I'll Stand By You

Written: 1997
© Julie Ruffell 1997
Timeline: Sometime after "The Bitter Suite"
Disclaimer: Xena: Warrior Princess is the copyright property of Renaissance Pictures, Universal Studios and Studios USA. This fan fiction story was written for entertainment purposes only.
Description: Sequel to "From the Warrior's Shadow". While Xena is recovering from her injuries, more victims from Adara face off with the Warrior Princess. Told in the first person by Gabrielle.

"I'll Stand By You"

I still haven't adjusted to seeing Xena out of her armour. Her injuries have left her in a weakened state, but she had refused to remain at Vasilis' any longer. I had threatened to tie her to the bed, but I understand that she was sick of lying down, and needed to get back to our way of life. Finally, I had given in, but we both agreed that she was not to wear her armour, that way no one would recognize her.

We're in Sparta, shopping for some supplies before we get back to our important wandering. Please. I wish Xena would just take a break and give herself time to heal. It was only last week when she was finally able to get out of bed and walk about. Vasilis had wanted Xena to stay in bed for at least a week. Yeah right.

"Okay, Gabrielle, we've got everything," Xena tells me.

"Xena, you really should be taking it easy. Being out here is only inviting trouble," I say.

"I'm not an infant, Gabrielle," Xena snaps. "I've had worse injuries than this."

I shrink back from her angry tone. Her temper is short. She has been angry all week. She knows her injury is bad, but she refuses to admit it. Ebony had found her in the garden one afternoon, kneeling on the ground, her sword in the dirt, and her hand on her side. Her right arm was almost completely useless, due to the angle the where the dagger hit her, the blood loss and the infection.

Her arm hangs loosely at her side, looking like she will never be able to wield a sword or throw a proper punch with it again. Vasilis had told me not to worry. He said that, in time, her arm would heal, and be as good as new, but that was only if she stayed out of fights and didn't use it.

I am concerned because I know Xena. If she hears a call for help, she'll be there. I'm glad that she has found her heart, but I don't want her to be unable to use her arm ever again. Or worse.

Xena notices me shrinking back, and her face softens. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap."

I understand. She won't say it, but she's angry because Ebony knew how to fight her. She had been caught of guard. Twice.

Ebony had left Vasilis' home the day after she saw Xena in the garden. She told me that she had to move on and start her new life. I miss her. She is a wonderful person, even if she doesn't realize it yet.

"That's okay, Xena," I tell the warrior. There is no need to add to her physical pain with psychological. She needs me to support her right now.

"Let's go. I want to get back on the road. Argo could use a run."

"You're in no condition to ride her," I scold. "Xena, Vasilis told you to rest."

"I will." She takes Argo's reins and starts to walk away from me. "After we're on the road."

Stubborn little…she's been on her feet all day, and she needs to rest. "Why don't we get something to eat first?" I ask.

"We can eat on the road," she replies.

I try another tactic. I whine. "But Xe-na. Why eat trail food when we're in a town? I hear there's a really good tavern."

Not even the Warrior Princess can put up with a whining bard. She gives in and we head for the tavern.

* * *

It feels good to get off my feet, and I'm sure Xena feels the same way. We order ourselves some stew, freshly baked bread, and to drink, I have water while Xena has port. So predictable.

I think I've gotten used to eating full, fresh meals every night. I don't know how I'll be able to go back to mostly bread and cheese dinners. And fish. We eat a lot of fish. It's Xena's favourite. Of course, she likes the catching more than the cooking. That's my job.

Our food arrives and we eat silently for a while. I find myself watching Xena, sure she'll run out of energy at any moment and then fall into her stew. Her stunning blue eyes have managed to keep their normal colour, but her face is still a sickly white, hidden under the hood of her dark cloak.

"How are you holding up?" I ask.

"I'm fine, Gabrielle. Stop worrying," she responds.

"I can't help worrying, Xena. I almost lost you. That scared me more than anything ever has."

I can feel tears welling up in my eyes. Xena reaches over and places a supporting hand on my shoulder. "I know."

