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For disclaimers see Part 1.

Babysitting The Bard

by the BC Team

'The beginning?' How do I begin to explain to my lovely Bard why and how this all happened? I am not even sure what happened, but I do know that if I wasn't such a hotheaded, stubborn Warrior none of this would have happened. What in Hades was I doing twenty miles away from the one true love of my life. Yes, we have been arguing lately and agreed to spend some time away. 'Some time away,' whose stupid idea was that anyway??? Xena hung her head down mine of course. Fishing with Joxer for a few hours should have been enough, but no I had to prove my point to Ms. Way of Love and stay out all night.  You know Xena I don't know were you get your brilliant ideas from but you should try listening to Gabrielle a little more often.

Gabrielle noticing her Warrior was having some kind of inner fight asked "Xena, the beginning?  What am I doing here?"

Xena raises her head and pain filled blue eyes meet worried green. "Your here because of me, because of an old enemy of mine is seeking revenge." Gabrielle waits patiently. The rare times Xena talks about her past, Gabrielle found that it's better to let her go at her own pace. "Some years back when I had just started building my army, I took in almost anyone. I wasn't the best judge of character then, so I made some bad choices, one of them was Tor." The years fall back in Xena's mind.

"You can't just banish me from you army Xena I'm to valuable to you." Screamed the small man, bound by ropes.

Xena grabs him by the front of his tunic. "Tor just be thankful to what ever Gods that are protecting you, because if I didn't owe you my life I would kill you now and be done with you." She pushes Tor away from her and he falls to the ground.

"What does one wench or two matter?" 

"Not children you piece of dung,  no man in this army touches children." Her mind whirls as she remembers the conditions of the bodies of Tor's "playthings" after he was done. She had heard he was cruel but this was beyond even her Dark Side. "Hold him" Xena growled Two of her men held Tor on his knees before the Dark Warlord. Drawing a small dagger Xena advances on the now helpless man. "Remember this if you live. If I ever see you again I'll kill you." Xena says in a low voice. Tor's screams lasted for over two candle marks, not nearly as long as his victims.

Tor wakes from his drunken sleep bathed in sweat, again his last meeting with his greatest enemy plays in his mind. I'll see to it she suffers tortures greater than Tartarus will ever see for what she did. His hand brushes across the maze of scars on his chest. He manages to barely survived what would later be called death by a thousand cuts.  "NOLA," he shouts. no one comes. "NOLA YOU BITCH," he shouts again, a servant enters.

"She isn't here My Lord." The youth stammers.

"Where is she?" He growls.

"I don't know My Lord, her tent is empty."

An almost exact double of the raging Tor enters the tent, except for the clothing, and the apparent lack of scars, the second man is a mirror image of the first. "What's wrong brother killed another one and forgot about it?" The second man smiles and this sends Tor into a greater fury.

"YOU LICK SPITTLE WEASEL, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY WENCH?" He roars, and runs towards his twin. Almost to fast for the eye to see Tor's twin Solar whips a dagger from a sheath up his sleeve. Tor stops just short of impaling himself on it.

"Your pregnant sow is of no concern to me, I have no interest in wenches as you well know. Now that lovely boy over there." The youth quickly leaves the tent but not before he sees Solar lick his lips and leer at him. Tor eyes the dagger and thinks twice about risking his life. Solar uses poisons on his blades, death in as little as a scratch. Dargon enters the tent.

"My Lords good your together, I have news." The two brothers separate and look to Dargon. "What is it." Tor snarls.

"I talked to the Old Hag the girl will live, and I think Xena may already be nearby, one of my men while trying for a little wench sport was relieved of the girl I took with Xena's little friend."

"She can't still be alive the poison..." Solar spoke to quickly.

"Was counteracted by the Old Healer" Dargon finished quickly with a look to Solar to tell him to be silent. "As I told you my Lord Solar, But for now it's enough to know that Xena is near. We must set the trap and wait the Wolf to enter."

Tor's eyes with evil glee. "Yes the Black Wolf I'll have her soon and when I do..." His mind reeled with the thoughts of how he would make her pay. "Perhaps I'll let her watch while I amuse myself with her little friend."  Dargon's eyes darkened he wanted Gabrielle for his own pleasures, if Tor got to her first there would be nothing left. That was not in Dargon's plans.

In the Amazon village Ephiny is going over plans with  her officers. Tara is pacing back and forth. She can't understand why all this fuss. "Lets just get going," she thinks to herself.  "How much longer do we have to wait?" Tara asked for the fifth time.

Ephiny was about ready to knock the girl out when a messenger rushed in. "The Centaurs are ready and will meet us at the common border." 

"Centaurs!" Tara exclaimed.

"Can you thinks of a faster way to get to Xena and Gabrielle?" Ephiny replied with a smile as they left the hut. The common area of the village was filled with both armed and unarmed Amazons milling and all talking at once. Ephiny raised her hand for silence. "As you all know our beloved Queen Gabrielle is in trouble."

"Again?" Is heard from the crowd and is met with nervous chuckles.

Ephiny smiles "Yes again but this time her champion has requested help." Complete silence meets the statement. Xena asking for help, not something she would normally do. "This is not going to be and easy battle." Those who wish to remain, may do so without fear of reprisal." Ephiny looks out across a sea of determined faces. "We go to take our Queen back from Tor the Cruel"  Uneasy glances and worried voices make up the crowd assembled.

