With a small breeze in the air, Xena stood silently as she overlooked the scene before her. The events of the war between the Thessalians and Mitoans, and the events that took place at that temple were now a fading memory as Gabrielle walked to stand beside her.
GABRIELLE
So this is Cira. It's beautiful.
The warrior kept her eyes fixed on the open field stretched out ahead of them.
XENA
To me, it's the ugliest place on Earth.
Trying to comfort the dark-haired woman, Gabrielle placed her hand on her shoulder.
GABRIELLE
I know you blame yourself for what Callisto became, but I don't think you should keep punishing yourself for what happened.
XENA
I didn't come here to punish myself. I wanna understand why it happened. Why I was who I was. And how... if I can ever atone.
GABRIELLE
You're not that person anymore, Xena.
Gabrielle looked at the raven-haired warrior.
GABRIELLE
Look at this valley. Once it was a place full of violence and death. But now it's full of beauty and life. It's the same kind of change that's happened to you.
XENA
I wish that I could see it that way.
Xena moved to mount Argo.
XENA
I'm going down there.
GABRIELLE
You want me to come with you?
Xena looked down at the blonde from the mare's saddle.
XENA
No, I'll be okay. Stay here. I won't take long.
GABRIELLE
I'll be here.
Standing there leaning casually on her staff, Gabrielle watched as Xena rode away and toward the ruins of the village that had so long ago been completely destroyed by the warrior's army, prior to her leaving a life of war, pain, and destruction behind. The same village that, in turn, had created one of Xena's greatest enemies in Callisto, who, as a child, had been the sole survivor of the attack, and now had intern become a monster much like what she referred to Xena as. And felt herself justified in her actions due to the horrors she was forced to endure because of Xena.
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Riding back to where she had left Gabrielle, Xena stopped her horse as she looked around for the younger woman who she didn't see anywhere.
XENA
Gabrielle?
After not getting a response, the warrior looked around for any signs of Gabrielle, and when she saw no trace of the woman but her staff lying on the ground, Xena knew immediately that something must've been wrong, as Gabrielle knew not to go anywhere without her only source of defense. And especially when Xena wasn't around.
XENA
Come on girl.
Giving Argo a quick nudge with her boots, the mare kicked Gabrielle's staff up into the air, and after catching it, Xena got the horse moving and galloped off to find where Gabrielle could've gone.
YOU ARE READING
EVER ETERNAL series SCROLL I: AN ANCIENT AFFAIR
Fiksi PenggemarA romantic tale of Xena and Gabrielle's lives as they travel together throughout ancient Greece. From realizing their feelings for one another. As they go from just friends to the first I love you and first kiss, and much, much more.
