Usual disclaimers apply.
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Chapter 38
I looked up from my book as Mama entered our hut. I had recently started to re-read one of my favorite books that Mom had placed in my satchel and I wondered if the author ever wrote a companion to the story about the girl, her brother, and their neighbor named Boo. Closing the book I put it away and smiled at Mama.
"How's Xenon?"
"In love with his newest cousin," Mama grinned and carefully took off the baby pack which now held a sleeping Grace. "And Grace loved him. She gave him a full smile today."
I waited patiently while Mama put Grace in her bassinet in her room before rejoining me on the couch. "Anything exciting happen around here today?"
"Well," I began. "Eve taught Daphne how to ride bareback."
"Good for her," Mama stretched her legs out and crossed them on the low table in front of the couch.
"Yeah," I snorted. "While standing up, barefoot."
Mama's feet hit the floor rather quickly as she stood up, "What?"
"Yep," I giggled. "Yaya caught them and pulled them by their ears to her place about twenty minutes ago."
"Mom, mom found them doing that?" Mama's eyes were wide and I swear I smelled the fear.
"Yup." Laughing in full at her expression, I stopped when she glared at me. "I warned Eve when I caught her doing it a few days ago."
"Why didn't you tell your mom or me about this?"
I shrugged. "She told me she wouldn't do it again. Besides sometimes you have to learn the hard way, and trust me, by the look on Yaya's face, this is going to be the hard way."
"Damn it," Mama muttered. "Keep an eye on Grace, I'm heading to Mom's."
"Sure thing, Mama." I shook my head and laughed once more as Mama tore out of our hut like she was on fire. Wondering if I should leave word for Mom to head to Yaya's when the meeting was over, I decided against it. The last thing I wanted to do was get in between Mama, Mom, and Yaya. Opening my book once again I found my place and began to more about the summer Dill came to visit.
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Huffing from her corner, Eve finally sat down and crossed her legs. Her Yaya had put her and Daphne in separate corners what seemed like hours ago. Eve sighed in contentment as she pulled her boots off and wiggled her now free toes. Finally placing her elbows on her knees, Eve rested her head in her hands.
"Eve!" Cyrene's voice caused Eve to sit up and slowly turn.
"Yes, Yaya?"
"What are you doing?"
"Sitting in the corner."
"And your boots?"
"I took them off," Eve shrugged and rolled her eyes when she heard Daphne chuckle. "My feet feel better when they aren't in boots. My toes feel crunched."
"Oh for the love of the gods," Cyrene muttered picking up the boots from where Eve had placed them. "I imagine they're too small. Why haven't you said something to your mothers?"
"I'd rather go barefoot," Eve shrugged again. "Um, Yaya," the girl looked up from her spot on the floor. "I thought I wasn't supposed to talk in the corner."
Taking in a large breath and looking skyward, Cyrene began to count to twenty as she directed Eve to turn back to the corner with her finger. Dropping Eve's boots by the door of the hut, Cyrene jumped slightly at the loud knock. Opening the door she raised an eyebrow and stepped aside. "Xena."
"Hey, Mom," the taller woman gave a half smile. "I hear that Trouble taught Daphne to ride bareback."
"That she did," Cyrene confirmed. "Bareback while standing on the horses in bare feet."
"Our boots would hurt them," Eve called only to groan when she heard her mother's heavy footsteps. "Damn."
"I'd say that's appropriate," Xena ran her hand down her face. "I'll take care of this one, Mom. I'll leave Daphne to you."
"Some big sister you are!" Daphne huffed. "I thought your job was to protect me, not hand me over to the enemy."
"Mom is not the enemy." Xena looked to Cyrene and received a small nod. Moving to the corner holding the girl, Xena turned Daphne around and gave her a brief hug. "What you did was dangerous, Daphne. And though I am impressed that Eve taught you that trick…"
"Xena!" Cyrene interrupted.
"Um, yeah, sorry," Xena smiled sheepishly at her mother. "What I meant was, Daphne, that what you did was very dangerous and it's Mom's job to make sure you stay safe. I'm sure after your talk with her today you'll think twice before putting yourself in danger."
"Sure," Daphne rolled her eyes. "You're really impressed?" the girl then whispered.
"Yeah," Xena's smile was quickly wiped from her face when she felt a swat from her mother's wooden spoon on the back of her thigh. Jumping a bit, the warrior rubbed the spot and then moved back to Eve after shrugging at Daphne in defeat. "Okay, Trouble. Let's head home."
