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

Violence –Yep - there is violence here. If you don't want hear graphic descriptions of bones crunching, and steel cutting into various body parts, don't go no further. Nobody out there watches Xena just so they can collect Gabrielle's Handy Housekeeping Hints. Be warned.

Subtext - Subtext. Oh, heck yes, there is subtext, maintext, supertext, call it what you like. This story is about two women who are in love with each other and we're not pretending any of this best friend/sister/mother/daughter stuff. Nothing is graphic, we stick to PG13, but if it gets your shorts in a wad to think about two female persons sleeping together, please try some other stories. There are lots of really good ones - check Xeno's listings under general fanfic.

And while we're on the subject, if you do read past the above warning, and are offended by the love described in the story, email me your snail mail address, so I can send you some nice rum balls. (it's the season for it.) Cause I feel bad for you.

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

The Longest Night - Part 6

By Melissa Good

"Ma'am, it's snowing out.' Eustase fluttered over her shoulder, as Cyrene finished tying the strings on the last package in a small pile next to her on the table.

"Thanks for the weather bulletin, 'Stase. " Cyrene muttered absently, as she gathered the bundles into a basket, and crossed an item off the list she had on the table. "I appreciate it."

"But.. ma'am.. surely you're not going out in this weather?" The cook protested. "The sun's not even up yet."

Cyrene looked up. "Of course I am. " The innkeeper gave her a look. "Great Hera's undershorts, Eustase, I'm just going across the courtyard.. I'll be right back." She got up and wrapped her cloak around her, pulling the hood up, and fastening the clasp. "I haven't had a chance to do this for Solstice in far too long.. I've already dropped off Toris', and Solon's.. I'm just going to bring over my daughters.. and I'll be right back."

She picked up the basket, and edged out the door, raising an arm against the whipping snow, and forcing a determined way towards the cabin, whose dim outlines she could barely see in the faint light reflecting off the snow covered ground. She moved along carefully, mindful of the ice patches, until she gained the relative security of the cabin's porch. Great Hera's undershorts indeed.. her mind marveled. Glad everyone 's here.. it's a perfect day to stay inside and have one, big, all day, warm party. And what a coincidence.. that's exactly what we're going to do. She chuckled softly, thinking of the pit they'd already loaded with pig and sealed before dawn.

She pushed open the door, and slipped inside, closing it after her carefully, and put her basket down on the small table, where she ran her fingers lightly over the gleaming armor before glancing up towards the bed, which was very dimly lit by the dull red glow of the fire, and the first pale indications of the coming dawn. Ares was sprawled across the foot of the bed, his dark head resting on his paws, his eyes a glint of light as he watched her. His tail stirred lightly, but he remained still, as she moved a little closer, and studied the other occupants of the bed with a warm smile.

Seeing her daughter's peaceful face, the strong features relaxed in sleep, with Gabrielle's fair head tucked against her shoulder. The faintest of smiles on both faces that brought a fond echo to Cyrene's own.

Cyrene sighed, and let the image evaporate, replacing it with what she saw before her now, that young girl who had somehow.. reached back inside herself and opened a door long closed, taking a fearful risk on the off chance that what Cyrene had said might possibly be true. And it had been true, thanks to the Fates, and Gabrielle.

After a silent moment, she turned, and gently opened the basket, setting out its contents on the table quickly, then closed it again empty, and moved towards the door, stopping with her hand on the surface to turn and look back, committing the sight to her memory. Then she smiled, and slipped out the door, back out into the cold of an early Solstice morning.

Iolaus reluctantly allowed the real world to intrude on his mostly pleasant dreaming as he sensed morning approaching. He became lazily aware of his surroundings, the pleasant soft popping of the banked fire, the clean, comfortable blankets tucked around his nice warm body, the faint patter of snow hitting the glazed window.. Hercules' fingers wrapped firmly around his upper …

Pale eyes popped open so fast the room spun, as Iolaus felt his heart almost come out of his ears in its haste to get blood to his brain. Cautiously, he rolled his head to the left, and blinked at the tawny hair tucked against his shoulder in a vague sense of panicked shock.

Breathe. He sternly instructed himself. He was drunk or dreaming, it's nothing. Just calm down. Breathe. That's it…in, out, in, out….ok. Slowly his racing pulse settled, and he took a second look. Ok.. ok.. it's no big deal… he just rolled over in his sleep and grabbed onto something by reflex.. it's just my arm. Nothing exciting here… move along, move along, that's better.

Ok. Now he stared up at the ceiling, and considered his options. He could.. move, and wake Hercules up, which would cause a scene and embarrass his friend a lot. He could..gently wake the demigod up.. and have the same effect. Or he could.. just go back to sleep and pretend nothing happened. When Hercules woke up, he'd extract himself with a minimum of embarrassment to both of them.

He studied the tense, exhausted look on the demigod's face, and sighed, wishing there was something he could do for Hercules.. but the man wouldn't even talk to him about what was bothering him.. he'd hoped maybe Xena… well, he'd seen them talking last night, and Herc seemed a little more cheerful after that so…

Go back to sleep.. That seemed… Iolaus considered. to be the best possible solution. He let his eyes slide shut as his body started to relax again, soaking in the warmth from his companions larger body in idle pleasure. Well, this seems harmless enough.. his mind muzzily decided, as he fell back into a light doze.

Xena was vaguely aware that she was dreaming, in an odd, and off center kind of way when the fluffy stuffed animal she was holding started to talk to her. She listened to it for a minute, but it was only reciting a recipe for sausage, lamb sausage, which seemed pretty dumb to her since it was a stuffed lamb that was talking.

