Xena ran. She had no Argo to push along; no weapons to drill with until her muscles ached. So she ran as far away from the village as possible.

"I-I don't understand. She was so well," Hecuba's bewildered expression was mirrored in Cyrene and Athena's expressions.

"It's not an infection, I am pretty sure of that. But I can't rule out more bleeding inside," said Piri and turned to look at Gabrielle who was being tended to by Joxer.

"What happened to make Xena bolt?" asked Athena to no one in particular.

"I don't know what was going through that girl's head. She was acting so irrationally. Everything was going so well," said Cyrene and she wrapped an arm around Hecuba who she could see was struggling to keep her self together.

"The warrior had several life changing events happen in the space of a few days. It's not unusual for people to react illogically," said Piri.

The small group was joined by Epinon and Ephiny. The weapons master shook her head dolefully. "I'm sorry, we haven't found her yet."

Athena gave a weak smile. "That's not a problem. She needs some time alone."

"The Queen may not have much time," said Piri gently and shot a quick look at Hecuba. Gabrielle's mother froze. "I'm sorry," added the healer.

"Isn't there anything that can be done?" asked Ephiny urgently.

Piri looked at Hecuba and then exchanged a glance with her husband. "There is something we saw at Hippocrates' temple. It would mean cutting into Gabrielle and trying to fix where she is bleeding from."

"Do it," said Hecuba quickly. "Even if it's a small chance, you must give her that chance."

Joxer nodded. "We'll have a better chance with Xena here," he said simply.

"Fine. I'll go and talk to her," said Athena.

"Me too," said Cyrene. Athena nodded and walked to her partner and both were gone in a flash of light.

"Do you want us to bring back Herodotus and Solon?" asked Ephiny gently.

Hecuba sniffed. "No, let them have their day. They'd only worry."

The amazons nodded. "Come on Hecuba, let's go back to Lyceus. I am sure Solari is worn out by now."

Hecuba smiled weakly and allowed herself to be guided by Epinon.

Ephiny remained and she walked to Gabrielle's side and clutched her hand.

"Xena didn't-"

"No." said Piri. "She fell out of bed. Whether that has caused this I am not sure."

"I am sorry, I had to ask." Ephiny looked slightly uncomfortable.

"I know. But I do know that the warrior is suffering at the moment. I hope for her sake and The Queen's her mothers get through to her."

Ephiny kissed Gabrielle's hand and then walked away wordlessly, pausing only as she passed Piri to lay a hand on Piri's shoulder.

Xena cursed that she didn't have any weapons with her. She paused at a stream and knelt by it and cupped her hand and drank deeply. She would have to start running soon; anything to avoid these thoughts that were swirling around her head and the emotions that were encompassing her.

"What the-"she muttered. "NOT NOW. NOT BLOODY NOW!"

She felt the energy and was unsurprised to see the flash of light. She was surprised to see who materialised in front of her.

"Leave me," she said angrily and turned once again to drink from the stream.

"Why would we do that?" said Cyrene. "You need us."

Xena gave an ironic laugh. "Oh now you are both here offering your support. A bit rich, especially from you Athena." Her words dripped with bitterness.

Athena put a restraining hand on Cyrene's arm as the mortal woman was about to open her mouth and defend Xena's other parent.

"Fancy some sparring?" asked Athena calmly.

Xena smiled ferally although it dropped from her face when two staffs materialised, one in each of Athena's hands.

"Oh come on," she yelled.

"Take it or leave it," said Athena with a shrug and threw one of the staves to Xena.

Xena caught it and in one fluid movement stepped towards Athena and aimed a hit towards her ribs. The Goddess grimaced and easily blocked the move and took a step backwards to get better balance.

"Ha!" cried Xena and moved forward again swing the staff.

"Reanie, stay back at all times," said Athena, and she had barely got the words out when Xena landed her first hit on Athena's shoulder.

The sparring lasted for over an hour. Some of the hits were so ferocious that Cyrene could feel the vibrations where she was standing. Xena was drenched in sweat, and had beginnings of several bruises on her upper left arm and right thigh. Athena had a miss-shappen nose where a direct hit had broken it, and she had not fixed it yet.

