Rainy season

The journey to Athens involved a few fights. But between Xena, Gabrielle and Hermallia, they had little trouble dispatching the ruffians who tried to attack them along the trip.

Of more curious concern was Tassa's insistence that she and her sister have the tent to themselves at night, which meant Xena and Gabrielle slept outside. Of course, they always did that, so they didn't mind.

One night, Gabrielle invited Tassa to talk. As usual, it turned out to be the bard telling the red-headed girl about Xena's past adventures. Tassa was enthralled and kept shooting Xena awed looks which the Warrior Princess found uncomfortable. That night, Tassa even slept outside. Rather she got sleepy and said she was too tired to drag herself back into the tent.

However, one night, it began to rain. Xena was off trying to find firewood and Gabrielle wasn't liking sitting around in the rain. They were just at the edge of the woods, so the trees weren't sheltering her much from the rain. The sisters had retired early, but Gabrielle could see a dim light, so one was at least up.

She called into the tent, which was closed, "Hey, it's raining. I'm getting soaked out here. It's not a good feeling, you know. You think you two can let me inside for a bit. Besides, I think I need a change of clothes at least."

The tent flap opened and Tassa's head popped out. "Um, we need some privacy, Gabrielle. I know it is an unusual request, but believe me, if it weren't necessary, we would invite you...and Xena....in on a night like this."

Gabrielle stared at her. "I can't believe you two! We offer to help you on your journey and you treat us like lapdogs, thrown out into the rainy night! I convinced Xena to help you on this trip! Doesn't that count for anything?"

Tassa sighed. "Yes, it does. I would repay you personally, but...." There was an uneasy moment of silence. "What just a moment, Gabrielle." Then Tassa ducked back inside the tent.

"Screw this secrecy thing," Gabrielle said as she noticed the rain picking up even more. It was now a downpour. If Xena wasn't the Warrior Princess, Gabrielle would be worried about her. But right now, all she wanted was to get out of the rain.

Then, she realized the tent flap was open. Tassa forgot to shut. In a blink, Gabrielle dove through and into the shelter. She felt more comfortable then heard an "Oh no" from what sounded like Tassa.

Gabrielle turned and look at Tassa who was wearing a robe, but for the first time, she could tell, that she had nothing else on underneath. Then, her gaze shifted over to Hermallia who was trying to cover herself under a blanket. But Gabrielle realized that she wasn't wearing any clothes herself, or at least the top half of her.

"Oh Gods!" Gabrielle gasped, realizing what might be going on. "Don't tell me you two have this incestuous thing going on?!?"

The two sisters looked at each other. Then, Hermallia bowed her head as if in a nod. Tassa sighed and turned to Gabrielle