Cyrene allowed herself a couple of sips of water from her mug before she went back to work. The lunchtime crowd was just dispersing and she collected the mugs and plates up and headed back to the kitchen. "Stew's all gone," said Doris, the cook, sternly.
"Anyone else comes in they can have bread and cheese," said Cyrene. "Thank the gods for your daughter and son in law, Doris. I don't know what we'd do without them over this festival."
"She's a good girl, is Falla. And that man she married is a good 'un too. He enjoys it." Cyrene patted the cook's hand, and breathed in deeply enjoying the calm. That was shattered as they heard the door opening.
"Sound like you've got some more customers Boss," smiled Doris as she rolled the pastry out for the night's pies.
Cyrene rolled her eyes and gave Doris's arm a friendly push and left the kitchen. "Stew's off but we-Xena, how good to see you." Cyrene opened her arms wide and to her pleasure Xena strode over and gave her a warm hug. They both clung on to each other, and finally Cyrene pulled away, although she took Xena's larger hands in her own. "Daughter it has been too long. All alone? Where's Gabrielle?" Cyrene's eyes searched Xena's face for a sign or a hint of what happened.
"She's following. I just wanted to make sure there was room for us. There's quite a crowd."
"Xena, I'm sorry, we are full. It's the Bards' festival, all my rooms are gone." Cyrene saw the crestfallen look on Xena's face.
"Have you anything, anything at all for Gabrielle, she really needs it?" Cyrene couldn't remember the last time she had heard the pleading tone in Xena's voice.
Before the older woman could answer, the door swung open. Xena stepped around her mother and headed towards the door. She turned back and whispered, "Not too many questions to Gabrielle please Mother."
Cyrene looked puzzled but this turned to shock as she saw several women warriors, heavily armed, enter her inn. She strode forward and was about to ask for their weapons when she spotted Gabrielle. A heavily pregnant Gabrielle. She failed to stifle a gasp, and she covered her mouth with her hand. She recovered her composure quickly and gave the bard a warm smile and embraced her.
"Gabrielle, it is so lovely to see you," said Cyrene.
"And you, Cyrene. I am sorry for this inconvenience," The bard pointed at the warriors who were walking around the rooms ensuring there were no dangers. "Pony, Sol, its fine. And you have to take your weapons off."
Cyrene watched as a swarthy woman approached Gabrielle looking concerned.
"You can't be serious Gab? And leave you undefended?"
"Solari I am serious. It's hardly being undefended. I am well guarded by you, Xena and Cyrene."
"And Doris pitches a mean rolling pin," said Cyrene with a twinkle in her eye. Both Gabrielle and Xena laughed at this, and before any more of the amazons could voice their concerns the warrior said, "We need to find accommodation. Mother's inn is full."
"Oh Xena your room is free, of course it is. You and Gabrielle can stay there. And your-"
"Amazons," said Gabrielle kindly.
"Amazons can stay in the barn, if they wish. I doubt anyone else will have any free rooms."
"The barn is fine," said one of the women. She looked at Xena who nodded and gestured with her hand. The Amazons bowed politely at Cyrene and followed Xena out of the door.
Cyrene took Gabrielle's hand and walked over to a table. Questions were whizzing through Cyrene's head as she gazed at the younger woman but she heeded her daughter's words.
"Would you like a drink, dear?" asked the inn keeper.
Gabrielle smiled. "No thank you. I think I'll head for a nap when Xena gets back."
"Of course, of course." There was an uncomfortable silence. "So it's the bard's festival that has brought you here?"
Gabrielle nodded. "That and a few other things. We did so want to see you, Cyrene."
"You could have waited until after the baby's born," said Cyrene, her curiosity unable to be held at bay any longer. She heard the door swing open again, and from the footsteps knew it was her daughter.
"Xena how could you travel with Gabrielle so close?"
Xena walked towards the table and stood by it, towering over the two seated women. She put her hands on her hips and looked angrily at her mother.
"Cyrene, I have two months to go," interjected Gabrielle.
"I don't think so," blurted out Cyrene. "You look much closer than that."
