Chapter Seventeen
Throughout the rest of the day, Xena rode and thought about nothing but getting her son and Xenan to safety. She was ready to do anything to protect those boys. She wasn't going to lose Solan. She'd given him up before and she wasn't going to let him die because of her mistake.
The warrior thought about the night Solan was born and how he looked up at her before she gave him to the centaurs. She remembered this look in his beautiful little eyes that told her that everything was going to be okay somehow. Everything would work out and be okay. Xena sure hoped that was right. She didn't want all of her worries and love for her son to end up adding up to nothing.
Xena started to think about what her new child would look like when it was born. She smiled when she thought of the child looking just like Gabrielle. She thought that would be such a wonderful thing. If the child looked like her, she wouldn't be disappointed either. The thoughts of her new baby brought her to thoughts of Gabrielle. She found herself smiling at the remembrance of their first night together. She remembered the way Gabrielle's skin felt against hers and the way Gabrielle's hair spilt over her face as she kissed her.
The warrior felt cold chills creep up and down her spine again thinking of her partner. She couldn't wait until they could be together again. She wanted to hold Gabrielle in her arms and sing to her and talk to her. She wanted to be there when the baby was born so she could take the child in her arms and promise it that she'd always be there.
The sound of crying made Xena stop Argo. The warrior princess looked around and saw nothing but heard the continued crying. She knew that sound very well. It was the sound of a newborn baby's first cries.
Xena dismounted Argo and whispered in her ear to stay there and wait. The horse did as she was told and began to graze on some grass. Xena walked toward the crying and could hear the sobs of a young woman.
"Hello?" Xena asked. "Hello?" Xena could hear a woman's gasps and she hurried into a field where the grass grew tall. She soon saw a dark-haired woman, covered in blood, holding a screaming, naked infant. The woman looked over at Xena and her face was so incredibly familiar. Xena's eyes went wide.
"Lila?" she asked. Lila began to cry.
"Xena," she whimpered. Xena hurried to her side.
"What happened?" Xena asked as she saw large gashes in Lila's skin and a puncture wound in her chest. The girl was dying. There was no way to save her.
"I was on my way home," she gasped out. "To my parents and my husband. I was ambushed." Tears surged down her face slowly. "My child, save my child." With that, she passed out, still breathing. Xena took the tiny girl in her arms. She held her close. What was Xena supposed to do? Take the child back to Gabrielle and tell her she had a niece but her sister was . . . Xena's thoughts trailed off and she looked over the baby girl to make sure the child was healthy. She was perfectly fine and her color was very good.
"Lila?" Xena asked as she whistled for Argo. The girl didn't wake up. She was losing blood and quickly. There was no way to save her. Argo trotted up and Xena pulled out a warm brown blanket out of the saddlebags. She sliced off the lifeline to Lila and wrapped the infant in the blanket. "Lila?"
"Gwendolyn," Lila said. Xena didn't know what to make of that. Lila was uttering soft words in her sleep. "Name her Gwendolyn." With that, the girl gave out her last breaths and passed on. Xena was in shock. The poor girl was so innocent and she shouldn't have died.
The baby was still crying and Xena couldn't nurse the infant. She grimaced and put her up to her mother's breast. The infant suckled as Xena fixed the baby into Lila's arms. She stood for a moment and decided she should give Gabrielle's sister a proper burial and then avenge her death. It was obvious to Xena who killed her. There were tracks that were leading off the scene of the crime. They were human prints, but there was centaur hair in them. The centaur hunters were the killers.
Xena's blood boiled hot and she wanted vengeance. She started to dig with sharp rocks and pointed sticks. It would be hours before she could get the hold deep and wide enough to bury the woman, but she didn't care. She needed to do this.
*~*
Gabrielle rode along and thought about a lot of things. She thought about protecting her child. She knew Xena could do that, but what about her? Gabrielle had never killed in her life and she didn't know if she could do it. Did she have it in her? If it was for love, she knew she could kill, but the pain afterwards would be so hard to bare.
"Gabrielle," Ephiny said softly as they rode.
"Hmm?" Gabrielle asked distantly.
"When your child is born, are you going to stay as queen?" Ephiny asked. Gabrielle swallowed hard. She knew Ephiny would ask sooner or later.
"I can't," Gabrielle replied. "I can't stay because I want to be with Xena and our child. I want the baby to see the world."