I look up and my green eyes meet with her blue ones. She smiles and I smile back, but I don't mean it. I feel a lump in the pit of my stomach, and I can feel that something is about to happen. Something disastrous. Then I hear shouting outside of the tavern. Xena hears it too, and in an instant, she's on her feet and heading for the door. "Where are you going?" I question as I step in front of her.

"To stop that fight."

"Xena, Vasilis told you you're not ready yet."

"Look, Gabrielle, I've been injured before, and I've dealt with the injured. I've seen more battles than Vasilis has or ever will. I am perfectly capable of judging my own injury. I can't allow people to get hurt when I can do something about it."

I hold up my staff. "Let me handle it."

If she had been well, she would let me do it, but right now she feels she like she has something to prove. I don't think she'll agree.

She sighs. "All right, Gabrielle, but if something happens-"

"You'll jump right in. Don't worry, I can handle it."

She sits back down, at the table and I run out the door, confident I can handle whatever I find.

I step outside and I am greeted by a large crowd of gathered villagers. I start to push my way through the crowd and I come out in the front to see two men fighting in the square. I access the situation quickly, but I'm not quite sure what to do. Well, I'll start with what I do best. Talking.

I step in-between the two parties. "Enough! What is this all about?"

"Get lost, girl," growls the bigger man. "This ain't any business of yours."

"Well I'm making it my business," I spit back.

The smaller and more injured man does not complain about the pause. "This guy just came over and starting hitting me," he informs me. His cuts are severe, and he looks like he's about to collapse, while the larger man only has a cut lip.

"Why are you hitting him?" I demand.

"I didn't like the way he was looking at me," he responds as though that's reason enough.

"And what kind of look was that?"

"The same look you're giving me."

Unaware that I was giving a look, I quickly place a small smile on my face. "I'm not giving anyone a look. Let's just all shake hands and move on."

The large man stands silently. The crowd is hushed, awaiting his answer. He searches the crowd and his eyes fall on something. He nods once. I turn to see what he's looking at, but there are too many people in the way. "All right," he says. He holds out his meaty hand to the smaller man. "Sorry about that."

The two men shake hands and then turn and go their separate ways. The crowd splits up and leaves as well. I smile. I told Xena I could handle it.

I head back to the tavern, but when I step inside, I don't see the warrior anywhere. I walk up to the bartender. "Excuse me, did you see where my friend went? She's about six feet tall and was wearing a black, hooded cloak.

The bartender shakes his head. "I was outside."

"Thanks anyway," I say, knowing there's no need to be rude. However, my stomach is already doing flips. I fear the worst. Where could she be?! I have to calm down. I have to think. I walk back to our table and find my bag on the chair where I left it. I pay the bartender and ask, "Is there a back door to this tavern?"

"Yeah," he mutters. "Right over there."

I thank him and run outside. What I see does nothing to settle my stomach. Upon the ground is a large collection of footprints. I crunch down for a closer look. I recognize Xena's boot prints, and from the long streaks in the dirt they leave, I can tell that she's being half-dragged. Whoever she is with, they are not friends, and she didn't want to go with them.

Panic is clutching my throat, but I won't give into it, not when my friend needs me. I put my fingers to my lips, and whistle urgently, just like Xena taught me. Moments later, I hear the sound of Argo's hooves crashing in the dirt, and soon she stands beside me. As mush as I hate to ride, I quickly mount the palomino warhorse and we ride after Xena and her captors.

Although I want to make Argo fly, we move at a slower pace, so as to not give away our approach. We have left Sparta and are now riding up a hill. As we reach the top, I see the most horrific site I have ever, or will ever see.

The bottom of the hill gives way to an open, grass meadow, which is surrounded by forests. In the center of the meadow there is a large circle of villagers. I can see men, women and even some teenage members in this group. In the middle of this circle, Xena is on hands and knees, a black hood over her head. The members of the group are either throwing rocks, kicking or using large sticks to beat Xena. What I can't believe is that she's not even attempting to fight back!

