heated conversation, even more so when they're alone! She made her way to the drill arena, more affectionately referred to as 'The Field", running into Marika, the hand to hand instructor.

"Well hello Sebastia. What brings you to the 'Field'? Looking to get in a little sparring?" Marika asked, looking Seb up and down in that devouring you through your leathers kind of way she had.

"Ahhh - No. I'm looking for Anja actually. Seen her?" Seb asked returning her gaze to the field.

"What would you want with that skinny -"

"Eponin wants her." Seb interrupted.

"Oh I'm sure she does." Marika drawled insidiously. Seb just rolled her eyes.

"You know. There's been a lot of suggestion that you don't go in for your own kind." Marika challenged.

"Has there now?" Seb asked, eyes narrowing.

"And what 'kind' would that be? Warrior? Amazon? What exactly?" she turned to face the instructor, raising to her full six feet stature. The instructor just chuckled.

"Breeeeaathing." Marika hissed. Before Seb knew what had come over her, she had the instructor dangling by the throat. It took the iron grip and a pair of baby blues to wrench her free of her quarry.

"Rogue. What seems to be the problem here?" Xena asked, looking more accusatorily at the instructor.

"Nothing!" Seb grunted, removing her hand, but not her glare.

"Then maybe you should explain." Xena asked, her glare indicating Marika.

"Just a little conversation. Who'd've guessed Sebastia would be so, shall we say, sensitive?" Marika chortled, just leaping out of Seb's renewed attempt at her neck, halted only by the efforts of the Warrior Princess. Xena was tempted to stand aside - she had little tolerance for the arrogant Marika herself, but knew her role as the Queen's General and consort prohibited that action.

"I would suggest, instructor, that you discontinue this conversation and get back to your trainees." Xena said, her distaste apparent. Seb was still glaring at Marika, her fists clinched with such vigor that her knuckles paled in her skin.

"You okay?" Xena asked, placing a tender and tentative hand on her friend's shoulder. That seemed to be the action that released the pressure and the breath the young warrior was holding. Xena heard her exhale slowly through clamped teeth. Seb just shook her head.

"I'm okay. Maybe she's right. Maybe I'm just too 'sensitive'." Xena would've laughed if the situation hadn't already been so strained. She knew her friend was kind, gentle even, but sensitive??? Xena studied Seb a moment then asked,

"So. Talked to Rhoane?" hoping this would be a more pleasant distraction. She guessed wrong and absently looked around for her bard in salvation, when she saw pain replace anger on Seb's face.

"No. Not yet. But we'll have plenty of time for that!" she replied cynically.

"Why? What's up?" Xena asked, turning to face and lean against the rail that lined the arena.

"I - we're assigned to the mountain pass - together!" Seb said, eyeing Xena sheepishly.

"Annnd that's a bad thing?" Xena asked unsure if it were a question or a statement.

"Well, yeah - I mean, no! Ahhh centaur poop! I don't know. I don't know anything anymore!" and Seb flung herself across the same rail as her warrior compatriot. 'You've got it bad, my friend.' Xena thought with her trademark arch. She smiled and slapped the youngster on the back.

"Come on. Maybe a few rounds of tree tag will help clear your head." and she raced off knowing her friend wouldn't be able to resist.

"Hey wait! I see Anja." Seb called and bee lined it for her conveying Eponin's message. Seb observed the relieved look on Anja's face when she was told she wouldn't be stuck with the mountain for several sunsets. That look almost relieved Seb of some of the guilt she was harboring over her conniving, but not quite. Mission accomplished, she raced after the Warrior Princess. Xena had already taken to her first tree and waited for Seb to advance. Seeing the young warrior select a tree south west of her, Xena circled out of sight onto a limb to the northeast, already planning her first strike when Seb searched for her next limb. As predicted, Seb approached from the eastern branch. Xena drew "first blood" - being the first to make contact with her opponent, with a swipe of the flat of her sword on the "Rogue's" left shoulder, then leaping up onto a limb directly over them. Seb was right on her heals, her own sword drawn and at the ready. She dropped and rolled as Xena took a swipe at her just as she landed directly in front of her. Seb shot out a swing at Xena's legs, only to have the blow sail under her as she somersaulted into another tree, and out of sight.

"I hate it when you do that!" Seb said, assuming Xena would hear her. Her assumption was correct as Xena's laughter filtered back to her, apparently from all four directions at once. They went on this way well into the passing of the mid day sun. Both warriors rappelled to the ground, glistening from the exertion. They were pretty evenly matched in agility, stamina and coordination, but Xena had the edge in calculating assaults and retreats. She knew that would come with experience, but until then, she milked it for all it was worth. Seb was a series of red and swelling welts, she looked like she had fallen asleep under a grape lattice. Xena had her share of welts as well, but no where near the volume of her young friend.

They both dropped to the base of the tree in exhaustion. For a moment, neither spoke. Intent on their own thoughts and the sound of the forest. Xena could hear the soft burble of the river, the chittering of some little fury forest dwellers, and the odd call or chirp of indigenous birds. She felt the wind pick up and savored the cooling breeze that chilled and lifted the perspiration from her exposed flesh, inhaling deeply.

"Good game, you old goat." Seb teased, still a little breathless.

"Old goat, huh? Well this old goat's left the kid with more than her share of stripes!" Xena joked back, examining the few stripes she had obtained. Seb was the only person to even lay a single stripe, never-the-less a few on her. She had good reflexes and was deceptively swift in the trees.

"Yeah, yeah! So what else is new!?" Seb conceded, having concluded her own self exam.

"Come on, we'd better get back. I've got some arnica and calendula with my tack, back at the stables." Xena offered, extending her hand to Seb and hoisting her to her feet.

"Do I look that bad?" Seb asked, trying to imagine what she must look like in her entirety. Xena just nodded with a panther who ate the pheasant kind of grin.

"Oh great! Even my face?" Seb asked remembering that she had taken a few shots to the jaw. Xena grabbed Seb's chin between her thumb and forefinger, turning Seb's face to and fro for better inspection.

"Nah the face's okay. At least as good as it ever was anyway!" she proffered wickedly. Seb just rolled her eyes.

"Xena. Warrior Princess, Destroyer of Nations, Consort to the Amazon Queen and ... comedienne! Whodda thunk it?"

"No one in their right mind, but of course that fits you doesn't it?" Xena retorted, continuing their running gag. It was always assumed that Seb's quiver was short a few bolts, and her taking to teasing Xena had proven it beyond all doubts. That brazen act had only served to endear her to the consort, after the first (several) forays of frustration mind you. Once Xena discovered that Seb could dish it out and take it, they became fast friends, and waggish playmates.

They reached the stables, Seb receiving the evil eye from Anja who was up to her ankles in animal fodder and excretions. Xena located her stash of herbs and ointments, the one she kept to stem some, if not all, of the barrage of criticisms she often received upon returning home injured. Seb eyed her suspiciously.

"What?" Xena asked puffing up, daring the "kid" to challenge her with an actual comment.

"Nuttin'." Seb said with a hunch of her shoulders, but a glimmer in her eyes.

"Good. Keep it that way!" Xena concluded, tossing the small clay pot of calendula salve to Seb.

"Rub that on all of your welts and put this under your tongue." she instructed, dropping a pinch of arnica from a vial into her, then another in Seb's mouth. Seb complied, obediently opening her mouth like a young sparrow awaiting a worm.

"Now wait half a candlemark, before you eat or drink anything." Xena ordered, finishing her ministrations. Seb nodded her compliance and turned to exit the stable, Xena following suit.

"I guess I better get my gear together for the pass." Seb started hesitantly. Xena was curious why, but said nothing.

"I'll be gone -" Seb started.

"A while. I know." Xena finished for her.

