Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Yes, there is violence. Xena has, written into her contract, a clause that requires her to have at least one good, bloody fight every two days or so. Otherwise, all that energy gets pent up, and that's never a good thing. Xena also fights with a sword and a chakram, neither of which is a Nerf Bat. She slices, she dices, and she would probably like Julienne fries.

Subtext - Yes, there be subtext here. This story is based on the premise that it is about two women who are very much in love with each other. There is nothing more than PG-13 action, but there certainly is a lot of that. If love is illegal in your state, move. Now.

Let's see… we used Key Lime Pie last time.. so, I'll say, and if love offends you, then send me your mail address, and I’ll send you some angel food cupcakes with fudge frosting. Because if this kind of love twists your shorts, I really, really, do feel sorry for you.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

Melissa Good

Winter's Ending - Part 1

By Melissa Good

The fire crackled pleasantly across the warmly lit cabin, throwing dancing shadows across the sturdy furniture, and blurring the colors on the scattering of wool throws that graced the room. On the walls, cheerfully painted woven mats outlined various geographies, mountains and streams, forests and a lone stretch of desert. The large bed tucked neatly in the corner was spread with a profusion of thick blankets, which draped over the edge, and hung nearly to the floor, the colors matching the wool throws, and lending deep crimson and forest green highlights to the peaceful sense of the place. .

Near the fire, a huge bearskin was fluffed, providing an invisible resting-place for the dark furred adolescent wolf curled neatly in the center. He raised his head, sniffing lightly at the faint scratching from the quill in the hands of his companion, a woman of medium height with red gold hair who was sprawled next to him with a pile of neatly arranged scrolls, dressed in a dark burgundy wool shirt that was belted around her slim waist and fell almost to her knees.

The parchment she wrote on was bound in a fairly thick volume, and she wrote steadily for some minutes in a neat, exact hand before she paused, and set the tip of the quill between her teeth in a thoughtful motion.

"Hey Ares." Gabrielle said absently, as she raised a hand and gave him a scratch, then pushed her hair back out of her eyes and concentrated on her work again. "Mom give you the slip, huh?" She glanced up at the miffed expression on the animal's face. "You know she only tries to protect you, right?"

"Arrggroo." Ares rumbled, putting his head down on his paws, and sighing. His pale eyes kept flicking towards the door, then back to her.

The bard chuckled gently. That meant her partner was hunting down the river this afternoon, and didn't want to risk the young wolf's falling in the sometimes chancy ice that covered a good portion of the streams. She reached over, and lifted a sturdy mug, taking a sip of hot tea, then bent her head back towards her scrolls.

The weather's so lousy. I can't say how glad I am that we're here, at home.. and it's so.. weird to be saying that. Home. I look around this cabin, and it still astounds me, that this is ours… it's the first place I've ever had that was really… my own, and I’ve found that touches a part of me very deeply.

We were so surprised, when Cyrene, so smugly, led us in here after we got back to Amphipolis.. how did she know? Just in case, she'd said… that's a laugh. Just in case. They'd thrown up this cabin, near the inn, because she said she'd be damned if her daughter was going to sleep in a damn barn every time she showed up.

Xena's face, when she saw this. Ohh… gods. I've seen her a lot of things, but totally poleaxed? That was a first. And they argued… and argued… gods, I see where she gets that stubborn streak from. Neither of them was going to give in so I had to… kind of get in the middle of it. Really, all I did was say please to Xena, and she caved right in. Cyrene owes me for that, and she darn well knows it, too. I got an entire batch of hot cookies the next morning, all for me. I gave some to Xena anyway though, because she really likes them.

So here we are, about a month in, and I'm just now getting around to updating my diary, we've been so busy. Like I said, the weather is lousy, and it came on early, so part of the harvest was lost. If Xena hadn't been here… well, there would have been plenty of hungry people around; I'll say that. She's some kind of hunter, and some kind of strategist, so we're in pretty good shape for the worse weather to come. But it takes a lot of constant effort to keep everything stocked up - I've been helping organize a dry storage for the whole village, and keeping the kids occupied when the weather is really bad with reading and writing lessons.

Between that, helping Cyrene, keeping an eye on Xena, working my stories at the inn every night, and the usual daily stuff, I've been so busy I haven't really had time to think. But I love it. I’m having the time of my life - I'm part of this place, and I know everyone here, they know me, and we all work together.

I thought.. keeping Xena in one place was going to be the toughest part of this, but we’ve been lucky, sort of, because the constant hunting needs, and the fact that marauders are really active now is keeping her occupied, and interested, and she's not showing any of those old signs of restlessness that I half expected to see.

Just the opposite, in fact. I've never seen her this contented this at peace with herself, and that… makes me happier than I can possible say. She smiles a lot more, and there's this little bounce to her that.. I can't describe it, I just know it when I see it, and it makes me just want to hug her and laugh. Which I do a lot anyway. I'm really enjoying this being in love thing, and every once in a while, I catch this look in her eyes that makes me think she is too.

She's so full of surprises these days.. she made us this table, and those chairs - I never knew she could do that.. and it's not just functional, you know, I was looking closely at them the other day, and you can see the joins and the spars, they're perfect. Not a hint of space, not a bit of wobble… her attention to detail is amazing.

We both kind of picked colors we like for the stuff in here.. thank goodness our tastes are pretty much the same, because bright yellow and green, for instance.. yuck! No, it looks really nice. The bed is gorgeous, and comfortable, and I’ve finally stopped having a backache every morning from sleeping rough all this time. Between that, and just keeping regular hours and Cyrene’s cooking, I feel really great – healthy, and strong, and full of energy. I guess I didn’t realize just how much I needed this until now, but it’s really made a difference.

Of course I made the mistake of mentioning the backaches to Xena… and got a lecture from her on letting her know next time. I kind of looked at her, and figured out that she's older than I am, so.. I asked her why she never let ME know when it bothered HER.. and got that 'look' back that meant I scored one.

I discovered I can paint. Yeah, me. That girl from Potadeia. Nothing grand, but Jessan gave me the idea, to put little landscapes and things on woven reed mats. They look pretty good. Xena likes them.. she really likes the one that shows the water and the sunset that I did last week, while I was leaning against her watching the sun go down over the lake. I catch her looking at it with just this happy grin on her face.

I’ve taken over teaching sparring lessons with our little defense group. At first I thought Xena had me do that just to make me feel good, but I called her on it, and she just looked at me and laughed. She said I was a lot better teacher than she was, and way more patient. That’s true, I guess. I’m really enjoying it – but I got her to work with me one on one a little after our lessons, because the kids don’t push me hard enough. Only she does. And it was probably a good thing, because I was getting a little soft with all this hanging around inside all the time.

The kids. Will you listen to me? I guess that’s because they all kind of look up to me, a little. It’s a nice feeling, and so is the one I got when the village elders came and asked me to go over a trading agreement they made with another village – to see if it was ‘right’. It’s different from the Amazons – they listen to me because Melosa gave me that Right of Cast. The citizens here ask my opinion because they’ve come to respect me as who I am on my own. I really, really like that.

She took another sip of the hot, sweet, tea and leaned back letting her eyes wander over the snug room. A smile shaped her lips as her gaze fell on a small collection of carved animals on top of the linen press that Cyrene had given them. A quarter of a circus.. Her mind mused, identifying the horse, goat, bear, and the little pig that had joined her turtle, shaped by Xena's cunning hands. A thought occurred to her, and she bent over her diary for a minute, with an impish grin on her face.

All the scrolls say that once you… become involved with someone, after the first excitement, things start to fade. Well, they must not have known Xena, because it's been months now, and I still get little tingles up and down my back every time I hear her footsteps outside, and I look into those wonderful eyes, and I just drown. And I hope that never changes. I don’t think it will.. we just.. do things to each other… at some really deep level. It’s like.. I can look at her, and all she has to do is quirk one muscle, and I know what she’s thinking. And she looks at me.. gods.. I’m shivering now just thinking about it it’s so intense.

Ares' head lifted, and he glanced at the door, growling a little just before she heard a light knock. "Good ears, boy." She praised the wolf, giving him a pat. "Come!" Yelled at the door.

It opened to reveal Johan's weathered features, as he came quickly inside, and closed the solid wood door behind him. "The day to you lass!" He said, treading neatly across the floor. "Traders from down the road just in.. they've brought some messages for you." He handed Gabrielle two neatly folded pieces of parchment. Then he winked, and handed her a thick bundle. "And Cyrene sends this."

The bard eyed the package with a twinkle in her eye. "More taste testing?" She grinned. "She's determined to make this the party of the century, isn't she?" A lovely scent was rising from the bundle, and Gabrielle found her mouth watering. "Thanks Johan. "

He waved, already moving back towards the door. "Later then, lass. " He turned at the door. "Ah.. Gabrielle?"

"Hmm?" She looked up from opening the parchment, and met his gaze.

"Would you.. mind doing the Troy story tonight?" His gray eyes twinkled.

"No.. I'd be glad to." The bard agreed, slightly puzzled. "Any story you want, you know that, Johan." Her smile reinforced the offer.

"Thanks." He grinned, and ducked out the door.

"What.. was that all about?" Gabrielle asked Ares, who wrinkled his forehead at her. "You know, that's the same face your mom makes."

The dark head cocked to one side. "Roo?"

"Yeah, you." The bard chuckled, then shook her head, and returned her attention to the notes. She unfolded the first, with the Amazons distinctive seal on it.

My Dearest Queen, (it said)

I was most appreciative of your kind, and gracious invitation to your ceremony of joining. I would be delighted to attend, along with a few of our noble, and distinguished representatives.

Gabrielle's eyebrows rose almost into her hairline. Her eyes darted down to check the signature, then back up. No… Ephiny had signed it… oh.. wait. I get it. She grinned as her eyes picked up the next paragraph.

Are you crazy? Wild rampaging centaurs could not keep me from being there, and in fact, Gabrielle, the problem is going to be getting anyone to stay behind here. I can't believe you finally got the old war-horse to take the plunge.

Actually, Ephiny, it was her idea. Gabrielle smiled gently. I was.. surprised, to say the least. I mean.. I know what we mean to each other. A ceremony doesn’t change that one bit, but… She brought the ring Xena had given her up to her lips and brushed it with them. It puts me in danger, though. We've both kind of accepted that.

Solari and Eponin are fighting as to which one of them will get to come, because I can't take them both, one of them has to stay in charge. I think I may let them just box it out. If one or the other shows with a broken nose ignore it, OK?

I’m looking forward to seeing you, as are we all - we miss having you around, though I'm glad you've settled at least for a little while up in Amphipolis. How'd you get her to agree to that? I know you're one of the best negotiators around, but Gods, Gabrielle.

Actually, that was her idea too. The bard chuckled. They always underestimate you, my love. But I'm glad she thinks so highly of my bargaining skills.

Kaleipus sends his regards. We got a visit from him today - things are well between us, and we traded some hard to come by's to him for some of his surplus. Turned out good for both of us. I told him your good news, and he got the oddest look on his face, Gabrielle. But then he laughed, and said maybe he'd show up too.

Oh, dear.

He had his foster son, Solon with him. Nice kid,, in that growth spurt stage, if you know what I mean. He strikes me a bit familiar, but I can't place why. He sends his regards to you, and also to Xena.

I bet. Gabrielle sighed, then considered the matter, and chuckled a little. If it happens, Gabrielle, just flow with it. If Kaleipus decides to show up, with Solon.. well.. once that tyke is here, I just bet I could…

Stop. Just hold it. The bard took a breath. You know better, damn it. She's very, very touchy about that. I'd better warn her. Give her time to get a note to Kaleipus if she wants to. She bent her head back to Ephiny's note.

Otherwise, things are ok here. The weather's been tough, but you know we're mostly hunters anyway, and we've done pretty well for ourselves. No one's starving. Everyone's quiet, for a miraculous change. Even Arella has settled down pretty nicely. Her jaw and shoulder finally healed, and Eponin seems to be doing ok with her.

I'll finish now - we'll be there, OK? Take care of yourself, my friend.

Ephiny

"Gonna be fun, Ares." Gabrielle commented, carefully folding the parchment up and tapping it against the back of her hand. Then her head raised, and she turned towards the door, long moments before Ares' ears pricked, and he gave an eager little whine.

Bootsteps on the outer walk, whose weight and pattern curled with warm familiarity around the bard's ears. The door opened, and the tall form of her partner slid in, pushing the door closed in one smooth motion. "Well well." Gabrielle smiled lazily. "Look what the cat dragged in." She grinned at the raised eyebrow look she got back. "Nasty out there?"

Xena grinned at her. "Oh yeah." She chuckled, removing her heavy outer tunic, and hanging it on an iron hook near the door. "Not bad, though. Got four strings of salmon. Mom’ll have fresh tonight."

"Awesome." The bard responded. "I love salmon."

The warrior finished taking off her outdoor boots, and padded over, dropping to her knees and collapsing on her side next to Gabrielle. "I know.. that’s why I was fishing for it." She let out a satisfied breath and propped her head up on one hand, scratching the ecstatic Ares with the other. "Hey boy…" Her eyes lifted and scanned the bard’s face. "What’s up?"

Gabrielle handed over Ephiny’s letter without comment, and watched her face as she read it. This month’s.. been so good for her. She mused idly. No traveling, just minor fighting, a warm bed every night.. three decent meals a day…she looks fantastic. The bard let her eyes drink in her partner's form with lazy pleasure. Been about the longest time ever since I’ve known her without a bang or scratch giving her a problem, and I think she finally put back on all the weight she lost after the landslide.

Which meant her leather's didn't hang on her anymore, and in fact, Xena’s new set of leathers, dyed a rich deep blue complimented her sleekly muscular form and were a nice change from the dull, if functional brown she’d been used to. "She’s fun, huh?" Gabrielle commented, giving the message a nod, and tearing away her appreciative gaze for the moment.

"Mmm." Xena agreed absently. "I’ll get her for the old war horse comment." Her eyes flicked over the writing, and stopped, and she glanced up at Gabrielle with an unreadable look. "Chance meeting."

The bard gave a light shrug, and crawled closer, leaning her head against the warrior’s shoulder. "I figured you have time to send a note to him." She said gently, not pushing the issue.

Xena stayed quiet, obviously deep in thought, though Gabrielle could see the muscles in her throat working lightly. Finally she turned her head and studied the bard’s face with a quiet intensity. "Let’s just see what happens." Then a faint shrug. "He was probably just saying that."

Gabrielle fought to keep a triumphant little grin off her face. "Sure." She agreed, with a little sigh. "Hey… look what your mom sent over." She nudged the package closer to Xena with one hand. "Yet more variations."

"Gods." The warrior laughed, lifting the wrapping off, and examining the contents. "Wow.. those smell great." She delicately lifted one of the flaky cakes up, and offered it to the bard. Gabrielle opened her mouth obediently, and took a bite, scattering pastry crumbs all over the front of her shirt.

"Augh." She mumbled, around the mouthful of sweet dough, then sniffed thoughtfully and swallowed. "Ummm…." She leaned over and took another big bite, just missing Xena’s fingers, giving the warrior an impish look.

Xena smiled, and popped the remaining small bit into her own mouth, pausing in mid chew and blinking. "Wow." She swallowed hastily, letting out a surprised little chuckle. "Think we have a winner here."

"Uh huh. " Gabrielle fervently agreed, snagging another sample, and handing Xena one. "Are these legal?" She waited until the chuckling warrior rolled over and stretched her legs out, then settled comfortably with her head pillowed on Xena’s leather clad stomach. "Doesn’t get much better than this." She sighed happily, biting into the cake. "Warm fire, great cakes, you… what more could I ask for?"

She tilted her head, and caught the fondly indulgent smile her partner was bestowing on her. "Well?" She finished the cake, and unfolded the other parchment, recognizing her sister’s handwriting.

Long fingers brushed her cheek gently. "Not a thing, my bard." Xena smiled, as she wiped the dusting of sugar off Gabrielle’s lips. "What’s Lila up to?"

The bard scanned the note, and laughed. "Here, I’ll read it to you."

Dear Bree, (it said)

Your letter was a pleasant surprise, and so was the very nice young lady who delivered it.

Gabrielle felt Xena start to laugh and she paused. "Shh… it was perfectly reasonable that I ask Granella to deliver that message, since she was headed out that way anyway." The bard sniffed reflectively. "Besides, Lila did say she wanted to meet some of ‘those Amazons.’" She bent her eyes back to the letter.

Mother insisted that your friend stay the night, and made sure that she had a decent breakfast before heading out to who knows where.

"Granella’s gonna get you for that." Xena grinned, gently tangling her fingers in the bard’s soft hair. "Coulda been worse though. Could have been Eponin."

"Eeek." Gabrielle grimaced comically. "That would have been scary." She gave Xena a light slap on the thigh. "Shh.. let me finish."

Things have been much better here since the wedding – we’re really happy, and father seems to have found some peace, as he and mother are getting along very well, and he seems a lot happier. I don’t know what Cyrene told him before she left, but she did have a long talk with him and I think it’s done some good.

We will be there, and mother almost has father talked into it too. He is making what even I realize are token protests, and they have to do with being busy, and lack of time to travel, and things like that, and not being mad that you’re going to do this. Mother’s biggest worry is what to wear, of course. And mine might be too, because I’m taking this opportunity to warn you that you both will be aunts in due time, and I expect you’ll be good ones.

"Wahhooo!!!" The bard yelled, laughing. "You go, Lila!"

"Didn’t waste much time." Xena remarked slyly, but she also chuckled. "An aunt, huh? I can tease Toris now.. tell him I had to go and marry into another family to get to do that."

A giggle from Gabrielle. "That’s cold, Xena." She paused. "True, but cold."

The warrior made a low rumbling noise deep in her chest that made Ares lift his head up from where it rested on her arm and cock his ears. "No one ever accused me of being warm and fuzzy, Gabrielle."

The bard snorted. "Because they didn’t know you very well." She turned her head, and peered up at the expected arched eyebrow. "I know better."

Xena held the inscrutable look for a long moment then let it dissolve into a warm grin. "It’s a good act, you have to admit."

Green eyes twinkled. "It certainly is, but. it never fooled me, you know."

A nod from the warrior. "I realized that." She let her knuckles brush against Gabrielle’s soft cheek. "What uncommon vision you must have, my love, to have seen through all that so effortlessly."

Gabrielle leaned her face into the pressure of her partner’s fingers and smiled. "I don’t think it was special vision. I think I was just in love." She sighed happily. "It makes you see everything differently."

Xena let a little grin play around the corners of her mouth. "Yeah, it does, doesn’t it." She hesitated. "Gabrielle?"

"Hmm??" Green eyes lifted and found Xena’s blue ones.

"Thanks for not pushing me on Solon." Just a quiet statement. "I know how you feel, and I really appreciate that."

Gabrielle considered this in silence, then she rolled over, and pulled her partner into a hug. "You’ll make the right decision, at the right time. You always do." She felt the long arms slide around her, and just closed her eyes and breathed in the scent of leather and spice that filled her senses. For someone who didn’t like hugging, Xena was extraordinarily good at it, and she had a very nice way of using her whole body, surrounding the bard with a constant, warm pressure.

Gabrielle sighed contentedly and snuggled closer, letting her fingers play with the laces in the front of the soft leathers. This was their time, that lazy stretch after lunch and sparring practice, and before dinner. Time they usually spent discussing their separate days; or walking by the river, if the weather allowed; or laughing over some antic of Ares; or most often just curled up in each other’s arms, relaxing by the fire.

Like now. She looked up at Xena. The tall warrior was gazing with unseeing eyes at the fire, a quiet smile on her lips, her hands making slow, gentle circles on Gabrielle’s back. The bard let her gaze caress the strong planes of her partner’s face, and traced the line of her jaw with one fingertip, trailing down her neck to the hollow of her throat, feeling the steady, powerful heartbeat for a long moment. Then she idly outlined the prominent collarbone, and finally dropped her hand to rest on the soft leather covering Xena's chest, which was laced from about the middle up with tough leather strands, and knotted firmly at the top.

Gabrielle slowly worked one lace free, and found her gaze captured by Xena’s suddenly attentive glance. She grinned impishly, and found the grin mirrored by her partner, who shifted her hands lower, sliding her fingers through the soft cloth folds The bard felt the snug pressure of her tunic belt release, and she closed her eyes, savoring the knowing touch on her bare flesh. Yeah.. her mind sighed blissfully. Nothing more I could ask for. She smiled as their lips touched, and she fell willingly into a sensual haze

"You don’t have to do this." Solari said, for the fourth time. "Ephiny, for the love of Athena, there are a squad of us that would be glad to take the kids out."

The Amazon regent half turned her blond head and regarded Solari. "No kidding, really? You’ve only said that four times. " She went back to stuffing things in a pack. "Solari, give me a break, all right? I’m sick and tired of being cooped up here.. Id like a few days out in the open… is that so terrible?" She gave the exasperated Amazon a look. "This weather is driving me nuts."

Solari sighed. Not that she didn’t sympathize with Ephiny; it was just that her sense of propriety was being violated. Ephiny was the regent, after all, and she shouldn’t be gallivanting around the countryside taking a bunch of half grown Amazonettes on their first hunting trip. "Look.. Eph…"

"No, no, no and no." Ephiny stood and turned, putting her hands on her hips. "Come on, Solari. Give it up." She looked up as the door to her quarters nudged open. "Oh gods.. not another one."

Granella sauntered in, leaning against the center support post of the low thatched building. "No luck, huh Soli?" The slim, dark haired Amazon scout tossed Solari a sympathetic look.

Solari rolled her eyes. "None." She lifted her hands in a gesture of defeat. "I give up."

"Look!" Ephiny said, with an exasperated laugh. "I can take care of myself, all right?" They were sweet, she realized, but she now had a wry understanding of the little amusedly patient look Gabrielle sometimes got when Xena was hovering over her. "It’s not like I’m our queen, who has just the worst tendency to get herself in trouble."

Solari snorted. "Yeah, well, it’s not like we’re Xena, who can get out of just about anything either. Just, please, be careful, OK?"

"I will." Ephiny assured them. "Are the girls ready?"

Granella nodded. "They’re ready, all right."

Rolling here eyes again, Ephiny tugged closed the top of her bag, and slung it over her shoulder, gesturing Solari and Granella out ahead of her. "Out.. out…shoo…"

They walked outside, and joined a small group of girls, who were somewhat self consciously adjusting the straps on their backpacks and striving to look casual. "All right, everything set?" Ephiny asked briskly, letting her eyes flick over them. A group of nods answered her. "OK then, let’s go."

She led them, single file, down the well-trodden path leading to the Amazon village, snugging her cloak more tightly about herself to block out the cold wind.

They walked silently down the path, keeping single file behind her in the approved manner. She almost couldn’t hear them. If she blocked her ears with beeswax, and hummed, that is. A smile crossed her face, as she remembered her first hunting party.

It had been hot, and the dead of summer when they'd set out, and the worst enemy they had were the telltale warnings of dried leaves, curled from the relentless sun that fell beneath their feet and betrayed their passage.

There had been four of them then, with the cagey old Erin guiding them through the woods. Towards noontime, even the shaded underbrush grew breathless from the heat, and Erin had stopped them, forcing them to drink their waterskins dry and keeping them under shelter. They'd rested quietly, listening to the faint pulse of the forest around them, and had been concentrating so hard, they'd almost jumped out of their skins when a wild boar had come scrambling around the corner of a rock outcropping and snorted to a halt, staring at them.

They stared at the boar, even Erin being caught by surprise. A stunned silence hung over the small clearing, then Ephiny had let out a surprised scream, and that had been echoed by her mates in pure reflex.

The boar, overheated, overexcited, and confused, must have thought that noise was a panther or something, because his tail went up, his eyes went wide, and he scrambled backwards in hilarious haste, finally falling down hard on his rump with a grunt.

Erin recovered her composure, and grabbed a spear, causing the boar to heave itself up and haul tail in the opposite direction, which, unfortunately for the boar, was right into the rock outcropping. He knocked himself silly, and Erin had little trouble dispatching him.

They'd all sat around, looking at the boar, and looking at Erin, who grimly skinned and dressed the carcass, then sat down on top of it. "So." She'd grunted, putting her chin on her hands. "Now you lot have to help me come up with a fine tale to tell about how we got this boar, right?"

It had become legend, Ephiny chuckled to herself. How Erin had taken this group of first time hunters out, and come back with one of the most deadly prey in the forest. She'd been able to coast on her reputation for years after that, and Ephiny and her age mates had been included in every hunting party for a long time. She glanced behind her at the solemn file.Hope this outing is just as successful.

"Busy tonight." Xena murmured, putting her hands on Gabrielle’s shoulders as she passed behind her, and took a seat against the wall. The inn was full, with both locals and visitors, and the noise level was approaching deafening. Heavy clinks and bangs, of thick crockery and wooden plates against the tables, mixed with rough voices, and fair, and laughter. The air was full of the scent of fresh ale, and the fragrant smell of salmon stew, which Cyrene’s assistants were ladling over thick slices of warm bread.

"Yeah." Gabrielle mumbled, around her mouthful of stew. "Better eat yours before I do." She threatened cheerfully.

Xena snorted, and stabbed a chunk of potato, popping it in her mouth and chewing. "Now, that’s a threat." She poked Gabrielle in the side. "Good thing I eat fast.. or Id starve to death."

"Tch tch." The bard snickered, using her fork to steal a piece of fish from Xena’s plate. "Gotta be faster than that, o warrior princess."

Xena just laughed, and leaned back, dipping a corner of her bread into the stew and handing it to Ares, who was curled up around her booted feet. "Here you go, boy."

"Hey." Gabrielle stopped eating, and focused a look on her. "That’s your dinner, not his."

Xena speared a vegetable, and waved it at her. "Make up your mind… one minute you’re stealing my food, the next minute you’re yelling at me not to give it away. " She bit into the vegetable, and swallowed, making a face. "Ugh." She discarded the rest of the item, and picked up a bit of fish instead. "That’s better."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes, and captured the half bite, eating it with an aggrieved sigh. "What am I going to do with you?" At least I got her to notice what she’s eating enough to know when she doesn’t like something. That’s an improvement. I guess. She looked up at the mischievously glinting blue eyes, and found herself smiling back into them. The next piece of fish the warrior stabbed was offered to her, with a twinkle.

"I have my own, Xena." She reminded her partner, but took the bite anyway. "Did you say you were going fishing again tomorrow?? "

The warrior finally concentrated on her dinner, and plowed through a good portion before she answered. "I can. But I really wanted to check my trap lines, out across the old forest." She wiped her dish with a chunk of bread and ate it, then took a deep swallow of ale. "Mmm.. mom must have tapped a new keg." She drained the mug, and debated on a second. Cyrene solved the debate by swinging by, and filling the cup, seating herself at Gabrielle’s side and nodding as a server put a plate down in front of her.

"Thank you, dear." She patted the server’s arm, and glanced at her daughter.. daughters, she corrected herself with a warm glow. And sent a thank you, once again, to whomever it was that was listening when she’d prayed that Xena would come back home.

She fondly remembered that day, when Johan had come into the kitchen and grasped her arm, and told her what the outer watch had sent back in, riding on an exultant wave of excitement. Xena, and the bard, headed towards Amphipolis. And when Argo had rounded that last turn, and ambled easily into the courtyard and shed her riders, somehow Cyrene had known. "You’re staying." She’d said, confidently, and her daughter had nodded a little. "For a while at least." Xena had said, exchanging glances with Gabrielle, who’d smiled, but later, much later that night, the bard had bent to Cyrene’s will and told her of what had happened. That she’d almost lost her daughter again, and only Xena’s stubbornness had kept her alive long enough to be rescued. That, and the love she had for this young bard, that is.

"Delightful run of salmon, dear." Cyrene patted her daughter’s arm, noting the relaxed expression on her face. She looked up as Toris pulled out the fourth chair at the table, and seated himself, setting an overflowing plate down in front of him. Oh no.. Cyrene ruefully realized. Here we go.

"Got enough there, Toris?" Xena drawled, leaning back in her chair and propping a booted foot on the table supports.

"Yes, thanks." Her brother answered, making a show of ignoring her grin.

Gabrielle tugged on her woolen sleeve. "Xena?"

"Hmm?" The warrior tilted her head back and raised an eyebrow. The bard didn’t answer, but she gave her partner her best wounded puppy dog look, then shifted her gaze to Toris, and shifted it back.

Xena pursed her lips, trying to fight off a smirk and failing, then gave the bard an indulgent nod, and kept quiet, lifting her ale up and drinking instead.

"Those were lovely stories tonight, Gabrielle." Cyrene smiled, having watched the interaction. "I really liked the one about the ship."

"You mean I earned my dinner tonight?" The bard joked, stealing the last of Xena’s bread.

Cyrene leaned over, and folded her hand in Gabrielle’s. "If you never told another story in this inn you’d have earned far more than that, and you know it." Her voice was serious. Ah… Gabrielle… don’t think for one moment I don’t know what you did.. what you do, for my daughter. She would be lost without you, was lost, and now you’ve given her a reason to keep trying to find herself. The innkeeper’s gaze covertly took in the almost startlingly open expression in the pale blue eyes across from her and smiled.

The bard’s eyes met hers, and the corner of her lips twitched in acknowledgment. "I know." And felt the warm reassurance of Xena’s touch warming her knee. She dropped her other hand under the table and clasped the warrior’s fingers with her own, feeling the pressure as Xena squeezed hard. She returned the clasp, tuning out the rest of the room for a long moment, and letting herself feel their connection. It filled a spot deep inside her, a craving that nothing else, not food, or drink, or her storytelling, even touched. She smiled at Cyrene. "Did I tell you I got a letter back from my sister?"

Toris glanced up from his meal with a grin. "She coming?"

Gabrielle laughed, and for some reason Xena laughed as well. Toris and Cyrene just looked at each other, and shrugged. "Uhm… yes." The bard closed her eyes and took a breath, wiping the silly thoughts out of her mind. "She is, and she says my parents will probably be here too."

"Wonderful." Cyrene gave her a sturdy nod. "And your Amazons?"

"Oh yeah." Xena drawled, with a glint in her eyes. "They’ll be here too." She blinked suddenly. "Uh…"

All three looked at her in puzzlement.

Xena bit her lip, and gave the bard a look. "You invited some other guests."

Gabrielle’s brow creased, and then a look of almost comical realization crossed her face. "Oh.. right.. well… we have these friends, that I told you about, mom."

Cyrene regarded her thoughtfully. "The people you stayed with… before you came here?" She flicked a furtive glance at her daughter, who had settled back in her chair with her ale, taking a deep breath that shifted the warm amber wool tunic across her shoulders. "Of course they're welcome."

Bard looked at warrior, and both sighed. "Thanks mom." Gabrielle grinned. "Uhm… they're really nice." She played idly with the fork, poking its tines into the smooth wood of the table. "They're just.. a little different."

Toris glanced up from his stew. "Of course. They're Xena's friends." He ducked too late. "Ow!" A motion so fast he didn't even see it knocked his body offcenter in the chair with stunning power. He scowled at his sister, who was watching him with a relaxed, if alert air. He briefly considered the idea of a tussle, then dismissed it, having found to his discomfort and chagrin that his sister could handle him as easily as a child if she had a mind to. "Ok..Ok… I take it back." He grumbled good naturedly, giving Xena a prod with his elbow. "I'm not tangling with you, sis."

Xena let her body relax again. She regarded her brother with some mild amusement. Every packs gotta have its leader, bro - and I’m the one in this litter, we all knew that. Even Lyceus.. though I loved him dearly, we'd have come to a conflict one day, because I’m so competitive, I can't stand the thought of an unmet challenge. Her eyes drifted to Gabrielle's face. Wonder if that's why we're so… She paused to think. Even as friends, we never competed… She had things she did well, I had things I did well.. we didn't cross each other's boundaries a lot. Maybe that's why we work as well as we do. I fight, she negotiates, I'm impatient, and she's the definition of the words gentle patience. I can't sit still.. she's a dreamer. I've never known anyone so different.. but she fits as part of me so perfectly it takes my breath away. They say opposites attract… well, she's not my opposite, but she is my better half. And I don't know which gods let that happen, but..

Their eyes met, and Xena could feel the energy passing between them again, and quietly reveled in it. "Well.." She stifled a yawn, having watched Gabrielle do the same shortly before. "I have an early morning tomorrow.. think I'll take off."

Cyrene smiled. "Hunting far tomorrow, dear?" She topped off Xena's mug, then her own.

The warrior gave her a wryly indulgent look. "Thanks. No, checking traplines in the old forest." She took a sip of the beverage. "New keg?"

Her mother chuckled. "Yes, and nice one, if I do say so myself."

They all turned as the door to the inn slammed open, and a fur wrapped form stumbled in, closing the door behind them with a loud bang. "Gods." The form muttered, and unwrapped itself to reveal a tall, dark haired man with a thick beard and bloodshot, tired eyes. "I’m perishing." He gasped, and would have fallen but for a strong hand that gripped his arm and kept him upright. He looked up into ice blue eyes and blinked. "I thank ye."

"It's all right." Xena said quietly, guiding him to a seat, and helping him into it. "What happened?" She asked, as Gabrielle crouched next to the man, handing him a mug of warm soup.

"Well.." He started, then glanced down into the bard's eyes, and seemed to lose track of himself for a moment. "Umm… ice storm." He finally said, giving her a little smile. "Took me off the road, it did - pellets the size of hen's eggs almost caved my skull in." He took a sip of the soup. "Thank you, lady."

Gabrielle laughed gently. "Just Gabrielle." She patted his leg, and waited, while Xena checked the traveler over with skillful hands. "Were you travelling alone?"

"Aye." The man breathed, never taking his eyes from her face. "My name's Rurik." He held out his free hand, and smiled when she took it gravely and shook it. "Are you traveling as well?"

The bard shook her head. "No. Amphipolis is home."

The man grunted. "Is that where I am? Amazing."

Xena finished her probing, and stepped back, regarding him thoughtfully. "Some nasty cracks there, but nothing serious. You got lucky."

Rurik looked up at her. "Aye, that I did - to get out of the storm, and wind up here." His eyes drifted to Gabrielle's face again, then back up to her. "I thank you for checking… " He paused and took the hand that was slowly offered.

"Xena." The warrior said, with a touch of amusement, watching for and getting the look of stunned surprise on his face. "You should rest, though."

"Are you…" He started.

"Yeah." She answered. "But don’t spread it around, OK? I've been having a peaceful winter." She let a hand drop and rest on the still kneeling Gabrielle's shoulder. "Glad I got you your fish today."

Gabrielle chewed her lip. "Xena, if the weather's that bad, maybe…" She stopped when she felt the long fingers tighten on her shoulder. Of course not. Weather, stop Xena? Never. She mentally rolled her eyes. She'd go out just to spite the weather.

"I'll see what it's like in the morning." Her partner reassured her, surprisingly. She peered out the window to her left, wincing as the sleet hit the waxed panes. "Feel sorry for anyone out in that."

Rurik nodded vigorously. "You're right there, ma'am. " This got him a raised eyebrow stare from the tall warrior, and a muffled giggle from the young bard kneeling at his side. Sisters? No.. they're too unlike for that, even with the dice rolls of the gods being what they are. Cousins, perhaps, see the little one's concern over the weather. Gods, she's a pretty thing… look at those eyes.. wonder if she's spoken for? Ah.. yes, there's a ring there. Pity…well, maybe he's not around.. we'll just have to see. "I've a few dinars for a room if there is one." He reluctantly tore his eyes from the vision in front of him and let them rest on the taller warrior's face.

"Mother?" Xena half turned, finding Cyrene at her back.

The older woman nodded briskly. "We have a small room available. Come."

Rurik stood heavily, and shrugged his cloak back into place with a sigh. "Thank you, innkeeper. A warm bed would go easy on these bones tonight." He nodded at Xena. "Nice meeting you." Then he smiled at Gabrielle. "And you too, Gabrielle." He looked into her eyes as long as he dared, then turned and followed Cyrene towards the stairs.

Gabrielle sauntered over and gave her partner a poke in the ribs. "Yes, ma'am." She giggled, and bit her lip.

Xena gave her a wry look. "Uh huh.. but I think he just fell for you, Red."

That got her a slap. "You die, Warrior Princess." Then a pause. "He what?" She wrinkled her brow. "Xena, you've had too much ale."

The warrior raised a lazy eyebrow, and leaned back against a support post, joined by Toris. They both regarded her with identical blue eyes bearing identical smirking twinkles. Xena rolled her head towards her brother. "What do you think?"

"For sure." Toris agreed, giving her a nod. "Fell like a rock down a cliff." He grinned at Gabrielle. "Haven't seen a lovesick expression like that since… " He thought a minute. "Since…"

"Howar." Xena supplied, with a chuckle, seeing the remembrance on Gabrielle's face. "Yeah.. you remember him… you got your own now… "

"I do not." The bard groaned. Her eyes flicked from one to the other. "Do I?"

Identical grins.

"Oh Hades." Gabrielle sighed. "Now what do I do?" She covered her eyes. "Its not like I can just threaten to knock them around a little like you do."

Xena grasped her wrist, and pushed the bard's sleeve up, exposing her arm, and squeezing the well-defined muscles. "Sure you can." She said softly, and dropped the sleeve, touching Gabrielle on the tip of her nose, then giving Toris a wink. "G'night, Toris."

She strolled past them to the door, and stood, waiting for Gabrielle with one hand resting on the wooden surface. Ares stood and stretched, shaking himself and padding over to join Xena at the door.

Gabrielle shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Gods. Why me?" She laughed a little. "Night, Toris."

"Night you two." Toris waved casually. "Careful in the storm, all right?" He let his eyes meet Xena's over the bard's head. "And you be careful tomorrow morning. If it's like this, for the love of the gods, sis, stay home, OK?"

At one time, she would have gotten angry. At another time, she would have just ignored him. Now, Xena's eyes warmed and she gave him a little wink. "Good advice, Toris." Then she settled her cloak in place, and held out one panel of it. "Get in here. I don't want you to get hit."

"What about you?" Gabrielle protested, but snuggled close, wrapping her arm around her partner's woolen clad body. "Huh?"

Xena swung the door open, and walked out, shielding her head with one upraised arm. "Hard head. No worries." She muttered, and felt Gabrielle give her a slap in the gut. "Guess she heard me." She remarked to the closely following Ares. "Keep your head down, both of you." She ordered, and felt the wolf tuck his dark muzzle against her knee. "Good boy." Then felt Gabrielle nestle into the hollow of her shoulder. "Good girl." She joked, wincing as she was poked in the side.

The storm was brutal, whipping nuggets of frozen water against Xena's body, and bouncing them off her protective arms. The ground beneath her feet was rapidly churning into an icy mud, and the darkness cloaked the buildings around the inn, the wind tearing out most of the torches, and leaving her to find their way in a cold, bitter void.

But Xena had known this courtyard from childhood, and found her way unerringly to their door, breathing a sigh of relief when she closed the sturdy wooden panel behind them. "Gods." She sighed, shrugging off her cloak, and helping Gabrielle off with hers. "Here.. I got that."

The bard willingly gave up the garment, and crossed to the fire, rubbing her hands. "This weather is very strange, Xena. It's starting to scare me a little."

"Mmm." Her partner agreed, coming up behind her and wrapping her arms around Gabrielle from behind, resting her chin on the bard's head. "I've never seen it like this."

Gabrielle didn't answer, being very busy absorbing the warmth surrounding her. She stood quietly for a minute, then slid around in Xena's arms, and snuggled close. "Mmm." She mumbled. "Xena?"

"Huh?" Xena's low voice responded.

"He really didn't… did he?" She kept her head pressed against Xena's warm chest, listening to the music of her heartbeat. "I mean.. you really don't think he has a crush on me, do you?"

"Mmm Hmm." The warrior confirmed, as she lazily tilted Gabrielle's face up and studied it. "Not that I blame him a bit." She smiled at the blush that crept up Gabrielle's fair skin.

"I'm not.. The bard stopped, and looked down, embarrassed. "I mean… I don't think I’m…"

"Look at me." Xena requested softly, and waited for her to comply. The bard's green eyes were hazy brown in the firelight, and the look she gave Xena was one of gentle, open trust. "I do." The warrior said with a smile. "Very much so."

"Do you?" Gabrielle murmured shyly.

"Think you're beautiful?" Xena laughed softly. "Yes." She lifted a hand, and threaded her fingers through Gabrielle's wind blown hair. "I always have."

"Oh." The bard breathed, feeling words drift like warm milk down into her gut. "I mean..uh.. I don't.. I think.. uh…" She stopped, and collected herself with a little shake. "Thanks." She finally managed, letting her head settle lightly on Xena's chest, and wrapping her arms around her partner and squeezing hard. "That just made me feel really good."

Xena smiled, and shook her head a little. "Anytime you need to hear that, you let me know, OK?" She captured Gabrielle's jaw again and lifted her face. "OK??"

"Yeah." Gabrielle smiled. "I will." She gently played with the collar of Xena's tunic, straightening it, then glanced up. "I love you." She said the words slowly, and tasted their sweetness.

Xena closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, then opened them again, and cupped Gabrielle's face in both hands. "I love you too." In a low, gentle tone that seemed to echo endlessly inside the bard's ears. Then reinforced that with a kiss, which the bard felt hit her spine and work up from there.

"Xena?" She asked, on an irregular breath once they paused for a second.

"Hmm?" The warrior inquired, nibbling the line of Gabrielle's neck.

"Uhh…" The bard stuttered, then focused. "What do I do with this guy?"

Xena captured her earlobe and bit down very gently. "Not this." She said between her teeth.

Gabrielle giggled, and just let her body react, giving her hands free rein to explore. "Seriously."

The warrior inched her way around Gabrielle's ear. "Well.." She drawled. "You just tell him.."

"You'll turn him into goat feed." Gabrielle finished, with a grin.

"Something like that." Xena agreed, nudging her towards the bed. "C'mon . . .it's cold out here."

"Ahh.." The bard teased, as she felt her partner react to her touch. "You don't feel cold."

That got a deep, wicked chuckle, and she was lifted off her feet, watching the room tilt and spin, as she felt the bed's softness under her back.

"Stay together." Ephiny yelled, pulling a small form close to her and shielding the girl with her body. Ice pellets stung her arms and face, and she grimaced. "Over here.. near that tree." Damn.. damn.. damn.. She cursed silently. An ice storm, of all things. She pushed the girls against the fallen tree, in the lee of the wind, and hastily unpacked her ax. "Stay down." She told them, making eye contact with the tallest, pale haired Cait. The girl nodded soberly, and put an arm around one of her smaller companions.

Thank the gods I have Cait. Ephiny mused, as she moved around to the other side of the tree, and withstood the brunt of the storm, grimly hacking off the branches whipping around her head. She began to throw them over the side of the fallen tree, and soon noticed that Cait was binding them together, forming a shield they could put against the trunk to shelter themselves under. Strange girl, the Amazon considered. You never knew what was going on behind those pale eyes. Friendly and easygoing, was Cait, but there was always a little something different lurking behind her quiet gaze. An orphan from Amphipolis, the tall slim blond already had excellent fighting skills, and a calm, sober sense that Ephiny was coming to appreciate more and more.

She finished collecting branches, and jumped behind the tree with a sense of relief, noting with approval that Cait had already organized the little group behind the screen, and was packing leaf litter around the interwoven branches to provide more protection. "Get in there, Cait." Ephiny smiled, patting her back. "Good job."

The blond smiled at her, and ducked under the leaves, crawling inside the shelter and joining her age mates. Ephiny followed; glad to get out of the stinging ice that had gotten inside her leathers and left her sore and damp. "Well, isn't this cozy." The Amazon regent muttered, pressing herself against the rough bark of the tree and ignoring the overpowering scent of bruised pine that permeated their meager shelter. "All right, everyone just relax. This can't last forever."

Five pairs of eyes looked back at her, Cait being the furthest away. In front of her were short, dark haired Megan, freckled Lista, moody Elianas, and the sunny natured Shanna. All were more or less the same age, and just on the cusp of hitting puberty. Remind me again why I thought this was such a damn good idea…hmm? Gee, Ephiny.. next time just wrangle Eponin into a game of cards, ok? "Everyone OK?"

"It's cold." Elainas sighed. "My head hurts."

"Mine too." Lista agreed, as usual. She was Elianas faithful shadow.

Megan edged closer to Ephiny. "You're all wet." She said mournfully, fingering the Amazon's leathers. "That's bad." Megan worried. A lot. About everything.

"We could make a fire." Shanna chirped, pushing her damp red hair out of her eyes. "Then we'd warm up."

Ephiny glanced over Megan's narrow shoulder, and met Cait's eyes, which twinkled solemnly back at her. Cait.. didn't need hunting instructions, and in fact was along on this trek as sort of a junior escort despite her tender age. Born in Amphipolis, and orphaned by outlaws, Cait had learned young how to find food for herself and had made her meager living catching small game and selling it to her fellow villagers.

Until Xena had come home, that is, and Cait had approached her, sensing a sympathy in the tall dark haired warrior she hadn't found otherwise in the village. Ephiny had met the girl on her visit to the ex warlord on behalf of her then Queen, Gabrielle. Cait had asked to be taken to the Amazon's village, and Ephiny had agreed, finding out later from Xena that the girl.. was more than she seemed.

She had, Xena quietly informed her, slipped into the renegade's camp after her parents had been killed and found their leader. And slit his throat for him, with no more excitement than if she'd taken a stroll by the river, and knowing that, when Ephiny looked into those pale, almost colorless eyes, she often saw glints of something very familiar. Something usually framed in a taller, darker form's vivid blue gaze. Kindred spirits, indeed, the Amazon quietly snorted to herself. Leave it to Xena to saddle me with a baby assassin.

But Cait was otherwise a gentle, helpful girl, who kept to herself mostly, but joined the other girls her age on occasion and could laugh, and joke with the best of them.

"We can't right now, Megan." Cait's clear, soft voice curled around them. "It's too wet. We'll be all over smoke." She folded her knees up to her chin, and put her arms around them. "Let's try not to think about it."

"That's easy for you to say." Elianas grumped. "This cold is just.. creepy."

"Yeah, creepy." Lista affirmed.

"It's just cold." Cait said, in a crisp tone. "I know a story.. you want to hear it?"

Four pairs of eyes turned to her. "What kind of story?" Elianas asked suspiciously. "Not the bloody one again, Cait. That's too creepy for a day like this."

Cait sniffed reflectively, then blinked. "Right then, how about… There was this princess, see… and she was really pretty… "

Ephiny leaned back with a smile, trying to ignore the shiver inducing cold from her damp leathers. She unpacked her travel bag, setting out trail rations for all of them, listening with half an ear to Cait's patient voice.

"And she fell in love with a great warrior." Cait was saying, and paused as the other girls hooted.

"Aww.. Cait… c'mon. Who needs a guy to mess things up?" Megan laughed.

Cait let a half grin cross her mouth, and her eyes glinted with mischief. "And who says it was a guy?" She wagged a finger at them. "Want to hear more?"

Four pairs of eyes widened. "Ohh…" Megan said, a sudden spark in her voice. "Yes. I do!!"

Ephiny almost swallowed her tongue trying not to laugh. "Here." She interrupted, handing around the trail bars. "Eat while you listen." As she did, hearing a very familiar tale from a very unexpected viewpoint, ending with an arrow caught, and a crash of thunder, and a kiss.

"Oh..wow." Shanna clapped, then scowled at Ephiny. "How come CAIT got to go see that and we had to stay in the stables?"

"Oh.." Cait chewed thoughtfully on her field bar. "I slipped out before they could stop me." She gave Ephiny a rakish grin. "It was just super. I guess I just got lucky."

Shanna poked Megan. "I'd say it was the Queen who got lucky." The girls all giggled.

"Tch tch…." Ephiny said, muffling a laugh. "Those happen to be friends of mine, I'll have you lot remember." She cleared her throat. "And that is our Queen you're talking about. A little respect, please."

Elianas turned and gazed at her speculatively. "But.. you're our Queen." She asked, a tentative note in her voice. "Doesn't Gabrielle like us?"

Now they were all looking at her. Ephiny sighed inwardly. It was a question she wrestled with herself sometimes. "She does, very much." The regent finally said slowly. "It's just… Gabrielle isn't… "

A vision of steady green eyes formed in her mind, shining with that strong will behind them. "We can all only give our heart in one place, Elianas. " Ephiny continued. "Gabrielle will always be a part of us, always be there for us, always give us all of her that she can." She paused, and listened as the wind stirred the sodden pine needles close over her head. The pungent smell was giving her a headache, she realized. "But her destiny is taking her in another direction right now." She paused, aware of the total silence from the girls. "And she's going where her heart leads her."

"Because she'd rather do that, than be our Queen?" Lista made an uncommon original comment. "That's not right."

Ephiny glanced down and smiled. "If you ever find that kind of love, Lista, you'll understand just how right it really is." She handed around the waterskin. "All of you take a drink." She leaned back again, and wrapped her arms around herself to keep the chill out. Damn, damn damn. She sighed. I feel like I’m coming down with something. Gods.. now is not the time, Ephiny. She looked up as fabric touched her, and found herself looking up at Cait who was putting her cloak around the Amazon's shoulders. "No, Cait, you keep that."

Cait gave her a little smile. "I’m dry, you're not." She observed, nudging her way back to her spot, making herself as comfortable as possible given the circumstances.

They all fell silent, listening to the roar of the storm outside, and wincing as the hard pellets of ice hit the branches around them. Their body heat had warmed their sanctuary some, but it wasn't enough to be really comfortable, and they spent several minutes squirming around trying to ease their bodies. "Rotten luck, right?" Cait commented, from her corner.

"Too right." Shanna sighed, for once in a glum mood. They all huddled closer as darkness began to fall outside, and the storm showed no signs of abating.

Gabrielle felt the dimness of morning light slowly warm her eyelids, and determinedly kept them closed as she let the rest of her senses come awake. The night fire made faint popping sounds at irregular intervals, and she could hear the faint sigh of wind brushing past the thick thatch of the roof. The now familiar smell of her home drifted around her, made of clean linen, the sweet scent of wood, and the mixed aromas of herbs, and beeswax and leather. She let them soak in with a feeling of peace, as the gentle steady rhythm under her ear lulled her back into somnolence.

A smile edged it's way across her face as she felt Xena stir, stretch a little, then resettle her arms around the bard's curled body. I think I've really corrupted her. The bard thought, with a silent giggle. She doesn't even budge before dawn anymore. She let one eye peek open, looking up, and smiling in reflex at the look of peace on Xena's face. That's it, love. She felt the even movement under the arm she had wrapped around her partner and tightened her hold a fraction. This got a faint twitch of acknowledgment from Xena's face but no more.

The bard let out a satisfied sigh, and let herself drift back off, waking again in the brighter light of morning.

"Hey." Xena gazed down at her with a lazy grin, still comfortably snuggled up with her.

"Morning." The bard mumbled. "You sleep well?"

"Uh huh. " Xena replied, with a yawn. "Had a dream."

Gabrielle let both eyes slide open and regarded her curiously. "Yeah?" A dream? I don't.. usually have those when we're together, and she never mentioned…

"Yep… " Xena stretched her body with luxurious pleasure. "A good one." Her gaze turned inward for a moment. Haven't had one of those… since I can't remember when. No.. I do.. but gods, that was another lifetime ago. She stretched again, then let out a contented sigh, and resettled herself. "Silly.. something about pillows, and a cat… I don't remember it really…" She laughed softly. "You were in it.. throwing some fluffy thing at me, and then Toris was there, but he was wearing a bucket on his head."

Gabrielle giggled in reaction. "Wish I'd had the same dream.. that sounds like fun."

"Mmm… I'll have to invite you next time." The warrior grinned, then rolled her head casually towards the window. "Weather's better." She commented, noting the sunlight trying to peek in the window. "Guess I'd better get going."

Gabrielle deliberately snuggled closer, sliding her thigh up over Xena's, and pinning the warrior in place. "What if I don't want to let go?" She said in soft challenge, with a teasing grin.

Xena stroked her hair gently and shrugged. "Guess I’m stuck here then."

The bard laughed. "Just like that? No argument? You must be catching something." She put a hand on Xena's forehead. "Funny, you feel nice and cool."

And got a big grin back. "Nope.. no argument.. " Xena sucked in a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "I’m at your mercy."

Gabrielle buried a smile into the warm skin of Xena's neck, and nibbled a little. "Hmmm.. I'll have to remember that." She sighed and relented. "But I suppose I'll have to let you take advantage of the few candlemarks of sun we might get today."

"So very kind of you, your majesty." Xena drawled, running a hand up the bard's bare ribcage and making her convulse into a giggling heap. That turned into a tickling contest, which evolved into a wrestling match that ended up with both of them sprawled in a tangle of bedding and limbs, breathless from laughter.

"Oh gods." Gabrielle wheezed, laying back and resting a hand on her stomach. "That felt good." She grinned at Xena, who was lying on her side, with her head propped up on one hand, having wrestled on her woolen shirt. Ares had jumped up on the bed to investigate the noise, and was now curled up against the warrior’s legs, with his head resting on her knee.

"Argroo." The wolf sighed, raising his muzzle and giving Xena a lick. The warrior glanced down at him, and rubbed his head.

"Hey boy… you coming with me today?" Ears perked up, and Ares tilted his head in question. "Hmm? " She looked up and sighed. "Best get going, love."

Gabrielle slid her shirt over her head, and slipped out of bed, padding towards the fire. She pushed her hair out of her face, and grabbed the water pot, swinging it over the banked fire, and holding her hands over the dimly glowing wood. "Next time I complain about how hot it is, remind me of this, OK?"

Xena chuckled, and ducked outside, blinking into the sunlight, and sucking in the cold morning air as she grabbed an armful of fresh firewood, and dipped a bucket into the water reservoir just in back of their cabin. "Nice morning." She commented, coming back into the room, and setting the water aside as she knelt by the fireplace and rebuilt the fire. "Argo will be glad to get out some, I think."

"Mmm." The bard agreed, putting a bit of honey on a buttered muffin, and handing it to her. "She must be getting bored of the inside of the stable..too bad the weather's been so awful." She gave Xena an impish look. "Do you think she's…

A low snort from Xena. "Well.. can't really tell for another couple of months, but…." She gave the bard an amused look. "Start thinking of names." She warned, as she settled the bucket of icy water against the newly built fire, and settled down on the bearskin to finish her muffin. "I just got this feeling."

"Me think of names" Gabrielle laughed, licking her fingers off. "Yeah, sure… this from the woman who still teases me about naming a mule Tobias." She munched for a moment quietly. "Xena?"

"Hmm?" The warrior responded, stirring the water around a little. She looked up to see Gabrielle’s eyes regarding her. "What?"

A light shrug. "I wish I’d known that was your birthday." She paused. "Solstice, I mean."

Xena shrugged back. "Nah.. it was fun… I didn’t… I kind of liked the anonymity.. having a birthday then… no one really paid attention because they were too busy with celebrating Solstice." She fiddled with the water, not looking up. "And later on… I just never told anyone. I used to mostly just get by myself for a few minutes that night, and look up at the stars for a while." Her eyes lifted and caught Gabrielle’s. "Longest night of the year, you know."

The bard leaned forward, and wrapped her hands around her partner’s, her heart aching for the long years Xena had spent in detached loneliness. "Not this year." She smiled. "And you’d better not disappear on me, or I’ll have to hunt you down."

Xena took a deep breath, and released it, giving the bard a little smile and a nod. "No chance." She gave the water a final stir. "Who knows.. I may even enjoy it this year." She washed quickly, and slipped into her leathers and boots, adding the thick over tunic Cyrene had given her which had slots neatly sewn to allow her to wear her sword on the outside of it. Gabrielle handed her a previously packed kit, which she strapped around her waist, and then bounced up and down a few times to settle everything. "You attending the council today?" She turned watched the bard shrugging on her forest green woolen tunic and belting it.

Gabrielle nodded. "Yep, and I have some stuff to do with mom, too." She gave Xena a pat on the side. "Be careful, OK?" She let her hands travel up the thick cloth, straightening the fabric absently. "And you get back here if the weather turns nasty again."

"Yes mom." Xena smiled, riffling her fingers through the bard's hair. "It'll probably be late tonight.. you don't have to wait up."

Gabrielle gave her tunic a last tug. "I know I don't." She responded quietly.

"But you will." Xena predicted, soaking in the warmth.

A nod answered her. "You know me." Gabrielle slid an arm around her. "C'mon.. I'll walk you to the stables."

The weather outside felt… chancy. Gabrielle mused, as she stretched her legs to keep up with Xena's longer strides. There were wispy clouds racing over, and the wind kept shifting, giving he day an uneasy air despite the watery sunlight gracing the winter scoured courtyard. She passed through the wooden stable door that Xena held open for her and entered the musky warmth that smelled of dried grasses, and hemp rope and horses. Argo was boxed in a comfortable stall against the most protected wall, decimating a hanging bag of hay. She nickered immediately upon spotting Xena.

"Hey girl." The warrior smiled, crossing to the mare and rubbing the proffered nose. "How are you feeling, huh?"

Gabrielle watched her with interest. She sometimes relates to the animals better than to people around here. The bard mused. She talks to Ares the same way.. almost like.. "Xena?"

The warrior turned her head, and cocked it, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

"You really like animals, don’t you." Gabrielle hitched herself up on the tack table, and put a piece of straw in her mouth, chewing it absently and watching Ares sniff around the stable interestedly.

Xena thought about that for a minute. "I guess.. yeah. I always kind of.. have." She sat down on a tightly tied bale of hay next to Argo's stall and rubbed the mare's neck. "They just.. I don’t know… " She hesitated, and glanced up at Gabrielle's eyes watching her. "They don't judge you."

Gabrielle took a sharp breath, gaining yet another view of yet another facet of her infinitely complex partner. "No, they don't." She answered quietly. "I had a kitten, when I was a child."

"You did?" Xena queried.

"Yeah. A little scrap of a thing, all gray, and stripes." The bard answered her brows contracting. "I used to.. " She took a breath. " Take him with me, out into the forest near our house. And he'd sit there for hours, listening to me tell.. " She stopped, and stared at the far wall. "Toby, I called him." Warm hands on her shoulders startled her, and she looked up into Xena's shadowed blue eyes. "One day, he ran off." She felt the tears starting, and looked up at the rough ceiling, willing them back. C'mon, Gabrielle - you haven't thought about that for years. Get a grip on yourself. After a minute, she sighed, and gave Xena a sideways look. "He never came back."

And the awful feeling of loneliness and rejection she'd felt came flooding back from a day long past. He had just been a pair of furry ears… but he'd liked all her stories. She'd always wondered why he'd just.. left.

Hands cupped her face, and then she found herself falling into Xena's embrace with a desperation that shocked her. "Gods, I'm sorry" She mumbled, but found she couldn’t let go. "I don't … you have to go.. " What am I doing? Gabrielle, stop it!

"Shh." Xena folded her close. "It's all right." She pulled back a little and gave the bard a warm smile. "You and I really should have teamed up earlier.. I was always finding animals all over the place and bringing them home. "

Gabrielle felt her chest ease. "Really?" She tried to imagine Xena as a tiny, feisty cherub, determinedly carrying some poor animal over her shoulder. "Poor mom."

Xena gazed at her. "I would have found you another kitten."

The bard closed her eyes, and rested her head against the warrior's shoulder. "I wouldn't have needed one." Not if I had you. "You must have been such a cute kid."

The warrior snorted, and released her, lifting Argo's saddle pad and moving towards the mare. "I’m sure mother will disagree with you." She settled the soft padding on the mare's back, then grasped the saddle resting on the stall divider and swung it up and over Argo's shoulders. "She must have wanted to drown me more often than not." A quick tug tightened the girth. "I was a handful."

Gabrielle slipped forward, handing her Argo's bridle. "You still are." She teased gently, getting a raised eyebrow. "But I wouldn't have it any other way." She watched as Xena slid the bridle over Argo's twitching ears, and settled the bit between her teeth before tightening the headstall and the cheekpiece.

"I'll have to remember that." The warrior mused, unclipping the halter rope that tethered Argo in her stall and walking towards the door followed by the agreeable mare and Ares dark shadow. She settled her free arm around Gabrielle's shoulders as they walked, and felt the bard lean in close. They squeezed through the door, and stopped outside, surveying the pale, wind whipped scenery. "Council, huh?" Xena asked, giving her a sideways look. Knowing she could have a travelling companion for the day if she wanted one.

Gabrielle gave a deep sigh, and looked back at her with a speculative grin. "You're bad." She raked her fingers through her hair and shook her head. "No.. I promised I'd be there." She reached up and tugged on Xena's laces. "Next time, remind me not to go making promises, OK?"

Xena laughed, and patted her on the head. "Deal." She put a hand up on Argo's saddle, and vaulted up, settling her feet in the stirrups, and gathering the reins in one hand. Then she looked down with a devilish glint, and held out her other hand, quirking one eyebrow.

"Xena!!" The bard sighed on a rising note. "Stop that!" She slapped the warrior on the knee, but bit her lip with an internal struggle. A day out riding with her partner.. sounded really good right at the moment. Damn that council.

"All right.. all right.." Xena chuckled. "Let me at least give you a lift over to the inn." She smiled at the bard took her hand, and lifted Gabrielle up behind her, feeling her settle into a familiar spot and wrap her hands around the warrior tightly.

For safety, of course. They were both still laughing as Xena pulled Argo up beside the door to the inn, and swung her down, just as Cyrene popped her head out of the door and smiled. "Well, good morning."

"Hi mom." Gabrielle gave her a hug, which she returned.

"See you all later." Xena nodded at them, pressing a knee into Argo's warm side and turning the mare. "C'mon Ares."

"Xena.." Cyrene called.

"Hmm?" The warrior turned her head and waited, settling the restive horse with gentle touches.

"Be careful." That was both Cyrene and Gabrielle together, and was followed by a joint giggle.

The warrior just shook her head, and laughed, and nudged Argo into a canter towards the road.

Gabrielle smiled, and shook her head as she followed Cyrene inside the inn, unable to keep herself from turning at the door for one last look at the horse and rider heading off into the distance. As always, Xena rode with an unconscious grace that the bard envied, though she'd become more comfortable on horseback lately. She sighed, and turned to see Cyrene watching her, and felt a gentle blush warm her face. "Oh.. sorry.. I…"

Cyrene just shook her head, and laughed. "Don't apologize." She patted the bard's arm, and motioned her inside. "Come on, I have some nut muffins I need your opinion on."

The bard grinned ruefully. "Mom, you're dangerous." She commented, and followed Cyrene deeper into the inn, letting her eyes catch the morning guest and giving them all a smile. "Morning." She called to Rurik, who was seated at a table, hunched over a bowl of cereal. He looked up and caught her eye, and smiled back. "Much better weather this morning, huh?"

"Beautiful." Rurik answered, regarding her thoughtfully.

Gabrielle pushed open the door to the kitchen area, where she could hear Cyrene's voice raised in some irritation. "Hey.. what's going on?"

Cyrene turned, and put her hands on her hips. "Dried herbs, two baskets of them. Given to the horses as feed." She rolled her eyes. "Gods help me."

The bard laughed gently. "I'll go collect more. Just tell me what you need." And a little while outside in the forest won't hurt me either.. I didn't think I could get used to living outdoors.. now I kind of miss it sometimes. She crossed the kitchen, and picked up a basket, sliding it over her arm and returning to where Cyrene was scribbling a small list on a scrap of parchment.

"Here.. while you're waiting." The innkeeper didn't look up, but handed her a pair of gently steaming pale brown muffins. "Let me know what you think."

Gabrielle juggled the warm muffins in her hands, and carefully took a bite of one. "I think you're going to have a hard time getting me to leave this kitchen." She mumbled around the mouthful. "Hmm…honey, and walnuts and… cinnamon?"

Cyrene chuckled. "Right as usual." She finished the list, and tucked it into the basket. "Oh, Hades. I should have sent some along with Xena." She sighed. "She probably ran off without anything."

Gabrielle smiled quietly to herself. "I took care of that." She looked up, and met Cyrene's eyes. "Gotta keep an eye on her, you know." She winked, and bit into the second muffin. "This won't take me long.. " She added, as she stood up and moved towards the door. "You promised me some stories about Xena as a kid, remember."

The innkeeper tucked her arm in Gabrielle's and walked the bard to the door, opening it and letting her pass outside, following and closing the door after her. "I remember." She said. "You be careful now."

Gabrielle finished her muffin, and licked her fingers. "C'mon, mom. It's just a walk in the forest. " She laughed. "Even I can't get in trouble there." She waved goodbye, and headed down the path, detouring briefly at the cabin to pick up her staff. Just in case. She thought. No sense in tempting fate.

The path was quiet, as the dead leaves blew gently across her boots with a muted patter. The usual sounds of life were largely missing, as animals tucked themselves away from the cold, and spent much of their time drowsing, and conserving energy. Just like us. Gabrielle thought with amusement, considering the increased time they'd been engaging in peaceful cuddling. Oh. .yeah, there. Now we have a reasonable excuse for it. She giggled silently, storing the thought away for later retelling to her partner.

A glimpse of the muted green of herbs caught her eye, and she trod carefully off the path, and into the sparse underbrush, kneeling quickly next to the sturdy, low growing bushes. "Ahh.. gotcha. " She grinned, deftly plucking the thickly leafed plants, rugged enough to grow in the bad weather.

Footsteps alerted her, and she turned her head towards the path, sighing when she recognized the form walking towards her. Oh boy. She winced in reflex. "Good morning." She said, as Rurik drew even with her, and crouched down next to where she was working.

"Good morning, Gabrielle." The man responded politely. "Didn't think a lass like you should be out walking in these woods alone - there's raiders about, you know." He hesitated. "No offense meant."

Gabrielle sighed to herself. "Well, yes - I know. " She hefted her staff, which had been lying at her side. "I came prepared." But she smiled. "Thanks for thinking of it, though." She kept picking leaves, and putting them in the basket.

"Ah.. a stick against swords? Lass… you're brave enough. Can I help you there?" He offered, with a smile.

"Sure." Gabrielle answered, pointing to a bush. "Those leaves there." They picked in silence for a few minutes, then she nodded. "OK, that's enough." Before she could stop him, he took the basket from her, and stood up, dusting his hands off. Casting her eyes to the sky and wishing for patience, she picked up her staff and stood next to him. "Thanks."

"You have more to find then?" He asked, placing the loop of wicker over his arm. "Twould make me feel better to make sure you're safely back."

"Yes, a bit more." Gabrielle admitted. "I really don't need the escort, but you're welcome to take a walk. " She gestured with her chin towards the path. "We need to go down by the river next." She stepped towards the path, leaning lightly on her staff as the ground sloped upwards. "So.. where are you headed, Rurik?"

The man sniffed thoughtfully. "Athens, at the end." He replied, watching her face surreptitiously. Admiring it. "I was working a merchanting train, and got done with that. Heading back for a second round." He let his eyes drift downward, then flick ahead of him when she turned to watch his face. "What about you, Gabrielle? Staying here in the backwoods?"

She laughed. "Well, I've seen a bit of the world." She smiled. "Athens, Troy, Thessaly… " She took a deep breath of the cold, pine tinted air. "I like it here."

He peered at her. "What, you traveled around with just your stick, there? My gods, lass."

Her green eyes studied him, and he suddenly noticed the depth to them, more than he'd thought at first. "It's a pretty useful stick." The bard said quietly, then snapped her staff up in a flickering motion, catching a hanging crabapple over his head, and detaching it from it's branch then catching it right before his eyes with a deft hand. "You just have to know how to use it."

A surprised chuckle fell from his lips. "Well.. I'll be… " More than she seems.. this girl is. I like that. "My respects then, lass."

She smiled, and wrapped her hand around the top of the staff, walking forward again and munching on the crabapple. Though withered from the frosts, it had a fragrant bitterness that appealed to her. A sidelong glance caught his eye, and she sighed inwardly. Damn you, Xena… do you have to always be right? At least Hower was… harmless. This guy… She shifted her hand minutely on the staff. He's making me twitch.

They walked in silence for a bit. "So.. what holds you to Amphipolis, Gabrielle." Now there was a touch of seriousness in Rurik's tone. "I mean, you having been in the world and all that."

The bard thought about that for a while, finishing off the crabapple and tossing it with a flick of her wrist into the approaching river. "What holds me here. Well… " She stopped, and leaned on her staff, and faced him. "A lot of things." She glanced around. "I like Amphipolis. And I have family here.. it's close to the village where my parents live." Then she smiled quietly. "And it's where my partner comes from."

"Ah." He said, giving her a knowing smile. "Thought I saw a lovely bit of jewelry on you. May I?"

Gabrielle moved her hand, and turned it towards the light, watching his face as he studied the filigreed serpentine design, and it's tiny crest.

"That is truly beautiful, Gabrielle." He muttered. "Hawks head, is it? And a knotted border?" He glanced at her face. "Very bold, that one."

"Yes, it is, to both." The bard said quietly, then moved away from him and knelt at the side of the river, spotting the herbs she was looking for. She felt him approach. Felt him come close to her, sensed the almost pressure of his legs against her back, and took a breath to steady herself. "Be careful. " She warned. "The ground is very slippery here."

"Aye, thank you, lass." Rurik answered, as he dropped to one knee, and started helping her collect the leaves. His arm brushed hers. A shifting, then it brushed hers again.

'Rurik." Gabrielle said, in a low voice.

"Aye?" He answered his voice slightly husky.

"You're a nice guy. Don't do something we're both going to regret, OK?" She turned her head and met his gaze with a level stare, her hands stilling on the leaves. C'mon, Gabrielle.. you can do this. "Please?"

That gaze unsettled him. It spoke of an understanding that he'd thought her too young to have. "Ah.. I think you'd regret it more than I would, lass." He let a smile curl his lips. Her answer surprised him.

"Oh no." The bard grimly intoned. "You'd regret it a lot more. Trust me." She shifted her staff minutely and waited. His eyes flicked to the tall stick, then back to her. And he backed off.

"Ah, just looking for a bit of fun, lass. No harm in it." He smiled. "Never one to bother an unwilling lass, though. Be easy." Now he chuckled. "I'm not looking to get my head cracked, neither." His eyes went to her staff again.

Gabrielle felt her body relax, and she nodded in acceptance. "Good choice." She said cheerfully. "Now we can be friends, right?" She went on picking the leaves, and after a moment, he joined her. Not bad. And I didn't even have to threaten him with Xena's reputation. I like that.

They finished collecting the herbs, and started back along the path, chatting companionably about the strange weather, and the towns Rurik had passed through on his way home.

She barely heard the thump behind them, and turned just in time to see the rough clad form descending on them. "Damn. " She cursed, pushing Rurik out of the way, and deflecting the ruffian's cudgel with a sweep of her staff. " Stay back. " She yelled at the trader, as she ducked a second blow, and dropped to one knee, slashing at his legs and connecting with a startlingly loud popping noise. The man screamed, and jumped back, swearing at her.

"Servers you right. " She growled, and held the staff at waist height, waiting. The man dashed foreword, and swung at her head, and she easily caught the blow mid way down the shaft, and shoved him back, getting him off balance, then slamming the staff into his side. He went down with a grunt, holding his ribs, and she took the opportunity to crack him swiftly on the side of the head, taking him out. "Moron." She sighed, then grinned privately. Gods.. I’m getting to sound just like Xena sometimes. Shaking her head, she turned back to where Rurik was standing, clutching the basket with wide eyes. "Like I said, it comes in handy."

"Gabrielle, lass.. " Rurik breathed, blinking. "I owe you a thousand apologies."

"For what?" The bard stared at him, puzzled. "Come on.. let's get going.." She started past him. "I have stuff to do."

He hurried to catch up with her, and fell into step. "Where did you learn to do that?"

She glanced at him. "Well.. the Amazons started me off.. but mostly Xena taught me how to use this."

He stopped, dead, right in the middle of the path. "Xena? The Warrior Princess? The Destroyer of Nations? That Xena?" He snorted. "The one from the inn last night?"

She stopped, and leaned on her staff, and muffled a grin. "The only one I know."

He caught up with her again. "Gods, girl." They walked along in silence. "That's a dangerous acquaintance."

"Nah." Gabrielle chuckled. "She's not like that anymore."

"I'll take your word for that, lassie." Rurik laughed, and shook his head. "And keep my distance."

"Ephiny." The word echoed slightly in her ear, and pushed her tired body towards the light. A hand on her shoulder reinforced the voice softly.

"Uh." She blinked her eyes open, aware of the dully pounding headache that seemed to be clouding her thoughts. Damn.. thought I was coming down with something. The scratchy feeling in her throat confirmed it. "Yeah.. ok. I’m up." She sighed, forcing her eyes to focus on Cait's face. "Thanks for taking a watch, Cait." She sat up, stifling a groan at the ache in her bones. Ephiny.. Ephiny.. next time, a game of cards, OK?? Or maybe start up a quilting bee. Or maybe have an arrow making competition…

She pushed aside some of the leaves, and was relieved to see the sun. "One good thing." She muttered, rubbing the back of her neck, and watching as Cait shook the other girls awake. "All right.. looks like we have better weather today. Let's get some breakfast, then we'll go over laying snares."

Sleepy grumbles greeted her, and she bit back a sharp retort. They're just girls, Eph. You're here to teach them, right? Right. "Come on now, let's go." She lifted the leaf barrier up, and stood, ignoring her body's protests. She arched her neck, and felt the bones pop into place with an almost audible snap. The cold air irritated her already sore throat, but she sucked down lungfuls anyway, to clear her head, as she surveyed their surroundings. A small dell, with the walls of the forest rising on all sides greeted her gaze, with a bare central area that would be perfect for a fire.

And hot tea would be perfect for me, right now. The Amazon decided. "Megan, take the bucket and get us some water." The dark haired girl stumbled out of their shelter, and trotted off, clanking the bucket against her leg. "Shh." Ephiny hissed after her, and had the satisfaction of hearing the sounds reduce.

She walked around the perimeter of the dell, touching the wood near the ground. Damp.. but it'll have to do. She began to gather the driest sticks she could find, peripherally aware of Cait and Shanna joining her. She looked up, and was pleasantly surprised to see Elianas and Lista setting out their austere breakfast, and spreading their cloaks out to dry on nearby branches.

She had the fire going by the time Megan stumbled back into camp, dragging the bucket with her. "Gosh… I had to go forever before I could get water.. it's all ice up at this end." She placed the bucket atop the thicker log frame Ephiny had built around the fire, and sighed. "Sorry it took so long."

"Here." Ephiny handed her some breakfast. "Good work, Megan." She praised. "You knew to keep going.. that was well done."

Megan beamed, chewing on her trail bar.

Cait brought over her herbal kit, setting it down beside her, along with the travelling cups. Ephiny gave her a smile, and set the cups in front of her, measuring the herbs into them with a practiced hand, then settled back to wait for the water to heat.

Cait glanced at her, then ran her fingers through the herbal collection, sifting until her sensitive fingers found what she was looking for. She scooped a pinch into her hand, then held it out to Ephiny. "Xena uses this."

The Amazon studied the herb, then took a pinch and held it to her nose. "Really?" She asked, in a low tone.

Cait nodded quietly. "Saw her, when Johan came down with the head sickness." Her eyes flicked to Ephiny's, then away. "You should try it."

And how did she know that? Ephiny wondered, studying the pale, thin face. She gently grasped Cait's hand, and turned it over, transferring the herb into her own. "Well, if Xena recommends it… " Her eyes twinkled. "Who am I to disagree?" She dumped the herb into her cup with the rest.

Two hot cups later, and she felt much better. "Thanks Cait." She murmured to the girl, as she packed up their gear, and they prepared to move out. And thanks, Xena… her mind added with a smile. "Let's go."

A single file of almost soundless Amazons passed up the trail, the patchy sunlight painting dapples on their dark leathers and catching glancing reflections off Ephiny and Cait's pale hair, and Lista's fiery red. Ephiny pointed out things in low tones, of bark, and leaf, and scent, passing down their heritage the way it had been passed down to her, in long sunlit afternoons on the trails of their home territory.

Lessons in woodcraft, in how to identify the creatures of the forest, how to build a smokeless fire, to clean various types of kills, how to find food in the most unlikely places. They all got to eat a slug, and discovered it wasn't as bad as they thought.

Until Megan mentioned hers was furry, and then they all lost it. Even Ephiny winced.

A long afternoon searching out edible roots and berries, even in this worst of seasons. Elianas managed to find a crabapple tree with a few remaining wrinkled fruits on it.

Lista found some mushrooms, and a class on detecting the good ones from the bad ones followed.

They set several snares, each of a different sort on different ground, before they found themselves on a small bluff overlooking an icy river.

"Gods." Ephiny sighed, seeing the dirty gray ice clogging the stream. "I've never in my lifetime seen this." Below the uneasily shifting ice, the waters of the river churned, struggling to break free of their unusual constraints.

The Amazon glanced up at the lowering sun. "Well, we'd better be making camp for the night. Looks like we've done as much as we can today. " She glanced at Cait. "And thanks to Cait, we'll have some hot rabbit for dinner."

That got Cait four pairs of grateful eyes. She gave them all a quirky grin and held up her catch, four large rabbits.

They set up camp much more cheerfully this time, Ephiny assigning Megan and Elianas to gather wood while Lista helped Cait skinning the rabbits. "I'll get some water." She advised them, as she picked up the bucket and headed towards the ice-clogged stream, hefting her ax in her other hand. "Probably have to chop a hole to get some.." She muttered to herself.

The bank was slippery, and she was careful moving down it, not wanting to twist an ankle and make an already uncomfortable trip a nightmare. Though.. she considered. Today wasn't bad, really. If I didn't have this stuffed head… Her thoughts jerked to a halt, as she found herself at the edge of the shifting ice, and edged closer, inspecting the surface carefully.

Finally finding a suitable spot, she braced both booted feet firmly on the bank, and swung her ax, impacting the ice with a sodden crunch. Then a second, and now soggy chips were flying off, spraying her with ice the smelled strongly of fish and earth combined. She raised her ax for one last cut.

And felt the ground heave beneath her, throwing her off her balance, and making her lunge forward, burying the ax in the ice in an uncontrollable swing. The ground bucked again, and she realized that what she had thought was solid ground was really part of the frozen riverbed, now flexing as the icy flow tried to move downstream.

She tried to keep her balance, but the ice bucked against her, and a sudden surge of water underneath the ice took her off her feet, and flung her through the air, to crash against the shifting ice. "Oh gods.. no.. " She whispered, as she felt the surface giving under her weight, and managed a yell for help just as the ice collapsed under her, and she felt the freezing grip of water suck her under.

The first chill shot straight through her, and galvanized her muscles, making her fight to the surface, as she clawed her way through the chunks of drifting ice, breaking through the top of the water to see Cait's blond head crest the rise, and spot her. C'mon, Eph.. hang in there… She felt the agonizing bite of cold on her hands as she tried to grab a purchase on the ice, and a tremor shook her, as the freezing water started to take it's toll.

Ephiny forced her arms to move, pulling herself higher onto the ice, ignoring the pain of the cold surface against her limbs. She raised her head and spotted three frantically moving forms against the bank, and redoubled her efforts, actually getting her body most of the way out of the river and onto the shifting ice by the time the girls had reached the shoreline.

"Hold on, Ephiny.. we've got a rope!" Megan yelled, as Cait prepared to toss the end to her.

She felt the ice buck under her again, and raised a hand to catch the rope as an underwater wave swept through the river again.

The ice under her cracked and she fell back into the water with a splash, and this time the chill rendered her immobile, fight as she would against it.

Another wave sucked her down, and the last thing she felt was the rough texture of the ice as it slid over her head.

"No!" Cait yelled in horror, seeing Ephiny slip beneath the ice. She tied the rope around her slim waist and handed the end to a stunned Megan. "Hold this." She looked up, to gage where Ephiny had gone under, and rocked back, preparing to take a running leap at the spot.

Then the sound of heavy bootsteps paused her, and she looked up, to see a powerful form arcing through the air, plunging towards the ice at a frightening pace.

"Thank the gods." Megan breathed clutching Cait's arm. "Is that…"

"Yes." Cait breathed, her eyes drinking in the sight with feral pleasure.

They watched as Xena's body hit the ice, shattering it in a plunge of black water and gray frozen shards. Then the tall, dark haired form disappeared from sight, ducking under the ice.

Cait looked up, to see the wide eyes of Elianas, Lista and Shanna peering over the embankment at them. "Get the cloaks, fast. And build up the fire." She yelled up, keeping a tense watch on the dark and now silent surface.

The longest minute of their young lives passed, as the wind picked up, and howled around them, whipping the trees about and scattering them with dead leaves.

Then the ice exploded upward with impossible force, sending chunks flying in all directions, as the fading light revealed Xena's dark head and blazing eyes, emerging from a sea of dirty ice and ink black water. She moved steadily towards the shore, shoving ice out of her way, cradling Ephiny's still form.

At the edge of the water, she heaved the Amazon's body onto the land, and waited for Cait and Megan to pull her a little clear before boosting herself out of the water. Once ashore she knelt at Ephiny's side, and felt her neck for what seemed like forever. "Close." She shook her head, and turned the Amazon over, sliding an arm under her stomach, and pulling up, dropping Ephiny's head down and expelling a lot of water from her mouth. "C'mon, Eph.. work with me here." She reached around the woman's body and squeezed her chest hard, feeling a faint response. "Come on.. you're tougher than that… don't you go dying on me. Gabrielle will have my hide."

Another squeeze, more water. A cough. Then a rasping breath. Xena closed her eyes briefly, and sighed. "Close." She said again, patting the Amazon's shoulder. Finally she glanced up at the watching girls. "Cait.. you got a fire nearby?"

A nod. "Yes." The girl quietly responded. "Over the ridge." She crouched down next to Xena and blinked at her. "It's super to see you."

Xena reached up and raked the dripping hair out of her eyes and gave the girl a wry grin. "You too, Cait. Last thing I expected to be doing on a trapline check." She turned Ephiny over, checking the now steady, but shallow breathing, and shook her head a little. "Damn… all right, let's get her up there." She lifted the Amazon up in her arms, and motioned for Cait and Megan to move ahead of her. "She needs heat."

Cait fingered Xena's drenched tunic. "You too." She reminded the warrior quietly, before she moved on up the bank, digging her boots into the muddy earth carefully.

Xena followed, leaning forward to keep her balance, putting the strain mostly on her powerful legs, and trying to ignore the deadly chill that had taken her during her abrupt and unexpected swim. She'd been checking her furthest trap set, pleased to have found several victims in it, and had heard Ephiny's choked cry from over the ridge.

Not recognizing the voice, but the direness of the sound, which had caused her to drop what she was doing and pelt up the ridge at top speed, yelling at Ares to stay clear. Topping the ridge, she'd seen the dark clad form go under the ice, and hadn't stopped to think, or to plan… had just dove for the ice.

And under it, smashing through the hard surface and setting aside the shock of the cold water, forcing her eyes open into the pale eerie reflections under the frozen surface, to see the limp body snagged on a downthrust icicle not far away.

Reaching it, and turning it over, where her blinking eyes cleared the blur of the water momentarily and she recognized the face, and the form, and the stillness of her body. And had gotten shallow enough to just grab Ephiny, tuck her feet hard against the bottom, and shove up with all the strength she had. Hoping it was enough.

Now she topped the bank, and Ares was dancing at her feet, whining excitedly and growling. "Easy boy." She called down to the wolf. "Come on." She followed Cait's lead into the neatly made camp, aware of the young eyes watching her in silence. "Get that cloak down there near the fire." She ordered, and waited for the dark haired girl to do so. Then she dropped slowly to one knee, and laid the Amazon down next to the flames, glad herself to feel their heat. I must look a sight. .she mused to herself, straightening Ephiny's limbs out, and starting to strip the Amazon's icy wet clothing off.

Cait dropped to her knees next to them, and glanced at Xena before shaking out a thick cloak and holding it ready, then settling it around Ephiny when the warrior had gotten her soaked leathers off. The Amazon's face was very pale, and had a bluish tinge to it, and Xena rubbed her limbs gently, tucking the fabric around her and sighing. "Not good." She looked up at last and met their watching eyes. "What happened?"

Cait cleared her throat a little. "Ephiny went to get some water for dinner." She said in her clear, soft voice. "I heard her yell, and went running." Her pale eyes looked up and met Xena's. "I saw her go under, and I was going to go after her when I heard you." She smiled a little. "That was grand, what you did."

Xena sighed again. "It was idiotic. Don't you go getting any ideas, all right? " She unbuckled her belt, and pulled her heavy tunic over her head, surprised when it was taken from her. She looked behind her to see Sharra, who blinked at her. "Thanks."

The girl smiled widely, and carried the heavily wet fabric away, spreading it out on a branch nearby. They all were watching her with undisguised fascination, Xena realized, and almost found it funny. She checked Ephiny's skin again, relieved to feel a warming.

Cait laid a hand on her arm, and she turned to look at the blond girl in question. "Xena, she was coming on with the head sickness."

Xena cursed roundly, causing the girls to blush. "What the Hades was she doing out in this weather?" She ducked and put her ear against Ephiny's chest, hearing the rasping sound and cursing again. "Amazons." She sighed in frustration. "All right, we don't have time for this. We need to get her inside to a healer." She thought a minute. "We're much closer to Amphipolis than your territory.. all right." She put her fingers to her lips and whistled shrilly. "Cait, does she have a spare set of clothes with her?" She'd better.. her mind seethed.Gods, Ephiny.. how could you be that… aw Hades….

Argo trotted up, startling the girls. Ares lifted his head from his position to Xena's left and growled a greeting, which the mare returned with an indignant nicker. 'Cut it out, both of you." Xena remarked, taking the set of clothing Sharra handed her and motioning Cait to start helping her to get Ephiny into it.

Elianas and Lista knelt on either side of Ephiny and took the task from her, though, allowing her to just sit and let the fire warm her. She chewed her lip thoughtfully. No way I can leave these kids out here… but Cait can ride, right? "Listen up. " She said quietly, as they finished and all eyes turned to her. "Cait, I'm going to put Ephiny and you up on Argo, and I want you to ride like Hades for home. You remember the way?"

Cait nodded in silence. "All right." Xena went on. "We don’t have a healer right now.. he's out at a nearby village. I need to get back there too, so we're going to have to move fast. You all need to pack."

Girls scurried in all directions, and Xena let the fire soak through her still damp body for a moment more before she stood and motioned Cait over to Argo. "Up you go, Cait." She muttered, grabbing the girl by the waist and swinging her up into the mare's saddle. "Easy there, Argo." She gave the mare a pat, then gazed up at Cait. "Find Gabrielle, Cait. Let her know what route we're taking, all right? And that we're ok." She paused. "Find her first thing, all right? I don't want her worrying more than she has to." Like when she hears that Argo is coming in without me. Gods I wish I could spare her that. I've put her through so damned much lately.

"I will." The girl smiled, as Xena pulled a spare tunic out of her pack, then paused, startled, and glanced inside.

A soft chuckle escaped the warrior, as she detached the pack from Argo's saddle ring, and looped it around her own shoulder. "OK..let's get this going."

Cait gathered the reins in her hands, and waited, watching Xena cross back to the fire, and lift Ephiny up in her arms again. The warrior's strength didn't go unnoticed by the other girls, Cait was amused to see, as they were watching Xena with thinly disguised admiration.

Xena settled Ephiny up in front of Cait, and paused as the Amazon stirred groggily in her arms. "Eph?"

Ephiny's first impression was of coldness, and she shivered in reflex, trying to clear the fuzziness from her thoughts. She was in total disorientation, and it took long tense moments for her to realize she was on horseback, and had strong hands holding her in place. A horse… her fingers felt the rough mane hairs and traveled down to the thick winter coat. Where'd a damn horse come from? Then her touch dropped to the hands holding her, and she forced her mind to focus on the size of them, and the rough callused surface, and the voice that was calling her name insistently. Oh. That's where a damn horse came from. "Xena?" Her voice came out as a croak, and she was surprised by a feeling of utter relief. Izzat how Gabrielle feels? Must be nice….

"Just take it easy, OK?" The warrior said, fastening one of Argo's extra saddle straps over her legs to hold her in place. "We're gonna get you somewhere warm."

"Kids.." The Amazon wheezed, feeling her head begin to swim.

"Relax, I'll take care of them." Xena assured her. "You just hang on."

Xena will take care of the kids… oh Artemis. Well.. they'd wanted to meet the Warrior Princess.. Ephiny's frazzled mind gave up the struggle, and she let herself sink forward, to rest on Argo's warm neck, feeling thin but strong arms circle around her, and then her thoughts descended again into chilly darkness as Argo moved beneath her.

Continued in Part 2

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Winter's Ending - Part 2

Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

"That looks all right?" The elder questioned, running his callused fingertips over a few words on the agreement between Amphipolis and their neighboring village. "You don't think we're giving too much away?"

Gabrielle studied the page thoughtfully. "No… you aren't using those three fields anyway, right?"

He shook his head. "No.. they've been fallow for three seasons."

"OK, then - and they'll let you have use of that whole tract of forest in return?" The bard took a sip of mulled wine from the cup in front of her, and chewed the tip of her quill. "Does that include stripping for firewood?"

Hadras nodded. "Yes.. I thought that might come in pretty handy this year."

"Looks good to me." Gabrielle smiled, taking in the nods of approval from around the table. "I think I've been through that forest a few times… doesn't it also have a mineral spring?"

Hadras glanced across the table, then back at her. "Does it? Why.. that's great news." Smiles broke out all round. "Thank you, Gabrielle." He gave a satisfied sigh. "That's all then… " Chairs scraped the floor as the councilmembers prepared to leave, an excited hum filling the air. Hadras looked back at Gabrielle. "So.. tell me. How long are we going to be blessed with your presence?"

Gabrielle took a breath, then let it out, on a gentle laugh. "I don't know.. really." She shrugged lightly. "It depends on a lot of things. Maybe through the winter, at any rate."

"Oh ho.." Hadras' eyes glinted, and he chuckled. "That's good news." He thought about that for a minute, then sighed. "Never thought I'd be saying that."

The bard glanced at the table, and traced a bit of the woodgrain with a fingertip, then looked up at him. "She's changed."

Hadras studied her quietly. "No, not really." He put hand up, to forestall her protest. "After Cortese, she became a stranger." His eyes met hers. "The person living here now is the girl I remember growing up. She hasn't changed, she's just come home."

Gabrielle smiled. "You know, I thought so." She laughed a little. "I wish we'd known each other as kids."

Hadras stood, and stretched his stiffened back with a groan. "Ah, Gabrielle.. " He rested a hand on her shoulder. "That would have changed the world." He patted her back, and left, leaving her to reflect quietly on his words.

Changed the world. Her mind turned that thought over, as she leaned on her elbows, and laced her fingers together. I wonder… it sure would have changed my world. She sighed.What would I have become, if I'd had this unconditional support all my life? Would she have gone down that dark path? She pushed herself to her feet and started for the door, still deep in thought. Do I even know we would have been friends?

She thought about that, as she walked across the courtyard agreeably surprised by the continued decent weather. As her boots hit their walk, she decided that yes, they would have been. She could feel it, had felt it the second they'd looked into each other's eyes for the first time and she'd felt.. something. A connection.. as though they'd been friends all along. Right off. And she'd always felt that, even in the worst of times… a gentle tugging on her heart that had somehow gotten her through all the tough times, and the lonely ones. And had brought her here, at last, to this time and this place, and the two of them as they were.

