Eternal Spirit

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Eternal Spirit

Part 11

"Thank you for such a wonderful time last night Xena. It is one celebration I will always remember." Gabrielle's eyes gleamed as she moved closer to her warrior's side. "That song was so beautiful." She smiled softly. "It really meant a lot to me Xe." The warrior wrapped her arms around the bard and pulled her into a soft embrace.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. But Gabrielle?" she questioned placing her finger beneath the bard’s chin.

"Yes Xe?"

Xena's face softened and a sly smile formed on her lips. "It is not nearly as beautiful as you my love." She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Gabrielle's lips. The bard broke the kiss and looked towards the approaching Regent.

"Hey, you two!" She paused briefly with hesitation. "Am I interrupting anything?"

Gabrielle pulled away from Xena and took a few steps towards Ephiny. She studied the Regent’s face for a moment. An unsettling feeling came over her. "Eph, what is it? What's wrong?"

"It's Serenity. She still hasn't arrived and I'm concerned. I didn't think much about it last night because I just assumed she'd show up after the celebration. But now it's almost sundown and still no sign of her. I don't have a good feeling about this at all." She shook her head slowly.

Xena turned to Ephiny and spoke calmly. "Let’s not start worrying just yet. Anything could have held her up a bit Eph.”

“Xena she should have been here by now. She has been going back and forth for weeks and has never been late once." The Regent looked sternly at the warrior in annoyance. “Something has happened.”

Xena nodded in understanding. “Alright Ephiny, if it will make you feel better I will go check it out.”

Before either could say anything further Gabrielle made her way between them and turned angrily towards Xena.

"Gabrielle...” Before she could begin to reason with her, Gabrielle began poking at Xena’s breastplate with her index finger. "Don't you even think about it warrior! There is absolutely no way I am letting you off these grounds with two broken ribs. You are not leaving my sight!" Her voice dropped to a more serious tone. "I mean it Xena don't even entertain that thought."

The warrior smiled softly and placed a kiss on her bard's forehead. She placed her hands on the bard's shoulders and released a deep breath. "Gabrielle, listen to me. I’m fine and you of all people know very well I can take care of myself." Seeing the bard about to interrupt her she placed her finger on her lips. "Please let me finish." Xena paused for a moment, removed her finger from the bard's lips, and placed it beneath her chin. "I’m just going to check things out. If something is wrong then we both know the kind of danger she could be in. My ribs are fine, barely feel a thing." Not convinced the bard placed her hand on her hip and looked smugly at her warrior.

Ephiny grinned. "Gabrielle, I’m sure…" turning her gaze harshly towards the warrior, "that Xena will be very careful and not do anything foolish to add to her injury, isn't that right Xena?"

Xena smiled. "Absolutely!" Her eyes grew softer as she took her bard's hands into her own. "If something has happened then you can be sure Draden is behind it. He is still out there and if anyone knows how his mind works, it would be me."

The bard leaned forward and placed a quivering kiss on her warriors' lips, letting the warmth linger for a moment. "I know Xe, I know. At least take Eph with you." Ephiny took a few steps towards Xena.

"No Eph, you're not coming with me. I need you to stay here. We don't know if the village will become another target."

Gabrielle sighed heavily in defeat. "Alright Xena. Promise me you will be careful."

Xena whistled for Argo and kissed her bard's hand. "Always." With a smirk she whispered, "After all I have a beautiful queen to get back to." She turned her gaze to the Regent. "Take care of her Eph." With those last words she walked away leading Argo alongside her.

Continued In Part 12