Xena Alternative Fan Fiction

Fear and Clothing in Poteidaia
by James Bergquist

Disclaimer

This story was written without the knowledge or consent of MCA/Universal and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights. This story is for intended for mature readers over the age of 18 as it contains both violence and explicit love scenes between two women. If you are offended by either, or both, of these subjects I suggest you don't read any further.

This story is the work of the author and is protected by copyright. Please gain permission before copying and/or publishing any or all of this story.


Part 5

The Amazons hear Gabrielle's voice and turned to the source. Quickly the warriors bow and kneel before the young Queen. "Queen Gabrielle" The Amazons say musically in unison, heads still bowed. Never in in his life has Herodotus seen a Amazon. He's heard and seen alot in his life, but nothing like this. He was amazed.

"Rise and greet the Queen, Sisters. I salute you"

The leader of the group rose first and the others followed. The leader was a beautiful and seasoned Amazon captain. Her chesnut curls was accented with gray temples and bangs, the only indicator of her 40 winters as a Sister to the Nation. "Thank you, Queen Gabrielle. I am Jocasta. Captain of my unit and head field trainer. I deeply apologize for disturbing you and your family"

"Not at all. This is my father, Herodotus. What brings you to Potiedaia?" Gabrielle casually smiled. All Amazons instantly felt the Queen's natural magnetism as Gabrielle shook the hands of all Amazons present. Never have they seen royality act so informaly. Herodotus followed his daughter, shaking hands and welcoming them.

Then, Gabrielle came upon the reason for the visit. A beautiful newborn baby girl. Two days old. "Oh, Daddy! Look! She's so precious!"

The mother spoke up, beaming a giant smile "Oh, thank you, Highness. Her name is Tia. I'm Jocasta's sister, Tamara."

"Hello, Tamara. Congratulations." Gabrielle hugged Tamara and felt the soft skin of the newborn. Jocasta gently rubbed the head of her niece.

"Yes, I'm so proud! Tamara and I were training these new warriors when she went into labor early. Extensive survival training. We come from a tribe about 20 leagues north of your tribe's borders. 4 times a year, Tamara and I train first and second year warriors. We go very far away and don't return for at least 100 nights. I didn't want her to go this time, but she and the healer insisted that she had at least 60 nights in her pregnancy. I cut the training short, but she went into labor on the way home."

"And you need the Queen's Blessing."

"Yes. We already have Artemis' Blessing. We came across one of her temples, but the Huntress' Moon is tonight and we won't make it to our village in time. We all heard of a Amazon Queen that is from here and we took a chance..."

"What's this Huntress' Moon business?" Heroditus interuppts.

"Dad, A Amazon warrior, when born, has to recieve the Queen's Blessing to be welcome and accepted to the Amazon Nation. It's very important. I'll be very happy to help."

Tamara sighs a breath of relief as the Amazons cheer. Jocasta bows "Thank you so much, Your Highness."

Herodotus hugs his child "See how great my daughter is? She's a natural. I never seen Gab do her Queen stuff before. I never knew how good she was at it. Make them kneel again."

"Daddy! No!" Gabrielle exclaimed as the Amazons laughed. The younger Amazons gather around Gabrielle and look at her curiously. They whisper to each other and then to Tamara. Tamara whispers to Jocasta, who laughs and blushes. "What's so funny? I got some mud on me. Must be that sweat Daddy was putting on me. Ruined my hair."

Jocasta smiles and begs the Queen's pardon as she looks down "I'm sorry for their staring, Majesty. We heard so many stories about you and we didn't know you were so....."

Gabrielle frowned, because she knew where this was going. "So what?" The Queen asked, arms crossed and looking up to the eyes of the Captain.

"Young...your Highness. So young" Jocasta answered, smiling and fighting back the laughs.

"Yeah, right. You are not a good liar, Jocasta. You meant short. It's not the first time I heard cracks about my...'Age'" Herodotus laughed and felt a punch in the arm from Gabrielle "Don't you start, Daddy."

