-- Chapter 19 --

"Gabrielle, wait up!" Lila called out, rushing to catch up. "I'm so glad I ran into you. I just did the last fitting for my wedding dress. You've got to see it. It's so beautiful! Come back to the house and I'll show you."

Avoiding her sister's eyes, the bard glanced away. "I--I don't think that would be a very good idea right now."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not really welcome there." Gabrielle released a shaky breath. "Dad found out about Xena and me."

"No! What happened?"

Gabrielle shook her head sadly. "It was awful. He saw us in the barn 'together.'"

"Gods!!!" Lila exclaimed. "Are you okay?"

"I--I'm still kind of stunned."

"I guess he took it pretty hard, huh?"

"That's putting it mildly. He came at Xena with his sword."

"What?!"

"Yeah, things got pretty ugly. He told me I had to chose between her and the family."

Reaching out, Lila took her sister's hand. "Gab, I'm so sorry. What are you going to do?"

"My life is with Xena," she said simply.

"Does that mean you're going to leave?"

"No, at least not right away. I had a long talk with Mom. She thinks we should stay a while longer, wait for emotions to cool."

"So she handled it okay, then?"

The bard nodded. "I don't know what I would have done without her support…and yours." She squeezed her sister's hand and met her eyes. "Lila, I'm really sorry this had to happen now, right before your wedding."

"Not much that we can do," her sister said, trying to be supportive. "What about Xena? How's she taking all of this?"

At the mention of the warrior's name, Gabrielle felt the tension drain from her. "She's been great. Lila, I've never been so happy. I can't tell you how wonderful it is."

"Yeah, I suspected something was up at breakfast yesterday."

"What was your first clue?" the bard teased.

Lila rolled her eyes, then looked up curiously. "So tell me, was it everything you hoped it would be?"

"Everything and more." Sighing contentedly, the bard smiled. "In my wildest dreams I never imagined it could be like this."

"Gab, can I ask you something personal?"

"I--I guess so."

"I…uh…I was wondering if you…." She looked away shyly. "I mean…I know it was your first time with Xena, but have you ever done it with a…with a man?"

"No, I never really wanted to. What about you? Have you and Graham--"

"--Of course not!" Lila exclaimed. "Graham's very traditional. We're waiting until after we're married."

Gabrielle laughed softly. "I guess that explains why you're so excited about the wedding,"

Lila smiled. "Actually, to be honest, I'm a little nervous. I've heard some women say it's painful." Blushing, she turned to her sister. "When you and Xena…you know…did it hurt?"

"No, not at all."

"I guess it's different with men, since they…since they're inside you and all."

"I don't think that physically it’s all that different," Gabrielle responded, smiling softly as she recalled how incredible it had felt to slide her fingers deep inside the warrior. Unconsciously, she glanced down at her hand.

Realizing what Gabrielle was implying, her sister blushed hotly. "But then…if you like that, I don't understand. I mean, I know you're in love with Xena, but couldn't you have fallen for a man?"

She shook her head. "I'm not physically attracted to men…but it's more than that. There's something innately different about women that draws me. I don't know how to explain it, but there's a trust…a special bond with women that I don't feel with men."

Lila nodded, trying to understand.

"Anyway, for me it's the love I feel for Xena that makes the physical experience beautiful." She smiled. "I'm sure it will be the same for you and Graham."

"I sure hope you're right."

*****

As Gabrielle entered the clearing, Xena took her into her arms. "You okay?"

"I am now," she sighed, pulling the warrior close.

"How'd it go with your mom?"

"She was great, really supportive. It felt so good to finally be honest with her and share my feelings."

"What about your dad? Did you see him?"

"No, thank goodness! He wasn't there." She sat down on a log and exhaled loudly. "Whew, what a day!"

Taking a seat beside her, Xena laid her hand on her arm. "Yeah, you've really been through a lot."

Attempting to lighten the moment, Gabrielle smiled at her lover. "Yeah, but there is an up side to all this."

"Oh? And what's that?" the warrior questioned.

The bard eyes sparkled playfully. "I won the bet. Remember? I tamed your early-rising beast. You ended up sleeping in."

Xena laughed softly. "Yeah, I guess you did."

"So, tell me. What do I win?"

"How 'bout I take you out to the tavern for dinner tonight?" the warrior offered.

"Really?"

"Sure, it will do us both good to get our mind off things."

*****

Herodotus entered his home, quietly closing the door behind him. Without greeting his wife, he walked to the table and sat down wearily.

In all their years together, Hecuba had never seen him so somber. She went to his side and laid her hand on his shoulder. "Is everything okay? Did you speak with Gabrielle?"

"She's gone," he replied, his voice barely audible.

Feeling a tremor pass through him, she stiffened. "What do you mean?" Suddenly realizing that he'd returned without his sword, she took hold of his shoulders, forcing him to turn to her. "Herodotus, answer me!" she demanded, a chilling fear rushing through her. "What happened?"

"I-- I swung at the warrior. Gabby…she stepped between us. I--I nearly killed her."

Hecuba went white. "Is she hurt?"

"No, thank the gods!"

Her extreme relief was quickly over taken by irritation. "What were you thinking?! Do you know how worried you had me, running off that way?"

He put his head in his hands. "I'm sorry. I was so angry. It all happened so fast. I lost my head. I just didn't know what else to do."

"You of all people know that no good comes of violence. Why couldn't you just talk to her?"

"There's no speaking to her," he said sadly. "She's changed."

"That's not true. If you would make an effort to listen, you'd see that deep down she's the same the daughter you've always cherished."

"No, not anymore."

She looked into his eyes. "Gabrielle's still the bright and loving person she's always been. She's just finally coming to terms with her feelings…finding herself."

"Finding herself!" he bellowed. "Why, she's become completely irrational!"

"She seemed perfectly rational a candlemark ago," Hecuba replied evenly.

"She was here?"

"Yes, it must have been shortly after you saw her."

He looked up hopefully. "Has she changed her mind? Is she coming home?"

"You aren't listening!" Hecuba exclaimed, releasing a frustrated breath. "Like it or not, she intends to make a life with Xena."

He tensed. "It--it's that woman…she has an unnatural hold on her." He looked away miserably. "If I could only get Gabrielle away from her, I know I could make her see reason."

Hecuba sat beside him and laid her hand over his. "Herodotus, I know you don't want to hear this, but we can't go on deluding ourselves. It's time we faced the truth."

Sensing her opposition, he pulled his hands free. "Whose truth?" he asked bitterly.

"Gabrielle's." She answered firmly.

He shook his head angrily and stood.

"Whether we like it or not, she's in love with Xena."

"You're her mother! How can you say that?"

She met his eyes. "I say it because I am her mother." Taking a deep breath, she rose from her chair. "Believe me, I understand what you're feeling. In the beginning, I didn't want to see it either. But when I think back, I can't deny the love I saw in her eyes every time she looked at--"

"--No! She's--she's confused, that's all. It's a mistake."

"Didn't you hear anything Gabrielle tried to tell you?" She turned, appealing to him. "Think back. Couldn't you see how troubled she was when she first arrived? This isn't something she jumped into rashly. She's been struggling with her feelings for a long time. It wasn't an easy decision for her."

"Well, it's the wrong decision."

"Is it?" she questioned. "Since Xena's return there's been a change in Gabrielle. I've never seen her happier. She's content with the life she's chosen."

"Well, if that's the life she's chosen, she--she's lost to me!"

"She doesn't have to be. If you just opened your heart and allowed yourself to get to know the young woman Gabrielle's become, you'd--"

"--No! She knows how I feel. I won't condone her actions, and I told her as much."

Hecuba stiffened, the color draining from her face. "W--what did you say to her?"

"I told her that I wouldn't stand for this…that she had to choose between 'that' woman and her family."

"How could you be so heartless?!" She shook her head angrily. "I don't understand you! At least in the past when we didn't agree on something, I could see where you were coming from. But not now!"

"It's because I love her that I can't let her do this!"

"Gabrielle can't help who she loves any more than you or I could," Hecuba declared.

"I told you, this is different. She's been seduced."

"Listen to yourself! You sound just like my parents did all those years ago. They thought that you'd seduced me away from them too. Have you forgotten what it was like for us?"

He bristled at the comparison. "I won't sanction this! It's…it's immoral."

Trembling with anger, she gripped the back of the chair. "Who are you to say what's moral?"

"I'm her father! That's who!"

"Then act like it! Don't abandon your daughter for falling short of your narrow expectations."

Stunned by his wife's words, Herodotus fell silent.

"Please," she implored him. "Talk to her. Try to understand what she's feeling." She took a step toward him. "This isn't something that developed overnight. You need to listen her side of it."

As she reached out to lay her hand on his arm, he recoiled. "It's wrong!"

"And why is that? When all is said and done, why is their love so different from ours?"

"How can you compare the two!?" he railed, raising his arms in frustration. "Hecuba, please! Try to see this from my perspective. I can't stand by and let her ruin her life."