"Believe me it's two months," said Xena angrily and stared at her mother. Cyrene could see a mixture of emotions warring in her daughter's eyes-eyes she had been so used to reading when Xena was growing up-anger, pain, sadness. The shrewd older woman realised the subject needed to be changed. She knew that Xena would tell her-when the time was right for Xena.
"So would you like a bath, dear or just a nap?" She turned to face Gabrielle.
"I think I might have a nap first, Cyrene." Gabrielle got up stiffly and in an instance Xena was at her side.
"You stay with your Mother and catch up. I can find my way." Gabrielle kissed Xena's cheek gently and gave a smile to Cyrene as she walked towards Xena's old bedroom.
Xena watched her go with a pensive expression on her face. Cyrene got up and walked to the bar. She took a brown bottle from behind the bar and two mugs. She then walked to the front door, and turned the sign around indicating the inn was closed. By the time she reached the table Xena was sitting down. The warrior was staring at the table and didn't acknowledge Cyrene even as her mother poured her a drink and put it in front of her.
Xena remained motionless and Cyrene wondered how long the silence would carry on for. She covered Xena's hand with her own and gave it a squeeze. This was the catalyst for Xena to move and she looked at her mother, her face void of expression.
"Have a drink," said Cyrene. Xena did as she was bade and coughed after gulping the liquid down.
"The good stuff," she said, hoarsely.
"I thought you needed it." There was a pause. "Xena, tell me."
Xena looked at her mother and gave a sigh. "There's so much to tell you, where do I start?"
"Start with Gabrielle," said Cyrene tenderly. Xena looked down again for a moment and when she looked up, the look of pain and anguish she wore shocked the older woman.
"She and Iolaus were captured while trying to rescue me. They were beaten and tortured, and would have been killed had it not been for the Amazons and Hercules." Xena gulped and a tear started to roll down her cheek. "The ring leader, Lindos, took a liking to her and ra- raped her."
There was silence. "Oh my poor girl," said Cyrene and stood up and walked over to Xena. She wrapped her arms around her daughter and Xena pressed her face hard into her stomach. After a while they pulled apart.
"You weren't hurt?" asked Cyrene anxiously? "No-one tried to-to force you? "
Xena gave a hollow laugh, and her face screwed up in pain. "I haven't told you the full story mother. I'd drunk from an enchanted challis and it made me lose my memories, my sense of self."
Cyrene frowned.
"Darkness became all important. I had no memories of anything or anyone just a need to feed the darkness. I destroyed villages, murdered people."
"Xena no," said a shocked Cyrene. "That's all behind you."
"The challis made it real again. I helped affect some Amazons and we were in a camp when Gabrielle and Iolaus were captured."
Cyrene looked at Xena's face, and was apprehensive of what would come next. She watched as her daughter took a deep breath in and spoke quickly, "I was the one that handed Gabrielle over to Lindos. I gave her to him." There was silence. "Then the next day I took part in torturing them both. They would have died had Hercules and the Amazons not arrived with the antidote."
"No daughter, you would never hurt Gabrielle."
Xena snorted. "I have before. I did, Mother I hurt her physically, and I gave her to him knowing what he wanted." Xena swallowed.
There was a long silence. Xena looked at mother with a curious expression. "Say something, please?"
Cyrene looked at Xena and opened her mouth once and then shut it. She opened it again and spoke slowly, considering each word carefully before she spoke. "Gabrielle's carrying Lindos' child?" Xena nodded. "It must have been hard for you both."
"That's an understatement," said Xena, and she looked into her mother's eyes. "We've got through it all; Gabrielle's recovery, my guilt, her fear about the baby. We're still together." Xena smiled and looked past Cyrene.
"Xena that shows what incredible love you have for each other. What a bond. Cherish it, and her."
"I do Mother, believe me I do. Every day I give thanks for it."
"The baby, Xena? What are you going to do?"
"We'll raise it together. The bastard will have nothing to do with the child; I'll make sure of that."
"He lives?" said Cyrene surprised. "I would have thought he would have stood trial."
Anger appeared on Xena's face again. "We couldn't find him or his sister. They were the ring leaders. Gabrielle didn't want us to carry on the search."
Cyrene nodded wordlessly. She then started to smile, and it grew into a broad grin.
