Gabrielle sighed happily at the cheerful campfire, surrounded as they were by solidly protective trees. She was curled up on their warm sleeping fur, with Ares' body pressed against her and her cloak tucked about her shoulders against the sharply cold air. She reached out a hand and scratched the wolf behind his thickly furred ears, grinning when he proceeded to carefully clean every inch of her hand that his tongue would reach.

"Thanks, Ares." She affectionately ruffled his fur, then turned back to her scrolls, which were spread out neatly in front of her, claiming her attention. She bit the tip of her quill absently, then refreshed the ink on it, and set down several more lines of neat, exact script. The rest of their day had been almost uneventful.. you really couldn't count the five raiders they'd encountered, who had provided a welcome light challenge to Xena's fighting skills which the warrior insisted were very rusty.

Gabrielle considered the charge, and shook her head. Not that she could tell.. she'd barely had a chance to engage one of them before the rest were handily dispatched by her partner, who took care of the last of them by leaping completely over his scrubby, thick coated gelding, and sweeping the outlaw right off his mount with a powerful forearm. Rusty. Umm hmm… The bard considered with a grin, as she watched her partner amble back into camp, carrying a pot of water, which she put on the fire. "Hey."

Xena looked up, and broke into a smile. "Hey yourself." She stood up and stretched. "How's the story coming?"

Gabrielle reluctantly shook herself free from watching the interesting shadows caused by the firelight gliding over her partner's body as she moved and glanced down at her parchments. "Not bad.." She twirled the quill between her fingers, and looked over her shoulder as Xena joined her on the bedroll, and settled down on her side behind the bard.

Who rolled over like a puppy, laying on her back and cocking her head to gaze up at the warrior. "We had a pretty busy day."

Xena reached out a hand and rubbed her belly gently, watching the bard's eyes close in quiet pleasure. "Yeah.. not bad." She drawled, grinning at Gabrielle's contented hum. "You feeling ok?"

"Unngghh… " Gabrielle mumbled. "I feel wonderful." She opened one eye lazily and gazed at the warrrior. "How about you?" She lifted one hand and stroked the warrior's nearby leg, lightly massaging the smoothly curving muscles above her knee. "No leftover fuzziness?"

"Nope." Xena took and released a deep breath experimentally. "Throat's not even sore anymore. Got lucky this time, I think." She regarded Gabrielle's happy expression thoughtfully, then rolled onto her back, and joined the bard in gazing up at the moonless sky, which was almost exploding with stars. The cold air brought a hint of frost to her sensitive nose, along with a tickle of smoke from their campfire, and the familiar gentle muskiness of the fur they were lying on. "Beautiful night." She commented, as she felt Gabrielle's fingers tangle with her own.

The bard turned her head and regarded her, watching the twinkling lights overhead reflect in the translucent pools of her eyes. "Yes it is." Her voice was quietly serious. She slid over onto her side, and snuggled up to Xena's shoulder, wrapping one hand over the top of it, and letting her cheek rest against the thick wool of her shirt.

"You cold?" The warrior asked, glancing at her.

"A little." Gabrielle answered absently, then sighed in contentment as Xena's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as the warrior settled a part of her cloak around her body. "Thanks."

She fell silent for a minute, letting her hands drift slowly over her partner’s relaxed form, slipping under her wool shirt and touching bare flesh. Smiling as she felt the steady respiration pause, then continue, as she gently explored the smooth curves and dips. Reluctantly, she remembered their Rule, and let her hand flatten to rest just below Xena’s ribcage, and felt the muscles shift under her touch as the warrior took a breath to speak.

"We’ll be in Potadeia after breakfast… you ready for that?" Xena’s voice tickled into her hearing.

Gabrielle thought about that for a minute. "Yeah… " She finally sighed. "It’s not like last time.. they’re not expecting us.. and it’s not like.. I just.. I feel different this time, that’s all." A lot more sure of myself, for one thing. She glanced up. More sure of us, too. "I’m looking forward to seeing Lila, and mother."

Xena nodded, tangling her fingers idly in Gabrielle’s soft hair and gently scratching the back of the bard’s neck. "I think they’ll even talk to me this time." She grinned as her partner arched her body into the contact and gave a little contented murmur. "Look at you.." She chuckled softly at the blissful look on Gabrielle’s face. Gods… it feels.. so good to see her happy. How long did it take me until that mattered?

"Hey… " Gabrielle’s voice broke into her thoughts. "Why so serious?"

Xena reached over, and pulled her pack towards her, flipping open the top flap and digging inside. She pulled out her hand, and dangled something in front of the bard’s eyes. "Remember this?"

Gabrielle’s brows creased, and she lifted a hand to touch the battered leather. "You kept this?"

The warrior nodded. "Yeah… " She dredged up a rueful smile. "I used to wear it hooked through the shoulder strap on my leathers.. under the armor." It was, she reflected, quite an admission.

The bard laughed softly, and rolled up onto her elbow, leaning over and kissing her partner. "That is so… you know, Xena.. no one would ever suspect you of being such a romantic."

Xena scowled and raised an eyebrow at her. "Gabrielle, I am no such thing."

The bard gently took the leather piece from her fingers, and waved it in front of her eyes, a mischievous smile shaping her mouth.