"What good is her life if she can't be happy?"

"Do you have any idea how difficult things will be for her if she goes through with this?"

"We could make it easier by supporting her…by being there for her."

"No! The only way we can help her is to disapprove…make her see how very wrong this is…disown her, if necessary."

She shook her head in disbelief. "That's crazy!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "She's our child, our firstborn…conceived from our love. How could you say such a thing?! You aren't thinking clearly."

"I'm the only one here who is," he said hotly.

"In all the years we've been together, I've stood by you. But not now…not on this."

He stared at her and then turned away angrily.

"Herodotus, listen to me," she pleaded. "If you turn Gabrielle away, you'll be losing more than a very special daughter. You'll be sacrificing a part of yourself, the gentle and compassionate part…the part that made me want to spend my life with you. I'm begging you. Please don't do this!"

Staring mutely into the fire, he sat motionless as if he hadn't heard her.

Haphazardly wiping a tear from her cheek, she inhaled deeply and squared her shoulders. "I can't force you to do the right thing, but you should know that if you decide to stand against Gabrielle, you'll stand alone. I will not abandon her when she needs me most."

Turning abruptly, she walked out the door.

*****

After placing her order, Gabrielle pushed her chair out and stood. "I won't be long. I just want to go in back and say hi to Rose's girls."

Preoccupied with watching her companion walk away, Xena didn't see Ryder approach.

"You're the last person I expected to see here," he commented. "Is everything okay?"

Turning, she smiled. "Yeah, just fine."

"You here alone?"

"No, Gabrielle will be right back."

"So things are okay between you?"

Xena nodded and met his eyes anxiously. "I want to apologize for losing my temper the other night."

He shrugged. "I'm just glad that things worked out. Gab's a good kid."

"She thinks highly of you, too."

Ryder laughed. "Well, don't hold that against her. She's a little naïve."

"I don't know," Xena admitted. "Turns out she's a far better judge of character than I am."

A little surprised by the compliment, he smiled.

"We've just ordered dinner, why don't you join us?"

"Thanks, why not." He glanced around the room for Rose. "Seems pretty busy, I'll go up to the bar to get my drink."

"Let me," the warrior offered. "What are you having?"

"The special."

"Sounds serious, what's in it?"

"It's a herbal tea. Great blend. You should try it."

Xena lifted her brow in surprise. "I guess I figured you for something a little more potent."

"Nah, these days I'm trying to keep my wits about me." He smiled as Gabrielle approached and gave her a big hug. "How you doing, kiddo?"

"Great," she replied, her eyes lovingly following the warrior as she walked to the bar.

"And to think I was worried."

"You were worried about me?" she said sweetly.

"Sure," he admitted. "But I can see now that it was completely unnecessary. Why, you look like the cat who ate the canary." He paused, giving her a mischievous grin. "Or is the warrior the cat, in this case?"

She felt the heat rush to her face as her cheeks flushed brightly.

"That good, huh?"

Smiling, she shook her head. "Do I look like the kind of girl who'd kiss and tell?"

"After all we've shared, you're going to hold out on me now, just when things are getting good?"

She laughed, her eyes sparkling happily. "Well, let's just say that after the past couple of days, I have a much better understanding of why you spend so much time with women." Glancing past him, she let her eyes settle on the warrior.

He smiled knowingly. "Ah, so the earth moved, did it?"

She turned to him and winked. "Mmm, did it ever!"

*****

-- Chapter 20 --

"Thanks for coming with me to the market. I know how you hate to shop."

"Aw, it's not so bad," the warrior admitted.

Glimpsing her sister and Xena across the busy square, Lila made her way toward them.

"I thought I should look for something nice to wear to the wedding," Gabrielle commented.

"Speaking of Lila's wedding, have you finished the quilt that you were making for her and Graham yet?"

"Un-huh, I made the final touches on it this morning while you were sleeping."

"I can't believe I didn't wake up."

"I'll take the blame for that. I'm afraid I haven't been letting you sleep much lately."

The warrior smiled. "Well, you won't hear me complaining." Working her way down the table of clothes, she noticed a jade-green dress. Picking it up, she returned to the bard. "What about this one?"

Gabrielle held it up in front of her. "I like it. What do you think?"

"I think you're beautiful."

The young woman smiled happily. "I meant the dress."

"Mmm, yeah." The warrior winked. "The dress isn't bad either."

"Come here. I want to tell you something." Eyes sparkling playfully, she motioned the warrior to her. "Closer."

As Xena bent her ear to Gabrielle's lips she felt her young lover's hand slide seductively along her thigh.

"Now behave," she warned, stepping away from the bard.

Lila cleared her throat nervously. "Hey, guys."

Surprised, they both turned and greeted her. "Hi."

"Nice dress," Lila complimented.

"Thanks, it's for your wedding," Gabrielle replied. "Now, all I have to do is find one for Xena."

Lila stiffened at her comment.

"For me?" Xena balked.

"Yes, you. Contrary to what you may think, your leathers are not appropriate for every occasion." She looked to her sister for support. "Are they?"

"Well, I--"

"--You've looked around these shops, Lila. Have you seen anything in blue?" the bard questioned.

"Blue?"

"Yeah, Xena looks great in blue. It really brings out her eyes." Reaching out, she affectionately brushed the tall woman's bangs aside.

"I don't know, Gabrielle," the warrior resisted.

Putting her arm around her companion's shoulder, the bard smiled sweetly. "Please, for me."

Uncomfortable, Lila averted her eyes. "Well, I've got a lot of things to take care of, so I guess I'd better get going. I…uh…just wanted to say hi."

"Okay, we'll see you later," Gabrielle replied.

Nodding awkwardly, Lila quickly walked away.

*****

Hearing the rustle of branches at the edge of camp, Xena turned and groaned inwardly. It was Gabrielle's mother.

Despite what the bard had told her about Hecuba's acceptance, the warrior suspected the woman had strong reservations. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for a possible confrontation.

"Hello, Xena. Gabrielle said I might find her here."

"I left her at the market over a candlemark ago. She was planning to stop by your house to pick up a few of her things when she finished. You might catch her there."

"Mind if I sit down for a moment?"

The warrior shook her head, desperately hoping her partner would return soon. Guarded and uneasy, she remained standing while the older woman moved toward the fire and settled on a log.

"I'd forgotten what a hike it was to this campsite," she stated. "Years ago, Gabrielle's father and I used to come here. In fact, we almost built our home on this land." Smiling softly, she placed her hands on her knees and leaned casually forward.

The gesture so reminded Xena of the bard that she tensed defensively. How many times had Gabrielle sat in that same way as she gently persuaded her to reveal things…things that ordinarily the worst of tortures would not have uncovered.

"You know," Hecuba mused, jarring Xena out of her thoughts, "there's something I've been wondering about. That night you stopped at the house I sensed that you hadn't returned simply for business. There was something in your expression…an urgency." She glanced up at the warrior. "Tell me, what's the real reason you came back to Poteidaia early?"

Xena stiffened. "Any questions you have, you should ask Gabrielle."

"Was she the reason you returned?"

"I think you should talk to your daughter," the warrior repeated.

"I've already spoken to her. Now I'm asking you."

"Why do you need to ask me if you've already talked to her?" Xena asked suspiciously.

"Because it's your motivation I want to understand…because I'd like to know what it is that you want from my daughter?"

"That's between Gabrielle and me."

Hecuba met her eyes unflinchingly. "It seems to me that it's gone beyond that now, don't you think?"

Xena remained silent.

"I'll be honest with you," Hecuba said. "It's hard not to be concerned for my daughter, knowing what I do of your past."

Although she maintained an outward appearance of clam, the warrior's heart was hammering. The gentle and straightforward approach Gabrielle used so successfully to get her to open up was something she obviously learned from her mother.

"I can't deny that I've done things…things I regret," Xena confessed. "But when Gabrielle came into my life, that changed. Somehow, she was able to look beyond what I was and see what I could be. Her faith in me made me believe that things could be different."

Hecuba nodded. "Even as a child, she had a way of bringing out the best in people. That's her special gift. But unfortunately, that same unwavering belief in others makes her vulnerable." She paused, carefully choosing her words. "Xena, I'm worried about her. While Gabrielle's a strong, independent young woman, underneath it all she's still fairly naïve and inexperienced." Clearing her throat nervously, she continued. "What I mean is…I'd hate to think when all was said and done that she was just a…a conquest."

Inhaling deeply, Xena turned to face her. "I swear to you, that's not the case. I would never do anything to deliberately hurt Gabrielle. If I didn't believe this was what she truly wanted, I wouldn't be here. It's not something either of us has gone into lightly." She glanced away, lowering her eyes. "I can imagine what you must be thinking. I know I don't deserve her…but there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful that she came into my life. Believe me, there's nothing I wouldn't do for her."

Hecuba remained silent, carefully listening to the warrior's words.

