Disclaimer: The characters of Xena, Gabrielle, and the rest of the characters we all know and love all belong to Universal Studios and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement is intended. I just got a bug up my butt to write a story with these characters in it so here's the end result.

Sexual Content: Oh boy is there! This story is alternative in nature. It explores the sexual relationship between adult consensual women and intended for mature readers over the age of l8, and the not so mature members of the XST club. If it's illegal where you are, please stop reading now and/or move.

Violence: You betchya! How can you have Xena in a story and not have some violence? There will be blood and gore ahead. Proceed at your own risk!

The characters of the Raiderz and Pirates are based on real people who are members of the XST club.

If you have any comments you want to throw my way feel free to do so at LadyAdrell@yahoo.com

Chapter 1

The market place was crowded with merchants and people alike. The Olympic Games were in full swing and everyone had come to either watch the Games or join in the festivities that surrounded the Games. On this beautiful day, a certain warrior and bard were strolling through the mass of people, idly shopping at the many booths that lined the streets of Olympia.

Well, truth be known, they weren’t actually strolling as much as being jostled and neither were they shopping. The bard was enthusiastically peering at items while the warrior sneered and attempted to look menacing. The warrior had no problem in the menacing department. She was tall and strong and her whole being screamed danger.

"What about this, Xena?" the blonde bard asked, her green eyes looking expectantly up at the warrior.

"Yeah, fine," Xena answered distractedly.

"You aren’t even looking at it."

With a sigh of mock irritation, Xena looked down at what Gabrielle was holding. It was a beautiful green scarf, the color of fresh grass. Xena hide her approval of the scarf and nodded dismissively. "Yeah, looks nice."

"Don’t you think it brings out my eyes?" She held the cloth around her shoulders and smiled up at the warrior.

Xena’s heart melted at the site. An adorous smile spread across her face and brightened her eyes into sparkling blue orbs. With gentle fingers, Xena caressed Gabrielle’s cheek. "I’ve never seen a more gorgeous sight in my life."

"Then you like the scarf?"

"I like what’s wearing the scarf," Xena purred. She drew the bard close and planted a gentle kiss on the soft lips of the blonde woman. It took all her will power to keep the kiss slow and gentle lest the passion she felt overtake her and she claim the bard right there in the street in front of everyone. She broke the kiss, leaving the bard just as breathless as she was. She smiled down at the young woman. "Buy it already so we can get moving."

Xena waited for Gabrielle to haggle with the merchant. As she did so, she watched the throng of people flowing by her. She hated crowds like this. There were too many possibilities for trouble and not enough room to solve the trouble without innocent people getting hurt. She felt Gabrielle’s hand on her arm and she turned to return the smile that plastered the bard’s face. "Ready?"

"Yeah."

They made their way back into the flow of people and moved on to the other booths.

"Listen, Xena," Gabrielle said as they made their way, "you don’t have to stay with me if you don’t want to. I know you hate this sort of thing. Why don’t I meet you at a tavern or something?"

Xena’s protest was immediate and strong. "No. I’m not leaving you alone in this place. There are too many things that could happen."

"Nothing’s going to happen," she assured. She sidestepped some running children who almost knocked her down if it hadn’t been for Xena catching her.

"As long as you don’t have another run in with those children again right?"

"I think I know their strategy now," Gabrielle said with a giggle, then she sobered and continued. "I’ll be fine, Xena, really. I can take care of myself."

Xena held back the retort she was going to make about the various times Gabrielle had gotten into a situation that threatened both their lives. The look in the bard’s eyes melted the warrior’s heart. Gabrielle obviously wanted to be treated like the adult she was. She didn’t need a dotting warrior always looking out for her. But Xena felt compelled to take up the task. After all, she didn’t want anything to happen to her precious bard. Still, Xena could never say no to Gabrielle when she gave her the look she was giving her now. Against her better judgment, she agreed to meet Gabrielle at a tavern. With a quick kiss, the bard was off into the crowd in search of shopping deals. Xena sighed and headed towards the tavern.

