I often wonder what would have happened if Xena and I would have actually talked after the Chin adventure. As with so many things that transpired in our early relationship, communication was a tad lacking at times.

It allowed for us to enjoy meeting people of fame and power. And finding surprises along the way. Of course, it was like a blister that continues to get worse if not treated.

I still remember seeing Cleopatra for the first time. She truly was a magnificent woman. After even a brief conversation with her, you found she was intelligent as well.

Meeting Jett was shocking. He was nothing like Joxer, except in appearance. The man would kill you as soon as look at you. But pick on Joxer and he would kick your ass.

And any adventure that has Autolycus in it is one of interesting times. By now, he had actually started to grow on me. Kinda like the big brother I never had.

Xena rolls her eyes at the last statement. Don't let her fool you. She loved Autolycus too. He made our plans interesting, especially when he had to do things his own way.

While it wasn't all fun and games, this adventure was so much lighter that we both enjoyed it, except for the time of separation. And we got to see some friends we hadn't seen in a long time and we made a powerful new one.

KING OF THIEVES

It had been a long three hours for Gabrielle. While she was glad to see Joxer for once, she was also pissed off at the bumbling warrior. She'd been grabbed more times than the golden fleece.

Gabrielle couldn't believe Joxer had kept her waiting just to get new clothes. And no, she didn't like them. They made him appear like a thief or assassin.

The bard nearly laughed out loud when Autolycus said that he witnessed Joxer killing a man the night before. The bumbling warrior had been in prison on chicken stealing charges.

The anger was slightly leaving Gabrielle's body to be replaced by intrigue. Another man who appeared like Joxer, but was a ruthless killer?

Brother? Not only was this man an assassin he was Joxer's brother. There was a lot of explaining to do by the bumbling warrior. Like why he'd never mentioned his brother before.

Joxer's sob story about how good Jett was compared to him had Gabrielle thinking. There was only one thing they could do. They had to stop him. But how?

Gabrielle came up with a brilliant Xena-like plan. One that Autolycus did not want anything to do with. For one, there was no profit. Two, there was danger at every turn.

There were only a handful of ways to get Autolycus to do what you wanted him to do. Gabrielle wasn't in the mood to break her vows to Xena so the other and the best was to say the 'R' word. Reward.

Watching the entrance to the castle informed Gabrielle and the others that security was heightened. Whoever was the target had already arrived. Getting the sword inside would be nearly impossible.

Gabrielle was attempting to think, but Autolycus and Joxer were bickering. They were like two little boys. The bard wanted to knock their heads together to get them back on track.

As Gabrielle outlined the plan, Autolycus countered everything she said. The bard was becoming frustrated. And her confidence was waning some.

Still, Gabrielle forged ahead. She told Autolycus that once he had the sword past the dog to drop them a rope from the window. She still wished she could get the two morons to stop fighting.

The first part of the plan was put into motion to distract the guards. Gabrielle got her wish to hit one of the two bickering men by hitting Joxer. And dragging him away.

Something happened with the second part as the rope either disengaged or broke sending Joxer back to the ground. It was time for plan B as the guards had found them.

Being in jail with Joxer was not the most pleasant of experiences for Gabrielle. Especially when he was going on about a bruised brain.

It was only a minor setback. They would have to be interviewed. Why did Gabrielle blurt out what Joxer's suggestion was? It would be better to tell the truth.

In a way, Gabrielle could understand why Joxer locked her back in the cell. In another way, she wanted to kill him. She was attempting to think like Xena even throwing a wooden chakram. It didn't go over so well.

When the opportunity presented itself, Gabrielle attempted the pinch. When that didn't work, she resorted to violence. It gained her her freedom.

Gabrielle chastised Joxer for locking her in a cell. It was time to split up and see if they could locate him. She would come and find him as he could probably handle Jett better than she could.

Instead of finding Jett, Gabrielle found a disguise so she could get to Autolycus. There was no second part to Jett's plan. That meant they needed to get to Pontius and tell him of the assassination attempt.

Gabrielle was the first to find Pontius and begin the explanation of how Jett and Joxer appeared the same. Luckily for the trio, Pontius thought Joxer was Jett.

It took both Gabrielle and Autolycus referring to Joxer as Jett before the bumbling warrior understood he was to play the part of his brother.

The only issue…among many…was the fact Autolycus had to tell them that he was the king of thieves. Gabrielle and Autolycus were down in the dungeon with the king of thieves working numerous locks.

At least Joxer was still out there. Even though he was a bumbling warrior, his heart was in the right place. Hopefully he could confront his brother and keep him from killing Cleopatra.

Gabrielle knew that Autolycus was right. Though it would have been more likely to work if he hadn't romanced Cleopatra, her Xena plans rarely had a chance at working. She just wasn't her soulmate.

