Chapter 7: Hidden Motives
Two more weeks had passed, and Borias was still sleeping in his children's room. The silence between him and Xena lingered, heavy and unyielding. She continued leaving and returning whenever she saw fit, her absences stretching longer each time. It gnawed at him. He missed her—her presence, her touch, her fiery spirit that had always kept him captivated. Despite everything, he still loved her more than life itself, and the growing distance between them was like a slow, torturous burn.
Every night spent without her by his side only deepened his frustration. Borias clenched his fists, lying awake on the hard pallet in the children's room, his mind running wild with questions. One thing he knew about Xena—she was as lustful as he was, if not more. It was a part of her that matched his own hunger. But if she had gone a month without so much as a kiss, without any of the passion they once shared, then where was she finding release? The thought of her in someone else's arms, letting another man touch her, sent a hot wave of anger coursing through him.
He sat up, his jaw tightening as his thoughts spiraled. The idea of Xena finding interest in another was unbearable, yet he couldn't shake it. What was she doing during her absences? Who had caught her attention so completely that she didn't even look at him anymore? His teeth clenched, and his hand ran through his hair, gripping it tightly. No more wondering. No more sitting in the dark. He had enough.
The next time she called herself sneaking away, he would follow her. He would find out where she was going and who—or what—was keeping her away from her family. And if he found out it was another man, well Borias wasn't sure what he would do, but he knew one thing for certain: he couldn't stand another night of not knowing.
Poma stood in front of the small mirror in her hut, her fingers absentmindedly fiddling with the hair tie she now wore as a bracelet. She had started wearing it every day, a subtle reminder of the one night in the forest that had been unlike any other. She stared at the bracelet, her lips curving into a small, confident smile. Borias was attracted to her—that much was clear. If she had him once, she could have him again. The thought filled her with a sense of purpose, her fingers tightening possessively around the hair tie.
Her gaze drifted downward, and she adjusted the fabric of her top, noticing how her breasts seemed particularly fuller than usual. She tilted her head slightly, smoothing her hands over them and smiling at her reflection. "Must be this top," she murmured, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. She turned from side to side, admiring the way her figure looked. It was definitely a flattering fit. The idea that her confidence—and appeal—was growing only emboldened her.
With one last glance at the bracelet on her wrist and a satisfied nod to herself, Poma turned from the mirror. Borias would see her again, and this time, he wouldn't be able to resist.
Feeling the afternoon warmth filtering through her small window, she decided to step outside. The village was lively, with its usual activity filling the air. Poma took in the bustling scene, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the communal oven.
The rich aroma made Poma's stomach growl loudly, and her hand instinctively rested on her abdomen. She wasn't one to miss an opportunity, especially when she didn't feel like cooking for herself. Her eyes scanned the bustling village until they landed on Doria and Tara, who were busy hanging freshly laundered clothes on a line.
"Perfect" she thought, a casual smile forming on her lips. Straightening her tunic, Poma sauntered over to the pair, her steps slow and joyful as she approached. "Afternoon, Doria, Tara," she greeted, her voice light and sweet.
Doria looked up and smiled warmly. "Afternoon, Poma. Lovely day, isn't it?"
"Perfect," Poma replied with a nod, glancing briefly at Tara, who barely acknowledged her with a noncommittal shrug. Undeterred, Poma turned her attention back to Doria. "Need an extra hand with the laundry?"
Doria laughed softly. "Oh, I think we've got it covered. Thank you, though."
As the two women chatted, Tara's eyes drifted to Poma's wrist, where the bracelet caught the sunlight. Something about it seemed oddly familiar, the simple leather tie sparking a memory she couldn't quite place. Her brows furrowed as she tried to recall where she'd seen it before. Then it hit her.
Her mouth parted slightly in shock, her hand freezing mid-motion as she wrung out a piece of laundry. That was Borias' hair tie. She was sure of it. Tara quickly changed her expression, glancing away before either woman could notice her reaction. How in Tartarus did Poma end up with Borias' hair tie?
Doria wiped her hands on her apron, motioning toward their house. "Why don't you join us for a bite to eat, Poma? I just made some stew."
Poma's face lit up. "I'd love to," she said, her tone sugary as she followed Doria into the house. Tara trailed behind them, her mind racing.
