It was quiet as Xena and Gabrielle came to the small village and the warrior stood taking in the scene.
XENA
(Thinking out loud) Interesting.
GABRIELLE
Huh?
The bard looked over to the woman beside her.
GABRIELLE
What's so interesting about this place? It looks just like every other village we've seen.
XENA
It is when no one's here.
Gabrielle turned her eyes back to look at the seemingly deserted village for a moment before looking back at the warrior.
GABRIELLE
Oh yeah. Wonder where everyone is. You think they fled to get somewhere safe?
XENA
Not sure, but we...
?
Ooh! Hold still! Quit wiggling you... rotten goat!
The voice catching the women's attention, Xena and Gabrielle looked over to see another woman walking through the village while trying to wrangle a fidgeting goat that was trying to escape her arms.
GABRIELLE
I guess someone is here after all. Let's ask her what's going on here.
The blonde began walking toward the woman as Xena followed.
GABRIELLE
Um, excuse me, hello?
The bard's voice getting her attention, the woman looked their way and gasped as she saw Gabrielle and Xena coming her way and hurried to meet them.
?
It's you. You're Xena, aren't you?
The woman flashed a large, excitable grin as she stopped right in front of the dark-haired warrior.
XENA
Yes.
The farm woman's smile grew as she got a better hold on the animal she was holding and looked on in amazement of the warrior actually coming to her village.
?
(Excited tone) No way! I can't believe I finally get to meet "the" Warrior Princess herself! I've heard about all your adventures. How you unchained death, and-and liberated Prometheus and nailed that Callisto witch.
XENA
Yes, well I was actually here becau...
Too in awe of Xena's presence, the woman didn't notice her trying to ask her something and continued gushing over meeting her.
?
You are the main thing, the real deal, you know?! The number one attraction...
The woman suddenly paused as she finally noticed Gabrielle.
?
Oh, and you must be uh, uh, Lariel.
GABRIELLE
It's Gabrielle, actually.
Having paid no attention to Gabrielle's correction, the woman continued.
?
Lariel, you have to tell me everything you know about what's it like to travel with the hottest warrior in the butt-kicking bizz? Like what's her favorite food? How does she do that awesome yelling thing? Does she sleep in the...
Annoyed with the woman's rambling questions, and having better things to do than have yet another person fawning over her, Xena quickly broke into the one-sided conversation
XENA
(Slightly Irritated tone) Hey! Lady, we're on a mission here. Now are you gonna help us out or not?
The woman stopped her rambling and looked at Xena as she brought her excitement under control.
XENA
Alright then.
GABRIELLE
Can you tell us what happened here... uh?
?
Oh, sorry. The names Minya
XENA
Are you the only person here, Minya?
MINYA
Yeah. We stayed behind to help. All the other villagers ran to the hills. Well, except for me and my boyfriend. You've probably met him already.
Minya looked around for a moment.
MINYA
Where is he anyway?
XENA
Oh, you must mean Hower. He's doing me a favor. He's the one who told me about your problem.
MINYA
Well, I want you to know I'm ready to do anything you need. Just name it. So, what's your plan? How're you gonna whip this overgrown fleabag?
XENA
Not sure yet. Give me a bit, I'll come up with something
MINYA
Sure thing. Is there anything I can do to help you concentrate?
Xena looked over to Gabrielle as she thought for a moment.
XENA
Actually, there is something.
Gabrielle let out a relaxed sigh as she sank into the large tub, submerging herself into the hot water.
GABRIELLE
I gotta say this bath was a great idea.
A small smile crossed Xena's face as the bard settled down across from her.
XENA
I had a feeling you'd like it.
Gabrielle watched for a moment as Xena grabbed the soap and began to wash herself as they continued the guessing game from earlier, until Minya came in with a fresh bucket of water and added it to the tub
MINYA
Is it too hot?
XENA
No, it's just right.
MINYA
I'll go get some more.
The farmer woman smiled as she headed back out of the little hut and Gabrielle watched Xena for another couple of moments as the dark-haired warrior continued to wash.
GABRIELLE
You want me to get your back?
XENA
Sure, thanks.
