Part 1

Xena looked over at the two young girls playing quietly in the corner. She smiled as they chatted between themselves in a language only they could understand. First she looked at the one with strawberry blond hair and blue eyes and then to the one with dark long hair and green eyes. Xenielle and Briena were hers and Gabrielle's children - gifts from Artemis.

Gabrielle was away negotiating a new trading treaty with villages that bordered with the Amazon Nation. She had left early the day before and Xena wasn't sure when her beloved would be back, but she hoped it would be soon. Xena had spent the two days on the training field showing the new trainees sword manoeuvres. It was rare that her and Gabrielle ever slept apart and when they did it was never more than for 2 nights. When they came back together again, they always made love with such passion, as if it was their very first time. The one thing they could both count on was that their daughters never woke up. They slept as soundly as Gabrielle did and for that they were both grateful. During Gabrielle's absence, their daughters spent time with their guardians and as always, Xena couldn't wait to get home to watch them play. She could hardly believe how content she was after finally settling down in one place. She sat back in the chair and smiled as she remembered the events leading up to when she had finally revealed her true feelings for Gabrielle. She let her mind drifted back to the events that led up to her declaring her love to Gabrielle.

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The two friends had managed to get caught in a storm and Xena was having trouble finding shelter. They were on their way to Amphipolis to visit Cyrene who they hadn't seen for at least a season. The two women were soaked to the skin when Xena finally realised that she was near a small, dry cave that she had used for shelter once before.

She turned toward the shivering woman behind her and shouted, "Gabrielle. There's shelter ahead. Are you alright?" Xena knew what the answer was before the bard answered as she could feel Gabrielle shivering.

"I-I'm fi-fine. Ju-just a-a lit-little c-cold, Xena." Gabrielle stammered and gripped Xena tighter around the waist.

Xena urged Argo on faster and reached the cave a short time after.

She jumped down off Argo and reached up for Gabrielle. Taking her by the hand, she led Gabrielle and Argo inside.

Xena knew that she needed to get Gabrielle out of the wet clothes and warm as soon as possible. The bard was shivering so much that her teeth had started to chatter.

Xena grabbed the bedrolls from the saddlebags and laid them out on the ground. Fortunately, they were only slightly damp as she had bought some new saddlebags just the week before and these were of a new design. The vendor who sold them had said that they were waterproof and she was impressed to see that what he said was somewhat true. She brought her attention back to the present and looked around to see that there was some firewood stacked at the back of the cave for which she gave silent thanks to the Gods.

"Come here, Gabrielle. Get out of those wet clothes while I get a fire started."

Gabrielle moved closer to the bedrolls and took off her wet clothes. She put on the shift that Xena had given her, then wrapped herself in the bedrolls to keep warm. She was so cold that her joints had started to ache and she couldn't stop shivering.

It didn't take long before Xena had a good fire going. She grabbed Gabrielle's clothes and laid them close to the fire to dry. She looked over to Gabrielle and could see that the bard was still shivering despite being wrapped in both bedrolls.

"Gabrielle, I'll put some tea on for us as soon as I get changed. I'll settle Argo then come back and help warm you up. Okay?"

Gabrielle looked over to Xena and managed a smile.

Xena's heart almost broke. She hated seeing Gabrielle miserable, but that's just what she saw when she looked into those beautiful green eyes. She quickly removed her leathers and put on a sleep shift. She put on some tea to brew and then joined Gabrielle in the bedrolls.

"Let me warm you up Gabrielle."

She wrapped her arms around Gabrielle and pulled her close.

"Xe-Xena. I-I'm so c-cold."

"Ssshh, Gabrielle. You'll be warm soon, I promise." Xena replied whilst rubbing Gabrielle's arms to try and warm her up.

She held Gabrielle for a while longer and realised that the tea was ready so she got Gabrielle to move as she made the tea. After bringing it back to Gabrielle, she grabbed some provisions as well to fill Gabrielle's stomach. She wrapped them both back in the bedrolls and felt that Gabrielle had warmed slightly.

After Gabrielle had finished her tea and eaten something, sought comfort in Xena's arms once more. Xena stroked Gabrielle's back and realised that the bard had fallen asleep rather quickly.

She whispered to the sleeping woman, "I'm sorry Gabrielle. I should have looked for shelter earlier but I wanted us to get to Amphipolis as soon as possible. I can only hope that you don't get sick because of my selfishness. I love you."

"I love you too." Gabrielle murmured clinging tighter to Xena.

Xena placed a soft kiss on Gabrielle's head before drifting off to sleep.

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The next morning, Xena woke early and the first thing she felt was the heat that was radiating from Gabrielle's body.
Gabrielle had a fever and Xena silently cursed at herself. She motioned for Gabrielle to wake up.

"Just a little longer please Xena." Gabrielle mumbled.

"Wake up Gabrielle. You're sick with a fever. I have to cool you down." Xena again tried to rouse the bard, but to no avail. She decided that she had no choice but to remove Gabrielle's clothes and try to cool her down. It would have been better for Xena to care for the young Amazon at her mother's tavern, but with it still raining and Amphipolis being at least 3 candlemark's ride away, that idea was impossible.

She went about her task quickly, all the while trying hard not to look at the beautiful body she was uncovering. She lifted the young woman up and removed her top and lay her back down softly. Gabrielle let out a soft moan and did not wake up. Xena then removed her skirt and breeches and then covered the bard back up. After grabbing a cloth and the waterskin, she noticed that they were low on water. She ran the cloth over Gabrielle's body trying to cool her down.

Gabrielle began to moan and mumbled in her sleep. Xena leaned closer to see if she could hear what it was but the only thing that came from the bard was the start of a rattle in her chest. Xena was stunned that Gabrielle was getting sick so quickly and realised that her bard must have been run down. They had been quite busy lately, stopping thieves from raiding one village after the other with no real time to rest in between. She would make sure that they stopped in Amphipolis for at least a moon to rest.

When she felt that Gabrielle was cool enough, she dressed her in another shift and laid her back down and covered her over with the blankets. The rain had not let up much during the night and it looked like they would be here for another day. She wanted to try and get the bard to eat a hot meal and that meant venturing out into the rain to see if she could catch a rabbit. They had let their food supply run down with the thought of stocking up again when they reached Amphipolis.

Her leathers were somewhat dry, so she quickly dressed, checked her friend once more and headed outside into the rain. Argo had taken shelter outside the cave under the small overhang at the entrance. The former warhorse nudged her as she came out.

"Sorry girl. I know I've neglected you, but Gabrielle needs me right now." She stroked the mare's nose and tried to encourage the horse to leave the protection of the overhang and graze close by. Argo wouldn't budge.

"Okay Argo. You stand guard then. I'll be as quick as I can."

Xena quickly disappeared into the forest.

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When she returned a short time later and checked on Gabrielle, it looked like the bard hadn't moved. She removed her leathers and changed back into her shift. The pickings were slim, but she had managed to snare a small rabbit. Gabrielle's fever was still high and her breathing was worse. Xena hoped that the weather would break soon so that they could continue on to get Gabrielle to her mothers.

