The Cabin

part 2

After dinner, Gabrielle took a bath while Xena worked on the fire. The warrior deliberately kept her back to Gabrielle while the bard dried off and put a shift on.

"Xena, can you help me with my hair? It seems awfully tangled." Gabrielle asked, not mentioning that she deliberately tangled it.

"Sure, do you want it braided?" Xena asked as she moved back from the fire and leaned up against the bed.

"Sounds good." Gabrielle said as she sat down between Xena’s outstretched legs and handed her the comb. Xena put her arm around Gabrielle’s stomach and pulled her closer, supposedly to get a better reach on the coppery hair. She suppressed a shiver when she felt the bard’s thighs touch against hers. Xena gently worked the tangled hair apart, first with her fingers, then with the comb. She took her time, enjoying the way the silky hair felt as she touched it. Gabrielle was ready for the next phase of her plan. "Xena, can you explain what battlelust is?" Xena almost dropped the comb in surprise. She quickly tried to come up with a short answer that wouldn’t lead to further questions from the intriguing bard.

"It um, well, why do you ask?" Xena couldn’t remember being more nervous than she was right now.

"Well, it’s for a story that I’m working on. I’ve heard the term, but I’m not real clear on what the difference is between that and passionate sex." Gabrielle smirked as she felt the body behind her stiffen.

"Well, er um, battlelust is..."

"Yes?" Gabrielle asked with a tone that implied curiosity.

"It’s more, um, more of a celebration." Xena finally said.

"A celebration? Of what?"

"Of living. Of surviving the battle. Sex has a different quality after a battle. It’s almost like reminding yourself that you’re still alive." Xena started to separate the strands of copper hair and start the braiding.

"Did you ever have battlelust?"

"Gabrielle!"

"Did you?" She wasn’t going to let this one go.

"Yes, after every battle." Xena admitted, trying hard not to picture it.

"Even now?" Gabrielle asked, wondering if Xena had the courage to answer truthfully. She knew that Xena always spent some time alone, out of sight, after a battle. She imagined that she knew exactly what the warrior was doing.

"Sometimes." Xena lied. She always felt that battlelust, but she wasn’t about to admit it to the object of her masturbatory fantasies.

"What do you do about it?" Gabrielle pushed.

"Gabrielle, can we talk about something other than my sex life, or lack thereof?" Xena said in an exasperated tone. These evening conversations were definitely getting too personal. The heat being generated from both bodies being so close didn’t help matters in the least.

"I’m sorry, I was just wondering." Gabrielle put a hurt tone to her statement, playing on Xena’s sympathy. It worked.

"I’m sorry, Gabrielle. I didn’t mean to sound so gruff. It’s just not a subject that I’m entirely comfortable with. It brings up many memories that I’d rather not relive." And thoughts that I’d rather not face, Xena thought to herself. Gabrielle knew the topic was closed for the night, which was fine with her. She had gotten just the reactions that she wanted and the information she needed to continue her battle. She decided to give Xena a break and changed the subject.

"Argo looks like she’s gaining weight."

"She probably is. She’s not getting enough exercise." Xena tied a thin strip of leather to the bottom of the braid. "There you go."

"Thanks." Gabrielle said as she reached back and felt the braid. She was still amazed at how well Xena could perform such a feminine task. Realizing that continuing to sit so close to Xena would cause a question, she stood up and walked over to the wineskin. "Would you like some wine?" She asked as she reached for two goblets.

"Sounds good. How much do we have left?" Xena said, hiding her disappointment that Gabrielle had moved.

"Plenty. Hercules had a keg sitting here when we arrived and he had Iolaus purchase two more." Gabrielle said as she handed Xena her goblet before sitting down next to the warrior.

"Good." Xena said as she drained her glass. Gabrielle was sitting a respectable distance away from her but it was still close enough to interfere with the warrior’s thoughts. Gabrielle didn’t speak, she just continued to drink her wine and plot her next move. She decided that tomorrow’s plan couldn’t include questions about sex. That would tip Xena off and she didn’t want that to happen just yet. Gabrielle smiled wickedly as she devised tomorrow’s torment.

"I don’t think I want to know what’s going through your mind right now, judging from that grin." Xena said, forcing Gabrielle out of her revelry.

"Uh, I, um, was just thinking about a story."

"Uh huh." Xena said as she arched an eyebrow. She didn’t believe a word of it but she wasn’t sure she wanted to know exactly what Gabrielle was thinking about. "I’m going to need you to exercise Argo until my leg heals." She said, trying to change the subject.

"Are you sure we can’t just let her get fat?" Gabrielle hated the thought of riding Argo.

"Gabrielle, you know that Argo needs exercise. Do you want me to try and ride her with my broken leg?"

"No. I’ll do it, but I don’t have to like it." Gabrielle said dejectedly.

"We all have to do things in life that we don’t like, Gabrielle."

"Ah yes, but with any luck, we’ll be rewarded for our actions." The bard quickly replied.

"And just what kind of reward do you want for exercising Argo?" Xena asked as she raised her eyebrow. She wanted to see just what kind of answer the bard would give, considering the nature of the recent conversations between them.

"Mmm, I’ll have to think about that one." Gabrielle said as she quickly rose and climbed into bed. "I’ll sleep on it and let you know tomorrow. Good night." She rolled over to cover her smile. Oh yes, Xena. Just wait until you see the reward I want, Gabrielle thought as she closed her eyes. Xena sat there on the floor for a few more minutes, trying to relax before giving up and crawling into bed next to the object of her dreams. It was getting harder and harder to keep her feelings in check. She had to fight the urge to wrap her strong arms around the soft body lying next to her. In frustration, Xena finally rolled over until her back was to the bard and stared at the fire. Do you have any idea what kind of passions are flaming inside me? Xena thought to herself as she settled into an uneasy sleep.

Gabrielle planned her actions carefully. She didn’t want to arouse suspicions from the warrior. Talking about sex was not an option, but touching was. Xena was standing next to the fireplace, leaning on her crutch, and watching breakfast cook when she felt the small, delicate hands wrap around her waist and hug her tightly. "Good morning." Gabrielle said as she released the brief embrace. She had felt Xena’s body stiffen at the touch. This was a good idea, the bard thought to herself.

