It was the third time this week that Gabrielle's nightmare had awakened the warrior. Xena had asked her about it the first night, but all she got was a very curt, 'I don't remember what it was about' from her best friend. She knew that Gabrielle wasn't telling the truth, but the more she pushed the issue, the more the bard clammed up.

The Amazon Queen turned her back on the warrior and tried to go back to sleep. Xena knew she was just lying there, but as there was nothing she could do to help, she laid back on her on bedroll and let her thoughts wander.

Xena remembered that Gabrielle as having experienced nightmares about the same time last year. They had begun shortly after the two of them had first begun travelling together. She couldn't get anything out of Gabrielle that time either. Her feelings for the younger woman had changed so much so that the warrior couldn't deny it any longer. She was totally in love with her best friend. The problem was that Gabrielle could never return her feelings. How could she? She was interested in men, wasn't she? The warrior couldn't remember ever seeing Gabrielle show more than a passing glance at the several young men that had come across their path. Gabrielle would show them some attention, but then as soon as they showed her some attention back, the bard would withdraw, and at times it even seemed as though she was frightened of them.

The only thing the warrior could do was accept Gabrielle's explanation that she didn't remember the dream and hoped with a little prodding from a certain Queen Regent, that in time, the bard would tell her about them. She hated to see Gabrielle hurting in any way and that was the reason she had decided they would take a slight detour and visit the Amazons.

It had only been a few moons since their visit, but Xena felt that if anyone could get Gabrielle to talk, it'd be Ephiny. The two had become close friends and Xena was hoping that this closeness would allow Ephiny to find out what was wrong with the bard. Xena had never been one for talking much, let alone doing the sensitive chat thing that Gabrielle needed now. She prayed to Artemis that Ephiny would help her with this problem.

"Gabrielle?" she whispered.

There was no answer.

"Gabrielle. I know you're not asleep. I've got something to ask you?"

She could hear the bard sigh, but she did turn over.

"What is it, Xena?"

"I thought that since we really don't have to be anywhere at the moment, we could go visit the Amazons. It would be a nice surprise."

Gabrielle had travelled with Xena long enough now, to read her friend and know that Xena and surprises usually didn't mix.

"We were there only a few moons ago Xena. Why would you want to go there now?"

"Oh, I don't know. A warm bed, good company ?." The warrior's voice trailed off.

"Xena, if you need companionship, why not just say so. I understand that you have needs that only ? "

Xena couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had certainly not meant that at all. Why would Gabrielle think such a thing?

"Gabrielle." The warrior started. "That's not what I meant at all. Why would you say such a thing?"

"Xena, I remember when we were in the village last time. You spent a lot of time with a certain redheaded woman and well, I know that you slept with her so it stands to reason that you'd want to go back that way to see her."

Xena was definitely uncomfortable now. She had wanted to sleep with the redhead, but when it came down to it, she couldn't. That's when she realised that she was indeed in love with Gabrielle. Siritus (the redhead) had been understanding and had even encouraged Xena to tell the Queen, but Xena had been adamant that Gabrielle couldn't possibly return her feelings, so she would keep them to herself.

"Gabrielle. I ? "

"Xena, you don't have to explain it to me. Your private life is your business. If you want to go back to the Amazon Village, that's fine by me." Gabrielle stated a little more forcefully than intended. "I assume we'll be leaving at first light?"

Xena was so stunned, that she just merely nodded.

"Right, then. We should get some sleep." With that the blonde turned her back again and settled for the night, leaving Xena to ponder what in Tartarus just happened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next four days was hard on [easy for either] both women. Gabrielle was still having nightmares and when Xena tried to entice her into talking about them, the bard would become angry and withdrawn. By the time they got to Amazon Territory mid-afternoon, the warrior was more than a little peeved at Gabrielle's behaviour.

Gabrielle knew that the way she was behaving wasn't being fair on Xena. What she was going through was something that she just couldn't share with her, not just yet. If she did, it would change their relationship forever, maybe even make Xena leave, and she couldn't bear to think about being without Xena. She would just get through the next couple of days and the nightmares would be over. 'Well, until this time next year,' she thought.

They were not far inside the border when Solari and Eponin greeted them.

"My Queen." Both warriors said together as they bowed.

"What brings you back so soon?" Solari enquired.

