DISCLAIMER: The characters of Xena: Warrior Princess remain the property of MCA/Renaissance Pictures and Studios USA. No copyright infringement is intended and this is a non-profit story.

SUBTEXT: this story does depict to women in-love and even though there is nothing graphic in here, there are implications of two women making love. If this offends you....read no further.

If you’d like to write to Hoggle Bard....and she’d love you to!!...write to: hoggle_bard@hotmail.com

It had been a long way between towns, and Xena and Gabrielle's working relationship had been suffering, along with their friendship. Xena had started to distance herself from the girl because the closer she got to her; the closer she wanted to get. Her sexual frustration was building and she was looking forward to reaching the next village to realize some of pent up energy that she had acquired from too many lake baths together, and too many nights of watching her companion across the camp fire and lying cuddled up beside her, without being able to take their closeness any further. It was the kind of energy that no amount of beating the stuffing out of countless numbers of stupid, smelly thugs they ran into, could quelch, not that she hadn't tried it! So, when it became clear to her that being close to her beautiful friend was making it more difficult for her to overcome her desire, she went to the other extreme, and pushed the touchy bard away.

Gabrielle had been so happy. She was finally making progress with the warrior… or so she had thought. They had been getting closer, drawing nearer to recognizing Gabrielle's dreams of extending their relationship beyond friendship. But Gabrielle had been wrong, she realized. The warrior had tolerated her affections for a while, never showing signs of being bothered by the contact, leading Gabrielle to think that maybe her gorgeous friend had felt the same way about her… until recently when she had withdrawn from it completely, and had begun treating Gabrielle more like a stranger than her best friend. The bard supposed that was fair in a way, she hadn't exactly been treating Xena like a friend, but in the opposite way. It seemed to the girl that the older woman had just woken up one day and thought 'Right. That's it. I'm sick of this little girl being infatuated with me! I'm going to show her how completely not interested I am, then maybe she will stop'. Gabrielle knew her friend didn't think that way, and doubted Xena knew how she felt about her, but she couldn't help wondering why Xena was treating her that way. So she too withdrew from the friendship and their days and nights were spent with little talk and little contact except for what was necessary. Gabrielle wondered if Xena might be getting bored of her company, and that maybe a little time in a town would bring her friend back to normal, and also, she figured, a little time in town might give her a chance to meet someone… to take her mind off Xena for a while.

Gabrielle was thrilled when Xena announced that they would reach the town before the day was out. Gabrielle's excitement turned to disappointment when she heard Xena's tone while relaying the news. She sounded happier and more enthusiastic than she had sounded to Gabrielle since they had begun to travel more as people sharing the same road do, than as friends. This seemed to confirm Gabrielle's fears that the older woman had grown tired of her company, but even as her heart sank at that thought, she smiled that Xena did sound happy, and that was something.

Unconsciously, both woman began to pick up the pace, and they made it too the town by mid afternoon. Xena asked Gabrielle to arrange a room at the inn while she stabled and brushed Argo, she said she would meet Gabrielle there as soon as she was done, and then she walked away. The blonde bard knew that the reason Xena had suggested one room instead of two, was because they were running short on dinars, she decided to give Xena as much time away from her as possible during their stay, in the hopes that time apart would help heal their recent problems. Gabrielle headed toward the inn, deciding she was definitely going to have to earn some more dinars.

Xena was taking the saddle off Argo when she heard someone approaching cautiously. In constant warrior mode, she drew her sword and asked calmly " Who's there?" A young woman, close to Gabrielle's age, maybe a bit younger approached Xena and casually extended her hand. Three things about the girl struck Xena. Her ease at approaching an armed woman, not at all scared that Xena would harm her, as if the thought had never crossed her mind. Her grace. She practically floated towards Xena. And her looks. She was stunning. She was slightly taller than Gabrielle was, with a slight, toned, bronzed body, long dark brown hair, and deep, almost black eyes. Xena was falling into the girl's eyes when she heard her speak "My name is Elaina, You spoke to my father, he's the stable owner. I brought you some chaff for your horse." The girl turned her attention to Argo and gently began to stroke her main, then she smiled at Xena "How long are you staying in town, warrior?" she purred. Xena was amazed by the girl's forwardness, she liked it. She had never seen a girl so young take charge like that with her. On closer inspection, Xena assessed that Elaina was around 19. Xena smiled seductively at her "I'm not sure yet. I'm Xena by the way, it's nice to meet you Elaina" Xena could tell that the way she had said the girls name had effected her. Elaina's heart was beating loudly and fast, and it resounded in Xena's ears as she put her hand behind the girl's head and pulled her in for a kiss.

