Gabrielle pushed the gates shut behind her and stood for amoment, appreciating the beauty of the garden before she continued inside. Onehand was clasped firmly around the handle of a large basket, and she began aleisurely stroll around the richly fragrant space.
The castle garden was a special place for her. SheÕd spentmany a wonderful moment in it with the queen, of course, but more than that, itrepresented to her a place where she was in charge.
ÒOo.Ó Gabrielle smelled the heady scent of peaches, and shecircled the tree, gazing up into the branches.
Really in charge. She was the one who told the gardenerswhat to plant, and decided where to put the rich and savory herbs and thefragrant fruit trees she knew she could delight Xena with.
Xena had told her, a dozen times if any, that sheÕd take hermeals from the barracks mess and not care a bit – but Gabrielle knewbetter. She wasnÕt sure which oneof them enjoyed her cooking their meals more, but it gave her a definite senseof purpose and she wasnÕt about to give that up.
No way.
Freed slave, she was. XenaÕs consort, she was called. ButGabrielle knew that at the root of it all she was a shepherdÕs kid with fewskills and aside from Xena, few prospects. ÒLetÕs see what weÕve got here.. any berries?Ó
She ducked under a thick, green bush and hunted among theleaves, spotting a thick cluster of blue black fruits dangling there. ÒAhah..gotcha.Ó She plucked the berries,then wandered over to where the herbs were planted in their wooden racks,exuding a mixture of scents into the air.
It had taken a while, naturally, until sheÕd learned whatXena liked. There had been a number of failed experiments, but overall, shehadnÕt done badly at it and it hadnÕt been long before the queen had dispensedwith even the hollowest of protests and instead simply accepted the offerings,apparently delighting at being surprised when Gabrielle could manage it.
And oh, she loved delighting the queen in any way she could.Gabrielle smiled, as she added two fragrant blossoms to the basket.
Anything sweet was an easy bet. Gabrielle browsed through the bushes, picking up a few more berries,and then turned to the section where sheÕd had tubers and roots planted.
Then she paused, and studied the row. ÒI wonder if IÕll evenget to taste these.Ó She murmured, remembering the queenÕs words. ÒHow longdoes a war take, anyhow?Ó
ÒGabrielle.Ó
The blond woman turned and rose in one motion, leaving thebasket where it was as she readied herself for trouble at the unfamiliar voice.ÒYes?Ó She searched the area warily. ÒWho is it?Ó
Very slowly, a figure emerged from between two bushes,staying well away from her. It was a woman, hardly more than a girl, really,with the worn but sturdy clothing of a kitchen slave and bare feet. She haddark hair, and freckles, and she looked intently at Gabrielle as they stoodwatching each other. ÒYou donÕtÕremember me, do you?Ó
Gabrielle relaxed a little. The face was in fact familiar,but her life had been so focused in the last few months she had to shake thememories around a little to figure out who the girl was. ÒThatÕs not true.Ó Shesaid, as recognition flared. ÒI do remember you. I just didnÕt expect to seeyou here.Ó
The girl looked at her. ÒWhatÕs my name?Ó She challengedGabrielle, in a soft voice.
One of the things Gabrielle had found to occupy the idlemoments was a newfound ability to picture things in her mind, as she thoughtabout stories to tell Xena. Nowthe names in the old scrolls had faces for her, and now she found the abilitymatching the face to a name sheÕd last spoken long before the frosts.ÒCeleste.Ó
Celeste pulled a leaf from the bush she was standing nearand rolled it between her fingers. ÒThatÕs funny. I figured you completelyforgot us.Ó She paused. ÒWhatÕs left of us, anyway.Ó Her eyes flicked toGabrielleÕs face. ÒDid you know half the people down in the kitchens died inthe cold?Ó
Gabrielle nodded. ÒI knew.Ó She said. ÒThe sickness.Ó
Celeste paused, then nodded back. ÒDid you think about allof us, down there?Ó She asked. ÒDo you, ever? You were one of us, once.Ó
Had she ever been part of them? Gabrielle looked back on herarrival in the realm and had to wonder. She thought about those first terrifying days, and her reception in thelower kitchens.
Kindness? Her lips twitched. The only kindness sheÕd foundwas from Toris, who had turned out to be an evil sheÕd never expected.
ÒSure.Ó The blond woman let her hands rest on her thighs. ÒIthink about people down there almost killing me.Ó She said. ÒI think about thembetraying Xena, and letting BregoÕs men in.Ó
The other woman glanced around nervously. ÒThatÕs not what Imeant.Ó
Gabrielle half shrugged. ÒItÕs the truth. I had no friendsthere.Ó She said. ÒEven after I got Xena to save you, down in the barracks..everyone hated me.Ó
ÒThatÕs not true.Ó
ÒI have scars to prove it.Õ Gabrielle lifted her hand to herhead, touching her hairline at her temple.
Celeste flushed. ÒYou donÕt understandÉ it was.. we had nochoice.Ó She protested. ÒThey said weÕd die if we didnÕt go along.Ó
ÒYou always have a choice.Ó Gabrielle picked up her basket.ÒI had a choice and I chose her.Ó She gestured towards the gates. ÒI have to gonow.Ó She walked forward purposefully. ÒExcuse me.Ó
The slave took a step back, watching her warily as sheclosed in on her, then brushed past, heading for the entrance to the garden.ÒGabrielle.. wait.Ó
Halfway there, Gabrielle stopped, and looked back over hershoulder.
ÒIs it true?Ó Celeste asked. ÒIs she going to war?Ó
Now, why, Gabrielle wondered, was she asking? SheÕd learnedenough of court intrigue to become wary over the months of odd and innocentquestions. But Xena had been verypublic in her intentions, so she saw little harm in answering. ÒThatÕs what Ihear.Ó She said.
ÒAre you going too?Ó
Even stranger question. ÒYes.Ó Gabrielle said. ÒOf course Iam.Ó
Celeste slowly backed away from her, keeping her in viewbefore she ducked between two thick bushes and disappearing. The brancheswavered a little in her passing, then went still, and the air filled again withthe soft buzz of insects and a single bird song.
Gabrielle stared at the empty spot briefly, before she shookher head and continued out, closing the gates behind her and taking a breath ofspring air as she tried to put Celeste out of her mind and her troublingquestions aside.
Once on the path to the stronghold, she paused again as sheheard the sound of rhythmic hoofprints coming towards her, and she hurriedahead as she recognized the cadence and began to smile. .
**
ÒBut Mistress.Ó Stanislaus wrung his hands. ÒItÕs barelyspring.. the landholders havenÕt recovered from the cold season yet. If I callfor all their provisions.. why.. what will they make provision for their peopleon?Ó
ÒDamned if I care.Ó Xena sorted through some scrolls, payingscant attention to her senechal. ÒNo one cared when Bregos asked last year.Ó
ÒIt was a far kinder season last year, Mistress.Ó
Xena looked up at him. ÒAre you suggesting thatÕs my fault?ÓShe asked, in a silky tone.
StanislausÕ eyes widened sharply. ÒOh, no! Mistress!Ó Heheld both hands out in a warding gesture. ÒBy the gods, no. I was just sayingwhat all know.Ó
The queen leaned on her elbows, studying him from narrowedeyes. It had been a hard winter, no discounting it, but she had no intention ofwaiting till the first crops were in to start off. ÒSend the call out.Ó Shesaid, with a note of finality in her voice. ÒTell them to send what they have,and if itÕs not enough, then IÕll come get what I need.Ó She added.ÒPersonally.Ó
The seneschal blinked, and nervously fingered his beard. ÒAsyou wish, Mistress.Ó He finally said. ÒI will send the messengers outimmediately.Ó He waited, watchingher face. ÒIs that all you wish of me now?Ó
Xena eyed him. ÒI wish your head would fall off and rollacross the floor.Ó She said.ÒHowÕs that?Ó
Rapid blinking. ÒMmmmistress?Ó
ÒGo away.Ó The queen waved a hand at him. ÒBefore Iinstantly gratify myself.Ó
The seneschal pattered quickly to the door and went throughit, leaving Xena to her solitude. She chuckled under her breath and went back to her scrolls, opening oneand studying it. ÒLetÕs see.Ó Her brow creased as she read the words in it.
