Part Sixteen - Conclusion
Joxer relaxed in the hot water, soaking his tired muscles. Today had
been full of surprises. He thought about Gabrielle and Xena, hoping they
were fine, but he also
wondered about his daughter. Why had her powers come back after years
of being nothing but a normal child?
Joxer wasn't aware that a Goddess was watching him as he bathed. She
stared a long time at him before she turned to gaze at Teutales. "So,
this is Adora's mother?"
He nodded. She smiled. "I like what I see, and he has passed every test
I have given him. Yes. You have indeed chosen wisely, my son."
Teutales bowed respectfully in her direction. "Thank you, Mother."
"I will now speak to the young man."
The Goddess appeared in a blaze of light before a very surprised Joxer,
who was just getting out of the tub. He quickly grabbed for his towel
to cover himself. "Hey! Can't I
take a bath in peace? Who are you?" he demanded angrily.
The Goddess moved towards him and waved her hands, drying him off and
giving Joxer new clothes. "I like my granddaughter's mother to look
nice."
Joxer stared at the Goddess. She was beautiful. Her skin was fair and
she was almost as tall as he was. She had long golden red hair and her
eyes were as black as ebony. She was
dressed in a long blue dress made of pure silk.
"Granddaughter? You... You're Adora's grandmother?" Joxer stuttered,
his eyes wide as he gazed at the Goddess.
"Yes. Teutales is my son," the Goddess explained in a soft voice.
Joxer sighed. "So, are you here to take her away? If you are, I will
fight you."
The Goddess raised her hand. "Relax, Joxer. I am not here to take her
from you, but I will visit from time to time - and I am here to tell you
why her powers are back."
The Goddess now had Joxer's full attention. "Why?"
"In years to come, there will be a war between the Gods of Greece and
the Gods of Gaul. Xena's daughter Eve will be in the middle of it. Only
she can bring peace between the
Gods. Your daughter was born to be her protector. Eve will be a woman
of peace but will have enemies and Adora will protect her from them,"
the Goddess explained in her soft
voice.
"Do you mean that Adora will be like Xena?" Joxer asked curiously.
The Goddess shook her head. "No, not like Xena. Adora will protect Eve
with her powers, but she cannot kill. If she kills, Eve will die."
Joxer's eyes sparkled with worry. "Then I have to tell her."
The Goddess placed her hand on Joxer's shoulder. "No, you may *not*
tell her. Adora must use her own judgment."
"But if I don't tell her, she may kill to protect Eve!"
"It will not be until they are grown before the war starts. You can
only hope that she will do the right thing."
Joxer thought for a moment before speaking again. "May I tell Xena and
Gabrielle what I know?"
"I would prefer you tell no one for now."
Joxer sighed. "But Xena should know. If she knew I kept this from her,
she would never trust me again. It's **her** daughter we're talking
about here!"
The Goddess turned away. "Do what you think you must. But I warn you:
it may cause Eve's death."
The Goddess then vanished. Joxer hurried from the back room and saw
that Xena and Gabrielle had come back from Sparta. Gabrielle smiled and
went over to him. She was
about to hug him when she saw the look on his face. "Joxer? Are you
okay?" It seemed to Gabrielle that Joxer stared right through her to watch
Xena, who was swinging her
daughter around in her arms and laughing as Adora clapped her hands and
giggled. A tear rolled down his cheek. "Joxer? Please talk to me. What
happened?" she asked gently.
Startled from his reverie, Joxer looked down at Gabrielle. "Oh
Gabrielle, I'm so glad you are safe," he whispered.
Gabrielle gazed at him sternly. "Joxer, I asked you what's wrong." She
reached up and caressed his cheek, wiping the tears away. "Why are you
crying?"
Joxer reached up and put his hand over hers, then wiped the rest of the
tears from his face. "I'm just glad you're safe. I was worried. Jeez,
Gabrielle. Can't I worry about you?"
Gabrielle smiled at that. "Yeah, I guess you can."
Joxer returned the smile and gave her a weak kiss. Gabrielle raised her
left eyebrow, curious. "Well, I'll go see what Cyrene is doing."
Joxer nodded as Gabrielle walked away. She turned her head around for a
quick look back at him, wondering why he was not telling her
everything.
Xena watched as her friend came towards them. "Gabrielle, what's the
matter?"
Gabrielle sighed. "I'm worried about Joxer."
"What's wrong with Papa?" Adora asked anxiously.
"He seemed sad about something and he won't tell me." Gabrielle choked
back a tear.
Xena placed her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Want me to go talk to
him?" Gabrielle nodded and sniffled. Xena smiled gently. "Okay. I'll go
and have a talk with him. But it
may be nothing at all, Gabrielle. It could be just that he was worried
about us. Why don't you take the girls for a ride? I told Eve she could
ride Spirit again."
Gabrielle returned the smile. "Thanks, Xena."
****
Joxer paced back and forth. Cyrene watched him anxiously. "Joxer? Come
on. Please sit down. I've never seen you like this before."
Joxer spun around to gaze at Cyrene, his eyes blazing with anger. "This
isn't fair! How can this be happening? Why can't things ever be
simple?"
Cyrene stood up. "Hey! Whoa there. Calm down, Joxer! What isn't fair?"
Joxer stopped his pacing and sighed. "Everything was going perfectly,
and now this! It's not fair! Why can't the Gods leave us alone?"
Cyrene walked over to him, put her hands on Joxer's shoulders and
firmly made Joxer sit in his chair. "Now you tell me what is bothering you."
Joxer quickly jumped up before she could stop him. "I can't! Leave me
alone!"
Cyrene was taken aback by Joxer's anger. She started to say something
but thought better of it and watched him leave the tavern, slamming the
door behind him. Xena and
Gabrielle whirled around at the sound of the tavern door slamming
against the side of the building and saw Joxer stalking away from the tavern
with a dark, angry look on his face.
Xena and Gabrielle exchanged worried glances. "Gabrielle, I think that
you better come with me. I think Joxer may need you," Xena said.
Gabrielle nodded. Xena looked at the
girls. "Eve. Adora. I know I said you could go riding with Gabrielle,
but would you stay with Grandma until we get back?" Eve and Adora both
nodded in agreement. Xena
smiled. "And please behave."
Eve looked at Adora, who nodded in agreement. "We'll behave, Mom. I
promise. Right Adora?"
Adora rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I promise!"
Xena gave them each a kiss. "Thanks, girls."
"Aunt Xena?"
"Yes, Adora?"
"Make Papa happy again. Please?"
"I'll try. I promise."
Xena turned back to Gabrielle, but she was already going after Joxer.
Xena quickly caught up with her and watched as Gabrielle stared at
Joxer, who was sitting on a log
with his head in his hands. They both approached him quietly. "Joxer?"
Gabrielle spoke softly.
Joxer jumped, startled. "Stop sneaking up on me!"
"Sorry, Joxer. I'm just worried about you," Gabrielle said as she knelt
down in front of him.
"There's nothing wrong with me! Please leave me alone."
Gabrielle reached out to touch his cheeks, but Joxer pulled away.
"Please don't, Gabrielle. Please - just leave."
"How can I just leave when you're hurting like this? Please, Joxer.
Tell us what's wrong!"
Joxer looked up at Xena but Gabrielle turned his face back towards her.
"Does it have something to do with Xena?"
Xena watched as Joxer tried to pull away from Gabrielle. "Please don't
ask me."
Xena then stepped forward, frowning. "Joxer, is Gabrielle right?" she
asked him.
Joxer rose to his feet, the tears steaming down his face and there was
no way to stop them. "Oh, Gods! Why is this happening?"
"Joxer, tell us right now what is wrong!" demanded Xena.
"I know why Dorie was born and why her powers are back," Joxer
whispered.
Gabrielle nodded. "That's good, isn't it?"
Joxer shook his head fiercely. "No, it's not good! I know why, but I
was told if I tell you, Eve could die."
Xena suddenly reached out and spun Joxer around to face her, making him
dizzy. "Joxer, if Eve's life is in danger, you damn well better tell me
WHY!"
Joxer found that he couldn't look into Xena's angry eyes. "I can't. I
want to, Xena. Believe me, I do, but I'm afraid."
Xena slowly calmed down. "Joxer, please tell me who told you not to
tell anyone."
"A Goddess. She told me she was Teutales' mother. She said if I told
anyone..." Joxer stopped and hung his head. Xena lifted his face to gaze
into the troubled man's tear-filled
eyes.
"Joxer, since when has a God ever told us everything? Trust me. This is
about my daughter," Xena said in a soft voice.
"I **do** trust you, Xena. I'm scared for Eve and Dorie."
"I know you are, but I've dealt with Gods before, Joxer. I can deal
with this."
"Listen to her, Joxer. We both know she has," Gabrielle pleaded.
"Gabrielle, I know she has, but this is different."
Gabrielle placed her arms around him. "Tell Xena. Please."
Joxer sighed heavily. To feel Gabrielle so close almost made him feel
better, but he knew he really wouldn't until he told them everything.
"She told me Adora was born to be Eve's
protector when she becomes a woman of peace. You see, there's going to
be a war between the Gods of Greece and the Gods of Gaul and only Eve
can stop it, but not by
killing. So, Adora can't kill with her powers or Eve will die."
Xena reached out and gripped Joxer's shoulders gently. "Joxer, I'm glad
you told me. I promise nothing will happen to our daughters. Let's get
back to them."
"But Xena, how will you stop it?"
"I may not be able to stop the war, but like I said, **nothing** will
happen to our daughters."
Xena hurried away, leaving Joxer and Gabrielle alone. Joxer sat back
down on the log and Gabrielle sat next to him, slipping her arms around
him. She whispered to him, "It
will be okay, Joxer. Xena will think of something."
Suddenly Teutales' mother appeared and gazed at Joxer coldly. "I warned
you! I told you not to tell anyone of this. But you did, and now Eve,
our only chance to stop all this, may
die before she can bring peace to us and it's all your fault! You have
doomed the world!"
Gabrielle stood up, her eyes blazing. "Who do you think you are?"
