Six full moon cycles had passed since the Amazons triumphed over the woman formerly known by many names - Xena of Amphipolis, the Warrior Princess, the Destroyer of Nations, and most recently, the Conqueror of the Known World. The Amazons celebrated the success of the new era and not one of them would have believed what had transpired if they had not seen it for themselves. Nonetheless, Xena herself became the spoils of victory according to the strict letter of Amazon law. The warrior's army had been peacefully dispersed, returning the men and women to their homes to rebuild a new future. Few would have recognised the lithe, tall servant and consort of the Amazon Queen to be one and the same woman as the Conqueror. Ultimately, they all reasoned, it was poetic justice. The Amazons had truly conquered Xena.
Gabrielle spied the warrior as she scurried around the table, serving the Amazon Council their evening meal. Xena's long dark hair covered most of the marks on her back but when the strands separated, the scars were clearly visible even after such a long period of time. The warrior had confided to Gabrielle that they were physical reminders of all she had given up. In addition, they were badges of honour she would proudly wear for the rest of the natural life.
The Queen thought back to the terrifying day when Xena repaid her debt to the Amazon Nation. That day and the ensuing days that followed would forever be etched in her memory. After the beating ceased, the warrior had been released from the manacles and taken to the Healer's hut. There she remained for nearly a quarter moon, lapsing in and out of consciousness for several candlemarks at a time. Miraculously, Xena withstood the brutal beating by the Punisher, but for several days she had been close to paying for her sins with her life. Nevertheless, Gabrielle had been fully prepared to drink a potion of Nightspain if Xena didn't survive. She had meant it when she told everyone that she didn't want to live without her beloved warrior.
Thinking back on that harrowing night, Gabrielle had been required to preside over the festivities that marked the beginning of a new era and the vanquishing of an old foe. But she handed over all diplomatic formalities to Ephiny, leaving Gabrielle as a permanent fixture at Xena's bedside every day from dawn until dusk.
When Xena awakened from her feverish state, Gabrielle welcomed her back to the land of the living with a gentle smile. Xena's lips were parched and the Amazon quickly drew up some water for her to drink.
"I'm still here?" Xena asked softly, her throat hoarse and ragged. She took a sip of the cold liquid.
"Yes, you are!" Gabrielle exclaimed. She leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on her lover's lips. "Promise me one thing?" she whispered.
"Hmm?"
"Don't ever leave me again."
Xena's lips turned up in a crooked smile, "I promise."
"Are you hungry? There some broth if you want it."
"Starving." Xena tried to sit up but she only managed to sink back awkwardly onto the bed. "How bad is it?" she winced, ignoring the strips of bandages that crissed-crossed her back.
Gabrielle looked away, blinking back tears. She was reluctant to admit how close to death Xena had actually been.
"Come on, tell me honestly," Xena cajoled.
"You lost a lot of blood and your back will never completely heal. You'll always have the scars. The Healer says you can apply ointments after the scabs go away but they will never completely go away."
"What about crippling? I feel so weak. My legs. They're so stiff."
"That's just because you've been lying around doing nothing for a quarter moon." Gabrielle tried to sound optimistic and managed a weak grin. She wasn't sure how much of Xena's former strength would return but she didn't want to admit how many times the warrior's spine had been hit during the beating, accidentally or otherwise. In the back of her mind, she had feared that Xena may even be crippled permanently.
"Don't worry, the Healer says you'll be fine. You just need some rest and then you'll need to walk off the stiffness." Actually, the Healer had said that it was entirely up to Xena how much of a recovery she would make, but Gabrielle knew that Xena wouldn't be able to lie around for very long.
"But, right now, my warrior princess, you are going to stay in bed until you regain your strength. And you are going to follow every single order the Healer gives you. That's an order. Remember, nobody in the Amazon village disobeys the Queen."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Xena smirked.
Gabrielle had filled a bowl with broth and spoon-fed the weak warrior. "Regain your strength," she encouraged. "Then after that, we're going to put you to work."
The Queen was jostled out of her distant memories as Xena made her way to her side at the head table. She admired the sculpted muscles the warrior had developed during her recovery and marvelled at the tremendous will Xena had to live. Gabrielle made no attempt to hide her lustful gaze as her servant approached. Everyone knew that Xena belonged to her. The consort wore a tiny leather skirt but she was not permitted to wear britches unless they had to journey on horseback. Cuffs branded with the Queen's markings adorned her ankles and wrists and she worked bare-breasted until she retired to Gabrielle's hut at nightfall.
