6
AN: This is where things might get a little muddled as I bring Sofi to her new guardians and the Amazons. I am going to try to keep with the same "format" as I have been using but we shall see how that goes as their story progresses. If you have any questions, please let me know. :o)
AN2: My apologies for the long time between updates. I have had A LOT going on in my personal life...
I slowly became aware of my surroundings. I could hear someone talking quietly and feel the bed I was laying on. It was definitely strange. There was a breeze through a window and I could hear birds chirping nearby. Opening my eyes, I blinked at the sunlight and as my eyes adjusted I could see that we were in a cabin of some sort. All of a sudden, they were aware of my being awake and came rushing over. I startled when the woman who sat down beside me looked way too familiar. Just like my grandmother when she was young!
"Shh...it's okay, little one."
I tried to sit up but someone on my other side kept me from doing so. "You've been out for quite a while, it's best if you stay lying down for now."
I cleared my throat, trying to speak but I found that my throat was drier than anything and I couldn't talk. The dark haired woman held out a cup in front of me. I glanced at it and then back at her with a questioning look on my face.
"It's only water." She murmured as she helped me to sit up just enough to take a few sips.
Clearing my throat again, I whispered "Thank you."
"My name is Xena and that is Sara." she said motioning to the other woman across from her. "Can you tell us yours?"
"Sofi."
"That's a pretty name," Sara smiled as she took the cup and placed it on a table. "We're just going to look you over, make sure you're okay."
"Like a doctor?"
"If a 'doctor' is someone who takes care of people, then yes."
"Do you hurt anywhere?" Xena asked as she placed her hand on my forehead. "Feel sick?"
"No." I whispered, "Just thirsty."
They got me some more water and then looked me all over until they seemed satisfied that I was okay. Just as they helped me sit up with a few pillows, someone entered with a wooden bowl filled with some sort of soup.
Xena held it up for me to drink from, I gave her a look. "I can do it."
"Just be careful." She returned the look with a raised eyebrow as she handed me the bowl. "If you can keep it down, we'll get you something a bit more filling later on."
"Okay." Whatever the broth was made from, it wasn't half bad. It was warm and felt good on my throat. By the time I had finished it, I was feeling sleepy again. I leaned back against the pillows and closed my eyes.
Meanwhile:
Xena and Sara were sitting at a table across the room discussing the girl, when Gabrielle joined them.
"There you are!" She exclaimed. "I've been looking all over for you!"
The warrior turned healer frowned, "Shh...we have a sick and sleeping child over there!"
"Whoops, sorry!" She sat down in a chair next to her warrior, content to be back within her presence. Quietly listening as the two returned to their previous topic, her mind wandered a bit and suddenly her eyes went wide, remembering their own conversation with Aphrodite. She quickly stood up only to have her movement stopped by Xena who had grabbed the back of her skirt. "Hey!"
"Don't even think about it!"
"But what if…"
"I know, we'll talk about it later."
"Xe!" It was Gabrielle's turn to frown, "Let go of me, will ya?"
"Never."
Sara just shook her head at the two's antics. "Why don't you all go get some rest? I'll let you know if anything changes."
"Are you sure?"
Sara stood, "Of course! You both had a long day and if I know this tribe, it's gonna be a longer night!"
"Yeah," Xena sighed as she stood. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Having been given a tent close to Varia's, the pair made their way inside and attempted to settle down for a while. Barring any further interruptions, they both hoped to get a couple candle-marks of sleep before any sort of celebration commenced.
"Do you think it's her, Xe?"
Xena sighed as she sank down into the cot next to Gabrielle. "It's possible, but until she can tell us more about herself, I won't know for sure."
"I wonder if Aph-"
"Don't go there!" Xena fairly growled. "I swear Bri, if you don't go to sleep...I'll knock ya out!"
Gabrielle just glared at the warrior before rolling over with a "hmpf!"
Simply draping her arm across the bards hips, she whispered in her ear. "Love you."
