"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL VII: SACRAMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIATION

pt.11

The sun had barely begun to arch over the horizon when Gabrielle awoke. She carefully pulled down the blanket and slid out of bed. Moving slowly to not disturb Xena. Gabrielle had come back home rather late the night before after working out alot of her pent up frustration on the trees and found it rather difficult to sleep when she did return. She had so much running through her mind and knew that she wouldn't be able to really rest until she did something about it. After getting dressed in her typical clothing instead of the Amazon attire she'd been wearing and packing a small bag, Gabrielle placed a scroll on the foot of the bed and silently made her way downstairs and left the house. The village was quiet at this hour. Hardly anyone was up and about which was exactly what Gabrielle was counting on. She made her way to the fields where the horses were kept. The women in charge of the stables were just getting outside and beginning their daily routines when Gabrielle approached them. After making up some fake reason for why she didn't want to take Argo for wherever she was going and smooth talking her way into borrowing a horse, In truth the reason Gabrielle didn't take Argo was because she was Xena's horse. And Gabrielle was on a mission to do what she felt needed to be done without involving anything from Xena. Or really anyone for that matter. But she figured that smooth talking her way into borrowing a horse didn't count as getting assistance since she used her natural gift of gab to get it. So with a very specific plan in mind Gabrielle rode out of the village and disappeared into the distance. A good time later Xena turned over in her sleep as her arm moved to Gabrielle's side of the bed. Feeling something missing Xena peeked opened her eyes.

XENA
Gabrielle?

Not seeing Gabrielle beside her, Xena opened her eyes fully as she slowly sat up. Xena listened for signs of movement elsewhere in the house but everything was silent except for the birds chirping out the window. Xena could tell from the suns position that she had woken up slightly later than usual. She sighed as she stretched out figuring that she had slept in due to the stress of the past few days. Which made it seem even stranger that Gabrielle had beat her in waking up first. Especially after everything that had taken place the day before. Then Xena sighed to herself as she remembered how bothered Gabrielle seemed to be from everything they had seen inside the spirit realm.

XENA
(Thinking to herself) She must've had more on her mind about that then I realized. Once again Xena you're damned past is coming back to haunt you... and Gabrielle. I should go find her so we can have a talk about this.

Xena got out of bed and then noticed the scroll Gabrielle left when it fell on the floor. Curious about what it was, Xena picked it up, unrolled the parchment and read the note that Gabrielle had left.

NOTE
Xena,
I've gone out for the day. Don't worry I'll be fine. I just wanted to get a few things. I'll be back later today.
        Gabrielle

Xena turned the paper over hoping that more was written on the back. Such as where Gabrielle had even gone but there was nothing.

XENA
(Thinking to herself) She didn't actually leave the village by herself did she?

Determined to find out Xena quickly got dressed, got Aurora and left the house to ask around if the others in the village had seen Gabrielle. But when no one Xena asked had seen her, Xena became increasingly worried. After having Iris watch the baby for a bit Xena did a more thorough search for Gabrielle and found herself at the stables.

XENA
(Irritated tone) You did what?!

STABLE HAND
Gabrielle asked to use a horse early this morning. I couldn't just say no.