Usual disclaimers apply.
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Chapter 23
Mama and I had spent four days and nights at the cave. It was the morning of the fifth day and as much as I missed my friends and family at the village, a part of me wished we could stay a little longer. Mama and I had reconnected over her journals and by just being alone. I hadn't felt this close to her before making the journey back in time and I hoped that opening up to her again wouldn't cause me more pain. I knew that it was never intentional on her part, but that didn't make it hurt any less when it happened.
I was following Mama on the path as our horses walked slowly. We weren't in a big hurry since she'd had me up before the sun so that we could leave shortly after sunrise. Yawning I sped Mavri up as the path widened so we could ride side by side. "Mama?"
"Yes?" she asked teasingly.
"Will you promise me something?"
Stopping Argo she waited until I'd stopped Mavri and turned to look at me. "What?"
"Promise me that this won't be our last time to do this."
"The last time I bring you here to bare my soul so we can cry over my awful past together?" she asked in confusion.
"No. The last time that we get to be alone. Just us, like before I came here. Let me be an only child again with you even if it's only for a little while. I need it. I need you like this. Please." I angrily scrubbed the lone tear from my cheek and closed my eyes as her hand touched my face. Feeling her thumb gently wiping another tear she pulled me forward and kissed my forehead.
"I promise, little one."
Smiling through my tears I nodded, "Thank you, Mama."
"I love you, Sam. Never forget that." Mama kissed my forehead again. "You hold a special place in my heart, little one. The first child that your mother and I were allowed to raise in peace. That gift is something that I will never forget."
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Mama and I had enjoyed each other's company as we rode back to the village. She had tested me in various ways during the ride, and I'd done pretty well hearing everything she did and seeing the forest through the trees as it were. We had stopped for a break around noon and were enjoying a game of 'Who Am I?' or in Mama's case, 'Who was I before the warrior princess killed me?' when we were interrupted by a rather loud noise heading towards us from the road.
"That's not a god bothering us," I commented as Mama made no move to get up from the ground or draw her weapon.
"Nope."
"So I can just keep eating my sandwich and enjoying the view?" I asked.
"Yup."
Shrugging, I merely watched my mother as she watched the area that held the noise.
"Damn it, Dad. Let go. I am not going to run off!"
"Experience tells me otherwise, young lady. Now just be quiet and let's go. I'm sure Xena is around here someplace."
"How would you know? Your tracking skills leave a lot to be desired!" Came the young female voice again.
"I tracked well enough to keep you fed all these years, haven't I?" the man retorted before pushing through the underbrush pulling a blonde teen behind him.
"Xena!" The girl tried to shake off her father's grip but was unsuccessful. "Dad let me go. It's Xena!" She was grinning like a crazed megafan and I groaned.
"Damn Xenite," I muttered merely shrugging when Mama arched an eyebrow at me. "What?"
"Xenite?" she hissed rising to her feet before the girl got free.
"Yeah, can't you see it? She's definitely in the warrior princess haze." I snorted standing as well. "Who the hell is she anyway?"
"I'm not sure," Mama moved forward and studied the now squirming teen intently. "Daphne?"
"You remember!" She finally broke free of her father's grip and ran at Mama hugging her as much as she was able. "I knew you hadn't forgotten me."
"Daphne?" I stepped forward and shook hands with the man now shaking his head. "You must be Galantis." The man nodded and I released his hand before turning to Mama. "The Daphne who's body your soul was in because of Auntie?"
Mama nodded pushing Daphne back, "You've grown."
"So have you," she pointed to Mama's belly. "But you were pregnant last time I saw you. How is that possible?"
"Long story," I interrupted. "I'm Sam by the way, Xena's daughter."
Daphne turned to look at me. "How is that possible? You look older than me and it's only been five years since I last saw Xena and Gabrielle."
"Like I said, long story." I shrugged at the look Mama gave me and sighed. "So what brings you folks way out here, on a path, in the middle of nowhere?"
