Gabrielle woke up, blinking, and judged by the light outside that it was early afternoon. She tilted her head and studied her sleeping companion, pressing her ear gingerly against the steadily moving chest and listening.

A quiet sense of relief flowed through her at the silence she heard, just the normal sounds of Xena's breathing, without the harsh rasping she'd been afraid of. She lifted a hand and felt her partner's head, letting a quick smile cross her face at what she found. Still warm, but no worse..Looks like she was right... not that she usually isn't, but... I'm glad she was this time. She hates being sick, it makes her so grouchy I can hardly stand it.

Gabrielle put her head back down for a moment, and let her fingers play over the thick rust colored wool of Xena's tunic, breathing in the mixed scent of the fibers, combined with the lingering pleasant tang of the eucalyptus salve. In a minute, she'd get up, and go take care of Ephiny, hopefully leaving Xena still soundly asleep, something which she had started to be able to do recently, but she let herself indulge in a long lazy moment of just being there, and being with her partner, and remembering the conversation they'd had before falling asleep. I owe her one for that... have to think of something nice to do... She considered for a while, then sighed, and carefully raised her head, rolling up onto one elbow and easing her body away from Xena's.

But a hand slowly closed on her shirt, stopping her, and she looked up to see a pair of sleepy blue eyes following her motion. "Hey... go back to sleep. I'll take care of Eph."

"You sure?" Came the mumbled reply in a token protest.

"Yeah... " Gabrielle smiled, and slipped a hand under Xena's tunic, tracing the well defined muscles with gentle fingers in a familiar pattern. "I"m sure."

"Mmm.' Xena fought it for a minute, then gave up. "Forgot there's sleeping herbs in that damn mixture." She mumbled, sounding vaguely chagrined.

Gabrielle leaned forward, and kissed her on the head. "I didn't" She smirked. Gotcha….

"Fink." Xena protested, prying one eye open and studying her.

"I love you too." The bard replied cheerfully, continuing her gentle stroking. "Close that eye."

A light shake of the head, and Gabrielle could feel a chuckle stir the muscles under her hand, then Xena's breathing evened out again, as she surrendered herself back to sleep.

Gabrielle smiledto herself, and rolled off the bed, carefully tucking the covers around her sleeping partner. She chewed her lip for a minute, finding herself reluctant to leave Xena in such a vulnerable state. Even here, even at home. Old habits die hard, I guess. Her mind mused. "Ares..." She called softly, and grinned as the wolf rose up, and trotted over, jumping up on the bed and padding over to her.

She petted him for a minute, then patted the bed's surface. "Lie down."

Obediently, he did, curling up against Xena's right hip, and laying his head across the warrior's thigh. "Good boy." She whispered. "You take care of your mom, OK?"

"Argrooo." The wolf mumbled, his eyes flicking to Xena's face, then back to hers.

"Yeah, I know." She stroked the dark head and scratched his ears. "I don't like it when she doesn't feel well either. But you keep an eye on her, OK? and I'll bring us all back some lunch."

Ares twitched his ears and sighed

Gabrielle moved away reluctantly, and glanced in the mirror, making a face at her reflection, and running her fingers through her disordered hair. "I"m a sight." She muttered to herself, then laughed, and headed out the door.

The inn was very quiet when the bard slipped in, only two or three tables were still occupied by the lunch crowd. One of them was Rurik, and he raised a hand to wave at her. She waved back, and continued on towards Ephiny's room, pushing the door open and stepping inside.

Cyrene was already there, putting down some hot soup, and stoking the fire. She turned as Gabrielle entered and smiled. "Figured one or the other of you would be here soon." The innkeeper studied her face. "Everything all right?"

The bard nodded with assurance. "Yeah. I left Xena sleeping.. she's ok, I think. Her fever's no worse, and her chest sounds pretty clear. I think we got lucky this time." We. Yeah, it's most definiitely we, isn't it?

Cyrene chuckled. "Good to hear. One sick one is more than enough, and I know my daughter - she's the worst patient alive."

Gabrielle laughed. "That's an understatement." She moved to the table, and took the small dish of herbs Xena had mixed earlier and put it in the mug, wrinkling her nose at the scent. "Why does stuff that's good for you have to taste so bad?"

The innkeeper peered over her shoulder. "Well, if it works…"

"Oh, it does." The bard sighed, making a face, then grinning. "I made Xena drink some before. You know, she doesn’t even grimace. "

Cyrene studied her face briefly. "Hey, you look beat yourself, Gabrielle. Get some rest."

