Love/Sex Warning/Disclaimer: Oh yeah now we're getting down to it. YES this story depicts a sexual relationship between two women and between a woman and a man. Is it graphic? Well, maybe… kinda… in a tasteful sort of way… that is to say… yeah okay it's graphic but hey let your hair down a little. Give yourself a little thrill. As is indicative of a Conqueror story there is some nonconsensual sex, one scene of the disturbing kind and the other more of the "she's forcing herself on me and I just hate myself for loving it" kind. If you are under the age of 18 or live in a state or country where this kind of story is illegal or this kind of thing disturbs you then read no further. Oh yeah that love thing. Lots of love in this story, love between two women, love between a woman and a man and they all love me! Me, me, me! Hey it's my story and I can write it anyway I want. You want love too? Oh all right, they love you tooJ Happy now?

Feedback: What did ya think? tlh277@aol.com

Part 4 (Conclusion)

Seth woke to the smell of vegetable soup cooking on the fire. He glanced around the camp and saw Gabrielle sitting on a log near the fire stirring her soup but Xena wasn't anywhere in sight. He sat up groggily and yawned.

Gabrielle looked at him and smiled. "Hey how do you feel, hungry?"

Seth smiled back and shook his head. "Not really, where's Xena?"

"She went to find a good place for us to spend the winter. Said she'd be back later tonight." Gabrielle said dropping her spoon to the side of the pot she was stirring then crossing to the boy and placing her hand on his forehead.

"You're not warm. Still feel a little cruddy though huh?" The Amazon asked.

"Yeah, don't know why I'm so sleepy." Seth said then yawned again.

"Your body wants to sleep so it can concentrate all your energy on getting better. I know you're not hungry sweetie but you have to eat something okay." Gabrielle said in a gentle tone.

"Okay." Seth said sensing that Gabrielle was left in charge of him and that he should obey her the same as Xena.

Gabrielle didn't have to say anything, she didn't have to invoke Xena's name to get Seth to obey her. She had a presence, not unlike Xena's presence although a much gentler one and not as powerful as the Conqueror's but a presence nonetheless, one that commanded your respect.

The Amazon went to her pot and poured some of the fragrant soup into a bowl and handed it to Seth with a piece of bread.

"Thanks." Seth said taking the food and smelling it. "It smells really good."

"I hope you like it." Gabrielle said mixing another dose of medicinal herbs in a mug of water for Seth to drink.

Seth forced himself to eat the soup and bread. After a long while he was finished and started to rise to go clean his bowl when Gabrielle held a hand out to him for the empty container.

"Here I'll take care of that and you drink this." Gabrielle instructed taking the bowl and handing the cup of herbs to the boy.

"You sure? I can do it, it's no big deal really." Seth asked taking the cup.

"Thanks but I've got it. Your not leaving those furs today got it." Gabrielle said locking her green eyes with his blue.

Seth felt slightly uncomfortable and he wanted to look away from her so he nodded his understanding and stared at his lap. Gabrielle was letting him know that she wasn't going to be a push over since Xena was gone. Seth sighed heavily disappointed. He had hoped that Gabrielle wouldn't be that interested in what he did so he wouldn't be stuck in bed all day but no such luck.

Gabrielle smiled at him, easing up slightly now that she had made the point that she was in charge. "Don't look so glum. When I finish with this I'll tell you a story okay?"

"Okay." Seth said cheering up.

Gabrielle soon returned with the clean dishes. She sat on the log facing Seth and began her story. "This is the story of a farm boy named Seth who saved his village from the wrath of the God of War Ares."

Seth immediately perked up hearing his name in the story. He sat up in the blankets and listened intently to the Amazon.

Gabrielle smiled at Seth reaction then continued. She told a story of how Ares had come to Seth's village one day and demanded that one of the villagers go on a quest to slay a great lion-headed beast that was terrorizing his temple in the nearby forest. He said that if one of them were brave enough to complete the task then he would keep the village safe from warlords for all time. Seth heroically volunteered, she had said, and then went on to describe in graphic detail how Seth overcame the wicked beast and became the hero of his village.

Seth sat riveted while Gabrielle told the story. Then he begged her to tell it again when she finished. After her second recital of the tale he stared off dreamily into the forest for a few minutes day dreaming then snapped himself back to the present and thanked Gabrielle repeatedly for telling him the story.

"You're welcome." Gabrielle said grinning broadly at Seth's delight.

"I think that's my new favorite story." Seth replied positively. "It used to be the story of Hercules and the Hydra but now Seth and the Lion-headed monster is definitely my favorite."

Gabrielle chuckled and stared at Seth amused.

After a moment Seth looked at her seriously. "Gabrielle do you miss your village?"

Gabrielle was silent for a moment her features turning suddenly serious. "Yes I do but I think that I'm where I can do the most good right now. I think it's my fate to be with Xena."

Seth cocked his head to the side for a moment in deep thought. "It's my fate to please Xena or perish. Xena told me. I think I'm doing pretty good with it so far since I haven't perished yet, although yesterday I came close making Xena so mad."

Gabrielle laughed at that.

"You just scared her is all. I don't think you have to worry about perishing. Xena loves you very much." Gabrielle said her mood turning suddenly somber. She lowered her eyes then and stared at the ground lost in thought.

Seth blushed.

"She loves you too." He said after a moment watching the Amazon.

Gabrielle's head came up and she smiled at the boy. "She does huh?"

Seth nodded his head seriously. "Oh yeah. Xena looks at you a certain way when she really likes you. I've seen her give you that look a few times."

Gabrielle practically glowed as she absorbed the boy's words.

"Thanks Seth." She said beaming at him.

Seth looked confused for a moment wondering what Gabrielle was thanking him for then he faked understanding and smiled back at her.

"Tell me that story again and we'll call it even." Seth said with a hopeful expression.

Gabrielle laughed seeing through the boy's obvious ruse then smiled gathering herself. "Okay just one more time though."

Seth grinned his triumph then listened intently to the story for the third time.

Xena rode silently north heading further into the mountain. She felt strange riding alone in the silence. She was so accustomed to Seth's boundless energy and his constant questions that their absence made her feel incredibly empty inside. She didn't like leaving him when he was sick but she knew that she had to find proper shelter for them to spend the winter and a storm was brewing. She could feel it. It was in the stillness that lie like a blanket over the forest. She could smell the impending snow flurries in the air and she knew that it was going to be a big storm, at the moment though the air was cold and still with no snow falling from the clear sky as she rode up the gentle slope of the mountain.

Gabrielle came to mind then as she did so often lately. A smile spread on her lips as she thought of the little blonde. Something was happening between them she knew, something powerful.

The Conqueror had only been riding for a couple hours and already she missed the Amazon. She missed her intelligent conversation, her quick wit and her engaging smile. She missed the quirky way that blondes nose crinkled up when she laughed and the way her skin flushed when she touched it.

Family. Was that what she was missing right now? Her family, the thought made her smile broaden. She never thought it was possible for her to have people in her life that she truly cared for. She had always thought that they made you weak but now she realized that they made you fierce. When you have people that you love more than your own life then you become a demon when someone threatens that. They give you purpose, exactly what she was missing these last few months in Athens.

Xena reined Argo to a halt struck by her sudden realization. After a moment of thought she nudged the mare on.

Seth she knew now was a gift from the Gods. There was no other explanation for the boy. She had stolen him from his home, enslaved him, beaten him, branded him and still the boy loved her unconditionally without her having made the slightest effort on her part. He was special too. She had soldiers in her army his age but unlike them for Seth childhood had come and stayed. For whatever reason the boy never lost his childlike wonder. Maybe it was due to his parents dying while he was so young and his isolation on his uncle's farm. Xena didn't know and she really didn't care, she only cared that he was hers now. Her family.

She wondered then if Gabrielle felt this way for her? What would the Amazon think of being part of her new family? Would she laugh at that? Xena's heart suddenly sank and she realized that if she ever wanted to know the truth about how Gabrielle felt about her she would have to set the blonde free.

Xena shook off the thought not wanting to think about that right now and concentrated on finding shelter for them.

She found a stream and followed it for a few minutes. The forest before her leveled out as the stream threaded it's way through the snow-clad trees. Then she saw the cave. It was in the side of a ten-foot bank of rock in the lee of the mountain slope.

Xena rode Argo to the cave entrance and dismounted. She peered inside the six-foot opening and noticed light inside the cave. As she ducked her head slightly and entered she saw that the cave widened on the inside and its ceiling rose to slightly over seven feet. The light she saw was coming from a foot wide crack in the rock ceiling. She noticed a small pile of snow underneath the opening as surveyed the rest of the cave. It was about twenty feet deep and half that wide, cluttered with various forest debris. It was perfect she thought. The crack in the ceiling would allow the smoke from a fire to escape and it was easily large enough for the three of them although she would have to construct a shelter for Argo.

The Conqueror went back outside into the forest and broke a fluffy branch off a nearby tree then went back inside the cave and used the branch to sweep it out. With that done she placed a ring of rocks under the crack in the ceiling for a fire pit then went out into the forest and gathered an arm full of wood. In minutes she had a good-sized blaze going in her fire pit. She went back out and gathered enough wood for a few days and stacked it neatly inside the cave then built a crude door for the entrance by lashing thick branches together with strips of leather she cut from a hide.

Xena allowed herself a satisfied grin. "Now for Argo." She said to herself and after another hour had built a large a-frame shelter for Argo in the cover of the nearby trees. It was big enough for the animal and her to stand in together comfortably and long enough too so that Argo could settle back inside and keep out of the snow that would drift in from the entrance.

Xena stared at the sky when she was finished then mounted. Just enough time to ride back and bring Seth and Gabrielle to their new home before dark, she thought.

The Conqueror nudged Argo's sides and started the big mare back towards the little camp by the lake and her family.

"My family." Xena said aloud to Argo and smiled. "Who would have ever thought, huh girl?"

Gabrielle sat on the thick furs with Seth's head pillowed in her lap. She had unconsciously taken up Xena's habit of running her fingers through the boy's short brown hair, which was amazingly soft. Seth had fallen asleep again, his body still recovering from his fever of the night before.

It was late afternoon and Gabrielle longed for the Conqueror to return. A storm was brewing; a big one by the look of it and the Amazon was worried about the warrior.

Gabrielle laughed at herself. "Get a grip Gabrielle. She's the ruler of the known world, I'm sure she can handle a snow storm." She said to herself.

Still a few moments later the blondes face was drawn and she was worried again. She couldn't help it. She stared down into her lap and watched Seth sleep while she idly raked her fingers though his thick hair.

"Calming isn't it?" The Conqueror's voice sounded from the edge of their camp.

Gabrielle's head shot up and a bright smile spread across her face upon seeing Xena standing next to Argo at the edge of their little camp. For a moment she was too stunned by the Conqueror's sudden appearance to say anything then she finally got out a response.