"Gabrielle, sit down." Gabrielle turned around at the sound of Joxer's
voice. He was now standing and staring angrily at the Goddess. "I'm
getting a little tired of this! First you
approved of me and now you don't. There must have been a reason I was
chosen to bring Adora into the world. To be changed into a woman so I
could. You had so many women
to choose from. Gabrielle is Xena's best friend, yet you chose me over
her and she is a woman."
The Goddess calmed down as she listened to Joxer's words. "We picked
you because of your pure heart."
Joxer laughed at this. "What? My pure heart? I've killed and I've been
with women before. Sorry, Gabrielle," he muttered.
"I know, Joxer. I know. That was your past. This is now," replied
Gabrielle as she took his hand in hers.
The Goddess smiled sadly. "Yes, you have been with women and you did
kill, but that death was an accident. You suffered from that kill for
weeks and even now it bothers you.
If you didn't have a pure heart, then that man's death would not have
bothered you, and you have not killed since."
"So, you chose me because of my heart?" Joxer questioned.
The Goddess nodded.
"I see." Joxer gazed at the Goddess for a moment thoughtfully before
continuing. "So then, this same heart would break if I didn't tell my
friends that what I know they should
know. And I believe they should know, so I *did* tell them. I also
believe that Xena will make sure that nothing goes wrong and that Eve will
bring peace and Adora will be her
protector."
The Goddess smiled at him. "Take care, Joxer. I will be checking on you
and Adora from time to time."
At that, she vanished. Gabrielle stamped her foot angrily. "The nerve
of her! She didn't even say she was sorry for causing all this mess!"
Joxer suddenly took Gabrielle in his arms. "Do the Gods ever
apologize?" He then gave her a deep kiss, making her toes curl.
"Joxer... What was that for?" she asked breathlessly.
Joxer's lips curled up into a smile. "Do I *have* to have a reason?"
Gabrielle returned the smile, her eyes beginning to twinkle. "No."
Joxer pulled Gabrielle down onto the grass, kissing her. She returned the
kiss and moved so that she was lying
on top of him. "I love you," she whispered as she reached for the laces
of his tunic collar and began untying them slowly as he shuddered in
anticipation and reached for her.
******
As Xena re-entered the tavern, two very concerned girls greeted her.
"Is Papa okay, Aunt Xena?" Adora asked anxiously.
Xena smiled at the two girls. "He's fine. He just had something
weighing heavy on his shoulders. Say, how about taking that ride now?"
Eve and Adora looked at each other for a moment, then Eve stared at her
mother with a frown. "Mom, you told me never to lie or keep something
from you, but I think you're
keeping something from us."
Xena pulled her daughter to her and hugged her fiercely. "Eve, there
are some things I just can't tell you yet until I make sure that
everything is all right. You and Dorie have to
trust me on this one. Okay, sweetie?"
Eve nodded. "I do, Mom."
Xena placed a kiss on top of her head. "Thanks. Now, why don't you and
Dorie get your horses ready?"
Adora turned around and stared out the window. "I better check on
Papa."
Xena placed her hand on Adora's shoulder. "He's *fine*, Dorie."
Adora spun around, her hands on her hips. "Do you mind if I check
myself?" she asked.
Eve found herself giggling. Xena gave her one of her looks, but it
didn't stay as a smile crept into her eyes. She then turned back to Adora,
her left eyebrow raised. "All right,
Dorie. Go check on your father."
Adora hurried out the door and in the direction that she could sense
her father and Gabrielle were in. She knew she could just telepath to him
and ask him if he was all right,
but she wanted to see him and touch him. As she came into the clearing,
she saw her father and Gabrielle lying on the grass. Joxer was tangling
her hair around his fingers.
She saw they were saying something to each other but couldn't hear what
they were saying because she was standing too far away. Her curiosity
getting the best of her, she
decided she *had* to know. So, Adora closed her eyes, concentrated a
bit and started to read their minds.
****
"Gabrielle?" Joxer's voice was soft as he gazed into her sparkling
green eyes. His fingers were gentle as he wove them through her thick,
sweet-smelling strawberry blonde hair.
Gabrielle's eyebrows rose up curiously. "Yeah, Joxer?"
Joxer's face grew serious. "I want to ask you something..."
Gabrielle placed her finger over his lips before he could continue.
"Joxer, I know what you want to ask me. Please, not now. I **do** love
you, but..."
Adora had 'heard' enough. She flew into a rage as she ran over to the
startled couple. "You *love* him? Then *why* won't you marry him? What,
isn't he good enough for
you? Well, let me tell you something, you witch!" she yelled.
Joxer rose to his feet, his dark eyes growing even darker as he stared
down at his daughter. "Adora, apologize to Gabrielle right now, young
lady!"
Adora stared in surprise at her father. "She hurts **you** and **I**
have to apologize? She never even lets you ask! She *says* she loves you,
but she won't marry you! I
WON'T say I'm sorry! I'm tired of her hurting you!" Adora burst into
tears.
Joxer looked at Gabrielle as she rose to her feet. "Let me talk to her,
Joxer. I'm sure she didn't mean to call me a witch."
"Yes I did!" muttered Adora, wiping the tears from her face with the
back of her hand.
Joxer knelt down in front of her and lifted her chin so that he could
look into her eyes. He then reached out and stroked her hair in an
effort to soothe her. "I'm going to go back to
the tavern so Aunt Gabrielle can talk to you."
Adora reached out and held Joxer tightly. "Please don't go, Papa! I'll
talk to her, but please don't go! I'm sorry, Papa. Please don't hate
me," she whispered, burying her face
against his chest.
Joxer held her closer to him. "Oh, honey... I don't hate you. I could
never hate you! Dorie, I love you so much..." He drew back so that he
could look into her eyes again. "I
was just surprised by what you said." He paused to gather his thoughts
as his face grew stern. "You were reading our minds, weren't you?" he
asked.
"Yes Papa," Adora whispered, hanging her head.
Joxer rose to his feet and put his hands on her shoulders as he looked
down at her. He sighed heavily. "I don't like it when you read our
minds. It's an intrusion of our privacy
and it can get you into all kinds of trouble - like it has right now.
You understand?"
"I know, Papa."
Joxer removed his hands from her shoulders and nodded. "Okay. Now I'll
be right over here. You go over and talk to Aunt Gabrielle."
"She could be my mom if she ever wakes up," Adora said bitterly.
*"Adora..."* Joxer gazed at her sternly, his arms crossed over his
chest.
"I'm sorry, Papa." Adora sighed then walked over to Gabrielle. "I'm
sorry I called you a witch, Aunt Gabrielle."
"Thank you for apologizing, Dorie," Gabrielle said with a nod.
Adora looked up at Gabrielle and waited for her to speak, her brown
eyes wide.
Gabrielle was suddenly lost for words. How could she tell Adora why she
couldn't marry her father when she *did* love him, she wondered. She
looked at Joxer for help but he
just sighed and she knew she was on her own. "Adora, I *do* love your
father," Gabrielle began slowly.
"Yeah, I know. Like a brother," Adora replied sadly.
Gabrielle shook her head. "No. Not like a brother."
Adora gazed up at Gabrielle, confused. "What then? You like him like a
father?"
"Adora, I told you not to try reading her mind!" Joxer angrily
exclaimed before Gabrielle could respond.
"I didn't, Papa, but she says she doesn't love you like a brother, and
she sure doesn't seem to love you like two people should. So, what's
left then?"
Gabrielle began to laugh softly as she walked over and took a surprised
Adora into her arms. "I love your father more than life itself. That's
why I can't marry him."
Adora shook her head, really confused now. "Huh? That doesn't make any
sense!" She wriggled herself from Gabrielle's embrace and stared at the
two adults.
Joxer knew what Gabrielle was trying to say and he nodded in
understanding. He gazed into her eyes for a long time before he spoke again.
"Gabrielle, you know that I love you
and will wait until you are ready, but I will do my best to make you
happy." Gabrielle nodded but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
He blushed a little and licked his
bottom lip nervously. "Gabrielle, will you marry me?"
Gabrielle knew that it was time to put the last of her fears behind her
as she returned Joxer's gaze. She slowly removed her hands from Joxer's
then smiled at both of them.
With tears in her eyes, she replied softly, "Yes, Joxer. I will marry
you." Joxer shouted with joy and swept her up into his arms, whirling
around as she laughed.
Still not understanding what had happened between the two of them, but
too excited to care, Adora jumped up and down as she watched the two of
them. "YAHOO! I'm getting
a mommy!" Joxer was so busy whirling a laughing Gabrielle around the
clearing that they didn't hear her continue speaking. "Now, we need to
get going here. Let's see: we
need guests and a best man and all that other stuff. They can get
married in the tavern and I can invite Mom's parents, Papa's mother, Jett,
Jace and Pierre! Aphrodite will marry
them! I just know it! Oh, this is going to be so much fun! I've got to
go get Eve. We have so much to do!"
Adora raced back to the tavern, yelling, "I'm getting a mommy! I'm
getting a mommy!"
Eve ran outside, her blue eyes wide. "What?"
"Papa proposed and Aunt Gabrielle said YES! Oh Eve, we've got to get
everything ready!" The two girls ran inside, chattering excitedly. Bright
lights suddenly began
flashing inside the tavern.
Xena, who had gone inside the stables to check on the horses, heard her
mother shouting. She ran outside to see what was the matter, saw the
lights in the windows and ran inside
the tavern.
****
Joxer and Gabrielle laughed as he lowered her legs to the ground and
she slipped her arms around his neck as he slid his arms around her
waist. "I love you, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle answered him with a long, deep kiss. When they were able to
catch their breath, the newly engaged couple put their arms around each
other's waists and they walked back
to the tavern. When they walked inside, they saw that the tavern was
decorated with flowers and their friends and families were standing
around.
*"What on earth?"* Gabrielle gasped.
Joxer looked surprised and then worried. He pushed his way through the
crowd of people congratulating the couple. He looked at Adora, who was
talking excitedly to Eve, Cyrene,
and Xena. Cyrene threw her hands up in the air, exasperated. Joxer
cleared his throat in an effort to get his daughter's attention. *"Young
lady!"* he called out finally.