"Don't worry." The bard assured her absently, as she poured hot water over the herbs. "I’m gonna take care of this, then go back and crawl…" Her brain realized what she was saying at this point, and caused her tongue to freeze. "Uh… I mean… I'm going back to the cabin and relax."

Cyrene bit her lip to keep from laughing, and patted the bard on the shoulder. "That's a good idea, honey. You stop by the kitchen, and I'll pack up a little soup for you to take back, OK?"

"Thanks mom." Gabrielle shot her a grateful look, then saw the twinkle in her eye and blushed. Cyrene walked out chuckling, and the bard gave a little sigh, and stirred the cup carefully. Well… Hades.. it's not like she doesn't know we're… uh… but it's just so weird to say that to her mother.. my adopted mother… aughhh… She shivered and suppressed a giggle.

Ephiny stirred as she knelt down, warrior's instincts intact even now, and she put a hand on the Amazon's arm, feeling the heat with an uneasy touch. "Eph?"

"Ungh." The blond woman groaned, trying to lift her head. She gave up, and let it back down, then convulsed in a coughing fit that made her roll over on one side, and grip the bedframe.

Gabrielle took hold of her arms, and held her close, feeling the muscles under her fingertips constricting painfully. "Easy." She murmured, shunting aside unpleasant memories on hearing the deep rattling in her friends breathing. "Take small breaths, Eph."

A moments silence, then the Amazon rolled weakly back over, and gazed at her. "Bad." She managed to get out, concentrating on shallowing her breathing. "Gods."

"I know." Gabrielle said gently. "Believe me, I know." She rubbed Ephiny's back. "Can you sit up a little? I promised Xena I'd get this stuff down you, and you know how she is."

The Amazon's eyes flicked to hers, and her eyebrows rose in question. "She all right?"

The bard smiled reassuringly. "She's fine. Just a little fever, that's all. I made her stay in bed."

Ephiny's mouth twitched. "Made?"

"I have many skills." The bard informed her with a twinkle.

"Whole kingdoms would be at your feet for that one." Ephiny managed to get the entire sentence out without coughing, but it took a lot out of her. It got a gentle laugh from the bard. "I owe her."

"Shh." Gabrielle said, holding the cup up to her lips. "She doesn't think that way. You know better." She watched the Amazon take a resigned swallow. "The girls are fine.. they're sleeping upstairs."

Ephiny nodded a little, and took another swallow. "Can't taste this." She mumbled, putting her fingers on the cup. "Warm."

Gabrielle pulled the covers closer around her. "You must have chills"

"Yeah." The Amazon finished the cup, and rolled onto her side, hugging her arms around her chest. "You had this?"

The bard nodded. "After Velasca." She paused. "But it was out there.. we didn't have a lot of the stuff Xena usually carries… didn't have time to get to town."

Ephiny blinked slowly, the medicine beginning to take effect. "Real bad?"

Gabrielle put the mug down, and reached over for the small pot of salve. "Lie down, so I can put this on." She spread some of the stuff on her fingertips, then started rubbing it into the now silent Amazon's chest. "I was.. afraid to go to sleep one night it was so bad." She admitted quietly. "I wasn't sure I'd wake up." She concentrated on what she was doing, not meeting Ephiny's eyes.

A hand covered hers, and she finally glanced up. "I was lucky.. Xena was there."

"Gave you that stuff?" Ephiny's head bobbed a little towards the cup.

"No." Now the bard smiled. "She just.. held me.. in her arms the whole night. I knew.. that I was safe. Nothing could happen to me as long as I was there." She paused. "She wouldn't let me go."

The Amazon's mouth quirked in a ghost of a smile. "Just like in Thessaly." She whispered, as her eyes closed, leaving a puzzled Gabrielle studying her face. Thessaly? She put the salve pot back on the table, and rose to her feet, crossing to the chair in the room and sitting down.

Looking back, she realized it was probably then that she'd put her feet firmly on the road that had led her to where she was now standing. But Xena had never spoken of that night to her, never revealed what had gone on inside that guarded mind. She had always assumed that she'd been totally in control of what had happened that long ago night.. but what had Xena felt?

I should ask her about that night. The bard considered thoughtfully, getting up and straightening the covers around the sleeping Ephiny. Then she picked up a small wide necked bottle, and transferred some of the salve into it, storing it in her belt pouch, and crossed quietly to the door, slipping out into the main part of the inn.

