Learning Curve

Disclaimer: Again, Xena and Gabrielle don't belong to me... This story contains scenes of a sexual nature between two loving females so if you're too young to read it or don't like that, you know where the exit is :)

Dedication: For Dec 'cos he's mine! ;-) for Sham, 'cos she keeps me on the straight and narrow with my fic and for the the Skyonexena group, my mates!

Comments and/or feedback to cheeya@xenafan.com

Archiving: If you want it... have it. Would feed my ego to tell me though!

"Great," Gabrielle muttered through gritted teeth as she watched her best friend storm off in a huff.

She sighed and thought back in time. Xena had tried to leave her behind while she went off to fight, telling her it was for her own good, but Gabrielle had followed her and as a result had taken a nasty beating from some thugs on the road. Her arm had been fractured and her ribs were bruised but she had got herself out of the situation and managed to find the Warrior Princess who was a little worse for wear but not seriously injured. Since their big argument, they had been sniping at each other and it was really beginning to take its toll on the young bard. She dropped cross-legged on her bedroll and pulled out her quill and scroll. She stared into the golden, crackling campfire for a long time and then started writing.

I'm beginning to think for the first time in almost three years that following Xena was a mistake. It took me a long time to get past her defences but now that I am, our arguments hurt even more. And we've been doing a lot of arguing lately. I know I'm not as skilled as she is and I know that she has to protect me a lot but I thought we were friends.

Gabrielle cursed herself when she saw large tears drip onto her parchment, smudging her writing. She wiped angrily at her face and sniffed back the fresh tears that threatened to fall.

"No, you are not going to be a baby!" she told herself. "No wonder Xena can't stand you, you snivelling child!"

The Warrior Princess stiffened as she heard the bard's words. She had been standing in the shadow of the trees for a long time, just watching Gabrielle pour her heart out on her scroll. It became too much for her when she saw the bard's tears and she came out of the shadows like a streak of lightening, gathering the younger woman into her arms. Gabrielle was stunned for a second but then allowed herself to hug back. Xena pulled away slightly and looked deep into her emerald green eyes.

"I'm sorry Gabrielle," she whispered as her throat constricted with emotion. "I never meant to make you feel that way. I just can't... you know I'm not one for words so just let me say this. I love you Gabrielle. You're my best friend and I'd be lost without you."

"But I thought..." Gabrielle began, her eyes wary.

Xena pinned her with a soft blue gaze and stroked her cheek.

"You scared me half to death Gabrielle. When I saw you after the... when you were injured, I felt as if I'd let you down. I wasn't there to protect you. I almost lost you at Thessily and the pain of that was so bad that I wanted to stop it from ever happening again but I failed."

She stroked the bard's soft blonde hair and gave her a tender smile.

"I've lived with pain most of my life Gabrielle but it didn't even come close to what I felt when I thought I'd lost you."

The bard looked deep into piercing blue eyes and saw honesty in them that shocked her to the core.

"Gabrielle, what can I do to fix this?" Xena asked, her head bowed.

The bard hooked a finger under her chin and brought the warrior's eyes to her own.

"There's only one thing I want Xena. I want my best friend back."

A bright smile lit up Xena's face and they both knew that everything was going to be ok. There was silence for a long minute until Xena took Gabrielle's arm gently.

"Let's see how this is doing," she said in a soft voice. She unwrapped the bard's arm and removed the splint, wincing at the painful looking bruising marring the young woman's tanned skin. She gently felt the bone and sighed with relief.

"It's healing well," she stated and proceeded to bandage the limb back up.

"Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks..."

"Don't mention it. Now let's get some sleep huh?"

"Ok," Gabrielle replied, stifling a yawn against her palm.

The two women lay side by side on their bedrolls and as Gabrielle drifted off she smiled when she felt Xena's hand grasp hers under their blankets.

"Goodnight Xena."

"Goodnight my friend." And almost as an afterthought... "I love you Gabrielle."

"I love you too Xena."

The next morning dawned bright and the sun moved lazily across the mountains in the friend's path.

"How much longer to Laural?" asked Gabrielle, rubbing her neck and wincing at the sharp pain in her ribs. Xena immediately stopped her.

"Gabrielle, why didn't you tell me you were in that much pain?" she asked quietly, fixing a blue gaze on her.

"Ha!" Gabrielle retorted with a frown, "As if you'd tell me if you were hurting Xena." The warrior shook her head.

"Gabrielle, most of the time, I just have to live with the pain when I get hurt. You, on the other hand, I can help."

"Help how? I thought I just had to wait for my ribs to heal naturally."

The Warrior Princess grinned.

"I never said I was going to give you medicine," she replied and pulled the bard into a gentle hug that, for the second time in as many days, surprised the Hades out of her. She let herself relax into Xena and sighed as the warrior's warmth and strength slipped into her heart.

You're getting good at this Xena.

"Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"How did you know that I needed this?"

Gabrielle felt the warrior stiffen momentarily but then felt her relax again.

"I knew because I needed it too," she replied, somewhat awkwardly.

