'Twas the night before solstice, and all through the village
Not a peasant was stirring, due to rumor of pillage;
The weapons were stacked close at hand with great care,
For fear that fierce Draco soon would be there;
The children were shivering, wide awake in their beds,
While visions of bloodshed reeled in their heads;
And my partner with a moon-dial, and me with my Swatch,
Had just taken our posts for a long evening's watch,
When out past the wall there arose such a clatter,
I raced down the streets to see what was the matter.
Away to the entrance I shot like a star,
Threw open the gates and drew back the bar.
The silver rays of Selene on the rugged terrain
Turned night into day, and darkness in vain,
When, what to my terrified gaze should appear,
But a mounted rider; and it was quite clear,
By the edge of her blade--for I never saw keener--
I knew in a moment it had to be Xena. --- kiwi pronunciation :)
From the edge of the wood, a second figure came,
And my hunch was confirmed when Xena called her by name;
"All right, Gabrielle, I want you to stay here,
So when trouble arrives, you'll be safe; is that clear?"
"Stop treating me like a child," the young bard replied;
"Whether you like it or not, I'll fight at your side!"

Beneath the starlight, distant spear-points did glitter;
Xena watched the army's approach, her gaze growing bitter;
As they drew near the gates, she saw by whom they were led;
In glistening armor, Draco rode at their head.
He caught sight of Xena and lifted his hand,
Signalling the halt to his warrior band.
"Xena," he greeted her, "It's been quite a while."
"It's been since Amphipolis," she agreed with a smile.
He scowled at her words, and my heart skipped a beat,
For it's dangerous to mention a warlord's defeat!
"If you'll not join me," he said, "stand aside.
I'm taking the village, and won't be denied."
Her eyes -- how they sparkled! How exceedingly blue!
The trail of broken hearts, it's surely all true!
As she vaulted from Argo and drew her sword free,
To utter her challenge, I watched with great glee.
"Draco," she called, "We've done this before.
For the sake of this village, shall we try it once more?"
The warlord dismounted, and said, "It's a deal.
But no platforms, no staves; just you, me and steel!"
Back and forth they did duel, swordplay rang in the air;
Gabrielle kept watch, to make sure they fought fair.
Then a feint; Draco lunged toward her, and stumbled;
But Xena's blade was a blur, and down Draco tumbled.
His men moved forward and Gabrielle raised her staff;
The warlord rose then and bowed, with a brief rueful laugh.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his horse,
And turned his men 'round on a new homeward course.
And sheathing her sword, Xena spied my stunned face,
And the Warrior Princess reacted with grace.
She winked once and smiled, said, "Come on, Gabrielle.
It's time we were leaving, so wish them all well."
And I heard Gab exclaim, as they rode out of sight,
"HAPPY SOLSTICE TO ALL, AND TO EVERY XENITE!"

Best wishes to everyone for a joyous holiday season!

- Jacqueline