"Well, did you convince yourself of that for Xena's sake, or is that really what you want?" With that said, Ephiny rode along in silence while Gabrielle pondered her friend's words.
Chapter Eighteen
It was four hours later when the burial was finally finished. Baby Gwendolyn was asleep and Xena rode away from the grave with tears in her eyes. She didn't know what she was going to do, but she had to find her son and Xenan first.
As Xena rode, the baby that was nestled in the crook of one arm made soft cooing noises in her sleep. Xena knew the baby would soon be hungry again. She hummed as she rode.
She soon came to a tavern where she decided to get some milk for the small child. She thought it would be safer to sleep in a warm room for the night as well.
The warrior dismounted the horse with the sleeping child. She went inside, threw down some dinars, put some milk into a wineskin and made her way up to a room for the night. She closed the door behind her and lit the candles. The room was in pretty good living condition, but it was rather dusty.
Xena found a cradle in the corner of the room. She put the sleeping baby down and ripped up a couple of sheets. She pulled out a needle and thread out of her bag and began sewing the child a decent outfit. She decided to buy some cloth to make diapers before she left in the morning.
The baby began to squirm and Xena quickly hurried her sewing so she could dress the baby. She looked over at the child who had thick, dark hair and blue eyes. She smiled thinking the child looked as if it could be her own. It was strange how much the baby didn't look like Gabrielle. The child was Gabrielle's niece, but had no family resemblance to her.
The baby began crying and Xena tied off the last string she had sewn in. She quickly hurried to the child and unwrapped her from the blanket. She made a padding for the diaper and put the little white outfit on her. The infant still squalled and Xena rocked her back and forth. She put the wineskin to the baby's mouth and she began to suckle. Xena rocked back and forth with Gwendolyn and hummed a lullaby to her.
*~*
After riding all day and night, fast and hard, the amazons decided that they'd need to make camp. Gabrielle didn't know how close they were to Xena, but she had the feeling they were close. They had passed, just minutes before, a fresh grave that looked as if Xena had dug it. Gabrielle knew they were close to Xena.
She smiled and rubbed her swollen belly. Her baby kicked in reply and Gabrielle chuckled.
"You're growing stronger little one. But, you've still got a few weeks to go," the queen said. She smiled distantly and walked around for awhile, exercising her sore legs. She yawned and looked over at Ephiny. The amazon was sitting on a tree log, staring absent-mindedly into the fire. Gabrielle walked over to her leisurely and sat down. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm hanging in there," Ephiny replied sadly. "I hope my boy is okay."
"I'm sure he is," Gabrielle promised. "I'm sure he is fine." An excited amazon then interrupted them.
"Queen Gabrielle," she exclaimed as she hurried up to them. "I'm sorry, but, one of the girls said she heard Xena was in the next village!" Gabrielle's eyes widened.
"I'm going," Gabrielle said.
"We're coming with you," Ephiny declared.
"No. I have to go see Xena by myself," Gabrielle demanded. With that, she helped herself onto the horse slowly and rode off. "I'll be back at sun up!" She called this as she rode away.
*~*
Xena was finally ready to go to bed. The baby had been fed and she'd fell asleep quickly. The tired warrior took her boots off and put her armor in a chair. She hurried into bed and pulled the covers up over her head. The only sounds she could hear were the occasional crashes and yelps from small bar fights.
She couldn't get over the constant nagging at the back of her mind. What was she going to do about the baby? How was she going to tell Gabrielle that her sister was dead and she had a niece?
Chapter Nineteen
Gabrielle slowed her horse into a steady trot when she reached the nearest village. She saw a few people wandering around outside, but mostly there were dark windows and a few occasional candles lighting the buildings.
She figured that Xena would be in a tavern but she wondered why the warrior would be there? Wouldn't she just keep riding? Gabrielle shrugged and walked into the tavern that smelled a lot better than the one she had been at last with Xena. She walked up to the tavern keeper and looked around her while she did. Everyone was laughing and playing games, eating, and arguing. She figured Xena wouldn't be in this crowd.
"Can I help you?" the man asked as he wiped out a wet cup. Gabrielle nodded.
"I believe my friend is here. Xena, the warrior princess?" Gabrielle asked.