"You did? Gods," Gabrielle stammered. "You know sometimes I forget that you're..."

"Human?" Xena finished for her with a wry grin.

"No..." Gabrielle swallowed the lump in her throat. "I forget that you're a woman who has needs, just like me."

Xena took a step back and frowned.

"I know I'm not the most affectionate of people Gabrielle but..."

The bard's fingertips playing lightly over her lips stopped her.

"That's not true Xena. You're a very loving, affectionate person. You just don't let yourself get... too close."

She closed her eyes briefly and then opened them to the warm blue portals to Xena's soul.

"That hurts you Gabrielle."

A statement.

"Sometimes," Gabrielle admitted, "but I've learned to read you better Xena. Maybe I can give you the hugs some day?"

Xena smiled at the hopeful look in the bard's emerald green eyes.

"I'd like that," she replied and ruffled the younger woman's blonde hair. "Now c'mon, we'll be in Laural by evening."

The rest of the day was uneventful but as they finally entered the small town, Gabrielle felt a wave of exhaustion that almost took her off her feet. She sighed and grabbed Xena's arm to keep her balance, immediately feeling a well-muscled arm hold her around the waist.

"I'm sorry Xena. I guess I'm not as healed as I thought I was."

"It's my fault Gabrielle. I'm sorry I had to push you this hard but I had to get here as soon as I could."

"I know. Now I think I'll go get us a room at the local inn and crawl under some blankets. I'm too tired to even eat."

Xena frowned and poked the bard gently in the stomach.

"Please try to eat something Gabrielle. Your belt's at the last notch and I definitely don't remember being able to see your ribs before you got injured."

She let her gaze drop to the bard's bare midriff and she wiggled her fingers over her skin, eliciting a giggle. "Ok, ok, I'll eat something," Gabrielle replied with a grin, "but only if you promise to join me."

Xena rolled her eyes and walked on but Gabrielle didn't see the little half smile that rose to the stoic warrior's face as she allowed the bard through the final wall around her heart.

Damn, I love that little bard. Wonder if she realises that she saved my soul?

They found a free table at the back on the inn and Xena took the far seat so she could have her back to the wall. She pulled absently at her leather bodice, settling her armour more comfortably as her piercing blue eyes quickly scanned the room. She noticed that some of the men in the room were staring at her and she shot them her fiercest cold warlord look. They immediately took extra interest in their cups of ale and half-eaten meals. Gabrielle grinned and Xena raised a questioning eyebrow.

"I love it when you do that," she chuckled.

"Do what Gabrielle?"

"Make grown men cower with one look," the bard replied doing her best not to burst out laughing at the look she got in return. Xena closed her eyes and allowed the dopey grin to rise to her face, willing back the blush she knew would follow.

Damn, she did it again. She makes me feel all tingly... Hey! Cut that out... you're supposed to be a warrior. Mean... bad-ass... butt kicking... Aww Hades I give up!

The part of Xena that was a mean, bad ass, butt-kicking warrior threw up its hands in disgust and went home.

"You know Xena, for a fierce ex-warlord, you're kinda cute when you blush!"

"Gabrielle!" said Xena in a warning tone and rolled her eyes as she heard the bard giggle.

Gabrielle stifled a yawn as she drew her short sleeping shift on over her head. Xena was already in bed and she laced her hands behind her head and sighed, allowing some of the tension in her body to slip away. The bard slipped into the small bed and laughed as she saw Xena's feet hanging over the end.

"Big disadvantage to being six feet tall," said Xena with a quirk of her lips.

"Here, let me get that," Gabrielle replied and got back up, retrieved a chair and slipped it in under Xena's feet, tucking the end of the blanket around them.

"Thanks Gabrielle."

"No problem. Gods I could sleep for Greece in the Olympics," she replied and climbed wearily back under the blankets, feeling Xena chuckle against her.

"'Night Xena."

"'Night Gabrielle."

The bard smiled as she felt Xena turn onto her side and after a few minutes, a well muscled arm snaked around her waist and pull her closer. Her body jumped and she started slightly before relaxing back into the warrior's soft chest.

Gods, she doesn't know what she does to me. I love her so much it hurts sometimes.

Xena smiled and allowed herself to drift into Morpheus' arms as the moon cast a silvery glow across the room.

Xena awoke at dawn as usual and glanced down to find a petite, blonde bard snuggled up against her. She allowed her gaze to wander across the peacefully sleeping face and for a split second, envied Gabrielle her innocence.

Although you have to admit Xena that your nightmares have been few and far between lately. She does that for you by just being near to you.

Xena fingers gently traced the outline of the bard's jaw and she started slightly as a sleepy green gaze greeted her. She drew back her hand as though she had been burned but noticed that the bard made no comment.

"Hi," Gabrielle said with a tender smile and snuggled deeper into the warrior's warmth.

"Oh no you don't my Bard. It's time to get up," said Xena gruffly and extracted herself from the tangle of bard and blankets. She noticed the hurt look in Gabrielle's eyes and cursed herself for her lack of feeling. She reached out, stroked her thumb over the younger woman's cheek and smiled.