"Morning." Xena answered as she forced her body to relax. "We’re having rabbit stew for breakfast. We seem to be out of any other meats. Would you like some tea?" Xena hobbled over to where the mugs were lined up on the counter. She needed some space between her and the intoxicating presence of the bard.

"Tea sounds good. I figured I would take Argo over to the stream and see if I could catch us some more fish. How does that sound?" Gabrielle asked as she changed into her clothes. Xena kept her back to the storyteller.

"Sounds good, unless you go and fall in." She said in a playful tone as she poured the tea into a mug. Gabrielle walked over and took the mug from her. "Gabrielle, do me a favor and take my dagger with you." She held up her hand to stop the bard’s protest. "Just in case. For me, please?" Gabrielle knew she couldn’t argue with Xena, especially when she said ‘please’.

"Okay. I’ll tie it to my staff. Will that make you feel better?" She knew it would, but she wanted to make Xena say it.

"Yes. How’s your back?"

"Feels better."

"Good. Don’t be gone too long. I don’t like the idea of sitting here worrying about you."

"Worry about me? What kind of trouble could I possibly get into between the cabin and the stream?" Gabrielle asked with her most innocent voice. Both women looked at each other and laughed. "I’ll be careful, Xena. I promise." With that, she gave Xena another quick hug, this time facing her, then left. Xena stared at the closed door for a few moments while her thoughts raced through her mind. What are you up to? I feel like you’re scheming to do something, but I just don’t know what it is. What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours? Shaking the thoughts from her mind, Xena hobbled over to bed and started to do the painful exercises necessary to strengthen her leg.

It was two candlemarks before she heard Argo return. Gabrielle came in, proudly holding three half-frozen fish. "See? And I didn’t even get wet." Her grin was rewarded with a smile from the warrior. Gabrielle changed out of her cold clothes and settled down near the fire while Xena cleaned the fish. Several times Gabrielle went over to see how Xena was doing and each time made a point of touching the warrior on the shoulder. Each time made the raven haired woman more and more aware of the bard’s presence, as if she wasn’t aware enough. Gabrielle relaxed and plotted her strategy for the evening.

After dinner they settled down on the floor, using the bed as a backrest. Gabrielle made it a point to sit very close, a point that wasn’t missed by the warrior or the warrior’s body. Gabrielle chatted idly about silly, inconsequencial matters before deciding to go to bed. She had made sure that her voice was soft as she spoke, lulling Xena into a semi-hypnotic trance several times. She went to sleep satisfied with her work for the day while the warrior went to sleep frustrated.

Gabrielle decided that this was going to be the night that she seduced Xena. She had waited long enough for the woman she loved to come around. All the little hints, looks, and teases didn’t work. Now it was time for an all out assault. Gabrielle said little during the day, she was too busy planning the evening. Xena watched her as she walked around the cabin, lost in thought. The lack of conversation by the bard unsettled Xena. She was sure that Gabrielle was up to something, there was no doubt about that. It was the ‘something’ that had Xena so nervous.

Gabrielle went through one of the supply boxes until she found what she was looking for, a small bottle of perfumed oil. There was a wicked glint in her eyes as she thought about the possibilities this small bottle gave. She walked over and sat down next to the bed. "Xena, why don’t you let me give you a backrub? I have some oil." She said temptingly. "Come on, you know how much you love a good backrub." Xena tensed at the thought of the beautiful young woman’s hands running up and down her back, but the thought of the pleasure it would be overrode her senses.

"Okay, I’m game." Xena said as she set the crutch down and sat in front of the bard.

"Interesting choice of words, my big dumb warrior." Gabrielle said softly and affectionately. Gabrielle scooted closer until her legs were wrapped underneath the warrior’s. She leaned over and whispered into Xena’s ear. "Take off your shift." It was more of a command than a request. The warm breath and soft, commanding voice intoxicated and hypnotized the tall woman. She closed her blue eyes and complied without thought. "Now, I’m going to tell you a story while I rub your back." Gabrielle paused and poured some drops of oil on the tan shoulders. "I want you to listen close. Do you understand me, Xena?" She rubbed her hands softly over Xena’s shoulders. "Listen very close." All Xena could do was nod in understanding. Gabrielle never moved her head and her warm breath continued to assault the older woman’s ear. "I’m going to tell you a story about two lovers…" Xena was unable to suppress a soft moan. Gabrielle knew what effect that story had on her, that’s why she chose it for this evening. As she spoke, she continued to drop oil onto Xena’s back, causing shudders as it rolled downward. The backrub was a forgotten task. Gabrielle’s hands roamed free, around the neck, down the arms, all over the back. She was doing more than caressing, she was feeling and learning Xena’s body. Her hands and fingers trailed over every defined muscle, every scar, committing all to memory. The soft melodic voice, the sensuous hands, and the warm breath all served to entrance Xena into a lulled state of desire and relaxation. "…And every time the waves crash against the shore, the lovers come together." Gabrielle finished. Her own desires were raging now as she longed to feel more sensitive flesh beneath her fingers. Hesitantly, she wrapped her arms around Xena’s stomach, whispered "Xena, I love you.", and kissed her earlobe.

Her breaths were coming quicker as she felt the bard’s arms tighten around her. An electric shock passed from the sensitive earlobe down to the center of Xena’s being when she felt the warm lips touch her. All her defenses broke when she heard those beautiful words. She opened her tear-filled blue eyes and turned her head to look at her beloved Gabrielle. She was greeted with blue-green eyes as moist as her own, filled with love and desire. "Gabrielle…" was all her husky voice could whisper. Gabrielle smiled and stood up.