Sighing heavily Eve stood up and held up her arms. "Do we have to tell Mommy about this, Mama?"
"We do."
"Damn."
"You said it, Trouble." Xena moved to leave and was stopped by a gentle hand on her arm. "Eve needs new boots, little one. Apparently the ones she's been wearing crunch her toes."
Nodding her understanding, Xena smiled at her mother. "Thanks, Mom. For everything."
Cyrene nodded and opened the door watching quietly as her oldest daughter slowly began the trek home with Eve. Closing the door, Cyrene turned around and watched as Daphne shifted in the corner. "Daphne go to your room please."
"But…"
"Right now, young lady." Cyrene's voice was firm and she merely pointed towards the girl's room.
"Fine!" Shaking her head as Daphne stomped to her room Cyrene looked at the spoon in her hand. Heading towards Daphne's bedroom Cyrene decided that it was time Daphne finally understood exactly what it meant to be her daughter.
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"Mama?"
"Yes?"
"Do we really have to tell Mommy?" Looking at the child in her arms Xena nodded slowly as Eve's face fell.
"I'm afraid so, Trouble. If we don't and she finds out from somebody else…."
"Yeah," Eve laid her head on her warrior mother's shoulder. "Both of our asses would be dead meat."
"Eve what have I told you about swearing?" Xena asked, cringing when her daughter merely shrugged.
"Not to."
"You are too young to be speaking that way, Eve. Do you understand me?"
A deep sigh met Xena's ears. "I understand, Mama. It's just sometimes I forget. I am living with a bunch of warrior's you know."
Wondering what Eve's logic would be at this comment Xena pressed on, "What does living with warrior's have to do with anything?"
"Well it's not like they talk like nuns in Hestia's temple. I mean Sam says that even Ares' priests could learn a few words from our warriors."
Reminding herself to have a talk with her eldest about what the girl shared with Eve, Xena took a deep breath and looked into the bright blue eyes staring up at her. "What do you know about the nuns in Hestia's temples?"
"Only that one of them has a priestess who looks like you and she and Meg are friends now." Eve paused for a moment and then smiled. "Oh yeah, and that Meg says Leah now understands why barn animals are sometimes inside the inn."
"Trouble, where did you learn this?"
"I kinda listened when Sam was telling her friends about Meg and Joxer's inn. Sam said that Meg told really funny stories and that Joxer's gravy was to die for."
Making another mental note to talk to Sam, Xena looked into Eve's eyes once more. "We are going to go inside, Trouble. When we do I want you to go to head to the bathing room. I think you need a bath before your mom gets home."
"Do I have to, Mama?"
"You do," Xena brushed some of Eve's hair back from her face. "You smell like a horse."
Xena placed Eve on the floor of the hut as they finally entered. Looking down as her daughter giggled Xena kneeled in front of the little girl. "What's so funny?"
"You don't mind how Argo smells, Mama. Maybe she needs a bath next."
"Maybe," Xena agreed. "Now get going and I'll join you in a moment."
Avoiding eye contact with her oldest, who now sat on the couch trying not to chuckle, Xena followed her second oldest daughter towards the bathing room hoping that Gabrielle's council meeting was a long one.
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Entering Daphne's bedroom, Cyrene sat down on the bed and began to rub slow circle's on the teen's back. "Sit up please, Daphne."
"Why?"
"I want to talk to you, sweetie." Cyrene helped Daphne sit up and waited until the girl faced her on the bed.
"What is there to talk about?" Daphne huffed. "I screwed up, right?"
"Hey," Cyrene put her hand under Daphne's chin and looked into the deep grey eyes. "You did make a mistake, but as your sister told you, it's my job to make sure you learn something from this mistake. Do you know why I was so upset with what you and Eve were doing?"
"Because your precious Eve could have gotten hurt."
"That's part of it," Cyrene acknowledged, "but also because I was afraid that my daughter could be hurt or killed. I was scared when I saw you on that horse, Daphne. My daughter was putting herself in danger and I will not have that."
Cyrene brushed a lone tear from Daphne's cheek and kissed the teen's forehead before releasing the grip under Daphne's chin. "I love you, Daphne and I will not allow you to put yourself in danger any more than I would allow any other member of my family to put themselves in danger."
"What about Xena?"
"What do you mean, Daphne?"
"Xena puts herself in danger a lot," Daphne explained. "And Gabrielle, and Sam, and Eve…."
