Chapter Seven

Campfire Confession

Gabrielle sat next to the campfire, a blanket draped loosely over her shoulders, absently poking the fire with a long stick, and watching the sparks as they drifted lazily toward the heavens. Then she heard the sound of horse coming in her direction. She slowly rested her free hand on her staff, just in case. She heard the horse stop, still far enough to be away from the light of the campfire not to be seen, then she heard the rider dismount. Her hand tighten around the staff and waited.

“Is this fire for anyone, or are you going to be selfish about it?”

Gabrielle jumped up and ran to meet Xena.

“Xena! You’re here!” Gabrielle exclaimed as her arms went tightly around Xena. Xena’s arms encircled Gabrielle and without thinking about it, kissed her on the top of the head.

Neither woman spoke as they stood there holding each other, both thankful they were together again. Gabrielle backed up a bit and her hands went to Xena’s cheeks, then let her hands travel down to her shoulders and to her elbows as Xena’s hands were holding Gabrielle’s. Their eyes locked on each other’s.

Gabrielle started to make a clever comment, but she was too choked up to speak, so she just hugged her again. The next time they broke the embrace they backed up a little farther apart, but still held each other’s hands. Gabrielle still couldn’t speak, unaware of the tears of joy she was crying. Xena reached up to catch one of the tears. “All that crying will make your eyes puffy,” she said.

Gabrielle smiled through the tears and attempted to wipe them away, but there were too many.

They finally sat down on the fallen tree Gabrielle had been using for a seat. As they did, Xena’s arm went around Gabrielle and Gabrielle’s head rested on Xena’s shoulder. Neither one wanted to talk right now.

Eventually, her curiosity got the better of her, and Gabrielle asked, “How did you ever find me?”

“I just let you lead me here.”

“What? How did I do that?”

“Well, you always said we had some kind of connection, so I just decided to let myself go where I would, and if there was that connection, it would bring me to you. I guess you were right.”