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. Please read at least a few of my episodes to give it a chance; it's my first time writing fiction.
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.
"You know, where I'm headed there will be trouble" Xena stated.
"I know" she replied.
"Then why would you want to go into that with me?"
"That's what friends do; they stand by each other when there's trouble."
"Alright...Friend."
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Immediately after:
"So Xena, where are we headed? I can't wait to help someone in trouble!"
Xena chuckled, "Well Gabrielle, I'm not so sure you are ready to help people. Do you know how to fight?" Gabrielle couldn't believe that Xena would think she wasn't ready to help. Of course I am, she thought to herself.
"Fight? Not really. I can deliver a pretty good kick, however it's nothing like the one you did yesterday when you saved us. But do I have to fight in order to help someone? There has to be other ways to help. For instance, I'm really good at talking people out of doing things. And I'm good at talking them into doing things."
Xena replied, "Yeah, I noticed when you prevented my stoning. Like I told you a minute ago, there is going to be a lot of trouble. Greece is full of violence; slave traders, raiders, and warlords. What I want to do to help people is going to require violence. IF you can't handle it, maybe you shouldn't come?"
"Oh, no.. I can handle it! I promise. Maybe I don't know how to fight but you could teach me, right?" Gabrielle tried to sound as casual as possible about it. She didn't want Xena to know how eager she was to be taught. When she brought it up in her home yesterday, Xena had rolled her eyes at the idea. What is it with her anyway? It's not like I'm annoying, am I?
Gabrielle lowered her head and walked off a little miffed. She grumbled to herself, "How can she be so mean? I just saved her life yesterday and this is the thanks I get? The least she could do is teach me to defend myself."
Xena jogged to catch up to her, "What did you say, I couldn't hear you?"
"Nothing at all," she replied with a forced smile. The last thing she wanted was for her new friend to think she was upset with her. She was treading on thin ice around Xena as it was, since she practically forced her way into Xena's life.
They walked the rest of the day in near silence. Gabrielle tried to think of things she could talk to Xena about, but every topic that was started was only met with a short reply, if anything. It seemed the Warrior Princess wasn't a chatter, which in turn drove Gabrielle crazy! A few hours after mid-day, Gabrielle's whole body was aching and weak. She hadn't eaten since the few berries they found for breakfast and she hadn't done this much walking in her entire life. She really didn't want to ask Xena to stop since Xena didn't seem to mind the non-stop walking without food. However Gabrielle was really starting to slow their pace down. Xena turned to look back at her catching the slight limp and flushed face of her new tag-a-long. "Why don't we stop and make camp a little early?"
Gabrielle replied, "Oh sure, if you think that's best. This looks like a nice spot to me!"
"Actually," Xena said, "This spot is out in the open; Unprotected. Around the bend here there is a grove of trees that can provide a better shelter for us. Think you can make it the rest of the way?"
"Oh yes, Xena. I could go on all day." Gabrielle fibbed while nodding her head emphatically. She had to convince Xena that she was made for being on the road, fighting for the innocent, saving lives. Xena's response was a raised eyebrow and a small chuckle.
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The spot Xena picked out was beautiful. A small stream trickled through a grove of Aspen trees. Bright colored flowers and green grasses grew in abundance. Not far from the stream a small deer pranced away at the sound of the humans. There was already a small fire pit at the center of the flattest ground. Many wanderers had camped here throughout the years.
Xena asked Gabrielle to take care of fire starting duty while she hunted for some dinner. When she came back, with rabbit in hand, she saw that Gabrielle was desperately trying to light a fire without success. Gabrielle hadn't yet seen Xena come back. Xena decided to just watch for a moment, hoping to size up how well her new companion was going to work out. Who knows, maybe she can cook well or something. Finally, Gabrielle got so frustrated she threw down the flint and growled to herself. Xena accidentally let out a chuckle. Gabrielle looked up to see where the noise came from. Oops, she was caught! "Do you need some help with that fire?" Xena asked.
"I was hoping I wouldn't, but I've never started a fire before, remember I told you that?" Gabrielle responded curtly. Xena had remembered that, but wanted to challenge her with her first camping chore. Maybe that was a mistake, she seems to get mad easy.
"Here let me help you." Xena crouched down next to Gabrielle and picked up the flint pieces. She slowly demonstrated the proper way to strike the flint together, but did not strike them. "Here," she said handing them to Gabrielle, "you try."
Gabrielle awkwardly took the flint and tried to strike them as Xena had shown. She missed with her left hand and the flint skinned her finger removing a small chunk of skin in the process. "Ouch!" she yelled as she started sucking on her finger to get rid of the small blood droplet.
"Here let me see that," Xena said reaching for Gabrielle's hand. "It's not too bad; it should be fine in a minute. Why don't I get this fire started and tomorrow you can try again?"
"Ok," Gabrielle replied, "sorry I'm not much help. If you want, I can cook the rabbit for us?" Xena nodded her head while striking the flint and immediately got a spark into the dry kindling. Gabrielle looked at the rabbit then back at Xena, "Think you can skin it? I don't know how to do that either."
Xena rolled her eyes while looking down and away from her new friend. "Sure. Why don't you lay out the bedrolls in a nice spot without too many rocks?" Gabrielle hopped into action with her new chore; this one couldn't be messed up. Xena skinned and cleaned the rabbit, then looked over to see how the bed rolls were coming along. Everything looks good there, she thought to herself. She waved Gabrielle over and handed her the rabbit. She grabbed a few spices from her saddle bag and set them next to Gabrielle, who looked up at Xena and gave her a very genuine smile that lit up her face. Xena smiled back, then moved to her bedroll. Guess it's time to sharpen by blades, eat, and then snooze. Hopefully this girl will either catch on quick or go home. Ah, finally some silence. I can't believe this girl wants to be around me. Usually I scare people, but she doesn't seem frightened at all. In fact, she is sort of brave in her own way. She sure talks a lot though, sort of like Salmoneous; heh he was amusing.
Beginning of Episode 2:
A week later, they were walking into a small village tavern. Gabrielle was going on and on about some love story. Xena was having a hard time following it since she was distracted with everyone around her. "So Zeus, in his appreciation, turned the two lovers into oak trees. And then do you know what happened?"
"Somebody built a boat out of them?" Xena asked sarcastically.
"No, their branches intertwined and they spent the rest of their days in each other's embrace."
"What's the point?" Xena rolled her eyes.
"Come on, Xena. I believe everyone will find their tree in the forest someday. Even you." Gabrielle said softly.
"I find the strongest trees in the forest stand alone."
"You don't have to be strong all the time, Xena. Sometimes it's good for the soul to be soft."