Chapter Twenty-One
Riding hard and fast, the group headed closer and closer to the centaur village. Baby Gwendolyn slept most of the time and while they rode, Gabrielle would feed her an occasional wineskin of milk.
Xena and Gabrielle rode side by side and gazed at each other every once in a while, wanting to be together but knowing that they couldn't be yet. But, they knew that in a few weeks, the child would be born and Gabrielle would be healing.
"Xena," Gabrielle said as the ride slowed and it was now a quick trot.
"Hmm?" Xena asked leisurely.
"When we get to the centaur village, do you think that Solan and Xenan will be okay?" Gabrielle asked.
"I'm sure they will be. They'll be in danger once all hell breaks loose. That's when we get there," Xena said calmly. "If they have harmed one hair on Solan's head, I will make them pay dearly.
"I want vengeance. I want the one who killed my sister to die," Gabrielle said coldly. Xena was shocked at her partner's words. Gabrielle had never talked like that before.
"Gabrielle, do you know what you're saying?" Xena asked. Gabrielle nodded.
"I know exactly what I'm saying. I want him to suffer like she did," the bard declared. "I don't want him to be able to live and laugh and continue to kill people ruthlessly like he did to my sister. I want Gwendolyn to know that her mother's killer was killed the way he should be."
"Gabrielle," Xena said with a nervous tone. "Please don't talk like that. You're an innocent and I think you should stay that way. You've been the most wonderful part of my life and that's because you're so innocent and you care. I don't want you to change."
"Xena, I'll stay away, but I want you to make sure that they one who killed my sister dies. Do you know which one he is?" Gabrielle asked. Xena shook her head. "Then kill them all," Gabrielle said casually. "But, if I see him, if I find out who he is, I won't hesitate to do it." For a moment, Xena flashed back to the time she was in Chin. She remembered the taste of blood, the thirst for it, and she knew Gabrielle was coming to the point where she wanted to taste blood. She couldn't let it happen.
*~*
It was nightfall when the group was just hours away from the camp. They all decided that they would wait a few hours and rest and head out, reaching the centaur village near sunup. They'd find Caliopus and figure out the best way to get the boys back.
Xena set out her bedroll and Gabrielle did the same. The two women sat down next to each other and Gabrielle handed Gwendolyn to Xena.
"Take her," she said. "My arms are tired." Xena nodded and took the infant into her arms. She smiled.
"Hi there," she said softly. The baby gurgled and looked around for a moment before her eyes started to flutter shut.
"Xena, I'm sorry if I scared you earlier," Gabrielle started. "I'm just so angry. My sister shouldn't have died. She shouldn't have been the one to die."
"I know Gabrielle," Xena said. "You're grieving and I don't think you should let your grief out by losing your blood innocence. Keep that innocence and know that you were strong enough, in the worst situation, to keep yourself in control."
"I'll try," Gabrielle said as she stared into the campfire. She lay down and placed her hands on her stomach. Xena bent down and kissed the bard's forehead. She sat back up and looked around at the other amazons. They were all quiet and they were all sharpening points into their staffs and sharpening their arrows for their crossbows.
Xena looked back down at the innocent baby in her arms and she smiled. The child was so pure and Xena didn't want her to change. She wanted the child that Lila had given birth to, to have the life that her mother wanted her to have. She imagined that Lila would've wanted Gwendolyn to have a simple, pleasant life in Poteadia where she would be safe from the evils of the world.
"What do you want, little one?" Xena asked as she rocked the baby back and forth. The baby cooed and snuggled up against Xena's breastplate. Xena kissed the top of the baby's soft head and she put her down on a warm blanket beside her. "Goodnight Gwendolyn."
Chapter Twenty-Two
A few hours later, the horses were packed up and the women were heading toward the centaur village. Xena had made a small sling for Gwendolyn. The child was put into a brown fur sling that tied around Xena's and, at this time, Gabrielle's waist and came up around their shoulders. Xena and Gabrielle decided that it would be used when Gabrielle gave birth to their baby.
Gwendolyn slept against Gabrielle's back and the warrior rode swiftly along with the other women. Torches were seen just miles ahead from the centaur warriors that were waiting for Xena.
