The dark-haired woman cradled her blonde companion in her arms, gazing down at her sleeping face. Moon and firelight reflected and played on the girl's skin, causing the shadows to dance and flicker. Xena brushed her fingers softly over the girl's cheek and pushed an errant strand of reddish-gold hair back from her forehead. She noticed with an inaudible sigh of relief that the fever seemed to be lifting; there was a fine sheen of sweat on Gabrielle's forehead. Xena leaned across Gabrielle's body and swirled a washcloth around in a bowl of cool water, squeezing out the excess and applying it gently to the girl's forehead. The soothing water seemed to have the desired effect; the blonde girl gave a tiny sigh, smiled in her sleep and nestled deeper into Xena's embrace.
Tears sprang to Xena's eyes at the trusting nature of her friend. The idea that I can have that effect on someone... She shook her head, caught in her thoughts. Wasn't too long ago when one like Gabrielle would have fled from my touch, fought my grasp... because not too long ago the only ones I embraced this way were conquered men that I took to my bed. She wiped away a tear angrily. I will not cry again. I do too much of that already. She tightened her embrace on the girl, bent over her and dropped a soft kiss on the damp forehead. Xena rested her forehead on Gabrielle's, eyes closed, thankful to be near her and feel her warmth. And Xena, whose normal attitude toward the gods was disinterest at best, and outright antipathy at worst, sighed a breath of relief and heartfelt prayer.
Thanks be to whatever gods take an interest in these piddling human affairs that she was sent to me. Thank you for the gift of this beautiful girl.