Home is where the Heart is - Part 1

by Melissa Good
Melissa Good

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 - there is mild violence here. Xena gets bored otherwise, and starts tossing that chakram around, and you know how dangerous that gets. Also, there is some reference to, but not graphical depiction of an abusive parental relationship. If this disturbs you, please be warned.

Subtext - This story is based on the premise of two women very much in love with each other. While there are no graphic scenes involved, the theme runs through the story, and if this bothers you, click BACK PAGE and go read something else. Also, I'll say again, if love offends you, please drop me a line with your snail address, I've decided to send brownies this time, because I really do feel bad. I'll even put chocolate chips in them, but if you live in Florida, and it's the summertime, just come visit me. It'll be less messy.

This is a direct sequel to At A Distance, and takes up directly after the action in that story leaves off.

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

A cool wind drifted among the tall trees around secluded campsite, gently lifting the cream colored mane of the horse cropping grass, and fitfully tossing the odd spark into the packed earth surrounding the fire. Sprawled on a thick black fur was a fair haired woman hard at work, scratching hesitantly on a set of parchments spread out before her.

"Damn. I can't do this." Gabrielle sighed. "I just can't do it." She chewed on the end of the quill she was using, then suddenly cocked her head. "Hey." A big smile crossed her face. "You can't sneak up on me anymore." She turned on her side, and watched as a tall dark haired form stepped over the log, and settled herself onto the fur at the bard's side. A boisterous wolf puppy scampered after her, and tried to jump over the log, without any success.

"Roo!" He protested, until the warrior picked him up and set him down on the furs, where he curled up contentedly.

"Who said I was trying?" Xena asked, rubbing the excess water out of her hair. "Hmm?"

"Oh, little clues like you were tiptoeing up out of my line of sight." The bard answered, with a wicked grin. "Won't work now.. I felt you." Her eyes sparkled.

"Uh huh." Xena responded. "As a matter of fact, the stream is that way, and when was the last time I came into camp noisily?"

Gabrielle gazed at her. "Uhm.....good point." she admitted, with a laugh. "OK, I give on that one." She reached out and laid a hand on the warrior's knee. "Wow.. you were swimming. Brr."

Xena snapped the linen at her. "Yep." She slid down, and propped her head on one elbow. "How's the story coming along?"

The bard threw up her quill in disgust. "I can't do it, Xena." She gave Xena a sheepish look. "I can't write a story about myself. I just can't." She pushed aside the scrolls and rolled back onto her stomach, putting her chin in her hands.

Xena regarded her thoughtfully. "Why?" she asked, putting out a hand and gently scratching the bard's nearby back. "You really did those things."

"I know." Came the answer. "I just... I don't know, Xena. I just can't find the words." She looked up at the warrior. "Not like I can when I'm writing about you."

Xena let her eyes half close in concentration. "Try writing about the Amazon Queen as though it was someone else." she suggested, tilting her head at the bard. "Pretend it's someone you don't know."

Gabrielle thought about that for a while. "Mmm...maybe." she mumbled. "Yeah.. that might work." Her green eyes regarded Xena. "What made you think of that?" she asked, curiously.

Xena's eyebrows rose, and a playful smile crossed her face. "Cause that's what I have to do when I listen to the ones you write about me." She laughed at the bard's expression, and ruffled her pale hair. "I just pretend it's someone else you're talking about." She shrugged. "Of course, all the plots are a little familiar..."

And now Gabrielle was laughing too. She shook her head. "Another lesson learned from the Warrior Princess." Then she sighed. "One of many." But she smiled up at Xena. "Let me put this stuff all away. I'm pretty tired, and we'll be in Potadeia tomorrow. " A grimace. "I think I'll need my sleep tonight."

Xena watched her as she gathered up her writing supplies, and tucked them away in her bag. She was a bit concerned about her partner, and was not really sure of why. The bard had been more than usually quiet on the short trip up from Amphipolis, and seemed withdrawn as they had gotten closer to her home village, but shrugged off any questions saying that she just wasn't looking forward to the sure unpleasantness ahead. Which might be true, thought the warrior But she's faced a lot of unpleasantness before, and it's usually with a cheerful spirit. Maybe it's because it's.. more personal this time.

She considered the problem seriously, as Gabrielle settled her things, and walked back to the sleeping fur, sitting back down, and staring into the fire with her arms wrapped around her knees.

Xena sighed inwardly, and sat up also, setting cross legged next to the bard, and waiting. Eventually, Gabrielle sensed her intent gaze, and turned her head to meet it. "Hi." The younger woman said softly.

"Hi." Xena responded, leaning forward a little. "Look, this isn't my bag of tricks, but when you're ready to talk about what's bothering you, remember where to find me, OK? I'm the tall dark haired one with the sword."

"Xena!" Gabrielle let out a short laugh. Then she made the mistake of looking into those blue eyes at short distance. They undid her resolve as though they were an ocean wave, and she a sand castle on the shore. "When I was home... that last time." She dropped her gaze to the fur, and played with it idly "After...well, you know."Perdicus. "I had a big fight with them."

Xena's eyebrows rose. "About...?" Me, probably. She sighed inwardly.

"What I was doing." Gabrielle answered briefly. "They wanted me to stay there, get over Perdicus, dad was going to arrange.. something else." she mentioned her late husband with a seconds pause, but no obvious pain.

"You think this is the 'something else'?'" Xena hazarded, quietly. Sounds like her father. Didn't much like him. But then, all of them hated me, so I'm not one to judge.

Gabrielle nodded. "I think so." She gazed off towards the fire, coloring a little. "I think he's determined to get.."

Xena nodded briskly. "His dower out of you." She said, matter of factly. "How much is he looking for?" The question startled the bard.

"Uh...I have...no idea." Her voice took on a touch of hoarseness. "That wasn't ever talked about to us." She paused. "To my mother, or Lila, or me."

The warrior's eyes narrowed in thought. "Wonder what he'd do if I offered to pay it?" she drawled, letting a sly grin across her face. Watching Gabrielle's expression cross from anxiety to shock, to hope, then to grimness.

"You will not give him a quarter dinar, Xena." The bard breathed, reaching out and clutching her arm. "I am not going to be bought." Then her eyes turned shy. "Not that.. I mean...uhm. what I mean is.." She gazed up at Xena. "There's no one.."

Xena took pity on her, and grinned. "OK.. OK.. relax. Listen, you can handle this however you want, my bard, but if you think I'm standing by and letting you be married off against your will.." Her eyebrows quirked. "You've been hit on the head one to many times in staff practice."

Gabrielle smiled. "I know that." She chuckled. "I guess I'd just like to get it all settled and still be able to call them my family." A light shrug. "And it will be nice to see Lila again. Maybe I can convince her to actually talk to you this time." She gave the warrior a sheepish look. "Sorry I can't say my family will be as nice to you as yours was to me."

The warrior gave her a look. "S'okay. I'm used to it." she commented, leaning back and stretching her legs back out. "I'll try not to scare anyone." A pause. "too badly." she amended. "C'mere." She held an arm out, and Gabrielle gladly complied, snuggling close. Xena reached over and tossed a blanket over both of them, smiling as the bard pressed even closer, and wound an arm across her stomach. After thoughtful discussion, they had a Rule, out here, in the open wild. Where Xena's uncanny senses protected them, and kept them from harm, Senses they couldn't afford to blunt in any way, and that meant being intimate was out. It was dangerous.

But the physical nature of their relationship allowed for plenty of snuggling, and this they did whenever they weren't occupied with chores or the necessities of living in the wild. It made a warm place for them to be in, with the cold wind now crossing their camp and flaring the banked fire.

"Mmm." Gabrielle mumbled, "They're not going to be able to deal with this." Her eyes drifted regretfully up to Xena's.

"I kind of figured." The warrior mused. "Is it because of who I am, or what I am?" she asked, glancing down at the bard, curiously.

Gabrielle was silent for a long time, thinking about that. She could hear Xena's steady heartbeat under her ear, and the gentle rhythm didn't change so she knew the question wasn't bothering her companion much, But she wanted to find an answer that would at least make sense. "Well.." she said, finally. "They're very traditional. So.. the what would bother them." Her lips quirked. "But I think they could eventually deal with that, if it wasn't the who.. er.. that it is." She felt a giggle start. "Sorry. You really do spook them."

"Good." Xena yawned. "Then if it gets a little wild, all I have to do is this." She lifted the bard's chin and ducked her head and kissed her. "That should distract them long enough for us to escape on Argo."

The bard giggled again. "Oh gods.. I can just picture his face." She settled her head back down, and sighed. "This isn't going to be fun." And resolutely closed her eyes.

They traveled through the rolling hills the next day, passing through old cut forests, and heading into a more settled area, just outside Potadeia. Xena took a glance at the sun, and led Argo off to a shady spot, tugging at one saddlebag and glancing back at Gabrielle, who was staring thoughtfully down the road, hands wrapped around her staff. "Hey." The warrior called, removing some travel bread, cheese and smoked meat from the bag, and untying the pouch that held the eagerly sniffing Ares. "Here you go, boy. Come on down." She put the puppy on the ground and gave him a nudge. "Go get her."

Ares glanced up at her, then blinked at where she was pointing, spotted the bard, and stumbled off purposefully. He got to where Gabrielle was standing, and sunk his teeth into her boot, tugging hard. "Grr!"

"Ares!" The bard laughed, as she looked down and spotted her attacker. She bent down and scooped him up. "Did you get sent for me?" She looked over at Xena, who was casually leaning against Argo, watching her. "I guess you did." She walked over and accepted the neatly made sandwich Xena was holding out. "Thanks."

They sat down in the shade side by side, with Ares sprawled across Xena's lap where he could accept bits of her portion. "Grr." He nudged her, and received a piece of meat.

Gabrielle gave her a smug grin. "You really are spoiling him, you know." she commented. "He's got you wrapped around his cute little paws." She glanced over at Xena, who raised an expressive eyebrow at her.

"I seem to have a problem with that." The warrior answered dryly. "You giving him lessons when I'm doing sword work at night?"

"Who, me?" Gabrielle answered, with an innocent look. "What are you talking about?" Blinking up at Xena, with an air of gentle inquiry.

"Uh huh." Came the knowing answer, and then the bard was squirming to escape, as Xena reached over with her free hand and started tickling. "Don't know what I'm talking about, huh?"

"Xena!" Gabrielle growled through her giggles. "All right.. all right.. I give.. " she sighed and caught her breath as Xena left off her torture, and went back to munching on her sandwich. "Someday, I'll learn."

"Nah." Xena mumbled around a mouthful. She glanced down, and gave the expectantly waiting Ares another piece of meat.

Gabrielle chuckled quietly, and shifted closer, letting her head rest on the warrior's shoulder. "I can't tell you just how often I wanted to do this when I was with the Amazons." she sighed, closing her eyes and smiling.

"What, be tickled?" Xena asked, but her voice was gentle, and she let her cheek rest on Gabrielle's head. "Just kidding." a pause. "Me too." she admitted, letting the wave of warmth bring a smile to her face.

They sat silently for a time after they finished their lunch, just gazing down into the valley and letting the cool late afternoon breeze brush across them in quiet peace. Finally, Xena came back to herself with a little start, and gave her companion a soft nudge. "Ready?" she asked, taking in the far away look in the mist green eyes that turned to meet hers. "Gabrielle?"

"Yeah." responded the bard "sorry.. went out of it for a second there." She dusted her hands off, and stood up, stretching and running her fingers through her hair. "Here." She turned and offered a hand up to the still seated warrior. "Need help?" Seeing the gentle sparkle in those blue eyes. Knowing that her companion could not only get up without assistance, but could probably spring up and over her head from her comfortably seated position.

"Sure." Xena drawled taking the offered hand, and allowing herself to be hauled up. "Thanks." She lifted the puppy up, and carried him over to Argo's saddlebag, where he was safely ensconced again. Then she turned to Gabrielle. "Well, it's your call. You want to walk in, or ride in?"

The bard cocked her fair head and thought about that. "Much as I hate to admit it, ride." she confessed, with a quirky grin.

"Suit yourself." Xena responded, lifting herself up into Argo's saddle, and holding a hand out. "C'mon."

Gabrielle clasped the proffered forearm, and was pulled up and across Argo's high back with nonchalant ease. She chuckled, and ran her fingers over Xena's back and shoulders. "You did some work on these at home, didn't you."

Xena snorted. "Either that, or you got lighter. Yeah... I guess I did." She shrugged to settle her armor. "I had to adjust the shoulder pieces twice."

The bard laughed. "Must have, because after your mother's tender care, I certainly didn't get any lighter." She slid both hands around the warrior's waist "For that matter, I think she even got a couple to stick on you." She teased, giving her a squeeze and a light pat on the belly.

Xena snorted. "More than a couple." She admitted. "Not that you helped any." She gave the bard an amused look.

And got a chuckle in response. "Yeah, I know. But we both needed it, and it really didn't hurt you."

The warrior shrugged. "That's true. Besides, with all the running around we do out here, it won't last long."

Gabrielle sighed. "You're right. How often to we get to just relax for two weeks, anyway?"

Xena didn't answer, but nudged Argo into a canter, and headed down into the valley, passing through a small stream, and onto a well traveled and dusty road between long squares of cultivated fields. Noticing field workers headed home who paused to stare at them, then turn their heads. I'd forgotten just how much I love Potadeia. Xena sighed inwardly. And just how much it loves me. "You OK?' She glanced over her shoulder. "Hey?"

Gabrielle broke off her distant stare into the fields, and pressed her cheek against the warrior's back. "I'm fine." Trying to ignore the pounding of her heart, and the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Really." Damn. As she felt Xena's fingertips touch her wrist. Felt Argo slow her pace.

Xena half turned in the saddle, and made eye contact with her companion. "Gabrielle, whatever's going on there, we can handle it." she said, seriously.

"Yeah." The bard let out a long breath. "You can handle anything."

Xena paused and tilted her head. "We, Gabrielle. You're more than capable of dealing with whatever this situation has to offer. You know that. You just stared down an Amazon adversary twice your size. I'd trust you to handle anything."

Gabrielle stared at her. She's right. Why is this spooking me so bad? Old habits, I guess. "Sorry. I.. it's a long story." She gave Xena a smile. "But thanks.. I needed to hear that." A pause. "from you."

And got a long, intense stare back. Finally, Xena nodded. "All right. But you're going to make the time, soon, to tell me that long story, OK?"

"It's a deal." The bard agreed, sighing in relief as Argo started moving forward again. No.. not any time soon, Xena. This story is best left where it is. In the dark.

Xena slowed the mare again as they approached the first buildings in the small village. The averted stares now became more open, and she felt her bearing taking on her public persona, which was geared to maximize cold threat. It worked, most of the time. She turned Argo towards the homestead of Gabrielle's family, and ignored the looks. They were almost there, when Xena's ears picked up a faintly familiar voice, and she turned her head, and gave Gabrielle's arm a squeeze. "Lila." she said, in an undertone, as Gabrielle's sister appeared, and rushed towards them.

The bard's arms loosened, and she released her hold on Xena, as the taller woman swung her leg over Argo's neck, and slid to the ground, turning and just keeping herself from catching Gabrielle's waist and swinging her down. Gotta watch that now. Her mind bemusedly realized. It's become habit. And that's real hard to break on short notice.

Gabrielle noticed, and gave her a quick grin, as she hit the ground, and trotted to meet her sister. "Lila!" She called, as the dark haired girl wrapped her arms around her. "It's great to see you." She returned the hug enthusiastically.

Lila nodded, and pulled back, grasping her sister's shoulders, and studying her. "Good to see you too, Bree." She glanced warily over Gabrielle's shoulder. "Hello, Xena."

Xena consciously gentled her tone. "Hello, Lila. You look well." And even managed a half smile for her partner's taller, darker sister. They don't even look like they had the same parents. Her mind mused, as it usually did. Maybe Gab was a changeling. The thought brought a real grin to her face.

Lila gave her a long apprehensive glance. "Thanks." Then she turned her attention to her sister. "Bree, we'd heard you were close." Another glance at Xena.

Gabrielle nodded. "We were in Amphipolis." She took a look at their homestead. "He there?"

Lila shook her head. "Market. He'll be back after sundown."

The bard let out a breath. "OK... well then.."

"Tell you what." Xena interrupted, catching Gabrielle's eyes and giving her the barest ghost of a wink. "I'm going to stable Argo up near the inn. Why don't you two do some catching up."

Gabrielle smiled. "Good idea." And exchanged a warm look with her. "See you back here later."

The warrior gave them a wave, and led the mare off, towards the village center, where she'd spotted a public stable. She could, she supposed, see if Gabrielle's parents would house her and the mare... the thought caused a sardonic grin. No, suppose not.

Lila turned to Gabrielle as soon as she thought the warrior was out of hearing range. "She's not staying, is she Bree?" Her voice was tense. "You don't.."

Gabrielle stepped back, and regarded her. "Yeah, she is." she answered quietly. "What's up, Lila?" She took her elbow and started guiding her towards the house.

"Gods." Lila hissed. "Father will have a fit." She glanced behind her. "You don't understand."

The bard shrugged. "Father sent her a note asking her to bring me back here. You don't think she's just going to drop me off and leave, do you?" What is going on with her? "Besides, I'm not staying."

Lila stopped short, and grabbed her arm. "Don't say that." She looked around. "You have to, Bree, please."

"All right. Just what's going on?" Gabrielle's voice took on a no nonsense tone that she'd picked up unconsciously from her partner. "Spill it." She leveled her gaze at her sister, and crossed her arms.

Lila hesitated, and took a breath. "Come on. You look like you could use a hot bath." It was their old code, for a private place to talk. Where they knew they wouldn't be overheard.

"All right." Gabrielle relented. "Let me say hello to mother first." Lila's tension was giving her a nervous headache, and she mentally told herself to relax. A voice floated, unbidden into her mind. I'd trust you to handle anything. Oh Xena.. did you know just how much it meant to me to hear you say that? Especially right now? She followed Lila up onto the small porch, and into the doorway.

Home. A roiling feeling filled her. She looked around at the familiar woodwork, and the dusty, colorful drapes and rugs. Her mother's handiwork. The small room, with it's indented fireplace. Wooden table that she'd eaten at all the days of her childhood. Chairs, built by their father. The alcove off to the right that lead to the tiny room she and Lila had shared. Home. She felt it's strangeness, overshadowing the familiarity. As it had been on her last trip home, when she'd realized even then that's she'd outgrown Potadeia.

A noise to her right. She glanced that way, and saw her mother standing in the doorway to the cooking area.

"Gabrielle." The older woman said, slowly. And walked towards her.

"Hello, mother." The bard answered quietly, and accepted her somewhat stiff hug. Tried not to compare that greeting to the one she had received from Cyrene.

Hecuba released her, and studied her critically. "Go get cleaned up before your father gets here. And put some decent clothes on." A dark glance at Lila. "Have you done the wash yet?"

"Yes, mother." Lila answered, and took Gabrielle's arm. "Come on, Bree." she started walking, then got pulled up short by her unmoving sister. She glanced back, and saw the beginning sparks of anger in Gabrielle's eyes. "Not now." she hissed, and tugged her skirt. "Please?"

The bard collected herself, and put her hands on her hips. "I'll take a bath, Lila, but these are the clothes I wear." She let her eyes met Hecuba's "I'm sure he'll understand."

Hecuba's mouth twisted. "I see your attitude hasn't changed." she shook her head, and turned her back. "That'll have to be seen to." And walked back into the kitchen.

"Will you stop that?" Lila grated, getting a grip on her upper arm. "Come on!" Then she paused, and glanced at her sister. At the firm, tense muscles under her fingers. At the steady green eyes. She took a good long look at her. Then.. "Your attitude may not have changed." She said, quietly. "But you have, haven't you?"

"Yeah." The bard said softly "I have." And finally allowed herself to be led off to the bathing room. I just hope I've changed enough.

Lila kept up a light stream of chatter as they filled the big tub with heated water, mostly village gossip, and the like.

Gabrielle contributed with stuff she'd seen on the way in, and in Amphipolis, which was close enough for Lila to identify with. She tested the water with a finger, and grinned. "That'll be nice." And stripping out of her traveling clothes, she grabbed the edge, and vaulted over it, lowering herself into the water with a sigh. Lila followed more slowly, and eased herself in on the other side, darting a glance at her sister.

"You look...different." Lila said, studying her. "You lost a lot of weight."

Gabrielle yawned, and glanced down at herself. "You should have seen me a fortnight ago." she chuckled. "This is after a prolonged indulgence in Xena's mom's cooking. It's great." She glanced at Lila, recognizing her unease. "It's OK. I'm not sick or anything." She shrugged. "It's just how it works out, I guess, when you do what we do."

Lila let herself relax a little. Gabrielle was starting to sound more like the sister she remembered. "You look.." she paused. "stronger." Not looking down at herself, at her ample curves where Gabrielle had mostly finely traced muscle.

"Mmm...well, that goes along with it." The bard admitted, turning one arm, and studying it. "I never thought about it, really." She grinned a bit. "All that sparring, I guess." A sudden vision. "You should see Xena. Now there are some muscles for you." Seeing Lila's rolled eyes, and sighing. "Come on, Lila, give her a break, will you?"

"I'm sorry, Bree." Lila slid a little closer and peered at her neck. "I just don't like her, and you know it." She reached out a hand, and touched the scar along the bard's neck. "I can't forgive her for taking you away from me. And almost losing you."

The bard rolled her head back, and looked at the ceiling. They'd had this discussion the last time, too. "Lila, for the last time, she didn't take me anywhere. I.. followed her. And wouldn't stop following her. I probably drove her completely crazy for a very long time until she got used to it." She tilted her head back and captured Lila's gaze. "And you seem to forget we both would be slaves, or dead, if it hadn't been for her in the first place."

Lila sank back, with a perplexed look. "I know, Bree. I just don't understand why you do it. Sure, you wanted out, but she got you out of here. What in Hades are you still doing hanging around someone like her? Do you feel obligated, because she knocked out those soldiers, even after all this time?"

Why indeed. The bard thought, as she relaxed in the steaming water. What can I possibly tell my sister that would make any kind of sense to her? Can I tell her about lying under the stars at night, finding pigs and sheep in them? Can I tell her about someone who I can tell anything to? Who will always listen? Whose smile warms me from head to foot? No. I can't. "It's what I always dreamed of, Lila. You know that. I wanted to tell stories, and see the world. Well, that's what I'm doing." She sat up. "I've met kings, and princes, and heroes.. did you know I know Hercules?"

"Really?" Lila asked, intrigued despite herself

"Yep.. he and Iolaus are good friends of ours." Gabrielle confirmed. "I get to tell stories to all kinds of people. I even get to be a little part of the stories, sometimes, because all kinds of things happen when Xena's around."

"I know about that part." Lila said, her face going serious. "That's what this is all about." She leaned forward. "Metrus, you remember him?"

The bard nodded slowly. "The merchant. Yeah, kind of piratey, in a jovial kind of way."

"That's him." Lila confirmed. "He wants you. For your storytelling. He thinks he can make a lot of dinars by it." Her eyes dropped. "Father agreed."

Gabrielle blinked at her, and sat up straight. "What??" she snorted. "He must be nuts if he thinks I'm going to go through with that."

Lila slid closer, and grabbed her arm. "You don't have a choice, Bree! He has the right, remember? He's out all that money from.. you know." She paused. "And.. he said.. there's none for me." She finished in a whisper. "And Metrus' brother...we're..." Her eyes found Gabrielle's, which had gone quite cool.. "He said he'd take me as part of the deal. It's my only chance." Her eyes were sick. "I'm not pretty, like you are. And I'm not smart."

Gabrielle forced herself to stay calm, to take deep breaths, and not react to what Lila was saying. Part of her wanted to erupt from the tub in an outrage, and part of her felt a deep sympathy with her sister. She knew, how well she did, the craving to get out from this house. Stay centered, Gabrielle. Stay calm. There has to be a way out of this, for both of us.

She drew her knees up slowly, and wrapped her arms around them. Then looked up at Lila. "He can't force me to do this." She said steadily. "There has to be another way."

Lila slapped the water in anger. "What is it with you? Metrus would let you tell your damned stories, and keep you very well. You can't tell me you'd rather wander around out there, and probably get yourself killed, following that mad woman around. What's wrong with you? You'd think you were an Amazon, or something."

Gabrielle couldn't help the grin that crossed her face. "Well, in a manner of speaking.." she started, then felt a warm glow whose source she knew. "You see, it's sort of.."

"She's the Queen of the Amazons." Came the low, amused voice from behind them. Lila's face grew dark with anger and surprise as Xena strolled in, still in full armor, and rested her bracers on the side of the tub. "Isn't that true, your majesty?"

"Are you?" Lila hissed, in disbelief.

Gabrielle shrugged. "Yeah." she confirmed. "It's true." She left her sister to struggle with that, and turned her attention to her partner, sliding one arm out of the water and letting it rest casually on the warrior's bracer. "So.. Argo OK?"

"Mmm.. yeah." Xena acknowledged. "Just spoke to your father." She gave Lila a look. "He's not really happy to see me."

"No one is." Lila spat back, moving to the other end of the tub.

"And?" Gabrielle asked, allowing herself the luxury of meeting those blue eyes and floating in that regard for a long moment.

"Well, long story short, I told him I was sticking around until you told me to leave." The warrior responded calmly.

Recalling the scene, in the front room of this house. Coming twilight, and the house lit by fire and torchlight only. She had walked in, surprising him. He and turned, and seen her, and erupted in anger. "What are you doing here?" He'd growled at her. "You could just drop my daughter off and leave. We don't want you here."

Xena had kept walking, until she was nose to nose with him. And he realized he had to tilt his head up slightly to meet her gaze. Her best icy warlord routine, too. "You sent me an invitation." And had pulled the missive from her bracer. "And I really don't give a snowball's chance in Hades for what you want."

"Get out." He snarled. "You've done enough to her." He backed off a bit. "We can take care of her now, Xena. She's my daughter, and I've finally found a good place for her, after her last husband was killed because of you."

And that had chilled her, because it was true. "Tell you what." She'd said. "You get Gabrielle to tell me to leave, I will." A pause. "And I guarantee you'll never see me again."

He had looked at her for a long moment, then laughed. "Is that all it takes? Fine. You'll have it. Now get out of my house."

Gabrielle snorted. "Not much chance of that." She smiled at Xena. "Not unless you agree first to take me with you." Ignoring Lila, because she sensed, suddenly, that Xena was more upset than she looked. There was a little haunted glint in those crystal clear eyes, that made the bard very uneasy. What could he have said....oh. Perdicus. Right. I forgot she takes the blame for that on herself. And so, knowing her sister was watching in uneasy fascination, she let her hand slide down Xena's bracer, until their hands were touching, and she looked deep into the warrior's eyes. "Never." One word. One promise. And was rewarded by that haunted look fading slowly, to be replaced with a gentle warmth.

Releasing Xena's hand, she told her what Lila had explained. "So.." she finished, lifting her hands out of the water a little, and ignoring her sister's angry looks. With that little hand gesture she remanded the problem into Xena's capable hands, and knew the warrior would bend her experience towards a solution. Ah.. there was that little gathering at her brow, the tilt of that dark head, the inward turning of her sharp glance.

"Lila.." Gabrielle turned to her sister, who was huddled at the other end of the tub, shooting daggers at her.

Xena tapped her shoulder. "I'm going to get moving to the inn, before your father figures out I didn't actually leave." She pinned the bard with a direct stare. "You'll be OK?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah, more or less. Get some sleep." She added, giving the taller woman a shove.

"You too." Xena snorted, ruffling her hair. "And get out of there before you dissolve." Her gaze jerked up, as Lila stood, and moved out of the water, her motions short and savage. Then her foot hit a wet spot on the floor, as she was half in and half out, and she slid, her head swinging towards a vicious connection with the tub edge.

Xena's actions were purely instinctive, as she jumped forward, and grabbed the dark haired girl's shoulders, stopping her fall. Then she got a good grip, and lifted up, setting Lila back on her feet. "Careful now." The warrior said, mildly, as she handed the shocked Lila a piece of linen. And startled her into meeting Xena's intent gaze, at fairly close quarters.

"Thank you ." Lila managed, when she could tear her eyes from Xena's. She slowly wrapped the linen around herself, and glanced towards Gabrielle, who sighed, then stood up and left the water, accepting the linen thrust her way by Xena.

"Bye." Xena said, giving them an offhand wave, and gliding out the door into the darkness.

Gabrielle studiously dried herself off, then regarded her sister, who had an odd expression on her face. The bard considered this, then quirked a grin, and walked over to Lila, and leaned against the wall next to her, crossing her arms. Making a very quick decision, and hoping against hope that she was right.

Lila looked up, and they matched stares for a moment. "Amazing shade of blue, aren't they?" Gabrielle inquired, somehow keeping the mischief out of her own eyes.

Lila blushed deep crimson. "I don't know what you're talking about." She scoffed, but her anger appeared to be gone.

Right on target. Gods, Gabrielle, you're good. "Uh huh." She chuckled. "Look, Lila.." she sobered. "We'll think of something." Now she moved closer, and opened herself up a little to this woman, who she had grown up with, and grown past. "I'll do whatever I can for you, you know that." She reached out and touched Lila's arm, where an old, fading bruise showed. "Still up to his old tricks, I see." Now her face was very grim.

Lila looked down, then up at her. "I tripped, when I brought in his plate. It was my fault." Her shoulders sagged. "I asked for it."

Now a childhood's worth of that sentiment surfaced in Gabrielle's mind, and she felt the old, familiar sick feeling in her stomach. Stop. I'm not that person. I spent two years being taught that I wasn't that person. "Is mother any help?" Knowing the answer before she even asked the question.

Lila shrugged. "She tries, you know. She keeps him as happy as she can." She gave Gabrielle a weary look. "It's been getting worse, lately. More ale, I guess." She dropped her gaze.

"Lila, I'm sorry." The bard said, very quietly, and put an arm around her. "I'll try to get you out of this. I should have before."

Her sister looked up dully. "There's only one thing you can do, and...." Her dark eyes studied Gabrielle's green ones. "You're not going to do that." Her gaze flickered to the empty doorway.

"Don't hate her." Came the soft plea. "Please, Lila, it hurts me when you do."

Her sister gave her a long, long look. "No promise, Bree. No promises. But I'll try."

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "Good enough." She replied. "I'd better go and talk to him. Get this over with." She tucked her wrap in, and grabbed her clothing.

"Be careful." Lila said, putting a hand on her arm. "Please, Bree? You know how he gets."

The bard chewed her lip thoughtfully. "I know. I will."

They walked back to the small room they both had shared as children, and Gabrielle smiled when she saw her bags neatly arranged on the spare bed. She pulled out a spare set of clothes, and quickly changed into them.

"How did.." Lila began, then stopped, making the obvious connection. She studied her sister thoughtfully, but made no comment.

Gabrielle gave her a reassuring grin, then ran her fingers through her still damp hair, and headed for the main living area of the house. She stepped through the doorway, and spotted her father at the table, bent over his plate.

Herodotus was a large man, whose salt and pepper hair might once have been her own shade of reddish gold, and whose eyes bore hints of hers, but were murkier in color. He looked up as she approached, glancing her up and down, and shook his head. "Sit." He mumbled, pushing the chair across from him out slightly.

The bard pulled the chair out and sat down, folding her hands on the table, and waiting in silence. Remembering that's how it was done, here. In his house. She let her eyes shift to the left as her mother came out of the kitchen, and put a plate down in front of her, letting her worn hand rest on Gabrielle's shoulder for a moment. The bard looked up at her, and managed a smile. "Thanks." She said quietly. The hand squeezed her shoulder briefly, then Hecuba spared a glance for her husband, and walked back into the kitchen.

Herodotus took a bite of bread, chewed, then looked up at her. "I want you to go tell that woman to leave." The command was a quiet one, and he made a point of holding her gaze as he said it. "I have a very good situation for you here, and it's time you came back and took your place in this family." He swallowed a mouthful of ale. "She's dangerous, that one, and I haven't a mind to tangle with her. She said your word would do it. So do it."

Gabrielle took a breath, studying her untouched plate. "What exactly did she say?" she asked, looking up at him.

"What does it matter?" Herodotus asked, crisply.

"It matters." The bard replied. Xena was always very precise with her words, and that might give her a clue to whether the warrior was bluffing or…

"Fine." Her father shrugged. "She said.." His eyes slid half shut. His recall was as good as hers was, though he used it for different purposes. "Tell you what. You have Gabrielle tell me to leave. I guarantee you won't ever see me again." He opened his eyes and gazed at her. "Satisfied? Now go." He looked down and speared a vegetable, cramming it into his mouth.

No bluff then. That was stark truth. "I'm not going to do that." She answered, quelling the old familiar nervous fear in her gut. Never, I told her. Damned if I'll break that promise.

Herodotus stopped chewing, and looked at her coldly. "You won't eh?" He nodded. "We'll see." He went back to his dinner. "Metrus, the merchantman has offered a place for you. He thinks you'll make him a pretty sum with your.." A pause. "little stories." He gave her an amused glance. "And he's even offered to take Lila for his brother Lennat. I don't have dower for her, so it's her best chance, and he seems a likely lad." His gaze pinned her. "It would make Lila very happy. You want to see her happy, don't you, Gabrielle? I know you're a good girl."

Gabrielle sighed. He knew all her buttons. Knew her major weakness was her soft hearted nature, and had always used that as a lever point with her. "You know I want to see her happy." She answered, evenly. " But not at that price."

Her father stared at her. "You don't seem to understand that you have no choice, my girl." He laughed a bit. "We've made a contract, and I've signed it. You're my ward. It's final." He pointed his fork at her plate. "Eat. I don't want Metrus to think you're sickly."

The bard gazed down at her plate. "No thanks." She answered quietly. "I'm not hungry." She stood up, and walked around the table towards the door. "Good night."

Herodotus got up with lumbering speed, and reached for her arm, surprised when his missed his grab. "Hold it, little girl. I'm not finished." He towered over her." You'll behave yourself. You'll stay away from that damned woman, if you're not going to chase her off, and you'll put on some proper clothing. Or…" He narrowed his eyes at her. "Well, we don't need to go into that, do we?"

Gabrielle straightened her back, and resisted the impulse to step away from him. She reached into that core of confidence she'd been working on building for two years, and took a deep breath. Knowing he was pretty close to being in 'that' mood. "Look." She said, keeping her voice even. "I'm not the same person who left here two years ago. And you don't own me." She leaned forward and held his gaze. Hoping. "Maybe we can find a way to get both of us what we want, father. I don't want to fight with you.. or with mother, or hurt Lila." She let a bit of her anguish show in her eyes, and saw the minute shift in his that said he saw it.

Herodotus considered her thoughtfully. His frustration with her stubbornness, in truth, was wrapped around a tiny kernel of pride, in this, his eldest offspring. Who finally had developed some backbone, at the most inconvenient of times. Well, there was more than one way to tan a hide. "All right, Bree." He said, relaxing his posture a bit. "We'll talk about it tomorrow." He waved her off. "Go get some rest. And Bree?" His hand indicated her. "Please? You can't walk around here half naked."

Gabrielle paused, then gave him a half nod. "OK." She agreed. Well, that's better, at any rate." I'll see what I can do." She walked back down the short passageway into Lila's room where here sister was waiting, arms wrapped around herself. "So much for that." The bard sighed, as she threw herself down on the bed and massaged her temples. "But he's not done. He's doing the nice guy routine now."

Lila blew out a breath, and sat down on her bed. "Well, that's a little better." She reached out and touched Gabrielle's knee. "I can't believe you stood up to him like that." She gave her sister a little impish grin. "You really have changed."

Gabrielle grimaced. "I've seen worse than him." She gave Lila a grim smile. "And you forget, I travel around with someone who is a master of intimidation." She let out a short laugh. "You haven't seen anything until you've seen Xena stare down some 7 foot tall fanged monster with a sword." Peeking at Lila, when she didn't get the usual barrage of attacks on her companion, and grinning quietly to herself. "She's taught me a lot of things."

Then she sat up on the bed, and grabbed her bags. "Here, let me show you some of my souvenirs." And proceeded to dump them out. Lila relaxed into a smile, and scooted over to sit down next to her.

"Ooo.. what's this?" The dark haired girl said, picking up a small item, and holding it up to the light. "It's pretty."

Gabrielle laughed. "It's amber." She sorted through her collection. "And here's a shell from the shore outside Athens." She passed it over.

"What's this?" Lila asked, holding up a seal.

"My seal." Gabrielle replied, suppressing a grin. "for the Amazon thing."

Lila studied her. "Are you really.."

Her sister nodded. "Yeah. I really am." She shrugged. "We just got back from there, in fact. I was working on treaties with the Centaurs and the surrounding villages for over a month."

"So.. why don't you stay with them, if you're the Queen?" Lila asked, creasing her brow in consternation. "I don't understand."

Gabrielle sighed. "It's complicated. It has a lot to do with what's best for them, and what's best for me." She considered. "We come from totally different viewpoints, so we can only take each other in small doses."

"Oh." Lila replied. "Whatever." She fingered some parchment. "Are these your scrolls?"

"Mm hmm." The bard confirmed. "I'm working on a few now. I like to get things down right after…" Oh. Suddenly she had a deeper understanding of Xena's request for her to edit her stories for her family. "After they happen. " she finished.

"Tell me a story." Lila asked, picking up a scroll. 'Tell me this one? I miss your stories, Bree."

Ah that one. Gabrielle took it from her fingers and unrolled it. "OK, well, we were…" And she was off.

Lila listened, spellbound as her sister delved into one of their latest adventures, and spun the tale out. She watched Gabrielle's face as she got lost in the telling, and started reacting to the events which were in her own memory, and not just in the scroll. She'd' really been there, Lila mused. Really seen Poseidon. Really met Cecrops. Really been shipwrecked, and picked up by the Lost Mariner. She sympathized with her horror over the mariner who jumped over board. Laughed with her over Aldric, and his puppy love. Widened her eyes when Gabrielle spoke of the treasures of Cecrops, and seeing the legendary statue of Athena. And watched as her face took on an inner glow when she described Xena's irresistible, unstoppable determination to get on that ship, knowing whose ship it was, just to be with her friend.

"That must have been quite a jump." Lila commented quietly, watching Gabrielle's eyes light up in memory.

"Oh, it was." Her sister laughed. "It was. They all thought she was crazy, jumping off the cliff like that, and actually making it onto the ship." Remembering. "Cecrops really freaked out."

Lila smiled. "What did she tell him?"

"Mmm…that she wasn't about to let him sail off with her best friend." Gabrielle answered, meeting her sister's eyes squarely. "That's just how she is, though."

They gazed at each other in silence. Finally, Lila sighed. "So.. you don't just stick around for the stories, do you?"

Gabrielle didn't answer for a long time. Is she going to freak out? Probably. But I think she halfway guessed anyway. Finally, she let out her held breath. "No." It was scary, because of all her family, Lila was the one she missed the most. Cared about the most. Who hated Xena, and all she stood for.

Lila walked to the small window, and looked out. She spoke without turning around. "Has she ever hurt you, Gabrielle?"

The bard choked. "What?" She shook her head. "Never."

Lila turned around and hugged herself. "Never? She's never gotten mad at you, and knocked you over? Or knocked you down? Or hit you in places that don't show?"

Gabrielle took in several breaths before she could speak. I never thought of that. In all the time we've been traveling together, that never once crossed my mind.. "No, Lila. We spar, sure. We wrestle with each other, I think once, under Ares's influence she slugged me, but I hit her with a pitchfork, so I guess we're even." She shook her head. "No. In fact, when we spar, she gets hit a lot more than I do, because she just pulls her blows and taps me, and I can't do that. I whack her good sometimes."

Lila nodded. And looked at the floor. And looked back at her sister. "Do you trust her?"

"With my life." Came the instant response. "And I have. Many times."

Lila turned and crossed to her, and took her shoulders in her hands. "I envy you." She took a shaking breath. "I used to think you were crazy for wanting to get out of here so bad. Now I understand. And I can't go anywhere."

"Oh, Lila." The bard breathed, and folded her into a hug.

Xena had slipped out of their family homestead, and walked quietly back towards the inn, still vaguely uneasy about Gabrielle. The bard had seemed all right, but there was an undercurrent that the warrior could sense, that just wasn't... it reminded her of what Gabrielle was like when they first started traveling together. Sometimes all cheerful, sometimes jumping at the slightest noise. She could feel an upset in the pit of her stomach that she had a pretty good idea wasn't hers, since all she had to worry about was Potadeia not liking her. Xena snorted quietly to herself. It took a bigger, meaner village than little Potadeia to spook this ex warlord. She turned in at the pathway, and headed towards the common stable. Maybe grooming Argo would settle her down.. she pushed the door open, and found four of the local boys in a circle around a small growling ball of fur.

They were poking Ares with the end of a pitchfork, and laughing. The wolf puppy was baring his tiny fangs, and rumbling with a pathetic baby attempt at ferocity. Xena reached behind her, and grabbed the nearest tool, a stall mucker. The next boy prodded at the puppy, and found himself slammed in the seat of the pants and tossed over the animal's head, into the muddy straw.

"Wanna try picking on someone your own size?" Came that velvet over steel tone. She stepped into the middle of the now silent group, and gazed down at Ares. "You OK, boy?"

"Roo!" The animal answered, trotting over and sitting down on her boot. Looking at his erstwhile tormentors. "Roo!"

"Well?" Xena asked, running her eyes around the frozen circle. The torchlight picked out the coppery highlights on her armor, and made her pale eyes catch glints as she turned and watched them all. "Anyone wanna poke me with a pitchfork?" A pause. "No? Then take off. I don't like sharing clean air with a bunch of little cowards." She let her eyes slit, and took a step in the nearest's one's direction.

With a scattering of straw, they all took off, not looking back. Xena sighed, and shook her head. Then stiffened, realizing she wasn't alone. Her eyes drifted to the darkest corner of the barn, and fastened there, unmoving, until a rustle of straw indicated the watcher knew they were watched. A few more tense seconds, and then the darkness disgorged a limping, slight figure, who moved cautiously closer, until the torchlight revealed their features.

It was a boy, Xena supposed, with shaggy unkempt blond hair, and a stoop to his shoulders. He limped closer, and now Xena could see why, as the unevenness in his back became apparent to her. Her eyebrow arched slightly. Ares growled.

"Is he yours?" The boy asked, stopping out of range of the pole she carried, she noticed. A head jerk towards the puppy.

"Yeah." Xena answered, putting down one long arm and scooping Ares up, then turning her back, and setting the mucking tool down against the wall where she'd found it.

"What's is name?" Came the curious question, as the boy limped nearer, now that she was not holding the tool.

"What's yours?" Xena countered, standing easily with the puppy in the crook of one arm, and gazing at him in question.

"Alain." The boy answered, not offended, and was now close enough to touch. He glanced at Xena for permission.

The warrior nodded, and extended her forearm a bit. "Put your fingers out first, so he can smell them." She advised. "His name is Ares." She watched his startled reaction with amusement.

"Like.." Alain breathed, letting the puppy sniff his fingers. "Isn't that dangerous?"

Xena shrugged. "He didn't mind."

Now the boy froze, and stared at her in wide eyed startlement. After a minute, he blinked, then a smile curved his lips. "You're Xena, aren't you." He scratched Ares under the jaw absently.

The warrior chuckled. "What tipped you off?" Her eyebrows rose in question.

"Well.." Alain said shyly. "You're a warrior, that's plain, and a lady.." His own lips quirked at Xena's sardonic look at the statement. "Well, anyway. And you fit the description.." Another wry look. "And you name your dog after the god of War." He shrugged unevenly. "Kind of big clues." He darted a glance at her, not resting long anywhere, trying not to seem like he was staring. Wow.. Xena. Right here in my stable... he mused. She was... taller than he expected, though he was not tall himself. And her eyes... they said she had very blue eyes, but that didn't come close to describing them. And she was even sort of nice. That they never, ever said.

"Uh huh." Xena replied, standing patiently under the scrutiny. "So, Alain. Do you live here?"

"Um. Yeah." he answered, ducking his head. "I work for my keep." He awkwardly turned, and gestured. "cleaning, mucking, you know." He glanced up. "That golden mare's yours?" His eyes lit. "She's beautiful." And stood entranced by the smile he got in return.

"Thanks. Her name's Argo." Xena replied, and started moving towards the mare, who had turned her head to watch them. "Who were those wonderful children?" She studied his half averted face. "Do they bother you, too?" This in a much gentler tone. He was, she guessed, a bit younger than Gabrielle, and the thought took form in her mind that maybe here might be some answers to what was going on with her partner. It was a small village, and they would have grown up at the same time.

Alain ducked his head in a kind of nod. "Sometimes. They don't like differents around here." He looked up at her. "I don't think they like you much." With an apologetic shrug. "You're very differents."

Xena paid attention to the word he used. "Differents?" She asked, getting out Argo's currycomb and brush. "Yeah, I guess I am. And no, they don't like me much at all." She moved closer to him. "They don't like you because of this?" Her fingers brushed his misshapen back. He flinched, but stood still, his eyes tracking to hers. His were a startlingly deep gray, almost purple in the torchlight. "You can't help that."

"No." Alain sighed. "But that don't matter." He took the currycomb she offered, and began to work Argo's forequarters with short, gentle strokes. "It's differents."

Xena nodded quietly. "I have a friend, Alain. Who grew up here. You may know her. Her name is Gabrielle." Watching as his head shot up, and he looked at her in startlement. "I guess you do." Her lips quirked.

"Oh.. Bree. Yes, I do remember her." The boy admitted, curious. "She left."

"Was she differents, Alain?" Xena asked, casually, combing through Argo's mane. Lifting her blue eyes to catch his gray ones.

Alain took a breath, and nodded slowly. "She was." His eyes were sad. "She was differents inside, though. After a while, she just started to hide the differents."

A vague theory began to coalesce in Xena's mind. "Mmm...like how? How was she differents?"

The boy shrugged a little. "She saw pictures inside. And she'd make up stories about them." He smiled at her. "They were good stories."

Xena smiled back. "I bet they were."

Alain sobered. "But her da, he didn't like them. He's start the whacker, you know, when he'd catch er at it." He frowned. "So she stopped telling us, after a while. After once, I remember, he got her with the wrong end, and she was bleeding." He shook his blond head. "Bad, it was. But.. even though she stopped telling us, I don't thinks she stopped seeing the pictures." Now, finally, he glanced up at Xena, sensing her silent stillness.

And backed away from Argo, dropping the comb at the look on her face. Her hands were clenched in the mare's mane, and her eyes were like chips of ice staring at him. "Wasn't me. I didn't' do it. Wasn't me." He stammered, raising his hands in fear.

Xena dropped her head to Argo's back, and took in a long, shuddering breath. Forcing calm. Taking control of the fury that was lifting the nape hairs of her neck, and making her arms shake in response. It explained...so much. It was a crucial piece of the puzzle that was her companion, and she wasn't sure whether or not she was glad to have been handed it. This was something Gabrielle would have preferred to relate, in her own time, in her own way. As she had revealed Solon. And Toris. And any number of other things in her own past to Gabrielle.

Slowly, she raised her head, and gazed at the frightened boy. "It's all right, Alain. I know you had nothing to do with this. I know. I'm sorry I scared you. Its just that Gabrielle is a very good friend of mine, and it makes me very angry that someone would have hit her for telling stories."

Alain relaxed, and moved closer again, giving her a quiet little smile. "OK.. OK... I get you." He picked up the comb, and started brushing the mare again. "I know that she would have liked to have had someone like you for a friend then. When she was differents." He brushed for a minute in silence, then.. "What does she do now? She went away, two seasons ago."

Xena smiled at him, pushing her anger and anguish into the back of her mind for later study. "She tells stories, Alain. Good ones."

He smiled a broad, happy smile. "She does? So I was right.. she never did lose the pictures." His brow creased. "But why'd she come back here? She's still differents here. Her da is not going to let her make pictures anymore."

Xena stopped what she was doing, and gently covered the boy's hands with her own. She leaned on Argo's back and looked him in the eye. "I promise you, Alain, as long as I'm around, no one is going to stop her from making pictures." A pause. "No one."

He stared at her. "I believe you." He whispered. Then a long pause. "I wish I had a friend like you." His voice cracked. "It's hard being differents."

"I know." Xena said, with a compassionate look. "You have to be really strong."

Alain nodded. "Yeah. Bree wasn't. She cried a lot." His eyes were very sad. "It hurt her. I felt really bad.. sometimes we would just go out berry hunting together, and I would try to get her to tell me her stories. Sometimes she would, but she was always scared." He looked up at Xena's face, at the agony mirrored back at him. "I liked her. I was glad she got away." He cocked his angled head. "You took her away, didn't you! Now I member.. you beat up the slavers, and then she disappeared. She went with you!"

"Yeah." Xena said, with a hard swallow. I don't fit in here, wasn't that what she said? Oh Gabrielle.. "She went with me."

"I'm awful glad." Alain said, with a sweet smile. "I think you're probly a good friend to have."

Xena patted his hand. "I'm awful glad, too, Alain." Now I have to bury that knowledge deep inside, until she's ready to tell me. Good thing I'm better at keeping secrets than she is. Damn. Damn, Gabrielle, why didn't you tell me? Her mind mocked her. Because, Xena, if she had, you would have walked into that house and taken that man's head off for touching her. Admit it. Not even a moment's hesitation. Yeah. That's me, warlord to the core, and she knows it. Knows me, all too well. "Thanks for telling me all that, Alain. I needed to know." she gave the boy a small smile.

Alain gazed at her. "You're still mad. You hold a good mad." He nodded his head. "You won't let her get hurt no more."

"Not like that. Alain. No." Xena said, finishing Argo's mane. "That you can count on."

Waking the next morning, Xena went out early, and got the kinks out with a long run, and some brisk sword work, then returned and had a quiet breakfast in the common room of the inn. Under the scowling looks of the innkeeper, and the uneasy glances of his wife. An irritation began to build in her, partly constructed from the information she'd gotten the previous night, and partly on sound common sense that dictated you not aggravate paying customers. Mother would never make this kind of mistake. Her mind idly noticed, as she played with the somewhat bland food she was served. And mother spoiled me, I think. She mocked herself. C'mon, Xena, just eat it. With any luck it's not poisoned. She finished what was on her plate, then climbed up to her small room, which she cordially hated, and sat against the wall under the window, working on stuck hinge in her armor.

Her senses warned her long before she heard the subtle creak of the stair floorboards, and she put the armor down and rose to her feet, as the door opened and Gabrielle slipped in. Xena studied her, taking in the linen tunic with a raised eyebrow.

The bard's eyes met hers. "Good morning." she said quietly. "Hope you slept better than I did."

Xena crossed slowly over to her, and took her chin gently in one hand, then encircled her with both arms, and pulled her close. "You look like you need a hug." She said, feeling Gabrielle's breathing catch. She always gets this little lost look in her eyes when she needs this, easy to recognize, once I'd figured it out. Her mind mused, while they stood, holding each other in timeless silence.

"Good guess." Gabrielle finally said, but didn't release her grasp. "You know, I could stay like this forever." In the rich golden warmth she always felt enfolding her, that she realized was part of their connection to each other. "I think I scared Lila out of a few years last night." She tilted her head and made eye contact with Xena.

"Same old same old?" Xena asked, rubbing her back lightly.

The bard shook her head. "No.. no, this was an ancient one. >From before I met you. Guess the surroundings kicked it off." She gave the warrior a brief smile. "Old news."

Xena took a breath, and laced her fingers behind Gabrielle's head, resting her forearms on the bard's shoulders. "Y'know, you're driving me crazy, right?"

"I am?" Gabrielle asked, searching her face. "Why?"

Xena released one hand, and backed off a pace, reaching down and laying a hand on Gabrielle's stomach. "Because what you're feeling there.. " She tapped her own chest. "I'm feeling too. And I don't know why, and the not knowing is driving me crazy." She gave Gabrielle a half grin. "You know how much I love feeling out of control and helpless, right?"

The bard dropped her gaze, and sighed. "They're putting a lot of pressure on me." She admitted. "And it's mostly... it's Lila." She let herself fall forward onto Xena's chest again. "She really loves Lennat, Xena." Her chest rose and fell with a long breath. "And she needs to get out of there." A pause. "And Xena, father says he can do it, legally. Is that true?" Her eyes fastened on the warrior's face. "Do I really belong to him, in that way?"

"Mmm.. under normal circumstances, yes." Xena answered, feeling a bit smug. She'd spent half the night researching that very question. "But in your case, no." She stroked Gabrielle's cheek gently. "So don't worry, my bard. If I have to haul you out of here across Argo's quarters, you won't have the law after you." She guided Gabrielle to a seat at the small table in the room, and pushed her down. "Look." She picked up a scroll, and leaned over the table, resting her elbows on it. "Common law states that a free husbandman, which your father is, has the right to bestow his daughters where he sees fit, for whatever price he deems proper."

Gabrielle gazed at the scroll, then at Xena. "So..." Her heart sank.

"Ah." Xena interrupted. "But look here." She pulled out another scroll, and traced a line with one powerful finger. "A father doesn't have control of his daughter's disposition under one condition - that's if there is a prior claim by a sovereign power." She grinned at Gabrielle's confused look. "You're the Queen of the Amazons, Gabrielle. They're a sovereign nation, and they take precedence in law over a husbandman's claim."

