~ X&G ~

Gabrielle clutched Xena’s ashes lovingly to her chest hoping to somehow bring her soul-mate closer. She sighed deeply and stared forlornly out at the ocean waves as they came to break on the beach. Going to Egypt seemed like a good idea. After all, it was the last place they had talked about going, and Gabrielle heard they needed a girl with a chakram. Frustrated, Gabrielle slammed her fists in to the sand and lay back gazing at the stars. She sought the outline of ‘Solaris’ and let her eyes traced the outline of the fish. What a day that turned out to be, Gabrielle reminisced. The corners of her mouth turning up in a tiny grin as she recalled the antics of that day. Xena focused on fishing and catching Solaris with that ‘flying parchment’. Gabrielle so obsessed with herself she completely forgot the diamond they sought. While Joxer…, a shudder ran through Gabrielle, and she pushed that memory away. How she longed for her companion to be back with her to relive the memories.

So far her only company was the little urn that held Xena’s ashes and the crackling fire of a much too lonely campsite. This used to be my favorite time Xena. You and me sitting by the fire, starting a new scroll or just watching you. How I loved those times.

Memories flooded Gabrielle’s heart and mind as she recalled the precious memories of six years. Tears threatened to spill emerald eyes but Gabrielle blinked them back. Have to stay focused, there is too much to do in the next few days. This is not the way it should be, Gabrielle fumed, I will bring you back to me.

Staring into the flames, Gabrielle allowed her thoughts to wander one last time as she vowed a silent promise to Xena and herself. My life is nothing without you in it. I need you beside me Xena. There is too much we still have not done. I swear I will find a way to bring you back to me.

With one last loving look at the urn, Gabrielle closed her eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.

~ X&G ~

The morning sun broke the blackness behind Gabrielle’s closed lids as she awoke from the realms of Morpheus. She stretched her muscles and reluctantly opened her eyes. She almost called out to Xena to ask why she let her sleep so late but the words died on her tongue. No weapons, no leather, and no bedroll occupied the other side of the campfire. No aquarium eyes met hers to reprimand her for sleeping late as she gazed over at the empty spot. Slowly and sadly Gabrielle picked up the only thing she possessed of her soul-mate and fingered it gently: the chakram. The powerful and mostly mysterious weapon that at one time seemed to only obey Xena was now hers. She clipped it to her belt and slipped her sai’s into her boots. Making sure she left the camp as clean as she found it Gabrielle headed for the nearest town.

Walking across the sand Gabrielle tried to remember what she learned from her previous trip to this sandy and legendary country with its many tales of great Pharaohs and Gods. Gabrielle loved to learn stories and legends, and being in Egypt would give her that opportunity. Sure she would still fight, but only when necessary. It just did not seem as important without Xena by her side. They were a team, and with Xena gone, her heart just could not go on alone.

Maybe this new town and a different country are just what I need Gabrielle thought to herself. Arriving shortly before midday Gabrielle headed directly to the tavern. When she entered the establishment she got the sensation someone was watching her every move. Being cautious, and having learned from Xena, she chose the table in the corner and sat with her back to the wall. From this vantage point she could see the entrance and all the patrons. The tavern appeared fairly popular as most of the tables were occupied and everyone seemed to enjoy the food and company. All but one.

A red cloak hid most of the stranger's features but Gabrielle could feel eyes penetrating her, seeming to look straight into her soul. Not one to be intimidated Gabrielle met the strangers gaze with challenging green eyes. When the figure rose and approached Gabrielle realized it was and elderly woman. Her gait was slow and measured and Gabrielle immediately felt guilty. Her gaze softened and she invited the old woman to join her. Though Gabrielle suspected the woman would take a seat anyway.

Looking relieved the woman sat down, and without prompting, began to speak. "Your name is Gabrielle. You have come from a far off land. You have lost much and hurt deeply. I can help you."

Startled Gabrielle tried to absorb all that this mysterious stranger just said. She swallowed hard and muttered "What? Who…?"

"Who am I?" The lady offered. Her eyes sparkled when she saw the perplexed look on Gabrielle’s face.

Weird, Gabrielle thought, given the dim lighting of their surroundings.

"Yes, who are you? How do you know my name? How do you know about my travels?" Gabrielle asked in a rush.

"One thing at a time my young friend," the woman replied calmly. "First we eat then I will take you to my place and you will understand everything."

Impatient and anxious Gabrielle nodded and they ate in silence. Finally, with the meal consumed and the bill paid, they headed out of town.

