This story will contain the following: two women as life partners and mothers, spankings to minor children, and anyone else whom the author deems needs it.
The rights of Xena, Gabrielle, Cyrene, Argo, etc. belong to REN pics and whomever else makes a profit from using them. I own nothing.
All that said, enjoy.
Chapter 1
Ducking my head as the water skin flew across the camp, I sat down and grabbed Eve, leaning back to enjoy the commotion.
"Would you stop hovering?" Mom's growl was aimed at Mama and I wondered what she'd done this time.
"Can I help it if I think my pregnant wife shouldn't be lifting something so heavy?"
"It's a pot of stew Xena, not a pyramid!" Mom held Mama's gaze. "I am pregnant, not helpless, and the gods know you were doing a lot more than I am when you were carrying Eve."
"Yeah, like a battle of the bands," I murmured, blushing when two sets of eyes turned on me. "Come on Evie, let's go brush the horses," I whispered as my moms once more turned their focus on each other.
Handing Eve the curry brush, I placed her on Mavri's bare back and smiled as she found her natural seat. "We almost to 'Dia Sam?" She asked as she began to try and brush out Mavri's mane.
"I think we have two or three more days before we're at Potidaea," I replied. "We dropped Yaya off in Amphipolis two days ago, so that's about right."
"Oh," Eve stopped and looked at me again. "Mommy's 'rents live there?"
"That's right, Mommy's parents and her sister Lila live there. We're going to get to meet them."
"They like us?" Eve kept brushing as she talked and I was still amazed at the way her vocabulary had exploded lately. Her second birthday wasn't far off and I knew she would be more than ready to welcome her new sisters when they arrived in little over five or so months.
"I think they will," I replied making sure there were no knots in Mavri's tail. "They love Mom, so they should at least like us."
"Okay," Eve turned around on Mavri and I shook my head at her fearlessness on him. "I done, Sam."
Moving from his tail, I looked at his mane and smiled at my little sister, "You did a wonderful job Eve. Mavri must be proud to have such a nicely brushed mane."
Grinning from ear to ear, Eve gladly came to my arms and we moved back to the now quiet camp, Mama and Mom having finally made peace with one another and whomever was going to lift the stew pot.
***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA* **
Groaning, I once again started the story of the three billy goats and the troll under the bridge as Eve squealed in delight. She was riding with me and was requesting her favorite story once more. Thinking for the millionth time that I must have been crazy to start telling Eve fairy tales that I'd grown up with, I smiled sheepishly at Mom when she grinned and winked at me.
Mom had been true to her word and in addition to my private staff lessons, we had been writing together and she was also helping me work on telling stories. I had learned a lot just from watching her and listening and was enjoying the one on one time with her. She had encouraged me to start telling Eve stories and I shook my head at her realizing she was the reason I was now telling Eve this story for what seemed the millionth time in my life.
We were now a day's ride from Potidaea and I was becoming nervous. Telling Eve the story was helping, but I still wondered what Mom's parents would be like. She and Mama didn't really say much about them and all I could get out of Yaya was that they were farmers.
Sighing, I grinned as Eve fell asleep and I was able to stop the story. Speeding Mavri up I stopped when I was even with Mama. Saying nothing, I waited for a few minutes before finally breaking the silence.
"Mama, are Mom's parents going to like us?" My voice was quiet and Mama's eyes turned to me slowly.
"Well, you are Gabrielle's daughter, so I think so," she tried.
"The truth Mama," I demanded.
Looking down the road again, Mama finally looked back to me and shrugged, "I don't know Sam," she slowed Argo down and moved over to tap my knee. "I hope they've gotten over their resentment of me, and if they haven't, I hope they don't take it out on you and your sister."
"Aunt Ephiny says they blame you for Mom leaving Potidaea and Perdicas dying."
"Aunt Ephiny has a big mouth," this time it was Mom who spoke. "Remind me to have a chat with my regent, Xena," Mom gave a wry smile to Mama and then moved to come up next to me. "Sam, I don't want you to worry about what my family may think. We'll be just fine and if not, remember we are going to pick Yaya up in Amphipolis on the way back home; that gives you time to torture Toris a bit."