Adora rushed over to him. "Oh Papa, I've got everyone here!"
Joxer looked around. Adora was right - everyone was there. "I can see
that." He shook his head.
Adora pulled on his tunic to get his attention. "We just need to wait
for Aphrodite and then you, Mom and me can get married!" she exclaimed,
her brown eyes shining with
happiness.
"Okay. It sure didn't take you long to get everybody here." Joxer
rubbed his hand over his eyes, not knowing what else to say at the moment.
"I brought them, but I said if they wanted to go back I'd send them
back and nobody wanted to. Papa, they *want* to be here!" Adora exclaimed.
Joxer looked at everybody closely this time and frowned. All his
friends seemed like they were in a trance. Gabrielle noticed the same thing
as she approached her family. "Mom?
Dad? Lila?" She waved her hand before their eyes and her own eyes grew
wide when none of them blinked.
The three replied in one dead-sounding voice, "We are so happy for you,
Gabrielle."
She turned back to Joxer, alarmed. "Joxer, something's wrong with
them!"
Joxer looked at Xena, who was waving a bag of gold in front of
Autolycus' face and the thief just stared straight ahead. "Oh yeah. I'd
*definitely* say that there's something
wrong here!" she agreed as she put the moneybag back inside his vest
pocket.
Joxer pinched the bridge of his nose before he turned to Adora. "So,
when you found them, you asked them if they wanted to come to the
wedding?"
Adora appeared unsure of herself, looking to Eve for help. Eve came
right to her side. "Yes, Uncle Joxer. She asked them."
Xena came over to her daughter. "But they didn't say yes of their own
free will, did they?"
Eve turned in Adora's direction. "Dorie?"
Adora hung her head. "I meant no harm, Papa. Really! I just want you
and Gabrielle to get married and I was afraid that if you wait too long,
she'll change her mind."
Gabrielle bent down next to her. "Dorie, **I** won't change my mind to
marry Joxer, but you have to allow everybody to make up their own minds
as to whether they can come to
the wedding or not."
Joxer knelt down before Adora and placed his hands on her shoulders,
gazing into her eyes intently. "Dorie, I understand *why* you did what
you did, but you can't *do*
things like this just to get your way any more. It's not right and it's
not fair to everyone you brought here. You know that, don't you?"
Adora saw that her father wasn't angry with her and nodded. "I know and
I understand. I'm sorry."
Joxer smiled. "I know. Now sweetie, send them back. Okay?"
Adora nodded and lights began flashing inside the tavern again. Once
the lights had cleared away, the only people left were herself, Eve,
Cyrene, Joxer, Xena and Gabrielle.
She smiled at Joxer. "Okay. What can I do to make it a wonderful
wedding?"
Eve giggled. "I know one thing for sure! No powers allowed."
Joxer nodded in agreement. "No powers." He then turned to Cyrene. "Is
Jett coming this weekend?"
"Yes. I received word that he would get a weekend pass this week
because he wasn't allowed to leave last time due to the prison break," Cyrene
told him.
Joxer beamed. "Good. That's only four days to wait. Gabrielle, can your
parents and Lila get here in time?"
"I'm not sure, Joxer. It's planting season and Father may not come."
Cyrene shook her head as she walked from behind the counter. "Nonsense!
It's your wedding and you're his daughter. He'll be here if I have to
go to your parents' farm and
drag him over by his hair!"
Both Xena and Eve laughed at that. "She will! Trust me," Xena said,
watching her mother talking to herself with amusement. "By the way,
congratulations, you two. It's about
time." She walked over to the couple and gave them each a warm hug.
"Thanks, Xena."
Adora giggled as she watched Cyrene continue muttering under her breath
while she began washing tables down with a wet rag. "Papa, it was a lot
easier when I just snapped
them here!"
*****
Four days went by quickly as family and friends came from all around to
the wedding. Some were surprised that Gabrielle had finally said yes,
but others expected that sooner
or later they would've gotten married. "It was just a matter of time,"
Jezda said to Autolycus as the guests gathered outside the tavern where
a makeshift altar decorated
with flowers had been set up in front of benches.
"Heh. I guess so," Autolycus answered with a smirk as he watched Joxer,
dressed in a new white long sleeve silk shirt, a royal blue vest and
black breeches and boots nervously
take his place at the right side of the altar, Jett standing next to
him as his best man.
Jezda was about to say something else when the scent of roses filled
the air. Rose petals then rained all over the guests and Aphrodite
suddenly appeared in front of the altar with
a high-pitched giggle from a burst of pink and gold sparkles.
"STUDMUFFIN! Looking *muy hot*!" she grinned, taking in Joxer's appearance with
a nod of approval. She
followed it up with a loud wolf-whistle.
Joxer blushed and smiled weakly. "Thanks, Aphrodite."
"No problemo, Studmuffin! Let's get this show on the road, huh? You've
sure waited long enough to get the girl!" With those words, the wedding
began. Everyone turned around
and watched as Eve and Adora walked down the aisle, tossing daisy
petals. They both smiled and winked at each other as they took their seats.
Jace then stood up and sang a beautiful love ballad. Before he returned
to his seat, he motioned to the musicians from his troupe and they
began playing a soft tune. Everyone
turned around to see Gabrielle as she came down the aisle, escorted by
Herodotus.
Joxer felt his breath come in a sharp gasp. She was so beautiful,
dressed in a gown created by the Love Goddess herself and around her neck
she wore the necklace that he
had given her so long ago. He swallowed and blinked hard as he watched
her approach with a smile on her face.
Gabrielle's eyes sparkled with barely held-back tears as she saw Joxer
standing in front of Aphrodite, looking very handsome in his brand-new
outfit. She stopped at the end of the
aisle to face her father. Herodotus smiled and kissed his oldest
daughter gently on the cheek. "I love you, Gabrielle."
"I love you too, Dad," Gabrielle whispered in his ear. She returned the
kiss.
Herodotus laughed softly and raised his head as Joxer approached the
two of them. "Welcome to the family, Joxer."
"Thank you, sir," Joxer replied in a husky voice as Gabrielle placed
her hand in his. Herodotus turned around and took his seat next to Hecuba
and Lila as the couple
approached the Goddess standing before the altar.
Aphrodite placed her hands on shapely hips and stared at the two of
them for a minute. "It's about time you got a clue about my boy Joxer,
Blondie!" she exclaimed finally
before rewarding them both with a gorgeous smile. Gabrielle blushed
hotly and shrugged her shoulders as everyone laughed. "Well, you're here
now, so let's get rolling!" With
those words, she snapped her fingers and produced a scroll - a very big
scroll. She opened it and launched into a very complex ceremonial
speech that had everyone's eyes start to
glaze over after a while with the exception of the bride and groom, who
were hanging onto every word she said.
*"And verily, it has come to pass that..."* Aphrodite suddenly stopped
in mid-speech.
"What's the matter?" Gabrielle asked, alarmed. Joxer's dark eyes
widened in distress as the Goddess stamped her foot in frustration.
"I'm going about this all wrong! This is like so *boring!* Who wrote
this crappy ceremony anyway? It totally bites the big one!" the Goddess
grumbled.
"Uh, Aphrodite? You did," Hercules spoke up from his seat. Iolaus, who
was translating for White Dove, began snickering. Pierre hid a smile
behind his hand.
Aphrodite's face fell. "Oh yeah." Her face brightened as she suddenly
threw the scroll into the air and zapped it. It burst into flames and
then disappeared without a trace.
"Burn, baby, burn!" she squealed.
"Aunt Xena, why did she do that?" Adora turned around, her eyes filling
with tears. "Does this mean I'm not going to get a mommy?"
"No, Dorie. She's got something else up her sleeve," Xena reassured
her.
"But she doesn't *have* any sleeves!" Adora exclaimed.
"Don't worry, sweetie. Everything is going to be fine," Xena smiled.
She turned in the Goddess' direction and her eyes narrowed. *"Isn't it?"*
Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Yeah! Don't have a cow. I'm *thinking*
here!" She pursed her lips out in a pretty little pout.
"She's actually capable of thought?" Autolycus murmured to Jezda, who
glared at him.
"Hey, Slick! I heard that!" Aphrodite shot the handsome thief a
decidedly unloving gaze in his direction and he gulped audibly.
Autolycus held his hands up in the air in a gesture of surrender. "Just
kidding!" He gave her his most charming smile.
"Uh huh. *WHATEVER!*" The Goddess rolled her eyes again and gazed at
the anxiously waiting couple for a moment before she smiled sweetly.
"OOOOHHH! I
know... I'm just *so* good!" she exclaimed with a giggle. Her face
became serious as she re-started the wedding. Laughter echoed in the air
and happy tears were shed as she
blessed the couple's new life together with a very personal ceremony.
Aphrodite's blue eyes twinkled as she finished with a, "So, by the
power vested in well - ME - I now pronounce you husband and wife! Rock each
other's world!" She clapped her
hands together and laughed merrily.
The couple didn't have to be told twice. With a soft exclamation, Joxer
gathered Gabrielle in his arms and the two kissed for a long, long time
to applause and laughter.
"You think that they're going to come up for air anytime soon?" Jace
asked Pierre, delicately wiping his tears away with a silk handkerchief.
"They'll have to eventually," Pierre replied with a grin, leaning over
to kiss Jace.
Pierre was right. Eventually, Gabrielle and Joxer did turn around to
face their guests, to teasing, applause, and laughter, making them both
blush. Adora ran up to them and Joxer
picked her up. She gave him a huge hug then reached over and hugged
Gabrielle. "I'm so happy! I've finally got a mom!"
Gabrielle laughed. "I'm happy too, Dorie."
Eve then ran over to them. "Uncle Joxer, Aunt Gabrielle! Where are you
going for your honeymoon?"
"Well Eve," answered Gabrielle. "Joxer and I decided to stay right here
and have our honeymoon."
"Great, because tomorrow Dorie and I have a surprise for you!"
Joxer smiled at them, eyebrows raised up in curiosity. "What kind of a
surprise?"