A quiet, "You too." was her only response.
I awoke to the sounds of drumming nearby and voices at all levels of excitement. I slowly sat up to find a young woman sitting at a table across the room, "Hello?"
"Oh!" she got up and walked over to me. "Hi, Sofi. I'm Greta, Sara's apprentice."
"Hi." I mumbled as she helped me sit up against the pillows again.
She handed me a cup of water, "I'll be right back, I'm gonna let her know you're awake."
Both of them came back pretty quickly, Sara checking me over for a fever or any aches and pains. "I have some clothes here that should fit you. How about a warm bath first though?"
"I'd like that, please." I nodded, then felt my face flush when I realized that I needed a...bathroom? I had no idea what they called it here. "Umm...Sara? I gotta pee."
"Oh! Not a problem." She pulled the covers back and picked me up with a strength that I didn't expect. She carried me through a side door and set me on my feet by a very small building that I could only assume was some sort of 'toilet'.
"Everything you'll need should be in there."
I nodded and carefully made my way inside on somewhat shaky feet. I took care of what I needed to do and found Sara standing there waiting for me when I was done. She helped me back inside where Greta was pouring warm water in a tub. When she was finished, she left the room and Sara asked me if I wanted help or if I thought I could handle it.
I blushed furiously, "I'm ten! I can do it by myself!"
Shaking her head, she left the room and I somehow managed to get the - nightgown...whatever it was called - over my head and slipped into the tub. The still hot water felt great, so I sat there for quite awhile just soaking. I was just done with washing my hair when I heard someone enter the room. I looked up to see Xena walking in.
"What? Don't you people believe in privacy?" I muttered, not expecting to be heard.
"Most of the time, yes." Came the reply. "But for now, you are in our care as a sick child."
I looked up into eyes that were eerily familiar. "Sorry."
"It's okay, little one." She smiled. "You look sleepy again."
"A little," I nodded. "Probably from the warm water.
I watched as Xena grabbed the towel that was nearby and opened it up, clearly intending to help me out of the tub and to dry off. As tired as I suddenly felt, I bristled at that. "I can do it!"
"I have no doubt," she gave me that look again. "But you are going to have help this time. Like it or not."
I gave her my own glare but it didn't seem to do much good because she only shook her head before laughing quietly to herself.
"Come on little one, that water is gonna be cold soon and I don't want you really getting sick."
I shrieked when I suddenly found myself lifted out of the tub and stood, dripping wet, on the wooden floor. I shivered as I was dried off and then dressed like a damn toddler. I had to admit though, the clothing was warm and comfy. And the 'shoes' I was given felt like slippers or moccasins but were also rather comfy and fit well enough. I allowed her to run a comb through my still damp hair and quickly braid it.
"Gabrielle is far better at this than me, but it will have to do for now."
My stomach growled, announcing to the world that I was apparently hungry and 'starving'. I giggled in spite of my discontent with being treated like a baby.
"Well I guess we should feed whatever monster is in your belly!"
As we slowly made our way through the group of tents, towards the sound of the drums I had heard earlier, I looked around in wonder. "What's going on?"
"This group will find any reason to party." She commented. "This time it is because Gabrielle and I have returned."
"I think I'm related to you." I said quietly. "I don't know how but you look too much like some of my family not to be."
She stopped and knelt down in front of me, "I think you are right and I can't explain it either but I am glad you are here."
I looked at the ground and scuffed my toes in the loose dirt, "What about Gabrielle?"
Xena lifted my chin with gentle fingers, "She is beyond excited and can't wait to get to know you."
"Am I gonna stay with you?" I asked. "Or do I have to stay with Sara?"
"Don't worry, little one." She smiled and ran her hand gently over my head, "You'll stay with us. You'll always stay with us."
I smiled and jumped into Xena's arms, giving her a hug I'm sure she wasn't expecting. From having spent time talking with Solan and Ephiny, I felt like I knew the two women well enough to trust them.