"Hello there, lass." Rurik's voice surprised her.

"Hello." She said, giving him a smile. "How are you doing?"

The tall trader perched on a corner of the table next to where they were standing and waggled his hand. "Not bad, really. Got some decent offers in from a few merchants here to have things carried for them. " He nodded at the door. "How's your friend?"

Gabrielle crossed her arms, and sighed. "She's doing as well as I can expect, I guess. She's pretty sick." Green eyes looked up and captured his. "But Xena says she's going to be all right… so.." She gave a little shrug.

Rurik nodded slowly. "She's an Amazon, they say."

"Mm..yes." The bard confirmed. "She is."

"Ah. Lass. You don't seem the type to hang around with that lot." He said, giving her a cheerful look.

Gabrielle's eyes went from a warm mist green to an icy grey in a split second, and she felt her whole body stiffening in anger. "Excuse me?"

Rurik held up a hand. "No offense, Gabrielle, you just don't seem the type to mix in with her kind."

The bard took a breath to calm herself, and speared him with a glance. "Rurik, I am her kind." The statement caused a chill to run up and down her spine. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do." She shook her head in disgust, and walked into the kitchen, closing the door behind her with unnecessary force.

"Well.. isn't that a snotty thing." Rurik muttered.

"Excuse me?" A low voice from just behind him caused him to jump. He turned and saw a tall man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes gazing at him with a distinctly unfriendly look.

"I said, what a snotty little thing she is." Rurik repeated, with a snort. "Can't even make conversation around here."

The man perched on the table and crossed his arms. "What did you say to her?"

"Just that she didn’t' seem the type to go associating with the damned Amazons, that's all." Rurik sighed, lifting his hands.

The man laughed. "She's a queen of the Amazons, you moron."

"Hey.. no call for that." Rurik answered angrily. "What's it …. She's a queen?"

The man nodded, and stepped closer, moving off the table and getting nose to nose with the trader. "And she's a member of my family, so I don't think I want to hear her insulted anymore. Got me??"

Rurik studied him thoughtfully. "Who are you?" A queen, eh?? His mind revolved that piece of information around, studying it from all angles.

"Toris." The dark haired man answered.

He seemed.. familiar somehow, but Rurik couldn’t quite place him.. something about the eyes, perhaps. "No offense, then, Toris." He said with a smile. "I had no idea such a pretty little thing was an Amazon, and a queen at that."

Toris studied him thoughtfully. "Look." He said, rubbing his jaw. "Do yourself a favor, all right? Don't talk about her like that.. you'll just end up getting hurt."

Rurik snorted softly. "What, by her?"

Toris smiled. "Just take my word for it, OK?"

The trader shook his head, and waved a hand. "No worries, lad. I’m leaving, I am. Time to get a move on towards the city." With that, he stood up and left the room, heading up the stairs.

Toris watched him go, and went on into the kitchen, where he spotted Gabrielle leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed. Concerned, he walked over, and touched her lightly on the arm. "Hey… Gabrielle?"

Green eyes slowly opened, and focused on him. "Hi Toris."

"You OK?" Toris asked, cocking his head in a familiar gesture.

"Yeah.. yeah. Just .. that Rurik guy.. I .." Gabrielle lifted both shoulders. "Just struck me the wrong way, I guess." The sudden, startling anger was slowly subsiding, but it had left the bard with aching muscles from it's intensity. Gods.. I must be really tired.. I usually don't just go off like that.

"Yeah.. I heard him. I told him he'd better shut up." Toris admitted, with a shy glance in her direction. "Uhm.. where's mom?"

Gabrielle smiled at him, and rubbed his arm. "Thanks." She looked down. "She's getting me some soup and stuff to take back to the cabin." Her eyes lifted and met his, and found concern there.

"Xena ok?" Was all he asked.

The bard nodded. "Yeah, I think so." She smiled. "You know your sister." A small smile. "She's pretty tough."

He rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah. How's your friend next door? Not so… I mean, heard her coughing."

Gabrielle sighed. "I don't know." She rubbed her temples. "Not good." The bard admitted. "I wish I could do something more to help her."

Toris gave her arm a squeeze. "You're doing all you can, Gabrielle... don't get yourself all sick worrying." He glanced up as a loud bang came from the storage area. "Uh oh.. I'd better go help mom. Be right back." He patted her arm, and went in the direction of the sound, disappearing from view.