"Papa! It wouldn't be a surprise if we told you. But don't worry, I
won't use any of my powers." Adora then turned her head towards Cyrene.
"Hey, is the cake ready? I'm star...
Uh, Papa's starving!"
Cyrene laughed. "Yes, everything's ready. Come on, everyone. Dinner is
being served in the dining area."
Everyone got behind Joxer and Gabrielle as they led the group into the
dining area. Once inside, Joxer and Gabrielle sat at the head table
while the others found places to sit at
tables around them. Cyrene had hired special help for the wedding, and
the guests were served with fine food and wine. After the meal, Jace
got the musicians from his troupe to
begin playing so everyone could dance. In between the dancing, the
guests talked, ate and congratulated the couple. Adora and Eve were both
trying very hard to stay awake, but
they both were falling asleep. Jezda gently bumped Xena on the
shoulder. She turned away from Autolycus, who she was talking to, and looked at
her. "What's the matter?"
she asked.
"I think the girls have finally lost their battle with Morpheus. Will
you help me put them to bed?" Jezda asked.
Xena smiled, nodded and rose from her seat. She picked up her sleeping
daughter while Jezda took Adora in her arms. "Mom, we're putting these
two to bed."
Cyrene looked up and nodded. "All right, Xena."
The two carried the girls into their bedroom and gently tucked them
into their beds. "Good night, Eve," Xena said as she kissed her daughter
on the forehead.
Eve opened her eyes slightly and smiled at her. "Night, Mom."
Jezda leaned down and kissed Adora goodnight. "Grandma?" Adora's voice
was sleepy as she opened her eyes to gaze up at her grandmother.
"Yes, Dorie?"
"Papa looked so handsome, didn't he?"
Jezda smiled. "Yes dear. He looked very handsome. Now, go to sleep."
"I will after Papa and Mom come and say goodnight."
Jezda nodded. "I'll go and get them."
"And me too!" said Eve.
Xena stroked her hair. "I'm sure they'll want to say good night to you
too."
Jezda left the bedroom and went back into the dining area. She walked
over to her son and his new bride, who were dancing to a slow song. She
gently tapped Joxer on the
shoulder and smiled at the two of them when they stopped dancing. "Your
daughter wants to say good night."
Joxer returned the smile. "Okay, Mother. Thank you." He slipped his arm
around Gabrielle's waist. "Our daughter wants to say good night."
Gabrielle's own smile widened as they began walking towards the girls'
bedroom. "I like the sound of that. *Our* daughter..."
When they entered the bedroom, Eve said in a sleepy voice, "Goodnight,
Aunt Gabrielle. Goodnight, Uncle Joxer."
"Good night Eve," they replied. Eve then turned over on her side and
was fast asleep in seconds. Joxer and Gabrielle then walked over to
Adora's bed and they saw that she was
still awake. Joxer sat down on the edge of her bed. "Hey, I heard you
wanted to say goodnight to us."
"I do, Papa. Goodnight Papa, Mom. I love you."
"Goodnight, Dorie. Your mother and I love you too."
Joxer bent down and gave her a kiss and then Gabrielle did too.
"Goodnight, Dorie."
"'Night." Dorie smiled and closed her eyes, and soon they could hear
the soft sound of her sleeping. Together, they walked from the room
quietly and returned to their guests.
After a while longer, the party was over and everyone retired for the
night. Joxer looked up after he took his boots off and smiled at his
wife, who had just finished taking off her
sandals. "You know, I didn't think you could be more beautiful than you
already are, but I was wrong." He reached forward and took her into his
arms, eyes sparkling. "Come here,
my Amazon Princess," he growled into her ear.
Gabrielle giggled as she landed in his arms. "I'll have you know I'm a
queen!" She slid her hands over his shoulders and gripped his arms
lightly.
Joxer stared at her for a long time before he answered in a husky
voice, "You are my queen, my princess, my Goddess and my whole world...
along with Adora."
Gabrielle smiled and swallowed hard. Gently, she worked the buttons of
his vest open and slid it off his shoulders, the cloth making a whisper
of sound as it fell to the floor.
"Speaking of Adora, I wonder what she and Eve have planned for
tomorrow?"
Joxer began to adorn Gabrielle's neck with kisses as he started working
on the small pearl buttons on the back of her dress. "I don't know, but
whatever it is... Gods, you smell *so
good!*"
"JoxER!" Gabrielle gasped, arching her neck up. "What do you think
they're going to do?"
Joxer turned his attentions to her collarbone. "I'd rather not talk
about it. Tonight, I want only you."
Gabrielle turned around before he could finish unbuttoning her dress
and kissed him long and hard in response, her hands sliding underneath
his shirt.
****
The next morning, the couple was awakened by a loud knock. "Papa? Mom?
Are you awake?"
Joxer shot up into a sitting position, searched around for his shirt
and put it on as Gabrielle quickly slipped her robe over herself. "Yes,
Dorie!"
"Can Eve and I come in?" Adora's voice was muffled behind the door.
"*May* Eve and I come in," corrected Gabrielle.
Outside the door, Adora looked at Eve and sighed. "*May* Eve and I
come in?"
"Come on in, sweetie," replied Joxer.
They watched as Xena opened the door and the two girls came in with a
tray of food. Xena winked at the couple and shut the door silently.
"Surprise!" they both said, their
eyes gleaming. "We made you breakfast in bed!"
"Yes," said Eve, all excited. "We even cooked it. Grandma just kept an
eye on us."
The girls sat the tray on the bed next to Joxer and Gabrielle. Adora
lifted the top off the dishes with a flourish. "Look, Papa and Mom! We
made all your favorites." They saw
that there was lots of fresh fruit, bacon, eggs and bread with fresh
homemade black currant preserves, butter, honey - and something that
looked like flat cakes with raisins in
them. Gabrielle and Joxer looked at this last item curiously and Adora
giggled. "You put honey and butter on them!"
The couple each took a flat cake, placed them on their dishes and put
butter and honey on them. They both took a bite of their flat cake and
Gabrielle's face lit up like a Roman
candle at the taste. The two ate until they had just about finished
everything brought to them. "Girls, that was the most wonderful breakfast
I've ever had! Thank you!" said
Gabrielle. Joxer nodded in agreement.
"You're welcome, but we aren't done yet," replied Eve. "We've got
another surprise." Eve looked at Adora. "You ready, Dorie?"
"Yep! Ready to go. Papa, you and Mom are going to love this!"
Joxer and Gabrielle waited as the two girls did a dance Jace taught
them and when they were done, they sang a new version of Joxer's song that
they both worked on together.
They both clapped when the girls were finished. Adora and Eve took a
bow and then quietly left their bedroom. Gabrielle removed the tray from
the bed and got up. "Joxer,
that was nice, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," he replied as he pulled up his pants. "The girls did a great
job. I wonder how long they've been working on it?"
"I'd say for at least a week."
"Nah, not a week. I'd say three days."
"Why do you say that, Joxer?"
"Because Jace has only been here for three days."
Gabrielle smiled at that. "Good point."
Joxer finished putting his left boot on and turned around to face his
wife. "Ah, Gabrielle, I'm going to talk to Adora."
"About what, Joxer?" Gabrielle gazed at Joxer. "You can't tell her..."
Joxer nodded. "I know I can't, but I still want to ask her to do
something for me."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Joxer reached down and pulled his other boot on. "Nah. I can handle
it."
"Yeah. Sure. I understand."
Joxer stopped at the sound of Gabrielle's voice and turned around to
see that she was looking down at her hands uncomfortably. He immediately
walked over to her and put
his arms around her. "Oh Gabrielle, I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking. I
would love you to come with me."
Gabrielle looked up at him. "Are you sure? I don't want to interfere
with a private father and daughter moment."
Joxer smiled. "Yes, I'm sure. Let's go talk to *our* daughter."
The couple walked outside and eventually found Adora inside the stables
putting her saddle on Blue. "Hi Papa. Hi Mom. Aunt Xena and Uncle Jett
are taking us on a morning
ride. Do you want to come?"
"Adora, we need to talk to you before you go riding," Joxer said.
Adora's eyes grew wide. "What about, Papa? Am I in trouble?" she asked
anxiously.
Gabrielle smiled. "No sweetie, your Papa and I just want to talk to
you."
Adora sighed with relief. "Okay."
Joxer bent down and place his hands on her arms gently. "Adora, we know
that sometimes you can't help using your powers, but I want you to
promise us one thing."
"What's that, Papa?"
"Never use your powers to kill or hurt anyone."
Adora looked at him strangely. "Not even if someone hurts or kills
you?"
Joxer shook his head. "Not even for that reason. Do you promise me?"
Adora stared into her father's dark eyes, trying to read his mind, but
all she was getting were his thoughts about Gabrielle. "I don't
understand why you're asking this of me,
Papa, but I'll try my best not to, I promise."
Joxer gave her a hug. "Okay, sweetie. Now, why don't you go catch up
with the others?"
Adora mounted Blue and caught up with the others. Eve rode alongside
her. "What took you so long?"
"Papa wanted to talk to me."
Eve frowned. "About what?"
"He asked me to promise not to kill or hurt anyone with my powers."
"Did you?"
"I said I would do my best. Eve, how can he expect me to make such a
promise?"
Eve studied Adora's eyes before she spoke. "I guess when we become
parents, we'll understand better."
"Yeah, I guess we will."
******
*In the land of Gaul, on top of the highest mountain:*
Two figures stood in front of a large mirror inside a great hall,
watching Eve and Adora laughing as they rode on their horses. "All the
pieces are in place, My Lord," the first
figure said.
"Yes. The prophecy has come to pass with the marriage between the
Amazon Queen and her consort. Mount Olympus **will** fall." The second
figure held his hand out. There
was a flash of light and a battle-axe appeared in it. "Let the others
know that the time has come to prepare for battle."
The first figure bowed. "Yes, My Lord." He bowed once more and left the
hall.
The second figure continued watching the two girls in the mirror. There
was a flash of even white teeth underneath the hood of his cloak.
"Soon. Very soon," he promised.
The End
This series will be concluded in the next story.
