Labor Pains
by Del_kaidin
Quietly she rose from the bedroll
and walked to the pale horse standing sentinal. From the saddle
bags she pulled a cloth and a hard biscuit. Taking the bota of
water from the saddle horn she quietly made her way into the
forest. Hopefully she would not wake her companion.
"Two more weeks and I should be through with this" she
thought angrily as she wiped her mouth. "Damn Ares and
Callisto and their 'FLING' using *my* body."
Her condition was going to soon become imposible for her to hide
soon she would begin to show. How she had prayed that nothing
would come of that incident. But her prayers were not answered
she knew within a week of returning to her body that she would
bear a child. She knew the Herbs that would rid her of it. She
had spent several sleepless nights wondering if she should take
them or carry the child to term. Finally her instincts had won.
Now only two problems remained: how to tell Gabrielle and how to
keep Ares from finding out.
"Xena?" came Gabrielle's voice from the darkness.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes" she answered returning to the campsite.
Gabrielle sitting up on her bedroll watched as Xena took a small
bite of the biscuit. It had become a daily occurance. Early in
the morning Xena would awake and go off into the woods, returning
eating a biscuit. The symptoms fell into place. "When are
you due?"
"Six months. How did you know?"
"Because, Xena, you have been so wrapped up in your own
concerns to notice, I'm going to have a baby too.... Well that's
not exactly fair.... You were in Callisto's body for a
while..."
They spent the day talking. Two
expectant mothers sharing their and fears for their
hopes unborn children. Making plans on how best to deal with the
two small lives about to be
thrust into theirs.
"With Solon, it wasn't a hard decision. I couldn't keep him
and command an army. But
now..."
"I know now this is Ares child. It does make the decision
harder. Xena, with your
knowledge of herbs why didn't you...." Gabrielle's voice
trailed off.
"Why didn't I 'loose' the child?" At Gabrielle's nod
she continued. "This child deserves a
chance. Look at Hercules... he and Ares are half brothers but
nothing alike. And there is
Cupid... who is nothing like his father. I have to hope that this
child will be more than
Ares or me.... or even Callisto. Besides it was the only choice I
could live with."
"Oh... I didn't expect you to answer, but I'm glad you did.
I thought for weeks after
Perdicus died that our love had died with him. Then the morning
sickness started. You
were in Callisto's body at the time and I couldn't tell you. You
know as horrible as that
was.... it felt wonderful to know that Callisto had not
completely killed our love. This
child" Gabrielle placed her palm on her stomach, "is
the proof of that love."
"hmmmm. Now We need to make a decision." Xena watched
as Gabrielle's brows knitted
together showing her puzzlement, "Where are these children
going to be born...... and
raised?"
"Ohhh I had almost forgotten about that. But your right, as
usual Xena, we can't go
fighting warlords and evil kings with two babies in our arms. I
guess I was thinking of
having the baby in Poteidaia. With Mother, Lylia, and you to be
with me when the time
came. But know with you expecting too.... I guess you will want
to go to Amphipolis and
have your mother raise the child."
"Well I can't exactly ask my mother to raise the child of a
god. Besides, it would be too
easy for someone to figure out that this child is mine. Gabrielle
what about the
Amazons?"
"I do have Terreis' right of cast.... but what if one or
both are boys?"
"We deal with that when and if it happens. I can't think of
a safer place for us to be while
we are carrying these two."
"So tomorrow we head for the Amazon's."
Xena nodded and began preparing to leave camp at dawn. A message
would have to be
sent to Hercules and Iolaus and Gabrielle's parents as well as
her mother letting them
know that the two of them would be out of commission for a
while......but not why.
Silently the blankets were rolled
and placed on Argo. The two women went about their morning
routines without the acknowledging the others presence. As the
sun peeked over the horizon they left the campsite.
Silently they walked each lost in her own thoughts. The argument
of the night before between them. Morning melted into afternoon.
Xena glanced at Gabrielle noticing the set of shoulders, the tilt
of her chin. 'She's angry. Maybe I am being overly cautious.
There is no reason she can't tell her family she is expecting a
child. I'm the one with the child no one can know about.'
Gabrielle silently fumed. 'How can Xena FORBID me to tell my
family I'm going to have a baby. How dare she compare..... How
can I be so thoughtless. My child was conceived in love, hers...
