The sun had barely begun to arch over the horizon when Gabrielle awoke. She carefully pulled down the blanket and slid out of bed. Moving slowly to not disturb Xena. Gabrielle had come back home rather late the night before after working out alot of her pent up frustration on the trees and found it rather difficult to sleep when she did return. She had so much running through her mind and knew that she wouldn't be able to really rest until she did something about it. After getting dressed in her typical clothing instead of the Amazon attire she'd been wearing and packing a small bag, Gabrielle placed a scroll on the foot of the bed and silently made her way downstairs and left the house. The village was quiet at this hour. Hardly anyone was up and about which was exactly what Gabrielle was counting on. She made her way to the fields where the horses were kept. The women in charge of the stables were just getting outside and beginning their daily routines when Gabrielle approached them. After making up some fake reason for why she didn't want to take Argo for wherever she was going and smooth talking her way into borrowing a horse, In truth the reason Gabrielle didn't take Argo was because she was Xena's horse. And Gabrielle was on a mission to do what she felt needed to be done without involving anything from Xena. Or really anyone for that matter. But she figured that smooth talking her way into borrowing a horse didn't count as getting assistance since she used her natural gift of gab to get it. So with a very specific plan in mind Gabrielle rode out of the village and disappeared into the distance. A good time later Xena turned over in her sleep as her arm moved to Gabrielle's side of the bed. Feeling something missing Xena peeked opened her eyes.

XENA

Gabrielle?

Not seeing Gabrielle beside her, Xena opened her eyes fully as she slowly sat up. Xena listened for signs of movement elsewhere in the house but everything was silent except for the birds chirping out the window. Xena could tell from the suns position that she had woken up slightly later than usual. She sighed as she stretched out figuring that she had slept in due to the stress of the past few days. Which made it seem even stranger that Gabrielle had beat her in waking up first. Especially after everything that had taken place the day before. Then Xena sighed to herself as she remembered how bothered Gabrielle seemed to be from everything they had seen inside the spirit realm.

XENA

(Thinking to herself) She must've had more on her mind about that then I realized. Once again Xena you're damned past is coming back to haunt you... and Gabrielle. I should go find her so we can have a talk about this.

Xena got out of bed and then noticed the scroll Gabrielle left when it fell on the floor. Curious about what it was, Xena picked it up, unrolled the parchment and read the note that Gabrielle had left.

NOTE

Xena,

I've gone out for the day. Don't worry I'll be fine. I just wanted to get a few things. I'll be back later today.

Gabrielle

Xena turned the paper over hoping that more was written on the back. Such as where Gabrielle had even gone but there was nothing.

XENA

(Thinking to herself) She didn't actually leave the village by herself did she?

Determined to find out Xena quickly got dressed, got Aurora and left the house to ask around if the others in the village had seen Gabrielle. But when no one Xena asked had seen her, Xena became increasingly worried. After having Iris watch the baby for a bit Xena did a more thorough search for Gabrielle and found herself at the stables.

XENA

(Irritated tone) You did what?!

STABLE HAND

Gabrielle asked to use a horse early this morning. I couldn't just say no.

XENA

(Irritated tone) You didn't even think to ask where she was going so early in the morning?

The Amazon got a nervous expression on her face as she shrugged.

STABLE HAND

She's my queen so I felt it wasn't really my place to ask.

Xena scowled. She wanted to knock the woman out for letting Gabrielle leave without alerting anyone, but knew that she technically didn't do anything wrong and sighed.

STABLE HAND

Sorry.

XENA

No it's fine. Just in the future if she leaves make sure that someone else knows.

STABLE HAND

I can do that.

XENA

Good.

Xena turned away to leave but stopped for a moment at she looked back at the woman.

XENA

Oh and by the way technically I'm still queen right now not Gabrielle.

With that Xena walked away.

XENA

(Thinking to herself/ Irritated) I swear if Gabrielle's not back by the time the sun begins to set I'm gonna find her then once I do we are going to have a very long talk.