Xena handed Gabrielle the bar of soap and turned around, moving her long, wet hair to the side as the bard began rubbing the soap over the woman's shoulders and back. Xena smiled contently to herself as she felt the blonde woman's hands moving across her wet skin, just enjoying the simple, gentle touch.
GABRIELLE
So, what are we going to do about the giant?
XENA
Don't know. I'm still working on it.
GABRIELLE
Why not ask Minya to gather up all the mirrors in the village?
XENA
What?
Xena glanced over her shoulder, giving Gabrielle a questioning look.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, so we're ready if he's a helmet. You know, like what we did with Goliath when we used the sun to heat up his helmet, so he had to take it off, and we were able to target the soft spot between his eyes.
XENA
Yeah, but I've done that already.
GABRIELLE
So... It worked, didn't it?
The blonde continued to mold her hands over the warrior's back, pressing a little firmer into Xena's shoulders, where she knew the woman tended to carry a lot of tension in those muscles.
GABRIELLE
You know Xena, you don't have to be original every time you fight.
The dark-haired woman let out a small groan of pleasure as she felt Gabrielle's fingers working in just the right spot in the middle of her shoulders, loosening up the area.
XENA
I suppose not.
Gabrielle glided the soap over the warrior's skin for another moment before letting it drop into the water and continuing to caress the toned back with just her hands.
XENA
(Sighing) Gabrielle.
The younger woman brushed her lips against Xena's shoulder as both she and the warrior could feel a burning craving beginning to stir between their legs. Gabrielle let her hands slowly massage down Xena's back, before reaching the woman's waist beneath the water and guiding them around to her stomach. Xena breathed in deeply as she felt the other woman's hands slowly moving up her body. She felt Gabrielle's fingertips just reach and graze under her breasts when Minya came bursting back into the room with more hot water. Gabrielle quickly took her hands away from the warrior as they moved apart and pretended nothing was happening as the farm woman dumped the bucket into the tub. Leaving the dark-haired warrior a bit annoyed with her repeated intrusions but tried to hide it so as not to seem ungrateful for the woman's effort.
XENA
That's enough, Minya.
Minya just smiled and left once again as Gabrielle chuckled at the annoyed look on the warrior woman's face.
GABRIELLE
She's just in that, "I'll do anything for the Warrior princess" phase.
XENA
Yeah, well, I suppose her heart's in the right place.
Xena sighed as she leaned back against the side of the tub.
XENA
I just wish people like her didn't try so hard around me.
Gabrielle smiled.
GABRIELLE
I guess that's the burden you bare when people see you as a hero.
The raven-haired woman rolled her eyes.
XENA
Come on, Gabrielle, you know how I feel about the "H" word.
GABRIELLE
I know. I'm just telling you how a lot of people see you
The bard scooted toward Xena once again as the woman put an arm around her, pulling the bard closer, who happily leaned up against her.
GABRIELLE
You know, her boyfriend is in love with you.
XENA
(Defeated sigh) Don't remind me.
Gabrielle idly ran her fingertips along the warrior's arm.
GABRIELLE
Hmm. Guess I'll have to straighten that out, too.
XENA
Why you? Don't tell me you're jealous.
The blonde chuckled as she tilted her head back to look at the woman.
GABRIELLE
Oh no. I'm plenty confident I have nothing to worry about there. I'm just the one of us who's better with these sensitive things
Xena gave the younger woman a slightly disapproving look.
XENA
(Defensive tone) Hey, I'm plenty sensitive.
Gabrielle moved back to sit up straight next to the dark-haired warrior.
GABRIELLE
Why do you have to be so competitive about everything?
Xena smirked.
XENA
(Teasing tone) Oh, and you're not?
The bard moved closer toward the other woman defiantly.
GABRIELLE
I'm less competitive than you are.
XENA
(Mock threatening tone) Oh yeah?
The warrior leaned her face closer toward Gabrielle as the blonde woman did the same.
GABRIELLE
(Mock threatening tone) Yeah.
The two women could feel their passions beginning to build once again as Xena placed her hands on the edge of the tub and pressed her body against Gabrielle's. As she lowered her lips toward the younger woman's before hearing the door to the bath hut open again and quickly returned to just sitting next to the bard as Minya dumped yet another hot bucket of water into the tub, jarring both bathing women and waring on Xena's patience with the farmer.
