DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Joxer the Mighty
Gabrielle - The Bard of Poteidia
Euronia - Mother of Minerva
Arides - Father of Minerva
Olmer - Friend of Minerva

Genres: X:WP drama
Violence : Only emotional!
Sex : Sex no, love yes!
Language : Some cursing!
Rating : PG-13
Subtext : None.
Spoilers : None.

Part I - A Summer's Day

Gabrielle opened her eyes and gazed into the brightening dawn sky.

...so blue... she thought, and sighed.

She rolled over onto her side and startled Joxer. He had been watching her, enrapt, as she slept.

...staring... she thought uncharitably.

Almost unbidden, her ire rose. She bit back her angry words, knowing they would wound him, and not for the first time, not wanting to hurt him.

...why does he have to do that...i hate it when he does that...i don't know why...i just do... her thoughts angry red bursts.

Rolling back onto her back, she closed her eyes again and counted to ten.

"Uh...Gabby....", Joxer said softly, "I don't think you should go back to sleep. We really shoud get going."

She ignored him, exhaled noisily and sat up, crossing her legs into the lotus position. Laying her hands, palm up on her knees, she began to meditate. Her thoughts were a roiling turmoil.

...peace...love...harmony ... why can't he just shut up ... Peace...Love...Harmony ... he's always yammering and trying to get my attention ... PeacE...LovE...HarmonY ... why can't he just leave me and Xena alone ... PEACE...LOVE...HARMONY...

She could hear him rustling around the campsite, gathering things up and packing. He was trying to be extra quiet about it too. She started her breathing exercises.

...breathe out...breathe in...bad out...good in...

A clang, a bang and a rattle slammed through her head. Her eyes snapped open, but she kept her sight forward. She knew if she even looked at his whipped puppy eyes and hopeful expression that her resolve to spare his feelings would be thrust away. She gritted her teeth and held her breath. All was quiet.

"Sorry Gabby." said Joxer, his voice a mere whisper.

She could almost hear the whine in his voice; a whine that said - don't beat me mistress - - don't hurt me mistress - - i'll be good - - i'll be very good -. Knowing that most probably these thoughts were going through the would be warrior's head made her feel sad all of a sudden. How could she be cruel to him anymore than she already had been. He'd been through so much in his life. She shocked herself by thinking that he was like Xena in many ways. Memories of Joxer's tales of his family life surfaced. She bit the insides of her lips to stop herself from crying.

It wasn't the tales that he had told her and Xena around the campfires they had shared, it was the things he had told Xena alone, when he had thought Gabrielle to be asleep, that were haunting her now. For all that he loved her, or so Minerva had told her, he still kept certain things from her. Probably to spare her feelings. She hated that he would do that. Her life with Xena had hardened her to the horrors of life.

The thought of Minerva umanned her as she thought of the girl's blue eyes. The color of this morning's sky, so blue and full of love and sorrow. Gabrielle tried to push the girl from her thoughts, but Minerva wouldn't go. Especially since she and Joxer were travelling to tell the girl's parents of her death.

Gabrielle's heart began to hurt as she thought of the scrolls they had found in her pack. The young woman, so in love with Joxer, had splurged her hard earned dinars on reams and reams of parchment. And in a hand that was scholar perfect, she had recorded all her thoughts and feelings about Joxer. The little bard bowed her head to hide the tears she felt raining down her cheeks as she remembered Minerva's dying words and the diary of scrolls that explained so much.

Part II - Isn't It Romantic

Minerva's Diary - Letters to Aphrodite

Dear Aphrodite - Goddess of Love,

I have been searching for my beloved for three weeks now. I am hot on his trail. He has left the company of that terribly charming, but ultimately boring King of the Thieves (I found this out later, after I left the Palace at Cypress. I asked around in the marketplace and there were plenty of people who told me. Something should be done about the thief's charisma. I'm sure he has stolen and broken many a heart while stealing the jewels from around a lady's neck. Honestly, Aphrodite, I don't mean to tell you how to do your job, but it just doesn't seem right! Anway, back on topic.).