She smiled to herself, and ducked inside, to grasp her staff, change into her practice tunic, and head back towards the inn, where lunch was waiting, and staff practice afterwards.

"Hi mom." She called, as she stuck her head in the kitchen on the way in. "Wow.. that smells great."

"Gabrielle.. get in here." Cyrene laughed, motioning her forwards. "But leave that stick outside."

This got a grin from the bard, who carefully stowed her staff in an unused corner, and moved into the steamy kitchen, where there was a lovely smell coming from whatever it was Cyrene was cooking over the big main fire. As she approached, the innkeeper dipped a portion into a bowl, and handed it to her. "Here… sit. You wanted to hear stories about my daughter as a child, right?" She exchanged grins with Johan, who was seated at the small table, resting his chin on his calloused hands.

Gabrielle grinned fiercely, and took a seat, digging into the bowl of meat and vegetables with enthusiasm. "You bet." She agreed, accepting a thick slice of buttered bread Cyrene handed her. "Thanks." She bit into the slice, and sighed, chewing and swallowing before commenting "Mom, you're going to be my downfall, you know that, right?" She held up the bread and patted her stomach "You're spoiling me pretty bad."

"Nonsense." Cyrene snorted. "With all the energy you put out, you need every bite, so don't give me that." She waved a spoon at her. "I have the same problem with my daughter. Can't feed her enough to keep anything on those bones."

The bard laughed, waving the bread back at her. "Ok.. I surrender." She resumed chewing. "Now.. what's this about a story?"

Johan muffled a chuckled. "Ye're not going to tell her about Sparky then, are you?"

Cyrene grinned.

Gabrielle swallowed her mouthful and glanced from one to the other. "Sparky?"

"Oh.. I'm leaving then." Johan stood and brushed his tunic off. "I"ll not be a party to this. I don't want that one mad at ME." He hurried out, shaking his head.

They looked at each other. "Will she be mad?" Gabrielle asked quietly. "I don’t need to know it then." I’m past that.. I think.

"No." Cyrene responded, just as quietly. "Not if it's you." She smiled. "I don’t think there's anything she'd mind you knowing, is there?"

Gabrielle smiled a little, and glanced down at her bowl, then took a breath and looked back up. "I don't know. I hope not." Then she laughed a little. "For sure not something about when she was a kid.. I've heard.. a lot of stuff about later on."

Cyrene nodded, and slipped more stew into her bowl. "She was quite a.. "

"Handful?" Gabrielle hazarded, with a twinkle.

"Well, yes." The innkeeper admitted, with a chuckle. "Very active, and stubborn."

"Some things just don't change." The bard giggled, biting a piece of carrot in two and chewing it.

They exchanged amused grins. "But she always defended those who needed it.. maybe that's why I was so..dissapointed when she..." Cyrene sat down, and picked a bit of meat from the bubbling pot and chewed on it. "She's told you about Digger?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "No.. "

Cyrene looked startled. "Oh.. well, since she told you about her being… well. The reason she was at the quarry that day was because some of the local lads were chasing a puppy with rocks, you know. And my Xena… " The woman sighed in remembrance. "Chased them off, then chased off after that puppy. She caught him on the edge of the quarry, and one of those kids took the opportunity to play what they thought was a joke." She chuckled a little. "Held onto that thing the whole time she was trapped, and wouldn't let me get rid of him after." She glanced up at Gabrielle, who had stopped eating, and was just looking at her. "Poor thing. A trader's cart ran him down a few years later. I thought… well, anyway." She paused. "Gabrielle?"

The bard put the bowl down, and rested her elbows on her knees. "That fits." She said quietly. "She didn’t get out of the way of that damned landslide because she stopped to rescue Ares."

"Some things just really don't change." Cyrene mused. "Anyway, she was always bringing animals home. Saving them, finding them, you name it." She got up and poured a glass of milk, the walked over and handed it to the bard. "Here." She paused, "Gabrielle?"

The bard shook herself a little, and straightened up. "Sorry." She took the glass and swallowed half it's contents. "Sorry.. I just.. " Was remembering that day. The pain of those first few minutes..when I didn't know.. oh gods.

Cyrene studied her. Now..I know.. I think.. why Xena came back here. She didn't want to do that again to this poor lass. She always was protecting the little ones. "Don't think of it, Gabrielle. It's over." Maybe for good.. maybe my headstrong daughter has finally come to her senses. She gave the bard a gentle rub on the back.

"I know." Gabrielle made an obvious effort, taking several deep breaths, and forcing a smile to her face. "I’m all right." She picked up her bowl again, and started eating. "What was this about a Sparky?"

Xena had been seven, and her world had consisted mostly of the inn and it's courtyard, where she and Toris and Lyceus would play all day, sometimes under the tables, mostly around the stables. Lyceus was just a toddler, and tagged around with his older sister because the older Toris would have little to do with him.

Cyrene had raised chickens for eggs, and for the odd old hen for a long stewed pot. Her favorite rooster was Sparky, who was the king of the stableyard, bossing the chickens and smaller animals around with equal abandon.

That included her children, who lived in terror of the feisty rooster's sharp beak, and stinging claws, and especially Digger, Xena's scruffy terrier, who had gotten into a tussle with the black rooster and bitten off one of his fighting claws.

"Then one morning." Cyrene explained to the bard, slipping more stew into her bowl as she sat entranced. "I didn't hear Sparky crow." She smiled as Gabrielle started eating without paying attention to what she was doing. "So I crept downstairs, to where he liked to sleep, on the bench in the inn. And what do I see?"

"What?" The bard asked, wild with curiosity.

"I see Sparky, with his little eyes bugging out, flapping on the bench, and a little hand wrapped around his neck."

"Oh gods." Gabrielle giggled. "Let me guess."

"Oh yes." Cyrene laughed. "There she was, lying down, comfortable as you please, with her head propped up on one hand, and her other one holding down Sparky. "

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and bit her lip, a very vivid picture of her partner in miniature forming in her mind. Bet she had that same little quirky grin, even then.

"Well, I yelled, and she let him loose, and don't you know that rooster chased her all over the inn?"

"Really?" The bard gasped.

"Oh yeah, pecked her right on the butt, he did, Should have heard her yelling." Cyrene chuckled. "Then he chased her out side, and right into the barn."

"Oh no.." Gabrielle's eyes widened, thinking of Xena, cornered by a rabid rooster.

"Oh yes… " Cyrene nodded vigorously. "There he was, pacing back and forth in front of the door, strutting his feathers, proud as he could be.:"

"And.. what happened?" Gabrielle asked, still giggling.

Cyrene sighed. "Well, next thing I know, the door to the stable bursts open, and our biggest plow horse came charging out, and ran the poor rooster right out of the yard, yelling his head off. With my daughter on the horse's back, of course. "

Gabrielle burst out into gales of laughter. "Oh.. that's Xena all right." Yep.. that's my partner, through and through. "She's always got something up her sleeve." She took a deep breath. "She just hates losing."

"Yes, that I know." Cyrene sighed, still chuckling. "And my gods, could she ride.. even as a child, no horse was off limits to her.. she was so strong, and so without fear… it frightened me sometimes."

"That hasn't changed either." Gabrielle said softly. "Did she have many friends? I know she talks about Lyceus, but…"

Cyrene shook her head. "No.. she was too wild for the girls, and we didn’t have that many anyway, and the boys.. well, goodness… she was forever beating them up. They couldn't take that." She sat down and rested her elbows on her knees. "No, Lyceus was her best friend. He used to follow her everywhere. They were very close." She studied her hands. "When he died.. something in her died too. I… saw it happen, and it almost killed me." Now her eyes found Gabrielle's "I never thought I'd see that side of her again, until she met you."

Gabrielle felt a lump rising in her throat. It was one thing to think you might have made a difference in someone's life. It was quite another thing to be told point blank. "It's a mutual thing, mom. I don't.. like to think about who I'd be.. where I'd be.. without her."

Cyrene rose, and crossed over to her, and put a hand on her chin. "Take care of yourself, Gabrielle. For her sake." The innkeeper's eyes were shadowed. "I fear for her if she ever loses you."

The bard took several breaths before she could answer. "No chance." She bit the inside of her lip hard. "We've got this… deal.. with each other." She stopped, and breathed again. "Where she goes, I go."

Cyrene stared at her for an endless moment, comprehension dawning in her eyes. "But Gabrielle…"

The bard stood, and put her arms around Cyrene. "I know." She whispered in her ear. "But that 's my choice."

They stood hugging each other for a minute, then Gabrielle sighed. "I gotta go do staff practice." She sniffed a little. "They're expecting me."

The innkeeper patted her back, and nodded. "Go on then. Here I was, supposed to be telling you a funny story, and look where we ended up."

Gabrielle smiled. "It was a funny story, and I'm going to have a wonderful time teasing Xena with it. Thanks for telling me."

"Anytime, cutie." Cyrene pinched her cheek lightly. "But don't you be telling that one in the tavern, OK? Or I'll be the one being chased around the stableyard."

The bard laughed. "Oh no.. no no.. that would be a bad idea. Very bad." She turned, then bit her lip. Bad bard. Baaaad bard. No you will NOT tell that story. Nope. Not even to Ephiny. She waved goodbye, and strode through the door. Well.. maybe to Ephiny. Maybe. But not until after Xena gets her for that war horse comment. "Cock a doodle doo.. " She muttered under her breath, drawing a startled stare from Johan.

The girls all looked at her once Ephiny and Cait had ridden off, obviously not knowing what to expect. Xena peered back, not sure herself what to do with them. She observed that the camp had been packed up, but that they'd been in the middle of preparing dinner. "Have you all eaten yet?" She asked cautiously.

They hadn't expected that question. "Ummm.. .. no." Sharra finally said, after glancing at each of her compatriots.

"All right. Do it quick." Xena replied in a no nonsense tone, and quirked an eyebrow at them. She didn't really want to waste the time, but… if they don’t eat, they're not going to make it to Amphipolis. She considered. And besides, it gives me more of a chance to dry out.

"Do you want some?" Lista asked softly, creeping a little closer to her and holding out some of the roast rabbit cautiously.

Wonder what they'd do if I said I only ate mine raw? Xena amused herself with the thought. "No thanks." She let a half smile quirk her lips. "I've got some packed here." Yeah, thanks Gabrielle. You little sneak. Her smile got wider as she unpacked the wrapped bundle in her rucksack, two pocket sandwiches, stuffed with all the things she liked. A gentle look crossed her face, when she realized part of the wrapping was parchment, and had writing on it. Carefully, she unwrapped it, and spread the writing out on her knee, munching the sandwich with one hand, and reading in silence.

Hey (it said.)

Hope you don't mind that I packed you a lunch. I know you could catch something, because you always do, but I thought a snack might come in handy, and you don't even have to skin it.

Besides, it makes me feel better knowing you'll get out there, and find this, and know someone thought of you. That's dumb, right? But I don't care.

Be careful, OK? And try not to get wet. You know what a lousy patient you make. I guess I should stop rambling now, and just let you get on with it.

Funny.. here I am writing this, and you're not even gone yet, and I'm already missing you. I think I must be in love or something.

Keep an eye on Ares - don't let him dig up any more deer skulls, ok? Three is enough.

Let's see.. was there anything else… oh yeah.

I stand outside at night, and look to the stars above,

And in the moonless dark, when all I see is a diamond's scattering

Of lights, and shooting darts, and the patterns in the sky

I wonder then, how it is that all the fiery portraits painted by the gods

Can't stir my heart as does the barest touch of your eyes and mine.

There.. does that win a sappy award? You can roll your eyes at me later.

Thinking of you.

G

Xena read the note a few times, letting her eyes linger over the firm quill strokes with a sense of quiet happiness. Leave it to Gabrielle. So casual, so matter of fact, and every word touched a chord with unerring accuracy. She sighed contentedly, and carefully folded up the note, tucking it inside her pack, then looking up.

Seeing four pairs of very curious eyes watching her every move. Oh… Ares' balls. She realized. What goofy kind of look must I have on my damned face. "Everyone ready?" She managed to keep the no nonsense tone in her voice.

Eyes flicked to each other, and four heads bobbed. "Good. Get your stuff." Xena rose smoothly to her feet, and slung the pack over her shoulders, fastening the straps to hold it out of her way in case she needed to use her sword.

Sharra poked Megan. "She's pretty even when she's drenched, huh?"

The dark haired girl giggled. "Too right." She pulled Sharra's head down close. "You think the note's from the Queen?"

Sharra snorted. "Like.. who else would it be from? Did you see that smile? "

"Ooo.. did I ever." Megan breathed. "Shhh.. Eponin says she can hear like anything.. keep it down."

Xena sighed, and focused her thoughts on the weather, the sky, the damp ground, putting the fire out.. anything to distract her from the soft blush creeping up her neck. Sometimes, I wish I could just turn that wonderful hearing right off. Just.. bap. Like that. "All right, let's go." She motioned them to move ahead of her, and checked one last time to make sure the fire was securely out.

They passed through the forest in silence, Xena ranging from lead to rearguard, flickering around the girls with a deft skill that sent chills down their spines. At one point, she paused, and held up her hand.

In the dark silence of the forest, where the wind moved the leaves overhead with a gentle rustle, and the occasional patter of falling dead ones tickled their senses they stood, waiting, watching the barely seen profile of the warrior turned into the wind, nostrils slightly flared. Ares crouched at her feet, growling.

It came to them in a chill, a dull cough that echoed eerily. They saw Xena's body stiffen, one hand going to her sword hilt, the other motioning them back against a thick tree trunk.

The dim pattern of moonlight hit the trail they were on, and slowly, as though revealing a statue, they saw the inky outline of a large panther crouched and waiting, tail a twitch. Yellow eyes bearing down on them like candles in a dark room.

The snake's whisper of steel on leather, and the moonlight's sharded reflection off a blade that shifted and whirled in Xena's hand, as she lifted her arm, and waited, weapon in attack position, her eyes matching the panther's

Yellow eyes glaring into blue, a dinars flip for which was the wilder, the more feral. Two hunters meeting on a path on a dark night. Then a low guttural growl, as Ares rose out of his own crouch, and his thick ruff lifted, outlining his almost adult sized head. And that made it three hunters.

A moment's deadlocked silence, then the panther flicked its tail, and bowed to good sense, and left the trail in a whisk of black fur and gleaming eyes.

"Easy boy." Xena said quietly to the still growling Ares. "I know you don't like em." She dropped a hand to the wolf's head, and scratched his ears. "Easy now."

"Wow…" Sharra breathed, edging away from the tree and towards Xena. "That was awesome." She looked nervously at Ares. "You guys bluffed it down!"

Xena crouched down slightly so that she was on eye level with the girl, and let her feel the full intensity of her gaze. "I don't bluff." She said quietly. "And neither does he. His family was killed by one of those."

Sharra stared at her, speechless.

"Come on. We're losing time." The warrior motioned them to go on.

Cait struggled to keep Argo on the track, her arms aching from the long hours of riding, supporting Ephiny's weight against the tall mare's neck. The moon above told her it was close to midnight, and as she looked around her heart suddenly lightened.

Rough forest gave way to long familiar fields. She was almost home, and she could almost feel the eyes catching sight of her as she passed what she knew was the first hidden sentry point on the far outskirts of Amphipolis. "Hang in there, OK?" She leaned over Ephiny's still form. "We're close to help." The cold wind cut her to the bone, and she huddled deeper in the saddle, wishing Argo the speed of the gods.

A call rang up, kestrel's cry, and one she could echo and did, and heard it relayed on before her. Need help.. was that one. And now Argo sensed home, and she felt the mare's body respond, quickening her pace as they hit the road that led into the village.

Torches guttered in the wind, and a crowd was gathering in the central courtyard, and eager hands were reaching for the snorting Argo's bridle as Cait pulled her to a halt near the inn. "Have someone near drowned here." She gasped, seeing Johan's worried face. "Need help.. get her inside."

Hands grabbed Ephiny's body, and Cait stood in the stirrups, searching for and finding her quarry. She half slid, half fell off Argo's tall shoulders, and shoved her way heedlessly through the crowd, until she met Gabrielle's tense form, moving towards her halfway through. "It's all right." She said, the instant she was in the bard's hearing, and saw the awful tension in that silent form relax.

"What happened" Gabrielle grabbed her shoulders, glancing over to the form being carried towards her. "Ephiny???" I knew I would have known if it was.. but where…."Where's Xena?"

Cait nodded. "Ephiny fell in the river.. all iced up.. we thought.. and then Xena was there, she broke the ice and saved her. But she was coming on with the head sickness, and Xena said she had to get here… and there were still four of us out there. Xena's bringing them in. "

"Is she.." The bard's voice shook for a minute. "Right.. ok… let's get her inside."

It had been some of the longest candlemarks of her life, between the stark message of Argo's approach, with the nervous news of Xena's absence, until Cait's determined form reached her in the crowd. In her heart, she knew she would have known if something.. bad.. had happened to her partner, but.. it was hard to get her brain to understand that in the middle of a cold night, when she didn't really know what was going on.

She followed Johan and several helpers, who were carrying the Amazon into the inn, as Cyrene held the door. "Into the small back room on this floor." The innkeeper ordered, motioning them with a hand. "Jezzia, get a pot of water on the boil, this girl needs something hot." She put an arm around Cait. "And I'm sure we could all use something too." This was for Gabrielle's benefit, and the bard gave her a quick smile of acknowledgment.

Johan and his crew laid Ephiny down on the sturdy cot in the room Cyrene had indicated, and stepped back, allowing the innkeeper and Gabrielle to move in close.

"Ahh.. damn." Cyrene cursed softly, putting a hand on the Amazon's head. "She's taken a fever." She looked up. "Xena was right to get her here." Her face grew concerned. "But I've no skill in healing.. and Bentas is in the next village."

Gabrielle pushed Ephiny's blond curls back off her head, and sighed at the paleness of her face, hearing the rasping of her breathing. "We need Xena here." She looked up at Cyrene. "She knows what to do for this." She thought a moment, then looked over her shoulder. "Cait?"

"Yes?' The blond girl slid in, and knelt at Gabrielle's side, resting a hand on her arm.

"Which route did they take?" The bard's green eyes fastened on Cait's thin face intently.

"The mountain path, then the riverside one." Cait responded. "She said to tell you that." Like she knew you would ask..

"Right." Gabrielle said, standing and running her fingers through her hair to settle it. "I'm going to meet them half way. "

Cyrene popped up to a standing posture explosively. "Gabrielle! Good gods, girl - we can send people for them. You don’t have to go." What excuse are you going to come up with to justify the need in your eyes to go to her? I can almost feel it, it's that strong.

Gabrielle straightened, and gazed at Ephiny's quiet form. "Right now, I’m ruling the Amazons, mom." She let her eyes raise up to meet Cyrene's. "Those people out there are my responsibility." But she smiled a little. "I don’t mind an escort, though." She saw the look in Cyrene's eyes, and closed her own in acknowledgment. I can't stay away.. I can't, mom.

"I'll go." Came Toris' distinctive voice from the doorway.

They both looked up, surprised. He had been out on a parleying trip up north. Had just gotten back, if his travel-stained garb was any indication. But his face was set, and his eyes were intent, and Gabrielle could, just for an instant, see a flash of something very familiar there. It almost brought a smile to her face. Sometimes.. sometimes, Toris, the blood does run true in you, doesn’t' it? "Thanks." She acknowledged. "Come on.. if I know your sister, she's probably scared those poor kids out of a few years growth by now."

"Hold up." Xena said quietly, knowing her voice would carry to the front of their little group. She'd spotted Megan's second stumble in as many minutes, and knew they needed to take a break. "Let's rest a minute."

Four small forms collapsed to the ground, looking at her with wide, grateful eyes. Xena paced to the front of the line, and selected a tree, dropping to a crouch, then sitting cross legged in front of it. Gods.. it's cold out. Her mind sighed, feeling the icy fingers of air stiffen her slowly drying leathers. Cold was something she could usually ignore, but this.. was getting to her, making her body shiver in reflex, and causing her muscles to cramp with increasing discomfort.

She let her head lean back against the tree, and focused her thoughts on warmth, picturing the fire in their cabin, and Gabrielle's body wrapped comfortingly around her own. It drove the chill back for the moment, and she let herself linger in a foggy daze until her conscience pricked her, and the knowledge of Ephiny's sure distress made her stir, and glance over at her charges.

"Look... I know this isn't easy." She said quietly, as their eyes fastened on her. "But you know we need to get back there, so I can help Ephiny, right?" She let her hand rest on Ares' head, where the wolf was curled up against her thigh. The warmth of his fur felt good against her fingers, and she wished briefly that she'd remembered to bring her heavy cloak.

Nodding heads answered her. "But... it's just that it's so cold, my chest hurts when I breath." Lista timidly explained. "And you walk ever so fast."

Xena sighed inwardly. "Yeah, I know I do." She studied each of them in turn. "But you guys are doing fine."

Sharra inched forward, twisting her hands. "Will Queen Ephiny be all right?"

"How long will it take us to get there?" Lista chimed in.

"What if someone attacks us?" Elianas added, with a grim look.

"I hope so." Xena replied to Sharra. "Depends." That was to Lista. And an eyebrow answered Elianas. "We might not have to walk the whole way."

Megan wriggled forward. "How come?"

Xena grudgingly allowed a grin to quirk across her lips. "Well.. let's just say I have a feeling you'll be seeing another queen of yours pretty soon."

Eyes glanced at each other. "Queen Gabrielle will come out here all by herself?" Megan's eyes grew round. "She's so brave."

That got a real smile from the warrior. "Yes, she is. But I think she'll probably bring a friend or two." Well, this is easier than I thought. "She knows we need to hurry."

"Do you really just travel around together, all over the place?" Elianas asked, leaning forward.

Xena nodded, trying not to smile. "Sure we do."

"You're not scared?" Lista squeaked, to be hit by Sharra immediately.

"Stupid! That's Xena!" Sharra looked at her. "You're not scared of anything are you?"

The blue eyes twinkled. "Only one thing."

Four pairs of eyes widened as if on command. "What?" Megan breathed.

"Queen Gabrielle's temper, if she finds out I've been out in this weather all night with wet clothes on." Xena drawled, lifting herself to her feet, and stretching. "So let's get moving." And she'll be right, because I think I'm gonna pay for this one... She felt a subtle ache in her bones that usually meant nothing good, and sighed inwardly.

They all giggled, and the tension relaxed, the girls now feeling more comfortable with their intimidating shepherd. Now they spoke softly to each other, occasionally directing a question to the silently pacing Xena, shadowed by the equally silent Ares.

"How come you named your dog Ares?" Sharra asked, matching strides with the warrior.

Xena glanced down, and sighed. Boy.. and was that ever the stupidest thing I've done. "Well.. he kind of... " She paused. "I don't know.. he fights all the time, I guess." She finally temporized. "And he's a wolf, not a dog." Easy now, Xena. Remember when Gabrielle first showed up? One thousand questions in one thousand quarter candlemarks? They're just kids.

"Oh." Sharra said, gazing at the trotting Ares. "Where'd you find him?"

Ephiny, you're going to get smacked for this. Xena wrestled her patience into place with difficulty. " His mother was killed by a panther." She answered briefly. "And then he sort of found me."

"Wow." Now Lista had come up on the other side. "So what happened to the panther?"

Xena considered the question. What the Hades. They're Amazons, right? "I strangled it." She muttered.

For small jaws dropped. "No!" Sharra squealed. "Really?"

"Yeah." Xena assured them. "Really."

The all walked along in silence for a minute and Xena thought she might be off the hook, but then she felt a small hand slip in to hers, and she looked down to see Sharra grinning up at her. "Cait was telling us about the rescue at the Centaur Village."

Oh no. Oh.. boy... "She was, huh?" Xena kept her voice neutral. How do I get myself into these things? She let her glance flash ahead, to where the trees were thinning, as the ground sloped down towards the river basin that lead home. "Well, she was there."

"Did you really fly?" Sharra asked, with a twinkle in her eyes. "That's how Cait described it."

Xena glanced up at the stars briefly and sighed. Gabrielle.. where are you when I need you? "Not exactly." The warrior replied shortly. "There was a rise, and I just jumped off it." Fly? Gods.. is that what she thought she saw? Give me a break.

"But you caught the arrow." Megan added, now slipping up on her other side like a worrying ferret.

"Well, yeah. I did do that." Xena allowed, with a slight shrug.

"It could have hit you." Megan persisted, a warm little grin on her face.

"I guess." Xena admitted. "Didn't matter, so long as it didn't hit... " And realized what she was saying a moment too late. "Well, I couldn't let your queen get hurt, right?"

They all stayed silent for a minute, and Xena almost had herself convinced she'd dodged a crossbow bolt when Megan took hold of her other hand and looked up at her, with all the wondering adoration of a child.

"You would have died for her, wouldn't you?" The girl asked, staring up at Xena's shadowed face in awe.

Time stopped for a long instant. Four eyes fastened on her, and Xena knew she was going to have to answer the question. Well.. she didn't have to.. but... there wasn't any real reason not to, because the truth was pretty evident, even to these wide eyed kids. "Yeah." The warrior finally acknowledged. A thousand times over.

"Oh.. wow." Sharra sighed deeply. "That is so awesome. Gabrielle was right.. she said living with you was like living in a fairy tale."

"What?" Xena laughed, glad the darkness neatly covered the powerful blush she felt warming her skin. A fairy tale??? Oh yeah.. right. A nightmare, more like it.

"She said... I mean, someone asked her what it was like, you know?" Sharra chattered on. "When she stayed with us that last time." The girl smiled shyly up at Xena. "And she said it was like living in a fairy tale, with her own private hero. "

Gabrielle... I'm gonna kill you. "I think she was exaggerating a little." Xena shrugged that off with a light chuckle. "We mostly spend a lot of time sleeping on the ground, and getting involved in other people's problems." She glanced down. "Right Ares?"

"Roo!!!" The wolf muttered, pacing at her side. "Grrr."

They all giggled. "Bet she didn't." Megan dared, giving Xena a little mischievous look. "Exaggerate, I mean."

Xena gave her a look, complete with raised eyebrow, but it had little effect. "Well, she did. We have a really tough life most of the time. Don't go getting any romantic ideas."

Four bright smiles, and four sets of sparkling eyes. Xena cursed silently to herself. Ephiny... oh brother am I gonna get you for this. You owe me big time, Amazon.

They broke out into the open, and now the cold moonlight showed then the floodplain, stretching towards the wide ribbon of river that separated them from the dimly seen road. It has been getting steadily colder, now they all breathed plumes of vapor in the air, and the girls kept covering their mouths and noses with one hand. It was well past midnight, and even Xena was beginning to feel a little tired. Hades.. all this winter inactivity isn't doing my stamina any favors, is it. She mused disgustedly to herself, then cocked her head slightly. "Stay here." She said to the girls, and left the trail, heading towards a tall outcropping.

Three steps away, she dropped into a crouch, then sprung up, catching the edge of the outcropping, and pulling herself up, to stand and look out over the flood plain, obviously searching for something.

"Oh..I think I'm in love." Sharra swooned, rolling her eyes. "Is she just it, or what?"

Megan sighed. "I'm right there with you." She sighed dramatically. "She would have died for her.. is that the most romantic thing you've ever heard?"

Elanas leaned in. "And you wanted to know why Queen Gabrielle would rather live with her?? How stupid a question was that?" She giggled. "What would you give to trade places with her for a day?"

Lista sniggered. "A day? I'd be happy with a few candlemarks."

They all giggled, and watched Xena nod to herself, then turn back towards them. "Oh.. check this out.' Megan whispered. "I bet she just jumps off that ledge like it's a porch step."

They held their breaths as the warrior stepped casually off into space, kicking out from the rock, and letting her body lean into a lazy flip that ended her up neatly on her feet.

"Oh.. my gods... that was too cool." Sharra whispered. "How does she do that?"

The warrior loped over, and motioned then to keep going. "Looks like we've got company coming." She informed them with a slight grin. She herded them around the corner of the rock escarpment, and pointed out across the plain, where tiny specks could be barely seen on the moonlit horizon.

"Is that Queen Gabrielle?" Sharra asked, bouncing a little on her toes.

Without thinking, Xena nodded. "Yep." She started to head down the path, when she realized they were all staring at her. "What?"

Megan crept closer. "How do you know that?" She peered past Xena's tall shoulder into the misty distance.

Xena smiled to herself. "I have many skills." She pronounced with satisfaction. "You'll just have to take my word for it."

"Easy boy." Gabrielle patted the horse's restive neck gingerly. "Nice horsie." She felt the animal move under her uneasily, and she sighed. "Let's go, before he gets any ideas, OK?" She remarked to Toris, who was settling his kit, and arranging the reins on the two smaller horses that were riderless. "Toris?"

"Hmm? Oh.. right. Ok." The tall dark haired man agreed, nudging his horse forward. "Let's go."

The bard wrapped her cloak more tightly around her, trying to block out the damp cold air. Y'know, Gabrielle, mom was right. You could have sent someone else out here with a couple of horses. You didn't have to do this yourself. You could be comfortably warm and snug in the inn, slugging down hot soup, and keeping an eye on Ephiny.

She looked out over the misty road, and laughed at herself. But no. This is Xena that's involved, so you have to go out on this damp and nasty night just to make sure she can find her way home all right. Right? Wouldn't have ANYTHING to do with the fact that the woman's been gone less than a day, and you miss her so bad you can't do anything but think about it, right? Nah.

She let her body relax into the horses' motion as much as possible, and shook her head. Oh.. Gabrielle. Do you ever have it bad.. but I guess I can use the excuse that there's no way I'll miss them on the road. Someone else might.. but we could find each other in the dark, in the middle of Tartarus withuot a problem these days. Yeah, that's a good excuse... that's what I'll tell her. "Xena," I"ll say, "I just wanted to make sure you got back as fast as possible, to help poor Ephiny, and I knew I"d be able to find you." Right?

"Gabrielle?" Toris' amused voice floated back to her.

"Huh?" She looked up, to see him half turned on his horse, giving her a strange look.

"What are you mumbling and nodding for?"

"Uh... working on a story.. you know how that is.. we bards have to just practice and practice." Gabrielle answered, glad the darkness covered her blushing.

"Oh." Toris gave her a brisk nod, and turned around. "I hadn't thought about that."

Gabrielle muffled a giggle. Right and then she'll say "Gabrielle, you shouldn't have come out here in this cold." Cause she worries about that a lot.. and I'll say. "Look who's talking, and here's your heavy cloak you forgot to pack this morning." She smoothed the fabric riding across her horse's withers, warming her thighs with it's weight. And she'll give me that look, and then she'll just reach out a hand and touch my cheek, or my shoulder, and I'll throw away the excuses, and admit I just wanted to be near her. That I have this little hollow spot inside me when we're apart that just.. misses her. That wants to see her, and hear her voice, and feel her touch. Scary sometimes, to need something as much as I need that.

The ride was fairly uneventful, down the long road out of the town, and across the fields, hours of riding in relative silence under a full moon, that cast eerie shadows across the colorless stubble in the fields, and outlined the wintering sparse trees in stark emptiness. It got colder as they rode, and Gabrielle tucked her hands, with the reins, inside her cloak, trying to keep them warm. She nudged her mount with a knee, and brought her horse alongside Toris', as they both rode at a rolling canter. "It's so quiet." She remarked, the sounds of their hoofbeats echoing across the landscape.

Toris nodded, and gestured with a jerk of his head. "We'll cross the river there" He glanced up. "Not long for dawn, now."

"Good." The bard chattered. "The sun would be nice."

They went out of their way to cross at a bridge, not wanting to ford the river in this cold, and started up the long, sloping plain that led up to the highlands path into the mountains. Halfway across, Gabrielle felt a smile slip onto her face, and she leaned forward, eyes searching the horizon.

"What?" Toris said, seeing her move. He looked forward, but saw nothing, and glanced back at her. "Do you see something?"

"No." Gabrielle laughed, still looking. Another few minutes of riding, and then she stood unsteadily in her stirrups, and spotted the faintest hint of motion in the distance. "There." She decided not to let go of the saddle to point, but gestured with her head.

Toris also stood, and peered. "Where? I don't see anything." He kept looking. "Oh.. wait. Yeah, I see." He turned and smiled. "Some eyes you got there, Gabrielle."

"Yeah." The bard replied softly. She urged the horse ahead, and heard Toris cluck to his mount to join her, the riderless horses following obediently behind.

The specks grew larger, and now Gabrielle could make out her partner's dark head, and the four smaller forms that were clustered around her like chicks. They continued moving closer, and she could see the half grin on Xena's face, and the blue eyes that swept up and captured hers for a wonderfully long instant.

"Hey." The warrior called, slowing to a halt, and putting her hands on her hips. "Funny meeting you two out here."

Gabrielle kneed her mount forward until she was right up next to her partner, and swung one leg over the horse's withers.

Xena stepped forward and caught her as she slid down, cushioning her fall, and gently setting her on her feet. "What are you doing out here in this weather?"

The bard pulled the cloak down off the horses neck. "Looking for you." She shook out the cloth and stretched up, settling it around Xena's shoulders. "You forgot this." She fastened the neck clasp, and her fingers brushed Xena's collarbone, and froze, as she touched the cold leathers edging out from under her tunic. "Xena." Her voice sharpened, as she felt the chilled flesh underneath. "Don't tell me you wore those all night after jumping in that icy river."

Xena felt a half smile edging her face, and she shot a glance at the avidly watching girls, who giggled. "Told you." She remarked to them, then faced the bard's stern look. "Wasn't sure what we were going to face out here.. didn't want to just have cloth on. Just in case."

Gabrielle expelled a breath, and looked at the girls. "Hi there. Who've we got here?"

Sharra stepped forward shyly. "I'm Sharra, and this is Megan, and Lista, and Elanas."

"I see you already know Gabrielle." Xena said with a grin. "And this, " She pulled the reluctant Toris forward. "is my brother Toris."

"Hi." Toris said, then he laid a hand on Xena's arm. "You all right?" His eyes searched hers, intently.

"Fine." The warrior said. "Let's get going." Carefully not asking about Ephiny until they'd gotten the girls mounted on the spare horses, and she and Gabrielle were standing next to Gabrielle's mount. "How's Eph?" She asked in a low voice, letting her hands settle on Gabrielle's waist.

"Not good." The bard answered softly, then lifted a hand and put the back of it against Xena's forehead. "And why do I have a feeling I'm going to have to worry about both of you?"Damn, Xena… that was really dumb. I know you wanted to make sure you were protected, but… She let the hand drop and rest on the warrior's chest, then tugged her heavy cloak closed and fiddled with the neck clasp again.

The warrior sighed. "Yeah. I know. I'll fight it off, though. Eph was coming down with something before she went in, and she got a lungful of water, I had to pump it out of her." She tried to ignore the chill that was sending shivers through her, glad for the thick covering. "Thanks for bringing this." She patted the cloak.

"Gods, Xena." Gabrielle whispered. "You saved her life. Thank you." Out of sight as they were behind the chestnut, she let herself fall forward and rest gently against Xena's body for a long moment. "I mean that."

That got her a gentle smile. "Glad I was there." She looked up, noting that Toris now had the girls settled and ready to go. "Come on... we've got a long ride back yet." She gathered up ebbing energies, and vaulted up into the saddle of the tall chestnut, then reached down an arm for the bard.

"Thanks." Gabrielle said, as she was lifted up, and settled herself snugly against her partner, wrapping both arms around her and squeezing. "C'mon hero. Let's go home."

"Shh." Xena joked, directing the suddenly completely cooperative horse forward. "Don't spread that around, OK? I had enough problems with this bunch."

"Really?" Now the bard's interest was perked. "Like how?"

"Never mind." Xena muttered, nudging the animal to a faster pace.

"Oh.. no no no..." Came the laughter tinged reply. "Don't give me that stoic routine.. out with it."

"Gabrielle..." On a long sigh. "Later, OK?"

The bard considered the cloth covered back under her cheek and relented. "All right." She edged closer, and wrapped the ends of Xena's cloak around the warrior's body. "Later." They rode on in silence.

The sun was well up by the time they rode into the courtyard, and pulled up in front of the inn where Cyrene and Johan were standing and waiting. Xena pulled the chestnut up, and swung her leg up over the horse's neck, sliding down and turning so her cloak swirled and settled neatly about her.

Gabrielle gazed down, blinking the sleep out of her eyes and regarded her partner with a fond smile. "Know something?"

"Hmm?" Xena responded, laying a hand on her thigh.

"You're the only person I've ever known who could get off a horse in a cloak and make it look graceful." The bard observed. "Everyone else looks like they're trying to dance in a turnip sack."

That got a weary laugh from her partner. "If you say so." Xena turned to greet the approaching Cyrene. "Hi. How's the patient?"

Cyrene nodded at her. "Sleeping now - but that cough's getting worse. I"m glad you're here."

Gabrielle and Xena exchanged concerned looks. "Damn." The warrior sighed, catching the bard as she slid down from the saddle. "All right. Let's go see what we can do."

"Hold it." Gabrielle said, in a firm voice. "Mom said she was sleeping. You've got time to go change."

"Gabrielle..." Xena hesitated, seeing the warning signs flash across the bard's tired face. "OK." She surrendered quietly. She's right... no point in arguing a lost cause. "Come on."

They walked in silence towards the cabin, and didn't speak until the door was closed behind them. "Xena." The bard said, turning toward her and putting a hand on her arm. Look.. I know that was pushy… but someone has to take care of you.. since you seem to forget to do it for yourself sometimes.

A hand unexpectedly cupped her cheek. "Thanks for looking out for me." The warrior said softly. "Your note made my day."

"Oh." The bard blushed. "I forgot I.... uh.. thanks." Her mind wandered off the subject, and she shook her head a little. "Out of those clothes, please."

"Yes, mom." Xena laughed, and pulled the tunic over her head, hanging it on the hook near the door, and began unlacing the leathers, sliding out of them with a sense of relief. They were still clammy, even all these hours later, and the cold chill had been really bothering her.

Gabrielle came over, and wrapped a large fluffy blanket around her, and tugged an arm. "By the fire for a minute." And the warrior let herself be led unresisting, and settled by the banked fire, which Gabrielle stirred with an expert hand. "Stay put. I'll get your clothes."

"Gabrielle, you don't have to.." Xena started, gathering herself to rise.

A hand on her mouth. "Shut up." Then the bard paused. "Gods, I never thought I"d be saying that to you." She smiled. "Just let me fuss, OK? Humor me?" She paused, and let her fingers traced Xena's jawline. "Please?"

"OK." Xena relaxed, absorbing the very welcome warmth as she watched Gabrielle putter about the room. She let her head lean against the hearth, and allowed her mind to drift idly, thinking about what they'd need for Ephiny, and how much herbs they had in stock.

Gabrielle went to the linen press, and pulled out clean clothes for both of them, then let her glance fall on her partner. Gods.. she's half asleep. Her mind chuckled, and she set the clothes down softly, and swung the water pot over the fire, watching the blue eyes follow her lazily around the room.

I could sit down there and snuggle with her.. but we'd both be out in heartbeat. The idea oozed seductively around her defenses though, and she found herself moving towards her partner almost without her conscious permission. She stopped, and sighed, grabbing two mugs and dumping a handful of herbs in each, then settling down on the bearskin to wait for the water to heat.

"Hey." Xena said, taking a breath and releasing it. "How'd the council go?" Dreamily, she watched the firelight paint Gabreille's face in a warm glow, deepening her eyes to honey toned, and catching the fiery highlights in her hair. The nearby heat from the fire was slowly soaking through her, relaxing muscles stiffened from a too long exposure to the cold, and she found herself wanting to just sit here forever, enjoying her partner's simple company.

"What?' Oh.." The bard laughed. "I'd forgotten.. it went fine." She hesitated a bit, looking down at the mug in her hands. "And you were right about Rurik."

"Why?" All of a sudden, every trace of sleepiness was gone from her voice, and Gabrielle looked up into sharp, vividly attentive blue eyes. "What did he do?"

"Shh.." The bard soothed her. "It's all right - I took care of it. I just.. told him to back off." She poured the hot water over the tea, and waited for it to steep, idly mixing a spoonful of honey into each cup. "He was just being stupid. "

"Stupid?" Xena questioned, only slightly mollified. She sat up, and tugged the blanket around her, leaning forward and studying Gabrielle's face. Then realized what she must be sounding like. "I hope you bapped him one."

Gabrielle's hands froze in motion, and she looked up, her expression one of startled pleasure. "Well..I didn't have to, but I threat... " She paused for a long moment, several emotions struggling across her face. "Xena, thank you." She finally sighed.

"For what?" Cane the gentle, knowing question.

"For assuming I could handle my own problems." The bard smiled, and handed her a cup. "Here."

"Thanks." Xena took the cup, and studied her over the rim of it. "And, of course, if he doesn't get the message, then next time he messes with you I"m going to stuff him into the manure bin and scatter him for fertilizer."

"Ooo.. I like that one." The bard giggled. "Can I quote you?"

"Sure." Xena replied, sipping the hot drink appreciatively. "Nice job." She indicated the tea. "Feels really good going down." That was an admission, and Gabrielle realized it.

"Throat hurt?" She asked quietly, putting a gentle hand on Xena's nearby knee.

"A little." The warrior admitted, with a sigh. "I was an idiot, I know. Go ahead and yell at me."

Gabrielle shook her head and sighed. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Whatever it is, will have to wait." The warrior took another swallow, and blinked. "I'd better go check on Ephiny." She stood, and moved to where Gabrielle had left the clothes, and shrugged into a thick woolen shirt and leggings, belting the shirt around her and sitting down to pull on her spare pair of boots.

Gabrielle watched her, then sighed and stood up, moving over and putting a hand on Xena's head again. "You're warm, love."

"Yeah, I know." The answer came back in a low tone. "I'll fight it off." She drained the cup, and stood, stamping her feet to settle the boots in. "You coming along?"

"Dumb question." Gabrielle scoffed, as she drained her own cup, and slipped into a clean shirt.

Cyrene was just coming out of Ephiny's room when they came in, and she waved a spoon at both of them. "Don't' forget to get some breakfast."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes at the innkeeper, and indicated Xena with a shake of her head. "I'll see what I can do."

They entered the room, and Xena crossed to the low cot, dropping to one knee, and gently examining the pale skinned Amazon lying quietly on it. Ephiny had a fairly large bruise on her temple from the ice, and Xena could feel the heat from her body as she turned her face to look at it. "Gabrielle, come here."

"Hmm?" The bard said, at her shoulder.

"How hot does she feel to you?" Xena asked in a low voice.

Gabrielle gave her a look, then reached over and put a hand on the Amazon's forehead. "Pretty hot." She touched Ephiny's arm. "Goosebumps." They could hear the blond woman's breathing, a harsh gurgling that set Gabrielle's nerves on edge, and struck an unpleasant chord of memory. "Sounds bad."

Xena nodded in agreement. "All right.. I'll need hot water.. we'll try to get something down her that will help." The warrior stood and went to her kit, already resting on the small table in the room, and pulled out several different items, laying them out neatly on the surface.

Gabrielle put some water on at the tiny fireplace in the room, and then went back, kneeling next to Ephiny's still form. "Eph?" She said softly, smoothing the hair off the Amazon's forehead. "Come on.. Ephiny??"

Very slowly, a faint fluttering of eyelids said that the Amazon was hearing her. "Eph? It's Gabrielle. Can you open your eyes?"

Another flutter, then the pale eyes blinked dazedly open, and studied her without any real recognition. "Wh.." Another blink, and then the Amazon's brow creased slightly, and comprehension colored her gaze. "Where.."

"Shh." Gabrielle patted her arm. "You're in Amphipolis."

Panic rolled across the Amazon's face. "Kids.." She gasped, then started coughing. Gabrielle grabbed her shoulders, and held on, exchanging a worried look with her partner.

"Easy." The bard murmured, "The girls are fine. Xena brought them here."

Ephiny slumped back onto the bed, breathing hard. "Gods." She whispered.

"I know." Gabrielle replied unhappily. "Just relax. You're going to be ok." She looked up. "Xena's about to give you something really awful to drink, but it'll help."

This got a faint half chuckle from the Amazon. "Sounds right." She coughed weakly.

"Can you get her to sit up, Gabrielle?" Xena knelt next to the bed, and cupped a thick, heavy mug in her hand.

Ephiny's eyes tracked dazedly over. "Lo.. Xena.."

"Hi." The warrior gave her a brief smile. "Gabrielle's right. This tastes lousy, but it'll make you feel better. I promise."

The Amazon nodded groggily. "Think.. owe you.. thanks.."

"Later." Xena waved her off. "We've also got this old war horse thing to discuss."

"Eeep." Ephiny squeaked, a faint grin trying to shape her mouth.

"Yeah, eep to you, too." Xena smiled, and helped Gabrielle to lift Ephiny up, as the bard slipped a supportive arm around the Amazon's shoulders. "Let's get this down you, OK?"

Xena held the cup, and patiently waited until the Amazon managed to choke down most of it. "Good job." She commented, as she rose and walked back over to the table.

"Ugh." Ephiny breathed, her eyes blinking. Another coughing fit racked her, and Gabrielle helped her lie back down after it was over. "Ow."

The bard nodded. "Yeah, I know." She sighed feelingly. "Been there." She pulled the covers up around the blond woman's shoulders, and tucked it neatly around her. "Just try to relax, OK?"

Ephiny nodded. "Sure." Her eyes closed, then opened again. "Need..." A cough interrupted her.

"We'll get word back." Gabrielle correctly interpreted her concern. "I'll go if I have to."

Another nod, and this time the Amazon relaxed into the pillow, stifling several halfhearted coughs before finally drifting off.

The bard slowly shook her head, and stood, flexing muscles stiff from kneeling on the hard floor. "Poor Eph." She walked over, and peered around Xena's shoulder. "What's that?"

"Salve." Xena answered, preoccupied. "For coughing.. to rub on the chest." She flicked a glance at the bard. "I dug up the method for it after you were sick that time, just in case."

Gabrielle leaned her head against the warrior's shoulder. "My hero." She sighed, then dipped a finger into the creamy salve, and brought it to her nose. "Oh.. I kind of like that."

"Eucalyptus." Xena murmured, stirring it around with a small paddle.

"So.. you just kind of rub it on your skin?" Gabrielle asked idly.

"Yeah." Xena answered, not really listening. "It kind of absorbs.. and the vapors go up into your lungs"

"Uh huh." The bard waited for Xena to finish stirring, then she dipped all her fingers in and scooped a good amount up, reaching up and pulling down the neck of Xena's tunic. "Good." And she proceeded to gently rub the mixture into the skin she exposed.

"Gab..." Xena started to protest, then subsided, with a quirky grin. "I guess I should have seen that coming." She stood patiently until the bard finished, then waited while Gabrielle laced her tunic back up, and snugged the fabric against her throat. "Thanks."

"No problem." She grabbed the mug and handed it to her partner. "And why don't you finish that, while you're at it?" She pinned Xena with a stern look, until the warrior sighed, and downed the contents. "Thank you." Gabrielle took her elbow, and steered her out of the room. "Now, you're going to get some breakfast, right? "

Xena gave her a look. "I'm not really hungry."

"All the more reason." Gabrielle blithely informed her. "I'll put this stuff on Ephiny, and I'll be right out to join you, OK?"

"Sure." Xena sighed, and ambled off towards a table near the big fireplace, with Ares trotting along in her shadow. .

"Stubborn thing." Gabrielle chuckled to herself, and ducked back in the room, then had a better thought, and zipped into the kitchen instead. "Hi mom." She padded over to where Cyrene was mixing a large kettle of soup.

"Hello cutie." Cyrene smiled at her. "How's your friend?"

"Feeling pretty lousy, I think." Gabrielle sighed. "But that's not why I'm here. Your daughter spent the night in wet clothing, and now has a fever, which she's trying to pretend doesn’t' exist."

Cyrene cursed colorfully. "Sometimes, I swear, she has the sense of a warthog."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Actually, she had a pretty good reason. I don't like it, but I don't really blame her. Do you have some soup or something I can give her? I don't think she's in the mood for solid stuff."

"I'll take care of that." Cyrene smiled. "You go finish what you were doing."

"Thanks mom." The bard grinned, and gave her a hug. She went back into Ephiny's room, and picked up the bowl of salve, resuming her kneeling position next to the bed. Ephiny must have sensed her presence, because her eyes flickered, and she peered groggily up at the bard. "Hi."

"Just relax." Gabrielle assured her. "I have this stuff, which surprisingly smells pretty good, that I'm gonna put on you. "

"Great." Ephiny worked to draw air into her lungs. She closed her eyes at Gabrielle's gentle touch, and kept them closed as the bard covered her chest and throat with the salve, only opening them as she pulled the blanket up and tucked it around the Amazon's neck. "Smells nice." She managed to rasp, dredging up a little grin for the bard's sake.

"Try to get some sleep, OK?" Gabrielle said softly. "It gets worse before it gets better, but don't you worry, Ephiny.. we're going to take care of you."

The Amazon nodded a little, and closed her eyes. Gabrielle waited until her breathing steadied, then stood, letting out a long breath. And felt the responsibility of the oath she'd taken settle squarely on her shoulders once again. It had taken her weeks to recover after her bout with the coughing sickness, until they could travel again, without Xena being scared half to death she was going to keel over. With Ephiny here, someone had to lead the Amazons. And she was that someone.

Well.. all right. She considered, wiping her hands off on a piece of linen. That wouldn't be so bad, a couple of weeks with the Amazons, and this time.. she grinned quietly. I can ask Xena to come along and actually enjoy myself there for a change. A thought occurred to her. Maybe we can even have Kaleipus show up... hmm....this could be interesting... She smiled to herself, and moved quietly to the window, making sure it was closed tight, and no drafts were getting in. Then she watched Ephiny's pale face for a moment longer, and went to the door, pulling it close but not shut as she moved into the interior of the inn.

Xena was sprawled in a large chair near the fire, a mug in one hand, and she glanced up at the bard's approach, lifting the mug towards her in a wry salute. "DIdja need to sic my mother on me, Red?"

"I"ll let you get away with that because you're obviously not feeling well." Gabrielle snorted, putting her hands on her hips as she stopped in front of the chair. Then she dropped the cocky attitude, and stepped closer, putting a hand on her partner's head. "About the same, I think." She commented, brightening a little. "That's good, right?"

Xena cocked an eyebrow at her. "I'd have a better chance of fighting this off if you'd all stop coddling me." She groused, but leaned her head against the bard's side and nudged her a little, and felt the bard run her fingers through her hair. Fraud. You love it.

"Is she going to be OK, Xena?" Gabrielle's voice was very quiet.

The warrior studied her for a long time. "She's tough." She finally said. "She's in good shape, and we've got the right kinds of herbs and things.. yeah. I think she'll be OK."

Xena never lied about things like that, Gabrielle knew. It was too vital, and she was too bluntly realistic. She felt a little of the weight lift off her shoulders. "What about you?" She asked quietly, smoothing the tangled dark locks back from Xena's warm face.

Xena rolled her eyes. "Gabrielle, I'm fine, all right? It would take more than a dunk in the river and night ride to do me serious damage. My body can handle this." Oh really? Then why are we so damned cranky, huh? Don't you dare take this out on her.

"All right..all right.." The bard laughed a little, scratching the back of her partner's neck affectionately. "I get the message. I'll stop hovering." But it stung, a little, and she knew her eyes showed it, from the sudden regret in Xena's.

"No." Xena corrected her gently. "Just stop worrying. You can hover all you want." She butted her side again, giving the bard an apologetic look. Sorry… for that, love.

"Sure. Stop worrying. Why not ask me to do something easy? Like stop breathing. " The bard snorted, and settled into the chair next to her, resting her elbows on her knees, and staring at the floor. "Sorry." She took a long breath. "I know you don't like fussing."

"Hey." Xena called gently, reaching out and grabbing the arm of Gabrielle's chair. No answer from the bard. Xena studied the chair, then sniffed reflectively, and tensed her arm for a second, then braced one foot against the floor, and pulled hard, dragging the chair with it's startled occupant until the two chairs were touching.

Gabrielle looked up, jerked out of her bad mood by the sudden motion. "Hey!" She tried and failed to smother a startled grin from her face.

Xena leaned on the arm of her chair, so that they were inches part, and studied her closely. "Listen." She put a finger on the bard's nose. "You can tease me. You can fuss over me, you can order me around, you can do anything you damn well please to me. OK?" She paused, and plucked the bard's sleeve. "You're the only one. Ever. Got that?"

Gabrielle dropped her gaze, blushing a little, understanding the message. "Got that." She said softly, with a smile. Then she looked up shyly, meeting the glint in Xena's eyes with a sparkle of her own. "You coulda just asked me to move over, you know." Apologies given and accepted, as they always were.

"Where's the fun in that?" Xena asked, leaning back and taking a sip of the soup she had in her mug.

The bard laughed a little. "So.. what's the plan for Ephiny? What do we do next?"

Xena rolled her head back, and glanced out the window. "Sometime after noon, gotta give her another dose of that stuff, and more of the salve. Then.. we wait and see how she does." The effects of the night, and the morning, and her body's struggle with the fever began to take their toll, and she felt a thick exhaustion start to overtake her.

Gabrielle nodded. "Sounds like a plan." She studied her partner's face. "How are you doing?"

Got a long pensive stare back. Gods.. I can't get a damn thing past her any more, can I? Then a quirk of that eyebrow. "I could use a nap. Care to join me?"

"Thought you'd never ask." The bard replied, with a gentle grin. "Mom put the girls up in two of the rooms upstairs - they're fast asleep. You wore them out, love."

Xena stood up, and yawned. "Wore myself out. " She admitted, offering a hand up to the bard. "All this lazing around is taking it's toll." But she grinned, as she hauled Gabrielle to her feet. "Guess I'll worry about it in the spring." She commented, guiding the way towards the door.

Gabrielle thought about that as they walked across to the cabin, realizing it marked a change in attitude on Xena's part that she'd hoped for, but never really expected to see. She smiled quietly to herself, and felt a sense of relief, as though she'd been holding her breath, waiting for the bubble to burst, and now.. realized it wasn't a bubble at all, but a crystal sphere, that stood a chance at holding up for a long time.

"Hey, Xena?" She asked, as she watched her partner settle on the bed, and pat the spot next to her. A spot she immediately crawled into, her body craving the contact.

"Huh?" The warrior mumbled, wrapping her arms around the bard.

"I think I gotta go to the Amazon Village for a few days." Gabrielle remarked, pillowing her head on Xena's shoulder, and feeling the familiar warmth steal over her in a seductive wave.

"Yeah, I figured." Came the answer, lightly unconcerned. "Bring the girls back, calm Eponin down.. give Solari a hard time…"

Gabrielle giggled. "Oh good. That means you'll come with me, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it." Xena answered without hesitation. "Sides, I wanna see you knock Eponin on her rear."

"Oh you do, huh?" The bard smiled, and bit her lip. "Guess we'd better get some practice in tomorrow then."

"Nah." Xena muttered, already half asleep. "You're the best I've ever taught. She doesn’t stand a chance."

Gabrielle felt her breathing just stop, for a long minute, then start again with a gentle sigh. She studied the face above her, memorizing the distinct lines and planes, and the finely drawn curves. The cheerful sounds and scents of the room, and the tactile sensation of the thick linen bedding, and the wool of Xena's shirt all combined to wrap a warm sense of depth to the ball of pure happiness that formed inside her on hearing that simple sentence.

Xena must have felt it. She opened her eyes and cocked her head a little, in question.

Gabrielle smiled up at her in wonder. "I've never been the best at something before."

A gentle laugh in return. "Well.. let's see. " Xena thought for a minute. "You're the best bard I've ever seen."

"Xena." Now she blushed. Yeah right.

"And the best negotiator I've ever worked with."

"Oh, come on." She gave Xena a poke. Come on.. stop humoring me.

"And the best friend I could have ever hoped for." Now the voice was gentle and sincere.

She took a breath to speak, then just let it out, and found herself lost in Xena's eyes. Oh.. she means this..

"And the best thing that's happened to me in my entire life." Came the quiet finish, as a gentle hand cupped her cheek, and lips brushed hers with feather lightness.

They were just words, but Gabrielle felt like they were a solid gold chain, slipping in through her ears, and wrapping themselves around her heart.

There weren't any words left to express what she felt.. and she realized she was going to have to make up new ones, to describe this. so she she buried her head in Xena's soft woolen shirt, and tightened her hold as hard as she could. Never even feeling it when sleep gently carried her into a familiar golden warmth.

Gabrielle woke up, blinking, and judged by the light outside that it was early afternoon. She tilted her head and studied her sleeping companion, pressing her ear gingerly against the steadily moving chest and listening.

A quiet sense of relief flowed through her at the silence she heard, just the normal sounds of Xena's breathing, without the harsh rasping she'd been afraid of. She lifted a hand and felt her partner's head, letting a quick smile cross her face at what she found. Still warm, but no worse..Looks like she was right... not that she usually isn't, but... I'm glad she was this time. She hates being sick, it makes her so grouchy I can hardly stand it.

Gabrielle put her head back down for a moment, and let her fingers play over the thick rust colored wool of Xena's tunic, breathing in the mixed scent of the fibers, combined with the lingering pleasant tang of the eucalyptus salve. In a minute, she'd get up, and go take care of Ephiny, hopefully leaving Xena still soundly asleep, something which she had started to be able to do recently, but she let herself indulge in a long lazy moment of just being there, and being with her partner, and remembering the conversation they'd had before falling asleep. I owe her one for that... have to think of something nice to do... She considered for a while, then sighed, and carefully raised her head, rolling up onto one elbow and easing her body away from Xena's.

But a hand slowly closed on her shirt, stopping her, and she looked up to see a pair of sleepy blue eyes following her motion. "Hey... go back to sleep. I'll take care of Eph."

"You sure?" Came the mumbled reply in a token protest.

"Yeah... " Gabrielle smiled, and slipped a hand under Xena's tunic, tracing the well defined muscles with gentle fingers in a familiar pattern. "I"m sure."

"Mmm.' Xena fought it for a minute, then gave up. "Forgot there's sleeping herbs in that damn mixture." She mumbled, sounding vaguely chagrined.

Gabrielle leaned forward, and kissed her on the head. "I didn't" She smirked. Gotcha….

"Fink." Xena protested, prying one eye open and studying her.

"I love you too." The bard replied cheerfully, continuing her gentle stroking. "Close that eye."

A light shake of the head, and Gabrielle could feel a chuckle stir the muscles under her hand, then Xena's breathing evened out again, as she surrendered herself back to sleep.

Gabrielle smiledto herself, and rolled off the bed, carefully tucking the covers around her sleeping partner. She chewed her lip for a minute, finding herself reluctant to leave Xena in such a vulnerable state. Even here, even at home. Old habits die hard, I guess. Her mind mused. "Ares..." She called softly, and grinned as the wolf rose up, and trotted over, jumping up on the bed and padding over to her.

She petted him for a minute, then patted the bed's surface. "Lie down."

Obediently, he did, curling up against Xena's right hip, and laying his head across the warrior's thigh. "Good boy." She whispered. "You take care of your mom, OK?"

"Argrooo." The wolf mumbled, his eyes flicking to Xena's face, then back to hers.

"Yeah, I know." She stroked the dark head and scratched his ears. "I don't like it when she doesn't feel well either. But you keep an eye on her, OK? and I'll bring us all back some lunch."

Ares twitched his ears and sighed

Gabrielle moved away reluctantly, and glanced in the mirror, making a face at her reflection, and running her fingers through her disordered hair. "I"m a sight." She muttered to herself, then laughed, and headed out the door.

The inn was very quiet when the bard slipped in, only two or three tables were still occupied by the lunch crowd. One of them was Rurik, and he raised a hand to wave at her. She waved back, and continued on towards Ephiny's room, pushing the door open and stepping inside.

Cyrene was already there, putting down some hot soup, and stoking the fire. She turned as Gabrielle entered and smiled. "Figured one or the other of you would be here soon." The innkeeper studied her face. "Everything all right?"

The bard nodded with assurance. "Yeah. I left Xena sleeping.. she's ok, I think. Her fever's no worse, and her chest sounds pretty clear. I think we got lucky this time." We. Yeah, it's most definiitely we, isn't it?

Cyrene chuckled. "Good to hear. One sick one is more than enough, and I know my daughter - she's the worst patient alive."

Gabrielle laughed. "That's an understatement." She moved to the table, and took the small dish of herbs Xena had mixed earlier and put it in the mug, wrinkling her nose at the scent. "Why does stuff that's good for you have to taste so bad?"

The innkeeper peered over her shoulder. "Well, if it works…"

"Oh, it does." The bard sighed, making a face, then grinning. "I made Xena drink some before. You know, she doesn’t even grimace. "

Cyrene studied her face briefly. "Hey, you look beat yourself, Gabrielle. Get some rest."

"Don't worry." The bard assured her absently, as she poured hot water over the herbs. "I’m gonna take care of this, then go back and crawl…" Her brain realized what she was saying at this point, and caused her tongue to freeze. "Uh… I mean… I'm going back to the cabin and relax."

Cyrene bit her lip to keep from laughing, and patted the bard on the shoulder. "That's a good idea, honey. You stop by the kitchen, and I'll pack up a little soup for you to take back, OK?"

"Thanks mom." Gabrielle shot her a grateful look, then saw the twinkle in her eye and blushed. Cyrene walked out chuckling, and the bard gave a little sigh, and stirred the cup carefully. Well… Hades.. it's not like she doesn't know we're… uh… but it's just so weird to say that to her mother.. my adopted mother… aughhh… She shivered and suppressed a giggle.

Ephiny stirred as she knelt down, warrior's instincts intact even now, and she put a hand on the Amazon's arm, feeling the heat with an uneasy touch. "Eph?"

"Ungh." The blond woman groaned, trying to lift her head. She gave up, and let it back down, then convulsed in a coughing fit that made her roll over on one side, and grip the bedframe.

Gabrielle took hold of her arms, and held her close, feeling the muscles under her fingertips constricting painfully. "Easy." She murmured, shunting aside unpleasant memories on hearing the deep rattling in her friends breathing. "Take small breaths, Eph."

A moments silence, then the Amazon rolled weakly back over, and gazed at her. "Bad." She managed to get out, concentrating on shallowing her breathing. "Gods."

"I know." Gabrielle said gently. "Believe me, I know." She rubbed Ephiny's back. "Can you sit up a little? I promised Xena I'd get this stuff down you, and you know how she is."

The Amazon's eyes flicked to hers, and her eyebrows rose in question. "She all right?"

The bard smiled reassuringly. "She's fine. Just a little fever, that's all. I made her stay in bed."

Ephiny's mouth twitched. "Made?"

"I have many skills." The bard informed her with a twinkle.

"Whole kingdoms would be at your feet for that one." Ephiny managed to get the entire sentence out without coughing, but it took a lot out of her. It got a gentle laugh from the bard. "I owe her."

"Shh." Gabrielle said, holding the cup up to her lips. "She doesn't think that way. You know better." She watched the Amazon take a resigned swallow. "The girls are fine.. they're sleeping upstairs."

Ephiny nodded a little, and took another swallow. "Can't taste this." She mumbled, putting her fingers on the cup. "Warm."

Gabrielle pulled the covers closer around her. "You must have chills"

"Yeah." The Amazon finished the cup, and rolled onto her side, hugging her arms around her chest. "You had this?"

The bard nodded. "After Velasca." She paused. "But it was out there.. we didn't have a lot of the stuff Xena usually carries… didn't have time to get to town."

Ephiny blinked slowly, the medicine beginning to take effect. "Real bad?"

Gabrielle put the mug down, and reached over for the small pot of salve. "Lie down, so I can put this on." She spread some of the stuff on her fingertips, then started rubbing it into the now silent Amazon's chest. "I was.. afraid to go to sleep one night it was so bad." She admitted quietly. "I wasn't sure I'd wake up." She concentrated on what she was doing, not meeting Ephiny's eyes.

A hand covered hers, and she finally glanced up. "I was lucky.. Xena was there."

"Gave you that stuff?" Ephiny's head bobbed a little towards the cup.

"No." Now the bard smiled. "She just.. held me.. in her arms the whole night. I knew.. that I was safe. Nothing could happen to me as long as I was there." She paused. "She wouldn't let me go."

The Amazon's mouth quirked in a ghost of a smile. "Just like in Thessaly." She whispered, as her eyes closed, leaving a puzzled Gabrielle studying her face. Thessaly? She put the salve pot back on the table, and rose to her feet, crossing to the chair in the room and sitting down.

Thessaly.. She remembered the war.. and getting hurt. Gods.. that had hurt so bad… She remembered feeling the world slipping past her.. and Ephiny's strained face as she passed on her Right.

Remembered Xena's eyes, fastened on hers with an expression of anguish that had pierced through the fog her mind was slipping into.. making her regret the knowledge that she'd never get a chance to get behind that warlord shield. Never get a chance to uncover the person she'd been getting glimpses of, lurking around back there. And that had hurt as much as the injury had..

Remembered, at the faint edges of her fading hearing, the sound of Ephiny's child being born.

Then.. darkness, shot with blood colored flashes.. that slowly ebbed away, as she lost her senses.. the last thing being the sound of a ragged voice calling her name..

Then there had been peace. A quiet, formless peace in which she'd floated for a time, becoming the sunlit Fields, where she'd heard her Uncle's voice calling to her.

But something had been missing. It had been beautiful there, all light, and delicious breezes, and laughing people. It should have filled her with joy.. but it hadn't. Because there was this small, quiet, empty place inside her that she knew, as she walked on the never dying grass, would never be filled by anything here.

She had looked around, at the people blissfully at peace around her.. and found them without depth, shallow in a way that she could hardly comprehend. The peace and contentment she felt all around her left her feeling empty.. and very much alone.

And in the crystal clarity of that realization, the anguished call of another soul touched hers.

So she had turned her back on the peace, knowingly, williingly.. and journeyed back towards the darkness, rejoining the world in a rushing haze of pain, and the tortured convulsions of her cruelly injured body.

But the pain faded from her memory, replaced by the realization that the powerful arms cradling her were Xena's, and the voice that filled her hearing had a ragged edge of emotion in it that spoke directly to her heart. This was home. She belonged here, in a way that no place, and no other person had ever made her feel.

Looking back, she realized it was probably then that she'd put her feet firmly on the road that had led her to where she was now standing. But Xena had never spoken of that night to her, never revealed what had gone on inside that guarded mind. She had always assumed that she'd been totally in control of what had happened that long ago night.. but what had Xena felt?

She remembered waking up groggily in the early pre dawn hour, aching and nauseous, and had turned her head to see Xena slumped against the stone pallet she was lying on, head cradled against one arm, which was draped over the bard's shoulder, fingertips in a gentle clasp against her skin.

Believing her asleep, Gabrielle had taken the liberty of brushing her lips across the back of Xena's hand, resting so close to her face. And had glanced over to meet wide open blue eyes that looked right back into hers. No shields, no defenses. It had been just the two of them, and now when she thought about it, she could feel the bone deep connection they'd had, even then.

I should ask her about that night. The bard considered thoughtfully, getting up and straightening the covers around the sleeping Ephiny. Then she picked up a small wide necked bottle, and transferred some of the salve into it, storing it in her belt pouch, and crossed quietly to the door, slipping out into the main part of the inn.

"Hello there, lass." Rurik's voice surprised her.

"Hello." She said, giving him a smile. "How are you doing?"

The tall trader perched on a corner of the table next to where they were standing and waggled his hand. "Not bad, really. Got some decent offers in from a few merchants here to have things carried for them. " He nodded at the door. "How's your friend?"

Gabrielle crossed her arms, and sighed. "She's doing as well as I can expect, I guess. She's pretty sick." Green eyes looked up and captured his. "But Xena says she's going to be all right… so.." She gave a little shrug.

Rurik nodded slowly. "She's an Amazon, they say."

"Mm..yes." The bard confirmed. "She is."

"Ah. Lass. You don't seem the type to hang around with that lot." He said, giving her a cheerful look.

Gabrielle's eyes went from a warm mist green to an icy grey in a split second, and she felt her whole body stiffening in anger. "Excuse me?"

Rurik held up a hand. "No offense, Gabrielle, you just don't seem the type to mix in with her kind."

The bard took a breath to calm herself, and speared him with a glance. "Rurik, I am her kind." The statement caused a chill to run up and down her spine. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do." She shook her head in disgust, and walked into the kitchen, closing the door behind her with unnecessary force.

"Well.. isn't that a snotty thing." Rurik muttered.

"Excuse me?" A low voice from just behind him caused him to jump. He turned and saw a tall man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes gazing at him with a distinctly unfriendly look.

"I said, what a snotty little thing she is." Rurik repeated, with a snort. "Can't even make conversation around here."

The man perched on the table and crossed his arms. "What did you say to her?"

"Just that she didn’t' seem the type to go associating with the damned Amazons, that's all." Rurik sighed, lifting his hands.

The man laughed. "She's a queen of the Amazons, you moron."

"Hey.. no call for that." Rurik answered angrily. "What's it …. She's a queen?"

The man nodded, and stepped closer, moving off the table and getting nose to nose with the trader. "And she's a member of my family, so I don't think I want to hear her insulted anymore. Got me??"

Rurik studied him thoughtfully. "Who are you?" A queen, eh?? His mind revolved that piece of information around, studying it from all angles.

"Toris." The dark haired man answered.

He seemed.. familiar somehow, but Rurik couldn’t quite place him.. something about the eyes, perhaps. "No offense, then, Toris." He said with a smile. "I had no idea such a pretty little thing was an Amazon, and a queen at that."

Toris studied him thoughtfully. "Look." He said, rubbing his jaw. "Do yourself a favor, all right? Don't talk about her like that.. you'll just end up getting hurt."

Rurik snorted softly. "What, by her?"

Toris smiled. "Just take my word for it, OK?"

The trader shook his head, and waved a hand. "No worries, lad. I’m leaving, I am. Time to get a move on towards the city." With that, he stood up and left the room, heading up the stairs.

Toris watched him go, and went on into the kitchen, where he spotted Gabrielle leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed. Concerned, he walked over, and touched her lightly on the arm. "Hey… Gabrielle?"

Green eyes slowly opened, and focused on him. "Hi Toris."

"You OK?" Toris asked, cocking his head in a familiar gesture.

"Yeah.. yeah. Just .. that Rurik guy.. I .." Gabrielle lifted both shoulders. "Just struck me the wrong way, I guess." The sudden, startling anger was slowly subsiding, but it had left the bard with aching muscles from it's intensity. Gods.. I must be really tired.. I usually don't just go off like that.

"Yeah.. I heard him. I told him he'd better shut up." Toris admitted, with a shy glance in her direction. "Uhm.. where's mom?"

Gabrielle smiled at him, and rubbed his arm. "Thanks." She looked down. "She's getting me some soup and stuff to take back to the cabin." Her eyes lifted and met his, and found concern there.

"Xena ok?" Was all he asked.

The bard nodded. "Yeah, I think so." She smiled. "You know your sister." A small smile. "She's pretty tough."

He rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah. How's your friend next door? Not so… I mean, heard her coughing."

Gabrielle sighed. "I don't know." She rubbed her temples. "Not good." The bard admitted. "I wish I could do something more to help her."

Toris gave her arm a squeeze. "You're doing all you can, Gabrielle... don't get yourself all sick worrying." He glanced up as a loud bang came from the storage area. "Uh oh.. I'd better go help mom. Be right back." He patted her arm, and went in the direction of the sound, disappearing from view.

Rurik carefully packed his kit, stowing his extra shirts and his one good pair of pants in his saddlebags, and putting away his strop and razor. He glanced around the room with approval, liking the neatly made furniture, and the comfortable bed. Not bad… His mind mused. Not bad at all, and fairly good price, too.

He left the bags packed on the floor, and wandered over to the window, gazing out over the courtyard with idle interest. Amphipolis was… an interesting place. Overall he was pleased with his visit - the town was prosperous, and appeared to be thriving, even in the ugly weather. The inn was well run, and the inhabitants seemed, for the most part, well behaved and rather mild. With the exception of that Toris fellow. His mind reminded him. And that lovely bit of a girl.

His eyes caught motion, and he sniffed, as a tall, dark haired form slipped out from between the barn and the inn, and crossed the open space heading for the inn. And her, of course. Hidden from sight, he let his eyes linger on her lithe, muscular form as it moved, admiring the sense of barely contained power that poured from her like water. No, Amphipolis wouldn't be a good place to stir up trouble with her around.

So.. the little lass is an Amazon, is she? He laughed to himself in delight. No wonder she's good with that bit of a stick. But what's she doing here? Never heard of an Amazon living outside their territory, certainly not in a backwater like this one. And a queen? Something doesn't add up… ah.. that's right. That Toris said she was family… and I'll just bet.. yes. That's where the familiarity comes in.. the little bastard must be related to that warlord. So the lass is a younger cousin, come to visit. Yes.

Well, I hope the little lass has a nice visit. Rurik smiled to himself, and left the window, picking up the bags and slinging them over his shoulder. He maneuvered down the stairs, and gave Johan a nod, having already settled his tab with the inn. The older man gave him a nod back.

"Good travelling to you then, merchant." Johan's voice was moderately friendly.

Ah, I like a bit of good service. "I thank you, sir, and a good season to you, as well." He answered in a good natured tone. He had almost made it out the door when his gaze was caught by twin pairs of icy blue eyes, watching him.

Side by side, there was no doubt in his mind, Toris had a few inches and a couple of pounds on his sister, but their sibling relationship was stamped on them with unmistakable clarity. It was also, he realized with an uneasy feeling, obvious Toris had told his very imposing sister about his comments on their cousin. Well, too bad. "Good day." He said to them both, and ducked out the door, heading for the barn. Anxious to get on his way home, at last.

Not long after, he trotted his stallion out of the village, and down the long road towards the river, whistling into the rising wind, and never once glancing back.

Gabrielle leaned against the wall and rubbed her neck, wishing away the uncomfortable tension that was tying her body up in knots. Cut it out, Gabrielle. She told herself sternly. He's just a jerk.. let it go. She closed her eyes, and imagined instead a pair of warm hands easing the stiffness, working the tenseness out with practiced fingers., then popped her eyes wide open when the thought became reality. "Hey!"

"Shh... stand still." Xena's voice floated over her shoulder, as the warrior used her powerful touch to good effect. "You're really knotted up.. give me a minute here." She slid her hands under the bard's loose shirt, and set to work on the stiff muscles.

"Take all the time you like." The bard mumbled, letting her head drop forward. "Didn't even hear you come in." That bothered her for minute. "You haven't been able to sneak up on me for a while now."

"Mmm.." Xena considered. "You were preoccupied." She moved her hands down the bard's back, feeling the tension slowly seeping out of her. "There.. that's better." She wrapped her hands around her partner's waistline, using her thumbs to work the kinks out of her spine. "Gods, Gabrielle.. what's up with you?"

Gabrielle sighed deeply, as she felt her anger also dissolving, and as it did, her awareness of their connection reasserted itself, and she felt Xena's presence at her back as a tangible thing again. Anger blocks that. Her mind considered thoughtfully. Ugh. She consciously let the warmth wash through her body, turning around and snuggling into Xena's chest and feeling the warrior's arms slide around her under her shirt. The warm touch of skin on skin sent a welcome skittering spark through her, and she felt the last of her irritation dissolving away.. "I should be yelling at you for being out of bed, right?" She mumbled, tangling her fingers in the thick woolen fabric.

"Right." Xena agreed, stroking her hair gently with one hand, and running the other lightly up and down the bard's ribcage.

"You're a bad girl." Gabrielle muttered, feeling a silly grin shaping her mouth, as her body responded to the familiar touch.

"Oh, yeah." Came the wicked chuckle "You got that right." Xena gently lifted her chin up. "Came to see what was bugging you." Her eyes flicked around the kitchen, finding nothing threatening. "Thought something was up with Ephiny."

Gabrielle pressed closer. "Well.. yeah. I'm worried about her.. " She paused. "But Rurik said something..I don't know Xena, it just set me off." She hesitated, and played with the carved bone button on Xena's tunic, running a fingertip over the irregular surface. "I'm not sure why.. he was just being a jerk." She glanced up at Xena's face. "Hit me wrong, I guess."

"My turn to take care of you, then." Xena informed her. "What did he say?" This last with a smooth menace evident in her tone. Damn… I knew I should have pulled that manure for brains out behind the stable and shortened his legs for him.

The bard hesitated. "It wasn't.. he just asked if Eph was an Amazon, and I said yes.. and he said he didn't think I was the kind of person who hung around her type."

Xena couldn't help it. She started laughing. "He what???" She snorted. "That does it. Let me go find him and show him what our type of person does to his type of person." She tried to disentangle herself from the bard, who hung on tenaciously.

"No no no no... Xena!" The bard tugged her shirt hard. "I told him off."

The warrior gazed at her. "Did you?"

Gabrielle nodded.

"Good girl." Xena grinned.

"So did Toris." The bard giggled. "Taking after his little sister."

One dark eyebrow curved up. "Little?" Xena let her own gaze run down the length of her tall body. "I don’t think so."

Gabrielle's hands outlined her form with gentle touches. "Well......" She grinned. "OK, younger sister."

"Feel better now?" Xena asked, smoothing the red gold hair out of her eyes.

"Yeah." The bard answered with a sigh. "Wonder where your mom and Toris are?"

Xena glanced down at her boots, and bit off a grin. "Probably waiting for us to stop um..." Her eyes flicked up and caught the bard's green ones. "Talking."

"Ah." Gabrielle detached her grip from the warrior's shirt, and backed off, leaning against the wall with crossed arms. "I see."

They looked at each other. "So." Xena said, clearing her throat and perching on the edge of the worktable. "How's Ephiny doing?"

"Not real good." The bard answered, cocking her ears, and muffling a smile as Toris and Cyrene bustled around the doorway, chattering to each other with conspicuous innocence. "Oh.. Xena!' Cyrene manufactured a surprised look. "Didn't know you were about. How are you feeling?"

"Fine." Xena replied, with a wry smile. "Never felt better." And that's almost true.. she mused quietly. That nap did me a world of good.

"Hungry?" The innkeeper asked, putting a hand on her forehead. "That's much better." She turned Xena's face into the light and studied it, ignoring the arched eyebrow that she received in return. "Stop that. I’m your mother."

"Starving." Xena answered. "Mother, I’m fine. Cut that out." She stood and stretched, making the most of their height differences. "There. Now you'll need a chair to do that."

"Hah." Cyrene snorted, then strolled over to where her cooling rack was, and snatching a sweet roll, tossed it at her daughter. "There."

Xena caught it easily, and stood, tossing it up and down. "Only one?" She asked, with a mischievous look.

Her mother's eyebrows rose, and she put her hands on her hips. "Oh.. so that's it, huh? " In quick succession, she tossed three more at the grinning warrior, who deftly caught them all, two in each hand, then shrugged at them and commenced juggling.

Jaws dropped. "Hey.. I didn't know you could do that." Gabrielle laughed, then squawked as a roll hit her in the mouth. She somehow caught it, and took a bite. "You die, Warrior Princess." Another roll bounced off her head, and she went diving for it. "Xena…"

A third, which landed on her chest.

Xena ate the fourth, and winked at them. "Gonna go check on Ephiny." She turned her back and walked to the door, whipping her arm back at the very last second to catch the roll Gabrielle had winged at her back. "Tch tch." She clucked in Gabrielle's direction. "You're out of practice, bard." And then the door closed behind her.

They all looked at each other, and burst out laughing. "Gods." Gabrielle sighed, munching on her roll. "Was she always such a brat?"

"Oh yeah." Toris and Cyrene said together. "You wouldn't think it from that rough exterior but… " Her mother continued. "There's a prankster under all that leather and brass."

Gabrielle smiled quietly. "I know." And remembered the first time.. she'd ever seen that side of her partner.

They'd been in the marketplace, in a fair size town a ways west of here. She'd been shopping, spending her hard-earned dinars on some rare extravagances, and enjoying herself. She'd gotten a few things, and was busy digging around in a cloth shop when she felt a tiny sting on her side. She looked down, and found nothing.

She'd shrugged it off, and continued hunting, when she felt another sting. Looked down, found nothing, except for a tiny red mark on her ribs. Puzzled, she'd moved out into the light, and felt another, and another, as she jumped around like a startled hen in a henhouse trying to figure out what was going on.

Then Xena showed up, strolling along with her usual dour expression, giving everyone the once over, and falling into step with her with a quiet sniff. "Hello."

"Hey." Gabrielle had said, distracted. "Something weird is going on here."

"Like what?" Xena had asked, giving her that oh gods, not another weird story look.

"I keep feeling like something's biting me." The bard had said, worried. "And I got these marks." She showed Xena, who tilted her head and regarded them with somber seriousness.

"Uh oh." The warrior had said, putting a worried expression on her face.

"What?" Gabrielle had snapped, nervously.

"Tigertail flies." Xena had pronounced, with a grim look. "Those spots'll turn bright purple by tonight."

Gabrielle's eyes had widened in alarm. "Wwwhat do I do?" She stared at the spots. "Will they get bigger?"

"Yeah. Bout the size of a dinar." Xena had sighed, giving her a look.

Gabrielle's mouth had opened, but nothing had come out except for a squeak. "How long?" She managed to gasp.

Then she'd looked up into those crystal clear blue eyes, and seen a mischievious twinkle that chased all her frightened thoughts clean away. "You're pulling my leg, aren't you." She'd muttered, in total disbelief.

And Xena had started laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. She'd finished her own shopping, and had been following the bard around, nailing her with lentils she'd fired through a tube.

"You have a sense of humor." Gabrielle had marveled, forgetting her scare in her delight at learning of this new facet to her companion. "Awesome."

And later that night, when they were bedded down beneath the stars, she'd found, tucked into her sleeping furs a small bundle. She'd unwrapped it to find fresh parchment, and two new quills. And a note "Glad you can take a joke."

So she'd taken a piece, and sat down cross legged under the clear night sky, and written a small poem, something frivolous, and tucked it inside Xena's saddlebag, with a note on the back. "Glad you know how to play one."

Gabrielle shook herself out of her reminisces. "Let me go give her a hand." She gave Cyrene and Toris a wave, and went out the door .

Pace pace pace. Turn. Pace pace pace. Turn.

"Eponin." Solari didn't look up from the scroll she was scribbling on.

Pace pace pace. Turn Pace pace pace. Turn.

"EPONIN." Now Solari looked up, and gave the pacing Amazon a glare. "Will you cut that out? You're driving me nuts."

"She was due back at sundown." Eponin enunciated slowly. "And it's full moonrise." She glared at Solari and Granella, who was seated in the corner, with her arms resting on the windowsill, looking out. "I told you it was lunacy to let her go."

"LET?" Solari rolled her eyes. "I hate to break this to you, but we didn't LET her do anything .She decided on her own to do it, and, you know, she is the Queen, right?" The Amazon sighed. "Besides, she's probably just giving them some extra lessons."

Eponin's eyes narrowed. "We should go looking for them."

Solari waved a hand at her. "Because they're a couple of candlemarks late? Oh no.." She shook her head. "I'm not going to get caught checking up on her. She'll kick my butt." She glanced up at Eponin. "Look.. you're forgetting Ephiny's a very competent warrior, Eponin… since when do we worry about her like she was… a clay jar or something?"

Eponin sat down on a chair, letting her elbows drop to her knees and sighing. "Since she took that mask. I just… " The older warrior shook her head. "It's just a feeling."

Granella's head jerked up, and Solari put down her scroll. "A feeling?" The both said together.

They looked at Eponin. She looked back. Eponin never had feelings, Solari knew. She was solid, dependable, a great warrior, a great teacher.. but had the imagination of a centaur hoof. "What kind.. of feeling?" She asked cautiously.

Eponin studied her hands, then looked up with a sigh, gazing around the room without really seeing anything. "I can't describe it. Just.. something's wrong." She finally focused her stare at Solari. "It's probably nothing. You're right - I'm being over cautious." She rose, and dusted her hands off. "I'm sure she'll be back by morning, since we've got the Centaur delegation coming day after, and she's got to receive them." And with that, she slipped out the door, and headed towards the communal meal hall, ignoring the misty falling rain.

Granella turned her chair around to face Solari, and they studied each other for a while. "So..what do you think?" Granella finally asked.

Solari took a breath and let it out slowly. "Get a scouting group ready. If they're not back by first watch, go find them." She sighed. "I don't care if Ephiny has a fit." She drummed her fingers on the table lightly. "She's right, it's probably nothing."

They looked at each other. "Right." Granella said, standing up . "I'll round up the scouts." She wrapped her cloak around her, and stepped out into the rain, pulling her hood up over her head as she walked across the compound to the covered shelter where the scouts were clustered around the fire sharing warmth and hot mulled wine.

"Gran! " Etiena waved her over. "C'mere.. siddown."

The slim dark haired Amazon shook her head. "Can't." She said quietly. "Need six of you, to go with me after first watch."

The atmosphere changed perceptibly, as all eyes focused on her, and a thrill of alertness traveled through them. "What's up?" Etiena said, watching her with cautious eyes.

"Ephiny and the youngsters were due back at dusk." Granella replied.

Silence fell. "Damn." Morka breathed. "Well, it's not long after dusk, they could have gotten held up somewhere."

Granella nodded. "Yeah, we thought so. That's why were giving it to first watch." She settled down to wait, taking the mug held out to her, and huddling inside her cloak against the chill. It would be a long night.

Xena finished off her second roll as she entered the room, a quirky grin still on her face from the banter. She licked the honey from her fingers, wishing briefly that she hadn't tossed the other two rolls at the bard. Well.. her mind sighed. All that sweet stuff isn't good for me anyway, right? Right.

She let that virtuous feeling go, and crossed to the work table, checking her supplies of herbs, and puttering around a bit until she heard footsteps outside the door, and grinned.

Gabrielle slipped in, giving her an impish smile, and came over to where she was standing. "Xena, Warrior Juggler, huh?" She whispered, giving her a tweak on the side. "You're too cute."

One sturdily arched eyebrow rewarded her. "Not." Xena snorted, then handed the bard the pot of soup Cyrene had left there earlier. "Can you heat this up for me?"

"I'll think about it." The bard answered, but took the pot from her and turned towards the fireplace..

"Hey." Xena said suddenly.

Gabrielle turned back and glanced up, puzzled. "What?"

Serious expression. "Hold on." Xena moved closer and bent her head to study the bard's face. "Uh oh."

"What???" Gabrielle hissed, glancing around, then back at her.

"Crumbs." The warrior answered, and removed them from her partner's lips. "Mmm." She chuckled as she straightened back up.

Gabrielle was standing, eyes half closed, with the soup forgotten. After a beat, she sighed, and licked her lips thoughtfully. "I may have to hurt you for that." Ohhh… I'm in trouble.. that felt wayyy too good. With a heartfelt sigh, she shook her head and moved to the fire, putting the pot over the coals.

I shouldn't have done that. Xena mused ruefully, feeling the pleasant shivers go up and down her spine. Gods.. she sighed inwardly. I've had more lovers than I can count.. but not one of them could do to me what she does with a simple kiss. With a shake of her head, she crossed to Ephiny's bedside, and dropped to one knee, and the Amazon stirred at her approach, turning her head towards the tall form.

Weary gray eyes tracked to hers, as Ephiny gave her the barest twitch of a smile. "Hey." The warrior said, patting her shoulder. "Guess you're feeling pretty lousy, huh?"

A faint nod. Lousy. Well, she was always good at understatement.

"Tonight's probably going to be worse." Xena told her, not flinching from the look in Ephiny's eyes. "We've got to get you sitting up a little.. you need to try and swallow some of the soup my friend over there is heating up."

Ephiny's eyes closed, and she shook her head. "Gods.. no." She managed, coughing.

"Eph." Xena held her still. "You have to." The warrior's voice held a deadly serious note.

The Amazon shook her head. "Can't."

Gabrielle came over, a mug of soup in her hands. "Maybe if you sit behind her, Xena.. and hold her up, I can try letting her eat a little at a time.."

The warrior nodded. "Good idea." She turned and caught the fuzzily startled look on Ephiny's face. "Relax, I don't bite." She slid an arm behind Ephiny's shoulders, and easily lifted the Amazon up, slipping in behind her, and letting the blond woman rest against her chest. "Ephiny, would you relax? You'd think I was porcupine or something" Xena chuckled, feeling the tension in the Amazon's body. "Come on, I'm not even wearing the armor." She wrapped her arms around Ephiny's middle for support, and gave Gabrielle an amused look. "Ok... let's give it a try."

Gabrielle sat down on the edge of the bed, and went to work with her spoon, glaring at Ephiny until the Amazon had finished over half the cup she had.

"Intimidating look she's got there, huh?" Xena whispered into the Amazon's ear, and felt the faint hint of a laugh travel through her body, which had slowly relaxed while she ate until she was as comfortable against Xena as Gabrielle would have been. Xena quirked a tiny grin, knowing the Amazon was very aware of her presence, sick as she was.

Ephiny tilted her head back against Xena's collarbone, and gave her a tiny grin. "Good student." This with an attempt at an arch look, which wasn't very successful. Then her eyes met Xena's. "Thanks. " she finished quietly.

"No problem." Xena assured her, then carefully let her back down on the bed, and wrapped the blankets back around her body. "Feel a little better?"

A rueful nod. "A little."

Xena patted her arm. "Take it easy." She stood, and took a breath. "Be right back." This to Gabrielle, accompanied by a ruffle of the bard's fair hair.

The bard nodded. "Get some lunch, OK?" She let her eyes follow her partner as she left the room, then returned her gaze to Ephiny. Saw the tiny furrow in the Amazon's brow, and the inward turned gaze.

They looked at each other, as Ephiny slowly settled herself back against the pillows, hugging her arms around herself. Damn… She still felt a tingling warmth from Xena's presence. The Amazon took a breath to speak, then stopped, then took another, gazing up at the bard with a wondering half smile. "Gods.. that's just the safest place in the world, isn't it." Her voice was very quiet, and her eyes met Gabrielle's green ones with startling honesty.

The bard glanced down at her hands, wrapped around the soup mug, then looked back up with a warm smile. "Yeah, it sure is." She agreed, feeling a blush color her skin.

Ephiny laughed gently, but started coughing, and curled up in a ball in pure reflex. "Ugh." She sighed when it finally stopped, and she could rest her head on the pillow again. "Glad for you, Gab... you know that, right?" She whispered, gazing up at the bard. "You two had me worried for a while."

"Yeah." Gabrielle answered honestly. "It's been a long road." She resettled Ephiny against the pillows, and tucked the blankets around her. "But.. " Now her face eased into a brilliant smile. "it was worth waiting for."

Ephiny reached out and clasped her hand, squeezing it weakly. Then she looked down, and lifted the bard's fingers, peering at them. "Wow." She rasped, giving Gabrielle a wicked look. "Nice."

Another blush from Gabrielle, who grinned and fingered the inside of the band. "So much has happened since I saw you .. when you feel better, I'll fill you in."

Ephiny nodded, and let her eyes drift shut. "Deal.." She muttered hoarsely

Gabrielle watched her fall asleep, the tortured breathing evening out a little, and the muscles in her face relaxing. We've come a long road too, Ephiny. She gave the blankets one final twitch, and stood, walking over to the chair and settling down in it, letting her head rest against the high back.

"This is the stable." Cait said, standing aside and letting them enter. She walked over, and petted Argo, who was munching away in her stall, peering at the young Amazons with an amused look. "Hello, Argo." Cait said softly. "Thank you for giving me such a super ride yesterday."

