Violence Disclaimer: There is mention of abuse in the story, so if that kind of thing disturbs you, I suggest you don't go any further.

Sex Disclaimer: None, but it sure got your attention, huh?!

Disclaimer: Gabrielle was not harmed during the writing of this fan fiction. However, Herodotus is still recovering.

Comments: Any comments or constructive criticism can be sent to:

Y02Mustang@AOL.com

Please, folks, don't be shy! I love hearing what you think of my stories!

The tall woman, with black hair, leather, and piercing electric blue eyes, walked down the road beside her companion. The girl had honey colored hair, wore a green top, a rust colored skirt, and carried an Amazon staff with authority. Gabrielle, the one with light hair and green eyes, was on Xena's left, as the warrior woman led her Palomino mare, Argo.

"We can stop at the next town and buy supplies," Xena said, in response to Gabrielle's rumbling stomach, hiding a grin.

Gabrielle nodded. "Good. We're low on food, and with winter coming soon, we'll need warmer blankets?" she said, and continued to rattle off a list of the many things they were lacking.

A few minutes later, they arrived over the top of the hill, and spotted the village below, nestled into the valley. The town looked so peaceful, Xena felt a pang of guilt in her heart, thinking back to the time, many Years ago, when her army had attacked the little village. She shivered involuntarily at the remembrance, and felt Gabrielle's hand on her arm.

"You all right?" she asked, green eyes looking anxiously into blue ones.

"Fine," said Xena, "just thinking."

"You've been here before," said Gabrielle. The response was gentle, with no tone of accusation in the voice; Gabrielle didn't blame Xena for her past, but wished with all her heart the warrior would let her help her through it.

"Yes," Xena said, her tone clipped but dull. Gabrielle was silent, giving Xena time to collect her thoughts, and decide whether or not she was ready to tell her the details. Resuming her pace, Xena continued silently on to the village, with Gabrielle close behind.

Xena mounted Argo, and offered her hand to Gabrielle. "Wanna ride the rest of the way?" she asked. Gabrielle suddenly realized just how hungry and tired she felt, and grasped Xena's hand as her friend pulled her up into the saddle behind Xena.

The sooner we get down there, Gabrielle thought, as Xena nudged Argo into a trot, the sooner we can eat!

Giving Argo her head, Xena let the mare enter the village at almost full gait, before slowing her to a stop, noticing the slight limp her mount had acquired. Carefully, and with a grin on her face, she pried Gabrielle's death-grip from her waist. Then she dismounted, and helped the bard to her feet.

"You go buy the supplies, and I'll get Argo shod. She nearly lost a shoe coming down here," Xena instructed, and handed Gabrielle a bag of dinars. "Haggle all you can, Gabrielle. We don't have much left." Gabrielle nodded, and left smiling; she loved bargaining - it was the best part of shopping.

Xena led Argo to the blacksmith, and waited impatiently for him to shoe the mare. Sighing, she followed his eyes, annoyed, as he ogled at the sight of her lean and well-muscled body.

"I suggest you stop looking at me and start paying attention to my horse," Xena warned, tired of the man's wandering eyes. Terror entered the man's eyes, and he remembered just who he was dealing with. Fearful of what might happen to him if he angered the Warrior Princess, the man quickly finished with Argo, not raising his eyes to look at the woman again.

Stabling Argo for a while, Xena entered the tavern, found a table where she could sit with her back to the wall, and sighed. The blacksmith's fear was enough to tell her that people still remembered what her army had done. She closed her eyes, senses still fully alert, and relived yet another demon shadow of her past.

It had been weeks since their last attack, and Xena's army was getting restless. Her men taunted her behind her back, sending whispered rumors throughout the ranks about the woman going soft. The truth be told, she really didn't feel like laying siege the small town. Two moons ago had been the third birthday of her son, and she couldn't get the thought of him from her head, wondering where he was, how he was doing, and what he looked like as a toddler.

Finally, when even her second in command began giving her doubtful looks, she knew she had to do something. If she lost the respect of her men, all would be ruined. The village would be an easy and assured victory, and she knew the people wouldn't have a chance, but it meant regaining the trust and loyalty of her army.

"We attack at dusk tomorrow," she had said, and a cheer went up among the warriors. Taking the town meant money, women, and the quenching of their blood lust. She had set the attack for the next day, because she needed time to collect her thoughts, and push the intense flashbacks of her baby's face from her mind.

She could only guess what had went wrong. That night, she heard the clank of metal, but attributed it to the polishing of weapons against armor. She was wrong. The men had decided they didn't want to wait, so they had fallen into ranks during the dark of night. Lighting torches, they marched into the village, preparing to burn it all and take what was left.

The firelight of the last torch from the last man had sparked her suspicions, as she heard no more noise in the camp. Exiting her tent, she followed the moving torches towards their path to the town. By the time she arrived, they had killed a dozen of the men, two of the women, and one small child. She managed to stop them from torching the houses, and ordered them back to the camp.

She still saw the frightened eyes of the five Yeahr old boy, with blond hair and brown eyes, as a soldier ran him through to quiet his terrified pleas to his dead mother?

She was shaken from her reverie by a sound at the door of the tavern, and Xena watched as Gabrielle entered. She glanced at the girl as she struggled to walk through the door with the load she was carrying. Xena rose a questioning eyebrow at Gabrielle and the loot, pushing the memories from just moments ago back behind that warrior's wall, wondering how her friend had managed to stretch those dinars so far.

"Hey, I haggled," Gabrielle explained, setting the items on the table with a shudder as the legs threatened to buckle from the burden, and proceeded to tell Xena all about it. "See this?" she said, holding up a very nice and warm-looking blanket. "The guy wanted fifteen dinars for it! I got it for seven," she said, smiling proudly.

Gabrielle was about to continue, when a young man walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. Normally, she would have been startled, but she had seen Xena's eyes shift, and knew someone was behind her.

"Are you Gabrielle?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied, and glanced at Xena in surprise. Usually, with Xena being more well-known, people asked for Xena, and didn't pay much attention to Gabrielle.

"I have a message for you," he said, and handed Gabrielle the scroll he was carrying.

"Thank you," Gabrielle told the messenger, while looking strangely at the scroll in front of her. The messenger nodded, his job done, and left the tavern.

"Aren't you going to read it?" Xena asked, after Gabrielle had stared at the parchment for some time, unmoving.

"It's from Lila," Gabrielle said, untying the ribbon and unrolling the scroll. "She says mother is sick, and she's asking me to come home!" Gabrielle exclaimed, and looked up at Xena. "How far is it to Potedia?"

Xena thought for a minute. "It's five or six days, depending on the weather," she said at last, and Gabrielle's eyes widened slightly at the amount.

"Is that walking, or riding?" she asked. Xena looked at her, surprised that Gabrielle even had to ask. She always calculated distance from atop her horse.

"Riding," she said, and Gabrielle looked down.

"How long would it take walking?" she asked, fearful of the answer.

"Almost ten days," she said, and continued quickly, "but there's no reason to walk. You can ride Argo, with me," she added, softly.

"No, Xena. You don't have to go; not for me. I know you and my parents don't get along very well, so it's all right if you don't go," Gabrielle insisted.

"I'm not going to leave you alone! Besides, your mother may not like me, but she's still your mother, and I'd like to see how she's doing," Xena said, knowing Gabrielle would travel with her, now.

In her mind, Xena added, And if you got hurt, your family would never forgive me for letting you leave alone and unprotected. Neither would I?

"All right, Xena. Thank you," she added, and both women smiled. "Maybe you and mother can talk. I'm sure it would be good for you."

"Uh-huh," Xena said, skeptical. Xena knew that Gabrielle's parents Hecuba and Herodotus didn't like her, and they blamed her for taking their daughter away from them, but she wasn't sure why. Each time she visited with Gabrielle, which wasn't very often, Xena felt she wasn't wanted.

"Can we eat now?" asked a hungry and unusually impatient bard. She just wanted to keep busy, so her thoughts wouldn't turn to that of her mother's possible condition. Xena nodded, and Gabrielle grinned again.

"What did you buy?' Xena asked, wondering if she should trust Gabrielle's wild taste buds for a safe meal, as well as wanting to keep her friend's imagination from making up scenarios about her mother, as she knew the bard would do.

Gabrielle sifted through all the items. "Let's see?," she muttered, "I bought apples, and carrots, and? oh! I got pork, and chicken -" she was about to continue, when Xena stopped her by putting her hand up.