There was still enough wood left to stoke up the fire, but there wouldn't be enough to last the night. She had skinned the rabbit outside the cave and began to cut it up and set it in a pot to make a stew, knowing that whatever she did, it wouldn't make it taste as good as when Gabrielle did it. She only hoped that she could get the bard to eat something.

As she was putting on some special tea to brew, Gabrielle started to ramble in her sleep. Quickly she moved to her side and gathered the young woman in her arms.

"Sssh, Gabrielle, I'm here."

"Xena, help me. You can't leave me." Gabrielle whimpered.

"It's alright my love. I won't leave you. Everything will be okay. I promise." Xena whispered as she rocked Gabrielle from side to side trying to sooth her back to sleep.

She lay next to Gabrielle for about quarter of a candlemark before Gabrielle started to cough and woke up. It sounded like she was getting a chest infection and as she coughed some more she opened her eyes.

"Xena." She said hoarsely, "Can I have some water please?"

Xena sat her up, reached for the waterskin and held it to the bard's lips. Gabrielle started to guzzle the water down.

"Easy Gabrielle, take it slow."

"Thank you Xena. Do I look as bad as I feel, because I feel terrible. It's like someone's sitting on my chest and it hurts to breath. I'm so hot." Gabrielle said as she tried to remove the blankets.

Xena raised her eyebrow as she grabbed the blankets and covered Gabrielle again.

"Gabrielle, you have a fever so you have to keep covered or you'll get worse. I'm hoping this rain will ease later today so I can get you to Mother's. I've got a stew cooking and I'd like you to eat something before you go back to sleep if you can."

"I don't feel like anything." Gabrielle replied.

"I know you probably don't, but even if you only have a couple of mouthfuls that'll help."

"Alright Xena, I'll try."

"That's my girl." Xena smiled, "It's probably ready by now. I'll get you some."

Xena walked back over to the fire and prepared a bowl with some stew in it for Gabrielle and handed the bowl to the young Queen.

"Thank you Xena. I'm sorry I feel so sick."

"It's not your fault Gabrielle. If I hadn't of been so stubborn and pushed you as hard as I have been these past few weeks, I would have noticed that you're tired. I promise when we get to Mothers we'll rest for at least a moon. Would you like that?" Xena reached out and stroked Gabrielle's hair off her forehead and noticed that the bard was still very warm.

"That would be wonderful Xena." The bard smiled back at the warrior.

Xena turned serious. "Now, eat something before it gets cold."

"Yes ma'am." Replied Gabrielle with a grin. Unfortunately, she could only manage two mouthfuls of stew before she wanted to go back to sleep.

"Xena, it hurts to swallow and I don't think I can fit any more in."

Taking the bowl from Gabrielle's hands, she said "Okay, Gabrielle, rest. I'll be here when you wake up."

Xena didn't feel much like eating herself as she was too worried about her bard. Xena's mind began to wander as she sat down and cleaned her weapons. 'Hmm, her bard, yes she is my bard, but I don't think she thinks of me as 'Her Warrior'. I know as Queen of the Amazons she knows that two women can love each other, if only she loved me that way. If only."

It had been a couple of candlemarks later when Xena noticed that the rain had stopped and she went outside to see if it was clear enough to risk moving Gabrielle. The clouds were clearing and she decided that it would be better to move Gabrielle and get her to her mother's tavern as soon as possible. She proceeded to clean up their gear and saddled Argo.

She moved closer to Gabrielle and the bard seemed to be sleeping soundly. She pulled back the blanket and saw that she was covered with a fine sheen of sweat. She whispered into Gabrielle's ear, "Wake up Gabrielle. " She nudged the sleeping woman again.

"Mmm, Xena?" Gabrielle mumbled.

"The rain's stopped Gabrielle. We're leaving and heading for Mothers. Come on wake up a bit more for me."

Gabrielle's next comment was unrecognisable so she moved the woman slightly and rolled up the bedroll and put it away. She then wrapped the blanket around the bard and swung herself into the saddle with a bit of difficulty. Gabrielle buried herself into Xena's embrace and let out a sigh. Xena's wrapped her arms protectively around the bard and with a nudge, they were on their way.

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They arrived at Amphipolis before sundown as Xena didn't push Argo too hard. Thankfully the weather held and Gabrielle didn't wake up. She did, however, thrash around a couple of times and mumbled in her sleep. Her condition was unchanged and Xena was grateful that she could put Gabrielle into a nice warm bed which would help her get better.

She eased off Argo as gently as possible and made her way through the front door. Her mother spotted her immediately and said a few words to Boronis before she moved to meet her daughter.

"Xena, what's wrong with Gabrielle?" Cyrene questioned.

"We got caught in a storm and she's had a fever ever since. Is my old room available? I'd like to get her to bed."

"Of course, it's always ready for you. Come on."

Cyrene led the way up the stairs to her old room. Once inside, she pulled back the covers to allow the warrior room to place the bard.

After she removed the blanket that was wrapped around the bard and she covered her with the ones on the bed, Xena turned to her mother.

"Mother, can you watch her for me while I go tend to Argo. I have to get the saddlebags and brew some tea for her."

"Don't worry about Argo Xena, I asked Boronis to have Alectis take her to the stable and he should be bringing in your bags shortly. Now come here." With that Cyrene opened her arms to encourage the warrior in for a hug.

The terribly proud warrior welcomed the embrace from her mother. Cyrene pulled back and smiled.

"How long has she been sick?" Cyrene enquired.

"Only since yesterday. I have a feeling my little friend here is quite run down. We have been very busy lately helping one village after the other and I've been pushing her hard." Xena replied with a frown.

"Well, at least while you're here, the two of you can get plenty of rest. I'll go and make up some tea while you stay here, okay?"

Xena nodded her agreement and moved back to the bed to check the sleeping woman. Her breathing was noisy and she was still hot, but she was definitely no worse than she had been that morning. Xena knew that Gabrielle would be fine as long as they could get the fever to break which she should be able to do once she got a little more of her mother's special tea into the bard.

Cyrene watched in awe at the sight before her. Xena was kneeling beside the bed and was brushing the hair from Gabrielle's forehead. 'Could it be that the normally stoic Warrior Princess had finally met her match and was hopelessly in love with the Amazon Queen?'

She quietly closed the door behind her and went and made the tea that Xena needed for Gabrielle.

Xena moved closer to Gabrielle's ear and whispered, "Come on my little bard. I need to you be okay. You have to fight this and get well."

Gabrielle moaned and shifted slightly, but did not wake up. Xena continued to hold her friend's hand and gently stroked her arm.

She hadn't realised that her mother had been gone for some time until she felt her mother's presence behind her and she cleared her throat.

"Here's the tea Xena. Let's see how much of it we can get her to drink."

Xena lifted the bard and this time successfully woke her up. Gabrielle was not sure of her surroundings and became tense.

"It's alright Gabrielle. Where here at mother's. I needed to get you somewhere warm. Do you remember the ride?"

Gabrielle sighed before answering, "No I don't Xena. I don't really remember much of the past day. I feel very light headed."

Cyrene moved from behind Xena and made her presence known.

"Well I've got just the thing to help with that." The warrior's mother claimed.