"You were right about the reason I returned early. I did come back for Gabrielle." She paused, taking a deep breath before she spoke. "When we were apart, it was like a piece of me was missing. I could no longer deny how important she'd become to me," Her voice tightened with emotion. "I can't imagine my life without her."

"Well, I must say, I'm relieved to hear that. You see, Gabrielle has made it quite clear that she intends to make a life with you regardless of what the cost may be."

"I know, and that concerns me," Xena admitted. "I don't want to be a wedge between you. She needs her family…more than I think even she understands right now."

"I glad you can see that," Hecuba replied, her relief obvious. "It may help you to know that I intend to stand by Gabrielle. It's important to me that she be happy, and I can see that you play a large part in that."

"And her father?"

Hecuba's looked away sadly. "I'm afraid I can only speak for myself."

"I see."

"Yes, I guess you do." Rising to her feet, Hecuba casually brushed off the back of her skirt. "Well, I've taken enough of your time." She smiled. "Xena, I'm glad we had this chance to talk. I appreciate your candor."

The warrior stepped forward and awkwardly held out her hand.

Pushing it aside, Hecuba embraced her warmly.

*****

Pleased at finally finding the perfect dress for her partner, Gabrielle headed to her parents' home to get her belongings. Since she was fairly certain that her father would be working in the fields, she opened the door and went inside.

No one was home.

She quickly collected her clothes from her dresser, packed them up, and headed toward the door. Just as she crossed into the kitchen, the front door opened and her father entered.

Tension gathered in the pit of her stomach as their eyes met. "I…uh…I just came by to get the rest of my things."

"You're going to her, then?"

She nodded. "It's where I belong."

His jaw tightened in anger. "What she's done to you…what she's made you become…it will--"

Frustrated, Gabrielle interrupted him. "--No matter what you think, Xena hasn't done anything to me. She isn't to blame for this."

"The hell she isn't! She was trouble from the first day she came here."

"The trouble isn't with Xena. It's with me. It's always been me."

"No, you're inexperienced in these things. She's confused you, twisted your thinking."

"You're wrong," she insisted. "For the first time, everything is clear to me. I know exactly what I want."

"This will ruin your life. Can't you see that? Do you have any idea how many people--people that don't even know you--will hate you for this?"

Gabrielle slowly met his eyes. "Do you hate me for it?"

He shook his head in frustration. "I--I've failed you as a father. I--"

"--That's not true," she insisted. "When I was growing up, you were the only one that made me feel it was okay to be different, the only one who seemed to understand how it felt not to fit in."

He looked away sadly.

"To me, you were a hero because of the way you defied your father's ambitions to follow your heart. It was so romantic. Your love for Mother so true…I've always admired that. Against all odds you chose the life that was right for you." She took a step toward him. "I wanted so much to be like you. You can't know what it meant to me, watching you stay true to your dream and struggle to make a go of the farm with Mother. It gave me the courage to leave Poteidaia to search for the life that was right for me."

"Gabrielle, it's not the same."

"I don't understand. Why is my following my dreams any different than you following yours?"

"What you're doing…it--it's not normal."

"To me it is. The love I have for Xena is the purest thing I've ever felt. I was lost until I found her. Now, for the first time in my life, the pieces fit." Her voice trembled with conviction.

"Honey, you can't mean that."

She closed her eyes against his words. Somehow she had to get through to him. Inhaling deeply, she tried to collect her thoughts. "I want to understand why you think it's so different. Tell me, why did you marry Mother, even though neither of your families approved?"

Encouraged by her effort, he spoke from his heart. "Because I knew that my only chance for happiness was building a life with her."

"But your father thought that you were ruining your life, your future."

"That's true, but he couldn't see how strong the love we had for one another was. He couldn't understand that there was no future for me without her."

As she listened to him voice the very words that she herself wanted to express, she prayed he would somehow make the connection. "You must have loved each other very much to leave your villages and marry without the blessings of your families."

Herodotus nodded. "From the moment I laid eyes on her I knew she was the one."

"But you risked everything: your family, your friends…your livelihood."

"And I would do it all over again. I would walk through Tartarus for your mother."

"I know." Gabrielle whispered solemnly. "One night, during the summer of the drought when the crops failed, I awoke and heard you and Mother arguing. She was trying to convince you to patch things up with your father…to join the army like he wanted so that you could earn the money to make a fresh start for yourself. She offered to return to her village with Lila and me so that you could have your freedom."

He lowered his head sadly as he recalled the emotional night.

She reached out to touch his arm. "You know, to this day, I remember almost word for word what you said to her. As long as I live, I don't think I'll ever forget it." Her eyes filled with tears. "You said that nothing in life could be more difficult than facing it without her…that you didn't want to die on a battlefield for someone else's causes…that when the time came for you to take your last breath, it was Mother's eyes you wanted to see." She took a shaky breath. "It's the most important thing you've ever taught me. From that moment on, I understood that of all things in life, love is the most important."

"That's all I've ever wanted for you girls," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "A love like I have with your mother. I knew if you had that, you could be happy...but now--" His shoulders slumped as he sadly looked away.

"Dad, I have dreamt my whole life of finding a love like that… and now…I have." Gently, she laid her hand over his. "I know how difficult this must be for you to understand…how difficult it is to accept my choice, but I'm in love with Xena and I can't change that. She's the one… the one I want to spend my life with." She paused and looked into his eyes. "Dad, when I take my last breath, it's her eyes I want to see."

As much as he resisted, there was no doubting the sincerity of his daughter's words.

"Do you know why I became a bard?" she asked.

He shook his head.

"Because the stories…they were an escape for me. Through them, I led a kind of secret life. Giving voice to feelings that I wasn't supposed to have." She inhaled deeply. "I can't go back to living only in my imagination. It's not enough anymore. The life I have now is rich and fulfilling, the love I've found more precious than I know how to express." Swallowing hard, she continued. "I love you, Mom, and Lila so much that I would die for any one of you. But what you're asking of me, I can't give. Xena is a part of me, like Mom is a part of you." She lightly squeezed his hand. "I need all of you in my life." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she fought to get the words out. "Please don't make me choose between you."

Pulling his daughter into his arms, he held her close.

After long moments, he released her. Swallowing hard, he met her eyes. "She doesn't deserve you, and I cannot in good conscience accept her into this home or my family." Gripping her shoulders, he looked into her eyes. "But Gabrielle, you’re my daughter and I love you. Nothing will ever change that. You will always be a part of this family…you'll always be welcome here.

As much as her father's rejection of her partner stung, she remained quiet. For the first time in days they had spoken, and, at least on some level, he had listened. It was a start and, just maybe, she'd given him something to think about.

*****

Heading down the path from the house, Gabrielle heard the voices of her mother and sister and walked toward them anxiously. As she was about to round the corner she stopped, the serious tone of Lila's voice giving her pause.

"Mom, this can't wait! There's something I need to talk to you about now."

"All right, what is it, dear?"

"It's about Gabrielle and Xena."

The bard flushed, suddenly feeling like an eavesdropper. But even as her conscience pressed her to walk away, her feet refused to budge.

Lila hesitated, obviously uncomfortable with what she was about to say. "You--you know I love Gab, and truly I don't have a problem with her relationship with Xena. But my wedding…it's a really important day for me."

"Just what are you getting at?" Hecuba asked.

The young woman stumbled with the words. "I…uh…I wondered if you knew whether Gab was still planning on coming to my wedding alone?"

"I haven't talked to her about it. Why?"

"It's just…well…people have been talking."

"Talking about what?"

"What do you think? The way Gab looks at Xena…people can't help but notice that's something's going on between them."

"Lila, we knew there was bound to be talk."

"Yeah, but this is different."

"So what are you saying…you don't want Xena to attend?"

"It's not that I don't like Xena. I do. It's just that I don't want people gossiping at my wedding."

Her sister's comment pierced her heart. Taking a shaky step backward, Gabrielle turned and rushed away.

"I'm sure they'll be discreet," Hecuba assured her.

"It's too late for that. People are already talking. This afternoon one of Aunt Rina's friend's confronted me about them."

"What did you say?"

"What was I supposed to say? I--I denied it. The point is, if they attend together, it will only make things worse."

Hecuba shook her head in frustration. "You need to talk to Gabrielle about this, not me."

"But I'm uncomfortable discussing it with her."

"Maybe you should consider just why that is," Hecuba stated bluntly. "Like it or not, this is something we're all going to have to learn to deal with."

"I understand that…but why do we have to deal with it on my wedding day?"

Hecuba frowned. "So you're telling me that after your sister traveled all the way here to celebrate with you, you're going to ask her not to attend?"

"Of course not, I want her there. I--I was hoping that you could ask her not to bring Xena."

"I won't do that," Hecuba replied, her disappointment in her daughter clear. "If this is something that you feel that strongly about, you'll have to tell her yourself."

*****

As Gabrielle approached the warrior, she forced a smile. "Hi, how's the fishing?"

