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"How's the headache?" asked Gabrielle.

"So, so," said Solari, holding a damp cloth to face. She removed it briefly and smiled at her queen. Both eyes were swollen and the bruising was going a deep shade of purple. "Do you think Epinon will notice?"

"Nah," said Gabrielle laughing and leant against her friends who replaced the cloth on her face, flinching as the cool cloth touched her face.

"My Queen did you want to get down and walk the rest?" called Asteria.

"Yes please," said Gabrielle, and brought the wagon to a halt. Hercules had dismounted and held his arms out and Gabrielle accepted his help gratefully. He then held his arm for Solari, who placed the cloth down and took his arm. Iolaus and the amazons had also dismounted and they all looked at each other and smiled.

"My queen," said Hercules grandly and bowed.

Gabrielle laughed and took his arm and they walked together.

Within minutes they were at the edge of the village. Gabrielle frowned as she tried to identify a sound. As she entered into the village she realised it was applause. The majority of the tribe were waiting for them in the centre and were clapping and cheering. Her eyes immediately looked for Xena and she looked intently but couldn't see her partner. Her face fell for a moment until she felt a familiar presence by her side. She let go of Hercules' hand and felt her self enveloped in a bear hug. She tried to stifle a moan due to the pain in her arm, but then relaxed into Xena's tight hold.

"I was so worried," said Xena into her ear.

"I'm fine, Xena. "

Xena pulled apart and saw that the pregnant bard look desperately tired. Her face was pale and eyes black rimmed. She felt a pang of guilt rip through her.

"How's everyone?" asked Gabrielle.

"Much, much better. Even a few hours ago, this place was deserted and silent," said Xena, and she kept an arm around her as she watched all the returnees being welcomed back. She watched as Epinon gently traced her fingers around Solari's bruises and then kissed her.

Piri approached the pair. Gabrielle gave the older woman a hug that was reciprocated. "My Queen I would like to examine you," she lifted her hand up to her lips, as she saw both Xena and Gabrielle opening their mouths. "But I think you could do with a sleep and a hearty meal first. I'll leave you in the warrior's capable hands.

Gabrielle nodded her thanks and took Xena's hand. Together they walked through the noisy crowd towards their hut.

"Just a moment," said Gabrielle as she saw Ephiny. She approached her friend who had finished teasing Solari.

"Good to have you back, your highness," said Ephiny with a smirk and gave Gabrielle a hug.

"Aella?" asked Gabrielle.

"Getting better. Xena can fill you in."

"Catch up tomorrow?" asked Gabrielle.

"You betcha," replied the regent.

Gabrielle slumped into a chair, shut her eyes and emitted a long sigh. Xena approached her and knelt at her feet. "Did you sleep at all last night, Bri?" she asked.

Gabrielle shook her head. "I couldn't get comfortable with one thing and another." She opened her eyes. "You're looking pretty weary. Want to tell me what has been happening?"

"Not a lot. We figured-"

"You figured, you mean."

"OK I figured out the water was contaminated so Pony and I went to the south to get fresh. It worked a treat, within hours the village were all improving. Then Vassilis and Sotiros arrived and told us about the slavers. Gradually the village has been getting back to normal. Everyone is still a little run down, but so much better than yesterday. Tea?" Xena got up and started to prepare the mugs.

"Yes please. What about Aella?"

"She was very ill. We nearly lost her."

Xena turned around on Gabrielle's gasp. "She's getting there," she added guessing correctly Gabrielle's next question.

"Why Aella? She's young and healthy?"

"She had a wound. Bathed in the contaminated water, it caused it to become infected. The good news is she is recovering. The better news is that Ephiny finally realises how she feels about her."

Gabrielle beamed with happiness. Xena brought her mug over and gave it to her. She noticed that the bard was moving gingerly but put it to the back of her mind for the time being.

"Anything to eat? Mother has been cooking all day in preparation to the village getting their appetite back and your arrival of course."

She frowned as Gabrielle screwed up her face and shook her head.

"What's wrong?" she asked anxiously? She crouched down next to Gabrielle.

"I've had an upset stomach," said Gabrielle.

Xena felt her forehead which felt cool.

"I just need a good night's sleep, in a nice comfy bed," Gabrielle said and looked longingly at their bed.

"Get in now," said Xena.