"Cyrene." Gabrielle exclaimed. "It's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you Gabrielle. Although I would have preferred it if you were well." Cyrene teased. "But a few drinks of my special tea and you'll be well in no time. Do you think you can manage the cup by yourself, dear?"

Xena butted in before Gabrielle had the chance to answer. "Give me the cup mother. I'll help Gabrielle."

"Xena, I think I can hold the cup myself." Gabrielle argued.

"Humour me, little bard. You need to rest." Xena replied as she brought the cup to Gabrielle's lips.

"Alright, Xena. You know best." Gabrielle smiled up to the dark haired woman before her as she sipped the tea. 'I wish I could tell her just how much I love her.' Gabrielle thought. 'But no, I can't risk our friendship.'

There was a knock at the door and Cyrene turned and opened the door to find Boronis there with the saddlebags.

He addressed Xena as he placed the bags on the floor. This Xena was different from the one he had heard about. He had heard so many stories of the Destroyer of Nations that he really wanted to hate this woman when he first met her, but he couldn't. The 'old' Xena didn't exist anymore. This Xena was his friend. He'd also come to know the bard as well and he had a soft spot for her, not that he'd let anyone know it. He had a reputation to maintain, but every time she came to visit, he found himself enraptured by the stories she told. She was just like the daughter he always wished he had.

"Xena, your horse has been tended to."

"Thank you Boronis. I appreciate it."

Boronis just nodded and disappeared through the door with Cyrene behind him.

"Where are you going mother?" Xena enquired.

"I'm going to fix you and Gabrielle something to eat dear." Cyrene smiled and headed out after Boronis.

Gabrielle finished the tea and Xena laid her back down on the bed. She went to speak but Xena held out her hand to silence her.

"Ssh Gabrielle. Why don't you sleep for a little while. The only way now for you to get better is to have plenty of rest and I'm going to see that you get it." Xena gave her one of her famous 'stares'.

"Whatever you say, oh Great Warrior Princess." Gabrielle quipped.

"Very funny Gabrielle. Now, go to sleep. I'll go and help mother with dinner."

"I'd rather think she'd want you to stay away from the kitchen whilst we're here." Gabrielle giggled knowing that Xena was sensitive about her cooking skills, or the lack thereof.

Xena raised her famous eyebrow and remarked, "I think someone is feeling a whole lot better this afternoon. You're just lucky you are sick, otherwise you'd be in for a major tickling session."

Gabrielle started to laugh aloud, which made her cough and instantly Xena was beside her helping.

"I didn't mean to make you laugh Gabrielle."

"That's alright Xena. It's good to hear you crack a joke once in a while and not be so, so?" the bard trailed off.

"Aloof." Xena finished for her.

"No, not aloof, just quiet." Gabrielle replied.

"Yes, well with you talking all the time, I can't get a word in." Xena loved teasing the bard.

She hit Xena in the stomach and snorted, "You've got to be kidding, right?"

"Of course, my little bard. Now, lie back and rest. I'll wake you up when dinner is ready."

"Alright Xena. Thank you for bringing me here. I enjoy it when we visit your mother."

"So do I, Gabrielle, so do I. Now go to sleep!" Xena ordered.

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Xena closed the door and thanked the Gods that Gabrielle was feeling better. Her fever hadn't broken, but was definitely better than it had been that morning.

She made her way to the kitchen just in time to watch her mother finish chopping up the vegetables for the stew.

"Looks like I'm too late to help." Xena remarked.

"And for that I thank the Gods." Her mother replied.

"What is it about my cooking that you and Gabrielle have trouble with mother." Xena wanted to know.

"My darling daughter. We both like to be able to recognise our food as we eat it and I'm afraid that cooking is definitely not one of your many skills." Cyrene laughed at her daughter's stoic look.

"And don't be trying that look on me, 'cause it won't work."

"That's what Gabrielle says." Xena replied with a laugh. "What else can I do for you Mother?"

"Well it's too late now to chop some wood, so I think you can head out to the bar and help Boronis bring up some more ale. Hopefully, that'll keep you out of trouble until dinner is ready."

Xena gave her mother another indignant look. "Me, trouble, hardly."

Cyrene swatted at her daughter. "Go on, get out of my way."

She jumped out of the way and went in the direction of the cellar to grab some more ale. As she left, Cyrene smiled at the wonder of how at ease her daughter had become. She suspected that the sick woman upstairs had a lot to do with it. A long talk with Gabrielle was need, that she was sure of.

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Gabrielle's fever broke the next day and her lungs were clear in about a week. Xena insisted that she stay in bed for that week and by the end of it, Gabrielle was pleading to be allowed to get out of bed.

Xena was sitting on the bed beside the bard. "No Gabrielle, it's too soon." Xena affirmed.

"But Xena. I've been in bed for a week and I hardly cough anymore. Please can I get out and go outside. I miss the fresh air."
"Gabrielle, the window is open all the time. How much more fresh air could you possibly need?"

Gabrielle took Xena's hand into her own and said, "Xena, I know you want to protect me and for that I am grateful, but I am ready to get out of bed and start on my drills again." Gabrielle smiled sweetly at Xena and she caved in.

"Alright my bard. You win. BUT you are not up to drills just yet."

Gabrielle went to protest, but Xena held up her hand.

"I don't want to hear another word Gabrielle. You will not be starting your drills for at least another week."

"I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies then." Gabrielle mumbled.

"Gabrielle." Xena warned.

"Fine. I promise I won't practice my drills for another week. Satisfied?" Gabrielle was livid. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get dressed, unless of course you don't think I can do that on my own."

"Gabrielle, now you're just being silly."

"No I'm not. You're over-reacting. When are you ever going to learn that I'm not a child anymore."

"I know you're not a child Gabrielle. I just want to make sure that you are well, that's all."

"Well, Miss Warrior Princess, I am fine, so there's no need to worry." Gabrielle shouted.

"Okay Gabrielle. Do whatever you want. You always do." Xena shouted right back at her and stormed out slamming the door behind her.

Cyrene had come running when she heard Xena's raised voice and was almost run over by her daughter.

"Xena. Whatever is wrong? I heard shouting coming from your room."

"It seems that the Amazon Queen thinks I'm treating her like a child, so I'm going for a ride." Xena stated before storming off in a huff.

Cyrene knocked on the door and was greeted by a "Go away Xena. I don't want to talk to you right now."

"Gabrielle dear, it's Cyrene."

Gabrielle opened the door immediately and Cyrene could see that she was crying. She opened her arms and Gabrielle fell into them. She moved the two of them to the bed and sat down.

"I'm sorry Cyrene. I didn't mean to shout at you. It's just that Xena got me so mad. She didn't think I was ready to get out of bed and I know that I am."

"Gabrielle, let me tell you something." She lifted the bard's chin. "The Xena that I know now is not the same person who left here years ago. She has compassion and she knows love and that my dear, is because of you. I cannot thank you enough for bringing my real daughter back to me."

"She always had those qualities Cyrene, they were just buried for a time that all."

"No, Gabrielle. I don't think she would have survived if you hadn't come into her life. She has come to depend on you and that scares the heck out of her. I know that you're in love with Xena. I want to know when you're going to tell her."

"I can't Cyrene. It would hurt too much if she didn't love me back the way I want. If friendship is all that I can get from her, then that's what I'll take. I don't want to jeopardise that." Gabrielle started crying again.