As if her soulmate knew Gabrielle needed her, Xena was there. She asked why they didn't just go to Cleopatra when they knew she was the target. The bard was charmed when Autolycus once again had her back and said that the plan brought out the inside man. He truly did have a heart of gold.

The bard brought the party with her just as things were already interesting in Cleopatra's chambers. There was the usual big fight that they were as a team able to win.

After Joxer say they would all be looking at him a little differently, they all hastily agreed that they wouldn't be. Gabrielle and Xena shared a look. It felt good to be part of a group again.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

It was time to do a little warlord chasing. To do that, Xena needed information. The prison was one of the bests ways. Especially when you introduced the fact that one man was going to be jailed with his enemies.

What wasn't a good way to do that was coming across one of your friends. Joxer was in for chicken thieving. She paid for the chicken and his freedom. He could at least be a messenger boy and inform Gabrielle where she was headed.

It was a short journey. It didn't take much to track the man Xena was looking for. He only had a handful of men with him. It was rather easy to take them all into custody.

Bringing them back to the larger city was a little more difficult as no one wants to come back to their trial for potential life in prison. Xena was a patient person. She would do nearly anything to see these men were held responsible for their crimes.

It was time to find her soulmate and Joxer. Everywhere Xena asked they said they had gone to the castle. The castle was under heavy guard. The word was a very important dignitary was staying there.

After getting caught up to speed, Xena had a question. One was why they didn't just go to Cleopatra and tell her she was the target. It was Autolycus who answered saying they wanted to find the inside person who turned out to be Pontius.

Xena was back in charge. Gabrielle was to find Joxer. Autolycus was to find Jett. She was to find Cleopatra. She attempted to convince her to stay in the wings, but the woman had to be where the fight was.

Fighting Jett was an amazing thing. He was actually up there in those Xena had fought. It became a free for all as Gabrielle brought company with her. Even with the company, the fight didn't last very long.

Xena offered Cleopatra to have Jett tried by the local authorities. Her response was it was a shame he couldn't be executed. Laws were what they were and he would spend the rest of his life in prison.

Cleopatra countered offered something a little more delightful. If Xena were to ever come to Egypt to send word. There would be a reception she would soon never forget. The warrior princess could only imagine.

Joxer had to have the last word. He said that everyone would look at him differently now. Everyone, including Xena, agreed that nope.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Joxer was off visiting his brother. Autolycus never remained after getting the reward or the accolades. It left Xena and Gabrielle on their own.

Once again, their reward was a room. But it wasn't any room. It was a room in the palace. They were to remain guests of Cleopatra's for the week.

Gabrielle was excited because she really hadn't gotten to meet her majesty. Xena was indifferent, as usual. But to see her bard excited, it was enough to content the warrior princess.

"I can't believe we're having dinner with Cleopatra." Gabrielle had went shopping with the few meager dinars she had left. She sighed. "I'm going to have to start telling stories again. I'm nearly out of dinars."

"You aren't nearly out of dinars." Xena reached for a pouch. She opened it and counted out the coins. "I just haven't taken the time to give you half of the reward yet. And you look stunning."

The bard was wearing a red silk dress that was daringly low cut that tied around her neck. Her hair was pinned up but some was allowed to cascade about her face and shoulders.

Xena was wearing a sleeveless silk blue dress with hair done similarly to Gabrielle's. She made her way over to her bard and handed her the coins. "Normally I don't take reward, but it was you, Joxer and Autolycus that did most of the work. I should give you all the reward."

Gabrielle stared at the dinars in her hand. She'd never had so many coins at one time. "I've never had this many dinars. Well not my own." They laughed at that. "If I look stunning you look elegant."

Their eyes met. They leaned in for a kiss. It was chaste compared to what they really wanted to do. "If I kiss you more passionately then that, Cleopatra will be eating on her own." Another bit of laughter ensued.

They still had a few candlemarks before joining Cleopatra. Gabrielle swallowed before speaking. "Xena, do you think I'll ever be good like you when it comes to planning?"

The question caught Xena off guard. She directed them to sit on the bed. Holding her soulmate's hand, she pondered exactly how to answer such a question.

"Gabrielle, there's a part of me that wants to say yes you'll become as good as me." When emerald eyes lit up, Xena hated to dim them. "But there's another part of me that hopes you never do become as good as me."

The bard stared at their joined hands. A few moons ago, Gabrielle would have taken that as a slap to the face. But now, she knew it was because Xena never wanted her to become like the evil that was one the conqueror of nations.

"As long as I can keep helping and you listen to me…" Gabrielle trailed off. She felt her hand being squeezed. "Thank you, Xena. It means a great deal to me."

"And you mean a great deal to me." Once again, they were kissing. So much so that even Xena didn't hear the knocking on the door. Finally, it became pounding. "Guess it's time to go impress."