Gabrielle gave a short laugh. "Oh." She gazed at Xena respectfully. "How did you find that?"

"I looked." Xena answered, shrugging.

"NO.. I mean, how did you know where to find that?" The bard persisted, laying a hand on the warm forearm resting on the table near her.

"Just another of my many skills" The warrior smiled. "Actually, warlords do have to keep up on laws, Gabrielle, if only to know which one's we're breaking." Ohh.. that was cute, Xena. Are we getting to where we can actually make jokes?

The bard burst out laughing, shaking her head at Xena. "You know something?" Her eyes searched the warrior's face intently.

"No, what?" Xena responded, feeling the tight knot in her gut loosening a bit. She saw the bard's eyes soften to a quiet intensity. Knew hers were responding in kind, when their souls were in contact like this.

"I love you." Came the gentle reply, as Gabrielle let her hand drift up and trace the responding smile on Xena's face. "It's not like that's a big secret, right? I think even Lila's caught on."

Xena laughed. "Really?" She leaned forward and kissed the bard. "What clued her in?"

Gabrielle slid an arm around her neck, and Xena straightened up, pulling the bard with her, and into an embrace. "Mmm.." she chuckled, when they broke off. "Well, she talked me into telling her some stories last night, and she said it was pretty obvious by the..." she paused, and giggled. "Sorry, this is her talking not me. By the dumb glow on my face every time I mentioned your name." She glanced up at Xena, who was chuckling. "Which was pretty often, I guess, seeing as how the stories are about you."

"Ah. I see." Xena responded, then gave the bard a sheepish grin. "If it's any consolation, my mother said the same thing about me."

Gabrielle chortled. "Really?" She let her fingers follow the faint blush coloring Xena's neck and on up to her face. "So that's how she figured it out."

"Yeah." Xena shrugged. "I never had anyone else mention it, so maybe it's just a family thing."

The bard snorted. "Xena, who on earth other than your mother would dare say that to you?" Her eyes sparkled with suppressed laughter.

Xena pondered this for a minute. Then laughed. "You gotta point there." She admitted, then slid her arms back around Gabrielle, and allowed herself to indulge in another long kiss, by the end of which she felt the bard's heartbeat begin to quicken, and her own breathing was getting a bit unsteady. They backed of just far enough to let their eyes meet. "Y'know, anyone with half a brain could figure out where you are." Xena commented, on an irregular breath.

"Let em." The bard replied, with a grin. And pulled her head back down. "I told them I wouldn't be back until lunch." She chuckled deep in her throat. "I'm supposed to be shopping for suitable clothes." A slight shrug. "Got told I couldn't walk around half naked, like some savage."

"Hmmm..." Xena commented, "I like the clothes you wear." She reached down and lifted the smaller woman up, cradling her like a child, and crossing to the bed. "Tell them to take a hike, and if they don't like it, they can just complain to me."

Gabrielle giggled. "Oh, that would make a statement." Then she applied herself wholeheartedly to the task at hand.

"So." Xena drawled, some time later. "What do they consider suitable clothing?" She glanced down at the bard, who was snuggled up contentedly, eyes half closed. "Don't tell me that long skirt thing."

Gabrielle made a gurgling noise deep in her throat. "Probably." She sighed, rolling her head back to study her partner. "I guess you don't like that style, huh?"

The warrior gave her a little shrug. "Doesn't do anything for you." Then her lips curled up in a grin. "Maybe you should send for a delegation of Amazons to attend you here. That would be interesting to watch."

The bard bit back a laugh. "Xena!" She shook her head, then grew quiet. "It's not funny, really. I feel like.." she paused. "Like they're trying to fit me back in here."

Xena hesitated, torn between responding to the anxiety she could feel returning to Gabrielle's body, and the need to remain outwardly unaware of it's source. "Do you want to fit back in here?" she finally asked, keeping her voice light and even.

Gabrielle remained silent for a long time, thinking. At one time I would have given anything to fit in here. And I almost did. Now... "I don't think I can, Xena." She admitted. "But how can I do that to Lila? I can't...leave her here." She felt her throat begin to tighten. "I'd do anything to help her." Then she realized what she'd said, and felt her breath catch. Anything? Could I give this up, and become a dutiful daughter, go quietly to this merchant, and see Lila happy with someone she loves? I could change her life. Just like Xena changed mine. Is it fair? Her heart clenched. What price am I willing to pay for my sister?

Her eyes drifted up, and caught Xena's, and she recognized the faint veil of reserve shadowing behind the familiar blue, a reserve that she now recognized as the warrior's instinctive attempt to put up a barrier against something she knew was going to hurt. A barrier that was so, so fragile when it came to protecting her against this terrible vulnerability she'd allowed herself to open up to. It was a look Gabrielle had seen, unknowing, for the first time the night she'd married Perdicus.

And seeing that hit Gabrielle achingly hard, in a place so deep she couldn't see the bottom of it, and she knew that on that fine line between what her selfless heart was yearning to give Lila and what her soul was claiming as it's own, a choice had been made. "Almost anything, that is." She quietly amended, with a quick grin, giving Xena a squeeze with the arm she had wrapped around the warrior, and had the satisfaction of seeing an answering smile warm the uneasy coolness in her gaze. "But there has to be something I can do." Now her expression turned imploring as she searched Xena's face. I promised I wasn't going to do that anymore, didn't I? Put that expectation on her? Just to fix everything...but I'm too close to this. I can't see the way out. Maybe she can.

"Mmm.." Xena mused. "We could take her out of here with us, take her to Amphipolis, or the Amazons." She commented, tentatively.

"She won't leave Lennat." The bard sighed, allowing a reluctant smile to cross her face. "Not that I have any moral basis for argument with her." She admitted, reveling in the warm comfort she was nestled in. Her fingers idly traced out a faint scar on Xena's ribcage, one with an uneven texture. Arrowhead, she guessed. "And he's under apprenticeship contract for another 5 years." She paused. "And even after, I don't think he'd leave home. He's comfortable here, and his brother supports him."

"Mm." Xena responded. How do we get out of this one besides the obvious way? I could just go in and...yeah, gods, and after last night, do I ever want to. But that doesn't solve the problem. That just makes me feel better. Is there a solution to this that doesn't leave someone bleeding? Those eyes searching mine.- she can't think of a way out, and she's depending on me to. So. I guess I'll find a way. "Let me see what I can come up with." The warrior added, gently stroking Gabrielle's hair, and was rewarded with a look of utter belief from the bard. Gods. I wish I was a quarter of the person she sees with that look.

"By the way." Gabrielle blinked up at her. "What made you so mad last night?"

Xena felt her brain freeze up. 'Uhm. What?" Damn. I forgot about that. I'm not used... "Oh... I went into brush Argo, and found some of the local kids poking Ares with a stick. " She shrugged. "Just got to me, I guess."

Gabrielle sat on one elbow, concerned. "Is he OK?" Anger tingeing her voice. "How could they do that to a harmless little puppy?"

"He was something differ..ent." Her voice faltered in the middle of the word, and she heard again Alain's gentle voice. "I don't think they see much of that, here." She watched Gabrielle's face closely. "I guess that's why they don't much like me, over and above what happened in the past." She kept her voice even. "I'm not.. your ordinary village girl."

The bard studied her face for a long moment, then smiled. "No, you're not."

Xena nodded. "And neither are you, my bard." She touched Gabrielle's nose with one fingertip. "Don't you forget that."

Gabrielle felt a silly grin spreading across her face, and was powerless to prevent it. She was about to answer, when Xena's gaze sharpened, and her head cocked in a listening attitude the bard knew all too well. She waited in silence, as Xena's eyes narrowed in concentration. Watched one eyebrow raise and a look of vague amusement cross the warrior's face.

"Your sister is headed this way." Xena informed her. "You might want to..."

Gabrielle giggled. "Uh, Yeah." And got her tunic back on, now detecting at the fringes of her hearing the sound of someone mounting the stairs. She ran her fingers through her hair, and perched herself on a corner of the small table in the room. The warrior, after arranging her own dress, remained lying down, legs crossed, and hands behind her head. A light, hesitant knock on the door sounded.

"Yeah." Xena answered, putting a low growly tone in her voice.

The door opened cautiously, and Lila edged her head in, glancing first at Xena, then at Gabrielle with something like relief. "Bree, you have to come quickly. He wants you. " Her voice was slightly breathless. "Metrus is at the house, and he wants to see you."

Gabrielle's expression grew cautious. "Why?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Lila opened the door, and stepped all the way into the room, crossing to Gabrielle and grasping her arm. "Look.. don't get him mad, Bree. He didn't explain to me why, he just sent for you." She darted a glance at Xena, then fastened her attention back on her sister. "He was yelling, and he started in with the ale a little early today. So, for the sake of the gods, go and get it over with."

Gabrielle felt her face flush, and she was aware of Xena's intense stare out of the corner of her peripheral vision. "All right." She replied, and slid off the table, taking a bare step towards the door when her path, and Lila's, was blocked.

Lila blinked, not having even seen Xena move from her relaxed position on the bed to where she was standing now, in front of them, one hand raised to halt their progress. "Hold it." And pinned Gabrielle with a direct stare. "That doesn't sound very friendly."

The bard moved forward, raising her own hand to touch Xena's. "It's OK. He just...gets a little...." she dropped her gaze to the floor, then raised it back again. "You know." Suddenly recalling the last conversation she'd had with Xena about that very subject.. Aw, c'mon, Xena, can't you just let loose just this once? Urging her to go past her self imposed limits. No, the warrior had replied, giving her the same direct stare as now. Think about what I am, Gabrielle. Think hard. Now, do you really want that out of control? It had made her stop cold. And Xena had seen the comprehension on her face. Exactly. The stronger you are, the more responsible you have to be. It's not fun, Gabrielle. I'm not a gentle drunk. People could die. Some have. And the bard had quietly apologized, and reconsidered what she had been asking. And thought about why she would have asked that, for a very long time.

"Do we have a problem?" Xena asked, quietly.

Lila stirred. "We will if she doesn't hurry up." She said, with an urgency in her tone. "Mother's out looking in the rest of the village. I came right here." She shot an uneasy glance towards Xena. "Please.."

Xena ignored her. "Do we have a problem?" She asked again, dropping her voice a little lower, and moving closer to the bard.

Gabrielle sighed. "I don't know. I don't think so. It should be all right. He probably just wants to show out the..'" Her lip curled. "merchandise." Feeling the angry tremor pass through Xena's body through their lightly touching fingertips. "It'll be OK."

A long, penetrating examination by those blue eyes left her shaking slightly, trying with all her strength to keep her mind calm, and not let on that the thought of her father, there in that house, with a good portion of ale in him, and her prospective husband with him scared her in a very unreasoning, childish way.

She had an almost overwhelming urge to let herself fall back into that wonderful warm spot and just tell Xena...everything. And look up at her, and say.. I don't want him to hurt me, anymore. Because she knew that's all it would take, and it would be so easy...and for a bare instant, the words trembled on her lips. But then the old guilt stilled her voice, and rendered her unable to betray him. Even to someone who share her soul.

She's scared. Xena could pick that up without even trying. And she's trying not to let me know it. Guess we play along with this, and trust and hope that if something does happen, I'll be fast enough to intervene before too much goes on. "All right." Came the reluctant reply, as Xena stepped back and moved out of their way. "But.."

"I know." Gabrielle confirmed. "I know." She followed Lila out the door, and down the stairs, glancing back up them as she reached the landing, and seeing the tense look of concern on the warrior's face. It made a warm spot in the coldness that had invaded her chest, and she managed a small wave as they moved off the stairs and headed for the door to the inn.

Lila glanced from side to side nervously as they walked along. "We've got to hurry." Then she darted a glance towards Gabrielle. "You haven't told her anything about...him. Us. Whatever, have you."

The bard shook her head. "No."

"Why?" Came Lila's curious question. "She's supposed to be a friend of yours. Some friend, if you can't tell her something that bothers you this much. Even I can tell that, Bree."

Gabrielle stopped right in the middle of the street, and grabbed her sister's arm, pulling her to a halt. "Now you look." She said, her voice an angry growl. "I can tell her anything. Anything, Lila. Things I couldn't tell you, or mother, or anyone else, I've told her. " A pause. "But I can't tell her this."

Lila regarded her. "Because of what she'd think ?"

The bard closed her eyes, and let out a long breath. "Because of what she'd do."

"I thought she didn't do that kind of thing anymore, isn't that what you told me, Bree?" Lila countered, "Or is that only your own wishful thinking?"

Gabrielle gave her a direct look. "No. it's not, and she doesn't. But this is different." She started walking again. "Because it's me."

Lila stayed silent, and just matched steps with her as they walked up the path to the homestead. They paused at the doorway, and Gabrielle put a hand on Lila's arm. "You don't have to go in." She said quietly. "No sense in both of us being subjected to this."

Lila gazed at her, frightened. "Please be careful, Bree." she whispered. "Please? He's really bad today."

The bard straightened her shoulders and nodded. "I will. " And put her hand on the latch to open the door, and pushed it aside.

Herodotus looked up as the door opened, and he slammed his cup onto the table. "About time!" He snarled. "Where in Hades have you been?" He waited for Gabrielle to turn and close the door, and turn back around again. She made no answer. "Here, your future husband is here to see you." He waved his hand at a lounging form in the chair across from him.

Metrus, as Gabrielle suddenly remembered, had always reminded her of a farm animal. He was of more than average height, and built very squat. His hair, a dull pale straw, was cut short about his head, accentuating the squareness of his head and features.

Gabrielle moved across the room, and stopped just out of her father's range, studying them both. She felt the old familiar fear rising in her, and took calming breaths, trying to keep the panic from her mind. And from the link she had with Xena. Her eyes met Metrus' and he gave her a lazy smile.

"Well, well. Little Bree. Let me look at you." He leaned forward and gazed at her. "Not bad, not bad at all, Herodotus. I think I'd take her even if she wasn't good with the stories." He chuckled at the bard. "You're going to get to know me real well, there little girl."

Gods, give me the strength to do this. She gave a quick mental prayer. "Metrus. Haven't seen you in quite a while." She took a long breath. "And it's really too bad, but I'm not going to be able to honor my father's contract with you." She heard Herodotus' choking cough.

"Don't talk nonsense, girl. This isn't your choice. It's mine." Her father said, only slurring a little. "Or have you forgotten the law?"

"No." Came the quiet answer. And quoted him the law that gave him jurisdiction over her.

"From your own lips." Metrus' said, delighted. "And lovely lips they are, too." He laughed, and got up, moving around the table and coming right up to her. Putting his hand on her jaw and turning her face from one side to the other. "Damn nice, Herodotus. Didn't think you had it in you. Sure this one's yours?"

Her father laughed an ugly laugh. "Oh yeah. I'm sure." He took a big swallow of ale, and clapped the goblet down. "Hecuba! More ale!"

Stay calm, Gabrielle. Stay calm. You can do this. You can handle this. Xena said you could. And she's the absolute authority on it. "There's another law that I can quote that lets me out of this... obligation." Her voice was low, but cool. And she quoted it.

And there was silence from both men.

"What do you mean, sovereign jurisdiction? Someone die and leave you queen?" Metrus burst out laughing, finally.

"Queen Melosa of the Amazons, as a matter of fact." Gabrielle dropped the statement into another cold silence. "So, I'm sorry, but no. I can't go forward with this. I have other obligations." And caught her mother's horrified eyes across the room.

Metrus leaned back, and regarded her. "You say you're the Queen of the Amazons?" His eyebrows curved up and small smile played around his lips.

"No." Gabrielle responded. "They say I am." Felt her heart start to pound as her father scraped back his chair and stood up. Felt the unnerving sensation of cool air passing over her neck as her neck hairs rose in response to an unseen, unheard threat.

"It's her fault." Herodotus slurred. "Damn unnatural woman." Without warning, he lunged foreword, and caught Gabrielle across the face with the knuckles of his left hand.

She'd seen it coming, he telegraphed his intentions in a way that she could readily read now, but her body was frozen, and refused to move out of the way. Instead, she began to just crawl inside, and shut down, and just be not there. Like she used to. Before, when that was the only way she got through these times. She was aware of him picking her up, and hitting her in the gut, the old trick, so the bruises wouldn't show. Once, twice, and now he was tossing her against the wall, and she slid down it, still unresisting, still trying her best to be not there. To be small, and maybe if she was small enough, he'd forget about her, and go onto something else.

And then her hand slid to one side, and rested on a round piece of wood. A sleek firmness that her body knew, even if her mind was telling her to be still, be quiet. Be not there. Here came his footsteps, and she knew the kick was coming next. She wanted to just lie there. Really, she did.. but her body betrayed her, and suddenly came to life as though ignited by a spirit not her own.

He came stumbling, just looking for a target, and when he was almost upon her, she lifted up from the ground and whipped her staff against his head, with a cracking sound that resonated through the cramped room. And he dropped with a crash, and then she was back to herself, staring at her staff as though she had never seen it before.

Metrus backed away from her, and held up his hands. "All right, there, missy. Just relax now."

Gabrielle took several gasping breaths, and leaned back against the wall, shaking. Her mother ran forward, and kneeled at her husband's side, gently touching his head. Then she turned around, and looked at her daughter.

It was too much. She dropped the staff, and stumbled to the door, somehow getting the latch open, and getting down the lane, her legs barely able to keep her moving. She hadn't gone 10 paces when she collided with someone, fast moving, who her body recognized and melted into in utter relief. "Oh gods." she got out in a hoarse whisper. "I think I may have killed him"

Xena froze in place, and felt her heart start to go double time. Gods no… She looked up as Lila came running up, her face as white as a sheet. If she did, I'd better find out now. "Gabrielle." She said gently, clasping her shoulders. "Stay here a minute. Sit down." The bard allowed herself to be guided to a boulder off the path, and sat there in mute horror. "Lila, keep her company." The warrior rasped. "I'll be right back."

Lila nodded, and put a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. The bard didn't even look up, she just stared off into the distance. "Bree?" the dark haired woman said softly. "Bree? What happened?" No answer.

Xena strode up the path and jerked the door open, crossing inside. Metrus got in front of her, arms spread, but she batted him aside with one impatient shove. "Move." A snarl in his direction, as she knelt down next to the sprawled form, ignoring the frantic protests from Hecuba. She studied the man, and noted that he was still breathing, though it seemed a bit shallow.

Putting her fingers to his pulse point, she felt a steady, if fast heartbeat. She rolled his head to one side, and studied the bleeding wound, where the staff had struck with enough force to split the skin to the skull. Probed gently with knowing fingers, and felt only a slight depression of the bone beneath. And felt a wave of utter relief so intense it almost made her dizzy. She looked up at Hecuba, who had run out of protests. "It's a slight fracture." She said, in a steady, even tone. "If you get him into a bed, keep his head up, and keep him quiet, he'll probably be all right."

Hecuba stared at her through narrowed eyes for a long moment. "You're a healer?" She finally asked, disbelief in her voice.

Xena stood up, and suddenly felt very tired of this place, and these people. "Yeah. It comes in handy in my line of work." She started for the door, only to be pulled up short by Metrus. "Get out of my way." She growled.

"Wait a minute, Xena." Metrus protested. "We need to call the bailiff down for this. I'm a witness - the girl went mad, and attacked him." His face grew smug. "We can't have someone that… unstable.. running around loose, surely you realize that."

The warrior felt an icy cold wave take her. "I saw the bruises on her face, Metrus."

"Well, " the merchant purred. "Everyone here will say otherwise." He smiled. "And if she's crazy, she has no rights.. but I'll be glad to take over her care, the poor little…" His voice was cut off by a hand that gripped his throat and shut off his wind, and he was lifted off his feet and slammed to the floor.

"Oh no." Came a growly rolling voice. "I don't think so, Metrus." Xena squeezed tighter, and kneeled on his chest. "See, Gabrielle, now.. she's a good person. Even driven by someone trying to hurt her, she couldn't deliver a fatal blow. Not even close to one. She's physically capable of it, but mentally.. ?? Oh no. Not Gabrielle."

His face was turning purple, and his eyes widened. "But I am, Metrus. I'm really not a nice person. And to protect Gabrielle, I'm capable of doing just about anything." Her voice sank to a husky drawl "I could kill you, so, so easily…" Her grip tightened again, and he began to choke. She bent closer. "He's lucky that staff was in her hands, and not mine. He's lucky I didn't see him hit her or you'd be picking pieces of him up from all over the room."

Now she slackened her grip slightly, and let him take a few ragged breaths. "So, you think hard, before you try to play that game, my friend. Make sure you understand what the consequences would be." A pause. "Got me?"

Metrus stared at her, trying to remain completely still. Her hand was still tensed around his neck, her weight compressing his chest, and when he looked up into her eyes, he had no doubt at all that one wrong word, one wrong gesture on his part would be the last thing he ever did. So this was the Xena of the legends. Not so far buried after all. "Yes." He croaked.

"Good." Xena replied softly, and released him. And as she stood and turned she caught Hecuba's eyes, finding an unexpected warmth there. They looked at each other a long moment. Then, "Keep his head up." Xena advised, then headed for the door, stopping only to pick up Gabrielle's discarded staff and take it with her.

The slanting afternoon sunlight dazzled her eyes for a short time, and when her vision cleared she made out Lila, visibly agitated, grasping her sister's shoulders and shaking them. Then Xena's eyes focused on the still form seated on the rock, and she forgot about everything else. She'd seen Gabrielle in many moods, experiencing many emotions both good and bad, but never had she seen the bard like this. There was a terrible look of blank horror in her eyes, a lost look that hit Xena right in the gut and made her heart sink in her chest.

Because she'd seen it before, that look. In villages her army had razed. In the eyes of the survivors who had lost a part of their humanity due to her. She walked last few feet in a daze, not hearing Lila's repeated question, only seeing those dull green eyes that would not track to hers.

Xena knelt down, and very carefully reached out and covered Gabrielle's clenched hands with her own. And waited. For the fair head to raise a fraction, and, as though from very far away, a tiny spark appear that seemed to recognize the still face regarding her. "Gabrielle." She said, gently, seeing that. "It's all right. He'll be fine."

Gabrielle had stayed not there all the time Xena was gone, going further and further inside, both to escape the pain which was making her head throb, and to avoid the vivid memory of the what it felt like when her staff connected with her father's skull. Lila had shaken her, and spoken, but her mind refused to hear the words, or respond to the shaking. She was just.. not there. It was quieter. Easier to just… be.

But now, hands were on hers, a touch she recognized, and she felt a warm tugging against which her desperate tries to escape had no effect. It was a lifeline, and try as she would to ignore it, the line wrapped itself around her soul and drew her forward, back to now, back to here, where there were familiar blue eyes waiting to meet hers. Then the words penetrated her understanding, and Gabrielle felt a crushing hand lift off her back. "I didn't..?" Her voice sounded hoarse, even to her ears.

"No." Came the calm answer, and she got a smile with it, a smile that reached in and captured her heart, and pulled her further and further from numbness that threatened to envelope her again. "He's going to have a bad headache for a few days, but that's all." Xena paused. "I promise."

Gabrielle let her head drop between her shoulders, and directed her gaze to the ground, letting a wave of uneasy relief wash over her. She still felt like she was on the verge of breaking apart, but she could feel herself calming down, and dealing with the present. Not very well, she numbly reflected, but it was a start. She raised her eyes, and met Xena's, seeing the intense concern there. "Thanks" Even managing a tiny hint of a smile, which was immediately reflected back to her.

Xena released her hands, and reached across to tilt the bard's head gently to one side, studying her face. "Need to get some cold cloths on that." She commented, forcing down the boiling rage that kept threatening to send her back up that path into that house, no matter the man was unconscious. "Come on." She stood up, and offered a hand to Gabrielle, who took it and let the warrior lift her up.

"Lila.." the bard said, turning her head. "Could you…"

Her sister nodded slowly. "I'll bring your stuff over." No questions, no comments, just that.

"I told him.." Gabrielle took a breath, and felt Xena squeeze her hand. "I said I wouldn't go with Metrus. Told him why I didn't have to." She gave Xena a haunted look. "He said.. he blamed you." A very long silence. "Then he just… " She stopped speaking, and looked off into the distance. "I don't know what came over me." She finally continued, in a quietly bewildered tone. "I was just trying to get.. away. Then.. " Her eyes tracked to the staff lying on the ground where Xena had dropped it. "I guess I fell on top of that.. and it was in my hands.. and…" She stopped speaking again, and this time didn't continue.

"And you did what you're body is trained to do when it's under attack." Xena said, matter-of-factly.

"No.. no.. it wasn't that.. he wasn't.." The bard hesitated, then fell silent.

"Come on." Xena sighed, shifting her grip to Gabrielle's shoulder. She looked over at Lila, who was studying the ground. "Your mother could probably use a friendly face." She said, in a low voice. "I'll take care of your sister."

Lila gazed up at her, for once without rancor. Only weariness showed in her dark hazel eyes. "I know you will." She answered quietly. "I'll bring the stuff over later." She gave them a little nod, then turned and walked slowly back up the path towards the homestead.

Xena kept her hand on Gabrielle's back for the entire silent walk back to the inn, keeping contact with the bard, whose face had settled into an impassive mask. They ignored the stares from the lunch crowd at the inn, and walked up the stairs, shutting the door to the little room behind them.

Once inside, Xena put the staff she was still carrying against the wall, and watched with troubled eyes as Gabrielle gazed down at the greeting antics of a delighted Ares. The bard slowly bent down, and picked the puppy up, cradling him in her arms and burying her face in his soft fur. "Roo?" He warbled, nibbling her convenient ear. "Oh Ares.." Came her broken whisper. "You're so sweet and gentle.. how could anyone be mean to you?"

Xena's breath caught. Damn.. what do I say to her? What could anyone say? This is not.. one of my many skills, and I'm pretty lost here. "Gabrielle?" She finally said, hesitantly. The bard looked up at her with shadowed eyes. "Uhm… let me see that scrape." She rummaged in a saddlebag for her healer's kit, aware that Gabrielle had walked over and was now standing at her shoulder. She glanced up at the bard, and tried to give her a reassuring smile.

"I should have told you." Gabrielle murmured, agony in her eyes. "I should have.. I wanted to.. Oh gods.." As her knees gave out, and Xena caught her, cradling her and sliding down the wall until they were both on the floor, the warrior's arms wrapped around her partner, whose body was shaking with uncontrollable, hysterical sobs.

Xena just closed her eyes, and held on. Damn.. what do I do? OK.. OK.. don't panic, Xena. It'll just make it worse. Just breathe, and relax, breathe.. that's it.. "I've got you." She whispered. "Gabrielle, it's all right. I've got you."

Eventually the bard's tears slowed, and she closed her eyes, and just rested quietly in Xena's arms. I probably just scared her half to death. The weary thought ran through Gabrielle's tired mind. She hates dealing with this kind of thing.. but I needed that.. and there's no one else I could turn to. Or would want to turn to, for that matter. I can't believe I did that, to him. She glanced up at Xena's face, half lit in the late afternoon sunlight coming in the small window. "I got you all wet." She said, wincing at the hoarseness in her voice.

Xena gazed down at her and quirked a small grin. "S'okay." She commented, releasing her grasp with one hand, and rummaging in her kit, which had fallen when she'd grabbed the bard. Pulled out a bit of linen, and carefully wiped the tears from her face. "Better?" she asked, giving Gabrielle a bigger smile when the bard nodded.

"Yeah." Gabrielle cleared her throat. "Ouch."

The warrior felt a wave of relief pass over her. Gabrielle was very upset, yes.. but that look of strained distant horror was gone, and she seemed more herself. "Hang on." She replied, and reached over to the small fireplace, putting the water pot on to heat, then pulled a couple of small jars out of her kit, and snagged a cup from the table over her dark head.

Gabrielle watched idly, too tired to move or speak, as Xena efficiently assembled ingredients in the cup, and poured the now hot water over it. A lovely steamy scent rose from the cup, and the bard smiled. "Mmm.. you should make your cures smell like that more often." She teased gently, as the warrior handed her the cup with a grin. She stuck her nose almost into the liquid and let the sweet, minty fragrance seep into her lungs. "Is this even good for me? I can't believe it." This with a quick look up at Xena, who just nodded. She took a sip, then let it slide down her sore throat with pleasure, and leaned her head back against the warrior's chest. "That's wonderful." She sighed.

"Make your head feel better." Xena replied, gently brushing her hair out of her eyes. "And.. I thought your insides could use a little coddling, too."

Gabrielle smiled to herself, and took a big sip from her cup. "You're right." She admitted. "And you're also right about my head hurting." She leaned her head back on Xena's arm, and her expression grew serious again. "I'm sorry."

Xena's eyebrows creased. "What for?"

The bard closed her eyes and shrugged. "This.. everything. Dragging you out here." She blinked her eyes open and gazed out of the window. "I know you hate dealing with this stuff. I should have convinced you to go to the festival."

"Gabrielle." Xena's voice, cool and direct, halted the bard's rambling speech. "Cut that out, right now."

Gabrielle stopped short, and looked up at her in surprise. "No, really.. I think"

"Stop it." Came the firm reply. "I really mean it. There is no place else I want to be right now other than right here." She pinned Gabrielle with her most intense stare. "You are not going to apologize for this. It was not your fault. Any of it. You didn't do anything to make this happen, is that clear???"

"I must have." Was her bleak answer. Her eyes unfocused. "I always tried to figure out what it was that I did.. so I wouldn't do it anymore. I lost track after a while." Her voice cracked. "There were so many of them." She looked up and saw the anguished look on Xena's face. Sensed the brimming anger just under the surface, anger not at her, but in her behalf.

My protector.. it was a warmth that started in the pit of her stomach and spread outward. Does she know just how wonderful a feeling that is right now? No.. probably not.. maybe now's the time to tell her.. and tell her why this annoyingly stubborn village girl followed her like a tick on a dog over half of Greece. "Xena.. "

"Yeah?" Came the slightly husky response.

Gabrielle took a deep, deep breath. "Have you always wanted to be a fighter?"

Xena studied her in surprise for a moment. "Yeah. I guess I have." She chuckled a little. "Lyceus and I.. we played with sticks as swords, and ran around in play battles ever since I was old enough to remember."

The bard nodded slowly. "Thought so. Did your mom like that?"

The warrior paused for thought. "Well, I'm sure she'd rather have had me take up a kinder trade, but she never told me I couldn't."

"Did anyone ever tell you that?" Gabrielle persisted, incidentally also satisfying a long held curiosity.

"No." Came the expected answer. "No, they didn't. Uhm… well, one person tried to. Once."

"And???"

"I beat him up." Xena's sheepish answer made the bard laugh.

Gabrielle sighed. "What would you have done if someone.. who you cared about.. tried to make you stop being a warrior?" Now her eyes were serious, and looking up, she saw that Xena's were also, having caught the drift of the conversation.

Xena hesitated a long time before answering, because she knew what Gabrielle was getting at, and because her answer would tell a lot about who she was. "What would I have done?" A pause, because she looked deep inside and gave an honest answer. "I wouldn't have stopped. It's so much a part of me.. I wouldn't have stopped. I would have fought it."

"That's what I thought. " The bard answered softly. "Because it's one of the things I love the most about you. You never stop." She gave her partner a gentle smile. "You always tell me how much I provide an inspiration to you in things.. I wonder if you realize just how much of the reverse is true?"

She searched Xena's face, seeing the startlement in her expression, her bard's mind already thinking of ways to describe the moment, describe the golden sun which lit up half her profile, and left the other half in shadow, except for the glittering brilliance of her eyes. "I've always been able to make up stories." She started, tearing her eyes from Xena's, and letting them rest on Ares' furry head, curled up against Xena's thigh. "I loved doing it - and I would find all kinds of people to tell them to. Even the silly ones."

She let her head rest against the silent warrior's shoulder. "My earliest memories of my father were.. He used to bounce me on his knee, when I was really little. I went places with him." She looked up at Xena. "He was my whole world."

A long silence this time, as she collected herself again. "I don't know when that changed.. it just seemed like, one day he just.. " Her eyes closed. "got angry. And stayed that way." She took a long breath. "Maybe it was just the ale, maybe it was.. he really wanted a son. I don't know." She rubbed her eyes. "When I stayed with my aunt and uncle, it was great. I could play around, you know, and tell stories, and just be.. normal, I guess." She swallowed hard. And almost lost her composure when Xena leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead.

"You don't have to.." the warrior started, but was stopped when Gabrielle put her fingers lightly on her lips.

"Yes.. I do. I want you to know this.." She gave a grim smile. "At home, was a different story. He didn't like when I told tales-he said it was fools play, and.. " She paused. "And after a while when he caught me, he'd.." A long silence. "do something to convince me not to do it anymore." Her breath caught. "I remember the first time he did that.. I.. I.. " Her voice stopped, and she just sat there, swallowing, and trying not to break down. Then Xena's arms tightened around her, filling her with a sense of security that allowed her to regain her composure after a few long shuddering breaths.

"So, anyway." She finally went on. "After a while, it just became a lot easier to.. forget about the stories. It just hurt too much.. and they kept me busy, molding me into the model village girl, ready for marriage." Her eyes met Xena's and read the mixture of sadness and pain and utter rage there. "I felt like I was being squeezed into a box. And I had no way out. Every example I had fell into their way things should be done. Girls can't be bards. Girls can't be strong. I could just sit there, quietly, and do what jobs I was supposed to do." Her voice went a little hoarse. "And I did. Because I didn't see any other possibility. But it hurt." Her eyes closed briefly "And I felt so.. lost."

She took a sip of the cooling tea in her cup. "And then, one day, I went down to the river with my sister, and the rest of the girls from the village to get some water." She let a small smile start on her face. "We were stopped by slavers. I remember thinking to myself, Hey, Gabrielle, look here. This is where, in one of your stories, the hero shows up and saves the day. " Her voice dropped. "But I knew that in real life, there were no heroes, and I wasn't going to be saved, and.. I'm not sure I would have cared." She stared off out the window, remembering that day, which had started bad, with a beating after breakfast, when she'd ruined a dish under his critical eyes, and had become worse, with the raider's attack on them.

Now the smile deepened, as she tilted her head back and gazed at Xena, whose face was now almost totally shrouded in shadow. Save the eyes, which were picking up the faint hints of the sun. "Then I got the surprise of my life." She shook her head. "A hero showed up, and saved the day. Just like out of a story. And not only were you a hero, you blew to pieces every rule I'd ever been told about what people are, and what you could be."

"Xena, you stood there, unarmed, and unafraid, and just whipped through those soldiers like they were nothing. You were stronger than they were, and smarter than they were, and what's more, you didn't care who knew it." She closed her eyes, and patted the warrior on the belly. "You changed my whole world that day."

Xena remained silent, just listening, just watching, getting a perspective on Gabrielle she'd never expected. An explanation, finally, as to why she'd left home, left her family, left everything familiar to follow a half mad ex warlord off into the wilds, to certain hardship, and probable early death.

"I decided, right then, that this was my only chance. I was going to follow you, if you wanted me to or not, as far as I had to because I had just this one shot at becoming more than Potadeia was going to allow me to become." Gabrielle continued, taking another long breath. "So I did. And I said a prayer, every night, to the gods that you wouldn't send me back before I learned enough from you to make it on my own." A small smile appeared. "Then, one day, I realized that I'd started praying that you wouldn't send me back at all, because I.. I didn't want to leave you."

They looked at each other in a momentary silence. "Then I thought, that was selfish of me. And I tried.. to go home.. because I thought you must surely be tired of me." Gabrielle continued, gazing at the window. "And because I didn't think.. well, anyway."

"I was never surprised when you left." Xena spoke for the first time in a long while. "I just didn't ever expect you to come back. I.. never really understood why you did.. not for a long time, anyway. I thought there were far better places for you to be than with me." There was a gentle sadness in her eyes that touched Gabrielle profoundly.

"I know you thought that." The bard whispered. "But then, on my wedding night, I lay there in the dark. Perdicus was asleep, but I couldn't.. all I could think about was you, and what I'd seen in your eyes when we said goodbye." Her eyes lifted. "Because it was goodbye, wasn't it? I would never have seen you again, right?"

Xena took a breath, then a second. And swallowed. "It would have been. I.. Gabrielle, I meant what I said, but I just… I couldn't." You had my heart already, my friend, and the thought of losing your friendship made that night the worst one I've had in a very long time. Only that very next night was worse, when I thought I'd lost your soul to Callisto after everything else.

"I knew that." Gabrielle responded. "I felt it..and that hurt so bad I could hardly breathe." She sighed. "But I was hoping, doing that, I could do for mother, and Lila, what you'd done for me. Make a difference. " She shook her head. "But I wouldn't have. I wasn't ready for that, Xena. I don't have your strength."

She drained her almost empty cup, and stared into it. "I didn't like who I was back then, Xena." Now she met the warrior's gaze squarely. "But I do like who I am now. And I would never have become that person if it wasn't for you showing me the way. " A pause. "So, even if I wasn't.. " She smiled gently "hopelessly in love with you, and even if we weren't best friends.. you would still be the most important person in my life. Because you gave me back my dreams."

She sighed, and put her head down on Xena's chest, feeling the strong arms wrap around her with a fierce intensity, and hearing the warrior swallow a few times without attempting to speak. "I've been wanting to say that to you for a long time." She mumbled. "But my father.. I just.. I couldn't.. I'm sorry, Xena. I'm sorry I.. wanted to try and help them."

"Shh. It's all right." The warrior said, in a rough voice. "It's all right."

"No.." Gabrielle replied. "It's not… " Her hands clenched convulsively against Xena's leathers. "I should have.. Perdicus loved me, I know that. And, on some level, I loved him too. He was kind, and he needed me, and… " she fell silent for a moment. "But what I felt for you went so much deeper, in places he could never even imagine, much less try to reach. And I laid there that night, and I knew it, and it hurt.. and I realized one of the reasons I was really doing this was.. I thought that if I came home, and was good, maybe.. maybe my father would smile at me." Her eyes started to tear up again. "Xena, I can't help it. He's my father, and I love him. Even if he doesn't.." she couldn't finish the thought. "And.. I wanted his approval again so bad I almost.. no, I did.. sacrifice the most important thing in my life." She swallowed "The most important person. And I feel so.. I hate myself when I think of that."

"Oh, Gabrielle." Xena breathed, stroking her hair gently, seeing the tears staining her leathers darker. "It's not your fault."

"Yes it is." The bard rasped. "It's my fault Perdicus died. It's my fault.."

"No." Came the strong, fast, response. "No, you look at me." Xena released one hand, and forced Gabrielle's head up, making eye contact with her. Trying to push aside her own almost out of control emotions when she saw the desperate need there. "You listen to me, my bard… that was not your fault. " Gabrielle remained silent, watching her face. "The only one who can take the blame for that is Callisto, Gabrielle. Not you, not me. " Took me long enough to get a grip on that, didn't it?"And.. I don't blame you for choosing to live with him. You really did have my blessing.. I want you to believe that."

The bard blinked at her. "Tell me that didn't hurt you." Came the bare whisper, from a frozen expression.

Xena took a breath, and just looked at her. Knowing by the sudden closing of Gabrielle's eyes that her response was showing even before she spoke. "I can't tell you that." She admitted. "You know I can't.. " she stopped speaking as the painful memory of that whole time spilled into her conscious mind. "Yeah, it hurt." She finally said, meeting the bard's agonized gaze. "Leaving you there was.. very hard on me." She paused. "But it would have been worth it, to me, to see you happy. And, Gabrielle, that's the only truth that matters."

Gabrielle swallowed convulsively. "You shouldn't hurt people you love, Xena. It's not right. " Her gaze drifted towards the window. "So, I guess my father… I wish I knew what I did to make him hate me so much."

And here was the central problem, Xena realized, because she couldn't imagine how someone.. how anyone.. could hurt someone as… OK..OK.. take a deep breath, Xena. You can't help her if you let yourself fall apart. She's in pieces… she's depending on you to make sense of this. Gods. What do I come up with? I think about how she must have felt, so little, so innocent, and to have someone… how did she ever let herself trust anyone after that?

She did.. " The thought rolled inexorably to it's logical conclusion, as she murmured soothing whispers at the quiet, still form. She did because her need to love and be loved is stronger than her need to hate and that's powerful enough. It's what she holds on to. Gods. And I know the answer to at least one question she has."Gabrielle." Xena put a low, compelling note into her voice, causing the bard to glance up. "I want you to hear me."

Gabrielle rolled her head to one side, and gazed at her, waiting. "I'm here." She said, in a tired voice.

"Good." Xena answered. "I think you can tell I'm really upset, right?"

"Yeah." The bard replied.

"OK. I can't.. Gabrielle, I barely understand myself, much less other people, but I know this.. and I want you to know this - when someone hurts someone else, someone like you, that hasn't done anything harmful to anyone, well - that person doesn't hate you, Gabrielle. That person hates something in themselves. And.. it's that part of themselves they're striking out at. Not you. Not ever you.. you were just a child, Gabrielle. Just a beautiful little child, who saw things other people didn't see. You never did anything."

Gabrielle just stared at her for a very long time. Just looking at her face. Just breathing. "That can't be true." She finally whispered, but her voice was begging Xena to convince her.

The warrior cupped her face with one hand, and smiled sadly. "It is true, my bard." She paused, and watched the thoughts race behind those green eyes. "I'm not one to be tossing around definitions of good and evil, but to me.. to me, Gabrielle, you're all that's good." She hesitated. "Because I know what it feels like to hate yourself, so much that you just lash out at anyone. At everyone. You want them to hurt as much as you do."

The bard thought about that for a long time, just resting there quietly, with the rich crimson sunset pouring in the room, painting her with light that fell across most of her body and part of Xena's. Listening to the dull sounds of the blacksmith's hammer just outside. Smelling the dusty wood scent of the room, and the sharp wafts of cooking meat from the inn below. Feeling the steady, secure cradle of Xena's arms, and the gentle tickle of the warrior's even breathing against her ear, where her head rested on one broad shoulder. "It's going.. to take me a while to get my mind wrapped around that." She said at last, speaking the words slowly, as if tasting them. "That'll take time" And raised her eyes to Xena's, searching.

Xena shrugged, and smiled. "We have a lifetime."

Finally, getting a true smile from the younger woman. "Keep reminding me of that, OK?" Gabrielle answered softly, reaching over and rubbing Xena's arm. Slowly, very slowly, her world was righting itself again, anchored by the warmth she felt enveloping her. I think.. I'll be OK. She mused to herself.

"Besides, you couldn't have given up your dreams that fast, my bard." Xena added, cocking her head and peering down. "You offered yourself for Lila, as I recall.. it's what caught my eye in the first place." A slow grin appeared on her face. "I was impressed by the heroism of this village girl standing off against all those slavers."

Gabrielle laughed softly. "It was idiotic.' She blushed slightly. "Were you really?"

"Uh huh." Xena acknowledged, hugging her tighter. "I really was." She went serious. "I was ready to give up, Gabrielle. I'd had enough of fighting.. but you reminded me there's always something worthwhile to fight for."

The bard didn't answer, but her eyes regained some of their natural sparkle, and a tiny smile appeared on her lips. Xena ducked her head and gazed at the cup she still held. "Is that empty?"

"Mm..yeah." Gabrielle answered, glancing up.

"Oh, good." Xena replied, and caught her eye. "Because I wanted to say I love you, and last time that got me all wet."

Gabrielle couldn't hold back a short laugh. "Ouch." She winced. "Don't make me laugh."

Xena's eyes grew concerned. "Why? Did he.." her hand touched the bard's chest and she flinched. "Damn." She cursed. "Hang on." With that, she stood, carrying Gabrielle with her, and moved over to the bed, laying the bard down gently. "You should have said…"

"And missed you saying I love you?" Gabrielle gave a tired grin. "No way." She relaxed as Xena opened her tunic, and probed very gently with her fingertips. "Ouch." The bard hissed, as she touched a particularly sore spot.

"Sorry." Xena muttered. "Lucky. Just bruised, I think. Nothing cracked." She looked up at Gabrielle's face. "I'm going to wrap you up, then you're going to take something, and go to sleep for a while."

"Sounds like a good idea." The bard admitted. "I can't tell you what kind of headache I have."

Xena pushed the red gold hair out of her eyes. "Yeah, I know." She sighed unhappily. "I know." She crossed to her kit, and came back with some linen bandages, spreading them out carefully, and rubbing them with some oil from a jar she also took out. Then she helped the bard sit up, and neatly wrapped the bandages around her, fastening them with a tuck. "There."

"Hey..it feels warm." Gabrielle noticed, touching the fabric. "What was that?"

Xena picked up the remaining oil and glanced at it. "It's an oil mixture - makes your blood move around where you're injured. Helps you heal faster."

"Really?" Gabrielle asked, intrigued despite herself. "Is that your secret??" She gave the warrior a gentle nudge with an elbow.

Xena chuckled. "No, mine's natural. But it never hurts to use it." She went back the table, and assembled another mixture in Gabrielle's discarded cup, hesitating, then shaking her head, and mixing in some additional ingredients that didn't usually go in this combination. She poured the heated water over them, mixed it a bit, then carried it over to where the bard was quietly waiting. "Here." She said, and handed it over. "Drink it all."

Gabrielle nodded, and took a sip. "Wait..twice in one day, I get something that tastes good out of that bag? I must be dreaming." She gave Xena an mock amazed look.

"Yeah." Xena said, her mask of good humor slipping. "Just wanted to make a pretty bad day a little better, I guess." She turned back away towards the table, but felt a hand dart out and grab her leathers, and she stopped. And tried to get her emotions under control before she turned back around.

Was only partially successful, seeing the reaction in Gabrielle's green eyes. The bard put the cup down on the night table, and slid out of bed, wrapping her arms around the taller woman in one sudden move. Felt the warrior return the hug, though more gently. "Thank you." She said, simply.

Xena took a ragged breath. "Seeing you get hurt, and not being able.. to do something about.. that's hard on me, Gabrielle." She managed to get out.

The bard nodded against her chest. "I know. But.. I'm really glad you're here. I.. I need you." A simple truth.

They stood like that for a while longer, then Xena raised her head, and let out a long breath. "OK, back into bed with you." She admonished, releasing the bard, who sat down, and swung her legs up, settling back with a sigh.

Xena handed her the cup, with a raised eyebrow, and watched sternly until she finished it all, and handed the cup back. "You didn't have to watch." The bard commented wryly. "It was good." Her eyes blinked. "Whoa."

"Yeah. Whoa." Xena snorted, and pushed her down onto the pillow. "Out you go, your majesty."

The bard tried to focus on her, but gave up the effort, and let her eyes close. Xena watched her until the taut muscles in her body relaxed, and her breathing slowed and deepened, reaching out a hand and touching the sleeping bard's cheek gently, where the bruises showed stark against her fair skin. Then she let her hand drop to her side, and walked to the table, collapsing in the chair and propping her elbows on her knees.

Oh Gods…The anger and frustration were almost too much to bear. But she did, sliding back in the chair, and tipping her head back to regard the ceiling for a long time. Fighting her rage at the unfairness, the ugliness that had reached out over the years and touched her companion. Wanting to roll it all back, and be there, at that time, in this place, to stand watch over her, and keep it from happening at all. She didn't deserve this. Of all the damn people I've known in my life, she's the one who most didn't deserve this. She thought of the gentle child Gabrielle must have been, all fair hair and big green eyes. Telling her stories to her equally wide eyed friends. And being beaten for it. It was too much. Xena buried her head in her hands and clenched her teeth. Damn him. A low growl sounded deep in her chest, and as if in counterpoint, Ares answered, creeping close to her boot and blinking up at her.

Xena gazed at him, at this animal whom she had saved from the claws of a panther. And then looked across at her sleeping partner, who, in the last dying rays of sunset, looked hardly older than a child. Maybe… slowly the thought formed, irresistibly put itself into her conscious mind. Maybe the world does need people like me. Like who I am now. Who will protect people like her. And little things like him. I wonder. Slowly, she felt the anger drain off leaving an emotional weariness in it's place.

She picked up the puppy, and, slouching down and leaning back in the chair, settled him on her chest, where he plopped down with a happy pant. "Hey there, boy." She murmured, stroking his soft fur. "You're getting big, aren't you?" She picked up a paw, and examined it, raising an eyebrow. He was going to be a big one, all right. The warrior let her head fall back against the wall, and closed her eyes, mentally exhausted.

Snapping wide awake, some hours later, in the almost total darkness of the room, with Ares' sleeping form still curled on her ribcage. "Gods." She winced, rubbing her neck. :"That was stupid." She lifted the sleepy puppy off her chest, and put him onto the floor, standing and straightening up with a yawn. "Better get some light in here." She muttered softly to the puppy, who cocked his head at her. She stirred up the fire, and lit the two torches in the room, bathing it in a soft orange glow, and crossed over to glance at the still sleeping Gabrielle.

Satisfied, she glanced around the room, then put away her medical kit, and was preparing to go downstairs to pick up some dinner when she detected a vaguely familiar voice coming up the stairs.

"Oh great." She said aloud, and Ares looked up at her. Xena sighed, and sat back down in the chair, resting one booted foot against the fireplace. A soft knock at the door sounded. "Come." She called, keeping her voice down. The door opened and Lila's head poked in, blinking in the low light, then finding her at the table. She withdrew, then the door opened again, and she walked in, followed by Hecuba.

The two of them stared at her for a long moment. She stared back, neither welcoming nor threatening. Finally, Lila broke the tableau, and moved further into the room, hefting the bags she was carrying, and looking at Xena in mute question. "Over there." Xena answered, gesturing to where the rest of their gear was stored. A movement caught her eye, and she turned her head to watch Hecuba walk quietly to the bedside, and stand, gazing down at her daughter. She lifted a hand towards the sleeping bard, and stopped short when she heard a growl at her feet.

Looked down to see a wolf puppy spraddle legged in front of her, baring his teeth in a infantile snarl. She stared at the animal in surprise, then turned her head to regard Xena. And something in her eyes thawed. "I see she has more than one protector." The older woman commented.

Got a half grin from Xena. "Yeah. She collects them." The warrior saw Lila's shoulders relax slightly. "Sit down, Lila." She motioned the girl to a seat opposite her. "Long day." I can't change the past, but if I can get her family to talk to me, that should cheer her up, right?

"It was that." Lila answered, and took the proffered chair, seating herself, and studying the tall dark haired woman across from her

"Come here, boy." Xena called, and the puppy scampered over to her. "Go ahead." She gave Hecuba a jerk of the head in Gabrielle's direction.

Hecuba nodded, and turned back towards her daughter, pushing the hair off her face, and studying the still form in silence.

"What's his name?" Lila asked, gazing under the table at the puppy. "He's cute." Giving Xena a hesitant smile.

Xena sighed, and gave her a little sheepish shrug. "Ares." And raised her hands at Lila's shocked expression. "I know, I know. Bad idea."

Lila actually grinned. "I bet he'd be upset if he knew."

Xena raised an eyebrow. "He does. It's all right. If it had been a dog, well…I might have been in for it. But.."

The dark haired girl let out a short burst of laughter. "Are you serious?" She asked, leaning forward. "You really know him?"

The warrior nodded. "So does Gabrielle." Now she had Hecuba's attention. "She also knows Cupid, and Aphrodite."

Hecuba walked back over, and seated herself at the third chair, closer to Xena than her daughter. Took her time studying the warrior, from head to foot in a slow deliberate scan. "Metrus is livid." She finally said, cautiously. "He doesn't like being taken down like a calf in the field." She paused. "Would you really have killed my husband, if you'd walked in when he was hitting her?" Her faded eyes held Xena's with a urgent intensity. "He is her father. Regardless."

Xena took a breath, and lowered her chin to one hand, considering. "No." She answered quietly. "Because he is her father. And she couldn't take that." Her eyes glittered in the firelight. "But I would have made him regret touching her. That, yes."

Hecuba nodded slowly. "It's been so long since anyone stood up for one of us, I'd forgotten what it felt like." She stood wearily and, hesitantly, laid a hand on Xena's muscular forearm resting on the table. "I'm.. glad Gabrielle found someone who would do that for her." Then she regained her brisk manner, and jerked her head towards the basket she'd laid on the table. "Brought her some dinner."

Xena smiled. "She'll appreciate that."

Hecuba grunted, and moved towards the door, then looked back at the warrior. "There's some extra, there, to, if you've a mind." And then she was out the door, missing Xena's instantly arched eyebrow.

Lila sighed. "It's been a hard adjustment for her." She commented, as though she was entirely comfortable talking with Xena. "I think that's a peace offering."

"Uh huh." Xena responded, letting herself relax a little, and turning a slight grin on Lila. "Are we at peace, then?"

Lila glanced down at the table, then back up again. "She couldn't stop talking about how you thrashed Metrus. And the village healer came in and basically repeated whatever it was that you said to her, and then she didn't stop talking about that for a while." She shrugged. "So, yeah, I guess we're at peace." She cleared her throat. "Look.."

"Relax." Xena said, holding up a hand. "I know."

Lila nodded, as though this was a normal thing to say. "How is she?" Now her voice dropped, and she glanced over at her sister. "Is.."