I was glad to hear that he and Autolycos had parted company. Unfortunately, I found out he only went in search of his beloved Gabrielle. I don't know why he loves her. I have been asking around and many are glad to tell tales of the Warrior Princess and her little Bard friend. If I have to hear, one more time, about how wonderful and sweet and kind and whatever that little blonde is, I may scream and throttle the person who tells me. I can't believe that a woman who hates men the way She does, would or could hold the attention of such a darling man as my Joxer.

I have heard tales about him too. Some of them were not so nice. Some people seem to think he is only a joke, only there to make us laugh. I can't believe that so few see the good in him, and the kindness and of course his beauty that shows in his eyes and his smile. They say he is a wicked warlord's son, but I can't believe it. He doesn't seem the warlord type. I picture him like this.

He is a .... silk merchant..no, wait...a toy maker. Yes, a toy maker! And he loves children. (He actually does Aphrodite. I heard tell that he once stole a baby and took care of him and everything and he also tells wonderful children's stories too. But then you know that Oh Goddess of Love, because you were there when you stole that little girl and Joxer had to tell her stories to keep her happy, not that I'm criticizing you Aphrodite, but I'm just saying that the people say that!) His toys are famous all over Greece. Kings and Queens beg him to come and make toys for their children. He is offered the ransom of gods for his toys, but he never charges more that an eigth of a dinar for every one. That way, all children can have something dear to play with. Anyway, that's how I see him.

I even know how we meet again. Of course I would never give away the day we first met. It was like he was a gift from the gods when he fell in on me like that. Maybe you sent him to me Aphrodite. I like to think you did. But, I'm rambling. Back to our second meeting (mine and Joxer's not mine and your's oh Goddess of Love).

I am in the marketplace of some strange town. I see gaggles of children racing through the stalls to get to this one place. Out of curiosity, I follow them. I too love children and can't wait to have some of my own little darlings. I arrive in a small intersection of aisles of merchandise. There is a little tree bearing cherry blossoms and a small stone gazebo. Inside the gazebo are a circle of benches. The children are clustered around, in and all over the benches and supports. I can just barely see the top of the head of an adult. His hair is dark brown and slightly touseled. Children are clustered all over him too and they are giggling and laughing. I smile at their joy and my heart is filled with a yearning so strong I feel weak. One of the children spots me looking faint, a tow-headed lad of about 6 or 7 years old. He points and cries out.

"That lady is going to faint, mister. Do something!" his piping voice rising above the twitter of the others.

The man turns his head, rising from his seat, dropping the sack in his hands to the ground. Our eyes meet, my heart stops and I know I will faint. The sight of such a handsome face, his eyes warm brown with flecks of gold, his mouth soft and sweet. I think I know him, but only his face is familiar. His clothes don't match the last time I saw him. He pushes his way gently through his youthful admirers to my side. He takes my arm and with a sweet look of concern he speaks to me.

"Are you all right miss?" he asks softly.

It is then in that moment, that I know where I know him from. I am amazed at his attire. No longer is he dressed as a half-baked warlord. Gone is the funny hat and the make-shift armor. The only remnant left is the scabbard and sword he wears at his side. I remember that they were his father's and it is only right that he keep them, for protection on the road if nothing else. I know it is Joxer the Mighty, except I can see past his shoulder the sack he dropped. It's contents spilling to the ground, I understand so much. He has forsaken the way of the warrior and is now a bringer of joy. All I know is that this meeting has brought joy into my life.

I smile at him and the clouds of concern on his brow disappear. They are replaced by the sun of his smile.

"I'm fine, I was just surprised to see you again and in such different circumstances." I murmur breathlessly.

His laughter rings out and my heart overflows with extreme joy. His hand at my elbow is thrilling and comforting and natural all at once.

"Yes, I know. Joxer the Mighty is now Joxer the Toymaker. It was a better way to spend my life than trying to be something I'm not, with people I don't belong with." his laugh is like the a waterfall and I laugh softly along with him.