"Yeah. Will you be here, you know, when I get back?"

"I don't know. I guess that's up to the Queen." Xena answered truthfully. They had come back to the Amazon village at the request of Ephiny two moons ago. Though that business was completed, Gabrielle had asked if they could remain a bit longer. That 'bit' had stretched into quite a few sunsets. Xena was becoming anxious to get on with their travels, but found she was enjoying the sanctity and freedom to explore their relationship even more. She wouldn't push; yet.

As they approached the village common, they could see platforms being raised in preparation for this eve's festivities. Already a few carts had started trickling in as merchants from the Regalia Region made there way for the trade "fair". Seeing Gabrielle coming toward them, Seb decided it would be prudent if she didn't get a good look at the young warrior. She knew that her Queen didn't truly understand the workings of the warrior psyche, but had her share of tolerance. Seb didn't want to test her level of acceptance at her friend's expense.

"I've gotta get my gear and head out to the pass before the sun sets. I know the two up there now would appreciate making it back in good light and in time for the celebration." she said stepping behind the warrior avoiding her Queen's questioning stare. She trotted off for the warrior's hut.

"Where'd she run off to?" Gabrielle asked as she approached her lover, eyeing her warily. Xena gathered her bard into her arms, kissing her deeply before rendering an answer.

"She's getting ready to head out for her tour on the mountain and wanted to get out there so the others could get back in time."

"Hmmmm. Did she talk to Rhoane?" Gabrielle asked, snuggling into her warrior. My how she missed her.

"No, not yet...." Xena shrugged, delighting in their closeness.

"Figures! Warriors!" Gabrielle uttered in feigned exasperation. Xena just chuckled.

Chapter XI

The drummers were just beginning their softly seductive rhythms as the bard and the Warrior Princess emerged from their hut. It was amazing to see so many more merchants and craftspeople had arrived with the setting sun. Carts, makeshift booths and tents in a myriad of colors dotted the vista in every direction. A huge bonfire in the center aided the moon in Gibbous waxing, lending its promise of the Full Moon on her heels. The mixture of Artemis' light with the warmth of the flames was intoxicating. Gabrielle clasped her warrior's hand all agog, the flames paling in contrast to the sparkles in her eyes. The aromas of exotic fragrances, foods and people was a heady mix as the Queen and her consort meandered through the throng.

"Oh Xe! Isn't this magnificent?" Gabrielle asked, her excitement evident in her wide eyed innocence.

"Yes you are , my bard." Xena replied earnestly, never taking her eyes from her lover. Gabrielle turned to face her warrior as her words sank in.

"Merely a reflection of you, my love!" she countered, tiptoeing to seal her addendum with a kiss. She remained that way for an abbreviated eternity as she felt as though she was floating on air - realizing that literally, her feet had left the ground. Azure met marine as their souls communicated through their ineluctable portals.

"I love you so." they said in unison, more spiritually than verbally, but at an unmistakable pitch. Their lips met again.

"Ahem." could be heard somewhere in the hinterland that existed around them.

"Regent, this better be good!" the warrior growled.

"We're about to initiate the trading, but first it's customary for the Queen to thank Artemis for our abundance and petition her for continued prosperity, so yeah, I think it's important." Ephiny said with a knowing smirk on her face, producing the Queens' mask and handing it to Gabrielle. She had a lazy arm draped around her consort Taia, apparently intent to just enjoy, and not partake in the pomposity of her "fair". Gabrielle let out a long sigh and tapped Xena on the shoulder signaling her release. Xena glared at Ephiny in mock malevolence, as she lowered her lover and allowed herself to be led by the hand toward the dais. She took her typical place behind and to the left of her Queen as Gabrielle lowered her mask and faced the masses, waiting for their silence and attention. They were joined on the platform by the High Priestess Sera, who was lighting various smudges on the perimeter of the platform. The air became thick with the smoke and scents of sage, lavender and hemp. It was all so electric, with the energies and excitement of the population. Xena marveled, yet again at the amazing transformation of her bard. Gabrielle's entire demeanor changed when she was in full regal mode. Her voice, her body, her carriage was that of the undeniable ruler of the Amazon Nation.

"Sisters, friends. Please join me in honoring the matron Goddess of the Amazons - Artemis the Huntress." Gabrielle boomed, the strength and parental love evident in her voice. She accepted the chalice from Sera, and sipped of its contents. Turning toward the east, Gabrielle faced the temple and began.

"Artemis, we honor you this day as you honor us with your protection, your pride and your promises. It is through your grace that all that we have and all that we are is manifested here today. We humbly beseech you to not forsake us and continue your support. For this, as in all things, we Thank you." Gabrielle takes another sip, and turns to face the crowd.

"Good friends. Some old. Some new. Know that we welcome you and thank you for the gift of your presence here today. Here is to the continued and beginnings of a long and rewarding affiliation." and she drains the chalice to the sounds of a wildly cheering crowd. Consort and Queen abandon the dais to meander through the crowds, the Queen's right hand lightly covering the Consort's extended left forearm. It was in this manner that she greeted and visited with stranger and friend alike.

The formalities out of the way, the drummers began in earnest, quickly working their audience into rapt participation. Gabrielle pulled her warrior along, discarding the mask and becoming the bard again.

"My Queen. Warrior." Eponin greeted, already enjoying her share of the native wine stocks, with Lyzandra close at hand.

"Lyza, Ep, isn't this great?!" Gabrielle's allure infectious. Ephiny and Taia joined the foursome and gestured that they take a seat under the massive oak that held court in their common. One of the younger amazons from Ursa's crew appeared as if by magic with a tray of assorted beverages. Wassail, port, cider and ale for the choosing. She was quickly replaced by another adolescent carrying food. Gabrielle made her selection of olives and goat cheese sprinkled with basil, wrapped in grape leaves, and dipped in a kind of fruity vinaigrette. Xena settled for goose livers wrapped in bacon on wedges of flat bread, chasing it down with a hearty port.

"Maybe you should just leave the tray here." Ephiny suggested as it looked like Gabrielle was already eyeing the tray for her next selection.

"As you wish, your Majesty." and the girl bowed leaving her burden on the ground in front of the Royal entourage. Gabrielle's eyes lit up in appreciation, though she wouldn't have had the audacity to solicit the action. Xena had selected a spot that allowed her to rest her back against the trunk of the tree, with Gabrielle reclined with her head in her lap. Xena dropped her hand down to gently stroke her bard's hair while she continued her conversation with Eponin regarding the state of the battle readiness of the village. Gabrielle was struck once again by the paradigm that was her lover. She stared up into the fierce glint in Xena's eyes as she discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the village's defenses, the status of the new initiates, and the productivity of the weapons mistress, all the while tenderly caressing her bard's head and face.

'She has the ferocity of a lioness tempered with the touch of a lamb.' Gabrielle mused, as she lovingly watched her warrior. She smiled warmly at the recognition that she wouldn't have it any other way. Xena reached for a morsel, but was shooed away by her Queen. Noticing that Gabrielle had picked up a few of the warrior's favorites, she allowed the bard to feed her the various tidbits, savoring the fingers as much as the sustenance. Eponin had secured the same arrangement with the beverage girl and a tray of cider and port quickly joined the food.

"Where's your junior shadow, warrior?" Ephiny asked after she swallowed a large gulp of the Amazonian spirits.

"On the mountain." Xena and Eponin answered in accord. This prompted Ep to ask about the sudden attraction of that assignment, citing Rhoane's interest as well. Gabrielle raised an eyebrow in realization, but her consort just shrugged inculpably.

"Never you mind. I'm heading up there, first chance I get. I'll find out for myself." Ep pledged. Ephiny hadn't missed the quick looks that ensued between the warrior and her bard, but filed it away for future discussion.