Ca... No don't even think their names. How can she bear it.'
"I'm sorry" the said at the same time.
"Xena I didn't think...."
"No Gabrielle I am the one who..."
"NO!! For once I'm not going to let you martyr yourself for
me! Do you think for one minute I would let you go off alone.
Knowing you have no one but me?" Gabrielle took Xena's face
in her hands and forced the taller woman to look at her.
"Xena... If you are going to carry your child in secret... I
will too. If they are girls we will leave them with the Amazons,
if they are boys then the Centaurs."
She watched as a single tear ran down the face of her friend.
"Thank you." Even to herself, Xena thought her voice
sounded strange.
Gabrielle had gone to the temple
of Hermes to send their messages to family and friends. Xena in
the temple of Athena knelt before the bronze statue of the
Warrior Goddess.
"Athena. You know I'm not one for prayers or petitioning the
gods for anything. But I am in need of your wisdom and
assistance. I carry a child, because of your brother. Help me
hide this child from him."
A light hand on her head caused her to look up from the stone
floor she had been studying so hard. Athena stood before her in
armor and helm a gentle smile on her lips. "Rise, Xena. I
know it is hard for you to kneel before us Olympians. you who
have seen our petty bickering and family squabbles. You who were
promised to me by your mother on your birth. Of course I will
assist you in this. You go to the Amazon's do you not?"
"Yes." Xena said releasing the breath she hadn't
realized she was holding. Taking the offered hand she rose from
the floor. "With Gabrielle, my friend, holding Terris Right
Of Cast they would allow us to have our children in their
village."
"Gabrielle... You know she is a favorite of my sister
Artemis..... Wait one moment.... HERMES!" Xena covered her
ears at the yell of the goddess.. the volume was enough to deafen
her. "I'm sorry dear. But with Hermes you never know where
that rascal is."
"I'm here Athena. You need a message carried to...."
"Artemis. Tell her I need to see her immediately.
Thank..." Hermes didn't wait for the thank you he had
received his message and was on his way. "Now if Artemis
agrees we two shall hide you from my brother... You are wise not
to mention his name."
"You needed to see me Athena?"
"Yes Artemis. hmmm I need to explain a situation to you.
Xena wait here we will be right back. My home on Olympus would be
the best place for us to discuss this sister."
Both Goddesses disappeared leaving Xena once again alone within
the temple. She had barely taken a step when both goddesses
reapeared. Artemis put her shoulder around Xena and kissed her
cheek.
"I bless you with the preys ability to hide from the
hunter." With that she disappeared.
As she felt a finger touch her feet. she heard the voice of
Hermes "I bless you with safe travel to the Amazon's."
"I will keep my brother occupied in other matters while you
carry the child, as best I can." Athena said. With a final
touch to Xena's cheek the goddess left.
"XENA!!!" Gabrielle screamed from the behind the closed
doorway. Fearing for her friend Xena unsheathed her sword and
ran. Throwing open the door she froze and began to laugh.
Gabrielle stood watching her laugh. "What's so funny?"
she demanded. Not realizing the picture she made standing there.
Hermes had apparently played a joke on the bard while leaving. A
small plackard hung from her staff. Written written on it were
the words Amazonia Or Bust.
As Xena slid to the floor
laughing, Gabrielle watched. All the warrior could do is point at
the sign with one hand and hold her sides with the other.
"It feels good to laugh" she thought trying desperately
to calm herself.
Gabrielle watched as Xena tried to regain control and stop
laughing. Wondering again what could possibly cause such an
outburst she looked at her staff and for the first time saw the
placard. "Xena, it's not THAT funny!" she snatched the
offending placard from her staff and placed it in her pouch.
Reaching down a hand she helped the still shaking warrior to her
feet. "Our room is ready and so is dinner. Now do you mind
explaining what happened.
On the way to the tavern Xena explained as much as she dared then
looking at her friend she asked "Gabrielle, I still don't
understood why you were screaming. I thought you were in
danger."
"Well Xena the doors were locked and the entire temple was
glowing. I thought you might be in some kind of trouble... Even
the priest wouldn't enter the temple. Now do you think we can get
some food AND sit. My feet are killing me.... and my back."
