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

FULL STORY CORRECTED

Ch.1

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 passerby. 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 its 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 unfazed 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 your theory to the test.

There was a small noise before either spoke again.

?2

As tempting as it 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 sparring 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.

Xena sighed as she looked at the baby in her arms for a moment, knowing full well that Gabrielle was right.

XENA

Okay, but what am I supposed to do with her while I'm leading practice?

Gabrielle kept the smirk on her face as she shrugged and walked off.

GABRIELLE

You're a smart woman, Xena. I'm sure you'll figure it out.

Xena smirked as she looked at Aurora.

XENA

You know, little one, your mommy can really drive me crazy sometimes. But I wouldn't change that for anything in this world.

The little girl giggled as Xena playfully poked her belly before walking off with the child to the village practice field. It had been a couple of weeks since Xena had returned from helping some other Amazons after Gabrielle had given Xena her right of caste when she had fallen deathly ill due to an infection that was caused by the injuries she sustained during their efforts to rescue Aurora after she had been kidnapped. Though it seemed as though Xena had returned with a way to save Gabrielle too late, somehow the mixture that Xena was given by those she had helped save had miraculously worked. And brought Gabrielle back from the dead, which wasn't supposed to have been possible. But Xena didn't care how or why it happened, all that mattered to her was that Gabrielle was alive now. But not only had the mixture brought Gabrielle back to life, it had completely healed her as well. Xena pushed aside the recent memory of almost losing Gabrielle.