Rurik carefully packed his kit, stowing his extra shirts and his one good pair of pants in his saddlebags, and putting away his strop and razor. He glanced around the room with approval, liking the neatly made furniture, and the comfortable bed. Not bad… His mind mused. Not bad at all, and fairly good price, too.

He left the bags packed on the floor, and wandered over to the window, gazing out over the courtyard with idle interest. Amphipolis was… an interesting place. Overall he was pleased with his visit - the town was prosperous, and appeared to be thriving, even in the ugly weather. The inn was well run, and the inhabitants seemed, for the most part, well behaved and rather mild. With the exception of that Toris fellow. His mind reminded him. And that lovely bit of a girl.

His eyes caught motion, and he sniffed, as a tall, dark haired form slipped out from between the barn and the inn, and crossed the open space heading for the inn. And her, of course. Hidden from sight, he let his eyes linger on her lithe, muscular form as it moved, admiring the sense of barely contained power that poured from her like water. No, Amphipolis wouldn't be a good place to stir up trouble with her around.

So.. the little lass is an Amazon, is she? He laughed to himself in delight. No wonder she's good with that bit of a stick. But what's she doing here? Never heard of an Amazon living outside their territory, certainly not in a backwater like this one. And a queen? Something doesn't add up… ah.. that's right. That Toris said she was family… and I'll just bet.. yes. That's where the familiarity comes in.. the little bastard must be related to that warlord. So the lass is a younger cousin, come to visit. Yes.

Well, I hope the little lass has a nice visit. Rurik smiled to himself, and left the window, picking up the bags and slinging them over his shoulder. He maneuvered down the stairs, and gave Johan a nod, having already settled his tab with the inn. The older man gave him a nod back.

"Good travelling to you then, merchant." Johan's voice was moderately friendly.

Ah, I like a bit of good service. "I thank you, sir, and a good season to you, as well." He answered in a good natured tone. He had almost made it out the door when his gaze was caught by twin pairs of icy blue eyes, watching him.

Side by side, there was no doubt in his mind, Toris had a few inches and a couple of pounds on his sister, but their sibling relationship was stamped on them with unmistakable clarity. It was also, he realized with an uneasy feeling, obvious Toris had told his very imposing sister about his comments on their cousin. Well, too bad. "Good day." He said to them both, and ducked out the door, heading for the barn. Anxious to get on his way home, at last.

Not long after, he trotted his stallion out of the village, and down the long road towards the river, whistling into the rising wind, and never once glancing back.

Gabrielle leaned against the wall and rubbed her neck, wishing away the uncomfortable tension that was tying her body up in knots. Cut it out, Gabrielle. She told herself sternly. He's just a jerk.. let it go. She closed her eyes, and imagined instead a pair of warm hands easing the stiffness, working the tenseness out with practiced fingers., then popped her eyes wide open when the thought became reality. "Hey!"

"Shh... stand still." Xena's voice floated over her shoulder, as the warrior used her powerful touch to good effect. "You're really knotted up.. give me a minute here." She slid her hands under the bard's loose shirt, and set to work on the stiff muscles.

"Take all the time you like." The bard mumbled, letting her head drop forward. "Didn't even hear you come in." That bothered her for minute. "You haven't been able to sneak up on me for a while now."

"Mmm.." Xena considered. "You were preoccupied." She moved her hands down the bard's back, feeling the tension slowly seeping out of her. "There.. that's better." She wrapped her hands around her partner's waistline, using her thumbs to work the kinks out of her spine. "Gods, Gabrielle.. what's up with you?"

Gabrielle sighed deeply, as she felt her anger also dissolving, and as it did, her awareness of their connection reasserted itself, and she felt Xena's presence at her back as a tangible thing again. Anger blocks that. Her mind considered thoughtfully. Ugh. She consciously let the warmth wash through her body, turning around and snuggling into Xena's chest and feeling the warrior's arms slide around her under her shirt. The warm touch of skin on skin sent a welcome skittering spark through her, and she felt the last of her irritation dissolving away.. "I should be yelling at you for being out of bed, right?" She mumbled, tangling her fingers in the thick woolen fabric.

"Right." Xena agreed, stroking her hair gently with one hand, and running the other lightly up and down the bard's ribcage.

"You're a bad girl." Gabrielle muttered, feeling a silly grin shaping her mouth, as her body responded to the familiar touch.

