When she returned some time later with a skinned, gutted hare, Gabrielle was bustling about the camp. She had already built a tripod and hung a pot of seasoned water in which to cook the rabbit over the glowing coals of the campfire. Large, fresh leaves held some roots to boil with the rabbit, as well as some sweet berries for dessert. More wood was stacked nearby to build up the flames after their supper was cooked over the coals and the bedrolls were laid out.

Xena raised one eyebrow and handed the field-dressed hare to the Bard.

"You’ve been busy," she said.

"Yeah – the sooner we eat and go to bed, the sooner we can be up and on the road in the morning," said Gabrielle, grinning.

"Are you actually talking about getting up and on the road early?" asked Xena, her lip curling in a crooked grin.

"Well … yeah," said Gabrielle, frowning as she prepared the hare for the pot. "Why?"

"Oh, no reason," said Xena, her eyes heavenward and a small smile on her lips. She muttered, "I should just dangle Sappho in front of you every morning."
"What?" asked Gabrielle, wiping her hands on a rag she would later use to wash the dishes.

"Nothing – how about a story while that cooks?" asked Xena, inclining her head towards the already bubbling pot.

"Okay – who are you and what have you done with Xena?" asked Gabrielle, scowling, hands on her hips.

"What?" said Xena, eyes wide in feigned innocence.

Gabrielle went hastily back to bustling about the campsite.

"Well. For someone who used one of my scrolls for … well, for what you normally use leaves for … and someone who refuses to read the scrolls that aren’t … well, ‘soiled’ … " Gabrielle sputtered
as she worked.

Xena walked over to her and put both hands on the Bard’s shoulders and looked directly into her clear, sea-green eyes.

"Look, this isn’t just an escort mission," said the warrior, gently.

"It – it isn’t?" asked Gabrielle.

Xena sighed and released the Bard before turning away.

"It can’t be that simple if Sappho is involved," she said, shaking her head.

"What do you mean?" asked Gabrielle.

At Xena’s continued silence, Gabrielle again placed her hands on her hips and put herself in front of the warrior.