Content Warning: This is a series that takes place between episodes. The stories build upon the TV series and it is advised that you watch the episodes then read the post-episode (this story) in between. Many references by the characters are very specific to the episodes, so you may not get everything unless you watch at the same time or have the episodes memorized. The series does lead to a romantic relationship between two women, so if you don't like it don't read it.
Goal: To create a more realistic fan fiction story than some I have read. No random sex scenes that would never take place in real life 'like that' (aka L Word scenes). You know what I'm talking about… that never happens.
Xena and Gabrielle are walking away from the city of Troy. "I thought Perdicus would be joining us for awhile." Xena said to Gabrielle.
"No, he's made other plans." Gabrielle responds indifferently. Xena smiles a little. "Do you want to go back for the horse? It's bound to be a collector's item." Gabrielle says while looking back at the Trojan horse.
Xena looks back. "Only if you're going to pull it."
Gabrielle looks at Xena, then the horse. "Nah."
----
Immediately after…
Xena laughs, "So you just wanted me to pull it for you huh? I see how you are." She pokes Gabrielle in the ribs.
"Xena! Stop it!! That tickles."
"Duh, I know that's why I'm doing it." Xena says, then she relents. She puts her arm around Gabrielle's shoulders. "So, my friend, what happened between you and Perdicus?" Xena is very interested because she could tell they were getting close in the two days they were there. Please don't say he hurt you.
Xena was a little confused, "Why do you say that? To me it sounds like he does want you. Am I missing something?" How could someone not want her? She's an amazing young woman. You'd have to be crazy to pass her up.
Xena squeezed Gabrielle's shoulders then let go. "I'm sure he was nervous to start something up with you again. Maybe he was just scared of his feelings. So he did the only thing he knew how to do, protect himself." Sounds like something I would do. Hmm warriors.
A few hours later, they arrived in a village. Gabrielle went to the tavern to see if she could earn some money by asking the barkeep if she could tell a story to the patrons. He allowed it. Meanwhile Xena had gone to the blacksmith in town to get Argo's bridle fixed.
Gabrielle got up on stage and sat on the edge. She got the attention of everyone in the tavern. When all eyes were on her and everything was silent, she began. "I sing a song of Xena, Warrior Princess, Hero to Greece…"
Beginning of Episode 13 (same time):
Xena is fighting a bunch of men, beating them of course. Part way through the scene, it stops. Gabrielle is telling the story in a tavern to a room full of people. Once she finishes a young man walks over to her. "That was good. Who trained you?"
"Trained me, oh, well no one. Not in the classical sense. I just like stories." She shrugs.
"So you are going to the competition?" He asks as she put her money away.
"What competition?" She asks with confusion written on her face.
"The bard competition, for the Athens City Academy of the Performing Bards. Only the top four contestants will get an invitation. I'm hoping I'll be one of them." He says proudly.
"You tell stories too?" Gabrielle is even more interested now.
"Yes he does," a man interrupts. "But he doesn't have time to tell them now."
"Dad, she's great. I was just telling her she should sign up." the boy responds.
"Its not nice to give someone false hope son. I'm sure your story was…cute." He says rudly.
Gabrielle shakes her head in disbelief. "Cute?"
"But the Acadamy only takes talented individuals. The roster is already full. And besides, being a bard is not for young ladies. Stories of house work are just not popular." He turns to his son, "Come on."
Father and son turn and walk out of the tavern.
"Stories about house work…cute."