"… O.k., o.k. I'll give you the two rooms, a bath, and 2 hot meals for 15 dinars, but that is as low as I can possibly go! Please girl, just accept that…" the innkeeper pleaded to Gabrielle. The young girl's face softened a bit "2 baths! And you have a deal" as she smiled sweetly to the befuddled man, who nodded his head weakly. How had she done that? He thought to himself, the normal price for all that would be almost 40 dinars! He shook his head and walked towards the kitchen, at least she had agreed to entertain the other guests with her stories that night. That would hopefully bring in some more people and more people meant more profits, he grinned.

Gabrielle counted their dinars. 12. Normally that would have been more than enough when she and Xena shared the room and the bath, but now… she was sure Xena would prefer having them to herself, and it would also give Gabrielle a chance to…loosen up as well. She surveyed the bar for possibilities. At a table in the corner she saw two drunk, old men playing cards. To the left was a man and his wife engrossed in a loud argument about the price of fish, and wiping the spilled ale from the bar beside her was a plump middle aged woman with a total of four teeth. Gabrielle walked up the stairs to her room, thinking the choices would improve at night when the tavern became full. Gabrielle shook her head in wonder. It was so unlike her to think about this kind of thing! To look at people in such terms! She was almost horrified. Since she had started traveling with Xena she had always assumed that eventually, the warrior would grow to feel the same way about her as she did about Xena. So she had always waited, content in the notion that one day soon, the staunch warrior would realize that she loved Gabrielle and that they would be together. The dreams that it would happen had always been enough for the girl, but now, faced with the realization that this may never be, Gabrielle was frustrated, angry, and above all, well, lonely. It seemed as if everything she had been dreaming about for the last few years, was fading away, and she just wanted someone to fill the void for a brief time, until she could sort herself out, was that so bad? She walked over to the bath, she had awhile until she was too perform downstairs and she didn't know how much longer Xena would be… not that it mattered, she thought sadly. So she undressed and sank into the warm bath that was waiting for her.

Xena lay on the hay and watched the attractive girl beside her get dressed, silently. She watched her graceful movements as she laced up her top and smiled towards Xena. "Are you going to stay here all day?" she teased and then added more seriously "I have to go to work now, but I'll see you later. My father also owns the inn, and I am a barmaid there most nights. I assume you are staying there? Maybe I could come up to your room later…" Xena remembered Gabrielle, and that they would be sharing a room " Ah yeah, I'm staying there with a friend, maybe we could meet somewhere else?" She said to the girl, who was now standing ready to leave. "O.k." Elaina said "I'll see you at the bar later tonight, I know somewhere nice we can go" she blew her a kiss and left Xena in the barn, wondering what to do with herself. She was worried about Gabrielle seeing her leaving with Elaina, a young girl like Gabrielle, it may tip her off as to how the warrior felt about her, or even if she was too naive to come to that conclusion, that she was being replaced. For the first time Xena wondered if her avoidance technique was the right thing to do with Gabrielle. She knew the bard would be waiting in the room, wondering why she was taking so long to brush down Argo, but Xena needed time to think. She placed the saddle back up on the slightly annoyed horse who was enjoying her chaff, and climbed up "Come on Argo, I need to think", then they galloped out of the barn into the fading light.