The Queen leisurely finished her meal and grabbed Xena by the hand. She pulled her servant downward and tasted the sweet surrender she found on her lips. Her hands roamed freely under her skirt and she massaged the bare round buttocks. She imagined that the warrior was more than ready to satisfy her erotic pleasures later that night. Gabrielle had spent the entire day lighting a fire between her legs and she was anxious to immerse herself in that smouldering blaze. Xena squeezed Gabrielle's shoulder acknowledging the touch of ownership and she uttered a small murmur. Not surprisingly, Gabrielle's mind wasn't on her meal or the company of the other Amazons. It was on later in the evening when Xena would have her all to herself. With the formality of the evening meal almost over, she sent her consort to the Royal Hut.
"Go prepare yourself," Gabrielle instructed. She watched the lithesome warrior as she strolled out of the eating tent. She found it especially ironic that most of the people in the room would simply assume that she would have her way with her accommodating consort. Little did they know that it was Gabrielle who couldn't wait to succumb to the fearsome warrior she would do anything for.
It took Gabrielle nearly half a candlemark to make her way across the compound. She was gracious and civil as numerous people expressed their gratitude to the Amazon Nation. Nevertheless, her stomach fluttered erratically as she anticipated Xena waiting for her. Her mind was hardly on the duties of being the Amazon Queen. Finally she managed to slip away, once again shunting aside diplomatic relations to Ephiny, her Second in Command.
Gabrielle stood at the entrance to the hut and took in a deep breath before she entered. She smiled to herself as she realised how nervous she was. It never failed to get her blood racing to a fever pitch when she thought of who awaited inside her quarters. And it wasn't a subservient concubine.
"You're late," Xena declared when Gabrielle entered the hut. The Queen gasped when she noted the empty bed. She heard Xena behind her, but didn't dare turn around. The Amazon Queen held her breath as Xena closed the space between them. Her knees felt weak and after a few moments, she let some much needed air into her lungs. Her face flushed hotly, knowing that the fiery warrior who had conquered her heart was dressed in full warrior garb. It was an outfit she wore only behind the Queen's closed doors.
"Do you realise I've been waiting nearly a full candlemark?" Xena asked with slight exaggeration. The warrior wrapped a blindfold over Gabrielle's eyes. The snug fit prevented the Queen from seeing anything except darkness, adding yet another layer of eroticism to her already colourful imagination.
"I...I...I'm sorry---" Gabrielle began, unable to concentrate on anything save the warrior pressed against her back, breathing down her neck. A distant memory from when she first met Xena as the Conqueror and the amorous effect she'd had then claimed her now. She wanted nothing more than for Xena to take her swiftly and passionately.
"I've been waiting all day to remove this," Xena said as she reached for the Amazon's regal ensemble. Strong hands unhooked her suede and leather vest. Gabrielle shivered as the warrior's callused hands roamed along her sides purposely avoiding the hard nipples that leaped to attention. The contoured metal of Xena's armour pressed against her back and her eyes strained against the tight band. She ached to catch a glimpse of the dark-haired beauty.
"And this....," Xena continued, hovering so close to Gabrielle that her hot breath grazed the fine hairs on her neck. The warrior unhitched Gabrielle's skirt and she let it fall freely to the ground. All that remained were her britches and Xena ripped them off with a show of strength that left Gabrielle panting for air. She took in a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. If not for Xena's steadfast support, she would have drifted to the ground like the lightest feather from a bird's wing.
"That's better," Xena announced when Gabrielle wore nothing save the thick cloth over her eyes. She grasped a clump of the Amazon's hair and turned her mouth towards her. Xena's lips crushed Gabrielle's and the Queen eagerly accepted the carnal invasion. The warrior slipped her tongue inside sweeping away any and all resistance.
"Oh, Xena," Gabrielle moaned. Her naked body sank into the warrior but Xena held her ground like an unmoving tree. However, her brawny fortitude only served to excite the Amazon further.
"Taste how anxious I am for you," Xena whispered as she steered Gabrielle to her knees with a slight push on her shoulders.