Grinning, I chuckled, "Sounds good to me. How do you think he's doing running the inn now that Yaya is there supervising?"
"I'm sure he's doing just fine," Mama said. "He'll be a much better inn keeper than he ever was as a warrior." Stopping Argo, Mom put on the baby carrier she'd made and took Eve from me. "Eve will ride with me for a bit Sam."
"Okay Mama," I conceded. "Just make sure you're able to tell her the story when she wakes up."
"Oh no, little one, that is all yours." Grinning at me, Mama got Eve situated before we picked up the pace and headed down the road once more.
***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA* **
Giving Mavri another pat I looked up at Mama and Mom, "You're sure the horses will be okay, just tied here?"
Mama nodded, "Yes, Sam. We'll be heading out to the farm after we do a little shopping in the market. They won't be here long, don't worry."
Nodding, I pulled my staff from Mavri's saddle ring and reluctantly followed my moms towards the market.
Grinning, I moved from my moms and stopped at the man selling writing goods, "How may I help you little lady?" he asked happily.
"I need some new quills, some ink, and that," I replied pointing to a thick, leather bound book behind him. "Providing that the pages are blank."
"Oh they are," he assured me handing it over for inspection. "It's very well made, and notice the clasp along the side to help keep it closed.
"And the stitching design on the cover," I traced it absently. "Who designed this?"
"I did," the man puffed up with obvious pride. "My wife told me nobody would want to buy a book that had such an image, but..."
I smiled at him. "I like it," tracing the quill inside a circle I looked at the quills and ink he'd also provided. "Oh, I also need some blank scrolls, and smaller pieces of blank parchment."
Grinning at the large sale, he retrieved the requested items and placed them in front of me. "How much?" I asked.
"Samina," a deep voice caused my smile to fade for a moment.
"Hi Mama," I said quietly.
"What did we say about taking off on your own?"
"Not to do it, but I need these things. Please," looking up at her, I pouted just a bit and saw the beginnings of a smile tug at the corner of her mouth.
"Okay, but we are going to talk later."
Nodding, I smiled at her and turned back to the man, "So how much for all of this?"
"Well, the book alone is very fine craftsmanship..."
"No need to give me the hard sale," I interrupted him. "I want the items, I just need to know how much you want for them."
"Twenty-five dinars," he looked at me hopefully.
"Twenty-five dinars? You must have spent too much time tanning the leather for that book. I'll give you ten dinars," I countered.
"Ten, the book alone is worth ten, I can't do it." He looked at me once more and narrowed his eyes.
"Twenty dinars and that is being generous."
"Hmmm," I pretended to think about his offer. "I can't do that, I'll give you fifteen dinars for the lot."
"Sixteen and you have deal," he countered.
Nodding, I held out my hand, "Deal, the lot for sixteen dinars and you throw in a free blotting rag."
"Done," he smiled at me and happily took my money. "I'll wrap these up for you, just a moment.
"I have a bag, thank you." Picking up the items, I opened the satchel from Aphrodite and gently placed all the items in the bag. "It was a pleasure doing business with you."
"And you little lady," he replied smiling once more at me and moving on to his next customer.
Meeting up with Mom again, Mama shifted Eve in her pack so she was now facing forward. "Down, Mama."
"Nope," Mama's voice was deep. "There are too many people, you will stay here until we get away from the crowd."
"Want down," Eve kicked her feet out for good measure and I watched as Mom turned to my little sister.
"Eve, that is enough," Mom's voice was quiet. "You are not getting down."
"Mean Mommy!" Eve declared before sticking out her lower lip and glaring at Mom.
Suppressing a smile, Mom nodded, "I know Eve," she confirmed turning and taking my hand leading me from the market as she shifted her bag in her other hand.
"So, where did you take off too?"
"Parchment dealer," I squeezed her hand. "I got us some quills, ink, blank scrolls, and some blank parchment. I also got another journal, mine is almost full."
"How much did you spend?"
"Sixteen dinars and he threw in a free blotting rag," I answered.
