Amazon Queen on Trial
Awakenings 29
Ms Hunter Ash
*Disclaimers
Ownership: Repeat after me: I don’t own Xena, Gabrielle, etc. I’m borrowing them for entertainment purposes, please don’t bother to sue me, you wouldn’t even get court costs.
Rating: R
Violence: very low actually, some fangs.
Subtext/Alt Fiction/Sex: the story assumes a loving and sexual relationship between people of the same gender and of the opposite sex.
Feedback: always welcome and responded to!
Storyline: Gabrielle, Xena and family travel to the Black Forest Amazons to face the consequences from their trip to Egypt. The price could be high for an Amazon Queen who fails a blood oath with a Goddess pissed off as well.
The story can stand on its own but it is part of a series and you might want to catch some of the earlier parts to know exactly who is whom.
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Xena stepped out of the cabin and onto the porch. Hercules glanced back over his shoulder as he leaned against a post and smiled at his half-sister and housemate. Both of them looked out into the yard to watch Gabrielle tossing a ball back and forth to Asher in the green grass.
The warrior bard looked relaxed and peaceful as she played with their son, but Xena knew her wife was worried.
“Is she talking about it?” Hercules asked, as if reading Xena’s mind.
“No, ever since we got word four days ago about the Amazon All-Thing, she’s been quiet,” Xena commented.
“All-Thing. I see the Black Forest Amazons are adapting to the north,” Hercules muttered.
“Yup, an All-Thing,” Xena nodded. “It is a gathering of all the tribes and clans to decide major matters concerning the nation. I can't believe they're using this to put Gabrielle on trial.”
“I still can’t believe they’re willing to do this,” Hercules growled. “After all you’ve both done for them! She went to a cross for them!”
Xena closed her eyes as memories flashed across her mind of Gabrielle’s body being nailed to a t-bar cross in an exchange for her Amazons. Gabrielle died for her Amazons that day and in the end her tribe had still been attacked and almost wiped out by the Romans.
“I know, and the struggles to help them survive,” Xena muttered. “She has food and supplies sent to them every fall.”
“How can they even consider this?” he demanded, trying to keep his voice low.
“Artemis is pushing them into it, I think,” Xena said, leaning against him.
“Want me to talk to Dad?” he asked softly.
“No, he declared that the gods can’t mix in our affairs,” Xena reminded him. “I think Artemis is getting around that by dealing through the Amazons.”
Hercules frowned, obviously unhappy with the situation.
Gabrielle looked up and tried to smile at Xena and Hercules. The bard knew they were worried about her; so was she.
Xena walked down the steps to join her mate and son. Asher grinned and tossed the ball to his tall mom. The warrior mom laughed when she caught it and then hid it behind her back for a moment. He continued giggling when she tossed the ball back to him. Xena grinned at Asher and then sat down next to Gabrielle in the grass. The bard leaned her head on Xena’s shoulder.
“When do we leave?” Gabrielle asked softly as Asher amused himself with the ball, trying to balance it on a pinecone.
“I still say we don’t have to leave,” Xena growled.
“Xena, I’m the Queen of the Black Forest Amazons,” Gabrielle reminded the warrior unnecessarily. “If I don’t go, they’ll declare me guilty of treason and send out assassins.”
“We can handle assassins,” Xena grumbled.
“Our own family? My own sisters?” Gabrielle asked softly.
“No one touches you, damnit!” Xena grumbled. “I won’t let them hurt you.”
“I know, my love,” Gabrielle said wearily. “I didn’t know the risks when I accepted the caste that day but I knew them when I became Queen and fought Velasca to keep it.”
“It’s not right that they’re even doing this!” Xena protested.
“I know. We both know that Artemis is behind it,” Gabrielle said easily. “She’s still upset at me because I didn’t kill Antony.”
“What pisses me off is that she’s not mad because of the blood oath we both swore but because she couldn’t get to Cleo with Antony around,” Xena complained.
“Well, you and I know that’s the reason,” Gabrielle managed to smile slightly. “I’m not sure the Amazons will believe that their patron deity lost it for a human and became petty and jealous.”
“I don’t want you doing this, Gabrielle,” Xena growled.
“I know and I don’t particularly want to face a trial either but I’m going,” the bard said firmly. “You can stay here with Asher….”
“Don’t be ridiculous and don’t finish that sentence!” Xena warned. “I’m your Champion and your Chosen, they face both of us.”
“Then let’s get it over with,” Gabrielle said, ending the conversation.
Later that evening the housemates and child sat around the table after dinner. Iolaus was heating water to give Asher a bath, since the young child had decided that dinner was better suited as a clothing decoration rather than as food.
Gabrielle laughed as she wrestled the boy to the fur in front of the fireplace, both trying for tickle holds.
Iolaus grinned and grabbed Asher up as Hercules poured the water into a basin for Asher’s bath. Xena smiled and joined Gabrielle on the furs.
“Hey, Little One,” the warrior said softly, smiling gently as Gabrielle’s face softened. The bard welcomed Xena’s lips as the warrior wrapped her arms around Gabrielle.
After a few moments of gentle kisses, Gabrielle curled up in Xena’s arms by the fire.
“I remember you promising me something about my body and this fireplace,” Gabrielle teased.
“I remember, when everything went wrong with Antony and Cleo,” Xena whispered.
“Xena,” Gabrielle’s expression changed and Xena placed a finger on her bard’s lips.
“No, serious discussions. Tomorrow, not tonight,” Xena growled. “Asher is spending the night in Herc and Iolaus’ room; we've got the night to ourselves.”
Gabrielle smiled gently and pulled Xena down on top of her as she heard Hercules and Iolaus going down the hall with Asher.
Gabrielle grinned mischievously and surprised Xena by flipping the warrior over and ending up on top. The bard’s hands and lips became quickly insistent as they roamed over what skin she could find. Gabrielle began working at the laces of Xena’s tunic as Xena moaned and pulled Gabrielle’s vest off.
Xena brought a knee up between Gabrielle’s legs, adding some pressure to her mate’s sex, and easing the arousal tension she knew her bard was feeling. Gabrielle moaned and attacked Xena’s mouth with her lips, asking and receiving a welcome to match tongue for tongue with Xena.
The kiss was only broken by the need to breathe as Gabrielle laid her forehead on Xena’s shoulder.
“Gods, Xena,” she muttered, breathing heavily. “Even after all these years, just touching you drives me insane, in moments.”
“I’ll second that,” Xena whispered, pulling at Gabrielle’s belt impatiently. “I want to take all night with you, Gabrielle. To be gentle and explore all of your body with my tongue and fingers, to slowly taste all of you and feel you squirming under me.”
Gabrielle closed her eyes and moaned, her hands tightening unconsciously in Xena’s hair and the fur under them.
“But right now, I want you!” Xena growled, becoming forceful.
“Yes!” Gabrielle agreed, pulling Xena’s tunic off over the warrior's head.
The rest of the clothes were shed without any particular order except what was close at hand.
Gabrielle found herself sitting in Xena’s lap, facing the warrior, as they continued kissing passionately. The bard gasped when she felt Xena’s finger trailing down from her breasts and past her stomach, ending between Gabrielle’s legs. Xena moaned at how wet her mate was for her and bent her head slightly to take one of Gabrielle's nipples into her mouth.
“Oh gods,” Gabrielle moaned, placing her hands on Xena’s shoulders for support as her warrior entered her with two fingers, only to pull out and tease the bard’s clit lightly and then enter her again. “Xena!”
“Yes, lover?” Xena whispered, her voice husky with the warrior’s own arousal.
“Oh gods,” the bard muttered again as Xena’s lips moved to her other breast and a hand switched to the other breast. Yes, the warrior had many skills and that included using both hands almost equally well.
Gabrielle moaned and bit her lip as Xena’s attention to her breasts and sexual lips became a blur and the bard could no longer tell which hand was where until Xena lightly nipped a breast and then the nipple. Gabrielle felt her body jerk in response and cried out as Xena entered her again with three fingers at the same time.
“Xena!” Gabrielle cried as her body tried to match the rhythm her warrior was beginning to set with her fingers. The bard pulled Xena’s head up for an almost desperate kiss, joining them together. Then Gabrielle had to break the kiss to cry out again from the sensations. She gripped Xena’s shoulders as her head snapped back from the sheer force of her orgasm.
Xena increased her thrusts into her bard and added her thumb to caress Gabrielle’s clit. The bard bit her lip to keep from screaming. Xena, her eyelids heavy, adored the sight of her mate in the throes of passion. The warrior still couldn’t believe after all their years together that she was able to bring that look to Gabrielle’s face and body.
Xena felt Gabrielle’s muscles contracting as she almost bucked off Xena’s lap. The warrior gave up teasing Gabrielle’s breasts with one hand and wrapped the arm around her mate, holding Gabrielle in her lap. Xena bent her head slightly and bit Gabrielle’s nipple as she thrust, feeling Gabrielle’s body stiffen and shake with orgasm.
Xena smiled as Gabrielle collapsed against her shoulder, letting the bard regain her energy. The warrior planned for a long night with her mate.
Suddenly a long wail brought both mother’s heads up. Xena chuckled softly as Gabrielle sighed.
“Sounds like someone doesn’t want to go to bed,” Xena commented.
“That makes one of us in the house,” Gabrielle muttered, nuzzling Xena’s neck.
“Herc’s been a dad, he’ll handle Asher,” Xena added, biting down on Gabrielle’s neck in response.
Another long wail of frustration was as effective as throwing ice in the middle of the two women.
“Who goes this time?” Gabrielle muttered, reaching for her tunic.
“You're on top, but I'll go," Xena teased as they tried to disengage themselves from each other. Gabrielle smiled and leaned over Xena for another long kiss.
“Were you ever this difficult?” Gabrielle grinned as Xena reached for her trousers.
“Oh yeah,” Xena nodded. “Mom says I never wanted to sleep, it was always a battle with me. Lycius was different, he wanted to get to sleep to get it over with.”
“Hurry back,” Gabrielle urged.
* * *
The bard was dozing when Xena finally returned and curled up on the furs next to her mate. The warrior smiled as she watched Gabrielle sleeping. Asher was much like both his mothers, Xena reflected. He was better coordinated than most children his age and had Gabrielle’s unrelenting curiosity. Added on top of that was blue green eyes and hair color that couldn’t decide between blonde and dark brown from season to season.
The shock of blonde hair he had been born with was slowly giving way to a deep dark brown but it was too early to tell which parent he was going to take after in height.
Xena thought Asher looked very much like Gabrielle when he was sleeping and would have been surprised to find that Gabrielle thought the same thing about Asher and Xena.
Gabrielle smiled at Xena’s expression as the warrior gently stroked the bard’s cheek.
“I love you too,” she mumbled. “How’s Asher?”
“Teething,” Xena announced. “Another tooth is trying to come through.”
“Add that to his attempting to walk and the bruises on the outside,” Gabrielle smiled.
“Well, he has been moving along holding onto things rather well,” Xena said proudly.
“Yeah, as long as the object wasn’t trying to move as well, like Saminus,” Gabrielle giggled.
The four parents had tried not to laugh at Asher over that one but finally failed. Asher had thought grabbing the large herding dog, Saminus, by the tail was the perfect solution for the awkward time between crawling and learning to stand up and walk. Unfortunately, Saminus hadn’t thought it was the perfect solution and had first tried to get away from Asher.
Uncommon in toddlers, Asher had a pretty good grip. The young boy ended up getting dragged around the table as both dog and child howled. It wasn’t a candle-mark later when Asher tried it again, trying to sneak up on the dog and grabbing two handfuls of fur at Saminus’ neck. The dog, having learned the first time, simply laid down and refused to move, no matter how hard Asher tried to push or urge the dog into moving.
Xena laughed and pulled Gabrielle into her arms.
“He’s going to be walking very soon, he’s already standing on his own when we’re not looking,” she predicted.
“I’m not leaving him behind, Xena,” Gabrielle said softly and firmly.
“I know, I couldn’t do that again,” Xena agreed. “That whole mess with Antony and Cleo was a major mistake. Why in Tartarus do we keep making them lately?”
“Maybe we’re on the wrong path?” Gabrielle suggested.
“What do you mean? We’ve been going along as usual, saving the world, the Amazons and anyone else along the way,” Xena asked.
“Maybe that’s the problem,” Gabrielle mumbled. “Maybe we’re supposed to be parents for awhile and leave the world-saving to the next generation and warriors like Hallvor.”
Xena frowned as Gabrielle drifted into sleep again.
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Xena barely got her body curled protectively around Gabrielle and her own stomach protected the next morning when a shout from Asher warned her of his approach.
Gabrielle giggled along with their son as he clambered over them, encouraging them to wake up and pay attention to him. Xena glanced up and saw Hercules and Iolaus smiling at them as the two headed to bank up the fire and start breakfast.
“Good morning,” Herc greeted.
“Hey, Herc,” Gabrielle smiled. Even with the upcoming drama, being with Asher could always make her smile. “Hey, Ash, want some milk?”
Suddenly the boy’s mood changed as fast as lightning and he frowned at his moms. “No!” he said firmly and crossed his arms in defiance. “Ale.”
“Ale?” Xena questioned, “Where in Tartarus did he pick that up?”
“Iolaus is getting ready to keg his winter mead and has been talking about brewing a batch of ale as soon as the weather is warmer,” Gabrielle explained.
“Well, kiddo,” Xena grinned at her stubborn son, “Ale is for adults and idiots. Moms and little boys get milk for breakfast.”