The woman led the way to a modest dwelling on the outskirts of the village. It was only large enough for one person to live comfortably, and Gabrielle felt a pang of sympathy for the woman.

"Now don’t you be feelin’ sorry for me. I get along just fine." The lady seemed to read Gabrielle’s thoughts. Her reply was honest and without regret.

"So now are you going to tell me how you know so much?" Gabrielle asked.

"My name is Hepsa. I am a Truth Sayer. I am given information about people who need my help. I knew from the moment you came into the tavern you needed some healing." Hepsa paused for this information to sink in.

Gabrielle pondered this revelation and replied, "That is all well and good but there is only one thing that could make me ‘heal’. That’s getting my friend, Xena, back."

Hepsa noted the respect, pain and love with which Gabrielle spoke Xena’s name. Though she only spoke the name it was as if it came from her soul, the very essence of her being.

"There is a bond between you two stronger than any I have ever known. I see it in your eyes and heard it when you spoke her name."

Fresh tears wet Gabrielle’s face and blurred her vision. She wiped them with the back of her hand and asked, "So what can you do about that?"

"Listen very carefully to me, as you and your friends future depend on it." Hepsa’s voice became solemn as she queried, "How long ago was the body burned?" She pointed to the urn in Gabrielle’s grasp.

"Two weeks."

"All right then listen to me carefully. Go to the Nile River and pray for help. Place the ashes in the running water and wait. Take this with you as well. You will know when to open it." She placed a small leather pouch in Gabrielle’s outstretched hand. It was so light Gabrielle thought it was empty. Hepsa stood up and headed out the door.

"That’s it!" Gabrielle exclaimed in disbelief. "That’s all I have to do to get Xena back?!"

Hepsa paused and replied without turning, "Safe journey my young one, I wish you well."

With that she disappeared out the door and was gone when Gabrielle reached the threshold. Filled with wonder and hope she thought she would never feel again, Gabrielle started off on her journey to the Nile and a reunion of a lifetime.

~ X&G ~

Gabrielle’s travels went uneventful, and she reached her destination within a few days. Not unexpected as her only company was dust, sand and hot sun. She did notice that the towns and villages got more populated the closer she got to the source of life in this barren country. The pyramids were awesome giants as they loomed on the horizon. Gabrielle was awe struck by the workmanship of the structures and their sheer size and presence. Maybe I’ll study them when this is all over, Gabrielle thought to herself as she entered the city of Alexandria. With a quick stop at the tavern to clean up and eat Gabrielle stowed her gear and headed for the Nile.

Coming into view was the most magnificent sight Gabrielle could ever remembering seeing. The area close to the river grew green and lush. Crops rose from the soil in abundance and went as far as the eye could see. The waters ran fast and clean giving life to all. Aqueducts carried water into the cities and surrounding farms providing a source of nourishment to the parched land. Gabrielle knew that in this delta area the water kept everything from disappearing from the land.

Finding a spot on the river that ran smoothly, Gabrielle reached into her sack and removed the urn. Her hand brushed up against the small pouch given to her by Hepsa. The sun kissed Gabrielle’s face and she shut her eyes in its warm embrace. Visions of Xena danced in the red darkness behind closed eyes. Now, something seemed to say. Now is the time.

~ X&G ~

Sitting on the bank of the Nile Gabrielle slowly opened the leather pouch and pulled a folded piece of papyrus from its belly. What she found there sent Gabrielle’s mind reeling and made her grateful for the solid ground beneath her. The handwriting was Xena’s!!! The words so beautiful Gabrielle thought her heart would burst.

Tears of joy and anguish streamed down Gabrielle’s face and fell on the paper in her trembling hands. The words helped ease the ache in Gabrielle’s soul and gave her one more loving memory of her friend. She tenderly folded the poem and tucked it back into its pouch.

Maybe now I am ready to say good-bye Xena. Now ‘I’ have ‘your’ words to comfort me.

Gentle warm winds ruffled Gabrielle's hair away from her face and dried her tears as she placed the urn in the waters of the Nile and prayed. Suddenly a golden light filled the air and a gentle voice fell on Gabrielle's ears.

"My child what are you doing?"

Startled Gabrielle looked up into the face of a goddess. "I am saying goodbye to my friend. She was ripped from my life and now I have to say goodbye."

