By Cruise
Disclaimer: The characters associated with Xena:Warrior Princess belong
to Mca/Universal & are used without their permission. The character of
Blaise is my own creation & not affiliated with the show. The events in
this story do not necessarily follow along
with events that happen in the show.
The vows belong to Shania Twain / Robert John "Mutt" Lange
& Polygram international inc/Loon Echo inc. performed on Shania’s album
"Come on over". The songs where used without permission & no
profit is intended with this story.
Sex: Sexually explicit sex scenes of two consenting adult women. If two
women making love offend anyone, than this story is not recommended.
Violence: Some, but not too bad.
Special Thanks: To all of the fans for your support, to Stoley and Monica
for maintaining my websites and to Julia for editing the later portions of the
story.
Spoilers: References made to The Furies, Maternal Instincts, The
Crusader.
Comments are gladly accepted at: Cruise @clububer2000.com. Please
reference the story title in the email.
Web addy: www.clububer2000.com
Xena and Gabrielle made their way closer the town Gabrielle couldn’t
stand the silence anymore. "Xena...please we need to talk." She
pleaded with the Warrior Princess silently stewing.
"About what Gabrielle?" Xena snapped. "What do you want to
talk about, huh?" Xena asked obviously agitated with the bard. "The
fact that you blindly went off with that fool Najara?" Xena was visibly
distressed and picked up her pace as she walked ahead with Argo.
"I’m sorry." Gabrielle replied in a whisper out of ear shot of
Xena her green eyes filling with tears fromt eh pain and disappointment she saw
in Xena’s blue eyes walking at a much slower pace behind Xena.
The pair drew closer to the town and Gabrielle thought that Xena must
hate her for her latest excursion in search of her spiritual quest. Once they
reached the town a smile appeared on Gabrielle’s face as the town square was
filled with peddlers. "Xena! Let’s do some frivolous shopping."
"No…You know that is not my thing. I am going to get Argo settled do
what you want!" Xena answered coldly.
Xena and Argo headed off towards the stables. Gabrielle stood for a
moment fighting back her tears. Gabrielle looked up across the square and
noticed a familiar figure standing with their back to her. She noticed the
figure was tall, lean, muscular, tan, with shoulder length black hair who was
wearing wearing black boots, black leather pants with a gray tunic without
sleeves. "Ares!" Gabrielle thought. "What’s he doing here? I already paid my debt to him." She
mumbled angrily under her breath walking up and grabbing the person’s arm turning them towards her. "What are you
doing here?" Gabrielle replied with disgust then embarrassment when she
saw the person wasn’t Ares but a woman..
"Excuse me?" The woman asked confused by the blonde’s actions.
Gabrielle was taken by how attractive the young woman was and how she
felt as though she knew her.
"I…I’m sorry" Gabrielle stammered with embarrassment. "I
thought you where someone I knew".
"Would you like to know me?" She asked flashing an incredibly
sexy smile to Gabrielle.
"I am really sorry for being so rude...my name is Gabrielle and yes,
I would like to get to know you better." Gabrielle answered with a warm
smile reaching to shake the stranger’s hand that took Gabrielle’s hand and
lightly kissed it.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you Gabrielle my name is Blaise.” The woman
answered sexily glancing up into Gabrielle’s green eyes.
Gabrielle blushed and smiled. "Nice to meet you too
Blaise". Xena approached and
grabbed Gabrielle by the arm. "Ouch! Xena...You’re hurting me."
Gabrielle replied unhappily her smile effectively leaving her fine features.
"Let’s go…now!" Xena answered with anger in her voice
"Hey, take it easy here!" Blaise interrupted. "You’re
hurting the lady now take your hand off of her!" She warned angrily
grabbing Xena by the wrist with such strength that Xena was unable to pull away.
"Let go of me!" Xena snapped angrily wincing in pain but
refusing to show that this stranger was causing her pain.
"When you apologize to the lady then I will let go!" Blaise
answered.
"Really…It’s not necessary." Gabrielle replied.
"No...it’s necessary to me now apologize." Blaise demanded
angrily.
"Do you realize who you are dealing with?" Xena asked
warningly.
Blaise pulled Xena closer to her. "I know who you are Warrior
Princess and you really don’t intimidate me! "Now...the apology." She
demanded glaring into Xena’s angry blues.
