Violence: Yep! There is some. But nothing that wouldn't be seen in the TV show.

Author's Note: Although it isn't absolutely necessary to read "Adventure of a Lifetime" or "Adventure of a Lifetime: The Sequel" to understand this story it might make it a little clearer. And it will make me happy that ya did! (g)

I want to thank my daughter Sue for all her help and encouragement, when I wanted to chuck the whole thing, because it was taking forever to finish, she pushed me ever so gently along till I got moving again. (Is that a run-on sentence? VBG)

There are four people who helped me with information on motorcycles. They are Taleweaver, HunterAsh, Keeper and Brett. Thank you guys very much for sharing your knowledge with me.

And lastly, but by no means least I want to thank my two Beta readers, Deb A, and Beth. Your help was so greatly appreciated. You gals ROCK!

Any, and all, constructive criticism is welcome. Just don't be hurtful. I'm sensitive! I can be reached at MomBard@xenafan.com

Part 2
Chapter Eight

"Whoa! That made the hair on my body stand at attention! Wow! What a sensation. Huh Gabrielle?" Xena said as she checked Eve over to make sure she was okay. Obviously Eve was not the least bothered by the jump through time, because she was sleeping very peacefully.

"Is it…does it always feel this way?" Gabrielle asked, not really directing her question to anyone in particular.

Nicole was the first to respond… "It sure does! Isn't it the greatest? I love it!" Then she added, "Wait till tomorrow when I show you guys around town. You're gonna love it."

Irene just grinned at Leslie and shook her head. Nicole got excited at everything that made her happy, and this was no exception. It was what Nicole had been hoping for. To have Xena and Gabrielle here in her world so that she could share it with them.

Gabrielle now noticed where they had materialized. She didn't know it, but they were in the den/study of the house. She looked around and noticed the large desk, the couch and the two leather chairs. On the desk was Irene's lap top computer. She recognized it from that first time she met them. Then, as she continued to scan the room she noticed "them". BOOKS! Hundreds of books neatly standing on end in the bookcases that lined the walls of the study. As though mesmerized she walked over to the bookcase and ever so gently ran her hand across them. One book peaked her interest…"The Xena Scrolls". She removed the book from the shelf, opened it and gasped. "By the Gods! I can read this! But…but how…how is this possible?" She happened to look up and saw an amused Irene looking back at her.

"I haven't got a clue! I don't know why you can read our books, but I can tell you that after the first time we visited you in the past I was able to read your scrolls without any problem. So, just kick back and read to your hearts content. You are welcome to read any and all the books here Gabrielle." Irene said with a wry smile, "And when you are finished here; I'll take you to the public library. That'll knock your socks off!" she laughed and hugged the amazed Bard.

Then, Gabrielle again turned her attention to her surroundings. "Irene is this your house?" She said as she waved her hand in an arc, looking around the den.

Realizing that Gabrielle thought that the den was the house, and not wanting to embarrass her she replied, "This house belongs to Leslie, and my house is next door. Our kids share my house and I live here with Les. So you might say it's our house." She said as she lovingly squeezed Les' hand.

"Come on, we'll show you the rest of the house, and you can stow your things in your own room. Tomorrow, we'll go shopping for some clothes for you two. It wouldn't do for you two to roam around in those clothes."

Before Xena could protest, Irene added, "You'll want to blend in with everybody else, just in case the Gods try to find you. It's my guess they will be just as happy that you disappeared from the face of the earth."

"Mickey is about your height Xena, so you can borrow some of her things, and Gabrielle can have some of Nicole's clothing until we go shopping."

"Also, I have an old crib that I used for my kids when they were infants. We can use it for Eve. We can buy her some clothes as well, when we go shopping tomorrow." Irene added.

Although Xena was not one hundred percent convinced about putting her armor and leathers away for a while, she nevertheless agreed. As did Gabrielle, who actually liked the idea of shopping for new clothes.

Nicole helped them with their things and brought them up to their room, while Irene and Leslie gave them the grand tour of the house. The two women were shocked that the house was so big.

"Wow, Xena! This house is as big as Mom's inn. I can't believe it! Irene, you mean that it's just the two of you living here?" Gabrielle asked.

"Yes it is. My house next door is smaller, but not by much. We'll show it to you later. If you'll excuse me now, I have to call Mickey and tell her we're back home. She'll want to come over and see you all. It's to bad that Bill is at work, but he'll be home this evening. By then I hope you'll be used to the new surroundings. This is a lot for you to take in all at once."

Xena's warrior instincts kicked in and wanted to explore the house, and outside, by her self. Just in case of an emergency, she wanted to know how to escape. She handed Eve to Gabrielle and whispered something in her ear. Leslie noticed Xena fidgeting. "What's the matter Xena? Is something wrong?"

"Uh no, but I would like to explore on my own. Kinda get the lay of the land so to speak."

"Xena, you don't have to feel uncomfortable about looking around. Hell this is your home for as long as you want it to be. Do what ever you want. I'm so happy that you are here. It's my turn to show you our world. And Xena… prepare to be amazed."

After Xena had walked around the inside of the house. She felt the call of nature and decided to find a bush and leaves so she could relieve herself. So out the house she went looking for the right place. Just at that time Gabrielle was talking to Leslie.

"Is Xena okay with coming here? She appears to be edgy."

"Oh. She's fine. She just had to relieve herself so she went outside to find a bush…" Gabrielle never got to finish her sentence, because Les just took off after Xena. Lesson number one: bathrooms!

"You mean I just sit on that and when I'm finished… wipe myself with this and then push that!!??" said an amazed Warrior Princess.

"Yes. Exactly." Les said as she turned to the bathroom sink… "And you turn the faucets on this way." She said as she twisted the knobs. "That's how we get the water. See…it come out of this spout." Then, turning towards the shower and maneuvering her so that our Warrior could see better, she explained how the shower was similar to the faucets at the sink, only the water came out in a spray overhead.

Xena of course had to try everything herself. Yep! It worked like a charm. And that shower! She just couldn't wait to show Gabrielle all she had learned. Best of all she couldn't wait to take a shower with the Bard. The possibilities were endless!

"Hey you two, what's the matter? Why did you run after her?" Gabrielle asked Leslie as she walked into the bathroom. Luckily the main bathroom of the house was rather large. So there the three of them stood as Les explained for a second time the merits of indoor plumbing. While Xena just stood there with a smirk on her face and her arms folded across her chest just thinking of shower time later that evening. 'Oh my Bard we are going to have fun!'

"Uh, you two will be using the large guest room with your own bathroom so you'll have as much privacy as you wish. There is a king sized bed in there and Irene has put the crib in there for Eve. We figured you'd rather have her with you after what you've been through. Is that okay?"

"Okay? Are you joking? It's more than okay. What you are doing for us is…is…wonderful. " Gabrielle's voice cracked as the tears ran down her cheeks. Xena wrapped her arms around her and held her tenderly. Words were not needed.

Leslie looked at the way Xena was holding her Bard and felt warmth radiating from them both. "Look. For what it's worth…we are family and families stick together and help each other out." Then she blushed and said, "and really it's kind of selfish of me anyway. I so very much want to share my world with you. It won't be easy for you to adjust to our time, but you will, and then like I said before…prepare to be amazed."

Just then Irene walked to the door of the bathroom and looked in. "Is this a group bathroom minute or can anyone join in?" She giggled.

"No, Re. Just explaining to the family that there is no need for bushes and leaves in our time." Everyone started laughing and headed down the hall towards the guest room.

As they got closer to the guest room, they could hear Nicole singing a lullaby to Eve. They walked into the room and saw Nicole gently covering Eve with a small blanket. Nicole looked up and nodded towards the crib where Eve had just fallen asleep. "Shhhhsh! She's asleep."

Xena went to Nicole and gently touched her cheek. "Thank you, Nicole. She's really taken to you."

"I hope so, because she certainly has me wrapped around her tiny little finger. I'm hers, and that little baby knows it!"

Gabrielle yawned. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry for being exhausted. You've both been running for so long that it takes a lot out of you. You don't have to run anymore. If you would like, you can rest and we'll call you when dinner is ready." Leslie suggested.

"That would be wonderful." Xena said as she looked to her Bard for a nod of agreement.

"Oh yeah! Sounds like a plan." Gabrielle said.

"Just a few things before we leave you two alone. You have to know how to turn on the lights when it gets dark. Here, come over here and I'll show you." Irene showed the girls how to turn the lights on and off and then bid them a nice rest and left them alone.

Xena sat down on the bed and watched with amusement as Gabrielle kept turning the lights on and off.

"Xe…is this amazing or what? If you want light you just do this, (flipping the switch) if you don't, you do this again. (Flipping the switch once more). She did this several times, and then looked at Xena and noticed the grin on her face. Walking over to her lover she kissed her on the forehead. "Okay so I'm impressed with this…um… elect…"

"Electricity?" Xena offered.

"Yeah. That's it. Electricity. We never have to be in the dark again." Then, with an impish grin on her face, "Well sometimes the dark is good. Hmmm, my Warrior." She said as she sat down on Xena's lap and kissed her gently on the lips then the cheek, and then working her way up to that lovely earlobe she liked to nibble.

Xena's response was immediate. Her arms wrapped around the Bard, and as she responded to Gabrielle's slow kisses, she thought, 'Oh my love, do I have a surprise for you?!!! Shower time!!!'

Xena pulled back from the kiss and stood up. Gabrielle was confused by her behavior, but was soon aware as to why she had stopped the kissing. Xena was looking at Gabrielle and very, very slowly removing her clothes. First the armor dropped to the floor followed ever so slowly by her leathers. All she had on was the shift she wore under the leathers, and an incredibly passionate look on her face. Not one to miss the moment, Gabrielle also stood up and very seductively started removing her outfit. The excitement was building between the two lovers. Then the shift was off and both were standing there in a state of total undress and extreme sexual excitement. Xena moved towards Gabrielle and in one fell swoop lifted her up and said… "Let's take a shower!"

Xena ran into the bathroom holding one very confused bard in her arms. When she got into the bathroom she put Gabrielle down and turned on the shower. "Come on Brie! Get in. This is going be great!" she said as she stepped into the shower stall and extended her hand to her lover. The water was already coming from the shower in a gentle mist.

Gabrielle was just standing there with a perplexed look on her face, until she got the message. They weren't going to just wash themselves; they were going to "play". She took hold of her lover's hand and went into the shower.

"Oooh! By the Gods! The water is warm!" She turned to face Xena, and was met with a very intense kiss. There they were kissing passionately with the water running down their bodies… and then their hands started to pleasure familiar places. It wasn't long before both women reached the heights of ecstasy. They held on to each other until the trembling abated. They looked into each other's eyes and smiled lovingly at one another.

Xena turned the water off and they got out of the shower and started toweling themselves off. Both marveled at how soft the towels were. "Xe, this is a great way to start our time here." She smiled and gave her warrior a playful kiss on the nose.

Xena smiled and said, "I love you, Gabrielle. I'll never be able to express how much…"

Putting her hand to Xena's lips, Gabrielle said softly, "You don't have to. I already know. Now let's take that nap." She said as she yawned.

"Sounds like a plan." Xena said as she went over to the crib to check on Eve before they took their nap. "She's sleeping so peacefully." She said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

At that moment Gabrielle came up next to Xena and put her arm around her waist as she gazed at the sleeping child. "It's going to be all right here Xe. She's safe now."