XENA
That's enough, Minya! Thank you.
MINYA
Oh. Okay.
Minya put down the bucket and crouched down to lean on the side of the tub between Gabrielle and Xena.
MINYA
So, did you think up a plan yet?
XENA
Well, I'm...
Before the dark-haired woman could finish, Gabrielle decided to speak up.
GABRIELLE
We want you to collect all the mirrors in town.
The comment got a disapproving glance from the warrior as Minya caught the exchange.
MINYA
Is that it? Are mirrors part of the plan, Xena?
XENA
Sure.
The warrior turned her attention forward as she relaxed against the side of the tub.
XENA
For now.
MINYA
Okay, got it. I'll go gather them up right away.
The farm woman stood up and hurried out of the hut yet again as Xena returned her attention to Gabrielle who looked at the warrior with an annoyed expression on her face.
XENA
What?
GABRIELLE
You said, "For now."
XENA
So?
GABRIELLE
You're not gonna do that again, are you?
XENA
Do what?
GABRIELLE
Don't play dumb, Xena. You know what? We have a perfectly good plan ready and then you go change it at the last minute.
The warrior shrugged.
XENA
Hey, you gotta be flexible with these things. It comes with the job.
The bard rolled her eyes.
GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) So you say.
It was Xena's turn to roll her eyes in exasperation as she moved her hand around beneath the water, searching for the soap that had been discarded earlier, but couldn't seem to find it and looked at the woman next to her.
XENA
Are you sitting on the soap?
Having felt something under her, Gabrielle shifted slightly and pulled up the bar of soap to hand to Xena.
GABRIELLE
I was wondering what that was.
Giving her an unamused look, Xena slapped her hand against the water, splashing Gabrielle. The blonde returned the favor, sending some water back at Xena, who retaliated with a slightly bigger surge of water. The blonde then narrowed her eyes at the other woman and sent an even larger spray in her direction that seemed to finally be the last straw as a full-fledged splash fight broke out between them. Laughter rang out as water was sent spraying all over for several minutes as they moved around the tub until Gabrielle found her back pressed up against the side of the tub with Xena kneeling over her. The two breathed a little heavily as they sat facing one another for a moment. The warrior braced her hands on the edge of the tub as she looked down into Gabrielle's eyes, and then to her lips, which seemed to beckon her. Not saying a word Xena lowered her mouth to the young woman's, seizing her lips. A moan escaped Gabrielle's throat as she and the warrior shared a series of several more impassioned kisses before she parted her lips slightly and let the dark-haired woman's tongue pass into her mouth. The two went on like this for several moments before Xena pulled away to let them both catch their breath, as the warrior could feel her center ache beginning to ache with need.
XENA
(Seductive tone) Do you know what you do to me, Gabrielle?
Gabrielle's face turned flush as Xena kissed her a couple more times before resting her forehead against the younger woman's as she felt the bard's fingers begin to roam across her back. She shuddered under the younger woman's touch beneath the water, as Gabrielle skated her fingertips along Xena's sides before bringing them slowly inward to the warrior's stomach and tracing up to her breasts. The dark-haired woman let out a long, low, hungry groan when she felt Gabrielle move her hands to gently cup both of her mounds. The blonde then proceeded to lightly squeeze and manipulate Xena's chest, producing another shallow heave from the warrior woman in response. The bard continued manipulating Xena's bust for another moment before bringing a single breast up out of the water and lowering her lips to it, lightly licking the droplets from Xena's nipple before raising her eyes to meet the warrior's. The raven-haired woman shuttered at how incredibly erotic she found the hungry look in the pair of green eyes looking at her, before feeling Gabrielle's tongue flick against her again and then wrapping her lips around the nipple.
XENA
(Sighing) Mmm, Gabrielle.
The younger woman licked and sucked Xena's breast as the warrior's hand moved to rest on the golden head. Her own falling back slightly as she let herself become absorbed in the moment and the feeling of the bard's lips on her body. Gabrielle continued sweeping her lips and tongue over the nipple for another moment or so, before moving her mouth over to its match and giving that peak the same treatment. The warrior groaned quietly as she ran her fingers through Gabrielle's wet, golden locks, before pressing the young woman's head further against her breast. The bard moaned happily as she took more of Xena's flesh into her mouth. Feeling what the woman was doing having a direct impact on the growing warmth between her legs, Xena wasn't sure how much longer she could let Gabrielle continue to just tease her senses. This was made very clear when she felt Gabrielle lower a hand to cover her heated center and let her fingers lightly toy along the warrior's sex for a moment before bringing it back up to Xena's chest.
