The sound of hooves hitting hard dirt could be heard as Xena, Gabrielle, Amarice and Celine headed towards the rendezvous point given to them by Aurora's kidnapper. A multitude of thoughts raced through Gabrielle's mind as they traveled. Such as who was behind the kidnapping, why were they targeting her, and how did they even know about Aurora to begin with? All of which were questions that Xena wanted the answers to as well. The group traveled as far as they could until began to get dark having gotten a late start they didn't cover as much ground as either Xena or Gabrielle had hoped they would. So dispite not wanting to stop, Xena knew it was too dangerous to travel without any light, so she, Gabrielle, Amarice and Celine found a decent spot to set up camp for the night. Once everything was set up Amarice cooked up a quick dinner as the group sat around the campfire. Everyone sat in silence as Celine, Amarice and Xena ate. While Gabrielle just picked at and pushed her food around on her plate. Not having much of an appetite being far too worried about Aurora to even think about food. Xena looked over and noticed Gabrielle distractedly pushing her dinner around.
XENA
I know you're worried but you should at least try to eat something.
Gabrielle was pulled from her thoughts as she looked at Xena for a moment then back at her plate.
GABRIELLE
Huh? Oh yeah.
Xena watched the sadness and worry in Gabrielle's eyes as she forced down some of her dinner. Until she set her plate aside not being able to stomach any more. Then just sat there looking into the fire. She hadn't said much since they left the village. And Xena knew that the normally talkative Gabrielle being quiet was never a good thing. Not that Xena didn't understand. Their baby daughter was taken from them by some unknown assailant who clearly had a grudge against Gabrielle. Xena knew all too well what it felt like to have someone she loved targeted by someone who was trying to get to or hurt her. But they were all old enemies that Xena had made from her past warlord days. Gabrielle was different, aside from Valassca, she had never been a direct target before. And even then Valassca had gone after Gabrielle directly. But now whoever this was had chosen to target their daughter as a tactic for getting what they wanted from Gabrielle. Obviously knowing that it would get her to do practically anything they wanted. But aside from the kidnapping and demand for Gabrielle in exchange for Aurora, what bothered Xena was how whoever had their child even knew about her and got her in the first place. There wasn't anyone suddenly absent from the village, which lead Xena to believe that the culprit was someone from outside of the village. But who, Xena didn't have a clue. The only people outside the village who knew about Aurora were Xena and Gabrielle's families. Shortly after Aurora was born Gabrielle had decided to send a letter to Xena's mother as well as her own family to tell them the good news. But Xena knew that none of them could've been responsible. For one they had no idea where the village was. And none of them would do such a terrible thing. Xena also suspected the possibility of the kidnapping being the work of one of the gods. But when it came to coming up with gods who didn't like her or Gabrielle, the list wasn't exactly short. Xena had already ruled out Artemis and Aphrodite. Artemis was the one who given them Aurora in the first place, she had no reason to take her away. Aphrodite seemed to have a soft spot for them, especially Gabrielle so she would have no motive. Ares, while he would definitely have motive as far as Xena knew he was still being punished for causing the war amung the Amazon's in order to get rid of Gabrielle and get to Xena. So it most likely wasn't him. And while she couldn't directly rule out the rest of the gods, Xena had a very strong suspicion that this was likely the work of a person or group of people. But unfortunately that was about all she had. Which made the whole situation worse, the fact that neither she or Gabrielle really knew anything about what they were walking into. But one thing that Xena knew for sure was that she was going to make whoever was responsible for taking their daughter pay. Regardless of who they were.
GABRIELLE
I think i'm just gonna go to bed. I should try and get some sleep so we can head back out early.
Xena was brought out of her thoughts when she heard Gabrielle as she stood up.
XENA
That's probably a good idea.
Amarice and Celine agreed as they all got out their blankets and settled down for the night. As Xena layed down next to Gabrielle, she held her close. The two were quiet for a bit until Gabrielle spoke into the darkness of the night.
GABRIELLE
Xena, can I ask you something?
XENA
Anything, you know that.
GABRIELLE
You would do anything for Aurora wouldn't you?
Xena didn't like where she felt that the conversation was going..
XENA
Gabrielle we talked about this. I'm not letting you hand yourself over to whoever has Aurora.
GABRIELLE
Xena just listen to me here, please. If that's truly the only way to get Aurora back, then after Celine brings her to you, I want you to take Aurora and go back home.
Xena sighed as she sat up.
XENA
Gabrielle you can't seriously ask me to do that. You should know that I could never leave you like that.
GABRIELLE
Maybe before when it was just the two of us I wouldn't. But this isn't just our lives at steak here Xena. We have our beautiful, innocent child to think about. I'm not saying that we give up already but if there really isn't any other way to get Aurora back safely, then I want you to protect Aurora and leave me with her kidnappers.
XENA
Gabrielle….
GABRIELLE
Don't argue with me Xena. My minds already made up. Plus we both know that if the roles were reversed you'd do the same thing.
As much as Xena wanted to argue she knew Gabrielle was right. Though it didn't make it any easier. So without saying anything else Xena just pulled Gabrielle close and held her as she made a silent vow that she would find a way to rescue their daughter without anything happening to Gabrielle. As morning soon came and the group continued thier journey to save Xena and Gabrielle's daughter. Unaware of the perils they would soon face in order to get Aurora back.
TO BE CONTINUED…