Disclaimer

Violence ~ Won’t have violence at the beginning, just laughter.

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The Darkness: Protection

By

Red Hope

The warrior grinned and came up behind her lover. She wrapped her arms around Gabrielle's waist. "A little rain never hurt anybody."

The warrior-bard chuckled. "I agree but three days of it?" She shook her head. "And why couldn't it be snow?"

Xena ran her fingertips over her Soulmate's stomach. "I'll agree to that," she grumbled this time.

The small woman laughed. "See, it should snow." She dropped her shoulders. "I mean its two days being away from Solstice." She threw up her hands as she straightened up. "It's suppose to snow!" She sighed and peered up at her lover. "Did I just make a scene about something ridiculous?"

The Warrior Princess laughed. "For you, no." She leaned down and kissed Gabrielle softly.

The warrior-bard pulled away from the kiss with a confused look. "For me?" Her eyes narrowed. "What's that suppose to mean?"

The tall woman shrugged. "Its normal for you." She kissed her lover again.

"Wooo." The short warrior pulled away from the kiss again. "Normal for me?" She glared some at her partner. "Start explaining."

Xena sighed. "You always ramp and rave about small things… just you." She moved in for another kiss.

Gabrielle covered her Soulmate's mouth with her hand. "Ramp and rave? Is that a bad thing?"

The older woman's shoulders dropped. "No," she growled when Gabrielle removed her hand.

"You growled that though."

"Gabrielle," the warrior growled even deeper.

The small warrior's eyes widened. "I see!" She struggled out of her lover's arms and walked towards the other side of Xena's old room. She spun around. "I ramp and rave?" She put her hands on her hips.

The nude warrior walked around her bed and glimpsed at her partner. "Yes and you know that." She folded her arms.

The Amazon Queen put her hands on her hips. "And you don't?"

The Warrior Princess's expression dropped into offense. "No, I don't," she declared in a hurt tone.

"Yes you do, Xena."

"Oh, whatever," said the warrior loudly. "I have never made a big deal of anything."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. And held her hand out. "Yes you do, I've seen you."

"I know I am your Soulmate but I don't ramp and rave about things, like you," stated the warrior.

The smaller warrior corked an eyebrow and smirked. "Really?" she chided.

"No!" yelled the warrior. She stopped and looked away. "I don't make a big deal about anything."

"Uh huh."

The Warrior Princess glared at her lover. "Just name me one time, Gabrielle."

The young warrior gave a smug look while strolling near her Soulmate. "Just one?"

"Just one." Xena put her hands on her hips and waited.

Gabrielle chuckled evilly and grasped her lover's hip. "Alright." She studied her lover. "What were you just doing?" She grinned with evil. "Ramping and raving… making a big deal about not making a big deal."

Xena opened her mouth. But nothing came, no denying to that. Her hands dropped. "Hades," she mumbled.

Gabrielle laughed deeply and smiled in victory. "I've proved my point." She patted her lover's chest. "You are my Soulmate… that means you'll ramp and rave too." She sauntered off. "Just not as much maybe."

"Damn," growled the warrior. "You tricked me into that," she called across the room. "It doesn't count."

The small woman turned around. "Oh, don't even." She shook her head. "Just except your defeat and move on." She grinned and went into the bathroom.

"It ain't over till its over, baby," whispered the warrior. She walked into the bathroom with a grin.

Within a few minutes the Soulmates came out with their regular attire on.

Gabrielle straightened out her short red skirt again. "Still getting use to this."

"I've noticed." The warrior reached up and adjusted the red velvet straps accordingly. "You look sexy in this."

"So I found out the day we bought it." The small woman corked a grin. "Considering I am still waddling slightly."

The Warrior Princess laughed and shook her head. "Sorry about that but you know how those… urges are," she whispered in a silky voice.

"Oooh." Gabrielle shivered. "Say urges again."

The older woman raised an eyebrow. "Urges," she whispered deeply again.

The short warrior shivered once more. "I like that a lot." She grasped her lover's arms. "One more time."

The warrior sighed with a smile. She lowered her head and whispered in her sensual voice, "Urges." Her lips touched Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle shivered yet again. "I love that a lot." She laughed quietly then whispered, "I love you, Xen."

"I know," uttered the warrior back. She kissed her partner gently while drawing her Soulmate in.

The small woman wrapped her arms around Xena. At the end of the kiss, she dropped her head on her lover's chest. She closed her eyes.

Xena smiled and kept her arms tight around her Soulmate. She swayed their bodies back and forth and closed her eyes.

They stayed like that for numerous minutes without speaking, just feeling.

"Xena?"

"Yeah, love?"

Gabrielle opened her eyes. "I'd do anything to keep you." She lifted her head and locked eyes. "You know that, right?"

Xena gave a smile of love. "Yes," she responded quietly. "As I would for you." She caressed her warrior's cheek then lips. "Anything for you. My life for you."

Gabrielle felt the shots of tingling through her body. The love was washing over her with such power. "Xena," she uttered in cracked voice as tears streaked down her cheeks. "I love you so much."

"Sssh." The warrior pushed her lover's head down on her chest.

The Amazon Queen buried her face into her lover's breasts and tried to control her emotions. She held tightly to Xena.

The Warrior Princess could feel how tight due to her troubles of breathing. But she never minded, as she closed her eyes and let a few tears roll down her cheeks.

"I can't lose you," finally said the warrior-bard while she pulled her head back.

The warrior knelt down and became eye level with her lover. "And you won't, I promise." She smiled. "That's what Soulmates are all about, right?"

Gabrielle nodded and a smile broke out across her expression.

"Keep smiling, love." Xena kissed her Soulmate's forehead. "Nothing will separate us." She smiled herself. "We're well protected."

The short warrior chuckled and took her lover's hand. "Got that right," she whispered whiling kissing her lover's forehead and was still smiling when she pulled back. "You're real good at these sensitive chats." She grinned.

The tall woman chuckled. "Well, I am your Soulmate and get certain assets from you." She grinned.

"Ha!" Gabrielle's eye widened. "You just proved me doubly right!" She squeezed her partner's hand. "You totally set yourself up, Xen."

The Warrior Princess shook her head, closed her eyes, and huffed. "You're good, warrior." She opened her eyes.

"I get that from my Soulmate," smirked the younger woman. She leaned in and kissed Xena warmly. "I love you."

"I love you dearly, Gabrielle." The warrior smiled then stood up. "Let's go see mother."

"Yeah… that was our original plan."

"Before we got… sidetracked," teased the older woman. She opened the door and held it open.

"Yeah, yeah… rub it in." The warrior-bard went out the door and heard her Soulmate follow.

Xena closed the door and came up along side her lover. She reached and took Gabrielle's hand.

Gabrielle smiled and laced their hands together. She walked down the steps briskly.

Cyrene stood behind the bar of her empty tavern. She was putting away the last of her clean dishes. She glanced over at the pair coming. "Afternoon, young ones."

"Are we opening tonight?" asked Gabrielle. She neared the bar with her lover.

"Yes, sweety." Cyrene leaned against the bar. "Want to work the bar tonight?" She grinned at the pair.

"What you say?" Gabrielle peered up at her lover.

Xena chuckled. "Do I really have a choice?"

"Nope," replied the warrior-bard.

The warrior looked at her mother. "We'll work the bar tonight."

Gabrielle and Cyrene laughed together.

The Amazon Queen settled down and went a little serious. "Hey mom, can I try telling a story tonight?"

"Sure, sweety." The innkeeper smiled warmly. "That would be lovely." She straightened up. "Sure is an off lot of rain."

"Uh huh," agreed Gabrielle. "Will it slow business down?"

"A little," answered Cyrene. She strolled near the kitchen door. "A relaxing night." She sighed. "But I need to finish the cooking. Talk to you both a little later."

"Alright, mom." The short warrior smiled at her Soulmate. "Gods, I love your mom."

Xena chuckled. "Don't I know."

The warrior-bard sighed. "Hmmm, I know I love my mom but not like yours."

The warrior grinned and squeezed her lover's hand. "Like I said, don't I know." She grinned.

Gabrielle was about to give a smartassy comment but was cut off by another voice.

"Yo, girls. How's it shaking?" Aphrodite reappeared before the Soulmates.

The Soulmates just stared at the goddess.

The goddess of love pouted. "See if ever drop in for a way cool visit." She shook her head. "I am not feeling the vibes of love here."

The warrior-bard started to laugh. "Dite, it's good to see you." She smiled warmly.

"Had me worried, bard." Aphrodite smiled.

Gabrielle chuckled and held her hand out to table. "Care to sit?"