"You bought all that, plus our winter clothes, with only forty dinars?!" Xena asked, incredulous.

"Yeah. And don't look at me like I stole it, because you know I didn't. I haggled, like you told me," she said, in her defense.

"You didn't trade anything, did you?" Xena asked, joking and yet a bit wary.

"No, no. I promised I wouldn't trade anything of yours without telling you first, remember?" Gabrielle said, but she was smiling, remembering the incident with Xena's whip. She had traded the weapon for a good frying pan, and Xena had been a little upset, but was now joking about it, so Gabrielle figured she had gotten over it. "See what deals I can make?"

"Yes, you did very well," Xena complimented. "So, what do you want to eat?" she asked, as she stood and packed the foodstuffs back into the bag, and hefted it onto her shoulder. The warrior didn't like the looks she was getting, the ones Gabrielle was oblivious to, and knew that there was no way Gabrielle's talent as a bard could get them a room for only two dinars.

They left the tavern, retrieved Argo, and walked a little ways until they found a place to camp, Gabrielle chattering the entire time about the things she had bought, and how well she had bargained.

"Chicken sounds good. I got bread and cheese, too. Can you believe he wanted six dinars for it?" she said, speaking until they arrived at camp, where she started automatically into the routine.

Gabrielle collected the firewood as Xena unpacked. Looking for the water flask, Xena found a cloth-covered bundle. Frowning slightly, she removed it from the bottom of the saddlebag, and looked it over. The material was tied in a tight knot, and seemed to hold a coil of something.

"Xena!" Gabrielle shouted, when she came back with an armful of wood only to find Xena holding the package. "Put that down, please," said Gabrielle, quieter. Xena looked confused, and slightly worried, but put the bundle back in the saddlebag.

"What is it?" Xena asked, finally finding the water flask in the second saddlebag.

"Nothing," replied Gabrielle, turning back to the fire. She could feel Xena's eyes on her back, but did not turn around.

"Gabrielle?" Xena said, in her low and smooth voice, as if warning her friend not to keep things from her. When there was no answer, Xena took a long drink of water to cool her nerves, before she sat down next to the bard, who was now cooking the chicken.

Before Xena could speak, Gabrielle said, "Not now, Xena. Not tonight. I'll tell you later, I promise."

Xena sighed lightly. "All right," she said. The warrior knew her friend was worried about her mother, so she decided not to push the issue any further that night.

"This may take a while to heat. Did you check out the blankets and coats I got?" Gabrielle asked, wanting to change the subject.

"Yeah. I think they'll do just fine. You made some good choices, Gabrielle. I think I should let you go shopping more often, since I know you enjoy it, just not on an empty stomach," Xena joked, and received a nudge in her ribs from the bard's elbow for her jest.

"At least we'll have plenty of food for winter storms," Gabrielle said, smiling at the large bulge of food. Neither talked for a while, and Gabrielle poked at the fire with a stick, until the twig became a torch and she was forced to put the whole thing into the flames.

Xena knew the quietness of the bard was unusual, and she knew what was bothering her, but decided she had to get Gabrielle to talk about it, since that usually made her feel better.

"Do you want tell me about it?" Xena asked, knowing it would help Gabrielle get through her problems if the girl knew she could talk to Xena. It almost always did.

"I'm just remembering things about my mother. I remember how she used to make the garden out behind the house seem so special, and how I was so happy the first time I got to help her with the crops. When I was little," Gabrielle said, her voice softening as she spoke of the memory, "she used to let me pull some of the vegetables. I could only pull a few, but she taught me about all the plants we were growing. She thought I was going to end up being a farmer, or at least a farmer's wife, like her."

"What did you think you would be?" Xena asked.

"I don't know. I guess when I was really young, I wanted to be like my mother; you know, follow in her footsteps. But as I grew up, I changed my mind, and started to get restless. I wanted to get out of Potedia, and do something different.

"And I did, when I found you," Gabrielle finished. "I think my parents still had hopes that I would become a simple farm girl." Gabrielle shook her head, and laughed lightly, at the thought of her milking cows and raising goats.

Suddenly Xena understood. Gabrielle's mother and father thought Xena had corrupted the lifelong dream of their little girl, when in fact she had fulfilled it. Or at least, she hoped she had.

"Gabrielle, do you regret? I mean, do you wish you had stayed in Potedia with your family?" Xena asked, frustrating herself as she struggled with the words.

"Sometimes," Gabrielle replied, much to Xena's surprise and dismay.

"When we get to Potedia, I want you to stay there," Xena said, trying to keep her composure as her heart strained painfully against her chest as it shattered.

"Oh, Xena! Let me finish," Gabrielle said. "Yes, sometimes I want to be home with my mother and Lila." The absence of the name of Gabrielle's father had not gone unnoticed by the warrior, but she said nothing, as the bard continued to talk. "But then you do something, like saving my life, or making me feel safe, or talking to me, and then I'm glad I'm here," she said, and gave Xena a hug. "Thank you for offering, even though I know you don't want me to go."

Xena put on a serious face. "Just what makes you think I wouldn't be glad to get rid of you?"

Gabrielle grinned. "I know you. You're just a big softy," she said, and both women laughed.

"Gabrielle?" asked Xena, trying to get the bard's attention.

"Hm?" she answered, her thoughts elsewhere, the smile still on her face from the earlier comment.

"You may want to take the chicken off the fire, now, if you want to be able to chew it," Xena said. Gabrielle leapt up when she noticed the food was beginning to turn black.

They ate the chicken, which wasn't half bad once they scraped off the charcoal, and Xena said, "We should get to sleep early so we can get a good day's ride in tomorrow. I don't like the look of those clouds." She pointed to the dark clouds that swallowed nearly all of the moon's beams.

Gabrielle nodded. "Xena," she asked, her voice trembling, "how sick do you think my mother is?"

"Let's not worry about that, okay?" Xena suggested, knowing thoughts of her mother's death were going through her friend's mind. "For now, let's get some sleep." Gabrielle nodded again, and wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. Xena placed a comforting hand on Gabrielle's shoulder, and Gabrielle gave Xena a thankful smile, before turning in for the night.

The next morning, Xena packed up, and let Gabrielle sleep. She had heard the little bard's tears in the middle of the night, and knew she hadn't gotten to sleep until quite late, and wanted to let her rest as much as she could. Emotional strain was often more draining than physical.

When all she needed was her friend's bedroll, Xena decided she had to wake Gabrielle. "Come on, Gabrielle, wake up," Xena tried. Gabrielle rolled over on her back, but did not open her eyes.

She sniffed. "I don't smell breakfast," she observed.

Xena put a hand on her shoulder. "We're eating on the road. Now, come on. If we hurry, we might be able to cut the time by a day or so, but you have to get up first!" she said, and Gabrielle opened her eyes.

"We could get there a day early?" she repeated, and Xena nodded. Packing her bedroll, Gabrielle climbed up behind Xena, and she held on for dear life as Xena made Argo break into a full gallop.

Xena only stopped Argo twice; once to eat, and another to refill the water flasks. That night, Xena spotted another good camping spot, and the two made camp just as the sun disappeared. Xena couldn't help but laugh at how stiffly Gabrielle was walking. Riding Argo all day long was not something she was used to.

Gabrielle turned, saw Xena smirking at her, and glared at the woman warrior. "Just how much longer do I have to put up with this, Xena?" she asked, after laughing when she realized how ridiculous she must have looked.

"We made fairly good time today. If I pushed Argo that hard, with both of us, we could make it in three days. But," said Xena, "I would have one dead horse." Argo whinnied disapprovingly.

"So what are you going to do?" Gabrielle asked, hoping Xena wasn't going to send her off alone. She really didn't feel like going home by herself, especially under the given conditions?

"We'll ride part of the way, and walk until dark. That will delay us by a day or two, but we'll all be healthier," she finished, and Xena thought Gabrielle looked oddly relieved. Unpacking, Xena considered asking the question that was on her mind. When they had the fire going, and were munching on bread and cheese, her curiosity got the best of her, and Xena made her decision..

"Gabrielle," she said, softly, "last night, when you told me there were times you wished you were home with your mother and your sister?"

"Yes?' Gabrielle prompted, not sure where her friend was going with the conversation.

"You didn't mention your father. Why?" asked Xena, and immediately regretted asking the question.

Gabrielle stiffened, her hand stopping in mid air, bread still gripped loosely. Suddenly, the food was released from her hand, and Gabrielle dropped her head to her knees, crying.