Joxer relaxed in the hot water, soaking his tired muscles. Today had
been full of surprises. He thought about Gabrielle and Xena, hoping they
were fine, but he also
wondered about his daughter. Why had her powers come back after years
of being nothing but a normal child?
Joxer wasn't aware that a Goddess was watching him as he bathed. She
stared a long time at him before she turned to gaze at Teutales. "So,
this is Adora's mother?"
He nodded. She smiled. "I like what I see, and he has passed every test
I have given him. Yes. You have indeed chosen wisely, my son."
Teutales bowed respectfully in her direction. "Thank you, Mother."
"I will now speak to the young man."
The Goddess appeared in a blaze of light before a very surprised Joxer,
who was just getting out of the tub. He quickly grabbed for his towel
to cover himself. "Hey! Can't I
take a bath in peace? Who are you?" he demanded angrily.
The Goddess moved towards him and waved her hands, drying him off and
giving Joxer new clothes. "I like my granddaughter's mother to look
nice."
Joxer stared at the Goddess. She was beautiful. Her skin was fair and
she was almost as tall as he was. She had long golden red hair and her
eyes were as black as ebony. She was
dressed in a long blue dress made of pure silk.
"Granddaughter? You... You're Adora's grandmother?" Joxer stuttered,
his eyes wide as he gazed at the Goddess.
"Yes. Teutales is my son," the Goddess explained in a soft voice.
Joxer sighed. "So, are you here to take her away? If you are, I will
fight you."
The Goddess raised her hand. "Relax, Joxer. I am not here to take her
from you, but I will visit from time to time - and I am here to tell you
why her powers are back."
The Goddess now had Joxer's full attention. "Why?"
"In years to come, there will be a war between the Gods of Greece and
the Gods of Gaul. Xena's daughter Eve will be in the middle of it. Only
she can bring peace between the
Gods. Your daughter was born to be her protector. Eve will be a woman
of peace but will have enemies and Adora will protect her from them,"
the Goddess explained in her soft
voice.
"Do you mean that Adora will be like Xena?" Joxer asked curiously.
The Goddess shook her head. "No, not like Xena. Adora will protect Eve
with her powers, but she cannot kill. If she kills, Eve will die."
Joxer's eyes sparkled with worry. "Then I have to tell her."
The Goddess placed her hand on Joxer's shoulder. "No, you may *not*
tell her. Adora must use her own judgment."
"But if I don't tell her, she may kill to protect Eve!"
"It will not be until they are grown before the war starts. You can
only hope that she will do the right thing."
Joxer thought for a moment before speaking again. "May I tell Xena and
Gabrielle what I know?"
"I would prefer you tell no one for now."
Joxer sighed. "But Xena should know. If she knew I kept this from her,
she would never trust me again. It's **her** daughter we're talking
about here!"
The Goddess turned away. "Do what you think you must. But I warn you:
it may cause Eve's death."
The Goddess then vanished. Joxer hurried from the back room and saw
that Xena and Gabrielle had come back from Sparta. Gabrielle smiled and
went over to him. She was
about to hug him when she saw the look on his face. "Joxer? Are you
okay?" It seemed to Gabrielle that Joxer stared right through her to watch
Xena, who was swinging her
daughter around in her arms and laughing as Adora clapped her hands and
giggled. A tear rolled down his cheek. "Joxer? Please talk to me. What
happened?" she asked gently.
Startled from his reverie, Joxer looked down at Gabrielle. "Oh
Gabrielle, I'm so glad you are safe," he whispered.
Gabrielle gazed at him sternly. "Joxer, I asked you what's wrong." She
reached up and caressed his cheek, wiping the tears away. "Why are you
crying?"
Joxer reached up and put his hand over hers, then wiped the rest of the
tears from his face. "I'm just glad you're safe. I was worried. Jeez,
Gabrielle. Can't I worry about you?"
Gabrielle smiled at that. "Yeah, I guess you can."
Joxer returned the smile and gave her a weak kiss. Gabrielle raised her
left eyebrow, curious. "Well, I'll go see what Cyrene is doing."
Joxer nodded as Gabrielle walked away. She turned her head around for a
quick look back at him, wondering why he was not telling her
everything.
Xena watched as her friend came towards them. "Gabrielle, what's the
matter?"
Gabrielle sighed. "I'm worried about Joxer."
"What's wrong with Papa?" Adora asked anxiously.
"He seemed sad about something and he won't tell me." Gabrielle choked
back a tear.
Xena placed her hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Want me to go talk to
him?" Gabrielle nodded and sniffled. Xena smiled gently. "Okay. I'll go
and have a talk with him. But it
may be nothing at all, Gabrielle. It could be just that he was worried
about us. Why don't you take the girls for a ride? I told Eve she could
ride Spirit again."
Gabrielle returned the smile. "Thanks, Xena."
****
Joxer paced back and forth. Cyrene watched him anxiously. "Joxer? Come
on. Please sit down. I've never seen you like this before."
Joxer spun around to gaze at Cyrene, his eyes blazing with anger. "This
isn't fair! How can this be happening? Why can't things ever be
simple?"
Cyrene stood up. "Hey! Whoa there. Calm down, Joxer! What isn't fair?"
Joxer stopped his pacing and sighed. "Everything was going perfectly,
and now this! It's not fair! Why can't the Gods leave us alone?"
Cyrene walked over to him, put her hands on Joxer's shoulders and
firmly made Joxer sit in his chair. "Now you tell me what is bothering you."
Joxer quickly jumped up before she could stop him. "I can't! Leave me
alone!"
Cyrene was taken aback by Joxer's anger. She started to say something
but thought better of it and watched him leave the tavern, slamming the
door behind him. Xena and
Gabrielle whirled around at the sound of the tavern door slamming
against the side of the building and saw Joxer stalking away from the tavern
with a dark, angry look on his face.
Xena and Gabrielle exchanged worried glances. "Gabrielle, I think that
you better come with me. I think Joxer may need you," Xena said.
Gabrielle nodded. Xena looked at the
girls. "Eve. Adora. I know I said you could go riding with Gabrielle,
but would you stay with Grandma until we get back?" Eve and Adora both
nodded in agreement. Xena
smiled. "And please behave."
Eve looked at Adora, who nodded in agreement. "We'll behave, Mom. I
promise. Right Adora?"
Adora rolled her eyes. "Yeah. I promise!"
Xena gave them each a kiss. "Thanks, girls."
"Aunt Xena?"
"Yes, Adora?"
"Make Papa happy again. Please?"
"I'll try. I promise."
Xena turned back to Gabrielle, but she was already going after Joxer.
Xena quickly caught up with her and watched as Gabrielle stared at
Joxer, who was sitting on a log
with his head in his hands. They both approached him quietly. "Joxer?"
Gabrielle spoke softly.
Joxer jumped, startled. "Stop sneaking up on me!"
"Sorry, Joxer. I'm just worried about you," Gabrielle said as she knelt
down in front of him.
"There's nothing wrong with me! Please leave me alone."
Gabrielle reached out to touch his cheeks, but Joxer pulled away.
"Please don't, Gabrielle. Please - just leave."
"How can I just leave when you're hurting like this? Please, Joxer.
Tell us what's wrong!"
Joxer looked up at Xena but Gabrielle turned his face back towards her.
"Does it have something to do with Xena?"
Xena watched as Joxer tried to pull away from Gabrielle. "Please don't
ask me."
Xena then stepped forward, frowning. "Joxer, is Gabrielle right?" she
asked him.
Joxer rose to his feet, the tears steaming down his face and there was
no way to stop them. "Oh, Gods! Why is this happening?"
"Joxer, tell us right now what is wrong!" demanded Xena.
"I know why Dorie was born and why her powers are back," Joxer
whispered.
Gabrielle nodded. "That's good, isn't it?"
Joxer shook his head fiercely. "No, it's not good! I know why, but I
was told if I tell you, Eve could die."
Xena suddenly reached out and spun Joxer around to face her, making him
dizzy. "Joxer, if Eve's life is in danger, you damn well better tell me
WHY!"
Joxer found that he couldn't look into Xena's angry eyes. "I can't. I
want to, Xena. Believe me, I do, but I'm afraid."
Xena slowly calmed down. "Joxer, please tell me who told you not to
tell anyone."
"A Goddess. She told me she was Teutales' mother. She said if I told
anyone..." Joxer stopped and hung his head. Xena lifted his face to gaze
into the troubled man's tear-filled
eyes.
"Joxer, since when has a God ever told us everything? Trust me. This is
about my daughter," Xena said in a soft voice.
"I **do** trust you, Xena. I'm scared for Eve and Dorie."
"I know you are, but I've dealt with Gods before, Joxer. I can deal
with this."
"Listen to her, Joxer. We both know she has," Gabrielle pleaded.
"Gabrielle, I know she has, but this is different."
Gabrielle placed her arms around him. "Tell Xena. Please."
Joxer sighed heavily. To feel Gabrielle so close almost made him feel
better, but he knew he really wouldn't until he told them everything.
"She told me Adora was born to be Eve's
protector when she becomes a woman of peace. You see, there's going to
be a war between the Gods of Greece and the Gods of Gaul and only Eve
can stop it, but not by
killing. So, Adora can't kill with her powers or Eve will die."
Xena reached out and gripped Joxer's shoulders gently. "Joxer, I'm glad
you told me. I promise nothing will happen to our daughters. Let's get
back to them."
"But Xena, how will you stop it?"
"I may not be able to stop the war, but like I said, **nothing** will
happen to our daughters."
Xena hurried away, leaving Joxer and Gabrielle alone. Joxer sat back
down on the log and Gabrielle sat next to him, slipping her arms around
him. She whispered to him, "It
will be okay, Joxer. Xena will think of something."
Suddenly Teutales' mother appeared and gazed at Joxer coldly. "I warned
you! I told you not to tell anyone of this. But you did, and now Eve,
our only chance to stop all this, may
die before she can bring peace to us and it's all your fault! You have
doomed the world!"
Gabrielle stood up, her eyes blazing. "Who do you think you are?"