Lists, mostly. Notes to herself from long ago reminding herof what she needed on your average rape and pillage. ÒSalt.Ó She snapped her fingers. ÒForgot to tell him to getthat.Ó She clucked her tongue and scribbled a note on a fresh sheet ofparchment.
Then she paused and glanced around the room, allowingherself an uncertainty sheÕd never display to anyone else. ÒDamn, I hope IdidnÕt forget how to do this.Ó She murmured. ÒFeel like my headÕs been asleepfor a few years.Ó
She sorted through the scrolls again and peered at one. Thisheld a set of diagrams, xÕs and squiggles and she studied it, nodding once ortwice to herself. Troop formations, penned by her younger hand after theconquest of the realm and left to gather dust at the bottom of her campaignchest.
Gathering dust.
ÒI think IÕve been gathering dust.Ó Xena said, with a sigh.She shook her head and made a few more notes, glancing up again as a knock cameat the door. ÒNext time I hang a ripped off arm on the damn thing.
After a moment, the door slowly opened, and the guard peekedinside. ÒMistress?Ó
ÒNot here.Ó Xena told him. ÒSorry.Ó
The man looked uncertainly at her.
Xena sighed again. ÒYes?Ó
The guard looked around. ÒMistress, there is a man here,said heÕs an armorer and you sent for him.Ó He addressed a hanging wall sconce.ÒShould I send him in?Ó
Ah. ÒYeah.Ó Xena replied, briefly. ÒBut only if heÕsbrighter than the last one. Otherwise IÕm gonna hang him out the window by hismanÕs parts.Ó
The guard disappeared, and for a long moment there wassilence. Xena leaned on her elbows again, wondering what was going on outsidethe door. Was her guard giving the man a quiz? Telling him to run for his life?Running with him for his life? Having lunch?
The door creaked open and a tall, thin man in workmanÕsleathers entered. He had a closely trimmed beard and moustache and the thick,powerful arms and wrists of a worker in metal. ÒYour Majesty.Ó He came forward,and dropped to his knees before her table. ÒYou honor me beyond my station.Ó
Ahh! Xena came around the table and put her hands on herhips. Now that was more like it. ÒThat remains to be seen.Ó She told him. ÒIneed you to make some armor.Ó
The manÕs head tipped up and he looked at her with smokeygray eyes. ÒYour majestyÕs armor needs no work from these hands.Ó He liftedhis. ÒIt is fine work.Ó
The queen smiled at him in frank, open enjoyment. ÒI may letyou meet my horse. You have a mind.Ó She commented. ÒThe armorÕs for myadorable, if martially deficient bedmate.Ó She said. ÒSo it has to be betterthan mine.Ó
ÒBetter, Majesty?Ó
Xena nodded. ÒIt has to keep her alive.Ó She said, in asuddenly deadly serious voice. ÒBecause she does stupid things like get in theway of arrows coming my way, and damned if sheÕs going to get hurt on mybehalf. Understand?Ó
The armorer half smiled, his head ducking again. ÒYes,Majesty.Ó He said. ÒI do understand.Ó
A little silence fell. ÒWhatÕs your name?Ó Xena finallyasked.
ÒJonas, Majesty.Ó
ÒWelcome to Hades handbasket, Jonas.Ó
ÒThank you, Majesty.Ó
**
Gabrielle knelt by the fire, humming softly under her breathas she worked, one ear cocked to listen to the sounds in the outer room.
She loved to hear Xena talk. Even when she was cursing, shestill liked it, and the few times Xena had sung to her were cherished momentsabove all others.
Beautiful.
She gave the soup a stir, then straightened as she heardXenaÕs footsteps approaching. She turned and a smile crossed her face as thequeen appeared in the entrance to their private chambers, leaning against thedoorway and crooking a finger at her. ÒHi.Ó
ÒHi.Ó Xena said. ÒBusy?Ó
Gabrielle wiped her hands as she got to her feet. ÒJustgetting us some lunch ready.Ó Sheanswered. ÒDid you need me for something?Ó
ÒHedonistic pleasure.Ó The queen replied promptly. ÒBut forright now, I just want you to come get fitted for something sexy.Ó
Gabrielle sighed inwardly, but set her hearth cloth down andheaded for the door, running her fingers through her hair to settle it.
Xena caught her arm and pulled her gently to a halt. ÒKeepme happy?Ó The dark haired woman looked sharply at her. ÒYou got somethingagainst looking nice?Ó
ÒNo.. no, I..Ó Gabrielle hesitated. ÒI didnÕt mean that, ofcourse I like it, in fact I..Ó She fell silent as XenaÕs finger touched herlips.
ÒNo.Ó The queen tapped her finger against her consortÕsmouth. ÒNo lies, remember? DonÕt start that with me, Gabrielle. I donÕt needyou mouthing off like the rest of these losers telling me only what I want tohear.Ó
Gabrielle felt her heart beating double time.
Xena watched the blond womanÕs face, seeing the fear anduncertainty, barely hidden, lurking there. ÒWhatÕs wrong with you?Ó
Gabrielle swallowed, but kept her eyes fastened on XenaÕs.ÒI just want you to be happy.Ó She uttered. ÒSo if dressing me up makes youhappy, then IÕm glad to do it. ItÕs not a lie.Ó
ÒBut you donÕt like it.Ó The queen pressed her. ÒDo you?Ó
After a moment the blond woman tilted her head slightly.ÒNot really, no.Ó She admitted. ÒI mean..itÕs okay, but IÕd rather be in yourcolors, or just this.Ó She indicated the cotton tunic. ÒIÕm sorry.Ó
ÒWhy?Ó
Now, Gabrielle looked down. ÒI donÕt want to disappointyou.Ó She said. ÒI donÕt think IÕmreally cut out for this consort stuff.Ó
Xena patted her cheek. ÒBullshit.Ó She leaned over and kissed her on the lips. ÒYouÕre the bestconsort IÕve ever had. So pull your sheepskin socks up, herder, and cÕmon inhere. I want you wrapped in pinklace for dinner tonight.Ó
Without moving a muscle, Gabrielle grimaced. ÒOkay.Ó ShewasnÕt fond of pink, and she hadnÕt thought Xena was either, but with thequeen, you just never knew. ÒCan it be dark pink at least?Ó
ÒWuss. You donÕt like pink lace?Ó
ÒNot really.Ó
ÒHow about we curl your hair?Ó Xena teased. ÒYouÕd look cute.Ó
Gabrielle relaxed a little, realizing her tail was beingpulled. ÒOkay, if you get yours curled too.Ó She said, as they walked together into XenaÕs publicaudience space.
Xena growled a little.
ÒAnd you let me braid it.Ó
ÒOh, youÕre pushing it.Ó The queen warned her, as theyslipped past the heavy, hanging curtains to where XenaÕs worktable was set up,and two men waited. ÒIÕm gonna spank your wooly tail for that later.Ó
Gabrielle smiled, as they closed in on the two strangers,and she straightened a little as the nearer one, a tall, bearded man, studiedher intently. ÒHello.Ó She murmured warily.
Two? Sheesh.
Both men bowed. ÒMÕlady.Ó
Xena snickered. ÒBoy sheÕs got you both fooled.Ó She ruffledGabrielleÕs hair, and smiled, taking the sting off the comment. ÒThis isGabrielle.Ó She eyed the two men. ÒSheÕs never been to war before, so I wantyou to kit her out with everything sheÕs gonna need.Ó
The men bowed again. ÒTwill be an honor, Majesty.Ó Theshorter of the two said, in a deep bass voice.
