Seasons: Winter Sun

The bright winter sun glared off the thick blanket of fresh snow. Argo trudged along in the nearly knee deep fluff. Xena glanced back to see if Gabrielle and her mount were still keeping time with her and Argo. Their relationship had been stressed since Xena had revealed that she was carrying Ares' child. Even though the bard was happy that Xena was having another child. She was decidedly unhappy about the sire. What upset her even more was the fact that Xena would have probably never told her that she had slept with the god of war if the circumstances hadn't demanded it. Gabrielle caught Xena checking on her and flashed her a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Xena half-smiled back.

Things couldn't go on like this, Xena thought. The emotional distance between her and her companion chilled her soul far more than did the sub-freezing winter temps. "Hey Gabrielle, it looks like it may snow some more yet," Xena pointed to a cluster of heavy grey clouds that were moving in their direction.

"Yeah, I can almost feel it," her friend agreed.

"I know of a cave not far from here, I think maybe we should see if we can wait out the snow there, what do you think?"

"Since when do you ask my opinion?" Gabrielle answered with more bark than she meant to.

"Not doing this today, I told you when we left Potidea that if you didn't want to be with me anymore that I would respect and understand that. If you don't want to be here, don't be."

"I'm sorry, Xena, it's just so cold, I'm hungry, the cave sounds fine."

"I have some bread left, you want me to get it?"

"I can wait til we get to the cave, how far?"

"At the rate we are traveling, maybe another half hour," Xena assessed.

"I'll be fine, let's just keep moving."

As they urged their horses forward. Xena's tummy rolled deep on her lower left side. "Oooh, someone's moving," Xena smiled as she felt her son give her a little kick. Xena rubbed her distended belly." Are you hungry too, little one?"

Xena hadn't decided on a name yet but she was leaning toward Lyceus. It was still early, she had four more months to go. Every time she had tried to discuss baby names with Gabrielle, the conversation always turned to Ares. Gabrielle was convinced that they should take the baby out of Greece, out of his domain, so that he couldn't take the child from Xena. Xena told Gabrielle that if Ares got it in his head that he wanted to take the child, that nothing would stand in his way. He wouldn't care about boundaries, he'd find an ally anywhere they went. Despite the threats he'd made in anger, Xena didn't believe for a second that he would really take her child from her. She knew that Ares loved her. In his own way, but he loved her nonetheless. The only way he would do something as monstrous as take her baby would be if she refused to let him see his son. Xena had seen the tenderness in his eyes when he had discovered her pregnancy. He had been the one to reveal to her that she was carrying their son. The news had caught her off guard but as soon as she realized the truth of it, she embraced the idea of having the baby. She knew at her advanced age, that this child would be her last. Xena wasn't really a praying person but she hoped against all hope that she would be able to raise this child to adulthood. The only thing that concerned Xena about Ares was that he hadn't shown himself since the evening he informed her that she was pregnant. She was sure he was checking on her progress from afar but he hadn't visited her at all. It wasn't like him not to pester and gloat, that was the only thing that alarmed her that he might wait until she delivered and then try to demand the child outright. Still, she opted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, he had to know that she'd find a way to kill him before she let him take her son. Xena shook off the negative thoughts, they couldn't be good for the baby. She patted her belly soothingly again before turning off the main path they had been following and urging Argo down into a shallow gully.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAXAX

Ares had, indeed, been watching Xena from afar. He checked in daily to see the progress of her pregnancy and to bask in her maternal beauty. He was surprised to learn that watching the changes in her body brought him more satisfaction than any battle. He still managed his affairs as the god of war but it was Xena that mesmerized him now, Xena and the child she carried. He had wanted to go to her every day but he knew that they would just end up fighting and it would not be good for the fetus. Still, he refused to "spy" on her. He didn't eavesdrop on her and the bard's conversations or watch her for extended periods of time. He just took quick glances so he would know her location and to make sure she looked healthy. It pained him to see her riding Argo through the snow. He worried that she would get a cold in the harsh winter weather. Why didn't she head back south where the weather was more temperate? Ares was pleased when he saw the women stop at the entrance to the cave. At least the stubborn ox was taking shelter for the time being!

AXAXAXAXAXAXAXAXAX

Xena spotted the entrance to the cave, "That's it Gabrielle, we're here."