It didn’t take Gabrielle long to get into trouble. In fact, it took her only a few moments to find the trouble that seemed to seek her out. The trouble came in the form of a smelly hulk of a man. Greasy black hair hung down around a scruffy, grimy face. He grinned down at her as he wrapped an arm around her waist to drag her closer to him. "Hey there, little girl," he breathed menacingly as he leaned down only inches from her face. "Wanna have some fun?"

With one hand on the big man’s chest and the other firmly holding her staff, Gabrielle grinned without humor and said, "No, no, I’ve never been one who liked to have fun. When I was a kid, no one would play with me `cause they said I ruined all the games. No fun, that’s me."

"Well, no matter," the man husked, a lustful gleam in his eyes. "What I want you for doesn’t require your participation."

Gabrielle’s heart jumped at the words. She had to think fast. She smashed her staff down as hard as she could on the man’s foot as he began to drag her away towards an alley. He released his grip on her enough for her to slip away. He grabbed at her and caught her skirt, ripping the fabric. As if on its own, her staff connected with the man’s jaw, sending him reeling off balance. Then it jabbed out to slam into his stomach. She watched in surprise as the man fell to the ground in a painful heap.

The next few seconds were a blur to Gabrielle. She felt hands grab her shoulders, before she heard a grunt of pain, and felt the hands lose contact with her. By the time she turned around, two other men were on the ground, a dark-haired warrior standing over them.

The warrior turned to her and smiled warmly. "Are you alright?" the warrior asked as she walked to a stunned Gabrielle. "He didn’t hurt you did he?"

Gabrielle stared at the warrior woman. "Uh-huh…I-I’m fine," she stammered.

"You sure?"

Before Gabrielle could answer, a patrol of City Guards pushed their way through the crowd of onlookers. "What’s going on here?" one of the Guards asked as the others surrounded the three fallen men and the two standing women.

"Everything’s fine, boys," the dark-haired woman said with a smile. "We’re okay."

The leader of the patrol glared at her. "What happened here, Adrell? The last thing we need in our city is trouble."

"Now, Jery, I never start any trouble. Talk to these dregs on the ground. They’ll tell you what happened."

"My name is Jerynorus, not Jery, and, I’ll talk to them alright, and you two as well, back in the dungeon. Come on." He moved to take them both into custody.

"Wait!" Gabrielle interjected as she flew into action. "I was minding my own business when this guy came out of nowhere and started dragging me into the alley. I had to defend myself. I could have been raped. Adrell here stopped his friends from attacking me. We didn’t start anything."

The Guard looked at Gabrielle and his expression softened. She was a cute one. He found himself believing her story. After all, how could such a young, pretty thing like her tell a lie? Realizing his men were looking at him for instructions, his face once again became a mask of stern authority. "Arrest these men and get them out of here." As the soldiers rushed to shackle the three prisoners, Jerynorus stepped nearer to Gabrielle and asked in a low voice so none of his men could hear him, "Did they hurt you?"

Gabrielle flashed him a brilliant smile. "No, I’m fine thank you." She felt satisfied at the outcome of the situation. She hadn’t needed Xena to get her out of yet another predicament. She did pretty well by herself. She felt Adrell’s arm drape over her shoulder and she was drawn close to the warrior's side.

"I’m not hurt either, Jery. Thanks for caring," Adrell said with a huge grin. The leader of the City Guard patrol growled at her before ordering the prisoners taken to the dungeon. "You handled yourself nicely." Adrell pulled Gabrielle a little closer.

"Thanks," Gabrielle said, feeling a little uncomfortable at the attention she was receiving from the warrior. "And thank you for the help. I didn’t know he had friends with him."

"Don’t mention it," Adrell beamed. She stood about the same height as the bard so when she was facing her, their faces were within inches of each other.

Gabrielle could see the sexual wanting in her eyes. Her heart began to pound. From one problem right into another, she thought. She sighed with relief when she heard Xena’s voice.

"Gabrielle, what’s going on?" The Warrior Princess balked when she saw Gabrielle in the arms of a dark-haired warrior. The second thing she saw was Gabrielle’s torn skirt. The third thing that caught her attention was the uncomfortable look on the bard’s face. She quickly pieced the clues together and came to a decision on what was happening.