“No!” Asher snapped.
“Terrific, his favorite word lately,” Xena muttered.
“And he can say it in Latin, Greek, German and Finnish,” Gabrielle grinned.
“I’m surprised you haven’t thrown the three Celtic dialects in there,” Xena complained.
Gabrielle laughed and pulled Asher into her arms as she got to her feet. The boy’s mood softened as magically as it had changed and he was laughing, playing with her necklace.
“What do you want to wear today?” she was asking as they disappeared down the hall.
Xena noticed Hercules and Iolaus smiling as they set about the morning chores.
“I’ll go for firewood,” she offered and grabbed her boots by the door. “Gotta feed the livestock too.”
“I’ll join you,” Hercules offered and reached for his coat, already having put his boots on.
The two half-siblings made quick work of the morning duties of feeding the livestock, drawing water from the well and gathering an armload of firewood into Hercules’ arms.
Another two trips and enough firewood was stacking up inside for a couple of days worth of cooking and keeping the small cabin warm.
Xena stood on the porch and looked around at their land as Hercules dropped the last armload of wood and began stacking the wood next to the door.
“You’re not leaving Asher behind this time, are you?” he asked easily.
“No,” Xena said. “I don’t know how we could have taken him with us to Egypt but leaving him behind was a mistake. I know Gabrielle never said anything and neither did I but it drove us both absolutely crazy to be away from him.”
“Well that whole trip was a mistake,” Hercules agreed.
“I know and we’re still paying for it,” Xena complained, rubbing her hands over her arms. It was barely spring in the north and snow still dotted the shadowed places around their land and there were ice chunks in the river at night.
“An All-Thing is usually held in high summer, why are the Amazons rushing this?” Hercules asked.
“I think they’re trying to keep the numbers from the north down,” Xena ventured. “The Black Forest Amazons know that Gabrielle and I are especially well thought of up there. I just wish this wasn’t happening.”
“I know,” Hercules said softly, walking up behind Xena and placing his hands on her shoulder, letting her relax against him, letting some of the tension fade. “Iolaus and I are going with you.”
“No men on Amazon land, remember?”
“We were accepted as your Kumbadas, best males and god-parents to your children,” Hercules reminded her. “We are family and I am the son of a Greek God, they will hear us on this.”
Xena grinned at his stubborn tone and merely nodded.
“You know the Amazons better than I do,” he continued. “Why are they doing this and what could happen?”
“Let’s continue this inside, okay?” Xena suggested.
Once in the cabin, Xena and Hercules found Iolaus setting the morning food on the table and Gabrielle convincing Asher to hand over his latest find, a mouse that he had lured out of a corner with breadcrumbs and was now holding by the tail.
Xena and Hercules bit their lips to keep from laughing as Gabrielle debated with a toddler that was 15 months old.
Gabrielle finally won the round by offering Asher one of his favorite toys in trade for the mouse and Xena and Hercules were finally able to laugh aloud.
“Careful, warrior,” Gabrielle growled as she headed to the door with the mouse. “I’ll slip this into your nightshift.”
Xena could only laugh harder.
After breakfast the adults gathered around the table once the dishes were cleared and Asher was amusing himself by the fireplace with a piece of charcoal and a flat piece of flagstone.
“Hercules was asking me several questions,” Xena began the serious conversation. “One, he asked whether we were leaving Asher behind this time and I told him we weren’t.”
“Nope, not this time,” Gabrielle agreed.
“Second, why are the Amazons doing this?” Xena said, throwing it out there for her mate.
“When Brutus and Marc Antony attacked the Black Forest Amazons and slaughtered them, Xena and I swore a blood oath of vengeance,” Gabrielle reminded the two men.
“I remember, we found them after the attack,” Hercules said softly.
“Eponi came after me a few years later, blaming me for the attack,” Gabrielle continued. “Brutus told her that I betrayed the Amazons to save Xena from the Romans. We settled that and I told her of the blood oath against Brutus and Antony.”
“The Amazons know that we settled with Brutus and that I was there when he died a violent death,” Xena continued for her mate. “They’ve been waiting for us to move against Antony. Pony was driven nearly insane after the attack and I’m not sure ever totally recovered. She watched Ephiny, Solari and the others tortured and crucified and hid under the bodies of her sisters to escape detection.”
“Oh Gods,” Iolaus muttered, glancing over to make sure Asher was still amused and not listening closely.
“You know the rest,” Gabrielle said calmly. “Artemis showed up and demanded we take care of Antony once and for all and zapped us to Egypt to do it.”
“What went wrong in Egypt?” Iolaus asked.
“What went right?” Xena countered bitterly. “We were in an impossible situation. We liked Cleopatra and didn’t want to hurt her and we were supposed to arrange for Antony’s death at the same time. Gabrielle and I observed things and determined that Octavian is the best choice for the Empire and Antony would be a disaster.”
“We still couldn’t kill him without killing Cleopatra,” Gabrielle added. “She loves him so much that she won’t live without him.”
“So you walked away,” Hercules guessed.
“Not quite,” Xena growled, her face darkening. “Gabrielle tried to get us out of there and told Artemis that we couldn’t do it. Artemis attacked Gabrielle and almost killed her.”
“Oh gods,” Iolaus muttered.
“We got Gabrielle out of there with the plans for the upcoming battle at Actium,” Xena continued. “She went to Octavian and I stayed with Antony and Cleo. I convinced Cleo that Antony wasn’t loyal to her and she turned against him during the battle, ensuring Octavian’s eventual victory.”
“Then she went and took Antony back!” Gabrielle complained. “I sent word to the Black Forest Amazons that I would return in spring and renounce my rank of Queen to the tribe. You know the rest.”
“They sent word back that it wouldn’t be enough to renounce your position,” Hercules grumbled.
“Exactly,” Gabrielle nodded. “We’re pretty sure that Artemis has told them her own version of what happened and turned them against me.”
Hercules and Iolaus frowned as they held hands across the table. Iolaus nodded to his mate.
“We’re going with you,” Hercules announced. “We were recognized by your tribe as your Kumbada and your family. They have to at least give us a say in this.”
Gabrielle frowned as she thought about it.
“What about the farm?” she asked.
“Ketli is due back any day now from gathering the wild sheep and cattle with the clan and the ships don’t plan on sailing for another two moons,” Iolaus explained. “He’ll watch the place with a couple of his cousins from Eddval’s clan.”
“I don’t know if they’ll let you in but I’d like you there,” the bard admitted and tried to smile.
“Okay, another question Hercules asked was what can we expect?” Xena continued. “It’ll probably be a combination of a traditional northern All-Thing and Amazon law, I’m guessing.”
Gabrielle nodded, “They have been trying to adapt the northern with their own Greek Amazon heritage. I did a lot of reading when I took over the Queen title and have an idea of what to expect. I’m not sure what mix of Germanic they might throw in though.”
The bard hesitated as she gathered her thoughts.
“When we hit Amazon land, I’ll probably be arrested,” Gabrielle reached across the table and grabbed Xena’s hands when the warrior growled her displeasure at that thought. “I’m facing charges of treason, Xena. They’ll likely take my weapons and may even shackle me.”
Hercules and Iolaus were looking unhappy and weren’t surprised that Xena’s blue eyes were flashing with intense anger at the thought of Gabrielle’s own Amazons doing that to her.
“They may or may not let Hercules and Iolaus follow us onto Amazon land and they might demand Xena’s weapons as well,” Gabrielle continued, glancing over to find Asher putting his charcoal down and looking around, his blue-green eyes eagerly seeking new entertainment.
Iolaus jumped up and quickly gathered the boy into his arm, swinging Asher around playfully as the toddler laughed hysterically in delight. Both Moms watched for a moment as Iolaus sat Asher down and they began to rummage through the boy’s toy box for the next item of the day.
“They’ll call a gathering of the Queens or Representatives from all the tribes of the Nation,” Gabrielle continued. “Then they’ll hear evidence and pleas and announce their decision – usually after a day or more of debating. Then we’ll know.”
“What could their decision be?” Hercules asked.
“Well, I’m hoping for acquittal,” Gabrielle quipped and caught Xena’s smirk at Gabrielle’s attempt at lightening the mood. “Actually, I expect to be found guilty since I did fail to kill Antony and failed my blood oath to the memory of my Amazon sisters.”
“Oh gods,” Hercules said, rubbing his hand over his face and beard. “Vengeance never gets us anywhere.”
“That’s something I’m not sure mankind will ever figure out,” Xena commented.
“What could be the punishments?” Hercules asked, knowing that Iolaus was listening closely as he played with the boy.
“Uh, well,” Gabrielle hesitated and heard Xena growling in growing concern. “Death is most likely for breaking such an oath, especially for a Queen,” she said softly.
“Only through me!” Xena promised angrily.
Gabrielle squeezed Xena’s hands. “I know, my love, I know. They’ll be expecting that as my Champion and Consort.”
“How?” Hercules pressed the question.
“Some punishments include: maiming, banishment from the parent tribe, blinding, banishment with no contact with any other Amazon,” Gabrielle explained, almost reciting from memory from the ancient scrolls. “I would be a non-person to all Amazons.”
Xena flinched as Gabrielle’s eyes filled with tears. The warrior knew that Gabrielle had no idea what she was doing the day the bard accepted the “right of caste” from a dying Amazon Princess and Xena had figured it had just been an adventure to Gabrielle. The bard had surprised her though, by accepting the Amazon way of life and all it encompassed and it had gone beyond “playing” at being an Amazon. Somewhere along the line, Gabrielle had become a true Amazon and Queen.
Xena knew that she could live with having Amazons ignore her and refusing to talk or deal with her but the warrior also knew that it would be very painful for Gabrielle. Then Xena thought about it further; could she live knowing that Yakut, Otere and the others of the Northern Amazons couldn’t talk to them either? Xena wasn’t amused with that thought.
“A death sentence could be several ways: poison, shot by arrows, stoned to death, running a gauntlet, being sacrificed on an altar to Artemis or even a blood hunt,” Gabrielle finished.
“Blood hunt?” Hercules questioned.
“A pack of hunters are chosen and the hunted is given a dagger and one candle-mark head start,” Gabrielle explained. “Sometimes the rules are if the hunted gets off Amazon land then they’re declared safe and banished. No one’s ever made it off Amazon land during a hunt.”
“Gabrielle, as your Champion, how much of a role do I get in this?” Xena demanded. “You know there’s no one on earth who could best me in a hunt.”
“I know, my love,” Gabrielle tried to smile. “I doubt even 50 Amazon hunters could take you down. I truly don’t know. Unlike a Challenge, you can’t stand for me in punishment. Whatever they decide, that’s what I have to face.”
“What about challenging Eponi to Queenship?” Xena asked.
“I’m already the Queen and under trial,” Gabrielle muttered. “You can’t challenge her because you’re not an Amazon, not even as my Champion.”
“They are not going to kill you!” Xena repeated.
“We’ll figure a way out of it,” Gabrielle said, trying to reassure her mate and best friends.
Xena continued to look very unhappy.
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Traveling with Asher proved to more of a challenge than Gabrielle had faced before. Xena had a little more hands on experience with Sasha but even the warrior admitted that Asher was a handful.
Between his mood swings, curious pointing at everything, and demanding to stay with his normal schedule of feeding and naps, just a few days on the road with the small boy had worn out the family.
The other side of the coin was watching his face light up with delight at new animals coming into sight, new noises sounding in the forests, and as he watched the river rolling by them with fascination. Both Gabrielle and Xena were grateful that he didn’t seem to be afraid of anything: loud noises, the dark, animals; nothing seemed to faze the boy. On the other hand, they were always on guard with him. Having no real sense of fear, they knew he could get in over his head faster than one of Zeus’ lightning bolts.
Xena woke up on the fourth night to find Asher asleep next to her but the spot beyond that empty. She looked around and found Gabrielle sitting by the fire, staring at the flames. The warrior wrapped the furs around Asher and wrapped one around her shoulders as she got up and sat down next to her mate.
“Can’t sleep?”
“No, tomorrow we hit Amazon land,” Gabrielle answered.
“I know,” Xena acknowledged her mate’s nervousness.
“Gabrielle, no matter what happens, we are leaving here to raise our son and spend as much time with Sasha as we can,” Xena promised. “Even if we have to travel all the way to Chin, I am not going to let them harm you.”
“Xena, you know that we may not have a choice,” Gabrielle said wearily. “I accepted all aspects of being an Amazon, even the bad stuff and the responsibilities.”
“I didn’t agree to you being killed, especially not for being unable to kill,” Xena growled.
“I know,” Gabrielle smiled, leaning into Xena’s shoulder.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Xena let Gabrielle take the lead as they got closer to Amazon land and the small group slowed to walking their horses.
Gabrielle stopped her horse and dismounted. She glanced back at Xena for a moment and then moved forward slowly, crossing the invisible marker and raising her hands in the sign of peace among the Amazons. Xena kept one arm wrapped around Asher as she moved her horse forward; raising her hand as well. Hercules and Iolaus, followed their examples.
Almost instantly the area was filled with Amazon guards and scouts, all with weapons drawn.
An Amazon dropped out of the trees, using a rope and slowly walked up to Gabrielle and stood looking at the Queen through a leather and fur mask.
“Eponi,” Gabrielle said calmly, recognizing the Amazon, despite the mask.
Eponi removed the mask and stared at the smaller Amazon. Without warning she backhanded Gabrielle with a short Amazon club, sending the bard flying back into Iolaus’ arm.