Holding up her spear, Xena showed off her catch. "Should be enough for the two of us. Unless you're extra hungry, that is."

"Looks like plenty."

As hard as the young woman tried to hide it, the warrior could sense that something was very wrong. "Were you able to pick up your stuff?"

Gabrielle swallowed hard as she struggled to hold back her tears. "Yeah, but I ran into Dad."

Xena laid her hand on her arm supportively. "You okay?"

"No, not really. I was wondering how you would feel if we headed out for Amphipolis in the morning."

"But what about the wedding?"

"I overheard my mother and sister. Uhh…there's been some talk about us. I don't want to spoil things for Lila."

Seeing the pain in her partner's eyes, Xena spoke up quickly. "Look, considering the way your dad feels, maybe it would be best if you went to the wedding without me."

"No!" Gabrielle replied firmly. "I won't do that. Going without you would be like admitting to everyone that our love is wrong."

"But we both know that isn't the case."

"I don't care."

"Hon, there are going to be times when the truth you hold in your heart will have to be enough."

"I know that, but this is different. Nearly the whole town will be there. I have to stand up for what I believe in. I won't go without you. I'm not hiding anymore. It's either both of us or neither."

*****

Hecuba could not mask her disappointment as she appealed to Lila. "I know that the timing of all this is rather unfortunate, but I want you to stop and think this over carefully before you talk to your sister."

"What's to think about?"

"Tell me, what if the situation was reversed? How would you feel if Gabrielle asked you not to bring Graham?"

"I'd understand," Lila answered quickly.

"Would you? What if it was your relationship with Graham that the people of our village disapproved of? How would you feel if Gabrielle didn't stand up for you, if she just fell in line with the vocal few because it was easier?"

Lila lowered her eyes as the full impact of her mother's words hit her. Overcome with guilt, she remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "Gabrielle would never turn her back on me. She's always supported me."

"Yes, she has," Hecuba agreed. "I know this is difficult," she admitted, laying her hand on her daughter's arm. "But it seems to me that you need to take some time to consider what it is that makes a wedding day truly special. Is it starting your new life with your family at your side, or pleasing a small group of narrow-minded people? Think about it. In the long run, who's more important to you? These few casual friends that you're worried about will come and go throughout your life, but Gabrielle will always be there for you."

"I know you're right," Lila replied sheepishly.

"I don't mean to pressure you. I just don't want you to do something rash. Maybe you should discuss it with Graham. See how he feels."

*****

-- Chapter 21 --

Hoping her father and sister were not at home, Gabrielle tentatively opened the door of her parents' house.

Hecuba turned from the pot of soup she was stirring to greet her daughter. "Hello dear."

Kissing her mother lightly on the cheek, Gabrielle laid the quilt on the table.

"What this?" Hecuba asked.

"I made it for Lila and Graham."

"How thoughtful!" Picking it up excitedly, Hecuba carried it to her bedroom. "Let's spread it out so I can have a better look." Lovingly running her hands over the intricate stitches, she smiled in appreciation. "It's beautiful. I'm sure they'll love it."

"I hope so."

"I know so. It's just lovely. You did a wonderful job."

"Thanks."

"Do you want me to keep it here until the wedding?"

"Yeah…uh…thanks." Gabrielle paused as she tried to find a way to explain that she would not be staying.

Carefully folding the quilt, Hecuba turned. "We'd better hide this in the closet. I'm expecting Lila and Graham for dinner anytime now." She smiled. "I'm making one of your favorites: vegetable soup. You're welcome to stay."

Gabrielle stiffened, the unspoken condition beneath her mother's words clear: the invitation was extended to her alone…not the warrior. She shook her head firmly, this painful reminder of her father's disapproval making her more eager than ever to leave town. "Thanks, but I'm having dinner with Xena."

Noticing her daughter's tension, Hecuba sighed sadly. "Gabrielle, I'd like to invite her too, but your father--"

"--Right." Gabrielle cut her off, not wanting to rehash the hurtful situation.

"Try to understand. He doesn't know how to deal with this. At this point, he needs someone to blame. Xena is the only one he has to strike back at." She rushed on, nervously wiping her hands on her apron. "Give him time. There are still a few days until Lila's--"

"--Actually that's what I came to talk to you about. I've decided that maybe it's best if I don't go. We're leaving for Amphipolis in the morning."

"You're not staying for the wedding?"

"No."

"I'll have another talk with your father. I'll--"

"--It's more than that," Gabrielle interrupted, her voice tense. "I don't want Lila to be uncomfortable."

Hecuba paused, observing her daughter closely. "Is it really Lila's comfort you're worried about, or your own?"

Taken aback by her mother's words, Gabrielle didn't reply.

"You know, if you act ashamed of your relationship, people will assume there's something to be ashamed of."

"I'm not ashamed of it!" Gabrielle exclaimed, her anger rising. "I was thinking of Lila, trying to make it easier for her…easier for everyone." Her jaw tightened and she threw her hands up in frustration. "You don't have a clue what it's like for us…how hard it would be for Xena to attend, knowing how everyone feels about her. How hard it is for me…watching my parents' eyes shine with pride as you plan to celebrate Lila's union when at the same time Dad won't even let Xena in the house. It's wrong! The love Xena and I share is every bit as special as theirs is. Maybe even more so because of the sacrifices we have to make just to be together."

"Then prove it," Hecuba replied bluntly. "This is just the beginning of what you two are going to have to face, so maybe you'd better start getting used to it."

Hurt, Gabrielle looked away.

Hecuba softened her tone. "I know it's not fair, but if you want people's respect, you're going to have to work for it…harder than the rest of us. That's just the way it is." She laid her hand lightly on her daughter's shoulder. "My heart goes out to you, honey. But my sympathy isn't going to fix things, and neither is tucking your tail between your legs and running off."

Gabrielle stepped back abruptly, breaking contact.

Unruffled, Hecuba continued. "You've always stood up for what you believed in. You defied tradition by not marrying young…by training and learning to fight…by traveling with an ex-warlord. Why this any different? Why is everyone's approval so important now?"

"Because I never had it when I was growing up…not from any of you! Because I need to be loved for who I am, just like everyone else. Just think what it would be like if you couldn't acknowledge your relationship with Dad?"

"For a while we couldn't," her mother countered. "Neither of our families approved of our marriage. It took years for our relationship with them to heal."

"But this is different."

"Only in that you're going to run into even more people who disapprove." Hecuba appealed to her. "Honey, I understand better than you think. If Xena is to be your choice, hold your head up and face the world proudly. It's been my experience that for the most part people will take your cue." She met Gabrielle's eyes. "It's your choice to make: you can either fight to make the world a better place or you can bury your head in the sand and ignore the injustices around you."

"It's not that simple."

"I know," she agreed. "But, you've already made a start, right here with your family. I'm in your corner. You've convinced me that your relationship with Xena is a positive thing, and I think you'll find that you have Lila's support too."

"As long as I go to the wedding alone."

"No, I think you should take Xena."

"You do?"

"Yes, and so does Lila."

"But what about Dad?"

"Give us the next few days to work on your father." She winked. "The women in this family can be very persuasive."

Struggling to fight back tears, Gabrielle stepped forward to embrace her mother.

Hecuba held her lovingly. "Don't give up."

*****

As Hecuba and Gabrielle walked arm-in-arm into the kitchen, Herodotus entered with Lila and Graham.

Happy to see his eldest daughter, he smiled. "This is great…the whole family together for dinner."

"I'm afraid I won't be staying," Gabrielle said coolly. "I'm meeting Xena."

"Suit yourself," Herodotus shrugged. "If you'd rather spend time with that heathen, than your own family, so be it."

Gabrielle's eyes flashed angrily. "You have no right to talk about Xena that way. I've kept silent while you've ranted about her because I respect the fact that this is hard for you, but I've reached my limit. Under the worst of circumstances, you wouldn't allow anyone to speak ill of your wife." Holding her ground, she confronted him. "Whether you like it or not, Xena's my partner, the one I plan to spend the rest of my life with, and I will not stand by and let you to speak ill of her! I understand that you don't accept our relationship, but that doesn't give you license to be cruel--not to her or to me."

Inhaling deeply, she turned to Graham. "I'm sorry you had to hear this, but since you're one of the family now, you should know how it is too."

Turning abruptly, she left.

Herodotus stood, open-mouthed, as the door banged shut behind his oldest daughter.

Clearing her throat, Hecuba broke the awkward silence. "Let's take our seats, shall we? Dinner's ready."

"You know," Lila said, taking the bowl of soup from her mother, "it seems to me that we should all be having dinner with Xena."

"Indeed," Hecuba agreed.

"I've told you. I won't have that woman in my house!" Herodotus bellowed.

"Yes, you have," Lila agreed, setting down her spoon. "And I guess that since this is your house, that's your decision to make."

"Exactly. Finally someone's talking sensibly," he declared.