GabrielleÕs ears perked up. That sounded way moreinteresting than pink lace. ÒYou mean, like you have?Ó She asked the queen.ÒWhen you went on that trip?Ó She thought about the leather chests and thefolding cups and her eyes brightened. ÒWow.Ó
The queen put her hands on her hips. ÒWell.Ó She drawled.ÒYouÕre gonna have to share my bed and my tent, but yeah. Everything else.Ó Shefound herself somewhat bemused by the ill hidden excitement in her consortÕsface. With a faint shake of herhead, she turned to the men. ÒNo stinting.Ó She pointed at them. ÒShe gets thebest.Ó
Both workmen smiled. ÒOf course, Majesty.Ó Jonas half bowedagain. ÒDoes her grace bear weapons?Ó
ÒWell..Ó Gabrielle hesitated.
ÒA staff.Ó Xena replied for her. ÒAnd sheÕs pretty good witha sling.Ó She walked Gabrielle over to the two. ÒMake sure what you put her inletÕs her move.Ó Now the queenÕs voice became serious. ÒSheÕs got goodreflexes.Ó
ÒI do?Ó
ÒScale and chain, then, Majesty?Ó Jonas said, his voicebrisk. ÒIt would suit her, I think. She has the shoulders for it.Ó
Gabrielle looked at each shoulder. ÒI do?Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Xena agreed. ÒThatÕd work. So go on, and getstarted. We donÕt have much time.Ó She bumped Gabrielle with her hip. ÒEddars, she needs waxed cloaks, andboots that keep her feet dry. Do it right.Ó
ÒMajesty.Ó The shorter man held an arm out. Òyour grace, dome the honor? We will surely take good care of you.Ó
Wow. Gabrielle trotted forward willingly, her heart soaringat the queenÕs words. It felt so good to really be a part of what was going on,she hardly knew what to think, and she quickened her pace as they left thequeenÕs chambers and headed out into the hall.
Xena watched them go, a smile on her face that turned a bitwry as she walked back over to her worktable and put her hands on it. ÒI couldhave promised her gems and golden underwraps, and not make her as happy asoffering her chain mail did. What a nutcase.Ó
ÒMajesty?Ó Stanislaus had entered, and he hesitated. ÒWereyou speaking to me?Ó He asked. ÒI have sent messengers out, and Mistress, arider is approaching, the guard sent word.Ó
ÒFrom the west?Ó Xena asked, sharply.
ÒI know not, Mistress.Ó The seneschal answered. ÒJust up themain road.Ó
ÒHave him brought to me.Ó Xena said, rolling up some of thescrolls, and tying them with efficient movements. ÒNow things are starting tohappen. I can feel it, canÕt you, Stanislaus? The whole worldÕs waking uparound us.Ó
The seneshal gazed at her in momentary puzzlement. ÒYes,Mistress.Ó He said. ÒIÕm sure its as you say.Ó He draped a light cloak over thehigh chair near the door. ÒAs you asked, Mistress. I will go attend again tothe many details of prepardness.Ó
Xena rolled her eyes, then she went to the windows andlooked out, putting her hands on the jamb to either side. The sun was pouringin the room and it spilled over her, raising her spirits even further. Shewatched the breeze ruffle the flowers in the garden and found herself enjoyingthe colors of them.
Far off, she caught a sound that made her smile even wider.The soft clank and thud of fighters practicing in the yard, accompanied by thehoarse yells of men.
Yeah.
Suddenly the stronghold felt small around her, and she felta wild urge to be outside itÕs walls, under the wide, blue sky and away fromthe court and all itÕs finery.
She wanted to be free. She wanted to be on the edge ofdanger, where every day, every moment would bring new things and she could seethe sun rise over unknown land at every morning.
Xena rested her head against the sun warmed glass,understanding in a deep way the excitement sheÕd felt from Gabrielle as herconsort went off with the armorers. She didnÕt know how horrible it would be tobe out on campaign, but it didnÕt matter just like it didnÕt matter to Xena,who most certainly did know.
SheÕd asked Gabrielle what she remembered about the journeytheyÕd taken before the frost, and her answers had told Xena everything sheneeded to hear.
She remembered the crystal clear skies, and the stars, andthe peace of the evening fire. Not the cold, and the misery of the weather, andthe fear, and the anguish theyÕd both been through.
Good sign.
ÒMistress.Ó
The queen exhaled. ÒYes, Jellaus?Ó
ÒMust the little one go with you?Ó The court musician asked,in a gentle voice.
Xena stared at the flowers. ÒYes.Ó She answered, in anequally soft tone. ÒOh yes.Ó
ÒWould it not be better to leave her safe here?Ó Jellauspersisted. ÒShe is such a gentle soul.Ó
Xena turned and leaned back against the glass. ÒSheÕs mine.ÓThe queen said, flatly. ÒShe doesnÕt want me to leave her here.Ó She watchedthe musicianÕs face. ÒGo on. Ask her.Ó
He sighed. ÒNo need, Mistress. I know it for the truth.ÓJellaus said. ÒI just fear for her, is all.Ó
ÒFear is pointless.Ó The queen remarked. ÒYou can die rightin your bed if one of those spiderÕs gets ya, Jellaus. If we go out there andcroak, at least weÕll croak doing something and with any luck, itÕll be quick.Ó
The minstrel sighed again.
Xena eyed him. ÒWanna go too?Ó She guessed. ÒTired of makingsongs about flowers and stupid birds?Ó
His lips twitched. ÒAnd little mice.Ó He murmured. ÒAh,Mistress.Ó
The queen merely chuckled wickedly, and turned back to thesun.
**
Wow. Gabriellepaused for a moment, leaning against the wall and feeling a bit overwhelmed. ÒIhad no idea you needed that much stuff to be a warrior.Ó
Exciting. But a bit sobering too, as the armoror carefullymeasured her for all the things sheÕd need to protect her while they were outon campaign, and looked at her hands for what seemed an eon to fit a small hiltto them.
Definitely sobering.
However, lunch had passed, and the sun was starting to archtowards the west and it was time for some exercise. She pushed off from the stone and walked down the path awayfrom the main tower, past the blacksmith busy at his anvil, and two men busybuilding crates.
There was an air of anticipation even she could feel, almosta humming energy present as she threaded her way through the work areas and itreminded her of the look sheÕd seen in XenaÕs eyes as she talked about thepreparations for battle.
War was terrible, Jellaus had told her, and yetÉ Sheremembered the battle at the gates, and her heart racing, even through thehorror of the bloodshed.
And yet.
Gabrielle slipped inside the stable door and ducked past thehanging posts of bridles and tack, carefully skirting the big box stall thatheld XenaÕs black stallion as she went to the smaller enclosure next to it.
Inside the enclosure was a pony, his back just even withGabrielleÕs eyes, his off white coat and large, irregular reddish patchesmaking him somewhat out of place along side his fancier neighbors. ÒHi,Patches!Ó
The ponyÕs head lifted from where he was chewing hay in thecorner, and he wheeled and came over to her, shoving his shaggy head into herchest in an evident warm greeting. ÒHow are you? She scratched him behind his ears and smiled, feeling a deepaffection for the animal. ÒWant to go for a ride?Ó
Patches bobbed his head, and Gabrielle slipped his bridleon, then opened the door to his enclosure and led him towards the door. As theypassed TigerÕs stall, the big stallion whickered and poked his head over theedge, whuffling at them.
Gabrielle paused and patted his nose. ÒSorry, big boy,youÕre out of my league. Your momÕll be down here in a little while,okay?Ó She grinned wryly at thegrumpy head toss, and continued on, pushing the door open and emerging into thesunlight with her agreeably ambling steed.
Outside, the busy workers hardly gave her a second look, nowused to her presence near the queenÕs favorite animals.
