“c1″> 

Xena
once again had her eyes on the flickering flames. She hadn’t
expected an answer but the answer she got not only gave her hope
for the future but also the strength to finally begin to face the
demons of her past.

“c1″> 

“c1″>Gabrielle’s right leg was still encased in
splinters but she didn’t hesitate to turn to her left and
enfold Xena in a hug as fierce as she could manage. Though Xena had
had the opportunity to carry Gabrielle to the bedroom, they made
love in front of the fireplace, slowly and
tenderly.

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″>-x-x-x-x-

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

Xena
returned to consciousness with the feeling of the younger woman
solidly draped and anchored around her body. The tall warrior
relished the feeling. Dawn was just about to creep over the edge of
the horizon when Xena slowly attempted to also wake her companion.
There was a part of her that craved to fight whatever enemy would
present himself but there also was a part patiently waiting for the
Queen’s orders – and the beginning of the court
session.

“c1″> 

There
were two distinctive knocks and a voice calling out loud.
"Sun’s up, another half candlemark to go,
Xena."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"On my way, Queen Melosa. Give me a few
candledrops."

“c1″> 

Xena
kissed Gabrielle on the forehead to rouse her to consciousness. It
didn’t work. She kissed her on both eyes and the tip of the
nose, still no response. Her tongue spent some time lingering on
the cheeks and cheekbones. Her lips finally found
Gabrielle’s, doing the best teasing job she could come up
with. Slowly her tongue began to play with Gabrielle’s lips
and when she was sure of the other woman’s attention, she
penetrated further. She broke the kiss and whispered in the younger
woman’s ear.

“c1″> 

"I
have to go now, my love. Toris and Solari will see that
you’re settled in a front row seat. Don’t worry about
me. Queen Melosa, Ephiny, and Theano will do the best they can to
avoid a death sentence. Please don’t doubt their judgement,
whatever they will find necessary to do to get to the truth. I will
return to your loving arms. I love you – more than I loved or
desired everything or everyone else before. You’re not only
the other half of my soul, you’re the part of my soul
that’s worth living and fighting for."

“c1″> 

Ten
candledrops later Xena left the hut. She held her arms out, close
to each other, and Eponin reluctantly fastened the cuffs at her
wrists. The weapons’ master took the place usually assigned
to the captain of the Royal guard. Xena stepped between the two
rows of her escort and they slowly proceeded to the end of the
central square, in front of the council’s hut. None of
Xena’s guards bore any arms, thus more resembling an escort
of honour than guards to a prisoner. The village square already was
packed with Amazons of every rank and age. There was a life at
stake, so they all knew they only would be able to witness the
first part of the trial; trials like this usually being closed to
the public.