"But of course," teased the goddess. She strutted over and sat.

Xena rolled her eyes.

The Amazon Queen elbowed her partner then signaled for her to sit. So she did and so did Gabrielle.

"So, you both made it out of Egypt," stated the goddess as she crossed her legs and studied the Soulmates of Time.

"Yup." Gabrielle smiled and rested back in her chair. "And thank you for your help too."

"Help?" Xena glanced between the women. "What… help?" Her eyes locked on Gabrielle.

The small woman smiled sheepishly. "Just… a little loven from Dite," she teased.

The Warrior Princess corked an eyebrow.

"Yeah," whispered Gabrielle.

"Don't get all tight in your leathers, warrior babe." Aphrodite waved a hand valley girl like. "Gabrielle just wanted a little advice on how to get you under control."

"Mmmm," mumbled the warrior. She fell silent.

The Amazon Queen sunk in her seat. "Oh boy," she mumbled under her breath.

"Well anyway." The goddess focused her attention on Gabrielle. "How have things been going since then?"

"Really well," replied the warrior-bard. She sighed contently. "Nice vacation."

"Except for the disgusting rain huh?"

Gabrielle laughed. "Exactly, wish it would snow."

The goddess grinned but hid it quickly. "Are you planning to bolt over to your feathers?"

"Later on, yeah." The Queen crossed her ankles. "Have big plans."

"So I've heard from Artemis."

Gabrielle perked up. "Really?"

"Uh huh." The goddess grinned. "No worries, babes. Just hang tight."

The small woman shook her head. "You have me worried."

Aphrodite chucked lightly. "Well, I just swung by to see what has been happening with my favorite Soulmates."

"Nothing much for once." The Amazon Queen grinned.

"What a surprise," teased Aphrodite.

"Really," mumbled Xena.

The younger warrior nodded and tagged on, "You know something will happen soon."

Aphrodite shrugged with a smile. "That's the funnest part of your lives." She stood. "But I have to dash off. Have people to make fall in-love."

"I have pity for them," chided the Warrior Princess.

The goddess of love glared momentarily. "I'll just ignore that so uncool comment." She smiled at the Soulmates. "Well, check ya later." She snapped her fingers and disappeared with her voice saying, "I'm outty five thousand."

"I've got to wonder sometimes," uttered Gabrielle.

"You're definitely not the only one," said the warrior.

The pair studied each other, then shrugged, and laughed.

"So, explain to me about this… advice you got in Egypt?"

The short warrior sunk in her seat.

~*~*~*~

Xena stood on the porch of her mother's tavern. She watched the rain still falling in the early night. She tugged her cloak closer and drank more of her tea.

The warrior-bard strolled out and came along side her warrior. "I feel like we should build a boat here real soon."

The older woman laughed deeply. "Rain for forty days and forty nights."

Gabrielle peered up with a confused look. "Now, why'd you pick forty out of all the numbers?"

The Warrior Princess shrugged and sipped on her tea. "It sounds right for some reason."

"Right," teased the small woman with a laugh. "Mind as well." She folded her arms and shivered in the cold rainy night. "I'm upset there weren't enough people for a story tonight. Cyrene is a bit upset about how slow it was."

"Yeah." Xena sighed. "Nobody wants to come in the rain." She lowered her mug on the rail of the porch. "But it's always like that in the winter." She smiled at her partner. "Come here." She opened her dark heavy cloak.

The Amazon Queen moved and pressed her back into her lover's body. She soon found her Soulmate's cloak coming around her body. She smiled with contentment and dropped her head against her lover's chest. "Thanks," she whispered.

"Anytime," whispered back, the warrior.

"I really wish it would snow," Gabrielle said quietly.

"Me too… it will." Xena lowered her chin onto her partner's head.

They both became silent and listened to the rainfall. It was the most serene feeling for them. And as they continued to watch the rain droplets come down, the world became colder. Slowly the rain droplets started turning white and gleamed. Then the rain droplets turned into white flakes and drifted gradually down to the ground.

"Xena?" whispered the warrior-bard in awe.

"I know," replied the warrior with a smile. Her smile went warmer as the snowflakes began to collect on the ground and very very slowly build up.

"The snow god heard our prayers," joked Gabrielle.

Xena chuckled deeply. "You're probably right."

"Is there really a snow god?"

The Warrior Princess laughed. "Wouldn't surprise me." She smirked. "His name is Frosty."

Gabrielle laughed hard and closed her eyes as a few tears came down her cheeks. "Oh gods… Frosty?" She calmed down her laughter and sighed. "Frosty the god of snow." She laughed a little more while wiping the tears away. "That's good."

"I noticed." The older woman grinned before burying her head into Gabrielle's neck.

The small woman lifted her right hand and ran it through midnight hair. She pressed her head against Xena's. "I love you," she whispered.

The dark woman kissed her Soulmate's neck. "I love you too," she whispered back as she raised her head. Her right arm came up some and tightly wrapped over Gabrielle's breasts while her other arm wrapped around Gabrielle's waist. She drew her lover in close as possible.

Gabrielle smiled and relaxed in her Soulmate's embrace. "I know how icy it'll be once the ground freezes?"

"Uh huh, let's hope we won't have to travel in it."

"Yeah." The Amazon Queen thought for a moment. "Speaking of traveling… I wonder what's happened to Toris."

Xena didn't say anything at first. "I'm worried about him," she confessed.

"Me too," retorted the small woman.

"He always shows up for Solstice."

The warrior-bard bit her lower lip. "What you think we should do?"

The tall woman considered. "Let's wait till after Solstice." She sighed. "If he doesn't come… we'll go find him."

Gabrielle took a deep breath, preparing to say this. "Xena… the Amazons."

"Hades," growled the warrior. She closed her eyes in annoyance.

"I know, I know." The Queen thought for a moment. "There's no way I can sway it. I have to return to the Amazons." She paused. "Maybe you would be better off going on your own." She tilted her head back. "Xena, you are much fast when I am not there to slow you down."

"Slow me down?" Xena had the most offended look as if she were Gabrielle being insulted. "You speed me up."

Gabrielle corked an eyebrow.

"Listen to me." The Warrior Princess was defending Gabrielle's own name against Gabrielle, her pride had been pricked in an odd way. "I can think a lot more clearer when you're by my side, when you're protecting my back, and being there." She shook her head. "I can't operate correctly without all of me there."

The small woman swallowed knowing her lover's words were of truth. She dropped her head and stared at the snowy ground.

"Later huh? Maybe we won't have to even worry."

Gabrielle took a deep breath. "No, lets settle this." She lifted her head. "Maybe it would be good for us to separate for a little." She went stiff in alarm. "And I don't mean in that way," she said hastily. "Don't take that the wrong way." She turned around in her Soulmate's arms with a worried look.

Xena sighed and said, "Just to see if we can still handle being on our own?"

"Exactly," whispered Gabrielle. "I mean, what happens if sometime later on we get separated and there's nothing we can do about it?" She shook her head. "I'd like to know I could get myself out of a mess for once." She grinned.

The older woman sighed with a small grin but went serious. "I don't like leaving you unprotected."

The small woman raised an eyebrow. "Xena… I'll be in the middle of an Amazon Nation." She chuckled. "There would be nothing to worry about. You'd be the one unprotected."

Xena only sighed again.

"Seriously…" Gabrielle took her lover's hands. "I'd like to see if we could stick it out." She corked an eyebrow. "See if we can deal with life without the other being around." Now her grin came into play. "See if you can handle it without me."

The warrior narrowed her eyes. "Is that a challenge?"

The Amazon Queen leaned in with a smirk. "Damn straight that's a challenge."

The Warrior Princess tried not to laugh but instead egged on her partner. " I know I'd be fine, unlike you."

"Oooh." The short warrior narrowed her eyes now. "I can handle it better than you."

Xena laughed. "Right."

"Whatever." Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "You're more emotional than me and you know it."

"How you figure that, Miss Sensitive chat?"

"Don't even." The younger woman sighed dramatically. "Who's better at the sensitive chats now?"

The taller woman opened her mouth to say but couldn't argue.

"See!" Gabrielle laughed and grinned. "You couldn't handle it for a day."

"Maybe we'll find out."

The warrior-bard lost her grin instantly. "Actually, I really wouldn't want too." She wrapped her arms around her warrior in a long hug.

Xena laughed quietly and hugged her partner back. Then without warning, she lifted her lover into her arms. "Let's go inside huh?"

Gabrielle chuckled and wrapped an arm around her partner's shoulder. "I don't have much of a choice."

"Hey, grab that for me." The warrior nodded at the mug.

