Disclaimer

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

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The Darkness: Protection

By

Red Hope

The kiss was long and sensual. Soft lips pressing into warm lips in the early morning sunlight. Essences passed between the kiss and sensations shot between open mouths. Soft moans filtering up; it was bliss.

Gabrielle pulled away gradually and smiled down at her Soulmate. "Happy Solstice."

Xena tweaked a loving smile and brushed Gabrielle's hair back. "Happy Solstice, love."

The warrior-bard pushed her hands down against the taut stomach under her and came in for another kiss. She quickly found large hands pressing against her own stomach then Xena pulling on her belt faintly. Gabrielle sat up with a grin as she straddled the warrior's hips.

The pair laid in the middle of the bed and Xena with a happy view of Gabrielle on top of her.

The small warrior stretched a little with her stomach tightening up before Xena.

The older woman chuckled at the display and ran her fingertips over the muscular abdomen.

The Queen grinned when she felt her lover's fingers come under her top. She leaned back down and kissed Xena with the rage of passion.

The Warrior Princess matched the passion and worked Gabrielle's red top off carefully.

Gabrielle sat up and took her top off the rest of the way. She threw it across the room and moaned as soon as large hands had begun kneading her breasts. "One way to… start Solstice," she whispered.

Xena grinned with her eyes melting into a soft blue. She sat up and kissed her Soulmate again.

The smaller warrior pressed the kiss on and Xena's touch on her breasts had begun the heat. She sucked in her breath when the warrior's lips traced down her soft neck. Then she closed her eyes when a silky, wet tongue touched her nipple.

Ecstasy begun right there and together the Soulmates would reach love's heavens and beyond.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle opened her eyes when her partner sat back down on the bed. She noted Xena was back in her leathers but no armor or boots.

Xena reached over and lifted the curled up, nude Gabrielle.

The warrior-bard chuckled and found her head in Xena's lap. She closed her eyes and whispered, "How can you move so soon after all of that?" She grinned. "I must be loosing my touch."

"I take it you didn't see me waddling then," joked the warrior.

The small woman chuckled and smiled softly. "Good, I still got ya."

Xena smiled and brushed back still damp, blond hair. "Always," she whispered.

"Hmmm." Gabrielle sighed contently and her breathing eased.

"Going back to sleep on me?"

A grin formed on Gabrielle's lips. "You know I can't fall asleep without you."

The older woman laughed quietly. "True." She ran her fingers through Gabrielle's hair and studied her soft features. Her right hand came down and wrapped around the small woman's waist.

"I guess we should get moving huh?"

"If you want," answered Xena. "Mother is probably making a nice breakfast." Her voice was taunting due to the fact she knew her partner's stomach would like that.

"Really?"

"Uh huh, good and huge."

"You're enticing me… keep going."

"Bacon, eggs, pancakes, nutbread-"

"Stop… reverse. Did you say nutbread?"

Xena laughed. "With the cinnamon in it."

"Oooh." Gabrielle's eyes flew open. "Where are my clothes?"

"I'll get them."

The small woman shifted off her partner.

The warrior ambled over to the table and grabbed her lover's velvet, warrior attire. She came back over and kissed her partner softly.

Gabrielle was on her knees on the edge of the side of the bed. She moaned softly in the kiss but grabbed the clothes. After she placed them on the bed, she pressed her hand against Xena's thigh.

Xena pulled away from the kiss and peered down at the smaller woman.

The younger warrior looked up with soft, mint, green eyes.

The warrior corked a strong grin and her eyes went a deep, marble blue and were protective. She leaned back down for a more controlling kiss.

Gabrielle responded with submission and grasped her lover's sides in support.

The Warrior Princess slid her right hand down Gabrielle's stomach and wrapped her other arm around her for support.

The Amazon Queen closed her eyes when Xena's fingertips mingled into her center. She moaned softly as she spread her legs open for Xena.

Xena grinned and pushed her lover against her body.

The small woman wrapped her arms around Xena's body and dropped the side of her head against the warrior's leather-clad stomach.

The warrior tightened her jaw while she ran her fingers through her lover's warm, wet folds.

Gabrielle closed her eyes tighter and clung onto her Soulmate tighter. She opened her mouth faintly because she had to breathe heavily.

Xena continued rubbing her fingers over her lover's heated center. She watched her partner and saw the beads of sweat rolling down her body.

The Queen opened her eyes a little and moved her head to kiss her lover's arm. She pressed the side of her head back on the warrior's stomach. "Xena," she pleaded.

The Warrior Princess smiled and carefully slipped two fingers into her Soulmate's center. Her fingers moved in and out with a moderate pace.

The warrior-bard gritted her teeth and tightened her arms around Xena more.

Xena inserted a third finger but kept the same pace.

"Oh gods," whispered the smaller warrior. "I love… you, Xena," she rasped while her body heightened that love.

The warrior added more speed and her right hand came up to run through her Soulmate's short hair. "You're mine," she uttered a deep, protective tone.

Gabrielle whimpered and squeezed her lover's waist. "Always," she rasped again.

Xena quickened the pace, having slid her finger through her lover's tightening, hot center. She combed her fingers through her Gabrielle's hair.

The smaller warrior felt the fire roar up and down inside of herself. She clung to her lover for safety as she transcended into rapture. Xena's name exploded from her lips and she held onto the warrior.

The Warrior Princess closed her eyes with her head slightly tilted back and listened to her partner's voice.

Gabrielle was gone in the passion and started letting go of her lover.

Xena removed her fingers carefully and knelt down to picked up her Soulmate. She sat down on the bed and laid her warrior in her lap. She encircled Gabrielle's waist and held onto her.

The Queen breathed deeply while her body gave a few small tremors then relaxed. She kissed her lover's hot chest and slumped in Xena's arms.

The warrior kept her partner encased with her stronger body and wait for Gabrielle.

"Well, that… that…" Gabrielle chuckled and swallowed down some air. "Was nice."

Xena grinned and kissed her lover's temple. "Damn urges."

"Rrright." Gabrielle took a deep breath and whispered, "Call it control."

"That too." The older woman grinned. "Anytime and anywhere."

"I noticing," whispered the warrior-bard. She nuzzled her lover's neck. "Thank you for protecting me."

"Forever." Xena lifted her head and peered down. "Ready for breakfast?"

The small woman sighed and widened her eyes. "I think…"

"Come on," said the warrior after she laughed.

The Amazon Queen shifted and grabbed her clothes.

The dark woman let go of her partner and watched her stand up. She got up, herself, and went to put her armor on.

Gabrielle slipped into her short skirt then her top. "I think I need a nap after this extensive morning."

Xena grinned and put on her boots. "Breakfast will help."

The warrior-bard rubbed her belly. "Yeah, I'm hungry." She then gazed around the room with a confused look. "Xen, where are my boots?"

The Warrior Princess bit her lower lip before having mumbled, "What you think I keep tabs on your boots?"

The Queen instantly looked at her lover. "Oh no, let's not start this."

"Start what?" Xena looked up and batted her eyes innocently. She had finished tying her boots and just sat there with the largest smug look.

The small woman came over and sat down in her lover's lap. "Where are they?" She straddled her partner's lap. "You did something with them."

"Maybe."

"Argh." Gabrielle dropped her shoulders. "You're difficult, warrior."

"You know you love it," taunted the warrior.

The small woman sighed and decided on a new approach. She simply leaned in and hugged her Soulmate.

"Oh no…" whimpered the warrior. She wrapped her arms around her warrior then kissed her temple.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and waited for the tide of holding out recede in her partner. She nuzzled her lover's neck and kissed her softly. "I love you," she uttered.

The Warrior Princess shoulders dropped as her resistance faltered. "Say it again," she pleaded quietly.

The younger warrior grinned. "I love you, Xen." She decided on enticing words. "I can't live without you." She snuggled in closer. "Gods, you're so beautiful." She pressed her free hand against the muscular, leather-clad stomach. "Mmmm, powerful." She lifted her head and smiled warmly at her warrior. "Sexy," she whispered and noticed Xena had closed her eyes. "Spicy," she said sensually. "Dark and dangerous," she purred. Gabrielle felt her own heat raising, "Hades, I'm turning myself on."