Chapter Nine

Mickey ran to her Aunt's house from her own with her hands full of clothes and just about everything else the girls would need for their little expedition to the mall the next day. 'This is going to be quite an experience for us all.' Thought Mickey.

Nicole met her at the door and thanked her for bringing the stuff from her room as well. Nicole could hardly contain her enthusiasm. "Wow! Will you look at these things?" she said as she held up one of her favorite tee shirts. "Gabrielle is going to look great in this green tee. This will really bring out the color of her eyes. Don't ya think Mickey?"

Mickey couldn't help but laugh at how excited and happy Nicole was. "Nicole. Gab could wear a potato sack, and still look like a million bucks. She's just that gorgeous." They walked into the living room and deposited the bundle of clothes on the sofa. Both women plopped themselves down on the sofa and started to giggle like schoolgirls. "Nic, I haven't felt this silly since we were kids and you would follow after me doing everything I did. Remember?"

"Yeah. You were always so nice to me, even when I drove you crazy by copying your every move. It's a wonder I'm still alive!" Nicole and Mickey laughed at that last remark.

"You know, Nic… I didn't really mind you following after me. To be honest, I kind of liked it. In those days, after my folks died and Aunt Les took me in, I was feeling kind of down and insecure. It made me feel like I was special, and because of your friendship I healed much faster. I always wished that you were my sister, and now you will be." Her voice cracked as she and Nicole hugged. Nicole couldn't stop the tear from rolling down her cheek. How happy she was to finally have a sister.

Irene walked into the living room and heard the exchange between the two "sisters". A lump formed in her throat and a warm wonderful feeling engulfed her whole body. 'How lucky she was to have such a wonderful family,' she thought. Not wanting to get all mushy on the girls she said, "Hey, Mickey! Thanks for bringing the clothes for Xena and Gabrielle. This should hold them until we can get them to the mall. It's nice to see you two giggling the way you used to do when you were kids. Brings back good memories."

"For us too Mom," replied Nicole.

"Aunt Irene, think nothing of it. My pleasure!" Mickey said as she messed up Nicole's blond mane.

Nicole just giggled. "Hey cut that out! I'm gonna tell your mommy if ya don't stop!" She whined like she did when she was a kid.

"Okay you two. Les and I could use a little help in the kitchen. How 'bout a hand?" Irene asked.

Both young women started to applaud.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha. Oh, wise guys huh? Cute! Very cute! Come on you two, into the kitchen with you." Irene said as she pushed the girls towards the kitchen, with a grin a mile wide.

Irene and the girls walked into the kitchen as Leslie was preparing the salad. She looked up at them and smiled. After telling Mickey and Nicole what she needed them to do, they proceeded without hesitation.

Irene walked up to her lover and kissed her on the cheek and said… "Hey my lovely salad chef; have I told you today that I love you?"

Les, with a lopsided grin on her face answered, "Oh…only… about three or four times so far today, I think. But who's counting?" She laughed as she popped an olive into her mouth. "Hey Re, will you marinate the chicken for the barbeque, please? And Re, I couldn't find the steaks in our freezer, Hon. Are they in the kids' freezer?"

"No Babe. Bill is stopping by the butcher shop and is bringing the steaks home. I called him before and told him we had returned with the "Grandma's" and a small surprise. He said he was right on it and would be home shortly. Perks of being the boss, you know," she giggled.

"Good." Les said, "We have plenty of everything else. Salad, corn, broccoli, bread, potatoes and onions to bake on the grill, and of course my favorite…dessert! Peach pie, apple walnut cake, ice cream and… oh yeah! I baked the Bard nut bread. Hey, Re! Can you believe the bakery didn't have nut bread?!!"

"My, my. What is this world coming to? No nut bread at the bakery!" she teased. "Sweetheart, everything is going to be wonderful; how can it not be? Everyone we love is here with us," she said with a smile and a wink.

Bill walked into the kitchen, his hands laden with packages from the butcher. "Here ya go, Mom," he said as he put the bundles down on the counter and immediately went to Mickey and gave her a light kiss on the lips, and at the same time messed Nicole's hair.

"Hey! What is with you two?" she said as she looked from Bill to Mickey. "Kindly leave my hair alone; will ya?" She couldn't help but giggle. Truth be known, she loved when her big brother did that.

"So Mom…What's the surprise?" Bill asked as he looked around.

"Oh, you'll see it when Xena and Gabrielle come down for dinner. Which reminds me…I need to wake them. Bill, honey will you be the barbeque chef for this evening?"

"Sure, Mom. Come to think of it, I am kind of hungry. Didn't eat since lunch!"

Mickey was the first to laugh at that last statement, and Nicole was the first to tease Bill. "Oh! You poor thing! Nothing since lunch…tsk, tsk, tsk." Moving over to her brother and turning him around she said in a loud voice, "Mom, this boy is fading away to nothing! What…will…we…ever…do?" That was it! Everyone began to laugh at Bill's expense.

"Okay. Make fun of the man who is going to cook your dinner." He smirked. "Go ahead laugh. But I can't guarantee that your steaks won't be well done and your chicken under cooked and…" He didn't have a chance to finish because Mickey and Nicole started to tickle him unmercifully.

"Mom! Aunt Les! Aren't ya gonna tell them to stop?" he giggled.

Laughing, Les said, "No sonny boy. You are on your own. Come on Re. Let's get Xena and Gabrielle and that surprise." She and Irene walked out of the kitchen arm in arm giggling like schoolgirls.

"Gee I hope they aren't feeling uncomfortable with their new surroundings. It's quite an adjustment for them." Les said very seriously.

"Hon, I don't think you have to worry yourself about that. Last I heard from them, they were taking a shower and enjoying it immensely." Irene giggled.

Confused by that last statement, Les turned and saw the look on Irene's face. "Oh! Oooooh! You mean they are very comfortable?" She said raising her eyebrow.

"Exactly!" Irene said, as she gently knocked on the door.

Xena was dreaming when she heard a light tapping sound. 'What is that? Knocking? Not in this dream….' She thought, and then realized she was hearing knocking on the door to their room. Waking more fully, she realized she was snuggled up close to her Bard and just really did not want to move from this wonderful position. Xena inhaled the fragrance from Gabrielle's hair, and marveled at the lovely smell. It smelled of jasmine.

Reluctantly getting out of bed and making her way to the door, she opened it and was greeted by the two smiling faces of her descendants.

It was hard for Irene not to giggle when Xena opened the door. She was wearing a Winnie the Pooh nightshirt! Who would believe that this sleepy eyed vision of loveliness standing before them was the Warrior Princess of ancient Greece, who could be a villain's worst nightmare? Little did she know it at the time, but that would certainly come in handy in the not too distant future.

"Xena, I'm sorry to wake you, but dinner is just about ready."

"Yeah! And wait till Gabrielle gets a load of the dessert." Les interjected.

Xena laughed - she knew her Bard, and that was probably the favorite part of the meal for her. "Okay. I'll wake Gabrielle. Eve is waking up so I'll feed her first and then we will be right down."

"All right then. We'll see you in a few." Les said as they turned and walked down the hall.

"Strange language! It will take sometime before I get used to it. "See you in a few?" She said shaking her head from side to side, as she walked over to the crib and looked at her daughter.

"There you are. Waiting for dinner I suppose? Hmm?" Xena bent down and picked up her child. "Come on my precious, let's wake your mom." She walked over to the side of the bed and bent down and ever so gently kissed Gabrielle's cheek.

"Here Eve give Gabrielle a kiss for mama. That's a good girl!" Eve was sucking on Gabrielle's cheek and drooling all over her, much to Xena's amusement. This got the response that Xena was waiting for. Yep! Gabrielle woke up.

"Hello, my pretty one. Oh this is such a lovely way to wake up. Getting a kiss from my little love; a drool kiss, but a kiss none the less," she cooed to Eve. "Okay my little love, time for dinner. Come on lets go to Mommy. She has dinner all ready for you. Here you go Xe. I'll get dressed while you feed her." She said as she handed Eve over to Xena.

"Here you go precious. Enjoy your dinner," she said as she nursed the happy baby and sang her a lullaby.

Gabrielle stopped dressing and just looked at the two people she loved most in the world, and silently said a prayer of thanks to whoever was responsible for giving her her family.

Everyone was busying themselves getting the food on the table as Bill and Mickey came in from the patio with the chicken and steaks they had just barbequed. When Gabrielle and Xena, carrying little Eve, walked into the dining room, Bill and Mickey couldn't put the food down fast enough. Mickey hadn't seen the baby yet, and Bill didn't have a clue that there was a baby with them.

"Oh my G…. Your baby Xena?" Not waiting for the reply that was about to come out of Xena's open mouth, he continued…"It…she…it's a she right? Has to be yours. Looks just like you!" He went over to her and with puppy dog eyes said…"Can I please hold her?"

"Bill! Of course she is Xena's. Just look at them," Nicole said exasperatedly, motioning her hand in Xena and Eve's direction. Bill would have received a smack on the back of his head from his sister if, at that very moment, Xena had not handed Eve to him.

"Hey! What am I chopped liver? I want to hold her, too." Mickey whined. "Come on Bill my turn!"

"Well I'll be! Never in your entire life have you ever whined before," exclaimed Leslie as she laughed at Mickey.

Gabrielle tried, in vain, to stifle the laugh that was coming from her and then everyone got on the bandwagon. When the laughter had died down, Irene said, "Ok everyone, let's have dinner before we hurt ourselves laughing."

Everyone was seated around the table and even Eve had her own seat. Irene had saved the highchair as well as every other thing she used for the kids when they were small. It was lucky for our heroes that she was such a saver - everything that they would need for Eve was already there. Gabrielle and Xena were so moved by the thoughtfulness of their descendants that they both had tears in their eyes when they looked at each other. Xena could not speak so she motioned for Gabrielle to do the talking for them.

"I…we…can't thank you two enough for all you have done for us. You may very well have saved Eve's life and ours. Thank you is not enough. I just don't have the words…I'm a bard, I'm supposed to be able to put more than two words together, but I just don't know what to say except thank you." Gabrielle put her head down and started sobbing as Xena held her in her arms.

Everyone came over to Gabrielle and Xena and proceeded to hug them. Leslie told them how much they were loved and that they could stay here forever if that was what they wanted to do.

"Okay now, enough with the tears. Let's pray and give thanks that everyone we love is here with us tonight and healthy. Then we can feast and party." Leslie said as she looked lovingly into her lover's eyes.

Everyone held hands and Irene turned to Nicole to say the prayer. "Your turn, Sweetheart."

"Okay Mom. Thank you, Lord, for the bounty before us, and thanks, Lord, for having my family here. Please keep your hand on everyone's shoulder and protect us from harm. Amen."

"Oh yeah!" she added, "One little thing, Lord…Can you send me someone to love the way Xena and Gabrielle love each other? Thank you, Lord." She looked up from her prayer and seeing everyone smiling at her said with a giggle, "Hey! Couldn't hurt to ask!"

Chapter Ten

Well, it was time to go to the mall. Les was up early and couldn't wait to get this expedition started. She knew that it was going to be quite a culture shock for her ancestors, but it was going to be something to behold. She was giggling to herself when Irene woke up and saw the look on her face.

"Giggling? What is so funny so early in the morning, my love?"

"Re? Do you realize that today we are going shopping with Xena and Gabrielle? We are taking them to the mall! They are going to be exposed to some of the best and worst our century has to offer," she giggled. "It's gonna blow their minds, and we are going to be right there to see it. I can't wait!" she said, not able to control the laughter that was now emitting from her throat.

