Tears welled in both their eyes as Xena slipped the bracelet
over Gabrielle’s hand and onto her wrist, "I know that
the Queen is suppose to chose a Amazon to be bonded with, but I
have already asked Artemis and she has given me permission to do
this so. Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons and of my heart, will you
be my bond-mate?"

Tears flowed freely from the pair of sea green eyes that had
seized and conquered the former destroyer’s heart.
"Yes." Gabrielle returned, wrapping her arms around
Xena’s neck and kissing her. "Yes." Another kiss.
"Yes." They stood there, holding each other and looking
into each other’s eyes, as time halted.

Xena finally broke the silence, but not the magic. "You
have made me the happiest woman ever."

Gabrielle smiled. "Come on, let’s get
inside."

As they opened the door, Xena gasped in surprise. The air in the
hut was scented by both potpourri and lit candles that had resigned
the darkness to only the furthest corners of the hut. On the table
was an array of fruit, cheese, bread and wine. Gabrielle turned and
wrapped her arms around Xena.

"I wanted to surprise you." She whispered, claiming
the warrior’s lips with her own. The little queen then pulled
back and gazed into blue eyes, eyes that reflected the passion she
was feeling. "Xena, I want us to make love tonight."

"Are you sure?" Xena searched into the sea-green orbs
for any sign of fear or doubt. Physically the warrior wanted oh so
badly to express the love she felt in her soul for her bard, but
only if Gabrielle was ready. What she found in her queen’s
eyes was passion and undeniable love.

"Yes." Gabrielle silkily returned.

Slowly they undressed each other, every new area of exposed skin
was treated with a kiss. They walked to the bed hand in hand. Their
lovemaking was slow and passionate; their bodies and words
expressed what was in their heart and soul. After riding waves of
ecstasy together, the bard and the warrior fell asleep, cradled in
each other’s arms.

*******

The sun’s rays streamed into the hut and shined upon the
couple. Gabrielle opened her eyes and smiled as she saw her partner
and the memories of the previous night danced in her mind. Love
welled up in her heart for the woman laying by her side, as tears
welled up in her eyes. She tried to blink them back, hoping that
Xena did not see them. Xena silently watched as Gabrielle tried to
hide her tears.