"Yes it is. I missed you and I was starting to get worried." Gabrielle said genuinely.

Gods it was nice to be missed and worried about. This was a new sensation for the Conqueror and she was enjoying every moment of it. With Seth she did most of the missing and worrying.

Xena walked over to the bedroll and knelt down beside Gabrielle and took her chin in her hand then gently tilted it up and kissed her tenderly.

"I missed you too. And thanks for being worried but you didn't have to." Xena said after breaking their kiss.

"Yes I did." Gabrielle replied her sea green eyes locked on Xena's.

Xena just smiled in response.

"Come on we need to get packed up and going. It's a couple hours to our new home and we need to hurry to make it before dark." Xena said rising to her full height.

"No argument here there's a storm coming, a big one." Gabrielle said laying Seth's head gently on the blankets.

Xena smiled at her approvingly.

Gabrielle caught the look.

"What? Didn't think I'd know that? I am an Amazon you know." Gabrielle teased.

"I know." Xena responded wryly.

Gabrielle hurriedly packed their supplies in two large canvas bags and slung them over Argo along with the mare's saddlebags.

Xena knelt down beside Seth and gently shook him awake. The boy's eyes fluttered open and his face broke into a broad smile when he saw Xena kneeling above him.

"Hi." Seth said sleepily. "I missed you today."

Yeah it was really nice to be missed.

"You did huh? Did you behave yourself for Gabrielle?" Xena asked as Seth sat up and hugged her.

"Uh huh." Seth said into Xena's chest.

"Was that a yes?" Xena queried smiling.

Gabrielle answered for him. "He was on his best behavior. I even got him to eat some soup and a slice of bread. Although it cost me three stories, the same one three times."

Xena laughed. "Well at least you got something in return for yours." Then she turned to Seth who had released her from his hug. "Get your boots on, we've got to get going."

Seth stretched then pulled his boots on and helped Xena throw their bedding over Argo. Xena took one of the thick wool blankets and draped it over the boy's shoulders.

"How come I have to wear this? Neither one of you two are wearing a blanket." Seth protested.

"Because I say you have to and because we haven't been sick, now up on Argo." Xena ordered maneuvering the boy to Argo's flank.

Seth caught the tone in Xena's voice and knew she wasn't in the mood for arguments.

"By myself?" Seth asked with a worried expression, he wasn't very good with horses other than brushing and feeding them.

Xena smiled at the concerned look. "You'll be fine, Argo likes you, and she'll take it nice and easy."

With that Xena steadied the boy as he mounted Argo and held the saddle horn tightly. Xena took Argo's reins to lead her then turned to Gabrielle.

"Ready?" The Conqueror asked.

"Absolutely." Gabrielle said cheerfully.

"Are you warm enough?" Xena asked noting Gabrielle's brief clothing. "Do you want a blanket?"

"No thanks, I'll be fine once we get moving." The blonde replied rubbing her hands together.

Xena nodded then turned back to the forest and led them out onto the trail towards the cave. A light snow started to fall and Xena was thinking that the first order of business once they got settled in the cave would be to kill some more game so Gabrielle could make winter clothing out of the hides.

By the time they reached the cave the snow was falling heavily and the last of the light was fading from the winter sky. A dim glow could be seen escaping the cave through the cracks in the crude door as they approached. The three quickly unloaded Argo then Gabrielle and Seth went about feeding the dying fire and setting up camp while Xena took Argo to the large A-frame.

Moments later Xena slugged her way through the now knee deep snow to the cave. The fire was going strong again and its heat felt good on her chilled skin. Gabrielle had soup heating in a pot over the fire while Seth sat next to her with his head dipping forward and jerking back up as he fought to stay awake.

Xena crossed to the boy and place her hand on his forehead, he wasn't warm but she could tell that the boy was still fighting being sick and the trip had taken a lot of his strength.

Seth smiled at her and blinked heavily lidded eyes as Xena sat next to him on a thick fur laid on the cave floor.

"I know you're sleepy honey but you have to eat something then you can go to bed okay." Xena said wrapping an arm around the boy's shoulders.

"Okay." Seth said leaning against her and dropping his head to her shoulder. Try as he may to stay awake in a few moments he was fast asleep.

Xena grinned at him and decided to let him sleep like that until dinner was ready then she caught Gabrielle staring at her.

"That's one lucky kid." Gabrielle said smiling at the Conqueror.

It's me who's lucky, Xena thought but she only smiled in answer to Gabrielle comment.

Soon the soup was ready and Xena was nudging Seth awake. They all ate then Xena mixed another cup of herbs for Seth before sending the grateful boy to bed. Seth was asleep before Xena's lips left his forehead. The Conqueror sat back against the sloping cave wall drinking tea with Gabrielle and watching the fire as the storm began to rage outside.

"It's really coming down out there." Gabrielle said from Xena's side.

There was a silence and Gabrielle turned to stare at Xena who seemed not to have heard her.

Xena caught the Amazon staring at her and broke from her trance. "I'm sorry what did you say?"

"I just said that it's really starting to come down out there." Gabrielle repeated.

"Yeah it is." Xena said with a faraway look on her face.

"What were you thinking about just now Xena?" Gabrielle asked feeling the intensity of the Conqueror's thoughts.

Xena took a deep breath and summoned up all her courage. "I'm freeing you Gabrielle, you're no longer my slave."

Gabrielle stared at her shocked. Only when she noticed that she was spilling her tea did she regain her composure.

"My tribe?" The blonde asked in a voice that was barely more than a whisper.

If I truly want to know then I have to free them too, Xena thought after hearing the smaller woman's request.

"Them too." Xena said with a pained look in her eyes.

Gabrielle could hardly believe her ears. She was free again and so were her Amazons. Everything could be like it was again. She could round them all up and they could make a new village deeper into the forest that was even more secluded and then… what? She looked at Seth sleeping with the faintest hint of a smile lingering on his lips then to Xena's tortured blue eyes. This was her family now and the thought of leaving them broke her heart all over again. She buried her head in her hands and began to cry.

Xena stared at the crying Amazon at a loss. This was the last response she had suspected. She leaned forward and rubbed the blondes back and tried to comfort her.

"Shhh, don't cry. What's wrong, I thought you'd be happy?" Xena asked softly.

Gabrielle shook her head and after a moment lifted her tear streaked face and stared into Xena's soft blue eyes.

"So did I but I don't want to leave, you and Seth are my family now. I love you Xena and I thought…" Gabrielle trailed off into tears again.

Xena pulled the smaller woman into a hug and kissed the top of her head. Then after letting her cry for a few moments more she gently questioned her. "Thought what sweetheart?"

"I… I thought that it was my fate to be with you. That maybe I could influence you to make things better for people, to help them. Pretty silly huh?" Gabrielle said clinging to Xena's side with her head on the warrior's chest not having the courage to look the taller woman in the eyes.

Xena smiled and the vise that had been squeezing her heart released its hold. Relief flooded through her and she squeezed Gabrielle kissing the top of her head again.

"No, its not. I'll tell you something silly. I left my palace in Athens because I thought I lost something. I had conquered the world and with that done my life didn't have any meaning anymore. The spark that had driven me for so many years was gone and I set out to get it back. Then I found Seth and you and you two became my family, my new reason for being. The spark I was looking for turned out to be a blazing bon fire."

Gabrielle lifted her head from Xena's chest and stared into her eyes. "That's beautiful Xena, it's not silly. I love you."

Xena smiled in return and felt the tears in her own eyes finally fall, something she hadn't allowed herself to do in a very, very long time.

"I… I love you too Gabrielle." Xena said, the words catching in her throat.

They sat huddled in each others arms for a long while after that just listening to the sound of the storm outside and enjoying the closeness they felt.

"What now?" Gabrielle asked finally breaking the silence.

Xena thought about it for a moment. "Well first thing is to get Seth better. Then we'll head for home."

"You're my home Xena." Gabrielle said luxuriating in the warrior's warm embrace.

Xena smiled. "I felt more at home here in the forest with you and Seth then I ever did in my palace but I have a feeling that will change once you two are there with me in Athens."

A huge smile crossed Gabrielle's lips. "Can you image what Seth's going to do once you tell him were going to the palace in Athens? He's going to be bouncing off the trees with excitement."

The two laughed and looked automatically at the sleeping boy. They both felt the heavy weight of uncertainty lifted from them and it gave them renewed energy.

Gabrielle turned in Xena's arms and the two stared into each other's eyes, not as slave and master anymore but as equals. It was exciting new territory for them both.

Xena drew the blonde into a deep, lingering kiss and rolled her onto her back down on the thick fur they had been sitting on. The two made love by the fire and it felt as if they had never touched before.

Some time later the two women lay naked in each other's arms by the fire. Holding one another they lie silently listening to the sounds of the storm outside while their hands continued to roam each other's bodies with soft, gentle caresses.

Gabrielle felt the slightest tension in her lover and tilted her head up to examine the warrior's face, which displayed a sad expression.

"What is it?" The Amazon asked, concern evident in her voice. The smaller woman was still feeling quiet vulnerable in their new love.

Xena gazed into her lover's face and gave her a reassuring smile. "I was just thinking that I've been happier with you and Seth than I've ever been in my entire life."

Gabrielle smiled at her then looked confused. "Me too, so why the sad face?"

Xena's face looked slightly distant again.

"Because it's going to be gone so fast. Seth is already eighteen summers old. It won't be long before he grows up, as hard as that is to imagine now." Xena said and a smile crossed her lips thinking of the playful boy.

Gabrielle scooted up and kissed her taller lover. "We just have to enjoy the time we have as a family."

Xena smiled at her. "You're right I know. Come on we better get in the bedroll before he wakes up and wonders where we are."

The two women slipped back into their clothes then settled into the blankets on either side of Seth. The boy sensing Xena's presence curled up on her side and sighed contentedly in his sleep.

In moments Gabrielle was asleep, lost in blissful dreams now that all her worries had been vanquished.

Xena smiled at the serene look on her lover's face then stole a glance at Seth and wondered again how long she would have her new family. She knew that Seth had to be a gift from the Gods. He had changed everything for her, taught her how to love again, he was the reason she had Gabrielle in her life now. It was too much to just be chance.

"Whoever's listening, thank you. Thank you so much for this gift of love. I know that I don't have any right but now I must ask one more gift of you. Please allow me to keep this family. I'm afraid that now that I have this great gift that it will be taken away, that Seth will grow up and I'm just not ready for that yet. So please, please let me keep him just a little while longer." Xena made the prayer in barely a whisper and although she didn't put much faith in the Gods it made her feel better. She listened to the storm rage for a little while longer then let sleep take her.