Xena sighed. "She's all right. Banged up a little, but otherwise OK." Her eyes met Lila's. "It hurt more up here" She tapped her forehead. "Than anywhere else, I think."

"Yeah." The girl whispered. "It does."

Xena gave her a compassionate look. "Lila.. I'm sorry you had to go through.. that."

The dark haired girl glanced at her. "She had it worse than I did." Another glance towards Gabrielle. "She was older.. Father thought she should be more practical.. not spend time making up things, " she shrugged. "I just wanted to grow up, get married, have kids, you know. The usual. " She looked up. "Lennat and I.. we've talked about running off. He doesn't really want to." She paused. "I don't really want to. But…"

"Be hard on your mother." Xena commented Like I'm one to talk here, right?

Lila nodded wearily. "I know." She put her hands on the table and pushed up. "At least it'll be a peaceful night," she remarked. " no matter what the cause." A nod at the basket. "There's plenty there. I'll stop by and see her tomorrow."

Xena gave her a half wave. "I'll tell her you were here. Be careful walking back."

Lila let a smile form on her lips, as she allowed herself to regard her sister's companion as something more than just a bloodthirsty warlord for the first time. "Thanks." She answered. "you know, you're not so bad, Xena."

Getting a raised eyebrow in response. "I can be very bad if I need to be." The warrior replied, but added a quirky grin, which took the seriousness out of the statement. "but I try to be nice, just to humor your sister."

"Really." Lila said, trying not to laugh. "So that sacrificing babies thing, then…"

"Only on months with three full moons." Xena assured her, letting her smile travel up to her eyes, and meeting Lila's gaze. "Unless Gabrielle runs out of story fodder. You know." And she winked.

"I see." They both looked at each other for a second, then laughed. I think.. I might be starting to see what Bree sees in her. Lila mused silently. Then a thought glanced teasingly through her mind. And Bree's right - they are an amazing color blue. "Well, I'll be off." But she was still smiling as she walked down the stairs and headed home.

Xena regarded the now closed door with some amusement. Then she stood up, stretched, and walked to the window, where she stood for some time, gazing out thoughtfully, enjoying the cool moonlit night. Eventually, she turned back towards the table, idly lifting the napkin over the basket and examining the contents. They'll keep until morning, she decided, and glanced over at the sleeping bard. I should go out and get some drills in. Yeah, I should. Right. Uh huh. She mocked herselfExcept I really don't want to do anything but just crawl right into that bed and join her. Gods.. what a softie I'm getting to be. She grinned sardonically, then sighed. On the other hand, I really don't want her waking up alone. Yeah, that's a good excuse, Xena. At least it's a true one, right? Right.

Chuckling quietly, she changed into a long linen shirt, and carefully stored her armor. Then she put out the two torches, and soundlessly slid into bed next to Gabrielle. Even in deep sleep, though, it seemed the bard was sensitive to her presence, because not long after Xena settled gently at her side, Gabrielle's misty green eyes sleepily opened, and regarded her.

"Hey," the bard's lips twitched into a smile.

"Didn't mean to wake you up." Xena apologized, returning the smile.

"S'okay. Glad you did." Came the faintly slurred answer.

Xena chuckled. "How do you feel?"

Gabrielle had to think about that for a minute. "Tired, " she admitted, stiffly rolling over and snuggling up tight to the warrior's body. "Sore, " And let out a contented sigh as Xena wrapped long arms around her. "Mmmm.. that's much better "

"Yeah?" Xena queried, "Your mother and sister were here."

Gabrielle blinked up at her foggily. "Oh yeah? They ok?"

"Uh huh." The warrior assured her. "Your mother left some dinner for.. us, actually."

Fighting the effects of the herbs, the bard's eyes now opened fully, and she goggled at Xena. "My mother brought you dinner?"

Xena nodded. "And your sister said I wasn't so bad after all."

Gabrielle pulled her head back a little, and slowly raised one hand, wrapping the fingers of it in Xena's shirt. "You let me sleep through that?"

"Sorry." The warrior grinned. "Wasn't planned."

"I'm gonna hafta hurt you." Gabrielle threatened, in a sleepy mumble, allowing herself to fall into the rich warmth of their bond. "Later."

The hurt was still there, but it was fading back away, to the dark corners where it usually lived. It had no chance against the sweet peace of this feeling between them, Gabrielle realized, and let her heart open to it. "Mmmm," she murmured, letting the emotion wash over her, on a scent of sun dried linen, and leather, and the indefinable essence of Xena herself. She took a deep breath, and let it out. "Much better" And Xena's lips, brushing ghost light against her own put her harried soul at rest. "Feel safe," she sighed, as she relaxed back into sleep.

Xena smiled, feeling sleep pulling at her as well, but realized she felt the peace just as strongly, and took a moment to revel in it. A giddy warmth cascaded over her, bringing a grin to her face she was helpless to prevent. Whatever happens, to me, to us - I'm glad I got a chance to know this. She decided, there in the darkness, finally throwing her last reservations to the four winds. Jessan, you were right after all. This is a gift beyond price. And with that thought, she drifted off.

Continued in Part 2

Return to my Fan Fiction Page

Home is where the Heart is - Part 2

by Melissa Good
Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

"Gods." Gabrielle said, around a mouthful of biscuit. "She sent enough for a half dozen people." She tossed a biscuit at Xena. "Here." Then leaned back and grinned at the warrior, who was leaning back in the chair opposite, fixing an armored hinge in the light of late morning.

Xena examined the bread she'd snatched out of mid air, and, shrugging, took a bite. "Better than what they serve here, that's a fact." She returned her attention to the armor, scowling at the stuck hinge. "I think I'm going to have to get the smith to bang this out. " she grumbled. And glanced up to see Gabrielle's eyes on her. "What?"

The bard chuckled. "Nothing." She tentatively poked herself in the ribs. "Not too bad." Then leaned forward and touched Xena's arm. "Xena…"

"Mmm?" the warrior answered, looking up. "What's up?"

"I'd like.. " she hesitated. "Would you do some sparring with me, today?"

Xena put the armor down on the table and studied her face. "You sure?"

Gabrielle took a breath, and met her eyes squarely. "I'm sure." I am, too. What happened yesterday.. that's going to take me a long time to.. work out. But I can't let myself be scared of using a tool that ends up saving my life sometimes.

"OK." The warrior agreed mildly. "But gentle, now - I don't want you aggravating those bruises." Whew. I was afraid she'd have a problem with the staff for a while.. guess I shouldn't have worried."I'm going to get this taken care of. You going to laze around here?" She gave the bard a teasing grin.

"Look who's talking, there." Gabrielle retorted, plucking at Xena's nightshirt sleeve. "And I didn't even have to trick you into sleeping late." Not that she was complaining, mind you. Waking up in the gentle sunlight with Xena still fast asleep wrapped around her had been just fine, thanks. She had taken the rare opportunity to wake her partner in the gentlest way possible, with a kiss, which had done the trick nicely, but led to Xena kissing her back, and that had led to a long and cautious exploration, with Xena very careful not to jar her bruised middle. Then they had just rested quietly in each other's arms for a while, until Gabrielle decided, having not eaten the day before, that she was hungry. Hence their current conversation.

"Yeah well." Xena sighed, "I just woke up, and decided.. I just didn't want to wake up." And that was about how it had happened, too, much to her chagrin. I used to have more willpower than this. "I said you were a bad influence." She stood up, and walked over to their gear. "Time to entertain the locals."

"You could try the same trick you used in Amphipolis." Gabrielle commented, tapping the armor bit. "Leave this stuff off."

"Mmm…different situation, Gabrielle." Xena hesitated. "But.. Hades. It's worth a try. Right Ares?"

"Roo," the puppy agreed, looking up from the bit of Xena's breakfast he was chewing on. "Grr," he added, and went back to chewing.

Xena snorted, and pulled on a simple tunic, belting it, and sitting down to put on her boots as Gabrielle got up, and moved around the back of her chair, sliding her arms around Xena's neck and resting her head against the warrior's. Not saying anything.

Xena finished pulling on her second boot, then let her head drop back against Gabrielle's chest, just taking some time to allow that warm sensation wash over her again. Uh oh..I think I'm getting addicted to this..I wonder if that's dangerous… wonder if I care? Nope I don't think I do.. Gods, that feels so good… She closed her eyes and grinned as the bard playfully nibbled on the edge of her ear. C'mon, c'mon, Xena..things to do, people to intimidate…But her lazily rebellious body very much liked where it was, and she turned her head to catch the bard's lips and spent a leisurely few minutes kissing her.

Finally, she cleared her throat. "So, what's your plan?" she asked over her shoulder at Gabrielle.

"Hmm?? Am I supposed to have a plan?" The bard replied, in a dreamy voice. "Oh. Ok..Uhm.. I think I'm going to see if I can do some storytelling here at the inn. "

"Not a bad idea." Xena mused. "You going to go over…"

"No." Gabrielle quietly answered. "Not today."

Xena nodded in acceptance. "Do me a favor?"

The bard let a lazy smile cross her face. "Stick to Hercules?" She laughed at the sheepish expression on the warrior's face. "Not a chance, Warrior Princess."

Xena sighed melodramatically, but privately felt very glad of the teasing. "What I have to put up with." She muttered, standing up. "Be careful, or I'll tell our last little adventure." She caught a surprised glint in Gabrielle's eyes. "Forgot about that, huh?"

The bard stuck her tongue out. "No fair. That's not nice."

"Uh huh." Xena cheerfully agreed. "Bye." She walked to the door, the turned as she opened it, and caught something in Gabrielle's expression, and walked back. "Hey." Laying a hand on the bard's shoulder. "You OK?" Studying her.

Gabrielle shook her head as if to clear it, and nodded. "Yeah… yeah.. I'm fine." C'mon, Gabrielle, you're not a kid anymore. Get a grip on yourself. "I'm fine."

Xena studied her critically. "You're lying." Raising both eyebrows and waiting for an explanation.

The bard scowled. "Xena, really.. I'm just.. I.. don't.. "

"Want to be alone?" the warrior finished softly, gentling her expression and voice. "Gabrielle, you had a really traumatic thing happen to you yesterday. It takes time to get over that. It's OK. I'll wait for you."

Gabrielle gazed at her, a reluctant smile appearing. "Thanks. But.. you go. If I give into this, it'll never end. I'll be all right - I'll talk to the innkeeper here, and then meet you out in the market square. OK?"

"Mmm… all right." Xena reluctantly agreed, squeezing her shoulder. "Take it easy." She released the bard, and walked back to the door, this time opening it and going through, not without a last glance back, and a twitched eyebrow.

Gabrielle smiled, and quietly shook her head. "Besides, I have you, Ares, right?" Addressing the attentive puppy, who was curled up on the rug next to the small fireplace.

"Grr." Ares answered, with a yawn. Gabrielle sat down next to him, and played with him for a long while, the gentle feel of his fur soothing her, and his puppy antics bringing a spontaneous grin back to her face. Finally, she stood, stretching carefully, and thought about what she wanted to wear.

Eventually, she came to a decision and changed her clothes, packing the others away in her kit, and choosing a sleeveless white tunic she'd acquired in Amphipolis. With the bandages, she thought, her usual set would be making a statement she wasn't sure she intended. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, and one hand went reflexively to touch the bruises on her face.

"Damn." She sighed. "She didn't mention I looked like I got hit by a chariot." But of course, Xena wouldn't, she realized.

Idly, she picked up the warrior's neatly folded sleeping shirt, and examined it, which brought a smile to her face. It was the same one she herself had worn the month she was in the Amazon village. Did she just pick that randomly? Her mind laughed. Randomly? Xena didn't pick up a spoon randomly. She hugged the shirt to her, and caught the familiar scent clinging to it. She's so.. practical, and.. straightforward.. and then she comes out of the blue with these little things.. I love that.

In a more cheerful mood, she stowed the shirt, patted Ares, and took a moment to compose herself. She was about to head for the door, when a knock sounded across the room.

Wary, she moved so that her staff was within grabbing distance. "Come." She said, crossing her arms casually.

The door opened inward, and the innkeeper poked his grizzled head in. He examined her, then nodded to himself. "Your.. friend tells me you're a bard now. " He stated, moving further into the room.

"That's right." Gabrielle said, more cordially, and relaxed a little. "Do you need something transcribed?" Trust Xena to leave nothing to chance.

The innkeeper shook his head. "Nah. Could you come in, during dinner like, and tell some good stories?" He answered, somewhat gruffly. "You can keep your donations. Just need the business." His gray eyes darted over her, then glanced around the room. Back to her, then on spotting the weapons and armor neatly stacked.

Gabrielle blinked in surprise. "Sure." she answered, with a grin. "I was going to come ask you about that."

"Good." The man answered, then backed out the door. "Tonight, then." And she heard his footsteps fading down the stairs.

The bard chuckled to herself. "That was easy." She commented, and went to the window, peering out. Spotting Xena immediately in conversation with a tall burly man in the apron of a smith, and watching from her birds eye perspective the way the townsfolk found unobtrusive positions to stand and watch the warrior from.

It was pretty funny, really. Not that Xena wasn't worth a long look at, she mused, studying her companion from across the courtyard. Even without armor, she moved with a smoothly dangerous air that caused her path to clear without comment, a muscular springiness that carried it's own warning, along with a self confidence she wore like a fine cloak. Pair that with her size and striking good looks, and well.. she got used to people staring, or so she said. Gabrielle privately thought her partner was often a little puzzled by the reactions she got from people,. The bard wasn't puzzled at all, and hadn't been for a very long time.

Another knock sounded at the door, and she spun around to face it. "Yeah?" she called, and was rewarded by her sister's head appearing in the opening portal. "Lila." She said, smiling. "Hi."

"Hi yourself." Her sister said, moving across the room to study her. "Ouch. Looks like that hurts." She commented, wincing at Gabrielle's bruises.

The bard shrugged. "Not too bad. How are things there?" Not home. Not anymore. "Mother all right?"

Lila nodded. "Mom's fine." She paused. "He's fine, I guess, cursing up a storm. But Metrus.." she glanced down at the floor. "He said he wants nothing to do with you."

Gabrielle looked relieved. "Guess I scared him." She snorted, rolling her eyes.

"Uh." Lila's face twitched. "Well, actually, I think Xena did." She chuckled at the look on Gabrielle's face. "Oh..didn't tell you that part, did she?"

"Mmm… we didn't talk much.. um.. I mean.. not about that." Gabrielle explained, trying to ignore the blush she knew was creeping up her neck. "What did she do?"

Lila took her arm. "I'll tell you while we're walking. A new trading caravan came in today." She gazed at Gabrielle's short tunic. "Do you think you could have picked something less daring?"

Gabrielle blinked innocently at her. "Sure. I could have worn my ceremonial Amazon garb." Enjoying the exasperated look on Lila's face. "Look.. I wore this around Amphipolis, in fact, I got it there, and didn't raise any eyebrows, so would you calm down?"

Lila sighed. "Well, it does show off your tan." She moved the sleeve aside and raised an eyebrow. "Do I want to know where you have a tan line? "She hesitated. A look at Gabrielle's suddenly apparent blush. "Uh..that would be no."

They walked down the stairs together, and out the door to the inn. Gabrielle turned to her as they left the building, and gently grasped her arm. "What about you and Lennat?"

Lila just looked off in the distance and kept walking. Finally, she glanced at her sister. "I don't know. We haven't decided what to do yet." She signed. "And after yesterday…"

"Oh yeah. What happened?" The bard inquired.

"Mom says.. he was making some noises like he was going to call the bailiff down on you." Lila said, keeping her voice low.

Gabrielle just stared at her. "For… but… "

'I know.. I know. " Lila said, in a soothing tone. "Well, mom says he got about a sentence about that out, and then.. I can't believe this.. Metrus is huge.. but.. she says Xena just picked him up by the neck and threw him down on the floor, and sort of.. kneeled on him."

"Believe it." Gabrielle breathed. "She is… so strong, it's.. really scary sometimes." She glanced at Lila's startled look. "You have no idea."

"Really??" the dark haired girl asked, intrigued. "Anyway, mom said she basically told Metrus if he messed with you, she was going to kill him." She swallowed. "And she said they were lucky your staff had been in your hands and not hers, and that if she'd seen Da hitting you, she would have broken him into a dozen pieces."

Gabrielle flinched. "Ah.. " That was all really true, she admitted. "Now you see my point about telling her, I guess." She answered quietly. But couldn't help from feeling a warm glow in the pit of her stomach nonetheless.

"Yeah." Lila said. "Are you scared of her, Bree?"

"No." Gabrielle answered absently, not even having to think about it. "Not at all."

They fell silent as they walked on towards the crowd gathered around the trading caravan.

Xena had left the room in a moderately good mood, and hadn't even minded the usual round of dour stares as she crossed the inn's creaking wooden floorboards. I'm in a mood to.. meddle. With this place. Shake these people up a little, with their narrow minds. With that thought, she stopped in the middle of the floor, and swiveled, looking for the innkeeper.

Spotting him next to the large ale casks, glowering at her. She smiled. "You." She drawled, moving closer to him. "How's business?"

The innkeeper stared at her. "Bad." he gruffly responded, with a hostile tone. "What's it to you?"

Xena settled her forearms on the counter he was behind and studied him in silence for moment. "Just trying to be helpful." She purred, 'Y'know, you could liven this place up at night with some entertainment."

The innkeeper dropped his gaze, and spat in the corner. "Yah. I can have my wife do the dance of the seven veils."

Xena mentally recalled his wife, who doubled as the inn's cook. She winced inwardly at the mental image. "Mmm.. no. But a bard might be nice." She suggested, raising an eyebrow at him.

The innkeeper spat again. "Sure. I'll just whistle one up. " He gave her a grudging look. "Not that it's a bad idea."

Xena gave him a brisk nod. "Well, there's one upstairs, in my room. Go ask her."

"Huh. Little Bree, is it?" The innkeeper asked, warily. "Heard what happened."

"That's her." Xena confirmed. "You'd do worse for a bard."

The innkeeper grunted. "Thanks." He glanced up the stairs. "Maybe I will."

"Good." Xena acknowledged. "You do that." She gave him one last look, then turned and headed for the door.

Once outside, she grinned to herself, and headed towards the stable for a quick check on Argo. She was almost there, when she caught the sound of young voices, and paused to listen. A dark look crossed her features, and she glided through the half open door to the large building, and moved silently across the scattered hay on the floor.

A quick hand signal to Argo, to silence the mare's welcoming nicker, then she was across the dust hazed space, and near the sound of the voices. Young, she thought. Perhaps 4, no 5 of them. She rounded the last stall partition, and went still, just watching.

Five boys, in fact, villagers, with rough hewn shirts, and trews tucked into heavy work boots. Surrounding a pathetic, bewildered Alain, who had his arms hunched over his head in a protective stance. The boys were taking turns moving up on all sides, and pinching and slapping the blond boy, and as she watched, the largest of them took his turn, and gave Alain a hard buffet on his bad shoulder, knocking the boy sideways into the stall partition.

Xena crossed the straw so fast he didn't even see her coming. Didn't see the fist that backhanded him into the opposite wall. He scrambled to his feet, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, and glared at her.

"Come on, tough guy." Xena said, stopping a few feet from him, and pinning him with a stare. "Let's see if you have any guts."

He did. He lunged at her, throwing a wild punch that caught her on the chest, and skittered off, as she returned the blow, and sent him flying through the air to crash again against the wooden partition. Then she pounced on him, and lifted him up by the seat of his pants and the scruff of his neck and taking a breath, heaved him up and over the partition, into the manure pit beyond.

Silence followed, as his confederates froze, too afraid to either run or attack. Xena gave them all a disgusted look, then crossed to where Alain was crouched, watching her, and offered him a hand up. "Hey." She said, like it was nothing.

Alain gazed up at her with a sweet smile. "'Lo, Xena." He took her hand, and she pulled him up, dusting him off a little. Then she tousled his hair, and turned to face the remaining boys.

"What's your problem?" She growled at them, putting as much menace as she could muster into her voice. "You got nothing better to do than be lousy little half grown cowards?" She turned her icy gaze on them. "Lemme tell you something about being a bully, little boys." She sauntered towards them, with a snarl on her face. "There's always.. always someone bigger, and tougher and meaner than you are. " She dropped her pitch to a velvet drawl. "And that someone will come along, just like I did, and squash you like a bug." Punctuating that by shooting a hand out, and giving the nearest a sharp blow, which doubled him over, and sent him to the straw. "So.. take my warning, little boys. Be nice."

Glancing behind her to the raptly watching Alain. "Especially be nice to my friend Alain, here." She walked back to him, and slid an arm around his uneven shoulders. "Because he's already had to show more courage in his life than any of you ever will." A long pause, while she studied their uncertain faces. "Got me? Leave off him, or I'll come back here and cut you all into a dozen pieces. " This last on a low, rolling growl that sent vibrations into her chest, and resonated in the suddenly too small barn. "So, get your buddy out of the pit, and get out of here. Before I get.. mad." She let her eyes half close. "You don't want that to happen, right?"

Silence. "Right?"

A chorus of shaking heads.

"Good. You're not all idiots then. Move." She finished, sharply, and had the satisfaction of watching them stumble out, darting terrified looks at her. Shaking her head, she glanced at Alain, and studied him. "You OK?"

"Oh yeah." Alain squeaked. "Wow."

They both turned as a low groan was heard, and Alain let out an exclamation, dropping to the straw next to a prone figure. "Hey.. hey!" He urged, anxiously.

Xena knelt down in the straw next to him, and gently rolled the slim form over. His head had a large bump on it, but otherwise he seemed unharmed. "Who is this?" Xena asked the upset Alain.

"Lennat." Alain moaned. "He's.. a friend. Of mine, I guess."

So. Xena mused. This was Lennat, who chose to befriend an outcast like Alain. Her estimation of him rose a notch. Tall and blond haired like Alain, he wasn't at all bad to look at either, and Xena's estimation of Lila also rose a notch. She patted his face lightly. "Hey."

Another moan, and then his eyes fluttered open, tracking confusedly first to Alain, and then to her. "Uh.." he jerked as his gaze touched Xena's vivid blue eyes. "Wh.."

"Relax." Xena put up a restraining hand. "I won't hurt you." Since everyone always assumed she would, she thought grimly, and this kid should have heard his big brother's story from yesterday already. She carefully touched the bump on his head. "You'll be fine, just a headache." And turned to Alain. "What happened?"

Alain scowled. "He tried to stop em." Glaring at his friend. "Told you not to. "

"What.. how did.." Lennat mumbled, turning his head with a wince and looking around. "Where.."

"She stopped em." Alain informed him, giving Xena an admiring glance. "Proper, too. Just bam! And threw Agtes into the pattie bin."

Xena gave him an amused look. "They deserved it." She gave them a half grin. "Alain, can you get your friend here a drink of water? He looks like he needs it."

"Sure." Alain scrambled to his feet, and dashed off.

Xena and Lennat regarded each other.

"So.. you're what scared my brother into drinking himself to sleep for the first time in a decade." Lennat remarked, thoughtfully. "From his telling, I would have thought you had two heads."

Xena chuckled. "You have a sense of humor. That's a good sign." She stood, and offered him a hand up. "Promise I won't throw you into the.. what did he call it? The pattie bin."

Lennat grasped her hand, and was pulled to his feet with very little effort on his part. He gazed at her respectfully. " Lila's spoken of you."

Xena's eyebrow rose. "And you still grabbed my hand? Brave lad."

Lennat laughed a bit, self consciously. "No no.. she's told me about.. Bree, and all. And you."

" I see." The warrior drawled. "What are you two going to do?"

Lennat sighed, and studied his feet. "Nothing, probably. She's tied here, I'm tied here, you know how it is. Metrus won't take her, just on spite, if nothing else, and I'm apprenticed to him for another bloody five years. Not that I'll ever make a merchant - He's got free labor, basically."

Xena regarded him thoughtfully, I think I'm taking a liking to this kid. He's got troubles, though. "You don't like his trade? "

The boy shrugged. "I'm not good at it."

"What are you good at?" Xena asked.

For an answer, he pulled out an intricate bit of metalwork, done with a smithy's fine hammer and tools. It was a cheekpiece bit, and Xena's eyebrows rose. "Yours?"

He nodded and handed it to her. "For all it's worth. Yeah."

The warrior examined the piece. "Why aren't you apprenticed to the smith?" She asked, confused.

"Old news." Lennat said, distantly. "Our mother, Metrus and mine, she left our father when I was just a little boy. Went to be with the smith. "

"Ah." Xena said, making a sympathetic face.

"She died. Giving birth to a son for him, was supposed to be his apprentice. You know." He gazed at her, with secrets hiding behind his slate gray eyes.

And Xena, studying those eyes, knew the answer. "Alain." She breathed, understanding. "He's your brother."

"He doesn't know." Lennat said softly, as Alain came running back in, and handed him a wooden cup full of water. "thanks, Ali."

Alain smiled at him, then smiled at Xena. "Thanks. I didn't say before."

"My pleasure, Alain." Xena said, quietly. "I think they'll leave you alone, for a while, at least."

The boy nodded, "Think they will."

She left them to discuss the exciting battle, and walked over to Argo, running her fingers through the mare's disordered mane. "Gotta take you out for a run later girl." She said, absently, as she pondered the situation she had been charged to find a solution to. Damn, this was getting complicated. But… all the pieces were there.. all she had to do was find a way to put them in place. I ran half of Greece. She sighed mentally. I should be able to fix a little problem like this, for my best friend, right? The sticking point.. yeah. And I better not tell Gabrielle what I'm doing.. she'll get crazy with me. And she did only say.. yeah. I think I can do this.. I know I can do this.

Argo whickered at her, nudging her with soft nose. "Yeah, I said a run later, girl.. after dinner. How about it? " She stroked the golden shoulder. "Or are you getting as lazy as I am? Huh?" She chuckled, and moved to the door of the barn, planning her strategy. First, the smith.

'So, you're going to be storytelling at the inn tonight?" Lila asked as they neared the caravan, sounding a bit surprised.

"Mmm hmm." Gabrielle confirmed, watching the newcomers with a wrinkled brow. "Excuse me a minute, Lila." And walked over to one of the traders, who peered back at her with a gentle smile . "Johan?"

"Hello, Lass." His eyes crinkled in amusement. "Didn't think to see me here, did you?" He studied her intently, taking in her bruises with a slow fade of the genial look on his face. "What happened?"

Gabrielle took a breath, then a second. "First, you tell me why you're here," she countered, searching his face. Trying to pull together something to tell him.

Johan grinned sheepishly. "Well, see there, it's Cyrene, then, lass. I think she took a liking to you." Here his eyes twinkled. "And she wouldn't rest until she'd sent me off here just to make sure, see, that everything was going along all right." Now his voice and face sobered. "And it looks to me it isn't."

The bard sighed, and gave him a little nod. "It's better, now." She reassured him. "It's.. complicated. But Xena's working on it."

As though that answered everything. And to Johan, it appeared, it did, because he relaxed and patted her shoulder. "Good, then, lass." He glanced up. "And where can I find her? Cyrene sent some packages along for the both of ye."

Lila had edged closer, and was now listening with interest to the conversation. She had no idea who the trader was, though he did look a bit familiar, but it was obvious that her sister knew him well. Who was Cyrene, though, and why would they be sending packages?

"Mmm… probably around the smithy." Gabrielle answered, with a smile. "Can I guess what's in the packages?" Her eyes twinkled. "Bet I can." She turned to Lila. "Lila, this is Johan. He helps Xena's mother in Amphipolis."

Lila gave him a shy smile. "Hello." And to Gabrielle "Is that who Cyrene is? Xena's mother?"

Both Johan and Gabrielle nodded in concert. "I bet she sent cakes." Gabrielle predicted, eyes dancing. "Am I right?"

Johan chuckled. "Right you are, lass. And sorry I am to find you here, because I would have gotten to finish them all if you'd have gone already." He turned to his mount. "Ah well, let me offload my wares." Looking at Gabrielle's surprised expression. "Ah, and did you not know I was a traveling merchant before I settled my boots at Amphipolis? Wasn't going to waste a trip on the trade road, not I - got three or four of the craftsmen to toss stuff in the packs for the selling, and I intend to do just that." He patted her cheek. "I'll find you both later, never fear."

Gabrielle gave him a hug, and laughed. "You'd better." She warned, and left him to his unpacking as she and Lila moved on. "Well, that was a surprise." She said, slowly, but she felt a warm gratitude.

"I don't understand, Bree. What's he doing here? Is he a merchant, or isn't he? I thought he was, but from what he was saying.." Lila looked confused.

Her sister let out a tiny laugh. "Uhm.. he's not. Actually, Cyrene sent him down here to make sure everything was ok with us. She.. saw the note father sent." She gave Lila a sideways glance. "She's really sweet." A thought crossed unbidden into her mind. She never would have let… no, Gabrielle, don't go there. It's way in the past, and you can't change that. But the wistful thought lingered. "I really enjoyed being up there for a while. It was nice." She added, forcing a smile back onto her face for Lila's benefit. "She's a great cook.. and.. " she lifted her hands a little " she kind of took me in, I guess.. she sort of considers me family."

Lila considered this for a long moment. "Wow." She commented, about to say more, then looked up to see Lennat closing in on them. "Lennat!" she blurted, startled, seeing the disheveled look to his clothes. "What happened to you?" Drawing in breath when she spotted the bump on his head.

The tall blond boy ran his fingers through his hair, wincing when he inadvertently brushed the lump. "Agtes, and his crowd." He muttered, giving her a look. "The usual."

Gabrielle studied them quietly. Lennat brought back memories… of a rainy afternoon in the barn.. and her telling the circle of her friends the newest thing she'd thought of. She could still hear the patter of the drops, and smell the dampness in the air if she let herself. But she didn't, because that memory always ended with the dull thud of the stall door opening, and her father's angry face peering down. Of a hand reaching over and pulling her off her feet and slamming her against the planked walls and she could still feel the rough wood splinters biting into her back... No. She cut the thought off, and forced herself to pay attention to what Lennat was saying.

"No, because Agtes whacked me on the head with the pitchfork handle." He sighed. "And I was out like a light. " He glanced at Gabrielle with a little smile. "Next thing I knew, I was opening my eyes and seeing Alain and Xena kneeling over me." He winked at Gabrielle. "Gotta say, Bree - she's something else."

"She is that." The bard responded, with a forced chuckle. "Did she scare off Agtes and company?" Agtes. Another bad memory.

"I didn't see it." Lennat said, regretfully. "But Alain, when I could get a word of sense out of him, said she basically pounded Agtes, and tossed him in the manure pit." He laughed. "Then insulted the rest of them, and ran them out."

Gabrielle laughed in reflex. "Oh, I would have paid to see that."

"Yeah, Alain claims she told all of them that he was a friend of hers, and if they bothered him any more, she was going to come back and slice them into little pieces." He finished, with a chuckle. "I didn't even know they knew each other."

The bard paused. "I didn't either, but that sounds like Xena." Alain. Her childhood friend, who was worse off, she'd always thought, than Gabrielle herself had been. Who got teased and beaten because of a defect he had no control over. At least I could just shut up. She mused. Not Alain. "I wonder.. oh, he still works in the stable, right? Argo. That makes sense." Of how Xena would know.. And here her thoughts froze. Alain knew.. everything. About what she'd gone through, and he was a simple soul, friendly despite his beleaguered life, and prone to trusting people. Had he told Xena? Would she have asked, knowing something was going on with me.. yeah, she would have asked.

That cold blast of anger, the other night. Her mind focused sharply, and remembered. They had been teasing Ares, she'd said, but.. no. Ares didn't cause that.Gabrielle felt her heart sink. I did. She had known.. and instead of heading over and confronting me, she bottled that up inside, and waited for me to tell her. Gods. I underestimated her. What a stupid mistake that was. And now she probably thinks I didn't trust her enough to tell her..

What would I have done? She snorted quietly to herself, letting Lila and Lennat's conversation roll over her unheard. I would have yelled at her big time for not telling me what was going on. Yep, I would have.. and she would have given me that little tolerant look, and rolled her eyes, and maybe apologized. Maybe. Like I have a right to know everything about her? What a hypocrite I am.

"Bree?" Lila's voice interrupted her musings. "Hey, you in there?"

Gabrielle gave them a quick grin. "Yeah, I'm here. Just thinking.. of what stories I'm going to tell tonight. "

Lennat laughed. "Bree and her stories. That'll be fun. We'll be there, right Lila?"

Lila hesitated. "I'll try." She gave Gabrielle an apologetic look. "Either mom or I.. will have to stay at home." She gave a little shrug. "I'd like her to get a chance to listen to you."

Gabrielle dropped her gaze and crossed her arms. "How is he?" she asked quietly.

Her sister shrugged. "Just like Xena said. Just a bad headache, but he's making it out worse - I think.." her lips twitched slightly. "he's embarrassed to admit you took him out. He's making like he tripped and hit his head on a bench."

"Lies are easier to believe sometimes." The bard answered. Yeah, aren't they. "Well, are we going to check out the traders, or what?" Firmly, she grasped Lila by the arm, and started walking.

The smith's forge was set in a three cornered built structure, with the front open to let the heat out into the air. In the back lay the large hearth, where a fire was kept going day and night, and in front of that were the anvils, with their leaning stacks of wrought tools. Tectdus the smith was standing behind the largest anvil pounding out a plow tongue when he felt eyes on his back.

Turned to see a tall, black haired woman leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching. Even without weapons or her trademark armor, he knew she could only be one person, and he laid down his hammer and wiped his hands on his apron before crossing over to where she stood.

Two people, taciturn by nature, exchanged glances, and took each other's measure, in a silence broken only by the licking of the flame in the hearth. "You would be Xena." Tectdus finally said, extending a forearm. "My son has spoken of you."

Xena took his arm and gripped it. "He's a good kid." She acknowledged. "Doesn't deserve the harassment."

Tectdus grunted. "No help for it." He released her arm, and gestured to the back of his work area. "Can I offer ye some cold water?" He glanced around the room. "Gets hot in here." His eyes rested uneasily on her face, then darted off.

Xena glanced down herself, and let a grin quirk her lips. "No thanks. Came to see if you could straighten this out." She handed him the armor hinge, and watched as he examined it. He was a man of middle years, tall, with the heavy build of an ironsmith, but she could see in his movements the beginnings of age, the pain in the joints when moving that would make hours standing at the anvil agony. She felt a quiet sympathy.

"Can be done." Tectdus grunted, and moved towards the smaller anvil, selecting a pair of tongs, and clamping the armor in them, then thrusting both into the ash strewn hearth. He walked over to his work bench and picked up a much finer hammer than the one he'd been using on the plow and sat back a moment, waiting for the metal to heat up.

"No assistant?" Xena asked casually, leaning back against the wall, and regarding him with benign interest.

The smith gave a single shake of the head. "Alain cannot. No one else is interested." He paused, and gave the tongs a twist, to heat the metal evenly.

Xena took a deep breath, and slid as skillfully into this battle as she ever had with her sword. "His brother is." She said, simply. "And he has the talent."

Tectdus stared at her. "Half brother." He rasped, jerking the tongs out of the fire and crossing to the anvil, closer to her. "There's bad blood there."

The warrior pushed off against the wall, and glided over to where he had just put the piece on the anvil, capturing his almost colorless eyes with her own. "That's not his fault." She let a bit of her pent up anger show. "Tell me, Tectdus. Why does everyone in this place put the blame for things on the shoulders of children?"

The smith didn't answer, but bent his head to his work, carefully striking the hot metal with a skillful hand. He finished the delicate adjustment, and plunged the tongs into the tub of water next to the anvil, where it hissed and steamed, putting wisps of vapor between him and the sky blue eyes which never left his face. Finally, he looked up at her. "What do you want of me?"

"What do I want?" Xena said, stepping closer to him, but keeping her voice non threatening. "I don't want anything. This isn't my town, and you aren't my business." She paused and gentled her expression. "I'm just trying to do something for a friend."

Tectdus studied her, this time not averting his eyes. "Little Bree.. she's a friend of yours then, truly?" He asked. "She was a good friend to Alain, when they were small."

"I know." Xena responded. "And yes, she is truly a friend of mine." A long pause. "A friend who has a problem.. that I'm trying my best to solve." She picked up his hammer and examined it, hefting the weight experimentally.

Tectdus gently grasped her hand, and turned it over, examining her arm. "You could have the talent too, with those wrists." He said calmly, meeting her gaze with an open candor.

"No." Xena sighed. "I'm not a maker, Tectdus. Those were built with a blade." She cocked her head at him. "But Lennat is. We both know that… a smith's talent is so, so rare.. is it fair to waste that? " She reached over and grasped his own hand, and turned it over. "How long, Tectdus? Before you can't teach anyone?" Her fingers traced the swollen joint with a healer's knowing touch.

The smith closed his eyes in acknowledgment. "It's to no matter, Xena. He's bound five years more. By then.." He shook his head. "The skill dies here, then, and waits for another such as me to come."

Blue eyes bored into his, for a moment removing the hot surrounding hearth. "If he was free, would you take him?"

Tectdus hesitated. "But he's.." Unable to tear his eyes from hers.

"If he wasn't." Xena repeated, sending her voice lower, and deeper.

"Yes." The smith said, with quiet finality. "I would." He sighed. "Truth, Xena - I tried, years ago. But Metrus would have none of me. He holds a long grudge against me, for his mother."

Xena nodded slowly. "Thought so."

"What are you going to do?" Tectdus whispered. Believing she could do anything.

The warrior pulled her armor bit out of the cooling tub, and unclipped it from the tongs with knowing skill. "Whatever I can." And placed a coin on the anvil. "Thanks."

Xena left the smith's forge and gazed around the busy market square, having to hunt a moment before she spotted Gabrielle standing with Lila and Lennat near a small hut. All three were chewing on something, and the warrior shook her head with a chuckle. Leave it to Gabrielle to find food somewhere. She padded in their direction, keeping her eyes on Gabrielle's face in idle curiosity. Wonder if she'll notice me showing up?

Saw the bard, when she was nearing them, straighten up, and turn her head to spot Xena approaching, and give the warrior a welcoming smile. "Hey." Gabrielle said. "Get the armor fixed?"

Xena held up the piece in question. "Yeah." She gave Lila and Lennet an amiable nod.

Gabrielle took another bite of her pocket sandwich, and indicated a direction with her chin. "Did you see who's here?" Her eyes twinkled.

The warrior peered off, then spotted who the bard was talking about, and let out a short laugh. "Damn. What's he doing here? Don't tell me.." She gave Gabrielle a look. "She didn't." My mother. For ten years, she didn't want to talk to me. Now…

The bard grinned. "She did. He has cakes for us, though. So I forgive her."

"I see." Xena sighed, rolling her eyes. Then chuckled. "I should have expected that." She regarded Lennat. "How's the head?" She studied him coolly. Noticing the hesitant body language between him and Lila, and the frequent exchange of glances and touches between them and grinned privately in self recognition.

The boy waggled a hand at her. "So so. Throbs."

"Hey." Gabrielle poked her with an elbow. "Want one of these? They're pretty good." She indicated what she was eating.

Xena raised an eyebrow at her. "No thanks. I had a big breakfast." Which had, in fact, been smaller than the one the bard had consumed, and part of hers had gone to Ares in the bargain. "What is it?"

For an answer, Gabrielle took her last bite, and offered it to her, and before she really thought about what she was doing, Xena neatly took it from her fingers with her teeth, chewing and swallowing it before she realized what she'd done. "Not bad." She managed to get out, watching the blush color Gabrielle's neck as she noticed the surprised look they were getting from Lila and Lennat. "Anything worth looking at in the trader's wagons?" She turned the focus on Lila, giving the dark haired girl an inquiring stare. That's it, Xena… pretend nothing happened, right? Completely normal. Best friends always feed each other by hand. Right? Sure.

"Uhnm… " Lila cleared her throat and looked towards the wagons. "Well, they had some nice cloth, really. And the toolsmith had some really good looking pots." She started walking back towards the traders. "And I saw this beautiful hide at the bootmakers.."

They exchanged amused looks, and followed her, Lennat jogging a few steps to fall into place next to Lila, leaving Xena and Gabrielle to follow at a more leisurely pace.

"Sorry about that." Gabrielle muttered, darting a glance up at Xena's face, which had a look of mild interest on it as she gazed around the square. "I didn't even think about.. I mean.. " She sighed. "Gods."

Xena patted her on the back. "Relax. You said your sister pretty much guessed, anyway, right?" She chuckled. "Besides, I didn't even think about it either, until I saw you blush." She regarded the silent bard with a grin. "And anyway, the truth is, if they're looking for signs like that, we're already marked. Watch Lila and Lennat."

They watched the couple ahead of them for a few moments. "See how close they walk together?" Xena asked, in a low tone.

"Yeah." The bard answered, drawing out the word.

"And see how they touch each other all the time? Watch that.. see? Now watch them make eye contact. There." Xena went on, in an academic voice.

"Uh.. yeah." Gabrielle replied, seeing where this was all going. "That's all kind of familiar."

"Uh huh." Xena agreed wryly, watching her face for a reaction.

Gabrielle thought about it for a while before answering the implied question. Thought about her family, and the traditions of this village, and how she was always expected to set an example for Lila, and for the younger girls, there being a shortage of girls her age growing up. She grinned. "I hope they're all jealous then. Ephiny said I was the envy of the camp." Moving closer to Xena and giving her a bump with her elbow.

"Oh she did, huh?" Came the surprised reply.

The bard gave her an affectionately exasperated look. "Come on, Xena…" She broke off because they had come up to the bootmaker's lean to, where Lila was fingering a lovely rich russet hide. "Wow..that's nice!"

Lila looked up at them wistfully. "Is it ever." She exchanged mutually regretful looks with Lennat. "Not this year." She sighed "The extra harvest money went to.. " she hesitated. "other things."

Ale, more than likely, Xena mused, and sauntered over to examine the tanned hide. Her eyebrows rose, and she caught the eye of the bootmaker. "This looks like Beldan's work." She commented, letting the fine leather run through her knowledgeable fingertips.

The tradesman ducked his fair head at her in a respectful nod. "And it is, then, lady. A fine hide, it is too." He looked at her with interest, and she met his gaze, and gave him a slight wink. His lip curled up slightly in answer, and he inclined his head towards her slightly. If everything works out the way I want it too, those will make a nice wedding present. Xena mused to herself. And damned if I'm not going to make it all work out.

Lila sighed again, and looked off towards home. "I have to get going." She said, giving them all an apologetic look. "Bree, I'll try to come by tonight to take a peek, but mother will be there." She gave Gabrielle's arm a squeeze. "Tell some good ones, OK?"

The bard gave her a quick hug. "I will. Maybe I'll come by afterward and tell a few for you." If I can bring myself to walk through that door, that is. We'll see."Lennat, hope your head feels better."

The blond boy waved her off. "I'm fine. Take it easy, Bree. I'll see you tonight." He gave Xena a friendly nod, and took Lila's arm to escort her home.

They watched the two walk off in silence. Then.. "So. Telling stories tonight, are you?" Xena asked, with a grin.

"Yeah." Came the answer. "My overprotective friend… did you have to scare the innkeeper?" Gabrielle started walking back towards the inn. "You promised me some staff practice, as I recall." She paused. "And, since you seem to be in a meddling mood, what have you been up to today?"

Xena gave her an injured look. "Me?"

Gabrielle poked her ribs. "Don't think I didn't see that look between you and the bootmaker, O sneaky Warrior Princess. What are you up to?"

"Just doing what you asked me to, your majesty." Xena replied, glancing around. "Trying to find a solution to this very convoluted problem."

"And??" The bard persisted.

"I'm working on it." Came the cool reply.

Gabrielle was mustering her next attack, when the memory of the secret she had kept flooded into her conscious mind. She clamped her lips shut, and kept on walking. "Think we should find Johan?" She asked, glancing at Xena. "I think he's just over there."

"No." Came the gentle reply. "Let's go get your staff. I did promise." Xena reminded her, heading towards the inn. Having seen the sudden change of mood, and speculating on the cause. "Come on."

They walked up the stairs and into the room, and Xena closed the door behind them. "Hey."

"Yeah?" Gabrielle replied, walking over and gripping the staff with suddenly hesitant hands. She looked up at Xena when the warrior didn't reply.

"Look.. the plan is only half formed." The taller woman sighed. "It's complicated."

The bard walked over to her, and put a hand on her chest. "It's OK. I don't need to know." I can practice what I preached. Besides, it's usually better if I don't know what she's doing. I just get scared. Or mad. Or both. "I asked you to.. find a way out of this. I.. have to let you do what you need to do."

"Gabrielle." Profound concern in that low voice.

"No. It's OK." Came the reply, on a deep breath, that suddenly caught as Xena's hands gently cradled her face, and their eyes met. And her resolve faltered under bewilderment she saw there. "I.. you spoke to Alain."

"Yeah." Xena replied, beginning to understand. "Two nights ago. I knew." She trusted me. And I lied to her about knowing. Damn. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle. I.. should have told you. Maybe what happened with your father wouldn't have.. I just wanted to give you a chance to.."

"No." Gabrielle wrapped her hands in Xena's tunic and pulled hard. "Don't you dare apologize for that." She swallowed hard. "I was afraid to tell you."

Xena looked down at the floor, and released her grip, dropping her hands down and staring at them. "Yeah. I can see your point. They're pretty bloody." She mocked herself, moving back out of Gabrielle's grasp. "I thought that might be the case."

The bard felt the pain in her. She followed her retreat and grabbed Xena's hands, pulling her to a halt. Lifting them up in hers and brushing her lips against them, her eyes never leaving the warriors. "Forgive me." Seeing the sadness facing her. "Please?" Gods.. take that look out of her eyes.. I can't have caused that.. no.. please…"Xena?" Her breathing increased, and she felt tears building up.

'It's all right." Came the low voiced answer. "No need to apologize. You're were right to be afraid." Xena closed her eyes in weary acknowledgment. "A person can only change so much, Gabrielle." And I can only fool myself so long, or go so far. Even for her.

Felt the bard's hesitant touch against her, and didn't respond, trying to patch the bleeding holes that realization of Gabrielle's lack of trust in her caused.

"Don't lock me out." A voice so strained it was almost unrecognizable. "Please..."

And that plea Xena knew she couldn't ignore. She opened her eyes, and took a deep breath. Pushing her own agony down deep, for another time, another place, and concentrating on the tear filled green eyes facing her. "Never." Opening her arms and enfolding Gabrielle in them, feeling the bard's tense body slowly relax "It's OK."

Gabrielle took several breaths without speaking, then sighed. "I'm sorry." She snuggled closer, and wrapped her arms around Xena with an almost desperate intensity. "I'm not sure what I was more afraid of, Xena.. " she half whispered. "what you'd do, or the fact that I.. I really wanted you to do it."

Xena felt the shock tremor of that travel through her, and she hugged the bard tighter. Wanted? Gods. There's deep stuff going on here that I don't understand. I hope I don't make it worse. "Gabrielle… you're having a rough time, I know." Felt her swallow hard. "You're angry at your father for hurting you, and Lila.. and your mother.. I know you are. "

"Yeah." Came the muffled response.

"But you also love him." The warrior gently continued. "And you wouldn't do anything deliberately to cause him harm. I know that."

"How do you know that?" Gabrielle answered, lifting her head and gazing up

Xena quirked a grin. "Because I know you. Just like you know me."

Gabrielle just looked at her for a very long moment. Then gave a little nod of assent. And knew, in the depths of her heart, that Xena was right. "I'm.. " She put her head back down on Xena's shoulder and sighed. "Thanks."

Xena smiled. I must be getting better at this she mused thoughtfully. "Uhm… did you know Lennat has a talent for smithing?" she asked the bard, as she took two steps back, carrying the bard with her, and sat down on the bed, leaning back against the headboard.

Gabrielle blinked at her. "No… I didn't. He does??"

" Uh huh." Xena drawled. "Did you know he and Alain are half brothers?"

The bard turned her head and stared at her partner. "What? Really?"

"Yep. Did you know Tectdus really needs an apprentice, and he'd take Lennat if only Metrus would release him?" Xena smiled gently at the bard.

The bard's brow creased in concentration. "Then.. if Lennat was the smith apprentice, he could.." Her eyes darted to Xena's.

"Take Lila as his wife, yes." Xena said, quietly. "And he would."

Gabrielle's eyes lit up. "I knew you'd find a way."

Xena held up a hand. "There's still Metrus to get around. He's my sticking point. He holds a big grudge against Tectdus, and he's not likely to be cooperative with me." She smiled and stroked Gabrielle's cheek gently. "But I'm working on that part."

"Thanks for telling me." The bard responded, with a grin. "How did you find out all that stuff in one morning?"

"I asked." Xena shrugged. "Actually, it's not really that amaz.." and stopped, because Gabrielle put a hand across her mouth. "Hmm?"

"Don't tell me" The bard whispered. "Sometimes I like to think the things you do as a kind of magic." She smiled shyly. "I wrote a poem about that, once. I never read it to anyone, though."

"Why?" Xena asked, charmed.

"It was.. I don't know.. too.. it was for you. And it was really personal to me." She paused reflectively. "It was the night I.. actually sat down and admitted to myself that I was in love with you."

"Oh." Xena replied, with a faint blush. "Will you read it to me later?"

Gabrielle chuckled. "I don't need to read it. I've had it in memory for a long time. But yeah.. I will." She gave the warrior a nudge in the ribs. "After staff practice. C'mon, you." Maybe, with that, I can just.. lose this feeling… Gods.. it's like drowning.

"OK.. OK.." Xena agreed, but she didn't like what she saw in the bard's face. "You sure you're.." she began, then saw the determinedly good natured mask slip. "You're not."

Gabrielle felt her control unraveling again and she buried her face in frustration and confusion into Xena's linen clad shoulder. "Gods.. I'm so sorry.. I don't know what's wrong with me.."

"Shh. Don't apologize. I got you." Xena reassured her, rubbing her back. Do I? She's been the most stable thing in my life for a long time now - and she's in pieces here. I'm treading on dangerous ground.. for both of us. "Do you.. want to tell me what's bothering you?"

The bard stayed silent for a time, collecting her thoughts. "I.. don't know. I guess I never thought I'd do.. what I did. And that's changed the way I see.. myself. " Her hand played idly with the belt on Xena's tunic. "And.. I don't want to think that I could just.. strike out like that.. it scares me. A lot.. I'm afraid.. " She stopped.

Xena found herself unexpectedly staring her worst fear right in the face. She'd known, for a long time, that Gabrielle was having an effect on her - and in particularly dark times, she wondered if she was having an effect in return. Hoping dearly she wasn't. But the question had to be asked. "You're afraid you're.. becoming like me?"And if the answer is yes, Xena, then this stops here. She goes no further, no matter what that costs. I won't pay that price. She waited, taking even breaths, trying not to let on how desperately she needed to hear the answer. Felt the sudden pressure of Gabrielle's hand against her stomach, in a gentle reassuring pat.

"No." Came the answer, in a raspy tone. "I'm afraid I'm becoming.. like him.. and.. it's scaring me to death, Xena. How much of me.. is from him?"

Xena let out a breath, thinking about that. "I don't think you have much to worry about." She commented, keeping her voice even. "I think.. we're all responsible for what we do, Gabrielle. I can't.. I won't put blame on.. anyone.. for what I am." She felt Gabrielle go utterly still, waiting for her to finish. "You shouldn't let anyone else take the credit.. " here she smiled gently " for what you are. And what you are, my friend, is one of the kindest, most open hearted people I've ever known. You aren't like your father. You don't strike out in anger - for that matter, you get more angry at yourself than anyone else. That's true, isn't it? "

Long, long silence as Gabrielle slowly allowed the thought to seep into the stubborn resistance she'd been building up over the years, seeing a glimpse of a viewpoint of herself she had never before considered. "You know.. that's true." She finally admitted, in a wondering voice, feeling her world begin to resettle once again into a familiar pattern. "I did beat up a tree once. But I don't think that counts, does it?"

Felt Xena's surprised chuckle. "I don't remember that."

The bard smiled a little, and rolled her head to gaze up at her. "No, you wouldn't." she studied Xena's face. "Thanks.. again. Sorry I've been so.. weird."

"It's a healing process." The warrior replied, feeling the tight pressure in her chest relax. "I'm glad if whatever I said helped any." She let her fingers trace the bard's cheekbones, and wipe the tears off her face. Whoa. Got lucky again.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. "Thanks for being here." A tentative smile appeared. "I don't know what I would have done if you weren't."

"Feel better now?" Xena inquired, smoothing back her hair. "I seem to remember being asked for some sparring."

The bard took in a breath, and nodded. "Yeah. I'm better.. though whether or not I'm in any condition to go up against the Warrior Princess is another thing." This with a grin at Xena, whose raised both eyebrows.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that, my bard. Between my lack of ambition lately, and the degree of laziness you seem to inspire in me you should have no problem." Came the wryly drawled response.

Gabrielle chuckled. "Oh yeah, I'm sure I'll notice a big difference." She paused. "Like I'll last three parries instead of two before you dump me on my backside." She propped herself up on one elbow, and regarded Xena. "And don't you dare let me hit you just to impress people, either." Seeing the grin on Xena's face. "Ah ha!"