One of the guards looked over at the field. ÒTis well,mÕlady.Ó He said. ÒDoes her majesty come soon, then?Ó
ÒYep, sheÕs just finishing up a meeting.Ó Gabrielle paused.ÒYou ready for me to jump on, Patches?Ó
The pony eyed her with what could only be amusement, but hestood steady as a rock as she crouched a little, then hopped and pulled herselfup, swinging one leg over his back and getting onboard . ÒGood boy.Ó Gabriellepatted his neck, as she settled her legs around his shaggy, warm sides andstraightened, relaxing her torso as Xena had taught her.
It felt good, now that sheÕd gotten used to it. ÒLetÕs go.Ó She squeezed her legs against himand took the reins in one hand, letting the other drop to her thigh as theyproceeded across the stable yard towards the inner pasture.
The small square was just an exercise yard, really, but sheknew it was safe there for her to practice her riding and Xena wouldnÕt mindthat she went ahead of her there. It was squarely in the middle of thestronghold walls, surrounded by the stable buildings stretching away on twosides and as they entered the space, two grooms leading a chestnut mare wavedat her.
Gabrielle waved back, then she clucked her tongue at Patchesand squeezed his sides a little, rewarded by the pony amiably breaking into arambling trot.
The trick, Gabrielle had learned, was to relax. The tenseryou were, the more you bounced, and bouncing was just no fun. She enjoyed thecool breeze blowing against her, and the sense of freedom she got when sherode.
Totally different than when she rode behind Xena, sometimes,on TigerÕs broad back. Then she was just a passenger, mostly hanging on fordear life as the big stallion raced across the grass, her face buried into thecloth over the queenÕs back hoping she didnÕt lose her grip.
Riding Patches was totally different. She was in control,well, sort of, and a lot closer to the ground to boot, and she could ride himbareback where Xena always rode Tiger with a saddle.
Of all the things the queen had taught her over the winter,she liked this the best. Gabrielle leaned forward and tightened her grip,laughing a little as Patches immediately sped up into a canter, and then agallop, her hair whipping back as she exulted in the feeling of near flying.ÒWhoo hoo!Ó
Patches whickered and shook his head, bolting lightly overthe ground, his small hooves sending up only tiny pockets of earth as heswerved agilely around the churned up dips from the larger horses passing,responding as Gabrielle urged him faster.
At the end of the pasture she slowed the pony, taking himaround in a circle a few times as he pranced over the rich, churned earth. Witha pressure of one knee, she sent him in the other direction, arching her backas she watched the grooms lead one of the new mares into the square with them.ÒOh, look at her, Patches! IsnÕt she pretty?Ó
The mare had a finely boned face and kind brown eyes, andshe whickered at them as the man set her free to run. Gabrielle turned Patches to keep her in view, and sheexhaled in wonder as the horse seemed to gather the light into her golden coatand reflect it off her silvery white mane and tail. ÒWow.Ó
Patches bobbed his head as if in agreement, whickering tothe mare and trotting towards her as she galloped around them. The mare slowedas they approached and shook her head, rearing up a little and watching themwarily.
ÒNo, itÕs okay.Ó Gabrielle held one hand out to her. ÒWejust want to say hello, you pretty, pretty girl.Ó She could see the horse wasyoung, and there was a touch of wildness about her. ÒWe wonÕt hurt you.Ó
After a suspicious moment, the mare sniffed her hand andthen nibbled her fingertips as Patches extended his head and his nostrilsflared. ÒThis is Patches.ÓGabrielle introduced the pony. ÒHeÕs my friend, and heÕs a hero, did you knowthat?Ó
The mare regarded the pony momentarily, then she tossed herhead in the air and dodged around them, breaking into a gallop as she headedfor the end of the enclosure. ÒHey! Be careful!Ó She urged Patches after themare. ÒDonÕt go so fast!Ó
The pony responded, bolting after the mare and rapidlypicking up speed as he chased after her, both animals moving at a dangerousspeed towards the high fence at the far end of the exercise yard, thatseparated the stable area from the rest of the workspace.
Gabrielle clamped her legs around PatchesÕ sides, her worryfor the mare overtaking her self interest. She guided the pony towards the fastrunning mare, taking the shorter route to the fence in hopes they could headher off. ÒHey!Ó She yelled at the top of her voice, aware of equally loud, maleyells behind her. ÒStop!Ó
The mare ignored all of them, racing towards the fence as thoughshe expected to go right through it. Gabrielle urged Patches on, but she couldtell they werenÕt going to make it in time. She kept going anyway, refusing to give up on the chase.ÒHey! Hey!Ó
Hoofbeats behind her, but they were far in the distance.Gabrielle looked frantically around her as the fence closed in and suddenly shewas aware of a motion in her peripheral vision, a streak of color, of restless,animal energy that wasnÕt there,
Then was there, then the fence was coming at her and shefelt Patches starting to skid andshe was leaning the other way and they were showered by dirt and the mare wasscreaming and pulling up and the motion came at them and then..
ÒWhat in the Hades do you all think youÕre doing!Ó XenaÕsvoice shattered the confusion, as the queen grabbed onto the mareÕs neck inmidmotion, pulling herself onto the horses back as it bucked and screamed inprotest. ÒCut that out ya she whore!Ó
Oh boy. Gabrielle managed to get Patches to stop just intime, her knee scraping against the fence as the pony scrabbled out of themareÕs way. ÒXena!Ó She called. ÒI was just..lÓ
ÒBusy now!Ó The queen had her hands seriously full, as themare tried her best to scrape her unwelcome rider off against the fence.ÒApologize later!Õ
Right. Gabrielle concentrated on getting clear of theplunging mare and she got Patches turned in a circle, spotting the groomsracing across the grounds towards them with ropes.
Xena had gotten her legs clamped around the mareÕs sides,and she had one hand wrapped firmlyin the silken silver mane, her other hand fending off the fence that threatenedto batter her senseless. ÒCÕmon, you little bitch.Ó She growled, leaningforward to catch the mareÕs eye. ÒCut that out!Ó
The brown eye rolled back in her direction, and the marebared her teeth, arching her neck around and snapping at XenaÕs leg.
The mareÕs teeth worked, and she tried to wrench her headout of the queenÕs grip, but Xena held fast, and after a moment of stalemate,the horse stopped trying to bash her rider against the fence and sidesteppedaway.
ÒThatÕs better.Ó Xena released her, and readied herself forthe corkscrew buck she felt building between her legs. ÒOh, cÕmon.Ó She feltthe animal explode under her, turning half round in mid air and comingperilously close to tossing the queen head over ass into the dirt.
The strength of the mare was surprising.
Ow. The queen opened her eyes and started looking for anexit strategy. She had a fondness for her insides and at this rate, they wereheading towards coming out her nose. ÒAll right.. all right..
The mare whirled and started to run, then halted as thecircle of grooms closed in. She screamed and stood up on her hind legs, pawingat the air with her forlegs and snorting in anger. Xena grabbed on with bothhands and started to unwind her legs, afraid the animal was going to fall oversideways. ÒYahhh!Ó
Gabrielle broke out of her paralysis and urged Patchesforward, putting the pony between the grooms and the mare. ÒStop!Ó She calledurgently. ÒYouÕre scaring her!Ó
ÒNO theyÕre not!Ó Xena yelled, outraged.
ÒNot you!Ó Gabrielle shouted. ÒThe horse!Ó
ÒMajesty!Ó The lead groom yelled. ÒLet her go! WeÕll catchher!Ó
Xena sighed and took a firmer grip on the horses mane. ÒOhsure.Ó She muttered. ÒLet you all see a horse get the better of me, yeah,right. WhatÕs next, I start knitting?Õ She lifted her voice. ÒJust stay the Hades back!Ó
The mare screamed, and landed, her ears back hard againsther head, and her teeth bared. Then with a wrench, she whirled and headed backtowards the fence, seemingly intent on destruction.
**
Gabrielle clutched Patches mane, caught between wanting todo something to help Xena and not knowing what that something was.
