Chapter Two – Recalling

Gabrielle was in the kitchen explaining to her new helper what needed to be done in order to prepare for the evening guests at the tavern. Adriana was a lovely young woman and eager to please the bard. Gabrielle appreciated her spirit and enjoyed her company but she missed Adera. Adera had been a good friend and a confidante for many years at a time when the bard needed it most. Now, she had Xena back and that filled her beyond what any words could hope to express. Both knew now that Eve was their daughter, and the knowledge that each had of their family was precious to them all. Still, even in the greatest happiness a touch of sadness seems to creep. The bard had also lost three of the closest friends she had ever known; three people who had helped to carry her through her grief and even bring her joy. Adera was gone and that made days in the tavern seem strange. And, Virgil and Aphrodite were gone now as well. Life; as always was a delicate balance. She finished giving her instructions and wiped her hands on a towel as Adriana headed off.

"Mother?" A voice called from the back door of the kitchen.

"Eve?" Eve was standing in the doorway and looking at the bard with an expression Gabrielle found difficult to discern. "What's wrong?" Eve just shook her head. "Where's Gabriel?"

"Mother took him to the river," she said quietly.

Gabrielle bridged the distance between them and placed her hands gently on her daughter's shoulders. "Do you want to go take a walk?" Eve nodded silently. "All right, let me just let Adriana know…this will be a good test for her," she smiled.

The two women walked in virtual silence until they reached the spot that Gabrielle knew Eve loved. It sat not far off the road in the middle of a clearing. There was one large tree with sweeping branches that gave shade from the summer sun. "I'm sorry I pulled you away," the messenger said.

"Don't be. I could use the break. Besides…something is on your mind…I can tell."

Eve nodded again. "I haven't told anyone."

"Haven't told anyone what, Eve?" Gabrielle asked. The messenger looked to the woman before her and a tear fell down her cheek. "What is it?" The bard was growing more concerned. She knew that Eve was missing Virgil and she completely understood.

"I can hardly believe it, but I know it's true…I've known for a while…I just can't believe it's now… I mean…"

"Eve…."

"Mother…I'm pregnant."

Gabrielle was surprised. She tried to hide it but she was certain the shock was evident on her face. "Are you sure?" Eve nodded again. "Eve…that's wonderful." Gabrielle smiled. "Isn't it?"

"It is…but why now…when he's gone…"

The bard took a deep breath as her daughter's tears began to fall more freely. She pulled Eve to her and spoke as softly as she could. "Maybe that is precisely why it IS now, Eve."

"I know…It was Eshmun…I felt it, you know…that day. It was like a warmth that traveled through my body; healing me."

"Virgil would have been thrilled," Gabrielle offered as she gently stroked her daughter's hair. "You haven't told your mother yet?"

"I just did," Eve laughed. Things were still new to them all and Eve enjoyed giving Gabrielle a hard time when the opportunity arose.

"MMM…you know what I mean."

"No…I wanted to tell you first."

Somehow Gabrielle understood. The two had grown close over the years and it was Gabrielle who had cared for Eve during much of her pregnancy with Gabriel and afterward. "Eve…I'm sure it will be different this time."

"It will…I know…I can feel it. We tried… you know….in the Amazon Village, before he left." Gabrielle listened intently; continuing to support the woman leaning against her. "After Eli came to you and Mother…I just thought maybe….if that could happen…"

"Well, you were right, weren't you?" Gabrielle finally said.

"What do you think?" Eve asked almost in a whisper.

"I think I am awfully young for all these grandchildren," Gabrielle laughed. She pushed the messenger away slightly and took the beautiful face in her hands. "You are worried about me."

"No….but I know…"

"Eve…I have a daughter….you. I am thrilled for you…and for me. You are so much like your mother, honestly," she kissed the woman's forehead. "Looks like it's going to get even crazier around here pretty soon," Gabrielle laughed.

"Yeah. Will you tell Mother?"

The bard squinted at the question. "Don't you want to tell her?"

"No…I know it sounds strange but I feel like she will be sad."