"Come." The bard said as she held out her hand. Xena moved slowly, trying to believe that it wasn’t a dream, as she reached out with her hand to grasp Gabrielle’s. With a strength that Gabrielle didn’t know she had, the bard lifted Xena to her feet and moved her to the bed. Xena stood there, balanced on her good leg and watched as Gabrielle removed her own shift. She gently pressed on the taller woman’s shoulders, pushing them both down to the bed. Both women moaned in delight as flesh pressed against flesh. Gabrielle lifted herself long enough to let Xena straighten out on the bed before climbing back on top of her. This time the bard let herself down slowly, drinking in the sensations as their bodies pressed together while being careful of the still tender ribs. The contact sent shivers through both women. Xena let out a whimper when their breasts touched. In the pale firelight, they each saw the depths of their soulmate’s love in their eyes. Xena reached up and placed a trembling hand on Gabrielle’s cheek.

"Gods, look at me. I’m shaking like a leaf." Xena’s equally shaky voice said. She moved her thumb to touch the edge of Gabrielle’s mouth. Tears were freely flowing from both women. "I love you, Gabrielle. Aphrodite help me, I tried to fight it, but I couldn’t. I love you." Gabrielle buried her face into the raven hair.

"I love you too." The bard cried as she pulled her head up to look into the blue depths that were Xena’s eyes. "I can’t live without you. I thought I would go crazy holding my feelings back. All I want to do is love you, be with you, give you all the love I have in my heart and then some. I want-." She was silenced by Xena’s finger on her lips.

"Shh, my little bard. This is one time when actions speak louder than words." To prove her point, she wrapped her muscular arms around the smaller woman and pulled her lips closer. Xena reached up and brushed her lips against the storyteller’s. Both women whimpered as the electric shock coursed through them. Gabrielle closed her eyes and brought her mouth down, feeling the softness of Xena’s lips, feeling her own urges rising. Xena laid back and let the younger woman take control. Gabrielle continued to taste her. She kissed her lips, moving back and forth, occasionally bringing her tongue out to run across Xena’s lower lip. This action caused more groans from the warrior’s throat. Xena parted her lips as Gabrielle’s tongue asked to be invited in. Their tongues touched, fanning their desires and passions beyond all reasonable thought. Gabrielle’s tongue became more demanding, searching out all the tastes and textures of the warrior’s mouth. Both were out of breath when Gabrielle finally pulled her mouth away.

"Right to the center of my core." Gabrielle murmured as she took deep breaths of air. Xena put her hands on the bard’s shoulders, pressing against them to prevent another kiss.

"Mine too, but we need to talk." Xena’s voice was husky and ragged, sounding like she had just returned from a war.

"You, the queen of quiet, want to talk?" Gabrielle said lightly, although she agreed that a pause was necessary, if only to catch their breaths. She rolled off of the dark haired woman and sat cross-legged next to her. Xena pulled herself up to a sitting position, leaning against the wall for support. Gabrielle sat quietly, waiting impatiently for Xena to speak.

"Gabrielle," Xena reached out and ran her finger along the bard’s jawline and up to her chin. "I do love you. I can’t find the words to express how I’m feeling right now."

"Try." Gabrielle urged gently. Xena knew the importance of words to her young bard, so she swallowed and tried again.

"I’m feeling many different things right now. Scared, happy beyond all belief, more nervous than a bride, all that and more. But what I feel most is that a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. You don’t know how many nights I’ve laid awake, tormenting myself trying to figure out what your feelings were. I was so scared that you would leave me again, I didn’t want that to happen." She put her finger to Gabrielle’s lip to keep her from interrupting. "I don’t know why you love me, but I know that you do. I can see it in your beautiful eyes. It frightens me a little. Gabrielle, I’ve never felt this way about anyone before." Gabrielle put her finger to Xena’s lips, asking her to be quiet for the first time in their relationship.

"Xena, I’m just as scared as you are. I can’t explain when or how I fell in love. I just know that I do love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, sharing your life. I can’t live anywhere but next to you." Gabrielle moved closer and straddled the warrior. "And right now I don’t want to be anywhere else but right here, making sweet love to you. I don’t know what to do, but I’m sure you’ll show me." She said the last part with a grin as she removed her finger from Xena’s lips and replaced it with her own mouth. The warrior wrapped her arms around the smaller woman and returned the kiss, probing with her tongue to taste the mouth of her love. Xena rolled the bard off of her and onto the bed. She gently kissed the copper-haired woman while her callused fingers explored the softness that was Gabrielle’s throat.

"Mmm, gods, so soft." Xena murmured as she brought her mouth down to explore the area that her fingers just left. She brought her mouth up and pushed her way through the copper hair until she found Gabrielle’s earlobe. She gently kissed, then suckled, then nibbled the soft flesh, extracting soft moans of pleasure from the storyteller. She went back to taste more of Gabrielle’s mouth before traveling down between the soft mounds. Xena brought her hands up and cupped the breasts, capturing a soft nipple between her forefingers and thumbs. The nipples were hard and erect and begging to be sucked. Gabrielle’s hands went into the raven hair and guided the warrior. Xena’s tongue flicked out and lightly brushed against the aching left nipple. Gabrielle arched her back at the exquisite pleasure, begging without words for more. Xena took her time, sucking and licking each nipple and breast until she had her fill. Gabrielle’s hips were rocking in the ancient motion of pure desire. Xena raised herself up, mindful of her broken leg, and separated Gabrielle’s legs apart with her knee. "Sweet Aphrodite." She said when she felt the bard’s leg press up against her sex.

Gabrielle gasped when she felt Xena’s wetness press against her thigh. She instinctively pressed against it, causing the warrior to stop licking and start moaning. Xena’s hips started moving up and down, soaking Gabrielle’s thigh with juices. The blue eyes were shut tight, her mind lost to everything but the sensations between her legs. Gabrielle watched the expressions fly across the warrior’s face. She reached up and cupped Xena’s breasts with her hands, rubbing her thumbs across the sensitive nipples. Small cries were escaping Xena’s lips, as well as low growls from her throat. Gabrielle felt the flood of juice roll down her thigh as Xena stiffened, then jerked her hips erratically before screaming out the bard’s name in a voice loud enough to wake the forest. Gabrielle eased the pressure from her thigh and wrapped her arms around Xena as she fell against her. The bard held her, rubbing her back gently, until she felt Xena’s breathing return to normal. "You okay?" Gabrielle asked softly. She felt the nod of the head and released her. Xena rolled onto her back and breathed deeply.