"Let's get some breakfast."

She was pleased to see the look dissipate and climbed out of the bed, holding out a hand to help her best friend up.

"Thanks. I'm a little stiff today."

"That'll pass with time," Xena replied distractedly as she tried to push down the emotions that threatened to surface.

"Yeah... I guess so."

Gabrielle pulled on her clothes and washed her face at the nightstand as Xena settled her leathers, armour and weapons on her long, muscular body. She jumped up and down a few times to get them comfortable and then ran a hand through her long raven locks.

"I'm going to see the Prince, Gabrielle. I have to find out why he wanted us to come here," she said.

"Ok... want me to come?"

"Only if you want to," the warrior replied with a smile, which was mirrored on Gabrielle's face.

"Wouldn't miss it," she said with a chuckle and tossed her hair away from her eyes.

After a quick breakfast of hot bacon and bread, the friends went to the palace to meet the Prince. The palace was huge and Gabrielle's eyes went wide with wonder as they walked through the great, tapestry filled halls.

"Isn't that one beautiful," she whispered, pointing at a huge tapestry which was finished in rich gold and silver. "I wonder if it tells a story?"

"They all do," Xena replied. "That one is telling the story of Cecrops."

"Cecrops... hmmm... wonder how he's doing? Hey Wait! How do you know that?" asked Gabrielle in surprise. Xena just shrugged and smiled.

"I have many skills," she drawled and led the bard towards the throne room.

Gabrielle shook her head, quashed a quirky grin and followed her friend. They were shown into the throne room and the prince greeted them warmly.

"Xena, thank you for coming," he said with a kind smile and the warrior grasped his forearm in the traditional warrior handshake.

"Prince Toraeus, this is my friend Gabrielle. Now, what's going on that made you send for me so urgently?"

The prince turned to study Gabrielle and she looked down, a blush colouring her face.

Gods, he's good looking.

"Uh... yes... well..." the prince stammered as he lost his train of thought. He smiled at the bard and Xena frowned as a pang of jealously turned her mood sour.

"Prince Toraeus?" she repeated louder this time and he cleared his throat and looked at her.

"Yes... sorry. There's a warlord pillaging in this area at the moment but my army has been unable to locate them. We can take them on as they attack each village but mostly we arrive too late to help them. You're known all over Greece for your tracking skills and I would be very grateful if you could find this bastard for me."

Xena shot him a cool look and then glanced at Gabrielle.

"I'll help you on one condition," she replied slowly.

"Anything Xena, name your price. Dinars, priceless antiques, anything..."

The warrior shook her head her lips in a tight line.

"I don't want payment. I want command of your army. I'll find this warlord for you and I'll take him out."

The Prince extended his arm again and Xena shook it reluctantly this time.

"You've got it Xena. You are now in command of my men."

Xena nodded brusquely and looked at Gabrielle, noticing the apprehension in her eyes.

She nodded towards the door.

"We'll be back later. C'mon Gabrielle."

The bard was unusually silent as they walked back to the inn.

"What? What is it Gabrielle?" asked Xena impatiently.

Gabrielle shook her head and sighed.

"It's just that... an army Xena... is that such a good idea?"

The Warrior Princess stopped in her tracks and perched her hands on her hips.

"You think I can't handle it?" she growled.

"Oh I know you can handle it... that's what I'm afraid of," the bard replied looking down at her hands.

"You don't trust me," Xena stated and when Gabrielle looked up at her she saw a sadness in the blue pools.

"I do trust you Xena. It's just... I don't want to see that... part... of you again. I saw it once and..." she trailed off, trying to sort out her thoughts and emotions.

Xena put her hands on Gabrielle shoulders and ducked her head to look into the smaller woman's eyes.

"It scared you," she said in a gentle tone.

"Yeah, it did," Gabrielle admitted, holding the gaze and allowing the love she felt for this woman to show in her eyes. Xena bit back a gasp as she saw that love and couldn't stop herself from placing a soft kiss on the bard's full, inviting lips.

"Gabrielle, you are my lifeline, my touchstone. I trust you to pull me back if you see that side of me emerging again."

Her hands moved from Gabrielle's shoulders to cup her face.

"Trust me Gabrielle... please," the warrior pleaded.

"Always," the younger woman replied with a smile.

She was still in shock from the kiss and she let her eyes close briefly to enjoy their closeness. She couldn't believe the change in her friend over the previous two days. The hugs, holding her hand, pulling her closer in bed, the kiss...

Gods that kiss! What's going on here? Does she think I need this? Does she need this?

She felt Xena remove her hands and opened her eyes to find an amused look on the warrior's face. Gabrielle blushed slightly and then smiled.

"What do we do now?" she asked quietly.

"How about a nice hot bath," Xena suggested casually.

"Good idea!" the bard exclaimed and followed Xena towards the inn.

Fifteen minutes later, warrior and bard were soaking quietly in the tub. Gabrielle moved behind Xena and began to wash her back.

"You know Xena, this army thing mightn't be so bad after all."

The warrior glanced around at her friend and then pointed at a spot she missed.