Inside, Doria set the table with bowls of steaming stew and freshly baked bread. Tara sat down across from Poma, her gaze occasionally flicking to the bracelet as the three began to eat.
"So, Poma," Tara began casually, keeping her tone light. "Where'd you get that bracelet? It's pretty cool."
Poma glanced at her wrist, her fingers brushing the leather tie as a coy smile spread across her face. "Oh, this?" she said sweetly. "It was a gift."
"A gift?" Tara echoed, tilting her head as if intrigued. "From who?" Poma's smile remained steady, but there was a brief shift in her eyes—maybe a hint of caution.
"Oh, just someone special," she replied, her voice dripping with sweetness as she caressed the bracelet almost lovingly.
Tara felt her stomach twist with disgust, but she kept her expression neutral. Poma was lying; Tara could feel it in her bones. The way she spoke, the way she touched the bracelet—it was clear this wasn't just some random accessory.
Tara took another bite of her stew, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered her next move. She wasn't going to let this go. Not yet.
Borias woke up in the dim light of the children's room, Lexa's soft breathing and Solan's occasional murmurs filling the air. He glanced at the curtain separating him from Xena, her faint silhouette barely visible in the flickering light of the dying fire. He exhaled deeply.
Quietly, he gathered Lexa into his arms and nudged Solan, whispering softly, "Come on, buddy. We're going on a little ride." Solan rubbed his eyes and mumbled incoherently but didn't resist. Borias wrapped Lexa snugly in her blanket and hoisted Solan onto his hip, careful not to let the curtain sway.
He slipped out the back door into the cool morning air. It was still dark outside. He secured both children onto his horse, mounting carefully behind them to ensure they were steady. The ride to the village was long, but he hoped the quiet movement would lull them back to sleep. His mind churned with frustration, guilt, and determination as the horse's steady gait carried them through the forest.
Borias knocked on the door to Doria's home, holding Lexa securely while Solan clung sleepily to his leg. After a moment, Doria opened the door, her expression changing from surprise to a welcoming smile.
"Borias?" she asked, stepping aside to let him in. "What are you doing here so early? And with the little ones?"
Borias stepped inside, gently setting Solan down while shifting Lexa to his other arm. The smell of stew still lingered in the air, and the remnants of their breakfast sat on the table.
"I need someone to watch them for a while," Borias said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of urgency. "I have... things to take care of. I'm not sure how long I will be gone." His tone carried an edge, a tension that made Doria stop. Her eyes moved over him, noticing the pleading look in his eyes, the exhaustion carved into his features, and the multiple bags hanging off his shoulders. He looked worn, both physically and emotionally.
Without saying a word, Doria stepped forward and gently took Lexa from his arms. The baby stirred slightly, but Doria began rocking her softly, humming a quiet tune to ensure she stayed asleep. Her maternal instincts kicked in as she looked down at the sleeping infant, her touch tender and calming. She glanced back at Borias, her expression full of unspoken questions, but she didn't press him—at least, not yet. "And Xena?" she asked carefully. "She's alright?"
Borias hesitated, his jaw tightening. "She's fine," he said shortly, avoiding her eyes as he adjusted one of the bags on his shoulder. "She's just... preoccupied."
The uneasiness in his tone was enough to tell her there was more to the story than he was letting on. Before she could respond, Tara, who had been sitting near the hearth, perked up and cut in.
"I can watch them," Tara said eagerly, standing up and moving closer. "I'm good with kids." She glanced at Doria, then back at Borias, her hands resting on her hips.
Borias glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered her offer. "You sure? It's not an easy job."
Tara grinned, waving him off. "They'll be fine with me. Besides, Doria has enough to do without chasing them around."
Doria paused mid-motion, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced at her daughter. "Doria?"
Tara smiled nervously. "I mean... Mother," she corrected hastily. "Mother has enough to do without chasing them around."
Doria gave her a pointed look, bouncing Lexa gently in her arms. "Respect," she muttered under her breath, her tone firm. Tara caught it and exhaled quietly, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes while her mother's focus remained on the baby. Instead, she moved to the table, picking at the corner of her sleeve as if the remark didn't sting. She muttered softly under her breath, "Didn't mean anything by it," but she kept her voice low enough that Doria wouldn't catch it.