"Oh, yeah, they're upstairs, first room on the left, I believe," the man said. Gabrielle nodded and started to head toward the staircase. She stopped, frozen in her tracks. They? Did that man just say they? Xena was with someone? They'd been apart for a little over a day and Xena was already with someone? How could she? Maybe it wasn't what she thought, but what else could it be?
Swallowing back anger and tears, Gabrielle started up the stairs, one shaky hand on the railing. She took slow, heavy steps and tried to get rid of her anger. Xena was in one of those rooms with someone. She didn't know if she should just walk in or knock. Well, Xena was hers; she had every right to barge in. But what if it wasn't what she thought? What if it was Joxer? Well, Gabrielle thought, Gabrielle was sure Xena'd never touch Joxer like that. But what if she actually did? Gabrielle shook those thoughts out of her head and walked along, trying not to think about it.
The blonde woman reached the top of the stairs and stood in front of the fist door on the left. She closed her eyes for a moment before putting her hand on the knob and turning. It was locked! Gabrielle couldn't believe it! She started knocking furiously now, not caring if she woke up the whole tavern.
"Xena!" she exclaimed. She heard frantic footsteps heading for the door. She heard the latch unlock and the finally opened. Gabrielle stood wide-eyed in front of a concerned Xena. She looked as if she'd just woken up.
"Gabrielle?" she asked with a yawn. "What are you doing here?" She opened the door to invite Gabrielle in.
"Are you sure you want me in there?" Gabrielle asked with astonishment. Xena nodded with annoyance. She tapped her foot and waited for her lover to enter the room. Gabrielle walked in hesitantly and looked around. Nobody was in there. She was flabbergasted! Maybe Xena hid the person somewhere in the room.
"Xena, the tavern keeper," Gabrielle started, but Xena cut her off.
"I don't know what to do about her Xena. I found her," Xena declared, thinking Gabrielle knew about the baby now. "I don't know if I should let her stay with us."
"What!?" Gabrielle asked. "Are we talking about the same people?"
"I don't think so," Xena asked with narrowed eyes. She strode across the room and into the corner. She picked up a silent bundle and carried it over to Gabrielle. The younger woman's eyes went wide.
"Xena?" she asked. Without anything else said, Xena handed the child to Gabrielle and looked into her love's eyes.
"She is your niece, Gabrielle. Her name is Gwendolyn," Xena explained.
"My niece?" Gabrielle asked, feeling stupid for thinking Xena had been unfaithful. She was just happy this person was an infant. "Where's Lila?" She began to look around to see if her sister would pop out in surprise. Xena's face turned serious.
"Gabrielle, give me the baby and sit down," Xena ordered. Gabrielle narrowed her eyes but did as she was told. She handed the child to the warrior and Xena put her down in the cradle. Gabrielle sat down on the edge of the bed and Xena sat down beside her.
"What's going on? Where's my sister?" Gabrielle questioned. Xena took a deep breath and looked Gabrielle in the eyes, taking her hands in hers.
"When I was heading toward the centaur village, I stopped Argo and I heard crying. It was a child's crying. I walked toward the sound and found Lila and the child. Lila was covered in blood and she was holding the newborn child. I hurried to them, Gabrielle, but Lila had been ambushed and she was losing too much blood. She died, Gabrielle," Xena concluded. Gabrielle's face scrunched up as a tear slid down her face. She brushed it away softly with a weak hand. Xena put her arms around her love and held her close.
"Why did it have to be her?" Gabrielle asked in short breaths. "Why?"
"I don't know," Xena said. "But I'll kill those centaur hunters. I'll avenge your sister and get Solan and Xenan back."
"The centaur hunters?" Gabrielle asked angrily. Xena nodded.
"It's okay," Xena said. "Everything will be okay."
Chapter Twenty
After spending a night in her warrior's arms, Gabrielle remembered that the amazons were waiting for her. She got out of bed and moved across the floor slowly. She walked over to the child's cradle. The baby was awake and moving around. As soon as she saw Gabrielle, she started crying, knowing this was somebody who could feed her. Gabrielle smiled down at her niece.
"Hello," she said as she nervously picked up the baby. "Hi Gwendolyn." The baby cried and cried. Gabrielle searched the room and found the wineskin. She sniffed it and sure enough, it was mild. She put it to the child's lips and the girl began to drink it. Gabrielle said down in a chair and began to rock the baby back and forth. She looked over at Xena and smiled at her sleeping beauty.