Hercules grabbed Xena by the upper arms as the warrior growled.
Gabrielle shook her head as Iolaus helped the bard stand up.
“Gabrielle of the Black Forest Amazons, you are charged with treason,” Eponi said formally.
“She is the Queen of the Black Forest Amazons,” Xena growled, “You’ll treat her with respect until she’s convicted of anything!”
Eponi snarled and raised her club but one of the other Amazons stepped forward and whispered in Pony’s ear. The Regent finally nodded and stepped back.
Gabrielle shook her head again and pulled her sword out slowly and laid it at her feet. She then pulled her sais out and handed them to Hercules and stepped forward to face Pony again.
“What next?” she asked calmly, ignoring her bloody nose.
“Your Consort and Hallvor are right, you are still a Queen,” Eponi snarled. “I over-stepped my bounds. You, your Consort and child will be placed in the Queen’s hut. The males will be cleansed and allowed to enter later today. We expect all the Representatives or Queens from the other tribes to arrive by tomorrow.”
“Alright,” Gabrielle said calmly. “Do you require shackles or a guard?”
Pony’s eyes flashed with anger and she stepped forward a step. Gabrielle’s green eyes were just as hardened and challenging.
Hallvor placed a hand on the Regent’s shoulder, restraining her lover. After a moment Pony calmed down.
“You have come willingly and have surrendered your weapons without demand,” Pony said, again sounding formal. “I don’t think a guard will be necessary.”
“Thank you, Regent,” Gabrielle responded, intentionally using Eponi’s title and then shook her head, mentally scolding herself. “I’m sorry, Eponi. We’re all a little tense. There’s no need to physically or verbally be at each other’s throats.”
Pony frowned at Gabrielle’s attempt to defuse the situation.
“I’ll agree to be civil, Queen Gabrielle,” Eponi responded. “Understand that I am the one who brought the charges against you and demanded a trial.”
“I knew it was you,” Gabrielle nodded. “Doesn’t change anything with me, Pony.”
Eponi looked confused as she turned away from the small group.
Hallvor stepped forward. “Queen Gabrielle,” the German tried to smile. “I wish you had stayed home.”
Gabrielle smiled at her friend. “I couldn’t do that anymore than you could.”
“I know,” Hallvor smiled and motioned the guards and scouts to keep an eye on Hercules and Iolaus. “Sorry, guys, but you know the rules concerning men.”
“We understand,” Iolaus nodded.
“Xena keeps my weapons,” Gabrielle said firmly.
“Of course, my Queen,” Hallvor nodded as Hercules handed Gabrielle’s sais over to Xena. “Asher? By the gods, he’s grown in the last four moons!”
Xena grinned as she and Gabrielle walked along with Hallvor. They both noticed the Amazon limping more than usual.
“He has, he’s almost walking by himself and getting into everything,” Xena smiled.
“How is it going with Eponi and you?” Gabrielle asked the Amazon.
“Not so good,” Hallvor admitted. “We’ve been fighting over this decision, so has all the tribe. Those who know you aren’t in favor of this, Gabrielle.”
“How many are?” Xena asked slowly.
“Enough to make it work,” Hallvor complained. “Pony and I haven’t seen eye to eye on this for weeks. I moved out and I’m staying in a single cabin with several sisters.”
“Hall, don’t let this tear you two apart,” Gabrielle pleaded with her Amazon sister.
“It’s not just that, we’re also having problems in general,” Hallvor shrugged, attempting to dismiss it but Xena could tell by the woman's body language that her old friend was hurting; physically and emotionally.
They continued filling Hallvor in on what had happened over the winter at the farm, especially the exploits of the mighty Asher.
Xena was impressed with her bard as they walked into the Amazon village. Word had preceded them and everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the entrance of their accused Queen.
Gabrielle held her head up and didn’t let any emotion show as Hallvor escorted them to the Queen’s Hut.
It wasn’t until they were inside the wooden cabin that Gabrielle’s shoulders sagged and Xena sat Asher down and took Gabrielle into her arms.
"Oh gods, that was harder than I thought it would be," Gabrielle whispered as Xena gently held and rocked her, comforting her mate.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Gabrielle noticed that out of respect, the Queen’s chair was left empty as she took her place at one table and Eponi stood at another as they both faced a row of tables of Queens and Representatives.
The Queen’s seat sat on a platform behind the row of the Queen’s Council.
Xena stood behind Gabrielle as her Champion and Consort. Hallvor stood just behind Eponi.
Gabrielle and Eponi sat down and listened as each Queen and Representatives were introduced, one by one. They numbered twenty in all, including Otere from the Northern Siberian Amazons. Xena spotted Yakut among the crowd and a couple of other Northern Amazons as well and nodded. Yakut wiggled her eyebrows and Xena resisted smiling, maintaining her serious poise as Champion.
Xena knew they wouldn’t get a chance to talk with Otere now that the trial had started but she hoped they would be able to see Yakut and the other friendly faces.
Hallvor stepped forward.
“Before you is Gabrielle, Queen of the Black Forest Amazons,” Hallvor said, addressing the Council. “She was the Queen of the mid-land Greek Amazons until they were attacked and taken prisoner by the Roman, Caesar. Gabrielle moved what remained of the tribe to the Black Forest. Again we were attacked by the Romans and what remains is what we have rebuilt. Queen Gabrielle swore a blood oath of personal vengeance against the two Romans responsible for the second attack, Brutus and Marc Antony. Queen Gabrielle is accused of failing to fulfill that oath when she had the chance and went against the expressed wishes of Artemis, our patron goddess.”
Xena rested a hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder in support.
“Behind Queen Gabrielle is her Champion among the Amazons and in life, Xena,” Hallvor continued. “She is also the Queen’s Consort and accepted as an Amazon in that regard.”
Hallvor pointed towards Eponi. “This is Regent Eponi of the Black Forest Amazons, chosen by Gabrielle as Regent and acting Queen while Gabrielle is away. I am Hallvor, mate to Eponi and Law Speaker for the tribe.”
“Law Speaker?” Xena whispered and Gabrielle shrugged. The Amazon continued to surprise them every time they saw her.
“Who brings these charges against your Queen?” one of the Council asked, a woman with fiery red hair and Celtic knotwork of silver adorning her leathers.
“I do,” Eponi said firmly, standing up. “Of my own desires and of the wishes of our patron Goddess, Artemis.”
Gabrielle resisted the urge to jump out of her chair or squeak as a flash of light blinded everyone. A moment later Artemis was standing next to Eponi and the Regent didn’t appear surprised to see the goddess, even if Hallvor fell backwards, landing hard on her rump.
The spectators erupted in shouts, confusion and mumblings. The Council muttered among themselves, as well.
Otere, having met Artemis before, stood up and bowed her head respectfully but Xena noted that the Northern Amazon wasn’t smiling at the sight of the goddess.
“Quiet!” Otere shouted in the agreed upon Germanic. “This is Artemis, known among the Romans as Diana, Goddess of the Hunt and of the Amazons of the south.”
“Not among the Northern or others?” Artemis demanded, her eyes flashing with anger and amusement.
“I speak only for my tribe, you have visited us to help Gabrielle and Xena,” Otere responded slowly. “Gabrielle being your Chosen. Your Greek gods are weak outside of their worship. You are stronger than most but still weak. We have our gods and goddesses and they are strong in our lands.”
Artemis nodded, apparently satisfied with Otere’s answer.
“What do you wish with this Council?” another Queen asked, this one from the high Carpathian mountains.
“I wish to observe and to speak on this matter,” Artemis growled. “Gabrielle was my Chosen for many years and she has betrayed me and the Amazon Nation.”
“I wasn’t aware we had heard the charges or heard Queen Gabrielle’s response,” Otere commented.
Artemis looked as if she was about to lash out at the Northern Queen but nodded after a moment.
“I wish to observe and be heard on this matter,” Artemis amended her statement.
Otere glanced at the other Council members and they nodded.
“You may,” Otere said for the Council and motioned for Artemis to take a seat. The goddess was angered but sat down without a word.
Gabrielle was suddenly very tired and felt Xena squeeze her shoulder again. The bard tried to use the shields she had learned during her spirit travels to block the energy raging around her. The tension was so thick it was almost choking her. Her empathetic abilities were driving her crazy and Gabrielle knew it was just beginning.
“The charges?” the Celtic Queen, Meryl asked.
“Failure to fulfill a blood oath of vengeance for her tribe,” Eponi began. “Disobeying the direct wishes of the Patron Goddess of the Amazons.”
“That’s rather vague,” one of the Council complained. “What were your wishes, Goddess Artemis?”
The goddess stood and looked a little uncomfortable. “I demanded the death of the Roman Marc Antony and arranged to transport Gabrielle and Xena to Egypt to accomplish this.”
“How does that differ from Queen Gabrielle’s blood oath to kill Brutus and Marc Antony?” a Council member questioned.
Artemis glared at the Council for a moment. “I also specified that I wanted Cleopatra alive and that I didn’t care who won the civil war between Antony and Octavian.”
“Was Cleopatra left alive?” Meryl asked.
“Yes,” Artemis said softly.
“I request that the Council consider these charges before Queen Gabrielle replies,” Otere said and the Council nodded. “We will retire and discuss this, everyone stay seated.”
Gabrielle sighed heavily and leaned back into Xena’s arms, not daring to glance at Artemis.
“Oh gods, this is going to be harder than I thought,” she muttered as Xena knelt down beside her.
“We’ll be fine,” Xena said softly. “This is one of the reasons I never set out to conquer a kingdom when I was a warlord, I didn’t want to be a royal and sit through hours of stuff like this.”
“My Xena, has to have the word ‘warrior’ attached to a royal title,” Gabrielle managed a smile and gave a small wave to Yakut and the other Amazons she recognized. “Where’s Asher?”
“With Hercules and Iolaus,” Xena answered. “They won’t be allowed near the place unless called on to testify so they’re watching the tiny terror.”
“I’m worried, Xena,” Gabrielle admitted. “How do I answer the charges?”
“Truthfully, as always from you,” Xena smiled and stood up when they noticed the Council returning.
A Queen from the high mountains of Espanola remained standing as the rest of the Council sat.
“Our decision is thus,” she said in heavily accented Germanic. “Goddess Artemis’ wishes, as stated, were fulfilled and will not be addressed by the Council. In that her wishes were Marc Antony’s death and Cleopatra’s life, the only question is Queen Gabrielle’s failure to kill the Roman. In that Queen Gabrielle’s blood oath was against Antony, we declare Artemis’ wishes the same as the oath. We dismiss the charge of failure to obey the Amazon patron Goddess.”
Artemis was on her feet in an instant and her eyes literally blazed with anger.
Eponi was also on her feet, talking quickly to the Goddess as Xena stepped in front of Gabrielle protectively and instinctively.
“Goddess Artemis,” Meryl called loudly. “If you cannot accept our decision then you are invited to leave.”
“How dare you?” Artemis hissed. “I am a Goddess, mortal!”
“And we are Amazons of all tribes and countries,” Meryl responded. “You demanded your Regent call an All-Thing against her Queen and we are here. You will honor our way of doing things or leave. We do not recognize your authority over the Council.”
“Oh gods,” Gabrielle muttered, she knew Artemis was a heartbeat away from striking all of them.
“You are not the only goddess of Amazons, Greek,” the Spanish Amazon said calmly.
“Artemis, please!” Eponi begged and the goddess reluctantly sat down.
“Queen Gabrielle, the charge is that you failed as an Amazon to fulfill a blood oath of vengeance for the death of your Amazons tribe,” Meryl continued. “Did you take such an oath?”
Gabrielle took a deep breath and stood to face the Council.
“I took that oath,” she acknowledged.
“What was the oath?” Otere questioned.
“’My tribe is dead but the Amazon spirit will never be killed,’” Gabrielle quoted, her eyes unfocusing with memory. “’For Ephiny, Solari, all of them, Brutus and Marc Antony will pay.’”
The Council shifted uneasily.
“This was a blood oath of vengeance?” Revita, the Spanish Queen asked.
“If I may speak, I was there and I know my Consort’s mind when she made that oath,” Xena asked.
“Xena is not exactly known for her truthfulness when it comes to something she wants,” Artemis protested.
“My past is behind me,” Xena growled.
“Would you swear to Artemis that you speak the truth?” a Council member questioned.
“No,” Xena growled. “She has a personal grudge against my mate.”
“To Athena then, the Greek goddess of Truth and Wisdom,” Otere suggested and Xena nodded.
“Yes, I will swear to Athena of the Greeks and to Frigga of the North that I’ll speak the truth,” Xena agreed.
“What was Queen Gabrielle’s intent when she made that oath?” Meryl asked.
“Justice,” Xena answered easily. “She wanted revenge for the slaughter of her tribe, especially the way Ephiny, Solari and some of the others were tortured and crucified but most of all she wanted justice. I questioned her the next day on her intentions and Gabrielle admitted she wasn’t an assassin and couldn’t just hunt Brutus and Antony down and kill them. Hercules and Iolaus, our Kumbadas were there as well and heard both the oath and Gabrielle’s intentions.”
“Queen Gabrielle, did you wish the death of Brutus and Marc Antony?” Meryl pressed the question.
“Yes,” Gabrielle admitted. “I was crucified to save my Amazons and Brutus knew that type of death would drive me insane with grief. I wanted them dead because justice demanded it.”
“Did you have an opportunity to kill the Roman Brutus?” Otere asked.
