Chapter Text
CHAPTER I
The Amazons ripped through the warlord's camp, descending upon them like locus. Some women work their way into the surrounding tents; others took their prey in the open.
"Queen Gabrielle," the regent shouted, "This way."
Gabrielle tightened her hold on Xena's waist as the warrior kicked Argo into a gallop.
"We've secured the leader," Ephiny informed her. "Over here."
The three women dismounted and walked into the command quarters to find Kelioteus, the leader of the war party. All three stopped in their tracks, taking in the view.
His upper arms and chest were scared with arrow and sword wounds. His hair line was receding quicker than Herr's bad temper. What teeth he had left were more maize than last years corn harvest.
Gabrielle took a long look at the warlord. Then her bondmate.
"No way," the bard replied adamantly. "Nah ah. Nada." Quickly, she turned to Ephiny, "We're outta here."
Xena couldn't help but smile as she followed her bondmate outside.
Ephiny turned to the captured warlord. "You are released," she informed him. "You may go about your way freely."
Ephiny turned to leave, but Kelioteus stopped her. "Wait a minute! What was all that about?!"
Ephiny turned on her heels with a smile on her face. "My queen finds you unworthy of reproduction. She's rejected you as a potential mating partner. You may go."
Ephiny turned to leave again, but once more was stopped.
"What?! Are you kidding?! I'm the pick of the litter!" he exclaimed. "Surely you have a 'second in command' that I could perhaps 'service'," he added, trying to act suave.
Ephiny realized just what Gabrielle felt moments before and her stomach turn.
"No," Ephiny answered with nausea. "We don't. Believe me."
This time, she finally made it outside and walked over to Xena and Gabrielle. She cleared her throat to make her presence known.
"You know, Gabrielle," the regent began with a grin. "This is the third raiding party in as many weeks. If you're waiting for the male equivalent of Xena, you aren't going find it."
Gabrielle smiled.
"I'm not looking for the male equivalent of Xena. She's my one in only. However, I would like to find a mating partner that doesn't repulse me with their stench or haggardness... Be honest Eph'. Would you touch him?"
Ephiny smiled back.
"He offered," Ephiny confessed.
"And?"
"I declined," Ephiny admitted with a grin. "To be honest, I don't blame you one bit... Especially if I was used to lying next to this body every night," she added, playfully latching onto Xena's arm, looking up to the warrior.
Xena just scowled down at Ephiny until she had to grin. "Thanks," she replied patting the regent's hands that encompassed her forearm. "But I'm taken and very much so."
"Well, were does this leave us?" Gabrielle asked in frustration.
"Plan Beta," Xena replied.
"Plan Beta?" Ephiny asked.
Xena nodded. "We hit the road again," she replied.
Ephiny couldn't explain or understand the effect those words had on her. They would be leaving again. She had grown accustomed to having them around the village since Zagreus attack and she was already mourning their departure, although they still stood in front of her.
Gabrielle nodded in agreement. And Ephiny knew she would be telling her friends goodbye again.
Three nightfalls later, they returned home. The summer festival that Ephiny had planned before the Zagreus' attack, was in full swing. It was a party to celebrate the recent victory over Zagreus, their latest 'attacks' on war party camps and the departure of their queen and her consort.
Xena slipped ale most of the night, wanting to be clear and focused for the next morning when they would leave. Eponin did her best to try to get the warrior drunk by refilling her tanker often. Only trouble was, Eponin would finish hers completely while Xena's remained half empty at the most.
"Ya know, Xena," the dark amazon slurred. "I bet I could take ya."
Xena just smiled and nodded her head. "Is that so?"
"Oh yeah!" Eponin exclaimed. "Why don't we go out to the practice field right now? I'll show what a real amazon's... "
Xena waited a moment, but she could tell Eponin lost her train of thought. "Made of?" Xena offered, trying to finish the sentence.
"Yeah! I'll show ya what a real amazon's made of!" she repeated, leaning over the table in challenge.