With a quick glance at her pregnant partner, Xena rode ahead, along with the amazons while Gabrielle stayed back a little. She would be hiding in the village, like Xena wanted her too. She didn't mind, but she didn't want Xena to continue treating her like a child. She wasn't about to stay put. She never did because she always became restless. She knew she'd get into the battle somehow and prove that she was tough. But, then again, she had the unborn baby and Gwendolyn to consider.
Gabrielle dismounted her horse and walked into the hut that she recognized as Caliopus'. Gabrielle carried baby Gwendolyn into the hut and looked for a place to lay her down. The child was very heavy and Gabrielle's arms ached from holding her and her legs ached because of the extra weight.
Luckily, there was an old cradle that was probably used for Solan when he was an infant. Gabrielle put the child down in it and she walked around the hut. Caliopus was most likely out with the rest of the centaurs, standing, waiting for Xena.
Gabrielle sat down and tapped her fingers on a nearby table. She was so scared for her lover but she didn't know how to help. The child growing in side was kicking and Gabrielle didn't feel well at all.
It was this moment, with her child kicking, that Gabrielle wondered about Gwendolyn. What would happen? Did Xena have any intention of keeping Gwendolyn with them? Did she want the child with them? Did she want the child to go to her grandparents?
Gabrielle had no problem of letting her parents raise the baby, but she knew the baby needed more than her grandparents. She wanted the child to be a strong, independent woman when she grew up. She really thought the amazons would be a strong influence on her.
Maybe Gwendolyn could be an amazon and grow up with values and friends. That would make Gabrielle very happy, but what about Xena? What would she want to happen with the black-haired, blue-eyed baby?
Gabrielle stood for a moment and looked out of a window in the hut. Everything was clear and silent at the moment. She wondered how long it would last.
*~*
Xena and the amazons rode up about 500 paces behind the centaurs. They dismounted their horses and hunched over, nearly crawling over to the creatures. Ephiny stayed beside Xena as they traveled, but they didn't want to be spotted by any centaur hunters.
Xena spotted Caliopus leaning against a tree trunk. He had an arrow sticking out of his hide. Xena grimaced at the grossly infected looking wound. The centaur was working on getting the arrow out and was fixing a poultice for it.
Xena signaled for the other amazons to be careful about being spotted and they understood. They crawled lower as Xena and Ephiny hurried up behind Caliopus. Xena could sense that all hell was about to break loose, but before that happened, she needed to make sure Xenan and Solan were okay. Her heart nearly jumped into her throat as she came closer to the centaurs. She didn't know if what she would find over the boundaries would be good or bad.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Caliopus caught a glimpse of the warrior princess and his face brightened a little. He knew everything would be okay as long as Xena was there.
"Xena," he said in a whisper. Xena motioned for him to be silent for a moment. She crawled up behind him and hid against a wide oak tree. Ephiny buddied up with another centaur, as did the other amazons.
"Where are the boys?" Xena whispered. Caliopus motioned toward the mountains.
"They're in cages, hanging over a mountain cliff. One cut of the ropes and they'll be gone," Caliopus explained nervously. Xena heaved a heavy sigh and peered out of the corner of her eye to catch a glimpse of the centaur hunters.
The men were all pretty tall and they had long, grizzly beards and shaved heads. They looked as if they hadn't bathed in years and their clothes were stained with their own bodily excrements. Xena crinkled her nose and looked back at Caliopus.
"Lovely bunch, aren't they?" he asked. Xena nodded.
"Sure are. Now, here's the plan. They want me, right?" Xena asked. "Well, I'll pop in, unannounced and then while I have them distracted, I want you to head for Solan and Xenan. All of the amazons and the centaurs ride toward them, the easiest route you know and I'll be there once I wipe the floor with these scumbags." Caliopus nodded and the word spread quickly. The amazons and centaurs prepared to run and Xena prepared for battle. She unsheathed her sword silently and pulled her chakram from her beltloop.
"Yiyiyiyiyiyiyiy!" Came the infamous battle cry.
The centaur hunters stood with a growl and pulled their swords and looked around for anything else they could use to kill the warrior princess.
Xena gave the signal and a whole army of amazons and centaurs slowly crept toward the mountains as Xena ran, jumped through the air and flipped, putting on a spectacular performance. She landed just feet away from the horrid men. A sneer crept upon her lips and she spoke.
"You want me? Come and get me."
