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

pt.20

It was getting late in the day as Xena continued on horseback to find Gabrielle. She'd been searching for a while and when she didn't see any signs of her, Xena became increasingly worried that something might've happened to her. So she gave Argo a nudge to go a little faster down the road as she kept up her search. Then a good ways ahead Xena saw a figure coming towards her with a horse walking beside them. As the two sides continued on their own trajectory, Xena gave a relieved smile when she recognized the person and sped up a bit to close the distance between them. Meanwhile, Gabrielle was walking and talking to her new horse companion when she heard the sound of hooves against the dirt road. She turned her attention forward in time to see a horse stop a few feet in front of her. Gabrielle stopped walking when she saw it was Xena, as did the horse with her. She watched as Xena hopped down from Argo and stood next to the mare.

XENA
I was hoping I'd find you.

Gabrielle gave Xena a disapproving look.

GABRIELLE
Why don't think I can handle myself?

XENA
No, it's just, you were gone so long and after what happened earlier.

Xena sighed as she tried to think of the right thing to say.

XENA
Gabrielle, you know I don't always know the right words to say. Especially as of late it seems. But then again that's always been more your thing not mine anyway. But I'm trying here.

GABRIELLE
Trying to do what exactly?

Now Gabrielle knew full well that Xena was trying to choose her words carefully in an attempt to not upset her and apologize. But she rarely had Xena in this position, so she decided to let her squirm a little.

XENA
Look I'm just glad that you're back. You are back, right?

Gabrielle smiled as she decided to end Xena's suffering.

GABRIELLE
Yes, Xena. I'm back. Come on after everything we've been through together it'll take a lot more than some arguing for you to get rid of me for good.

Xena gave a relieved smile.

XENA
That's good to hear.

Happy that Gabrielle was back and safe, Xena noted Gabrielle's new companion.

XENA
So who's your new friend there? I know you didn't buy it because you stormed off and I have all of our money.

Gabrielle looked back at the horse for a moment then returned her attention to Xena as she casually shrugged.

GABRIELLE
I found him.

Xena raised her eyebrow in disbelief that Gabrielle just happened to find a horse with a saddle, reigns, and no owner.

XENA
You "found" him?

GABRIELLE
Technically.

Xena folded her arms across her chest, knowing that Gabrielle was intentionally not telling her the full story.

XENA
(Warning tone) Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE
(Irritated tone) What do you think I stole it or something?