Xena dropped her head forward against her lover's chest and laughed hysterically.

The warrior-bard sighed and kissed her lover's head. "I'm so happy that was funny." She combed her fingers through her warrior's hair and sighed once more.

The older woman kissed Gabrielle's chest and lifted her head. "In the bathroom."

"Thank you." Gabrielle kissed her lover gently and hopped off. She strolled into the bathroom with an intentional sway.

The dark woman chuckled and got up. She watched the Queen come out with her boots on, come to the bed, and lift one foot up at time to tie her boots. With a corked grin, she came over and slipped her arms around her lover's waist.

Gabrielle straightened up after having tied her boots. She felt warm lips press against her shoulder. "Ever notice how long it takes us to get ready in the mornings?"

"Only when we're not trying to be killed," stated the warrior.

"That's true," admitted the younger warrior. She took her lover's hand. "We better go, honey."

The taller woman chuckled at the nickname but followed Gabrielle towards the door.

Gabrielle stopped suddenly near the door.

Xena slammed into her partner. "What?"

"Did I call you… honey?"

"Yesss."

"Sorry," apologize the small warrior. She opened the door.

"Did I object?" asked the warrior.

"No but still…"

Xena squeezed her Soulmate's hand. "Then I am not complaining." She grinned. "Let's go, sweetie pie," she taunted.

"Alrighty, sugar plum," teased back Gabrielle. She went out of the room.

Xena came up along side. "We better hurry up, my little lark." She suddenly jumped back as her partner's hand almost hit her stomach.

Gabrielle spun around in the middle of the hall with the huge smirk. "Look shnuky ookems, let's cut back on the jokes."

"Whatever you say, honey dumpling."

The warrior-bard glared. "Look, remember who is the bard, buttercup?"

"You're point is, lovey dovey?"

The warrior-bard groaned.

Xena gave a sympathetic look. "Bard run out of pet names?"

"Honey dew drop, a bard has an array of pet names."

The Warrior Princess sighed and came over, she encircled her lover's waist. "You ready, love?"

Gabrielle sighed this time and smiled softly. "Yeah, let's fill my abyss, Xen."

The warrior took her Soulmate's hand and they went down stairs with a small truce over the pet names.

~*~*~*~

"Yeah," Amarice spoke up, "let's go outside and romp in the snow."

Solari glanced down at the younger Amazon. "Do we look as young as you?" She smirked.

"Yes," answered Ephiny.

The second in command glared at the regent for the comment.

The regent snickered.

Gabrielle nudged her lover. "Let's go frolic in the snow."

Xena leaned towards her partner. "I only… frolic with you, not feathers."

"Chicken," challenged the Queen.

"Whatever," grumbled the warrior.

"Chicken," teased Gabrielle again. "I see yellow streaking down the mighty Warrior Princess's back."

"Alright… alright let's not dent my armor." Xena grinned.

The small woman chuckled and asked, "You'll come?"

"Sure."

The Amazon Queen looked at her Amazons. "We have to frolic in the snow today, just for Amarice."

"I don't think so," grumbled Ephiny.

"Be young, Eph." Gabrielle smirked. "Follow your Queen's orders."

The regent slumped in her seat.

"Now must I go?" asked Masika.

"No, you can stay here and help," said Cyrene as she held out a hand to the table of dirty dishes.

"I'd be happy too," said Masika.

Gabrielle brightened up. "Alright then, lets go get our snow boots on." She grinned evilly. "Time for the feathers to play in the snow."

"I'm not am arctic snow feather," stated Ephiny.

The Queen rose up. "Get ready to be one." She grinned and headed up stairs.

Xena grinned at the regent. "You heard your Queen's orders." She winked and followed her partner.

"I'm blaming this on you." Ephiny pointed a finger at the Princess.

Amarice stuck her tongue out. "You'll thank me later."

"Wait till we get back to the Nation," growled the regent.

Amarice chuckled.

Solari bounced out of her seat and grabbed her lover's hand. "Let's go get ready."

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle slipped on her cloak, she bent down, and reached into the saddlebag. She glanced over at her partner sitting in the chair. She carefully pulled out an item from the bag and placed it behind her back. Here goes something different. She came towards her Soulmate.

Xena peered up and narrowed her eyes with suspicion. "Uh oh."

The warrior-bard grinned. "Alright, buttercup." She knelt down in front of her lover. "Its Solstice, you know the bit." She grinned.

The warrior leaned forward and kissed her short warrior's forehead. "Yeah, I just need you for Solstice."

"I can't stop there," stated Gabrielle. She waited for Xena to sit back then she brought her hands forward. She placed the item in her partner's lap. "I know, I know… you're not a bard or anything but…"

Xena smiled warmly and ran her hand across the leather book. "But try recruiting me huh?" She peered up with soft, blue eyes.

"Yeah." Gabrielle chuckled but went serious. "No, thought you could use it for a journal." She shrugged. "Nothing deep… just to record events in your life." She sighed with a small smile. "Thought I'd try it."

"Want to know something?" The warrior studied how the leather bound cover had a large, 'X' embossed on the front. She peeked up at her Soulmate. "I was honestly considering on getting a journal." She grinned.

"I did good," stated the Queen with a chuckle.

Xena laughed quietly and nodded. "This is perfect," she said while having leafed through the blank pages. She came to the first page and noticed a poem in her partner's handwriting.

"Read that later." Gabrielle put her hand over it. "Promise?"

"I promise," whispered the warrior. She closed the journal and placed it gently on the table. She returned her focus on her lover and leaned in. She kissed her warrior-bard in thank you. "I love you," she whispered. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The warrior-bard smiled. "I wasn't sure if that would have gone over or not."

"Its perfect." Xena smiled warmly and caressed the smaller woman's cheek. "Just let me borrow one of your quills."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Of course."

"Good." Xena stood up and ordered, "Stay there."

"Can I stand?"

"Sure." The Warrior Princess flashed a grin and went to the saddlebag.

"Oh no, Xena," whined the short warrior.

"Hey, now." The warrior grinned. "One turn deserves another." She knelt down and removed two items from the bag. She came over as she carried Gabrielle's sais.

Gabrielle corked an eyebrow.

The older woman grinned and spun them so that the handle's showed. She held them up for her partner to see.

The Amazon Queen gawked. "Are those emeralds?" she whispered.

"Yup." The warrior grinned. She tossed them.

The younger woman caught them and shook her head. "They're heavier."

"Yup." Xena crossed her arms and watched her friend inspect the sais.

"Wait, the outside blades weren't curved out like this before." The small woman looked up at her lover. "What did you do to them?" she asked, mystified.

"Modified them for your liking." Xena grinned and came over. "What I did was take them to my friend here, the blacksmith. He melted them down, mixed a little iron in them to strength the metal. Placed them in a new mold and slipped in the emeralds." She grinned. "He also did something else."

Gabrielle tried figuring out that, something else. She studied the weapons then noticed the inscription on one of them. She read it: Soulmates Xena and Gabrielle. She smiled warmly at that and lifted her eyes to her lover. "Now, this is perfect." She hefted them and spun them in and out. "Perfect weight." She stepped back a few times. Gabrielle did a few moves with the sais.

The warrior watched with great intent. "You know, I thought about putting on one sai, right and the other, left."

Gabrielle stopped and raised an eyebrow. Then it dawned on her. "Oh that is real rich."

Xena laughed and came over. "For any idiot that tried to use your sais," she teased.

"You're bad." She put the weapons in both hands and pulled Xena's head down for a long kiss. "Thank you," she whispered at the end of the kiss.

"You're quite welcome." The warrior smiled and kissed her partner's forehead. "We better go huh?"

"Yeah, that's right, snow time." The Queen put the sais by Xena's journal and went to the saddlebag. She pulled out her lover's cloak and held it up. "What are we going to do out there?"

The Warrior Princess grinned evilly with twinkling blue eyes.

~*~*~*~

"What you call that?" asked Amarice.

Xena stepped aside and held her hand out to the large, white object. "A snowman."