Without further thought, she squeezed Patches sides andreleased his head, urging him after the running mare. The pony respondedeagerly, moving from a canter to a gallop in short order. She leaned over hisneck and wiped her free hand on her leg, clenching her fingers as she keptXenaÕs struggling form in her vision. ÒXena!Ó
The name was ripped from her throat. She saw the queen halfturn on the horses neck, and briefly a flash of ice blue appeared as Xenalooked back at her.
Was that a smile? GabrielleÕs eyes widened as she watchedXena suddenly grab the mare around the neck and unlatch her legs, flingingherself off the animal just as they reached the fence.
The queenÕs body launched sideways, and the animal reared atthe same time, and the result was that XenaÕs grip pulled the horseÕs headaround to one side and her body followed, and they both crashed to the groundin a tangle of black and gold and thick, brown dust.
ÒXena!Ó Gabrielle yelled again, flinging herself off Patchesas the pony came to a skiddinghalt. She hit the ground running and scrambled over the rutted ground to wherethe horse was struggling, itÕs neck caught in XenaÕs powerful grip. ÒXena!Ó
There was no answer. XenaÕs body was half trapped under thehorses, and her head was pressed against the animalÕs mane as she fought tokeep it from rolling completely over onto her. Gabrielle dodged the mareÕs flailing legs as she reached forXenaÕs shoulder, tense and dust covered. ÒXena!Ó
ÒHey!Ó The queen yelled suddenly. ÒI know my damn name!Ó
ÒYahh!Ó Gabrielle nearly jumped back. ÒAre you okay?Ó
Xena clamped her fingers around the horseÕs neck, as theanimal tried to bite her. ÒPeachy.Ó She grunted. ÒGet the Hades back, younitwit! The damn thingÕs gonna roll over and crush us both!Ó
Instead of moving away, Gabrielle dropped to her knees atthe horseÕs head, perilously close to the snapping teeth. ÒHey, easy there,girl.Ó
ÒGabrielle!Ó Xena hissed.
ÒShhÉ Xena.. youÕre scaring her!Ó Gabrielle reached out andtouched the mareÕs moving head. ÒCÕmon, just stop yelling at her, and sheÕllcalm down.Ó
There was a dangerous silence, and after a moment, Gabriellelooked up to find Xena glaring back at her with a look that could easily curdlemilk. Then she had to look away as the mare started moving again. ÒEasy, girl.Easy.Ó She eased one arm under the horses neck, aware of the teeth close to hershoulder. ÒOkay, IÕve got her, Xena.. can you get out?Ó
ÒYou know something, Gabrielle?Ó The queen said, in a quiettone. ÒYouÕre damn lucky I love you more than good sense cause otherwise IÕdjust have to kill you.Ó
Gabrielle felt a lot of motion happen, then. She was grabbedby the scruff of the neck and the horse yanked it head out of her arms and thenthe ground was moving and she was moving and she heard the horseÕs hooves hitthe fenceposts as she was pulled head over heels to land in the dirt nearPatches as Xena joined her a moment later, landing with consummate grace on herbehind as the mare scrambled to her feet and bolted off.
The grooms ran after her, leaving the two women on theground behind. After a briefpause, Xena lifted one hand and wiped a bit of dirt off her cheek, then sherolled her head around and ended up gazing at a prudently silent Gabrielle.ÒDoes it pay for me to ask you what the Hades you thought you were doing?Ó
Gabrielle pulled her legs up crossed under her in the dirt.ÒWellÓ She picked up a bit of stone, and played with it. ÒI was just doing whatI thought would help.Ó She peekedat the queen. ÒI didnÕt want the horse to hurt you.Ó
Xena sighed. ÒWell.Ó She mimicked her consorts tone. ÒSheput a few dents in me so youÕre going to have to pamper me unmercifullylater.Ó The queen slowly got toher feet, grimacing a little as she put weight on the leg sheÕd trapped underthe horse. ÒCÕmere.Ó
Gabrielle got up quickly and went to her side, sliding anarm around her waist. ÒThat was amazing.Ó She said, as they started to walkslowly across the field, Patches ambling behind them. ÒThe way you just jumpedon her.. wow.Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Xena felt like every bone in her body was cracked.ÒAinÕt I something?Ó
ÒEverything.Ó
The queen glanced across the field, relieved to see thehorse under rope and surrounded by the grooms. The animal was fighting themtooth and nail, and despite what sheÕd just been through Xena couldnÕt helpfeeling a certain admiration for the mare. ÒKickass.Ó She commented. ÒNiceblood.Ó
ÒEven if she just hurt you?Ó Gabrielle also glanced at themare. ÒShe is really pretty.Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Xena sighed. ÒNot her fault. That temper comes withthe line.Ó She paused, and studiedthe mare. ÒDidnÕt realize Lastan was bringing his stock up.Ó
Gabrielle heard the change in her tone. ÒYou know thathorse?Ó She asked. ÒOh, I remember.. at the race. The Duke had a horse likethis one, you liked it.Ó
Xena altered their course and started towards where thegrooms were. ÒHer granddam was mine.Ó She said, after a moment. ÒWhen Iretired, I figured she was due it too and sent her out to LastanÕs place.Ó Shewatched as the horse kicked out viciously, nailing one of the grooms in theknee with a audible crack. ÒShe bred true, thatÕs for sure.Ó
ÒSheÕs really feisty.Ó Gabrielle noted. ÒWas your horse likethat too??Ó
Xena remained silent for a few steps, then she half shookher head. ÒYeah.Ó She stopped and turned, looking at Gabrielle. ÒWhat made youdo what you did, with her?Ó She asked, with a sudden intentness. ÒItÕs just ahorse. Why chase after her?Ó
The blond woman blinked, and shifted her gaze aside. ÒIdonÕt know.Ó She stammered, after a pause. ÒWe were out here riding and shecame out with us.. she let me pet her, and then..Ó Gabrielle looked up at thequeen. ÒIt was like she was just so desperate to be free. She didnÕt care. Shejust went for that fence like it was more important to her than living.Ó
ÒEh huh.Ó Xena eyed her. ÒAnd you were going toÉ pick her upand toss her over the fence?Ó
Gabrielle frowned. ÒI wasnÕt going to do that, Xena.Ó Shesaid. ÒI was just trying to stop her from getting hurt I guess..
Xena appeared thoughtful, then she shrugged. ÒOkay,whatever.Ó She continued on towards the mare. ÒDamn good thing you didnÕt catchup to her again. YouÕd probably have lost an arm and that would have ruined myhedonistic nights for a while.Ó
Her body still ached, and she stopped just short of thegroup of hard working grooms, who now had three ropes on the mare and a hobbleon her hind legs. The big goldenhorse was obviously hating every moment of it, her eyes rolling and whiterimmed, and froth coming freely from her mouth.
Xena looked at the mare, and as her eyes met the animalÕs,the memories surged up and took her by surprise with their poignant strength.She stopped moving, and exhaled, remembering that last goodbye. ÒDamn.Ó
ÒWhatÕs wrong?Ó Gabrielle whispered. ÒAre you really hurt?Should I get some help?Ó
ÒNah.Ó Xena scrubbed her face with one hand. Then she let itdrop and disentangled herself from GabrielleÕs hold, walking forward to wherethe grooms were working. ÒHold it, boys.Ó
The grooms all stopped, and turned. ÒMistress.Ó One of themcame forward, wiping his hands nervously. ÒMistress, we didnÕt think sheÕd boltas so, I swear it. If youÕve come to harm from her, say the word and weÕll puther down.Ó
Xena merely waved him aside as she circled the horse, therest of the grooms drawing back to give her space. They watching her uncertainly, and she could only imaginewhat she looked like after wrestling the damn beast to the ground and nearlygetting squashed by it.
So much for the queenÕs dignity. She could see long scrapes down the parts of her arms notcovered by her leather shirt and the scent of the rich earth clung strongly toher.