Xena, seeing this reaction, was quick to put her arm around her friend, and try to comfort her. "Shh?," she soothed, "it's okay. I'm sorry, Gabrielle. It's all right, I don't need to know. You don't have to tell me. I'm sorry," she murmured, just holding Gabrielle in a protective hug.

The bard pulled back from Xena's embrace, and wiped the tears from her face, still sniffling. For a moment, Xena thought she was going to say something, but her body quivered, and she broke down into sobs again. This time, when Xena held her, she didn't pull away, and Xena waited until the bard's breathing had steadied, before lying her gently on her bedroll.

Whatever it was that had bothered her friend, Xena knew it must have been something terrible. Her own heart breaking at the sight of her best friend in pain, Xena told herself she wouldn't bring it up again, and laid down next to Gabrielle. The girl's body was occasionally shaken with a sob, but she soon stilled, and both women were asleep.

Xena awoke a while later, not knowing what had caused her to wake up. She tuned into each of her senses separately, and didn't sense any danger. Feeling a movement on her left arm, she looked towards her shoulder, and saw Gabrielle. The small girl had curled up against Xena's side, tucked herself into a ball, and had her hands clasped together next to Xena's arm.

She was shaking, apparently in fear of her nightmare, and murmuring, "No? please? no? I'm sorry?"

"Gabrielle," Xena whispered, placing a soft hand on Gabrielle's shoulder, and giving it a light shake. "It's okay, Gabrielle." The woman awoke with a start, and for a moment she didn't seem to recognize Xena. "It's me, Gabrielle. It's all right, now," she comforted.

Without a word, tears began streaming down Gabrielle's face at the remnants of her nightmare, and she drew herself tighter against Xena's side. Wrapping her arms around her friend, Xena protected the girl until she was asleep, again.

The next morning, Gabrielle awoke with a sense of security in her heart, and a slight pressure against her throat. Looking around her, she found she had curled her hands under her neck, as well as tucked her legs close to her body, and was now held in two strong arms.

Glancing upward, green eyes met blue ones. "Morning," said Gabrielle, smiling sheepishly. Disentangling herself from Xena's arms, she stretched, her muscles unhappy at being kept in one position for so long.

"Morning," Xena returned, standing. "You all right?" she asked, knowing by the dark rings under Gabrielle's eyes that the nightmare had been a bad one.

"Yeah, yeah," she said, waving off Xena's concern, "I'm fine. Do you want to get going, now?" she asked.

Xena nodded. "We should. We both slept in a little late this morning," she said. Actually, Xena had been awake for about an hour before Gabrielle stirred, but she hadn't wanted the bard to wake up frightened, and not able to find her. So, she had remained with her arms securely around her friend, and just waited patiently for her to wake up.

Once they were packed and ready to go, Xena insisted they eat before they leave, since she didn't want to have to stop until well after noon. The two women munched on a carrot or two, while Argo enjoyed an apple.

As Gabrielle packed, and was lifted onto the horse by her friend, she was thankful Xena hadn't asked any more questions about her father. It hadn't been the warrior's intention to get her upset, she knew, but Gabrielle should have known that she would pick up on the absence of her father's name, and would be curious. Glad that Xena was kind enough not to pursue the subject any further, she held on to the woman's waist as the two galloped through the countryside.

Xena felt the bard's grip tighten momentarily around her waist, and mentally kicked herself, again, for ever having asked the young girl about her father. If Gabrielle hadn't mentioned her father, she shouldn't have questioned it. It wasn't like her to be so nosy, and although she was now troubled by wondering what had caused the reaction in her friend, Xena wasn't about to ask Gabrielle about it.

When the sun was high, Xena pulled Argo gently to a stop.

"Xena?" Gabrielle asked, shielding her eyes with one hand as she glanced up at her friend's face, peering over her shoulder.

"We can walk for a while, now," said Xena, and dismounted. Reaching up, the warrior helped her friend from the horse, and started moving down the road, Argo in tow. She took a few steps before she noticed Gabrielle wasn't following her, and turned back. "Gabrielle?" she asked.

Gabrielle looked up, startled. "Oh, sorry. I'm coming," she said, shaking her head to clear it. She had been off in her own thoughts, and hadn't realized that Xena had started walking.

Xena waited patiently until her friend caught up, and then walked beside her. "You all right?" she asked, guessing that Gabrielle had been thinking about her family, and hoping it hadn't bothered her too much.

"Yeah," Gabrielle replied, absentmindedly. She was now wondering about the condition of her mother, and concerned that there hadn't been any more news. That was either a good thing or a bad thing. She hoped for the former, but couldn't be sure.

There was silence for a while, and then Gabrielle said, "Xena, what was your father like?"

Xena almost stopped in her tracks, she was so surprised. Then, regaining her composure, she said, "I'm not sure, exactly. I don't remember much about him. From what I do remember, I gather that he was a good father to me and Lyceus and Torris.

"Mother hasn't told me much, so I'm not certain if these feelings are right or wrong, but that's all I recall," she said. Xena almost asked why, but stopped herself, and just remained quiet.

Gabrielle said nothing. "How much longer until we stop?" she finally asked.

"Not too long," Xena replied. "Once we get into these woods, there should be plenty of places to camp. We won't travel too much farther today." She knew Gabrielle was getting tired, more from emotional strain than physical, and understood the bard's eagerness to rest.

"There!" Gabrielle pointed out, enthusiastic. She was pointing to a small clearing between a large shrub and some trees, with a large log setting on one side of the location, perfect for sitting on while cooking in the fire pit, which was situated just a few feet away.

Once Xena had Argo set for the night, she returned to the campsite, and found Gabrielle in the middle of preparing dinner. The eating ware was out, the twigs were stacked for a fire, but the bread and cheese was lying on the ground, still wrapped in the cloth.

Gabrielle herself was sitting on the log, head in her hands, and Xena could tell by the soft whimpers and the shaking of her body that she was crying. Moving to her side, she put a hand on her shoulder, alarming the girl.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, tears still falling and her voice quaking, "Xena, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to! I was just - "

Xena interrupted her by putting her hand up to silence the bard. "It's okay. Tell you what," she offered, "I'll make dinner. How does that sound?" She smiled warmly, and gave the woman's shoulder a quick squeeze.

"Thanks," Gabrielle said, still sniffling as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"No problem. You just sit back and relax, and I'll take care of it," she said, and Gabrielle nodded. By the time Xena had the bread and cheese cut into slices, and the fire blazing, Gabrielle had calmed down and stopped crying.

"Looks good," said Gabrielle, her voice not succeeding in drowning out the sound of her rumbling stomach, or hiding the slight tremor, a reminder of her previous sobs.

"Well," said Xena, smiling as she sat down beside her friend, "I don't think I can mess up bread and cheese." Gabrielle returned the grin for a moment, before turning serious again, and picking up a piece of bread.

"When will we be there?" Gabrielle asked, taking only a few bites of bread before pushing it aside.

Xena, greatly concerned about her friend's lack of appetite, offered another piece of bread to the bard, only to have it refused. Sighing, she answered the question. "The weather's been good, so we should get there in about three days.

"It'll be okay, Gabrielle. You don't need to worry about it, okay? We'll find out everything when we get there," she said, and ducked her head to meet Gabrielle's eyes.

"I know," Gabrielle sniffed. "I'm just so scared," she said, and began to cry again. Xena put her arm around the girl, and Gabrielle wrapped her arms around Xena's waist. Stroking Gabrielle's hair, Xena waited until Gabrielle had stopped crying before she let the bard get up.

Instead of eating more bread, as Xena had hoped, Gabrielle laid down on her bedroll, and tried to sleep. It was early, Xena noticed; much earlier than the girl usually went to bed. Knowing somehow that Gabrielle was feeling alone, Xena laid down next to her on her own bedroll, put an arm around her friend, and closed her eyes.

Minutes later, Xena's rest was interrupted. "Xena?" Gabrielle asked, softly, wondering if the warrior was asleep.

"Yeah?" she prompted. Gabrielle observed that she sounded tired, and hoped she wasn't bothering her.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" she asked, worriedly.

"No," Xena replied, gently. "What were you going to say?"

"Nothing, never mind," the bard said, and closed her eyes again.

"Are you sure?" she asked, wondering why the bard was suddenly so afraid to talk with her. She hoped it was nothing she had done.

"Yes? no," she said, changing her mind. "Are you angry with me because I didn't tell you about? about my father?"

"Of course not," Xena said, quietly. "I understand that some things aren't easy to talk about. Just know that I'm here if you ever want to tell me anything," she promised.