She put it down, and wandered around in her dream, chasing a few ducks, which incongruously were wearing scarves, and finally sitting down in a pile of flower petals, which wafted up and half covered her with their fragrant softness. She laid back, and let the warm sun soak into her, hardly realizing it when the dream drifted into reality, and the warmth of the sun was replaced by the warmth of the fire in their cabin, and the flower's softness eased into the gentle pressure of Gabrielle's lips on hers.

She opened her eyes, and gazed right up into mist green pools looking back down at her, and smiled in pure reflex. "Hey." She cleared her throat gently, blinking sleepily at her partner. What a nice way to wake up.. "Morning…"

Gabrielle smiled back, and kissed her again. "Happy birthday.. happy Solstice." She replied, as she leaned back and propped herself up on an elbow, studying her, then cast a glance over her shoulder at the window. "You won't believe the weather."

Xena tilted her head and regarded the window, then slowly raised her body up and peered outside. "Good." She grunted, and let herself back down again, pulling the bard closer. "If that's the worst thing that happens to day, I'll take it." She felt a dreamy lassitude nibbling at her, and relaxed into it, enjoying the simple sensations of the bed's warmth, and her partner's presence.

Gabrielle's eyebrows curled up, as she snuggled closer and slid her hands over Xena's relaxed body, running sensitive fingertips over the faint scars across her ribs. "You think something bad's gonna happen?" She tickled the warrior's belly button gently, and saw the brief grin that crossed her face, which she echoed on her own.

The warrior shrugged. "With our usual luck… sure." She chuckled. "I'll take a snowstorm.. what about you?"

The bard nibbled her collarbone. "Mmmm… good point." She glanced up, then her brow creased ."Xena?"

"Hmm?" Came the lazy answer. Gods..I need to get moving here… c'mon now.. She forced her eyes open and turned her head towards Gabrielle, admiring the firelight's twinkling refection on her face.

"What's that on the table?" The bard's eyes went in that direction, and she edged up onto an elbow again. "Wasn't there last night."

Xena blinked, then looked, then blinked again. "Um." She sat up, then swung her legs off the bed and stood, walking over to the table and putting her hands on it, studying its contents. "Um."

Gabrielle joined her, rubbing her cheek against Xena's upper arm and sliding a hand across her back. "You said that already." She commented. What's up with this?

The warrior gently touched the packages, and sighed. "I don’t… oh damn.. I haven't… " She sat down on the chair next to the table, and rested her forearms on it. "She used to do this for us when we were little." She looked up at Gabrielle, who had taken the seat next to her, and was examining the small piles with interest. "It's.. they're just little things.. frivolous stuff… a bag of nuts, a little toy.. that kind of thing. We used to wake up on Solstice morning and have these on the ends of our beds." And she got these in here without me knowing.. damn. I must have been drunker than I thought. She looked accusingly at Ares. "Not even a growl?"

The wolf wagged his tail, and nuzzled her elbow, begging for a treat. Xena sighed and scratched his ears. "You're getting to be as lazy as I am, boy." She gave Gabrielle a faintly sheepish look. 'Mom must have brought these in this morning."

The bard laughed in delight. "That's really sweet." She touched the packages with a fingertip. "We never did that." Her smile slowly faded. "We didn't do much.. for Solstice." Her eyes dropped to the ground. "We'd.. kind of get up, and.. get.. oh, judged, I guess. If we'd been good, we got something, if not… " She shrugged. "I didn't get many presents."

Xena took her hand in her own and rubbed it gently. "I think that's about to change, love." She smiled at her partner. "Why don't you start on these while I get some water on? I think.. " She peeked inside the basket on the table. "Uh huh.. mom also brought some goodies." She pulled a muffin out of the basket and offered it to the bard.

Gabrielle's face slowly eased back into a smile, and she took the muffin, nibbling an edge. "You're on." She leaned back in the chair, and pulled her legs up, crossing them and piling the small bundles with her name on the into her lap. Xena set the water pot on, then lifted a shawl from the linen press and tucked it around Gabrielle's shoulders, as she joined her partner in opening the little presents.

A gentle chuckle. "Oh.. Xena look. " Gabrielle held up a tiny squirrel grasping a quill. "It's sooo cute.."

Xena examined the stuffed toy with interest. "Hey… it kind of looks like you." She teased, then held up her own toy, a fierce looking rabbit holding a miniature sword. She set the rabbit down next to the squirrel, and they both laughed at the sight. "Gods." Xena sighed. "I guess that's us, huh?" She stood and poured the now boiling water over the herbs she'd set into two large mugs, and stirred them, while Gabrielle continued her exploration, munching on a muffin with one hand and unwrapping with the other.

She sat back down, setting the bard's tea down on the table, and just watched her for a while, fingering the packages on her lap, but really preferring to enjoy Gabrielle's delight. The bundles were, as she'd remembered, little frivolous things, bags of roasted nuts that had been rolled in honey and spices, carved bone buttons, the stuffed toys… and then Gabrielle unwrapped a tiny bag, which she opened, and emptied out onto her palm.

It was a small brass key. The bard's brow creased. "I don't… Xena, what do you think this is for?" She looked up, into a pair of warm blue eyes, which dipped to gaze at an item in the palm of Xena's hand.

"I think it's for this." The warrior quietly replied, holding out the tiny brass heart shaped lock. She watched as Gabrielle gently inserted the key, and the lock sprang open.

They looked at each other. "I guess that about says everything,." Xena said, with a little smile, as she took the key back out and handed it to the bard. "C'mon.. let's get dressed and get over there.. everyone must be up by now."

Gabrielle nodded, then took the key, and carefully unfastened her silver necklace, stringing the key onto it and refastening it around her neck. Xena grinned, and did the same with her tiny lock, then stood and held out a hand to her partner. "Shall we?"

"Mmm…" Gabrielle allowed herself to be hauled up. "We'd better… all those guys trapped inside that one small inn… this could get crazy." Then she stepped forward, and threw her arms around her partner, squeezing as hard as she could. "This is going to be the best Solstice ever."