“Yes, in a way,” Gabrielle answered. “We learned that he and Cassius were facing Octavian and Marc Antony in a civil war. Xena and I were watching the way things were developing, wanting both Antony and Brutus dead made it difficult to choose sides. Brutus, to gain favor with Ares, kidnapped our daughter and forced us to act against him.”
“Ares? What does your daughter have to do with Ares?” Revita demanded.
“She is the child of Xena and Ares, Greek God of War,” Hallvor explained. “She was adopted into the Northern Siberian Amazon tribe as Gabrielle’s daughter.”
“So Brutus died and Marc Antony lived,” Meryl encouraged Gabrielle to continue.
“Yes,” Xena continued the story. “We choose sides with Antony and Octavian. Gabrielle and I agreed that our daughter’s safe return was the first and only concern. If Antony or Brutus could be killed, that would be a bonus. I helped Antony and Octavian during the battle while Gabrielle saved Sasha from behind the lines.”
“And Brutus?” a Council member asked.
“He saw me coming at him and fell on his sword,” Xena said grimly. “I was holding and cursing him as he died.”
Gabrielle could feel the satisfied murmuring from the crowd behind her and several Council members were nodding with satisfaction as well.
“You left Antony alive,” one pointed out.
“Yes, I tricked him and his Generals into taking most of the brunt of the battle but Antony lived. We got away with Sasha before his assassins could kill us,” Xena explained. “The men he sent to kill us turned on him and let us slip away. We chose to protect our daughter before taking our revenge on Antony.”
“Antony tried to assassinate you?” Eponi demanded with a frown.
“Yes, just as I figured he would,” Xena smirked. “It was what the warlord Xena would have done. He knew Gabrielle was an Amazon and we wanted revenge for it but we pledged not to kill him in exchange for his help in getting Sasha back. We got Sasha back and Brutus was killed, Antony was happy and we were satisfied. He still tried to kill us.”
“So you passed up an opportunity to kill him but that is understandable,” Revita nodded. “I assume this isn’t the charge? Brutus died at Philippi ages ago.”
“No, this charge is more recent,” Eponi grumbled. “When I met up with Gabrielle again and demanded to know why she hadn’t avenged her Amazon tribe and hadn’t seen to its resurrection. Gabrielle said she had heard there were no survivors and had helped in bringing about Brutus’ death.”
“What was her explanation about not going after Antony?” a Council member asked.
“Gabrielle was sickened from poisoned grain,” Eponi informed them. “She became ill when trying to save a village from the poison. Xena told me that Antony was in Egypt most of the time and had married Cleopatra and it made moving against him difficult.”
“Xena?” Otere questioned.
“Cleopatra became a friend of ours and she married Antony,” Xena explained. “To destroy Antony, we’d have to destroy Cleopatra.”
“I know something of the politics,” one of the Council members said. “Antony has married Cleopatra, despite his marriage to Octavian’s sister. They have four children together and he adopted Caesarian, the son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. Antony has been at war with Octavian for years.”
“Eponi, explain your charge,” Otere demanded.
“Xena and Gabrielle were recently given the opportunity by Artemis to complete their blood oath and failed,” Eponi said firmly. “They not only failed to kill Antony but they refused.”
The crowd behind Xena and Gabrielle shifted uneasily.
“Goddess Artemis?” Revita motioned for the Goddess to stand.
“I offered to transport them immediately from their home in the north to Egypt where they could settle things once and for all with Antony,” Artemis said. “Once he was dead, I would transport them back to their home. They agreed and I took them to Egypt.”
“Artemis is forgetting that she was answering a plea from Cleopatra to aid in the battles against Octavian,” Xena growled. “That’s why Antony accepted our presence there; he knew Cleopatra had called on Artemis for help.”
“This is true? Cleopatra asked you to get Xena and Gabrielle to help against Octavian?” Otere demanded.
“Yes,” Artemis snarled.
“Within minutes of meeting with us, Antony demanded an oath that we wouldn’t try to kill him as long as we were guests of his and Cleopatra's, tying our hands against fulfilling the blood oath,” Xena continued. “Gabrielle even admitted to him that she still wanted him dead. If we hadn’t sworn a truce he would have either thrown us overboard or killed us.”
“Artemis demanded that we kill Antony and leave Cleopatra alive and she didn’t care how we did it,” Gabrielle said bitterly. “She also didn’t care that Cleopatra is very much in love with Antony and won’t live without him.”
“May I suggest a break at this point?” Otere asked and the Council nodded. “Good, a candle-mark for the midday meal.”
Gabrielle slumped into Xena’s arms as Artemis zapped out of sight.
Hallvor and Eponi quickly began talking in heated whispers and angry gestures.
“Let’s get something to eat, all of this nonsense is draining,” Xena suggested as they turned to greet Yakut and many other Amazons.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Queen Gabrielle, you and Xena were in Egypt to kill Antony,” Meryl recapped. “Please continue.”
“The more I talked with Cleopatra the more convinced I was that there was no way to kill or destroy Antony without taking Cleo down with him. I couldn’t kill him because of our truce and I discovered I couldn’t destroy him without killing Cleo,” Gabrielle continued. “She was our friend, a fellow Queen, a mother and a woman who loves her mate. To kill Antony under those conditions was impossible for me.”
The Council frowned.
“There are times when a Queen is called to kill for the good of the tribe, do you reject that?” one of the Council asked.
“No, but I never relished it and always tried to find another way,” Gabrielle responded softly.
“If I may speak on this?” a voice asked and everyone turned to see an aged Amazon walk forward between the benches of spectators.
“You are?” Otere asked.
“Byblos, former Law Speaker for the Southern Amazons under Queen Melosa, Queen Gabrielle and Regent Ephiny,” Byblos said.
“Speak, please,” a Council member urged.
“Queen Gabrielle was poisoned by the Roman delegates at her wedding to the Consort Xena and nearly died,” Byblos began. “It was more than a miracle that she lived. It was most painful, some of the worst torture that has ever been thrust upon an Amazon. One of the assassins was captured alive. For days before the trial Gabrielle argued with Ephiny and the Council about other alternatives to a possible death sentence for the Roman.”
“After nearly dying, she was willing to let him live?” a Council member asked.
“Yes,” Byblos nodded. “Gabrielle was dedicated to finding ways of peace rather than war and blood. When it came time for his judgment, the Queen agreed with the death penalty as was her duty and she witnessed the punishment – with her eyes closed and a heavy heart.”
“Queen Gabrielle, could you ever betray a friend, even for the good of the tribe?” Meryl questioned.
“No,” Gabrielle responded easily. “I asked Artemis to release us from the mission and she refused. I tried to explain that I couldn’t do this and live with myself. I couldn’t destroy a friend, even out of vengeance for Ephiny and the others. I wanted to go home to my newborn son.”
“What was Artemis’ response?” Otere asked.
“Is that relevant?” Eponi demanded, jumping to her feet. “The Council has already stated that Gabrielle’s disobedience isn’t at question here.”
“I’m curious,” Otere admitted. “Goddess Artemis agreed to help Queen Cleopatra by taking Xena and Gabrielle to Egypt and order Xena and Gabrielle to kill Antony, no matter what the costs. Is that correct?”
“Yes, your Highness,” Xena agreed, beginning to be hopeful that they might actually get out of this in one piece.
“So Artemis was willing to betray Cleopatra’s petition for help and to demand that Queen Gabrielle betray a friend just to kill Antony?” Otere pressed, ignoring Artemis’ dagger-throwing eyes.
“Yes, Queen Otere,” Xena nodded.
“To judge a Queen guilty of betraying a tribe,” Revita was frowning. “I want to know more about the Queen. Are there those here who would speak of Queen Gabrielle?”
Artemis suddenly shouted in anger as bright lights filled the area, sending everyone scrambling backwards.
“How dare you show up here?” Artemis shouted as Apollo, Aphrodite and Freya appeared in the center of the meeting space.
Apollo quickly held up his hands above his head in the sign of peace.
“High Council,” Xena quickly stepped forward. “This is the Greek god Apollo, God of the Sun, of Healing, and of the Arts. This is the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty. This is Freya, Northern Goddess of Love, Seidhr Magick and the Forest.”
“I apologize for my abrupt entrance and not properly petitioning for entrance on Amazon land,” Apollo said formerly. “I ask forgiveness from the High Council so that I may speak on behalf of my daughter.”
“Daughter?” Revita squeaked.
“She is my daughter,” Apollo nodded.
Glances passed back and forth as Aphrodite glared at Artemis.
“You are accepted, God Apollo,” one said finally. “Do you agree to abide by our decisions here?”
Apollo frowned and glanced at Gabrielle and Xena.
“We know how protective parents can be over their children,” one Council member said calmly. “Being a god, we ask for your word that you’ll abide and not interfere.”
Apollo continued to frown, “She’s my daughter and a favorite.”
“Oh agree already, cousin!” Aphrodite urged. “Let’s get this over with so they can go home.”
“Gabrielle?” Apollo questioned.
“It’s alright, Father,” she said softly. “I knew the possibilities when I came here.”
“That speaks for itself,” he said gently and turned to the Council. “I agree.”
“Then the gods shall be heard from concerning this,” Otere declared. "Have the other witnesses sent for as well."
For the next three candle-marks, Apollo, Aphrodite, Freya, Yakut, Hercules, and Xena talked about Gabrielle’s character and her reign as Queen. They talked about the bard’s gentle nature, her reluctance to kill, even after becoming a gladiator. The gods spoke of her destiny to pull Xena out of the darkness and away from Ares and, therefore, saving the world. Hercules talked of Gabrielle’s struggles to come to grips with herself after her forced gladiatorial training and killing. Freya told those gathered of Gabrielle’s willing sacrifice of her life force to save Xena, knowing it meant her death. Yakut told of the nightmare struggle against Alti and how Gabrielle fought for the Northern Siberian Amazons, risking life and soul even though the Northerners weren’t her original tribe.
Xena spoke of Gabrielle’s undying love for the Amazons and how shattered she had been when they had received word the tribe had been killed. Xena especially spoke of Gabrielle’s inability to kill in cold blood and described the recent battle with Draco. Everyone was enraptured by the warrior’s description of the battle and Gabrielle’s inability to kill Draco, even after he had nearly killed her.
Finally, Xena described Antony’s attempted rape and how Sasha and Gabrielle had stopped him in time. Gabrielle poised over him with her sai and still being unable to kill him.
“You’re saying that she didn’t kill him after he beat you and tried to rape you? Even after he killed her Amazons?” Revita demanded.
“I asked her not to,” Xena explained. “I never wanted Gabrielle to follow the same path of blood that I was on until Hercules helped me and I met Gabrielle. She was a moment away from killing him until I asked her not to kill him because of Cleo.”
“Why did you stop her?” Otere asked.
Xena knew she was on unsteady ground. One of the worst crimes against an Amazon was rape, it always called for a death sentence and Xena had stopped an Amazon from killing a rapist. A rapist who had attempted to rape a Queen’s mate.
“I knew we could fulfill our goal of destroying Antony without killing him and destroying Cleopatra in the process,” Xena said.
“Explain,” Otere demanded.
“I knew with the brutal attack on me, I could convince Cleopatra that Antony was unfaithful and timed it to approach her during a critical point in the sea battle the next day,” Xena explained. “She realized the truth about Antony and turned away from him during the battle. She left the battlefield and pulled her ships along with her. Antony saw her flagship leaving and he followed her.”
“I had heard that Antony deserted the field of battle and was disgraced,” the same Council member who had spoken on the politics and goings on around Rome spoke. “He followed Cleopatra and caught up with her on land, didn’t he?”
“We found out later that he had,” Xena nodded. “We left as soon as it was clear that Antony had lost the battle. I knew that Octavian would win the day and would press the victory.”
“How does that fulfill your oath?” Meryl demanded.
“Gabrielle and I helped destroy Antony just as if we put a sword through his chest,” Xena said firmly. “He’s now a drunk, his men think he’s a coward and are deserting nightly to Octavian’s troops. Cleo doesn’t trust him and they are on the run. Within the year Egypt will fall to Octavian and both Cleo and Antony will be dead.”
“I thought you wanted Cleopatra to live,” Otere asked.
“We do but her choice is Antony and she’ll follow him in death,” Gabrielle said. “I failed myself; by destroying Antony we destroyed a friend and a fellow Queen. That’s what I’m guilty of.”
“So, you claim that you have fulfilled your oath in that Marc Antony is as good as dead by your hands?” Revita questioned.
“I would say that,” Xena agreed.
“Are there any others who would speak?” Otere asked.
“I would speak,” Artemis said. “Gabrielle was my Chosen on Earth and she made me proud for years, even with the taint of Bacchus clouding her.”
“Oh you bitch,” Xena muttered.
“I have never held that against her, even when it interfered with her in the North, almost costing Gabrielle her soul and Xena her soul and life,” Artemis continued.
“Bacchus?” Meryl asked.
“Bacchus is the God of Wine, Vine and Bacchae,” the Carpathian Queen explained. “He is well known for his drunken orgies, seasonal celebrations that can be deadly and the Bacchae are vampyre.”
“Vampyre?” the Celt asked.
“Blood sucking females that are totally under his control and power,” the Carpathian Queen continued. “They are doomed to forever seek out the blood of humans and will turn other females into Bacchae.”
“How is Gabrielle connected with Bacchus?” Revita demanded.
“What does this have to do with Antony?” Xena demanded.