Meanwhile Gabrielle brought the horse she was riding to a stop as she reached a city that wasn't too far from the secret village. After hopping down from the saddle, she paid the local stable man to care for the horse until she came back for it. Then Gabrielle entered the city proper. She walked around the busy streets as she made her way through the city folk on their daily routines. Finally Gabrielle found her way to the city's market district. There she browsed through the various shops and stalls set up. Though unlike normal when she and Xena would visit larger cities, Gabrielle didn't take her typical leisurely time looking at the variety of items and wears up for sale. No this time she was on a mission and refused to allow herself to become distracted with such frivolous activities. Gabrielle stopped at a clothing stall where she found a couple of things that caught her eye. She picked up a reddish-brown top by the strings that tied around the neck and back and took a better look at it before holding it up to her torso to try and gage how it might look on her. Seeing that it covered enough but left her mid section exposed. Gabrielle smirked to herself as she thought that Xena would probably like the top on her.

SHOP KEEPER

I think that would look very nice on you dear.

Gabrielle smiled at the kind woman.

GABRIELLE

Thanks. I think I know someone else who would probably agree. I'll get it then.

Gabrielle looked a bit more and found a reddish skirt that she thought matched the new top nicely. Along with some new boots and a pair of small braided armbands that Gabrielle thought tied the whole outfit together. She then paid the woman and was about to continue on her way when she was surprised to spot several Amazonian styles pieces of clothing amongst all the rest. They were a bit more simplistic than what she had been wearing but she still liked them. The top was mostly a medium shade of brown that tied behind her back, came down to just under her chest with fringe on the bottom. Though it was much more low cut than Gabrielle's typical style, she liked it anyway.

SHOP KEEPER

I'm sure that someone you mentioned would probably like that on you as well.

Gabrielle chuckled a little knowing that Xena did infact like her in Amazon stuff.

GABRIELLE

Oh she definitely will.

SHOP KEEPER

In that case, here.

The woman looked through the items for a moment before pulling out a skirt that matched the top. It was short, dark brown with lighter brown fringe that went all around the waist.

SHOP KEEPER

It looks like it might be your size.

Gabrielle took the skirt and looked it over, holding it to her waist to get an approximate measurement before she smiled.

GABRIELLE

It's perfect.

Then Gabrielle thought of something. Amazon items weren't typically found outside of Amazonian settlements unless they were being sold as spoils from raids on villages after capturing the women to be taken into slavery. It was a very sad and harsh reality for many in the Amazonian nation. For some reason tribal women were very appealing to many who only sought to use them for their own sick and twisted desires. Much like the slaver Arsen that Gabrielle, Xena and the rest of the village had stopped shortly after first arriving in the secret village. So while Gabrielle didn't take the woman for being involved in the slave trade, she couldn't help but ask about the items just incase.

GABRIELLE

Just out of curiosity, how did you manage to get some of your merchandise?

The woman noted that Gabrielle was taking about the Amazonian style items. And somewhat knew of the many hardships that Amazon's could face from the world outside of their tribes.

SHOP KEEPER

Oh don't worry young lady, a while back I was traveling and happened to come across some Amazon's who traded some of their things for mine.

Gabrielle didn't get the sense that the women was lying so she decided to buy the Amazon clothes as well.

SHOP KEEPER

(Joking tone) You young woman and your clothes.

By the way I hope you don't mind me asking but you don't really look like one. So I was wondering if you wouldn't happen to be an Amazon yourself would you?

Gabrielle smiled at the woman as she began to leave, not knowing how many times she'd heard the whole you don't look like an, insert thing she didn't supposedly look like here comment. Whether it was being an Amazon, their queen, a well traveled adventurer, fighter and so on. But Gabrielle was determined to see to it that this was another thing that was very soon going to change.

GABRIELLE

Actually I am.

And with those simple words Gabrielle went on her way. She continued walking through the city. She passed by more shops and stalls and bought a bite to eat as well as a couple small things that happened to catch her eye while she continued looking around. Finally she came across a building that was obviously a blacksmith and weapon shop.

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself) Perfect this is exactly what I was looking for.

Gabrielle stuffed the last bite of her food in her mouth and went in. Once inside she gave a polite smile to the man running the shop behind the counter and began looking around.

BLACKSMITH

Hello young lady. Are you lost?