Part Three: Redemption

One hour past midnight when the storm was howling outside the cave Seth awoke suddenly from a dead sleep and sat up abruptly in the furs. He glanced to his right and left and noted that Xena and Gabrielle were still sleeping sounding, even serenely.

The fire was low and cast eerie shadows on the cave wall. Seth felt something, not exactly fear but something. It was that strange feeling of knowing that he got sometimes, knowing that something was about to happen. Then all of a sudden the not knowing what it was made him scared. He was just about to wake Xena and wondering why she wasn't already awake, which she usually was whenever she felt him get up when suddenly there was a brilliant flash of white light inside the cave! The light burst out just across from their blankets, an explosion of sharp light!

Then in an instant it was gone and in its place was a nude man. He was long and muscular with deeply tanned skin and thick, unruly hair. His sliver blue eyes twinkled and he flashed a mischievous smile with dazzling white teeth.

Strangely Seth was not afraid of him, he could sense that the man would do them no harm and he found himself smiling back at the wildly grinning stranger.

The man crossed to their bedroll and knelt down at the foot or their furs then he lifted his right hand to his lips and blew into his fist and a parchment that wasn't there an instant ago appeared in his hand.

Seth's blue eyes widened and he grinned with delight at the magic causing the strange man to laugh and his laughter was like beautiful music. Seth looked to Xena then wondering why she was still asleep.

"She sleeps this night Seth. Her and Gabrielle too, for this night is not for them but for you, for you are for them and them for you." The stranger said in his melodious voice.

A look of confusion crossed Seth face and the man smiled and laughed his wonderful laugh again. Then he handed Seth the parchment.

"For Xena." He said then waved his hand from Seth's head to his feet and when he did so the boy began to glow in the dazzling white light then with another wave of the man's hand the light vanished.

Seth looked at him puzzled again but the man only smiled and rose to his feet in a smooth athletic motion and took one step back.

The man smiled and winked a silver blue eye at the boy then in another brilliant flash of light he was gone and Seth was back tucked under the furs curled against Xena's side once again in a deep sleep.

Xena woke slowly in the dawn with the feeling that something was out of place. She opened her eyes and stared at the light filtering in from cave door and decided it must be the absence of noise that felt different. The storm that had raged most of the night was over and in its place was a peaceful calm.

Xena closed her eyes again and decided to let them all sleep in this morning. She ran her fingers over the arm that clung to her waist then let her hand rest on the small hand clinging to her side.

An instant later Xena's eyes shot open the hand was too small! The warrior threw back the furs and stared at the small hand of a child! She sat up slipping the sleeping boy's head from her breast and stared down at him still sleeping. He was still Seth only about half the size he was when she had sent him to bed the night before. She was still staring wide eyed in shock when Gabrielle came awake from the cold air on her exposed body now that Xena had thrown back the covers.

The Amazon sleepily sat up on her elbows and stared at her lover sitting up in the blankets.

"What is it? What's the … oh my Gods!" Gabrielle exclaimed when her eyes followed Xena's to Seth. The blonde bolted up and stared at the boy.

"Seth?" Gabrielle asked tentatively.

Xena merely nodded her head still too stunned for words. The two women stared at each other then at the sleeping child until finally Xena had regained herself enough to speak. She leaned down and gently shook the boy awake.

Seth's eyes fluttered opened and he shivered from the cold with no blankets covering him, then his eyes caught Xena's and he smiled at her.

Xena smiled back, yeah definitely still Seth. He was giving her the look.

Seth sat up, his clothes hanging loosely about his body, far too big for him now. He leaned against Xena and rested his head against her breasts, as this was as far as his head would reach now. He yawned then started to fall asleep again.

Xena gently took the boy by the shoulders and held him away from her body so she could look into his face. "Seth honey, what happened to you?" She asked in a soft tone.

Seth looked at her puzzled. "What do you mean Xena?"

Xena looked at Gabrielle who shrugged then back to Seth. "Well honey you're a little younger than you were when you went to sleep. In fact you're a whole lot younger."

"Oh that." Seth said nonchalantly, then reached in his pocket and retrieved a rolled piece of parchment and handed it to Xena and resumed his spot against her warm body.

Xena took the parchment from the boy, unrolled it and read.

Xena

Your wish is granted. Here is your boy the same as before, just a little newer.

Enjoy: Apollo/ God of light, HEALING, music, poetry, and prophecy.

Xena stared at the note still in shock after rereading it three times.

"What does it say?" Gabrielle asked.

Xena handed the note to Gabrielle and the smaller woman read it then stared numbly back at Xena then the note was gone. It vanished in her hands.

The two women watched it dissolve into thin air and sat speechless until Gabrielle finally broke the silence.

"What did you wish for?" She asked quietly, trying to absorb everything that had happened.

"I wished that I could keep Seth for a while longer, that he wouldn't grow up so soon." Xena said reverently. Then she looked down at Seth who was almost asleep again. "Seth honey, do you know how old you are?"

Seth leaned back and looked at her as if it were the silliest question in the world. "Uh huh, don't you remember when we had my special birthday meal at the inn Xena? I'm just turned six."

Seth looked at her bemused then he resumed his spot against her side again.

Xena stared at him for a moment then at Gabrielle who shrugged and smiled at her. Her eyes welled with tears and she drew the boy back from her body and kissed him on the forehead then she enveloped the boy in tight hug as the tears spilled onto her checks.

Seth's world went dark and he couldn't breath as his face was buried in Xena's cleavage by the sudden hug. He pushed on her franticly and made muffled noises for a moment until the warrior realized what she was doing and released him.

She smiled at him with her tear-streaked face. "Sorry."

"That's okay." Seth said good-naturedly.

Xena lifted him slightly, bringing his head to her shoulder and hugged him again then reaching out with one hand she drew Gabrielle into the hug as well. The blonde woman had tears in her eyes as well watching her lover's reaction to her wish being granted.

When the tearful embrace was finally over Gabrielle tugged at the boy's clothing, which were hanging loosely about him.

"Better give me these and I'll see what I can do to make them fit again." The Amazon smiled at the boy wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "You'll be easier to feed now anyway." She teased poking the boy in the ribs eliciting a giggle from him.

"I'm starving." Seth said with enthusiasm.

Xena laughed. "Still my boy." She said smiling and hugging him again, careful not to drown the boy in her breasts.

Xena finally released the boy then seated herself by the fire and sat Seth in her lap where he conveniently fit now. The boy leaned against her and dosed while Gabrielle made breakfast.

The Conqueror sat quietly nuzzling the boy with a serene, contented look on her face while Gabrielle heated oatmeal in a pot over the fire.

The Amazon stared at her lover, smiled and chuckled to herself while she cooked. Xena caught the look and the light laugh.

"What?" The warrior asked self-consciously.

Gabrielle smiled at her again. "Nothing, it's just nice to see you this happy."

Xena's look grew more intense. "I'm a woman in love who just had her last unanswered wish granted."

Gabrielle blushed and moved beside the taller woman. "And what were the other wishes?"

Xena turned her head to the Amazon and leaned close to her until their lips were almost touching. "There was only one and you granted it last night."

Gabrielle smiled shyly and her blush deepened.

Xena's own smile widened then she teased the blonde's lips with her tongue before drawing her into a passionate kiss.

The sound of Gabrielle's pot bubbling drew them apart. Gabrielle closed her eyes and leaned her forehead on the larger woman's for a moment regaining her composure.

"I better take care of that." The Amazon said in a husky voice then moved to the fire and took the oatmeal off the flames. She added maple and nutmeg to it then scooped out the fragrant meal into three bowls.

Xena woke Seth and the three ate in a very happy silence. After breakfast was done and the dishes cleaned and stowed away Xena had Seth stand in front of her.

"Reach boy." She instructed.

Seth lifted his hands over his head his long sleeves flopping. Xena reached down and pulled the boy's way too big shirt off. She tossed the shirt to Gabrielle and smiled at the boy. His head was level with her stomach now she observed then she noticed his shoulder and she knelt down at his side and took the boy's right arm in her hand.

"What is it Xena?" Seth asked curiously.

Xena didn't answer for a moment. She was gazing at the smooth skin of the boy shoulder. Her mark was gone. She sighed a happy sigh then caught the boy's concerned look and smiled reassuringly at him.

"Nothing, it's okay. In fact it's better than okay. It's great." The Conqueror looked over at Gabrielle who had been watching and saw the smooth unmarked skin on the boy's shoulder. The Amazon smiled and gave her lover a knowing look. Then she broke the momentary silence, which had ensued.

"Pants too and your boots."

Seth sat down on the furs and Xena pulled his pants off. She tossed them to Gabrielle along with the boy's boots that were laid by the foot of the blankets.

Seth scrambled under the furs, cold now that he was mostly naked. Then Gabrielle shot him a look.

"Going to need the underwear too." The blonde said firmly.

Seth gave her a pained look then slid his underwear off and tossed them to her. Xena had looked on amused. She was glad to see that the boy obeyed Gabrielle without looking to her to intervene. She sat there and just stared at the boy for awhile, amazed by his transformation. Then after a few moments she rose to her feet, crossed to her armor and weapons and put them on.

"I'm going hunting, we're going to need more hides for winter clothes." Xena looked at Gabrielle and winked. "Especially if we're going to be traveling to Athens in this weather."

Seth's head shot up and he stared wide-eyed at Xena. "We're going to Athens?" The boy questioned excitedly.

Xena gave him a sly grin. "Didn't I mention that?"

Seth wrapped the blanket around his small body and stood at Xena's feet. He looked up at her and smiled broadly.

"No you didn't mention that Xena." Seth said exasperatedly.

Xena continued to tease him. "Oh, could have sworn I did."

She stared down at him then. The boy was tugging franticly on the skirts of her battle dress for her to continue an impatient look on his face. Xena burst out laughing then and knelt down beside the boy absorbing him in another large hug.

Seth wasn't sure why she was laughing or hugging him again but he'd take all the hugs she was giving. He smiled at her again as she broke the embrace and kissed him on the cheek.

"We're going home to my palace in Athens." Xena said seriously still kneeling and looking at the boy from his height.

Seth's face lit up again. "Really, do you think they have caramel apples in Athens?"

Xena rolled her eyes then she and Gabrielle both started laughing again. When they had regained their composure Xena answered the boy. "Yes as a matter of fact they do have caramel apples in Athens."

"Do you think we could get one?" Seth asked hopefully.

Xena rose to her full height and gave him a mock serious look. "I guess if you're a good boy."

Seth beamed up at her. "I'll be good." He said hopefully.

Xena ruffled his hair with one hand smiling at him. "Okay, if you're good then. I'll be back in a little while."

Gabrielle looked up from what she was doing with the boy's clothes. She had dug a needle and thread out of Xena's saddlebags along with a pair of scissors and was in the process of sizing down the boy's clothes.

"Be careful." The Amazon said her green eyes locking on blue.