"Xena!" Argo understands my urgent cry, and has us down in the meadow within seconds. We race towards the crowd, the life of our friend hanging in the balance. The villagers hear our approach, and they scatter as I ride the mighty warhorse straight through them to the warrior. Three men continue their attack on Xena, but Argo slams her large body into them, and they back off.

I jump off of Argo, and hold onto my staff, trying to look as threatening as possible. Argo stands on one side of Xena, and I on the other, not about to let anyone pass.

Xena is lying on her side, gasping from underneath the black hood. She is holding her wound that Ebony gave her, clutching it to stop the bleeding. It doesn't look good.

"What are you doing!?" I bellow at the villagers who have already begun to crowd around. "What are you, savages!? You're beating an injured woman!"

"She's the savage!" a woman from the mob shouts at me. "We're just putting her out of her misery."

"By beating her to death?"

"That's for our loved ones!" bellows another voice.

There are shouts of agreement and the angry mob starts to move in on us. Argo can see the danger, and she lies down in the grass. She nuzzles Xena and, although injured, the warrior crawls onto the mare's back. Xena slumps in the saddle, and Argo gets back to her feet, ready to ride off.

I face the villagers. "Back off! Anyone who wants to get to Xena has to go through me. I don't know why you're after her, but I won't allow it."

A teenager steps forward. "Our fight is with, Xena!" she yells.

"Then you can take it up with her when she's feeling better and the odds are a little fairer."

"Fair? Like she was fair when she wiped our homes off the maps!"

I look at the young girl, probably only a few years younger than me. I see that her eyes are full of anger, hatred, and pain. I can't help but notice that haunting look in the gray eyes. They seem so familiar to me, but I have never met this girl before. "She's not like that anymore. Xena's good."

"So what?! That doesn't take away our pain or give us back our loved ones!"

The girl's words are as strong as mine, but I will not allow them to kill Xena. "I'm sorry for your loss, but this won't solve anything."

"It will make us feel better," she sneers.

"Look lady, our fight isn't with you, so step aside." I recognize the giant man from the marketplace as he lumbers towards me. He had been only a distraction. They had all somehow known about Xena's weakened state, and had decided to take advantage of it.

He moves by me like I am no threat at all, but as he passes by, I send my staff flying from my body, and bring it in contact with his stomach. He stumbles back, both from my attack and from surprise. I don't give him time to recover, and deal him a blow to the side, and then I take his legs out from under him. He crashes to the ground. Hard.

"Anyone else?" I ask.

The mob holds back. "This isn't right," the young girl says.

"No, what you're doing is wrong. What, you can fight an injured woman, but you won't take on someone who can fight back? You'll notice that Xena wasn't fighting back when she could kill you all with one throw of her chakram. She's changed! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

My words are greeted with their angry stares. They're not ready to give up their hatred, but they are not attacking. I use their stillness. I turn instantly and run to Argo. I mount the mare and she rides, breaking through their lines once more.

Xena is lying limp on the saddle, so I wrap one arm around her. I will not let her fall. I don't know where Argo is headed, but at the moment, I don't care. I remove the black hood from Xena, and her head falls back to rest on my shoulder. I close my eyes because I can't stand to see her battered face.

* * *

With the fire burning, I place a pot of water over the hot coals, and then move over to Xena. I lift up her head and place it carefully in my lap. She stirs slightly, but either than her slow breathing, she looks dead.

She's a mess and it scares me. The villagers broke several bones, including her jaw, nose, three ribs, her left wrist and right knee. The bruising is just as bad; big, black and blue marks covering most of her body. Her face has taken the greatest beating, and I fear what damage has been done. The left side of her face has swollen to double its side, and I can hardly make out her left eye, which is sealed shut. A deep cut runs over the right side of her face, blood running from the wound.

Tears start to run down my cheeks, as I gently hug my Warrior Princess to me. "Oh Xena, what have you let them do to you?"

"I can't hurt the innocent."

I look down in surprise and see that Xena has regained consciousness, but she is holding onto it by a thread. I dip a cloth in the now warm water and I begin to gently clean her wounds. "I know, Xena, but you didn't have to let them beat you."

"I deserve it. You should have let them kill me, Gabrielle."