Cyrene hugged the bard tighter. "It'll be alright Gabrielle. You'll see. I think you're wrong about Xena not returning your love. I believe she loves you dearly, but is just too stubborn to admit it."

"Oh Cyrene. I do love her so."

"I know little one, I know. Now dry those tears and let's take a walk. I think it's fine time you were outside. Besides I don't think we'll be seeing Xena for quite some time, so you should be safe." Cyrene teased.

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Xena rode Argo like a woman possessed. She was angry. More at herself than Gabriele. Of course Gabrielle had been right and she had treated the Amazon Queen like a child. It's just that she needed the bard so much and it frightened her. She had never needed anyone in her life before as much as she needed Gabrielle but she just couldn't tell the bard that she was in love with her. If Gabrielle didn't return her feelings, it would surely devastate her.

She jumped off Argo and began practicing her drills. After a couple of candlemarks she rid herself of her anger and realised that it was time to return and apologise.

Argo nudged came up behind her and she laughed. "Okay girl, we're heading back."

She took her time on the return trip trying to work out what she was going to say when she saw Gabrielle. The matter of telling Gabrielle that she was in love with her would not come up. She would apologise and that would be the end of it.

After stabling Argo, she went through the back door and found her mother cleaning up the kitchen.

"Well it's about time you returned. What on earth made you treat Gabrielle the way you did this morning?" Cyrene scolded her daughter.

"I know what I did was wrong Mother and I've come to apologise to Gabrielle."

"And well you should. You left that poor girl in tears this morning. Why can't you just tell her that you're in love with her and be done with it?" Cyrene stood there with her hands on her hips.

Xena looked at her mother with an astonished look on her face. "How do you know how I feel about her?" Xena asked.

"What mother doesn't recognise when her daughter is in love?" Cyrene replied. "When are you going to tell her?"

Xena shook her head. "I'm not. I couldn't bear it if she didn't feel the same way about me. I've never had these feelings about anyone before, but with Gabrielle, it just feels right. Anyway, how do you feel about it mother?"

Cyrene walked toward her daughter and took her face in her hands as she spoke. "Xena, your happiness is my happiness. While it may be different, you deserve to be happy. I love Gabrielle like another daughter, you should know that."

"I do Mother. I can't lose her by telling her and I won't. I know you don't understand my reasons, but I ask that you respect them. Can we just drop the subject? I really want to go and apologise. Where is she?"

"Alright dear, I leave it to you. She's up in your room catching up on her scrolls."

Xena bent down and kissed her mother on the head.
"Thanks Mother, you're the best."

"And don't you forget it." Cyrene replied.

"How could I ever forget?" Xena returned before darting out of the room to miss being swatted.

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She outside the door to her room and could hear Gabrielle talking to herself on the other side. That brought a smile to her lips. Her little bard was so creative when it came to her stories and not that Xena would admit it, she loved it when Gabrielle would try a new one out on her.

'Well, better get this over with.' Xena thought as she knocked softly on the door.

"Gabrielle, it's me. Can I come in?"

"I suppose so. It's your room."

'Oh dear, she's still mad at me and she has every right to be.'

Xena opened the door and entered not moving much out of the doorway. Gabrielle was resting on the bed writing in her scroll and didn't bother to look up right away.

"Are you just going to stand in the door or are you going to come over here?" Gabrielle challenged.

Xena closed the door and went and sat on the bed. She let her head drop down and couldn't look Gabrielle in the eye.

Gabrielle was still angry at the warrior and she wasn't going to let her get away with anything.

"Did you come in here to just sit there or do you have something to say?"

Xena lifted her head and looked deeply into the bard's beautiful green eyes. She was totally captivated by the beauty before her.

She almost lost her composure looking at her love, but regained it just as quick. She quickly blurted "Gabrielle. Forgive me for the way I acted this morning. It was wrong."

Gabrielle looked deeply into Xena's brilliant blue eyes and realised that she couldn't stay mad at her. After all, she realised that Xena cared for her and didn't really mean to treat her like a child.

"You're right Xena, it was wrong. And I forgive you. I just wish you saw me for who I am, not a little girl. After all, I am Queen of the Amazons."

"I know Gabrielle and I promise to try harder in the future, okay?"

"That's all I can ask is that you try."

Xena then turned her attention to the scroll the bard had in her hand.

"What are you working on?"

"Something for later tonight. Your mother asked if I'd tell a few tales tonight and I've had this new one going round my head for a while and I wanted to get it sorted out so I can try it tonight."

"I'm sure that it will be brilliant."

"You'd say that even if it wasn't." Gabrielle

"No, I wouldn't Gabrielle. Your gift of words is something that I will never have. That is truly a blessing from the Gods."
Gabrielle could feel her cheeks turning red at Xena's comment.

"Well I need to finish it, so ?"

"I can take a hint. You want to be left alone, right?"

"It's not that I don't enjoy your company, it's just that if I don't get this down within the next couple of candlemarks, I won't have it memorised by tonight."

"Don't worry about it Gabrielle. I'm sure there's something that mother can find for me to do. Just promise me this. If you feel tired, rest. Don't overdo it. Mother will understand if you're not up to performing tonight."

"I promise Xena."

"Good." Xena replied as she got up off the bed. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on top of the bard's head. "I'll see you later then."

"Okay Xena. Have fun."

"Yeah right. I'm sure Mother will have me fixing something. How much fun can that be?"

"I know you Xena. You enjoy that type of thing, now shoo!" Gabrielle loved teasing the warrior.

"I'm going. I'm going." Xena replied as she closed the door.

"I really love you Xena." The bard whispered after the door closed. "And one of these days I'm going to make you realise just how much."
With that thought the bard diverted her attention back to her scroll.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After staying in Amphipolis for a moon resting after Gabrielle's illness, Xena decided it was time to get moving again. Cyrene had watched the two woman interact with each other during their visit and after her talk with Gabrielle weeks before, decided that enough was enough and she confronted her daughter by asking when she was going to tell Gabrielle that she was in love with her.

"I told you before, I'm not. I don't want to lose the best friend I've ever had by frightening her away."

Tell her Xena. Everything will be all right. I have a feeling she feels the same way about you."

Xena's face brightened as she asked, "Are you sure mother?"

"Trust me." Cyrene replied.

With that she bid her mother goodbye and called to Gabrielle who was standing down the road leaving mother and daughter to say their good-byes in private.

They had walked for most of the day with hardly a word spoken between them when Gabrielle said "I really enjoy it when we visit your mother. I really like her."

"She really likes you, you know." Xena answered with a smile.

"Xena?"

"Mmm"

"Do you think we can break for camp soon. I'm feeling a little tired."

Xena gave her friend a questioning look. "You're not getting sick again, are you?"

"No." replied Gabrielle quickly. "I didn't sleep well last night and need to rest, that's all." 'The thought of having you so close for the past moon finally got to me.' Gabrielle thought.

"Sure, I know of a place up ahead that will be a suitable for the night. It'll take about another candlemark to get there, unless you want to ride with me? Xena offered.