"She won't be sad, Eve. Not at all. Believe me. I think you should tell her." Eve nodded. "Why don't you tell both Gabriel and your mother at dinner?" The messenger nodded again. "Stop worrying so much. Gods know you get that from her….always worrying." Eve laughed at the bard's playful observation knowing it was meant as reassurance.

"I love you," Eve said beginning to cry again partly from happiness and partly from all the raw emotion that filled her now.

"Oh, Eve…I love you too. More than you even know."

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Gabriel spent most of dinner talking about his day at the river with his grandmother. They had gone looking for rabbits in the morning and then spent the afternoon fishing and playing in the water. He seemed to remember every detail and just like his Auntie Gabrielle he was armed with a story about everything. Xena finally chimed in. "Yeah… well we could use a few more pairs of hands around this place… the way you and your auntie eat."

"Funny," the bard pursed her lips. She looked to Eve seeing the comment as an opportunity and raised an eyebrow. The warrior caught the exchange and set down the piece of meat she was holding to focus on her daughter.

"Actually," Eve began rather quietly and still looking at her plate. "You might get what you wish for."

Xena looked at Gabrielle who covered her mouth in an attempt to hide her growing grin. "What do you mean?" Xena asked.

"Well," Eve looked at Gabrielle who nodded her encouragement. "It seems like Gabriel will be having a little brother or sister in a couple of seasons."

At first Xena seemed lost until Gabrielle caught her glance and opened her eyes a little wider to convey the message. "Eve… you're pregnant?" Eve nodded. "Virgil?"

Gabrielle could no longer contain her laughter as their daughter answered strongly, "Of course, Virgil, Mother!"

Gabriel looked up to his auntie who was laughing so hard tears were beginning to fall from her eyes. "Auntie?"

"Oh… Gabriel…I am sorry…your grandmother makes me laugh sometimes." She pulled him over and onto her lap. "You are going to be a big brother."

"I am?"

"Yes, you are."

"Am I going to have a brother or a sister?"

Gabrielle smiled and kissed the boy's head. "I don't know, Gabriel. You'll have to wait to find that out… it's sort of like getting a birthday present…only on someone else's birthday," she explained. He smiled.

"Eve… that's great," Xena said. "I know Virgil would have been excited." Xena recalled a brief conversation she and her son in law had about children when she had first returned.

"He would have been," Eve agreed.

"When can I teach him to fish?" Gabriel asked excitedly; soliciting a laugh from all three women at his innocence.

"How do you know it will be a 'he'?" Gabrielle asked. He shrugged.

"Gabriel… the baby won't be here for a while…and then…just like you…he or she will need to grow a bit before you start heading to the river," Eve smiled. He wrinkled his nose slightly and then shrugged again.

"Will he look like me?" He asked.

Eve shook her head, "why are you so convinced it's going to be a 'he'?"

"I dunno… 'cause I am, I guess."

"Well," Gabrielle answered. "If he or she is very lucky they will look like you." He smiled proudly at the compliment. "All right then, help this old grandmother clean up, will you?" She took his hand. Xena smiled across to her lover. Gabrielle amazed her. She loved to watch he bard with their grandson and she was certain that the bard was already making plans for this new addition. And, Xena thought; finally they would be able to see a child raised together. Gabrielle's eyes met the warrior's and she winked. "I am too YOUNG for this," she joked. "Come on, Gabriel."

"Too young for what, Auntie?" He asked following her into the kitchen.

"Too young and too old at the same time, Gabriel," she laughed. "Someday you will understand."