XENA
(Wanting tone) Damn it, Gabrielle. Are you trying to drive me insane?
The bard chuckled as she laid a kiss on the woman's boob.
GABRIELLE
Like you don't like doing the same to me.
Xena smirked as she thought briefly of how it was just a short time ago that Gabrielle had been so shy about doing this sort of thing. And while their sexual relationship was still relatively new, the blonde had quickly grown more emboldened and confident when it came to the subject. Not to say that Xena wasn't more than okay with this. In fact, the warrior found it quite stimulating. So much so, that right then, Gabrielle just lightly teasing her was not going to cut it. And if she didn't find release soon, she might very well go crazy.
XENA
(Half joking) Yeah, but I know when to get to it.
Gabrielle moved back slightly when Xena rose from the water to stand in the tub, the warm water cascading down her tall form as the bard's eyes drank in the ever-stunning sight. A lustful smile then crossed the bard's lips as she began running her fingertips along the warrior's leg.
GABRIELLE
(Seductive tone) Well, then allow me to do something about that.
Xena smiled as she moved to stand directly in front of the sitting woman, and Gabrielle brought her lips to kiss up the warrior's thigh before bringing her lips to rest just above the warrior's opening. Her breath hot on Xena's womanhood, only served to provide the dark-haired woman's burning desire further. The bard lingered in place for a moment, teasing Xena just a bit more, before letting her tongue sink into the warrior's folds. Feeling Gabrielle finally touch her right where she needed it, Xena shuddered as she let out an exhilarating heave. Slowly, the bard then began to drag her tongue from bottom to top of Xena's center, and the raven-haired woman somehow felt some relief from the need within her depths, but yet sensed it becoming more urgent at the same time.
XENA
(Moan) Yes. Oh, Gabrielle.
The bard's tongue skimmed up the standing warrior's sex before moving back down and then up again. She repeated this motion over and over for a few moments, before opening her mouth more to cover Xena's entrance and burrowing her tongue further into the woman.
XENA
(Gasping) Yes!
The warrior held firmer to Gabrielle's head as she felt the bard darting her tongue as far as it could reach. Feeling her carnal desire beginning to overtake her, Xena's hips began to move on their own. Holding Gabrielle tightly against her, slowly, Xena started to grind herself against the bard's face. She let out a sultry groan, as Gabrielle's oral activity soon began to become more ravenous. The blonde woman brought her arms up to wrap around Xena's waist as feasted on the warrior, her mouth and tongue searching to touch and taste every inch of Xena's warmth. Her hands soon after found their way to the warrior's ass, before she grabbed onto the firm muscles and pulled Xena further against her. As her tongue continued to move around the woman's femininity. Soon Xena started to breathe a little harder, feeling the beginnings of an orgasm starting to build.
XENA
(Gasping) Oh yeah. That's it, Gabrielle. Don't stop.
More than happy to comply with the dark-haired warrior's demand, Gabrielle started to stroke her tongue over Xena's womanhood more quickly. She licked, tasted, and stroked Xena's sex as she heard the woman's breathing becoming more erratic by the second, telling her that it wouldn't be much longer before she reached her apex. The warrior's breathing soon became more labored still, as Gabrielle's tongue began to push her further toward the edge of euphoria. She began to feel the warmth that had been building within her core threatening to overflow at any second. She grunted and groaned as she moved harder against the younger woman's mouth, feeling her orgasm lingering just over the horizon.
XENA
(Gasping) Gabrielle. Gabrielle.
The bard's tongue moved within Xena again as the warrior's hips surged forward one more time before a rapacious, piercing cry erupted from the woman's throat as her depths erupted and her sex began convulsing in orgasm. Xena held Gabrielle's head in place as her legs quivered and the exquisitely consuming waves crashed through her. The blonde let her tongue continue to lap at Xena's still-spamming core for another few moments as the dark-haired woman began to feel the aftershocks of her high beginning to fade. Xena let out a satisfied sigh as the blonde took her mouth away from her, leaving a couple of light caresses of her lips on the woman's mound before the warrior sank back down into the water.