"I will." Xena said looking back at the blonde then down at Seth then turning she left the cave.

Gabrielle resumed her task.

Seth just stood in the entrance to the cave wrapped in his blanket. After the makeshift door to the cave had shut he stood for a long while and stared after Xena. For him the sun rose and set at Xena's will, the wind blew on her breath, the moon and the stars shone in her eyes and all of the Gods were at her beck and call. He was sure of it; sure that she commanded all of the heavens and earth. The strange man with the shinning eyes had changed him at Xena's wish he was certain.

He didn't mind his new body, it just felt right to him. No longer was he a boy trapped in a man's body. Now he was all boy again and gone with his man's body were his sexual memories as a man along with all of the lust he once felt. In its place now was a love even more intense than what he had previously felt. He stared after Xena reverently. She had become more to him now then he knew how to explain, she was the center of his universe.

"Seth."

Gabrielle's voice broke him from his trace. The boy turned and faced her.

"She'll be back soon, don't worry." Gabrielle said grinning at the boy's devotion. "Come on over here, you can help me."

Seth trudged over to her with his blanket dragging on the cave floor. He sat down at the Amazon's side then looked up at her and smiled mischievously.

"What?" Gabrielle asked in a strained tone.

Seth lowered his eyes then looked back up at her hopefully. "Do you think that maybe you could tell the story while we work?"

Gabrielle rolled her eyes then smiled. "I guess."

Gabrielle held Seth's shirt to him for sizing then had the boy hold the garment while she began cutting it with the scissors and at the same time reciting the tale.

Xena returned at mid-day to find Gabrielle and Seth building a snowman in front of the cave. Seth was wearing his clothes that fit him once again. They just finished pushing sticks into the snowman's sides for arms when Xena rode up dragging two large stags.

"Nice snowman." Xena's voice called out to the two getting their attention.

They turned sharply and wide grins broke out on both their faces when they saw the warrior. Gods it was nice to be missed, Xena thought swinging down from Argo and walking to her family.

"Xena!" Seth called her name and ran to her absorbing her legs in a hug as if he hadn't seen her in a month.

"Hey." The Conqueror said casually although she was grinning from ear to ear. She bent over and picked the boy up then strode to their snowman.

"In town long soldier?" Gabrielle teased in a husky voice.

Xena laughed then drew the blonde into a group hug, holding Seth easily on her left hip and encircling Gabrielle with her right arm.

"Maybe, if I can find the right company." Xena teased back looking seductively at the woman in her arms.

"Really, what were you looking for?" Gabrielle asked, smiling knowingly.

Xena took on a thoughtful expression. "Oh I don't know, blonde, about five four, nice…"

Gabrielle placed a hand over her lover's mouth cutting her off.

"Okay, okay I get it." The Amazon said laughing through a smile and nodding her head toward Seth.

Xena's face blanched and she bit her lower lip. "Oh yeah, sorry honey." Xena said to Seth then kissed him on the cheek.

Seth seemed utterly unconcerned and squirmed to be put down so he could give his snowman a face. Xena obligingly placed the boy down and he scurried off to find stones for snowman eyes. When he was out of earshot Xena took Gabrielle in her arms and smiled down at the smaller woman.

"Thanks, I'll have to remember that he's only six now."

"Anytime." Gabrielle said looking lovingly into the warrior's eyes. Being in love was a new sensation for her and she was enjoying every little nuance.

The two women kissed gently, a kiss that was both passionate and intimately loving. After a moment's silent embrace Xena spoke.

"Come on, you can help me with these." The warrior said nodding her head in the direction of the two stags.

They quickly dressed the two deer. Their hides removed and thick steaks cut for lunch. The rest of the meat they packed in large banks of snow.

Seth had completed his snowman and was tossing snowballs at the inert figure when Xena called him in for lunch. Gabrielle had decided to make a stew out of the venison and their few remaining vegetables and potatoes. She handed out bowls of the hearty dish and was rewarded with enthusiastic grunts as the two devoured the meal.

Afterwards Seth climbed into Xena's lap and promptly fell asleep. Xena frowned and placed a concerned hand on the boy's forehead. Not detecting a fever she removed her hand and gave Gabrielle a worried look.

"He's asleep again." The warrior said stating the obvious with some trepidation.

Gabrielle let out a short laugh and smiled at her lover. "Yeah little ones will do that."

"But he's not sick anymore." Xena argued.

Gabrielle laughed again. "Haven't you ever been around children Xena?"

The Conqueror shook her head wrapping her arms a little tighter around Seth's small body.

Gabrielle's face took on a comforting look. "Well don't worry they just need a nap around midday."

"Everyday?" Xena asked surprised.

Gabrielle laughed again. "Yes everyday. Growing up takes a lot of energy."

"Oh." Xena said contemplatively then gave her lover a sensuous look. "That might be very convenient."

The Amazon felt her insides stir at the look the Conqueror was giving her. She let her eyes fall into Xena's then said. "Yes it could be."

Seth stirred in Xena's lap, snuggling his head into her chest and sighing contentedly affectively breaking the mood temporarily. The two women laughed lightheartedly at their overactive libidos then Xena stood and placed Seth in their bedroll, draping the thick furs over the boy's shoulders.

Standing then the warrior crossed to the fire where Gabrielle was sitting on a fur. She knelt down beside the smaller woman then guided her down onto her back. Straddling her for a moment she sat up on her thighs and removed her armor and weapons, tossing them in a pile. The larger woman stole a quick glance at Seth then. Satisfied that the boy was still sound asleep she lowered herself onto the blonde. Gabrielle moaned softly into Xena neck and the dark tresses of her hair as the Conqueror quietly made love to her.

The following week passed quickly. Xena and Seth played constantly while Gabrielle was busy making them all winter clothing for the trip back to Athens. During the day Xena would chase Seth through the snow and into the forest where the two would play hide and seek or have snowball fights. At night after the boy was fast asleep the tall warrior would play with Gabrielle by the fire. The weather had been fair all week without so much as another inch of snow falling. Just an occasional flurry to mar otherwise perfectly blue skies. Finally a week later the day came when they were ready to start their journey home. Gabrielle had made a thick black fur cloak for Xena out of one of their fur blankets and a long coat for herself of brown suede. For Seth she made a pair of suede pants to wear over his wool pair and a thick suede jacket to wear over his shirt.

Xena was seated on Argo with Seth nestled against her with her cloak draped over them both. Gabrielle, refusing Xena's offer to ride Argo with Seth was at their side. Xena stared regretfully at the little cave for a long moment. She was sorry to be leaving it. The past week had been the best of her life. They had been a family here. Here they were the only people in the entire world and that was enough.

Xena sighed and Gabrielle placed a hand on her thigh.

"Hey, you okay?" The blonde asked looking up at her concerned.

Xena looked down at her pensively. "Yeah, I just hate to leave this place. We were so happy here."

"It's not the place Xena, it's the company."

Xena's face changed as she experienced a satori triggered by the Amazon's words and suddenly she knew that they would be just as happy in Athens or anywhere else they went, just as long as they were together as a family. The little cave would always have a special place in her heart but it was okay to leave now.

The Conqueror smiled at her lover then. "Thanks."

Gabrielle beamed at her. "Anytime."

Xena turned Argo then with one hand holding the reins and the other wrapped around the sleeping boy snuggled against her chest. With Gabrielle at their side Xena guided Argo down the gentle slope of the mountain towards home. Just over a month later the three of them rode into Athens and three caramel apples after that they rode up to the palace.

Seth was walking beside Gabrielle having taken to the ground with her in order to eat his caramel apple. With those finished the two walked silently behind the Conqueror riding Argo up to the palace gates.

As she approached the four guards stationed at the entrance bowed their heads and crossed their right arms and fists over their chests in salute then they hurriedly opened the huge wooden gates to the palace courtyard.

As they walked through the open gates under a massive stone archway Seth reached up with his small hand and clasped Gabrielle's. Fear had swelled in him viewing the enormous structure with its looming gray walls and bleak architecture.

Gabrielle looked down into scared blue eyes and smiled at him reassuringly. Although admittedly she was feeling a bit intimidated herself she showed no sign of it now as she squeezed the boy's hand comfortingly.

"It's okay honey, don't be scared." The blonde whispered to the boy whom she had come to think of as her own in the short time they had been together.

In the middle of the courtyard Xena dismounted and handed Argo over to a stablemen who had rushed out to take the mare from her.

As the stablemen lead Argo away Xena strode confidently to the palace doors. She walked up the large marble steps and through another archway into the palace, keenly aware of the Amazon and the boy trailing behind her.

Gabrielle and Seth marveled as the foyer opened into a huge chamber. The room was big enough, Seth thought, to put at least four barns front to back without any of their roofs touching the high ceiling. At the far end of the room was a set of white marble stairs with a large marble thrown sitting atop of them. The immense walls were covered with huge tapestries depicting brutal battle scenes with the Conqueror and her army in every one.

At the foot of the marble stairs to the Conqueror's throne was a group of about a dozen people standing in a semi-circle. As the Conqueror approached them the man in the center of the group dropped to one knee and bowed his head while the rest of the group all went down on there hands and knees placing their heads near the floor with their eyes cast down as they made their obeisance.

The Conqueror stopped in front of the kneeling man in the center of the group.

"Welcome home Conqueror." The man said without lifting his head.

"Rise." Xena said simply and the man did so while the rest of the group remained prostrated on the floor.

"All is well Conqueror. I am ready to brief you on matters of state at your convince Mistress."

"Later." Xena said then looked behind her for Gabrielle and Seth and found them both kneeling on the floor mimicking the posture of the others.

"Get up you two." Xena said as a small chuckle escaped her lips. She motioned them forward one on each side of her then wrapped her arms around them. "This is Gabrielle former Queen of the Amazons and my consort. She is to be given the same respect that I am. I want you to let everyone know Meleager."

Meleager's jawed dropped and he stared blankly at the small blonde at the Conqueror's side for a moment before comprehension washed over him and he numbly regained his senses. "Yes Mistress."

Xena seemed to be enjoying the man's shock, a devious grin playing across her lips.

"And this is my son Seth." Xena said squeezing the boy to her side.

Again Meleager stared numbly and this time all he could do was mutter lamely.

"Ah, hi." He said staring down at the boy, noting the same brilliant blue eyes as the Conqueror.

"Hi." Seth said shyly to the kind looking older man.

The Conqueror couldn't restrain a laugh before she addressed the older man again. "I'll see you in a couple of hours. Right now we need a bath and a hot meal. Inform the kitchen that the three of us will want to eat in one hour and have it sent to my chambers."

"Yes Mistress." Meleager said awkwardly, still shocked that the Conqueror would take a consort or have a son. One thing was sure, you could never predict what the Conqueror would do, Meleager thought as she strode away with her consort in one hand and the boy in the other.