Xena could feel eyes on her and she smiled, knowing Gabrielle was watching her. She opened her eyes and sat up slowly.
"Morning," Gabrielle greeted with a half smile. Xena nodded.
"Morning Gabrielle," she replied.
"We better head out early," Gabrielle declared. "We have to reach the centaur village."
"What do you mean, we?" Xena asked as she started to dress.
"I mean, we as you, me, and the amazons," Gabrielle revealed. Xena shook her head.
"No. I won't let you get involved," Xena said harshly.
"I'm already involved. Those bastards killed my sister," Gabrielle replied as she stood slowly. She took the wineskin from the now sleeping baby and lifted the child so her head rested on Gabrielle's shoulder.
"Gabrielle," Xena warned. "I don't want you getting hurt. We've been through this before."
"I know, but I'm not a child, Xena," Gabrielle said. "I'm your lover, I'm carrying your child, and we're going to be together forever, no matter what."
"I know that," Xena reminded. "But if anything happened to you or our child, I'd never forgive myself."
"Well, then I'll just have to stay away from sword tips," Gabrielle said. "I'm going down for breakfast. You'd better hurry." With that, Gabrielle left the room with the child.
Xena started after her lover with a look of surprise on her face. Gabrielle was taking charge. She was very good at it too. Xena just shook her head with a grin on her face. She then proceeded to dress and go down to meet Gabrielle for breakfast.
*~*
An hour later, Xena was buying diapers for the baby and Gabrielle was saddling Argo and the horse she'd gotten from the amazons. Gabrielle waited patiently by her horse with the child until Xena got back. The warrior helped Gabrielle onto the horse and handed her the child.
In a few minutes, they were backtracking to find the amazons. Xena rode behind Gabrielle and Gabrielle rode and held onto her niece. Every once in awhile, she'd feel her unborn child kicking her. She'd pat her belly and tell her child to calm down. After a while, the child would stop kicking and Gabrielle knew it was sleeping.
To Gabrielle, it was amazing being pregnant. She felt such a strong connection between herself and the child. She felt like she knew everything about the baby but she'd never seen it before and she didn't even know if it was a boy or a girl. But, she did know that whatever the child was, it'd be special.
Throughout the rest of the day, Xena rode and thought about nothing but getting her son and Xenan to safety. She was ready to do anything to protect those boys. She wasn't going to lose Solan. She'd given him up before and she wasn't going to let him die because of her mistake.
The warrior thought about the night Solan was born and how he looked up at her before she gave him to the centaurs. She remembered this look in his beautiful little eyes that told her that everything was going to be okay somehow. Everything would work out and be okay. Xena sure hoped that was right. She didn't want all of her worries and love for her son to end up adding up to nothing.
Xena started to think about what her new child would look like when it was born. She smiled when she thought of the child looking just like Gabrielle. She thought that would be such a wonderful thing. If the child looked like her, she wouldn't be disappointed either. The thoughts of her new baby brought her to thoughts of Gabrielle. She found herself smiling at the remembrance of their first night together. She remembered the way Gabrielle's skin felt against hers and the way Gabrielle's hair spilt over her face as she kissed her.
The warrior felt cold chills creep up and down her spine again thinking of her partner. She couldn't wait until they could be together again. She wanted to hold Gabrielle in her arms and sing to her and talk to her. She wanted to be there when the baby was born so she could take the child in her arms and promise it that she'd always be there.
The sound of crying made Xena stop Argo. The warrior princess looked around and saw nothing but heard the continued crying. She knew that sound very well. It was the sound of a newborn baby's first cries.
Xena dismounted Argo and whispered in her ear to stay there and wait. The horse did as she was told and began to graze on some grass. Xena walked toward the crying and could hear the sobs of a young woman.
"Hello?" Xena asked. "Hello?" Xena could hear a woman's gasps and she hurried into a field where the grass grew tall. She soon saw a dark-haired woman, covered in blood, holding a screaming, naked infant. The woman looked over at Xena and her face was so incredibly familiar. Xena's eyes went wide.
"Lila?" she asked. Lila began to cry.
"Xena," she whimpered. Xena hurried to her side.
"What happened?" Xena asked as she saw large gashes in Lila's skin and a puncture wound in her chest. The girl was dying. There was no way to save her.