Gabrielle really didn't like riding up on Argo, but at this point in time, she would have done anything to be close to Xena. She had been thinking about her all day. Her thoughts for Xena had changed dramatically over the last few moons. She realised that she was in love with her best friend and wondered if the feelings were returned. She had talked to Cyrene about it before they left and Cyrene had told her that she was sure that Xena felt the same way. But how could she be sure?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Xena's voice, "Gabrielle, are you okay?"

"Hmm, oh yes Xena, fine."

"Do you want to ride with me?"

Gabrielle nodded yes and reached out to grab Xena's arm as she was swung behind the strong warrior. She wrapped her arms around Xena and snuggled closer. Xena was shocked at how warm the close contact with Gabrielle made her feel. She placed a hand on Gabrielle's and urged Argo forward. After a candlemark, they reached the spot that Xena spoke of. It was only after Xena bought Argo to a halt that she realised that Gabrielle had fallen asleep. She was starting to worry that there was something wrong with Gabrielle. She turned around slightly and whispered, "Gabrielle?"

"Hmm, you feel so good." Gabrielle replied dreamily.

Xena couldn't contain the shocked look on her face at what Gabrielle had said and wondered what on earth she was dreaming about. She spoke again, "Gabrielle wake up, we're here."
Gabrielle awoke with a start, as she was shaken from her dream. "Oh, sorry I fell asleep Xena. I must be more tired than I thought."

Gabrielle got down off Argo and Xena quickly dismounted. They both went about setting up camp, each knowing what to do. Xena went to gather firewood and then set about unsaddling Argo and grooming her. Gabrielle set out their bedrolls and got a fire started, then decided to wash up before attending to dinner.

"Xena, I'm just going to wash up before I start dinner. I won't be long." Gabrielle said as she walked off towards the stream.

"Okay, I'll be down shortly." Xena replied as she went back to brushing Argo.

Gabrielle walked slowly to the stream and was deep in thought about what she was going to do about her feelings for Xena that she didn't notice a set of eyes trailing her as she walked. She reached the stream and set about washing her face and hands when she realised all too late that someone was sneaking up behind her and then she remembered she'd left her staff behind. She spun around to see a filthy looking man grinning from ear to ear.

"Well, what do we have here?" he said licking his lips.

"You really don't want to touch me. My friend doesn't like it when other people touch me." Gabrielle knew that if she kept him talking long enough, Xena would be along.

"Your friend isn't here now, so it looks like it's just you and me and I'm in desperate need of some female companionship, if you know what I mean" the filthy man said as he rubbed himself between his legs.

'Ugh' Gabrielle thought.

Just as she had that thought, the man pounced on her.

"Xena." she screamed, "Help me."

The man obviously hadn't heard of Xena because he didn't release his hold on Gabrielle as he wrestled her to the ground and started to push up her skirt.

Gabrielle was kicking and punching her as hard as she could and then the man bought out a knife and held it to her throat.

"Now, maybe this will stop you struggling." he spat at her.

Then he went back to undoing himself and the next thing he knew he was being hauled up by the back of his shirt.

"What the ?" he shouted and turned to look at the one of the coldest faces he'd ever seen. He knew then that he was in a lot of trouble.

"I don't like it when people take it upon themselves to touch my friend. You just made your first mistake." Xena said,

He pulled out his sword and thrust it at the warrior woman.

"And now you just made your second mistake" Xena said as she broke out into a laugh and pulled her sword.

The man bought his sword down upon Xena's head which she blocked easily. He was a sloppy swordsman and she decided to end this quickly and as soon as she saw an opening, she thrust her sword into his belly right up to the hilt. The man's eyes opened wide and he opened his mouth to speak, but he was dead before he hit the ground. Xena pulled her sword from him and wiped it on his shirt. She was full of rage and just stood there looking at the man until she heard Gabrielle's voice calling to her.

"Xena, are you okay?"

Gabrielle was afraid to approach Xena as she could see the rage in her eyes. Xena tossed her head aside and quickly ran to Gabrielle's side.

"I'm fine, Gabrielle. I'm not the one he attacked. Are you alright?" she said as she checked the bard over. There was a little nick on her neck where the knife had been held to her throat and she was a little shaken.

"Yes, I'm okay. He didn't?" Gabrielle didn't have a chance to get the rest of her sentence out when Xena started shouting at her.

"Gabrielle, how many times have I told you to always carry your staff with you. There's danger all around when we're on the road. I'm sick and tired of having to come to your rescue all the time. Just once, I'd like to know that you thought for yourself and I didn't have to do it for you."

'What was this? She had been attacked and Xena was yelling at her.'

"Xena, it was an honest mistake. I didn't think I'd need it as I wasn't very far from you."

"That's the point Gabrielle. What if something had happened to me whilst you were here? Granted, that would be unlikely, but even I can be caught off guard sometimes you know."

Gabrielle could see the anger in Xena's eyes and knew that the warrior was right, but she didn't have to yell at her to make her point.

"Fine, then." Gabrielle yelled back. "I'm so sorry for being such an inconvenience in your life. You won't have to worry about me in the morning, because I'll be leaving for the Amazons in the morning. I won't stay where I'm not appreciated." With that she got up and stomped off back to the campsite.

To here 11/3/01
Xena was left sitting there with a shocked look on her face. Out loud she said, "Stupid, stupid. Now look what you've done. She's leaving you now. And it's your fault. Anyone can make a mistake. I'll have to tell her how I feel."

With that she headed back to the campsite and one very angry Bard. Gabrielle had taken what she wanted from the saddle bag and tossed it towards Xena. They sat in silence and ate a meal of dried meat, bread and cheese.

'I have never seen her this angry before' thought Xena. 'I only hope it's not too late'.

Xena knew it was her fault and that she should apologise for getting angry. But Gabrielle had to realise that she did it for her own good. Gabrielle had to remember to carry her staff with her wherever she went. It was too dangerous not to arm yourself whilst on the road. Gabrielle was sitting on her bedroll with her arms crossed in front of her and anger still showing on her face. She was angry at herself and angry and Xena for treating her as a child. Xena thought, it's now or never. I have to tell her how I feel. She moved and sat down on the bedroll that that Bard was sitting on and took her hands in her own before she spoke.

"Gabrielle." Xena whispered.

No answer.

"Gabrielle, please, I want to tell you something and I want you to let me finish before you say anything. Okay?"

Gabrielle held her head down, but nodded anyway not really sure what was going on in Xena's mind. Xena took in a deep breath and blew out slowly.

"I-I- oh, damn."

Gabrielle looked up and saw distress on Xena's face. This look made all her anger disappear. 'What on earth was the matter with her' she thought. She took Xena's chin in her hand and turned the warrior's face so they could lock eyes.

"Xena, relax and tell me what is on your mind." she whispered.

Xena looked into the bard's beautiful green eyes and calmly said "I love you." She noticed a look of confusion on Gabrielle's face and she continued, "I love you more than a sister and more than a friend. I love you like one person loves a.. a.. lover. I know that thought must disgust you, but I ?."

Gabrielle placed her fingers to Xena's lips and silenced her. "I love you too Xena. You don't know how I've wanted to tell you too. I just didn't think you were interested in me."