Blaise did not waver when Xena struggled to break free and stared Xena
down showing no fear of the Warrior Princess. "I’m sorry Gabrielle. Now, can we go?" Xena reluctantly
apologized with Blaise releasing her grip on Xena backing away from her.
"It was very nice to meet you Blaise." Gabrielle replied with
embarrassment for the altercation, which just took place.
"Same here Gabrielle... I hope to see you again." Blaise
answered with a small, warm smile.
Gabrielle had to run to catch up with Xena who had already stormed off.
"Xena!...what was that all about?"
Gabrielle asked shocked by Xena’s reaction.
"I...I’m sorry Gabrielle I didn’t mean to hurt you. Let’s go get a
room at the Inn and get some dinner." Xena stammered embarrassed by her
actions trying to make up for them with dinner.
"Are you buying." Gabrielle asked with a smile.
"Sure." Xena replied in a strained laugh.
Xena remained somewhat quite throughout dinner because she feared if she
voiced her thoughts she would hurt Gabrielle. Xena thought about how she felt
Gabrielle had betrayed her by blindly following Najara. Xena couldn’t
understand why she seemed so willing to just leave her and their relationship
so easily to go off with strangers. She felt hurt and angered by Gabrielle’s
actions but thought it best to not talk about it until she had calmed down.
"Xena...what do you say we go into the tavern for some port and
listen to the music they have playing?"
"Sure Gabrielle." Xena thought maybe a good port would calm her
down.
They both entered the tavern to find it very crowded. "Bar keep! Two
please!" Gabrielle ordered sidling up to the bar.
Gabrielle thought about Blaise and how attractive she was not to mention
the fact that she looked so familiar. She thought about her sexy blue eyes were
so mesmerizing. Gabrielle felt guilty that she was so attracted to Blaise with
Xena sitting across from her. Gabrielle and Xena made their way to an open
table to enjoy the music and port. "Gabrielle...I see someone I know and I
need to speak with them. I will be right back."
"I’m not going anywhere" Gabrielle answered disappointed Xena
was leaving her. Xena spoke with the man and returned to the table just as the
Bar keep brought a fresh port for Gabrielle.
"I’m sorry…I didn’t order this there must be a mistake."
Gabrielle replied holding the mug up towards the
Bar Keep to return the drink.
"I know you didn’t order the port because the young lady two tables
over bought that for you." The Bar keep answered his eyes shifting towards
the person and back to Gabrielle.
Gabrielle and Xena turned to see who sent the port to Gabrielle and
noticed it was Blaise. Xena rolled her eyes and shook her head in disgust.
Blaise held her mug of port up and smiled. Gabrielle acknowledged her with a
nod of the head, a smile and whispered, "Thank you".
"What’s up with that?" Xena asked angrily.
"I’m really not sure Xena, but it was a very nice gesture don’t you
think?"
"Oh, yeah. Really nice." Xena answered, noticeably and watched
as Blaise walked towards the bar and met her half way. "Back off!"
Xena demanded warningly.
"Why don’t you let Gabrielle decide what she wants?" Blaise
asked sarcastically flashing her an equally sarcastic grin.
Xena moved back to the table angered by her conversation with Blaise.
"Let’s go Gabrielle!"
"But why Xena?" She asked confused and disappointed.
"Because I said so." Xena answered coldly unable contain her
jealousy and grabbed Gabrielle to pull her out of the chair knocking over the
mug of port on Gabrielle.
"Xena!" Gabrielle replied with embarrassment and anger over how
Xena was acting. Gabrielle wiped off her skirt and Xena moved over to Blaise.
"Make sure you stay away from her!" Xena threatened.
"Or what? Maybe you need to stay away from her. Seems to me you need
to show her some respect and I would love nothing more than to force you to
show it to her!" Blaise smirked straightening her imposing figure in a
threatening way as Xena moved closer to her. "Go ahead Xena I’m just itching
to drop you in your boots. I would love
nothing more than to humiliate you, the Warrior Princess, in front of everyone
here as you did your friend!"
Xena stormed out of the tavern towards the stables to get Argo extremely
agitated by the mystery woman with Gabrielle not far behind.
"Xena..what are you doing?"
"Gabrielle...I’m going to meet a contact in the next town to
finalize some plans." Xena answered mounting Argo with a serious need to
be alone. She was so angry that she was afraid of what she might do if she
stayed.
