ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Warrior...Princess...Bard

by Mickie Wright

Warning: Only slight violence here....friendship focus....just a light hearted tale. Comments are welcomed and very much appreciated as this is my first attempt at fanfic. E-mail me @ fishbard@hotmail.com.

From where she stood Gabrielle had a good view of the fight. With her attacker safely rendered harmless, Gabrielle leaned on her staff and watched as Xena dispatched the remaining four attackers. Gabrielle never tired of watching Xena in action, her amazing skills and feats of strength always left her with a feeling of awe. At times it was almost amusing how she would toy with them before delivering the punishing blows. While Gabrielle never enjoyed the times Xena was forced to kill, she knew it was only done when absolutely necessary.

After a brief time, Xena remained standing while the four attackers were strewn about like discarded laundry. With a smug smile she returned her sword to it’s proper place, then approached the watching Gabrielle.

“What’s that look for?” Xena asked.

“What look?”

“That look. The one that tells me you’re deep in thought over something.” Xena said stepping over Gabrielle’s assailant.

“I was just wondering what it would be like to be you.”

“That’s already happened.” Xena said, remembering back to the time when she had nearly died. Thankfully she had been able to possess Gabrielle’s body and retrieve the needed ambrosia.

“Yeah, but that was just for a short time,” she said, getting in stride with Xena.

“Gabrielle, I must say you choose the strangest topics to occupy your mind.” Xena paused a moment then picked up a mid size rock. Without breaking stride she flung the rock over her shoulder causing it to land squarely atop the head of the man who had been attempting to sneak up on them. Gabrielle turned in time to watch him fall over sideways out cold.

“See, like that,” Gabrielle said excitedly, “how are you able to sense these things?” Returning her gaze forward, she added, “Just once I’d like to be able to do something like that.”

“Gabrielle, it’s not all what it’s cracked up to be,” Xena said as she made her way to the awaiting Argo. “Besides, you do some pretty amazing things yourself.”

“Oh yeah, let me see.” Gabrielle thought a moment. “Oh, I can wow them with my cooking abilities or talk them into a stupor with one of my stories.” Her voice was thick with sarcasm.

“You know that’s not true.” Xena said, mounting her horse then extending her arm to assist Gabrielle. “You’ve proven yourself quite proficient with that staff.”

Gabrielle accepted her hand and swung up onto Argo taking her usual spot behind Xena. “I know what you’re saying Xena, but there are times when I think being you would be....well, kinda exciting.”

“Gabrielle please, can we talk about something else,” Xena asked, nudging Argo onward, “like what you’re going to cook for dinner?”

“Alright, enough Xena worship,” Gabrielle agreed, giving her a quick squeeze. “As for dinner, I guess what ever you catch or kill for us.”

“Fair enough. Let’s put some distance between us and them and then we’ll look for a place to make camp for the night.” Xena suggested, noticing that some of the men were starting to show signs of waking.

The two casually chatted throughout the journey, their topics following no specific pattern. Each enjoyed the company and the comfortable familiarity they shared.

Not long before nightfall they came upon a quiet meadow sheltered in the distance by a towering rock slide. A small stream snaked through the meadow and from where they stood Xena could make out signs of fish.

“This looks like a good spot for the evening.” Xena said, helping Gabrielle to dismount Argo. Then, joining her off the horse, Xena lead Argo to a gathering of trees.

“There you go girl,” she said, letting go of the reigns, “I’ll be back settle you in.” Xena removed the bedrolls and bags with their supplies before making her way over to Gabrielle, who had already chosen a spot to call camp.

“Looks like fish for dinner.” Gabrielle said, glancing over to the stream. “I’ll set up here if you’d like to go work your magic on the fish.”

“Ok, but give me a yell if you need anything.” Xena said, removing a small pouch from her main supply bag. She then made her way to the stream and the awaiting trout.

Gabrielle skillfully set up their gear, then dug the fire pit. Knowing Xena would be engrossed in her task, she set out to gather firewood for the evening.

Gathering as she went, Gabrielle found herself at the base of the rock slide. Taking in the scenery, her gaze fell on a clump of bushes some 25 feet above her. Recognizing them to be wild raspberry bushes, she set aside the wood and began the task of climbing. Her mind set on reaching the fruit, Gabrielle ignored the growing darkness.