"For the Queen and her Champion!" Someone shouts the cry is taken up.

Ephiny smiles, proud over her Amazon sisters. Stepping down from the platform, she takes Argo's lead, raises her hand. "To the Queen!" She shouts.

"To the Queen!" Is the answer. The war party moves towards the common border to meet with their
allies, and then to rescue their Queen.

Xena waited for Gabrielle to speak, She watched as the story of Tor settled in the Bards mind. Gabrielle sighed and took a callused hand. "Xena that was a long time ago, and I've already told you I'll be here for you...always." Gabrielle's hand caressed the still damp cheek of the normally stoic Warrior. "I love You." She said softly. Green eyes drew blue into an embrace that neither could escape. The world contained only a Warrior and a Bard sharing the first of many kisses. Gabrielle
pressed her head against Xena's shoulder as she found herself in the Warriors lap. Arms holding her tight. Tears spill freely soaking the dark leather. "I've waited so long for this." She whispered.

Xena caressing the blonde head replies. "So have I but I was afraid to feel again, afraid to love." She kissed the top of the Bards head. 

"Now isn't this a touching sight." a voice sneers.

Dargon enters followed by armed men and a captive Healer. "Don't move Xena, I have bolts trained on you and the girl, plus I'll kill this worthless piece of flesh Healer."

Gabrielle tries weakly to keep herself between Dargon's men and Her Love, but Xena gently sets her aside. "It's me you want let them go."

"No!" Gabrielle cries.

Dargon laughs and then signals his men to tie and chain the Dark Warrior. One of them takes Gabrielle by the arm. "Yes Xena you are wanted, by Tor, if truth be known. Its you little friend I want." He
turns to Gabrielle  "Well little bird if all goes according to plan I will clip those lovely wings soon." 

"Don't you dare touch her." Xena snarls her eyes dark like the wolf so many call her.

Dargon laughs. "Well Xena for the sake of the pleasure I will soon enjoy with her I will give you till tonight to taste her delight one last time." He turns to his men. "Put the two of them into the pit. See that they aren't disturbed." Dargon turns to the two  women. "Call it granting a last request, take her while you can Xena you won't be getting a second chance." 

"You won't be getting a first." Xena replies with a feral smile as the men dragged her and Gabrielle from the tent.

Dargon watches the Warrior and Bard taken away, he turns to the Old Healer. "As for you old Hag...you still have some use here, by the way your daughter never left the camp." The Healer gasps. "No I have her safe and sound, as long as you give me no trouble she and your unborn grandchild will live. Perhaps I'll keep her after I get rid of Tor and His brother, she might prove amusing." The old
healer crumples to the ground and Dargon leaves laughing.

Xena and Gabrielle are dragged from the healers tent. Xena manages to pull the stumbling Bard close, and with a look from her cold eyes the men with them stay back. As they are pushed into a large, dark, hole in the ground, Xena barely manages to break Gabrielle's fall. They lay for a while on the littered floor of their prison. "I am so sorry Xena" Gabrielle whispers. 

Xena strokes the blond head. "For what, you have nothing to be sorry for." Xena answers.

Gabrielle sits up and in the faint light looks deep into blue eyes. "Xena no matter what happens I would not have changed anything." 

Xena smiles " I would."

"What would you have changed" Gabrielle fearful that maybe Xena regretted admitting her love.

Xena pulled Gabrielle into her arms and tilted her face up to meet eyes of blue and green. "I would have done this sooner." Xena brushed her lips across Gabrielle's cheek. "And this," kissing her chin, "And definitely this." She kissed the Bard with all the love her heart held.

Gabrielle laid her head against Xena's shoulder. "I definitely like that." She whispered.

Xena chuckled. "Well my Bard if I figure the position of the sun right we may soon have more that just 'That' to do."

"That sounds nice." Gabrielle snuggled into the warrior's arms. "What's the sun got to do with it?" She murmured.

"I figure if I know your Amazons, Queen of my heart, they should be here in about four candle marks"

Tara was having some problems staying on the back of the Centaur she was riding. "Hey warn me when your gonna jump." she yelled.

What strong Amazon don't know how to ride?" The young Centaur grinned.

"I ain't no Amazon. I'm just tryin to help some friends." 

"Xena the Warrior Princess and the Bard Queen of the Amazons, powerful friends. What's you name? I can't just call you girl." 

"Tara. So what do I call you? Horse's ass?" 

The young centaur tossed back his head and laughed. "You have the brass to be an Amazon Tara. I'm called Talon. I gave my mother much pain in carrying me. She said it was like I had talons instead of hooves." 

Ephiny, riding on Argo, raised her hand and the rescue party came to a halt. Tara and Talon moved closer. "Tara I need you to explain again what the campsite looks like."

Two candle marks had passed and Xena assured herself of the Bard's growing strength as the poison's effect were rapidly leaving her. Suddenly the grate opens and a ladder is lower to the floor of the pit. "Come up little bird, and you Black Wolf Tor has decided on a little entertainment."

"Pity I had plans for you myself." Dargon smirked as the two climbed from the hole. 