"Thanks," Gabrielle said, giving Xena a quick hug, before resting her head on the warrior's shoulder and falling asleep. She slept peacefully, with Xena's arm around her, the entire night.

When Xena awoke at dawn the next morning, she was glad that Gabrielle had managed to sleep through the night without any nightmares. Carefully slipping her arm out from under the still sleeping bard, Xena stood, and looked down at her friend. Deciding she would be all right for a few minutes, Xena left the campsite to walk down to the water's edge, and try to catch breakfast.

Standing knee-deep in the water, hair tied back, arms at the ready, Xena suddenly reached into the water, and pulled out a fish. As she was smiling to herself at the size of the squirming trout, she heard a shout from the campsite.

Gabrielle!! her mind screamed, and she dropped the fish back into the lake, forgotten as adrenaline pumped through her body. Fearing for her friend's safety, Xena ran full speed back to the camp, only to find Gabrielle thrashing about, suffering from another nightmare.

Kicking herself for leaving the girl alone, Xena approached her friend. "Gabrielle?" she said, softly, and kneeled next to her.

"No, don't!" she shouted, and for a moment, Xena could have sworn the cry was directed towards her outstretched hand, before the tightly shut lids told her Gabrielle was still dreaming. "Please? I'm sorry?" she murmured, and her pleas softened to panicky whimpers.

"Gabrielle, it's okay," Xena soothed, placing a gentle hand on Gabrielle's shoulder to still her shaking body. "It's me, it's Xena. It's all right, nothing's going to hurt you." Xena finally managed to wake Gabrielle, and assure her that her dream was just that - a dream.

"Xena?" she asked, her eyes still frightened.

"It's okay, now," said Xena, trying to ease her friend's worries. "Can you tell me?" she asked, wanting to take away the hurt and the fear.

"No, I? I can't, not right now," she said, and felt bad when the hurt crossed Xena's face. "I will, but later."

Xena nodded, and tried to be understanding. "All right. Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'll be all right," she replied, rubbing her eyes to tell herself everything was okay; it was just a bad dream.

"Will you be okay while I go get breakfast?" she asked, and Gabrielle nodded. Giving her shoulder one last squeeze, Xena rose, and walked back to the lake. Feeling a little hurt at the fact that Gabrielle felt she couldn't tell her about her dream, and a lot of self-loathing at letting Gabrielle go through her nightmare alone, Xena returned to the water's edge. Wading once again, she assumed the former position, and waited for breakfast to swim through her fingers.

Back at the campsite, Gabrielle soothed her frazzled nerves, and took a long drink of water. Feeling a little better, she started to pack her bedroll. The closer they got to Potedia, the longer and more intense the nightmares seemed to be.

Well, she thought to herself, as she finished cleaning the campsite, they're not nightmares, really. They're memories that I never wanted to think about again. Xena's not the only one with an ugly past?

Determined not to break down again, Gabrielle quickly pushed the thoughts aside, and placed her scrolls carefully into her scroll bag. When the only things out were the eating ware and the frying pan, Gabrielle sat down on the log, and waited patiently for Xena to return with breakfast.

Minutes later, Xena walked into the clearing carrying two large trout. Grinning, she displayed the fish, ready to cook. Usually she let Gabrielle do the cleaning, but she felt like giving the young woman a rest, so Xena took care of everything. Well, everything up to the cooking part. She wasn't about to venture to try that; the objective was to let Gabrielle relax, not torture her.

Automatically, with none of her usual enthusiasm or cheerfulness, Gabrielle placed the fish in the pan, the pan over the fire, and began cooking breakfast. In just a few minutes, the smell of cooked fish floated through the woods, and breakfast was ready.

"Smells good," remarked Xena, taking the smaller of the two trout for herself. Xena would be surprised if Gabrielle's legendary appetite could be settled with even the bigger of the two fish, but she would give it all she could. To her surprise, Gabrielle just nibbled on her food.

"Hey, aren't you going to eat?" asked Xena, concerned.

"I'm not that hungry," replied Gabrielle, absentmindedly. Xena frowned slightly, worried.

She's barely eaten anything since yesterday afternoon, Xena thought. She can't go on like this. If she keeps skipping meals, it'll wear her down, and she'll get sick. Can't let that happen. Keep a close eye on her, warrior, she told herself.

"How much longer?" asked Gabrielle, shaking Xena from her thoughts.

"We should be there in a day or so. Maybe tomorrow morning, if everything goes well," she said, and Gabrielle nodded. Unable to eat anymore, the bard offered the fish to Xena, who refused. "You eat it," said Xena. "You need your strength."

She shook her head. "No," said Gabrielle, "I'm all right. I just don't want anymore right now." Sighing in defeat, Xena took the fish from the bard, and finished it. Packing the eating ware and the pan into the saddlebags, Xena secured everything to Argo, and then mounted.

Reaching a hand down to her friend, Xena's worry increased when she had to support more of Gabrielle's weight than usual, while helping her mount the horse. Taking Argo into a gallop, Xena noticed that the arms around her waist were tight, but strained with the effort. Xena wondered how much sleep Gabrielle had been getting, for the girl to be so weak.

The sun was up early that day, and by mid-afternoon both women were sweating. The heat was intense, and Xena noticed that she was the only one drinking water; Gabrielle hadn't taken a sip all morning. Each time she offered it back to her, Gabrielle refused, insisting she was fine.

Argo was working hard, even at the gentle trot they were at, and Xena considered stopping the horse and letting her rest earlier than usual. She was searching for a nice shady place to rest, when Gabrielle's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Xena," she said. The tone of her voice was enough to make Xena take Argo into a slow walk. "I? I don't feel so good," she muttered. Immediately, Xena dismounted, and helped Gabrielle to do the same, as the girl slid wearily into her arms.

"Hey," said Xena, looking into Gabrielle's cloudy eyes, "what's wrong?"

"I don't know," replied Gabrielle, taking a step, and then holding on to Xena's arm to steady herself as the world spun. "I'm just dizzy all of a sudden."

"Come on," said Xena, and she led Gabrielle over to a small spot of shade, brought on by a large tree. "Sit down," she said, and then searched through the saddlebags, which were still on Argo's back, as the horse dutifully followed her mistress. "Drink this," Xena commanded, handing the water skin to Gabrielle, who looked like she was going to refuse again. "No arguments," said Xena. "You're dehydrated, and you need to rest."

Finally, giving in, Gabrielle took the water from Xena, and swallowed a long draught of the cool liquid. "I'm better," said Gabrielle, and made an attempt to get up, which resulted in waves of dizziness bringing her crashing down.

"We'll rest here for a while," said Xena, slipping behind Gabrielle and working the pressure points in the back of her neck. "You just sleep," she said, and the bard leaned tiredly against Xena's chest, asleep before Xena finished massaging her shoulders. Xena smiled, glad she was able to get Gabrielle to relax, but then frowned at herself that she had not forced the bard to drink anything earlier.

I knew she was getting overheated, Xena told herself. The way she kept struggling to stay atop Argo should have told me something was wrong. She went without food or water for almost a day, and in this heat, it's a wonder she didn't pass out on me. Great job of protecting her, Xena, she scolded herself. Shaking her head in disgust with herself, Xena wrapped her arms securely around Gabrielle, and allowed herself a small nap.

When she awoke, Xena found it was dusk. Looking down at Gabrielle, who had somehow managed to change positions in her sleep, and now had both arms fastened in a death grip around Xena's waist, she smiled. The bard's face didn't have that ashen color, and she had slept peacefully.

As she made another scan of the bard's face, blue eyes met alert green ones. "Hi," said Gabrielle.

"Hi yourself. How are you feeling?" Xena asked, gently. Her heart soared at the clarity she saw in the bard's eyes; she was awake, and the danger of fainting seemed to have passed.

"Much better," replied Gabrielle.

"Well, you had me scared there for a while," admitted Xena, smiling slightly.

"Sorry," Gabrielle apologized, looking sheepish. "I should have known better than to go without water in this heat. I just wasn't expecting it; I thought it was supposed to be winter."

Xena agreed. "Yes, the weather's been strange. Those clouds moved on faster than I expected, or we would have had them for cover today," she explained. "It's too late to hunt, so we'll have to have bread and cheese again. And you are eating!"

"Okay, okay," said Gabrielle, laughing.

"Don't worry about it, all right?" said Xena, realizing that the bard was literally worrying herself sick. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"When will we get there?" asked Gabrielle, wondering how much she had delayed them.

