Xena, standing silent in the shadows, watched the two warriors move around the camp. She wasn't convinced it was her friends until she heard the whispered words she had treasured in her most secret depths.
Soul Sister. Although they had not been born of the same parents, each had considered the other a part of themselves. Only Mitch & Kat would remember such a thing. So when the tall redhead called for her to step forward, Xena knew it was time. Time to face the first friends she had ever had.
***
"My intentions are entirely dependent on yours, Kat."
Xena strode forward without fear, emerging from the shadows and boldly meeting her friend in the firelight.
"It's been a long time, little one."
Mitch knew Xena on sight. Her eyes were the same stunning blue as she remembered in childhood, eyes that no one could deny. So without reservation, she stepped closer and clasped her arm. Xena smiled brightly and pulled her close for a hug.
"Mitch! By the gods, you've changed!"
Mitch enthusiastically hugger her back and replied, "What did you expect?"
Both women laughed and turned to where Kat stood quietly. She looked straight into Xena's eyes, an unusual occurence for either female.
"Hello Kat. Are you going to welcome me as well?"
Xena could see her reservations and wanted to put her long-lost friend at ease.
"You do know it's me, don't you Kat?"
Kat affirmatively replied, "Oh, yes. I know it's you, Xena. What I'm wondering is, will I be able to trust you not to put your dagger in my back?"
"Kat!" Mitch scolded, but Xena held up her hand to warn her off.
"I take it you've heard the stories."
Kat's eyebrow cocked questioningly, but waited for Xena to continue.
"They are mostly true. I did cause a great deal of destruction. But I've changed. I try to help people now, not hurt them. And I would never, NEVER attack from a blind side. I prefer a face to face battle with my apponents, so you need not fear for your safety."
Tossing a tendril of red hair back over her shoulder, Kat quietly replied, "That's all I wanted to hear, my friend."
As they hugged, both recalled childhood memories, happier days before their trio had been split up.
"I think it's time we all have a little talk. We need to discuss where we've been," Mitch looked at Xena with a smile, "and where we're going."
Mitch and Kat's smiles both faded at her ominous words. This was more than a simple reunion, and both knew it. As the three were preparing to sit down at the fireside, a loud scrambling in the brush behind Mitch startled them.
Mitch grabbed her staff and swung with all her might at the intruder, but her blow met with a brutal stop against another staff. A blonde head appeared, and within seconds, Gabrielle was standing in full view, staff ready for any challenge.
"Do you know this one, Xena? Or do we have a spy in our midst?"
Mitch had gone from a calm and collected figure to the very ideal of a fighter. Her stance was firm and her eyes glittered from anticipation.
"No Mitch. Gabrielle is with me."
As Mitch withdrew her staff and resumed her seat, Xena approached her best friend and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"It's all right. this is Kat and Mitch. I'd like for you to meet them."
Gabrielle was still wary of the tow and asked softly, "Are you sure you can trust them, Xena?"
Xena smiled. "With my life. And yours too."
Gabrielle understood Xena's unspoken words and laid her doubts to rest. She wanted there to be no quarrel between those she cared about, and Gabrielle wasn't about to be the one to cause a conflict.
"This is my best friend, Gabrielle. She's the one that helped me change for the better."
Each stared at the other for long seconds, nobody wanteing to make the first move. Until Kat saw the look in Xena's eyes. A gradual sorrow had entered their liquid depths, and she wanted to stop it before it went farther. Coming to her feet, she stepped forward and offered her hand.
"Be welcome, Gabrielle. Any friend of Xena's is a friend of ours."
When Gabrielle and Xena both smiled, she knew she had made the right choice. Mitch was glad her friend had made the first move, and with her usual composed way, drew them back to their purpose.
"Come, all of you. We have much to discuss and time is our enemy."