Before Gabrielle knew what she was saying, she blurted out, "It seems that Xena's in need of some female companionship. Apparently she really enjoyed herself last time we were here, that .. "

"Gabrielle!" the warrior shouted. She could not believe her ears. This was not like Gabrielle at all.

Eponin's jaw dropped, as did Solari's. Had they heard right?

Gabrielle turned towards Xena and realised that the warrior was furious.

"I'm, I'm sorry Xena." The bard blurted. "I don't know what possessed me to say such a thing."

Xena was so angry that she couldn't speak. She just brushed past her friend and headed towards the village. Gabrielle was on the verge of tears. 'What had she done?' She turned and began to follow the warrior down the path.

Eponin finally was able to speak.

"Sol, you walk with Gabrielle. I'm going to talk to Xena and see what that was all about."

"Yeah, right." Solari managed to get out.

"Xena!" Eponin shouted. "Wait up."

Xena showed no signs of acknowledging Eponin's call. Her whole body was wound up so tight. She was going to talk to Ephiny as soon as possible so something could be done about the bard's behaviour.

She felt Eponin fall in step beside her but said nothing.

"So ? What you two been up to since you left?" Eponin enquired. 'Oh yeah, Ep, good question.'

"You know, this and that." The warrior replied.

'Great.' Thought Eponin. 'She's in one of her no talking moods. Not that she talks much anyway.'

"Right."

The two women walked in silence for a little longer before Eponin tried again.

"Xena, um, about before."

"Yes."

"What was that all about? I would never have believed that Gabrielle would say such a thing if I hadn't of heard it with my own ears."

Xena turned her head towards the younger Amazon, "I don't know what's wrong with her. She's been having nightmares for the past week and when I try and ask her what's wrong, she clams up. I thought about asking Ephiny if she could talk to Gabrielle, so I suggested we come here for a while and she got it into her head that I wanted 'companionship'. Seems she saw me spending time with Siritus last time I was here."

"But you didn't sleep with her, did you?"

"I know that and you know that, but Gabrielle doesn't. I don't think she'd believe me anyway. Ep, I am worried about her. These nightmares, they happened the same time last year and when I questioned her about it then, she wouldn't tell me anything."

"Do you think she'll tell Ephiny?"

"I don't know, my friend. I hope so."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While Xena was talking to Eponin, Solari was trying to draw Gabrielle into a conversation of her own.

"So, Gabrielle. How's things been?"

"You know, busy." came the reply.

'Great.' Thought Solari. 'She's been taking Xena lessons on how not to talk.'

"It's great to have you back in the village."

Nothing was forthcoming from the Queen.

"Do you know how long you'll be staying?"

This got a snort from the bard as she mumbled. "As soon as Xena's gotten enough 'companionship', I suppose."

Solari stopped walking, hardly believing what she just heard. What she did next startled the Queen.

"What is up with you Gabrielle? It's not like you to be so, so, I don't know, weird."

Gabrielle was instantly on the defensive. She pulled her arm free of Solari's grip.

"Do I need to remind you who you're talking to, Solari?"

"No, my Queen. I'm sorry."

"You'll do well to remember that next time you speak to me in such a manner. Now, can you run ahead and make sure there's a bath drawn for me? I'm tired and dirty and am in need of a bath."

"As you wish, my Queen." Solari bowed and then took off in the direction of the village.

The two warriors turned to see Solari come rushing up behind them.

"What's the rush, Solari? Is Gabrielle alright?"

"I'm sorry, I can't stop. Gabrielle has asked that I run forward and organise for a bath to be drawn for her."

"I must leave you now Xena and go escort Gabrielle." Eponin turned and headed towards Gabrielle.

Before Solari rushed off, Xena grabbed her.

"What's going on?"

"You tell me, Xena. I think there's something seriously wrong with Gabrielle. Now please, let me go so I can carry out her orders, before she punishes me for not having her bath ready."

Xena watched as the Amazon raced towards the village.

"One way or another, I'm going to get to the bottom of this, Gabrielle, even if I have to lock you in a room until you tell me what's wrong." the warrior whispered to herself as she continued towards the village.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle was struggling with what she had just done. How could she have been so awful to Xena? She hadn't meant to blurt that out. And then she lost her temper with Solari. She really needed to talk to someone about her problem, but it couldn't be Xena. She wouldn't understand. How could she understand? She watched as Eponin cautiously approached her. 'I suspect she considers me weird at the moment too.' The bard sighed.