"I'd say tomorrow around dusk," estimated Xena. She planned on riding Argo the whole way, to get there quicker. She just hoped that in getting the bard there faster, she would be bringing her home to good news.

Gabrielle nodded. Part of her felt relieved that they would be there so soon, and another part of her felt afraid. She wasn't too sure about the reception she would get, whether or not her family would be glad to see her, or too glad that she had brought Xena with her. Knowing that she would have to deal with it sooner or later, she grabbed a piece of bread, and munched hungrily.

Xena watched happily as Gabrielle packed away four pieces of bread, and half of the water skin. Feeling better about the health of her friend, Xena pulled out her sword, and began sharpening it, as Gabrielle laid out the bedrolls. One next to the other, with Xena's closest to the fire, as always.

"Good night, Xena," said Gabrielle, laying down on her bedroll. Despite the long nap she had taken earlier, she still felt tired, and wanted to rest as much as she could.

"Good night," replied Xena, replacing her sword in its sheath. After a quick perimeter check, she returned to a sleeping bard, and climbed into her own bedroll. She was asleep quickly, with one arm around her friend, and one arm just a hair's width from her sword.

The next morning, Xena awoke at dawn, and stretched. Standing, she couldn't help but smile at the child-like ball Gabrielle had curled herself into during the night. Her smile widened as she saw the healthy flush of her friend's cheeks, signaling that she had had a good night's sleep, and was no longer feeling ill.

At least she didn't have any nightmares, Xena thought, as she packed everything on to Argo. There would be no time to fish for breakfast if they were going to be in Potedia by dark, so it was bread and cheese on the road.

"Come on, Gabrielle," said Xena, once she had everything secured. "Time to get going." Gabrielle moaned, but opened her eyes. "We should be there by dusk, if we hurry," encouraged Xena. With that incentive, Gabrielle jumped to her feet, and hurriedly packed her bedroll. Accepting Xena's hand, Gabrielle was pulled onto Argo, and they were off at full gallop.

Gabrielle made sure they stopped only as long as necessary, and ate her breakfast in a rush. Despite the fear in the pit of her stomach, her worry was far more intense, and kept telling her something was wrong. Therefore, she offered no objection when Xena announced they would be riding Argo all day, instead of walking part of the way as she had planned.

Hanging on for dear life, a smile nonetheless lit Gabrielle's face, when the small village came into view. "We're here," she said, and Xena wasn't sure she heard joy or fear in her friend's voice. Pulling Argo to a stop, Xena dismounted, and helped Gabrielle as she struggled to dismount from the Palomino mare.

Gabrielle walked with Xena as she stabled Argo, and then seemed to walk slower when they turned to go to her parent's house.

"It'll be all right," Xena said, trying to reassure her friend, as she laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I hope so," was all Gabrielle said. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door, and waited nervously for an answer. When the door opened, and Gabrielle's sister Lila was revealed, Gabrielle gave a small smile. "Lila!" she said, and made a move as if to give her younger sister a hug. To her dismay, Lila stepped back from the embrace, but allowed them room to enter.

"Xena," Lila acknowledged, and the warrior merely nodded.

Finally, Gabrielle couldn't stand not knowing. "How's mother?" she asked, anxious.

"Mother's dead," Lila spat. "She died two days ago." Gabrielle looked like she was about to collapse, and since it didn't seem that Lila was a likely candidate for help, Xena guided her friend gently to a chair, and stood by her side.

"She kept asking for you," Lila continued, "but you never came. You sure took your time in coming home." Xena's eyes flashed in anger, and she had to keep telling herself that this was Gabrielle's sister. "I tried to convince her that you'd be here, that you really did care, but I don't think she believed it any more than I did," she finished.

Gabrielle's sister, this is Gabrielle's sister, Xena told herself. It wouldn't help matters to slam her up against the wall. Although? it couldn't hurt things too badly, either? Gabrielle seemed to sense Xena's thoughts, and put a shaking hand on her arm, calling her back into her right mind. Shaking her head to clear the bad thoughts, Xena kneeled next to Gabrielle, and put an arm around her shoulders.

"I'm sorry, Lila," said Gabrielle. "We left as soon as we got your message, but? where's father?" she asked.

That question seemed to change Lila's disposition. Instead of being angry, she almost looked sympathetic. "He should be back in an hour or so," she responded. "There's a room at the inn already reserved for you. Both of you," she added, and Gabrielle gave her a weak smile.

"Thanks, Lila," she said, and gave her sister a hug, The two held each other and cried together for a few minutes, before Gabrielle pulled away, and walked with Xena to the inn. Calling for the room key, Xena caught it as the man threw it to her, and wasted no time in getting Gabrielle into the room. Sitting her down on the bed, she locked the door behind them.

Once seated, the fear of her legs not holding her up any longer was irrelevant, and Gabrielle broke down into sobs. Xena was by her side in an instant. She wrapped her arms around her, and just held her as she cried.

"I knew we shouldn't have stopped," she sniffled. "If only I hadn't rested so long?"

"What?!" exclaimed Xena, surprised by the words coming from Gabrielle's mouth. "Gabrielle, this was not your fault! We both needed the rest; there was no way we could have known," she said.

"I knew what would happen if I avoided water for too long," Gabrielle continued, as though she hadn't heard Xena speak. "Stupid! And now look what's happened. My mother's dead, and I couldn't even be here for her!"

"Gabrielle, stop!" said Xena, forcefully. "Listen to me! This was not your fault, all right? I know it hurts, but you can't blame yourself. Shh? That's right? Just let it out? It's okay," she soothed, cradling the small girl in her arms as she sobbed.

"Why, Xena? She's gone, and I miss her so much! Now all I have left is Lila," she said.

The words hit Xena right in the center of her heart. All she has is Lila? What about me? She wondered. Then, it came to her. What about her father?

"What about your father?" asked Xena, softly.

Gabrielle stiffened, and her heart caught in her throat, before she whispered, "No, just Lila." Xena sighed, but didn't let Gabrielle go. She held the bard until her tears had been stopped by sleep, and then she laid her gently onto the bed. Her heart went out to her friend, but she knew there was nothing she could do for her; at least, not at that moment. There was nothing to do, except be there for her.

Pulling her sword from it's sheath, Xena pulled up a chair beside the bed, and began sharpening the blade. Not long after, there was a soft knock at the door.

"Xena?" a timid voice asked, and Xena recognized the woman. It was Lila. She opened the door for her, and stepped back for her to enter. When the young girl was in the room, Xena closed the door, and resumed her position in the chair. Her face remained blank; after the earlier events, Lila was not someone she was too happy to see.

"Gabrielle already knows I'm sorry for what I said. I just wanted you to know that I didn't mean it, so you wouldn't hate me or anything," she said, fidgeting with the hem of her dress, awkwardly.

"I don't hate you, Lila. I'm not real happy with you, but I understand," Xena said, evenly. "Is that all you wanted?"

Lila shook her head, and then dropped her eyes for a moment. "Has she told you about father, yet?" she asked. Her voice was small and quiet, almost tender.

At this subject, Xena perked up. She sat up a little straighter, and tightened her jaw. This was the subject that had upset Gabrielle, and perhaps now she could find out why. "No," was all she said.

"Well, I can't tell you. I promised I wouldn't," she said, and Xena nodded, defeated. "But I have no doubt that she will tell you," here Lila nodded towards her slumbering sister. "All I ask is that, when she does explain, don't say anything. Don't react or try to tell her anything until she's done. Please," she pleaded.

Xena frowned, slightly. This hadn't gone as she had hoped, and the look in Lila's eyes told her the girl was serious. "All right," she agreed. "I won't say anything. You have my word."

"Thank you," said Lila, and turned to leave. Xena said nothing more, and the girl left the room, silently. The warrior ran all the possibilities through her mind, and although none of them were pleasant, she held her tongue, because she knew she couldn't ask Gabrielle. She had given her word; an oath as sacred to a warrior as the River Styx to the Gods.

Turning back to her neglected weapon, Xena sharpened her sword for a while longer, before replacing it in its scabbard. Content to mull over the evening's events, as long as she could rest, Xena turned in for the night, lying beside Gabrielle, her arms protectively around her friend the entire night.

The next morning, Xena opened her eyes to sunlight coming through the window. Despite the fact that she had slept past dawn, something she rarely did, Gabrielle was still sleeping soundly. That was something that made Xena smile; she was glad Gabrielle had had a good rest.

"Morning," said Gabrielle, groggily.

Well, thought Xena, not that soundly. "Morning. You okay?" she asked, concerned.