Reaching their location, Gabrielle discovered that they were growing on a narrow ledge that left little room for anything else. Not one to give up easily, Gabrielle inched her way closer to the bushes, her mind set on having a sweet dessert for the end of the evening.

Planting her feet as best she could and clutching on to a boulder with her left hand, Gabrielle reached out with her right arm in hopes of plucking from the bushes the obviously ripe berries.

Without warning her feet slipped from the ledge and she found herself free falling. Calling out, Gabrielle was quickly quieted when her fall was abruptly halted by a flat boulder approximately 15 feet below her. Landing on her stomach, Gabrielle was immediately rendered unconscious.

From her fishing spot at the stream, Xena was able to hear Gabrielle’s cry followed by the sudden silence. The sound appeared to come from somewhere behind her current location. Wasting no time, Xena put aside her fishing supplies and raced off in the direction of the sound.

“Gabrielle!” Xena called out. Waiting momentarily for a response and getting none, she quickly scanned the area. Seeing no obvious signs of her companion, Xena continued on, hoping to locate Gabrielle before it became too dark to see.

Within moments she found herself at the base of the rock slide. On the ground was a pile of firewood. Guessing it to be Gabrielle’s, Xena then tried to guess where her friend might have gone.

“Gabrielle!” Xena glanced all around then cast her gaze upwards. What she saw made her heart momentarily stop. Above her 10 feet, Xena could make out Gabrielle’s arm. “Hang on Gabrielle!” Xena called out as she climbed the short distance to her friend. Within moments she was kneeling beside Gabrielle, finding her face down. Taking a moment to check the area for possible foes, Xena then carefully rolled her onto her back. Gabrielle offered a soft moan but did not awaken as Xena carefully assessed her injuries. Her most obvious injury was that to her head, Xena found a three inch cut above her right eye that was bleeding freely down the side of her face. Having nothing with her to stop the bleeding, Xena only wanted to get her back to camp without further delay. Carefully lifting her up, Xena cradled her in strong arms. Then, pressing Gabrielle securely against her chest, Xena stepped off the ledge and landed skillfully on the ground below.

Reaching their camp, Xena gently placed Gabrielle down on her bedroll. After gathering the needed supplies, Xena went about the task of caring for Gabrielle’s wound. Once the cut was cleaned and cared for, Xena wrapped her head in a clean cloth after applying a healing lotion. Aside from some bruising and small scrapes, Gabrielle appeared to have no other outward injuries. Feeling she could do no more for Gabrielle at this point, Xena covered her with a fur then plotted out her next course of action.

Knowing that a fire was needed, Xena went about the task of gathering wood, being careful to stay within sight of Gabrielle just in case her condition changed. Completing this task, Xena quickly built a fire, then checked on the unconscious bard. Sensing no change, she whistled for Argo, wanting to attend to the horse’s needs as well. Removing Argo’s saddle, Xena brushed her out, keeping one eye on the task and the other on Gabrielle.

“Ok girl,’ Xena said to Argo, scratching her jaw line, “stay close tonight.” Argo snorted in response then slowly walked off towards the sweet grass she had been dining on earlier.

Having no appetite, Xena elected to forgo the fishing, wanting only to be close at hand for Gabrielle. Xena guessed Gabrielle’s head wound to be quite serious and prayed that her friend would awaken soon. Having no idea how long she would be in this condition, Xena prepared for a long night of watching and worrying.

Gabrielle’s condition remained unchanged throughout the evening and into the next morning. It wasn’t until mid afternoon that she begin to show signs of waking. At first she made only soft moaning sounds. Xena stayed close by, willing Gabrielle to wake up and be alright. Then suddenly, Gabrielle began to thrash about as though she were fighting off some unseen attacker. Not wanting her to further injure herself, Xena held Gabrielle’s arm while offering soothing words in hopes of calming her. After a few minutes Gabrielle stopped her struggling and fell quiet once again. Looking down on to her face, Xena saw that her eyes were beginning to flutter then watched as they slowly opened.

“Oh thank the Gods.” Xena said quietly, overcome by an intense feeling of relief. “Gabrielle can you hear me?”

Gabrielle slowly turned her gaze upwards so that she was looking into Xena’s face, her expression was that of confusion. “Gabrielle what is it, what’s wrong?”