Doria adjusted Lexa in her arms, smoothing the blanket around her as she sighed. "Tara, if you're going to help, then help. Otherwise, don't stand around gawking."
"Yes, ma'am," Tara replied with a short tone, immediately going to grab the bags from Borias.
Before Borias could reply, the soft sound of footsteps came from the back of the room. Poma appeared, her hand smoothing her skirt as she walked into view. Her gaze immediately found Borias, and her lips curved into a smile that was far too pleased to see him.
"Well, look who it is," Poma said lightly, her tone carrying that familiar air of flirtation. "Didn't think I'd be seeing you here so early."
Doria glanced at Poma but stayed focused on Lexa, gently adjusting the blanket wrapped around the sleeping baby. Tara, meanwhile, kept her attention on Borias, her face carefully neutral as she observed the interaction.
"I'm here to handle some things," Borias said simply, his voice flat as he handed the last bag to Tara.
Poma tilted her head, the smile on her lips softening but still laced with a certain intent. "Well, you always do keep yourself busy, don't you?" she said, her tone playful.
She moved a bit closer, her eyes lingering on him in a way that didn't go unnoticed by anyone in the room. Tara's brow creased slightly as she glanced at her mother, who remained quiet, rocking Lexa gently.
"I don't have time for pleasantries, Poma," Borias said firmly, his voice cutting through her attempt at charm.
Poma gave a small shrug, brushing off his tone as if it didn't bother her. "Of course. I'm sure whatever you're up to is very important." She glanced briefly at the bags Tara now held.
"What's this, Borias? Relocating?" she asked, her tone sweet but unmistakably cutting. Her gaze shifted to him. "Finally shedding some... extra baggage?"
Borias barely registered Poma's words, his focus already shifting back to the children. "Not relocating," he said absently, his tone calm but distant as he adjusted the bags Tara held. "Just taking care of what matters."
Poma walked closer to him. "Oh, I didn't mean anything by it. It just seems like you're... lightening your load. Can't blame you. Some things—" she let the words hang, her smirk widening, "—aren't worth carrying forever.
Borias didn't respond, his attention already on Lexa, who stirred slightly in Doria's arms. "She's fine?" he asked, his voice softening.
"Sleeping soundly," Doria reassured him, cradling the baby closer.
Tara shot Poma a warning look while she picked up Solan, clearly unimpressed by her antics, but Borias didn't seem to notice. His mind was elsewhere, already planning his next steps. He crouched down to Solan's level, gently ruffling the toddler's hair as he spoke. "Be good for Tara, alright?"
Solan yawned and nodded sleepily, leaning against Tara. Tara gave him a small smile. "We'll be fine. Go do what you need to." As Borias turned to leave, Poma followed him.
"Wait," she said sweetly, her hand brushing his arm as she moved past him to the door. "Let's talk for a moment."
Borias tensed but followed her outside, aware of the curious glances from Doria and Tara as the door shut behind them.
Outside, the village was already bustling with activity. Poma wasted no time, stepping closer to Borias and slipping her arms around his waist. She pulled him into a tight hug, pressing herself against him. "I've missed you," she murmured, her lips brushing his ear.
Borias stiffened, his eyes darting around. He noticed several villagers pausing to watch the scene, whispers starting to spread. He could see the judgment in their eyes, the silent questions about why he was here with Poma while his family wasn't.
"Poma," he said firmly, placing his hands on her shoulders and pushing her back gently. "What are you doing?"
Poma pouted, her fingers playing with the edge of his vest. "What does it look like? I'm showing you how much I've missed you."
Borias glanced around again, his jaw tightening as he saw more villagers whispering. He leaned closer to her and spoke in a low tone. "Not here."
Poma's smirk grew. "Why not? Afraid someone might see how much you like being with me?" Before he could respond, she reached up, brushing her fingers through his hair and inhaling deeply. "You smell the same. Strong, like a real man."
Borias gritted his teeth, stepping back. "Stop it, Poma," he said sharply, grabbing her arm and steering her toward her hut.
Once inside, Poma leaned against the opening, watching him with amusement as he paced. "You didn't have to drag me all the way here, you know," she teased, her fingers absentmindedly brushing against the bracelet.
Borias stopped, his gaze narrowing. "What's wrong with you?" he snapped. "I told you, what happened between us will never happen again."