Re thought about it for maybe a second and joined her lover in the laughter. "Oh my! Nothing like starting the day laughing! Come on, let's get dressed and get this show on the road." She swung her feet over the side of the bed and walked in to the bathroom to begin her day with a nice hot shower and maybe…poking her head out of the door, she said…

"Hey! We could save time if we took a shower together. You could wash my back and I could wash your front - Back - I mean back, as well." She smiled seductively.

Les grinned and walked into the bathroom wrapped, her arms around her lover and gently kissed her lips. "Come on, Re. I'd love for you to wash my "back" or anything else you might have in mind."

Xena was up before the sun as usual. She kissed the Bard's head as she did every morning. She always was amazed that this wonderful, sensitive, compassionate woman loved her. She disentangled herself from her soul mate and went to check on Eve, who was sleeping as soundly as her mom.

"Xe" Gabrielle said sleepily. "Can't sleep?"

"No. Not even in this glorious bed next to you. Go back to sleep for a while. We don't have to get up this early and you should rest now because we have a really long day ahead of us today. The girls said we were going someplace…called The Mall so we could buy clothes and such. It should prove to be interesting, although I don't like to go shopping. I don't think Les likes to shop either so I will have an ally this time, my Bard." Xena's eyebrow lifted as she teased her bard.

"I'm going downstairs and get a cup of tea. I think I remember what to do with the stove. Irene showed me how it works."

"Xe, make one for me, please? I'm too excited to sleep now. I'll dress and meet you downstairs. I will put the what-cha-ma-call-it on so we can hear Eve if she wakes up," she said pointing to the intercom on the wall. "I can't remember what it is called," she laughed. "So much to remember!"

"Yeah, I know what you mean. And I think by the time this day is over we will be on overload!" she shook her head from side to side.

Xena walked into the kitchen and to her relief there was Mickey, may the Gods bless her, making breakfast for everyone. Saved! Now she wouldn't have to try and work the stove.

Mickey looked up from her breakfast chores, and smiled when Xena walked into the kitchen. "Good morning. Sleep well?"

"Yes thank you. Did you sleep at all last night? You went to bed after us and here you are bright and early making breakfast for everyone. Don't tell me you get up before the roosters like me?"

"Well as a matter of fact I do. I have never been able to sleep late. Unless of course I'm sick and then, Grandma, you can't wake me." Pointing to a pile of bread on the counter she said to Xena… "Wanna learn how to make toast?"

Looking over to where Mickey nodded to, Xena could see the pile of bread and some kind of white box next to it. "Sure teach away 'Granddaughter!' "

"Okay. Just put four slices of bread in the long slots in the toaster and press that button down. Make sure the little lever in on med. See…right there. Yeah, that's it. Now press the button down and wait. In a few minutes we will have toast!"

"Huh, Mickey I need to boil some water for tea. Gabrielle will be down in a minute."

"Got it covered. I put water in the teapot and it will be ready soon. Mickey looked at Xena with a serious expression on her face. Umm, I noticed that you grimaced when I called you grandma. Does it bother you? 'Cause if it does… I won't do it. It's just that I don't know what to call you. Do I call you Xena or what?"

I don't mind you calling me Xena or Grandma. However, I would like you to call me Xena when we are around anyone other than the family. Somehow, I don't think that Warrior Grandma will strike fear into the hearts of my enemies." Xena grinned.

From the doorway came Gabrielle's teasing voice…"Warrior Grandma brings up visions of…oh…darning…sewing…" She never finished her sentence. At that moment the toast popped, startling her, and she jumped two feet in the air and clutched Xena's arm. "Aghh! What was that?"

"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! That my love is toast! And I couldn't have planned that better if I had tried."

Mickey was laughing so hard her sides hurt. Nicole came bouncing in through the back door into the kitchen as Les and Irene entered from the dining room. The three women just stood there with broad smiles on their faces, grinning at the three laughing breakfast makers, although they didn't have a clue as to why. And so the morning had begun!

Come on, Xena…get in." Gabrielle called from inside the SUV.

Xena just stood next to the 'thing' Les called the car, and was not at all sure she wanted to get into the back with Gabrielle and the family.

Give Eve to me Xena, and we'll put her in my old car seat," Nicole said. "She'll be perfectly safe Xena. Come on get in will ya? We have a lot of things to do today ya know."

The astounded look on their faces was a sight to behold. Who in their right mind would ever have imagined that Xena, The Destroyer of Nations, Warrior Princess was afraid to get in the car?

"Hey! You want to live forever? Come on! Get in you might like it. And if you want later I'll teach you how to drive this thing." Irene coaxed. She also got the desired response from Xena. Because before their very eyes Xena's eyebrow disappeared up in her bangs and the Warrior Princess had returned.

"I want to sit in front!" She said as she got into the 'thing'. She leaned over and whispered to Irene…"When can I drive?" The laughter that emanated from the car as it pulled out of the driveway could be heard all the way down the street. Even the Warrior Princess had a grin on her face, as she held on to the dashboard for dear life.

The look on Gabrielle's face was one of awe. Squeezing Xena's arm she said, "Xe! All these shops and so little time!" Her emerald eyes sparkled with excitement. Xena could have sworn she heard a moan come from deep within her Bard.

Funny thing was that Irene and Nicole had that same excited look. They grabbed Gabrielle and stated heading towards the many shops in the mall. Mickey, on the other hand was the only practical one there. She knew shopping was just something she had to do. However, she was right there with the glassy eyed trio, walking arm in arm down the mall.

Xena, holding Eve, turned to Les with a look of desperation.

"Xena," Les stated, "don't even think of getting out of here for at least four hours. That is if we are lucky. (Xena groaned) We'll just trail behind them, and watch them have a grand time. We might have fun; you never know!!" She said as she turned to face Xena and saw a look of disbelief on her face. "OK! So I'm an optimist! Come on."

And so the day at the mall started as we see our family group walk into the 'first' of many, many stores. The first few hours were great fun for the Bard of Poteidia. She haggled and bargained like a pro. This was the best part of shopping for her. Then they walked into Sears…They were having a gigantic sale on everything in the store.

Pointing to a sign on one of the racks of clothes, Gabrielle asked: "Irene, what does that sign on that… um…rack mean?"

"Oh, that. That means that everything on that particular rack is 50% off. If something is ten dollars you get it for five. It's like one of your bargains, ya know, half price."

"Oh yeah! Xe. Come here…Look at this. It would look lovely on you! You could wear it to the wedding," Gabrielle said as she pulled the black sequined gown of the rack, and lifted it up under Xena's chin. "Xe, you have to try this on. Please?"

All of them agreed with Gabrielle, and Xena knew in her heart that she was totally outnumbered by the Oooohhhs and ahhhs coming from her family. Even her shopping ally, Les, was agreeing with them. Especially when those green eyes looked at her with that pleading look. She knew that it was no contest. She tried on the dress.

"Oh, by the Gods!! You are magnificent," Gabrielle said as she saw her lover in that gown. She walked up to her lover, and put her hand on Xena's neck as she gently pulled her down so she could whisper in her ear… "I can't wait to undress you my love," she teased.

"Right! The black dress it is," Xena said with that lopsided grin; as she looked into those green eyes that now have become deep smoldering emeralds of passion. "Can we go home now?!" she begged.

Before Gabrielle could respond to Xena's whispered request, there came a rumbling from the Bard's stomach… All eyes fell on her as she said innocently, "Could we eat lunch first? Um… I… I am a little hungry Xe and… ya know…" her voice trailed off until she saw Xena grinning at her.

"I can deny you nothing my love. Especially when your stomach so loudly protests." She teased her Bard.

Irene, Les and the girls just stood there grinning. "Okay! Lets do lunch." Nicole said as she took both Xena and Gabrielle by the arm. "Come on, wait till you see all the choices you have at the food court!"

The Food Court consisted of many different fast food stalls that were right next to each other in, sort of, a horseshoe layout. So you could walk up one side and down the other while you made up your mind what you wanted to eat. There was a McDonalds, Burger King, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Nathan's Hot Dogs, Cajun, Ice Cream and lastly Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. Not to mention the Bakery where wonderfully smelling and tasting goodies could be had. Of course the descendants took all of this for granted, but when Xena and Gabrielle turned the corner and saw this food spectacle for the first time they were wide eyed in amazement.

The normally stoic warrior exclaimed, pointing… "By the Gods! Will you look at this!" Moving her arms in a wide arc.

"Oh yeah!" Gabrielle's eyes lit up. She turned to Nicole with a questioning look on her face as if to ask if this was where the food was.

"This is it. The Food Court. You can eat anything you want…" Nicole did not have a chance to finish her sentence. Our Bard was already on her way to investigate each and every stall. She took hold of Xena's hand and pulled her along with her.

"By the Gods, Xena! This…this food thingy is bigger than the Amazon village." She said excitedly.

Xena nodded her head in agreement. She also knew what was coming. "Um…Gabrielle? You don't have to try everything at one time you know." As soon as she said this she knew it was for naught.

Everyone else had gotten their lunch and finished a while ago. Xena had nursed Eve, and was humming a lullaby to her while the family sat at the table watching Gabrielle. It was a sight to behold. She was still going strong.

She started at one end of the food court and made it halfway around the horseshoe, trying everything, when a loud burp was heard emanating from her. "Oh my! Excuse me. I think I'm done. I really wanted to try those gooey looking pastries from the bakery, but I don't think that's such a good idea right now." Burp! She was feeling a little queasy and her complexion was beginning to match her eyes.

Xena just looked at her dear Bard, sighed and shook her head.

Irene, seeing the look on Gabrielle's face, was the first to speak… "Okay, gang its time to go home. I don't thing we really have to worry about dinner tonight, do we?" she chuckled. Everybody joined in the laughter. Everybody that is, except our favorite Bard. Who was by this time, not feeling very well; but being the good sport that she was smiled as best she could.

Our family was on the move again thru the Mall, only this time on the way out. Xena took Mickey on the side and whispered something to her. Mickey smiled and nodded. Xena pointed to a store and Mickey made a beeline for it and disappeared thru the door.

"Where is she off to so quickly?" Leslie asked Xena.

"She is running an errand for me. If I go, Gabrielle will get suspicious. It is almost impossible to keep a secret from her."

"Say no more, I understand. Re is exactly the same way. Ya gotta love'em though." She said as both the Warrior and her descendant laughed.

Out in the parking lot, as the family was making it's way to the car, they heard a woman screaming. Xena was the first to run towards the screaming woman, with the rest of the family close behind. There in front of her, was this thief trying to steal an old woman's pocketbook. The woman was putting up a good fight, but she was about to be hit with a baseball bat. That's when Xena let loose with her Chakram. All the thief heard was a swoosh, clang, clang as it bounced off the light poles in the parking lot and then a thud as it hit the bat which then hit him in the head, knocking him out cold. Luckily for the thief it wasn't his head she was aiming at.

By the time they got to the old woman she was kicking the thief in the head and cursing at him.

"You sonofabitch!" Thud. "You sack of shit you!" Thud. "Try to steal from me will ya!" Thud. She looked up and saw Xena and Gabrielle running up to her. "Oh thank you so much for helping me. That 'sonofabitch' was going to steal my bag! If it hadn't been for you he would have hurt me as well. "That bastard!" Thud. "Why, you are a hero. Miss… Uh, what's your name?" She said as she kissed Xena on the check.

Very embarrassed by this whole hero thing Xena's face was getting redder by the minute.