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Xena walked into the small house that she and the bard now shared. It was funny; this life Gabrielle had created in the warrior's absence. It was an interesting blend of work, adventure and home. There was still much work to be done to repair the damage to Amphipolis from Lucifer's brief visit and as always, there were the run of the mill bandits and thieves that had to be dealt with. They had just returned from a few days in the Amazon Village checking in with Varia and visiting Lysandra. The past weeks had been long. There was cleaning and building to do, meetings to hold and then there was the adjustment they each had to make to this new life. There was still a great deal of healing needed and time; Xena hoped; would be more kind to them now. Things were different. There would be battles but they would be chosen carefully and the road was no longer their home. The warrior had not had a "home" since she was almost a child. Her home had been the road and her home had been Gabrielle. In her absence the bard had managed to cultivate a unique balance to life that the warrior admired. Now, they each had to figure out their roles. Eve's announcement that she was expecting was yet another turn that no one could have anticipated.

The warrior made her way into the small kitchen area where Gabrielle had a pot over the fire. The bard turned quickly to face the warrior and became unsteady. Xena flew to her side and caught her in the forward motion. "You all right?" Gabrielle covered her eyes and leaned on the warrior. "Maybe you need some rest," Xena suggested.

Gabrielle leaned into the warrior's chest. "I guess I'm just tired… I just feel dizzy...I'm sorry… I…"

"Come on," Xena led the bard to the other room and the bed they shared. "Just rest for a while." The warrior checked the bard for a fever. "Did you eat today?"

"I tried."

"You tried? Gabrielle, you need to eat."

"I can't," the bard rolled to her side. "I just look at food and I feel like…"

Xena sighed. "I think you might be getting sick."

"Ugh… I don't have time to be sick," the bard groaned.

"You don't have a fever. Did you eat anything that…."

"No…I can't eat, Xena… this morning I tried and I spent an hour throwing up."

The warrior sighed. "I'm going to go make you some tea for the nausea, okay? Maybe if you can just get something down it will help. You've been moving nonstop, Gabrielle… You have to take care of yourself." Gabrielle nodded and pulled the blanket up over her.

When Xena returned Gabrielle was sleeping. The warrior decided that might be best and went outside to take care of chopping some wood and sharpening her sword.

"Hey," Eve's voice called. The warrior smiled half-heartedly. "What's wrong?" Her daughter asked keeping one eye on Gabriel as her set off to climb a small tree.

"Gabrielle…. She's not eating – she almost fainted earlier."

"Where is she now?" Eve asked.

"Sleeping."

"Maybe she's just over tired, Mother. She's worse than you, you know. She doesn't stop….ever."

"I know…that's what worries me."

"Do you think she's sick?" Eve was concerned.

"No… there's no fever."

"Well, let her rest, Mother. I'm sure she'll be fine tomorrow."

Xena smiled and nodded. "What about you?" The warrior raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "How are you feeling?"

"Surprisingly….very well. Nothing like it was with Gabriel. God, I was so sick in the beginning. Virgil brought me here…thank God for Gabrielle."

Xena smiled. "That bad?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry," Xena offered but with a smile.

"Were you sick with me?" Eve asked.

"For a few weeks, yes… so I understand the thank God for Gabrielle very well," she winked.

Eve chuckled. "I swear I don't know what I would have done without her. I would just go to stand up and I would tip over," she laughed.

"Is that what…"

Eve shook her head. "Well… that was terrible… but no…Gabriel was turned….Gabrielle managed to turn him…but it was a very long and taxing labor and I was so run down. I just got sick. After…well, we never could conceive again….until…"

Xena ran the stone over her blade in thought. "So you think it was Eshmun?"

"No… I'm sure it was. Explains why I am able to carry…and why I'm not sick at all….she said she was sorry for all that I had lost right before they disappeared. I felt it…the healing…but I didn't know…"

The warrior smiled. "I am happy for you, Eve."

The messenger looked at her mother. "I'm sure Gabrielle is all right, Mother."

"I know…it's just I have to go to Potidaea tomorrow…."

"It's fine," Eve reassured. "I'm here."

"Yes, but if Gabrielle is sick… you should not be around her… and you know she will never allow that."

"Honestly, Mother… I don't think there is anything to worry about with me. It may sound strange but I know – I am safe… just go. Gabriel and I will come by in the morning. It's only for a couple of days. Go."