"She's such a pretty horse." Megan commented, scratching Argo's ears. The mare stopped chewing and looked at her, then blew out a mouthful of hay, and shook her head.

"I don't think she likes to be called pretty." Cait commented, hiding a grin. "After all, she is a warhorse."

"Were you scared on the ride here, Cait?" Elainas asked, running her hands over the ladder leading up to the loft.

"No." Cait answered quietly. "This was my home. But I was worried very much about the Queen."

Elianas nodded, and started up the ladder, pulling herself up into the loft and looking out the glazed half window. "Pretty up here." She commented, then glanced at the ceiling. "Oh.. guys.. look!" She giggled. "This is too cool!"

"What?" Cait asked, then backed as the girls made a mad rush for the ladder.

A thunder of small boots on wood, then silence, broken by stifled giggles. "Oh.. " Megan sighed. "Look.. Xena carved her name here."

"Well." Cait sighed to herself, remaining with Argo. "It's her mother's barn." She peered at Argo. "Right?"

Argo snorted.

Elianas sniffed. "That's ages old." She examined the scratching. "Lyceus.. wasn't that her brother?"

They all fell silent. "Yeah." Cait called up softly. "He died."

Then Megan drew an audible breath. "Oh look.. this is new…"

More muffled giggles. And a high pitched squeal. "Ohmigosh.. they carved their names together." Lista crowed. "How romantic!!"

"Oh, that is so cool." Megan sighed. "I can't believe we saw this."

Argo looked reproachfully at Cait. "Rats." The blond girl grimaced. "I'm for it now, aren't I?" Argo butted her chest hard. "Shouldn’t have brought them here, right?"

Another head butt. "Right." She looked up at the cluster of goggling heads. "Come on, they said something about lunch a bit ago." She called, getting their attention fully.

"All right." Megan said, scrambling down the ladder backwards. "But I'm getting a bit of wood from this place." She announced, and proceeded to do just that. "I'll keep this forever." She clutched the chunk of wood to her chest, and marched out triumphantly.

Cait sighed, as the rest followed suit. She'd wanted to go in and see Ephiny, but Cyrene had gently told her to try and distract the rest of them outside for a while. She'd told Cait their queen was resting, and was holding her own. Cait respected that, and was grateful that Cyrene hadn't tried to make the news more upbeat than it was. She liked honesty, and knew she was likely to get it from Xena's redoubtable mother. She slowly followed the other girls into the inn, trying to ignore their chatter.

"Do you think we could get Xena to sign it?" Elianas was asking Lista, who blinked.

"We could ask." The girl piped up.

Cait put her hands on their shoulders. "I think she's got her self all tied up with Queen Ephiny, right?"

They all looked at her, and burst into giggles. Then Megan slapped herself. "Gods, that's not funny. She's really sick. Come on now, you lot. Let's settle down and see if we can do anything to help."

They all looked up as Xena moved smoothly out of the kitchen, carrying a tray and some mugs. "Hi." The warrior nodded to them. "She's doing all right for now." The blue eyes flicked over them, one eyebrow curving up in consternation at the chunks of wood they were holding. "Try to keep it down, though, all right?"

Five nodding heads. Cait slipped out of her seat and got the door for Xena. "Hands full." She commented, and got a wink from the tall dark haired warrior. She cracked her half smile and winked back, then watched the door close behind Xena's back, glimpsing Ephiny's pale face and a concerned pair of green eyes within.

Continued in Part 3

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Winter's Ending - Part 3

Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

Silence lay on her like a blanket, and Gabrielle could clearly hear the Amazon's roughened breathing, over the snapping of the fire, and the odd thump from the kitchen on the other side of the wall. Footsteps caught her attention though, ones she recognized, and she glanced towards the door as it pushed inward, and her partner strolled in, juggling a platter and two large mugs. She closed the door behind her with one booted foot, and crossed to the bard, settling down cross-legged on the floor next to where she was sitting. She handed Gabrielle a large steaming bowl, and took one for herself. "Here." This with a grin. "It's one of my favorites."

"Oooo.." Gabrielle selected a choice tidbit from the bowl and popped it in her mouth. The bowl was filled with a mixture of steamed grains, and a variety of meats, some chicken, fish, chunks of sausage, mixed in a tangy sweet sauce that Gabrielle immediately adored. "Oh wow.. I like this." She dug in with enthusiasm, chasing down mouthfuls of the stuff with sips of hot mulled wine that Xena had also brought.

"Thought you would." Xena mumbled, concentrating on her own bowl. "Haven't had this in.. " She stopped absolutely still for an instant. "It was Lyceus' favorite too." She finished quietly, prodding the food about with her fork.

Gabrielle studied the bent head next to her, and reached out to stroke the soft dark hair sympathetically. "You miss him, don't you."

Xena nodded silently, then took a deep breath and continued eating. "Sometimes, something like this just reminds me."

The bard gave her back a gentle fingertip rub. "Wish I could go back and change that for you."

The warrior stopped eating again, and played with a piece of fish idly. "No you don't." She replied, looking up and catching Gabrielle's eyes. "And I wouldn't want that either." Her face was peaceful. "Some things are just meant to happen, Gabrielle." She speared a piece of meat, and held it up, raising an eyebrow.

Gabrielle leaned over and took it neatly in her teeth, then bit down, and found herself being kissed as Xena took the other half back. "Mmm..." She chuckled, as they broke apart and smiled at each other. "I guess they are."

"Kids are awake." Xena informed her, returning her attention to her lunch temporarily. "Cait's taking them on a tour."

"Hmm.. that could be dangerous." The bard mused, taking a long swallow from her mug. Then she studied the beverage. "I think I'm getting used to this stuff. I hardly feel it anymore."

Xena glanced at her. "I noticed." She replied quietly. "Be careful with that."

Gabrielle glanced at the mug, then glanced at her partner, and smiled. "One addiction at time, thanks. I prefer you." She paused, and cocked her head to one side. "Cute blush." She commented softly, running a fingertip up Xena's neck, and watching the small muscles just under her skin tense in reflex.

They finished lunch, and settled back to keep an eye on Ephiny. Xena waited until the bard had set their dishes aside, and settled on the floor next to her, snuggling up against her left side with a contented sigh before she spoke. "Gabrielle?"

"Huh?" The bard kept her eyes closed, and let her fingers play with a lock of Xena's dark hair.

Xena wrapped her arms around her partner and held her securely. "We need to send word to the Amazons." In her gentlest voice. "Tonight."

Gabrielle's eyes opened. "Why? I thought we were...." She stopped, and her gaze went to Ephiny's face, then up to Xena's. "But... you said.. "

"I know." The warrior replied. "But her lungs are filling up pretty bad, and I..." She paused as the bard buried her face in the fabric of Xena's shirt. "Look.. it's probably going to be ok.. I just.. they should know, Gabrielle." Silence. "Toris said he'd go.. he'll leave right away."

"I'll go." The bard whispered, clenching her fists in the fabric.

Xena stroked her face gently. "I think she'd want you to be here, love." No word about her not wanting Gabrielle out there on the road. No word about it being too dangerous. She'd learned the hard way what mattered to her partner. "Especially now."

Felt the slump in her shoulders, as the words registered and Gabrielle felt the truth of them. "Toris will get there fast.. you know him.. and by the time he gets back, everything will probably be fine." Xena hesitated. "It's just a precaution, Gabrielle... besides, you know we can't leave for a few days anyway - it's not fair to keep them worrying."

That made sense, to Gabrielle's tense mind. If it was Xena, I'd want to know. She thought about that for a minute. Of course, if it was Xena, I *would* know. "All right." She sighed, relaxing a little. "You're right...I just wasn't expecting you to say that." She let her head drop onto Xena's shoulder. "She says you give good hugs, by the way." A wicked glance up at Xena's surprised face.

"That wasn't a hug." The warrior objected, with a scowl. Oh.. let's not get started with this….

"I love it when people tell me how lucky I am." The bard teased her, poking her ribcage gently. "And you do give good hugs."

"Gabrielle..." A low warning growl. "I am not a huggy person."

The bard let her eyes travel down her partner's body, taking in the two of them locked in a close embrace. Her eyebrow raised with stunning impact.

"You're different." Xena grumbled.

"You're a mushball." Gabrielle pleasantly informed her, tapping her chest with one finger. "You are busted, big time, and I'm not going to let you get away with that 'I'm too tough for my leathers' attitude anymore."

"I am NOT a mushball." Xena protested indignantly.

Gabrielle gazed up at her, with a little smile, and watched her partner melt. "Yes you are." She said softly, with an impish grin. "But I won't tell anyone. I promise."

"You'd better not." The warrior grumbled, but her mouth quirked. "I have a reputation to maintain, you know."

They settled down for a long watch, listening to the sounds of late afternoon activity going on next door, and hearing the rattling of the wind against the window shutters. Gabrielle found herself drifting, and burrowed deeper into Xena's warm embrace, feeling the warrior's hands start a gentle rubbing on her back that was pulling her down into a pleasant drowsy haze, her eyes falling shut against her will.

At last the only sound was three sets of breathing, and as the shadows of the gathering darkness outside deepened in the room, the firelight reflecting off two pale heads, and the steady, alert glint of deep blue eyes that stood watch. Xena kept a small bowl of water by her, and kept rinsing out a folded linen cloth, laying it on the Amazon's hot forehead. Ephiny stirred restlessly, caught in her fever, and murmured under her breath; Xena caught Phantes name and felt her heart clench a little as her other arm tightened unconsciously around Gabrielle's soundly sleeping body.

Soft footsteps and clawclicks caught her attention, and she hesitated, glancing at Gabrielle's peaceful face before she shrugged mentally, and glanced up at the door. He's my brother. And hers too now. They need to get used to seeing this. Then she turned her view inward. I need to get used to them seeing this.

It pushed open, and Toris poked his head in.

He spotted them, and barely wiped a grin off his face before he opened the door wider, letting Ares squeeze through and trot over to them. with a snuffling growl.

"Hey boy." Xena called softly, going nose to nose with him and letting him lick her face. If I'm gonna be a mushball, might as well go all the way, right? Right. "Hi." She added to Toris, who padded over and settled himself next to her. "You ready to go?"

"Yeah." He answered softly, "Any change?" His jaw jerked towards Ephiny.

Xena waggled her hand. "Fever's worse. But she's pretty tough." She ducked her free hand inside her belt pouch, and came up with something, which she handed to Toris. "Here. That'll give you free passage through Amazon territory."

He nodded, and carefully put the signet ring on, admiring it in the firelight. "I have to find Eponin, or Solari, right?" He ran his fingers through his hair. "It's getting ready to storm again, or I'd offer to take the girls back with me. They're driving mom nuts. " He leaned his head next to hers, and she caught the spicy scent of the leathers and thick wool he was wearing. "She says they're worse than we were."

Xena made a face, and they both grinned. She reached over and tugged his tunic laces, drawing them shut. "Be careful, all right?"

Toris nodded. "I will." Then his gaze dropped to Gabrielle's peacefully sleeping form wrapped around his sister and he smiled. "You'd think she'd pick something softer to use as a pillow."

Green eyes drifted open and found his for a second. "Nope.. " The bard drawled sleepily. "I like my mattresses on the firm side" She thumped Xena's belly with a softly curled fist, and closed her eyes again, snuggling closer with a blissful sigh.

Toris looked like he was thinking about making a comment, but instead bit his lip and patted his sister's shoulder. "Good luck…"

"Same to you." Xena said, as she watched him get up and move towards the door.

"Thank the gods it's dark." The short, stocky man murmured to his gray horse, as he stood in the shadows of the forest, waiting for a galloping group of mounted horsemen to pass. They were dressed in scrungy leathers and furs, and he imagined he could detect the stench of them from where he was standing. "Hang In there, fella. Not much longer now." He reassured the horse, who nuzzled his chest insistently.

He fastened his cloak, and moved carefully out into the open, pale eyes searching the horizon for more outlaws. "Hope that's the last of them." Not that he minded a good fight, of course, and in fact, under normal circumstances he'd have been glad to go up against the scrubby fellows. But not now.. not when he had somewhere he had to get to, someone he had to find. Whom he hoped fervently would help him. With a sigh, he set foot to stirrup, and pulled his tired, cold body up into the saddle, pointing his steed's head towards the road. A road that soon, he prayed, would end up in Amphipolis.

Clicking his tongue, he kneed the horse, and settled into it's uncomfortable rhythm, the beast not having the most even of strides. I hope I know what I’m doing here. He went over his thoughts for the hundredth time. Ok ok.. I need help. Right? Right. I can't do this by myself, I tried, and it just didn't work. Gotta have help. So.. who do I know who can help break into a castle? He reached up and brushed curly blond hair off his forehead, then unstopped a waterskin and took a swallow. Limited choices, right? Right. I need someone who can break into a castle, and I know a couple of guys that can do that, but I also need someone stubborner than he is.

The blond man shook his head. That narrows my choices. And I need someone he'll listen to. And that eliminates all but one. I just hope she'll.. Oh, don’t' be dumb. Of course she'll help. He knew the verbal babbling was mostly to keep his mind off his own gnawing worry.

Long hours of riding didn't help his thoughts. The landscape went from scrubby brush to deep forest, and that at least made him feel a trifle better for being under some kind of cover, though the sound of his mount's hoofbeats seemed to reverberate against the looming trees, louder than he thought they should be.

The horse trotted on, into a stiffening and dampening wind that cut through his cloak like it was made of open weave, and chilled him to the core. Great. Just great, it's going to rain again, and I can't afford to stop. Damn, damn damn… why can't anything ever go right? He reached under the cloak and drew his patchwork leather vest closer, tying the front closed and huddling closer to the horse's neck.

The last of the deep forest cleared, and then he was out in the open, and travelling across a landscape only fitfully slivered with moonlight as the scudding clouds overhead shifted and boiled. A thick scent of rain filled his nostrils, and he pulled the hood of his cloak firmly over his head, and urged the gray faster.

A laugh behind him, and the sound of thudding hooves. Oh Hades in a bucket. His mind groaned, as he turned in the saddle, and saw the rough group gaining on him. He glanced around him, sensing rather than seeing the onset of tilled fields now fallow, and the barest outlines of a populated territory.

"Come on, you nag." He growled, leaning forward onto the horse's withers, and giving it his heel. "We need to get a move on." He wrapped the reins around his hands, and urged the animal forward, barely hearing a hollow owl's hoot that seemed to echo in his ears. He looked back, they were still gaining, and now he could see the drawn swords in their hands. So.. they weren't just looking to steal. He jerked his gaze forward, and gave the horse a solid wallop on the side, gaining an appreciable increase in speed.

Wasn’t going to be enough, he realized, when the hoofbeats grew suddenly louder. And dammit, I can't stop - I don’t have the time, and what if I get hurt? Too much is riding on me..He heard lash of leather on flesh as the lead riders grew near, and felt the harsh coldness as the clouds gave up their burden and the rain lashed against his face.

Xena let Gabrielle sleep until after dusk, when she had to get up and light candles, or be left in darkness. The bard gave up her warm spot reluctantly, but also rose and helped Xena mix a new dose of medicine for the restlessly feverish Ephiny.

They worked in silence, with a teamwork built over their years of living together, of knowing motion and gesture and intent so well that one could begin a motion and the other end it with scarcely a jar between them.

"C'mon, Eph." Gabrielle called softly, wiping the feverish brow. "Hey.. come on now.. we got some more of this nasty stuff for you." No response from the Amazon, and Gabrielle cast a worried look over her shoulder at her partner. "Xena.."

A hand on her shoulder, pressing gently. "I expected this." Xena's voice quietly said. "Help me get her up. We've got to get this stuff in her anyway." This time Gabrielle slid in behind Ephiny, holding the Amazon upright while Xena expertly poured small amounts of the medicine into the blond woman's mouth, then touched a point in her jaw, getting a convulsive swallow from it.

The Amazon moaned softly as they settled her back down on the pillow, and Gabrielle's jaw clenched. "Isn't there anything else we can do?" Her eyes turned to Xena, imploring.

Biting back an impatient remark, Xena busied herself making some tea, battling the frustration she always felt when her healing skills could go so far, and no further. She was wrestling with her temper when a gentle hand slipped around hers. She looked sideways at Gabrielle.

"Sorry." The bard said, giving her hand a little squeeze. "If there was anything else you'd be doing it. That was a dumb thing to ask." The bard's green eyes shone with quiet regret. "I’m just really worried about her."

Xena felt her irritation dissolve as though by magic, and she found a smile creeping onto her face. "I know." She acknowledged. "I am too.. and it's really.. it bugs me when I can't do more." Was a time.. she mused, when we'd both have bottled that up until one or the other of us exploded. I guess we've both changed, a little. Good thing too.. she reflected.Gods, those arguments really used to hurt.. more than I ever let on. Wonder if she ever realized?

It had been a bad one, she remembered. What had it been about? Gods… could have been anything.. oh yeah. For once it wasn't plans, or leaving behind, or who got to pick where they stopped.

All she'd been trying to do was to get Gabrielle out of the way long enough to arrange for a little treat.. it having been a long pair of fortnights, and the weather had been atrocious. Just a night in a really nice inn, with a full fledged all out dinner - nothing much, but she couldn’t surprise Gabrielle if the bard was there listening to her arrange for it.

So she'd.. ok, the method was lousy. She'd told her to just run off and bother someone else for a few minutes. She'd realized the minute the words were out of her mouth it was a mistake, from the icy coldness that settled in the bard's normally open, green eyes. Gabrielle had turned on her heel and left, only turning to look at Xena and spit out "Maybe I'll do that on a more permanent basis. It's obvious I'm wasting my time with you."

The lancing pain that caused had surprised her, shocked her so badly she'd stood there for a few minutes just hurting. It hadn't been that long since Thessaly, and she had still been trying to come to terms with her deepening feelings for the bard, and had left herself wide open for something like this. And had reminded herself just why she'd made a decision a long time ago never to let anyone get that close, ever again.

This was why, because only people you let get inside could hurt you like this. And, oh, it hurt. Worse than her army turning on her. Worse than her mother spurning the sight of her. Half-heartedly, she went ahead with her plans, hardly knowing why she was bothering. Then she wandered into the stable, and sought solace, as she often had, with Argo, who leant the length of her golden neck and her warm presence.

She'd been grooming the mare when the bard had returned, finding her with angry footsteps that jarred Xena's composure. So she'd kept her eyes firmly on the golden coat, and her hand's rhythmic passes with the currycomb.

"I guess it's time to go find some bush to sleep under." Gabrielle's sarcastic comment made her close her eyes, but the bard couldn't see that with her back turned.

"We're staying here overnight." She'd answered in a monotone. Not even daring to turn around and look Gabrielle in the face. "There's a room upstairs."

"Fine." The bard had said, and left.

I wanted to do something nice. She'd cried in frustration. How did I manage to make it go so wrong? She'd leaned her arms on Argo's broad back, and let her forehead rest on the warm surface. Damn.. give it up, Xena. You're just not capable of having a normal friendship, much less.. Her thoughts had stopped there, as they always did.

Footsteps behind her, and a familiar presence, and she steeled herself for further anger. Perhaps the room wasn't to the bard's liking. The footfalls had slowed as she approached, then became hesitant. A pair of hands touched Argo's gleaming side, and stroked her, then the bard leaned forward, pressing against Argo's side so that she could see Xena's face.

Their eyes met. "You were planning this." Gabrielle stated quietly.

Xena had dropped her gaze to the mane she was untangling, and given a curt nod.

"As a surprise." The bard continued.

Another curt nod from Xena, who bit her lip to keep from tossing the bard's words back into her face. .because a deep instinct told her that would damage their friendship more than it already was. And something in her just didn't want that to happen. "Guess I should have found a different way to distract you." She'd said, in a cold, remote voice.

A hand lifted off Argo's coat, and then she felt the warm pressure on her wrist, as fingers curled around her arm, stilling it's motion, and forcing her attention to the quiet form by her side. She turned to meet mist green eyes, that, open and honest, captured hers with effortless ease.

"I'm sorry." Gabrielle had said, simple words spoken right from a gentle heart.

It shouldn’t have been that easy. Two words, one look, and a single touch, and her soul crept tremulously out into the light and she opened herself up to the pain all over again. She was helpless to prevent it; helpless to stop her own desperate need for this fragile friendship of theirs. "It's all right.." Was what she'd said.

Gabrielle had stepped closer, with a look of regret. "No it's not." She shook her head slowly. "I lied."

Xena had studied her quietly. "About what?"

And the bard had given her a tentative, shy smile. "If I spent a thousand years with you, I wouldn't have wasted one single second."

"So.. whats the smile for?" The bard's voice, now assured and knowing, nudged her out of her memories. "Hmm?"

"Just thinking." Xena replied. "Let's put more salve on her, and then take a break and get some dinner. "

Gabrielle nodded quietly. "All right." She knelt at the Amazon's side, and spread the mixture across her slowly moving chest. "Xena?"

"Yes?" The warrior knelt at her side, and put an arm around her, watching her motions.

"If…" The bard let the thought trail off, turning her eyes to her partner.

Xena gave her a smile. "I go where you go."

Gabrielle's hands stilled, and she turned a surprised and wondering look on Xena. A slow smile shaped her features. "You mean that?"

One eyebrow curved up. "Yeah. Wanna make something of it??" Xena challenged, taking the jar out of the bard's hands. "Finish up." She stood and walked back over to the table, putting the jar down, and counting out her remaining herbs. I think.. I may have just crossed a line. She mused quietly to herself. And I think I liked that. "Come on - let's grab something quick. " She turned and caught the bard's concerned look. "I want to keep an eye on her."

The small group clustered by the fire, making last minute preparations. Granella looked up as Solari moved into the firelight, throwing back her cloak hood and exposing her dark hair. "Ready?" She asked quietly.

Granella finished tying off her dagger, and nodded. "Just about."

They looked at each other. The five other Amazons in the search party were strapping on carry bags with travel necessities in them. Water, and travel rations. Bedrolls. And in Granella's kit, a full selection of healing herbs and bandages. Gods only hoped she wouldn't need them.

"I'm headed downriver." Granella told a weary looking Solari. "They were supposed to do traps, and a fishing lesson. Maybe.." She let her eyes meet the other Amazon's. "Maybe they just got held up by the weather."

"Yeah." Solari said softly. "Look.. Gran.." She paused, and looked at the ground. "Give it two days, heading downriver, all right."

Granella nodded slowly. "All right." She paused. "And then?"

"And then." Eponin sighed, joining them under the thatch. "Let the other five keep hunting, and you.. " She paused. "You head for Amphipolis."

Granella closed her eyes in acknowledgement, wishing for a single, brief moment that she was in Amphipolis right now. Turning this problem over to Gabrielle, who would, in turn, hand it to Xena, who would wave her magic wand and just make things right.

She knew it really wasn't like that. Really. But impossible things became more possible when you were around people who came back from the dead with studied nonchalance.Gabrielle.. That brought another thought. Damn.. she and Ephiny are close. She's not going to take this news well. "Let me get going." She sighed, tightening the clasp on her cloak.

Solari gave her a quick hug, and gripped her head in both hands, forcing eye contact. "Granella, you be careful, all right? All of you? This.. is just a precaution." She forced optimism into her voice, which the dour weather and the haunting anxiety had evaporated long before. "When you find them, you tell Ephiny she owes us for this, OK?"

Granella patted her side. "I will, I promise." Artemis, grant that I have the opportunity.

The scouting party set off down the rough-hewn path that led out of the village and towards the winding high pass road.

Xena listened to the wind rising outside, and walked over to the window to look out, stretching kinks out of her spine from hours kneeling at Ephiny's bedside trying to calm the Amazon's fevered hysteria.

The blond warrior's fever had risen to the point where she was unaware of her surroundings, and had started to relive some horrible times, judging from her hoarse screams. Fights, must have been, Xena had realized, and only her strength had been able to hold the Amazon down, and kept her from doing herself damage.

She's screamed Phantes' name over and over, and struggled hard, reliving the battle that had cost the centaur his life, back in Thessaly. That had brought tears to Gabrielle's eyes, and the bard had spent a long time with Ephiny's hands clasped in her own, gently reassuring her while Xena had cradled the woman against her to keep her safe from herself.

It was draining, especially since it brought back Thessaly, and that was a night Xena tried not to think about. She stared out into the darkness, listening to the sounds in the room behind her, the shift of the linens as Gabrielle tried to make Ephiny more comfortable, and the bard's low voice as she soothed the Amazon.

The fever had broken for now, and Ephiny had blinked to hazy awareness, enough to take another dose of the herbal mixture, and make a very feeble joke or two.

Gabrielle tucked the blankets in around Ephiny's shoulders, and gave her a pat. "You relax now, Eph. You're going to be fine."

The blond Amazon peered wearily up at her. "F'all I've been doin is lying her, how come I’m so damned tired?"

The bard let a grin quirk her mouth. "Your fever went up a bit.. you were very busy reliving some great Amazon battles. Xena had to hold you down."

"Eeep." Ephiny sighed. "Sorry."

"Not your fault." Gabrielle smiled, just glad to have her talking sense. "She needed the exercise." Looking up, she saw the jerk of the shoulder blades as that got a short laugh from her partner. "You just take it easy now." She wrapped her hand around Ephiny's. "We sent word to the village."

Hazy pale eyes studied her. "Thanks… gonna get my butt kicked for this."

"Why?" Gabrielle laughed gently.

"Tried to get me not to …" Ephiny stopped to cough. "Go out."

The bard cocked her head. "Well, actually, I was going to ask you about that. What on earth were you doing out there? Couldn't Eponin or Solari, or a half dozen others have done this?"

A dark shadow fell over them, and they both looked up to see Xena's tall form backlit by the fire. "Let me guess. You got cabin fever."

Ephiny actually blushed, almost invisibly against her fever's high color. "No.. no.." She started to protest, then glanced up and saw the amused and understanding sparkle in Xena's blue eyes. "Yeah. Somethin like that." She muttered, and pulled the covers up over her head.

Xena chuckled lightly. "Be right back." She ruffled Gabrielle's hair, and moved towards the door.

"Get me something to drink too?" The bard called absently, as she wrung out the rag they'd been using for Ephiny's fever in the water for what seemed the thousandth time.

"Sure." Xena replied, as the door closed behind her.

Ephiny pulled the covers down, and gazed at her curiously. "How'd you know?"

"Know what?" Gabrielle asked, wiping her brow down.

'She was goin for a drink?" The Amazon tilted her head a little, and studied Gabrielle's face.

Ares rose from his curled spot next to the fire and nudged Gabrielle's hand. She patted him gently as she tried to come up with an answer. How did I know? I must have.. thought about how long it was since dinner, and the fact that she cleared her throat twice, and … "I have no idea.' She said quietly. "Just a hunch, I guess." But it hadn't been, and she knew it. She'd known, in that unthinking way that she'd come to associate with their connection, which wasn't something she wanted to discuss with Ephiny. Not now.

They both heard the commotion outside, and Gabrielle rose to her feet with a wince. "What the heck.." Excited voices rumbled through the wood, punctuated suddenly by Xena's strong tenor. "Be right back."

She ducked out the door, and spotted a small knot of villagers in capes around Xena's tall form. The warrior looked up as she moved into the room and their eyes met. A jerk of the head drew her closer, in time to hear the last of the lookout's report.

"There's a round dozen of them, Xena, chasing one bit of a lad in, he's making a run for it. Must know he's close in to us." This was Terrell, the village blacksmith who had a love for intrigue, and was one of her most faithful students at staff lessons. Gabrielle's brow creased as she considered the news.

"Looking for his horse, and his clothes, more than likely." Xena answered, in a grim tone. "I'll take care of this." And then she was moving towards the door, reaching for her cloak with one hand and her sword with the other, tucking the blade under her arm.

Gabrielle vaulted a bench, and got to her as she reached the door. "Cabin fever?" She halted the warrior with a hand on her forearm. Their eyes met, and she saw a faint twinkling acknowledgment there.

"Best person for the job." The warrior countered, spreading an arm out, and cocking an eyebrow at her in question.

That got a grudging smile from the bard, and a nod of agreement. "Be careful." She watched Xena head for the barn at a run, ducking inside the structure for what seemed like bare seconds, then the door swung wide again, and Argo's golden form appeared, snorting against the driving rain. Bareback.. oh gods, Xena… The warrior vaulted aboard and got her seat with an easy motion, then wrapped one hand in the mare's mane, and drew her sword with the other, tossing the scabbard neatly onto the porch of the inn.

Then in a scattering of watery hoofbeats, they were gone.

The gray horse was tiring, he could feel it under his legs, and hear it in the labored breathing, as the animal tossed its head against the stinging rain. He sighed, and crouched lower, thinking about what to do when they caught up to him. Hoofbeats grew in his ears, and he could now sense them to either side.

A quick turn of his head showed the leader not a body length behind him, and the fitful lightning outlined the long, curved blade in his hands. The man grinned in triumph, and raised the sword, maneuvering his horse closer to the laboring gray.

The sword lifted, and arced. The blond haired man prepared to duck, saw the brilliant flare of lightning off the blade.

Then a thunder of hoofbeats collided with his senses, and a wild, familiar yell sent fire up and down his spine. The leader's head jerked up, but it was too late. A slice took off his sword arm, then a second nearly cut him in half, as blood spattered over them, an ethereal sensation that mixed the hot with the cold rain.

Then the rain and mud churned frantically as the outlaw band saw what was in their midst and tried to stop. It was a nightmare of golden flanks, and dark hair, and wild blue eyes. And a sword that flickered through them, finding unerring targets.

A few of them escaped, kicking their horses for all they were worth, heading back down the road, hearing a laugh follow them.

Xena shook her head, flipping the sword around in her hand and letting it rest on her thigh as she turned to study the outlaw band's quarry. A short man, darkness shrouded, who was sitting his horse as though stunned. She kneed Argo closer, and he swept the hood of his cloak back, just a flash of lightening neatly outlined his features.

Xena blinked in surprise. "Iolaus." She leaned closer. "Damn.. what are you doing here?"

Iolaus released a long breath, and shoved the damp hair back from his eyes. "Looking for you." He sighed. "It's a really long story."

"Me?" The warrior gave him a strange look. "Why.. " Then her gaze glanced around them. "Where's Hercules?"

Silence from Iolaus.

"That's part of the long story." Xena concluded, seeing the look in his pale eyes. "All right, let's go." She motioned ahead with the sword. "Town's not far." She studied him. "You look like you could use a dry bed and a meal."

Iolaus felt an unnerving sense of relief flowing through him. "Yes, that would be nice." He glanced up at her. "By the way, thanks." His head jerked towards the huddled, dark bodies in the road.

Xena looked up from watching the rain wash the blood off her blade. "No problem." She glanced back at the road. "Usually they know better than to come in this close. Probably didn't see the town marker." She kneed Argo forward, shaking her head to clear the dark, wet hair from her eyes.

Iolaus followed, not without one last glance at the bodies. Was I crazy to come looking for her? I know.. I know.. she's changed.. but then I see her do something like that… and I realize some things just don’t' change. His eyes darted ahead, and he studied her as she rode a little before him.

Not in armor or her usual leathers, he realized, just a thick woolen tunic and leggings that made her seem.. less threatening, somehow. More.. ordinary, until that head turned, and those eyes touched his, and he remembered.. everything. I had no choice. He reminded himself. And she really is different now - she came to help us out that last time, without even being asked. Just.. there we were getting the crap kicked out of us and all of a sudden.. bam. Never thought I'd be glad to see her, but that day.. I was.

It was a fairly quiet, rain swept ride in, and he was very glad to see the fluttering, shielded torches that marked the boundary of the village. They pulled to a stop next to a snug looking inn, and he recognized Gabrielle's sturdy form in the small group waiting for them. Her eyes lit on him as he mounted the stairs, and brightened with surprise.

"Iolaus!" The bard half laughed, half spoke, moving through the crowd to give him a hug. "What are you doing here?" She pulled him inside the building, along with the small crowd of villagers. "Hold on a second."

He watched her cross, with graceful, confident steps over to where Xena was standing, talking to two of the village watchmen. The bard moved them aside gently, and went up face to face with the tall warrior, poking her sodden chest with an emphatic finger. He expected Xena to give her that familiar exasperated look. Expected the warrior to put her aside, with the rough but accepted touch he'd seen between them before.

He didn't expect the look of meek chagrin on Xena's well-defined features, or the gentle tweak she gave the bard's nose, as she turned and left the inn. He studied Gabrielle as she walked back over, and steered him to a seat near the fire. "We'll get you some dry clothes, Iolaus. You must be freezing."

"Thanks." Iolaus stripped off his cloak, and turned towards the fire, rubbing his numbed hands. "It was a long ride." He looked around. "Nice place." His pale eyes found hers. "So.. how have you been?"

Gabrielle scratched the side of her nose, and smiled. "Well, fine, thanks. And um.. things have been.. great." Her eyes glinted with hidden amusement. "How about you?"

"Oh." He said. "Can't complain." Well, I could, because here I am in the middle of the backwoods in a rainstorm begging for help. "A monster here, an ogre there, you know how it is with us."

She nodded slowly at him. "So.. how's Herc?" Getting right to the point, as she usually did. She looked around the room. "He saving damsels in distress somewhere?"

Iolaus took a deep breath, and chanced a look at her. Found her green eyes studying him intently, seeing past his bluffing. My gods, she's grown up. He suddenly realized. Her face had acquired leaner planes, and the gentle tracing of experience around her eyes and brow. When did that happen? "Well.. that's kind of why I’m here. But I'd rather wait to tell you when Xena gets back.. that way I only have to say it once."

Gabrielle bit her lip. "All right." She finally said. "She went to stable the horses, and get some dry clothes on. " Her eyes lifted past him. "Hi mom."

Iolaus turned and looked over his shoulder, startled. Mom? He saw a woman of middle height, with dark hair and light eyes who was holding a bundle of warm looking clothes.

"Here, lad." The woman said, handing him the clothes. "They'll be a bit long on you, but they're dry."

Gabrielle smiled. "Iolaus, meet Cyrene, Xena's mother. Cyrene, this is Iolaus, a very good friend of Hercules."

"Uhm.. thanks." Iolaus said, reaching out and taking the clothes. "I really appreciate that.. and uh.. it's nice to meet you."

Cyrene chuckled. "Nice to meet you too, Iolaus. Any friend of my daughter's is welcome here." Then she turned her attention to Gabrielle. "There's some soup stoking in the kitchen." She gave the bard's arm a pat, then bustled off.

Iolaus turned to Gabrielle, a thousand questions whirling in his head. First things first, though. "Mom??"

The bard's eyes took on a gentle gleam. "She kind of.. adopted me." Then she glanced down. "This is her inn.. she lives here, and so does Xena's brother Toris, whose clothes those probably are."

"Oh." Iolaus said, turning the fabric over in his hands. "I didn't know she had any family." He looked up and grinned, then stood and stripped off his leather vest, which Gabrielle took from him and hung near the fire. The he pulled a warm tunic over his head, and sighed gratefully. "Oh boy, that feels great." He glanced at the length. "Wow.."

Gabrielle laughed. "Yeah, he's pretty tall.. a little taller than she is, really." She twitched the fabric. "And I've worn her shirts, so I know how that feels."

It was an innocent statement, but the tone of her voice caught his attention, and he looked more closely at her. "Well… the quiet life seems to be agreeing with you. " He turned her towards the fire with a friendly grin. "You look really great."

That got a bashful smile from the bard. "Thanks.. it's been nice to be home for while." Then she tugged his arm. "Sit down and take those boots off. I can hear you squishing from here."

He did, wincing at the pain of his cold stiffened feet. "Ouch." He sighed.

"Now the trousers." Gabrielle persisted, with a tiny twinkle in her eyes. "Come on.. that's a long shirt, I can't see anything."

He glared at her, but acquiesced, with a mumble.

"There.. now doesn't that feel better?' She asked, giving him a tolerant look. " I swear, you fighters are all alike. Stubborn as the day is long."

"Hey!" Iolaus objected, settling himself down at the table, and really enjoying the heat of the fire at his back. "Don't be lumping me in with everyone else." He waited for her to settle down across from him, then watched as her attention was caught by something behind him. He saw the corners of her mouth twitch, and her eyes grow warm, and he turned to see what she was looking at. The door had opened, and Xena was making her way back towards them, carrying three large mugs with her usual display of negligent strength. He darted a glance back at Gabrielle's face, and his brow creased.

Gabrielle had always.. well, he'd put it down to hero worship, given that she'd picked a rather odd hero to worship, that is. Her steadfast devotion to the dour ex warlord had been the subject of many late evening discussions between himself and Hercules, when they'd run out of mythological tales to talk about. Purely for research, of course, since Zeus only knew what they'd get thrown at them next. Certainly, heroes of their caliber didn't indulge in idle gossip. No.

The girl had been undeniably shattered at Xena's death, even he'd seen that, right through her protestations that she'd be 'fine'. And Herc had looked.. thoughtful.. when he'd caught back up to him and passed on the bad news. Hadn't even looked particularly surprised when she turned back up again, which he'd been too busy to comment on then.

But this look now.. Iolaus was no expert, no, not by any stretch, but…if he didn't know any better, if he didn't know both of them, and their history, and how they traveled around together, he'd have sworn that… Nah. Iolaus, you're imagining things. It's been a long day, and you're overtired. This is Xena and Gabrielle here, remember? He looked up as the warrior took a seat next to the bard, and shoved a mug of steaming something or other at him.

"Here." She said, in her typically gruff style. Then her blue eyes traveled his length and a quirky smile crossed her face. "Well, it looks better on you than on Toris." She turned her face towards Gabrielle. "Mom's keeping an eye on Eph."

The smell coming from the mug distracted him, and he accepted the spoon Gabrielle handed over and spent some minutes just inhaling the contents. "Zeus, that's good stuff." He finally sighed, wiping his mouth. "Thanks, I didn't realize just how hungry I was…"

Gabrielle laughed. "Another new devotee to mom's cooking." This with a poke at Xena's shoulder. That got her a look back, and a return poke. "So.. " Gabrielle now turned her eyes to him, her face going serious. "What's up?"

Iolaus folded his strong hands on the table, and sighed. Now that it came right down to telling the story, he felt strangely reluctant, as though by telling it, that made it somehow more real. Finally, he looked up, focusing on Gabrielle's eyes, much easier to bear than Xena's ice blue ones. "We were… it was yet another monster, right? A three headed dragon that was attacking these villages about four, five days walk from here."

Xena nodded. "I'd heard something like that, and that you guys were involved."

"You did?" Iolaus stopped, and gave her a look. "Wow. I guess news travels fast around here."

The warrior glanced down at the table, and studied her hands. "I try to keep an ear out for you two.. my sources know that."

"Oh." The blond man said, nonplussed. "Well, anyway. We got rid of the dragon, but Herc got bitten.. and then we got chased by this crowd of .. oh, I don't know what they were… but we ended up in a ravine.. and by that time whatever it was that the dragon poisoned Herc with took effect, and.. well, I couldn’t hold all of them off. They knocked me out, and took him. "

"Only him?" Xena questioned carefully, her eyes sharp.

Iolaus nodded. "Yeah, they left me there.. took my gear. I was out.. I don't know, a couple of candlemarks, not that long." He cleared his throat. "Sorry."

Xena stood, and walked away, and he waited, giving Gabrielle a puzzled look. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No." The bard said, resting her chin on one hand. "She's probably gone to get you a drink." Sure enough, Xena ambled back over with three mugs of ale, and put them down, then resettled herself in her chair, and cocked her head, waiting.

"Thanks." Iolaus took a hesitant sip, then his eyes widened. "Hey, this is good stuff." He gave them both a look. "I can see why you like staying here." He took another deep swallow, and then put the mug down. This was the hard part. "All right. So I followed them." He traced a line in the woodgrain with a fingernail. "To this castle, right? Where I figured they were holding him hostage."

"So.. you went in to find out." Gabrielle said, absorbing the tale.

"Sure." Iolaus shrugged. "It's that sidekick thing, right?" This got a grin, and a little chuckle from Gabrielle, and a snort from Xena. "Yeah, so I got in there, and I found him all right." He stopped, and looked at his hands. "He… " His eyes rose, and met theirs, or more specifically, Gabrielle's. "It must be the poison." His head shook slowly back and forth. "He wasn't being held.. he .. he told me he'd finally found where he'd belonged."

He felt Gabrielle's hand reach out and encircle his own. "He didn't even know who I was." His eyes bored into the bard's heartsick. "And he was doing things.. horrible things.. Gabrielle, he was torturing people, using his strength."

"What??" Xena asked, leaning forward and capturing his attention fully. "Are you telling me he was hurting innocent people?" Her head shook violently. "Iolaus, that's impossible."

His light eyes clouded with sad concern. "I thought so to. But I saw it, Xena. I saw him break this woman's arm."

Xena leaned back her chair, visibly upset. "Damn." The ex warlord cursed.. "Wonder who's behind this little disaster."

Iolaus sighed in minor relief. "You think the gods are behind it?" Please.. Xena.. tell me you do.. tell me you don't think its just..

The warrior snorted. "Damn straight I do. That's not Hercules. Not the one I know, and not the one you know, Iolaus. You two have been friends for years."

The blond man nodded. "That's what I thought too. That's why I came here…" He looked right at her now, still aware of Gabrielle's warm hand in his. "I needed.. someone who understood that.. and who would.. help me get him out of there."

Xena leaned back and studied him. She'd known that request was coming for some minutes now, and knew there was only one answer to it. By the pressure of Gabrielle's hand on her knee, the bard knew it too. No way for her to say no to Iolaus, to Hercules, who had triggered something in her that was only coming to it's full potential.

"Of course I'll help." Xena said, watching his shoulders relax imperceptibly. "But what makes you think he'll listen to me, if he won't to you, Iolaus? You and he are like brothers."

Iolaus looked away for a long minute. Here was the dangerous part, because if she took offense…but she deserved an answer. "He's.. in a very dark place right now." The blond man answered very carefully. "And.. "

"And I understand that better than anyone else does." Xena finished, leveling a stare at him.

Iolaus couldn’t look at her. "Something like that." He finally dared to look up, and met first Xena's eyes, which had a look of resigned acceptance. Then he shifted over to Gabrielle's, and was shocked to see dark anger there. The green eyes had gone icy cool, and she withdrew her hand from his. He was startled, and watched as she coiled herself up and took breath to speak.

A hand descended on her arm, and she paused, and looked over at Xena. "He's right." The warrior said gently. "It's OK."

"He is NOT right." Gabrielle fired back. "And it's NOT Ok." The two matched stares for an endless moment, then the bard's shoulders sagged, and her voice turned sad. "It's not." She said quietly.

Iolaus just sat there watching, hiding his confusion and waiting for this bewildering argument to end. He had no idea what was going on here, but he knew a disagreement when he saw one, and was just glad Gabrielle had turned her anger on Xena, and not on him. Finally, the bard turned and looked at him, chewing on her lip in some agitation.

"I.. didn't meant to.." Iolaus started, reaching out a hesitant hand to pat hers. "I meant no offense.. to either of you.. I just.. I know you've seen a lot of the darker sides of things, Xena, and you know better than anyone else how the gods work."

Xena nodded. "You're right, I do." She acknowledged, taking a long swallow of her ale. "I have a patient here.. I can't leave until our healer gets back sometime tomorrow. After that, we can head out."

Iolaus gazed at her. "A patient?"

"She occasionally does things other than butcher people." Gabrielle snapped, her temper obviously still high. "People always conveniently forget that." She stood and pushed her chair back. "I’m going to go check on Ephiny. I'll see you all later."

They watched her go, and Iolaus spread his hands wide in innocent bewilderment. "What did I do?"

Xena sighed deeply, and slung one leg over the arm of her chair, lifting her mug and taking a swallow. She gazed at him over the rim. "Gabrielle.. sometimes forgets what I am, Iolaus." The warrior leaned her head back against the wood. "And she'd like everyone else to forget it too. I'm sorry she snapped at you like that.. it's not your fault."

The blond man leaned forward. "I know you're not the way you were before, believe me."

"Aren't I?" Xena asked softly. "You just saw me cut down five people in less than a couple of breaths, Iolaus." Her eyes took on a feral look. "It's that side of me that you're looking to tap into, isn't' it? To understand what's going on with Herc?" She saw his increased breathing, and the sudden flutter at his pulse point. "You afraid of me, Iolaus?"

He looked at her for a long moment. "Yes."

Now the blue eyes held only sadness, and she nodded. "I'll do what I can for him." She sighed. "Don't worry about Gabrielle.. she'll calm down after a bit. She's also upset because she can't go with us.. because my patient is Ephiny, the Amazon Queen." She saw his blank look. "Gods.. don't tell me we never told you."

"Told me.. what?" Iolaus felt at sea. "What does Gabrielle have to do with the Amazons?"

Xena laughed wearily. "She's.. well, Ephiny's actually the Amazon regent. Gabrielle is the rightful Queen."

Iolaus' jaw dropped. "No centaur poop."

The warrior nodded. "Yep. She sure is."

"Damn." The blond man breathed. "So.. why isn't she… what's she doing…" Abruptly his mind put together Gabrielle's strange reactions, the fact that she was here, her gentle looks, and the steadfast devotion and came up with an answer. A wrong one, as it happened, but an answer. He felt quite sorry for the kid.. it must be very hard. "She's got a crush on you, right?" The words were out before he could stop them, before he thought about who it was he was asking this of.

Xena almost spit her mouthful of ale at him. She closed her eyes, and concentrated on swallowing, then put the cup down carefully, and leaned forward, resting her muscular forearms on the table, and gazing at him. "Umm.. no." She played with the mug for a minute. "That's.. no, Iolaus. She doesn't."

"Aw, c'mon Xena." The man propped his head on his hand. "It's pretty obvious."

"Iolaus, drop it." Xena's voice became serious. "You don't know what you're talking about." Abruptly she stood, and drained her mug. "Mom has a room for you. Get some sleep - we'll leave as soon as the healer gets back tomorrow."

"Ok.. ok..' Iolaus raised his hands in defense. "I can tell when a subject's off limits." He gave her a knowing grin. "Thanks for everything, Xena. I mean that."

She nodded at him. "Anytime, Iolaus." Then walked through the inn, towards a small door set in the rear that he hadn't even noticed when he came in. He drained his cup, and looked around, seeing an older man, who was looking expectantly at him. Setting the cup down, he walked over to him and the man gestured upstairs.

"Iolaus, is it? " The older man said, in a deep voice. "My name's Johan. Follow me to yer room,."

Xena hesitated, her fingers resting lightly on the door before she pushed it open, spotting Gabrielle leaning against the windowsill, just gazing out at the dark courtyard. The bard turned as she heard the door open.

Gabrielle saw the hesitant look on her partner's face, and that eased the still roiling anger in her guts. Come on, Gabrielle, let it go. This is going to be hard enough. "Hey." She said, crossing towards Xena, and reaching for her hands. "Look.. I'm.."

Xena avoided her hands, and captured her face instead. "Don't apologize… you're the only defender of my honor I have." A pause. "Such as it is." Then her hands dropped, and she turned her attention to the quietly sleeping Amazon, kneeling at the bedside, and resting a hand on the blond woman's head. "Good." She said quietly, cocking her head and listening to the Amazon's breathing. "She's fighting this off."

Gabrielle studied the kneeling form with a heartsick feeling. "Xena.."

"Yeah?" The warrior turned, and looked up at her.

"Come on over here.. let's talk for a minute, OK?" The bard said, holding out a hand to her.

Xena allowed herself to be pulled to her feet, and led towards the chair. Just short of it, she smiled quietly to herself, and stopped moving, causing the bard to be pulled off balance.

"Hey!" Gabrielle cried, softly, then sighed, as Xena slid in front of her, and dropped into the chair, pulling the bard down onto her lap. "Oh." She slid her arms around Xena's neck, and they just spent a minute gazing at each other. Then Xena very deliberately pulled her closer, and kissed her, making the contact last a while, until she felt the bard's body melt into hers, and one hand absently detach itself from around her neck as her fingertips stroked the side of Xena's face.

They let their mouths drift apart enough to meet each other's eyes, and Xena let a slow smile etch her face. "Now.. what were you saying?"

The bard's eyes were warm and dreamy. "Did you do that to distract me?"

"Uh huh." Xena confirmed.

"It worked." Gabrielle confessed, nuzzling her neck, and giving her a tiny nip.

Xena closed her eyes at the contact, and felt her breathing catch. "Thought it might."

The bard sighed. "Sorry I blew up." She played with the laces on Xena's crimson tunic "I must be getting ready to cycle or something.. that's twice today."

Xena let her hands roam down the bard's body, feeling the knots of tension, and working them with strong fingers, finally ending up at the base of her spine. "Good diagnosis." She said knowingly, as she kneaded the spot.

"Ungh." The bard mumbled. "What the Hades am I going to do without you for a few days?" She let her eyes run lazily up Xena's neckline. "I'll never survive." She laughed a little at herself. "I couldn’t even wait for you to get back the other night. I had to come tromping out in the middle of nowhere to find you."

Xena gazed lovingly at her. "That meant a lot to me, you know." She hesitated. "I'm not.. this thing.. Gabrielle, I have to do this."

The bard's brow creased. "Of course you do, love. I wish I was going with you." She touched Xena's lips with one fingertip, and smiled as the warrior caught it lightly between her teeth. "I thought.. " She stopped for a minute, then went on. "Maybe you'd look forward to something like this." A pause. "Cabin fever, and all that."

Xena's eyes were filled with a quiet sadness. "No." She answered, with a sigh. "This past month's been.. " Wonderful.. fantastic.. joyful.. "Better than I had any reasonable expectation of it being.. and.." Abruptly she fell silent, as the aching fear stole over her again. Gabrielle lifted her head, and stared at her, laying a hand flat on her chest above the heart she felt suddenly pounding.

"What's wrong?" The bard looked intently into her face, finding eyes that refused to meet her own. "Xena?"

"It's.. nothing." Came the whispered response. "Just.. me being a little dumb."

"Hey." Gabrielle's voice dropped, and went very serious. "That thing pounding in there belongs to me. " Now startled blue eyes met hers. "I've got a right to know what's going on with it."

That got her a twitching half smile, and she felt the rapid fluttering under her hand begin to slow. "That's a little better." She said softly. "Now, what's going on with you?"

Xena let her head rest against the wood of the chair, and regarded her partner. She's right. She has a right to know. "I.. never thought I'd.. ever let myself feel this way again."

Gabrielle kept silent.

"And now that I have.." Xena paused. "I get.. scared."

"Of what, love." The bard asked softly, stroking her arm with infinite gentleness.

Xena's eyes grew remote, and her face stilled. "That I'll wake up one morning, and it'll be gone."

"Oh, Xena." Gabrielle reached up and cupped her cheek. "Look at me." Blue eyes met hers. "That won't ever happen. I won't let it." The bard took a breath. "I promise you, Xena, I promise you that I will always, always be here for you." She felt tears well up and ignored them. "Always, you hear me?"

If I believe that.. I'm lost. Xena's practical mind told her. I go over the edge, and I can't ever come back.

She gazed into the green depths before her, noting, in the flickering candlelight, the barest golden sparkles scattered in the sea of mist. And knowingly, willingly, went over the edge. And believed.

Gabrielle felt it happen, saw the faint change in the crystal depths of the intelligent eyes locked on hers. Saw the leap of faith it had taken, when she herself had never had any doubts.. had always known in a deep, strong level that if she had reached out in any darkness, she'd have found Xena's steadying hand there to guide her. In the dreamscape Xena had told her that. And it had always been true, she could look back now and see it.

Now, it was her turn to give that back. To tie her soul so firmly to Xena's that there would never be an ending to this commitment she was making. To know she held not only the keys to her partner's heart and soul, but to her very sanity.

It was the easiest decision she'd ever made.

They sat quietly in a peaceful silence for a long time after that, Gabrielle with her eyes half closed just feeling this new level to their bond.

Xena let herself float, occasionally focusing her gaze on Ephiny's now peaceful face, satisfied that the Amazon was doing as well as could be expected, knowing she would have to get up shortly and get another dose of herbal medication down the woman, but content to simply sit in a dreamy fog until then.

The bard finally stirred, and laid a finger on her partner's lips. "Hey…" She heard the intimate note in her voice, and smiled. "Time to make the nasty stuff?"

Xena nodded. "I guess that means we gotta move, huh?"

"Probably a good thing. " Gabrielle gave her a rueful look. "I’m probably squishing you."

"Nuh huh." Xena disagreed, hugging her closer. "Don't feel a thing. You're light as a feather."

This got a healthy snort from the bard. "I don't think so. Not after a month here." She felt Xena's arms flex under her, and had a moment of vertigo as the warrior stood up with her firmly cradled. She sighed and put her arms around Xena's neck. "I'll learn, someday, not to egg you on into these little stunts." She drew Xena's head down and kissed her soundly, enjoying the strength she found herself wrapped in. "Ok.. now let me down." She breathed, when they parted.

"You sure?" Xena asked, with an arched eyebrow. "I can do this for a while, you know." Her voice held a jokingly cocky note.

"Xena!" The bard slapped her. "Show off."

Xena let her gently down, and straightened up . "Only for you." She said in a quiet tone, busying herself at the table.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes, and went to Ephiny's side. "Eph? " She touched the Amazon's shoulder, and was rewarded by a groggy, if tolerably coherent grunt. "Yeah, it's me again." She joked. "Time for your medicine."

The Amazon groaned, and half lifted her head, then let it back down with a thump. "Damn." She mumbled, starting to cough, which brought her over onto her side again, hanging onto the bedframe with shaking hands. "Can you just kill me, and put me out of my misery?" The Amazon asked, with a wan smile as she slumped back onto the pillow.

"No way." Gabrielle said, taking the blond woman's hand between both of hers. "We sent word out to the Village tonight."

Ephiny nodded a little. "Who.. was the commotion before?" Not too sick to be curious.

Xena stepped over, carrying a mug. "An old friend." She said before Gabrielle could comment. "Iolaus."

Ephiny's eyebrow crawled up her forehead. "Hercules' Iolaus?"

Gabrielle snickered. "I’m not sure he'd want to be referred to in just that way, but yes." That nudged her good humor back into place. "In fact, he came looking for help." Her eyes slid to Xena's face. "Xena has to go help him haul Herc out of some castle."

The warrior gave them both a look, then narrowed her eyes at her partner. "You're enjoying that, aren't you? It's a serious problem, Gabrielle… you know Iolaus wouldn't be here if it weren't."

The bard sighed. "I know." Then she turned to Ephiny. "It's this competitive thing we have." As if in explanation.

Xena almost dropped the mug. "What???" She helped Ephiny sit up and take a few swallows. "Look.. I told you.. Hercules and I don't compete with each other. What got that started??"

Gabrielle bit her lip, and took the mug, making little cooing noises at Ephiny, who stared at her. "So.. we sent Toris up to the Village.. Xena figured he'd have the best chance of explaining what was going on, and have them believe him."

"Gabrielle." Xena's voice was flat.

"Hmm?" The bard answered brightly.

"We don't compete."

Gabrielle sighed. "No.. I know that.. but.. uhm… well, Iolaus and I do." She paused, taking in Xena's bewildered stare. "On your behalf." Another pause. "Sort of." Very long pause, while Ephiny sipped her medicine, watching in fascination. "OK..ok.. we bet on you guys."

"I don't want to hear this." Xena muttered, shaking her head. "Listen, I need to go pack some stuff. " She rested a hand on Gabrielle's back. "You'll be ok here for a while?"

All traces of good humor fled from the bard's face. "Yeah, we'll be fine." She turned and started gathering up cups and dishes, preparing to tuck them away.

Xena moved towards the door, and as her hand touched the latch, it opened to reveal Cyrene's silvered head. "Come here." She said to Xena, hooking one hand in her belt and tugging.

The warrior followed her outside, and closed the door. "What?" She asked, putting her hands on her hips. "Listen, I have to go pack some things."

Cyrene gazed at her. "You're leaving tomorrow."

Xena blinked. "Yeah?"

Her mother tucked one arm in hers and walked her a little ways away from the room. "And you'll be gone.. how long?"

A shrug. "Couple weeks."

Cyrene bit her lip, then cast her eyes to the ceiling for a moment. "Honey, I'll watch over your friend in there. Why don't you go get some rest." A definite pause. "Both of you."

Xena looked at her, and saw the glint in her eyes. And blushed. "Mother!"

"What???" Cyrene gave her a look, then her gaze gentled. "Xena, please. Spend some time together. I know she'll miss you."

That hit hard, and Xena closed her eyes in acknowledgement. "All right." She glanced up. "Thanks."

They walked back to the room, and opened the door. Gabrielle had her back turned to them, and was straightening up the items on the table. Ephiny had slipped back into a light doze. The bard turned as they entered.

"Thought you were going to go pack.." She said, seeing Xena, her brow creasing.

The warrior smiled, and held a hand out to her. "Mom's taking a shift here. Come on."

Cyrene chuckled softly as the door closed behind them, and settled in to keep an eye on the sick Amazon.

"Nothing." Granella cursed softly to herself. She let her fingers sift through the fallen leaves, searching for tracks. "Damn." She stood, dusting her hands off, and peered off into the misty rain. "Come on."

They went, single file, threading through the dripping trees, heading downrange. Past their usual trapping grounds, and down through the hunting trails they all knew like the back of their hands. Granella paused, as she came to a half-hidden trail. "Wait.. let me check down there."

Her feet made no sound on the damp earth, as she carefully stepped down the rock embedded path and rounded a bend. "Hey! Down here." She called, dropping to her knees.

The rest of the search party slithered down next to her, and clustered around, watching over her shoulder as she carefully exposed the neatly packed cache, taken from their traps not long before. "They were here."

A tingle of relief ran through the party. It was about where they'd expected them to be on the first day, so that, at least had happened as planned. And they were in good shape, because Ephiny had left the dressed and skinned catch, meaning to pick it up on the way back from the lessons. So they'd gotten that far, and hadn't come back this way.

Granella took a breath. "We can stop, or we can keep looking." Her eyes scanned theirs. "Right…let's go. " She looked up. "Almost dawn.. let's stop for a minute and have a bite."

They crouched down, ignoring the rain, and unwrapped travel rations, chewing with an inward turned self absorption, each with their own thoughts.

Tomorrow dawn.. if I don't find them.. Granella mused. Gods, I don't want to have to go get Gabrielle.. I’m not even sure she'd want to come. A smile etched her face briefly, as she remembered her short visit to Amphipolis not long before. Talk about someone being obviously happy.. what a change from the last time I saw her. "All right.." She sighed, and stood. "Let's keep looking."

They moved off towards the dawn, hoping the rain would end.

Morning brought more rain. Xena stood quietly, hand on the windowsill, watching it fall for a long moment before finally turning back to the bag she was packing. Her trail kit, the medical pouch, armoring tools. She settled these in the bottom, then packed her spare shirts and extra boots on top of them.

Cyrene had.. conspired to keep the both of them idle all morning, and she couldn’t help feeling a little grateful to her mother; the time alone with each other had been sorely needed, and had helped settle some of the tension she'd felt building between them since Iolaus had gotten there the previous day.

Of course, not much packing had gotten done. She reflected, but then, she didn't have that much to pack anyway. Gabrielle had just gone to pick up a last item or two from the inn's storage supplies a few minutes ago.

Found her hands slowing again, and finally coming to rest on the leather of the bag, as she stared down into it, trying to reconcile her feelings. Her head raised, and she let her eyes range around the cabin, taking in its now familiar outline. There was a reason I didn't want this. She reminded herself ruefully. Come on, Xena.. it's just for a few weeks.

A few weeks. Her mind rolled that over. Five days each way travel time, and gods only knew how long to get this situation figured out. Straightened out. Not long at all, in the grand scheme of things… so why was her heart aching at the thought of it? Surely.. she wasn't that attached to this place already, was she? Of course not.

Of course not. Her mind mocked her. I'm in trouble. Big trouble. She admitted quietly to herself, as she slowly shucked off her sleep shirt, and slid into her old leathers, buckling the shoulder straps with hesitant fingers. She glanced down and ran a hand over the dark covering, feeling the cold surface warm as it took on her body heat. Been a while. Her eyes caught the shadowy reflection in the mirror against the wall as she quietly slid her upper arm protectors on, and fastened them, then the bracers. Routine.. right?

Except that she hadn't worn a single piece of this for over a month, and the touch of the battle hardened hide was no longer as familiar as a second skin. She held the armor in her hands for a long space before she settled it over her shoulders, and shivered a little at its cold sting against her flesh.

A slow adjusting of the buckles and straps, then her eyes fell on the reflection again. Funny.. her mind mused. I look the same. Why the Hades do I feel so damn different? She sat down on the edge of the bed, and leaned her elbows on her knees, resting her head in her hands. Come on.. snap out of it. She ordered herself quietly. Got a job to do here.

She heard footsteps, and straightened up as the door opened, and Gabrielle slipped in, carrying a package, which she put down on the table on her way across the floor. "Hey.." She said, sitting down next to Xena and putting a hand on her back. "Are you all right?" Green eyes studied her carefully. "You look really out of it."

The warrior took a breath, and nodded. "Yeah.. yeah.. I'm fine." She ran her fingers through her hair and looked around. "Just.. getting some stuff packed up." Standing up, she started putting things in the bag again, mechanically. She had just put a sleep shirt in when she found Gabrielle's hand on her wrist. "Hmm?"

"Not that one." The bard said quietly. "Please?"

Xena stared at the folded fabric, then smiled and pulled it back out, handing it to the bard. "My favorite one." She said softly, with a grave twinkle in her eyes.

"Mine too." Gabrielle responded, hugging it to her. "And it's going to be hard enough sleeping without you here, so… "

A quiet nod from the warrior. "Yeah.. tell me about it." She absently put another shirt in the bag. "Ground's going to be quite a shock after a month of lazing around in that nice sot bed with you." She tucked her leather repair kit in the side of the bag. "Ares will keep you company, though, right boy?"

This to the wolf, who was curled up on the bearskin.

"Roo." Ares stated, in a gruff tone.

"Oh yeah." Gabrielle pondered, nodding. "His conversation sometimes even equals yours." She expected a raised eyebrow stare, and studied her partner closer when she didn't get one. Xena's hands just paused, then went on. "Xena?" She moved closer to the warrior, and put the shirt she was holding down, then very gently grasped Xena's arms and turned her around. "Is something wrong?"

"No." Xena sighed. "Yes." A pause. "I don't know." She finally said, sitting down on the bed. "I'm just… " She raised both hands and let them fall, giving Gabrielle a sheepish look. "I just feel weird."

"Weird." Gabrielle repeated. "Weird?? Like in .. "

"Strange." Xena muttered. "Just.. "

"You mean strange… in this? " Gabrielle's hands touched the leathers and armor.

Xena thought about that for a minute. "Yeah." She gave the bard a half smile. "I think. I'll get used to it again but… " She broke off and just shook her head. "How can I feel like that after only a month?" She reached up and tugged on an armor bit. "At first I thought I just had the fit wrong " Now her smile turned wry. "After all, it's not like I've been doing drills regularly, and I've put on quite a few pounds.. so…" A shrug. "But.. no.. the armor fits fine. It just feels.. strange."

Gabrielle studied her seriously for a long moment. "Good." She finally said, with a satisfied grin, and leaned over, to capture her lips.

"Was this part of your plan? "Xena teased gently, feeling the upset in her dissolving slowly. "To keep us in Amphipolis?"

"Uh huh." The bard answered, feeling Xena's arm slip around her and draw them both down onto the soft blankets. "Umm.." Then her senses fell into a warm, sensual pool as she felt the warrior's hands slip under her clothes and move unerringly to the most sensitive spots. "Guess you're going to get more practice putting this armor on." She breathed, as her fingers found familiar buckles.

Xena chuckled. "Guess I am."

Iolaus felt the morning light on his face, and squinted one eye open, disoriented. Then the events of yesterday came back to him with a rush, and he rolled over, stretching luxuriously in the comfortable bed. His gaze went to the window. "Ugh." He sighed, seeing the lightly falling rain. "Not more rain. Zeus, I'm tired of being wet all the time."

He spent a few minutes just lying there, studying the room he was in with mildly surprised pleasure. So.. this is Xena's mom's place. Herc won't believe it. His mood sobered. If he can ever remember any of this at all, that is. He laced his hands behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. Will Xena be able to do anything? Would anyone?

He wished Gabrielle was going along with them.. the thought of spending the next few days solely in the Warrior Princesses' company was getting him a little nervous. Ok, a lot nervous, and he would have welcomed the bard as a cheerful buffer. Poor kid. He shook his head in silence. Stuck on her like that. Talk about a hopeless situation. It almost made him mad at Xena, for letting the kid develop an attachment like that, and not letting her out to find a life of her own. Maybe… Iolaus's chivalric mind slowly shaped a plan. Maybe he could talk some sense into Xena on the trip there.

With that thought rattling around, he rolled off the bed and stood, walking to the basin of water and washing himself, then slipping on the far too large tunic he'd been given last night and belting it, making it more of a long surcoat than anything else. Well.. it's warm he concluded, as he padded downstairs barefoot to reclaim his clothes and boots.

"Hello." A piping voice met him as he crossed the floor, and he stopped, startled, and looked over to see a table full of.. girls.

Young girls, in fact, who were all looking at him with an air of proprietary interest. "Hello." He answered, giving them his best smile. "Who do we have here?" He walked over and put his fingertips on the table, leaning forward a bit.

The tallest, a very pale blond pointed her spoon around the table. "That's Megan, and Lista, and Elianas, and Sharra." She went back to her plate, then looked up, as Megan poked her. "Oh.. sorry. I'm Cait."

"Well, hello, girls." Iolaus smiled at them. "My name's Iolaus, and.."

He got no further. "What.. the one who goes about with Hercules?" Megan piped up, cheerfully.

"Super!" Sharra said, patting the bench next to her. "Have breakfast with us?"

"Uhm.. yes." Iolaus said, slowly sitting down. What have I gotten myself into… "Nice to meet you all."

Lista passed him a bowl of cereal, and several large slices of warm bread. "Here."

"Thanks." Iolaus said, picking up a spoon, and taking a mouthful, raising his eyebrows at the sweet, nutty taste.

"So." Elianas said, propping her chin on one hand and studying him. "Are the stories about how good he is in bed true?"

Iolaus spit his mouthful back into the bowl. "ArguhthWHAT?" He coughed.

A chorus of giggles surrounded him. "Yes, and what about those leather pants?" Sharra asked, leaning closer. "Is it true he did it with a Gorgon?"

"NO!" Iolaus shouted, then looked around, mortified. "Where do you hear this stuff?"

"Oh." Megan laughed. "Everybody knows." She studied him. "You're kind of cute."

Another round of giggles, which broke off abruptly as the pack of Amazons looked over his shoulder and got real quiet, with bashful little smiles.

A hand on his shoulder, warm and strong, and then he was turning to look up into sharp blue eyes that had an amused edge to them. "Morning, Iolaus." She was dressed in her familiar dark leathers, but had a heavy wool tunic thrown on over them.

"Hi Xena." He sighed. Boy.. am I glad to see you. "Didja get any rest?"

A wild round of giggles from the girls. "What?" Iolaus asked, bewildered, glancing up at Xena, who was giving the girls a sharply raised eyebrow. "Did I miss something here?"

"Come on." Xena sighed, pulling him by the back of his tunic. "We need to talk before we leave." She walked across the inn to a rear table, and settled into a chair, watching him drop into the one facing her with a look of relief.

"Who are those girls?" He hissed, jabbing a thumb over his shoulder.

Xena chuckled. "Amazons." She looked up as Cyrene appeared as if by magic, carrying a large plate of food. "Mom.. I had.."

"Oh, and I'm sure you'll be by a nice inn for dinner. Right?" Cyrene said, putting the plate down and giving her a stern look. She put a plate down in front of Iolaus as well. "Good morning, Iolaus."

"Hi!" Iolaus grinned. "Thanks.. that looks wonderful." He traded his spoon for a fork and dug in, giving Xena encouraging little smiles.

She sighed, and picked up her own fork, stabbing a bit of meat and putting it in her mouth, then glaring at Cyrene. "OK?" Her mother pursed her lips, then winked at her and left them to their meal. Xena rolled her eyes. "Damn."

The blond man bit down a slightly hysterical laugh. "Hey… it's really good food, Xena."

The warrior plowed steadily ahead with her own plate. "You don't need to tell me that." She mumbled, darting glances around the room. "The outer watch just reported our healer coming back.. so we'll be out of here before lunch.."

Iolaus nodded. "All right by me.. I hate to travel in this weather.." His eyes lifted and found hers. "But.. " He hesitated, then leaned forward a little. "I’m really worried, Xena."

Her gaze softened. "I know. So am I." Then she glanced around and back to him. "Look.. we'll find way to fix this. I know we will.. you can't just change who people are, like that." She snapped long fingers. "He's in there. We've just got to find him."

Iolaus stopped eating, and stared at his plate, idly moving a few pieces of food around it. "Xena?"

"Hmm?" The warrior responded, glancing up at him.

"There's another reason why I came to find you." The blond man's voice was very quiet. He took a breath, and looked up, meeting her eyes. "And you have a right to know what it is."

Xena folded her hands on the table, and sighed. "Because if he's not, someone has to stop him." She paused. "And you think I can."

Iolaus dropped his gaze. "Yes." He almost whispered.

"He's half god, Iolaus." The warrior replied, in a flat voice. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Gabrielle lifted her quill, and used her writing hand to brush an errant lock of pale hair from her eyes. She was sprawled on the bearskin in front of the fireplace, working on several small pieces of parchment, which she was scribing on with a small, neat hand. Ares lay curled up behind her knees, his gentle breathing pressing against her calves, resting his chin on her ankle.

She reached back and let her fingers run through his fur, feeling him sigh at the touch. "Glad you're staying here to keep me company, Ares."

"Argoroo?" The wolf inquired, lifting his head, and giving her hand a lick. "Grrrr." He added, as he closed his jaws gently on her tunic sleeve, and tugged a little.

"Yeah, I love you." The bard answered, giving his belly a good rub. He rolled over, and grinned as she scratched his chest, wagging his tail a little with gentle thumps against her back. "Uh huh…if your mom had a tail, she'd do that too when I did this to her."

The sudden mental picture made her laugh silently to herself, and she shook her head, and went back to her pieces of parchment. Each small square got several lines, on both sides, then she set the to dry, blowing gently on them Folding them carefully around small stones when she finished, she tied them with scraps of fabric, then stood up, and walked over to where Xena's leather saddlebags were still resting.

Judiciously, she studied the bag, and carefully stowed the small bundles in different spots, finally tucking the last one in with the medical supplies with a satisfied look. Frivolous little nothings.. she chastised herself. Like she needs to see these things… But having them there.. thinking of Xena just happening on them during her trip brought a smile to her face. Not,she reflected, like the first time.

She'd been just.. fooling around with words, mostly. Nothing serious, nothing even coherent. It was very early on in their travels, and she hadn't even had the courage to practice her storytelling in front of the warrior, much less let her see.. oh gods.. her feeble attempt at poetry.

So she'd kept them to herself, silly little things, mostly… about the stuff they saw, or trees, or the stars…

And then one night, a clear, cold night when the stars almost exploded over head there were so many, she'd sat down after dinner while Xena was doing a few sword drills, and settled her quill on her parchment, waiting for inspiration.

Could have been the waterfall nearby, with it's interesting, breathless sound. Could have been the beautiful moon. Could have been the night sounds, which increased and faded in turns. But what her quill started writing about, haltingly, surprisingly.. was her travelling companion.

The words shaped themselves, formed from the silver darts of moonlight flaring as it touched her moving blade, sliding over her body with quicksilver efficiency, and catching, with breathtaking suddenness those crystal blue eyes gone ghostly gray. She was motion, and power and a kind of irresistible force that caught Gabrielle's imagination and held it captive.

She saw magic there, where Xena would have insisted on plain economy of motion, and basic skills. Saw the boundless grace of someone who had honed themselves into the most primitive kind of weapon, one which depended not on the force of arms, or the sweep of a blade, but on simple primal human strength. Perfected in solid, sure knowledge of hands that could catch an arrow, or crush bone, and a surreal coordination of mind and body that made motion, poetry.

So she had written a poem, one whose words didn't need to be labored over, struggled with.. whose phrases flowed from her hand with an ease that sent a little chill down her spine. She'd been finishing it up, putting the final characters in with her steady, firm hand when raiders attacked their small camp.

She'd had enough of this by now to know she needed to stay down, and out of Xena's way, but somehow.. there was this raider, and he had this sword.. and he was moving towards an otherwise occupied Xena, who had six of them in front of her.

Flash of moonlight on Xena's long sword, as it whirled in her hand, and she let out her short, chilling laugh, as she always did when she fought. But there was this raider… and Gabrielle suddenly took the notion into her head to stop him. She jumped up from her well-tucked position near a fallen log and got into his way, delaying his unseen charge toward her companion.

Felt an explosion on the side of her head, that was his sword hilt knocking her out of the way, and a dull roaring that just kept growing louder until it was all she could hear.

Then there was silence, finally broken again by the sedate lick of the flames in the fire, and the ringing in her ears as she slowly became aware of her surroundings again. "Ugh." She'd said, and felt a warm hand on her shoulder.

"Keep quiet." The low, vibrant command from Xena. "You got hit in the head." Now an annoyed note into the warrior's voice. "What did you think you were doing?"

"Saw.." She winced at the darting pain. "Guy.. coming at you."

"Gabrielle, I can take care of myself. Next time, just stay down, OK?" Xena's voice had held that note of annoyance, but there was something else there too, Gabrielle was just too fuzzy to figure out what it was.

"OK." Gabrielle had whispered. "I was just… "

Hand on her shoulder, this time with a gentle squeeze. "I know. " A long pause. "And.. thanks." Gruffly, but there. Then Xena had stood, and tidied the campsite, straightening up what the raiders had scattered about in their attack.

Too late, Gabrielle realized she'd left her scrolls lying open, with the poem right on top. Her eyes had snapped open, and she'd rolled onto her side, then frozen there, seeing a motionless form, standing in the bright moonlight. Eyes regarding a dully glowing piece of parchment in serious silence.

Gabrielle's heart had about stopped, then restarted with an almost painful pounding as Xena finished reading, and walked towards her, stopping within touching distance, then crouching down so that their eyes were almost on a level.

There was suddenly a lump in her throat so large she could barely breath, as those cool, cryptic eyes studied her face, one eyebrow raising a notch as she caught the blush that darkened Gabrielle's skin to crimson. "What's this about?" She asked, a gentle, quiet question.

Gabrielle had to take several breaths before any sound would come out. "You."

Blue eyes froze in startlement, then slowly scanned the parchment again. A gentle laugh. "That's some imagination you've got there, Gabrielle."

And the parchment was placed back in her hands, by strong fingers that folded hers about the rustling sheet. That gave her hand a little pat before withdrawing.

"Nuh uh." The bard had protested groggily. "Just wrote what I saw."

Now the hand touched her chin, raising her face up to be studied gravely, "Then maybe you need your eyes checked." But a tiny smile was breaking through that cool mask, and warming her glance. "It's nice, though."

Gabrielle had felt sleep calling her insistently, and she fought it, keeping Xena's tall form in her view. Blinking, half dazed, she held the parchment out, inviting the warrior to take it back.

And, against all her expectations, Xena had, settling down cross-legged next to her, and holding the sheet on her lap. Watching over her. She had let her eyes close again, and drifted off, waking hours later, and blinking to focus her sleep laden eyes.

Xena was still there, sitting next to her, gazing off into the shadowy distance, one hand resting lightly on the parchment inscribed with her words. And she'd known, in that far off, hazy moment and for the first time, what it was to be a bard, and have her work reach out and touch another's heart.

How appropriate.. to have had it been Xena's.

Gabrielle smiled quietly to herself, remembering. No, it certainly was different now.. she composed poems about her reticent partner all the time… and Xena had even gotten used to hearing her recite them. But that first one… The bard shook her head a little. "Let's go find mommy, ok boy? " She directed her question to the alertly watching Ares. "Almost time for her to go.. you wanna say goodbye, right?" And felt an unexpected hand grip her heart. "Right." She sighed to herself, slipping her cloak over her shoulders, and moving out the door, Ares a dark shadow at her heels.

Cyrene looked up, as Johan entered the kitchen, and put a small leather bag down on the counter. "Here's what you asked for." He commented, perching on a small stool near where she was working. "That's a nice little package there."

The innkeeper smiled, and tucked in the last bit of wrapping. "I know my daughter. She'll keep going all day long just to prove she's tougher than that little man, and end up not eating, then staying up all night to watch for brigands or something."

Johan bit off a grin. "She seems a bit..." He considered for a minute "old for that kind of motherhenning.. no?"

Cyrene opened her mouth to make a stinging retort, then paused, and glanced quietly down at her hands. "I missed a lot of time with her. Maybe I'm just trying to get a little of that back."

Johan stood, and walked over to her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Aye, my friend. That's all right then. She's none the worse for it."

The innkeeper smirked a little. "Are you kidding? Under all that eye rolling she sucks it up like a sea sponge." She smoothed the wrapping down. "She was always like that. So much wanted to be independent of anyone's help." A light shake of the head. "And there were times when I should have pushed through that.. I know that now. Maybe it would have made a difference."

"Lass, no point in what ifs." Johan reminded her gently. "That's way downriver."

"I know.' Cyrene sighed. "But I'm not going to make that mistake now."

They both looked up as the door swung open, and Gabrielle poked her fair head inside. "Hi." She said, slipping in the door followed by a curious Ares. "I was just.. " Her eyes fell on the package, and she smothered a grin. "Want me to slip that in her bag too?"

Cyrene laughed, and hefted the parcel and tossed it to the bard. "If you would, Gabrielle." She glanced at Johan. "That way I can avoid the exasperated looks." Then she studied the bard's face. "What about you? Want some breakfast?"

Gabrielle took a breath, and let it out slowly, trying to force the queasy feeling in her gut down. "No.. um.. thanks. I'm fine." She swallowed. "I just stopped by to..um..."

Cyrene bit her lip. "To find my daughter, and spend as much time as possible with her before she leaves." She paused. "Right?"

The bard blushed. "Am I that transparent?" She complained, giving Cyrene a jokingly piteous look.

"Oh, honey." Cyrene laughed, putting an arm around her. "Your eyes give it away every time." She steered her out the door, ignoring her mild groan. "I think it's adorable."

She moved out into the inn, looking across the long open room, lit by warm candlelight against the chilly gloom outside. Ares spotted Xena, and trotted over standing up on his hind legs and putting his front paws on her lap.

The warrior looked up as they walked over, and settled an arm around the furry shoulders. "Hey." Then realized Iolaus's eyes were bugging out. "What?"

The blond man pointed at the animal. "Xena, that's a wolf."

"And your point is?" Gabrielle asked, as she came even with them, and dropped into the chair next to Xena's, pulling her plate over and starting to consume the remainder of the warrior's breakfast. She was still a little miffed at Iolaus, and wasn't ready to let him forget it yet.

Iolaus gave her a strange look, glancing at the plate, then at her face, his brow contracting. "Uhm...no point. Is he yours?"

Xena scratched the dark ears. "Hey boy.." She spared a look at Iolaus. "I found him not far from here.. panther got his mother." She felt the warm gust as the wolf sniffed her ear, and gave it a tiny lick. "Hey.. stop that."

Iolaus smiled, and reached across the table, offering his fingers for inspection. Ares sniffed them then licked his chops. "He's pretty cute. What's his name?" He stretched his arm, and tickled the wolf's ears.

"Ares." Xena said, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Iolaus's hand froze, and he turned a pathetic gaze on her. "You're kidding, right?" Seeing the solemnly shaking heads. "Oh, for.. Xena, how could you do that to a poor animal?"

Xena shrugged. "Seemed like a good idea at the time." She gently gripped the wolf's jaw, and turned it from side to side. "Looks like him, don't you think? See the sideburns?" She fluffed out Ares's fluffy whiskers.

The blond man sat back with a scowl. "How can you even joke about that? What's he going to do with you if he finds out?"

"Oh.." Gabrielle mumbled, chewing on a biscuit. "He already knows." She gave Xena a sidelong glance. "He was ok with it, right?"

Xena leaned back, and let Ares tug on her sleeve. "Yeah, he's fine. It was something to see them nose to nose." She looked up and caught Iolaus' stunned expression. "Sorry, Iolaus.. I know you guys have a bad time with him, and we do too, but..." She shrugged "We still talk sometimes." No sense in hiding that... he'd better realize he's not dealing with Hercules here.

The blond man nodded slowly. "I'd.. I didn't think... " He's the enemy. And she talks to him. What the Hades did I think I was doing in coming here? "Well, you have to do what you have to do, I guess." He put on a forced smile. "I guess I'm going to go get dressed.. and get my stuff ready. " He stood up and walked away without a further word.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, as Gabrielle cleaned her plate and Xena propped her chin on her fists and gazed out across the room. Finally, the bard scooted her chair closer, and rested her head against Xena's wool covered shoulder. "He didn't like that much." She commented, sliding her hand through Xena's arm and closing her eyes.

"Mm.. no." Xena agreed, letting her head rest against the bard's. "Can't help it.. I'm not going to lie about that. I know.. I.. don't have the same relationship with Ares anymore, but.. there's still.. " She paused, considering. "a connection there." It was an uneasy admission.

The bard hugged her arm closer. "I know that." She opened her eyes and looked directly up at her partner. "But he's got some pretty stiff competition here." Her green eyes sparkled with an edgy fire.

Xena smiled. "He's already lost that fight." She brushed her lips across the bard's forehead. "And he knows it." She glanced down at the table. "Thanks for finishing that up for me.." This with a sly grin and a tickle at the bard's ribs.

"Stop that.'" Gabrielle growled, giggling when Ares echoed her with a cocked head, then poking the warrior in the side.

"Gabrielle?" Xena said suddenly, in a very low voice.

"Yeah?' The bard answered, gazing up at her with a fond smile.

"We have an audience." This said with a full compliment of embarrassed chagrin.

Green eyes darted towards the other end of the room, where the table full of Amazons were watching with undisguised fascination. "Oh.. Hades codpiece." She groaned, and felt Xena's body shifting slightly under her arm.

"Let's give them something to look at then." The warrior softly chuckled, and turned her head, capturing the bard's lips for a long, intense moment. So much for not believing in public displays, right? Her mind sighed in resignation. Oh, to Hades with it. I don't care. She put her mind into the kissing, and when they finally broke off, both of them were breathing hard, and the bard was giving her a tiny shake of her head.

"I'm gonna kill you for that" She muttered. "And you're just going to go off an leave now, right? She darted a glance at the other table, and almost fell off the chair at the wide-eyed, raptly goggling eyeballs looking back at her. Whoops. Her mind blushed, along with the rest of her. I can just imagine what that looked like. What were we thinking? Ah.. she sighed inwardly. We weren't thinking.

"Sorry." Xena murmured, with a gentle twinkle in her eyes.

Gabrielle let her head drop to rest again against Xena's shoulder. "I'm really going to miss you." She answered, in a small voice, and felt a hand capture hers under the table, and fold around it in a strong grip. "I feel really dumb saying that, because you're only going for a little while.. but I can't help it."

"It's all right." Xena let out a long breath. "I can't either. I'll miss you too." She paused, then gave the bard's hand a squeeze. "Come on..let's check in on Ephiny, then I've got to get Argo ready." She stood, pulling Gabrielle up with her.

"Will Argo be ok? " The bard asked, as they made their way across the room, ignoring the whispers from the juvenile table "I mean.. if she's.. well, you know."

Xena laughed. "Oh.. sure." She eyed the bard. "A horse's birthing period is longer than yours would be, my bard."

"Really?" Gabrielle asked curiously. "I had no idea... how long?"

The warrior shrugged. "340.. to 360 days."

"Wow." The bard breathed, impressed, as she pushed the door to Ephiny's room open. "I don't think I'd like to be pregnant that long."

Xena snorted, as she knelt by the quiet form lying on the bed. "It's not a lot of fun."

Ephiny stirred, hearing a familiar voice, and forced her eyes open. "Wha issnt?" She mumbled, blinking blearily at them.

"Being pregnant." Xena answered, sharing a wry look with her.

Ephiny looked at her, then looked right at Gabrielle. "Don't go there." She advised hoarsely.

The bard knelt at Xena's side, and leaned against her. "I'm not in any danger." She advised the Amazon, with a quiet smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Lousy." Ephiny responded, coughing weakly. "Got some water down before." She winced, and rubbed her stomach. "Coughing hurts."

Gabrielle squeezed her shoulder. "Hang in there... I'm just going to help Xena get ready to leave, then I"ll be back to try and distract you a little."

"Ooohhhh..." Ephiny gave a ghostly laugh. "I get stories...I pick?"

The bard smiled widely. "Sure."

Xena laid a hand on her arm. "Our healer's on the way in. He knows all about this, Eph.. and I left herb mixtures and instructions for him."

The Amazon nodded a little, and found Xena's eyes. "Hey.. be careful, OK?" She said softly, darting a glance at Gabrielle, who had stood and moved over to the table.

Saw sober understanding there. "I will be." The warrior answered in low voice. "Take it easy, Eph.. you're going to be fine. It's just going to take a while."

A resigned nod. "Needed a vacation." She joked weakly. "Not what I had in mind though."

Xena gave her shoulder a pat, and stood. "See you in a few weeks." She glanced around the room, and took a breath. "Gabrielle?"

The bard turned from the table, and put a smile on her face. "Ready." She said, crossing the room and joining the warrior at the door.

They walked across the courtyard, snugging their cloaks tight to keep the misty rain out. "I really.. wish you weren't.." Gabrielle started, then stopped. "Scratch that.. sorry."

Xena slipped a long arm around her, and pulled her closer. "I wish I wasn't either." She admitted. "I'd rather spend the day inside with you.. if you'd like to know the truth."

Gabrielle mulled over that for a while, as they reached the barn, and Xena opened the door for her to enter. "Really?" She finally asked, shaking her cloak to scatter the water droplets on the straw. Ares stood behind them, shaking himself vigorously to do the same.

"Really." Xena confirmed, putting her cloak aside, and crossing over to where Argo was contentedly chewing. "And I bet she's going to be none to happy either." Indeed, the horse gave her a reproachful look as she lifted the saddle blanket and settled it over the mare's back.

"Yeah, yeah..I know.." Xena muttered to her, fastening the chest strap on the soft blanket, and snugging the belly strap tight. "But we gotta, Argo."

"I"ll run next door and get your kit." Gabrielle said, ducking out the door before Xena could protest. She looked at the closed door for a long minute, then sighed and went back to saddling Argo. "Come here." She muttered, slipping the bridle over the mare's head, and settling the bit between her teeth. "Stop that.." As the mare nibbled her fingers, then lipped her tunic.

She walked to the stall divider, and captured the stirrups in her left hand, then lifted the saddle up and swung it over onto Argo's tall back, settling the fit with knowing hands, and drawing the girth strap under the mare's body and cinching it tight.

Stepping back, she studied the mare critically, then chuckled, and gave her a slap on the shoulder. "I think we'll both be a little sore the first few days, girl.. you've been living pretty soft too, haven't you?" She looked up as the door opened, and Gabrielle slipped back inside, carrying her saddlebags. "Gabrielle.. you didn't have to do that."

"Excuse me.." The bard snorted. "*I'm* not the one whose going to spend days in the rain.. thought I'd give you a last few dry minutes." She walked closer, and dropped the bags at her partner's feet, then moved into her embrace unapologetically. "Besides, I wanted to do it."

Xena wrapped her arms around the bard's body, and just held her, allowing the seductive warmth of their connection seep through her and hold her soul captive, trying to memorize what it felt like as a guard against their coming separation. She buried her face in Gabrielle's hair and sighed, feeling the bard nestle closer and tighten her grip.

She felt, very briefly, as though she were drowning, and she loosened all her resistance to it, and just let it happen, breathing in the warm familiar scent of her partner, mixed with the ghost of late summer rising from the clean, dried hay. The light drumming of the rain overhead lulled her into a haze, and she felt Gabrielle swallow hard against her chest as she felt it too. Finally, reluctantly, she loosened her hold and felt Gabrielle do the same, until they were gazing at each other, still loosely linked in each other's arms.

"Wow." The bard smiled at her. "I think that was the best hug ever.." She considered thoughtfully. "Except one."

Xena quirked a grin. "Was that one in the rain?"

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "You got that right." She reached up and moved the dark hair out of Xena's eyes. "Guess you got to get ready, huh?" She sighed. "I saw the healer heading into the inn when I was coming back here."

"Yeah.. I guess." Xena replied, letting out a deep breath. "Stay out of trouble, OK?" At least I won't have to worry about her this trip... "Don't start any wars or anything while I'm gone, huh?"

Gabrielle smiled, and butted her in the chest with her head. "Look who's talking? You stay out of trouble too." Her eyes went serious. "And be careful." A pause. "Please??"

Xena nodded, lacing her fingers behind the bard's neck and letting her thumb trace Gabrielle's firm jawline. "I promise you I will be." She hesitated, then gave her a wry smile. "I wish you were coming along."

That got a dazzling smile from her partner. "Hey.. Warrior Princess.. that's one of the nicest things you ever said to me." Gabrielle moved closer, and slid her arms up around Xena's neck. "I think I'm in love with you."

Very raised eyebrow. "You think?"

The bard flexed her arms, and pulled herself up, laughing as she felt Xena's grip tighten on her and lift her easily, until their lips met, and she let herself spend a long time in a mutual exploration, only stopping when Xena released one arm and started a long trail of gentle touches down her body that sent sparks all over her. "OK." She spoke, on a very irregular breath. "That convinced me."

"Good." The warrior breathed in her ear, sending a new set of sparks down her spine. "Don't want you to forget me."

Gabrielle gave her a low laugh. "As if I ever could."

They looked at each other for a long time. Then Xena idly ran her fingers through the bard's hair and sighed. "You know.. I don't have anything of yours to hang on to."

The bard colored gently. "You.. want something?" With a little laugh. How's that for unexpected?

Xena shrugged, giving her an embarrassed grin. "Well.. I don't... I mean... " She hesitated. "Never mind." What was I thinking? Come on, Xena...you're not a kid for Zeus's sake. What a dumb thing to ask.

Gabrielle studied her face intently, seriously, her brow furrowing in thought. Then her expression cleared, and she gently reached up, slipping her hands around Xena's neck again, and worked for a minute, unfastening the catch that held on her crystal lifebond necklace, feeling Xena's breath catch as she realized what the bard was doing.

Brought her hands down, and put the ends of the chains between her teeth to hold it, while she took off her own necklace, then looked up into Xena's eyes.

In silence, because she was holding her partner's pendant in her mouth, she lifted her hands, and fastened her chain around Xena's neck, watching the muscles of her throat work as she swallowed hard. Then she took Xena's pendant, and fastened it around her own neck.

"There." She said. "Now you have something."

Xena reached up and touched the crystal, still warm from Gabrielle's body, and then let her hand fall, as a slow smile shaped her lips. "Thanks." Almost a whisper.

Gabrielle let herself fall forward, and wrapped her arms around her partner's neck again, drawing her head down, and losing herself into a long, peaceful building of sensation, until she could feel her knees starting to give way, and then she stopped, and let her head drop against Xena's chest, trying to control her labored breathing. "We'd better stop.. or you aren't going anywhere soon."

"Mmm." Came the humming response in her ear, which sent more pleasant skitterings down her spine. "I guess you're right." Xena rubbed her back gently. "Besides, Iolaus is heading this way." She gave the bard's ear a nibble. "He thinks you have a crush on me."