"Uh…Please. I'm…It was nothing. Xena. Call me Xena."

The embarrassed look on Xena's face was not lost on Gabrielle, who was still slightly green from eating all that food, chuckled, as did Mickey and Nicole. Irene and Leslie on the other hand just wanted to get out of there before the police came and they had to explain the Chakram. They didn't know Xena had it with her and had concealed it under her blouse.

"Are you alright?" Irene questioned the old woman as she was straightening her dress. Did he hurt you Ms…."

"It's Lillian Montivani. And yes, thanks to Xena I'm fine. You should be proud of your daughter. She's a brave one that one." She said as she pointed to the Warrior princess.

Again she kissed her on the cheek, and thanked her profusely, bringing out the blush in Xena's cheeks once more.

Irene smiled at that last statement of Mrs. Montivani. It was true Xena did look young enough to be her daughter. Funny how things weren't always what they seemed.

When Leslie saw the police car heading their way she started to get nervous. "Uh oh! We are in trouble now! How the hell are we going to explain how Xena took out the thief?" She thought out loud.

"Don't worry Aunt Les. When they see that little old lady kick him once or twice they won't even ask," Mickey laughed. All Les and the rest of the family could do was grin at the thought of the police officers watching Mrs. Montivani kick the 'dirt bag' in the head and curse at him. Making sure that Lillian was okay; they said their goodbyes and made a quick retreat to their car and were on their way home in no time.

Finally the Jeep Cherokee pulled into the driveway and everyone piled out of the car. No one was more happy to be home than the Bard. She got out of the car and ran to the front door. "Locked! Oh Gods!" she said as Xena walked up to her.

Just then Les and Irene came up the path to the door and unlocked it. Seeing the pained expression on Gabrielle's face, Irene didn't have to ask if Gabrielle was okay, because it was obvious she was not.

"Xe, I feel as bad as I did when Joxer made that awful turnip stew. I… Um… Outta my way!" she said as she ran into the house and up the stairs to the bathroom. The three women stood there for a minute, looking after the Bard, and then went inside. That is when Les heard it! Gabrielle was retching so bad that Les's stomach did a flip and she almost threw up as well.

Xena started up the stairs to help her love and then realized she had better put Eve in her crib before trying to comfort her Bard who was hugging the toilet bowl like it was a long lost lover.

"There you go Evie. Must take care of Mom for a bit. She is a little under the weather from eating… Everything!" she chuckled. And Eve giggled right back as if she understood everything her Mother was saying.

When Xena got to the hall bathroom, she saw Irene sitting on the floor next to Gabrielle. Irene was rubbing Gabrielle's back and giving her something called Pepto Bismol, telling her that it would make her feel better. The smell reminded her of some herbs she would have used to make a tea for her bard's condition. Gabrielle scrunched up her face when she took the medicine, and Xena couldn't help but think how adorable she looked even now. "Blaaach! Arch! Blaaach!" Well, maybe not right now.

When all the excitement of the day was over and Xena and Gabrielle had retired to their room for the night, Xena decided to give Gabrielle the forest green silk, tee strap dress that she bought her.

Gabrielle was sitting on the end of the bed in their room getting ready to put on that tee shirt that Mickey gave her. "Today was quite an adventure. Almost felt like we were home." Gabrielle chuckled.

"Uh huh! Yeah that it was. Only difference here from what Les was telling me…I could've gotten into trouble for throwing my Chakram. Um, did you enjoy your day shopping?" she asked looking at her bard with an innocent look on her face.

"I did. But I wish we had gone back to that store where I tried on that green dress. I guess with all the confusion I forgot about it."

Not even waiting for Gabrielle to finish her sentence Xena went to the closet and removed a box from the closet and gave it to her bard. "Here, Brie. A surprise."

Gabrielle loved surprises! She opened the box and then gasped. "Oh, Xena! The green dress! You remembered. But, when did…? "

"Let's just say I have many skills." Xena drawled.

She ran up to Xena and hugged, and kissed her. Xena wrapped her arms around her and nuzzled her ear and purred… "Put it on Brie, so I can take it off you." And then kissed her passionately.

"Oh yeah, Warrior. Hold that thought." She said as she began to strip off her clothes slowly teasing her warrior. It was having the desired effect on her love.

Tossing the dress on the chair and moving over to Gabrielle, Xena lifted her up in her arms. "We can play green dress later" kissing her on the forehead… "Let's play naked bard now!" Then kissed her lips and laid her down on the bed, she proceeded to kiss every inch of her body.

The Bard exclaimed, "Yeah, yeah! This is good." Then Xena reached her center of desire and planted another deep kiss. "Oh Gods! Definitely good!"

Chapter Eleven

It was very early in the morning and today was the day that Xena was going to learn how to drive the car. They were going to the Mall parking lot, before it opened, to practice before she would drive the streets. Xena was sitting behind the wheel of the car waiting impatiently for someone… anyone to show her how to drive the 'thing' as she referred to the car.

"Look Mom. Why can't I teach her how to drive? I'm a rather competent driver you know!" Nicole said as she stood there speaking to her mom, with her arms folded across her chest, and tapping her foot at the same time. I guess you could call her 'annoyed' at the fact that Irene was a little reluctant to let her teach Xena how to drive the car. Irene knew Nicole was a competent driver, but the fact that her daughter sometimes got carried away in the moment, worried her.

"Honey, I have no problem with you teaching her how to drive, but sometimes you get carried away, and…."

"Mom you are taking Gabrielle to the library and Aunt Les is working today. Mickey is gonna baby sit Eve while she writes a script for that new Warrior Whatcha-ma-call-it show and Bill is working as well. So…that leaves me. I promise I'll be careful. It's my car!"

Knowing she had just lost the battle, Irene sighed and nodded her head. "Okay! But please don't call attention to yourselves."

"Right Mom. Like nobody would give Xena a second glance." She grinned until she saw the look on her mom's face. "Take it easy just kidding, Mom. We'll be fine." Suddenly they heard the horn beeping. "Gotta go Mom! See ya."

Irene just groaned and raised her eyes heavenward: "Please! God. Or whoever is listening at this ungodly hour of the morning…Take care of those two."

"Xena. Move over to the passenger side of the car. I'll drive to the Mall and then we will switch places and we will begin your lesson."

Xena just gave her the "Look" grumbled and slid over. Nicole was hard pressed not to giggle. But she controlled the urge.

Gabrielle handed Eve over to Mickey with a list of things to do for and with her daughter. " I really appreciate you babysitting our daughter. I have never left her with anyone but Xena or myself before. Are you sure you want to?" asked the little Bard.

"Gabrielle! Don't worry. I will protect her with my life, I promise you. She will be safe with me." Mickey said and then giggled at a thought she just had…"And besides…she and I are going to collaborate on my new storyline I'm writing. She will be my…sounding board. Now go… go. Have a wonderful time."

"Hey you about ready Gabrielle?" Irene asked as she strolled into the living room.

"Ready! Let's go!" She exclaimed.

It only took five minutes to get to the library by car. Really not enough time for the Bard to get excited about it, although just the thought of riding in the 'thing' tickled her fancy. There they stood in front of the building that housed the library. Gabrielle couldn't wait to see what was inside. Irene took her hand and both women walked thru the doors. Irene thought nothing of it…But Gabrielle let out a gasp. There on all the walls were books upon books…shelves full of books and magazines and computers. 'Irene was right,' thought the bard. This made the library at the house pale in comparison.

"By the Gods! Look at this! Oh Irene thank you so much for bringing me here." She said as she started to make her way thru the rows and rows of books. She gravitated to the books about the history and myth's of Ancient Greece.

They were there hours and hours with Gabrielle reading until her eyes hurt. "Gabrielle it's getting late. Why not pick out the books you want to read and take them home."

"I can keep them?"

"No. You can borrow them for a week or two, and then you bring them back and do it again! All you need is a library card."

Gabrielle's tired emerald eyes lit up with excitement. The thought that she could take these wonderful treasures home made her very happy indeed. "Where do we get this card, Irene?"

Irene smiled at Gabrielle and led her over to the counter where the librarian was. "We need a library card for my…uh… 'Cousin'." She is new here and would like to take some of these books home." After appropriate forms were filled out, both women left the library with their arms laden with books and Gabrielle talking a mile a minute.

"Oh, Irene. Thank you for a wonderful day!" she kissed her cheek as Irene started the car for the return trip home.

"Gabrielle, I have never ever enjoyed myself so much in the library before. It is I that should thank you. You show me in so many ways that I take my world for granted, and that I should take time to stop and smell the roses." And of course…both women began to weep tears of joy.

And the lesson began… Xena was now behind the wheel of Nicole's white Plymouth Breeze. Nicole had taught her how to start the car, where the headlight button was, the brakes, and the accelerator, directional signals and the, all-important, horn. She already knew what the steering wheel was for. So… with the basics taken care of… the lesson began!

"Okay, Xena start the car and let's ride!" Laughed Nicole.

And that is exactly what Xena did. As a matter of fact she only scared the hell out-of-Nicole once. The time she was going a little too fast and nearly hit one of the light poles, and it was Nicole's quick thinking that saved them and the car from injury. She grabbed the wheel and turned for all she was worth thus narrowly missing the pole. Xena then stepped on the brake and brought the car to a stop.

Xena, sitting there with a surprised look on her face, turned to Nicole and said, "Wow! What a rush!" She was totally incongruous to the fact that they almost hit a light pole.

"Yeah!!?! A rush. Look…Grammy, you can't be driving like a…a…warlord driving a chariot, ya know. Now drive slower and a little more carefully. Okay?"

"Tsk! Oh, all right. I was just starting to enjoy myself." she grumbled, but complied with Nicole's instruction. "And don't call me Grammy!" she snapped.

"I'll stop calling you Grammy when you stop trying to kill me." She turned to face Xena and noticed her smiling. 'Most people would be intimidated by me, but not this one' thought Xena.

"What? Why the smile and not a smack on the back of the head for telling the Warrior Princess what to do?"

"Nicole…there is a lot of Gabrielle in you. I like that!" She grinned. "All right. On with the lesson." She said as she stepped on the accelerator and resumed the lesson. Only this time, Nicole was the one holding on to the dashboard.

All the time they were driving around the parking lot, they never noticed the patrol car with the lone police officer leaning on the fender of the car just watching them.

"Holy Shit!" the police officer said out loud when she saw them almost hit the light pole. 'Guess it's time to stop the party. Too bad though, I was kind of enjoying the scared look on the gorgeous blond, and the other one seems to be really having fun. Okay time to go to work!' she thought. She got in the car, started it up and turned on the siren. She caught up to Xena and Nicole and motioned for them to stop the car.

At first Xena didn't want to stop, and got into warrior mode. Of course this got Nicole very nervous considering the damage she knew the Warrior Princess could inflict on an enemy. And God forbid her car!

"Xena! Stop the car…It's okay. That's a police car and we have to stop. They're not the enemy. Remember Mickey told you she was a cop and…"

"Son of a Bacchae! All right! I'll stop. Just when yer having some fun!" She stepped on the brake hard and the car came to an abrupt stop making an awful screeching sound. But at least she stopped!

"Jeez! Take it easy. Let me do the talking…" Nicole said.

Xena was about to say something when the police officer bent down and started to speak to her…

Officer Annie Sommer stopped her patrol car in front of Nicole's car and got out of the vehicle and stood up to her full height of five feet-eleven inches. Her dirty-blond hair was put back in a ponytail and tucked up into her cap. Her hazel eyes sparkled and picked up blue highlights from her blue uniform. She walked up to the driver's side of the car and proceeded to speak to Xena, glancing over at Nicole seated in the passenger seat.