"Don't worry Dargon I have plans of my own and they do involve you and I." Xena smiled and for once Dargon was glad she was in chains, and that he was not alone. The two captive women were dragged to the center of the camp where a large wooden stake was set into the ground. Xena was tied with ropes to
it still in her chains. Gabrielle was dragged and flung to the feet of a seated Tor and his brother Solar. "So girl I see that my brother's poised blade failed to kill you." Solar blanched how had his brother found out? Tor laughed. "Did you think I didn't know brother? It seems however that you did me a favor, the girl in distress made the Wolf careless." Tor through back his head and laughed. He reached down and pulled Gabrielle up by her hair. She cried out in pain. Xena strained against the ropes, her eyes burned with  a raging blue fire. "Xena," He called to the raging warrior, "I've decided on a  contest the winner decided the fate of the loser." 

"What are the conditions of the contest Tor." Xena growled. The camp was deadly silent except for a lone bird call. Gabrielle's head snapped up and she looked to the trees. A pair of brown eyes surveyed the scene below, and then were gone.

"Well I was thinking that you and I would engage in a little battle all our own Xena. Me with a dagger and you with that pole up your back."

"NO!" All heads turned to the Bard. "No you want a fight? Then let it be with me."

Xena's eyes were wild ."No Gabrielle please don't do this."

Gabrielle walked up to Xena and slid her arms around her. "No my Love it's my decision." Xena felt Gabrielle slip something into her hands.

"Where in the..." Her mind whirls.  Again a lone bird sings and is answered by a hawk. Gabrielle smiles up at Xena. She returns the smile knowingly.

Gabrielle turn and strides towards Tor. "As a queen of the Amazon Nation I charge you with  the abduction  of myself and My Champion. Submit to Amazon Justice or face the consequences."

Xena was filled with love and pride for her Bard. Even weakened she stood tall and proud. "Ephiny I hope your getting an eyeful," she thought to herself. 

Tor and the men of the camp started laughing. It was all some of them could do to stay standing. "You
queen of the Amazons? Xena's little whore a queen? All right Amazon." Tor sneered. "When I beat you I'll have the pleasure of watching Xena as she witnesses you being staked out in front of her and used by every man in this camp."

"So the little Bird is an Amazon?" Dargon strides forward. He turns towards Tor. "She may be of more value alive and well for ransom from the Amazons, My Lord"

Solar brushes Dargon aside. "Let the bitch try. Hades I'll even offer to fight her." Tor laughed even louder. "Alright brother, Amazon what is your choice of weapon?"

Gabrielle and Solar face each other in the clear area before the stake. "Come on bitch I'll finish you this time." He rushed at Gabrielle wielding a staff. Gabrielle side stepped spinning her staff and catching Solar across his backside sending him to the dirt.

"You really need to work on your staff work ." Gabrielle and Solar exchange passes several more times, each time is a little harder for the already weak  woman.

"Come on Gabrielle stay out of the way." Eponin growls softly. She has an arrow trained on Tor but every time she is ready to shoot Her Queen steps into the way. She wants a clean shot with out risk. "Why now of all time did you choose to fight. You could of just tried to just talk him to death.

Suddenly Gabriel stumbles and falls back Solar rushed in a dagger in hand. "This time you die bitch!" He yells. "NO!!" Tor yells and rushes forward. Several things happen at once. The ropes holding Xena
snap as she's free and armed with a knife and her chains. Solar pitches forward carried by the arrow sticking out of his back. The dagger in his hand cuts into his brothers arm as he falls, Dead.  Dargon leaps forward and starts dragging Gabrielle away. "Xena!" She yells. Xena tries to battle her way past Tor's men swinging the chains on her wrists. The air is filled with Amazon and Centaur battle cries and the whole camp explodes in confusion.

Xena manages to break through and as Solari rushes up she hold a bloody key and proceeds to unlock the chains. "Defend our Queen Xena." She says.

"Xena!" Gabrielle's voice is heard and Dargon and a few men ride past with Gabrielle across Dargon's saddle. The fly from the camp and as Xena whistles a large palomino war horse rushes to her mistress side taking out a few men on the way. Xena mounts and is quickly on Dargon's tail. She is soon followed by Amazons riding Centaurs. "Secure the Camp!" Ephiny calls. "Artemis help her." She prays. "Bring them both back. Alive."

"He's got Gabrielle." Xena is in a rage. "If he so much as harms one hair on her precious head I'll make sure it takes him hours to die."  The sound of Argo's running hooves beat in in time with the Dark
Warriors heart. Suddenly she comes to a split in the trail. Argo dances in agitation as Xena tries to decide which path to take.  Horse signs both ways. "Hades, which way, if I go the wrong way I may
lose her again."

"NO!" She shouts. "I will find her, I will not stop till I find her." The sounds of hooves  come up the the trail behind her. Centaur and Amazon circle the agitated warrior.

Eponin circles Argo on a dark horse she "liberated" from the camp. "Xena  which way." She calls.

"Half of you go to the left". Xena replies Eponin signals as half the force is off. "Pony we need to leave a couple of them here in case they back track. If they do we will need to know  where they go." Eponin signals and three Amazons take to the trees, in moments bird signal is heard ,they are in place

"Hey Xena what about me?"