"What? I can't laugh along?"

"No"

The door to the house flies open, filling the outside with the smells of lamb and other foods. Hecuba doesn't see the warriors standing two feet in front of her as her head is still looking inside "I swear I don't know where your sister is. GABRIELLE! AHHHH!!" Hecuba screams as the Amazons jump in terror. Hecuba holds her chest and heaves as Herodotus calms his wife.

"Honey, look who followed me home. Can I keep them?"

The Amazons laugh at the farmer's quip.

"Hi, Mom. These are Amazons passing through. Jocasta and her company were in training, This is my mother, Hecuba."

The Amazons bow as Jocasta speaks "It's a honor to meet the Queen Mother."

"Queen Mother, huh? Herodotus, I have a title!"

"Oh, great. I'll never hear the end of it now."

"Oh, quiet you. You must be hungry. Come inside."

"No thank you. We have plenty."

"No arguements. That's a order. Let's eat!"

The tall bunch of Amazons helped Herodotus push another table to the dinner table. Xena/Meg couldn't believe her eyes. "Well, slap my ass and call me Hera! Amazons!"

"Meg, Say hi to the Amazons. Daddy, and Honorable Sisters, This is Meg. A entertainer and old friend."

"Entertainer! HA! That's a new one. Reminds me of the joke of the Hestian Virgin and the three Amazons that get into a drinking contest.."

"Meg!!" Gabrielle scolds.

Tamara giggles "Yeah, I know that one. The virgin wakes up and asks 'Where the bottles go?' Gods, that's a killer!"

Hecuba and Herodotus choke on their drinks, and Lila gets a confused look "I don't get it."

Xena/Meg just smiles "Never mind, Lila. Good to meet ya, Herodotus. Oh, we got a good looker here. Hecuba Careful, I might steal him away" Xena/Meg mocks as she hugs Herodotus. She topps off her hug with a strong pinch on his rear.

Hero jumps alitte "Oh! That Meg is a friendly woman."

Gabrielle shakes her head "Daddy, you have NO idea!"

The dinner is going full tilt. 6 bottles of wine are laid to waste. A massive meal fills all the present bellies. Never has Hecuba has had such a full and joyous house. Gabrielle is impressed and grateful to the Amazons as her family asks them endless questions. Lila brags about her dressmaking, Mom spills the latest gossip, Meg juggles figs and at the end, to the applause of all, juggles 6 figs and ends the act by throwing them in the air and catching them in her mouth. Herodotus tells his livestock stories.

During dessert, Herodotus looks at Meg "So, you're a entertainer."

Meg/Xena topps off her glass "Yeah! Few tricks here, few tricks there.....OW!" Meg jumps as Gab kicks her under the table. Herodotus gets up and offers Meg to show her the prize hogs. He gives her a "need to talk to you alone" look. Meg/Xena looks at Gabrielle with a lover's eyes and excuses herself. Gabrielle starts showing off her staff skills to the Amazons and her Mom and Lila as Meg/Xena and Herodotus walk outside.

"Hi, Xena. I know it's you. Never thought I'd see you in a dress..."

Part 6

One of the worst things in Xena's plan to make up to Gabrielle just happened. Herodotus just found her out. Xena, dressed as Meg, scoweled and turned her back to Herodotus. "Just give me a moment to say goodbye to everyone and I'll go back to the Inn. I can patch things up with Gabrielle there. Sorry to bust in on your home. I just needed to see Gabrielle again."

Xena started to walk away as Herodotus spoke up "Xena! Stop..please. Don't go."

A surprised Xena turned around "Why? I thought I was just a cold blooded murdering whore. Careful. I might just eat that little baby just for fun." Xena spit out at Herodotus.

"Allright, Xena. I said that. I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I was a damn fool and scared to death to let go of Gabrielle. Gabrielle and I did some talking and I said I'm sorry to her. For lashing out at her and you. For keeping her back. For not being the father she deserved. For being so stupid to push her away for loving a woman, not a man."