"Gabrielle, sit down." Gabrielle turned around at the sound of Joxer's
voice. He was now standing and staring angrily at the Goddess. "I'm
getting a little tired of this! First you
approved of me and now you don't. There must have been a reason I was
chosen to bring Adora into the world. To be changed into a woman so I
could. You had so many women
to choose from. Gabrielle is Xena's best friend, yet you chose me over
her and she is a woman."
The Goddess calmed down as she listened to Joxer's words. "We picked
you because of your pure heart."
Joxer laughed at this. "What? My pure heart? I've killed and I've been
with women before. Sorry, Gabrielle," he muttered.
"I know, Joxer. I know. That was your past. This is now," replied
Gabrielle as she took his hand in hers.
The Goddess smiled sadly. "Yes, you have been with women and you did
kill, but that death was an accident. You suffered from that kill for
weeks and even now it bothers you.
If you didn't have a pure heart, then that man's death would not have
bothered you, and you have not killed since."
"So, you chose me because of my heart?" Joxer questioned.
The Goddess nodded.
"I see." Joxer gazed at the Goddess for a moment thoughtfully before
continuing. "So then, this same heart would break if I didn't tell my
friends that what I know they should
know. And I believe they should know, so I *did* tell them. I also
believe that Xena will make sure that nothing goes wrong and that Eve will
bring peace and Adora will be her
protector."
The Goddess smiled at him. "Take care, Joxer. I will be checking on you
and Adora from time to time."
At that, she vanished. Gabrielle stamped her foot angrily. "The nerve
of her! She didn't even say she was sorry for causing all this mess!"
Joxer suddenly took Gabrielle in his arms. "Do the Gods ever
apologize?" He then gave her a deep kiss, making her toes curl.
"Joxer... What was that for?" she asked breathlessly.
Joxer's lips curled up into a smile. "Do I *have* to have a reason?"
Gabrielle returned the smile, her eyes beginning to twinkle. "No."
Joxer pulled Gabrielle down onto the grass, kissing her. She returned the
kiss and moved so that she was lying
on top of him. "I love you," she whispered as she reached for the laces
of his tunic collar and began untying them slowly as he shuddered in
anticipation and reached for her.
******
As Xena re-entered the tavern, two very concerned girls greeted her.
"Is Papa okay, Aunt Xena?" Adora asked anxiously.
Xena smiled at the two girls. "He's fine. He just had something
weighing heavy on his shoulders. Say, how about taking that ride now?"
Eve and Adora looked at each other for a moment, then Eve stared at her
mother with a frown. "Mom, you told me never to lie or keep something
from you, but I think you're
keeping something from us."
Xena pulled her daughter to her and hugged her fiercely. "Eve, there
are some things I just can't tell you yet until I make sure that
everything is all right. You and Dorie have to
trust me on this one. Okay, sweetie?"
Eve nodded. "I do, Mom."
Xena placed a kiss on top of her head. "Thanks. Now, why don't you and
Dorie get your horses ready?"
Adora turned around and stared out the window. "I better check on
Papa."
Xena placed her hand on Adora's shoulder. "He's *fine*, Dorie."
Adora spun around, her hands on her hips. "Do you mind if I check
myself?" she asked.
Eve found herself giggling. Xena gave her one of her looks, but it
didn't stay as a smile crept into her eyes. She then turned back to Adora,
her left eyebrow raised. "All right,
Dorie. Go check on your father."
Adora hurried out the door and in the direction that she could sense
her father and Gabrielle were in. She knew she could just telepath to him
and ask him if he was all right,
but she wanted to see him and touch him. As she came into the clearing,
she saw her father and Gabrielle lying on the grass. Joxer was tangling
her hair around his fingers.
She saw they were saying something to each other but couldn't hear what
they were saying because she was standing too far away. Her curiosity
getting the best of her, she
decided she *had* to know. So, Adora closed her eyes, concentrated a
bit and started to read their minds.
****
"Gabrielle?" Joxer's voice was soft as he gazed into her sparkling
green eyes. His fingers were gentle as he wove them through her thick,
sweet-smelling strawberry blonde hair.
Gabrielle's eyebrows rose up curiously. "Yeah, Joxer?"
Joxer's face grew serious. "I want to ask you something..."
Gabrielle placed her finger over his lips before he could continue.
"Joxer, I know what you want to ask me. Please, not now. I **do** love
you, but..."
Adora had 'heard' enough. She flew into a rage as she ran over to the
startled couple. "You *love* him? Then *why* won't you marry him? What,
isn't he good enough for
you? Well, let me tell you something, you witch!" she yelled.
Joxer rose to his feet, his dark eyes growing even darker as he stared
down at his daughter. "Adora, apologize to Gabrielle right now, young
lady!"
Adora stared in surprise at her father. "She hurts **you** and **I**
have to apologize? She never even lets you ask! She *says* she loves you,
but she won't marry you! I
WON'T say I'm sorry! I'm tired of her hurting you!" Adora burst into
tears.
Joxer looked at Gabrielle as she rose to her feet. "Let me talk to her,
Joxer. I'm sure she didn't mean to call me a witch."
"Yes I did!" muttered Adora, wiping the tears from her face with the
back of her hand.
Joxer knelt down in front of her and lifted her chin so that he could
look into her eyes. He then reached out and stroked her hair in an
effort to soothe her. "I'm going to go back to
the tavern so Aunt Gabrielle can talk to you."
Adora reached out and held Joxer tightly. "Please don't go, Papa! I'll
talk to her, but please don't go! I'm sorry, Papa. Please don't hate
me," she whispered, burying her face
against his chest.
Joxer held her closer to him. "Oh, honey... I don't hate you. I could
never hate you! Dorie, I love you so much..." He drew back so that he
could look into her eyes again. "I
was just surprised by what you said." He paused to gather his thoughts
as his face grew stern. "You were reading our minds, weren't you?" he
asked.
"Yes Papa," Adora whispered, hanging her head.
Joxer rose to his feet and put his hands on her shoulders as he looked
down at her. He sighed heavily. "I don't like it when you read our
minds. It's an intrusion of our privacy
and it can get you into all kinds of trouble - like it has right now.
You understand?"
"I know, Papa."
Joxer removed his hands from her shoulders and nodded. "Okay. Now I'll
be right over here. You go over and talk to Aunt Gabrielle."
"She could be my mom if she ever wakes up," Adora said bitterly.
*"Adora..."* Joxer gazed at her sternly, his arms crossed over his
chest.
"I'm sorry, Papa." Adora sighed then walked over to Gabrielle. "I'm
sorry I called you a witch, Aunt Gabrielle."
"Thank you for apologizing, Dorie," Gabrielle said with a nod.
Adora looked up at Gabrielle and waited for her to speak, her brown
eyes wide.
Gabrielle was suddenly lost for words. How could she tell Adora why she
couldn't marry her father when she *did* love him, she wondered. She
looked at Joxer for help but he
just sighed and she knew she was on her own. "Adora, I *do* love your
father," Gabrielle began slowly.
"Yeah, I know. Like a brother," Adora replied sadly.
Gabrielle shook her head. "No. Not like a brother."
Adora gazed up at Gabrielle, confused. "What then? You like him like a
father?"
"Adora, I told you not to try reading her mind!" Joxer angrily
exclaimed before Gabrielle could respond.
"I didn't, Papa, but she says she doesn't love you like a brother, and
she sure doesn't seem to love you like two people should. So, what's
left then?"
Gabrielle began to laugh softly as she walked over and took a surprised
Adora into her arms. "I love your father more than life itself. That's
why I can't marry him."
Adora shook her head, really confused now. "Huh? That doesn't make any
sense!" She wriggled herself from Gabrielle's embrace and stared at the
two adults.
Joxer knew what Gabrielle was trying to say and he nodded in
understanding. He gazed into her eyes for a long time before he spoke again.
"Gabrielle, you know that I love you
and will wait until you are ready, but I will do my best to make you
happy." Gabrielle nodded but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
He blushed a little and licked his
bottom lip nervously. "Gabrielle, will you marry me?"
Gabrielle knew that it was time to put the last of her fears behind her
as she returned Joxer's gaze. She slowly removed her hands from Joxer's
then smiled at both of them.
With tears in her eyes, she replied softly, "Yes, Joxer. I will marry
you." Joxer shouted with joy and swept her up into his arms, whirling
around as she laughed.
Still not understanding what had happened between the two of them, but
too excited to care, Adora jumped up and down as she watched the two of
them. "YAHOO! I'm getting
a mommy!" Joxer was so busy whirling a laughing Gabrielle around the
clearing that they didn't hear her continue speaking. "Now, we need to
get going here. Let's see: we
need guests and a best man and all that other stuff. They can get
married in the tavern and I can invite Mom's parents, Papa's mother, Jett,
Jace and Pierre! Aphrodite will marry
them! I just know it! Oh, this is going to be so much fun! I've got to
go get Eve. We have so much to do!"
Adora raced back to the tavern, yelling, "I'm getting a mommy! I'm
getting a mommy!"
Eve ran outside, her blue eyes wide. "What?"
"Papa proposed and Aunt Gabrielle said YES! Oh Eve, we've got to get
everything ready!" The two girls ran inside, chattering excitedly. Bright
lights suddenly began
flashing inside the tavern.
Xena, who had gone inside the stables to check on the horses, heard her
mother shouting. She ran outside to see what was the matter, saw the
lights in the windows and ran inside
the tavern.
****
Joxer and Gabrielle laughed as he lowered her legs to the ground and
she slipped her arms around his neck as he slid his arms around her
waist. "I love you, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle answered him with a long, deep kiss. When they were able to
catch their breath, the newly engaged couple put their arms around each
other's waists and they walked back
to the tavern. When they walked inside, they saw that the tavern was
decorated with flowers and their friends and families were standing
around.
*"What on earth?"* Gabrielle gasped.
Joxer looked surprised and then worried. He pushed his way through the
crowd of people congratulating the couple. He looked at Adora, who was
talking excitedly to Eve, Cyrene,
and Xena. Cyrene threw her hands up in the air, exasperated. Joxer
cleared his throat in an effort to get his daughter's attention. *"Young
lady!"* he called out finally.