"I was on my way home," she gasped out. "To my parents and my husband. I was ambushed." Tears surged down her face slowly. "My child, save my child." With that, she passed out, still breathing. Xena took the tiny girl in her arms. She held her close. What was Xena supposed to do? Take the child back to Gabrielle and tell her she had a niece but her sister was . . . Xena's thoughts trailed off and she looked over the baby girl to make sure the child was healthy. She was perfectly fine and her color was very good.
"Lila?" Xena asked as she whistled for Argo. The girl didn't wake up. She was losing blood and quickly. There was no way to save her. Argo trotted up and Xena pulled out a warm brown blanket out of the saddlebags. She sliced off the lifeline to Lila and wrapped the infant in the blanket. "Lila?"
"Gwendolyn," Lila said. Xena didn't know what to make of that. Lila was uttering soft words in her sleep. "Name her Gwendolyn." With that, the girl gave out her last breaths and passed on. Xena was in shock. The poor girl was so innocent and she shouldn't have died.
The baby was still crying and Xena couldn't nurse the infant. She grimaced and put her up to her mother's breast. The infant suckled as Xena fixed the baby into Lila's arms. She stood for a moment and decided she should give Gabrielle's sister a proper burial and then avenge her death. It was obvious to Xena who killed her. There were tracks that were leading off the scene of the crime. They were human prints, but there was centaur hair in them. The centaur hunters were the killers.
Xena's blood boiled hot and she wanted vengeance. She started to dig with sharp rocks and pointed sticks. It would be hours before she could get the hold deep and wide enough to bury the woman, but she didn't care. She needed to do this.
*~*
Gabrielle rode along and thought about a lot of things. She thought about protecting her child. She knew Xena could do that, but what about her? Gabrielle had never killed in her life and she didn't know if she could do it. Did she have it in her? If it was for love, she knew she could kill, but the pain afterwards would be so hard to bare.
"Gabrielle," Ephiny said softly as they rode.
"Hmm?" Gabrielle asked distantly.
"When your child is born, are you going to stay as queen?" Ephiny asked. Gabrielle swallowed hard. She knew Ephiny would ask sooner or later.
"I can't," Gabrielle replied. "I can't stay because I want to be with Xena and our child. I want the baby to see the world."
"Well, did you convince yourself of that for Xena's sake, or is that really what you want?" With that said, Ephiny rode along in silence while Gabrielle pondered her friend's words.
Chapter Eighteen
It was four hours later when the burial was finally finished. Baby Gwendolyn was asleep and Xena rode away from the grave with tears in her eyes. She didn't know what she was going to do, but she had to find her son and Xenan first.
As Xena rode, the baby that was nestled in the crook of one arm made soft cooing noises in her sleep. Xena knew the baby would soon be hungry again. She hummed as she rode.
She soon came to a tavern where she decided to get some milk for the small child. She thought it would be safer to sleep in a warm room for the night as well.
The warrior dismounted the horse with the sleeping child. She went inside, threw down some dinars, put some milk into a wineskin and made her way up to a room for the night. She closed the door behind her and lit the candles. The room was in pretty good living condition, but it was rather dusty.
Xena found a cradle in the corner of the room. She put the sleeping baby down and ripped up a couple of sheets. She pulled out a needle and thread out of her bag and began sewing the child a decent outfit. She decided to buy some cloth to make diapers before she left in the morning.
The baby began to squirm and Xena quickly hurried her sewing so she could dress the baby. She looked over at the child who had thick, dark hair and blue eyes. She smiled thinking the child looked as if it could be her own. It was strange how much the baby didn't look like Gabrielle. The child was Gabrielle's niece, but had no family resemblance to her.
The baby began crying and Xena tied off the last string she had sewn in. She quickly hurried to the child and unwrapped her from the blanket. She made a padding for the diaper and put the little white outfit on her. The infant still squalled and Xena rocked her back and forth. She put the wineskin to the baby's mouth and she began to suckle. Xena rocked back and forth with Gwendolyn and hummed a lullaby to her.
*~*
After riding all day and night, fast and hard, the amazons decided that they'd need to make camp. Gabrielle didn't know how close they were to Xena, but she had the feeling they were close. They had passed, just minutes before, a fresh grave that looked as if Xena had dug it. Gabrielle knew they were close to Xena.
She smiled and rubbed her swollen belly. Her baby kicked in reply and Gabrielle chuckled.
