"Say something, Gabrielle," said Joxer worriedly.

Gabrielle had paled and looked at Joxer then Piri then back to Joxer again. The silence stretched on until it was finally broken by the Amazon Queen.

"You are sure, you want me," she said in an amazed tone.

"Why are you surprised, My Queen?" said Piri gently and placed one hand on Gabrielle's shoulder.

"I-I just assumed that it would be a priestess from Artemis temple," said Gabrielle still recoiling from the shock.

Piri flicked her eyes at Joxer and nodded. "We didn't want anything like that; you are the perfect choice to marry us. We know you'll capture what we want."

Gabrielle's colour returned to her face with a flush. "No pressure then," she said with a laugh. "If you are sure it's what you want-"both healer's nodded, "then I would be delighted to accept," she added with a wide smile.

"Fantastic, "said Joxer and the three of them hugged together.

The door flung open, and a man who appeared identical to Joxer walked in.

"Did she say yes, did, she?" he said.

Gabrielle looked from the man in confusion to Joxer.

"My brother, Jace," he said resignedly. "He's come to organise the wedding, as a gift for me. " He turned to Jace. "She said yes."

Jace jumped up and down and clapped his hands together very quickly.

"Good, good," he said excitedly. He glided over to Gabrielle. "Now let me see," he reached out and held some of Gabrielle's hair between two fingers. "Had you thought about, going short, mmm?"

"No I hadn't," said Gabrielle and Jace dropped her hair. "No matter my dear, I see great possibilities." He pulled out a scroll from under his arms and unrolled it and thrust it under Gabrielle's nose.

"I see crowns, gold and glitter," he said. Gabrielle spluttered and looked helplessly towards Piri and Joxer who shrugged their shoulders. Before anyone could say anything there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," yelled Piri.

Xena was carrying Lyceus and was accompanied by a harassed looking Aella.

"Jace, we are all there, what's next?"

"Practice the scales first, my dear. I have the song here, I'll be along shortly."

Aella nodded and left the hut.

Xena, meanwhile, had sidled up to Gabrielle and raised her eyebrows. Gabrielle rolled her eyes, and before she could say anything Jace had turned and clapped in delight again after spotting Lyceus.

"So this is the baby, so delightful."

Lyceus gurgled at him, and Jace took the opportunity to give Gabrielle the scroll and take him from Xena's arms.

"You're a lovely boy, you are," said Jace making a face at Lyceus which the baby giggled at. "Don't you look like your mummies?"

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged a puzzled glance. Gabrielle then looked at the scroll again and spluttered.

"Lyceus is not wearing wings," she said.

Xena grabbed the scroll from her.

"Is this what you'll be wearing?" she asked.

"No," said Gabrielle firmly. "It is far too revealing."

"I don't know," said Xena quietly so only Gabrielle could hear and flashed her partner a wicked smile.

Gabrielle blushed.

"I am going for a Gods and Goddess theme," said Jace. "In honour of my new sister in law's family. You are Aphrodite-the Goddess of love. And your darling little boy," he tickled Lyceus who giggled, "will be Cupid."

"Doesn't look anything like him," murmured Joxer, Gabrielle and Xena in unison.

"Besides, Dite, wouldn't be caught in that dress, not her taste at all," added Gabrielle. "And I said he is not wearing wings."

"You people have no imagination," sighed Jace. "Matters not. I am off to train my choir. I do hope I have at least one soprano and maybe a couple of altos."

Joxer opened his mouth to say something but a glare from Xena made him shut it again.

"We'll find a window of opportunity to de brief soon," he said to Gabrielle, who looked confused at this, and gave her two air kisses before reluctantly handing over Lyceus. "See you later," he added and strolled out of the hut.

Joxer slumped down on the chair. "I never realised it would become such a show."

"Didn't you Jay?" asked Piri quietly.

Joxer chuckled.

"Have you finished with Gabrielle?" asked Xena.

Piri nodded. Gabrielle looked gratefully at them and turned to Xena, who said, "I know it sounds like a punch line to a bad joke, but we're off to see an Amazon about a horse."

Xena visibly winced as they passed the dining area. "Jace has his work cut out turning them into something that doesn't resemble cats wailing."

Gabrielle giggled. Xena laid her arm across Gabrielle's shoulder. "So what did Joxer and Piri ask?"

"They want me to perform the wedding." Gabrielle blushed.

"You'll do a wonderful job," said Xena gently and squeezed the Bard's shoulder.

They reached the stables and Xena held the door open for Gabrielle. The three of them entered and an Amazon rose from the chair she was sitting on.

Lucinda was the stable mistress and was the one Amazon in the village who made Xena feel small. She was also the black smith and this helped to develop her huge shoulder and arm muscles. However at odds with her huge physical size, she was very quietly spoken and extremely shy, a woman much more at home with equine rather than human friends. Her swarthy face paled considerably when she saw Xena, Gabrielle and Lyceus and she bowed reverently.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Lucinda, please, no need for that."

"Yes my Queen." She drew herself up to her full height; a full head taller than Xena. Gabrielle smiled and looked up at her.

"You had a successful time I hear," said Xena getting down to business immediately.

"Yes, I believe so. We have bought some fine young horses in. I am confident that we will find the ideal one for you, your Majesty."

Gabrielle smiled.

"So do you know their histories?" Xena asked.

Lucinda smiled and launched into the history of the horses she had purchased. Her quiet demeanour vanished when talking about her four legged charges. Gabrielle looked at the two taller women, both eagerly discussing the merits of the various different breeds, and after placing the sleeping Lyceus in Xena's arms, started to wander along the stalls.

She looked at each horse within the stall, but stopped at the fifth one along and stared at it for a long time before opening the stable door.