"Stop it! Just stop it, Xena!"

Even with her broken wrist Xena clutches mine with a deathly grip. She stares at me with her deep blue eyes, digging into my soul. "You don't know me as well as you think, Gabrielle. You don't know what I did to those people."

"Xena, I don't understand."

"Leave me, Gabrielle. Leave me to die."

"I don't know what this is all about, Xena, but you should know by now that I'll never leave you."

"You don't understand! My past has come back to bite me. I can't go on lying to you anymore, and the truth is too much for either of us."

"What's the truth? What have you been hiding?" She can't face me, and starts to pull away. I turn her face and make her look at me. "Tell me."

She looks at me now and the look in her eyes is more torn than anything look I have seen in them before. It tells me exactly how she feels. She's a ball of conflicting emotions; anger, sorrow, grief, guilt, and disgust, all directed at herself. "I can't."

I lose my patience. "Xena, after all we've been through together over the last three years, haven't you learned that I'll stand by you no matter what? You're my friend, Xena. You're more than that. We were destined to be together, but there's always something trying to tear us apart. We've overcome everything else. Don't let this secret destroy us."

She is beginning to give into the pain now, losing consciousness before my eyes. "Xena, don't leave me!"

"Those villagers have every right to kill me, Gabrielle. During the same time I ruined Ebony's life, I ruined the lives of those people. I've told you that I've never killed women or children. I lied. I lied. After Caesar destroyed my soul, I slaughtered every living thing in my way until Lao Ma was able to heal me. Those people must have survived, somehow, and now they want to avenge all the innocent people I killed."

"Xena, you weren't yourself! Setting fire to the villages, that doesn't mean you killed women and children."

"But I did. I didn't wait for the flames to kill them. Most of those women and children died at my hand, with their blood on my blade. I'm a killer. Leave…me."

Then she loses consciousness. I look down at her, not sure what to think. Women and children! She has killed women and children! Yet, how can I doubt her? She was a different person back then. What she did, she can't take back, as much as she tries to. I will forgive her, because I have seen all she has done in the name of good.

I wish she were conscious, for now there is no way to tell her where I stand. Without thinking, I start to gently sing to my friend, as I bandage her wounds.

"How can you question where I stand?
Of course I stand by you.
I know the goodness in your heart,
My friend I know what's true.

While others might question your inner soul,
You must know I never would.
I would never side with those against you,
Because I know you're good.

They question who you are
And if you're good, or if you're bad.
They don't see underneath your mask,
And that's what makes me sad.

But I can see into your soul,
Because my eyes don't see you like they do.
I know the strength that's in your heart,
And I'll stand by you.

They might doubt your words of truth,
Because they can't see your light.
They might doubt that you will help them,
Yet you'll stand for what is right.

Don't give in to what they say.
Xena, don't believe their foolish lies.
We will always be together.
We will look to clearer skies.

You must leave behind the past,
As we move to what's ahead.
Warrior Princess, you must live your life.
Don't leave me, you're not dead.

We need you here upon this Earth.
Xena, you have proved your worth.
You belong in my heart.
We will never be apart.
Here with you forever,
We will stay right here together.

It doesn't matter what you do.
I am always here for you.
Into my life you flew,
And you must know I'll always stand by you."

I cradle the fallen warrior in my arms, wet, salty tears running down my cheeks. I will never hate her. Not after all we've through. I never could.

* * *

I awake the next morning as the sun hits my face. I ache all over, due to my uncomfortable sleeping position. My back, lying against a rough tree, is screaming at me for subjecting it to that bark all night. Xena is sleeping with her head still in my lap. Many a morning have I awoken in this position lately. I wish that the Fates would just allow Xena to break free of the past, which binds her to her misery.

The night has not been kind to the Warrior Princess, and her body has grown darker from the ugly bruises that cover her. I gently lay her head against a folded up blanket, and move to make her some painkillers. I mix all the ingredients as she has taught me, and then I let them dissolve in cold water. I return to Xena's side and try to stir the warrior. Xena moans softly, but does not wake up.