Cyrene had watched with a mixture of pride, concern and awe. She had not interfered but she could see that Xena was beginning to tire and she had Piri's words about Gabrielle not having much time racing through her head.

"Please stop," she said.

Xena shook her head. "Why would I stop this? This is what I am good at."

"Not just this," said Athena. "Fighting doesn't define you."

"No killing does," snapped back Xena. "And I didn't kill the person I hated most in the world-again."

Athena dropped her guard down. "Is that was this is about? Guilt you didn't kill Lindos."

"NOT JUST THAT!" Xena yelled and hit Athena with a barrage of hits. The Goddess merely stood still until the flurry of strikes subsided. Xena then sank to her knees, spent.

"She died for me. Gave up her child for me, risked her life for our son, and what have I done for her?" She wiped her streaming eyes and finally dropped the staff. Cyrene hurried to her and fell to her knees too and hugged her.

"Don't think like that, Xena. Gabrielle loves you," said Cyrene.

"Why wasn't she happy about Lyceus then?" said Xena in an almost accusing tone.

Cyrene and Athena exchange a look. Not wanting to tell Xena of Gabrielle's condition until she was calmer, this would prove awkward.

"She is recovering. It's a lot to take in. You can't believe she would prefer Lyceus to be a son of rapist?"

"Well he is a son of a warlord," said Xena bitterly.

Athena walked to the pair. She was immaculate now; no signs of the long sparring session. She held out a newly materialised waterskin for Xena.

Xena nodded her thanks and took a long drink.

"Ex warlord Xena. That's the difference. And Solon and Lyceus will know of the bad you have done, but also the good," said Athena. Xena looked up with a flicker of fear across her face. "I am sure they will grow proud of their mother for what she has become." As Xena opened her mouth to speak, Athena held her hand up to stop her. "Xena it must have been a terrible shock for Gabrielle. It will take time for her to separate the terrible act of what Lindos did with her love for Lyceus."

Xena closed her eyes and remembered Gabrielle's angry retort. How could she expect the Bard to forget so quickly one of the defining moments of her life? She sighed and opened her eyes and looked into the blue eyes of her immortal parent and nodded in agreement.

"She always thought of you as Lye's other parent, so why wouldn't she be happy when it's the truth?" asked Cyrene gently.

Xena slumped to the ground on her backside and placed her head between her raised knees. "All I can think about was what I did to her when I was under the influence of the challis," said Xena.

"That's right Xena you were under the influence. It wasn't you. You didn't know she was pregnant, but even if you did, nothing would have been different. It was not your fault." Athena smiled and waved a hunk of fresh bread in front of her. "We've been through this, and so has Gabrielle. You need to accept it."

Xena bit into the bread and chewed it and looked at her parents who were both watching her attentively. "Is it so hard to accept the good things in your life without questioning that you don't deserve them?"

Xena stopped chewing and looked at Athena, as did Cyrene with a surprised expression.

"How can I accept this Mother? I have everything I could dream of now-my soulmate, Solon, Lyceus, friends, family. I have destroyed so many people's lives. So many have suffered because of me-you and Gabrielle have both lost children."

"Oh Xena," said Cyrene and hugged her. "You have suffered too, and you will carry that burden of guilt and pain with you for the rest of your life. That's not easy to do, and many would struggle with it. But don't forget all the good you have done, all the people who are alive because of you."

"And there are many, Xena. You can use your experience to stop warlords and fighting and killing. To teach your sons how they can become good men. Don't under estimate that." Athena crouched onto her haunches and cupped Xena's face. "I am so proud of you, Xena; of what you have become. I am proud to be your mother."

Xena's head dropped and there was silence. Cyrene and Athena took the opportunity to exchange a message wordlessly and both nodded.

"I-I didn't mean what I said," Xena said and put her head in her hands.

"I know you didn't. But we do mean what we said. You are deserving of these gifts-don't allow yourself to be mired in guilt otherwise you won't be able to appreciate them," Athena stood up and a cloth materialised in her hands. She walked to the stream and dipped it in, and brought back the damp cloth and handed it to her daughter.

