Gabrielle is bored, being eaten alive by mosquitoes, and doesn’t want to drill with her staff. What happens next?

Timeline: Shortly after ISAIH, but before India arc (long haired, BGSB wearing, staff wielding, non-conflicted with her 'way' Gabby). I’m writing this with the assumption that, since nothing was said on screen, the 'true nature' of Lao Ma and Xena's relationship was merely mentor/student and that Gabs believed that ….. even though WE know better :)

It's cold and they are on the way to somewhere when they decide to stop at a village and even add another day and night for them to relax, update the journal, spend time with Argo, enjoy a hot bath.

In this delightful new story, Xena and Gabrielle help King Chalelle, a childhood friend of the Warrior Princess, vanquish a threat to his kingdom. Afterwards, the perceptive noble conspires with a certain bard to convince Xena to give in to the feelings she so obviously has for said bard and accept the happiness that could be theirs. Cute, funny, romantic tale.  5/11/97

This story is set to immediately follow the episode INTIMATE STRANGERS.