"I made it a point long ago to never take advantage of a woman who's drunk," Xena teased.
"Drunk?! I'm not drunk! I'll prove it!" She shot up and spilled ale all over the table and Xena. As Eponin unsheathed her sword, Ephiny ran over.
"Hey there Ep'. Let's take it easy," Ephiny answered, taking the sword away and handing it to Diteria behind her, who in turn gave it to a young amazon with instructions on putting it in their chambers. "Why don't you go talk to Allena?" she offered. "She's been bragging about you all night. I'm sure she's getting lonely right about now."
Eponin smiled at the thought. Allena. Now that's a real amazon. Long dark hair. Piercing green eyes. High, firm breast and... Yeah, Eponin thought.
"Good idea," the dark-haired warrior agreed, staggering off.
"Are you okay?" Ephiny asked Xena as she and Diteria took a seat.
"Okay? Yes. Dry? No," the warrior answered. "I think I'm going to change out of these wet leathers," she added standing up. "I'll be back."
As Xena made her way to the royal hut Ephiny spotted Gabrielle watching the warrior move to their chambers almost as if she were hypnotized by Xena's walk. Gabrielle excused herself from the small circle she was in, making her way to the hut. Judging by the look in her queen's eyes, Ephiny knew she wouldn't see the queen or consort until later in the evening, if at all.
Xena stood naked next to the basin, trying to rid her skin of the ale that managed to soak through. She felt, rather than heard, a presence behind her.
"Having fun?" she asked casually.
"Enjoying the view," Gabrielle answered.
Soon, the warrior felt the bard's hands reach around, clutching both her breasts; fingers teasing her nipples.
"Like I told, Eponin," the warrior answered, trying to keep her voice steady. "I never take advantage of drunk women - be it sparing or... other matters."
Gabrielle couldn't see it, but she heard the grin in the warrior's voice. The bard squeezed harder to emphasize her reply.
"It would be to your 'disadvantage' if you didn't take this woman."
Xena moaned at the contact as her head fell back gently against Gabrielle's forehead, soaking in her capture. The towel fell from Xena's fingers splashing into the soapy water as Gabrielle lips lay demanding claim to the warrior's strong shoulders.
"Gods! You are beautiful," Gabrielle added, her deep raw with passion. "The things you do to me."
She took Xena's hand, leading it under her skirt, into her wetness. Xena was surprised to find she had no britches on underneath. "A little underdressed, I see," the warrior tried to answer smugly. It didn't work. Gabrielle could hear Xena trying to keep her desire in check.
"Oh yes," Gabrielle insisted, spinning the warrior around fiercely to face her. "I've had plans for you all night."
The bard urgently tugged the warrior's head down, welding her lips to her lovers. Tongues fought for control. Neither side winning or losing; only building their passions higher. Gabrielle felt her suede, amazon bikini top ripped forcefully from her body. Her whimper of surprise and desire only inspired the warrior more.
Lust - plain and simple. That's what each woman aspired to at this point. The bard loved the warrior. The warrior loved the bard. But tonight both could feel something primal in their need for each other as their tongues continued to do battle in each other's mouth. Xena broke away first, fixating herself on Gabrielle's neck as she swiped the bard into her arms.
She walked a few feet before she threw the bard on the bed. Gabrielle landed with a soft thud, but before she could rise the warrior had already leaped, pinning the bard back down on the mattress with her strong naked form. In one strong heave and tug, the thin skirt that clung to the bard's waist was nothing more than tattered cloth - a causality to her warrior's longing.
As Xena's thigh crept between the bard's, Gabrielle reached down to the back of the warrior's leg. She ached for more contact, harder contact; her hips began to show the level of her arousal. Xena for her part, did nothing to stop it. She wanted the bard just as much. She had to have her.