"That's not true. You are a great father. She talks about you everyday. I just wished I grew up with a father. Any...any father." Xena paused "The man that sired me was there just enough to beat my mom and try to kill me. Gabrielle is very lucky.. You just need to open up a little more. But I made my own stupid mistakes with Gabrielle. Like yesterday. We get into this arguement all day. I wanted to take a break so I go to the Tavern for a drink. I leave Gabrielle at the camp still pissed at me. Mistake one. I'm just crying my eyes out and I get to Tavern. I put on my warface and go in for a mug and some distraction. One mug turns into another. I'm there for a long time. Now, Gabrielle has carry me out of there. It went from bad to worse. I feel like scum. I ran away and hide when Gabrielle needed me to bare my heart and I sent her here because I couldn't face you. I'm hiding from her now under this dress and bad jokes. I can save all of Greece, but my first real attempt at a relationship is going down faster than...well, than Meg on a drunk soldier."

"Xena, Gabrielle told me about you saving her life. The poison arrow. I know I don't need to thank you..I want you and Gabrielle together. I see how much my daughter loves you and that's all I need. Gabrielle said she needs you and her family in her life and she's right. This little thing will blow over. You and she will make up and life will go on. I know I was very rude and nasty to you in the past. I want us to be friends. Or family.. I know it might be a little different, but we have a long time. Hecuba and I want to be there for both of you."

"Thank you. I'd like that. I love your daughter, Herodotus. She told me you were kind, loving people. She's right. And I want her in my life forever. I'd like to ask you for her hand in marriage. I know she'd marry me in a flash, but I would like to make it very special. So?"

Herodotus suddenly hugged Xena "Of course! Welcome to the family. See? We are getting along just great..now, you have to get back in there and talk to your future hus..wife..whatever..makes my head hurt..Gabrielle has to do that blessing thing. C'mon."

"So. You met Meg?"

"Yeah. 3 weeks ago. The miller's son had a surprise bachlor party. I was invited because they said that Xena was a hooker at this tavern. I went and there's Meg! She kept pinching me and calling me "Dody" I couldn't believe it. We didn't do anything. I ran out of there. I kept my mouth shut. Nobody would believe me. Nice dress, Xena."

"Thanks. I picked it up at the last minute. You're taking this marriage thing pretty well."

Herodotus smiles "Despite the rumors about me, I can be a nice guy."

Gabrielle gathered the Amazons on the outside. Hecuba and Lila watched as Queen Gabrielle of the Amazons welcomed a new warrior to the Nations. "Sisters of Amazon. I, Gabrielle, welcome a new warrior and Sister to the Nations. By the blessings of Artimis and as the Chosen Queen of the Amazons, I bless you, Tia, and I pray that you grow strong and wise. May the Moon Goddess watch over you and help you always." Gabrielle kisses the head of the new warrior and the mother. Gabrielle then signed the scroll recording her blessing.

Hecuba gushed over her Gab like a eager parent at a recital "Oh, that's my baby. That was so sweet! Isn't she the greatest?"

"Mom, stop it. They can see you." Gabrielle whined and wiped away her mom's kisses. "It's just a ceremony. I do alot of them."

Jocosta steps forward "Well, it means alot to me. Thank you so much."

"Lycos!" Lila suddenly cries out. She bolts from her mother's side and into the arms of the dressmaker's son. Lycos, a young and strikingly handsome businessman, picks up Lila and spins her around.

"Lila, I missed you so much. Ready for our date?" Lycos asks and then sees Gabrielle and the Amazon visitors.

Lila shuffles nerviously "Honey, I want you to meet my sister, Gabrielle. I told you about her, but kind of left out a little detail" Lycos absent-mindedly holds his hand out to shake Gabrielle's hand. A Amazon puts her hand on Lyco's shoulder as the Amazons unseath their swords.

"You kneel before the Queen, young man."

Lycos kneels as Lila protests "Gabrielle! Make them stop."