Gabrielle glanced at Amarice. "Don't you like it?" She grinned.

Solari came over and brush some falling snow off her arms. "Make it a snowamazon," joked the second in command.

"Yeah," the Princess piped in. "What a perfect idea."

Gabrielle groaned. "Only my feathers would think of this."

Ephiny joined the group in the snowy day. "What you call that thing?"

Xena sighed and answered, "A snowman."

"Hold if it’s a man…" The regent stepped forward, grabbed the pointed, carrot nose and rammed it down at the bottom. "There… it’s a man now."

Everybody broke up laughing at Ephiny.

The regent shrugged and crossed her arms. "What? I was being honest."

"Hold on, let's fix this," declared Amarice. She sighed and reached behind her head. She plucked one of her feathers off, and slipped it down in the top of the snowman. She knelt down and grabbed the… errr carrot below. She rose up while having broke the carrot in half. Amarice then pushed each carrot half on each side of the snowman's chest. "There, its snowamazon."

Again the group cracked up laughing at the scene.

"Hey, we should try out that sled," said Amarice suddenly.

The Soulmates exchanged glances.

Gabrielle leaned towards her lover. "Is it still greased?"

Xena shot a smug look. "Oh yeah."

The warrior-bard eyes sparkled and she glanced at Solari. "Go get that sled, huh?"

The second in command nodded and sprinted through the snowy day back to the tavern across town. She came back quickly with the sled. "Got it."

"It’s a two person sled," said Gabrielle. "Why don't you and Amarice come down first."

Amarice grinned. "Let's go Solari."

The second in command laughed and sprinted up the hill with the Princess.

The regent watched them go then she studied the Soulmates. She could just see the mischief radiating off them. Uh oh…

"Here we come!" yelled Amarice from atop.

The three at the bottom couldn't see Solari and Amarice since the falling snow made it hard.

"Aaaah!"

They heard Amarice screaming.

Gabrielle started snickering.

"Holy shit!" yelled Solari.

Xena snickered now.

In harmony, Amarice and Solari screamed as they flew down the hill.

"Look out!" called Ephiny. She jumped out of the way when the Amazons came down.

"Oh gods." Xena grabbed her lover and jumped out of the way.

Amarice and Solari went ripping down the hill and slammed into the snowamazon, wrecking it, and kept going.

"Stop this thing!" screamed Amarice, she shook off the snow.

"Jump off," yelled Xena.

"You heard her, Amarice," yelled Solari. She pushed the Princess off then got off herself.

The sled went a little farther then hit a tree.

Gabrielle grinned and leaned towards her partner. "Is the ammunition ready?" she whispered quietly.

"All set," replied the warrior quietly.

"Let's declare war," the Queen ordered.

"Right behind you, partner." The Warrior Princess grinned, knelt down, and collected a handful of snow. "I'll cover your back." She molded the snow into a ball.

Gabrielle strutted towards Ephiny then waited for Amarice and Solari to trudge up. "Well, you two wrecked Xena and I's snowman… snowamazon." She sighed and shook her head.

Ephiny held up her hands. "I had nothing to do with it."

"Rrright," teased Gabrielle.

The princess and Solari stood beside Ephiny and faced the Soulmates.

Xena stood behind her partner, her hands behind her back.

"Well…" The Queen knelt down, grabbed a handful of snow, and rose back up. "I know… I'm pretty upset my snow creation got destroyed."

"Wait, this wasn't our fault," stated Solari.

"Can you deny the fact you wrecked our snow creation?" asked Xena.

"No," squeaked Amarice.

Gabrielle nodded and finished molding her snowball. "Exactly." She glared at her Amazons. "This is a matter of the snow creation… the Soulmates declared war against the Amazons for this desecration." She tried not laughing.

"What?" yelled Ephiny.

"Well, basically this," said Gabrielle and she threw her snowball hard at her regent in the face.

The regent let the cold snow fall off. "Amazons, prepare for battle."

"Oh nnnno," whispered Amarice.

"Wahoo!" Solari knelt down, grabbing snow.

Xena took the opportunity, jumped over, and slammed her snowball in Solari's face.

Gabrielle laughed but spotted her regent and Amarice making snowballs. "Ah, time to run, partner."

"Move, move," yelled Xena. She broke off running.

The Queen laughed loudly and broke of sprinting with her Soulmate. They disappeared in the snowy day.

"Where did they go?" asked Solari. She kept making snowballs.

"They have something up their sleeves," whispered the regent.

"We ain't gonna win," murmured the Princess.

Ephiny straightened up. "We will, let's go Amazons. We have some Soulmate butts to kick." She reached down, got some snow, and balled it up. She broke off jogging.

Solari laughed excitedly and lifted up an armload of snowballs. "Let's go, Amarice."

"Oh Hades." Amarice briskly walked with the second in command.

"Sssh." Xena went quiet and listened. She heard snow crunching.

Gabrielle grinned and glanced over at her Soulmate, who hid behind another tree. She mouthed: Is that somebody?

The Warrior Princess nodded.

"Xena…. Gabrielle?" called Ephiny. "Come out and play," she taunted, she followed their tracks. "Come on tough warriors, can't you play with the big, bad Amazons?"

Gabrielle snickered. If only she knew. She glanced at her lover.

The warrior corked an eyebrow.

Gabrielle nodded.

The warrior grinned, bent her knees, and jumped silently into the tree. She disappeared up into the snow-white day.

The warrior-bard took a deep breath, knelt down, took five snowballs from a huge pile, and stood back up. "Here it goes," she muttered under her breath. She jumped around the tree and stood in the open. "Yo, Ephiny!" She threw a snowball at her regent.

Ephiny got slammed in the chest with a snowball. "Attack!" yelled the Amazon.

Amarice grabbed the snowballs from Solari's arms and started throwing them at Gabrielle.

The regent bent down to make snowballs and placed them in her lover's arms with the others.

The Queen laughed hysterically and dodged her Princess's snowballs. "Come on, Amarice!" She threw her other four hard and got them in the Amazons' faces.

"Get her!" ordered Ephiny.

Solari was out of snowballs anyway, so her and Amarice broke off running after Gabrielle, having screamed.

"Oh Hades," whispered Gabrielle. She pretended to be scared and stood there.

Amarice and Solari closed in with taunting laughter.

"Run Gabrielle!" screamed Amarice.

The warrior-bard suddenly smirked. She lifted a finger and wagged it. "I wouldn't if I were you." She laughed evilly. "Xena!"

The warrior gave a warcry and jounced the tree branch she was on.

"Look out!" called Ephiny but she was too late.

All the snow came down and fell over Amarice and the second in command.

"Hades," growled Solari as she tried to brush the snow away and clear her eyes. She couldn't see a thing.

The Princess shook her head and looked around. "Where… she's gone."

Ephiny came up to their side. She looked up and didn't see the Warrior Princess.

Things went dead silent in the white forest.

Xena spun behind a tree and look over, watching the Amazons. She wasn't sure where her partner was, she gave a small bird call.

The Amazons whirled around.

"Back to back," ordered Ephiny. She felt Amarice's and her lover's back against hers. "They could be anywhere."

Gabrielle heard her Soulmate's bird call. She cupped her hands over her mouth and gave one back.

The warrior needed to get to her partner. Need a distraction. She grabbed her chakram, glanced at the Amazons, pulled her arm back, and threw the chakram.

"What's that?" asked Solari. "What is that?" she yelled frantically.

"It sounds like…" Ephiny looked around.

"Chakram, at noon high!" screamed Amarice. "Duck!"

The three Amazons dropped to the ground as the chakram flew over them, hit a tree, bounced off it, reached height, and hit a snowy tree branch over the Amazons.

Suddenly a cloud of snow fell.

Xena broke off running after her partner while the snow kept her friend's distracted. She gave a warcry.

Gabrielle jumped out of her hiding spot and waved with silly grin.

The warrior joined the warrior-bard and ducked behind the tree. "Stay back," she whispered. Xena tilted her head and listened for her chakram.

"Where are they?" yelled Ephiny hotly as she lifted her head out of the snow. "We should have gotten them by now!"

Gabrielle snickered and watched her lover catch her returning chakram.