There was nothing loving; nothing affectionate in their motions. Hips thrust and rotated, as grunts and cries of want escaped their mouths. The sound of their bodies slapping together forcefully filled the large hut. Xena loved it. She was always a very physical person; very rough. She was delighted by the way the bard could tenderly caress her when she needed it. And she was even more thankful for nights like tonight when the bard could take whatever she gave. Not only take it, but enjoy it - want more of it. Begging for it. Harder and Harder.
Xena could feel the sweat beginning to pour from her body as she continued to grind against Gabrielle. The bard glistened in the candlelight as well; her strawberry blonde bangs darker from the wetness around her forehead. The wetness on her face, however, was nothing compared to that between her legs. Xena's thigh was total soaked and the smell of their desire hung heavy in the air.
"Gods, Xena," the bard said between passionate grunts. "Harder! Give it to me. Harder!"
Xena was unsure if the bed would hold them at this point. The creaking becoming louder as her movements became even more heated. In truth, the whole damn thing could fall apart, but she wouldn't stop ramming her body against her lovely bard. Xena speeded up her efforts, earning lustful praise.
"Gods, yes!" Gabrielle exclaimed, her hands firm on Xena's broad shoulders pulling her in closer with each thrust. "Gods, Xena, yes!"
There were amazons wandering all around outside. The warrior knew they could hear their queen's cries of pleasure and it started her blood racing again. She knew many women in the village watched Gabrielle with great interest. Many of them wondered what a night with the queen would be like but none would be stupid enough to challenge Xena to ever find out. But it was more than that too. Gabrielle would have none of them. Xena was assured in the fact the bard wanted her and her alone. The thought of the bard's devotion and the idea that her admirers could hear them going at it, sent the warrior over the edge.
"I can't hold it," Xena muttered. She wanted to wait for Gabrielle. She wanted Gabrielle's pleasure to come first.
The bard understood. "Don't hold it," she ordered, her fingernails now digging into the warrior's leg. "Scream my name!"
That did it for Xena. Any reserve she felt ran away with the bard's request.
"Oh Gods Gabrieeeeeelllleee!"
Her name cried out in what sounded like agony, yet knowing it was all pleasure, pushed Gabrielle over her climax.
"Oh yessss, Xena... Yesssss!"
Exhausted, but total happy, Xena slummed down next to the bard. Instinctively, Gabrielle rolled with the warrior, snuggling in her arms.
"You are incredible," Xena whispered, placing a long, affectionate kiss on the top of Gabrielle's soaked head.
"Not so bad yourself there, Warrior Mine," the bard answered, making figure eights on Xena's sweat coated stomach.
"You realize in all the battles I've ever been in, I've never sweated as much as when you get into these 'moods'."
Gabrielle moved to her elbow to meet Xena's eyes. "And what mood would you be talking about, umm?"
"Absolute lust." Xena grinned.
"That doesn't sound like a complaint," the bard teased.
"Oh no," Xena agreed. "Not a complaint at all. I love it when you're on fire like that. When you ache for my touch... Don't get me wrong I love taking the time to caressing every part of each other, but some nights... "
The warrior trailed off so the storyteller finished. "Some nights you just want action. A hot ride between your legs and nothin' more. No endearments. No promises. Just sex for the sake of sex."
Xena smiled and had to laugh. The bard knew her - she knew her well.
"Yeah," she agreed pulling the bard back to her shoulder.
"Lucky we're usually on the same trail." Gabrielle smiled against Xena's shoulder.
"Gabrielle," Xena sighed. "You have no idea how much I love you; how thankful I am that we're so much in 'tune' with each other."
"I think I have more of an idea than you think," Gabrielle teased, going back to drawing her number on the warrior's skin.
"I'm glad you do, Beautiful. But that isn't going to stop me from telling you," Xena answered. "Not at all."
CHAPTER II
Xena wasn't feeling very well - too much ale the night before at the festival, she was sure. The warrior's upset stomach, however, didn't stop the duo's travel plans. They left the amazons promising to return for Ephiny's bonding ceremony. Ephiny was sad to see her friends leave, as were many other amazons, but she was hopeful at their soon return. Perhaps by that time the queen would be carrying an heir to the throne within her womb.