"Come on love. There're a few things I'd like to get from the apothecary's tent." Lyza said to Eponin, with a wicked smile. Ep did a double take, then mirrored her smile in recognition, hastily getting to her feet and pulling her partner up to join her.

"The tanner has some rather nice leather items as well - if you're interested!" Taia shouted after the couple, ignoring the mad blush and sharp elbow of her Regent. Xena and Gabrielle laughed at Ephiny's obvious discomfort over this recent revelation.

"That explains a lot, now doesn't it my Queen?" Xena teased egging the regent on. Gabrielle smiled back at her counterpart knowingly.

"Such as warrior?!" Eph asked unable to resist.

"Well, why you take to wearing wristbands every so often."

"Yeah - so?" Ep tried to defend weakly.

"Annnnd the strange markings on those wrists when you discard them!" Xena concluded with a wicked smile. This made Taia blush, thus confirming Xena's assumptions.

"Well ..well, it's not like I haven't observed my share of 'strange markings' on either of you, you know!" Ephiny shot back, her eyebrow arched suggestively. It was Gabrielle's turn to flush, and Xena's to look around suddenly attracted to the sounds and sights of the fair. Eph, elbowed the warrior and the foursome laughed amicably.

"The tanner, huh?" Xena teased, sending her Queen the most consumingly wicked grin. The Queen retaliated with a pinch to her consort's backside. Taia raised herself to her feet, then extended her hands to her lover and raised her to her feet as well.

"I guess we should get to the apothecary too. We're in need of arnica, pusitilla, annnnd ...." Taia said trying to recall the next item.

"St. John's Wort." Eph reminded her, slipping her around her consort's waist.

"Yeah! That's it. See you guys later?" Taia asked.

"Much ..." Ephiny added.

"Maybe ..." Xena corrected staring hungrily at her bard. Gabrielle recognized the gleam in her lover's eyes.

"Mmmmmm .." a low moan escaped from deep within the Queen's throat at the realization of what that gleam portended. Taia and Ephiny exchanged understanding glances.

"Morning then." they waved and disappeared into the throng of festival goers. When Gabrielle's eyes returned to Xena, she stared right into the deepest and most sensual ocean of blue.

"Gods, I love you sooo..." she murmured as the words welled in her like the lava of amore's volcano, and just as difficult to restrain.

"And I you, my heart." Xena replied, her head lowering to capture her bard's lips. Instantly the world surrounding then evaporated and they were transported to that haven of isolation their desires always reserved for them and them alone. Sounds, smells, and sights funneled away, leaving only them and their own essences which filled their senses like the lilacs of summer. Xena was the first to recover, not being able to relax entirely this exposed, but just as lost in her wantonness as her Queen.

"Tanner or hut?" she asked optimistically.

"Hut!" was the throaty reply, and without another glance in the direction of the activities around them, they headed home.

Chapter XII

Helios was on the last leg of his journey as the sun set leaving the mountain bathed in the richness of the heavens palate. Seb was sure she'd beat Rhoane to their assignment, wanting desperately for some time to continue her thoughts on how to explain this recent turn of events. The outpost was a very rudimentary shelter of branches and twigs, made weather tight with mud and thatch, that served it's purpose as both shelter from the elements and camouflage. The width and breath would be cramped for three but comfortably accommodated two, intimately. Seb set out replenishing the wood stores and starting a fire in the fire ring lined with stones that bore the charring of generations of similar activities. She hadn't bothered to unpack her bedroll, opting to give Rhoane the first choice of where she'd like to place herself in the shelter. She sat quietly reflecting on the chill of the night, the brightness of the moon and the impending isolation with the object of her preoccupation. Suddenly unnerved by thoughts of Rhoane, she focused on the change of command information that her predecessors related. Things had been quiet, however they had come across an unfamiliar series of traps on this side of their mountain. They appeared to be relatively new, but not checked recently. They surmised that it had been a passerby, who discovered his/her error in hunting without permission in Amazon territory, after setting the traps, then abandoned them rather than ensue their wrath. The traps had been removed and destroyed. The scouts indicated the direction they had discovered the traps and speculated that the trapper must've accessed the area via traveling along the river then heading west toward the mountain. Seb made a note to conduct a thorough search of the area caves and outcroppings at first light. If there were trespassers, she'd find them. A sound in the bush behind her stirred her from her reverie.

"YOU!?" Rhoane shouted dumbstruck. Seb couldn't help but to hunch her shoulders sheepishly. Rhoane stormed into the shelter, followed by the sound of things being hurled around in the interior. Seb thought it prudent to weather that storm OUT of doors.

After long moments, the sounds inside ceased. Seb had thrown a few more branches onto the fire so it blazed brightly, reflecting off the streaks of moisture on Rhoane's cheeks. Seb's heart broke in slow agonizing increments at the realization that she was the cause of those tears. Lost for words, and even more abandoned by action, she just sat there on her haunches stirring the fire and grimacing at the flames.

"I - I'm going to secure the western pass." Rhoane offered, not looking at Seb.

"Okay." Seb acknowledged, aware that Rhoane knew she had already patrolled the area.

"Rho -" Seb started, but Rhoane quickly disappeared down the path to the river. Seb angrily threw the twig she was fiddling with into the fire and rose to her feet, kicking violently at the rocks outside the fire ring. Dejectedly she moved over to her pack and retrieved her waterskin. Taking a long pull, she doused herself with the remainder of the water, then tossed the skin back among her things.

'This was a mistake.' she thought, not for the first time.

'How could I have been so selfish? So stupid?!' she chastised herself, abruptly kicking up dirt and moss with the toe of her boot. Rhoane reappeared, waving away the cloud of dust that permeated the area near the outpost. Their eyes met.

"I'm sorry -" they both started at once, the smiled.

"You first." they said together again. They opened their mouths again in unison, when Rhoane approached Seb and put her fingers over her mouth, stopping her comment.

"I'm sorry. My outburst was completely uncalled for, I -" She began only to be interrupted by Seb again.

"No. You were right to be angry. I selfishly robbed you of the solitude, of your escape from ... me." her eyes were frantically searching for some sign, any sign that she was mistaken, but only confirmation lurked in their depths. They just looked at each other silently. Assessing the other's body language and other signals of nonverbal communication. The muscles of Seb's arms, neck and back twitched violently, as she fought the urge to pull Rhoane into her arms. She sooo desperately wanted - needed to hold her. Finally Rhoane broke their silence.

"Maybe this is a blessing in disguise." then spotting the confusion on Seb's face, she went on to explain.

"Maybe, if we have to spend this time, alone, together, we can work out some of our problems. It's a small village after all, and it could get smaller if we don't."

"I don't want you to feel uncomfortable around me Rhoane. I don't want to -" Seb started, but again she was interrupted.

"It's not that, Seb. I'm a big girl. If you don't love - if you can't ... Hades' hindquarters!!" Rhoane cursed as the words fled her brain before her lips could give them life.

"But .... I .. do." Seb said so softly, she hardly heard herself.

"What?" Rhoane asked, not trusting her ears nor Seb's lips.

"I do ... love you." Seb repeated, as if just hearing this news herself for the first time. Rhoane still was not confident in what she heard. Seb moved toward her, and finally gave in to the urge to feel Rhoane's body against hers.

"I love you Rhoane." she said simply with a mountain full of conviction. There was still a great deal of confusion apparent on Rhoane's face as Seb pulled near enough for their lips to press in a tender kiss. The confusion gave way to realization as Rhoane answered back with her own ardor. The buzz of desire fluttered and took root in the core of the two womyn, both melting against and into the other. It was Seb who halted the spiral.