Xena spins Argo around, till know she hadn't seen Tara on Talon. "Tara you need to go back----" 

"Wait a minute Xena, look it's simple Blondie needs my help, I ain't goin back. You either take me along or, I follow . On foot if necessary."
 
Xena felt her lips twitch trying not to smile. "Alright just stay close, but you do exactly as I say or---" 

"Yea I know, your gonna kick my butt."

"The rest of you follow me." She  whirls on Argo ,and is off down what she hopes is the right path. "Hang on Love I'm coming"

"Hey horse face think ya can keep up?" Tara says to Talon

"Hang on girl your gonna get the ride of your life." 

"Yea," she snorts, "I've heard that one before." She is nearly unseated as Talon flies like a crossbow
bolt in flight.

As Xena rounds a bend in the trail she is faced with men on horseback. She draws her sword and drives past cutting one of them down. Behind her she hears Amazon and Centaur war cries, her face is set in a feral grin, her blood lust is at it's fullest.  As she rides all she can think about is Gabrielle. Its all my fault, I've got to get her back. Suddenly Argo comes to a skidding halt inches away from a deep drop over a river. Xena howls in rage, the bridge has been cut.

"Xena. Dargon's voice calls, I have the little bird, and I shall enjoy her." Dargon's laughter claws at Xena's heart.

The Centaurs and their riders arrive, Eponin dismounts her horse and joins Xena at the edge of the drop.  She grabs Xena's arm. "Xena where is the Queen?" 

Xena spins around but not to attack.  Eponin is  one of the few who can enter Xena's  personal space  without fear, she is a friend. "Is there another way across?" Xena asks. Though her manner is calm Eponin can feel the strong emotions flooding Xena's body. Eponin doesn't answer but the look on her face tells Xena all she need to know, there isn't another crossing nearby. She stands and examines the area trying to figure out a way across, anyway. Suddenly Xena feels a presence, she hears a sound behind her as she turns, all are on their knees. "Artemis," she snarls.

Standing before her is the Patron Goddess of the Amazons and of the Hunt. Bedecked in simple hunting leathers, her bow in hand and arrows in a quiver slung on her back, she is every inch a Goddess. Xena is not impressed. "What do you want?" Xena's eyes are cold she has no use for the immortals.

Artemis smiles down on her Amazons  and their companions, then turns to Xena her eyes are hard. "My Chosen is in danger and yet it is you she calls to. Xena you have dragged that poor girl into one danger after another yet still she calls to you." Artemis eyes flash in anger. Xena stands not moving, but Artemis can feel her words strike home. "You, why you, why should she call on you? For that matter why are you even here trying to save her?" The  Goddess in her rage glows with a burning light all save  Xena tremble in the wake of her anger.

"Because I love her." Was Xena's soft reply.

The burning light goes and with it Artemis rage. "I don't approve of her choice, you will have much to prove to me." Artemis hold up her hand to forestall Xena's harsh reply. "What I now do I do for her, bring back my Chosen, restore her to my daughters." Artemis turns and walks to a kneeling Tara. With gentle fingers she raises Tara's face. "Child I have watched   you through all of this trouble. " "As it is said what you have done only an Amazon would do for another Amazon. An orphan should have a home, since your uncle is now gone and you are alone hear this. Should you choose you have a home in any Amazon village----my daughter. Artemis leans forward and places a kiss on Tara's forehead. "Captain you are witness." Eponin rises on shaky legs and stands at the edge of the drop with Artemis. The Goddess hands one of her arrows and a length of rope to the trembling Amazon warrior. She speaks so softly  that even Xena cant hear, but Eponin can, and she nods.  Artemis turns and looks at Tara. "I have a task for you daughter, you must lead them in faith across the narrow path fear not you can do it?" Tara nods. "Help save my chosen." With that Artemis is gone. Xena turns to see Eponin raise her bow  the arrow that Artemis gave her, notches it in place with the rope affixed to it. She is aiming  across  the river to the other shore. The arrow flies across and imbeds itself into a tree. The rope becomes rigid on both ends and attaches to trees as it spans the river. Xena tugs on the rope it seems
more like a metal rod than a rope. She turns to the group.

"Alright I'm, going to try and cross since there is no other way, you might as well all fall back..."

"No." Tara says as she steps forward. "She said I have to lead."

Tara  leaps and stands on the rope like a tight rope walker. "Well," she  smirks. "lets go." Tara moves with ease across the gap and to the other side  jumping down she turns. "Come on it's easy."

Xena shakes her head. Turning she address Eponin. " You don't have to follow, but if you do someone still has to go back to report to let ones we left behind and back to the camp." Eponin nods and issues orders she turns to Xena. "Lets go."

Xena and the remaining Amazons leap up and follow Tara across the gap.  Tara looks over the edge and almost falls  but Eponin grabs her and pulls her back.  "Careful little sister, lets not lose you before you get to meet the rest of the family." 

"Lets get moving." Xena starts down the path  " I owe you nothing." She thinks. " I do it for her." Xena hears the slight laugh in the voice that only she can hear.

"Xena where are you?" Gabrielle  thinks she has been left for now bound on Dargon's bedroll. She tries to ignore the slight pain she feels from his "attentions."

