Disclaimer: I do not own Xena Warrior Princess

Author's Notes: I'm trying to incorporate some small things from previous episodes, from previous Xena and Gabrielle interactions to infuse Eve's character with, whether or not she realizes the similarities or not. Also, anything in italics without being attached to someone in the scene a.) will be explained in due time, just wait, and b.) is not anyone in the scene. I figured I should make this disclaimer in case I get too vague with those italic lines.

Backflips and New Faces

"Okay, so here's what I'm gonna do," she explained, holding up the little wooden doll with feathers she's had all her life. "Ayiyiyiyi" she said without much oomph to preserve the practiced war cry for the real spectacle, and spun the doll slowly over itself a couple of times.

"You might want to try just the one flip before you try four," one of the older Amazons pointed.

"No," she said with a shake of her head.

"And with a staff so you have something to work off versus trusting your body to do a flip alone the first time," another piped up.

The girl looked at her with narrowed eyes and a pout to put dogs to shame. "No," she repeated with a light shake of her head, in a long braid for today. "I gottit," she stated, absolutely sure of herself. The Amazons watching her shared a look of amusement mixed with concern. She was still a child and would bounce back should she hurt herself.

"A'right, I'm ready," she nodded fiercely, placing the doll down carefully to the side and backed up to give herself space. Wait. Which foot to start on? Left. Definitely left. Running forward she went into a cartwheel, landed on both feet and prepared to backflip.

Before she could land however, she fell into another someone's arms, grunting with the effort of suddenly being stopped. "Eve..." came the firm voice of their village's queen.

"Whaaat?" she asked, squirming in Chilapa's arms to be released.

"I know you couldn't see it, but you were about to break a leg," Chilapa explained as she let the five year old down from her arms. Eve pouted and crossed her arms.

"No, I wasn't. Right?" she asked turning to the women watching her. Immediately they all turned away from those convincing blue eyes that pleaded with the best of their resolves. Some even made excuses for chores they had to return to and left. Eve huffed at not getting backed up and plopped down on the ground.

"Eve...honey," Chilapa knelt down, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You need to be more careful about the things you try at your age. Yes, practice is good but some things you should ask to be taught so you don't harm yourself. Or wait until-"

"I'm bigger," Eve interrupted with a groan. "Everyone always thinks I'm too small for things, too young. But mommy could do it. I can do anything she can. You always told me that!" she pointed at the queen.

"I did, but I doubt Xena nor Gabrielle were attempting backflips at five seasons old. They were being kids, playing games and having fun," Chilapa explained in a soft voice. "They weren't in such a rush to grow up. And neither should you be, Eve. You've got a lifetime to be a fierce, honorable warrior woman if that is your wish, but right now you're a child and you should be enjoying life. Take time away from learning a new trick or trade. You're a fast learner as it is."

Eve looked up at Chilapa, her eyes softer now, but the pout still prominent. "I...I miss them, Chilapa," she admitted with a wobble of her lip.

"I know, honey," Chilapa replied, leaning in to pull the girl into her lap for a hug. Eve buried her fists in Chilapa's hair and her nose in her neck, trying not to cry. "They miss you too. And they love you very much, I promise you that," she said.

After several moments sitting there rocking a trembling five year old, Chilapa saw Eve finally pull back and rub at her red eyes and stuffy nose.

"Better?"

Eve nodded shyly.

"Now...rumor has it, you've been working on your war cry. Shall we hear it?" Chilapa asked, watching as a twinkle returned to those beautiful blue eyes.

Taking in a deep breath and placing her hands on her hips, Eve let out as loud a war cry as she could and it was getting very closer to Xena's. A cheer rose up from around the village of Amazons who heard her causing Eve to giggle afterwards.

An Amazon approached Chilapa and whispered something in her ear while Eve looked on curiously. Her attention was diverted when she heard some noise by the entrance to the village where a horse and cart were being brought in. What had they collected? It was moving. Eve started to wander over as the horse slowed down and Thia hopped off the animal.

"Hello, Eve."

"Hiya. Whatcha got?" she asked.

"Why don't you look?" Thia said with a smile, walking with Eve to the back of the cart since the girl couldn't see over it. Eve stopped in her tracks, mouth agape. It was girls. Her size. But...

Eve looked up at Thia, brows knit. "A village on the edge of Greece was recently liberated from the Romans and we were contacted about the youth girls without families. We visited, explained what it is to be an Amazon, what is expected of them, and these are the ones interested in learning," Thia explained.

"You're an Amazon?" one of the older orphan girls asked of Eve. Eve nodded proudly, unsure what to say if anything. "You're not pretty." Eve's face scrunched up in confusion.

'Ugh! Girl doesn't know what she's talking about.'

"Amazons are tall and pretty, and strong and-"

"And don't judge others," came Chilapa's commanding voice. The girls all looked toward the imposing figure now at Eve's side. "What is your name."

"Aeriosa."

"Aeriosa, the first thing you must know as an Amazon is that we come in all shapes and sizes, though it matters not our outward appearance, but our inner beliefs and moral code is what makes an Amazon. And right now, Eve is more Amazon than any of you. You could stand to learn a lesson from our youngest if you open your heart," Chilapa explained.

"Queen Chilapa, always such wise words," Thia said as casually as possible considering the woman hadn't taken the moment to introduce herself to the orphans. Chilapa side-eyed the woman with a slight head nod in thanks.

"You're really an Amazon?" another of the orphans asked Eve as she took in her clothing and practice sword hanging along her back.

"Yup! My mama is..." she trailed off then glanced up at the queen.

"My predecessor," Chilapa supplied, deciding to keep it simple and vague.

"Cool!"

The group of girls surrounded her and began to ask questions. Eve's eyes darted back and forth, trying to answer, but being cut off by the next question. Clearly the orphans were more comfortable badgering her than their elders. But Eve was swiftly getting uncomfortable and overwhelmed. She had only ever spent time with the older Amazons thus far in her life so all these rambunctious and loud and curious girls were unexpected.

Taking in a deep breath, she let out a shaky war cry, completely unlike her attempts at mimicking her mommy earlier today. The girls fell silent, watching Eve with wide eyes. "Uh..." Eve stuttered, then turned on her heel and ran away from the group.

Chilapa and Thia covered their mouths as a chuckle bubbled to the surface for each of them. Poor Eve. First taste of hero worship from the orphans.