“Everyone has talked of her leadership qualities, her personality and her character,” Meryl pointed out. “Does this affect her life and has it interfered with her duties?”
“Gabrielle was bitten and became a half-bacchae one Harvest,” Artemis explained and Xena growled. “She turned Xena into a half-bacchae as well, almost costing Xena her soul. They managed to kill Bacchus, for a time. It was brought to life later that Gabrielle had tasted two drops of Bacchus’ blood, the requirement to becoming a full Bacchae. It affects her to this day.”
“How so?” a Council member demanded as Gabrielle’s head dropped.
“Once a month she feeds on rare meat, almost raw,” Artemis continued as Gabrielle blushed. “During the time of the full moon she drinks blood. Sometimes animal blood is enough but sometimes it has to be human.”
The crowd behind them erupted and the Council began talking among itself.
Xena stood behind Gabrielle’s chair and wrapped her arms around her bard. She could feel Gabrielle holding back sobs.
Finally Otere stood up and banged a goblet on the table in front of her.
“Enough! This isn’t a fish market where we haggle over local gossip!” she shouted. “Yakut, Shaman of the Northern Siberian Amazons, step forth and speak on this!”
“Yes, my Queen,” Yakut agreed readily. “We of the Siberian Amazons have known of Gabrielle’s Bacchae nature for awhile now. At first it was just a few of us, myself and the Queen included. We had no problem with it. Her need for blood is handled in private between Queen Gabrielle and her mate.”
“Has it interfered?” a Council member demanded.
“I’m not sure if I would use that term,” Yakut frowned. “It has been used against her as a weakness, just like it is being used today.”
Artemis glared but kept silent.
“It also helped when our tribe was attacked by umpir, what you call vampires,” Yakut continued. “Queen Gabrielle was able to use her Bacchae side to defeat the head vampire and bring peace between the vampires and the tribe. Without her help we would have all fallen to the vampires and would have become monsters.”
“Are you saying that Gabrielle is a monster?” Meryl questioned.
“No, she has a condition that demands she takes something from her mate that Xena gives willingly,” Yakut countered. “She has suffered with this but has adapted fairly well, again showing a strength of character that surpasses many of us.”
“Regent Eponi, did you know about this?” Otere asked, watching Eponi shift uncomfortably in her chair and Hallvor looking at her feet.
Pony hesitated. “Yes,” she finally admitted. “I learned about it when we were traveling together. Gabrielle and Xena were keeping it quiet but something… there was an emergency in the camp and I saw the marks on Xena’s neck and the blood on Gabrielle’s lips.”
Several Council members looked revolted and Xena growled at the murmurs of disgust from the spectators, she hugged Gabrielle tighter.
“Did you demand that she give up her rank as Queen because of it?” Otere asked.
“No,” Pony had to admit. “I told her that if Artemis accepted her then I didn’t have a problem with it.”
“Queen Gabrielle, did Artemis tell you that she accepted this part of you and still accepted you as her Chosen?” Meryl asked softly.
Gabrielle’s green eyes were filled with tears as she tried to raise her head. She couldn’t even look at Artemis.
“Yes, many times,” Gabrielle said softly. “She said she was proud of how I handled it.”
Otere nodded for a moment and glared at Artemis.
“Then I suggest to the Council that this part of Gabrielle’s character not be called into question since her own patron Goddess accepted it, her Regent accepted it, her mate accepts it and aids the Queen in her struggles, and the Siberian Amazons as a tribe accept it,” Otere said and Xena was relieved when several Council members nodded in agreement.
“Does anyone else wish to speak?” one of them asked and no one stepped forward.
“Regent Eponi,” Meryl began. “You have brought this charge and you have heard all there is to be said on the matter. Do you revoke your charge?”
Eponi frowned and Hallvor leaned forward to whisper fiercely in the Regent’s ear. Pony turned and looked at Artemis and flinched at the anger she saw in the goddess’ eyes.
Eponi hesitated. “We have heard that Gabrielle had Marc Antony defenseless after he assaulted her mate, a Consort to the Queen, and she let him go. Queen Gabrielle had sworn a blood oath to kill him and she let him live, dishonoring the memories of Ephiny, Solari, and the countless other Amazons that died at his hands. I hold to the charge.”
“Damn you,” Xena muttered under her breath.
Hallvor pulled back away from her mate and glared at Artemis.
“The Council will retire to discuss the charge and the evidence,” Meryl declared. “We will meet everyone when a decision has been met.”
The rest of those assembled stood still while the Council left to go to the meeting hall and the god and goddesses disappeared. Eponi turned to Hallvor, a pleading expression on her face but the German shook her hand off and leaned heavily on a crutch.
The Amazon’s face was pained as Eponi begged quietly with her but Hallvor shook her head and turned away from her mate and Regent.
“That doesn’t look good,” Xena commented as she held Gabrielle from behind.
“No, it doesn’t,” Gabrielle agreed.
“Why didn’t you bring up Artemis trying to get Cleo into bed?” Xena asked as Yakut and the others walked towards them and Gabrielle wiped away tears from Artemis’ betrayal.
“Once the Council declared that part of the charge invalid, there was no point,” Gabrielle shrugged. “They could see she’s got an agenda of some kind. I think they’ll deal fairly with the facts.”
“Gods, I am tired after that and I want to see Asher,” Xena declared as Yakut hugged Gabrielle and then Xena.
"Good to see you, Yakut," Xena smiled and Gabrielle tried.
"Thank you, Yakut," Gabrielle said softly.
"Nothing to thank me for, I spoke the truth," Yakut smiled broadly. "You are accepted among us, we don't care how much you nibble on Xena's neck."
Gabrielle blushed as Xena laughed, the tension easing somewhat.
The friends had a lot to catch up on since their last visit to the Northern tribe, and Xena wanted to get Gabrielle’s mind off the Bacchae thing. Their friends weren’t treating the bard any differently but Xena had caught several curious glances and some looks of disgust from unknown Amazons and didn’t want Gabrielle noticing.
The warrior wasn’t surprised when Gabrielle tossed and turned with nightmares during the night after a late evening with Yakut and other Northern Amazons.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The arguing inside the meeting hall continued for two long and stressful days as Gabrielle paced and Xena sullenly sharpened her sword.
Finally, the Council sent word to everyone that a decision of sorts had been reached and to assemble on the third day at mid-day.
Yakut and her mate, Karita, tried to keep Gabrielle and Xena busy until that time but it was an uphill battle.
Hercules and Iolaus were confined to the guest hut and reluctantly took Asher from his mothers.
Gabrielle was too nervous to even accept a hug from her two housemates.
“Xena?” Hercules asked softly as he hugged his half-sister.
“I’m not going to let them hurt her,” Xena confirmed Hercules’ suspicions. “I’ll challenge every member of the Council if I have to.”
“Let out one of your yells,” Hercules advised. “I think Apollo is hovering around with Aphrodite, unseen.”
“Aphrodite?” Xena asked.
“She likes the both of you and is totally pissed off at Artemis,” Hercules grinned as Iolaus smirked. “Seems Aphrodite and Artemis are occasionally an item until Arte went and fell for Cleopatra.”
“The gods and goddesses are worse than most humans I know,” Xena complained softly.
“Usually caught acting like spoiled brats,” Hercules agreed. “You know Gabrielle won’t agree to a rescue, no matter what they decide.”
“I know and it might cost me a relationship but I won’t let them kill her,” Xena vowed.
“Xena,” Hercules said softly.
“Just get her and Asher out if I can’t,” Xena urged and the demi-god nodded.
Xena trotted to catch up with Gabrielle and Yakut as they walked towards the meeting area.
“Xena, promise me that you won’t interfere,” Gabrielle insisted.
“No, I can’t promise that and you know it,” Xena growled and Gabrielle nodded wearily.
Xena noticed that Otere wasn’t among the Council when they returned to their seats and looked around for her northern friend. She spotted the Queen coming in behind the rest of the Queens and standing behind the Council.
Xena growled and she felt Gabrielle’s hand reach behind her to touch Xena.
“I see,” Gabrielle said softly. “What does it mean?”
“I don’t know but I don’t like it,” Xena whispered back.
Meryl stood and the crowd quieted down.
“May the record note that Goddess Artemis is absent, as are the other deities that have attended this trial,” she said formally. “Also absent from this part are the visitors Hercules and Iolaus, invited male kin and friends of Queen Gabrielle.”
“Queen Gabrielle,” Revita said firmly and Gabrielle rose slowly. “We have debated for days and have come the conclusion that there is no ‘just’ decision in this matter. It has been determined that, technically, you are guilty of failing to complete your blood oath of vengeance for the death of your tribe members.”
Xena placed a hand on Gabrielle’s shoulders, her other hand resting on her chakram.
“Coming to this decision has been most difficult and I must state for the record that the decision was not unanimous,” the Spaniard said, glancing back at Otere. “We acknowledge that several of the northern Amazon tribes refuse to agree to this vote.”
“Having been found guilty, we will now retire and debate the sentence,” Meryl declared and Xena growled as Amazon guards approached her mate. “Queen Gabrielle will be kept under guard in the Isolation Hut.”
“She’s still a Queen!” Xena protested.
“Yes, that’s why she isn’t being chained,” Revita said softly.
“Xena, don’t fight this!” Gabrielle urged but her eyes showed her anxiety.
The warrior pulled Gabrielle into her arms and held her tightly. Xena glared at the guards as Gabrielle began to pull out of her arms.
“She gets one bruise and I’ll have your heads,” Xena promised and she saw the Amazons hesitate a moment before motioning Gabrielle to walk ahead of them.
Yakut and Karita, her mate, came up on either side of the warrior, a gentle hand on each arm as Gabrielle walked away, a little unsteady on her feet.
The Council stood and moved once again towards the Meeting Hall. Otere was frowning, along with several other Queens and representatives from the Northern tribes.
She shrugged as they followed the rest of the Council.
* * *
Xena paced restlessly as everyone hovered around the meeting area. The warrior refused to talk to anyone as the Council debated her mate’s fate. Yakut and Karita let her pace.
“Gods, I can’t stand waiting!” Xena shouted.
“I know,” Yakut said calmly. “I wonder what is going on with Otere and our northern sisters?”
“Got me,” Karita mumbled.
“Xena,” Yakut began, “I don’t think they’ll call for a death penalty.”
“They won’t like it if they do,” Xena growled. “They should have let me stay with her. Do you know what tonight is?”
Yakut and Karita looked puzzled when Yakut’s eyes suddenly widened and she turned pale. “Oh sweet Goddess Akko, it’s a full moon. Has she been holding it off with rare meat? Animal blood?”
“No, she’s been so worried about this trial she’s barely been eating,” Xena growled. “She went last night without it and by tonight she’ll be hurting.”
“We can request that you visit her,” Karita suggested.
“No,” Yakut said thoughtfully. “I’m betting that Eponi and Artemis arranged this to use the Bacchae thing against Gabrielle. What happens if she doesn’t get the blood she needs by the third night?”
“Gods, it’s like someone who has become dependent on a hallucination herb or alcohol,” Xena said slowly.
“What will she look and act like two mornings from now?” Yakut questioned.
“She’ll be shaking uncontrollably, her eyes will probably be yellow, her fangs may even be showing. Gabrielle will hardly be able to speak or concentrate,” Xena explained, closing her eyes against the torment of describing the potential pain of her mate.
“Not the picture of an efficient Queen willing to die for their tribe,” Yakut commented bitterly.
“You think Artemis would go this far?” Xena asked. “Gabrielle was her Chosen for years; they almost died for each other.”
“I don’t understand your gods and goddesses,” Yakut admitted. “Could she be capable of doing this to her Chosen and one of her Queens?”
“Well, I’d vote a huge ‘no’ normally,” a voice joined them and Xena spun with her chakram at ready and glared at the figures standing just in the shadows of the hut.
Aphrodite, Cupid and Apollo stepped into the light of the lanterns and fire.
“’Dite,” Xena acknowledged them with a nod. “Spill what you know.”
“Look tall, dark and gorgeous,” Aphrodite grinned, brushing a hand over her perfect hair. “It wasn’t my place to talk about this; it’s not something Arte like wants to get around to the other gods.”
“Xena,” Apollo said calmly, “Please sit, there are reasons for Artemis’ reactions but it can’t come to light and Gabrielle would agree.”
“Why would she agree with Artemis getting away with all of this?” Xena demanded.
“Because it’s for the good of the Amazon Nation,” Cupid said calmly.
“Someone had better start explaining,” Xena threatened as Yakut and Karita sat quietly, wondering if they should leave the Greeks to themselves but the gods did say it involved the Nation.
“You know Artemis fell for Cleopatra, right?” Aphrodite began as they all sat down around the central fire. Karita got up and opened the door slightly, keeping an eye on the guards outside. She nodded for the Greek Goddess of Love to continue. “Well, it turned into something, actually.”
“You mean Artemis hooked up with Cleopatra?” Xena asked. “I thought she was loyal to Antony even though he played around.”
“Totally loyal to Antony,” Aphrodite agreed. “She would, like, do anything he wanted.”
Xena’s eyes widened and she shook her head. “No way, Cleo wouldn’t dare!”
Cupid nodded, his face grim. “Cleopatra took Artemis to bed several times, driving poor Aunt Artemis insane with lust. The rumors and legends of Cleopatra’s prowess in bed are very true. I’m surprised she didn’t make a play for Gabrielle.”
“Go on,” Xena demanded.
“Cleopatra had Artemis in bed and out of her mind and Antony joined in,” Cupid said calmly.
