Pt.19
There was a long silence as Xena and Gabrielle sat by the waterfall. Xena looked off at the scenery as she searched for the right words to say. Dispite everything she was still finding that telling Gabrielle the truth was far more difficult than she had ever exspected. Xena felt it ironic that she could run straight into any battle or dangerous situation and not feel one ounce of fear. But now, sitting there as the person who mattered most looked at her, waiting for her to speak, Xena felt terrified at the thought of a mere conversation. Still she knew that this had to be done. So after taking a breath to try and calm her nerves Xena tried to figure out where to begin. While in thought Xena felt Gabrielle take her hand and give her a reassuring smile.
GABRIELLE
It's okay Xena. Whatever it is, you can tell me.
Xena couldn't help but smile a little at how was Gabrielle always willing to be there for her. Even though all the dangers they've been through due to Xena's past, Gabrielle stayed by her side. She trusted Xena and believed in her more than anyone. But Xena couldn't help but wonder if that would all change after today. True Gabrielle could see past the person Xena used to be, but this was different. While Xena's past deeds had come into play many times before, it was all from before she and Gabrielle even met. Gabrielle didn't know "that" Xena. So it made it easier for Gabrielle to separate Xena's actions from then and who she was now. But this, Gabrielle could very well see this as such a personal betrayal. Especially given that Xena knew how much Gabrielle loved her. But it was also because of that love that Xena realized that she had to tell Gabrielle the truth. Even if Xena didn't have all the answers, Gabrielle deserved to know everything she could tell her. Regardless of the outcome afterwards. Finally after several moments Xena began.
XENA
Gabrielle before anything I just want you to know that I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone. And I would never want to purposely do anything to hurt you.
Gabrielle simply gave a gentle, reassuring smile as she waited for Xena to continue.
XENA
That's what makes this so difficult for me to tell you because I know that it will. Especially since I don't know how to fully explain everything.
GABRIELLE
Just tell me what you can Xena.
XENA
Okay.
Xena took a breath as she knew the moment of truth had come. With Gabrielle's hand in hers, Xena looked into Gabrielle's eyes as she finally spoke the words that she'd been dreading to say to her.
XENA
Gabrielle, I'm pregnant.
Gabrielle looked at Xena for a moment. Certain that she must not have heard her correctly.
GABRIELLE
What, you're pregnant?
XENA
Yes.
Gabrielle shook her head in disbelief as the words Xena spoke sank in.
GABRIELLE
Pregnant...
Gabrielle sat there as Xena's recent odd behavior suddenly made sense. There was a moment of silence as Xena waited to see Gabrielle's reaction.
XENA
Gabrielle?
GABRIELLE
No.
Gabrielle pulled her hand away as she looked at Xena who could see the hurt in her eyes.
GABRIELLE
How could you?
Gabrielle stood to leave but Xena quickly got up and grabbed her arm to stop her.
XENA
Gabrielle wait please. It's not what you think. Just let me try to explain.
Gabrielle looked back at Xena as she fought back her tears.
GABRIELLE
What's to explain Xena. I get it now.
Gabrielle pulled out of Xena's grip.
XENA
...Gabrielle.
Gabrielle turned back to face Xena.
GABRIELLE
(Angry/upset) Why? After everything we've been through. Why would you do this? I thought you loved me.
XENA
I do.
GABRIELLE
(Angry/upset) Then what happened?
Xena gave Gabrielle a sad look.
XENA
I don't know. I wish I could tell you.
GABRIELLE
(Angry/upset) What do you mean you don't know? It seems pretty obvious.
Neither of them said anything for a moment as Gabrielle felt as though the earth beneath her feet had just opened up and now she was falling into a dark abyss. She had never imagined that Xena would betray her like this. But now there they were and Gabrielle didn't know what to do.
GABRIELLE
I don't need details, I just need to know why Xena.
XENA
Gabrielle I don't know what to say I swear I have no idea how this happened.
GABRIELLE
(Angry tone) You can't be serious. You don't actually exspect me to believe that. You know after hiding this from me for this long you'd think you could at least come up with something better than that.
XENA
Gabrielle...
Xena stood there not knowing what she could do to convince Gabrielle that she was telling the truth.