Xena led them through a series of arched hallways and up a fight of stairs before they reached a set of ornately carved oak doors. Xena pushed the doors open and ushered Gabrielle and Seth inside.

The room was large with a high ceiling and a polished white marble floor that was covered in oriental rugs. Directly across from the doorway was another set of double doors that opened on an expansive balcony that over looked the courtyard and the city beyond. To the left side of the room was an immense canopy bed draped with silk sheets and dragon embossed blankets while on the opposite side of the room from that was a large fireplace. Adjacent from there was a mahogany writing desk and chairs that sat catty corner to a small dining table. Throughout the room there were magnificent Grecian marble statues of beautiful women interspaced with oriental art. The chamber was an eclectic mix of Grecian and oriental art and furniture that flowed seamlessly together.

Seth and Gabrielle stared fixatedly at the lavishly decorated room. They were still staring taking everything in when three women entered through the large open archway that lead to the Conqueror's private bathing chamber.

The three women, a blonde, a brunette and a redhead were all very beautiful and provocatively dressed in low cut, white Grecian dresses.

Gabrielle glared at them as they prostrated themselves seductively before the Conqueror.

"Your bath is ready Mistress." The redhead said her lips very near Xena's booted feet.

The Amazon reached down and picked up Seth propping him on her hip then shot Xena a deadly look. "Do Seth and I need to find other accommodations? I'm sure we can find a nice inn."

The warrior blushed and seemed genuinely embarrassed by the women. "No, no, sorry I… ah…" It was the first time Xena could remember ever being at a loss for words and she sighed frustrated then turned to her handmaidens. "Leave us."

The three women hurriedly left the room confused. They'd never seen the Conqueror cowed by anyone let alone heard her say she was sorry.

As the door closed behind the handmaidens Xena crossed the room to Gabrielle. She bent down and gave her a tentative kiss on the cheek since the blonde wouldn't look at her.

"I'm sorry Gabrielle. I can't change the way I was before I fell in love with you, all I can do is change what I do now and now the only woman I want to be with is you."

Gabrielle's cold front began to melt at Xena's words and she finally turned her head back to the taller woman. "I better be."

Xena smiled at her temper and dropped to her knees before the Amazon. "Please forgive me my queen." Xena teased clutching Gabrielle's side in mock desperation.

Seth giggled in Gabrielle's arms and the smaller woman finally smiled and burst out laughing no longer able to sustain her anger.

The Amazon reached out and took Xena's cheek in one hand, the warrior leaning into the touch. "You're lucky I love you, you know that?"

Xena kissed the inside of the blonde's wrist. "Believe me I know that." She said seriously. "Come on, let's take a bath."

Xena rose then took Seth from Gabrielle's arms and hoisted him high in the air while she walked into the bathing chamber the boy bursting with laughter.

The three stripped off their clothes, tossing them in a basket for her handmaidens to have cleaned then eased into a steaming tub. The deep rectangular tub was set in the marble floor and easily big enough for a half a dozen people.

Seth sat on Xena's lap unable to sit on the sunken bench without his head being underwater. Gabrielle closed her eyes and lie back against the smooth marble surface, enjoying the heated water on her road weary body.

"I think I could get way too used to this." Gabrielle said her eyes closed while she luxuriated in the scented water.

"I'm glad because you're stuck with it." Xena said standing the boy up in her lap and washing his small body with a bar of richly scented soap.

Gabrielle opened her eyes as the taller woman was rising soap from Seth and reseating the boy in her lap so she could wash his hair. It always amazed her how gentle and loving she was with the boy and how much she genuinely enjoyed taking care of him. Or it used to amaze her anyway, before she got to know who Xena really was. Now it just warmed her heart and deepened the love she felt for her partner.

Xena rinsed Seth's hair and stood him on the bench while she began to wash herself before she noticed Gabrielle staring at her. "What?"

Gabrielle smiled. "Nothing, just smiling at the woman I love. That okay?"

The Conqueror crossed to the blonde and kissed her tenderly. "That's very okay."

Gabrielle blushed then her eyes went to Seth who was contemplating swimming to the other end of the tub. Xena saw the glance and whispered in the bard's ear. "Bedtime." Then the warrior eased back to the center of the tub and resumed washing herself while Gabrielle watched with a seductive smile playing on her lips.

They both turned at the sound of the splash as Seth sunk under the water then reemerged a few feet later and swam the short distance the other end of the huge tub. When he got there he grabbed the edge and turned around surprised to see Gabrielle right behind him.

"What? You didn't think I was going to let my only child drown did you?" Gabrielle teased the boy.

Seth smiled broadly and proclaimed. "Xena taught me how to swim."

Xena smiled at him then suddenly became serious. "You're not allowed to swim unless either Gabrielle or myself are with you, got it?"

Seth nodded at her. "I got it."

"Good." Xena said then smiled at him again and went to the opposite end of the tub and held out her arms to the boy. "Come on swim to me."

Seth's smile widened as he launched himself towards Xena's outstretched arms swimming the length of the tub into a huge hug from the warrior. Xena kissed his cheek then finally let him go to swim back to Gabrielle who couldn't resist hugging him either.

Finally a half an hour later the three emerged from the tub. Xena donned a pair of black leather pants and a white cotton long sleeve shirt. The soft garment unbuttoned a few inches down from the neck and hung comfortably on the Conqueror's body. Not having a chance to have her seamstress make any children's clothing for Seth yet, Xena just took another of her many cotton shirts, the twin to the one she was wearing and draped it over the boy.

The tails of the large shirt nearly drug the ground and Seth had to push the sleeves far up on his arms to get to his hands but he didn't seem to mind, the comfort of the shirt far out weighing any inconvenience.

Gabrielle chose to wear her Amazon clothing having made herself a few spare sets during their winter journey. She looked seriously at Xena who was fusing over the boy's hair with a comb.

The warrior caught the look. "What is it?"

"There's something I have to do." The Amazon stated simply.

Xena saw the look of resolve in her partner's face and knew immediately what the former queen meant. She strode over to her writing desk and removed a piece of parchment. Taking up a quill and a bronze inkwell she began to write swiftly. When she was done she folded the parchment over onto its self then dripped wax from a candle burning on her desk onto the seam of the fold and pressed her seal into it.

Xena handed the sealed document to Gabrielle. "Give this emancipation order to the slave master and see that he provides horses, weapons and supplies for them." Xena finished by giving the Amazon concise directions to the slave quarters.

Gabrielle took the document and stared at the floor for a moment, emotion stealing her words. Finally she looked up and in barely a whisper she uttered. "Thank you."

Xena smiled and was about to reply when there was a knock at the door.

"Come."

One of her personal kitchen servants wheeled in a cart of food and unloaded it onto the small dining table adjacent to her writing desk. She set out three steaming plates of delicious smelling food, a pumpkin pie with a small bowl of whipped cream and one jug of wine, one of fresh water and one of fresh milk.

"This afternoon Mistress we have roast chicken, wild rice with pineapple and almond slivers and fresh asparagus. Then a pumpkin pie for desert." The serving woman said proudly knowing that this dish was always well received by her mistress.

"Very good, leave us now." Xena said eyeing the food appreciatively, having missed the luxury of a personal kitchen. She turned to Gabrielle. "You're welcome but your going to eat with us first."

Gabrielle's gaze took in the appetizing meal and she smiled. "Yes Mistress." She teased.

Xena laughed, no one had ever dared tease her before and she found herself liking it. "Don't start."

The three sat down at the table, Xena and Gabrielle on either side of Seth and ate the meal reverently. Xena poured wine for Gabrielle and herself and milk for Seth. She made a mental note to reward her staff for being so astute; she never drank milk so Meleager must have told the kitchen that she had a child with her. That's one of many past due thanks I owe Meleager she thought. Her reverie was broken when she noticed Seth eating around his asparagus.

"Eat your asparagus boy." Xena said gesturing with her fork.

Seth gave her a pained expression and worked up his most beseeching face.

Xena sighed at the sad puppy eyes and was about to give in when Gabrielle cleared her throat. They both turned to look at her.

The Amazon casually lifted her wine glass and took a drink then taking up her fork and knife as if not to notice them she reached over and began cutting Seth's asparagus into small bits. Not looking up from her task she spoke to them. "You're going to eat your asparagus or no pie."

Gabrielle finished cutting the vegetable and looked up at them. She gave Xena a berating look for being so easy and then turned to Seth who was tiring the same sad face on her.

"Doesn't work on Amazons, sorry kid."

A smiled played on Xena's lips as Seth sighed then began clearing his plate of asparagus. She looked over at Gabrielle and the blonde winked at her. The warrior bit her lower lip to keep from laughing.

All three of them indulged in the pie, not sparing the whipped cream. When they had finished Xena pulled on one of several soft cord lowered through precise holes in the ceiling. A moment later her handmaidens appeared and cleared away the dishes and the basket of laundry. Xena noted that Gabrielle eyed them coldly as they left. She may have to find less attractive handmaidens she thought.

Seth had found his way to her lap, which had become his custom not long after having the midday meal. He laid his head on her breasts and struggled to keep his eyes open.

Xena smiled warmly at him then up at Gabrielle. "Looks like it's nap time."

Gabrielle reached out and stroked the boy's hair with her open hand. "Looks like, I'll see you two later."

Xena's smile vanished and her face took on a pained expression.

Gabrielle shifted her hand from Seth's hair to Xena's cheek. The taller women leaned into the hand and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again Gabrielle's lips were almost touching hers.

"I'll never leave you love. You two are my family, don't worry okay."

Xena nodded unable to speak for a moment.

Gabrielle smiled reassuringly at her then took the dark haired woman's lips in a kiss. They tasted of wine and the blonde had to restrain her passions, which the tall warrior never ceased to ignite. She straightened then winked at Xena. "Bedtime."

Xena smiled back at her then stood with Seth cradled in her arms dozing. "Oh yeah."

Gabrielle took up the sealed document then smiled one more time at her lover, strode to the door and left.

Xena stared after her for a moment then took Seth to the huge canopy bed. She threw back the covers with one hand while she held Seth to her with the other then carefully laid the boy down and tucked the covers over him snuggly.

Seth sighed contentedly and fell into a deep sleep.

Xena sat on the edge of the bed watching the boy sleep for awhile then she kissed him on the forehead and touched his cheek. She rose and crossed the room to the door stopping there for one last look at the sleeping boy before she went to have Meleager brief her on the state of things.

Seth was sleeping with the faint smile on his face that he had come to have so often now. Xena looked lovingly at him then slipped through the door, quietly shutting it behind her.

The slave master stared curiously at the small blonde that strode confidently towards him. She was obviously Amazon but she was different from the others he had in his charge. She never averted her eyes or looked away and there was no uncertainty about her, she just strode towards him with her head held high, this was no slave. Then he remembered the messenger from the palace informing him that the Conqueror had returned and she had taken a consort, an Amazon consort. No doubt this was the one.