Gabrielle heard a knocking at the door, and realized she had been asleep. The water was cool now and she wondered how long she had been in the bath. She looked at her wrinkled fingers. A long time, she concluded. The knocking at the door continued and Gabrielle climbed out of the tub and reached for the nearby towel. "Coming" she said wrapping it around her dripping body and walking towards the door. Gabrielle opened the door and saw a beautiful girl with deep brown eyes a little younger than her. "Are you the bard?" she questioned "Um yeah, I'm Gabrielle, and you are?" she replied. The slim woman smiled "I'm Elaina, you spoke to my father, I hear you conned him out of a few dinars" Gabrielle barely heard the girl, she seemed to be sinking into her eyes. "Oh well… sort of…yeah," She said shyly. It wasn't like Gabrielle to be shy, but she was intrigued by this Elaina. The way she spoke, her words seemed to float out of her mouth. Gabrielle became gradually aware of the draft coming from the hallway, and the strange looks the other guests were giving her, standing at the door wearing just a small towel. "Ah, why don't you come in?" She said opening the door. Elaina moved into the room and turned to look at Gabrielle who was closing the door. "My father told me to come up and make sure you are ready, there's a big crowd tonight and they're waiting for you" Gabrielle glanced out of the window and saw that it was dark. No wonder she was hungry! How long had she slept for? She hoped Xena had found her room. "Oh, I'm sorry. I fell asleep in the tub… I'll just get dressed, I won't be long" Gabrielle expected the girl to excuse herself and leave, but Elaina simply sat down and said, "I'll wait for you". Gabrielle was embarrassed but aroused by the thought of the girl seeing her naked. She was facing away from Elaina, and she dropped the towel and reached for her top by the bath. She had not heard Elaina leave the bed and gasped when she felt warm breath on her neck. "Let me help you Gabrielle" she whispered, sending tingles of desire down the blonde woman's spine. Elaina took the top from Gabrielle's trembling hand and slid the bards arm through one of the sleeves, then the other arm though the other. Gabrielle became aware of the need to breathe, and sucked in a deep breath as Elaina's lips descended on her neck. The bronzed beauty was, at the same time, slowly lacing up Gabrielle's top, brushing her fingers against the breasts beneath it as she went. Gabrielle could not believe that this woman was so seductively dressing her, when all she wanted to do was stay naked and undress the girl behind her as well. As if reading her thoughts Elaina kissed up Gabrielle's neck to her ear "You have to go on stage soon, and I have to make sure you are ready" she nibbled on the earlobe and finished with the top. Gabrielle was disappointed when the hands moved away from her chest 'Get ready for what?' Gabrielle thought. Elaina picked up the skirt and the underwear on the floor, and walked in front of Gabrielle. She looked at the small muscular girl in front of her, and bent down to kiss her full lips. Gabrielle fell into the kiss; she wrapped her arms around the other girl's waist and pulled her closer. Elaina reached around Gabrielle's waist and wrapped the skirt around her as they kissed. Then she pulled away. Gabrielle watched as the taller girl knelt down and indicated for her to stand into the underwear. The bard did, and the woman in front of her slowly moved them up her legs, lightly running her hands along the outside of Gabrielle's thighs as she went. When Elaina was again standing, Gabrielle put her hand at the back of the girl's head and pulled her in for a kiss. Elaina smiled to herself as she kissed her back 'My, my' she thought 'Who would have thought the warrior and the bard would have so much in common!'

"Elaina!?" A voice boomed from the bottom of the stairs "Bring that bard and get down here! The crowd is getting restless, and your mother needs help in the kitchen" The disgruntled innkeeper walked back towards the bar, shook his head and smiled to himself, it always amazed him how quickly his little girl seemed to make friends! Meet someone for a few minutes and they would be inseparable, 'oh well, girls will be girls' he thought.

The interruption had caused the girls to jump back, and seeing the looks on each other's faces, they both started to laugh. "Come on Gabrielle" Elaina said between giggles "We better get down there". She kissed the blonde quickly and smiled "I'll meet you later, after you finish, we can go for a walk
So we don't disturb your friend" Gabrielle gave her a curious look, so she added "You ordered two rooms, I do work here you know" she smiled and ran out of the room and down the stairs. Gabrielle shook her head in amazement at what had just transpired, but she wasn't complaining. She ran a brush through her hair, grabbed her scrolls, and then followed the girl.

Xena walked into the inn and up to the bar. She recognised the innkeeper as the man she had spoken to over stabling Argo. She realized this was Elaina's father. He looked up at her and smiled "Are you the bard's friend?" He inquired, Xena nodded, distracted as she saw Gabrielle run onto the stage and sit down. She looked a little flustered Xena thought and sat back to watch her friend from the bar. "She has organised your meal, it will be here in a few moments, ah, would you like your bath now or later?" Xena looked back at the man, breaking the spell Gabrielle's excited voice was putting her under. "Thanks, and later." She turned back to watch the talented bard.