Ah well. The queen came round to the mareÕs head, now tiedfirmly to the work post. ÒAll right, kiddo.Ó She consciously pitched her voicelower, calmer, taking the edge out of it. ÒYou donÕt want me to have to dosomething drastic, now do ya?Ó
The horse glared at her, and half reared, even tied as shewas. Her forelegs struck out, trying to hit Xena, but the queen just stoodthere, sure of her safety. ÒNow, cÕmon. WhereÕs that gonna get ya, huh?Ó Sheedged a little closer and held a hand out.
For a moment, the mare paused and seemed to study her. Encouraged,Xena lowered her hand and turned it to one side, easing it towards the animalÕsmuzzle. ÒBe nice, and IÕll have those ropes off ya. YouÕd like that, huh?Ó
The mare jerked back away from her, as far as the ropeswould allow. Xena paused, and nibbled the inside of her lip. SheÕd started offall wrong with the animal, but it wasnÕt the first time sheÕd made thatmistake, now was it?
Maybe the beast needed a little time to cool off. ÒTake herinside the stables.Ó She told the grooms. ÒPut her in the big box, where wekept Tiger last year. That should hold her.Ó
ÒMistress. As you will.Ó
ÒGive her a feed, and let her be. No oneÕs to mess with her.Got me?Ó Xena turned to look at them. ÒHave the farrier check her.Ó
ÒMistress?Ó
Xena snorted softly and dusted her hands off. ÒShe just hada screaming manic hanging off her head and throwing her to the ground. Makesure she didnÕt get hurt.Ó Hereyes caught a motion, and she turned to find Gabrielle behind her, looking upat the horse and offering her something in her palm. ÒWhatÕs that?Ó She caught the blond womanÕs hand.
ÒJust an apple.Ó Gabrielle answered. ÒI thought she mightlike it. She looks thirsty, and theyÕre really juicy.Ó
ÒLater.Ó Xena turned her around and started walking backtowards the stables. ÒOr give it to your rag doll there. He likes em too.Ó
ÒHeÕs not a rag doll. HeÕs a great horse.Ó Gabrielle couldsense the turmoil in the woman next to her, and she knew asking a directquestion would make Xena mad.
Well, madder than she was, at any rate. ÒIÕm sorry if I didsomething silly out there. ÒShe decided to apologize instead. ÒI was reallyjust trying to help.Ó
Xena put her arm around her again. ÒI know.Ó She said.ÒThanks.Ó
Gabrielle looked up at her. ÒYouÕre not mad?Ó
ÒNo.Ó The queen sighed a little. ÒIt would have kicked me inthe ass to have something happen to that horse. You did the right thing.Ó Her head turned and she looked atGabrielle. ÒEven if you had no clue what you were doing.Ó
ÒUm.. okay.Ó
ÒConfused?Ó
ÒYeah.Ó
ÒGood.Ó Xena pushed the door to the stables open. ÒLetÕs seewhat other trouble we can get into, shall we?ÓÕ
**
The fire crackled softly, itÕs golden depths reflected inthe pale eyes watching it over the rim of a silver cup with steam gently risingfrom itÕs surface.
Xena took a sip of the mulled wine, then lowered the cupagain, feeling the gentle tug of the comb as Gabrielle ran the tines throughher hair. The touch felt goodagainst her scalp, and she tilted her head back as her consort riffled herfingers through her bangs. ÒSo.Ó
Gabrielle looked down at her. ÒDo you feel better now?Ó
ÒWhat makes you think I felt bad before?Ó Xena let the backof her head rest against the blond womanÕs stomach. ÒIÕm tougher than that damnfilly is.Ó
Gabrielle ran her fingers through the queenÕs hair again,rubbing gently around her temples and watching her eyes flutter closed. ÒYouwere just being quiet. I thought maybe you felt bad.Ó She stroked XenaÕs cheek.ÒOr mad.Ó
ÒNah.Ó Xena was thoroughly enjoying the attention. ÒThatmessenger pissed me off, but I got over it.Ó
ÒAbout the ruined farms?Ó
The queen nodded. ÒBastards. IÕd bet my left nipple itÕsBregoÕs dregs.Ó
Gabrielle started a slow massage of her neck and shoulders.ÒI sure hope you win that bet.Ó She murmured. ÒI like that one.Ó
XenaÕs eyes opened right up and she peered at her consort,one dark, finely arched eyebrow hiking up sharply, to find her consort smilingimpishly back at her. ÒYou raunchy little thing, you.Ó She found herselfsmiling back. ÒBut you know, Ifigured itÕs on my way to the pass, so IÕll knock off two buzzards with one gutshot.Ó
ÒThose poor people.Ó GabrielleÕs expression sobered.ÒEspecially those children.. Xena, thatÕs terrible how they were left out inthe weather. Why didnÕt they bring them here? You would have let them in,wouldnÕt you?Ó
Xena studied the firelit face above her, itÕs rounded planesfaintly gilded. ÒDid you forget who youÕre talking to?Ó She asked, after abrief, bemused pause. ÒWhy would I take in a bunch of starving kids?Ó
GabrielleÕs hands stilled. ÒWould you let them die outsidethe gate?Ó She asked, gazing intently down at the strong profile. ÒReally?Ó
The queen pondered the question.
ÒI donÕt think you would.Ó The blond woman said, after along silence. ÒYou wouldnÕt just leave them there.Ó
Would she? Xena was disturbed to realize she honestly didnÕtknow the answer to that question anymore. ÒGiven how we met, IÕm surprised youthink that.Ó She remarked, watching the expression on her consortÕs face shift,as she turned away a little. ÒBut you know something, I just donÕt gods bedamned know what the Hades IÕd do now.Ó
Gabrielle looked back at her. XenaÕs expression was quietand thoughtful, not angry, and though the moment of their meeting still causedpain in her heart, she took this moment and set it aside to somberly cherish.ÒI think youÕd take them in.Ó She leaned over and kissed XenaÕs head withgentle reverence.
Xena smiled wryly. ÒI think youÕd chew my ankles until Idid.Ó She said. ÒBut thereÕs no point in talking about it, cause their ownparents left em to croak in the snow anyway.Ó
Gabrielle shook her head. ÒHorrible as my father was.. IdonÕt think heÕd have done that.Ó
Privately, Xena had her doubts. GabrielleÕs unlamented crumb of a father had beaten her,raped her sister, and left them out in the coldÉ
The queen stopped, as the last few words echoed softly intoher conscience.
ÒXena?Ó
ÒYou know something?Ó The queen murmured. ÒI think I shouldgo find those bastards who left those kids in the snow and kill them.Ó Shepaused, then looked up. ÒThink thatÕs a good idea?Ó
The stunned look on GabrielleÕs face almost made her smile.Xena knew her sudden change of heart had more to do with her affection for hercute bedmate than any softening of her views but it was fun to see the widenedeyes anyway.
ÒWould you do that?Ó
ÒMakes a better story than me leaving kids outside thegates, huh?Ó Xena studied her consortÕs face. ÒThatÕs the problem with having astoryteller aroundÉ you always gotta be sure your good sideÕs showing, you
Gabrielle encircled XenaÕs neck with her arms and gentlyhugged her, exhaling into the back of her head. She could feel the softness ofthe queenÕs hair against her cheek, and after a moment of silence, XenaÕsfingers curled around her arm and lightly squeezed and they simply existedthere together.
ÒSo.Ó The queen said, after it had gone on long enough tomake her a bit uncomfortable. ÒGot any good stories about sexy maidens indistress?Ó
Gabrielle straightened up and wiped the back of her handacross her eyes, then she started combing XenaÕs hair out again. ÒI know onewhere a maiden in distress gets saved by a sexy queen. Does that count?Ó
ÒHeh.Ó Xena chuckled softly. ÒI love that story.Ó
So did Gabrielle, but for many different reasons than herlover. ÒWant me to tell that one? I remembered a few more things the other dayI wanted to put in it.Ó She finished her combing, then braided the dark strands into a loose knot.