“Why are you calling me that?” She asked in a whisper voice, her eyes closed in hopes of blocking out the intense pain she was feeling.
“Calling you what?” Xena asked surprised by her statement.

“Gabrielle.” She said weakly. “I’m Xena.”

Stunned by her comment, Xena found herself momentarily speechless. “I ...I just....what did you say?”

“Gabrielle, what’s wrong with you?” Gabrielle said, forcing her eyes open so she could look on Xena. “It’s me, Xena.”

“No, Gabrielle listen, you had a fall and you hit your head,” Xena explained, trying to help Gabrielle make sense of her situation. “You’re just a little confused right now.”

“What are you talking about?” Gabrielle asked, agitated as she fought against the searing pain she felt behind her eyes. “I’m Xena....I’m...” She stopped as the pain became unbearable.

“Gabri...Xena just relax,” she said quickly, “just try to rest.”

Gabrielle closed her eyes and after a few minutes she was deep asleep, Xena watched as her facial expression relaxed. “That’s it, just sleep now.” Xena watched her sleep awhile trying to sort out what had just taken place. Sensing that Gabrielle truly believed that she was her, Xena thought it best to go along as she did not want to cause any further emotional discomfort.

Several hours passed before Gabrielle awoke. Xena watched as she slowly became aware of her surroundings.

“Hey you,” Xena greeted her, “how are you feeling?”

“I’d be a lot better if I could just remove my head for a bit.” She said meekly.

“Here, drink this.” Xena said slipping her arm beneath Gabrielle’s shoulder so she could elevate her just a bit. “This will help you with your pain.” She said holding a cup with a special herb mixture to her lips. Gabrielle took several sips then felt she could consume no more. Xena put the cup aside then gently eased her back to a lying position.

“What happened?” Gabrielle asked, unable to recall the events that lead to her current condition.

“I found you on the rock slide. It appears you fell.” Xena explained. “I think you were after some berries.”

“It’s not like me to be so clumsy,” Gabrielle paused, “are you sure I wasn’t attacked? You know, I do have many enemies.”

Xena tried hard not to look surprised by Gabrielle’s comment. “No, I’m sure you weren’t attacked. I saw raspberry bushes growing above where I found you.”

“Maybe there was a wild animal up there.”

“Don’t worry about the details Gabri....Xena, just concentrate on getting better.” Xena said trying to calm her racing mind.

“Thanks Gabrielle,” she said through a big yawn as the herbs were beginning to kick in. “I’m sorry if I made you worry.”

Xena gave her a warm smile. “Just rest now, you’ll feel better after some sleep.”

“You’re a good kid,” she said, her voice thick with sleep. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Nor I without you.” Xena smiled sensing Gabrielle was once again asleep. Believing she would be so for a while, Xena left her side to attend to some tasks.

Returning a short time later, Xena prepared the trout she had caught in the near by stream. Having not eaten since yesterday, she found herself to be quite hungry. Cooking the trout over the camp fire, Xena allowed her mind to wander over the past events. While nothing was really making sense, she hoped that Gabrielle’s condition would only be temporary, that she would soon remember who she was.

Finishing the meal, Xena was disappointed when Gabrielle did not awaken. Setting aside her portion, Xena made a quick check of the area. Confident that they were alone, Xena settled in for the evening after checking on Gabrielle.

The following morning Xena was up early. Finding Gabrielle sleeping soundly, she then decided to check on her fish traps. Pleased to find that several more trout had found their way into her trap, Xena prepared them for cooking before returning to camp. Arriving back to the site, Xena was pleasantly surprised to find Gabrielle awake and sitting up.

“Hey, look at you.” Xena put aside the fish then gave her a big hug. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better, my head is still a bit tender but I’ve survived worse.” Gabrielle said trying to sound tough. “We should probably head out after breakfast. I’m sure there is someone we could be helping or some battle we could be fighting.”

“Why the big hurry,” Xena said choosing her words carefully. “You should probably just take it easy. I don’t believe we are needed anywhere at this time.”

“Oh Gabrielle, you’re just worried about me,” she said placing a hand on Xena’s shoulder. “You know me, I heal quickly.” Gabrielle looked around a moment, then made a motion to stand.. Shrugging off Xena’s assistance, she struggled with, but managed to complete the task. Waiting for her head to clear, Xena noticed that Gabrielle was staring intensely at her.

“What?” Xena asked unable to figure out what she was looking at.