Holding up her hand Cyrene sighed, "I get your point, Daphne. And as for putting themselves in danger," the former innkeeper took a deep breath, "Xena and Gabrielle do what needs to be done to keep their family safe. They are adults and pretty adept at fighting. Sam has been through more danger than a child her age should have to go through. I do not want that for you, Daphne. As for Eve," Cyrene paused once more. "My granddaughter puts herself into danger because she doesn't think things through. However, she is six and I don't expect her to think of all the consequences. You are only fourteen, but you knew what could happen when you chose to stand and ride on that horse today."
"But nothing did happen," Daphne protested. "And it was a lot of fun. And…" Daphne trailed off and looked down at the hands in her lap absently picking a nail.
"And?" Cyrene prodded.
"It was nice to feel like I could do something Sam hasn't done," she finally admitted.
Pulling Daphne into her arms Cyrene kissed the blonde head. "You don't have to keep comparing yourself to Sam, Daphne."
"I do," Daphne sniffed again. "I mean Xena is her mother."
"And I am your mother, little girl." Cyrene pushed Daphne back and smiled gently. "And who do you think raised Xena? The Tooth Goddess?"
"I guess not," Daphne gave the older woman a slow smile. "I guess it's not so bad having Xena as a sister."
"I guess not," Cyrene agreed. "Especially if it means that I'm your mother."
"I guess," Daphne whispered throwing her arms around Cyrene. "I've missed having a mother."
"Well then, daughter," Cyrene began. "I think it's time for us to have our first serious chat where not many words our used."
"Toasted tail feathers?" Daphne asked looking at the spoon.
"Toasted tail feathers," Cyrene confirmed.
"Damn."
"You have been spending far too much time with Eve, Daphne." Cyrene said before motioning for Daphne to take the time honored position of over her mother's knee for a lengthy discussion on how to ride a horse properly.
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"Xena?" I looked up from my book as Mom entered our hut. Mama had just finished bathing Eve and was now attempting to convince Eve to put on a night shirt.
"She's trying to convince Eve to put on a nightshirt," I smirked. "I don't think she's had much success."
"I suppose not," Mom sat next to me on the couch and pulled off her boots tossing them back towards the door of the hut. "I miss tennis shoes."
"Me too," I admitted smiling when Mom gave me a kiss to the forehead before she stood again. "I heard there was some excitement with your sister and Daphne."
I snickered and nodded, "Bareback riding." I paused for a moment, "While standing on the horses."
Mom closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'm going to go and help your Mama with Eve."
I waved to her and turned back to my book, "I'll keep an ear out for Gracie. The twins are with Cora and Helen having on a horseback ride so no need to worry about them."
"Thanks, Sammy."
Listening as Mom's bare feet made their way to Eve's room, I found my spot in my book and began to read once again being sure to keep an ear out for my youngest sister.
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Gabrielle leaned against the door frame of her daughter's room and shook her head. Eve was in the hot pink panties that Aphrodite had gifted her on the girl's last birthday and nothing else. "I thought your mama was helping you get into a nightshirt."
"Why can't I sleep in just my panties?" Eve demanded.
"Because I believe that we are going to be having a discussion before you go to bed and I would like you dressed for that."
"Damn," Eve muttered.
"Trouble," Xena ducked her head as she heard her wife sigh. "We talked about that word."
"I know," Eve acknowledged. "I think it's time you just gave it up, don't you? It's part of who I am."
"You and I are going to have a talk later, warrior."
"Of course, my bard," Xena responded quietly.
"You are so beat," Eve whispered a bit too loudly as she finally pulled her nightshirt over her head.
Gabrielle shook her head and chose to ignore the comment from Eve. Instead she sat on the edge of Eve's bed and took her wife's hand when Xena sat next to her. "Come here, Evie."
Pulling the reluctant girl onto her lap Gabrielle gave Eve a kiss to the forehead. "I hear that there was a bit of trouble today when it came to riding bareback."
"Well you heard wrong, Mommy."
"Oh?" Gabrielle's green eyes looked to Xena quickly before falling back onto her daughter. "And how is it that I heard wrong?"
Watching as Eve took a deep breath Gabrielle waited for the explanation. "Well you see, Mommy, it's like this. I had no trouble at all riding bareback while standing."
"Uh-huh."
"And once Daphne got the hang of it, she didn't have any trouble at all either. It's all a matter of finding your balance while standing. Kind of like riding a skateboard or surfboard."
Taking her own breath Gabrielle leveled a stare at Xena causing the warrior to duck her head before shrugging. "And what do you know about skateboarding or surfing, young lady?"
