Eternal Spirit

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Eternal Spirit

Part 30

"So you are going to let her go through with this crazy idea?" The Regent shook her head disapprovingly at the warrior. "I can't believe you Xena, YOU of all people!" She stared vehemently into the blue eyes before her.

Xena was beginning to lose her patience. She gave the Regent a dangerous glance silencing her. "For the last time Ephiny, this is Gabrielle's choice. Accept that and be done with it."

"She can't be serious!" Ephiny approached the warrior with a trace of hesitation. "Xena, she is not thinking clearly. If her dreams taunt her like they do now, what do you suppose being face to face with Draden is going to do to her?" She could sense the irritation in the warrior's demeanor. "I don't want her to get hurt again...or worse. He is more than capable of hurting her and not just physically."

Xena released a sigh in frustration. "By the gods I am going to kill this woman." She remained silent for a moment struggling to keep her anger at bay. "Ephiny do you think that I hadn't considered all this? Gabrielle is my life, do you really think I would knowingly put her in danger?" She saw the Regent about to speak. "Gabrielle knows the dangers and consequences of this. This was her decision, her choice. This is her justice and no matter what anyone else thinks, that is not going to change." She took note of the Regent stepping backwards a few feet. "Now, you are either going to support her as her Regent or you're not. That Ephiny, is YOUR choice. Make it."

The Regent stood tall and spoke between clenched teeth. "I always have and always will stand by my Queen. There is no choice in that Xena." A small degree of hurt glimmered in her eyes. Of course this did not go unnoticed by the warrior.

"I know you are worried for her Eph. She can do this. You have to have faith in her." Xena placed her hand on the Regent's shoulder reassuringly.

"And if she can't?" Ephiny challenged.

Xena's blue eyes gleamed with nothing but confidence. "She will." The sound of approaching footsteps broke the Regent and warrior from their conversation. Xena turned her attention to her right and saw Solari, Serenity, Gabrielle, and a few Amazons advancing towards them. She whispered softly to the Regent as she walked by her, "have faith."

The Queen smiled warmly at her warrior. "Good morning Xe." She kissed her lips lightly and took a deep breath taking in Xena's comforting scent. The warrior's arms embraced her briefly. She looked to the Regent. "Hey Eph!"

Ephiny walked towards her fellow sisters and bowed her head slightly towards Gabrielle. "My Queen." Silence fell upon the crowd. Ephiny couldn't contain herself any longer and peeled into a burst of laughter. "Gabrielle you should have seen your face when I said that!" She continued giggling hysterically. "Oh alright! Good morning Gabrielle." She smirked, "but your reaction was priceless."

Solari rolled her eyes. "Always with the humor."

The Regent folded her arms across her chest and confronted the Amazon with a pout. "Always with the seriousness Solari."

Serenity nudged Solari playfully and grinned at the Regent. "Not always Eph."

The Queen turned her gaze towards Xena and raised a brow.

The warrior put her hands up in the air innocently. "Hey, don't look a me like that, they are your Amazons love." She smiled sweetly knowing her bard couldn't resist laughing.

The Queen chuckled and good-naturedly tapped the Regent and Solari on their backside with her staff. She raised her brow at them daring them to complain. Her expression dissolved into a warm smile that brought a sparkle to her emerald eyes. "Now that we are done teasing ea..." The color fled from her face slowly as she paused mid-sentence. Her eyes clouded with darkness melting any warmth from them. The group of women surrounding the Queen turned around to see what Gabrielle was staring so intently at. A short distance away Draden was being dragged towards the area prepared for battle by 3 Amazons. His eyes never once left those of the Queen's. A sickening grin spread across his face. The Queen turned her gaze away from him and closed her eyes for a moment.

The Regent looked at Xena emphasizing her earlier points with her facial expressions.

The warrior mouthed the word, faith, to the Regent and approached Gabrielle. She ran her fingers through her blonde streaks and traced her fingertips to her chin. She lifted Gabrielle's head up with her finger resting below her chin and looked tenderly into her eyes. "Are you alright?"

Gabrielle smiled light-heartedly and nodded. After taking a moment to collect her thoughts she met the warrior's gaze. Her eyes, no longer clouded with fear, gleamed with confidence and resolve. "The battle should be starting in a few moments." She made eye contact with the Regent and smiled. "We better get going."

Continued In Part 31

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