"I can't, Xe. There are so many things to do. Ephiny still looks poorly and-"

"Gabrielle. Nobody expects you out of this hut until tomorrow. You look shattered. You are obviously not feeling well either."

Gabrielle looked uncomfortable for a moment and then slumped further in the chair. "Don't be mad," she said quietly.

"What?" asked Xena and watched as Gabrielle took off the jacket she was wearing.

"What's this?" hissed Xena as she saw the bandage. She unravelled it and stared at the small cut in the skin.

There was silence. Gabrielle gradually turned her head around to look at Xena's face. It was impassive but the blue eyes shone with anger. Gabrielle shut her eyes and started to count backwards, "five...four…three…two…one," she muttered quietly.

"Of all the stupid, idiotic, things you have done, and you have done some things, this must rank as the stupidest. You are pregnant; you are going to have a child, that's not just a couple of extra portions of nutbread in there. What made you think you should fight? There were others there. Hercules for Gods sake, and Solari. Boy am I going to get Solari. She should know better."

Xena was pacing across the hut. Gabrielle stood up and walked over to her.

"It wasn't Solari's fault. I just joined in."

Xena looked at Gabrielle and then looked away.

"Joined in, for Hades sake, Gabrielle. Anything could have happened, what were you thinking of?"

"Xena-"

"It's not just you to consider, Gabrielle. Not to mention you're not exactly as nimble on your feet at the moment. Gabrielle!"

Gabrielle continued to look at Xena and gently touched her arm. Xena pulled away at first and then sighed and relaxed.

"Any more injuries? Broken legs or arms? Bumps to your noggin?" she asked.

Gabrielle smiled and knew that Xena's anger was dissipating.

"Not that I know of," she said and framed Xena's face in her hands.

"Good because I would have to kill you then," said Xena and moved towards Gabrielle and their lips locked in a searing kiss.

They broke away and stared at each other for several moments.

Xena swallowed. "I need to do your arm, and then you need to rest."

"So do you," said Gabrielle, waggling her eyebrows.

Xena raised her eyebrow, and Gabrielle laughed. "Actually I don't think I have enough energy to make it to bed."

"Neither do I," said Xena smiling. "Seriously, sit down and I'll get some supplies from Piri. Do you want something for your stomach?"

"I'll leave it tonight and see how it is in the morning." Xena nodded and kissed her on the cheek and walked out of the hut.

Gabrielle sat back down on the chair and shut her eyes. Within seconds she felt a hand shake her.

"Hey sleepy. You must have dozed off."

"You've only been gone-"

"Longer than I thought. I got collared by Mother, Piri, and Solari."

Gabrielle's eyes snapped open.

"Relax she collared me, not the other way around. I didn't add to her bruises." Xena held Gabrielle's arm and started to pull the wound together.

"She told me what happened. You saved her life."

There was silence, and it was broken by Gabrielle's intake of breath as the needle entered her skin.

"I think Epinon wants to thank you."

"For all they've done for us, it was nothing."

Xena smiled. "Very modest my bard. But I think there are several people wanting to thank you. I feel a festival coming on." Xena bit the thread with her teeth and admired her handiwork. She rubbed salve on the wound making Gabrielle gasp and then carefully rebandaged it with a fresh bandage.

"All done. Come on lets get you to bed."

Gabrielle smiled and stood up. There was knock at the door.

"I don't believe it," said the bard.

"They can go away," said Xena irritated.

There was a second knock. They exchanged looks and Xena made her way to the door. She opened it to see Ephiny and Epinon standing there.

"Come on you two. You know Gabrielle needs her rest," said Xena.

"Gabrielle, there are people who want to see you."

Gabrielle laughed ironically. "It'll have to wait. Really I-"

"No they are demanding to see you," said Ephiny. She looked uncomfortable.

"Whoever it is can wait," said Xena sternly. "It can't be that important."

Ephiny looked at Epinon before swallowing and turning to face Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle it's your parents."

"My parents," said Gabrielle shocked. "What are they doing here?"

She exchanged a quizzical look with Xena who shrugged her shoulders.

"Of course they must come," said Gabrielle.

"There's someone with them. A friend of theirs. Escort perhaps," said Epinon.

"Could be," said Gabrielle still in shock. "They barely travel out of Potedia."

