Xena didn't relinquish her hold on Gabrielle right away. As tired as they both were, they needed the support. The warrior leaned on the bard as much as the bard leaned on her. She was dirty, tired, and annoyed. She wanted to go home, but she wanted a bath and a nap, too. She returned Gabrielle's smile as they stepped through the gate and were met by a rousing chorus of voices from goblins. Most of them were no taller than her knee, although some came to her waist. The only one that rivaled her height was the Goblin King himself.
Xena was stoic when she saw him. She didn't welcome the sight of him. They had been ignored at the ball and she honestly wouldn't expect anything less of him now. She wanted to go home, but she knew that Gabrielle would rather stay. The bard enjoyed the relative peace of the place, but Xena's life as a warrior would not let her relax the way Gabrielle could. She needed action for her world to be complete. Like what they'd faced in the Labyrinth, but on a regular basis.
Xena was only mildly surprised when the sparkly king addressed them. She shook her head with an unamused smile when he announced that it was time for their judgment. He was no God. How dare he pronounce that right upon himself? She let go of Gabrielle and crossed her arms over her chest. He was trying her patience already.