Xena smiled gratefully. "Are you sure…I can…"

Eve stood and motioned to Gabriel. "Positive. Let's go Gabriel… I'll see you in the morning, Mother."
Xena smiled and nodded her appreciation.

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When Eve arrived at the house Gabrielle was already up and she had made tea and set out some bread. "Are you feeling better?" Eve asked.

Gabrielle smiled. "I'm fine, Eve. I think I'm just a bit run down." Xena watched the scene closely and looked at Eve. The bard caught her glance. "Will you stop worrying? Xena...I am fine… honestly," Gabrielle put her arms around the warrior's waist. "Go on…I promise I will still be here in one piece when you get back." She looked into the warrior's eyes and Xena sighed.

"I'd feel better if you ate," Xena said plainly.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes and grabbed a piece of bread; taking a decent sized bite and swallowing with a smile. "See…I'm just tired. Go."

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" The warrior asked playfully.

"Never," the bard answered kissing the warrior softly.

Xena let out a sigh and stroked Gabrielle's cheek. "I don't like leaving you…."

"Well…just make sure you come back as soon as you can – the same as you left, please," Gabrielle joked.

Xena smiled and looked over to their daughter. "Make her behave," she said receiving a light slap from her lover.

"Yeah…" Eve answered sarcastically.

"All right, you two… that's enough." Gabrielle scooted the warrior to the door and glanced over at their daughter. She pulled Xena down and kissed her. "I love you, Xena…..now go on," she urged. The warrior reluctantly mounted Sappho and smiled back. She went to say something and Gabrielle interrupted. "Xena.. go…I'm not sick… I have plenty of help here anyway…the sooner you go…the sooner you'll be back." The warrior smiled and nodded and then she was gone.

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"Ugh…." Gabrielle hunched over the small bush and groaned. "I am never eating again."

"What's going on?" A voice asked.

"Nothing," Gabrielle answered straightening herself as best she could.

"You're getting sick, aren't you?" Eve asked.

"I'm all right, Eve." Eve stared at her mother in disbelief. "Eve….honestly."

"Okay," Eve said.

"Good," Gabrielle answered. "I swear you and your Mother will be the death of me with all your worry," she laughed. The bard started back toward the tavern when she felt the earth begin to spin and stopped to grab a tall barrel.

"Yeah.. You're fine," Eve shook her head. "Back to the house."

"Eve…I need to go…"

"No…you are going back to the house. Right now. Mother will kill me if you really get sick." Gabrielle sighed but complied. "Gabriel," Eve called her son to them. "Go down and tell Adriana I will be there in a bit to help. Gabrielle is staying HOME today."

"Are you sick?" He asked with worry.

"No, my love…just a little tired," she smiled. He accepted her answer and scurried off.

Eve pulled a blanket around her younger mother's shoulders and handed her a cup of tea. She stepped back and watched Gabrielle sip on the mug closely; studying her. Gabrielle heard her daughter mumble something as she sat in the chair across the room. "What?" The bard asked.

"How long have you been feeling like this?"

"I don't know… a few days."

Eve raised an eyebrow. "A few days that you can't eat…or a few days you feel nauseous?"

"I don't know Eve… I guess a couple of weeks on and off…why?...You know how crazy it's been. Gods, I don't remember when I really slept." The messenger unconsciously began rubbing her lips with her finger, deep in thought. "What? Eve…I'm fine…"

Eve stood up and walked to the bed. She sat down beside the bard and looked at her directly. "Yes, I think you ARE fine."

Gabrielle was puzzled. "Oookaay… so then why are you looking at me that way?"

A heavy sigh came from the messenger. "Because I know you."

"What does that mean?' Gabrielle asked with some impatience.

"It means what I said…you're not going to believe me when I tell you this."

"Tell me what?" Gabrielle asked.

Eve took the tea from the bard's hand and set it aside on a nearby table before resuming her position on the bed next to the bard. "Mother," she began; trying to be serious and not smile.

"What? Eve? What is it already?"

"I think… you are going to be a mother," Eve raised an eyebrow and pressed her lips firmly together.