"You are so your mother's daughter," she said quietly before squeezing my hand and stopping as we reached the horses.
Unhitching the horses, I was stopped from mounting by Mama. Placing Eve on the saddle in front of Mom, Mama smiled at them. "Go on ahead, Sam and I will catch up."
"Mama?"
"We need to talk about you wandering off," Mama said quietly.
"Oh come on," I looked up at her with an obvious pout. "I didn't go far and no harm came of it."
"Xena?"
"Go ahead Gabrielle, we'll be along soon."
Taking Mavri's reins, I followed Mama slowly. I couldn't believe I was in trouble for wandering off in a small village market place, then again, I did disobey the one rule they gave me when we walked into the market. Sighing heavily, I stopped as Mama did and followed her to a rock near the side of the road.
Sitting on the rock, she pulled me between her knees and looked up at me, "Still mad at me?"
Surprised by the question I shook my head, "No, I'm mad at myself. I broke the one rule you gave me today because I wasn't thinking. I am sorry Mama," I said quietly.
"Why did we give you that rule Samina?" Mama's voice was gentle.
"To help keep me safe," I sighed. "Just because the market seems safe, doesn't mean it is."
"Good girl," Mama quickly turned me and gave me two fast swats to my bottom. "Think you can remember not to do it again?"
Hugging her I nodded, "I'll sure try."
Chuckling, Mama stood and led me back to the horses, "That's all I can ask of you, after all, you are your mothers' daughter."
***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA* **
Stopping short, I took a deep breath and dismounted Mavri. Mama took Eve from the saddle and placed her on the ground next to me. "Stay with Sam, Eve," Mama directed.
"Wanna play," Eve stomped her feet and I looked down at her and wondered how this visit would go.
"Do not move, Eve," Mom added as she dismounted and took a deep breath.
"Mean Mommy. Mean Mama," Eve pouted as I chuckled.
"This is going to be fun, isn't it?" I quipped before shutting up and having the sense to look at my boots as two sets of eyes glared at me.
Hearing Mom take a deep breath, I looked up as the door to the house opened. Following my mothers towards the woman who was watching us, I waited as she also began to move towards us, "Gabrielle?"
"Mother," Mom smiled and moved to embrace the woman. "It's been too long."
"Is it really you, daughter?" The blonde woman stepped back and finally noticed Mom's slightly extended belly.
Nodding, Mom smiled, "Mother, you remember Xena, and I'd like you to meet my daughters, your granddaughters, Sam and Eve."
Waving to the woman, I watched as she looked to me and then back to Mama. Eyes narrowing, I sighed and turned so she couldn't see my locket. Thinking of the letters, I willed them into my hands and stepped forward. "Hecuba, these letters are for you and Herodotus from my mothers."
Finally focusing on the letters, the woman nodded. "Please, let's move this inside. Your father is waiting."
Following my grandmother, I wished she had reacted to us more like Yaya. Hoping the letters would help, I watched as my mothers sat down in the chairs around a care worn table. Motioning me to sit as well, I was quiet as Hecuba handed one of the letters to her husband.
"What's this?" His voice was harsh and I reached under the table for Mom's hand.
"Letters," Mom answered for me. "Please read them and then we will answer all of your questions. I promise."
"You show up here with the warrior and these children, obviously with child yourself and ask us to read letters?" His eyes flashed and I wasn't surprised when Mama spoke.
"Please Herodotus, read the letters. They are important and Gabrielle and I have a lot to tell you."
"Father," Mom's voice was pleading and I let out a breath as he finally nodded and opened his letter.
Watching as Hecuba did the same, I waited quietly until they put down the letters.
"You are supposed to be our granddaughter?" Hecuba spoke first.
"I am your granddaughter," I confirmed. "I was carried by your daughter, the same way she now carries my sisters."
"And we are supposed to believe this? That Aphrodite gave you to them?"
Pulling back my hair, I showed them my mark, "I am Aphrodite's chosen."
"By the gods," Hecuba's voice was surprised. "You can prove this?"
Smiling, my hands went to my locket, but were stopped by Mom. "Not that way Sam," she directed.