Xena couldn't believe her ears. Her beloved Gabrielle loved her as much as she did and a huge grin broke on her face. Gabrielle slowly bought her lips to Xena's and they kissed ever so lightly. As they broke from the kiss, Xena looked into her bard's breathtaking beauty and whispered, "By the Gods, you are so beautiful. I want you so much."

Gabrielle placed her hand behind Xena's head and bought her closer for another passionate kiss. Gabrielle laid back on the bedrolls and pulled Xena on top of her body their lips never coming apart. Xena could feel the heat radiating from Gabrielle and moved her kisses to her neck. Gabrielle was unsure of what to do as she had never been with another woman before and in fact, even though she had been married, she was still a virgin. She pushed Xena up softly and looked into her love's confused face.

"I-I'm sorry Gabrielle. I didn't mean to rush you. We don't have to do anything now if you don't want too." Xena was confused.

"No, Xena, I want to make love with you more than anything. There's just one thing. I haven't been completely honest with you." Gabrielle said. Xena gave Gabrielle the raised eyebrow look.

"Even though Perdicus and I married, we .. um .. never .. um .. well, you know."

Xena couldn't' believe her ears. Gabrielle was still a virgin! She hadn't given herself to Perdicus after all. She smiled to herself and thought her heart would burst. Gabrielle went on to explain that she knew soon after getting married that her heart belonged to Xena. She and Perdicus had spent all night talking about their future together and never got around to making love.

Xena stroked the hair from Gabrielle's face and said "We will take our time and I won't do anything that you're not comfortable with. As for pleasing me, I will help you. Nothing you could do could disappoint me. I love you with all my heart."

Before Xena resumed kissing Gabrielle's neck she said, "Are you really sure this is what you want? Because for me, it means I'll give you my heart forever. I've never felt like this about anyone before and there will never be anyone else in my life but you." Xena asked hoping that she was what Gabrielle wanted.

Gabrielle reached and pulled her head closer and claimed her lips in a searing kiss. "Oh Xena" Gabrielle exclaimed. "For me there also will be no-one else. I want and need you so much."

"Then have me you shall, my love." Xena replied continuing her kisses.

Xena could feel her own heat radiating and the wetness between her legs was growing. She needed to feel Gabrielle's naked body next to hers. She started to remove the little green top that hid the bard's breasts. She looked down at her hands and couldn't believe that she was actually shaking.

She looked at Gabrielle for reassurance and Gabrielle said softly, "Here, let me help you with that."

Gabrielle unlaced the top and took it off. She then motioned for Xena to remove her leathers, which she was more than willing to do. She stood up and undid her leathers and tossed them aside. Gabrielle gasped when she saw the warrior standing naked before her. She had seen Xena naked before, but never with the lust in her eyes like she saw now. She wriggled her way out of her skirt and stretched out her hand pulling Xena back down on top of her. They both groaned at the feeling of flesh upon flesh. They kissed each again and Xena sought entrance into Gabrielle's mouth with her tongue. A slight moan escaped from Gabrielle's lips. This was driving Xena crazy. It was all she could do not to let her passion consume her, but as this was Gabrielle's first time, she wanted it to be special. She moved down the Bard's torso and Gabrielle let out a sigh as she drew a hard nipple into her mouth. She pinched and pulled the other nipple with her right hand. It too, was hard and erect.

"Mmm? that feels sooo ? good." Gabrielle murmured.

Xena moved her hand from the hard nipple to caress the bard's abdomen. She slipped it down further and reached to touch her love's mound. As she put her finger close to the opening, she was amazed at how wet Gabrielle was. She moved her mouth to the other nipple and sucked it not wanting to let it go. Slowly she moved her body downwards, placing kissing on Gabrielle's taunt stomach and abdomen. All those workouts that Gabrielle did had definitely paid off she thought to herself. Gabrielle grabbed her hair and moaned loudly. Her hips started to move and she pulled Xena back up to her waiting lips. Xena placed her thigh in between Gabrielle's legs and moaned into the kiss as she felt the wetness touch her. She broke the kiss and moved to her beloved's earlobe and took it into her mouth and sucked gently. When she released it, she whispered, "I love you so much. Let me love you."

"Oh yes Xena, p-p-please." Gabrielle stuttered.

Xena slowly kissed her way down the bard's body once more. Gabrielle was not sure what Xena was doing, and stiffened a little. Xena stopped what she was doing and looked into Gabrielle's eyes. She moved back up to Gabrielle and kissed her softly to reassure her that she would be gentle.

"I won't do anything that you don't want me to." Xena said.

Gabrielle smiled back at her and Xena again moved between her legs. Xena positioned herself between Gabrielle's legs and breathed in the sweet smell of her beloved. She moved her fingers around the folds and found what she was looking for. Gabrielle's back arched when she felt Xena's mouth touch her hard nub. She had never expected to feel this way. She could feel something building inside her and was unsure what it was. She grabbed Xena's head and motioned for her to stop.

Xena looked up from between the bard's legs with a confused look "What is it Gabrielle? Don't you want too?"

Gabrielle cupped her face with her hand and said, "Oh yes my love, more than anything. It's just, well.."

"What Gabrielle? What is it?"

"Well, I've never felt like this before. I don't know what it means." Gabrielle said shyly.
Xena felt as though her heart was going to break. Not only was her bard a virgin, but she'd never experienced an orgasm.

"That my love, is the start of your orgasm. Your body will build up with pleasure and then when it's time, the body will release you. It's okay, really. Just lie back and relax."

Gabrielle knew that she could trust Xena fully, so she relaxed and waited for what Xena was to do next. Xena went back to sucking on Gabrielle's clit. The volume of liquid coming out of the bard excited Xena more and more. It took all her efforts to stop herself from plunging her fingers into Gabrielle. She placed her mouth over the hard nub and started to suck.

"Oh, by the G-Gods." Gabrielle screamed. "Xena ?please don't stop."

Xena lifted her head and smiled "I don't intend on stopping, my love."

Gabrielle's hips bucked against her roaming tongue. Her breath came in rapid gasps.

"Please Xena, take me. I want to feel you inside me." Gabrielle shouted.

Xena stopped what she was doing and looked up at Gabrielle. "Are you sure my love? I don't want to rush you and it might hurt a little."

"Please Xena. I want to give my all to you, now, tonight. I love you."

Xena smiled back at Gabrielle and then lowered her mouth again to drink in the sweet ambrosia that was part of her Bard. She slowly inserted one finger and Gabrielle arched her back and groaned loudly. Xena felt the resistance meeting her finger and pulled back a little, not really sure this was what she should be doing. Gabrielle grabbed her wrist and tried to force Xena's fingers further inside. Xena slowly inserted two fingers into the Bard's soft folds and pushed in with care. She continued to suck and lick Gabrielle's clit trying to keep the Bard's mind on the pleasure she was receiving so that the pain that was to come would be over quickly. Gabrielle cried out loud as she realised that Xena was pushing against her barrier. She bit down on her lip and stifled the need to cry out. The pleasure mixed with the pain was so overwhelming. Xena felt the thin wall collapse as she pushed harder and faster into her love.