"Xena? Xena, I don't care about your past. All I care about is right now, and right now, my friend is in pain and I need her to wake up and take this."

It works. Xena slowly opens her right eye and stares at me. She looks at me as though she doesn't know who I am, and I know it is from the beating she took yesterday. I hope there is no permanent brain damage.

"Xena?" She looks at me with question. She does not know me. I decide not to push her, just make her take the painkillers. As soon as she swallows, she loses her hold on consciousness again. I am afraid. I don't know how badly she is injured and I don't know what to do.

I feel tears on my face, and I'm sure my eyes are red. I don't know if I'm strong enough to stay here at Xena's side. I want to run. I just want to run as fast as my legs will carry me, and never look back.

I wouldn't dare.

* * *

I awake when I hear Xena moving beside me. I look at her and smile when I'm greeted with an open eye. "You're awake. Are you in pain?"

Xena actually laughs. "Gabrielle, if that's not a stupid question, then I don't know what is."

I can't help but give a slight laugh at Xena's joke. She's getting better. "I still have something for the pain. I made it just like you taught me."

She pauses. "How much of that have you given me?"

"Just now?"

"No, all together, including before we arrived at Vasilis'."

"I don't know. I didn't count," I reply.

"Gabrielle, this is important. That stuff is not meant for heavy doses."

"Why not?"

"Because it's addictive, and if you take it when your body doesn't need any, it will kill you."

My hands are sweaty. I try to think. "I gave you a small dose every five hours, before and after we reached Vasilis, and after those villagers, every two." Xena doesn't need to bother with the math, and neither do I. I have given her too much. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Luckily my injuries will use up what you've given me, but if I've become addicted, I'll crave it even when I'm well. Gabrielle, dispose of it. Get rid if every ingredient too."

I quickly do as she tells me, and feed it all to the hot fire. I sit down beside her. "When will you know?"

"With all you've given me, I should be craving more within a few hours. Good thing I'm too injured to do much about it."

I can't tell if she's joking. "Xena, you lost consciousness after you told me about the villagers."

"You hate me, don't you?"

"Xena, I'm going to tell you something, and I want you to remember it forever. I could never hate you. When we were brought to Illusia, I was lost, drowning in my grief. I didn't mean what I said to you, but what I'm telling you know, I mean more than anything I've ever said." I put my hand on hers. "I'll stand by you Xena, no matter what happens."

From the look in her eyes, I know she wants to smile, but her broken jaw won't allow it. "What would I do without you?" Tears are falling from her eyes, and I pull her to me.

* * *

Xena had fallen asleep earlier, and I decided to prepare a stew. Also, knowing how much she loves my dumplings, I'm making some of those too. Soon the stew and the dumplings are ready, and the smell is enough to wake Xena. "That smells great, Gabrielle, but I won't be able to eat any."

"I'm sorry, Xena! I didn't even think about that. I'll add some more water and turn this into a broth, and I'll save the dumplings for when you're feeling better."

She nods slowly. "Or you could give me a little bit of the painkillers."

"There is no more, Xena. You told me to get rid of it all."

"But you kept some, didn't you? I need a little for the pain. Please Gabrielle."

Xena didn't lie to me. The drug is very addictive. "How long will it take you to overcome this addiction?"

"I'm not addicted, Gabrielle, I'm just in a lot of pain, and I would love to eat some of your dumplings."

"Don't lie to me, Xena. We'll get through this together. I'll make the broth now, and then we'll eat."

"Gabrielle, I just need a little bit."

I look at her, her eyes nearly crazy with need. I find myself actually glad that her injuries will keep her from drawing a weapon, while her broken knee will prevent her from moving from her blankets. I decide to keep my distance from her until her addiction has ended.

Neither of us eats.

* * *

Neither of us sleeps either. All night, Xena's cries for the drug became louder, madder and more threatening. I will not leave her, but I have moved to the other side of the camp. I try to ignore her and focus on writing my scrolls, but a piece of me is dying to go to her side. I want to hold her, to tell her it will all be okay, but I can't do that. That's what tears at me the most, this feeling of uselessness, knowing all I can do is sit here and watch my friend slowly lose control of herself. I find myself remembering when the Furies had driven Xena insane and how helpless the whole situation had been. At least this time I know she will regain control. The question is, when?