"Give me a minute to collect my things.."
"No, you’re staying here.. I think I can handle this myself.
Besides, you can stay and try to figure out what you want to do with your life
without me being there to cloud your decision." Xena informed her
indifferently. She hoped Gabrielle would realize what it was that she
wanted…hopefully it was to be with her and the best way for her to figure that
out was with a little space.
"When will you be back?" Gabrielle asked worriedly.
"In a couple of days." Xena answered reigning Argo and headed
off out of town. Gabrielle watched as Xena and Argo rode off out of site wiping
the tears out of her eyes.
"She hates me…I just know it" Gabrielle thought sadly and
returned to the tavern settling at the bar.
"Give me a port bar keep!" Gabrielle demanded throwing a dinar
on the bar and slapping her hand on the surface.
"Are you okay?" Blaise asked concerned for the younger woman.
"No, not really." Gabrielle answered sadly gulping the port
down.
" I’m sorry if I caused a problem but Xena shouldn’t treat you the
way she does." Blaise answered apologetically.
"No, it’s not you Blaise this goes back a long ways." Gabrielle
answered wiping the tears away that formed in her eyes wanting to change the
mood and grabbed Blaise by the arm
pulling her towards the dance floor.
"Want to dance Blaise?" She asked excitedly.
"I guess I really don’t have a choice." Blaise answered with a
chuckle allowing the small woman to lead her to the dance floor.
Gabrielle and Blaise made their way out onto the crowded dance floor.
Gabrielle found it difficult to dance so close and face to face with Blaise as
she had an overwhelming urge to kiss her new friend. Gabrielle turned her back
to ease the temptation.
‘Why am I so attracted to this woman?’ Gabrielle thought ‘I feel as though I am betraying Xena once
again but I can’t help the feelings I am having for her.’ She thought battling
her feelings.
Gabrielle moved her body against Blaise and continued to dance enjoying
the feeling of her body against Blaise. Blaise slid her hand in front of
Gabrielle placing it around her waist and began to grind against Gabrielle to
the music. Gabrielle thoroughly enjoyed where Blaise had placed her hand and
the way her body was moving against her.
Gabrielle slid her hand on top of Blaise’s and put her other hand up
through Blaise’s black, wavy hair resting it on the back of her neck.
Blaise leaned down to the shorter woman and Gabrielle could feel her
breath on her neck, which excited her.
The music changed to a slower rhythm and Blaise turned Gabrielle around
to face her. She looked into Gabrielle’s eyes and held her in her strong,
muscular arms tighter and began to dance a slow rhythm with Gabrielle.
"You are incredibly attractive." Gabrielle replied gazing into
Blaise’s sexy blue eyes.
"That ‘s very sweet Gabrielle, but you are the most beautiful woman
I have ever seen." Blaise answered
with a sexy smile.
Gabrielle leaned up and kissed Blaise. She pulled away out of fear but
realized how much she enjoyed the kiss and wanted more. Gabrielle pressed her
lips against Blaise’s again as Blaise’s tongue entered her mouth and they began
to kiss more passionately. Gabrielle felt her knees buckle from the
overwhelming feeling of ecstasy she felt from Blaise’s kiss.
"Are you okay Gabrielle?" Blaise asked with a smile.
"Yes...never better." She replied smiling delighted by the
kiss.
They continued to dance and Blaise began to sing the song to Gabrielle.
"You have a beautiful singing voice Blaise. Do you do any singing other
than to your dancing partners?" Gabrielle asked with a laugh.
"I sing occasionally, but I like to compose songs or poems more than
singing." Blaise answered.
"I love to write stories. I am a bard you know?"
"I gathered that when I saw all of the scrolls in your
backpack." Blaise replied with a smile.
"Sorry ladies but we are closing." the Bar Keep replied.
"It is late so, I guess I should head back to the Inn."
Gabrielle informed Blaise reluctant to let the devastatingly gorgeous woman out
of her arms.
"I have a better idea if you are up for it?" Blaise asked with
a mischievous smile.
"Sure what is it?" Gabrielle asked intrigued and happy to not
have to leave Blaise’s presence so soon.
"Follow me." Blaise answered grabbing Gabrielle’s hand leading
her out of the tavern towards the stables to get a blanket, which was located
with her horse.