"I have all night to examine you my little bird." He laughed as his hands roughly caressed her body. Her mouth cut, a bruise on her cheek  because she bit him when he tried to kiss her.

"Xena is not going to like this." Gabrielle said tears of pain in her eyes the blow  still ringing her ears.

"Xena is still on the other side of the cavern little bird, we cut the bridge."

"You obviously don't know Xena very well." She replied to Dargon's retreating back.  

Fire light shines in watching  eyes, slowly the dark form  circles each member of the pack knowing its job fans out seeking prey.  Tonight the Dark Wolf hunts, and its prey sits beside a fire unaware that tonight may be his last. Dargon laughs at some ribald joke,  "So Dargon when do we get to sample this...morsel of yours?" The other men around the fire laugh.

Dargon's eyes gleam with evil light, "Bring the wench here."

One of the men jumps up, the sounds of a struggle and Gabrielle's protest against her rough handling. She is shoved at Dargon's feet her hands still bound. He grabs Gabrielle by the hair and roughly pull her into a sitting position. Her cry of pain is softly answered by a low growl by the pack leader.

"Have a little respect, she is the Queen of the Amazon nation." Dargon laughs. 

"A Queen who will serve me like the whore she is." Laughs another of the men.

"Xena's whore, laughs Dargon roughly pulling Gabrielle's head around her cry almost cause the Dark pack to charge. "Well  little bird, they say she can hear the heartbeat of an enemy across a crowed battlefield, think I can make you scream  loud enough for her to hear you on the other side of the cavern."  

A bird whistle followed close by the sound of a hunting hawk.  Gabrielle smiles, "I think you should be more concerned about  her hearing you." The hunting call of the hawk is heard again.

Dargon looks into Gabrielle's eyes, the look of fear is gone and is replaced by one of ......."Never heard a hawk call at ni...." the man voice is stilled as he  stands looking at the feathered shaft protruding from his chest. The dead body stands for a moment then falls into the fire. the smell of burning flesh and cloth fill the clearing. The air is rent with the  War cry of the Warrior Princess,  the  Amazon Queen's own champion.  

Dargon, and his few remaining men are quickly surrounded. "XENA NO!!" Gabrielle cries out seeing the murderous rage in her beloved's eyes. 

"He must  face Amazon justice." calls Eponin.

Xena's blade is at Dargon's throat  "Move please," Xena growls, "I want the excuse to kill you now." Dargon's face is pale, the sweat of fear pouring off him. "Xena", a soft voice calls from the small form
between Xena booted feet. The dark rages lessens at the sound of her loves voice.  Eponin and another Amazon grab Dargon and he is  soon secured and placed with the three still living men.  Xena quickly cuts the ropes on Gabrielle's wrists and pulls her into a  fierce embrace. She presses her lips against Gabrielle's hair kissing her. Tears threaten behind her closed eye lids as she feels her love tremble and soon the sound of sobbing is heard.  Xena gently lifts the trembling Queen and carries her to a bed roll and there takes her into her lap. Gently Xena rocks and croons soft comfort sounds, stroking and petting her. In moments the sobbing slows and stops, Gabrielle snuggles into the warmth and the two forget the outer world.

Eponin stands and gazes at her Queen and the Queen's champion. She is loathe to interrupt but they must find a way to return to the camp where, the Regent and rescue party awaits. As if her thoughts are read Xena looks up and nods.

"Gabrielle we have to move," Xena lifts Gabrielle's face and gazes into her eyes. Eph will think the worst, and we can't have her think I failed you again."  The last words come with a small catch in the Warriors voice, a catch that only Gabrielle could hear.

"You did not fail me, Xena what happened, happened. I don't want you blaming yourself for anything that the fates may played.  Xena I love you." The last was spoken with almost a plea in the young Queen's voice.

Xena watches as tears again form in green eyes.  Xena pulls Gabrielle's head forward and gently kisses the forehead of her love. "Can you walk, if not I can carry you if you'd like?"

Gabrielle giggles "I think I can try to walk .  I'm not the one who rides that big warhorse most of the time." She stands to quickly and almost faints. Quickly she is swept up into the strong arms of her Warrior Champion. "Then again maybe not to much walking."

Eponin and the remaining Amazons assemble a litter to carry their Queen in safety. Gabrielle without to much protest allowed herself to be coddled and pampered. She was placed on the litter and was carried by her former captors under the watchful eyes of her Champion and her Captain of the guard.

They reach the cavern in record time, the prisoners are exhausted from their labors, and they drop to the ground. It seems that the remaining Amazons and their Centaur companions have been very busy.

"I don't think they are gonna give us much trouble for awhile Eponin laughs." indicating the exhausted men.

" Xena looks them over and then back to her friend. "Watch them all the same." "I don't trust them," and she walks ahead to the edge. 

A new walkway made of branches and rope now span the cavern. "Are you sure this will hold?" she calls across.

"Absolutely." Talon call and the young Centaur runs across the fragile looking span.

"Talon are you out of your horse loving mind???" Tara shouts rushing up into his face.

"Miss me sweet ?" he grins down at her and she begins to blush.

"Listen Horse Face I have no reason to miss you."  Tara blusters her face even reader than before.