The small woman reached over and picked up the mug. She peeked in and noticed a little tea left. She took a smell. "What's in this?"

The warrior walked over to the door and pushed it open. "Tea."

"Yeah but what else… smells like…"

"Strawberry," finished the warrior. "Try it."

"Strawberry? You've got to be kidding me?" Gabrielle gave a skeptic look. "You're not a strawberry kind of person."

Xena chuckled and walked near a table. She kicked out a seat and sat down. She pulled her lover more into her lap. "Try it, it's still warm."

The Amazon Queen corked an eyebrow but took a sip. She tasted it for a few seconds then smiled. "That isn't bad at all."

The older woman grinned and leaned in. She kissed her lover softly. She pulled back still with that grin. "Yeah, does taste good."

Gabrielle laughed and shook her head. She then finally realized that they were sitting down. "So, what's up with the break here?" She glimpsed around. "Getting old and can't carry me all the way?" she jibed.

"No, you just weigh more," teased back the warrior.

The younger warrior's eyes widened. "What?"

Xena snickered before leaning her head in. "More muscle." She brushed her lips against Gabrielle's.

"You saved yourself."

"I know," whispered the warrior. She sealed her lips with Gabrielle's in a long sensual kiss. She pulled back with a smile. "So, does that mean I still get to have sex with you tonight?"

The Amazon Queen laughed. "Let me think about it while you carry me up stairs. Then I'll let you know."

"Oooh, I see." The warrior stood up with her partner again. She walked near the bar. "Leave the mug there."

Gabrielle stretched out and put the mug down. "Cyrene will just love that."

"Uh huh." Xena made her way up the steps. "Are you thinking?"

"Oh Hades, you know what the answer is already, Xen."

The Warrior Princess laughed.

~*Part 2*~

Gabrielle stood in the middle of Amphipolis watching her breath develop in the cold air. "This is great." She dropped her head back and watched the snow still drifting down in the late morning.

Xena smiled and looked up as well. She folded her arms. "Not just a fine dusting."

The warrior-bard laughed and dropped her head. "No, a fine blanket of snow." She shook her head to get the snow out. She stood in thigh deep snow. "Gods I love snow."

The warrior chuckled and ran her hand through her hair to get the snow out.

The small woman turned in the snow and looked to the hills of Amphipolis that went north. She studied all the snow on the long steep hillside.

The Warrior Princess looked that way as well and old memories filled her head, which made her smile.

"That would be the best hill to sled on," whispered Gabrielle.

The older woman snickered. "Oh it is," she said in evilness.

The Amazon Queen peered up at her lover. "You've sled on it before!" She laughed hard and grinned.

"Uh huh." The warrior grinned. "Lyceus, Toris, and I use to all the time." She sighed. "When we were kids, mother use to throw us out in the snow and tell us to entertain each other." She chuckled. "We always did."

The young woman laughed deeply. She thought for a moment. "We should do it."

"Gabrielle, warriors don't… sled," stated the warrior.

Gabrielle put her hands on her hips and turned to her partner. "There's a first for everything." She corked an eyebrow.

Xena faced her partner in the snowy day. "I don't think so."

"Oh come on, we'll be the sledding warriors of Greece."

The Warrior Princess laughed and tugged her cloak closer.

"Xena," pleaded the warrior-bard. She tugged her cloak close too. "For me?" She batted her eyes. "It'd be fun." She grinned. "I know you know where there's a good sled too."

Xena grinned very evilly with twinkling blue eyes.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle screamed as she soared down the hill with snow smacking into her face. She laughed hard and gripped tightly onto Xena's legs.

The warrior shook her head to get the snow out of her face. She had her legs wrapped around Gabrielle's waist and her hands gripping the handles on the round metal sled. She tried watching where they were going down the steep snowy hill but couldn't really. "Is this what you had in mind?" she yelled in question.

The warrior-bard laughed in excitement. "Wahoo!" She put her hand out to graze over the cold snow as they continued flying down the hill. She looked up and her eyes widened. "Xena, can you steer this thing?"

"Sorta of."

"You better, starting now!" yelled the warrior-bard as she pointed at the huge mogul like bump in the hill.

"Oh shit!" hollered the warrior. She knew it was too late. "Hang on!"

Gabrielle screamed with all of her might when the disc sled flew off the bump and went soaring up into the air. "Xena!"

The Warrior Princess laughed evilly. "Wait till we land!"

"Oh gooodddssss," yelled Gabrielle till they slammed into the snow again and went racing down the hill the rest of the way. "Where are the brakes on this thing?"

"There are none!" responded the warrior.

"How are we gonna stop?"

The warrior laughed. "That's the fun part!" Xena leaned to her right and sent the sled turning to the right.

"I am not liking this anymore!" declared the younger woman.

The warrior laughed and detoured around a branch. "Read to stop?"

"I don't have a choice!" Gabrielle laughed. "How we do it?"

"Jump!" Xena didn't wait for an argument. She wrapped an arm around her lover's waist but kept one hand gripping a handle. She pushed off the sled with Gabrielle and fell into the snow.

The pair rolled down the hill a little more than came to a stop with their faces in the snow. Gabrielle on the bottom completely buried in the snow. Xena still held onto the sled with her right hand and it was dangling.

Gabrielle lifted her head out of the snow laughing hysterically.

The Warrior Princess let go of the sled and lifted her head to laugh with her partner. She rolled off Gabrielle and onto her back.

The warrior-bard dropped her head into the snow still laughing hard.

Xena took a calming breath and sighed deeply. "That wasn't bad."

The small woman chuckled more then stopped. She rolled onto her back. "That was great. Let's do it again."

"You're on," replied the warrior. She grinned and rolled to her right in the snow. She peered down at her Soulmate. "Wasn't a bad idea."

The Amazon Queen grinned. "I know… see." She reached up to brush a little snow out of her lover's bangs. "Warriors do sled."

"At least we do." Xena leaned down and kissed her partner warmly.

Gabrielle smiled when her warrior pulled away. "Again?"

"Let's go." Xena bounced up onto her feet.

The smaller warrior laughed in happiness and flipped up onto her feet.

The Warrior Princess trekked down the hill a little and picked up the sled. She shook her cloak and got the snow out.

Gabrielle followed her Soulmate's example and shook her head. The snow flew out of her hair and she waited for her partner. When Xena came up, she took her lover's cold hand.

Together, the pair hiked back up the hill.

"So, tell me where you got the sled?"

Xena laughed deeply and smiled in memory. "The old blacksmith here made it for me along time ago." She smiled at her partner. "Perfectly made."

"It is." Gabrielle chuckled. "That was nice of the blacksmith."

"Yeah," whispered the warrior. "Couldn't bring myself to throw it out ever." She smiled sadly. "He was a nice man."

The small woman nodded and peered up the hill, still not seeing the top with all the snow still coming down. "A lot of people here seem to really care about you," she stated.

"Yes," agreed the warrior. "Surprisingly enough."

"Well…" Gabrielle glanced at her Soulmate with a smile. "You were a lot different as a child."

Xena nodded faintly.

"And it comes out every now and again," added the warrior-bard with the same warm smile.

The Warrior Princess flashed a smile but looked up for the hilltop. "Only around you."

The younger woman smiled and lifted their laced hands. She kissed Xena's hand. "Glad I could be of service."

Xena chuckled and squeezed her lover's hand. "I feel safe enough to be… childlike around you." She grinned.

Gabrielle laughed. "You and I both." She grinned back.

"Our secret."

"Exactly," responded Gabrielle. She looked up and saw the hilltop. "Never thought we'd make it."

"Really," huffed the warrior. "Forgot how steep this thing is." She reached the top with her lover. "Okay." She released Gabrielle's hand and flipped the sled upside down. "Let's spice this up."

The young woman raised an eyebrow. "Uh oh, what you gonna do?"

"Reach into my cloak pocket. There's a small jar in there."

The Amazon Queen moved and reached into the pocket. She found the small jar and pulled it out. "I'm amazed it stayed in there."

"Me too," confessed the warrior. "Alright, open it and start smearing it on the bottom here."

The short warrior furrowed her eyebrows but did as she was told. Dipping her fingers into the jar she collect a blotch of the oily greasy clear substance. She started rubbing it all over the bottom of the sled.

"Oooh yeah, all over." The warrior laughed evilly.

Gabrielle stopped. "You're laughing with mischief… I don't like this."

Xena put her warrior mask on. "Keep putting it on." She said in commanding voice.

The younger warrior laughed and shook her head. She continued smearing the greasy substance on the bottom of the sled. She came to the end of it and carefully put the cap back on the jar. "Okay, how I get this stuff off my hand?"