Gabrielle was flustered. Just as she was heading towards the stage, Elaina had grabbed her hand and pulled her into the kitchen and kissed her. Gabrielle was surprised, and the girl had simply shrugged her shoulders and said "For luck" then pushed her out the door and up the stairs into the stage. The bard sat on the stool in the center of the stage. She looked around the room, and her eyes found Xena sitting at the bar. Her friend was smiling at her. Gabrielle was thrilled, and hoped that her plan was working, and that she would soon have her old friend back to normal. She started to tell the story of the Titans, happily.

Xena sat enjoying the show and the smiles Gabrielle was giving her between dramatic hand gestures. Xena had been thinking of how to handle things with her friend. She felt a lot better for having been for the ride, and had the time to herself to think. She was finally relaxing. Xena had decided she would not continue distancing herself from the bard. She could see how much it upset Gabrielle, and she wondered what the girl must have thought her motivations were for treating her so strangely. She resolved to apologize to Gabrielle after she finished. Xena looked beside the stage as the kitchen door opened and Elaina came out, walking towards her with a tray. Xena focused her attention on the girl's walk. It was so smooth and provocative, she licked her lips unconsciously as Elaina reached her and sat the tray down on the bar "Hungry warrior?" She teased catching the bright blue eyed gaze. "We'll go when you finish eating" she promised, and she pulled a rag from her belt and wiped down a nearby table. Xena finished the meal quickly, she saw Elaina say something to her father, and then look her way, and walk out of the door. Xena turned back to the stage and saw that Gabrielle was engrossed in her task, so she got up and left the bar, telling herself that she would talk to her friend later on.

Gabrielle watched Xena leave and wondered if she hadn't been to quick in assessing that things between them were alright. She wondered what had made Xena leave, when she saw a young man follow her outside, and filled in the blanks. She knew she had no right to feel jealous, Xena was just her friend, but she did. She wished she was the lucky guy Xena had asked to accompany her on a midnight stroll. Gabrielle became aware of the audience's impatient sounds, and realized she had stopped speaking. She snapped out of it, and went back to her tale.

Xena walked out of the door to the inn, and stood in the doorway looking around for Elaina. A very drunk young soldier stumbled out of the inn and bumped in to her. "Hey there beautiful" He slurred "You lookin' for a man?" Xena gave the boy a disgusted look, then knocked him unconscious. "Xena" Elaina called out, and the warrior followed the voice. Elaina reached out a hand and grasped Xena's. Then she ran down the street and around the corner pulling Xena behind her. They left the gates of the village and walked down a path a while before Xena asked where they were going "My favorite spot. It's not far now". They walked for a bit longer until they reached a small gate. Elaina opened the gate and stepped into the Orchard with Xena following behind her. The warrior looked around briefly and smiled at their surroundings. She walked over to a nearby tree and picked a peach and took a bite. Elaina was watching her so she grinned seductively and bit into the soft flesh again. Elaina's eyes followed a drop of the juice from the fruit that was slowly making its way down Xena's chin. Closing the distance between them, she took the fruit from her and kissed her forcefully, pushing her against the tree. Xena was again surprised and impressed by the girl's forwardness, and kissed her back roughly. Elaina licked the peach juice from Xena's chin and began to unbuckle her armor. Xena tugged at the girl's shirt, breaking their kiss as it slipped over her head, she then pulled down the skirt. Elaina stepped out of her skirt and gently placed Xena's armor on the ground, and started sliding the leather bodice up over the warrior's head. Soon, they were standing naked and pressed together in the warm night air exploring each other's bodies lustily.

The young bard drank in the applause and approval of her audience and smiled contentedly as she bent to pick up the coins that had been placed in her bag at her feet. She thanked the audience and left the stage, walking over to the bar. The innkeeper looked at the girl happily, she strode over and handed him the 15 dinars she owed him and asked him about her meal. She was ravenous she realized, and eagerly anticipated the idea of the hot broth and bread. She licked her lips unconsciously as a barmaid set the tray in front of her. As she ate the meal heartily, Gabrielle counted the remaining dinars. There were 21 including the 12 she had already had. She smiled and thought Xena would be pleased. She looked around the bar and wondered when Xena would return. She wanted to talk to her friend, to apologize for making her feel uncomfortable. The whole thing with Elaina was starting to make her feel a lot better; she was relaxing and realizing that she could not risk her friendship with Xena because she wanted more. She decided to use a few of the extra dinars to get her friend a gift. When she had finished eating, Gabrielle looked around the room for Elaina. She was looking forward to continuing what they had started earlier, and the girl had promised to meet her after her show, and now it had been over for a while. The young bard was about to go up to her room when Elaina walked into the inn.