"That’s not… I didn’t… it wasn’t…" Xena let her protests run down, then felt a warming rush of blood color her skin. Every time she’d looked down, and seen that tucked against her skin, it had just.. Her eyes lifted and met the amused green ones still perched above her. "I’m busted, aren’t I?"

"Uh huh." Gabrielle agreed, with an impish grin. "Big time." She let her fingers brush against Xena’s warm cheek. "You do look very pretty when you blush, though." Then she bit her lip and smiled as the color under her touch darkened. "Yeah, like that." She ducked her head and kissed her partner, feeling a sensual jolt on the contact that started in her gut and moved up from there.

We shouldn’t do this. Xena felt the faint protest fade quickly before the tumbling wash of tingling warmth that flooded through her. Damn it.. we’re out in the middle of the forest, in an area full of outlaws. Reluctantly, she broke off their contact, with a little nibble at Gabrielle’s nose.

The bard sighed, and settled down with her body curled tightly up against her partner's. "Sometimes.. there are advantages to being home." They exchanged rueful glances. "Or in some nice, dark cave." She poked Xena in the side when she felt the warrior start laughing. "Or tucked away in a snug old barn."

Xena laughed and wrapped her arms around the bard, and hugged her. "I’ll make it up to you." She promised, feeling Gabrielle’s aggrieved sigh warm her chest.

"You’d better." Gabrielle mock growled, then sighed. "I’d better go put my stuff away.. before this wind blows it back to Amphipolis.

"Mm.." Xena agreed. "And I should really check the area around here."

A moment’s silence, as neither of them moved, then they looked at each other and burst out laughing. "We’re hopeless, aren’t we?" Gabrielle chuckled, burying her head against Xena’s chest.

"Pretty much." The warrior admitted, with a smile. "But it’s a nice kind of hopeless." She yawned and stretched, arching her back and settling her arms more firmly around the bard. "Here.. I can reach that stuff." She extended an arm over the bard, and collected her scrolls, putting them and the case on top of her chest where Gabrielle could reach it. "There."

"Thanks." The bard tucked her supplies away, and set the case down next to her staff. Then she resumed her comfortable position nestled into Xena’s shoulder. "I've decided something." She mentioned quietly.

Xena opened a pale blue eye and regarded her. "And that is…?"

Gabrielle let her fingers play with the laces on Xena’s shirt. "I'm not changing the way I act when I go to Potadeia." Not home, not anymore. Her eyes flicked up to the warrior’s. "With us..I mean. " She paused. "If that’s ok with you."

Xena thought about that for a minute, then shrugged lightly. "Fine with me." She decided. What the heck… my reputation’s been blown all to Hades anyway. Might as well. "Isn’t that going to be a little weird for your family, though?"

"Yep." Gabrielle replied, with a satisfied grin, as she wrapped a snug arm around her partner’s body. "It sure is." She settled her head down, and let her eyes drift closed, basking in the hazy warmth of their connection.

Well. Xena mused to herself. This should be interesting. She tucked her arms around Gabrielle, and pulled the blanket up over both of them, tossing one end of it over Ares’ slumbering form. The wolf woke up with a start, and peered over his shoulder at her, yawning and poking his tongue out.

"Roo." He commented, then settled his chin on her lower leg, blinking up at her with adoring eyes.

"Goodnight to you, too, Ares." She whispered, as she abandoned herself to sleep.

"Just hold still." Hercules sighed, as he peered down the embankment, shaking his head in bemusement. "Anybody got some.. oh, thanks." He gave Eponin a smile, as she handed him a coil of rope. "Iolaus, stop moving around.. you're getting stuck in that stuff."

"I can't help it." The blond man called up. "I'm sinking into this gunk… augh.." There was a sodden blooping noise as the mud sucked him down further. "It's like glue."

The demigod sighed, and uncoiled the rope, tossing one end of it down the embankment. "Grab that." The rope was short, though, and Hercules had to kneel down at the very edge of the bank and extend an arm out before his friend could reach the end of the rope. "That's it.. now just hang on."

"Here.. wait.." Eponin sighed, and moved up in back of him, grasping his shoulders firmly. "You'll overbalance.. I'll hold on."

Hercules half turned and gave her a smile. "Thanks.." Then he turned his attention to pulling the rope, flexing his brawny arms in a smooth motion, as he hauled Iolaus up foot by foot out of the sticky mud.

The goo reluctantly let go of it's prey, making little disappointed sucking noises as Iolaus shook the last of it off his boots, and hung on grimly until he was dangling above the mud pit, and approaching a thick overhang. "Hang on.. I'm going to have to kick off this a little." He called up, swinging his body out to clear the overhang.

"Whoa…" Hercules cautioned, then groaned as he felt the bank giving way under his knees. "Oh Zeus…" He fought frantically to keep his balance, but the rain sodden bank crumbled under his weight. "Let go, Eponin…" He yelled.

"No..wait, I think I can.." Eponin replied, then yelped as she was suddenly plummeting through the air, still gripping the demigod's thick shirt. "YaaaaahhhhH!!!!!"

The mud pit gave up three very satisfied glurps as it recaptured not only its original quarry, but to additional surprises as well.

Ephiny turned to Granella, and stood with her arms crossed for a long moment. "You know, I couldn’t invent something more bizarre than this."