Lila smiled. "I'm glad that you feel that way, because since it's my wedding, I've decided to invite Xena."

Herodotus set down his mug with a loud bang, splashing its contents on the tablecloth. "Then you won't have me."

"Oh, come on, Daddy, you have to be there. You're giving me away."

His jaw tensed stubbornly.

Lila gently laid her hand on his. "Please… won't you do this one thing for me? After all, a girl only gets married once in her life."

Herodotus shook his head and turned to Graham. "Do you agree with her? Do you really want that woman at your wedding?"

Graham shrugged. "It's important to Lila. Besides, I like Xena. She helped me forge weapons most of the afternoon so that I'd be able to take some time off after the wedding. I'll tell you, she's a hard worker… and skilled too. I've never seen anyone so strong and precise."

Hecuba smiled.

"And wasn't it heroic the way she risked her life to save those boys at the lake?" Lila added. "Why, the whole town's still buzzing about it."

"And that won't be the only thing," Herodotus grumbled.

"That kind of talk won't last," Graham rebutted. "They'll be on to new gossip in no time."

"How can you just ignore all of the terrible things that woman's done?"

"I can't really speak to her past," Graham admitted. "I don't know about all that. But it seems to me that people are capable of changing and frankly, from what I've seen of her, it's hard to believe that any of that other stuff is true."

"Well, I can tell you that it is!" Herodotus asserted, his irritation clear. "And what would you know of it anyway? You never venture out of Poteidaia."

Hecuba dropped her spoon and glared at him.

"That's true," Graham replied calmly. "All I know is that my experience with her has been very positive. She's never been anything but respectful to me."

"Not one of you agrees with me, then?!"

"I'd say that's about the size of it," Hecuba said bluntly.

"Come on, Dad. Can't you set this aside, at least for the wedding?"

Looking around the table at his family's expectant faces, he frowned. "All right, but when she spoils it for you, don't turn to me."

Lila smiled happily. "Thanks, Dad."

"Just don't expect me to talk with her," he grumbled.

Hecuba leaned over and kissed his cheek. "It's settled, then."

"Does this mean she'll be coming to the party afterwards too?" he questioned warily.

"Makes sense to me," Graham offered. "With her there, we're not likely to have any fights breaking out. No one would dare tangle with her."

Herodotus slumped in his seat.

"Maybe we should change the subject," Lila suggested.

"Right," Graham offered good-naturedly. "You know Rose, the tavern owner? Well, she's looking for people to help her add on a room to her house. Gabrielle and--" Stopping himself, he rushed on.

"They're…uh…they're kind of organizing it. Lila and I will be there, along with some of Ryder's friends, but they could really use the extra hands, if you're willing to help.

"Of course we'd be glad to," Hecuba offered promptly.

Herodotus glared at her.

"I've never known you not to lend a hand to a neighbor," she commented pointedly. "Or have your feelings on that changed?"

Rolling his eyes, he turned to Graham. "I'll be there."

Hecuba smiled and patted his shoulder. "Better eat your soup, dear, before it gets cold."

*****

Hearing familiar footfalls, Xena looked up as Gabrielle came down the path. "Everything go okay?"

She shrugged. "Seems both Mom and Lila want us to stay for the wedding," she replied hesitantly.

"Isn't that good news?" Xena asked gently.

"I'm not sure."

"Come here," the warrior motioned, reaching for her hand. "Sit down and talk to me."

Taking a seat, she gazed into the fire. "Mom said I was just looking for a convenient out. I don't know…maybe she's right. The idea of facing all those disapproving stares at the wedding scares me." She glanced up at her friend. "I guess I'm just a coward, huh?"

"Gabrielle, you're one of the bravest people I know."

The bard shook her head doubtfully. "If it was your brother's wedding, you wouldn't worry about what people said about you."

"If it were me," the warrior said with a wink, "I’d give them something worth talking about. But then, I've never been one to care what other people thought."

"I wish I could be more like that. I wish it didn't matter to me."

Looking deep into her companion's eyes, Xena took the young woman's hands in her own. "This," she said, gently squeezing for emphasis, "is all I need. But you and I, we're different that way. You're a people person. I watch you when you perform. You come alive."

"Is that where this is coming from…a need for approval?"

"Maybe, a little bit."

"Why should I care about these villagers and what they think? They're not part of my life anymore."

"In some ways that's true, but I think there's a lot more to it. You’re the type of person that sees a wrong and needs to make it right."

"You think I should stay for the wedding and face them, don't you?"

"I didn't say that. But I do believe that sometimes it's good to shake things up…make people question their misguided beliefs."

"Why does it have to be me?"

"It doesn't. But because your need to help people is such a big part of who you are, I think that sooner or later you'll have to face this and make it right." She lightly brushed her lover's cheek. "It doesn't have to be now."

Embarrassed by her fear, the bard avoided her lover's eyes. "Xena, I know it sounds pathetic, but in a way, I--I do need them to like me."

"It's impossible not to like you. When you first tagged along with me, I tried. It was hopeless. As dead as I was inside, you still touched me. It's your special gift--seeing the best in people and bringing it out. I just wish that you could see the good in yourself the way you do others."

"How is it you know so much?"

Smiling, the warrior shrugged. "I travel with a very wise woman who's taught me some very valuable lessons."

"Oh?"

"Mm-hmm. When I said that there was nothing I could ever do to redeem myself, she told me that as long as I couldn't forgive myself others wouldn't either…that in the end it had to come from inside me." Xena met her friend's eyes. "Remember that day?"

Gabrielle nodded.

"Just look in your heart, hon, and do what you think is best."

The bard sighed softly. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

"Enough to make stew out of the rabbits I've trapped?" Xena asked her playfully.

Gabrielle smiled. "Oh, yeah, at least that much."

*****

-- Chapter 22 --

Rose bustled about the busy tavern, trying her best to keep up with the crowd. "Tana, find Emma and tell her that I need her help." She looked up anxiously as the door opened and sighed when she saw Ryder enter.

He smiled. "What? Not even a hello?"

"Can't you see I'm busy?" she replied, picking up a tray of drinks.

"Here, let me take that," he said, relieving her of the burden. "Which table?"

"The large group on the right."

After dropping off the drink, he quickly returned to the bar with an order from another table.

"Thanks, Ryder."

"No problem. Why isn't Emma helping out?"

"We had a fight earlier and I haven't seen her since." As she turned to wait on another table, Tana hurried toward her.

"Mom, I can't find her."

"Did you look in the barn?"

"Yep."

"That girl!" Rose exclaimed, releasing a frustrated sigh. "I don't know what I'm going to do with her."

"She's probably just down by the lake, sulking," Ryder suggested.

"I don't think so," Tana commented absently as she rubbed at a stain on her doll's dress. "Her stuff's gone."

Grabbing her arm, Rose turned the girl to face her. "What do you mean 'her stuff's gone'?"

"Some of her clothes and things."

Rose glanced nervously out the window. "It's already dark."

"Take it easy," Ryder soothed. He placed his hand on her arm to calm her. "I'm sure she hasn't gone far."

*****

Gabrielle was so lost in her thoughts that she was slow to notice the dark shadow in the woods. Suddenly, sensing she was not alone, she whirled around, her staff raised defensively. "Who's there?"

A small figure stepped cautiously into the moonlight.

"Emma?"

The young girl nodded nervously.

As Gabrielle approached, she could see that the child had been crying. "Emma, are you hurt?"

"N--no," she replied, her voice shaky. "I--I heard noises. I'm so glad it's you."

Wrapping her arm around the small girl, she led her to the fire. "Come sit down. Xena just went to get rabbits for our stew."

"Xena's here!" Emma exclaimed, her stomach growling noisily.

The bard smiled. "Um-hmm, when she gets back, you can join us for dinner."

"Thanks, I'm starving!"

Reaching into their saddlebags, Gabrielle pulled out a piece of dried fruit and handed it to the young girl. "A little late for you to be out, isn't it?"

Chewing vigorously, Emma nodded. "I'm running away from home."

"I see." Gabrielle replied, acting as casual as she could manage.

"I had a fight with my mother," the child explained, kicking angrily at the dirt.

"Well, we all argue sometimes. What's important is that we talk about the things that are bothering us so we can work them out."

"I'm never going back there."

Gabrielle raised her brow. "'Never' is a long time."

"I don't care."

"What about your mother and sister? They'll miss you terribly."

"No, they won't."

"I can't believe that. Your mom loves you very much."

Emma shrugged. "Most of the time she's so busy she hardly even knows I'm there. All she thinks about is the tavern."

"It must be very hard for her raising you girls on her own."

The warrior purposely rustled the bushes, alerting them to her presence.

Wide eyed, the young girl looked up in awe.

"Xena, this is Rose's daughter, Emma. I asked her to join us."

"Hi, Emma, hope you're hungry," the dark-haired woman said, holding up two large rabbits.

"Am I!"

"Great. All I have to do is skin them and we'll get them cooking."