GABRIELLE
Nothing? Fine then I guess we're done here.
Gabrielle again began to walk away as Xena tried to stop her.
XENA
Wait Gabrielle.
But this time Gabrielle swatted Xena's hand away as she refused even look at her.
GABRIELLE
Don't Xena. Just don't.
XENA
I really wish I could get you to understand. I never wanted to hurt you.
GABRIELLE
I can't see how you thought what you did wouldn't.
Xena fought back her own tears as she felt Gabrielle slipping away from her.
XENA
If I knew how this happened maybe then it wouldn't be so difficult to explain.
GABRIELLE
(Angry/ Sarcasm) Right because this clearly needs a deeper explanation
XENA
I'm sorry Gabrielle. I don't know what else to say that'll convince you to believe me.
GABRIELLE
(Angry/ Sad tone) Nothing Xena. There's nothing you can say.
Gabrielle turned away while Xena was certain that she was about to watch Gabrielle walk out of her life not knowing what she could possibly do to stop her. That was when they both heard Artemis' voice as they looked to see the goddess appear.
ARTEMIS
Perhaps there is something that I could say that could help shed some light on this matter.
...
Pt.20
As Xena and Gabrielle stood by the waterfall they looked at the Artemis who had appeared before them. Gabrielle wiped away her tears of anger and heartbreak as she tried to pull herself together after learning of Xena's pregnancy and believing that she had betrayed their love.
GABRIELLE
Artemis, has something else happened with the others?
ARTEMIS
No everyone's fine. I helped them all calm down. I used a bit of my power to help them see things more clearly so they can begin to sort out their issues in a more constructive way. It'll take some time and work but I think everyone should be able to get along now. At least for the most part anyway.
GABRIELLE
I don't know how to thank you. I completely lost control of the situation. And if it weren't for you showing up, I don't really want to think about what could've happened.
ARTEMIS
I'm more than happy to help. I know that your intentions were purely for everyone's benefit. It can be difficult to bring two different groups together. Especially given everything that the people of this village have gone through. You just got a little more than you bargained for that's all. But I think that given a little time you'll see that what you've done here is something truly special Gabrielle.
Artemis smiled as she looked at Xena who was standing there looking completely defeated.
ARTEMIS
Now that that's settled I believe that there's another issue here that needs to be discussed.
Gabrielle looked over at Xena for a moment before looking back at the goddess.
GABRIELLE
(Sad tone) No, I don't think there is.
Xena lowered her eyes sadly as she quietly stood there.
ARTEMIS
Are you sure?
That was when Gabrielle remembered what Artemis had said just as she appeared a few moments ago.
GABRIELLE
Wait just before you manifested I heard you say something about shedding some light on this.
ARTEMIS
I did.
XENA
What did you mean by that exactly. I remember you saying that you could get us answers just before you brought Ephiny and myself back here.
ARTEMIS
I can. And I realize that you must have a lot of questions. And I promise you that I'll do my best to answer. So tell me Xena, Gabrielle what would you like to know?
XENA
What do you know about about my pregnancy?
ARTEMIS
Ah Xena always straight to the point aren't you?
XENA
I usually find it's the best way of getting things done.
ARTEMIS
Fair enough. I know everything you could possibility to want to know.
Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other with confused expressions on their face for a moment as they wondered why Artemis knew so much about Xena's pregnancy before looking back at the goddess. Both decided to take Artemis up on her offer as she hoped that this might finally be the opportunity to learn the truth of how they ended in their current situation. After thinking through the countless questions running through her head Gabrielle was the first of the two to speak.
GABRIELLE
So does that mean you know who the child's other parent is?
ARTEMIS
I see that much like Xena, you're going straight to the major questions. Yes I know who the other parent to the child is.
Xena stiffened up a bit as she tried to think of the possibilities of who it could be but still nothing came to mind. She just hoped that it wouldn't be someone terrible.
GABRIELLE
So who is this child's father?
Artemis appeared to become thoughtful for a moment.
ARTEMIS
The identity of the child's father is going to be a bit complicated to explain.
Xena was in no mood for games or semantics and just wanted answers.
XENA
(Irritated tone) We've got time. Try.