"I guess so," she said, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "I just can't help thinking that there was something I could have done." Shaking her head, she managed to keep from crying.

"Lila was here last night," said Xena, and Gabrielle looked up at her.

"She was? What did she say?" she asked.

"She just wanted to make sure I knew she didn't mean all those things she said. She thought I hated her," Xena said, and shrugged. "She knows now that I don't. I'm gonna go get breakfast," she said, changing the subject. "Will you be okay for a little while?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah. Bring me back something good," she said, offering a half hearted smile. Xena shook her head, smiling, and left the room to order breakfast from the innkeeper.

Sighing, Gabrielle decided she had to get up. Needing to express her feelings, but not wanting to cry, she did the only other thing she could think of: she retrieved one of her scrolls, and her quill, and sat down on the bed to write. She was on her second sentence when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," she said, and looked up to see her sister enter. "Hi," she said.

"Hi," replied Lila, sounding worried. "Uh, father said he wants to see you." Gabrielle nodded. "Now," Lila added, softly. Swallowing the lump that had suddenly developed in her throat, Gabrielle stood, and willed her legs to stop shaking. "Be careful," said Lila, as she walked her out the door, "he's already been to the tavern this morning."

Gathering her courage, Gabrielle continued down the path to the house she used to call home. To her astonishment, the door was open. Peeking slowly around the corner, she walked in, only then remembering she had left her staff back at the inn.

"Gabrielle," said a voice. Turning to face the sound, Gabrielle found herself looking into the eyes of her father. Herodotus was sitting at the table, an empty wine flask nearby, and a second one in his hand, following the path of the first.

"Hello, father," she said, and didn't seem to recognize her own voice, it seemed so dry.

"What took you so long?" he asked, smiling wryly. "I almost thought you didn't care, that you'd been away so long you'd forgotten about us."

"We got here as quick as we could," she replied.

"I'm sure you did," he said, bitterly. "I'm sure that warrior just did everything she could to get you here."

"She did," said Gabrielle, automatically defending her friend's honor. "Even though you've never liked her, she insisted that she go with me, to make sure I got here safely."

In a flash, Herodotus was beside Gabrielle, his large hand grasping her chin painfully hard. "Don't use that tone of voice with me, young lady!" he shouted, blowing his foul wine breath into her face.

She realized her mistake; her father did not like defiance. "Sorry," she muttered, her face beginning to ache, and she wondered if he would leave finger prints on her chin.

"I'll bet you are," he said, grinning maniacally. Bringing his hand back, he slapped her across her cheek, leaving a stinging red mark the shape of his hand. "It's been a while since you've had some good discipline," he said. "It might take a while for you to remember how to speak to your father!"

"No, please," she said, unintentionally repeating the same words as in her nightmares. "I? I'll do better," she promised.

"Do you remember what it used to be like? You only speak when spoken to," he said, slapping her again. "You always did have a problem with that, didn't you? Always wanting to tell those stories to anyone who'd listen," another slap, harder this time, "even after I told you to stop.

"And then there was that pony!" he shouted, the memory making him angry enough to land a blow to the other side of his eldest daughter's face. "That was the last time I let you and your mother talk me into anything. I finally got rid of him."

Gabrielle's eyes widened in understanding. Timpani hadn't gotten sick, her father had poisoned him! "You? you killed him?!" she uttered, before suddenly remembering that in her father's presence, she was not to speak unless she was told to do so.

Slap! This one was enough to split her lip, and she tasted blood in her mouth, and felt it travel down her chin. "That's right. After all, the only things a man should have in his house are those he got with his own two hands. Your mother got that damned animal, so I got rid of him," he finished.

The tears that were streaming down Gabrielle's face did nothing to ease the stinging of her cheek or lip, nor did the weeping effect her father, except to anger him further. "Shut up!" he shouted. "Stop that! You know I hate crying. Where's my wine?" he wondered aloud, wandering back to the table. Gabrielle took this opportunity to bolt out the door, not stopping until she reached the inn.

Once there, she rested for a few moments to steady her breathing and calm her racing heart, before creeping up the stairs to the room that she and Xena shared, hoping against hope that Xena would be out somewhere. Not that she didn't want to see the warrior, for there was nothing she needed more after an encounter with her father than her friend, but she didn't want to have to explain the bruises on her face.

Opening the door as quietly as possible, she slipped in, and shut the door behind her, just as softly. "Where have you been?" Xena's voice, demanding and worried, startled her. Walking with her head down, hoping her hair would hide the marks, she made her way over to the bed, and sat down.

"Well?" Xena asked, standing with her hands on her hips, looking angry and concerned at the same time. "I came back here and you were gone!"

"I'm sorry," muttered Gabrielle, unconsciously tucking her hair behind her right ear, a habit she did when she was nervous.

Quicker than she could have ever imagined, Xena was across the room and kneeling beside Gabrielle, tilting her chin gently towards her. When Gabrielle winced, Xena withdrew her hand, but placed it over Gabrielle's, which was lying on her lap. "What happened?" she asked, gently.

"I? before I tell you that, I have to tell you something else," she said, taking a deep breath. Xena was about to say something, when Lila's voice rang in her ears: when she does explain, don't say anything. Xena remained quiet, and let Gabrielle gather her courage. "It's about my father," she began.

"I guess I'd better start from the beginning. For as long as I can remember, my father has beaten me. Never Lila, never mother, just me. He told me it was because I was different, and because I told stories instead of doing farm work. To tell you the truth, I still don't know why.

"He didn't just beat me, he? did other things to hurt me. I was always bringing animals home. Poor, small, defenseless animals who were all alone. He would let me keep them for a few days, maybe even a week, just long enough to become attached. Then, he would tell me I had to get rid of them. If I didn't do it fast enough for him, I would wake up one morning, and they would be gone. No matter how far I searched, I could never find them.

"As time went by, I just learned to accept it. I stopped bringing animals home, and I did what was asked of me. I even stopped telling stories for a while; at least, publicly. I still talked to the plow horses, or tried my tales on a few of my best friends. He always told me I talked too much, anyway.

"Just before Draco's men came into town, I ran across the most adorable rabbit I'd ever seen. It couldn't have been more than two months old. It was alone, and in need of food. I couldn't leave it out there all alone, starving, so I took it home. I was going it some lettuce and a carrot from the garden, not thinking of the upcoming raid by Draco.

"My father caught me taking the food, and I had to tell him what I was doing with it. When he found out, he beat me for taking food that was meant for Draco, as a kind of gift if he would spare our village. Just before dusk, he ordered me to release the rabbit, but I just couldn't do it. I couldn't turn it out on it's own.

"He?" here Gabrielle's voice broke, and she took another deep breath. "He killed it, and tossed it out into the yard. I had to give it a decent burial, even if it was just a rabbit. I cried the whole time, and it was then I knew I had to leave. Then, Draco attacked, and I thought I had my chance. Even if I became a slave, I felt it was better than staying there, with him. But you arrived, and I tried to follow you. Something told me not to give up, so I kept going until I found you again," she finished, tears streaming into her wounds once again.

Xena put a hand on Gabrielle's shoulder, and was about to say something, but Gabrielle wasn't finished yet. "Remember Timpani, that pony I told you about? I found out that he didn't get sick. My father killed him," she sobbed. Wrapping both arms around her friend, Xena held her tightly.

"Oh, Gabrielle," was all Xena could say. She couldn't understand how anyone could be so cruel to someone so caring and forgiving as Gabrielle. Just the thought of her little bard having to endure that made her feel sick. "I'm so sorry."

Pulling back, Xena looked her in the eye, and spoke, "He did this to you?" At the nod from her friend, Xena had to bite her lip to keep herself from screaming out in anger. Calming herself, she stood up, and walked over to the saddlebags. Retrieving a cloth, she wet it with water from the water skin, and gently washed Gabrielle's lip, cleaning the blood from her chin, as well. After that, she held the cool compress on the angry purple bruise that claimed most of the left side of Gabrielle's face, trying to reduce the swelling.

"Thanks," Gabrielle said, when Xena's gentle ministrations were done. "I'm sorry I left without telling you, but Lila came and said he wanted to see me right away, and I had to go."

"It's okay. I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier. You just had me worried, that's all," said Xena, and gave Gabrielle a gentle hug. "You come and get me if he asks for you again, okay?"

Gabrielle nodded, but said, "Don't do anything, please, Xena. I know how much you want to protect me, and I appreciate that, but-"

"Gabrielle, I will not stand by and watch him hurt you! You can't ask me to do that. Please don't ask me," Xena said, lowering her voice. "I'll try not to interfere for as long as I can."