"Give me a minute, please?" She asked breathlessly. Gabrielle smiled and propped herself up on an elbow.

"You’re loud." Gabrielle teased. Xena blushed slightly.

"Sorry, I guess I should have warned you. I can be a little…vocal sometimes."

"Mmm, I see that." The bard replied as she drew lazy figure eights across Xena’s belly. "You’re certainly nicer to the gods then."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that you praised several of them, rather vocally, when you were…" Gabrielle giggled a little. "Let’s just say that I’m sure that Aphrodite is pleased with your thoughts of her."

"Oh Gods!" Xena moaned as she hid her head beneath a pillow.

"See, that’s what I mean." Gabrielle teased, sending Xena into a fit of silent laughter. She slowly brought her fingers down until she reached the damp curls. She twirled the black hair with her fingers, enjoying the texture and feel of the thick patch. She was caught completely off guard when six feet worth of arousal rolled on top of her, pinning her to the bed.

"Oh no, you don’t get to have all the fun." Xena said as she worked her leg between Gabrielle’s and pressed her thigh against the blond bush. "What do you want, Gabrielle? How do you want to me to love you?" Gabrielle was unable to speak, her desire had reduced her to soft moans and whimpers. "I can’t believe I’ve finally caught the bard speechless." She arched one eyebrow. "I guess I’ll just have to try different things and see if you like them." She said wickedly, much to the joy and delight of Gabrielle, who answered her with a unmistakable moan and hip movement.

Gabrielle squirmed and moaned under the ministrations of Xena’s hands and tongue. The warrior moved downward and positioned herself between the bard’s legs. She wrapped her arms underneath and around the strong thighs, spreading the lips apart with her callused fingers. The hips started to rock as Xena licked out the sweet honey that was Gabrielle’s desire. The young woman’s hips left the bed and she cried out her lover’s name when the hot tongue came in contact with her virgin clit. Hearing Gabrielle’s voice call out her name with such passion fueled her own. Gabrielle was an endless stream of moans, groans, beggings, and cries of Xena’s name. Xena briefly thought of taking Gabrielle’s virginity, but decided to wait. She didn’t want there to be any regrets in the morning. Gabrielle’s body started to tremble in the ancient warning of the impending climax. Her hands were pressing down on the warrior’s head that Xena could barely breathe. She didn’t care, she was willing to suffocate in her love’s sea of pleasure. Gabrielle’s body stiffened taut, her toes curled, and her thighs clamped around Xena’s head, muffling the scream of ecstasy as the orgasm overtook her. Xena held on tight, drawing out the wave after wave until she felt her lover go limp. She slowly lowered Gabrielle’s hips back to the bed, then moved up to hold her love in her arms. "I love you, Gabrielle." She murmured as she stroked and kissed the silky reddish-blonde hair. She held her love tight until she felt that the bard was ready to be released. Xena laid on her back and pulled Gabrielle close to her. The younger woman rested her head on the warrior’s shoulder and draped her leg over her hips.

"Xena." She sighed as she kissed the closest piece of skin she could find.

"Shh, you rest now. We’ll talk in the morning, I promise." Xena gently stroked the coppery hair that she loved as the young bard fell into a contented sleep.

Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked into the deep blue of her lover. One quick movement of her hand confirmed her memory. "It wasn’t a dream." She looked to Xena for confirmation.

"No, love. It wasn’t a dream."

"Good." She murmured and laid her head back down on Xena’s chest. The warrior thought that Gabrielle was going back to sleep until she felt her soft lips and tongue start to stroll over her chest. "Xena?"

"Mm?"

"What rights do I have?" She asked as she captured Xena’s left nipple in her mouth.

"Uh, what do you mean? Mmm." She arched her back, pressing herself into the hungry mouth. Gabrielle pulled her mouth up slightly.

"Do I have lover’s rights?" Her thumb lazily rolled back and forth across the erect nipple. "Do I have the right to touch you wherever I want?" She gently squeezed the tender flesh. "Do I have the right to ask you to touch me?" Her mouth hung just out of reach of the nipple. "Do I?" Her tongue flicked across it, then she blew softly, sending shivers throughout Xena’s body.

"Yes." She breathlessly replied. "Gabrielle, please…" Her low, throaty voice was even huskier with desire. The rawness of her voice excited Gabrielle. She climbed on top of her warrior and looked into her eyes.

"You tell me if I do something you don’t like." Gabrielle said. Xena nodded. "I’m sure you’ll let me know when I do something that you do enjoy." She said with a wink, reminding Xena of last night’s vocalizations.

Gabrielle started with soft, feather-light kisses, covering every inch of the warrior’s face. Her bold tongue entered Xena’s mouth with a passion that surprised them both. The kisses intoxicated the warrior beyond all reason and she surrendered herself to the will of another person for the first time. She trusted Gabrielle to love her and keep her safe so she could take the time to be vulnerable. She pressed the bard down on top of her, treasuring the feel of the smaller woman’s weight. Gabrielle understood the surrender and started to work her way down Xena’s body. She kissed up the jawline, stopping when she reached the ear to suck and nip the lobe. "I love you." She murmured into Xena’s ear. She worked her way back around to the other ear. "and I’m going to make love to you."

Gabrielle’s soft voice was boosting the pleasures that her mouth was giving. Xena was helpless to do anything but sigh and moan. Gabrielle worked her way down Xena’s arms, sucking at the biceps, until she reached the warrior’s hands. She took each finger into her mouth and lightly licked and sucked the tips. Xena never realized how sensitive her fingertips were until she felt the soft tongue of her bard send electric shocks through her body. She felt herself getting damper by the moment. She didn’t know how much more of this glorious agony she could stand. Her hands clasped and unclasped the bed as Gabrielle’s mouth found her nipples. Xena’s thighs willingly parted when she felt the soft hand press against her curly triangle.

Gabrielle groaned in delight against the nipple that her mouth held hostage as she slipped her finger between Xena’s folds. "Sweet Athena." The warrior sighed she felt the slim finger feel it’s way around. She gasped when Gabrielle’s finger passed across her clit.