"Oh, yeah." Came the wicked chuckle "You got that right." Xena gently lifted her chin up. "Came to see what was bugging you." Her eyes flicked around the kitchen, finding nothing threatening. "Thought something was up with Ephiny."

Gabrielle pressed closer. "Well.. yeah. I'm worried about her.. " She paused. "But Rurik said something..I don't know Xena, it just set me off." She hesitated, and played with the carved bone button on Xena's tunic, running a fingertip over the irregular surface. "I'm not sure why.. he was just being a jerk." She glanced up at Xena's face. "Hit me wrong, I guess."

"My turn to take care of you, then." Xena informed her. "What did he say?" This last with a smooth menace evident in her tone. Damn… I knew I should have pulled that manure for brains out behind the stable and shortened his legs for him.

The bard hesitated. "It wasn't.. he just asked if Eph was an Amazon, and I said yes.. and he said he didn't think I was the kind of person who hung around her type."

Xena couldn't help it. She started laughing. "He what???" She snorted. "That does it. Let me go find him and show him what our type of person does to his type of person." She tried to disentangle herself from the bard, who hung on tenaciously.

"No no no no... Xena!" The bard tugged her shirt hard. "I told him off."

The warrior gazed at her. "Did you?"

Gabrielle nodded.

"Good girl." Xena grinned.

"So did Toris." The bard giggled. "Taking after his little sister."

One dark eyebrow curved up. "Little?" Xena let her own gaze run down the length of her tall body. "I don’t think so."

Gabrielle's hands outlined her form with gentle touches. "Well......" She grinned. "OK, younger sister."

"Feel better now?" Xena asked, smoothing the red gold hair out of her eyes.

"Yeah." The bard answered with a sigh. "Wonder where your mom and Toris are?"

Xena glanced down at her boots, and bit off a grin. "Probably waiting for us to stop um..." Her eyes flicked up and caught the bard's green ones. "Talking."

"Ah." Gabrielle detached her grip from the warrior's shirt, and backed off, leaning against the wall with crossed arms. "I see."

They looked at each other. "So." Xena said, clearing her throat and perching on the edge of the worktable. "How's Ephiny doing?"

"Not real good." The bard answered, cocking her ears, and muffling a smile as Toris and Cyrene bustled around the doorway, chattering to each other with conspicuous innocence. "Oh.. Xena!' Cyrene manufactured a surprised look. "Didn't know you were about. How are you feeling?"

"Fine." Xena replied, with a wry smile. "Never felt better." And that's almost true.. she mused quietly. That nap did me a world of good.

"Hungry?" The innkeeper asked, putting a hand on her forehead. "That's much better." She turned Xena's face into the light and studied it, ignoring the arched eyebrow that she received in return. "Stop that. I’m your mother."

"Starving." Xena answered. "Mother, I’m fine. Cut that out." She stood and stretched, making the most of their height differences. "There. Now you'll need a chair to do that."

"Hah." Cyrene snorted, then strolled over to where her cooling rack was, and snatching a sweet roll, tossed it at her daughter. "There."

Xena caught it easily, and stood, tossing it up and down. "Only one?" She asked, with a mischievous look.

Her mother's eyebrows rose, and she put her hands on her hips. "Oh.. so that's it, huh? " In quick succession, she tossed three more at the grinning warrior, who deftly caught them all, two in each hand, then shrugged at them and commenced juggling.

Jaws dropped. "Hey.. I didn't know you could do that." Gabrielle laughed, then squawked as a roll hit her in the mouth. She somehow caught it, and took a bite. "You die, Warrior Princess." Another roll bounced off her head, and she went diving for it. "Xena…"

A third, which landed on her chest.

Xena ate the fourth, and winked at them. "Gonna go check on Ephiny." She turned her back and walked to the door, whipping her arm back at the very last second to catch the roll Gabrielle had winged at her back. "Tch tch." She clucked in Gabrielle's direction. "You're out of practice, bard." And then the door closed behind her.

They all looked at each other, and burst out laughing. "Gods." Gabrielle sighed, munching on her roll. "Was she always such a brat?"

"Oh yeah." Toris and Cyrene said together. "You wouldn't think it from that rough exterior but… " Her mother continued. "There's a prankster under all that leather and brass."

Gabrielle smiled quietly. "I know." And remembered the first time.. she'd ever seen that side of her partner.