*~*
Gabrielle had heard Xena's battle cry and she knew that the battle had begun. She looked over at the sleeping baby and she looked out the window. She could hear men screaming and yelling. She knew that Xena was kicking ass. But, she wondered if Xena had yet killed the man who had killed Lila? It was most likely the leader of the group and he probably wouldn't appear until the very end of the battle.
"I'm sorry Gwendolyn," Gabrielle said as she kissed the baby's hand. "I'll be back for you. I promise." With that, Gabrielle grabbed her staff and left the hut.
The bard walked around to all of the huts, searching for a weapon that could kill a man in an instant, but it seemed that they had all been taken for this day. Gabrielle continued to search and she finally found a broken crossbow that needed repair. She examined it and from her experience with Xena, she knew it could be mended with a piece of string. She searched for some thin wiry string and found some in the fabric of the tetherball that the centaur boys kicked around.
Gabrielle repaired the crossbow and gathered some arrows. She then headed out toward the sound of the fight. She told herself that everything was going to be okay. If she got the chance, she was going to kill the one who killed her sister. She just had to figure out which one he was.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Gabrielle hid herself on a high hill, behind some bushes. She could see everything from up there. She could see Xena fighting the men and she saw the centaurs and amazons heading for the mountain. She could even see two small cages atop a mountain cliff. That was most likely where Xenan and Solan where.
Gabrielle surveyed the land and looked for any sign of the leader. All of the men looked the same and Gabrielle didn't want to kill if she wasn't killing the murderer. She looked around again and spotted one man standing behind the battle. He was much bigger than the rest and his muscles were bulging. He had a club in one hand and an axe in another. Gabrielle's eyes went big. It had to be him. She knew it. She could just feel it and at that moment, a breeze blew over her, as if it were a message from her sister.
"I will avenge you, Lila," Gabrielle swore. She crouched down and waited.
*~*
Xena was slaughtering the men left to right. There was probably a pile of bodies behind her ten feet high. She looked around as she stuck a sword into one man's belly. There was a sea of bloody bodies all around her. But more men were still relentless to kill her.
Xena noticed a few of the men looking in the direction of the mountain. She knew they had seen the centaurs and the amazons. They were forming quite a commotion over there as they raised their bows and arrows.
With a free moment, Xena flung her chakram in their general direction, wiping out two of the three men. The chakram bounced off a nearby tree and went back, killing the last one.
At last, Xena stood up to one last man. He was large and buff. From the look of him, he was the leader and he was the reason Lila was dead now. She looked at his feet. They were huge and very well could've made those footprints near the scene of the attack.
"Xena!" he yelled. Xena smirked at him and wiped the warm blood off of her sword. She caught her chakram in mid air and put the bloodied weapon on her belt loop again. Out of the corner of her eye, Xena could see a figure perched on a hill. With a quick glance, she could see it was Gabrielle. Her eyes widened when she saw that Gabrielle had a weapon in her hands.
The man lunged forward and kicked Xena to the ground. She was dazed for a moment but got to her feet.
"You murderer," she scowled.
"There's still more of us," he bellowed. "They're waiting for my signal to cut those ropes. Then your precious boy will be gone forever."
"Well, what you don't know is that I've got a whole army heading for that mountain to ambush the rest of your men. The man thought she was bluffing but decided to give the signal anyway. As he started, Xena kicked him back, interrupting his signal. "Oh no you don't."
"Raaaaaah!" the man screamed as he lunged for Xena again. She met him with a hard kick to the groin and a strong punch in the nose. He stumbled back and nearly fell, but he found his balance and headed for Xena again.
*~*
"Xena!" Gabrielle exclaimed with a piercing shriek. With that, she raised her crossbow and waited for a good shot. She wanted to get him through the heart. But, there was a problem. There was a chance that she could hit Xena. She didn't want to risk that, but she realized a moment later that she wouldn't have to kill him.
The man slumped to the ground and Xena pierced his heart with her sword. She looked up at Gabrielle and nodded. Gabrielle immediately started crying because she knew her sister's death was avenged.
Xena began running toward the hill for Gabrielle and she met her at the foot. Gabrielle had hurried down as quickly as she could in her condition. Xena pulled the crying woman to her and kissed her firmly on the mouth.
"It's over," Xena promised. Gabrielle shook her head.
"Go get your son," she ordered. "He needs you," Xena nodded and ran off for the mountains. Gabrielle threw down the unused crossbow and retreated back to the village. Her blood innocence wasn't lost on this day, but she knew she wouldn't be able to keep it forever.