The older woman lowered the sled in one hand. She reached into her pocket again and pulled out a piece of cloth. "There you go." She winked. "I take care of what's mine."

Gabrielle traded and gave the jar for the rag. She cleaned her fingers then put the rag in her lover's pocket again. She folded her arms. "Alright, tell me what this stuff is gonna do?"

"Even better, I'll show you." Xena put the sled down and sat in it. "Come on."

The small woman was hesitant at first but she trusted her Soulmate with her everything. She grinned, shook her head, and sat in her lover's lap.

Xena wrapped her legs around Gabrielle's waist again. "Ready for this?"

"No, just go."

The Warrior Princess laughed and pushed them off. She quickly grabbed the handles.

The sled started a little slow then picked up speed as it came over the hilltop. Then as it came down, it started flying again.

Gabrielle screamed. "Xena!" She laughed and hung onto her lover's legs. Then her expression dropped as she realized the sled was picking up speed and was going a lot fast than last time. "That stuff is making us go fast!" she yelled.

"Yup!" replied the warrior with a grin.

"Aaaahhhh!" screamed Gabrielle. "We're gonna die!"

Xena laughed hard and shook her head to get the snow out. "Just hold tight!"

"Good idea!" The warrior-bard could hardly see due to the snow and speed. "Xena, how are we gonna stop this time?"

"We don't!"

"Xena!" screamed Gabrielle with all her power. "Are you crazy?!"

"You could say that!" The Warrior Princess laughed evilly and tilted the sled to the right again.

The warrior-bard squinted and gazed ahead. They were past the hill and headed into Amphipolis. "Xena, we're going into Amphipolis!"

"Let's see how far we get in!" yelled the warrior with excitement.

"Oh sssshit!" hollered Gabrielle. She watched with amazement as they flew past the houses of Amphipolis. Then they sled past people in the snowy streets. Gabrielle waved and yelled, "Sorry, excuse us!" She laughed, finding this the greatest thing.

The Amphipolians just watched in amazement till the pair disappeared ahead in the snow.

The Warrior Princess laughed deeply. "I think I saw Potestas back there!"

"Oh great!" Gabrielle laughed in embarrassment. Then she spotted the fence of a pigsty coming into view. "Watch out Xena!"

The warrior grinned and leaned to the left and just skid past the corner of the fencing. "Close call! Keep an eye out, navigator."

"Right," replied the warrior-bard sarcastically. "Does this thing ever slow down?"

"Maybe," teased the Warrior Princess.

"Hey Xena, what's the really big building ahead of us?"

Xena shook her head and tried to get the snow out of her view. "What building?"

"I don't know." Gabrielle squinted as the sled sailed through Amphipolis. "I can't tell."

"Where is it? To the right or left?"

The small woman's face dropped in horror. "Straight ahead! We're going to hit it!"

The Warrior Princess finally saw the building and realized what building it was. "Its mother's tavern!"

"Xena we're going to hit it!" screamed Gabrielle in fear.

The sled was closing in without slowing down.

"Xena!" screamed the warrior-bard.

"Hold on!" The warrior shook her head, let go of the handles, and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle.

"Xena!" screamed Gabrielle again when she saw the tavern coming closer.

"Here we go!" Xena pushed off the sled backwards and sprung up into the air.

The Soulmates smashed into the snow on their backs with Gabrielle on top of Xena.

The sled kept going and slammed into the tavern.

Both Xena and Gabrielle lifted their head instantly and looked at the sled. They watched the sled leaning against the tavern's wall for a second then fell into the snow. They both sighed in relief and dropped their heads back down. Neither said anything and were silent. But slowly, Gabrielle started to chuckle then her chuckle developed into a laugh and it became a hysterically laugh.

Xena broke out laughing as well with her stomach hurting.

The door to the tavern opened and out stepped Cyrene with her hands on her hips. She peered down at the Soulmates lying in the snow laughing uncontrollably like a couple of kids. She glanced over and saw the sled in the snow then knew exactly what happened. She shook her head with an amused smile and a content feeling at seeing the Soulmates so happy.

Cyrene lowered her hands from her hips. She still stared at the Soulmates lying in the snow laughing. She sighed softly and rested her hands on the railing. Her eyes lifted and spotted four women on horseback riding in. "Dear?" she called to her daughter.

Xena stopped laughing since she heard the horse beats.

Gabrielle did the same and rolled off her lover’s stomach. She was kneeling while lifting her head to see the newcomers. She smiled warmly.

The Warrior Princess did the same then stood up. "What a surprise," she whispered in sarcasm.

The Amazon Queen chuckled and rose up. "Be nice," she uttered and smirked at her Soulmate.

"You know me," whispered Xena followed by a chuckle. She waved to the four newcomers. "How are you, four?" She strolled ahead.

The warrior-bard shook her head, grinned, and caught up with her partner. "What are you four doing here?"

"We wanted to spend Solstice with our two favorite people," teased Ephiny while dismounting.

Gabrielle smiled lovingly. "I’m happy you came." She stepped forward and pulled her regent in for a hug.

The three other Amazons dismounted.

Solari strolled up with a smirk. "Hi, Xena."

The Warrior Princess stood tall, dark, and with a stoic expression. "Solari."

The second in command laughed, let go of her reins, and hugged the warrior.

Xena chuckled and hugged back. "Good to see you," she said coolly.

"Right back at ya," replied Solari as she pulled away.

The warrior’s eyes flickered over to Amarice. "Amarice."

The Amazon Princess smiled shyly. "Hey, Xena."

The warrior inwardly grin at knowing the young Amazon was still upset about the bed jumping so long ago. She stepped towards the Princess with a hard expression. She folded her arms and kept a ridged back. "Jump on any beds lately?"

Amarice peered up and whispered, "No."

"Good."

"Xena-" Amarice was cut off by the warrior’s deep laughing. "Alright, what’s so funny?"

Xena shook her head and grinned. "My anger stopped as soon as you got off the bed."

"Really?" asked the young Amazon.

"Yup." Before Xena could say more, she was caught up in a huge hug from Amarice.

"Thanks," said the Princess happily.

"Sure," breathed the warrior breathlessly.

Gabrielle looked at the last Amazon. "Masika, I’m surprised you came."

The stoic old Amazon nodded and brushed back black and silver hair. "Thought I’d try something new." She grinned faintly. "Decided somebody needed to keep these young Amazons under control."

Ephiny rolled her eyes.

The Amazon Queen chuckled deeply but stopped from the glare she received from the regent. "I’m happy you came, Masika." She gave the old Amazon a warm hug.

Masika smiled into the hug and pulled back with the smile. "Glad I am… welcomed."

"Of course," whispered Gabrielle.

Xena glanced at Masika. "Keep the kids under control?" She grinned.

Masika put her hands behind her back, and went along with the joke. "Pretty much." She grinned back.

"What’s that suppose to mean?" asked Amarice.

"Basically, that you’re a pain to keep control over," teased Solari.

"Ha!" The Princess glared. "I’m easier than you."

Solari rolled her eyes. "Rrrright," she drew out dramatically followed with a huge sigh.

Amarice stuck her tongue out.

"Glad you could join us." Xena smiled at Masika and held out her right hand.

The head council member tilted her head in disbelief but took the warrior’s arm and shook briskly. "Thank you."

They broke arms with warm smiles. It was a rare moment.

"So, need help stabling the horses up?" questioned Gabrielle.

"No, I think we can handle it," answered Ephiny. She took her horse’s reins. "We’ll meet you inside."

"Sounds good, we’ll get some tea ready." Gabrielle grinned and turned to her Soulmate.

The Amazons lead their horses to the stable.

"I can’t believe they’re here," murmured the warrior-bard.

"Hmmm." Xena folded her arms. "Bit odd." She shrugged. "But they did come that other year."

"That’s because we were getting married," told Gabrielle.

"True." The taller woman shrugged. "Maybe they’re getting soft and wanted to spend Solstice with their Queen."

"Gee thanks," deadpanned Gabrielle.

The warrior laughed and took her lover’s hand. "Come on, let’s get that tea going." She turned with her partner and headed for the steps.

Cyrene smiled at her daughter and the warrior-bard. "I’ll take care of the tea, you two." She put her hands on her hips. "They’re staying over night?"

"At least," stated Gabrielle.

The innkeeper nodded. "Looks like I’ll have to plan for a large Solstice Eve dinner tonight."

"Its not a problem, mom?" asked the Amazon Queen with concern.

"Not at all, sweety." Cyrene smiled warmly. "I can handle it as long as you and Xena take care of setting things up."