"So, do you remember me?" I'll say, hoping that he does.

"Of course I do. It's Minerva, isn't it?" his smile broadens and a chuckle rumbles in his chest. "I met you at the Palace at Cypress with my friend, Autolycos. You very kindly rescued us from a fate at the hands of the guards."

I smile coquettishly, and he winks at me.

"I didn't think you'd remember." I look at him shyly from beneath lowered lashes.

"How could I forget." he will say.

Just then, his attention is pulled away by a tug at his tunic. We both look down to find a little dark eyed girl looking plaintively up at him.

"Excuthe me mithter." she lisps adorably, "but can we buy our toys now?"

With a tender smile at the little darling, he reaches down and picks her up. She shyly snuggles into his shoulder and my heartstrings play a note or two. I imagine him with our children.

"Of course little one." He chucks her under the chin and turns back to his seat and his sack of toys and of course his adoring customers.

He pauses before he sets the little girl down and looks up at me. With a smile he reaches out his hand and as if by magic, I give him mine. He bends low over it and brushes the backs of my fingers with his lips. I shiver with a heat I've never known. He then looks up at me and smiles softly.

"Can you wait while I serve my customers?" he almost whispers.

"I will." my voice the sound of butterflies wings.

He smiles and turns back to the clamoring children. I compose myself and find a seat nearby to watch him and wait for him.

This is what I dream of Aphrodite. This is what I pray to you for. Please, can you find a way to give me just a portion of this joy? Let him love me a little before I die? I am your servant Goddess of Love.

Obediently
Minerva

Part III - Bridge Over Troubled Waters

It was almost noon and Joxer was starving. He had some pears in his pack, and dearly wanted to stop for a moment to get one or two out, but he daren't ask Gabrielle. Ever since they had set out this morning, she had been more silent than usual. Even more so that right after Minerva's death. As he followed along behind her, he observed her body with a knowledgeable eye.

Her back was ramrod straight. Her arms swinging forcefully from her soft shoulders. Her steps were determined and the pace she had set them was almost a gruelling march. Joxer was sweating profusely from the exertions. His mouth felt full of paste. A nice juicy pear would go down well right now. Sighing, from frustration, as he looked at his beloved's unapproachable posture, he knew the pears would have to wait. He just hoped they would stop soon for a rest. As strong as Gabrielle was, even she couldn't keep this pace up idefinately. As he stumbled along behind her, he idly wondered what she was thinking about. He decided to catch up and risk asking her.

A few of his longer strides brought him into closer proximity with the little bard. He saw her neck stiffen as she heard him come up behind her. Screwing up his courage, he spoke.

"Gabrielle," his voice cracking, he cleared his throat, "Uh, Gabby...."

She whirled on him and he almost ran into her. The look of rage on her face made him go cold. He guessed their little truce since Grenvicia had just fallen apart. She grabbed him by his breastplate, and one of the straps snapped. Joxer grew afraid that she was about to go amazon on him.

"Don't call me that!" she snapped at him.

"Uh...what?" he stammered.

"Gabby!" her voice full of venom, "I hate it. And Gabs too! My name is Gabrielle and I know you are smart enough to know at least that."

She released him with a little push and was about to turn and continue marching, but he grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"Now wait a minute Gabrielle," and he stressed her name just that little bit extra as his frustration began to leak out. "You didn't have to say it like that. I know your name is Gabrielle and I'm not stupid. I am smart. Smarter than you think."

The little bard pulled her flashing eyes away from his and looked at his hand gripping her arm. She looked back at him, her normally warm blue eyes shedding ice. She yanked her arm from his grasp and put her hands on her hips, facing him.

"Smart huhn? Then I'll tell you this once. Don't call me 'Gabs' or 'Gabby' or any other nickname you think you can saddle me with. I don't like it and I never have. Okay?" her voice had reached such a loud pitch that the sounds of the forest had stopped.

"Okay!" he raised his voice back at her.