"Well, what do we have here?" The bard said wickedly. Her face had the look of a child who has discovered something they shouldn’t be playing with. She brushed her finger against it again, watching the hips bounce up off the bed and come down again. "Looks like I’ve found your evil spot." She said, grinning. She flicked it again, then rubbed her finger gently across it, watching in amazement at the different reactions from the older woman. She slipped another finger between the folds and placed one on either side of the sensitive nub. She brought her fingers together, lightly pinching the clit.

"Gods, Gabrielle!" Xena cried as her urges became more demanding. Gabrielle went back to flicking and rubbing the clit with one finger while she brought her other hand around to continue exploring. She placed her finger on the outer edge of Xena’s hole and looked up to the blue eyes for approval. The look of pure desire gave her the answer she needed. She slowly pushed her finger inside, marveling at the warmth, softness, and wetness that surrounded her digit. Xena’s hips arched in the ancient rhythm as the bard’s finger moved in and out slowly while her other hand continued it’s ministrations on the clit. "More…" Xena begged. Gabrielle pulled her hand back and placed another finger at the opening. Seeing the nod, she pressed both fingers in. She felt Xena’s muscles squeeze around her fingers.

Xena’s mind and soul were focused on Gabrielle’s actions. Her hips moved of their own volition, meeting the ever enthusiastic bard stroke for stroke. Xena felt her juices running out of her and down her body and onto the bed. "Oh yes!" She cried when Gabrielle slid a third finger deep within her. They fell into a pattern, Xena meeting Gabrielle thrust for thrust.

Gabrielle’s fingers became a blur as she felt Xena spiraling toward a climax. When she felt her lover tremble, the bard focused on Xena’s face. "Look at me, Xena. I want you to see me when the moment comes." Her voice was low and commanding, a tone that Xena had never heard from her before. A tone that she had no choice but to obey. She opened her eyes and locked on to the blue-green eyes of her soulmate.

"Gods!" Xena cried as her hips moved frantically. "Gabrielle, I can’t take much more…oh…please…oh…oh…" She reached up and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle’s neck, needing to touch her lover at the moment of release. "GABRIELLE!"

Gabrielle plunged her fingers deep into Xena as she heard her name cried out. The body beneath her stiffened and drew tight as the powerful orgasm rocked Xena’s body. Gabrielle felt every wave pulsating though the muscles that still held her fingers tight. She pulled her upper hand away and was starting to remove her fingers when she felt Xena’s larger hand come down and press against hers.

"Please? Not yet." Xena barely whispered as she closed her eyes and let the aftershocks ripple through her body. When she moved her hand, Gabrielle slowly removed her reluctant fingers. She held her arm out and the bard happily scooted up to rest her head against Xena’s rapidly beating chest.

"I take it that you enjoyed that?" Gabrielle said playfully. "You praised the gods, mmm, let’s see, at least three times that I can think of." She reached over and started to draw figure eights on Xena’s stomach again.

"No, I can’t take any more." Xena said as she grabbed the bard’s wrist. Gabrielle smiled as she pulled her arm back.

"Wore ya out huh?" She teased as she brought her hand up to caress the warrior’s cheek. "I guess that means that you liked it." She was answered with a playful growl and a fierce hug that she gladly accepted. "I love you, Xena."

"I love you, Gabrielle. Gods, it feels so good to finally say it."

"Yes, it does." The bard replied. They held each other for a few moments before Gabrielle’s stomach growled to announce that it was awake.

"I guess that means I have to feed you." Xena joked as she sat up and pulled on her shift. "I’ll make us tea and get breakfast started." She reached for her crutch, although her leg was feeling somewhat better. She knew that she was somehow blessed with the ability to heal quickly.

"Okay, I’ll go wash up." Gabrielle said as she rolled off the bed and headed to the chamber pot. The cabin was soon filled with the smell of sizzling meat and brewing tea.

"What’s this?" Xena asked as she picked up the folded piece of parchment.

"Nothing." Gabrielle said as she tried to quickly grab at it. The warrior was too fast, however. Xena arched her eyebrow and looked at Gabrielle turning red. A crooked smile came to her lips as she unfolded the parchment. She looked down at the familiar penmanship and quickly read. Gabrielle stood there, frozen in fear of Xena’s reaction to the seduction scheme. "Xena…now give me a chance to explain…" She slowly backed up as the warrior approached, losing her towel in the process. "I had to be sure…that is, I had to be certain that you’d…" She stopped when she felt the hard wall against her back. Xena stood in front of her, rested the crutch against the wall, and pinned Gabrielle’s hands with her own. "Xena…now think about this…"

"Oh, I am thinking about this, my little bard." Xena said wickedly, but there was no hint of malice in her voice. "So you thought that you’d seduce me, mmm? Thought you could tease me, drive me half out of my mind with desire for you, for days on end? Oh, I’m going to have to work hard to think up an appropriate punishment for you." The playfulness was obvious in her blue eyes.

"Xena, now I’m sure we can work something out." Gabrielle smiled as she watched the warrior’s eyes gaze up and down her body freely, no longer having to steal glances. Xena loved this new freedom and was taking advantage of the situation to enjoy it.

"Oh, I’m sure we will." Xena said seductively as her gaze settled on the bard’s breasts. She studied the freckles, the pink nipples that were hardening under her stare, the soft swelling of the mounds themselves. She drank the image in before moving her gaze downward. "You can tell me a story. I know just which story I want to hear." She stared at the soft patch of fur and longed to bury her mouth there. "And how I want to hear you tell it." She added with a soft growl. The smell of the meat interrupted their playing. "Later, first we eat and regain our strength." Xena picked up her crutch again. "You’re gonna need all the strength you have." She added wickedly before turning her attention to the fire. Gabrielle giggled with anticipation and delight as she pulled her shift on.

Gabrielle laid on her back, staring at the ceiling. A contented Xena was snoozing next to her. The bard’s thoughts replayed their lovemaking over and over. As enjoyable as it was, Gabrielle felt that there was something missing. It was gentle, loving, drawn out. Isn’t that what she wanted? She wanted Xena to love her, to take her body and make love over and over, and she had. So what was missing? Gabrielle thought about her own erotic fantasies, the ones she had before they had ever made love. A smile crept over her face as the answer appeared. Xena was being too gentle, too soft with her. She had first been drawn to Xena by the warrior’s dark side. Gabrielle had seen Xena’s passion many times in the heat of battle. She realized that it was this passion that she needed to see in their bed. She rolled onto her side and gently kissed Xena’s cheek.