"Wait. Wait. As much as I want this - and I DO want this - we have to wait until we get done and down from here." the warrior reminded. Rhoane reluctantly acknowledged the rightness of her statement with a nod of agreement, clasping Seb's hands in hers. Seb pulled Rhoane into another soul searing kiss.

"I'll get some water and make dinner." she replied, pulling back abruptly, having almost surrendered to the tendrils of lust again.

"Okay. I'll set up inside." Rhoane offered. They moved away from each other, arms and then fingertips hesitating to relinquish their holds. Seb took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head. It was going to one Tartarus of a time up on the mountain! She walked down to the river, with her skin and the wooden pail, filling both, noting how cold the water had become since dusk. She squatted down on the riverbank and splashed copious amounts of water into her face and over her head. She knew she'd be doing alot of that over the next several days. She returned to the outpost, to find Rhoane had already prepared some legumes, grains and flat bread, using water from her own skin. Seb went to her pack and pulled out some dried venison, cheese, and herbs for tea, and joined Rhoane by the fire. Rhoane looked up at her and smiled warmly. The warmth leapt over the distance and settled in Seb's stomach, spreading like ivy vines throughout her soul. Startled by the other warm feelings that surfaced Seb turned her attention to their assignment.

"Yarrow told me that they found traps in the Loehn Region of the woods near the river. I think we should scout the caves for any sign of recent habitation." she offered, starring longingly into Rhoane's eyes.

"Okay. First light?" Rhoane asked, handing a serving of their meal to Seb.

"Mmhm. I'll take first watch - if that's okay?" she replied around a mouthful. Rhoane nodded, stuffing her mouth as well. Both appetites seemed inordinately insatiable.

With the meal done and its remnants cleared, they settled by the fire. Seb had been trying to digest the recent turn of events but her heart wouldn't commune with her head. Instead graying images of a time gone by saturated her consciousness.

'I love you Seb.' hazel eyes sparkled and danced as they absorbed violet.

'I love you too, Emory. More than life.' she had said. The wonder and weight of their devotion still vivid in her memory.

"Where are you Sebastia?" Rhoane asked, taking a seat on the ground next to Seb. Seb turned vacant eyes to meet concerned ones and pondered if she could - if she should share it.

"With Emory." she said softly, fearfully awaiting Rhoane's response. Rhoane just nodded. She had heard how Emory had been killed during the raid of Otonius, just a few days before she was to be joined with Seb. She had also heard the rumors and vicious snickers of those who whispered about Seb living and loving the dead. She reached a tentative hand out and cupped Seb's jaw.

"That's okay. I knew your heart belonged to another when I fell in love with you. I'm not asking that she be forgotten, and I don't think you should either." Seb dropped her eyes and turned to face the fire.

"I never thought I'd ever feel .... how can I feel this way when she's ...." Seb stammered, more confused than hurt.

"We are fortunate to find our truth once. We are blessed to find it twice. If you feel for me anything near what I feel for you, then you are truly blessed. Don't feel guilty about that Sebastia. If it wasn't meant to be, the gods would never have given us - you, this second chance." Her words wrapped around the emptiness of Seb's soul like love's bandage. Seb felt suddenly tired, heavy and yet - free. She sought the gray warmth of Rhoane's eyes and let her tears, the tears she had yet to shed in sorrow and goodbye to Emory, escape from their imprisonment. Rhoane held her warrior in her firm embrace and gently absorbed the waves of release from her lover's soul.

Chapter (you know)

"Ooooh my goddess, Xenaaa ..." Gabrielle sighed as she returned to this plain still experiencing the delicious quaking aftershocks of their lovemaking.

"MMMmmmmmm ....." was all that Xena could muster in agreement. She rolled over to lay beside her bard, the sweat glistening on her body, giving it a crystalline sheen. Gabrielle lifted a leaden arm to caress Xena's face, turning with difficulty to kiss her lover on the nearest part of her body she could reach.

"Wha's that for?" Xena asked, cotton mouthed and thick tongued.

"Just gratitude for another of your 'many skills'!" Gabrielle cooed, then let her arm drop where it willed. Xena reached over her head and grabbed the waterskin she kept by the posts for just such occasions. Drawing heartily on it, she swallowed vigorously, then handed it toward Gabrielle, who just opened her mouth like a fish awaiting its aquatic respiration. Xena obliged, then took another swig, replacing the skin and settled in closer to her bard as Gabrielle nuzzled in. Xena grabbed the end of their light coverlet and pulled it over their bodies.

"What do you suppose is happening up on the mountain right now?" Gabrielle asked somnabulently. Xena cast a brief one eyed stare out the window in that direction.

"Well it's still there, so I guess they've worked something out!" she said, closing that eye again and letting herself drift in the luxurious serenity of afterglow. Gabrielle chuckled meekly, her eyes closing to join her lover on that venture. They had just about relaxed completely in their own personal Elysia, when they heard shouts - or was it singing, just outside their hut.

"Ohhh for Zeus' sake!" Xena grumbled as she recognized the voices.

"Heyyyyy! You two done - I mean AWAKE?!" Eponin slurred as she entered the Queen's hut, dangling over Ephiny's shoulder. Ephiny looked like she too had consumed her festi share of spirits, her face flushed and eyes glassy. They both had that dopey, lopsided grin that would've been a dead give away if it had not been for the gentle swaying that betrayed them first. Taia and Lyzandra brought up the rear, heads hung abashedly.

"We tried to stop them." Taia offered first.

"They wouldn't be deterred." Lyza finished.

"You two had better work on your knots then." Xena teased with a nefarious grin, allowing her head to fall back onto the post of their pallet. Gabrielle curled up onto Xena's shoulder and looked over her lover's covered breasts.

"So to what do we owe this pleasure too?" she asked, her annoyance seeping through at being disturbed.

"This." Ephiny said tossing a burlap covered package in their direction. Xena caught it even though it appeared her eyes were closed. Gabrielle, being the closest knew they weren't. Xena was watching the group under her lashes, her amusement evident. She handed the item to Gabrielle who abruptly sat up, pulling the covers with her.

"Hey!" Xena shouted, clutching the covers, but not before a dark areola made an appearance.

"Sorry, love." Gabrielle grinned, kissing her suddenly bashful warrior. Xena shuffled closer, not missing the predatory look on Eponin's drunken face. Lyza must have noticed as well because she sided up to her lover and put a possessive arm around her, drawing her attention back where it belonged. Ep blushed at being caught in the act and kissed her lover meekly in apology.

"Well open it!" Ephiny encouraged, more than a little anxious. Xena eyed her suspiciously, her glance moving to Taia, then back to Eph.

'They're up to something.' Xena recognized and became a little more interested in the gift. Gabrielle tugged at the twine that held the parcel closed, and unwrapped the item. Her eyes widened in a questioning stare as she examined the leather oblong shaped cylinder. She wasn't sure what it was until she unrolled the leather strap that accompanied it. Xena recognized it instantly and shot the motley group a wicked glare.

"What?! Don't tell me you have one already?" Eph slurred bemusedly.

"No - no, I can't say we do. It's just -" Gabrielle started.

"We've been doing just fine without one, thank you very much!" Xena concluded for them, noting her bard's crimson coloring.

"Of course you have!" Eph shouted.

"Who in or out of Tartarus hasn't heard you 'do just fine' without it?!" Ep added. The consort and her Queen exchanged accusatory glances.

"It's just to add a little, er -" Eph started, searching for the right word in her wine soaked consciousness.

"Variety" her lover added, coming to her rescue.

"Yeah, variety. Nothing like a little play acting to add some extra spice -!"

"Xena's plenty spicy enough for me as is!" Gabrielle retorted, not believing she was even having this conversation.