Gabrielle moves over and into the waiting arms of her love. " Um Xena, is this something you neglected to tell me?"

"Tell you, Xena replies , this is a first time for me to."

They stand and watch the banter between the grinning Centaur and a very red Tara.

"Lets get you across, Xena whispers into Gabrielle's ear, and to the safety of our hut in the Village."

Gabrielle grins. "Will I be safe there Xena.?"

"From everyone , but me." Xena purrs into the Queens ear, which is suddenly turning a lovely shade of red .

Xena lifts the blushing Queen into her arms and proceeds across the bridge. Gabrielle burrows her face into the warriors neck afraid to look down.

Once across she gently, almost reluctantly to the ground. Gabrielle leans into Xena trembling.

"Gabrielle? Xena's voice is one of concern.

"I'm ok, a muffled voice replies." Can I just stay right here for a while?"

Xena tightens her arms around the small woman in her arms. " As long as you wish my love, as long as you wish."

Soon all of the Amazons and their prisoners, are across. the bridge Once again, Gabrielle finds herself riding with Xena walking at her side, leading Argo.

"Xena I'm scared."

"Of what?" Xena looks up to her loves face.  

"Xena, these men have committed crimes against the Amazon nation, I have to judge them."

"You will make a wise and informed decision." Xena smiled

Gabrielle smiles "Gee ya think so?

"Yes." Xena takes The Queens hand and squeezes it.

The trip back to Tor's camp took time. No one wanted to push the weakened Queen.  By the time they reached it Ephiny had all in readiness. Fires were lit, food prepared, and prisoners were secured. Upon seeing the rescue party, the whole camp of Amazons went to their knees.

"Please get up everyone." Gabrielle said, then fainted dead away down into Xena's arms.

A candle mark later Gabrielle opened her eyes and found herself in an unfamiliar tent. She turned her head and gazed at the dark form sitting in a chair beside the pallet on which she lay.

"Xena?" she says softly.

In a flash Xena is sitting on the pallet next to Gabrielle, she places a calloused hand to the pale cheek.  Gazing into her loves eyes Xena quickly pulls the young Queen into a fierce embrace.  "I almost lost
you." she whispers into Gabrielle's hair. 

There is a soft cough, and the two women turn to see the Queens Regent, standing just inside the tent entrance. " I just came to check on the two of you. Looks like your ok."

Gabrielle reaches out her hand and Ephiny rushes forward and sits on the pallet. She takes the Queens hands and looks her over. She needed to be sure that her friend was alright.

Then Ephiny stood and was all regent. "My Queen if you feel up to it, there is a whole camp of your people who need to see that their Queen is well."

Gabrielle stood, taking a deep breath to ease the fatigue in her body, she walked out of the tent, every inch a Queen. Followed by a very proud champion and  regent.

All activity stopped as Gabrielle stepped out into the fire light.  As one all dropped to their knees to pay homage.  

Gabrielle was seated in a makeshift place of honor, while food and drink were brought to her. She didn't have much of an appetite, which was cause for concern, but when one took into account the past few days it was understandable.  Soon her head began to nod, and try as she might soon sleep took her. 

Xena gently lifted her sleeping love, and carried her into the tent that was set aside for her.  She lowered Gabrielle to the pallet and gently removed her boots.  Xena took a seat in the chair next to the pallet and just watched the Bard /Queen sleep.

"If I had only been with you, none of this would have happened." She thought. Lost in painfull thoughts, it wasn't until Gabrielle began to whimper loud in her sleep that Xena noticed her distress. Xena reached out to Gabrielle and the bard snuggled against her.

"Your armor is cold." she murmered.

Xena shed her armor and laid down, pulling Gabrielle close.

"Much better." came the mumbled response.

Putting her arms around the small woman Xena was soon asleep, peace like she had not had in years gave her pleasant  dreams of a certain Bard.

Xena ran across the open meadow in pursuit of her Bard. Laughing she swept the laughing woman up into her arms and spun them both till she fell to the grass in a sweet embrace. 

Laughing she gazed into eyes that reflected the love she felt. A gentle hand pulled her head down and she kissed the woman she loved, the woman she cherished.

"I love you Xena."

The words sent shivers of delight and desire through her body. Rising form the grass, she pulled her green eyed companion up and proceeded to lead her back to their camp and the comfort of their bed rolls. It was there that Xena planned to make love to this woman of hers.

"Xena?"  The sound of fear in the Bards voice caused Xena to turn. Suddenly an invisible force seemed to hold the dark Warrior in place, and that same force seem to be pulling Gabrielle away.

"Xena?" The fear and confusion was greater in the Bards green eyes, as she was pulled farther away.

"Gabrielle!" Xena called her arm outstretched, her hand trying to grasp the retreating Bard.

"Xena, where are you I need you?" Gabrielle called. dark forms began to surround the gentle bard.

"Gabrielle!" Xena shouted, she struggled with the invisible forces that held her back. "Gabrielle!" she screamed ""Gabrielle!!!!!!!!!!"

"Xena?" a soft frightened voice called.

Xena sat up her eyes wild her body bathed in sweat. 

"Xena, I'm right here love, right here."

The voice she knew as well as her own spoke. A soft hand on her arm, caused her to turn, and she pulled the object of her dream into her arms.