"It's snowing." Eponin announced, as she gazed out the window in Ephiny's room.

"Mmhmm." The regent agreed solemnly, as she buttered a muffin, then drizzled a little honey on it and handed it to the dark haired Amazon. "Here."

"Thanks." Eponin sighed, as she returned her gaze moodily to the window. "I wanted to get out for a run… looks like I'd freeze solid trying, though."

"That'd be a bad idea." Ephiny commented, walking up behind her and studying the window. Let's see.. I've about had enough of this adolescent flirting. Time to put my Regent's dinars where my mouth is. "You'd look really dumb frozen, Pony. We'd have to thaw you out, and that could get ugly."

The weapon's master laughed softly. "Yeah, you're probably right.. I just get antsy stuck indoors all the time." She nibbled on the muffin thoughtfully.

"Hmm… " Ephiny leaned against the wall, moving her body closer. "I think you need to develop a hobby, Pony."

The nibbling stopped, and wary caramel eyes were regarding her. "Yeah? You mean like… carving.. or something?" Another nibble, and a swallow. "Or cards?"

Ephiny moved closer, and saw the flutter at the dark haired Amazons' pulse point. And grinned. Now or never.. hope I'm not wrong about this. "Nah..I was thinking something more along these lines." She leaned over and kissed her gently, enjoying the subtle taste of honey still on her lips from the muffin.

Then had to lunge forward and catch Eponin, as her legs gave out and she headed towards the floor. They ended up in a heap, with Ephiny laughing. "Well.. I gotta tell you.. that's certainly never happened before." She commented wryly, studying the newly pale face in front of her. "Hey.. you ok? I didn't meant to.. "

Eponin's face flushed, and she ducked her head, mumbling something incoherent as she struggled to sit up. "I… uh… " She stammered, refusing to meet Ephiny's eyes.

"Hey.." The regent cupped her face with one hand. "It's ok… listen, I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry."

Eponin stopped struggling for a minute, then glanced up, meeting Ephiny's eyes shyly. "I'm not." She waved a hand. "You.. just caught me by surprise.. that's all."

"Oh yeah." The regent chuckled softly. "I forgot.. you hate surprises." She reached up and rubbed the back of Eponin's neck, and smiled as she felt the dark haired woman's body shift. "Now that you've been warned.. and since we're already on the floor, wanna try that again?"

Eponin's hand slid up her arm for an answer, and she ducked back down, tangling dark hair in her fingers and pulling the other Amazon closer, and this time Eponin responded enthusiastically. Ephiny had no idea how much time had gone by before they paused, curled up with each other on the soft rug near the fire.

"Think you were right about that hobby." Eponin muttered.

"Glad you think so." Ephiny breathed in response, as she stretched out onto her side, and ran her fingers down Eponin's ribcage. "I think I'll take it up too."

Xena pulled the cloak around her and headed into the snowfall, one arm tucked around Gabrielle's woolen clad form, the other shielding her eyes against the wet snowflakes. Ares trotted ahead of her, sneezing as the snow landed on his nose, and shaking his fur rapidly to rid it of its covering.

"Hold up." Xena steered her partner over to where she'd spotted a small group clustered around an area in the back of the kitchen. "What's going on?" She poked her head forward. "Mother?"

"Just checking the pig, dear." Cyrene idly tossed a wad of snow at her daughter's face, unsurprised when it was deflected neatly away by a casual swipe of one hand.

Xena peered down at the half-uncovered pit in the ground curiously, and exchanged a bewildered look with Gabrielle, who shrugged under her heavy cloak. "Uh… mom.. that's a hole in the ground."

Cyrene crossed over to her, and stood in the convenient shelter of her tall form. "Yes, I know.. and in that hole is a pig, on top of a long smoldering fire, stuffed with all the dried fruits I could scrounge, and wrapped in wet straw."

"Oh." The warrior gave a surprised chuckle. "And by the way.. " She enveloped her mother in a hug. "Thanks for the stuff."

Cyrene smiled against the thick fabric of Xena's cloak. "Brought back good memories.. " She released her daughter and was immediately enveloped in a second hug from Gabrielle. "Hey, cutie.. did you like the squirrel?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yep… I loved everything… that was really nice." She sighed happily. "How are things going in there?"

Cyrene pursed her lips. "Well… I've got two additional helpers… your mother, and Jessan's mother, who is very nice." She eyed them. "She's been telling me some very interesting stories."

Blue and green eyes met. "Oh no." They muttered in concert.

The innkeeper put a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Honey, I don't think your mother is quite.. um… as used to the kind of things you girls get involved in as I am."

"Um… no.. no.. she's.. pretty sheltered." Gabrielle winced. "Whoops.. I forgot about that."

Xena slung an arm around her and pulled her close. "Well, look at it this way." She let her head rest against the bards. "After this party.. you probably won't have to worry about it."

"Mph." Gabrielle backhanded her in the stomach. "Thanks." She sighed. "C'mon.. let's go inside.. I'm freezing."

The warrior immediately enveloped her in her cloak, wrapping her securely in fabric, and bringing their bodies into contact. "Better?" She inquired, ignoring her mother's smirk. "Everyone up?" She directed the question to the innkeeper.

Cyrene studied them with an affectionate look. "Well, no.. actually… you're some of the first, as a matter of fact." She tugged her own cloak close, and steered them towards the kitchen door. "I was kind of surprised… I guess everyone's sleeping in today.. must still be tired after all the trouble the past few days."

Xena held the door open, and exchanged a wry glance with her partner. "Um.. trouble? Fill me in.. we haven't had a chance to catch up on the.. uh.. news yet." She glanced up and gave Hecuba an nod, and smiled at Wennid, who was slicing vegetables into unlikely shapes with a wry smile on her face.

