"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL VII: SACRAMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIATION

Pt.1

NOTES:
-This is the 7th story in my
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series. Following :

"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL I: THE NEW ORDER    
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL II: THE GREAT CAMPAIGN WITHIN THE DOMAIN
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL III: MUTINY IN THE MONARCHY
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL IV: A FRUITFUL STATE OF SKEPTICISM
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL V: BLOODLINES
"THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN" series
SCROLL VI: AN ABOMINABLE ASCENSION 

So it's highly suggested you read those in order before this one if you haven't already. As this is a direct sequel and knowing the events and/or characters introduced in the previous stories are important for understanding the plot of this story. 
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SACRAMENTS =
rights, rituals, ceremonies, customs, weddings

SUBSTANTIATION =
evidence sufficient to establish a thing as true, valid, real, to find proof of.  
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INTRO QUOTE:
"It's the love that goes through the hardest trials and survives that's worth having."

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A chill hung in the air as heavy breathing could be both heard and seen from a rapidly moving figure. The sunlight slowly peeked out from behind the trees as the figure moved in a series of various motions which caught the attention of a passersby. Slowly the second figure moved silently as they got closer in order to observe better. Steady eyes watched the continuous motion of the first figure, as if mesmerized. After a moment the first figure ceased it's motion before taking off running, leaving the second to follow. The second figure reached a clearing and looked around for the first but saw no signs of the first until hearing a voice directly behind them.

?1
You know sneaking up on me can be very hazardous for one's health.

The second figure stood unphased at hearing the voice right in their ear before breaking into a smile without turning around.

?2
Trust me I'm very well aware of just what you're capable of. So I can handle myself just fine against you.

?1
Is that so?

?2
Yes.

?1
Then perhaps we should put you're theory to the test.

There was a small noise before either spoke again.

?2
As tempting as the might be I came here for another reason. I have something very important to give you.

?1
And tell me just what might that be?

?2
This.

The second figure turned around and handed the first a small moving bundle before smiling. The bundle cooed as the second figure then stepped into the sunlight as they began walking away before the first followed revealing both identities.

XENA
Hey Gabrielle wait I can't watch Aurora I have to lead sparing practice in a few minutes. I was just out here warming up first.

Gabrielle smiled as she looked over her shoulder and kept walking.

GABRIELLE
Hey you're not the only one with stuff to do today you know. Besides I've had Aurora all morning while you were out here.