JUST ONE BITE

pt.22

The wagon rolled along before being brought to a stop as the trio of Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer looked at the average village that they had arrived in after several days worth of travel after getting the old wagon. As everyone got out of the cart, Xena walked back to where Gabrielle and Joxer had existed the back of the wagon.

GABRIELLE
You're sure this is the right place Joxer?

JOXER
Yeah I'm sure.

XENA
Huh, this place doesn't look very big. Certainly not the kind of place that would get very much use out of a brothel. I doubt they get that many visitors coming through here for it to be very profitable.

JOXER
Well I'm telling you that this is where I met those Demeter worshipers.

Sensing that Joxer was getting a bit defensive thinking that she and Gabrielle thought he told them the wrong place, xena gave him a friendly pat on the back.

XENA
Relax Joxer we just weren't expecting it to be such a small village is all.

She then began walking towards a building.

XENA
Come on, let's go check around and see if anyone can tell us anything.

Gabrielle and Joxer followed behind Xena as the group entered a large building. Inside they were met with a large room with a bar on the opposite side of the room from the door. The room had several people scattered about. Some were women just casually lounging or standing around. Others were having conversations that seemed to be rather intense, as Gabrielle had noted how close those involved were to one another. Ignoring what was happening around them, Xena made her way up to the counter and motioned for Gabrielle to follow.

XENA
I guess Joxer was right about this place being here. Gabrielle, make sure you stay close to me while we're here.

GABRIELLE
What? Why?

Before Xena had the chance to answer, one of the patrons whistled towards Gabrielle and as she turned towards the noise, he patted his knee for her to come over and have a seat as another tossed a couple dinars on the table that the two were still at as he called for Gabrielle to come over so they could "get to know each other"

GABRIELLE
Never mind.

Gabrielle quickly moved closer to Xena whose hand moved to grip the hilt of her sword as she shot the patrons who had their sights set on Gabrielle a look that told them if they even thought of coming near Gabrielle they wouldn't be able to enjoy themselves at this particular type of establishment for a good while or possibly ever again. That appeared to do the trick as the patrons looked away and even went through great lengths to avoid looking in Gabrielle and Xena's direction at all. As did everyone else in the large room. Satisfied that her nonverbal threat would now be enough to keep Gabrielle or herself from being harassed any further, Xena let go of her blades handle as she, Gabrielle and Joxer finished walking up to the counter.

BROTHEL OWNER
And what can we do for you on this fine day, my good ladies and sir. If you're looking for some group fun, we can gladly accommodate. So...

Xena put up her hand to stop the woman from continuing with his sales pitch.

XENA
Sorry but we're not really here for your services. We're actually looking for some people that we think may have stopped by your establishment.