"What Mother?"
"A baby Xena. Just think a baby." She lost her smile as she looked at Xena's face. "I know it'll never replace Solon, but Gabrielle's baby."
"I know. I'm getting there. It's taken me a while to warm to the idea, but Gabrielle will have my full support," Xena said genuinely.
"A baby." Repeated Cyrene absently. "I'm sure I have some of your old things, and of course there's the crib, and-"Cyrene was interrupted by Xena's laughter, a wonderful rich laugh that brought joy to the older woman.
"Thank you Mother, you are a treasure to me." She stood up and went to her mother's side.
"Thank you for understanding."
Cyrene leant across and hugged her stomach. "Oh daughter, it will take a while for my head to stop spinning, but the main thing is that you and Gabrielle are fine and together." She looked up at her tall daughter. "You're a special person, Xena. And so is Gabrielle."
"Thank you," said Xena, croakily.
Just then the door opened and five weary looking amazons entered.
"The horses are happy and we have made up our beds," said one.
Xena grinned and walked towards them. "Mother this is Solari, Epinon, Walia, Selene and Asteria. They are Amazons from Gabrielle's tribe and will be protecting her."
"Nice to meet you ladies. Although the rule's the same, no weapons," Cyrene smiled sweetly and she watched all the amazons look at Xena who shrugged her shoulders.
With noisy grumbling they all removed their weapons.
"Where's Gab?" asked Epinon.
"Gone for a nap," said Xena. "I think I'll check up on her," she added and frowned at Solari and Epinon's smiles. "Behave," she said to the amazons.
"Come on dears, I am sure we can find you some lunch, and you can tell me about your village."
Xena turned to watch the five amazons troop after Cyrene into the kitchen, as she made her way to her old bedroom.
"You're timing is impeccable as usual, it's dinner time shortly," Xena grinned as Gabrielle peered at her slightly disorientated as she awoke.
"I slept that long. Xe you should have woken me," said Gabrielle running a hand through her hair and pushing herself up the bed.
"You needed it. It's been a long few days," Xena said and sat at the edge of the bed and took one of the bard's hands.
"We hardly slummed it though. Inns every night, a comfortable wagon; not what we're used to."
Xena squeezed her hand. "But at the moment what we need. How are you feeling?" she asked softly.
"Rested. Although this bed isn't that big-I take up most of it."
"I'm sure I'll squeeze in," said Xena and she leant forward for a kiss.
After sharing a tender kiss, Gabrielle said, "How's Cyrene? Did you have a chat?"
Xena nodded. "I told her about the challis," she said quietly. They looked at each other seriously and to break the tension Xena gave a laugh. "Mother is searching through the attic for all our baby things, so watch out there may not be room for you on that wagon coming home."
Gabrielle giggled. "So you think she'll be up for babysitting?"
Xena gave a hearty laugh. "Oh yes. She's definitely claiming Grandmother Rights."
"Well she is," replied Gabrielle. "I think of her as a Grandmother."
Xena looked around the room. "It feels funny to be back here. She's hardly changed it; I thought she'd want to get rid of anything."
Gabrielle laid a comforting hand on Xena's hand. "She knew you'd come back to her."
Xena gave a weak smile which faded quickly, and was replaced by a look of disgust. "And I have to rock the boat. Ask about my past-her past. It's going to be a lovely mother daughter chat. Hi mum, I think the man you slept with wasn't my dad, but a God. So glad it was good for you."
"Xena," the bard spoke gently and now laid both hands on Xena's arms. The touch and the gentle tone seemed to sooth her, and she turned to face Gabrielle looking contrite.
"If you want to talk to her by yourself I'll understand," said the bard.
Xena shook her head vigorously. "I'd like you there, please."
"Of course," said Gabrielle, and leant in for a kiss."
"Tomorrow," whispered Xena.
"Dinner now," said Gabrielle as her stomach made its presence felt by a noisy grumble.
Xena jumped off the bed and held a hand out for Gabrielle. "I hope Doris has baked enough pies to feed you both."
Gabrielle rolled her eyes and held Xena's hand and after pulling herself out of the bed, they headed towards the dining room.