Gabrielle felt Xena tremble as she was held tight in strong arms.

"Its alright love it was just a dream."  "What ever it was it was just a dream."  she crooned softly.

Xena released her hold on the bard. Leaning back she placed her hand against the soft cheek, and looked deeply into Gabrielle's eyes.

"Something was pulling you away, some dark things , and I couldn't get to you. You called to me, and I couldn't move."  Tears formed in blue eyes and fell down her face.

Taking the hand from her face Gabrielle kissed the calloused palm. "Your here now, and we are together Xena, nothing is going keep us apart. Besides, I think you promised me a few more kisses, and I am going to hold you to that, Warrior Princess. Remember you can't rein on a promise to an Amazon Queen you know."

Xena pulled Gabrielle into her arms. "Yes my Queen." she said softly, and gently kissed the Amazon Queen. 

The kiss deepened, and a soft moan came from the Amazon Queen only to be echoed, by the dark Warrior Princess.

Xena trailed kisses across Gabrielle's face and down to the rapid pulse in the smaller woman's neck.

Xena pulled back her eyes filled with desire, yet uncertain. She gazed into her loves eyes for some sign that  the bard was alright.

"Don't stop Xena , please."  Gabrielle whispered, as she pulled the dark head towards her, joining their lips again into a kiss that grew in passion, and desire.

Never before in any battle had the Dark Warrior fought so hard, than this battle for control of her desires.  In the past Xena had always taken what she wanted from a lover, before it has been a frenzied copulation for release. But this she wanted to be as gentle as possible, she wanted this to be an expression of her love, not her lust.

Xena felt timid fingers pulling at the laces of her leathers, and she smiled. Taking one of the bards hands she kissed each finger, and then looking into Gabrielle's eyes she gently began to remove the objects that barred her way to skin she longed to touch.

With each touch, each kiss and caress, the Bard's breathing became more rapid, her eyes more needful, her movements more frenzied. Soon divested of all clothing Xena lowered herself down and over the the smaller form. A low moan escaped the Dark Warrior, as she felt the soft flesh beneath her.

"Xena Please!!" Gabrielle moaned, as she pulled the dark head down for a needful kiss.

This almost proved the undoing of all Xena's control, pressing a leg between the thighs of her love, she felt the wetness and heat.  Her hand began to caress a soft found breast, and she began to kiss and nip at the throat beneath her. 

Gabrielle began to push upwards and press against the body above her. Her hands sought to touch and know all within her reach.  She had no idea just how much control it was taking for Xena to just throw all control away and just ravish her bard. "Mine!" she murmured into the soft neck.

"Yours," was the soft reply. "All of me, yours." Pressing upwards her body rocking against the battle hardened warrior, Gabrielle groaned and whimpered her need. She then pressed her own thigh upwards and connected with the Warriors burning center, and this proved to be the final undoing of all of Xena's good intentions.

Pressing her lips to the Bard/Queens lips in an almost brutal kiss, Xena began to claim the willing woman in her arms.

The guards outside the tent began to blush when they realized what may
have been the cause of the unusual noises coming from the Queen's tent.

Eponin and Ephiny had started to enter the tent when they were stopped dead in their tracks by the sounds emanating form the tent. They looked at the blushing guards and then each other.

"Glad the Queen is feeling better." Grinned Eponin.  A low growl long and loud sounded, "Guess Xena is feeling better also."

Ephiny poked the captain of the guard in the arm. "Watch if Pony or you find out just how good I feel."  She smirked

"Promise?"  Eponin leered. 

Ephiny looked startled at her friend, she had never really thought of Eponin in that light, but suddenly----

"Xena!!" Gabrielle called, followed by Xena's voice calling the name of the Bard.  The silence from the tent was deafening.

The blushing Reagent pulled an equally blushing Captain of the guard, away form the tent.

"Lets just wait till morning to disturb them, they may need their sleep." Said the Queens Regent.

Sounds again began to come form the Queens tent.

"That is if they sleep at all."  Eponin snickered.

The two Amazons sat in silence and watched the fire, each lost for a moment in their own thoughts.

"Did you post a..." Ephiny began.

"Yes, and an extra guard on the pit for the prisoners." Finished  Eponin.

Ephiny looked around the central campfire, The rescue party, those who were not on guard duty, were setting down to sleep. Some in pairs arms holding each other and some in small groups quietly seeking the comfort of a friend after the long day.  The sounds of soft voices and soft snores could be heard.  None would really rest till they were back in Amazon territory.  As her eyes traveled she saw Talon the young centaur, his legs tucked under him his arms holding a sleeping Tara. She had argued with him halfheartedly about him keeping her warm and safe as she slept.

The sight brought back bitter sweet memories of Phantes and her all to brief time with her centaur mate.  As tears fell from her eyes, strong arms pulled her into a warm embrace.  She cried softly for a time, and when the tears were spent, she looked up into her comforter's eyes.

Eponin had heard the soft intake of breath and saw the tears falling down Ephiney's face. Following her friends gaze, she knew the reason for the tears.  Pulling her close Eponin waited for the silent sobbing to subside.

Gazing at the tear streaked face Eponin pulled the curly head to her shoulder, without words, offered the warmth and protection of her arms.

