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

pt.15

There was still some awkward tension between Xena and Gabrielle after Xena had come back home after speaking to Ephiny and Cora. Both Xena and Gabrielle had significantly cooled off after their earlier argument that had caused Gabrielle to storm away in the first place when Xena became upset about both Gabrielle leaving the village without telling anyone as well as the fact that she knew that there was something bothering Gabrielle but Gabrielle refused to open up about it. Now Xena found herself even more perplexed with the sudden change in Gabrielle's appearance who now sat on the couch with fairly short hair and a completely different look all together. And Xena just didn't know what to make of this. Gabrielle saw the odd expression on Xena's face and assumed that she didn't "approve" of her new look.

GABRIELLE
Everything okay Xena?
(Fake happy tone) Or did I need to inform you about my decision to cut my hair and change my clothes too?

Xena took a breath as she made the conscious decision to no longer allow herself to become angerd by the things Gabrielle was doing. She only succeeded somewhat as she put on a fake smile.

XENA
Of course not. It's your body, you're free to do whatever you want. It's just a bit surprising to see such a big change out of the blue that's all.

Xena began walking upstairs to put Aurora to bed and stopped for a moment to look back at Gabrielle.

XENA
Not that it really matters but I think you look very nice like this. I like it.

Xena continued upstairs and Gabrielle couldn't help but smirk.

GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) Yeah I thought she'd like this outfit.

A little later Xena came back downstairs and sat on the opposite end of the couch. There was an awkward silence as both Gabrielle and Xena each waited for the other speak. Finally after realizing that Gabrielle was clearly waiting on her to start, Xena did just that.

XENA
Listen Gabrielle about earlier, I'm sorry I shouldn't have yelled like that. I was just worried about you disappearing all day. No one knew where you were and when you didn't come back until late, I was afraid that something might've happened to you. It's not an excuse for yelling like I did but I just need you to understand why I was so upset.

Xena paused for a moment to see if Gabrielle wanted to say something but all she got was silence.

XENA
You know how much you mean to me don't you? That's why I got so angry with what you did today. I just nearly lost you not long ago and then you leave the village with no one with you or anything to defend yourself with. You could've been killed or who knows what else. And before you get mad and say that I'm being overly proactive, that's not what this is. If you want more independence I'm fine with that. In fact I think that's great. I love you, I just want to be clued in on these things that's all. I don't think that's too much to ask is it? After all I do the same for you.

Xena looked at Gabrielle who was clearly thinking about what she said.

GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) I guess Xena does have some points here.
Okay. I accept your apology. And I'm sorry I got mad at you too.

Xena smiled. Happy that they had at least somewhat made up. She then moved on to the next subject that she had in mind to discuss but was far more cautious with the way she approached it.