"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL III: MUTINY IN THE MONARCHY

pt.8

XENA
Again Gabrielle.

Gabrielle swung her staff at Xena who ducked. Xena grabbed the weapon and pulled, sending it behind her along with Gabrielle who held on. Gabrielle tucked and rolled behind Xena then turned and thrust her staff forward towards Xena's back. Xena quickly moved as Gabrielle came forward and missed her shot. Then Xena grabbed Gabrielle from behind. Gabrielle quickly pushed off the ground and sent them both backwards to the grass. She then continued her momentum and rolled back over Xena's head and slipped out of the hold Xena had her in. She got to her feet and swung her staff straight down stopping just inches from Xena's face who didn't even flinch as the weapon came down.

GABRIELLE
(Huffing) How was that?

XENA
Not bad. Buuut...

GABRIELLE
But whaah!

In almost an instint Xena grabbed Gabrielle's staff and arm as she flipped her to the ground and before Gabrielle knew what happened Xena was on top of her pinning her to the ground.

XENA
Even if it looks like you're enemy is down you can't drop your guard until you know for sure that they're no longer a threat.

GABRIELLE
I'll remember that. Now could you get off me?

Xena smirked as she leaned close to Gabrielle.

XENA
(Seductive tone) Oh and here I thought you liked me on top of you.

GABRIELLE
Not when we're in the middle of a bunch of people looking at us.

Xena smirked as she got to her feet and took Gabrielle's hand to help her stand. Gabrielle looked around at the other people on the practice field who had stopped to watch for a moment go back to their previous activities. Xena and Gabrielle walked off and grabbed some water to quench their thirst after the strenuous routine. After the numerous attempts on Gabrielle's life, Xena had decided that Gabrielle needed to be better prepared to defend herself against an attack if Xena wasn't around. So Xena had begun sparing with Gabrielle and giving her better pointers for how to incompassitate or escape from anyone who might come after her. It hadn't been long since they started but Xena could already see Gabrielle improving. Neither Xena or Gabrielle wanted Gabrielle to go full warrior, which was why Gabrielle stuck with her trusty staff. The training was primarily about bettering Gabrielle's defenses so she was less likely to be caught of guard if the people after her decided to go for the straight up approach. As well and heightening her senses to better pick up on anything dangerous that might be nearby. Which Gabrielle was getting better at as well. During this time Xena had continued to investigate to try finding those behind the assassination attempts, but hadn't come up with anything that pointed to who the culprits were. After figuring that it was likely that it was more than one person after Gabrielle, Xena had closely watching the villagers for any one acting suspicious. But hadn't found anything thus far. So time went by with both Xena and Gabrielle on alert for the next attack, but were surprised when after a couple weeks nothing happened. With their house finally repaired, Gabrielle stood looking out of their bedroom window watching the people below. As she stood there she heard a noise behind her and grabbed her staff that she made sure to keep next to her at all times now. She turned and quickly swung her staff. A hand shot out aand caught the weapon mid swing as the person stepped into the light.

XENA
It's alright it's just me.

Xena let go of the staff as Gabrielle relaxed a little a put her weapon back where she had it leaning against the wall.

GABRIELLE
(Sighing) I hate this Xena. I'm always on edge now.

XENA
I know.

GABRIELLE
Gods is this what you feel like always needing to be on high alert. Because it's exhausting.