Ephiny relaxed into the softness, and the two just continued to gaze into the fire.

"Do you think she will make a good Amazon?"  Eponin asked.

"Who?"  Ephiny inquired

"Tara, I mean I know she is annoying, but well given time..." Eponin smiled at the confused look on her friends face.

"Pony you know full well we don't just let anyone join the tribe from outside the nation without a recommendation, or sponsor." 

"I know."  Eponin replied.

"Are you saying that Tara has one??"

Eponin looked across the fire at the sleeping girl. "Yup, the best"

"Who?"  "The Queen and the Warrior Princess?" Ephiny asked.

"Artemis." was the one word reply.

Ephiny looked at Eponin like the Amazon had sprouted a horn in the middle of her forehead.

"Eponin." Ephiny said slowly . "Did you get kicked in the head or something?  

"The Goddess works in strange ways Ephiny."  "Look  we tracked the Queen to a ravine there was clearly no quick way to cross it." "Next thing I know Artemis herself shows up gives me instructions, and hands me one of her arrows." " She talks to that kid, and gives her a home in any Amazon
village she chooses." Gives her blessing and asks me to witness." " Now you tell me; I'm gonna say no???"

Ephiny grins, and glances back at the sleeping pair. " I am gonna love telling this to Gabrielle." 

"Can I be there when you do? " Eponin grins.

"You have to be, Artemis spoke to you ." Ephiny laughed.

The sun was well up when a sleepy Queen's hand sought her lover, only to find the space empty and cold. The sound of booted feet entering the tent made the Queen turn and call her lovers name. "Xena?"

"No my Queen." A young guard said, blushing at the sight of a near naked Queen, one that she has a crush on. The guard placed a tray of food and a steaming cup of fragrant tea on a nearby table. "Um Xena say's eat and she will be back soon."

Forgetting her present state of dress, or lack thereof Gabrielle moves quickly from the Pallet and nearly rushes out of the tent only to be met by black leather, blue eyes, and loving arms.

"Unless you plan on performing some sort of dance of a nymph my love, your underdressed to leave the tent right now." Xena chuckled

Gabrielle in her weakened state blushed and then almost fainted. She would have fallen to the ground except that Xena caught her and placed her back on the pallet, and covered her.

"You are not to move from that spot till you've eaten and rested." Xena said sternly, but with a twinkle in her eyes.

The young guard stiffened, "Warrior Princess or no Warrior Princess, who did she think she was talking to the Queen like that." she thought.

Xena turned and quickly read the guards body language. "See that she stays there till I get back. If she gets up she may hit the ground and get hurt."

"Xena I...." Gabrielle began annoyed at being treated like a sick child.

Xena turned and pinned the Queen with her eyes. " I need you well rested, I have 'plans ' for you later." with an evil grin that only caused the Amazon Queen to blush again Xena left the tent.

"Well if I'm going to stay in bed I might as well eat."  Gabrielle began to get up but was halted by the young guard who quickly retrieved the tray and placed it on her Queens lap.

"You must rest my Queen." The guards voice trembled, she was so close to her fantasy that it caused her to shake.

"Thank-you." Gabrielle smiled and began to tasted the variety of foods that were brought to her.

Xena walked from the tent and straight to the pit were the prisoners were kept.  Looking down her eyes met Dargons, anger surged in her. She wanted to tear him apart for what he almost did to Gabrielle.

"Xena," he sneered, "you better get that old hag healer, Tor is deathly sick."

Xena calls to some nearby Amazons while the prisoners watch Tor the cruel is pulled form the pit. He is pale but fevered, his body is shaking and he is delirious.  Xena examines him and finds the cut on his arm from Solar's dagger. It is swollen, red , infected, but even the slight infection does not explain why Tor is so sick.

"He'll die as the girl would have died." The old healer said.

"Grandmother what are you talking about?" Xena asked but she already knew the answer. 

"Poisoned at his brothers death he was. the dagger that made the mark on him. It's the same poison that almost killed that slip of a girl, the one they call Queen of the Amazons, which I see is true."

Xena looked to the fevered man and back to the old healer. "What is the antidote Grandmother?"

The old healer chuckled. "All the herbs in the world won't save him Xena. Let him die of the hate he lived in, he doesn't have the one thing that will in the end save him. The one thing that girl has."   

Xena looked puzzled.

"Love Xena your love for the girl and hers for you kept her on this side of death long enough for the herbs to work."

Tor began to convulse and with one wild cry his body stiffened and then relaxed. The last of his breath rattled out of him and he lay contorted his eyes wide as he viewed the gates of Hades opening for his soul as it departed his body.

Xena stood looked down at the body for a moment. "Dig a hole and put him in it. I won't poison the scavengers with him." She said, looking into the pit she spoke to Dargon and the few who remained. "As soon as she is ready we leave for the Amazon village. You had better start praying that she can sit in judgment over you."

"Because if she can't I will." Ephiny grinned down at the prisoners. "And I have no cause to be nice. Your crimes are punishable by death, in as slow and painful manner as I can make it. And believe me I have plenty of ways already."

Ephiny turned and walked away, Eponin joined her and grinned. "I think some of them wet themselves."

"Good then for a more lenient judgment they will be willing to testify against that piece of dung."

to be continued...