Eternal Spirit

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Eternal Spirit

Part 4

"I can't stand to see her hurting like this. This is my fault. He hurt her because of ME. I will never forgive myself for this, never." Xena's cheeks flushed a deep pink.

Ephiny grabbed Xena by the shoulders lightly shaking her. "Listen to me Xena this is NOT your fault. Draden is the only one that can take blame for this. He did this. You can't expect to protect Gabrielle from everyone Xena. It is not possible. We are each responsible for our own actions, not those of others." Her hand reached up to Xena's chin. "Understand?"

Xena knew she was right but she couldn't help feeling guilty. "Yes, Ephiny I understand. Gabrielle didn't deserve this. It should have been me. Why couldn't he just hurt me? I am the one that betrayed him. Gabrielle is nothing to him!"

"Because he knew nothing could hurt you deeper than watching Gabrielle suffer." Ephiny's gaze met the watery ocean orbs of her friend.

"A lifetime of good will never be enough to atone for my past." Xena shook her head. "When I find him I am going to..."

"NO! You are not going to do anything. How is that going to help Gabrielle? You would only succeed in becoming the very thing you are fighting."

Gabrielle turned towards Xena. "Xena promise me, if something happens to me, you will not become a monster. There's only one way to end this cycle of hatred, and it's through love and forgiveness."

"Don't you go changing Gabrielle, I like you just the way you are. Go get some sleep."

"No. No, you promise me."

"I promise."

Pushing the memory away, Xena lowered her eyes releasing painful tears.

"He will be brought to justice, that I promise you. We must do this the right way as hard it that way may be."

"I am going to meet with Solari and gather a group of my best warriors. We will find him Xena," her eyes grew softer. Do the best you can Xe. I will be back soon." Ephiny smiled confidently at her friend and then turned to go.

Xena entered the Queen's hut and was happy to see she had eaten all the broth from the now empty bowl. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better now I think. I guess I was a little hungry after all." She grinned slightly. Xena walked over and sat beside her lover. She cupped her face in her hand gently and placed a kiss upon her lips, careful not to hurt her.

"Gabrielle, I need to take a look at those open wounds and apply this salve that will help with the pain." Her eyes grew softer. "I need to make sure you are alright. I promise to be gentle." She smiled.

Gabrielle shivered at the thought of Xena seeing her the way she was. She choked back the tears that continued to fall silently down her cheeks. "I know you will be gentle Xena. You would never hurt me. I just...I don't want you to..." she struggled to get the words out.

"I know and it is alright. Nothing about you is anything less than beautiful to me. That will never change. Nothing could ever make me love and cherish you any less than I do right now. Please know that." She stroked the bard's hair.

Wiping away her tears the bard nodded at the warrior. "Okay..." she managed to whisper.

Continued In Part 5