"Blaise...you have a beautiful horse." Gabrielle answered
admiring the beautiful black stallion with a white stripe between his eyes down
to his nose.
"Taz meet Gabrielle...Gabrielle meet Taz." Blaise introduced
the pair and moving her hand gesturing to her horse that bent his front leg and
bowed for Gabrielle.
"That is so cool how did you train him to do that?" Gabrielle asked amazed at the tricks she
taught her horse.
"With these.” Blaise answered pulling an apple out of the saddlebag
throwing it to Gabrielle. "Go ahead and give it to him." She urged
Gabrielle who offered the apple which Taz quickly devoured. "I’m all
set...I have the blanket so, let’s go check out the stars. I know a really
great meadow to view them from." Blaise said with a smile.
"Sounds great" Gabrielle answered excitedly following Blaise
out of the stables.
They reached the meadow and stood silently taking in the breathtaking
view of the stars. "You’re right Blaise it is a great place."
Gabrielle answered in awe of the beauty of the meadow and the view.
Blaise laid the blanket on the ground and they lay side by side looking
up at the stars. "Tell me some of your stories Gabrielle." Blaise
asked intrigued by the bard.
"I would love to." Gabrielle answered excited at the thought
that Blaise was interested in her stories unlike Xena who just didn’t have the
time for them or just didn’t care Gabreille thought sadly.
Gabrielle spent over an hour telling stories of her adventures with Xena.
"Gabrielle...are you in love with Xena?" Blaise asked staring into
the twinkling green eyes highlighted by the bright, full moon.
"She is my best friend and I love her."
"Then why would you allow her to treat you as she does?"
"Well.” Gabrielle began to explain. “I have had some concerns with
the violence in our life and I have been trying to find some way of dealing
with it to were I can be happy and at peace with myself. Unfortunately, my
happiness seems to be Xena’s unhappiness. She’s not able to deal with it and
she takes it out on me." Gabrielle finished explaining with sadness.
"I don’t know how you could have been around that woman for as long
as you have been." Blaise answered with amazement.
"I take it you don’t like Xena very much Blaise?" Gabrielle
asked in curious wonderment as to why Blaise hated Xena so much.
"No.. I do not." Blaise replied coldly.
"Why do you not like her Blaise? You hardly know her."
Gabrielle questioned Blaise.
"Xena killed my family Gabrielle." Blaise answered sorrowful.
"I...I…had no idea Blaise...I’m sorry". Gabrielle stammered
thrown at a loss from Blaise’s statement.
"How could you know Gabrielle? There’s nothing for you to be sorry
for, but there is something for Xena to be sorry for." Blaise answered
"Blaise...Xena has changed, she’s no longer the warlord killer she
once was and I am sure she would do anything to make up for what she did to
your family." Gabrielle explained.
"Now Gabrielle...How could Xena ever make up for killing my
family?" Blaise answered with anger and hurt in her voice.
Gabrielle raised up leaning on her elbow as she spoke with Blaise.
"I realize that Blaise but she would do something to atone for her
behavior. She fights for the greater good now."
"Look Gabrielle.” Blaise looked down at her hands. “I would really
rather not talk about this anymore it is too painful for me." Blaise
answered sadly.
"I understand, but if you do want to continue this conversation I am
a good listener." Gabrielle answered with a warm smile. Gabrielle was
upset by the hurt she saw in Blaise’s beautiful blue eyes and reached to hold
her hand laying back on the blanket continuing to look at the stars.
Gabrielle thought about how she would like nothing more than to ease the
pain Blaise felt. She thought about how safe and happy she felt being with
Blaise. They both lay there gazing at the stars without a word being said
between the two.
"Hey! Gabrielle, did you see that? Gabrielle?" Blaise asked
excitedly looking up at the shooting star then over to Gabrielle finding that
Gabrielle had fallen asleep.
Blaise rolled onto her side to catch a better glimpse of Gabrielle to
take in her beauty as she slept. Blaise softly stroked her long blond hair and
gently brushed it from her face placing a soft kiss on her cheek. Gabrielle
responded to Blaise’s kiss by rolling to her side pulling Blaise’s hand around
her waist to cuddle with her. Blaise snuggled in behind Gabrielle taking in her
sweet scent and fell to sleep shortly after.
Blaise woke before Gabrielle and took a moment to enjoy her beauty.