"What do you mean?"

"Uh, never mind. Listen, I want to be there with you during the fight. I'd feel better watching your back."

Xena chuckled low in her throat.

"I'm counting on it," came the unexpected answer and Gabrielle's mouth dropped open for a second.

"I... that... I didn't expect you to agree so easily," she stammered.

"Who else will watch my back only you Gabrielle?" Xena asked and the bard saw the pain in her eyes.

"Xena, listen to me. You deserve happiness. I know you don't think that and I know you're trying to atone for you past, but know one thing Warrior Princess. You are the MOST important person in my life. You're my home and my family and I love you."

Gabrielle reached up to wipe a tear away from Xena's face but the warrior grasped her hand and brought it to her lips, kissing it gently.

"Thank you Gabrielle," she said in an emotion-choked voice. "I know I'll never do enough good things to deserve that but I'm going to do my damn best to try."

"I know," came the honest answer and Gabrielle went back to washing Xena's back. She ran the sponge across strong shoulder muscles, watching them shift slightly under tanned skin. She brought the sponge down Xena's arms, across her chest and up to her neck smiling as the warrior tilted her head to expose the tanned skin of her neck. Gabrielle fought the urge to kiss the skin and instead handed the sponge to her.

"Your turn," she said in a low silky voice.

Xena moved behind her and repaid the favour but instead of fighting the feelings, she gave into them and drew the bard into an embrace from behind. Gabrielle's breath caught as she felt Xena's soft, full breasts press against her back and she almost melted at the sensations that moved through her body.

"Xena," she whispered with a tiny shake of her head. "W..what are you doing?"

"I don't know," came the husky answer and the bard felt the warrior's arms tighten. "I just want you close to me."

Gabrielle's body screamed at her and she turned in Xena's embrace and gazed into her eyes.

"Here comes that funny feeling again," she whispered.

"Oh?" A raised eyebrow.

"Yeah." A grin.

"What are you going to do about it?" A demure smile.

"I don't know..." An uncertain frown.

"I do..."

Xena leaned in and kissed Gabrielle deeply, pulling her closer and stroking her back. She flicked out her tongue and the bard's lips parted quickly, inviting her in. The two women moaned softly as their tongues met, caressing slowly and parrying teasingly. When they finally broke apart, both sets of breathing was ragged.

"Gods..." Gabrielle breathed and rested her head against Xena's chest.

She felt a chuckle reverberate through Xena's body.

"Liked that huh?"

"Very much so," the bard replied.

Xena ducked her head to kiss her again but she stopped as she felt a hand on her chest.

"Xena, wait..."

"What is it Gabrielle?"

"I just wanted... I mean... I... Xena I love you."

The warrior froze and then a bright smile lit up her face.

"I love you too. Now, let's get out of this water. It's getting cold!"

Gabrielle laughed and Xena got out of the bath, holding out her hand to help the shorter bard climb over the high wall. The warrior went over to a pile of towels and wrapped one around herself before returning to Gabrielle to dry her off. It was a sensual experience for the bard and she gasped as the rough fabric caused her nipples to harden.

"Mmmmm..." Xena groaned and placed a light kiss on each one. "I want you Gabrielle," she growled.

"You have me," the younger woman choked out and before she knew it she had been scooped up into strong arms and deposited gently on their bed. Xena dropped her towel and lowered herself onto her love, being careful to hold most of her weight on her arms but Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her and pulled her down.

"I need to feel you against me," she whispered and felt the embrace returned. "Make love to me Xena."

"Oh I intend to..." came a low growl and Gabrielle surrendered herself to the strength and warmth of their love.

Xena awoke at dawn the next morning to find her lover sprawled across her chest. She trailed her fingertips across Gabrielle's back and felt her squirm a bit.

"That tickles," she said with a grin and then raised herself to thoroughly kiss Xena.

"I didn't realise you were awake," the warrior replied, slightly breathless.

"I've been lying here thanking the gods for bringing you to me. My life was so empty before I met you."

"So was mine." A small smile. "And I thank the gods every day for you Gabrielle."

"Know what?"

"What?" A raised eyebrow.

"I love you."

A quirky grin.

"Love you too. Now let's go and see what these soldiers are like Gabrielle. By the way, you'll be my second in command."

"What about the commander already there?" asked the bard sceptically.

"It's my terms Gabrielle. I'm in command of this army and I say you're my right hand. He can be my left."

She grinned and pulled herself out of the bed, taking a protesting bard with her.

An hour later, they had eaten and they were heading back to the palace to see the prince again. Once again, he looked Gabrielle up and down and the bard almost laughed as she felt Xena's possessive hand on her shoulder. The prince got the message immediately and backed off at the warrior's look. He led them out into the practice yard where the men were performing their drills. They stopped and bowed as he approached but he waved them off and beckoned to the commander.

"Xena, this is Baralus. I've already informed him that you will be taking command of the men."

Xena sized him up and was pleased to see that his eyes were open and honest. He held out his hand and she shook it firmly.

"It's a pleasure to be fighting with the Warrior Princess," he said with a smile.