Granella shook her head solemnly. "It's not funny."

"Nope." Ephiny agreed gravely.

They both burst into giggles. Then Ephiny slapped her hand over her mouth, and took a deep breath. "Ok..ok.. now we gotta get them the Hades out of there." She glanced around. "We'll need more rope."

"I'll find some." Granella offered, and trotted off, still giggling. Ephiny took a moment to compose herself into the proper attitude of concern, and crept to the edge of the bank, peering over. "Hey.. you all ok?"

Three mud covered faces looked up at her.

"Granella's going for more rope." She offered, biting down on her lip hard to keep from laughing.

"Ephiny?" Hercules called up, moving an arm cautiously to shade his eyes. "Can we agree on one thing right now?"

"Um.. sure." The Amazon regent replied.

"This doesn’t get mentioned when we get back." The demigod sighed. "Especially to Xena and Gabrielle."

"Yeah." Eponin sighed, wiping a glob of sticky black mud off her nose, and getting more on it in the process. "I don't wanna hear it."

"Sure." Ephiny promise, crossing her fingers behind her back. "Not a word."

"Hey." Iolaus said suddenly, jerking his body almost out of the mud.

"What?" Eponin and Hercules spoke together.

"There's.. something.. crawling.. around.. in here." The blond man squeaked. "Yahh!" He flopped around. "It bit me!"

"What?" Eponin thrashed her arms, clearing a swath of glooping black mud which filled itself in again immediately. "Bacchae!!" She yelled, sticking her hand down into the mud and grabbing something. "Yahg!" She pulled something up with a sucking sound, and tossed it from her. "Mud suckers."

"Hey!" Hercules' eyes widened, and he plunged a hand of his own down into the mud. "Ow.. they tickle!!!" He glanced up. "Help?"

Ephiny slowly rolled onto her back, and covered her face, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

"Hey, sleepyhead." The voice held a lilt of incredulous humor, and Xena eased one eye open to see her partner studying her in some bemusement. Bluff? No Bluff? What the heck.

"Hey." The warrior replied, taking in the early morning light with a touch of embarrassment.

Gabrielle gave her an easy out. "Guess you're still getting caught up from our little adventure." Now her gaze turned a trifle worried, and she put a gentle hand against Xena's forehead. "You're a bit warm."

Xena was tempted, but ruefully shook her head. "Nope.. I'm fine, love.." She opened both eyes and took a deep breath. "Just being lazy, that's all."

"Mmm…" The bard considered that. "Well, you're entitled." She decided, relaxing. "Hey.. I'll tell you what.. " She neatly tucked the blankets around her partner. "Why don't you stay right here, and let me bring you breakfast in bed. "

That got both eyebrows hiking up. "Gabrielle.. I don't think so." Xena laughed. "Not that I don’t appreciate the thought… " She captured the bard's hand in her own. "But we've got someplace to be, and I'm.."

Gabrielle silenced her with a kiss, and her body betrayed her by relaxing completely under the bard's gentle attack, as her partner began a familiar stroking pattern "We can spare a candlemark." The bard murmured, as they paused to breathe. "Not like Potadeia's going anywhere." She nibbled the warrior's jawline. "Please?.. You just spent the last two weeks coddling me shamefully.. it's my turn for one little morning." She raised her head and gave Xena her best pleading look.

Got that little quirk of Xena's mouth that always meant she was going to cave in, as she usually did when the request was mostly frivolous.. and didn't put either of them in danger.

So she did, heating up the water, and making them both tea, then warming up what was left over from dinner last night. "It's the right weather for something a little more substantial. " Gabrielle commented, as she joined her partner, settling down cross-legged next to the warrior. The morning had dawned colder than the day before, and the sky was thready with sheared off, muddy clouds that meant the weather was, yet again, changing.

Xena studied the sky and shook her head. "Glad we're headed into Potadeia." She commented, serving Ares his portion of breakfast, and watching him attack the bowl's contents eagerly. "That's good stuff, huh boy?"

"Grrrr." He answered, not looking up. She ruffled his fur and leaned back on an elbow, giving Gabrielle a quirky grin. "Thanks for breakfast."

"Anytime." The bard cheerfully assured her.

They packed up, and got underway, heading down the road ahead of the gathering clouds.

The sun had risen to near noon by the time they were closing in on the outer farm holdings in Potadeia, and a shifting, ominous quiet had settled over the landscape, as the air restlessly changed directions

"I don't know, Xena, what do you think about.." Gabrielle stopped, as a hand came flat against her chest, and Xena stiffened into a sharp attention. She remained silent, waiting for the warrior to let her in on whatever she'd heard or sensed, not asking the obvious questions.

Xena turned to her partner, and put a hand on her shoulder. "Sounds like fighting." She said gently. "You up for a little running?"

The bard took a grasp on her staff, and tightened the buckles holding on her backpack, and nodded grimly. "Let's go."

Xena's path took them off the road, and down through the trees that ringed the main part of Potadeia, and now the sounds of yelling, and the dull thuds of weapons striking could be plainly heard. Ares bounded along next to the warrior, his tongue lolling out and his tail waving, as he darted the occasional glance up at his leader.

They pulled to a halt just outside the village, and Xena heard Gabrielle gasp.