Blaise wished she could stay and admire Gabrielle but nature called. As Blaise
finished her business and stepped out from the bush she looked in horror to
find a man standing over Gabrielle with a sword held to her throat.
"Please...Don’t hurt me take what you want." Gabrielle pleaded
with the bandit nervously.
"You are what I want sweetheart."
"Well, you can’t have her.” The threatening voice came along with
Blaise flying through the air delivering a kick directly to the man’s chest
knocking him unconscious when his head hit the ground with a loud thump.
"Are you okay Gabrielle?" Blaise asked worriedly.
"Just a little nervous...Thank you Blaise. "Is he dead?"
Gabrielle asked as Blaise checked him over.
"No, but he will be out for quite some time...I need to take him to
the authorities Gabrielle."
"Alright...Iwill go with you and get cleaned up."
Blaise picked the man up and put him over her shoulder to carry him to
the authorities. They both headed off towards town. Gabrielle couldn’t help but
think how much she enjoyed the site of Blaise’s muscles rippling from carrying
the heavy load. The two entered town and Blaise stopped to face Gabrielle.
"Gabrielle...would you like to meet me in an hour for some
lunch?"
"I would love to Blaise."
Gabrielle answered with a smile.
"Okay then...meet me by the town fountain," her small smile
growing in intensity.
Gabrielle turned to leave but came back and kissed Blaise goodbye.
"What was that for Gabrielle?"
"That’s a thank you for last night and for saving my life."
Gabrielle replied with a smile.
"Well...I guess I will have to save your life more often then."
Blaise answered with a sly grin.
"See you soon Blaise." Gabrielle answered as she headed toward
the inn.
Gabrielle finished bathing she realized she hadn’t even gave Xena a
thought for quite a long time. The guilt overwhelmed her and she wondered if
Xena was safe. She hated that they parted in a bad way and could only hope that
nothing happened to her because she would never forgive herself if anything
did. ‘Gabrielle...you need to figure your life out and in a hurry’ she thought
to herself. She couldn’t deny the fact that she was extremely attracted to
Blaise and she wondered why Xena couldn’t be more like Blaise so romantic,
caring and loving. Gabrielle dressed and set off to meet Blaise and waited near
the fountain for Blaise who came riding up bareback on Taz.
"Hello there...are you heading my way?" She asked with a
seductive smile.
"If you have food to offer then yes I am." Gabrielle replied
with a smile.
Blaise jumped off Taz.. "Then it’s your lucky day!"
Blaise helped Gabrielle up on Taz and climbed behind Gabrielle wrapping
her arms around her to take control of the reigns. They both rode off out of
town.
"Where are we going for lunch?" Gabrielle asked.
"A favorite place of mine."
As the two rode towards their destination Gabrielle thought to herself
how much she enjoyed how Blaise’s body was pressed up against her own along
with her muscular arms wrapped around her.
"I smell the ocean Blaise...Gabrielle observed with excitement...is
this your favorite place?"
"Yes it is Gabrielle...I love to hear the crashing of the waves and
the smell of the ocean air".
Blaise rode up onto the beach. "Here is our spot Gabrielle".
Blaise jumped off of Taz and helped Gabrielle down. As Blaise lowered Gabrielle
off of the horse the pairs eyes met and Blaise gave in to urge to kiss
Gabrielle. Gabrielle reciprocated the kiss.
They broke their kiss and Gabrielle looked down at their spot.
"This is so incredibly sweet...you made a picnic." Gabrielle replied with a smile.
"I thought you might like a picnic." Blaise answered with a
smile.
"I love them!" Gabrielle answered with excitement.
Blaise watched Gabrielle eat and was astonished as to how much food such
a small woman could put away.
"Uhmmm...Gabrielle...are you finished yet?"
"Oh...I am sorry...Gabrielle laughed...it is just that I really love
to eat!"
"I can see that!” Blaise laughed..."come on."
Blaise grabbed Gabrielle’s hand to help her up and they ran towards the
jetty.
"You’re gonna love this Gabrielle." Blaise exclaimed with
excitement.
Blaise took Gabrielle’s hand and they made their way out to the end of
the jetty where they sat to enjoy the view.
"This is really beautiful out her Blaise." Gabrielle observed.
"Yes and it is more magnificent when the waves crash against the
jetty."
