At first they both just relaxed, letting the river flow over their soreness, feeling the sting of each cut and bruise. The sun grew close to the horizon as Gabrielle rinsed her hair and then moved toward the Warrior Princess. Xena turned so that Gabrielle had her back. The younger woman's hand ran over Xena's muscled back, tracing each scar she found there gently with her fingertips. Her fingers slip down the Dark One's sides then back up across her breasts, causing a moan to escape the Warrior's lips.
Time is on our side for a change.
The two of them moved towards the river bank and the clearing where they had made camp. The wood was already reading and Xena began work on the fire. Even in the fading sunlight, Xena's bruises were easily visible. Blood trickled down the Warrior's bare leg. You're bleeding, Xena.