Gabrielle shook herself out of her reminisces. "Let me go give her a hand." She gave Cyrene and Toris a wave, and went out the door .

Pace pace pace. Turn. Pace pace pace. Turn.

"Eponin." Solari didn't look up from the scroll she was scribbling on.

Pace pace pace. Turn Pace pace pace. Turn.

"EPONIN." Now Solari looked up, and gave the pacing Amazon a glare. "Will you cut that out? You're driving me nuts."

"She was due back at sundown." Eponin enunciated slowly. "And it's full moonrise." She glared at Solari and Granella, who was seated in the corner, with her arms resting on the windowsill, looking out. "I told you it was lunacy to let her go."

"LET?" Solari rolled her eyes. "I hate to break this to you, but we didn't LET her do anything .She decided on her own to do it, and, you know, she is the Queen, right?" The Amazon sighed. "Besides, she's probably just giving them some extra lessons."

Eponin's eyes narrowed. "We should go looking for them."

Solari waved a hand at her. "Because they're a couple of candlemarks late? Oh no.." She shook her head. "I'm not going to get caught checking up on her. She'll kick my butt." She glanced up at Eponin. "Look.. you're forgetting Ephiny's a very competent warrior, Eponin… since when do we worry about her like she was… a clay jar or something?"

Eponin sat down on a chair, letting her elbows drop to her knees and sighing. "Since she took that mask. I just… " The older warrior shook her head. "It's just a feeling."

Granella's head jerked up, and Solari put down her scroll. "A feeling?" The both said together.

They looked at Eponin. She looked back. Eponin never had feelings, Solari knew. She was solid, dependable, a great warrior, a great teacher.. but had the imagination of a centaur hoof. "What kind.. of feeling?" She asked cautiously.

Eponin studied her hands, then looked up with a sigh, gazing around the room without really seeing anything. "I can't describe it. Just.. something's wrong." She finally focused her stare at Solari. "It's probably nothing. You're right - I'm being over cautious." She rose, and dusted her hands off. "I'm sure she'll be back by morning, since we've got the Centaur delegation coming day after, and she's got to receive them." And with that, she slipped out the door, and headed towards the communal meal hall, ignoring the misty falling rain.

Granella turned her chair around to face Solari, and they studied each other for a while. "So..what do you think?" Granella finally asked.

Solari took a breath and let it out slowly. "Get a scouting group ready. If they're not back by first watch, go find them." She sighed. "I don't care if Ephiny has a fit." She drummed her fingers on the table lightly. "She's right, it's probably nothing."

They looked at each other. "Right." Granella said, standing up . "I'll round up the scouts." She wrapped her cloak around her, and stepped out into the rain, pulling her hood up over her head as she walked across the compound to the covered shelter where the scouts were clustered around the fire sharing warmth and hot mulled wine.

"Gran! " Etiena waved her over. "C'mere.. siddown."

The slim dark haired Amazon shook her head. "Can't." She said quietly. "Need six of you, to go with me after first watch."

The atmosphere changed perceptibly, as all eyes focused on her, and a thrill of alertness traveled through them. "What's up?" Etiena said, watching her with cautious eyes.

"Ephiny and the youngsters were due back at dusk." Granella replied.

Silence fell. "Damn." Morka breathed. "Well, it's not long after dusk, they could have gotten held up somewhere."

Granella nodded. "Yeah, we thought so. That's why were giving it to first watch." She settled down to wait, taking the mug held out to her, and huddling inside her cloak against the chill. It would be a long night.

Xena finished off her second roll as she entered the room, a quirky grin still on her face from the banter. She licked the honey from her fingers, wishing briefly that she hadn't tossed the other two rolls at the bard. Well.. her mind sighed. All that sweet stuff isn't good for me anyway, right? Right.

She let that virtuous feeling go, and crossed to the work table, checking her supplies of herbs, and puttering around a bit until she heard footsteps outside the door, and grinned.

Gabrielle slipped in, giving her an impish smile, and came over to where she was standing. "Xena, Warrior Juggler, huh?" She whispered, giving her a tweak on the side. "You're too cute."

One sturdily arched eyebrow rewarded her. "Not." Xena snorted, then handed the bard the pot of soup Cyrene had left there earlier. "Can you heat this up for me?"

"I'll think about it." The bard answered, but took the pot from her and turned towards the fireplace..

"Hey." Xena said suddenly.

Gabrielle turned back and glanced up, puzzled. "What?"