"My Queen, we are honoured that you are here again." Eponin stated.

"It's alright, Eponin. You don't have to be so formal around me. I'm not going to bite your head off. There's just something going on that I'm having trouble dealing with, that's all. I'm sorry for what I said before."

The weapon's master put her hand on the bard's arm and smiled at her. "Gabrielle, I'm not the one you offended. I think Xena deserves your apology more than me."

The bard sighed again. "Yes, you're right. I really don't know why I said what I did. How angry is she?"

"She's more worried than angry I think. She cares a lot about you."

"I know she does. I think I'll stay away from her for a while when we get to the village. That's another reason I asked Solari to have a bath ready for me. It'll give me time to relax and think."

Eponin could see the struggle within the bard. 'This is really hard for her,' She thought.

"Why don't you try talking to Xena about whatever it is that's bothering you. I'm sure she'd understand."

"I know you're only trying to help, Ep but I don't think even Xena will understand this one."

"I think you're selling Xena short. If you don't think Xena will understand, then at least talk to Ephiny."

"I'll think about it, Ep."

"That's all I ask."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of the walk to the village was done so in silence. Gabrielle was silently kicking herself for what she said to Xena and Xena was working on a plan on how to get Gabrielle to tell her what was wrong.

Several Amazons had gathered awaiting their Queen's arrival. Ephiny came out of the council hut and rushed to greet her friend and Queen.

"Gabrielle, Xena, it's great to see you both. What do we owe the pleasure of a visit so soon? Is everything alright?"

Gabrielle spoke up before Xena had a chance.

"Just wanted to visit and have a break. That's all. Nothing's wrong."

Ephiny knew this wasn't the case as Solari had informed her of what had happened earlier.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a bath. Solari, I take it, you've had someone prepare one for me?"

"Yes, my Queen."

"Good, then I will see you later for dinner." Gabrielle replied as she headed off to her hut.

Ephiny turned to Xena and questioned, "What just happened here?"

"Can we talk in your hut? I think it would be a bit more private."

"Yes, of course. Sorry. Don't you want to check on Gabrielle first?"

"No, I think the best thing to do right now is let her have her bath and give her time on her own."

"Well, if you think that's the best.

Eponin gave her lover a look that only Ephiny could understand and the Regent gave her a slight nod. With that, Eponin headed for the training field, knowing that Xena would probably want a work out when she had finished her conversation with Ephiny.

Solari headed back out on patrol and took a couple of young Amazons with her.

The two women walked in the direction of Ephiny's hut.

Once inside Ephiny's hut, Xena sat down with a sigh.

"So, tell me what is wrong with Gabrielle?"

"I don't know Ephiny. Something's bothering her and I can't get her to talk about it. I thought maybe you could talk to her and when I suggested we come here, she thought I wanted to come here for sex."

"Couldn't you two just do that anywhere?" Ephiny questioned.

Xena was taken aback at the boldness of Ephiny's question.

"We're not lovers." Xena mumbled.

"Excuse me?"

"I said, we're not lovers." Xena repeated.

Ephiny knew that both women loved each other dearly for they both had confided in her on their last visit. She had wanted to bang their heads together then and get their feelings out in the open, but she respected their reasons for not telling the other. Understand them, no, but respect them, yes.

"You've got to be kidding me. I thought by [for] now you would have told her how you felt."

"I can't Eph. It would ruin everything."

"How do you know that, Xena?"

"Look, I don't want to talk about this right now. I'm more interested in telling you what's wrong with Gabrielle."

"Alright, I'm sorry. It really isn't any of my business. Please, tell me about Gabrielle."

"Well, she started having these nightmares and when I ask her what they're about, she says she doesn't remember and then puts up a wall. They happened the same time last year, shortly after we began travelling together. I thought that by coming here, you could talk to her. She might just open up to you."

"I can try Xena, but you know how stubborn Gabrielle can be."

"I sure do." Xena replied with a smile. Many a time, the bard had shown her stubborn streak to the warrior. "Anything you can do to help, I'd appreciate it."

The warrior rose to leave.

"So, you going to head over and see her?" The Regent asked.