A ring of scruffy horses, mounted by leather armored outlaws circled a group of frightened looking residents, and there were several limp bodies lying about. One of the nearby huts was on fire, and a roil of oily smoke rose about the place, the wickedly snapping flames making the horses shift uncomfortably.

The leader was a tall, muscular woman, whose vivid red hair made her stand out amongst the rest of the rabble, though she was dressed in dully colored leather armor as they all were. Right now, she was pointing a crossbow negligently at an older man of middling height, who was standing with arms outspread in the center of the circle.

"That's the village elder." Gabrielle whispered fiercely into her partner's ear.

Xena nodded, her sharp eyes figuring angles. She stopped abruptly, and her nostrils flared, as she spotted two familiar faces in the small group. "Lila and Lennat" she said quietly to the bard, and felt a hand grip her upper arm. "All right.. let's break up this little party."

The tall redhead laughed at whatever the elder had said, and raised the crossbow, thumbing the release and aiming.

She never got to fire, as a high whistling sound suddenly screamed overhead, and the front of the crossbow vanished as something sliced through it. With a startled oath, the woman dropped the weapon, then jerked her head around, looking for its source.

There, in the space between two cottages, which had been empty mere seconds ago. Two villagers stood, one holding a ring shaped piece of metal that caught and reflected the dull storm shrouded daylight, the other grasping a quarterstaff with a solid familiarity. At their side bristled a large black dog.

Then they started forward, and as they moved, the outlaw knew they were no villagers. Both moved with the powerful, rolling gait of fighters, and the taller one, whose dark hair was whipping about her face in the wind, casually lifted the cloak off her right shoulder, exposing a dully gleaming sword hilt.

"This is no concern of yours." The outlaw yelled. "Be off with you."

The taller fighter stopped half the length of the courtyard from them, and put her hands on her hips. "Wrong." She called, her voice a low, rolling growl. "It is my concern, and you're the ones who'd better be leaving." The dog counterpointed her growl, and lifted his heavy ruff. The other fighter watched what was going on, and shifted her grip on the quarterstaff.

The woman must be demented, the outlaw realized. There were ten of them against two, and they were mounted. Well, if she wanted to be slaughtered… I'll be glad to comply. "Kill them!" She yelled, drawing her sword, and kicking her horse into a canter, heading straight for the taller fighter, who slowly shook her head.

Xena judged the speed of the galloping horses heading straight for her, and took two running steps, leaping into the air and crashing full into the outlaw leader, taking her off her horse and sending both of them tumbling to the ground.

The warrior rolled back up onto her feet, and kicked the sword out of the woman's hand, then ducked the spear of a second raider, and pulled him off his mount by grabbing the weapon, which he was stupid enough to hang on to. Idiot. Her mind sighed, as she kept moving, grabbing the reins of a third horse, and sliding under his neck, then blocking the rider's downward sword blow and taking a long step forward, then jumping up, and smashing him in the face with an elbow.

Now they were off their horses, and rushing her on foot, and she drew her sword and danced forward, feeling the delightful rush of blood and energy as her sword clashed against two of theirs, and her battle yell rang out over the cloud covered ground.

Three men were after Gabrielle, and the bard calmly let them come, catching the first with a smash against the bridge of his nose that sent blood flying across the courtyard, and taking the second one out with a quick sweep that pulled his feet out from under him and laid him flat on his back.

The third was more canny, and grabbed a pole to engage her with, sending a vicious swipe towards her head, which she ducked easily, then smashed her staff against his guard, and had the satisfaction of hearing him grunt in pain. With a grim smile, she dropped to one knee, and took him out with a powerful back sweep.

She looked up and around for Xena, and found her partner facing off against the outlaw leader, idly twirling her sword in one hand as she approached the tall woman. Gabrielle circled around in back of them, her staff held ready, watching Xena' s back. For a moment, she let her gaze lift over the two women towards the crowd, and found her eyes meeting her sisters. Hello, Lila. Her mind commented quietly. Lila grinned at her, and shook her head in Xena's direction. The bard returned the grin, and gave her a little shrug in response, then returned her attention to her partner.

Xena came to a halt, and stood easily, letting her sword rest on her shoulder and studying her opponent with icy calm, letting a quirk of a grin form when she saw the sudden, nervous shift of the woman's hand on her weapon, and the outlaw darted a glance around to her fallen companions. "You could be smart and just get outta here." The warrior remarked, casually. "And keep your scrungy buddies out of Potadeia in the future."

The woman's nostrils flared, and she took a better hold on her sword. "No body tells me what to do."

Xena laughed shortly, and shook her head, moving a few steps closer. "Take some advice from someone who is what you're pretending very hard to be, all right? Take off. Get lost." Now her voice dropped to its lowest register. "Before I let the fact that you were going to kill people here just because they didn't have what you wanted make me want to make sure that never happens again, got me?"

"Just who in Hades do you think you are?" The outlaw responded, flexing her long arms. "Why don't you shut up and start fighting?" Then she paused, and a look of comprehension formed on her face. "Wait a minute.. you're Xena, aren't you?"

The warrior nodded shortly. "Yep."

The outlaw snorted. "You don't look so tough. Half the districts scared to piss in the woods around Amphipolis because of you."

Xena didn't answer, but a small grin started forming on her lips. She waited.