XENA
(Sensual tone) You really are something else. You know that?
The dark-haired woman smiled as she pulled Gabrielle to sit between her legs and wrapped her arms around the woman, before pressing her lips to the younger woman's. Her tongue soon found entrance into the bard's mouth, and Xena moaned into her as she tasted herself on Gabrielle's lips. The bard reached her hand to the back of the dark head as the kiss deepened. Their lips each still seeking the other woman's, Xena's hands began to tease down the front of the other woman's body. She dragged her fingertips across Gabrielle's stomach for a moment before bringing them up to seize the bard's breasts. With her fingers still tangled in Xena's long, dark hair, Gabrielle moaned into the warrior's mouth as she felt Xena grope and knead her bust. Their heated kiss lingered for another long moment before their lips finally separated, and the dark-haired woman then moved her mouth slightly lower as she left a trail of loving, yet passionate kisses down the bard's neck.
GABRIELLE
(Wanting tone) Xena.
Xena's lips then reversed direction, and the warrior brought her mouth up to lightly nibble on Gabrielle's ear as one of her hands skated down the young woman's stomach to rest between her legs. The blonde took a sharp inhale in excitement as she felt Xena's fingers beginning to stroke up and down her center.
XENA
(Seductive tone) You like that, don't you?
GABRIELLE
(Moaning softly) Yes.
The bard let out a gratifying whine as she felt Xena's digits press more firmly against her. She arched slightly while the warrior's hand continued to rub up and down her sex. Xena's fingers continued to sweep back and forth, stroking the bard, as she listened to the woman's soft moans soon beginning to become louder.
GABRIELLE
(Moaning) Oh gods. Xena.
The dark-haired woman held onto the blonde a bit tighter as her hand moved faster. Gabrielle felt Xena's fingers running over her folds again and again, causing her depths to begin to react to the woman's touch. She reached out to hold onto the side of the tub as she felt the familiar tingling sensation building inside her. The bard arched as she leaned back against Xena behind her and the warrior, able to see the woman was nearing her release, brought her fingers up to rapidly begin rubbing Gabrielle's clit. The blonde moaned emphatically as the warrior whispered into her ear.
XENA
(Seductive Whisper) Come on, Gabrielle. That's it. Come for me.
Hearing those sultry words in her ear pushed the bard ever closer to her finish. Her body felt as if it was on fire as the vibrations within her femininity became increasingly more powerful. Xena's fingers kept moving over the younger woman's little nub in a quick, yet steady rhythm as she whispered for Gabrielle to come one more time. This finally caused the younger woman to be driven over the edge and she felt her nether region pulsate as she came. Gabrielle let out an enraptured cry as she felt the heavenly warmth filling her depths as they twitched and convulsed in orgasm against the warrior's fingers. The dark-haired woman continued to stroke over Gabrielle's center for another few moments as the bard rocked against her and she let the woman ride out the rest of her release.
GABRIELLE
(Content Whisper) Gods, Xena.
The warrior took her hand away from the other woman's sensitive center and put both of her arms around her as Gabrielle relaxed against her. She pressed her lips against the blonde's wet hair as the two sat there for a bit, just enjoying the stillness of the moment, knowing that they'd very soon have to return to dealing with the outside world's problems.
XENA
We should probably go check on how things are going out there.
Gabrielle sighed as they looked up at the warrior, now fully relaxed after the pair had been sitting there for a few more minutes. The lingering sensations of their lovemaking, now nothing but a wonderful memory.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, you're probably right. We do still have to deal with that giant after all. Even if I do wish we could stay just like this for a while longer.
XENA
You and me both.
Xena smiled as she lifted Gabrielle's face toward her and softly kissed the bard's lips.
XENA
But unfortunately, that's a luxury we simply don't have.
The blonde woman moved as Xena stood and stepped out of the tub before turning back to offer her hand to Gabrielle.
XENA
Now come on, we have a giant to deal with and a village to save.
TO BE CONTINUED...