ÒMm. Sure.Ó Xena seemed lost in the touch again, her headresting lightly against GabrielleÕs body, her eyes a little unfocused.
Gabrielle watched her for a minute, then she laid one handon the queenÕs shoulder. ÒAre you sure youÕre feeling all right?Ó
The blue eyes looked sharply up at her. ÒDo I look sick?Ó
The blond woman shook her head. ÒJust sad.Ó She answered.ÒAre you thinking about that horse?Ó
Xena got up unexpectedly and moved away from the fire,turning her back to Gabrielle and crossing to the windows to look out ofthem. She put her hands on thesill and leaned towards the leaded glass, her breath fogging the surfacefaintly.
Gabrielle remained where she was, having learned the hardway that when the queen needed space, she needed it. Instead of following, she collected the small tray of dishesfrom their evening snack and took it into the alcove, where one of thechambermaids would pick it up in the morning.
She returned to the fire, swinging the wine a little closerto heat again and giving the cushions on the queenÕs favorite chair a shakingout, lifting the thick quilt that was draped over the back, and that Xena wouldsometimes put over her knees in the cold and straightening it.
It was crimson, and roughly woven, and there was an evenpattern of blue and green strips through it. Gabrielle liked the cloth, and sheoften ran her fingers over the worn surface that brought back vague memories ofhome to her.
A plain, shepherds cloth.
ÒWhat made you say that?Ó Xena asked, from the corner.ÒAbout the horse?Ó
Gabrielle took the invitation and crossed the room to standnext to the queen, looking out at the dark, moonless sky and the faint shadowsin the night. ÒYouÕve just been really quiet since then. I thought maybe youwere thinking about that.Ó
ÒIÕve been quiet?Ó Xena looked down at her.
Gabrielle nodded.
ÒYeah, well.Ó The queen turned and leaned against the glass.ÒI wasnÕt thinking about that horse. So forget about it.Ó
ÒOkay.Ó The blond woman pressed her nose against thewindow. ÒThose armor guys wereamazing, Xena. I never knew you had to have so much stuff out there.Ó
ÒI told them to take care of you.Ó Xena said. ÒBut thisainÕt going to be a walk in the garden, muskrat.Ó
ÒI know. I remember when we were going up the mountain. Itwas hard.Ó Gabrielle said. ÒBut I liked it. Until we got attacked, I mean.Ó
ÒUntil I walked us into a trap, you mean.Ó The queen sighed.ÒYeah, that was fun. Loved every minute of that, for damn sure.Ó
Gabrielle obediently went over to the big, plush bed theyshared and sat down on it, slipping out of her soft booties and blowing out thecandle on her side table. It hadbeen a long day, and she felt a little tired, and more than a little unsettledby XenaÕs moodiness.
It gave her a stomach ache. Gabrielle wiggled her toes and then pulled her legs up ontothe bed, stretching them out along the thick cover, the cool surface warmingquickly to her skin. She leaned back against the pillows and folded her handsover her stomach, watching from the corner of her eye as Xena patted her facedry with a piece of linen before she turned, and started towards the bed tojoin her.
Even in a plain shift, she filled GabrielleÕs imagination.She waited for the queen to sit on the bed and then stretch out next to her,before she rolled over onto her side, and simply took XenaÕs hand in her ownand clasped it.
Xena studied the bedÕs canopy briefly. ÒWeÕre not going towait for the festival.Ó She said. ÒWeÕre leaving as soon as the supplies areready.Ó
Gabrielle felt her heart skip a beat. ÒWhy?Ó
ÒBecause I want to.Ó Xena said ÒSomethingÕs bugging me toget out there.Ó
ÒOkay.Ó The news was scary, and a little overwhelming. ÒIÕlltry to be ready.Ó She murmured. ÒStanislaus said thereÕs so much to be done,though.Ó
Xena kept her eyes focused upward. ÒYeah, I know.Ó
Gabrielle had to think about that. ÒNo.. um..Ó She paused.ÒWorried, I guess. About all the stuff I donÕt know about.Ó She watched XenaÕsprofile, seeing an expression there that was strange to her. She wriggled alittle closer, seeing the queenÕs eyes blink a few times. ÒAbout you.Ó
XenaÕs head turned, and she met GabrielleÕs gaze. ÒKnow whatI was thinking about before?Ó She asked. ÒThat horses granddam.Ó
ÒI figured that.Ó
The queen turned on her side, so they were facing eachother. ÒI gave her to Lastay because I was afraid the same thing would happento her that happened to Lyceus.Ó She exhaled slowly. ÒDamn, that hurt. She was the last of my family.Ó
Tears stung GabrielleÕs eyes, and she slid her hand up thequeenÕs arm, knowing a moment of synergy with her as she remembered that first,horrific night sheÕd spent in the stronghold after seeing Lila die. ÒIÕmsorry.Ó
ÒMe too.Ó XenaÕs body relaxed, almost into a slump. ÒWolvesgot her. Couple years after. I never got a chance to say goodbye.Ó
The queen stopped speaking, her eyes wandering past GabrielleÕsface.
Gabrielle wasnÕt really sure what to say. She gently turnedXenaÕs hand over and kissed the palm, then folded her fingers around itagain. She could almost feel thesadness and the turmoil inside the dark haired woman, and it surprised her.ÒYou were just trying to keep her safe.Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Xena shifted, and pulled Gabrielle closer, wrappingher arms around her as they snuggled together in the middle of the bed. ÒOrmaybe I was just fooling myself.Ó She tucked GabrielleÕs head against her shoulderand sighed. ÒWouldnÕt have been the first time. Maybe itÕs not the last.Ó
And what, Gabrielle wondered, did that mean?
Xena bit her ear, and the question became irrelevant. Atleast, for now.
**
Dawn found Xena standing on the battlements, watching theearly morning stirring of the stronghold unfold before her.
The bustle was familiar and orderly, and she nodded a fewtimes as she watched the door to the barracks open and men file out, carryingpractice swords and bows, with an air of stolid purpose.
She was dressed in her worn practice gear, and soon sheÕd godown to the barracks practice yard, and join the sparring, crossing that lineas she did so and committing herself to the battles to come in a way that justtalking about it, and ordering preparations didnÕt.
She would leave being the queen behind, and take up themantle of conqueror again, and she found herself feeling a mixture ofexcitement and apprehension about that.
After a moment, she slapped the top of the wall and thenturned and headed for the stairs down, the buckles on her gambeson jinglingsoftly as she took the steps two at a time, the worn, heavy boots she waswearing scuffing against the stone.
The weight of her sword, clipped to holders on her back,felt familiar, and yet strange. Though she often used it in her nightly workouts, she seldom wore itanymore, preferring to simply carry it up to the tower chamber and back again.
She reached the bottom of the steps and started across theforeyard, her sudden presence causing a mild commotion as workers stiflingyawns as they walked realized who was crossing their paths and scrambled to bowand curtsey.
Xena walked past them, whistling softly under her breath.She approached the open wall gates that separated the barracks area from thedomestic one, and passed through the metal strapped wooden portal with a sensethat she was entering a different space.
As she cleared the gate, several of the soldiers spotted herand straightened, bracing and bringing a fist up to their chests in salute.
ÒMistress.Ó Theold soldier greeted her with the same raised fist, but his motion was unstudiedand natural, and as such, seemed far more sincere. ÒWelcome.Ó
ÒHope you say that after drill.Ó Xena remarked, in apleasant tone, as she slowly turned in a half circle, surveying the work inprogress.