Poma tilted her head, the smirk on her lips growing wider as she stepped closer to Borias. "You say you don't want me," she teased, her voice low and smooth, "but your eyes tell me something entirely different."
She reached for the ties of her top, slowly undoing them one by one, her eyes never leaving his. The fabric loosened and slipped from her shoulders, falling to the floor in a soft heap. Her bare skin glowed faintly in the firelight, and she stood tall, confident, as though she had already won.
She had a beauty that couldn't be ignored, with sharp features that told of her Hungarian heritage. Her thick, dark braid rested over her shoulder, and her brownish green almond-shaped eyes carried a look he couldn't quite read. Her movements were slow, confident, as though she knew exactly what she was doing. Borias tightened his jaw, forcing himself to look away. There was no denying that Poma was striking, but beneath her beauty was a cunning nature that made him uneasy.
"Why fight it?" she purred, closing the distance between them until she was just inches away. "You remember how good it felt between us, don't you? I know you do."
Borias clenched his jaw, his muscles tense as he turned his head away, avoiding her gaze. "Poma, stop," he said, his voice low but firm. "I'm not playing this game with you."
But she wasn't listening. She moved in closer, her hands reaching out to rest on his chest. Her touch was soft but deliberate as her fingers slid down to trace the ridges of his muscles. "It's not a game, Borias," she murmured. "You don't have to resist. You want this… you want me."
She took his hand, lifting it to her body, pressing it flat against the curve of her stomach. Her skin was warm beneath his palm, and she guided his hand upward, letting it glide over her ribs and up to her breast. She held his hand there, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "Do you feel that? That's what you're missing."
Borias froze, his breathing uneven as his body betrayed him. His fingers flexed against her instinctively, his pulse quickening as her warmth seeped into him. "Poma..." he started, his voice hoarse, but she didn't let him finish.
She tilted her face toward his, her lips brushing lightly against the corner of his mouth before capturing his lips fully. Her kiss was slow, sensual, her tongue teasing his in a way that made his chest tighten. Borias groaned softly, his hand instinctively sliding to her waist as the heat between them began to build.
Poma smiled against his lips, her confidence growing as she kissed along his jawline, her lips trailing down to his neck. Her tongue flicked out, tasting his skin, before her lips moved to his collarbone. "You're remembering now, aren't you?" she whispered between kisses.
Borias' breathing grew heavier, and his hands moved to her hips as though he couldn't help himself. She guided one of his hands back to her body, pressing it against her bare breast. His touch sent a shiver through her, and she leaned into him, letting a soft moan escape her lips.
"You don't have to hold back," she said, her voice thick with desire. Her kisses grew bolder, her body pressing against his as she trailed her lips back up to his neck.
For a moment, Borias seemed to give in. His hands tightened on her waist, his body reacting to her touch and her scent. But then something inside him shifted. He froze, his mind clearing just enough to realize what was happening.
"No," he said suddenly, his voice sharp as he pulled back. His hands dropped from her body, and he took a step away, his chest heaving. "This isn't happening, Poma."
Poma stared at him, her expression faltering for the first time. "Why?" she demanded, her tone turning frustrated. "Why are you fighting this? Xena doesn't love you, Borias! She never will! But I..." She trailed off, her voice softening. "I could."
Borias shook his head, his eyes narrowing as he met her gaze. "You're wrong," he said firmly. "And nothing you do will change that."
Poma's eyes burned with anger, her lips parting as if to argue, but Borias didn't wait to hear it. He turned and stormed out of the hut. Inside, Poma stood alone, her hands clenched into fists, her smirk replaced by a glare.
Tara watched as Borias entered Poma's hut. Her heart sank. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Although she and Xena weren't exactly close, she didn't want to see her man being unfaithful behind her back. She couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something wasn't right.
Without waiting for a reply from her mother, Tara quickly said, "Watch the kids," and slipped out the door. She didn't look back, her focus entirely on Borias and the question burning in her mind: What is he doing in Poma's hut?
Moving carefully, she circled to the back of the hut, her heart pounding. She crouched low, peering through a small hole in the hut. Borias stood inside, his face tense as Poma draped herself against him. Tara covered her mouth to stifle a gasp as she caught the tail end of their exchange.
"I told you," Borias said sharply, his tone low but forceful, "what happened between us will never happen again."