“My chakram....why do you have it?”

“Um, well you see,” Xena stalled trying to come up with a good answer, “after you fell, you asked me to hang on to it for safe keeping.”

“Oh.” Gabrielle considered this for a moment. “Ok, but I’m better now so I’ll take it back.” Xena considered this for a moment, then keeping with her original plan, she reluctantly removed it from her belt and turned it over to Gabrielle.

“Thanks,” Gabrielle said as she accepted the weapon, “in unskilled hands this could cause serious harm to the user.”

“So you say,” Xena said unwilling to mask her sarcasm. Xena watched as Gabrielle struggled to find a spot on her outfit to attaché the chakram. Holding back her laughter, she offered a solution. “Why don’t you let me carry it for you, that is, just until you get your clothing back.”

“Yeah, why am I wearing this?” Gabrielle asked looking over her skirt and small top. “I look like you.”

“Well, that was all part of your master plan.” Xena said, surprised that she was able to come up with this off the top of her head. “You know, so ‘they’ wouldn’t recognize you.”

“Oh yeah,” Gabrielle thought on this a moment and just when Xena thought she wasn’t going to accept the answer, Gabrielle handed her back the chakram. “Please be careful, I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself with that.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take great care with it,” Xena smiled as she accepted the weapon. Xena watched as Gabrielle slowly walked around their camp site, her movements stiff and awkward.

“Maybe another day of rest isn’t such a bad idea.” Gabrielle said, wincing from the pain in her muscles and head. “I don’t think I could handle being bounced around by Argo just yet.”
“Good plan. How about some breakfast? You must be pretty hungry by now.” Xena asked, returning to the trout.

“Yeah, come to think of it, I am pretty hungry.” Gabrielle said, noticing that her stomach felt hollow.

“Tell you what, you just work out your stiffness and I’ll prepare the fish.” Xena offered. “There’s a nice sandy spot by the stream if you feel like freshening up.”

“That sounds good.” Gabrielle said, running her fingers through her hair. “I could use some cleaning up.”

“Take your time, I’ll get you when breakfast is ready.”

Gabrielle gave her a quick wave, then slowly made her way to the stream. Finding the sandy location Xena had mentioned, she carefully removed her clothing and eased herself into the cool, slow moving water. Despite the temperature of the water, Gabrielle found the experience to be relaxing. Leaning carefully back, she submerged her head, forgetting that it was wrapped in a cloth. Instantly Gabrielle was rocked by an intense stabbing pain, cradling her head in her arms, she forced herself to a sitting position. Through the pain, Gabrielle watched as a series of flashbacks raced before her eyes. She recognized the events to be of her past, but was confused as she appeared to be Gabrielle and not Xena. Shaken by the event, Gabrielle slowly made her way out of the stream and onto the grass. With the pain slowly subsiding, she began the task of dressing, all the while trying to make sense of what she had just experienced.

Finishing the task, Gabrielle did not hear Xena approaching from behind but yelped in surprise when Xena greeted her.

“Gab....are you alright?” Xena asked, noticing the pale coloring and startled expression.

“I’m fine,” Gabrielle said, catching her breath, “you just startled me is all.”

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Xena asked, placing her hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder. “Did something happen?”

“No, I just....when I got my head wet, it just hurt is all.” She explained, as she massaged her temples. “I saw some things.”

“What things?” Xena asked, taking a seat beside her.

“They were bits of my past but actually it was your past......it was like I was you.” Gabrielle paused a moment. “It was really a strange feeling.”

“I’m sure that it’s nothing to worry about. The injury to your head could be causing this.” Xena offered as explanation. “But at least you know who you are.”

“You’re probably right, Gabrielle.” She said, standing up. “Is breakfast ready?”

“Ah, yeah, it is.” Xena said, trying not to sound disappointed.

“Good, because I’m starving.” Gabrielle said, as she walked off in the direction of camp.

After breakfast Gabrielle picked up Xena’s sword and began going through a series of moves. Xena watched on in amusement, trying to maintain a serious facial expression.

“This feels heavier today,” Gabrielle said, after nearly dropping it, “maybe I’m still just a little weak. I’m going to have to get back to normal quickly. It won’t take long for some Warlord to hear about my accident and make a plan to come and take me on. Like it would matter, I could handle any Warlord even on my worst day.” Gabrielle said, strutting about holding the sword with both hands. “Gabrielle, come at me like you’re going to attack me.”