"They haven't told you about the pig pit then?" Wennid asked, casually, flicking a bit of root into a pot of water next to her. "Mmm…. "

Hecuba perked up. "Pig pit? I haven't heard about that either."

Xena shed her cloak, and relieved Gabrielle of hers, as the bard joined the two women at the table and picked up a bit of carrot, chewing on it thoughtfully. "No.. haven't heard that yet… I hear our guests are sleeping in today.. must be the weather." The fair haired woman commented, brushing a bit of remaining moisture off her rich green woven shirt.

Significant glances all round. "Who's still in bed?" Xena casually asked, poking her head out the door into the dining area and counting heads. "Hmm.. Herc and Iolaus.. Ephiny and Eponin.. and Toris and Granella." Her lips twitched, as she spotted Kaleipus deep in conversation with Herodotus and Lestan in the corner, and Cait entertaining her son with.. Her eyes strained. Hmm. A trap laying lesson. Oh well.

She turned her attention back to the kitchen table where there were smirks all round, and raised her eyebrows. "C'mon, folks.. it's a great day for sleeping in.. the weather, we had a late night last night…" She made a show of straightening the cuffs on the burgundy tunic she was wearing.

They all looked at her with wry expressions.

Xena shook her head with mock severity. "Such minds we got here… I had purer thoughts around me when I was leading my army." Been a long time since I could joke about that.. But she saw only an indulgent expression on her mother's face, and a muffled grin from her partner.

Wennid snorted softly. "Do you want to hear about the pig pit or not?" She scraped a carrot into little curls, and set them into a bowl of water.

Xena leaned back against the counter, and crossed her legs at the ankle, picking up a muffin and nibbling at it. "Love to."

"Where are you off to?" The question surprised Jessan, who was just tying the laces up on his thick woolens shirt. He turned and glanced down.

"Oh.. hi Iolaus." The forest dweller's brow creased. What was up with him? "Um.. I was going out to check the horses.. why?"

"I'll join you." The blond man stated, with a nervous nod. "Let's go."

"Uh.. sure.. " Jessan said, gesturing him down the stairs. "Uh.. are you .. um.. sure? I mean, it's snowing pretty hard out there.. uh…it's kind of deep in some places.."

Pale eyes glared at him. "You saying I'm short?" Iolaus growled.

Jessan widened his eyes. Boy does he look hot and bothered. "Uh.. no! No.. um.. not at all.. well, most humans seem that way to me, y'know.. I mean, here I am, right? Seven feet tall…" He peered at Iolaus' face. "You feeling OK?"

Iolaus took a deep breath, feeling a strong flush still going through him. "I'm .. fine.. " A warm thought skittered down his spine seductively. "Just need some fresh air." Going back to sleep had been.. a bad idea. He shivered.

"Ah." Jessan half closed his eyes, and extended his Sight, then quirked a furry eyebrow and smothered a grin. "Sure… no problem, Iolaus.. let's go." He clapped the smaller man on the back, and steered him out the door and down the steps, ducking his head against the snowfall.

They plodded along in silence until they reached the barn, and slipped inside, and Jessan smiled as his nose was assaulted by the warm smells of hay and horses. "Hey guys.."

Eris whickered, and picked his head up to snort at the two humans, then hung his neck back over the stall partition and nibbled at Argo's wheat colored mane.

Iolaus rubbed his hands briskly, and laid them onto the rough wood of the stall. "They know each other" He asked Jessan, more relaxed now.

The forest dweller patted the black stallion affectionately. "Yep.. Xena bred her to Eris when she came into season last. " He ruffled the stallion's mane. "So they're an item… " Then his eyes took on an amused glint. "Lot of that going on around here, I noticed."

Iolaus gave him a cold stare. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Innocently blinking golden eyes faced him. "Um… nothing.. well, you know I noticed Xena's brother and that Amazon… and those other two Amazons.. it's kind of cute." He grinned, showing the tips of his fangs.

"Oh. Right." Iolaus laughed in relief. "Yeah, they do make nice couples… " An awkward pause settled. "Um.. so, how long have you known Xena and Gabrielle?" He settled himself on a hay bale, and chewed on a bit of it.

Jessan set to work feeding the horses. "Well, not that long, actually. We kind of met by accident."

Iolaus relaxed further. "That happens a lot." He nodded. "They get around."

The forest dweller smiled unseen. "Yeah..so I hear. Anyway, I got myself into a little bit of trouble and Xena happened along and got me out of it.. "

A soft snort from the blond man. "That happens a lot us, too."

Jessan glanced at him. "I've heard that, also." He settled some grain into a bucket for Eris and Argo to share, then went on to his father's horse. "They ended up visiting us a few times… and we all just got to be friends." How's that for the short version?

Iolaus nodded quietly. "We heard about Cirron." He kicked his boots against the haybale, then jumped off of it and walked to the hayrack. "Here.. let me give you a hand with that." He lifted some hay up and walked over, settling it in the manger, the repeated the act for the next stall.

Before he knew it, he was talking, telling the forest dweller the whole of what happened in the mine, to a silent audience who padded about the barn, listening but not interrupting. "That's.. what that comment was about yesterday.. " He finally wound down, as he sighed, and stroked Argo's smooth sides. "I know it's killing him.. I just wish there was something I could do."

Jessan sat down on a bale, and laced his big fingers together, thinking. He'd heard the bare bones of the story from Toris while they were decorating the day before, and had been meaning to ask Xena about some of the details. Especially Ares' involvement. But this… what kind of thing could that have been to have subverted a person like Hercules? And.. his mind added quietly, been beaten by Xena. "Iolaus.. " He shook his head slowly. "This is way past my experience.. what does Xena say?"