Xena smiled with the wisdom having had a child.
"Gabrielle.... It only gets worse. Wait till you can't see
your feet. Or you need assistance getting up from a sitting
position."
"What's this? Help getting up from a sitting position?
" Both women turned to see Hercules standing behind them.
"Hercules!!!!!" Gabrielle yelled as she through herself
into the demi-gods arms. Xena held her hand out hoping he
wouldn't notice anything different or mention it if he did.
"So Gabrielle, sounds like...." Gabrielle silenced him
with a hand against his lips.
"Please Hercules don't mention that. There are reasons but
to explain them would put to many lives at risk."
Hercules puzzled saw tears glimmering in the bards eyes.
'Something is terribly wrong' he thought. He nodded his head to
indicate his understanding then looked to Xena. If he had been
puzzled by Gabrielle the truth shining through Xena's eyes
overwhelmed him. 'Oh Gods! she's pregnant too. That is why
Gabrielle doesn't want it mentioned.' "Ahem... So where are
you two heading?"
"Where ever the road takes us." Xena answered, knowing
he had realized her secret while praying he would keep it.
"If you need any help down the road...."
"I'll let you know." Xena was grateful for Hercules'
silence.
Now why don't we go to the tavern and get some food. It's not
often I get to dine with two of Greece's most beautiful
women."
Gabrielle giggled at Hercules bow. She curtsied and took his arm.
Walking between Hercules and Xena she knew somehow he had figured
it out and agreed to keep the secret.
Ephiny sat down heavily in the
chair in near the fireplace of her hut. Little Phantes had
finally gone to sleep. "If I had known baby centaurs had so
much energy....." She smiled. Even at his worst Xenos
Gabriel Phantes was the joy of her life. She had been forced to
build her hut away from both the Amazons and Centaurs. She would
not deny her son his Centaur heritage, but she refused to let
them raise him completely as had been suggested by many of her
fellow Amazons when she had returned. This was the best solution.
A light began to slowly grow behind her she jumped from her chair
prepared to fight to protect her home and child. From the light
stepped Artemis, goddess of the Amazons. Ephiny knelt before her.
"Oh don't do that." the goddess said lifting Ephiny's
chin. "I came to you with a mission."
"Yes Goddess. What do you need me to do?" She asked
knowing that she could not abandon her son even if Artemis
demanded it.
"Oh no, Ephiny, nothing like that. I just need you to take
six Amazons on the west road. There are two travelers coming that
I have given my protection.."
"Of course I will start out at first light." Ephiny
looked at Artemis and opened her mouth to ask another question.
"You are wondering why I came to you? I like you. Besides,
Melosa has problems of her own to deal with.... And this will be
good for the....Oops almost said to much." Glancing around
the cabin "Do you mind if I see that son of yours?"
As Ephiny and the six Amazons left
heading west, A new trouble for the Amazons entered through the
east, Valaska.
It had been several
weeks since Xena and Gabrielle had run into Hercules. A quiet
meal between friends and shared memories had lifted much of the
tension the two women had held.
The first light of dawn shone into the camp. Xena gently shook
Gabrielle. "Good morning sleepy-head time to get up." A
muffled grumble came from beneath the blankets, "Come on get
up and dressed we should make Amazonia by tonight IF we get a
move on."
"I'm up....I'm up."
As Gabrielle rose and began to dress, Xena packed up the
campsite. She was going to miss the road, the quiet, the
solitude, but she knew she needed to be with the Amazons when
this child came. A silent prayer for a girl winged it's way to
Athena. Turning she gasped. Gabrielle stood not in the green top
and short skirt she had become accustomed to but in the skirt
blouse and vest she had worn when they first began to travel
together. "Gabrielle?"
"It's the only thing that fits. Xena... Will I ever get my
figure back? You didn't tell me I was going to get FAT!"
"Remember I said wait till you can't see your feet? And yes
you will get your figure back. I did. Have you started having
cravings yet?"
"Oh gods yes! Cherries, quail eggs, and what was that sweet
Dianna liked so much?"
"Croesus?"
"YES!!! I would love some of those right now!"
"So would I. Or maybe...."
From the treetops seven Amazon warriors descended on them.
Raising her mask Ephiny spoke. "I thought you had stopped
wearing that outfit Gabrielle."