"Xena! Oh yes, yes!" Her body was moving in time with the Warrior's thrusting. Xena sensed that Gabrielle would orgasm soon and she increased her thrusting and sucking. She lifted her mouth and said, "Let it go Gabrielle. Come for me". She moved her mouth back to the hard nub and Gabrielle was now moving faster and faster. Gabrielle started to arch her back as the most incredible feeling she had ever experienced started to overtake her body. At the moment of release she screamed out Xena's name for all she was worth. Xena continued to suck until the spasms that rocked Gabrielle's body slowed and the she went limp. She removed her hand and made her way back up to lie beside Gabrielle. She pulled the whimpering form close to her and hugged her whispering sweet words of love until she recovered. It was some time before Gabrielle was able to speak.

"Xena. Th-that was the most incredible feeling in the world. How? What? Will it always be like that?

"Oh Brie, I certainly hope so." Xena said as tears welled up in her eyes. "I am so honoured that I was your first."

Gabrielle looked up into Xena's deep blue eyes and thought about the warrior's new name for her as she cupped her faced and smiled, "Thank you my love. You mean so much to me. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to be my first."

She placed her arm to the back of Xena's neck and pulled her in for a long kiss. She tasted herself on Xena's lips and was amazed at how sweet the taste was. Xena laid down beside Gabrielle and pulled the furs over the two of them. She held Gabrielle in a strong embrace and snuggled into the bard's neck. Gabrielle tried to turn around but was held firm.

"Xena, what about you? Don't you want me too, well you know?" Gabrielle said trying to disguise the hurt in her voice.

"My love, we have all the time in the world. Right now, I just want to hold you in my arms."

Gabrielle couldn't control the tears that started to fall. Soon she was sobbing.

Xena turned the bard in her arms and said, "What's the matter, love?"

It took a while for Gabrielle to compose herself long enough to reply.

"Th-that's what Perdicus said to me. And l-look what happened to him."

Xena pulled Gabrielle closer and stroked the back of her head trying to soothe the bard who was sobbing loudly again.

"It'll be alright, Gabrielle. I'm not going anywhere. Ssshh. It's okay." Xena kept whispering assurances into Gabrielle's ear until the sobbing stopped. She reached over and grabbed a cloth and wiped the bard's face. She reached down and gave Gabrielle a kiss. One not of passion, but one of great love.

"Gabrielle, I will never leave you. I promise you that. Even in death, I will always be at your side. Come on now, try and get some sleep. I love you and always will. Now how do you feel, you know, down there?"

Gabrielle sniffled and said, "It's a little sore."

Xena went to move away, but Gabrielle pulled her tighter.

"It's okay Gabrielle, I'm just going to wet a cloth with some cool water and that will help with the pain." She lowered her eyes and said, "I'm sorry that I hurt you."

Gabrielle grabbed Xena's chin and lifted it until their eyes met.

"No Xena, don't you apologise for what we just did. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced okay? Remember, I love you so very much."

"Okay, love" she whispered as she moved towards the saddlebags and picked up the waterskin. She thoroughly wet the cloth, squeezed the water out and walked back to the bedrolls.

"Here Gabrielle, put this between your legs and it will help numb the pain."

"Thank you Xena, you are so good to me." Gabrielle said as she snuggled in closer to Xena.

"I would do anything for you my Bard. Now, come on let's get some sleep."

Xena wrapped her arms around Gabrielle and stroked her hair and whispered words of love into her ear until she drifted off to sleep. She lay awake until she could hear the bard's gentle snoring then allowed herself into the arms of Morpheus and for the first time in a long time, she felt truly loved.

Morning found Gabrielle actually awake before Xena. She was silently excited as she rarely had the chance to actually watch Xena sleep. She could only remember this happening on two other occasions and that was because Xena had been sick. She remembered back on the night before and she could feel the start of her passion between her legs. She slowly stroked the side of Xena's face and saw two of the bluest eyes she'd ever seen staring back at her.

"Good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?"

"The best I've had in years and it's all because of you. I love you Gabrielle."

Gabrielle closed the distance between them and claimed Xena's lips. Gently at first, but then with more passion. She moved down her neck and from the moans coming from Xena, she had found a sensitive spot.

She rolled Xena onto her back and straddled her hips. She sat up and looked at Xena and said, "Xena, I'm nervous."

Xena just smiled at her. "Hey, it's okay. Everything will be fine."

"I'm just worried I won't be able to please you .. like..like you pleased me last night."

"Gabrielle, you don't have to do this now. As I told you last night, we have the rest of our lives."

"No, Xena. I want to make love to you now. After dreaming about it for so long, I can't believe my dreams are finally going to become a reality."

"Then do it. Follow your dreams and make them real." Xena purred.

A sly smirk formed on Gabrielle's lips and she bent down to Xena and kissed her with such force that it took the Warrior off guard. She moaned loudly and felt the gush form between her legs. She could hardly believe that a kiss could make her so wet. Gabrielle moved her mouth down Xena's neck and marked the warrior as her own. She laid herself on top of the Warrior and grabbed at Xena's breasts teasing the right nipple with her tongue. Xena moaned softly at the touch. She started to move her hips against Gabrielle trying to subtly motion her towards where she wanted her to be. Gabrielle took the hint and moved herself between Xena's legs. She lay there for a second taking in the wonder of it all. She had never seen what a woman looked like up close. It had never occurred to her to look at herself before in a mirror. The sight before her was something that she thought she could write about, but not now. Now she had more important things she had to attend to. Xena was wondering what the heck Gabrielle was doing down there. Probably constructing a story about it all. She was about to say something when she felt Gabrielle's mouth enclose her nub which caused her body to jerk with a passion she had never felt from any of her former lovers before. She arched her back off the ground and cried out Gabrielle's name. Gabrielle started to suck and lick on Xena's centre and plunged her tongue as far as she could inside. She knew she was having the right affect as Xena's moaning was increasing.

Xena managed to gain some control and said, "Please ? inside? I need to feel you."

Gabrielle inserted one finger and moved it in and out slowly, never taking her mouth from Xena's centre. She moved a second finger and started to move them a little faster.

"Harder? faster." Xena shouted.

Gabrielle complied and moved her hand harder and faster and continued to suck on Xena's nub. Xena couldn't hold off her orgasm any longer and succumbed to the spasms that rocked her body.

"Gab?ri?.elle. I-I-I love you." she shouted letting herself go.

Gabrielle had not stopped sucking and was lapping up as much of her lover's juices as she could. Xena moved her hands down and moved Gabrielle's face away, "S-S-Stop. I can't take anymore."

Gabrielle rose and slid herself into Xena's strong arms and wrapped her arm around Xena's waist.

"Boy I sure am glad that your dreams were so vivid. And here you were worrying about not being able to please me" Xena said after a while. That made both of them laugh out loud.

"Xe?"

"Mmm." Xena smiled at the new pet name that Gabrielle had just given her. No-one else had ever dared to shorten her name before. But with Gabrielle, she loved it.

"I love you. Please say you'll never leave me."

Xena thought her heart would break. Gabrielle was feeling so insecure and needed to hear Xena pledge more than once that she would never leave.

"I promise Gabrielle. I love you with all my heart. You give me strength to live. I always want to be by your side. Now I think my bard, you're in need of some more loving." With that she bent down to kiss Gabrielle passionately and realised that they wouldn't be going anywhere today.