Night had begun to fall in the tiny village they had stopped in for the evening. Xena sat sipping cider as they summed up the locals at the tavern.
"What about him?" Gabrielle asked, point to a young man, dressed like a farmer.
Actually they all dressed like farmers Xena deduced. He just didn't look unique enough for the warrior.
"Too plain," Xena shot down.
"Okay... Him?"
Xena looked over at prospect number two. "Too young... He'd faint before we even got him to our room." Xena smiled.
"Alright... How about that guy?"
Xena noticed where the bard pointed. "Too old. His heart would attack him."
Gabrielle signed in frustration. "Fine... you pick," the bard replied giving up.
Just then a man walked in - mid-twenties, handsome face, tall, dark features. He even had decent teeth. Now this has potential Gabrielle thought. "What about him?" she asked the warrior.
Xena sized him up. Hoping; searching for some negative aspect... yet coming up empty. Sure enough. If ever there would be a man in this town who could fit the bill, they had just found him. "Okay," Xena said reluctantly. "But what do we do?"
"You go upstairs," she told the warrior. "I'll walk over. I'll bat my eyelashes and lead him to our room. From there we can play it by ear."
Xena studied the warrior for a moment. "I'm not so sure I should leave you down her alone," the warrior answered.
"I'll be fine. I can take care of myself and if he plans on taking me somewhere else I'll simply walk away, going straight back to our room alright?"
Xena nodded and downed the last of her cider. "Yell if you need me."
"Always." The bard grinned.
Xena walked up the staircase and looked down at the bard one last time before slipping into their room. As she closed the door she prayed things would go alright. What exactly was alright, she wasn't sure. Gabrielle was a beautiful woman. Any man would love to have her as a prize on his arm. And Gabrielle did have a thing for guys like the stranger down stairs - pretty boys. Men who looked young with dazzling smiles. What if she decides she wants...
"No," Xena replied, noticing that she was pacing. "We've been over this. She wants me. Only me. And a baby. And since I can't give her a baby, I'll just have to let some stranger... do that... I'll just put the ground rules down."
As Xena finished talking to herself the door opened. It didn't take Gabrielle nearly as long as she thought. The man froze when he saw Xena.
"Who's that?" he asked timidly.
"That's my bondmate," Gabrielle answered. "She's very open-minded. She knows that I need a man now and then so she let's me. Besides she likes to watch... Is that a problem?"
The man wasn't exactly sure how to respond. The warrior didn't look too friendly or keen on the idea of him being there. But he took another look at the beautiful blonde seducing him and he succumbed. "No... no problem."
Xena could feel her stomach turning again like earlier in the day, but she knew it wasn't the same reason. She and Gabrielle decided that they wouldn't disclose the true nature of this rendezvous with any man they encounter. The man may have second thoughts if he knew the matching may (hopefully) result in producing a child. The false story was now very unsettling for Xena.
"Here are the rules," Xena threatened. "You can touch her. You can... take her... But don't you dare kiss her."
"Look, I'm not sure if this is such a good idea. I mean, don't get me wrong, you're a beautiful woman, but –"
He didn't finish. He turned to look at Gabrielle only to find the bard naked from the waist up. "You were saying," she replied, reaching out stroking his already erect cock. When he didn't answer, Gabrielle pulled her skirt away, along with her boots. "You've got something I need," Gabrielle mewed seductively, leading him, literally to the bed by his anatomy.
Xena turned her head. It was one of the times she felt damned that her hearing was so acute. She could hear their breathing change - not just his, but Gabrielle's as well. She couldn't watch this she decided and kept her head turned.
Again her eyes couldn't see but her ears gave her a perfect picture. She was unbuckling his belt now. Soon after, his trousers fell to the floor. With a creak of the bed she knew he was on top of her. After a few minutes the creaking became rhythmic and the warrior knew just what he was doing to Gabrielle. Her Gabrielle. Her bondmate. Her bard.
