Xena came running into the room behind her. She'd layed Gabrielle down in a clearing close by and watched from the bushes. She wanted to be nearby in case Ephiny needed her help. She glanced at the missing roof and the mess below, "Are you all right?"

Ephiny didn't answer, she just stared at the pile. "Stupid Amazon, huh?" She shook out of her daze and glanced back at Xena. Xena could see she didn't wish to talk about anything right now, and knew she would want to be with her son. Without a word, they left the ruins.

*****

It was over. All over. They were all quiet as they headed back to camp. Gabrielle had gotten her breath back and was able to sit up in the saddle as Xena led Argo. Her bruises throbbed but had stopped bleeding thanks to the salve Xena had applied. Xena's arm was aching, but she pushed the pain to the back of her mind like always. Ephiny's ribs and back were terribly sore from being squeezed, but she didn't complain. She led the way, three paces ahead, eager to be with her son. now that she was flesh and blood again all she wanted was to hold him in her arms.

Halfway there, though, it was as if a blast of wind hit her head-on. She stopped and sucked in a steadying breath. She tried to turn around, but couldn't move! Xena helped Gabrielle down from the saddle and they hurried oner to her.

Gabrielle grabbed her arms, "Ephiny, what is it? What's wrong?"

Ephiny tried to speak, but her voice came out as a hoarse whisper. She just shook her head and frowned, confused.

Gabrielle squeezed her arms, "It's okay, just stay calm. You're going to be okay." She glanced at Xena, questioning her with her eyes. Xena just shook her head, clueless about what was happening.

Gabrielle gasped as her hands began to pass through Ephiny's arms!

Ephiny shook her head wildy. No! Not now! I can't go now! I have to see Xenon!

Her vision blurred and darkened as she faded further and further away. Gabrielle grasped frantically at her, but her arms only met air. "No, wait! Ephiny!" she cried, but Xena stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

"Gabrielle, it's okay. She's probably just returning to her natural form. She is a spirit now, you know. The weapons made her solid long enough to deal with Traylek, that's all. She'd have to fade eventually, no matter how much we want her to stay whole."

Gabrielle sighed, "I know." She looked closely at the air where Ephiny had stood. "Ephiny? Are you there? Please, let us know you're okay?" She held out one of her hands and waited for her friend to take it. And waited. "Xena?" She was worried. Maybe Ephiny faded because she was gone. Really gone.

Xena took the outstretched hand in her own. "Don't worry. All that fighting and fading must have taken a lot out of her. When she's able, I'm sure she'll let us know she's around."

Gabrielle sighed and nodded. Xena led her back to Argo and helped her back into the saddle. They continued toward camp, but ever so often Gabrielle would look back, just in case.

*****

They met a very upset, very pouty Amarice when they reached camp.

"You should've let me come with you! You know I can fight. Instead you leave me here," she waved and arm toward Shelappa, who was busy pointing out the different birds among the trees to Xenon, "to babysit with her!"

Xena rolled her eyes, "Look Amarice--"

Amarice crossed her arms in front of her, "What? Did you think I'd screw things up? Get someone hurt? Get scared or something? I can take care of myself and I'm as good a fighter as anyone here!" She paused, eyeing Xena, "Well, as good as them anyway. I could've helped you. Don't you trust me at all?" She felt angry and hurt and tapped one foot, waiting for an answer.

Xena walked calmly over to Argo, looking her over while she listened to the young Amazon fume, "I do trust you, Amarice. That's why I left you here."

"Huh?"

Gabrielle smiled, realizing what Xena was getting at. "Of course! We needed you to stay here in case there was trouble. Traylek's men could've still been around. Shelappa couldn't defend herself and Xenon against them by herself, you know."

Shelappa's head snapped around when she heard that. Of course she could defend herself and Xenon! She almost protested, but when she caught Gabrielle's eye she understood what was going on, and was very glad for it. If she had to deal with any more of that girl's attitude, she wouldn't be responsible for her actions. Amarice had been stomping around, throwing sticks, kicking trees, and grumbling since she'd woken up this morning. She was sure Xena could straighten her out.

Amarice looked surprized, "You wanted me to stay here to defend them? To protect them?" She suddenly smiled as she realized the resposibility Xena had given her. "Wow! I, uh, I don't know what to say." She looked down at her shuffling feet, "I guess I should've realized that. I'm uh, you know, I'm..."

Xena raised an eyebrow, "Sorry?"

Amarice sighed, "Yeah."

Xena smirked, "Well, you can make up for it by collecting the firewood tonight."

Gabrielle chuckled under her breath, opening the jar of salve and rubbing some gently into her bruises, "You could catch us some dinner, too."

Amarice looked at them closely, then lifted one corner of her mouth in a grin. "Okay, okay." She was so glad they were going to forget about her outburst, she do the collecting and catching without complaint. "No rabbits, right Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle lay back on her pallet and laughed, "Right."

*****

The darkness pushed back from Ephiny's mind, but without the usual blur and dizziness. Opening her eyes, she found herself standing again at the edge of the River of Peace. Shaking her head, she looked into the gently flowing waters.