Xena stepped to Adrell so fast that Gabrielle hadn’t even seen her move, Xena was just all of a sudden in front of them. But the dark-haired warrior was wilier than either Xena or Gabrielle would have guessed. She dodged the hands that sought to grab her and backed a good distance away from them. "Calm down there, warrior, I didn’t hurt, Gabrielle," Adrell said in an even voice. Her calm exterior belied the inner tension she felt. The threat of battle always got her adrenaline pumping and her heart beating, yet her expression and body language never showed it.

"Xena, it’s alright," Gabrielle assured, grabbing a hold of Xena’s arm to restrain her. "She helped me."

Xena looked from Gabrielle back to Adrell. She turned back to Gabrielle, the worry clearly etched on her face. "What happened?"

"A little trouble with some guys," the bard said with a sheepish grin.

Xena sighed. "I told you that it was too dangerous to be out here by yourself—"

"I handled it just fine."

"That’s why you needed her help?" Xena pointed her thumb in Adrell’s direction and then frowned. The dark-haired warrior was staring at Xena with a wide- eyed gaze. Her jaw was hanging open in the typical response to the name of the infamous Warrior Princess. "What’s you’re problem?" Xena sneered.

"T-t-the Warrior--Warrior Princess?" she stammered. Her eyes shifted to Gabrielle. "That would—you’re that Gabrielle? The Amazon Queen, Gabrielle?" Suddenly a huge, beaming smile erupted on her face. The warrior’s calm exterior crumbled around her as the realization of whose presence she was in hit her. "Oh, Goddess!" She began jumping around like a little girl.

The Warrior Princess and the bard exchanged glances. Several passersby stopped to stare as well. Adrell reminded Gabrielle of the Xena wannabe Minya. Adrell started speaking so fast that the bard could barely make out anything she was saying. Xena on the other hand heard what she was saying and determined it was rambling.

"Calm down. Calm. Down," Xena said sternly but without anger. She was used to that kind of reaction and it usually made her feel uncomfortable. She didn’t think of herself as anything special and she didn’t see why people treated her as such. She’d caused enough pain and tragedy in peoples’ lives that no amount of good deeds could ever make up of it.

Adrell rushed to Xena and grasped her forearm in greeting. "My name's Adrell I’m so honored to meet you you don’t understand how great this is for me I’ve dreamt of this all my life—"

"Adrell—Adrell. Slow down. I can’t understand you when you’re talking like that. Take a breath."

The soothing tone of Xena’s voice and the realization that she’d just made a fool of herself in front of the legendary Warrior Princess and the Amazon Queen snapped Adrell back to reality. She quickly released Xena and stepped back. The mask of calm slid into place. "Please forgive my uncomely behavior. I—" Nothing else seemed to come out. Adrell experienced a moment of panic until her instincts took over.

Both Xena and Gabrielle were shocked when the warrior promptly curtsied to them, though Xena hide her surprise much better than Gabrielle. It was a fluid and graceful movement that was made peculiar by the chain mail and leather she wore.

The two exchanged another glance.

When Adrell was standing upright again, a smile was on her face. The excitement she felt could not totally be contained. "You must accept my invitation to dinner. I won’t take no for an answer." Before any response could be made, Adrell had a hold of both women and was leading them through the streets of Olympia.
 

As they walked, Adrell did all she could to speak slowly, which turned out to be a slightly slower version of her earlier rambling. Xena’s presence on one side and Gabrielle’s presence on the other so overwhelmed the warrior that, although she was having a better time keeping a hold of her calm facade, thinking became difficult. She was operating on pure instinct.

Then Adrell stopped in front of a stone dwelling flanked by other similar looking houses. She turned abruptly to face the amused bard and warrior. "Here we are. I’m sure you’ll like it. It’s not much, but we call it home." With that, she opened the door and ushered them in.

Upon entering, Xena took in everything with lightning speed. Several armed and dangerous looking women were gathered around a table examining what looked like a map. They were in deep concentration and didn’t look like they wanted houseguests. There were two doors leading out of the room and sounds of other women were coming from them. Weapons of all kinds were stacked against the far wall behind the table with the women. Adrell shut the door, which was their closest escape, behind them.