Xena chuckled. "Got me." She raised her hands in surrender. "All right, let's go, then." She rolled up onto her feet, and dusted off her tunic. "I've got to get my staff from the stable." She commented, waiting for Gabrielle to join her.

The sparring session drew more of a crowd than either of them had been anticipating, Xena thought grimly, most of it unfriendly, but she had spotted some grins, mostly from the younger crowd.

"Watch it now." The warrior cautioned. "Let me know if doing the overhead defenses hurts your ribs, OK?" She kept a sharp eye on the bard's responses, knowing her partner was inclined to push herself past where she really should due to their unexpected audience.

"I'm OK." Gabrielle insisted. Maybe that double combination will work.. she's kind of distracted.. And she tried it, swinging one end of her staff at knee level, then bringing the upper end back towards Xena's head. The warrior blocked both, but grinned.

"Nice." She gave an approving nod. "Try going a little higher next time." Despite the bard's admonition to the contrary, she went light on her own attacks, going enough just to put a little sting into the contact, but without her usual aggressive tactics. Until she saw, behind Gabrielle's shoulder, a pair of muddy hazel eyes that never left the bard's slim frame.

"All right.. let's do something a little more complicated." Xena called, calmly, and led the bard into an escalating series of attacks and counterattacks, keeping a sense of rhythm within Gabrielle's capabilities. Their tempo increased, and she saw that little concentrated grin show up on the bard's face, which meant she was totally into the exercise, a grin she echoed, as she threaded a fine line between putting on a truly impressive display, and the danger of either of them losing control of it.

Saw the flinch, as Gabrielle stretched to cover one of her upper attacks, and dropped to one knee, continuing the exercise with a smooth precision, but from a lower angle. "Come on, come on.." Urging her companion on to the final series of exchanged blows, which left them staves crossed, within inches of each other.

Both grinned. "Nice." Xena repeated, as they backed off, and she rose to her full height, reaching out and giving her a pat on the side. "I would have loved to have seen you take on Eponin, and seen the look on her face." Her eyes glinted with pride. "You're damned good."

Gabrielle grinned happily, drinking in the unexpected praise. "Even with you going light?" she teased, giving Xena a tap on the shoulder with the end of her staff. "Thought I told you not to do that."

"Mmm.. " Xena waggled her hand. "Wanted to make sure I didn't hurt you. I saw you flinch on some of those extended moves." She gave her a look. "And I thought I told you to tell me if any of that hurt." Seeing the guilty look. "So we're even." She stepped closer and ducked her head. "Besides.. your father was watching."

Gabrielle's eyes widened, and she stiffened in reaction, watching Xena's face intently. "Did he see…" Seeing the nod of confirmation. "Is he still here?" A shake of her head. "Good." She said, with a grim smile. "I'm glad you didn't tell me before now. I know I would have hit myself in the head if I'd known he was there." She relaxed a little. "Did he.. watch?"

Xena pursed her lips thoughtfully. How do I interpret the look I saw for her? "He watched." A combination of disapproval, fear, and a strange, uneasy fascination had been in those eyes. Until the exercise was over, and she had straightened up, and met his eyes over the bard's head. Then the look had turned to hatred, and hers to pure icy response. "I don't think this whole thing has made him like me any more." Xena commented, giving the bard a wry smile.

"Hey you two." Lennat gave them a tentative grin. "That was some display." He came closer, followed by a small group of the younger townsfolk, most of whom gave Gabrielle a friendly greeting. She returned the greetings with a grin, and introduced them to Xena, who managed to produce a somewhat amiable response.

"Bree, where'd you learn to do that?" Asked one, a slim dark haired girl who reminded Xena vaguely of Lila. "From.. " her eyes darted to Xena, then back.

"Mostly." Gabrielle confirmed, giving Xena a smile. "But I started learning from the Amazons."

The girl poked the boy standing next to her. "See? I told you it was true." She grinned at Gabrielle. "Is it true you actually run them?"

The bard laughed. "Well, kind of. That's not exactly how it is.." And she went into a brief explanation, which somehow led to her telling the whole story to the fascinated group.

Xena stood back, leaning on her staff, and watched Gabrielle gather them in with her talent with a deep sense of pleasure in the watching. A slight motion caught her eye, and she turned to see Alain standing in the shadows of the building, raptly listening. "Hey.. come over here." The warrior called him in a low voice. "You can hear better."

The boy crept nearer, until he was almost pressed up against Xena's tall form, giving her a grateful glance and settling in to absorb the tale. "It's a good story." He whispered to her, about halfway through."

"Mmm." Xena agreed, with a wry grin. "It's true, you know."

"Really?" Alain breathed, eyes sparkling. "Hey.. she's talking about you!" he realized.

Xena shrugged. "Uh huh."

"Wow." He chuckled, concentrating on the bard's clear delivery.

"Wait, Bree.." Lennat interrupted, waving a hand. "You mean you had to fight someone to the death???" They all exchanged stares.

Gabrielle smiled. "Well, that's how the challenge works." She responded. "But, no, I didn't have to, because the rules also say I can name a champion, to fight in my place." She turned and looked at Xena, and they all did as well. "And I was lucky, because it just so happens that my very best friend is also the very best fighter there is."

Xena gave her an amusedly exasperated look, and shook her head, but remained silent, as the bard continued her story.

They clamored for another after she finished, and she laughingly waved them off. "My voice will run out before tonight if I keep this up." She explained. "And I gotta go wash up, and get some dinner before then." She backed off and walked over to where Xena was leaning against the barn. "Hello, Alain." Gabrielle said, smiling at him. "Did you like the story?"

The boy nodded vigorously. "Yep, I did." He glanced down shyly. "Nice to see you, Bree."

Gabrielle gave him a quick hug. "Nice to see you, too."

He blushed. "Gotta go." He mumbled, and ducked away, giving Xena a last round eyed gaze, and disappearing into the darkness of the barn.

They looked at each other for a moment. "I think you enjoyed your storytelling." Xena commented, noticing the bright twinkle in her eyes. Ah..that's been missing for a few days. I'm glad to see that again.

"I did." The bard confessed, with a grin. "Sorry if I embarrassed you."

Xena laughed. "No you're not. You love doing that." She pushed off from the barn, and started walking back towards the inn, capturing the bard with one arm and pulling her along. "Come on.. I thought you said something about bath and dinner.."

Gabrielle grinned to herself, and settled her arm around Xena's waist. "You're right. I do love doing that. " She cheerfully admitted. "And the great thing is, with you, I never have to stretch the details. I just gotta tell what happened." She gave the warrior a squeeze. "You make being a bard a snap."

"Oh really?" Xena responded. "Well, anything I can do to make your life easier, your majesty."

The bard gave her a look. "Cut that out, or I'll have to hurt you." She growled, in a menacing tone.

"Well" Xena drawled, eyes glinting with mischief. "You can try."

"Is that a promise?" Gabrielle countered, soaking in the familiar banter like a sponge.

"Is that a threat?" Came the expected response.

They laughed, and headed into the inn, and were at the steps when the innkeeper stepped forward hastily to stop them. "Ah.." He said, giving Xena a gruff nod. "Just wanted to say.. looks like it'll be pretty full tonight there, Bree. Word's got around.. seems folks want to see you."

The bard raised her eyebrows. "Glad to hear it." She said, sounding a bit puzzled. "Hope it helps out business for you."

The man laughed shortly. "Can't help but." He hesitated, then. "And I'm Boreneus, by the way.", extending a forearm to Xena. "Sorry I was a bit gruff this morning."

Xena took the proffered arm, and returned his grip with one of her own. "Don't worry about it." She gave him an amiable nod. "We're going to grab your bathing room while we have a chance."

The man nodded. "I'll have someone give you a hand wi' the buckets then." He turned to Gabrielle. "Looking forward to a good few tales myself, Bree."

He gave them a wave, and strode off, leaving them to continue up the stairs. "Well. That was different." Gabrielle muttered, shaking her head in bemusement.

Xena gave her a half grin, but stayed silent, reflecting that Gabrielle still wasn't use to people praising her undeniable talent. They collected soap and towels from their room, and slipped into the bathing room.

Gabrielle tested the water in the one large tub, with a grin. "Perfect." She pronounced, taking off her tunic and laying it aside, and working on the bandages still around her chest.

"Here, let me take care of that" Xena remarked, padding over to her, and expertly unwinding the fabric. "There." Studying the bruises around the bard's ribcage, and shaking her head. "You were lucky."

Gabrielle touched one bruise with tentative fingertips, and sighed. "I guess."

The warrior cupped her chin with one hand, and gazed at her. "Don't think about it." In a gentle voice that carried a note of steel all the same. "In you go." She added, scooping the bard up, and lifting her over the edge of the tub, and lowering her into the water.

"Mmmm." Gabrielle sighed, as the water closed over her. "Gods, that feels good." She glanced up and grinned. "Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime" Xena chuckled, lowering herself in next to the submerged bard. The tub was big enough for them to sit side by side, and they did, and was long enough for even Xena to stretch her legs out. "Hey, that reminds me.. can I ask you a question?"

Gabrielle turned her head and stared. "You never asked me that before. Should I be scared?"

Rolled eyes from Xena. "No." She flicked water at Gabrielle's face. "That nickname they all call you here. You like it?" >From the look of chagrin on the bard's face, she guessed the answer. "No, huh?" Didn't think so.. and damn, I'm glad. I like Gabrielle so much better.

"Er… no." Gabrielle sighed, making a face. "Not really. I kind of got used to not being called.. that. It.. No. I don't."

"Whew." Xena laughed in relief. "I don't like it much either, and I was afraid you'd want me to start using it."

Gabrielle splashed her. "Don't you dare." She paused. "I like what you call me just fine, thanks."

Xena tilted her head to one side and studied her. "Do you now, my bard?"

"Yeah." Gabrielle answered, sliding closer, and curling up next to Xena in the warm water. "I like both parts of that." She added, and felt the warrior's arm slide around her in response. She grinned, and picked up the soap, scrubbing both herself and Xena indiscriminately, trying to escape the warrior's tickling attempts. "Stop that, or I'll dunk you." She warned. Getting a throaty chuckle in response. "I mean it." She put a blob of soap on Xena's nose, and giggled at the result. And I used to think she didn't have a sense of humor. She chuckled to herself. And I was worried that giving into our feelings for each other would ruin our friendship - was I ever wrong.. it's only made it so much stronger.. more than I could ever have imagined.

Xena rolled her eyes, and tipped her head back into the water until she was completely submerged, then slid back up into sight, blinking the water out of her eyes. "G'wan, dunk. I'll get your hair." She offered, watching as the bard disappeared under the water, then reappeared with a splutter. "Don't breath that stuff in, ok?"

The bard coughed. "Yeah…whoa." She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "Better." She mumbled. Xena shook her head, and set to work with the soap on the bard's hair, grinning as she felt Gabrielle relax and lean back into her hands.

"Don't fall asleep there, your majesty." She leaned forward and whispered into the bard's ear a short while later.

"Huh?" Gabrielle started, and gave her a sheepish look over her shoulder. "Uh.. ok." She blinked, and ducked her head under the water to get the soap off. "Sorry about that." She muttered as she came back up.

"Uh huh." Xena commented, and leaned back, stretching her arms across the top of the tub and relaxing herself. Grinning at the bard, who immediately snuggled up and rested her head on the warrior's shoulder.

"So. What stories are you going to tell tonight?" The warrior asked idly, leaning her head back against the sloping wall.

Gabrielle yawned. "Mmm.. a couple of yours, couple of old legends.."

"You gotta do at least one of Herc's . Isn't that in our contract somewhere?" The warrior asked, nudging her with an elbow.

"Ouch. Stop that. Yeah.. I guess." She gave Xena a little splash. "If I tell one with both of you in it, does that count?"

"No." Xena splashed her back.

The bard sighed. "Oh well, then, I suppose I'll have to come up with something I can rattle on about for the poor guy." She grinned "Let's see how spectacular I can get with you…" She was cut off by Xena's leaning over and kissing her unexpectedly and she closed her eyes and responded, sliding her hands around the warrior's body and pulling herself closer. "Hey.." she mumbled, when Xena stopped, and she opened her eyes to see the taller woman grinning at her. "What'd you stop for?"

Xena gave her a wry look. "Well, thought I'd give you a chance to decide just how compromising a position you wanted to be in when your sister walked in here" She jerked her head towards the door.

Gabrielle sighed. "It would serve her right for showing up." She quirked a grin. "If that was suppose to get me to go light on your stories tonight.. it didn't work." Reluctantly, she loosened her grasp, and backed off a little. Not much.

"Nah." Xena replied, leaning back and crossing her legs as the door began to open. "You just looked so cute, I couldn't resist." Watching the bard blush as Lila tentatively poked her head in. "Hi, Lila." The warrior said casually, waving her in. Watching the dark haired girl try to find someplace to rest her gaze without staring. Xena's eyes met the mist green of the bard's and both exchanged a solemn twinkle of amusement.

"What's up, Lila?" Gabrielle asked, keeping a grin off her face with difficulty. Oh.. she loves Lennat, all right.. but who knows better than I do just how hard it is to keep your eyes off my best friend? The bard mused silently to herself. Remembering the first time she'd ever seen Xena like this, after a swim near sunset, when the warrior had just risen up out of the lake, into the golden light. All powerful grace and fire, and the ice of her eyes. It had hit her in the gut with a sudden, primitive reaction, that had forever changed what her eyes considered to be beautiful. She felt it again now, just thinking of it.

"Uhm.." Lila answered, finally compromising by leaving her gaze pinned to Gabrielle's face. "Just wanted to stop by and let you know.. the entire town's talking about you…" she hesitated. "both." With a quick, darting glance at Xena, whose eyebrows rose.

They looked at each other, knowing their thoughts were racing along the same lines.

"That staff demonstration.. " Lila clarified, puzzled at their lack of response.

"Oh.. that." They both said simultaneously. Exchanged knowing glances, and burst out laughing.

"Yes, that." Lila frowned. "What did you think I was talking about…" She paused, then blushed. "Oh."

"Well, we'd better get going then." Xena commented, lifting herself out of the water by her outstretched arms, and swinging her legs over the edge of the tub. Walking over to where they'd left their towels, casually grabbing one and tossing the other to Gabrielle, who had stood up. "Here."

The bard snagged the towel out of mid air, and smiled, watching her sister out of the corner of her eye. Yep.. can't keep those eyes off. "Thanks." She slung the towel over her shoulders, and was preparing to climb out, when Xena crossed over to her, having wrapped her own towel around her body.

"Watch it." The warrior cautioned, "It's slippery." Extending a hand out, and grasping Gabrielle's arm, steadying her as she hopped over the edge of the high tub walls and waiting until she was on sure footing before releasing her, and picking up her tunic. "I'm going to check on Argo."

Gabrielle nodded at her, and gave a little wave, as she dried off, and turned to Lila. "So, we impressed them, huh?" She gave her sister a smile. "That was me going pretty much full out, and Xena sleeping." She chuckled. "Despite her protests to the contrary."

Lila laughed a little. "You two do seem to get along." She sighed. "Speaking of which, Da saw you out there today, and he wasn't pleased."

Gabrielle shrugged. "Lila, I'm done pretending. For him, for you.. for Potadeia.." She tucked the end of her towel in, and faced her sister. "This is who I am, and that's what I do. That staff practice is important - it can save my life."

Her sister glanced at the ground. "I know, Bree." She put a hand on Gabrielle's arm. "I know. But he thinks she's turned you into.. I don't know what."

"Because I stood up to him?" Gabrielle's voice went quiet and cool.

Lila nodded. 'Yes."

Gabrielle chewed her lip for a moment. "He's right." She admitted. "She's had a lot to do with the changes you see.. the changes I feel in myself." She smiled. "The difference is, he sees them as a bad thing, and I see them as a good thing."

Lila squeezed her arm. "I think they're a good thing too." She said quietly. "I'm glad, Bree. I'm glad you're getting to see all those places, and meet all those people." She paused, and glanced down, then back up at her sister. "And I'm glad you found someone who will take very, very good care of you. I see that.. now."

The bard gazed at her for a long time, adjusting. "Lila.." She finally said. "Thanks. It means a lot to me to hear that from you." She moved closer and caught her sister's eyes. "She'll find a way for you and Lennat, too. You have to believe that."

Lila took a breath, then a second. "Don't raise my hopes, Gabrielle. That's not fair." She whispered, wrapping her arms around her body.

The bard grasped her shoulders. "If there's a way, she'll find it. Believe me, Lila… it'll happen."

"I have to go get dinner ready." Came the reply. "Good luck tonight." Lila's mouth twitched. "Maybe I'll see you later."

Gabrielle watched her leave, and sighed deeply. Then she collected her things, and slipped down the hallway to the small room they shared. Pushing the door open, she was faintly surprised to see Xena standing in the window, gazing out at the sunset tinged square, dressed in her leathers.

"Thought you were going to check Argo?" She commented, walking up behind the warrior and laying her cheek against Xena's shoulder.

"Hmm?" Xena started, and glanced down at her. "Damn. Sorry.. I went out of it a bit there." Daydreaming again. This is getting ridiculous. "Lila ok?"

The bard sighed. "Not really." She glanced up. "Do you really think you can fix all this?" Here I go again.. why not put a little more pressure on her, Gabrielle?"Never mind.. forget I asked that."

Xena turned, and faced her, letting her forearms rest on Gabrielle's shoulders. "Yes, I do." She replied, gazing intently into the bard's eyes. "So don't you worry." Saw the glow of belief spring up in those mist green eyes, as the younger woman wrapped her arms around Xena's waist, and leaned against her. Felt her arms sliding around the bard in response, quite without her conscious permission. "We've both got things to do." She remarked, just before their lips met, and then there was a long period of silence, as they became lost in each other. In the golden glow of their bond that wrapped them both in a sensual peacefulness.

Finally, regretfully, Xena leaned back, and took a deep breath, and smoothed the fine drying hairs out of Gabrielle's eyes. "You need to get something to eat, and get ready for your storytelling, my bard."

She got a lazy smile in return. "And I suppose you really do have to go and check on Argo." She poked the warrior very gently in the stomach. "And get some dinner too. Right?"

Xena nodded. "Right." She glanced down. "Right, Ares?"

"Roo." The puppy answered, seriously, stumbling over and starting to chew on Xena's boot. "Roo." He repeated, looking up at her with a bit of leather in his mouth.

Xena laughed, and crouched down, tousling his fur, and rolling him over. "Yeah, you can have some of my dinner, as usual." She ticked his belly, and he waved all four feet at her. "Grrr."

"All right." Xena sighed, "I really do have to go now." She straightened up, and gave the bard a pat on the cheek. "I'll meet you down in the tavern in a bit."

Gabrielle grinned. "OK. Say hi to Argo for me."

"I will." The warrior paused. "I promised her a ride, so it might be a few minutes." A brisk nod, and she was headed out the door, with the bard's eyes following her.

The cool breeze outside felt nice, Xena mused, as she crossed the courtyard and entered the wide double doors of the barn. Inside, for a change, no one was being taunted and the large space was mostly filled with silence, broken by the occasional shifting hoof moving straw and the steady whispering crunch of hay being consumed.

Argo heard her approach, and lifted her head, gazing at her with benign interest, her jaws working steadily.

"Hey girl." Xena said softly, as she reached the mare's side, and put out a hand to scratch her ears. "Got yourself a nice feedbag there, huh? " She grinned as Argo snorted and nudged her belly, feeling the warmth of the mare's breath through her leathers. "Yeah, yeah.. I know, I promised you a run. You ready?" The horse nudged her again. "Ok..ok..don't rub it in. Come on, then."

She slid the bridle over Argo's head, and fastened the buckles, easing the bit into the mare's still chewing jaws. "Bareback today, I think, girl - no sense in throwing all that gear on you." Argo whickered in apparent agreement, and willingly followed Xena to the door of the barn, nibbling on the warrior's dark hair along the way. "Hey, cut that out." She chided the horse, waiting until they'd both cleared the door before vaulting up on the mare's back and settling her knees firmly behind the warm golden shoulders.

"Come on." Xena remarked, tightening her knees, and urging the mare forward. They moved slowly out of the courtyard, and headed down a long path Xena knew went parallel to the river. And headed past a certain, familiar clearing, where she pulled Argo up from her fast canter. "Whoa, there, girl." She sat the mare's back quietly, just drinking in the setting sun that sent red spears across the grass and tinged the leaves, breathing in the pine scented air that on this cool evening also held a hint of sweet jasmine.

And lost herself for a long moment in her memories of that day, two years and more ago, when she'd buried her weapons, and stepped into this clearing in what was one of the lowest times of her life. Finding here a reason to keep going in what she had considered the most unlikely of places, the most unlikely of people. "Right place, right time, Argo." She sighed, patting the mare on her silken haired neck. "Let's go."

She rode the horse at a gallop down the river path, leaping the odd downed log, and sending small animals scurrying for cover into the underbrush. Then she took the mare through rolling fallow fields up to the road, and back around again to the village, leaning low over her golden back, and letting her powerful strides eat up the distance. Feeling her body move in perfect rhythm and balance with the fast moving mare, as a fierce grin spread over her face.

Then she was rounding the last bend in the road and almost to the first buildings in the village, and she slowed the now sweating Argo to an ambling canter. "Easy there." She murmured, stroking the damp neck. "Look at you breathing so hard. We gotta do this more often, old girl." Hearing a snort in response. "Did mother spoil you too? Bet she had pockets of carrots all the time, huh?" A whickered sneeze. Xena chuckled, and reined her to a walk as they entered the courtyard. The warrior gazed up at the twilight sky, and considered. "About the right time, Argo. Let me get you taken care of, then I have a visit to pay. "

Alain poked his head out of the door as she approached, and gave her a delighted grin. "Lo, Xena." He trotted out and gently grasped Argo's bridle, holding her still as Xena swung her leg over the mare's neck and slid down off her back.

"Hello there to you, Alain." The warrior grinned. "Thanks." And reached for the mare's reins, but stopped at the boy's shaking head. "Problem?"

"No.." Alain smiled sweetly at her. "I'll take care o' her, sokay?" He patted the mare's neck. "She likes me fine, I think." And indeed, Argo swung her big head around, and whuffled his face, blowing the straight blond hair back and out of his gray eyes.

Xena quirked a grin. "That, I'd appreciate very much, and so would she."

Alain nodded. "I'll slicker down, and walk her to cool, then." He started walking towards the little yard outside the barn, crooning encouragement to the mare, who kept up easily with his uneven stride.

Xena nodded to herself, then entered the barn, crossing to Argo's gear, and flipping open a compartment in the skirt of her saddle. "Time to keep that promise." She remarked to herself, removing a small bag, and tying the compartment shut again.

Crossing back to the door, and slipping outside, heading in the opposite direction from the inn. Towards the center of the town, past Gabrielle's family's house. Past the smith's forge. To a small cot she'd been sure to secure the location of this morning, a cot with a torch burning outside, and the flickering surety of firelight within. She paused in the almost darkness, stilling herself to quiet stealth as the door opened, and a blond, lanky figured trod out, anger in his posture. Lennat. She mused.. and not happy. Metrus' probably giving him a hard time about going to the inn, I'll wager.

She waited until he passed her unknowing, and then slipped up to the door taking care to make no sound to alert the man she knew was inside. In the doorway, she paused. Unarmed, yeah.. but who am I kidding? If I really wanted to find a direct way of taking care of this.. problem.. I'm capable of doing it with nothing but my hands. The thought sent a rolling chill up and down her, lifting her nape hairs and roughening her flesh with goosebumps. There's that old wolf again.. she grinned to herself. No no.. Xena..you gotta do it the diplomatic way. She took a breath, and settled herself, then paused. But a little wolf never hurt… and consciously let her darker side surface a little, feeling the tingle of edgy energy flow over her. Knowing it showed in her movements. In the cast of her face, and the glint in her eyes.

Metrus didn't look up until she was already in the room, and standing at his table. Just watching him. His face went pale, and he backed away, knocking the chair out from under himself, and stumbling away from her. Holding his hands carefully in front of him.

"Hello, Metrus." Her low voice rolled across the table at him. "Mind if I sit down?" She didn't wait for his response, but pulled out the chair across from his, and seated herself, slouching back in a relaxed pose, and waiting for him to collect his composure.

"I told you, no trouble." Metrus rasped, finally, blindly searching behind him for the chair, so as not to take his eyes of her. "I meant it."

"Relax." Xena drawled, propping her booted foot up on the chair next to her, and leaning her forearm on her knee. "I just wanna talk."

"Talk." Metrus stated flatly. "About what?" He slowly seated himself on the now righted chair, and carefully placed his arms on the table. "What do we have to talk about?"

Xena paused, and studied him. Must take after the father.. she mused, because he's nothing like Lennat, and Lennat and Alain are close in looks. "Lennat's a good kid.' She remarked, watching his eyes grow hooded with wary suspicion.

"He's all right." Metrus allowed, gruffly. "What's it to you?" His eyes suddenly glinted. "You in the market? Thought you had someone to clean your boots." Regretting it when her eyes suddenly shone with cold fire. "All right.. all right.. never mind that." He leaned back, more comfortable now. She wants something. All right.. I'm a businessman. "What is it you want, Xena?" Cut to the chase here.

"What do I want?" The warrior replied. "Dunno. Maybe I'm just in a curious mood." She leaned forward and propped her chin on one hand, studying him. "Why apprentice him, Metrus? He's no merchant."

The portly villager shrugged. "He's a body.. he's blood… he's got to do something for a living. Call it charity on my part."

"Or free labor, considering you aren't teaching him anything." Xena countered, with a feral grin. "Tell me, Metrus, you hate the kid?"

Metrus' eyebrows contracted in a scowl. "You daft? He's my brother."

"And?" Xena shrugged. "What I've seen in this town.. what does that matter?" She shook her head slowly at him. "I've seen more intolerance and hatred around here than in some warlord's armies."

The man glowered at her. "We like our traditions. We don't like people coming in and stepping all over them, Xena, especially not people like you."

"Like me?" The warrior repeated, leaning closer. "Like me how? What is it you find offensive, Metrus? That I'm taller than you are? That I can beat you up? What?"

He didn't answer the question, but he looked at her a long time. "What do you want?" He asked, his voice a trifle rough.

Xena leaned back again, and regarded him through half closed eyes. "What's your brother worth to you?"

His eyes glittered with perceived understanding. "You wanna buy him?" His face relaxed. "Not that I blame you any.. he's a nice looking lad. And you…" His mouth quirked. "Well. He's under an apprentice contract to me.. I'm not sure I want to sell him."

She moved so fast, he had no chance to breath, to think, to move. One moment she was sprawled in the chair across from him, the next, he was being lifted off his feet, out of his chair, and slammed against the wall so hard the timbers rattled.

Silence fell, punctuated by the rasping harshness of his breathing. Xena was still as carved stone, hands wrapped in his tunic, holding him off the ground with an ease he found chilling, blue eyes colder than winter boring into his. "Let's get the ground rules straight, Metrus." Her voice took on a growly pitch that sent shivers down his back. "We can talk about this civilly, and I can get what I want. Or I can rip your backbone out through your neck, and beat you to death with it. And get what I want. Your choice." Sternly willing her arms not to shake under the strain of lifting his overfed body and holding it there.

"A.. a.. all right.' He wheezed, stammering. And gasped as she lifted him up, and swung around, to slam him back in his chair with a painful force. Tried to contain his unreasoning fear of her. Knowing what he had just felt was more than human. He watched her walk around the table, and settle back into her chair, putting both forearms on the surface, and interlacing her fingers.

"What's he worth to you?" She repeated her question in a flat tone.

He named the price of the contract, standard for an apprentice. No tacking on extras with her.

Now he could hear only the fire crackling, and the gentle night sounds outside the window, as he watched her study him with thoughtful eyes. Then a quicksilver flash of her movement, and a dull muffled chink of coins as a small bag landed in front of him. Swallowing hard, he reached out a tentative hand, and carefully opened the bag, spilling out the contents. It was his price and a trifle more. "Well, he's no use to me as an apprentice, you're right. No sense feeding him for free. I accept." He sighed in relief. "I'll allow I'll miss him, though."

Xena chuckled, and watched Metrus turn white at the sound. "He's not going anywhere, Metrus. I'm no slaver."

The man looked at her in confusion. "Why? I've accepted now, Xena - no going back, but then.. I'm thinking you're not that type anyway. Why?"

The warrior leaned back, and shrugged. "Does it matter?" She let a slow smile inch across her face. "I could tell you I'm doing it to keep a promise to a friend, but you'd never believe that. So..let's just say.. it's a whim of mine." She stood, and offered her arm to him. "Seal it."

He hesitated, fighting an unreasoning fear of her. Slowly he stood, and, finally forced himself to grasp her arm. Surprised at the warm softness of her skin, stretched over the supple tension of the muscles he could feel under his fingertips. Like velvet over steel, his mind supplied. "It's sealed." He said, furtively meeting her eyes. "Why leave him here, though?" His eyes suddenly widened. "That girl."

Xena smiled. "She's a nice kid, too." She didn't let his arm go. "And he'll make a good smith."

Metrus' jaw dropped. "Why… you…"

"Ahh.. careful, Metrus." The warrior laughed. "I'm a cruel, ruthless warlord, remember? " She tightened her fingers, and saw his eyes start. "Just let them be, you got me?"

"There's bad blood between us, damn you." He hissed, anger darkening his face. "No, I won't have it. That damned.." His voice stopped as a jolt of pain went up his arm.

Xena's expression hardened, and her eyes glinted with anger now. "It stops here, Metrus. It's not Lennat's fault what happened. He's got a gift and he deserves the chance to grow into it." Her eyes suddenly widened. "It's all about choice, Metrus - we've all got the right to make the choice about how to live our lives.. and that's why you all hate people like me so very much, isn't it? " She released his arm, but leaned forward and captured his eyes with her own. "You put your kids into boxes, Metrus.. you never give them a chance to grow.. if they show any signs of difference.. you beat them back into the box, don't you?"

No answer. Metrus just stared at her. Finally.. "Our traditions are the backbone of our lives, Xena. Take that away, and there'd be nothing left. You let those traditions be destroyed, and you have.. a bunch of people. Not held together by anything. Is that what you want?"

The warrior sighed. "We have different viewpoints, Metrus. Just leave the kids alone."

The merchant gave her a stiff nod. "I'll stand by my bargain. But I don't like it. He'll not be welcome here if he goes to that.. place."

Xena took a breath. "Make sure you tell him that, Metrus. So it's an honest choice." She said, softly. And turned on her heel, wanting out of that closed in place, away from that closed in mind. Out under the stars, where she looked up and breathed in the clean air with a sense of relief, and let the anger and the frustration drain out of her.

And found herself face to face with Lennat, who just stood, gazing at her with an unfathomable expression, his pale hair colorless in the rising moonlight.

"She said you had a magic." The boy whispered, his eyes glowing.

Xena snorted. "No magic, Lennat. I threatened him, then bought him off. No magic, no romantic notions, nothing. Just business. Now you keep your end of the bargain." She paused. "You heard?"

Lennat nodded. "Every word."

"That'll save time." Xena remarked. "What are you going to do?"

The boy smiled. "Become a smith. And marry Lila." He bit his lip. "Not necessarily in that order." And his face went serious. "And always.. always.. get down on my knees and thank the gods for you." He took a breath. "And you'll get every dinar of that back, I swear it."

Xena gazed at him, caught between embarrassment and grudging admiration. "Don't bother.. it'll be nice to know a good smith in these parts." She gave him a quirky grin. "And it wasn't for you. So don't think I get these notions often."

Lennat smiled at her. "I know… Don't worry, you're reputation is safe with me."

"Well, all right then." Xena said, giving him a look. "So long as we understand each other." She clapped him on the shoulder, and started back towards the inn. "You have some people to see, I think. I'll leave you to it."

"Xena." He called after her, but softly.

"Yeah?" She answered, stopping and turning to look at him.

He walked over to her, and touched her arm. "Thank you." Very quietly. And with everything his soul was feeling showing in his gray eyes.

Xena took a breath to speak, intending to brush him off, but something in his voice stopped her. "You're welcome." She finally answered, lifting a hand and patting his shoulder. "Go on, now."

He nodded, and smiled. "Who first? Metrus, I think. Then.. Tectdus.. then.. " His voice grew joyous "Lila." His bit his lip, then whirled and headed towards the lowly lit cot she'd come out of.

The warrior let out a deep sigh, and shook her head. Damn… what a mushball I'm getting to be. Musing on her recent sentimentality, she strolled across the market square, pausing in front of the smith's forge. Well, as long as I'm being a soft touch tonight, might as well go all the way. Right? Yeah right, Xena. She turned into the forge, and crossed through it to the tiny cot beyond, where a bright candlelight shone through the windows. She knocked lightly at the door, hearing the scrape of a chair being drawn back within, and heavy footsteps moving towards her.

"And who's at the door at this… oh. Xena, hello." Tectdus's rough voice gentled on seeing who his guest was. "Is there some wrong, did the piece break or..?"

"No." The warrior said with a smile. "The work is just fine. Is Alain here?"

Tectdus cocked his head at her. "Aye." He drew out the word, obviously puzzled. "Is it the horse, then?"

"No." Xena said, again. "Relax, Tectdus. There's nothing wrong. I just had a feeling he'd like to see his old playmate tell some stories. And.. I figured he'd get less grief if he went in with me."

The smith's jaw dropped slightly, but he smiled. "Ah.. that's a kind thought. He was wanting to go, yes.. but I.."

Xena nodded. "I know."

Tectdus grunted in response. "Alain!" He called. "Ye've got a visitor here."

"Me?" Came the boy's surprised voice, as he limped around the doorframe and spotted Xena's tall from. "Wow. Hi!" His eyes lit up.

"Hi yourself.' Xena drawled. "Wanna go listen to some good stories?"

Alain beamed, and glanced at Tectdus, who nodded solemnly. "Thanks, Da…" He chirped, and scuttled out the door to join the warrior. "Thanks.." he said to her, in a lower tone.

Mushball. She mocked herself. "Come on. " She turned, but then turned back to Tectdus. "Oh.. yeah. Don't be surprised if you have another visitor tonight." With a twinkle in her eye that he could see.

He stared at her, puzzled, then saw her slight grin, and wondered. But before he could ask, she was gone, taking Alain in tow towards the inn. "And what was she up to, then?" He mused to himself. "She's a deep one, she is." He was about to close the door, when he heard footsteps in the forge lean to, and stuck his head back out. And stared at the tall, lean form whose hair reflected the moonlight. "Lennat?" And remembered the twinkle in those very blue eyes. Be damned… did she then?

"Master Tectdus.." Lennat said, crossing from the moonlight to the candlelight of his doorway. "I hear you're in need of an apprentice."

The smith just laughed, and shook his head. "Come in, lad." And shut the door behind them.

Continued in Part 3

return to Part 1

Return to my Fan Fiction Page

Home is where the Heart is - Part 3

by Melissa Good
Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

Xena led Alain across the courtyard, and towards the inn, chuckling quietly to herself. They were about to step through the door, when she spotted a familiar form coming out of the barn. "Johan," she called. "Over here."

"Ah, lass." The older man waved a hand at her, taking a better hold on a large package tucked under his other arm. "There you are." He strode over to them and handed Xena the package. "This is for you, and for Gabrielle, of course." He gave her an impish grin.

Xena gave him an amused look as she took the package. "Mother send you to check up on us?" Her voice held a hint of annoyance, but she kept the smile on her face. "I could be insulted."

Johan clucked his tongue at her. "Now.. she means only good, you know that." He smiled, and indicated the door with a jerk of his chin. "Going in, are you? And who's this?" With an inquiring look at the quiet Alain.

"Oh. Sorry." Xena replied. "Alain, this is Johan."

"Hi." The boy said, in almost a whisper.

"Hello, lad." The trader answered, with a grin. "There's cakes in the package." He gave the warrior a knowing look. "Your mother said to make sure you share."

Xena rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. "Make sure *I* share? Come on." She sighed, pulling open the door.

Inside was comfortably lit, and very busy. Xena, in the lead, felt eyes turn to her as soon as she cleared the doorway, and blithely ignored them, heading across the floor to her favored table, in the rear corner.

She spotted Gabrielle seated next to her mother, with a tense look on her face which eased when she lifted her eyes and met Xena's smiling gaze. The bard smiled in return, and even Hecuba, turning to see what had caused that reaction in her daughter gave the warrior a twitch of her lips.

Which, Xena mused, was nice, because the looks she was getting from the rest of the crowd could best be described as.. hostile. Unfazed, she scanned the room, and returned most of the uglier stares with one of her own, summoning an air of edgy menace to the surface of her thoughts.. knowing that it would also show in her manner. Glares suddenly dropped from her, as their owners found other things to look at. Less dangerous things. Xena smirked, and guided her charges through the crowd to the empty table, and took the backmost seat herself, against the wall.

An inn worker cautiously approached, having gotten used to Xena after several days of exposure to her. The warrior raised an eyebrow at him, and shook her head. "Do I even have weapons on? Do I look like I'm going to start punching people?" She complained to Johan. "What IS it with me?"

Johan sat back, and regarded her seriously. She was seated in a casual posture, yes - with one booted foot braced against the table support, and her forearms resting on her knee. No armor, but the leathers she wore were dark, and outlined her sleekly muscular form in a way that left little to the imagination. Her dark hair was pulled back, letting the candlelight throw sharp shadows across her sharply planed features. And then there were the eyes, picking up even this low light and reflecting it back in glints of pale fire. "Well, lass..' He gave her a wry grin. "You're an eyeful, no lying." He glanced up at the server. "Ale for me, my lad. And for the lady here." He jerked his chin at Xena, getting a wryly raised eyebrow at the title. "What's your plate?"

The server looked nervously at Xena, then back at Johan. "Trencher stew"

Johan glanced over at Xena, who gave him a noncommittal shrug. "Bring three." She said. "And a small beer for him." Indicating Alain, who had been sitting very quietly in his chair, looking around with bright eyes.

"Now." Johan said, in a soft voice, as the server left. "Are ye going to tell me what happened? Or am I to go back to Cyrene empty handed?" He reached out and laid a hand on Xena's wrist. "I saw the marks on her face."

Xena took a deep breath, and told him. All of it, and watched the anger grow in his eyes, as it had in her own. Aware of the intently listening Alain, whose eyes grew round as he heard what his da had only whispered to their neighbor about.

"Dog." Johan hissed, when she was finished. "To hurt such as her… gods, Xena!"

Xena shook her head, and touched his hand for silence as she caught sight of Gabrielle headed their way. The warrior grinned as she watched the bard approach the table and lean her hands against it. "Hi Johan.. Alain.. " Gabrielle greeted them. "Hey." She added, looking into Xena's eyes. Losing herself in them for a long instant that filled her with a creeping warmth.

"Nice outfit." Xena drawled, letting her lips curl into a appreciative smile. "I always liked that color."

The bard was dressed in a pale green silken tunic, which contrasted nicely with her red gold hair, and was almost the color of her eyes. Matched by a silver necklace bearing a stone which did match them. "Thanks." She cheerfully answered. "Guess it's about time I got started. Did you.." she gave Xena a quiet smile. "have any special requests?"

Xena chuckled. Requesting she not tell any of mine just won't work, will it? Nope. "I like em all, Gabrielle. You know that."

The bard grinned. "I know." And watched the blue eyes across the table warm. "Wish me luck." She joked, and found her gaze suddenly captured again by Xena's, pulling her into their bond with an almost physical force.

"You don't need luck, my bard." Came the soft voice, which filled her ears and became, for a short moment, the only sound she heard. "You're that good. Now go show em."

Gabrielle nodded, and gave them all a little grin, then turned and headed to the front of the room, already planning what stories to start with, to break the ice in the room so that her more intense tales could make an impression.

She started with a light, funny tale of Cupid's arrows gone awry, which caught their attention, and focused them in on her, and the humor shook their disapproving facade into grudging acceptance of her. I gotta make them forget it's me here. I'm just a bard.. I didn't come from Potadeia…

The classic story of Helen of Troy next.. leaving out her personal viewpoint, she smiled inwardly. Now she was getting them caught up in it, and they were starting to pay more attention to the story than who was telling it. Great. A quick glance to the back of the room, where a smile met hers. Keep your mind on the story, now, Gabrielle… But her face returned the smile.

Xena let her gaze travel around the room, gathering in the rapt expressions of the village folks as they focused their attention on the bard. Watching their faces lose the hostility, and relax into absorbed interest as Gabrielle wove her tales around them. And every once in a while, the bard would glance back at her, for just a moment, just a swift exchange of warmth between them.

She let herself become absorbed in the tales, even when the next one Gabrielle brought forth was one of hers.. only peripherally aware of the turning of heads, and the now interested and not so hostile stares turned her way. Sometimes.. she mused thoughtfully. I hear her tell these stories, and it's really like they're about some other person.. some of the stuff I hear her say.. I can't really have done that.. can I? It sounds so impossible.

Gabrielle finished that last story, and took a long drink of water, studying her audience. They were fully involved now, turning and whispering among themselves as she rested her throat, and covertly darting glances to the back of the room where Xena was leaning back against the wall, sipping her ale, and watching the crowd with hooded eyes.

Time for one more.. Gabrielle decided, since the one she had in mind was a pretty long one. And she took a deep breath, and started in on a tale about an Amazon Queen, who tried to bring peace to her nation, against stiff opposition. . After the first few minutes, she dared to look towards the back table, and meet the astounded blue eyes and half grin that waited for her there. Gotcha. Her mind chuckled on a different plane than the one she was storytelling from. Ohh… I gotcha, my friend.

Xena listened, with a growing smile as Gabrielle wove the intricate story around her listeners, never letting on that the Amazon Queen she was teaching them to know was herself. Only she and Johan knew, since Johan had heard the original story at her mother's table that day in Amphipolis. He touched her arm, and met her eyes when she looked at him. She nodded, then shook her head.

And the crowd leaned closer and closer, as the peril became clearer, until she held them by the delicate grasp of her words, and led them to a rain tossed clearing, and a Centaur crossbow releasing towards a defenseless but brave heart.

Even Xena, who had excellent cause to know the answer to the question left hanging, found herself holding her breath. That's dumb, Xena. You know what happens next. You should.. since it was your damn hand that caught that arrow.

And when Gabrielle continued, and played out the last second rescue, everyone in the room turned and looked at Xena for a long, still moment.

"How'd you do that?" Alain chirped softly, pulling on her hand. "That's true, yeh?"

Xena tore her eyes from Gabrielle's and ducked her head towards Alain. "Yeah. It's true."

"Wow." He breathed, turning his attention back towards Gabrielle.

She finished the story, and now the crowd was hers, and cheers rang out. Gabrielle spent a few minutes wandering around the room, talking to people, and answering a few questions about the stories.

Hecuba gave her a tight, proud smile as she came to stand by the table her mother was seated at. "Those were lovely stories, Gabrielle." The older woman said. "And you have a wonderful way of telling them."

The bard grinned, and knelt down by the table. "Thanks. I practice a lot." Her eyes lit quietly. "And I have an inspirational friend back there." Her eyes drifted across to Xena's, and her smile deepened, then she returned her gaze to Hecuba.

"That last story.." Hecuba said, lowering her voice. "Were you actually there, for that? Did you see the whole thing?"

Gabrielle tried really hard, but couldn't keep the smirk off her face. "Uhm… yeah. You could say that."

Hecuba was about to press her further, but a movement caught both of their attention, and they turned to see Lila and Lennat enter the inn, with an excited air about them. "Huh.." Gabrielle mused. "Wonder what's up with them?"

Xena was watching closely across the room, when she spotted the Lila's purposeful move towards the table where her mother and sister were talking. Lennat trailed after her, a big grin on his face. Ahh… The warrior chuckled to herself. Here comes my reward for all this tedious manipulation. She fastened her eyes on Gabrielle's face, and waited.

Saw Lila's flushed cheeks, and her glances at Lennat, who seated himself at the table, and made shy explanations, using his hands to illustrate. Lila dropped her hand onto his shoulder and gazed down at him in adoration. Then he reached up, and clasped the hand, and looked up into her eyes, and then said something that made her blush.

Something that made Hecuba clap her hands to her cheeks in delight. And brought Gabrielle up standing, first to hug Lila, then to lean her hands on the table, and slowly turn her head and meet Xena's waiting eyes.

Xena felt a smile crossing her face unbidden, as she absorbed the indescribable look of adoring gratitude she saw in the bard's misty green eyes. It warmed her all over.That.. just made it worth all the effort… that look in her eyes..I'd do..gods.. anything for that. For her. And she examined that unexpected thought carefully, and found it for the truth. Gods… I have fallen hard, haven't I. And just laughed at herself.

She watched Gabrielle hug Lila again, and then make a comment, turn, and walk towards Xena's table, putting off the eager hands which reached out to stop her passage. Until she got to the table. "It seems we've had a very active night." She commented, her gaze locked on Xena's face. "Lennat and Tectdus have come to an apprentice agreement, and he's asked Lila to marry him."

"Well, that's good news." Xena drawled, giving the bard an lazy grin. "Did she say yes?"

Gabrielle just smiled at her.

Johan rose, and extended a hand across the table towards Alain. "Come lad, let's go get some more beer, eh?"

"OK" Alain responded brightly, glancing from Gabrielle to Xena and back. "I'm thirsty." He stood up, taking Johan's hand, and followed him towards the front of the inn, where small clusters of villagers were standing around, talking.

"He's subtle." Gabrielle grinned, as she walked around the table, and crouched down next to Xena's chair, laying a steadying hand on the warrior's thigh. For a moment, she silently studied the taller woman's face. Then.."Thank you, " said in a gentle voice.

Xena lifted the hand that was resting on the chair arm and let her fingertips brush the bard's cheek. "Glad it all worked out." Came the casually offhand answer. "I didn't really do much," she added, with a slight shrug.

"No." Gabrielle responded, gazing up at her with startling intensity. "No.. don't you say that…Xena.. you just changed their lives.. in a way that means a lot to them." She paused, and reached up, entwining her fingers with Xena's. "And more than a lot to me."

Their eyes met, and for a moment the room receded, leaving them isolated in each other. "I don't know how I'm going to repay you for this one." Gabrielle half joked, then fell silent as Xena's hand touched her lips, stilling them.

"Oh no, my bard.." Xena's voice softened and deepened. "Freely given, you know that. Between you and me, there's no talk of owing or payment, not now, or ever."

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and smiled, and let her lips brush the warrior's fingers softly. "I know that."

Xena let out a breath. "Nice stories, by the way. Loved the last one." Her eyes twinkled. "That was a surprise.. didn't know you finished it."

"I took your idea…do you think anyone figured it out?" The bard asked, with a light laugh. "It worked pretty well.. did you see their faces when I told them about the arrow?"

"Uh.. yeah." Xena responded with a wry grin. "I saw all their faces, because they all turned around to look." She gave the fingers still interwoven with hers a squeeze. "Good job, Gabrielle. I think you touched them."

Gabrielle gave her a little nod. "Yeah.. I think I did…it felt really good." Her voice broke a little, and she cleared her throat with a grimace. "I think I'm going to pay for that, though.. ow. I usually try to use my breathing when I have to talk like that, but.." she winced slightly, as her hand brushed her ribcage. "Still a little sore, I guess."

"Oh.. I think I can put together something for that." Xena chuckled. "You liked that mint and honey mixture the other day, I seem to remember." More seriously. "And I'll put another wrap on those ribs.' She laid a warm hand on the bard's side.

"Mmm.." The bard agreed. "Ok.. it's a deal. Let me go talk to mother and Lila a minute.. in fact, come on, I think Lila wanted to talk to you anyway." Her eyes sparkled. "Promise not to make a face if she hugs you?"

A sharply raised eyebrow in response. "I'll see what I can do." Her tone was gently mocking, but she stood up, lifting Gabrielle up with her by way of their still linked hands. "Come on."

They walked over to where Gabrielle had left her family, Xena getting wary, but not quite hostile looks as they crossed the floor. That was an improvement, she noted to herself, laying a casual forearm on Gabrielle's shoulder as they slowed to a halt beside their table. "I hear congratulations are in order." She drawled, giving Lila a quirky grin.

The dark haired girl smiled back at her thoughtfully. Lila had been watching Gabrielle out of the corner of her eye since her sister walked to the back of the room - after she'd told her very welcome, and very good news and seen the look Gabrielle had given the warrior. She'll find a way, wasn't that what her sister had said?

Lila inwardly shook her head. Gabrielle had never had a single doubt.. and here she was, betrothed to Lennat, and he to be a smith. It was magic.. she mused.. just like Lennat had said, when he'd walked into their home, and gravely, courteously, bent his knee humbly and asked her father for her. So romantic.. Lila sighed.

Her father had gruffly refused to dowry her.. and Lennat's response had been perfect.. perfect! Nothing but her shift, sir.. he'd said, and priceless in that and Herodotus' had slowly ducked his head in agreement. Never had she felt a moment so sweet, and now she gazed at the person who had, through means beyond her understanding, given her that moment.

Expecting nothing in return given the hostility that surrounded her, held off by the shield of her remotely cool gaze which now swept them all.

Impulsively, Lila moved around the edge of the table, and threw her arms around her, hoping as she did so that she wasn't about to get knocked clear across the room. Half expecting to, really, tensing for it.. only to have an amused Xena fold her long arms around her, and return the gesture.

It was nothing like she had expected, Lila later thought. It was like being a child, and having someone ever so much bigger, and ever so much stronger hold you in their arms. It was that kind of feeling, traveling on a rush of warmth that just flowed over her, until the warrior gave her back a little pat, and released her. "I know what you did." Lila managed to whisper, before they moved apart. "I'll never forget that."

Got a half grin in response, and a light shrug. "Anytime." Xena replied, exchanging a brief, knowing look with Gabrielle. "See you in a bit." She added, giving them all a nod, and heading towards the back stairs, sliding through the crowd with sinuous ease, and moving up the stairs in a flash of dark leather and a ripple of muscular shoulders. Aware, surely, of the roomful of eyes watching her.

It was nothing obvious, Lila mused then, that marked the attachment between her sister and Xena. It was the little things, though - the way Gabrielle's eyes followed her almost unconsciously, and the slight twitch of her lips when their glances crossed, and the casual touches between them that seemed completely normal between two close friends, until you noticed that Xena allowed no one else, no matter how friendly she was to them., to take any hint of similar liberties with her person. Or until you noticed how closely they stood to each other, in marked contrast to the distance they both maintained with everyone else. They had no boundaries between them, and Lila, newly recognizing that in her own relationship with Lennat, grinned to herself. Gods. .I can't believe it.. they're in love with each other, just like we are. She glanced at Gabrielle's face, seeing the gentle glow in her mist green eyes. Zeus.. is that what I look like when I look at Lennet?

"Lila, we have a lot of planning to do," remarked the visibly pleased Hecuba. She looked up at Gabrielle, who was leaning against the table. "Gabrielle.. you will stay for the wedding..?" A hopeful look in her faded eyes, against which her daughter had no defense.

"You have to.." Lila grasped her arm eagerly. "You have to be my maid of honor.. please, Gabrielle, say yes."

The bard regarded them with a quizzical smile. And just when did I graduate from being someone who got told what to do into someone who is politely asked?Feeling the sudden respect seem out of place, in people she had come to expect much less from. "Of course I'll stay, Lila. Would I miss your wedding?"

Hecuba stood, and gave Gabrielle a pat on the arm. "I enjoyed listening to you, daughter." Her eyes searched her face with sudden sharpness. "You look tired, and no wonder after that performance. Go get some rest."

"I will." Gabrielle promised. "I'll see you tomorrow." She added, giving all three of them hugs, and heading up to their room.

Xena was just pouring hot water over the fragrant herbs when she pushed the door open, and that released a wonderful scent into the room, which Gabrielle breathed in with a sigh of appreciation.

"Gods, that smells fantastic." The bard commented, waiting for the warrior to finish pouring and put the waterpot down before she slid in, and wrapped her arms around the taller woman, and tightened her arms with all the strength she had.

"Hey.." Xena laughed, "What's that for?"

"Nothing.. . everything.. " Her voice cracked. "…just because."

"Oh." Xena replied, softly, drawing her even closer, until they could feel each other along the entire length of their bodies. "Better?"

"Uh huh." Came the mumbled response. "If we could figure out a way to bottle this feeling.. we could retire to some palace, y'know?"

Xena gave the bard an affectionate look. "All the dinars in the world can't buy this, Gabrielle." Oh.. and it's worth every single one of them, too. "But you need to get this down your throat, or you'll regret it tomorrow."

Reluctantly, the bard loosened her grasp, and took a seat at the table, cradling the mug Xena had prepared in her hands. "Mm..ok. At least this tastes good." She shot Xena a sly grin. "And speaking of which, I noticed you didn't touch your dinner." Giving Xena an accusing glance.

"Nope." The warrior confirmed. "Gave a bit of it to Ares, here.." She gestured at the sleeping puppy. "He seemed to like it, but I took a taste.." she winced. "Pretty bad. " Then her lips curled up. "However…"

"Yeah?" Gabrielle prompted, cocking her head.

A short gesture to a package resting on the end of the table. "That might prove more edible."