"Are you the slave master?" Gabrielle asked once she had come to within a few feet of the large, brutal looking man.

"Yes my lady." The slave master answered in a speculative tone.

Gabrielle eyed the man coolly.

"Good, I want you to gather all of the Amazon slaves here in the court yard in fifteen minutes." Gabrielle ordered not bothering to give the man the emancipation order in her hand.

The slave master was quiet for a moment. He wasn't used to people he didn't know giving him orders and he especially didn't like Amazons. Gods be damned little Amazon whore, once the Conqueror is done with her then I'll give her some orders she won't like, he thought eyeing her luridly.

"That will take some time, there are Amazon slaves working all over the palace." He snorted at her.

Gabrielle swiftly took another step forward and the man involuntary stepped back but Gabrielle kept stride with him then jabbed a finger into the man's chest. "Then you better stop wasting time drooling over me because now you've only got ten minutes!"

"Ten! There's no way I can do it in ten minutes!" The slave master protested starting to get a little worried now that he realized he couldn't intimidate this forceful little Amazon in his face.

Gabrielle grinned at him without humor. "You'll do it in ten and you'll change your attitude real quick or I'll just have to tell the Conqueror how you were staring at me just now and I don't know if you've noticed it, but she's the jealous overprotective type."

The man's face blanched as visions of all the palace slaves and masters alike that had been crucified and worse for far less. Quickly he humbled himself and bowed his head to her. "Y… yes my lady, please forgive me."

Gabrielle just eyed him coldly. "Go."

"Y… yes my lady." And the man was off in flash.

Gabrielle stared around the courtyard then and noticed a dark haired girl walking into the palace guards barracks with a basket of fresh linen. Varia! No, she lowered her head in sadness as her former warrior chief disappeared inside the barracks. Gabrielle tilted her head up to the sky and took a deep breath of the cool winter air. Varia had been the proudest among her tribe, if she was here then most of them were. She had hoped that they would go deeper into the mountains and join with the northern Amazons but she realized now that the public breaking of Varia had taken more than just her former warrior chief's pride, it broke the spirit of most of the village. Gabrielle stared determinedly at the soldiers' barracks.

"I'll fix it." Gabrielle said in low voice to herself then strode purposefully to the barracks.

Varia had her back to the doorway and was laying out neatly folded linen on a cot when Gabrielle entered the long room.

"Varia." Gabrielle said in a soft voice.

Varia stopped breathing for a moment as she heard the familiar voice call her name. She turned around slowly and stared in shock at her queen. Gabrielle stood at the end of the room.

She had dared to dream that the queen would come and rescue them all but her mind rejected it as fantasy. Now that she was here standing before her she could hardly believe her eyes. She thought when she saw Queen Gabrielle next she would be as battered and wasted as the rest of them, but this Gabrielle was more beautiful than ever. Her fair skin glowed and her piercing green eyes shined bright as stars on a dark night. Her traditional Amazon wear of a short skirt and halter displayed her tight muscles and sensuous curves and she looked healthier than ever.

"Queen Gabrielle." Varia said in barely a whisper.

Gabrielle walked slowly to the stunned slave and put her hands on the girl's shoulders. "It's going to be okay Varia, I'm here now."

Tears poured from Varia's eyes and streamed down her cheeks as a torrent sobs erupted from her. The past weeks of cruelty flowed out in her cries and Varia found that her legs would no longer support her.

Gabrielle took the girl in her arms and guided her to the cot behind them then held her former warrior chief in her arms and cradled her head to her breasts while she cried. Gabrielle slowly stroked the woman's hair and made shushing noising while she cried.

"Shhh it's alright now Varia no one is going to hurt you anymore, I'm here now. Shhh its okay honey."

After a few minutes of crying Varia was able to lift her head and speak. "How?" Was all the former warrior chief could manage.

Gabrielle cupped the woman's cheek in her hand and smiled at her. "It's not important, what's important is that you and the others are free to go."

Varia blinked tears from her eyes as she absorbed the news. "And you too?"

Gabrielle let her hand fall from the woman's cheek. "Yes, but I'm staying here."

Varia looked confused. "But Queen Gabrielle we need you, I don't understand why would you stay?"

Gabrielle smiled at her again and Varia felt the smile's calming affect on her and began to relax.

"My destiny is here Varia, here is where I can do the most good and besides Ephiny is your queen now. I know it's hard to understand but trust me." Gabrielle said reassuringly.

Varia laid her head in the blonde's lap and clung tightly to her waist. "I trust you my Queen. You'll always be my Queen and I'll always love you." Varia's voice was thick with emotion.

"I love you too, I love all of you." Gabrielle said rubbing the warrior chief's back.

"You know Varia we all fall, we all hurt and we all get scared sometimes but what's really important isn't whether you've ever been beaten or not, it's that you never quit. You have to always get back up again, it may take awhile sometimes but you have to get back up. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Gabrielle asked softly.

"I understand Queen Gabrielle." Varia said still clinging to Gabrielle's waist and trying to stifle tears that had begun to flow again.

"Good, now lets go tell the others." Gabrielle said guiding Varia up.

Varia wiped her tears with the back of her arm then hugged Gabrielle again before they started for the door.

Outside the slave master had all of the other Amazons gathered and waiting for them while he stood humbly to the side. The women went wild when they saw their former queen and they all surrounded her each rotating tearfully into her embrace. After nearly an hour of tears and sobs while Gabrielle explained to them that they were free and that she was staying she finally turned back to the slave master.

"Come here." The blonde woman ordered.

The slave master dutifully approached and knelt before the blonde woman completely cowed by her now.

The Amazons looked on in awe as the cruel man who had beaten them and worse knelt at their queen's feet.

"Go and Gather horses for everyone and five pack horses for supplies and they better be good animals." Gabrielle ordered.

"Yes my lady." The slave master said then hurried off to do her bidding, anxious to be out of the Amazon queen's presence.

Gabrielle turned to Varia and handed her the Conqueror's emancipation order. "Here keep this. It's an order signed by the Conqueror freeing all of the Amazons."

Varia took the sealed parchment and noted that Gabrielle was not only entrusting the important document to her she was looking to her to lead the others to the northern Amazons and the rest of the tribe. The warrior chief smiled then thanked her again.

Soon the slave master returned with the horses and Gabrielle had him lead them to the armory and supply house where she outfitted the Amazons with weapons and all the supplies they could carry. The women took quarterstaffs, bows and Varia and a few others took finely crafted swords.

In another half hour the women had the horses saddled and loaded. Gabrielle went with them to the front gate for an emotional goodbye. She hugged every one of them and gave them all her blessing barely able to restrain her emotions then finally she took Varia in her arms for a final hug before she let them get on their way.

"Take care of them." Gabrielle said holding Varia at arms length in front of her.

Varia smiled at her. "I will, thank you. I love you Queen Gabrielle and I'll always remember you."

Gabrielle's voice caught in her throat and she was barely able to keep her tears from falling. "Better get going." She said thickly.

Varia smiled at her again then mounted her horse and rode out of the gates, the others following. A moment later they were gone, lost in the busy streets of the city.

Gabrielle stared after them knowing that they would be all right now. Once they were in the forest they would disappear like ghosts in the night. The thought brought a smile to her face as she turned back to the palace and her family.

Xena strode with the casual ease of familiarity, through the arched halls of the palace towards the council chamber where she had Meleager, and other heads of state brief her. The briefing usually consisted of her listening to a trembling governor or other subordinate groveling before her hoping that they wouldn't say anything to incur her wrath.

Meleager was different though; he was one of the few people she respected. Meleager had been a great warrior himself; although not as great as her, he was still quite formidable. Knowing he and his army didn't stand a chance against her he offered his services to her and his warriors for her army.

She had been impressed. He didn't try to bargain or become a partner he just asked for a job, smart. She liked that and ever since she liked Meleager and made him her second in command. The man was tough but fair and fiercely loyal, to his men, the people he served and especially to her.

Xena strode through the door to the council chamber and found Meleager carefully reading over a scroll behind a large mahogany writing desk. He rose to his feet when she entered the room and bowed his head respectfully.

"Conqueror." The graying man said.

Meleager used the formal title although Xena allowed him to call her by name when they were alone.

"Meleager." Xena said in light tone of voice that Meleager rarely heard.

Xena walked lazily across the room and slide into a large comfortable armchair. She lounged in the tufted chair, extending her long legs out in front of her and crossing them at the ankles. She let her hands rest easily in her lap and gave Meleager a 'lets have it' look.

Meleager took in the Conqueror's relaxed manner cautiously, he wasn't quite sure what to make of it and he decided to tread lightly. He moved out in front of the desk and leaned on it to begin his briefing.

"Everything is well Conqueror, the army is training mostly and there has been only a few minor incidents since you've been gone with warlords that required military force. Taxes are…"

"Tell me about the new housing in the lower section of the city." Xena said cutting him off with a dangerously low voice.

Here it comes, Meleager thought, I should have known that she would miss nothing.

"The poor people living in those slums were starving Xena, they needed help. They came to me and I helped them. I take full responsibility." Meleager said tensely waiting for a blow that never came.

"How did you help them?" Xena asked in her low voice.

Meleager cleared his throat. "I suspended their taxes and sent the palace builders to restore their crumbling homes. I know you don't approve Xena but I would do it again. Those people are of no use to us if they starve to death."

Xena eyed him coolly, she knew that he added that last little bit to try and placate her. Meleager she knew would probably go out and help build the new housing for the poor himself if he thought she would let him get away with it. The man felt it was his responsibility to care of those in the city too weak to take care of themselves.

"I noticed when I rode through that part of the city this morning that the people there were smiling at me. You told them that it was my decision to help them?"

"Yes Conqueror." Meleager said stiffly, he was always trying to improve the Conqueror's public image, something she never cared about but seemed important to him.

Xena rose swiftly and crossed the room to face Meleager. The man rose off the desk to his feet but made no move to defend himself; instead he just steadied himself for the blow and hoped that it wouldn't be a fatal one. To his shock though Xena's face broke into a huge grin and she patted him on the shoulder.

"Gotcha. Good work." Xena said grinning madly then resuming her relaxed posture in the chair.

Meleager's jaw dropped and he stood there stunned for a moment just staring at her until Xena began to laugh.

"Thank you Xena." He said weakly.

Xena smiled at him. "I'm going to have you working with my consort, I think the two of you will be able to come up with all kinds of ideas to make things better."

Meleager stared dumbly at her not believing his eyes. "And what about you Xena?"

Xena shrugged. "You two will report to me before you implement any new plans but mostly I think I'll have my hands full with my son. He takes a lot of looking after or he gets into mischief."