Xena closed her eyes and fought against the revulsion her own memories were crowding her with. She knew what Antony was capable of and how far he would go, she just hadn’t expected Cleopatra to cooperate in any of it.
“He… Artemis?” she stammered.
Aphrodite was no longer smiling and Cupid was staring at the fire.
“Gods and Goddess can’t be hurt by mortals, right?” Cupid asked bitterly. “When we mate with humans, we let part of our godhood down. In a way we become part mortal for a short time so our god-energy doesn’t destroy our human mate.”
“Antony hurt Artemis,” Aphrodite finished. “Not by physically raping her but by humiliating her. Cleo chose Antony over her in bed and then demonstrated how much she preferred the male over a Goddess. He took her repeatedly in front of Arte. Cupid and I heard her weeping and found her.”
Xena watched as mother and son looked miserable at revealing what had happened. "Why didn't she zap him? Or leave?"
"Cleo had..uh..," Cupid hesitated. "You know that Hebrew story of Samson's weakness with his hair?"
Xena nodded, confused.
"Each of the Gods has a token or a symbol that we have to have with us to maintain our power, it's a physical connection to our godhood," he explained.
"Ares and his sword," Xena nodded, remembering the hassles she had gone through in Callisto's body when Ares lost his sword and godhood.
"Exactly, Cleo tricked Arte's token away from her and taunted her with it while Antony was having sex with her," Aphrodite growled. "She couldn't leave and he would hit her whenever she tried to get out of the bed."
“She begged pleaded with us until we swore that we’d never tell any of the other Olympians,” Cupid explained. “We had to agree, she was out of her mind with grief, guilt and pain.”
“So, she was using Gabrielle to get revenge on Antony for her own attack and Cleopatra’s betrayal?” Yakut asked, wanting to clarify things.
“Yes, she’s still out of her mind with what happened,” Aphrodite continued. “The stupid love-sick wench thinks that Cleo might take her back if Antony is dead.”
“Hasn’t she figured out that Cleo only wants Antony?” Xena complained.
“She’s beginning to,” Apollo nodded. “I became involved because they needed me to heal Artemis after the beating. She was too ashamed to let Athena know what happened.”
“Why didn’t she just zap Antony afterwards? Or send her dogs after him and run him into the ground?” Xena asked.
“She was afraid the truth would get out,” Cupid said. “There’s already that legend of that huntsman seeing her naked and Artemis ripping him apart with her dogs.”
“Think about it, gorgeous,” Aphrodite urged. “The Virgin Goddess of the Amazons being sexually bested by a man and beaten, not good for the rep, especially her being naked and all.”
“She’s the victim of a rape, whether Antony touched her not; it was an emotional rape!” Xena protested with a growl. “She wasn’t at fault!”
“No, but she didn’t fight back with Cleopatra being there and she didn’t take revenge later,” Apollo pointed out. “Artemis is afraid that her Amazons will lose faith in her and it would damage the Nation.”
“And you agree?” Xena growled.
“Actually,” Apollo hesitated. “I like the Amazons, no matter how they typically feel about males and male gods. I especially like them since one of my favorite daughters is an Amazon and, yes, I do understand Artemis’ thinking.”
“Times are changing, Xena,” Cupid added. “You’ve seen part of it. I’m now Eros and Mom is Venus and Artemis is Diana. It’s just a name change and some new minor gods and goddesses added with the Romans but it’s not the ending of the change.”
“Poor Apollo over there is almost helpless in the north,” Aphrodite continued explaining. “He’s a sun god and they have a sun goddess. You already know how we lose strength outside our realm of worshippers.”
“Some of you are hoping to survive the transitions that time will bring about,” Yakut reasoned.
“You are cute under all that leather and fur,” Aphrodite grinned. “What is it with you Amazons and leather? Not that I’m complaining much, I do like my women butch at times but…”
“Dite!” Xena snapped.
“What was the question?” Aphrodite asked sweetly. “Oh right, yes, we want to survive, of course, and not fall the way of the Titans. Cupid and I figure we’ll get by, the world always needs love and there’ll always be a god of War.”
“Artemis is hoping to spread her influence to the other regions, mostly through the women and the Amazons, specifically,” Cupid added.
“She’s worried that a beaten, non-virgin Goddess of the Amazons won’t be as appealing,” Xena reasoned, her voice bitter. “Doesn’t she realize how many women suffer through that? Artemis could be someone they turn to in their grief, Gabrielle included.”
“We know that but she won’t listen to reason right now and transferred her anger onto Gabrielle,” Apollo said.
“Okay, that explains her motivation and lack of sanity,” Xena growled. “What do we do about it?”
“Well, we can’t come out publicly with it,” Cupid frowned. “But maybe we can lessen the damage she’s doing.”
“What do you suggest?” Yakut asked.
“Aphrodite is going to talk with the Council behind closed doors and remind them that Gabrielle was willing to die for them, even putting herself in a position to be crucified for her Amazons,” Cupid began.
“I’ll tell them just enough so they understand Artemis’ motivations a little better,” Aphrodite said. “We’ll also let them know that your fates aren’t decided here and there’s more than just the Greek gods involved in your futures.”
“Terrific,” Xena mumbled. “Do we ever get a break? I mean it, that mess with Antony and Cleopatra just topped off a very bad run and we just want some peace and quiet and raise Asher.”
“We’ll see what we can work out in the future,” Apollo promised. “Right now, let’s just get the two of you through this. First step is for Aphrodite to crash their debate, second step is to get you to Gabrielle so she’ll be in top shape when the Council reconvenes.”
“You’ll take me to her?” Xena asked hopefully.
“You two are like some of our best work,” Aphrodite said with a smile. “Can’t have that messed up because of tall, dark, and gruesome Bacchus.”
“Your friends can keep an eye out for the guards here, I’ll cast a spell over the guards at the Isolation Hut so that they don’t see or hear anything,” Cupid grinned. “And Mom will go and talk with the Council.”
“How bad is she?” Xena asked with a frown.
“Lack of sleep, lack of blood from the meat, the high stress, being found guilty,” Apollo rattled off. “It’s added up quickly for my daughter. She’s hurting badly and doesn’t feel she can ask for animal blood from the guards.”
“Let’s do it,” Xena growled.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The warrior found her bard curled up on the small cot provided in the plain and empty one-room cabin. Gabrielle was shaking and sweating at the same time. Xena whimpered at the sight of the bard’s half open and unseeing yellow eyes as the warrior knelt next to her mate.
Apollo had been right, the combined factors of the last few days had hit the bard hard and intensified the Bacchae craving.
“Gabrielle?” Xena said softly, placing a hand slowly and carefully on the bard’s arm but didn’t get a response. “Gabrielle!” the warrior said more firmly. “Come on, baby. Come on, snap out of this.”
Xena pulled her breast dagger out and barely winced as she cut her forearm. She held it against Gabrielle’s mouth. At first the bard didn’t respond and Xena was very worried. Then Gabrielle growled and latched her mouth around the wound and began to drink deeply.
Xena moved up onto the cot until she was half holding Gabrielle in her arms as her mate drank from her. The warrior felt her body jerking with the blood loss and the eroticism that always hit her whenever Gabrielle fed from her.
The warrior began to feel a little lightheaded when she noticed Gabrielle pulling back from her arm.
“Xena?” Gabrielle’s voice was confused and Xena shifted so Gabrielle could look at her, half lying in the warrior’s lap.
“I’m here, Little One,” Xena said softly as she bent down to kiss her mate.
Gabrielle moaned as Xena’s tongue danced over her fangs, accepting the taste of her own blood in Gabrielle’s mouth. Gabrielle reached behind Xena’s head and the warrior could feel that Gabrielle was still trembling.
Gabrielle pulled back with a smile. “Must remember to breathe,” she mumbled, laying her head against Xena’s chest as her Champion held her close. “How did you do this and is anybody hurt?”
Xena laughed softly, stroking Gabrielle’s hair.
“No one got hurt trying to stop me,” Xena reassured her mate. “Your father, Aphrodite and Cupid are helping us tonight.”
“Why and how?”
“They know that Artemis isn’t her normal self, they like us, and Cupid cast a spell on your guards so they won’t hear a thing tonight,” Xena explained quickly.
Xena felt her heart skip a beat when Gabrielle opened her eyes and they were still Bacchae yellow.
“They knew,” she whispered.
“Apollo knew the cravings were bad because of this mess,” Xena nodded.
The warrior could see Gabrielle’s muscles twitching and could feel her shaking hands.
“You’re not gonna hurt me, Gabrielle,” Xena reassured her mate and helped the bard sit upright. Xena stood up and quickly began removing her armor as Gabrielle’s breath quickened at the sight of her half naked mate.
Xena let her leather shift drop and saw Gabrielle’s muscles tensing, as if ready to spring. The warrior stepped in front of Gabrielle and grabbed the bard’s hands as her wife reached for her.
“Let me,” Xena said softly, moving Gabrielle’s hands to rest on the bed. Gabrielle moaned in frustration as Xena’s hands reached for the ties holding her top. Both relished the times they could visit the Amazons and Gabrielle could go back to her preferred manner of dressing, which was very little on top, a simple skirt and shorts below. The bard didn’t have to worry about the scars across her back causing her to be mistaken for a runaway slave as they had before among the Amazons.
Xena let the top fall away from Gabrielle’s full breasts with a sigh of arousal. She saw Gabrielle’s hands clench at the blanket she was sitting on. The warrior knew Gabrielle was hanging onto control by just a thread and felt an impish impulse to push it. Xena was well aware that when Gabrielle was this aroused by the Bacchae craving and need for sex with it, that it was going to be a very hard ride and welcomed it. They had both been pent up after the last two years of mishaps and bad adventures and Xena had to admit it had affected them.
“Time to come back to me, Little One,” she whispered, pushing Gabrielle down onto the cot and quickly removed the rest of Gabrielle’s clothing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Karita jumped and Yakut dropped her cup of tea as another scream sounded in the darkness of the Amazon village.
“Good gods,” Karita grinned. “Are they always like that?”
“You were away most of the times they visited us,” Yakut grinned.
“And the other times we were all a little busy fighting vampires and Alti,” Karita grinned. “I am very glad those guards are deaf tonight.”
“Me too,” Yakut smiled back at her mate, contemplating how long it had been since she had made her own mate scream like that. Maybe after the Council’s decision, Yakut thought, we should take a few days going home.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Xena,” Gabrielle whispered.
“Shhh,” Xena whispered back. “No more saying ‘I’m sorry’ for anything in the past. It’s over, it’s done! I love you and I will always love you.”
“What are Aphrodite, Cupid and Apollo planning?” Gabrielle asked in a sleepy voice.
“Aphrodite is pointing out that Artemis hasn’t been herself lately and to take that into consideration,” Xena mumbled. “She didn’t want to bring it up in front of everyone so she’s approaching them now. Cupid is keeping the guards out of here tonight and Apollo is making sure Artemis doesn’t show up.”
“For once I kinda like them helping,” Gabrielle smiled and drifted off to sleep in her warrior’s arms.
“Yeah, well,” Xena growled. “Alright, I don’t mind them helping out this time.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Gabrielle was saddened when she woke up to find Xena gone but felt like she could face anything, including the Council. The bard quickly dressed and stood in the center of the small cabin.
“Apollo, Cupid and Aphrodite,” she said quietly. “Thank you, my Father and my friends, for last night.”
The bard smiled as she heard a giggle in the air around her.
* * *
Xena sat upright with a jerk, reaching for Gabrielle and finding the other side of the bed empty. It took the warrior a moment to realize she was in the Queen’s cabin and alone in the bed. She glanced over and saw Yakut by the main fire adding tea leaves to a pot over the fire.
Yakut looked up and grinned.
Xena looked down and blushed as she grabbed for her leather shift, seeing her clothes and armor at the foot of the bed.
“You suddenly appeared in the bed about a candle-mark ago,” Yakut explained. “Your clothes and weapons with you. I guess your deities didn’t want you caught with your….uh…trousers down in the Isolation Cabin.”
“Keep it up, Yakut,” Xena threatened. The warrior looked down at the bandages wrapped around midway up her forearm and around her wrist.
“The cut was deep but is healing nicely,” Yakut shrugged. “The fang wounds were also deep but with your healing, should be almost gone by tonight. Those fang marks on your neck will show clearly though.”
Xena shrugged as she reached for her boots. “Gods, I need a bath,” she muttered. “I smell like sex and blood.”
Yakut tried to look nonchalant but lost it as she grinned at her friend.
“Well, I’m not sure how Gabrielle is going to hide the scratches on her back with that little top of hers either,” Xena grinned.
“The Council and everyone there will know you two were together last night,” Yakut complained.
“Or else we each had company,” Xena smirked.
“Not likely, the love between the two of you is legendary among the Amazons,” Karita smiled as she walked into the cabin. “I doubt anyone will say anything. The Council was busy with Aphrodite and the major decision and everyone else won’t know what to say.”
“Except that Xena has many skills,” Yakut laughed and Xena shook her head.
“I just hope the guards don’t get into trouble,” Xena growled. “Wasn’t their fault, I didn’t even have to sneak in.”
“Well, you two certainly weren’t quiet about it either!” Yakut grinned and ducked the boot Xena threw at her.
A guard knocked at the door and opened it.
“A decision has been reached, your presence is requested, Consort,” the guard said.
“Thank you, I’ll be right there,” Xena responded and the guard disappeared.