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself/ Irritated) Why because I look so sweet and innocent that I couldn't possibly know how to use any kind of weapon?

Nope I know right where I am.

BLACKSMITH

Okay then. Well let me know if I can help you with anything.

GABRIELLE

I will.

Gabrielle looked around the shop for a bit at the variety of weaponry for sale. Swords, axes, maces, daggers, bows and arrows of all sizes and shapes. Both one handed weapons and two. There were so many. Gabrielle even saw a number of weapons that she had never seen before. She figured that this man must have trade deals with different far off lands and wondered if Xena would know what some of them were due to her extensive travels in the days before they had met. As Gabrielle continued to look around she saw a couple of staffs leaning in the corner that were similar to the one she had before it got broken. She picked one up and looked at it for a moment.

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself) I do know how to use a staff pretty well buuut...

Gabrielle put the weapon back.

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself) I think having something that's apparently too easy for my opponent to grab and take away is a real problem. I'm not making that mistake again.

Gabrielle continued to browse.

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself) Hmm. Sword? Neh, I've never really been good with those when I tried using Xena's a few times. Axes or maces? No too big and bulky. Plus I don't exactly have the arm strength to be swinging one of those around. Bow? I'm pretty sure that takes a long time to really get the hang of one of those. Plus if someone gets up close I'd be in trouble.

Gabrielle sighed to herself.

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself) Not to mention that these are all highly leathal weapons. I might wanna be able to defend myself better but I still don't wanna kill my opponent unless I really have no other choice.

After not seeing anything Gabrielle begin to leave.

BLACKSMITH

Nothing catch your eye?

GABRIELLE

No not today.

BLACKSMITH

Maybe I can help.

Gabrielle shrugged figuring it wouldn't hurt to tell him the sort of thing she was looking for.

BLACKSMITH

So let me make sure I got everything straight. You want something that you can defend yourself with. Can't easily be disarmed or taken from you. Isn't roo big and heavy. But also isn't necessarily leathal.

GABRIELLE

Yes.

Gabrielle saw the blacksmith think for a moment as he looked around his shop.

GABRIELLE

Though I'm sure the type of thing I'm looking for may be fairly difficult to find.

(Thinking to herself) If such weapons even exist at all.

BLACKSMITH

Oh don't worry about that. I'm just trying to think...

The man's voice trailed off as he walked out from behind the counter and into a back room. Gabrielle stood there for several minutes as she heard the man rummaging through things in the other room. She looked out the nearby window and saw that it was later then she thought.

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself) Oh boy the suns gonna be setting soon. I better get back soon before Xena starts leading a search party for me.

She was about to tell the blacksmith never mind when he heard him make a celebratory shout.

BLACKSMITH

Ah ha! I knew I still had this box back here.

Gabrielle watched as the man came back and placed a medium sized wooden box down on the counter in front of him.

BLACKSMITH

I think I might have just the type of thing that you're looking for.

The man opened the box and showed Gabrielle what was inside.

GABRIELLE

Oh wow. I've never seen anything like this before.

BLACKSMITH

Well weapons like this aren't typically found in these parts.

GABRIELLE

But since I've never seen things like this I wouldn't have a clue for how to use it.

The blacksmith smiled.

BLACKSMITH

While I'm far from an expert I could at least tell you the basics if you're interested.

GABRIELLE

Unfortunately I don't really have time for a long lesson. I should really be getting back home soon.

BLACKSMITH

It won't take long. Plus I'd hate to sell someone a weapon that they can't use properly and they end up getting killed as a result.

GABRIELLE

I suppose if it doesn't take too long.

Gabrielle thought for a moment.

GABRIELLE

Okay I'd like that. That is if it isn't too much trouble.

BLACKSMITH

Not at all.

GABRIELLE

Thank you.

So after learning the basic uses of her new equipment, Gabrielle paid the man and went back to the stable where she had left the horse she rode to the city on. Then with everything she bought tucked into the saddle bags, Gabrielle mounted the horse she borrowed and headed back home.

GABRIELLE

(Thinking to herself) Hopefully Xena's not too upset with me when I get back. But even if she is I'll just tell her that this was just simply something that I had to do whether she likes it or not.

TO BE CONTINUED...