Gabrielle wandered through the trees, staying on the path by some strange miracle, not due to her ‘strong’navigational skills. Concerned eyes followed her progress. Muttering to herself, Gabrielle didn’t hear the gentle footfalls behind her until her visitor cleared her throat. At the sudden sound, she spun around, staff ready and then, realizing who she faced, lowered the end into the dirt with a thud.
“By the Gods, Ephiny! Was that really necessary?” she exclaimed, breathless. “You nearly scared the life out of me”.

At this, the Amazon smiled, and for a brief moment, the concern faded from her eyes. But it returned as Gabrielle began to speak.

“Ephiny, I’ve been thinking. What’s a girl to do these days? I mean, what is there for a girl to do aside from wander through the trees, become an Amazon Queen or smack someone with a staff?” she inquired, deftly sorting through the options in her head.

Ephiny smiled uncertainly, “Is that all you can come up with? What about Xena... or the Bard Academy? Not that we wouldn’t welcome you, of course” she continued quietly, “But Gabrielle, would you be happy without.......Oh, my friend, it’s good to see you. I’m just sorry it’s under these circumstances....”

“What circumstances?” she snapped, eyeing Ephiny warily, “Oh Ephiny. I’m fine. Really! Just trying to figure out....”she trailed off, a distant look in her eyes.

“What to do next?” a voice replied.

Gabrielle spun around, searching for the source of the voice. She couldn’t find anyone, and turned back to her friend, looking sheepish.

“Did...did you hear....oh, never mind...Really, Ephiny, I’m fine. Is there anything I can help you with, or are you just here to check up on me?” She said, pointedly ignoring the gentle laughter of the unknown being ringing in her head, and instead, focusing on Ephiny’s reply.

“Gabrielle, I just wanted to see how..”

“How I was managing without Xena, right? Well, believe it or not, I don’t need the Warrior Princess to make it through the day”, she sputtered, choking on the words, “I don’t need someone who can just walk away from.....from....”

“You?” The voice said again. “You think she left you, don’t you? You think you’re all she had, that there was no other consideration. You think it was ALL about you! You selfish, conceited......”,the voice trailed off muttering to itself. Gabrielle waited until the silence grew deep and long and then finding herself held tightly in the Amazon’s arms, her hand stroking her hair, she drew a shaky breath and faced her friend.

“Ephiny......Did you hear anything just a moment ago?”

Ephiny’s pale face greeted her as their gazes connected. “Only you screaming for quiet. At first I thought I heard..” she broke off, eyes searching Gabrielle’s face for something. Her eyes widened as she found what she was looking for. “Oh Gabrielle, I’m so sorry. I hoped this day would never come. Just remember, she’ll always be in your heart.”

At Ephiny’s words, Gabrielle saw the past, and the future, one more time, and the pain of that vision drew her into the darkness and swallowed her; leaving nothing behind but Ephiny’s shocked face and empty arms...........