"Calm down Xena!" Gabrielle huffs, as the gates to Stympheae come into view, while Xena's ethereal form follows closely behind her.
"Gabrielle, this is one of the last places Ares was seen before disappearing completely a few months ago! I overheard some people saying that he was so angry he blew up a building that day."
Quickly stopping, causing Xena to run into her back, Gabrielle faces her and calmly states
"I can handle myself. You know that. We've been traveling for a year like this since… since.."
Soothingly Xena takes Gabrielle in her arms, thankful that at least she can still touch Gabrielle and that Gabrielle can still see her
"I know. I know. You've proven that you are capable more times than I can count," pulling away slightly to look Gabrielle in the eye "but I just think that we should try and stay clear of anything Ares. What if he has plans to separate us or hurt you?"
"Xena, I won't let that happen." as she moves around Xena to head for the gates once again "Besides, I've never had a city send a messenger for me and directly asked for me to perform for them! I've already said yes. The pay is great, the job is basically risk free, and there will be hundreds of people there for the festival. Safety in numbers, remember?"
Exasperated "Fine! But I will be eavesdropping on people!"
"Xena -"
"No! This is my one stipulation and the only thing that will help keep you safe." Poking Gabrielle in the side for emphasis, causing the blonde to flinch and giggle.
"Hahaha! OKAY OKAY! I give. This ONE time!" wagging a finger in Xena's face and mumbles "Even though it is an invasion of privacy.." under her breath.
Exchanging glares and some fierce sticking out of tongues, the two walk through the gates.
Their ears and eyes are met with organized pandamonium. A myriad of colored flags and banners, covered in the city's crest and name, hang above hundreds of people milling about carrying building materials, cloth, food, and trinkets. The stall owners yell to the passersby with promises of delicious food, beautiful jewelry, fine clothing, etc. Obvious locals breeze by while tourists are caught in their webs. The numerous guards and soldiers monitor every movement made and make their presence very well known.
"They sure do have a lot of guards posted." Gabrielle says quietly to Xena, so she doesn't appear crazy, talking to nobody.
"I guess it's a bigger deal than we thought."
They both continue their journey towards the center of the large polis, slowly and claustrophobically, through the thick crowd. Eventually, a large stadium come into view, which is heavily adorned with flags and banners promising many performers and shows.
"Xena! My name! They've put my name up as 'Gabrielle the traveling bard'"
"They got the best!" Xena says into Gabrielle's ear as she pats her back.
Spotting a table in front of the stadium entrance, Gabrielle heads over to see what the deal is. "Is this where the performers sign in?"
"It is." a gruff man answers "Name?"
"Gabrielle."
Finally looking up from his scroll and changing his attitude completely "Oh Gabrielle! It's so lovely that you have come. We wanted only the best for our bicentennial and of course that is you!" rushing around and taking her by the arm, he leads her into the stadium, showering her in praises. Xena follows closely behind and scans the crowd one last time. A girl dressed in dark leather and silver scaled armor captures her attention as it appears that she is looking directly at her. They stare at each other for a few moments before the girl breaks away into the crowd. Xena makes a mental note to find her later and walks into the stadium.
"Stympheae has agreements with the tavern owners to let them stay for free! It has been arranged that you will stay in Takis' Tavern directly across from the stadium, so that you will have no trouble getting to and from the stadium. Again sorry about my gruff attitude before, I have been dealing with a lot of stuff for the celebration. Remember my name is Thanos and if you need anything you can send for me at the palace." Ending with that, Thanos swiftly turns and glides out of the stadium, his ornate red robe trailing behind him.
"He sure can move fast for a big guy." Xena jokes as they head toward the exit.
"Xena! Well I guess he has a lot to do and can't afford to move slowly." Playfully hitting her partner. The short walk to the tavern is devoid of talking because they would have had to shout with the roar of the crowd that was louder, for some reason, even though it was getting dark. It was apparent that people were in a hurry to get home, as they were bumped into constantly.
Finally entering Takis', they are greeted by delicious smells, and even more people. The room is very large, filled with as many tables that would fit and a small stage in the far right corner. They head for the bar, directly across from the door, and Gabrielle asks for her room key and some dinner. Overhearing her name, Takis stops schmoozing the other patrons and heads directly for Gabrielle.
"So you're the lovely bard we've all heard so much about! Come here! I'll clear a table for you!" Motioning for some soldiers in the far left table to clear out. "I'm Takis, the owner along with my wife, Yanna. Can I get you anything?"