"Ephiny, its the only thing that would fit."
"No wonder the way you eat..... Wait are you...." at
Gabrielle's nod she continued, "No wonder Artemis sent me to
find you."
"Artemis?" Xena question wondering what the goddesses
were up to.
"Yes. I had just put Phantes down for the night when she
visited me in my hut. She told me I would come across two
travelers who would need assistance. You two are the first we've
come across."
"That would make since considering...."
"Considering?"
"Why don't I tell you in Amazonia. I'd feel safer."
Ephiny frowned as she looked into the warrior princess' eyes.
'Something's going on with her, I wonder what?'
"Oh Ephiny" Gabrielle said digging through Argo's
saddle bags, "I have something for the Amazon Nation.... a
"gift" from the gods....." She pulled forth a
small placard and presented it to amazon.
Ephiny quietly read the inscription....'Amazonia or Bust' .....
"Thank you. I think."
As he approached the
Fates home, Ares tried to control the anger that seethed through
him. It had been months since Xena had helped restore him to his
godhood. He had left her alone for six months. Now was the time
to find her and set about once again wooing her to his service.
'To bad it was Callisto in her body' he thought stroking his
beard. He had often wondered what a child of his and Xena's would
be like. Undoubtedly a boy, a warrior of the finest caliber.
Somehow in the past six months he had lost track of Xena and that
annoying little blond that traveled with her, which was why he
was heading towards the home of the Fates in the first place. If
anyone would know where she was the Fates would.
Clotho let him in. Lachesis sat weaving the tapestry as always
while Atropos trimmed threads.
"You seek.."
"the Warrior"
"Princess?"
"Yes. Where is she?" he asked, sometimes the way they
spoke, each one saying a few words was enough to drive him crazy.
"Here is her thread." Lachesis pointed to one of the
many threads in the tapestry. Another thread was tangled tightly
around it.
"What does that thread mean?" he asked.
"It means she is carrying another life. Did you not
know?"
"Pardon me?"
"Look.....here.... this is where you and the possessed body
of Xena created this new life...."
"A CHILD!!! Xena is having my child....." Grabbing
Lachesis off her stool Ares swung her around. "You beautiful
goddess, you."
"You did not know?" Clotho asked perplexed by his
reaction.
"No. I haven't seen Xena....well since...."
"Since she helped you regain your godhood." came a
voice from the door.
"Athena. What do you want?"
The god and goddess of war stared at each other. The tension in
the chamber was unmistakable.
"Leave her alone Ares. She has asked for my protection and I
have granted it."
"For how long.... is she under your protection?" he
sneered.
"Until the child is born."
"I'm speaking to Zeus.... sister dear. Let us see if HE will
allow you to keep me from seeing the mother of MY son." He
swaggered toward the door supremely confident, until Athena's
last words.
"What if the child is a girl?"
"You know
Xena... sometimes I hate you." Gabrielle said looking at the
woman beside her. They sat in the afternoon shade of the hut
watching the amazons at their practice.
"Why?"
"Look at you..... you don't seem to be having any problems
with being pregnant.... But look at me. My hands swell, my feet
swell, my back aches constantly... any you... you seem to be
suffering from none of these." Gabrielle dropped her head
tears streaming from her eyes.
Xena silently enfolded the bard in her embrace. She knew the self
imposed exile here was hard on Gabrielle. No matter what she had
said all those months ago Xena knew the bard would prefer to be
with her family. "Gabrielle... why don't you have Ephiny
escort you back...."
"Back to Potedia?? Oh no Xena! I said I was staying here
with you and I am staying! Do you under.....uhhhh" Gabrielle
broke off as a pain encircled her middle. "Xena? How do you
know when it's time to have the baby?"
Azure blue eyes searched the bard's face. She let loose a war cry
knowing that would summon the Amazon's to them. Within moments
Ephiny, Melosa, and Solari were in front of them with more
Amazons coming up behind them.
"It is time?"
"Yes."
Melosa gestured and four Amazon warriors helped Gabrielle into
the hut. As Melosa turned to follow them in a soft touch on her
shoulder stopped her.
"Queen Melosa... may I request that you send two runners....
one to her family and one to Hercules? I have a feeling that with
her child's delivery mine will be born soon."