"You're growing stronger little one. But, you've still got a few weeks to go," the queen said. She smiled distantly and walked around for awhile, exercising her sore legs. She yawned and looked over at Ephiny. The amazon was sitting on a tree log, staring absent-mindedly into the fire. Gabrielle walked over to her leisurely and sat down. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm hanging in there," Ephiny replied sadly. "I hope my boy is okay."
"I'm sure he is," Gabrielle promised. "I'm sure he is fine." An excited amazon then interrupted them.
"Queen Gabrielle," she exclaimed as she hurried up to them. "I'm sorry, but, one of the girls said she heard Xena was in the next village!" Gabrielle's eyes widened.
"I'm going," Gabrielle said.
"We're coming with you," Ephiny declared.
"No. I have to go see Xena by myself," Gabrielle demanded. With that, she helped herself onto the horse slowly and rode off. "I'll be back at sun up!" She called this as she rode away.
*~*
Xena was finally ready to go to bed. The baby had been fed and she'd fell asleep quickly. The tired warrior took her boots off and put her armor in a chair. She hurried into bed and pulled the covers up over her head. The only sounds she could hear were the occasional crashes and yelps from small bar fights.
She couldn't get over the constant nagging at the back of her mind. What was she going to do about the baby? How was she going to tell Gabrielle that her sister was dead and she had a niece?
Chapter Nineteen
Gabrielle slowed her horse into a steady trot when she reached the nearest village. She saw a few people wandering around outside, but mostly there were dark windows and a few occasional candles lighting the buildings.
She figured that Xena would be in a tavern but she wondered why the warrior would be there? Wouldn't she just keep riding? Gabrielle shrugged and walked into the tavern that smelled a lot better than the one she had been at last with Xena. She walked up to the tavern keeper and looked around her while she did. Everyone was laughing and playing games, eating, and arguing. She figured Xena wouldn't be in this crowd.
"Can I help you?" the man asked as he wiped out a wet cup. Gabrielle nodded.
"I believe my friend is here. Xena, the warrior princess?" Gabrielle asked.
"Oh, yeah, they're upstairs, first room on the left, I believe," the man said. Gabrielle nodded and started to head toward the staircase. She stopped, frozen in her tracks. They? Did that man just say they? Xena was with someone? They'd been apart for a little over a day and Xena was already with someone? How could she? Maybe it wasn't what she thought, but what else could it be?
Swallowing back anger and tears, Gabrielle started up the stairs, one shaky hand on the railing. She took slow, heavy steps and tried to get rid of her anger. Xena was in one of those rooms with someone. She didn't know if she should just walk in or knock. Well, Xena was hers; she had every right to barge in. But what if it wasn't what she thought? What if it was Joxer? Well, Gabrielle thought, Gabrielle was sure Xena'd never touch Joxer like that. But what if she actually did? Gabrielle shook those thoughts out of her head and walked along, trying not to think about it.
The blonde woman reached the top of the stairs and stood in front of the fist door on the left. She closed her eyes for a moment before putting her hand on the knob and turning. It was locked! Gabrielle couldn't believe it! She started knocking furiously now, not caring if she woke up the whole tavern.
"Xena!" she exclaimed. She heard frantic footsteps heading for the door. She heard the latch unlock and the finally opened. Gabrielle stood wide-eyed in front of a concerned Xena. She looked as if she'd just woken up.
"Gabrielle?" she asked with a yawn. "What are you doing here?" She opened the door to invite Gabrielle in.
"Are you sure you want me in there?" Gabrielle asked with astonishment. Xena nodded with annoyance. She tapped her foot and waited for her lover to enter the room. Gabrielle walked in hesitantly and looked around. Nobody was in there. She was flabbergasted! Maybe Xena hid the person somewhere in the room.
"Xena, the tavern keeper," Gabrielle started, but Xena cut her off.
"I don't know what to do about her Xena. I found her," Xena declared, thinking Gabrielle knew about the baby now. "I don't know if I should let her stay with us."
"What!?" Gabrielle asked. "Are we talking about the same people?"
"I don't think so," Xena asked with narrowed eyes. She strode across the room and into the corner. She picked up a silent bundle and carried it over to Gabrielle. The younger woman's eyes went wide.
"Xena?" she asked. Without anything else said, Xena handed the child to Gabrielle and looked into her love's eyes.