Meleager smiled at her then leaned back against the desk. "I don't know what happened while you gone Xena but whatever it was it looks good on you."

The Conqueror actually blushed a little. "A lot happened, a family happened."

Meleager took on a serious expression. "I'm really happy for you Xena. That's something I always wished I could have had, a child and a wife. It just never seemed to work out for me."

Xena absorbed the sadness in Meleager's words. Here was the best man she knew and even he hadn't received the gift that she now possessed. It made her realize again just how lucky she was.

"It's never too late you know. Things will be different now, think about it." Xena said softly.

Meleager looked at her and saw the way her skin glowed and the brightness behind her eyes and he realized that she was right, things would be different now and he thanked the Gods for his ruler's family.

"Maybe." He said wistfully.

They talked for an hour Meleager updating Xena on all the affairs of state when Xena summoned Megan, her red headed handmaiden. The woman made her obeisance, prostrating herself before the Conqueror.

"Yes Mistress." Megan said subserviently.

"I want you to quietly go and check on Seth, the boy sleeping in my chambers." Xena said to the woman at her feet.

"Yes Mistress." Megan replied then quickly set off on her task and returned to her mistress's feet within fifteen minutes. "The prince is still sleeping soundly Mistress."

Xena smiled at that, the prince. It was the first time anyone had referred to the boy as the prince. The prince of Athens she thought with a smile, she liked that. "Good, thank you, you can go now."

The bewildered handmaiden rose and left the room. Thank you? She allowed herself a hopeful smile.

Xena remained in the briefing for another hour before all of the matters at hand were finally reviewed. She left the meeting and headed back towards the sleeping boy feeling light inside.

Seth woke slowly in the large soft bed. He had slept longer than usual, the extravagant comfort lulling him into a deep sleep. He reached his arms over his head and stretched then turned his head to the side looking for Xena. When he didn't find her on that side of the bed he looked on the other. Still nothing. The first cold touches of fear began to brush lightly over his skin.

He sat up in bed and looked around the huge room but Xena was gone and the room empty. Panic began to seize him now as he threw back the covers and slid down the side of the bed to the cold marble floor.

He ran towards the bathing chamber and his legs tangled themselves in the tails of Xena's soft cotton shirt that he had worn to bed. He stumbled then fell to the floor in a heap and bruised his cheek on the thick rug.

Hardly noticing Seth scrambled to his feet then into the bathing chamber and searched for Xena. Empty.

He wandered slowly back towards the bed, his eyes methodically scanning the room again. He was shaking now as he backed himself into the corner where the huge bed met the stone wall. He slid to the floor and wrapped his arms around his legs.

The long cold tentacles of terror fully embraced his small body now. He tried to scream but couldn't, he tried to get up and run but he was paralyzed.

He stared blankly forward as the nightmare he couldn't escape from began to play across the screen of his consciousness.

The late afternoon sunlight poured in from the open kitchen window and spilled across the rough-hewn plank table. The sunlight kissed his mother's skin as she cut vegetables into small pieces for a stew.

Seth looked up at her from the edge of the table. Her long brown hair fell across her shoulders and every now and then her intense blue eyes would shift from the blade of her knife slicing through carrots to Seth. She finished with her carrots then turned to her son.

"Hungry huh?" She asked knowingly.

Seth nodded at her.

She took a handful of the sliced carrots and dropped them into Seth's small open palm. A few pieces of carrot spilled out of his little hand back onto the table and his mother laughed lightly.

Seth smiled at her and she touched his cheek with her hand.

The front door burst open and his father bolted inside! The sound of horses moving fast followed him through the door.

"Bandits!" His father yelled as he swept a large double-edged battle-ax from its hooks over the stone fireplace.

Seth stared blankly at him for a moment while his mother immediately stole him into her arms, picking him up and running across the room with him.

Seth watched as his carrots fell from his hand and rolled across the plank floor.

His mother set him down next to the big rope bed where they all slept on the other side of the room.

She hugged him tightly with tears in her eyes then kissed him on the cheek.

"Don't make a sound Seth! You have to hide love and be silent!"

Seth nodded at her and she hugged him again pressing his small body tightly against hers.

"Good boy." She said then stuffed him underneath the bed.

Hidden under the bed Seth watched his mother race back to the kitchen table and pick up the large knife she had been slicing vegetables with.

Just as she reached it the first of the men charged through the door.

The filthy man died an instant later when Seth's father buried his battle-ax in the man's chest.

A moment later though the dead man's cohorts avenged him when two of the five men remaining shot crossbow bolts into Seth's father's chest, spinning him around.

The ax slipped from Seth's father's fingers as blood started to ooze from his mouth. A moment later he collapsed face first on the floor.

Tears streamed from Seth's eyes as he watched his father fall, his face turned towards where he hid underneath the bed. Seth choked back his cries as his father stared at him with sightless eyes.

Seth turned from his father then and looked franticly for his mother.

The five remaining bandits had turned on her. Slowly circling her like a pack of wild dogs surrounding a wounded animal.

Seth's mother stumbled back against the kitchen table looking wild eyed from one intruder to the next, fear turning her normally graceful movements animalistic. She swung the knife at the men and they began to laugh. She lunged at the nearest one with the knife and the man deftly knocked it to the floor, smashing down the blade with his heavy sword.

Defenseless now the men moved in on her. She kicked and clawed at them but it was no use, they were just too powerful for her.

Seth's breath caught in his throat as one of the men backhanded his mother snapping her head to the side and sending blood trickling down her cheek.

Two of the others grabbed her and slammed her down on her back across the plank table, sending the vegetables cascading to the floor.

Seth tried to scream as the men beat her and tore at her clothes but no sound would come. Then they started doing the bad things to her, his mother screaming while the men laughed.

Seth froze then unable to run or look away, he was completely paralyzed.

The men kept doing the bad things to his mother until she no longer screamed only laid there unmoving. When the last of them had finished with her he plunged his dagger through her heart then helped his comrades ransack the house. Finding little of value the men left and rode towards their next victims.

Seth remained under the bed; his eyes open but no longer seeing. As darkness fell on their little house he was unable to move. The day and night came twice more before his uncle showed up. Finding Seth hiding under the bed, still unable to utter a sound. He gave him food and water then loaded the innate boy on his horse. Before they left his uncle set the house on fire with the bodies inside.

They rode away then with smoke billowing from the burning house and the only home Seth had ever known.

A few months later when Seth came out of his trance he couldn't remember what happened to his mother and father, only that they had died.

The nightmare faded and Seth could no longer remember his mother's horrible death. All he knew now was that Xena was gone and a terrible feeling of dread remained in him not knowing what had happened to her.

He sat huddled in the corner, his little body shivering and immobile.

Xena opened the door to her chambers slowly not wanting to wake the boy. She slipped inside and her eyes went automatically to the bed. Fear surged inside her and her heart sank as she saw the thrown back covers and the boy huddled on the floor next to the bed.

"Seth!" Xena cried out as she raced to the side of the bed and took the boy in her arms.

Seth was catatonic, he just stared ahead his breathing shallow and slow. Xena lifted the boy into her lap and sat on the edge of the bed with him her heart racing as she examined him.

"Seth honey, what's wrong?" Xena asked gently, her hands trembling as she looked the boy over.

Seth was dimly aware that Xena was there but he was still unable to speak, his mind closed off protecting itself.

Xena found a red bruise on the side of the boy's face and her fear quickly turned into rage as the thought of someone coming into the room, yanking Seth out of bed and beating the defenseless boy shot through her mind. She screamed for her handmaidens.

The three women poured into the room and knelt on their hands and knees at the Conqueror's feet in front of the bed. They trembled with terror at the harsh tone of her voice.

"Y… yes M… Mistress." Megan spoke for the group.

"What happened here?" Xena demanded barely able to restrain her rage.

The handmaidens looked confused then Megan asked. "Mistress?"

Xena glared at the women at her feet. "What happened to Seth?"

"The last time any of us saw him he was sleeping Mistress." Megan said meekly.

"None of you saw anyone else enter this room?" Xena barked at them.

All three shook their heads no and Megan said. "No one else would dare Mistress."

"By the Gods if you're lying to me!" Xena screamed at them and the three women began to weep.

Gabrielle heard Xena yelling from down the hall and came running into the room.

"What's wrong?" She asked as she passed through the door and took in the scene.

Xena's eyes went to her and suddenly all her anger was gone and her eyes filled with fear again.

"Something's happened to Seth." The warrior said in a shaky voice.

"What!" Gabrielle said then ran across the room to them.

She stood in front of Seth and took the boy's face carefully in her hands and looked him over.

"Seth, can you here me sweetheart?" Gabrielle asked in a soft voice.

Seth was still unable to respond only dimly aware of their presence.

Gabrielle continued her examination. "Xena this looks like he fell, it doesn't have the shape of a hit by someone's hand."

Xena looked again and sighed, she missed that in her frantic state of mind. "You're right. What could have happened though? Why can't he speak?"

"I'm not sure." Gabrielle turned to the terrified women on the floor. "It's okay you three can go now. You won't be punished."

Two of the handmaidens gratefully rose to leave when Megan crawled forward and tenderly kissed the toe of the Conqueror's booted foot.

"I wish we could help Mistress, I'm sorry." The woman said looking up with watery eyes, obviously feeling she had failed her mistress.

Xena looked down at her suddenly ashamed to have screamed at them.

"It's not your fault. Go on now, it'll be okay." Xena said in a softer voice.

Megan nodded her head at her then looked at Gabrielle and thanked her before she quietly left with the others.

Gabrielle turned to Xena as the handmaidens left and the warrior's eyes flooded with tears and spilled over onto her cheeks.

"Hey, it's going to be alright." Gabrielle said tenderly taking both her and Seth into a hug.

Xena began to sob softly her chest heavy slightly. Gabrielle had never seen Xena so vulnerable and it broke her heart to see the woman in such pain but it also filled her with love that the warrior trusted her enough to let her see that side of her.

After a moment Xena gathered herself and Gabrielle broke the hug. Xena's face took on a look of resolve as she wiped away her tears. She would take care of the boy before she would allow herself the luxury of tears again.

Gabrielle had checked her own fear trying to be strong for both of them and she struggled not to show her emotion but her hands trembled when she reached for the boy's face.

Now it was Xena who was strong for them both. "It's going to be okay." She said with steely resolve squeezing Gabrielle's hand reassuringly.

Xena let go of the Amazon's hand and hugged Seth tightly to her.

Seth was warm and safe and his mind began to clear.

"Maybe he had nightmare." Gabrielle offered sitting on the edge of the bed next to them.

"Maybe." Xena said. "Seth honey, tell mommy what happened."

It was the first time since she had taken the boy and told him that she was his mother for all intents and purposes now that the warrior had used the word and it broke through.

Seth looked up at her then and blinked as recognition dawned on his face, tears spilled down the boy's cheeks as he looked up at her.