"No, I think I'll leave her alone until almost meal time. I thought I might head down to the training field. I believe that Eponin will be waiting for me.

"I should have known that you'd be the one to figure out what she was up to."

"What can I say, I've ? "

Ephiny held up her hand. "Yes, I've heard it before. You've got many skills.

The two woman each broke into a grin before heading their separate ways.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle was still pondering how she could possibly apologise to Xena. She hadn't meant what she had said earlier. It had just come out before she had a chance to really think about it. Who was she to question who Xena slept with? It's not like they were lovers or anything.

She thought about what Eponin had said earlier about talking to Ephiny. Maybe Ephiny would understand. Then again, how could she? It's all my fault. I let it happen.

Tears began rolling down her face. What I did is unforgivable and I am certainly not worthy of being loved. This thought caused her tears to increase and she dropped her head into her hands and began to sob.

I've got to pull myself together. Xena could come back any minute and it'll be hard enough to apologise to her without having to explain why I'm crying.

Gabrielle got out of the tub, dried herself off and put on her Amazon leathers. She had taken to wearing them whenever she returned to the village. It felt appropriate to do so. Feeling a little weary, she decided to lie down for a nap before the evening meal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eponin and Xena sparred for a candle mark before the weapon's master finally asked for a break. She enjoyed it when she sparred with Xena, but her friend was never one to take a break.

"Xena. I think I've had enough for today. I'm sure there's plenty of time tomorrow to try and bash my head in."

"Sorry, Ep. Just a little frustrated, that's all. Needed to vent a little."

"Yes, I did notice."

They walked and sat down underneath a tree.

"So, how did things go with Eph?"

"Okay, I suppose. She's going to try and talk to Gabrielle. If she doesn't open up, then I don't know what to do. It breaks my heart to see her in such pain."

"I spoke to Gabrielle on the way in and I asked her to consider talking to Ephiny if she felt she couldn't talk to you."

"Thanks, Ep. I hope it did some good."

"Do you have any idea what the problem is?"

"Not a clue. It's not like Gabrielle to keep something from me either. We tell each other everything."

The weapon's master smirked, "Yeah, right."

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

"You're a smart woman, Xena. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

Xena's temper began to rise. "I don't have any idea what you're talking about."

"Xena, you're in love with the woman and yet you resist telling her. Don't you think that if she knew, it would help things?"

Xena groaned. "By the Gods, not you too?"

"Yes, me too. I think you should tell her."

"It's not the right time. She has too much on her mind and by me telling her I'm in love with her, it might confuse her even more."

"Yes, it might and then again, it might not."

"I'm not willing to take a chance on it." Xena quickly changed the subject.

"I'm going to get cleaned up and spend some time with Gabrielle before the evening meal. I hope she'll be in a better mood by now."

As they walked off, Eponin mumbled, "I still think you should tell her."

Xena gave her friend a threatening stare. "Ep, will you give it a rest."

"Fine. I give up." Eponin smiled. "For now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena acknowledged the guards at the bottom of the steps of the Queen's hut.

"Is Gabrielle still inside?"

"Yes, Xena."

"Could you organise for some hot water to be brought in for a bath?" she asked.

"Certainly. I will have it organised."

She took a sigh before climbing the steps wondering what sort of mood Gabrielle would be in. As she entered the hut, she noticed how quiet it was and guessed that the young bard was probably asleep.

She poked her head around the corner of the room and saw that the bard was indeed asleep, tossing slightly, but otherwise in a deep sleep. Deciding that she would let her sleep a little longer, she moved back to the main room and removed her weapons. Grabbing her whetstone, she began to sharpen her sword as she waited for the hot water to arrive.

It wasn't long before she heard Gabrielle's mumbled cries.

"Please ? stop ... you're hurting me ... I'll be good ? I promise."

Xena was on her feet heading for the other room when the bard let out a scream.

"Noooooooooooo."

By the time Xena reached her, she was sitting up and breathing heavily. The remaining guard was no more than two paces behind her.

"Gabrielle."

"My Queen."

Xena sat down on the side of the bed and put her hand on Gabrielle's arm.

"It's alright. I'm alright." The Amazon Queen tried to assure both her guard and Xena.

"If you're sure, my Queen."

"Yes, Elis. I'm fine."

The guard backed out of the room and returned to her post.