Gabrielle groaned. Her legs trembled as she slid to her knees in front of the warrior. Her hands followed the outline of the Xena's strong physique and she imagined what her warrior looked like in her full battle ensemble. Finally, her hands found their way under Xena's leather skirt and she noted with glee that the warrior didn't bother with britches. Gabrielle inhaled the smell of her arousal and awaited for further instruction from Xena. The warrior said nothing, but simply guided Gabrielle between the leather strips and she eagerly delved into the heated triangle.
Gabrielle gripped Xena's thighs tightly and her tongue darted in and out of her wet centre, lapping up the fragrant juices. Xena leaned back against the hut's door, spreading her legs to accommodate Gabrielle's insistent tongue. She held the Queen's head steady as Gabrielle swept over her bud of pleasure again and again.
"Ahhhh, yes...." Xena moaned. Gabrielle knew the warrior was close to fulfilment and she sped up her unrelenting efforts. After a period of time, Xena's heaving sighs marked the beginning of ecstasy that sent the warrior over the edge and into the realm of perfect bliss.
Several moments later, Xena regained her composure. She hoisted Gabrielle to her feet and guided her to the bed. The Queen obeyed without question, laying face down on the bed as she anticipated Xena's next move. She squirmed on the soft mattress, never sure what surprise the warrior had in store for her. She knew what she wanted but she was never quite sure if Xena would grant her wish. At other times, Xena would take her somewhere she hadn't even thought she wanted to go.
"Up," Xena commanded. The warrior kneeled behind her on the bed and lifted up Gabrielle's torso so that the Amazon was on her knees as well. Xena's armoured vest had been removed but her leather tunic stuck to Gabrielle's sweating body. The Amazon spread her legs to accommodate Xena's roving hands.
"Now, my little Queen, how many Amazon warriors do you think has any idea that their leader is perfectly willing to get on her knees for her consort? Not once, but twice in one evening?" There was a hint of mirth in her tone and the irony of the entire situation was not lost on Gabrielle. She didn't know what was more erotic, being on her knees for Xena or the fact that everyone knew Xena was her servant. She smiled into the pillow as Xena's hands massaged Gabrielle's breasts that hung enticingly from her torso. She pinched the pert nipples to erection and Gabrielle found it increasingly difficult to concentrate.
"Do you know what I've been wanting to do to you all day?" Xena queried.
"No, what?" the Queen asked playfully.
"I've been wanting to spread you out on the food table and take you with my phallus." Gabrielle groaned into the pillow, vividly imagining herself being thrown across the table and serving herself up to Xena. "And while you were face down, I would watch everyone while everyone was watching us," Xena continued as her fingers explored the wet folds between the Amazon's legs. They became more and more slippery as Gabrielle envisioned what Xena would have done to her at the celebratory meal. "Then everyone would know that you are mine. All mine." Shivers surged through Gabrielle as she heard the provocative tone in Xena's voice. No one would ever own her like Xena.
"You'd like that, would you, my little Queen?" Xena asked, her breathing becoming noticeably ragged and uneven. Gabrielle grunted in response when she felt Xena's unmistakable phallus hovering at the entrance of her well lubricated centre. The Queen knew it would only take the slightest push from Xena for it to easily slip inside.
"Yes, Xena! Please, take me now," Gabrielle pleaded as she swayed her hips invitingly for Xena's benefit. Her hair hung limply in wet clumps and sweat poured down her face. Swiftly, Xena entered her and Gabrielle screamed with delight. The warrior entered her again and again with sure and deliberate strokes. Soon her thrusting became fast and furious, but Gabrielle managed to keep pace. It had been weeks since Xena had taken her so completely and the pent up frustration released itself more quickly than usual.
"Yes, yes!" she wailed. Finally, a wave of rapture washed over her and a ringing sensation engulfed her from head to toe. A spent and exhausted Xena collapsed on top of her in a heap.
Xena brushed away the fine hairs from her lover's face. She kissed her eyelids shut and murmured, "I love you, Gabrielle."
"I love you too, Xena." Gabrielle smiled and squeezed her arm tighter around Xena's waist. Despite where they both came from and after all they'd been through, she could hardly believe they were together at all. Nevertheless, she knew that they belonged together for all eternity.
"Xena, can I ask you a question?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you ever wish you were still the Conqueror? That things had turned out differently."
Xena thought for a moment before answering. "Not when I'm with you," she said. "That's all I want. Is just to be with you."