"She is your niece, Gabrielle. Her name is Gwendolyn," Xena explained.
"My niece?" Gabrielle asked, feeling stupid for thinking Xena had been unfaithful. She was just happy this person was an infant. "Where's Lila?" She began to look around to see if her sister would pop out in surprise. Xena's face turned serious.
"Gabrielle, give me the baby and sit down," Xena ordered. Gabrielle narrowed her eyes but did as she was told. She handed the child to the warrior and Xena put her down in the cradle. Gabrielle sat down on the edge of the bed and Xena sat down beside her.
"What's going on? Where's my sister?" Gabrielle questioned. Xena took a deep breath and looked Gabrielle in the eyes, taking her hands in hers.
"When I was heading toward the centaur village, I stopped Argo and I heard crying. It was a child's crying. I walked toward the sound and found Lila and the child. Lila was covered in blood and she was holding the newborn child. I hurried to them, Gabrielle, but Lila had been ambushed and she was losing too much blood. She died, Gabrielle," Xena concluded. Gabrielle's face scrunched up as a tear slid down her face. She brushed it away softly with a weak hand. Xena put her arms around her love and held her close.
"Why did it have to be her?" Gabrielle asked in short breaths. "Why?"
"I don't know," Xena said. "But I'll kill those centaur hunters. I'll avenge your sister and get Solan and Xenan back."
"The centaur hunters?" Gabrielle asked angrily. Xena nodded.
"It's okay," Xena said. "Everything will be okay."
Chapter Twenty
After spending a night in her warrior's arms, Gabrielle remembered that the amazons were waiting for her. She got out of bed and moved across the floor slowly. She walked over to the child's cradle. The baby was awake and moving around. As soon as she saw Gabrielle, she started crying, knowing this was somebody who could feed her. Gabrielle smiled down at her niece.
"Hello," she said as she nervously picked up the baby. "Hi Gwendolyn." The baby cried and cried. Gabrielle searched the room and found the wineskin. She sniffed it and sure enough, it was mild. She put it to the child's lips and the girl began to drink it. Gabrielle said down in a chair and began to rock the baby back and forth. She looked over at Xena and smiled at her sleeping beauty.
Xena could feel eyes on her and she smiled, knowing Gabrielle was watching her. She opened her eyes and sat up slowly.
"Morning," Gabrielle greeted with a half smile. Xena nodded.
"Morning Gabrielle," she replied.
"We better head out early," Gabrielle declared. "We have to reach the centaur village."
"What do you mean, we?" Xena asked as she started to dress.
"I mean, we as you, me, and the amazons," Gabrielle revealed. Xena shook her head.
"No. I won't let you get involved," Xena said harshly.
"I'm already involved. Those bastards killed my sister," Gabrielle replied as she stood slowly. She took the wineskin from the now sleeping baby and lifted the child so her head rested on Gabrielle's shoulder.
"Gabrielle," Xena warned. "I don't want you getting hurt. We've been through this before."
"I know, but I'm not a child, Xena," Gabrielle said. "I'm your lover, I'm carrying your child, and we're going to be together forever, no matter what."
"I know that," Xena reminded. "But if anything happened to you or our child, I'd never forgive myself."
"Well, then I'll just have to stay away from sword tips," Gabrielle said. "I'm going down for breakfast. You'd better hurry." With that, Gabrielle left the room with the child.
Xena started after her lover with a look of surprise on her face. Gabrielle was taking charge. She was very good at it too. Xena just shook her head with a grin on her face. She then proceeded to dress and go down to meet Gabrielle for breakfast.
*~*
An hour later, Xena was buying diapers for the baby and Gabrielle was saddling Argo and the horse she'd gotten from the amazons. Gabrielle waited patiently by her horse with the child until Xena got back. The warrior helped Gabrielle onto the horse and handed her the child.
In a few minutes, they were backtracking to find the amazons. Xena rode behind Gabrielle and Gabrielle rode and held onto her niece. Every once in awhile, she'd feel her unborn child kicking her. She'd pat her belly and tell her child to calm down. After a while, the child would stop kicking and Gabrielle knew it was sleeping.
To Gabrielle, it was amazing being pregnant. She felt such a strong connection between herself and the child. She felt like she knew everything about the baby but she'd never seen it before and she didn't even know if it was a boy or a girl. But, she did know that whatever the child was, it'd be special.