Amarice lifted her head out of the snow. "Hello… Eph, Xena use to play here when she was a kid!" She shook her head. "You think we'll beat them?"

Solari snickered at the point the Princess made. She hopped onto her feet.

"I don't care," growled the regent. She got onto her feet and grinned. "We'll get them." She studied the forest. "Do you hear me, Xena and Gabrielle? We'll get you." She adjusted her cloak, straightened her back out, and strolled through the forest.

Xena rolled her eyes and glanced back at her lover. "Phase two?" she asked quietly.

"Oh yeah, let's go." Gabrielle grinned with her sparkling green eyes. "Where's the lake again?"

"Right over that way." The warrior pointed in the direction. "Remember go around it, you won't make it across." She sighed and whispered, "You'll see my tracks, follow them but cover them afterwards. The lake looks just like the ground. The Amazons won't know the difference."

"Okay, got it." Gabrielle nodded, breathed deeply, and uttered, "Ready?"

"Yup. You ready?"

"No, just go."

The warrior leaned down and kissed her partner softly. "Be careful."

The small woman chuckled. "This is great."

Xena grinned and heard the Amazons coming closer. "Go," she whispered.

Gabrielle nodded and broke off running.

The Warrior Princess went into stoic mode and walked in front of the Amazons. "Hi," she said coolly.

The Amazons all jumped and held their hands up, they waited for some trick.

Xena smirked. "Problem?"

"Where's Gabrielle?" Ephiny asked.

The warrior shrugged.

"Solari, go find the Queen."

The second in command grinned and disappeared into the snowy day.

"What we going to do?" squeaked the Princess.

"Keep Xena busy," stated Ephiny. She grinned and came towards the warrior with menacing steps.

"Cha'right," whispered Amarice.

Ephiny neared Xena and held her hands up, preparing to fight.

The warrior grinned and bent her knees. "You don't want to do this, Ephiny." She circled the Amazon. "You're going to regret it."

"Oooh just as long as I take you down with me," snarled the regent with a grin. "Come on!" she challenged. She sprung forward.

Xena instantly caught the Amazon and lifted her up over her head. "I don't joke, Ephiny."

"Amarice, a little help would be nice." The regent tried struggling from the warrior's grasp but couldn't.

The Princess put her hands on her hips and stared at the scene of Xena holding Ephiny up over her head. "Put her down," said Amarice sternly.

"On what bases?" inquired the Warrior Princess.

"I am the Princess of the Amazons," said the young Amazon with hubris tone. "So respect my orders and put her down," ordered Amarice.

Gabrielle's consort smirked. "Amarice, you forget, I have higher rank… I am the Queen too."

Amarice opened her mouth to deny that yet she couldn’t. "Oh Hades."

"Let me go!" hollered Ephiny.

"Hey, Ephiny is regent and I am the Princess." Amarice brushed her hair back in a cocky attitude. "So, that's two higher ranks against one high rank. So put her down."

"Fine, my arms are hurting from holding up this big feather," teased the Xena.

"Wait till I get you," growled Ephiny. "I'm gonna-"

"Do nothing." Xena hefted the Amazon over her head and gave her a spin.

"Xena!" Ephiny closed her eyes, she tried not to throw up.

The Warrior Princess grinned and without warning, threw Ephiny at Amarice.

Amarice screamed and felt the other Amazon slam into her. She half caught Ephiny and fell into the soft snow.

Ephiny became tangled in Amarice's body. "I'm gonna get her!" She jumped up and turned to where Xena had been; she was gone. "Ooooh Hades."

"Ephiny, Amarice!" called Solari from somewhere. "I found Gabrielle and she's trapped!"

Amarice looked at her regent with a grin.

"Let's go." The regent grinned and sprinted off.

The Princess followed behind.

Up ahead, they spotted Solari's back.

Ephiny came up on one side and Amarice on the other side.

"Look." The second in command pointed.

Gabrielle was in front of them, she was surrounded by a curving cliff side. From the looks of thing, it was a waterfall during the warm days.

"She's trapped," whispered Ephiny with glee. "You chased her in here huh?"

"Yup," said Solari proudly.

The warrior-bard glared. "You three better stay back," she growled. "Xena will be here any second."

"Not before we get you," declared Ephiny. "Let's go, Amazons."

Xena grinned and crouched in the tree more. She watched the Amazons head for her Soulmate.

Amarice laughed and broke off running ahead. She made it little ways and suddenly fell on her butt. "Hades," she growled.

Ephiny sighed and rolled her eyes. "Never send a young feather. Let's go, Solari."

Solari and Ephiny slowly walked towards Gabrielle with narrowing eyes.

"Don't you dare," warned Gabrielle.

"Wait!" yelled Amarice. She tried standing up and fell again. She looked up to her friends. "Don't come out!" she called yet was too late. "It’s a frozen lake," she muttered hotly and sighed.

Solari and Ephiny slipped and fell on their butts and slid towards Amarice.

"What in Tartarus?" Ephiny tried getting up but fell down. "It’s frozen," she growled and looked at her Queen. "You set us up."

Gabrielle smirked.

Xena grinned, rose up, and jumped down to the ground. She came to the lake's edge.

The Amazon Queen waved to her Soulmate.

The warrior grinned. "Good job, partner."

Gabrielle chuckled and walked around the lake with a strut.

The Amazons continued trying to stand up, however, the ice brought them back down on their butts.

"Wait." Ephiny held her hand out. "Let's hold hands, and get up together." She took Solari and Amarice's hands as they took each other's. "On the count of three." She took a deep breath. "One… two… three."

Carefully the Amazons got up and tried helping each other.

"We're almost there," said Amarice ecstatically.

"Ooooh." Solari started leaning back as her boots slipped, out of control. "I'm gonna fall."

"Don't you dare," warned the regent.

The second in command slipped and fell, she took the other Amazons with her.

Gabrielle laughed hard when she joined her lover.

Xena chuckled quietly.

"Perfect idea, Xen." The small warrior leaned against her Soulmate.

"Keep them out of our hair for a little while." Xena peered down at her lover. "Ready to head back to the tavern?"

"Mmmm, get some tea to warm up?" Gabrielle sighed dramatically. "Sounds perfect."

"Wait," called Amarice. "You're not going to leave us here," she whined.

Xena shot a smug look. "What's wrong with the big, bad Amazons? Can't handle a little ice?"

Ephiny growled. "Just you wait, Xena." She narrowed her eyes as her legs spread apart from the ice. "Paybacks are a bitch." Her eyes widened and she toppled down on her face on the ice. She groaned and whimpered sadly, "I hate… I hate iced lakes."

"Ready?" asked Xena again.

"Yup." Gabrielle held up her arm. "Shall we?"

"Let's." The warrior laughed and took her lover's arm. She strolled off into the snowy forest with Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle, Xena!" screamed Ephiny at the top of her lungs and her voice echoed through the forest.

The warrior-bard stopped and asked, "Did you hear something, Xena?"

The warrior sucked in her breath and considered. "Not a thing." She chuckled and continued trekking back for Amphipolis.

"That's it, no more nice Amazon," growled Ephiny. She grabbed two daggers from her boots, slammed them into the ice and pulled herself across the lake.

"That's… one way to do it," whispered Solari. She followed suit and pulled out her daggers.

The Princess chuckled and did the samething with her two daggers.

"I'm going to get those Soulmates," muttered Ephiny, "I'll kill them then bury them in the damn snow." She came closer to the lake's edge and her grinned just got bigger. "Better yet I'll stick their ashes in this Tartarus of a lake."

Gabrielle sighed contently and inquired, "How long you think it'll take them?"

"Awhile." Xena shrugged and smiled. "Those were some good ideas," she stated.

"Hey, your lake idea was the best." The younger woman laughed. "I know I would have gone across it if I were them."

The Warrior Princess chuckled. "We'll have to remember that for a tactic if we ever get attacked."

"That would be a good one," agreed the smaller warrior and laughed. "Really funny too."

Xena laughed quietly but suddenly stopped.

Gabrielle had kept going; she was stopped by Xena's hand. "What?" she whispered.