The Amazons were already present, receiving several puzzled and perplexed stares from Cyrene's customers. Cyrene gave a warm smile when she saw Xena and Gabrielle and took Gabrielle by the arm and led her to the table where the Amazons were seated.
"I trust everything is secure?" said Xena to Epinon who was enjoying a large portion of pie. The weapons master chewed slowly swallowed and answered seriously," absolutely. One of us has been watching the door, and-"she broke off when she could see Xena's mouth quiver into a smile and realised that the warrior was teasing.
"Food's good," said Solari quickly before her lover could retort back to Xena.
"I'm looking forward to it," said Gabrielle and rubbed her hands with glee as a large portion was brought to her by Cyrene.
"That's Gabrielle's starter, I hope you have more," said Xena to her mother. "Gabrielle takes eating for two literally."
Gabrielle didn't respond as she was tucking into her pie, but Cyrene cuffed Xena around her head. "Leave her alone, or I'll set Doris onto you."
Xena gulped. "OK I'm scared now," and took an interest in her plate of food.
The inn filled up, and soon became a bustling place of chat and laughter. The amazons continued to watch everyone intently, getting stares back in return, and so few people approached their table.
Cyrene slumped down next to Gabrielle looking weary. "Busy night," said Gabrielle with sympathy.
"I shouldn't complain, and I know that it will get busier over the next few nights." Cyrene turned to look at Gabrielle and gave her a wide smile.
"Run Gabrielle, that's her 'I want something look'", said Xena.
"Xena." Said Cyrene sharply, then turned back to Gabrielle and smiled again.
"What do you want Cyrene?" asked Gabrielle, lightly.
Cyrene gave a look of mock outrage, but said," so many people have come in the hope that you may tell a story."
Gabrielle spluttered. "Me? They haven't come to see me?"
"They remember when you have been here before; Goliath, Cecrops, Meleager, they are so popular."
Gabrielle looked at Xena who smiled at her and took her hand. "It's up to you, Bri. How do you feel?"
Everyone at the table watched the bard. "I haven't told a story for a long time," she said quietly.
Cyrene rose. "It was just a thought, dear." She patted the bard's hand.
"Wait Cyrene, I'll do it."
"Just a couple," growled Xena. "We've had a long journey."
"Absolutely," beamed Cyrene and she got up and made her way to the little stage.
"Are you sure this is wise?" asked Solari. "She's very exposed."
Xena rolled her eyes. "Try to relax Sol, and enjoy yourself."
"We are extremely fortunate to have here a wonderful storyteller who I know you all remember. Gabrielle!"
There was a round of applause and Gabrielle walked gingerly through the crowd. Within seconds the crowd hushed. She looked over and saw the Amazons watching her, and Xena looking as she always did when she told stories to audiences; a mixture of embarrassment for herself and pride of Gabrielle. Aware of the looks the amazons were receiving and that some townspeople still had long memories when it came to Xena she launched into her tale. "I sing a song of brave amazons and noble centaurs, a greedy man who wished to create a war and a righteous and wise warrior princess who prevented it."
Gabrielle told the story of death of Terreis, the bitter dispute between the amazons and centaurs and how Xena had prevented the war Krykus wanted to develop. She omitted her name when speaking about who had tried to save Terries. The audience sat spellbound and in rapt fascination until the final word when they broke into noisy applause.
Gabrielle promised them another, and decided to end on a funny story. So she told the story of mistaken identities and a priestess with a lisp. At the end of the story she felt weary, and was finding it hard to leave the stage as so many admirers wanted to talk with her. She could feel herself swaying but within moments Xena and the amazons were at her side.
"OK?" said Xena anxiously.
"Just tired," said Gabrielle. "It has been a long time since I've told stories for a crowd." She swallowed. "Before Britannia."
Xena put her arm around her. "Come on let's get the star turn to her bed." The amazons parted the crowd so they could walk through easily. Cyrene stopped them and gave each a hug and a kiss. "I am so pleased to have my girls back," she said. "And tomorrow, we can catch up fully."
"Little does she know," whispered Xena to Gabrielle, and in response Gabrielle squeezed her arm and gave her a kiss on the cheek.