The blond man lifted his hands, and let them drop. "They talked last night.. I don't know.. " He gave Jessan an apologetic look. "Sorry.. didn't mean to take up your time here." He glanced around. "Looks like we'll have to get water."

The forest dweller nodded. "Yeah.. I'll get some buckets." He paused. "And.. you didn't waste my time Iolaus.. .I wish there was something we could do.. but your best bet is to let Xena deal with it." He gave the smaller man a wry look. "She's really good at that kind of thing." He paused. "Problem solving.. I mean.. she sure was for us. "

Iolaus considered that, and felt his anxiety ease a little. "Yeah.. I know.. it's kind of strange though.. we're usually the ones solving the problems. " He let out a worried little sigh. And what am I gonna do if he remembers everything that happened? He chewed his lips. The marks on my back.. yeah.. but what about the rest? He closed his eyes wearily, starting when he felt Jessan's hand on his shoulder. "Sorry… buckets, right?"

Jessan studied him quietly. He needs to talk to someone. An image formed in his mind of fiery golden hair and smiling green eyes, and he felt a sense of relief. Yeah… that's the ticket. "Uh.. buckets. Uh huh..if you want to grab those two, I'll get an axe for the ice."

"Wait a minute." Gabrielle held up a hand, laughing softly. "They fell into a boar trap, after falling into a mud hole?"

Wennid flicked a carrot into the water. "Apparently." She sniffed. "They certainly smelled like it when we found them." She wrinkled her muzzle at them. "Imagine my surprise.. here we are, marching through the snow, and we find.. a hole in the ground filled with heroes and muddy Amazons." She paused, and glanced up at the silently listening Xena. "And your brother."

Xena laughed, and eased her body off the counter, snagging another muffin and tossing it in the air. "I'll be back." She advised them, as she exited the kitchen, and entered the main dining area of the inn. Solon spotted her immediately, and scrambled to his feet, heading over and throwing himself into her arms with childish abandon.

"Happy Solstice, mom." He grinned, then scowled at her, and tugged at her tunic collar. "You didn't tell me it was your birthday." He accused.

Xena sighed, and carried him over to a chair in front of the fire, settling into it and curling her arms around him. "I know.. sorry.. " She stared pensively at him. "I'm not really used to everyone knowing."

He seemed to accept this, and snuggled down into her arms. "Grandma gave me a bunch of neat stuff." He looked up at her. "It was really cool."

That got a smile from his mother. "Yeah.. she gave us some neat stuff too." The warrior answered, brushing his hair out of his eyes. "We've got some stuff for you too… for after the ceremony." She grinned as he bounced excitedly on her lap. "I'm glad you could come."

He beamed at her. "Really?"

She touched his nose with a fingertip. "Yeah." Guess I can give him one thing now.. Hope Gabrielle was right, and it's something he really wanted. Her eyes studied his. "Listen… um…we've got some stuff to do in the summer.. maybe in the fall you could come back here.. stay with us for a while."

She felt his breathing catch, and saw his eyes widen. "You think you'd like that?" She asked softly, wistfully.

"Yes." He answered in a choked tone, and buried his face into the fabric of her shirt, his hands clenching on the soft wool.

Xena hugged him close, and tucked his head under her chin, rocking him slowly back and forth. "Solon.. I'm sorry.. for a lot of things." She sighed. "I'll try to make it up to you, I promise."

He clutched her tighter, and sniffled. "You're the best Solstice present." He mumbled softly.

The warrior smiled sadly, and gazed into the fire for a long moment, until hands dropped lightly onto her shoulders, and she looked up into Gabrielle's concerned eyes, colored a pale amber in the soft firelight. "Hey."

Solon looked up too, and smiled. "You guys are getting joined today, right?"

Gabrielle nodded. "That's right… well.. officially." She exchanged a grin with her partner. "Why?"

His eyes brightened with mischief. "So.. after today, can I call you mom, too?"

The bard laughed softly. "Sure.. why not? " She reached over and tweaked his nose, then gave Xena a wry look. "My parents can't get any more freaked out than they already are." That's.. going to feel very strange the first couple of times, I think.. but… She let a shiver pass down her spine. Kind of nice.

Solon gave her a satisfied grin, and nestled back down into Xena's arms.

Xena peered down at him. "So.. this all going according to plan?" She asked, with a sly grin.

He blinked up at her with innocent blue eyes. "Plan?"

She cocked an eyebrow at him, and he giggled.

Gabrielle leaned over and pinned him with a stare. "Solon.. you may be a really smart kid.. " Her voice dropped to a whisper. "But don’t forget where the smart came from, OK?" She winked, and jerked her head in Xena's direction. "Don't try to fool her. It doesn't work. I should know."

He giggled harder. "Ok." He blushed a little, and peeked up at his mother, who was smiling at him. "Yeah.. it's going just like I wanted it to."

Xena kissed the top of his head. "Good." She tilted her head back and regarded Gabrielle's face. "You done gossiping in the kitchen?" She teased gently. "Think it's time to.. wake.. Eph up?"

"Mmm…I probably could get away with that." Gabrielle grinned, spotting the yawning Amazons descending from the upper floor of the inn. "Before the rumors start flying rampant." She cast a glance over her shoulder to where Lila and Elaini were comfortably sitting and snacking. Probably exchanging pregnancy tips. The bard mused, then eyed her father, still in conversation with Lestan and Kaleipus. Hey.. this might actually work out. "Ok.. I'll go do the dirty deed."

Xena watched her moved towards Ephiny's room, idly admiring the way the firelight slid over her form and collected as a glow in the gold of her hair, and the way the snug fitting tunic outlined the slim lines of her body. Gabrielle's walk had a… her mind searched for a comparison. Almost a seaman's roll to it, a rhythmic, gentle swagger that had more to do with her growing mastery of her body than anything else. Xena found it cute in the extreme, but knew better than to mention that to her partner, who tended to be a little self conscious sometimes. Right now, it just brought a private grin to her face as she watched.