"Wonderful, you know it wouldn't so be bad to stay put for a couple of days!" Gabrielle groaned as she dismounted. Her bum was sore from riding the past three days straight. Xena never complained about riding but Gabrielle worried that all the jostling might not be good for the baby. When Gabrielle had mentioned it, Xena had just said that she rode when she was pregnant with both Solan and Eve. The blonde thought about pointing out the fact that Xena was older now but she just figured that it would start another argument, so she didn't press the point.

"Sure, we could camp here for a few days, I don't see why not. We'd still make Phillipi by the first of the month." Xena dismounted. She grabbed her saddle bag and bedroll and headed for the cave. Xena couldn't wait to get her leggings on. She had decided not to put them on when they set out that morning because the winter sun had been bright in the clear morning sky but now that the clouds were rolling in she figured she'd better put on the extra layer.

As Xena walked toward the cave entrance she heard Gabrielle gasp from behind her, just as she felt a warm trickle run down her leg. On instinct, Xena turned to look at her friend. Then she cast her eyes down to the ground between her legs where Gabrielle's eyes were fixed. The red blood drops contrasted sharply against the white snow.

"Xena, by the gods. . ."

"It's okay, it's okay, Gabrielle," Xena cried in denial.

"No, Xena, it's not okay," Gabrielle took off the scarf she'd been wearing and started wiping the trail of of blood off Xena's left leg. "We've gotta get you to healer."

Ares was there in a flash. His shards of light bounced off the snow like the winter sun.

"Xena. . ." his mouth was agape. He was in shock. He had been worried about her health but he never really considered the chance that Xena could lose the baby, their baby, their son. "No . . . no, it's alright."

"Ares?" She looked up at him in disbelief. This couldn't be happening. The tears came, she didn't even try to fight them. "Do something," she looked at him pleading, "Don't you let me lose our baby."

Ares wrapped Xena in his arms and they disappeared.

Minutes later, he returned for Gabrielle, "Xena's orders," was all he said before taking her hand and whisking her off too.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAXAX

When Ares and Gabrielle re-materialized, the bard took in her surroundings. She knew without a doubt that they were on Olympus. Yet, it wasn't the main hall where Xena and Athena had waged all-out war. The colonnaded room was much darker but still resplendent in all its godly refinement. Xena lay on a bed in the center of the room. An middle-aged woman whose long black curly hair flowed down her back, tended to Xena. The warrior's face still showed panic. Gabrielle ran to her friend's side. The bard didn't like the grim look on the unknown woman's angular face. Ares moved in behind the blonde mortal and looked pleadingly at the raven-haired goddess.

"Eileithyia, is he. . .is he okay?" Xena managed to get out.

Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth ran her hand along Xena's lower abdomen for a second then let her palm linger in one place. She looked from Xena to Ares, then back to Xena. "Xena, you've lost a lot of blood but his heart is still beating, not strongly but it's beating. Luckily, he didn't become dislodged from your womb but I think it was a close call. What on Earth were you doing?"

"See that's the problem, that she was on Earth at all!" Ares charged.

"Ares, she doesn't need. . ."Eileithyia warned.

"Sorry," he corrected himself and knelt down so that he was eye level to Xena. "I don't want to argue with you but you have no business riding around on that horse all over creation."

"That's what I've been saying," Gabrielle chimed in but affectionately squeezed Xena's hand..

Xena shot Gabrielle a withering glare and turned back to Ares. "Despite what you think, you are NOT my master, my lord, my god! I will come and go when and where I damn well please. I will ride where and when I like."

"Xena, by Zeus, if you get back on that horse before you deliver this child, I will kill the mare myself."

"Ares!" Eileithyia grabbed him by the arm and jerked him to a standing position.

Xena tried to stand. Eileithyia extended her other hand toward Xena and held her in place on the bed using her godly powers.

"Cleta," the goddess called to one of her handmaidens. The nubile servant girl scampered over in order to do her mistress' bidding.

"Yes, my goddess?"

"Will you please show my brother out?" Eileithyia requested and gave Ares a stern look while still holding Xena fixed in a prone position.

"You're kicking me out?" Ares roared, disbelief mixing with anger.

"For now. You need to calm down. I will look after your son, I will help Xena, but the last thing she needs is you going off half-cocked. She's under enough stress already."

"I am sorry, I'll hold my tongue, please don't make me go. I need to know that she's okay. That he's okay."

"I told you, I will do everything I can to make sure they are both fine. Go have some nectar, brother. I will send for you when you can see her."