Xena spotted the obvious (well obvious to her) leader of the group. The woman was tall, almost as tall as she, with a full head of red locks that hung around a surprisingly tan face. Her green eyes darted up from the map at the entrance of the trio and narrowed menacingly.

Adrell, who was still caught up in the amazement over being among such legendary women, was completely unaware that she had disturbed an evidently private meeting. "Look who I ran into," the warrior rushed. "It’s Xena the Warrior Princess Herself and—"

"Lady! What is the meaning of this?" the red beauty roared. That certainly caught the attention of Adrell and made Xena move in front of Gabrielle, her muscles readying for battle. The blazing green eyes fixed first on Adrell then roamed to Xena and finally settled on Gabrielle.

Adrell was stunned by the tone in her leader’s voice. She had never spoken to Adrell in such a manner. All previous excitement quickly vanished as she took in the scene before her. "I’m sorry, General Blazer. I—"

"I don’t want to hear apologies—I want to see them leave." As she spoke, she moved away from the table and to Adrell. She towered over the smaller woman by a good five inches. She was a most fearful sight. Adrell seemed mesmerized by the woman’s overwhelming strength and authority. All eyes at the table had now settled on the newcomers and their General.

Xena took charge of the situation as the tension rose to erupting levels. "We won’t be staying. Thank you for you hospitality, Adrell." Then she half turned and began to usher Gabrielle out the door. Adrell’s hand on her arm made her stop.

"Wait, Xena, don’t go yet." Adrell knew she was running the risk of being whipped for her open defiance of the General, but she was willing to take it to keep the Warrior Princess around for as long as she could.

"We’ll wait outside," Xena replied and left the house.

Adrell steeled herself for the impending beating as she faced Blazer once again. The tall warrior merely stared down at her with angry eyes, her arms folded across her chest.
 

"How is it that you always get me into these messes?" Xena seethed as they stood outside the house. She wasn’t as angry as she seemed, but she had been worrying about Gabrielle all day and her emotions were running high.

"How is this my fault? She was enamored of you!" she shot back hotly.

Xena was about to retort but held her tongue. She knew it wasn’t the bard’s fault they had walked in on a secret meeting. "I’m sorry, Gabrielle," said in a soft voice that matched her expression.

The bard nodded and calmed as well.

"What do you think they’ll do?" Gabrielle wondered. She felt awkward standing out in the street while who knows what went on in the house. She had seen the stockpile of weapons and the aggressive looking women around the table and didn’t really want to find out the answer.

"Nothing if I can help it," the warrior stated. She was less worried about what the women in the house might try to do to them. She knew she could handle them. She was more concerned with what they had been doing. In the past, she would have minded her own business but the warrior women could be planning something that could harm innocent people. If that were the case, Xena would have to make it her business.

The door to the house opened and Blazer stepped out, followed by Adrell. The redhead’s chin was lifted in a haughty manner, her lips pursed. Her eyes, however, were filled with curiosity as she looked from Xena to Gabrielle and back again. "Are you really the Amazon Queen and the Warrior Princess?"

"Yeah," Xena replied cautiously. "Who are you?"

Blazer’s head leveled and she smiled slightly as she turned to greet Gabrielle with a slight bow. "It is an overwhelming pleasure to meet you, your Highness. We’ve been told many stories of your courage and wisdom." Adrell beamed from behind her leader as a blushing Gabrielle replied with a chuckle and a coy, "It’s good to meet you too."

Blazer then faced Xena. "It is an equal honor to finally meet the legendary Warrior Princess. I have followed your exploits for many years. I was happy when I heard the stories of your leaving the warlord life behind you. I always knew you were better than that. I’m called Blazer, and I want to apologize for my rudeness earlier. We have a friend in need of our help, and I don’t like being surprised with strangers in our home." She looked pointedly at Adrell.

"Blazer?" Gabrielle asked shocked. "The Blazer? The leader of Blazer’s Raiders? Oh, I should have known."

A sly grin crossed Blazer’s face. "You’ve heard of us."

"Of course. The Raiders are infamous all across Greece."