"I know, I know. But surely, you, being a bard and all, could think of a few scenes when something like this could add a little .... hmmmm?" Eph suggested, winking and repeatedly pointing from Xena to Gabrielle lecherously. Xena returned her gaze to her lover and was surprised to see a mischievous twinkle as Gabrielle reassessed their gift. Feeling everyone's gaze on her, Gabrielle shoved the item under the coverlet, out of view.

"That's right. Warm it to body temperature before you use it!" Ep added, nodding approvingly.

"Umm. Thanks. All of you. It was very, ah - thoughtful of you." Gabrielle offered.

"Don't thank us!" Taia corrected, indicating herself and Lyza.

"Yeah. It was the two hedonists' idea." Lyza corroborated. Xena smiled consolingly. She knew how easy it could be to get swept up in the shenanigan's of the Regent and her Mistress of Arms when fermented fruit was involved. She too, had on occasion, been pulled into more than a few pranks and "enlightened" predilections while imbibing with those two. Gabrielle also smiled warmly.

"Maybe you two should get some sleep." she suggested, more to their sober partners on their behalves. Taia and Lyzandra nodded in accordance.

"But it's not even mid night yet!" Ep whined, much like a youngster reproaching an early bedtime.

"At least we should go to bed .." Lyza encouraged, looking her lover in the eye. It took a while for the meaning to take root in the befuddled Mistress of Arms, but when it did, her smiled beamed across the room. She scooped up her lover, bid a hasty good night and they were gone.

"Two down, two to go." Xena replied just loud enough for Gabrielle to hear, and received an elbow to the ribs for her troubles.

"Okay, your Majesty. Time for you to call it a night as well." Taia said moving to stand beside her partner.

"Sure, in a minute." Eph said looking back at the bump under the covers that was their present.

"You don't need any pointers ...?

"NO!" the Queen and her consort shouted in unison.

"OKAY! Okay. It's just that we have one, only it's big-" the regent was cut off by a whap to the back of the head, and a hasty retreat of Taia, with her lover in tow.

"Good night, Gabrielle and Xena." she called over her shoulder, dragging a confused Ephiny behind her. Xena and Gabrielle looked to each other and laughed, unable to believe the events that just unfolded before them.

"I think THAT was just toooo much information!" Xena guffawed when she finally caught her breath, and their laughter began anew.

Chapter XIV

The curtain of night had just started to part, ushering Helios on his new journey across the horizon. Seb awoke to the smell of strong tea, and spice. Opening her eyes, the first thing she saw was the glorious smile of the womon she loved.

"Morning sunshine." Seb croaked her first sound of the day.

"Good morning to you." Rhoane said, pressing the mug of hot tea into Seb's cold hands. Before she could pull away, Seb grabbed her by the arm and pulled her down for a kiss. Rhoane melted against her on her knees.

"Mmmm. So it wasn't just a wonderful dream?" Seb asked.

"A dream come true, but not just a dream." Rhoane confirmed, and kissed her again before returning to the fire. Seb watched her love move around the camp as she sipped her tea. It got incredibly cold at night on the mountain. She had spent most of her shift tending the fire and doing weapons drills to keep warm. It felt good to have a hot drink to ward off the night's frost before stepping out into the morning air.

"I could get used to this." she stated absentmindedly, unaware she had spoken her thought out loud.

"I hope you do." Rhoane replied simply, punctuating her statement with a suggestive stare. Seb chuckled huskily.

With the morning grooming rituals completed, Seb and Rhoane headed out along the river path to begin their surveillance of the areas as planned. By the time dawn was officially prominent, they had made their way to the base of the mountain. Rhoane located the spot of one of the traps by the disturbed vegetation and Amazon tracks that surrounded it. Actually the Amazons were experts at concealing their activities, but this time they wanted it clearly understood that the traps were discovered and not appreciated. Rhoane pointed out the tracks, communicating with hand signals just in case the owners were brazen enough to return. Seb squatted to survey the prints, careful to separate the ones made by her sisters from the others. She noted that there were several tracks, but only appeared to be two sets of foreign bootprints. One set was much larger than the other and appeared to be about a fortnight old, guessing that the thick canopy of vegetation protected the tracks from the more aggressive elements. She noted that they headed toward the river and they decided to follow them to determine if they lead to the point of departure or just another trap location. Seb on point, carefully followed the tracks, noting how erratic the pattern was. True, maybe over time, some of the tracks had vanished, but it seemed more likely that the trappers had intentionally chosen an illogical pattern. Illogical because the pattern didn't fit conventional trapping layouts. Seb turned around to find a mirrored look of confusion of Rhoane's face as well.

'Good. It's not just me.' she thought and continued to trudge through the underbrush. Seb could hear the soothing gurgle of the river as they neared its banks. Judging by the number of traps Yarrow and her compatriot had discovered, it was not probable that the trappers were just hunting to meet their own needs. It was more than likely that he/she was trapping for trade. There had been only one more area of disturbance indicating the location of another trap. That area had been in a pretty open and cleared spot, not likely to lure any kind of animals into its clutches. The questions mounted and lingered. Who ever it was, was not particularly adept at their chosen trade, or ..... Following a hunch, Seb gestured for Rhoane to stay where she was, using her to pinpoint the trap, and conducted a spiral search of the area. She had traveled maybe about twelve stave lengths when she discovered the first one. She sounded her bird call and Rhoane joined her. Together they stared into the pit. Not a pit for animals of the four legged variety; a slave pit. The traps were used to redirect any travelers toward them. The tracks surrounding the pit were much fresher. Whoever it was was checking the pit more regularly than the traps, lending credence to the decoy theory. They scrutinized the area down to its minute detail. The same set of bootprints, one large, one smaller, were observed in and around the pit. Seb gestured to Rhoane that she should conceal herself and await her return. Seb then raced back to the outpost, scribbled a brief note regarding their find on a scrap of parchment for the first runner, should she appear before their return, and grabbed some rope and a field trowel and raced back to Rhoane. Her plan was to locate as many of the slave pits she could and set a surprise of her own for the slavers when they returned. This took all of the morning and well beyond the sun's high point. They dug, covered, and concealed their own traps, wiping any signs of their activities away as they left the area. Then they headed back to the outpost, hand in hand. This was the first time they had shared any physical contact since before dawn. Seb dropped Rhoane's hand as they breached the brush and found Eponin squatting by the fire ring with Seb's note. They filled her in on the details of their find and Seb's plan.

"I think that the traps were placed to lure any unsuspecting soul from the trail right into the path of the slave pits." Seb explained taking the waterskin from Rhoane when she had finished.

"I don't think the idea was to enslave any Amazons, after all the traps weren't concealed with any cleverness. So my guess was that they trapped anyone who ventured onto our lands, leaving their disappearances to crossing the 'pagan man eating womyn' and never suspecting slavers." Rhoane concluded. Seb and Ep nodded in agreement.

"Never the less. We can't allow slavers to exploit our land or bastardize our principals!" Ep grunted, rising to her feet and scanning the valley below.

"Not to mention, the strain this must be putting on our relations with the surrounding villages, if they presume we have done something to their disappearing loved ones." Seb offered, her anger starting to peak at the injustice of the situation.

"Ummhmm. I'll gather a search party together. We have to find these slavers and put an end to this. Our Queen should send a delegation to the villages to alert them of the situation and exonerate our people." Ep, having come to a plan turned on her heels quickly and faced Seb and Rhoane.

"I'll send up replacements for you. I really think two of my best warriors should be in on the search. That is of course, if you're through up here ..." Seb looked away sheepishly under Ep's questioning stare.

"Oh yeah. I think we've resolved ..." Rhoane began, but Seb's look cut her off. Eponin just chuckled and headed toward the village path.

"I'll send Anja and Rheta up to replace you. Meet the party at Perpetual Point. We should get there around nightfall." she called over her shoulder before vanishing down the trail. Seb turned back to face the outpost and was surprised to find Rhoane standing just in front of her.