With a grin, the bard pulled the wrapped shape over to her, and neatly undid the wrappings, chuckling when she saw the contents. "Oh yeah." She readily agreed, removing a large pastry and handing it to Xena. "Dinner. Eat up." Then taking one for herself, and settling back in the chair with a pleased expression.

"Well.." Xena mumbled around a mouthful. Oh gods.. that's good.. better hide the rest of that package or I'll be in deep trouble here. . "It sure beats that stew."

"Uh huh." Gabrielle agreed, alternating bites with sips of her tea. "Here." Handing Xena a second pastry, and taking one for herself. Giving the warrior a stern glance when she hesitated. "Look, I happen to know you had exactly one bite of a meat roll for lunch, and most of your breakfast went to that little eating machine on paws down there." She noted the quirky grin on Xena's face that usually meant she'd won an argument. "And if I don't' watch out for you, who will?"

Xena just grinned, and munched on the second cake. She's right. Besides, I can't resist these damn things and she knows it. She dusted her fingers off when she'd finished, then cocked an eyebrow at the bard. "Let me take care of those ribs, OK?"

Gabrielle nodded, and stood, slipping off her tunic and draping it over the chair and shrugging into a loose sleep shirt which she left unbuttoned, then turning to face Xena as she removed a small jar of oil from her kit and opened it.

"Damn." The warrior sighed, gently rubbing the warming oil over the bruises that contrasted starkly against the bard's tanned skin. "That must ache."

Gabrielle smiled at her. "Not when you're doing that." She commented, and got a lazily raised eyebrow in response.

"Oh really?" Came the playful query.

"Yeah, really." The bard answered, stepping closer and letting her hands drift lightly over Xena's fabric clad form.

"Imagine that.." On the heels of a deep chuckle that Gabrielle could feel now through her fingertips.

"Yeah, you know…." Her mumbled answer was effectively silenced by Xena's lips. "Never mind…" she added on an uneven breath and went back for more. Felt herself lifted as easily as a child, and then she was curled together with Xena on the soft down comforter that covered the bed, letting her hands free to explore.

Gabrielle slowly let herself inch into consciousness, moving from sleep into the warm security of Xena's embrace with a sense of luxurious pleasure. Mmm… no wonder I haven't minded waking up lately. Who would mind waking up to this? Not me.. uh uh… nope.. happy bard. She kept her eyes closed, and just floated for a while. So.. Lila's getting married. Her mind sleepily mused. That's so cool.. wonder how long it will be before I'm an aunt? She grinned inwardly. Probably not too long… Lila's always wanted kids. Then her good humor faded. Damn.. I want to stay for her wedding....but.. I'm not sure I can.. I'll have to go in that house and face him again.. and I don't think I …"

An involuntary shudder passed through her, and she felt Xena's arms tighten instantly, bringing them closer together. Gabrielle opened her eyes, and met the warrior's very wide awake gaze "Hey.. " she said, blinking. "Been awake long?' she asked, with a teasing grin.

Xena nodded, and grinned back. "Yeah." She chuckled. "Awake and indulging myself in a shameful bout of pure laziness, as a matter of fact."

"Oh." The bard responded, "You could have woke me up.. I wouldn't have minded."

Xena shrugged. "Nah… you were pretty deep.. but what was that last shiver? I know you were awake for that." Her eyes sharpened, and examined Gabrielle's face intently.

Gabrielle dropped her gaze and focused instead on Xena's collarbone, letting her fingers idly trace it's prominent path from shoulder to shoulder. "I promised Lila I'd stay for the wedding." She sighed. And watched as the thick muscles on either side of Xena's neck moved in a light shrug.

"I kind of assumed that, Gabrielle. So what's the problem?" Xena's voice rumbled into her ears.

The bard was quiet for a long time, trying to find a way to express what she was feeling. Finally, she glanced up at the patiently waiting Xena. "Whenever I think of… seeing him.. or talking to him.. Xena I.. " she swallowed. "I can't." She buried her face in Xena's shoulder. "I get this.. horrible, sick feeling when I think about it."

Xena let out a breath as her brows drew inward in thought. "Are.. are you afraid he's going to hurt you again?" She asked, tentatively, feeling her way.

Long silence. "I'm.. no.. I don't know what I'm afraid of, Xena. I'm just scared." She finally whispered. "I just want to hide from him."

"You stood up to him before." Xena said, slowly, mind racing.

"Yeah, I know.." Came the response. "But now.. I feel like I used to when I was little.. maybe when he.. I don't know.. it brought it all back… Xena, I promised I'd be Lila's maid of honor.. and I don't' know if I can do that." She started to shiver. "Ssssorry." She stammered, "Didn't mean to dump this on you. You've already moved a mountain to get them this far."

Xena stroked her hair gently. "Gabrielle, you're not dumping anything on me. If you have a problem… well, it's my problem too. Got that?"

"Yeah." A barely heard muffled response.

"Do you want me to go there.. to the house.. with you?" The warrior asked

Gabrielle lifted her head, and shook it. "No.. no.. Xena.. he hates you.. he'd.."

Xena caught the bard's face in her hands, and looked into her eyes. "He'd do what, Gabrielle? What would he do, to me?" Intent stare. "To me, Gabrielle.. remember who I am, OK?"

Mist green eyes blinked at her in confusion. A child's nightmares warred with her adult logic as stark memories of a tall, threatening figure looming over her began to cascade into her mind. "He's.. so strong.. and…he'll make you.. he'll hurt you… I can't.."

"No." Xena's voice was strongly compelling. "Gabrielle… listen to me. Listen.." She repeated. "You were just a child then… you're seeing him through a child's eyes right now." A pause. "He can't hurt me, Gabrielle.. you know that. You know me." Slowly, sense was returning to the bard's gaze. "And I will not.. will NOT let him hurt you. Do you hear me?"

For an instant, the eyes that looked back at her were those of a frightened young girl, then Gabrielle took a deep breath, closed and reopened her eyelids, seemingly with a great effort, and swallowed hard. "I hear you…" she responded quietly. "Gods. I'm sorry.."

"Stop apologizing." Xena replied. "It's not your fault, Gabrielle." Feeling her heart begin to settle back into it's normal rhythm from the painful racing she'd been experiencing. "It's going to be all right. I promise you.. "

Gabrielle let out a long sigh. "Thanks." She replied, laying her head back down on Xena's shoulder, and wrapping her arm around the warrior again. "I'm sorry.. whoops.. I mean.. I didn't even ask you if you wanted to stick around for this wedding thing… " she hesitated, then went on. "You can.. take off.. if you want to."

Xena snorted. "And miss a great party where everyone there can't stand me? Not on your life, bard of mine. You're stuck with me here, and you're just going to have to live with it."

The bard gazed at her, and a small grin surfaced. "Can I interest you in a picnic?"

Xena stared at her in bewilderment. "Excuse me?"

Gabrielle looked down, and then back up. "I'd like… to go out to the clearing where the raiders found us.. and just remember that day. And I'd like to do it with you. So.. can I interest you in a picnic?"

"Oh." Came the response. "Sure… I'd love to."

They looked at each other, and smiled. "We'd better get moving.. " Xena sighed, prodding herself. "When is this wedding, by the way?"

"Uhhhh…" The bard scowled. "Oh.. three days from now. At the harvest moon."

"That's auspicious." Xena chuckled. "Lila wants kids, huh?"

Lila dropped by after they'd dressed and gotten something to eat, which Xena acquired from a market vendor after examining what was being cooked in the inn kitchen. "Just don't go there." Was her muttered comment to Gabrielle, as she came back in through the window and surprised the bard with a pair of the meat rolls she had been eating the previous day.

"What about you?" Gabrielle asked, tapping a foot and scowling.

"Ate mine already." Xena replied, with a grin. "Brought this back for Ares." She added, sitting down cross legged on the floor and giving the anxious puppy a handful of raw meat scraps. "Roo!" he yodeled in approval, and started chewing enthusiastically.

Xena chuckled, watching him for a moment, then looked up at Gabrielle. "What?" she asked, seeing the intent look on the bard's face.

"Nothing." Gabrielle responded, sitting down at the table, and finishing her meat rolls with no further comment, idly watching Xena play with Ares.

Lila's knock came shortly after, and she popped in, her face more than usually animated. "Good morning!" she grinned at them.

Got grins in response. "I guess it must be." Xena drawled, from her relaxed position stretched out on the floor next to the puppy.

"Sit down." Gabrielle waved her to a chair, then went back to scribbling on a scroll in front of her. "How's the planning?"

Lila seated herself, and sighed. "Well, it's ok.. father was livid that I asked you to be my maid of honor." The two sisters exchanged looks. "Mother finally got him calmed down, though." She glanced at Xena "I didn't have the guts to ask him…"

The warrior raised an eyebrow at her. "Doesn't matter…" she answered seriously. "If Gabrielle's going, I'll be there. "

"He'll.." Lila paused, and cocked her head at Xena. "Well, he'll have a fit, but there really isn't much he can do to you, is there…?" She mused. "I want you there." She finished, giving the warrior a bold look.

Xena studied her in some amusement. That's a change… she muttered to herself. Keeping an eye on Gabrielle, who had gone quiet, and momentarily stopped writing. As Xena watched, she visibly collected herself, and taking a deep breath, continued to write. The warrior felt a sudden rush of sympathy for her. "Thanks for the invite." She said to Lila.

Gabrielle tried to let what Lila was saying roll over her, and not listen. She took a breath and continued to set down her thoughts about their last adventure, using the words to keep her uneasy fear at bay. As she wrestled with her descriptive terms, she suddenly felt a warm feeling wash over her. Turning her head, she saw Xena's blue eyes fastened on her, and realized where the warmth was coming from. Wow… her mind diverted itself. That really does work…Awesome..

"Anyway," Lila was saying. "You need to get something proper.. don't give me that look, Bree.. this is a wedding, remember? Proper to wear… mother says she'll go with you to the dressmakers this morning." She paused. "We have a few of your old dresses.. but they're going to have to be altered." With a twinkle.

Gabrielle let out a little sigh. Damn.. I hate getting fitted for dresses. She knows that…I bet Xena's smirking at me. She peeked. Yep… "Stop that smirking." She warned, and gave Lila an evil look. "Only for you, Lila…I want you to know that."

The dark haired girl grinned. "I knew I could count on you."

The bard suddenly got a quirky grin. "Hey…" she turned around and gave Xena a mischievous look. "We can take you along for company."

Got both eyebrows raised on that one. "And make the dressmaker so nervous she pokes you in a dozen places with stay tacks?" Came the reply. "Probably not a good idea."

"Please?" The bard said, with a tilt of her head. Seeing the slight movement of Xena's mouth that meant she was going to cave in. "If you're there.. I probably won't get lectured."

Now the movement became a full fledged grin. "Oh, all right." Xena answered wryly. "Come on then.. let's get going." She rose to her feet in one smooth motion, dusting herself off, and walking towards the door. Gabrielle and Lila exchanged looks, and followed.

Hecuba was… surprised by the addition to her shopping expedition, but she refrained from commenting, and just gave Xena a brisk nod. "Let's go then." She said. "Lila, you need to see about the.."

"I know." Lila sighed, and gave them a wave. "I'll see you all later."

They walked on in silence for a few minutes, then Hecuba indicated the fabric folded over her left arm. "I picked two that I seem to remember you liking."

Gabrielle studied the choices, and sighed inwardly. She hadn't really liked either.. but then, none of the others would have been much better. "I'm surprised you saved any of them." She commented, with a slight chuckle.

"Never does to throw things out." Her mother replied. "We always thought…" here she stopped speaking, and gave Gabrielle a sideways look. "I always hoped you'd come back." She finished, glancing off in the distance.

The bard sighed. "I know.." she answered, and felt a ghost's brush of fingertips against her back that settled her slightly. "I miss you and Lila.. but.." She gave Hecuba a smile. "I really .. love.. the life that I have.." And the person who shares it "and the things that I'm seeing and doing.. ." And that was said just as much to the silent form strolling next to her as it was to her mother. "I'm really happy."

Hecuba pursed her lips, and gave her daughter a wry smile. "I can see that, Gabrielle." And now her gaze took in both of them. "I don't understand a lot of what your life is like, but.. it does my heart good to see the joy that you have in it." She took a breath. "Here we are." She commented, as they reached the door to the small cot in front of them. "Did you have a preference…" Holding out the fabric to Gabrielle.

The bard hesitated, studying the two colors. Then a low voice tickled her ear. "The gray one." Came Xena's advice, too low for even Hecuba to have caught.

"Mmm…this one I think." Gabrielle answered, picking up the deep gray dress in favor of the lavender. "Probably have to alter it less. It was pretty tight on me before I left." And remembered the last time she's worn it.. the harvest dance, when Agtes had pulled her out behind the big barn, and Perdicus had found them. They'd fought… Gabrielle grimaced when she remembered the beating gentle Perdicus had taken in her behalf. She hadn't worn the dress since.. but it had looked nice, back then, and maybe it was time.

Hecuba nodded in agreement. "That's true." She said, and pushed the door open, motioning for them to precede her.

The dressmaker, a fussy little woman with ginger colored hair and sad blue eyes ran a course of non stop chatter the minute they walked in, though she did stop and blink for several long seconds at Xena, who gave her a look, and settled comfortably on a small bench at the back of the room. "Oh my." Was her comment. "Aren't you a big girl?" Which got a laugh from Gabrielle, and a sardonic snort from the warrior.

Gabrielle was still chuckling over that as she slid the dress over her head, and settled the folds around her, raising an eyebrow at the fit.

"Tch tch.." the dressmaker scolded, gathering in the excess material. "We'll have to take this in, we will, and this bit here as well."

The bard glanced at herself unenthusiastically in the mirror, and tried to think of other things while the two women poked and fussed over the fabric, finally getting it arranged to their satisfaction. Well.. not bad. she mused with a inward sigh as she examined the result in the mirror.. The gray of the dress contrasted nicely with red gold of her hair, at least, and the low cut neckline was… ok, but…She sighed, and glanced up into the mirror again, and this time caught in the reflection Xena's delighted grin, and the appreciative look in her sparkling blue eyes.

And felt a smile and a blush coming on, that she had absolutely no control over. Fortunately, her mother and the dressmaker were still too busy with pins to notice. Shyly, she looked up and met Xena's eyes, and felt her mood brighten as she absorbed the admiration in that glance. "That's fine." she said to the expectantly waiting dressmaker. "Looks great."

Hecuba nodded. "That'll do." She pronounced, and helped her daughter to carefully remove the garment without scattering the bone tacks all over the cot. "There now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Giving her daughter an appraising look as she fastened her tunic.

"No." Gabrielle answered, with a little laugh. "Not bad at all." Changes my whole attitude about that dress, for one thing. She reflected, with a grin. .

"That will look very nice." Hecuba turned and glanced back at Xena "Don't you think so?"

Xena's lips twitched into a grin. "Very nice." she agreed solemnly, as she stood up and sauntered over to where Gabrielle was standing, sparing an amused look at the dressmaker, who scurried out of her way nervously.

Hecuba joined the small woman at the workbench, and the two traded mutters, leaving Xena and Gabrielle to stand quietly together and wait.

"Y'know.." Xena drawled, in a low voice. "Lila's going to be pretty upset with you."

Gabrielle's brows creased, and she turned to stare at her partner. "What?" she whispered, darting a quick look towards her mother.

"Yeah.. it's not nice for the maid of honor to outshine the bride. Bad taste." Came the teasing reply.

"Oh, come on, Xena." The bard snorted, giving her a backhanded blow to the midsection. "Give me a break."

Xena paused, and studied her for a long moment. "Give yourself a break, Gabrielle. I don't toss compliments around lightly. You look beautiful in that dress."

Gabrielle took a breath to answer, then took another, then finally just closed her mouth and stared at the floor, with, she knew, the stupidest grin ever on her face.

Xena chuckled, and tousled her hair.

"Well, we're done here." Hecuba said, with a sigh, and moved towards them. "Gabrielle, are you all right?"

"Fine, fine, thanks. Yeah." The bard said, nodding at her. "Let's go."

Once outside, Hecuba dusted her hands off, and nodded briskly. "That's done. Now I have some other things to take care of…" she fell silent, as all three spotted Herodotus headed in their direction.

Gabrielle felt her stomach twist into a familiar knot, seeing the twitching anger on his face. Her heart started pounding, in an unreasoning reaction that left her legs shaking and her breath coming short. Gods… her mind screamed, on the edge of panic.

And then two things happened at the same time. A hand dropped onto her shoulder, and brought with it a sense of security that started nibbling away at her panic. Then her eyes, fastened on her father's face, saw something unbelievable there. Fear. For a few stunned seconds, she just blinked at him. What.. could he be afraid of? What's he…

"Come." Herodotus grunted, from several paces away, gesturing to Hecuba with a short angry motion. But his eyes shifted away from them, and he didn't look back as they walked back across the square, his hand clenched around Hecuba's upper arm.

"You all right?" Xena murmured, gazing at her face in some concern.

"Yeah." The bard responded, a bit rattled. "I am… what on earth made him look like that, though?" She followed Xena's gentle tug towards the square. "I've never seen.. what.. did you see what he was looking at?"

Xena hesitated, then shrugged. "Me." Probably a good thing she didn't get a good look at my face, either. I'm sure it wasn't very nice.

"You?" Gabrielle responded thoughtfully, feeling her fear fade back. Xena. Of course he was afraid of her. Wasn't everyone? Why would her father be an exception…

"Yeah." Xena confirmed. "Listen, I'm going to go check on Argo. Did you want to get some.." she grinned. "picnic supplies?"

"Absolutely." The bard responded with a twinkle in her eyes. "I'll meet you back at the barn." She headed off towards the market area, making a short list in her head of things to get.

It didn't take long, just three stops, and she had what she wanted, all packed neatly in a bundle tucked under her arm. One thing about spending every day for two years with someone.. she mused. You certainly learned what they liked and disliked… and hers and Xena's tastes were startlingly alike, really. Which, she considered wryly, was a good thing, or mealtimes could have gotten ugly.

She rounded the last building at the edge of the square, headed for the barn. And stopped, seeing what was in front of her. Agtes, and his friends. Smiling.

"Well.. well… what do we have here? It's little Bree." Agtes smirked.

"Hello, Agtes." Gabrielle answered, quietly. Now what? Gods… But Agtes wasn't her father.. and she'd been accosted by worse on her travels. No panic now.. just a simmering anger that she could feel building. "Excuse me." She said, moving past him.

"Oh.. not so fast." Agtes laughed, and caught her arm. "Haven't seen you in a while, Bree… I hear you've been gallivanting around with that ex warlord.. friend… of yours. " He moved closer to her. "Does she keep you.. happy.. Bree?" His friends laughed.

Gabrielle considered and discarded a number of different options before deciding on a response. "Very." She drawled, giving him an unexpected smile. "Now, excuse me." Enjoying his stunned look as she dodged past him, and continued walking.

"Hey.." he growled, and lunged after her, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her around to face him.

The bard let her momentum take her all the way around and then slammed him in the jaw with her elbow, feeling the shock of connection, and seeing his head snap back. He staggered back, blinking, and she followed it up with a kick to his groin, which took him down with a sharp gasp.

Silence fell, as the remaining boys looked at her. She looked back, and dusted herself off. "Now, I'm gonna say it again. Excuse me." She walked past them, then stopped, and turned. "Don't you have anything better to do than bother people? Get a job." And kept walking, with a shake of her head. "Jerks."

She pushed open the door to the barn, and paused, hearing low voices inside. Then her name was called, and she moved into the dimly lit building, spotting Xena next to Argo in conversation with Lila.

"What's wrong? " she asked, seeing Lila's tear streaked face, and the grim expression on Xena's.

"Oh… Bree.." Lila gasped, reaching out a hand to her. "It's mother.. he…"

Xena took the package from the bard, putting it aside. "Looks like he took some frustration out on your mother, Gabrielle." The warrior explained, with quiet anger.

"She's hurt, Bree.. and he won't let the healer in there." Lila moaned, almost falling into Gabrielle's arms.

Xena walked purposefully over to Argo's saddlebags, and removed a small package. "You two stay here." she said in a no nonsense voice.

"Wait a minute, Xena…" Gabrielle protested sharply. "No way.. I"m going with you."

The warrior spun and walked up to Gabrielle, capturing her eyes in an intense stare. "No, Gabrielle. I mean it. It's going to be more than stressful enough without you being there." Give in to me, just this once, Gabrielle I don't have time to convince you ..please…"Trust me, OK??" Feeling the sting those words still held for her, in this place.

Gabrielle hesitated, ashamed of the feeling of relief that was pouring over her. But that request she had to honor. "OK. But be careful, please?" she whispered, unwinding one hand from Lila's frantic embrace, and entwining her fingers with Xena's.

Felt a squeeze of her fingers. "Don't worry." Came the response. "I'll be in and out of there before you know it. You take care of Lila, here. I think she could use a drink of water."

And then Xena was gone, and she was helping Lila to a seat in the straw. "Hang on, let me get you a drink." She watched Lila take a long sip from the dipper she handed her. "Now.. exactly what happened?"

Gravel crunched under Xena's boots as she moved up the path towards Gabrielle's family homestead. Ahead, she could hear arguing voices, and as she came around the bend in the path, she saw Herodotus yelling at a shorter, lightly built man. At the sight of him, she felt a wave of emotion erupt from somewhere very dark, very deep inside her. It took more effort than she'd anticipated to push that back down, before he could look up and see what she knew damn well was showing in her face.

"I said, get out of here." Herodotus snarled, giving the man a push.

"Let me at least just…" The man protested, lifting both hands in supplication. "Herodotus, please.. "

They both looked up at approaching footsteps, and spotted Xena coming towards them. The healer blinked in surprise. "Goodness." He muttered, not sure of what to make of her.

"Damn." Herodotus growled. "Get out of here." He yelled at the approaching warrior.

Who didn't slacken pace a bit, and kept coming, up the stairs and onto the porch, and right up to them. "Get out of my way." Xena ordered. "Or I'll put you out of my way."

For a split second, she thought.. she wished… she wanted Herodotus to try and stop her. Oh.. she wanted it.. because then she could give in to her desperate craving to beat him into the earth. One fingertip on her would do it.. come on, Herodotus. .give me a reason that I can justify to your daughter.. please…come on ..you know you want to. Hit me. Just once. That's all. "I said, MOVE." Her voice deepened to a growl, and she could feel the seething anger below her surface coming close.. so, so very close to taking her over.

But he wasn't stupid. "I'll have the law on you, Xena." Was his cold answer, as he stiffly moved out of her way.

Xena stepped closer to him, a violent, feral look in her eyes. "Get out of here." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Or I'll make you regret every single mark you ever put on any of them."

"That's none of your business." Herodotus sneered quietly. "The law's on my side, you arrogant piece of trash, and you can't do a damn thing to me."

The wolf surfaced, and Xena let it. Saw his eyes widen when he realized the change. "Ohh….you're so, so wrong." A low, cruel chuckle escaped her. "Gabrielle is my business.. and by the name of Ares, you pig of a man.. if you ever, ever.." Her voice glided over the words like a snake over grass. "So much as touch her ever again, I will…oh, yes.. I will put you in so much agony that you'll only wish I'd killed you."

Then she pushed the door open, and went inside the dimly lit cot. Stopping within, and standing in total stillness and silence for a very long moment, to let the fire in her guts subside, and the trembling in body stop. It had been.. so close. So very close. Finally, she took a deep breath, and continued through the cot, listening closely.

Small whimpering sounds led her into the kitchen, where she stopped, and just stood there for a moment. Then, with a shake of her dark head, she crossed the floor, and knelt by Hecuba's side. "Easy.. easy.." she said softly, as the woman curled tighter into a ball. "It's all right.. take it easy."

She reached down, and grasped the woman's shoulders, and gently turned her on her back, meeting the pain filled eyes. "It's ok.. " Watching as the look of blank horror faded slightly, and a hint of recognition flared. "yeah, that's right.. you know me… relax, I won't hurt you."

"Mmmy arm." Hecuba gasped, keeping her eyes fastened on the half shadowed face above her.

"I see." Xena said, eyes moving rapidly, hands unfolding the items in her kit. "Ok.. I need to set that." Her glance darted to Hecuba's face. "I'm going to block that out with a pressure point, OK?"

A frightened nod. "OK" Xena said, and pressed two fingers into the joint of her neck and shoulder, and hearing the sharp gasp. "Ok.. it's all right." She laid a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Don't look."

As she grasped her elbow with one strong hand, and her wrist with the other, and rotated the fractured arm back into line. Feeling the bone grate together into proper alignment, and wincing at the sudden paleness of the older woman's face. "Ok.. almost done." Xena splinted and wrapped the limb with tight linen bandages, and tucked them into place before she released the pressure point.

A moan from Hecuba as the pain returned, but not nearly as sharply as before. "It hurts, I know."

"Better." Hecuba gasped. "Oh gods.. how did you know.."

Xena patted her shoulder. "Lila came and got me." She set one arm behind the woman's shoulders. "Hang on." Lifting her knees with the other arm, she stood up, and carried the woman through the kitchen and back into the sleeping area, laying her down on a pallet near the door. "There you go." She said, dropping to a crouch next to the older woman. "That's going to hurt all night, but by tomorrow night, it should start to be a little better."

Hecuba stared at her. "I don't understand you."

Xena sighed. "Common problem."

"Does Gabrielle know?" Was the weak response.

The warrior nodded.

"Don't let her come here." Hecuba warned, her eyelids fluttering, as she tried to keep awake.

"Let me worry about Gabrielle." Xena responded, laying one hand on her shoulder. "You just rest."

The older woman's eyes closed, and she nodded faintly. "She's in good hands."

Xena smiled wryly to herself, and studied her hands. Lots of people would disagree, Hecuba. Your husband, for one And after just how close I came to cold blooded murder on your porch, maybe I would disagree too.. Sighing, she rose to her feet, and moved quietly to the door, crossing through the living area. No sign of Herodotus, she mused. Maybe he was going to get the bailiff. That would prove interesting.

Silently, she opened the front door, and slipped out, heading back up the path.

Herodotus strode from his porch, headed towards the center of the village, seeking the bailiff. Not as if that damn idiot will do anything, but.. he mused to himself. As he passed the barn door, though soft voices wafted out. Voices he recognized, and he pulled to a halt, and stood there, thinking, for a very long minute.

Then he smiled, and entered the barn door.

Lila gasped when she recognized the tall form outlined in the doorway, and her hand gripped Gabrielle's with a desperate intensity. "Gods.." she whispered.

The bard took a shaky breath, and stood, putting herself between Lila and her father. Her heart started pounding, despite her attempts to calm it. I can do this. I can handle this. Xena said so. Her mind repeated endlessly. I can. And now her heart listened, and slowed it's runaway pace, and she looked at him with tense expectation

"Now, now.. Bree." Herodotus said, in a calming voice, holding out his hands to show their emptiness. "Don't get hasty, girl. Is it so awful for a father to want to talk to his daughter?"

Gabrielle studied his face in silence. "Didn't you do enough talking the other night?" She finally asked, in a quiet voice. Gods.. what do I do here… this isn't what I expected. I.. I'm not sure I can fight against this.. "What more do you have to say?"

Her father shook his grizzled head solemnly. "That was before I realized just how grown up you've become, Gabrielle." His use of her full name did not go unnoticed by the bard. "You and I… have some things to discuss. I'm not asking for much - just sit down and talk to me, in the inn. You can do that, right? What harm did talking ever do?"

What harm indeed, Gabrielle felt the thought worm it's way into her consciousness. I'm a talker right.. he just wants to talk. I know…I know I shouldn't do this.. but… "All right." She replied, feeling Lila's fingernails dig hard into her arm.

"Don't." Lila muttered, giving her a desperate look. "Bree…"

"I have to." The bard answered, in a hoarse voice. "I can't… Lila, I have to. Just let me go." And felt Lila's hand drop away from her, as she stepped forward. Towards him. "Let's go." Watching him turn and walk ahead of her, until they were both out of the door, then he dropped back to walk at her side.

They were silent across the small yard, and silent as he reached out and held the door open for her, giving her a gentle nod of the head to proceed. Their eyes met, and he let his lips form into a little smile, that touched her memories like a red hot poker. Memories of herself, a tiny child, near the fireplace in winter.. and he.. telling her stories. The picture filled her mind, and closed her throat, and she felt the sting of unshed tears in her eyes. I'd forgotten that. Her memories whispered to her. Oh father….

Herodotus led her to a table, and pulled a chair out for her, waiting for her to sit down before he took the chair opposite. "There, this isn't so hard, right?"

"No." Gabrielle responded, keeping her eyes on her hands, which she folded on the table in front of her. I'm not a child anymore. And.. despite what good memories I have of him.. that doesn't change the bad things. Right? "Just what do you want from me?" Came the softly spoken question, as she lifted her eyes and met his.

Herodotus gave a little shrug, and played with an irregularity in the wood's surface. "I know…that you're very angry, Gabrielle, at the way I called you back here, and what happened the other day. I won't apologize for that.. it would be pointless. I meant what I did, and I did it.. because I feel that you really belong here, with us. Do you understand that?"

Gabrielle gazed at him. "I understand what you want. Do you understand that I don't want that?"

"Well.." he gave a little laugh. "You've made that pretty obvious, haven't you? " He cocked his head at her. "But I made a big mistake, Gabrielle - I treated you like a child, and you're not a child anymore. You're a strong, brave woman, aren't you?"

The bard thought about that. "I'm not the same person who left here, if that's what you mean. "

Herodotus nodded. "Exactly.. and that's why I need to talk to you.. because, you see, Gabrielle, Lila's leaving now. She'll go on to her own life..and that… poses a problem."

"Why?" Came the simple question.

Her father studied his hands. "Because I have a problem, Gabrielle. As I'm sure you realize. I can't… control what I do. You know that, right? That I never really meant to hurt anyone.. it just happens, and I can't stop it."

Was it true? The bard's mind agonized over the thought.

"So, now that Lila is leaving, I have a problem.. because it's just me and your mother.. and your mother and I.. well, we fight."

"Like you just did?" Gabrielle didn't even recognize her own voice.

He nodded slowly. "Lila could never stop me.. but you can, Bree. You know you can." He reached out and touched her chin, and she was far too stunned to stop him. "Yes… you are my daughter.. aren't you? " He gazed into her eyes. "You can make things better for your mother, Gabrielle - don't you owe her that, at least?"

Gabrielle felt her mind go very still. Did she owe her family this? Because she knew, whatever else, what he had said was true. But there was another truth that bound her as tightly as her bond of blood to this man, and that woman. And breaking that… Gabrielle felt something close to shattering in the delicate balance she was trying so hard to maintain.

"I'll have to think about it." It came out as a tense, bitten off sentence.

"All right, Bree." He said, gently. "You think…and.. Bree.. I'd like to.. hear some of your stories, all right?"

A short nod for an answer, and he patted her hand, and stood up to leave, letting his hand rest momentarily on her head. "You're a good daughter." Giving her a fond smile, then walking to and out the door.

Xena had listened quietly to Lila's frantically whispered news, and put a hand on her shoulder. "Lila.." Trying to ignore the rolling unease in her gut. "He won't do anything at the inn.. too public. And.. Gabrielle can take care of herself."

"No." Lila insisted, pulling on Xena's sleeve. "You… he's up to something, Xena. Something.. none of us is going to like, I know it.. I can feel it. He's.. obsessed with Gabrielle.. he wants her to stay here. Really badly."

Xena sighed. "Why?" A simple question.

Lila shook her head. "Hades only knows… but Xena." Her eyes met the warrior's "She wants to believe him."

"I know." Came the quiet response. "Look.. Lila, go on home. Your mother will sleep for a while.. I set her arm. I'll wait here for Gabrielle, and see what's going on."

Lila nodded unhappily. "All right.. but Xena, don't let her do something she's' going to regret all right?" Her brown eyes met Xena's blue ones.

Xena managed a shrug. "Lila, this her home."

"No." The dark haired girl shook her head, and gave Xena a shy smile. "No.. this isn't her home." She turned and walked to the door, pausing in the entry and looking back. "You are." And she was gone.

Xena walked slowly over to the wall, and let herself sink down onto a haybale near the door, dropping her elbows to her knees and staring at the floor between her booted feet. So… here we go again, right? Choices…gods, I hate them. I hate… Damn. All right..cut it out, Xena. You need to get a handle on this. Yeah. She shook her head silently. I knew I was in for this when I made the decision to go ahead, right? I knew it wouldn't be… forever. Or even.. a long time.. so.. why.. She stopped thinking, and just sat, staring at her hands, studying the scars on them as though she'd never seen them before.

She took a long breath, and another one. All right.. you know the drill here. It's her decision…not mine.. gods.. not ever mine, and hasn't been for… A sound at the door, and she looked up, to see Gabrielle standing in the opening, watching her.

The bard slowly crossed the straw laden floor, and knelt in front of Xena, putting a hand on her knee. "I need to talk to you." Green eyes quietly meeting hers. "Can we take a walk.. maybe down to the river?" Seeing the finely drawn barriers raise in the shuttered blue eyes. Oh.. yes, Xena, please..get all of them up.. "Please?"

"Sure." Came the calm response, as Xena stood, and gave a nod towards the door. Giving no indication that her legs were shaking so badly she could hardly walk.

Gabrielle picked up the picnic supplies, and looked at them, tucking them under her arm. "Might as well use these." She said, in attempted casualness.

"Yeah." Xena agreed.

They walked side by side down the river path, in silence, just listening to the sounds around them.. of crickets, and the burbling of the river. And the movement of the leaves, as they scattered under their paired footsteps.

And near the river, Gabrielle moved off the path, and sat down on a slate ledge, staring out over the water as Xena slowly dropped to a seat on the grass next to her. "So." The warrior spoke carefully. "What's up?" Gathering all her emotions up and pushing them down as far as she could.

Gabrielle didn't look at her, but spoke in an even voice, and told her what her father had said. "Xena…" she said, when she was done. "I need to ask you some questions.. and… I have to ask you because I know that you won't.. lie to me." Her eyes found the warriors for an instant, then dropped at what she saw there. Oh gods…how could I be doing this to her?

"All right." Xena answered, waiting. "Ask me."

"Could I stop him?" Came the question.

"Yes." Xena's even voice replied.

"Can I make a difference, for her?" Now Gabrielle's voice wobbled.

"Yes." Xena studied her hands, and did not look up, even though she knew Gabrielle was waiting for her to do so. Sorry..my friend..you'd see too much.. and I vowed to myself I'd never influence your decisions. Not about this. Right? But can I just let her… oh gods in Olympus… I don't think I can…

"Xena, should I stay here?" Gabrielle's voice cracked. Now.. comes the usual little lecture.. her mind screamed.. "Follow your heart, Gabrielle - you have to do what you think is right.." I've heard it a half dozen times already I don't even know why I'm asking her this…

"No." A single stark word. "Don't." The second word softer, more guttural.

And a long period of silence between them.

"Are you saying..." A soft, wondering question from the bard.

"Yeah." A long sigh. " I swore I would never…" A pause. "But I can't…pretend…that what you decide… to do doesn't affect me." Xena swallowed, and finally looked up. "Because it does." So much for promises. "Sorry. I know it's not the answer you were looking for."

Gabrielle closed her eyes and let the quiet golden wave wash over her. "It's exactly the answer I was looking for." She replied. "It's the same answer I came up with ..I guess I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being…selfish.."

They studied each other for a while, silently. "Look.." Gabrielle finally said, taking a breath "I know. .that you always want me to do things that you think are going to be good for me."

"Yeah." Xena managed. "I worry about you being out here.. in this.. fighting all the time.. getting hurt… I.."

"I know." Gabrielle slid off the slate rock and landed next to Xena in the grass. "And I want you to be at peace, and happy…and not have to spend your life in one battle or another." She paused. "But you know…I don't care what you're doing, or where you are. .I want to be there." A long silence. "I need to be there."

Xena gazed at her, and felt the iron bands constricting her chest loosen, so fast she experienced a moment of dizziness. "I need you to be there." And it was just that simple, Xena later thought. Why had it taken so long to just say it? Because…in saying that, I crossed that last line.. and brought down that very last barrier.. there's no going back now. And that was at once the most frightening and the most exhilarating thing imaginable.

"You don't know what it means to me to hear that." Gabrielle admitted quietly.

They sat quietly for a minute, then Xena leaned closer, and put a hand on the bard's calf. "I don't want you to.."

"I know…" Gabrielle answered, on the end of a sigh. "I.. did. For a few minutes, while he was talking to me.. want to believe him. But then after he left, I sat back and thought about what he said, and you know, Xena - I remembered what you said about Perdicus.. and Callisto.. and us. " She paused. "About how people had to be responsible for themselves, not everyone else."

Long silence. "I can't fix him, Xena. You're right.. and I felt it too - I could be there, and be some kind of.. I don't know.. buffer, I guess." She paused and took a breath. "And, it might make it better, sometimes, for a while. But it won't change what he is.. Or what he's done.. to Mother.. or Lila." She paused. "Or me."

She studied her hands, wrapped around each other and white with strain. "When he started talking to me, I ... thought about how nice.. it would be to go back to the way it was.. back in the beginning.. when I was little. I wanted that feeling again" She swallowed, and glanced at Xena. "But.. that's not ever going to happen, because I am who I am now, not the child I was." Her fingers twined with Xena's. "It just took me a little time to remember that."

Xena wrapped an arm around her and drew her close. "I knew you would." She murmured.

"With a little help from my best friend." Came the gently smiling response. "You know.. it was really strange.. but him being nice like that - I.. all of a sudden, I stopped being afraid. and just started to feel sorry for him." She looked up at the warrior. "Does that make any sense?"

"A little." Xena replied, thoughtfully. "It's.. typical of you." A tiny grin etched itself across her face.

Gabrielle let out a light laugh. "I guess it is." Then she sighed. "But I am scared for my mother, Xena.. I stood up to him, and that felt really good." A brief smile. "But I'm not sure I can show her how to do that.. after all this time."

Xena pondered that for a while. "Mmmm…I don't think you can either."

The bard sighed, and her shoulders slumped.

"But.." Xena continued, a grin slowly spreading over her face. "I think I may know someone who could."

Pale green eyes met hers in question. "Hmm?"

"My mother." A wicked twinkle in those very blue eyes.

"Oh….yeah…." Gabrielle breathed, on an intake of air. "But would she.. I mean, Xena.. "

Xena leaned back against the rock the bard had been sitting on, and stretched her legs out. "Mmm.. yeah, she would." Biting her lip on a chuckle.

"Damn.. too bad Johan left this morning." Gabrielle sighed.

"Yeah.. good thing I gave him a note before he left." Xena said, offhandedly, giving the bard her very best innocent look.

Which wasn't very good, actually.

"Xena!" Gabrielle laughed, and slapped her shoulder. "Ow.. I have got to remember not to do that.. you're just full of surprises today, aren't you?"

The warrior shrugged lightly. "I do my best." She closed her eyes briefly against the dull pounding in her head. Glad that's over…" Just trying to be helpful." And I hope I don't ever have to go through that again. .it just took more out of me than fighting all day in a field battle. Gods. I'm not equipped for this.

And looked up to see Gabrielle studying her closely. "You ok?" the bard questioned, reading the small indicators in her face that she knew by now meant her partner was in some kind of pain.

Xena briefly considered brushing the question off, then paused, and pondered the matter thoughtfully. "Mmm. .I have the worst headache." She admitted, giving the bard a little smile. "Nothing critical."

Gabrielle slid a hand up to her neck, and probed gently. "Damn…you're all in knots…" she muttered, watching Xena's eyes slide shut at the touch. I caused that. She acknowledged somberly. I wonder how often I did and she just didn't admit to it? Lots, probably. "Here.." she scooted over, and patted her lap. "Lie down."

The warrior hesitated, then complied. She found herself gazing up at the canopy of trees, feeling the uneven softness of the ground under her, and Gabrielle's strong hands working the stiffness out of her neck. It felt.. great, and she abandoned herself to the experience, closing her eyes, and letting the tension wind it's way completely out of her body.

"Better?" Gabrielle inquired.

"Uh huh" Came the contented answer, as Xena turned her head slightly, and opened her eyes to look up. "Thanks."

"Anytime." The bard replied, with a delighted smile. "Hungry?"

Xena thought about that. "Yeah." She answered, and started to get up, only to have the bard' grab her shoulder.

"Hey.. stay put. I'll get the stuff out." A light laugh from the bard. "Come on.. I don't get this chance very often."

Should I? Damn... I'm gonna get myself in trouble here if I keep this up… but…oh Hades.. right now I just don't care. . "OK." And she was laying back down, and resettling her head with a lazy grin. "You're gonna spoil me" Which was a half hearted protest at best.

"Yep." The bard cheerfully agreed. "So just relax and enjoy it." She unpacked the supplies she'd gotten that morning, and began assembling tidbits, which she delivered in pairs, one to herself, and one to Xena, who accepted this hand feeding with an amused benevolence, folding her hands across her stomach and stretching her body out with a contented sigh.

"It's a little overgrown, but this place doesn't look that different, does it?" Gabrielle commented, glancing around. "We're just about where I was standing, too.. when we saw the slavers. "

"I was behind that stand of trees." Xena replied, not looking. "To the right." She accepted a meat roll from Gabrielle's fingers and chewed, swallowing before going on. " I had just buried my armor and weapons…I don't know what made me choose this river path to go down, but I did."

The bard nodded slowly. "When I saw you come out after them… I felt something.' Her voice turned thoughtful. "I always put that down to the excitement of the moment.. after all, it's not often you see something like that, when you're from a village like I was."

Xena pondered that, closing her eyes to remember, then letting them slide open with a curious expression. "So did I.. now that I think about it. At the time.." she shook her head. "I was pretty.. confused. It didn't register." But the moment registered now, when everything had just sort of ..stopped, when their eyes met for the very first time. It had distracted her…"Yeah. I remember it."

They studied each other.

"I'm beginning to think I would have followed you anyway, you know." Gabrielle drawled, with a slow grin. "Even if I'd have had the perfect life here."

Xena gazed at her. "I'm beginning to think I would have ended up on that river path no matter what had happened with my army "

"Sometimes stuff is just meant to happen." Gabrielle observed, offering her another meat roll.

"Sometimes it just is." The warrior agreed, gripping the tidbit between her teeth, then giving her head a toss, throwing the roll up in the air and catching it in her mouth. "Nice lunch, oh bard of mine."

Gabrielle giggled. "Is that yet another of your many skills?"

"Maybe." Xena grinned. She glanced around at the sky. "It's getting kind of late.." In a faintly regretful tone.

"Did you have someplace to go?" Gabrielle inquired, with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh..people to see, places to go.. bards to tickle.." Xena hummed casually, lifting her body up with smooth suddenness, and turning sideways to get a good grip on the surprised Gabrielle.

'Hey!!" she yelled, twisting to no avail. "Yow!" The warrior was relentless, and her reduced to a giggling heap in a very short time. "Yaahhhh!!!!" she squealed, and managed to scramble up and away, cursing as Xena rose up from the soft grass to chase her. "Oh Hades.." and bolted, actually getting few steps on the laughing warrior, before Xena put some length into her strides and caught up, gently lifting the bard up and tossed her into a patch of goldenrod, sending a scattering gust of pollen everywhere.

"Yah!!" Gabrielle laughed, blinking the golden dust out of her eyes. "I'll get you for that…" And she did.. getting up, and making a run at Xena at full speed, not seeing the slope the warrior was standing at the edge of. Taking off a body length from her laughing partner, and hitting her with a full, flying leap that took even Xena's reflexes by surprise.

"Whoa!" Xena yelled, eyes widening as the bard came hurtling at her. Lifting her arms up and bracing her body for the impact. Catching Gabrielle, as the bard surely knew she would, but feeling her footing going out from under her. "Oh boy." She muttered, as Gabrielle's momentum took them both backwards, and down the steep grassy slope.

They tumbled down the hill, laughing. Xena's arms braced to keep Gabrielle from experiencing the worst of the pounding, Feeling the bard's uncontrollable giggling shaking her whole body. They went over one last rise, then Xena felt herself falling, and hugged Gabrielle to her, wrapping her arms and legs around her partner to keep her from the eventual impact.

Which was on top of a flock of ducks. Which made a noise like an army being called to battle, thought the dazed Xena, one arm fending off a cloud of feathers and fluttering wings. "Uh.." she said, then burst into laugher. "Gods."

Gabrielle rolled off her chest, and sat down, staring at Xena flat on her back, arms outstretched, in a circle of angry ducks. She fell over on her side laughing, holding her stomach.

Xena looked up.

"Quack." A mallard complained, turning it's head to give her a beady stare.

Xena managed to stop laughing, and gave the duck a return stare. "Grr." She growled.

"Quack." The duck repeated, shifting from webbed foot to webbed foot. "Quack."

Xena slitted her eyes, and growled again. "You could be dinner, if you're not careful." She warned, in a threatening tone.

"Quack!" The duck got the message, and squatted down, waggling it's tail feathers in agitation.

"Peep." Xena glanced up sharply at this different noise. She glanced over at Gabrielle. O..please..don't let her look up now… "Peep." The tiny duckling hopped onto her leg, and waddled up her body to her chest, to stand there, blinking. "Peep." Xena raised her head, and scowled. "Shoo."

Gabrielle looked up at this, then crawled over to where Xena was lying. "Y'know..the pity of this is, Xena…"

A mock glare in her direction. "Tell anyone about this, bard, and I'll turn you into bootlaces."

"No one would believe me." Gabrielle said, keeping a straight face for several more seconds, before dissolving into helpless giggles.

"Peep." The duckling commented, and settled down with a wag of it's tiny tail.

"Shut up." Xena growled at it.

"Quack!" The mallard rebuked her.

Xena just sighed, and let her head fall back.

Gabrielle eventually managed to stop laughing, and settled against Xena' s right side to catch her breath. "Whoo." She exclaimed. "I haven't laughed that much since…I can't remember." She let her head drop back against Xena's outstretched arm, and grinned as the arm contracted and pulled her closer. I think I just might have gotten her over her dislike of hugging. Me, at least. Her mind idly amused itself in observing. And that's a damn good thing, because I'd have to about cut my hands off to keep them off her now. And. .I think.. it may be the same way for her, too. Wonder what that's like for her? Must be really weird

"Yeah..' Xena admitted, with a heartfelt sigh. "It did feel really good.. even with all the bouncing around." She gave the bard a poke. "What was that flying act, huh? What if I'd dropped you, or something?" But her face relaxed into her rarely seen full smile, which lit up her eyes as she regarded Gabrielle's profile.

"Nah." Came Gabrielle's immediate answer, as she half turned, and slid a hand up Xena's arm, letting her fingertips trace the well defined muscles there. "Not a chance." She pronounced, giving the warrior an impish look "I wasn't a bit worried."

"Oh really?" Xena said, raising an eyebrow. "That's going to get you in trouble one of these days," her lips gave a sudden quirk. "my love."

Saw the answering grin and sudden blush color Gabrielle's face.

I know I like the sound of that…the bard concluded happily, ducking her head and letting her lips brush the point where Xena's neck and shoulder joined, catching the rich warm scent of the bruised grass, mingled with the smell of linen and clean skin. I guess I'm more sensitive to everything about her now…she mused, with a private smile.

Taking a deep, contented breath, looking up into the nearby blue eyes and finding herself once again caught in the unmistakable warmth of their connection, which she willingly abandoned herself into, letting her hand slide up along Xena's neck and pause above her pulse point, noticing the strong beat pick up at her gentle touch. Hmmm.. looks like we're more sensitive to each other..

Closing her eyes at her body's immediate reaction to the sudden warmth of Xena's hand against her side. Uhhh…are we ever. A soft grin etched the bard's face, as she leaned into the pressure, and savored the sensation as their lips met, spreading a tingle all down her body and dredging a throaty chuckle up from down deep.

"Like that, huh?" Xena drawled, letting her hands drift slowly across the bard's chest, which labored unevenly from the touch. Hearing the incoherent mumble of her response, which tumbled over the feeble protests from her defensive instincts.

Wait.. wait.. Xena, you idiot it's the middle of the day in an open field.. have you lost what little wits you have?" Her rational mind complained, but her body betrayed her cheerfully as it responded to Gabrielle's gentle hands with sensuous abandon. . No no.. this has to stop.. cut it out.. I mean it… The bard moved her kisses lower, and slid a hand inside her tunic. .No um.…oh, Hades. Anyone attacking is gonna have to get past those damn ducks anyway.. And she stopped thinking about anything at all except the warmth of the sunlight, and the sweetness of the breeze, and her soulmate's welcome touch.

"Hey." Xena whispered, a good while later, gazing down at Gabrielle's completely limp body sprawled across her own.

"Mmm." Came the lazy response, as the bard burrowed more snugly into her shoulder. "Shh.. you'll wake up the ducks." She mumbled, feeling the responding laughter under her encircling arm.

"They make good sentinels." The warrior remarked, with an arched brow, eyeing the birds, who were still clustered loosely in a group around them, giving the two of them occasional beady stares. I can't believe I just did that. Her mind threw up it's hands in disgusted laughter. She glanced around. Well, it's pretty high grasses.. and that slope does provide some kind of warning, and… C'mon, Xena. Cut it out… just admit you've completely lost it. You have absolutely no control over anything anymore. . She closed her eyes and soaked in the sun that was now beginning to slant to the west, and just let the peacefulness wash over her for a long moment. And I can't even pretend I'd want to change this…it's healing sore spots in me that I didn't even remember I had.

"It's getting late, " she sighed, finally, rubbing Gabrielle's back lightly with her fingertips. "Come on, sleepyhead."

Gabrielle rolled her head back and peered up at Xena's face. "Yeah. .I suppose we'd better go back before they send out a search party." She grinned mischievously. "So.. was a picnic a good idea?"

Got both eyebrows up on that one. "One of your better ones, I think. We'll have to do it again sometime." Said with a straight face. "Come on.." she added, untangling herself from the bard and standing up.

"Quack!" The ducks protested, alarmed, as they spread their wings and waddled around.

Xena put her hands on her hips, and studied them, with a dark glower. Then without warning, she dropped her arms and let out a wild battle yell, which sent feathers and ducks and ducklings in all directions in a thundering roar of wings and calls and quacks as the entire flock took laboriously off over the river.

Silence fell. Xena grinned, and crossed her arms, turning around and giving Gabrielle a satisfied look. "That's better." She extended a hand down to the still seated bard. "Shall we?"

Gabrielle shook her head and laughed. "That was mean." She paused. "But it was funny, in a mean sort of way. Or maybe it was mean in a funny sort of way.. or.." Her hand was grabbed and she was pulled to her feet. "Or maybe not." She finished, cheerfully, reaching out and tying the belt on Xena's tunic as the warrior brushed a few stray grass stems off her own sleeves. "Let's see if we can get Lila and Lennet to join us for dinner."

Xena laughed. "You thinking about dinner already? "

"Never to early to start. " Came the smug response, as they headed back up the path towards the village.

"How's your mother?" Lennet asked, leaning over the inn table and capturing Lila's hand. "Is she feeling any better?" He searched her face, seeing the troubled look there.

Lila sighed. "Her arm's broken, this time. Xena.. took care of it." She rubbed Lennat's fingers with her own. "She's in less pain, now. She slept for a while. But it still hurts her. " She glanced up at the door for the hundredth time. "Where in Hades are they?" she muttered, but cut off as the door opened, and Gabrielle slipped inside.

"Hi." Her older sister said, as she slid into a seat across from them, twirling something idly in her fingers. "What's up? How's mother?"

"Fine." Lila answered absently. "What's that?" she indicated the twirling item. "Where have you been? " Not waiting for an answer. "Where's Xena?"

Gabrielle leaned back, and grinned. "A duck feather, the river, and in the barn checking Argo."

Lennat leaned forward, and cocked his head. "A duck feather?"

"Yeah." The bard answered. "A memento. I collect them."

They both looked at her.

She looked back at them. "What?"

"Stand still, Argo." Xena muttered as she examined the mare's hooves. "Nice." She approved, dropping the last one and giving the horse a pat on the hindquarters. "Did a good job this time, girl." She moved around to the animal's other side, and scratched her under her jaw.

And felt, in the musty warm atmosphere of the barn, the faint stirring of an outside breeze, and a prickle against her senses that brought her nape hairs standing. The relaxed good humor fell away from her, and left her standing in heightened alertness, sweeping the area behind her for the slightest sound.

Straw shifting. Wallboard creak. Horses breathing, moving. In the corner, a mouse chewing on the edge of his nest.

The unmistakable sound of another human's breath. The rustle of clothing as they stealthily moved. And the high, faint whine of tension being applied to twisted gut as an arrow was being drawn in a bow.

Xena closed her eyes and waited, a feral grin on her face.

Heard the whine stop, and the faint creak of protesting wood as the bow was drawn to full extension and held. Longbow, she thought. Someone's not taking any chances.

Then twang of the release, sending vibrations through the air that she could literally feel, and the rush of air over trimmed feathers as the arrow sped towards her. She relaxed, and let her instincts take control, watching almost lazily as her body turned, and her right hand came up and snapped around the hilt of the arrow as it reached her.