"It's a pleasure to be fighting with a man of your reputation," Xena replied. "You fought at Troy didn't you?"

"Yes, I did. I saw you there Xena. You were amazing!"

The tall warrior shook her head.

"Just doing my job," she replied. "This is Gabrielle. She will be my right hand and I'd be honoured if you'd be my left?"

The man looked a bit surprised and glanced at the bard but he nodded.

"Accepted. Nice to meet you Miss," he went on.

"Nice to meet you too and call me Gabrielle," the bard replied.

"Yes Sir!" he replied and winked at her.

Xena stifled a grin and turned to the prince.

"I'll address the men now," she said and walked briskly to where the weapons instructor was putting them through their paces. Gabrielle stood at her right side and Baralus at her left. Xena made eye contact with as many men as she could and held up her hand for silence.

"My name is Xena," she shouted. "I'm taking command until we defeat this warlord. I expect every man here to follow my orders and, while I will listen to any man's suggestions, I will not tolerate insubordination. This is Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons. She will be my second in command and Baralus my lieutenant. Now any questions?"

She heard murmurs run through the crowd and a tall burly man stepped forward.

"I think I speak for every man here Xena when I say that it's an honour to fight next to the Warrior Princess."

A cheer rose and Xena smiled as she looked at Gabrielle. The bard nodded and Xena turned back to the men.

"Ok, back to drills," Xena ordered and then turned to Gabrielle. "Care for some sparring?"

"I'd love to," Gabrielle replied, raising her staff but Xena stepped forward a bit.

"Take it easy on those ribs ok? Let me know if they hurt."

"Alright," the bard replied.

They moved to the side and started their drills and after a few minutes, they realised they had drawn a crowd. Gabrielle blocked Xena's thrust and spun, crouching low to catch the warrior's legs but Xena flipped over the bard and landed behind her. Gabrielle was ready for this and swung the staff around, catching Xena on her upper arm guard. The men clapped and Xena grinned.

"Hey, you're showing me up."

"Serves you right for going easy on me," Gabrielle retorted with a knowing look.

"Ok, you win," the warrior sighed and went almost full out, giving Gabrielle a chance to practice her very able skills. An hour later, they went through the series of blows and blocks that signalled the end of their session and Gabrielle stepped back, leaning on her staff and breathing heavily.

"That was great," she said.

"Yeah, you're really good Gabrielle. The best I've ever seen with a staff."

"Next to you of course."

"Yeah, well... I've got ten years on you," Xena replied. "Why don't you check on our weapons and supplies while I talk to the prince."

Gabrielle called to a couple of men standing nearby and asked them to help her with her inventory before disappearing into the supply shed. Xena sheathed her sword and went to find the prince. She was directed to the garden and found him sitting on a bench reading from a long scroll.

"Prince Toraeus?"

He looked up and smiled.

"Ah Xena."

"I need to speak with you."

"Ok. Wine?"

"No thanks. Who is this warlord?"

"His name is Krykus. He has been looting here for the past two months and we just can't get a handle on him."

Xena kept her face neutral and nodded slowly.

"You're sure it's this... Krykus?"

The prince nodded again.

"Positive. It's said that he has an army of three hundred men."

Xena's eyebrows rose to almost meet her hairline.

"Three hundred huh? Interesting. Don't worry Your Highness. I'll find him."

The prince grinned.

"I'm counting on it," he replied and then watched Xena as she strode back to the practice yard.

Once out of his sight, Xena broke into a run and ran to the supply shed. Gabrielle was standing in front of a large box of weapons, taking notes on a scroll.

"Gabrielle!" Xena called as she burst in and skidded to a halt.

"Xena? What is it?"

The warrior had a grim look on her face.

"Toraeus is lying to us and I don't know why," she replied in a low voice.

"How do you know?"

"He said the warlord is Krykus. I killed Krykus two years ago."

Gabrielle chewed the top of her quill thoughtfully.

"Sounds like our prince may be just making a token gesture in having us come here. What do you think?"

Xena let a feral grin rise to her face.

"I think we need to find out what His Highness is up to and if he's behind all this, I'll make him sorry he ever started it!"

Gabrielle knew by her face that Xena already had a plan and she also knew that the warrior would share it as soon as she had worked out the kinks.

"I have to talk to someone Gabrielle. I'll see you at lunch ok?"

"Sure, I'm nearly finished here."

Xena looked around and then gave her a quick peck on the lips.

"Be careful," she warned.

"Same to you Love," the bard replied and watched as the warrior strode back out the door.

Xena went back to the palace and made her way to the treasury. She found the prince's accountant working on his scrolls. He was an old man with white hair and a neatly kept beard.

"Excuse me," she said in a low voice.

"Yes?" He turned to regard her with an almost haughty manner.

"My name is Xena. I've taken command of the prince's army to stop a warlord."

The man got up and moved closer to her.

"Ah yes. I've heard of you Warrior. My name is Atlas. What can I do for you?"

Xena pulled out a heavy wooden chair and sat down, crossing her legs demurely.