But even among these sounds, a new one struck her ear. She wasn't even sure how she got there. One moment she was next to the window, the next moment she was standing over the man who was inside her lover. A man who was gasping for air while an irate bard shouted at her.
"Take it off Xena!" the bard yelled. "Take it off now or you'll kill him!"
Xena wasn't quite sure of where she was at the moment or what she was doing but the man's bleeding nose gave it away. Quickly she released the pressure points on his neck. And she realized finally just what she had done.
"I'm sorry," Xena replied as the man scrambled to his feet. "But you didn't play by the rules. I told you. NO kissing," she said menacingly.
"You're beautiful, sweetheart," he told Gabrielle as he quickly finished putting his clothes 'somewhat ' in place. "But you ain't worth my life."
Xena jumped like she was going to dart at the man and he scrambled to the door, knocking himself in the forehead with it, in his haste to leave. Xena moved over and locked it once he was gone with a satisfied grin on her face. When she turned she found Gabrielle looking less than satisfied. In fact, she looked downright pissed.
"What is wrong with you?!" she demanded in a heated whisper. "You could've killed that man. Do you realize that?!"
The grin fell from the warrior's face as she remembered just what that man was doing moments before.
"He's still alive, ain't he?" she replied, trying to act casual, arrogant.
Gabrielle recognized it - the warrior walls were going up. But she wasn't going to let that happen. She lightened her tone and walked over to the warrior who was now looking out the window again.
"Hey Xena," she said, wrapping around Xena's arm. The warrior carefully slid away.
"Please don't touch me yet," Xena asked.
Gabrielle wasn't quite sure how to place the sound in Xena's voice. Was it anger. Perhaps hurt. Even a little disgust, maybe.
"What's wrong?" Gabrielle asked. "Why... why won't you let me comfort you?"
Xena couldn't answer. It was ridiculous. How could she tell the bard she didn't want her to touch her after that man had...
"I'm going to stay in the stables tonight. Take the room. It's paid for," Xena instructed. Before Gabrielle could pose an argument Xena left.
The bard stood naked and slack jawed. What in Tartarus just happened here? she asked herself. She didn't wait long. She yelled once for her bondmate as she began collecting their belongings.
CHAPTER III
Xena heard the thud of their saddlebags and turned around.
"What are you doing?" she inquired.
"Well, since we're staying out here tonight, I thought I should bring our things along too," the bard replied. She picked the bags back up, bringing them closer to Argo.
"WE are not staying out here. I'M staying out here and YOU'RE taking the room. It's going to be cold out tonight and the room is already paid for," Xena argued.
Gabrielle shook her head defiantly. "No... I stay where you stay - be it here or in that room. Either way, we sleep together."
"I told you, it's going to be cold –"
"Then you'll keep me warm like you always do," Gabrielle replied, shutting out any excuse Xena would give. She walked closer and put her hand on the warrior's shoulder. The gesture, however, didn't comfort the warrior. Instead, she flinched. And this time the bard couldn't ignore it.
"What is it?! Since that man touched me I'm not allowed to touch you?! Is that it?!" she shouted, throwing her hands up and starting to pace in front of her lover. "Really Xena! I am not going to spend the rest of my life having you brooding over the fact someone else touched me. And if you don't want me anymore, I'll leave," Gabrielle added. The reality of the words she just spoke sunk in and she began to cry. Not wanting Xena to see her tears she ran toward the door.
Xena realized if the bard made it out the barn door she may never see Gabrielle again and that spurred her into action. She raced behind the amazon queen and turned her around by the arm. She clutched the bard tight to her chest as Gabrielle continued to cry.
"I love you, Xena," the bard choked between tears. "But I can't stay if you're repulsed by me now. I can't handle that."
Xena stroked her strawberry blonde hair, trying to calm the shaking woman.
"Don't leave," Xena whispered. "Don't leave... C'mere."