"Why does she get to stay?" Ares nodded to Gabrielle who was still holding Xena's hand.

"Because she brings her comfort and that is what she needs now. She doesn't need to be berated or threatened, much less ordered around."

Ares swallowed hard. Why did Blondie always know what Xena needed? Hadn't she just said that Xena shouldn't be riding as well. Why was it okay for her to point it out but not him? Okay, so maybe he had raised his voice and he probably shouldn't have threatened to kill Argo.

His thoughts were interrupted by Aphrodite appearing in a fragrant flare of pink rose petals.

"Is Xena okay?" She asked and ran to Gabrielle's side.

"She's going to be fine, I just need to get her to calm down and rest for a bit." Eileithyia released the hold on Xena but gave her a look that said if she tried to get up again that the goddess would permanently restrain her.

Xena nodded in silent acquiescence and relaxed into the downy soft bed. She looked to Ares and saw the torment in his sienna eyes. His jaw tightened. It was taking everything he had to obey his sister's command but she could see that he was willing to do it for her well-being. She fell in love with him a little bit more when he turned to leave. Xena couldn't peel her eyes away from his retreating back. She yearned for him, she wanted him by her side but knew if he stayed that they'd just argue. They had too much they still had to resolve.

Another of Eileithyia's servants returned with a bowl of warm water and began tending to Xena, cleaning the blood from her legs and her center. A third girl brought a fresh linen gown for Xena to change into.

"Can you help me sit her up?" the black-haired goddess asked the girls. They each positioned themselves on either side of Xena, moving Gabrielle and Dite out of the way. Placing their arms under her armpits, they began to lift her up.

Xena let out a keening wail and grabbed at her abdomen.

Ares was back in a flash.

"To Hades with this!" He used his powers to strip Xena of her leather dress and redressed her instantly in the birthing gown.

"Ares, I am warning you!" Eileithyia said calmly but sternly.

"And, I am warning you! She loses this baby and I will kill you, I will kill you all." Xena hadn't heard him so distraught since the Furies had driven him mad.

"Will you give me and Ares a minute?" She asked the others.

"Are you sure?" Eileithyia took Xena's hand and looked deeply in her eyes as if she was looking into her soul. The goddess was shocked at the depth of love she found there. She'd never known anyone to care that deeply for the god of war. For the first time in their lives, the goddess of childbirth was happy for her brother.

"Yes, I need to talk to him."

Eileithyia nodded and ushered everyone else out of the room.

Gabrielle gave Xena a hurt look before she walked out with the others.

"You sure you're okay, I've never heard you scream like that before. And I've seen you take an arrow to the chest." Ares looked at the scar just left of her right breast.

"It was painful, but I think he's okay. Your sister said she could still feel his heartbeat, that's a good thing." Xena granted him a tender smile.

"You wanted to talk?"

"Not really, I just knew that you needed a minute with me. You need to be reassured or you are never going to let your sister do what needs to be done here."

She watched his Adam's apple bob up and down as he fought his tears."Come here," she beckoned him to sit on the bed with her.

Ares happily complied. She took his hand and placed it on her abdomen. He flattened his large paw over her swollen belly. He moved it around until he found the baby's presence. He, like his sister, had found the child's heart still beating.

"Oh, Xena," he choked, "I wish by all the gods that you could feel this."

"Ares, I feel him all the time. He's a little kicker."

"Yes, but this is amazing. Here let me try to share it with you." He placed her smaller hand under his and let the sensation of their child's heartbeat run through her hand to his. The three of them were connected, a family. He had never felt so loved in all his life. "He loves us Xena, he's reaching for us, both of us, he knows we are his parents. He knows that we love him, that we'd do anything for him."

Xena wiped tears from her face with her free hand.

"Those are happy tears?" He hated that he had to ask but he never knew with her.

"Yes," the reply was strangled by tears but she managed to get it out. "Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for? Xena, you are carrying my child, it's me that should be thanking you."

"For giving him to me in the first place. Ares I've said terrible things. . ."

"Shhh, it's okay. . .I'm just glad you love him. I was afraid. . ." he couldn't finish the thought.

"I'd never." She protested.

"No, not that. I never thought you'd abort it, you're too damn stubborn for that."

"Then what?"

"I was afraid that you'd despise him, the way you hate me. I just didn't want him to sicken your soul." Ares cast his eyes to the ground in shame for all the things he had put her through.

"Let's not do this right now, okay." Her breath hitched and she clenched her fist in pain.

