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."

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.

Continued...Part 5(Final)

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