Tara froze. What happened between them? Her thoughts raced. Had Borias come to the village to see Poma? Her stomach churned at the possibility. She clenched her fists but couldn't pull herself away. She had to hear more.
Inside, Poma's voice was softer, teasing. "Xena doesn't love you, Borias! She never will! But I...I could." She reached for his arm, but Borias pulled back.
"You're wrong! And nothing you do will change that." he snapped, storming out the hut.
Tara ducked behind the hut, her heart hammering in her chest. She felt a moment of relief when Borias exited alone, but it wasn't enough to calm her rising anger. She waited until he started walking toward his horse before stepping out to confront him.
Tara stepped out from behind the hut, her arms crossed as she called out, "Borias!" Her tone was casual enough, but there was a slight edge to it.
Borias, startled for a moment, turned toward her. His expression immediately shifted into one of mild concern. "Tara, is something wrong? Are the kids okay?"
She stopped a few paces away, shaking her head. "No, the kids are fine. I just came to ask when Lexa last ate. But... I saw you. I saw you coming out of Poma's hut."
Borias tensed slightly, his jaw tightening. "And?"
"And," Tara said, dragging the word out as she tilted her head, "Poma's always been the type to want what's not hers. So, what did she want with you?"
Borias didn't answer immediately. Instead, he shifted his weight, clearly choosing his words carefully. "She just wanted to talk," he said vaguely. "Nothing you need to worry about."
Tara didn't buy it. "Talk? Poma doesn't just 'talk,' Borias. She schemes. She sweet-talks. She's not exactly subtle."
Borias sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Tara, I appreciate the concern, but I don't have time for this right now."
He crouched slightly to look her in the eyes, his tone softening as he changed the subject. "Solan likes water with a bit of honey before bed. And Lexa will need to be burped a lot after she eats. She's fussy like that."
Tara frowned, sensing the deflection but choosing not to press further. "I know how to take care of them, Borias."
"I know you do," he said, standing upright again. "But I need you to be patient with Solan. He gets restless. Keep an eye on him, especially outside."
Tara nodded reluctantly, her gaze lingering on him. "Fine. But this isn't over."
Borias offered a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. He mounted his horse quickly, glancing down at her one last time. "Thanks again, Tara. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Without waiting for a response, he turned the horse and rode off, leaving Tara standing there. Something wasn't adding up. Whatever Borias was up to, she had a sinking feeling it wasn't anything good.
Xena woke to the faint light of dawn streaming through the cracks in the wooden walls. She stretched, her muscles tense from a restless sleep. Instinctively, she rolled over, expecting to hear the soft sounds of her children stirring, but the house was eerily quiet.
Her eyes snapped open. She got up quickly, pulling the curtain separating her sleeping area from the children's. The small blankets were tossed aside, and the room was empty. Her gaze darted around as she stepped into the space, her mind racing.
She rushed outside, her bare feet hitting the dirt as she scanned the area. The horse stable was empty except for her own items, and Borias' horse was gone.
"Where in Tartarus..." she muttered under her breath, her jaw clenching tightly as her frustration built. Her eyes darted to the empty stable again, her mind racing. Borias had taken the children—without a word, without a reason.
Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. What reason would he even have to leave so early, and why take them? Where could he have gone? Her chest tightened at the thought of him dragging them off to some unknown place. What was he thinking?
Xena let out a sharp exhale. If there was one thing she despised, it was being left in the dark—especially when it came to her children. She shook her head, forcing herself to focus. She'd figure out what Borias was up to later. For now, she had to stay on task.
Xena dressed quickly, pulling her hair back into a simple tie, and mounted her horse. Guiding it towards the first village her army was set to attack, she felt the familiar heat of anger rise within her. They would have to wait to take on Tharxes for now. Potidaea was first. They needed those supplies. Two weeks ago, they should have attacked, but Xena had halted her plans to ensure her army was ready. The time for hesitation had passed.
By mid-morning, Xena reached Potidaea, dismounting a short distance from the village to walk the rest of the way. She wore plain, village clothes, blending in with the other villagers milling about. Her sharp eyes scanned every building, every face, as she moved through the streets.
The memories of her last time here surged back. The disdainful looks, the whispers behind her back, the doors slammed in their faces when they needed help. The humiliation still burned in her mind. Potidaea had refused to help her when she needed it the most, and she hadn't forgotten.