"Okay," Gabrielle conceded.

"Hey, how about a threat?" she asked. "You know, tell him I'll turn him into goat feed if he touches you again?" This got a small smile out of Gabrielle; one that made Xena's heart soar. When the bard had first entered the room, Xena had been afraid she would never see that beautiful image again.

"Goat feed," she said. "Gotcha." Then, her smile faded. "I had no idea that he had killed Timpani. I didn't even suspect?" The tears returned, as did Xena's embrace, and Gabrielle was glad for the warmth of her friend's arms.

After a few minutes, Gabrielle pulled back. "Xena, I have a favor to ask of you," she said.

"What is it?" Xena asked.

"Will you sing at my mother's funeral?" she asked, knowing it was a large honor, as well as a heavy question to ask the warrior.

"Gabrielle?" Xena began. "I won't refuse, but take some time to think about it some more. Make sure this is what you really want, and then you can ask me again, if you really want me to, and I will. Okay?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Thank you," she said. Just then, her stomach rumbled unhappily at being ignored, causing Gabrielle to don a small grin. "I didn't even have breakfast," she commented.

Xena, suddenly remembering why she had left the room earlier in the morning, rose from the bed and retrieved the tray of food. "Here," she said, giving Gabrielle the large amount that was left, "I've already eaten."

As the little bard chewed hungrily on the bread and fruit, Xena sat back on the bed, as a dozen thoughts ran through her mind.

This explains a lot, she thought. I understand, now, why Gabrielle reacted the way she did when I mentioned her father. I even know why she hates having to cook rabbit; it reminds her of that little bunny she was unable to save. But I don't know why Herodotus would do such a thing!

How could he hurt someone as innocent as Gabrielle? she wondered. His own daughter, for Zeus' sake! And telling a bard she can't tell her stories? That must have crushed her. I swear, if I ever see him lay one hand on her?

Xena's thoughts were interrupted by Gabrielle's voice. "Xena? Are you all right?" she asked. "You look a little upset."

"Just thinking," Xena replied. "I need to have a talk with your father," she said.

Gabrielle's eyes widened. "Xena, please, don't!" she pleaded. "You said -"

"I know what I said, Gabrielle," said Xena, "and don't worry. I'm just going to talk to him, nothing more. Don't worry," she repeated, and, reluctantly, Gabrielle turned back to her breakfast.

The day passed by quickly, with Gabrielle choosing to stay in the room all day, and Xena refusing to leave her side. After half an hour of trying to convince the warrior she was fine, Gabrielle gave up, and let Xena tend to her bruises, again. The cold water stung at first, but then felt nice, and soon the bard was glad Xena had stood her ground.

"Thank you," murmured Gabrielle, leaning into Xena, as the warrior massaged the knots out of her shoulders.

"No problem," Xena replied, smiling at the content look on her friend's face. "Rest, now," she said, moving away from Gabrielle to let her lie back on the bed. "Sleep is the best thing." Nodding sleepily, Gabrielle closed her eyes, and soon Morpheus took her into a dreamless sleep as black as the night that lingered outside.

Feeling a little tired herself, Xena took her place beside Gabrielle, and fell asleep with her arm around her friend. Blessed by Sleep, neither woman dreamed the entire night.

Xena awoke the next morning, feeling more rested than she had in a long time. Carefully slipping her arm from Gabrielle's shoulders, she stood, and stretched her six-foot frame. Glancing out the window to the sun, Xena guessed it wasn't more than three hours past dawn, but figured that it was time to pay Herodotus a little visit. Donning her armor, she left the room quietly, so as not to wake the sleeping bard.

Knocking on the door, Xena waited impatiently on the small porch. After a few moments, the door was opened, to reveal a very sober Herodotus. The man was not as tall as Xena, but he had broad shoulders, and serious eyes.

"Xena," he said, not unpleasantly, "what a surprise! Come in." Frowning in confusion at the warm welcome, Xena entered cautiously. Increasing her confusion even further, he left the door open, and peeked around outside for a few moments. Apparently not finding what he was looking for, he turned back to face Xena, and asked, "Where's Gabrielle? Surely she came with you."

Unable to hide her astonishment, a look crossed Xena's face that showed how thunderstruck she was at this statement. Was he serious?!

Oh, thought Herodotus, I've waited for this, warrior. Let's see how well you know my daughter, hm? At any rate, the further you are from Gabrielle, the more control I regain.

"What are you talking about, Herodotus?" demanded Xena. "You saw Gabrielle yesterday."

Looking completely bewildered, Herodotus said, "What? Yesterday? But, didn't you just arrive this morning?"

Xena glared at the man, and had to resist the urge to press her fingers into the vital points of his neck, that would render him helpless. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Don't lie to me, Herodotus! I know how you beat Gabrielle! I saw the marks." How could he be such a blatant liar?

Herodotus seemed genuinely shocked, and even staggered backwards a step at the accusation. "Me? I would never, ever, hurt Gabrielle. Ever! She's my daughter, by the Gods!" he exclaimed. Then, his voice softened, and he said, "I guess you don't know, then."

Xena rose a suspicious eyebrow. "Know what?" she asked, and Herodotus sighed.

"No, I don't suppose she would tell you," he said, sadly. "You see, Xena, ever since Gabrielle was a little girl, she's had this problem. She's made up stories, and to go along with those stories, she's always had to have evidence. If she was afraid no one would believe her, she'd? well, she'd do anything to gain sympathy, even if it meant causing herself harm," he finished.

The warrior was astounded by his suggestion. "Do you expect me to believe that Gabrielle deliberately hurt herself? So I would pity her?" she exclaimed, unbelievingly.

The man nodded. "That's what I'm telling you," he said. "It's always been like this," he started, but found he was talking to thin air. Xena had left.

I wondered how long it would be before you snapped, he thought, as he grinned at his success. Now, for the second part of my plan? Herodotus had been thinking of his plan since the day before. That warrior had had an enormous amount of influence over his daughter, and he didn't like what that did to her. It made her independent, and even self-confident. Two things he did not like in a woman.

As soon as Xena leapt from the porch of Herodotus' house, she kept running until she met the edge of the woods. Finally, when the sick feeling that Herodotus' words had inflicted refused to disappear, she knew she had to do something to ease her nerves. Deciding she needed to get out for a while, and wanting to take her horse with her, she walked through the woods, and headed back to the inn to retrieve her things.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle had awaken in the inn, only to find that Xena was not there. Remembering that Xena had mentioned visiting her father, she rose quickly, and walked towards her father's house, fearful of what she might find.

Knocking, she didn't have to wait very long until the door was opened, and she found her father staring back at her. "Come in," he stated, with no emotion. Gabrielle entered, not sure if a sober encounter with her father was better or not.

"Father," she said, a little apprehensive. "Was Xena here?'

"Yes," said Herodotus, retrieving something from the top of the table, "and she left a note for you."

Gabrielle frowned. A note? Taking the parchment from her father's outstretched hand, she read it quickly.

Gabrielle,

Your father has told me the truth, and I am afraid that in light of this,

I am forced to leave you. Since this is the last you can expect to hear from me,

I have but one question: How could you?

That was it. No signature, just a simple, plain, note. Xena had never written to Gabrielle, so she had nothing to compare the handwriting to; no way to tell if it was false or real. Wondering just what her friend had been told, Gabrielle looked up at her father, tears in her eyes.

"It seems that your warrior friend trusts me more than you," said Herodotus, coldly. "All I had to do was tell her that you've hurt yourself ever since you were young, and she believed me. She told me to give this to you, just before she ran."

"She wouldn't believe you!" Gabrielle shouted through her tears, her breaking heart painful enough for her to speak in anger towards her father. "She couldn't."

"Oh, but she did," he insisted. "I don't blame her; after all, I'd believe an adult much more easily than I would a child." The word child was spat so harshly, that Gabrielle nearly took a step back.

"No," muttered Gabrielle, shaking her head. "No, I don't believe you!"

Herodotus had his hand around her throat in an instant. "Are you calling me a liar?" he hissed into her ear, causing Gabrielle to shudder.

"Xena wouldn't leave me!" she protested. "Not now. Not like this." Tears ran down her cheeks, as she tried hard not to believe her father, but felt the possibility becoming more and more likely with each protest that escaped her lips. In her weakened emotional state, it was a wonder she had the courage to object at all.