Adora rushed over to him. "Oh Papa, I've got everyone here!"
Joxer looked around. Adora was right - everyone was there. "I can see
that." He shook his head.
Adora pulled on his tunic to get his attention. "We just need to wait
for Aphrodite and then you, Mom and me can get married!" she exclaimed,
her brown eyes shining with
happiness.
"Okay. It sure didn't take you long to get everybody here." Joxer
rubbed his hand over his eyes, not knowing what else to say at the moment.
"I brought them, but I said if they wanted to go back I'd send them
back and nobody wanted to. Papa, they *want* to be here!" Adora exclaimed.
Joxer looked at everybody closely this time and frowned. All his
friends seemed like they were in a trance. Gabrielle noticed the same thing
as she approached her family. "Mom?
Dad? Lila?" She waved her hand before their eyes and her own eyes grew
wide when none of them blinked.
The three replied in one dead-sounding voice, "We are so happy for you,
Gabrielle."
She turned back to Joxer, alarmed. "Joxer, something's wrong with
them!"
Joxer looked at Xena, who was waving a bag of gold in front of
Autolycus' face and the thief just stared straight ahead. "Oh yeah. I'd
*definitely* say that there's something
wrong here!" she agreed as she put the moneybag back inside his vest
pocket.
Joxer pinched the bridge of his nose before he turned to Adora. "So,
when you found them, you asked them if they wanted to come to the
wedding?"
Adora appeared unsure of herself, looking to Eve for help. Eve came
right to her side. "Yes, Uncle Joxer. She asked them."
Xena came over to her daughter. "But they didn't say yes of their own
free will, did they?"
Eve turned in Adora's direction. "Dorie?"
Adora hung her head. "I meant no harm, Papa. Really! I just want you
and Gabrielle to get married and I was afraid that if you wait too long,
she'll change her mind."
Gabrielle bent down next to her. "Dorie, **I** won't change my mind to
marry Joxer, but you have to allow everybody to make up their own minds
as to whether they can come to
the wedding or not."
Joxer knelt down before Adora and placed his hands on her shoulders,
gazing into her eyes intently. "Dorie, I understand *why* you did what
you did, but you can't *do*
things like this just to get your way any more. It's not right and it's
not fair to everyone you brought here. You know that, don't you?"
Adora saw that her father wasn't angry with her and nodded. "I know and
I understand. I'm sorry."
Joxer smiled. "I know. Now sweetie, send them back. Okay?"
Adora nodded and lights began flashing inside the tavern again. Once
the lights had cleared away, the only people left were herself, Eve,
Cyrene, Joxer, Xena and Gabrielle.
She smiled at Joxer. "Okay. What can I do to make it a wonderful
wedding?"
Eve giggled. "I know one thing for sure! No powers allowed."
Joxer nodded in agreement. "No powers." He then turned to Cyrene. "Is
Jett coming this weekend?"
"Yes. I received word that he would get a weekend pass this week
because he wasn't allowed to leave last time due to the prison break," Cyrene
told him.
Joxer beamed. "Good. That's only four days to wait. Gabrielle, can your
parents and Lila get here in time?"
"I'm not sure, Joxer. It's planting season and Father may not come."
Cyrene shook her head as she walked from behind the counter. "Nonsense!
It's your wedding and you're his daughter. He'll be here if I have to
go to your parents' farm and
drag him over by his hair!"
Both Xena and Eve laughed at that. "She will! Trust me," Xena said,
watching her mother talking to herself with amusement. "By the way,
congratulations, you two. It's about
time." She walked over to the couple and gave them each a warm hug.
"Thanks, Xena."
Adora giggled as she watched Cyrene continue muttering under her breath
while she began washing tables down with a wet rag. "Papa, it was a lot
easier when I just snapped
them here!"
*****
Four days went by quickly as family and friends came from all around to
the wedding. Some were surprised that Gabrielle had finally said yes,
but others expected that sooner
or later they would've gotten married. "It was just a matter of time,"
Jezda said to Autolycus as the guests gathered outside the tavern where
a makeshift altar decorated
with flowers had been set up in front of benches.
"Heh. I guess so," Autolycus answered with a smirk as he watched Joxer,
dressed in a new white long sleeve silk shirt, a royal blue vest and
black breeches and boots nervously
take his place at the right side of the altar, Jett standing next to
him as his best man.
Jezda was about to say something else when the scent of roses filled
the air. Rose petals then rained all over the guests and Aphrodite
suddenly appeared in front of the altar with
a high-pitched giggle from a burst of pink and gold sparkles.
"STUDMUFFIN! Looking *muy hot*!" she grinned, taking in Joxer's appearance with
a nod of approval. She
followed it up with a loud wolf-whistle.
Joxer blushed and smiled weakly. "Thanks, Aphrodite."
"No problemo, Studmuffin! Let's get this show on the road, huh? You've
sure waited long enough to get the girl!" With those words, the wedding
began. Everyone turned around
and watched as Eve and Adora walked down the aisle, tossing daisy
petals. They both smiled and winked at each other as they took their seats.
Jace then stood up and sang a beautiful love ballad. Before he returned
to his seat, he motioned to the musicians from his troupe and they
began playing a soft tune. Everyone
turned around to see Gabrielle as she came down the aisle, escorted by
Herodotus.
Joxer felt his breath come in a sharp gasp. She was so beautiful,
dressed in a gown created by the Love Goddess herself and around her neck
she wore the necklace that he
had given her so long ago. He swallowed and blinked hard as he watched
her approach with a smile on her face.
Gabrielle's eyes sparkled with barely held-back tears as she saw Joxer
standing in front of Aphrodite, looking very handsome in his brand-new
outfit. She stopped at the end of the
aisle to face her father. Herodotus smiled and kissed his oldest
daughter gently on the cheek. "I love you, Gabrielle."
"I love you too, Dad," Gabrielle whispered in his ear. She returned the
kiss.
Herodotus laughed softly and raised his head as Joxer approached the
two of them. "Welcome to the family, Joxer."
"Thank you, sir," Joxer replied in a husky voice as Gabrielle placed
her hand in his. Herodotus turned around and took his seat next to Hecuba
and Lila as the couple
approached the Goddess standing before the altar.
Aphrodite placed her hands on shapely hips and stared at the two of
them for a minute. "It's about time you got a clue about my boy Joxer,
Blondie!" she exclaimed finally
before rewarding them both with a gorgeous smile. Gabrielle blushed
hotly and shrugged her shoulders as everyone laughed. "Well, you're here
now, so let's get rolling!" With
those words, she snapped her fingers and produced a scroll - a very big
scroll. She opened it and launched into a very complex ceremonial
speech that had everyone's eyes start to
glaze over after a while with the exception of the bride and groom, who
were hanging onto every word she said.
*"And verily, it has come to pass that..."* Aphrodite suddenly stopped
in mid-speech.
"What's the matter?" Gabrielle asked, alarmed. Joxer's dark eyes
widened in distress as the Goddess stamped her foot in frustration.
"I'm going about this all wrong! This is like so *boring!* Who wrote
this crappy ceremony anyway? It totally bites the big one!" the Goddess
grumbled.
"Uh, Aphrodite? You did," Hercules spoke up from his seat. Iolaus, who
was translating for White Dove, began snickering. Pierre hid a smile
behind his hand.
Aphrodite's face fell. "Oh yeah." Her face brightened as she suddenly
threw the scroll into the air and zapped it. It burst into flames and
then disappeared without a trace.
"Burn, baby, burn!" she squealed.
"Aunt Xena, why did she do that?" Adora turned around, her eyes filling
with tears. "Does this mean I'm not going to get a mommy?"
"No, Dorie. She's got something else up her sleeve," Xena reassured
her.
"But she doesn't *have* any sleeves!" Adora exclaimed.
"Don't worry, sweetie. Everything is going to be fine," Xena smiled.
She turned in the Goddess' direction and her eyes narrowed. *"Isn't it?"*
Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Yeah! Don't have a cow. I'm *thinking*
here!" She pursed her lips out in a pretty little pout.
"She's actually capable of thought?" Autolycus murmured to Jezda, who
glared at him.
"Hey, Slick! I heard that!" Aphrodite shot the handsome thief a
decidedly unloving gaze in his direction and he gulped audibly.
Autolycus held his hands up in the air in a gesture of surrender. "Just
kidding!" He gave her his most charming smile.
"Uh huh. *WHATEVER!*" The Goddess rolled her eyes again and gazed at
the anxiously waiting couple for a moment before she smiled sweetly.
"OOOOHHH! I
know... I'm just *so* good!" she exclaimed with a giggle. Her face
became serious as she re-started the wedding. Laughter echoed in the air
and happy tears were shed as she
blessed the couple's new life together with a very personal ceremony.
Aphrodite's blue eyes twinkled as she finished with a, "So, by the
power vested in well - ME - I now pronounce you husband and wife! Rock each
other's world!" She clapped her
hands together and laughed merrily.
The couple didn't have to be told twice. With a soft exclamation, Joxer
gathered Gabrielle in his arms and the two kissed for a long, long time
to applause and laughter.
"You think that they're going to come up for air anytime soon?" Jace
asked Pierre, delicately wiping his tears away with a silk handkerchief.
"They'll have to eventually," Pierre replied with a grin, leaning over
to kiss Jace.
Pierre was right. Eventually, Gabrielle and Joxer did turn around to
face their guests, to teasing, applause, and laughter, making them both
blush. Adora ran up to them and Joxer
picked her up. She gave him a huge hug then reached over and hugged
Gabrielle. "I'm so happy! I've finally got a mom!"
Gabrielle laughed. "I'm happy too, Dorie."
Eve then ran over to them. "Uncle Joxer, Aunt Gabrielle! Where are you
going for your honeymoon?"
"Well Eve," answered Gabrielle. "Joxer and I decided to stay right here
and have our honeymoon."
"Great, because tomorrow Dorie and I have a surprise for you!"
Joxer smiled at them, eyebrows raised up in curiosity. "What kind of a
surprise?"