"Your license and registration, please." She said to Xena.

Although the request was directed at Xena, it was Nicole's voice that answered albeit nervously. "Um…Can we talk officer? May I get out of the car and speak to you?" She asked hesitantly.

Sensing there was no danger in Nicole exiting the car, Officer Sommer shook her head in agreement. She had no idea that this was going to be a turning point in her life. Nor did Nicole.

Nicole opened the door, got out of the car and walked around to the driver's side, where Officer Sommer was standing. Just as Nicole was about to speak she looked up into Annie's sparkling hazel eyes, and that was all she wrote. She felt the connection immediately. And it was no different for Annie. They both just stood there looking at each other as if no other person in the world existed but the two of them.

Xena was not oblivious to this reaction between the two young women. However she wanted to continue her lesson and broke the moment… "Hellooo! Explanation? Nicole…NICOLE!"

The moment was broken. "Um…Uh…Cousin…that's right, this is my cousin from Greece… who is visiting the family and asked if I could teach her how to drive a car. She's never seen a car before, and…"

"What? Don't they have cars in Greece? Last I heard they did. Want to come up with a better story or do you think I'm an idiot!?" Annie asked with her hand on her hip.

"No! Idiot! I mean not an Idiot! Argh! Look… She comes from a small island and they don't have cars there. She's very shy and innocent…"

Xena gave her best shy and innocent look to Officer Sommer, and even added the lopsided grin when Annie looked at her as Nicole was stumbling thru her explanation.

"She just… wanted to learn to drive the damn car… okay?" Now Nicole was getting annoyed. If her mom found out about them being stopped by a cop she would freak. Changing the tone of her voice she begged, "Look give me a break; will ya?"

Annie could not control the giggle that came out of her mouth. It was time she let them off the hook, and told them the real reason she was there in the parking lot to begin with.

The giggle was not lost on Xena. She knew at that moment that this was a nice woman and that she was playing at being the tough warrior. Xena was enjoying the give and take between the two of them.

Throwing her hands up in the air, Annie said: "Okay, okay. Relax. No tickets and no arrests. You both fit the descriptions of two of the women that helped an old woman that was being attacked in the parking lot the other day. That's why I was here in the first place."

"Huh! What does that have to do with Xena driving the car!?!"

"Nothing. I just wanted to find the person that helped her and thank her." She said looking at Xena as she exited the car and who was now standing to her full height. "You are that person aren't you?"

"Yes. I am," Xena answered.

"I wanted to thank you. You saved my grandmother from being beaten or worse… death."

"Your Grandmother! Hey, Gra…Xena! Small world huh?" Nicole laughed.

Xena's eyebrow disappeared up into her bangs. It seemed that Nicole had a way of making that happen to her.

My Grandmother told me the whole story. I have to say it does sound amazing. What is that round thingy you threw at that thief? I sure would like to see it." Annie asked.

"Round thingy?? I didn't throw any round thingy." Xena said innocently. "Maybe she was confused. She was kicking him pretty good, if I remember. Isn't that right, Nicole?"

"Yeah! Yeah she was. Kicked him silly; if I remember correctly." She laughed nervously.

"Yah! Okay." She didn't believe a word they said. "Well, I better get going then. Thank you both again." She shook Xena's hand and then turned to face Nicole. "I hope we see each other again. And by the way…Xena…watch out for light poles." She smiled and started to get into her car…

"Wait!" Nicole shouted. Then in almost a whisper she said, "Um…what are you doing for dinner tonight? Why not come to our house for dinner? 'Oh God, please say yes! I've been looking for you all my life!'

Annie smiled a dazzling smile and promptly accepted the invitation. After giving Annie the address and time, Nicole realized she had forgotten something. "What is your first name?"

"It's Annie, and I'll see you tonight."

Just as Irene went to the window to look outside, Nicole's car drove into the driveway. Of course Xena was driving and Nicole was the passenger. Well it must have been a good lesson because both of them were smiling and Nicole was talking a mile a minute. She sighed a sigh of relief as they walked up the path and into the house.

"So. How did it go?" she asked Xena.

"I would say it went well." She said as she turned and looked at Nicole. "Wouldn't you Nic?" she grinned teasingly.

"Yes. Yes it was a marvelous day, Mom. Grammy…er Xena did just fine. A few more lessons and she can tool around town on her own."

"That's great honey." She patted Nicole's cheek lovingly.

'Grammy huh! This means war!' Looking at Nicole with a wry smile, Xena said, "Oh yeah! Tell your mom who's coming to dinner."

Irene got that feeling in her stomach; the one that she always got when Nicole was going to do something to make her crazy. She turned to her daughter waiting for an explanation.

First looking at Xena, Nicole said in an annoyed tone of voice, "Gee! Thanks for reminding me…" then turned to her mom, "Um…Mom…you know how I… have been waiting to meet someone… well…I think… I think I may have. Today."

Xena couldn't wait till she got to the good part.

"Mom, remember that lady that Xena rescued from that thief?"

"Yes. Lillian Montivani. I remember. Why? What does that have to do with dinner? And why, Xena, are you standing there with that smirk on your face?"

Xena pointed to herself and innocently said, "Who me?!"

"Yeah. You. Now someone, anyone…better start explaining what is going on. Please!"

"Okay! It all started when Xena almost hit the light pole. Now Mom… Please, don't get upset. Gimme a chance to finish the story, okay." Not waiting for a reply from Irene, Nicole continued with her story while Xena giggled in the back round. Well there was this cop, watching us see and she made us stop… Mom…Mom, please breathe!"

"Oh my God! I ask you not to draw attention to yourselves, and now you're in trouble with the police…."

"Mom listen-- we are not in trouble. The cop turned out to be Lillian's granddaughter and she was watching us because she wanted to make sure we were the ones that helped her grandmother. All she wanted to do was thank us!" Nicole said all this in one breath and then continued… "Mom just one other thing."

"Come on spit it out. What?" Irene asked anxiously.

"Officer Annie Sommer is coming to dinner tonight… And I hope for the rest of my life!" Nicole said, standing there with the happiest smile Irene had ever seen from her daughter.

Irene looked from Nicole to Xena as if to ask what happened. Xena just shrugged her

Shoulder's, smiled and said… "Love at first sight, I guess. It seems to run in our family."

Chapter Twelve

"Dinner went well; don't you think?" Leslie called from the bathroom of their room. "That Annie is a very nice young woman." Hearing no response from her lover she walked out of the bathroom with the toothbrush in her mouth. She realized Irene was deep in thought and hadn't even heard her question. "Hey Hon! Where'd ya go?"

"Huh? Did you say something, Les?"

"Re, what's wrong? You were so not here just now. What's up? Is it Nicole's new amore?"

"Oh no. No not at all. She's lovely…I…I was just thinking about what happened today when Gabrielle read the scroll that came with the dagger. She was noticeably upset…close to tears. I think she would have cried if I hadn't walked into the library."

"I thought we had locked it away. How did she get it?" asked Les.

"Not the scroll. We locked the dagger away; remember? You know how much she likes to read. She likes to sit in the library, surrounded by the books and scrolls and read. She was looking around and came across it. I think when she opened it she recognized the handwriting and that was it."

"That was why she was so quiet at dinner tonight then." As Les was speaking she walked over to the window and looked out. "Re, look?" Irene got out of bed and walked over to the window that Les was looking out of.

"I guess they couldn't sleep. They often sit out there and look at the stars and talk to each other." Irene said as she put her arm around her lover's waist and gave her an affectionate squeeze.

Xena and Gabrielle were sitting in the hammock in the back yard and looking up at the stars having their usual discussion about what the constellations looked like. Xena especially liked sitting outside in the evening. It was peaceful and quiet and it reminded her of home. She missed home.

Xena had her arm around Gabrielle as she snuggled close to her and rested her head on Xena's shoulder.

"Why were you so quiet at dinner tonight?" Xena asked her bard.

"Xena I… I was in the library and I came across the scroll you wrote." Seeing the questioning look on her lover's face, she explained. "The one you wrote when you thought I had died; when Hope and I fell into the fiery pit."

Her Warrior started to respond… But before Xena could say anything Gabrielle's hand touched her lips and then caressed her cheek. "I read it and I was so overwhelmed by your pain that I couldn't bear the thought of you suffering so much because of me! If Irene hadn't come into the library I would have broken down into a mass of tears." With that said Gabrielle finally let the tears flow as Xena held her in her arms, and comforted her.

"Please don't cry! It was a long time ago and we are here together. Thank whatever God is watching over us now. It's okay my love…it's okay." Then the two lovers kissed each other gently. Xena picked Gabrielle up in her arms and started to go into the house. "Come on. Let's go to bed and I'll tell you about an idea I have that might mean we can return home."

That night after making love, Xena explained her idea to Gabrielle. "Well! What do you think?"

Next morning as everyone was sitting around enjoying breakfast and playing with Evie. Xena looked over to Gabrielle with a look on her face as if to ask if it were a good time to bring up her "Plan". The plan that would help rid them of the Gods once and for all. Gabrielle nodded her okay and Xena cleared her throat before she started the conversation about the plan and returning home to her own time.

Of course Leslie and Irene were totally engrossed playing with Evie and were not paying any attention to Xena.

"Um! Les. Re. I have a plan and…."

Both Leslie and Irene were still busy playing with the baby and weren't quite paying attention to Xena.

"Hmm, what? Did you say something Xena?" Irene asked looking up from just giving Evie a great big kiss on her pudgy little cheek.

"Yes. I was trying to tell you about a plan I have to go…" interrupted again!

Leslie was talking to Evie and didn't hear a word Xena said… "Does the baby want her vewwy own bottle? Huh? What a good Evie! Yes! You ate all your breakfast. Ohhhh! You are soooooo good."

Xena was by now completely frustrated with trying to tell her family of her plan. She looked to Gabrielle, who shrugged her shoulders and giggled.

Xena shook her head from side to side and stood up and started again. Only this time she spoke louder.

"Les, Re…I have a plan that I would like to discuss with you." Still no response! "Gabrielle and I are going to the wedding NAKED!"

That worked!

"You're what!?!" Both Les and Re said in unison.

Gabrielle by now could not control the laughter. The look on the women's faces was priceless not to mention her favorite warrior.

Okay! Now that I have your undivided attention…here is the plan and I want your input and any idea's how to make it work.

I think I have a plan to return home, and fool the Gods, into thinking the three of us are dead. It will be very tricky, but I think we can pull it off. All I need is the help of a few friends back home, and Celesta's tears to make it look like Gabrielle is dead and I take poison. She then went into detail about how she would deceive the Gods and protect her family.

It took a few minutes for Leslie and Irene to digest this, this plan of Xena's.

"How can you be sure that nothing will go wrong?" Irene asked her. "There are so many variable's…you'd be taking an awful chance."

"Why do you want to go back to all that danger when you are safe here in our time?" asked Les.

Sadly Xena looked at Les and said… "Because it's your time. Not ours. Look! You both know we appreciate everything you've done for us. But we miss our life. Our Time. This is not where we belong. Look into your heart and you know what we say is right."

Leslie was very concerned that something would go wrong when they returned to their time, but at the same time knew that what Xena had said was correct. Irene was the first to speak….

"When are you leaving? And what can we do to help?"