"Get out of here, then!" Herodotus shouted, backhanding her to the floor. "And see if your warrior still trusts you!" Running out the door, Gabrielle crumpled the note and threw it to the ground, as she tried to see with her tear blurred vision.

Entering the tavern, tears slowing, but leaving red eyes and a tear stained face behind, Gabrielle opened the door to the room she shared with Xena. To her initial joy, Xena was there, but then her joy turned to dismay, when she noticed what Xena was doing. The warrior had her back to the door, but Gabrielle could tell she was stuffing her belongings into the saddlebags. She was packing!

Xena turned at the sound of the door, and her brow creased when she noticed Gabrielle's ragged breathing and the tear tracks that streaked her face. "Gabrielle?" she asked, and took a step towards her.

The bard's quivering voice stopped her in her tracks. "What are you doing?" she asked, fearful.

"Packing," said Xena, confused. She figured she'd be gone at least until dark, and didn't want to be caught in bad weather without a warm blanket. "What are you doing here?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. The warrior had thought that Gabrielle had gone to see her sister Lila, whom she had heard was out gathering crops. Assuming that Gabrielle would be a while, Xena was surprised by the bard's return.

The question was innocent enough, but it sent fresh tears down the bard's cheeks. Xena doesn't want me here, her mind told her. "Did you write me a note?" asked Gabrielle.

Now Xena looked really confused. "Yes," she said. Did the bard think she would leave without telling Gabrielle where she was going? She wasn't sure how the girl had known about the note, which she had left on the bed, but thought she was asking for fear that Xena would have left her without a clue.

This answer caused Gabrielle to collapse where she stood, and fall to her knees, sobbing hysterically. "I'm sorry," she bawled. "I didn't? he? it isn't true!" she cried. Xena ran to her friend's side, kneeled, and enveloped her in a strong hug.

"Gabrielle, what's wrong?" she asked, now quite worried and even a little frightened. "What is it?"

"You?" she sniffed, looking up into caring blue eyes, that anxiously scanned her face, "you don't know?" Xena shook her head, and put a gentle hand on Gabrielle's arm, bringing her to her feet, and leading her to a nearby chair.

"What happened?" she asked, ducking her head to meet Gabrielle's puffy red eyes. "Tell me, Gabrielle."

"You talked to my father?" asked Gabrielle, and Xena nodded. "And he told you that it wasn't his fault?" Another nod from the still concerned warrior. "You didn't believe him?" Gabrielle's voice was hopeful.

"Of course not!" exclaimed Xena. "Gabrielle, surely you know me better than that."

"I know," cried Gabrielle. "I'm sorry. I should have more trust in you, Xena." As Xena held the sobbing girl in her arms, she kicked herself for sounding so harsh.

"It's okay, Gabrielle," she said. "I know this is a hard time for you. You're vulnerable right now, and he took advantage of you. I'm the one who should be apologizing." Taking Gabrielle's face in her hands, she noticed for the first time, when Gabrielle winced, that the girl's bruised face was worse than before. "He hit you again?" asked Xena, and received a small nod in return.

Standing, she was prepared to go and beat the stuffing out of a certain man with black hair, when a gentle hand on her arm stopped her. "Wait," said Gabrielle. "Don't do anything, Xena. Not unless you see him hurt me, okay? Then, maybe, I won't feel guilty if you hit him," she said.

Xena was about to protest, when she realized that no matter what Herodotus did, he would always be Gabrielle's father. As horrible a childhood that he may have given her, he still had a very small claim on her heart, being her own family. "Okay," Xena agreed.

"I'm going to go back," said Gabrielle, and Xena looked worried. "You go with me," she continued, "and hide somewhere. I need to talk to him without being afraid." Nodding, Xena followed her friend from the tavern.

When they arrived in front of Herodotus' house, Xena glanced in the window quickly, to ascertain where Herodotus was in the building. Finding him to be in the far back, she opened the door, and slipped slyly inside, hiding in the shadows. Then, Gabrielle entered, and announced her arrival.

"Father?" she called, and Herodotus walked into the room, looking smug.

"Well? Was she there?" he asked. When he had seen the warrior run into the woods, he assumed she would continue running, and now figured she was still somewhere in the dense forest that surrounded Potedia. Little did he know, she was secreted away in a corner of his own home.

When Gabrielle shook her head, he grinned, but his grin faded as she spoke. "No, but I met her on the way to the inn. We talked about it, and she still trusts me, father. She wasn't angry with me," she said, and it was her turn to look a little smug at the defeat in her father's eyes.

"In fact," she continued, bravely, "I've asked her to sing at mother's funeral." The defeat was gone from Herodotus' dark eyes in that moment, and hatred followed in its wake.

"You what?!" he exclaimed. "I will not allow that woman to sing at my wife's funeral. I forbid it! She's not even family," he said, much to Gabrielle's astonishment.

"Xena is family!" she shouted, knowing she was getting herself in deep, but not caring. No matter what it cost her, she would always defend her friend, from anyone and everyone. "She's done more for me than you ever have! She loves me!"

Herodotus didn't hesitate for a second. He made a move to strike Gabrielle, but before his hand could hit it's mark, there was a blur, and suddenly a force was crushing his wrist.

"Don't you touch her," Xena growled, her hand wrapped tightly around the man's fist, in a vice-like grip. She increased the pressure until Herodotus was on his knees. "If you ever hurt her again, I'll turn you into goat feed. Got it?" she threatened, and had to bite back a smile as she heard Gabrielle snicker quietly behind her, at the small joke between them. Herodotus nodded, and she released him, walking out of the hut with Gabrielle not far behind her.

Once they were away from the place, Xena turned abruptly and gathered Gabrielle into a hug. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm all right," she assured her friend. "Will you sing at mother's funeral?" she asked, tentatively. Xena nodded, and pulled Gabrielle a little closer.

Xena's voice drifted through the air, and, upon singing the last note, landed softly in everyone's heart. Many cried, and when it was over, they left the burning pyre with respect. Herodotus stood as far away from Gabrielle as he could, keeping a close eye on the warrior, wiping tears from his own eyes as he left.

Lila approached Xena, tears in her eyes. "Gabrielle was right," was all she said. "You are family." Giving the startled warrior a hug, she wiped her eyes, and allowed a few of her closest friends to walk her home.

Gabrielle stared at the flames after everyone had gone, saying her good-byes, and apologizing to her mother for not arriving in time. She sent her mother thoughts of everything she had never been able to say, and eventually moved to her friend's side. "Thank you," she said, and gave Xena a hug.

"For what?" asked Xena, unsure of what she was being thanked for, since Gabrielle had already thanked her countless times for singing.

"For being here for me," she said, simply. "And for trusting me."

"Hey," said Xena, quietly, as she held her bard close, "we're family, right?"

"Right," replied Gabrielle, and let her tears spill onto the arms of her best friend.

Three days later, Xena and Gabrielle were packing their things, ready to leave.

"Are you sure you want to go?" asked Xena, knowing that many of Gabrielle's friends had offered their condolences, as well as a place to stay.

"I'm sure," said Gabrielle. "This might be my town," she said, "but I've realized that my home is with you."

Xena smiled as her heart swelled, and reached into the saddlebag. Pulling out a wrapped bundle, she held it up for Gabrielle to see. "You never did tell me what this is," she said.

"Oh!" said Gabrielle, as if just remembering that she had indeed forgotten. "I've kept in touch with your mother, and found out some interesting information." Xena raised an inquisitive eyebrow at her friend, as to what kind of information. "It's your birthday present. Open it," she said.

Carefully untying the knot, Xena's blue eyes softened with recognition. It was a whip, and almost exactly like the one she had lost in a trade. Trailing her hand over the leather, she grinned at the excellent craftsmanship, and beautifully designed handle.

"I found it a while ago," said Gabrielle, "but I didn't know when to give it to you."

"Thank you," said Xena, smiling in appreciation, as her sapphire eyes twinkled in happiness.

"Ready to go?" she asked, as Xena placed the whip on her side, and replaced the cloth in the saddlebag.

Xena nodded. "Do we have all the food?" she asked, smirking.

"Yes, yes," replied Gabrielle, feigning exasperation.

"Poor Argo," said Xena, opening the door of the tavern and walking out, securing their belongings on the horse as she spoke. "She has to carry all that weight. I hope it won't hurt her," she joked, and received a playful slap on her stomach.

"She'll be fine," replied Gabrielle. "If I can eat it all, she can carry it all." Xena laughed, put her arm around her friend's shoulders, and walked down the road.