"You are right Xena. We have been so happy with Gabrielle's
pregnancy that we have almost forgotten the burden you carry. I
will send my swiftest runners." Melosa whispered words to
the two women who had come up to her upon her pronouncement.
Bowing they took off running through separate gates toward their
destinations. "Xena.... after Gabrielle's child is born, we
must speak."
Xena nodded her understanding then followed the Queen into the
hut. Gabrielle lay on the mat biting on a stick to keep from
screaming. Stepping around the chanting Amazons Xena went to her
and removed the stick from her mouth. "Come on Gabrielle
stand up."
"Xena.... but ..... why..... it ...... hurts."
"Of course it hurts... walking around will ease the pain and
lessen the time. Now remember how I taught you to breathe? "
at the bard's nod Xena led her in the breathing exorcises.
"So now that this baby will be born any minute what are you
going to name it?"
Gabrielle screamed as a new pain
enfolded her. Xena's presence helped her through the worst of it.
She could hear the warrior's voice quietly offering encouragement
and strength as strong fingers massaged her back. Afternoon had
stretched into evening, into night, into dawn.
Giving Gabrielle's forehead a gentle kiss, Xena stepped away from
her, motioning to Ephiny and Melosa. "This labor has gone on
too long. Ephiny, I'm going to deliver Gabrielle's baby the way I
did yours...."
"Give her till midday to deliver. I know it is hard for you
to see her suffer. This is truly not a long labor..."
"My queen... the baby comes...."
The three women quickly returned to their places. Xena holding
Gabrielle's head, Melosa holding her right hand, Ephiny her left.
Melosa began the Amazon birth prayer.
"Oh Artemis in Olympus, bless this amazon with a girl child.
We thank you for the protection you have given the mother. If a
girl we dedicate this child to you, our goddess." Melosa
began to repeat the prayer, Ephiny joining her.
As Xena's voiced joined on the third recitation, Gabrielle gave a
final push delivering her child into the arms of the midwife.
Soon the small cry of a newborn infant could be heard shattering
the silence of the hut and the village.
Taking the child from the midwife, Melosa wrapped it in a blanket
and placed the small bundle in Gabrielle's out stretched arms.
"My foster daughter, today you have made me a grandmother of
the next Amazon Queen. What do you wish to name her."
Gabrielle wiped the tears from her face and with a smile named
her daughter. "I name you, my dearest child, Terris Xena
Perdicus. One name for the woman who gave you your place in
amazon society, one name for my friend who without regard to her
own life has protected mine, and one for the father you will
never know but who would have loved you." Finished she
handed the child to Xena and placed Ephiny's hand on her as well
. "My friends, my sisters, will you take this child guard
her with your life, as you have guarded mine? Teach her the small
lessons of life? Will you, if something happens, raise her as
your own?"
"I so promise." Ephiny and Xena said in unison. The
rituals completed, Melosa gathered Terris Xena in her arms and
stepped into the dawn.
"Amazon's meet your future queen. Terris Xena
Perdicus."
As a cheer went up from the assembled amazons. High on Mt.
Olympus the goddess Artemis bestowed an unknown gift on the
child.
Inside Melosa's hut, away from the
celebration, Xena, Ephiny and Melosa talked in quiet hushed
voices. Gabrielle and little Terris slept peacefully, the three
women awake glancing over at them at the slightest sound.
"Athena sent Hermes to me a month ago. I kept this
information to myself for her" with a nod of her head,
Melosa indicated Gabrielle, "well being. Ares knows,
Xena."
Xena bowed her head to hide the tears rolling down her face. The
thing she had feared most had happened. "How...."
"How did he find out?" Melosa questioned. Xena nodded
as Ephiny put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "He
went looking for you.... he requested the Fates' assistance that
is how he found out.... Zeus has upheld Athena's protection of
you... till the child is born... that is why he has not appeared
here yet... but with Gabrielle giving birth... your time will be
upon us soon...."
"And we must be prepared" Gabrielle's weak voice came
from behind Xena. "What do you suggest?"
"We have sent for Hercules, as well as other tribes of
Amazon's.... Artemis, herself, can and has guaranteed your and
the child's safety from Ares as long as you remain in the
village....IF at the birth it is a girl."