"We'll bring them along," said Ephiny. "If you're sure?"

Gabrielle nodded wordlessly, and the amazons left the hut.

Gabrielle sunk into the chair and placed her head on the table. "Just when I thought the day couldn't get worse."

Xena chuckled and stood behind her rubbing her shoulders.

"Why now?" she asked. "Have you told them about the baby?"

Gabrielle lifted her head from the table, shook it, and put it back down.

"Maybe they know," said Xena.

Gabrielle lifted her head again and turned to face Xena. "Gods," she whispered, tears in her eyes. "I thought it would be easier to tell them when the baby arrived."

"It'll be alright," said Xena wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "I'll be here."

"Xena I wouldn't wish this on anyone else, but do you think Cyrene would be with us?"

Xena grinned. "Family crisis and drama just up her street. Of course! I'll go and get her."

"You will be coming back won't you?" asked Gabrielle sternly.

Xena merely smiled and hurried out the hut.

"Show them in," said Gabrielle. Her voice quivered and she could feel her palms becoming sweaty. She rubbed them on her skirt. She looked across to Xena who gave her a reassuring smile.

"Gabrielle-"cried her mother as she entered the room. She went straight to her daughter and gave her a hug. She then pulled back and looked critically at her.

"So it's true?" she said. "Why didn't you tell us? We are your family."

Gabrielle shrugged and was about to speak when her father approached her.

"Don't worry my girl, we can sort this out. Just leave it to us."

"Sort what out Father. Nothing needs to be sorted out," she said.

"I think it does," retorted Herodotus, and Gabrielle rubbed her eyes with a hand.

"Well there is nothing to say that it can't be sorted out civilly and over a drink," said Cyrene.

Gabrielle's parents turned to look at her.

"I'm Cyrene, Xena's mother."

Gabrielle's parents glanced at Xena briefly and then turned their attention to Cyrene.

"Drink?" she said, and they both nodded.

"Do you live here?" asked Hecuba.

"I'm just here until after the baby is born. Gives me a chance to be with the girls," said Cyrene.

Herodotus shot Xena a look of barely disguised anger.

"That remains to be seen. A baby should be with two parents," he said.

"It is," said Gabrielle and everyone turned to look at her. "It has me and Xena."

Xena gave a proud smile and stood behind Gabrielle placing a hand on her shoulder.

"A baby needs its father," said Hecuba. She watched as Gabrielle flinched. "Where is he? Why did you leave him in Amphipolis?"

Gabrielle frowned. "What?"

"You were seen with a man in Amphipolis. Being very friendly together. Thank goodness you were. We would never have found out about our Grandchild."

"Mother. I was going to tell you, after it had arrived. Amphipolis?"

"Bet that was a shock, Gabrielle falling pregnant," sneered Herodotus to Xena.

"Amphipolis?" repeated Gabrielle. "You don't mean Orion? He's not the father." She laughed. "He's a friend who is a bard."

"Who has ever heard of Orion?" muttered Herodotus.

"That makes it easier then," said Hecuba. "Don't worry we have found a husband for you and a father for the baby."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "I've got Xena. I don't need anyone else."

"Nonsense," said Hecuba. She walked to the door and opened it. "Traianos has offered to take you and the baby on."

A tall dark haired man walked in. He went straight to Herodotus and shook his hand. He then looked Gabrielle up and down. "She's fine," he said.

Xena made a move towards him, but Gabrielle pulled her back. "It's ok," she said.

"I might have known," she said to Traianos. "You'd do anything to get your hands on that money."

Traianos looked momentarily shocked but then sneered, "It's within my right. You were married to my cousin."

"How are you related to Perdicus?" whispered Gabrielle and for a moment her eyes filled with tears as she remembered her dead husband. She then felt Xena's hand on her neck, gently caressing it.

"That gives you no right, no right at all." She said to Traianos, and then said to herself, "Why me? Why now?"

Triaianos smiled sweetly at her. She shuddered, and then looked down at her bump, and smiled. "Mother, is Ana expecting?"

Hecuba looked surprised. "Yes she is. She married that nice baker's apprentice and she's fallen. What does that have to do with you?"

"Everything." said Gabrielle. "Perdicus told me all about your uncle's money." She walked up to Traianos who looked nervous. "He always said you'd do anything to get hold of it. Oh you've tried, Gods know the girls of Potedia know you have tried," Gabrielle suddenly looked very serious.