"Mmm" The warrior sighed as she reached out her arms to embrace her love. Gabrielle’s hands moved downward, claiming the soft breasts, renewing the desire within Xena. "Gabrielle…" She moaned. The storyteller moved her head until her lips were next to Xena’s ear. She spoke in a soft, husky voice full of desire and need.

"Xena, I need you. I need you to take me…I need to feel your passion…your desire…I want to lose myself with you…don’t be gentle." She said the last words in a more commanding tone, a tone that Xena found hard to resist. The warrior pushed Gabrielle down on the bed and turned her head to look into her eyes.

"What are you asking me to do?" Xena asked softly. Her loins were fully awake with feelings created by Gabrielle’s words, but the warrior needed to be certain just what her lover wanted. "Gabrielle, I…I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to be too…rough." That’s exactly how she wanted to be at the moment. Xena wanted to consume the bard’s body and soul. She wanted to ravish Gabrielle until she begged for release, then ravish her some more. Xena didn’t realize that she was pressing her hips against Gabrielle, running her fingers through her coppery hair forcefully, subconsciously expressing her own desires.

"You won’t hurt me…" Gabrielle’s voice was raspy with need. "…and I want…rough. Take me, Xena…take me with all that you have…make me your woman." Gabrielle’s hand captured Xena’s wrist and forced the warrior’s hand down to meet the bard’s wet sex. Xena groaned when her fingers met the flood and she brought her mouth down hard against Gabrielle’s. She didn’t ask for entry into the bard’s mouth, she took it. Her free hand roughly grabbed at Gabrielle’s beast, the forefinger and thumb squeezing the pink nipple. Gabrielle’s hands frantically wrapped around Xena’s back, pulling her closer. Xena’s finger was lightly stoking across Gabrielle’ clit, each movement causing the bard’s hips to rise involuntarily. The warrior tore her mouth away, kissing and nibbling her way up the jawline until she reached Gabrielle’s ear. She sucked and nipped on the lobe as her lover writhed beneath her. Her voice in the bard’s ear was a low growl.

"I’m going to take you, Gabrielle." Her fingers moved to press gently against the edge of Gabrielle’s coral opening, causing more sighs and moans from the excited bard. "Yes…" She nipped at the sensitive area on Gabrielle’s neck. "You want this, don’t you?…Tell me, my bard." She moved her fingers up and wiggled them hard against the clit while her other hand moved to brand the other nipple. She pinched hard, smiling when she felt Gabrielle’s back arch and heard more volume in her cries. "Tell me, Gabrielle…tell me what you want." Xena was fighting hard to control her passion. It threatened to consume her too soon. Her words had the desired effect on Gabrielle.

"I…I want…oh…" She tried to make the words, but the activity on her breast and clit were taking away all rational thought.

"Speechless, bard?" Xena taunted as she moved her mouth down to claim the hard pink nipple. She raked her teeth over it and moved her fingers back to the edge of Gabrielle’s womanhood. She held the nipple with her teeth while her tongue flicked back and forth across it.

"Xena, please…mmm…oh"

"Tell me"

"Take me…go…inside…now" Gabrielle’s whispered pleas were firm commands to Xena. She slid two fingers deep into Gabrielle, removing the last vestige of her virginity. The bard cried out at the brief pain, but her sounds were silenced by Xena’s hungry mouth reclaiming hers. She held her fingers still, waiting for a signal from Gabrielle to proceed, while her thumb continued to stimulate the bard’s swollen clit. After a few heartbeats, Xena felt Gabrielle respond to the kiss and move her hips in the ancient rhythm. The warrior curled her fingers deep inside and found a soft, smooth place which she rubbed her fingers back and forth across. Her ministrations inside matched the pace her thumb set outside. Xena felt her own wetness increasing, burning within her for release. Ignoring the pain in her mending leg, she straddled Gabrielle’s thigh and quickly rocked back and forth. Gabrielle’s thrusts picked up pace and quickly exceeded the speed of Xena’s motions, but only for a moment before the warrior realized and increased the speed of her thrusts. She couldn’t believe the amount of liquid that was pouring from her bard. Gabrielle’s body went on instinct, ferociously craving a release that only the warrior could provide. "Arggh…Xena…more." She grunted through clenched teeth.

Xena pulled her fingers back until they were at the entrance and paused the movements of her thumb. She placed a third finger in, just up to the first knuckle, moaning at the sweet pressure that surrounded it. She moved her fingers in and out, increasing the depth on each stroke. Xena knew that Gabrielle’s insides were stretched as much as possible and reveled in the knowledge that she was the only one to ever touch the bard’s inner walls, to ever make her feel this way, to ever possess her. Gabrielle matched her, thrust for thrust, taking all that the warrior could give her. Xena’s rocking against the bard’s thigh was at a frantic pace. The tight wetness around her hand and the hot friction against Gabrielle’s thigh sent Xena over the edge. She threw her head back and made an animalistic sound as her orgasm overtook her. "Gabrielle…oh…mmm…oh goddess…GABRIELLE" Xena’s body shook and trembled with her orgasm.

Gabrielle had no control over her body. Her hips were bucking frantically, her breath coming out in short gasps of pleasure, her arms were wrapped around Xena, holding her tight as the warrior’s body shuddered. Her body arched one final time and Xena used all of her energy to send Gabrielle over the top. Sweet nectar flooded over her hand while the fingers were being squeezed by the inner muscles. One final ‘oh’ and then Xena heard the bard yell her name in a tone louder and more hoarse than she had ever heard come from her beloved.

Xena slowly removed her fingers and crawled up to hold the young bard as her body continued to shudder with aftershocks. She kissed Gabrielle’s forehead, cheek, and lips as she murmured endearments over and over.

"Wow." Gabrielle breathed, not yet opening her eyes.