Solon's voice tickled her ear. "I think she's really cute."

Xena muffled a surprised laugh, then glanced at him. "You do, huh?" She ruffled his hair and ducked her head close to his. "So do I." They grinned at each other conspiratorially.

Then her ears cocked, and Solon felt her body stiffen. He listened too, but… "Is that a wolf?"

Xena stood up swiftly, and let him down, listening intently. The rest of the inn had paused, seeing her sudden motion, and Gabrielle started back towards her with a concerned look on her face.

The sound came again, and now she was sure. "Ares." She muttered, breaking into a run towards the door, as people began to move in confusion around her. She dodged them, and launched herself over the table blocking her way, twisting her body into a flip that landed her near the door, then she worked the latch and dove through it, out into the thickening snowfall.

The wind hit her full force as she hurdled off the porch, and started towards the sound at full speed, her boots sending clumps of snow flying as she dug through the knee deep drifts that mounded across the courtyard.

Another couple of steps, and her body's reactions caught up with her, sending a surge of energy into her limbs that neatly combated the icy chill, and drover her forward at an ever faster rate. She cleared the courtyard, and headed down the river path, angling towards the sound she'd heard faintly, a howl from Ares, abruptly cut off.

Her steps almost faltered as, unbidden, a dark memory surfaced, one of her at a much younger age, rounding the edge of the inn into the very same courtyard, to see the tiny, scrap of unmoving fur that was her little Digger. No. Her mind firmly locked that out. No time for that now.

Resolutely, she pushed the memory down, and hurdled a downed tree, which had collapsed under the unexpected snowfall. As her boots hit the ground, she slipped, and lunged, flipping in mid air and catching her balance, then landing, keeping her body moving towards the water.

Concentrating, she kept her strides loose, trying to anticipate the slippery patches, and managed to keep at almost full speed until she topped the rise that lead down to the river basin, and saw moving forms.

A number of them, attacking a tall, furred figure who was sweeping the area around him with a bare branch, as a dark, swirling body lunged underneath him and snapped at their armored adversaries.

Now energy of another sort bolted through her, lifting the hairs on her neck, and sending a wave of shivering anticipation through her muscles that also brought a wild yell to her lips. "Jessan!" That got the forest dweller's attention, and he swung with more determination, stepping forward and driving his now distracted enemies back a pace.

She picked up a branch as her strides brought her within reach of the closest of them, and as he turned and swung his sword, she caught his wrist with the end of the branch, and heard the sodden crack as the thick wood hit yielding flesh and bone. He dropped the weapon with a scream, and drew a dagger with his other hand, but she was already on him, and her elbow was smashing his jaw with all her momentum behind it.

He dropped like a stone and she jumped over him, deflecting the sword thrust of the next with a downward sweep, and using the other end of her branch to slam into her adversary's head. She caught the next one, rushing forward, on her boot, and kicked him backwards, sending him and the man he crashed into sliding to the ground in a heap.

Another kick, and she was facing the nominal leader of the bunch, who circled with her in deadly intent, his sword held with a master's skill.

Dancing blade against unbalanced wood, but still she prevailed, as her strokes deflected his with casual grace, her weight easily withstood his powerful lunges, and his speed was matched with her own.

Finally, his blade caught in the wood's bulk, and she jerked his weapon hard, disarming him and sending the sword flying past where Jessan had finished with his last adversary and was now kneeling in the snow. "Jess.. you all right?" The warrior called, keeping her eyes on her still dangerous opponent, who had drawn a long, curved belt knife.

"I am." The forest dweller replied wearily. "But Iolaus isn't. You'd better hurry."

Damn. Xena heard the approaching footsteps as help finally caught up with her, but kept her attention on the man before her, whose dark hair and dark eyes seemed to absorb the wan light. He was dressed in dusty leather armor and dark furs, but the blade he held was well cared for and glinted in the light reflected off the snow with an uneasy glare.

He lunged, and his hand moved like quicksilver towards her body, but she dropped her limb and caught the hand instead, surprising him. "This has been fun. "She growled, as she twisted the powerful wrist and he dropped the knife with a yelp. She released him, and flung his body back against the tree, stooping and picking up his blade before advancing on him. "But I'm outta time. So let's just get some questions answered. What are you doing here?"

Dead eyes looked back at her, and the man laughed. "Killing him." He said, with a voice that was half growl, and half rasp.

Xena moved closer, and touched the tip of his blade against his chest. "Why?"

"Why not?" Came the taunting answer.

The blade tip pressed closer. "Who sent you?"

A nasty smile. "You don't have the capacity to understand even if I told you. So I won't."

Xena leaned into the blade, slicing through his leather armor. "You won't have the capacity either if I cut your head off." She gave him a feral grin. "So why don't you just try me."

He laughed again. "They said you were good." He spat on the ground. "But don’t worry.. your turn will come." He leaned back against the tree. "My part's done.. your little friend there has gone to your… Hades."

"You're right." Xena softly answered, as she heard the sounds of several voices, then was aware of the solid, warm presence at her back. "Your part is done." She raised the sword, and he closed his eyes. Her muscles tensed, and the dark energy flowed as she prepared to exact justice.. or was it revenge? Did it really matter?

Then a cool thought interrupted. He wants me to kill him. And that spawned the inevitable question. Why? Slowly, like a pot taken from the fire, her anger simmered down, and became a cold, icy burn.

With a solid sureness, she powered the weapon around, slamming it into the bark of the tree he was standing against and sending a cascade of wet snow down on top of him, burying the blade of the weapon inches deep in the wood, and trapping his thick armor under the blade, pinning him in place.

