Lila’s surprise was only a little less than Gabrielle’s when she saw Xena was alive and well, and she rushed to give her a welcoming hug.

“But how? I thought you said she was dead?”

“I know! I did! But let’s go inside. We can tell you all about it over supper.”

…………….

“. . . And so, here we are.” Gabrielle concluded.

“Well, that’s quite a story.” Lila commented.  “It will take more than just a few scrolls to write that one down.”

“You know, I had never even thought about that.” Gabrielle said. “But now that you mention it, that’s exactly what I should do. Tomorrow we’ll go into town for some new scrolls.”

“It’s getting late, and I know you two must be worn out after traveling all day. Why don't you and Xena take the big room, with the big bed, and I’ll sleep in Sarah’s old room. The one you and I used to share.”

“Are you sure?” Gabrielle asked. “Xena and I  don't mind sleeping in a small bed.” And she gave Xena a sly grin.

Lila chuckled. “No, you two take the big bed. You may want to stretch out. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Lila went into the bedroom and closed the door behind her.

“Ready for bed?” Gabrielle asked, her voice slightly suggestive.

“With you, always.”

As she lay in bed, waiting for sleep, Lila heard the muffled giggles and moans through the wall.

‘I’m glad they’re together again,’ she thought to herself as she drifted off to sleep. ‘It must be nice to have someone you love lying next to you. Maybe I’ve been spending too much time by myself. Marcos seems to be  interested in me. And his tavern is doing quite well. Maybe tomorrow I’ll pay him a visit.’

Xena was awake well before dawn. She decided not to awaken Gabrielle just yet. Instead, she lay still, listening to Gabrielle’s breath as she peacefully inhaled and exhaled. And she let her soul mate’s delicious aroma permeate her nostrils, sorting out each smell – her hair, her skin, her breath, and her womanly scent that Xena found so intoxicating.

As light began to filter into the room, Xena carefully, and without waking her, removed the blanket covering Gabrielle, exposing, as far as she was concerned, the most perfect body ever created.  There was nothing she would change; not the color of Gabrielle’s eyes, nor the color of her lips. Not the size or shape of her gently rising and falling breasts; not the marvelous flatness of her belly; and certainly not the wonderfully desirable dark blond triangle that concealed that most delicious of all her charms.