Artemis thought for a moment.
ARTEMIS
I suppose the simplest way to put it is that while you are technically the mother of the child Xena, the other parent of the child you carry is Gabrielle.
Both Xena and Gabrielle looked at Artemis as if she were suddenly speaking a completely foreign language they've never heard before. After the initial moment of being shocked speechless, Gabrielle found herself able to speak again.
GABRIELLE
Wha... but how? That's not possible. Both Xena and I are women, we can't make a child.
Artemis giggled a bit.
ARTEMIS
My dear Gabrielle. Believe me I'm very much aware of how mortals reproduce. Which is why I decided to give the two of you a little help.
That was when Xena began to fill in some of the remaining blanks of the mystery.
XENA
So then I'm assuming that means you're the reason we're even in this predicament.
Artemis appeared to become a little embarrassed.
ARTEMIS
Yes but I hadn't really anticipated that it would cause issues between the two of you.
XENA
(Irritated tone) What did you exspect would happen when I suddenly ended up pregnant with no explanation?
ARTEMIS
That's something I hadn't thought of and I apologize. I never meant for this to be anything but a joyful occasion.
Gabrielle thought for a moment as another question came to mind.
GABRIELLE
So you're the reason that Xena and I are having a child? Why?
Artemis smiled.
ARTEMIS
I decided that because of all the two of you have done for my precious Amazon's and because of the great love that you have for one another I would give you the gift of a child.
Artemis then thought about something else that she hadn't considered.
ARTEMIS
Though I see now that perhaps I should have asked you if this was something that the two of you even wanted.
Gabrielle quickly spoke up.
GABRIELLE
We do.
Gabrielle looked at Xena as she realized that she had answered before even checking to see if Xena felt the same way. After all she was the one carrying their child.
GABRIELLE
I mean if that's what Xena wants too.
Xena smiled as she put her arm around Gabrielle and pulled her close.
XENA
Of course I do. Especially now that we know the truth.
ARTEMIS
So I take it that you're both happy with this now?
XENA
Yes.
GABRIELLE
Very.
ARTEMIS
That's good to hear.
Gabrielle and Xena looked Artemis unsure of how to thank her for the precious gift they've been given.
GABRIELLE
I wish I knew how to thank you Artemis. You don't know how happy you've made us.
XENA
I agree. As much as I tend to not care for the gods, I'll be eternally greatfull to you for everything you've done for us.
ARTEMIS
There's no need. As I said this was a way of repaying you for your loyalty and dedication to my Amazon's. Now if that's everything I think it's time for me to be taking my leave.
Gabrielle felt content with what Artemis had told them and said goodbye to the goddess. But Xena on the other hand still had something that she was curious about asking before Artemis left.
XENA
Actually there is one more thing I'd like to ask you.
ARTEMIS
Of course Xena. What is it?
Gabrielle looked at Xena as she wondered what else there was to know.
XENA
I was just thinking why you would choose me to carry mine and Gabrielle's child. I mean Gabrielle 's the queen of your chosen people. And I'm not even an Amazon. So it seems like the logical choice would be to give her the opportunity to carry this baby. Not that I'm complaining or anything.
Artemis placed her hand on Xena's shoulder as she spoke.
ARTEMIS
First of all Xena, while you might not technically be an Amazon you certainly have an Amazonian spirit. And have done so much for the Amazon people. So you're every bit as worthy of this gift as Gabrielle. And second I didn't exactly pick you.
GABRIELLE
I don't understand.
ARTEMIS
What I mean is I didn't specifically choose either of you to carry this child. I simply abled it to happen and allowed the Fates to decide which of you would conceive.
GABRIELLE
Oh I get it now.
Gabrielle smiled as she hugged the goddess thanking her again. As Xena smirked as she thought of something that she hoped wasn't going to become normal.
XENA
(Half joking) This isn't going to be something we're gonna have to be watching for from now on now is it?
Artemis chuckled as Gabrielle stepped back from the goddess and put her arm around Xena's.
ARTEMIS
Not unless you would want more children in the future. In which case all you have to do is call and I'll make it happen.
Xena and Gabrielle smiled at each other for a moment before looking back at Artemis.