"You don’t mean we are going to...." Gabrielle asked nervously.
Blaise interrupted her question.
"No the waves split the rocks and go to the sides but the rush is
great." Blaise explained with a smile to ease Gabrielle’s fear.
"Blaise I have had a really great time with you."
"Well... I am glad I could be there you you Gabrielle."
Gabrielle leaned to Blaise and kissed her passionately. Gabrielle lay
back on the rocks as the two continued their passionate kiss as the waves
crashed against the rocks with a thunderous noise which both Blaise and Gabrielle
where oblivious too.
Blaise ended the kiss and looked into Gabrielle’s green eyes..."how
does a wonderful person like yourself get involved with a killer like
Xena?"
"I have asked myself that same question but Xena has changed and she
is no longer the killer you see her to be."
"If you say so Gabrielle."
Blaise answered with disbelief.
Blaise helped Gabrielle up off of the rocks.
"Let’s head back...how about a piggyback ride?"
"Sounds like fun." Gabrielle answered.
Gabrielle climbed up on Blaise’s muscular back and was amazed at how
strong Blaise was as she maneuvered the pair over the rocks effortlessly and
loved the closeness she was experiencing being on Blaise’s back.
They made it back to Taz who waited dutifully for their return. They all
made their way back into town.
"Gabrielle I have to attend to Taz and to some errands...How about
if I meet you in about 3 hours for dinner?"
"I would love that Blaise" Gabrielle smiled.
"I will meet you in 3 hours at the inn ok?"
"I will be waiting."
Gabrielle answered as Blaise kissed her hand.
"Goodbye Gabrielle."
Blaise turned with Taz and left to attend to her horse.
Gabrielle decided to take a nice hot bath before her date with Blaise
later that evening. She slipped into the hot water and began to wash her body.
Gabrielle reflected on her wonderful day she had. She wished Xena could treat
her the same way that Blaise had done. Gabrielle finished her bath and slipped
on a white sundress, which slightly fell, off of her shoulders.
Gabrielle went out to the front of the Inn to meet Blaise who was
standing outside with a flower.
"You look beautiful Gabrielle...this is for you." Blaise handed Gabrielle the daisy she had
for her.
"Thank you Blaise this is my favorite flower...it is
beautiful." Gabrielle answered with a smile obviously flattered at
Blaise’s gesture.
They both made their way to the restaurant for their dinner.
Throughout dinner Gabrielle told Blaise stories of Xena and their
adventures together.
"Blaise... I hope I haven’t upset you by telling you stories of
Xena."
"No, it has given me a chance to get to know her a little
better....besides I enjoy your company." Blaise smiled.
"I should probably turn in for the evening." Gabrielle replied.
"I will walk you to your room if you don’t mind."
"No, not at all."
They both made their way to Gabrielle’s room and stood outside the door.
"Did you enjoy dinner Gabrielle?"
"There is never a meal that I don’t enjoy Blaise." They both
laughed.
"I had a fabulous day Blaise and a lovely evening... thank
you."
"I had a great time also Gabrielle."
Blaise leaned down and kissed Gabrielle. Gabrielle put her arms around
Blaise’s neck and entered her mouth with her tongue for a deep, sensual kiss.
Blaise moved the dress down off of her shoulders as she continued to kiss
Gabrielle. Blaise slid her hand down and cupped Gabrielle’s breast in her hand
to lightly caress it.
"Blaise...please stop. I am sorry. I just can’t do this to Xena. As
much as I like being with you I can’t betray Xena this way."
"Why would you feel as though you are betraying her?"
"Well...in the time that we have spent together I have wondered why
Xena couldn’t treat me the same as you do and I realized as you just touched me
that I want Xena to do that to me. I never realized how much I loved Xena and
wanted her as my lover than just then."
"I understand Gabrielle...I
just hope she can make you happy because you deserve to be happy...Goodbye
Gabrielle." Blaise answered with disappointment.
Blaise left Gabrielle standing in the doorway of her room.
"Blaise...wait.. I am sorry."
Blaise continued out of Gabrielle’s site.
Blaise entered the stables to check on her horse.
"Hello my trusty friend." Blaise replied as she began to brush
Taz who whinnied in response to her greeting.
"Blaise...my love!" Aphrodite appeared beside Blaise.
"Hello Aphie."