Galantis looked at me and I merely shrugged at him. "Would you like to join us for lunch?" I asked. "We were just finishing up but I'm sure we have enough to share."
"I thank you," the man smiled a bit at me and lowered himself to the ground. "Daphne, sit down, you know I need to speak with Xena."
Daphne rolled her blue eyes at her father and sighed deeply, "Fine." She practically melted to the ground with all the attitude she could muster.
"Daphne sit up," Mama's scold was automatic from years of too many children and I held my laugh when the blonde immediately sat up when hearing the tone.
Quickly making a couple of sandwiches I handed one to each of them before leaning back against the tree and crossing my legs at the ankles waiting for their story.
Mama didn't share my patience however and she'd waited until they'd taken one bite each before beginning the interrogation, "You said you had to speak with me, Galantis?"
The man swallowed and nodded, "I do."
"Well?" Mama raised an eyebrow and I thought the man would swallow his tongue.
"I need someone to take Daphne, Xena. She's too much for me to handle anymore. I had heard you were settled now with the Amazons and I thought she would do better there, with you."
"You don't want your own kid anymore?" I asked in disbelief.
He shook his head, "You misunderstand. I love Daphne," he looked at her while she pretended not to listen. "I love her more than anything, but I can't control her anymore. The years since you've inhabited her body have been challenging at best, a nightmare at worst."
"What do you mean?" Mama asked handing him her wineskin.
"He means that I've used the part of you that was left of you in me as well as my new confidence to help people. You told me that I might bash heads in someday and I have. Only bad guys of course," she added quickly.
"First, what do you mean by the part of me that was left in you?" Mama asked.
"I mean," Daphne rolled her eyes at Mama and then gulped at the patented Xena stare. Taking her tone down a notch Daphne began once more, "It seems that some of your skills were left behind."
"My skills?"
Daphne nodded, "The jumping, running, fighting, flips. They weren't as easy but after a bit of practice I was able to perfect them pretty well. I've never handled a weapon though." She glared at her father.
"I didn't want her picking up any type of weapon without training and I wasn't going to let just anybody train her."
Mama nodded, "That's a wise move, Galantis, but I still don't see what this has to do with me."
The man finished his sandwich and looked at Mama before studying his hands. Looking up once more he brushed his hand down his face, "I can't keep her away from danger or out of trouble, Xena. She's taken it upon herself to right every wrong she sees. We've had to move villages three times since she was nine." He sighed. "But it wasn't until she tried to take on slavers in the area that I knew something had to be done. She was almost taken." He choked back a sob. "I couldn't have stood it if she'd been taken by those scum."
"I wasn't almost taken," Daphne protested jumping up. "I had them right where I wanted them. I could have gotten them all if you hadn't taken me back."
"They had you tied to a tree, Daphne!" Galantis stood and towered over her. "They would have taken your innocence and then sold you. I can't do this anymore! I love you, daughter, but you need a firmer hand and to be with someone that can teach you how to channel your instincts."
Mama sighed and stood motioning me to do the same. "There's a village of men and centaurs close to our village, Galantis. I'm sure you'll be welcome to live there. I will take Daphne to our village."
"You'll take her?" The relief on his face was palpable and I groaned quietly. Just what I needed, another person to take Mama's attention.
"I will discuss this with Gabrielle and we'll find a place for Daphne. I have three other daughters and one on the way," Mama patted her belly. "She can stay with us until we figure out what to do. Know though that she will be cared for and protected not only by me but by everyone in my house."
Daphne rolled her eyes again, "I can look after myself just fine."
"Sam do you want to ride with me and let Daphne and her father take Haven or would you rather share with Galantis?"
"I'll ride with you, Mama." My response was automatic. There was no way I was going to share that activity with anyone. Especially someone who'd shared Mama's soul.
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We had been traveling for about three hours and I'd never been so happy to see the centaur village in my life. Daphne had been rude and mouthy to her father as we rode. I knew that Mama wasn't going to put up with it much longer and I only hoped that Daphne would either shut up or enjoy riding with a sore backside.