Gabrielle answered. "We will probably leave some time after the wedding. We wouldn't want to miss a good party, you know." She went to stand next to her descendants and put her arms around them. Then Xena came over and it was group hug time. Sort of a collective we love you kind of thing.

Chapter Thirteen

Xena was as usual awake before everyone and went downstairs to the kitchen to make hot water for tea, and get something started for breakfast. She smiled when she went to the cupboard and retrieved the tea bags from the canister. How much easier this time was! Since she learned how to handle things in the kitchen, she rather enjoyed starting breakfast. Not that she was very good at cooking, but it sure was easier than starting a fire every morning!

Les walked into the kitchen and fell into the routine that she and Xena had developed since the Warrior and Bard had come to live in her time. Xena was always up first then Leslie would wake up and go help her make breakfast. If the truth were known, Leslie really enjoyed her time alone with her ancestor. They talked of many things of the past and here in the present. Xena wanted to learn everything and did so easily.

Les thought back to the time Xena learned how to ride Bill's motorcycle. Now that was a story for the grandchildren. Someday. She laughed as she remembered the day Xena discovered Bill tinkering with his motorcycle…

Xena was practicing her sword drills outside in the backyard and I was sitting on the lawn chair just watching the grace with which she practiced her drills. Then we heard the noise coming from the kids' house. Bill was revving up the bike and adjusting something or other.

"What is that!?"

"Oh! That's just Bill tinkering with his motorcycle," I replied. I knew right away that I had to take her over there and show her what a motorcycle was. I kept forgetting that she didn't know about every modern contraption of our time. "Come on. I'll show you."

So over to the kids' house we walked until we came into view of the garage and Bill sitting astride the bike.

"Hey. Want to go for a ride Les?" Bill asked.

"Noooo. Not on your life! That thing scares the hell out of me."

"How 'bout you Xena? It'll be fun. Honest." Bill said, handing her a helmet.

The look on Xena's face was one of excitement. That eyebrow of hers disappeared under bangs and before I knew it she jumped on behind Bill, and off they went with her ebony hair billowing behind her. Well it was about a half an hour before they came back. And surprise! Guess who was driving the bike? Yep. Xena. She had a great big smile on her face.

"Les! Can you believe it? Bill said I could use this anytime I want to. This contraption is so…sooo great!"

I looked at Bill. Who incidentally, was still holding on to Xena with a look of terror on his face.

"That's wonderful Xena. That's very nice of you Bill."

"Nice? No Les. I just don't want to go for any more rides with Granny wild woman here." That said, he got off the bike and went inside.

"Humph! I can't imagine what he means??" Xena chuckled.

Just then Gabrielle walked over to where we were standing. "Xena what is that?"

"It's called a motorcycle. Bill calls it his "Iron Horse". Not as good as Argo. But it will do. Come on let's go for a ride."

"Xena, it took me three years before I would ride a horse, and you expect me to get on that contraption?" She shook her head no.

"Come oooun! It's great fun and you will love it. I promise." Xena wiggled her eyebrows as she begged her bard, with those puppy dog eyes she makes.

Never being able to say no to her Warrior… especially when she begs so deliciously, Gabrielle acquiesced. "Okay Warrior. I'll go…but try not to kill us on the first ride. Huh?"

"Ah, excuse me. Before you two go off to explore. There is something that is very important for you to wear. Wait here a minute." Les walked into the garage and came out with another helmet, and handed it to Gabrielle. "You have to wear a helmet to protect your head in case you have an accident."

Then looking directly at Xena, I teased… "I know. You have a hard head. Ya gotta wear it anyway."

Xena didn't say a word. She just put the helmet back on and smiled at me. She knew when to go with the flow.

Gabrielle climbed on the cycle behind her Warrior and put her arms around Xena's waist hugging her close feeling the warmth from Xena's body. 'Hmmm!' she thought; 'this might turn out to be fun after all.'

"Gabrielle. Just a few pointers… see that backrest behind you? Well you can lean back against it if you want to. And those passenger support plates on either side…well you can hold on to them for support. Or…you can always snuggle up close to me and wrap your arms around my waist," she drawled seductively.

"Oh yeah! Something else. Bill taught me that when you are a passenger you should just let your body go where the bike takes you." She turned around to see the Bard with a quizzical look on her face. "What I mean is when we turn; let your body go in the direction of the turn. Not the opposite, and never put your feet down when I turn. The driver takes care of balance not the passenger. You just sit there and enjoy the ride, my Bard."

"Right! I'll just sit here like a glass of water and get sloshed around. I can do that! So…Anymore instructions, or are we going to ride now?" She asked with that teasing grin of hers.

They have been riding everyday since then. They never told me what happened that first day they rode around on the motorcycle. And I was afraid to ask!

The Bard sat as close to the Warrior as possible with her arms tightly wrapped around her waist and her head snuggled up against Xena's back. So close in fact, that she could feel Xena's heart beating. So when the Bard felt playful, and rubbed the inside of Xena's thighs, she could feel the moan that came from her lover even though she couldn't hear it. 'Oh yeah! I'm liking this bike more and more,' she thought, with an impish grin on her face. She liked the effect this was having on Xena.

Xena was having trouble concentrating with Gabrielle's hands stroking her thighs like that. 'Oh yeah! Feels good…Concentrate on riding X, concentrate!'

Suddenly Xena turned into a shopping center and came to a stop in front of a store that catered to motorcycle paraphernalia including leather pants and chaps.

"Xe? Why did we turn in here?"

"Bill told me that it would be a good idea if we bought ourselves some leathers to protect ourselves incase we fall or anything."

"But we don't have enough dinars…er…money with us."

"Don't worry, my heart. Bill gave me what he calls a credit card. He called ahead to the storeowner and said to give us whatever we needed and to…to…charge, yeah that's it, to charge it. What ever that means. I guess it is like dinars…sort of." Xena kind of understood the concept of a credit card, but frankly didn't think much of it. True. You didn't have to pay now, but eventually you had to. So why not just pay right away? She thought this concept a rather odd one. But living here in the future was rather odd to begin with. She sighed.

So Xena parked the bike in a spot in front of the store, put the kickstand down and helped Gabrielle off the back of the bike. Both woman took off their helmets, faced each other and said with a smile… "Wow!"

Into the store they went with Xena holding Gabrielle's hand and walking slightly ahead of her.

Hank, the owner of the store was very happy to help them with whatever they wanted. After all, Bill did tell him they could charge whatever they wanted. He was only too happy to oblige.

They tried on all kinds of leather jackets, pants, and chaps before deciding on the ones they liked the best. Black of course was the color Xena preferred and in this case the same went for Gabrielle. And realizing that they had nothing to carry them in, Xena bought saddlebags for the motorcycle. That way they could stow the things they bought and ride home comfortably. Just like when they shopped in the market places at home and they filled Argo's saddlebags with the wares Gabrielle purchased. The Bard of course, was in her glory. The word shopping just made her green eyes sparkle.

There were three other bikers in the store all the time Gabrielle and Xena were shopping. They were watching the women laughing and talking with one another. They also realized that they were a couple. That would be hard to miss, because every chance the little blond got to touch the tall dark and beautiful one she did. They decided to introduce themselves. The first to speak was Taleweaver….

"Um…Excuse me… But my friends and I haven't seen ya around here before and… we kinda wanted to say hi and offer any help you might need with whatever you gals are looking for. Looks like you ladies are new to biking. My name is Carolyn, but most folks call me by my handle…Taleweaver." With that Taleweaver extended her hand to Xena in friendship. Xena felt an immediate liking for this woman and extended her hand. Gabrielle did the same.

"This here beauty is Hunter, and that big, good looking hunk of a biker is Brett. He rides a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic. But we let him ride with us anyway." She said with an evil grin. (The two women rode Harley's.) The look that Carolyn got from Brett said it all.

"Hey, darlin'. You got that a little reversed…I let you all ride with me!" He laughed.

Hunter and Taleweaver laughed along with Brett. Xena didn't quite get this, because to her all the motorcycles looked the same. She just looked at Gabrielle, shrugged her shoulders and gave her Bard an, I don't get it kind of look.

The five new friends talked for a while and then decided to go to lunch when both Hunter and Gabrielle's stomach started to announce themselves.

"By the Gods, Hunter! You have a stomach monster also." Gabrielle giggled.

Hunter started to blush. "I guess so, Gabster. Are ya sure we're not related?" she laughed and so did the group of new friends as they started to walk out of the store.

A surprised Brett walked up to where Xena and Gabrielle were standing next to the bike.

"I'll be damned! You have a Kawasaki Vulcan 750!" he said with reverence in his voice.

"That's what Bill said it was. Why? Is there something the matter?" Xena asked, Brett.

"Whoa! Are you kidding? It's just the first cycle I ever owned is all. Very easy to handle and takes the curves really well. I loved it. But I had a chance to get the 1500; the rest is history. How do you like yours? Cool isn't it?"

Before Xena could answer Brett, his three friends started teasing him about his motorcycle. It was all in fun, because they loved Brett and didn't really mind what kind of motorcycle he drove as long as he drove with them.

"Hey! So you two drive Harley's. Give it a rest already." He tried to act indignant about the teasing, but he just laughed with his friends.

Xena and Gabrielle couldn't quite grasp why they were teasing their friend, Brett. After all they were all riding motorcycles, weren't they? But Xena wasn't about to ask them. She would wait and ask Bill when they got home.

The fun was interrupted when two burley-looking bikers pulled up next to Xena and Gabrielle. Xena couldn't help but hear the disgusted groan come from Hunter and Brett. Taleweaver just stood there with her fists clenched and a disgusted look on her face.

Xena turned to Gabrielle and said… "Trouble!"

"What else is new?" Gabrielle grinned.

"Well if it isn't Brett and the two biker bitches. Where is the rest of your crew? Knitting sweaters?" The larger and dirtier looking one snarled.

"Get lost, Pig! Remember what happened last time you tangled with me?" hissed Brett.

Gabrielle looked questioningly at Hunter, who was standing next to her by now in protective mode. Hunter didn't know that Gabrielle and Xena could take on worse than these two Bozo's with one hand tied behind their backs.

"Brett kicked the shit out of him. Put him in the hospital that time. Looks like he wants a second go round. Dumb shit! He never learns." she said shaking her head. "Pig took a steel bar to Brett's 750 just because it wasn't a Harley. Brett loved that horse, ya know. Pig is one mean son of bitch! Was pissed because we wouldn't let him ride with us."

"Listen fagot…this time I have backup," he looked at the dumb jerk sitting on the other Harley. " Jerry here is going to help me knock you on your ass and these bitches will be next." he threatened.

That is when Xena finally had had enough of this idiot. 'Gods! Some things never change,' she thought as she walked in front of her new friends with Gabrielle right by her side.

"Enough!! It's time for you and your pet to go." she said with a feral smile on her lips. "I'm givin' you boys a chance to leave with all of your teeth."

"You're a woman! Think ya can hurt me?? You bitch!" He jumped off his bike and lunged for Xena and the other idiot did likewise to Gabrielle. Were they surprised when both our heroes' side stepped them and tripped them. Both idiots were lying on the ground with a bewildered look on their faces. But Pig got furious that a woman could better him and he jumped up screaming that he was going to rip her apart. His last mistake of the day… As he came charging at Xena she put the pinch on him and down he went like a ton of bricks.

"I've stopped the flow of blood to your tiny brain. In thirty seconds you will be dead!" Xena was furious.

Pig discovered the true meaning of terror that day. "Uhgh!" Cough! Sputter! "Can't…. breath… Please…."