Dropping it, and pelting towards where she knew the archer was, seeing the flash of light as the back door opened for their escape.

Hearing the sudden shifting thunder over her head as she reached the spot, and having just time to get her arms up over her head in defense as the hay crib came crashing down on top of her. Grimacing, she felt the heavy beams slam into her forearms, and rolled back away from them, back towards the inside of the barn.

Silence settled, with an uneasy creaking of protesting wood.

Xena uncurled slowly from under a few of the lighter supports, shifting them off her body and rolling over. Damn. Her mind sighed. She ran a quick check, and found herself relatively unscathed. Lucky… very lucky. That.." she glanced at the heavy metal hay crib. " could have been very painful."

And any evidence of her unseen attacker was now buried under piles of straw, metal and wood shards. Her eyes strayed back to where Argo was nervously watching her. "Except this." She muttered, rising to her feet and padding over, picking up the discarded arrow and examining it.

The outer door opened, and rapid footsteps resolved themselves into Gabrielle's hands on her arm, and green eyes searching her face in concern. "What happened? Are you OK?"

"Yeah." Xena replied, holding up the arrow. "But someone went to quite a bit of effort to try and scare me off." Her face relaxed into a grin, more for Gabrielle's sake than anything else. "They'll have to try a lot harder than this." She raised her eyes over the bard's shoulder, and met Lennat's. "Anyone's you know?"

Lennat grimly took the arrow, and studied it, casting a glance at Lila, whose face was frozen in a horrified look. "No." he sighed. "It's a standard one - I think it's from the practice yards."

"Doesn't matter." Gabrielle's voice suddenly cut through the silence that fell. "There aren't many people here that…" She stopped, and glanced up at Xena's face, which had gone quiet and expressionless. She knows. The bard breathed to herself. "This is something I need to take care of." She finished.

"Gabrielle.." Xena's voice traveled down her spine. "If we're talking arrows now…" The warning was clear. "I'm going with you."

The bard debated with herself. "You have to give me a chance to say what I need to say, alone, first." She lifted a hand and stilled Xena's protests with the tips of her fingers against the warrior's lips. "But having you right outside the door would make me feel a whole lot better about doing it."

Continued in Part 4

Return to Part 3

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Home is where the Heart is - Part 4

by Melissa Good
Melissa Good

For DISCLAIMERS see Part 1.

Xena studied Gabrielle’s face intently, noting the cold hardness around her normally open and trusting expression. "We’ll talk about this later." The warrior said, quietly, as she turned and walked over to the debris of the hay crib, and knelt on one knee. "Looks like the supports were hacked through." She muttered, lifting the end of one and examining it.

Lennat joined her, nodding. "Yeah - look at that." He agreed, running one long finger over the jaggedly cut wood. "Done in a hurry, too." A quick sideways glance at Xena’s intent face. "You are..I mean.."

Her eyes drifted over and met his, and an eyebrow raised a fraction. "What?" She asked.

The boy gave her a half smile. "Well, I mean you’re obviously all right…right?"

Xena turned her head fully to look at him. "I’m fine." She repeated. What’s going on here? "Must have made some kind of noise, huh?" She indicated the metal crib.

A moment’s long silence. "No…well, I don’t know. " He replied. "We didn’t hear it." It wasn’t a noise that brought us running, Xena.. But I have no idea how to explain what did.

"Oh." Came the quiet answer, and a slight smile, and a glance over her shoulder at Gabrielle, who lost her stony expression as their eyes touched and walked forward to crouch down at Xena’s side, steadying herself with a hand on the warrior’s back. "Did you.. " Xena hesitated, curious. "What did it..??"

A curious grin came over the bard’s face. "Yeah.. I did…" She answered reflectively. "It was…really weird." One minute, I’m sitting there talking, the next minute…I had to be.. here. "So. .I guess it works both ways." I wondered if it would…I hoped it would.

"Would either of you mind explaining to me what’s going on?" Lila spoke up at last, agitation evident in her voice. "All I know is Bree suddenly jumps like something bit her, and takes off out the door." She gestured at the mess. "And we come in and find this. And you… and…"

"Later." Xena waved her off, and went back to studying the debris. "Lennat, give me a hand with this." She stood, and took a grip on the metal crib, and waited for him to do the same. "Needs to go over there." She jerked her head towards the back wall. "Ready?"

"Uhh… yeah…" Lennat grimaced, trying to shift the metal. "Sure. but I don’t.." Think we have a chance in Tartares of lifting this…oh brother…

"Go." Xena said, and straightened her back, taking the weight of the crib onto her legs and shoulders, and moving with it towards the wall. Oh…boy. Now I can’t drop it, either, or I look like an idiot. Xena... sometimes..…But her muscles held, to her surprise. A month of those drills at home did some good, I see.

Lennat felt the drag on his arms that threatened to pull them from their sockets, and he prayed he wouldn’t drop his end of the thing before it was moved. Zeus… his mind cursed, as he watched Xena take her portion without too much evident strain. How does she do that????

"Here.. let me help." Gabrielle smiled, and took up part of his end, seeing the cords stand out on his neck. They got the huge thing moved, and stood quietly while Xena padded back across the straw and dropped to examine the ground again.

"Thought so." She muttered, and held up a small item. They clustered around her eagerly, and stared. It was a gold coin. "Glad to know what I’m worth." Xena’s voice was dry.

"Hey!" Came a small voice, from behind them. "What happened?" Alain ambled into the open space around the stalls with wide, round eyes.

"Hello, Alain." Xena’s voice cut them all off. "There’s been a little accident.. glad you weren’t here for it."

The boy walked over and stood at her shoulder. "Me too." He glanced down. "Ohh…you’re bleeding!" His voice became anxious.

"Just a scratch." Xena assured him. "So.. where did you go this afternoon?"

Alain was gazing doubtfully at what Xena was characterizing as a scratch, and now Gabrielle joined him, peering more closely, and closing her eyes in reaction. "Xena, you need to get those taken care of." Her voice was gentle, but inflexible. "You and your just scratches."

"Later." Xena growled. "Alain?"

"Oh.. um…I went home." The stableboy stated, crouching down next to her and meeting her eyes. "Someone told me da was looking to see me, so I went there. But he wasn’t." The blond boy shrugged. "Trick again, I guess."

Lennat cocked his head at Alain. "Who told you to go home? "

Alain shrugged. "One of them…you know. Was passing by and yelled." He turned his gray eyes back to Xena’s face. "Hey.. can I take Argo for a ride? She likes me…" His voice was a touch breathless. "Please?"

Xena studied him and let a small smile quirk over her lips. "Sure.. she’d like that. " Her eyes drifted up and regarded the mare. "She could use it, too. Go ahead."

Alain grinned, and straightened up, limping over to where Argo was regarding them, and stroking the mare on her high shoulder. "C’mon.. I’ll show you the new calves.. maybe we’ll see ducks.." He chattered to the horse, as he fitted her bridle over her head.

Gabrielle muffled a small giggle, and glanced up to find Xena’s eyes on her. "Who did this?" the bard asked, letting her humor fall. "Was it really meant…"

Xena shrugged. "More to scare, I think - after all.." Her eyes glinted. "You did make sure that everyone in the village is well aware of the fact that I’m capable of catching arrows in flight when I really need to." She glanced around. "But I don’t need to tell you that I’m starting to get pretty ticked off at this whole thing."

"Me too." Came Gabrielle’s unexpected answer. "Now, let’s get those.. er… scratches of yours taken care of, OK?"

Which means..Xena mused. They’re more than scratches, and she’s probably right, because they hurt like Hades. "All right." She reluctantly agreed, then stopped. "Hey." As she saw the unfocused look in Gabrielle’s eyes.. "Gabrielle?"

One of those beams must have fallen right on top of her…the bard’s mind shuddered. If my father did…arrange.. for this.. she stopped, and thought about that.Mother. Lila. Me.. I feel a.. kind of dull anger.. sadness.. Her mind focused clear and sharp. But now he’s tried hurting something that means…more than life to me. Now what? Why is that so different, all of a sudden? I can feel.. it’s more than anger.. kind of a rage at that. Scary. "Yeah." The bard answered, shaking her head a bit. "Sorry..I was just thinking." She sighed. "I suppose I’d better get my discussion with him over with."

Lennat shook his head slowly. "Not tonight, Bree." They all looked at him. "He and Metrus were in the inn before…I guess you didn’t notice them, Bree. They were pretty far gone." He gave her an apologetic shrug.

Lila nodded. "That’ll be all night then. I have an idea…" She looked from Xena to Gabrielle. "Come over to our house for dinner. I know.." Her eyes took on a bare twinkle "you love the inn food, but…" She reached out and touched Gabrielle’s arm. "Please, Bree? Mother will be glad of it.. I know she wants to see you. "

"That’s a good idea." Xena said quietly. Gabrielle looked up at her in mild surprise, but nodded in agreement mutely. "Thanks.. I was going to have to go hunt for dinner otherwise." The warrior remarked, with a droll grin, and got a chuckle out of the other three. "Maybe Gabrielle could get coaxed into giving a private performance, too."

The bard snorted. "Oh yeah..I’m sure they want to hear yet more stories." But her eyes and smile at Xena shone with quiet appreciation. "I’ll get you.. I’ll tell some of your wilder ones."

Lila laughed. "That should make for a fun evening…all right. Let me head off and get things started.. after sundown, then?" She turned to Lennat. "You’re coming too, of course."

The blond man chuckled. "Like I would miss this. Right." He winked at Gabrielle "Besides, I missed the stories last night.. I was a little.." Big smile "busy." He took Lila’s arm, and led her out the door, with a wave in their direction. "Later.." he called over his shoulder.

Silence fell, and they looked at each other.

"So.. what really happened?" Gabrielle asked, leaning close and circling her arms around the warrior, as she’d wanted to do since she’d come in the door. "Gods.. that felt so strange…it was like I was being pulled here."

Xena didn’t answer for a while, just stood quietly returning Gabrielle’s embrace. Then she sighed, and slid her arm around the bard’s shoulders, and walked to where the crib had been. "I was standing by Argo.. checking the shoes I had them put on her today." She cleared her throat. "I heard.. whoever it was drawing their bow. So.. I did the usual." This with a depreciating shrug. "Then tried to catch him - when I got there.." Her arm pointed. "The supports collapsed and fell in on top of me. " A wince. " I had just time to get my arms up over my head, and roll back. Just the smaller ones clipped my shoulders."

"Close." Gabrielle whispered, tightly reining in her sudden anger. "I don’t think I can forgive him for this."

Xena stared at her. "Come on, Gabrielle - we don’t know he was behind it, for one.. and.. it was a pretty mild attack, all things considered."

"You could have been seriously hurt, Xena." The bard bit the words out, feeling a touch of unaccustomed rage building in her. "I can’t…you never did anything to him, Xena! "

"Neither did you." Came the low, controlled response, as Xena turned and caught her gaze.

"It’s different." Gabrielle answered, her voice rising. "He has no reason.."

"He does." Xena cut her off.

A long pause. "What do you mean?" the bard responded, searching her face. "You haven’t done anythi…" Seeing in Xena’s face that it wasn’t the truth. "What….did…"

Xena’s face was in shadow, from the fading light outside, but it was enough for Gabrielle to see the remembered anger there. "It’s like this, Gabrielle..’" Xena said, slowly. "I yelled at him for what he did to your mother."

No answer from Gabrielle, just an intent, watchful gaze that seemed to drill right through her.

"He said it was none of my business." The warrior continued.

"He did, huh?" Came the whispered answer.

"Yeah. And I told him you…were my business." Gabrielle’s eyes closed, and a hint of a smile crossed her lips. "And then I told him that if he ever…touched... you… ever… again…" Xena drew the words out, in a low, controlled growl. "That I would hurt him so bad he’d only wish I’d killed him." She gave the bard an intense look. " Better he think I’m a threat, Gabrielle.. I’d rather have feeble attempts like this than have something coming at you."

Unexpectedly, Gabrielle smiled, as she felt the anger drain out of her. "Well... that must have annoyed him." Her voice was returning to a more normal tone. "I think he probably appreciated Lennat’s approach better, but.." I hate to admit it… even to myself.. but she’s right.

Xena paused and considered what she’d said. Damn.. I about laid claim to her. In his eyes, anyway She laughed. "I guess he could have viewed it that way…" She glanced down at Gabrielle "Do you mind my speaking for you?" She queried, watching the bard ponder the question.

"Gods no.." Gabrielle chuckled. "I mean…" She blushed and looked down. And felt Xena’s hand on her chin, lifting her gaze up to meet her own. "I really don't mind." So much for letting me fight my own battles, not getting involved in my problems, and letting me deal with my family on my terms. And you know what? I’m loving every minute of it. I should be totally ashamed of myself. But. .there’s something inside me now that wants to just…surrender.. everything to her. I gotta fight that..it’s not right. But some things… some things I think it may be all right to just.. let go..

"Look, I know I should have told you…" Xena hesitantly started "But it happened before we left for the river and…" A light shrug. "We got kind of sidetracked. "

"No..it’s all right." Gabrielle smiled. " I’m glad you did it…it makes me feel.. really good."

"Really?" Xena questioned. That was a change…she usually hates when I do that.

"Yeah, really." Came the answer. "Come on…let’s get you cleaned up, and go get dinner. I’m starved." She took Xena’s arm and started out of the barn. "Hey.. you sure Alain is all right on Argo? I thought she hated other riders."

Xena chuckled. "He’s fine - she likes him. Just like she likes you, o bard of mine. " She gave Gabrielle a bump with her elbow. "And she could use the exercise. I’ve been really bad about that lately." She paused. "In fact, I think after dinner I just might indulge myself in some much needed sword drills."

Gabrielle gazed at her. "Out in the forest?"

"Nope." Xena’s face broke into a sly grin. "Here in the courtyard." Her blue eyes glinted. "Just in case anyone gets any ideas of giving me another try.. I’d like them to know what they’re getting into."

"Ohhh…" The bard breathed. "I get to watch you put on a show, then."

Xena just chuckled.

‘Hold still, will you?" Gabrielle rolled her eyes, and muffled a sigh. "I can’t help it you have half that barn embedded in your back. I’m being as gentle as I can." Pulling out yet another sliver of splintered wood from the tanned skin between Xena's shoulderblades.

"Sorry." Xena muttered, flexing both hands against the pain. Willing herself to stillness under the bard’s admittedly gentle hands, she leaned on her knees and closed her eyes, waiting for Gabrielle to finish her task.

Gabrielle winced as she saw the next piece, easily two inches long, and half of that under the skin. "Oh.. Xena - this one’s gonna hurt." She warned, putting a sympathetic hand on the tense shoulder next to her. "But it’s the last one. Hang in there."

The warrior nodded a little, and reached out to grasp two of the spindle supports on the chair next to her. "Go ahead." She said, evenly.

The bard took a deep breath, and got a solid grasp on the wood splinter, then pulled with a steady even tug. Not a sound from Xena, but a loud crack startled her and she almost dropped the wood piece and tweezers she’d been holding. Looked down, to see a slightly sheepish looking Xena examining the chair supports, which she’d snapped in her hand as though they were pieces of kindling wood. "Wow. That’s quite some grip you have there."

Xena gave a little snort of laughter. "Yeah, I surprise myself sometimes." She admitted, shaking her head.

Gabrielle patted her bare shoulder. "Just let me get some cleanser in these. Nothing’s deep, there’s just a bunch of them.. and a big bruise here. " Her fingertips traced a line across Xena’s left shoulderblade, which shifted as the warrior flexed her arm experimentally. The bard smiled quietly as she felt the muscles move under her hand. "That’s not making it any easier." She teased, catching the glint of an answering smile from Xena’s half turned face. "That’s better." When the movement stilled, and she was able to finish her work in peace, swabbing the wounds with cleanser, then applying a soothing aloe mixture on them.

Xena leaned back when she was finished, and took a deep breath. Her entire back felt like it was on fire, and she sighed as she began her mental trick of convincing herself to just ignore it, concentrating until the pain drifted into the background of her awareness, and she was able to think about other things. "Thanks." She gave Gabrielle a quick smile, as she stood and pulled up the fresh tunic she’d unpacked, and fastened it.

Gabrielle grimaced. "I’d say anytime, but I’d rather not have to. Don’t you get tired of this?" She shook her fair head and put the medical items back into Xena’s kit, not seeing the warrior’s hands still and her face go quiet.

"Sometimes." Xena answered with a heartfelt sigh. "I get tired of hurting all the time, yeah." Hey..hey.. she meant that as an offhand comment, Xena..don’t give her those kinds of answers. Seeing the sudden look of stricken concern on the bard’s face. "But I get over it." She amended, letting a smile form. And gave Gabrielle a wink and a slap on the shoulder that was rewarded with a relieved look from her partner. That’s better. Besides, you idiot, you chose this life, remember? You knew what it’d be like - remember the bruises from training? Gods… that seems like such a long time ago. "Hardly hurts at all now." And, to her bemusement., it was true.. either from the bard’s ministrations, or her mind’s agile work the pain had faded to something that was just a mere tickle in her awareness.

"Roo!" Ares tugged on her boot enthusiastically. "Grr!" he added, as she chuckled, and dropped down to a seat cross-legged in front of him. "All right.. all right." She glanced up at Gabrielle, who was quietly watching her, hands resting on the medical kit, lit with the very late afternoon sunlight that burnished her hair to fiery richness, and made her eyes almost glow from within. "You interested in a little staff practice tonight, by the way?" Her eyes took on a mischievous look. "You've been slacking off lately, I noticed."

"You going to be up for it?" Gabrielle asked, watching for and getting the expected raised eyebrow stare. "Don’t want to tax you, or anything." Seeing the unmistakable competitive glint appear, which eased her heart a little. Oh oh..think I just got myself in trouble…and she's right. I have been slacking off.. and I bet I'll feel it tonight.She chuckled at herself. I've just been a little.. distracted.. I guess.

"Well..well.. we’ll just have to see, won’t we???" Came the drawled answer, as Xena played with Ares, rubbing the puppy’s belly, and using a bit of extra leather as a tug toy. "Come on, Ares.. you can do better than that."

Gabrielle grinned to herself, and slid into a fresh tunic, taking an experimental very deep breath. "Hey..hardly hurts anymore." She noted, with a pleased expression. "Maybe I’ll even be able to give you a challenge tonight." She waited a beat, for Xena to look up. "For more than..oh..three parries, anyway." With an impish look.

"Could be." Xena replied, giving the leather bit a last tug, and boosting herself to her feet, brushing herself off and crossing over to where the bard was giving her hair a quick brush. "Ahh.. is that why you had me just lazing around all afternoon being fed tidbits? All a plan, I see… to get the advantage in sparring."

Gabrielle laughed. "Oh .. absolutely.. I have to get some kind of advantage." She stood and bumped Xena playfully. "Come on..let’s go get dinner. I’m starving."

"Everything’s ready for the wedding." Hecuba said, as she and Lila worked side by side in the small kitchen. "I just wish.."

Lila sighed. "I know.. I wish it wasn’t so tense.. I wish da wasn’t so…" She looked up at her mother. "But at this point.. I’m just glad it’s happening at all." She drew a shaky breath. "I never thought.. I.."

Hecuba gave her an awkward one armed hug. "I will miss you, Lila." The older woman admitted, with a sigh. "I wish.." Better not to even say that. "I’m glad everything worked itself out. Strange, how that all seemed to fall together… must be the moons." She gave a light laugh. "Now, if we can only get your sister settled. I know she likes her traveling life, but.."

Lila sliced the vegetables she had in front of her, and casually put them in the dish. Maybe she could do Gabrielle a return favor.. she was sure her older sister didn’t want to have to hear this lecture for the next several years when it was obvious to Lila that Gabrielle was settled just exactly where she wanted to be. "Well, as a matter of fact, mother.." Lila started. " It didn’t just… fall together."

Hecuba stopped wresting one handed with a large cheese she was trying to slice, and gave Lila a confused look. "What’s that?"

Lila started on another pile of vegetables, and added these to a stew that was bubbling on the fire. "The first night that Gabrielle was here.. as soon as she found out what was in store for her, she told Xena about it. And.." Her eyes watched Hecuba’s profile sharply. "she said, after, that Xena would find a way.. some way.. to make everything right." Now she turned her head towards her mother, and stopped cutting. "And she did, mother. I don’t know how she did it, but she did."

Hecuba took a deep breath, and sat down on a corner of the prep table. "She came.. here. This morning, and helped me." She idly played with the cheese knife in her hand. "She’s a very strange, very violent person. I’m afraid for Gabrielle, traveling with her. Despite what she did for me.. and the care she seems to take of your sister. " She shook her grayed head. "I still want her home, Lila - I refuse to believe we can’t find a way to make her happy here."

"They love each other, mamma." Lila said, not looking at her.

"Surely not, Lila." Hecuba scolded. "Don’t let your own romantic imagination run away with you. That’s nonsense. I know that Gabrielle is concerned with Xena's safety, and I know that Xena does try to make sure Gabrielle stays well, but that’s to be expected. They’ve been traveling together for quite some time now. Surely, they’ve become.. friends.. hard as that is for me to believe."

"Mamma." Lila stopped her work, and faced Hecuba, putting her hands on her mother’s shoulders. "They love each other. Just like Lennat and I do." Watching her mother’s disbelieving face. "I’ve gotten to spend time around them the past few days, you haven’t."

The older woman just stared at her, then wrapped her arms around herself and cast her eyes down. "I can’t believe that." She looked up. "I don’t want to believe that. I’m sorry Lila.. that’s not something I can accept as easily as you seem to." She cleared her throat. "I’m going to ask her to stay here, this time."

Lila closed her eyes. "Mamma, don’t. Please." She whispered, reaching out a hand to the older woman "Listen, I thought the same as you did.. a few days ago." She turned and played with her hands. "I hated her.. for taking Gabrielle away. For keeping her out there… with all that danger.. I thought she just didn’t care what happened to her."

"And you don’t think that now?" Hecuba asked, skeptically.

"No." Lila answered, with a smile. "She cares."

Her mother studied her with a cool expression. "I think you’re wrong, Lila. I think that Gabrielle is a nice traveling companion. She’s quite funny, and tells stories, and does chores.. and I think she can do better."

Lila went back to chopping vegetables. Well, I tried. Gods.. as if it wasn’t hard enough. "Maybe.. but I don’t think she thinks so."

Twilight had fallen over the village, bringing a purple haze that cast shadows under the eaves of the small cots, and dulled colors to grayness. The drifting smoke of evening fires mingled with a gentle cool mist, smelling of burning wood, and the rich scent of wet pine as Xena and Gabrielle strolled towards her family’s homestead. It was a quiet time, and neither of them spoke much until they were almost there.

"Nice night." Xena commented, casting her eyes up to the barely seen emerging sphere peeking over the trees. "Full moon."

Gabrielle nodded, and moved closer, linking arms with Xena, and smiling up at her. .

"Your mother still doesn’t trust me, you know." Xena added, with a wry smile, reaching over and clasping Gabrielle's hand with her own.

The bard tilted her head. "I know." She sighed. "I’ll try to talk to her."

"Maybe I should." Xena joked, giving a half smile. "I’ve been doing pretty good in that area lately."

Gabrielle snorted, as they reached the porch and mounted the stairs, their booted footsteps in unison. "You might be right." As she reached out, and pushed the door open. "A lot better than I have, in fact." She muttered under her breath.

Hecuba looked up as they entered, and gave them a smile. "Come in.. come in." She gestured, and watched as Xena crossed directly towards her, moving with that unnatural power that made the older woman nervous She took a breath, as the warrior stopped a pace away from her, and quirked an eyebrow.

"How’s the arm?" Came the question, in that deep voice that seemed to go right through her.

Hecuba held out the limb in question. "It.. hurts. As you said it would. But.. it will be well." She gestured towards the table, where Lila and Lennat were seated, heads bent together. "Please.. sit." She hugged Gabrielle. "I’m glad you’re here." She said to her daughter, with s smile. "Perhaps we can get another story or two out of you."

Dinner was fairly uneventful, mostly featuring Hecuba’s many and varied questions regarding the stories she’d heard the night before. "But dear, were you actually there in that Centaur village? That was very dangerous to you - couldn’t you have just gotten descriptions from… someone?" Her voice left no doubt as to who the someone was.

Xena leaned back, and regarded her companion, and decided she’d had about enough. "Well, Hecuba.. " She drawled. "Thing is.. I may be a crazy warrior. But…" her teeth flashed in a feral grin. "There aren’t many people I’d willingly throw my body in front of an arrow for. She paused and saw Gabrielle's resigned look and grinned privately. "The Amazon Queen my bard here describes so well is herself. She was the hero of that story."

Dead silence in the room, as they all stared at Gabrielle, who gave Xena an affectionately exasperated look. "I’m going to get you for that.."

"Gabrielle..’ Her mother whispered. "Is that true? That was you?"

"Yeah." The bard answered, offhandedly. "Sure was. And boy, was I ever glad to see Xena, let me tell you.." Was I. Glad enough to kiss her in front of an entire tribe of Centaurs and half the Amazon Nation, and take us both into uncharted waters. Lucky swimming is a skill we both share. . Her lips twitched into a grin.

"Gods." Lila breathed. "I had no idea…that must have been terrifying.. is that the worst thing you've ever faced?"

"No." Gabrielle answered, in a quiet voice. "But that other thing.. worked out." Felt fingers twining with hers under the table. And returned the squeeze gratefully.

"Worked out.." Hecuba repeated. "Gabrielle, you could have died there."

"I could have." The bard agreed. "But I didn’t." She saw the anger in her mother’s eyes. "The Amazons are my responsibility, mother. And I got myself into trouble there… but fortunately, as usual, I could count on Xena to get me out of it." She gave her partner an appreciative look. "Nothing to worry about."

Hecuba stood up, and moved to the kitchen, her motions stiff and furious. She turned at the door and looked directly at Xena. "And you think it’s just fine, letting my daughter just risk her life? It’s criminal.."

Gabrielle stood, and felt an anger rising in her that she seldom felt. "Don’t you .." Her voice snapped out with an audible edge, but a hand closed on her upper arm, and pulled her down, making her stop in mid sentence. She turned and glared at Xena, who met her gaze with gentle understanding. Raised an eyebrow, and gave her a little quirky grin, and her anger was capped, and stilled, gentled to a wry realization. Oh yeah.. I guess she can take care of herself. Right? Right.

Xena turned her gaze on Hecuba, still standing in the kitchen entranceway. "No. I don’t think it’s fine at all." she said, with a sigh. "But it’s what she chooses to do."And I’m the person she chooses to do it with. Even I find that impossible. "Life is dangerous, Hecuba." She glanced pointedly at the woman’s arm. "Here, out there…who’s ever really safe?"

A long silence, and Hecuba walked slowly back to the table, and sat down, putting her hands in front of her. "I’m afraid for her." She said, as though Gabrielle wasn’t even in the room. To this very strange, unknown person who had, it seems, taken responsibility for her daughter. Who, incredible though she found it, was unmistakably a friend, even Hecuba could see that much between them.

Xena leaned forward, and gave her a rueful smile. "So am I." Glanced over at Gabrielle, who was keeping quiet for the moment. "But believe me when I tell you that her safety is my highest priority" A lot higher priority than my own.. I wonder if she's ever realilzed that.

"Hey!" Gabrielle suddenly barked. "Waitaminute. You’d think I’m the one who gets into all the trouble around here." She waited for them to focus on her. Gotta get this tension down..we’re supposed to be having a good time "Couple of Amazons? Hah.. let me tell you some of the trouble Xena gets into."

And she was off, telling of their adventures, and after three or four, managed to get everyone concentrated on what she was telling. And finally had them all in laughter, so they moved from the table into the tiny hearth area, and sat on the colorful rugs to listen further. Lennat pushed back against the wall, and patted the ground next to him, where Lila gladly settled herself and leaned back against his shoulder.

Xena stretched her length out near the hearth, crossing her arms and leaning her head back against the stone. Watching Gabrielle’s face as she spoke. How the firelight picked up highlights in her hair, and outlined her graceful hands as she used them to describe the action in the story. Xena felt her eyes irresistibly drawn to the bard's profile and a gentle smile crossed her lips as she let the words of the story flow over her unheard.

Hecuba was able, finally, to just let herself be carried along by her daughter’s voice, and she stopped agonizing over the life that was described in the sometimes funny, sometimes grave tales. After a while, she realized Xena wasn’t really paying attention to the stories, and so she just watched her, out of the corner of her eye. Well, certainly, she’s heard them before..lived them.. and to hear Gabrielle speak of her, you'd think she was some kind of.. hero.

The older woman sighed. Then she saw the expression in those pale, fierce eyes change as she watched, becoming far gentler, and a matching smile transformed her face from harsh alertness to a sudden, startling adoration. And Hecuba realized where those eyes were fastened, and closed her own eyes on the truth she found there.No.. she was mistaken, she must be. Opened her eyes, in time to see her daughter half turn, sensing the warrior's gaze, and return the smile with an open warmth that left little to salve her sensibilities. Oh, Hera. Hecuba groaned to herself. How did I miss this before? I'm afraid.. Lila was right. Oh dear.

Her mind slowly adjusted, and now she watched Xena covertly, with newly understanding eyes. And saw, for the first time, qualities that had somehow.. escaped her before. Like the warm humor in her smile. And the friendly sparkle in her gaze when she exchanged glances with Lennat and Lila. And the exasperated rolling of her eyes when Gabrielle elaborated outlandishly on some thing or other that she'd done.

Hecuba smiled reluctantly. So. I still don't like it.. it's too dangerous. She sighed resignedly to herself. But I can see I'm not going to convince her of that.

Xena put out a hand and made Gabrielle stop when she heard the rough edge in her partner's voice. "Hey..you'll be voiceless tomorrow If you keep this up." Was her lazy comment, noticing the stiff little nod of approval from Hecuba. Well well.. mamma approves of that.. interesting…

"Hah." Gabrielle grinned. "you're just saying that because you know what story I'm going to tell next." Which got her a relaxed grin. "Gotcha.." But she could feel the strain, and knew Xena was probably right. "But I get your point.." She stifled a yawn. "Been a long day." She shrugged apologetically. "Thanks for the invite."

"I was glad to have you here." Hecuba replied, with a wry smile. "Both of you." She added, getting a raised eyebrow and hint of a grin from Xena.

Wonder what I did to get that little seal of approval. Xena mused to herself, getting to her feet, and extending a hand down to the still seated Gabrielle, who cheerfully took hold of it, and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet.

They bid Gabrielle's family good night, and walked out into the cool air of the evening, which still carried more than a hint of wood smoke and cooking, and brushed with a welcome chill after the enclosed warmth of the homestead.

"Mmmm.." Gabrielle yawned. "That feels really good. It was kind of stuffy in there." She regarded her partner. "It went ok..after that first bit. And at least dinner was decent." A gentle laugh. "Not as good as your mom's though."

"Uh uh." Xena answered, watching the path ahead of them thoughtfully. "Not too bad." A quick look at the still yawning Gabrielle. "Hey..you promised me some staff practice, sleepyhead."

Gabrielle groaned, and gave Xena a look. "Gods.. did I do that? How silly of me. " A sideways glance to determine the temper of the look she was getting. "OK..OK..Let's go.. just kidding." Gods.. the woman had an energy level that just wouldn't quit.. how does she do that? It's just neverending.. she makes me tired just watching her sometimes.

Gabrielle padded over to where Xena was standing, halfway through shrugging out of her tunic. "Let me get some aloe on those while you're at it." She tugged on Xena's elbow. "Sit down a minute."

With a mildly amused look, Xena complied. "Sure..sure." she sighed, letting the fabric slide down off her shoulders and relaxing as the bard reapplied the soothing salve to her lacerated back. "Thanks..that feels really good.'" she admitted, giving Gabrielle a half smile. Though she wasn't sure what felt better, the salve on her back, or the fact that Gabrielle had thought to do it. Mm….tossup. She decided with a private grin, closing her eyes and feeling the bard's hands against her skin with a sense of gentle pleasure.

"These look pretty raw.." The bard advised. "You sure you want to..I mean, not like I'm trying to get out of sparring with you..but.." She winced a bit as she examined the worst of the wounds. "Skipping one night woudn't be a bad idea.. I’m hurting for you just looking at them." Feeling the tension in the warrior's shoulders, she gently kneaded the muscles around Xena's neck, and felt them relax as the warrior leaned back against her. "Mmm? Are you sure you want to do this?"

"No..I'm not sure." Xena replied, with a rueful grin. "But I'm gonna do it anyway. You don't have to, though. You've had a pretty long day." She patted Gabrielle's leg, and tipped her head back, watching the conflicting emotions cross the bard's face. "Really. I was just teasing you before."

Gabrielle sighed. "Nope...if you go, I go." Her lips quirked. "Besides, you were right. I"ve been a lazy bum lately when it comes to that.. and I'll pay for it one way or the other." She leaned down and touched her nose to Xena's, and laughed as the warrior nipped at her hair, catching it in her teeth. "Hey! Ouch! Ok..ok..let's go and get this started." She freed her hair from Xena's grasp, and walked over to her bag to pull out her usual traveling gear, and slipped into it. "Maybe I can talk you into joining me for a hot bath afterward, hmm?" Looking up as she heard the answering chuckle. "Sound like a plan?"

"Oh yeah." Xena agreed, fastening the buckles on the padded gambeson she wore for sword practice. "You don't have to wait, though. I'm gonna be at this a while." She reached over her head and clipped her sheath to the straps on the garment. Knowing full well the bard would insist on waiting anyway.

Gabrielle shrugged, and picked up her scroll case. "Nah..I'll just work on some stuff until you finish... I've got two stories I have to get down." Slinging the case over her shoulder, she moved to the door and held it open for Xena, following her out the door and down the stairs.

"Your stomach still bothering you?" Xena asked, pausing in her attack, and studying her partner's face with a tinge of concern.

"A little." Gabrielle admitted, stepping back and trying to catch her breath. "It's more that I haven't been doing as much of this lately, I think." She gave an apologetic grimace. "I never understood your point about constant practice until now.. didn't realize how fast you lose it if you don't use it." She paused and pushed her hair back off her forehead, and settled herself. "Ok..Iet's go." Moving forward and raising her staff up to a defensive position, and blocking Xena's next thrust. "Stop coddling me, Xena.." She growled, as she felt the distinct lack of sting in the contact.

Laughter from the warrior. "Maybe I'm coddling myself... I feel it in my back every time you hit me." But the sparkle in her eyes belied the comment, and she whipped her staff forward, taking the staff out of Gabrielle's hands and sending it flying. "Whoops. Sorry."

"Sure you are." Came the caustic response, as Gabrielle went trotting and retrieved the staff. "Teach me to keep my mouth shut."

"Never." Xena commented, cheerfully, as she fielded a determined attack from the bard. "There, that's better." Approvingly, as the edge of Gabrielle’s staff slid in past her defenses and got a piece of her forearm. "Good. You want to try and get that arm out of commission - because it makes it much harder for me to do this." Smack. "See?"

Gabrielle nodded, and took a satisfied breath. She didn't tag Xena often. They'd been at it for quite a while, enough for the torches to burn down a good ways outside the barn, and she was getting tired. "Ok.." Let’s try this.. she gathered her strength, and surged forward, biting her lip in concentration, and using a reverse move that ended in a sweep at a low angle, which usually worked for her with Xena because of their height difference.

And it did, this time - getting past Xena's block, and hitting the warrior full force in the upper thigh. They both winced, Xena from the blow, Gabrielle from the sting as her staff rebounded and knocked her off balance.

"Damn, Xena." The bard hissed, dropping the staff and shaking her hands. "I think I'd rather have missed you...it would have been less painful."

"For me too." Xena responded, shaking her leg out, and examining the red mark where the bard's staff had hit. "Good one, though."

Gabrielle snorted. "Yeah, it was like hitting a tree." She retrieved her staff, and leaned on it, feeling pleasantly tired. "Enough for me, I think."

Xena glanced at her, then nodded. "Yeah, take a break. I’m going to get a drink and do some sword work."

Gabrielle picked up her scroll case, and settled herself comfortably on a haybale that had been discarded outside the barn. She spread her scrolls out, and took out a quill, sharpening it absently as she watched Xena do some of her little warm-up exercises. Haven't watched her do this in a long time..usually I work on my stories while she's out there.. Oh wow.. As Xena finished her preliminary routine, and dove right into a set of high speed drills, her sword blurring the air in front of her body.

Then she moved around in a circle, and started combining the offensive and defensive strokes with flips, and Gabrielle just sat, entranced, her quill forgotten. As the torches burned down, and the shadows increased across the courtyard, the fitful light catching quicksilver glances off Xena's sword. Oh wow…wow..I’d forgotten just how fantastic at this she is. The bard’s talent began tentatively pulling words to describe her.. a poem, maybe?

Well.. Xena mused, as she rotated yet another set of flips. At least I have an appreciative audience... Seeing the faces plastered against the inn window, indistinct in the gloom that filled the courtyard, and hid the silent watchers, too, outside the building. She dropped into a full crouch, then uncoiled and shot skyward, startling herself with the height of the jump, and lazily tumbled over sideways while tossing and catching her sword in mid air. Now.. that's showing off. She scolded herself, darting a glance back and catching Gabrielle's wide eyed fascination. On the other hand...she did say she wanted to see a show.. A grin crossed her face. Let's see how she likes this.. And she tossed her sword skyward, and threw her body in the other direction, then backflipped to the center of the courtyard, not using her hands. At the top of the last backflip, she caught the sword, and landed, bouncing a little, and spun the sword over the top of her arm and back down.

Peeked at Gabrielle's stunned expression, and chuckled to herself. Not bad..not bad at all. She tested her reserves, and found her body relaxed and ready for more.That's a good feeling..I know I lost that for a while…glad to have it back.. She started in practicing jumping kicks, eventually progressing until she was hitting marks over her own head. Finally, she got a little running start, and leaped for an overhanging branch in the big tree outside the inn, getting a grip and pressing her body up and onto the limb. Sheathing her sword, she stood, lightly bouncing up and down, surveying the ground some distance below.

Gabrielle looked up at her, giving her fair head a little shake, then her eyes widened as she watched Xena leap off the branch, and catch another, more flexible limb, swing up, and simply jump off, headed groundward at a frightening rate. Whoa! Her mind yelled, as the warrior hit the ground with stunning force, rolled twice, then flipped up into the air, and came down seated next to her on the bale.

"Hi." Came the cheerful greeting, complete with a smirk. "Enjoy the show?"

"You are disgusting." Gabrielle stated, crossing her arms. "You're not even breathing hard." A slight shake of her head. "Yeah, I enjoyed the show..so did everyone else, I think." She grinned. "Is it just because I haven't watched you do that in a long time, or... you were amazing..not that you didn't know that already, but.. I don't remember you getting height on those flips like that before. Is it just me?"

Xena sighed, and leaned back, wincing as her cuts pressed against the rough wood. "No.. I realized.." she shrugged, and glanced down at her hands. "that I'd lost a few steps lately. Don't know.. maybe it was the last time I was hurt. " Died, actually. but she never said that in front of Gabrielle. It was too.. raw. Still. "But after that, I just didn't feel right. Felt like I was tired all the time." She glanced out over the courtyard. "I had to push really hard.. doing stuff that used to come easy." It was a hard admission.. knowing just how much the bard depended on her for protection.

"You didn't really get a chance to rest after that.." Gabrielle replied, thoughtfully. "I thought we should take a few days off.. but stuff happened." Stuff always happened to them. It was part and parcel of their lives together. "I was ... a little worried about you." How about a lot worried? But I was so damn glad just to see you smiling at me every morning I just….

"Yeah...I know." Xena laughed a little. " I noticed you kept pretty close for a while after that." Watched Gabrielle's eyes drop, and a light flush cover her face. "No.. I appreciated that. I was glad you did." She sighed. "But anyway, during the month I was home, I got a chance to get plenty of sleep for the first time in.. gods... forever.. and it felt.. wonderful." She gave the bard a sheepish grin. "And of course mother was feeding me like a prize hog.. so between the two, I started feeling a lot better and I went out at night and just rebuilt a lot of things. I feel great, now." A pause. "Better than I have in a long time."

"It shows." Gabrielle grinned. "You seem a lot more relaxed." And a lot more likely to say..stuff like this to me. I think I really like that.

"Mmm." Xena agreed, with a slight grin. "Though I'm not sure that has anything to do with my being able to do backflips." She turned her head, and gazed intently at Gabrielle, who blushed. "Get your stories done?"

The bard snorted. "Not... a single word, and you know it." She gave Xena a poke in the ribs. "With that kind of show going on? What kind of bard would I be if I just sat here like a lump and did copywriting?" Her eyes twinkled a bit. "I won’t say I wasn’t busy composing..oh..a poem.. maybe."

"Oh really?" Xena asked, giving her an inquiring look. "About???"

A devilish grin from Gabrielle. "My favorite subject, and the impossibility of what I just saw, and the dark torchlit courtyard here, and the slivers of fire and moonlight reflecting off your sword, and you.."

Xena snorted. "Gabrielle, how in the world can you make a sword drill poetic?"

The bard shook her head slowly, and reached out one hand, riffling her fingers through the midnight dark hair on Xena’s shoulder. "I can’t.. but you can. You move, and it’s poetry." Watching in amusement the startled blinking of pale blue eyes. "Haven’t you ever realized just how magical you are? Xena.. I could spend the rest of my life trying to describe it, and not do you justice."

Silence.. and then a sigh. "No.. you’re the one with the magic, my bard. I’m just a beat up old fighter." Xena gave her a quirky grin. "Dinar a dozen, we are."

Gabrielle’s face went serious, and the hand resting on Xena’s shoulder clasped tight. "What you are..to me.. has no price." A pause. "And the golden light you fill my soul with is worth more to me than all the riches of Mount Olympus."

Xena made no answer, just sat there quietly, looking at her for what seemed like an eternity, there in the foggy moonlight, in the shadows of a guttering torch With the damp scent of the earth rising around them, and the faintest hint of the sweet blossoms of jasmine in the air.

Finally, she shook her head, and let her fingers brush Gabrielle’s face. "You know.." In a very soft voice. "You’re the only thing in my whole life I have no regrets about." Watching as the bard’s eyes closed, and gentle, soundless tears dampened the soft down on her cheeks. "Hey.." She slid an arm around Gabrielle’s shoulders and patted her padded sleeve. "Here..nice soft fabric."

The bard gladly snuggled close, wrapping herself around Xena’s sprawled form, and burrowing her head into the warrior’s warm shoulder.

"Y’know, everyone is probably watching us." Xena commented, letting her chin rest on Gabrielle's head, and closing her eyes.

"Let em." The bard mumbled. "I don't care."

A raised eyebrow from Xena, who considered a moment, then shrugged lightly. "OK." She chuckled softly "I seem to remember you mentioning something about a hot bath..??" Rubbing her back lightly with the tips of her fingers. "Hmm?"

"Means I gotta move." Gabrielle objected, tightening her hold.

The warrior grinned quietly to herself. "Nah." She whispered, then bit her lip to hold in a chuckle, and slid her arms around the bard and stood up, cradling her.

"Awk." Gabrielle protested. "Xena... what are you doing?"

"Just hang on." Came the response. "You said you didn't want to move, right? So.." She backed up, and studied her surroundings. I'm nuts to try this. It's official. Ex warlord loses mind, tries stupid stunts for no reason..ah. She spotted a stack of boxes outside the inn, and padded over to them, increasing her speed as she got closer, and launched up, landing on the first one with a little bounce.

"Hey!" Gabrielle hissed, grabbing a tight hold around Xena's neck. "What in blazes are you doing?"

Xena grinned. "Well, navigating those tiny stairs inside is just not going to work. .so I figure I'll try the window.." She glanced up to the second story opening. "Hold tight."

"Xena.. put me down.. I can walk.. I was just kidding. " The bard remarked, starting to loosen her grip.

The warrior glanced down at her. "Don't trust me?" In a bantering tone, and without letting her go.

Green eyes searched hers. "Don't be dumb. You know I do... but there's no need for you to..."

"So hang on." Xena interrupted her. "And be quiet for a minute." She planned her route, and moved smoothly from one crate to another. If I lose my balance and fall, this is gonna go down as the stupidest thing I ever tried. She jumped from the stack of crates onto the low porch, and felt the sturdy wood flex under her. The upper rooftop that led to the window was a body length, hers, away, and about half again that higher. A completely insane idea presented itself, born from the springy feel of the wood under her boots.

"What are you thinking?" Gabrielle asked, loosening one hand, and reaching up to brush her dark hair back from her eyes. "You have this really weird look on your face."

Xena felt a wild grin forming. "Now..one last jump, my bard..get a nice strong grip." And felt Gabrielle's hands tighten on her. "Good."

Took two long strides, and then bounced up, coming down and letting her crouch deepen, getting all the flexing energy out of the wood. Then she catapulted off the edge of the porch, and shot them both forward and up with all the strength in her very strong legs.

"Whoa!" Gabrielle gasped, her eyes widening as she felt Xena's body tuck and roll, turning them both in a lazy flip in the air. A bubbling laugh burst from her lips as she watched the world spin under her in a blur, and then she was right side up again as Xena's boots hit the roof and she straightened up. "Wow!" She breathed. "That was awesome!!"

Xena grinned, and stepped forward, crossing through the window opening, and dropping down into the room. "You liked that, huh?" Irrationally pleased with herself, she hopped up onto the bed, still holding the bard and half fell, half sprawled back, finally loosening her grip.

"Oh yeah." Gabrielle laughed in delight. "I never knew it felt like that... no wonder you like practicing those." She paused. "That was a kind of crazy thing for you to do, though.. wasn't it?"

"Yeah.." Xena admitted, giving her a sheepish grin. "I.. I don't know what came over me." And felt an unexpected warm giddiness Yeah I do...its this completely impossible, wonderful, ridiculous, totally mind numbing being in love thing. Gods. I can't believe I feel this way.. like a kid. And I’m acting like it, too.

Gabrielle gave her a slow grin, and pillowed her head on the warrior's belly, letting her fingers toy with the buckles stitched into the fabric. "I loved it." She closed her eyes and smiled. "I love you." She felt a yawn coming on, and relaxed into it, stretching, and settling her arms securely around Xena.

Got a soft chuckle from the watching warrior. "I love you too." Xena sighed, tangling her fingers in the soft red gold hair spilling across her chest. "Care to join me in a nice hot bath?"

Gabrielle felt sleep pulling at her, and debated briefly. "Only if you don't let me fall asleep in there.." She grinned. "I'm a little tired." Another yawn. "Mmm.. nice pillow" She bounced her head gently on the flat surface. "Little hard, though."

Xena chuckled. "Come on…or do I have to carry you there, too?" Her face relaxed into an easy grin.

"I’m moving.." The bard sighed, as she rolled over and got to her feet, raking her hand through her hair as she walked over to their gear and pulled out a pair of linen towels. She turned and handed one to Xena, who had come up behind her and was resting her forearms on Gabrielle’s shoulders. "Let’s go…"

They walked down the hall, trying to be quiet in the late hour, when only the barest sounds came from the downstairs inn, a creak of wood as a table settled; the scuttle of mice; and the faint clink of crockery being washed as the scullions cleaned up after a long night’s work.

"Shh." Xena cautioned, as she lifted the bucket pole, and hoisted two full buckets of hot water from the cistern, which ran against the fireplace, and kept the water hot. She carried them over, and Gabrielle quietly tipped them into the tub. They repeated this several times, until the level was high enough to cover them.

Gabrielle grinned, as she discarded her skirt and top and approached the water, only to be stopped by a lazily smiling Xena. "Ah… gotta be careful. Wouldn’t want you slipping." Came the chuckling remark, as she scooped the bard up, and gently lowered her into the water, stopping mid way to meet her lips in a long kiss.

"Oh boy." Gabrielle muttered, as they broke apart, and Xena stepped back to take off her padded gear. A grin crept across her face as she watched the warrior put her hands casually on the rim of the tub, and press her body up and over, lowering herself into the water just behind where Gabrielle was sitting. "You do like to show off, don’t you?" She giggled

"Who.. me??" Came the puzzled response. "What are you talking about?" And the sharp, fresh scent of herbal soap drifted over Gabrielle’s shoulder as she felt Xena’s hands sliding over her back. "I was just getting in the water, Gabrielle - would you prefer it if I’d just dove in head first?"

The bard let out a snort of laughter. "That woulda hurt." She grinned, and just let herself relax under the effects of the warm water, the clean smell of the herbs, and Xena’s presence. Felt the gentle tracing of a finger right up the back of the bard's neck, which sent shivers up and down her spine. She closed her eyes, and leaned back against Xena's warm body, giggling at the gentle tickle the warrior gave her as she slid her arms around Gabreille, and pulled her closer. "Mmm.." she growled, tipping her head back and felt Xena's lips tasting hers.

They alternated hastily shushed splash fights with long stretches of exploration so it took forever but they were both finally clean. Xena stood, vaulting over the edge of the tub, and shook herself off with enthusiasm, then turned around to face the bard, putting her hands on her hips. "Well? You want to try and hop over that side, or you want me to show off some more?"

Gabrielle climbed to her feet, and put her hands lightly on the edge of the tub, gazing at her partner with frank admiration. "Oh, show off, please." She answered cheerfully. Getting out of this tub when you’re my height would be embarrassing at best, and she knows it.

"Uh huh." Xena nodded wryly. "Thought so." She moved closer, and waited until Gabrielle lifted her arms and let them rest on the warrior’s broad shoulders. Then she reached out, and grasped the bard’s waist, stepping back and lifting in one smooth motion, swinging her up and over the high wall, and setting her down gently "There you go." She handed her a linen towel. "Here.." Taking the end of it, and carefully drying off the bard’s ears and head. "Don’t want you catching a chill."

So.. Gabrielle thought dreamily to herself If that was anyone else talking to me in such a condescending manner, I’d… yeah.. so why does it just melt me coming from her? I used to get upset at her when she treated me a like a kid..now.. oh gods..is it possible to feel this strongly about something.. someone.. and survive it? I hope so. "Thanks mom." She teased, her green eyes twinkling. And got a raised eyebrow and a poke in the belly. She giggled.

"Watch it, bard." Came the warning growl. With a light snap of her towel for emphasis. They both chuckled, and, wrapping the linen around themselves, walked quietly back to the room.

"Roo." Ares blustered, as soon as he saw them, padding over and grabbing the end of Gabrielle’s linen wrap and giving it a hearty tug. ‘Hey!" The bard protested, with a laugh. "This thing’s small enough as it is, Ares, cut that out!"

Xena watched with a grin, as she traded her wrap for a soft shirt, and stepped idly to the window, peering out. Spotting two shadowy figures watching the window, and going very still, realizing how she was outlined in the dim light from inside the room. Damn… Her eyes strained against the settling dark, trying to make out details of the two silent watchers. Men, yeah.. middle height, by the set of their bodies older.. one was Metrus, she realized, matching his heavy outline against her memory. The other… her eyes slitted. Herodotus.

"What?" Gabrielle’s voice came from behind her, and she swung out an arm automatically to keep the bard from approaching the window. "Xena?"

"Stay back." Xena muttered, in a low tone. "We’ve got some interested onlookers." She straightened, and put a negligent hand against the windowsill, returning their gaze unabashedly. "Metrus and your father." She informed the bard. Felt a light hand against her back as Gabrielle ignored her warning arm and joined her in the window opening, settling in at Xena’s side, and wrapping an arm around her. Xena hesitated, then let her lips quirk into a grin, and circled Gabrielle’s shoulders, pulling her close. "That what you wanted them to see?" She whispered, as they both watched the two men turn on their heels, and dissolve into the darkness.

"Yes." Came Gabrielle’s quietly contented answer.

"That’s not going to make it easier tomorrow." Xena commented, a little worried frown darkening her face, and creasing her brow.

"I know." The bard answered, briefly. "Xena.. I.. I decided I don’t like being afraid." She studied the shadowed face above her. "It does something… ugh.. to me inside that I just don’t want to deal with."

"We’re all afraid, sometimes, Gabrielle." Xena responded, gazing back.

"Not like this." Came the serious answer. "Not this kind, which makes you forget who you are, and what you’ve done. I don’t like it. I don’t want it to be part of me. I’ve been running from this for two years, Xena. I’m not running anymore."

Xena studied her for a long moment. Then slowly nodded. "All right. I see where you’re going, Gabrielle." She gave the bard a smile. "I’ll be right there with you." A pause. "Your courage always astonishes me, my bard."

Now Gabrielle smiled, and laughed a bit. "It shouldn’t..it comes from you." She gave the startled Xena a gentle shove. "Come on..I’m about to pass out I’m so tired."

But it took her a long time to find sleep that night, and for a timeless space she rested quietly in Xena’s arms, feeling the steady heartbeat under her ear, and the gentle warmth of her breathing against the top of her head. We all have to take that final step sometimes.. she mused. When we stop being a child, and become an adult.. things change. I’ve had a long time to get ready for that.. after all, when did Xena face this? When she was..what…15? I don’t think I could have done what she did. No.. I know I couldn’t have. Not then… because I hadn’t met her yet..and she hadn’t taught me how to master what’s inside of me. Now.. she has. And it’s a gift she’d never suspect she’s given me. Lazily, she let her eyes slide open, and studied the sculpted features above her. Then she smiled, and let her lips brush the tanned jawline. Thank you, my friend. For everything you are. And everything you’ve helped me become. Then her eyes closed, and she took a deep breath, and slid down into sleep.