The warrior narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. "I hear somebody coming from behind."

"It can't be," murmured the Queen. "How could they have…" Her expression dropped.

Ephiny reappeared running, screaming, and with wild eyes. "You two are toast!"

"Oh shit," whispered Gabrielle.

"Run!" yelled Xena.

The Soulmates sprinted for their lives.

Amarice and Solari came up from behind with snowballs and pelted the warrior's with the snowballs.

"Take that!" yelled Solari. "Yeah! Who's better huh?" She laughed with rapture and kept chucking the snowballs.

"Wahoo!" screamed Amarice. "Keep running, tough and stuff warriors! You can't beat these feathers!" She continued whaling her snowballs.

"Xena!" screamed the small warrior.

Xena growled and tried ducking the snowballs. She wasn't about to be outdone. She picked up her pace, caught up to her partner, grabbed her, lifted her into her arms, and kept sprinting. She fueled her body with adrenaline.

Gabrielle clung on for dear life and hid in her lover's arms.

"We got them, we got them!" Ephiny kept running and watched her Amazons pelt the Soulmates with the snow. "Keep them flying!"

The Warrior Princess kept a fast speed, even with her friend in her arms. Ahead, she spotted a large tree; she aimed for it. She leapt and hid behind it. "Gabrielle, hold on to me," Xena rasped. "I need a free hand."

The warrior-bard shifted and wrapped her legs and arms around Xena.

The warrior kept one arm around Gabrielle in support. She glanced around, she spotted the Amazons closing in. She grabbed her chakram. "Just a little closer…"

Gabrielle started shaking from being cold. All the snow melting down her back.

Xena tensed up, raised her chakram and narrowed her eyes.

The Amazon closed in and came under the same tree.

The Warrior Princess gave her warcry and threw her chakram upward.

The chakram soared skyward and cut through every branch on the way up.

The snow, covered tree branches went crashing down on the Amazons and buried them instantly.

Xena heard her weapon returned and caught it with fluent motion. She hooked it back on her side and wrapped her arm around her Soulmate. "We're okay," she whispered.

Gabrielle looked up and her teeth chattered. "I'm… I-I-I'm really c-c-c-cold."

The warrior reached behind her lover's back. She felt how cold her back was from the snow. "Here." She let go of her lover.

The Queen unwrapped her legs and arms. She stood back up and tucked her arms close against her body.

Xena took her heavier cloak off.

"Xena-"

"Sssh, humor me. I'm hot blooded."

Gabrielle grinned faintly at the joke and took off her wet, white cloak. She handed it over and took her Soulmate's. "Thank you."

"No problem." The older woman shivered a second as her body adjusted to the cold. She draped her partner's cloak off her arm and went around the tree. She smirked at the huge snow pile.

Gabrielle stepped over and grinned. "Serves them right."

There was a rustle and Ephiny's head popped out of the snow. "Alright… alright, we give up."

Amarice's head reappeared and she coughed. "Yeah… I give up."

The second in command tried working herself out of the snow. "I'm t-t-t-to c-c-cold t-t-to f-f-frolic a-a-anymore." She shivered and got out of the snow.

Xena chuckled and went over. She helped Amarice and Ephiny out of the snow.

The three Amazons stood beside each other as the chattered their teeth and shook. Their lips turned blue.

"C-c-c-can we-e-e g-g-go b-b-back n-n-n-now?" asked Amarice. She hugged herself.

"I think we better," said the Queen. She grinned. "We'll get some nice hot tea."

"Let's-s-s-s-s g-g-g-go." Ephiny started walking and chuckled.

The other's laughed and followed. It was time for some hot tea and a nice, warm fire.

~*~*~*~

Gabrielle relaxed back in the seat beside the fireplace. She clasped her hand with her Soulmate's.

The now warm Amazons all sighed contently with their hot mugs of tea.

"This is a lot better," mumbled Ephiny.

Solari nodded in agreement.

Amarice grinned at the regent. "I told you we wouldn't win that war."

Ephiny shot a glare. "Remember your rank… Princess."

The young Amazon chuckled.

The regent sighed and grinned. She sipped on her tea.

Cyrene and Masika strolled out of the kitchen and sat down.

"How is the tea?" asked the innkeeper.

Everybody said a word of how perfect it was along with a thank you.

"I think I'm exhausted," mentioned the Queen. She held back a yawn.

The group chuckled at Gabrielle.

The small warrior finished her tea then slumped in her seat.

Xena gave a soft smile and wrapped her right arm over her partner's shoulders.

Gabrielle smiled back before she had dropped her head on Xena's chest.

"So, what are the plans?" inquired Amarice. "Are we going back to the Nation?" She glanced between Ephiny and the Queen.

"We don't know… yet," said the regent quietly, her eyes locked on Gabrielle.

The Queen finally spoke up. "We'll figure it out tonight, Reece. Tomorrow we'll probably be on our way."

"Who's we… exactly?" asked Amarice.

Gabrielle sighed inwardly.

Xena took the question. "Later, Amarice… huh?"

The Princess nodded, she went back to drinking her tea.

Cyrene saw the conflict at hand but didn't speak out, later for her too. She smiled at everybody. "Speaking of tonight, Masika and I planned a huge dinner."

"Masika can cook?" questioned Amarice with awe.

Masika arched an eyebrow at the Princess. "I'm afraid so, Amarice."

The Princess laughed quietly. "I cannot believe that." She shaped her lips into an evil grin.

The oldest Amazon groaned and shook her head. "Youngens," she muttered.

Cyrene patted the Amazon's leg. "I know how you feel."

Xena and Gabrielle glanced over after they had heard the comment.

The innkeeper grinned at the Soulmates.

"Old women," whispered Xena to her partner.

Gabrielle chuckled.

Cyrene raised an eyebrow.

Masika focused her attention down at the Soulmates. "I wonder how many of Cyrene's gray hairs came from you both… especially you, Xena."

Xena laughed and responded, "Not as many as Toris gives her."

"Isn't that the truth," muttered the mother. "I wonder where he is…" she trailed off.

Gabrielle peered up at her lover.

The warrior squeezed her smaller warrior's hand with a reassurance of hope.

The Queen tilted her head, her expression was that of wanting to talk in private.

The Warrior Princess nodded and gazed up. "Excuse Gabrielle and I." She stood up.

Everybody nodded.

The warrior-bard got up as well and smiled at everybody. "Enjoy the tea."

Ephiny huffed. "Its nice to be warm again." She stressed the 'warm' part.

Gabrielle grinned, came around the table, and grasped her regent's shoulder. "Come up to our room in a few huh?"

"I will," answered the regent. She nodded and smiled warmly.

The Amazon Queen sighed but went upstairs with her lover.

Xena went into the room first then Gabrielle.

Gabrielle closed the door and leaned against it. "Alright partner, what's the plan?" She paused. "Toris is not going to show."

The Warrior Princess folded her arms and faced her friend. "Toris needs to be found."

"By whom?" asked the small woman quietly. After she came to her partner, she rested her hands on Xena's arms. "That's the question." She paused. "And the answer is just you."

The older woman looked away, she wanted a better solution.

"There is no better solution," stated Gabrielle.

Xena closed her eyes whenever her lover seemed to read her thoughts.

"This is the best solution." The Queen squeezed her best friend's arms. "Xena, we'll be fine huh?"

The tall woman gazed back with a worried look. "That… was the worst lie ever."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Yeah, I'll admit that." She took a steady breath. "Okay, so we both hate the idea of separating." She studied her hands that held Xena's arms. "But… we've done worse. Right?" She peered up. "I mean, we've been separated in our relationship for two years. I think we can handle a few weeks or so."

The warrior uncrossed her arms, she collected her Soulmate's hands. "We'll still be together, just not physically." She paused. "Can you do this… on your own?"

"I was gonna ask you the same thing." Gabrielle grinned.

The dark woman chuckled but went serious. "I do not like leaving you by yourself."

"I'm a big girl," teased Gabrielle yet she stopped the tease. "I'll be fine… just like you will be." She paused. "You find Toris and come to the Nation. Simple as that right?"

"No, its never that simple with us," answered Xena seriously.