Xena lead Gabrielle to the blankets she had placed in the hay for a make-shift bed. The bard's tears had stopped but her body still fluttered now and then as she lay on Xena's shoulder. Xena inhaled the bard's fragrance. "Lilacs?" she asked.
"I washed up after you left. I thought that maybe it would help... I mean, I thought maybe you could tell... Oh, Xena –"
"Stop please," Xena answered closing her eyes. "You thought you'd try to wash away what happened, right?"
Gabrielle simply nodded at first. "I figured maybe that's why you didn't want me around - that his scent was still on me," the bard began explaining all over again; sitting up.
Xena held up her hand stopping the bard; smiling all the while.
"Actually, I have to admit I like the lilacs much better."
Gabrielle smiled for the first time since she entered the barn and Xena felt relieved. Feeling more secure, Gabrielle nestled back into Xena's shoulder again until a comfortable silence fell over them.
"Xena?" Gabrielle asked softly.
"Hmm?"
"What are we going to do?" the bard asked, the desperation evident in her voice.
Instinctively, Xena pulled Gabrielle closer. "Actually, I've been thinking about it since I left. The thought of that stranger caressing you and... touching you... Let's just say it bothered me."
"Xena, we've been through this. I have to sleep with someone if we –."
"It's not just that Gabrielle... I think our child should know its father on some level. I think we should know him and have contact with him. I've noticed illness can carry down in families and if we have that information the child would be better off just from a healing stand-point."
Gabrielle moved to her elbow. It was obvious Xena had given this a great deal of thought. She even seemed almost excited by the plan which is more than what she could say for their other ideas. "And just where do we find this all magical, wonderful individual?"
"Well, see that's the difficult part. It has to be someone we know. Someone we agree on. Someone who won't be with us every single day, but visits often. Someone who, although may not seem very brave, has always been there when we needed him."
"Sounds like you have someone in mind?" Gabrielle asked skeptically.
"I do," Xena beamed.
Suddenly, Gabrielle's expression of uncertainty scooted away as disgusted rage took hold.
"You even say the name Joxer and I am cutting off sex for the next 12 years!"
Xena had to laugh out loud.
Gabrielle was not amused and added, "I'm serious Xena!"
"That's obvious," the warrior chuckled. The bard still didn't look appeased. "Okay, okay! It's not Joxer! Besides if you slept with Joxer he'd be around every week. And if you bear his child? Ha! We'd never get rid of him."
"So what's the plan?" Gabrielle asked with great interest, especially since Joxer was now out of the running.
"Are you sure you want to hear it?" Xena asked.
"It sounds like a wonderful idea so far," Gabrielle commended.
The warrior gave a bashful grin. She wasn't sure why. After all she was a woman of 'many skills'. She figured it was just the beam of respect in Gabrielle's voice for her that did her in this time.
"Thanks," Xena replied with a nod, seating up too so they sat face to face. "Here's what I've been thinking... "
They traveled for two days. Finally they reached their destination. Xena sent Gabrielle to the inn to get a room for the evening and Xena took to searching the streets of Arcadia. It didn't take long and she reached her target.
"What's a nice guy like you doing in a place like this?" she asked as she walked up to a merchant tent to stand next to the handsome fellow.
"Why Xena! What you brings you here?" her asked politely.
"I need a favor," she replied, cutting right to the chase.
"Ohhh really? Well, I'm a bit rushed at the moment. I'm just picking up some supplies before I head to Athens. I'm a busy man, people need my help all over the place. So, if you'll excuse me... " He began to walk away, but Xena had a solution.
"I need you to sleep with Gabrielle," she offered with a brief pause. "Of course, if you're too busy, I totally understand. I'm somewhat in demand myself, times being what they are."
In one fluid movement, he rotated himself around on his heels to face the warrior.
"I'm listening," he said dryly.
Xena smiled in victory. "Thought that would pique your interest... Let's take a walk."
CHAPTER IV
"But why me?" he asked.