Yakut and Karita were no longer grinning and neither was Xena as Yakut handed the Consort her boot.
“Oh Gods,” Xena muttered, reaching for a wash basin.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Xena smiled softly when she walked up to her mate and took Gabrielle into her arms at the familiar table. Gabrielle held on tightly as the guard ignored them.
“Thank you for last night,” Gabrielle whispered.
“Thank you, even if I am walking a little funny,” Xena smirked and was pleased that Gabrielle managed to smile and blush a little.
“How’s the energy level, I practically drained you last night,” Gabrielle asked as Xena motioned for them both to sit down at the table.
“I’m okay,” Xena shrugged. “A little tired. Take a day to get that back, I think. Anyone say anything?”
“No, but the guards had a very heated discussion this morning when they saw my back, thanks,” Gabrielle smiled.
“Well, I’m also wearing fang marks everywhere,” Xena countered.
“Anyone sees one set of those marks and I’ll have their head,” Gabrielle threatened and laughed softly as Xena began to blush and shift in her chair slightly.
They both lost their smiles as the Council began walking out of the Meeting Hall towards the high tables.
Gabrielle glanced over and saw Eponi sitting at the other table with Hallvor standing behind the Regent. Neither would meet her eyes.
“Queen Gabrielle,” Revita said formally and Gabrielle stood and faced the Council. Xena stood a moment later, a hand on her mate’s shoulder.
Gabrielle was in her traditional Amazon Queen garb, the mask on the table in front of her, but minus weapons. Xena had chosen to dress in her customary warrior garb of leather, brass armor adornments, gauntlets and knee protectors. Sword and chakram in their traditional place.
Gabrielle and Xena caught a few surprised looks as the Council took in the love bruise on Gabrielle’s neck and the fang marks and bruising on Xena’s neck as well as the bandages on her forearm and wrist.
Xena kept her grin to herself as she heard the expected “many skills” comment from some of the spectators.
“Queen Gabrielle,” Meryl rose. “You have been found guilty of failing to fulfill a blood oath of vengeance to the Amazon Nation. As a Queen, this is a serious matter that calls for a death sentence. Because of the circumstances behind the oath and the incidents in Egypt, the Council agreed that a death sentence wasn’t appropriate in this case.”
Xena wasn’t surprised when Artemis appeared at the table next to Eponi and the warrior expected the goddesses enraged expression.
So did, apparently, the Council, because Meryl held up her hand, holding off any protests.
“Goddess Artemis,” the Celt said firmly. “You are a guest here, not the decision maker. You agreed to abide by our decisions in this matter.”
Artemis glared but nodded her acceptance.
“Queen Gabrielle’s has shown outstanding devotion and love to the Nation, not just to her tribe but to all the tribes she encountered, the Council agreed to consider this in our deliberations. Queen Gabrielle, for having been adopted into the Nation at a late age, has been a surprising Queen and is well respected among all the tribes and beloved by several,” the Celt continued.
“Queen Gabrielle has sacrificed herself on a Roman cross for her tribe,” Revita continued. “She has given all of her monies to secure land for her tribe to get them out of the Empire and out of Roman hands. She has nearly sacrificed her life and soul several times for tribes other than her own.”
“The decision we reached was not an easy one and is not agreed upon by all among this Council,” the Celt added. “Some tribes are threatening not to abide by the wishes of the Council. We urge them to do so and not risk civil war among the tribes. We hope we have reached a fair solution, even if it is harsh.”
Xena felt Gabrielle’s breathing quicken and squeezed her mate’s shoulder.
“It is the decision of the Council that Queen Gabrielle be stripped of her royal rank and privileges and that she be exiled from the Amazon Nation for a turn of 10 winters. Gabrielle of Germania is to have no contact with any Amazon from this day forth until her exile is complete and no Amazon is to have willing contact with her,” one of the Council members declared.
Xena wrapped her arm around Gabrielle’s shoulders, helping her mate stay on her feet.
“If she’s found on Amazon land?” Eponi demanded after Artemis whispered fiercely in the Regent’s ear.
“A fair warning will be given by the scouts or guards,” a Council member said. “If the warning is ignored, then the sentence is death for violating the exile.”
Gabrielle’s legs gave out and she collapsed into her seat as the spectators erupted into confusion, anger, disbelief, and some agreement behind her. Xena moved behind her mate protectively, a hand resting on her chakram.
“Gabrielle will relinquish the Queen’s Mask to Regent Eponi and the Black Forest Amazons will determine their rites of succession after this proceeding is done,” Meryl continued.
“Gabrielle,” Revita called and Gabrielle looked up at the Council as tears filled her eyes. “The decision was the only one we could reach once we rejected the death sentence and we fought the law speakers about a limitation on the exile. I, personally, am very sorry and will be there 10 winters from now to welcome you back into the Nation.”
Gabrielle got to her feet slowly.
“I-I thank the Council for their struggle and your attempt to be fair in this difficult matter,” she stammered. “I urge the Black Forest Amazons to work with Eponi to continue to build the tribe and know that I will always love all of you.”
Xena wrapped her arms around her mate as Gabrielle turned to her warrior, unable to hold the tears back.
The warrior looked over and glared at the Goddess of the Amazons.
“We declare this trial over,” Meryl said loudly. “Gabrielle of Germania has two candle-marks to leave Amazon territory.”
“The Northern tribes would be heard on this!” Otere shouted from the spectators and Xena was surprised, she hadn’t noticed the Queen’s absence among the Council earlier. Otere stepped between the two tables and faced the spectators.
“I am Otere of the Northern Siberian Amazons and I speak with permission of the representatives here and with the confidence of my tribe at home,” she yelled. “We cannot accept this decision! Take away her rank if you will but you’ll never tell us that Gabrielle is no longer an Amazon!”
“Queen Otere!” Meryl shouted. “Don’t push this! Everyone agreed to the trial, its possible consequences and the right of the Council to sit in judgment over the individual tribes.”
Otere’s face was red with anger and Gabrielle attempted to pull out of Xena’s arms but the warrior held firm.
“No, this is their decision, Little One,” Xena whispered.
“No, not for me! They can’t risk a war because of me,” Gabrielle protested.
“Yes, they can!” Xena growled. “Two pantheons of gods were willing to go to war over our child; your tribe is fighting for you. You may have been the Queen of the Black Forest but you’ve always been accepted with the Siberians more.”
“Gabrielle will continue to be considered our sister, welcome at our fires and will always have the right to call for help from any Siberian Amazon!” Otere shouted.
“And among my tribe!” another voice declared and a northern Germanic Amazon Queen stepped forward.
“Among us, as well,” a representative of a Baltic tribe stood up.
“Artemis! Stop this before the Nation is split apart!” Gabrielle pleaded but the goddess merely glared at her former Chosen. Gabrielle turned to the Council.
“Council members!” she shouted. “Please stop this! Don’t let the Nation be split among regional lines because of this!”
“What would you have us do, Gabrielle?” Revita asked. “Rescind our decision because a couple of tribes refuse to abide by the agreements they made when they came here?”
Gabrielle looked desperate.
“Damnit! Otere, don’t do this for me!” she shouted.
“It’s done and it’s our choice, Gabrielle,” Otere said firmly. “You gave everything for our tribe and we won’t turn away from you for this.”
Gabrielle looked around and saw the Amazons milling among the benches and could see the representatives and tribal members beginning to separate among regional lines.
“Xena, how do we stop this?” Gabrielle asked as the guards began to get nervous as the voices among the spectators became heated.
“I don’t know, honestly,” Xena admitted.
Xena could see Gabrielle’s mind working quickly around the problem and then her bard’s eyes widened and she turned to the Council.
“Queen’s Council!” Gabrielle shouted. “I request reconsideration on a point of the trial!”
Everyone was suddenly curious and the crowd quieted down.
“You asked at one point if Eponi wished to continue with the charges,” Gabrielle said quickly. “I put to you that you were asking the wrong person if they wished the charges to go forward.”
“I’m the one that brought the charge!” Eponi shouted, jumping to her feet.
“And I charge that you weren’t acting on your own!” Gabrielle snapped. “And I charge that you were not acting in the best interests of the Black Forest Amazons in bringing this charge. The evidence of that is what’s happening to this very group of our sisters!”
“Gabrielle, this should have been brought up before this,” Revita complained.
“Yes, and I apologize,” Gabrielle said calmly. “I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this.”
“Everyone shut up!” Meryl shouted. “Everyone sit down! This has not been a pleasant few days and we all want this over with! Gabrielle, explain yourself!”
“Artemis!” Gabrielle snapped. “Eponi wouldn’t have brought these charges without you pushing it. She knew I was coming to the tribe to give up my rank, you’re the one pushing the treason thing.”
“Everyone settle down,” Revita demanded. “Discussion!”
The Council moved out of the seats and gathered around.
“Gabrielle, do you know what you’re doing?” Xena asked as her mate sat back down.
“No, I’m playing it by ear here,” Gabrielle admitted. Xena’s eyes narrowed as she heard a giggle in her ear.
“Aphrodite?” she whispered.
“They’re here,” Gabrielle admitted. “They’ve been bending my damn ear off, all three of them arguing on what to do.”
“What are they suggesting?” Xena whispered.
“Apollo wants to zap the five of us out of here, Cupid wants to smack Artemis along side the head and Aphrodite is suggesting something about pissing Artemis off to pull everything together.”
“Is any of that helpful?” Xena asked.
“I’m not sure, we’ll see where this goes,” Gabrielle agreed.
The Council returned to their seats and one of the members remained standing.
“Queen Gabrielle, please explain what you are talking about, slowly,” the Council member requested.
“I believe that Artemis pressured Regent Eponi into bringing these charges and then pressured her into continuing the trial,” Gabrielle explained. “Pony, why did you call for an All-Thing trial when you knew I was going to resign my rank as Queen? Is this for the good of the tribe?”
Eponi stood up and frowned.
“Regent Eponi,” the Celt said firmly. “Did you have word that Queen Gabrielle was coming to resign her rank as Queen because of the incident in Egypt?”
Pony shifted on her feet.
“Yes, Gabrielle sent a messenger to the tribe when she returned from Egypt that she would return in Spring, that Antony was alive and she would resign as Queen,” Pony admitted.
“I submit that by leaving Antony alive I was doing what was best for the tribe,” Gabrielle said firmly.
“How so?” Revita questioned.
“If we had killed Antony, Cleopatra would have blamed Octavian,” Gabrielle tried to explain. “Cleopatra would have believed us assassins from Rome and would have continued the war with everything she had.”
“We left Antony alive, bruised, battered and afraid,” Xena added. “If we had killed him, Cleopatra never would have known he tried to rape me. By letting him live we were able to show Cleopatra what he is.”
“This is for the good of the Amazon Nation?” Revita asked.
“Octavian will be a hard but fair Emperor of the Roman Empire,” Xena said. “For a man and a Roman, he’s the best choice. If we had killed Antony, Cleopatra and Octavian would be fighting each other for years and the Empire would crumble, the Amazon tribes would be at the whim of any petty Roman official wanting power the way Antony got it, by wiping out the feared Amazons.”
The Council members were frowning as one.
“So, you admit that you knew you had failed in your oath and were going to resign your office as Queen?” the Celt asked.
“I also had additional reasons,” Gabrielle said calmly. “My Consort and I have been through a lot in the last few seasons, most of it bad. We have a new son and I want a more normal life. We want to settle down and I can’t devote the proper time to my tribe.”
“You wish to continue living outside the tribe?” one of the Council members asked.
“We have a son and my Consort’s heart is not Amazon,” Gabrielle admitted. “We would have to leave when he turns 10 full winters old anyway.”
Xena placed a hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder and squeezed it.
“You are basically accusing the patron goddess of most Amazon tribes as acting against the good of the Nation?” Revita demanded.
“Yes, I am,” Gabrielle said firmly and faced Artemis. “Artemis, I’m begging you for the Nation, rescind the charges and let me resign as I planned.”
The Goddess of the Hunt faced the Council, as if she didn’t hear Gabrielle.
“I’ll put it to you, then,” Meryl said calmly. “Goddess Artemis, do you think this trial is for the good of the Nation?”
Xena sighed when Artemis shoulders sagged.
“No,” Artemis finally said. “I withdraw the charges against Queen Gabrielle and will accept her honorable resignation.”
“Oh thank the gods,” Gabrielle muttered as the crowd broke out into cheers.
“The Council will confer for a moment,” Meryl declared and the Council gathered behind the tables.
Gabrielle sat down wearily and Xena put her arms around her mate.
“You are amazing,” Xena whispered in her ear.
“Thanks, I’ll admit I’m tired,” Gabrielle smiled and stood back up when the Council returned to their chairs.
Meryl stood. “Because the charge was brought in proxy by a Regent and it has been rescinded by the Goddess making the charge, the Council declares this mattered settled. The transference of the rank of Queen will be left to the Black Forest tribe. Queen Gabrielle, this was an impossible situation to judge and we hope that you will continue to work for the better of the Nation without any malice towards any Amazon.”
“I want to thank the Council for their willingness to look at everything,” Gabrielle said formally. “I hold no malice against any Amazon but reserve some anger for my patron Goddess.”
Revita and several other Council members nodded in agreement.
“This Council is closed,” Meryl said firmly.
Gabrielle reached behind her and pulled out Xena’s side dagger and placed it in her own belt. Placing her sais in their familiar position on the outside of her boots.
“Gabrielle?” Xena asked softly.
“Artemis owes me some kind of explanation,” Gabrielle growled.