"Xena." He said quietly then hugged her fiercely and buried his head in her chest.

Xena and Gabrielle both breathed a long sigh of relief and tears spilled from both of their eyes as they hugged the boy.

"I'm here sweetie, I'm here." Xena said kissing the top of the boy's head.

Xena rocked the boy for a moment then gently asked. "What happened honey?"

Seth looked up at her and took a shaky breath. "I… I woke up and you were gone and… and Gabrielle was gone too. I looked all over but no one was here."

Gabrielle stood then bent down in front of Seth and touched his face gently. "What happened to your cheek honey?"

Seth looked at her puzzled for a moment then remembered. "I fell and bumped it on the floor."

Xena kissed the top of the boy's head again then asked. "Is there anything else honey? Anything at all?"

Seth looked up at her again. "Y… you were gone and I… I…"

The boy started to shudder in her arms and Xena drew him tighter to her while Gabrielle rubbed his back.

"I… I… can't remember X… Xena." Seth said in shaky voice.

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged concerned looks then Xena said. "It's okay honey."

"Y… you weren't h… here and I… didn't know w… what happened to you and I was a… afraid you and Gabrielle weren't coming back." Seth sputtered out and then he began to cry again, burying his head in Xena chest once more.

Xena felt her own tear welling again as she rocked the boy in her arms. "Oh honey we will never, never leave you."

Gabrielle watched Xena rocking the boy in her arms and her chest starting to heave her own tears spilling over onto her cheeks.

Xena noticed Gabrielle's distress and realized that she was being selfish and she passed the boy to the smaller woman.

Gabrielle enveloped the boy in her arms and Seth kissed her cheek and laid his head on her shoulder. She kissed the boy's head then swung him back and forth in her arms, a terrible feeling of guilt welling within her.

"Oh sweetie we aren't going anywhere, we love you." The Amazon told the boy.

Seth clung tightly to her and Gabrielle felt her anguish slowly subsiding. She continued to softly whisper to the boy while she rocked him in her arms, reassuring him, telling him how much they loved him and that they would never leave.

It was almost time for dinner and Xena summoned the kitchen and told them to prepare something for them and that they would be dining in the room again for the evening meal.

A half hour later Seth was sitting in Gabrielle's lap while the Amazon told him his favorite story when dinner arrived. The three of them ate another superb meal, Gabrielle still not letting the boy skip his vegetables. After another helping of the pumpkin pie the boy was himself again playing with Xena.

They spent the rest of the evening playing, listening to Gabrielle tell stories and just being close and soon time got away from them and it was getting late. Xena had built a fire in the fireplace and she sat in front of it on a thick rug with Seth in her lap while Gabrielle finished telling him the story of Seth and the Lion-headed monster for the third time. By the time she had finished Seth was dozing peacefully wrapped in Xena's arms.

Gabrielle smiled at them. "Guess it's bedtime."

Xena smiled back at her. "And then some, could you fold back the covers for me please?" Xena asked standing with the boy in her arms.

"Sure." Gabrielle said then crossed to the bed a step in front of Xena and tossed back the covers of the bed for the boy.

Xena laid Seth in the center of the big bed, leaving room on either side for her and Gabrielle. The boy was still wearing her soft shirt and he sighed contentedly as Xena laid him down.

The warrior tugged the blankets up to the boy's chin and kissed his forehead.

"Good night, I love you." She whispered in his ear then stepped out of the way for Gabrielle to do the same.

The two women stood over the bed and watched the boy sleeping for a little while. After a few minutes Xena crossed to the tonsu chest set along the wall and took a jug of port from the top of it then retrieved two goblets from a deep drawer in the yew wood chest. She poured the dark fluid into the goblets then crossed to Gabrielle who had taken a seat on the rug in front of the fire. The warrior handed the blonde one of the goblets and the smaller women took it with a smile.

"Thank you." Gabrielle said warmly as Xena lowered herself to the rug and took a seat next to her.

"Anytime." Xena said taking a drink of the port.

The warm fire felt good on their bodies, warding off the cold winter night outside.

Gabrielle took a drink of the port then set her gaze on Xena.

"Xena did Seth ever tell you what happened to his parents?" The Amazon asked in a serious tone.

"No, only that they died when he was little." Xena answered somberly.

Gabrielle thought for a moment then took another sip of the port and looked back at Xena. "I think something really horrible happened to them and especially Seth's mother and I think he saw it."

Xena looked thoughtful for a long moment, a painful expression on her face, then she finally answered. "That would explain a lot."

Xena started to feel the pangs of guilt as she wondered how many families she had destroyed. She never killed children but she had killed their fathers and as happens in any war there was always collateral damage and mothers got killed too. The shame began to overwhelm her as she thought about how much she loved Seth and Gabrielle and how bad it would hurt to lose them; it would destroy her she knew.

Gabrielle picked up on Xena's train of thought right away and stopped her before she got going.

The blonde set her port down and reached out with her hand and took the warrior's face in her open palm. "Don't Xena, there's nothing you can do about it now and Seth and I need you."

Xena looked at her and her heart broke at the look of love in the woman's eyes. "But…"

Gabrielle cut her off. "No buts Xena, it's far better for you to put your energy into all the good you can do now instead of feeling guilty for the past. It's behind you now, and the good that you can do will far out weigh the bad you've done. Xena you can make this world into whatever you want now."

Xena was quiet again for a moment before she spoke. "Thank you."

Gabrielle smiled and let her hand drop to Xena's lap. "Anytime."

Xena's mind quickly returned to the boy. "I'm a skilled healer but I'm not sure how to heal this."

Gabrielle looked thoughtful again. "I think he'll be fine as long as we keep drowning him in our love, then I think one day he'll be able to remember what happened and tell us. Then it will be over."

Xena smiled at her. "Well the love part isn't a problem."

The two women laughed then smiled at each other then the smile turned into a sensuous gaze. They drifted into one another then and kissed passionately, tasting the port in each other's mouths. The kiss broke after a long while and Gabrielle leaned her forehead against Xena's.

"You know what time it is?" The blonde asked seductively.

Xena raised an eyebrow at her.

"Bedtime." Gabrielle said with a smile and Xena's face broke into wide grin.

The two began tugging at each other's clothes urgently, the stressful day making the need for physical contact a desperate one. Soon they were both completely nude sitting in front of the fire leaning their naked bodies against one another, kissing passionately. The flickering flames of the fire sending dancing shadows across their skin.

Xena placed a hand on Gabrielle's back then lowered her gently to the rug lowering her own body on top of the blonde in the same motion. Their breasts pressed together and Gabrielle moaned into Xena's lips and she moaned again as the warrior's thigh met her sex that was slick with desire.

Xena broke the kiss for a moment and stared into her lover's eyes taking in the woman's entire being in the look.

"I conquered everything Gabrielle, everything in the entire world looking for happiness and all along it was here in Greece waiting for me." Xena said her voice husky.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and opened them again taking in the warrior's gaze, drowning in her vivid blue eyes. "You didn't conqueror everything Xena."

Xena cocked her head to the side in question.

"You conquered all but the heart Xena, all but your own heart."

Xena's gaze intensified. "You conquered what I never could the first time we kissed. My heart belongs to you now Gabrielle, now and forever."

Gabrielle closed her eyes again and luxuriated in the moment, absorbing it into every fiber of her being. "You're the only woman I've ever loved or will ever love Xena."

The two keep staring into each other's eyes until the passion within them was too great, their bodies burning with love and desire for one another. They gave into it and made love by fire until they had exhausted themselves.

They crawled into bed on either side of Seth giving the sleeping boy more good night kisses. Gabrielle fell asleep with one arm wrapped around the boy with a slumbering smile on her face.

Xena watched the two of them sleep for awhile and she felt whole for the first time in her life. She was complete. Finally she lie back on the pillow and Seth curled his body around her side, one small arm around her waist his head resting on her breast. Gabrielle, still sleeping found her way next to the boy again and they all settled into the soft bed. Just before sleep took her Xena said a silent prayer for the gift of her family and she felt a lightness of heart and joy like she had never known.

Epilogue: I hope that you have enjoyed this story and I hope that you've taken from it what I envisioned when I wrote it. This is not your average Conqueror story I know, but I wanted to do something different. In this story Xena learns to love someone else more than herself and the knowledge changes everything for her.

In a normal Conqueror story (or any Xena fan fic story for that matter), that would be a job left up to Gabrielle. I chose not to use Gabrielle in that capacity because I liked Gabrielle better as she was later on in the show, confident and skilled. More of Xena's equal than her pupil. That and I needed someone that was far simpler and more naïve then Gabrielle ever was or could have been written for this particular story.

This is where Seth comes in. A simple, uneducated farm boy living far from anyone else on his uncle's farm, isolated from the world. Now this alone would make him naïve but more than that Seth is very boyish and childlike. This is due to a traumatic event he had witnessed early in his childhood, effectively slowing his ability to mature. Although eighteen he has yet to lose his childlike wonder for the world, a world that he has had a very limited view of so far in life. When Xena takes him he is fascinated with this new world and has a million different questions for her.

Xena is amused by her simple-minded new slave and slowly his innocence and childlike wonder start to affect her. She's drawn to it and to Seth. Because of his special condition Seth doesn't see Xena like everyone else does. He doesn't see her as the destroyer of nations, absolutely heartless and cruel. He sees her as all knowing and all powerful as if she were the creator of the universe itself. He is in awe of her and as Xena starts to care more and more for her new slave, showing him simple kindnesses and quiet affection, Seth comes to love her.

Now being the Conqueror Xena beats Seth and uses him sexually before she starts to realize the depth and meaning of her feelings toward the boy. Although she has become needy for his love, she has yet to learn how to give love in return.

Enter Gabrielle. After Xena takes Gabrielle something happens between them an almost instant, powerful attraction. The two women seem to complete each other, Xena giving Gabrielle's life a greater purpose, Gabrielle teaching Xena to give love through her own dedication and love for others, both of them giving each other love and sharing it with Seth.

Having finally obtained this incredible gift of love and experiencing the joy of a family Xena makes a wish, a wish that she can keep this feeling for years to come.

Apollo grants this wish and returns Seth to childhood and in this action he grant's Xena her wish but he also gives Seth the chance to heal, to experience the love of a family again and in that love find healing and the ability to overcome the terrible tragedy of his past.

This is the vision I had of this story when I wrote it, a vision of taking something beautiful out of an ugly and brutal world. Being a Conqueror story though it didn't happen over night, it took some doing. Along the way there is brutality and the Conqueror taking advantage of a young man's damaged psyche. We had to go through the ugly to get to the beautiful. But that's life, that's the way it works sometimes. I think that this time the destination was worth the journey. As this is the intent I had when I wrote it, I hope this is what you took from this story.

Be Well: Apollo