Chapter 4

They left Gabrielle at the camp and found themselves on the bank of the river. Alana crouched in the least painful position she could find and watched as Xena waded into the water. She watched in silent awe, wondering what Xena planned on doing. As they waited in silence, Xena's ear turned to the water, Alana thought about her conversation with Gabrielle. She could not for the life of her believe these two weren't lovers. The elegant way Gabrielle wrote about Xena's life, the loving way she described the warrior sounded so much like someone in love, there was just no way it was possible. They had to be. In just the short time Alana had been around them, the electricity between the two had been undeniable. She remembered how flustered Gabrielle had gotten when trying to deny it. There was no doubt in Alana's mind that these two were in love. If they hadn't admitted it yet, then well, maybe they just needed a little help. Alana smiled wickedly and formulated her plan. Suddenly she heard a splash as Xena thrust her hands into the water and pulled out a large, very squirmy fish. With one quick toss, the fish landed on the bank next to Alana, who quickly unsheathed her dagger and dispatched the fish before it could flop back into the water. She looked at Xena, sheer amazement on her face. She had to smile at the self confident grin on Xena's face. Alana just shook her head and smiled. Xena turned back and tilted her head, waiting for the next victim.
"So," Alana cleared her throat as she put her plan into action. "Gabrielle...she seems like a nice traveling companion."
Xena moved her eyes toward Alana, raising an eyebrow, but never acknowledged the girl.
Alana tried to hide her grin. "She's very sweet and kind. She has a soft healer's touch." She was laying it on thick. She glanced up and still saw no reaction from the warrior.
Xena clenched her jaw tight but made sure not to show a reaction. Who did this girl think she was? She had known Gabrielle less than a day, and she's already got the hots for her? Xena stilled her thoughts for a moment as she deftly reached through the water, fingers gripping into the large bass and tossing it to the shore.
Alana thought this fish landed a little closer to her than the last one and smirked as she stabbed it. "She's quite beautiful too. A smart, compassionate, beautiful warrior is hard to come by. She would be quite the catch."
Xena crouched her ear over the water again as she shook her head. Her blood was boiling.
'To think, this girl wants to make the moves on Gabrielle! As if Gabrielle would ever be interested in her. Well, she had better just watch her step or I'll tan her hide. She's not putting her filthy hands on my Gabri-' Xena swallowed hard. Her Gabrielle? What was she thinking? Gabrielle wasn't hers...well, she was, but not in that way. However, the thought of Gabrielle and Alana together, flirting, touching...even just TALKING was causing Xena's stomach to tie up into knots. Well, it was only because Xena was protective of her best friend and used to it being just the two of them.
Right?
Xena tried to gently shake the thoughts out of her head and focus on trying to catch that last fish.
Alana could feel the steam coming off Xena's body, and knew she was getting to her. Time to up the stakes a bit. "Xena, you two are best friends, so tell me. What's Gabrielle's "type"?" Alana didn't even have time to react to the splashing sound before she got smacked squarely in the face by a wet, slimy fish. She froze in shock as the fish dropped into her lap and slid to the ground. She looked up at Xena as stinky river water dropped off her chin.
The look on Xena's face was pure satisfaction. She faked an apology by scrunching up her face and covering her mouth with her hand. "Oops!"
Alana wiped her face with her hands and chuckled to herself. "Uh huh." It was working. Xena was warning her. Ooo, this was going to be a fun night.

Alana made a point to watch Gabrielle intently as she dressed the fish, inquiring about spices and cooking techniques. She was careful not to glance at Xena; she knew the warrior would see through her if she did.
Gabrielle was gracious, patiently answering all the girls curious questions. She noticed the girl was hovering a bit too closely for her liking, but she was polite enough not to do anything about it. She did find herself wishing the girl would just shut up and let her do her work. She was used to the comfortable quiet that she had with Xena.
Xena. Gods. Gabrielle thought back to the conversation she had previously had with Alana. She found herself sneaking a peek to see what Xena was up to. To her surprise, her eyes met Xena's peering back at her. The look in those blue eyes showed...was that anger? Before Gabrielle had a chance to process the look she was receiving, Xena's eyes darted down to the fire.
Alana observed all this and grunted in satisfaction as she continued her discreet assault into Gabrielle's personal bubble. "Wow, you know, I've never seen eyes the color of yours before. They're beautiful," she crooned as she leaned in closer to look.
Gabrielle looked back at Alana and blushed at how close she was. "Thank you. Excuse me," Gabrielle had to brush by the girl to bring the frying pan over to the fire. She had to admit she was happy when her task forced the girl to give Gabrielle her space.
Alana sat back against a log and tried to see Xena out of the corner of her eye. The warrior was widdling a stick rather violently. Alana decided to give the torture a break for a bit.
"So, you guys know my story, what are you two doing in this neck of the woods?" She asked casually. Xena shot a look of annoyance at her. "If you don't mind me asking." Alana said sarcastically.
Gabrielle noticed Xena's face and shook her head. "We're headed to Amazon territory. We've been away for quite a while and I want to check in on them," Gabrielle told her as she flipped the broiling fish.
Alana suddenly sat up straight, then flinched at the shooting pain in her back. "Amazon country? Really?"
Xena looked at the girl curiously. She wondered what all the excitement was about.
"Yeah, why?" Xena asked coarsely.
Alana was slightly embarrassed at her quick reaction and tried to cover. She slumped back down against the log, massaging her shoulder. "Ah, we'll, it's just, I've never been there. I'm curious is all. I heard they were all but obliterated." Alana averted her eyes from the two warriors, hoping they didn't inquire further.