Nodding, I stood up, "Auntie, a little help here please," I called into the air. Feeling nothing, I tried once more, "Auntie, Mom's folks don't believe you have the power to give me to them."
Feeling the tingle, I grinned as Auntie materialized in a shower of pink hearts and butterflies, "As if," she looked at my grandparents and put her hands on her hips.
"You doubt my ability to give my favorite bard and her warrior babe a child. Puhlease, I have that ability and even made my little warrior bard here my chosen."
"How, how is it then that the child looks so much like Xena?" Hecuba addressed Aphrodite.
Watching as an overstuffed chair dropped out of the air, I held my smirk as Auntie made herself comfortable. "Well, you see, I took a bit from Xena, and a bit from Gabrielle, and nine months later, Sam was born."
"Who's her father?" Herodotus asked quietly.
"I have two mothers," I spoke once more. "Auntie Dite just explained it to you. I am part of both Xena and Gabrielle. They are my mothers and Mom adopted Eve, so she is her daughter as well."
"And the child she carries?" Hecuba asked.
"Oh, that's my sister Artie's doing," Auntie interrupted. "Decided that the warrior babe and bard needed two more little Amazons to love. So she took from Xena and Gabrielle and put the cutest little girls in my sweet pea's belly." Standing, the chair disappeared and Auntie moved to rub Mom's stomach. "I so cannot wait to meet my newest little nieces."
Not able to contain my smile, I broke into all out laughter when Eve stood up on Mama's lap and stared at Auntie before speaking. "Auntie pizza, pweeze."
"Oh the gods," I tried to stop the laugh but couldn't.
"Don't you dare, Aphrodite," Mama's voice was warning. "We do not need that complication."
"You so suck the fun from a family reunion," Aphrodite moved to give me a kiss to the temple and then moved to pick Eve up. "Sorry, my little peace maker, but your Mama says no pizza today. Maybe later."
Handing Eve back to Mama, Aphrodite smiled at my grandparents. "Well, this has been fun folks, but I have a spa appointment on the Aegean, talk to you later." Waving she disappeared in a flash of fuchsia and I tried to hide my laughter once more when I heard Eve's voice.
"Mean Mama, no pizza."
Ignoring Eve, Herodotus stood up and finally walked over to me. "It is true then?"
I nodded, "Yes Sir."
"You are my granddaughter and the daughter of Xena?"
Standing up, Mama faced my grandfather, "Let me make this simple for you, Herodotus," pointing to Mom she spoke again, "She's mine," she then pointed to Eve, "she is mine, and," she pointed to me, "she is mine, just like the two girls Gabrielle carries are mine. They are also Gabrielle's children."
"I knew your life would be different when you left us, Gabrielle," Hecuba spoke again. "But this, I never imagined this."
"Neither did I, Mom."
Looking at me, Hecuba moved towards me and pulled me into an awkward hug, "It's nice to meet you granddaughter," she smiled slightly at me.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Hecuba," I offered hugging her back.
"Oh no, young lady, if I am your grandmother then we will need something other than my first name for you to use."
"Yes ma'am," I smiled at her. "I call Mama's mom Yaya," I informed her.
"Well then, it's a good thing I never really liked that, isn't it?"
"What do you think Herodotus, what should this little girl call us?"
Eying me, he said nothing before turning to Eve. "And this is our granddaughter as well?"
"Yes Dad," Mom spoke again. "I adopted her as if she had been born to me in the way of my tribe. Eve is my daughter and she's your granddaughter."
Nodding, I watched as Herodotus smiled at her briefly, "Eve, I guess I'm your grandpa."
"Papa!" Eve chortled.
A full smile now graced his weathered face, "Papa, I think I can live with that. How about your grandma, Eve. What should we call her?"
"Amma!" Eve grinned and reached out for me. "Amma, Papa, my Sam," she declared before looking over to Mom. "Hungee Mommy." Eve announced causing most of the remaining tension in the room to be broken.
***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA***BARD***XENA* **
Here is the first installment of the ongoing story of Sam and her family. Hope everyone enjoys it.