Elaina flashed Gabrielle a quick smile then headed over to her father who was looking at her disapprovingly. "Elaina, I said a short walk. You've been gone for ages! The tables need wiping and the pots need scrubbing. Go into the kitchen now, your mother is waiting" Gabrielle overheard as she walked up to them. "I'll help" She volunteered, then added "I mean, I've got a lot of energy from the excitement of the show and if I help it will be done quicker, right?" She said to the innkeeper and smiled at Elaina. The innkeeper smiled at her and nodded then turned to Elaina "If only more of your friends were this helpful". Then he shuffled the girls into the kitchen.

Stepping over the soldier she had earlier knocked out, Xena strode back into the inn and looked around for Gabrielle. She could see that the bar crowd was beginning to thin, and she sat down on a stool and summoned the innkeeper with a look. She ordered a port and drank it quickly. As a man sat beside her. Xena was about to ask him what he was staring at her for, when he spoke "Are you Xena?" He queried, slurring a little. She raised her eyebrow and nodded as he slapped his thigh and laughed hoarsely "I knew it! The leather, the blue eyes, the round killing thing… say where's your bard?" Xena smiled at the man's confidence. Her bard? She liked that, she took a liking to the middle-aged drunk and smiled "It's a chakram, and I have no idea where Gabrielle is. What's your name?". The man motioned to the innkeeper to fill his mug and he looked back at Xena "Cirrhosis" He stated proudly. "You know, I watched your bard here tonight, she was very good… tells a good story, I mean" He clarified, seeing Xena's expression. Changing the subject quickly he said, "You know, my son is a warrior. A soldier in Psychoses army. He was here tonight, maybe you saw him? Strong, young fellow, good looking like his dad. He has quite a crush on you" He grinned "I told him he didn't have a chance in Tarterous with you, but the arrogant little sod didn't believe me. Did you see him?" Xena thought about the boy she had knocked out, and her frown betrayed her recognition. The face of the man beside her took on a concerned expression "You didn't kill him, did you?" he questioned disbelieving. Xena smiled again and shook her head "No, I didn't kill him. He's lying at the front door. When he wakes up, tell him I said he should listen to his dad more often". The man seemed pleased with this and cackled, slapping his leg again. Cirrhosis assessed that he had caught Xena in a good mood, her humor and calmness inspired him to ask a question he desperately wanted to know the answer to, but knew he could be killed for asking under normal circumstances. Curiosity and alcohol got the better of him and he asked cautiously "So, you and the bard" he paused searching "are you?" Xena pondered the question. Normally she would have knocked a guy's head off for asking her something like that, partly because it was a personal question, and also because the fact that they weren't was so frustrating to her. But Xena liked Cirrhosis. She liked that he had a humble confidence, and wasn't arrogant, like his son, and she was in a good mood because of her recent roll in the Orchard with Elaina. She thought about how to answer. "Were close. Real close" she said, not wanting to give too much away to a stranger. Cirrhosis was happy with that, he sipped from his mug and talked to Xena about her chakram, and gave her his opinion on everything from weapons to Gods. Xena listened to the man next to her and wondered again where Gabrielle could be. She assumed that her friend had gone upstairs and to bed before she had returned, and she realized she was starting to feel like the bath that she had delayed. Interrupting Cirrhosis's theory on the importance of village idiots (which reminded Xena immediately of Joxer, but had yet to agree that Joxer was in anyway important), to ask the innkeeper to prepare her bath. Elaina's father told her that it would be ready shortly and he would call her when it was done. Xena listened to Cirrhosis until the innkeeper waved at her from the stairs. She excused herself and smiled at the man "You take care, Xena" He said, then added boldly "Take care of your bard". Xena followed the innkeeper up the stairs and thought about what she had just heard. 'Yes' she thought 'I'll talk to my ba… Gabrielle after my bath', she smiled at her little mental slip and walked into her room.