"Why not?" Xena replied.
"Of course, I'm handsome and dashing. Quick and witty –"
"Don't forget long-winded and egocentric," Xena interrupted.
He grinned devilishly. "Always the sweet talker, huh, Xena? You really know how to turn a guy on."
Xena giggled too. "You really wanna know why?" she asked, growing serious again.
"As long as it isn't because Hercules is out of town this week, I'm willing to listen."
Xena shook her head. "It's because you're perfect for our plan. Gabrielle and I trust you with our lives... we have entrusted our lives to you in times past... and like I've said before, under that smug, greedy exterior lies a very good man."
Her rolled his shoulders as he sighed. "Not so loud, okay? I've got a reputation to protect."
Xena ignored the comment and went on. "You like your freedom so you won't be a constant force in the child's life. But you would care enough to visit a few times during the year. And I also know that if anything ever happened to me and Gabrielle you would still be there for our child. You lost your own family when you were young and you know what it feels like to not have that connection... Gabrielle and I have given this a lot of thought... So I'm asking from the bottom of my heart - Give Gabrielle what I can't. Please help us, Autolycus."
The king of thieves stood for a moment playing with his goatee, thinking of everything Xena had just said.
"Take your time," Xena added. "It has to be something you're sure of, and if you decide that you can't do it, there'll be no hard feelings, okay?" Auto nodded his head in understanding. "We're staying at the inn here in town. Why don't you meet us for breakfast tomorrow. Then, at that time if you have any questions, you can ask us alright?"
"Sounds good," Auto agreed. "And I will think about everything you said. About the responsibility. About the trust. And most definitely a beautiful, strawberry blonde with gorgeous...
He didn't finish. Xena had him by his chest hairs. "Yes, Autolycus. Think about it all, but do it silently, okay?"
"Sure, Xena," he answered fast pulling her hand from his chest, taking a few hairs along. "Owww! I'll see ya tomorrow."
Xena smiled before turning back to the inn. She was sure the bard would want to know all the details.
CHAPTER V
"I think we should see a healer, Xena?"
"It's nothing," Xena brushed off. "Just a flu bug. Nothing more."
Gabrielle had that look. Xena recognized it. And she waiting. "Fine," the bard replied throwing her hands in the air. "I just think that it's unusual for you to be this ill. And besides that, it's lasted much longer than your illness of times past."
Xena closed her eyes and rested her fingers on her eyebrows, hoping to relieve the tension behind them. It was way too early to already start the day bantering back and forth.
"I'll make a deal. If I still feel sick when we get back to Amazon country, I'll go see Terris, okay?"
Gabrielle grinned. It wasn't quite what she wanted to hear but it was a compromise. "Agreed," Gabrielle nodded.
"Room for one more?" Autolycus asked as he walked up.
"Certainly," Xena replied and motioned to a chair. "You're up awfully early," she chided.
"I have questions," he replied.
"Shoot," Xena remarked.
Auto took a deep breath first. "Okay. If I agree to do this where exactly will you be, Xena? Are there any rules attached to this 'union'? And if I happen to break a rule, what will happen to me? I have my 'assets' to protect, if you catch my meaning."
"Xena trusts us," Gabrielle spoke up. "so we would probably be alone... although... I'd like to have her there."
"You want her to watch us?" Auto asked.
"No. I want her to join us," Gabrielle remarked, matter of factly.
Xena and Auto held similar expressions of shock. "Really?" they both asked in harmony after a few quiet heartbeats.
Gabrielle looked at both of them as she nodded. "Yes. I have my reasons."
"Why you wild woman, Gabrielle! Who would have thought such an innocent young girl could have such a naughty side," Auto teased. "But then again, what else could I expect from the consort of Xena: Warrior Princess."
That comment earned him a slap behind the head from the warrior and he ducked to avoid another. Xena ignored him, once again focusing fully on Gabrielle. "Are you sure?" she asked.