"Well, I need some information actually and I'm hoping you can help me."

His eyes ran up her muscular legs and she moved slightly to allow the muscles to ripple.

She saw him swallow deeply and grinned inwardly.

Oh yeah! You still got it Xena!

"What information do you need?" he asked, tearing his eyes away from her body and fixing them firmly on her face.

"I need to know if we're in a position to buy new weapons. I spoke to the Prince and he told me to come find you."

Atlas puffed out his chest and sat back down in his chair.

"Well I have been the treasurer here for thirty years. I can give you any information you need."

"Great. How much money do we have available for armaments?"

"Oh plenty. We have plenty of money lately."

Xena's interest suddenly peaked and she sat forward in her chair.

"Lately?" she repeated.

Atlas sighed.

"For a long time, the Prince's finances were very low. He lived the high life... you know... huge parties for all the neighbouring kingdoms... wine... women..."

He shook his head in disgust.

"Anyway, he was almost bankrupt but one day, I received a box full of a small fortune in dinars."

Xena nodded encouragingly.

"I have been receiving those boxes regularly and now the Prince's finances have returned to almost half what they were before he squandered them."

Xena ran a hand through her hair absently as she assimilated the information.

"And tell me, does the Prince have a large staff?"

"Not really. Just enough servants to get by and me of course... although he added some more men to the payroll lately. I was surprised because I've never seen them around here... not that I really would being stuck down here all day."

Xena smiled sympathetically.

"I could see that that would bug you," she muttered, already feeling that the room was too small for her. I hate small spaces.

"Thanks Atlas. That's all I needed to know."

She got up and flashed a grin at him as she left the room.

Xena found Gabrielle in the tavern sipping a mug of cold cider.

"Hey," she said brightly as Xena slipped into the seat beside her.

"Hey," the warrior replied and beckoned to a nearby server.

Xena ordered them some lunch and then leaned back in her chair with a sigh, placing a booted foot on the chair opposite her.

"I take it you don't like what you found out," Gabrielle asked.

"No, I don't," Xena confirmed. "It's looking like the prince is behind all this."

"What did you find out?"

"I spoke to the royal treasurer. He said that the prince was almost bankrupt but that one day he received a box of dinars and has been regularly ever since. He also said that the prince hired some men that he has never seen around the palace."

"Mercenaries?" the bard asked, her eyebrows raised.

"More than likely. He probably has them loot the towns and villages, sell the stuff and give him the coinage. Then he pays them a wage out of it."

Gabrielle frowned.

"I still don't understand why he asked us to come here."

"I think we're here to keep his cover story plausible. Me being here definitely keeps the blame off him. As far as everyone's concerned, he's doing the best he can to stop the looters."

"So how do we stop him and more to the point, how do we find proof of all of this?"

Xena smiled and took a sip of the bard's cider.

"Let's just stick to the plan for now. Find the raiders, stop them and then I'll get some... additional information... outta them. What the prince doesn't know won't hurt him... yet."

Gabrielle chuckled at the warrior's threat and then attacked the meal that had been placed in front of her.

After lunch, Xena and Gabrielle went back to the practice yard to discuss strategies with Baralus. He was a bear of a man with dark, cropped hair and an open, friendly face. Xena didn't think that he was involved with the prince's operation, although she didn't rule it out totally. She spread a large map out on the table.

"Baralus, show me the villages that have been hit already. We might be able to tell where they're going to hit next."

Baralus shook his head. "We've tried this already Xena. There doesn't seem to be a pattern to the hits."

The warrior nodded.

"Show me anyway," she replied evenly.

Xena, Gabrielle and Baralus poured over the map as the big man pointed out the villages. Gabrielle marked them with her quill and Xena studied them carefully. After a few minutes, she nodded thoughtfully.

"There is a pattern here," she stated. "Gabrielle, give me your quill."

The bard handed it over and watched with interest as Xena drew on the map. She started from a central point and drew outwards in a spiral effect, finally finishing on the last town to be hit. Baralus' eyes went wide and he stared at her for a long moment.

"It's not easy to spot unless you know what to look for," she explained. "This means that Sorrah will be the next village to be attacked."

She glanced at Gabrielle and the bard nodded.

"I'll go get the men ready," she said and disappeared out the door leaving Xena and Baralus together.

"Xena, this Krykus. Have you heard of him? Is he any good?" the big man asked.

He received a raised eyebrow from the warrior.

"He... was... good," she replied cryptically but she shook her head so he didn't push for more information. Gabrielle soon returned and Xena told Baralus to organise a horse for Gabrielle and to saddle her own horse, Argo. He nodded and left them alone.

"Very impressive pick up there Love," she praised and Xena grinned, getting that tingly feeling again.

"Thanks. I used to use that pattern sometimes. It was more difficult to be tracked down."

Then her face turned serious.

"Gabrielle, you're going to be careful out there aren't you?" she asked quietly.

"Of course I am. Are you?"

"Yes, but I'd prefer if you wore some armour and carried a bow as well as your staff, just in case you need to get some distance."

Gabrielle grinned.

