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

pt.21

It was morning as Xena and Gabrielle continued to their destination. They decided to walk for a while, to not exacerbate the injury to the horse's leg that Gabrielle had acquired by doing too much riding. Fortunately, Xena was fairly certain that they were close to their destination anyway. So even going by foot and providing that they didn't get sidetracked for whatever reason, the journey there wouldn't take too much longer. The two walked in silence with their mounts following as they were being led by their owners. Though they had made up for their previous argument, there was still a bit of uncomfortable tension between Xena and Gabrielle. Which Xena definitely did not like and decided to try and ease that tension. At least a little bit anyway.

XENA
Well in spite of how this trip has gone, it's nice that we've had good weather for traveling at least.

Gabrielle looked at Xena as they continued walking.

GABRIELLE
The weather Xena, really? Come on things aren't that awkward between us.

Xena smiled.

XENA
I know. I was just testing to see if you wanted to talk to me at all right now.

GABRIELLE
I guess that depends on the subject.

Xena thought as she decided to ease the conversation towards what she actually wanted to discuss and casually shrugged.

XENA
(Lying) Nothing in particular.

Gabrielle returned her attention forward unsure if Xena was trying to get something out of her or if she really just wanted to have a casual conversation.

GABRIELLE
Then sure, I suppose we can talk.

The two walked on as they spoke. As they carried on Xena did her best to keep the conversation casual for a while and avoid anything that might spark a disagreement between them. As she did just that, Xena motioned behind them to their new horse companion.

XENA
So have you figured out what to call him yet?

Gabrielle glanced back at the stallion who was walking beside Argo without really any difficulty despite his injury.

GABRIELLE
I guess I hadn't thought much about it. Though I suppose I probably should give him a name. I doubt those bandits who had him even bothered to give him one.

Gabrielle returned her attention forward as she tried to think of a good name. She ran through several in her head before settling on one that she thought sounded good.

GABRIELLE
Oh, how about Arrian?

XENA
Arrian huh? Where'd you get that one from?

GABRIELLE
It's the name of a great writer and philosopher. While I haven't gotten the chance to read any, I've heard that his work is really something.

XENA
I thought you were more into those artsy type writers like Sappho. Or that guy we met a while back, Homer.

Gabrielle shrugged.

GABRIELLE
What, I can't like both? Besides I can't name my horse Sappho, it's a boy. And I'd feel weird naming him after someone we know, so Homer's out too.