"Okay… you have lost your mind," Gabrielle laughed. "What in heaven would possess you to think THAT?" Eve just looked at her mother. "Eve…in case you haven't noticed…Ummm… I don't think your mother is capable…"

Eve shook her head. "I told you, you wouldn't believe me."

"Because that is not possible."

"Yeah… neither was I."

"That is totally different."

"Is it?"

Gabrielle was becoming exasperated and she was still feeling woozy. "I love you… but I am not pregnant."

"Yes… you are," Eve laughed.

"No…"

"Yeah… and you know it too."

"Eve…"

Eve shook her head. "It makes sense. I don't know why I didn't even think about it earlier."

"What makes sense?"

"Mother….what did Aphrodite say to you that day…before the lights came and they disappeared?"

Gabrielle was confused by her daughter's questioning. "I don't know… why?"

"Just try and remember," Eve encouraged.

The bard closed her eyes and tried to recall Aphrodite in front of her. She took a deep breath as the memory began to replay. She saw her best friend standing before her; gently but firmly holding her close. "You deserve all that love can provide, my friend. I will always be with you…That's what she said," Gabrielle nearly whispered opening her eyes with tears falling. Eve took her mother's hand and looked deeply into her eyes. They stayed locked that way for long minutes. Gabrielle struggling to take a breath.

"Congratulations," Eve smiled.

"Oh my God…Eve…."

"Yeah…"

"Your mother is going to freak."

Eve laughed. "Just don't blurt it out in a stable and she'll be fine," Eve winked.

Gabrielle's hands were now covering her mouth in utter disbelief. "Eve… how did you know?"

"Oh… I don't know. I could see it in your eyes almost. Strange. It makes sense. In its own way. Aphrodite would have done anything for you and so would Eli."

Tears silently fell down the bards cheeks. "I don't know how I am going to tell Xena."

Eve smiled. "Oh….I wouldn't worry. Once she gets over the initial shock she'll be in the clouds."

"I don't know about that, Eve," Gabrielle's voice was full of genuine apprehension.

"I do," her daughter assured. "Now who's worrying?"

Gabrielle laughed. "It's so strange."

"No…it isn't," Eve said taking her mother's hand. "I can't wait to meet my sister or brother," she smiled. Gabrielle was overwhelmed.

"Eve?"

The messenger smiled. "Gabriel and I will stay with you tonight."

"Thank you."

"Thank you," the messenger said.

"For what?"

"I don't know – being my mother," Eve shrugged.

Gabrielle laughed. "Some family."

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"How's she doing?" Xena asked Eve as she headed toward the house.

"She's fine, Mother."

"Eating?"

"She's all right," Eve replied.

"Eve…what aren't you telling me?" Xena asked sternly. Eve shook her head but could not contain her smirk. "Okay… she's not sick then…So what is going on? Did something happen?" Eve shrugged and kept smiling gesturing to Gabriel to head toward the tavern. "What are you up to? Eve? What's going on with Gabrielle?"

Eve giggled. "You have to ask her," she touched her mother's hand before starting to head off. "Oh…you might not want to be holding anything when she tells you." She ducked out laughing.

Xena stood watching her daughter head off with her grandson; puzzled. Something was amusing to Eve which meant Gabrielle wasn't sick. Whatever it was it couldn't be a bad thing. "Don't hold anything," she muttered as she headed for the door. "What in Tartarus is that supposed to mean?" The warrior unhitched her armor and hung it on a hook inside the door. She stretched her neck and turned around to find the bard walking toward her. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

Gabrielle smiled silently and continued toward the warrior. She stroked Xena's cheek and looked into her eyes. A few days had given the bard the time to process her new reality. And a visit from Michael helped to clarify what she already knew in her heart. Now she had to tell the woman she loved the news. It was impossible news. It was miraculous news. Part of her had been on pins and needles the last two days since Michael confirmed things, wanting to tell Xena and another part of her was terrified. "I love you," the bard whispered.

"I love you too," Xena answered and looked at the bard with questioning eyes.