How long must I keep my distance? I feel so alone over here, unable to hold Xena in my arms. I look down at my scrolls, trying to focus on the tale I am recording. I am on my forty-eighth scroll, recording all the adventures Xena and I have encountered together. Together. I can't imagine being anywhere but at her side, and the thought sends a shiver down my spine.

Looking down at the scroll, I try to picture the events in my mind, I have called the scroll "The Dirty Half Dozen," a retelling of the time Xena and I were forced to fight Ares with four convicts, but my heart just isn't in it.

Finally, I put down the scroll and watch my friend with tear filled eyes.

* * *

The next two days and nights make me feel as though I'm the only one who keeps repeating the same day. Neither Xena nor myself have eaten or slept in three days, and my nerves have just about reached their end. I spend most of the day trying to keep myself busy, while at night I just sit under a tree and cry.

This is all my fault! If I had learned how to use the drug as well as make it, then Xena wouldn't be addicted. Things would just be so much easier. Why does everything in our lives have to be so difficult!? Tears begin to well up in my eyes, and I don't bother to wipe them away. I just want to give up!

"Gabrielle?"

I don't bother to look at Xena. She has called my names for days, but all she ever asks for is the drug.

"Are you all right, Gabrielle?"

I look at her, not believing my ears. I must be getting delirious.

"Gabrielle, it's okay. It's over."

More tears find their way down my cheek, but I can't help it, and I don't care. I fly to Xena and fall into her strong arms. She doesn't push me away. Instead, I feel the weight of one of her arms around me. I hug my arms gently around her and I can't believe how good it feels to be held by her again.

I continue to cry, and Xena quietly comforts me. "Shh. Hush now Gabrielle. Everything is going to be fine."

"I know, and that's why I can't sop crying."

"You've been through a lot lately, and I'm sorry my past keeps hurting you."

I pull back from her. "Xena, none of this had anything to do with me. You're the one getting injured and having to deal with your past demons."

"And you had to deal with me."

I hug her once more, glad that she cares so much for me. "I like being able to do things for you, Xena. I love you."

She strokes my hair. "I know you do, Gabrielle, and I love you for it."

"Don't ever leave me, Xena. Promise me you will never let your past separate us. I forgive you for everything because I know the goodness in your heart. I know who you are, and I'll always stand by you."

She lightly kisses the top of my head. "I'll stand by you forever too, Gabrielle."

We fall asleep, spending the whole night in each other's arms.

* * *

I awake the next morning to find myself still in Xena's arms. The powerful warrior is still asleep, and I don't want to wake her, so I stay where I am. I feel so safe in Xena's arms, like a baby in the womb.

That was stupid. I shake my head to get all thoughts about babies out of my head. I'm happy and I don't want to be thinking about Hope now.

Xena stirs and I look up to see her smiling down at me. I smile back, but seeing her bruised face still tears at my insides. "I missed that," I tell her.

Xena kisses my forehead. "Me too. Though I can't really remember much of the last few days."

"Let's not talk about it," I suggest as I move to make us some breakfast. "I just want to leave it all behind us."

"I wish it was that easy, Gabrielle."

"It is that easy, Xena. Your past is just that. It's something that you can't change, so you just have to move on."

Xena doesn't speak while I finish making us some soup. We sit quietly as we eat. The silence is a little uncomfortable, but I enjoy being able to sit at Xena's side.

The rest of the day passes undisturbed. I check over Xena's wounds and find that she is healing well. The bruising on her body has started to fade. I start a fire, and sit next to Xena, resting my head on her shoulder. She puts her arm around me and I tell her a story. Suddenly, Xena stops me.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Someone's coming. A lot of someones."

"Should I pack up?"

"No. Gabrielle, do you think you can find out who it is without being seen?" she questions.

"I know can," I reply. Xena nods and I move silently into the bush. Moving like Xena has trained me, I don't even move a branch as I hunt down the intruders like a lioness would hunt her prey.