Riding hard and fast, the group headed closer and closer to the centaur village. Baby Gwendolyn slept most of the time and while they rode, Gabrielle would feed her an occasional wineskin of milk.
Xena and Gabrielle rode side by side and gazed at each other every once in a while, wanting to be together but knowing that they couldn't be yet. But, they knew that in a few weeks, the child would be born and Gabrielle would be healing.
"Xena," Gabrielle said as the ride slowed and it was now a quick trot.
"Hmm?" Xena asked leisurely.
"When we get to the centaur village, do you think that Solan and Xenan will be okay?" Gabrielle asked.
"I'm sure they will be. They'll be in danger once all hell breaks loose. That's when we get there," Xena said calmly. "If they have harmed one hair on Solan's head, I will make them pay dearly.
"I want vengeance. I want the one who killed my sister to die," Gabrielle said coldly. Xena was shocked at her partner's words. Gabrielle had never talked like that before.
"Gabrielle, do you know what you're saying?" Xena asked. Gabrielle nodded.
"I know exactly what I'm saying. I want him to suffer like she did," the bard declared. "I don't want him to be able to live and laugh and continue to kill people ruthlessly like he did to my sister. I want Gwendolyn to know that her mother's killer was killed the way he should be."
"Gabrielle," Xena said with a nervous tone. "Please don't talk like that. You're an innocent and I think you should stay that way. You've been the most wonderful part of my life and that's because you're so innocent and you care. I don't want you to change."
"Xena, I'll stay away, but I want you to make sure that they one who killed my sister dies. Do you know which one he is?" Gabrielle asked. Xena shook her head. "Then kill them all," Gabrielle said casually. "But, if I see him, if I find out who he is, I won't hesitate to do it." For a moment, Xena flashed back to the time she was in Chin. She remembered the taste of blood, the thirst for it, and she knew Gabrielle was coming to the point where she wanted to taste blood. She couldn't let it happen.
*~*
It was nightfall when the group was just hours away from the camp. They all decided that they would wait a few hours and rest and head out, reaching the centaur village near sunup. They'd find Caliopus and figure out the best way to get the boys back.
Xena set out her bedroll and Gabrielle did the same. The two women sat down next to each other and Gabrielle handed Gwendolyn to Xena.
"Take her," she said. "My arms are tired." Xena nodded and took the infant into her arms. She smiled.
"Hi there," she said softly. The baby gurgled and looked around for a moment before her eyes started to flutter shut.
"Xena, I'm sorry if I scared you earlier," Gabrielle started. "I'm just so angry. My sister shouldn't have died. She shouldn't have been the one to die."
"I know Gabrielle," Xena said. "You're grieving and I don't think you should let your grief out by losing your blood innocence. Keep that innocence and know that you were strong enough, in the worst situation, to keep yourself in control."
"I'll try," Gabrielle said as she stared into the campfire. She lay down and placed her hands on her stomach. Xena bent down and kissed the bard's forehead. She sat back up and looked around at the other amazons. They were all quiet and they were all sharpening points into their staffs and sharpening their arrows for their crossbows.
Xena looked back down at the innocent baby in her arms and she smiled. The child was so pure and Xena didn't want her to change. She wanted the child that Lila had given birth to, to have the life that her mother wanted her to have. She imagined that Lila would've wanted Gwendolyn to have a simple, pleasant life in Poteadia where she would be safe from the evils of the world.
"What do you want, little one?" Xena asked as she rocked the baby back and forth. The baby cooed and snuggled up against Xena's breastplate. Xena kissed the top of the baby's soft head and she put her down on a warm blanket beside her. "Goodnight Gwendolyn."
Chapter Twenty-Two
A few hours later, the horses were packed up and the women were heading toward the centaur village. Xena had made a small sling for Gwendolyn. The child was put into a brown fur sling that tied around Xena's and, at this time, Gabrielle's waist and came up around their shoulders. Xena and Gabrielle decided that it would be used when Gabrielle gave birth to their baby.
Gwendolyn slept against Gabrielle's back and the warrior rode swiftly along with the other women. Torches were seen just miles ahead from the centaur warriors that were waiting for Xena.
With a quick glance at her pregnant partner, Xena rode ahead, along with the amazons while Gabrielle stayed back a little. She would be hiding in the village, like Xena wanted her too. She didn't mind, but she didn't want Xena to continue treating her like a child. She wasn't about to stay put. She never did because she always became restless. She knew she'd get into the battle somehow and prove that she was tough. But, then again, she had the unborn baby and Gwendolyn to consider.