Gabrielle puts up her hand "Rise, Lycos. I'm sorry for the Amazons behavior. There are sticklers for protocol. Glad to meet you. But I'd suggest you call me Queen or Your Highness. Otherwise they'll cut out your tongue." Gabrielle holds out her hand as Lycos takes it.

"Honor to meet you, Queen. Lila told me so much about you. But I geuss not much. Kind of left out the Queen of the Amazons part."

"Sorry, Honey. Really." Lila hugged Lycos.

Gabrielle smiles and circles around Lycos "So, you're Lycos. A Nice young man. Well mannered. You know, Lycos. Lila and I are real close. We write each other and talk. And it would hurt me to hear that Lila is heartbroken."

"Oh, no. Not me. My intentions are good."

"That's nice. I would hate to hear that Lila was taken avantage of. Lila is a member of the Royal family now. And that means she has to remain, well, pure."

Lycos swallows and nods " Of course, your Highness. I really feel strong for your sister. I want to take care of her."

Lila smiles and kisses Lycos on the cheek "See! He's the sweetest guy. And so understanding."

"Oh, that's good. Now have a good night Lycos. And have a good time.."

"Good night, Queen Gabrielle. Amazons" Lycos bows as Lila giggles.

Jocosta puts her hand on his shoulder "But not too good of a time."

"Yes, Ma'am. Nice sword."

"Sharp, too" Jocasta grins.

Lila pulls Lycos away "Good night Gabrielle..C'mon Lycos. They scared you enough. You were so brave."

Lycos puffs his chest out "Anything for my lady. I'm not going to let a little Amazon scare me."

On cue, an Amazon pops out of the bush with her mask on. Lila screams and Lycos faints away. Lila hears the Amazons and Gabrielle laughing. Gab the Jokester strikes again.

"Gabrielle!! That's not funny! Lycos, sweetie. Wake up."

"Lila, come on. Don't get mad, now..Mom!" Gabrielle yells as she runs from the fury of her younger sister...

Part 7

"Lila! Gabrielle! Stop that now!" Hecuba scoulded as Gabrielle and Lila rolled around the ground wrestling and squealing. "That's it" Hecuba warned as she grabs the ears of both of her daughters. "Ow! Ow!" They both yell together as Hecuba pulls them on their feet and seperates them. "Mom, stop it. I hate it when she picks on me." Lila whined. "I sayed I was sorry, Lila. Just kidding around. OW!" Gabrielle yells. "Both of you need to stop this. Gabrielle, you humilated your sister in front of company and scared that young man, That was not very nice." "Yeah..I'm sorry Lila. That was mean. I didn't know Lycos was going to faint" "Lila, you shouldn't have tackled your sister like that." "Well, she started laughing and i lost my head. I'm sorry, Gabrielle" "No, Lila. It's all my fault. You did nothing wrong. I'm sorry." Gabrielle and Lila hug.

"So, you have my permission. Now what are you going to do?" Herodotus asked as he and Xena walked to the house.

"Well, I'm going to wait untill the Amazons leave, then I'm going to tell her the truth. She'll really nail my ass to the wall for this." Xena rubbed the back of her neck as she and Herodotus entered the home. Lycos was just waking up from his spell. An amazon slaps him in back and apologizes for the group's prank. Gabrielle would have apologized, but Queens don't do such things. Lycos accepts and hugs Lila "C'mon let's go." Lila quickly hugs her family and waves to the amazons. Lycos grabs her hand and they exit the busy house. "Love you all" She calls as the door shuts.

Jocosta and the Amazons gather together. "Well, it's time for us to make our journey. I cannot thank you enough for what you done, Your Majesty" Jocosta and her party bow. "And your mother gives the best hospitality. The food and entertainment was perfect." Hecuba smiles "Well, it was nothing. You haven't been home in a long time. Meg really did great" "Aw, it's nothing" "I Loved the fig trick" Tamara commented and the younger squad nodded in agreement "Well, entertaining soldiers and giving them comfort is what I do best. Glad to help" Gabrielle rubs the head of the newborn.