ARTEMIS
So is there anything else you two would like me to tell you?
XENA
Thanks again Artemis but I think we've finally got everything we need.
Gabrielle smiled in agreement.
ARTEMIS
Good. I'm happy I could clear everything up. Now I think I'll be on my way and leave you to begin to prepare for your little one. Be well, all of you.
With a wave and a smile Artemis was gone leaving Xena and Gabrielle standing there by themselves as everything they had just learned sank in. After a moment they turned towards one another as they threw their arms around one another and celebrated, unable to keep the smiles from their faces. Finally after a bit they separated with a kiss as Xena looked at Gabrielle finally feeling the sense of dread and fear she'd been carrying with her since she first learned she was pregnant disapear. Now all she felt was joy and love as she looked into Gabrielle's eyes knowing that everything was going to be okay.
XENA
So whatdaya say Gabrielle, you ready to be a mother?
GABRIELLE
With you Xena, I'm ready for anything.
The two smiled as they walked off hand in hand to prepare for a whole new kind of adventure. The challenges of motherhood.
...
FINALE
The months came and went as Xena and Gabrielle prepared for the arrival of their little one. After finally learning that the child Xena carried was biologically both Xena's and Gabrielle's due to some godly magic from.Artemis after she had unbeknownst to the two at the time, given Xena and Gabrielle the ability to conceive a child that was all their own. Things were good between the two. As both had promised to work on trusting each other better and not hiding things from each other even if they thought it would hurt the other. During that time Gabrielle was also hard at work ensuring that everyone in the village continued to get along. While it wasn't immediate or completely smooth sailing, thanks to Artemis and some hard work on everyone else's part, relations between the villagers and the visitors did vastly improve. As Gabrielle did her queenly activities, Xena found herself bored and annoyed. Even while living in the village she would always had something to keep herself busy. Whether it was leading training sessions, hunting, working with the weapon makers or a number of other activities. Now being pregnant and told that she needed to take it easy she couldn't do those things and it was driving Xena crazy. Which made the already somewhat moody Xena even more Irritatable than usual. But Gabrielle understood and did her best to keep Xena's spirits up as Xena's due date grew closer.
XENA
(Irritated tone) I swear to every God there is the next woman who comes up to me and asks to feel my stomach is getting her hand cut off.
The group at the table in the mess hall just laughed as Xena scowled and learned back in her chair as she folded her arms across her chest. Then she felt a hand on her large belly and sighed as Gabrielle leaned her head on her shoulder for a moment.
SKYLA
(Joking) Well there goes Gabrielle's hand I guess.
XENA
She doesn't count.
GABRIELLE
Oh you're just cranky because you're getting close to having the baby.
AMARICE
(Joking tone) Don't you mean crankier. Xena's always kinda moody anyway.
Xena gave Amarice a very annoyed look as the group giggled.
GABRIELLE
Oh don't listen to them there just kidding.
Xena sighed.
XENA
I know. I just can't stand feeling like this. My feet hurt, my back hurts, I can't actually do anything. I just want this baby to be here already.
Gabrielle smiled as she put her arm around Xena's.
GABRIELLE
I know. It shouldn't be too much longer Xena. Then it'll all be worth it once our baby is born.
Xena smiled as she gave Gabrielle a quick kiss on her head.
XENA
Yeah I guess you're right.
AMARICE
So what are you hoping for?
Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
It doesn't matter. As long as the baby's happy and healthy that's all we care about.
WILLOW
So did you guys finally finish getting everything ready?
GABRIELLE
Actually we did just last night.