"No...not now," she whispered. "I can't go now. Let me see my son!" she begged the River, searching its depths for Xenon's face. "Show him to me!"

"He's right here, Ephiny."

Spinning around, she saw Queen Melosa behind her, holding Xenon's hand. "Momma!" he smilled widely and quickly tore away from her, barreling into his mother.

Ephiny's jaw dropped in shock as she staggered against the force of her son's embrace, "Wha--? Xenon? How did you get here?" Fear sprang into her heart, "Oh gods, Melosa, he's not--?"

Melosa was quick to reassure her, "No, no, Ephiny, he's fine! He's only asleep in the mortal world. I was able to bring him here through his dreams." She stepped up to her and touched her arm, "I knew you'd want to say goodbye."

Ephiny blinked back sudden tears, "Thank you."

Nodding, Melosa knelt down next to the small centaur. "Now, remember what I told you about your mother, Xenon?"

Xenon pulled away slightly and looked sadly into Ephiny's eyes. "I know you died, Momma. She told me that across the River was a special place where you'd be happy. That you have to stay here and you can't come back with me."

Ephiny nodded, "That's right, honey." She knelt down and took his face in her hands, "I'm sorry I had to leave you so soon. I didn't want to. I never wanted to leave you, sweetheart."

Xenon threw himself against her again and hugged her tightly, "I missed you so much, Momma!"

Ephiny let the tears fall, "Oh baby, I missed you, too!"

Pointing back at Melosa, he rubbed his own teary eyes, "She said that I'm dreaming, that you won't be with me when I wake up. I don't ever want to forget this dream, Momma. You won't forget me when you cross the River, will you?"

The warrior woman shook her head fiercely, "No, Xenon! I could never forget you. Never!" She pulled back and studied her son, memorizing the shape of his face, the color of his eyes, the curl of his golden hair, the warm centaur scent of his skin.

As she tucked those memories deep in her heart, she felt a heavy weight lift from her soul. It was okay for her to let go. She could finally say goodbye to her son. He would be all right. He would be loved and cared for. Her friends would see to that.

Hugging him again, she took a deep breath and blew it out through her lips, letting all her worry and sorrow out with it. Glancing up, she saw Melosa looking at her questioningly. Ephiny smiled and nodded, letting her know she was ready.

Pulling back, she removed her necklace with the curved silver pendant. "This necklace has been passed down through my family for many generations. My mother gave this to me when I was a child and I wore it every day of my life. She told me that it carries the love and blessings of all who have worn it before."

Placing it around his neck, she framed his face with her hands, "I'm giving it to you now, along with all my love and a blessing for your life. May you always remember how much you are loved, my darling boy."

Xenon hugged her tightly, "I'll wear it my whole life, too! I promise!"

Standing, Ephiny held both of his hands, "I have to say goodbye to you now, sweetheart. It's time for me to cross over."

Xenon nodded, "Okay. I love you, Momma. Don't forget!"

Ephiny squeezed his hands, "Never! I love you, too." She looked up at Melosa for help.

Melosa smiled and nodded. She came and knelt beside Xenon, wrapping her arms around him. "Let's watch your mother cross the River, okay?" Xenon nodded, smiling.

Relieved, Ephiny turned and stepped up to the water's edge. Taking a deep breath, she stepped in.

Images of her son flashed through her mind again, but this time there was no sense of danger. As she stepped further into the River of Peace she could see flashes of Xenon as he grew. His future was filled with much love and happiness, surrounded by Amazons and Centaurs alike. As the water covered her body, she could see him become a man, ruling the Centaur Nation and taking an Amazon wife. His life would be blessed with many children and many good friends. Ducking her head under the water, Ephiny felt an amazing sense of peace and contentment flow over her. Everything would be fine. Her son would grow up and be happy. As a mother, she could ask for nothing more for her child.

Wading to the other side of the River, she rose from the water with a light heart and an easy smile. She looked back and saw Xenon waving happily at her from the other side. As she waved back she heard a crunching of leaves behind her. Turning around, her heart thudded in her chest.

Phantes!

He emerged from the Forest, his hand stretched toward her. His smile was warm and inviting, "It's been a while, my Amazon."

Ephiny's heart beat erratically at the sight of her beloved husband. The urge to be in his arms again was so strong, she quickly took his hand. Happily, she followed him into Eternity.

*****

Gabrielle woke during the night to the call of nature. Careful of her injuries, she gingerly got up and made her way to the bushes. On her way back, she looked over at Xenon snuggled next to Shelappa and frowned. There was something different...

Her jaw dropped as she recognized Ephiny's pendant hanging from his neck. That must mean...

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she glanced back and saw Xena looking concerned. She smiled to show she was fine and pointed to Xenon. Xena noticed the necklace and sighed. The weight of worry over Ephiny's fate lifted from her shoulders. Everything was okay now. The two women looked at each other and smiled in understanding.

Ephiny had found peace at last.


THE END