"Then we hope for a girl.... Melosa you have been sending
messengers out for weeks... to whom?"
"Hercules, Gabrielle's parents, your mother, and others.
They should all begin arriving soon."
"Melosa... I'm sorry that I have brought the attention of
Ares to your village. If you wish now that Gabrielle has safely
delivered her child I will leave."
"Xena...."
"If she leaves... I leave." Gabrielle's voice whispered
angrily.
"Of course she doesn't have to leave. Give us Amazon's some
credit Xena... we are not afraid of the god of war....."
"But gods can sometimes be like pesky children... eh
Melosa?"
"Hipolyta!!! My sister you came?" Xena looked for the
first time upon the legendary queen of the amazon's.
True she was queen of one tribe just as Melosa was, most people
didn't realize that each tribe had a queen. The Amazon nation was
more a confederation of women warriors. Hipolyta's auburn hair
fell around her shoulders in gentle waves, her general stood
behind her. "This is Lysia, my general."
Xena, having met Princess Dianna, was not as shocked by the
resemblance between herself and the general, as the general.
Lysia seemed a paler version of the warrior princess. Instead of
raven black hair, her hair was a light brown. Her eyes, the same
azure blue as Xena's.
"Xena.... another look-a-like?" Gabrielle questioned
from the cot holding back giggles.
"Ok turn around
and tell me which one is me."
Gabrielle, Melosa, Ephiny and Cyrene turned to face four Xenas.
They now had to choose which one. Moments slipped by before
Gabrielle pointed to the second "Xena". "That's
Meg."
"That" Ephiny pointed at Xena number 4, "Is Lysia.
The tattoo on her thigh."
"This is my daughter." Cyrene said putting her arms
around Xena number 1's shoulders..
"No, mother. That's Princess Dianna. It will work. If we can
fool my mother with this there is no reason we should not be able
to fool A....anyone else." Xena number 3 stepped away from
her place. "I will stay here. Lysia will head west. Dianna
east and Meg north."
"But I don't want to go north alone." Meg whined.
"In each direction is a village within a days ride."
Gabrielle explained to her. "and you won't leave until Xena
goes into labor. Hopefully that way 'he' won't know that the
child is being born and by the time 'he' does figure it out.....
we will have the child safely hidden."
A familiar voice came from outside the hut "Excuse me....I'm
looking for Xena."
"You sent for him???" Gabrielle questioned Xena.
"Who better to hide the child than the...."
"I'm Autolycus, King of Thieves. Maybe you've heard of
me?"
"Gabrielle go get him before he becomes guest of honor at an
Amazon Gauntlet." Melosa ordered wondering what Xena was up
to now. Hercules had arrived three days before. After one look at
Hippolyta he had left for the Centaur village saying that if
needed he would be close.
While Gabrielle went to get Autolycus. Lysia, Meg, Diana and Xena
positioned themselves in the hut. If they could fool the
self-proclaimed, King of Thieves the plan was sure to work.
Autolycus strode into the hut. He was exceptionally pleased with
himself. Not only had he gotten an invitation to the Amazon
village, now he was being escorted to the Queen's hut. As his
eyes adjusted to the dim light of the hut, he shook his head.
"Now old boy there can't be four of them. Look again."
Still four Xenas sat silently. "I take it I am to choose
which is the real Xena?" In practiced unison the four women
nodded. "All right then.... You..." he pointed at the
third Xena, "Are an impostor. Sorry my dear but you slouch,
Xena never slouches."
"See I told ya I couldn't do it."
"Meg be quiet." Gabrielle hissed.
"hmmmm..." Autolycus absentmindedly played with his
beard as he studied the remaining three Xenas. Time stretched on.
Finally he pointed at the first Xena. "You my dear have
never killed. " He took her hand and kissed it gently.
"A Pleasure to meet you Princess."
Diana joined Meg sitting with Gabrielle. All watched as Autolycus
studied both Lysia and Xena. More time passed. Afternoon drifted
into evening before he spoke again.
"This is Xena." He said pointing at Lysia.
The women erupted in laughter. Xena sitting beside Lysia smiled.
She knew her plan would work. Reaching out she touched Autolycus'
shoulder. "No I'm Xena. This is Lysia."
"ahhh... is this why you sent for me?"