“Are you sure you feel up to this?” Xena asked, not really wanting to take part in this request. “Maybe you need more time to rest up.”

“No, I’m fine. Come at me and don’t hold back.” Gabrielle said, taking a defensive stance. “A warrior always needs to keep their skills up.”

“I really don’t think this is such a good idea.” Xena said, remaining where she was.

“Come on Gabrielle, this will be good for you as well. Hey, you might even learn something.” Gabrielle began to slowly swing the sword back and forth.

Xena thought a moment. She couldn’t believe that this is how was how Gabrielle was choosing to treat her. She then cringed at the thought this was maybe how she was treating Gabrielle. Muttering under her breath, Xena gathered up Gabrielle’s staff and slowly approached the perceived deadly warrior.

“Ok, now don’t worry,” Gabrielle said preparing, “I won’t hurt you.”

“Tell me when you’re ready.” Xena said flatly.

“Ok, I’m ready.”

Xena casually approached her, then with amazing quickness she used the staff to disarm the very surprised Gabrielle.

“Was that good?” Xena asked, coy like.

“Ah, yeah,” Gabrielle said, retrieving the sword. “I must be rubbing off on you.” Getting back into her defensive stance, Gabrielle motioned for Xena to attack again.

Repeating the same move and getting the same result, Xena handed the dumbfounded Gabrielle the staff, then returned to her sitting spot.

“Well I do have a head injury you know.” Gabrielle justified, once again retrieving the sword. “Maybe I’ll just rest a while before we continue again.”

Gabrielle slept on into the afternoon, while Xena kept busy with tasks that had been previously neglected due to their constant traveling. Thinking back on the mornings sword session, Xena couldn’t help but smile and chuckle to herself. While the event was amusing, Xena hoped Gabrielle would regain her identity soon. She knew it was only a matter of time before this distorted thinking got her friend into trouble.

Concentrating on the task before her, Xena became aware of a change in Gabrielle. From where she sat, Xena could see that her friend was gripped by some sleep induced vision. Moving closer, Xena watched as Gabrielle began to mutter words and make quick jerky movements. Wanting to ease her emotional discomfort, Xena attempted to wake her. Her first two attempts were unsuccessful, but Xena remained persistent in her efforts. Slowly Gabrielle began to respond to her words, her facial expression relaxed and her breathing returned to normal. A few moments later Gabrielle opened her eyes and was surprised to find Xena kneeling over her.

“What happened?” Gabrielle asked looking around. “Is everything ok?”

“You were having a nightmare.” Xena explained, helping her to a sitting position. “Do you remember what it was about?”

Gabrielle thought for a moment. “It was more of those strange visions like I had earlier.” Gabrielle reached for the water skin, then took a long drink from it. “I don’t know what to make of them.”

“I’m sure this will all make sense when the time is right.” Xena said, gently stroking the young bards hair. “Do you feel up to a walk?”

“Yes, I think that will do me some good.” Gabrielle said, as she allowed Xena to pull her to a standing position.

Earlier, Xena had propped both her sword and Gabrielle’s staff up against Argo’s saddle. Gabrielle made her way over to their location, then regarded the weapons for a moment. In her mind, multiple images of her fending off attackers using the staff were played. Slowly Gabrielle reached for the staff, it felt strangely familiar in her hands. Without a second thought she continued on, leaving behind the sword. Xena, electing not to comment on her choice, picked up her sword and replaced it to it’s usual stowed spot. Catching up with Gabrielle, the two women leisurely walked along the banks of the stream following it’s twisting path back into the landscape.

Finding themselves in a heavily wooded area, Xena stopped suddenly as she heard movement in the distance. Gabrielle, picking up on her tense posture, scanned the area around them but could detect no one.

“We have company.” Xena said, removing her sword.

Taking this to be her cue, Gabrielle took hold of Xena’s arm. “Gabrielle, I want you to stay here. I’m going to go on ahead and check it out.”

Attempting to move past Xena, Gabrielle felt a solid grip on her shoulder then the sensation of being pulled backwards.

“Do you really think that’s wise?’ Xena asked. “I mean you’re still pretty weak from your fall.”

“Maybe you’re right.” Gabrielle thought a moment. “Ok, you can come, but I want you to stay behind me.”