I peak out of a bush and my heart falls at the site before me. It's the villagers. I run back to Xena, my love and concern for her giving me wings. I race into the camp, sweat just beginning to escape from my skin. "Xena, we got trouble!"

"What is it?" Xena questions.

"It's those villagers. Can you ride? We've got to get out of here."

"No."

For a moment, the entire world stands still. I stare at Xena and she stares at me. Not a single word is spoken. My mind is racing at what the warrior has just said. I must have heard her wrong. "I must have something in my ear, Xena. It sounded like you just said, 'No.'"

"I did."

The drug must be affecting her mind. "Xena, we don't have time for this! We've got to go!"

"What's the point in running, Gabrielle? These people are not going to let up, and I refuse to run from them for the rest of my life. I have to face them sooner or later."

"Then do it later!" I yell. "Like when you're better!"

"My condition has nothing to do with this. I won't attack them. They're confused, just like I used to be, and they're in the right here."

"Killing is never right."

"But justice is. They're misguided. Past or no, I killed their families, and that's not something we can change. I have to face them."

She looks at me with those damn eyes of hers, and I can't say no. I know she's right. As much as I want to get on Argo and ride away, I know that we have to stay and deal with the villagers.

"Gabrielle," Xena starts, "I want you to get on Argo and leave."

"Forget it," I tell her. "We do this together."

Despite her jaw, Xena smiles at me. "Why the Fates blessed me with you, I'll never understand."

"Because without me, you couldn't lace your boots."

"That's true, because right now I can't."

I hug Xena and I hope this won't be the last joke I hear from her.

* * *

When the villagers enter our camp, Xena and I stand side-by-side. Xena is leaning on my staff, and I am holding a supporting hand around her. She had refused to face the villagers with any stance short of standing. Proud warrioress until the end. I hope this isn't it.

"All right," Xena calls out. "We're all adults here, so let's deal with this."

"We will murderer, by killing you!" a voice calls back. I see the young teenage girl step forward. "We'll finish the job this time."

Xena looks painfully at the girl. The teenager has black hair, and I'm sure Xena is seeing herself in the girl's gray eyes. "I know what I did to you all was terrible, but will you allow hatred to control you and your children? Hate is a powerful demon, one that you should never hand your children over to. Be stronger than hate. I wasn't when I attacked your homes. Will you be as weak?"

They are sheep. They're lost and I can tell that they are not entirely sure what they want.

"Enough! We don't care about anything you have to say, monster!" yells the girl. "You took away everything from me. You killed my friends, my family! My sister was a great storyteller, but the world will never hear her stories. You took away all the joy in my life and left me with nothing, nothing except my hate. I will not allow the dead to be forgotten. They will be avenged. I will not allow Adara to be forgotten."

The name freezes both Xena and myself. "Adara," I whisper. Suddenly I know why this girl seems so familiar. "Was your sister's name Ebony?"

The girl stops. "How do you know her name?"

"Because I survived."

Every head turns to see Ebony standing alone, ten feet from us. I smile when I see her. Xena and I were able to change her mind, and with a little luck, she will change the minds of the villagers before us.

"Alethea," Ebony sobs. "I thought that you were dead."

Alethea ignores Xena, all her attention on her sister. "I thought you were!"

Ebony opens her arms, and within seconds, the angry teenager is buried in them. "Alethea! Thank the gods I have you back! I'm not alone anymore."

The reunion has brought tears to my eyes and a painful smile to Xena's face. I can tell that she is happy for the sisters, but I can also see the guilt ridden look in her eyes. She's tearing herself up inside. Nothing I could say would comfort her, so I just place a hand on her arm.

Alethea and Ebony pull away from each other, but they hold hands, as if fearing that the other would disappear should they let go. "Join us Ebony. Help us avenge our friends."

"No." Ebony kneels down to look her sister in the eye. "Alethea, you are only a child. Hate has eaten away your heart. Don't let it, sister. Believe me hate is easy because it's wrong. Xena is no longer that person you want to kill."

"I don't understand. You're a warrior, help us!"