Not seeing the glint of dim candlelight against a pair of blue eyes that gazed down at her sleeping form with gentle understanding. Then closed into sleep themselves.

Xena opened one eye, and ran a quick check of the room. Quiet. That was good. Dark. Even better, because it meant she had no reason to move, yet. Warm - at least she was, despite the cool breeze coming in through the open window, since she had Gabrielle snuggled up tight to her like a sea limpet. All in all, a good way to wake up. As if I seriously think I'm going to actually get up now..yeah right. Her mind mocked her lightly. Oh no.. I couldn't pry myself out of her arms if I had a fire going on in the next room. My body's decided it likes this way, way too much.

She stretched her back out a little, and felt Ares curl himself into a tighter ball behind her knees. You're not helping.... she mentally growled at the puppy, who lifted his head, blinking sleepily at her, and yawned, then stretched and curled up again, letting out a warm sigh that tickled the back of her leg and caused the warrior to bite her lip to keep from laughing.

"What's so funny?" Came a sleepy murmur from just under her jaw.

Xena glanced down and met the half open green eyes peering at her. "Oh..hi. Sorry.. nothing's funny. I was just..." She paused when she felt Gabrielle's hand slide under her shirt and come to rest against her skin. "Uhm."

"Felt you laughing." The bard commented, poking her a little.

"Ares... made a face. It was kind of cute." The warrior replied casually.

Hearing his name, the puppy woke up again, lifting his head up and peering at them. "Roo?" He questioned, then ducked back down, nuzzling the back of Xena's leg.

Oh gods... she clamped down tight on the ticklish feeling, forcing herself to remain relaxed and not react. Then she felt him start to lick her and sighed. "Ares, cut that out."

Gabrielle hitched herself up on an elbow for a better view of the animal. "Aww..that's so cute..." She giggled, then saw the muscles jump in Xena's leg, and glanced up at her face. "Heyyy.. he's tickling you, isn't he!" A demonic grin crossed her face. "I knew it..." Hearing the muttered curse under Xena's breath that was it's own answer.

"Hehh..." Gabrielle chortled, and slid her hand down Xena's leg until she was in position to replace Ares' industrious tongue.

"Gabrielle." Xena raised a warning eyebrow. "Careful what you start, here..."

"Ok.. I will be." The bard grinned, and started in with a feather light touch that got a squawk from her partner, and progressed until Xena was shaking with laughter and just couldn’t stand it any more, snaking out one long arm to reciprocate. "Whoa!" Gabrielle yelped, trying to squirm out of the way. They ended up in a breathless ball, tangled up as each tried to prevent the other from reaching sensitive spots.

"Gods." Xena finally sighed, rolling over, and laying down flat on her back, arms outstretched. "That's one way to wake up." But to her total disgust, her body was rebelling against the thought, preferring to stay right where it was, and wanting the bard’s warm presence along with it.

"Are we getting up?" Gabrielle asked, innocently, as she shifted over, and put her head down on Xena's shoulder, molding her body to the warrior's side, and starting to trace soothing patterns on her belly. "Still dark out..nothing really to see... " She felt Xena take a deep breath, and let it out, and with that, the muscles under her hands relaxed. "Nice and warm here..." She peeked up at her partner's face, and was charmed to see her eyes half closed already. "Ahh..that’s better." Closing her eyes and keeping up her gentle tracing. "This really does put you out like a baby, doesn’t it?"

Xena nodded sleepily. "Uh huh." She murmured "Like that… " Her voice trailed off as she gave in and let sleep take her.

Gabrielle chuckled quietly to herself, as she closed her eyes again.

"You ready?" Xena asked, looking up from adjusting her bracer and studying Gabrielle's tense face thoughtfully. "Gabrielle?"

"Hmm?" The bard looked up, and gave Xena a quick smile. "Oh.. yeah. I'm ready.."

Xena cocked her head and moved a little closer. "You OK?"

"Fine.. no problem." Gabrielle answered, getting up out of her chair, and taking a deep breath.

"Uh huh. You're lying." Came the knowing answer, which set her off.

"Hey.. I said I was fine... don't take advantage of this bond thing, OK?" Meant jokingly, but the words were out, and she realized how they sounded too late. "Gods.. Sorry.. .I didn't mean that."

Xena studied her for a moment, and felt a little sad. "Actually, Gabrielle, I was basing that statement on the fact that you haven't touched your breakfast." She answered, quietly. "Sorry."

"No." The bard leaned her head against Xena's tall shoulder. "You're right. I'm scared half to death. I shouldn't bother trying to hide that from you, of all people." And felt Xena kiss the top of her head, and give her back a brisk rub.

"It's a lot to get used to." the warrior admitted. "I really want to ask Jessan some questions about all of this... rather than find out by trial and error."

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah... but in the meantime, I've got a job to do here. So... I better go get this over with." She straightened her shoulders, and looked Xena in the eye. Eyes..really.. which, it occurred to her for the thousandth time were the most beautiful shade of blue in the whole world. Snap out of it, Gabrielle. Good grief. Get your head on straight here. "Walk me over?"

Xena raised one very expressive eyebrow. "Walk you over and loiter right outside, my friend." She put a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder and steered her towards the door.

"Oh.." The bard grinned. "Is that why we're in full intimidation mode?" She flicked her gaze over Xena's leathers and armor, and the full set of weapons she had clipped on. "Your mom was right..you do look bigger with all that stuff on." She studied the warrior. "You even look taller."

Got both eyebrows raised on that one. "If you say so."

They walked down the stairs, and out the door to the inn, crossing the courtyard and heading down the path in silence.

Herodotus stared blackly into the bowl of cereal in front of him, plunging his spoon in, and wrestling another mouthful down into a queasily rebellious stomach. That was the worst part of drinking.. and why he often followed up a long night with a liquid breakfast. But they were out of readily available drink.. so he was stuck with his headache, and this bowl.

The house was silent.. Hecuba knew better than to have clattering going on when he felt like this. His lips gave an ironic twist. She knew him all right.... and especially after the brief visit from Agtes, who tossed back his dinars, and told him no way, no how, was he going to do any more attempts at scaring off no damn woman who could do what that woman did. No way.

And after leaning his alcohol hazed head against the rough inn wall and watching out the glazed window last night.. he couldn't even find it in his heart to despise Agtes. Damn. And he'd lost his daughter to her.. that much was disgustingly clear, even if he and Metrus hadn't seen the quite, quite deliberate embrace the two had shared, outlined there in the window. Damn.

He hated her. He hated what she had, and he didn't.

His head raised, as he heard footsteps outside. One lighter pair, one heavier. The heavier stopped outside the door, and only the lighter pair continued up the steps, and paused outside the door.

He waited, and watched the door slowly open, letting a glaring blast of sunlight into the room, which was blocked by an entering body, then disappeared as the door was shut. He blinked afterimage from his eyes, and waited until the dim form moving towards him resolved itself into his elder daughter.

Hera.. his mind mused. She has grown up, hasn't she.. There was a grace, and a sureness to her movements that had nothing of the child about it, and her brief top and skirt left very little to his imagination, exposing a muscular suppleness that surprised him, now that he was seeing her from a new perspective.

Gabrielle walked across the room, and stopped when she reached the table, resting her forearms on the back of the nearest chair, and gazing down at him.

"Did you leave your pet outside?" He asked, in a softly humorous voice. Watching for her reaction. And it surprised him.

She smiled, and shook her head. "She's probably talking to mother." A pause, then softly. "Checking her arm out."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "By your little exhibition last night, I take it you've decided to abandon us. Am I right?"

Gabrielle pulled the chair in front of her out, and sat down, folding her arms on the table and studying him. "Did you have anything to do with what happened in the stable?" Direct and cool, and her eyes locked on to his with uneasy intensity.

Herodotus shrugged, and leaned back. "I wanted you free of her influence in making your... decision." He played with his spoon a bit. "Wasted effort, I see."

"I don't want to be free of her influence." Gabrielle answered, taking a breath, and glancing down. "I'm sorry, papa. I can't change what you are. And I'm not going to stay here and be just another.." she paused a long time "target." Her voice took on a roughness at the word. "You're the one who has to make a decision.. to be different."

They stared at each other for a long time, with the faint sounds of the house drifting around them, in time with the dust motes drifting in the pale filtered sunlight coming through the glazed windows.

"After the wedding tomorrow." Herodotus finally said, his tone cool and brief. "I want you and your.. friend.. out of here. I don't know you. You're not my daughter." He paused, watching his words hit her like stones, and enjoying the sight. "You're not welcome here. It's no longer your home." And he stood, pushing his chair back, and walked out of the room.

Gabrielle sat, staring at her hands for what seemed like forever, battling down waves of tears which threatened to overrun her. Determined not to break down. It was my decision.. I knew this might happen, right? Right. Oh gods.

She looked up as her mother walked in, on hesitant feet. "Does that go for you too?" She forced the words out, taking iron control over voice. Best to know the worst, now.

Hecuba sighed, and sank down into the chair next to her, reaching out and putting a warm hand on her daughter's rigidly knotted fists. "It's his house, and he makes the rules for it." She touched Gabrielle's cheek gently. "But you will always be my daughter... no matter what."

Gabrielle swallowed hard. "Thanks." She whispered, not looking up.

Hecuba stayed silent for a time, then sighed. Thinking about the conversation she'd just had outside, and what she'd seen last night. "Gabrielle, Is she really worth..."

"I can't live without her." Came the quiet answer. "It would tear me apart in so many pieces I'd never... " Her eyes closed and she let her head fall into her hands. "You wouldn't want what was left."

Hecuba gazed at her in quiet contemplation. "I felt that way, once." She remarked, watching her hands play idly with the spoon Herodotus had left. "When I was very young." She sighed. "But my parents had different plans for me. And his for him." She paused thoughtfully. "I often...life treats us hard, Gabrielle...you have to take the good things when you find them. You and your sister.. have been good things for me. The rest..." She shrugged.

"Do you love him?" Gabrielle rested her chin on her doubled fists, and met Hecuba's eyes.

"Yes." Came the stark answer. "But it's not like it would have been with Berran. Or how it is for you." She leaned forward. "Don't give that up, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle stood, bracing her hands against the table. "Never." Beyond death, beyond good sense, beyond understanding. "I gotta get out of here." She tried to ignore the painful pounding in her head, which was getting worse by the minute. "Tell Lila..."

"I'll have her come and talk with you." Hecuba assured her, giving her arm a pat. "Go get some fresh air.. you're as white as a sheet."

Gabrielle nodded, and crossed the room, opening the door and flinching at the bright light after the dim interior. It took her several blinking moments for her vision to adjust, and by then a familiar presence was at her side.

"You heard?" The bard asked.

"Yeah." Xena answered, with a sigh.

"All of it?" Came the soft response. Knowing the sharpness of her hearing.

"Yeah." An almost inaudible reply.

"Good." And Gabrielle took a deep breath, and squared her shoulders. "Can we go.. somewhere. My head's about to explode."

"Gabrielle.." Xena started, then stopped when the bard turned and put a hand up to her lips.

"Don't, OK?" She leaned forward and put her hands flat on Xena's armored breastplate, and looked up into her eyes. "This stopped being my home two years ago."

Xena took a breath, and patted her cheek. "All right. Come on... let me see if I can return the favor you did for me yesterday."

"Shh.. careful." Xena said, laying a soothing hand on Gabrielle's head. "You have a migraine, Gabrielle. It's a really bad kind of headache."

It had started with a sudden tunneling of her vision, on the walk back to the inn, and nausea, which rapidly escalated into a bout of dry heaves that left her shaking in Xena's arms. "Oh gods.." she groaned. "This is worse than being seasick."

"Uhm.. yeah, actually.. I think it is." The warrior regretfully agreed. "Good thing you didn't have breakfast after all."

"Thanks." Came the sarcastic mutter. "You're so comforting."

Xena leaned back against the wall, and pulled the bard into her lap, cradling her against one shoulder. She rinsed off a linen rag in a bucket of cold water, and squeezed it mostly dry, then held it against Gabrielle’s head, and felt the bard go limp against her.

"I didn't mean that." Gabrielle murmured, closing her eyes.

"Mean what?" Xena asked, shifting slightly.

"You not being comforting." she replied. "If I have to feel like Hades, this is the place I want to do it in."

The warrior grinned, and rinsed out the rag again. "I'd rather you not feel that way."

"Ugh." Gabrielle snorted. "Do you ever get these?" Keeping her eyes closed as she lifted the cup Xena had prepared to her lips, and took a swallow. "Guh.. Xena, that's awful."

"I know it's awful." Xena sighed. "And yeah, I do.. occasionally."

Gabrielle drank down the rest of the mixture with a grimace. "You never said…" she tilted her head up and gazed at her partner. "You just carry on. As usual."

Xena shrugged, and put the cool cloth in place. "It’s that tough as nails, never admit when you’re hurt warlord thing, I guess." And I have enough sense to just drink down the damn mixture, without making faces about it.

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and felt a weak grin crossing her face as the intense pain subsided a little, and she felt a wave of sleepiness come over her. "Whatever that was is working.." She mumbled, putting the cup down, and feeling the tension go out of her body as she went limp against Xena’s armor clad chest.

The warrior waited a few minutes, idly brushing the hair out of the bard’s closed eyes, then picked her up, and crossed to the bed, laying her down gently. And stood next to her, for a timeless moment, just watching her steady breathing. She told her mother…. she couldn’t live without me. I thought… I know how I feel.. but I never.. I don’t deserve that. She touched the bard’s soft cheek gently, and a faint smile appeared on the sleeping face. Xena’s face mirrored the smile, then she sighed, and stepped back, drawing a light cover over her partner’s body. And for a long moment, almost joined her. Xena, you cut that out. She has an excuse, you don’t. So get moving, and get what you need to do, done.

And so she took herself off to the stable, and Argo’s reproachful snorts. Taking the mare out for a long, thorough ride, across shorn fields and through the rim of old forest that ringed Potadeia, galloping her into a sweat, then taking it easier through the river valley, stopping on the rise that overlooked the river and relaxing back into her saddle.

Enjoying the cool breeze that blew the dark hair off her forehead, and whipped Argo’s mane into stinging slaps against her arms, resting on the saddlebow. The wind carried the scent of the river to her, and of the sun drenched fertile strips to either side, and far off, a hint of wood smoke. "Hey girl." She murmured to the enthusiastically cropping mare, enjoying the fresh river grass after the days of dry fodder in the stable. "You like that, huh?"

She put her hands on the saddlebow, and vaulted off, letting Argo’s rein’s drop free, as she walked through the mid calf length grass, and dropped to the ground near the edge of the flowing water, wrapping her arms around her knees and letting the peaceful chuckling sound flow through her, matching the ripples of warmth coming from within, as she thought about just how much her life had changed in two short years. About just what a difference one person had made. I can sit here… and just enjoy the sight of this valley.. and for the first time since I was barely old enough to think at all, I’m starting to imagine a.. tomorrow. Even though all my instincts are telling me that’s a bad idea… I can’t help it.. damn.. I want there to be a tomorrow. She smiled to herself, and picked up a small stone near one boot, studying it’s flat surface for a bit, then whipping her arm sideways, and sending the rock skipping neatly across the surface of the water, finally landing with a splash. Guess that’s still one of my many skills. She gingerly indulged in a bit of self teasing. That’s it, Xena..learn to take yourself a little less seriously. A grin appeared, and she was about to pick up another stone, when her ears caught an errant footstep behind her.

She went still, and focused her senses in that direction, now hearing the sound of labored breathing, and hands breaking leaves, feet snapping underbrush that meant whoever it was probably couldn’t sneak up on a dead rabbit, much less her. She waited, and watched with interest as the pale hair on her arms lifted in response to her body’s detection of danger.

Getting closer now, near the edge of the trees, and now the follower stopped, and looked out over where she was sitting.

Heard the unmistakable creak of a crossbow mechanism., and cursed roundly to herself, as she stood and turned in one smooth movement and faced her attacker, putting her hands on her hips and her best scowl on her face.

"Herodotus. What a surprise." She sighed, watching him freeze on seeing her looking at him. "Go ahead. Give it your best shot." She spread her arms wide, and waited. "Or can you only hit little children and shoot people in the back?" Her voice took on a growling contempt.

Herodotus studied her for a very long moment, then lifted the crossbow muzzle, and cradled it in his arms. "Damn you to Tartarus." He said, in a low voice.

"Been there. Done that." Xena answered, lowering her arms and moving forward a few paces. Until she was able to make out his face, in the shadows of the trees. And saw, in a brief, shivering instant, a flash of memory that matched the expression in his eyes. Of a very different Gabrielle, in a reality where she hadn’t stopped those slavers, with a look of resentful loathing that she knew.. was directed both inward and out. "Haven’t you done enough hurting today?"

"What do you know of it, damn you?" He said, coming closer. "You think I enjoyed that? I didn’t. But it was the only thing I could think of that might.. might get her to look at this straight, and do the right thing."

Xena studied him thoughtfully. "What makes you think she didn’t""

"You’re going to get her killed. Is that what you want?" The older man said. "You know it’s true, Xena. She’s already been hurt… why can’t you just leave her alone? What would it take.. you need money, horses, what?"

So. He’s a talker, just like she is. Now I know where she gets it from. "And I’m supposed to believe you’re doing this because you care for her, right? " Now Xena felt her anger building. "Tell me how? Tell me how you care for her when you’ve been beating her since she was a kid? Explain to me why a bright, innocent child had go through that, and then maybe we can talk about what kind of danger she’s in with me. " Her eyes were flashing, and she knew it, days of watching her soulmate suffer were rising to the top of her mind’s eye.

Herodotus stared at her for a long, dark period. "Because she had something I couldn’t have anymore. And I was damned if I was going to watch that." He surprised himself with an honest answer.

Xena gazed at him in dawning understanding. "You’re a storyteller."

Dead green eyes looked back at her. "I’m a farmer." Came the flat answer. "I used to see pictures, yeah. Like she did. Then I figured out if I drank enough, they’d eventually go away." He paused. "And they did."

"That’s what would have happened to her." Xena replied, quietly. "Is that what you really want?"

The man laughed a mirthless laugh. "What I want? I want someone to take care of me, to make sure my head’s not on the floor at the end of the night, and to distract me from beating on my wife. What do you want her for.. does she cook well?"

Xena’s temper snapped, and before he could take another breath, she was on him, and shaking him like a dog, discarding the crossbow with one swipe of her fist. "I’ll teach you what it’s like to be a little kid, you bastard." She lifted him up by the front of his tunic, and held him against the tree. "You like that?" Her voice was silken smooth. "How about this?’ And backhanded him as he had done with Gabrielle. "Or this." picking him up and tossing him a few feet, to collide with a tree stump.

His eyes glazed, and he stayed where he was, back to the stump. "No.. get away." He stammered, raising a hand to guard his face.

"Oh, had enough?" Xena voice seethed. "Funny how the biggest cowards can dish it out, plenty, but can never take it." She crouched over him, and grabbed his jaw, forcing him to look her in the eye. "You listen. Your daughter has more courage in one hand than this entire village does combined, you got me? She’s kind, she’s bright, she’s a great bard, she strong, and she has the right to choose what she’s going to do with her life." Her eyes drilled into Herodotus "Even if that life is hard, and dangerous, and might get her killed." Her voice sank. "But you better understand that I’d gladly die myself to prevent that."

They looked into each other’s eyes for what seemed like a very long time, until Xena finally let her hand loose, and stood, turning her back on him and walking towards Argo. Sensing rather than hearing the stirring behind her. The vibration of air against gut, of air over feathers, the hissing twang of a crossbow bolt in flight.

Turing in mid stride, and letting her body react, as her hands came up to catch the bolts.. and then discard them in disdain. Letting her eyes go cold. Letting the wolf out, as she walked back towards him, braced against the stump. Staring at her.

Watching the tall warrior walk towards him, crossing from sunlight into shadow in a dappled movement that scattered glints of light across her, and reflected off her armor, and stopped only when she crouched down and gave him a feral smile.

"You should thank the gods for your daughter, Herodotus." Her voice wrapped around him. "Because if it wasn’t for her, you’d be in lots and lots of pieces right now." And she picked up the crossbow, glanced at it, glanced at him, then put her hands on either side, and moved, and the weapon snapped in half.

Stood in silence, and returned to the patient golden mare, and this time mounted without incident. One last look at the man. Well, I didn’t really hurt him. Much. Her mind sighed. So much for a relaxing ride "Come on, girl. Let’s go." She touched Argo’s side with a gentle knee, and the mare obligingly headed back through the forest.

"Fancy meeting you here." Lila smiled, as she and Xena crossed paths not too long later, in front of the dressmaker’s shop. "How’s she doing?" In a lower voice, with sympathetic concern in her tone.

Xena shrugged a little. "Had a pretty bad headache when she came back. I gave her something to knock her out.. she’s sleeping it off. " A pause. " She seems all right."

Lila sighed. "Damn him." She pushed a few strands of dark brown hair back out of her eyes. "I’ll come by later to see her, then." She hefted a bundle she was carrying. "Mind taking this back to her? It’s the dress.. came out really nice." Her lips twitched reluctantly. "Better than mine, anyway."

"Sure." Xena replied, taking the package from her, and gently tucking it under her arm. "How’s Lennat doing?" She glanced over to the smithy, where she could see the dim shadows of two tall men bent over the main forge.

Lila gave her a big smile. "He loves it." She shook her head and laughed. "Pounding all day on hot metal, I don’t know.. but he comes home and talks about it like it’s the most wonderful thing on earth." She looked down. "He said he’s going to talk to Gabrielle later.. you know Metrus did the same thing to him that…"

"I know." Xena replied, quietly.

"So.. " Now the hazel eyes briefly flickered up to meet Xena’s. "I guess we have something in common."

"Mmm…" Xena agreed, with a hint of a grin. "Could be. Does Lennat have any regrets?"

A laugh. "Gods, no." Then Lila sobered, and studied her intently. "No more than Gabrielle does."

Xena shrugged. "I don’t know about that."

"I do." Came the sure answer. "Xena, she’s my sister. I’ve known her all my life." Lila gave a quick look around, and lowered her voice. "She never…" A pause and a sigh. "How can I put this.. she never let anyone really get.. all the way into her heart. You know how she is.. doing things for other people, making jokes, telling stories, trying to fix things.. she’s my older sister - she’d always try to comfort me, take care of me.. try to help mother, take some of the strain off her.. now that I look back, she really needed someone to just sit down and do that for her sometimes. But there really wasn’t anyone. So she kept everyone at arms length. " Another pause. "She felt she was responsible for us."

"Well, " Xena commented wryly. "She does have that tendency."

Lila shook her head. "She does. But.. I don’t know what I thought she was thinking when she hared off after you two years ago. I thought she was nuts, frankly."

"So did I." Came the fondly amused response.

"Mmm.. I bet. " Lila chuckled. "I heard about the tree." She went quietly serious again. "But.. this time, now that I’ve had a chance to spend more time around her.. I’ve seen flashes of a part of my sister that I… had never seen before." She glanced down. "You’ve seen a side of her that I never have.. and that’s what made me realize that she’d.. found someone she could.. and wanted to.. and did, let all the way in."

A long silence between them. "And I’m really glad." Lila finally went on. "I’m sorry we started off so ratty."

A hand clasped on her shoulder. "You had reason." Xena’s calmly resigned answer. "She’s your sister, and I’m pretty scary."

Lila chuckled. "Mm.. I wasn’t going to say that." But she looked up at Xena, and saw the smile. "But .. yeah. You are, a little."

A raised eyebrow. Then a second. "A little??" This with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Uh.. ok. A lot." Lila confessed. "In fact, you’re about the most frightening person I think I’ve ever met. Not that I’ve met many, mind you."

"Well, that’s better." Xena replied, with a straight face. "I have a reputation to keep up, you know."

They both looked at each other, then laughed. "I better get back." Xena chuckled, lifting a basket. "This has lunch in it, and you know Gabrielle."

"I’ll walk you partway back." Lila offered, as they started off. "That reminds me, don’t you feed her out there? She’s nothing but skin and bones."

Xena snorted. "Oh please.. your sister eats easily as much and probably more than I do. She just uses it all up.. probably all that talking."

Lila laughed. "Glad to see some things haven’t changed. She was always like that."

Xena climbed the stairs, still chuckling, and gently eased the door open, slipping inside without a sound. She put the basket on the table, laid the package down on the chair, and stood quietly at the bedpost, just gazing at the still soundly sleeping bard. Seeing her from a slightly different perspective, thanks to Lila. I’ve always seen.. how hard it was for me to open up to her. Gods.. I must have driven her completely insane on more than one occasion.. never occurred to me that she was opening up, too. Always seemed so natural to her… but.. Her mind cast back. It wasn’t. She took a risk.. just like I did… She mused, unclipping her body armor, lifting it over her head and setting it down on a chair.

Trying to be a quiet as possible, she gave into her inclination and joined her partner, curling up at her back and sliding an arm around her waist. Felt the hint of tension leave the bard’s body, and the hand that clasped over hers as Gabrielle settled back against her with a soft sigh. And she let the steady rhythm of the bard’s breathing lull her into a twilight state somewhere between waking and sleeping, in a warn, comfortable haze she discovered she liked very much.

Gabrielle kept her eyes closed, and let her other senses cross slowly from sleep to waking. She smelled the clean, herbal scent of the linen, and the warm mustiness of the wooden floors in the room. Heard the creak of floor boards settling, and felt a familiar warm presence at her back. A smile etched itself on her face as her hand recognized the powerful arm that cradled her protectively, and she let herself sink unashamedly into the wonderful feeling of safety that caused in her.

She basked in that for a while, then stretched and rolled over, snuggling up tight under Xena’s chin with a contented murmur, and blinking up at her with a lazy grin. Meeting an amused pair of blue eyes that warmed as their glances touched.

"How are you feeling?" Xena asked, propping her head up on one hand.

"Much, much better." The bard responded, touching her head. "And..relieved." That it was over… That the pressure she’d felt since she’d come here was now just… gone. "And sad." A quiet, honest admission. "So.. have you been snoozing here too, all this time?" She asked, with a teasing grin., unable to keep her hands from drifting over Xena’s leather clad form, running her fingertips over the steadily moving ribcage, and feeling her partner’s breath catch at the light touch.

"No." Came the answer. "I went and exercised Argo, met up with your sister and brought your dress for tomorrow back, got some repair work done on a piece of tack, and got you some lunch." A pause. "Then I came back here, and you looked so peaceful, I decided to join you for a while."

"Lunch?" The bard grinned, zeroing in on the essentials. "I’m starving."

"You must be feeling better." The warrior chuckled.

"I am." Gabrielle answered. "It’s weird.. I should feel really bad.. about what happened, and what he said, and all.. but.." She took and released a deep breath. "it feels so good to have that pressure gone.. I know I’ll feel bad later, but right now, I’m just more relieved than anything else." She paused. "Now.. what was that about lunch?"

"Gods, Gabrielle." Xena answered, shaking her head in mock amazement. She rolled over, and grabbed the endpost of the bed, and pressed herself into a handstand, then flipped up and onto her feet and crossed to the table where a basket was resting. "Here." She turned and walked back over to the bed. "Lunch."

Gabrielle explored the basket, and patted the edge of the bed next to her. "Join me?" She offered, around a mouthful. Then, try as she might to ignore it, her father’s voice echoed back in her mind, and she stopped eating. I shouldn’t care. He did awful things to me, and to mother, and to Lila. Her eyes closed. But I do.

"Sure." Xena sat down, and pulled a piece of bread out of the basket, tearing off a bit and looking at it for a long moment, before putting it in her mouth and chewing slowly. Then glanced up and saw Gabrielle’s face, and moved the basket out of the way. "Hey.." Moving closer, she put a hand on the bard’s shoulder, and took the sandwich out of her suddenly nerveless fingers.

"I shouldn’t feel bad." Gabrielle whispered, staring out of the window. "I knew he was probably going to do that." She took a shaky breath. "I know he did.. mean.. things. To us." She studied her hands. "But it still hurts." Blindly, she reached out and tangled her fingers in Xena’s leathers, pulling herself over and burying her face into the familiar smoky tang of the hide, letting her defenses down, and the tears come at last.

"Must be rotten getting all these water stains out of that leather." She finally rasped, a while later, and felt Xena’s hand stroke her hair in response. "I think after this I’ll owe you a whole new set. Glad you didn’t have armor on.. I’d be forever getting the rust out of that." She looked up and let out a long held breath. "Thanks.. for about the hundredth time since I got here, I think. I’m sorry I keep falling apart on you."

Should I tell her about my little encounter with her father? Xena debated with herself. Does she need to hear it? Probably not. Do I need to tell her? Probably not. But this.. connection.. is making it very hard for me to keep things from her, and that may not be a good thing. She sighed. "I.. when I was out riding Argo, I.. you father followed me.’

Gabrielle’s eyes sharpened, and she lifted her head off Xena’s chest, to study her face. "What happened?"

And she told her, down to the last word, and the last movement, in a cool remote tone. Watched as the bard’s gaze turned inward, and waited for a response long in coming.

"I think I just found out something horrible about myself, Xena." Gabrielle finally whispered, wrapping her arms around her chest.

The warrior put a hesitant hand on her shoulder, and felt the shudder at her touch. Quietly let her hand drop, ignoring the sharp dagger’s thrust at her heart that caused. "What.." And had to stop and clear her throat.

"I wanted you to do that." The bard answered, in a remote voice. "I wanted to watch you take him, and make him feel.. "

"Like you did?" Xena’s voice was gentle. "Like your mother and Lila did? Gabrielle, that’s a natural feeling." Gods.. I knew I shouldn’t have told her.

"Not for me." Came the sad answer. "Breaking the cycle of hatred, remember, Xena? Now I’m just a part of the cycle."

"No." A low rumbling growl, that made Ares cower in the corner, blinking at her. "You are not, Gabrielle, do you hear me?" She swung off the bed and down onto one knee, grasping Gabrielle’s face between her two hands and forcing her to look into her eyes. "Don’t you ever say that. You were hurt… gods, by him, Gabrielle.. you have every right.. every.. need.. to have him feel what you felt." Her voice deepened. "You don’t feel hatred, Gabrielle - it’s not in you.. because I know it far better than you ever will.. and I’d know the barest echo of it.. and I don’t find that anywhere in your heart." She paused, and searched the green eyes fastened on her face. "I know you.. in some ways better than I know myself. I would trust your heart in anything.. with anyone..because you are the most loving, forgiving, most beautiful person I’ve ever known." A longer pause. "Don’t you ever doubt that. "

How many times have you told me it’s my belief in you that keeps you whole, Xena? Her mind rolled the words around, tasting them with bittersweet intensity. And I kind of knew that. But I never thought I’d need your belief in me so badly as I do right now. She unwound her arms from their tight hold, and reached up, clasping her fingers around Xena’s and pulling her hands down in between them. Bringing them up to her lips and closing her eyes as she pressed them there. And abandoned herself up to Xena’s faith, feeling the dark heavy guilt wash gently away under that steady blue stare.

A long silence fell, broken only when Xena glided back up onto the bed, and wrapped her arms around the bard, and then only by the sound of almost inaudible breathing and the settling of the wood panels that surrounded them.

Gabrielle had fallen into a dreamy half sleep when she felt Xena stiffen, and sensed an almost physical charge run through her. "What?" She asked, lifting her head.

Xena touched a finger to her lips, and cocked her head. Far off, a faint, muted rumble.

"Horses." She answered, concentrating. "Moving fast, coming this way." Then she heard the grunting yells, and stood, moving for her armor. " Fighters.. probably a roving band.." And the first outlying screams. "Trouble."

With two quick jerks, she had her armor fastened, and a third added her scabbard to its clips. "Nice timing." She sighed, as she headed for the window. "Meet you downstairs." No question of Gabrielle staying behind.. hadn’t been for quite a while now.

"Right." The bard affirmed, grabbing her staff, and watching her partner vault out of the window, and leap for the porch top, then flip off that and head groundward. "I couldn’t invent someone more amazing than she is." She muttered to Ares, as she pulled the door open, and went headlong down the stairs.

Xena reached the ground just as the first horsemen were charging into the village, swinging burning torches and heading towards the villagers with spears and iron clad pikes. They were a typical lot, the warrior thought as she headed towards the first of them at a dead run, sword drawn.

The first of the raiders swung his pike down, just barely missing a running woman. Looked up just as a hurtling leather clad body took him right off his mount, and tumbled them both to the ground. He started to get up, swinging the pike still in one hand, but Xena blocked the shot, and nailed him in the face with a short, vicious uppercut. He dropped without a sound, and she vaulted aboard his snorting mount and kneed the animal towards the now oncoming raiders.

There were about a dozen and a half of them, and three fell to her sword before the rest realized that this little village contained something far more than they had expected. With a wild yell, Xena drove into them, alternating brutal stabs with her sword and bone crunching blows that went through their half armor as though it was cloth.

A hut was on fire. Cursing, Xena reined in her mount, and looked around, spotting Gabrielle already heading towards the building. "I’ve got this!" The bard called, waving her off, and swinging her staff sharply around to take out a dismounted raider, catching him cleanly in the head and dropping him without a sound.

"Nice..’ Xena muttered to herself, then slid off the horse’s back, and started engaging the raiders on foot. The tallest of them got a hand on her, and smashed his forearm into her head. She rolled with the blow, and came right back up on her feet, stepping forward and catching him in the face with a solid elbow. He gave her a brief look of shock before sliding down her body and into the churned dirt of the courtyard.

Hoofbeats approaching, and now she was looking up to see a mounted spearman riding at her, his eyes slits behind his stiffened leather visor. Xena grinned, and waited until the point was within a hair of her face, then ducked aside and grabbed the spear, planting both boots firmly in the dirt and holding on.

Pulling the rider off, and using the end of the spear in a brutal thrust to his face that killed him instantly.

Heavier hoofbeats now, and when she looked up this time, her blood ran cold. A rider headed not for her, but for a lone figure standing in the path towards a familiar homestead.

The animal was huge, easily half again Argo’s size, and the rider.. Xena’s mind chilled. Taller than a man, with a bulls’ head and neck. "Minotaur." She breathed, and felt her heart start to hammer. And Herodotus directly in his path.

Time slowed, as it always did for her in times like this. And she had a single, still instant to understand that she could do nothing, and let this man, who had hurt his family, hurt her Gabrielle so badly get his justice. At the hands of an enemy she knew she had little chance of defeating.

"Damn." And she was moving, throwing her body into long, powerful strides that covered the ground with increasing speed, as she sheathed her sword, and pounded towards the running horse, and the minotaur, and Herodotus.

The minotaur raised his club for the killing blow, letting out a snorting roar that shook the ground with its fury. His arm swept down, but the club was suddenly blocked by a lunging airborne form, who twisted in mid air and took the heavy blow on brass armored plating.

Ouch. Xena winced, as the club crashed into her armor, but that didn’t keep her from getting her hands on his leather harness, using her forward momentum to just keep going over the other side of the horse and hoping her weight would be enough to take him with her.

And it was, just barely, taking them both down, and sending them crashing into the trunk of the tree Herodotus was backed against. Xena felt her very brains rattle at the impact, but she ignored the unpleasant sensation, and bounced off the trunk and onto her feet, facing the minotaur. Oh.. boy. I’m in trouble. "Get out of here." A growled aside at Herodotus. "Move!" He did, but not far, just out of range of her sword, and the snorting, drooling minotaur.

"You will die." The half man, half beast grated, lunging at her.

"Been there, done that." Xena responded, taking his blow on her bracer, and giving one back, which rocked the beast, and startled him. What was that Gabrielle was telling me? I convince myself I can do things? All right…let’s see if I can convince myself I can defeat.. this.

The minotaur drew his sword and came at her, and she answered, trading blows that caused sparks to fly from their blades, and sent an ethereal hissing down the path as the weapons slid across each other.

He came at her again, shoving his blade hard against hers, using his greater size to try and pin her to the tree, but Xena slid sideways, and deflected the force of the blow, and slammed her hilts into his side, getting a pained grunt and a return blow that left her head ringing like a bell.

He knew he’d stunned her, and he let out a triumphant snort as his hands closed around her throat, and she was unable to stop him.

And the world began to dim under the pressure of his gnarled hands, as she felt a soft buzzing sound fill her ears. It was quiet now, saving the buzzing, and getting dark, and her body was too tired to respond to her instinctive commands to struggle.

I can’t… Her mind drifted in a gray haze. Can’t leave… I have something… I gotta do. Someone.. I gotta see. And a stark, vivid lance of terror pierced the darkness, and banished the buzzing, as she took control of her body again, and reached up, hooking her hands around his pelted arms. This’ll either save me or kill me. Her mind sang calmly.

And she flexed her body up, bringing her booted feet against his chest, and pushing off with all the power her legs could muster. It should have broken her neck, but it broke his grip instead, and sent him crashing back against the tree. And threw her into a backflip which her body somehow managed to control, landing her in the dust, her lungs taking huge gulps of air.

Saw him coming at her, arms outspread, too enraged to remember who she was, or what she was carrying. She dropped into a crouch, then drove upwards as he leaped, her sword piercing his armor, and driving thorough his massive chest as her upward motion stopped his downward, and tossed him over backwards with Xena’s weapon buried to it’s sturdy hilts in him.

They both crashed to the earth, and Xena rolled off him, and up onto one knee, leaning on the other, waiting for her body to stop shaking, and the world to stop spinning.

Heard running footsteps whose sound was familiar, and whose close presence woke no warning bells in her battered defenses. Found the strength, somewhere, to push herself to her feet, just in time to stop Gabrielle’s headlong rush at her, and wrap still shaking arms around the bard. "Shh.. it’s ok."

"Gods.. I thought.. he almost…" The bard gasped out, running her hands over Xena’s bruised neck. "Oh.. Xena."

"It’s OK, Gabrielle. I’m all right. You … go check your mother…I’ll be fine. I just need to catch my breath." The warrior assured her, giving her a squeeze to emphasize the fact. "Go on.."

Green eyes boring into hers for a very long moment. "I’ll be right back." The bard promised. "Then I’m going to go and take care of you, because you don’t look ‘all right’. OK?"

Xena gave her a tired grin. "It’s a deal."

And she strode off down the path, giving her father only the barest of glances in passing.

Xena watched his face, watching her, then met his eyes as he turned to face her. And caught, for the barest second, a glimpse of a wide eyed boy whose spirit rang a familiar chord

Then it was gone, and his eyes were hooded again.

"Which one of us were you rooting for?" Came Xena’s quiet question, as she felt her energy level coming back, and her strength returning. She crossed to the huddled form of the minotaur and put a booted foot on his chest, gripping her sword with both hands and giving a long steady pull that freed the weapon from his chest.

Herodotus looked at her for a long moment. "I don’t know." He paused. "Why didn’t you just let it kill me? No loss to you."

Xena looked up from cleaning her blade on the minotaur’s cloth trews, and studied him. "I have a lot of blood on my hands. I won’t have yours." She sheathed the sword, and stepped towards him. "Sorry to disappoint you."

"Wouldn’t have been your hands, now would it? " The quiet question.

"Oh yes it would have." The warrior replied. "I knew I could stop him from killing you." She paused, then shook her head. "I just didn’t know if I could stop him from killing me."

"You make no sense." Herodotus replied. "What possible reason could you have to risk your life for me? "

Xena stepped up next to him, forcing him to look up at her, and remained silent for a time. Then she sighed. "Because she loves you."

Herodotus stared at her. "Just that simple?"

"Just that simple." Came the reply. She turned in a circle, and surveyed the village, which was returning to some semblance of order. Common, raiding parties, in this part of the world. She sighed again, and started back towards the inn.

"Xena." Herodotus’ voice followed her.

"Yeah?" She turned and looked at him.

"I was rooting for you." And for the barest instant, the wide eyed boy was back. Then he was gone, and an aging man broken for too many years was heading back up the path towards his home.

Xena slowly shook her head, and chuckled under her breath, then turned and headed back again to the inn, passing through clumps of villagers who watched her with intent eyes. Well.. at least it’s not open hostility.. she mused. That’s an improvement. She slowed as one of the younger girls approached her, and offered up a waterskin. "Thanks." She took the skin, and gave the girl a smile in return.

Shyly, the blond youngster smiled back, and ducked her head as she walked back to where her mother, presumably, was waiting. Gods.. was I ever that young? Xena sighed, as she uncapped the waterskin and took a long pull. And continued walking, taking a detour into the barn for a short visit to assure herself of Argo’s safety. "You missed a good show, girl." She informed the mare, who placidly chewed hay at her. "You’d have hated the minotaur." She leaned her arms on the mare’s high back, and let her head rest on the golden shoulder "That was closer than I really like to see it, Argo." She mumbled into the horse’s coat. "For a minute there…" She took a breath, and straightened up, dismissing the thought. It didn’t happen. That was all.

She turned around, and leaned back against the mare, and took another long swig of water, wincing at the metallic tang of blood, and realized that last blow from the minotaur had made her bite the inside of her cheek. Oh..that’s gonna be sore. She sighed, rocking her head back and forth to loosen her neck muscles, and hearing the popping of abused vertebra. Still, a smugly satisfied voice inside her noted, not bad at all considering that she’d taken out most of the raiding force, and killed a minotaur in single combat. Her lips quirked into a grin. Guess I’m not quite ready for retirement just yet.

The door opened, and she glanced up as Gabrielle entered, shutting the door behind her, and crossing the straw strewn floor with purposeful footsteps. "Hi." She said, once she was at Argo’s side.

"Hi yourself." Xena replied, offering her the waterskin.

"Thanks." She took it and drank. Then studied Xena’s face intently. "That was pretty scary." She moved closer and lifted a hand to the angry purpling marks on the warrior’s throat. "I wasn’t.. I was really, really frightened there for a minute.."

Xena folded long arms around her. "Me too." She admitted, closing her eyes and burying her face in Gabrielle’s pale hair for a long moment. I couldn’t leave this.. not now. Not yet. "So I guess I can scratch off minotaur on my list of challenges, right?"

Felt the bard chuckle. "Yeah, I guess." She pulled her head back and looked up at her partner. "Do you really have a list?"

Xena grinned. "Sure, doesn’t everyone?" She squeezed the bard. "Oh.. and by the way, do me a favor and tell Hercules a little story of me and the minotaur next time we bump into them, OK?"

Gabrielle pulled free, and gave her a perplexed look. "Waitaminute. Did you get hit in the head? I thought you did… you’re asking me to tell someone a story about you?"

"Uh huh." Xena confirmed, sliding an arm around Gabrielle’s shoulders, and steering her towards the door. "We have a 50 dinar bet going that I can’t beat a minotaur in face to face combat."

The bard laughed. "50 dinars? Are you guys nuts? What else do you…oh.. wait. Scratch that question. Can he beat a minotaur?"

"I’m sure…" Xena responded. "He’s a demigod, remember?"

"Mmm." Gabrielle thought about that for a minute. "Do you guys ever bet against each other?" She asked, curiously. "I mean, you against him?"

"Gabrielle.. he’s the son of Zeus." The warrior laughed. "And the last time I checked.." She felt the side of her jaw and winced. "I’m mortal. Not much of a contest."

They walked across the now empty courtyard, where the bodies had been removed already, which was painted in the crimson shafts of the setting sun. They were almost to the door of the inn when Gabrielle spoke up. "I’d bet on you."

"What?" Xena asked, almost missing the door handle as she turned to look at her partner.

"I said, if it were you against him, I'd bet on you." The bard repeated calmly. "Now, you going to let me take a look at those bruises? " She raised her brows at Xena, who was standing there holding the door open with a faint scowl.

I’m fine, Gabrielle, it’s really.." Seeing the look in those green eyes "Ok.. ok.. yeah, I will." And kept a grin off her face with a good deal of effort. "After you, your majesty."

***************************************

On second thought… Xena mused, not long after. This isn’t such a bad idea after all. She was stretched out on the bed, with Gabrielle perched cross legged next to her, and the bard was conscientiously applying some of the healing oil to the damage done by both the raiders and the minotaur.

"Gods.. that one must hurt." The bard winced, touching the spot where she’d taken the blow meant for Herodotus. She smoothed the oil on with gentle fingers, then glanced up and met the gently amused blue eyes studying her. Felt a smile crossing her face at the sight, which was mirrored immediately. "You know.. when I saw that thing heading for him… I realized you were right, Xena. I don’t hate him."

"I knew that." Came the quiet response.

"Yeah.. you did… I started running towards him.. though the gods only know what I thought I was going to do once I got there." She gave Xena a wry look. "Then you passed me like I was standing still… and I wasn’t sure if I more scared to death for you, or relieved for him. Weird." She paused, then let her face slide into a grin again, and patted Xena’s thigh. "You sure can move when you want to."

"I do all right." Xena answered, in a deprecating tone. "And if it’s any consolation, I really didn’t have a good plan as to what I was going to do once I got there, either."

Gabrielle stared at her, and giggled. "Really?"

Xena laid an idle hand on her knee. "Really.. I don’t have a contingency plan for minotaurs."

"Wish I could have done something to help." The bard sighed, contemplating her hands. "Instead of just stand there being scared to death."

The hand resting on her knee clamped down, and she looked up, startled, into Xena’s now serious eyes. "What? Oh.. you know what I mean, Xena.. I was just…"

"You said something to your mother this morning." The warrior’s voice was very quiet.

I said a lot of th…oh. "Yes I did." Knowing almost surely what she was talking about. "And it’s true." True that I couldn’t live without you.. without this.. anymore.. I forgot she heard that. She smiled inwardly. But I’m glad she did, even if it was probably a little embarrassing for her.. I mean, first this lifebond thing, then…

Xena nodded slowly. "I think you know that goes both ways. Right?"

Gabrielle felt a flush rising. "I.. uhm… " Breathe, Gabrielle, breathe… "No, I didn’t." She finished, in an almost inaudible whisper.

"I wanted.. to make sure you knew that." Xena took a deep breath. "Because.. when that minotaur was choking me to death this afternoon… the only thing that kept me going… " she paused, and reached out, to clasp the bard’s stilled fingers. " was knowing there was a reason not to die." She waited for the green eyes to raise to her own, and they did. "I felt your being scared.. and it gave me the will to break that hold, Gabrielle. So.. don’t you sit here and tell me you didn’t do anything." A short pause. "You did."

Gabrielle took several breaths to say something, but eventually just lifted their linked hands, and pressed her cheek against Xena’s knuckles, closing her eyes and smiling. And trusting that the bond that joined them would speak for her. For a bard, I have this really bad tendency to let her render me speechless. How.. embarrassing. But I think she gets the message.

And speak for her it did, as she felt herself being pulled down, and let herself collapse into Xena’s arms, falling into the pool of crimson light that cascaded over both of them.

"Hey." Gabrielle murmured, quite a while later. "I saw you get hit.. how’s your head? You didn’t get a concussion, did you?"

"Mmm." Xena reluctantly opened her eyes, and considered the question. "No.. don’t think so. Usually there’s a.. kind of foggy feeling right after, when I do. Didn’t get that this time." She reached lazily up and tapped the side of her head. "Pretty hard."

The bard tilted her head to gaze up at Xena. "Does it happen that often? You know it’s not really a good thing." Her brow creased in worry. Why didn’t I think of that before? Gods, Gabrielle, just how blind are you?

"Couple of times." Xena shrugged. "I try to avoid it, love. I’m not looking to have my head scrambled up." And smiled quietly when she realized just how naturally that affectionate term had slipped out. Even with Marcus, she’d had to consciously use words like that. Not with Gabrielle. They just.. happened. No comment from Gabrielle, she noticed, but she couldn’t hide that little sparkle in her eye, either.

"No, I suppose not." Gabrielle answered, more cheerfully. She glanced out the windows. "Nice sunset." She narrowed her eyes and gazed into the crimson light, feeling the warmth on her face. "I miss watching them out there."

"Do you?" Xena’s voice was curious. "Thought you’d rather have a roof over your head." Unlike me, for instance.

The bard shook her head, and rolled over, so she was looking up at the charcoal stained ceiling. "No.. I miss looking at the stars with you." She answered dreamily. "Or chasing clouds.. or watching the sunset. Listening to the animal noises changing from daytime to night time. Hearing the waterfalls you’re so good at finding for us to camp near." She paused. "I’m glad we’re leaving tomorrow."

Xena considered this. "Me too." She chuckled. "And we’ve got plenty of ground to cover before we’re anywhere near Cirron."

"Mmm." Gabrielle agreed. "It’ll be nice to see Jess again."

"Oh yeah." The warrior sighed. "I’m in for it from him."

The bard cocked her head. "Why? Oh..because.." Her eyes flicked between them.

"Yeah." A chagrined look from Xena.

Gabrielle giggled. "Is that what all those snarky comments were about?"

A sigh was her answer.

"Don’t worry." She patted Xena on the shoulder. "I’ll protect you. I’ll tell him to leave you alone or I’ll make up a story about him and tell all his friends."

That got a big, dazzling grin back. "C’mere."

"Huh? What…oh." Gabrielle closed her eyes and just enjoyed the kiss, letting the warmth of it travel through her like mulled wine on a cold night. "Have I ever mentioned to you how good you are at that?" she mumbled, as they took a pause to breathe.

"Uh huh." Came the drawled answer. "But it never hurts to practice."

"Nope.." The bard replied. "Besides.." She slid a hand down Xena’s ribcage, and felt the muscles ripple under her fingertips. "Can’t be too careful with your being hit in the head. Better not sleep for awhile."

"Oh.. that’s a good one." Xena chuckled. "I like that." She pulled Gabrielle into a more comfortable position and trailed one hand down the front of her body, grinning at the catch in her breathing. "I’ll have to get hit in the head more often." Then stopped talking and just reacted.

"Xena?" Gabrielle raised her head up from her comfortable position sprawled across Xena's chest to peer dazedly up at the half asleep warrior. Much later.

"Hmm?" Xena opened one blue eye and regarded her with benign affection.

"Is it ok that.. I mean, is this comfortable for you? Just letting me.. sort of use you as a big pillow?" She blushed. About time you asked that, don’t you think? "I mean.. honestly?" Like, can you breathe with all this resting on your ribcage, for instance?

Xena’s brows creased, and she laughed silently, a rumbling Gabrielle could feel. "Of course it is, Gabrielle. You belong here." She ruffled the bard’s hair, and rubbed her back gently. "I.. like it."

Offhand words.. Gabrielle thought, as they glided down her soul, and grabbed her heart with a sharp spasm. I belong here. A shout of joy ignited in her, and raced through her body, emerging in a giddy smile and a huge intake of breath. "I'm glad." She sighed, putting her head back down and relaxing.

Huh..I said something right. Xena glanced at the bard quizzically, feeling the reaction in her body and through the bond that connected them. Then she remembered.. a flash of a scene two years gone and more. "I don’t belong here." The young, fair haired village girl had said. And Xena had felt the truth of that, even then.. But you never expected this, did you. Her mind chuckled. They’d both been searching for something… And to think we found it in each other. What were the odds of that happening?

They lay quietly for a time, each immersed in thought. From the window came the faint sounds of activity in the courtyard, and the incoming breeze carried the scent of woodsmoke. "Must be getting ready for the wedding tomorrow. " Xena commented, to which the bard nodded.

"Yeah.." Gabrielle yawned, and raised her head, resting her chin on Xena’s shoulder. "I don’t think my father’s going to say anything if you’re there, now." Her lips curled into a grin. "You could be nice and not show up in armor, though"

Xena raised an eyebrow at her. "We’ll see." She commented. "You haven’t eaten all day. Hungry?"

"A little." Gabrielle gazed dreamily at her. "But not enough to move or do anything about it." Her eyes tracked to Xena’s throat, scant inches from her. "Fading already." She shook her head and lifted a hand to gently trace the marks on her neck. "Incredible."

Xena’s head suddenly cocked to one side, in a listening attitude. Hoofbeats, again, but this time slower, more decorous.

"What?" Gabrielle asked softly, feeling the change in her, seeing her eyes go distant as she focused her other senses.

"Horses, two of them." Xena answered, a faint grin starting on her face, as the hoofbeats stopped in the courtyard, and the low murmur of voices wafted on the breeze into them. "Better get dressed."

"Who is it?" The bard whispered, darting a glance towards the window, then studying her face. Must not be too bad, she’s smiling.

"Mother and…" She concentrated, then gave a little snort of laughter. "Toris."

Gabrielle grinned happily. "Awesome!" She paused. "Sokay if I tell them about the minotaur?"

Xena shrugged. "No point in not – they’ll hear it from everyone anyway." She rolled over, and stood up, carrying Gabrielle with her, setting the bard neatly on her feet. "There you go."

‘Thanks." The bard patted her lightly on the side. "Here." Handing her a tunic from the pack near the bed, and taking one for herself. "Watch out, Ares." She stepped around the now wide awake puppy, and slid into the garment, fastening it, and grabbing a piece of fruit out of the basket on the table. "Any chance we can get your mom to give them some cooking tips?" She joked, taking a big bite of the apple in her hand, and turning to face Xena.