The red haired woman threw back her head and laughed. "I've been looking forward to this." She lunged, and aimed a slice at Xena's head.

I tried. Xena mentally threw up her hands in disgust. She met the downward cut and deflected it, slipping to one side and allowing the woman to move past her, then turned and met her furious charge with calm skill. The woman was good, but Xena was Xena, and even as rusty as she considered herself to be, it wasn't really a contest. "You should have taken my advice." She advised the outlaw, as their blades ground across each other, and she shoved the woman back, making her stumble and catch her balance.

She drew it out anyway, wanting the work against muscles that had grown a touch lazy lately, until the woman was gasping and a look of panic had invaded her emerald green eyes. One step, and a negligent flick of her wrist, and the outlaw's sword was flying across the open space, to come clattering down at the feet of the nearly skewered elder.

Xena backed the outlaw up until her body was pressed against the side of the barn they were fighting in front of and remained silent for a moment, just letting the woman feel the force of her pale, icy stare. Finally, she spoke. "Did you nasty children torch a village just up the road here?" Her voice was calm, almost disinterested.

No answer. Xena sheathed her sword in one smooth motion, and grabbed the outlaw's leather armor, lifting her up and slamming her back against the barn with a rattle of wooden planks. "I asked you a question." Still no answer, and now Xena read in the minute muscles of the woman's face her intent. She released one hand from her armor and smashed the outlaw in the jaw with an elbow before she could spit. "Stupid move." Then she jabbed two fingers into the side her neck and saw her face pale.

"OK.. let's just go over this. You have thirty seconds to give me an answer, or you're gonna die because I just cut off the flow of blood to your brain." She paused. "Such as it is."

The woman hesitated for a bare instant, then rasped out a 'Yes."

Now Xena leaned closer. "Why?"

"They didn't have.." The outlaw began.

"You don't torch your source. So why?" Xena interrupted her, shoving harder against the woman's body. She knew by the growing paleness that she didn't have much time left, and now she felt the feather's touch of Gabrielle's hand against her back.

"Just.. got me mad. That's all." The woman ground out. "I didn't think about what I was doing.. just.. did it."

Two flickering motions, and the outlaw was slumped against the tree, her body released from the pressure point, and rendered unconscious by Xena's balled fist against her head. She let the battered form slide to the ground, and sighed as she turned to face Gabrielle. "Sounds almost like something's behind this stuff… something.. making these outlaws more angry.. egging them on." She said to Gabrielle, her gaze going thoughtful. Wonder if it has anything to do with that mess of Hercules?

Her eyes flicked around the courtyard, now filling with relieved villagers, some of whom were taking the downed raiders into rough custody. She grinned as a pair of familiar forms moved towards them.

Gabrielle turned as Lila and Lennat arrived, and threw her arms around her sister. "Hey..!"

"Oh..boy.. were we glad to see you two." Lennat sighed, as he exchanged arm clasps with Xena. "Talk about timing… this is the third visit we've had from this scum.. and I think they meant bad business this time."

Lila backed off from her hug, but kept her arms around her sister. "Bree, I couldn’t believe it when I looked up and saw you both standing there… " She studied the bard. "You look great.. come on.. let's get you back to our place." She slung an arm over Gabrielle's shoulders, and motioned them away from the barn. "What are you doing here? We were about to leave to come down to Amphipolis."

"I'll catch up." Xena said quietly, moving towards the elder who was headed shakily in their direction, followed closely by Ares

Gabrielle let her eyes follow her partner, then turned her attention back to Lila. "Well, we were kind of worried about all the attacks and things going on.. so we decided to come on down and give you guys an escort." She grinned at Lila's startled expression. "And it looks like it was a pretty good idea.. those outlaws burned a village just outside of here to the ground."

"Wow.' Lila sighed. "It's been a really rough winter." She gave Gabrielle a sidelong glance. "But not for you, I guess… gods, Bree, you look fantastic.. did you get taller or something? It looks like it."

The bard laughed. "Oh.. probably not. It's probably that I'm actually wearing a full set of clothes this time." She gave Lila a poke in the ribs gently, then reached over and patted her belly. "How are you doing?"

The girl blushed a little. "Just fine.. starting to show a little bit.. I thought I was going to be sick and all, but I wasn't.. it's been just kind of.. tiring, I guess." She looked over at Gabrielle's face. "So.. how's it been? Being over in Amphipolis, I mean."

Her sister broke into a happy grin. "It's been.. just great, Lila." She paused. "I'm looking forward to showing you the place.. and have you meet all our friends.." She glanced behind them to where Xena had now caught up and was strolling along next to Lennat, chatting civilly with him. "We've… " She hesitated. "It's been incredible."

Lila smiled, and gave her a squeeze. "You look really happy."

The bard gave a contented sigh. "I am.. " Her green eyes flicked to Lila's brown ones. "How've you been?"

The dark haired girl gave her a satisfied nod. "It's.. been good, Bree. I never much thought about what it would be like to be married.. but I'm really enjoying it.. and life's gotten.. a lot better."

"I'm really glad to hear that." Gabrielle replied. "How's mom and dad?"

Another slow nod. "Better." She gave Gabrielle a sideways glance. "She did convince him to go, by the way." Her eyes twinkled. "Boy, are they ever going to be surprised to see you."