"Xena…Take the pinch off." Gabrielle said.

The three others just stood there in shocked silence. They had never seen anyone move so fast or be so deadly with…with fingers! Hunter was standing there with her mouth hanging open and Taleweaver had this smile on her face. She wanted to learn how to do that. 'Oh, I gotta learn how to do that. I'll ask her to teach me…When she isn't so angry,' she thought. Brett could not believe his eyes.

"How did you? I… How… Oh my!" He suddenly couldn't finish a sentence.

Meanwhile Pig's buddy got up and ran to his bike. Well, so much, for backup.

Looking down at Pig, Xena taunted him… "What's the matter Pig? Hard to breath?"

"Ughh! Please…" Gurgle! Sputter! "Help." Begged Pig.

"Xena please take the pinch off it's almost too late!" Gabrielle pleaded.

"Oh… Alright!" she pouted. Xena undid the pinch as fast as she had done it in the first place. "Now you listen to me you sack of dung. Never bother my friends again or next time the pinch stays and you die. Got that??" she said with such venom in her tone even Gabrielle felt a chill run down her back.

Gabrielle sighed in relief and so did their three new friends. Pig crawled to his bike and pulled himself up and managed to get on the bike, but before he could ride away. Taleweaver walked up to him and said, "That's Itty Bitty Biker Bitch to you Bozo." He would never bother Brett, Taleweaver or Hunter again.

"Well! Anyone for Lunch?" Xena smiled broadly. The laughter could be heard over the noise of the bikes as they roared off to find a good buffet to eat at. Hunter and Gabrielle had to satisfy the stomach monsters.

After that day the five friends could be seen tooling around town on their bikes finding new restaurants to conquer.

Chapter Fourteen

Nicole had made all the arrangements and frankly it was a good choice to let her do this. Everything was well thought out and beautifully done. Who would have thought that Nicole would excel so brilliantly with the planning and execution of the wedding?

With Nicole's suggestion…Mickey and Bill had decided on having the reception in the back yard of their home. The Unitarian Minister would perform the ceremony and then they could just start the party right there in the backyard. Luckily it was a big back yard and Irene's brother-in-law Maury was in the tent rental and catering business. Everything they needed supplied by his company. This was his gift to Bill and Mickey. He was very generous with the people he loved.

The landscapers had come and planted flowerbeds along the perimeter of the back yard and the lawn was manicured to perfection.

The tent was erected in no time under the supervision of Maury and his crew. Then the serious business of decorating the tent was begun.

Irene truly adored Maury. She had known him since he was ten years old, and she was very proud of the man he had become. He had truly gone from rags to riches by nothing short of hard work and luck, as he would say. He was the one that was there for her when her husband had died so many years ago. And he was glad she found happiness with Leslie.

So there he was standing in the middle of the banquet hall size tent directing traffic, so to speak. He had his men decorate the tent to make it look truly like a banquet hall. The tent had sides and heaters in case it got cold at night. The top of the tent was made of a clear plastic and was decorated with lovely twinkling white lights to make it look like the night sky. The tent itself was decorated in fabric and flower arrangements all over the place. The transformation from "just" a tent to an incredibly beautiful room was staggering. He had outdone himself. But the best was yet to come. In came the tables, chairs and floral centerpieces for each table. The chairs were wood made to look like cane chairs in gold and white. The tablecloths were white and the utensils were gold in color to match the plates. Things were set up quickly and efficiently. He had a stage built for the band and installed wooden floors, so that people could dance the night away in comfort.

The valets would be brought in to park the cars after the people drove up to the front door so that there wouldn't be chaos on their street and the neighbors would not be too inconvenienced by the influx of cars to the neighborhood.

To alleviate any hard feelings or problems with the neighbors on the block, Nicole arranged to have every neighbor sent a gift basket of mini-muffins, jellies and butters for the inconvenience of all the cars and traffic and noise from the band. And thanks to Annie…Nicole was able to hire a few off duty police officers to make sure the guests were safe and sound while they partied.

The cocktail hour and dinner after would be a sumptuous event. There was sushi of all kinds, tiny little buckwheat pancakes with beluga caviar, sour cream onions and chopped egg yolk to go with the caviar. In addition to the appetizers there would be Swedish meatballs, and a carving table with roast beef and ham, assorted trays of fish, salads and so much more. It was a feast before a feast.

The sit down dinner would consist of an appetizer then a light broth, salad and finally the main course. Of course being followed up by the traditional piece of wedding cake.

Nicole knew all would go smoothly with her Uncle Maury handling everything. She walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek…

"Thanks, Uncle for all that you've done. When I came to you for help I never expected all of this or you footing the bill. That wasn't why I came to you, you know."

"Come on, Nic! I know that. This is my gift to Mickey and Bill. You know I adore your mom and anytime I can do something to make her life easier I will. She was a good wife to my brother and I promised him I would be there for her and you kids." He said as he kissed her head and gave her a hug.

"So when can I hope to do this for you?" He asked in a teasing tone of voice.

"Not yet. But there is someone in my life …"

"Well is he going to be at the wedding so I can meet him?"

She sighed. "Well I hadn't intended to…he is not…um… Not a he. A she!" she said anxiously waiting for her uncle to hit the roof.

Although he was surprised, her uncle was not angry. He went to his niece and held her at arms length and said… "Nic, I am surprised! But I accepted your mom and Les. Why would you think I would be any different towards you?"

"Well…ya know… I'm just glad you're okay with it." Feeling more relaxed now Nicole was speaking at her usual fast pace. "Actually you already met her, Uncle. She's the police officer I introduced to you."

As if on cue…in walked Annie who headed straight for Nicole and Maury with a huge smile on her face. "Hi!" she said to both of them and then she turned to Nicole… "Nic, hon. your mom sent me to find you. She needs you for something or other." She then turned to look at Maury and noticed him looking her over with sort of an appraising look on his face. Looking at him she said…

"What?" Looking around like she missed something.

"Hmmm! So you are the new person in Nic's life huh?" Uncle said folding his arms across his chest looking very stern. 'This is going to be fun. I have her off balance already!' "What are your intentions towards my niece, young woman?"

Annie's eyes widened and she was stammering when she looked to Nicole for help.

She laughed. "It's okay, Annie. I was just telling him about us."

"Oh hey, warn me next time!" Looking at Maury she said, as she put her arm around Nicole's waist… "You don't have a thing to worry about sir. I'm here for the duration!"

Nicole squeezed her Annie's hand and smiled up at her Uncle. "I love you, Uncle. Thanks for everything." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Love you too, kitten. Now both of you scat! I have to get this finished and get myself dressed in that damn suit your Aunt Fran is making me wear tonight!"

Everything was ready. The tent was done up beautifully, valets ready and waiting, and the chefs were busily doing their thing. All that was needed were the guests; who should be arriving soon. Every thing looked calm….

Bill stood at the top of the steps with his shirt in his hands yelling for someone anyone to come and help him. He was so nervous that he couldn't get his shirt on. His best man and some of his buddies had to try and calm the poor guy down. Meanwhile at Irene and Leslie's house it wasn't much better…

"What am I doing? Why am I doing this? We should have eloped!!!" She was looking at Leslie with a terrified look on her face. " I can't do this!"

Trying very hard not to laugh at her niece Les tried to speak…

"Don't say it Aunt Les. I know, I know! I adore Bill and this is the next step in our adventure together. But dear God…Why did I ever agree to a…a…WEDDING!"

By this time Irene had entered the room and was looking on as Leslie finally lost it and started to laugh so hard that she couldn't catch her breath. She had never seen her self- assured niece lose it to such an extent before. Of course, this caused Irene to laugh as well.

"Mickey! I wish I had this on tape so I could show it to you later. You are going to look back on this moment and wonder where the hell the real Mickey went just before the ceremony. Bwahahahahahahaha!" Les was now laughing uncontrollably.

Irene slapped Leslie's arm. "Now you stop that rrriiiiight nnnnow…" laughing herself at this funny scene unfolding in front of her.

"Well! Thank you both for being so understanding!" Mickey huffed as she folded her arms across her chest. She turned and looked in the mirror. The look of fear on her face was enough to stop her for a minute and then she started to giggle. And when she did that the real Mickey came back and was in control… Sort of…

"Thanks. I'm fine now. I can't imagine what the hell happened! But I'm okay now…." She said as she looked around the room. "Where's the God damn headpiece???"

"Right over there on the dresser where you insisted I put it." Nicole said as she popped her head into the room. "Annie, Evie and the 'Grandmas' are going with me over to the tent to make sure everything is moving right along."

You could hear the annoyed groan coming from Xena in the background, and envision her eyebrow disappear up in her bangs.

"Mom! I think the minister has arrived. We'll take care of keeping things calm over there. Hurry up will ya, Mick? We want to party!!!" Nicole didn't wait for an answer and left for the tent with Annie and the family in tow. Good thing too…she didn't see Mickey hit herself on the side of the head. But she did hear the laughter emanating from her Moms.

The minister preformed a traditional ceremony with Mickey and Bill pledging their undying love for each other using their own words to express that love.

"Do you Bill take Michelle for your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold, to honor and obey from this day forward?" Asked the minister solemnly.

"I do."

Bill looked at Mickey with a loving smile on his face and proceeded to say his vows.

"Mickey. You are the best part of my life. I swear to God and everyone here at our wedding that I will always be there to love, honor and comfort you. You are my light in the darkness… my port in the storm. In short, you are the best thing in my life; now and forever… I love you." Then he placed the wedding ring on her finger.

Mickey got all misty eyed, but quickly regained her composure and shared her vows.

"Do you Michelle take Bill for your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold, to honor and obey from this day forward?" Again asked the minister.

"I do."

"I swear to God and everyone here that I will love you with all my heart from this day to our last day on this earth. I have been in love with you since we were children, only I didn't know it then. I will cherish you, respect you and I will always, always be there for you. I give my undying love and trust to you." Looking at Bill she got this little evil grin and finished the rest of her vows… "Bill, sweetheart…the obey part…that's not happening."

Everyone roared with laughter at that last statement. The one that laughed the hardest was the minister! He finally stopped laughing, long enough to finish the ceremony.

Afterwards, Nicole went up to Bill and whispered in his ear… "I won't be hitting you on the back of the head anymore, Bill… that's Mickey's job now." She said with an impish grin on her face.

"Ha, ha, ha! Oh! Kinda like passing the baton, huh Nic?" He teased.

Brother and sister hugged each other and laughed. Bill finally got Nicole not to hit him in the head anymore, and Nicole got a sister. All was right with their world.

Then the ceremony was over and it was time to party!

Family and friends were catching up on gossip. Funny stories and jokes were flying back and forth between tables.

Like the latest family gossip about, the closest thing the family had to a hippie, Cousin Celeste. Seems Celeste got tired of her fourth boring husband and decided to run away with a thirty-year-old mailman, to Tahiti. Seems she wanted to commune with nature, naked on a beach. Now you might ask why this was such a shocker to the family? Considering she had been married so many times and obviously gets bored easily. Well…maybe it was because Cousin Celeste was seventy years old!

Then there was Portly, Cousin Bernie…Nicole went up to Bernie and gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

"Bernie. What's new?" Asking what's new was a mistake.

"Tsk! Your Cousin Irene is a nut job! That's what's new! You will never guess where she is now at this very moment." He complained.

"Okay I give. Where is she?"

