Warlord Daze

The following is a bit of alternative fiction based on certain characters from the Xenaverse. It is not meant to infringe on anyone else's rights. If you don't agree or disapprove, please go read something else.

Xex Alert: Oh Boy Is There. .This is a Prurient Piece with a Bit of Kink (If you hear the crack of the whip then you'll be in the neighborhood) Proceed at your own risk. :)

It was a sight to behold. Xena walked casually, but her body was aware of everything that was occurring at the moment and now, all eyes were on her . . .and her slave, just like she wanted them to be. She smirked and those who had been standing in her way, departed from the road.

Xena wore an outfit that was so closely reminiscent of her warlord years, that it had been oh so easy to fall back into the walk, the feel of being . . .what she used to be. . . only now, in reality, she was more powerful than ever. Her cloak flapped regally behind her. She wore two swords, a belt knife, her Chakram and several little things that one might think not think to look for . . .if one were an average citizen. Her watchers, however, were the meanest and the worst and hardly average.

They saw all or they thought they did, and they were impressed. Very impressed. This was not the "weak" Xena they had been expecting, but it was the Xena of rumor. The hardened Warlord who'd taken, in a matter of months, over half of Greece. Now she strolled, through their gauntlet of eyes, ignoring them, feeling none of the bite but delivering her own in such a way that she put real fear into those warlords and thugs. . .and a wonder. Those who knew her in the bad old days were suddenly wishing they'd remembered that feeling before they'd made their choices.

The slave, who was covered by a cloak, walked behind and to the left of the warrior. The leash's leather strap was looped around the Warlord's hand. The other end was hooked through a collar on the honey haired woman's neck. It dangled in the distance between them, but did not drag. It was obvious from the way the Warlord ignored her, and the way the golden woman was so carefully exact in her pacing, that the slave had learned not to let it drag.

Her head did not droop, but she walked proudly, as if she owned the place. It was obvious who the real owner was, however. The yellowed marks on the impassive face indicated that the slave was still full of the pride of the free. That reminded those who knew Xena of her enjoyment of. . .challenges. . .and niggling worries started in the back of their brains.

Three of Xena's warlord compatriots joined her in this walk. They strode side to side, dressed in dark leather and weathered, but cared for, armor. They were sternly observant of all around them. Aedal, his hair practically shaved off and what was left dyed black, walked between Esther and Vivian. The dark beard that neatly covered the lower half of his face disguised the rest of his "family" looks.

Meanwhile their, "slaves," walked behind them. Eponin and Solari would *not* be left behind, not that Ephiny would have it otherwise. They were joined by another Amazon, who was red of hair and sleek of body, and hadn't objected to being pierced for the occasion. They were representatives of a "conquered" nation and wore no weapons. They walked proudly, but watched their step.

Xena brought no others along. Her claim would be that they were too busy "managing" her territories. The reality was, she was cautious. There were many who'd wanted to accompany her in this little adventure, but she didn't want to take the chance. Colchak had practically shouted at her. . .but this time it had been out of real concern rather than his blasted pride. She'd taken it in stride and told him, "No." He was too valuable, as were the other individuals who comprised the "leadership." They had enough strategies now, enough wisdom between them, that if something should happen, they could continue on. And that was how it was supposed to be.

Iolaus greeted them first, almost obsequiously. He bowed to Xena and carefully ignored the bard. Inwardly he winced at the bruise on his friend and he began to wonder which of them had it worse. He wasn't sure what frightened him more for her sake, the bruise or the even gaze that she gave him. He had to wonder whether those notes which had been written in her hand, were in fact, from her. The idea chilled him.

Xena grinned and put on the charm. "Well hello, Iolaus," she purred. There was a wicked hint of something her voice and it caused the man to shiver. "Where's your. . ." Her eyes flickered down then up along the small warrior's body, "friend." Iolaus flushed. Oh Gods. This was going to be . . . .He didn't have a chance to finish the thought before he felt the presence behind him. "Greetings, Xena. Welcome to the party." The tall man leered.

The Warrior Princess smiled ferally, "I would never miss one of your. . .parties, Hercules." Her hand, still looped through the leather strap lazily caressed the hilt of the dagger at her hip. She moved lightly on her feet, like a panther. She jerked her head towards the dangerous looking warlords behind her, "I even brought some playmates."

He nodded at them and smiled charmingly. There weren't as many as he'd expected. He'd been hoping she'd bring more of her men. Oh well, he'd handle the rest of her cronies later. Now it was time to do some conquering.

Although, he glanced at the Warlord again, maybe he needed to do some rethinking. This woman had conquered portions of Greece coming from the other end and she seemed much more. . .reachable . . than she had before. Maybe he could be looking at an . . .ally. His muscles rippled as he shifted position to accommodate himself. He hadn't anticipated her effect on him and certainly she was much different than he remembered her being. The wildness in her eyes, her step, sent a surge of awareness through his body.

This was not the Xena he'd chased in the dark earlier in the year. Something had changed . . and he LIKED it. . .it reminded him of. . .His attention was distracted by the flash of light against metal. He had to take another look. That little number behind her. Good Gods. She looked so calm. Battered, but calm, and regally beautiful. He could see wanting a piece of that and he had no doubt, from the casual way the Warlord played with the chain, that Xena had been enjoying the priveleges of her rank.

He gazed speculatively at the warlord who raised her eyebrows in a dare. He couldn't help the grin that formed on his lips. Maybe Conquering could wait. Gods! Tonight was going to be FUN!

He clapped his hands and the doors to the inn were opened.