The light was streaming into the hut as Gabrielle stirred. Reluctantly she opened her eyes and looked around the hut. Feeling the pressure of her bladder she eased herself out of the bed to relieve herself. When she returned to the hut, Xena had returned bringing a large basket.

Her grin widened as she saw the warrior make the tea and spin round and give Gabrielle a hug and then a kiss. Gabrielle reluctantly pulled herself away and sat down as Xena busied herself, unloading the basket which was full of food. She looked out of the window and realised that it was mid morning and she gave a little chuckle.

"Well, I certainly did sleep well," said Gabrielle.

"Me too. I've only just got up."

"Mmm," said Gabrielle. "I'm sure you've only done some drills, been for a run, mucked out Argo, as well as saved several distressed amazons."

"Distressed amazons?" Xena turned around and made a face. She then brought two mugs across to the table. "No really I have just got up. Been to get some food and popped into see Piri."

"Everything OK," asked Gabrielle, worriedly?

Xena held her hands up and Gabrielle saw that the bandages had been reduced. Xena gave her a lop-sided smile. "And I wanted to check up on you. Making sure you did behave while I was away."

Gabrielle looked into her mug and then took a long sip from it. She looked up and gave Xena forced smile. "You enjoyed being out of the village didn't you? Away from the amazons, being out on the road." Gabrielle tried to keep her voice steady and strong, even though she didn't feel it.

Xena looked away and then back at Gabrielle. Her face was impassive. "I can't deny it felt good to be on the road again. I haven't been in one place for so long since I left Amphipolis." She inhaled. "But as much as I loved being away from the village. I missed you. I couldn't sleep; every thought was dominated by you."

"If you want to-"began Gabrielle.

"I don't," said Xena sharply. "Not without you. "

Gabrielle grinned and then started to inspect what Xena had brought back for her in the basket. She began to pile some on a plate.

"But do you mind if I go hunting with Epinon today?" Xena looked slightly embarrassed.

"You don't have to ask me, Xena," said Gabrielle between mouthfuls.

Xena smiled and began to prepare herself.

"Did you know, Iolaus told me about this temple north of Renwa-"Gabrielle began?

"Oh yeah, I know it. Visited with Borias once. The Gods know what Borias was smoking but he claimed he couldn't see it all. But I went in. Small, very plain, very unlike most temples. See you later." Xena kissed Gabrielle on the head and turned before she could see the look of amazement on Gabrielle's face or the bard could get any words out.

Gabrielle's mouth dropped as Xena left the hut. Iolaus had said… oh Gods. Her hand shook as she pushed her self up and started to pace. Her appetite went and she suddenly felt sweaty. Iolaus had said… she swallowed. She sat down on the bed and stared at the wall, at nothing in particular while she thought about what Iolaus had said and what Xena had casually admitted.

She shut her eyes. Xena was part god. There was no other explanation. She breathed heavily to try and calm her racing heartbeat. Xena had god's blood running through her veins. She opened her eyes and she stood up feeling even more restless and anxious.

Whose blood was it? Gabrielle knew that was the most pertinent question. That was the one that Xena would fear the answer of. Gabrielle cast her mind back to Xena being driven insane by the Furies. What a clever ploy Xena had thought of. She had congratulated her on it. It wasn't true, surely. Surely?

Gabrielle was lost in her concerns and barely registered the banging on the door. She had no idea of how long they had been there or she had been sitting thinking.

She got up and answered it. Solari and Ephiny were standing outside.

"We didn't wake you did we Gabrielle?" asked Solari, taking in Gabrielle nightdress and dishevelled appearance.

Gabrielle shook her head not trusting her voice. She motioned them in and they sat at the table that contained her half eaten breakfast.

"We've got some visitors," said Ephiny.

Gabrielle swallowed and tried to put this morning's revelation to the back of her mind and concentrate fully on what her friends were saying.

"Amazon visitors," added Solari.

"Amazons?" asked Gabrielle and looked at Ephiny.

"None we know," shrugged Ephiny.

"They're definitely Amazon?" asked Gabrielle.

"Well, Selene and Thea were convinced." Said Solari. "Selene did say they looked like kids, apart from one, older woman. "

"Their Queen?" suggested Gabrielle. To her, her voice seemed unnatural as she attempted to control the anxiety and worry she felt over Xena's heritage. However Ephiny and Solari didn't appear to notice anything different.

"A shameness, Selene thinks. She did a lot of the talking. The kids appeared," Solari exchanged a glance with Ephiny who nodded her encouragement, "Selene said they appeared out of their depth."

There was silence as Gabrielle grappled with what she was told. She knew she had to give this her full concentration. The other matter could wait until she had time to broach the subject with Xena.

"Where are they?" She asked.

"We've sent an escort out. Be here soon," said Ephiny.

Gabrielle rose and the two amazons mirrored her action. "I'll be out shortly."

"Are you sure you're up to it?" asked Ephiny, concerned.

Gabrielle smiled. "I think I can look regal and smile a lot. That's all you need me for."

Ephiny put her hand on Gabrielle's arm and rubbed it, smiling. She turned and made her way to the door with Solari following.

"I'll send someone when they are close." Said Solari.

Gabrielle nodded her thanks and they left the hut. As Gabrielle closed the door she turned around and lent her back on it. After a deep sigh, she rubbed her face with her eyes and then slowly walked to the table. She slumped into a chair and looked at the half eaten food on the plate. Oh Xena she thought. I wish you were here. I wish I could talk to you. She mentally shook herself and started to get dressed considering what she was going to tell Xena, never dreaming the circumstances that would prevent her.

Gabrielle watched the small group stride nervously to the village centre. They didn't just look like kids they were kids. All except the tall dark haired woman. She had an air of confidence, arrogance even, that Gabrielle felt slightly unnerving. It was the older woman that approached her. She bowed her head slightly and then looking up staring Gabrielle in the eye. Gabrielle felt herself being dragged into the dark eyes and beyond and immediately tried to force her gaze elsewhere. But she couldn't tear her eyes away. Fear engulfed her and she could feel her life being laid open. She concentrated hard and finally managed to break the stare. The whole exchange had taken less than a second but to Gabrielle it had had felt timeless.

"Who are you?" she whispered breathlessly before she could regain her senses fully.

"Alti. My name is Alti," and she gave Gabrielle a cold smile.