Disclaimer: I don't own Xena: Warrior Princess. Accept it.
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The warm campfire threatened to lull Xena into a deep sleep, but she better than to doze off. She was awaiting the return of her new friend, Gabrielle. The perky blonde was out bathing, so Xena gave her some privacy and kept an eye on things.
Gabrielle's incessant chatter normally distracted Xena from any profound thought, but she was not around right at the moment, so Xena had time to reflect.
She had so many enemies. It drove her into sleeplessness, it forced her to remain on her toes, it took away any chance for relaxation.
But, the warrior princess thought, I'm getting what I deserve.
She had killed so many people. Innocent children, kind women, brave men. And all for the fun of it.
I am a horrible person, aren't I?
Gabrielle's reappearance snapped Xena out of her reverie.
The blonde girl knew something was wrong with her friend. She was not gazing around cautiously. She was unusually still and she stared directly into the fire with the saddest of expressions upon her face.
"Xena?" Gabrielle's voice sounded nervous. Xena picked her head up and flashed a quick half-smile at her friend. That made Gabrielle realize what was wrong.
"You're exhausted! You should lie down." Despite Xena's protests, Gabrielle was gently but firmly pushing the warrior princess onto the ground. "I'll be on the lookout for the rest of the night. Don't you worry!" But Xena did not hear these promises, for she had already passed out as soon as her head hit the saddle she was using as a pillow.
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Xena awoke the next morning to find Gabrielle still wide awake, watching for attackers. The warrior princess then began to comprehend the girl's similarities to herself, and this knowledge comforted her.