Gabrielle dismounted her horse and walked into the hut that she recognized as Caliopus'. Gabrielle carried baby Gwendolyn into the hut and looked for a place to lay her down. The child was very heavy and Gabrielle's arms ached from holding her and her legs ached because of the extra weight.
Luckily, there was an old cradle that was probably used for Solan when he was an infant. Gabrielle put the child down in it and she walked around the hut. Caliopus was most likely out with the rest of the centaurs, standing, waiting for Xena.
Gabrielle sat down and tapped her fingers on a nearby table. She was so scared for her lover but she didn't know how to help. The child growing in side was kicking and Gabrielle didn't feel well at all.
It was this moment, with her child kicking, that Gabrielle wondered about Gwendolyn. What would happen? Did Xena have any intention of keeping Gwendolyn with them? Did she want the child with them? Did she want the child to go to her grandparents?
Gabrielle had no problem of letting her parents raise the baby, but she knew the baby needed more than her grandparents. She wanted the child to be a strong, independent woman when she grew up. She really thought the amazons would be a strong influence on her.
Maybe Gwendolyn could be an amazon and grow up with values and friends. That would make Gabrielle very happy, but what about Xena? What would she want to happen with the black-haired, blue-eyed baby?
Gabrielle stood for a moment and looked out of a window in the hut. Everything was clear and silent at the moment. She wondered how long it would last.
*~*
Xena and the amazons rode up about 500 paces behind the centaurs. They dismounted their horses and hunched over, nearly crawling over to the creatures. Ephiny stayed beside Xena as they traveled, but they didn't want to be spotted by any centaur hunters.
Xena spotted Caliopus leaning against a tree trunk. He had an arrow sticking out of his hide. Xena grimaced at the grossly infected looking wound. The centaur was working on getting the arrow out and was fixing a poultice for it.
Xena signaled for the other amazons to be careful about being spotted and they understood. They crawled lower as Xena and Ephiny hurried up behind Caliopus. Xena could sense that all hell was about to break loose, but before that happened, she needed to make sure Xenan and Solan were okay. Her heart nearly jumped into her throat as she came closer to the centaurs. She didn't know if what she would find over the boundaries would be good or bad.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Caliopus caught a glimpse of the warrior princess and his face brightened a little. He knew everything would be okay as long as Xena was there.
"Xena," he said in a whisper. Xena motioned for him to be silent for a moment. She crawled up behind him and hid against a wide oak tree. Ephiny buddied up with another centaur, as did the other amazons.
"Where are the boys?" Xena whispered. Caliopus motioned toward the mountains.
"They're in cages, hanging over a mountain cliff. One cut of the ropes and they'll be gone," Caliopus explained nervously. Xena heaved a heavy sigh and peered out of the corner of her eye to catch a glimpse of the centaur hunters.
The men were all pretty tall and they had long, grizzly beards and shaved heads. They looked as if they hadn't bathed in years and their clothes were stained with their own bodily excrements. Xena crinkled her nose and looked back at Caliopus.
"Lovely bunch, aren't they?" he asked. Xena nodded.
"Sure are. Now, here's the plan. They want me, right?" Xena asked. "Well, I'll pop in, unannounced and then while I have them distracted, I want you to head for Solan and Xenan. All of the amazons and the centaurs ride toward them, the easiest route you know and I'll be there once I wipe the floor with these scumbags." Caliopus nodded and the word spread quickly. The amazons and centaurs prepared to run and Xena prepared for battle. She unsheathed her sword silently and pulled her chakram from her beltloop.
"Yiyiyiyiyiyiyiy!" Came the infamous battle cry.
The centaur hunters stood with a growl and pulled their swords and looked around for anything else they could use to kill the warrior princess.
Xena gave the signal and a whole army of amazons and centaurs slowly crept toward the mountains as Xena ran, jumped through the air and flipped, putting on a spectacular performance. She landed just feet away from the horrid men. A sneer crept upon her lips and she spoke.
"You want me? Come and get me."
*~*
Gabrielle had heard Xena's battle cry and she knew that the battle had begun. She looked over at the sleeping baby and she looked out the window. She could hear men screaming and yelling. She knew that Xena was kicking ass. But, she wondered if Xena had yet killed the man who had killed Lila? It was most likely the leader of the group and he probably wouldn't appear until the very end of the battle.