"We will," reassured Xena.

"Wonderful." Cyrene smiled and headed in.

The Soulmates chuckled and went inside.

Within a few minutes, Amarice and Solari strolled out of the stable.

Amarice stopped walking and pointed to the side of the tavern. "What’s that, Solari?"

The second in command stopped and glanced over. "It’s a… sled."

"Sled?" questioned the Princess. "A sled?" she asked again with confusion.

"Yesss," drew out the older Amazon. "One of those things you go down snowy hills on."

Amarice furrowed her eyebrows and stared at the sled lying in the snow. "Why would Xena and Gabrielle have a… sled?"

"Maybe it isn’t theirs."

Ephiny strolled out now and joined the pair. "What’s the hold up?"

"That." Amarice pointed at the sled.

"Huh, a sled. Haven’t seen one in ages." The regent tugged her cloak close and folded her arms. "They’re fun."

"Okay." The Princess faced the other two Amazons. "Don’t either of you find it odd that Xena and Gabrielle have a sled?" She held up her hands. "Hello, two warriors sledding? Making sense?"

Ephiny smirked. "So?"

"What’s wrong with Xena and Gabrielle sledding?" teased Solari.

Amarice’s eyes widened. "You’re kidding, right?"

"What’s going on?" questioned Masika when she joined the group in the deep snow.

"Amarice is raving that it’s odd that Xena and Gabrielle might have been sledding," answered the regent.

Masika shrugged. "Doesn’t seem odd."

"Oh gods," huffed Amarice under her breath. "Warriors don’t sled," she stated.

"Well." Ephiny shrugged and grinned. "Xena and Gabrielle sure do."

Solari and Masika chuckled together.

"They’ll never live this down," whispered Amarice with a grin.

"I wouldn’t if I were you," whispered Solari.

"What?" asked the Princess as she neared the sled. "Tease them?"

"Yes," answered the second in command. "I wouldn’t tease that pair."

Amarice chuckled and picked up the sled. "Guys." She turned around holding the sled. "How can you pass up the chance to catch them being kid like?"

The Amazons all snickered lowly.

The Princess grinned and headed for the steps. "Exactly my point." She carried the sled with her.

"Wait up," called Solari with a laugh. "I wanna see this!"

Ephiny laughed deeply, shook her head, and glanced at Masika. "They’ll regret that."

"Very true," whispered Masika. "Let’s go watch." She grinned.

The regent chuckled and walked towards the inn.

Xena and Gabrielle, both, sat down when the Amazons entered.

Gabrielle’s face dropped when Amarice came in with the sled. "Oh no," she whispered.

Xena glanced at her partner then back to Amarice. "Don’t worry," she uttered back.

"I’m worried," replied the warrior-bard lowly. "They’ll catch us."

"Nah," retorted the Warrior Princess with a grin.

The Amazon Queen chuckled and went serious as her Amazons neared. "Sit down."

"Ahem." Amarice stood before the Soulmates, dangling the sled. "Does this belong to you?" she peered down at Gabrielle.

The short warrior folded her hands in her lap. "Nope," she stated. And it was the truth.

"Rrright," teased Amarice. "You two were sledding."

"How you figure that, Amarice?" asked Xena.

Amarice glanced at the warrior. "Because this sled was by your mother’s tavern."

"Ssso?" The Warrior Princess shrugged.

"Then it means its yours," declared the Princess still holding the sled up.

"Prove it," challenged Xena seriously.

Amarice’s mouth hung open.

Solari narrowed her eyes with a grin. "We saw the tracks coming in," revealed the second in command.

"And your point is?" inquired Gabrielle. She stared across the table at Solari.

"Well…" The second in command trailed off.

Xena shook her head. "None of you have proof that it is Gabrielle’s sled." She shrugged and relaxed back in her seat.

"But you two did sled," stated Amarice again.

"Prove that," retorted the Queen.

Amarice’s shoulders dropped. "Oh come on, just admit ya both did."

The warrior-bard shook her head. "Why?"

Ephiny grinned. "Because they’re killing to tease you both," told the regent.

"Ooooh," whispered Xena. "That’s why."

Amarice blushed.

Solari coughed and looked away.

"Well… its not mine," announced Gabrielle as she sat back in her seat.

"More than likely," went on Xena, "It’s a couple of kids’ sled that they left by the tavern." She shrugged.

"Yeah a couple of kids named Xena and Gabrielle," murmured the regent with a grin.

Gabrielle shot dagger looks at her regent across the table for the words. She smiled warmly when she glanced up to Amarice. "Just… leave the sled by the door."

The Princess narrowed her eyes. "I’ll catch you two." She went over to the door and propped the sled up against the wall. She then joined the group and took a seat beside her Queen.

"How long are you four planning to stay?" asked the Queen.

The regent instantly took that question. "Not sure… yet." She smiled but locked eyes with Gabrielle.

The short warrior knew what that meant. They needed to talk in private later. She sighed. "But you’re here for Solstice?"

"If you don’t mind," said Ephiny.

"I think mother can handle it," retorted Xena.

"Of course I can, dear," told Cyrene as she exited the kitchen with empty mugs and spoons. She gave one to each person at the table. She went back into the kitchen and came back out with a small box and a steaming kettle. She settled the box and kettle on the table. "Teas are in the box."

"Thank you," said everybody at once.

The innkeeper chuckled and sat down. "Do we know how long everybody is staying?" she asked.

Ephiny shook her head. "Not quite yet." She folded her hands in her lap. "You don’t mind if we stay for awhile?"

"Not at all," answered Cyrene. "Plenty of open rooms for everybody."

"Are we having dinner here tonight?" quickly asked Amarice.

"Amarice," warned the regent.

The tavern owner chuckled. "I’d hope so."

The regent glared at the Princess for barking out the question without seeming respect.

Amarice glared back. "Sorry, gee… at least I can admit to Cyrene’s good cooking."

Everybody laughed deeply at the young Amazon’s words.

"I have to agree," spoke up Solari. "Cyrene’s cooking is the best."

"Don’t let Logos hear you say that," teased Gabrielle.

"Oooh no." The second in command shook her head. "She’d rip me a new asshole if she knew I liked somebody’s cooking better." She chuckled while pouring hot water into her tea mug.

"So, how are things in my Nation?" asked the Queen as she selected a tea.

Ephiny’s head was bobbing. "Quite well… we miss our Queen." Ephiny was stirring her tea.

The warrior-bard pulled out a raspberry tea then stopped and grabbed a second. She handed one to Xena.

The warrior grinned and took it. "How’d you know?"

"Wild guess," chided the smaller woman. She glanced back to her regent. "That’s why you four came to visit?"

"No, that’s why only four of us came to visit," stated the regent with a grin.

The Queen’s face dropped. "Are you saying…"

The regent grinned and her head bobbed up and down. "Yup."

Xena grinned. "Glad you didn’t let the whole Nation come then."

Ephiny’s eyes widened and she sighed dramatically. "Neither of you realize what sort of centaur crap I had to take from everybody for making them stay in the village."

"Yeah, we were starting to think we’d have to bring you two to the village," tagged on Solari. "Joan, Teresa, Eponin, Renotta, Lesia, Karena… the whole Nation wanted to come to Amphipolis."

"How’d you get them to stay?" questioned the Amazon Queen.

"Wasn’t hard," mumbled Ephiny and she sipped her tea not wanting to tell more.

The Warrior Princess corked an eyebrow while her hands wrapped around the mug. "How’d you get them to stay, Ephiny?" Her voice was deep in demand.

The regent huffed when she pulled the mug away. "You spoil all the fun, Xena." She grinned.

Xena only raised her eyebrow higher.

Ephiny laughed and settled her mug on the table. "Well I simply told them if they came they would have a very pissed off Warrior Princess on their hands." She shrugged. "That’s when they said they preferred to spend Solstice at home in the Nation."

The Soulmates laughed together.

"Whatever works," whispered Gabrielle. "Even Teresa believed you?"

"Oh sure," answered Ephiny. "TC is scared of Xena."

"Really?" asked Amarice. "TC never talks about being scared of Xena."

"Oh she is," told Solari. "TC has mentioned it to me a few times during the times I was training her."

Xena huffed. "And she hugged me," she said in a hurt tone.

"When?" asked the Queen.

The Warrior Princess grinned. "That day I told her she was the new third in command."

"Huh." Gabrielle lifted her mug close to her lips and mumbled, "She never hugged me that day." She sipped on her tea.

The warrior chuckled and glanced back to Ephiny. "Teresa is really scared?"

"Yes," replied the regent. "Xena, you know people are still scared of you."