Gabrielle smiled briefly, then glanced up, and felt a sudden knot form in the pit of her stomach. Coming towards them were the unmistakable forms of her parents. He still.. affects me that way. Her mind sighed. I wonder if he always will? She took a deep breath to settle herself, then felt a gentle wave of warmth crest over her, as two hands settled on her shoulders, and she felt the close presence of her soul mate bolstering her courage. She let herself fall back against Xena's sturdy form and smiled at the oncoming pair.

"Bree!" Hecuba hurried forward, and held out her arms, into which Gabrielle moved quietly, after getting an encouraging squeeze from her partner. "What are you doing here?" The older woman glanced over her daughter's shoulder. "Hello, Xena."

"Hello Hecuba." The warrior replied quietly. Then her eyes lifted and met the muddy green ones facing her. "Herodotus."

A quick nod in return. "Hello, Xena." Gabrielle's father answered in a quite civil tone. "We heard what happened.. we were out in the fields." He cleared his throat, and looked at his older daughter. "Hello, Gabrielle."

The bard stepped forward, and gave him a quick hug. "Hello, father." She stepped back into the shelter of Xena's closeness and felt the warrior resettled a comforting hand on one shoulder. "Yeah, it looks like we had pretty good timing."

"They came to give us an escort." Lila chimed in, giving them a sideways glance.

"Gabrielle was worried about raiders.. " Xena explained. "With good reason, looks like."

Hecuba smiled at her older daughter. "That puts my mind more at ease… and I we get to see both of you a little more." She shot her husband a look of mixed warning and entreaty.

The man hesitated, then nodded. "Much appreciated." He clipped out, letting his eyes briefly rest on Xena's face, which was quietly noncommittal. "We were going to leave in the morning.. that suit you?"

Oh.. goody. Only one night in lovely Potadeia. Xena's mind supplied. "Sounds fine." She answered the man. "Took us three days or so to get up here, but we weren't rushing, and we holed up during that big storm."

Herodotus nodded, and relaxed visibly a little. "Good.. good… you're welcome to stay with us overnight.. we've got space, where these two don't." His head jerk indicated Lila and Lennat.

Xena felt the muscles under her fingertips stiffen. "No need to put yourselves out for us, Herodotus.. and that's not fair to your innkeeper. " She gave the man an easy smile. "We've got the dinars.. let us put them to use here.. and besides, I know the innkeeper will be after Gabrielle for some storytelling soon as he sees her."

Thank you.. thank you.. thank you . .Xena… Gabrielle chanted silently It was incredibly civil of him to ask, but … The thought of spending a tense, awkward evening alone with her parents was making the bard's nerves jiggle.

Herodotus let his mouth quirk into a smile. "Good point." He relaxed further. "You'll have dinner with us then? And maybe we can all go listen to my daughter?"

"That would be really nice." Gabrielle answered, feeling the gentle squeeze of Xena's hand. "Save us from the inn's cooking." She grinned, and they grinned back, knowingly. "Thanks."

Hecuba gave them a quietly satisfied smile, and sighed. "Well, I've got things to do then." She gave her husband a quick look, and he nodded minutely at her. "I'll be off." She turned and headed back towards their home, leaving the five of them standing and looking at each other.

Xena found Herodotus's gaze fixed on her, and mentally sighed. He wants to talk. Yippee. "Gabrielle, why don't you and Lila catch up for while? I'm gonna get the room settled."

The bard gave her a look. "All right." She drew the answer out, quirking an eyebrow at her partner. "See you in a few minutes then."

"I'll walk with you over to the inn, Xena." Herodotus commented casually. "On my way there myself, to hear the news."

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged glances. "Sure." The warrior gave her partner a resigned look. "Meet you in a bit." She turned and started walking back towards the inn, a silent Herodotus at her side. She could almost feel the waves of uneasiness coming off the man, and sighed quietly to herself. This was.. not going to be an easy relationship to adjust to. For either of them.

"Been a bad winter." She offered, rolling the conversational ball around in her mind and realizing that was the most innocuous thing she could come up with.

Herodotus grunted in agreement. "Hear you took care of this crowd.. nasty lot." He glanced at her. "Nice timing."

Xena stopped walking and crossed her arms, pinning him with an intent stare. "Herodotus, you got something you want to say to me?"

Oddly, that got a smile from the man. "Not one for small talk, are you, Xena?" He stopped as well, and leaned against a nearby tree, folding his arms across his chest and glancing at the ground. "Look.. I know.. you don't like me." He glanced up. "And I don't much like you either."

Xena pursed her lips and sighed. "That's true." She admitted quietly. "I'm not as forgiving as Gabrielle is."

The wind blew softly between them, bringing a scent of damply charred wood from the central area of the village. "Do you have a right to hold a grudge in her behalf?" Herodotus asked.

Xena gazed into his eyes. "Yes." Then she sighed, and dropped her glance. "But.. that's not what Gabrielle wants… so… " Now she shrugged. "I'm willing to make an effort."

The man studied her in silence. "I still love her, you know."

Ice blue eyes flicked to his. "I know. And she loves you. " A small silence. "Or we wouldn't be having this conversation." She saw Herodotus swallow, as he took in her meaning.

"I don't understand this choice she's made." Herodotus stated, flatly. "What hold do you have over her?" Now his voice took on a tinge of anger. "You're a killer. What business do you have getting involved with someone like her?"