"Yeah," Blazer said proudly. The Raider General loved the recognition and reputation she and her Raiders received. People would talk about them for years to come, and that was exactly what Blazer wanted.

Xena said nonchalantly, "Who hasn’t heard of you? You and your Raiders have fought against slaver traders and owners for years, striking them so hard and fast they don’t know what hit them."

"Tell me how you turned against Qantrillius and his Raiders," the bard prompted excitedly. "Is it true you killed all of the Raiders you rode with because you suddenly believed slavery was wrong?"

The grin spread into a smile and Blazer chuckled, "It actually took a few years for the concept that slavery was wrong to sink in. Someone opened my eyes to it." The smile grew into a beam.

Adrell’s smile faded considerably, which was only noted by Xena.

A sudden disturbing thought came to Gabrielle. "I also heard you’ve killed people for no other reason other than that they owned slaves." Her eyes shifted uncomfortably to Xena, and caught an unreadable look as it passed over the warrior's face, before she focused back on Blazer. "Is that true? Please say that it isn’t."

The smile left Blazer’s face instantly and her eyes clouded over. "I wish I could say what you heard was wrong. Unfortunately, innocent people have been killed in our raids. I assure you that we do all we can not to kill those who don’t disserve it. It does happen sometimes. We aren’t heartless killers as we’re said to be I can assure you."

Xena nodded. A vision of the village Cirra entered her mind. She could almost hear the screams of the people who were trapped in the burning houses. She pushed the unpleasant memory out of her immediate thoughts, for she could never forget that fateful day which destroyed so many lives and created her worst enemy.

"And you decide who deserves death and who doesn’t?" Gabrielle asked.

"We have our own justice, Gabrielle," Blazer said sternly. Her eyes pierced into the smaller woman. "No one else seems to care about these people that’re being sold into slavery. We free them and give them back their lives. I can live with a few unnecessary deaths in order to accomplish that goal."

The bard was about to say something in response but Xena’s hand on her shoulder stopped her. When she looked up at the warrior for an answer, she saw the pain flickering in her blue eyes. It wasn’t a noticeable sign, but Gabrielle had been with Xena for so long that she picked up on the very small changes in the warrior. She closed her mouth and decided to talk to Xena about it later. It was better to trust Xena than to argue with her.

"Maybe we can do something to help your friend," Xena offered. A genuine smile light up Blazer’s face. Xena was struck with just how pretty the redhead was. Gabrielle’s head snapped in her direction, letting Xena know that the bard wasn’t very happy about the offer.

"Thank you, but---"

Adrell cut Blazer off as she came around to stand next to the General. "That would be great! We could use all the help we can get." She didn’t notice the sharp look from Blazer. That is, not until a firm hand gripped her arm and pulled away. "Hey!"

"Since when did you become the General of the Raiders?" Blazer demanded in a whispered yet harsh tone. "Was there some decision that I haven’t been informed of?"

Adrell leaned closer to Blazer and whispered, "I didn’t mean to over step my place but that’s Xena offering her help. Think about it. Any help we could get from her would be useful. At least consider it."

The General thought about it and agreed. What did they have to lose? Xena would be a good ally and her skills as a warrior were unmatched.

"Well, it looks like maybe we could use your help after all," Blazer said as she turned her attention back to the women. "Let’s go inside. Never know who might be watching."

The four made their way back into the house, which was alive with activity. Armed women were hurriedly packing gear and taking it to the room to their left.

Through the open door, Xena could see another door that led outside. The smell of hay and horses was strong.

After seeing that the matters of packing were well in hand and sending Adrell to help the others, Blazer proceeded to fill Xena and Gabrielle in on the situation of their friend. "We got word a few hours ago that our friend was taken by a Sea Pirate named Sandra. Have you heard of her?"

"I’ve heard of her," Xena affirmed.

"Then you know what a ruthless bitch she is. She’s hated Camlann for a while and it looks like she finally captured her. Her—"

"Wait," Xena interrupted, "did you say Camlann?"

"Yeah."

"Xena?" Gabrielle looked quizzically at the warrior. She shouldn’t have been surprised that Xena knew this Camlann that Blazer was talking about. Xena seemed to know everyone or had, at least, heard of everyone.