"I have them looking for some armour for me already," she replied. "I don't think this outfit is going to hack it," she joked.

Xena reached over and ran her fingertips over the sensitive skin of the bard's bare midriff.

"Oh, I kinda like this outfit Gabrielle," she said with a seductive smile.

"Good, but enough of that. We have places to go, warlords to stop and all that."

"Yeah," Xena agreed. "Stay close to me today ok?"

"Not a problem," Gabrielle replied.

Twenty minutes later, an army rode out of Laural with a Warrior Princess at the head and a Warrior Bard at her side.

Gabrielle looked around and spoke in a low voice to a soldier riding close behind her. He nodded and picked out some men to scout ahead with him. Xena nodded approvingly and relaxed her body allowing her instincts to take over for a while. Her ears tuned out normal sounds and listened for anything out of the ordinary as her piercing blue eyes darted around, searching the trees around them for any possible threat. After a few minutes of this, she turned to Gabrielle.

"Why am I not sure about this?" she asked her in a low voice.

"I don't know Xena."

"I have a bad feeling Gabrielle. We might be walking into a trap. What if the prince had time to get a message to the mercenaries and they're waiting for us?"

"I don't think he would have had time. We only told him where we were going ten minutes before we left."

"Yeah," Xena replied but she still felt uneasy about the whole thing. "Guess we'll find out when we get there."

"No use worrying about it now," Gabrielle stated. "We'll be at the village by this afternoon and all we can do then is wait."

Xena nodded and reached down to pat Argo's neck before returning her eyes to the surrounding woods.

Xena, Gabrielle and Baralus moved soundlessly through the trees towards the edge of Lorrah. They crouched in some long grass and waited, studying the movement of the villagers. After a few minutes, Xena nodded.

"Let's get them to safety," she whispered and stood up, moving into the village quickly.

Xena spoke to the village leader and moved everyone into a large barn on the outskirts of the small town. Then she moved her men into the village, ordering them to hide anywhere they could and be at the ready. Soon the trap was set and Xena and Gabrielle waited quietly for the attack to begin. They didn't have to wait long and Xena straightened as her amazing hearing picked up the sounds of horses before anyone else.

"This is it Gabrielle," she said. "Stay close to me now."

Gabrielle nodded and reaffirmed her grip on her staff.

"Remember I love you," Xena said with a grin as she ran out the door followed closely by a petite, blonde Warrior Bard.

The raiders galloped into the village but reined their horses in sharply when they saw two lone figures standing in the middle of the street.

"Two women?" one man said in an incredulous tone.

They all laughed and kicked their horses on. Xena stood with her arms crossed and a bored look on her face as the men approached. Gabrielle looked at her nails, letting her staff lean in the crook of her right arm. She was standing slightly behind Xena and she knew that even though the warrior looked relaxed, she was on a hair trigger that would give her plenty of warning if any of the men went for her.

"Hi Boys," Xena purred and gave them a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes. She fixed a steely blue gaze on them and waited.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" asked the obvious leader.

Gabrielle looked up at him and arched her eyebrow.

"Well, we have me, my friend here and a bunch of dirty, butt-ugly, Sons of Bacchae raiders. Sound about right Xena?"

The Warrior Princess almost laughed at the bard's description but managed to keep her eyes icy cold.

"Yep, sounds about right Gabrielle."

The leader turned pale.

"You're Xena? The the the Warrior Princess Xena?"

"Ye, ye, ye, yes," Xena replied, mocking his sudden lack of confidence.

She saw his anger rise and he drew his sword.

"Was that supposed to be funny?" he demanded angrily.

He shifted slightly in his saddle but suddenly found himself dumped on the ground with Xena's booted foot holding him down by the throat. He hadn't even seen her coming.

"Nope just got lucky," she replied, her eyes narrowed.

The rest of his men shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do next.

"Get them!" the leader shouted as best he could and his men sprang into action.

They jumped down from their horses and advanced on Xena and Gabrielle. The bard raised her staff and took out the first man to reach her with a solid blow to his head. The next man was dispatched in a similar way and she crouched low to trip the next man lunging at her. He sailed over her head, landed on the ground and she jabbed his temple hard with the end of her staff, knocking him out. Xena was engaged in a sword fight with the leader and she parried his blows easily. He tried to use his strength to knock her over but she skipped lightly out of the way and cut him down as he passed her.

"Now!" Xena yelled and her men came charging out from their hiding paces, completely surrounding the raiders. It was a short fight and soon, the thugs gave up and were captured easily. As they were being hauled away, Xena stopped one man and gave him an icy stare.

"Who are you working for?" she asked.

He looked away and refused to answer so her hands shot out and jabbed the pressure points on his neck.

"I've just cut off the flow of blood to your brain," she drawled. "You have thirty seconds before you die a very ugly death so I suggest you start talking."

He dropped to his knees, gasping for breath and clutching at his throat.

"Working for Prince Toraeus," he wheezed. "Wanted to build back up his fortune."

Xena scowled and then jabbed the pressure points again, releasing his blood flow.