Sensing that the attackers were now aware of their location, Xena thought it best not to debate this any further. Reluctantly she followed as Gabrielle led them closer to where the men were now lying in wait for them.

“Now Gabrielle, if things start to get a little rough I want you to take cover. I’m sure I’ll be able to handle whatever comes up.” Gabrielle said confidently. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Xena said, preparing for the impending fight. “I can take care of myself.”

Then without warning, five men jumped out from behind a series of trees, Xena recognized them to be the same men from the days before. Recognizing them as well, Gabrielle took a casual stance leaning against her staff. She offered them a sly smile.

“It appears we didn’t learn our lesson from the other day.” Gabrielle said, taking in a deep breath. “Well then, bring it on.”

The presumed leader of the of the men gave the command and at once all five rushed the very relaxed Gabrielle.

Seeing an opportunity, Xena unhooked her chakram and with deadly aim she was able to take out three of the men with ease. Replacing the weapon, Xena took a position next to Gabrielle, who now had engaged the remaining two attackers. Luring one of the men away from Gabrielle, Xena found him to be even less of a challenge than he had been during their first encounter. Making quick work of him, she then turned her attention to Gabrielle.

“Is that the best you have to offer?” Gabrielle taunted, as she struck the man a top the head with her staff. Turning her gaze to Xena, Gabrielle was suddenly overcome by a series of flashbacks. Various scenes played out in her head, each representing some defining moment in Gabrielle’s life....in her life.

Overcome by the intense sensation, she was caught off guard by the attacker. Taking a hold of her staff, the man roughly pushed Gabrielle to the ground. The force of the fall knocked the air from Gabrielle’s lungs. Struggling to catch her breath, Gabrielle watched helplessly as the man towered over her. As he raised his weapon to do her in, Gabrielle raised her hands defensively, but the blow never came. Looking up in surprise, Gabrielle watched as his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell in a heap in front of her.

Where he once had been, Xena now stood.

“Xena are you alright?” Xena asked, feeling odd not to be calling Gabrielle by her name.

“What?” Gabrielle asked, confused by all that had just happened.

“Are you hurt?” Xena asked, kneeling beside her.

“I’m Gabrielle.” She said in a distant voice. “You called me Xena.” Gabrielle thought a moment as the past events were beginning to sort themselves out. “I was you.” Gabrielle closed her eyes.

Xena watched as Gabrielle began to sway. Fearful that she was going to pass out, Xena guided Gabrielle to a lying position. After what seemed a long time, Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked up at Xena.

“I’m so sorry.” Gabrielle said as several tears made their way down her face.

“Sorry?” Xena asked confused. “Sorry for what?”

“For acting like such a fool all day.” Gabrielle said, suddenly feeling very embarrassed. “You were good to put up with me.”

“Gabrielle, you weren’t acting foolish. You were just confused.” Xena said, trying to comfort her. “I’m just glad you’re back.”

Gabrielle sat up and wrapped her arms around her friend, her tears coming in a now steady stream. Xena returned the embrace, allowing Gabrielle to work through this at her own pace. After a while Gabrielle pulled back, wiping her tears she suddenly began to laugh.

“What? Xena asked again confused. “What’s so funny?”

“I can’t believe you were going actually let me carry your chakram.”

“Gabrielle, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” Xena said wiping the remaining tears from Gabrielle’s face. “Besides, if you got too out of hand I was just going to put the pinch on you.”

Gabrielle considered this for a moment. “That would have been most unpleasant.”

No longer wanting to share the moment surrounded by the lifeless bodies of their attackers, Xena and Gabrielle returned to camp.
 Believing it too late to in the day to journey on, they agreed to spend one more night in the meadow. Gabrielle worked hard not to think of the men who had earlier attacked them and where they now lay.

“How about some dinner?” Xena asked, breaking the silence.

“That sounds good. Oh, I know where we can get some raspberries for dessert.” Gabrielle said, trying to keep her expression serious.

“I think we should skip the raspberries.” Xena said, detecting Gabrielle’s subtle humor. “I think they’ve caused us enough problems already.”

“Yeah, who knows, maybe next time I’ll wake up thinking I’m Argo.”

At hearing this, Argo let out a loud snort causing the two women to burst out into laughter. Enjoying the lighthearted moment, both Gabrielle and Xena sensed that all was well.

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