"I'm sorry Gwendolyn," Gabrielle said as she kissed the baby's hand. "I'll be back for you. I promise." With that, Gabrielle grabbed her staff and left the hut.
The bard walked around to all of the huts, searching for a weapon that could kill a man in an instant, but it seemed that they had all been taken for this day. Gabrielle continued to search and she finally found a broken crossbow that needed repair. She examined it and from her experience with Xena, she knew it could be mended with a piece of string. She searched for some thin wiry string and found some in the fabric of the tetherball that the centaur boys kicked around.
Gabrielle repaired the crossbow and gathered some arrows. She then headed out toward the sound of the fight. She told herself that everything was going to be okay. If she got the chance, she was going to kill the one who killed her sister. She just had to figure out which one he was.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Gabrielle hid herself on a high hill, behind some bushes. She could see everything from up there. She could see Xena fighting the men and she saw the centaurs and amazons heading for the mountain. She could even see two small cages atop a mountain cliff. That was most likely where Xenan and Solan where.
Gabrielle surveyed the land and looked for any sign of the leader. All of the men looked the same and Gabrielle didn't want to kill if she wasn't killing the murderer. She looked around again and spotted one man standing behind the battle. He was much bigger than the rest and his muscles were bulging. He had a club in one hand and an axe in another. Gabrielle's eyes went big. It had to be him. She knew it. She could just feel it and at that moment, a breeze blew over her, as if it were a message from her sister.
"I will avenge you, Lila," Gabrielle swore. She crouched down and waited.
*~*
Xena was slaughtering the men left to right. There was probably a pile of bodies behind her ten feet high. She looked around as she stuck a sword into one man's belly. There was a sea of bloody bodies all around her. But more men were still relentless to kill her.
Xena noticed a few of the men looking in the direction of the mountain. She knew they had seen the centaurs and the amazons. They were forming quite a commotion over there as they raised their bows and arrows.
With a free moment, Xena flung her chakram in their general direction, wiping out two of the three men. The chakram bounced off a nearby tree and went back, killing the last one.
At last, Xena stood up to one last man. He was large and buff. From the look of him, he was the leader and he was the reason Lila was dead now. She looked at his feet. They were huge and very well could've made those footprints near the scene of the attack.
"Xena!" he yelled. Xena smirked at him and wiped the warm blood off of her sword. She caught her chakram in mid air and put the bloodied weapon on her belt loop again. Out of the corner of her eye, Xena could see a figure perched on a hill. With a quick glance, she could see it was Gabrielle. Her eyes widened when she saw that Gabrielle had a weapon in her hands.
The man lunged forward and kicked Xena to the ground. She was dazed for a moment but got to her feet.
"You murderer," she scowled.
"There's still more of us," he bellowed. "They're waiting for my signal to cut those ropes. Then your precious boy will be gone forever."
"Well, what you don't know is that I've got a whole army heading for that mountain to ambush the rest of your men. The man thought she was bluffing but decided to give the signal anyway. As he started, Xena kicked him back, interrupting his signal. "Oh no you don't."
"Raaaaaah!" the man screamed as he lunged for Xena again. She met him with a hard kick to the groin and a strong punch in the nose. He stumbled back and nearly fell, but he found his balance and headed for Xena again.
*~*
"Xena!" Gabrielle exclaimed with a piercing shriek. With that, she raised her crossbow and waited for a good shot. She wanted to get him through the heart. But, there was a problem. There was a chance that she could hit Xena. She didn't want to risk that, but she realized a moment later that she wouldn't have to kill him.
The man slumped to the ground and Xena pierced his heart with her sword. She looked up at Gabrielle and nodded. Gabrielle immediately started crying because she knew her sister's death was avenged.
Xena began running toward the hill for Gabrielle and she met her at the foot. Gabrielle had hurried down as quickly as she could in her condition. Xena pulled the crying woman to her and kissed her firmly on the mouth.
"It's over," Xena promised. Gabrielle shook her head.
"Go get your son," she ordered. "He needs you," Xena nodded and ran off for the mountains. Gabrielle threw down the unused crossbow and retreated back to the village. Her blood innocence wasn't lost on this day, but she knew she wouldn't be able to keep it forever.