"Only what Sam and Rhys have told me," Eve replied. "Mama says she thinks we can make me a skateboard here but it might be hard to find the right materials to make the wheels."
"Oh Mama says she can make you a skateboard does she?"
"Uh-huh," Gabrielle saw the spark in Eve's blue eyes. "And then after I get good at it I can tie a rope to Haven and let her pull me while I ride a really big board like a surfboard on land."
"You will do no such thing, Eve Anastasia Bardos." Gabrielle's voice caused Eve's face to fall. "And if your mama figures out how to make you a skateboard there will be rules."
"No having Haven pull me?"
"Not once," Gabrielle confirmed.
"Well at least I can get Auntie to take me surfing when we go to her Aegean Temple," Eve muttered.
Taking another breath, Gabrielle counted to ten. "Eve I think we've gotten away from why we're here."
"Well, Mommy, I told you that there was no trouble riding bareback," Eve offered. "I can't help it if you get distracted by other stuff."
Hearing the snort next to her Gabrielle hit Xena's arm and glared, "You aren't helping, Xena."
"Sorry," Xena tried after snorting again.
"Sure you are." Gabrielle placed Eve on the floor and turned the girl to face her and Xena. "Eve do you understand how dangerous it is for you to try ride while standing?"
"But I'm good at it, Mommy."
"That might be, Trouble," Xena interjected. "But we don't have helmets here and you could really hurt yourself. Your mother and I would be very sad if you got injured while riding that way."
"I've seen you do it, Mama," Eve protested.
"Mama?" Gabrielle asked.
"Just once," Xena sighed. "I was practicing that riding dismount from Argo. I haven't done it in forever and for some reason I think I may need it again."
"Lovely." Gabrielle rolled her eyes to the ceiling. "So because you had to show off one of your many skills our daughter thinks it's perfectly acceptable to try and do the same thing."
Feeling the tapping on her arm Gabrielle turned her attention back to Eve. "Yes, Eve?"
"I never tried to dismount how Mama did, Mommy. I'm not that crazy. I know I can't even try that until I can flip like Sam and make sure I always use my right foot to lift off the ground."
The snigger from her right caused Gabrielle to growl and eye her wife before turning once more to her wife's mini clone. "No riding for one week, Eve," Gabrielle pronounced her sentence. "And I think that you and I are going to have a brief discussion of putting yourself into danger."
"Isn't stealing Haven from me punishment enough?" Eve sniffed. "That's not fair."
Putting her hands on Eve's shoulders Gabrielle locked her emerald eyes into the blue pools. "It is fair, Eve. You did something very dangerous and something I'm sure you had been told not to do."
"Sam said not to do it again," Eve confirmed. "Wish I'd listened to her."
Filing the information about her oldest away for later Gabrielle hugged Eve. "I think Mama needs to go and check on Grace. After that she will be in to help tuck you in."
"Okay," Eve whispered.
"I love you, Trouble." Xena placed a gentle kiss to the girl's head.
"I love you too, Mama. Even though you got me into trouble." Turning back to her blonde mother Eve sniffed once more. "Do we have to have this conversation, Mommy?"
"We do."
"Damn."
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"I hate that spoon," Daphne whined as she leaned into Cyrene.
"All of my children have hated my spoon at one time or another," Cyrene replied pulling Daphne closer and humming while she rocked back and forth.
"My butt hurts," Daphne whined again.
"It's supposed to hurt," Cyrene answered.
"You have no sympathy," Daphne yawned and leaned further into the older woman.
"I know, I'm just awful."
"My mother used to hold me after she, uh,"
"Spanked you?" Cyrene supplied.
"Yeah," Daphne allowed Cyrene to help her lay down and was thankful when the woman laid with her. "I'm sorry I put myself in danger."
Feeling the kiss on the top of her head Daphne smiled and yawned again. "I hope you think before listening to Eve next time."
"I'll try, Mom," Daphne whispered.
Feeling another kiss, Daphne closed her eyes and held the blanket her first mother had made for her so long ago. Feeling the weight of the blanket her second mother had made for her and finished recently Daphne finally allowed herself to relax enough to begin falling asleep. "Goodnight, daughter. I love you." Was the last thing the girl heard before slipping into the realm of Morpheus completely.
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First, thanks to all the new favorites and followers to this story. I hope you are all still enjoying the adventures of Sam and her family.
I also wanted to add a shameless plug: The next book in the Mockingbird Chronicles: Coming Home is up on Amazon. It's co-written by Stardawn Cabot and myself under the name of Alexandra James. Please check it out and leave a review if you are so inclined.