Gabrielle burst into giggles. "Oh, you're kidding me." Felt Xena shake her head no. "Oh gods." She thought for a minute. "We could have fun with this."

"Gabrielle." Xena's voice was jokingly severe. "Not nice."

The bard subsided, letting her fingers run idly over her partner's neck. "All right." She sighed. "But let me tell you, Xena.. I do NOT want him wandering all over the countryside thinking I'm this pitiful lovesick kid hanging on your stirrup leathers, because I'm not" she paused, and grinned impishly. "At least anymore."

Xena kissed her on the nose. "I'll take care of him."

"OK." She relented, as she heard the door start to open. "And I promise I won't tell Ephiny any of the really neat stories your mom's been telling me about you."

Blue eyes widened. "What???"

"Oh, hi Iolaus." The bard chirped, strolling forward and giving Argo a pat. "Rotten weather."

'Yeah." Iolaus agreed, giving her a tentative smile. He was once more dressed in his patchwork vest and trousers, but he'd kept the long tunic, and now plucked at it with a nervous grin. "Your.. uh.. mother made me keep this."

"Figures." Xena let out a short chuckle. "Good thing though - it's damn cold out there." She hoisted her saddlebags aboard Argo, and strapped them down, running the leathers through the mare's saddle rings and securing them firmly, while Gabrielle helped Iolaus get his gray saddled and ready.

Finally, it was done, and they were walking the horses to the barn door. "Wait." Xena said, and dropped Argo's reins. She walked aside a few steps and knelt in the straw, taking Ares' head in her hands and looking into his golden eyes. "You stay here, boy. OK?" Ears drooped pathetically. "Ares… I need you to take care of your other mom for me, all right?" Intelligent eyes flicked towards Gabrielle then back to hers. "That's right. You watch over her for me, OK?" A wolfish sigh, but he nuzzled her face and licked her nose with delicate precision. "Good boy." Xena smiled, and ruffled his fur. Then she stood and resumed her walk to the door, feeling Gabrielle slip in next to her and put a hand on her back. "Hey." She said, studying the shadowed profile.

But the bard just pursed her lips in a determined smile and kept walking in silence. They exited the barn into the cold dampness of the day, each instinctively reaching for cloak fastenings to shut out the sharp drafts and icy rain. "Here." Gabrielle said, very gently striking aside Xena's hands, and reaching up to fasten her cloak securely herself, then pulling her hood up to cover her dark hair.

"Thanks." Xena said softly, smiling at her.

Gabrielle put a hand on her arm, then walked over to where Iolaus was fiddling with his horse's gear. "Listen… " She said, waiting for him to turn, and he did. "I'm really sorry about going off on you yesterday."

He gave her a fond smile. "It's all right, Gabrielle.' His eyes flickered to Xena's tall, shrouded form then back to her. "I understand." This with a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

Oh.. sweet Iolaus. Her mind sighed. You don't understand a thing, do you? Shaking her head, she pulled him into a hug, Remembering the last time she'd done so, and closing her eyes against the memory. "You take care of yourself, all right?" She said softly, staring earnestly into his pale eyes. "And don’t' worry.. Xena will find a way to get Herc out of whatever thing he's fallen into."

Iolaus mustered up a faint smile. "You think so?"

She nodded. "I know so." She stepped back and watched him mount, then walked around to Argo's other side and faced Xena, taking a long moment to study her from head to foot, as though committing her to memory. Then she moved forward and into a pair of strong arms, that cradled her briefly then let go. "Don't take too long." Was her comment, in a very low voice. "I don't think I can stand it." That a whisper, which Xena's sharp ears caught easily.

"Quick as I can." The warrior responded, brushing her head with a pair of already chilled lips. She hesitated, then suddenly her arms tightened around the bard. "Oh gods… I'll miss you." Her voice caught and broke, and Gabrielle could feel the shudder that went through her breathing.

One last squeeze, and they parted, with Xena giving the bard's hair a playful ruffle. "Keep an eye on Ephiny.. " She advised her partner. "I know they'll send a bunch down when Toris gets there… if you want, have them escort you back, and I'll join you."

Gabrielle nodded, as she watched Xena vault up onto Argo's back and settle herself. "All right." She answered quietly, stepping forward and giving the warrior's calf a little pat.

One last look, one last touch on her head, a hand laid in benediction, then Argo's golden form was moving off down the mud covered road into the driving rain, followed by Iolaus' gray. Gabrielle stood huddled in her cloak, watching until the horses and their riders disappeared into the cold mist, then took a deep breath, and released it. Then she turned and walked towards the inn, with a sturdy purposeful stride.

Continued in Part 4

Return to Part 2

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Winter's Ending - Part 4

Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

Granella pulled her cloak up around her ears, and glared at the slate gray sky, shaking her head to scatter the heavy rain droplets from the hair plastered to her head. "Getting dark." She sighed, feeling a dull ache in her gut begin to grow. They'd found no sign of the teaching party, and the scouts with her had grown very quiet and pensive.

They were exhausted, she realized, and had to stop for a while just to recharge, lest they miss some small sign, so she'd called a halt under a bare rock outcropping which afforded them at least a little shelter.

Granella let her head rest against the cold rock, considering her options. Earlier that day, they'd found the barest remnants of a rude overnight shelter, and she'd realized the small group had gotten caught out in the ice storm of a few nights previous. She knew they could keep looking all night, but she was tired, and she was so scared they might overlook something. "All right." She finally said quietly. Five sets of eyes turned to her. "There's a glade overlooking the river not far from here. We use that as a camp sometimes... let's look there, then we'll quit for the night and shelter in."

It was a surrender, and she knew it. They knew it, and shoulders slumped as they silently gathered their gear up, and prepared to move out. It was a very quiet journey to the camping place, the only sounds the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the incessant patter of cold rain on the forest canopy. Granella padded along in the lead, with Gelas next to her, and the rest strung out single file, eyes devouring the surrounding areas looking for signs.

"So.. what's the plan?" Gelas said, breaking the silence in a low tone.

"You guys will go on searching." Granella muttered, pausing and peering closely at a piece of bark. She reached out and plucked a long strand from it, holding it up to the meager light. "Horse." They all clustered around and examined it. "There aren't any wild around here... and this isn't exactly a well traveled area." A chill ran through them. "We're just at the edge of our range..." She went off the path, and deeper into the brush, kneeling beside a slate outcropping where she brushed her fingers over the rock and touched a fresh nick in it. "Shod horse."

Gelas knelt beside her, and sniffed. "Wonder who had the guts to be wandering around in this weather in our territory."

Granella looked up at the lowering sky and felt her guts tighten in anger. "Maybe they ran into Ephiny and the kids."

"Come on." Granella said, standing and heading back towards the path. They found the glade easily, and dropped down into it, stopping short and freezing as soon as their eyes focused on the contents.

"Twisted tail of a Centaur." Gelas cursed softly, as she moved cautiously into the cleared area. There was a positive remnant of a campfire there, hastily put out, and other indications of rapid flight from the area. "Gran, look." She pointed, and they all focused on the rain-darkened fabric spread over a nearby branch.

Granella took a deep breath, and approached the item, circling around it before reaching out a tentative hand and touching the fabric. "Arneta, come here." She quietly said, waiting for the grizzled scout to come close and peer over her shoulder. "Help me spread this out."

They spread the woolen shirt open, and stared at it. "Big." Arneta grunted, examining the shoulders. She held the shirt up and measured it against her body. "Gods." An unpleasant picture started to form in Granella's mind, of a shadowy dark figure, on horseback, finding Ephiny and the girls.. Her heart started to pound. Ephiny was a more than competent warrior, she'd faced her on the practice grounds more than enough times to know that.. but the person who wore this shirt would top her by a hand and more, and outweighed the Queen by a considerable amount.

"Spread out." She ordered quietly. "Let's search this glade." All tiredness now gone, as adrenaline replaced the sodden despair, and the group started to search with a grim intentness.

"Gran." Gelas called, in a low urgent voice, as she knelt by the drowned fire. She held up something, and Granella felt her heart sink. She walked forward and took the cloak clasp, turning it over in her fingers. Ephiny's.

"Oh gods." Arneta said softly, from behind her.

"All right." Granella said, grimly. "Let's just stay calm, and keep looking. They aren't here, but they were, and they had to go somewhere because there's no blood, and no bodies."

They spread out, searching intently, and slowly found indications that the party had, before they left, been intact. They had left hastily, though the fire had been secured.

Gelas went to the edge of the clearing and knelt, where a patch of ground had been protected by a thick overlay of leaves, and she brushed them aside gently to reveal the bare ground. "Granella." She called sharply, and waited for the slim dark haired Amazon to come to her side. "Here's our horse again." Her fingers traced the marks. "And here's our friend." Boot prints in the mud, showing a long but narrow foot and braced a good space apart from each other.

Both looked down the path. "They're headed downrange." Granella said quietly. "Towards the river basin.. good.. " She gave Gelas a grim look. "Let's get going."

Darkness had fallen by the time they reached the pass, after which it was all downrange towards the flood plain. They passed through the densely wet foliage without a sound, cold, angry eyes scouring the surroundings for the faintest trace of their missing friends. Suddenly, Gelas stopped, and held up one large hand. "Wait." The tall ginger haired woman tilted her head. "Horse."

A thrill ran through them. "Either side of the path, three and three." Granella snapped. "I don't care who it is, we stop them."

Silence then fell, as the sodden muffled sound of hoofbeats continued towards them. They crouched down in the twilight, shivering a little in the damp cold, and waited.

The path was wreathed in mist and shadowy darkness and slowly, steadily, a form started emerging. The horse was chestnut, barely discernable in the gloom. "Blond mane" Arneta breathed in Granella's ear. "And look at that rider.. would fit that shirt."

Granella nodded, shivers of excitement warming her body. "Get ready.. weapons out." She muttered, feeling her whole body tense.

Swords loosed from sheaths, and she heard the sensuous whine as Lena cocked her crossbow. The rider was almost even with them, and Granella could see the tall form crouched in the saddle, saw them lean forward and pat the horse's neck, and murmur something to the fretting animal. "Male." Lena's bare whisper.

"Now." Granella said, and hurled herself onto the path.

The chestnut reared, as the six Amazons surrounded him, swords pointed inward. "Hold!"

The tall, dark figure on the horses back pulled his mount to halt, and slowly, carefully spread his hands outward, showing his lack of weapons.

"Get down." Granella ordered, moving a step closer, and shifting her sword to the side. "Move!!"

The man freed his foot from his right stirrup, and swung his leg over the horse's neck, then slid down and landed on the muddy earth. "All right." He said, his voice low and steady. "I'm not your enemy."

Granella straightened up, the familiarity of his voice tickling her memory. She stared at him, trying to make out his features under the hood of his cloak.

One long arm slowly, cautiously moved up and swept his hood off, exposing his face in the dim twilight.

Granella dropped her sword, and closed her eyes. "Toris." She shook her head. "It's all right. Stand down. I know him." She walked forward and sheathed her sword, waiting for the rest of them to cluster near. "What are you doing here?"

Toris ran his hand through his dark hair. "Looking for someone named Solari or Eponin." He held up his hand, and showed her the signet. "Official business, I guess."

"Granella, who is this?" Arneta asked, scowling at him.

The slim Amazon sighed. "This is Toris. He's Xena's brother." She looked up at him. "Toris, we're looking for some friends of ours that went missing. We think ...they might have gotten into some trouble."

The tall man smiled. "Well, I guess I can tell you, then.. if it's Ephiny you're looking for.. " He glanced around, seeing the brightening faces. "And I guess it is, then she and the others are safe in Amphipolis."

A chorus of voices surrounded him. "Where.. why?" "What did they.. how.." "What happened?" This last from Lena, who fixed Toris with an intent stare.

"Look." Toris said, glancing up. "Is there someplace we can get shelter? I'd be glad to tell you the whole story, but I'm freezing."

They found a small thicket of trees, which afforded some protection from the rain, and built a quick branch shelter, enough to afford them space for a small, cranky fire.

"Better." Toris said, rubbing his hands. He looked around the circle of faces, all of them intent on him. "Ok.. where do I start..." His face went still for a minute. "First of all, I have to tell you something.. " He hesitated, seeing the tension race around the circle. "All of them are safe, but not exactly sound."

"Artemis." Granella breathed from right next to him. She put a hand on his arm. "Did they get attacked, Toris? What happened?"

He sighed. "No.. it was.. well, let me just tell it. We got word, night before last that a rider was inbound.. on Argo, but it wasn't my sister. " He glanced down. "I don't need to tell you how nervous that made us all."

Murmurs ran around the fire, and Granella passed him a cup of hot mulled wine that she'd been fixing. "Here."

"Thanks." He took a sip. "So Argo comes in, and she's got our Cait up, with Ephiny." He glanced at Granella. "She'd fallen through the ice into that river not far from here, apparently."

"Eph had?" Granella blinked. "Damn... was she.. "

Toris shook his head. "I won't go into details, because I wasn't there, but apparently my sister was nearby, and heard her yell. She got her out of the water, but it seems Ephiny had been sick before she fell in and.. well, she wasn't in good shape when she got to our place."

Silence, then Lena sighed explosively. "Hades." She paused. "Is she ok now? You have a healer there?"

Toris smiled. "Well, no.. we didn't at the time, but you may or may not know that Xena's a pretty fair healer herself, and when she got back with the rest of your party, she pretty much knew what to do. We.. that is, Gabrielle and I, went out with horses and met them to speed things up a bit."

Granella nodded. "Well, that's not good news, but it's far from the worst I've heard." She broke off some trail rations and offered it to Toris. "Hungry?"

The tall man smiled. "Uhm... actually.. " He rummaged in the bag he'd unslung from his horse and pulled out a fair sized package. "Maybe I can share with you." He opened the package, and handed out the meat pastries inside. "My mother made them." He took one, and munched contentedly, watching the surprised, then pleased expressions around him as they sampled the offerings. "Xena asked me to pass the word up to you all.. she knew you'd be worried."

"Xena did?" Arneta asked, in a cool tone. "Why not our Queen?"

Toris raised an eyebrow at her in an expression weirdly familiar. "Because Gabrielle would have insisted on coming herself... and one of your Queens in danger at a time was enough for her." The same blunt statement Xena had given him when she'd asked him to go.. and he knew she was right, because Gabrielle was just like that.

Granella laughed softly. "She's right." She gave the circle a wry look. "Remember who ran down to the Centaur Village alone." Her expression sobered. "How is Ephiny?"

Toris studied his hands, then looked up at her. "Xena says.. she'll probably be all right." He took a breath and released it. "She got water in her lungs, and she's pretty sick right now, but my sister says she's strong, and she thinks we got to her in time."

"She thinks.. probably.. " Arneta leaned forward. "Then she doesn't really know."

Startling blue eyes focused on hers. "No.. she doesn't. She thinks, she hopes.. she's doing whatever she can... my sister doesn't pull her punches." A pause. "Any of them. " His voice took on a tinge of anger. "She had to break through a foot of ice to get to your Regent, and risked her own health pulling her out and getting her to safety.. so what's your problem?"

"Toris." Granella put a hand on his arm. "Please.. there's no criticism intended.. we're all just really tired. We've been searching nonstop since yesterday." Then she smiled a little. "Your sister has quite a defender, I see."

Toris gave her a level stare. "Both of my sisters do." He stated in a milder voice, taking a sip of the wine. "So don't you start on Gabrielle either."

Granella outright grinned. "All right.. point taken." She leaned back. "Ok.. we'll send one of us back to the village with the news.. Solari and Eponin must be about chewing their arms off by now." She considered. "Then the rest of us can just head on down to Amphipolis.. if that's all right by you, Toris."

The man nodded. "Sure.. I'd be glad to get home. I've had about enough rain to last me a lifetime." He yawned, then passed out another round of meat pies, which no one turned down. "Here seems as good a place as any to get some rest."

Granella eased the kinks in her back, and sighed. "All right." She glanced outside the shelter. "And the rain's stopped for a minute. Let's get a better roof over our heads, and bunk down."

They did her bidding, as she sat quietly next to Toris. "Hey.. sorry about that." She said to him. "Arneta's just… kind of touchy about tradition.. and it got stepped on a lot with that whole Right thing."

Toris turned his pale eyes on her. "They're supposed to be friends of the Amazons." He studied her critically. " Now I understand the look my sister gets when you all are mentioned."

Granella winced, picturing in her mind the very look Toris was referring to. "Hey.. don't judge us all by one little remark, ok?" She scowled at him. "After all, Gabrielle is our queen, right?"

The tall man leaned back on his hands, and blinked at her. "She's not like you. She not like anyone else I know."

Ahh.. Granella sighed inwardly. So.. it runs in the family, does it? She leaned closer, and lowered her voice. "Toris, tell me.. how is Ephiny really?"

He straightened, and rested his forearms on his knees. "She's.. very sick, Granella." He answered quietly. "I could hear her coughing through the walls in our inn.. and Xena's using some pretty strong stuff on her to keep her knocked out so her body can fight this.. without her having to waste a lot of energy." His eyes found hers. "Xena's worried.. she said she had to dive under the ice to pull her out, and that she'd stopped breathing."

The slim dark haired Amazon gasped softly. "Is Xena OK?"

That got a grim smile from Toris. "Yeah.. you know her. Tough as the day is long. She had a fever the first few hours after she got back, but she was fine before I left."

Granella sighed. "Well, Eph's tough… if anyone can pull through this, she can. I mean, Hades.. the woman birthed a centaur." She shook her head, giving the returning Amazons a nod. "Come on.. we'd better get some sleep."

"Gabrielle?" Cyrene's voice slowly burrowed through her thoughts. The bard turned around from the window she was leaning against, and shook her head a little. Whoops.. day dreaming again…

"Hi mom...what's up? I was about to.." She looked around, and realized it had been quite a few minutes since she'd come in. "Uh..."

Cyrene patted her cheek. "It's all right honey." She gave the bard a fond look. "I've got some broth for your friend."

The bard smiled at her and took the container. "Thanks.. I'll go give it to her.. " She took a deep breath and rubbed her eyes a little. "Hope I'm not coming down with something myself." Uh.. yeah. Coming down with a case of the I'm missing my warrior blues, I think… She rolled her eyes at herself.

The innkeeper put a cool hand on her forehead. "No.. you don't feel hot..." Then her eyes twinkled. "But you do look a little frazzled.. let me get you something cold to drink." She walked over and poured a short glass of ale, and walked back over. "Here.. "

Gabrielle took a deep swallow, feeling the cold liquid roll down her throat with a familiar tingle.

"Wow.. that's nice." She complimented the innkeeper, as the coldness of the ale spread into a lingering warmth in her belly on her second mouthful, and sent a relaxing wave through her. "That feels better." The bard grinned, as she drained the glass. "Thanks."

"Anytime, cutie." Cyrene chuckled, and took the glass back from her. "Here, let me get you some more."

The bard regarded her thoughtfully, and remembered Xena's gentle warning. "No.. thanks mom, but that's enough for me." I could get to like that too much.. that's kind of scary. A lingering memory of her father sent a sobering thought through her.

"Let me go take this in to Ephiny." She strode across the floor, glancing around at the sparse crowd on this cold and rainy day. Everyone's inside.. probably sleeping. She reasoned, as she pushed the door open to the Amazon's room.

Ephiny was groggily awake, and hitched her body up a little when Gabrielle approached. "Hey." She forced her pale eyes open wider and stifled a cough. "She off OK?"

Gabrielle laughed. "Fine, if a bit damp. Now sit back." She pushed Ephiny's shoulder. "I've got some soup for you here." She settled on a small stool she dragged close to the bed and put the warm soup pot on her lap.

"Ungh." The Amazon groaned, pulling herself up a bit. "Gods, I'm so tired." She rolled her head towards the bard. " Was it like this for you?"

Gabrielle waggled her hand. "Well… " Thinking of the long hours spent resting quietly in Xena's arms, as the warrior made sure she ate and slept in turn, rocking her gently when she was racked with coughing. "Kind of… I know it's really tough."

"Yeah." Ephiny sighed, reaching out with both hands. "Here.. let me see if I can handle this for a little while." She took the soup pot, and rested it against her chest, taking small sips with the spoon Gabrielle handed her. "Wow.. this is good." She mumbled, glancing up. "This Xena's mom's stuff?"

A nod from the bard. "Sure is." She replied cheerfully. "She's a great cook, isn't she?"

"Mmm…" The Amazon agreed, gazing at her appraisingly "Looks like you've been enjoying her skills." She teased gently. "You look great… you had me worried when we had you by us." And had the cooks frantic, thinking they just couldn’t please our young queen…

The bard chuckled. "Yeah, Xena gave me a hard time about that too.. " She sighed. "I was just… I don’t know. I had an upset stomach most of the time. Kind of puts you off eating, you know?" She stretched. "It's been great being here… " A grin. "I'd forgotten what it felt like to just.. have a regular schedule for a while."

Ephiny smiled. "So I see… it's done all right by you." A sideways glance. "How's Xena taking all this enforced rest and relaxation?"

"A lot better than I'd expected." Gabrielle paused, and gave Ephiny an honest look. "I think she actually likes it." She added with a little laugh. "She's loosened up a lot."

Ephiny grinned back. "She looked pretty healthy." She commented, then sighed and put the spoon down. "Gods.. I can hardly lift this." She commented in disgust, as she took an ill-advised deep breath. Her body seized up in a fit of coughing, and Gabrielle swiftly grabbed the soup back from her just in time, putting it on the table and reaching over to steady the Amazon by her shoulders. "Ugh" She sighed, as the coughs trailed off, and she could lie back down, trying to ignore the unpleasant gurgling in her chest.

"You should try to get some rest." Gabrielle advised, pulling the blankets up around her. "Do you want me to let you be?" Not that I want to leave but…

Ephiny shook her head. "No." Her voice was hoarse. "Rather you give me something else to think about." Her eyes looked exhausted. "Like what you've been up to.." A tiny smile quirked her lips. "Y'know.. you coulda told me you and Xena were an item before you came by us… woulda saved me a lot of lectures and worrying." I know she's kinda shy about that… but gods…

"We weren't." Came the quiet reply, then Gabrielle got up from her stool, and moved it aside, walking over to the high backed chair and dragging it with her back to the bedside.Damn… She glanced at the window, rattling under the onslaught of the wind outside. A chill passed through her, and she briefly wished she'd… Her eyes fell on the seat of the chair, where her cuddly forest green shawl was neatly folded. She picked it up and removed the scrap of parchment tucked inside a fold.

Thought you might want this. X

A warm smile crossed her face, and she looked up, to see Ephiny staring at her.

"What you do you mean, you weren't?" The Amazon coughed "I don’t'… I thought… but.."

Gabrielle sighed, and sat down, wrapping her shawl around her shoulders and relaxing into its comforting warmth. She waited for Ephiny to stop spluttering, resting her head against the back of the chair in resignation. I hate talking about this… I could just tell her to mind her own business.. but I know she means well. Kind of. "Just as simple as that, Eph. We weren't.. I mean, we were moving in that direction… and the last couple of weeks before we met up with you.. " Her body flushed warm with remembering. "But no.. that little.. " Her eyes rolled. "exhibit.. in the Centaur Village was.. well.. a first."

"Great Hera's breastplate." The Amazon sighed, slapping herself weakly in the forehead. "I can't believe it… you two were so comfortable with each other.. I thought.. we all thought.. I don't understand.. you didn't act much differently than… I mean…"

"Ephiny, take a breath, OK?" The bard chuckled, a little embarrassed. "It's not like we both woke up one morning and realized.. well, you know." She handed the Amazon back her soup. "Here.. try and get a little more of this down." She waited until the blond woman took the soup from her, giving her little disbelieving looks before she continued. "We just… it was.. " she sighed. "Gods. I held back because I thought she couldn’t possibly be interested in me. She held back because she though I was a young, innocent, hero worshipping kid."

Ephiny sipped her soup, eyes wide and fascinated. "And you weren't?" A blunt question, around a mouthful of the rich stock. "So what happened?"

Green eyes caught hers, in remembered sadness. "She died." She swallowed. "And it was more than if I'd lost a friend, Ephiny. Even a best friend."

The Amazon put a hand out and patted her knee. "I know that was a really rough time for you.. and we didn't make it any easier." She glanced down. "I thought.. it was.. going to help." Her eyes darted back up and searched the bard's. "But I knew you were hurting pretty bad."

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "I was." And now I know why.. but I can't really explain that to her. "And then she came back.. after we left the village, we stopped, and she… it was like a dream, almost. I closed my eyes and she was just.. there."

Ephiny had stopped eating, and was just watching her. "Y'know, that's pretty extraordinary, what she did."

The bard glanced at her. "No kidding, really?" She said, in her driest tone. "Anyway, at the temple, she had to.. use me.. to defeat Velasca. And so she got to see just.. exactly.. how I felt about her." Her smile turned a bit wry. "Things started to change a little after that." She shrugged a little. "It just took a really long time.. mostly because we were scared, I think.. at least I was.. because her friendship means everything to me. I didn't want to risk that.. and I think she was reluctant to move forward just because she is who she is."

The Amazon nodded quietly. "I can see that." She studied Gabrielle's face. "So what.. pushed you on?"

The bard flushed a little. "Oh well.. I can't say really.. it just sort of.. we were at Cirron, and Xena said later that she really just got tired of fighting.. uh.. it. And she started to let things go after that." She shifted in her chair, and tugged the shawl around her. "Things kind of progressed from there.. and then we got your note."

Ephiny nodded, as she finished off the soup, and let her head fall back. "Thought there was something different about you two then.. just couldn’t put my finger on what it was." Then her eyes took on a gentle twinkle, and she turned her head to gaze at her friend. "No wonder you had such a rough time."

Gabrielle blushed a deep crimson. "Here, let me get some of that herbal mixture on you.' She changed the subject, and plucked the covered dish from the table, scooping out some of the salve and trying to ignore Ephiny's mischievous grin. "Hold still." She worked the salve into the Amazon's skin for a bit. "Yeah, that made it tough." She finally admitted. "I missed her so much, on top of everything else that it just… made everything twice as hard."

Ephiny sighed, and clasped a hand over the bard's. "Gabrielle, you should have told me. I knew there was something really bothering you.. but I never guessed…" She studied the gentle profile of the bard's face, outlined in the golden glimmer from the fireplace, seeing lines and planes that had not been there before. "I wouldn’t have asked that of you if I’d known."

Gabrielle looked up, meeting her eyes with the direct, powerful force she was capable of when needed. "You were right to ask.. I have a responsibility to the Amazons, remember?"

Ephiny's pale eyes returned her look for look. "So do I, Gabrielle. And that responsibility includes your safety.. and I failed you that day." The air intensified between them. "You would have died, if Xena hadn't performed some physical miracles that I still can't believe I saw." She paused. "I have nightmares thinking about what I would have said to her.. if that had happened."

The bard's eyes dropped, and she nodded a little in resignation. "I know." She said quietly, shoving aside a bleak mental picture of that herself. "So do I." She took a breath and looked up. "But it didn't happen.. she didn't let it." Now a tiny smile etched it's way across her face. "That was really something, wasn’t it?"

A driving rain, and the water fogged her vision so badly she had to keep shaking her head to clear it. The path was muddy, and kept slipping from under her boots, but she kept running at full speed anyway, wrenching muscles as she tried to stay upright along the endless, sloping path.

Finally cresting the rise, and seeing down into the Centaur Village, where blood and rain and mud made it hard to see the difference between attackers and defenders. Where the lightning flared, shocking the view into stark black and white shadows.

Holding her side, and trying to catch her breath, as she peered down into the savage mess, and feeling her heart stop as the fitful light showed her a nightmare beyond her imagining. Arella's tall, blood spattered form, rising triumphant in the driving rain, aiming a crossbow at a kneeling, battered Gabrielle, arms outspread to protect the cowering Centaur children huddled around her.

Ephiny had screamed "No!" And hurled herself down the path, ignoring friend and foe alike, driving relentlessly towards a scene she knew in her depths she had no chance in Hades of stopping. Was close enough to see Arella's finger tighten on the trigger, and see the small, infinitely courageous lift of Gabrielle's head as she looked her killer unflinchingly in the eyes.

Close enough to see the sudden intake of breath as the bard steeled herself for the shock of the arrow.

Close enough to tear her eyes from Gabrielle's face, when her peripheral vision caught a dark, irresistible, moving force, as the arrow released from the crossbow, and a flash of lightning outlined a tall, blood spattered, mud covered, dauntlessly moving body that dove into the path of that arrow with a speed, and a power that went beyond the merely human.

She'd fallen then, dropped to her knees, trying to tame her ragged breathing as she watched the most powerful Amazon warrior she'd ever known batted aside as though she were only a child by a snarling Xena, who stalked her like a big cat would a deer and who picked her up and threw her around like a sack of wheat.

Her biggest surprise was that Xena had left the woman alive. Her second biggest surprise was all that dark, primal power tamed to gentleness in Gabrielle's welcoming arms, as the sheer joy of that reunion echoed across the battlefield, so strong, and so profound that even the most hard hearted amongst them had felt it. .

"Yeah." She finally answered Gabrielle. "It sure was something." She dredged up a smile for the worried looking bard. "Hey.. did you have to show her that note? She's gonna kill me over that old war horse thing. So much for confidentiality."

Gabrielle's body relaxed, and she leaned back into the chair, snuggling into her shawl. "Oh, chill out Eph. She's not mad.. she can take a little teasing." She thought about that for a minute "Most of the time." She amended with a wry smile. "So.. how was Kaleipus?"

The Amazon cocked her head, and regarded her with some interest. "He's.. fine. I didn't know he knew you both that well.. and that kid of his too. " Her curiosity was perked, and had been since the Centaur's odd reaction to her news, and the boy's enthusiastic sending of greetings.

Gabrielle stood, and walked over to the worktable, assembling the ingredients for another draught of medicine. "We met them the last time we… when we helped defeat the Great Centaur.." She kept her back towards Ephiny, feeling the eyes on her. "Solon got kidnapped.. Xena rescued him." She turned around, bringing the cup back with her, stirring it a little. "You know, the usual."

Ephiny nodded slowly, studying her closely. "Uh huh… I see." She accepted the cup, but kept her eyes on Gabrielle's face, and noted the faint flush creeping up her neck. Hmm… something's up… "Cute kid." She drawled, getting a notion in her head. "Just hitting that growth spurt.. has that dusty blond going dark kind of hair, and really nice eyes." Saw the blush intensify, though the bard gave no indication she felt it. "He's going to be tall."

Now Gabrielle's eyes met hers, sea green depths reflecting back the burnished glow of the fire. "He's a very nice kid, Ephiny. I'm looking forward to seeing him again if they do decide to show up." She paused. "I know Xena would like that too." Her voice closed with a note of finality in it, which warned off the Amazon from further probing.

All right.. my bardic friend.. I know a 'back off' when I hear it. "Well.. should be a good party, then." The blond woman smiled, toasting the bard with her mug of medicine, and taking a sip. "Ugh…" She winced. "But I guess it's helping, isn't it? I feel.. lousy.. but.."

"But without it, you'd feel a lot lousier. Trust me." Gabrielle assured her, tucking the blankets around her shoulders. "Listen.. I've gotta do some staff practice.. then I'll be back. I promised you some stories, right?"

Ephiny's eyes darted to the window, then back at her. "In this weather? Gabrielle, are you nuts?"

Gabrielle laughed. "Rain or shine, Eph… Xena taught me that." She stood and stretched, feeling the familiar move of muscles up and down her body. "Hard work.. keeping up with her. I gotta stay in shape." She winked at the Amazon, then laid one hand on her flat stomach. "Besides.. it's the only way to stay ahead of Cyrene's cooking." She added with a rueful smile.

The Amazon chuckled a bit. "Well.. just don't you get sick too, OK?" She stifled a yawn. "Sides.. I think this damn stuff's putting me to sleep again."

The bard took the mug from her, and set it on the table, arranging the covers and fluffing Ephiny's pillow for her. "Good." She said quiet. "Let your body rest, Eph." She patted the Amazon on the shoulder. "I'll be back later."

"Night.." Ephiny's voice trailed off as the drugs took her under, and her face relaxed into sleep.

Gabrielle stood there for a long moment, regarding her, then sighed and turned for the door, slipping her cloak over her shoulders, and glancing out at the weather.. wondering how Xena was enduring it, every step taking her further from home. "Take care, love." Her voice whispered to the uncaring wind. "You know my thoughts are with you."

Iolaus huddled down into his cloak, glad beyond measure for the long tunic he'd borrowed from Xena's brother. The cold damp wind cut into him remorselessly, whipping the hood back from his tousled blond hair, and blowing the mane of his horse back against his hands with a harsh sting.

They'd been riding all day, and well into darkness, and now were just starting into the foothills of the range which divided the fertile area Amphipolis lay in from the high craggy peaks where the castle was nestled, protected by sharp drops.

Xena had said little all day, maintaining her glowering aura with little effort, and muttering to him only when necessary. Which wasn't a bad thing, he thought grimly. As he had no idea what to talk about with her anyway. So.. Xena.. just how many left handed bald men have you killed? His tired mind imagined the conversation. 824, Iolaus, why? Would have come her growled answer, he was sure.

He looked up at Argo's returning hoofbeats, and shivered as the golden mare materialized out of the foggy gloom like some wild specter, her coat eerily reflecting the few slivers of moonlight that got through the fast chasing clouds. "There's a cave, just south of here. We'll be sheltered for the night." Xena's voice was calm. "Come on."

"Sure.." Iolaus sighed, stretching painfully in the saddle. Gods.. the woman was inhuman. They'd been riding all day, and he'd had to actually ask her to stop twice, much to his own embarrassment. Was he ever going to be sore tomorrow.. but the thought of all the ground they'd covered, bringing them back closer to his best friend.. made him feel it was worth it. He guided his mount after Argo, and sighed in relief as they came to the dark opening to the cave barely a candlemark later.

He dropped off the horse with a feeling of utter relief, flexing his aching knees, and rubbing his hands, raw from the cold. "I'll see if I can find some firewood." He offered, reaching for the ax tied securely in his pack.

"No." Xena answered, her form barely visible in the dark. "I'll do it… you go on in, Iolaus." A sliver of moonlight caught her blue eyes, and danced off the barest hint of a smile on her face. "Go on.. take Argo in there too. It's big enough for all of us." She unslung a wickedly curved hand ax from Argo's saddle pad, and moved off into the gloom, leaving him with the horses and a feeling of distinct gratitude.

"Well, how do you like that?" He remarked, conversationally to Argo, who poked him in the belly with her nose and whuffled. "Doesn't talk to me all day, then does something nice like that." He captured the mare's reins, and led both horses into the large cave which was, as Xena had said, more than large enough for them, their horses, and all the Furies and Fates, in fact. He lit a torch, and studied the place with a feeling of minor satisfaction. It looked like it was used as a hunter's camp frequently, as there was a fire circle already marked with blackened stones.

"Very nice." He sighed. "For a cave, anyway." He muttered, as he led the horses to one side, and found a crevice to wedge his torch into . Turning to his horse, he unslung his pack from the animals haunches, and tossed it towards the wall, then unsaddled the gelding and used a bit of linen from his bag to rub him down. "Hang on.. I don't know if we.."

Bootsteps at the entrance to the cave interrupted him, and he looked up to see Xena entering, a large load of wood balanced on one shoulder. She spared him a brief glance, then dumped the wood in the fire circle, dropping to one knee and arranging it with expert hands. "There's a bag, on Argo's back that has grain in it for the horses. Help yourself."

He stood quietly, watching her for a minute before he moved towards Argo's warm side. The flickering torchlight outlined her powerful body and threw highlights that glinted off her dark hair, and he realized she had a sheer physical presence that went beyond her reputation that intimidate him more than he cared to admit. "Thanks." He took a deep breath, and found the bag, with two feedbags clipped to it. "Do you think of everything?" He laughed a little, holding up the extra feedbag.

Xena gave him one of those raised eyebrow looks. "Pays to be prepared, Iolaus." She stated, turning back to the fire and striking sparks to light it.

They got camp set up, and he was grateful just to sit quietly on his bedroll, munching on the travel rations they'd brought, facing Xena's shrouded eyes across the fire. "We made pretty good time." He ventured, more to hear noise than anything else.

Xena considered this statement, then gave a judicious nod in agreement. "Not bad." She commented, leaning back against the wall, stretching her long legs out and crossing them at the ankles. She'd taken off her armor, and was now occupied with sharpening her sword, a thin rhythmic scraping that jarred his nerves. Hercules didn't carry a sword.. though he knew how to use one, as did Iolaus.

"Tell me about the castle layout." Xena's low voice broke the uneasy silence, as she finished her task and sheathed the long sword with a slithering of leather and steel. She watched Iolaus shift uncomfortably, and with a sigh, took a little pity on him. "Look, Iolaus.. " She waited for him to look up, and he did. "We'll find a way through this, all right?"

"Oh.. yeah… well, I know we will, Xena.. it's just that.." He hesitated, wishing he were anywhere else, she made him so nervous. "I.. I don't…"

The warrior suddenly realized what his problem was, and mentally chastised herself. "Hey." She said, letting her voice warm perceptibly. "Wait.." She pulled a bag close to her, and rummaged through it, finding a package she suspected would be there. And a tiny one that she hadn't, which she pulled out curiously and examined. A slow smile crossed her face, quite without her permission. She set the small item aside, and unwrapped the larger, exposing some of her favorite pastries. "Come here." She gave Iolaus a stare, which caused him to scramble to his feet and trot over, kneeling at her side. "Here…"

Iolaus couldn't hide his surprise. "Uh.. wow.. uhm. . thanks!" He carefully selected a pastry, and retreated to his bedroll, munching absently on it, while giving her curious looks. "Your mother is really a great cook, Xena." He ventured conversation again, emboldened by her offer.

This time the warrior opened up a little, and gave him a more peaceful look. "Yeah, she really is." That came with a gentle chuckle. "I missed her cooking, all the years I was.. " She paused thoughtfully. "Away from here." She paused again, then picked up a small item next to her and regarded it. "Though, Gabrielle's not bad herself."

"Really?" Iolaus commented, feeling a little better. "And I guess you don't.." He left the thought hanging.

"Not one of my many skills, no." Xena responded, with a quirky grin. "I can do the bare basics." She idly unwrapped the package in her fingers and removed the shiny stone it held, running her fingers over it. "On the other hand, Gabrielle hates hunting.. and she's really lousy at it. So.. it works out."

Iolaus laughed. "We try to stay in villages, to avoid the question." He looked up and caught an unguarded expression on her face, as she studied the small piece of parchment in her hands. Her face had relaxed into a warm smile, which lit up her dark features as though she was touched by sudden sunlight, rather than lit by the ruddy flickering of their fire. What on earth… he wondered, as he watched her tuck the small piece of paper away.

Gabrielle.. her mind caressed the name, imagining the bard writing the words, her fire tinged golden head bent over the task, with just the tip of her tongue sticking out in concentration as it always did when she wrote. It brought on a warmth inside her that dismissed the cold, and the day's long journey, and her body's protesting over the sudden abuse after a month of decadent comfort. She realized abruptly that Iolaus was calling her name, and looked up, giving her head a little shake to clear the pleasant fog. "Yeah?"

Iolaus stared at her, a puzzled frown on his agile face. "Are you all right?"

The warrior glanced down, then back up, with an odd, half smile on her face. "Yeah.. sorry. I just.. um " She bit her lip. " Was thinking for a minute. About the best route to take tomorrow. " C'mon, Xena… this isn't the place, and certainly isn't the time for this stuff. Get a grip on yourself. "You were saying you and Herc stay in villages all the time? " She crossed her arms over her chest. "We do sometimes, but there's lots of nights we're not near any inhabited places."

"Ah. Well, yes.. and as long as we're talking about Gabrielle.." He started, figuring his angles out.

"Were we talking about Gabrielle?" Xena asked, all innocence. Her eyes took on a mischievous glint that Gabrielle would have recognized immediately. "She kind of likes being outdoors."

"Oh.. " Iolaus said, taking a breath. "Really? Well, you know, Xena.. um.. she's a very talented girl."

Xena's jaw clenched as she tried to keep a grin off her face. "Yeah, she's a great bard." She agreed solemnly. "You should hear her tell your stories."

"Uhm.. mine.. ours…really?" Iolaus said, allowing himself to be sidetracked for a minute "Right.. uh.. well, I'm sure she does a great job."

"Mmmhmm." Xena intoned seriously, giving him her best judicious ex warlord look. "She does a great imitation of you."

"Uh… me?" Iolaus squeaked. "She does?" Trying to imagine that, and utterly failing. "I don't see how…" He recollected himself with a shake. "Anyway, that's my point. She's a very, very talented girl."

"You said that." Xena commented, drawing her breast dagger and starting to clean her nails with it. "And Iolaus?"

"Yes?" He responded, furiously trying to marshal his tactics.

"She's not a girl." Xena replied, studying the dagger, then glancing up at him. "She's a woman."

Silence from Iolaus. She looked up at him, to see him gazing at her in bewilderment. "Would you like me to call you a boy?"

He shook his head, then nodded at her. "Ok.. ok.. yeah.. I see… well, she has grown up a lot lately."

"She certainly has." Xena replied, returning her attention to her dagger, and biting her lip to keep from laughing. Oh.. I wish Gabrielle were here to hear this.. she'd love it.

"Right." Iolaus agreed hastily. "Uh.. you know, Xena.. a woman.. a person.. as talented as she is.. well, you know there are schools in Athens that would just love to have her." There.. it was out. He mentally wiped his brow, and glanced over at her, to see if she'd taken his meaning.

"Yes, I know." Xena answered, unconcerned. "But she doesn't want to have them." And how damned long did it take me to understand that? No.. to believe that.

"She doesn’t?" The blond man asked, nonplussed.

"No." Xena answered, putting the dagger up, and stretched, swearing in silent disgust at the stiffness after one measly day of riding.

"Oh." Iolaus sighed. "Well, I mean.. no offense to you, Xena, but I'd think she'd want to pursue her talent.. I don't see…"

The warrior rolled over onto her side, and propped her head up on one hand, gazing at him in mild amusement. "I dunno, Iolaus. Maybe she just likes my jokes."

Pale eyes blinked at her. "Your… jokes.?"

"Yeah." Xena intoned, deadpan. She held out the package to him again. "Cake?"

Iolaus gave up. "Sure." He quipped, with a grin, scuttling over and snagging two of them. "Sorry..I don't mean to butt into Gabrielle's business, Xena.. but I like her.. she's almost like a little sister to me."

That got a relaxed grin from the fire-shadowed face across from him. "Yeah, Toris feels the same way about her." Her eyes danced, but he didn't know her well enough to see it.

"Ah.. really?" Iolaus chewed that over for a bit. "It's nice that your family kind of adopted her, Xena… I know she appreciates that."

"Iolaus.. " Xena said softly, watching his eyes glance at her. "She is part of my family. There is no 'kind of.'"

"Oh.. right." He nodded. "Sorry." He paused, drumming his fingers on his thigh. "But.. is that fair to her?"

Xena's finely drawn eyebrow inched up. "Is what fair to her?" Y'know, I think old Iolaus here has been hit on the noggin once too many times.. gotta talk to Herc about taking some time off after this and just letting him relax for a while.

The blond man sat forward, knotting his hands together. "Well… keeping her.. um.. attached to you that way now before you start yelling Xena I know you said not to mention it again but… " he stopped and drew breath. "She's in love with you." He presented his case triumphantly. "And she wont' go out and find herself because of that."

Xena tilted her head, and gazed at him, with a gentle smile. "Iolaus, you're such an idiot."

"Huh?" He said, not expecting this reaction. "I am not.. tell me it's not true, Xena. Tell me she's not hopelessly in love with you."

"Oh, I hope she is." The warrior said lazily.

"Huh??? You do? Why??? " Iolaus demanded, leaning forward.

"Because I'm hopelessly in love with her." Came the quiet answer.

Silence dropped over the cave, invaded by the dull stamps of the horses, and the faint, far off rattling of small pebbles falling down somewhere deep inside the mountain.

Iolaus opened and closed his mouth a few times, and rubbed his temples hard. "uhh… uh… ab.. du…" Was all he managed to get out, when he was startled by an unfamiliar sound. He looked up, realizing he'd never heard Xena laugh before. Not like this.

Before his eyes, the warlord disappeared, to be replaced with this smiling young woman, whose eyes sparkled with humorous intelligence. He felt his entire world go upside down, as he struggled to cope with his changing perceptions. Finally, he looked up, tentatively meeting Xena's patiently waiting gaze.

"You all right?" The warrior asked in a faintly amused tone.

"Hmm yeah. " Iolaus rubbed his head. "I didn't.. expect that.. sorry. " He gave her a chagrined look. "I didn't think… I didn't know you… I mean, you've…"

"Yeah, I know. " Xena sighed ruefully. "It was kind of a surprise for me too."

They looked at each other. "Wow." Iolaus finally said, breaking into a relieved chuckle. "Well.. that's great!" He smiled. "Wait till Herc hears…" Then his face fell, and he glanced away. "Yeah."

Xena gazed at him with those penetrating blue eyes, which seemed to see right through him. "Iolaus."

Reluctantly, he met her glance, flinching only a little.

"It's going to be all right." The warrior stated firmly. "I promise you."

This was the woman who had seduced him.. and tried to destroy Hercules. Who was Ares' Chosen one. Who killed people with no more regard that he would an ant. Whose potential for destruction was so great, she'd held the land under terror for years. And she was asking him to believe in her promise.

Strangely, impossibly, he was shocked to discover he did.. because there was a kernel of something in her that was very familiar to him. A spark in her eye, maybe, that brought to his mind a certain tall, brawny, impossibly noble friend of his.

"Thanks." He said, with a smile at her. "Ok.. that wore me out.. I think I need to get some sleep now."

Xena gazed at him with a quirky smile. "Goodnight, Iolaus."

He rolled over on his bedroll, and cast a last look at her, outlined in the flames. "Good night, Xena." And he was instantly asleep, giving his thoughts up to Morpheus' realm, and his physical safety up to Xena's watchful senses.

The warrior watched him for a minute, then rolled over onto her back, and gazed at the ceiling with a satisifed grin. You'd have been proud of me, my bard. The bard was still getting used to this new facet of their complicated relationship.. and the growing notoriety she had in her own respect.

It was on their way out from Potadeia… and they'd stopped in a small village for a night's rest off the hard, cold ground. Xena had walked Argo to the lone stable, and made her comfortable while Gabrielle had gone inside to negotiate room and board. She'd taken her time with the mare, currying her, and picking a few pebbles out of her large hooves, then picked up their bags, and sauntered inside.

And heard raised voices from the front, one of which being Gabrielles. She'd walked up to see the innkeeper arguing with an obviously angry bard, in time to hear him answer her.

"Look, I'm not having two women stay alone here. It just causes too much trouble." He'd seemed an honest sort, his voice was not vicious, just frustrated.

Xena had walked up behind Gabrielle, and settled her arms around the bard's shoulders, resting her chin on her partner's pale head. "What kind of trouble?" She' d asked, watching his eyes bulge. She felt Gabrielle giggle. "Don't tell me this is one of those places I have to promise not to beat anyone up."

"You should have just said." The innkeeper mumbled, not meeting the ice blue eyes gazing at him. "Thought you were…"

"What?' Gabrielle asked, now annoyed. "Thought we were what??"

"Traveling prostitutes." Xena answered calmly, with an amused grin. "Right?"

His pale brown eyes darted to hers. "Uh… well… " he paused. "You're Xena, right?"

She'd nodded. "What tipped you off, the leather or the attitude?".

He blushed, then looked at the fair haired woman she had her arms wrapped around. "Then you must be Gabrielle, the bard."

Xena had felt the intense blush heat her partner's skin and smiled. "Two for two."

The innkeeper grinned. "You should have just said who you were." He shook his head. "Trade you a room and dinner for some stories then, all right?"

Xena had enjoyed the moment thoroughly, glancing down at Gabrielle's profile, which was edging into a delighted smile despite herself. "I'd say you'd get the better part of that bargain, innkeeper." She'd drawled, watching the bard's blush deepen.

"Sometimes, you just get lucky." The innkeeper agreed with a cheeky smile. "Besides, I can guarantee myself at least one night without any trouble in the place." He put out a huge hand. "Hector."

They'd both shaken it, and gone up stairs, silent until they were behind the door of the small, but pleasant room he'd given them. Then Gabrielle had turned, and put her hands on her hips. "Traveling prostitutes?"

Xena shrugged, and tossed their bags on the bed. "Well… " She'd crossed over to her partner, and gently traced the outline of her face with a knowing finger. "It's not a totally unbelievable conclusion.. seeing you, anyway." She'd smiled at the bard's exasperated expression. "And, it's how some make a living, my bard. Bearing no other skills." She'd shrugged. "You should have just told him your name."

"I'm not used to that meaning something to anyone." Gabrielle had muttered, blushing again. "Yours, sure But not mine."

"Better get used to it." She'd informed the bard, with a sympathetic smile. "Besides, I'd rather them know yours.. and not mine."

Gabrielle had looked up at her, and given her a gentle smile. "Oh no, Warrior Princess. If they know mine, rest assured, they'll always know yours."

Xena chuckled to herself, remembering. Then she pulled out the scrap of parchment, and leaned nearer the fire, to read the words again.

Darkness falls, cold decending

The air outside chills with frost,

As though the world itself abandoned life.

But where I am, no ice can touch me, no frost can settle.

When I close my eyes, and think of you.

Appropriate for the season. Xena thought, as she felt the same warmth spread through her. Folding the paper up small, she tucked it into the palm of her hand, and closed her fingers into a fist, then settled herself down to sleep, gazing thoughtfully at the crackling fire for a timeless moment before letting her eyes close.

Gabrielle let her head rest on the pillow, her arms wrapped around it, as she gazed sightlessly out the window at the morning sun. At least there was sun today, her mind idly considered It had been a long night, after she'd left Ephiny peacefully sleeping, and spoken with the healer. Then come back here to the cabin.. which was very large, and very quiet without it's other occupant.

Not that Xena was an exceptionally noisy person - no - quite the opposite. But her presence always seemed to fill the room, even when she was just sitting quietly by the fire, or sprawling on the bed, watching Gabrielle write. Or just.. All right, Gabrielle, cut that out, and get a grip on yourself.

It hadn't been a peaceful sleep, though she'd avoided nightmares, her body so used now to Xena's comfortingly warm presence that she found it hard to forgo it and sleep in this very large bed without her. Sighing, she rolled over, and rubbed her eyes, then stretched her body to its full length on the bed and sat up, running her fingers through her hair. "Morning, Ares." She mumbled to the wolf, who rolled over, and presented his belly for a scratch.

"Arrrrggroooo." He sighed, wagging his tail as she complied.

"Yeah, same to you." She laughed, grabbing his muzzle and shaking it. "Come on, let's get dressed and get some breakfast. " she slid off the bed, and padded over to the fire, swinging the water pot over it, then moving to where a basin of water stood. Holding her breath, she plunged her face into it, letting the icy water shock her wide awake. "Yaaaagghh!!" She yelled, as she pulled her head up. "How does she DO that???" Thinking of Xena's so very casual plunge into the basin every morning.

"Roo?" Ares asked, sitting on his haunches behind her, his dark head cocked to one side.

"Brrrr…" Gabrielle chattered, grabbing a towel and drying herself off. "She usually warms it up for me." She felt a smile crossing her face at the thought. That quietly unexpected consideration from someone she had always though oblivious to little things like that… and when that started to change..

She'd first noticed it after.. that whole thing with Velasca and Callisto.. after they'd fought, and finally repaired their friendship for what seemed the dozenth time. They'd had a routine.. she knew what was expected of her.

To keep her stuff cared for, and tidy. To help set up camp, and find firewood. To do most of the cooking, because Xena was, truly, horrible at it. Xena's job was to find a secure spot to begin with, and take care of Argo, keep up all her weapons and armor, to hunt for them, and collect herbs and other vegetation because she could without getting them both poisoned.

She began to notice little things.. like finding her bedroll already laid out. Or something mended without comment, and put back in her pack. Tea made for her at night without her asking for it.

She found herself almost irresistibly reciprocating.. bringing Argo neatly plucked river grasses, bringing Xena her dinner. Making little things she knew were her companions favorites.

Some things were inviolate - Xena never touched her scrolls, she never went near the warrior's arms or armor. But she could feel a.. blurring of boundaries between them, and she thought about it late at night, looking up at the stars, seeing Xena's nearby face looking up as well. That was the other change.. they'd started sleeping side by side, by mutual unsaid consent. It just.. happened one night.

So they could talk. Or make pictures with the stars, without having to shout across the campfire. Or so Xena could more easily protect her if they were attacked at night. Yeah, sure, that was it.

She thought about how she kept close to the warrior's side during the day, and how Xena seemed to like walking more and more often lately.

Arms just brushing. Close enough for her to catch the spicy scent of Xena's leathers, and the biting tang of the brass armor she wore. Close enough to hear her gentle, even breathing. They played "Who'd you kill?" and she rehearsed her stories, or sometimes they’d just talk.. about anything. Everything.

One night, she'd gone down to the river, to wash out the cooking pot after dinner. Had just started her task when she heard familiar footsteps behind her, then a warm presence knelt at her side. "Want a hand?" That voice that had started reaching for places deep inside her, carefully casual, unconcerned with her answer.

"Sure." The setting sun had colored them both in a crimson wash, and she'd paused for a minute, closing her eyes and just letting herself feel the beauty of the day. The wind brought to her the rich scent of pine, and the distinctive smell of the river, and the warmly milky smell of the soap Xena was using. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" She'd asked, opening her eyes and turning, finding blue eyes shaded almost to violet in the rich sunset regarding her.

"Yeah." With that quirky half grin. Then the eyes had flicked across the water, and down to her task. "Sure is."

She'd put her attention to the task, just accepting the sparkling chill she felt as their hands touched. Squawking as Xena finished up, then flicked a handful of water at her. "Hey!" She'd yelled, splashing back.

Never really knew how it happened.. just one minute she was fighting furiously, the next she'd lost her balance, and tumbled off the ledge she was kneeling on, and was headed for the water. She'd braced herself for a cold impact, but somehow.. something big, and warm grabbed her first, and with a rush of air she was back on the bank, and rolling in the grass all wrapped up in Xena's arms.

She knew she should untangle herself, and brush it off with a laugh. But that warmth, and that heady scent, and her own nature betrayed her, and she slid her arms around her companion and hugged her instead. It felt wonderful.

A long stunned instant, then she felt arms closing over her, and returning the pressure. And a voice very close to her ear. "What's that for?" Meaning the hug, but in a tone that did wonderful things as it slid down her hearing. .

"Just cause." She'd answered back. Just cause I'm falling head over heels in love with you, Xena. Just cause you make me feel so crazy.. I can't hardly think. Just cause I sit up at night and write poetry about your eyes. Just cause. .."Xena?"

"Mmm?" The pressure around her relaxed, and she was free to move away. She very deliberately didn't, and after a hesitant moment, felt the pressure return. "What?" The warrior asked idly.

"I l.. uh.. thanks for catching me." Just a few more seconds of this.. just a few.. And then they would get up, and dust themselves off, and return to the camp.

"Anytime, Gabrielle.." Came the lazy answer, and she felt Xena's chest move as she took a deep breath, and let it out slowly, and then the warrior stood up, and collected the pots, and extended a hand down to her to help her up.

Just.. kind of.. forgetting to let it go as they walked back in silence, with the setting sun warm on their backs and the growing sense of what was between them making Gabrielle’s heart lurch in happy wonder.

Gabrielle realized she'd been standing there in a daze for several minutes, and shook her head, laughing a little. "Oh gods.. I need to cut that out." She let a held breath out slowly. "Come on, let’s get on the ball here."

She finished getting washed up, and dressed quickly, heading out the door and patting her leg for Ares to follow. "Come on, boy. You stick with me."

"Grrr. " Ares confirmed, as he slipped out the door ahead of her.

"Morning, mom." She poked her head inside the kitchen "Hi Johan."

"Hey honey." Cyrene looked up from her task. "C'mere a minute." Keep an eye on her, Xena said. All right. "Did you have a good night's sleep?"

"Yeah, fine thanks." The bard assured her, moving into the room and stopping by the work table, leaning against it and crossing her arms. "Nice weather this morning for a change."

Johan smiled. "That it is, lass. Good traveling weather, thank the gods."

Gabrielle thought about Xena's reaction to waking up to the improved weather, and smiled contentedly. "Yep, that it is." While her warrior partner carried on in all sorts of weather, and never complained, her reaction to a fine, sunny morning was always perceptible. Not that she'd ever admit to that, of course. Might ruin the image. "I'm going to go in and check on Ephiny."

"Ah ah ah.." Cyrene interrupted. "The lady is sleeping, honey. The healer was just in there. " She handed Gabrielle a plate. "Here… you go tuck into this. There's time enough after that."

The bard gave her a warm smile, and took the plate. "Thanks mom." She turned to remove herself to the main part of the inn, then stopped at the door, and peeked back. "Oh..and mom?"

"Hmm?" Cyrene looked up.

"She's not a lady, she's an Amazon." And the door swung shut behind the bard's grinning face.

"Scamp." Cyrene chuckled, and shook her head. "Goodness, I hope she goes and corrals those youngsters…" She exchanged a slightly exasperated look with Johan. "Did you see what they did to that poor goat?"

Johan just shook his head, and kept at his task.

"Oh.. look. There's Queen Gabrielle." Sharra whispered, giving Cait a nudge. "She's really cute, isn't she?" They watched the young woman cross the front area of the inn, and push the kitchen door open, leaning in and speaking to someone inside

Cait studied the bard judiciously. "I love her hair." She commented, taking a spoonful of cereal and chewing it thoughtfully. "Especially when she lets it all loose like that."

Megan watched the queen disappear into the kitchen and grinned. "I wonder if that's how Xena likes her to wear it?"

They all giggled. "Wow.." Elianas sighed. "And how about that kiss yesterday? I can't believe they did that, right here in front of everyone."

Deep sighs around the table, and Megan let her head hit the surface with a thump. "I melted." She moaned, pretending to slide under the table. "That was sooo hot."

"Shh..." Lista hissed. "Here she comes." They all looked up, presenting bright and innocent faces as Gabrielle crossed the floor and approached their table.

"Hi." The bard said casually. "Mind if I join you?"

Five shaking heads

"Good." Gabrielle put her plate down, and pulled out a chair, seating herself and looking at them. "So.. what's up?"

Cait leaned forward, by unspoken agreement their spokesperson due to her vast experience of both Amphipolis and its daunting inhabitants. "How is Queen Ephiny?"

The bard took a mouthful of breakfast, chewed, and swallowed before she answered. "Mmm.. Ephiny is doing as well as we could expect. She's pretty sick, and she's coughing a lot, but Xena's been giving her some pretty effective medicine, and I think she's going to be OK." She reached behind her, and snagged a mug off the counter, then poured some cider into it and took a sip. "We sent a note back home, so people there won't worry too much. But Ephiny's going to be stuck here for a little while so she can recover."

That was more information than they were apparently expecting, and Gabrielle was left in peace for a few minutes to continue eating.

"Is it true Xena went off to go rescue Hercules?" Megan piped up finally, twirling her fork in her fingers, and watching the bard's expressive face.

Gabrielle looked up, and studied her, then let a small grin move her lips. "It's true." Sorry Xena.. but I really do think that's just too funny, you going off to rescue the son of Zeus. Again. I know..I know.. it's serious, and Iolaus was very upset.. but… I know in my heart you'll fix everything, and this'll be a great story. Just wish I was there to see it.

They all looked at each other. "So.." Megan continued. "Why didn't you go too?"

"Oh.' Gabrielle casually sat back, and put a bit of honey on the muffin in her hand. "Well, I have to stay here and take care of Ephiny.. and you guys too. My responsibility, remember?" She took a bite of the muffin, and chewed it, watching their reactions.

Sharra grinned, and leaned forward. "Bet you wish you didn't have to stay."

Gabrielle blushed, remembering their faces the day before. "No no.. " She laughed. "We're not tied to each other like that." Liar.. she scolded herself. "I'm going to wait for the escort I know Eponin and Solari will send down here, then join you all in going back to the village."

"Really?" Elianas asked, taking sip of her cider. "You mean to take charge while Ephiny recovers?"

The bard nodded. "Yes." She cleaned her plate, and took a last swallow of cider. " So.. what do you say we go over the boundary treaties after breakfast? I need to keep you guys away from mom's goats."

Five sets of abashed faces. "Sorry about that." Cait muttered. "It did look awfully cute though." She peeked at the bard's face, which had a mildly indulgent look on it. "But oh..I hear you're just the best with that staff.. can we do that instead?"

Four utterly grateful pairs of eyes turned to Cait, and Megan gave her knee a squeeze under the table. "It's grand weather." Cait added with a hopeful smile.

Gabrielle felt a tingle of surprise at the request, and found it touched her pride a little. "Sure." She agreed, with a laugh. "If that's what you want to do.. sure... I can do that."

"Grand." Cait sighed. "It's ever too nice to be indoors today."

Megan slid forward again. "And. .will you tell us some stories??"

They all leaned towards her like a pack of vultures. "Uhm.. what kind of stories?" Gabrielle temporized.

"Gory ones." Cait chirped, with a grin. "Nice and gory ones with lots of battles."

"Ah." The bard let a understanding look cross her face. "You want Xena stories." They all blushed. "I see." She let them stew a minute. "Well.. just so happens I do have a few of those." Her green eyes twinkled. "And you know something?" She leaned forward and added in a hushed voice.

"What?" A chorus.

"They're my favorite kind." Gabrielle whispered, then stood up, grabbing her plate and mug. "Give me a few candemarks to tend to Ephiny, and we'll meet outside, all right? There are some practice staves in the barn. Then we can go for a walk down by the river, and I'll see what I can do about some stories."

Five grins, which remained as they watched the queen take her plate and cup to the washbasin, then dry her hands off and head towards the small back room.

"Gosh, she's got nice eyes." Sharra said dreamily, putting her chin on her hand.

"And a cute walk.'" Elianas added, with a smirk. "Pity it's so cold.. she looks gooood in that halter and skirt."

Megan slapped her. "Hey. .that's the queen you're talking about!"

Elianas slapped her back. "And your point is what???" The taller girl snorted. "That being queen prevents you from being adorable? No chance.. besides, she's not really an Amazon."

Silence prevailed for a long moment while they pondered the statement. "Well... " Sharra sighed. "That's true.. she's not. I mean.. not like Queen Ephiny. Or Solari, or Eponin... she's too.. "

"Gentle." Cait supplied, finishing her cereal. "She's never killed anyone."

Megan studied the sometimes enigmatic Cait. "You have, though. Right?"

Cait nodded her blond head. "But she's different." She played with her spoon thoughtfully. "She doesn't have that in her, I don't think."

Megan chuckled. "She doesn't much need it, right? She's got just about the greatest fighter alive taking care of her.. I’d feel pretty secure." She poked Sharra. "All she's got to do is yell for help and the wrath of the gods comes down."

A laugh ran around the table. "True.. true..'" Elianas agreed. "Come on.. let's get changed.. you volunteered us as pell practice."

Cait grinned. "More fun than reviewing dry old treaties, right?"

Sharra poked her back as they headed out the door. "Yeah, well you didn't see her toss Eponin on her butt last time, did you."

Gabrielle leaned against the wall of Ephiny's room, trying to erase the piercing, high voices from her mind. She'd tried not to listen, but it was too quiet in the inn, and her hearing had grown sharper lately, maybe just from plain practice. Her reaction ran rapidly from embarrassment to a dull anger as she considered their words.

Well.. it was true, wasn't it. Gabrielle sat slowly down in the chair, watching Ephiny's drawn face, pale and still in a labored sleep. She wasn't really an Amazon.. not like Ephiny.. not like Solari, or Eponin, or Granella... she wasn't a warrior. She regarded her hands for a long moment. Was she?

Those hands had calluses.. on the fingers where she used her quills, sure.. but mostly on the palms and sides from her staff work. The wrists were thicker than she remembered, as she moved her fingers, the tendons moved under the skin almost like Xena's did, and she knew when she looked in the mirror nowadays, the body she saw looking back at her was no soft, quiet scholar’s. Far from it. Put her in an Amazon's leathers, and eyes couldn't tell the difference, not anymore, save that she was a trifle on the short side. Put her staff in her hands, and not even her height would fool anyone, not with them watching her take out men twice her size.

So.. what am I? I'm not only a bard anymore, right?

Xena says.. weapons equal responsibility. When you learn to use one, you take responsibility for understanding what you are capable of doing with it. She takes that very seriously..she's really aware of just how dangerous she is.

Am I dangerous? She'd been thinking about that a lot lately.. as she got stronger, and felt her skills increasing. Just last week, she and Xena had been sparring, and she'd lost her balance while swinging full force. Xena had managed a minor miracle in preventing her own staff from connecting with Gabrielle's body, but in doing so, she'd been unable to prevent the bard's blow from hitting her. It had impacted the warrior's skull just over the ear, and taken her to her knees. Xena had stood up almost immediately, and brushed the injury off, but Gabrielle had seen the dazed look in those blue eyes, and it has scared her more than anything else she'd ever done, because she knew damn well just how tough Xena was, and what it took to hurt her.

She'd stopped, right there, put both of their staves up and walked Xena back to the cabin, aware of her whole body shaking in reaction. It had taken two days for her to get up the nerve to spar with the warrior again, and even then she wouldn't let herself go full force until Xena deliberately pushed her.

It had unnerved her almost as much as the day she realized Xena was no longer going half speed against her, the first time she'd looked across their crossed staves and seen the competitive fire strong in those eyes, that made her freeze, and back away, suddenly knowing what it felt like to really go up against her partner. She knew right then, in a very definite certainty, that she never wanted to repeat the experience for real.

So they thought she was helpless without the certainly daunting Xena, did they? That she hung around getting into trouble, and depending on Xena to get her out of it? She sat back in the chair, and stared out the window. That was true.. once. She admitted, and quite recently, too. But not anymore. She nodded a little at the incoming sunlight, letting her hands trail in Ares' warm fur. All right.. I’ll show them.

"Hey." Ephiny's drowsy voice interrupted her musings. "Dinar for your thoughts.. you look grim."

Gabrielle let out a long breath. "No.. just thinking.. of stuff. You know.. how are you feeling?"

The Amazon blinked at her wearily. "Lousy." She admitted. "Not coughing as much, but I feel like I've been run over by a chariot." She paused. "Being pulled by centaurs."

The bard scooted her chair over. "You look it." She informed the blond woman mercilessly. "Think I need to get some solid food into you." She smiled at Ephiny's wince. "Or at least some more soup."

The Amazon nodded a little. "How's the girls?" Her eyes flickered to Gabrielle's, noting the brief shadow that crossed the bard's normally open and friendly face. "Gab?"

"Fine.." Gabrielle answered, stirring a small pot on the fire. "Causing trouble.. they tied rabbit ears on the inn's goat.. and one of them fell in the henhouse and squashed a bunch of eggs."

Ephiny colored in embarrassment. "Gods. Sorry."

The bard looked over, and grinned. "Not your fault.. but I'm taking them out for some staff practice this morning, and then I think we'll all take a long walk out to the river and back this afternoon. Maybe that'll tire them out."

The blond woman sighed. "Thanks... didn't mean to saddle you with the little monsters." She gave Gabrielle an amused look. "Try not to break any of them, ok? You swing a mean staff."

The bard brought some soup over to her, and settled back down on her chair. "I'll try not to." Her brow creased. "Were we ever that young?"

Both of Ephiny's eyebrows shot up. "We??? Speak for yourself, you little sprout." She laughed, barely avoiding another coughing spell. "Listen to you...you most certainly were that young, and not to damn long ago, either."

Gabrielle snorted softly. "I guess.. but I never acted like that...guess I just had other things to do.. besides.." She shrugged. "There weren't that many girls my age in Potadeia." Her gaze dropped, and she rested her elbows on her knees. "I had a lot of people to play with, and to do things with .. dances, that kind of thing." Her green eyes lifted and met Ephiny's. "But I had to go and almost get captured by raiders to find my first real best friend." She smiled, and gave her head a little shake. "Funny how life is."

"Yeah." The Amazon agreed softly. "Here.. let me see what I can do with that." She eased herself up a little, and took the small bowl of soup from Gabrielle's hands. Gods.. here I am always thinking that Xena is the one with all the skeletons in her mental closet. I keep forgetting how much Gabrielle's been through already..looks like she has a few sore spots too. "Well, if you don't mind me saying, if you had to wait until then at least it was worth the wait."

This got a brilliant full smile from the bard. "That's true, isn't it." She laughed. "That's so true."

Ephiny sipped her soup, and watched her friend's face from the corner of her eyes. "Did you guys hit it off right away or...? " A long pondered question resting in the back shelf of her curiosity.

Gabrielle snorted and rolled her eyes, then grew thoughtful. "I usually say no, because I had to chase her down. .argue with her for hours.. gods knows what to get her to let me stay with her but..." She paused and shook her tawny head. "Eph, there was something there from the first time we set eyes on each other... we both felt it."

The Amazon smiled, and sucked on the back of her spoon, having finished her soup. "Hey.. that's a wonderful thing to hear." She watched as the bard took the bowl back from her, and set it on the table. "Where did you say you were going to take them later?"

Gabrielle shrugged. "Oh.. down by the river, probably - it'll take us till after dark to get back. That ought to be enough."

The Amazon's eyes clouded. "Are you sure you.. " She hesitated, feeling the bard's hackles start to rise. "I mean, those brigands are out there.. I don't.."

"Look." Gabrielle's green eyes snapped. "Ephiny, I can take care of myself. ."

The blond woman raised a hand. "Not saying you can't.. but what's the point in taking needless risks? If something happens.."

"If something happens, I'll just have to deal with it." The bard answered. "Or are you saying you don't think I can?"

"Whoa!!!" Ephiny rasped. "Hold on. that's not what I'm saying at all." What brought THAT on?? "Just.. be careful, ok?" She took a breath. "Have pity on poor old Ephiny.. will you? Cause I'm the one who's going to have to face Xena if something happens to you." She waited a beat, watching the anger drain out of Gabrielle's face. "And I don't want to ever have to do that."

"I know." The bard said very quietly. "We're just going for a walk.. and yes, I'll be careful."

"You all right?" Ephiny asked, just as quietly. "You seem really on edge."

"Yeah, I'm fine." Gabrielle sighed, then patted her arm. "Sorry.. I'm just a little sensitive about that... I hate being treated like a kid.. as you know."

Ephiny gave her a look. "I know." She reached out and gave her a little poke. "But you do have the damnedest knack for getting in trouble."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Don't go there." She warned, standing up. "I gotta go change.. I'll be back after dinner, so you get some rest, OK?" She smiled a little. "Have I told you the story about Cecrops yet?"

Ephiny perked up. "The Lost Mariner? No.. "

"Later." The bard promised, and slipped out the door.

Xena opened one eye, and peered at the opening to the cave, pleased to see it was still dark out. Well.. that still works. She considered, then rolled onto her back, and stretched tentatively. Hmm. A moderately pleased look crossed her face. Not as bad as I'd expected. She glanced across the banked fire, at Iolaus' peacefully sleeping face, and a smirk crossed her own, remembering their conversation of last night. You owe me for that, bard.

Silently, she moved her blanket aside, and sat up, sitting cross-legged and folding the blanket neatly, then standing up and walking across the cave to the opening.

Dry air met her nose, and she grinned. The pre dawn sky was only beginning to lighten, but she could see a full compliment of stars, and knew the weather had, at least temporarily, cleared. That's a good sign. She nodded quietly to herself, stepping outside and feeling the brisk morning breeze picking up, lifting the hair from her shoulders and sending a pleasant shiver down her leather clad back. With a satisfied nod, she turned and moved back into the cave, stopping to pull a small pot from her kit, and filling it with water from her waterskin. She knelt and stirred the fire, enjoying the pleasant warmth on her face, and set the pot on to warm, then went back outside, and headed in the direction of the river.

Halfway there she decided a run to loosen up her muscles would be a good idea, so moments later she was bounding over the pine scattered ground, letting the wind push her hair back off her face, as she felt her heart move into that low, strong rhythm that sent a warming rush of blood to the edges of her skin.

Gods.. this feels good. She felt the ground begin to slope downward towards the water, and increased her pace, feeling a low laugh begin to bubble up as she leaped a runoff gully without missing a step, and felt the wind become charged with the river's moisture.

She rounded the last bend in on the turf, and almost stopped short, seeing what was ahead of her.

Horses. Wild ones, who were sipping at the river's edge, moving in ghostly shadows in the grayness of the dawn. Too late - they spotted her, and took off running, heading at an angle towards her, moving away from the river.

A wild glint sparked in her eyes, and she launched herself after them, picking up speed in her first few strides and moving across their path, causing them to scatter and slow, and allowing her to draw even with the snorting stallion, a great gray beast taller than Argo, with a coal black mane and tail.

He bolted, and ran for the trees, and Xena went with him, straining herself to the limit to stay even with the frantic beast, and realizing she was running out time, and room as the trees loomed close.

One powerful lunging stride, and she was next to him, reaching up , and grabbing his mane. Another coiling leap and she was up on his back, sliding her legs around his barrel chest, and hanging on for dear life.

He screamed, and bucked, showing his teeth and corkscrewing sideways, as all four feet left the ground at once, but the legs that clamped around him were relentless in their power, and he took off running again, trying to lose this annoying burr clinging to his back.

Xena let out a wild yell, and stuck with him, as the wind brought tears to her eyes with it's harsh coldness, and burned in her lungs. The stallion hurtled back towards the cave, shaking his head, unable to dislodge his rider, as the rest of the panicked herd followed along. He circled back towards the river, and this time drove towards it with manic intent, thinking to drown whatever it was that was on top of him.

Xena crouched low over his back, and enjoyed the ride, timing her leap with relentless precision as the animal thundered down the bank and into the water, leaving her high and dry and laughing in delight, as she fell back into the long river grasses, turning her face into the rising sun and feeling it's warmth on her closed eyelids. Oh.. wow.. that was great. Her mind sighed in contentment. What a way to start the day.

The stallion snorted, and plunged out of the water, making a wide circle around her and rolling his eyes in her direction. He led the herd down the river, occasionally turning his head to keep an eye on her sprawled form.

The warrior laughed softly, and rolled to her feet, padding down to the water, and plunging her head and upper body in, scrubbing herself vigorously. The icy liquid sent chills down her, but they felt good after the heat of her ride, and she twisted her hair to wring the excess water out of it, then shook her head to scatter the extra water over the area she was standing in. Oh yeah. She felt herself grinning. No cabin fever, huh ? You fraud. She mused in rueful self knowledge. This would have been just perfect if Gabrielle was here.. but then.. A darkly amused thought. She'd have killed me for jumping on that horse.. and it probably was a really dumb thing to do.

She broke into a jog back towards the cave, reveling in the morning sun, and the cold wind, and just being alive, opening her senses to the surrounding land and soaking in everything it had to offer. I wonder if there are any more of those little notes.. her mind mused, as she headed up the slope leading to the mouth of the cave, and saw Iolaus standing in the opening, hands on his hips. Just watching her.

No, no.. Xena, you are not going to tear apart your packs until you find them. No. Absolutely not. We have things to do, and places we have to be. Hercules, remember? "Morning Iolaus." She drawled, as she slowed to a halt near the entrance.

Iolaus had woken at the sun's first rays penetrated the cave mouth, and glanced around, surprised to see the other bedroll empty. He'd always assumed Xena woke up at dawn, like the rest of Western Civilization. Silly me.. he chuckled. Guess that's yet another assumption I can toss out with the bath water, huh?

Xena and Gabrielle. He laughed to himself. Who'd have thought it? And.. boy.. o boy.. o boy.. could he ever have fun with Hercules over this. Assuming Xena could get the big guy out this mess, that is. Iolaus paused, examining his thoughts. Well, if anyone can, it'd be her, right? He stood up, and stretched his small frame, rocking his head from side to side and listening to the painful cracking with a wince. Oh… Hera.. I forgot just how much I hate sleeping on the floor. Every bone in his body ached, and he briefly felt nostalgic for that nice soft bed in Xena's mom's inn. With a sigh, he walked over to the fire, charmed to see that Xena had put up some water before she'd left to..

Left to what? He wondered, and walked to the mouth of the cave, looking out on a beautiful day. Ah… that's more like it. A satisfied smile crossed his face, and he was about to turn around and go back inside when movement below him caught his attention. He walked a few steps from the cave entrance, and peered down, spotting what had caught his attention. Xena. Running. For no apparent reason other than because she could. Her body caught the rising sun and sent sparkles off the water which still beaded on her neck and chest, and danced off the brightness of her eyes.

Those eyes found his, as she ended her run right next to him. "Morning, Xena." He commented casually. "Do you always.. uh… run around in the dark before sunrise?"

The warrior snorted. "Depends." Then she allowed a faint grin to form. "Not lately."

"Ah.. too cold, huh?" Iolaus sympathized, rubbing his arms.

"Nope.. I've had better things to do." Xena drawled, watching a flush creep up his neck as he caught her meaning. She wiped a mischievous grin off her face, and jerked her head downslope. "River's that way. I'll brew up some tea, then we can pack up and get going. If we keep going until after moonrise tonight, we should be almost there."

He nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

Xena watched him trot down the path, and shook her head a bit, reentering the cave and crossing to her saddlebags, kneeling beside them and pulling out a warm tunic and leggings to put on over her leathers for traveling. Her hand paused over the neatly packed items, then dropped gently, and prodded them with one curious finger. No.. you are not going to hunt through this bag, you mushball. She paused. But I could look for that extra armor catch pin I was sure I packed in here…

Uh..right. She laughed helplessly at herself, as her fingers searched deftly, and fell on another neatly wrapped bundle. Gods.. I’m hopeless. With a satisfied chuckle, she pulled it out, and tossed it up once before catching it and stowing it with an air of martyrdom in her belt pouch. Later… later… come on now.. let's get going. She coaxed herself into standing, and sliding into the clothes, then stowing her bedroll and carrying both it and her bags over to where Argo was patiently waiting. "Hey girl.." Xena slapped the mare on the withers. "How are you feeling, huh?"

A snort from the mare.

"Aw, come on.. it's good for you." The warrior chuckled, walking over to the fire, and dumping the contents of a handful of herbs in the steaming water, sitting down next to the warmth to wait for the herbs to steep. Almost without her consent, her hand dropped to her pouch, and drew the little packet out, and she studied it carefully, then delicately unwrapped the bundle, and spread the parchment out flat on her knee. The stone she kept, fiddling with it unconsciously as she read.

I stand at the dawn of the world,

As the whole of creation waits in silence unending,

For the first ray to pierce the darkness,

The first sound break the stillness,

Then I stand here knowing the one thing that has always been

And always will be is my love for you.

Xena let out a little sigh, and gently touched the surface of the parchment with the tip of one finger, tracing the letters in that firm, distinctive hand. So beautiful.. I can't believe someone would write that.. for me. I don't deserve this. Oh gods. .I don't deserve her. I don't.. I know I'm going to do something to screw this up.

She closed her eyes, and just let the emotion crash over her for a moment. Then she drew in a deep breath, and straightened. No. This was meant to be… regardless of what I did before, or what I do later, this… was part of my destiny. I can't avoid it, I can't disregard it. We're part of each other.

Her pulse calmed down, and she reread the scrap, this time letting a smile form, then folded the paper up, and carefully tucked it away, as she heard Iolaus coming up the path. She poured the tea into two travel cups, and handed one to the blond man as he walked in shivering. "Gods!" He gasped, taking the cup gratefully. "That water's damn cold, Xena!"

Eliciting a derisive snort from the warrior. "Get over it, Iolaus. Hades, men are such wimps."

"What?" He protested, warming his hands on the cup and taking a deep swallow. "We are not." He gave her a look. "We’re lots tougher than women."

Xena's eyebrows curved up, and a competitive glint formed in her ice blue eyes. "Oh yeah?"

"Well.. yeah!" Iolaus answered, realizing too late what he was saying. Oh.. shit. "I mean.. well, you know.. what I mean, Xena.. I mean.. the average guy might be a wimp.. but us unaverage hero types… that's a different story.. and of course, I certainly wasn't referring to YOU when I said guys were tougher.. uh.. no.. everyone knows you're about the toughest thing going, right? Men, women, dogs,.. trees.. you beat them all." He paused, out of breath. "Right?"

A devilish gleam in those clear blue eyes, that even he could recognize. "Don't hurt me?" He squeaked, closing his eyes tightly. "Please?"

Felt a hand on his shoulder. "Relax… I was just kidding." Xena assured him, with a grin. "I'm sure you're very tough, Iolaus. After all, you survive traveling with Hercules, right."

He cracked an eye open and regarded her thoughtfully. "So.. what does that say for Gabrielle?"

Xena rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's get going."

Gabrielle settled her staff into it's accustomed corner, and dusted her hands off as she entered the cabin, a pleased smile on her face. "That felt good, right Ares?" She pulled the wolf's ears gently, and took a deep breath. "Five energetic young Amazons, and I just ran them into the ground."

She ran her fingers through her damp hair, and smiled a touch smugly, feeling pleasantly tired but not much more. "Time for lunch, then we go down to the river." She informed the wolf, as she stripped off her workout tunic, and crossed to the water basin, dampening a scrap of linen, and running it over her body to rinse off the sweat and dust of the practice yard.

Finishing, she caught a glimpse of her profile in the mirror, and gazed at it for a minute, resting her hand just below her rib cage and running her fingers down her belly.. She laughed shortly, then shook her head. "No.. I don't think they'd mistake me for the village milkmaid, Ares." She moved and watched the muscles shift under her skin in idle fascination. "No wonder Lila freaked out." She felt a wondering smile cross her face.

It seemed strange to see that in herself, though she was more than used to seeing that shift and play under Xena's darker skin. "That's kind of cool." She concluded, finishing up her washing and pulling on a fresh tunic, then dropping onto the bed to rest for a minute, lying flat on her back and spreading her arms out wide.

It had felt really good.. seeing the slowly growing respect in those young eyes facing her, as she ran them through teaching drills she used with the villagers. She'd had to.. Her face broke into a smile. She'd had to go half speed with them, since her full force strikes would have taken their staves from their hands, but it was a fun session. She shifted her shoulders, feeling the tightness and pleasant ache in her muscles and spared a wistful wish for her partner, whose skilled hands would be very much appreciated right now.

"Wonder if she found any of the poems, Ares? You think?" She mumbled to the wolf, who had jumped up next to her on the bed and was curled up against her side contentedly. "Nah..I'm sure she's way too busy for that... she doesn't really have time for that stuff, right?" She sighed ruefully. "I'm the dreamy eyed romantic one of this partnership." Which.. was understandable.. and she had come to accept and appreciate her partner’s coolly logical mind and pragmatic sensibilities.

She rolled over, and pulled her scroll case from the small table on the side of the bed, and opened it, taking out her diary and a quill. As she pulled the diary out, a small object fell out onto the bed, and she stared at it.

A small wooden bear stared back at her, seated, it's tiny legs outstretched, and it's front paws clasped in front of it. Clutched in the paws was a tiny, dried sprig of buds, which sent up to her the vaguest scent of summer.

"Oh." She breathed softly, taking the object up in gentle fingertips and studying it. "That's so adorable." She grinned, and caught her lip between her teeth. "Just when I think I have her figured out... " Lifting the bear to her lips, she gave it a kiss, then settled him down on the bed's uneven surface, and opened her diary, reveling in the warm happiness that settled over her.

She wrote steadily for several minutes, smiling a little at her words and stealing the occasional glance at her silent ursine companion. Ares lifted a curious head, and sniffed the bear, then gave it a solitary lick, and went back to sleep, with a little sigh.

All right.. so it's what, one full day now? I already miss her so bad it's making my teeth hurt. Is that the dumbest thing ever, or what? I keep wondering what she's doing..if she's punched Iolaus yet.. did they find shelter last night.. I hope so. I'd hate to think of her sleeping out in that weather, though we've both done it before.

This is silly. We're two adults. We should be able to spend a couple of days away from each other without behaving like a pair of lovesick kids. Right? Sure. So that's why I tuck little notes away for her, and why I get surprises like my cute friend here. Am I a woman, or am I just a stuffed cuddly mush toy? Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Guess that answers that.

I love her. I guess I can put that down a thousand times in this diary, and I'll never get tired of seeing it.. or shaping the words She loves me. And knowing that means more to me than anything else ever has. Or ever will.

Now it's time for me to switch gears, and change from warrior to bard, from teaching a weapon skill to teaching history through my stories. The challenge is making as big of an impact with words as with wood. I think I enjoy the challenge.

After a bit, she sat back and reread her entry, then blew gently on the damp ink, and let it dry. "All right. Ares.. let's go get some lunch, OK?" She ruffled the wolf's fur, and he raised his muzzle and nudged her. "Then you can go with us to the river. You'd like that right?"

"Roo." Ares agreed solemnly, as he rose and stretched, jumping off the bed and joining her at the door.

She entered the inn, blinking a little in the cool darkness, and made eye contact with Cyrene who waved her over. "Hi." Gabrielle smiled, and settled herself into the chair across from the innkeeper. "That's a really pretty shirt." And a new one, I think.. hmm…..

"Thanks, cutie." Cyrene laughed. "It's a new one.. Johan took pity on me."

Gabrielle's sense for intrigue sharpened, and she studied the older woman's face. "That was really nice of him." She drawled. "What the occasion?" Her eyes sparkled.

Got a pair of raised eyebrows from Cyrene. "None, that I know of.." She muttered. "Just being nice I guess..."

"Oh." The bard smiled knowingly. "I see." She pulled her bear from her belt pouch and set it on the table. "See what I found mysteriously tucked in with my scrolls?" Let's see if I can poke this out from another direction.

Cyrene reached over and picked the bear up, turning it in her fingers with a deep sigh. "Did she do this?"

The bard nodded. "Yep.. I didn't even know she could carve until we were home last time."

The innkeeper gave her head a little rueful shake. "She was just starting to.. do that when Cortese came." She studied the wooden bear. "Looks like she kept up the practice." Her eyes flicked up to Gabrielle's curiously. "What's the occasion?"

Gabrielle cupped her chin in her hands, and grinned. "None that I know of... just being nice, I guess." Her green eyes twinkled, as Cyrene caught the deliberate mimicking and blushed. Bullseye…. Ooo.. Gabrielle, when you are good, you are really bad. Bad bard.

"Gabrielle, you wipe those thoughts right out of your cute little head." The older woman scolded her, shaking a finger at the bard.

"What thoughts, mom?" Came the innocent reply. "I don't know what you're talking about." She stood up, and recaptured her bear. "I'm gonna go grab some bread for lunch.. "

And got about two steps, before Cyrene was hauling her down from behind. "What? I saw you out there all morning, you scamp. Sit down."

Agreeably, she complied, sitting down and leaning back in her chair, idly listening to the subdued hum of voices around her. The door opened, and Cait slipped in, spotting her and gliding across the wooden floor to her tableside. "Hey Cait.." The bard waved her towards a seat.

"Hello." Cait said, with her quiet smile, and settled herself. "That was a grand time. Thank you."

Gabrielle smiled back at her. "Anytime, Cait... it was a good workout for me, too." She looked up as one of the inn servers strolled over, with a large pot of something, and a few plates. "Whoa.. what's all that?"

The girl, Sophia, grinned. "I was told to bring this out.. I think it's your lunch." She set the covered pot down, and lifted the lid, stirring the contents and letting a delicious steam waft over the table. "Lamb stew, it is." She put down a loaf of bread. "Tuck in." She added cheerily, and sauntered away.

Gabrielle peered into the pot, and shook her head with a laugh. "She's overestimating my capacity, that's for sure. C'mon, Cait - give me a hand with this." She ladled a large portion into a bowl, and handed it over to the blond girl, then served herself an equal portion. They both took chunks of bread, and started eating.

"Gosh, this is good." Cait sighed. "I do like living with the Amazons, but their food's ever so bland." She glanced up at Gabrielle, who swallowed a mouthful and grinned.

"I know." She whispered. "Shh."

"Listen, I'm really sorry about the goat." Cait said, with a grave look. "And they really didn't mean to pull *all* the feathers out of that rooster's tail."

Gabrielle grinned. "Just some of them, huh?? Don't worry, worse things have been done to roosters around here." She commented wryly. "Any particular story *you* want to hear today?" She leaned forward and smiled. "Oh.. and I hear you tell a mean story yourself, by the way."

Cait grinned back at her. "It was a lovely subject." She spooned in a few more mouthfuls. "I like any kind of story.. though I do like to hear about battles." Her pale eyes found Gabrielle's shyly. "Everyone is terribly jealous of you, I'm afraid."

"Of me?" The bard questioned, gazing at her. "Why?"

Cait giggled. "Why? Oh.. well then.. let's see. You're a Amazon Queen, you're terribly lovely, you're simply the best with that staff, and you live with Xena." She snorted with laughter at Gabrielle's expression. "Did I leave anything out??" She paused. "You do blush, don't you."

The bard took a breath, and folded her arms across her chest, waiting for the heat in her face to subside a little. "Thanks, Cait." She muttered. "But... being a queen isn't always fun, I'd don't think I'm particularly good looking, I've got a lot to learn about that staff, and..." Here she paused. "Well, I wouldn't trade Xena for anything or anyone on earth." She blushed again.

Cait kept silent for a bit, then cleared her throat. "Someone once told me that... life is a very hard thing.. and that you go through all the rough bits to make the good bits all that much better. " She paused thoughtfully. "They said.. the brightest spot is having someone else to care for, who cares for you, and that will let you endure all the darkness in the world."

Gabrielle smiled to herself, and gave Cait a little nod. "That was a very wise person, Cait."

The girl looked up directly into her eyes, and grinned. "That was Xena."

The bard felt her breath catch. "Was it?" She breathed, then laughed softly. "Imagine that."

They finished lunch in relative quiet. "Cait, I'm just going to poke my head in to check how Eph is doing. Can you get the girls together, and we'll head off? I'll pick up some traveling bread to tide us over until dinner, OK?" The bard put a hand on the blond girl's shoulder. "I've decided to take you all up to a favorite place of mine." The quiet, hidden dell, where she could get them focused on her.

"Right." Cait smiled. "We'll meet you back here shortly then." She glided out of the room, and headed up the stairs, pausing on the landing and looking back. "You made them all need to take a nap, you know." And the girl winked a sober gray eye at her.

Gabrielle laughed to herself. Now I know how Xena feels. A little. She pushed the door to Ephiny's room open, and peeked in, seeing the healer Renaas at her bedside. The healer half turned, and put a finger to his lips, then rose, and moved towards her, backing her out into the inn and closing the door.

"She's sleeping… it looks better." Renaas said softly, giving her a smile. "Not that I had anything to do with it… she's a strong woman, and that mixture you've been giving her is nothing short of brilliant."

Gabrielle smiled. "Tell Xena when she gets back. It's her own stuff." She gave a sober nod. "I'm going to take the kids out for some lessons.. I should be back shortly after dark.. she'll be ok till then?"

Renaas nodded. "Sure.. I'll look in on her again.. and don't you worry. Get out and get some fresh air, while we have the weather for it. Gods only know how long this will last."

Several candlemarks later, she was outside the inn, gathering her little group up, and waving a wry goodbye to a relieved Cyrene. "Be back for late dinner, mom." She called.

