Chapter 2
When their daughter was born, Xena and Hercules were prepared with the perfect name for their little princess. They called her Gabrielle. She had hair of gold, shining emerald eyes, and a smile that could melt Zeus' heart.
Gabrielle grew into a kind, sweet girl, always helping others. She was taught many things by her parents. Hercules showed her how to survive in the wilderness, and Xena taught her how to fight with the staff and sais. Though Gabrielle saw herself as a warrior for peace, she grew to be very skilled with weapons. She enjoyed everything she was taught, but reading and writing were her favorite pastimes.
On Gabrielle's 21st birthday, Nephti came to visit Hercules, Xena, and Gabrielle. Gabrielle had been taught to read and write by Nephti, so she had always known and loved the shamaness. Nephti now told Gabrielle of her brothers and Alti's curse. "Gabrielle," said Alti. "The enchantment can only be lifted if you do exactly as I say. You have many gifts, child... Not the least of which is your clever tongue. You can use this gift more than often than the fighting skills you have learned. You must go to the God of War and convince him to give you his leather vest. You need one vest for each of your brothers, so you must go to Ares five times. When you get all five vests, go to your brothers and throw the vests over their heads. This will break the enchantment. I warn you, you must go alone, and you cannot tell anyone what you doing or why you are asking for Ares for his vests."
Gabrielle listened carefully, very shocked to hear that she had brothers that were swans, but ready to do what she needed to do. "How will I find my brothers?"
"The magic that made them," replied Nephti, "has also given them the knowledge of your existence. Go to the mountains. They will find you."
Her parents tried to convince her that it was impossible and too dangerous to deal with the God of War, but Gabrielle was adamant. She had to save her brothers.
Gabrielle readied herself for her journey into the mountains. She took a pack and weapons, mounted her horse, and rode away. She fought bandits on the way and defeated them easily with the skills taught her by her parents.
-TBC-