A Queen for all Seasons {TAG Xena, open}

[Gabrielle]

It had been a rough season. The Amazons needed me around, for rituals, keeping with tradition, and all that I encourage of them. They needed their Queen for inspiration, so they tell me. It's tough, being away from Xena this long, but she had things she needed to do too. She assured me that she wouldn't put herself in danger, though I can't help but worry. I wish she'd get here already. She was supposed to be here by tonight, to witness the Full Moon rite with the tribe as my honored guest. What could be keeping her?

I stop myself from continuing with that thought. Instead, I put away the scrolls I've been writing in, and finish preparing for the feast and the ritual tonight. There will be singing, dancing, tons of food and music, revelry and joy all in giving thanks. We'll be welcoming Summer as the Blue Moon rises.

I barely finish sliding on my boots when Nicori, one of the Amazons peeks in my cottage. "Queen Gabrielle? Is it safe to enter?" I laugh, tightening the laces on my left boot. "Of course Nicori, and you don't have to be so formal you know." I smile at her. "Sorry Que....I mean Gabrielle. It's just with the festivities tonight, I thought it best to keep everything formal." She's nervous. She's a new member of the tribe, inducted while I was away with Xena. I guess that's why she's so awkward around me. I try to put her at ease. "It's ok, really. Was there something I can do for you?" I ask as I finish lacing my other boot and slide my sais in each. I shouldn't need weapons just for the ceremony, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

She fidgets for a moment, running her hands over her leather gauntlets. "Come in, please." I motion her in from the doorway. She grins shyly and comes to sit beside me. "Please, tell me what's on your mind." She starts to relax alittle, seeing me more as an equal than as her Queen. It makes me more comfortable too. Thanks to Xena, I'm not too bad at this whole leadership thing. Nicori is just nervous about her first Full Moon rite with the tribe, not to mention the fact that it's also a Blue Moon, the second Full Moon this month. It's a special night for the Amazons. I offer her what comfort I can, and before long I hear shouts outside. "SHE COMES! HAIL, XENA APPROACHES!" The call is music to my ears. I give Nicori a reassuring hug as we exit the hut. I can see Xena astride Argo, riding into the camp, heading straight for me and the circle of my Amazon sisters.

[Xena]

Xena rode Argo into the Amazon camp. She was fianlly here. It seemed like weeks since she had last seen Gabrielle. Gabrielle was probably worried about her. It had taken longer than Xean had expceted to take care of the warlord that had once again threating Xean's home town of Amphipolis.

Xena smiles as she see Gabrielle coming out of her tent. She gets off of Argo, patting the horses side and handing the reins to one of the near by Amazons. " Be careful he bites."

Xena then walks over toward Gabrielle giving her a large hug. " Hey Gabrielle. Sorry it took so long. I missed you. So how are things going here?"

[Gabrielle]

I hugged Xena back, grateful she'd made it here on time. "Xena, I've missed you too. We're almost ready for the rituals tonight. How did things go in Amphipolis?" Other Amazons bowed or gave Xena more formal greetings. All of them were happy to see her. We walked through the camp, idly, until we came to a small clearing on the outskirts of the woods edging the encampment. I perched myself on a rock and stared out over the landscape.

"So much is changing Xena. I've been so busy since I got here I barely have time to breathe. I like it here though, it's peaceful." I turned to smile at her. "Tell me everything that happened since we were last together. And don't leave anything out, you know I won't give up." I laughed and nudged her with my elbow.