"I can help," the child offered eagerly. "Ryder showed me how. He knows a lot about hunting and stuff."

"That's a good idea," Gabrielle agreed, catching her companion's glance and holding it. "While you and Xena are getting dinner ready, I'm going to make a quick trip into town."

*****

Rose looked up anxiously as the door opened. When she saw it was Gabrielle, her shoulders sagged, tears filling her eyes. Ryder squeezed her hand and started toward the door. "Sorry, Gab, I can't talk now. I've got to go find Emma. She's--"

"--That's why I'm here," the bard interrupted. "Emma's with Xena."

"Thank the gods!"

"Don't worry, she's fine. She wandered into our camp. I thought I'd better come and tell you."

"Thank you," Rose exclaimed, hugging her gratefully. She quickly turned to Ryder. "Can you watch things here while I go get her?"

"There's no rush," Gabrielle explained. "In fact, why don't you let her stay the night? We can bring her back in the morning."

"I don't want to inconvenience you."

"It's not a problem," the bard assured her. "Besides, it might help to give her a little time to think about things."

"Thanks, that's nice of you."

Squeezing Rose's arm, she smiled. "Well, I'd better get back. Leaving Xena in charge of dinner is never a good idea."

"I don't know how to thank you."

"We're glad to do it. Don't worry. She'll be safe, I promise."

Across the room, a man called for service, interrupting them. "Damn," Rose whispered in frustration. "I'm sorry, Gab, will you excuse me?"

Once the redhead had left, Ryder turned to Gabrielle, his concern evident. "Is Emma really okay?"

"Yeah, just a little hungry is all."

"Maybe I should go with you…talk to her. What do you think?"

"Why don't you wait until morning?" She glanced toward the harried redhead. "Right now, it looks as if Rose needs your help here."

*****

The moment the bard entered camp, Emma ran to greet her. "You're just in time for dinner!" Pulling eagerly on the blonde's arm, the girl led her to a blanket she'd neatly folded. Spooning a large serving into a bowl, she handed it to her.

Gabrielle tasted it and smiled. "You're a good cook, Emma."

"Thanks," she beamed. Taking a seat along side her, the young girl began talking excitedly between bites. "I've had so much fun. While the stew was cooking, Xena showed me some staff moves. She's incredible!"

"I know," Gabrielle agreed, winking playfully in the warrior's direction. "She's taught me nearly everything I know."

"This is so great! If only I could travel with you and Xena, I'd learn so much!"

Xena looked to her partner, leaving it to her to respond.

Gabrielle cleared her throat uneasily. "Emma, when I went to town, I spoke with your mom."

"You--you told her I was here?"

"I had to. She loves you so much, she was worried sick."

"I'm not going back there," the child insisted. "Please let me stay! I promise I won't be any trouble. I never complain about chores and I 'm a quick learner…everyone says so, really. I--I don't eat much, and I'll do whatever you say."

"Emma, we'd love to have you with us, but you belong at home with your family."

"But I don't fit in there. I--I'm different." Her shoulders slumped sadly. "I don't even look like I belong."

"Honey, looks aren't important. Your mother and sister are your family and that's what counts."

"But they don't understand me. They want me to be someone I'm not."

"I'm sure your mom just wants what she thinks is best for you."

"It's not best for me. I'm not like them. I'm like you…like you and Xena."

Gabrielle took an anxious breath. "What do you mean?"

"Y--you know." She stuttered nervously. "Like everyone is saying."

The bard swallowed hard, forcing the words. "What are they saying?"

The girl looked down shyly. "Th--that you two are together…that you don't want to be with men." She raised her eyes. "I don't want to get married either. I want to join the Amazons like you did."

"Emma, I'm sorry but--"

"--I--I don't understand," she said sadly. "You left to be with Xena."

"I was older. Twelve summers is a little young to be out on your own. The road can be a very dangerous place."

"I'd be safe with you," she argued.

"You're safer here with a family that loves you."

The young girl shook her head. "If they really knew me, they wouldn't."

Gabrielle's heart tightened in her chest. "Honey, I know how you feel. I really do. But you need to give your family a chance. Tell them how you feel. If you never let them see who you really are, they'll never have the opportunity to prove their love for you. Sometimes you have to make a stand and face your problems, no matter how scary it seems."

"I can't."

"You can. Start with someone you feel comfortable with…like Ryder."

"Ryder?"

"Mm-hmm. He listened to me when I needed a friend. He'll listen to you too, and maybe he can even help your mother understand better."

"I don't know."

"Emma, for right now, I need you to trust me about this. I promise that if in a few years you feel the same, we'll talk again about you visiting the Amazons. But for now, this is where you need to be."

*****

Rose leaned wearily against the bar. The long day had taken its toll.

"You really look tired. Why don't you let me take care of things?" Ryder suggested.

She glanced at the few remaining customers. "Maybe, for once, I should just close up early."

"That's a great idea." He motioned to a chair. "Have a seat. I'll break the news to them."

Rose looked toward the back room. "I'll be back. I want to check on Tana."

After the last person was out the door, Ryder locked it and took a seat at the table.

Rose dropped into the chair beside him and winced as she slipped off her shoes. "She's sleeping soundly."

Reaching out, he lifted her feet onto his lap. "How about a foot massage?"

She stiffened at his touch. "That's okay. I--"

"--Relax, you're in good hands, trust me. I have some experience with this," he winked.

Smiling, she lifted her brow playfully. "Mmm, I don't doubt it." As his strong fingers gently kneaded her tense muscles, she released a long sigh. His touch was healing. Leaning back, she let her eyes drift closed, her entire body relaxing.

All the while, Ryder's eyes never left her. Free to look upon Rose openly for the first time, he marveled at the softness of her pale skin, the blush in her cheeks. More than anything, he wanted to ease her pain…make her life easier.

Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open, his gentle smile slowly coming into focus. Something in his expression made her pulse race. Nervously, she pulled her feet free. "T--thanks, that feels better." Folding her arms over her chest, she shivered. "I hope Emma isn't cold." She cast him a worried glance. "She wasn't dressed very warmly this afternoon and you know how chilly the evenings can get."

"Gabrielle will watch out for her," he said reassuringly. "She'll be fine--you'll see."

Angry with herself, she shook her head in frustration. "Emma could have been hurt tonight."

"But she wasn't," he replied, laying his hand on her shoulder.

Rose released a heavy sigh. "No thanks to me. I should have told her that we were planning to build her a room of her own. Maybe then she wouldn't have left. I just wanted to surprise her, that's all."

"Come on, don't be so hard on yourself."

"That's easy for you to say."

"Whatever happened between you two couldn't have been that bad. What was the argument about?"

"Same things we always fight about: her not talking the time to make friends, her reading…her daydreaming." She sighed heavily. "But the final straw was telling her she should wear this frilly dress to Lila's wedding. It was silly. I shouldn't have pushed it. It's just that I don't understand her sometimes. I thought she would like to wear something a little more feminine since it was a special occasion."

"Part of it is her age," he suggested.

"If that's true, then why don't you have trouble talking with her?"

"I'm not her--" He stopped abruptly. "It's easier for me. I don't make any demands on her. You're her mother. You have to discipline her. I'm just a friend."

"I haven't been a very good mother, I'm afraid."

"You've raised two great kids with no help from anyone. I think you've done fine."

"You don’t know the half of it," Rose confessed. "As it is, we're just barely getting by. I don't know from one week to the next if I'm going to be able to keep food on the table."

Digging into his satchel, he pulled out a heavy coin purse and tossed it onto the table in front of her. "Well…maybe this will help some."

"Ryder, thank you, but I can't." She reached out to hand it back.

He shook his head. "A deal is a deal."

She gave him a questioning look.

"Our bet. You won."

Her chest tightened. Looking away quickly, she tried to mask her disappointment.

He laughed to cover his nervousness. "I should know better than to bet you money. You know me too well."

She struggled to find her voice. "I was wondering where you've been the last few days."

Ryder shrugged. Although he hated lying to her, he knew it was the only way she'd accept the dinars.

Clutching the purse tightly, she tried to keep her hands from shaking. "Hope she was worth it."

He met her eyes. "Yeah, this one definitely is."

Looking away, Rose swallowed to loosen the tightness in her throat. "Sounds serious."

"I wish, but I'm afraid she's too smart for that. You never know, though. Maybe someday…."

His words tore at her heart. Whoever this woman was, she'd definitely had an impact on him. Lately, he seemed different…more responsible than usual. Suddenly, she felt the need to put some space between them. "Ryder, I appreciate your help, but I'm really tired."

"Hey, I understand. Why don't you get some rest? I'll clean up here and let myself out."

Not having the energy to argue, she nodded and turned to leave.

As the door clicked shut behind her, he looked after her and released a heavy sigh.

*****

Gabrielle walked to the fire and took a seat beside the warrior. "She's finally asleep."

Xena smiled. "You were really good with her. The things you said made a lot of sense."