"I met Camlann a long time ago." She looked down at the bard with a frown. "It was when I was traveling the seas." That look told Gabrielle that the circumstances with which the two met was less than friendly.

Blazer took in the look and dismissed it for later. "Sandra said she would kill Camlann if they didn’t give her what she wanted? Cam’s Quartermaster wants us to meet her at the harbor at Argos in four days."

"What does Sandra want?" Gabrielle asked. She’d been quietly listening to what was being said, but now voiced the obvious question.

Blazer shooed away two gawking women before answering. "She wants one of Cam’s crewmembers, a woman named Maven. From what they’ve told me, Maven was Sandra’s best ship hand, but she got tired of the way Sandra did things. She’s not very happy about killing, no matter the reason. She started on with Cam’s ship about four years ago and has been there ever since. Sandra claims Cam seduced Maven." Blazer rolled her eyes. "It's all horseshit."

"Where does Sandra want to make the exchange?" Xena asked. Her mind had shifted into high gear and was carefully planning a line of action.

Blazer shrugged. "I don’t know. Bwo didn’t tell me."

"Bwo? Who’s that?" the bard asked.

"She’s Cam’s Quartermaster. Been with her a few years. Nice woman." A woman interrupted them to informed Blazer they were ready to move out. "Well, looks like we're ready. Come on." The redhead led the way out the back door to a large courtyard.

From the back door, the courtyard extended the width of the house and then ran back a good distance. Three barns could easily fit in the area. Gabrielle’s eyes went wide at the sight of over twenty horses, saddled and ready, several wagons covered to conceal their cargo, and an amazing number of heavily armed women busily preparing for travel.

The number of women that were in the courtyard also impressed Xena. She had no idea that the small two-story house would have such a big courtyard and a stable to boot.

"Excuse me," Blazer said, seeing a problem some of the Raiders seemed to be having near the barn. "I have some things I need to take care of."

Noting the barn’s rather small size, Gabrielle asked, "Where do they keep all the horses?"

Xena shrugged.

"We have plenty of space for our horses," Blazer said with a smile as she came back to them. "We’re women after all. Resourcefulness is our bread and butter."

"Food sounds good," Gabrielle said, acutely aware of that fact that she hadn’t eaten since they woke that morning.

Blazer gave a hearty laugh. The sound filled the courtyard like a siren’s call, making several women turn and smile. One in particular was struck by the sound. Adrell stopped what she was doing and gazed adoringly at the General. "You are a woman after my own heart, your Highness," Blazer said.

"Please call me Gabrielle," the bard blushed coyly.

Blazer’s eyes shone brightly with respect for the smaller woman. "Very well, Gabrielle. Do you two have transportation or should I have a horse brought for you?"

"No, we have a horse," Xena assured.

"Good. Why don’t you meet us outside the city? We’ll wait for you near Greason’s Bridge. Do you know where it is?" Xena nodded. "Feel free to get some food while you’re at it. We’ve got a long ride ahead of us. We don’t want you hungry." Blazer winked at Gabrielle before heading away to oversee the rest of the packing.

Xena and Gabrielle left the house and made their way to the stable where Argo was being tended. They paid the stable owner for his hospitality and headed out of Olympia. This was a difficult task because of the throngs of people crowding the streets. After a short time, and a quick stop to buy some bread and cheese for the constantly hungry bard, they were both seated on Argo and riding to meet with the infamous Raiders.

"What do you think of Blazer?" Gabrielle asked from behind the warrior. She had one arm wrapped tightly around Xena’s waist while her other held her staff. This was one of the places she felt most comfortable, but then again, any time she was near Xena she felt comfortable and safe and loved.

Xena was having a hard time concentrating on anything but the bard’s body pressed against her back. The last few days had been frustrating for the warrior. It was Gabrielle’s time of the month and the younger woman had always been less affectionate during these times. She would not stay away from Xena but would not let their passion go any farther than some kissing and light petting. If Xena had her way…but she didn’t so why should she even think about it?

"What do I think of Blazer? She seems to be alright. She fights for a good cause and has helped a lot of people."