She headed straight for the tavern, her first target. Its exterior was weathered but bustling with activity. Xena pushed open the door, stepping into the dimly lit room. The tavern owner greeted her warmly, his tone overly cheerful.
"Welcome, traveler! What can I do for you?"
"A room," Xena said simply.
He nodded eagerly. "Of course! I'll get the key right away."
She leaned casually against the counter as he rummaged through a drawer. Her eyes swept the room, taking in every detail, every person. A familiar voice caught her attention, but she ignored it, focusing on her surroundings.
Inside the bustling tavern, Gabrielle and Lila sat at a small table near the corner, sharing a simple lunch of bread, cheese, and stew. Gabrielle's fingers drummed absently on the table as she stared out at the crowd.
"You're distracted," Lila said, tearing off a piece of bread and dipping it into her stew. "What's on your mind?"
Gabrielle shrugged, taking a sip from her cup. "Just thinking. It's been so quiet lately. It feels... strange."
"Strange is good," Lila replied with a small smile. "We could all use some peace."
Gabrielle was about to respond when her gaze moved to the entrance. Her brows creased as a tall, dark-haired woman walked in, her presence commanding yet understated. Gabrielle tilted her head, studying her. There was something familiar about her.
"Lila," Gabrielle whispered, leaning closer. "Does she look familiar to you?"
Lila turned her head, following Gabrielle's gaze. Her eyes widened slightly. "Isn't that the woman we helped? The one who had the baby?"
Gabrielle's expression lit up with recognition. "Oh, gods, you're right!" She straightened in her seat, her heart quickening. "That's her."
"What's she doing here?" Lila asked, her voice low as she watched Xena approach the bar. "Think she'll remember us?"
Gabrielle didn't answer. She pushed her chair back, determination flashing in her eyes. "Only one way to find out."
Lila reached out, grabbing Gabrielle's wrist. "Wait! Maybe she doesn't want to be bothered."
Gabrielle smiled reassuringly. "If she doesn't, I'll leave her alone. But I have to try."
With that, Gabrielle stood and made her way towards Xena, who had just received her room key from the tavern owner.
"Here you go," the tavern owner said, holding out a key. She took it without a word, but as she turned to leave, someone stepped in front of her.
"Hey!" Gabrielle's face was bright. "You remember me?"
Xena's piercing gaze looked over her briefly. "No." She went to move past, but Gabrielle blocked her path again.
"You don't remember? My sister and I—we helped you deliver your son a little over a year ago."
Xena's expression changed as the memory clicked into place. She studied the woman more carefully this time.
"Yes," she said dryly.
Gabrielle's face lit up. "How is he?"
"He's fine." Xena's tone was short, her body language closed off. She started to move around Gabrielle, but the woman wasn't ready to give up.
"That's great to hear," Gabrielle said quickly, keeping pace with Xena as she headed for the stairs. "I'm Gabrielle, by the way. And this is my sister, Lila." She gestured towards their table, where Lila gave a small wave.
Xena barely glanced in Lila's direction. "Nice to meet you again," she said flatly, clearly uninterested.
"How long do you plan on staying?" Gabrielle pressed, clearly trying to keep the conversation going.
"Just passing through," Xena replied, her focus changing to the staircase.
Gabrielle's brows creased as she walked alongside Xena. "You look... different. Happier, maybe?" She hesitated, then added, "Are you with your son's father?"
Xena stopped abruptly, turning to face Gabrielle. Her eyes were sharp, her voice colder. "My personal life isn't your concern."
Gabrielle blinked, momentarily taken back by the harshness in Xena's tone. But she recovered quickly, giving Xena a warm smile. "I didn't mean to pry. I just... I wanted to tell him hello and was hoping to see your son."
Xena's lips tightened. She didn't respond, instead she gripped the key and headed upstairs.
Gabrielle watched her retreat, her curiosity getting the best of her. "I hope you're okay," she called after her softly, though Xena didn't reply.
Once Xena disappeared down the hallway, Gabrielle turned back to her sister. "There's something about her, Lila," she said, her voice thoughtful. "Something... different."
Lila rolled her eyes. "She's just passing through, Gabrielle. Leave her be."
Gabrielle frowned, her eyes lingering on the staircase. Something told her this wasn't the last time she'd cross paths with Xena.