It touched every insecurity she had, Xena realized, with an unerring accuracy. And she had no reasonable answer for him. So she shrugged. "That's life, sometimes, Herodotus." Not denying his statements. "I don't pretend to understand it either." She took a deep breath. "I've stopped trying to." Now her eyes met his frankly. "She's the most important thing in my life, Herodotus.. there's no limit to what I'd do for her." She paused, and quirked a grin. "Even get along with you."

He studied her for a long time, then snorted out a quick laugh. "No accounting for the mysteries of love, I guess." He shook his grizzled head, then lifted his hands and let them fall. "All right, Xena.. a truce." His eyes studied her face. "Maybe someday we can find a common ground." He sighed. "For Bree's sake."

"Maybe." Xena allowed, starting to walk towards the inn again. "Gabrielle has a way of bringing people together."

Herodotus walked along in silence for a few steps. "You don't use her nickname. Why?" Blunt as usual.

Xena eyed him in wry amusement. "She hates it."

The man snorted. "Nonsense." A pause. "How do you know?"

"I asked her." The warrior stated, reasonably. "When we were here the last time."

Another long pause. "Really?"

"Really." Xena confirmed. "Besides, I like her name."

Herodotus mulled over that. "How come she never said anything?" Now there was real curiosity in his gruff tone.

Xena shrugged. "You know Gabrielle.. she hates hurting people's feelings." She was relieved to see the bulk of the inn approaching. The conversation was making her twitch badly.

"I see." The man mused. "She's named for a character in a story, you know."

That got Xena's full attention with startling rapidity. She turned and focused her sharp gaze on him, holding his eyes until he fidgeted. "Maybe you'll tell me the story sometime."

His eyes dropped, and he shrugged in a familiar manner. "Maybe."

Xena smiled, and pulled the inn door open, motioning him to precede her.

He waved a hand. "No no.. ladies first."

That got both eyebrows up in return, and a short laugh. "Herodotus, I'm the one holding the door. Just go."

Gabrielle watched her father and her partner walk off, and grimaced. "Hope that's ok." She muttered to Lila, who waggled a hand.

"He's been all right for a while, Bree.. and he's even stopped ranting about Xena most of the time. I think.. it's ok. I mean.. it's not like he can do anything about it, right? " She put an arm around her sister's shoulders and started steering her towards their small cottage again. "I think he's figured out he might as well make the best of the situation."

The bard sighed. "I guess."

"So.. what's been going on with you guys?" Lila asked, tugging at her tunic a little. "I like this color on you… it's really nice."

Let's see… Xena's almost died twice, I've been kidnapped, sick Amazons, Hercules in trouble.. "It's been pretty quiet." Gabrielle replied. "Just the usual stuff with us, you know… but the outlaws pretty much stay clear of Amphipolis now.. we've just been kind of relaxing, and getting ready for the ceremony.. we've got some Amazons staying by us for a while.. it's been really.. nice."

Lila laughed. "You and your Amazons… that one you sent here was really nice, though." She opened the door to the cottage and followed Gabrielle inside. "Here we are.. it's tiny, but I'll give you a tour."

Gabrielle allowed herself to be led around the small cottage, making suitably complimentary remarks about the neat and tidy room, while Lennat excused himself, saying he was due back at the smithy now that all the excitement was over. After the tour, she and Lila settled down in chairs next to the fire, Lila bringing over a platter of brown bread and cheese and setting it down with a sigh as she dropped into her chair.

"One side effect of being pregnant.. I can't stop eating." She gave Gabrielle a wry look as she took a portion of the bread and stuffed a bite into her cheek and patted her belly. "Not sure how much of this is baby, and how much is just me pigging out."

The bard laughed and took a piece of cheese, nibbling on it cheerfully. "I've never had that excuse." She tucked her legs up under her and leaned on the arm of the chair. "You must be really excited."

Lila took a deep breath. "I am.. it's.. kind of really scary, though." She swallowed, and played with the bread in her hands. "Mom and Dad are thrilled, of course." She hesitated, then fell silent.

"So.. at least one of us is going to give them grandkids?" Gabrielle asked quietly.

Lila gave her an apologetic look. "Something like that, yeah." She put a hand out and rubbed Gabrielle's arm. "At least they've accepted what you're doing… don't feel.. I mean.. did you want children, Bree?"

Gabrielle surprised her by laughing. "I'm not.. sorry.. they feel that way, Lila. But.. " Her eyes glinted. "We've talked about it.. right now, it's not in my plans. But if that changes.. I've got this little agreement with Toris."

Lila blew chunks of bread across the room and started coughing violently.

The bard got up and patted her on the back. "Sorry. Take it easy, all right?" Whoops.. that was little too much for her, I think… I forget just how conservative they are here. "Hey, he's not that bad. He's a little quick tempered sometimes, but… "

"Bree!" Lila wailed. "How can you just say that?" She stared at her older sister in some dismay, studying the serious, strong lines of her face, and the intent focus of her pale green eyes. "Sometimes.. I don't even know who you are anymore, I swear."