"What's going on?" asked Cyrene looking at all the people in the room.

"I'm going to tell you a story," said Gabrielle smiling. She rubbed her back and continued. "A rich merchant had three sons. He left his fortune to one son and very little to the other two. The now rich son, Christos promised that the eldest child of his nieces and nephews would inherit his fortune."

"Christos. It's about Christos," said Hecuba.

"So he had no children?" said Xena.

"He wasn't the marrying kind." Said Gabrielle and her parents together.

"One brother had four children; Perdicus was his oldest, who has died." Gabrielle swallowed. "And the youngest, Helena also died. Ana is married and Pacolus is a farmer. The other brother has two sons one of which is Traianos."

"That money is mine," he said angrily. "You agreed it Herodotus. I've paid you fair and square for your daughter."

"She's not yours to trade," said Cyrene, appalled.

"Hardly fair and square," said Hecuba, ignoring her husband's attempts at trying to quieten her. "You promised you would foreclose on our farm, if we didn't tell you where Gabrielle was. You promised you would look after her and care for her baby."

"Father you could lose the farm?" said Gabrielle worried. "But you've always been careful."

"He has," said Hecuba proudly. "But times are hard. He lent money to Yiannis and Nico. It's left us short."

"Father," said Gabrielle and walked up to him and stroked his cheek.

"I couldn't see them go under," he muttered quietly. "And now it's cost you. If I knew it was all about money…" he stared at Traianos.

"We were thinking of you," said Hecuba.

Gabrielle nodded. "As crazy as it sounds, I know you were."

"Don't worry about money," said Cyrene. "This man will get what is owed him. But not Gabrielle."

"Fine," huffed Traianos. "Didn't want that freak's kid anyway. Don't see the father sticking around."

"Why you-"said Xena and moved forward. Not feeling any restraining hand, she picked up the man and took him out of the hut. She dropped him on the ground and then picked him up with one hand, and with the other she punched him on the face. "That's for what you said," she said.

She punched him again. "That's for what you did to Gabrielle's parents." By this time Traianos was barely conscious. "And that's because I don't like you," and Xena gave him a hard punch that caused him to lose consciousness. By now there was a small crowd gathered around.

"Amarice," said Xena. "Put out the trash please. Dump him off Amazon land."

"Of course, Xena, right away," said the young Amazon.

Xena smiled, rubbed her hands together and went back into her hut.

As she walked in she could feel the tension rise again. There was silence.

"What?" asked Xena?

"We just feel he should know," said Hecuba. "A man has a right to know about his child."

"Hecuba don't," said Xena.

Herodotus immediately turned on her. "Why not? Have you killed him? What did it feel like knowing she loves someone else?"

Xena snarled and stood toe to toe with him.

"It wasn't like that," said Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle, he needs to be a part of his child's life. " Said Hecuba.

"It's got me, Xena, Cyrene and this tribe. It will be loved and cared for."

"A child needs a father," continued her mother, still oblivious to the look of horror Cyrene and Xena wore.

"Not this father," said Gabrielle quietly.

"Why?" said Herodotus. "Because he is not like Xena. Maybe if you left Xena you could make a go of it with him, rather than bringing this child into the world unmarried."

"I was raped," said Gabrielle quietly.

There was silence.

"Now you know," she added and turned away.

"You should have told me," said Hecuba.

"I couldn't, I didn't want to but-"

"But you told Xena's mother. You couldn't tell me but you told someone else."

Cyrene looked surprised. "I waited to be told I didn't force it out of her."

"I wanted to know," retorted Hecuba.

"You know now," said Cyrene angrily.

Meanwhile Herodotus had turned to Xena. "Where were you then? The great protector. "

Xena looked momentarily guilty. "Once a warlord always a warlord. A leopard doesn't change its spots." Herodotus carried on. "I bet you don't even love her. Using her like you've used so many others."

"Now hang on," said Xena back.

Gabrielle watched as the other occupants of the room started to argue. She felt a sharp pain in her back and then-

"Xena."

No reply. The warrior princess was too engrossed arguing with Herodotus.

"XENA!"

"What?" shouted Xena back, irritably? She looked up and saw a curious expression on Gabrielle's face.

"I think my waters just broke."