"Gods be with you all. I salute you, sisters" Gabrielle taps her breastbone twice with her fist and extends her arm in salute. The Amazons bow and do the same in unison. They turn and return to the village under the Moongoddess watchful eyes.

"Well, Mom. It's time for me to pack and get back to Xena. We have a lot of talking to do." Gabrielle sighed as she waved to the Amazons. Gabrielle turned and walked to her bedroom. The room of her childhood, full of great things and a time that never seemed to end. Here she would lay here and hear her parents talking and laughing. Here, there was no Persians, no Dahak, no Khrafstar, no pain. She would lay in her bed in the summers and watch the stars outside sparkle. Her worries were her school work, making sure she got up in time to feed the animals. Keeping Lila out of her dolls. Simple worries. Her dad was right. She did grow up too fast. Gabrielle grabs her hairbrush and runs the bristles through her golden locks.

Xena stood at the door and watches Gabrielle perform her grooming. It was just amazing to Xena how all the seasons on the road, Gabrielle takes time to brush her hair and wear makeup. Always brushes her hair about 4 times a day, cleans her face, adjusts her hairbraids and headbands. The way she "accents" her hair with color. Little prissy girly things that make Xena giggle and love her queen even more.

"Come in. The door's open" Gabrielle calls out, not even looking behind her. "I see that you and Daddy made up. He's a good man and so is Mom. I didn't want to say I told you so, but..." Xena flinches then sits on the bed behind Gabrielle. "I should be real mad at you for trying to fool me, but I can't be. You had to see for yourself how great they are. " Gabrielle calmly brushes her hair. Then, Gab flips her hair to one side, exposing her plumb and delicous neck. "Well, Princess, I'm waiting.." Xena puts her arms around Gabrielle's chest as she plants gentle kisses on Gabrielle's neck. "I am so sorry, Gabrielle. You are my whole life and the greatest thing ever to happen to me. How can I make it up to you? I love you so much" Gabrielle closes her eyes and her breath quickens as Xena kisses grow in intensity. Gabrielle guides Xena hand to her breast as she returns Xena's kisses " I love you too. Gods, Xena. You have many skills, but acting isn't one of them. I'm not mad anymore. I just need you.. I do need a new concubine.." Xena raises her eyebrow as Gabrielle kisses Xena's neck and collorbone. "Really? How bout you and me return to the Inn for my audition?" "Great. But I'm real picky. Might take a couple of nights." Gabrielle answers. "Well. I hope to be everything the Amazon Queen desires." Gabrielle stares into the sky blue eyes of Xena and runs her little hands though the dark locks. "You surpassed that a long time ago, Xena" Xena weeps at the chest of her truelove "I'm so glad to be back.." Xena whispers..

"I'll miss you both" Hecuba says as she hugs Xena and Gabrielle. "Mom, Xena and I are going to do some talking and we'll be back in two nights." "Thanks, for the great stuff, Hecuba. You'd make a great hostess..Bye, Dody. You are one great host." Xena smiles as she pinches Herodotus. "Ouch! Goodbye, Meg...Thanks for the advice." Hecuba fixes Gabrielle bangs "You and Xena play nice. And don't wear her down too much, sweetie. I'd like to do some shopping with her when she gets here." Gabrielle turns red as Xena almost laughs her head off. "Momm! Stop it.." "Oh, Gabrielle. I've know what goes on. What are you two going to do? Hold hands? I've had sex before, you know" "Please stop, Mom. Daddy. Stop laughing!" Gabrielle scoulds her father. "I'm sorry, honey. Just the look on your face. I love you, Gabrielle." "I love you too, Daddy." "Here, you'll need this. To keep Xena inline." Hecuba handed Gabrielle a new frying pan with a ribbon wrapped around the handle. "I don't believe it" Gabrielle laughed. "Thank you so much. I love you both. Bye.." Gabrielle and Xena wave and walk down the road untill they hear the door shut. Then, hand in hand, run to the Inn...

The End

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