When Xena awoke later, before she had gained all her senses, she felt as though she was pinned down. It was shortly thereafter that she realised that Gabrielle was lying completely on top of her. 'Mmm', she thought, 'I think I quite enjoy this feeling'.

Xena realised that what she and Gabrielle shared was very rare. She didn't think she deserved the bard's love, but seeing that she had it, she was never going to let it go. She wrapped her arms tighter around Gabrielle and kissed the top of her head. Gabrielle started to stir and murmured a message of love to Xena. She lifted her head and looked into Xena's smiling face as she moved her lips to give her beloved a kiss. She then realised that she was using Xena's body as a pillow and flushed with embarrassment. She went to move off, but Xena held her tight.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm sorry Xena. I didn't mean to fall asleep on top of you."

"That's okay, Gabrielle. I couldn't' think of anyone else who I'd like to sleep on top of me." Xena said laughingly.

They lay in the same position for a short while, talking while Xena stroked Gabrielle's hair. Suddenly Xena stopped stroking Gabrielle's hair as she remembered something that her mother had said to her.

"Brie. Did you talk to my mother about us?"

Sheepishly, Gabrielle said "Yes I did. I was so worried about you after we had the fight. She asked me how I really felt about you. I wasn't going to tell her, but it just came out. I didn't mean to, but she said she knew that you felt the same way about me. I asked her how she knew and she just said that it was something that mothers knew. I told her that I was going to tell you after we left, but she told me to let you make the first move."

"Why that conniving old woman." Xena smirked.

"What makes you say that? Said Gabrielle.

"She planned this all along. I had spoken to her about my feelings the same day we had the fight and asked her not to interfere. When we left she told me that she felt that you loved me the same way I loved you. I wondered how she knew, but forgot about it."

"Well, remind me to thank her for interfering next time I see her, will you?" Gabrielle said starting to nuzzle against her Warrior's neck.

"And just what do you think you're doing?" Xena said huskily.

"I'm going to make love to the most beautiful woman in the world. Any problems with that? Gabrielle said with a sly grin.

"None whatsoever." Came Xena's reply as she rolled the bard over and kiss her passionately.

Tongues and hands caressed each other as they began to make love again, neither one unable to get enough of the other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Xena didn't know how long she had been sitting there remembering that first time with her bard. Her silence was broken when Briena came and crawled onto her lap saying that she was tired. Not to be outdone by her sister, Xenielle climbed up as well.

Xenielle looked at her and said, "When will Mom be home?"

"I'm not sure little one - soon."

"I miss her when she's not here." Xenielle.

"So do I." Xena replied

"Me too." said Briena.

They both kissed her on the cheek and settled back into her arms.

"I love you so much my little angels." Xena whispered to them as she bought the two children closer to her chest rocking them gently to sleep. It didn't take long before their breathing evened out and she knew it was safe to move them to their room. Once she put them down, she went back to the chair waiting for Gabrielle to return. Since she had reclaimed her throne when they settled back into the village, Gabrielle had grown into a strong and capable leader of the Amazons. Again, she let her mind drift back again to the early days of her relationship with Gabrielle.

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

They had not moved from their campsite for three days, they made love often during the day and then several times at night. Both of them had such a voracious appetite for the other that they just couldn't enough. Xena knew that her destiny was to be with the Bard forever and she never wanted to lose her again. On the third day, she decided to ask Gabrielle to join with her and become an Amazon. She had refused the offer to join the Amazons a long time ago because of her past, but now if she wanted to join with Gabrielle, there was no other choice and she would do so willingly. After the meal that night, the two settled back into the familiar routine, with Gabrielle writing on her scroll and Xena sharpening her sword. There had been no trouble over the past few days, but it never hurt to keep her sword in top condition. She finished what she was doing and looked over at Gabrielle who was looking out in the distance obviously thinking of what to write about next. Xena moved and sat down beside Gabrielle.

"Dinar for your thoughts."

"Hmm, what?"

"I said, Dinar for your thoughts. Where have you been?"

"Xe you know my thoughts are free for you. I was just thinking about something."

"Well that was obvious. I was thinking of you telling me specifically what it was." Xena smiled and nudged Gabrielle in the ribs.

"Nothing really, just how to write my next adventure."

"Brie." Xena suddenly sounded serious. "I want to ask you something and I'll understand if you don't want to."

"What is it?" Gabrielle put down her quill and scroll and turned to face Xena.

"I-I" she stammered. 'After finally admitting I love her, you'd think asking her to marry me would be easy', Xena thought to herself.

She spoke softly "I want to go to the Amazon Nation and bond with you in the traditional Amazon way. I want everyone to know that I'm yours."

Xena looked to Gabrielle for a reaction and all she could see was a blank face looking back at her.

When Gabrielle didn't speak, Xena said, "Will you bond with me and become my lifetime partner?"

Gabrielle was so happy at the moment that she started to cry. Xena was confused. Was this a good thing?

"I'll understand if you don't think that I'm good enough ?"

Gabrielle placed her fingers over Xena's mouth silencing her.

"Yes Xe. I will bond with you. You are good enough for me. I want everyone to know also that you are my lifetime partner."

Xena pulled her lover closer and wiped away her tears with her mouth and then captured her mouth kissing her slow and deep. When they broke from their kiss, Gabrielle looked up to see the tears in Xena's eyes as well.

"Gabrielle, you've just made me the happiest person in the whole world." Xena said through her tears.

Gabrielle moved her hand to wipe Xena's tear streaked face and pulled her close. They lay down on their bedrolls and Gabrielle continued to hold Xena close until she could feel the warrior's body relax.

"Xena?"

"Mmm"

Gabrielle quickly shifted her position and was on top of the warrior in moments. "I think there's some part of your body that needs exploring."

"Oh, do you now." Xena replied as she drew her close and let their passions overtake them again.

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

The next morning, Gabrielle had decided that she wanted to tell her family about her relationship with Xena and to give them a chance to get used to the idea. Now all she had to do was to work out how to get Xena to agree to go with her.

They were lying in each other's arms, both content in feeling the other and not wanting to move.

"Xe?"

"Mmm." Xena said as she lovingly stroked Gabrielle's hair.

"I want to go see my parents and tell them that we are to be bonded."

She felt Xena stiffen underneath her. This was the kind of reaction she thought she'd get from Xena.

"I'm sorry Xena, you don't have to go with me if you don't want to. But I have to do this."
Xena went to speak as Gabrielle put her fingers to her lips.

"Before you say anything. I know that it's dangerous for us to show affection in public. And I wouldn't be telling them if I didn't think it was important. I want them to know about me, know about us. I want to be able to visit and not have to hide my feelings for you anymore."

"You know there's the possibility that they'll hate me even more, and even you for that matter. Are you willing to lose your family?" Xena said.

"Xe, you're my family now. If they can't accept that, then they have no place in my life anymore."

"Oh Brie, I hope for your sake that everything will be okay. I will go with you and I will be proud to stand with you when you tell them. I love you so much." She put her hand behind Gabrielle's head and pulled her down for a soft kiss.

"Well, we'd better get dressed and start moving. There's no time like the present to get this over and done with." Xena stated.


Continued In Part 2