"What is wrong my sweet? You didn’t fall for Gabrielle did
you?"
"I guess...a little." Blaise answered as she continued to brush
Taz.
"Oh, my sweet niece...Aphrodite took Blaise’s face in her
hands..."She is not the one...Her destiny lies with Xena...that is why I
sent you to get her and Xena together."
"You never made mention of that Aphie...you said I would fall in
love with a blond woman and find out more about my sister!" Blaise
snapped.
"If that is what you wanted in the first place you should have said
so!"
"I am sorry my love. I should have explained the plan better. She
kissed Blaise on the cheek..."Your love is near but Gabrielle is not
her...I gotta go though babe!" Aphrodite vanished.
" I can’t believe she left me hanging like that!" Blaise
replied to Taz.
Blaise laid her bedroll down next to Taz’s stall and went to sleep.
In the morning...Blaise made her way towards the restaurant for breakfast
and stumbled upon Gabrielle telling a group of villagers a story of Xena.
Blaise leaned against the wall, crossed her arms over her chest and decided to
listen to the story out of sight of Gabrielle.
"Xena made the fates understand that her father was not dead because
in fact, her father was Ares...Gabrielle explained to the villagers...So, she
need not kill her mother to avenge her father’s death."
Blaise moved away from the wall and uncrossed her arms to move towards
Gabrielle. She grabbed Gabrielle by the arm.
"Gabrielle... what did you say?"
"Blaise...what is wrong?" Gabrielle asked with confusion at the
way Blaise was acting. She noticed the shock on Blaise’s face..."Are you
okay?"
"Gabrielle! I need to know this story...excuse us folks..Blaise
announced to the crowd as she lead Gabrielle away for some privacy..."What
did you say about Xena, Ares and her mother?"
"Why?" Gabrielle asked.
"Please! Blaise replied with agitation. “I need to know!"
"Well...Xena was to avenge the death of her father by killing the
person who killed him or risk going mad. So, she found out Ares was
involved."
"Figures!... Blaise replied..."Tell me about her
mother..."
"Her mother killed her father when Xena was 7 years old because her
father was to kill Xena."
"Why?...When did this all happen with the furies?...was it
recently?"
"It happened a season ago with the furies Blaise."
"That bastard! Blaise shouted...all the lies her told me!"
"What are you talking about?" Gabrielle asked with confusion.
"I hated Xena all of these years when it was him I should have
hated!"
"Blaise...would you stop rambling and tell me what you are talking
about?"
"I’m sorry Gabrielle...I didn’t tell you the whole truth about my
family."
"What do you mean?"
"I was told that Xena killed my family."
"Yes...i know that... but what does that have to do with this story
and Xena’s mother?"
"Xena is my sister Gabrielle."
"What? She never mentioned
you!"
"That’s because she doesn’t know about me Gabrielle."
"Wait... who told you your family was dead?"
"My father...Ares...God of War."
"Ares is your father? How can you be so sweet, gentle, loving and be
the daughter of Ares?"
"Let’s just say it helped that Auntie Aphie...sorry Aphrodite had
such a big influence in my life?"
"He lied to me all of this time so, I would kill Xena and then
become his representative on earth who will one day take his throne."
Blaise shook her head in disbelief.
"That is typical of Ares...but I am confused as to how Xena knew
nothing of you Blaise."
"I am in the dark about that too Gabrielle. I will have to find out
from Xena or my mother as to what happened."
"No wonder you seemed so familiar to me...you are Xena’s sister!
" Gabrielle exclaimed with excitement.
"Gabrielle? My mother is still alive right?"
"Yes...as is your older brother Tarus but not your brother Lyceus
I’m afraid...she replied with sorrow...he has passed on to the elysian
fields...I’m sorry Blaise."
Gabrielle moved around to face Blaise and noticed she was crying.
"Oh, Blaise. I’m sorry you are in pain from the news."
"I mourn for my brother Lyceus but these are tears of sorrow and of
joy...I have a mother, and a brother who are alive and well."
"Yes. You do and a sister too." Gabrielle replied with a smile.
“How did you know she was your sister?"
"My father told me who she was and what she supposedly did to my
family."
"Gabrielle! Gabrielle!"
They both turned to see whom the shouting voice belonged too.
"Salmoneus?! What are you doing here?" Gabrielle replied as she
hugged her friend.