Xena turned her mate to look at her as Gabrielle’s green eyes flashed with anger.
“Artemis wanted you to be the instrument of her own revenge,” Xena said softly, watching Artemis out of the corner of her eye as the goddess argued with Eponi. “Cleopatra played as many sexual games as Antony, we just didn’t know it. Cleo got Artemis into bed and Artemis let her guard down. Cleo then let Antony in bed with them without telling Artemis.”
“Oh gods, no,” Gabrielle whimpered.
“Yes, Artemis gave up part of her godhood during sex, apparently most of the gods have to when they’re with a human,” Xena explained, keeping her voice low as Yakut and Karita kept friends and well wishers back from the couple. “Antony took advantage and tormented her, emotionally raping her and beating her with Cleo's blessing and taunting.”
Gabrielle closed her eyes and let Xena pull her into an embrace.
“She doesn’t want any of the Olympians to know,” Xena continued. “Artemis is feeling guilty and is afraid she’ll lose the respect of the women warriors if they know she was beaten physically and sexually humiliated by a mortal man.”
“That’s why she took it personally and hard when I couldn’t kill him,” Gabrielle muttered.
“Yes, exactly,” Xena nodded.
Gabrielle pulled out of Xena’s arms and turned towards Artemis.
“Your gift is healing,” the bard heard a male voice whisper in her ear and nodded, stepping forward slowly.
“Artemis!” she snapped. “I was your Chosen for years, face me and answer me! In private, if you please!”
Artemis looked as if she was about to start throwing energy bolts at Gabrielle but the smaller demi-god stood her ground as everyone went quiet around them, including the Council members.
Artemis glared for a moment and then both disappeared.
Xena growled and kicked the chair over.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Gabrielle glanced around and found she was in a small clearing next to a river facing Artemis. On her hands were cestus; wide leather thongs that were weighted with lead in the palm and across the knuckles. Typically worn by boxers and gladiators fighting hand to hand, Gabrielle was familiar with them.
Artemis was wearing the same and no other weapons.
Gabrielle shook her head sadly.
“Artemis, don’t do this,” Gabrielle urged as Artemis began to circle her.
“You failed me!” Artemis hissed and Gabrielle felt her own anger rising.
“And you failed me, damnit!” Gabrielle snapped back and dodged a right fist heading for her eyes. “How in Tartarus am I supposed to fight you? You’re a Goddess!”
“Here we’re on equal terms, just like when I was with Cleopatra and she betrayed me,” Artemis shouted, lashing out at Gabrielle again.
The bard didn’t move quickly enough and found herself on the ground rubbing her jaw. Gabrielle threw her legs up, catching Artemis in the stomach and carrying the Goddess over her head as Artemis tried to jump on her.
Both goddess and woman regained the feet, holding their fists up defensively.
“I know what happened with Antony!” Gabrielle growled, sending her own fists out in a pattern that rocked Artemis on her feet, nursing a bruised nose.
Artemis surprised Gabrielle with a spinning kick that caught the bard alongside her head and knocked her to the grass. The enraged Goddess followed through with a kick to Gabrielle’s ribs that sent the bard onto her back. Gabrielle grabbed Artemis’ foot and twisted it, sending Artemis to the grass with her.
“You got hurt by a man!” Gabrielle shouted as she leaped to her feet. “Get over it!”
“I had never been touched by a man!” Artemis shouted as she got to her feet.
“So what?” Gabrielle growled. “How many women have had it worse? I was raped and you weren’t there!”
Gabrielle saw Artemis hesitate, her eyes confused.
“I was your Chosen and you weren’t there, Artemis,” Gabrielle snapped, letting the old wounds open up. She had never really faced Artemis with it. Gabrielle had asked the questions but hadn’t owned up to her anger about the past. Now it was hitting her and she was going to bring it out now. “I don’t care if it was part of my Fate! How do you think I felt, I called for Xena, I called for Hercules, I called for you and none of you were there!”
“None of us were allowed to interfere,” Artemis protested.
“Then how in Tartarus am I supposed to know what happened to you? You didn’t tell me, you didn’t talk to me,” Gabrielle countered. “I could have helped you.”
“How?” Artemis snapped.
“I’ve been there! I lost count how many men were all over me in just one day,” Gabrielle shouted, wiping away angry tears. “That went on for days! Then that damned Bacchanalia in the Spirit Land.”
“You know I couldn’t help with that,” Artemis frowned, her anger fading.
“Knowing it in my head and feeling it in my heart are two different things,” Gabrielle explained. “I was with Bacchus!” she shouted, ramming her fist in a tree.
“I was there when I could after it,” Artemis protested.
“I know,” Gabrielle said wearily. “Have you thought about why Antony didn't rape you?"
"He said that Cleopatra didn't need a poor substitute for a man and…and took her, tormenting me with her pleasure. He said he couldn't even work up the physical desire for me," Artemis whispered.
"Why didn’t you zap Antony into pieces after he touched you?” Gabrielle asked.
Artemis looked troubled and glanced away, refusing to meet Gabrielle’s eyes.
“I…I…I don’t know,” Artemis admitted.
“You were ashamed and feeling guilty and just wanted to get away from there,” Gabrielle suggested.
Artemis continued to frown.
“So you wanted me to carry out your revenge without telling me and then took it out on me when I couldn’t do it,” Gabrielle said bitterly. “Why didn’t you get mad at me about Lycrissus?”
“What?” Artemis asked, suddenly confused.
“The owner of the gladiator school, one of my rapists and owner,” Gabrielle explained. “Why didn’t you demand that I take revenge on at least one of my rapists and slave owner? I am an Amazon Queen and the men who raped me and the man who owned me are still alive. You didn't demand I take their lives.”
“I don’t know, I guess I thought you would handle that eventually,” Artemis said slowly, no longer looking for openings to hit the bard.
Gabrielle shook her head. “Look inside yourself, Artemis. You didn’t think of demanding it from me because you didn’t even think about it.”
“That’s not fair and it is not true!” Artemis shouted in protest.
“Yes it is,” Gabrielle argued, tears of anger and rage escaping from her eyes. “You’ve cared and ached for me when I was hurt but you dismissed it once I was out of danger. Now that you know what it feels like, it means more to you.”
“You’re saying I didn’t care until I went through it?” Artemis demanded, her eyes angry and hurt.
“Yes, to a point,” Gabrielle nodded, careful to keep Artemis’ hands in sight. “No one knows what it’s like except someone who's been there. Artemis, you can’t blame me for what Antony did to you and you can’t blame me for Cleopatra’s betrayal. You just used Eponi almost as badly as Cleo used you.”
Artemis drew back to hit Gabrielle and the bard waited, not raising her hands to defend herself. The goddess hesitated and dropped her fist.
“Amazon shouldn’t be fighting Amazon,” Gabrielle said softly. “You have to find another way to get past this.”
“Why couldn’t you just kill him?” Artemis suddenly shouted, her hands clenched into fists again.
“Why couldn’t you?” Gabrielle countered. “The same reason I haven’t faced Lycrassius, fear and guilt.”
“Fear?” Artemis frowned.
“You may be a goddess, Artemis, but you were a woman then and you were hurt in the worst possible way,” Gabrielle said gently. “You were afraid of feeling that helpless again if you faced him.”
Artemis closed her eyes in anger as her body shook. Gabrielle waited patiently, her own anger just below the surface. Just the thought of Lycrassius and all the others who had raped her was enough to bring on an almost berserk fury that she was fighting against.
The question would be if one of them would snap or work past it.
Artemis snapped with a scream, launching herself at Gabrielle as the bard slipped mentally into Dancer, the gladiator and Champion of Rome.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Xena paced restlessly by the main fire of the village while Yakut and Karita talked with Otere and some of the other Northern Amazons from neighboring tribes. The warrior noticed Hallvor and Eponi arguing on the edge of the village and neither looked happy.
Several Amazons yelped in surprise when Gabrielle appeared out of nowhere in front of Xena. They tried to look nonchalant but everyone was looking at the Amazon Queen with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Most of them hadn’t even seen a goddess or god and it seemed that Xena and Gabrielle dealt with deities all the time.
Xena quickly checked her mate over visually, taking in the bard’s tear streaked face, bruised, battered and bloody body and that her mate looked very tired.
Gabrielle was able to stand but Xena could tell her mate was hurting.
The warrior sighed and opened her arms.
“We seem to be hugging a lot the last few days,” Gabrielle muttered.
“I’m not complaining,” Xena grinned as Gabrielle pulled back and they walked over toward Yakut and the others. “What happened?”
“Artemis and I are fine,” Gabrielle said softly. “We yelled, we argued, we threw a few punches, I threw some verbal ones and then she broke down. She let the rage hit and I guess some of my old wounds came to the surface and we went off on each other. I became Dancer and she went berserk. We finally couldn’t hit each other anymore. Artemis finally talked about what happened. Artemis knew I understood and she finally understood some of my pain.”
“What do you mean?”
“I yelled at her for leaving me in the hands of the Romans, fate or not, and she’s finally understanding the pain I went through,” Gabrielle attempted to shrug.
“And then?” Xena asked.
“We held each other and cried until we were sick from crying so much. I think women who have been abused will find Artemis a little more understanding now. She was like a child going through their first real heartache."
"The Olympians are a lot like children, with that much power and people worshipping them, they can be mostly spoiled brats," Xena agreed.
"Now this young teenage girl has gone through her first major trauma," Gabrielle nodded. "I think she'll be okay. Aphrodite and Cupid showed up, wrapped their arms around her and disappeared after I healed her some."
"You did what?" Xena asked with a frown.
"I healed her somewhat,” Gabrielle said softly. “Her emotions are so much more out of control because of the god thing. Cupid and Dite were letting her know that she's not alone and is loved, what every survivor needs.”
“You didn’t have any energy to spare, though.”
“Thanks for noticing,” Gabrielle smiled as her head dropped back and Xena grabbed her mate.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Gabrielle was surprised to open her eyes and see Eponi sitting next to her bed and not Xena, Yakut, Karita, Hercules, or anyone else.
“Pony?” she asked as she sat up slowly.
“You’ve been asleep most of the afternoon,” Pony said calmly. “Kinda reminds me of when I found you in that village suffering from the poisoned grain.”
Gabrielle smiled. “Yeah, you were intent on challenging me and killing me. Want a second shot?”
“No,” Pony smiled a sad smile. “I was wrong, Gabrielle. I shouldn’t have let Artemis push me into this. The Black Forest Amazons won’t accept your resignation for this either. They agree that I can be Queen in your absence but you will always remain a Queen to the Nation. That’s the decision of the Black Forest Amazons, Gabrielle.”
“Thank you, Pony,” Gabrielle said gratefully.
“Artemis made a public apology to the Nation and to you,” Pony continued. “She told me privately why she went a little insane. I’m still angry that you didn’t kill Antony even if I understand a little of it. I saw Ephiny, Solari and the others crucified.”
“I was crucified for all of you, Pony,” Gabrielle pointed out, her voice a little harder. “What happened to Artemis will drive most any woman, human or goddess, a little insane. I’ve been there too,” Gabrielle said. “Where’s Xena?”
“With Hercules, Iolaus and Asher,” Pony answered softly, handing Gabrielle a cup of fresh spring water. “Xena’s bringing Asher over now.”
“I’m tired of it all, Pony,” Gabrielle admitted, lying back on the bed.
“What happened between you and Artemis, she wouldn't give details?” Pony asked.
“She was hurting from what Antony did to her and didn’t know how to let it out and deal with it,” Gabrielle tried to explain. “I used some of my god inherited gift of healing to help ease her pain and let her know that she's not alone and doesn't have to go through this by herself. Unfortunately, it takes a bit out of me.”
“Well, Xena said to make sure you were to stay in bed if you woke up before she got back,” Pony said.
“No risk there, I’m feeling weak as a newborn pup,” Gabrielle admitted.
“Gabrielle….”
“No, Pony,” Gabrielle said wearily. “No more apologies.”
“I failed the tribe as Regent and I failed my mate’s trust in me,” Pony admitted softly.
Gabrielle opened her eyes and frowned at Pony’s pained expression.
“Hallvor is leaving me and the tribe and some of the other Amazons are questioning my leadership abilities,” Pony admitted.
“We’ll deal with the tribe,” Gabrielle muttered. “I still have faith in you, Pony. You’re stubborn but you’ll be a good leader. As for Hallvor, she feels she owes us a blood debt.”
“Germans can be rather thick-headed,” Pony agreed. “She’s leaving me though.”
“I’m sorry, Eponi,” Gabrielle said softly and the Regent wiped away her tears.
“We’ve all got a lot of healing to do,” Pony admitted. "She's heading north with the Siberian Amazons."
“Your job will be to mend the tribe, mine is to go home with my family and raise my son,” Gabrielle said firmly.
“Think you can stay out of it for awhile?” Pony questioned.
“I hope so, Pony,” Gabrielle said sincerely. “I really hope so. Xena and I hit a couple of bad spots and it’s taken some time to get close again. Asher is a handful and a delight. There are times I want to strangle him and then hug him in the next moment.”
Eponi laughed. “You sound like a normal mom,” she smiled for the first time since Gabrielle’s return.
“That’s what I want for awhile,” Gabrielle nodded.
Pony got up to order food brought from the nearest Amazon and Gabrielle felt a warm breeze pass over her forehead.
“Thank you, Father, Cupid and ‘Dite,” she whispered and felt a gentle kiss on her cheek from someone unseen.
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