"Is that your gentle way of telling me that I should take my own advice?"

"Nope, just an observation."

"Well, anyway, I've decided that we should go to the wedding. You still up to it?"

"You bet." Xena turned to her. "I'm curious, though. What made you change your mind?"

"I don't know," the bard shrugged. "Maybe if a few of villagers see that we're not so bad, it might make the road a little easier for Emma. It's hard to like yourself when people hate you for something you can't change."

"Most of them don't hate us. They just don't understand. They need to learn, just like your mom and sister did."

Gabrielle released a heavy sigh. "For Emma's sake, I hope you're right."

Xena laid a hand on her shoulder. "She's going to be okay."

"Yeah, she seems to be a faster learner than I was."

"Well, it helps to have someone to show you the way."

Gabrielle sighed and covered Xena's hand with her own. "Yes, it does."

*****

Rose's eyes turned to the door as it opened. Seeing Emma, she ran to her, sweeping the small girl into her arms. Her relief was so great that the dam holding back her emotions instantly crumbled and she wept.

Stunned by her mother's reaction, the child hugged her. "It's okay Mom. I'm okay, really."

"Emma, I was so frightened. Please don't ever leave like that again."

"I won't. I--I promise."

"I don't know what I would have done if something had happened to you."

"Don't cry, Mom," she pleaded.

Struggling to get herself under control, Rose pulled back and held her daughter's face in her hands. "Are you so unhappy? Have I messed things up that badly?" she asked desperately.

"No. I was mad, that's all."

"Honey, you, your sister and I…we're a family, and that means being there for each other. Whatever problems we have, we can work them out. If you're unhappy, I need you to tell me. I know I've been busy, but you and Tana always come first. You mean the world to me. Do you understand?"

The young girl nodded, tears filling her eyes.

"I know it hasn't been easy lately. I've had to depend on you a lot to help me, but if it's too much, I'll work something else out."

"It's not, really. I'm sorry I scared you."

Rose drew in a deep breath. "From now on, when you're unhappy, I want you to come to me, okay?

"I will, I promise."

Quickly wiping her tears, Rose pulled her daughter in for another hug. Glancing over Emma's shoulder, she looked to the bard and mouthed the words "thank you." Reluctantly releasing her daughter, Rose straightened. "Are either of you hungry? I could fix you some breakfast."

"Not for me, thanks," Gabrielle replied.

"She made Xena and I biscuits with honey."

"So you're full, huh?"

"Yep. They were delicious!"

The bard smiled and handed the young girl the sack with her belongings.

"I guess I should go put my stuff away before customers come," Emma said.

Rose winked in Gabrielle's direction and turned to the girl. "Maybe you should hold off on unpacking for a couple of days."

"What do you mean?" Emma asked.

"Well, I decided that you're old enough to have a room of your own, so tomorrow we're going to put a small addition on the house."

The child's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm going to have my own room?"

"Yep. I know it hasn't been easy for you, sharing with Tana."

"I can't believe it! Thanks, Mom!"

Rose smiled. "Maybe you should go and break the news to your sister. She's next door at the neighbor's."

Barely able to contain her excitement, the young girl rushed toward the door, then stopped abruptly to hug the bard. "Did you hear? My own room!"

Gabrielle ruffled Emma's hair playfully. "That's great!"

The girl nodded excitedly. "See you later. I've got to go tell Tana."

As the door banged shut, Rose shook her head. "Guess she kind of liked the idea."

The bard laughed.

"Gab, I don't know how to thank you and Xena for everything."

"We were glad to help."

"You've been a good friend. I want you to know how much it's meant to me. Emma simply adores you."

"She's a great kid."

"Yeah, she really is," Rose beamed proudly. "It's good to see her so happy. I should have had a room added for her when we first moved in."

"Well, hopefully it won't be long now. It should go up quickly with Xena, Ryder and all his friends working on it."

"Speaking of Ryder's friends," Rose commented anxiously, "I wonder if he'll bring his new girlfriend."

Gabrielle's brow furrowed. "Girlfriend?"

"Yeah, he told me about her last night."

Unable to understand why Ryder would mislead Rose, the bard shook her head in frustration. "I can't believe this."

"Believe it. He just paid me a week's salary on a bet we made."

"What bet?"

The redhead's face flushed. "He bet that he could go a full moon without…you know…dating." She rushed on, looking away nervously. "I should have guessed that he was up to something, because he hadn't been in for quite a while. Anyway, it turns out that he's been seeing some woman."

"Rose, Ryder's been working for his father the past few days. They've patched things up."

"What?"

"It's true."

"I--I don't understand. Why wouldn't he tell me?"

"Maybe you should ask him that."

*****

After hauling the last of the building supplies to the tavern, Ryder went inside for a cool drink. Walking over to Rose, he took a seat at the bar. "Well, I think I have everything we're going to need." He poured a glass of water and took a sip. "This afternoon Xena is going to put up the frame, then we should be ready for the gang to come tomorrow morning and finish."

Lost in her thoughts, she barely heard his words.

He smiled and waved his hand breaking her trance. "Hey, where'd you go?"

Looking up, she met his eyes. "I was just wondering why you didn't tell me that you were working for your father again."

"I…uh…I thought I had." He cleared his throat nervously. "Guess it just slipped my mind."

"Why the sudden change of heart? I thought you two didn't get along."

He shrugged. "Well, you said it best. I thought it was time I stopped wasting my life."

"I shouldn't have said that. I--"

"--Why not? You were right."

"What do I know? I haven't exactly done a great job with my life."

"What do you mean? You've raised two terrific kids all by yourself, not to mention running your own business."

"The tavern barely pays the bills. Anyway, I'm hardly qualified to give you advice." She cast him a serious glance. "So, after all these years, you just suddenly decided to reconcile with him?"

"It was time," he said simply.

"This new woman, huh?"

He hesitated, staring at his boots. "Rose, there's no woman." He looked up guiltily. "I--I lied about losing the bet."

"What! I don't understand. Why?"

"I knew you wouldn't accept the money any other way."

"Well, you're right about that," she declared. "I--I've already spent some of it but I promise I'll repay you as soon as I can." Pushing her chair back, she stood abruptly. "I'll get the rest for you right now."

"Wait." He laid a hand on her arm stopping her. "I want you to keep it."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Rose…I…all those years ago…I…I should have been there for you."

Heart pounding, she tried not to read more into his words than he meant. "We were just kids. Our--our getting together, it was a mistake."

"Not for me."

She looked up, expecting him to follow with some glib remark. The serious expression on his face surprised her.

"I want you to keep the money. Please, I can afford it."

"No. That's very generous, but you don't need to do this."

"I think I do." He took a deep breath and met her eyes. "Rose, I--I know about Emma."

She stiffened, her face growing hot.

"I know she's mine."

"Th--that's crazy…" she stammered.

"Is it?" He released a heavy sigh. "I should have spotted it right away. I just never imagined…."

Rose sat back, hands trembling in her lap. "Ryder, I'm sorry…I--"

"--You have nothing to be sorry about, believe me. I understand your not wanting to tell her about me. I know I'm no prize." He shook his head sadly. "I don't want you to worry. You have my word that I won't say anything to her. All I ask is that you reconsider letting me help out…no strings attached."

*****

-- Chapter 23 --

As they entered the marketplace, Gabrielle reached down and took the warrior's hand.

Raising her brow, Xena looked at her curiously.

"I thought maybe I should start working up to this 'coming out' thing, so that I'm a little more prepared for the wedding," she explained.

"You sure about this?"

Nodding, Gabrielle tightened her hold. "What about you?"

Xena smiled and spread her fingers, weaving them between the bards.

The bard's pulse quickened as she gave the warrior's hand a loving squeeze and pulled her forward. "This way. I want you to see the dress I found. It looks perfect for you."

"Gabrielle!"

Instinctively dropping Xena's hand, the blonde turned to face the voice. "Hi, Marta."

The woman gave her a perfunctory hug. "I heard you were back…and here you are."

"Yeah, I came home for my sister's wedding."

"Yes, exciting news about Lila, isn't it."

The bard nodded.

"Frankly, when I first heard that one of Herodotus' daughters was getting married, I was surprised that it wasn't you." She paused. "I mean, with you being older than Lila and all."

Gabrielle shifted uncomfortably. "Well…."

Focusing her attention on the warrior, the woman gave her an appraising look. "Brought someone home with you, I see."

The bard glanced down awkwardly. "Uh…yeah. This is my--my friend, Xena." She turned shyly to the warrior. "Xena, this is Marta, a childhood friend."

The warrior politely extended her hand.

Awkwardly reaching out, the woman shook it limply. "Well, sorry to rush off but I've got to get home to the kids." She flashed an artificial smile. "Let's make it a point to spend some time together before you go traipsing off again, shall we?"

Gabrielle remained silent for long moments after the woman had gone.

"You okay?" the warrior asked.