Gabrielle nodded. "I want you there with me. Holding me. Loving me. I think that's what a large part of the problem was before... We're having this child because we love each other - we're committed to each other - so I think it's only right that we engage in the conception together... Of course, if Autolycus doesn't think he can take us both on at once... " the bard taunted.
"Now hold it right there," Auto replied, waving his finger. "I'm more man than the two of you can handle."
Xena snorted and rolled her eyes. With the smallest of grins, Xena turned to Auto. "Does that mean you're up for the challenge?"
"I'm up for a lot of things at the moment," he said adjusting his position in the chair, searching for a comfortable way to sit. "Especially, the challenge."
Xena and Gabrielle locked eyes.
"Okay," the warrior said starting to rise from the table. "Let's go."
"Now hold on! Hold on!" Auto said motioning for Xena to sit back down. Silently she complied. "I still have a few questions if you don't mind?"
"Go right ahead," she answered pointing at Gabrielle.
Auto adjusted his shirt as if he was still offended and he cleared his throat. "As I said before, I want to know if there are any rules."
"No rules," Xena replied quickly before Gabrielle could reply. "As long as you don't have any designs on winning Gabrielle's favor that is."
"Fair enough," Auto replied.
"Anything else?" Gabrielle asked.
Auto thought for a moment. "One more question. How are we going to do this?... I mean I know 'what to do' but is this a one time deal? Or are we going to get a swingin' little pad here in Arcadia until she's ripe?"
Gabrielle giggled. Xena wasn't nearly as amused when she began to answer. "I figured you could stick around until she's 'ripe'. Perhaps for a moon or until Gabrielle fails to get her next cycle."
Auto cringed. "Ewww... I really don't want to discuss Gabrielle's cycle. And you shouldn't either if you expect me to be 'in the mood'. Feminine problems never interested me and I have no intention of starting now."
"It's a part of life," Xena retorted.
"A part for you two. NOT me." Auto grinned.
"It is now," Xena smirked while releasing the tinniest of chuckles. "Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
"Yeah," Auto nodded. "Why a baby? I mean you two have a great independent life. You can go where you want. You can do what you want. Why be tied down to a child?"
"I love Xena. And the truth is that neither one of us are getting any younger." Gabrielle grinned. "We won't be here to protect the world forever. But if we have a child, raise the child with all we've learned then maybe... in some way... we will be here forever... and ever and ever. And since you're helping Autolycus, so will you."
Auto studied Gabrielle for a moment. Then he looked at Xena. "That's was very eloquent and righteous. Wrong, I'm sure... but eloquent and righteous. Now why do YOU want the baby?"
Xena smiled at his sarcastic nature. "Because she does... And I think she's right."
"Alright then," he said standing up, hoping the warrior princess would take his antics in good humor and not as a reason to release any tension in those blood-flow-blocking fingers. "Let's get this show on the road!"
"Relax," Gabrielle told him. "We aren't going to do anything until this evening... Besides we're not just going to use you for stud Autolycus, so have a seat. Get a drink. Tell us what you've been up to as long as it doesn't involve stealing from old folks and orphans."
"I would never –."
"Autolycus," Xena interrupted the offended man. "She was joking. You really gotta lighten up."
He put his hand on Xena's forehead. "Who are you and what have you done with the ever stoic warrior princess?" Xena smiled and swatted his hand. But soon he put it back up again feeling her skin once more. "Xena, you're burning up. No joke... Are you feeling, okay?"
Xena began to argue that she was fine, but Gabrielle reached over to have a feel for herself. Xena swatted her away as well. The bard, however, manage to touch the skin, if only for a moment.
"He's right, Xena."
"Maybe we should get a healer," Auto offered.
"Enough already. I'm okay. Just give it a rest!"
The table fell silent. And Xena could feel them trying to look away from her.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don't know why I shouted at you. I know you're both concerned but I'm fine. Okay?"
No one spoke at the tiny table. And Xena went back to rubbing her migraine.
TBC