"Then you trust her? You don’t think she’s like Najara?"

The name of the crusading warrior sent instant tension through Xena. Her whole body became stiff. She was still somewhat sore in places from her beating by the crusading warrior, Najara. Her tongue absently felt around the gap where her tooth should have been. "I don’t see that she is," she replied tightly. "But I’ll keep an eye on her."

"I’m sorry I brought Najara up." The bard tightened her grip on the warrior and pressed herself closer to calm Xena. She leaned forward and captured Xena’s earlobe in her teeth. She smiled to herself as the warrior shivered in delight at the unexpected contact and turned her head so Gabrielle could take more of it into her mouth.

"You’re really askin’ for trouble doing that," Xena said breathlessly.

"I’m counting on it," was Gabrielle’s reply.

Xena swiftly turned as far around as she could and captured the bards lips in a fervent kiss that set a fire raging in them both. The ravenous desire the warrior had been holding back the last few days poured out as she devoured the bard’s mouth. She ran her hand through the silky strands of blonde hair that had been a much darker strawberry-blonde. There had been no person that filled her with such love and passion. Not even Marcus could have evoked such responses from her.

When they finally pulled away, each was breathless. Xena gazed into Gabrielle’s eyes with wanton desire. "I take it you’re done with your cycle?" Xena breathed against Gabrielle’s lips. The bard nodded. "Then you really are in trouble."

Xena’s throaty chuckle shot a bolt of pleasure straight to Gabrielle’s core. It always excited her how aggressive Xena was after she ended her cycle. It sometimes frightened her as well but Xena had never hurt her and was always gentle in a rough sort of way.

It pained her that her refusal to become intimate with Xena during her cycle left the warrior frustrated on more than one level. She loved Xena all the more when she did her best to accept Gabrielle’s wishes and did not try and push her into something that would cause her discomfort. Gabrielle knew that she would probably give in if Xena pressured her, and Xena knew this too, yet she let Gabrielle have her space and dealt with her frustration quietly.

"I love you," Gabrielle said, before pressing her lips to Xena’s. This time the kiss was slower and more explorative, but no less passionate. The bard’s hand found it’s way to the top of Xena’s leather tunic where she teasingly caressed the top of the warrior’s breast. From her position she could not slid her hand in far enough to capture the nipple that she so longed to play with, but teasing was fun as well.

They were so enthralled with one another that neither noticed Argo stop. They continued to kiss, completely oblivious to the outside world. It wasn’t until they heard whoops and hollers that they realized they were no longer moving forward.

They turned to see Blazer and the Raiders standing off the road several feet in front of them. The women continued to cheer as Xena urged Argo into motion. "We’re here," Xena said, seemingly unaffected by their being caught in such an intimate moment.

Gabrielle pressed her forehead against Xena’s back, avoiding the scabbard, and blushed uncontrollably.

Blazer had a huge grin on her face as the two climbed from the mare. "You two will fit in nicely," she said with a laugh. At Gabrielle’s obvious embarrassment, Blazer was quick to reassure her. She placed her hand on the Amazon’s shoulder and leaned in close to whisper in her ear, "I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off her either." Then she winked and laughed again at Gabrielle’s deepening color.

"Sorry we took so long," Xena said, her face unreadable.

"We haven’t been waiting long. Did you get something to eat?"

"We bought food," Gabrielle affirmed. She was acutely aware of the Raiders’ eyes roaming over her body. Each woman could not contain their awe at the presence of the warrior and Amazon. Gabrielle understood this but their friendly scrutiny made her self-conscious.

"We’re ready to get moving then." Blazer gracefully swung up into the saddle of a majestic black stallion. With a commanding voice, Blazer trumpeted, "Raiders, formation!" The thirty Raiders quickly maneuvered their horses and the wagons into place. Several Raiders rode together on the horses while the two wagons carried two women each. The formation consisted of five riders in the front and rear, forming semi circles, the two wagons in the middle, and the ten remaining riders were positioned in between and to the sides of the wagon. Xena fell into place at the head of the precession next to Blazer. "Raiders, move out!" With that, they moved forward as one.

End Chapter 1