ÒXena.Ó Brendan lowered his voice as he used the queenÕsgiven name. ÒWere ye to beat the lot of us senseless, youÕd still be welcomeand ye know it.Ó
Xena swung her head around to study him with a raisedeyebrow, which she held momentarily before she broke into a very rakish grin.ÒThe lot of you are kinky bastards.Ó She told him, her voice then becomingbrisk. ÒShow me whatÕs been done so far.Ó
Brendan nodded, as if heÕd expected the request, and
Xena paused, as she spotted Jonas working over his anvil,his focus so intense he hadnÕt noticed the stir and sudden silence around him.She walked over and watched him work for a few moments, as he carefully shapedanother tiny ring and set it in place. ÒNice.Ó
He jerked, and turned. ÒMajesty!Ó
Xena strolled closer and lifted a corner of the square ofchain mail, examining itÕs quality. The rings were small and tightly knit, in adouble layer thick, and yet flexible. She let it drap over her hand, nodding asshe could barely see her skin through it. ÒGood work.Ó
Jonas ducked his head a trifle. ÒI will layer leather scaleacross here..Ó He touched his own chest. ÒAnd down to here.Ó He indicated hisupper thigh.
Xena nodded. ÒShe rides.Ó She advised him. ÒPut a leatherstrip down the inside of the legs. Save the damn horse some grief.Ó
ÒYes, Mistress. She said.Ó Jonas agreed, quietly. ÒTis strangefor me, I will be honest, to be kitting out so gentle a soul.Ó
The queen remained silent for a moment then she snortedsoftly under her breath. ÒImagine how I felt making love to her.Ó She gave themen a wicked smile. ÒNext? Gotsome fletchers working overtime, Brendan?Ó
ÒYes, Mistress.Ó The old soldier scratched his jaw, muffinga smile. ÒThis way. Biggestproblem we had, I tell you, is getting the feathers for it.Ó
ÒReally?Ó
They walked away from the anvils, towards a smaller circlewhere four rough tables were set in a square, lined with men working on shapingwooden shafts and fitting them with iron barbs and trimmed feathers. ÒDamnedmerchants were holding back to sell em to the posh types, for pillas.Ó
Xena, who had several of the aforementioned pillas on herbed, nodded gravely. ÒTerrible.Ó She picked up a shaft and glanced down itÕslength, pleased with the straightness of it. She fingered the well cured wood,and glanced at Brendan. ÒThis didnÕt come from the forest yesterday.Ó
A faint, wry twinkle entered her old captainÕs one remainingeye. ÒBeen drying em since before the frost, Mistress.Ó
Xena smiled, and set the shaft down. ÒHave you now?Ó
They continued on towards the practice grounds. ÒIÕll putthe word out, Mistress.Ó Brendan said. ÒThe men know it, most of em, but theseworkers donÕt yet.Ó
Xena glanced up as the sun emerged from behind the walls andbathed the compound in warmth. She felt the light touch her skin, and as theywalked past the rows and rows of barracks, the doors started to open and menstarted to pour out to follow them.
In her plain garb, and workmanlike boots, Xena wasunremarkable among them, and knowing that her heart suddenly soared, as shefelt herself moving from what now seemed like a dream back into what she knewwas her own, personal reality.
It felt good to be covered in leather and rough cloth, andfeel the heaviness of boots around her feet instead of the light silks andslippers sheÕd been wearing these past years. It felt good to breathe in the scent of sun warmed metal,and leather, and horse manure, and hear the grunts of honest workers aroundher.
She stopped just short of the practice ground and turned toface the crowd of soldiers trooping after them. They stood in silence, theireyes on her as they waited, bodies covered in scuffed leather and mail, facesbearded, weapons slung around them liberally.
ÒAll of you ready to go out there?Ó XenaÕs voice rang outover the sound of her banners, flapping in the wind overhead.
A wordless yell answered her.
ÒGood.Ó The queen turned and led the way into the practiceyard, her hands already twitching, wanting her own weapons
Beside her, Brendan smiled, but remained silent.
Love did, he knew, odd things to people.
It was almost as if the throne had stopped being importantto her, and while Brendan was canny enough to know the danger of that, he wassoldier enough to be glad for XenaÕs sake for it.
The crown sucked your soul, he was convinced. HeÕd felt onlysadness watching his former commander retreat further and further up into hertower, without friends, without anything other than her growing fondness forwine and her solitary shadow fights up in the tower.
It was like watching a dear friend die, and not being ableto do for them. Brendan nowwatched the tall figure at his right as she picked up a spear and laid itacross her broad shoulders, twisting her body to loosen it.
Still the warrior, even after all the years at court. Henodded to himself. Even the mindnumbing boredom of ruling hadnÕt taken that from her, but he knew the winterhad reignited more than just an interest in the world around her this time.
The gods themselves bless that little one.
He knew how important Gabrielle was to this newborn leader,now lazily tossing spear after spear, with a powerful overhand motion to hitstraw targets set across the field.
Did Xena know it? He watched her from the corner of his eye. Did she see the newvulnerability Gabrielle represented?
Ah well. Brendan took a deep breath, and released it. The risk was worth gettingtheir leader back, at least to his mind. ÒXena?Ó
The queen turned towards him. ÒDamned good thing I carry asword on horseback. If you counted on me to hit something with those thingsweÕd be dead already.Ó She gave the targets a wry look. ÒNever was good atthat.Ó
Brendan walked over to her. ÒMeleeÕs ready.Ó He indicatedthe field. ÒAre ye for some fun then?Ó
Xena drew her sword, and extended her arm, twirling theblade in her hand before she then whipped it in a circle, making the very airsing. ÒOh yeah.Ó She finished showing off and let the blade rest against hershoulder. ÒLetÕs do it.Ó
She threaded her way through the milling soldiers to thecenter of them, and began to call out orders, directing the field of battle asthe men began to group together on either side of a central trench. ÒGet leftthereÉ no you idiot, your other left!Ó
One of the men next to Brendan hefted his shield. ÒShould wegive her Majesty one of these, sir?Ó
Brendan chuckled dryly. ÒSon.Ó He clapped the man on theshoulder. ÒShe donÕt need none of that.Ó
ÒSir?Ó
ÒJust wait. YouÕll see.Ó
**
Gabrielle found a good spot up in the tower, with a greatview of the practice yard. She tucked her feet up on the bench and leaned herelbow on the window sill, putting her chin down on her arm as she fastened hereyes on the tall, rangy figure in the center, her height and long hair making herstand out from the soldiers around her.
Part of her wanted to be down there, but another part of herfelt that this was something that was very personal, very private to Xena andshe didnÕt want to intrude on it.
Yet.
SheÕd come to understand that there was this violence in herbeloved, that far from being ashamed of, Xena exulted in.
Now, she watched as the mock battle started, and Xena jumpedonto a rock in the center of the field and pointed her sword, directing the mentowards each other and she could almost feel the happiness in the queenÕsheart.
The men surged forward, and in the blink of an eye, Xena wasoff her rock and into the thick of it, her sword moving powerfully as she droveback a squad of men, whirling and ducking as two others came in from the sideand then surprising them both with a roundhouse kick that sent their weaponsflying.
Gabrielle could hear the laugh.
She watched the melee a moment more, then she bit the insideof her lip, struggling with the decision to stay where she was, or go down andjoin in the fighting. She knew shehad very little time to learn even the basics, and make herself less of aliability and more of an asset when they were out there in the middle of abattle.
ÒHello, Gabrielle.Ó
She turned, to find Jellaus behind her. ÒHi.Ó She indicatedthe field. ÒXenaÕs down there.Ó
ÒI know.Ó The minstrel chuckled, sitting down next to her.ÒThe stories are already being told in the kitchens.Ó He peered out the window. ÒSure youÕre ready for that,little one?Ó
ÒNo.Ó Gabrielle answered, putting her chin back down. ÒIknow IÕm not. But IÕll learn.Ó
Jellaus watched her, with a touch of sadness.
Gabrielle apparently didnÕt hear him. She got up, pattinghim on the shoulder. ÒIÕm going to go see what I can learn right now.
The minstrel nodded, as he watched her trot off, her palehair bouncing a little as she ran. ÒSo.Ó He sighed. ÒWhat note is this songgoing to end on, hm?Ó He stood and folded his arms over his chest. ÒGuess Ibest be packing, idiot that I am.Ó
Shaking his head, he walked off.
**
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