"It looks like we won't have to wait nearly as long after all." she crooned, sending shivers up and down Seb's spine. Seb pulled Rhoane into the circle of her arms, and nuzzled her neck.

"Praise Artemis!" she drawled, as Rhoane draped her arms about her neck and shoulders. They stole this opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the lips and mouths of each other.

"Have mercy!" Seb groaned when they at last parted, both goose fleshed and weak kneed.

Chapter XV

The Mistress of Arms made it back to the village a few candlemarks before dusk, sending a message for the Regent to meet her at the Queen's hut, and heading directly there. She acknowledged the salute of the Royal Sentry and awaited Ephiny's arrival.

"In." they heard and entered.

"My Queen. Consort-General." Eponin greeted formally, dropping to one knee, indicating to all present that this indeed was not a social call.

"Yes Mistress of Arms?" Gabrielle, regaining her regal bearing, concern inching over her features. Xena and Ephiny assumed their traditional positions and awaited the news that prompted this unexpected formality. Eponin rose to here feet and looked first to the Queen then to her Consort-General.

"Slavers. On the mountain." was all she said before any explanation was offered. Gabrielle's mind raced at the implications. 'Had there been Amazons taken? Rhoane? Seb??!' she thought, her pulse racing.

"Go on." Xena commanded, placing a calming hand on the shoulder of her Queen.

Eponin filled the royal contingency in on the details as provided to her, to include her suggestion for a search party and a peace delegation. Xena had separated from the group and was staring out of their window in the direction of the mountain as the arrangements were made for both.

'Very clever.' she admitted. Turning over the plan the slavers used with begrudging admiration. Tactically the plan was sound. The pit would ensnare the trespassers, neither alarming the Nation nor the unfortunate soul's kinsmen. The kinsfolk would assume that their loved one had simply met with Amazon justice for trespassing. The Nation, unaware of their presence to begin with, would never be the wiser, but should their traps be discovered, probably their pits would not and the operation continued with the nominal expense of replacing the traps. Very clever indeed. She turned around to face the trio as she heard her lover instruct that the slavers should be brought back alive ....

"If possible." Xena corrected making eye contact with her bard. They held each other's glare, their silent debate making their observers nervous.

"As General, my concern is the swift elimination of the problem." Xena offered out loud.

"As Queen, my concern is what's best for our Nation, and diplomatic relations."

"Then your primary objective should be the safety of your sisters, not some slavers." Xena knew that was unfair. No one cared more, or revered life more, than her bard, but there was nothing the warrior despised more than slavers. Except perhaps her former self. Gabrielle knew this was the position her consort was arguing from, also knowing she had to find a mutually agreeable way to resolve this without inflaming tempers, disrespecting her General, or having her authority challenged.

"General. I'm sure you are well aware that the welfare of our sisters, and the state of our Nation are my biggest concerns. It is with this in mind that I want the slavers brought here for interrogation, in the hopes that some answers may be uncovered and bloodshed avoided. I'm also aware, and trust, that you will do what you deem fit for the greater good, keeping in mind your Queen's instruction, yes?" Gabrielle argued, her eyes, she hoped conveyed accurately her underlying message as well. Message understood.

"Yes, my Queen. As you have commanded. They shall be brought here, if it can be done to avoid bloodshed. Our sisters welfare first and foremost." Xena replied with her released breath, bowing to her Bard Queen. A collective sigh was heard in and outside their hut.

Chapter XVI

Rhoane stood on the zenith of Perpetual Point, enjoying the orangy lavender sunset that signaled Helios' departure. From here they could watch the comings and going of both the valley and the mountain pass. The air was already starting to chill and she involuntarily shivered, more from the forced enaction than the cold.

"Mmmmm." she sighed as she felt the warmth of Seb's arms wrap around her from behind. She leaned into her, resting her head back onto the young warrior's broad shoulder. She could feel Seb's warm breath against her ear and neck, and shivered anew.

"I didn't think it was that cold." Seb said, wrapping her arms tighter about her love.

"It's not outside that's making me shudder, love. It's how you make me feel inside ..." Rhoane replied turning her head to look at her amazon.

"Mmmmm. I can't wait to find that out for myself." Seb said, swallowing noisily.

"What? How I make you feel inside?" Rhoane asked pulling away in concern.

"No. How you feel - inside." Seb confirmed, seeking and finding Rhoane's lips as proof. Rhoane turned around in Seb's grasp tilting her head up, her mouth opening. This time it was Seb who shuddered. Instinctively, hands began their sacred exploration, hearts dancing wildly within their confines, breaths escaping in giant gasps.

"Oh goddess!" Rhoane panted, as Seb's mouth left her lips and trailed down the pulse of her throat. Rhoane's hand moved up and into the blond tendrils of her love, pulling handfuls to powerfully reclaim her lover's lips. Seb's hands were grabbing parts of their own, as she clutched the fleshy backside of her lover, pressing her tightly to her, needing to get closer still.

"Ohhhh .... ohh - we ... have to ....." Rhoane tried feebly.

"I knoooow." Seb panted in return.

"No. I mean yessss ... I mean ......." Rhoane struggled trying to secure her fleeting coherence.

"Yyyesssss ....." Seb hissed, making it more difficult. Her mouth now moving along Rhoane's collarbone, toward her cleavage.

"Ohhhh Sebastia ... we .. have to ... stop!" Rhoane finally and reluctantly got out, her head rolling back of its own accord in acceptance of the probing mouth of her lover. Seb dropped her head onto Rhoane's chest and desperately tried to halt her quaking pulse. Both of them trembling with their efforts. At last, their breathing began to take on that of some normalcy, the quivering slowly dissipating.

"Tonight. Come Tartarus or high tide, I will have you Rhoane of Crozet!" Seb hoarsely pledged, their foreheads resting against each other.

"I promise. We shall have one another!" Rhoane corrected, again attempting to still her rapidly beating heart. With great effort, they extricated themselves and moved out of reach, the heat still radiating between them even at that distance. It would continue to be that way until later, much later that night.

Chapter XVII

With the decision made that Ephiny would assign and accompany one of the two delegations (her second, D'Janna, the other) that traveled to the more remote villages; Gabrielle began penning a Royal Decree requesting that the leaders of the remaining villages meet with her at the Amazon village. This was concluded to be the most time efficient way of getting the information to as many of their neighbors as possible. Xena would lead the search party for the slavers, with Eponin remaining behind to protect the village and their Queen. Xena had been torn over whether to remain or go, but it was the Queen's proclamation that she lead the party. A reassuring look from Eponin and she set off to ready Argo and select her party. She was relieved to hear that Seb would be joining her. There were only a handful of people that Xena trusted to battle at her side and Seb was in the top three. Her envoy chosen, Xena headed back to their hut.

Gabrielle was surrounded by several runners who would have the task of delivering the invitations. Unsure of the state of ease or dis-ease, Gabrielle explained that all caution and diplomacy should be utilized. For this reason, two runners would deliver each message. She asked for volunteers, explaining that the notes they carried contained instruction that should the villages deem it necessary, they could request that the runners remain until the return of their leader as insurance. It was of the utmost importance that as much, if not all, defensiveness be defused as soon as possible to ensure continued peaceful relations around their borders. That done and the assignments handed out, the runners bowed collectively and turned, tilting their heads to their General as they exited the hut.

"You handled that very well, my Queen." Xena drawled, pulling Gabrielle into her arms.

"I'm flattered. Thank you." Gabrielle beamed, tiptoeing to steal a kiss.

"I'm very proud of the way you've handled everything actually." Xena continued, taking in the smile that lite up her lover's face. She truly was beautiful, and continued to amaze her more and more with each passing of the moons.