"No, no I've already ordered, but could I get my room key?"
"Of course! Yes yes! Please don't hesitate to ask for anything at anytime! I'll be right back." he says, almost worriedly. He returns faster than conversation can be made with the key, some food, and takes Gabrielle's satchel to her room. Finally leaving Xena and Gabrielle to enjoy the evening.
While a starving Gabrielle chows down on a thick stew and bread, Xena scans the room, making sure any unsavory characters stay where they should. She, again, spots the young woman in the dark armor leaning against a wall near the entrance, seemingly making eye contact with her.
"This isn't possible. No one but Gabrielle can see me."
"Hmm?" Gabrielle looks up from her, nearly devoured food, with food still in her mouth.
"Nothing."
"People seem very excited to see me here. I've never had people act so willing to please before." she says between bites.
"Yeah… it's weird." still glancing at woman "And you've NEVER had someone so willing to please you?" Xena says suggestively to Gabrielle, making her nearly spit out her food with laughter, as couple of soldiers approach Gabrielle's table.
"Hey miss. Want some company?" One of the men inquire in, what appears to be, his most suave voice.
Xena growls "Not your kind of company buddy," which is only heard by Gabrielle.
"No thanks fellas. I only have eyes for this food and then bed."
"Oh come on a pretty girl like you shouldn't eat alone." They begin to sit in the chairs opposite the bard when sturdy hands came down hard on their shoulders.
"Lefteris, Marinos, take a walk." A stern voice demands causing them to rush straight to the door with fear.
The source of the voice is none other than the woman from earlier. She stands fairly tall, with dark brown hair and blue eyes, 'resembling Xena a bit' Gabrielle thinks. Her well muscled body is clad in black leather pants and bustier, with silver armor, which Xena notes 'Now that I'm closer it looks like dragon scales."
"Sorry about those two. They are new to the infantry and haven't quite learned their manners." she says directly to Gabrielle, although Xena swears she glances at her.
"No worries. I've dealt with a lot like them and a lot worse. Would you like to sit down?"
"I don't want to keep you late. I know that you have a big week ahead."
Not wanting the girl to leave "No please, sit. I'd like to talk to a local about the place."
Taking a seat across from Xena and Gabrielle "Well, I didn't exactly grow up here, but I'll do my best. I'm Eithne, by the way."reaching across the table to take Gabrielle's hand in a warrior's handshake.
"Gabrielle."
"Oh, I know. I'm a mercenary who was hired by the king to ensure the security of the city a while ago. It's my job to know who comes in and out of the city." Eithne says matter-of-factly.
"I saw that the security looked pretty tight. The king must be pretty cautious."
"There were… some incidents when I was passing through the town and so he hired me to ensure nothing like it would happen again, especially during the celebration of the city's establishment."
"What incidents? Gabrielle ask what the incidents were."
"Yeah, it seems like everyone in Greece is here. So you're a mercenary who was just passing through? Eithne doesn't sound like any name I've heard before." Gabrielle states, ignoring Xena's demands to hear what the accidents were.
"It's actually Celtic, but, yeah I have just, kind of, wandered from place to place since I was young. I don't really consider myself from anywhere. How about you? I mean, an amazing bard and warrior! I heard you used to travel with Xena The Warrior Princess." She says excitedly, moving the subject from herself.
"Yeah. I really miss travelling with her. She was my… best friend, but I'm trying to continue to what she believed in and do good wherever I can." Gabrielle says looking down at her lap to steal a glance at Xena, who was now looking directly at her with kind eyes.
"It sounds like you loved her very much and I think she was a wonderful person with the stories that I've heard. Will you be telling any of them this week?" she asks interestedly, leaning forward.
"Haha! Probably! She is my favorite subject and I was there for most of the stories!" She laughs, remembering some of the crazier adventures they've had since Xena died. "I might even tell some newer ones. We'll see. I think I am going to head to bed for tonight, though." Gabrielle states, rising from her chair causing Eithne and Xena to rise with her.
"Oh, alrighty then! Hopefully we can speak more later! Sleep well and if you need any help all of the guards are informed of your importance here." She states, slipping back into her straight faced military tone.
"Goodnight!" Gabrielle giggles and heads for the stairs. Xena's close proximity to Eithne's face, examining her, is the source of her mirth.
Eithne stands very still and watches Gabrielle leave, giving no hints as to whether she can sense Xena or not before she turns and leaves the tavern.