Gabrielle settled back into her chair, and sighed. "Look..I know it's hard for you… it's hard for me sometimes. I look in the mirror, and I… sometimes wonder who that person is looking back at me. But.. " She took a breath. "I can't pretend to be the girl who left here, Lila, because I'm not. I've.. seen too much… changed too much to do that." She dropped her gaze to the fire thoughtfully. "When I left.. I never expected to.. " Become a bard, grow into being an Amazon queen. Fall in love. "End up where I did. But I'm not sorry."

Lila nibbled her lip. "You scared me today.. I know. I've seen you practice that fighting stuff.. but this is really the first time I've got to see you use it for real." Her eyes found Gabrielle's. "I'm finding it a little hard to reconcile my sweet, loving sister with that intimidating person who clobbered a handful of raiders." She gazed honestly at Gabrielle. "I don’t understand."

The bard stared at her for a long moment. "I guess I can see that, Lila." She answered quietly. "I stopped looking at outside appearances when I met Xena." She hesitated. "I guess we're all a mixture of things… when I realized there was a big part of her that was.. warm, and loving and gentle.. I understood that there must be a part of me that was.. capable of fighting and hurting people who were trying to hurt me, or people I care about." She blinked. "And there is… I don't.. like hurting people. But I'm glad I can defend myself, and my friends."

Lila sighed. "I never looked at it that way." She gave Gabrielle a gentler look. "I guess we're all capable of that, at some level.. if you're defending your home.. or your family. " She stroked her belly thoughtfully. "Have you ever.. " Her voice trailed off.

"No." Her sister answered quietly, then paused. "Not that I know of, anyway." She amended honestly. "I mean.. I don't think about that when I fight.. and I use a staff, not a sword, but… you never know." Another pause. "I don’t think so."

"Xena said.. you were physically capable of it, but not… mentally." Lila finally said, reluctantly, then reached over and squeezed Gabrielle's biceps. "I guess that's true."

Gabrielle smiled. "Probably." When did she say that, I won.. oh. Right. The last time we were here. A memory flash of her staff connecting with her father's head. "Though I've been doing more talking that fighting recently." She leaned back in the chair and took a breath. "I know I've changed a lot, though."

Lila studied the strong, confident woman who had grown from the unsure, desperate girl who had left their shared bedroom that night and smiled. "Yeah, you have.. but.. it's a good thing, Bree." She patted her sister's arm. "I'm really proud of my big sister" She nodded a little. "You took a gamble, and it paid off, Gabrielle."

"You think so?" The bard asked softly, but she was smiling, as her senses picked up a familiar presence approaching. "I'm glad." She winked quietly as the door opened. "I think so too."

Xena joined them near the fire, and crouched down next to Gabrielle's chair, resting a steadying hand on the arm of her chair. "Well, looks like a truce." She commented, giving the bard a wry look.

"Roo." Ares snorted, as he settled down at Gabrielle's feet, panting.

Gabrielle hesitated, then remembered her resolve, and curled a hand around Xena's upper arm, rubbing her thumb against the soft wool. "Good to hear." She commented, glancing up as a patter of hail hit the roof. "Ugh."

Lila sighed. "Again? Great Hera." She stood up and put a small pot of water near the fire. "Glad you two made it here.. hate to think of anyone out in this disgusting stuff."

"Hey..watch that sword." Granella gave Eponin a mild shove. "It's close enough in here."

They all glared at each other, in the close quarters under the small shelter they'd been able to rig as the weather turned foul again. "Watch your own self, you sprout." Eponin growled, shifting uncomfortably in her mud stiffened clothing.

The smell was.. indescribable. But no one mentioned it.

"Whose idea was this, anyway?" Granella groused.

"Don't start." Eponin warned, with a glower.

"Hey. Cut that out." Ephiny finally said wearily, rolling her eyes. "It was all of ours." She was seated against the fallen tree trunk they'd used as a shelter, and had all of their gear piled around her, with various articles solicitously stacked against her body by Eponin to keep the wind off her. She felt.. idiotic. "How are those bites?"

Three pairs of eyes glowered at her. "Thanks for the reminder." Iolaus muttered, scratching his leg furiously.

Hercules merely closed his eyes, and leaned back against the tree.

"How did we get into this?" The blond man spoke up again. "I know.. it must be.. the Gabrielle effect."

Eyes turned to him. "What?" Toris moved surreptitiously closer to Granella, and was gratified when she casually leaned back against him. "The what?"

"The Gabrielle effect." Iolaus growled, scratching his back.

"Stop it." Hercules advised him, still with his eyes closed. "You'll scratch yourself raw."

"We all can't be half god, buddy." The blond man snapped. "I figure.. she always gets into stuff.. it must be kind of a.. cloud.. that hangs around her. So..here we are, right near Amphipolis.. so we're affected by it.' He paused and scratched. "Right?"

Hercules reached over and grabbed his hands, holding them firmly. "I said, stop it."

Eponin and Ephiny exchanged glances. The regent's lip quirked. "Somehow..I don’t think this.. is kind of situation our Queen gets into."

"Hey.. let go." Iolaus tugged his hands to no avail. "C'mon, Herc..it itches."

"Don't think about it." The demigod advised him, not letting go. "Anyway, it could be worse."

Five voices answered him. "How?"

Hercules opened a pale blue eye and gazed at them. "It could be snowing."

A single, delicate snowflake chose that moment to drift in, and land lazily on the demigod's mud encrusted arm.