"You think?" Gabrielle asked, including their earlier disagreement.

"I think." Xena smiled down at her Queen, then dropped a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.

"I know I can be myself, and implicitly trust that your gentle pacifism would balance the scales in the right direction. I like that we can be us and the Queen and her General!" Xena replied, gathering her bard up in her arms and moving toward their bed. Gabrielle raised a suspicious eye, noting the direction they were heading.

"If you think flattery will get you ...." she started.

"Truth. Not flattery. Remember, whether it's the 'warrior' or the 'General' it's still me." Xena corrected, lying down on top of her bard.

"And right now, I want ... you. Not the Queen, not the bard, just my wonderful lover and beautiful wife, Gabrielle."

"How exquisite for me, 'cause that's just who I happen to be!" Gabrielle purred as her lover's lips captured her own.

Chapter XVIII

"Gods' speed, my love. Fare thee well!" Gabrielle whispered up into the kiss of her mounted consort. Argo stood patiently still, just the swishing of her tail betraying her eagerness to be underway. A thrill swept through Gabrielle as she detected her scent on Xena's lips. Xena arched a suggestive eyebrow, licking her lips wickedly.

"Just a little something to tide me over until I get back." she teased.

"Mmmm. Then hurry back!" Gabrielle retorted huskily.

"Count on it!" and another soul searing kiss was witnessed and enjoyed by all; some more than others!

"Heyah!" Xena shouted and Argo anxiously complied. Xena cleared the gate with her choice of seven mounted Amazons in close pursuit. She ran the directions over in her mind as to where she was to meet Seb and Rhoane, as well as the details of the plan to locate and ....

'What?' Xena asked herself. She recalled her promise to her Queen, and renewed her commitment to keep it, but wasn't sure just how she'd go about it - yet.

'I guess that depends on who and what we find.' she concluded and spurred Argo onto a gallop, eager to arrive and solve this mystery. True to expectation, the party arrived at Perpetual Point just as night fell. Seb and Rhoane already had a small, obscured fire going easily identifying their camp for Xena and company.

"Warrior. Glad you could join us." Seb drawled with a comfortable arm around Rhoane. The gesture was more an acknowledgment for the Warrior Princess that all was good on the mountain. Xena nodded knowingly.

"Pleased to know that." she responded in understanding of both the spoken and unspoken declarations. Seb returned her knowing smile.

"Have you found any other sign of trespassers?" Xena asked, joining the search party at the fire.

"Just more sets of the same prints we found near the trap sites and by the river. They lead to that ridge over there then disappear at the rock face." Rhoane supplied the information, pointing in the direction of the border mountains.

"Any sign of other prints? Horses, wagons?" Xena asked turning the information over in her mind.

"Nope, not a one. Not even any prints from their captives." Seb offered in ruefully. Nothing was making sense. How could slavers gather and transport numerous bodies without the aid of a large conveyance. Where were the other prints. Certainly at least some of the prints from their victims should be present, but she knew Seb's skills as a tracker. If they were there, she would have found them.

"I think we should split up. I don't want to waste good light and time doubling back. Seb you take a group to the rock face and scour the mountain for signs of where the tracks pick up. Don't cross the ridge into the next territory, set up camp and wait for us." Xena commanded, as Seb gestured hand to breast in agreement.

"Rhoane. You will lead our group to the pits and prints. I want to see for myself the layout of the operation." Rhoane nodded her understanding.

"And by all means!" Xena continued, making eye contact with each Amazon in turn.

"If you come across the flesh peddlers, do NOT engage! Wait until we are all together. We are to take them alive by orders of our Queen. We will rejoin you as soon as we can." A chorus of "Yes General." echoed around the camp in acknowledgment. Night guard rotation was established with the exclusion of Seb and Rhoane. Xena felt that they would need a full nights rest to compensate for their watches the night before. She wanted them alert and fresh for the day ahead. The evening meal consisted of dried meat, berries, cheese and tea. Xena ate in isolation, looking down the valley in the direction of the village; a certain strawberry blond Queen drawing her longing and attention. She sensed Seb's approach, before she heard it and squatted to assume a position down on one knee with her forearm rested on the other.

"Rogue." She greeted as Seb entered the clearing where Xena was perched.

"General." Xena looked at the young warrior and noted the goofy lopsided grin. An eyebrow arch later, and it was mirrored by her own.

"So the mountain was - effective?" Xena queried, returning her gaze back in the direction of her heart's desire. Seb crouched down on the ledge beside her friend, and nodded absently.

"Quite."

"I'm glad."

"Me too." The remainder of their time was spent, each entertaining their own private thoughts, having just expended more emotion in their version of a "sensitive chat" than they had in recent times.

"General. Can you spare the presence of two under your command for the eve?" Seb asked not daring to look at her.

"I suppose." Xena replied, smiling knowingly.

"Some unfinished business Rogue?" she asked again starring down the valley.

"Not for long!" Seb grunted. Rhoane joined them shortly thereafter, dropping down and wrapping an arm about her warrior's waist.

"The party is divided and we'll be ready at first light, General." she said, staring out into the vastness of the valley below.

"Who will be with us?" Xena asked her focus still miles away as the crow flies.

"I chose Analia, and Sayan, for their endurance, and Tamerja for her tree tracking abilities, to accompany us General. I've assigned Tuvalu, Suri, Kiera, and Drake for their stealth and expert hand to hand skills, to go with my tracker here in the morn." Rhoane replied, tightening her hug around her love.

"Good Rhoane." Xena replied. It wasn't the first such compliment the instructor had received from the Warrior Princess, but it filled her with pride none the less.

"I suggest you two take care of that business. I wouldn't want either of you unduly distracted. Shove off. See ya' at first light." Xena said, sipping the last of her tea. Rhoane pulled Seb to her feet. Seb placed her palm on her General's shoulder in passing as they went to retrieve their sleeping furs.

'Well my Queen. I hope you rest well, for I'll not till I'm in your arms again.' Xena thought, sending her tidings westward to her bard.

Chapter XIX

The sun was just disappearing over the horizon as Gabrielle and Eponin discussed the delegation assignments to visit the neighboring villages. The Queen had spent a little time getting to know all she could about the Amazons that went with Xena; as much to convince her of Xena's safety as it was that her orders would be followed. She wasn't foolish enough to believe that their village was 100% loyal to her. There were still a few stragglers of Valeska that lived in their midst, festering. Although she trusted Xena and her judgment implicitly, she also knew that her General would choose the best Amazon for the job, regardless of their politics.

The runners had been gone only a few candlemarks when a couple began to return from the more proximal villages. The Queen became more optimistic when word trickled back that none of the closer villages had suffered any losses nor harbored ill will toward the Amazons. It gave her the confidence she sought that if there had been a problem, there would've been some communication before now.

'Maybe this will work out fine after all.' Gabrielle allowed. She felt the tension slowly drain away with the realization, and turned to face her Mistress of Arms.

"Ep? What do you know about the 'Union and Reunion' ceremony?" Gabrielle asked, looking out her window at the oft viewed mountain. Eponin was caught off guard, having been examining the ceremonial chobos that hung over the Queen's mantle.

"Ah - not much." she shifted nervously. She always got jittery when ANYONE talked about ANYTHING relating to commitment. Gabrielle chuckled and shook her head.

'Poor Lyza.' she thought.

"Well what DO you know?" Gabrielle asked again, not willing to let her friend off that easy.

"Ah, ah - For one thing, I know it's coming up pretty flea flickin' soon!" she gruffed.

"So you've heard of it?"

"And heard, and heard ....." Eponin replied with a dramatic roll of her eyes in emphasis.

"How does Lyzandra put UP with you?!" Gabrielle scolded, getting perturbed in defense of her warrior-loving friend.