"Let's make it that simple for once." The small woman laced her fingers through Xena's. "Just come back to me in one piece." She watched her partner nod. "Toris needs to be found, that's important. Cyrene is getting more gray hairs every passing day."

Xena chuckled but nodded. "Alright, plan this simple." She corked an eyebrow. "I need you to be careful in the Nation. I know, I know… they're friends. But you are the head Queen, outsiders see the price tag over your head." She narrowed her eyes. "Without me around, they're liable to take chances on getting you."

Gabrielle nodded. "I'll be safe in the Nation?"

"You won't even be completely safe in the Nation," whispered Xena. "Just stay close to Ephiny, Solari, Amarice, Eponin, Teresa, and few others you know you can trust." She knelt down some and became eye level with her partner. "Remember," Xena touched her lover's cheek, "if anybody touches you, I'll be there." She narrowed her eyes. "I protect what's mine," she whispered with a threatening tone.

"I know," uttered the small woman. Having run her fingers through black bangs, she said deeply, "And if somebody harms you they will be running from me." Gabrielle's eyes had darkened. "Nobody touches my warrior."

Xena got down on her knees, wrapped her arms around her Soulmate, and dropped her had against Gabrielle's stomach. She closed her eyes.

The small warrior stayed strong and combed her fingers gently through her lover's hair. Her free arm went around her partner's shoulders.

The Soulmates both felt like something was going to happen on this adventure. They knew it would be a new revelation of their relationship. But what were the stakes?

The warrior lifted her head after the silence. She kissed her Gabrielle's stomach.

Gabrielle bent down and smiled warmly. She leaned in as her lips melted into Xena's for a warm kiss.

There was a soft knock on the door.

"Yeah," called Xena as she rose up with her partner.

Gabrielle turned around and saw Cyrene step in. She smiled warmly. "Hey mom."

"Hey, sweetie." She neared the pair. "What are the plans?"

Xena breathed deeply and answered, "I am going to find Toris and Gabrielle is going back to the Nation with the Amazons."

Cyrene's eyes lowered then lifted to the pair. "Are you both sure?" She crossed her arms.

"It’s the only way, mom." Gabrielle paused but explained, "I need to head back to make sure my throne isn't taken."

"It'll work out fine," stated Xena.

The innkeeper nodded and smiled sadly at the Soulmate. "Thank you. I know how hard this will be for you both."

"We'll be okay," reassured the warrior-bard and grinned. "We're big girls."

Cyrene chuckled and nodded. "Very true." She smiled more warmly. "Thank you again."

"No problem, mom." Gabrielle smiled happily but her eyes were deeply sad. "When's dinner?"

"Not to far away," answered the mother. She chuckled. "I'm sure you all are hungry after the snow adventure."

"Oh we are." The small warrior rubbed her stomach briefly. "I know I am."

"Somethings never change," muttered the older warrior.

The Queen jabbed her consort in the stomach with her elbow. "Alright peanut gallery."

"Well, we have a little while," stated Cyrene. "Come down whenever you're ready." She flashed a smile then left the room. After she left, Ephiny came in to discuss plans.

~*Part 5*~

"You have everything you need?" asked Gabrielle the hundredth time.

Xena turned, she grabbed her partner's shoulders. "Yes, don't worry." She grinned as the morning sunlight shined on her face from the window. "I still remember how to pack for one."

With a chuckle, the small woman shook her head. "Sorry for being a motherhen." She sighed. "Just worried."

"I know." The warrior grinned. "Do you have everything you need?"

The Amazon Queen glared. "Very funny."

Having bent down, Xena kissed her partner softly. "Just checking," she said at the end of the kiss.

"I'm fine, you're fine…" Gabrielle sighed deeply. "Let's go then."

"Hold on." Xena took her lover's saddlebag then placed it on the table again. She lifted her lover into her arms and carried her over to the bed. After she sat down, she pulled Gabrielle into her lap.

Gabrielle chuckled and questioned, "Bonding time?"

"Why not?" The Warrior Princess grinned. "The Amazons can wait."

"True." The small warrior leaned in and kissed her lover warmly. She wrapped her legs around her Soulmate's waist.

After they kissed, they pulled each other in tightly as they could. The Soulmates held on tight and disappeared into their love.

~*~*~*~

"Argo is tacked alright?"

Xena groaned faintly. "Yesss." She came out of Argo's stall and corked an eyebrow at her lover. "Is Torqueo tacked perfectly?"

Gabrielle glared but slowly grinned as one came onto her lover's lips. "I know." She sighed and came out of the stall after she had finished with her bay. "Motherhen… motherhen."

The warrior chuckled and strolled over to the other side of the stable. She leaned against the wall in a hidden area.

The small warrior came over with a sad look. "This is going to be difficult."

"We're warriors," stated Xena, "we can handle this."

"Cha'right," muttered the warrior-bard. She strolled closer. "I can't go that long without your touch or feeling you," whispered Gabrielle.

"We're stubborn, we can handle it." The warrior grinned and wrapped her arms around her Soulmate when she closed in.

With a sigh, Gabrielle leaned in. "Try anyway."

"I know." Xena released her lover's side and slipped that one hand up Gabrielle's skirt. "Together," she whispered.

Having closed her eyes, the Queen moaned softly as two warm fingers slid through her folds. She leaned into her partner and dropped her head against Xena's chest. She snaked her right hand up Xena's skirt and found a hot center. Her fingers slipped through. "What if they… hear us outside?" she rasped.

"We'll just have to be quiet." The warrior closed her eyes and let her lover's touch control her.

Gabrielle breathed heavily and closed her eyes tightly. Colors had begun exploding rhythmically before her eyes. "I love you… Xena," she whispered.

The Warrior Princess moaned quietly and picked up the tempo. "Gabrielle…" she uttered. The beads of sweat rolled down as fast as her lover's fingers worked her.

Ephiny tapped her boot on the snowy ground. "What's taking them?" she muttered.

"They're just spending time alone," said Solari.

The regent huffed. "We need to get moving." She narrowed her eyes at the entrance of the stable. "I'm gonna go break up their little powwow." Her legs carried her to the stable.

The Amazons exchanged glances.

Cyrene shook her head. "That was a mistake."

"Damn, somebody… is coming," whispered Xena.

"Damn," muttered Gabrielle. She was about to stop but her lover's signal was for her to keep going.

"Hold on to me," ordered Xena. She sucked in a breath, straightened up a little, and opened her eyes. She forced a stern look on her face when Ephiny came in.

Ephiny stood there, hands on her hips, and a corked eyebrow. "We need to get going."

The warrior nodded. "We'll be there… in a second." She flinched from the passion tearing through her body.

The regent saw the darkness of Xena's eyes. "Everybody is waiting, the time is getting short."

Again Xena nodded. "We'll be there," she repeated in deep voice. She sucked in her breath from the hard thrust she received.

"Good," stated Ephiny. She headed out and thought nothing of the scene.

"Gabrielle," whimpered the warrior. She needed help in releasing the passion.

Gabrielle lifted her head and pulled Xena's down. She sealed her lips with Xena's as her mouth collected the strong moans.

They broke apart, they heavily breathed and moaned softly as the passion grabbed them. It took them away from this world in an explosion of stars and color that derived from love. It all formed into a scream that they passed through locked mouths. The passion left them falling to the floor in a heap but together.

Xena pulled her lover into her lap and dropped her head against the wall.

Gabrielle buried her head into her partner's breasts.

The warrior calmed her breathing and tilted her lover's head up. She leaned down and softly kissed her. "I love you, Gabrielle," she whispered at the end of the kiss.

"I love you so much, Xena," uttered the small woman, she hugged her warrior.

The Warrior Princess swallowed down the lump in her throat and controlled her over powering emotions. She took a deep breath and whispered, "We need to go."

The small warrior nodded and released her partner; she got up slowly. She held a hand out.

Xena smiled softly and took the small hand. She was hauled up to her feet and she stood tall. "Go on."

The younger woman nodded and went to her horse.

The Warrior Princess got her mare and joined her partner at the entrance of the stables.

Together they strolled out and met the Amazons with Cyrene.

