It was morning as Xena and Gabrielle continued to their destination. They decided to walk for a while, to not exacerbate the injury to the horse's leg that Gabrielle had acquired by doing too much riding. Fortunately, Xena was fairly certain that they were close to their destination anyway. So even going by foot and providing that they didn't get sidetracked for whatever reason, the journey there wouldn't take too much longer. The two walked in silence with their mounts following as they were being led by their owners. Though they had made up for their previous argument, there was still a bit of uncomfortable tension between Xena and Gabrielle. Which Xena definitely did not like and decided to try and ease that tension. At least a little bit anyway.
XENA
Well in spite of how this trip has gone, it's nice that we've had good weather for traveling at least.
Gabrielle looked at Xena as they continued walking.
GABRIELLE
The weather Xena, really? Come on things aren't that awkward between us.
Xena smiled.
XENA
I know. I was just testing to see if you wanted to talk to me at all right now.
GABRIELLE
I guess that depends on the subject.
Xena thought as she decided to ease the conversation towards what she actually wanted to discuss and casually shrugged.
XENA
(Lying) Nothing in particular.
Gabrielle returned her attention forward unsure if Xena was trying to get something out of her or if she really just wanted to have a casual conversation.
GABRIELLE
Then sure, I suppose we can talk.
The two walked on as they spoke. As they carried on Xena did her best to keep the conversation casual for a while and avoid anything that might spark a disagreement between them. As she did just that, Xena motioned behind them to their new horse companion.
XENA
So have you figured out what to call him yet?
Gabrielle glanced back at the stallion who was walking beside Argo without really any difficulty despite his injury.
GABRIELLE
I guess I hadn't thought much about it. Though I suppose I probably should give him a name. I doubt those bandits who had him even bothered to give him one.
Gabrielle returned her attention forward as she tried to think of a good name. She ran through several in her head before settling on one that she thought sounded good.
GABRIELLE
Oh, how about Arrian?
XENA
Arrian huh? Where'd you get that one from?
GABRIELLE
It's the name of a great writer and philosopher. While I haven't gotten the chance to read any, I've heard that his work is really something.
XENA
I thought you were more into those artsy type writers like Sappho. Or that guy we met a while back, Homer.
Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
What, I can't like both? Besides I can't name my horse Sappho, it's a boy. And I'd feel weird naming him after someone we know, so Homer's out too.
It was Xena's turn to shrug casually.
XENA
Whatever you call him is fine with me. It's your horse.
Gabrielle looked at the stallion and was satisfied with the name that she'd come up with.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, I think Arrian works just fine.
The horse snorted as if approving of his new name as Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Well, he seems to like it at least. And besides I think Argo and Arrian has a nice ring to it. Don't you?
XENA
Sure.
They continued onward for a bit longer before Xena decided to change the subject.
XENA
So what do you think we're gonna have to do for the test once we get there?
GABRIELLE
Your guess is as good as mine.
Again more silence between them. Xena thought that the situation felt somewhat ironic as she briefly considered the way Gabrielle was given short answers and really only continued the conversation when Xena was the first to engage. And the way Xena was trying to get any kind of meaningful answer out of her. It reminded Xena of how things were back shortly after they had first met. Only it was Gabrielle who was always trying to get Xena to open up and talk to her. Even not very long ago when Xena was pregnant with Aurora and was too afraid of telling Gabrielle without knowing how it happened.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Damn, it is not fun being on this side of this kind of thing. Now I know how crazy I must drive her far too often. I'm definitely gonna make a mental note to not pull the same thing again because we can't keep shutting each other out like this.
Their trip carried on as they made a few stops along the way to rest and for Xena to make sure that Gabrielle's horse, Arrian was doing okay. It was coming close to sunset when they arrived at a large cave.
GABRIELLE
Is this it?
Xena looked around for a moment.
XENA
Based on how Cora described it, I think so.
After leaving Argo and Arrian at the cave entrance, Xena and Gabrielle ventured inside. Xena carried a torch she made as the area grew darker the further they walked.
XENA
Make sure you stay close Gabrielle. It's far too dark in here without any source of light. We have no clue what might be in here, so getting separated probably isn't the best idea.
Xena quickly continued with her statement realizing that it might sound like she was being overly proactive. And could feel Gabrielle's disapproving glance.
XENA
Not that you can't handle yourself. What I meant was we're going to the same place anyway so it would be inconvenient for us to get split up. Plus no matter how skilled someone is when faced with the unknown it's always smarter to air on the side of caution until we figure out what we're dealing with.
Gabrielle's expression softened.
GABRIELLE
Oh, that makes sense.
Xena sighed to herself as she successfully avoided another problem.
XENA
(Thinking to herself Sarcastically) How the mighty has fallen. I was once the feared leader of a massive army who was known far and wide for taking down any who opposed me for anything that I decided that they had done to piss me off. And never gave much of a second thought to any of it. But now here I am walking on eggshells because I don't wanna accidentally say the wrong thing and end up upsetting my future wife.
Xena chuckled to herself as she thought about how crazy it was that her life had turned out the way it had.
XENA
(Thinking to herself jokingly) Hades, if I hadn't lived it myself, I would think that this whole thing has all just been a work of fiction or something. Though even then it all still seems far too unbelievable.
Xena was pulled from her inner monologing when she and Gabrielle reached a large chamber within the cave. They stood looking at the oddly placed metal door that stood out in stark contrast amongst the natural earthy materials of the cave.
GABRIELLE
This must be it.
XENA
Looks that way.
Xena turned to face Gabrielle.
XENA
Gabrielle listen, whatever is on the other side of this door, I just want you to know that I love you. And regardless of what's going on with you right now, what's happened in the past, or what will happen after today, my feelings for you will never change. And whatever challenges life puts in front of me, the only way I wanna face them is with you by my side.
Gabrielle smiled as she shook her head.
GABRIELLE
(Joking tone) Come on Xena your supposed to save that sort of thing for our wedding vows.
Gabrielle then got serious.
GABRIELLE
But thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that after everything that's been going on lately.
XENA
So are you ready?
GABRIELLE
Yeah. Let's do this and get back home.
With that, Xena pulled open the door and both she and Gabrielle walked inside. Then the final test finally began. But little did they know that this would become the ultimate for their relationship. As well as where everything that had been coming between them would soon all come to a head.
TO BE CONTINUED...