"You okay?"

"Hurts," was all she could manage as she panted and grimaced.

"Gods, I AM doing this to you. She's right. I only hurt you. I'll get the others."

Ares disappeared. His absence felt like the winter sun disappearing behind a snow-swollen cloud.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAXA

Three days later, Cupid sat on the edge of the bed in Xena's new quarters on Olympus. Eileithyia had told Xena she had two options if she wanted to carry her son to term. She could either resign herself to spending the remaining months on bedrest or she could ingest ambrosia, making both the fetus and herself immortal. After much grumbling, Xena had agreed to the bedrest. Eileithyia had her servants prepare Xena and Gabrielle rooms in her own Olympic estate. Ares had sent word that Xena was welcomed to stay at his place but she sent Hermes with a message declining his offer. She was still miffed that he had disappeared on her like a petulant brat. She wasn't going to give him the pleasure of her staying in his quarters. Besides, she knew Gabrielle would not be comfortable there anyway.

"You sure you don't want to stay with Ares?" Cupid's wings fluttered nervously.

"Oh, I see, this wasn't just a friendly visit. You are doing his bidding now? Not like you, Cupid. I am disappointed," Xena admonished.

Cupid held up a hand in defense. "No, now, it's not like that. I just know that he is terrified that something's going to happen. I would ease his fears if he could be near you."

"Well, I haven't had him banished or anything. He's the one who left and hasn't come back."

"So. . .are you saying that you would welcome a visit from him?"

"You are doing his bidding! Or at least collecting intel. Not very subtle."

Cupid sighed. Bliss, who had been playing with a wooden toy quietly on the floor, padded over to his father and climbed into his lap.

Xena smiled, it was hard to believe that in a few short months she would be a mother again. "How old is he now?" Xena noticed that Bliss hadn't aged hardly any since he'd pulled his little stunt where he shot her with an arrow making her fall briefly for Draco.

"Yes, Xena he ages very slowly."

"Sorry, was that rude?" She grimaced.

Cupid laughed. "No, and don't worry about Olympian etiquette, it is virtually non-existent in some gods.

"Yeah, I've met a few of them that could use a lesson in manners."

"You know you could stay with me and Psyche, if you don't want to stay here."

"Actually, I am thinking of asking Eileithyia if I can return to Earth. I was thinking if Gabrielle could spiff up my grandparents' farm, maybe I could stay there for the remainder of my pregnancy."

"Ares is never going to go for that. You know that, right?"

"It isn't his choice, it's mine. I don't belong up here Cupid and the thought of sitting around doing nothing for another four months is killing me."

"You could knit some baby clothes," the winged god suggested.

Xena shot him a murderous glare.

Bliss jumped out of his father's lap and then disappeared leaving behind droplets of golden light.

"Is he okay going off by himself like that?"

"He's a god, Xena. He's fine."

"Don't you worry?" Xena couldn't imagine letting a toddler run amok.

"Not like mortals have to."

"Still."

"You'll see." Cupid flashed his beautiful white smile.

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, that is a little demigod you are carrying."

"He'll still be mortal, Cupid."

"Yeah, maybe. But he will have powers . . ."

"Wait, what do you mean maybe?" Xena arched her eyebrow. She'd never heard of demigods who were born immortal.

"Do you really think that Ares is not going to make his child immortal?"

"I am sure he has plenty of mortal children."

"Not with you," Cupid stated plainly.

"He won't! Not without my permission." Xena stated, as much to convince herself as Cupid.

"What is it about being a god that is so repugnant to you, Xena? Do you hate us that much?"

Xena hadn't meant to offend Cupid with her remarks. She genuinely liked him. He wasn't like most of the gods she had dealt with, petty and out for themselves. "I am sorry, Cupid. It's nothing personal. It's just that so many of you take liberties with mortals' lives and. . ."

She was interrupted by Bliss returning with some parchment and colored wax sticks.

"What's this?" She asked.

"He wants you to draw with him. We all have to do it."

"Aw, thank you sweetie." Xena took some of the colored sticks and inspected them. She looked down at the parchment and saw the little heart shapes that Bliss had already made. Xena picked one of the red colored sticks and started filling the shape in.

"I'll leave you two to have fun, then." Cupid said and added before he left, "We are not all bad, Xena. Some of us are quite fond of you. And one of us would give his immortal life for your happiness."

