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.

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Leaning back against the wall, I found the bed quite comfortable as I watched everyone in the room. Joxer and Meg had returned and informed my mother that his famous gravy was currently being served at the inn Ahmed was staying at. Remembering Mom's story about said gravy I began to shake my head. I knew my mom could be devious, but seriously, sometimes I think she was more evil than Mama had ever been.

Eponin was wearing one of the proudest looks on her face that I had ever seen. Every so often she would look at Zivah and puff up like a proud peacock while shaking her head. I had a feeling Ephiny would be getting quite the story on Zivah's reaction to Ahmed when we got home.

Crossing my legs I scooted over to make room for Rory and Zivah. "Finally decide to join me out of the way?"

"Finally decided to talk to you about a real plan," Zivah muttered. "The one that they're throwing around sucks."

"I don't know," I shrugged. "Heading to the Amazon village we were set to visit makes sense. It's not like he and his friends could get to you there."

"But it's running and he'll expect it," Zivah protested. "I imagine he already has a group of men waiting for us in the area surrounding the village."

I shifted to sit up better, "You really think so?"

Zivah nodded, "Yeah. You heard him, he thinks that women are of no consequence."

"Then we need to prove him wrong," Rory grinned. "Let me tell you he has no idea what he'll be getting into if he truly gets Aunt Gabrielle mad."

"Hell, I'd be more worried about Zivah and where she might use her knife on him," I deadpanned.

"Alright you three what are you discussing?" Mom's voice brought our attention to her and we all shrugged. "Nope, not going to work, spill," she demanded.

"Zivah was just saying that Ahmed would expect her to run and probably has people stationed on the way to the village to try and take her. We were thinking that it might be a good idea to give them something totally unexpected."

"Like what?" Solari asked.

Rory grinned and then looked at me, "We hadn't gotten that far but what if they think Xena's shown up?"

Sitting up straight, I looked at her like she was crazy. "No way, Meg couldn't pull it off."

"Who said anything about Meg?" Rory smirked and Mom growled.

"No. None of you are going to put yourselves in danger and we are not going to let them think Xena is here."

Rory shrugged, "Okay, so what did you have in mind?"

"Come join us at the table and we will try and figure something out," Mom directed.

Saying nothing I merely shook my head as I made my way to the large, round table in the room. I knew she must have the beginning of a plan, I could only hope it would be good enough to get rid of Ahmed forever.

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Mavri and I were walking through the town slowly. I was heading to the other inn, and knew that I was being shadowed by Solari. Finally reaching the place, I dismounted and tied Mavri to the hitching post. Whispering in his ear I straightened myself to my full height and headed inside.

Entering the inn, I wrinkled my nose. This place was nothing like Yaya's place in Amphipolis or even like the place we were staying at across the village. These place reeked of stale alcohol and second rate food. Looking around, I notice a lot of working women and wished they felt that they had other options.

Moving to the bar I avoided sitting down and got the bartender's attention. "What'll it be?"

"Something that won't kill me."

Chuckling the man pulled a mug from under the bar and poured a beverage from a large pitcher. "Here ya go. I promise it won't kill ya."

"Good to know," wrapping my hands around the mug I looked around the room. "I'm looking for someone, maybe you know where he is."

"I might."

"Name is Ahmed. He's traveling with two men that I know of, probably boasting of his birthright and his countrymen."

The bar keep chuckled, "You pegged him right. Damn fool got sicker than a dog last night. Had the nerve to blame my gravy. Can you believe that?"

I shook my head, "Nope. So, any idea where he's gone?"

The man nodded, "I might."

"So you've said before." I finally fished out two coins from my satchel. "Maybe these will help your memory."

Picking up the coins the man smiled and pocketed them. "Yeah, he and his men were heading out to forest that leads to the Amazon village."

"Any idea why?"

"Said something about reclaiming what was his and no women could stop him." The man gave a full laugh at that. "Tried to warn him that Amazons aren't like most women but he wouldn't believe me. Figured I'd let him and his get beat and figure it out on their own."

I nodded and smirked, "Yeah, I can see that happening. Thanks."

I left the mug untouched and turned to leave the inn but was stopped by the man's voice yet again, "So, Amazon, you the reason he was so hell bent on heading to the village?"

"Nah, but what makes you think I'm an Amazon?" I asked.

Looking at me up and down in my leather pants and tunic he smirked, "If it walks like a hydra and talks like a hydra…"

It was my turn to laugh, "Touché. Thanks again."

Grateful to be able to breathe without wanting to hurl once more I mounted Mavri and headed back to Joxer and Meg's. Turns out Zivah had been right and our plan just might work if we managed to execute properly.

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"No!"

"Eve get over here and eat your dinner." Xena's voice was tired and she had had enough of her mother's smirk to last a lifetime.

"No, I want panpakes."

"Well Yaya and Shay didn't make pancakes. They made stew and it is time to eat." Xena finally stood and picked her daughter up depositing her in Eve's usual chair at their table in the dining hall.

Cyrene and Ephiny were busy with Addy and the twins and Xena closed her eyes and wished once more for Gabrielle. Rubbing her expanding belly she shook her head and tried to push the idea out of her head. After all, they were already outnumbered, what was one more, right?

"Xena," Cyrene's voice brought the warrior from her thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"Sit down and eat, Xena." Cyrene's voice was low and the woman sighed heavily but did as her mother told her.

"Eat, Xena."

"See, Mama wants panpakes, too," Eve announced putting her spoon down.

"Your mama is fine with her stew," Cyrene ignored Ephiny's chuckles. "In fact, she's going to start eating right now just like you are, Eve."

Raising her eyebrow at her daughter Cyrene finally got her point across and nodded briefly as Xena began to eat. Looking at her middle granddaughter Cyrene raised her eyebrow once more. "Well, Eve?"

"Yeah, yeah," the girl replied starting to eat while glaring at her mother and grandmother with a stare that looked very much like one Gabrielle might use when she was upset.

Finishing her stew Xena pointedly ignored Ephiny's smirk and turned to Eve. "How would you like to help me check some snares I set before bed, Trouble?"

Eyes lighting up Eve nodded excitedly, "Really, just us?"

Xena looked at her mother, "Do you mind keeping Zoe and Emily until I get back?"

Cyrene smiled, "I don't mind at all. It will give the girls and I time to have some fun on our own. Right?" Cyrene smiled at the twins and they both shrugged before nodding.

"Can I come, Aunt Xena?" Addy was standing on her chair trying to avoid Ephiny's attempts and making her sit.

Seeing the joy on Eve's face fall Xena shook her head slowly, "I'm sorry, Addy, but not tonight."

"How come?" Addy whined.

"Addy, Xena said no," Ephiny's voice was gentle. "How about you and I practice sparring for a bit before we head in for the night?"

Addy's eyes lit up once more. "Sure Mommy."

"See you later, Eve." Addy climbed off her chair and tugged on Ephiny's hand. "Let's go, Mommy I need to get my staff."

"Mama, come on. Let's go check those snares," Eve demanded tugging on Xena's pant leg. "It might get dark soon."

Xena chuckled, "Give us a minute, Trouble." Turning to her mother Xena gave the woman a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for watching the twins, Mom."

"Anytime, sweetheart." Cyrene watched as Xena said goodbye to the twins before taking Eve's hand and heading from the dining hall with the young girl who reminded Cyrene so much of Xena when she was young.

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Hope everyone enjoys this chapter. I know it's shorter than usual but it was important for me to get this posted.