As soon as she left, Gabrielle burst into tears and flung herself into Xena's arms. Xena hugged her tightly, stroked her hair and whispered words of reassurance.

Xena noticed that Gabrielle's body had stiffened when she took her into her arms, but the bard didn't break contact.

"Gabrielle. You can't go on like this. Please talk to me."

Gabrielle pulled away and looked into Xena's face.

"Please understand. I can't. At least not right now."

Xena's rose from the bed and began to pace.

"If not now, then when Gabrielle. You've been having nightmares for days now. It's not like you to not talk about your feelings. You're my best friend and I want to help you, but you won't let me."

"I know that Xena. Gabrielle bowed her head. "It's just, well I'm afraid."

This caused Xena to stop mid pace and turn towards her friend.

"Afraid of what, Gabrielle?"

Suddenly there was a knock to the door and the conversation was broken.

"Who is it?" the warrior growled.

"It's Elis. I've got the water you ordered for your bath." Came the reply.

"Fine. Leave the water here. I'll do it."

The woman dropped the water and turned to make a quick getaway.

Xena reached out for Gabrielle, but the smaller woman pulled away.

"Xena, go have your bath. It's almost time for the evening meal."

"No, Gabrielle. I want to talk about this now."

"I don't want to. Now just drop it, will you?" the bard shouted.

"Fine. Please forgive me for caring!" Xena yelled back as she grabbed the buckets and went to fill the bath.

Gabrielle was so angry that she made sure that the door slammed on her way out.

Xena sighed and thought, 'Well, good going Xena. Now's she mad at you. Why did I have to keep pushing?'

She removed her leathers and settled into the bath. I'll have a quick bath and then see if Ephiny will go and have a talk with her. I've got to find out what's wrong and soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle didn't know where she was going. Anywhere, as long as it was away from Xena. She ended up near the stream and felt her eyes fill with tears as she sat down.

"Why can't she leave well enough alone?" she asked herself.

"Because she cares for you a great deal." Came a voice from behind her.

Gabrielle was startled for a spilt second until she realised it was Ephiny behind her. She turned and upon seeing her friend, let the tears freely flow.

Ephiny rushed to her side and gathered the young woman into her arms.

"Sssh, Gabrielle. It's alright."

Ephiny let Gabrielle cry while she just held and gently rocked her.

Gabrielle pulled away from her Regent and wiped her face.

"I'm sorry, Eph. I don't mean to be a blubbering idiot."

"Gabrielle, you are anything but that. Do you think you can talk about it? I'd like to help if I can."

"I don't think there's anything you can do. What I did was unforgivable." Gabrielle replied as she lowered her head.

Ephiny was somewhat shocked at that statement. She put her hand underneath Gabrielle's chin and turned the young woman's face towards her own.

"Please, Gabrielle. Tell me what's wrong."

The bard sighed before speaking. "I'm not sure you'll want to be my friend by the time I'm finished telling you."

"I'm sure it can't be that bad, Gabrielle."

"You know that I love Xena with all my heart, don't you?"

"Yes, but what has that got to do with this?"

"Everything, Eph, everything. You have to promise me that what I'm about to tell you, will never be told to Xena. She would never forgive me. And if you don't want to be my friend either, I'll understand."

Ephiny was really concerned now.

The bard began to wring her hands together, displaying her nervousness. Something she did when she was nervous.

"Well I'm sure by now Xena has told you that I've been having nightmares these past few days."

Ephiny nodded.

"It happens around the same time every year. It's kind of like an anniversary for me. A bad anniversary." The bard's bottom lip began to quiver now. She wasn't sure if she could go through with this.

"Um, well, you see. It's the anniversary of when my father first raped me and every year I relive the memory."

"Gab... "

"No, please let me finish. It was my fault. I did something to make him do that to me. Then I let him keep doing it to me. I did nothing to stop him."

Gabrielle broke down again.

Ephiny did the only thing she could do and hugged her Queen trying to soothe her. It was some time before she spoke.

"Gabrielle. What in the world would make you think that it was your fault. Your father forced you into doing something that no father should ever do."

"I haven't finished yet. He wanted to go after Lila as well, but I made a deal with him that he could do whatever he wanted to me as long as he didn't touch Lila."

"Oh Gabrielle."

"There's something else. I got pregnant and when Herodotus found out, he kicked me in the stomach and I lost the baby."