Gabrielle looked over at Xena questioningly. Xena shook her head, instinctively knowing what Gabrielle was asking. No way did Xena want this love struck girl around Gabrielle any longer than she had to. Gabrielle tilted her head and shrugged her shoulders. She didn't really want the girl around either, but she did feel more comfortable leaving her with the Amazons than out here alone. Xena widened her eyes quickly again, as if yelling 'No!'
"There aren't many left. But it is still an amazing place. But they are very cautious about non Amazons," Gabrielle tested the waters. She looked up at Xena who gave a pleased look.
"Well, Xena's not an Amazon," Alana tried not to sound like a spoiled child and failed. But the truth was, she desperately wanted to accompany the two to the Amazon village. They didn't know it, but that was the real reason she was in Greece.
Gabrielle remained calm despite the foul look on Xena's face. "That's true, but this is Xena we're talking about. She has been a good and loyal friend to the Amazons. Not to mention she's the Queen's champion." Gabrielle smiled at Xena, pulling a sweet grin from the irritated warrior. Seems like that was enough to shake Xena a little from her foul mood. Alana was pleased at their open affection, but knew she had a long way to go.
Gabrielle passed out the food and settled down on a log, comfortably between Alana and Xena who were on opposite sides of the fire.
"So," Alana asked cautiously, "what's it like? The Amazon village?"
Xena flicked her eyes up at Alana but then returned to her dinner. Gabrielle could handle this one.
"It's beautiful. The forest is as old as time itself, the trees taller than the tallest giant, and greener than the deepest sea," the words rolled of Gabrielle's tongue like lava.
"That's beautiful. You are the greatest poet I've ever heard," Alana couldn't pass up that opportunity. She glanced at Xena in satisfaction.
Gabrielle couldn't help but blush. "It's rich in tradition and ceremony. The women there form a sisterhood, each willing to die to protect the others. They are fierce warriors and protectors, but also passionate scholars and mothers. They are a proud and noble people. I'm quite honored to be called one of them."
Alana had let her eyes fix on the fire as Gabrielle spoke. It sounded wonderful. It sounds like someplace she might be able to call home. If only...
Gabrielle sensed Alana's mood shift. She knew something in particular was of interest to the girl, but felt she was too afraid to ask. She looked over at Xena who already knew what Gabrielle was thinking.
Xena rolled her eyes in concession, knowing she couldn't give Gabrielle a good reason not to invite the girl along with them. She couldn't tell her it was because she was jealous...what would Gabrielle think of that?
Gabrielle smiled and nodded at Xena. "Alana, would you like to come along with us to the village?"
Alana shot her head up and immediately smiled. "Really?!"
Gabrielle just smiled as Alana stood up, beaming. "Thank you so much!" She stepped over and grabbed Gabrielle into a big hug, and held it for just a bit too long.
Gabrielle was surprised and was careful not to touch the girl's wounds.
Xena forced a smile, but inwardly muttered "great".
Alana pulled away from Gabrielle and nodded at Xena, unable to squash the huge smile on her face. She turned back to Gabrielle and put her hand on her shoulder. "Now we have time to get to know each other better," she uttered in a low voice. She waited for Gabrielle to smile and nod before she let go of her shoulder.
Xena rolled her eyes when she knew they weren't looking and shook her head. 'Just great.'
The rest of the meal was filled with Alana's thousand questions about the Amazons and what she should expect. Xena was getting very annoyed at the chatter, not to mention Alana's continuing flirtation with Gabrielle. Gabrielle was patient and entertained all of her questions as best she could.
As finally it seemed Alana's questions had been satiated, a calm quiet finally descended on the camp. Xena sighed heavily in relief. Alana took note of the sigh, and remembered her plan. She smiled before turning to Gabrielle. "Gabrielle," she let the name slide off her tongue in a slightly seductive manner.
Gabrielle winced slightly. "Yes, Alana?" She was sure to not let anything be misconstrued by her tone.
"Would you mind checking on my stitches? It feels like I may have pulled a few in my excitement earlier," she tried to sound pained. She wasn't sure she had pulled it off until Gabrielle answered.
"Sure," Gabrielle let the word draw out, glancing at Xena as she moved across the fire to Alana. She saw that Xena had had no reaction, but Gabrielle sensed that she was angry. Was Xena a bit jealous? Nah. She must be imagining it. But Gabrielle couldn't help but relish in the possibility that maybe, just maybe Xena was jealous.
Gabrielle had reservations about flirting with the girl. She certainly didn't want to encourage Alana. However she found that when she laughed a little too hard at one of Alana's jokes or blushed at one of the girls many compliments, the anger and annoyance radiating from the quiet warrior was increasing. She didn't know why, but this prompted Gabrielle to continue. Good. Make Xena jealous. Then maybe she'll make a move.
It wasn't until Alana moved closer to Gabrielle to "check out her arm jewelry" that Xena finally had had enough. "You know we really should get some shut eye. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow." She didn't even realize the harsh way it escaped her throat. Alana and Gabrielle both looked up, both pleased at the effect they were having on Xena. They glanced at each other and moved apart. Gabrielle could hear Xena cursing to herself about one petty thing or another as she violently settled into her bedroll. Gabrielle quietly and innocently settled in to her own. She smiled contentedly. This was an interesting development.
Alana tried to hide the grin on her face as she laid down on the blanket that Gabrielle had given her. She sighed deeply and got comfortable. What had started out as the day she would die at the hands of a common bandit had taken quite an interesting turn. She met two legends who just so happened to be her ticket into the Amazon Village. Now she had to figure out what he was going to do when she got there. What would she do if the very reason she had travelled so far wasn't waiting for her at that village? More importantly, what would she do if it was? She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts so she could get some much needed rest.