"You'd better be." The innkeeper threatened. "I'd hate for this whole batch of cakes to go to waste."

"Ohhh…" The bard laughed. "Say no more.. we'll be here." She turned, and led the way out of the village, already starting on a story as they walked.

"You know Xena…' Iolaus commented, shifting to ease the strain on his back from very long hours in the saddle. "Not that I need it, right.. but oh say.. a stretch might be a good idea.. you know, in case we have to.."

Xena turned her head and looked at him, curving one eyebrow up. "Iolaus, it's ok to ask me to stop. I'm pushing on because we're trying to get to Hercules… I'm not trying to kill either of us." A pause. "OK?" She reined Argo in, and kicked loose of her stirrups, swinging a leg over the horse's arched neck and sliding to earth with a snort, bending her knees to take the impact of her body hitting the ground. "C'mon, Argo.. I hear a stream over there."

She walked the mare over to the trickling mountain stream, and dropped the reins, then seated herself against a nearby tree, and sighed. It was already dark, but they'd made very good time, and would be within visual range of the castle by dawn if they kept moving. Her eyes studied the stiffly walking Iolaus, and glinted with humor momentarily. Guess I didn't lose as much conditioning as I thought.. She mused idly. I feel pretty good.. guess all that running around hunting counted for something after all. She uncapped her waterskin and took a long pull, feeling the cold liquid sink down her throat and into her stomach, which, it suddenly reminded her, was mostly empty. "Hey Iolaus.." She called, rising to her feet and going to Argo's saddlebags.

"Ah.. yes?" The blond man ambled closer, putting his hands behind his head and rocking backwards. "Ouch." He hissed.

"Let's stop and eat something." The warrior commented, pulling a few bricks of trail food from her pack and tossing Iolaus one. She studied his face, then chewed her lip thoughtfully. "Listen.. let's make a fire, and rest for a while.. I'd like to keep going tonight, so we get there at dawn. You think you can do that?"

His pale eyes jerked up, and met hers. "Um… sure." Stuffing the bar in his mouth, he looked around. "Let me get some wood." He gathered dry kindling, while she carefully cut out a circle in the sparse turf, packing the ground down and handing him her flint and iron. "Here.. start that." She paused. "You like fish?"

"Fish?" Iolaus glanced up, a surprised look on his face. "Well.. sure.. I love them, but we really don’t have time to do any of.. Xena? What.. where are you… "

The warrior just walked away, heading towards the stream, and settling on a rock at it's side to pull her boots off, and twist her dark hair up out of the way. "Be right back." She cast him an amused look, and waded into the creek.

What on earth is she doing? Iolaus wondered. Maybe she's swimming. She seems like the kind of person who would like swimming, right? He watched her go still, and the dark head cock to one side, barely visible in the moonlight. Gentle pale beams caught the skin of her arms, then shivered into wild reflections as she moved, and he heard a splash, and then a chuckle.

Then she was wading back out, and holding up one hand, which was tangled in the gills of a large trout, flapping helplessly in her grasp. "Looks like dinner to me." She walked barefoot back over him, and deftly killed and cleaned the fish, then pierced the flesh with two sharp sticks and set it over the newly dancing fire to cook.

"Wow." Iolaus laughed, sitting down hard on the ground and regarding her. "You're quite the hunter, aren't you ?"

One dark eyebrow rose. "You forget.. I have to keep Gabrielle fed. Keeps my skills at a razor's edge." She rose and carefully buried the fish cleanings, then went back and pulled her boots back on, resettling the heavy armor with a swift thump. "If you want to put some water up, I've got some tea left. "

The blond man hauled himself to his feet, and retrieved the small water pot from Argo's pack, dipping it in the creek and returning to settle it near the heat, and resume his relaxed posture on the ground. Well… he mused. This isn't really so bad… I can't believe I was so intimidated by her.. must be old, bad memories. She's actually kind of OK.. "Hey Xena?"

"Mmm?" The warrior walked over, having washed her knife and hands in the creek, and settled down near him, reaching over and turning the fish a bit. "What?" She rested her elbows on her crossed knees, and turned her gaze towards him, watching the firelight flicker off his face.

"Um.. listen, I know we've.. kind of had our differences sometimes.. but I want you to know how much I appreciate you coming out here like this." He studied his hands, not able to meet those piercing blue eyes he knew were looking his way. "It means a lot to me, knowing I had somewhere to turn." Now he finally glanced up, and was captured by her smile.

"Iolaus… I'm glad you thought of me when you needed a f.. needed help, I mean." She changed course in mid sentence, knowing there was too much between them to talk of friendship. "I hope I can fix this… for your sake as well as his." She plucked the fish from the fire, and handed him his half, giving him a slab of bark to hold it over. "Here… it tends to fall to pieces."

Iolaus took the stick and bark, and began to chew on the fish thoughtfully. "Xena?" He stopped, after a few swallows, watching her pick pieces off her own portion, and put them in her mouth, a distracted look on her face.

"Huh?" The blue eyes snapped back into focus, and fastened on him. "Sorry.. just thinking." She gave her head a little shake, and blinked, letting a tiny, rueful grin cross her face. "What did you want?"

Iolaus hesitated. I want to know what you were just thinking about.. but I guess you won't tell me.. so.. "The castle is supported by a mining colony. That's how they make their living - the miners are conscripted from the surrounding villages, and taken to the pits.. if they misbehave, then they're taken to the dungeons." He stopped, fiddling with his now empty stick. " That's where Herc is." He finished quietly.

Xena considered this. "So.. the fastest way to get to him would be to get conscripted, then punch someone." She boiled his theory down to it's essentials.

"Well… " Iolaus chuckled in a surprised way. "Yeah.. I guess you could put it that way." He shrugged. "It took me forever to get into the castle.. I had to wait for a merchant train and sneak in with them. So… do you mind?"

"Mind being captured? Or punching someone?" Xena gave him a little grin. "I guess I can survive being press ganged.. and the punching thing I think I have down pat." She leaned back on her hands and sighed. "It's not a great plan, but it's a plan, and it's fast… I just hope we can figure out what to do with him once we're in there. What if.." She paused thoughtfully. "Iolaus, was there anything different about him? Other than the obvious, that is."

The blond man's brow creased. "Different.. hm…. He'd changed clothes.. had some soft leather stuff on, very dark. " He said, slowly. "Other than that.. no.. well, some jewelry.. that was strange, you know he doesn't go for that kind of thing usually."

Xena absorbed this in silence. "Interesting." She finally commented. "And you said he told you he'd found the place he was meant to be?"

Iolaus nodded mutely, watching the thoughts whirling obviously behind those intense eyes. "What.. do you know what's…" He broke off at her shaking head.

"No.. I'm just trying to think of what in Hades could cause that kind of personality change." The warrior replied with a sigh. "I don't know of any herbs.. or drugs.. "

"The dragon poison.." Iolaus ventured, seeing her scowl at the words. "No?"

"You two and your monsters." Xena sighed. "Not that I ever heard of.. it usually kills."

Iolaus considered that for a minute. "Well, he's half god…"

The warrior sighed. "Maybe… I don't know. We'd better get going though.." She glanced up at the prominent stars. "Glad the weather held."

Iolaus nodded, then started to rise, and hissed in pain. "Oh.. Gorgons." He gave Xena an apologetic look. "Not really used to riding…"

Xena regarded him, and let a half grin shape her mouth. "Iolaus, do you trust me?"

That got a long, long look back, from wary pale eyes. "Uh.. well… yes." Came the answer finally, doubtfully.

"Turn around." That low voice sent chills down his back, but he did what she asked, facing the path, and turning his back on the fire. And her. A faint sound of movement, then suddenly warm hands were clasping his shoulders and kneading with a fierce stregnth. "Yahh.. what… oh." He fell silent, as the pressure moved down his spine, sending little tingles across his body, followed by a relaxation of the tense soreness from the long day's riding. I can't believe I'm letting her do this… but it feels too good to stop. He felt Xena complete her task, then rest her hands briefly on his shoulders again.

"Better?" Quiet, matter of fact.

"Much." He answered honestly, turning his head to look at her. "Thanks."

"No problem." Xena clapped him on the back and stood up. "Let's get going."

They doused the fire, and carefully scattered the branches, then repacked the gear and mounted, heading their horses back towards the dim path heading ever upward.

"That was a lovely one.. can we have one more?" Sharra begged, as Gabrielle checked the rising moon. "I know it's late but.." She snuggled down into her thick cloak, and smiled, as the bard ducked her head in acquiescence. Well.. I said we'd be back after dark. It's not that late yet…

"All right.. one more, but then we have to go. It's late, and they're going to worry about us." Gabrielle scolded them, but settled back and stretched her legs out before her. "Have you heard the one about.." Her voice, slightly rough around the edges from use, carried over the dim, cool glen. She was enjoying the rapt attention of her small audience, and the opportunity to tell some of her partner's most heroic tales without having to face the pained eye rolling from their subject.

And the girls were eating up every word… she sensed a distinct glazed hero worship floating around the glade, and with a slightly guilty pleasure, indulged her own usually well hidden share of it. Not that she, more than anyone else, didn't know and understand her partner's faults, but…she shrugged and continued the story.

They had made a fire, and were seated in a circle around it, avidly listening to her weave stories and enjoying the solemnly quiet surroundings. The dell was an interesting place.. a round circle of trees that surrounded a depression in the ground, forming a kind of bowl. There were rocks to sit on, and a small trickling pool on one side which had cut into the limestone ground and made odd shapes around it's edge.

Gabrielle loved this place, it being a usual afternoon haunt for her and Xena, a place for them to sit in private solitude, just listening to the forest around them, and watching the light change. Right now, it was bare of leaves, winter setting the dry branches to rattling on each other, but that didn't diminish the wonderful atmosphere of peace. She knew Xena sometimes came here late at night, after her drills, and simply sat and looked up at the stars and she'd found handfuls of tiny wood shavings, no doubt from the warrior's carving work.

Finally, she wound the story to a close, and stifled a yawn. "That's all.. my voice is going." She smiled at them. "We'd better get back."

They put out the fire, and tidied up the area, chattering softly between themselves and gathering their stuff, then joined her at the small path which led up out of the bowl. "This is a great place." Elianas said, with a grin. "Do you come out here all the time?"

The bard motioned her to go up the path ahead of her, and stood easily, weight half resting on her staff as they did so. "In good weather, sure. I do.. um" She paused, then blushed a little. "We.. do all the time."

That got five knowing grins back, and she just waved them on. "Come on.. let's get moving." Kids. Her mind sighed. One track minds. Then she laughed at herself. Yeah.. sure.. and just exactly what were you thinking about at exactly that moment? Hmm?? The warm memories swirled around her, and she abandoned herself to them for a short time, remembering the pressure of arms around her, and the comforting presence of her absent soulmate.

Then she sighed deeply, sensing the subtle ache of their separation, and followed the girls out of the dell, and onto the narrow, tree shadowed path leading back to the village. Cait walked at her side, glancing from side to side with an easy alertness that put a smile on the bard’s face. Ares trotted off into the brush, sniffing at something, then moved out of sight.

The only warning they had was a rustling of dead leaves, and then a night mare of intent faces surrounded them, with arms reaching, and weapons brandished. Gabrielle backed up, and brought her staff up, catching the first of them soundly in the head, then swinging around to deal with the next, but felt the sudden burn of ropes as a net settled over her. Hades..Her mind panicked, and she struggled hard against the net, lunging forward and slamming her staff against the man who was holding one end, and hearing him gasp and curse as he dropped to his knees.

Cait had whirled, and was trying to pull free from the two shadowy figures who had grabbed her, twisting and writhing, and putting several well placed kicks to good use. But the man to her left raised one arm, and slammed it against her head, and she went limp.

Gabrielle saw, and redoubled her efforts, but the straining against the rope and the multiplying hands around her were beginning to take their toll, and she made one last, desperate rolling move, seeing the club coming at her seconds too late to avoid it. "No…." Her voice cut off as the wood made contact with her skull.

The impact shook her to her very soul, and sent a wave of painful blackness over her senses.

Continued in Part 5

Return to Part 3

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Winter's Ending - Part 5

Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

The wind had died down, leaving the dark mountainside an eerily silent place, as day creatures slumbered, and the night creatures sensed the passing of two humans and horses and held their peace. Even the owls were quiet, their round, solemn eyes following the steady pace of the forest intruders with a stolid disinterest.

Xena took a deep breath, and stretched in her saddle, relaxing back into Argo's comfortable pace with easy familiarity. The forest gave up it's scent of pine and dirt into the cold air, and she could now detect a hint of moisture. With a sigh, she glanced up, to see the clouds covering the star strewn sky, and nudged Argo closer to Iolaus's gray. "Looks like we've got bad weather rolling in again."

Iolaus looked up, and groaned. "Great.. just great." He gave her a sideways look. "You know, when we get through all this, he's gonna owe me big time."

Xena chuckled. "I'd say a weeks vacation somewhere nice, right?" She registered the darting glance with a vaguely puzzled expression. "I mean.. you guys like to.. " Her mind searched for a likely entertainment. "Go.. tavern crawling in Athens, or whatever." She paused, aware of some kind of strange undercurrent coming from Iolaus. "Right?"

"Uh.. right." Iolaus agreed quickly. "We love that.. you know, a few drinks.. a few dances..."

The warrior hid a grin. "A few girls.." She drawled, cocking her eyebrow at him.

"Well.. no.. I mean.. uh.. not really... uh.. not usually.. " He ran out of protests, and just looked at her. "Ok.. sometimes."

She chuckled, and shook her head. "C'mon, Iolaus - I used to run an army, remember? Just a thousand guys and me." She pointed a finger at her chest. "I bet I’ve been in more alehouses than you have."

The blond man gave her a curious look. "So.. what was that like? Must have been kind of...I don't know.. exciting?"

The warrior leaned back in her saddle, and crossed her arms on the fur wrapped leather tree. "Mostly it was.." A light shrug, almost unseen in the darkness. "Hard work.. strategy.. planning.. administrating.. keeping discipline.." Xena paused, and thought. "Parts were really boring, parts were really frightening.. mostly it was in between."

"Do you miss it?" The words were out before he could censor them, and he bit his lip. Dumb.. very dumb... But the answer was fast in coming.

"No." Xena replied. "Leading men into battle.. that was.. the part I liked best. " She admitted frankly. "But the screams of the wounded men after a battle...I still hear them."

"Oh." Iolaus muttered. "I didn't think you'd have to deal with that part."

Xena turned her eyes on him, and he saw the deep shadows there. "Where do you think I learned my healing skills, Iolaus?"

They rode on in silence for a short time, immersed in thought.

Y'know, I really don't miss it. The warrior mused. I found something that fills me in all the places that never did.. but I was always hoping it would.

Suddenly her hearing picked up one...no two sounds out of place, and she stiffened, reaching out to Iolaus with one hand. "Trouble." She muttered, in a low, sibilant voice.

"How.. who.. where.." Iolaus whipped his head around, searching the dark underbrush.

"Eight men... in front of us and to the left." The warrior replied, sitting forward and tightening her knees around Argo's warm sides. The mare reacted to her alertness, and sidestepped, as Xena focused her senses around them. "Not mounted.. crossbows.. swords... and a mace."

Iolaus goggled at her. "You can tell all that?"

"Yeah." She spared him a brief glance. "You up for a fight?" She drew in a sharp breath as she heard the distinctive rising whine of a crossbow gut under pressure. "Don't answer that." She whipped a hand out and caught the quarrel in front of his nose. "Just move."

She drove Argo forward, towards the now dimly seen figures running towards them, and drew her sword, letting out her wild yell and swinging down, slamming her hilts on top of the closest man’s head. The second unlucky enough to reach her got a boot in the face, which snapped his head back and sent him down without a word, and she then slid off Argo’s back, and faced the third and fourth with a grin and a swinging blade.

Iolaus jumped off his gelding immediately, and caught a rushing raider with a quick jab, then grabbed his arm and tossed him to the side, against a nearby tree. Then he grappled with his next opponent, as the man swung a mace at him, and ducked as the weapon skimmed over his head. He heard a solid thunk, and glanced to his right to see one of the attackers physically lifted in mid air and tossed across the path, and heard a low laugh follow him.

Xena was having.. fun. Actually. She kept her sword more as a battering device than a slashing one, using it to put additional weight behind her blows, and giving the occasional hard whack with the flat of it. She had just slammed her elbow into the nose of one of the few remaining raiders when a sudden wave of chilling panic took her.

Confused, she stepped back, and glanced around, shaking her head hard to clear it, then felt it intensify, then just as abruptly as it came, it disappeared. Her opponent took advantage of the momentary lapse, and hurled his body on top of her, bearing them both to the ground. Xena let her automatic reflexes take over, as she felt her heart begin to calm, almost absentmindedly dislocating the raider’s arm, and slamming his body over hers to the hard ground.

Damn.. what was that? She surged up into a half crouch, and caught the last raider in the gut with a knee, eliciting a high whine from the man, and putting him out of action.

A hand on her elbow almost got a similar response, but she recognized Iolaus’ touch before she decked him, and just let her hands drop. "Don’t do that." She cautioned him. "Not in the middle of a fight."

"Sorry." The blond man grimaced. "Are you all right? Did that last guy tag you or something.. I thought.."

"I’m fine." Xena cut him off. "Just caught my foot on a root." She dusted her hands off and looked around, mentally counting. Yep. .got them all. She tentatively let her guard down, waiting for a repeat of the panic surge, and relaxed a little when it didn’t come. That.. almost felt like Gabrielle. Her mind gingerly probed the thought.But it’s gone now.. maybe she just got scared.. or .. whatever.

This time of night, the bard would have been safely in Amphipolis, either finishing up a bardic session at the inn, or snuggling down to sleep, neither of which activity would cause that kind of… She paused, and let a slow breath out. Unless she was having nightmares.

A scene flashed into her memory, of a night a week or so back, when she’d been out late checking out a report of scavengers around the edges of the village. She’d left the sleepy bard tucked into bed, brushing the soft fair hair out of her face and receiving a gentle kiss on her fingertips in return. "Be right back." She’d promised, as Gabrielle wrapped her hand around the fastening belt of her leathers, and tugged.

"You’d better." The bard had warned. "Don’t let them talk you into spending hours out there telling gory stories, OK?"

Xena had laughed. "No chance… " She twitched the blankets into place, snuggling them up under the bard’s chin. "Not in this weather."

And that had been true - she’d examined the evidence, and given terse advice, and headed back home, Argo as willing as she to return to the warmth of a snug bed. After settling the mare, she’d moved through the fitful moonlight, stepping up into the cabin and sliding the door shut in total silence, trying not to wake her partner up.

Three steps in, and she’d heard Gabrielle cry out, though.. and all thoughts of stealth vanished as she bounded to the bedside, and settled on it’s edge, reaching for the restlessly twitching bard.

"No.. no… " Gabrielle whispered, in a broken mumble, then woke as she felt Xena’s hand on her shoulder. "No… " Her eyes popped wide open, and fastened on the warrior’s concerned face, going from anguished to utterly relieved in less than a breath. "Gods." She got out, untangling her hands from the covers and reaching for Xena, who pulled her into a secure embrace.

"It’s all right.. I’ve got you." Xena had felt the body in her arms shaking. "Just a dream, love… it’s all right now." She stroked the bard’s hair gently, and felt her hands tighten, bringing them closer together. "Shh.. it’s all right."

Gradually, she had felt Gabrielle stop shaking, and her breathing calm. "That was a bad one, huh?"

"Yeah." The bard mumbled against her chest. "Something from a long time ago."

Xena had felt a tiny relief that this wasn’t something she’d caused for a change. "Your father?" She asked gently.

The bard nodded. "Don’t know why that got dredged up.. I was… " She nestled closer. "Some of the kids decided to.. they didn’t like something I’d said, and…"

"Shh." Xena hugged her. "You don’t have to tell me."

"No.. it’s OK." Gabrielle settled her head onto Xena’s chest, and sighed. "They started to beat me up.. and then Father walked in and saw ." She stopped, and closed her eyes against the remembered pain of the moment. "He let them finish."

Xena had felt an upwelling of rage so stark and so fierce that it forced a low growl from her unwilling throat.

Gabrielle had looked up, with a tiny smile. "My protector of puppies… and other helpless things…take it easy, OK? It was a long time ago." She sighed. "I haven’t thought about that in a long time.. I think it was more the feeling of.. " She shook her head a little. "Disappointment.. betrayal.. I don’t know… " Her eyes had found Xena’s. "It hurt more than the actual beating."

Xena had swallowed a few times before she answered. "It always does." She’d rubbed the bard’s back gently. "You all right now?"

Gabrielle had gazed up at her and smiled. "I’m always all right when you’re here."

Damn. Forgot about that. She wakes up in a panic, I know…that would account for that.. though.. damn… didn’t think it would be so strong.. I guess we got more sensitive to each other over the last few months. A tiny smile crossed her face. Wish I was back there. She sighed, and continued flipping over the raiders, tying them loosely with bits of their clothing she ripped off. "That’ll keep em for a while." She commented to Iolaus, who was following her lead.

"Right." The blond man agreed. "Well, that was fun."

Xena looked up at him. "Yeah, it was." And gave him the barest ghost of a wink.

They remounted, and continued on their way, passing into the darkening night under the rising sound of the fitful wind.

Cyrene stood at the window of the inn, staring out with unseeing eyes. "Where in Hades are they." She whispered, mindful of the straggling patrons around her. It wasn’t like Gabrielle, to leave them worrying like this.. especially with Xena gone.

"What’s wrong?’ Johan said, slipping up next to her and peering out the window.

"Gabrielle and those girls haven’t gotten back yet." The innkeeper murmured. "I’m getting.. a little concerned."

"Which way did they go?" The stocky ex merchant asked. "I’ll send some of the watchers out."

Cyrene slowly nodded. "I’m.. not sure. Maybe that Amazon knows." She turned on her heel, and strode across the inn, pushing the small door open and slipping inside.

The Amazon was sleeping, but half woke on her entrance, warrior’s instincts struggling to respond even when her body was obviously incapable of it. "Uh.." She mumbled, blinking foggily at Cyrene.

The innkeeper seated herself on the low stool next to the bed, and studied her drawn face. "Ephiny… "

"Wha’s wrong?" The blond woman asked, forcing herself to alertness. "Where…"

"Shh." Cyrene put a hand on her arm. "It’s… probably nothing. But.. did Gabrielle say where she was taking the girls out to?"

Ephiny’s already pale face blanched white. "Gods.. not back?" She half rolled over onto her side, and groaned. "Knew I should have… " She broke into a rattling cough. "Damn." She sighed. "They were going to the river." She looked up at the window. "Time?"

Cyrene gave her an unhappy look. "Fair to midnight."

Ephiny cursed in a steady, hoarse voice for a minute. "Damn woman attracts trouble like bees to honey." She looked up. "Gotta find her."

"We will." Cyrene assured her, pressing her shoulder back down on the bed. "You lie down… we’ll find her, don’t you worry." She stood, and hurried out the door.

"Little late for that." Ephiny muttered, staring at the ceiling and running through a series of calming mantras. Oh… gods… Gabrielle… please.. just be caught up doing something… telling some wild story, or stopping to help some damn sheep give birth to a lamb.. I know you’d do that, right? Lose track of time… all those kids cooing over some little scrap of white wool…

Her gut told her otherwise. That Gabrielle, highly conscious of her responsibility with the young girls, would have rather have carried the damn sheep home on her shoulders than send everyone into a panic. Especially in chancy, unsettled weather, when her main source of security was days away from here, and headed in the wrong direction.

"Damn it." Ephiny closed her eyes, then opened them again, and with a grimly determined look, pulled herself upright, and held on, as a wave of vertigo washed over her. "Teach me to just laze around, right?" She waited for her head to stop spinning, then swung her legs over the edge of the bed, and let her feet rest on the floor. Then she slowly, cautiously stood up, holding onto the bed rails for support, and paused there, swaying slightly until the dizzy feeling subsided again.

"Right." She borrowed Gabrielle’s fluffy shawl, and wrapped it around her, then walked slowly and unsteadily to the door and peeked out.

"Psst.. Cait.." A grubby hand shook her shoulder, stirring her to wakefulness. She let her eyes crack open, and saw Sharra’s worried face above hers. "You awake now?"

The slim blond winced, then rolled over onto an elbow, and felt her skull. "Ow."

"Shh.. " Elianas hissed, from next to her. "They’ll hear. Be quiet."

Cait blinked her eyes, and forced them to focus, staring at their surroundings with a sinking dismay. They were in a cage, of sorts. Hefty wooden supports bound with thick vines, to form a roofed enclosure about three of her body lengths square. The cage was to one side of an open area, that had low roofed huts around it, and a campfire lit in the very center. A low murmur of voices told of extensive occupation, and she could see dim forms moving about, and rough horseplay going on. "We’re in trouble, right?" She whispered to Sharra. "Where’s the queen?"

Sharra put her hand over the Cait’s mouth. "Shut up.. I don’t think they know who she is.. she’s over in that corner. She’s been out cold since they brought us here. .she’s got a horrible bump on her head and looks very pale."

Cait cursed softly, startling them. "I didn't see what happened.. they knocked me out." She slowly sat up, and took a deep breath. "Who are they?"

Megan slid closer. "They grabbed all of us.. but you and the queen were the only ones they clobbered.. I think.." She hesitated, glancing around. "I think they're slavers… there are more cages like this in the trees there."

"Ares balls." Cait groaned. "That's bad news…"

Sharra peered at her. "Wherever did you learn that one?" She peered off into the gloom. "What are we going to do?"

Cait carefully pushed the hair back off her forehead, avoiding the painful lump. "First off, let's see how Gabrielle is." She crawled across the leaf-strewn floor, and settled herself at the bard's side, putting slightly shaking fingertips at her pulse point. Then she sighed in relief. "That's all right then… I think she just took a bad hit." She gently lifted an eyelid, exposing a lightly glazed pale green eye, which reacted to the low torchlight. "That's good." Then she did the other, and sighed again. "That's bad." She glanced up. "Looks like she's gotten a concussion."

Megan scrambled over to her. "Where did you learn all that? I haven't seen you hanging around the healer's hut." She looked at Cait curiously.

The blond girl gave her a brief smile. "From watching Xena.. I got to see quite a bit of her when she was home.. she knows an awful lot about all sorts of things."

They both turned as Gabrielle moved, and let out a hissing groan. "Shhh." Cait said, putting a hand on the older woman's arm. "Gabrielle.. we're in trouble here."

The green eyes fluttered, then blinked open, and Gabrielle's brow contracted in pain. "Gods." She muttered, raising a hand to her head. "What fell on me?"

"Lay still." Cait cautioned. "I think they gave you a concussion." She looked around. "We're in a cage kind of thing.. in what we think is a slaver's camp." She saw a handful of emotions cross Gabrielle's expressive face, then it went grim.

So this is what a concussion feels like. The bard mused. Ok.. ok.. my respect for Xena just jumped another several notches.. she just carries on when she gets one. It feels like my head's going to explode. She moved her neck slightly, and felt an uncomfortable popping as her vertebrae slid back into place. Ugh. Fuzzy feeling, she said, right? Xena, you idiot.. this does not feel fuzzy. This feels like death warmed over.

Slaver's camp.. gods. We're in real trouble here love.. and there's no chance of you bailing me out of this one… what am I going to do? These kids are depending on me. On me.The weight of that responsibility settled on her, and she forced her foggy mind to start thinking.

Then footsteps came close, and she turned her head a little, sensing the sudden fear around her.

"Well, well… little queen's awake then, eh?" The voice was smoothly satisfied, and deeply male.

Rurik. Gabrielle's mind identified it immediately. I should have realized he was.. not what he seemed. Oh Xena.. I should have let you… Her mind cut that thought off. "Hello Rurik." She said calmly, not looking at him.

"So you remember me then lass.. that's good." Rurik laughed. "Fondly, I hope. Then you'll make this little interlude a nice one.. don't worry.. you won't be here for long." He crouched down, and put his hands on the cage supports. "You'll be on a boat soon, my lass, on your way to a new life as someone's scuttle then… won't you?" He reached through the bars, and tugged a lock of her hair. "And we saw your cousin ride off.. no rescue for you, little queen. Not in time.. and you'll draw me enough to last this damned winter out. I thank you for that…"

"You'd get more if you ransomed me to the Amazons." Gabrielle said quietly, glancing over at him, letting him feel her gaze. She kept her expression gentle.

He laughed. "Oh no.. you lovely thing." He waggled a finger at her. "And have those wild women descend on us? No thank you. " He shook his head. "Same for your family there.. I don't want your cousins riding up on me, no thanks… we've got a man coming night after tomorrow, he'll take you out then. And pay me, and then…" He tugged her hair again. "You'll be going where that smart mouth of yours will get you what it should."

My cousins. Gabrielle caught that again. So he doesn't…know. "Maybe." She said softly. "But when my family.. " she paused and smiled. "finds out, they'll come after you anyway." She looked up at him and spoke with all the conviction she could muster. "There won't be anyplace you can hide that she won't find you." She, not them.

Rurik laughed again, and stood. "I'm not worried, lambkin. We've been foresters all our lives.. and this be our home. She won't find us." He glanced at the girls. "And what a nice bounty you brought me too.. such lovely girls.. ah, lass.. you've made my fortune, you have."

Then he was gone, and a long silence settled over them. "Gosh." Cait said finally, letting out a long held breath. "We are in trouble."

Gabrielle rolled very slowly over, and rested her weight on her elbow, forcing down the nausea from her injury. "We'll get out of this." She said quietly. "We have to get away from here."

A whine interrupted her thoughts, and she looked over to see Ares trying to get his head between the bars. She sat all the way up and put a hand to him, scratching his nose. Then her eyes fell on the glint of gold on her hand, and she bit her lip.

What if we don't? I don't want… Oh, Xena.. as soon as they get a good look at this thing, they'll take it, and I can't.. stand that thought. And they'll hurt Ares. Forgive me for this, love. .I hope it’s just a precaution. Closing her eyes, she reached up, and unclasped the silver necklace she was wearing, and took it off, gazing at the crystal for a long time. It’s just a symbol, Gabrielle. What it represents you can’t ever take off. Just remember that.

It was harder to remove the ring, not because it fit tightly, but because removing it… made her face the possibility that she might never put it on again. That this situation could end badly, with her ending up headed for who knew where, or dead. It hurt, that taking off, in a way she hadn't expected.

She threaded the ring onto the silver chain, and moved closer to the bars, letting Ares’ nose press close against her chest. "Here boy.." She said softly into one dark ear, carefully fastening the chain around his thick, furry neck.

Gabrielle let the pendant and ring rest in the palm of her hand for a long moment, then she closed her fingers around them, and felt her jaw clench hard. "Find her, Ares." She whispered, hearing the break in her own voice. "Find Xena, OK? "

Golden eyes gazed up into her own, ears pricking up on the familiar sound of Xena's name. A pink tongue caressed her face, removing the moisture leaking from her eyes with delicate precision. Then she released the chain, and he backed away, giving them one last long look, and disappeared into the darkness, his midnight coat blending into the gloom like a ghost in fog.

Gabrielle stared after him, taking a moment to compose herself before turning and facing the girls, who were watching her with intent expressions. "All right." She said with quiet determination. "How far did they take us?"

Silence from the girls, then Sharra cleared her throat. "Not that far.. I think we're just north of Amphipolis." She looked around. "We went through the forest quite a ways, though." She hugged herself then. "It's almost dawn."

In the old forest, then. Gabrielle sighed to herself. Not an area she knew well at all, though Xena surely did. She leaned stiffly back against the cage bars, and slowly stretched her legs out in front of her. "Let's see what the place looks like in daylight then… and what kind of chance we have to escape."

"Looks like a mess." Xena muttered low, into Iolaus's nearby ear. They'd made it to the outskirts of the castle with hours to spare before dawn, and were perched in an escarpment, looking down at the shabby village that nestled below the stone structure.

"Well, it's not a vacation village on the Aegean, that's for sure." Iolaus muttered back, adjusting his belt for the sixth or seventh time. They had left all their weapons and Xena's armor back amongst the trees, where they'd also picketed the horses against their return. He glanced around and sighed, as the wind picked up and blew it's cold, wetness against his face. "Great. Rain. Again."

Xena sighed, and settled back against the rock, folding her arms across her wool covered chest. Looking down into the village had started a vague uneasiness in her gut, and she probed it, trying to figure out why. It looked like an ordinary, if somewhat run down village… maybe it was the specter of something there affecting Hercules?

The gnawing grew as she considered that, and she took a deep breath to settle herself. What's the matter, Xena? Don't think you can handle this or something? Damn.. I haven't felt like this since… Her thoughts trailed off. Since Gabrielle was with the Amazons.

Then the feeling came full force, and made her nauseous, as she focused on it. Her heart started pounding, and the cold wind receded in her awareness as she turned her attention to that part of herself she knew was also part of Gabrielle.

It took every ounce of self-control she had not to just get up and leave, right then. Instead, she concentrated on the vague apprehension, and felt it lessen, and calm.. and subside to a low uneasiness. So.. she guessed. Something was wrong. Ephiny? Possibly?…Probably. Gabrielle's close to her. The Amazon could have taken a turn for the worse.. with this kind of sickness, that was always possible, and the reason Xena had sent Toris when she did. Damn…

Two days and more from there… she'd never be able to get back in time to do anything if that was the case. And their healer, while a trifle unimaginative, was more than competent. Quietly, she cursed their connection, which gave her this reason to worry without explanation. She studied the feeling intently, ignoring Iolaus's curious stare. No.. the sharp fear wasn't there.. so Gabrielle could handle whatever was happening.. she was just very worried.

All right then.. Xena decided. She'd finish up here, and then get back. The bard wouldn't want her to stop in a mission this critical.. that she was sure of. Not unless it was a dire emergency, and it didn't feel like that. Yet.

"Xena?" Iolaus touched her arm. "Something wrong?"

She looked up at him. "Nope. Just thinking." She took a deep breath. "Let's get down there.. it'll be less windy to wait."

Xena scrambled over the edge of the rock, and started down, feeling a sudden lightness without the weight of her armor on. Guess I got used to it again.. she mused, with a rueful smile. But there's no chance they'll take us in with me wearing that.. even the leathers are a stretch. Maybe they won't look too close. She resettled her belt pouch before she took another step, feeling the gentle curves of the remaining three packets she'd patiently dug out of her saddlebags, ignoring Iolaus' curious stare. Hang in there love.. this won't take long. I won't let it..

They got to the bottom of the hill, and crept close to the slumbering village, find a sheltered spot outside a rundown barn to settle in and wait for the dawn.

Xena snugged her cloak more firmly around her throat, and sighed, gazing up at the fast racing clouds overhead. She leaned her shoulders against the rough wood of the barn, and chewed absently on a trail bar, more because she knew she should then because hunger drove her, that vague anxiety in her gut ruined any chance at that. A glance towards the huddled Iolaus told her he had fallen easily asleep, and she wished she could too.. but her mind was busily racing, chasing itself around in circles with worry about Hercules, about Gabrielle…

That's what happens when you let yourself care about people, remember? She reminded herself with a wry thought. It gets you in ALL kinds of trouble. She smiled ruefully to herself, letting her head rest against the barn wall and allowing her thoughts to drift a little.

She'd never intended on falling in love again. Nope.. not after that last time, after Marcus, whose passing had left her devastated. She'd stay safely aloof, and if that meant she was lonely a lot, well, that's the breaks. Better than being in pain.

Then she found Hercules, and that.. made a chink in that armor. Not a big one, because their relationship had been mostly superficial.. mostly a physical attraction more than anything. But that chink had been widened by her own mental state after her army rejected her.

Then she'd met Gabrielle. Oh.. gods. If she'd only known what trouble that was going to cause.. she laughed helplessly. Unknowingly, unintentionally, that girl had found every single crack and chink in her defenses and just..

It had been like water running over limestone. Until one day, she'd been sitting there across the campfire from the girl, and looked up.. and their eyes had met.. and she'd felt.. something give. Something shatter, in the depths of her heart which had given a little lurch.

And it hadn't been like any other time, she'd long since realized. Every other time she'd been in control. Had allowed herself the luxury. Had a plan for it.. had a reason for it.. but not this time. This time it had hit her in a place so deep, it went far beyond her defenses.

So she'd tried to fight it - scared out of good sense by the thought of losing control of this, because this young girl was in no way a fit person for her to feel like that about. She told Gabrielle more about who she really was.. intending to scare her off.. push her away.

Instead, that bound them closer. That night after meeting Callisto.. she'd admitted to torching an entire village.. and Gabrielle had just.. accepted that. Had comforted her.. gods, she could still feel the warmth of the bard's chin resting on her shoulder as they'd gazed into the fire together. She'd told Gabrielle more than she'd intended that night… "If anything ever happened to Hercules.. or mother.. or you.." She wondered if Gabrielle had guessed.. then… just how important she was to her.

Then there was the night she'd thought she'd lost her for good. After that long, lonely ride away from Potadeia, leaving her in Perdicus' loving arms. Letting go of her hurt so bad, it was like taking a sword in the gut.. but she'd done it.. knowing in her heart that the bard was better off there.. she'd be safe, and loved.. and… Xena had swallowed, and tried to think about something else.

She'd made a small camp, just a picket for Argo, and a tiny fire, hadn't unpacked her gear, hadn't eaten.. just sat down, and pulled her knees up to her chest, and hugged them. And let the emotion she'd been damming up all day out.

She'd cursed her heart that night. Cursed it's weakness, and the way she'd let the bard into it. Grieved the loss of that close friendship more than anything else.. because despite her protests to the contrary, she knew she'd never go back there.. never visit… she'd disappear from Gabrielle's life like the morning fog under the sun.

Gods.. she’d forgotten just how lonely she’d been.. just how large a hole there was now without Gabrielle there. Knowing she’d never look up across a campfire again and see twinkling green eyes looking back at her. Or hear the bard’s voice practicing a story.. or asking a question.. or feel her familiar presence just being there.

She'd spent that night remembering all the times they'd had, good and not so good. And by morning, had decided to ride back by Potadeia, to say a quiet goodbye to the bard, because she deserved that. Deserved not to be waiting for a visit from a friend that would never come.

And because she wanted to look into those eyes one last time, now that it was safe, and speak the words her heart had been saying to her for a while now.

Could she have stopped Callisto? The question had sounded in her mind since. She'd never made the conscious decision not to… that she knew. But her skills were part honing, and part instinct, equal halves training and natural ability. Her reactions were fueled partly from her subconscious.. and that subconscious had been in deep turmoil that day.

No. She’d drive herself crazy thinking like that. She’d miscalculated Callisto, that was the problem.. who had seen the opportunity to destroy the two of them from within. Which would have been a lot more satisfying to her.

But they’d survived that, somehow. It had taken time, but there was something between them, even then, that fiercely resisted their parting, and that something held them bound together long enough for their minds to start on the journey their hearts had begun long before.

Some things were just meant to happen. It had been a turning point in both of their lives, one that they were still feeling the repercussions from, but she couldn't honestly look back at it, and wish it had happened differently. Not then, and especially not now.

An owl hooted, jerking her attention away from her memories, and she cast a cautious glance around, lifting her head and scenting the wind, detecting the distinctive smell of the barnyard, and the rain on the wind, and the rich scent of the earth she was sitting on. Almost dawn.. and once they got into the mining camp.. misbehaving shouldn't be a problem.

Then what? She wondered. Ok.. so we get taken into Hercules' little playroom. If he didn't recognize Iolaus, he surely wasn't going to recognize her. Guess I'll play it by ear. She sighed silently. I just hope I can do something.

The clouds cleared the full moon for a short time, sending a cascade of light across her face, and she bit off a grin, taking one of the remaining packets from her pouch. Mushball. She unwrapped it, and raised the piece of stone to her lips, then smiled when the sandstone gave off a gentle scent of leather and ink. Gabrielle must have stored the things in her scroll pouch, she mused, as her eyes traced the letters on the paper.

This isn't a poem.. it's just a note.. cause by now you're probably sick of the poems, and wish I'd send along something useful. Like helpful hints on the weather, or how to get stains out of leather, or the best way to cook trout. But no.. instead you get mushy poems. Just be glad I didn't put in the ones about your eyes, OK? Oh.. I can see you rolling them right now. Just for that, if you turn this over, you'll get a poem anyway.

I love you.

G

Xena smiled, and idly reread the note a few times, hearing it in the bard's voice effortlessly, then she turned the paper over in gentle fingertips, and tilted it to the moonlight

If I could ask for anything on earth,

And have it granted just for my wishing,

I'd ask that my wish be given to someone else.

Because there is nothing I could want,

That I don’t already have.

What in Hades does she see in me? Xena shook her head in wonder. Gods.. love must be blind.. just how did I get off being this lucky? She resettled her shoulders with a sigh, and let her fingers idly play with the pendant hanging from her neck, and waited for the dawn to come.

Toris yawned, as he led his amiable chestnut along the road, sensing the beginnings of home. "Not far now." He commented, to the mostly silent Granella who walked beside him. The rest of the Amazons were spread out along the path, watching for trouble. The weather had held, luckily, and they'd made good time back towards home, but it had been a long walk and he'd be glad to see the end of it.

Granella had sent a runner back to the Amazon Village, so by now, he knew they would have their news, and be relieved of worrying about their queen and the girls. He was glad for that.. he knew from the expressions on their faces when they'd met him that they'd been very worried.. something he could understand.

The crossroads home fell under his steps, and he let out a sigh of relief, and he grinned at his silent companion. "Bet you'll be glad to get under a roof."

Granella spared him a glance, and smiled. "Yeah.. and I'll be glad to see Ephiny.. she had us really worried for a while." She looked ahead. "Are those your fields? "

"Amphipolis' yes." Toris answered, now hearing the first signals from the guard post, and he stiffened. "Hold on.. " Hearing the warning notes. He sent back a query with pursed lips, and then a trotting figure broke cover, and headed in his direction. "Uh oh."

Granella looked at him. "What?" She felt a chill of fear travel down her, and sensed the other Amazons moving up on either side of her.

"What's up?" Lida whispered, watching the villager approach.

"I don't know." Granella answered softly.

"Ebris.. what's wrong?" Toris questioned the man, who came up and set a hand on his arm. "Is it our guest?"

Ebris shook his head, out of breath. "No.. it's.. Gabrielle."

Toris turned white so fast Granella grabbed his arm. "What happened?' The Amazon asked crisply.

The villager sighed. "We don’t know - she took that bunch of girls out before sundown to the river.. hasn't been back, and we've got searchers out."

"Where's my sister?" Toris asked quietly, staring intently at him. "Why isn't she here?" Gods.. no.. don't tell me she was that sick after all, and never…

Ebris took a breath. "She got word a friend needed help up to the north.. been gone for two days.. left the morning after you did." He hesitated. "A rider came in that night.. little fellow, a friend of Hercules, they say."

Toris closed his blue eyes. Hercules.. of course. If he was in trouble Xena would have gone without question.. but what… "All right.. so they can't find any sign of Gabrielle or the girls? They must not be looking hard enough.. they'd have no reason to cover their trail."

"Damn.. damn.. damn.." Granella cursed. "Just when I think things are getting better.. well, we'd better help look."

Toris shook his head. "Let's go to the inn first. We'll get the latest news there, then we can spread out. "

They all turned abruptly, as hoofbeats sounded on the road behind them. The darkness broke as the moon shone briefly through, and reflected off the new traveler, an odd silhouette to be sure. Man's body and horses back, who was trotting briskly in their direction.

"Centaur." Lida breathed. "Now what??"

"Ho.. " Granella stepped to the center of the road and held up a hand. "Hail, traveler."

The Centaur stopped, and bent his head to see her better in the pale silvery light. "Ah.. I believe I know you. Is it the scout Granella?"

She stepped closer. "Yes.. it is. You were at the Village the other day. " She cocked her head, thinking. "Kaleipus, right?"

The centaur nodded. "Yes.. " Then his eyes caught Toris' and he stared. "I beg your pardon.. but.. who are you?" In typical centaur bluntness, as he arched his back, and sidestepped closer to the tall man.

"My name is Toris." Came the slow answer. "And if you're Kaleipus.. I think you know my sister Xena."

"Your sister." Kaleipus shook his handsome head slowly. "Gods." He sighed. "Am I going in the right direction then.. because it's Xena I'm looking for."

Toris studied him quietly. "In the right direction for her home, yes. But she's away right now, apparently. Is there something.. " He stopped, and gestured to himself. "What can we do for you?"

Kaleipus sighed. "It's my son, Solon. He's gone missing.. and I thought he might be headed this way.. he wanted to visit."

They all looked at each other in consternation. "Can this possibly, in any way, get more complicated?" Granella complained. "Let's all go back there, and take stock of what's going on, then we can decide what to do. " And I can talk to Ephiny, and we can try to make sense of all this. Gods.. Gabrielle missing, and Xena not there.. Ephiny must be going mad.

Toris started walking, and found himself next to the centaur, who trotted along and gave him side glances. He'd never seen a centaur before.. and he would have been intrigued if he wasn't so worried about Gabrielle.. how could she just go off.. no. He was sure the bard was just late.. they'd find her. They had to..

"So.." Kaleipus murmured. "You're Xena's brother, are you? I didn't know she had any family."

Toris sighed distractedly. "Yeah, she never tells people about mother and I.. mostly so we don't become targets of old enemies of hers. Of which there are apparently legions."

The centaur hid an amused smile, having been one of the legions. "Well, that sounds like her." He paused. "You look like her." And I guess that's what my Solon will look like in twenty years or so.. I would think.

"Thanks." Came the absent minded answer. "Why was your son coming here?"

Complicated question, unless he gave a very simple answer, and he didn't know just how honest Xena had been with her family. "He's very fond of your sister, and of Gabrielle." He answered carefully. "He heard they were wintering here.. and was bugging me to come visit." He pondered a moment. "I don’t know if Xena ever told you.. she saved him from a bad place once upon a time." And he never forgot that.. or her. So much so that I've wondered.. if he suspects the truth. He's not a stupid lad.

The tall dark haired man smiled. "She's made a habit of that lately.. but no, I haven't heard that one specifically." He glanced ahead, seeing the lights of the inn, far brighter than the should be at this time of night and grimaced. "Looks like everyone's up."

They headed into the courtyard, getting the attention of a small group standing on the porch. Toris recognized Cyrene among them, her strong voice carrying out over the darkened ground. Alongside her were Johan, and a group of the most proficient of Gabrielle's students, who were garbed for travel.

"Toris!" Cyrene called, seeing him. "Get over here, we've…" her voice stopped, as she took in the group surrounding him. "What in .." She strode forward.

"Mother." Toris said, then took a breath. "We've heard the news.. this is Granella, who was out looking for Ephiny.. I found her partway to the Village. And this is.. Kaleipus, a centaur who's looking for Xena."

Cyrene looked from one to the other. "Hello." She gazed at Granella. "Your queen is, against my better judgment, sitting up near the fire inside." She gave the Amazon a jerk of her head. "I guess you want to go say hello." She watched the Amazons file past her and up the stairs, then turned her attention to the centaur. "What do you want with my daughter?"

Kaleipus smiled his gentle smile, and bit a bearded lip. "Actually, I was hoping I'd find my son here… he's also missing, and he wanted to come see her, and Gabrielle, very badly. But I can see he isn't… I have to search elsewhere."

Cyrene sighed. "We've got groups out searching the entire river area. If he's here, they'll find him too. " She paused. "Would you like some.." Unsure of whether to offer ale or hay. "thing?"

Kaleipus shifted his weight and let out a breath. "A drink would be nice.. thanks.. and I'll wait for your hunters to come back.. so I don't have to duplicate their efforts." He paused. "Did I understand right.. that the Amazon queen Ephiny is also here?"

"Long story." Cyrene and Toris said in concert. They looked at each other. "But yes." Cyrene added, with a little smile. "Why don't you come.. inside?"

Kaleipus regarded the door thoughtfully. "I think I'll fit." He gave them a strained smile. "I know you must be worried about your missing friends."

Cyrene glanced at him. "Gabrielle is a second daughter to me… you bet your centaur tail I'm worried." She looked off into the darkness. "I just wish Xena were here."

They moved up onto the porch, and entered the inn.

The morning sun woke Gabrielle, and she opened her eyes reluctantly, hoping what she was remembering was a bad dream. The bars inches before her face dashed that hope, however, and she groaned softly. Her head pounded dully, and she still felt sick to her stomach, but she knew she had to get moving, and be a good example to the girls. Who were probably scared to death, never having been held captive before. Well, she had. More times than she really wanted to think about.. only this time, she knew she had to get out all on her own. There would be no miraculous last minute rescues by her partner.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself up, wincing at the sudden throbbing in her skull, then leaned her head against the bars, and looked out over the compound.

A hunter's camp, she realized, and rougher than she'd first thought last night. Tiny wattle huts covered with thatch for shelter, and five or six of the crudely made cages scattered on the far side. In the center, the dully glowing firepit, and the lumps of sleeping inhabitants clustered around it. The stench was… She wrinkled her nose. Impressive.

She rolled over and sat up straight, running her fingers through her hair to straighten it, and regarded the sleeping girls. They were huddled in one corner, giving her some space by herself at this end. She couldn’t help but smile a bit at that, but continued her sweep and let her eyes catch the short, bandy legged figure who was going from cage to cage with something in a dirty looking pot. "Oh.. great." She muttered, then called out to her companions softly. "Hey.. "

Cait's head came up first, her pale gray eyes blinking open and darting around the cage, then settling on her with unnerving brightness. "Gosh." She sighed, and shook her mates. "Come on.. " A glance towards Gabrielle. "You're looking better."

"I feel like centaur poop." Gabrielle confessed. "But they're bringing around what passes for breakfast, and I think we'd better have some if we can." She turned her head, and watched the little man go to the cage next to theirs, and bang on the wooden bars. Dark forms within stirred, and stumbled forward, standing before the bars with small bowls held out. Gabrielle's hackles rose at the sight, and she was about to turn her head, when one of the small forms caught her attention.

She studied it, then blinked, then grabbed the bars next to her, and pulled herself to her feet, ignoring the nausea and dizziness to walk to the very far edge of her prison and peer out.No. It can't be.

He turned, and saw her, and his mouth dropped open. "Gabrielle!" He yelled out, a smile crossing his dirty face. "Boy am I glad to see you!"

"Ah.. you know him then?" Rurik's voice floated over to her, as the man neared their cage. "Noisy brat.. always causing trouble." He stood and regarded the now scowling boy. "I was going to have him killed this morning.. think you can keep him quiet? I'd rather get my price of him." He looked at her. "Hey, little queen.. did you hear me?"

"I can keep him quiet." Gabrielle said in a toneless voice, not looking at him. "Bring him here."

"That's my little lass." Rurik laughed, and patted her head through the bars. "Hey.. Kefric! Bring that brat over here and put him in with this lot." He gave Gabrielle an approving look. "There, I knew you were going to be a cooperative one. So sensible."

They watched as Kefric drew the struggling boy from his prison, and pulled him over to where Rurik was standing. The tall trader grabbed the boy's jaw, and forced him to look up. "Here, now you little bastard…you've got a second chance, see? You be nice to this pretty lass here, and maybe I'll let you play with my boots later, get me?"

The boy glared at him, unrepentant, pale eyes boring through the trader. Rurik laughed, and opened the cage door, shoving him in, and closing it roughly behind him. "There… and you're all nice looking lasses too.. he should be thanking me, I'm thinking."

Gabrielle grabbed the boy as he hurtled past, and pulled him close. He abandoned his tough attitude, and wrapped his arms around her. "Solon.. what in the name of Hades are you doing here?" She whispered fiercely into his ear.

Embarrassed, he released her, and backed away a little, blinking, and casting a shy look at the Amazons who now clustered around both of them.

Gabrielle took the opportunity to study the boy, having not seen him for over a year. Eph was right.. he is growing up. She mused, seeing the added inches of height. His hair was now darkening, though she doubted it would ever be as dark as Xena's, and his face was lengthening, and acquiring those high planed cheekbones that, along with his pale blue eyes brought her partner strongly to mind. Now she understood Ephiny's veiled comments - Solon was becoming his mother's son, and in a very short time, a look in the mirror would render moot any further attempts at disguising his parentage. She couldn't help but smile at him.

"I was.. coming to visit you." He answered softly, glancing at the Amazon girls. "And I guess I got lost… I thought I knew the way but.. I ended up in this forest, and then these guys found me."

Gabrielle sighed in vexation. "Kaleipus let you come by yourself?"

A long pause, then he shrugged a little, and gave her a very, very familiar sheepish look. "I didn't ask him." He spread his hands out. "He never lets me do anything… and when we found out you guys were.. " Here he blushed. "You know.. then I thought it would be great if I could just.. come and say hello."

"Excuse me." Cait's soft voice interrupted them. She stuck a hand out. "Hello, I'm Cait."

Gabrielle gave them all a look. "I was going to introduce you." She admonished them. "This is Solon.. his father is Kaleipus, of the Centaurs." She indicated the girls with a hand. "This is Cait, whom you've met." The girl blushed. "And Sharra, Megan, Lista, and Elianas. They're Amazons."

"Well, almost." Sharra grinned, and stuck her hand out as well. "But any friend of our queen is a friend of ours." She paused and glanced around. "Right?"

"Right." Came the answer.

"Queen?" Solon turned and gave Gabrielle a look. "You are? Nobody tells me nothin." He scowled. "I feel like I live in a stable out in nowhere sometimes."

Gabrielle laughed wearily. "Don't worry, Solon.. we all feel like that sometimes." She glanced over, to where the bandy legged man was standing, watching them and licking his lips. Her nape lifted again, a curious feeling that she suspected she'd caught from Xena. "Well, let's get some breakfast, right?"

She walked over to the edge of the cage, and looked out at the man, pinning him with a sea ice cold gaze. "Are you going to give that to us, or just stand there?" She asked quietly.

"Oh.. you're a nasty one, are you?" The man cackled, shaking his ladle at her. "Careful, missy… or you'll end up with nothing from me."

Gabrielle kept her stare up, until he looked away, and fidgeted nervously. "Alright.. get em up here."

The bard called them over, and passed them filled bowls, watching them back away before she took one of her own. "Thank you." She said politely, meeting his eyes. He took one long look at her, then scuttled off.

They all sat down in a circle, and ate the tasteless cereal in silence. Gabrielle mostly played with hers, only taking a mouthful when she could no longer avoid it.

Solon leaned closer to her, and whispered in her ear. "Where's Xena?" He glanced around. "An.. what are YOU doing here?"

Gabrielle sighed. "She's away north.. helping out an old friend of ours. We were just out taking a walk when these guys jumped us."

"So.. she doesn't know?" Solon questioned, getting to the heart of the matter.

"No." Gabrielle answered softly. Well.. by now she might know something.. but even if she does feel.. this.. it would still take her too long to get here. "We're on our own, unfortunately."

"Are we gonna escape?" The boy asked, glancing bright eyed at the listening circle of girls.

"We're going to try." Gabrielle answered. Then she gave up on her cereal and handed it to Cait. "Here.. you divide this." Then she stood up and walked over to the bars, putting a hand on them and looking out. Oh Xena.. now what? I've got your son here, love. Now the stakes just got even higher.. because I gotta get him out of here along with us. I don't know how to do this, Xena.. I can't even begin to know.. I usually depend on your brilliant tactical mind for this sort of thing. Gods… I wish you were here.

The rising wind brought no answer, just a heavy wet coldness that ate away into her very soul.

"Iolaus." Xena called softly, as the sun's first rays trickled across the sad looking village. Would have looked better in a rainstorm. Xena mused, as she checked the clouds above.Whoops.. shouldn't have said that. Someday, Xena, you'll learn not to tempt the Fates that way.

Iolaus' eyes blinked open, and he yawned. "Morning." He sighed and looked around. "Nice place…I think I liked it better in the dark."

That got a snort of laughter from the warrior, who stood up, and offered him a hand up. "Yeah…I was thinking that myself." She smiled inwardly as Iolaus grabbed her hand without hesitation, and she hauled him to his feet. "Won't be sunny long, though."

"Hey.." Iolaus brushed himself off and grinned at her. "You have the same kind of tug as Herc does… what, do they issue that to you hero types or something?"

Xena moved forward, heading towards the central area of the village, where several people were assembling. "Oh.. yeah.. right along with our etiquette manuals."

Iolaus glanced at her, and raised an eyebrow.

"Threw mine away." Xena deadpanned, giving him an eyebrow right back. She studied the small group forming, apparently local inhabitants who were grumbling to themselves. She gave the nearest one a quiet nod, not missing the not so subtle once over she was getting from the rest of them. Ok.. so maybe it isn't the leather. She sighed to herself. "What's going on here?"

The older villager spat on the ground. "New here?"

She nodded, and so did Iolaus. "Just passing through, really." Iolaus said, with a friendly smile. "Thought we might be able to pick up some supplies."

The man snorted. "No extra here, bucko. And if ye're not wanting to stay here for a spell, ye'd best be on your way." He gave Xena a long look. "They won't turn down likely looking folks such as yourselves."

"They?" Xena quietly asked, feeling a trepidation start deep in her gut. Mine? Or hers… "Turn us down for what?"

The thunder of hooves interrupted their discussion, and they turned to watch a small group of horsemen enter the square, spreading out and surrounding the gathered villagers. The riders were dressed in leather and bronze half armor, and carried pikes, maces, and short swords.

"All right.. all right.. we lost three last night, so we need replacements." The man in front called, uncoiling a long whip and snaking it around his horse's nervously moving legs. "Not that there's much to choo…" His eyes fell on the newcomers, and a gap tooth grin appeared. "Ho ho ho.. what do we have here? Some visitors, I see.. "

He nudged his mount closer and peered down at Xena, who met his gaze with as unintimidating a look as she could muster under the circumstances. Iolaus nudged her in the ribs, so she supposed it wasn't very effective. She sighed and dropped her eyes. "Well well.. we'll take these two, and that oldster - you've got some life left in you, right?"

"Where are you taking us?" Iolaus interrupted. "We're just passing through.. what do you think you're doing???"

A boot caught him in the head, and Xena caught his falling body with a little sigh. She glanced up at the horseman, who was grinning down at her. "What's the work?" She asked in a civil tone.

"Mining." The man tapped her head with his whip. "And that's a reasonable thing you are, eh?? More than your little friend there." Never knowing just how close to dying he was at that very instant, when all of Xena's considerable instincts were screaming to pull him down off that horse and break his ugly, stinking body in half.

"We get fed?" Xena pursued, getting Iolaus' arm around her shoulders and supporting him, shoving her intense desire to do damage down very deep. Oh.. Hercules… you owe me BIG time for this one, my friend…this will be twice I pulled your butt out of the flames, and that first time, all I had to do was trick Ares.

The man laughed. "A practical sort…I like you!!!!" He cracked his whip and motioned to his soldiers. "That you do.. though it's nothing like mama makes." He reversed the whip in his hands, and put the edge of it under Xena's chin, forcing her head up. "But you won't be complaining now, will you my lovely?"

Xena felt all of her muscles jerk hard, as her body fought against her mind's control. "Complain?" She laughed gently. "Nope." She started reciting the different ways she could kill this animal in her head, mostly to distract herself. "What're we mining?"

"Oohh.." The man leaned close to her, studying her face intently. "Gems, it is… though I haven't seen any to rival those eyes.. maybe I'll ask Croton if I can borrow you after work, eh??"

Oh yeah. Xena cheerfully drew and quartered him in her imagination, giving him a fond look as she pictured pulling his arm off with him still alive to feel it. "Looks like I'm gonna like it here." She wondered briefly if she could make him scream by breaking every bone in his body first.

The captain laughed in delight, and motioned for his troops to get moving. "Let's go then.. Croton'll be giving me a bonus for bringing you in, he will… and maybe a little thrown in for your little buddy there."

The riders clustered around, and herded the three of them towards the north end of the town square, giving them the occasional prod with a pikestaff. Xena strode along, trying to remember if it was appropriate to kill someone first, and then pull their backbone out of their throat, or was it better to do it the other way around. "Xena?" Iolaus' whispered voice reached her.

"Huh?" She said, gave him a distracted look.

"I can walk now. Thanks." The blond man replied, as she released his arm, and he used that hand to rub his head. "I'm not gonna ask what's going through your mind right now."

"Good." Xena muttered, concentrating on not reacting when the pike hit her shoulder blades. Gods.. this was harder than she'd thought.. she felt like she was in a constant battle with herself… keeping a clamp down tight on reflexes she usually didn't have to think about. And to top it off, the uneasiness in her belly was growing, and taking on a darker tone.Gabrielle… her mind fretted, almost causing her to lose control of her tightly wound body. I need to cut this short. She decided, then peered ahead of them, seeing the entrance to what must be the mining shafts.

Uh oh. Now her guts tightened for a totally different reason.

"Xena?" Iolaus touched her arm, causing her to start. "Sorry."

"What?" She hissed, giving him a look.

"You ok? You just turned white as a sheet." Iolaus' voice was low, but there was a true note of concern in it.

"Fine, thanks." The warrior replied, through clenched teeth. "Just trying to keep my temper."

"Oh." Iolaus grimaced. "Right.. sorry."

They got to the tiny entrance, and the captain dismounted, then went to a small shelter near the opening, and came back with three collars.

Oh.. gods. I'm gonna lose it. Xena tried to grab hold of her reactions, and the roiling nervousness from the impending tunnel entrance and lock them down. All right.. breathe. Calm down.

The barrel chested captain fastened the collars first on the villager, then on an uneasy Iolaus. "Gotta keep these on, children.. find ye without them down there, they'll cut ye down like lambs at the slaughter.. so you be good, all right?" He stopped in front of Xena, and smiled as he reached up to fasten the leather strapping around her neck. "Ah.. and what's this? A little something I can relieve you…"

He never got any further. A hand clasped his wrist, and tightened on it like a band of iron, making his fingers numb, and stopping his questing touch. He looked up, frowning, and found himself pinned in place by a very feral ice blue stare.

"Uh oh." Iolaus muttered under his breath.

But Xena got herself back under control with a visible effort. "That's not part of the deal." She said softly, not releasing him. "It means a lot to me, and I'm not parting with it." She leaned forward slightly and let the wolf surface, just a little. "Got me?" That last was almost whispered.

Iolaus found himself holding his breath, watching Xena suddenly become the warlord he remembered with seemingly little effort. The danger that she was surrounded them all like a dark pall, a tickling at the edge of his senses like the charged atmosphere before a cleansing storm.

"Sure.. sure..' The captain opened his hand, and tried to back away. "Family heirloom.. I understand.. " He tried to laugh. "Better keep that well hidden then." His voice had a nervous ring to it.

Xena released him, and backed off, finishing the buckling of her collar herself. Then she faced the entrance, and squared her shoulders, waiting for the captain to lead the way. She spared Iolaus a quick glance, catching his concerned look, and giving him back a bare wink.

That got a tiny smile from him, and he turned to follow the captain into the depths of the mountain.

Breathe. Xena forced calm on herself, using the years of tedious discipline to do so. Breathe.. it's just a cave.. you've done this before. She put her hand on the edge of the opening, and ducked inside, letting the first wave of fear crash over her and go past. Breathe. You can do this.

She thought of the open sky, and the gently waving fields of grain outside Amphipolis. And the endless depths of Gabrielle's remarkable eyes. Breathe. And so she did, quiet, controlled breaths that moved her past the panic, and into the mountain, straining her eyes against the darkness, and feeling the remembered scent of rock dust enter her lungs once again.

"I hate caves." Iolaus muttered, from a few steps before her. "I hate dark, cramped, nasty smelling places." He sighed heavily. "Herc's gonna owe me BIG time for this." He felt a hand pat his back, and rest there, and, oddly, it did make him feel a lot better. At least I'm in this with someone… even if it is Xena, who can be the friendliest homicidal maniac I know. "You had me worried for a minute out there." He whispered, casting a look back over his shoulder as they made their way down the long, winding tunnel, the darkness broken by the occasional pool of torchlight.

"I should have had him worried." Xena replied in a grim tone. "Sorry.. didn't expect him to grab at me like that." She touched the walls, feeling the faint vibrations from ringing pickaxes, which she could hear as high, rhythmic pinging.

"You're really scary sometimes, did you know that?" The blond man commented, running an idle hand against the rough hewn tunnel wall.

"Yes." Came her terse reply. "I practice really hard at it."

"Oh." Iolaus answered, then decided to keep his mouth shut for a while.

They wound through the passageway, and came out into a large open area inside the mountain. The pickaxes rang much louder here, and the stench was compounded of unwashed bodies, rock dust, and somewhere upwind, bad water. Xena's stomach turned, and she sighed, adding that to the already unsettled feeling she had from being inside the mountain, and from whatever was bothering her partner. This wasn't going to be pleasant.

She looked around, seeing the nearest villagers swinging picks at the grudging stone, chipping out small chunks, then lifting them and dropping them into roughly hewn carts that were then trundled to a long table, where other villagers bent over the rocks and split them into smaller pieces, exposing their hidden treasures. A stable of guards stood watch over the table, and made sure no gems got sidetracked into someone's pockets, and occasionally the ones closest would uncoil the long whips all of them wore, and snake it around the working men and women, stinging a cheek or an upper arm with a light lash.

For a long moment, she forgot completely about Hercules, and found her mind figuring out ways to free the villagers from their enslavement. And that brought a tiny smile to her face, and a shake of her midnight dark head. Damn if it isn't a reflex now.. just like breathing.. Sweet Aphrodite.. something really has changed. Then she sighed and focused on the problem at hand. First, get Hercules. Then HE could help free the villagers.

The captain was motioning them over now, and she and Iolaus edged closer. "Here.. it's simple enough." He pointed at the stack of pickaxes. "You take these, you hit that." He pointed at the wall. "Get it?"

Xena sniffed reflectively, and picked up an ax, hefting it experimentally. I could kill every single person in this cavern with this. Her mind mused. However.. "I think I can do that." She muttered, and moved off towards a likely section of wall, followed by a grumbling Iolaus. "Stand clear, OK?" She advised the blond man. "I have some energy I need to work off."

Xena studied the wall, then shifted the wool across her shoulders. It was warm down here, and she knew she'd be sweating in minutes if she kept the overtunic on. "Oh well.. not like they're going to throw me out now. " She turned to a nervous looking Iolaus. "Here.. hold this a minute." She handed him her pickaxe, then unbelted her tunic and pulled it over her head, leaving her dressed in only her leathers, which got several appreciative whistles from the watching guards. She rolled her eyes, and took the ax back, eyeing the wall then swinging the tool with stunning force against the rock.

Rock pieces shattered everywhere, sending an explosion of chips scattering halfway across the alcove she and Iolaus were in, and making the him dive for cover with a yelp. Xena grinned, and swung again, tearing chunks from the wall with ruthless efficiency, ignoring the sting of the chips splattering against her body.

She kept it up until she'd worked the tight, tense pressure out of her, and her body was again under her control. Now was the time for the next phase.. she mused, stopping and leaning on her pickaxe, watching Iolaus chip away at his section of the wall. And as she stood there, the uneasy feeling she'd had inside her suddenly blossomed, and started her heart pounding. No doubt now.. Gabrielle needed her.

Question was.. should she finish here.. or just leave? Could she just leave here.. leave Iolaus, and Hercules to get themselves out of this mess.. when she could already feel the danger.. the evil lurking here? Could she? Her heart spoke clearly.. yes, she could. Gabrielle was.. everything to her.

But would Gabrielle want her to do that? Her bard.. her better half.. who threw her body over strange Amazon queens, and stood up for small centaur children in the face of a crossbow?

No. She wouldn't.

All right then. Xena sighed heavily. No time to waste. She'd get to Hercules, and find out just what in Tartarus was going on, do what she could to fix it, then go home, and see just how much time she could shave off her ride out here. Dropping the pickaxe, she walked over to the water cistern, and took a dipper, sipping the metallic tasting water with a grimace.

A guard wandered over and stood staring at her with undisguised interest, and she let a glint form in her eyes. Ah.. there's a likely enough target. "You want something?" She growled at the guard, giving him a surly glare.

He let his small eyes travel over her form, covered with rock dust and sweat. "Maybe.. " He moved closer and tapped his whip butt against her upper arm. "Better get some respect, woman."

Xena carefully laid the dipper down, and smiled. "Respect this." She said sweetly, and took him out with a short, savage jab right from the shoulder. Oh.. gods.. that felt good. She caught the next guard with a roundhouse right, and sent him flying against the rock wall, then caught the third on her boot, and kicked him back against the worktable. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Iolaus tackling one of her opponents and smiled.

Now several ganged up on her, and she sighed a little at having to cut the fun short. She let them pile up on her, and felt a heavy blow on her head that she went limp at, and just lay still in their hands. I hate this.. I hate this…. Oh, Hercules, do I have a damn bone to pick with you. Resolutely, she kept her eyes closed as they carried her out, and down a long passageway filled with the smell of bad air and stagnant water. It got colder again, and the air got wetter, as they passed near what she knew must be an underground stream.

Longer and longer, through darkened hallways only skimpily supplied with sluggishly guttering torches, until she felt them stop, and heard the rasp of a key in a lock.

Agonized creaking of hinges followed, and she felt a gust of warmer air come through the doorway they were entering. Inside, she could smell straw, and dirt, and blood, and the distinct tang of rusty iron. Another protest of hinges, and she was being dumped on a bed of filthy straw, and heard a thump as Iolaus was deposited next to her.

"There.. you scum." A loud voice spat. "Let the adjuster take care of ye." The iron door clanged shut, and their footsteps faded down the hallway again, after the booming thud of the wooden door closing behind them.

Xena waited to make sure they'd really left, and rolled over and up onto her feet. She brushed the dirty straw off her with a disgusted look, then gazed around.

They were in a large square.. cell, was the only word for it. Around the edges were low benches, which were occupied by shadowy figures who didn't meet her gaze. The smell of blood and illness was strong here, and she wrinkled her nose at it, then she turned her eyes towards the outside of the cage, which bordered a hallway. On the other side of the hallway was a large chamber, lit with reddish torches, which held an uncomfortable assortment of torture tools. Most of them she recognized, but some.. escaped even her experience. Hanging from the roof was a rusty cage.. no.. she realized it wasn't rust staining the iron..

"He usually stays over on that side." Came Iolaus' quiet voice at her side. She turned and looked at him, as he stood at the bars, hands curled around them, knuckles white. "He does go in and out a little.. mostly to get food, or whatever."

Xena nodded slowly, letting the horror of the place filter through her warlord's senses, which muted the shock. "All right.. I guess we wait, then."

Gabrielle let her head rest against the cool, damp wood, hoping to ease some of the throbbing ache that still plagued her. Along with the nausea, of course.. which combined to make her miserable and wish she was anywhere but here.

She watched quietly as the raiders went about their business, which seemed to consist of pushing and shoving each other around, and drinking. She was in favor of that.. the more they kept themselves amused, the less attention they would pay to their prisoners.

Already she’d noted that the guard on the cages wasn’t overly stringent, mostly because the raiders though their captives were either too weak or too stupid to try and escape.

Well, I’m neither weak nor stupid. Gabrielle told herself. And these girls with me are Amazons, and that kid.. if that kid’s got an ounce of his mother’s feisty attitude, we’ll be fine.

His mother. That thought brought a wistful twinge to her heart, and not only because she was in a tight spot. There was part of her now that just missed her partner’s presence, a gentle ache deep inside her that made her close her eyes and indulge herself in a long moment of wishing.

No time for that. She straightened up, and peered around the camp again. No sign of Rurik so far again.. and she was glad. She hated his condescending attitude.. and was mad with herself for not seeing through him in the first place and guessing his dangerous nature.

Should have known when he made me lose my temper, back at the inn.. she swore at herself. Damn it, Gabrielle.. start listening to yourself, all right?

On the other hand, Xena hadn’t figured him for such a louse either, so she didn’t feel so bad. Not nearly as bad as Rurik was going to feel when, not if, they got out of here and got back home, and she let Xena in on his little camp secret.

For a minute, she felt bad about feeling good about that, then she looked around, and saw the shivering, frightened looking kids in the next cage over, and decided he’d get what was coming to him. After all, she could have easily been in their place, two and a half years ago.

What would that have been like? She wondered, letting her eyes travel over her companions, who were huddled loosely around her. What would my life be like right now if Xena hadn’t happened to wander by and decide, for who knows what reason, to interfere in Draco’s plans? Would I be the same person, only in worse circumstances, or would I be an entirely different person all together?….oh well. Moot question. Gabrielle reflected. But.. now I can do for these kids here what Xena did for me. And damned if I’m not going to try.

"Well, well. Good morning, little lass.’ Rurik’s voice grated on her. "Did you sleep well? No? Too bad." He laughed. "But I have a little surprise for you.. my men hear have been hearing me tell of you being the fierce Amazon and all.. and they want a little demonstration. So… be a sweet and get up there, all right?"

Gabrielle studied him for a long moment, not moving. "What kind of demonstration?"

He laughed again. "Oh no, my lass, you’ll not be getting your hands on a blade. Just with your little stick then." He opened the cage, and reached down, grabbing her by the hair and pulling. "Come on now."

Gabrielle grimaced, and started to rise, then was startled by a small form dashing past her and throwing itself against Rurik’s chest, knocking the man off balance and causing him to lose his grip on her.

"Leave her be, you centaur dropping." Solon yelled, before Rurik’s fist caught him on the side of the head and sent him flying into Cait’s arms. The girl had also stood, and was moving towards the trader.

"Bastard." Rurik spat, then glanced at Gabrielle’s face. "You think that was funny?"

She did, but not for the reason he thought. "You sure are tough beating up little kids." The bard observed. "Cait, you keep an eye on things here, OK?" She moved past Rurik and waited for him to lock the cage door again. "I should tell you some stories I know about what happens to bullies."

The trader circled around her, and put out a hand to lift her chin up. "Oh.. really? Why don’t we go to my hut, and you can tell them to me in private then, eh lassie?"

Gabrielle felt her heart skip. Humor… maybe that would.. distract him. "I'd love to Rurik, but you’re really not my type." Oh boy.. was that ever the truth.

That got a round of muffled giggles from the girls.

"Oh?" Rurik, spared the girls a confused look, then focused on her again. "And what type would that be?" He lifted her hand. "I see you doffed your pretty ring there… was your betrothed not your type.. either?"

"Gosh.." Cait whispered to Sharra. "She’s ever brave.. and whatever did she do with that ring?"

"Shh." The other girl hushed her. "She fastened it round that dog’s neck before she sent him away."

"It’s a wolf." Cait corrected her. "And I bet I know where she sent him."

Gabrielle let him wait for a bit before she answered. "No.. just your luck, Rurik.. I took it off before we went out into the woods. " She paused, and took a breath. "What about this.. demonstration you wanted?" I feel like death warmed over.. but no point in telling him that.. maybe I can get out of this without getting too banged up.

"Anxious, are you." The man laughed, his good humor restored. "All right, come on." He grabbed the back of her tunic, and shoved her towards the firepit, where a group of laughing men were standing. Gabrielle studied them as she got closer, and sighed inwardly. So much for getting let off easy.

Rurik tossed her staff to her, which she caught automatically, and motioned one of the larger of the men out. "Come on then, here she is."

The man studied her, then laughed, and picked up a long stave lying near the firepit. "So.. ye’re an Amazon, huh? Bitty thing… "

Gabrielle rocked her head back and forth, trying to ease the stiffness in her neck, and pushed the discomfort of the her still throbbing head out of her mind. Remember what Xena does.. .right? She can fight with.. oh.. probably half the bones in her body broken. And a hangnail. The thought of her partner’s familiar, determined expression made her feel better, and she worked her staff through a few warm up passes to loosen herself up. "Size isn’t everything." She replied to the raider.

The man didn’t answer, but instead rushed her, swinging his staff with a tolerable level of skill. She caught his weapon with her own, and deflected the force of the blow upward and outward, throwing him off balance, and allowing her the opportunity to reverse her motion, and catch him smartly in the ribs with the other end of her staff. Heh heh. Her mind quietly applauded. Jerk.

That got him mad, though, and he charged back at her, slamming against her defenses with his superior weight and size. But Gabrielle was used to that, and she let her legs absorb the force of his thrust, then she crouched slightly, and pushed back, glad of all those hours of sparring against Xena, who was about this guy’s size. She then went on the offensive, darting swift blows at his head and neck, which he barely deflected, then dropping suddenly to one knee and sweeping her staff in a backhanded motion that caught him in the legs and dropped him on his backside with a thump.

When he came back up, there was the glitter of a blade in one hand, and she barely had time to register that fact before her newly honed instincts took over and the next thing she knew, he was lying on his side holding his head, and the knife was halfway across the camp, having been caught by one side of her staff, while the other swung around and caught him on the side of the head.

Her eyes traveled over the circle of men. No one was laughing now.

I think I overdid it. Her mind reflected. Xena says.. never let people know just how good you are.. keep something back for a surprise when you need it. That’s kind of a scary thought, when it comes to her, you know? She backed off, and let one end of her staff drop, leaning against it and waiting.

"Damned if you aren’t an Amazon." One of the older men snorted. "All right, Rurik.. here’s your three dinars." The men gathered around Rurik, and grudgingly paid up, making the trader smirk.

He sauntered over to where Gabrielle was still standing quietly. "Ah.. now that was lovely, little lass." He wrapped a lock of her hair around one finger. "Now.. I don’t know.. it’s a pity you won’t be with us long… you could make me a pretty fortune, you could. So nice and sweet looking." He chuckled. "And underneath what a tiger."

Green eyes pinned him. "Rurik you’re not going to get away with this. You should let us all go now, before it’s too late."

He moved towards her, pushing her back against the tree they were standing under. "Threats? No no… little lass.. you don’t seem to understand here… who’s going to stop me, your warrior friend?" He chuckled. "That one’s all stories, and nothing else… we both know that.. right?" He traced her chin lightly. "Else she wouldn’t be out to pasture in that backwater."

Gabrielle’s eyebrows both rose in surprise, a reaction she didn’t bother to hide. "You’re nuts." The bard said bluntly. "She lives there because it’s where she was born. And those stories are real."

Rurik laughed. "If it makes you feel better to think so, little one, mores the better. If you think a grand rescue is coming, then you’ll behave, right? Because you know, if I think for a minute you’re going to deprive me of my fortune, I’ll take a spear and make shish kebab of your little friends over there."

Gabrielle sighed. O.K. can say I tried. She put a hand on Rurik’s shoulder. "Look, I’m only telling you this for your own good, all right? Xena is going to find us. And when she does, she’s not going to be really happy. Rurik, you don’t want to see her when she’s not happy, all right? Do you have any idea of who she really is?"

The man shrugged. "Nah, lass.. I’m not from here, as you know. Your local legends don’t impress me. I saw your cousin riding off to the north two days gone - and you’ll be out of here before she’ll get back.. it’s as simple as that. She’ll never find you, never know where you went…. Maybe she can console your betrothed for you." He seemed to find this amusing.

You know what? Gabrielle mused. I gotta start thinking that guys are just clueless. First Ares, then Iolaus, now him. Even Callisto got it on the first try. "Rurik, I don’t have a betrothed. That ring is Xena’s." She sighed. "And it doesn’t matter where you send us. She’ll follow."

Rurik stared at her in silence. Then he burst out laughing. "Oh.. that’s good. You’ll say anything to put me off then, won’t you?" He tugged her hair. "So.. what’s she got that I don’t? Hmm???"

Manners, class, looks, my heart and soul… "That’s not your business." The bard responded. "But if you ignore that warning, you’re dumber than I think you are."

He swung, she moved. His hand hit the tree with stunning force, knocking a large chunk of bark free, and showering Gabrielle’s body with fibrous shreds. Her hands moved in an automatic defensive motion and slammed her staff against his chest, knocking him backwards.

"Bitch." He snarled, and threw himself at her. Which proved her point, as she dodged out of his way, and ducked past him, letting him slam head on full into the tree. He slumped to the ground without a sound, and after a moment of stunned silence, the men loosely gathered near started to laugh. Wisps of the campfire’s sloppy smoke passed among them, bringing the scent of old cooking, and the smell of the hot stones that ringed it.

Three of them took hold of Rurik’s body and carried it to a nearby hut, two others drew swords, and glanced at her warily. "Put the stick down now, OK?" He poked at her with the weapon, and if the whole situation hadn’t been so grave, the bard would have collapsed in a fit of the giggles. Experimentally, she gave him a look. He backed off. "Put it down now, or the kids get it." He warned her, moving towards the cage.

"All right." Gabrielle agreed soberly, laying the staff down on the ground, and walking quietly over the cage, waiting for him to let her back in. Nervously, he did so, standing well back from her as she entered the enclosure, then slamming the door behind her.

Solon ran over and hugged her, and the girls gathered round, with grinning faces. "That was just super." Cait enthused, patting her arm.

Gabrielle ran her fingers through her pale hair, and sighed, walking over to the bars and sliding down them. Now that the excitement was over, she felt sick, the throbbing in her head had gotten worse, and her stomach was twisted in knots. She felt a hand on her arm, and looked up into several pairs of concerned eyes.

"Are you all right?" Sharra asked softly.

What would Xena do? Ok.. one I’m too tough for my Amazon War staff attitude coming up. "Yeah, I’m fine." The bard mustered a smile for them. "My head just still hurts." She glanced around the cage. "OK.. so.. I think it’s time for some stories, right?" She took a deep breath, and tried to settle her thoughts. "Right… have I told you the one where Xena defeats Poseidon.. twice?"

Xena turned her back on the bars, and walked around the perimeter of the cell, watching the silent inhabitants huddle away from her. She stopped, as one tried to move out of her way but couldn't, and knelt down.

"What's wrong with you?" She asked, with polite bluntness.

For an answer, the figure held out one arm, which they were holding with the other. Xena lifted the sleeve over it with gentle fingers, and looked beneath. Her eyes closed briefly. Fractured, just above the elbow. "How did this happen?" She asked quietly, taking hold of the arm, and reaching to the figure's neck. "Hold still…" Two swift jabs, and the arm was numbed, and she could straightened it.

"Iolaus, get me two pieces of wood off that plank over there." She waited for Iolaus to bring the wood over, then set the pieces gently against the arm. "I'm going to bind this up… then release the pressure points. It'll hurt.. but you'll be able to move it, OK?" She did so. "What happened?" She asked again, when she finished tying up the arm.

"Adjuster… decided I was slacking off." The muffled voice responded, and Xena realized it was a woman.

"He did this to you?" Xena's voice went dangerous. "For no reason?"

"Aye." Came the simple answer.

This can’t be. Her mind refused to believe Hercules was capable of this thing.. Hades, even in her worst days as a warlord.. this.. would have been beyond her. To have killed someone.. yes. She was capable of that. To injure one who had done her harm.. yes. But to maliciously maim a harmless innocent? No. And if I couldn’t have, me the Destroyer of Nations… her mental eyes rolled, as they always did on thinking of that particular little title, then this gentle giant, this man who had taken a chance and given her one.. surely couldn’t have done this. She turned and found Iolaus’ bleak eyes. "Are you sure…"

The blond man’s eyes closed, and Xena could see the pain on his face. She sighed, and stood. "All right.. anyone else need tending? Come on.. I haven’t got any supplies, but I’ll do what I can."

A supreme irony, she later thought, after working for several candlemarks setting fractures, and easing what pains she could. Their faces when Iolaus had looked over from where he was settling a man with a broken leg and called her name. Silence had fell, and all eyes had focused on her in startled surprise. "The Warrior Princess??" Had come one, quiet, shocked voice from a dark corner.

"Some call me that." Xena had answered, not looking up from the dislocated finger she was putting back into place.

"But her friends just call her Xena." Iolaus had chirped up from his corner, earning himself a wry look from glinting blue eyes. He grinned at her unrepentantly, no longer quite so intimidated.

"To think I would have lived to see this." The old woman she was working on said softly. "To have my body crippled by a man I always heard was a hero, and be healed by one the stories name… " She hesitated.

Xena patted her hand. "A ruthless warlord and killer." She sighed. "It’s all right. The stories are true. " She paused. "Both sets." She stood and dusted her hands off, and went to the edge of the cage, staring out across the hallway, lost in thought a moment. Finally she turned and faced them, putting her hands on her hips and nodding a little. "He won’t hurt you anymore. " A long pause, while she studied them, and they here. "One way or another."

Iolaus captured the picture before him, of this dark, damp and stinking dungeon, with it’s oily sputtering torches outlining Xena’s tall, muscular from in red highlights and inky shadows, the menace she exuded with effortless nonchalance in incredible balance against the fact that she was taking the part of the light in this.

Xena sighed, and sat down with her back against the bars, trying to ignore the stench and the draft of the place. She probed gently at the anxiety coming from Gabrielle, mildly relieved that it had gotten no worse. Worried, yes. Scared.. the bard was that, too. Hang in there.. she closed her eyes and thought hard in her partner’s direction.

Footsteps coming down the long hall, heavy boots that rang against the stone flooring with unhurried power. Xena turned slowly, and leaned up against the bars with one shoulder, crossing her legs at the ankles and focusing her eyes on the door. She felt her breathing quicken, and her battle nerves shiver into wakefulness, making her nape hairs prickle, and sending a rolling tension through her body.

The door opened with a negligent shove, and a tall, broad shouldered muscular man swaggered in, his body draped in black leather and furs, his hair unkempt, and a three days growth of beard gracing his face. He glanced into the dungeons holding cell with uninterested eyes, then stopped, and gazed at the leather clad woman looking guardedly at him.

For a moment, his brow creased, as though in thought, then his expression cleared, and he felt his chin, and let a smirk shape his mouth. "Where the Hades did they dig up something like you?"

The world was blacks, and whites, and clear shades of gray, but Ares didn’t pay much attention to what he saw anyway. His reality was bounded by a whirlwind of sounds, and an explosion of smells that told him far more than his eyes could ever hope to.

He had loped through the forest, reveling in the rich, many layered scent of the leaves, and trees, and animals, then knowing as he passed into cultivated land, where the dry, wispy smell of hay, and wheat stubble, and dried grasses mingled with the overwhelming evidence of humans.

He circled around their den, picking up the recent scents of the Leaders, crossing with that of the other humans who lived there. Several called him, but he ignored them, searching for one particular strand. Ah.. he had it. He trotted behind the inn, and lifted his head, finding the scent again, stale, but there on the wind.

With a determined sigh, he put his head down, and started down the rock strewn road, shaking his head a little to hear the odd, strange jingling, and feeling the unaccustomed pressure of the thin chain around his neck.

The cold rising wind riffled through his fur, and brought the water scent to him, beading cold moisture around his muzzle. The wet air also brought the Leader’s scent, and he broke into a rolling gait that ate up the miles. Find. His mind pictured the face that went with the Name that had been spoken, that was tied to the scent he was following. Find.

"Nothing." Lida slumped down into the chair next to where Ephiny was huddled. "Not a damn sign, nothing." She looked up at the Queen, who was looking more miserable every minute. "Look.. Ephiny.. why don’t you go lie down?"

"No." She sighed hoarsely. "I’d just be there staring at the ceiling.. at least here I have something else to think about." She looked up as the rest of the Amazons, and a few villagers straggled in, moving over to warm themselves by the fire.

It was mid morning, and they’d had parties out all night searching with no results. Not a twig, not a branch out of place. Ephiny wracked her mind uselessly. What did Gabrielle think she was doing? She was a careful traveler, sure.. but to make her trail invisible from other Amazons? No.. she didn’t have that kind of skill, no matter how long she’d been traveling with Xena, who could, and sometimes had covered her tracks successfully from them.

That brought a bleak smile.. remembering half the nation chasing around the forest searching for the elusive warrior, who’d been asked by the one of the teaching instructors to provide a challenge for a group of students.

Challenge.. oh yes. So much so that half the warrior core of the village had joined in, their pride stung at the ease with which Xena had disappeared from view. Gabrielle had sat at her ease outside Ephiny’s quarters, and watched the activity with a barely concealed smile. It had been her last day with them this past visit, before the banquet they’d planned, and the bard was in a great mood, despite the problems the day before.

Ephiny had called her on it. "Are you making fun of us?" She’d asked the woman, who had looked up with all innocence in her sea mist eyes.

"Of course not, Eph." Gabrielle had said with a laugh. "I know I’d have no chance of finding her, so.. ." She grinned. "At least this makes me feel a little better."

Ephiny had sat down next to her, with a disgruntled look. "Now I get to hear about this for the next six lunar cycles, I bet." She put her chin in her hands. "You know she’s not going to let us forget this."

Gabrielle had cast her a sidelong look. "Come on, Eph… she’s really not like that." She smiled. "Besides, you asked her to do it, remember?"

The blond woman covered her face with her hands. "Yeah..don’t remind me. I must have been momentarily driven insane. " Someone handed a steaming mug of tea to her over her shoulder, and she took it absently. "Thanks."

"No problem." Xena’s low, amused voice floated over her shoulder.

"Yahhh!!!" Ephiny yelled, recognizing it, and jumping up. "How did you ge…" She glared at the warrior, who was lounging against the back of Gabrielle’s chair, with that insufferable, lazy smile on her face.

Gabrielle was biting her lip, trying not to laugh, and she gave Xena a little slap. "That wasn’t nice."

The warrior gave her an injured look. "What? I even brought tea. It’s not my fault half the village is going deaf." She paused. "And blind."

"Xena…" Gabrielle scolded her. "Don’t be mean." She leaned back in her chair and gazed up at the warrior. "Besides, I knew you were there, so you’re not that sneaky."

That got a quiet smile from Xena. "Did you?" Then she laughed. "Yeah, you did.. didn’t you? I saw you look my way."

"Sure.." Ephiny gave them both an insulted look. "Make ME feel great, why don’t you???" She leaned back in her chair and sipped her tea, watching them as Gabrielle laughed gently, and Xena just gave her one of those raised eyebrow looks. Like always. But the bard couldn’t prevent her eyes from drifting dreamily up to the tall warrior’s face and Xena’s casually draped hand was unconsciously tangling itself in Gabrielle’s fair hair, which caused Ephiny to smile to herself. Gods.. would you look at them? "How's your back?"

Xena's brow creased for a minute, then she laughed. "Oh that.. it's fine, thanks"

Gabrielle hitched herself up in her chair, and peered at the warrior's exposed shoulder. "You're disgusting." She clucked, and slumped back down again.

"Well, I’m going to go see who else I can sneak up on." Xena finally commented, straightening up and slipping out from behind the pole support for Ephiny’s quarters. "See ya."

Ephiny snorted. "Gods.. she’s in a good mood." A darting glance at the bard’s face, which had a quiet glow about it as her eyes followed Xena's movements. "So are you, I see." She teased gently, watching the soft blush crawl up Gabrielle’s neck and smiling. They both watched as Xena went very still next to a tall tree, having spotted Eponin approaching. "Oh.. she won’t get past Pony." Ephiny chuckled.

"5 dinars." Gabrielle replied immediately.

"You’re on." Ephiny shot back.

It seemed impossible - Xena didn’t hide, didn’t even try to disguise herself. She just became part of her surroundings, only the glinting blue eyes moving as Eponin passed within an arms reach of her unaware. Xena reached out as she went by, and removed a feather from her hair, then deliberately met Ephiny’s eyes and poked the tip of her tongue out.

"Pay up." Gabrielle smiled. "Come on, I know you made out like a bandit yesterday."

"I don’t believe it." Ephiny had muttered, dragging a 5-dinar piece from her belt pouch and slapping it into the bard’s hand. "And Eponin won’t either."