"And I with you," Gabrielle answered.
The Amazon Queen propped herself up on an elbow and gave Xena a kiss full on the mouth. There would be no sleep that night, there was much celebrating to do.
Another Realm
Ares and Aphrodite peered down from the cliff as they watched Xena and Gabrielle appear out of nowhere onto the shoreline. For a few moments, the two lovers regarded each other with doubt and confusion.
Gabrielle spoke first. "We're home," she said.
"At last," Xena replied. They hugged each other tightly and then began splashing in the shallow waves, disregarding the deluge of sand and water that commingled with their clothing.
"Well, you finally got your wish, sister dearest," Ares jeered. "They made it through Illusia all right, but for how long? They have a lot of making up to do." Despite his father's admonishment not to interfere, he wasn't about to start listening to his father now. Besides, he'd discovered that there were other, more powerful gods than Zeus, the so-called King of the Gods.
"Yes, they do, but I think they're going to be all right," Aphrodite beamed. She was thrilled that Xena had been able to say goodbye to her son. However, she knew that Gabrielle's unresolved feelings towards Hope could become another problem somewhere in the future. But she didn't want to think of that now. She only hoped that both Xena and Gabrielle could put their most trying times behind them. Nevertheless, she would never admit her fears to Ares in a million moons. Right now, the most important thing was that the balance of all worlds had been restored.
As the two entities vanished from the cliff's ledge, the sound of laughter drifted up from the beach below.
A twelve-year-old girl and a same aged boy played roughly in the mid-day sun. Not a single cloud marked the landscape of the high cerulean sky. Nonetheless, in the far distance, a dastardly rainstorm poured down on the troops of Xena, the Warrior Princess. Thunder and lightening scared away all living beings and it forced Xena's army to retreat into the caves that pocketed the eastern slope of the hills. Their ultimate destination was the sleepy village of Cirra that lie just over the horizon in the next valley. However, it would be several days before Xena's army would be freed of Zeus' wrath. Not that Xena was overly superstitious but she took it as a sign from the King of the Gods not to venture into the Cirran Valley. And besides, the road was knee-deep in mud and her horses would not be happy trudging through it. When the rains let up and the mud was solid enough to traverse, the Warrior Princess' army marched in the opposite direction of the valley, following Apollo's chariot to the west. Xena reasoned that there were countless other villages exactly like Cirra that her army could raid. The small farming village held no special allure for her.
The little girl, Callisto, was oblivious to the rainstorms that deluged Xena's army or the momentous decision that had just changed her life forever. She ran through the trees chasing her adventurous playmate, Theodorus. He was her best friend and he was so much fun. He was the only boy that didn't mind Callisto ordering him about. Even her sister hated when Callisto told her what to do, but Theodorus never did. He was her most devoted friend and he was always eager to go on mischievous escapades with her. They shared everything, even secrets, and he taught her lots of things that girls her age weren't supposed to know. Like how to climb trees, spy on grownups and how to use a weapon. He even forged a dagger for her when Tresephus, the blacksmith, thought it was for him. It was a secret only he and she shared and she treasured the dagger above all else, sleeping with it under her pillow at night. The other townsfolk didn't think that a girl should be a warrior, but Callisto didn't care. Everyone had heard tell of the great woman warrior who travelled the land and conquered all. She was feared by many, and yet admired by so many others. From Callisto's point of view, she inspired awe. Someday, the little blonde girl dreamed, she and Theodorus would leave Cirra and travel the world. Just like Xena, the Warrior Princess.
POSTSCRIPT: If Callisto had been a bard, this would have been her goodbye to Xena.
Love will abide, take things in stride
Sounds like good advice, but there's no one at my side
Time washes clean, love's wounds unseen
That's what someone told me, but I don't know what it means
Cause I've done everything I know
To try and make you mine
But I think I'm gonna miss you for a long long timeCaught in my fears, blinking back the tears
I can't say I had you when you never let me near
And I never drew a true response from you
Or the way you felt for the goddess you never knew
Cause I've done everything I know
To try and change your mind
And I think it's gonna hurt me for a long long timeWait for the day, I'll go away
Knowing that you warned me of the price I have to pay
Life's full of flaws, but who knows the cause?
Living in the memory of a love that never was
Cause I've done everything I know
To try and make you mine
But I think I'm gonna love you for a long long time