"No In a few weeks I will need you to hide a precious
jewel."
"A Jewel? You are going to trust me to hide it....where is
it now?"
He watched as Xena's hand patted her stomach. "Here. I will
need you to hide this child, from me and it's father if it is a
boy."
"All right but who's the father?"
"One of the Gods."
"A....." he got no more out. Melosa and Ephiny had both
quickly knocked him to the ground.
"DON'T speak his name." Xena warned ice dripping from
her words, murder in her eyes.
"Ok, Ok, Ok." He said picking himself up. "So I
take the baby... if it's a boy and hide it.... where?"
Lysia stepped up and whispered to him the name of the village
Hippolyta had suggested.
Messengers from
across the Amazon Nation had come into the small village in the
in the last week or so. Each with a tale of a skirmish in every
corner of Greece. The Horde attacking to the west. The Romans to
the North. One kingdom attacking another. Xena, Melosa and
Gabrielle knew Athena was keeping her promise. With so many
battles, so many warriors calling on him Ares could not ignore
the blood feast being served to him, and in doing so he might
well miss the cries of a newborn child.
Terris Xena was a beautiful baby, like her mother she was smiles
and laughter. Already her eyes were turning green and her hair
promised a rich red gold. She would be her mother's child in
appearance. Gabrielle doted on her daughter knowing her time with
her was short. At two and half months Terris had most of the
Amazon's securely wrapped around her little fingers.
Xena watched as Gabrielle and Melosa played with Terris. She knew
soon it would be time to tell them and send the decoys on their
ways. Her pains had started with the dawn and were getting closer
together. She clenched her teeth as another pain racked her body.
"Xena isn't she......" Gabrielle looking up from the
baby noticed her agony. Having recently suffered it herself she
knew what it meant. "How long?"
"Since dawn"
A call sounded through the village. Quietly the three
look-a-likes donned their disguises. Once dressed they wrapped
themselves in blankets and headed toward Melosa's hut.
Meg was the first to be sent out. An hour later Diana. Lastly
Lysia left the amazon village. Amazon guards surrounded the hut,
as Xena silently suffered the pains of bringing a child into the
world.
A thought crossed her mind between pains....'What if the child
looks like Callisto?'
Quiet, the whole of existence
seemed quiet. Only the soft encouragement of Gabrielle voice
could be heard. High on Mount Olympus, Ares waited impatiently
for the delivery of his child. In Tartarus, Callisto's torment
ceased so she too could await the birth.
As Xena had requested no birthing ceremony was held for her
child. Only Gabrielle's soft encouragement whispered in her ears.
Pain after pain racked her body. Solon's delivery had been much
easier as she remembered. Errant thoughts ran through her mind.
What if the child was a boy? What is the child was a girl? What
if the baby looked like Callisto? What if ..... what if......
what if...... Desperately she tried to block the thoughts from
coming concentrating only in delivering this child. Autolycus
waited outside the door in case the child was a boy.... to whisk
him to safety. Nine months of worry would be over in a few
moments. With a scream and a push Xena's child emerged into a
world unsure of what it's birth meant.
"Xena" Cyrene said catching her daughter's eyes with
her own. "You have a beautiful daughter. What do you wish to
name her?"
"Cyrena Gabrielle." The two women both stunned looked
at their namesake. "Ephiny will you raise her as your own,
teach her the lessons that will stand her well in life? I think
you will find her to be a fighter.." a smile tugged around
the warrior's face as she reached her arms out for her daughter.
"Of course Xena." Ephiny responded. Hiding her worry
over raising the child of the god of war.
"Oh Xena she's beautiful.... not as beautiful as my
Terris.... but beautiful none the less."
"NO!!!"
Ares outraged cry rang through the halls of Olympus. So sure had
he been that Xena would bear him the son he wanted. As he stormed
through his palace, Hermes appeared before him.... "What do
You want?"
"Just delivering a message.... Zeus says you can visit Xena
now that the child is born. .... Oh congratulations on the birth
of your daughter."
In another palace on Olympus Artemis and Athena toasted the news,
and in Tartarus, Callisto turned once again to her tormentors...
The End
Read Del's
sequel, Growing Pains: The Adventures of
Terris and Cyrena
Or read another one of Del's stories Four
Days in April.
Visit Del's Page
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