Gabrielle and Elaina finished the work quickly as they talked. Elaina passed a soapy dish to Gabrielle who dried it with a rag "So" Elaina continued "you and Xena unchained death, killed Callisto, stopped a war…?" Gabrielle interrupted laughing "Well, Xena mostly, I just help out" Elaina smiled at the modest girl "Wow! And to think you started in a little village like this one before she found you and swept you off your feet" Gabrielle blushed "Well, she hardly swept me away, she rescued me, and I practically begged her if I could tag along! It's funny to think how much of a burden I must have been back then! I mean I couldn't fight, and so she had to keep rescuing me, protecting me, and fixing up my mistakes. I'm surprised she didn't just send me home!" Gabrielle shook her head 'not that I would have gone'. Elaina looked around the kitchen, her mother had gone out to talk to her father, she looked back at Gabrielle "I'm not surprised" She said seriously, smiling seductively at the bard, and then she kissed her. The girls pulled away as kitchen door swung open and Elaina's mother entered carrying a large pot and grumbling to herself, then she turned to Elaina and Gabrielle "You girls go out and play, Elaina, your father works you too hard. And you young lady, this isn't your job" She flashed a toothless smile kindly at them "I'll finish these up, thank you for your help young lady, and Elaina, don't stay out to long" Elaina dropped the plate she was holding back into the tub and kissed her mother. She ran to the door to the tavern and peered out, ducking her head back in. "No, no" Elaina's mother called out "He'll see you, Go out the back door!" The girls smiled at the little round lady and ran out the back door. Elaina grabbed Gabrielle's hand and pulled her along, down the streets of the town, out the gates and down a path "Where are we going?" Gabrielle asked as they jogged along "To my favorite place, it's not far now" They reached the gates of the Orchard and Elaina lead Gabrielle inside. Gabrielle could smell the peaches and grabbed two off a nearby tree and sat down on the grass. She bit into her peach and threw the other one to Elaina, who sat down beside her. They both bit into the peaches hungrily. "Elaina, this place is beautiful," Gabrielle said looking up at the stars through the leaves on the tree they were sitting under. Elaina looked up at where Gabrielle was looking. "It is nice". She moved closer to Gabrielle who was finishing off the fruit. "So you and Xena… are you together?" She asked wondering about the relationship between the two of them. She could see the love in Gabrielle's eyes every time she mentioned Xena, and although Xena had not mentioned the bard to her, the fact that she had unwittingly called out 'Gabrielle' when she climaxed, told her that the warrior felt the same way. She wondered if it was possible that the both of them had no idea that the other felt that way about them. Gabrielle picked up a leaf and started pulling it apart "No, we aren't" She said sadly. "If you ever spoke to Xena, you would see that she has no interest in me that way, she thinks I'm a child" Elaina smiled and thought 'Little do you know!' but adopted a more sensitive expression and put her hand on the bards shoulder "You love her don't you?" She said. Gabrielle's face contorted as a tear trickled down her cheek "Yes" she whispered. Elaina lifted the girl's face to meet her eyes and said truthfully "I think if you love her that much, then you will be together. From what you've told me about her, she sounds like she loves you very much and I think it's only a matter of time before she realizes that you are meant for each other". Gabrielle smiled at the young girl in front of her whose words were making her heart bounce, and leaned in to kiss her.

Xena opened the door to the room and saw that Gabrielle wasn't in there. In fact, it looked like Gabrielle had never been in there. She turned to the innkeeper who was bringing her a towel for her bath "Excuse me, have you seen my friend?" She asked. The man shrugged his shoulders "I don't keep track of them… oh, she was helping my daughter in the kitchen, but that was a while ago. Knowing Elaina, she probably snuck away" He shook his head and said to himself "I really have to start disciplining that girl!" then turning to Xena he said "I don't think Elaina would be out this late, why don't you try your friends room?" Xena was shocked. Gabrielle was talking to Elaina! She hoped the young girl hadn't told Gabrielle about them being together, she didn't want to scare her young companion. She was also upset by the thought that Gabrielle had a separate room. They always shared a room! Xena concluded that her friend was either very angry with her, wanted time alone, or thought that Xena wanted time alone. Again she regretted treating Gabrielle in such an uncaring fashion, and decided she needed to talk to her friend right away, hopefully before Elaina told her about what had happened between them. She asked the innkeeper which room was Gabrielle's then she marched down the hallway and knocked on the door. Hearing no answer she ran down to the kitchen and opened the door. The plump lady scrubbing the dirty dishes glared at her "hey, no guests in the kitchen!" she said. "I'm looking for my friend, short, muscley little blond have you seen her?" Xena questioned. The woman eyed her suspiciously "Elaina's new friend? I told them to go play, they were working in here, but that was a while ago. My Elaina, would be in bed by now, so I don't know where your friend is, I'm sorry." Xena walked out of the kitchen door, worried that her friend might be in some kind of danger. She was walking to the front door of the inn, holding her sword, when she saw Gabrielle walking back into the inn.