Ephiny was having a hard time trying reign in her anger. How could a father do this to his daughter, a person he was supposed to love?

"What was your mother doing when all of this was happening?"

"I don't even know if she knew what was going on."

"How could she not know?"

"Herodotus was very clever. He would always make up an excuse to get me alone somewhere."

"Like what?" Ephiny asked.

"He would always have his bath when Mother was cooking the evening meal. He would call out for his back to be washed. Mother always said she was busy, so I was the one who ended up going. While I was in there, he - he did things."

"Gabrielle, I am so sorry that you had to go through that. Have you told Lila or your Mother any this?"

"No, I couldn't do that to either of them. I'm sure Mother loves Herodotus very much and I can't spoil Lila's perception of her father. That would be wrong."

"How do you know that he's not touching Lila now?"

"I watched him last time I visited and didn't see any signs that he was. Plus I threatened to set Xena onto him if I ever found out he touched Lila."

"Well I'm sure that's a good enough reason to not do it."

"Since the first time he touched me until I left home, I have felt nothing but shame and I know that Xena couldn't love me if she knew. My body is ugly and I'm not worthy of love."

"Gabrielle? How old were you when it first started?"

"Eleven summers."

"Think back to that time and of how small you were. How could such a small child fight off a man the size of your father?"

"That's not the point. I should have done something."

"You kicked and screamed, right?"

"Yes, but he... "

"No buts. You did everything you possible could to get away. He was just too strong for you."

Little did either woman know that Xena was listening from the trees. She unashamedly let the tears fall down her face. 'Oh, my sweet Gabrielle! The pain that must of gone through, and are still going through. You most certainly are worthy of love.' She decided it was time she let it be known that she was there.

Both women jumped when the warrior made her presence known.

"I wish you wouldn't sneak up on people like that, Xena." Ephiny remarked.

What she saw shocked her. Never had she seen Xena crying before. This was time for her to go. Her friends needed to work this out themselves now. She made a hasty exit and said a quick prayer to Artemis asking her to help her friends get through this.

"Xena, I - "

"It's alright, Gabrielle. I didn't mean to spy on you. I couldn't help it. I was worried about you."

"How much did you hear?"

"Enough to know that you were not responsible for what happened to you. You were a victim."

"How can you say that, Xena? I let him touch me."

"Because I know you Gabrielle. What you did for Lila by protecting her takes a strong person."

"I didn't feel very strong."

The Warrior Princess moved closer to the Amazon Queen.

"You are by far the strongest person I have ever met. And you are most worthy of being loved. I am so in love with you, Gabrielle."

"How could you love me?"

"What's not to love? You're beautiful, intelligent, caring."

The bard began to blush. "I'm not any of that."

"You are to me."

"Really?"

"Really." Xena replied as she moved closer and took the bard into her arms.

"I love you too, Xena. I have for a long time. I just didn't think you'd love me back if you found out what happened."

"My bard, I think I'm even more in love with you now that you've shared this with me. I would like to kiss you, may I?"

Gabrielle pulled back and grinned. "I think I'd like that."

Xena bent down and slowly touched her lips to that of her love. She didn't add too much pressure, as she wanted this to be special.

Gabrielle deepened the kiss and let out a moan that made Xena's body react and her desire level increased just a notch.

The two women slowly broke apart and both gazed into each other's eyes.

"Wow." Breathed Gabrielle.

"Wow, indeed."

"I never felt anything like that before Xena. Can we do it again?"

"That and lots more."

The bard stiffened at those words.

'Stupid, stupid' Xena thought.

"I, I'm sorry, Gabrielle. I didn't mean that."

"No, it's alright Xena. I just, well, sex to me brings back nothing but bad memories."

"I understand. We can wait until you're ready."

"I don't think I'll ever be ready, but I know that I want you. Will you teach me?"

"Only if you want me to. We can take this as slow as you like. I would never force you into anything that you were not comfortable with."

"Xena, let's go back to the hut."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The soon to be lovers walked hand in hand back to the Queen's hut. Ephiny had caught up with Eponin and the two of them had been waiting for the return of their friends. When they saw them hand in hand, both breathed a sigh of relief.

They watched in silence as the Warrior Princess and the Amazon Queen made their way to their hut.

"I take it they've told each other." Eponin stated.