Xena thought about Cupid's comment as she finished filling in the heart.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAXAX

The winter sun glinted off the soldiers' helmets as Ares watched from a nearby hillock. Brasidias, one of his favorite generals, had made tremendous progress in Messenia. Three more villages had sworn their allegiance with one of them vowing to erect a new temple come Spring. They had added another four hundred soldiers to their roster. Tributes poured in from Rome to Persia. The news ought to have thrilled the god of war. The day's battle should have brought him the distraction that he sought. He had successfully stayed away from Xena for three days. When she had declined his offer to stay at his place, it had hurt. He was, however, thankful that she had agreed to stay on Olympus, even if it was with his sister and not with himself. Although he had managed to stop from intruding on her space, he found it impossible not to think about her and the baby. The other gods were providing him with regular updates as to their well-being. It should have been enough to set his fears to rest but he couldn't help wanting to be by her side. But, she didn't want him there. When the battle ended, Brasidias took a knee and sent a silent prayer of gratitude to his patron god. The gesture didn't even bring a smile to the god's face. Ares simply transported himself to the Halls of War.

He found Enyo sitting on his throne when he entered his domain. The wicked goddess was dressed in nothing but a black leather corset and thigh high boots. She smiled seductively as she stood and walked toward him. Maybe this was the distraction he needed.

"I've been missing you," she purred as she ran her hand up the exposed part of his chest.

As she tweaked a flat nipple, his groin tightened. He closed his eyes, letting himself revel a moment in the tactile sensation. Yes, this was exactly what he needed. A hot fuck would get Xena out of his mind, if only for five minutes. He pulled Enyo harshly toward him. Crushing his lips to hers, he reached behind her and undid the knot holding her corset laces together.

She kissed him back with the same ferocity. He thrust his tongue into her mouth. She didn't taste right. His eyes snapped open. She wasn't Xena. What in Hades was he doing? The woman he loved was on bedrest, at risk of losing their child, and he was here about to have a meaningless romp with a goddess he didn't love. A goddess, that in fact, he was quickly beginning to despise.

"I am done with this," he pushed her away.

"What. . .What are you talking about?" She wasn't used to any god turning her away, much less Ares. He had been her go to cock for centuries.

"I said, I'm done. You and me, that's a thing of the past. I don't want to see you here anymore."

"You can't turn me away."

"I just did. Now, scram."

"I am not going anywhere," she protested by planting her feet wide enough apart that if he chose to look, he'd get a good glimpse of her hungry cunt.

He didn't look. He was finished with cheap games. "Fine," he answered and disappeared in silver shards of light.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAXAX

Eileithyia considered Xena's request. She looked at the blonde bard. She seemed capable enough and if Xena trusted her then that was all that really mattered. "If that's what would make you comfortable then I would say that it is for the best. Still, I think given the circumstances, when you start to deliver you should be brought back here."

Xena smiled. Gabrielle had agreed to clean up her grandparent's place and Eileithyia was willing to let Xena return to Earth! Things were starting to look up. Then. . .

Shards of light illuminated the room and the god of war in all his glory walked toward them.

"What do you want?" Xena asked, shocked by his sudden arrival. She had hoped to avoid seeing him before she went back to Earth.

"I'm just looking for a little Baby Mama Drama." Ares quipped. Apparently his moratorium on cheap games didn't apply to Xena. Something about her got under his skin and he just couldn't help but needle her.

Xena just shook her head and rolled her eyes in disgust at his flippant attitude.

"Oh come on, Warrior Princess, you know you missed me."

As he got closer Xena smelled Enyo on him. She'd know that tawdry scent anywhere. She assumed that he was in such a good mood because his whore-goddess had just fucked him senseless. Well, to Hades with him. She'd been bedridden for the past three days worried about how they were going to work things out and the sick son-of-a-bacchae had been off screwing Enyo and gods knew who else.

"Missed you? Hardly knew you were gone." She lied.

"Now Xena, we both know that's a lie."

"Ares," Eileithyia reprimanded her brother. He really could be a tool sometimes, she thought.

"Look, I didn't come to fight. I came to see how you were doing."

"You could've sent your messenger again. Besides, I am fine and I am leaving." She added the last bit as much to get a rise out of him as anything. She knew he was going to throw a fit when he found out. She liked to needle him too.

"What?" He stopped dead in his tracks.

"You heard me," Xena snarled, pleased that she had pissed him off.

