Disclaimer: The Xena Warrior Princess series and its characters are all copyrighted property of MCA/universal (unfortunately). So no copyright infringement intended.

This story is for my own amusement, and making no profit from it. I’ll put the characters back when I’m finished playing with them.

This story contains: X/G storylines, OOC(ish), and TWT.

A/N: This is my first shot at a ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ story, so please bear with me. R&R’s are nice too, but please be nice! :)

The wind howled fiercely through the trees as the rain fell from the grey clouds above, passing a lone figure trekking through the vast vegetation pulling behind themselves; a palomino horse. Stopping short of well-known Amazon territory, sighing hesitantly, the hooded figure continued through the dense forest dragging the horse close behind.

After half-a-candle-marks journey through the trees, the figure abruptly stopped upon hearing approaching footsteps and rustling in the trees. The palomino reared up startled by the movements in the forest, pulling on the reins and hugging its nose reassuringly; trying to calm it. Realising that amazons are quickly nearing the individual clasped their hands above their head- in a sign of peace.

In a blink of an eye, three amazons appeared from behind the trees and two more jumping down from the branches, again spooking the horse.

“You are aware you are trespassing on Amazon lands aren’t you?” One young Amazon barked in her direction.

“Yes, I’m aware” A woman’s voice grunted from behind her veil.

As the Amazon was about to speak, the hooded woman spoke up again. “I need to speak with Ephiny”

“What business do you have with out Regent?” The young Amazon spat bitterly.

Ignoring the questions, the hooded woman stepped forward into the younger Amazons face. After getting a reaction from the other Amazons, they stepped forward and pushed the woman back a few paces.

“I need to speak with Ephiny… now!” She growled once more.

Feeling somewhat threatened, the youthful Amazon backed off to retrieve the tribes Regent, whom wasn’t far. As the Regent approached the woman she ducked her head down, avoiding eye contact with Ephiny.

“You’re trespassing on Amazon lands. You either have a death wish, or you are incredibly foolish…” Ephiny started. “What business could you possibly have here?” She questioned, studying the hooded woman and the horse that hides behind her.

After hearing no response, she spoke up again. “Answer me!” She demanded.

“I… I need to see…” She sighed. “… I need to see Gabrielle” She lowered her head more.

“What could you possibly need from our Queen…?” She grunted. “…stranger” She spat bitterly, earning a disapproving snort from the horse.

“Please, Ephiny. I must see Gabrielle…” She pressed.

“Why?” Ephiny asked once again in frustration.

“Because…” She started, sighing hesitantly. Ephiny chose at that moment to move closer to this woman. Reaching behind her to pull the hood down, the woman quickly grasped Ephiny’s wrist to stop her. Gaining a reaction from the rest of the Amazons, they circled around the trespasser.

“Don’t…” She demanded.

Despite her demand, Ephiny quickly grasped her chin and at the same time swiftly reached behind her again pulling the hood down. As if one of Zeus’ lightning bolts had hit her, she jerked her hands away from the woman starting at her nearly dumbfounded.

“What…? How? I-I don’t…” Ephiny stammers. Unable to think straight: thinking that she’d never see this blue eyed woman staring back at her ever again.

“I’ll explain later…” She grasped Ephiny’s hands. “I need to see Gabrielle” She pleaded once more.

Straightening up and collecting herself together, Ephiny nodded. Reaching forward, she took the reins out of the blue eyed woman’s hands before turning; facing the other Amazons.

“Right, Amazons. To the village” She barked to the others and smiled. Receiving nods from the younger women, they continued back to the compound escorting the woman.

Moments later as they reached the compound; battle cries, the sound of wood clashing together, muttering and general hustle and bustle could be heard just above the howling wind.

Everything will change from here on out. The hooded woman thought as the gates to the village opened awaiting their arrival.

So, what do you think so far? Should I continue?