Cyrene stood up while Xena took her time wiping herself off. When finished she sat still for a moment contemplating. She felt so much better, although she knew she still had to face Gabrielle.

She jumped to her feet. "Thank you."

Her mothers both went to her and the three of them embraced.

"We are so proud of you," said Cyrene. "And you never have to thank us for this; this is our job."

Xena snorted, and pulled away. Cyrene held onto her arm and squeezed it.

"Xena there is something we must tell you. We knew we had to wait until you were, were-"

"Rational?"

"Calmer," added Cyrene. She inhaled deeply. "Gabrielle has had a relapse. She is very sick."

There was silence, and Xena stared from one parent to the other. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out and looked beseechingly at Cyrene.

"Piri thinks it could be more bleeding inside. She wants to try something new," said Cyrene as soothingly as she could.

"What happened?" Said Xena finally finding her voice.

Cyrene shrugged her shoulders. "After you left, Piri and Joxer found her."

Xena turned away and ran her hand through her hair. "I need to get back to her."

Athena walked to her and laid her hand on her shoulder. "Are you ready?"

Xena turned to face her. "Thanks to my parents I am."

The three women materialised outside the medical hut. Xena realised immediately the gravity of the situation as there was a small crowd standing around, as if waiting for news. Epinon immediately walked towards her, and grasped her arm in a warrior handshake.

"Any news?" asked Cyrene urgently.

Epinon shook her head. "Eph's in there with Piri and Joxer."

"Where are Lye and Solon?" asked Xena.

"Solon is with Herodotus; Hecuba said they shouldn't be told."

Xena nodded her approval. "She's right? Lyceus with Hecuba?"

"Yes they are in the hut too."

Xena strode towards the hut past the hushed crowd with Cyrene and Athena following her.

As she entered the hut, she saw Hecuba sitting with Lyceus on her lap and Ephiny and Aella sitting either side of her, the Regent with her arm around Gabrielle's mother.

All three looked up and she could see that Hecuba was crying. She smiled weakly when she saw her daughter's partner and Xena walked towards her and knelt in front of her. Lyceus immediately made a grab for her and she took him in her arms and kissed his head. She then looked at Hecuba.

"How are you child?" she asked shakily.

"I-I'm fine," replied Xena. "Worried."

"I think Piri and Joxer could use your assistance," said Ephiny.

Xena kissed Lyceus on his cheek and handed the baby back to Hecuba and gave the women a nod. She laid a hand on Ephiny's arm and looked into the regent's concerned, caramel eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, and sighed and stood up.

She ignored Lyceus frantic grabs towards her, took a deep breath and turned towards where Piri and Joxer were tending to Gabrielle. They had placed a screen between them and the waiting women, and Xena manoeuvred past it.

The couple looked up and both of them wore relieved expressions.

Xena looked at Gabrielle, and saw that her legs were covered by a sheet and Piri was in the middle of washing Gabrielle's stomach. Joxer was busy selecting instruments and placing them on a table. The bard was pale, eyes closed and Xena could see the shallow rise and fall of her chest for herself. She moved to Gabrielle's head and bent down and whispered to her, "I'm here, sweetheart. Now get better so you can kick my butt."

She then looked questioningly towards Piri.

"I think she is bleeding inside," said Piri and swallowed, "We're going to open her up and try and stop the bleeding." The healer's voice became shaky.

"Piri," said Joxer and the healer looked at her husband and smiled.

"You've not done this before, have you?" Said Xena.

Piri shook her head.

"How can I help?" asked Xena. She looked down at Gabrielle, and ran her fingers gently through her hair. "She'll die otherwise. At least you are giving her a chance."

"I doubt she'll waken, warrior, but just in case maybe you could work your magic," said Piri, and she put the damp cloth to one side, and selected a sharp knife with a shaking hand. Joxer covered her hand with his own.

"Of course, but know I am staying right here," said Xena and with deft fingers pressed down on pressure points on Gabrielle's neck.

"Here goes," whispered Piri, and started to cut into Gabrielle's stomach.