"I wonder WHY?" Ep countered.

"Because she LOVES you! Ever thought of that???"

"Yeah, I thought of that! And it raises another question - WHY?" Ep realized that she was raising her voice to the Queen, but this was the only volume she had when it came to this discussion.

"Right now, at THIS moment, I'm beginning to wonder too!" Gabrielle shouted back, unaware that they were no longer alone.

"Allow me to explain." Lyzandra offered in a desperately needed civil tone. She walked over to her lover and placed a warm palm on her cheek. Looking into Eponin's eyes she began.

"I love you because you fill me with such wonder, sweetness and joy. I love you because you are the lyrics to the melody of my soul. I love you because you are strong, and brave yet gentle and giving. I love your honor, your dedication, your laugh and your cry. I love the way you moan my name at just that moment. I love the way you, and only you, release the animal that is my passion and temper her with love. I love everything about you, Eponin, now and always. I have no greater fear than my life without you, and no greater joy than waking up in your arms." She watched her words sink in and generate the warm intensity in her lover that they did in her.

"Marry me." Came the whispered question that left everyone in the room in shock, including the bearer of the request.

"Ep -" Lyza started, her eyes rapidly darting over Ep's face looking for confirmation of her sincerity.

"Marry me. Please." Ep asked again. All Lyza could do was nod in agreement. Then she looked to an equally tearful Gabrielle.

"You heard it right?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yep. You've got a witness." Gabrielle confirmed, droplets gently trailing down her cheeks. With that, Eponin hoisted up her lover into her arms and kissed her soundly. Gabrielle suddenly remembered that she needed to go to the council hall. She'd figure out what for when she got there.

Chapter XX

Xena had just concluded another of several perimeter checks, careful to steer clear of a certain pair off in the distance. Stopping yet again to peer at the full moon overhead, she paused to chat with one of the two guards who stood this last watch before dawn. As predicted, she got little if any sleep.

'I'm spoiled.' she thought with a rakish grin as the realization that her bard's warm person snuggled next to her was the only thing that relaxed her enough to slip into Morpheus' realm. Thinking of her now only served to make the ache of absence grow immeasurably more taut. That ache was compounded tenfold when she had stumbled upon Seb and Rhoane spooned together on their bedroll, Seb's arm wrapped securely about her love's waist. With a deep sigh, Xena rambled about, finding herself back at her perch facing the village. Pulling her sword from her scabbard, she began, whetstone to metal - again. That was how Seb found her at first light.

"Did you get any sleep last night?" Seb queried, as she hunkered down to join the warrior.

"Some." came the monosyllabic response.

"Enough to appease our queen?" Seb jibbed her, poking the warrior in the ribs. Xena chuckled at the tease.

"Enough to appease me." she retorted, casting Seb a glare warning her against continuing this line of questioning. Seb turned away to stare over the horizon, a mischievous grin turning up the corners of her mouth.

"Don't ... even -" the warrior admonished the wide eyed innocent beside her. A few more moments of silent appraisal and the spell was broken. Thoughts of their mission came flooding into focus as they observed the sun ominously breached the skyline.

"Will you be breaking the fast?" Seb asked without drawing her gaze away from the sunrise. Xena produced a piece of dried venison in response. Seb just nodded, looking over her shoulder at their camp and observing the rest of the troops stirring. One in particular making her smile.

"Any opinions on our problem?" she asked looking now at her General and friend.

"Yep."

"What?"

"Don't like it." was the simple truth, punctuated with a raised eyebrow and a predacious grin.

Within the span of a candlemark, camp was broken, the parties divided into their respective patrols and headed out to complete their surveillances.

Chapter XX

Seb gathered their bedrolls and gently led Rhoane away from the main camp. They traveled a safe distance into the darkened forest, putting enough space between them to unsure some modicum of privacy, but with ready access to aid in defense if need be. She selected an area that was partially cleared by fallen timber, but had a high wall of vegetation that surrounded the relatively young glade. Rhoane watched as Seb meticulously removed every twig, rock or pebble from the spot she intended to spread their bedfurs, with a loving and appreciative countenance.

Once that task was completed, Seb turned on her knees to face Rhoane and extended her hand upward in invitation. Rhoane glided to join her soon-to-be lover at the edge of the furs, shivering slightly as her hand was warmly wrapped in tender fingers of electricity. Seb pulled her love's hand to her lips and gently caressed and kissed each digit with her cheek, mouth and tongue. Rhoane knelt to join her on the furs, her knees becoming too weak to support her stand. With her free hand, she tugged pale hair, guiding that same mouth to hers for a searingly hungry kiss. She felt the tremor race through Seb's body and smiled her smile into their kiss.

"Sweet Artemis!" Seb panted as Rhoane trailed her lips from her mouth, to kiss Seb's face, eyes and neck.

"No. Sweet you, my love." Rhoane corrected in a low, husky whisper. Seb couldn't stand this maddeningly slow pace anymore. Every nerve ending was screaming to be in, on and around this glorious creature that instant and she was loathed deny it. She pushed Rhoane down, rougher than she had intended. The fire that met her stare, evaporated any apology she may have intended. She extended her full body on top of Rhoane's edging Rhoane's knees apart to accommodate their different lengths, and get closer to the core of heat she yearned for. Capturing Rhoane's lips again, she delivered a soul rending kiss, thrusting her tongue in to meet her's causing them both to moan from the back of their throats. Without conscious thought, they began rocking and thrusting against each other, gently at first, then the rhythm and contact increased. Seb felt Rhoane reposition her legs to place one between Seb's and the new and direct pressure skyrocketed Seb's hunger. The thrusting became grinding; kissing became biting. Seb reached up to caress Rhoane's face as she sank her teeth into the tender flesh of her throat. Rhoane gasped and a finger trailed along her open lips, igniting her flesh. She captured the finger and worked her tongue and teeth around its tip and length. Seb licked and sucked the flesh she had been nibbling at the new sensations, noting the rapid and jerky thrusting of Rhoane's hips. She removed her hand from Rhoane's mouth (reluctantly) and moved down to capture Rhoane's right breast. Groaning deeply as she readily detected the raised tender morsel. Rhoane's breathing was raspy and fast, her head lolled to the side, her lips parted slightly. With a panting moan, Seb ground down onto Rhoane's torrid center and pinched the nipple she was stroking through her tunic. Rhoane arched violently up from the bedfurs, Seb's weight being the only thing to keep her firmament bound. That unexpected yet delicious thrust was the acute contact and pressure that sent Seb catapulting into her nirvana of orgasm. One became, two, then three as their bodies convulsed together setting off a domino affect of volcanic eruptions in each other, until they collapsed, ravaged and spent. They were slow to return to this plain, their breathing heavy, limbs leaden, mouths dry. Seb raised her head first, gradually becoming aware of the smaller body trapped beneath her frame and tried to roll off of her. Arms with reflexes that surprised them both (under the circumstances) shot out to halt her departure. Lips and tongue gently found the throbbing pulse point in Seb's neck, setting off another string of tiny, yet spectacular aftershocks.

"Oh - My - Gods!" Seb panted, as the last of her energy drained away into the mouth of her lover. Rhoane smiled knowingly as she felt the subtle, and seemingly, involuntary awakening of Seb's hips as they began their rhythm anew.

"Let's see if we can at least get our clothes off first this time, shall we love?" Rhoane whispered her tease against her lover's collarbone. A throaty chuckle and a blazing kiss was the only reply.

Chapter XXI

no one has ever made me love myself more.

Seb had always walked the fine line of sense and sensibility. She was always the first to volunteer for the risky assignments, and the first to accept a dare. She was also the first to play a prank on anyone, neither the Regent nor her council had been immune. She was most often the last to leave a skirmish, always watching the backs of others.