Among Friends

The following is a bit of alternative fiction based on certain characters from the Xenaverse. It is not meant to infringe on anyone else's rights. If you don't agree or disapprove, please go read something else.

The lean young Amazon stretched into Gabrielle's arms. They sighed as one, which produced a mild tension relieving giggle. Gabrielle's consort was fresh from her bath. Her brown hair was still wet. Her skin was cool. "They are warriors," the queen said more to reassure herself, than to tell Kalai a known fact. She moved restlessly. "They can handle themselves." Strong bardic fingers lightly caressed the pale skin of her lover thoughtfully. Hazel eyes gazed up at the ceiling and followed the swirled pattern of the wood.

"It would be embarrassing to go searching for them and then find out they had to go searching for us." Kalai, voiced the thought and turned to face the ceiling too. Not that they'd would get lost, but it was more than likely they'd just head out as their lovers returned. Her foot, the one farthest from Gabrielle's thigh, was firmly planted on the mattress. Her hand rested on her belly. The room was comfortable, the bedding soft and firm and smooth against the skin (Someone had come in during the day and had done some rearranging. Now there was simply one deliciously large bed). The air smelled of flowers, mint and other fresh scents. They'd left the windows open.

"True." Gabrielle glanced at her staff which was leaning against the door frame. Her gaze traced it's outline then flickered to the small chest by the wall. They'd put what extra they'd brought into it's dark safety. "It's dark out." The fire crackled pleasantly and lit the room with a warm glow. The tea had been very nice, both invigorating and relaxing. Her stomach was actually settling again. "They said not to worry." Iovene was fine, which meant, that their mates were fine. They just hadn't found her yet.

"They probably just decided to camp out." Kalai reassured Gabrielle. She turned on her side touched her lover with gentle hands. The rustled and creaked a little with her movement. The contact was reassuring. Kalai's brown eyes were solemn. "Iovene said, we'd be able to tell if there was a problem." She brought that reassuring hand to her chest, "I feel fine, other than wanting them here where I can see them." She grinned lopsidedly. That was the most true part. She wanted to be able to see them, feel them, but she knew they were safe.

But this wasn't about safety. It was just the pressure of being the queen. Kalai longed to soothe the lines that had only recently covered Gabrielle's brow. She rested her hand on her lover's shoulder and squeezed.

"Yeah," the bard acknowledged. "I know." She examined the ring upon her finger then looked into Kalai's eyes. She smiled softly, a little sadly. Her mind whirled with the implications of those scrolls and the worry about finding the elemental on time, preventing a war. She sighed. The strawberry blonde abruptly sat up halfway, and the sheet rustled down to her hips exposing lovely round breasts. She had to get up, move around. "I know."

The bard stood up, dropping the sheet, and padded nakedly to the window, The cool cool breeze freshened her face. She smiled for the first time in candlemarks. Kalai observed the sway of Gabrielle's hips with interest. The cover rumpled to the mattress and she stepped away, following Gabrielle. She leaned against the window frame and folded her arms. The cool smooth wood felt nice upon her skin. She could feel the press of the corner, but ignored it. She chose, instead, to think of the support it was providing. She looked out casually. There was no one to worry about. The stars were bright.

Kalai was still amazed by the turn of events which led her here, still somewhat in shock. She was consort to the Queen of the Nation and she felt a sudden sense of. . .duty. . .and love take over. It was a desire to take away the sadness that seemed to mist her lover's eyes. She laid a beringed hand on Gabrielle's. "If we don't see them in the morning we'll go searching," did she dare say it? Yes. It was true. There wasn't even a pause, "love. I know there's no reason to worry for Xena, she," Kalai grinned, "pardon the expression, 'kicks butt,' and Arete is the strongest person I know."

"Next to Hercules." Gabrielle commented absently. Their fingers twined and she looked at Kalai whose body was being warmly lit by the light of the fire. "I'm not really worried about *them,* just," she shrugged, "everything and . . them." She glanced at Kalai and saw understanding. She looked at the pile of scrolls on the small table. She'd been doing a lot of reading that evening. Her eyes ached. She rubbed her temples and covered her eyes for a moment. Then the fair woman grinned helplessly, "it's put me off my sleep."

Kalai's expression remained solemn, "well, then," the young Amazon said, "the key to this," she stepped closer. Gabrielle could feel the heat of her body, smell her lovely scent, "is to solve one problem at a time."

"Oh?" The bard queried, "and which problem would you suggest solving first?" She smirked, "Perhaps we should deal with the army that threatens us? Or, perhaps you would care to explain to the council that their queen is . . ." Her mouth was covered softly, wetly, then released.

"Perhaps we should try the small things first." Kalai's voice was husky. "Let the wind see to our lovers tonight." It was an idea that bubbled up from her consciousness. Strange, but it felt right. "We share their air and they ours. The 'morrow will take care of itself." She turned to the window, feeling the breeze kiss her skin. She kissed it back. In her mind she saw Xena and Arete. Her mind flashed back to that first erotic scene and she felt an carnal thrill. Then her heart skipped to Iovene, who had become very dear to her and her mind slid a quick image of the fiery red head who'd freed herself from the kidnappers. There was something there . . .a. . she didn't know how to describe it. A knowing perhaps? She shook her head to clear the thought and smiled over at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle, her thoughts running on similar lines, also thought of their soulmates. She thought of Arete, her benevolent understanding, her fiery touch. Her mind flicked back to Xena and she longed for the ex-warlord, her friend and companion. Her heart. Iovene's gentle eccentricities and wisdom called to her and Eudora's intelligent face clearly expressed in her mind. That one needed watching over and loving. . .and there was. . .the seventh. . . .who remained a mystery. Gabrielle completed the thought outloud, "Please give them our love, fair wind." Her eyes reflected a pure knowing and she kissed the wind too, her fingers spreading the kiss to the far corners, "All of them." Then, taking Kalai's hand in hers and ignoring the perplexed look, she led her consort to bed.

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The air sprite danced along the current and drifted along the waves with her sisters. She touched her cheek and grinned wildly. She spiraled a bit lower to the earth, holding her arm out so it snapped upon the grass and made that rustling noise she so loved. Then she sped to finish her sweet mission.

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These pages were last updated: January 28, 1997

ŠJanuary 1997