A moment's silence, then Xena stepped back, and released the hilts, leaving the weapon buried in the tree. "You're wrong.." Her voice was quiet, and drifted to him like one of the sluggish snowflakes. "There'll be no dying today." She dusted her hands off. "The law can take care of you for all I care."

And she turned her back on him, and walked to where several huddled, snow covered forms were clustered around Iolaus' still body, her eyes meeting Gabrielle's, where the bard was standing with her staff ready, watching the snow covered raider's form. Ares crouched at her heels, growling weirdly at the dark figure, the wolf's heavy, snow dusted ruff thickly raised around his head.

Xena dropped to her knees in the snow, pressing aside Toris' shoulder to get a better look at Iolaus. Aw Damn…She winced in reflex as she saw the blood stained snow and the horrified look on Hercules face as he cradled his friend in his arms. Saw the pale skin, and erratic breathing, and the surge of blood from between his fingers at every heartbeat that made her own heart sink low. The sword cut had entered just below his ribcage, and he was losing too much blood, too fast.

No chance. Her mind cried softly. But she took a double handful of snow, and piled it over the wound. "Pack as much snow in there as you can, and get him back to the inn." They scrambled to do her bidding, with Jessan lifting the smaller man easily in his huge arms and Hercules walking alongside, putting pressure on the snow with his hands.

Gabrielle watched them go, and put a hand on Xena's arm. "You can save him right?"

Blue eyes gazed sadly at her. "Go on. I'll be up there in a minute." After I make sure this guy remembers what he did here.. for a very, very long time. She lifted a hand and stroked the bard's stricken face. "Go be with him."

The bard put her hands flat on Xena's belly, and leaned close. "You come too.. don't.. " Her eyes flicked over Xena's shoulder. "Leave this… they need us more.. than you need to… " She stopped speaking, and reached up to gently stroke Xena's face. "Please?"

Xena felt the wolf come tamely to Gabrielle's gentle hand, and she let her anger go, feeling the sorrow seep in and chase the dark fire out. "All right." She put an arm around the bard and hugged her close for a long moment. "Let's go."

From the whiteness of the drifts, came a clapping. Xena turned, as she felt a familiar presence, and moved away from Gabrielle, putting her hands on her hips as the dark, shrouded form came close. "Well.. might have expected you."

Ares sauntered up to her, giving Gabrielle a fake little smile over her shoulder. "Good work. " He gazed at the trapped raider. "Been trying to catch one of these guys for a while." He gazed appreciatively at Xena. "You're having a party, and you didn't even invite me. I'm shattered, Xena."

Ares the wolf came trotting over, sniffing at his namesake's boots and wagging his tail. He stood up on his hind legs, and put his big paws against Ares' leather clad chest, snuffling at him with a friendly whine.

"Cut that out." The god hissed, but scratched his ears, and got a lick on the nose for his trouble. "Xena, you trained him to do that." The god looked up and saw the grim look on her face. "What's the matter, sorry you missed out on killing someone?" He patted her on the cheek. "Don’t' worry.. it was a good thing." He glanced at the closely watching raider, who now had a distinctly nervous look on his face. "You did me another favor, Xena.. this is getting to be a habit of yours."

"You want him." Xena asked, tonelessly, jerking her chin towards the still trapped raider. An idea was forming.. it was.. dangerous.. and possibly.. stupid. But it was the only chance Iolaus had.

Ares nodded. "You got it, babycakes." He turned to move towards the raider, but was stopped by a strong hand on his shoulder.

"There's a price." Came Xena's voice, soft and dangerous.

Ares stopped, and stared at her. "You.. are going to ask a price of ME?" The god sauntered over to her, and stroked her cheek with the back of a knuckle "What did you have in mind, blue eyes?" He smiled. "You wanna ravish me? That'd be a price I'd be willing to pay.. hmm? Tired of your little girlfriend there?"

Those eyes looked right into his. "The price is a life."

A thickly dark eyebrow raised, along with a corner of his mouth. "Wh.. oh, Xena.. no no no.. not the little man there, no… can't do it, baby.. he's like this with my brother, and you know.. we just don't get along. Nope.. sorry, can't do it."

"Come on, Ares. I know you can do it. "Xena asked quietly, a tiny quirk twitching her lips. "Consider it.. a birthday present."

The War God opened his mouth, then shut it again. Then opened it. "Xena, do you have any idea how much trouble I could get into with Hera for doing this?" He shook his head. "Nope.. sorry, kid."

"But.. his death serves their purposes, Ares." Xena tried her next to last card. His face remained expressionless. She pulled out the last one. "Please?" Consciously softening her voice, and gently tugging on the darkling strings that bound them together. Dangerous.. oh boy was it.

Their eyes locked for a long moment, while snowflakes drifted between them.

"Birthday present, huh?" Ares finally sighed. "All right.. but if any word of this gets back, you're all in for a six month tour of the ugly side of Tartarus. Got me?" He stomped towards the inn, then turned and threw a bolt of energy at the tree, slamming the raider to it. "Don't go anywhere." He patted Gabrielle's head as he passed. "Hi kid." Then he glanced at Xena. "Someday, you're gonna let me in on just what you see in this little brat, right?"

Xena gave him a look, and he laughed. "Ares, I'd bother to explain, but you'd never understand." She rolled her eyes. "Just what the Hades is going on with all this.. " She gestured around her "Weather, and these damn raiders, and that necklace.. it's all connected, right?"

The god stroked his beard thoughtfully. "That's.. what I'm trying to find out. " Now his deep voice was serious. "And.. if it's what I think it is.. well, you might want to reconsider rejoining me, sweet thing. Cause I think we're gonna need each other."

Xena flicked a glance at him, aware of the sudden pressure of Gabrielle's fingertips on her elbow. "Nice try, Ares."