"I think you might be right about that." Ephiny replied.

"I'll make sure they're not disturbed."

"That's probably a good idea. I do believe they won't be coming back out for quite some time. Have someone put together a meal as well and have it delivered to their door."

"Sure."

Ephiny thanked Artemis for granting her prayer as she turned and headed back into her own hut.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Xena. I so much want to have sex with you, but I'm afraid."

"First of all Gabrielle. What we will be doing won't be sex. It will be called making love, because when I touch you, it will be out of love. I will go very slow and if you want me to stop at any time, I'll do so. You just say the word."

She kissed her bard once again and moaned into the kiss.

"Oh gods, Gabrielle. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Xena. Teach me. Teach me how to love."

"Mmm, with pleasure my love."

Xena leaned in for another kiss, which quickly turned more passionate. She felt the bard's tongue pressing against her seeking entrance to her mouth, which she willing opened.

The bard swirled her tongue around the inside of Xena's mouth relishing the feel of it all. She was beginning to feel a little light-headed and she went weak at the knees.

"Oh Xena, I'm dizzy."

"Sssh, it's okay, I've got you. Why don't we move to the bed?"

The warrior picked up the bard, carried her to the bed and gently laid her down.

"Gabrielle, you are so beautiful. I want to feel my skin next to yours, so I'm going to remove my leathers. Is that alright?"

Gabrielle gulped, "Y-Y-Yes, that's fine."

Xena seductively lowered both straps of her leathers and slid them down her muscular body. She pulled the shift over her head and casually removed her britches. Her body was so tense at the thought of loving her bard. She could only hope that she was able to go slow. After wanting the younger woman for so long, now to actually be able to love her was beyond words.

"I'm going to show you just how beautiful your body is, Gabrielle." The warrior stated as she moved onto the bed.

Xena lay on her back and pulled the bard on top of her. She caressed Gabrielle's back and began to undo the ties of her [on the] top.

"Can I take off your top?" The warrior was going to keep asking her love every step of the way, just to make sure that Gabrielle was totally comfortable with what was happening."

Gabrielle mumbled a 'yes' and then went back to sucking on the warrior's neck. Xena's senses were reeling. Being this close to Gabrielle was mind blowing and the gentle sucking noises that were being created on her neck were just divine.

The bard's breasts were free and Xena pulled her closer and took a nipple into her mouth. The bard stiffened a little so Xena released it.

"I'm sorry, Xena."

"It's okay. Do you want me to continue?"

"Yes, it's alright. Just had a flashback, that's all."

"Just focus on us, here, now. It's me loving you Gabrielle. Me worshipping your body."

She closed her mouth around the nipple again and teased it with her tongue. Moving to the other side, she grabbed Gabrielle's buttocks and gave them a squeeze.

Xena spent a lot of time worshipping the bard's breasts, all the while whispering words of comfort, words of love.

"Gabrielle, can I remove your skirt and breeches. I need to feel your skin against mine."

"Oh by the gods Xena, yes." The bard's body was on fire.

Xena rolled the bard onto her back and removed her skirt and breeches.

"Gabrielle. Your body is the most magnificent I have ever seen."

"Do you really mean that?" the bard tentatively asked.

As Xena lowered herself onto her lover she replied, "I most certainly do."

She continued to caress the sides of the bard's breasts and kissed her neck, lips, and ears.

Xena could feel her own wetness pooling between her legs and she wondered if Gabrielle was as wet.

She left the bard's mouth and moved slowly down her body, kissing every bit of flesh she could on her way down to the bard's centre.

"What are you doing?" Gabrielle's fear had returned.

"I'm going to love you baby. I'll stop if you want me to."

"Yes, for the moment, please."

"Sure, my love, anything you want."

Xena moved back up and kissed Gabrielle.

"Xena?"

"Mmm?"

"Can I - um?"

Xena stopped and looked into Gabrielle's eyes.

"What is it you want, love?"

"Well, can I, um well, can I like, have a look at you, you know, down there?"

If the situation hadn't been so serious, Xena would have laughed.

"It's just that, well I'm a little curious and I'd like to see it. But if that's asking too much, then ? "

"No Gabrielle, that's fine. You do whatever you want."

Xena lay on her back and opened her legs for Gabrielle to have a look at her womanhood. When she did, she could smell her own arousal and hoped that it would not offend the bard.