"Aunt Xena!" Xenon's bright smile met us as we brought the horses to a stop.
Sliding down from Argo I grinned at him. "Hey Xenon how goes it?"
"Fine little cousin, just fine." He looked around us and watched in silence as Daphne and her father dismounted Mavri.
"Xenon, I'd like you to meet Galantis and his daughter, Daphne. Daphne will be staying with us from now on but her father doesn't want to be far. Do you think you have room for him here?"
Xenon eyed the man and his one small bag, "What are you by trade?"
"A fisherman," he sighed. "I am a hard worker and an apt carpenter. I'll do whatever needs done, I just want to stay close to my daughter."
Xenon nodded, "I'm sure we can find a place for you, Galantis. Come on and I'll introduce you to my uncle. He's in charge around here. You might want to say goodbye to your daughter now. It's going to be dark before you know it and I'm sure that Xena and Sam would like to get home and get Daphne settled before then."
The man's blue eyes fell to his only child and he ran his hands through his curls. "I understand." Pulling Daphne close before she could protest he kissed the top of her head. "I love you, Daphne. More than you can possibly know. Be good for Xena and I'll see you soon."
"I love you too, Dad," she whispered before stepping out of his hug. "I guess I'll see you soon."
"You will," Mama's deep voice interrupted. "We'll make sure of it."
"Thank you, Xena." Galantis extended his arm and he and Mama shook.
"Don't worry about her, Galantis, she'll be fine."
"I know," he gave a wry smile before turning and following Xenon further into the village.
"Sam mount up," Mama directed getting on Argo one more. "Daphne can double with you."
"Mama," I began to protest but stopped at the eyebrow directed my way. "Fine, but you owe me."
Grinning at me she nodded, "Noted, little one."
Getting on Mavri I gave Daphne my arm and pulled her behind me. "You let her call you little one?"
"I do," I turned and glared at the teen. "And it's none of your concern what she calls me, Daphne. Just know that I don't mind in the least."
"Sheesh, no reason to get defensive," Daphne huffed.
"Mama," I called out speeding Mavri to be flush with her on the path. "I expect to have some well-earned one on one time with you before the baby comes and after for this."
"For what?" Daphne interrupted.
"None of your business," I huffed. "Stop laughing!" I directed towards my mother when I saw her shoulders shaking. "I do not need this complication. I have Eve, isn't that enough?"
Mama's silent laughs became full belly laughs, and she kicked Argo causing the former battle horse to speed up leaving me to do nothing but follow behind.
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"Daphne?" Mom hugged the shorter blonde and shook her head. "You've gotten taller."
"You haven't," she smirked and Mom shook her head once more. "Still with the attitude, I see."
"More than you know," I quipped. "Where's everyone else?" I asked after giving Mom a hug.
"Hestia and Eve are at Hestia's doing the gods knows what and the twins are with your yaya."
"How bad was it?" Mama asked pulling Mom onto the couch. "Sit down, Daphne," Mama instructed.
"Is it alright if I go find everyone?" I asked.
Mom chuckled, "Daria is waiting for you at the pond. Be back before it gets fully dark."
"Thanks," giving her and Mama a kiss on the cheek I ran from our hut as fast as my legs would carry me.
"Daria?" Daphne asked from her place in the chair.
"Sam's girlfriend," Gabrielle replied. "I have a feeling she's going to break curfew tonight."
"Probably," Xena grinned. "First though we need to figure out what to do with you, Daphne."
"What do you mean?" The blue eyes rolled once more. "I am more than capable of taking care of myself."
"Daphne." Gabrielle moved from her spot against Xena to the coffee table in front of the girl. Taking the teen's hands into hers she stared hard into blue eyes. "First and foremost, you are still a child. You are only fourteen and are in no way capable of taking care of yourself. Secondly, you never use that tone with Xena or me again. In fact, you do not use that tone with any adult again. Do you understand me?"