The Goddess saw the agony in Gabrielle’s eyes but she also saw more. She saw into Gabrielle’s soul. The torment and even guilt about her soul-mates death. Gentle she cupped Gabrielle’s face and stopped her hand from dumping the ashes. Looking into fiery green eyes she coaxed, "Tell me what happened."

Grief and pain stabbed Gabrielle as memories of that horrible day came rushing back to her. "We were in Japa and Xena…."

"Yes," Gabrielle spat defensively.

Seeing the glare in Gabrielle’s eyes the Goddess quickly added, "I am sorry, I meant no offense, it’s just that I heard about her through the stories passed down by Cleopatra and her people. They were grateful for what the two of you did for them when their queen was murdered."

"I am pleased." Gabrielle replied.

"Please continue your story."

Gabrielle retold the story of that fateful day when Xena sacrificed herself and died a warrior's death. She told of the mutilation that happened to Xena’s body and the final battle between Xena and Lord Yidoshi. When she came to the part where Xena said goodbye the tears fell like rain down her face. Painful sobs racked Gabrielle's body and she sank to the ground by the waters of the Nile.

"Why did you not bring her back? The spring was right behind you."

"In order to give the souls vengeance and allow them to rest in peace Xena had to remain dead." Gabrielle stated flatly.

"Maybe that is as it should be…"

"What are you saying." Gabrielle looked wide-eyed at the deity in front of her. "Xena was the best friend I ever had. She was evil once, but she changed. She fought for the greater good. Her whole life has been about making amends for her past. She did that when she released those souls. She should not…" Gabrielle stopped when she saw the look of sympathy and compassion on the Goddess’s face.

"My child, I understand everything. I too lost a loved one. I know how that makes the heart ache and you can barely face the day, much less the rest of your life. Let me finish what I was going to say."

Gabrielle nodded and met the Goddess’s gaze with grief filled eyes.

"Her death was as it should be, but you are right, you two belong together and we are going to do something about it."

Those last words from the goddess lifted Gabrielle’s spirit and she felt lighter for the first time in weeks. Finally, as if really seeing the Goddess for the first time, Gabrielle asked "Who are you?"

"My name is Isis." The Goddess revealed.

"Isis." Gabrielle let the name slide on her tongue and past her lips. "What are we going to do?"

"Do you think you can trust me Gabrielle?" The goddess asked in all seriousness. "This will not work if you don’t."

Looking deeply into the Goddess’s powerful gaze she answered, "I trust you."

At that moment Isis took the urn from Gabrielle’s hand and lifted of the lid. She slowly bent down and tilted the urn on its side dumping the ashes into the flowing water. Gabrielle watched as the remains of her friend seemed swallowed by the Nile. Soon there was no evidence that anything had happened. When Gabrielle looked up Isis was gone. Xena was nowhere in sight. What did I just do, Gabrielle thought with terror.

~ X&G ~

Rising slowly from her position by the bank Gabrielle felt a presence, a welcoming and familiar presence. Turning slowly and not truly believing her intuition she kept her gaze on the ground.

"Gabrielle." A husky voice called. "Gabrielle, look at me. Please."

Lifting her gaze from the ground her eyes landed on the most beautiful face in the world. Crystal blue eyes met moist, sparkling green ones.

"Xena, is that really you? Are you really back?" Her voice filled with longing and emotion.

"Yes, I am really here. We are back." Powerful, loving arms pulled Gabrielle close and the soul-mates sank into each other.

Pulling away green eyes sought blue ones for the second time and this time it was Xena who was crying. She allowed the tears to fall unashamedly down her face and Gabrielle brushed them away.

"It's going to be okay now. I promise." The determination in Gabrielle’s voice and expression told the warrior not to argue.

~ X&G ~

Later that night as the soul-mates sat by the fire Gabrielle pulled the leather pouch from her pack. She glanced over at Xena, on the other side of the fire. Just as it should be, Gabrielle thought.

"Xena?" The bard called out softly.

"Hmm…" Xena looked up from her chakram. She had been polishing it and cleaning her armor.

"When did you write this? How did it get into that woman’s possession?" Gabrielle gestured to the papyrus in her hand.

"I don’t know how Hep….", Xena caught herself, but not before Gabrielle’s astonished expression and open mouth gave away the fact that the slip did not go unnoticed. Mischievous and sparkling aquarium eyes looked deeply into loving, green orbs.

"Xena, how did you know about her?", Gabrielle asked in astonishment. Xena’s only response was a breath-taking smile and a glance to the heavens.

END