Chapter 2 - Callisto in Illusia: Scene 2


                                                    Callisto in Illusia
                                                        by Volpone

                                                          Scene 2:


          Gabrielle had recounted many of the tales of the gods, including many of the adventures she and
Xena had in encountering them. He was the perfect audience, attentive, reacting as she wanted him to,
waiting until she had finished to ask questions, which were always relevant. She could tell from his
speech, his questions and observations, even the look in his eyes, that he was intelligent. He also laughed
at her jokes, smiled easily, was generally charming in the extreme.
          At one point, Gabrielle found herself asking, "One thing I don't quite understand... when Xena's
around, most men barely seem to know I'm alive. But you seemed... unimpressed by her, and I know
how beautiful she is. I can see it with my own eyes. But you're sitting here in the fire-light talking to me
instead. Why?" She wasn't usually this forward with men, but she found that she liked this strange
Hibernian with his musical voice and friendly manner. She found it easy to confide in him things she
would never tell some man she had just met.
          "Is my company so unwanted then?" he asked.
          "NO!" She quieted her voice quickly, hoping not to awaken Xena. "It's just that most men seem
to be uninterested in spending time with me when she's around. I'm just not used to being the center of
attention."
          He nodded. "She's a beautiful woman. She has an animal sensuality and strength that is very
attractive. But do you think yourself any less beautiful? Any man who's led you to think so has no eyes
to see, and no soul to hear. You're fair and sweet, gentle and strong... and caring." He began to speak as
if seeing more than just what was before his eyes, as if he could see inside her. "You've been hurt deeply,
and feel the guilt of having hurt others. You've suffered loss that no one should have to know, but you've
had great joy as well. You love, and are loved. You are blessed with great purpose, and knowing what
your life should be. Most never know such purpose. Such things are magic to those who can see." He
took a deep breath and came back to himself.
          "Perhaps we should continue this tomorrow. We've all day to talk, and as much as I've loved
your tales, you need to get some rest."
          "Fionn..." On impulse, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. After a moment's
hesitation, he slid one arm around her and answered her kiss. Their mouth's opened and their tongues
danced against one another, and Gabrielle's breath quickened in response to her body's speeding pulse.
          After a few moments, Fionn broke the kiss and said, "Gabrielle... bed."
          She smiled up at him and replied suggestively, "That's actually what I had in mind."
          He smiled at her, but shook his head. "Sleep. Alone. I've got to keep watch."
          "Can't you keep watch while we..."
          He chuckled, delighted at her interest. "No. I can hardly keep an eye out while giving you all my
attention, and you would deserve nothing less. But you don't know who I am yet, or what I am unable to
give. We have another day or two together, at least. Patience is one of the things I learned in the east."
          He tucked her into her bedroll, leaned down, and kissed her on the forehead.
          "Now, sleep."
          She gave a slightly exasperated sigh and snuggled into her bedroll... alone. Stiff-necked,
honorable, conscientious, duty-struck, stubborn... her litany continued for a moment before he
interrupted her thoughts.
          "And Gabrielle..."
          She grunted in a non-committal manner. "Hmm?"
          "Thank you for the sweet offer. I'm honored. And more than a wee bit flattered."
          She huffed, rolled over, and said nothing, but smiled smugly as she drifted off to sleep.