The Soulmates along with the Amazons thanked Cyrene for everything and hugged her. Soon, the group was trekking through the snowy town, leaving.

Cyrene stood on her porch and watched. She studied the Soulmates and wondered what troubles would arrive for them this time around.

Making it out of Amphipolis, the group stopped, it was the fork in the road. Xena was headed south while her partner and Amazons had to go east.

The Warrior Princess mounted her mare.

Ephiny squeezed her Queen's shoulder and nodded. She took Torqueo's reins.

The warrior-bard nodded back and watched her friends walked down the east bound road for a little ways. They disappeared in the distance but waited.

Xena held her hand down to her lover.

Gabrielle took it. She now sat in the front of the saddle- she faced Xena. There was an air of need and it made Gabrielle tuck deep into her lover's arms.

The warrior kept her Soulmate close and kissed her temple.

Silence lingered between them as they stayed in each other's embrace. A small gust of snowy wind came and ruffled their cloaks open.

The small warrior peered up at her Soulmate.

"I won't be long," promised Xena. "Be careful."

"I will." Gabrielle caressed her partner's cheek. "Watch your back." She smiled sadly but the smile slipped and worry took her expression. "Don't do this," she whispered.

"Toris needs help," said Xena, her eyes searched Gabrielle's.

The younger warrior closed her eyes. She uttered, "Something is going to happen. I know it." The fear flourished inside of her. "Don't do this, please Xena," she begged. "We've paid enough prices."

"It'll be okay," reassured the warrior. She tilted her lover's head and watched glistening, green eyes open.

"No," rasped Gabrielle. "You know something is going to happen." She grabbed her lover's hand in a strong hold. "Why are you going to let it happen?"

"Destiny," whispered the warrior. "I know it won't kill us." She lowered her head, her expression calm. "It'll make us closer." She paused. "I want us to be one."

"We are," ushered the warrior-bard. She rested her head on her partner's chest.

"We're becoming," corrected the warrior. "Trust me." She lowered her head onto Gabrielle's. "Please."

Gabrielle nodded faintly and squeezed her warrior tightly. "Embrace it, don't fear it… right?" She lifted her head.

"Exactly." Xena smiled before she took her lover's lips.

The kiss was very long and caring. Xena poured promise into it while Gabrielle returned it with love. Slowly, they broke apart and gave one last strong hug.

Gabrielle dismounted the mare with her partner's help. She kept a pride filled attitude.

Xena took her mare's reins and directed Argo for the eastern road.

The Amazon Queen walked along side, her left hand resting on Xena's knee. Contact, she needed all the contact she could get before…

The warrior stopped her warhorse and nodded at her lover. "I love you, Gabrielle." She smiled warmly. "I won't take long."

Gabrielle nodded, tugged her cloak close, she then outstretched her hand.

Xena took it and laced their hands together. "Remember, I'm always with you."

The small warrior smiled while she squeezed her Soulmate's hand. "I'm always inside of you." She turned her locked hand and kissed her warrior's hand. "Be safe, Xena."

"Safe is my nickname." The Warrior Princess winked, released her lover's hand and kicked Argo in the sides.

Gabrielle folded her arms and watched the mare and warrior head down the east road. "I love you, Xena," she called with a smile.

Xena turned in her saddle and dazzled her most beautiful smile. She let love for Gabrielle standout as an open book in those brief seconds.

The small warrior locked the scene in her heart and watched her partner disappear in the broad horizon. After a sigh, she headed for her friends.

Ephiny handed over Torqueo's reins and rubbed her Queen's back. "Ready?"

Gabrielle peered up and grinned. "No, just go."

The regent blinked, she didn't understand the joke but she grinned back. "Let's go Amazons, you heard the Queen."

~*~*~*~

Dropping to the ground; came three Amazons. They removed their masks with smiles.

"Queen Gabrielle."

The Queen smiled at that particular Amazon, Karena. "Its good to see you again, Karena."

Karena chuckled and smiled. "Welcome back, my Queen."

"Yes, its been awhile," said Teresa.

"TC." Gabrielle's smile broadened and she stepped forward. She engulfed her third in command with a strong hug.

Beside Teresa was a third Amazon, Renotta.

The Queen released Teresa and turned to Renotta. "How are you, Renotta?"

"Quite well, my Queen." She smiled and hugged her Queen briskly.

Afterwards, Gabrielle gave a strong hug to Karena and stepped back. "How have things been?"

The regent came beside her Queen.

"In tip top shape," reported Teresa.

"We've been waiting for you," stated Karena.

"Yes, what took you, sweetness?" asked Renotta with a grin.

Gabrielle chuckled and said, "I was waiting to the last minute."

"Ah, one of those," teased Karena. "Well you were a wee bit short of missing the party." She glanced west. "But I'd say the party has waited for you."

"Oh no," groaned the small warrior. "Not a party."

"Afraid so," teased Teresa. "It'll be worse since you're here."

"Wait." Renotta shook her head. "Where is tall, dark, and dangerous?"

The Amazon Queen breathed deeply and kept her stoic expression. "She's off on a mission to find her brother. She'll be here later."

Teresa noticed the way her friend said that and it made her sigh sadly. "Well… shall we be on our way?"

Gabrielle nodded.

The Amazons headed for the village with high intent for a blazing, loud party. Once they arrived, Gabrielle was greeted by Joan, Eponin, and Lesia.

"How are you, Gabrielle?" Eponin hugged her friend tightly.

"Its so good to see you, Ep." The small warrior released her friend and answered, "I'm okay." She smiled warmly.

"I'm happy you made it safely."

"Yes lass, we were guid worry you wouldn't make it 'ere."

Gabrielle chuckled at Joan. "Come on, I wouldn't pass up my Amazons." She gave the Celtic warrior a strong hug.

"Now, I know I am going to get one of the Queen's hugs," teased Lesia.

The Queen laughed gently and gave a bear hug to the Amazon as well. "Of course you do."

"Well now that we've all got the mushy part out of the way, I believe the party should be getting ready," stated the regent.

"Hey Gabrielle, where's your mate?" asked Joan.

Gabrielle sighed and answered, "She went on an caper without me."

The Celtic Amazon's face dropped. "Artemis's sake, why is that?"

"Well… I am needed here and Xena is needed somewhere else," responded the warrior-bard.

Joan shook her head, completely amazed. "I'd never thought…"

"Me too," muttered the small warrior.

"Come on, let's get your stuff to the hut," said Ephiny. She turned to Lesia. "Can you take care of Gabrielle's horse?"

"Sure." The Amazon stepped forward.

The regent handed, Lesia, Torqueo's reins.

Lesia towed the Queen's horse to the stables.

The large group started walking to Gabrielle's hut.

"Oh by the way." The weapons master smiled at her Queen. "We placed a desk into your hut as you requested." She grinned. "And I had a window made right in front of your desk."

"Thank you," said Gabrielle. "That'll be a big help."

"Renotta and I made the window, mate," mentioned Karena. "Its so perfect, you can't go wrong."

Everybody chuckled.

"Now I have tuh see this guid window job," stated Joan.

Karena stuck her tongue out at the Celtic Amazon.

Renotta jabbed Karena in the side. "What have I told you about using your tongue?"

Karena blushed to her roots and coughed. "Sorry, mates."

Amarice rolled her eyes. "Such immature Amazon these days," she taunted.

Everybody laughed at the Princess's words.

"Keep telling yourself that, Reece." Solari patted the young Amazon's back.

Gabrielle came to her hut and went in. She stopped, put her hands on her hips, and studied the desk by the new window.

"Not too shabby," joked Amarice.

"Mate, I'd like to see you do even a wee bit better than that," challenged Karena.

The Princess sighed. "Princesses don't do windows."

"'Cause they don't have any talent," teased Renotta.

Amarice glared at the older Amazon.

Joan stepped over and examined the window. "You two couldn't had done better." She nodded her approval.

"Thanks, mate," replied Karena. "Renotta and I aim to please."

Renotta evilly grinned. "I'll second that."

Karena laughed because she knew what Renotta really meant.