"We picked up several at market. They may be a bit skittish because of that dreadful noise coming from the dining area," Lucinda said seriously.

"What about this one?" asked Xena?

"He's a lovely natured boy," said Lucinda and held out an apple for a large black stallion. He wandered over and happily took the apple. Xena took the opportunity to scratch him behind his ears. "We don't know much of his history; no signs of mistreatment though. Don't believe he is a war horse that Giourkas, the trader, said he was."

"Looks a fine horse," said Xena. "Be nice not to be surrounded by blondes," she murmured.

"Huh?" asked Lucinda and then shrugged.

"To be honest any would be good for the Queen. They all appear docile and trainable except for the little mare Trina bought. "I felt sorry for her Lucinda. I know there is a good horse within her, Lucinda."" The huge blacksmith rolled her eyes. "Kids."

Xena looked from side to side. "Gabrielle?" she asked. She couldn't see the bard anywhere. She heard a gasp and saw that Lucinda was staring at the open stall. Both women made their way quickly there. Lucinda placed her hand on Xena's shoulder.

"That's the little mare. And she is a little mare," Lucinda smiled grimly. "Hasn't let anyone near -"her voice faded as the two women stood outside the stall. They could hear Gabrielle talking quietly to the horse.

"Hey do want an apple?" Xena could hear the bard's voice trying to coax the reluctant horse.

The horse snorted.

"Well what about some nutbread? I never go anywhere without a stash." Gabrielle threw a piece so it landed in front of the horse. It immediately ate it up.

"Hey you got great taste." Gabrielle threw another piece down but further away from the horse, meaning it had to take a couple of steps towards her. It ate it up quickly and retreated just as fast.

"Not trusting anyone, eh?" Gabrielle threw another piece down and the mare came forward again, and this time stayed forward. Gabrielle threw yet another piece down and again the mare stepped forward. "I can understand that," she said, "feeling like everyone has let you down, that you are all alone." Her voice cracked.

She held out a piece of bread on her hand and the horse looked at it for several seconds before moving towards her and eating it. Gabrielle remained still until it had finished. It didn't move away and stood waiting. Gabrielle tentatively stroked its neck and it still remained still. "But do you know? It only takes one person to believe in you, to love you, and suddenly everything isn't as bad, and you can start loving yourself again." Gabrielle continued to stroke the horse's neck with one hand and with the other she reached for the water bucket. The horse drunk greedily until it started to back peddle when it spotted a figure entering the stall.

"Looks like you have found yourself a horse," said Xena. She stood behind Gabrielle and kissed the top of her head.

"I just want to check one thing," said Gabrielle and took the still sleeping Lyceus from Xena. She walked slowly towards the horse. "You'll meet Xena soon, but you just need to meet the boss, especially as he is quiet." She held Lyceus out for the horse to sniff, which she did, before nudging Gabrielle again. She turned around and handed Lyceus back to Xena and then gave the horse a big hug. "Looks like you approve."

"Welcome to our family," said Xena with a smile. She waited until Gabrielle had turned to leave and then she walked out of the stall.

"I heard what you said," she began.

Gabrielle interrupted. "I meant every word. After I found out I was pregnant, without you, Xe, I couldn't-"Gabrielle stopped and sniffed. Xena wrapped an arm around her.

"It's the same for me. Without you trusting in me, looking to me for guidance, how long would I have lasted?"

Gabrielle sniffed again. "Oh Xe, you are a survivor, Hercules set you on the right path. He knew you would carry on."

"Maybe," said Xena. "But I wouldn't have lived. Or loved. Not like this. So thank you." They shared a tender kiss, and then walked towards the stable entrance.

"Not the horse I would have suggested your majesty," said Lucinda, blushing.

"You don't mind?" asked Gabrielle.

Lucinda spluttered. "You can have any horse in the Nation, your majesty. I am pleased you are so happy with your choice."

Gabrielle looked at Xena. "I am, really I am."

Gabrielle looked up from her sewing as the door opened. She raised her eyebrow slightly as she saw Xena stomp in.

"You're early I thought-"

"Jace!" said Xena irritably. She dropped her breast plate on the floor without care.

"Sssh," said Gabrielle and flicked her eyes towards the cot where Lyceus was sleeping.

"Sorry," mouthed Xena. She walked to Gabrielle and kissed the top of her head and then drew a chair and sat next to her. "Jace decided he wanted to decorate the house all ready for the ceremony. It's three days away!" Xena sighed loudly, and Gabrielle smiled and turned her attention back to her sewing.

"Iolaus went mad. After all we are so close to finishing the house, and now-grrrrr!"

Xena rubbed her eyes with her hand. "So did you have a nice morning? That's nice."

"Thank you," said Gabrielle and held the small outfit up. "It's for Lyceus on the big day." Her hands dropped as she saw Xena smirk. "Please tell me Jace hasn't changed his mind about "blue being the heart, the colour from which the whole wedding will grow and emerge"". Gabrielle mimicked Jace's voice.

"Well, he is considering it, but I think Piri has put her foot down."

Gabrielle breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, other wise I think the dressmakers would stab him to death with their needles." She finished the last few stitches and bit and tied the thread and laid it on the table. Xena picked it up and looked closely at it. "He'll look so cute in this."

"I am glad it is blue, it suits you both so much," said Gabrielle and leaned in for a kiss.

"So how was your day?" asked Xena after the sweet kiss.

"Good. Solari popped in. She enjoyed teaching the youngsters."

"Knew she would," replied Xena.

There was a knock at the door and Xena got up to answer it. Epinon stood at the door grinning. "You've got visitors," she said jauntily.