Actually, the violence did seem over the top--it was kind of amazing that Gabrielle was still standing (let alone alive)

Yeah, I was halfway expecting a reveal that Gabrielle was actually a vampire, or immortal because no one could survive all of that and still fight much less stand. Or talk. Still, it was one hell of a story. And yes, I agree there should be a fluffy epilogue with the two of them bandaged from head to toe sipping the Hellenic version of pina coladas while telling each other exactly what they plan to do to each other (sexually) when they've recuperated... in six months. You can see why I don't write fic anymore :)