And, Ephiny now recalled, telling Eponin had been a dumb mistake on her part, which caused the proud warrior to bristle, and challenge Xena to a sparring match, which Gabrielle, in her queenly wisdom had simply forbade, citing Xena’s knife wound as an excuse.

Not that anyone had any illusions of exactly how much that would slow the warrior down, but to everyone’s surprise, Xena submitted meekly to the order, gracefully handing Eponin back her feather without even so much as a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Because, Ephiny realized, she had nothing to prove. To anyone. She could back down from a mock challenge because she'd fought real ones, for real stakes, and she could submit to Gabrielle's gentle commands because she had half the world bow to her own. A strange, and very complicated woman, was Xena.

Now, as the sun passed mid day, and yet another group of exhausted looking searchers entered, Ephiny rolled her head to one side, and regarded Lida and Granella, who had just arrived. "We gotta find them." She looked up as Cyrene padded over, collapsing in a seat and handing her a cup of broth. "Cyrene.. you should get some rest. You look terrible."

"Look who’s talking." The older woman shot back, giving her a familiar raised eyebrowed look. "How can I rest when those children are out there?"

"Gabrielle can take care of herself, you know." Granella spoke up quietly. "I’m sure they’re fine." She settled her elbows on her knees, and rested her head in her hands. "I just can’t figure out why we haven’t found a sign of them anywhere."

The door opened, and Toris stumbled in. "I just saw Ares." He scrubbed his face with one hand, and they could hear the rasp of his hand against the dark stubble of his burgeoning beard.

Ephiny felt her heart clench. "What? What was HE doing here?" Her mind started spinning, adding interference from Olympus into her calculations.

"No no no no no.. " Toris waved a hand. "Our Ares.. the wolf." He pointed north. "He took off that way."

Everyone looked at him. "The way Xena went?" Cyrene asked, her face going very still. "He went with Gabrielle when she left with the girls. I saw him go."

"Gods." That was Lida’s quiet voice. "She sent him, I’ll bet anything."

"For help?" Ephiny wondered. That would be like Gabrielle.. if she was in trouble, the first person she’d think of was Xena. "Now.. we’ve gotta find her. It’s going to take days for Xena to get back here, even if Ares can catch up with her." She took a breath, and that brought on a coughing spell. Hands gripped her, and rubbed her back gently and she gave Granella and Lida grateful looks. "Thanks." She took a sip of her broth, and welcomed the heat down her sore throat. "If I ever think about going out again in this weather, I want to be tied down and gagged." She looked at them severely. "Understand?"

Granella smiled, and rubbed her arm lightly. "We got you."

Ephiny sighed. "All right.. everyone should get a little rest, then we’ll start expanding our search area. " She took another sip, then gazed at Cyrene. "This is great.. thanks."

The dark haired woman smiled wearily. "We’d better make our rest fast - the weather’s going to Tartarus again."

Xena searched every inch of the man’s face before answering. Her heart sunk as she let the evidence of her eyes and ears convince her of the fact that this person, however unlikely, was indeed Hercules. "Right place, right time." She finally answered, in a quiet voice.

"Oh. Great. Yet another smartass." Hercules rolled his eyes. "So what’d you do?"

"Punched a guard." Came the laconic answer.

"Why?" Hercules asked, crossing his huge arms over his chest.

"He looked at me funny." Xena answered, letting a challenging little smile cross her face. I can't believe this is the same person.. what could have happened? A head injury? The poison?

Hercules’ pale eyes slitted. "Oh.. I’m gonna enjoy ripping you apart, you smart mouthed little brat." He unlocked the cell door. "Get over here."

Xena pushed off from her spot on the bars, and sauntered over, giving Iolaus a glance as she passed him and a wry little smile. "Wish me luck" She muttered, and saw him grimace.

"You back again, you little stinking squirt?" Hercules noticed Iolaus pressed against the wall. "All right.. you next then.."

He waited for Xena’s body to clear the door, then he slammed it behind her, taking a moment to walk all the way around her, then he hooked one finger in the collar she still had fastened around her neck and pulled her behind him to his lair.

She let the anger start to build, reaching down deep into that part of her that belonged to Ares, and stirring it. "You look like Tartarus, Hercules." She commented, as he let the collar go and spun around.

"I don’t know you." He said, with a snort. "Don’t pretend I do. Everyone seems to do that." He put a hand on her chest, and shoved her backwards, then went still when she didn’t move under his hand. Slowly, she backed up a step, and leaned against his favorite torture rack.

"You’re wrong." The warrior said softly. "You do know me. And I know you… I don’t know why, or how you’ve forgotten.. but it’s true." Easy..easy now…maybe I can try a little talking… never hurts to try, right?

"Oh yeah?" He uncoiled a whip from his table, and turned suddenly, cracking it at her with frightening speed.

She caught the edge of it, and jerked hard, surprising him, and pulling the leather whip out of his hands. Guess not. "Hercules, don’t do this." Xena could feel the wolf starting to uncoil within her, and she pushed it down temporarily. "I don't want to fight with you."

Suddenly, her eyes caught on an odd necklace the tall man was wearing. It was.. she concentrated A ruby stone in a golden setting, but she could have sworn there was more light coming from the stone than reflection could account for. What in Tartarus is that?

"You don't have a choice." He swung at her, and she ducked, sliding around him and moving to a cleared space in the center of the floor. "Bitch.. " He growled, and swung again, reaching for a grip on her, and slamming her hard against one shoulder.

She went with the blow, and rolled, coming up onto her feet near the fur covered platform she supposed he used for a bed. It stank. "We all have a choice… why are you doing this?"

He slammed a fist against her head, and tried to grab her arm, but she evaded him again, and danced out of his grasp. Well, he’s stronger than I am.. but I'm faster than he is.. he knows how to fight.. but he's not what I am. "Hercules, can we just stop a minute?" .

"Not when I'm having this much fun." He laughed. "They haven't sent me anyone that's even remotely been a challenge for weeks."

A punch thrown at her. She blocked it, then slid under his arm and gave him a jolt in the ribs with her elbow. "Hercules.. you really don’t want to do this." He looked startled at the blow, and gave her a crack against her side, which she took, then returned with a roundhouse kick that sent him crashing against the torture rack. "Still having fun? Wanna keep going?

"Oh, yes I do." He ground out, picking up a spiked club, and swinging, catching her in the upper arm as she rolled out of the way. He swung the club again, smashing it down on her back, and that.. snapped something.

Xena felt it go. All right. Playtime's over.. Gabrielle, I tried talking. You'd have been proud of me. She went with the force of the blow, and took a dive for the floor, falling into a forward somersault and coming back up onto her feet. When she turned and looked at him, he should have seen the difference, in the now icy glitter of her eyes, and the sudden, dark, feral smile.

"I’m gonna squash you like a bug, you miserable piece of… " Hercules leaped toward her, swinging his club at her head.

A low laugh answered him, and this time Xena didn’t duck out of the way. She waited until his hands were on her, then grabbed his leather harness, and dropped onto her back, getting her feet up into his ribcage, and shoving hard, sending him flying over her head against the torture rack. "I don't squash easy." She warned, flipping easily up to her feet. Her side hurt from where he'd hit her, but she ignored it.

He was up, and that club was whistling towards her. She ducked it, then stepped in and slammed into his chest with both elbows, knocking him over backwards. Leverage. Her mind chuckled. Bigger they are… well, you know the rest.

The scrape of steel against leather, and then the whole scene changed, as he faced her with bared steel. "Oh.. you made me mad, lady.. let me put you right in your place.. maybe if I cut your tongue out, you’ll be nice and quiet, like a woman should be."

"What’s the matter, can’t take strong women??" Xena taunted, bouncing out of his reach with a low flip, then ducking around him and kicking him hard in the pants, sending him stumbling forward.

"You think you're tough?" He rasped, now really mad, as he turned, and glared at her. "I'm gonna break every bone in your body."

Xena stopped, and looked at him. "Guess we’ll find out, huh?" Whatever this is certainly brought out the worst in him… "As hard as you're breathing, I hope you don't pass out first."

He laughed. "You’re gonna find out something, all right." He swept his sword up, and came at her.

"Amateur." Xena spat, then moved, and this time it was with all the power and all the anger she’d been holding back. She stepped in, and blocked his sword arm with her own, deflecting the weapon away from her. "Lemme show you how we do this." She wrenched the sword out of his hands, and twirled it in one of her own, letting out a low laugh.

Then saw an opening, and hurled herself forward, whipping her fist around with all the strength she had, feeling the sharp jolt as she made contact with his jaw.

Expecting… to maybe slow him down a bit. Not expecting him to drop in his tracks like a felled sheep, his head making a sodden thunk as it impacted the floor. She stood in shock for a long minute, feeling a guilty grin shaping her face. Just like THAT??? She flexed her hand, and examined it. No way. Whatever is wrong with him must be affecting his strength.Right.

She knelt, and peered at the necklace, now seeing clearly the inner glow in the gem. That's the strangest thing I've seen in a long time…One hand reached out and touched it.

Darkness. A roiling rage that surged up in her so strongly, it washed everything else out of her conscious mind. With a gasp, she jerked her hand back, sitting down hard on the ground and grabbing her head in her hands. Gods.. what is that?

"Xena!!" Iolaus’ voice sounded from far away, and she took several deep breaths before she looked up. He was standing, with the rest of the cell’s occupants, at the bars, staring anxiously at her.

She raised a shaking hand. "Think I found the problem." Slowly, she stood up, and moved over to the cell door, unlocking it and swinging it open. "Hurry." She pointed towards the hallway door. "Out.. all of you."

They hobbled past her, most turning their heads to make eye contact with her.. a few braver ones actually reaching out to touch her arm or her hand as they went by. When the last one left, she turned and caught Iolaus’ eye. "You too."

He jerked, surprised. "What? No way.. Xena, I’m not leaving.. I belong here." He had no idea why this statement drew a sweet, wistful smile from the warrior but he hurried on. "What did you find out.. and by the way, that’s quite a punch you’ve got there."

"Iolaus.." Xena walked him over, and knelt down again by the fallen Hercules. "This necklace.. it’s evil. I can feel it reaching.. out. When I touch it." She looked up at him. "I’m going to try and take it off.. but when I… " She faltered, then went on. "Look… I don’t know what it’s going to do to me.. if I’m going to be.. " She hesitated. "I don’t want to have to worry about hurting you.. if it goes bad, all right?"

"But.." Iolaus started to object.

"It did this to him, and he’s a good person, Iolaus.. " Xena’s voice took on a harsh tone. "You know.. there’s a very dark part of me.. now.. hurry. Go out that door, and lock it."

The blond man knelt down next to her. "I can’t let you do that." He said quietly. "Let me take it off."

"You can’t afford me not to." The warrior replied. "Out, Iolaus.. hurry.. he’ll be coming around any second. " She gave him a look and pointed. "It’s not going to fit over his head, Iolaus… I’ll have to break that chain. Do you think you can do that?"

"Xena…" Stubbornly.

"Out, or I pick you up and throw you out." Xena snapped.

With a curse, he stood and stormed through the door, slamming it closed after him.

Xena sat quietly for a second, regarding the necklace. Then she closed her eyes and looked inside. Gabrielle.. I hope you don’t feel this.. I know you’re out there, and something’s wrong.. and I’m coming, love - as fast as I ever can.. but I have to do this thing first.. and I don’t know what it’s going to do to me. Unconsciously, she reached up and closed her hand around Gabrielle's pendant.

I think.. if I can just hold on to what we have between us, I can beat this. If I don’t.. and they have to cut me down like a wild animal.. don’t hate me for it, please? I can’t leave him here like this.. if it hadn’t been for him, I never would have met you.. I hope you understand.. And I remember my promise… whenever.. it’s your time, I’ll be there waiting for you. I swear it.

Then she took a deep breath, and opened her eyes, and reached out a steady hand and grabbed the necklace.

Feeling a dark need reach out for her, searching for and finding a familiarity in that part of her that lived for fighting and killing. She felt herself responding, and fought it frantically. I am not that person. She tightened her grip on the necklace and pulled, feeling the links under her hands begin to give.

But the warm rich hunger was so.. enticing. It would feel so good to wallow in that.. to indulge in the wonderful satisfaction of shedding blood. Her free hand reached for his sword, feeling the steel beneath her fingertips. What was the point in resisting? This was her true nature.. she knew it.. and so did everyone else. The feel of her blade slicing through bone and flesh..

She pulled harder, trying to keep the seductive desire from swallowing her up.. only half resisting now as the blood urge seeped into her, familiar and at some level, welcome. No.. her mind desperately denied.. but her resolve was wavering.. she could feel it as a dull roaring started in her head, and she felt her heart speed up out of control. I’m not that person.. not anymore… but now she was having trouble even believing that… if she’d ever believed it at all.

No.. she never really had believed it.. she hadn’t really changed.. this was what she truly still was. It would be so.. easy to just let it take over…. One stroke, and she could take off Hercules’ head, and claim this necklace.. A good person, her? What a laugh. Stop kidding yourself, Xena.. and just… give in to this.. you loved it, you reveled in it.. you know that’s the truth. You never believed for one second you’d become a good person.

The only one who ever believed that was Gabrielle. Who saw.. something in you that you.. don’t think is really there.. it's just that she wants it to be there so much that somehow you just.. end up being.. what she sees. An image formed in her mind.

Gabrielle. Who is, truly, a good person. Who deserves better, but loves you anyway. With all her heart.

And Gabrielle was in trouble somewhere, and needed her. Needed… her.

What could be more important than that? Xena felt the trembling balance she was poised over, between the darkness she knew, and the light she feared, and closed her eyes, bowing to her heart with quiet certainty. Nothing was more important than that. Nothing.

She turned her back, and walked out of that dark place, and closed the door behind her, and chose to believe, not in herself, but in Gabrielle’s belief in her.

She steeled herself, and wrapped the chain around her hand, and pulled. A sudden surge, and the chain broke in her hand, and she was flinging the necklace across the chamber, hearing it shatter against the far wall.

A dark flash.. and a smell of rotting meat followed, as she let herself collapse on the floor next to the feebly stirring Hercules. The cold stone felt wonderful against her pounding head, and she pressed her body against the surface, as her heart slowly returned to its normal rhythm.

Tentatively, she gently felt for that part of her mind she’d come to associate with the connection between her and Gabrielle, and almost felt tears start when she sensed the warmth still there. Saved me again, didn’t you? She just let herself experience that for a long moment, clung to it as thought she was drowning and that a bit of floating wood. That was too close…way too close… if it hadn’t been for Gabrielle… I don’t want to think about what would have happened. What would I do without her? Gods.. I hope I never have to find out.

Slowly, she sat up, pushing her body off the stones with still shaking arms. Hercules was still out cold, more from hitting his head when falling than from her blow, she decided, so she sat there quietly for a minute, trying to figure out what to do. She spent a long aching moment just wishing Gabrielle was there… needing the bard's gentle touch to chase away the horror still clinging around the fringes of her thoughts. It was silly, she knew, but right now, what she craved more than anything else was to feel the bard's arms around her, and hear her gentle voice.

Hesitantly, she reached inside her small belt pouch, and felt the smoothness of one of the remaining packets she'd dug out, and removed it, feeling the parchment warm under her fingers. Almost hypnotically, she unwrapped it, and felt a tiny smile forming at the speckled blue stone it contained. She knew where that one came from.. their favorite swimming spot. She tucked the stone inside her hand, and studied the small bit of paper. .

In life there is nothing constant.

Everything always shifting.. always changing,

As we walk along the road of experience.

But on my road there is a constant,

That lines the edges of my path for all my days,

and all my gentle, starry nights.

Because I know, whatever length my road might be,

I will always share my journey with you.

The words went suddenly blurry, and Xena had to blink a few times to clear her vision. She drew in breath, then turned the sheet over, and smiled.

Hi.

Hope you haven't killed Iolaus yet. He's really a nice guy, Xena, and you should really make an effort to get to know him. I know you guys didn't start out the best, but…

I bet right now.. I miss you. I guess that's why I'm writing these silly poems.. driving myself nuts thinking about it. I hope you like this one, because I wrote it when we were at Potadeia.. when you were really there for me. I'm not sure I ever said how much that meant… you really came through for me.

Like you always do, right? But that was special.. because it wasn't just some guy that needed bashing. I tried to think of something I could give you for that… I haven't quite thought of it yet. .but don't worry. You have a birthday coming up.

Thought I'd forgotten, didn't you? Never.

Good luck, and I hope things are going well.

Try not to go out in the rain too much, OK? Save that for me when you get home.

Love you..

G

Xena folded up the parchment gently, and closed it in her hand, then propped her elbows on her knees, and rested her head against her closed fists for a moment, feeling her balance returning. What can you give me, Gabrielle? Gods… she shook her head.

She raised her head, as she heard the faint snick of the door lock working, and gazed at the portal as it inched open, revealing a pair of pale, worried eyes. "It’s all right." She called. "Come on in."

Iolaus pushed the door open cautiously and entered, walking on hesitant feet towards her. "Are you…" His eyes searched hers anxiously. "All right?"

Xena took a deep breath, and nodded. "Yeah." She jerked her chin towards the wall. "I got..rid of that thing." She looked down at Hercules’ neck, which had a red, angry ring around it where the necklace had lain, almost a burn. She touched it with one fingertip, and winced. "We gotta get him out of here." Her eyes roamed around the room. "I don’t suppose there’s a back way out..I really don’t want to have to fight my way out of here through all those goons."

Iolaus gave her a tentative smile. "Now that you mention it… I just happened to find a tunnel leading down when I was loitering out there in the hallway." He touched Hercules’ face, where a large bruise was forming. "Hey.. don’t ever let me get you mad, all right?"

Xena gazed quietly at him, still feeling the effects of her fight with the dark. "Thought I told you to get out of here." She smiled. "You and Gabrielle must be related."

The blond man grinned. "I’ll take that as a compliment." Then his expression sobered. "Do you think.. he’ll be… um.. all right?"

The warrior shrugged. "I don’t know.. I’ve never seen anything like that before… " Abruptly, she stopped speaking, and glanced swiftly around. "All right… get out here." Her voice was rough and impatient.

A flash of blue light, and a quiet laugh followed. "Well..well.. well… if it’s not one of my favorite people.. helping two of my unfavorite ones." Ares kneeled down, and regarded his half brother with a grin. Then he reached up and patted Xena’s cheek. "That’s my girl."

Xena gave him a look, put one booted foot against his knee and pushed. Ares lost his balance, and fell back on his rear with a grunt. "Temper temper…" But it didn’t diminish his good mood, and he just settled himself cross-legged next to her. "Listen… you just did me two big, big favors, so I’m going to return one."

"Ares, I really don’t…" Xena started, then sighed. "Was that necklace one of your little tricks?"

The God of War shook his dark head. "Nope.. that’s one of the big favors. That showed up around here not long ago.. it’s… something outside our experience."

"That’s a first." Iolaus muttered.

"Quiet, shorty." Ares shot back. "Just be glad you’re with her, OK?" He turned his pale gaze back to Xena. "Anyway, it’s strong enough to affect us.. as you’ve seen." He nodded at Hercules’ form. "Not that he’s anything but a demi.. but you don’t want to be taking chances, you know?"

"Right." Xena replied sarcastically. "What’s the point, Ares?"

"Ooo..you’re in a mood." Ares patted her knee. "So thanks.. for getting rid of it for us." He chuckled. "Not that it hasn’t been fun watching old Mr. Light and Sunshine here break arms, but I suppose I’ll live." He paused. "You did all right with it… but then you’ve got a strong will, don’t you." He chuckled, and patted her cheek again. "Much stronger than his."

"You’re sick." Xena snorted, shaking her head. "Look.. I’d love to sit around in this stinking dungeon chatting with you, but we gotta get out of here." She pushed herself to her feet, and dusted herself off.

Ares looked up at her, then quirked an eyebrow. Xena sighed, and offered him a hand up, which he took cheerfully and stood. "Thanks." He glanced around. "Yeah, it is a pit, isn’t it? I thought he’d have more class.. oh well." He sighed. "As shorty there says, there’s a door outside, leads down to a cavern that opens up onto the forest. I.. " He grinned. "Took the liberty of transporting your lovely horses and gear there." He buffed his nails. "And I cleared the guards out of this part of the stronghold.

That got a grudging smile from Xena. "Thanks." Then she peered at him. "You said I did you two favors?"

The God of War chuckled deep in his throat, and leaned close to her, his beard brushing her ear. "I just won big off Old Musclebrain’s daddy on that little fight of yours…good work." He bit her earlobe and made her jump. "Not that I had any doubts." He gave her a pat on the side, and winked.

She slapped his chest. "Ares, that wasn’t for your benefit." Then she stopped and gazed at him. "You didn’t want me to let that thing win, did you?" Her eyes narrowed. "Would what I would have become been too much for you?"

Ares backed off, and tugged his beard, letting his eyes run over her several times. "You look good, Xena. I think retirement’s agreeing with you." Then he laughed, and was gone.

Xena shook her head, and sighed. "I hate it when he does that." She studied the prone form with a grimace. "Well, let’s get going." Between them, they hoisted Hercules to his feet, and slung one huge arm over each of their shoulders, and maneuvered out the door.

Continued in Part 6

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Winter's Ending - Part 6

Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

"My gosh.. you do get into trouble, don't you?" Cait smiled at Gabrielle. "Shipwrecked, then washed up on the deck of the cursed ship of Cecrops.. that's pretty scary."

The bard grinned ruefully. "Well, yeah, I guess." She shifted her body into a more comfortable position, and sighed. "It was scary.. but Cecrops was really kind of sweet." She cleared her throat, and smiled at Sharra, who handed across a cup of their meager supply of water. "Thanks." She sipped the liquid sparingly.

"What were you going to do?" Solon asked, his chin braced on his hands, as his sandy brows creased. "I mean.. you couldn’t escape.."

The bard sighed. "No.. I realized that."

That horrible moment, when she knew she was stuck on board that damned ship.. and her eyes had gone out across the gently lapping water to the land.

Stuck out here, and never know what happened? Never know if Xena made it.. or… Her mind had refused to accept that for a long moment, as her hands gripped the wooden gunwale, and everything faded except for a gentle tugging on her heart that made her understand that it was the separation that was sending waves of horror thorough her. Not the fact that she was shipwrecked. Not the fact that she, herself was trapped here.

It hurt, to the point that she wanted to just crawl into some small space, and hug herself, not be out there on deck with all those leering sailors, feeling the salt spray coat her face. Even the friendly hand of the first mate hadn't helped.

"You'll get used to it, little one." He'd told her. "Rama won't let any of this lot harm you."

"It's not that." She' d managed to say, gripping the wood.

"Is it your friend?" He asked, sympathetically. "I'm sure they made it to shore… they'll be fine."

Yeah. She'd thought. Probably thought I drowned… She'd tried to imagine what Xena's reaction would be.. she thought wistfully perhaps the warrior might spend time searching.. to be sure. Yes - Xena would.. need to be sure. They'd been getting closer lately.. almost to the point where… Here Gabrielle stopped, as she usually did. Daydreaming, Gabrielle. Stop it But she'd miss that closeness. She already did. .

Xena.. Her mind whispered gently I don't want to not see you ever again… I don't know if I can live with that…

A commotion on shore shortly after caught their imaginations.. and she was on the deck with startling speed, looking down the mate's arm to where he was pointing.

Just a speck.. really. A barely seen running figure but.. even at this distance she knew that stride, knew the smooth, even power of it.

And her heart clenched so hard, it almost stopped her breathing. I knew it. She knows I'm out here. Knew that before she yelled Xena' s name, even across the distance, and saw the dark head jerk up, and turn their way.

Cecrops voice in her ears. "Your friend is thinking about jumping on to my ship."

Oh yes. Gabrielle's mind fiercely agreed. She most certainly is. And that stopped her in thought. Did she have the right to ask Xena to join her on a one way journey to Tartarus? There was no escape from here… from a small ship, the confines of which would drive the warrior to a fretting insanity in short order. She couldn't ask that… could she? No. Her mind whispered, and she felt something fracture inside her.

So she'd made no move to prevent Cecrops from turning the ship out to sea, gazing across the cruel waters, not taking her eyes off that swiftly moving form for even one second. My last sight of her… She felt a pressure grip her chest. I never got a chance… oh gods.. I'm sorry… It had been wonderful lately.. so many small things, so many nice moments to remember. Just last night on board the merchanter, Xena had taken her up on the bow, saying it would make her feel better.. and it had, but she wasn't sure if it was the nice view, the fresh breeze, or Xena's casually draped arm over her shoulders that did it.

The high, familiar, keening sound shouldn't have surprised her, but it did.. and she watched with a sense of inevitability as the sheets holding the mainsail were sliced through, and the friendly wink of the sun off the half buried chakram reflected in her face.

"She's crazy." Came the mate's voice in her ear. "She can't believe she'll make it out here."

Gabrielle had watched, seen the determination in her movements, and found it impossible to keep a smile off her face. I should be doing everything I can to stop her. The bard hugged herself. But I can't.. I won't…. I know it's not fair to her, it's not the right thing for me to be doing.. she doesn't know what she's getting herself into… but I can’t help it.

The ship passed under the cliff, and Gabrielle just watched, unable to tame her exultant heart, as her companion launched herself into the air. Fearlessly, without a single thought to her own safety. That's my Xena. A soft laugh bubbled it's way up Gabrielle's throat, and she bit her lip, smiling, as the warrior reached out, and snagged the crow's nest railing, and hauled herself aboard.

Then the warrior was landing gracefully on the deck, and Gabrielle felt the intensity of her gaze as she stumbled forward, and was greeted with a surprising gentleness. Xena's hand stroking the side of her face, and that low voice sounding in deep concern.

It had rattled her, to the point that she simply babbled, about being seasick, and cursed…and felt herself being pulled into a warm embrace that chased every other thought out of her head.

Now I have a few seconds before she finds out just how much trouble I've gotten us both into. She thought wistfully, soaking in the closeness. Breathing in the salt, and the tang of leather and brass that calmed her rapidly beating heart and put her at peace.

And then she realized that Xena had known all along what she was getting herself into, and knowing that.. meant more to her than she thought possible.

"You knew." She'd whispered, as Cecrops stormed off, and they were left alone on the forecastle.

Xena had gazed at her. "Yeah." Then she half smiled, and shrugged. "Couldn’t just let you go off… " She'd straightened the fabric that covered Gabrielle's shoulder. "Right?" Xena's tone had been light.

"Is there a point to both of us being doomed to spend the rest of our lives on a cursed ship?" She'd answered, half jokingly, as her hands rested against Xena's armor, and idly traced the curves. Then she realized what she was doing, and jerked her hands down, blushing a little. "Sorry.. uh.. I…"

Had found her hands captured in Xena's larger ones, and she'd looked up, startled, into gently smiling blue eyes.

"Oh.. I dunno." The warrior had said, casually. "I can think of a few people it would be worse to be stuck on a ship with." She hesitated. "for the rest of my life."

It was one of those moments she tucked away into her heart, to savor when she was lying quietly, waiting for sleep to take her. The warmth of Xena's hands, the quiet fondness in her gaze.. the half smile.. She'd squeezed Xena's hands, and smiled back, not even minding the pitching motion of the ship, only feeling the soft brush of the salted wind, and the heat of the sun slanting down on both of them.

"Thank you." She had said. "I'm really glad you're here."

"I'm glad you're glad." Had come the chuckling answer, on the heels of another surprising hug. "C'mon..let's see what we can do about getting out of this mess."

Gabrielle smiled at the memory. "I realized that." She repeated. "But… you know, we get in really tough situations all the time, and I guess I just kind of.. try not to assume the worst until it happens."

Footsteps sounded outside the cage, and Gabrielle glanced up to see three of the ruffians standing next to the opening, holding clubs. "You." The first one said, nodding at her. "Come with us."

The bard took a deep breath, and slowly nodded. "All right." She glanced across at Cait, and their eyes locked. "Keep an eye on things, OK Cait?" Gods.. now what?

Cait blinked at her gravely. "I will." She answered softly, putting a hand on Solon's shoulder, and giving the three men an uneasy look.

Gabrielle stood up and brushed herself off, waiting for them to open the door. She put a hand on the jamb and stepped out, moving clear of the door so that they could close it. "Where are we going?" She asked.

Her answer was a club hitting her side, sending her flying against the cage. "Shut up." The man growled, and wrapped his hands in her hair. "Let's go."

She worked on catching her breath, trying to ignore the sharp pain where the club had struck her. Panic started to rise, but she concentrated on staying calm, thinking of her partner in the same situation. That's dumb. She reflected. Someone trying to drag Xena by the hair would be very quickly taken apart into very small pieces.

Xena.. her thoughts reached out. I think I'm in real trouble here, love. I should have kept my mouth shut and not gotten Rurik mad.. cause I think I'm about to pay for that. I know.. you can't hear me… and you're too far away to do anything.. but..

"Leave her." Rurik's voice, at the doorway to a small, nasty smelling hut. "Get in here."

Gabrielle walked in, letting her eyes roam around the interior before looking at him. He had a bandage on his head, and his eyes had nothing humorous about them. Uh oh. Her mind winced.

Abruptly, Rurik stood up, and crossed over to her, backing her against the wall. "Bitch." He breathed in her face. "Too bad I'm getting a price for you tomorrow, and you have to be untouched, because otherwise.. " He ran a finger across her jawline. "I'd take you like a dog." Then he smiled. "But.. don't worry.. the man who's buying you… he'll do the honors, never fear."

She gazed at him, trying for the kind of calm impassivity Xena could produce on demand. "You might want to tell your goons to lay off with the clubs then." She commented quietly.

Rurik laughed. "Oh.. now a tough girl like you… that won't bother you any. In fact… " He smiled. "I have something planned for you little love…" He held up a padded collar, and moved closer, buckling it around her neck. "That suites you." He attached a leather thong to the collar. "We're going to put you on a little display, there.. hmm?" He tugged on her leash gently. "And don't bother trying to buy me off with tales of your lover, all right ducks?"

"They're not tales." Gabrielle said evenly. "Thought you said I had to be untouched for your buyer."

"Oh.. you will." Rurik chuckled. "It's padded… just to keep you honest, as it were." He sat on the corner of the lopsided table in the hut. "And as for your tales… I talked to my colleagues' here.. oh yes, they've heard stories." He got up and traveled around her, trailing a finger across her back. "But they were from a long time ago… and I hear she's changed… gotten old, and soft… " He smirked. "So that's why she hides there in the backwoods… threatening half grown mud pirates who don't know any better."

Gabrielle smiled softly. "You know, I've heard that a lot lately."

"Have you then?" He laughed in triumph. "I think I'm right then, don't you?"

The bard looked right up into his eyes, and laughed. "I think you're playing with fire, Rurik.. and you're going to get burned bad." Abruptly she sobered. "Do yourself and your men a favor… let us go."

The man just shook his head. "You're stubborn, I'll give you that." He tugged her leash again. "Come on then.. .let's get you out on parade… see how much of our little attention you can take."

Gabrielle followed him out, glancing up as the rising wind blew the ragged clouds overhead. Damn… well, maybe the weather will delay his buyer… she stopped short when he did, watching as he tossed the end of the leash over an overhanging branch, and make it taut.

"There." He sauntered back over to her. "Standing up.. doesn't seem so hard eh? Not until you have to do it day and night.. with no rest from it." He chuckled, and ran a hand down her thigh, giving it a squeeze. "Ah.. and you're a tough little one too, I see." His hand tugged on the collar. "Now.. hanging off this isn't a good idea, then.. because it's made to close your windpipe, see.. and not breathing.. well, that's a bad idea." He leaned close. "Got me?"

Gabrielle just stared at him.

"Oh yes…" He smiled, and pulled her hands behind her back, lashing her wrists together with a thick leather thong. "Don't want you taking that little thing off, then, hmm??" Then he knelt, and scooped up a handful of mud, smearing it across her face and down her chest. "See.. I don’t like being made a fool of, little girl." He leaned very close. "And if your has been lover does show up.. well, see, I used to do a little killing myself as a trade. I think I can handle her."

He looked into the mist green eyes, searching for fear, and finding none. "Pity you're so damned moral, Amazon.. you'd be a good addition to my little crew here." He patted her on the cheek and walked off, leaving her to face the first spattering of cold rain.

The bard waited for his form to disappear into his hut before she closed her eyes, and took a shaking breath. I am in deep, deep trouble here. She quietly admitted to herself, glancing towards the cage where her companions were. They were all standing on the inside, hands curled around the bars watching her with anxious, anguished faces. Solon, she could see, was fiercely trying to find a way through the slim bars, that were just too narrow to admit his growing frame.

The wind buffeted her, and she turned into it, letting the lashing rain wash the mud from her face, along with the trickle of frustrated tears that had started.

Then as she stood there, a wave of dark, roiling anger passed over her. She staggered in place, and her eyes popped open, as it disappeared as quickly as it came.What in Hades was th… Knowing it could have had only one source. Oh gods.. she's really in a dangerous situation too… what if…

That thought stopped, then she was almost taken to her knees when another wave hit her. Gods.. no… She found herself gasping for breath, as the red fury washed through her, and she frantically fought her way through it and reached out…

Xena.. her mind screamed… lost in a whirlwind of darkness.

And just like that, it was gone, leaving her chest heaving, and her head pounding. Oh.. all the gods in Olympus… what was that… she braced her shaking legs and concentrated on taking deep breaths. Something had happened, that was for sure. Xena, you'd better be all right.. she pleaded. Please…

Gabrielle let her thoughts go quiet. I have to withstand this. The understanding rolled around her mind. We won't have a chance at escape until they try to move us.. after the buyer gets here. That means I have to survive, or those kids have no chance.

I have to survive. For them. And her mind finally faced what she'd been nudging aside for a while. I have to survive for Xena. That simple statement settled her. Nothing is more important than that. She took a breath, and opened her eyes, lifting her head and fixing her gaze on the mountaintops she could see over the treeline.

She put out of her thoughts the cold wind, and the stinging rain, and thought about home.

"Lovely place." Iolaus grunted, from under his part of their burden, as they moved down the narrow dripping passageway. The walls were covered with slimy algae, and the smell was damp, and rotten. "You doing all right?' Being the third time he'd asked her. Damnit.. she's white as a sheet…

"Yeah." Xena answered shortly, for the third time. "Would you stop asking me that, please?" She took a better grip on Hercules wrist, and sighed as they reached the bottom of the passageway, and moved out into a large cavern. The floor was covered in small stagnant pools, and a stream moved sluggishly through it. She looked up as she heard a welcome nicker, and spotted Argo's muzzle peering into large opening to outside. "Hey girl."

They got the now stirring Hercules down onto the damp grass, as Xena went to Argo's saddlebags and resumed her weapons and armor. "Easy girl.. I know.. I know.. " She stroked the nervous mare's flanks. "He scared you, huh?" She pulled her extra tunic out from her pack, and settled it over her shoulders, then slung her cloak over that and fastened it around her neck.

"He's still out.. " Iolaus fretted, sitting down next to his friend and plucking at the black leather. "Can we get him out of this thing? He's going to freak out if he wakes up in it."

Xena pulled her healer's kit out from Argo's pack and crossed back over to him, sitting down in the grass with an audible thump. "Well, he's not going to fit into either one of our clothes, Iolaus." She gave the blond man a half grin. "Let's make getting out of here the priority, huh?" She dumped out her kit and ruffled through it.

Iolaus reached across Hercules' steadily moving chest and plucked something up. "What's this?" He held up a small wrapped packet.

Xena's face twitched, and she snagged it out of his fingers. "Don't ask." She warned, tucking it away in her belt pouch. Now that the immediate danger with Hercules was over, the uneasy feeling in her gut was growing, almost making her hands shake as she lifted Hercules' eyelids up and peered at his glazed eyes. "Hey.. Herc…" She called gently, feeling the muscles twitch under her fingertips.

A low groan, and he raised his hands towards his head. Xena captured them, and pressed them back down on his chest. "Hey.. take it easy… "

His eyes fluttered open, and tracked to hers, blinking, as his brow creased, Then his head turned, and his gaze fell on Iolaus' desperately worried face. "Wha hit me?"

Iolaus closed his eyes, and almost collapsed. There had been recognition in those pale eyes, and a warmth he'd been hoping for. "Welcome back." He managed to say faintly.

Hercules stared at him for a minute, then turned his head back towards Xena, who was putting salve on the burn marks from the necklace. "What happened?" He asked. "What are you.. " Then his better manners asserted themselves. "Sorry. Hi Xena."

"Hi." The warrior replied quietly. "Lay still."

"What hit me?" He asked again, studying her face intently. "Come on, guys.. what's going on?" He glanced at Iolaus. "Last thing I remembered was that dragon.. then.. I don't know.. must have bit me, I remember that.. and then.. " He frowned. "Bite that bad? " He hazarded. "And you couldn't find a closer healer than Amphipolis?" He reached up and felt his jaw. "And what hit me?"

"I did." Xena answered, with a sigh.

Total silence from Hercules. Then .. "What???" He jerked his eyes toward Iolaus. "What did I do to deserve that?" He started to get up, then lay back down with a hiss, holding his head. "Oh.. boy.. does that ever hurt." His eyes opened, and he glanced down. And froze. One big hand lifted, and touched the leather jerkin he was wearing. "Where did…what…am I doing wearing this?"

Xena finished her work on his chest, and took a breath. Looks like I'm going to have to do this.. because Iolaus over there is falling apart. "Look." She reached down, and gripped his chin lightly, turning his face towards her. "Listen to me, all right? I'm only going to say this once, and don't ask me if I'm kidding, or making it up, because I sure wouldn't be out here if that was the case, OK?"

Pale eyes turned deadly serious as her words sunk in. "All right."

"You were taken by soldiers after that dragon fight." Xena said. "They took advantage of the poison and put something on you that took away your memory, and made you do what they wanted you to do."

Hercules' remained silent, his eyes locked on her face.

"I got rid of that something, and now we're here." Xena finished. Short, but that's the essentials. "Now, we gotta get out of here… I need to get you up on Argo."

Hercules reached out one big hand and caught her wrist. "What was I doing?"

Xena gazed at him. "It wasn't your fault. You had no idea of who you were, or what was going on."

He half rose up on one elbow, and gripped her arm hard. "What was I doing." He asked again, his voice taking on a rough edge.

Xena ignored his grip, turning her head and nodding towards the mountain. "There's a mining village other side of that." She expelled a long held breath. "They conscript villagers to do the mining work. And.. when they misbehave, they're sent to the dungeon, where the… Her lips twitched unhappily. "What they call the adjuster beats them into submission." Her eyes turned and fastened on his. "You were that person."

He swallowed once, twice, then his eyes closed in agony. "No.. " he whispered, reaching out blindly.

Iolaus caught his hand, and held it. "Hey.. hey… it wasn't your fault. You heard her." He glanced up at Xena anxiously. "Tell him…right?"

"He's right… " Xena gripped his shoulder in compassion. "It wasn't your fault."

He lay there for a long moment, then opened his eyes and stared bleakly at Xena. "Did I…"

She shook her head immediately. "No..I don't think so." She smoothed the hair back off his forehead gently. "Mostly just some breaks and things..I fixed most of the people up."

He stared at her armored kneecap, several inches from his face. "Ironic." He whispered, looking up at her, then turning his head towards Iolaus, almost fearfully. "Did I hurt you?"

The blond man shook his head violently. "No ..no.. you didn't touch me.. not a scratch." He gave the larger man a bright smile. "I just ducked outta here, and went for help." His eyes darted to Xena and them back to Hercules' face. "Glad you're back, pal… I missed you."

That seemed to be what Hercules needed, because his face relaxed a little, and he rubbed his temples. "Thanks, buddy." He managed a tiny smile for Iolaus, who smiled back.

They both missed Xena's speculative look, and quickly hidden grin. "Let's get outta here." She commented, packing up her healer's kit. "Find some place we can just sit and get ourselves together for a minute." The urge to get back to Gabrielle was building rapidly now, and she knew she'd have to leave the two behind shortly. Need to make sure they're ok, though. She stood, and reached a hand down towards Hercules. "Come on."

He stared at her for a second, then took her hand, and allowed himself to be hauled up. "What on earth did you hit me with, by the way?" He asked as they walked towards the horses,.

For an answer, Xena held up her right hand, and flexed the fingers, giving him a sideways look.

Hercules stared at her, then reached out and grasped the hand, examining it. "You have armor plates in there?" He felt his jaw gingerly. "I think you cracked something.'

Xena pulled her hand free, and felt his jaw with quiet skill. "On you? Nah." She dropped her hand down. "Just a bruise." They reached the horses, and she motioned him towards Argo. "Go on.."

"No." Hercules closed his eyes. "I'll walk." He unhooked the jerkin he was wearing, and stripped it off, hurling it from him in disgust, then wiped his arms off, looking like he wanted a bath. He reached up and scrubbed his face, then let his hands drop.

Xena exchanged a worried glance with Iolaus, then motioned the smaller man to get on his horse. She gentled Argo, then walked over and put a hand on his elbow. "Come on." She studied his face, which had a bleak expression on it. "Argo is strong enough to carry us both for a little while." She stepped closer. "Let's get out of here.. we can talk on the way."

He stared at the ground for a bit, then finally nodded. "All right."

Iolaus kneed his horse over, and took all of Argo's baggage, then backed off, as Xena vaulted onto the mare's high back, and moved one foot forward, giving him a stirrup to mount with. He settled in the saddle behind her, and took hold of her waist, as she gathered Argo's reins in and pressed the mare's side lightly with her knees.

They headed down out of the mountain range, and were started through the valley before Hercules spoke. "So.. what did this?" He asked, ducking his head against the now driving rain.

Xena sighed. "Don't really know.. it was a necklace of some kind.. had a ruby.. or what looked like one in it." She looked over her shoulder. "I could feel how bad it was when I touched it."

He absorbed this for a minute. "How'd you get rid of it?" He considered. "If all it took was a touch.. I mean.."

Xena stared ahead of her, guiding Argo towards a low bluff she knew had some caves in it. Where she could leave them snug, and head where her heart was now so desperately pulling her. "I .. grabbed it… and pulled it off." She answered, flexing her hand.

"But you didn't…" Hercules started, leaning closer and looking at her face. "It didn't take you over?"

A long pause. "Almost." The warrior whispered. Then she looked back over at him. "Guess I out evilled it or something." She forced a smile. "You’re a good person, Hercules. Easy pickings for something like that… " She paused. "Me?" A rueful smile. "Well.. let’s just say I was l little more than it was bargaining for."

"Mm." Hercules commented, getting a better grip on her. "You think it was something Hera cooked up?"

Xena took a breath, and sighed. "Not according to your brother." She cocked her head. "He showed up right at the end there.. thanked me for getting rid of the thing, and said it wasn't his or anyone else's up there." We wont' mention the other favor. "He.. um… got rid of the guards, and got our horses down to the cavern for us in return for the favor."

Silence from Hercules. Then: "You think he was telling the truth?" Like she would know…well, maybe she would, at that. Damned if Ares doesn't have a big time thing for her.

Xena nodded. "Yeah, I do." She stroked Argo's neck. "Hang in there girl.. we're almost there." She sniffed. "You doing ok back there?"

His hands tightened around her, and he rested his chin on her shoulder. "Thanks." He sighed, and she could feel the air moving past her ear. "You saved my butt again."

That got a smile from her. "Anytime."

"Hey, Xena?" Now a tiny smile etched his tired features.

"Yeah?" She answered.

"I hate to be the one to tell you this, but that evil warlord routine doesn’t cut it anymore." He gave her a squeeze. "You’re one of the good guys now."

She half turned in the saddle, and gave him a look. "Think so, huh?" Complete with icy stare and raised eyebrow.

He smiled at her. "Yep."

That got him a quirky grin, and a shake of her dark head as she turned back around and sighed.

"So.. how's Gabrielle?" Came the next question, and she could feel him chuckle a little.

"Just fine." She answered, quietly. "Sorry she couldn’t be here.. we had an accident with some Amazons and she's taking care of one of them back home." Or she should be. But this feeling.. gods... "She sends her love."

"I couldn’t believe it when I heard you were settled in there.. what's up with that?" Hercules asked, apparently relaxing a bit. "You retiring or something?"

Xena felt a smile cross her face, which he couldn't see. "Maybe." She shrugged. "For a little while, anyway. Been a rough couple of years." She sighed. "Bad winter, mom needed the help…"

"Mmm hmm." She felt his fingers tap against her ribcage. "I heard another rumor." He rumbled, casting a quick eye towards the Iolaus' ambling mount. "True or not true?"

Xena laughed. "What do you do, spend more time collecting gossip than fighting monsters?"

He waited, pale eyes twinkling as he felt her sigh.

"Yeah, it's true." She admitted, feeling a blush color her face, and was glad he wasn't facing her.

"Bout damn time." He snorted, giving her a tweak in the ribs. "Like it wasn't obvious to everyone."

That got a very raised eyebrow. "Yeah? I had to practically draw pictures for Iolaus." She poked him in the ribs with an elbow. "You find him under a rock or something?"

Hercules laughed his gentle laugh. "He's a little.. naïve sometimes." Then his face grew serious and she felt him sigh. "Thanks.. for helping him out, by the way." He fell silent for a moment. "I don't.. even remember any of this.. it's.. really scaring me."

She reached back and patted his thigh. "I know." She guided Argo through a band of trees. "It could have been a lot worse, though. Just think of that." She peered ahead. "Ok.. it's right where I remembered it.." Ahead in the bluff face, a large dark cavern entrance was becoming visible. "It's over, Herc. " She turned and gazed at him "You just gotta go on."

He pale eyes studied hers. "Yeah. I know." A wry smile twisted his lips. "You're the expert on that, huh?"

She nodded slowly. "Something like that." She reined Argo to a halt beside the cave entrance, where Iolaus was already dismounting from his gelding. "Listen.. you guys will be all right here for a few days. I know this territory - these caves are pretty deep, and there's a hot spring in them." She reached up and touched his beard stubble with a fingertip. "You look like you'd love a bath."

Hercules cocked his head. "You not staying around?" A trifle wistfully. "I'd love a chance to talk with you.. we're always doing that boats passing in the night thing."

That got him a real smile. "Got things I gotta take care of back home." She reminded him. "A sick Amazon.. and some other stuff. But.. " She regarded him thoughtfully. "Why don't you hole up for a day, then head down our way? You look like you could use a few days rest, and some decent food for a change."

He put a hand on his jaw. "As long as they're soft foods." With a mock glare at her, then his face relaxed into a smile. "Thanks.. I think we will take you up on that."

They both dismounted, and walked over to where Iolaus was unloading his horse. "I'll take that." Hercules offered, grabbing his companions pack. "Xena's gotta take off home." He paused. "She invited us for a visit, if that's ok with you."

Big grin from Iolaus. "Absolutely, and you'll love it." He answered enthusiastically. "Thanks, Xena." His eyes met hers, with a look of silent gratitude. "Well.. " He walked forward without hesitation, and gave her a hug. "Thanks." He whispered. "I owe you a big one."

She chuckled softly. "Take care of him, all right?" She murmured back. "It's going to be a little tough at first.. just be there for him."

Iolaus nodded against her shoulder. "I will."

She patted his back, and released him, then found herself pulled into a hug by Hercules. "Giving him last minute instructions?" The tall man muttered in her ear. "Why do I feel a conspiracy coming on?"

"It's for your own good." She replied. "See you two soon."

They parted, and she adjusted her saddlebags back onto Argo's back, then mounted. A brief nod at them, and then she was guiding Argo through the trees and back towards the road.

It was the cold that was the worst, Gabrielle decided, as she tried to control her shivering. Her legs ached, but more from the icy chills that crawled up and down them and made her muscles seize up than from the standing. She shifted her position slightly, and balanced her weight over her body’s center, a trick Xena had showed her, which took most of the strain off and let her almost relax. She sent a silent thank you to the warrior for the lesson, and then spent a few minutes distracting her mind with the memory of it.

"Xena, what are you doing?" She’d asked the warrior, who was standing on top of a narrow rock, gazing off into the distance.

"Balancing." Xena had answered quietly. Her body was completely relaxed, and she appeared to be half-asleep.

"That takes practice??" The bard had laughed, sitting down on a rock nearby and wrapping her arms around her knees. "I just thought you did that naturally, like everything else."

Xena hopped down from her perch, and cocked her head towards the bard. "You try it." She waved a hand towards the rock. "Come on…" Now her voice turned coaxing.

"Oh no.." Gabrielle had shook her head. "You know I’m really bad at that. You just want to see me fall on my butt." She gave Xena a smile to take the sting out of the words, just in case. They hadn’t been traveling together all that long.. less than a year, and she was still very wary of the ex warlord’s sometimes changeable moods.

"No.." Xena shook her head and gestured again. "Come on.. I’ll show you how."

Never, Gabrielle knew. Never turn down a lesson from the Warrior Princess. On anything. That much she’d learned the hard way, because Xena never asked twice. "Ok.. " She stood up, and twitched her skirt down, then put a booted foot on the rock and gamely lifted herself up.

Losing her balance immediately and toppling over.. but right into Xena’s ready hands. "Easy." The warrior said, steadying her. "Put a hand on my shoulder."

A big warm shoulder, with leather and skin nicely heated by the afternoon sun they’d been basking in. Gabrielle gripped it firmly, feeling the tactile shift of muscles under her fingertips as the warrior moved a bit. And that was such an interesting feeling, she almost forgot what she was doing up there in the first place, and had to ask Xena to repeat herself. "Sorry.. I was trying to get used to being up here."

"Sure." Xena said, the corner of her mouth twitching. " All right.. everyone has a center of balance.. right? It’s like… a pivot point."

The bard’s brow creased, then cleared. "Ok.. I see what you mean." She concentrated. "It’s where.. you’re not going forward or backward, or to either side.. just in the middle." A quick glance to her right. "Right?"

"Uh.. right." Xena smiled at her. "So.. you just get to know where that center bit is, and you put yourself over it.. now…" She moved closer. "Lean forward a little.. and bend you knees a little bit."

Gabrielle did so, aware of Xena’s hands suddenly resting on her waistline, the warmth of her touch almost making the bard lose her concentration again. Come on.. Gabrielle.. cut the goofy teenage crush stuff, OK? She rolled her eyes at herself. "Ok.. I think I see what you mean." She leaned a little more, and felt her body settle into a spot where it required little effort to stay upright. "Oh.. yeah.. " She added in fascination, as she let her arms relax and felt her balance maintain itself.

Xena let her hands drop, and gave her a quietly approving look. "Good girl." She held out a hand, which Gabrielle took, and helped her down off the rock. "You can use that if you have to.. oh.. go to sleep standing up, for instance."

Gabrielle had turned to her, surprised. "Is that how you do that?"

"Yep." Came the answer.

Well.. she’s in a really good mood tonight. Gabrielle considered. Good a time as any to ask.. "Xena?" She turned to her companion, as they strolled along next to a slowly flowing river, taking their time in finding a camping spot for the night.

"Yeah?" Xena turned her dark head from where she’d been idly observing a squirrel and looked at her inquiringly.

"Uhm… I know.. well, I started learning with the Amazons.. I mean, that staff thing and all .. " She fumbled over her words, an annoying effect Xena seemed to have on her. "But.. I was wondering.. I mean, if you didn’t mind.. could you… once in a while…uh…"

"Teach you how to use it?" Xena finished her thought, regarding her soberly.

"Uhm.. yeah. Something like that." Gabrielle finished awkwardly. "I know.. I mean, it’s like baby stuff to you, and I know we’re really busy, and you’re probably not in the mood to bother and.."

"Sure." The warrior quietly interrupted. "I’ve been waiting for you to ask me." She cleared her throat a little and glanced off into the distance. "Didn’t know if you were still interested in learning."

Gabrielle just stopped walking, and stared at her. "All I had to do was ask?"

Xena swung around and raised an eyebrow at her, lit with a cascade of golden sunlight that brought out the mahogany highlights in her hair, and made her eyes sparkle. "I don’t bite, Gabrielle." Then a pause. "Well. " A brief, wicked grin. "Not hard, anyway."

The golden warmth of the moment took her mind off the harsh wind, and just how much her knees hurt. The collar pressed against her throat, an ever-present reminded of her situation, and she kept her eyes closed against the stinging rain, which penetrated her tunic and chilled her thoroughly.

Xena… I hope you’re out there somewhere, and that you’re ok. She thought wistfully. I miss you so much… but you’re probably not even to that castle yet, are you.. She counted the days, and her shoulders slumped for an instant, then she took a deep breath, and pushed herself upright, opening her eyes to glumly watch the deepening dark of evening settling over her.

Damn it, I can do this. Her mind fiercely insisted, then she was distracted by footsteps on the watery ground.

"Well, there, lass." Rurik’s voice floated out of the darkness. "A little wet and cold, right?" He sauntered up, and gazed at her face. "Well.. you’re a lucky bitch tonight. I don’t want no hungry wolf eating up my profits.. so I’m going to let you back in your cage for a while. Happy?"

Gabrielle kept silent, just looking at him as she felt an anger ignite inside her the likes of which she had seldom felt before. She watched him as he untied her collar from the branch, and walked towards the cage, tugging her behind him.

It hurt to walk, having been stuck in one position for so long, but she did it, forcing her legs to move fast enough to prevent him from pulling on her neck. He slammed the stick he was holding against the cage supports and laughed as the children started back.

Except, predictably, for Solon, who stood and looked him in the eye before slowly backing away. Gabrielle suppressed a tired smile, as she ducked her head under the top support, and then was pitched forward, as Rurik shoved her off balance, and she was unable to catch her fall because of her tied hands.

Long months of hard work enabled her to flip herself over as she was falling, landing on her side instead of her head with a painful jolt. She heard the door slam shut, and his laughter trailing off as small hands grabbed her all over.

"Bastard." Cait’s voice was icy. "Twice whored, one balled bastard." She tore furiously at the leather binding the bard’s hands, and hissed. "Waterlogged.. "

Sharra slid down on the damp leaves, and lifted Gabrielle’s head, resting it on her knee. "Hang in there.. Cait will have you loose in a minute."

Cait threw herself down next to Gabrielle’s arms, and bit down viciously with her teeth on the leather, tearing strips of it off and finally biting through it. She unwrapped the bard’s hands, and set her free, rolling clear as Gabrielle sat up and moved her arms out in front of her, biting her lip hard to keep from yelling as she felt the burn of returning feeling travel down them.

"Here.. " Cait rubbed one arm. "Elianas, get the other arm, will you?’

Hesitantly, Elianas complied, glancing nervously at the still silent bard. "Gods, I feel so awful for you.."

Gabrielle forced her eyes open, and gave Elainas a grim smile. "Thanks." She took a deep breath. "That was fun." She rubbed her wrists, wincing at the angry red marks from the leather, overlaying bruises that she could see even in the darkness of the cage. "Everybody ok here?"

Solon scooted closer, and put a hand on her knee. "There’s a back way into the camp… " He whispered, and glanced with his eyes off to their left. "It’s a path.. and it goes over a river.. with a bridge and then out of here. It’s not real well guarded.. we can go down it that way right there."

Slowly, Gabrielle turned her head in the direction he indicated, and spotted a small opening in the treeline. "How did you find out about that??"

Her question was echoed by the girls, who shot Solon jealous looks.

The boy’s lips twitched a little. "Heard the guards talkin.. s’how they get out to go foolin around."

Sharra grabbed his arm. "You heard them from over here? You lie."

"I did!" Solon twisted out of her grasp. "Not my fault you can’t hear nothin."

Gabrielle lifted one sore arm, and gently touched the boy’s ear. "It’s all right.. Solon. I believe you." Her lips curled into a gentle grin. "That’s great news. I'll remember that.. I think our best chance is when they take us all out to move us."

Cait studied her, then glanced at Solon, then looked back at Gabrielle’s expression, and smiled to herself. "Too right." She sighed. "But that’s not till.. rats.. tomorrow night at the earliest." She gave the bard a concerned look. "What if he does that to you again? That was awful."

The bard sighed, and carefully moved back until she could lean against the cage wall, and slowly stretch her aching legs out in front of her. "Yeah.. well, I’ll just have to take that chance, I guess." She gave them all a level stare. "It wasn’t that bad really."

They looked at her with expressions of awe that almost made her chuckle. Or would have if she wasn’t so tired she could barely talk. "Let’s get some rest.. listen, it’s cold, and it’s damp out. Everyone should lie down close together, so we can keep each other warm."

That got shy looks from the girls, and she suddenly realized why. And blushed. "Come on.." She motioned Solon over and he snuggled up against one side, with Cait on the other, and the rest of the girls in front of them.

"Wait.. " Cait stirred. "We saved you some dinner." She reached over and picked up a small bowl. "If you could call it that."

Gabrielle hesitated, then shook her head. "No thanks… Cait.. I appreciate it, but.. not right now." She felt her eyes closing and blinked them open. "I’m all right.. I could afford to skip a few meals." She gave the girl a reassuring smile. "They spoil me pretty bad at home.. you go ahead and finish that." The smell was making her nauseous, and she didn’t have the energy to eat anyway.

Cait studied her tense features, and wished she had the guts to do what she knew Xena would have done, which would have involved gently forcing the queen to eat something. But she didn’t, and knew none of the others did either, so she was forced to just sigh, and divide the meal between them all. They munched quietly, as their combined body heat slowly made it bearable to try and fall asleep.

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and leaned back, glad for the warmth of the bodies pressed on either side of her, and for the total exhaustion that would let her sleep despite how much her body hurt. She forced herself to relax, one muscle at a time, which was another lesson learned from her partner. Wonder what she’s doing… her mind drifted, separating her from the cold, damp cage. Wonder if she’s found Herc yet.. or if she and Iolaus are fighting… bet she’s nice and snug by the fire, wrapped up in that furry bedroll.. maybe she even found a poem or two. She smiled at the thought, and let it coax her gently into sleep.

It was well after midnight, in the early mists of the pre dawn hours when Xena finally stopped, feeling Argo’s exhaustion through her knees and dismounted, leading the mare into the shelter of some trees and out of the driving rain. She leaned against the mare’s heaving side for a minute, then unbuckled her saddle girth, and pulled her gear off. "Sorry… girl." She apologized to the mare, rubbing her down with a soft cloth. "I know I'm pushing you too hard."

The mare snorted, and nibbled at her tunic, accepting the apology gracefully. Xena went to the small pool she’d smelt nearby, and dipped her traveling cup into it, tasting it carefully before she led the horse over and let her drink. The water was icy cold, and hit her stomach harshly, making her flinch as a cramp almost bent her double. "Careful, girl." The warrior sighed, as she straightened. "Not too much."

She managed to get enough wood together for a small, if smoky fire, and cleared space for that, lighting it and holding her chilled hands near it with a sigh of relief. Then she dropped to one knee beside the saddle, and pulled open her bag, pulling out a large chunk of trail rations, and settling back against a tree to munch it down.

Traveling almost the day round now.. and after the previous day with no sleep, she was starting to really feel it, and her body was protesting in earnest as she alternated riding on Argo’s warm back and running along side the mare to spare her the weight. Well.. I wanted a workout. Her mind wearily reminded itself. That’s what I get for spending a month lazing around.. and brother am I ever paying for it now.

Then her niggling common sense reasserted itself. Of course.. I have also been traveling for three solid days without sleep, fought a dozen guys, beat up Hercules, and outran my horse. Maybe I shouldn’t be quite so hard on myself. And at that, a grudging smile briefly crossed her face, and she chewed on her trail bar with a more cheerful enthusiasm. Her vague sense from Gabrielle had been quiet for a while.. she guessed that whatever was going on, the bard was sleeping at the moment, and that made her feel a little better.

"Hey Argo.. how are you feeling, huh girl?" She called to the mare, who was industriously cropping the mostly dead grass around the trees. "Here.. let me get you something better than that." She hauled herself to her feet, and got the grain bag and feeder from her gear, and buckled it loosely around the mare’s head. Argo blew out a breath, scattering bits of grain all over her rider’s tunic, and flicked her ears, pushing her head against Xena’s chest in rough affection.

The warrior sorted her pale mane with gentle fingers, letting the rhythmic motion soothe her as she soaked in the warmth from the big horse’s body. "Where did that necklace come from, huh Argo??" She murmured. "That was pretty scary." She remembered how it had felt for those few short moments.. and her lips compressed in a mixture of anger and sorrow.Never again. She vowed silently. I’d rather die than go back to being like that.

She gave the mare a hug, and let her cheek rest against the soft neck for a long moment, considering. And.. Her lips quirked If it costs me a few aches and pains, and a little short windedness now and then to gain what I’ve felt for the last month… I’ll pay that price too. I can live with not being on the razor’s edge all the time. She thought about that for a minute and nodded quietly Yeah, I can live with that.

Xena gave Argo one more pat, then stretched the kinks out of her back, and seated herself on a nearby log to watch the horse finish her meal. A thought occurred to her, and she grinned as she opened her belt pouch, and pulled out the small packet that had been hidden in her healer's kit, unwrapping it and letting the stone drop into her hand. A glance at it brought a huge smile to her face, and she held it up to the firelight to study the deep reflections inside it.

Amber, and probably the piece she'd given Gabrielle before they'd separated when Gabrielle had gone to the Amazons. There in that quiet stream, as the sun was setting. She'd wondered, quite a few times since then, if Ephiny hadn't shown up.. would that night have been the night she finally said something?

She juggled the amber lightly and sighed. Maybe.

The paper was larger than the others, and covered with writing on both sides. Xena leaned forward, and spread it gently between her fingers, tilting it towards the fire.

Hi.

Me again, but you probably guessed that already. Who else would be tying notes onto stones and filling your packs with them? I'm kind of hoping you don't find this one, though.. because I'm putting it in you healer's kit, and I really hope you don't need it. If you are reading this, though.. I hope it wasn't serious, and that all it took was a tiny bandage.

So I included the amber, because I remember you said it was lucky… it's certainly been lucky for me. The moment I touched it I knew something magical was going to happen, and what do you know? It did.

You and I happened.. and that's enough magic for me for a lifetime. Or longer.

Seeing those kids.. you know, they're not much younger than I was when I met you.. I hope I wasn't that bad, but I think I probably was. How in the world did you put up with me? I look at them and my brain hurts.. just thinking about how many times you must have wanted to just backhand me into next week. But you never did. You just kind of waited for me to grow up.

Thanks.

The poem on the other side of this is kind of special to me.. I mean, well, they all are, because I wrote them, right? But I wrote this one when we were at Jessan's village.. right after the accident. When I was kind of sitting there.. watching you sleep and thinking about what my life would be like without you.

G

Xena stared at the last paragraph for a long time. Then she turned the paper over, and sat with her eyes closed for an endless moment before she opened them, and allowed her vision to focus on the firm, even script.

When I look at you

I see sunlight and shadows

Deep, still waters, and wild rapids

A fiery heart and a cool, clear mind.

When I look at you,

I see all that I am, and all that I could hope to be.

My past, and my future,

My one safe harbor in a terrible world.

When I look at you,

I see my best friend and playmate,

My protector and defender,

The love of my life and the holder of my soul.

Losing you, I would also lose myself

And be left in a darkness so deep,

No light could ever find me.

So where you go, I go.

"You know Argo." Xena whispered softly, after a long, silent moment. "Someday I might even be worthy of this." She folded the paper, and rested her head in her hands, staring unseeing at the ground, until a rustling sound brought her head and senses up.

Argo's ears pricked, but the mare didn't seem alarmed, even when the underbrush near her exploded into a dark hurtling form that hurled itself at Xena.

"Roo!!!" Ares yodeled triumphantly, jumping up and putting vastly muddy paws on her shoulders. "Roo!!!"

Startled, the warrior grabbed him, ruffling his fur. "Ares.. hey boy… what are you doing.."

Her hands touched metal around his neck, and the words froze in her throat. She felt carefully around until she found what was hanging there.

"No… " The word rasped out, as Xena brought her hand up into the firelight, already knowing what she'd see.

Mud covered, and in the dim light, but her touch knew them.

Everything stopped. All she could hear was her heart pounding hard, sending crashing waves through her head. All right.. all right.. Don't panic. There could be a perfectly good reason why she took them off.

Very slowly, very carefully she removed the chain from Ares's neck, fastening it with shaking hands around her own. Then she clasped her hands in front of her and concentrated on breathing evenly.

Someone has her. All right. She's still alive.. or I'd know.

She's not far.. because Ares had time to get to me.

She either didn't want them to know who she was, or… didn't want them taken from her.

Or because she thought she might…

No. She's all right. She will be all right. Nothing is going to happen to her.

I need to get home.

"Come on, Argo." She said quietly, rising with a mechanical movement, and lifting the mare's saddle, sliding it over the horse's back and tightening the girth with swift, practiced hands.

"Roo?" Ares nudged her knee with his muzzle, peering up at her.

A hand on his head, fingers ruffling through his damp fur, then suddenly Xena was on the ground next to him, pulling his body into a fierce hug.

"Good boy." She whispered into his ear. "You did great." She buried her face in his fur for a long moment, then straightened. "Everything's going to be fine.. OK?"

The wolf raised his muzzle, and delicately licked her face, cleaning off the mud from his coat and the tears from her eyes. "Rrrr." He nuzzled her.

"Yeah." She took a shaky breath, and smoothed his rumpled fur. "Rrr." A pause, then. "All right, let's go." She stood, and brushed herself off, expertly putting out the fire and vaulting onto Argo's back, guiding the mare back out to the long road.

The early morning camp stirring woke Gabrielle from a very uneasy, fitful sleep, and she swallowed a few times, rolling her aching head against the wooden supports to ease the strain in her neck before she reluctantly let her eyes open.

Gods. She was definitely not in good shape. Besides the headache, she felt a throbbing in her side where the club had hit her, and both her legs and arms hurt from the standing treatment she'd gotten the day before.

Look.. I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself. She told herself firmly, then sighed. But gods if I don't wish I had Xena right here, right now to do it for me. She glanced down at the still sleeping children, sparing a gentle smile for Solon, who was curled up against her on one side, and Cait who was protecting the other.

Surprisingly, Solon lifted his head, and blinked up at her sleepily. "How're you feeling?" He asked, with solemn studiousness.

"I'm fine." She whispered softly. "Go back to sleep, Solon."

His brows creased, as he gazed up at her. "Y'don’t look fine." He accused, lifting his body up, and running a small hand through his darkening curls. "C'n I get you some water? " His blue eyes lifted up and met hers.

"Sure." She smiled, watching him stand up cautiously, so as not to wake the girls, and pick up a waterskin, walking back over to her and settling back down at her side. She took the skin from him, opening the stopper, and taking a long drink. It was cold, and seared a path down into her stomach with an almost painful iciness, but she continued to sip it, hearing Xena's constant reminded in her ears. Food you can do without, Gabrielle.. for as long as your body has reserves. But water.. drink all you can, when you can, because that you don't have to spare.

Yep.. I remember that, Xena. She smiled a little, as she gazed out into the darkness. Your lessons are starting to sink in, you know.

Solon sighed. "Whatcha thinking about?" He kept his voice very low.

"Oh.. nothing really." Gabrielle managed a grin for him. "Just something Xena always says.. about drinking lots of water."

He digested this for a minute. "Bet you wish she was here." His pale eyes flicked up to hers. "You were calling her name out when you were sleeping."

Oh. Gabrielle let her head rest against the bars and blinked. "Yeah, I do wish she was here." The bard admitted. "Sorry if I woke you up.. I don't usually talk in my sleep." At least not that I know of, that is. Maybe I'd better ask…

Solon glanced carefully around, and lowered his voice. "They think you're really cool."

Gabrielle's mouth twitched into a tired smile. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." He confirmed, then gave her a shy smile. "I think so too."

The bard laughed gently, and bit her lower lip. "Thanks.. that means a lot to me." She casually reached up and brushed the hair out of his eyes. "We're gonna get out of this, Solon. Don't you worry." She glanced around. "We just have to get out of their clutches for a little while."

Solon ducked his head close to her. "Is Xena coming here? Did you really send the dog after her?"

"He's a wolf." Gabrielle corrected gently. "Not really.. I sent him away to keep him safe.. he's not a wild wolf.. we've had him since he was a puppy." She thought about his other question for a bit in silence. "Eventually, yeah - she'll be here… but not soon enough to keep that trader from moving us out - and I don't want to go with him."

Solon's brow creased and he nodded. "Yeah.. " He let his pale eyes roam around the cage. "Could she just bust us out of here?"

Gabrielle pushed back against the bars and grinned. "Oh yeah." She whispered back. "I know just what she'd do.. " She closed her eyes. "She'd grab onto the top bars there.. right over our heads.. then she'd just lift her body up and kick that door right off it's hinges."

His eyes widened. "Really?" His voice cracked, and he flushed, as it went deeper for an instant. "I hate when I do that.. " He grumbled.

"Really." Gabrielle assured him, then patted his knee. "Don't worry about your voice.. it just means you're growing up, you know that, right?"

He slumped back against the bards, and leaned against her shoulder. "Yeah, I know." He sighed melodramatically. "Papa keeps complaining I outgrow stuff all the time." He held up his arms, and demonstrated the sleeves of his tunic, which were halfway between his wrists and his elbows. Then his shoulders slumped. "Most of my friends at least know what they're gonna look like when they grow up." He grimaced. "I'm not gonna look like Papa, that's for sure."

Gabrielle smiled at him. "Well.. let's see. I'm pretty good at guessing this kind of thing.." Dangerous, Gabrielle.. be very careful here. She put a hand out, and tilted his chin up, studying his face. "I'd say.. you're going to be tall.. " Now her hands dropped to his shoulders, and felt the bones gently. "And have nice broad shoulders…" Then she tweaked his nose. "And be very handsome."

He blushed, then gave her a very shy look. "You really think so?"

"I really do." The bard assured him. She lowered her voice to a bare whisper, and he leaned close to hear her. "Better be careful.. you'll have all the girls chasing you all over."

His eyes widened, and he darted an alarmed glance at the sleeping Amazons. "Eww!"

That forced a gentle chuckled from Gabrielle, and she gazed up at the fitful clouds with a shake of her red gold head. She saw the first signs of grayness in the east, and sighed, wishing the dawn wouldn't come. I know that means I'm back out there.. and gods.. isn't it bad enough to be a captive? She reached her fingers up and touched the collar, which she hadn't had the energy to take off the previous night. Damn.. I hurt. She flexed her legs, and winced. "I'd better stand up and work a few of these kinks out before the come for me again." She whispered to Solon, then pulled herself up onto her feet with a soft groan.

The cage didn't give her much room to move around, but she went to the rear, away from where the girls were sleeping, and slowly stretched out her abused muscles, wincing against the ache, but pushing through it as she'd been taught.

You can deal with pain.. Xena had said to her, more times than she could remember. It's not good to ignore it, because it tells you when there's something wrong, but sometimes.. you just have to put it aside for a little while.

Yeah. Gabrielle sighed wryly. Advice from the expert, right? She reached over her head, and grabbed the bars, letting her weight down slowly until she was hanging from her arms, and heard the pops as her joints slid into place. Ugh. I hate that sound.

But it felt better, and she crossed her legs at the ankles, and lifted them until they were parallel to the ground, feeling her lower back stretch out and relax. Then she lowered her feet again, and stood on them, rolling her shoulders around to loosen them up. Little tricks she'd picked up from Xena as well, watching as the warrior warmed herself up before her inevitable twilight drills. And let herself get lost in a favorite memory of one such night.

"Don't you ever let up?" Gabrielle had asked, one warm night after they'd set up camp and finished a stew dinner.

"What?" Xena had asked, pausing as she picked up her sword.

"You heard me." The bard had put her hands on her hips, and studied her companion. "Do you even know what the word relax means?" She'd waved her hands around the camp. "It's a beautiful night, we had a fairly peaceful day.. " Only three fights, and those minor. "Can't you just sit back and take it easy for once, instead of spending candlemarks practicing what we do all day anyway?"

Xena had walked over to her, and put her boot up on a rock, resting her arms against her knee and gazing at her. "You work on your scrolls every day. Same thing."

"No it isn't.. " Gabrielle disagreed. "Besides, I don't force it when I… " She stopped, realizing she was close to crossing that indefinable line they had between them, of broaching those cool walls Xena was so good at maintaining. It was a big risk.

"You think this is forced?" The warrior asked, giving her a level stare, complete with a slightly raised eyebrow. "Gabrielle, I do this all the time.. it's important, remember? "

Every instinct was telling her to back off, make light of it, agree… she ignored them, and knowingly took the risk, and crossed the line. "Look." She stepped closer to the darkly clad, intimidating form, and put a hand on Xena's shoulder, looking straight into those blue eyes. "I'm a little worried about you.. you look really tired, and I wish you'd just take it easy for a little while."

A long moment where their glances fenced, then Xena dropped her gaze, and let a faint smile traced her lips. She'd looked back up with an expression somewhere between resigned and sheepish. "Ok. You got me." She'd rested her chin on her forearm with a sigh, and let her other hand drop down and toy idly with the hilt of her sword. "I am pretty wiped." She gave a faint shrug of her broad shoulders. "Guess it's all just catching up with me.. I.. mm.. didn't know it showed."

Gabrielle had let out her held breath and silently sent a thank you to whoever was listening. "Probably not to anyone but me." That sent a tiny thrill chasing up and down her spine. "Come on.. lots of stars out tonight.. want to help me count them?"

They hadn't counted, but the did find patterns in the twinkling lights, and Gabrielle told a couple of really funny little stories she'd heard in the last town they were in, and had the satisfaction of getting more than one genuine laugh out of the warrior, who sprawled at her ease on the bedroll next to where the bard was lying.

Then it was Gabrielle's turn to laugh, as Xena made a rare expedition into storytelling, and related a hilarious tale of what had happened on a ship one time with a live pig cargo. Their mingled voices, hers clear and bright, Xena's low and burring, echoed across the small clearing on the light breeze that brought them the scent of spring flowers and the nutty smell of the oak they were burning in the campfire.

Then Gabrielle had looked up, and gasped, as it seemed that the stars had come down from the dark canopy. Fireflies had come to listen, and were swirling about them leaving faint trails of light in the red tinted darkness around them. "Wow… that's pretty.." She'd whispered, glancing sideways at her smiling companion.

Xena's hand had moved in a light blur, and then she opened it in front of Gabrielle's nose, and grinned in reflex as the bard stared, fascinated at the firefly crawling daintily across her tanned fingers. She reached up a tentative finger, and the insect crawled onto her hand, antenna waving a curious hello to her.

"Hello.." She murmured with a delighted smile, then glanced up sheepishly at Xena, her breath stilling in her chest at the expression on the dark haired woman's face. Quiet, and wistful, and tinged with sadness, it touched her in an unexpectedly deep place. "Hey.." She whispered softly, her eyes searching Xena's in concern.

Xena had blinked, and looked down, then given her a brief smile. "Sorry.. just was thinking there for a minute."

Well, Gabrielle.. Her mind had reasoned You may not have another chance for a long time.. she's almost never like this. "About what?"

For a long moment, she'd thought Xena was just going to refuse to answer, not an unusual thing for the warrior to do. Then her lips had parted, and quirked. "Funny.. the things you forget.. " She'd paused, and Gabrielle had remained motionless, soundless… "I used to do this when I was a kid… back home.. "

A long silence gently settled over them both, as Xena's face had relaxed in a quiet smile, and Gabrielle carefully reached over, and interlaced her fingers with the warrior's, letting the firefly meander back onto her companion's hand.

"Thanks for humoring me." The bard smiled gently, as they watched the fly flutter it's wings, and buzz off, leaving them in the dim warm glow of the fire.

"Thank you, Gabrielle." Xena had replied softly, not releasing her hand.

"What for?" The bard chuckled a little, meeting the dimly seen gaze across from her.

"Caring." The warrior had answered in steady tone. "You just gave me back something I thought I'd given up forever."

It had been nothing like the scrolls painted it, she later realized. That moment when she'd slipped from a child's foolish crush into a love so deep it was truly like drowning. She'd felt it happen, this losing of a part of herself, that went, as Ardwyn had said, without so much as a by your leave.

She couldn’t have stopped it, and wouldn't have wanted to, and she often thought that maybe, just maybe, Xena had realized something had changed, because as she let her blue eyes close into some much needed rest, she'd made no effort to untangle their hands.

And if Gabrielle closed her eyes, right now, she could savor again that haunting ache, and feel the warmth of Xena's strong fingers wrapped around her own.

A hand on her arm snapped her out of her focused thoughts, and she turned to see Cait's worried eyes on her. "Gosh.. are you all right?" The dawns first rays were painting the inside of the cage, and dappling the groggily stirring girls with rose and gold bars.

"Yeah." Gabrielle sighed. "Just thinking good thoughts." She gazed out over Cait's head, to where the bandy legged jailer was approaching with his messy bucket. "Kind of gives me a shield against crumbs like that."

She saw Rurik approaching with his leash, and stepped to the front of the cage, wrapping her hands around the bars and watching him approach with a casual air. "Morning." She called out, startling him. You can't beat me, Rurik. I've got something inside me you could never have, and never take away from me. Her eyes met his with cool, polite interest.

"Well then.." Rurik hesitated, unsure of what to think about her. "Anxious then are you?" He studied her thoughtfully. "Well, I hate to disappoint you, little lass, but I need you to clean up your little litter here.. our friend is coming in a bit early, and I want you to make a good impression."

He reached into the cage and tickled her chin, getting no reaction. "The men will take you lot to the edge of the lake, and get me right, you green eyed bitch.. one of you makes a move to leave, I've got a crossbowman ready to cut your little girls here down like lambs, you got me?"

Remember the smile.. the advice echoed on a ghostly chuckle. She smiled at him gently. "I understand." And had the satisfaction of seeing him jerk his hand back as if stung.

"Oh.. he's going to like you, no mistake." Rurik hissed. "He likes the ones with a little spirit.. makes it so much better for him when he breaks them.. see?" His eyes narrowed. "I'm going to enjoy watching him break you tonight, and see you crawl for him, then." His eyes flicked to the tightly wound group of children behind her. "He's a friendly sort too.. likes to share with his friends." Rurik laughed. "And he loves little boys." His eyes went back to see Gabrielle's reaction, and he stepped back a pace involuntarily.

How could a face that gentle become so ice cold? Eyes as hard as a steel blade bored into his reflecting barely held fury. "Don't you touch him." She warned. "You pathetic excuses for men can do what you want with me, but touch these kids, and I swear you're regret it."

"You think you're in a position to make threats??" Rurik threw back his head and laughed. Then he lunged forward and reached through the bars for her, grabbing her tunic and pulling her against the wood.

Gabrielle felt something snap inside her, and she just reacted, leaning back against his grasp, and getting a booted foot between the bars and kicking him hard in the groin. He released her, and dropped to the ground, whinnying like a horse.

"Wow." Cait whispered, peering over Gabrielle's shoulder. "You're just super."

The bard held onto the cage bars, and let the shaking slowly stop, feeling a sick queasiness in her gut as the anger left. "Get back, Cait. He's not going to like that… " She turned and got the blond girl's attention. "And whatever happens, don't interfere.. OK? That's an order."

Rurik slowly straightened up, and turned hatred filled eyes on her, ripping the door open and pulling her out by the arm. He slammed the door shut, and slipped the leather thong over her head, tightening it like a noose. "Bitch.. you're going to hurt for that." He slipped the knot tighter, shutting off her breathing.

She closed her eyes, and sent a brief, sweet thought heading south. And waited.

But he loosened the grip, and merely pulled her behind him, towards his hut.

Cait watched them go, then immediately started a fierce examination of the hinges of the door, using a stone to start cutting through the tightly wound and shrunken hemp that held it. "Gosh, I'm ever so sorry.. Gabrielle.. but in this case.." She whispered to herself as she worked. "A Warrior Princess overrules an Amazon Queen."

"Easy girl." Xena stood at Argo’s head, gently scratching her ears. The mare snorted, her nostrils flaring as she sucked the cold air into her lungs. Xena winced as she took a damp cloth, and wiped the lather off the horse’s neck, running the linen down her trembling legs and briefly resting her head against the mare’s shoulder. "I know.. I know.. rest now."

Argo ambled down to the stream, and stood drinking, whisking her tail across her quarters and snorting a little into the cold water. "Not too fast." Xena reminded the horse, kneeling down on the bank next to her, and cupping her hands in the stream, lifting them up and dousing her face with a sudden intake of breath at the shock of it. Ares looked up from his patient lapping, and growled, then returned his attention to the stream. "Yeah.. yeah.. I know." Xena sighed, turning and sitting down with her back against a nearby tree, watching Argo move several steps off and start nibbling the mostly brown grasses.

She tilted her head back, and regarded the cloud-covered sun, just to the west of overhead. I'm making good time.. but.. Her throat tightened, as the anxious feeling got worse, and now she had no idea what part of that was Gabrielle, and what part her own racing, frantic imagination. She silently cursed the long miles yet between here and home, and cast an anxious eye on Argo, who had been going full out since dawn. The horse’s breathing had returned to normal, and she was contentedly ripping up mouthfuls of the river grass, but her flanks were still stained dark with sweat and Xena knew she couldn’t keep pushing the mare they way she had been.

Ares finished his drinking, and trotted over to her, curling up against her thigh and resting his head on top of it. She put a hand down and idly stroked his soft fur, feeling his tail thump against her arm in reflex. "Where is she, Ares?" Xena muttered, and the wolf flicked an ear back, hearing her voice. "Hmm?" Unconsciously, her other hand played with the second necklace she now wore, letting the pendant and ring slide through her fingers. "Is she all right?"

She’d better be. Her mind answered. Gabrielle.. what in Hades did you get yourself into this time? You do attract trouble, my bard.. and I can’t believe I wasn’t there… She rolled her head back, and took and released a deep breath, trying to relieve some of the unbearable tension. I can’t stand this.. She stood up, startling Ares, and walked around, too wound up to stay still, despite the weariness settling over her.

Every instinct in her was urging her to hurry.. to start moving… she had to put a firm rein on herself just to keep from breaking into a run. Ares paced around her, catching her nervousness and whining, as he nudged her knee with his head. "Yeah.. yeah.. " Xena folded her arms tightly across her chest, and closed her eyes. "I feel it, Ares. I feel it."

A sound of hoofbeats brought her head snapping up, and she half turned to see her friend, the wild stallion standing in the clearing, peering at her with flared nostrils, and a cautious eye. But Xena could see his real interest was in the placidly chewing Argo, who cast a non-committal eye his way.

A faint smile crossed Xena's face. "Looking to increase your herd, huh fella?" The stallion edged around her towards Argo, extending his neck and snuffling at her. She wasn't in season, that Xena knew, so probably… her experienced eye studied the mare's body. Was that the slightest hint of a filling in around her flanks? Damned if it wasn't. "Well, Argo.. you're gonna be a mother, I think."

The stallion half reared, and moved closer, getting nothing but an amused look from Argo, who continued to pull up mouthfuls of river grass.

Xena felt an idea begin to form, and before she could let her logical mind talk her out of it, she was bolting forward, surprising the stallion and reaching his side before he could so much as move. One hand on his mane, the other on his back, and a powerful leap, and she was astride him.

He screamed, bucking wildly, remembering her. But she'd stayed with wilder than him, and kept her seat, riding him round in a tight circle, until he stopped dead, eyes wild, and breath coming explosively. "That's it.." She praised him, stroking his neck with one hand, as she wrapped her other in his thick mane.

A whistle brought Argo alongside, her golden nose snuffling the stallion with mild interest. Xena unstrapped her saddlebags from the mare, and slung them over her shoulder. I can't believe I'm actually going to do this. I must be out of my mind. But it was too late to wonder, or worry, or stop. "Argo.. you follow when you can, ok girl?" She stroked the mare's tender nose, and gave her a kiss.

Then she turned her attention to the restive stallion, who was prancing and moving under her like an ice floe going uncontrolled down the river. "All right.. you wanna run?" She settled her knees into his shoulders, feeling his anxious breathing. "Come on, then. RUN!!"

And he did, bucking and shaking his head from side to side, until he realized he wasn't going to be rid of his stubborn rider. Then he laid his ears back, and put his head down, and took off . Xena held herself still over his shoulders, moving with him and slitting her eyes against the rush of the cold wind.

The hut stank, as it had the previous day, and Gabrielle just stood quietly, trying not to breathe too deeply. Rurik had fastened the leather thong to one of the roof supports, and after tying her hands behind her again, was busy working at something on a small table on the other side of the room.

The bard swallowed nervously, and briefly wished she hadn't kicked the man. She was sure whatever he had planned wasn't going to be pleasant for her. And sure enough, as he turned around, there was a darkly satisfied look to his face that started her heart pounding.

He held a cup, and was swirling the contents as he walked back over. "Now then.. I promised my buyer he'd get undamaged merchandise.. " Rurik's teeth glinted. "But I never did say it would be pristine now, eh?" In a sudden motion, he slammed her back against the wall, and grabbed her jaw, forcing it open and pouring the contents of the cup into her mouth.

She swallowed in pure reflex, and almost gagged on the sharp taste of whatever it was he'd given her. He held a hand over her mouth, and laughed. "Oh no.. you'll not be sending that back up, lass." He smiled at her grimace. "Now now.. give that a few minutes to work.. eh?" A low chuckle. "Then you'll be much easier to deal with.. and maybe you'll even like what we're going to do." He traced her jawline with a dirty finger. "There.. how's that then?" Seeing her eyes start to go unfocussed.

The stuff hit her hard, as she'd had nothing in her stomach for days, and she felt a vague fuzziness invade her thinking, along with a sudden heat, that set her heart to beating erratically. Then a sharp pain ripped through her guts, and she gasped from it, doubling over and feeling the bite of the leather around her neck.

"Hey lass. " Rurik laughed. "I know it makes you feel good but…"

A second spasm took her legs out from under her, and she collapsed, the leather now closing off her breathing. With an oath she only barely heard, Rurik lunged forward and cut the leather, freeing her to crash to the floor, her body helplessly convulsing. She felt her heart beating wildly, and she couldn't seem to keep her breath going…

Black flashes, vaguely familiar, speared her vision, and she was aware, at a far distance, of Rurik's voice yelling at her, echoing in her hearing. Her body spasmed, and she felt herself throwing up, but had no idea why, or where she was. Or who she was for that matter. Only that her guts were on fire, and she couldn’t seem to control what she was doing at all.

The a blessed darkness came, and took all that away.

Rurik cursed as her body went limp, and he rolled her over frantically, feeling for a pulse. Then his eyes closed in relief, and he stepped back, shaken. That had never happened before.. and he'd given these herbs to more girls that he could count.

He paused a moment, then snorted in disgust, and bent down, lifting her up and throwing her still shaking body over his shoulder.

"Shh." Cait warned, sliding back from the door and dropping the stone unobtrusively to the ground. "They're coming back."

Sharra gasped. "Artemis! What did they do to her.?" She wrapped her hands around the bars and peered out.

Rurik yanked the door open, and dumped the limp form inside, slamming the cage closed, and giving Sharra a shove through the bars. "Clean yourselves up, you little pigs. "

Cait dropped immediately to Gabrielle's side, gently turning the unconscious bard over, and touching her pulse point. "Thank the gods." She whispered. "But it's beating so fast.. I can hardly count them."

They carefully straightened the bard's twitching limbs, and made her as comfortable as they could. Then the could only sit and wait.

Gabrielle was aware of a faint buzzing, first, there in the darkness she was in. Slowly, sensation returned, and she immediately wished it hadn't. Her guts were still on fire, and her muscles were cramping painfully. Her throat hurt from the strain of throwing up the herbs, and her head was pounding so hard she could see stars against the inside of her eyelids.

Gods.. have mercy on me. Her mind whispered. What was that? She groaned, and forced her eyes open, the closed them as the lancing daylight exploded inside her head. She felt a small hand curl into one of hers, and heard Cait's soft voice. "Gabrielle?"

She forced her eyes open a little, and tried to focus on the slim blond, but couldn’t. "Cait." Her voice was raspy from the strain. "Everybody ok?"

"Yes." Cait's voice was nervous, and upset. "What did he do to you?"

Gabrielle gave her head a tiny, cautious shake. "Don't.. know… some herb.." She grimaced. "Got sick."

"All right.. " Cait said softly. "Lie still.. .will you? I'm going to wipe off your face with a bit of cloth here.. you're all over blood."

Oh. That explains why I can't see. Her mind muzzily realized. "Blood?"

Sharra's breathless voice interrupted. "From your nose.. I think."

"Ugh." Gabrielle swallowed painfully. "Hit the floor." She felt a cold sensation as Cait wiped her face off, then she blinked her eyes, and was relieved as the depressing interior of the cage slowly faded into focus.

Huddled on one side of her, clasping her hand was an angry looking Solon, and the girls were ringed around her, with upset and furious expressions. "What a beast." Sharra said, biting her lip in distress.

The bard gazed up at the bars, and let out a long sigh. Silver lining time.. she felt like a flattened frog under a heavy rock, but it beat, in her mind, the alternative. She was irrationally glad she'd denied Rurik his fun, even involuntarily. She slowly turned her head, and studied their faces. My responsibility.

They looked back at her, with utter belief in their eyes, belief that she would find a way out of this place, and get them all home safely.

So this is what it must be like for Xena. She mused, letting her eyes close wearily. How often did she look up and see that expression on my face? On the faces of the people we met? What do we do now, Xena? And she always has an answer, doesn't she? Now I know how that feels, and you know what? I'm not sure I like it.

"All right." She opened her eyes again and lifted her head, grimacing as she rolled over onto one elbow, and forced herself not to collapse. Do what Xena does.. you just gotta do it."He wants us to get cleaned up.. did the bring water?"

Sharra nodded, her eyes wide in wonder at her. "A basin, over there."

Gabrielle nodded. "Get washed up. Let's be as cooperative as we can.. then maybe they won't be watching us as close when they go to take us out."

The girls nodded. "Good plan." Cait said, then handed the bard her folded square of linen. "Best hold that up to your nose, I think."

The bard took the cloth, and gave Cait a smile. "Thanks Cait."

The girls clustered around the basin, as she pushed herself up into a sitting position, then leaned back against the bars and propped her head on one hand, her elbow braced against her upraised knee.

Xena.. her mind spoke softly to her soulmate. I'm losing a lot of strength here.. I don't have the kind of reserves you do.. and I find myself wishing I had you here to depend on, because I'm not sure I can pull this off.

Xena, if I don't.. Her chest ached. I can't let them hurt these kids.. not even if it means I have to.. put myself on the line for them. I hope.. if anything happens.. you'll understand that. I think you will. She closed her eyes. I don't want to leave you.. just the thought is making me so scared I can hardly think.. I can hardly breath, but you taught me that you have to do the right thing.. even if that thing isn't the best thing for the person doing it.

I guess this falls into that category. I have to save these kids. They're my responsibility, love, and one of them is your son. My stepson, and I can't tell you how strange that feels to be thinking that.

He's a good boy, Xena. He's going to be a nice, wonderful man. He's so much like his mother.. I can hardly look at him, because it makes me miss you so much.. and I hate this place so badly.

Listen. I know we have a deal, OK? So if something happens.. I haven't forgotten that… and I want you to know I'll hold up my end of the bargain. Whenever.. it's your time, I'll be waiting there, Xena. I'll be sitting there waiting, I promise you.

Solon's voice broke into her thoughts. "Gabrielle?"

She took a breath, and looked at him. "Yeah, honey, what is it?"

His blue eyes studied her. "Are you thinking about Xena?"

"Uh huh.. how did you know?" Gabrielle replied, gazing at him tiredly.