Ares looked to his sister, "You can't be seriously thinking of letting her go. It's too dangerous for the baby. You do realize that's a mortal child she's carrying don't you?"

"Yes, my dear brother, I am aware of the details. She's going to be on bedrest either way. If she's more comfortable on Earth then that's where she should be."

"Who's going to look after her?"

"Me," Gabrielle answered with a smirk.

Even though he chuckled, Xena saw his jaw tighten, his Adam's apple bob up and down, and liquid gathered in his eyes. Still, Xena couldn't help thinking that he didn't have a right to be hurt.

"Of course you are," he stated. "You are her family, right?"

"Yes," Gabrielle answered but not smugly, just matter-of-factly.

He turned his attention back to the love of his life, "Where are you going?"

"None of your business," Xena knew he'd find out anyway but she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of her telling him.

"You know you can't hide from me," his eyes turned dark, malevolent. Xena hated that the violent spark in his eyes had such an erotic effect on her.

"Why do you care anyway? You've obviously got more important things to do or more important people to do.

It hit him that she could smell Enyo on him. Gods, she was an amazing mortal. He didn't care what anyone said, there was something supernatural about her. If he didn't know better, he'd swear she was a demigod.

"Xena, can I have a minute?" He wanted to tell her that he hadn't slept with Enyo but he didn't want to reveal his vulnerable side in front of Blondie and Eileithyia.

Xena turned to the goddess of childbirth. "Go ahead and take Gabrielle. And give me a few minutes with him."

"Call me if you need me or feel any pain at all." The goddess took the bard in hand and they vanished without a light show.

"Have you still been having pains?" Concern etched his beautiful face. He was going to kill all of Olympus if they'd been lying to him about Xena's well-being. "Everyone said you were doing better."

"I'm fine, really. You can fuck your whores with a clean conscience."

"That's just it, Xena. I couldn't do it. I tried, I really did. But, I keep thinking about you. Wanting to be here with you and the baby. Xena, I can't even focus on the various battles and skirmishes I'm supposed to be attending."

"My sympathy," Xena winced, "I can't even get out of this damn bed!"

"Going to Earth won't change that. At least here you have a host of servants to look after you. There it will just be Gabrielle."

"She's enough."

"Why?"

"I told you, I am just more comfortable on Earth, Ares."

"No, why. . . .why," He sat on the edge of the bed and worked to finish the question, "why is she enough? Why am I not?"

She hadn't expected the boldness of the question or the raw pain in his voice. Xena reached down and took his hand. Rubbing her thumb lovingly along his index finger, she answered honestly, "she's clean and good and pure. Everything you and I are not. I need that in my life, Ares. This child is going to need that."

He searched the aether for Gabrielle's presence. It didn't surprise him that he found her at the farmhouse. He took Xena's hand, brought it up to his mouth, and placed a loving kiss on her middle , he scooped Xena up in his arms and raced through the aether until they reappeared at the farm.

Gabrielle jumped nearly a meter when they appeared in the bedroom that she was cleaning.

With a nod of his head, the farmhouse was in pristine condition. Ares even replaced the dilapidated old bed. Installing a new one with a queen-sized feather mattress and soft Egyptian cotton bedding. He wordlessly placed Xena on the bed.

Xena hated the resignation that marred his perfect face. She knew if she didn't stop him that he wouldn't be back. Still, her tongue felt paralyzed. It was for the best.

Finally, she found her voice, "Goodbye, Ares."

He kneeled at the side of the bed. "Is that what you want?"

"It's what I need," she answered through clenched teeth, willing the tears away.

He leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. Then roamed his hand over her belly. Finding his son, he stilled his hand. The baby kicked in response to his father's touch. Ares hated that the linen gown separated him from her bare flesh so he used his powers to remove it. Xena lay naked on the bed. Ares placed a tender kiss on her abdomen. "I love you, son. I will always love you."

Xena felt warm fat teardrops splatter on her belly and roll down her side.

Ares stood, wiped his eyes, caressed a lock of her raven hair, redressed her, and said,"You know. . .I didn't want this to be like Zeus and Hercules. You tell him, if he ever needs anything, I am just a call away. Guess I was fated to be the King of the Gods after all. I love you. Goodbye, Xena."

Ares disappeared with his signature light show.

"Do you think he will really stay away this time?" Gabrielle asked hopefully and pulled back the curtains to let in the rays of the winter sun.

The sunlight filtered in, warming Xena's body. but nothing could stop the blizzard that raged through her soul.