Serious expression. "Hold on." Xena moved closer and bent her head to study the bard's face. "Uh oh."

"What???" Gabrielle hissed, glancing around, then back at her.

"Crumbs." The warrior answered, and removed them from her partner's lips. "Mmm." She chuckled as she straightened back up.

Gabrielle was standing, eyes half closed, with the soup forgotten. After a beat, she sighed, and licked her lips thoughtfully. "I may have to hurt you for that." Ohhh… I'm in trouble.. that felt wayyy too good. With a heartfelt sigh, she shook her head and moved to the fire, putting the pot over the coals.

I shouldn't have done that. Xena mused ruefully, feeling the pleasant shivers go up and down her spine. Gods.. she sighed inwardly. I've had more lovers than I can count.. but not one of them could do to me what she does with a simple kiss. With a shake of her head, she crossed to Ephiny's bedside, and dropped to one knee, and the Amazon stirred at her approach, turning her head towards the tall form.

Weary gray eyes tracked to hers, as Ephiny gave her the barest twitch of a smile. "Hey." The warrior said, patting her shoulder. "Guess you're feeling pretty lousy, huh?"

A faint nod. Lousy. Well, she was always good at understatement.

"Tonight's probably going to be worse." Xena told her, not flinching from the look in Ephiny's eyes. "We've got to get you sitting up a little.. you need to try and swallow some of the soup my friend over there is heating up."

Ephiny's eyes closed, and she shook her head. "Gods.. no." She managed, coughing.

"Eph." Xena held her still. "You have to." The warrior's voice held a deadly serious note.

The Amazon shook her head. "Can't."

Gabrielle came over, a mug of soup in her hands. "Maybe if you sit behind her, Xena.. and hold her up, I can try letting her eat a little at a time.."

The warrior nodded. "Good idea." She turned and caught the fuzzily startled look on Ephiny's face. "Relax, I don't bite." She slid an arm behind Ephiny's shoulders, and easily lifted the Amazon up, slipping in behind her, and letting the blond woman rest against her chest. "Ephiny, would you relax? You'd think I was porcupine or something" Xena chuckled, feeling the tension in the Amazon's body. "Come on, I'm not even wearing the armor." She wrapped her arms around Ephiny's middle for support, and gave Gabrielle an amused look. "Ok... let's give it a try."

Gabrielle sat down on the edge of the bed, and went to work with her spoon, glaring at Ephiny until the Amazon had finished over half the cup she had.

"Intimidating look she's got there, huh?" Xena whispered into the Amazon's ear, and felt the faint hint of a laugh travel through her body, which had slowly relaxed while she ate until she was as comfortable against Xena as Gabrielle would have been. Xena quirked a tiny grin, knowing the Amazon was very aware of her presence, sick as she was.

Ephiny tilted her head back against Xena's collarbone, and gave her a tiny grin. "Good student." This with an attempt at an arch look, which wasn't very successful. Then her eyes met Xena's. "Thanks. " she finished quietly.

"No problem." Xena assured her, then carefully let her back down on the bed, and wrapped the blankets back around her body. "Feel a little better?"

A rueful nod. "A little."

Xena patted her arm. "Take it easy." She stood, and took a breath. "Be right back." This to Gabrielle, accompanied by a ruffle of the bard's fair hair.

The bard nodded. "Get some lunch, OK?" She let her eyes follow her partner as she left the room, then returned her gaze to Ephiny. Saw the tiny furrow in the Amazon's brow, and the inward turned gaze.

They looked at each other, as Ephiny slowly settled herself back against the pillows, hugging her arms around herself. Damn… She still felt a tingling warmth from Xena's presence. The Amazon took a breath to speak, then stopped, then took another, gazing up at the bard with a wondering half smile. "Gods.. that's just the safest place in the world, isn't it." Her voice was very quiet, and her eyes met Gabrielle's green ones with startling honesty.

The bard glanced down at her hands, wrapped around the soup mug, then looked back up with a warm smile. "Yeah, it sure is." She agreed, feeling a blush color her skin.

Ephiny laughed gently, but started coughing, and curled up in a ball in pure reflex. "Ugh." She sighed when it finally stopped, and she could rest her head on the pillow again. "Glad for you, Gab... you know that, right?" She whispered, gazing up at the bard. "You two had me worried for a while."

"Yeah." Gabrielle answered honestly. "It's been a long road." She resettled Ephiny against the pillows, and tucked the blankets around her. "But.. " Now her face eased into a brilliant smile. "it was worth waiting for."