"You're crying." The boy responded softly.

The bard's brow creased. "I know." She took a breath. "But its going to be ok, Solon. I promise you that."

He moved closer, and swallowed. "What'r you going to do?"

Her green eyes stared at something over his head, something far away. "Whatever it takes."

Cyrene stared out at the setting sun, watching the fading rays paint the bare, stark courtyard in skeins of gold and red. She glanced aside briefly as Toris joined her at the window, then returned her gaze outside again.

Toris was travel stained, as he'd just come in from yet another search. Empty handed, and seeing the bleak look in his mother's eyes his own had stared helplessly at the wooden floor.

"It's going to kill her." Cyrene said finally, quietly. Her lips tightened and she shook her head minutely. "We have to find them, Toris."

Toris swallowed. "I know." His mind flashed back to the few minutes before he'd left for Amazon territory, when he was talking with his sister as her partner slept contentedly in her arms. "It's not fair. They just…." He stopped speaking, and clamped his jaw shut. Life wasn’t fair. He knew that.

Cyrene turned wearily, and let her glance flick over the room's quiet inhabitants, who were mostly slumped silently in chairs, staring at the floor. The Amazons were gathered in a small group, having just convinced Ephiny to allow herself to be taken back to bed, and she walked over to them, putting a hand on Granella’s bowed shoulder. "Listen.. I have some soup in the kitchen.. let me bring some out."

The dark haired Amazon pushed herself to her feet with a sigh. "I’ll come get some for us." She took a step, then was stopped by Lida.

"Why don’t you go check on Eph? I'll get the soup." The archer said quietly. "I’ll bring some in to her, too."

Granella was too tired to argue. "All right." She said, simply, and padded over to the small back room, knocking lightly, then opening the door and peering in. "Eph?"

The blond Amazon was sitting up in the large chair, clutching a fluffy shawl about her, and staring sightlessly into the fire. She turned her head as Granella entered, and nodded. "Hey." She felt totally drained, and knew it showed, between the sickness and the worry she felt at the end of her rope, but managed a smile for the scout, and tried to dredge up some nonexistent energy.

"You should be lying down." Granella sighed, dropping to a crouch next to the chair, and putting a hand on Ephiny’s arm. "You feel really warm."

The regent let her head rest against the chair back, and shook her head. "I know.. but I just can’t lie there.. it makes my chest hurt, and I can’t.. " She rubbed her eyes with one hand. "Can’t stop worrying." She let her hand drop. "I don’t get it, Gran.. where are they?" She stopped as a coughing fit took her, and was aware of the smaller Amazon’s hands bracing her shoulders. "Damn." She sighed when it finished, leaving her exhausted. "It’s my fault.. all of this."

"Don’t be crazy, Ephiny." Granella said quietly. "It’s not anyone’s fault."

Ephiny shook her blond head. "I should have listened to you guys." She rasped hoarsely. "Should have never gone out.. too damned stubborn."

"Shh." Granella soothed her. "That’s silly, Eph… that could have happened to anyone of us… and it could have been anyone, or no one there to have heard you yell. The Fates decreed that it be probably the one single person who could have done what she did." She paused. "And you didn’t make Gabrielle take those kids out… "

"I should have stopped her." Ephiny whispered. "I had this feeling.."

The dark haired woman snorted softly. "Stop Gabrielle? C’mon, Eph.. I’ve seen her in action. She’s like a six horse chariot at full speed when she wants to be… how were you going to stop her? She stubborner than you are."

That got a hint of a smile from the regent. "She is… it would take a lot to beat her." Ephiny’s eyes glinted. "Especially now."

Granella smiled. "Is she happy here?" She eased out of her crouch, and sat down on the floor, circling one arm around her upraised knee. "She sure seemed that way last time I went through." She glanced up at Ephiny. "Been quite a change since she was by us."

Ephiny nodded. "Yeah.. I think she’s very happy.. and so’s the old war horse, for that matter." A little shake of her head followed. "That surprised me." Her mouth twitched. "You should see the two of them, cuddling up like a pair of kids."

They both fell silent for a minute. "We gotta find them, Gran." Ephiny finally whispered.

Granella quietly closed the door behind her, after settling the regent finally into bed, and giving her a dose of the medicine Xena had left. She gazed around the room as she entered, sighing inwardly at the dark atmosphere.

In one corner, Kaleipus was standing, head bowed, arms crossed on his chest, his face a study in serious intentness. He had just come in with Toris and the northern search group, and had borrowed a wool shirt from the tall, dark haired man against the chill.

Toris turned, and leaned his back against the window, trying to think of what to do next. They'd searched in a wide circle around Amphipolis, but the weather had conspired to hide any trace of the missing girls, Gabrielle, or the centaur's lost boy. With a sigh, he walked over to where the Amazons were clustered, and gave them quiet nods. "I can't believe we haven't seen a single sign." He slowly shook his dark head. "You'd think there'd be…"

"Something." Granella whispered, seating herself, and listlessly playing with her spoon. "I don’t understand it.. even if they… I mean, the river.." She stopped. "There should be some sign. Where do we look next?"

A shrill call was dimly heard inside, and they looked at Toris for a translation. He cocked his head. "Someone's inbound, north road." He answered listlessly, then his whole body jerked, as the second signal repeated, a hunting hawk's call. "Oh gods… "

Granella was up, and attached to his arm in an instant. "What?"

Toris ran his hands through his hair, and gave his mother a look. "It’s my sister."

"Artemis." Granella breathed. "Let me tell Ephiny."

Cyrene stepped forward. "Hold up. Let me handle this." Everyone looked at her. "She's my daughter."

They all waited in silence until the drumming of rapid hoofbeats was heard, then slowed outside the inn's doors. The solid impact of boots hitting the ground, and then the hollow sound as the bootsteps hit the porch echoed through the now silent room.

Cyrene took a deep breath, and walked forward, making it almost to the door when it opened and Xena walked in, her body half covered in rusty bloodstains, and liberally spattered with mud. The sight silenced whatever words Cyrene had been planning, and she just stared at her daughter, seeing beyond the dirt and blood to her tense, pale face, and the lines of exhaustion that were etched there.

Pale blue eyes flicked over the Amazons, Toris, Cyrene, rested a long, frozen moment on Kaleipus, then returned to Cyrene. "What happened?"

Crisp, in control, aware. Cyrene felt her body relax a little. So Xena already knew something was wrong. That helped. "Gabrielle took the girls out for a short walk. They didn't come back." She informed her daughter bluntly. "We've been searching since it happened.. but.."

Xena nodded a little. Her eyes met Granella's, who had half stood. "How's Eph?"

The slim dark haired Amazon shrugged and nodded. "Better.. worried out of her mind."

Another quick glance. "Kaleipus… what brings you here?"

The centaur stepped forward until he was very close, and put a hand on Xena's shoulder. "Solon is missing."

"Coming here?" The warrior asked quietly, her face a still, calm mask.

The centaur nodded. "Perhaps he's with.. Gabrielle.. and the others."

Another nod from Xena. She turned to Toris. "Where have you looked?"

Toris explained. Cyrene watched her daughter, noting the iron control she was keeping, and noticing the dark shadows under her pale eyes, and the strain in her face. And wondered what it was costing Xena to put out this level barely contained energy. It fairly seethed from her, an edgy fire that raised the hackles and made her motions sharp, and jumpy.

"What happened?" Toris asked quietly, when he finished, touching the bloody stains on her shirt. "Are you all right?" In a lower voice.

"Some thieves, on the road." Xena replied briefly. "None of it is mine." She studied him for a minute, then spared him a small smile. "Thanks for asking.’

Toris hesitated, then stepped closer to her and put his arms around her, giving her a gentle hug. "Sis.. I’m sorry. I tried to.."

"Shh." The warrior hugged him back. "I know you did. It’s not your fault."

"All right." Xena said after he backed off. She let her eyes find all of them. "Thank you." Then she turned and headed for the door.

Cyrene intercepted her. "What are you going to do?" She put a hand on her daughter's arm. "Where are you going?"

Xena stopped and took a breath. "Going to go find them." She answered quietly. "I'm going to pick up something for Ares to get the scent with from the cabin, then take off."

Scrambling sounds from all over the room. "Not without us." Granella stated, buckling on her sword. The energy level in the room had risen remarkably.

"Me either." Toris said, folding his arms across his chest and giving her a stubborn look. "Just give us a few minutes to get ready."

"No time." Xena said flatly, but with an apologetic tilt of her head.

"Xena, can I talk to you for a minute?" Cyrene asked softly, motioning with her hand towards the kitchen.

"Mother, I don't really have the time." Xena said, but gentled her voice.

"Please?" The older woman asked, giving her an intent stare. "Let these folks get their gear together. "

A long silence, then the warrior gave a short nod, and followed her into the kitchen, ignoring the round of relieved sighs that followed them.

Cyrene waited for the door to close, then turned and took her daughter by the shoulders, and gently pushed her down in a chair. "Are you all right?" She asked, smoothing dark hair out of the exhausted blue eyes. "You look like you haven't slept in days."

Silence from Xena., then. "I haven't." A pause. "And no, I'm not." The warrior rubbed her temples. "But I have things I have to do, so.. I need to go do them."

"Oh Xena." Cyrene whispered, rubbing her back. "It's going to be fine.. you'll find them." She walked over and ladled soup into a mug, then returned and pressed it into Xena's hands. "Here…drink this down."

"I don't have time for this, mother.. thanks.. but.." The warrior protested, but it was halfhearted, and they both knew it.

"Xena." Cyrene put a hand on her cheek. "You've got a few minutes until they're ready.. please… don't do this alone. They're frantic, all of them.. you have no idea what it's been like here."

Xena didn't answer that, but she sighed, and took a sip from the cup, staring off into space with a bleak expression.

"Did Ares find you?" Her mother asked gently, sitting down next to her and putting her arm over the tense shoulders. She felt Xena’s body shift, then relax a tiny amount under the pressure and she winced when she thought of just how much strain her daughter must be under right at the moment.

"Yeah." Xena answered, reaching up a hand and touching something around her neck.

Cyrene looked closer, and bit her lip as she recognized what was hanging there. "He had that? Oh..." She said with quiet sympathy, then saw the expression on Xena’s face and changed the subject. "How did things go with Hercules?"

Xena took a long swallow of the soup, and felt it warm her as it hit her stomach, glad to have something to distract her from the gnawing fear for a minute. She knew what Cyrene was doing.. knew her mother was concerned for her, for Gabrielle.. but she also knew if she let her guard down, she was going to fall apart, and that would do no one any good. "Worked out fine." She answered, giving her mother a brief glance. "You're going to get a chance to meet them." There.. now that aught to distract her.

Cyrene's eyebrows rose. "Really?" A tiny smile twitched at her mouth. "Well, isn't that a surprise.. " She watched as Xena finished her soup, and studied the empty cup with pensive eyes. "Do you want some more, honey?"

"Yeah." Xena managed a brief grin. "But I can't.. mother, I have to go." Her voice cracked on the last word, and she cleared her throat. "Gods." That in a whisper.

The arm circling her shoulders squeezed hard. "I know… and now that you're here, I have to tell you Xena.. I feel much better.. we've been searching since it happened, but… I know you’ll find them… and I know they’re all right."

Xena let her elbows rest on the table, and threaded her fingers through her long hair, resting her head on her hands. "Mother, I hope you’re right." She swallowed, and closed her eyes as she felt the gentle touch on her cheek, and her rigid control slipped a little. No.. don’t have time for this. She took a deep breath and let it out, forcing her emotions down deep. "They just went on a hike?"

Cyrene gently rubbed her back. "Yes, that’s what she said. Just a walk.. some stories.. but you know Gabrielle.. maybe she found someone who needed help.."

Xena shook her head, and touched the necklace. "She wouldn’t have sent these. " Her eyes lifted, and found Cyrene’s. "Someone has her."

"Well.." Her mother sighed. "They’ve got themselves one big bundle of trouble, then."

That got a short, dry chuckle from her daughter. "I'm going over to the cabin, then I'll be right back." She stood, ignoring the stiffness and put the cup down in the wash basin, then left out the back door, and headed towards her home.

It was very quiet inside, she realized, as she opened the door and slipped inside. Quiet, and full of sights, and scents that brought her partner vividly to mind, and threatened her composure again badly.

Damn… ok, just get what you came for, and lets go. Her mind focused, then considered thoughtfully Might as well change this bloody shirt while I'm here though.. Wearily, she stripped off her tunic and removed her chest armor, sliding out of the leathers underneath.

With a sigh, she walked over to the small basin, and splashed the cold water on her face, then rinsed off a piece of linen and washed off the worst of the blood that had seeped through the leather. She gave herself a critical look in the mirror, and shook her head in disgust, then winced as she saw the slice across her right biceps. Didn’t even feel that. She examined it with a scowl, and decided it wasn’t serious, but walked over to the small healer’s kit they kept in the cabin, and put a bit of linen bandage around it anyway.

Then she changed her undertunic, and put on her other set of leathers, the dark blue ones, and settled the armor back over it with a sharp snap as she buckled the catches. There.. that should have given them all enough time to get ready. Or I’m leaving anyway.

She pulled on a thick woolen overshirt and belted it, then put her discarded garb in a neat pile. A scratch at the door brought a grin to her face, and she opened it, admitting a panting Ares. He'd had trouble keeping up with them, her on that wild stallion, but gamely tried, pushing his half grown body to its limits.

"Roo!!!" He protested, jumping up against her. "Grrr." As he gently grasped her wrist in his teeth, and shook his head a little.

"Hey boy." Xena ruffled his fur. "Come on now.. you gotta help me find her. OK?" And my son. Gods.. how did that happen? And what if… She put that thought firmly aside. First things first. I find Gabrielle, and with the usual luck of the gods, and her talent for getting into complicated situations, she'll have him with her.

Then what? Bring him back here? Mother takes one good look at him, and it's all over. The warrior sighed. Later for that. Now, she cast her eyes about the cabin, and found what she was looking for.. Gabrielle's discarded practice tunic, neatly draped over the back of a chair. She walked over and picked it up, and the familiar scent almost undid her, as she hugged the fabric to her for a long moment.

Then her eyes fell on the bard's diary, still settled neatly on the bed, a testament to what the bard had been doing just before she'd left. Xena paused, and let her hand fall on the bound cover, thinking.

I don't ever pry into this… it's her personal thoughts.. though she lets me read parts of it sometimes. But this… I need to know if she.. Her hands found the last page, and flipped the diary open, and she bent her head towards it, bringing the candle she’d lit close.

The entry was short, and the first part made her smile wistfully. You missed me, huh? Yeah, I missed you too. Squeak squeak.. guess I'm a mush toy also. Her eyes studied the last paragraph thoughtfully. She had been going into bardic mode, and was going to relate stories to the girls…

Xena sat back. Gabrielle loved atmosphere, and she was looking to impress these young Amazons. A grim smile crossed the warrior's face. "Come on, Ares.. I know where she went." Energy surged into her, as she stood up, and grabbed the tunic, giving Ares a slap on the side and heading for the door.

Continued in Part 7

Return to Part 5

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Winter's Ending - Part 7

Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

Gabrielle sat quietly, with her back against the bars, watching the activity in the camp. She'd spent most of the day in a half daze, as the herb worked its way through her system, leaving her nauseous and weak. There had been an angry buzzing around her head until just recently, and she'd kept quiet, taking the time to just lose herself in happier memories, until her body began reluctantly to respond more normally.

It hurt to breathe. It hurt to move. It even hurt to think, and she found herself tending to slip off into hazy daydreams that were mostly gentle and quiet. Mostly had her partner in them, in their more peaceful moments.

A rich green meadow, hazy with sunlight and warm breezes. They'd stopped there.. just because they could, Gabrielle had figured. It had been an awful week, all fights, and blood, and two encounters with marauding warlords, both of whom had known Xena back in the bad old days, and held a grudge.

So Xena had sort of declared a day off, and had led Argo into this wonderful wild space, and take the mare's saddle and bridle off, setting her free to run.

They'd pitched a little camp under some trees, then spent some time just wandering around, enjoying the day. Gabrielle had gotten Xena to chase her a little, and they'd run through the knee-high grasses, laughing like kids.

Eventually the lazily loping warrior had just reached out a long arm, and caught her waist, bringing them both down in the sweet smelling grass in a tumbling heap. Then Xena had stretched out and put her arms behind her head, crossing her ankles and letting out a sigh.

Gabrielle had settled on her stomach, leaning on her elbows and chewing a stalk of the profuse grass. "I like days off." She'd commented, plucking another stalk of grass and tickling Xena's ear with it.

Which had gotten her an outraged look from the warrior, who'd snaked a hand out and grabbed her under the arm, flexing her biceps and pulling the bard closer. Then she released her, and plucked the grass from her hand. "What is this?" Complete with a dark scowl and a genuine dour, Xena special look.

Gabrielle had just laughed, and rolled over, cheekily using the warrior's belly as a pillow with a new sense of closeness that had developed between them after Cirron. Xena's dark glowering no longer intimidated her, and she grinned as the scowl moderated into a smile that twinkled right up into those beautiful eyes of hers.

She could feel the slow, relaxed breathing under her head, and closed her eyes, absorbing the sunlight, and the rich green smell of the meadow, and the delicate rustling of the grasses in the winds with an almost sensual pleasure.

Which had then slid right off the scale into sensual as she felt Xena’s arm settle casually across her bare midriff, sending a surprising jolt through her that made her very skin tingle. It felt wonderful. She felt wonderful, and a bubbling surge of happiness floated over her that emerged as a silly grin and a heartfelt, contented sigh.

I need to stop that. Gabrielle reflected, as she forced her eyes open again. It just makes coming back to reality that much worse.

Cait walked over, and crouched down next to her, her pale gray eyes shadowed with concern. "I think those guys are here." She whispered, darting a glance over her shoulder. "It’s almost sunset.. maybe they’ll just start off tomorrow."

Gabrielle nodded, and gazed across the russet tinted camp, finding the dark figures moving in from the main entrance through the misty blue smoke from the fire. Ten men, it looked like, dressed in the usual motley assortment of furs and leather that the raiders seemed to have a fondness for. Her eyes fastened on their apparent leader, a slim man of middling height, with curly brown hair and a way of holding his body that meant he was no scholar. He wore a longsword across his back and an ornately carved dagger was strapped to his slim waist.

Oh oh.. he’s trouble. The bard’s eyes narrowed. She’d traveled enough with Xena to recognize a predator when she saw one, and she was seeing one now. Not like Rurik, who was just a crude molester. This was something of a different order, and her heart sank at the knowledge.

Rurik brought his guests around the perimeter of the camp, peering into the various cages and pointing, explaining.. laughing. They came closer, and now she could see them, see they buyer, who was younger than she’d thought, and handsome, with quick, intelligent features and an alert gaze.

They stopped in front of their prison, and she found herself looking up into eyes almost as green as her own, in a freckled face. He studied their group, and a smile crossed his face. "You didn’t lie, Rurik. This is a prize catch all right." He laughed, and clapped the trader on the back. "Worth your price, my friend. Come.. let’s have a drink on it." He let his eyes wander over them, and finally rest on Gabrielle, who he studied with ill-disguised interest. A quirk twitched his mouth and he gave a little nod. "Definitely worth the price."

They walked off, and Gabrielle let out her held breath, her mind racing.

"I don’t think I much like him." Cait observed, tucking her knees up to her chest and putting her arms around them. "No.. I don’t think I much like him at all."

Sharra scrambled over, and settled down next to them, glancing at Gabrielle with nervous eyes. "I think he liked you." She said softly to the bard.

Gabrielle nodded grimly. "Just my luck." She sighed. "All right.. here’s the plan." They all gathered close and peered at her. "They’ll probably.. " She paused. "Take me out of here tonight, to wherever they are."

A solid silence fell, as the girls digested the meaning of that. They all knew.. Amazons weren’t stupid, and that was one of the first things their training addressed.

"I’m going to try and create a diversion." Gabrielle went on. "Enough so that I can get back here, and get that door open." She glanced outside. "When I do, you all start running, as fast as you can, down that path, all right? Don’t look behind you, don’t stop, and don’t think about anything except for getting out of here. Do you all understand that?"

Six pairs of eyes looked gravely back at her. "They’ll chase us." Cait said practically.

"I’ll stop them." The bard answered evenly. "You just all have to go. You promise me, all of you, that you’ll run and keep running as long and as hard as you can."

"I’m not leaving you here." Solon snorted, giving her a disbelieving look. "No way."

"Yes, you will." Gabrielle answered, reaching out and clasping his arm. "I know your father taught you how to obey the rules, Solon.. this is a big one. You have to go, you hear me?"

Pale, familiar blue eyes studied her intently. "That’s a bad rule." He stated flatly. "Xena wouldn’t want us to leave you here."

That, Gabrielle mused regretfully Was entirely true. "I know that, honey. But Xena isn’t here… and she would want me to make sure you got away." She answered quietly. "All of you." She added, glancing around the circle. "I want you all to promise."

A long silence fell, and she finally got reluctant head nods from five of them. Only Cait refused, her eyes shadowed and grave. She stayed behind as the rest of them moved away, sensing a struggle between them.

"I can’t. " Cait said quietly, carefully, as she wrapped her arms tightly around her knees.

"You have to, Cait." Gabrielle said softly. "Please… you’re my responsibility.. don’t make this hard on both of us."

"I can’t." The girl repeated, with a swallow. "I have a prior promise… and I’m not breaking that. I won’t.. I can’t." Her pale gray eyes bored into Gabrielle's, with an icy intent.

A prior promise? Gabrielle stared at her in consternation, then it hit her. "To Xena." She breathed, closing her eyes in understanding. Never leave anything to chance, do you love? Always a backup plan.

"Yes." Cait replied. "Before she left, she asked me to stick by you, and to make sure you were all right." The girl gave her a tiny smile. "You do mean so very much to her, you know."

Oh gods. Gabrielle took a deep breath. "I know." She answered. "But that’s all the more reason for you to go, Cait." She looked up, putting as much intensity into her gaze as she could. "You have to make sure they all get out, Cait.. if I can’t. You have to.. " Her eyes flicked across to where Solon was seated, staring out at the camp in silence. "You have to make sure Solon is safe."

A tense silence from Cait. "No.. I.."

Gabrielle leaned forward, and caught Cait’s slender arms. "He’s her son, Cait." In a bare, bare whisper. "Please."

Cait drew a sharp breath in, and stared at the ground. "I thought so." She answered faintly. Then she looked up at Gabrielle. "He doesn’t know, does he?"

The bard shook her head slowly. "No."

"Rot." Cait cursed. "This whole thing is just rot." Then she sighed softly. "All right." But her eyes burned with an intense fire. "Just until I know they’re safe, mind you. Then I’m coming back."

Gabrielle breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Her lips twitched a little. "You make a great Amazon, Cait." She patted the girl’s tense arm.

Cait’s gray eyes met hers, and the blond girl gave her a quiet smile. "So do you." She paused. "We’re very lucky to have someone like you to lead us."

Gabrielle closed her eyes briefly, and rolled the words around in her head. That’s what I wanted to prove, right? Well, right now.. I’d settle for being thought a fool, if I was a safe fool back home. "Thanks." She replied, gazing up at Cait.

The sun had faded out, leaving the camp in a twilight blue haze, the faint sounds of the men moving around echoing, and the smell of the campfire drifting over to them on wisps of gray smoke. Nearby, low voices laughed, and heavy footsteps headed their way.

Three guards, two with clubs, one with that long lead stopped at their cage, and pointed at her. "You… warrior. Come here."

Gabrielle shook her head in disbelief, and stood up, stretching her sore body and squaring her shoulders. She made eye contact with each one of her companions as she walked forward, letting her gaze at last rest on Solon. "Be good, guys. All right?"

Six very solemn, nodding heads.

Gabrielle nodded back, and stepped out of the cage, letting her arms fall quietly to her sides as the man fastened the leash to her collar, and let his hands trail over her as he finished. Then he looked up and met her cold stare, and jerked his hands away.

"Come on." He said brusquely, giving the lead a tug. "You’re wanted as part of the entertainment tonight."

She followed him turning her head to take a last look at her companions, who were standing against the bars, watching her with intent eyes. She summoned all her courage, and gave them a smile, and wink.

They smiled back. Then she turned her head forward, and sighed, and tried to gather her defenses for what was ahead.

"Gotta be careful with that one." Rurik yawned, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs. "She’s a bit of a thing, but she’s damn tough."

Detris smiled. "Amazons are, you know." He turned his head and studied the ceiling. "She’s got pretty eyes… I like that." He gave Rurik a sly grin. "I might keep her."

Rurik snorted. "Better keep her on a leash.. she’s got some fire there."

The handsome slaver chuckled. "Oh.. I think I can get her to be a little more cooperative.. they all usually end up liking me, after a bit." He stretched. "I like a challenge.. and those are some really nice looking kids you picked up with her.. good work, Rurik."

The trader smiled. "Thanks.. it took a bit of planning.. had to wait for her family to take off on some kind of trip, but it was worth the wait."

Detris’ brow creased. "Family?" He sat up. "I thought she was an Amazon?"

Rurik shrugged. "That’s what they say she was.. but she was visiting with family in Amphipolis." He gave Detris a curious look. "Why?"

The slaver shrugged as well. "Oh.. well, I don’t know that much about Amazons.. thought they spent their time in their own villages." He picked up a cup of beer and took a swallow. "I’m not from around here, remember." He glanced around. "Thank the gods."

Rurik chortled. "Oh.. laddie, I know." He shook his head. "Me either.. what a backwater this is." He leaned back. "She’s a relative of Xena, you know."

Detris’ eyebrows rose. "Was, you mean.. I heard she was dead."

"Not unless there’s two of them around." The trader smiled. "Saw her not a week past." His eyes glinted. "That doesn’t bother you, does it?"

The slaver laughed. "Should it? She’s old news… mostly stories no one sober would believe."

Rurik nodded, secretly relieved. "My thoughts exactly.. though the little thing there says otherwise.. she was warning me off."

They both laughed. "Well, she would." Detris said cheerfully, giving him a slap.

The door pushed open, and they looked up as Gabrielle was led in, stepping quietly over the threshold, and studying her surroundings with wary eyes.

Detris took his time observing her, noting the muscular body, and alert gaze. Spirited, yes.. Rurik had been right. He could see the stubborn streak a mile wide in her, and relished the challenge of wearing it down. He smiled inwardly. He was good at what he did, and had some tricks, and some tools to help him.. and a well-trained female slave would earn him top dollar overseas.

Now he stood, and sauntered over, walking around her and watching her shoulders stiffen in reflex. Her arms were fastened behind her, and he could see the raw marks where the bindings had bitten deep, and imagined how uncomfortable it must be. His lips twitched. That could be used to his advantage.

"Well, Rurik.. I think me and my new property here should get better acquainted." He took the lead from the guard, and tweaked her a little, watching as her green eyes fastened on him. "Hello there, cute stuff. What’s your name?"

No change in the dark, wary expression. But she answered. "Gabrielle." And paused. "What’s yours?"

Detris smiled slowly. "Detris." His voice was low, and vibrant. "Come on, Gabrielle.. let’s get to know each other." He gave the lead a tug, and she followed without a word, as they passed out of Rurik’s squalid quarters and crossed the open area towards some little used huts on the other side of the compound, through the tangy smoke from the campfire that clung to her clothing and make her eyes water.

I am.. in real trouble here Xena. She sent a quiet, desperate thought out to her partner. I wish I could ask you what to do.. but I know you’d say to just keep my head, and see what opportunities present themselves. That’s what you’d do, right? She followed Detris into his hut, and stood quietly as he fastened the lead to one of the overhead beams, and made another circle around her, studying her intently.

He nodded to himself, then went to a small pack on the desk and removed a slim blade from it, walking back over to her and testing the blade on his thumb. He walked around in a back of her, and she stared straight ahead, trying to stay calm.

"You must be uncomfortable." His voice came from over her shoulder, and she drew a breath at the calm friendliness of it.

"I’ve had worse." That almost jerked a smile to her face, as she finally got a chance to use one of Xena’s favorite lines. But I bet she’s never been this scared when she’s said that.She felt the icy cold finger of steel touch her sore wrists, and closed her eyes. A long pause, then she felt the bonds holding her hands drop away.

Detris reached up and rubbed her shoulders, as she let her arms drop to her sides, and felt the muscles stiffen under his touch. "Relax." He advised her. "This doesn’t have to be a fight."

Gabrielle turned her head, and gazed at him, seeing the cruelty and hunger in his eyes. "Doesn’t it? Why are you doing this?"

"So. " He chuckled, moving around in front of her and sliding the knife along her side. "You can talk." He ran the knife up the front of her shirt to the pulse point at her neck. "That’s a plus. And as for why.. well, cute stuff, I make a lot of money, and have a great time doing it." He slid the knife around her throat, and slit the leather lead, leaving her head free. "You’re going to make me a loooot of money when we get off the boat.. and we’ve got lots of time for me to teach you all you need to know." He pushed her chest, and she backed up a step. "Don’t we?"

Gabrielle’s mind worked frantically, trying to come up with something.. anything… She took another step back at his push, knowing he was shoving her towards the low bed nearby.

Another step. A harder shove, and she was knocked off her balance, and was lying on the foul smelling platform, and he backed off a pace to view her. A smile etched his features, then he backed off another step, and lunged forward, intending to pin her in place.

Gabrielle caught his intention, and brought her booted feet up right at the last minute, catching him on the chest, and pushing off with all the strength she had. An explosive cough came from his as her boots impacted, then she heaved up, and he went flying across the hut, crashing into the table and collapsing it.

Now, or never. Gabrielle rolled off the bed, and reached for a thick club he’d left lying there, swinging with desperate precision and catching him on the side of the head as he rose and staggered forward.

She felt the impact all the way up her shoulders, and heard the crunch of bone under the club, and then he was down and moaning at her feet.

One long frozen moment, and then she was dropping the club, and racing for the door, pelting outside and heading across the campsite, dodging startled half drunken men. One tried to stop her, but her nervous energy was up, and she stiff-armed him, knocking him off his feet and out of her way.

A thought drifted through her panicked mind, and she swerved momentarily, leaning over and scooping her staff from the ground where they'd left it when they finished with her demonstration.

The feel of it reassured her.

Two men in front of her now, arms outstretched, but she was in no mood to stop, and took them out with a fierce combination move that caught one in the knees with a vicious swipe, and the other in the chest with a hard end strike.

Then she was at the cage, and throwing the door open, hearing the yells as the alarm was raised. "Come on." She snapped, as they girls poured out, Cait getting a firm hold on Solon. "Move it.. quick!!" They ran past her, and down the path, heading for the back entrance to the camp. Gabrielle took out another guard, then started to follow them, ducking under one pursuers arm, and thumping him in the chest with her staff.

One grabbed her, and she took one hand off the weapon and slugged him, surprising herself more than the raider as he doubled over and she had a chance to smack him in the head with the edge of her staff. Ouch. She heard the objection echoing in her head. How in Hades does Xena do that??

Seeing the way clear for a short space, as the raiders gathered themselves together to give chase, she took off down the path after the kids, holding her staff and hoping her fading strength would hold out until.. until what? Gabrielle.. you have to hold these guys off long enough for those kids to get away. No rescuers, remember?

She took a shaky breath, and felt every minute of the long days she'd been captive. No rescuers. It all depends on me. A quick glance behind her showed a large bunch of pursuers, and she spotted Rurik's form there. And Detris, his slim form outlined in the angry firelight.

Gods help me. She ran faster, hearing the others shortly ahead of her, as she passed into the forest, her footsteps rustling the dead leaves underfoot and sending small creatures, already disturbed by the children scattering again for cover. Round a bend, and there they were, and there.. Gabrielle's eyes drank it. A suspension bridge.. over a tall crevice with a rush of white water under it.

It only took a moment to make the decision. "Everyone across." She ordered, pleased as they started moving.

Only Cait hung back, looking at her. Knowing. "Give me that knife, Cait." Gabrielle said softly, hearing the footsteps behind her increasing in sound.

"No… " The girl whispered.

"Do it." The bard gripped her shoulder hard. "Get the out of here. Go south.. get home."

"Gabrielle.." Cait said softly.. "Let me stay… you go."

Another glance behind her. "Go, Cait. This is my responsibility. And.." She gently took the knife from the girls' grasp. "I'll be ok.. they'll just catch me again… go on.. get help." Knowing it was a lie. Knowing Cait, most certainly, knew that.

"I'll find Xena." Cait promised.

The name almost broke her. "Tell her.. " She had to stop. "Tell her I'm sorry." Then she pushed Cait hard. "GO!!!"

Light steps on the bridge… heavier steps now catching up to her, and torchlight glancing across the dark shadows of the forest. Gabrielle stared at the small group huddled on the other side, then at the bridge supports.

It was the work of moments to saw through the tough hemp. The weight of the bridge did half her work for her, and with a solid, lonely clatter, the wooden planked rope fell away, and tumbled down the ravine.

Leaving her alone to face the angry mob who just then cleared the bend, and stopped, seeing her standing there, staff upraised, the red torchlight reflecting of her fair hair.

Cait had felt the ropes start to go as soon as her heels left the bridge, and she joined the girls in staring across, watching in sick fear as the slavers rounded the bend and saw what she'd done.

"Cait!" Sharra screamed. "Did you know she was…"

"Yes." The girl quietly answered. Then jumped as a heavy hand fell on her shoulder. "Yahh!!"

Xena stripped off her tunic, and handed it to Cait. :"Hold this." Then she headed for the remnants of the bridge. "Gods know..I love her." The warrior muttered. "But she never makes it easy."

She grabbed the ropes, and swung over the side, dropping down the bridge ruins at breakneck speed.

"Gods." Sharra squeaked. "I can't believe it."

"Believe it." Came another voice behind them, and they all whirled to see Granella come dashing up, breathing hard. The girls clustered around her, and looked up as several more people came pilling up the path, one unmistakably a centaur.

"Father!" Solon yelled, and ran to him.

Gabrielle shifted her grip on the staff, and waited. Detris limped forward, the blood on his head in stark contrast to his pale face.

"You little bitch." He hissed. "I don't care how much you're worth.. I'm gonna kill you." He drew his sword, and she backed up against the tree, bringing her staff up into guard position.

He realized she had a reach advantage, and backed off, then smiled. "Oh.. first things first. " He turned and motioned for one of the guards to give him his pike. Then he sheathed his sword, and came at her, lunging and slamming the pike against her staff with force enough to shove her backwards.

Grimly, she hung on, and got her balance, shoving him back and ducking under his next blow. He came at her again, and she deflected the pike, but her knees were starting to shake, and she knew it was just a matter of time.

Parry, deflect. Lunge, counterstrike. They moved around in a circle, until one of his strikes over reached her flagging strength, and she caught a root with her foot, and went down, the staff bounding out of her hands and into the crowd.

A low laugh came from Detris, and she could only look at him, from her position down on one knee. He drew his sword, and twirled it, then slowly approached her, watching her head come up, her eyes meet his. "You ready to die?" He asked, almost conversationally, raising the sword.

"Are you?" Came the answer, but not from the kneeling form in front of him, whose face suddenly, unexpectedly, had broken into a tired, but relieved smile.

Whirling, he found himself facing a nightmare.

Half a foot again taller than he was, leather clad and drenched with mountain stream water, armored, and holding a longsword with every evidence of knowing how to use it. The torchlight made a mystery of her face, but he knew he was looking up into a pair of the coldest eyes he'd ever seen.

The raiders clustered around lost any menace they might have had. They were pale toys, children in bits of fur and leather in comparison. This was the real thing. Dark energy oozed from her as she moved towards him, with smooth, dangerous motions that promised strength in abundance.

"Only one of you, then, Xena." Rurik called out, motioning the raiders forwards. "Better think twice."

Xena turned him and smiled. "I think you'd better start thinking about the fact that there's one of me.. and only twenty of you." She laughed, and flipped her sword, raising her eyebrows and motioning with her hands. "Who's first?"

A flickering motion from Detris, as he glided his swordpoint forward, sliding sideways and going for her heart. She caught his sword on her own, and deflected the strike, then powered through his defenses and with one savage stroke severed his head from his shoulders, and sent it bouncing across the ground. "Teach you to threaten my friends." She growled.

"Come on!" Rurik yelled, and led the raiders forward, all of them attacking her at once.

Gabrielle rolled out of the way and came up next to her staff, grabbing it and levering herself to her feet. She'd felt Xena's presence just as she was losing her staff, and had actually seen the warrior come up over the edge of the ravine in one smooth powerful move, a sight which had filled her with a glad fire that banished the weariness.

Now she watched for an opportunity to help, pushing aside her own exhaustion to try and assist her partner, who was in the middle of a swirling mob of yelling men, her own wild yell rising above theirs.

Bodies started collecting, as Xena slammed her fist into heads, and kicked hard. Two sword cuts, and two raiders were down, bleeding their last into the forest's damp floor. Gabrielle darted in, and clobbered one of them who was trying to get behind Xena, and had the satisfaction of seeing him drop senseless to the ground.

Xena knew it was close to the end, only a few were still attacking, the rest were fled, or down, or dying at her feet, and she glanced up to see Rurik running away down the path. "Oh no." She growled, unhooking the chakram from her belt and letting fly. It caught him in the back of the head, and sent him face first against a tree. He slid down the trunk and lay there in silence. She glanced back and saw Gabrielle kneeling next to the tree holding onto her staff for dear life, and dispatched the last two raiders with vicious sword thrusts.

Then she was putting the weapon away, and running across the small clearing, dropping to one knee beside her partner's tense form. "Gabrielle?"

The staff clattered to the earth, as the bard reached for her, and she dropped to the ground and pulled Gabrielle's body into her lap. "Hey.." She felt Gabrielle's hands clench on her leathers, as the bard buried her head into Xena's wet shoulder. "Shh.. I got you.. it's all right.. it's ok.."

"Yeah.. now." Gabrielle mumbled, ignoring the damp leather. "Last guy kicked me in the gut.. gods.." She winced, curling her body tighter into her partner's. "Hurts.." She swallowed very hard. "Sso glad to see you.."

Xena's face tightened in sympathy. "Ouch." She gently rubbed the bard's arm . "Come here.. let me see."

"No..it's ok.." The bard gasped, when she tried to straighten up. "Oh.. gods. Maybe not."

Gentle fingers probed her, and she bit her lip to keep from yelling at the pain. "Yyy eah. Right there."

Xena winced. "You have fractured ribs, love."

The bard groaned. "Is that what this is?" She sucked in a breath, trying to breathe shallowly. "Oh gods.. and you just walk around with this?"

Xena gently kissed her head, and sighed. "Your turn to be pampered for a while."

The light banter relaxed both of them, she knew.. because they weren't up to releasing the level of emotion that was running just below the surface of their conversation. That would be for later, when they were home, and safe, and alone.

Now, she glanced up, to see the anxiously waiting faces across the ravine, and gave them a wave, seeing Granella's wave back. She's gonna kill me when we get back.. Xena mused. But it's not my fault she couldn't keep up. "How are you otherwise?"

Gabrielle felt the sharp agonizing pain back off slightly, and she raised her head, gazing up at her partner. "Ugh." She sighed softly. "I've had a better few days." She lifted a sore arm, and brushed Xena's neck with her fingertips. "Ares found you?"

"Yeah." Xena replied, reaching over and gently smoothing the hair out of her eyes. Their gazes met, and she felt the intensity of their bond ignite, wrapping them both in a gentle warmth. "Come on.. we gotta get you home." She glanced up. "They got horses in that camp?"

"A few." Gabrielle winced. "But I don’t think I can.."

"Shh." Xena gathered her strength and stood, lifting the bard up with her. "I'll put you out." She walked to the edge of the ravine. "Gran… meet us back home? This stream goes on down for a long time.. no other crossovers." This in a yell.

"Sorry about the bridge." Gabrielle muttered. "How did you.. " She glanced down. "Never mind. I don't wanna know."

"Xena.." That was Kaleipus, a waving Solon on his back.

Gabrielle looked up, and saw the quietly stricken look on her partner's face, and felt her heart contract. She opened her mouth to say something, then felt Xena's chest expand as she prepared to answer him.

"You too, Kaleipus." She hesitated. "It's late.. spend the night."

The centaur nodded in understanding, and gave her a wave that was half salute.

Granella waved at her, and motioned for the group to move up the trail. Toris stood and watched them for a minute, then gave them a wave, and followed the centaur as rear guard. Ares pranced from paw to paw for a minute, then howled his objections before grudgingly going along.

Xena sighed, and turned, glancing down at Gabrielle. "What's that smile for?"

"Smile?" The bard whispered, laying her head down on Xena's shoulder. "I have broken ribs.. how could I be smiling?"

She heard the warrior's powerful heartbeat clearly in one ear, and was loath to abandon that sound, but Xena had stopped walking now.

"Well." Xena's voice was icy cold.

Gabrielle picked her head up, and saw what Xena was looking at. Rurik, dazed, and getting to his feet unsteadily. Xena knelt and put her down. "Don’t go anywhere, ok?"

The warrior stood, and walked over to him, standing quietly while he straightened up. Then she picked him up by the throat and slammed him against the tree, sending a cascade of ice crystals down over both of them.

She shook her head, scattering them, and examined him.

"Xena." Gabrielle's voice was quiet, but insistent.

'What?" She asked, drawing her hip dagger and fingering it.

"He didn't hurt me." Damning words from the bard.

A long pause from Xena. "He didn't touch you?"

A sigh from her partner. "He wanted to.. gave me some stuff.. it backfired. But no.. "

Now Xena turned around, and looked her right in the eye. Gabrielle met that gaze for a minute, then dropped it, and looked at the ground.

The warrior returned her attention to Rurik. "You're lucky." She told him, in a low growl. "If you'd have touched her, I'd have ripped both your arms off and beaten you to death with them." She paused, and looked at his sweating face. "Is that what you get out of this? Pleasure from molesting helpless captives?"

He spat at her. "Not from the likes of her, or you.. but there's more fish in the sea."

Wrong answer. The warrior mused, as the wolf surfaced, and she let it.

"Not for you." Xena said, in a silky cold voice. She put a knee against his chest, and reached down, grabbing his groin in one powerful fist. His eyes started to pop out, then she clenched hard, and pulled with all her strength, ignoring his scream, waiting until she could feel the flesh separate and vessels rupture under her grasp.

Then she released him, and watched him slide down the tree, his eyes rolling up into his head, and animal like grunts issuing from his mouth.

Xena dusted her hands off, then turned, taking in Gabrielle's horrified stare with an internal wince. She crossed back to her, and knelt down, capturing the bard's chin in her hand and tilting her face up. "Hey.."

Gabrielle swallowed hard, and tried to control her breathing. "I… " Oh gods.. oh gods..I can't believe she just did that…

"Gabrielle.. that wasn't for you." Xena said, gently.

A long moment of silence from the bard, then she closed her eyes in realization, and nodded, reaching out a hand and curling it around Xena's. "You're.. right." She managed, squeezing her partner's fingers. Absolving. Understanding. Believing. His next victim might not be so lucky.

"Come on." Xena sighed. "Let's go home." She started to pick the bard up, but Gabrielle tugged on her leathers. "What?"

"Just help me stand up.. I think I can walk a little, if you give me a hand." The bard glanced up, and saw the swiftly hidden hurt in her partner's eyes, and reached a hand to her face, stroking it gently. "Love… you're about to keel over, and don't think I don't know it." She felt the muscles under her hand twitch into an unwilling grin. "Save it for when I can't get up on the damned horse, ok?"

'Busted." Xena chuckled wearily. "Been a very long couple of days." She helped the bard up and settled a protective arm over her shoulders.

Gabrielle winced at the pain, but found herself able to manage, if she went slowly, and remembered not to breathe too deeply. They entered the now deserted camp, and she felt Xena's body start, when she observed the squalor, and saw the remaining cages. "Nice, huh?" She muttered. "Let the rest of them out.. will you?"

"With pleasure." The warrior growled, settling her on a log, and striding off towards the cages. She unsheathed her sword, and opened the locks with one powerful blow each, setting the nervous captives free.

Gabrielle watched her, letting her mind focus on the familiar form, flickering in and out of silvery bars of moonlight, scattering them with the flat of her sword, and picking up the odd red firelight glimmer from the still snapping campfire. Other than that, it was very quiet across the camp.

She looked up as a small group of the villagers gathered around her. The oldest, a man about her father's age gave her a gruff nod. "Ye're an Amazon, aren't ye?"

Gabrielle gazed at him, and thought about that. "No, I'm not." She answered quietly.

"Ye're not? But they said.." The man protested.

The bard shook her head. "No, I'm a bard, actually." She felt a smile settled on her face. "And my family.. " Her eyes flickered over their heads to the approaching Xena. "are innkeepers in Amphipolis."

"Innkeepers." The man said, gazing at Xena, then back at her. "Rare breed of em, then." He gusted a sigh "Must be one heck of an inn."

Xena gave him a look, then proffered a forearm. She waited for him to take it before speaking. "We've got a very mean ale. My name's Xena."

His jaw dropped. "Oh..gods.."

"Nope." She shook her head. "I've been accused of a lotta things, but never that."

The villagers helped Xena saddle one of the scruffy horses the raiders had kept around the camp, and she told them to take the rest of the string with them, along with anything worthwhile left in the place.

A quick search turned up a few bolts of dusty fabric, enough for Xena to cut and shred to make a set of bandages, which she draped over her arm and walked back to the bard with. "Hold still." She knelt, and unbuckled Gabrielle's belt. "I'm going to wrap you with these.. the support will help the pain a little."

"OK." Gabrielle agreed softly, feeling Xena slip her hands underneath the fabric of her shirt, and smothering a tired smile as her body, despite the pain, despite the total exhaustion, reacted to her partner's touch with a warm tingle. She gazed at the dark head before her, and lifted a hand, running her fingers lightly through Xena's now dry hair. "You must be freezing, love."

Xena finished her task, and let her hands rest on Gabrielle's knees, looking up with a faintly sheepish grin. "I should.. " She patted the bard's leg. "But I don't.. I just feel.. " Like I'm floating on air.. what a strange sensation. "Warm.. just.. glad I got here."

Gabrielle let her hand drift down the warrior's throat, and touch the necklace, looking up at Xena in question.

A smile was her reward, as Xena reached behind her neck, and unclasped the necklace that bore the ring on it. "Do you want yours back?" She asked, raising one eyebrow in question.

The bard slowly shook her head. "Nope. I like that one."

Xena glanced down without answering, then slid the ring off the chain, and reached up, fastening it around Gabrielle's neck. She smiled, as she lifted the bard's hand, and slid the ring into place, feeling her partner's fingers clamp down on her own.

"Taking those off really hurt." Gabrielle whispered. "I know they're just symbols but…. " she rubbed the inside of the ring with her thumb. "I didn't want anyone to.." She hesitated. "Take them from me."

Xena felt an unexpected surge of emotion at that, and she settled next to Gabrielle on the log, and gently put her arms around her. "I understand." The bard sagged against her, her hands clutching at her half dry leathers.

"I was so scared." Gabrielle whispered, desperately craving the warmth of their connection. "I thought.. I thought… there was no way you could… " She paused. "Oh.. gods.. Xena.. how did.. what happened…"

"Shhh." Xena soothed her, with gentle strokes. "Everything's fine. It all worked out OK." She reassured the bard. "They'll be coming to visit us in a few days."

Gabrielle lifted her gaze, and quietly let her fingers trace Xena's face. "You are magic." She said wonderingly.

"Nah." Xena smiled sadly at her. "Just a lot of hard work." She buried her face in Gabrielle's hair for a moment, then sighed. "Let's get going."

The horse, a dun gelding, was placid, and stood quietly while Xena lifted Gabrielle up and helped her get settled. She was about to take the reins to lead the horse, when the bard tugged at her shoulder armor. "You too." She glanced down. "Big horse."

"No.. it's all right..I don’t' need to.."

A firm hand on her jaw stopped her, and she felt Gabrielle's serious, intent regard. It should have annoyed her. But it didn't.

"Xena?" Came the quiet, intense voice. "When was the last time you slept?" I don't want to know the answer to that question, do I? I know I won't like it.. but.. can I lie and say I'm not glad she did what she did? I'd be dead otherwise. Again.

"Um." Xena's brow creased a bit. "I don't.. " Remember? Gods.. "Night we left." She finally admitted. "That next night.. I felt.. I knew something wasn't right." The light touch of Gabrielle's hand on her head. "I just kept pushing after that." She sighed. "Thought it might be Eph.. I didn't know… until Ares found me."

Fingers threaded through her hair and rubbed the back of her neck gently, and she rested her head against the bard's thigh, letting the pressure release some of the pent up tension in her. "Get up here." Gabrielle's voice insisted. "Please? " What am I going to do with her? That's.. she sighed mentally. That's my Xena.

So she did, pulling herself up in back of Gabrielle, and carefully wrapping her arms around the bard. She immediately felt her partner relax against her chest, as she kneed the gelding forward and started on the shadowy path home.

The inn courtyard was well lit, and milling with people, villagers and her family, Amazons and visitors when Xena finally guided the dun horse into it, quickly gathering a crowd she had little patience for at the moment.

"Ok..Ok.." She warned, holding on to Gabrielle's dazed form with one arm and fending them off with the other. "Back off.. give it some space here."

Toris shouldered in, and moved people back gently, grasping the horse's reins and giving his sister a grim little smile. "Need a hand?" He muttered, in a low voice, as she dismounted and landed in the muddy ground next to him.

Xena gave him a look, and a little shake of the head. "No.. it's all right. She's got broken ribs."

He flinched. "Ow." He hissed in sympathy, then turned as Cyrene appeared next to him, and they watched Xena pull the bard down from the horse's back and cradle her in her arms. Gabrielle stirred, and her face contracted in pain as her eyes blinked open.

"Easy." Xena said softly, as the dazed green eyes tracked to her face and warmed. "We're home."

A faint smile from the bard, as she lifted a hand an patted Xena's chest gently. "Been there for quite a while now." She mumbled, then turned her head slightly and focused on the people next to her. "Hi mom." Her eyes flicked to the left. "Hi bro."

"Hey cutie." Cyrene patted her arm softly. "Good to see you."

"Double that here." Toris said, his blue eyes shining at her casual addressing of him.

"All right." Cyrene cleared her throat. "Get out of the way, everybody." That with a glance up at her daughter's face. "Let Xena get her inside."

A quick, grateful look from the warrior made her smile. "Your other guests are here, and tucked away.. they got back a few candlemarks ago." Her brows quirked. "Your centaur friend insisted on the stable.. I can see his point, but.. must he keep the child there?"

Xena paused as she started to walk towards their cabin, and her lips quirked a little. "He'll be fine there, mother. " She paused. "How's Ephiny?"

A brief nod from her mother. "All right.. considering." She gave Xena a gentle push. "Get going. I put some stuff in the cabin for you. I don't expect to see you until tomorrow. Hear me?"

Xena chuckled tiredly. "Hear you." She navigated the courtyard, and the steps up to the cabin, pushing the door open and feeling the comforting warmth of the fire as she cleared the threshold.

The room was well lit with candles, and she made her way across it, and laid the bard down gently on the bed.

A scrambling sound at the doorway made her turn, and she got her hands up just in time to fend off Ares's enthusiastic greeting. "Roo!!!" He yodeled, licking every part of her he could reach.

"Ares!!" She protested. "C'mon…"

A gentle laugh distracted her, and she turned towards the bed, where Gabrielle was watching her out of half closed eyes. "Look, Ares… look who we found?" She kept a good grip on the wolf, to keep him from jumping on the bed.

Ares laid his dark head on the covers, and licked Gabrielle's hand. "Arrggghroo?" He whined.

Gabrielle's fingers gently stroked his fur, and scratched him behind his ears. "Hi Ares.. I'm ok.. thanks for finding your mom for me. " She smiled at him. "You're a good boy."

He sighed, and nuzzled her arm. "Grrr."

Xena chuckled, and stood up, going over to the basin of warm water Cyrene had left, and gathering up her healer's kit.

"Hey." Came the bard's voice, stronger than expected.

Xena looked up, to see Gabrielle's stern look. "Huh?"

"You change out of those damp clothes before you do one more thing, or else." The bard leveled a look at her, then paused. "Please?"

With a mock-aggrieved sigh, Xena complied, feeling the very welcome warmth as she settled a thick linen shirt over her head and set the leathers out to dry. Again, she realized with a wry inner chuckle. Must be something about that color. Then she gathered up her supplies, and crossed to the bed, setting the things down on the low table, and removing her dagger from it's sheath. "Gonna have to cut that shirt off… I don't think you want to be picking your arms up for me to pull it off."

"Just hurry up." The bard teased gently. "Cause I can't get what I really want until you're done." She closed her eyes as the sharp steel sliced through the heavy fabric, hearing the rough sound as the fibers parted before the knife's edge, and feeling the warm air as it hit her body underneath.

Gentle fingers touched her throat. "What happened here?" Xena's voice floated over her, and she forced her eyes open, to study the candlelit face above her, biting her lip a little.

"I had a… " Her lips twitched. "They thought I was very dangerous… they put a collar on me. "

Blue eyes started, and widened in anger. "It's all right.' Gabrielle put a hand on her partner's arm, then felt a touch on her wrist and looked down to see Xena examining the raw bruises there.

"I thought you said he didn't hurt you." Xena's voice was dark, and now Gabrielle could feel the anger rolling off her with little effort.

"It was.. " The bard sighed in exhaustion. "More to humiliate me than hurt me, Xena. He just.. they tied me up outside, as a kind of exhibit.. but.. " She looked up. "Xena, please… it's over.. I'm out of there.. don't make me remember that right now." She met the smoldering blue gaze. "Not that I don't.. appreciate… your anger on my behalf. I do." She paused and swallowed. "But right now.. I don't care about that."

Xena pushed down her rage with a visible struggle, taking deep breaths and letting them go, until she finally gave a little sigh. She picked up a soft linen cloth, dipping it in the warm water and gently washing her partner's battered body, then covering the raw skin on her wrists and neck with salve. "You're going to have to sit up for me to change these…" Her fingers touched the rough bandages around the bard's chest. "Do you want me to leave them.."

Warm fingers curled around hers, and she looked up to meet Gabrielle's eyes. "Please." The bard whispered. "They're ok." She tugged gently. "I need you."

The warrior hesitated. "Gabrielle.. you're really sore.. I don't…"

The bard smiled. "Been there, done that with you, remember? " She tugged again. "C'mon."

Xena remembered. And admitted to herself that she wanted what Gabrielle did, just as badly. Carefully, she slid onto the bed, and pulled the covers over both of them.

Gabrielle waited until she settled, then steeled herself for the effort, and rolled onto her side, snuggling up against her partner's warm body with a feeling of utter relief. The pain faded out to nothing as she let herself submerge into the rich, golden comfort of their connection, bringing tears to her eyes as she felt Xena's arms settle around her in a protective embrace.

She slid her hand under the fabric of Xena's shirt, feeling the muscles under her skin shift as she tightened her hold. "Need.. this." She mumbled, a deliberate echo. "Safe." She felt the motion and pressure as Ares hopped up onto the bed, and curled up behind her knees, a favorite spot, and smiled. "Home." She breathed, and let the light take her.

Cyrene leaned against her windowsill, peering out at what promised to be a nice day. Well, even if it was raining ice balls.. she mused. It would be a nice day. The morning sun poured down on the courtyard, bathing it in a simple, pale golden light that matched the lightness she was feeling herself after the days of anxiety just past.

With a quiet smile, she finished straightening up her well tended room, and settled her shawl about her shoulders against the chill as she walked downstairs and entered the kitchen.

"Morning, ma'am." Eustase spoke up cheerfully as she entered, from her spot near the large cookstove. "Got warm cereal on, and fresh bread there." The middle-aged woman had been a part of her staff for several months now, since things had turned around at the inn, and allowed her to hire on some additional staff.

Eustase was an orphan of war, so to speak, her village had been burnt out by a marauding warlord, whom Xena had eventually stopped. The friendly woman had found her way to Amphipolis, just to say thank you to the warrior, and ended up staying. Her knowledge of cooking was almost Cyrene's equal, and the innkeeper was very glad to have her around. She was a gentle soul, almost as tall as Xena, but roughly twice the warrior's weight, with a kind face, and twinkling hazel eyes.

"Morning, "Stase." Cyrene chuckled. "And it is a good one, I'll have you know."

Eustase's eyes lit up. "They found her then?" She'd been sort of afraid to ask.. as the atmosphere around the inn had been very dark the past few days.

The innkeeper nodded. "Found them all, they did.. or more accurately, my daughter did." A note of fond pride emerged, despite the dour circumstances. "She came back in last night, and led them right to the kids and Gabrielle."

"Might Artemis, she's amazing." Eustase laughed. "Are they all right?" She scooped a portion of nutty smelling cereal into a bowl, and drizzled a bit of honey on it before handing it to Cyrene.

Cyrene took the bowl, and dropped a spoon into it, stirring the honey around and taking a mouthful before answering. "Mostly." She sighed. "The girls are fine, the centaur's boy is fine.. Gabrielle is a little banged up, and Xena says she has some cracked ribs." Another spoonful. "All in all, it could have been worse." She glanced up with a smile. "Very nice cereal, Eustase."

That got a grin back. "Thank you ma'am." The cook stirred the pot. "I thought something warm this morning.. it's bitter cold out despite that nice sun."

"Mmm." Cyrene agreed. "Put a bit of that in this pot here. I think I'll meander over and see how my daughters are doing."

Eustase complied, then paused. "With the honey?"

Cyrene chuckled. "Oh yeah." She shook her head. "Neither of them can't stay away from that stuff." She took up the pot, and a loaf of warm bread, and headed out the door.

Bitter cold it was, and the stiff breeze blew her hair back off her forehead, and sent a shiver down her back, making her glad when she reached the cabin. She paused for a moment outside, and squared her shoulders, reflecting on the fact that this would be one of the first times she'd been in the cabin where both of them were probably… Come on, Cyrene. You're an adult..they're adults.. just forget it's your daughter, and get over it. She knocked softly, then pushed the door open, peering inside

The cabin was very quiet, the sun's rays just beginning to peek into the window and catching random dust motes in golden sparkles. Cyrene slid inside, and closed the door behind her, walking very quietly to the table and putting down her burden, before turning her eyes towards the bed.

Ares was looking at her, his dark ears pricked, but his body motionless where it was curled up on the other side of the two still forms snuggled together in the middle of the bed. Xena's dark, disheveled head was resting on one of the pillows with her arms wrapped around Gabrielle's body The bard herself was sleeping half on top of her partner, with one arm wrapped tightly around Xena's stomach, and her head resting on the warrior's broad shoulder.

How adorable. Cyrene smiled, studying the peaceful look on Xena's face. Then the warrior's eyes edged open, and met hers.

"Mother?" She whispered, blinking a few times.

"Shh.." Cyrene crossed quickly over to the bed, and sat on the edge, reaching up and putting a hand on her daughter's forehead. "How are you feeling?" Cool, that's good. At least the silly child hasn't caught a chill again.

Xena's brow creased momentarily. "Uhm… fine." She winced. "A little sore.. but otherwise OK." She blinked the sleep out of her eyes. "Everything all right?"

"Everything's fine. You go back to sleep. I just brought you some cereal for when you're ready." Cyrene motioned over her shoulder. "Argo came in late last night." She smiled at the look of relief on the warrior's face. "Thought you'd want to know that."

Xena smiled. "Thanks.. yeah, I did."

Cyrene's face sobered. "Those children are telling quite an amazing tale of what happened in that disgusting place." Her eyes flicked to Gabrielle's sleeping form. "She went through quite a lot, apparently." Her eyes lifted and found Xena's. "Cait said to tell you she thought Gabrielle had gotten a concussion right at the start, and that they'd given her something that made her very sick for a long time."

Xena sighed. "Yeah, she mentioned something about that." Her expression darkened. "Bastards.'

Cyrene pushed the dark hair out of her daughter's eyes, and felt her head again, watching Xena's eyes half close against her will. "Honey, go back to sleep." She smoothed the covers and tucked the edges in around both of them. "I'll let you know if anything happens."

A faint smile crossed Xena's face. "Sounds like a good idea." She admitted, letting her eyes close. "Thanks for the cereal."

Cyrene patted her shoulder. "Rest."

She sat quietly, until she saw Xena's breathing pattern change, and her face relax again, then gave the covers one last twitch and stood to leave.

"Tell me again. She did WHAT?" Ephiny coughed, grabbing onto the chair arms for support. Granella put a hand on her arm, and sighed. "Gods." The regent ran a hand through her curly hair.

Cait was seated on the rug before the fireplace, dressed in a clean shirt, her pale blond hair braided neatly. "She was super." The girl confirmed. "Ever so brave. She beat up that terrible man who was going to buy us, then set us free, and cut the ropes on the bridge so no one could follow us."

"Leaving herself on the other side." Ephiny groaned. "Alone."

"Well, yes." Cait smiled grimly. "That was the point." She took a sip of the cup Granella had given her. "We thought she was in real trouble.. then of course I got this hand on my shoulder that nearly scared me into next week, and the next thing you know, Xena's on her way down the ravine."

Ephiny looked at Granella, who nodded. "Yep." The dark haired Amazon confirmed. "Damned woman climbed down a sheer rock face, swam the rapids Athena only knows how, then climbed up the opposite face and proceeded to kick some very major class raider butt." She cleared her throat. "Not that I can claim to have seen her go over the edge first hand, mind you."

Ephiny let her hand rest on the scout's short-cropped hair, and ruffled it. "The old war horse lose you again?" She grinned. "Thought you might have a chance this time.. she looked like she put on a few pounds since she's been home. No, huh?"

Granella snorted. "Oh yeah, right." She shook her head. "There we were, going at a pretty good pace through the forest.. I was keeping up with her, no problem. Then all of a sudden, she gets this… I don't know.. this look, and she says, there's a hunter's camp at the end of this trail we're on, and that's where they are." She took a swallow of her own drink. "Then she takes off… and Eph, I mean, she takes off. One minute we're running along, the next minute she's so far ahead of me I can't even see her."

Ephiny chuckled. "It's those long legs of hers." She winked at the grinning Cait.

"Yeah, well, after all that, I come to find out from Tor that she's been on the move for a freaking week before she got home without sleep." The scout sighed dramatically. "I feel.. decrepit."

"From who?" Ephiny asked, struggling to find a more comfortable spot for her aching body.

"Tor.. Toris." Granella mumbled. "Her brother."

"Ohhh… that Tor." The regent's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Didn't know you were that friendly with him."

"Ephiny, don’t you start." Granella warned, but ducked her dark head to hide the blush she felt creeping up her neck. "Anyway, things were going fine in that fight until Gabrielle got kicked, really hard, by one of the guys she was trying to keep of Xena's back." The scout shook her head. "Eph, I could hear that crunch from where I was.. that musta hurt."

Ephiny sighed. "Yeah, I know." She pulled her shawl closer around her neck. "At least she's relatively in one piece. Thanks for waking me up and telling me last night, by the way. I slept a lot better."

"Mmm..' Granella agreed, drinking her tea. "Wish we could go see her, though."

The regent smiled quietly. "Let her be. She's right where she needs to be right now." The safest place in the world, did I say? "I'm sure she'll be by here as soon as she can."

Midmorning, Xena realized, as she let her eyes drift open again. The sunlight was pouring in the slanted glazed window, and throwing them into a pool of warm light which brought out all the fiery highlights in Gabrielle's hair, and paled the tan of her skin, showing the bruises in sharp relief. Xena felt her heart ache as she lifted a hand, and gently pushed aside a few strands of gilded hair, revealing the discolored bump from the blow she taken. Xena sighed, and let her fingers trail delicately over the dark bruises on her face, and the raw marks on her neck from the collar. Gabrielle.. how could they have done this to you? How could I have not been there to stop it? Gods.. you depend on me..

A hand twitched against her stomach, and then the bard was blinking into the sunlight, the rays painting her green eyes with a vivid intensity, highlighting the golden sparkles in their depths. "Ugh." She mumbled, gazing up at Xena. "Ow." Her face tensed in pain.

"Easy." Xena said softly, gently easing her hands onto the bard's shoulders. "I'm going to turn you onto your back, love. Hang on." She lifted Gabrielle's body, and eased her over onto her back, flinching herself at the bard's agonized hiss. "Sorry."

"Sokay." Gabrielle breathed. "Gods, that hurts." Her eyes dazedly found Xena's.

"Shh. I know." The warrior soothed her. "Listen.. I have some stuff I can give you for that.. but you have to eat something first." She gently tucked the covers around Gabrielle's shoulders. "Mom left some cereal."

That got the bard's attention. "Mom was here?"

A twitching grin from her partner. "Uh huh." Xena slid out of her side of the bed, and padded over to the small pot of cereal, poking a finger into it and tasting experimentally. Her eyebrows rose. "I think even you'll like this, love."

"Mom was here?" Gabrielle repeated, trying to wrap her fuzzy brain around the concept. "This morning?"

Xena scooped some cereal into a bowl, and picked up a spoon, sliding back into bed and settling onto her side. "Yes, mother was here. This morning. In this cabin."

"Oh." The bard considered this. "So.. I guess she uh… " She paused. "I mean, she um…"

"Saw us sleeping all snuggled up together, yes." Xena teased gently. "She lived. I lived. You slept."

Gabrielle blushed, then obediently opened her mouth and accepted the spoonful of cereal Xena was holding out. She chewed, and swallowed, and sat there for a minute. "Mmm.." She opened her mouth for more, and chewed the second spoonful. "Good."

"Thought you'd like it." Xena chuckled,. "I can just imagine what they fed you in that camp."

Long silence from Gabrielle, and finally a guiltily, half glance at her partner's suddenly tense face. "Uh.. it wasn't like you think." She begged for and got another spoonful. "That first day.. " She chewed and swallowed. "I got hit on the head.. I was sick to my stomach the whole time."

Another spoonful. "Then, the next day, I was.. they had me tied up until after dark. I was just too tired to eat.. Xena, you know how I get." A swift glance over. "I know.. I know.. but you said it was ok if I drank water."

Xena sighed, and offered another portion. "Gabrielle, it's ok not to eat if your body has reserves." She ran a light finger down the bard's lean waistline. "You don't." She watched Gabrielle think about that, and cast an eye down the length of her body. "That's right. So if you don't eat, then your body has nothing to repair itself with."

"Oh." The bard sighed. "No wonder I felt so lousy." Another spoonful. "Then he gave me that… stuff."

Xena moved closer, balancing the bowl on her leg and settling an arm over Gabrielle's shoulders. The bard nestled her head into her partner's chest and looked up. "I don't know what it was.. he.. " A pause. "Seemed to think it would.. make me.. " Another long pause.

Xena ran her thumb down Gabrielle's arm. "What did it taste like?"

The bard pursed her lips and thought. "Sharp.. kind of… bitter." She swallowed hard. "I started.. it felt like.. I was kind of lightheaded.. then.. " she shook her head. "It was like my body was fighting with itself." She glanced up, and saw the dark clouds building rapidly in Xena's eyes. "Whoa.. whoa.. it didn't work.. everything was ok.."

Xena closed her eyes, and felt her teeth grind together. Gods.. that could have killed her. I should have killed him. "Then what happened." She managed to get out, forcing herself to calm down. Gotta get this under control.. it's been way too easy to trigger since.. A wash of that dark anger flashed over her again.

To be halted by a touch on her face, and a soft voice. "Xena?"

Breathe. She took her own advice, and let the fury dissipate, finally opening her eyes to see a very concerned Gabrielle studying her. And felt the bard's heartbeat rapidly increase under the warrior's tense hand. "Sorry." She let her eyes mutely apologize further. "What he gave you.. was really dangerous, Gabrielle. It could have done.. a lot of harm to you."

The bard's worried look didn't change. "What's going on with you?" She asked quietly, wincing as she half turned to get a better look at Xena's face. "What happened?"

Long silence as they studied each other, and Xena felt herself calm under that loving regard. "Later." She finally said, her eyes quietly begging. "It's a long story." She offered another serving of cereal, and after a moment's hesitation, Gabrielle accepted it.

"Not too much later." The bard said, after swallowing. "And I like stories, remember?" She chewed thoughtfully. Need to change the subject… for now. "But anyway.. after that, they left me alone until the slavers got to camp.. I think what happened scared Rurik."

A dour look from Xena. "It should have." She glanced down at the now empty bowl. "Still hungry?"

Gabrielle gave her an embarrassed grin. "Yeah." She snuggled closer, and played with the fabric of Xena's shirt. "Can you get more without moving?"

Xena's eyebrows quirked. "I may have many skills, my bard, but that's not one of them." She kissed the top of Gabrielle's head, and slid out from behind her, settling her back gently on the covers. "Be right back."

The bard settled her head back, and watched her partner as she assembled something out of her healer's kit, and put water on to heat. The ache in her side throbbed, and was making her head hurt, along with the pain from everything else she'd suffered, and she realized she really wanted nothing more than to let sleep take her again, snuggled up with Xena. But that's not really fair to ask.. right? Her green eyes studied Xena's movements, noting the faint hesitation and the almost imperceptible flinch. Hmm.. maybe not.

She waited until the warrior had rejoined her, and sipped her sweetened tea from the mug held carefully in her left hand as her partner delivered the contents of the second bowl of cereal. She felt her muscles relaxing as the herbs kicked in, and smiled up at Xena. "What's in this?"

Got a smile back. "Something to help the pain.. a little. Make you relax."

"Hmm…" Gabrielle drank down half of the mug, then offered the other half up, with a gentle twinkle in her green eyes. She watched Xena's expression travel from puzzled to consternation, then to wry disgust. "Don't bother. Just drink it, OK?" She pushed the mug into Xena's hand. "I can tell you're sore.. and besides, I need you here with me." That last had come out unexpectedly, and she dropped her eyes and winced. Didn't meant to put it that way.

Xena sighed. She's right.. I'm sore, and still tired, and damn it, we've both just been through Tartarus. She drained the mug's contents, and was abruptly reminded of the fact that she hadn't eaten either by the herbs immediate effect. 'You win." She admitted, setting the mug aside, and sliding her arms carefully around Gabrielle. "Wasn't really in the mood to face my mother anyway."

Gabrielle sighed contentedly, then let her eyes peek open. "Mom? Why?"

"Solon." Xena mumbled, pulling her closer and letting the bright, cold world start to fade out.

"Huh? How would she…" Gabrielle started, puzzled.

One blue eye opened, and regarded her, with the attendant eyebrow raised. "I only got to see him for a few seconds.. but.. " She sighed.

A smirk crossed Gabrielle's face. "He's momma's boy, all right." She lazily reached a hand up and traced Xena's cheekbones. "Not just in his looks, either."

Now both eyes opened, and looked at her, as Xena's brow wrinkled in a puzzled frown.

Gabrielle could feel the herbs working, but put that aside for a minute. "He's.. very brave.. and feisty.. and smart.. " She searched Xena's eyes, now paused in a quiet, open stare. "I'd look at him, and see you."

Xena slowly let out a long held breath. "All the more reason for him to stay away from me, then." But her voice was unsure, and Gabrielle could hear that.

"Xena.. ." Now's not the time for this, but… "Look.. Ephiny guessed, just looking at him. Cait guessed.. and I had to finally tell her the truth to get her to leave.. uh.. " A peek at Xena's eyes gave her the courage to go on. "Since she'd been told to keep an eye on me." A twitch of her partner's lips acknowledged the barb.

"Gabrielle.. " A quiet sigh. "My life is too unstable.. I'm too unstable.. to have him be a part of it." A bare, unvarnished truth. "You know that's true."

The bard paused. "Maybe." She replied softly, cupping Xena's cheek. "But that won't always be true. And he deserves to hear who his mother is from you.. before someone else comes out with it." She waited for a rebuttal, and got none, and knew, as an exultant shiver downed her spine, that she'd won this round.

Xena buried her face in the bard's bright hair, and closed her eyes. "Gabrielle.." She finally admitted. "I don't know how to tell him."

Gabrielle felt a warm wash of peaceful happiness wash over her. "We'll find a way." She promised, as her eyes drifted closed, and she nestled closer into Xena's arms.

It hurt less, but not much less, when Gabrielle finally allowed her eyes to grudgingly open much later. The light outside indicated late afternoon, and she debated briefly with herself whether to just close her eyes again and drift back off. Finally she sighed, and rolled her head slightly, glancing up to see sleepy blue eyes gazing back at her. "Hey."

"Hey." Xena replied, blinking a little. "How’re you feeling?"

Gabrielle took a cautious breath, and let it out. "Umm…"

"Lousy." Her partner supplied, beginning a light massage on her shoulders. "Right?"

A sigh. "Just a scratch.. she says." The bard mumbled, enjoying the touch. "Nothing really.. she says…" She felt Xena chuckle "Sheep patties, Xena… this hurts like crazy."

"I know." The words came past her ear in a whisper, as the warrior moved her hands further down the bard’s arms. "Believe me, I know." She shifted slightly and sighed. "Other than that, how do you feel?"

Gabrielle considered the question. "Mm… not that bad, actually." She answered in a surprised tone. "My headache’s gone.. I’m really not that stiff.. " Her lips quirked a little. "I am a little hungry."

"Good sign." Xena approved, with a smile. "I’ll go pick up something a little more substantial than cereal.. and make sure everything’s ok."

The bard chewed her lip. "I wanna go too."

Xena’s eyebrows jerked up. "Gabrielle… you will do no such thing." She gently slid out from her supporting position, and eased the bard’s body back onto the warm sheets. "You shouldn’t be walking around with rib fractures. If they get out of line, you could puncture something."

A devilish grin from the bard. "Give me my scroll case."

Xena complied, then her brow furrowed. "Why?"

"I wanna write that whole little lecture down so I can use it on you the next time." Gabrielle advised her.

That got her a look. "Just for that, I’m gonna rewrap you.. it’ll help with the pain some."

Gabrielle smiled, but closed her eyes as she felt Xena’s hands carefully remove the linen bandages, trying not to flinch when her partner’s long fingers brushed where the fractures were.

"All right..I need you to sit up while I do this." Xena finally said, after she prepared the new bandage, and settled down by Gabrielle’s side. "Grab my hands, and I’ll pull you up. Don’t try to sit up by yourself."

The bard clasped her partner’s forearms and let herself be pulled upright, gasping when the change in position put pressure on her ribs. "Gods." She breathed, biting her lip. The pain lessened, however, once Xena had rapidly strapped her chest with the new bandages, and she found herself able to breath almost normally. "Better." She sighed, hitching herself up a little, and leaning back onto the pillows. "Thank you."

Xena just grinned at her, and gathered up her healer’s supplies, then stood up and set the bandages and ties on the table, and walked over to their linen press, pulling out a tunic and leggings and changing into them, and ignoring the appreciative whistle from the bed.

"You’re bad." The warrior joked, giving Gabrielle an amused look. "but I"m glad you’re feeling better." She crossed back over and perched on the edge of the bed again, running her fingers through her hair to settle it. "You up to some visitors? I know I’ll be asked." She studied Gabrielle’s face carefully. "It’s ok to say no."

A silent pause, while Gabrielle considered the question. "No.. I think it’s ok. But.. " She grinned. "I probably better put on a shirt."

"Probably." Xena agreed drolly. She retrieved a very soft, forest green shirt from the press and brought it over. "It’s mine.. but it’s soft, and I think I can get it over your head without hurting you too much." She commented, gently threading the bard’s arms through the sleeves and easing it over her fiery gold hair.

"Mmm.." Gabrielle hugged the shirt to her body carefully and gave Xena an impish grin. "No problem.. I don’t mind wearing your stuff." Then she reached out with her left hand and grabbed Xena’s sleeve, tugging her closer. "C’mere."

I should get going.. I’ve got things to do.. people to see.. aw Hades. Xena leaned in and met the bard’s kiss halfway, then found herself sliding into a careful embrace, cradling Gabrielle’s body in her arms and continuing her gentle exploration. The bard’s hands slipped up her arms, and under the fabric of her shirt, sending warm, inviting tingles shooting through her and she let her fingers slide slowly down her partner’s side, feeling her lean into the contact.

"Whoa." Xena murmured, breaking off, and trying to catch her breath. "I don’t think your ribs will appreciate us going much further." But her body was sliding closer to Gabrielle’s, and her hands didn’t seem to want to stop touching her.

"What ribs?" Gabrielle protested, nibbling her neck, as her fingers traced their way up Xena’s ribcage, smiling when she felt her breathing catch and quicken. She closed her eyes, and found the warrior’s lips again, letting herself fall into a warmly seductive pool that was just easier not to get out of.

Finally, reluctantly, Xena pushed herself back, and cupped her partner’s chin in one warm hand. "Damn that raider." The warrior said in a rough, husky tone.

The bard sighed, looking dreamily up at her. "What raider?" Then groaning as she tried to breathe too deeply. "Oh.. that raider." She let her head drop and rest on Xena’s shoulder, as the warrior reached up and rubbed the back of her neck. "Mmm…" She nuzzled the warrior’s skin. "I am addicted to you."

Xena just closed her eyes, and pulled the bard close again. "I missed you too." She mumbled. "Loved the poems."

Gabrielle smiled shyly into the linen fabric covering Xena's shoulder. "Did you?" She breathed in the scent of the clean, sun dried shirt and her soulmate with equal pleasure. "Did you find them all?"

"Mmm… " Xena took a deep breath. It was time. "Iolaus found the one in the medical kit.. I got it away from him before he could open it though."

The bard lifted her head a little, and studied the sharp profile above her. "Someone get hurt?"

"Hercules. A little." Xena replied quietly. "A small burn… nothing major."

A long silence. "You gonna tell me what happened?" Gabrielle finally asked, keeping her voice low.

"Yes." Xena replied. "As soon as I get back with some dinner for you." She kissed the bard on the head. "It's a long story."

"And you haven't eaten." The bard gave her a look. "So you can just stop yelling at me, O Warrior Princess of hypocrisy."

Xena chuckled. "I surrender." She gave the bard a final hug, and had started to get up, when Gabrielle grabbed her back for one last kiss. Then she stroked her partner's cheek and sighed. "Thanks."

"For what?" Xena asked.

"Coming to get me. Moving mountains, and jumping ravines, and swimming wild water rapids, and all the mundanely impossible things I know you probably did to get here as fast as you did." She lifted her head and regarded the surprised looking Xena. "Thank you for being a hero, and for taking care of the bad guys. And for taking care of me." She paused. "I don’t think I tell you that enough.. and it kind of occurred to me when I was in that place." Another pause, this time a longer one, while Xena just kept gently stroking her hair, trying to come up with a response. "I thought about that.. when I was in there. When I thought I might not.. come back."

She felt Xena’s heartbeat flutter under her fingertips, where her hand lay resting on the warrior’s chest, and she rubbed her thumb over the spot. "So.. thank you."

"You scared me pretty bad." Xena finally answered, a light rasp in her voice. "I did what I had to do."

"Yeah." The bard sighed, and let her head fall back onto Xena’s chest, hearing the pounding slowly settle. "You always do that. Lucky for me." She sighed again. "Sorry I got myself into this one."

"Wasn’t your fault." Xena mumbled.

Dead silence. Then. "Yes it was." Gabrielle’s voice was very quiet. "If I wasn’t so busy trying to prove myself as the big bad Amazon queen, I would have paid attention to how late it was. And gotten myself, and those kids, who were my responsibility, back home. "

"Then it just would have happened earlier… " Her partner soothed her. "Sometimes things just happen, love." She ran her hands through Gabrielle’s hair, and smoothed it back off of her face. "You did a fantastic job of keeping those kids calm, and getting them out of there.. I am damned proud of you."

Gabrielle settled back against the pillows, and stared at her. "Really?" Realizing suddenly just how much Xena’s approval meant to her.

"By all the gods in Olympus, yes, Gabrielle.. " The warrior smiled. "Those kids hold you in awe, and I don’t blame them. You kept your head, and used your skills, and got everyone of them out safe, and whole… no one could have asked for more."

"Except that last bit." The bard sighed. "That was dumb.. I almost…"

Two strong hands gripped her face, and she was forced to look up into Xena’s very serious, and very intense gaze. "Almost doesn’t count. " She paused. "Besides, I was looking for a good fight… you woulda ruined it for me otherwise."

That got a reluctant grin from Gabrielle. "You really are something else, you know that?"

"Yeah.." Xena agreed blithely. "Question is, what?" She sighed, and stood up, stretching for a long moment, wincing. "Gods." She sighed. "I really am getting too old for this." She headed for the door, ignoring Gabrielle’s snort of laughter. "Be right back."

"You’d better be." The bard threatened. "Or I’ll come after you."

A hiked eyebrow, and she was gone. Gabrielle shook her head at the ceiling, and settled her body as comfortably as she could, pulling her scroll case over and maneuvering it close to her side so she could write, somewhat awkwardly, with her right hand. She took out a quill, and some ink, and wet the tip, considering.

Well, it’s been a bad few days. I now know what it feels like to be an Amazon, and what broken ribs are like. I could have passed on both experiences, thanks. The next time this happens to Xena, though, I’m going to strap her down in bed for a few days until she heals.

Xena thinks I did a good job. Wow. I still think it’s my fault the whole thing happened, and I have no idea what I’m going to say to Ephiny. She did warn me, right? And tried to stop me from going, but no - I had to prove myself

Now I have to get her to tell me what happened with her, and Herc, and Iolaus. Something bad happened there.. I can tell, I can feel it - I know she’s holding back because she doesn’t want me to get upset. When’s she going to realize it gets me more upset to know something’s going on that she won’t tell me about? Gods, she’s stubborn. But I got her to agree to tell Solon.. that’s a fantastic thing.

A gentle knock at the door broke her concentration, and she looked up. "Come." She called, as loudly as her sore ribs would allow.

The door opened, and Cyrene poked her head inside, seeing Gabrielle awake and smiling. "Hey there cutie."

"Hi mom." The bard grinned. "You just missed Xena.. she’s heading towards the inn."

Cyrene entered, and crossed over to the bed, pulling a chair close and settling in it. "I know. I saw her go."

Uh oh. Gabrielle felt alarm bells go off with no hesitation. I think I can guess what this is about. Do I play dumb?

"Honey, I need to ask you something." The innkeeper met her gaze seriously. "But first, how are you feeling?"

"Um.. better." Gabrielle answered cautiously. "The sleep really helped.. and Xena gave me some stuff for the pain."

Cyrene took her hand in her own, and squeezed it gently. "I want you to know how glad I am to have you back. You know I love you like you were my own, right?"

Gabrielle couldn’t speak for long seconds, as tears threatened her composure. "Thanks.. mom." She managed, in a choked voice. "You don’t know how much that means to me."

Cyrene smiled sadly, and gave her hand a pat. "I think I do." She sighed. "I think my daughter is very lucky."

A silence fell over them. Finally Cyrene looked up, and met Gabrielle’s waiting eyes squarely. "Gabrielle, that centaur’s boy…."

"Don’t.. ask me… that." The bard interrupted her. "Please." Knowing full well she’d just given Cyrene her answer.

The innkeeper’s gaze dropped, and she studied the floor intently, at last letting out a little sigh.

"Mom?" Gabrielle said softly. Cyrene looked up at her with shadowed eyes. "Don’t be mad at her." She hesitated. "It’s hard enough for her as it is."

Surprisingly, Cyrene smiled. "Don’t worry, honey. I’m not." She shook her head gently. "Is there anything I can get you?"

Gabrielle accepted the change of subject gratefully. "New ribs." She sighed. "How is Ephiny doing?"

Cyrene snorted. "Very busy worrying about you, I"m afraid." She glanced towards the door. "Hopefully her anxieties have been relieved by now." She patted the bard's hand. "I made something special for you this morning.. let me get back there so I can make sure Xena brings it back for you."

Gabrielle squeezed her hand. "You didn't have to do that." She grinned. "Everything you make is special."

Cyrene stood, and shook her head with a smile. "Thanks cutie… you get some rest, OK?" She glanced around. "It's a little chilly in here."

The bard pulled her shirt closer around her. "A little.. "

The innkeeper walked to the door, and turned as she opened it to leave. "I'll just send your bedwarmer back, then." And she winked.

"Mom!!!" Gabrielle blushed. Gods… I'll just die of embarrassment, right here.

Cyrene put her hands on her hips. "How do you think I got three children?" Her eyebrows arched. "Hmm?" Then she laughed. "You kids." She gave an aggrieved sigh, and walked out.

This cold wind feels good for a change, Xena mused, as she crossed the courtyard towards the inn. Or maybe I’m just a little overheated. Came the wry acknowledgment as she took a deep breath of it, and tried to dismiss the remaining tingles that still coursed through her. Whoa. She chuckled at herself, glancing up as Toris fell into step alongside her.

"Morning." He teased gently, bumping her with an elbow, before his face sobered. "How’s Gabrielle?"

Xena gave him a look, then relented and waggled her hand. "She’s in a lot of pain.. I’ve been trying to keep her knocked out." Mostly because I hate seeing her hurting… Gods.."She’s doing all right other than that."

"Good to hear." Toris replied quietly. "How are you doing?"

A slow nod. "I'm all right." She glanced at him. "I’m not the one who was kidnapped." She studied his face. "What’s up?" They’d reached the inn, and she pulled the door open, holding it for him and letting him pass in front of her, then followed him in, stopping short when he did, and glancing across the room.

Two tables had been pushed together, and a laughing crowd of children and Amazons were clustered around it. They looked up at the door’s opening, and gave a chorus of greeting.

Xena’s eyes found Solon immediately, and smiled a greeting at him, as he stood and ran over to her, sure of his reception. "Hello, Solon." She greeted him, dropping to one knee and letting him hug her. Realizing all the eyes in the room were on them, and not caring. She folded her arms around him and felt him squeeze her hard. "How are you doing?" She let him loose, and pulled back, studying his face.

Gods. He is growing up. She didn’t dare look up at Toris, who surely was seeing Lyceus’ ghost. Just like she was.

"Great… how’s Gabrielle?" The boy demanded, fixing his pale blue eyes on her face. "Is she OK? I saw that guy kick her. I'm glad you hit him."

"She’s doing fine." The warrior assured him. "You can go visit her if you want." She let a smile cross her face. "I think she’d like that." That’s right, Xena, get him out of here before you have to stand up and face.. gods. How am I going to.. She pushed that aside, as he beamed at her.

"Can I?" He cast a swift, cheekily triumphant glance over his shoulder at the enviously watching girls, and then looked back at Xena. "Thanks!" He threw his arms around the warrior again, then ducked under her arm as she rose and tore out the door.

Standing, she couldn’t avoid Toris’ eyes, which lanced into her own with questions rattling behind them. She dropped her gaze for a second, and took a breath, then looked up, and in answer to his intent, wary look, gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"You kept that quiet." He murmured, as they turned and started to walk towards the group around the table.

"He doesn’t know." She muttered back under her breath.

A nod from her brother. "He’ll guess soon enough.. gods.. Xena.. "

"I know." His sister cut him off, then sighed. "I don’t.." She fell silent, and felt him pat her back comfortingly. They reached the table, and Xena held a hand up against the barrage of questions.
"Hold it.. hold it… "

Silence fell, and she paused as her eyes met Ephiny's, where the regent was resting quietly in an armchair nearest the fire. Damn. Xena's mind cursed. She looks like Hades.. better check that next. "Gabrielle's going to be fine. She's got some cracked ribs, and they hurt a lot, but besides that she's OK." The warrior caught Ephiny's relieved sigh from the corner of her vision, and saw the blond Amazon's head drop back against the chair.

"Can we visit?" Sharra asked, blinking up at her shyly. "She was really brave."

Xena regarded them. "Yeah.. but take it easy, OK? Don’t tire her out."

Cait slipped from her seat, and padded by Xena, stopping and exchanging a quick glance with the warrior. "We won't." She promised solemnly. "We want to tell her the parts she couldn’t see."

Xena's eyebrows rose. "What parts?" She got giggles for a response, as the girls escaped her sharp regard. She watched them go, then turned to the remaining Amazons, who were trying to swallow grins. "All right.. what's going on?" In her best no nonsense ex warlord voice.

"Give it a rest, Xena." Ephiny rasped wearily. "If you're going to go flying down ravines, and go plunging through deadly rapids in full view of hero worshipping Amazon children, you get what you deserve."

Xena mumbled several curses under her breath, two in languages Granella had never heard. The dark haired Amazon cleared her throat. "Not that we could see this, mind you."

Xena crossed her arms and raised both eyebrows. "Not my fault you couldn't keep up." She retorted, shaking her head and walking around the table to where Ephiny was seated, and regarding her thoughtfully.

Ephiny sighed, knowing she was going to be yelled at. "Why don't you all go.. uh.. practice something." She gave the other Amazons a look. "While Xena and I uh.. discuss.. conditioning programs." She peeked up and caught Xena biting her lip to keep from laughing, and felt better. She made shooing motions to the others, who good naturedly got up and filed out of the inn, not without a few backwards glances.

Silence.

"I can't just lay in there." Ephiny finally said, giving Xena an exasperated look. "It was driving me nuts."

Xena pulled up a chair, and dropped into it, letting her elbows rest on her knees, and clasping her hands together. "I can imagine." She looked up. "Granella really mad?" Not without a tiny quirk of the lips.

The Amazon let out a short, soft laugh. "Nah. More embarrassed than anything. She's the fastest we have, ya know. It's a pride thing." She studied the quiet, tall form seated next to her. "She's not used to being left in the dust."

That got a half grin, and a short chuckle. "Sorry." Xena sniffed reflectively. "Not like I do it on purpose.. I just.. "

Ephiny waved a finger at her. "S'all right. If it were another Amazon. I'd expect to see her out training half the night just from the challenge. But.. you're a different story."

Silence.

"How is she, Xena?" Came the soft question.

The warrior let out a long breath. "Scared. Hurting.. " Her eyes drifted around the inn. "Came close to being raped twice." Blue eyes met hazel. "Second time was when she got away, and got them out of there. " She hesitated. "First time they gave her a dose to make her more.. cooperative." The warrior's head dropped and shook slowly. "She's sensitive to herbs.. she had a reaction to it."

"Oh sweet Artemis." Ephiny breathed. "I had no idea." Her face tightened in anger. "Bastards." She groaned. "I should have stopped her."

"Not your fault." Xena replied quietly. "She thinks it's her fault, for not being more careful.."

"That's nuts.'" Ephiny retorted. "She probably saved their lives."

Xena's head came up, and she gave Ephiny a direct stare. "Tell her that."

The regent straightened a little in her chair. "I will! Hades, Xena.. she risked her life for them.. if you hadn't…" She bit her lip as she saw the bleak look cross the warrior's face at her words. "Thank all the gods you got here." She finished in a whisper.

"Yeah." Xena let out a long breath. "Thank Ares, actually." The wolf at her feet looked up. "Not you."

Ephiny started. "Ares?" She considered that for a minute. "How did that all go.. did you.. I mean.."

A shrug. "Fine.. there was some trouble, we got in, we got it solved, everything's back to normal now." Short and sweet, right?

Ephiny leaned back, and coughed tiredly. "Well, now I know who the son of Zeus calls for help when he's in trouble."

Xena studied her, and lifted a hand to feel her forehead. "You need to go lie down, Ephiny." She stood and towered over the regent. "C'mon. We're running out of Amazon Queens." She offered the blond woman a hand up, which was reluctantly accepted.

"Damn, Xena… I can rest just as.. " Ephiny blinked as her knees buckled, and would have hit the wooden floor of the inn if Xena hadn't caught her. "Gods.. sorry.. " She mumbled, holding on to the warrior's arm for dear life. "I made it out here ok.."