"Caught your tongue again?" Xena chuckled in a low, throaty voice. Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes and focused on her warrior. She brought her hand up to caress Xena’s cheek.

"I…I’ve never…"

"I know, love. Shh." Xena held her close, never wanting the moment to end. Both women fell into a blissful sleep within moments.

The rest of the moon was spent healing their minds as well as their bodies. Although Xena was still less than forthcoming about her personal feelings, she did make it a point to tell Gabrielle daily of her love. Gabrielle was quickly adjusting to their new depth of their relationship and couldn’t be happier. The age old fear of Xena leaving her behind was quickly fading with each new touch, kiss, and murmur of love between them.

Gabrielle’s back was to Xena as she pulled her shift on. She felt the strong hands of her warrior on her shoulders, then down her back. "There’s going to be some scars." Xena said quietly as her finger trailed over some of the more severe whip marks. At one time, they would have been a daily reminder of Xena’s failure to protect the bard. Now they were a daily reminder of Gabrielle’s love and devotion to her. This change in feeling wasn’t caused within Xena. Gabrielle forced her to talk about the deep gashes and what they meant. Until their talk, Xena was convinced that they were a punishment to her for letting Gabrielle get hurt. It took many candlemarks of talking by Gabrielle to change her mind. She was brought back to the present by the feeling of the bard turning around in her arms.

"I love you, Xena." She said those words knowing how much Xena needed to hear them and she made a point to say them as often as she could. She forced herself to be content with the occasional returns by her love. Gabrielle realized how much effort it took for Xena to express her feelings, no matter how strong they were.

"I love you. I just wish you didn’t have to suffer because of that love." She brought her hand up to cup Gabrielle’s face. It was that face she wanted to wake up to each morning and go to sleep by each night. It was the face of the other half of her soul.

"I would only suffer if you took that love away." Gabrielle said sincerely. They moved closer, preparing to seal their love with a kiss.

"It took you two long enough." Both women turned to see the owner of the melodic voice. A shimmering glow settled into the grace and beauty of the Goddess Athena.

"Athena." Gabrielle said quietly and lowered to her knees. Xena controlled a smirk and remained standing.

"Rise, child." Athena said as she waved her hand in an upward motion. Gabrielle rose and put her arm around Xena’s waist, partly for comfort, partly for support in the company of a goddess.

"What can we do for you, Athena?" Xena asked in the most civilized tone possible. She hated when any of the gods interfered in their lives. It was almost always trouble and she was sure that this time would be no exception.

"So untrusting, my little warrior." Athena’s silvery voice chimed. "I should ask what do you want of me? Especially after all the times I’ve heard my name screamed from your lips recently." A smile went across Athena’s face as she watched Xena turn beet red.

"I wasn’t really calling you. I was…" Xena stopped, realizing that she was only digging a deeper hole for herself. Gabrielle was no longer able to suppress her giggle. Xena shot her a look before returning a stoic gaze toward the goddess. "Never mind."

"Well, I am glad to see that you finally opened your heart to someone, Xena." Athena said quietly and in a tone that the proud warrior didn’t expect. Before more words could be said, a golden mist appeared next to Athena. "Ah, I see we have company."

"Wonderful. What is this, a hangout for the gods?" Xena grumbled, receiving a gentle jab in the stomach from the bard, who was still intimidated about being in the presence of one god and now being faced with the addition of another.

"Who is it?" She whispered to her warrior.

"Ah, my dear Gabrielle." Aphrodite’s form materialized from the mist. "There is a glow that surrounds your heart. Your love is pure and undivided. You have no idea how blessed you truly are." Gabrielle went crimson and looked down at her feet as she listened to the praise from the Goddess of Love.

"Thank…thank you." Gabrielle stammered.

"And you…" Aphrodite moved closer and faced Xena. "You struggle with the truth that lies within your heart. You fear your dark side will come back and overpower your love. That is a powerful battle, Xena. Share the struggle with the one who would help you willingly. All you have to do is ask her. You have yet to realize the depths of her love for you or your love for her." A smirk came to the face of the goddess. "I appreciate your remembrance of me from time to time." The immediate understanding caused another blush to creep up the warrior’s face. A white owl flew down the chimney and fluttered to a stop between Athena and Gabrielle.

"I know I never said your name." Xena protested as the owl changed into the goddess Artemis.

"Aren’t we a little jumpy?" Artemis teased. She looked at Gabrielle. "My queen, I thought by now you would have used up all of her excess energy."

"I…" Gabrielle didn’t know what kind of answer to give the goddess. "I try." She said as she stared at the ground. The three goddesses broke into an uproarious fit of laughter. Gabrielle quickly joined and Xena quickly wished she was anywhere but in that cabin at the moment.

"Is there a reason for this visit other than to embarrass me?" Xena asked in a bored tone. The other women slowly returned to seriousness.

"Someday you will learn some respect, mortal." Artemis growled, although she knew that she would never hurt Xena or allow any other god to. The pain it would cause her beloved Amazon Queen would be too much. "But this is not the time for that conversation." She turned and put her hands on Gabrielle’s arms. A warm glow passed through the bard, healing all her wounds, relieving all her aches and pains. When Artemis released her, Gabrielle stumbled slightly and was quickly caught and supported by Xena’s strong hands. She looked at Xena to thank her, then turned her gaze back to the Moon Goddess. "Gabrielle, there is a great danger to my Amazons. They need your presence to guide them through this troubled time. Without you, I fear they will perish. I have healed your wounds. It is my gift to you as you start this new quest."

"What if she doesn’t want to go? If there’s trouble, she could get hurt." Xena protested.

"I am not obligated to give you an answer, warrior, but I will anyway. She accepted the title of queen. As such, she accepts all that comes with that title." Artemis’ tone had a touch of anger to it.

"She didn’t accept getting herself killed!" Xena retorted.

"Yes I did." Gabrielle said firmly. "I accept what ever comes with it." Her look went straight to Xena, telling her without words that this was not a subject that was up for discussion.

"Why did the three of you have to come to deliver that message?" Xena asked as she turned her attention back to the other two goddesses.