"Papa! It wouldn't be a surprise if we told you. But don't worry, I
won't use any of my powers." Adora then turned her head towards Cyrene.
"Hey, is the cake ready? I'm star...
Uh, Papa's starving!"
Cyrene laughed. "Yes, everything's ready. Come on, everyone. Dinner is
being served in the dining area."
Everyone got behind Joxer and Gabrielle as they led the group into the
dining area. Once inside, Joxer and Gabrielle sat at the head table
while the others found places to sit at
tables around them. Cyrene had hired special help for the wedding, and
the guests were served with fine food and wine. After the meal, Jace
got the musicians from his troupe to
begin playing so everyone could dance. In between the dancing, the
guests talked, ate and congratulated the couple. Adora and Eve were both
trying very hard to stay awake, but
they both were falling asleep. Jezda gently bumped Xena on the
shoulder. She turned away from Autolycus, who she was talking to, and looked at
her. "What's the matter?"
she asked.
"I think the girls have finally lost their battle with Morpheus. Will
you help me put them to bed?" Jezda asked.
Xena smiled, nodded and rose from her seat. She picked up her sleeping
daughter while Jezda took Adora in her arms. "Mom, we're putting these
two to bed."
Cyrene looked up and nodded. "All right, Xena."
The two carried the girls into their bedroom and gently tucked them
into their beds. "Good night, Eve," Xena said as she kissed her daughter
on the forehead.
Eve opened her eyes slightly and smiled at her. "Night, Mom."
Jezda leaned down and kissed Adora goodnight. "Grandma?" Adora's voice
was sleepy as she opened her eyes to gaze up at her grandmother.
"Yes, Dorie?"
"Papa looked so handsome, didn't he?"
Jezda smiled. "Yes dear. He looked very handsome. Now, go to sleep."
"I will after Papa and Mom come and say goodnight."
Jezda nodded. "I'll go and get them."
"And me too!" said Eve.
Xena stroked her hair. "I'm sure they'll want to say good night to you
too."
Jezda left the bedroom and went back into the dining area. She walked
over to her son and his new bride, who were dancing to a slow song. She
gently tapped Joxer on the
shoulder and smiled at the two of them when they stopped dancing. "Your
daughter wants to say good night."
Joxer returned the smile. "Okay, Mother. Thank you." He slipped his arm
around Gabrielle's waist. "Our daughter wants to say good night."
Gabrielle's own smile widened as they began walking towards the girls'
bedroom. "I like the sound of that. *Our* daughter..."
When they entered the bedroom, Eve said in a sleepy voice, "Goodnight,
Aunt Gabrielle. Goodnight, Uncle Joxer."
"Good night Eve," they replied. Eve then turned over on her side and
was fast asleep in seconds. Joxer and Gabrielle then walked over to
Adora's bed and they saw that she was
still awake. Joxer sat down on the edge of her bed. "Hey, I heard you
wanted to say goodnight to us."
"I do, Papa. Goodnight Papa, Mom. I love you."
"Goodnight, Dorie. Your mother and I love you too."
Joxer bent down and gave her a kiss and then Gabrielle did too.
"Goodnight, Dorie."
"'Night." Dorie smiled and closed her eyes, and soon they could hear
the soft sound of her sleeping. Together, they walked from the room
quietly and returned to their guests.
After a while longer, the party was over and everyone retired for the
night. Joxer looked up after he took his boots off and smiled at his
wife, who had just finished taking off her
sandals. "You know, I didn't think you could be more beautiful than you
already are, but I was wrong." He reached forward and took her into his
arms, eyes sparkling. "Come here,
my Amazon Princess," he growled into her ear.
Gabrielle giggled as she landed in his arms. "I'll have you know I'm a
queen!" She slid her hands over his shoulders and gripped his arms
lightly.
Joxer stared at her for a long time before he answered in a husky
voice, "You are my queen, my princess, my Goddess and my whole world...
along with Adora."
Gabrielle smiled and swallowed hard. Gently, she worked the buttons of
his vest open and slid it off his shoulders, the cloth making a whisper
of sound as it fell to the floor.
"Speaking of Adora, I wonder what she and Eve have planned for
tomorrow?"
Joxer began to adorn Gabrielle's neck with kisses as he started working
on the small pearl buttons on the back of her dress. "I don't know, but
whatever it is... Gods, you smell *so
good!*"
"JoxER!" Gabrielle gasped, arching her neck up. "What do you think
they're going to do?"
Joxer turned his attentions to her collarbone. "I'd rather not talk
about it. Tonight, I want only you."
Gabrielle turned around before he could finish unbuttoning her dress
and kissed him long and hard in response, her hands sliding underneath
his shirt.
****
The next morning, the couple was awakened by a loud knock. "Papa? Mom?
Are you awake?"
Joxer shot up into a sitting position, searched around for his shirt
and put it on as Gabrielle quickly slipped her robe over herself. "Yes,
Dorie!"
"Can Eve and I come in?" Adora's voice was muffled behind the door.
"*May* Eve and I come in," corrected Gabrielle.
Outside the door, Adora looked at Eve and sighed. "*May* Eve and I
come in?"
"Come on in, sweetie," replied Joxer.
They watched as Xena opened the door and the two girls came in with a
tray of food. Xena winked at the couple and shut the door silently.
"Surprise!" they both said, their
eyes gleaming. "We made you breakfast in bed!"
"Yes," said Eve, all excited. "We even cooked it. Grandma just kept an
eye on us."
The girls sat the tray on the bed next to Joxer and Gabrielle. Adora
lifted the top off the dishes with a flourish. "Look, Papa and Mom! We
made all your favorites." They saw
that there was lots of fresh fruit, bacon, eggs and bread with fresh
homemade black currant preserves, butter, honey - and something that
looked like flat cakes with raisins in
them. Gabrielle and Joxer looked at this last item curiously and Adora
giggled. "You put honey and butter on them!"
The couple each took a flat cake, placed them on their dishes and put
butter and honey on them. They both took a bite of their flat cake and
Gabrielle's face lit up like a Roman
candle at the taste. The two ate until they had just about finished
everything brought to them. "Girls, that was the most wonderful breakfast
I've ever had! Thank you!" said
Gabrielle. Joxer nodded in agreement.
"You're welcome, but we aren't done yet," replied Eve. "We've got
another surprise." Eve looked at Adora. "You ready, Dorie?"
"Yep! Ready to go. Papa, you and Mom are going to love this!"
Joxer and Gabrielle waited as the two girls did a dance Jace taught
them and when they were done, they sang a new version of Joxer's song that
they both worked on together.
They both clapped when the girls were finished. Adora and Eve took a
bow and then quietly left their bedroom. Gabrielle removed the tray from
the bed and got up. "Joxer,
that was nice, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," he replied as he pulled up his pants. "The girls did a great
job. I wonder how long they've been working on it?"
"I'd say for at least a week."
"Nah, not a week. I'd say three days."
"Why do you say that, Joxer?"
"Because Jace has only been here for three days."
Gabrielle smiled at that. "Good point."
Joxer finished putting his left boot on and turned around to face his
wife. "Ah, Gabrielle, I'm going to talk to Adora."
"About what, Joxer?" Gabrielle gazed at Joxer. "You can't tell her..."
Joxer nodded. "I know I can't, but I still want to ask her to do
something for me."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Joxer reached down and pulled his other boot on. "Nah. I can handle
it."
"Yeah. Sure. I understand."
Joxer stopped at the sound of Gabrielle's voice and turned around to
see that she was looking down at her hands uncomfortably. He immediately
walked over to her and put
his arms around her. "Oh Gabrielle, I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking. I
would love you to come with me."
Gabrielle looked up at him. "Are you sure? I don't want to interfere
with a private father and daughter moment."
Joxer smiled. "Yes, I'm sure. Let's go talk to *our* daughter."
The couple walked outside and eventually found Adora inside the stables
putting her saddle on Blue. "Hi Papa. Hi Mom. Aunt Xena and Uncle Jett
are taking us on a morning
ride. Do you want to come?"
"Adora, we need to talk to you before you go riding," Joxer said.
Adora's eyes grew wide. "What about, Papa? Am I in trouble?" she asked
anxiously.
Gabrielle smiled. "No sweetie, your Papa and I just want to talk to
you."
Adora sighed with relief. "Okay."
Joxer bent down and place his hands on her arms gently. "Adora, we know
that sometimes you can't help using your powers, but I want you to
promise us one thing."
"What's that, Papa?"
"Never use your powers to kill or hurt anyone."
Adora looked at him strangely. "Not even if someone hurts or kills
you?"
Joxer shook his head. "Not even for that reason. Do you promise me?"
Adora stared into her father's dark eyes, trying to read his mind, but
all she was getting were his thoughts about Gabrielle. "I don't
understand why you're asking this of me,
Papa, but I'll try my best not to, I promise."
Joxer gave her a hug. "Okay, sweetie. Now, why don't you go catch up
with the others?"
Adora mounted Blue and caught up with the others. Eve rode alongside
her. "What took you so long?"
"Papa wanted to talk to me."
Eve frowned. "About what?"
"He asked me to promise not to kill or hurt anyone with my powers."
"Did you?"
"I said I would do my best. Eve, how can he expect me to make such a
promise?"
Eve studied Adora's eyes before she spoke. "I guess when we become
parents, we'll understand better."
"Yeah, I guess we will."
******
*In the land of Gaul, on top of the highest mountain:*
Two figures stood in front of a large mirror inside a great hall,
watching Eve and Adora laughing as they rode on their horses. "All the
pieces are in place, My Lord," the first
figure said.
"Yes. The prophecy has come to pass with the marriage between the
Amazon Queen and her consort. Mount Olympus **will** fall." The second
figure held his hand out. There
was a flash of light and a battle-axe appeared in it. "Let the others
know that the time has come to prepare for battle."
The first figure bowed. "Yes, My Lord." He bowed once more and left the
hall.
The second figure continued watching the two girls in the mirror. There
was a flash of even white teeth underneath the hood of his cloak.
"Soon. Very soon," he promised.
The End
This series will be concluded in the next story.