Elaina kissed the bard back and ran her fingers through her soft golden hair, as Gabrielle wound her arms around Elaina's neck. Elaina wondered why the girl had chosen that moment to kiss her, as she sunk into the soft lips against her own. She moved her hands gently to Gabrielle's green top and began to unlace it. The girl in her arms deepened the kiss and moved her hands down Elaina's back. Elaina felt the small woman's hand gently brush against the side of her breast and she sighed softly. Gabrielle ran her fingers along the outside of Elaina's shirt as she felt her own top fall open. Elaina broke the kiss and lowered her head to kiss Gabrielle's breasts. The young bard moaned at the contact and pushed Elaina's head closer to her. Elaina felt Gabrielle pulling at her top, the eager fingers trying to touch her skin. Elaina pulled away from Gabrielle and smiled at the disappointed sound the girl made. She lifted her shirt over her head and dropped it to the ground. Gabrielle stared at the half naked girl in front of her, and tentatively reached out a hand to touch an exposed breast. She ran her fingers slowly along the soft firm curve down the side, reveling in the satiny feel of the skin. She looked at Elaina in surprise and uttered "I had no idea… so soft… I mean, I've never been with a woman before" Elaina opened her eyes when she registered what Gabrielle was saying. As much as she wanted the beautiful girl in front of her, she was not going to be the first woman that the bard was with. It didn't seem fair. She pulled away from Gabrielle and picked up her shirt. "Gabrielle…" she started but the girl interrupted her "I know, it wouldn't be fair. I'd just be thinking of Xena" Elaina closed her eyes sadly and said "You two belong together, I'm not going to… it's not my place" She stood up and reached down for Gabrielle's hand. "Come on, my parents are gonna kill me" she smiled. Gabrielle laced up her top and accepted the hand. They walked slowly back to the village, talking about Elaina's life and ambitions, and Gabrielle's adventures. Gabrielle looked at the beautiful girl beside her and smiled. As they reached the door to Elaina's home, Gabrielle hugged the girl. "Thank you" She said sincerely and walked towards the inn.

"Gabrielle!" Xena said when she saw her friend walking in the door. She assessed the girl's expressions before running up to her and putting her arm around her shoulders. "I was worried about you!" She said. Gabrielle looked up at Xena and smiled. It felt so good walking with her like this, it was like they were back to normal. "I can take care of myself" She laughed and smiled at Xena, putting her arm around her friend's waist. Xena turned Gabrielle to her until they were facing "Gabrielle, I'm sorry I seemed so distant with you these past few days. I can't imagine what you must think of me. I'm sorry" Gabrielle looked at Xena and smiled 'Gods, I love you' she thought. She knew that if she opened her mouth she would blurt it out, so she closed her eyes and hugged her. Xena wrapped her arms around the bard's back and closed her eyes 'Gods, this feels so right' she thought, not for the first time 'Why can't I just tell her'. But she knew why she couldn't; she wondered what Elaina had said to Gabrielle. "Where have you been?" She asked casually not wanting Gabrielle to hear the apprehension in her voice. "I made a new friend. She works here. She took me for a walk, gave me some good advice" Gabrielle's voice was distant, which scared Xena. She decided to leave it alone, Gabrielle was still standing close to her, and that was enough. They started to walk up the stairs. "Gabrielle" Xena started softly, as the bard turned around "You didn't have to get two rooms, you know, …unless you want to do that from now on?" Gabrielle shook her head and replied "No, I thought you wanted it" Gabrielle opened the door to her room and walked in. Xena stood in the doorway "I thought you wanted to share?" Gabrielle said confused. Xena smiled sheepishly "I do, but can we share my room? I've got a hot bath waiting for me that I desperately need!" Gabrielle smiled and picked up her brush and bag, following Xena to the other room "I know you need it! I can smell you from here!" She joked behind the warrior who threw her a mock frown, then broke into a smile. It was good to be back to normal, both women thought. Xena had her bath and climbed into the bed next to Gabrielle, who was already asleep. Xena placed her arm under Gabrielle's head as she girl nuzzled into the crook of her shoulder and sighed in her sleep. The warrior lay there contented. She decided one day soon she was going to tell Gabrielle how she felt about her, she couldn't hide her love for the bard, and she just had to hope the young girl in her arms could take it. But for now, she was just happy to have Gabrielle asleep on her shoulder again, where she belonged. Xena kissed Gabrielle on the forehead and closed her eyes.