"You ask a lot of questions for someone who couldn’t say three little words only a moon ago." Aphrodite teased. "I was beginning to doubt my abilities with you two."

"Actually, this is Hercules’ cabin." Gabrielle said shyly. "It was his decision to have us stay up here."

"Gabrielle, you’re arguing with a goddess." Xena leaned over and reminded her. The bard’s mouth stopped and she looked at the floor again. "Sorry."

"So innocent." Aphrodite laughed. "I understand why she’s one of your most favored, Athena." She turned to look at the moon goddess. "And your chosen." She turned and caught the shocked expression on Xena’s normally stoic face. "Ah yes, warrior, your little bard is favored by more than the gods you see here. She is blessed by many. You would do well to always remember just how special she really is."

"Enough of this idle chatter." Athena broke in. She was not especially pleased with Aphrodite’s loose tongue. There were many times that the goddess wanted to take Gabrielle and make her one of her vestal virgins. The only thing that held her back was the knowledge that Xena wouldn’t survive her struggle for redemption without the young woman. At the moment that Gabrielle had given herself to the warrior, Athena felt a sense of loss that she had not felt in eons.

"You are needed at the Amazon village." Artemis looked at Gabrielle. "As for you, Xena," Her attention shifted to the tall warrior. "I can only assume that you would go where ever she goes."

"Always!" Xena answered vehemently.

"Good." Artemis smiled with satisfaction. "I’m sure your skills will be quite useful."

"Excuse me?" Gabrielle timidly interrupted. "I’m more than willing to go back to the Amazon village and do what I can to help, but I don’t understand why it took all three of you to tell me." She repeated Xena’s earlier question. Unlike the time that Xena asked it, the goddesses willingly answered.

"I came, of course, because you are the queen of my Amazons and I had to give you the gift of healing." Artemis answered.

"Thank you." Gabrielle replied.

"I actually came to help you, Xena." Athena said as she approached the confused warrior. "You won’t be of much use to Gabrielle if you’re still healing from your injuries. You have shown great promise and progress in your quest to find redemption. This battle will require all of your strength and many of your skills if you are to become victorious. Your dark side may tempt you, your fear may overshadow your rational thoughts. Be strong, Xena. This may be your toughest battle." She placed her hands on Xena’s shoulders and repeated the healing process that Artemis had performed on Gabrielle. The warrior looked over at Aphrodite and arched her eyebrow, waiting for the goddess of love to answer the question.

"I came because the strength of the love between you two is something special and should be treasured. I merely wanted to see it for myself. I give the two of you my blessing on your love. May it be the guiding force that leads both your lives." Both mortals smiled and nodded their appreciation at the blessing of the mighty goddess. There was no way to deny their love now, it had been blessed by the goddess of love herself.

"There will be an unseasonable thaw in four sunrises. You must leave then and head to the village." Athena said.

"How will we know what the trouble is?" Gabrielle asked.

"We’ll know, Gabrielle." Xena said dryly

"Remember, four sunrises." Artemis said as she shimmered and returned to the form of a white owl. Gabrielle and Xena watched her go back up the chimney. When they turned around, they realized that the other two goddesses were also gone.

"Xena, what do you think Aphrodite meant?" She asked as they sat down at the table.

"About what?" She hated the way the gods talked in circles. It always gave her a headache. As if to ward one off, Xena started to rub her temples.

"About my being my being favored by more gods."

"Don’t let it go to your head, Gabrielle." Xena sighed. "I’ve found that some of the favors that the gods bestow aren’t really favors at all, more like curses." She unconsciously shuddered at the thought of her relationship with the god of war. It was only the strength of Gabrielle’s faith in her that kept Xena from returning to his intoxicating presence. Gabrielle knew immediately what Xena was thinking about. She put a firm hand on her warrior’s shoulder, bringing Xena back to the present.

"I won’t. Although I do think it’s a good sign that Aphrodite blessed us." She ran a finger down Xena’s jawline, ending at the chin. "I’ve never heard any bad things about her. I’m going to take it as a good thing." She smiled, triumphant with her decision.

"I think that the fact that all three of them showed up is a good sign that whatever we’re getting into, it’s going to be one hades of a battle." Their mouths went quiet at they gazed into each others eyes. Since their first night of lovemaking, the unspoken fear of loss had weighed on each of their hearts. The knowledge that a battle was most likely coming soon pushed the fear to the foreground. Unable to keep her emotions in check, Gabrielle let the tears roll down her face. Without saying a word, Xena pulled her into a tight embrace and scooped the little bard into her arms. She laid her down on the bed and held her, letting Gabrielle release all the sobs and tears that expressed her fears. The warrior stared at the empty fireplace, absently stroking Gabrielle’s hair. The bard couldn’t see the tears that filled the blue eyes of her warrior. They laid there quietly, involved in their own thoughts, until both fell into an uneasy, restless slumber.

As expected, a warm thaw occurred on the fourth sunrise. They worked their way quickly down the mountainside, careful of the icy patches that still appeared on the road. They both walked, using Argo’s strength to carry more food and gear than normal. It would take the better part of a week to reach the Amazon village and they didn’t want to waste time by stopping at inns to eat. Breaking only for lunch, they traveled quickly, stopping only when it became too dark to continue. Xena hated traveling at night. It was much more difficult to avoid ambushes or other unpleasantries. After waking up and repacking their gear, they would head out again, eating breakfast while they walked. Gabrielle filled the time by reciting her endless list of stories and prose. Xena tried to listen to every word, but found herself drifting off again and again, her mind worrying about the warnings given by Athena. Gabrielle sensed that her audience wasn’t listening, but rather than be upset by it, she understood that Xena had something important on her mind. They walked along in silence for several moments before Xena realized that the bard had stopped talking. Realizing that she had been caught not listening, the warrior looked at her love with a sheepish grin. "I’m sorry, Gabrielle. I guess I just have some things on my mind right now." She reached out and caressed the bard’s cheek. "You know I love you." It was more of a question than a statement. Gabrielle responded by pulling the warrior close and kissing her.

"I know you do. I understand." Gabrielle’s blue-green eyes sparkled. They walked on in companionable silence for the rest of the day.

Concluded in Part Three

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