"Come with me," Gabrielle led the warrior to the furs she had placed before the fireplace in the large room that they shared.

"Gabrielle, what is going on? Eve is acting so strange…and…"

The bard pressed two fingers to the warrior's lips and got her seated. "We need to talk."

"Okay…Gabrielle you are scaring me right now."

Gabrielle smiled and sighed. "Xena, if we could have anything… I mean anything at all right now… if you could wish for one thing what would it be?"

The warrior closed her eyes. Gabrielle surely knew the answer. Xena would give her life for Gabrielle to have a child. That would be the only thing she would wish for now. "I think you know that answer."

Gabrielle smiled. "Maybe I do, but tell me."

"Why? I can't give you that… we both…"

"Xena…please… just tell me. I need to hear you say it."

Xena took in a breath and released it. "Gabrielle, you know I would give anything for you to be able have a child. Everything that was taken from you...Hope… Eve… me…You deserve that chance… I would let you go in a second if you told me that you wanted that." The truth ripped the warrior's heart. She loved Gabrielle more than her own life. There was nothing she wouldn't give her and only one thing she couldn't. Discovering that Eve belonged to them both had helped to heal so much but Xena always wondered why it wasn't the bard who was given that opportunity; to give birth to their child.

Gabrielle's smile radiated brighter than the fire. "You would let me go?" Gabrielle asked gently.

"If it would make you happier, yes."

Gabrielle kissed her lover. "I would never want you to let me go, Xena."

"I know," the warrior said quietly with some sadness.

"Xena," the warrior looked into green eyes that sparkled in the firelight. "You have given me everything I ever wanted…and more."

"Not that," Xena said.

"Yes, even that."

"Well, yes…I know Eve…but I know you have always wanted to…"

Xena felt a tender caress lift her cheek. "You're not listening to me," Gabrielle held the warrior's gaze as Xena searched the bard for her meaning. "Even that, Xena…I'm not sick…."

"Gabrielle…I don't understand what…." Gabrielle raised an eyebrow. The warrior's heart stopped "You're trying to tell me you're….but that's …. How is that…."

Gabrielle giggled. "See, not so easy to digest, is it? Imagine hearing that blurted out in a stable." Xena was stunned into silence; staring at the bard. "Xena?"

"I…."

Gabrielle sighed. "It was Aphrodite… that day…the same day Eshmun healed Eve. But Eve was already with child….Eshmun's essence was healing and now," she stopped and looked at Xena as reality began to pour into the warrior. "Eli…when it was Aphrodite's time… well, we go around to each other, Xena…we both know that. She will be part of us…both of us, forever now."

Xena looked up and Gabrielle wiped a tear from the warrior's cheek with her thumb. "Are you sure," Xena asked. Gabrielle nodded. "Are you all right… did Michael…"

"Shhhhh," Gabrielle kissed Xena. "I'm fine. Just some nausea….it will pass."

"Gabrielle…I…." Xena could find no words. There were no words now. None. She felt as if she had been reborn; again. All the anger she felt for all the losses seemed to be lifting off of her in waves. Two children? They would have two children? This was not redemption it was salvation. It was everything.

"You don't have to say anything, Xena… I know exactly how you feel."

"I love you, Gabrielle," Xena said as the bard laid across her lap.

"I love you too, Xena."

They stayed in the moment for what seemed to be hours when Xena finally let out a chuckle. "What are you thinking?" Gabrielle asked as she lightly stroked the hand holding her.

"I'm thinking I'd better teach Gabriel to catch bigger fish… when your appetite comes back we are in trouble."

"Funny, Xena," Gabrielle smiled.

"I know."

"MMM…. You'll be doing a lot more than fishing."

"What does that mean?"

"Oh… since it's my turn to feed… I guess it's your turn to change," Gabrielle poked.

"Mmm… keep it up, Mom…."

Gabrielle laughed. "Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"Do not teach these children to throw fish."

"Uh huh," was Xena's reply.

"Xena…" Gabrielle playfully cautioned.

"I love you, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle sighed. "I know."