"Take him away," she said in disgust and shook her head as Baralus moved to stand beside her.

"They were working for the prince?" he asked incredulously.

"I'm afraid so. I knew about this before we came but I couldn't say anything because I had no solid proof," she replied. "The prince told me that the warlord was Krykus but I killed Krykus a couple of years ago so that tipped me off that something was wrong. I did a little digging, spoke to Atlas the treasurer actually and put two and two together."

Xena felt sudden warmth spread over her as Gabrielle approached and she turned to give her a smile which quickly faded when she saw the blood dripping off the bard's hand.

"Gabrielle?"

"It's ok. It's just a scratch," she replied with a smile.

Xena shook her head.

"No it's not. Let me take a look."

She led Gabrielle to a nearby porch and sat her down in a chair. The gash on the bard's arm was deep.

"This is going to need stitches," Xena said. "Hey, I thought you were going to be careful?"

Gabrielle shot her back a quirky grin.

"Sorry Honey, forgot to duck," she joked.

Xena tenderly stroked her hair and stood up.

"I'll get my healer kit and we'll have you fixed up in no time," she replied, relieved that the wound wasn't serious. Baralus walked with her as she went to retrieve her medical supplies.

"You two must be really good friends," he commented.

"Yeah, she's my best friend," Xena replied with a smile but the big man gave her a knowing look. "So what are we going to do with Toraeus?" he continued.

"We're going to turn him over to the local judge and have him tried for murder among other things."

Baralus sighed.

"I still can't believe he did it. I always thought he was a good man."

Xena nodded, a sad look in her eyes.

"Even good people can be swayed by money or power or property. I should know," she said softly. "I've done some bad things in my past and I've learned that even the best of people can be swayed at the right price."

"I know Xena. I heard the stories about you at Troy but when I saw you and your friend fight, I knew you'd changed."

"Thanks my Friend," Xena replied and held out her hand, which he shook heartily. "Ok, let's get Gabrielle cleaned up and then go back to the castle and get this... prince."

Half an hour later, Gabrielle was bandaged up and riding behind Xena on Argo. She pretended to be just holding on but every now and again, she ran her hand over the warrior's stomach in a loving gesture, feeling rather than hearing a chuckle run through her lover's body.

"You're not going to tell me that I've found your one and only tickle spot by accident are you?" she whispered knowing that only Xena would hear her. She received a pat on the leg and squeezed Xena slightly, trying unsuccessfully to suppress a giggle and getting an amused look from the warrior when she turned to glance at her.

A few hours later, Xena, Gabrielle and Baralus stormed into the throne room, followed by a number of Baralus' men. Prince Toraeus looked up from his scroll and offered them a smug smile.

"Didn't find them?" he asked.

Xena moved closer to him.

"Oh we found them alright," she growled, "and we also heard an interesting story."

"Oh?" he asked nervously.

"Yeah," Xena replied, folding her arms across her breastplate. "We heard that a certain prince was bankrupt and was using these raiders to rob the poor peasant villagers to gain profit for himself."

She tilted her head, raised her eyebrow and let a feral grin rise to her face.

"I wonder who that was?" she said, taking another menacing step towards the suddenly pale prince. He shrugged weakly and suddenly jumped up, running for the nearest door but he stopped in his tracks as he heard a very distinctive war cry.

"Alalalalalalalalalala! Cheeeeeeeeeeyyya!"

And Xena was standing in front of him, having flipped over his head and landed neatly with her sword drawn.

"Don't make me spoil this lovely carpet by spilling your blood on it," she said evenly.

The prince nodded and looked down.

"Ok Xena. I admit it but how did you find out?" he said.

"You should really follow which warlords are dead or alive. I killed Krykus years ago.

Well at least you have the decency to look ashamed," she replied. "Take him away and hold him until the judge gets here," she ordered and the prince was taken away to be locked up in his own dungeon. Baralus came toward her with a huge grin on his face.

"Nice move," her commented casually.

"Thanks, " Xena replied with a smile and then turned to see Gabrielle grinning at her. She tried unsuccessfully to hold a blush at bay and just grinned back at her.

Damn, she has me all flustered. No one does that to the Warrior Princess... except the woman she loves and can't live without.

And Xena found that she didn't care. Once again, the part of her that was a mean, bad ass, butt-kicking warrior threw up its hands in disgust and went home.

"Well goodbye Baralus. I'm hope we cross paths again soon."

"Goodbye Xena," the big man replied, shaking her outstretched hand.

Then he turned to Gabrielle.

"Goodbye Gabrielle. Take care of her now won't you?"

"Of course I will," the bard replied with a smile and kissed him on the cheek. "Be well Baralus."

"You too my Friends. Safe trip home."

He stood at the palace gate waving until his new friends were only spots in the distance.

"So where we headed now?" asked Gabrielle as she leaned her head against Xena's back.

"Don't know. Where do you want to go?" Xena replied with a smile.

"Let's find a nice warm cave with a lake nearby and vacation for a couple of days."

"Yes Sir!" Xena replied with a quirky grin and turned Argo towards the slowly setting sun.

The End