A ruckus could be heard as an epic chase was on. A much smaller target kept a steady distance between them and their pursuer. The target rounded a corner as the larger pursuer began to gain ground.
?1
You're not getting away from me.
The pursuer picked up speed and reached out to seize their target. Just as they got inches within reach their target abruptly changed course and headed straight for their pursuer who stopped and stood ready to pounce.
?1
I've got you now. Big mistake.
Undaunted, the small target charged their pursuer. As they got close the pursuer reached to grab them, but the target changed direction once more and the pursuer missed and turned as they scrambled to catch the target again as they ran by. The pursuer was so focused on their mission that they didn't notice the obstacle in the way as they turned and attempted to follow the target that was racing off. Taking a step the pursuer's foot got caught on something and with no time to recover the pursuer dropped to the ground in a heap with a loud crash. Laughter was then heard as the target continued running until they were cut off and snatched up by a new arrival on the scene.
?2
Where do you think you're going?
Laughter rang out as Xena kept a firm hold on the squirming toddler in her arms. She looked at her daughter and then at Gabrielle who was sprawled out on the floor after tripping over the table while chasing after the little girl. Gabrielle looked up as Xena shut the front door to the house and walked over to her with the still fidgeting Aurora in her arms as she smiled down at her.
XENA
Gabrielle, is there a reason why you're layed out on the floor and our daughter is running around the house bare naked?
GABRIELLE
I turn my back on her for one second before putting her in the bath and she just takes off.
Gabrielle untangled her foot from the table leg as she stood back up.
GABRIELLE
Well, I think we both know which one of us she takes after athletically.
Xena smiled at the little girl who had settled down as she playfully poked her belly, making Aurora giggle.
XENA
That's my girl. Now come on you little stinker, it's bath time.
After giving Aurora her bath, dinner and putting her to bed, Xena stood looking out their bedroom window into the night at the torch-lit village. Thinking about how she was going to bring up wanting to leave. She was pulled from her thoughts when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her midsection as someone pressed up against her back.
GABRIELLE
Hey, everything okay? You've been pretty quiet for most of the night.
XENA
Yeah, everything's fine.
Xena smiled as she turned and put her arms around Gabrielle.
XENA
I've just been thinking about something that's all.
GABRIELLE
What about?
Xena sighed as she thought of how to bring up the fact that she was considering them leaving the village. How would Gabrielle react?
XENA
Well...
Gabrielle could tell by Xena's pause that whatever she had on her mind, it must've been important and likely something that Gabrielle wouldn't like. Because while it wasn't something that she had done in a while, whenever Xena wouldn't give her a straight answer to something right away it typically meant that Xena trying to avoid making Gabrielle mad at her. Or was trying to protect her from something that she didn't want her to know too much about for her own safety. Though Xena had gotten better at not doing the last one since coming to the village. Which made Gabrielle think that Xena must've done or planned on doing something that she knew Gabrielle wouldn't be all that happy about. But even so, Xena always had her reasons for doing everything. So Gabrielle was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and hear her out before jumping to conclusions. After all, whatever was on Xena's mind could've been something important.
GABRIELLE
What is it? You know that you can always talk to me about anything.
XENA
I know. I'm just not sure how much you're gonna like what I have to say.
GABRIELLE
Xena after everything we've been through together nothing you could ever have to say will ever change anything between us. So please just tell me and whatever it is we'll get through it together.
Xena smiled,
XENA
Okay. So I've been thinking about what you were saying about how long we've been here and everything that's happened during our stay. And...
Xena paused.
GABRIELLE
And?
XENA
Well, do you remember when we first decided to stay here?
Gabrielle smiled as she remembered just how happy she was when Xena had told her that they could stay in the village for a while. Gabrielle was sure that back then neither of them could've imagined that they would be where they were now. Years later still living in the village, married, and raising a child together. Things certainly had changed quite a bit since they first arrived. And for all the ups and downs they've been through during their stay in the village, Gabrielle knew that there wasn't anyone else that she would have rather gone through it with them Xena.
GABRIELLE
Of course, I remember. Though looking back after everything that's happened since it almost feels like another lifetime ago.
XENA
You can say that again. But..
Xena paused for a moment as she found the right way to tell Gabrielle about wanting to leave.
XENA
Gabrielle, do you remember what I said when we first decided to stay here, you know about it not being... permanent?
Gabrielle sighed as she finally understood why Xena appeared so nervous as she knew where the conversation was heading.
GABRIELLE
Oh, now I understand. You wanna leave, don't you?
XENA
Look I know you love it here and so do I. It's been a great place to raise Aurora.
It's just...
GABRIELLE
It's okay.
XENA
Gabrielle, I know you're disappointed but I... Wait did you say it's okay?
Gabrielle smiled.
XENA
Oh, I wasn't really expecting you to be so open to the thought of leaving.
Gabrielle shrugged.
GABRIELLE
Sure I love it here but you know that it doesn't matter where we are, as long as we're together. Like I've told you before Xena, to me home has never been a building or a specific place. That's why no matter where I am, as long as I'm with you, that's home to me.
Xena smiled.
XENA
So you're sure you're not upset about leaving?
GABRIELLE
Well I'm not gonna lie and say that I'm not gonna be sad to go, but I like you said earlier I knew that we would leave this village one day. So it's not like this is completely unexpected.
XENA
Even with Aurora? You know life on the road is gonna be a bit more difficult now that we'll have her to look after too.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, but I'm not worried.
(Joking) And besides, when has anything ever been easy for us anyway? So I'm sure we'll manage.
XENA
You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that you're okay with this.
Xena kissed Gabrielle as Gabrielle pulled out of her embrace.
GABRIELLE
So when were you planning on us leaving?
XENA
Couple days. You know give us time to pack up, say our goodbyes.
GABRIELLE
(Sighing) Everyone here is gonna be so disappointed when we tell them.
(Sad tone) I'm really gonna miss them.
Xena gave her a sad smile.
XENA
Yeah, me too.
TO BE CONTINUED...