Xena sighed. "Amazons." She rolled her eyes, and got an arm around Ephiny's shoulders, then reached down and lifted her up, ignoring the startled squawk. "C'mon."

"Hey!" Ephiny protested, caught between anger and amazement. "I'm not a kid.. cut that out, Xena!"

"Ephiny?" The warrior gave her a look.

"What? I said put me down, damn it, Xena.." The regent spluttered, as the warrior started to walk towards her room.

"Shut up." Xena ordered, as she moved around the end of the table and kept walking. "Just hold on, OK?"

"Xena, damn it.. " The regent cursed. "You're going to hurt yourself.. now put me down!"

Xena bounced her a little and grinned. "Would you relax? I'm not going to drop you." She maneuvered through the small hall and kicked open the door to Ephiny's room, ducking inside and moving across to the bed. She glanced down at the Amazon, who had quieted, and was now thoughtfully regarding her. "See? Was that so bad?" She gave Ephiny a tiny grin. "Doesn't hurt me to do this."

"I can see that." Ephiny sighed quietly. Just put me down, Xena.. before I say or do something we're both gonna regret. She forced herself not to look up into those intense eyes, so very close to her, or acknowledge the warm strength that cradled her with such negligent ease.

Xena dropped to one knee, and set her on the bed, releasing her grasp and standing, then moving over to the small table and sorting through her herbs. "Mom been taking care of you OK?" She said over her shoulder, breaking the silence.

"Oh yeah. " Ephiny chuckled, feeling the tension in the room dissipate. "They're gonna have to roll me out of here at this rate." She pulled the covers up over her, and fought down a shiver. "You can ask me to come visit anytime."

That got a grin from the warrior, as she moved back over and handed Ephiny a steaming cup. "Here… " She dusted her hands off. "I've got to go bring her majesty the second some dinner." She stifled a yawn. "Gods.. I'm still tired.. that's disgusting." She shook her head. "I'll be back a little later.. you'd better be resting." A pause. "Or else."

Ephiny merely nodded, and gave her a smile, watching as the warrior left. Then she settled her shoulders back, and took a sip of the herbal tea, surprised at it's delicate minty taste. Hmm.. must have stuck some of that stuff in to hide the taste of the nasty goop. Not bad.. she reflected. And neither was the tea.

Xena pushed the door to the kitchen open, and walked in, nodding a hello to Eustase, and giving Cyrene a quietly tentative smile. The innkeeper gave her a smile back, then went back to what she was doing, pausing to stir the large cauldron over the cookfire. "Hello, dear." She commented. "I have some stuff for you to take back with you."

"Thanks." Xena perched on a corner of the worktable. "I don't really want Gabrielle walking around until those ribs set."

Eustase exchanged a swift glance with Cyrene, and dusted her hands off, sniffing a little. "Think I'll go get some fresh eggs, if that's all right."

"Fine." Cyrene said, watching her leave. Then she gave the cauldron a practiced stir, and took the spoon out, rapping it on the rim to remove the excess, and setting it down. She turned and leaned against the wall, regarding her tall daughter with an unreadable gaze.

Xena hadn't spent ten years as a ruthless warlord for nothing. She knew how to wait. Even when it was her own mother she was crossing visual blades with. Even when every instinct in her body wanted to fidget, and writhe under that stern regard, as it has when she was small. Even though she knew what was going through Cyrene's mind.. that she was a grandmother, and had been for some twelve years. And Xena had never told her.

Cyrene pushed off the wall and walked over to her, their eyes nearly on a level.

Xena waited, expecting.. angry words. A slap. Disappointment. Cyrene reached up and cupped her cheek gently, and it disarmed her totally.

"You know, I should kill you for letting me wake up one fine winter morning and discover I'm a grandmother." The innkeeper said, conversationally. "Some warning would have been nice, dear." She cleared her throat. "It's quite a mental adjustment."

Xena's eyes dropped, and she felt all the tension flow out of her, leaving her almost shaking with relief. "Didn't have time." She admitted quietly, as she looked back up. "Mother, I'm sorry." She paused, and studied her hands. "He doesn't.. know."

Cyrene's eyebrows jerked up. "Are you sure?" She asked calmly, perching on the table next to her daughter and sliding an arm around her shoulders. "Honey, he came and found both Toris and me this morning.. first thing.. and introduced himself."

Xena's jaw dropped. "What?" She rubbed her temples. "I know Kaleipus didn't tell him.. we talked about that the last time we… " She paused, and lifted both hands. "Unless he guessed." Her brow creased. "But he didn't say anything to Gabrielle.. she would have told me."

Cyrene rubbed her back gently. "Well, dear.. it looks like he may have inherited something other than those baby blues of yours." She tapped Xena's forehead lightly. "He's got a very smart mother."

Xena felt a blush warm her neck. "So do I." She replied dryly.

A quiet fell between them. "Xena.. why?" Cyrene finally asked, searching the shadowed face.

Xena let out a held breath. "Come on, mother. " She finally replied quietly. "The person who bore him.. had no business raising a child." She paused, then closed her eyes. "Still doesn't."

"Xena, that's not true." Cyrene began. "You have a family here.. you.. " Fingers stilled her lips, and she found herself facing a very intense look.

"It is true." Xena stated flatly. "I am.. still.. a very violent, very unstable person, mother. We can both pretend that's not true.. but I know it is."

Cyrene sighed, and captured her hands, rubbing the backs of then gently with her thumbs. "No.. I think you're wrong, Xena." She held up a hand to still the warrior's protest. "Hear me out." She paused. "There is.. a great capacity for violence in you, yes. We all know that." She took a deep breath. "But there is also a great capacity for justice, and goodness, and courage.. honey, it shines from you."

"No." Xena answered very quietly. "You're just seeing what you want to see."

Cyrene studied her with a sigh. "What does Gabrielle see?"

The blue eyes closed as the shot struck home.

"Xena, wake up. If you were the person you're describing, that lovely, honest girl could never love you the way she does." The innkeeper pressed her point. "If you don't believe me, believe that."

Xena looked up, and met her eyes with quiet resignation. "That's the only thing I do believe in."

They both were quiet for a moment. Then Xena rubbed her temples. "Anyway.. when he was born I … gave him to Kaleipus. I knew he'd raise him like his own.. give him a good, loving home. Stability. A safe life. " She stared off into the distance. "He thinks.. his mother died. " Her eyes met Cyrene's. "And I think that's been the best thing for him."

Cyrene studied her. "Even now?" She walked over to a cooling tray, and plucked a honey-covered pastry off of it, crossing back to Xena and handing her half. "What does Gabrielle think about it? He's taken quite a liking to her."

Her daughter gave her a pained smile. "We talked about it." She admitted. "She.. agrees that it's not the time right now but.. " Absently, she munched on the roll, swallowing it in two bites, and licking the honey off her fingers.

"But." Cyrene smiled.

Xena gave her a wry smile. "Yeah, but." She studied the floor intently, surprised when Cyrene hugged her suddenly. "What was that for?" She asked, when the innkeeper backed off.

Her mother gave her a look. "I'm your mother. I don't need a reason to do that." She patted Xena on the belly, and chuckled. "You need to get back. Let me get your stuff ready." She put together a tray full of food, and handed it to Xena. "There.. that should be enough for both of you."

Xena examined the tray. "Hades, mother… what do you think you're feeding, starving wolves?"

Cyrene sniffed, and added a large piece of venison to the try. "Oh.. I forgot about him. Here."

"Mother!" The warrior sighed, in an exasperated tone. "Let me get out of here before you make this thing too heavy to carry." She turned and started out, waiting for Ares to join her at the door.

"Xena?" Cyrene called softly.

She turned. "Hmm?"

"Are you going to tell him?" The innkeeper asked.

A moment of silence. Then a quiet nod. "Gabrielle was right. He deserves to hear it from me." Xena paused, and gave a peaceful sigh. "After that.. we'll just have to see what happens."

Then she was gone, leaving a very thoughtful Cyrene behind. "What do you know, Eustase." She commented conversationally, to the cook who had just reentered the kitchen. "I'm a grandmother." She turned and regarded the cook, who chuckled. "Isn't that the damnedest thing?" She grinned. "And I didn't even have to change one diaper."

Continued in Part 8

Return to Part 6

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Winter's Ending - Part 8

Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

Gabrielle spent a few minutes quietly regarding the ceiling after Cyrene left, waiting for the blush to leave her face, and thinking about what she’d said. Wonder what my mother would have said if she walked in on us… Ew. Gabrielle, don’t go there. She took a cautious breath, and tried to settled her body more comfortably, turning her attention back to her diary.

So.. mom knows about Solon. I guess I’d better warn Xena, right? I don’t know what else I could have done.. if I said I didn’t know what she was talking about, she’d know I was lying. I’m really bad at that.. especially to her. I’m glad she wasn’t really upset - I’m not sure how I would react to suddenly finding out I was a grandmother.. I hope she realizes Xena was doing what she thought was right for Solon.

Even I think she was right… after I really think about who she was back then, and what she was doing.. it was better for Solon not to be a part of her life. Wow. That’s harsh, isn’t it? Looking back, she could say the same for me, right? But I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this.. not for anything. So it turned out to be a good thing, despite the pitfalls, and the stuff that’s happened, and what I’ve been.. no, what we’ve been through.

Maybe it would have turned out ok for him, too? Maybe having him around would have changed her faster. Maybe not. Maybe he would have ended up hurt, or.. dead. Or worse.. like in a place where we were the past few days.

Like I would have ended up in without her. Life has a way.. I guess, of evening things out. Maybe it turned out for the best for both of us. He got to grow up in a warm, stable, loving family. And I got to escape being sold to slavers, and find the love of my life. Hmm.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts, and she turned her head. "Yeah?" The door opened and Solon poked his head in, and gazed around. "Hey there.." Gabrielle smiled. "C’mere."

He came in, and closed the door carefully behind him, looking around with avid curiosity before ending up at her bedside. "Hi." He smiled at her. "How’re you doing?"

Gabrielle put her quill down, and closed her diary, giving him her full attention. "Well.. not too bad. How is everyone else?"

Solon nodded. "Fine." He looked up from under long, fair lashes. "Does that hurt a lot?"

The bard sighed. "Yeah." She gave him a wry look. "It does… but it’s not that bad.. Xena says it’ll be ok."

That got a grin from him. "Then it will, right?" He looked around. "Is this where you live?" He walked around the bed and looked at everything. "It’s nice."

"Thanks." Gabrielle chuckled. "Yeah, this is our home." She smiled inwardly at the words.

The boy stood on his tiptoes and looked at the top of their linen press. "Wow… look at the animals.. where’d you get them?"

The bard bit her lip. "Xena made them." She answered, watching his face.

His eyes opened wide, and he reached up a small hand to touch the nearest. "Wow! She did?" He picked the piglet up and looked at it. "That’s awesome…" He put the carving down carefully and turned back towards her. "I didn’t know she could do stuff like that."

Neither did I.. "Well, she can.. she made that chair, and that table, you know." Gabrielle motioned cautiously with her left hand, trying not to jar her ribs.

Solon trotted over and put a hand on the table, bending down and peering under it. "Wow." He looked up at her. "I thought she was a fighter."

That got a gentle laugh from the bard. "She is, and you know it. But that’s not all she is."

He thought about that for a minute. "Like you being a storyteller, and good with your staff, right?"

Gabrielle nodded. "That’s right." She paused. "You shouldn’t assume someone can’t do something just cause of other things they do."

A clatter of footsteps on the porch made them look at each other. "Uh oh." Solon whispered, moving closer to the bed. "Here comes trouble."

The door opened, and Cait peeked inside. "Hello."

Gabrielle hid a grin. "Hello, Cait.. come on in." She paused. "And bring your friends." Looks like the whole gang is here.. I’ll get Xena for this.

Cait stepped in, and held the door for the rest of the girls, closing it carefully after them. "Xena said it was all right to visit. " She gave them all a stern look. "But we weren’t to tire you out." She paused dramatically. "Or else."

Gabrielle smothered a grin, as she imagined her partner issuing the ultimatum. "Well, I can see her point." Another jolt of pain seared through her side as she tried to shift, and she saw them all flinch in response to her own grimace. "Guess I should have ducked that last one, huh?"

The girls came forward, and settled themselves on the floor, their eyes glancing all over the room. "That was very brave, cutting that bridge down.." Sharra said. "Whatever were you going to do?"

Gabrielle took a cautious breath, and let it out. "Um.. I was just going to fight them off as long as I could.. to make sure you all got away." She glared at them. "And I didn’t see you running, for that matter."

Cait squirmed forward, their spokesperson. "Gosh.. we had no time, really." She grinned. "I’d just gotten over to that side and saw those men come round and face you, when I got this great old hand on my shoulder and nearly passed out." She gave Gabrielle a little grin. "You never do get to see the good bits, do you??"

"Good bits?" Gabrielle laughed puzzledly. "What do you mean?"

"Well.’ Cait took a breath, happily. The girls giggled, and even Solon wrapped his arms around his legs and waited to hear the story. Again. "Like I said, I got this great hand on my shoulder, then the next minute Xena’s taking of her tunic.." Giggles from the girls, rolled eyes from Solon, a smothered grin from the bard. "And bam.. over the side she goes.. climbing down that bridge fast as anything."

"Really?" Gabrielle said. Cursing me every step of the way, I bet…

"Really." Cait assured her. "Then.. she gets to the bottom of the bridge, and just lets go!" Sighs from the girls, respectful silence from Solon, and a gentle shake of the head from Gabrielle. "I can’t imagine how she landed, on all those rocks.. but she did."

"She always does. She has amazing balance." Gabrielle murmured, half to herself. Damn… I was so glad to see her, I forgot to wonder how in Hades she got across that crevice.

"You can say that again, but please don’t." Cait replied. "I’m getting to the good part." She added. "The rapids were just churning, and roaring, and dashing up against the rocks.. and she just jumped right in!" Cait’s face flushed, remembering. "I was ever so scared.. I thought she’d surely get smashed up.. but it was like she just knew exactly where to move, and jump, and dive.. one wave picked her up and tossed her over this ever so jagged outcropping, but she went into one of those flip things, and got over it."

Gabrielle felt her throat go dry. "I didn’t realize… it was that bad." She managed to say.

Solon scrambled up, and leaned across the bed, grasping her hand in his own. "Don’t worry.. that old river wasn’t going to stop her." He snorted. "No way."

"No way." Cait repeated. "So then she got to the other side, and there wasn’t any way up from where she was.. so she jumped back into the water, and let it carry her down a bit, then let a wave toss her up.. and she caught this little outcropping. " She sighed. "I think my heart stopped beating."

Mine would have. Gabrielle cursed to herself. And that water must have been like ice.

"But she held on, and just pulled herself up." Cait paused. "She’s ever so strong." Remembering a vivid picture of Xena’s moonlit form, silvery water sluicing off dark leathers, highlighting the moving shadows her muscles made as she hauled herself up and pressed her body up onto the small ledge.

The bard nodded silently.

"And climbed up that rock face like it was nothing… I’ve never seen anything like it." Cait finished triumphantly.

Three days without sleep. Gabrielle mused. After whatever happened with Hercules, and a full speed run from Amphipolis, and she pulls that off. And never mentions it. Probably never even thought twice about it. "She’s.. " Gabrielle hesitated, searching for the right words. "A very special person."

The girls were all grinning at her. "Bet you were glad to see her." Sharra commented, with a dimpling smile.

The bard sighed. "Oh brother.. was I ever." She admitted. "I really wasn’t expecting her to get here anytime before next week." She gave them all a little grin. "Guess I just got lucky."

A little silence dropped over them. "Gabrielle.." Elianas asked, hesitantly. "What were they going to do to you if… "

Gabrielle considered the question. "I don’t know." She answered carefully. "They were pretty mad.. I guess it would have depended on if they still wanted to make a profit…or.. " She cleared her throat a little. "Or if they just were so mad they wanted to take it out on me." She looked at all of their very solemn faces. "But you guys would have been safe, so it would have been OK."

"Not with me." Came a very quiet, vibrant voice from the doorway.

Everyone turned around and stared as Xena entered the cabin, carrying a tray and accompanied by Ares. The girls all turned shy, except for Cait, who gave Xena a smile and stood up. "Come on then, you lot." She waved her hand at them. "We can visit tomorrow. It’s getting late." She herded them out, even Solon, who exchanged a knowing, amused look with Xena, and closed the door behind himself.

Gabrielle let out a tiny sigh of relief. "Nice timing." She drawled softly, holding a hand out to her partner. "I was starting to really feel this." Her face tensed, and she moved herself a little, trying to ease the ache.

Xena put down her burden, and crossed to the bed, settling on one side of the bard, and taking her outstretched hand and kissing it. "I can see that." The warrior commented. "I brought back more herbs.. lots of food.. something special from mom.. " Then she sighed.

"Oh. She was here." Gabrielle advised her ruefully. "She was hunting information."

Xena sighed again and rolled over onto her back, gazing at the ceiling. " I know.. she cornered me in the kitchen."

"Eep." Gabrielle winced, reaching gingerly over and giving her partner’s belly a gentle rub. "Sorry about that."

Xena shrugged. "She was all right about it… surprised me." Her eyes searched Gabrielle’s. "Talked to Kaleipus on the way here.. he wants to leave tomorrow.. we kind of agreed I’d take Solon out for a ride in the morning. " She blinked. "And tell him.. I guess."

"Hmm.. ok.." The bard maneuvered closer and kept up her gentle patterns, tracing a soothing route up and down Xena’s body. "We’ll come up with something."

"Mmm.." Xena mumbled. "Don’t keep doing that.. you’ll put me out." She blinked sheepishly at Gabrielle. "Still a little tired..." Her expression turned rueful. "Guess I really must be slowing down."

"Oh.. no no no.." Gabrielle gave her a little slap. "Don’t be giving me that…I just had the Warrior Princess admiration society in here telling me about some white water rapids and mountain climbing that somehow escaped my notice yesterday."

"Oh." Xena paused. "That." Her brow creased. "It wasn’t that bad…"

The bard went back to her gentle stroking. "You know, you are harder on yourself than any person has a right to be, Xena." She shook her head a little. "How many days did you go without stopping? And then you get here, and the mountains, and the rapids.. and fighting twenty men.. and all that.. and you’re upset at yourself for being a little tired and sore? Give me a break, OK?"

"Yeah, I know." Xena sighed, giving a short little laugh. "Sorry.. old habit." Mercenary armies didn’t let you slow down. You kept razor sharp, or you died. But this isn’t an army, and you’re not a warlord anymore. And you’re the one who decided to back off on the conditioning.. so keep remembering that, OK? So you don’t drive her crazy. "Those girls in here telling tall tales of terror again?"

Gabrielle gazed fondly at her. "You know they all have wild crushes on you, right?"

One blue eye opened and regarded her. "Get outta here, Gabrielle." She snorted. "If it’s anyone they have a crush on, it’s you, their brave, resourceful, and clever queen."

"Not." Gabrielle poked her tongue out. "Did you not see their faces when you came in? Gods, Xena.. you really have no clue sometimes." Then she smiled. "Or maybe I can recognize it because I was in their shoes not too long ago."

"Gabrielle.. you never.. " Xena paused, and regarded her. "Not like that?"

A gentle laugh from the bard. "Oh yeah." She reached out and stroked Xena’s face with sensitive fingers. "Didn’t you ever notice how I could hardly ever talk to you without getting tongue tied?" She watched Xena inhale to protest. "No.. not just talk at you.. questions, or whatever. But talk *to* you?" She paused. "Or how I’d blush whenever I looked into your eyes?"

Xena’s mouth quirked. "Yeah, I noticed." She responded quietly. "I thought it was just a kid thing.. that it would go away after a while." Her face reflected a past sadness. "Or after you figured out I wasn’t this.. hero.. you seemed to want to see me as."

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and sighed. "No.. it never went away." She replied softly. "And then one day, I just looked up at you.. and it was like someone was pulling my heart right out of my chest, the feeling was so strong." She paused. "And right then I realized I wasn’t a kid anymore, and it wasn’t a crush." She smiled at the memory. "I was thinking about that, when I was in that cage.. just to pass the time."

Xena rolled over onto her side, and propped her head up on one hand. "In the meadow. With the fireflies."

Gabrielle’s eyes popped open, and focused in startled wonder, as a slow smile spread across her face. "You knew."

Xena rolled off the bed, and collected the platter of food, bringing it back with her to the bed. She settled herself back down, and ladled the bard a large portion of thick fish stew, putting the dish by her left hand where she could reach it, and buttering a slice of bread for her. "Yeah." She finally answered, aware of the green eyes studying her. "I knew." And why didn’t I do anything about it? She’ll grow out of it, isn’t that what I told myself?

Gabrielle took the slice of bread, and just stared at it. Then she looked up at her partner’s quiet, tense face. "Why didn’t you… " The obvious reason occurred to her, and she fell silent.Of course.. Gabrielle…she must not have.. well, you knew it wasn’t this at first sight thing… But she was vaguely disappointed, and a little embarrassed. I mean, things worked out ok, right? She sighed, and glanced back at her partner, who was poking at the food in her bowl but not eating it. "Xena?"

"Yeah?" Xena finally looked up. "Sorry.. I was just .. thinking." She paused. "About Thessaly."

The bard took a bite of bread, and chewed slowly. "Thessaly?" Well.. that was an abrupt change of subject… guess she doesn’t want to talk about that. Probably doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. "Ephiny mentioned that." She mused. "I was telling her about when I had the coughing sickness… I said you just wouldn't let me go, and she said it was just like Thessaly." A pause. "What did she mean by that?" She took a bite of stew and looked up. And stopped chewing. "Xena??" She put down her fork and grabbed her partner’s hand, alarmed at the suddenly lost look on the warrior’s face. "Hey!" She ignored the sudden stab of pain in her chest, and extended her other arm, reaching for her.

The warrior captured her hand, and gently pushed it back towards her body. "Don’t.. you’ll pull on those ribs. .. um.. sorry.. I was.. " Xena stopped, and collected herself. Every instinct was telling her to keep this quiet.. to hold it inside. Every instinct except one. She clung to it. "Thessaly was.. " All right. It’s time we talked about this. Time she knew.

She took a breath, and brushed the backs of her fingers against Gabrielle’s face. "Gabrielle, you’ve.. had my heart for a very long time." Longer, I think, than you realize my bard. Longer than I’ve had yours.

Oh.. The bard felt a sense of buoyancy invade her as she understood what Xena was saying. OK.. maybe there was something there all along.

"I kept.. I told myself that I needed to just keep that to myself.. because you were.. innocent, and kind.. and good.. and all the things I’m not. And I didn’t want you tainted." Xena’s voice had dropped to a whisper, and she was staring at the soft blankets the bard was snuggled in. "I didn’t want you touched by all this darkness I’m wrapped in." She felt gentle fingers comb through her hair and fell silent for a moment, cherishing the touch. "I couldn't… ignore that any more at Thessaly.. because when I lost you.. " She stopped, staring off into nothing. "My world ended."

She heard Gabrielle’s sudden intake of breath. "I would have fought every single denizen of Tartarus a dozen times over to get you back." She looked up, finally, and met the stark, mist green eyes that were staring at her in agony. "I went out of my mind, Gabrielle." She swallowed. "If you hadn’t come back… I don’t know what I would have done.. and I realized.. that night.. that this was something that was going to change my life." A pause. "And I also realized... I couldn’t let you be a part of what I am.. even if that hurt.. a lot." She bit her lip. "But I never could stop myself from loving you." She sighed. "No matter how hard I tried." Never really tried hard, though, did I? It was that one, nice warm feeling I could keep to myself, on those long cold nights of looking up at the stars and watching you sleep. My little secret.

Gabrielle had forgotten her ribs, forgotten the bowl of stew.. forgotten everything except for the words which were winding their way through her understanding. She hadn’t known.. hadn’t dreamed… her leaving to go with Perdicus suddenly took on new poignancy, as she realized it hadn’t been the desertion of a friend.. but the sundering of their hearts Xena had been feeling, that she had deliberately stepped aside to allow. Because.. the bard suddenly understood.. Xena never gave of herself in halves. When you got it, you got it all.. the good and the bad, the dark and the light. And it came with a fierce, bone deep loyalty that she had unknowingly.. unthinkingly, shrugged aside. How much had that hurt? And yet… Xena would never blame her for that. "I didn’t know." She whispered, feeling quiet tears roll down her cheeks. "Gods, I wish I had."

Xena reached up and brushed the moisture away, with a sad smile. "Well, I’m better at keeping secrets than you are." She brushed the bard’s unruly hair out of her eyes. "Anyway.. in the meadow.. I saw it in your eyes… and I wanted so bad to say something." She hesitated. "I just… I was so scared for you I couldn’t." She picked up the bread and put it back into the bard’s hand. "C’mon. Eat." She let out a long breath. "You asked.. I thought you deserved an answer."

Gabrielle took a bite of the bread, and slowly chewed it, thinking hard. "Xena?"

The warrior swallowed the mouthful of stew she’d been eating, and looked up. "Huh?"

"What made you finally decide to.. let this happen?" The bard asked, quietly. Knowing it had been a conscious decision on Xena’s part. Probably a bad time to ask this.. but we don’t talk about us often. We kind of just.. go with it, and I really want to know what it was.

Xena sighed, and bit the end of her spoon thoughtfully. "It just… it got so strong.. I couldn’t.. Gabrielle, it was either let that loose, or we would have had to go our separate ways."

The bard swallowed very hard, and felt her heart pound in reaction.

"And I couldn’t face the thought of living without you." Came the quiet, almost introspective conclusion. "So that night in Cirron.. after the battle… when I saw how worried you’d been.. and thought about how it so easily could have ended differently.. well, I just…decided that since we meant so much to each other anyway.. it was pretty dumb not to go ahead and let something happen that was probably going to make both of us happy.

Gabrielle stared at her in silence for a bit. "I could have told you that a long time ago." But her eyes gentled with a deep tenderness. "You can’t imagine what it felt like after that.. to see everything I’d hoped for start happening."

Xena chuckled, and took a spoonful of stew, letting a smile play around her lips. "Oh.. yeah, I can imagine." She met Gabrielle’s eyes with a twinkle. "I know how I felt when I could finally just do some of the things I’d been wanting to for the longest time."

It had been just another campsite, after just another day of settling someone else's problems. But it had been in a pretty spot, a small glade that sloped gently down to a deep pool, stirred by gentle waterfall that trickled and coursed down the rocks rather than poured over it. The sound of the running water was soothing, and the weather was cool and dry, and the scent of the woods they were in wafted around them.

"Mmm." Gabrielle had sniffed appreciatively, as she settled down with her scrolls, then sighed. "Y'know, I love helping people, but moving cartloads of rocks? I ask you, Xena… was that fair?" She'd given the warrior a mock aggrieved look, and rubbed her upper arm. "My arms are killing me."

Xena had been sprawled near the fire, mending her leathers and looked up to study the bard speculatively for a minute. Gabrielle's mock complaints were usually answered by some brief, sarcastic comment by her… and she could think of several that would apply here. But her instincts were actually urging her to do something else, and this time, instead of putting a block on them, she let them have free rein. It was an almost dizzying feeling of freedom, though a bit scary.

She got up, and put away the leathers, and sauntered over to their bedrolls, dropping quietly down next to the busily scribing bard. Gabrielle had looked up as she settled, and she'd let herself just enjoy the sight of the bard's face for a long moment, chased with firelight and shadows, her eyes a fiery hazel in the orange glow. "Put those down a minute." She had requested in a calm voice, and waited for Gabrielle, her eyes lit with curiousity, to set the scrolls aside and turn her attention fully to her companion.

"What is it?" The bard had asked softly, propping herself up on her elbows and peering at Xena.

"Just lie down, and put your arms out over your head." Xena had instructed, and after a startled pause, Gabrielle had done so. The warrior moved to a kneeling position over the bard's body, and starting with her lower back, worked her companion's stiffened muscles with a quick and expert skill.

After a frozen moment of shock, Gabrielle had just closed her eyes and abandoned herself to the experience, uttering low, contented murmurs as the warrior moved up her back, and across her shoulders, leaving a trail of relaxed warmth behind her. She worked her way down the bard's outstretched arms, and finally ended with the back of her neck, feeling the subtle pops as the vertebra settled back into place, and Gabrielle sighed in relief.

Then she'd patted the bard's back lightly, and returned to her own bedroll, settling onto her back, and folding her hands across her stomach with a satisfied smile, turning her head a little and seeing one green eye dreamily peering out at her. "Better?" She asked casually.

"Can we go move rocks tomorrow too?" The bard mumbled, a happy smile on her face. "Thank you.. that felt wonderful." She'd let out a deep sigh. "Didn't know you could do that."

Xena had regarded her thoughtfully, then shrugged. "Our line of work.. it's a useful skill." She tried to be as offhand as possible. She could see the next question in Gabrielle's eyes, but the bard never asked it, and Xena figured she knew the answer as well as Xena herself did. Why now? Yeah. She knew.

The bard had, instead, reached a lazy hand out, and slid it up Xena's bare shoulder, gentle fingers tracing the muscles just under the skin. "See your point." She'd mumured, closing her eyes, but leaving her arm curled around the warrior's in a solid grasp. "Very useful."

Xena had smiled to herself, and abandoned her planned chores cheerfully as she let the peaceful sounds of the waterfall and the comforting snap of the fire start to lull her to sleep. She could have gotten up, but she found she was unwilling to break the bard's hold, and instead settled her own arm gently across Gabrielle's shoulder, feeling the soft strands of red gold hair tangle in her fingers. And had felt, after a moment, the subtle shift under her arm as Gabrielle turned her head slightly, and a feather touch of lips that brushed against her skin before the bard nestled back down and relaxed.

The warrior smiled at the memory, as they ate in silence for a short while, with Xena getting up to refill both bowls twice and retrieving the second loaf of bread, and setting a bowl down with the venison for the hungry Ares. "Damn." The warrior chuckled a little ruefully. "Guess mom was right after all."

"Bout what?" Gabrielle mumbled around a mouthful. She wiped her bowl with the last of the bread, and popped into her mouth, chewing and swallowing, then laying back with a groan. "Gods.. I’m stuffed."

"She said we were a pack of starving wolves." The warrior replied dryly. Then she collected the dishes and set them aside and picked up the roughly square package left on the platter. "Guess you won’t want any of this, then." She drawled, unwrapping it and waving it at the bard.

Who squealed. "Nutbread.. why didn’t you tell me mom sent that?" She gave the warrior an aggrieved glare.

Her partner smiled, and relaxed onto the pillows next to her. "Because I wanted you to get that stew in there first… and I know you’d eat this whole thing if I gave it to you."

Gabrielle stuck her tongue out, and grabbed the package, but didn’t deny the charge. "You make me sound like such a piglet." She muttered, giving Xena a sideways look. The warrior smiled, then slid in behind her and cradled her gently, letting the warmth of their connection wash over them both, and feeling Gabrielle’s body relax against her with utter abandon.

"That’s ok." Xena slid a careful arm around her partner’s sore body, and gently patted her belly. "You’re my piglet." Gods.. I can’t believe I just said that. I’m dissolving into mushdom.

"Oh yeah? " The bard giggled. "Remember that when I can’t do anything until these ribs heal, and your mother keeps stuffing me." She unwrapped the nutbread, and removed a slice, taking a bite, and offering the slice to Xena. "Mmm…." She closed her eyes and sighed happily as she chewed.

"Thought you were full.’ Xena teased gently, as she took her own bite.

"Different stomach." The bard assured her, with a wink. "Now…" She gave Xena a quiet look. "You have a story for me?"

Xena tried to feel apprehensive about it, but lying there, with Gabrielle snuggled into her arms, the experience faded from it’s stark horror and allowed her to step back and relate it with less difficulty than she had anticipated. Besides, she got to start it off by telling Gabrielle about her conversation with Iolaus.

"No way. You didn’t say that." The bard burst out laughing.

"Fraid so." Xena admitted. "You should have seen his face. He looked like I’d slapped him with a dead fish."

"Oh.. gods." The bard sighed, closing her eyes and letting her head fall back against Xena’s warm chest. "He’s going to give me that goofy, big, gosh aren’t you cute grin when he sees me, isn’t he."

"Yep." Xena grinned. "Speaking of which.. they probably are going to be wandering by here.. you know you can’t travel for a little while. What do you want to do about the Amazons?"

The bard sighed. "Let me talk to Ephiny tomorrow. " She gave Xena a look. "I am going to go visit her tomorrow, right?"

Xena’s fingers probed very gently, and Gabrielle tried not to cry out. "Mmm.. for a little while.. I’ll get you over there." She related the rest of the story in quiet bare, detail.

"I felt that." The bard said quietly, when she told of the necklace. "I think at that point I stopped worrying about myself and started worrying about you."

Xena sighed. "I was a little worried about me too." She shook her head. "Damned close, Gabrielle." She stared at her hands. "The only thing that kept me from going.. over into that pit was the fact that I knew.. you were out there somewhere." She paused. "That you were in trouble..and you needed me." She let out a shuddering breath. "Almost."

Gabrielle tangled her fingers with Xena's. "Almost doesn't count." She said quietly. "I think someone told me that not too long ago." She studied Xena's face. "You did what it took."

A slow nod. "I guess I did."

"Xena?" Gabrielle's voice held a note of quiet strength.

"Yeah?" The warrior replied, gazing at her in question.

"If you had.. let it take you over.. " The bard wrapped her fingers around Xena's hand. "I would have come and found you.. and brought you back."

Blue eyes met green. Could she? Gods hope I never have to find out.. but if anyone could, it would be her. "I know that." Xena answered, with a little smile. "I feel rotten for Hercules, though."

"Ugh." Gabrielle winced. "Poor Herc.. he must have been freaked out when he woke up." She shook her head. "It must have been horrible for him to find out he'd done that stuff."

Xena sighed. "Yeah.. he was pretty shook up." She regarded Gabrielle thoughtfully. "But he had Iolaus there to get him through that… he was almost frantic.. it was kind of… " Her lips twitched, as she searched for a word to describe it. "Cute."

Gabrielle's eyebrows shot up at the choice. "Cute???"

Her partner chuckled a little. "Yeah.. all kind of… flustered, and concerned… "

"Really." Gabrielle commented, gazing at her speculatively.

"Yeah." Xena confirmed, with a sly grin.

"Interesting." The bard nodded.

"Very." Her partner agreed.

Gabrielle tucked that aside for further study, then poked Xena in the ribs. "Told you I’d bet on you."

"Gabrielle…." Xena growled. "Not a fair fight.. he wasn’t himself." She gently set the bard down, and got off the bed, moving to where she’d left the fresh herbs. "Let’s get some of this in you." She glanced down. "Right Ares?"

"Argrrhooo?" The wolf raised his head and glanced at her, then stood up and nudged her knee, giving her a lick. "Agrrrooooohhoo?"

Xena put the water pot on to heat, and sat down in the chair next to the fire, playing with Ares and ruffling his fur.

"Hey." Gabrielle rolled a little onto her side to watch her partner.

Blue eyes glanced up and met hers in question.

"Leave out the sleeping stuff." The bard requested.

One dark eyebrow crawled up. Then she chuckled. "Come on now, Gabrielle.. not that I don't.. you know what I mean."

Gabrielle grinned. "I bet that would make me feel lots better." She coaxed. "Come on… you know you want to."

"Gabrielle!" The warrior let out an exasperated chuckle.

The bard's eyes dropped, and she played with the covers. "Sorry." She said quietly. "I.." She let out a breath slowly. "They tied me up.. outside.. it was cold, and raining… and one of the things I did to keep my mind off of all that was remember what it was like to be with you." Her eyes closed wearily, only to pop open a moment later when Xena slid into the bed next to her, warm hands cradling her face, blue eyes vivid and intense. "I got lucky there…didn't I, Xena? A lot worse things could have happened to me, right?"

Xena didn't answer. Instead, she captured the bard's lips with her own, and didn’t' stop her gentle attentions until she felt Gabrielle's hands tangling in her shirt and the bard's breathing going ragged. Then she paused, and gazed into the now dreamy green eyes. "You let me do all the work, OK?"

"Sure.. " The bard murmured. "But you don’t have to... I mean… "

"Gabrielle." Xena's voice was low and the timbre rattled her eardrums. "You've only ever known gentleness and beauty in this..I know that's true." She stroked the bard's face. "It would hurt me very much to have that taken away from you.. do you understand me?" Do you? If they had… what I did to Rurik would have been the least of what would have happened to them.. do you realize that, my bard? Nothing would have stopped me. Nothing.

"Yeah." Gabrielle whispered, letting her fingers trace the angular profile above her. "I do understand." Her lips twitched into a smile. "My protector and defender."

Xena smiled back. "Always." She kissed her. "Forever." She felt the bard's hand unbuckled her tunic. "No matter what happens."

And as the familiar touch eased the pain into the far background of her mind, Gabrielle felt the shattered pieces of her internal security slowly fall back into place. It was all right. She'd made it out of a very scary place.. and she was safe again. It was a healing of another order, and as she drifted off into sleep a timeless while later the bard felt the words of a poem forming fuzzily in her mind to describe it.

She opened one mist green eye, letting herself revel in the strength surrounding her and spent a moment just memorizing that feeling. Xena's chest rose and fell with steady regularity beneath her, and she could hear the warrior's powerful heartbeat in it's gentle sleeping rhythm under her ear, a rhythm that matched her own, and lulled her peacefully in a deep sleep.

"Ow." The bard sighed, as she moved an incautious arm. "Ok.. that’s better." She took an experimental breath, as Xena finished tying off a fresh set of bandages around her chest. She was standing by the fire, one hand resting against the fireplace mantel, trying to keep warm while her partner completed her task.

Xena studied her closely. "Are you sure you don’t want to just take it easy here?" She touched the fading bruises on the bard’s face. "You’re really pale."

Gabrielle pushed the desire to agree into the back of her mind, and sighed. "Yeah, I’m sure. I really want to see Eph, and move around a little.. I’m stiff from lying down so long." She let herself fall gently forward against Xena’s chest, and the warrior slid long arms around her, dropping her hands to the bard’s lower back and carefully working the knotted muscles she found there.

"Uhhggg…" Gabrielle groaned, burying her head into Xena’s shoulder. "Yeah.. right there."

The warrior worked her way up her partner’s spine, then across the width of her shoulders, ending up at the base of her neck. "Better?"

Gabrielle nuzzled her neck, and gently nibbled the soft shirt the warrior was wearing. "If I say no, will you just keep on doing that?" She replied teasingly, then sighed. "Yeah, thanks. That does feel better." She straightened up reluctantly, and ducked her head into the shirt Xena had picked up off the linen press and was holding out. She managed to get the sleeves on, and pulled her hair out from under the collar as Xena fastened the belt loosely around her. "You look nice." She commented, fingering the crimson wool tunic draped neatly over her partner’s body. "I like that color on you."

Xena gave her a half grin. "Thanks." She dusted one sleeve off. "Haven’t worn this in a long time." She acknowledged. "Usually it’s too hot to wear."

Gabrielle leaned close, and took a deep breath. "Mmm.. you had it packed in herbs, right?" The faint scent combined mint, eucalyptus, and pine, and tickled the bard’s senses. "I like that."

"Yep." The warrior confirmed. "Sit down.. let me give you a hand with your boots."

The bard sighed, and seated herself gingerly. "I hate being so… ugh. Helpless." She paused, and tugged on a lock of Xena’s dark hair. "Hey.. that’s why you always do that ‘it’s nothing’ routine, right? You hate asking for help."

Xena’s blue eyes glinted up at her in amusement. "You caught me." She answered dryly, lacing the bard’s left boot neatly. "My secret’s out."

Gabrielle laughed. "Ow." She groaned. "Don’t make me laugh…that hurts." She laid her right hand gently down on her stomach as she watched Xena’s movements. "You know what you’re going to say to him?" She asked in a quiet voice, watching the rosy bars of early morning sunlight paint warm patterns across the warrior’s back. They’d discussed that very subject since she’d woken up, curled peacefully up against Xena’s warm body.

The warrior took a deep breath, then looked up. "I think so." She stood, and held out a hand to the bard. "C’mon."

Gabrielle allowed herself to be gently helped to her feet, and kept hold of her partner’s hand. "Nervous?" She asked sympathetically.

A twitch of her mouth betrayed her. "Yeah." Worried blue eyes searched hers. "A little." She paused. "Shows, huh?"

The bard shook her head, and patted her stomach. "I feel it." She gave her partner a grin. "Either that, or I’m just nervous on your behalf." She gave Xena a gentle hug. "Take it easy.. you’ll be fine."

Xena sighed, and rested her chin on the bard’s head. "Thanks." She’s right. I’m as nervous as a chicken in a fox’s den. It’s disgusting… I can face a dozen men with swords and not feel a thing.. but one little boy? Gods. She blew out a long breath, and straightened up. "C’mon.. I’ll walk you over to the inn.. mom should have breakfast on by now."

"Sounds good to me." Gabrielle stifled a yawn. "Come on, Ares."

They left the cabin, exiting the warmth of the indoors for the cold, crisp air of early morning. The sun was just coming up over the trees, spilling an amber glaze over the courtyard, and scattering bars of light into their path. Gabrielle tilted her head back and took a cautious breath. "Mmm… " she grinned. "Smells like fresh bread."

Xena settled a hand on her back, and guided her up the stairs and into the inn, hold the door for both of them to pass through. Inside, the room was dim and quiet, the night fire sending out lazy pops, heard against the faint sounds of movement from the kitchen. "Looks like everyone’s still in bed." Xena commented, with a grin.

Gabrielle chuckled. "Oh..I can see I’m gonna get some teasing out of this." She gave Xena a poke. "Those lazy Amazons… "

The kitchen door opened, and Cyrene poked her head out, spotting them. "Well!" She broke into a big smile. "What a pleasant surprise." She moved into the room, and let the door swing closed behind her. "Hey there cutie." She reached Gabrielle’s side, and patted her shoulder gingerly. "How are you feeling?"

The bard grinned. "A lot better, thanks." She assured the innkeeper. "Smells great in here."

Cyrene laughed. "You must be feeling better." She teased, then gave them both a ruefully amused look. "Fraid it’s going to be a little quiet here this morning.. we had an..um…" She paused, chewing her lip thoughtfully. "Celebration… last night."

Gabrielle cocked her head in a puzzled fashion, then turned as she felt Xena start to chuckle. "What??"

"Mother." The warrior put her hands on her hips. "Did you get the Amazons drunk?"

"Me?" Cyrene poked a thumb at her own chest. "What makes you think *I* had anything to do with this?" She gave her daughter an insulted look. "I didn’t make them drink half a keg of ale."

Identical flinches on both Xena and Gabrielle’s faces make her burst into laughter. "half a KEG???" Gabrielle groaned. "Mom!!" She covered her eyes with one hand. "How could you?"

Cyrene smirked. "I assure you, I had nothing to do with it. " She paused. "However… you did miss out on your brother dancing on a table with that nice young Amazon." She considered. "The one with the dark hair. You know who I mean."

Xena leaned against a roof support and groaned.. "Oh gods." She muttered. "I’m glad I was sleeping." She shook her head at her mother. "Anyone get hurt?"

The innkeeper snorted. "No." She tugged them gently towards the kitchen. "Come on.. we’ve just gotten some bread out of the oven." She held the door for them, and followed them into the slightly steamy, fresh bread-smelling kitchen where Eustase was carefully arranging new loaves on the cooling racks. "Eustase, look who I found."

The cook glanced around, and beamed. "Good gracious.. hello!" She picked up one of the wooden bakery paddles with two loaves still on it, and bustled over to them. "And I’ve got two of these nice breads just out of the heat. Go on.."

Cyrene took a cloth, and grabbed both loaves setting them down on the kitchen worktable, and motioning Xena and Gabrielle to sit down. "No one got hurt.. " She continued, as she split the loaves and brushed warm herbed butter on them, before passing them over. "There was some.. well, I suppose you could call it arm wrestling. " She paused, considering, then shook her head. "That kind of got messy."

Gabrielle had been savoring the bread, eyes closed, and at this popped them wide open. "Messy?" She asked, taking another bite. "This is wonderful, by the way." She grinned at Eustase. "Thanks."

The cook beamed at her. "My best customer." She started to turn, then glanced back. "And I really, truly am glad you’re OK, m’dear."

Gabrielle returned the smile, then darted a glance back at Cyrene. "Messy?" She asked again, feeling Xena’s hand settle gently on her knee. She wrapped her fingers around the warrior’s and squeezed them, feeling the warm pressure as Xena returned the act.

"Well.. " The innkeeper sighed. "We had those cream filled pastries last night."

"The ones where you squeeze them and.." Xena interjected.

"Yes." Her mother answered.

"Sorry." Gabrielle winced. "I’ll have a talk with them." She gave Xena a look, and the warrior nodded almost imperceptibly in return. "I'm going to see Ephiny.. and maybe I can coax another loaf of bread out of mom here." She said, giving Cyrene an impish look.

Xena nodded, and rose, having finished her loaf. "I’ll be back in a little while." Her eyes met the bard’s, and Gabrielle gave her a little wink, and mouthed "Good luck." She nodded, and patted her mother’s arm. "Your ale is dangerous, mother." She muttered, as she left the kitchen by the back door, and walked steadily towards the sun-gilded barn.

Gabrielle looked up, as Eustase put a plate down in front of her, with another steaming loaf and a selection of sliced meats. "I was just kidding." She smiled up at the cook, who winked. "But since you’re offering…" She carefully maneuvered the roll with her left hand. "Ugh.."

Eustase chuckled, and patted her hand, taking the roll from her and breaking it apart, then spreading it with butter. "Here you go.."

The bard gave her a smile. "Thanks… it's a little awkward." She slid the meats onto the bread, and took a bite, leaing back with a sigh.

Cyrene returned from her own journey to the fire, and settled back down across from the bard, putting a mug in front of her, and taking one for herself. "You do look a lot better this morning." She commented, giving Gabrielle a smile. ‘Still hurts though, huh?"

A slight nod from the bard. "Yeah.. it does." She admitted quietly, as she picked up the mug and took a sip. "I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard your daughter just blow this off like it’s nothing." She paused, and rolled her eyes. "It’s not."

The innkeeper let out a soft chuckle. "That's like her. She was always pretending nothing was wrong… used to drive me nuts. Especially when the imp would be bleeding here on my kitchen floor."

The bard smiled. "Oh yeah." She took a bite of her sandwich. "Let me see.. it's just a scratch, right?" Complete with the proper intonation.

Cyrene laughed. "Perfect." She sighed. "Stubborn thing."

Gabrielle nodded quietly. "Very." She paused. "But she can't pull that with me much anymore. I can always tell." She sighed. "I look back, sometimes, and realize that a lot of the times I thought she was just in a bad mood, or whatever… it wasn't that. It was that she was really hurting, and just didn't want to let me know it." And I remember the first time she did.

It was another in a long line of tiny, dusty villages being subjected to the ceaseless raids of a particularly brutal warlord. Xena had caught them at it, and taken into them, regardless of their superior numbers. As usual.

And, as usual, she won, even though it came down to a piled on, vicious hand to hand where she had to throw at least three of them off her by just plain brute strength.

Gabrielle had thought maybe it was the heat, or the fact that they were just a pack of unthinking, cruel animals, or.. she didn't know what. But Xena had emerged from the battle in a dour mood, short-tempered even with the bard, even though Gabrielle hadn't done anything that she knew of to deserve it.

Camp that night had been a very quiet affair, they'd eaten some stuff they'd had in their packs, which Gabrielle had prepared before Xena had a chance to go out and hunt. And had gotten a quiet look in response that had started her mind working. The bard had settled down on her bedroll with her scrolls, but found her attention wandering ceaselessly to her companion, who was doing her usual chores, sharpening her sword, then taking out her armor repair kit, and working on a bit of her shoulder armor that had gotten twisted in the fight.

Finally, she'd had enough of the sullen quiet, and had gotten up, and walked across the campsite and sat down at Xena's side, resting her elbows on her upraised knees and gazing at the warrior patiently.

"What?" Xena had said, pinning her with sharp blue eyes.

"Hi." The bard had said, holding onto her own temper with difficulty. "How are you doing?"

A shrug. "Fine." Then a scowl. "Why?"

Gabrielle had sighed a little. "OK.. what did I do?" She finally asked. "Must have been something, the way you're acting." Steeling herself for the angry response she knew she was going to get, but deciding it was better than this damn sulking.

But Xena's gaze had dropped, and she'd put down the armor she was working on, then rubbed her eyes in a weary manner. "Sorry.. it's not you." She'd answered in a quiet voice, then paused for a long moment, her jaw working a bit as though she was fighting to say something. Or not to say it. Finally she sighed, and turned her head, meeting Gabrielle's waiting gaze. 'I'm just.. hurting." An unprecedented admission. "And it puts me in a bad mood.. didn't mean to take it out on you."

Gabrielle's response came right from her guts, as she reached over and circled the warriors arm with both her hands, and slid closer. "What happened?'

Now with her defenses down, the bard could see plainly the tense lines of pain across Xena's face, and as the warrior drew breath to answer her, she saw the flinch. "Come on.. come over here and lay down." Panic made her heart race, especially when her companion for once didn't argue, but instead allowed herself to be led over their bedrolls, and settled slowly down on hers, laying her head down on the folded cloak she used as a pillow and closing her eyes. And Gabrielle could see the muscles in her jaw suddenly stand out against her tanned skin as her jaw clenched.

"Xena.." She had said softly, aching for her. Putting out a tentative hand, she'd gently stroked the warrior's arm, feeling the tense shift of the muscles under the skin, until Xena had at last opened her eyes and gazed up at the bard.

"Nothing… big.. " She'd sighed. "Just pulled something.. " One hand touched her side. "Hurts to breathe… move." Now her face showed regret. "Sorry you thought it was something you did.. gods.. Gabrielle.. I didn't mean to do that to you." She collected herself. "It's all right.. just a little sore."

Gabrielle had smiled back. "Don't worry about it." Knowing that, at least for a tiny, short, while, she had gotten inside the door again. "Lay still." She'd gotten up, and gotten one of the waterskins, and gone to the spring, filling it with icy cold water and bringing it back to where the warrior was resting. "When I hurt my leg.. you said cold helped." She held up the waterskin, and raised her eyebrows.

That got a smile from Xena. "Good memory." She'd admitted, as the bard had sunk down next to her, and their eyes had met. "Right side, just below my ribs." Not even making a token attempt to take the skin from her, a gentle trust that warmed Gabrielle through.

She had carefully placed the skin against her body, seeing the little nod when she got it in the right place, first time. Then she drew up the blanket, and settled it around Xena's shoulders, never taking her eyes from the warrior's. "How's that?"

Xena's lips had twitched into a reluctant grin. "Perfect." Then the blue eyes had warmed considerably. "Thanks for putting up with me." Her arm had moved up, and she ruffled Gabrielle's hair in playful affection.

"Hey.. " Gabrielle had smiled. "That's what friends are for, right?"

"Right." Came the quiet answer. "It's been so long I'd kind of forgotten that."

Gabrielle had felt her chest constrict, and knew what she was feeling was showing in her eyes, and on her face. "I'll keep reminding you." She promised in a whisper. Feeling the ghostly brush of fingertips against her face that warmly, suddenly, became all too real.

And she had bowed to her body's insistent craving and leaned into the pressure, just enough for Xena to have felt it. And the warrior hadn't backed away from that.

"Gabrielle?" Cyrene's voice cut gently through her memories, and she looked up with a start. "Gods.. sorry. " She laughed a little. "I was just thinking."

"I can't imagine about what." The innkeeper replied drolly, chuckling as the bard blushed. "Ah, Gabrielle… enjoy it."

Green eyes glanced frankly up into hers. "I am" The bard let out a light laugh, then drained her mug. "I think I'm gonna go wake Ephiny up.. have a word with her about her Amazons."

Cyrene stood, and got a small tray out. "Do you think you could bring in a little soup? If it's too much for you to carry, I will." She paused. "Her Amazons?" Her dark eyebrows curved up as she regarded the slim bard who was standing carefully.

Gabrielle's gaze focused into her. "I think I can manage." She answered quietly. "And yes, her Amazons. They can borrow me for a while, but I know where I belong." She gingerly took the tray from Cyrene. "Thanks, mom."

The innkeeper gave her a careful hug. "Take care, honey." She hesitated. "Where did my daughter go off to?"

The bard smiled. "She's talking to Solon."

Cyrene's face perked up. "Really?"

A nod from Gabrielle. "Really." She took the tray, and nudged the door open with her elbow, moving through into the still quiet main room.

Xena hesitated a moment, one hand resting on the doorlatch, as she gathered her courage before opening it. Inside, she could hear Kaliepus's patient voice, and Solon's higher responses, and she smiled a little at the boy's request.

Ok.. let's go. She lifted the latch, and opened the door, passing from the cold morning light into the warm dimness of the barn, her senses catching the familiar scent of straw and horses, and the like yet unlike smell of the centaur. "Morning." She said casually, giving the centaur a faint smile.

"Ah.. morning Xena." Kaleipus sighed. "I was just explaining to Solon here why he can't go climbing around in the hayloft."

Solon eyed her with sparkling eyes. "Hey..it's your barn.. can I???"

Xena dropped to one knee and regarded him solemnly. "It's my mother's barn, and no, you have to listen to your father. That's the rule."

The boy scowled. "The girls got to go up there." He protested, giving Xena a stern look. "No fair."

Xena and Kaleipus exchanged amused looks. "Life's not fair." She cheerfully informed him. "Besides, it's just a hayloft."

Another scowl from the boy. "Yeah, but the girls say there's something really cool up there, and I wanna see it."

Xena's brow creased. "Believe me, Solon.. I've been up there.. there's nothing to see except hay and…" She stopped short, and let out an exasperated chuckle. "Oh.. I think I know what they meant." Gods.. gods.. gods… how did they get up there? More to the point, why were we so childish as to… oh Hades. "Hey Solon.. I don't think you'd find it very cool." She informed the boy. "It's just some stuff carved into the wood."

"Yeah?" Solon asked, studying her with an intentness that was weirdly familiar.

"Yeah." She answered, giving him back the same look.

"Did you carve it in there?" He countered, moving closer and tugging a bit of straw out of the nearest bale to chew on.

"Yeah." Xena answered again.

Solon grinned. "Then I really wanna see it."

Gods. I've just been outsmarted by a twelve-year-old child. I think it's time I retired. Xena sighed to herself, as she cast a look up at the smirking Kaleipus. I know what my mother must have gone through.. my one consolation is that this child is without question my son. Maybe he'll put those brains to a better use than I did. "What do you think, Kaleipus?"

The centaur shrugged. "It's your barn." He commented, and she heard the unspoken. And your son.

"C'mere." Xena stood and walked over to the loft, shaking her head.

Solon followed, grinning in triumph. "There's a ladder over.. whoa!!!!"

Xena had turned and caught him at the waist then boosted him up and over her head, tossing him up into the soft hay with a chuckle. "Ladder? Is that how the girls did it?" She jumped up and caught the stanchion, pulling herself up next to him and leaning back against the roof support with a smile. "Where's the fun in that?" She glanced down at Kaleipus, who gave her a little nod.

"I'm going out for a little run.. be back in a bit." The centaur called, as he trotted towards the door, and slipped outside. Ares slipped inside the barn at the same moment, and spotted her.

"Roo!!!" The wolf scowled, then sighed, and curled up in the hay next to Argo's stall. The mare put her head up over the partition, and snorted.

"Everybody's a critic." Xena muttered, then turned her attention to Solon, who was crawling around the loft and tracing the crude carvings, some old, some not so old at all.

"Wow.. that's you?" He found her name.

"Yep." Xena admitted, crossing her legs and putting her hands in her lap.

"Who's that?" His child's fingers traced a long dead name.

"My brother Lyceus." Xena answered quietly. "He died."

Solon glanced at her, a little startled. "Oh." His brow creased. "I'm sorry."

Xena nodded slowly. "Me too."

His eyes shifted left, and now he smiled and rolled his blue eyes. "Mushy stuff.. that must have been what they meant."

Xena smiled. "Told you."

Solon crawled over and sat down next to her, leaning against her shoulder. "They are so weird about you."

That got him a laugh. "Yeah, I know." The warrior sighed. "They'll grow out of it, though." She looked at him. "It's a girl thing."

"I guess." Solon snorted. "It's icky." He sighed. "It's been fun playing with them, though." He looked up. "I did get to play with Xenon the other week. Is he named after you?"

Xena studied him. "Ephiny's son? Yes, he is.." She cleared her throat. "Both of us, actually. His name is Xenon Gabris."

"How come?" Came the logical question. "He's really kind of cute.. they said he was going to get to stay with us for a while. How come?"

"Well.." Xena shifted a little, and considered the questions. "He's named for me because I was the one who helped bring him into the world." She hesitated. "And for Gabrielle because she and Ephiny are very good friends."

Solon's eyes widened. "Wow.. really??"

"Mmhmm." The warrior confirmed. "And.. I guess he's going to come stay by you because.. his mother thinks it would be the best thing for him. So he gets to know other centaurs, and learns about that side of his family."

"Oh." Solon considered this. "But.. doesn't his mother want him?"

Xena felt her breathing catch, as she sensed a hidden meaning in the question. "Of course she does." She quietly assured him. "Ephiny loves him very much.. but she knows.. that if he were to grow up without knowing that part of his heritage, he'd be very much hurt." Her eyes gently caressed him. "It's a very hard thing for her to do.. Solon.. and I know she must have debated with herself for a long time before she decided to do it."

"You think so?" The boy asked softly.

A nod from the warrior. "I know it." She smiled sadly. "It comes down to what's best for Xenon."

He was silent for a long moment, then his eyes rose and met hers, and he nodded a little. "OK." Then he glanced up and changed the subject. "Gabrielle is really cool."

Xena's eyebrows rose at the change. "Well, I kinda think so."

He smiled. "She really likes you a lot." He laughed a little.

"Yeah, I know." The warrior grinned. "That's ok.. I like her a lot too."

His eyes glanced up to the carving, then back at her. "She said she knew what I was gonna look like when I grew up. You think that's true?"

And suddenly, Xena knew that if he didn't know the truth, he at least suspected, and it made things… infinitely easier. She gazed quietly at him. "Oh.. I'd say she probably has a pretty good idea."

"Yeah?" His eyes widened a little, and he squirmed around in the hay to get a better look at her face. The sun was coming in the glazed window now, and lit both of them in a warm haze, catching idle dust motes as they floated over the sweet smelling hay.

"Yeah." Came the quiet answer, as she turned her head and let a smile shape her lips.

Solon stared at her intently, and she saw his hand suddenly clench in the straw, and his chest heave as he drew a deep breath. "You think I'll look like....." His courage failed him, and he begged her with his eyes.

Xena lifted a hand, and smoothed his thick hair back. "I think you'll look very much like me, yes."

A moment of crystal, golden silence, and Xena felt like time itself had stopped, as she merely waited for his response. His eyes never left hers, and his mouth worked a single syllable but no sound emerged.

She heard him anyway, and nodded minutely, laying her heart open and taking the risk. Just like Gabrielle had taught her.

"Mom?" Now his voice whispered out, shock and wonder coloring his expression.

'Yes." She replied softly.

She was never really certain, after, just how he ended up wrapped in her arms, just that he was there, small hands clutching her fiercely and his face buried in her tunic. It was like a long sundered piece of her life coming home at last, and she spent a long time just holding him, reveling in the feel of his body against hers.

Finally he looked up, and sniffled a little. "How come… how come…"

Xena hugged him. "I never told you?"

He nodded, a hurt expression in his eyes.

Now, the hard part. Xena sighed inwardly. "Solon.. when you were born, I .. was not a good person. I was doing some very bad things to a lot of people."

He blinked and swallowed hard. "I know that."

She nodded. "All right.. so I decided.. that it wouldn't be a very good.. or a very safe thing for you if you were to be with me." She paused. "And that was a very hard decision…for me."

"I figgered that out." Solon said quietly, his fingers playing with the necklace around her neck. "But now it's not like that." His eyes searched her face.

She sighed. "Well, no.. it's not. " Her voice dropped a little. "But…what I do now doesn’t really change what I did back then.. and there are a lot of people that remember that, Solon.. they remember that and they want… well, they would like to hurt me for that." She paused. "Or hurt the people I love."

He put his head down on her shoulder. "Like Toris?"

"Like Toris, and my mother, too." She answered, then hesitated. "And Gabrielle.. and you, if they knew about you." She sighed. "It's why we don't stay here all the time."

Solon snuggled closer. "It's not fair." He sighed. "I mean.. I kind of started to guess.. after that last time. Cause of stuff Kaleipus would say.. and I guess I just sort of hoped.. it was true." He turned his head and gazed up at her. "I know… what I used to think.. but then I met you, and it got all different." He blinked at her. "It was like my head wanted to hate you.. but my insides wouldn't let me.. an I thought about that a lot after you left."

Xena gazed at him sadly. 'I wanted to tell you then." She stroked his hair. "I just couldn’t." She felt his hands clench on her shirt. "I'm sorry, Solon."

"When we heard you were living here.. I made Pappa tell me where this was." He sniffled quietly. "Wanted to see you." He burrowed deeper into her embrace. "Thought maybe if I came an visited, you'd let me stay."

The warrior felt her heart sink. "I.. can't.. let you do that." She managed to get out. "It's too dangerous."

"But.." He protested

Xena put a finger on his lips. "Solon.. " Her voice cracked. "If something happened to you because of me, I couldn’t live with that."

"But.." He protested again. "You can beat up everybody!!"

That got a wistful smile from her. "Not everybody.. not all the time.. it's not true, Solon."

"I don't believe that." He answered sturdily. "Everybody knows you're the best fighter in the world."

"Everybody does, huh?" The warrior laughed gently. "Well, it's… " Not true? Who knows? "Not something I think about." She stroked his soft cheek. "But I can't put you in that kind of danger."

He furrowed his brow, thinking. "But you let Gabrielle stay."

Xena sighed. Damn him for being so bright, and so persistent. Then she laughed wryly at herself. Damn me, you mean. "Solon.. that's different." She gazed at the window and blinked. "Gabrielle is.. an adult. And you know she can fight, and defend herself."

He scowled. "Yeah.. " He subsided, and a lonely tear rolled down one side of his face. "I know.. I didn't really think you'd let me stay."

Xena saw it, and it hurt. "Look.. Solon.. Gabrielle and I talked about it.. we're going to see how being here works out. If it's ok.. if it looks like it's going to stay safe.. but we won't know that for a while."

He was silent for a while. "Can I come visit sometimes?" He finally asked, his voice breaking a little on the words, but with a subtle hope growing in his eyes. He wasn't giving up, Xena recognized the expression with a wry self knowledge.

She hugged him. "Sure." Then she pulled back and gave him a look. "But no more sneaking off."

He blushed. "Aww…"

Xena ruffled his hair. "You hungry?"

He nodded. "Can I call Gabrielle Aunt?"

Xena dropped out of the loft and brushed off the hay sticking to her tunic. "Well, you can ask her.. but I think she'd like that." She held up her arms. "Jump."

And without question or hesitation, he did, leaping for her in total confidence. She caught him, and then tossed him up a little, and caught him again. "Wow." He laughed, and looked up at her with sparkling eyes. "That was fun." He seemed reconciled to leaving, at least for now, but Xena knew if it had been her, another plan of action would already be in the works. And she expected no less from her son. It was both exasperating and reassuring.

She set him down, and he immediately trotted over to sleepily stirring Ares, who raised his dark head and regarded the boy with wary eyes. "Hey wolfie." He plopped down in the straw next to the wolf and held out a hand. Ares sniffed it, then wagged his tail and gave him a lick. Solon peered back over his shoulder at his mother, who was leaning against the stall divider. "Pappa won't let me have a dog." He sighed.

A slow, mischievous grin crossed Xena's face, and she had to work very fast, and very hard to quash the idea that floated to the surface. "Well, I'm sure he has good reasons." She pronounced, watching Solon play with the wolf's big front paws. "You like dogs?" She watched him turn and nod vigorously. Of course he did. "What about horses?" Another nod, complete with a grin. Right. Poor Kaleipus.

He jumped up and trotted over to her, and wound one hand into the fabric of her tunic, looking up wistfully. "Is it ok to call you mom?"

Xena dropped to one knee, and studied him carefully. "Sure, honey." She put a hand on his shoulder. "But for now.. only when we're here, OK?" She looked around her. "This place is safe… I trust the people who live here."

Solon thought about that. "Is it ok to tell the girls?" His eyes twinkled with anticipation.

Xena sighed. No point in not. That rumor would be racing all over the Amazon Nation within days anyway. "Yes, but I think Cait already knows."

His face went serious. "I think so too. She wasn't going to let Gabrielle stay by herself… " His eyes flicked to her face. "And then they had a fight, and after that, she stayed by me all the time." He blinked. "Why did she do that?"

The warrior felt her face go very still, as a wash of horror swept over her. She took a deep breath before answering. "Because.. she wanted to make sure you were safe, son." The word tasted odd and wonderful. "And she didn't think she'd be able to do that herself."

Solon bit his lip unhappily. "Were they really gonna kill her?" His blue eyes looked up into hers, and he gasped a little. "Mom?"

Xena realized what her face must be showing, and shook her head a little, breaking their eye contact, and restoring a measure of her composure. "Um… yeah, Solon. They really were."

He was silent for a minute, watching her face. "I'm glad you got there."

The warrior pulled him into a hug, and gazed sightlessly over his shoulder at the sun dappled wall. "Me too." She whispered finally, sighing then releasing him. He backed off a step, but kept his hands on her, and poked her arm gently.

"Hey.. you're all solid." His eyes coursed over her curiously. "Like a centaur."

That got a smile. "Oh yeah?" Well.. that's the first time I've ever been compared to a centaur. Life is just full of new experiences today, huh? "Come on… let me go introduce you to your grandmother.. the right way." She stood and put an arm around his shoulders, guiding him towards the door.

Gabrielle nudged the door to Ephiny's room open with her elbow, and peered in, seeing the Amazon still fitfully asleep. She smiled, and entered the room, setting the small tray down and crossing to the blonde's bedside. She's almost made it to the very edge when Ephiny's sharp instincts alerted her to the new presence, and she stirred, turning her head, and forcing her eyes open a little.

Blinking, and focusing on her visitor, then opening wider as a shaky grin formed on her mouth. "Hey.." She rasped. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

Gabrielle settled down on the small stool near the bed and gave her a smile. "Probably." She admitted. "But I wanted to see you." She took a cautious breath. "And Xena's got these wrapped pretty good.. I do feel better." The sharp stabs of pain had subsided to a persistent dull ache, and Xena had told her this meant the bones were knitting.. and not moving against each other any more. She cringed when she imagined that. "How are you doing?"

Ephiny nodded a little, and hitched herself up so she could see Gabrielle better. "Not bad.. I feel like a centaur is sitting on my chest, and I'm weak as a newborn kitten, but you know.. why complain?"

The bard's face broke into a welcome grin. "You sound more like yourself." She commented, then glanced towards the tray. "I brought you in some soup."

Ephiny's pale eyebrows rose. "All these people, and they have to draft you to do that?" She stifled a cough, and managed an outraged look.

Gabrielle chuckled softly. "No.. no.. I volunteered." She glanced down at the wooden floor, then back up as Ephiny's hand clasped hers, and their eyes met.

"I can't tell you how glad I am to see you." Ephiny said quietly. "I was out of my mind worrying, Gabrielle."

"I know." The bard answered in a very quiet voice. "I feel like such an idiot." Her expression turned grim. "You were right, Ephiny. I had no business taking those kids out there."

The Amazon's brow creased. "Gabrielle.. don't be crazy." She squeezed the hand under hers. "What happened out there wasn't your fault… for the sake of the gods.. you handled that as well or better than any of us could have."

Gabrielle leaned forward, and pinned her with an intense gaze. "Ephiny, I totally disregarded the fact that I knew there were raiders out there, and deliberately put five of your people into danger." She hesitated, then went on. "Because I thought I could handle it.. that I was as much of an Amazon as any of you were."

Ephiny gripped her hand with surprising strength. "Look.." She said, giving stare for stare. "You are as much an Amazon as any of us are, and they're not my people." She took a careful breath, pausing to stifle a cough. "I'd like to hope that any of my fellow Amazons would have had the level of courage, and strength, and intelligence to deal with a very bad situation like you did, but you know what? I bet they wouldn’t have. Those kids were damn lucky to have you there with them. You got me??"

"Ephiny, they wouldn't have been in that situation if it hadn't been for me." The bard said quietly, sadly.

"How do you know that?" The Amazon retorted. "They were running all around this damn place, Gabrielle.. they might have gone out there on their own, like Solon did, and then what? They'd be on their way to who knows where by now." She paused, and watched the bard assimilate the information. "Gabrielle, have you told Xena you feel like this?"

A slight, reluctant shake of the head.

"Why?" Ephiny asked. And waited. "I'll tell you why." She continued, when the bard didn't answer. "Because she'd tell you to stop being silly, right?"

A resentful mist green glance.

"Well, sorry, but I'm with the old war horse on this one. So, Gabrielle, stop being silly." Ephiny finished, but her voice was gentle. "Look.. things happen, my friend." She gave the bard a wistful look. "Look what happened to me, huh?" She glanced down the legnth of her body with a wry look. "Here I am, Amazon from birth, right? I figure, no problem, I can take these kids out an give them some proper lessons, right?" She lifted her hands and let them fall. "So what do I do? Fall in a river and have to be rescued by Xena, then end up flat on my back for days." She sighed. "Is that any kind of example for young Amazons? I ask you."

Gabrielle sighed. "I've got everyone thinking I'm some kind of hero, Ephiny." She looked up, startled, at the sudden chuckle. "It's not funny."

"So.. did she teach you to do that too?" Ephiny grinned. "You've got the act down pat."

"What act?' The bard scowled.

Ephiny leaned back and started to relax a little. "That 'gee, gosh, it weren't nothing, hardly' act?"

"Ephiny!" Gabrielle protested.

The Amazon relented. "Oh, for Hades sake, Gabrielle." She laughed gently. "Come on.." Her expression sobered. "Listen, I know it was a really scary thing.. but you handled it with honor, and courage, and you were willing to risk your life to save those kids.. and I have news for you, Gabrielle. That is what a hero does."

She studied the bard's face, dusted in the sunlight that was edging in through the window and bringing out the fiery highlights in her hair. No.. Ephiny's mind sighed. She's certainly not a child anymore, is she. The faint lines of experience had begun to shadow her, and the green eyes held a depth of knowledge that went beyond her years. I think I'm seeing, at last, what Xena always did see in her.. gods, we all thought she was crazy, dragging this poor kid around half of Greece. Silly us. "Feel better now?" She asked quietly, seeing the bard's body relax.

Gabrielle studied her for a minute. "Yeah." She finally said, with a reluctant smile. "Check this out..I come in here to see how you're doing, and end up fighting with you."

Ephiny waved a hand at her. "Fight? Get outta here, Gabrielle." She gave the bard an amused look. "If you call that a fight, you must not get into many with the old war-horse."

"Ephiny?" Gabrielle said, getting up carefully and getting the soup, then settling down and handing it to her.

"Yeah?" The Amazon responded, sipping slowly.

"Don’t call her that." The bard requested quietly.

Ephiny stopped still, and stared at her. "Gods.. I didn't think she cared."

Green eyes captured hers. "She probably doesn't, but I do."

The Amazon studied her for a long moment, then dropped her gaze. "All right, Gabrielle." Damn.. I didn't expect that. "I'm sorry..I didn't mean any disrespect."

Now the bard smiled. "I know, and thanks… from both of us."

Ephiny sipped her soup thoughtfully, watching Gabrielle out of the corner of her eye. "Hey.. can I ask you something?" She said casually, her eye catching on the necklace the bard wore.

"Sure." Gabrielle responded, scooting the stool closer, and wincing as she jarred her ribs. "Ugh."

"Hey.. careful." The Amazon warned, giving her a concerned look. "Why don't you sit down in that other chair, huh?"

The bard took a shaky breath and tucked her elbows against her sides. "No..it's ok. What did you want to ask?"

Ephiny reached out a hand and touched the necklace. "What is this? I saw.. um.. yesterday.. Xena had one something like it on. I've never seen one before." She gently turned the crystal over, and studied it. "Looks like it's a half of something."

"It is." Gabrielle answered softly. "One half of a whole." Just like I am.

"Oh." The blond woman replied. "Wow." Then she took another sip. "Bet there's a story behind that." Her eyes twinkled, and she saw an answering twinkle in Gabrielle's gaze. "Thought so." She swallowed. "You did promise to fill me in on what you've been up to."

Xena pushed open the door to the inn, peeking inside, then grinning. "Oh.. look what I see." She drawled, opening the door to allow Ares and Solon to enter ahead of her. Seated at the far table was her brother, who was holding up his head with both hands, and staring into a mug of something in front of him. A devilish glint appeared in his sister's eyes as she sauntered over, accompanied by the boy and the wolf.

"Hey, Toris." The warrior said, pulling up a chair and seating herself, patting the seat next to her for Solon.

"Shh." The man groaned, staring at her with bloodshot eyes. "Are you usually this noisy? I thought you prided yourself on how quiet you were."

Solon giggled. Toris turned his bleary gaze on the boy and sighed. "Hello."

"Solon, unfortunately, this is your uncle Toris." Xena said, watching her brother start in surprise. "He's not usually this… " Her lips twitched. "crabby in the morning."

"I'm not crabby." Toris retorted. "I'm in agony, and you are very cruel." He watched her settle her elbows on the table and winced. "Just don't rattle the boards, OK?"

Solon immediately slapped both hands down on the table, causing the top to vibrate rapidly. "Like that?"

Toris grimaced, and gritted his teeth, turning a accusatory eye on his sister. "Oh.. he's definitely your son." He growled at her. "If I had any doubt at all, that just proved it."

Xena laughed gently, and patted his shoulder. "Hang on." She shook her head, and went to the service area, taking out a mug, and mixing something together. "Toris.. Toris… I can't blame the Amazons, but gods, you know better." She sighed, and moved back to the table, putting the mug down in front of him. "Drink that."

Toris sniffed it. "Oh.. gods in Olympus, Xena.. do I have to?"

"No." His sister replied. "You can feel the way you do for the rest of the day instead." She paused. "Look at it this way, Toris…once you feel better, you can have fun doing this to everyone else."

He thought about that for a minute, then gave her a slight grin, and, holding his nose, drank the mixture down. "Ugh." He moaned. "Do me a favor?"

"Sure." Xena replied.

"Don't tell me what was in that." His blue eyes met hers in supplication.

Xena smiled. "OK." She stood and held out a hand for Solon. "C'mon." They headed towards the kitchen.

"I'm dying." Granella stated, from facedown on the bed.

"Been there, done that." Lida replied. "Wanna hear something scary?"

"No." The dark haired Amazon answered. "I'm experiencing something scary right now."

"We gotta leave to take the girls home today." Lida moaned.

"Oh gods." Granella sighed. "What kicked me in the head? Did I do something stupid like challenge Xena to a boxing match?"

"Ugh." Lida answered, slowly rolling over. "Nah.. she wasn't even at the party." She opened her eyes, then immediately shut them again. "Augh!"

"Last thing I remember was.. " Granella's brow furrowed against the soft fabric. "Betting with someone about a frog."

"Ew." Lida suddenly said.

"What?" Granella mumbled.

"How did this pastry get inside my leathers?" Came the puzzled response.

Xena pushed the door open to the kitchen, and spotted Cyrene stirring a large pot at the back fire. She knelt down and whispered in Solon's ear, and he giggled softly, and nodded, then crept across the floor towards the busy innkeeper.

The warrior settled herself against the doorjamb to watch, smiling quietly to herself as Solon reached his target, and tugged on her apron strings.

"Hi grandma." His clear voice carried across the kitchen.

Cyrene jumped, and dropped the spoon she was using, as she looked down in startlement. Then her face broke into a huge smile and she opened her arms and grabbed him up in a big hug, half turning to look at the tall, dark haired woman smiling across the kitchen at her. "Hey there sweetie." She said to Solon, as she stroked his curly hair. "Welcome to the family." But her eyes met Xena's over his head, and she returned the warrior's smile. "Come here and sit down.. let me look at you."

Xena watched them as they sat down, the boy readily answering all her questions, his bright voice lightening the kitchen as it hadn't been for many years. She propped her chin up on one hand, and felt a reluctant peace settle over her soul, glad that for at least this one, small moment in time everything was.. right.

It couldn’t stay that way, she knew. She had done too much, to too many people, and the future was murky at best, but for right now, she was happy just to sit quietly, and listen to her mother's delighted voice, and enjoy an almost unnerving sense of stability.

She could almost, almost… imagine what her life might have been like without Cortese. And she felt a quiet, gentle sense of loss for all those years. For not knowing her son. For the darkness, and the anger, and the bloodshed.

But those years had happened, she wearily admitted. And changing that would change… too much now, far too many good things. She glanced up at her son. So maybe I should just gather in the good times like this.. and someday.. they'll just overwhelm the bad memories. Maybe they will.

"Gods, Gabrielle." Ephiny said in a hushed voice, as the bard finished what she called the short version of their recent adventures. "I'm sorry you had to go through that.. and poor Xena." She shuddered, imagining being trapped under solid rock.

The bard sighed. "Well, she's ok.. you know her. " The green eyes warmed. "But I was really scared there for a while.. and that whole thing is kind of why we're here.. I mean.. " She played with the button on the tunic she was wearing. "When we left you guys that last time.. we came here for a couple of weeks just to kind of.. get used to things.. and take a break." Her eyes met Ephiny's "I needed one."

The Amazon nodded slowly. "Yeah.. I kind of got that impression." She gave Gabrielle a little pat on the knee. "You looked pretty drained."

"Yeah.. well, so we did - and it was great." The bard laughed. "Two weeks, no fights, no pressure, no wandering around.. just relaxing, and having a good time." She sighed. "Toris and Cyrene were fantastic… '" She rolled her eyes. "They even threw me a birthday party."

Ephiny's eyebrows rose. "Oh.. so you'll tell them your birthday, but not me?" She gave Gabrielle an arch look. "Some friend you are."

"Ephiny." Gabrielle laughed softly, and patted her arm. "I never told them. Xena found out somehow.. and it was a surprise.. she even surprised me with a gift.. I didn't expect any of it."

"Mmmhmm." The Amazon didn't relent. "Likely story." She considered. "But wait.. I can narrow it down to within two weeks, because I know when you left us." She chuckled. "Ah.. but do you know when Xena's is?"

An impish grin from the bard. "Yep."

Pleasant smile from the Amazon. "Cough it up."

"But Eph.. she'll kill me." Gabrielle protested, but her eyes were smiling.

"Ah ah ha…" The blond woman shook a finger at her. "She won't harm a hair on your head, and you know it. Spill."

"Solstice." The bard laughed. "I think she set the ceremony for then so we'd be celebrating anyway, and she thought I'd just forget."

"But.. you didn't, right?" Ephiny was enjoying herself, imagining a number of torturous gifts she could present to the tall warrior. Amazons could be.. inventive.. when they put their minds to it.. and after all, she did owe Xena a favor or two.

"Oh..no nonono…" Gabrielle assured her. "So anyway.. it was a great two weeks.. I hadn't realized just tired out I was until I had the chance to just spend a couple of days snoozing.. we just get so busy, you know?"

"Yeah.. you guys do get around." Ephiny acknowledged.

"So.. after we went by Potadeia, and that whole thing happened with the landslide, we both kind of just decided we'd like a taste of.. well, home." The bard finished. "It's been wonderful, Eph. I like what it's doing for both of us."

"Mmm.." Ephiny agreed. "She seemed more at peace..I noticed that even when you were by us those few days." The image of the banquet hall, flickering in the torchlight and Gabrielle nestled asleep in the warrior's protective arms formed in her mind. Two halves of a whole, huh? What two unlike halves.. but… odder things have happened, right Phantes, my love? She glanced up at Gabrielle. "And you, my friend, even with those bruises, look a lot better." She tugged on the bard's tunic. "You were starting to get me a little worried before you left."

The bard sighed. "I know." She glanced ruefully at the floor. "My mind just… when I get upset, I just don't feel like eating.. and I get these nightmares." She quietly admitted. "I never really felt secure there… always felt that people were depending on me every minute.. that I had to constantly keep my guard up."

Ephiny reflected on that. "I guess I've been living in the village so long.. that just doesn't occur to me." She mused. "Conentious as it is, that's home to me." She looked up. "Like this is for you, I think."

Gabrielle's gaze softened. "No.. home for me is wherever Xena is." She smiled. "But I do love it here."

The Amazon nodded slowly. "I'm glad you found all this, Gabrielle.. it makes me feel good to see you so happy."

The bard clasped her hand. "Thanks, Ephiny… now you have to make me feel good by you finding the same thing, OK?"

Ephiny's eyes misted over. "Oh.. my friend.. I've had my chance." Her face tightened in remembered pain. "And I think you only get that kind of chance once."

Gabrielle studied her pensively. "Sometimes you get a second chance, Eph. And if you do, take it."

The Amazon heard levels of meaning in the comment, and she filed it away quietly. "I will." She promised softly.

Gabrielle nodded. "Listen.. I'm going to go get some more herbs.. your cough is starting to sound worse. I'll be right back." Slowly she stood, and moved towards the door.

Toris heard the patter of footsteps, and glanced around to see the girls pouring into the inn. They spotted him, and headed his way, and he sent silent thanks towards whoever was so wonderful as to make sure his sister had stopped by on her way to the kitchen. "Morning." He said, somewhat cheerfully.

"Hello!" Cait said, seating herself. "Wonderful morning, isn't it?" She grinned. "Great for traveling."

The girls settled into place, beaming at him. "Thank you very much for having us here." Sharra said, with a shy smile. "You've been very nice."

Toris smiled at them. "Sorry you had to have such wild adventures." He sipped his hot tea.

"Oh no." Elianas laughed. "We've got the best stories to tell once we get home." She poked Sharra. "Right?"

They all giggled. "We're all packed." Sharra confided. "We've just got to wait for the scouts to wake up."

"Hmm.." Toris grinned quietly. "Might be a while."

Cait leaned forward. "Is it true they were in here dancing naked last night?"

Toris, caught in the middle of taking a sip, sprayed the table with it. "What???" Did I miss that? "No.. of course not.. where did you hear that from?"

Another round of giggles.

A door opened, and he half turned to see Gabrielle emerging from the sick Amazon's room, holding a small tray in one hand, and moving far more slowly than normal. His face winced in compassion. Then the kitchen door opened and his sister came out, spotting the bard and crossing over to her.

He saw Gabrielle hear the footfalls, and look up, and watched as a dazzling smile appeared on her face, almost as though sunlight had caught her out of the shadows.

The girls all sighed. "Gosh.. isn't that wonderful." Cait commented, resting her chin on her hand.

Xena went to her, and removed the tray from her grasp, then lifted a hand to tilt the bard's chin up, and study her face. They were too far away to hear, but the warrior said something, and that made the bard's smile wider.

Then they both turned and walked towards the table, Xena slowing her steps to her partner's, and circling her shoulders with a protective arm. "Hey.." The warrior greeted them. "You all ready to travel?"

Cait nodded. "We're ready." She glanced around. "We'd like to say goodbye to Ephiny for now.. may we?"

Xena glanced at Gabrielle, who nodded, leaning against Xena and wrapping her left arm around the warrior's waist. "She's up.. go ahead." The bard commented. "Be gentle with her though, ok guys?"

They clattered past her, and disappeared from sight, leaving the three of them gazing at each other. Gabrielle turned her head and looked up . "Where's Solon?"

Xena motioned with her head. "Spending a few minutes with mother.. we all had breakfast together. Kaleipus is ready to go, but… "

They turned as footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Xena muffled a grin as the Amazons came creeping down, glaring at them.

"Hi" Gabrielle called, sweetly. "Good morning." She added, nestling closer to Xena for protection as the group staggered over to them.

Granella looked like she might dispute that, but one glance at the dark blue gaze above the queen's head stopped her. Instead, she wobbled over to where Toris was sitting, and before he could so much as squawk, lifted her hand and pushed a very soggy, and somewhat stale pastry into his face.

Then she turned around, and staggered to the next table, and collapsed on top of it.

It took a while to get the Amazons in any condition to ride, and Xena left that to Cyrene and Gabrielle, while she took Solon out for a long ride on Argo as Kaleipus said he would wait and travel with them.

Finally, she turned the mare's head homeward, and trotted through familiar fields, showing him the layout of the village, and the different landmarks. "Just in case you happen to be around here again." She said, giving him a look.

He gave it right back. "Neat." He grinned, and leaned back against her, holding onto Argo's mane and raising his face to the sun. "Argo's a nice horse." He said approvingly, giving the mare a pat.

Xena chuckled. "Yeah, I think so.. she's going to have a baby, you know."

He turned and gazed at her. "Really?" His eyes lit up. "Can I come see it?" He paused. "And I can come for Solstice, right?"

His mother sighed. "Everyone else is going to be here.. sure you can.. if Kaleipus says it's all right. " She looked at him with a serious expression. "Solon, remember Kaliepus is your father, all right? And you have to listen to him. What you know now.. that doesn't change that."

He looked up at her. "I know." He bit his lip. "But I can't help it. You're a lot more fun."

That got a very raised eyebrow. "Fun?" Xena repeated, her voice dropping.

Solon grinned. "Yeah." He sighed. "Like in the barn when you told me to jump out of the loft. Kaleipus would have had a foal if I did that." He shrugged. "But you didn't.. you wanted me to do it.. and like when we were playing little jokes on grandma and uncle Toris." He looked up. "You're fun."

Xena scowled at him. "Life isn't always fun, Solon."

He gave her a look. "I know that.. but… like when the Amazons came downstairs.. I was thinking of all the neat stuff I could do to them.. and I looked over at you, and I could tell you were thinking the same thing." His eyes caught hers. "You were!"

Xena started laughing. Busted. He caught me dead on. Gods.. it would be dangerous having him around. What was that old saying? I hope you have kids just like you? Oh boy…

"I knew it!" He yelled in triumph.

Suddenly, she put a hand on his shoulder, and her body stiffened. "Shh." She cautioned, reining Argo in, and listening.

He went very still, huddled in front of her, watching her face. "Keep quiet." She murmured. "Maybe we can talk our way out of this." He nodded in silence, now hearing the stealthy hoofbeats that had alerted his mother.

Xena nudged Argo out into the open, and waited, her hands resting lightly on the reins, and her senses alert. Six horsemen. She relaxed a little as they edged out from the coverage of the trees, and faced her.

"Now.. no trouble, there.. " The lead rider said. "We just want the kid, ok? Long winter.. you can spare em." He moved his sorrel stallion closer to her. "Just put him down, and ride off."

Xena leaned back, and studied him. "Funny.. you didn't look that stupid." She drawled. "Why don't you boys just ride off, and I'll pretend I didn't see you. Your buyer's not in the picture anymore anyway."

Solon stayed very still, feeling the electric shift of bone and muscle behind him, and knowing he was as safe as it was possible to get in the circumstances.

"Yeah? What do you know about it?" The lead rider asked, moving closer.

Xena dropped the reins, and gently covered Solon's ears with her hands. "He had his head taken off by a longsword two days ago." She grinned. "Not nice for the kid to hear." Then she dropped her hands to Solon's shoulders and waited.

The man moved his horse up against Argo, and studied her. "How do you know? We haven't heard that."

Xena smiled. "It was my sword."

He reached for Solon. "Liar."

Xena got a booted foot up against his chest and kicked him clean off his horse. "Idiot." The sorrel stallion snorted, and backed up, as Argo nipped him.

The man lay on the ground, coughing and holding his chest, finally catching his breath and glancing up at them with a murderous look.

Solon gazed impassively at him, then shook a small finger. "Nobody messes with my mom."

Xena had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing. "He's right." She advised the rest of them. "So get lost.. and stay out of Amphipolis."

"Amphipolis?" One asked, shifting uneasily. "Oh .. Hades..we came too far." Their eyes fastened on Xena, and she saw them go suddenly pale, as her probable identity registered. They turned their horses, and scattered, the downed raider limping after, dragging his horse behind him.

Xena chuckled, and turned Argo's head, kneeing the mare once again towards home. They'd gone a few horse lengths when she felt a small hand touch her thigh, and she glanced down.

Solon was gently feeling muscles in her leg, and looking up at her in wonder. "Will I be this strong when I get big?" He asked, eyes round.

His mother ruffled his hair. "Well, I don’t know, Solon.. it takes a lot of effort to be like this." She gazed at him. "You gotta really work at it."

"Yeah?" He replied, studying her attentively. "All the time?"

"Every day." Xena confirmed, with a guilty thought about just how much that hadn't been true lately.

He thought about that for a minute. "Guess all the good stuff takes work, huh?"

"Pretty much, yeah." Xena agreed.

"Is it worth it?" The boy queried, wrapping his hands around hers and studying the muscled palms intently.

A montage of intense memories hit her, where that very strength had made the difference. Between good and evil, between life and death. Not the last of which was the memory of the surging power that had taken her, unstopped, through the rapids and up the side of a sheer cliff. "Yes, it is." She answered quietly.

He looked up. "So.. where do you start?"

"Are you guys sure you have everything?" Gabrielle asked for the tenth time, as the Amazons clustered around the small group of horses they were being lent for the trip home. They'd bid a temporary good bye to Ephiny, who would remained comfortably resting until she could safely travel. Xena had estimated another ten to fourteen days.

"Yes, we do." Granella assured her, scrubbing her face tiredly, and pushing her hair back from her eyes. Toris had coaxed Xena into fixing her herbal mixture up for them, and they were, if not happy, at least serviceable. "We'll send back an escort when we get home… I know you can probably expect either Solari or Eponin to show up.. they must be driving everybody completely nuts."

Gabrielle laughed gently. "I can imagine." She looked up as she heard hoofbeats approaching, not needing the familiar sight of Argo to identify the rider. "Ok.."

Xena pulled Argo to a halt next to Kaleipus, and lifted Solon up off the mare's back, swinging him over onto the centaur's. She ruffled his hair. "Behave yourself."

He grinned at her. "You too." Receiving an arched eyebrow in reaction, that made him giggle. They had said their good-byes before the last bend removed their privacy, and now just winked at each other as Xena backed Argo off, and surveyed the little party.

Mounting slowly, the riders moved out, waving goodbye as they cleared the courtyard, and started on the long road home.

Xena dismounted, and led Argo over to where Toris and Gabrielle were standing, sliding an arm around the bard's shoulders. She looked up. "You all right?"

The warrior nodded. "Yeah… " A glance down. "How about you?" She studied her partner's face.

Gabrielle sighed. "I could use a nap." She confessed, then slid a light fingertip up Xena's side. "Care to join me?"

"Yeah." She grinned, steering the bard towards the cabin, and leaving a snorting Toris to roll his eyes. "Hey… can't help it if you're jealous." She called back over her shoulder. "C'mon Ares." The wolf sneezed, then trotted after them.

Gabrielle giggled. "Damn..I wish I'd seen him dancing on the table."

Xena snuggled closer, and nibbled a bit of her hair. "Oh? What's it worth to you for me to engage him in a drinking contest?"

Gabrielle regarded her with an amused look. "You sure you'll win?"

The warrior chuckled deep in her throat. "Trust me."

They entered the cabin, and closed the door behind them.

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