Xena and Gabrielle were watching their daughter, Erika play in the sun. Tomorrow was her 10th birthday.
" Xena she's not gonna be happy about being at sea tomorrow. She likes it here in Mikinos."
" We don't have a choice Gabrielle. You know that. Aphrodite already warned us of Poseidon's hurricane in a few days.
I'm not letting us stay here and knowing the upcoming danger."
" When should we tell her ?"
" Right now. Do you want me to do it Gabrielle ?"
" Yes, please."
Xena nodded and got up.
" Erika !"
The Green/Blue eyes turned at looked at Xena.
" Yes Mom ? !"
" Come on a walk with me. We have to talk."
Confused, Erika followed Xena down the white beach.
" What is it mom ?"
" Sweetheart, Poseidon is back to his old tricks. A storm will be headed here in a few days. We must leave tomorrow and go to safety."
Hearing this, Erika looked at Xena in anger.
" No. I wanna stay here for my birthday."
Xena sighs. Erika was too much like Gabrielle.
" Not this time Erika. It's too dangerous. We're leaving at sun up. The boat I got us, has two levels. With two beds and a cleaning up room."
" Sometimes you guys really suck."
Xena was shocked. Erika never had been so blunt about things like this. She always done as she was told.
" Erika, I will not tolerate that attitude. Now I'm sorry we have to leave but things can't always go your way."
" They never do !"
Before Xena can respond, Erika runs back to the campsite in anger. Frustrated, Xena follows. Gabrielle gives her a look of confusion.
" Xena, what in the world happened ?"
" Simple. She doesn't like having to leave so she threw a fit on me."
" Aw Xena I'm sorry. Maybe tomorrow will be better."
" Don't get your hopes up Gabrielle."
Xena gets the fishing supplies and heads down to the water. Gabrielle goes inside the cave where Erika went. She finds her sulking againt the wall.
" Erika, please don't make a big deal out of this. Mom and I are just doing what's best is all."
Erika looks up at her with a pout.
" I don't have to like it."
" No, you don't BUT you do have to respect it. We're the adults and you're the child. Is that understood Erika ?"
" Yes Momma."
" Good."
Morning finally come and they made their way to the boat. Erika was still sulking and took refuge in her chosen bed.
Gabrielle helped Xena load fresh water, fish, bread, and fruits on the boat. Finally they set sail, with Xena stirring.
Going downstairs, Gabrielle gave Erika her big gift. A leather outfit as well as a fur coat for winter.
" Thanks Momma. Tell Mom I said thank you too."
" Ok honey. You're welcome."
Gabrielle smiles and goes back out to Xena.
" So what did she think ?"
" Erika loved the gifts. She said to tell you thank you."
" Good. Now Gabrielle the water will get rough in about four candlemarks. I don't know how that will affect Erika.
So keep an eye on her."
" I will. Do you think we'll be ok Xena ?"
" Yes. We should reach Athens by nightfall."
" Ok, good. It's just Erika don't know how to swim."
" Gabrielle, if the ship sinks in the upcoming hurricane, swimming skills won't save any of us."
" I hope we're safe."
" We are, at least for now Gabrielle."
Gabrielle looks at Xena with worry and goes back downstairs. She decides to prepare lunch. Of course Erika is happy.
That is until an hour later. The waves become choppy and strong. Erika grabs a bucket and begins puking. Panicking,
Gabrielle goes to Xena.
" Xena, go to our daughter. Erika is sick and I can't stand vomit."
Xena allows Gabrielle to take the wheel and rushes downstairs. She sits down beside Erika.
" Hey there sweetheart. I see the boat ride is making you sick."
" Yeah mom, please help me."
Xena goes to her medical pouch and makes a motion sickness drink then hands it to Erika.
" Here Erika. Drink this it'll help."
Erika drinks the bad tasting liquid.
" Yuck. That was gross mom."
" I know but it should help. Now lay down and rest."
She helps Erika lay down and she instantly falls asleep. Then Xena goes back upstairs.
" How is she Xena ?"
" Ok, for now. She is definitely your daughter Gabrielle."
" Oh yeah I know."
Both of them laugh, as Xena takes back the wheel.
TBC