It was an elegant affair. But what would one expect when dealing with Cleopatra. There were colorful tapestries hung on the walls. There were no tables just colorful pillows to sit upon.

As honored guest, Xena and Gabrielle were to sit next to Cleopatra. "I meant what I said, Xena. You come to Egypt and this will pale in comparison."

There were foods of all kinds with scantily clad men and women serving the Egyptian dishes. There was music and dancers. It put the Amazons to shame.

"And I hope to get there one day. But we mostly travel in Greece." Xena took a bite of whatever delicacy had been handed her. She loved spicy foods and this was perfection.

Gabrielle wasn't quite as loving when it came to spicy foods. She gallantly continued eat what was handed to her until she feigned being full.

"I wish you'd reconsider. Not the party, though that would be fun." Cleopatra looked into azure eyes. She wished she would see a spark of desire for her. But that was for the bard only it seemed. "I mean that contract for security that Autolycus negotiated. I know it was all part of the plan to find out who was on the inside, but…"

"You wish I would head your security for real." Cleopatra nodded. Emerald eyes and azure ones connected. While it was tempting being in another country, it was too soon after Chin to think of leaving Greece.

"It's an amazing offer." Gabrielle changed positions slightly. "I can't imagine the stories I would garner from being in your presence and in Egypt but…"

"But you too say you would rather remain in Greece." Cleopatra sighed. "It's not often that I don't get what I want. I was hoping for some personal entertainment, as well as the contract to be fulfilled. The night is full of disappointments."

"You mean you wanted…" Gabrielle pointed between the three of them. She blushed the color of her dress from head to toe. "If you'll excuse me, I think I've had enough entertainment for the evening."

"Gabrielle!" Xena hastily rose. She turned to Cleopatra. "She may not seem like it, but she, in many ways, is still the simple farmgirl that's been traveling with me for many seasons now. She's learned many lessons over that time, but the greatest one she's taught me is being faithful."

Cleopatra held up her hands. "In my position, I have to use all my assets to continuing ruling. That includes my body. So sometimes I like to use my body for my own pleasure. And you two are quite alluring."

"I'll tell her that." Xena turned to go, but thought of something else to say. "We aren't just a couple. We are soulmates. It's a bond like no other. And don't worry. She'll get over this. That invitation will always be there. Goodnight, Cleopatra."

"Goodnight, Xena." Cleopatra watched Xena move with grace and speed. To be in love and soulmates must be something. Perhaps she would find that one day.

It didn't take long for Xena to catch up to Gabrielle just outside their room. "Are you all right." The warrior princess was truly worried about her bard.

"I think so." Gabrielle turned around. "That just caught me by surprise. I know it's nothing new for you, but for me that's something I would never…"

Xena gently placed her fingers over Gabrielle's lips. She nodded to their room. "Let's go inside where it's more private. Plus, I can get out of this dress."

Gabrielle swallowed at the thought. They entered the room. Xena closed her eyes. It was safe. Before the bard could prepare herself, her lover was naked.

"I've said this before, but by the gods Xena you are beautiful." Gabrielle reached up and undid her the tie around her neck. She allowed her dress to fall to the ground. "And I'm not high on henbane or drunk."

Xena would have laughed if she wasn't so turned on. Just seeing her wife like this was enough to throw all coherent thought from her mind.

"And you a sexy as Tartarus. Come here you." Xena was closer to the bed. For emphasis, she crooked her finger. "I want you, my love."

"Then you shall have me." Gabrielle deliberately walked over to her soulmate. Xena brought them together. "I love the feel of our bodies pressed together. They are perfect together."

Xena leaned down and kissed her lover. Gabrielle moaned when she felt the tongue thrust inside her mouth. It was a duel for dominance that the warrior princess was winning at the moment.

Gabrielle wrapped her legs around Xena having their cores come in contact. Both women gasped at the sensation. The warrior princess backed up until she was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Both their breathing was heavy at the moment. "I want you now." Xena usually was ok with foreplay. In fact, she loved it when it came to her bard.

But there were times when all Xena wanted was to feel her lover climax either on her hand or in her mouth. Frankly, she didn't care which at the moment. As long as it happened soon.

"Then opened up for me." Gabrielle reached between them. She opened Xena's nether lips and her own. Hard clits came into contact. Both women groaned.

They began a slow rocking against one another. It brought their breasts in contact. Hardened nipples pebbling against one another.

All the while the two lovers were kissing. The rocking motion increased. The hardened clits gained even more traction as their moisture mixed together. Their bodies began to sweat causing the hardened nipples to slide easier together.

Finally, both women called out one another's names. "Gods, Xena." Gabrielle kissed Xena on the lips. "It just keeps getting better. Like we are building to something good."

"Or we're just getting better the more we practice." Xena earned a playful pat on the arm. "I think I know what you mean." And the warrior princess did. But she was worried. With her past, would it be good or would it be bad?