"That nut job is in California at a Warrior Princess Convention with the other nut jobs, thanks to that TV show! She says this is the biggest convention yet, and she isn't going miss it. Said she made all the arrangements last year and she wasn't giving that up just to go to a wedding with yours truly." He huffed as he pointed to himself.

The family at the table roared with laughter at Bernie's expense.

Wouldn't Bernie have been shocked if he knew the real Warrior Princess was a guest at this wedding?

And life goes on.

The food was plentiful and the champagne flowed freely. It was truly a beautiful wedding. There were only close family and friends there, and nothing but loving feelings from everyone towards the newlyweds.

The band was wonderful and played every kind of music for everyone's enjoyment. There were requests for some very old songs, new songs, and the band didn't miss a beat. They knew everyone of them and played all the requests perfectly.

Xena and Gabrielle were having a good time, but soon realized when someone said dancing they were not talking about the dancing that was done at an Amazon joining.

"Xe! They dance differently here. Look! They're not dancing like we did at our joining. They are holding each other very close and…" she was interrupted.

"Looks pretty good to me Brie. Let's do it." She drawled.

"You mean together…holding each other close and swaying to this lovely romantic music?? In front of everyone?"

"Um… Well… not if you feel… you don't want…. to."

"Oh yeah!" Gabrielle said with an evil grin. "Come on Warrior. Let's show them how it is done." She turned to Nicole and asked her to watch Evie while they danced with each other.

Out onto the dance floor they walked hand in hand and then they were in each other's arms swaying to the soft sounds of the music.

Holding Gabrielle close to her, Xena was just so aroused by the scent and feel of her Bard, that it was all she could do to stop herself from just picking her up and carrying her up to their bedroom and making love to her right now. That green satin skin tight gown looked incredible on Gabrielle and was turning Xena on faster than you could turn on a light bulb.

Gabrielle looked into her Warriors cerulean blue eyes and just about swooned. She couldn't help the moan that escaped her throat. After all this time she mused, I still can't get enough of her. "My love. What you do to me…" she whispered into Xena's ear.

All this was not lost on Irene and Leslie, or anyone else, for that matter. All eyes were on Xena and Gabrielle. The heat that they were radiating was electric. The music had ended and they were still there in the middle of the dance floor swaying to the music that was coming from their hearts. They realized that the music had stopped and shyly they went back to the table and sat down glancing at each other with warm smiles and love shining from their faces.

'This time isn't so bad after all!' Xena thought.

After that things started hopping when the band started playing some fun songs to dance to. This was Nicole's kind of fun. She grabbed Annie and the family and was out on the dance floor like a flash. Irene and Leslie followed, but not before handing Evie over to Uncle.

"Come on! Xena, Gabrielle…. It's Macarena Time!!!"

"Maca what?" Xena said looking questioningly at Nicole and then at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle shrugged. "Don't ask me!" she laughed.

"Macarena! Just follow me…." There was Nicole in front of the whole dance floor filled with guests leading them in the Macarena. 'Where is the photographer when you need him! I hope he is getting this on video.' Thought a laughing Leslie.

Chapter Fifteen

Everyone was gathered at Irene and Leslie's house for dinner. The usually animated conversation that was the norm for the family was much more subdued this night. The decision had been made to return home, and Xena had informed the family that she and Gabrielle and Eve would be going home. It was to be the last dinner that the entire family would enjoy together for a very long time, if ever again.

Xena couldn't stand the awkwardness of the situation and decided it would be best if she just started the conversation about going home…

"Look, everyone… no reason to be so depressed. We're only going back home. We'll be fine." She said trying to smile reassuringly.

Suddenly everyone was speaking at the same time and the volume of the conversation went up and up until you couldn't understand a thing any one said. Finally Xena yelled…

"STOP! Please. You're all talking at me at the same time and I can't understand anything you are trying to say. Please, one at a time!"

Irene spoke up first…

"It's not your going home that bothers us. Lord knows Les and I know what it's like to be in the wrong time and place, but what worries us Xena is what could go wrong!"

Then Les chimed in…

"True, we tried to think of all the variables, but so much could go wrong. All of you would be in terrible danger. They might even… even kill our Evie for God's sake!!"

"We know this." Gabrielle answered as she reached for Xena's hand for reassurance. "But…we have to try. We belong back there. That is our time. Xena and I have talked about this we… we miss our families." The words catch in her throat as she tries to stop the tears that are forming in her eyes.

Her Warrior hugged her gently and kissed her head.

"It's okay Brie…they're just worried for us." Turning to her family she said… "I will make it work." Then in a whisper she said… "I have to."

Leslie and Irene looked at each other and nodded ever so slightly.

"You or me, Re?" Les asked.

"You." She said as her eyes started to mist up and she felt a lump in her throat.

"We understand with our intellects your desire to return to your lives, your families, your time, we are worried about you three. Especially Evie. The thought that some ignorant God would want her dead is horrifying."

All eyes moved to look at Evie just being a baby. There she was lying in the playpen just cooing and gurgling with her arms and legs moving a mile a minute. It was a beautiful sight to see.

"Getting back to the issue at hand…" Les continued. "We want to give you an edge… we want you to take the Hinds Blood Dagger and…the Stone of Ages back with you."

Xena was taken totally by surprise by such an offer from her descendants. But before she could respond Irene said…

"We want you to be able to kill the Gods that threaten Evie. And to be able to get the hell out of there if things go wrong. The Stone will help you in that respect. This will at least put the playing field on a more even level."

"Yeah, Mom! Way to go!" Nicole said rather loudly.

Bill and Mickey were sitting there just listening to the conversation and not saying anything.

Then Bill piped up… "I wish you would reconsider going home. You know very well that there isn't a snowballs chance in hell that you can pull this off. Stealing Celesta's tears and making the Gods think you are dead by falling off a cliff!! Come on! Too many things can go wrong. What if they find out that it is a trick, and go after Eve. You think that Octavian guy is going to protect her…from THEM?"

"The plan will work, Bill. We can't be running from the Gods our whole lives. And Eve has to be able to live a normal life and not look over her shoulder all the time thinking that this might be the day that those bastards kill her." She was close to tears now herself but she continued… "Don't you think I thought of what you just said? Don't you think Gabrielle and I, and your folks have gone over this a hundred times? We have! This is the only solution that we came up with."

There was silence for a few minutes and then Bill, Mickey, and Nicole came around the table and hugged Xena and Gabrielle. You could feel the love emanating from the kids towards their ancestors.

"Look Grammy… you better take care of these two or I'll come back there and tell everyone that you are just a marshmallow who happens to know pressure points." Nicole said thru her tears. That seemed to break the tension and everyone in the room started to laugh.

Later that evening after the kids had said their goodbyes to Xena and Gabrielle, The four women were together in the study going over any last minute details that they may have missed about the plan. Les was sitting on the sofa in the study with her arm around Irene's shoulder, and Gabrielle was sitting down on the arm of the leather chair that Xena was sitting on.

"Well I think that about covers it." Xena said as she took Gabrielle's hand in hers.

"Yeah! Yeah it does. This means we will be leaving tomorrow morning then?" Gabrielle looked into her lover's sad eyes. Xena nodded.

"We have something we would like to say to the two of you." Gabrielle said as she and Xena looked lovingly at their two descendants.

Irene started to say something, but before she could utter a word; Gabrielle put her hand up and continued to speak.

"We know the danger that we face when we return to our time. But because of you both we know we will prevail. If… we were destined to die by the Gods' hands then you and your family wouldn't exist. That is why we know whatever happens it will end okay." She turned her head and smiled at Xena.

"It may not turn out exactly like we want, but we must try." Xena said. "As far as the offer of the dagger goes…well I will accept that with gratitude. It does help our chances. Thank you both. I know what a find it was for you both."

"When you showed up at Aphrodite's Temple you were a welcome sight. You saved us that day. Thanks to that Stone of yours."

Les realized at that moment that Xena wasn't going to take the Stone.

"You aren't taking the Stone; are you?"

"No."

"It could be useful to you…."

"No. It belongs here with the two of you. Besides… Who would rescue us again?" she drawled with that lopsided grin.

Irene sighed and shook her head from side to side… "You sure are one stubborn woman, aren't you?"

Gabrielle laughed and said, "Got that one right!"

"Why whatever do you mean?" Xena asks as she feigned innocence.

Irene and Leslie were waiting for Gabrielle, Xena and Eve in the Library of the house.

"Okay here we are. We're ready. How 'bout you?" Xena asked.

"Ready! Let's hold hands and we all think Amphipolis and the Inn." Leslie said.

"Right you are, Les." She said as she held onto her sleeping daughter and Gabrielle's hand.

"Just one thing before we return…I…we… want to thank you for everything that you did for us. Your hospitality and generosity truly overwhelmed us. You make us proud that you are part of our family." And before Les or Re could say anything there was a group hug. Only this time it was Xena doing the group hugging.

Then they were ready to go. "Xena. We are thinking Amphipolis and the Inn. Correct?"

"Yup! Gotta feed my Bard." She teased her soul mate. For which she received a poke on the arm from her Bard.

All four women formed a circle and held hands. Leslie and Irene touched the Stone, and before you knew it they had vanished back into the past. A few minutes later Leslie and Irene reappeared.

"Well that's that. They sure didn't take much back with them; did they?" Leslie said.

Irene giggled. "No. Not too much."

"What's so funny, Re?"

"Gabrielle took that green silk dress home with her. Say's Xena likes it." She laughed.

"Well, Xena will be a happy camper tonight!" Leslie said.

Both women laughed and walked out of the library hand in hand.

Epilogue

It was early in the morning and Irene was at the kitchen table having a cup of her delicious Blue Mountain coffee, thinking about the events of the past few months, and jotting them down in her Journal….

It amazes me how fast Xena and Gabrielle assimilated all the things they needed to know about our time.

Like the time Xena discovered what the bathroom was for. Humph! How she loved those hot showers, and she loved taking them with her bard! They were not quiet showers. I smile at the memory.

I think back to the first time Gabrielle set foot into the public library and remembering the awe I saw in her face… Gabrielle loved to read. How quickly she ran out of books to read in our library at home? She was positively bouncing when we walked into the library. She didn't understand why she had to have a library card, until I explained it to her.

The time that Gabrielle had discovered McDonalds, and every other fast food place all in one day! And, that night, with Gabrielle hugging the toilet bowl because she ate everything in sight at every restaurant. Oh my… and going to the Mall for the first time. I smile again.

Ah! Xena…the first time she went for a car ride, the look of sheer delight when she discovered she could drive a car.

And the time she was stopped by a beautiful police officer. Nicole had to talk very fast to get Xena from putting the pinch on Annie. I guess Annie was as smitten with Nicole as Nicole was with her, because before you knew it Nicole had asked Annie to come to dinner that night, and now, as the fates would have it, they are couple.

The reaction Xena had to Bill's Motorcycle. Now that was a sight to behold. Her comment was priceless…"Not as good as Argo…but it's a close second!" Somehow Bill's motorcycle became hers, and she would ride around town with Gabrielle behind her holding on for dear life.

Television. My God! Xena really enjoyed TV. She especially liked the TV show that was based on Mickey's concept of a Warrior Princess and her Sidekick.

After a while I think we all knew Xena was getting antsy and was thinking of returning home. Xena asked Les and I to help her with her plan, and figure out a way to fool the Gods into thinking the three of them were dead. The plan they hatched had merit, but was a long shot. But… if anyone could pull it off… Xena could.

Well! It's been quite a ride these past few months. I hope and pray that Xena's plan was a success and they are all right.

Till next adventure Journal.

The End