Gabrielle settled herself between Xena's legs and the smell that hit her was [so] overwhelming.

"Xena, your smell. It's intoxicating. Do I smell like that?"

"Not everyone smells the same."

"Oh."

"You can touch and feel me if you want."

"Yes, please." Gabrielle eagerly replied.

Gabrielle slowly and tentatively, touched the warrior's most intimate place, which in turn caused Xena to let out a low moan.

The copious amount of liquid that Gabrielle found there stunned her.

"Is there supposed to be this much 'stuff' here Xena?"

It was all Xena could do to focus on speaking. Gabrielle's investigations were driving her insane.

"Y-Yes, when you're turned on by what the other person is doing, it makes your body produce the wetness.

"Does it serve a purpose?"

"Um, well, it helps for when it comes time for penetration."

It was a couple of heartbeats before Gabrielle replied.

"I see."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

"No, no, it's fine. I did ask and thank you for being so honest."

Xena opened herself up fully for the bard, more determined now to get this exploration over and done with. She was having a hard time trying to concentrate.

"Gabrielle, see that thing here?" Xena touched her clit.

"Yes."

"Well, that's called a clitoris and that is the most sensitive part of a woman's body."

"How so?" the bard questioned as she touched it.

Xena's body tensed up.

The bard stifled a giggle.

"I think I know how."

"Gabrielle, I don't think I can stand you touching me any longer. Can I please touch you? I want to love you so much."

Gabrielle crawled up her warrior's body, kissing the flesh as she went. Upon reaching her lips she whispered, "Love me."

Xena pulled Gabrielle in for a deep kiss before flipping the bard onto her back.

"Don't forget. You say stop at any time you're not comfortable, right?"

"Right."

Xena again kissed and nibbled her way down the bard's body, stopping in an area for a short time before moving on to the next.

"Lie back and open your legs for me, love."

Gabrielle did as she was asked and she could feel her heart begin to pound. Would she react like Xena did when her clitoris is touched? She knew that she was turned on as she felt her own wetness before.

Xena had decided that she would not enter the bard this first time so she leant in and breathed deeply.

"By the gods, Gabrielle, you smell wonderful. I've got to taste you."

Before Gabrielle had a chance to reply, Xena's mouth was on her sensitive nub and she screamed out.

"Xena!"

Xena immediately stopped what she was doing.

"I'm sorry, I'll stop. I thought you were ready."

Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked down at the beautiful blue ones of her lover.

"No, it's fine. I just wasn't prepared for ? that."

Xena smiled. "I take it, you liked it."

"Like is not the word."

"Shall I continue?"

"By all means, please do."

Xena again placed her mouth on the bard's clit and began to suck and tease it. The bard's breaths were coming shorter and shorter and she knew that Gabrielle was going to have a quick release.

"Oh - Xena - I - I - feel - something - what ? "

Xena lifted her mouth and used her fingers to massage the bard's swollen nub.

"Just let yourself go Gabrielle. Think of me, loving you, letting you know that you're worthy of love. Your body is not ugly, it's beautiful, you are beautiful."

"Oh, yes, Xena, it's happening, it's ..". the Amazon Queen's voice trailed off as her body stiffened.

Xena felt herself go over the edge as well, something that had never happened to her before when giving someone pleasure.

Xena again put her mouth on Gabrielle's centre and kept it there until the bard's shudders slowed. She gave it one last kiss before she moved up and took the spent woman in her arms.

Gabrielle was sobbing. She couldn't help it.

"Sssh, everything's fine. You're going to be okay."

Xena kissed the blonde's head and slowly rocked her. It was several moments before Gabrielle's crying was under control.

"Xena, I love you so much. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced. Thank you. Thank you for teaching me that my body is not ugly and that I am worthy of love."

"Gabrielle, there is no one more deserving of love than you and if I have to spend the rest of my days proving it, then I'll [d] gladly do it."

Gabrielle snuggled closer in Xena's arms.

"I am lovable."

"Yes, my bard, you are. Now, I think you need to sleep."

"But, but, what about you."

"I'm fine, Gabrielle. I actually came with you, now sleep."

"I love you Xena."

"I love you too, Gabrielle."

The two women held each other tighter and slowly drifted into Morpheus' arms, one having taught love and the other having learnt how to be loved.

The end.