And found the bite of apple being taken out of her mouth by gently precise white teeth, and a kiss being left in its place. "Oo." She gurgled, hastily chewing the bit that remained and swallowing it. "Can we do that again?"

"Later." Xena laughed, with a wink, as she held the door open. "Let’s go say hello first."

They got to the bottom of the stairs just as Cyrene and Toris were speaking in low tones to the innkeeper. Who looked up at their footsteps on the stairs, then blinked, darting his eyes from Xena to the two newcomers and back.

"Well, well.. fancy meeting you here." Toris grinned, and dodged around the innkeeper to grab his sister in a bear hug, which was returned with some enthusiasm. They broke apart, and he gazed at Gabrielle for a minute.

The bard read his hesitation, and gave him a welcoming smile. "Hello, Toris." And moved towards him for a hug. He grinned in response and complied, far more gently than with his greeting to Xena.

"Mother." Xena said, as Cyrene gave her a brisk embrace. "Thanks for coming out here."

Cyrene raised an eyebrow at her. "When Johan told me…" She shook her head, and glanced down. "Let’s talk later." She turned a beaming smile on Gabrielle, and wrapped her arms around the bard, then held her at arms length for a long moment.

"Hi mom." Gabrielle said, with an impish smile. "Didn’t expect to see you again so soon."

Xena watched this for a minute, then turned to the innkeeper, who was staring at them all. "Problem?" Her eyebrow raised at him.

"Uhm… friends of yours, warrior?" The man hesitantly inquired.

"Family." Xena responded, tasting the word in her mouth, rolling it around and liking the feeling.

"I’ll give them the best room available." The innkeeper promised, giving her a nervous smile.

"Are you all right, daughter?" Cyrene asked Gabrielle in a low voice, searching her eyes anxiously.

The bard let out a breath, and gave her a nod. "I am.. now." Her eyes drifted unconsciously to Xena’s tall form, then back. "I was in good hands."

Cyrene patted her cheek. "That, I was sure of." She turned to Xena. "Shall we sit down and have a talk?" She gestured to the tables, by this late hour only half filled.

"Sure." Xena said, putting a hand on Toris’ back and steering him forward. "Long as we don’t eat anything here." Said in a bare undertone for Cyrene’s ears only.

Her mother stopped, and regarded her thoughtfully. "I'll join you in a minute." And strode purposely off towards the inn kitchen.

Xena smiled, and winked at Toris. Who winked back, with sibling understanding. They sat down at an empty table, sipping at the cups of ale brought to them by the innkeeper.

"So.." Toris said, leaning back and propping a booted foot against the table support. "What’s been going on?"

They heard a crash from the kitchen. "Cyrene, Warrior Innkeeper" Xena muttered, and launched herself up from her chair, and towards the door, vaulting two tables that stood in her way.

Toris and Gabrielle looked at each other for a long, shocked moment, then burst out laughing.

"Oh gods…" Gabrielle sighed. "I needed that." She took a long sip of the ale in front of her. Then glanced up to see Toris' concerned eyes on her. It's soo weird.. her mind mused. Seeing her eyes in his face.

Toris leaned forward, and hesitated, then spoke."Listen.. I can't tell you how bad I felt when Johan told us." He looked around, then back at her. "You're like a second sister to me, Gabrielle.. "

Green eyes studied him gently. "You don't know what it means to me.. having you both come out here." Watching the faint flush come over his face. "Thank you, Toris. It was awfully nice." She paused, and now it was her eyes that dropped. "Just knowing I had.. " Her voice stopped, and she felt the warmth of his hand as he covered hers, resting on the table. "And if your sister hadn't been here.. I don't know.. what I would have done."

Toris smiled. "You're family, you know that." He reassured her. "And.. I didn't get a chance to tell you .. before you left.. but I’m really glad you are." His eyes gently sparkled. "I'm glad for both of you." He looked up as the door opened, and returned the curious gaze of the tall, blond haired man that stood there.

Gabrielle turned to see who he was looking at, and grinned. "Hello, Lennat."

Lennat walked over, still gazing at the dark haired, blue eyed man sitting with her. "Hi. Uhm…"

"Oh.. sorry." The bard realized. "Uhm.. Lennat, this is Toris. He's Xena's brother. Toris, this is my sister's betrothed, Lennat."

The two men looked at each other, then Toris smiled easily, and held out a forearm. "Great to meet a new member of my extended family." He drawled.

Lennat took the proffered arm. "Uhm… " His thoughts were evident on his face.. that he'd never considered such a thing. "I guess you're right…" With a note of pleased surprise. "Nice to meet you too."

He took a seat next to Gabrielle, and sat quietly for a few minutes, obviously digesting this newest change in his life. "I was just getting ragged on by most of my buddies." He said finally, as though to excuse his presence at this hour in this place.

They all glanced up as the door opened yet again, and yawning Lila poked her head in the room. "Oh good." She said, on spotting her sister's familiar form. She came fully into the inn, hugging her shawl around her for warmth. "Mother.." Then she glanced up, and realized there was a stranger at the table. "Oh.. sorry.." Her brow creased as her eyes got used to the light, and her mind tried to place the strange familiarity of the dark haired man next to her sister.

"Stop trying to figure out where you know me from." Toris sighed, rolling his eyes. "My name is Toris, you've never met me, but you do know my sister."

"Your sister?" Lila asked, cocking her head at him.

Toris raised one expressive eyebrow at her.

"Oh1" Lila burst into laughter. "I never knew…"

"No one ever does." Gabrielle and Toris said in perfect concert.

The door to the kitchen chose that moment to swing open, and Xena steered a smirking Cyrene towards them, pausing a step when she saw the new arrivals. Well.. this has turned into quite a little party.. her mind chuckled. "Hello Lennat, Lila." She nodded at them. "Say hello to my mother, Cyrene." She glanced across the table. "I see you've met Toris." She sat down next to him, and leaned back, putting an arm across the back of his chair. "He's my brother."

"We would have never guessed." Lennat and Lila managed to speak at the same time, then looked at each other, and laughed.

"Any luck?" Gabrielle asked Cyrene, who snorted.

"I'd say.." Xena commented, taking a long swallow of ale. "The prospects of no one being poisoned at your sister's wedding tomorrow have significantly increased."

"So.. what was the crash?" The bard persisted, reaching under the table and giving her partner a tickle behind the knee. Which got her a sharply raised eyebrow, and feral grin. She bit her lip to keep from laughing.

Cyrene sighed. "I was simply trying.."

"Mother objected to the storage techniques they use here." Xena muttered, giving Toris a look.

He grimaced. "Oh."

"Scary." She replied. "Very."

Lila and Lennat sat down, and they all listened as Gabrielle related the tale of that afternoon's raiding attack. Xena let her shoulders relax as she listened to the tale, and watched the rest of them watch Gabrielle. Saw the wince from her family on the bard's graphic description of the Minotaur fight, and gave a shrugged response.

Lila and Lennat stood when she was finished, and bid them all a warm good night. "Mother actually sent me over here to make sure everything was ok." Lila murmured to Gabrielle as they hugged.

Gabrielle gave her a strange look. "I saw her after it was all over… so…"

Lila smiled, and gave her hand a squeeze. "She was concerned about Xena." In a conspiratorial whisper.

"Oh." The bard smiled. "She's ok." But her heart warmed at the thought. Even that's coming together.. she mused. 'Thanks for asking."

Lennat was quiet during the short walk home, but he finally sighed, as they walked down the moonlit path "So.. what did you think?" He finally asked her, pulling her to a stop and sitting down on a nearby rock. Patted the rock next to him, and she seated herself, pressing next to him for warmth.

"What do I think about what?" Lila asked, though she had a pretty good idea of what.

"Them." Lennat replied.

"Them as in Xena's family, or them as in my sister and her, or…" Lila teased, gently. "Come on, Lennat, what are you asking here?"

"Toris said we were part of his extended family now." Lennat avoided the question. "He considers.. I guess.. I don't.."

Lila thought about that. "He considers Gabrielle to be a sister to him." She mused. "So.. I guess that makes me one, too.. and you're.. well, going to be my husband, so.." She looked up at him. "Does that bother you?" Tell me the truth, Lennat. You know you can."

"It's just that… " Lennat sighed. "It seems like he takes it so.. like it's natural." His eyes uneasily searched hers. "And it's not natural, to me. You and I.. that's natural."

Lila studied him quietly. "Do you think they love each other any less than you and I do?" she asked softly.

The blond man stared off into the dark woods for a long moment. Finally, he dropped his gaze to his hands, then back up to her. "No." His lips quirked. " No I don't."

"Then??" Lila asked. "Look.. it took me a while to get my mind wrapped around the whole thing.. but once I did, Lennat.. once I did.. Gods.. who are we to say what's right or wrong? That can't be wrong.. love can't be wrong, Lennat.. not that kind.. it's what you and I are feeling right now. How could you deny that feeling to anyone?"

Lennat gazed at her. "I can't." He let out a long breath. "I can't, and I won't. and… now that I've had a chance to get used to the idea, it's going to become natural for me, too." His eyes smiled. "And they'll be family to us, to you, and to me, and to our children." His eyebrows quirked. "And, besides…" Now a grin started to appear. "In the world we live in, I can think of a lot worse people to be related to."

Lila laid a loving hand on his cheek. "Thank you, my love." She looked up. "Now, we'd better get home and get some rest.. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be.. a long one."

Lennat chuckled. "I think you're right." He stood and held out an arm. "My lady?" From the prince and princess games they used to play as small children. Lila smiled, and laid her hand on his arm. "My lord.." She replied, and they walked on into the moonlight strewn path.

No sleeping in late today, Xena mused, idly watching the sky outside turn a faint shade of coral. Already, she could hear the sounds of activity outside the inn - the first muted clanking of stock being harnessed, the faint pinging of the blacksmith's light hammer ringing out, a goat's far off protest.. carried on a crisply cold breeze that also brought her the tang of burning charcoal and the rich scent of a roasting pit in full swing.

We should get up.. plenty to do out there. She glanced down as Gabrielle stirred, flexing her hands, and nestling closer, then relaxing again with a contented sigh. A grin quirked across Xena's face as she regarded her sleeping partner. Well.. maybe a few more minutes.. She really didn't have the heart to wake her up.. not when she looked so peaceful. Not when their closeness so obviously caused that little delighted smile on her face, that touched Xena's heart and melted her resolve like river ice on a spring morning. She has me wrapped around her little finger like some lovesick kid... I should be upset at that. She laughed at herself. Except that I'm enjoying it as much as she is.

Nice, that Gabrielle seemed to leave her nightmares behind when they slept like this, and had for a while. And mine.. Xena's eyes grew grim. Less frequent than the bard's, but darker and more violent. They both slept through the night now.. and that made for a more comfortable daytime relationship too. She gets irritable when she's not sleeping. And I get short tempered. Not a good combination. This.. has been good for both of us. Her eyes began to drift closed against her will, and she sighed, and forced them back open. No no.. Come on now, we really do have things to do today.

Shouldn't have stayed up so late last night with mother and Toris.. that was pretty dumb. Her lips quirked. Cyrene had been kind and supportive while Gabrielle had remained downstairs with them, but once the bard had regretfully said good night, and gone upstairs, her mother had spent quite some time venting her outrage. At Gabrielle's parents. At Potadeia. At Xena herself, once she'd figured out that her daughter had risked her life for 'that man'.

Then had chased her upstairs, citing the battle and telling her to get some rest. Xena had just shook her head, and exchanged knowing glances with her brother, and took the suggestion, snuggling down with cheerful pleasure next to her partner in the darkened room.

Her eyes began to close again, and she let them for a few minutes, then prodded herself awake again. This isn't working.. she admitted to herself.

Gabrielle stirred again, and this time her eyes drifted lazily open, and she grinned up at Xena. "Morning." She stretched in sensual pleasure, and tightened her grip on the warrior, squeezing her in an enthusiastic hug.

"Good morning to you." Xena chuckled. "What was that for?"

"Cause I can." Came the impish answer, along with another squeeze. She glanced over at the window, then back up at Xena's indulgent eyes. "Rats. It's light out." A mock aggrieved sigh "Guess we gotta go help out, huh?" Letting her fingers run lightly along Xena's side, and smirking at the raised eyebrow she got in response.

Xena nodded, and ran her fingers through Gabrielle's hair. "Uh huh" Gently tracing the outside edge of the bard's ear, and seeing the pulse point in her neck jump.

The bard briefly toyed with the idea of coaxing some additional time out of Xena, knowing she could.. but acknowledging her mother probably could use the help. And the support. She giggled suddenly. "Oh gods..."

"What?" Xena asked, peering at her.

"My mother is going to go crazy when she meets yours." She rolled over, still laughing. "That's going to be worth seeing. Did you catch Lila watching her out of the corner of her eye? Cyrene, Warrior Innkeeper. Gods, Xena..that almost made me hurt myself laughing."

Xena rolled up onto one elbow and grinned. "Well she is. She terrorized that poor cook."

The bard gazed up at her and smirked. "I guess you come by that honestly, then, huh"

The warrior glowered at her, then laughed. "Yeah..maybe I do." She admitted sheepishly.

Gabrielle gazed fondly at the familiar lines of her face, and traced the darts of sunlight down her neck and across the wide expanse of her shoulders. And sighed. "Gotta go help, huh?" Wistfully. Then finding her attention suddenly distracted by the intensity of the blue eyes across from her, that caused a subtle warmth to start spreading out from her gut. Uhhh.. maybe we could postpone that for a little while..

"Guess so." Xena answered, but she couldn't seem to tear her eyes away from Gabrielle's and she found her hand moving of it's own accord to reach out and stroke her face. Felt the sensual jolt as the bard caught her hand in her own, kissing her palm, and making her pulse race. Guess chores are going to wait a few minutes.. her mind chuckled, as she leaned forward and felt Gabrielle's hands slide under the cloth of her shirt and begin teasing explorations, while their lips found each other and the world faded out for a while.

***************************************************

"Y'know, I could get used to this dawn thing." Gabrielle drawled, a bit later, nibbling her way up Xena's exposed belly, ending up tucked under her chin and settling comfortably into her surrounding arms. "I should try waking up like this more often." And felt Xena take a long breath, and let it out slowly, warming the back of her head, and sending a trickle of air down her neck. Gabrielle grinned.. it felt good. So did the low chuckle that followed it that laid tiny vibrations all up and down her spine. Actually, that felt more than good. Her eyes closed in contentment.

"I'll have to remember that." Xena commented, giving the now openly daylit window a sheepish look. "We'd really better go help out, or we'll never hear the end of it."

"Mmm." Gabrielle sighed "I suppose I can't just say to Hades with the wedding, right?"

"Gabrielle..." A warning tone, but there was laughter in it.

"You gotta help me put that dress on. There are several dozen little things to tie. Its worse than your armor." The bard added, in a aggrieved tone, as Xena gave her a hug, then released her, rolling out of bed and standing up. "All right. .all right.." She hopped down off the bed and crossed to where Xena was rummaging in their packs, and ran her hands over the warrior's bare back. "Anyone ever tell you that you have a really nice back?"

Xena turned around and put her hands on her hips. "Only you, but on several occasions." She answered with a wry chuckle. "Get dressed, Gabrielle." She paused, and let her eyes sweep the unrepentantly grinning bard's form. "Or I won't be responsible for explaining why you missed your sister's wedding."

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. "You'd better get dressed first, or I won't care if I miss my sister's wedding." Gods.. what's gotten into me today? Must have been something in that ale last night. She blushed, and heard Xena chuckle. "Sorry."

Felt hands gently cradle her face, and she opened her eyes to see Xena's dazzling grin peering down at her. "Don't ever apologize for that, Gabrielle." And kissed her soundly.

"Did you have to do that?" The bard gurgled, as they broke apart, and Xena pushed a tunic at her with a laugh. "I'm gonna kill you."

"Sure, sure. Threats." The warrior snorted, as she fastened the straps on her leathers. "I'm scared." She ran a comb through her dark hair, and twisted it back off her face.

"Roo!"

They both looked down, to see Ares sitting on his hindquarters, front paws braced, looking from one to the other of them. "Oh.." Xena crouched down and pushed him over, rubbing his belly. "You want to get in the act too? All right.. you can come hunting with me. How's that?" She stood up, scooping the puppy up and carrying him with her as they headed down the stairs.

Cyrene strolled outside the small temple, nodding briskly to herself. She’d spent her morning productively, and had every reason to be pleased with herself. She’d scratched the inn’s proposed feast, and when they’d protested that they had no other viable choices.. her daughter, gods bless her hunting talents, had blithely shown up with the most enormous deer, and deposited it at that innkeeper’s feet with that delightfully smug smile of hers. Cyrene grinned just thinking of it.

So that had gone well, and she’d finally gotten her working relationship figured out with the inn cook – once she’d convinced the woman that she really did know her way around the kitchen. And had let her taste some samples. Cyrene chuckled softly.

Then there had been the temple – she’d sent Toris over to help decorate it with garlands of flowers, and now she wandered over to take a peek. She spotted a bunch of village girls working on the project, and Toris helping – but it was obvious his attention was distracted by a quietly working figure some distance from the others.

Gabrielle, and with a set expression on her face. Cyrene stayed a moment, and watched the bard complete what she was doing, then walk out of the back door to the temple. Noted the uneasy glances that followed her from the villagers, and the concerned look from her son. Toris noticed her, and walked over, grasping her arm and steering her outside.

"What’s wrong?" She asked, in a low voice.

Toris glanced around and then looked at her. "It’s Gabrielle – did you know what happened the last time she was home?"

"No." Cyrene breathed. "But you’re going to tell me, aren’t you dear?"

And he did, having heard it in several different versions from the village girls he had been helping. Perdicus, Callisto, and her own wedding. "Gods." Cyrene sighed. "Leave it to Xena not to mention all this." She patted his arm. "You stay here and help. I’ll see if I can find her."

"Try the graveyard." Toris replied, quietly, as he gave her a nod, and returned to the temple. The girls covertly watched him as he crossed back over to them and picked up yet another garland, and he chuckled wryly to himself. Time for a little lesson, I think.

"So." The oldest of them asked, watching him out of the corner of her eyes. "What's it like being Xena's brother?" The youngest giggled. "Can she beat you up?"

Toris laughed. "Sure." Noting their startled glances. "She can beat up everyone. Really handy to have around, as you guys found out yesterday." He paused. "Sorry we missed all the excitement. But we were really glad to have a chance to come over and meet the rest of Gabrielle's family." Keeping a straight face was hard. "Now that she's a sister to me also."

The older girl stopped, and cocked her head at him. "You consider Gabrielle part of your family?" They were all watching him covertly, paying the barest attention to the flowers they were arranging.

"Of course." Toris replied, hopping up on a stone bench, and throwing one end of the garland in his hands over the wooden suppport beam over his head. "We all do.. and you should have seen the huge birthday party we threw for her when she was.." He hesitated for a moment. "Back home." And for a little while, it had been. And might, an inner sense told him, one day be so again. He smiled. "We love her. She's great."

They looked at him quietly, then looked at each other.

Toris grinned, and kept decorating.

Cyrene walked down the solitary path, the only sound being her boot soles crunching the gravel strewn over the ground. The sparse woodland around her seemed barren, as winter had settled in the region, and she felt.. chilled. She rounded the last corner before the burial ground, and stopped, in the shadow of an old oak, one hand resting on the rough bark. Before her lay the graveyard, and in the center of the many stones stood one, lonely figure.

Gabrielle stood in silence, looking down at the neatly kept burial plot at her feet. Hello, Perdicus. She sighed. I hope you’re in the Elysian Fields, somewhere. With lots of people to talk to, and things to do. She studied her boots for a while. I know you can hear my thoughts… and I know you know what’s happened to me since you.. left. A long pause I’m sorry, Perdicus. You don’t know how sorry I am. Sorry you had to get in her way. Sorry we went through with our marriage. Sorry I couldn’t give you the one thing you asked of me. Her eyes misted. Because that had been given elsewhere before we’d ever met again. And I think…deep in your heart.. you knew that. She hugged herself. I did. And I went ahead with it anyway, and I’ll never, ever forgive myself for that. Even if you do. Even if.. even though she freely does. I won’t. Not ever.

A glance up at the cloudlessly clear blue sky. They’re right, Perdicus. This isn’t my home, not anymore. Maybe I’m just unlucky. I always got blamed for bad harvests, remember? Anyway. I know you’re at peace now. Someday, we’ll sit down and talk, ok? And don’t be mad at Xena… none of this was her fault, Perdicus. It wasn’t. Callisto surprised us.. we thought she’d go for me. Never expected her to go for you. If Xena could have stopped her, she would have… even though, , I know now.. that would have been a terrible thing for both of us. For all of us. Because she’s the other half of my soul, and as much as I know you loved me.. that would have come between us.

She prayed for me, Perdicus.. she never asks the gods for anything, but she got down on her knees, and offered her sword, and prayed for my soul. And you know.. that’s an image I carry in my heart.. always. She used her sleeve to clear her eyes. Time to go get dressed, and watch my sister get married, old friend. I’m praying that her life with Lennat is long, and without danger, and fruitful. They belong together.. be happy for them. I am. Gently, she knelt, and took a bunch of the flowers from the wedding garlands, and cast them over his grave. Then she stood, and kept one last flower, and twirled it in her fingers. Good rest, old friend. Then she took a long breath, and turned, walking back towards the path, between the rows of long and recent dead.

As she got back onto the path, she realized Cyrene was standing in the shadows, watching her. "Hello, mom." She said, quietly, as she drew abreast of the older woman.

Cyrene walked forward and pulled her into a hug. "I’m sorry, Gabrielle." She murmured into the bard’s ear. "Sorry you had to have that happen. You don’t deserve such unhappy things."

Gabrielle returned the hug, then stepped back a pace, and gazed at Cyrene. "I’ve kind of come to a.. conclusion about all that." Her mouth moved in a weary half smile. "Sometimes, things have to happen. And.. it seems horrible when they do. But you look back on them later, and see that… well, they just had to happen. That’s all."

"Is that how you live with it, daughter?" The older woman whispered, appalled.

"I have to." The bard whispered back. "Because I know… in the truth of my heart, that if he’d lived, I would have been.. It was a mistake, mom.. and I knew it was." Her eyes closed, and her shoulders slumped. "And I did It anyway. So this had to happen. " She paused. "Because if it hadn't.. " In her minds eye she could suddenly picture what might have been.. the slow dying of her dreams, and the stark emptiness in her that she'd come to know only could be filled with one person. That she'd started to feel, even that night she and Perdicus were together. She'd told herself then that it would fade, after a while. But now.. knowing now what she did.. A shudder passed through her. "But I made the wrong decision. And we all paid for it."

"Oh, Gabrielle." Cyrene hugged her again. "Is that what my daughter thinks, too?"

The bard sniffed, and laid her head on Cyrene’s shoulder. "No.. she says what happened was Callisto’s fault, and neither of us can take the blame for it."

"She’s right, you know." Cyrene said, patting her back gently. "Imagine, my daughter showing sense."

This got a faint laugh from Gabrielle. "Hey.." she protested. "she has lots of sense." Realizing what Cyrene was doing and glad of it. "She sees things a lot clearer than I do sometimes. " Defending Xena being an unconscious reflex to her.. even against her mother. Even though she knew Cyrene was just trying to get her mind off things.

"Hmm.." Cyrene put an arm around her and steered her up the path. "Must be that height. Better view." But inwardly, her heart ached, for this young bard, and for her daughter as well. "Did she stand for you, at your wedding, dear?"

Gabrielle nodded. And closed her eyes momentarily against the memory that goodbye.

"And blessed it, too, I would think." The older woman coaxed.

The bard nodded again. If only I could have read her then like I can now. I would have known. That wouldn't have fooled me for a second, not with the way her heart was pounding. I felt it, when she hugged me. So was mine.

Cyrene sighed. "She’s such an idiot sometimes."

Gabrielle snorted in surprised laughter. "No she’s not." Then her throat closed, and she could barely speak. "She just did what she thought was best for me." She paused. "She always does. Even when it’s really not the best thing for her."

Cyrene hugged her shoulders. "That’s one of the most honest definitions of love that I’ve ever heard, Gabrielle."

The bard smiled. "I know." They walked on in silence for a bit. Then.. "Thanks, mom."

"Anytime, dear. And speaking of that, when do I get to be introduced to your own mother? I’d ask Xena to do it, but you know how that usually goes."

They glanced at each other, and chuckled. "Actually, she’s been umm.. really diplomatic this whole time." Gabrielle stated, with a grin. "Except for the odd threat, and dumping someone in a manure pit." She sighed. "Come on. I’ll do the honors."

Oh.. that was amusing. Gabrielle contemplated, as she climbed the stairs to their room, after performing introductions at her family home. Sorry Xena had to miss that. She would have enjoyed it. Lila sure did. She pushed open the door, and glanced around. Xena was no where to be found, but she’d been there.

Gabrielle walked around the room, and smiled. Her dress had been unpacked from it’s bundle, and neatly hung up, all the laces and fastenings straightened and arranged precisely. On the table lay her small kit, and the bag she kept her jewelry in. Next to a basket of bread, cheese, and fruit, with a note resting on top of it. She lifted the note, written in a firm, familiar hand.

"Eat something, or you’ll keel over during the ceremony. I mean it. X."

She lifted the note to her lips and pressed it there. Gods, I love her. Her mind chuckled. The uneasy depression she’d been plagued with since decorating the temple eased away from her as she complied, perching on the edge of the table, selecting a thick slice of bread, and topping it with a creamy white chunk of cheese.

She was halfway done with it, when the door swung silently open. She glanced up to meet Xena’s eyes, and gave her a warm smile. "Hey." Her hand gestured around the room. "Thanks."

A grin from the warrior, and a depreciating shrug. "Thought you could use a hand."

Gabrielle gazed at her, and put down her bread. "The only thing I could use right now is you." The words were out before she could stop them.

Xena put down the bundle she was carrying, and came over to her. "Toris said you were upset.. not that I needed his bulletin. C’mere." She opened her arms and wrapped Gabrielle in them, pulling the bard into close contact.

The bard fell gratefully into her strong embrace. "Gods.. that feels good." She muttered into Xena’s shoulder, breathing in the welcome scent of herbal soap and leather, and her soulmate. "I thought I had everything pretty much under control.. I forgot about the temple. Brought it all back."

"Yeah. For me, too." Came the unexpected answer. "I don’t.. have fond memories of the place." She avoided Gabrielle’s heartsick eyes. "Maybe the wedding today’ll wipe those out." And managed a smile for her partner. "Listen, if you want to stick around after the ceremony.."

"No." Immediate and final. "I’ve had about enough of this place. I want to spend tonight under the stars. Alone, except for a wolf, a horse, and you."

Xena gave an unseen smile. "Our stuffs already packed." She replied. "I’m looking forward to that, too." Gods.. was she ever. Enough of small minds, small villages, and petty intrigues. "Mom has things under control here – she’ll stay on for a few days, and get things straightened out with Hecuba." Her lips twitched. "Now that was a pair to see together."

Finally releasing Gabrielle, who moved just far enough away to gaze up at her. "You’re wonderful."

Getting a sardonic grin from Xena. "Not."

Gabrielle wrapped her hands in the soft leather covering her and tugged hard. "Yes."

"Go get cleaned up." Xena changed the subject. "And let’s get you into that dress, so you can get to this wedding. " she paused. "Get going."

"Ok mom." Gabrielle teased, sliding in for one more hug.

"I’m going to get you for that, squirt." Xena threatened, wrapping an arm around her waist and lifting up . "Gotcha."

"Xena!" The bard laughed. "Let me down!"

"Uh uh." The warrior shook her head. "You’re stuck. I’m gonna carry you into the ceremony just like this." She started walking towards the door. "I might even do this." And proceeded to tickle her, getting yells of outrage from the bard, who was laughing too hard too struggle much.

"Ohh.. Yow! Cut that out…" She tried to get a grab on Xena, but the warrior ignored her efforts and kept walking, out the door and down the hallway to the bathing room. "Xena!!!"

"Did you hear something?" Xena asked no one in particular. "I must be imagining things." She nudged the door open with a booted foot, and kicked it shut behind them, and grabbed Gabrielle’s knees, swinging her up into a cradled position. "Unfasten your tunic."

Gabrielle blew out a breath, but did as she was asked. "What are you doing? Xena, it’s going to be cold in .. oh. Wow." As she was lowered into the waiting tub full of warm scented water. "Wow." Xena removed her loosened tunic, and pulled it free, leaving her to float. "Wow." She sighed, and took in a deep breath of the steamy, jasmine scented water. And looked up at Xena in stark adoration. "You’re so cute."

Xena paused, as she folded up the bard’s tunic, and put both hands on the tub rim, raising both eyebrows and snorting. "Cute?"

"Uh huh." Gabrielle caught her lower lip in her teeth in an effort not to smirk. She splashed water at her partner. "Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone just how sweet you are, and how cute. And nice. I promise."

Xena blushed. Which got a delighted giggle from Gabrielle. The warrior scowled. "I just thought…"

A hand slid from the tub and covered hers, and the bard’s face went serious. "I know you did. And.. gods.. thank you. For everything. Xena, I mean that."

Xena sat down on a low stool next to the tub, and rested her chin on her folded arms atop the rim. "You’ve had a really rough time here, Gabrielle. I would.. I would have spared you this, if I could have." Her blue eyes were filled with an aching sadness.

"Fair trade, Xena." The bard whispered, touching her fingertips to Xena’s cheek. "Lila, mother, Lennat..Tectdus, Alain.. it was worth it. "

"I knew you’d say that." Came the quiet response. "Here, let me get your hair..time’s running short."

Gabrielle stood in front of the mirror, scowling at her reflection. "I really don’t…"

"Shh." Xena said, adjusting her sleeve. "You look beautiful." And she did, the dress, in cascading layers ranging from pale gray to slate picked up on her coloring, and made her tanned skin and red gold hair fairly glow.

"No." Gabrielle turned and looked at her. "I look adequate. You, on the other hand, look drop dead gorgeous." Surveying the rich, wine colored embroidered silk long tunic Xena was wearing. ‘But then, you could wear a towel and look that way, so…"

"Opinions vary." Xena snorted, adjusting the high collar on her outfit, and flicking her hands through her dark hair to settle it. The tunic was tapered, and outlined her muscular form with elegant precision, moving with her as she moved, and clinging to her body in just the right places. Not bad. She grudgingly admitted to herself.Well.. if they’re gonna stare, might as well give em something to stare at. She grinned at her reflection, and settled the intricately worked bracelets around her wrists. "At least it covers most of the scars." But her eyes twinkled.

Gabrielle glanced in the mirror, and was caught by the image of them both, standing side by side in the warm sunlight from the window. ‘Actually.." she gave Xena a little sidelong glance, and blushed. "That’s quite a picture." She nodded towards the reflection.

"Mmm." Xena arched an eyebrow at her. "I guess it is, at that." She put her arms around the bard, and observed the results in the mirror. Quite a picture, indeed.

They looked at each other, and smiled "Ok..we’d best be going." Gabrielle finally said, giving her dress one last twitch.

"Hmm.." Came the response. "Oh.. one last little thing." Xena casually captured Gabrielle’s hand, and slid a ring gently on her finger. Completely enjoying the totally stunned look on the bard’s face. "Figured that’s easier to carry around than that damned dagger." She tried to be offhand, but her voice broke, and she flushed. She'd been more nervous about this than she'd thought.

Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. So she studied the ring instead – it was a smaller version of Xena’s own signet, with her crest engraved on it, and serpentine twined gold underneath. "It… it’s beautiful." She finally whispered. Oh.. gods. It’s perfect.. "But.. I mean.. you didn’t have to… I know you.. " A slight pause. "Oh Xena." In the softest voice she had.

"Uhm." Xena sounded uncharacteristically unsure of herself. "Look.. the ceremony today is.. kind of a legal contract. And… the Amazons have a ceremony that.. provides a.. social contract." Her eyes moved up and met Gabrielle’s. "I don’t think either of those really.. cover… what you are to me."

Saw the bard’s jaw clench tight, and her throat swallow hard.

"So I had to improvise." She paused. "As usual.. so I just.. well, I thought.. I wanted to give you something that." she took a breath Gods..this was harder than I'd thought it would be. "Something that.. well, kind of indicates just how.. much you’re a part of me." There. Gods. I’ve fought entire battles in less time, and with far less effort. And I even practiced for this one.. She dropped her gaze and finished quietly. "Because you are a vital part of my life, Gabrielle. And I.. can't express to you just how happy that's made me.."

Can I freeze this moment? Gabrielle hugged herself. I want it to last forever, so I can take it out, in the darkest of times, and just remember it, and that will drive the darkness away and put my soul at rest. I want to memorize every sound, every smell.. so that the birdsong outside, and the ping of the smith’s hammer, and the scent of newly put out beeswax candles, and the color of her tunic, and the look in her eyes.. everything.. will remind me of this instant of time.

"Iif there were words to express what I'm feeling right now..I'd say them." The bard said softly. "But there aren't, so I'll just tell you that you are my life." She paused, never taking her eyes from Xena’s. "And my home. And you always will be."

They stood in the silence of the moment, in the warm sunlight that slanted across their joined hands and danced off the reflecting mirror, and let the emotions settle inside them.

Finally, Gabrielle smiled thoughtfully. "I’ve seen writings that celebrate the joining of lives.. of hearts.. Xena, but none of them tell what it’s like to be in the center of the joining of two souls…" She gave a faint shake of her head. "I wonder why not?"

"I don’t know." Xena said, lifting her hand up and brushing her fingers with her lips. "Probabaly because you haven't written it yet." Her eyes took on a burnished glow. "Now I guess you will."

"I guess I will, at that." Came the softly laughing answer. "Come on.. if I’m late to this, I’ll never hear the end of it."

Xena held an arm out, and raised her eyebrows. Gabrielle wrapped her arm around the warriors, and they headed for the temple.

"Everything ready?" Cyrene asked, putting a friendly hand on Hecuba’s arm. "Hecuba?"

"Hmm?" The distracted woman replied. "Oh..goodness. Yes, I’m sorry, Cyrene. You’ve been like a gift from the gods. Thank you." She spared the dark haired woman a glance, still trying to get used to the idea of the utterly strange and violent Xena having.. of all things, a mother. And a very nice one, at that, who had calmly stepped in, and taken charge of many of the details her frazzled mind hadn’t really had the energy to cope with. The woman was positively… competent. And had very nice things to say about her Gabrielle, who had simply strolled in to the kitchen earlier and said "Mother, this is Cyrene." And she’d looked up from her preparations, quite startled, to see an older woman, of middling height, and piercing eyes standing next to her older daughter.

And she’d liked her, very much. They’d had a lot to talk about.. living in villages, crops, dealing with merchants. Her lips twitched. Daughters. She'd learned a lot about the person her Gabrielle had chosen to live her life with.. and now that she'd resigned herself to that, it had gotten easier for her to see Xena as smoething more than an ex warlord. But she still feared for her daughter. And had found out that Cyrene felt the same way.

Now they stood in the temple, waiting. Hecuba glanced around approvingly. "They did a lovely job with the flowers, don’t’ you think?"

Cyrene nodded, and watched the villagers start to gather in the temple, clustering in small clumps, and talking amongst themselves. The door nudged open, and Gabrielle slipped in, spotting her sister near the altar and crossing towards her.

"Oh my…doesn’t she look nice." Hecuba remarked, with a little surprised smile.

Cyrene gave an appreciative chuckle. "Very beautiful." She agreed. And the fair haired bard certainly did look nice.. the shaded grays of her dress set off her hair, and made her vividly green eyes stand out sharply. Too.. she carried herself with an air of confidence.. and had in inner glow about her that was very different than the quiet sadness Cyrene had seen earlier. Something happened.. and if I know my daughter, she was at the root of it. the innkeeper predicted.

"Gabrielle!" Hecuba called, motioning her over. The bard changed direction in mid stride, and walked over to join them. "How lovely you look!"

"Thanks." Gabrielle grinned. "They did a good job with the dress." She glanced down and gave a little shrug.

A whistle sounded behind them, and then Toris was poking his head between Gabrielle and Cyrene. "Wow..you look great, Gabrielle." He winked a bright blue eye at her, and she gave him a warm smile in return.

The bard plucked his sleeve, and stood back a minute to gaze at him. "You look pretty nice yourself, Toris. That’s a great color on you."

Toris blushed, contrasting strongly with the deep blue of his tunic, shades darker than his eyes. "Uhh… thanks."

Hecuba bent her head closer to her daughter and sighed "And what a lovely necklace." She turned Gabrielle towards the light a little. "Wonderful color."

"Everyone says that." Gabrielle replied, with an impish grin.

Cyrene chuckled, and happened to glance down, catching a small movement out of the corner of her eye. Gabrielle’s hand was flexing slightly, her fingers playing unconsciously with an unfamiliar ring that graced her finger. Then she stilled for a instant. Long enough for Cyrene to get a good look at the piece of jewelry. That scamp! Her mind chortled. I can’t believe she didn’t tell me she was going to do that!

"Well, Lila’s waving at me.. gotta go." The bard remarked, giving her mother a hug. "See you all later."

She turned and strode over to where Lila was standing, and gave her younger sister a hug as well. Lila plucked her gray sleeve, and said something that must have been sarcastic, because Gabrielle spread both hands out and shrugged.

"Gods." Toris’ voice rose to a squeak, alarming Cyrene.

"What??" She demanded, turning to face him, and realizing his gaze was fixed across the room. She whirled, and spotted what he was looking at, and raised both eyebrows. My..goodness..

Xena had entered quietly from a side door, and was making her way across the temple towards them, passing in and out of pungent bars of sunlight from the windows that caught every silken fold of the rich burgundy tunic she was wearing and dancing reflections off the twin knotted bracelets at her wrists. Moving with an unconscious strength that the clinging fabric did nothing to disguise.

Surely… Cyrene mused. Surely she realizes every singe eye in the room is on her. And a quick movement of her head told her that was true… and caught Lila’s poke at her sister, who smirked. And she felt a surge of maternal pride.

"Hi." Xena said, glancing from her mother to her brother. "Something wrong?"

"Whoa.. lemme tell you.. if you weren’t my sister.." Toris growled, sidling up next to her and running his fingers over the soft fabric.

"You would do.. what? Toris?" Xena replied, raising a dark eyebrow at him, and adding a feral smile. "Hmm??"

"Mmm…something that would guarantee to land me in the healer’s hut." Her brother responded, waggling his eyebrows at her. "You look really good in that, sis."

Xena grinned. "Thanks. You look pretty nice yourself." She patted him on the side. "You too, mother."

Cyrene snorted. "Hmph. Two best looking people in the whole room, and what do you know? I’m their mother."

"Mom!" They both sighed in unison.

Cyrene grinned.

"Great Hera, Gabrielle… you look fantastic. Much better than I do." Lila teased, as her sister crossed to where she was standing near the altar. "When did you get to be gorgeous?"

"Lila!" Her sister snorted. "Get real." She looked around, and took a deep breath. And put her memories of this place firmly away, for another time. This was Lila’s day, and she refused to think about sad things during it. "Besides, you look great yourself."

"No, really.." Lila protested, turning her towards the light. "I’m not joking." In a softer tone. "You look like… you look different somehow."

"Nope." The bard grinned cheerfully. "Just me." She looked around. "Where’s Lennat?"

Lila rolled her eyes. "Getting last minute instructions from our father, and Tectdus."

"Mmm…is that a good thing?" Gabrielle asked, crossing her arms over her chest, and raising her eyebrows.

"Well, Lennat is pretty strong minded.." She giggled. " And Tectdus is really sweet., so.." She stopped speaking and reached a hand out, grabbing her sister’s hand and pulling it away from her chest. "Gabrielle!!!"

"Hey..what..oh." The bard surrendered her hand, trying not to blush. "Yeah..uhm…"

"That is really beautiful." Lila crooned, examining the seal. "Is that…" She glanced up at Gabrielle’s face. "Must be." She grinned, and paused, and they looked at each other. "I hope.. gods, I hope my life with Lennat will put half the expression on my face that you have on yours right now."

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and let the rich warmth roll over her again. Then she let her eyes slide open and gazed at her sister. "I hope so too."

"Well, I don’t… gods, Bree." Lila’s eyes widened, and she poked her sister sharply in the ribs. "Whoa…"

Yeah, whoa. Gabrielle took a breath. That’s mine. Then the blue eyes lanced across the temple, and caught hers, and gave her a conspiratorial wink. And she realized she had that amazingly dumb grin on her face by the sudden twinkle in Xena’s eyes, and the flash of her own dazzling smile. "Cleans up nice, doesn’t she." she commented to Lila, getting her face back under some kind of control.

Lila gave her a look, then laughed. "Well, that just stunned half the village. Between her and Toris, yo'uve managed to cover eveyrthing.."

Gabrielle chuckled, and watched Xena join her family just off to the side of where she was standing. "Yeah.. they're quite a pair." And got another wink from her partner, which she returned, with a smile.

Then the door pushed open, and Lennat strode across the rough stone floor, followed by Tectdus, and Metrus, and Herodotus. The villagers quieted down, and started to gather around the altar where the priest was standing.

Lennat stepped up next to Lila, and took her hand, lifting it to his lips, and kissing it. They turned and faced the altar, and the priest joined them, draping fragrant garlands of flowers over their heads, and scattering them with herbs.

Alain, wide eyed, stood next to Lennat, all startled nervousness, and freshly scrubbed pink skin. "My brother!" He whispered to no one in particular, having been newly told.. "Wow." He glanced up and over to where Xena was standing, and gave her a grin.

She winked at him. That made his face all happy, and he sighed in contentment. The stories he’d always loved best were the ones Bree always told that had heroes in them. He bounced up and down on his feet a time or two. Now he knew a hero himself. He had a picture. now. one of his very own.. that he kept to snuggle down with at night and remember..

Herodotus was a silent, brooding presence behind his daughter, and Lennat. His face was still and closed, and no reaction showed there, even when his eyes flickered off the altar, and glanced over Gabrielle.. And went no further, because he knew if he did.. if he let his eyes slide past her elegant form, he’d have to meet a pair of ice blue eyes whose intensity he’d discovered too much for him to bear.

Damn her. His mind growled. I want to hate her. Oh.. how I want to. But his mind kept running the previous day over and over..leaving him no rest. No solace, even with enough drink to take him into oblivion, he still saw that damn minotaur’s froth flecked face coming at him. Swinging that damn club at him..and knowing his death was approaching.

Then that damn woman.. that damn woman. She’d jumped in front of that minotaur, and taken the blow that had been meant for him. He’d seen it..seen the look of agony on her face as it struck.. no matter how she tried to shrug it off later. He’d heard the horrible crunch as both of them had hit the tree next to where he was standing. Seen her somehow..somehow… collect herself, and just…He’d never imagined what it would be like to be a warrior..never thought beyond the shiny swords, and the triumphs.. never imagined what it would be like to pit your body day after day, time after time, against enemies that, some of them, were bigger, and faster, and stronger than you were. She’d gone against that beast not caring – knowing only that she stood between it.. and him. Put his life before hers. And his mind would admit to only one definition for her now.

He was furious. At himself. At her. At the damned images that she’d planted in his mind, after all these cursed years that were stirring something in him he desperately wanted to keep buried. To forget. The part of him that he saw so agonizingly in his older daughter. Gods damn you, Xena. You will not wake that voice in me, not now. Not again.

But was there. Whispering to him. He’d wanted to give into it so badly – Hecuba had asked him what happened when he’d gotten home right after.. and he’d bitten his lip almost through from the want of it. The need to paint with words the pictures now so vividly embedded in his mind. The need they thought they’d beaten out of him, all those years ago which he himself had actually killed with bitterness and drink long after.

Resolutely, he shut that out of his thoughts. And returned his attention to the priest, and the ceremony before him. It would go away after a while. They always did. But damn that woman.

"Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cow patty?" Cyrene muttered almost inaudibly, knowing Xena would hear her.

"Mmm." Came the slightly louder response.

"I can’t abide him, Xena. Can’t – I can talk to Hecuba, but.." She continued, keeping her eyes on the progressing ceremony. "Nothing will change with him."

Felt a sudden hand on her shoulder, and felt the warmth as Xena leaned close to her ear. "Anyone can change."

She turned her head slightly, and met the serious gaze from her daughter. Who was living proof of that statement. Her mind twitched. Or was she? Had she changed in the last two years.. or merely reawakened a part of herself long buried? Cyrene remembered the toddler who insisted on aggressively protecting village curs, and smiled inwardly. "It’s impossible, Xena."

"Get him to tell you a story." Came the whispered response. Then Xena leaned back, and bumped shoulders with Toris, who was attentively listening to the exchange of vows. Toris glanced at her, and unexpectedly slid an arm across her shoulders.

Got a raised eyebrow.

"Because I can, and not get my ribs broken." Was his answer, with a smug look. Then he flinched as he felt her shift.

"Relax." She snorted, and returned the gesture, curling an arm around his waist. "I’m not going to dump you on the ground in the middle of a wedding."

They glanced at each other, and smiled, and then turned to watch, as Lennat lifted the garlands off of their necks, and wound them around the pair of clasped hands in front of them, and Xena saw Gabrielle’s shoulders twitch, and a pang of sympathy rang though her. Hang in there, love. It’s almost over.

Saw the bard take a deep breath, and square her shoulders, and the lift of the head that Xena knew well. Good girl. Her mind smiled.

Then the ceremony was over, and they were showering the new pair with flower petals, blessing the union with symbols of the earth’s fertility. Lennat and Lila held their arms up in protection from the shower, and ran for the door, laughing.

And as they crossed the door threshold, waving, Xena relived one of her own private nightmares. Even after all this time, and with her relationship with Gabrielle being what it was… it still hurt. The feeling of abandonment that had left such emptiness in her that it had.. for an endless time that night almost.. almost… She closed her eyes, and let it run its course. Damn.. that was a long night. And I hadn’t cried like that since… Lyceus. She took a deep breath, and felt a concerned hand on her arm.

"Xena?" Cyrene’s voice was very low, as she studied the lost look on her daughter’s face. "Dear?"

"I’m all right. Just some bad memories." Xena replied, letting the nightmare fade back into the recesses of her thoughts. "Nice ceremony, wasn’t it?"

Cyrene forced a smile, guessing which memories were plaguing Xena. "Lovely." She sighed. Should she needle the thoughts from her daughter? No.. that picture didn’t need to be dragged into the light. "Hey.." She prodded her in the belly. "Nice ring Gabrielle is wearing."

"Oof." Xena mock coughed at the poke, then blushed a little, and glanced at the stone floor. "Yeah, well…"

"Was that my name I heard?" Came Gabrielle’s quiet voice as she slid in beside Xena, and leaned against her shoulder. "What am I being blamed for this time?"

"You?" Xena snorted, feeling her good humor slowly returning. "Who ever blames you for anything? Now.. me, on the other hand…"

They grinned at each other, and Xena felt the gentle comforting movement of the bard’s hand against her back. Guess she sensed that, a minute ago. She sighed inwardly. Let go of it, Xena. It’s in the past. This is now.

"If you two are determined to leave.." Cyrene said, but in a gentle tone. "You’d best get something to eat first."

"Mom, I like your priorities." Gabrielle answered, with an irrepressible smirk. "Especially if you had anything to do with the cooking."

Cyrene chuckled. "That’s as may be…shall we?" She gestured them out, and grabbed Toris’ arm, puling him ahead, to leave Xena and Gabrielle walking a few paces behind.

They looked at each other.

"Subtle." In unison.

They walked towards the door, then Gabrielle slowed, and pulled Xena to a halt, at about, Xena mused, the place they’d said their good-byes the last time.

Gabrielle paused, obviously gathering her thoughts, then took a breath to speak. She gazed up into Xena’s eyes for a long moment, then sighed. "I’m sorry." She closed her eyes and dropped her head. "I’m sorry." Again, this time whispered.

"No." Xena lifted both hands, and carefully cradled Gabrielle’s face in her hands, raising her head up. "I should have said something then."

Green eyes melded with hers. "There was something to say?" Quiet wonder in her voice.

Xena nodded, letting a faint smile touch her lips. "For a long time."

Gabrielle caught her breath. "How long?"

Now the smile deepened. "The moment I saw you."

The bard leaned forward and rested her head against Xena’s chest. "Now I don’t feel so bad." She sighed. "Me too."

Xena pulled her into a hug, and they stood in silence for a time.

Finally, Gabrielle pulled her head back, and gave Xena an amused look. "Come on..let’s get some food, get a cup of something with a kick in it, and get out of here. I’ve had about all I can take."

Xena chuckled, and they walked outside arm in arm.

"Now, you two take care." Cyrene fussed later, as she slung an extra bag on Argo’s saddle pad. "That’s dinner."

"Mother.." Xena laughed, then shook her head. "Thanks." She gave Cyrene a hug. "We’ll try. We want to stop in at the Amazons after we take a trip down the coast.. maybe we’ll drop by home."

Cyrene put her hands on her hips. "Maybe??"

Toris chuckled and gave her shoulder a punch. "I’ll be looking forward to it." And got a hug from his sister, which surprised him a little. "Hey..you getting all mushy on me?" The hug turned into a vise grip, which lifted him completely off his feet. "Ugh. Sorry. Scratch that." He coughed, as she relented and let him down.

Xena sighed. "You take care, Toris. Be careful on the ride home… I don’t like the idea of those raiding parties roaming around out there."

Toris grinned. "Guess you’ll have to stick close to make sure we’re all right then, huh?"

"Toris…" A warning growl.

He patted her cheek. "Just kidding."

Xena rolled her eyes, and finished fastening the extra bags on Argo. She reached down and picked up Ares, tucking him into his carry bag. "You’re almost big enough to run and keep up, huh boy?" She commented to the wolf.

"Roo!" He protested, and started chewing her thumb. She peered over Argo’s high back, keeping an eye on the small cluster of people around Gabrielle. Her family – whom Xena had already said a somewhat cordial good bye to.

"You be careful, all right, Bree?" Lila grasped her hands, and gave her a worried look. "Promise me?"

A quiet smile from the bard. "I promise." She hugged Lila, then her mother. "Take care, mother." With quiet grief, knowing just how long it might be before she crossed back into Potadeia.

"Be well, daughter." Hecuba replied, with a sigh. "Keep yourself safe."

Gabrielle nodded, and turned to rejoin Xena. And found herself face to face with her father. Her head lifted, and she gazed at him, waiting. Seeing, over his shoulder, a sharp pair of blue eyes watching intently. Felt safety cascade around her like a soft summer rain. He can’t hurt me. Not anymore. "Father." She said, with a cool tone.

"Gabrielle." He answered, studying her face. Saw himself in the strong structure of her bones. "Be well." A pause. "Come, I’ll walk you over to your friend." No color on the word. No indication on how he felt about it.

She nodded, and they turned and started walking.

"Sometimes things get said.. in haste.. that you live to regret." Herodotus commented, putting his hands behind his back and glancing everywhere but at Gabrielle. Or into Xena’s eyes, now getting closer and closer.

"Sometimes." Gabrielle allowed, watching his face.

"I may have done so." Her father said, taking a breath. " Would you.."

Gabrielle stopped, and regarded him. "I never heard it."

Herodotus nodded. "Very well."

They stopped in front of Argo, and Herodotus found himself looking over the horse’s back right into Xena’s level gaze. He blinked. She didn’t. "I don’t like you." He said, bluntly.

Xena’s eyebrow raised. "I don’t much like you either, Herodotus."

Slowly, he nodded. Then stepped around Argo and faced her, letting his eyes rake her from head to foot.

And put out a forearm, which was taken by the startled warrior. "So long as we have that understood." He released her arm, and stepped back, giving Gabrielle a final glance, then turning and heading back to the wedding party. Not once looking back.

They looked at each other in wary puzzlement. "What was that all about?" Gabrielle wondered.

Xena shrugged. "Don’t wanna know." She vaulted up onto Argo’s back. and waited, while Gabrielle gave Cyrene and Toris fierce hugs.

"Thank you for coming." She whispered into Cyrene’s ear. "It meant an awful lot."

Cyrene patted her on the back. "Wouldn’t have missed it."

The bard nodded, and walked back to Argo’s side, glancing up.

Xena grinned, and extended her arm, pulling Gabrielle up behind her.

They waved, and Xena kneed Argo into a canter, as they watched the village turn to fields, and then into rough country.

"So. You ever consider taking up a career as a diplomat?" Gabrielle asked, conversationally.

"What?" Xena half turned in the saddle, and peered at her. "Oh..yeah..I’m diplomatic, all right. Hey, Mr. Councilor, cancel your war or I’ll break your arm. Uh huh…"

"No, really..I think you’d be great. You could ride around with this big group of aides, and send diplomatic notes all over the countryside."

"Gabrielle!"

"No, huh?"

"No."

The bard sighed. "What about a fashion consultant. That was one great outfit you were.."

"Gabrielle…" This time a low, haunting growl. "I like what I do."

Gabrielle grinned. "Good." She leaned forward, and brushed Xena’s back with her lips. "I like what you do, too. "

Their laughter trailed them as Xena urged Argo into an headlong gallop, and scattered an outraged flock of ducks in the meadow before them.

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