Surprisingly, the god didn't answer, he just kept walking, as the wooden planks sounded hollow under his boots on the steps leading to the inn.

Cyrene opened the door as the small group approached, her heart in her throat as she spotted the limp form cradled in Jessan's huge arms. "Good gods.. what happened?" She hurried ahead of them, and helped Ephiny move the hearth table out of the way, so they could put him down next to the fire, on the thick rug. Hercules dropped to his knees and let the blond man's head and upper body rest in his lap, as he kept pressure on the wound.

Elaini opened her healer's kit, and set it down, gently moving Hercules' fingers. Her face went still, and she let out a soft breath in dismay at what she saw, but remained silent, and just took out a pad of clean linen, and pressed it against the gaping slice under his ribs. Her eyes lifted and met Jessan's, and he, too, sighed softly.

"They were after him." The forest dweller said heavily, looking up at his father's touch on a shoulder. "We just went to get some water.. for the horses." He shook his big head. "One minute, they weren't there, the next… and gods.. it was as if I wasn't even there."

"Who were they?" Cyrene asked quietly, her eyes fastened on the pale, silent face.

Jessan shook his head. "I don't know." He watched Elaini carefully pack the wound with moss, and cover it firmly with a bandage. Knew it was useless. "Maybe Xena knows now." He looked up at Hercules' tense face. "Why were the after him?"

The pale eyes blinked. "They weren't." His voice was ragged. "They were after me." He paused. "They always are."

Ephiny laid a hand on his shoulder, and rubbed it gently. "Everything's going to be all right, Hercules."

He looked at her. "No it's not. His heartbeat's fading." He clasped a hand on the smaller man's shoulder. "Xena knew. She just… didn't want him dying out there in the cold." His voice fell to a whisper, as the sudden, ugly burst of memory that had caught him unaware outside returned.

And he remembered what he'd done to the blond man, who rested now so trustingly in his hands. Iolaus was bleeding on the outside. Hercules was bleeding on the inside, aching with the knowledge that any apologies were now probably going to be made in another place. Another time.

"No." Cyrene settled on the other side of him, and put a hand over his. "She has a plan, or she'd be here. You have to believe that." I know my daughter. "Hang in there."

A heavy silence dropped over them, until it was broken by the sound of footsteps outside the door. All eyes went towards the sound, as the wooden portal opened, and three people stepped in. Two, they knew. The third.. dark haired, dark bearded, a hawk like profile and cruel eyes, sent s shudder down all of their backs. Save Hercules, who felt only weary hatred. "Ares." He said the word like a curse.

"Let's get this over with." Ares grumbled, waving a hand at them. "Hi, hi, howareya, rotten to see you, Hercules, hello." He pushed Ephiny aside, and dropped to a knee beside the stricken Iolaus, pulling aside the hands pressing his wound closed. "That's messy. " He looked up. "Nobody get any ideas, all right? This is a private thing between the Warrior Princess and me, so don't expect any repeats, or think I'm getting nice, or anything. All right?" With a disgusted look, he put a hand over the wound, and concentrated, his eyes closing half way, and his lips moving in set of syllables that none of them could catch.

When he pulled his hand back, the wound was gone.

"There. All done. Have a rotten Solstice, everybody." He looked up at Hercules, who was staring at him. "Especially you." He blew Herc a kiss, then stood and backed, right into Xena. "Whoops.. oh, it's you." He turned and grinned. "You can put your hands on me, any day blue eyes."

Xena gave him a long, appraising look. "Thanks." She finally said, letting a smile cross her lips. "Happy Solstice, Ares."

The tiniest quirk of a smile twitched at his face. "Happy birthday, Xena." Their eyes met, and his right one barely winked, then in a flash of blue he was gone, leaving behind a set of stunned faces.

Xena's eyes met Hercules, over Iolaus's still form, and she gave him a little shrug. "Called in a marker." Her eyes dropped. "Sorry if it's not quite the route you would have taken."

The demigod, put a hand on his friends steadily moving chest, and swallowed. Talk about the end justifying the means.. he hated owing Ares.. but.. damn it… "Xena.. I don't care. It worked." He let out a shaky sigh. "Does he have any idea what in Hades is going on?"

Xena pulled out a nearby chair, and dropped into it, running a hand through her disordered dark locks and shaking her head. "No… he's trying to find out." She looked up as Solon circled her arm with his small hands. "Hey there… "

The boy gazed at Iolaus, then at her. "That was scary." He sniffed. "But grandma said you'd make everything ok, and she was right." He looked at her with bright eyes. "Did you beat up all the bad guys?"

A shaky, relieved chuckle ran around the room. Gabrielle settled down on the chair next to her partner's and put a hand on her back. "She sure did, honey." The bard assured him. "No problem." She moved her fingertips in a gently circular motion, and felt Xena take, and release, a long, steadying breath.

Cyrene walked over. "I've got a plate of cookies to settle everyone down. Would you help me get them out here, Solon?" She held out a hand to the boy, and gave Xena and Gabrielle a tiny wink when he took it. "All right folks.. excitement's over.. we've got a party to get rolling."

Iolaus became foggily aware of his surroundings as he felt his body being moved, and then felt a soft surface yield under his back. He forced his eyes open to see Jessan's distinctive head backing away, to be replaced by the concerned face of Hercules. ".." He reached for his head. "Wha happened?"

Then a familiar voice cut in, and he felt the pressure of a hand against his shoulder. He looked over and recognized Gabrielle's gentle gaze. "Iolaus, what's the last thing you remember?"

He blinked at her, then looked around. They were in the room Ephiny had been using, and he realized he was tucked in her bed, with Gabrielle kneeling at his side. Hercules walked over to the chair in the room, and quietly sat down, next to where Jessan was seated on the rug. "Uh… well.. " his brow creased. "We were.. hmm… getting water… right?"