Disclaimer

This story was written without the knowledge or consent of MCA/Universal and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights. This story is for intended for mature readers over the age of 18 as it contains both violence and explicit love scenes between two women. If you are offended by either, or both, of these subjects I suggest you don't read any further.

This story is the work of the author and is protected by copyright. Please gain permission before copying and/or publishing any or all of this story.

The doors to the small town's local tavern open to a grumbling rainsoaked Warrior Princess and her cranky companion Bard of Potiedaia. Xena glance around the room, her striking blue eyes peering through her wet bangs. Nothing unusual...then Gabrielle shoved the former Destroyer of Nations aside and plopped down in a chair nearby. "Hey! Watch it, Gabrielle" Gabrielle rubbed her sore ankles and scoffed at Xena "Awww, did I hurt your feelings? I need to get off my feet, Xe. " "You didn't have to be rude about it, Gabrielle. Period or no period" Xena tells her partner as she signals for drinks. "Large hot tea and ale for me." Gabrielle gets a sudden and venomous look across her young face. Xena knows better than to blab extremely personal information about the Bard out in public. But, the cold rain and Gabrielle's constant griping eroded Xena's judgement.

Gabrielle lifts her staff a inch from Xena's nose and growls. "You say anything like that out loud again and I'll make you swallow this" Xena slaps the staff to one side "Settle down, Gabrielle. I'm sorry. I just want some dinner and a dry bed. We'll feel better in the morning." "Yeah. Me too. I was rude. Sorry" Gabrielle agrees and places the staff close to her. The owner places the drinks before the two heroes. "Welcome to the Sunrise Inn, ladies. Would you like something to eat? Tonight is lambchops and salad." "Sounds great. We'll have two plates and a room for the night" Xena ordered. Gabrielle taps Xena on the shin with her foot, causing the table to jump. "Please" Xena strains a smile through the pain. "Certainly. I'll get your dinners" Gab smiles "See, Xena. A little bit of good manners goes along way." "Yes, Mother" Xena replies in a child's sweet voice. Gabrielle takes a mouthful of fresh bread. "Very funny. I hope they have sweets here." Xena grabs the Bard's scrollbag and rummages through it, then picks one. "Excuse me. Gotta visit the little warlords room." "Don't even think about it" "What? I want something to read. Gonna be a while." Gab sipped her tea as she watched her friend exit to theouthouse.

The owner returned with their meals as Gabrielle waited. "Must have been that fish we had this morning." she pondered as she inhaled the aroma of the lambmeat and herbs. Gabrielle asks for more tea and more bread. As she looks for Xena, the tavern door opens again. A tall handsome man enters and sits at the bar. By his looks and his walking cane, Gabrielle would guess him to be about 50. Some grey touches his temples and a couple of lines border his green eyes. His hands were clean as well as his skin. "Mug of port, please" he asks in a smooth voice. "Just the kind of man my mom would want." Gabrielle thought as she looked at his nice clothes and wide shoulders.

Xena came into the room and handed her scroll back to Gabrielle " Sorry I took so long. Great story...didn't make it to the end" Xena commented. Gabrielle started to eat her dinner and stared at the stranger as he laughed with the owner. "What in Olympus are you staring.." Xena asked as she turned her head to the bar. A serious look crossed her face as she rose to her feet. "Xena, what is it?" Xena didn't reply to Gab's question as she starts to walk to were the handsome man sits. Gabrielle grabs her staff and follows Xena.

The handsome stranger picks up his mug as a dinar hits the bartop. "You have your drink, Barnaby. Now get out." Xena commanded. "Hi, Xena. Long time..good to hear your voice." Xena unseathes her sword and puts it near the man. "You fucking heard me. Get...out" "Xena! What are you doing? He's unarmed" Barnaby smiles "Yes, Xena. You don't want to kill an unarmed man."

"Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining, Barnaby. Last time I saw you, I had you staked on the beach naked and I took your ship." "Yes. Those were fun times..." Barnaby smiles and boldly smacks the sword out of Xena's hand. Then, he taps Xena on top of her shouders causing the Warrior to hang uselessly. "I just came to catch up" Barnaby casually informs the heroes. Quickly, he taps her on the hips making her legs useless. "Xena?!" Xena struggles with her new problem. "I'm OK, Gabrielle. Pissed at myself for getting too close, but OK. Don't get too close. He's more deadly than I am."

Gabrielle steps forward " What did you do? You take that off right NOW!" Barnaby picks up his mug and stares at the struggling Xena at his feet. Gabrielle in a fury swings her staff with no use. Barnaby just catches it with one hand and twists it out of her grip to the Queen's amazement. Barnaby stands to his full height, looks down at the now scared Gabrielle. "What now, Gabrielle? Xena is helpless. Your staff is in my hands. You are far, far away from home."