They glared at each other for a moment, both uncertain if the other would back down from this inevitable confrontation. Then the moment passed and Joxer grabbed at his sagging armor, tying the ends of the broken strap together. Gabrielle flared her nostrils at him for a moment as she regained her control and then stepped away a few paces, waiting for him to finish. Neither looked at each other.

After his armor was back in place, Joxer swung his pack off his shoulder and carefully undid it. Gabrielle stood by, tapping her foot impatiently, but saying nothing and still waiting. He rummaged around and found four of his hoard of pears. Pulling them out, he silently thrust two of them in the little bard's direction. Carefully, so as not to touch him, she plucked the proffered fruit from his hand and began to brush off invisible specks of dirt from their skin. Shaking his head, he silently closed the pack up, slung it back on his shoulder and bit deeply into one of his pears. Silently, he reveled in their sweet-tart juice as it ran into his mouth.

...these pears taste the way SHE treats me..sometimes sweet and sometimes sour...and this time i don't even know what i did...well, this time i'm not apologizing...i have nothing to apologize for...

With a flickering glance in his direction, Gabrielle began marching again.

"Let's keep going." she shot back over her shoulder, "I want to go a little farther before we stop and rest properly. Maybe find some water." her voice fading slowly as she moved off.

Joxer chewed thoughtfully as he picked up the pace and began ambling after her.

Half an hour later, the pears gone and Joxer's stomach grumbling for more, Gabrielles distant form stopped. He slowed as he watched her put her hands on her hips and then realized why. The sound he had been hearing for the last little while was the sound of running water. They had reached a stream and she was waiting for him. He jangled to a stop beside her and looked down the steep embankment to the "stream" below them.

"That's a pretty swift river for a stream." he quipped, hoping against hope to lighten her mood a little.

Stony silence met his remark. Gabrielle leaned out over the water and looked upriver. Then, not seeing what she was looking for, she pushed him out of the way and did the same thing downstream.

"Hmmm...I can't see anything either way." she muttered more to herself than to him.

"What are you looking for, Gab..rielle?" he stuttered over her name, but finished it completely. This earned him a soft snort, but no retort.

"I'm looking for a bridge or some other way to cross this...this...raging river." she thrust her hand, palm up at the deep, rushing water.

Joxer looked around and saw something small, wooden and too regularly shaped to be mere discarded branches. He walked over to it, reached down and turned over what appeared to be a small plank. There was writing on the other side as he picked it up and brought it closer to read it. It was a sign, saying 'BRIDGE' and an arrow pointing left. He brought it over to Gabrielle.

Silently, he handed it to her and then she looked both left and right and then threw the sign down in disgust. With a sigh, she went and sat on a flat rock nearby. Joxer looked at her sadly.

...she's only here because of me...and that girl...minera...minoa...min...minerva...she's tired and frustrated and upset because of what this trip is about...she's upset because it's me she has to travel with and not her precious Xena...she's upset because we don't know in which direction the bridge lies...

Joxer gathered his courage and knelt down in front of her.

"Why don't I go look upstream and you wait here." he said gently. Gabrielle looked sharply up at him. "You stay here in case another traveller comes along and you can ask where the bridge is. This way, we kill two birds with one stone and neither of us gets lost and we don't waste time finding each other if the other one finds the bridge first."

A puzzled look came over Gabrielle's face and the ran her hand over her eyes.

"That's a good idea Joxer. A really good idea." she said, her voice as puzzled as her eyes.

Pleased with himself that he was able to prove to her that he was smart and to do something to help her, he stood up dropped his pack at her feet.

"There's more pears in there if you're still hungry. Plus my pack won't slow me down. I'll be back as quick as I can." he almost sounded chipper.

The little bard gave him an inscrutable look and then opened his pack and rooted around for a pear. Satisfied, Joxer straighted his armor and set off upstream. He glanced back once just to see if she was okay, and he saw her pulling a scroll from Minerva's pack. He didn't understand what she saw in someone else's scrolls when she had her own to write. With a shrug, he turned and was off upstream.

Continue >>>