"Now is everybody done admiring the window?" asked Gabrielle. "I wouldn't mind a little personal space instead of seven Amazons in my hut."

"Let's go, feathers," ordered the regent.

"Hold up," called two voices outside of the hut. "Move it or lose it," called one of them.

The Amazons stepped aside as Lesia came in carrying Gabrielle's saddlebag. Following her was another Amazon Gabrielle hadn't met.

Lesia strolled over to the table and dropped the saddlebag on the table.

The new Amazon smiled at Queen Gabrielle. "Hi, I am new."

"You must be." Gabrielle smiled and held her hand out. "Gabrielle."

"I know." The new Amazon blushed faintly and said, "I'm Janelle." She took the small, warm hand. "Nice to finally meet you, my Queen."

The warrior-bard chuckled and briskly shook the new Amazon's hand. "Now Janelle, don't start thinking all high and mighty of me." She grinned.

"Yeah, she isn't all that, mate," teased Karena. "She's a wee better than mighty."

"Karena," warned Gabrielle as she released Janelle's hand.

Janelle grinned at Karena. "I'd agree, buddy."

"Alright, get out you all!" growled Gabrielle.

The Amazons laughed and started flooding out of the hut. They all said goodbye and that they'd see her at the party.

Gabrielle just groaned each time and closed her door after they left. "Damn feathers." She chuckled and turned to her desk.

Walking over to it, she studied the desk. Her hand came down and traced over the large inner linked 'X' and 'G' engraved into the wood. She blinked back tears.

~*~*~*~

Xena stood up after she made the fire. She watched it grow and become brighter. She smiled softly at that but soon lost her smile. She lifted her eyes and stared out of the cave's mouth. The last few minutes of the sun's rays had begun disappearing. "She's probably dealing with an Amazon party by now." She chuckled at the thought.

Getting back to business, Xena finished setting up camp in the cave. Once she was done, she tried figuring what she was going to eat. "Great… no cook." She sighed yet grinned. Trying to figure something out, she pulled out some dried meet and decided to cook it.

Within a half of a candlemark, she had a decent steak to eat. The steak wasn't burnt amazingly and it tasted fairly good. That's when Xena knew her Soulmate had really rubbed off on her. She was in luck.

By the time she was done, she sat down to sharpen her sword so she could think out her plans.

The first part of the plan was to head to the last town Cyrene said Toris had been in, Pydmon. From there she'd have to find leads on where her brother went. She knew the more southern she got into Greece, the hard things would be and the longer. That's when her temper would rise up from being so long away from Gabrielle. Toris wouldn't be too happy to see his sister once that happened.

After two candlemarks of sharpening her sword, Xena put it away and crawled into her bedroll. The fur came over her shoulders and she snuggled in tightly by the fire. She closed her eyes and prayed Gabrielle would go to bed soon. There was no way in Tartarus she was going to fall asleep without her Soulmate falling asleep. "Get away from the party," grumbled the Warrior Princess.

~*~*~*~

Gods, I need to get away from the party, mused Gabrielle. After she glanced around, she stood up and tried making her way back to the hut.

"Mate, where are you going?" asked Karena.

The Queen cringed. "I'm heading to bed," she stated.

"Awe, things are just getting started," said Janelle as she strolled over. She held out her mug. "Come on, buddy."

"Trying to quit," joked the Queen.

Renotta was passing by and saw the huddle. She joined them and came up behind the Queen. She wrapped an arm around Gabrielle's shoulders. "Hey sweetness, where you headed off too?"

"Bed," answered the warrior-bard.

"Ooooh, may I join you?" teased Renotta.

Everybody snickered.

"I wouldn't if I were you," warned Solari across the party area. "Xena would be there in a heartbeat." She disappeared in the crowd.

Renotta chuckled and squeezed the Queen's shoulders. "People are no fun, huh?"

Gabrielle chuckled. "Rrrright."

"Just excuse her, she's a player," taunted Karena.

The player glared at Karena. "Look honey, maybe you and I should go play." She smirked. "You couldn't handle my game."

"Mate, you can't survive my game," teased back Karena.

Janelle cleared her voice. "Well ladies, I think I'll be on my way." She tipped her mug at the Queen. "Goodnight, Gabrielle."

"Night Janelle."

"Wait," called Renotta. "Don't you wanna join us, Janelle?" She grinned and added, "We could do a threesome."

"No thanks!" yelled Janelle. She held her mug up and waved it, "Cheers to you, buddy." She disappeared ahead.

Karena groaned and rolled her eyes. "Sorry mate, I'm a twofer kinda gal, personally."

"Oooh, I prefer more than just two." Renotta wiggled her fingers in suggestion.

Now Gabrielle broke out of Renotta's embrace. "How many have you had?" asked the Queen.

"Three mugs of wine." Renotta chuckled. "I'm just getting started."

"I bet," muttered Karena but she smiled with innocence.

The warrior-bard sighed and pointed a finger at Renotta. "Cool it with the wine."

"Of course, my Queen."

But the evil grin on Renotta's lips told Gabrielle different. She just sighed and strolled off. "Good luck, Karena."

"Thanks," peeped Karena as Renotta neared her.

Gabrielle entered her hut and took her cloak off. She settled it onto the desk chair as a yawn escaped. She sat down on the foot of the bed and took her boots off next. Afterwards, she was crawling under the cool sheets, happy about the fireplace already going. Soon sleep caught up to her when she closed her eyes.

Emerald eyes opened up and gazed around the area.

Wheat rose up high and touched Gabrielle around her stomach. She turned around and tried figuring out where she was in her dreamscape. "This is beautiful," a whisper escaped her lips.

The sound of movement came and she turned to that sound. The wind had simply rattled the heads of wheat together. Warm hands now slipped onto her shoulders from behind and the warrior-bard closed her eyes. "Xena." Around she turned and a smile came on her lips. "Hi," she whispered.

Stood tall and smiling was the warrior. "Hi, love."

A chuckle escaped the small woman's lips. "It worked huh?"

"It looks like it." A kiss formed between her and Gabrielle with that of love.

A soft moan filter from Gabrielle between the kiss. Slowly the kiss ended with smiles on the lips.

"I've missed you, Xen."

"We haven't even been apart for a day," came the tease from the warrior.

"I know, it means this is bad," joked the small warrior.

The wind blew and rustled the bright golden wheat around the Soulmates of Time.

"The Amazons had a party, I take it."

A nod in response. "I managed to sneak away." With knitted eyebrows, she questioned, "Where are you?"

Her head lowered down and a smile shaped Xena's lips. "I'm just outside of Thessaloniki."

Another nod came from Gabrielle. "So you should make it to Pydmon tomorrow."

"Yes, then I'll pick up Toris's path."

"Good." A soft smile took the warrior-bard's lips. "I love you, Xen."

"I love you too, Gabrielle." Large hands took Gabrielle's and she smiled. "There's a hill that over looks our dreamscape."

"How convenient," was Gabrielle's tease.

A quiet laugh left the older woman. "Isn't it? Let's go."

"Lead the way, partner." Her hands were taken by her tall lover.

The hill came into view as they neared it then went up it.

Turned around, she looked at the view. "This is beautiful," ushered the small woman.

"It really is," was Xena's agreement.

She was turned around by her warrior's hands on her shoulders. "Everything is okay?" was the question.

Her head nodded and a smile creased her lips. "Yes, for now."

A chuckle left Xena. "Good, hopefully nothing will go wrong while I'm away."

"Or while I'm gone," was a tease from Gabrielle.

"I'll be okay."

"Uh huh." Her hand brought Xena's head down as her lips took the warm lips.

The kiss filled with passion between the Soulmates. The passion controlling the Soulmates.

"Let's make use of our linked dreamscapes." A smile crossed the lips of Gabrielle.

That twinkle formed in the warrior's eyes. "No argument here." Her hands were clasped by Gabrielle's and downward she sat.

Her legs straddled Xena's lap while her enticing smile shaped her lips. A powerful kiss came from her soft lips.

Touches and emotions grabbed the Soulmates. Soon sunset would come in their dreamscape and waken by the sunrise in reality would take them away from here. But now, having each other they would do while resting in each other's arms at the end.