The Warrior Princess simply grinned evilly but wiped it away. "Teresa is just shy."

"True," agreed Solari. "She’s always been bashful since she came… its cute."

"Wooo, don’t let Ep hear you say that," teased Amarice.

The second in command rolled her eyes. "Reece, I wouldn’t touch Ep’s woman."

Amarice went to open her mouth but stopped when Ephiny gave her a challenging look. She closed her mouth and sat back. "I’ll be nice."

"Good idea," mumbled Solari and she drank her tea.

"Now, are the Nations together?" spoke up Cyrene.

Everybody’s heads turned to the innkeeper and everybody answered at once. Then everybody fell quiet and laughed together. The late morning continued on like that.

~*~*~*~

Xena reached up and grasped her lover’s hips to hold her still.

Gabrielle reached up with the wreath and carefully hung it on the hook over the tavern’s door. "How’s that look, Masika?"

Masika took steps back in the tavern and tilted her head. "Turn it a little to the right. That should center it."

The Amazon Queen turned the ribbon wreath to the right a little.

"Perfect," called the head council member. "Right there."

The warrior-bard released the wreath, turned around in her Soulmate’s hands, and hopped off the table.

"Hey Xena, does your mom want this whole mantle lined with candles?" asked Amarice across the tavern.

"Yeah, Amarice, thanks."

The Princess turned back to the fireplace and continued placing the small round candles on top of the mantle.

"What’s next?" asked Gabrielle brushing her hands together.

"What about putting the tables together?" Ephiny strolled up with her hands on her hips.

"Right," murmured the warrior-bard as she thought. "Let’s see." She peered up to her lover. "Cyrene, you and I, four Amazons…"

"Ferus and Potestas are coming," added Xena to the list. "That makes nine."

"Nine," stated the short warrior and she turned. She studied the square tables.

The other Amazons joined the group.

"Four tables, should do it." Gabrielle peered up to her partner in approval.

The Warrior Princess nodded. "We need the red table cloth," she stated.

"Where is it?" asked Masika.

Xena folded her arms. "Mother knows."

"Be back then." Masika walked into the kitchen.

"Alright… young and buff Amazons, let's get these tables moved around," ordered the Queen.

"Yes Queen Gabrielle," chided the Amazons together.

"Well I know that doesn't apply to me," murmured Ephiny.

The Amazon Queen corked an eyebrow. "And it mainly applies to my regent."

"Damn," mumbled Ephiny.

Gabrielle laughed, patted her friend's shoulder, and moved through the tavern to adjust the tables. Her friends and Soulmate helped out.

Masika soon came out with a red cloth. She and Gabrielle opened it and covered the four tables with the cloth.

"Amarice, go into the kitchen and ask my mother for the plates," said Xena.

"Sure." The Princess strolled into the kitchen.

"Hey Xen, do we have enough firewood for the next few days?"

The warrior looked across the tavern after placing a few tables against the wall, out of the way. "We should."

"Good." Gabrielle spotted Amarice coming out with the plates. "Okay, set the table for nine."

"Gotcha," replied Amarice. She carefully placed the china plates down on the tables.

The warrior-bard glanced at her partner.

Xena nodded.

Together the Soulmates walked into the kitchen. They came back out with napkins, utensils, and candles in candleholders. They setup the table with those.

Ephiny studied the tavern. All the round and square tables with their chairs were pushed the sides, the walls and fireplace decorated with Solstice items, and the four tables for tonight's dinner was in the center. "What about mugs?" she asked.

"Oh right," said Gabrielle. "Look behind the bar, there should be some wineglasses back there."

"Got them," declared Ephiny. She went behind the bar and pulled a few out. "Solar, can you get the rest, I have five."

"On it." Solari went behind the bar and collected four more glasses and went to the dinning table. She set them down.

"I think that covers it," announced Amarice. She put her hands on her hips and nodded with approval.

"Does it, Princess?" teased the Queen.

"Yup," answered Amarice. She nodded briskly. "I approve of it."

Everybody chuckled and shook heads.

"I'm going to go check on mother," told the Warrior Princess.

Gabrielle nodded. "Alright, ask her if she needs help huh?"

Xena nodded and went into the kitchen.

"Ssso…" Ephiny neared her Queen. "I hear tomorrow is our Queen and Consort's… anniversary."

"Yeah?" teased Gabrielle. "Nobody told Xena and I."

The regent laughed. "Right." She slung an arm around Gabrielle's shoulder. "Anything special planned?"

"Nope," stated the Queen. "Just another day."

"Uh huh." Ephiny leaned closer. "You're joking right?"

Xena came out of the kitchen, stopped, and put her hands on her hips. "Ephiny, are you flirting with my Soulmate?"

The regent grinned at Xena. "What makes you think that?" She chuckled and pulled Gabrielle close.

The warrior-bard stumbled and huffed.

"I don't flirt," stated Ephiny as she turned and kissed Gabrielle's temple.

The short warrior rolled her eyes to Xena and groaned dramatically.

"Rrright," whispered Xena. She gazed over at Solari. "Solari." Her lips shifted into an evil grin.

Amarice shifted close to Masika. "This'll be funny," she murmured.

The old Amazon chuckled inwardly.

Solari shook her head. "I don't think so, Xena." She stepped away. She glanced over at her lover. "Ephiny, leave Gabrielle alone otherwise something is going down here." Her expression went into a plea. "And I know we won't win."

Ephiny chuckled. "Think so?"

"I know so," responded the second in command.

"On the count of three, Ephiny," cut in Xena loudly. "Release my warrior or Solari will be suffering from… sexual frustration."

"Ya better listen to her, Eph," warned Gabrielle. "You know she doesn't joke."

"One," said Xena as she took a step towards Solari.

"Can we talk this over, Xena?" asked Solari. "Eph, let go of the Queen… damn it." She held her hands up at Xena.

Ephiny raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead, Xena. Solari can handle it."

"Two," said the Warrior Princess with another menacing step towards Solari. Her eyes were darkening.

"Ephiny, Solari won't survive Xena's attack… I would know." Gabrielle smirked at her regent.

Ephiny saw the short distance between Xena and Solari. "Hmmm."

Solari shook her head. "Xena, come on… Eph is joking. You don't wanna sexually frustrate me." She smiled and batted her eyes. She took another step back and hit the side of the bar. "Uh oh."

"Got that right," growled the Warrior Princess. "Three," she declared darkly. She closed in the distance with her hands raising up onto the bar, she block Solari completely. "Last chance, Ephiny." Her eyes narrowed down at the second in command.

Solari's knees weakened. "Ephiny?" she pleaded. "Please."

The regent corked an eyebrow. "Xena if you touch-"

"Eph, just let go of me," cut off Gabrielle. "And Xena won't touch Solari."

"How about this, I'll let go of Gabrielle if you back away from Solari first?" asked the regent.

"No deal," stated Xena. "Let go of what's mine first then I'll leave Solari alone." She lowered her head closer to Solari's.

Ephiny glared. "Don't be stubborn, Xena."

"Oh I'm not." The Warrior Princess grinned, lowered her hands to grasp Solari's sides. "I'm doing what I want." She grinned with mischief at Solari. "What's your desire, Solari?" she said in a silky voice.

Solari's eyes widened.

"Xena," warned Ephiny.

Xena lowered her head closer. "Now or never."

Gabrielle corked an eyebrow and folded her arms. "This'll be interesting," she mumbled.

"Alright." The warrior grinned, leaned over Solari, and lowered her head more. Her eyes closed and her lips touched Solari's.

"I'm still a virgin," squeaked out Solari in desperation. She felt the warm intoxicating lips touch hers.

"Alright!" yelled Ephiny. She released Gabrielle and stepped away, holding her hands up. "Don't kiss her, Xena."

The dark warrior opened her eyes slowly and smiled devilishly at Solari. "Hmmm, I could have made you the happiest woman in the world." She grinned. "Sorry, Solari." She straightened up, released the Amazon, and backed up.

The second in command fell to the floor breathing heavily. "Oh gods…"

Gabrielle's head was bobbing up and down.

Ephiny sighed in relief. "That's the last time I touch you," she said to Gabrielle.

The warrior-bard chuckled and grinned. "Is she at least allowed to hug me?" questioned Gabrielle.

Xena nodded and walked over to her partner. "Sure, just can't hold you." She smirked at Ephiny.

The regent glared, grinned faintly, and walked over to Solari. She knelt down. "How are ya?"

"Shaking," revealed Solari in a whisper.

Ephiny chuckled, patted her lover's leg, and stood. "You survived." She held out a hand and hauled the second in command up onto her feet.