"No. No, listen to me. All of you, listen to me. I know the hatred that is clouding your heart. It once clouded mine, and if I had never met Xena, and her friend Gabrielle, I would still be consumed by it. I know that you all lost your homes, your friends, and your families, but killing this brave woman will not bring them back. That warlord who attacked our homes is already dead. The woman before you is a hero, one who will save hundreds, perhaps thousands of people. If you kill her, some new warlord will attack a village, just as ours were. It will become a never-ending cycle. I'm sure you've heard of her deeds, but maybe you haven't heard of her new heart. You attacked Xena, but did she fight back? Did she draw her sword and start killing people. No, she sat there and took your beating, which she would have continued to do if Gabrielle had not stepped in. If Xena was evil, she would have killed every one of you."

Ebony's words dig deep into the villagers, and I stand here, unable to breathe, as I wait to see what her words will do. The villagers begin to drop their sticks and their angry faces fall, not sure how they should feel. My heart soars and I could cry from the joy that fills my heart. They're not going to kill Xena.

Alethea suddenly begins to silently cry, and Ebony gathers up her younger sister in her powerful arms. "It's okay, Alethea. It's all over. Let the hate go. Drain hate from your heart, and fill it with love. I love you sister."

* * *

I look up at the clear sky. I love looking at the stars. They're so beautiful, and so mysterious. I am resting in Xena's arms, arms that have been removed from their braces. Her healing is going well, taking only a few weeks until she was able to walk and move again. Not that I let her move often. She needs to rest.

She was happy when her jaw healed enough to be able to eat my dumplings, and I baked some fresh ones just for her. It's a small thing I can do to make her happy. Of course, I'm happy too, falling asleep in Xena's arms. I love her so much, and as she heals, my happiness grows.

"Xena?" I question.

"What?"

"Will you sing to me?"

She smiles. "What do you want me to sing?"

"Anything. I just want to hear your voice."

"All right." She starts to hum, and I am surprised. She is humming the tune of the song I sang to her when she was unconscious. She heard me.

"How can you question where I stand?
Of course I stand by you.
I know the goodness in your heart.
My friend I know what's true.

I know you're a woman of compassion.
I know how pure you are inside.
I know the light that shines within you,
Because you are my guide.

You keep me good, and bring me life,
Teaching me what you know.
You keep me from evil
While allowing me to grow.

You speak the words of truth.
You tell the world what you view.
You stand at my side,
And I stand by you.

Gabrielle, you are a bard,
And you tell a story well.
You strike a chord in people's hearts,
Like striking a well-tuned bell.

You stand with me through everything,
Forgiving me for my past.
And with the heart that beats in your breast,
This friendship will forever last.

I love all that you are,
And I'm glad you're here with me.
You stand with me when I fall,
Because of what you see.

I need you here upon this Earth,
With me, no need to prove your worth.
You belong in my heart,
We will never be apart.
Here with you forever
We will stay right here together.

It doesn't matter what you do.
I am always here for you.
It's your words that got me through,
And you must know I'll always stand by you."

"You heard me?"

"You got me through everything, Gabrielle," Xena tells me. "I wouldn't be here without you. I love you, Gabrielle."

I turn around and kiss Xena on the cheek. "About time you said that first."

She laughs and then kisses the top of my head. "It's not like you didn't know."

"I knew you loved me. I've always known. We're two pieces of a whole, Xena. We belong together."

"Forever."

For the rest of the night, we are silent, looking up at the stars, shining above us. I smile when I think that somewhere out there, Ebony and Alethea are looking up at these same stars, starting their new life together. My eyes move from the sky and focus on the warm, glowing flames of the fire before us. The flames are captivating as they burn the wood, sending out small sparks. My eyelids are growing heavy and I let them fall over my eyes. I turn on my side, and rest my head against my warrior.

"Go to sleep, Xena," I order. "You need your rest."

Her body moves slightly when she chuckles. "Yes ma'am."

Her arm moves around me, and soon we have fallen asleep. My dreams are filled with warm memories, with our song floating through my head.

And you must know I'll always stand by you.

FIN