"About what happened back there…dropping your hand…I--I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I guess I panicked."

Xena shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I know it's not easy."

"The problem isn't you," the bard explained. "It's me. I'm proud to be with you. I really am. It's just sometimes the people here make me feel…I don't know…like a misfit again."

"Hon, I understand."

Heart filled with love, she once again reached down to take Xena's hand…this time, in gesture of genuine affection.

*****

When they arrived at Rose's the next morning, Gabrielle quickly divided the crowd into groups of four, putting each to work on separate sections. Careful to keep her father at a safe distance from Xena, she paired Hecuba and Herodotus with Lila and Graham, while she and the warrior worked with Ryder and Rose.

Xena immediately took charge of her group. "Ryder, I think it's best if you and I do the heavy work. We can carry the boards and set them in place, then Gabrielle and Rose can nail them down on either side and across the brace."

Picking up a hammer, Gabrielle handed it to the warrior. "Want to show me how's it's done?"

Ryder laughed. "What's to show? You're just pounding nails."

Xena smiled at his comment. "Well, actually, there are a number of things that can be done to make the job easier."

Rolling his eyes, Ryder picked up a nail and struck it with great force, once, twice and a third time until it was level with the wood. "See? Nothing to it."

Hearing the young man question the warrior's methods, Herodotus tipped his head to better hear their conversation.

"Yeah," Xena admitted. "That works…but we have a lot of these to drive, and it can be done with a lot less effort." She turned to the bard. "This is a case where finesse is better than force." Kneeling beside her partner, she explained. "First, instead of holding the nail near the point, where if you miss you'll smash your thumb, you should grab it closer to the head. Then if you slip, the hammer won't come down quite so hard."

The bard smiled. "Sounds like the voice of experience."

"You bet," Xena confessed.

"So where exactly does the 'finesse' come in?" Ryder teased.

She smiled. "I'm getting to that." Raising the hammer, the warrior looked to Gabrielle. "Hold it down at the far end. You'll have more leverage that way. Then, grip it firmly, as if you were shaking hands." She glanced at Ryder. "Now, the trick here is to focus. Concentrate on the head of the nail and strike it with smooth blows." Swinging the hammer, she drove it all the way in with one hit."

"Wow!" Gabrielle exclaimed.

The warrior shrugged. "Now, you give it a try."

Carefully following Xena's instruction, she raised the hammer and drove the nail nearly all the way in on the first try.

Smiling, the warrior ruffled her partner's hair. "That's great! A little more practice and you'll be a pro."

"Very impressive," Ryder conceded. "I suppose you have a technique for hauling wood, too?"

"Yep. Come with me and I'll show you."

Glancing up from her work, Hecuba turned to her husband. "She's really good with Gabrielle, isn't she?"

He shrugged and laid down another board.

Aligning his end, Graham shook his head. "I'm beginning to wonder if there's anything that woman doesn't do well."

Lila smiled. "Well, Gab says Xena doesn't care much for cooking."

"Luckily, Gabrielle's a good enough cook for both of them," Hecuba offered.

"Unless she gets sick," Herodotus commented. "What'll she do then?"

"Probably the same thing I do," his wife teased. "Suffer through my partner's cooking."

Although Graham and Lila laughed, Herodotus was not amused. Turning from her, he focused on his task, mumbling something she couldn't hear.

*****

Many hands proved to make the workload lighter, and by late afternoon, the structure was completed.

Weary from a good day's labor, the group sat down for a well-earned break.

"It looks terrific!" Rose said appreciatively. "Thanks for your hard work. You all must be famished by now. I'll go inside and get things set up. Dinner's just about ready."

As she left, her girls rounded the corner, carrying buckets of water. "Anyone need a drink?"

"I do," Ryder replied.

"Take it from my bucket," Tana insisted. "It's fuller than hers."

"It is not," Emma protested.

"Let's see," he said, peering into them. "I don't know, girls. They look the same to me. What if I take some from both of you?" Tactfully, he dipped his cup in each bucket.

"You took more from hers," Tana complained.

"I can take care of that." Smiling, he quickly scooped more out and tossed it playfully at the girls.

They squealed with delight and grabbed cups of their own to fight back with. Soon a full water-battle was in session.

Within moments, everyone was at least partially wet…everyone except Xena.

Returning with more water, the girls whispered something to the bard.

Gabrielle smiled and nodded.

Setting down their buckets, Emma and Tana filled their cups. Awkwardly hiding them behind their backs, they moved toward the warrior.

Xena eyed them suspiciously.

Grinning impishly, they hurled their water at her.

The warrior easily dodged the onslaught and smiled at their antics.

Running back to Gabrielle, they handed her their cups, encouraging her to try.

She filled them and stood back studying the situation.

Xena cocked her head in warning. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

The bard's eyes sparkled at the challenge. "You wouldn't, huh?"

"Not unless you're looking to get very, very wet."

"It'd be worth it, if I got you."

"But, you won't," the warrior said confidently.

"You think you're too fast for me, huh?"

"I know I am." Xena smiled.

By now, the eyes of the entire group were on the two women as they waited to see what would happen.

Her course of attack planned, Gabrielle quickly made her move. Faking right, she threw the water from the cup on her left side.

Unfortunately, the warrior anticipated the move, and ducked.

Without hesitation, the bard spun, releasing an arc of water that no normal person could have avoided.

Somersaulting into the air, Xena landed unscathed next to a full bucket of water. Grabbing the handle, she hurled the entire contents at the bard, hitting her squarely in the face.

Ryder shook with laughter as he pointed at his sopping wet friend. "Man, did she nail you!"

Xena smiled smugly. "I tried to warn you."

Water dripped from Gabrielle's bowed head.

"You said you didn't mind getting wet," the warrior commented, stepping forward.

Still, the bard didn't respond.

Herodotus turned to his wife. "That woman doesn't know her own strength. I think Gabrielle's hurt."

A little concerned, Xena lifted the bard's chin to examine her.

Instantly, the young woman spit a mouthful of water into the warrior's face and grinned broadly. "Gotcha, didn't I?"

Xena smiled. "Yes, you did," she admitted, wiping her face.

The crowd broke into laughter, unable to contain themselves.

Draping her arm over the bard's shoulders, the warrior pulled her close. "That was very clever, but you know, of course, that now…I'm going to have to get you even wetter."

Affectionately squeezing her hand, the blonde whispered into the warrior's ear. "Oh, I'm counting on it."

"Hey, everybody, dinner's ready," Rose called.

As the others started inside, Xena looked at her partner hopefully. "You hungry?"

"You know me. I'm always hungry."

Masking her disappointment, the warrior began walking toward the tavern.

Pulling back on the tall woman's hand, Gabrielle brought her to a stop and wet her lips sensually. "I'm hungry," she grinned, "but not for food."

"Me too," Xena confessed. "Let's get back to camp."

*****

Emma lingered outside the door as the others went inside. As Ryder came around the corner, she turned to him. "Can I talk to you?"

"Sure, kiddo." Puzzled by her serious expression, he took her hand and walked to the bench at the side of the house. "What's up?"

"Mom and I talked last night." She paused nervously. "She told me that--that you were my real dad."

Ryder swallowed anxiously, worried about how she'd react.

"Is it true?"

"Yeah, I--"

Before he could finish, she went on. "I wish I had known. She should have told us."

"Your mom loves you. She was just trying to do what she thought was best."

"Well, I don't think it was best."

"Emma, don't be too hard on her. Let's face it. I--I'm not the greatest person to have as a father."

"To me you are," she said, biting her lower lip nervously.

"I'm glad you feel that way because I couldn't be prouder to have you for a daughter. You're a great kid."

"Really?"

"You bet."

She smiled shyly and lightly touched his hair. "It--it's the same color as mine."

"Um-hmm, and your eyes are blue too."

"Yeah," she sighed contentedly. "What else?"

"Well…you have your grandmother's mouth."

"I have a grandmother?"

"Yep, and a grandfather and an aunt too."

"C--could I meet them?"

"Sure, I'll take you tomorrow, if you want."

Throwing her arms around him, she hugged him tightly. "Ryder, this has been the best day!"

"For me too, honey. For me too." Taking her hand, he pulled her to her feet. "I don't know about you, but I really worked up an appetite. I could eat a horse."

Eyes sparkling, she looked up at him and smiled.

As they took their seats, Ryder turned to Rose. "Where are Xena and Gabrielle?"

She shrugged.

Emma spoke up quickly, trying to cover for them. "I think they had to leave," she said tactfully.

"Yeah," Tana declared innocently. "They're just like married people. They wanted to be alone."

Suddenly the room became uncomfortably quiet.

Puzzled by the silence she'd caused, the young girl glanced around the table. "Aren't they just like married people?"

Ryder smiled. "Yeah, honey. They are."

Nodding in agreement, Rose affectionately squeezed his arm.

Looking up at her mother and father, Emma beamed. It truly was the best day ever.

*****

*****