Ephiny reached out and clasped her hand, squeezing it weakly. Then she looked down, and lifted the bard's fingers, peering at them. "Wow." She rasped, giving Gabrielle a wicked look. "Nice."

Another blush from Gabrielle, who grinned and fingered the inside of the band. "So much has happened since I saw you .. when you feel better, I'll fill you in."

Ephiny nodded, and let her eyes drift shut. "Deal.." She muttered hoarsely

Gabrielle watched her fall asleep, the tortured breathing evening out a little, and the muscles in her face relaxing. We've come a long road too, Ephiny. She gave the blankets one final twitch, and stood, walking over to the chair and settling down in it, letting her head rest against the high back.

"This is the stable." Cait said, standing aside and letting them enter. She walked over, and petted Argo, who was munching away in her stall, peering at the young Amazons with an amused look. "Hello, Argo." Cait said softly. "Thank you for giving me such a super ride yesterday."

"She's such a pretty horse." Megan commented, scratching Argo's ears. The mare stopped chewing and looked at her, then blew out a mouthful of hay, and shook her head.

"I don't think she likes to be called pretty." Cait commented, hiding a grin. "After all, she is a warhorse."

"Were you scared on the ride here, Cait?" Elainas asked, running her hands over the ladder leading up to the loft.

"No." Cait answered quietly. "This was my home. But I was worried very much about the Queen."

Elianas nodded, and started up the ladder, pulling herself up into the loft and looking out the glazed half window. "Pretty up here." She commented, then glanced at the ceiling. "Oh.. guys.. look!" She giggled. "This is too cool!"

"What?" Cait asked, then backed as the girls made a mad rush for the ladder.

A thunder of small boots on wood, then silence, broken by stifled giggles. "Oh.. " Megan sighed. "Look.. Xena carved her name here."

"Well." Cait sighed to herself, remaining with Argo. "It's her mother's barn." She peered at Argo. "Right?"

Argo snorted.

Elianas sniffed. "That's ages old." She examined the scratching. "Lyceus.. wasn't that her brother?"

They all fell silent. "Yeah." Cait called up softly. "He died."

Then Megan drew an audible breath. "Oh look.. this is new…"

More muffled giggles. And a high pitched squeal. "Ohmigosh.. they carved their names together." Lista crowed. "How romantic!!"

"Oh, that is so cool." Megan sighed. "I can't believe we saw this."

Argo looked reproachfully at Cait. "Rats." The blond girl grimaced. "I'm for it now, aren't I?" Argo butted her chest hard. "Shouldn’t have brought them here, right?"

Another head butt. "Right." She looked up at the cluster of goggling heads. "Come on, they said something about lunch a bit ago." She called, getting their attention fully.

"All right." Megan said, scrambling down the ladder backwards. "But I'm getting a bit of wood from this place." She announced, and proceeded to do just that. "I'll keep this forever." She clutched the chunk of wood to her chest, and marched out triumphantly.

Cait sighed, as the rest followed suit. She'd wanted to go in and see Ephiny, but Cyrene had gently told her to try and distract the rest of them outside for a while. She'd told Cait their queen was resting, and was holding her own. Cait respected that, and was grateful that Cyrene hadn't tried to make the news more upbeat than it was. She liked honesty, and knew she was likely to get it from Xena's redoubtable mother. She slowly followed the other girls into the inn, trying to ignore their chatter.

"Do you think we could get Xena to sign it?" Elianas was asking Lista, who blinked.

"We could ask." The girl piped up.

Cait put her hands on their shoulders. "I think she's got her self all tied up with Queen Ephiny, right?"

They all looked at her, and burst into giggles. Then Megan slapped herself. "Gods, that's not funny. She's really sick. Come on now, you lot. Let's settle down and see if we can do anything to help."

They all looked up as Xena moved smoothly out of the kitchen, carrying a tray and some mugs. "Hi." The warrior nodded to them. "She's doing all right for now." The blue eyes flicked over them, one eyebrow curving up in consternation at the chunks of wood they were holding. "Try to keep it down, though, all right?"

Five nodding heads. Cait slipped out of her seat and got the door for Xena. "Hands full." She commented, and got a wink from the tall dark haired warrior. She cracked her half smile and winked back, then watched the door close behind Xena's back, glimpsing Ephiny's pale face and a concerned pair of green eyes within.