The group continued talking and Xena was happy when the conversation finally moved off her pregnancy. She never really liked being the center of attention so that just added to the list of annoyances she had with being pregnant. But she just kept reminding herself that it would all be over soon. Gabrielle on the other hand couldn't have been happier as she thought of how wonderfully everything had worked out. She and Xena were having a child together which she had obviously never thought could be a possibility. Even though she had secretly thought about what it would be like from time to time. But for it to actually be a reality was amazing and only made Gabrielle love Xena even more for being willing to go through everything she had. Aside from being busy preparing for the baby and making sure the village was running smoothly, Gabrielle had also taken the role as somewhat of a mentor to Celine. Shortly after the conflict between the villagers and visitors, Celine had approached Gabrielle and personally apologized for the trouble. She had also expressed interest in writing and had heard from many of the villagers that Gabrielle was a great bard and asked if she could give her some pointers to improve her own writing and story telling. The two had become fairly good friends and Xena was happy to see Gabrielle in her new role. Willow and Cora had also found a place in the village. With Xena beginning pregnant, Willow had taken up her role in leading sparing sessions and was quite good. The villagers followed her lead and learned quite a bit from her. And Cora had decided to work with the village healers and teach some of the villagers some of her spiritual techniques that she used for healing back in her village. It might not have been easy but Xena was happy to see that Gabrielle's vision for bringing the outside Amazon's to the secret village was finally paying off. Everyone in the village was flourishing just as Gabrielle had hoped.
GABRIELLE
Xena I'm home! You here?
XENA
Yeah.
Hearing Xena's voice coming from upstairs, Gabrielle shut the front door and went upstairs. She walked into their room seeing Xena resting comfortably in bed and sat next to her.
XENA
So how'd everything go today?
GABRIELLE
Good. Celine is incredibly smart. Having someone who wants to learn from me is so different. I just hope I don't let her down.
XENA
I don't think you have anything to worry about Gabrielle. You're a great mentor.
Gabrielle smiled for a moment but frowned when she noticed xena grimace.
GABRIELLE
Something wrong?
XENA
It's nothing just a little pain.
GABRIELLE
Pain?
Xena saw the worry on Gabrielle's face and took her hand.
XENA
It's nothing to worry about I just think that it's getting close to being time.
GABRIELLE
How long have you been in pain?
XENA
Not long. And it's not that bad yet.
Gabrielle smiled as she put her hand on Xena's stomach.
GABRIELLE
Hey there. Looks like we'll finally be meeting you pretty soon.
Many hours later the calm of the night was pierced by a painful scream as Gabrielle sat beside Xena holding her hand as a couple of the healers entered the room. After some more time and pain the room was filled with another cry as Xena and Gabrielle welcomed a baby girl into the world.
GABRIELLE
She's beautiful isn't she Xena.
Gabrielle looked at the newborn who had her tiny hand wrapped around her finger as Xena held her while she sat in the bed beside her
XENA
She sure is.
Xena kissed Gabrielle as they both looked at their little miracle. The newborn looked up at her mothers with big green eyes like Gabrielle's and a headful of Xena's dark hair. She had a mix of both of their features and as Gabrielle joked a set of lungs that when she cried definitely proved that she was Xena's child. But for now she was quiet as she slowly drifted to sleep.
XENA
You know she still needs a name.
GABRIELLE
I know we haven't been able to come up with one.
Xena looked at the sleeping newborn and smiled.
XENA
What do you think little one. What should we name you?
Gabrielle idly looked out the window and saw an amazing sight.
GABRIELLE
Oh wow, Xena did you see this?
Xena looked up and saw what Gabrielle was talking about.
XENA
Huh would you look at that.
Outside the window various shades bright blue, purple, yellow and green lights flowed like streams across the night sky. Which was typically something that was only seen in the far north. Though this sort of thing was known to happen on extremely rare occasions in the area they were. But it was still quite an amazing sight to actually witness. After looking at the sky for a few moments Gabrielle felt an idea hit her.
GABRIELLE
I think I just thought of a name for her.
XENA
Let's hear it.
Gabrielle turned to Xena as she smiled.
GABRIELLE
How about Aurora.
Xena looked down at the sleeping infant for a moment before she smiled and looked back up at Gabrielle.
XENA
It's perfect.
The two shared a loving kiss before happily snuggling up and contently watched their little one peacefully sleep before closing their own eyes and falling asleep. As they happily entered a new stage of their lives together as mothers and left behind all the uncertainty and worries that they had endured within their fruitful state of skepticism.
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL IV: A FRUITFUL STATE OF SKEPTICISM
END ❤️
* ~~~ >>--💗--> ~~~ *
TO BE CONTINUED IN THE 5TH STORY OF THE SERIES...
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL V: BLOODLINES
Contact Email:
Tgirl159tgirl159@gmail.com
_._,_._,_