"Geesh, it's not like I said anything bad. I was just stating a fact."
"That is your last warning, young lady," Gabrielle replied evenly.
"Whatever." Another eye roll accompanied the word huffed from Daphne's mouth.
Standing quickly Gabrielle had pulled Daphne from her seat and delivered one stinging swat to the girl's backside before placing her back into the chair. "Do you need another warning?"
Daphne looked down at her hands, "No."
"Good," Gabrielle resumed her seat next to Xena and merely shrugged at the eyebrow question she received. "First there's the matter of where you'll stay."
"I can't stay with you?" For the first time Daphne showed her uncertainty at the new situation.
"For now you can. But we have four other children, Daphne," Xena explained. "There isn't a lot of room to spare."
"I suppose that Sam could share with Daphne or Eve," Gabrielle thought aloud.
"Maybe, though I think we need to ask the girls in question before reassigning rooms."
"We will, Xena." Gabrielle stood and pulled her wife to her feet, "Let's go introduce our newest member to Ephiny and the rest of the crew. Might as well do this before dinner."
Xena bent down to kiss her wife, "Yeah, I can only imagine the rumors that will come with this child."
"Rumors?" Daphne asked standing slowly.
"Oh you have no idea, Daphne." Xena put an arm around the girl's shoulders. "Amazons love to gossip almost as much as they love parties."
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"Wow," I smiled at Daria as our lips parted. "That was some kiss."
"I really missed you," she teased as we kissed gently.
"I missed you too, but I had a nice time with Mama until Daphne showed up."
"Who's Daphne?"
Leaning against Daria I relaxed into her embrace as she brought her arm around my shoulders. "Let me tell you a story," I began. "It all began when Mama and Mom came upon a temple to Aphrodite in a small fishing village when Mama was pregnant with Eve…."
Daria whistled and looked at me in awe, "Your moms really get to do amazing stuff don't they?"
I laughed, "Yeah, I guess so. The thing is that wasn't the first time Mama's soul was in somebody else's body."
"Excuse me? How often does that happen?" Daria asked in disbelief.
"Let me think…" I trailed off and then began to list, "First it was in Autolycus's body when she had died, then she was in Mom's body to fight Velasca, after that was Callisto. I think that's all or at least all that I know about."
"By the gods, Sam, your moms really do things differently than everyone else."
"Yeah, they do." I yawned and snuggled closer to Daria. "Anyway I think that this addition of Daphne is going to be challenging. She's pretty mouthy and disrespectful. She claims to be able to do some of Mama's moves or at least her version of them, but I haven't seen anything."
"Maybe it's time for a challenge?" Daria quipped. "I could use a few dinars."
"You aren't in my class anymore, remember?"
Daria grumbled, "How could I forget. It really sucks not to be in warrior training with you."
"Yeah, I feel the same way. I really wish we were together. Rory and I do manage to have fun though." I smiled at her and leaned in for another kiss."
"Not this much fun though, right?" Daria teased.
"No way," I laughed. "She's my cousin, Daria. This would be gross with her. Besides I enjoy doing this with you much more." Our lips met once more and it was only the sound of branches breaking coming from behind us that caused us to stop any further exploration. Breaking apart we linked hands and turned to see who was interrupting us.
"Alright love birds, time to say hello to the rest of those who missed you." Rory grinned at me while Zivah merely waved.
Standing up I moved to hug both of them. "I missed you guys."
"So we see," Rory teased. "Alright, spill. I want to know who this Daphne is and why she's with your moms."
Taking a deep breath we all sat on the ground and I began my story once again.
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Okay folks, let me know what you think of this chapter. Hopefully you've enjoyed it.
Thanks again for all the followers and favorites.
Don't forget to check out The Mockingbird Chronicles Series at e-book retailers. My pen name is Alexandra James and it's co-written with Stardawn Cabot. I will be having a new e-book out soon (I'm waiting for cover art) and will let you know when it's available. Okay- enough of the shameless plug.