"That was close," uttered Gabrielle.

"Tell me about," replied Xena. She kissed her partner lightly on the lips.

The small woman grinned. "Always my hero."

The warrior chuckled and looked up. "Now, where were we?"

"Getting ready for dinner," answered Amarice.

"That's right." Xena grinned. "Who's ready for dinner?"

Solari groaned.

~*~*~*~

Cyrene swatted Gabrielle's hands away. "Sweety, I can handle this." She lifted the pot off the stove and carried it over to the table.

"Mother, there's nothing we can do?" asked Xena as she jumped away from her mother coming by.

"No, I'm fine." Cyrene sighed and glanced at the pair. "How are things outside?"

"Everything is ready," told Gabrielle. "There's nothing else we can do?"

The innkeeper sighed again. "How about you both go and get Potestas and Ferus?" she asked warmly.

"Sure," answered Gabrielle.

"Good, by the time you come back, dinner will be ready." The mother went back to her cooking.

"Be back, mother." Xena grasped her lover's shoulders and directed her out of the kitchen quickly. "Where's your cloak?"

"By the door."

"Good, let's go." The warrior guided her partner to the door. She glanced to the Amazons. "Go ahead and sit down. Gabrielle and I are going to go pick up a couple of people."

"Alright, Cyrene doesn't need any help?" questioned Ephiny.

"No," both Soulmates said hastily.

The regent blink. "Alright." She sat down.

The three other Amazons sat as well.

"We'll be back." Gabrielle put her cloak on and left the tavern.

Xena did the same and came down the steps. "How about you get Constable Ferus and I'll go get Potestas?"

"Sounds like a plan." The warrior-bard reached out.

The Warrior Princess smiled and took her lover's hand. "I love you," she whispered.

The smaller woman stopped. "I love you, Xena." With her free hand, she pulled Xena's head down and kissed her softly.

The wind blew slightly, encircling the Soulmates with bright white snow in the torch lit town. It was dark out now.

The kiss ended, Xena was still smiling and she held Gabrielle by the waist. "You're beautiful," she whispered and kissed her lover again.

Gabrielle moaned softly while exploring Xena's mouth with her tongue. Slowly, she pulled back from the kiss and ended it with sucking Xena's lower lip.

"This is not good," uttered the warrior with a grin.

The warrior-bard chuckled. "One more."

"For good luck?" teased Xena.

"Yeah, sounds like a good excuse." Gabrielle grinned, closed the distance in, and kissed her Soulmate in a long sensual kiss.

This time it was Xena moaning deeply and she ended the kiss quickly. "Not in the snow," she joked.

"Would be something new." The smaller woman grinned evilly.

"I don't think so." The older woman brushed back her partner's blond hair. "Be a little cold."

"Right, with our inferno bodies." Gabrielle sighed contently and lowered her head onto Xena's chest.

"True," agreed the tall woman. She held tightly. "We better go get… Ferus and Potestas."

"Yeah." The younger warrior closed her eyes. "We will." She sighed. "We haven't had alone time since this morning."

"But we've had the past week together."

"Yeah I know, that wasn't much."

The Warrior Princess grinned. "I won't argue with that." She closed her eyes and said quietly, "Tomorrow I want to visit Lyceus."

"We will," responded Gabrielle. "How about in the morning?"

"That was what I was thinking," answered the warrior.

"Alright." The Queen kissed her Consort's chest. "We better go."

"Yeah." Xena sighed and released her partner. However, she took Gabrielle's hand.

The pair began walking again, heading for the center of town. Once at the center of town they split up.

"Meet me back here," called Xena. She was trekking the opposite direction from Gabrielle.

The warrior- bard whirled around, walked backwards, and said, "Definitely." She winked and flashed a smile.

The warrior laughed and disappeared in the dark town.

Gabrielle spun around and went to Ferus's house. She climbed up the stairs then knocked on the door.

"Come in," called a man.

She walked in and smiled at Ferus. "Constable Ferus, Cyrene has announced Solstice Eve dinner will be starting momentarily. I am here to escort you." She lowered her head with a smile.

The Constable chuckled and stood up from his chair in the living room. "Thank you, Gabrielle." He walked closer and grabbed his cloak from a cloak rack.

The warrior-bard opened the door again. "I hope you don't mind Amazons."

"Why is that?"

"Four of my Amazons are here for dinner tonight."

"Ah, this shall be interesting."

Gabrielle chuckled. "It will be." She held up her left arm. "May I?"

Ferus laughed deeply and took the young woman's arm. "Thank you." Gabrielle led him out of the house.

The pair walked silently with linked arms.

"Will anybody else from Amphipolis be joining us?" asked the Constable.

"Yes, Potestas will be there." Gabrielle smiled. "Actually, Xena went to get him."

"Wonderful." Ferus nodded. "I haven't visit with him in ages."

The warrior chuckled deeply. "Well here's your chance."

"Quite," agreed Ferus.

They came to the center of the square at the sametime when Xena and Potestas did.

"Howdy strange." Gabrielle grinned at Xena.

The Warrior Princess was walking with linked arm with Potestas. "Long time no see," joked Xena. She walked next to her partner.

The group made their way for Cyrene's tavern.

~*~*~*~

Everybody at the table roared with laughter other than the Soulmates. They just shook heads.

"Alright, alright Xena and I have heard enough of that story," declared the Queen.

"Oh but its such a classic story," stated Solari.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "How about we tell the story about you, Solari."

The second in command raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

The Queen evilly grinned. "How about the time with Autolycus in the prison."

Solari corked an eyebrow in question.

"When Velasca captured us and Autolycus needed a lock pick," added Gabrielle.

Solari's eyes widened. "Oh no, don't you dare."

Everybody chuckled at the Amazon's reaction.

"Uh huh." The Queen grinned.

"Where'd Autolycus get the lock pick?" asked Ephiny. "I wasn't around for that one."

The warrior-bard scratched her neck with a grin. "Ask Solari, Eph."

The regent glared at her lover.

Solari blushed. "Later." She looked at Cyrene. "Can you please pass the biscuits?"

Everybody laughed again, well except for Ephiny.

The innkeeper picked up the basket of biscuits and passed them down. "Well, would anybody like anything else?"

Everybody shook their heads.

"Well, I think its time for desserts." Cyrene stood and began collecting plates.

The Soulmates stood and helped clear the table.

"So, how large is the Amazon Nation?" Ferus glanced at the regent.

"Well…" Ephiny sat up straight. "That depends."

The Constable furrowed his eyebrows. "And that is?"

"Which Nation you're talking about," stated Solari.

Ferus's eyes widened. "Oh… I see." He tilted his head. "How many Nations are there?"

"Ten to be exact," replied Ephiny.

Potestas leaned forward in his seat. "Are there queens like Gabrielle in all of the Nations?"

"That's complicated." The regent shrugged. "Gabrielle is the main Queen."

The jeweler and Ferus both nodded in understanding.

Xena, Gabrielle, and Cyrene soon came out with an armload of plates and the desserts. They set the table. Everybody went about selecting their own dessert and placing it on the small plate. Then they began eating.

"Gabrielle, have any Solstice tales?" asked Solari.

The warrior-bard nodded and finished her nutbread. "Depends on what you would like to hear." She grinned.

"Anything about you and Xena?"

Gabrielle nodded at Amarice's question. "Sure." She peered up to Xena with a grin.

The warrior corked an eyebrow.

"Go on, sweety, tell us," encouraged Cyrene.

The short warrior sighed and gazed back at her friends. "Well, I have on adventure that Xena and I had. What about three years ago?" She looked at Xena.

Xena folded her arms. "Yeah, three years ago now."

The Amazon Queen chuckled. "Seems like a long time ago." She smiled at the rest of the group and her eyes began to sparkle. "Well you see, there was this king… King Silvas and his wife Queen Analia had passed away on one Solstice Eve." She paused and grinned. She felt the bard coming to life inside. "So, King Silvas had banded Solstice in his kingdom and…" She fell into her story quickly with her hands up moving with the words.

Xena relaxed back in her seat, like everybody else, fell silent and carefully listened to Gabrielle's tale. All her memories came back to life of that Solstice. It made her smile.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle stretched her arms over her head. "That was a nice dinner."

The Warrior Princess closed the door, to her room, and smiled at her partner. "It was. Thank you for the story tonight."

The smaller woman chuckled and dropped her arms. "Anytime, was a nice touch."

"Definitely." Xena put her hands on her hips and grinned. "You had everybody laughing. They really enjoyed it."

"It was a funny Solstice, you have to admit." The warrior-bard walked over to the bed and sat. "That was before we were together."