"It’s Xena"...he replied out of breath.
"Is she okay?" Gabrielle asked with worry in her voice.
"No, she will be executed tomorrow morning!"
"By the Gods...no!" Gabrielle shouted.
"Salmoneus...how did this happen?" Blaise asked.
"Gods...you look like Xena!" Salmoneus exclaimed with a
high-pitched voice.
"Am I the only one that didm’t see it?" Gabrielle asked with
bewilderment." Salmoneus this is Xena’s sister Blaise... who Xena knows
nothing about... at least we think that she doesn’t."
"Hello...nice to meet you Blaise." Salmoneus smiled at Blaise.
"Salmoneus!" Gabrielle yelled.
"Oh, well... Xena’s contact was a set up for some magistrate who
holds a grudge against Xena." Salmoneus explained.
"Gabrielle you and Salmoneus stay here ...I will bring Xena
back."
"Blaise I want to go with you."
"No, it’s safer here for you both." Blaise answered adamantly.
"She is definately related to Xena!" Salmoneus replied.
Blaise whistled for Taz who ran up to his master and Blaise jumped up on
the horse.
"Blaise...please be careful" Gabrielle replied.
"I promise to bring your warrior princess back to you Gabrielle...I
won’t have any trouble because I intend to use my status of the daughter of
Ares to my advantage and throw my father’s name around to get what I
want!" Blaise smiled and winked to Gabrielle as she rode off to the next
town to bring her sister back.
"Wow...think of the dinars to be made off of Xena and her
sister!" Salmoneus exclaimed.
"Come on Salmoneus...I need a drink!" Gabrielle answered.
"I could make some shirts, some coffee mugs with the Warrior
Princess and her sister on them...yeah..." he thought with excitement for
the dinars to be made,
"Drop it Salmoneus...it’s not going to happen!" Gabrielle
answered.
"Well, it is nice to dream!"
"Yeah, Yeah!" Gabrielle replied as they both entered the tavern
for a drink while they waited for Blaise to return with Xena.
Blaise arrived into the town where Xena was being held to an angry crowd
of village people.
"I am looking for the town magistrate can you tell me where I can
find him?" Blaise asked as she dismounted Taz.
"Hey...you look just like that demon Xena!" one man shouted.
"That is because she is my
sister." Blaise answered.
The crowd surrounded Blaise and before she could defend herself they attacked
her with clubs.
"That demon is going nowhere and neither is anyone who helps
her." a villager shouted.
Blaise jumped up throwing villagers off of her and drew her sword to
defend herself.
"Hold it! ...what is going on here?" The magistrate shouted as
he approached the crowd.
"She is that demons sister here to take her back!" one villager
shouted.
"Is what they speak true?"
"Yes... the Warrior Princess is my sister and I intend to take her
with me." Blaise answered.
"Now...what makes you so sure I am going to let you do that?"
"I am the daughter of Ares...God of War...which makes the Warrior
Princess his daughter and I don’t think that the God of War would smile upon
your village if you where to execute his daughter...do you?" Blaise asked
with cockiness in her voice.
"No...no you are right. ..she will be released at once!" the
magistrate declared.
The crowd moaned in displeasure at the magistrate’s decision to release
the prisoner.
"Which would you rather have, revenge or the wrath of the God of War
on our village?" the magistrate asked the villagers.
The crowd moaned in displeasure and went back to their homes.
"Guards show her to the prison." the magistrate ordered...make
sure you inform the God of War as to our cooperation of releasing his
daughter." the magistrate asked Blaise.
"I will and I am sure he is pleased that you saw this situation my
way." Blaise replied with a sarcastic smile.
The guards escorted Blaise to the prison where Xena was held. The guards
opened the cell door allowing Blaise to enter.
"Here is the keys to the shackles." the guard replied as he
threw them to Blaise.
"What are you doing here?" Xena asked with disgust at the sight
of Blaise.
"Saving your life." Blaise answered.
"I thought you hated me...why would you save my life?"
"I did hate you...Blaise replied as she unshackled Xena...just be
thankful Gabrielle only tells stories of you!"
Xena grabbed her by the throat..."you had better not have hurt
her!" Xena replied with anger.
Blaise grabbed Xena by the shoulders..."relax ...she is fine and she
is with some guy named Sal something or other."
"You mean Salmoneus?"