Gabrielle awoke to find Xena sleeping beside her. She sighed as she looked at the woman she loved. It was rare that she woke before Xena and got to enjoy the view of her friend looking so peaceful and innocent. It touched her. She remembered her resolve to buy a gift for Xena, and slowly, quietly left the bed. Xena woke when she heard Gabrielle's feet touch the floor. She smiled and kept her eyes closed, knowing that Gabrielle did not want to wake her, and would be disappointed if she thought she had. Xena watched the girl dress and leave the room with her pouch and wondered where she was going.

Gabrielle walked through the town. She was amazed that the street that had been so deserted the previous night was so alive and bustling. The bard's eyes lit up as she surveyed the stalls for bargains. She walked over to a merchant selling sweets. And bought a bag of honey sweets for Xena. Then she moved onto a stall selling jewelry and bought a small leather necklace with a wood carved pendant on the end. Then she headed back towards the inn, after buying some sensible food supplies for the road. Gabrielle walked back into the inn and saw Elaina working at the bar. She motioned for her to come outside. Elaina looked around for her father, and not seeing him, came outside to where Gabrielle was standing. Elaina smiled and hugged the girl. Gabrielle reached into her bag and pulled out the necklace and put it around Elaina's neck. Elaina looked at the gift and then at Gabrielle questioningly. Gabrielle smiled "I just wanted to thank you, I think you're right. I'm going to tell Xena how I feel about her. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but… I will. So thank you. I won't forget you" And she kissed Elaina on the cheek and walked back into the inn and up to the room.

Elaina watched the young woman go. She was upset; she wasn't even sure whom she was more jealous of! She had found two beautiful, passionate women and would have loved to belong to either one of them, but they were meant for each other and yet both had been to blind to see what was right in front of them. But not for long, Elaina smiled. She didn't trust that either woman would bring up her feelings without provocation, for a long time, so she decided to help them out. She sighed and went back to the bar.

Gabrielle opened the door and found Xena eating fruit and bread from a tray. The sight and smell of the food, reminded Gabrielle that she hadn't eaten and was hungry. She ran over to the table where Xena was eating, and began picking at the food on the tray. Xena slapped her hand away playfully and smiled "Hey! Get your own!" The warrior then got up and walked to the door leaving Gabrielle to eat breakfast "I'm going to get Argo saddled, I'll meet you at the stable when you've finished" Xena said walking out the door as Gabrielle nodded to her.

Xena was waiting in the stables for Gabrielle. Argo was saddled and Elaina had come to say goodbye to her. She had asked the girl if she had said anything to Gabrielle when they had gone walking and the graceful girl had said she hadn't. Xena was relieved but still curious "Elaina, what advice did you give Gabrielle?" she asked. Elaine kissed the warrior quickly, putting her arms around her neck, and smiled "You'll see, but just remember. Be honest with her" Xena looked after the girl as she ran out of the barn, and shook her head. She had no idea what Elaina meant. A few minutes later Gabrielle joined Xena in the barn. "Xena, I'm glad we came here. It's so nice that we aren't distant anymore. I thought you were sick of me" Gabrielle admitted. She reached into her bag and pulled out the honey sweets she had bought for Xena "I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable" She said to the stunned warrior. Xena pulled Gabrielle in for a playful hug "If I ever start treating you like that again, you have my permission to hit my with your staff… repeatedly" She smiled at the bard who made her so happy, her best friend, the woman she loved. Lost in the thoughts about the advice Cirrhosis and Elaina had given her she almost missed Gabrielle pull away from her and stared at her chest. "Where did you get that necklace?" Gabrielle said coldly.

Elaina listened from behind the barn as it started. She knew Gabrielle would be angry with her for having given away the gift, but they needed a catalyst. Something to get them started, and it was perfect. The warrior and the bard's conversation went from embarrassed explanations and confessions, to anger at each other, themselves, and her, to hopeful realization of the outcomes of the situations, and finally to proclamations of love, and then silence. Elaina smiled and walked away from the barn, giving the two friends the privacy to discover each other and the depths of their love.