The older woman nodded. "It was." She sighed. "Does seem like a long time ago."

The short warrior crinkled her nose. "Even makes me feel old."

"Thanks," deadpanned the warrior with a mock glare.

Gabrielle chuckled. "Not that we're old or anything."

Xena grinned and came closer. She knelt down while smiling. "Remember how nervous we both were around this time two years ago?"

The small woman's lips eased into a smile. "Yeah," she whispered. "Right before our marriage."

The warrior nodded and rested her hands over top of Gabrielle's. "That wedding was something else."

The younger warrior chuckled and shook her head. "Considering we had my Amazons here, it was something else."

"Really." Xena sighed, grinned, and stood up. "I think its time to get horizontal."

Gabrielle laughed. "That was an interesting way to put that."

"Wasn't it?" The warrior corked an eyebrow and walked into the washroom.

"Yeah, its right up there with saying I am vertically challenged," called Gabrielle.

The Warrior Princess came back out with a grin. "Well, you are."

The warrior-bard's expression dropped, as did her shoulders. "You don't have to remind me." She stood, turned, and propped one foot up at a time. She began taking her boots off.

Xena began taking her armor off along with her boots. "Mmm, Ephiny should be coming by any minute."

"Hades, that's right." The Queen spun around and carried her boots. She dropped them near the door. "She's going to talk to us about leaving."

"I know," mumbled Xena under her breath.

A knock came at the door.

Gabrielle grinned. "Come in, Eph."

The regent swung open the door and smiled at Gabrielle. "How'd you know?"

"I'm a good guesser," teased the warrior-bard. "So, when are you and the others planning to leave?"

The Amazon sighed, closed the door, and sat down in a chair. "That's why I am here."

"We figured," stated Xena. She was out of her armor and boots so she decided to go into the washroom.

Ephiny looked at Gabrielle. "When we leave, you have to return with us, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle sat on the side of the bed, facing her friend. "I know I need to go back but you make it sound extra important."

"It is," said the Amazon. "Things are getting a bit… out of control."

The Queen furrowed her eyebrows. "What's going on?"

The regent sighed and folded her hands in her lap. "The other queens are talking."

"They're threatening the thrown," stated Xena when she exited the washroom.

"Exactly." The regent shook her head and locked eyes with Gabrielle. "If you don't show up in the Nation soon, they'll liable to think you forgot your duties as the new head Queen." She straightened up in her chair. "I give them till the end of winter before they start rebelling."

"All the queens?"

"Not all," answered Ephiny. "There are those queens loyal to you but such queens as Mairead will not wait."

"Which are loyal to me?"

"Caitriona, Gloria, Yakut, and Parvulus."

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "Good to know."

Xena folded her arms. "What about Mairead… is she loyal to the Amazons?"

"Of course," answered Ephiny. "If she dare thought an Amazon was at threat, she would put aside her squabbles, and protect her fellow Amazons." She shook her head. "She just wants to be large and in charge." She paused. "All the queens are loyal to Amazons, there's nothing to worry there."

The small warrior came out of her thoughts. "Ephiny, there's a small problem… right now."

The regent groaned deeply. "Oh no… what's going on?"

"Xena's brother, Toris, hasn't shown up in several months." Gabrielle stopped and breathed calmly. "Xena and I decided that if he doesn't show by tomorrow, then he needs to be found."

Ephiny glanced between the Soulmates. "Then you're saying you two are heading off on an adventure to find him?"

"Basically."

The regent ran a hand through her hair in frustration. "Wonderful." She covered her mouth with her right hand. Her hands lowered and she said, "This will cause problems. Once the queens hear that you went trekking off on an adventure, they will scream."

"It's personal though," retorted Gabrielle a little coldly.

"I understand, yes," agreed the regent. "However, the queens will not. They believe and say your first duty is your Amazons." She leaned forward. "Gabrielle, those queens threaten your position as the Queen of all the Nations." She paused and let things sink in. "Either you go with Xena and lose the Nation or return with me and begin the Amazon Dream." She sat back and dropped her arms to her lap. "It's your decision."

The Amazon Queen closed her eyes and dropped her head into her hands.

"Ephiny." Xena shifted to her Soulmate's side. Her right hand came down to rest on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Gabrielle and I need to talk it over."

"I know." The regent stood with a sad look. "I understand how hard that is," she whispered.

The warrior-bard lifted her head, her face constructed into anger. "Try imagining Solari heading off on some dangerous mission without you, Ephiny." She shook her head. "Then you'll understand what I am feeling."

The Amazon dropped her eyes. "I know, Gabrielle," she whispered. She crossed her arms against her chest. "There are still options." She smiled sadly. "It'll work out."

"I pray it does," muttered the Queen. She sighed. "Sorry Ephiny, it's just…"

"I know… I know," repeated the regent. "Think over it and maybe Toris will show tomorrow."

Gabrielle nodded. "Maybe."

"Think about it, get some rest, you two." The Amazon walked over to the door. "See you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Ephiny," responded Xena. She gave a reassuring smile to the regent.

Ephiny nodded and left the room.

The warrior-bard stood up and sighed.

The Warrior Princess drew her lover in and held her.

They both knew the answer to the problem at hand. It was going to be a test of separating.

"You have to promise to me, Xena, that'll you'll be careful on your own," whispered Gabrielle.

"I will." Xena kissed her Soulmate's forehead. "I promise."

"Thank you," responded Gabrielle quietly. She kissed her warrior's neck and mentioned, "You could take a few Amazons with you."

The older woman chuckled and grinned. "I only know solo without my partner."

The Amazon Queen grinned and lifted her head. "You sure though?" Her expression went serious.

"Yes." Xena sighed. "The feathers would slow me down."

"True," agreed Gabrielle. "I just don't like seeing your back unprotected."

"I know." The tall woman arched an eyebrow. "Remember though who was the warlord."

The small warrior laughed. "But you don't have your army."

"Damn," murmured the ex-warlord. "I knew I forgot something." She sighed dramatically. "No, I just cut it down to you."

"Thanks," said Gabrielle dryly then she smirked. "Best partner you've ever had or will."

"Oooh, I know that." Xena kissed Gabrielle softly and smiled at the end of the kiss. "Go hop in bed. I'm going to start the fireplace."

"Alright." The warrior-bard moved out of her lover's embrace and crawled onto the bed.

The warrior went to the fireplace and began putting a few logs in.

The smaller woman curled up in the bed. "Darn, its cold."

"Hopefully this fire will help." Xena started the process of lighting the logs.

"I think your body would."

The older woman chuckled after starting the fire. "True." She stood up and walked over to the door and blew out the candles. She went to the opposite side of the bed from Gabrielle and blew out the candles there on the table.

The warrior-bard held up the blanket and her partner crawled underneath.

Xena snuggled in close and rested her head on Gabrielle's chest. "Tired?"

"Yeah actually, I think from that sledding."

The dark woman laughed and closed her eyes. "Yeah, I think it wore me out too."

"We won't tell anybody."

"Exactly," responded the warrior. Her fingertips began gliding up and down Gabrielle's back.

"Now, did you think you were really going to have to kiss Solari?"

The Warrior Princess chuckled deeply. "No, I knew Ephiny would break."

"Uh huh, how could you be so sure?"

"Because if it was reversed and Ephiny was preparing to kiss you, I would have broke."

"Really?"

"Wellll… not really." The warrior grinned evilly. "I would have broke Ephiny."

Gabrielle laughed and sighed. "I was a bit worried."

"Mmm, was under control."

The small woman was silent but then asked, "Were you really… upset about Ephiny being close to me?"

"Not really."

"Not until she kissed me on the temple huh?"

"Yup." Xena grinned. "I'll admit, that miffed me… somewhat."

"Somewhat… rrright," teased the Amazon Queen. "I'd say a lot."

"Well, nobody will certainly do it again."

Gabrielle laughed quietly. "True."

Xena lifted her head. "I protect what's mine," she stated in a hard tone.

"I know," whispered the younger woman. Her right hand came up and traced over the warm lips before her. "I know, love. Thank you." She smiled and leaned down. Her lips sealed over Xena in a loving kiss.

The Warrior Princess smiled at the end of the kiss. "Let's get some sleep huh?"

"Yeah." The short warrior closed her eyes and whispered, "I love you."

The older woman drew Gabrielle in more. "I love you too, Gabrielle."

"Hmmm, and its so nice and toast under here now."

Xena laughed. "Go to sleep."

Gabrielle chuckled and let her body shift into a slumber.

The warrior quickly followed.

The fire continued to crackle into the night, keeping the Soulmates of Time plenty warm.