Xena was slightly embarrassed herself and quickly changed the subject. "I think we need to get back to Sasha and Lila. I don't like the idea of leaving them alone for too long. The fact that her mother hasn't showed up worries me."

"Yes, it worries me too." Gabrielle replied. "So, uh, Aphrodite. Do you mind if we talk later? I've still got a lot of questions I'd like to ask you."

Aphrodite moved closer to Gabrielle and stroked her cheek. "Sure little one. My door is always open to you. Just call me when you need me and I'll be here in a jiffy." With that, she disappeared.

The three women quickly made their way to Sasha's house. All were very concerned that Sasha's mother had not yet been sighted. In fact, no-one seemed to know where she was.

Lila was lying next to Sasha stroking her hair. The look of pure love radiating from her face.

"Lila." Hecuba whispered.

"Mother!"

"Lila! I was so worried about you. I have known about your relationship with Sasha for some time and I am so glad that you have found love. I do not feel the same way as your father."

"Is he, my father I mean?" Lila questioned.

"Yes, he is. I had trouble conceiving and your conception was very surprising to say the least. Herodotus just assumed that he wasn't your real father as he already knew that he wasn't Gabrielle's father."

"I hate him!" Lila spat out. "He can rot in that jail for all I care. Gabrielle, I haven't discussed this with Sasha yet, but I want to go to the Amazons with you. I believe that Sasha will feel the same way. There's nothing for us here. People are not tolerant towards our relationship."

"Are you sure, Lila. Mother might need help now that Herodotus is no longer around."

Hecuba spoke before Lila could reply. "Gabrielle, I will be leaving Herodotus. I can't stay married to him now. Not after what he has done. I was going to ask if I could go and stay with Cyrene for a while and work for her until I get back on my feet. I want nothing to do with the farm anymore."

"But, the farm is your life." Gabrielle pointed out.

"Not anymore. I can't stay here. Xena, do you think your mother would have a job for me?"

"I'm sure she'll be delighted to help you." Xena replied. "Speaking of my mother, I'll have to organise to have a message sent to her saying that we' ll be staying here for a few days until Sasha's wounds heal more. Hecuba, do you know of someone who can deliver a message for me?"

"Yes, young Isocles is the town messenger. He lives in the last house down the street."

"Fine, I'll be back shortly. I think it would be best if we moved Sasha back to your place until we're ready to leave."

"I think that's a good idea. We'll get her ready while you're gone."

Xena gave her soulmate a quick peck on the lips and disappeared out into the night.

It didn't take Xena long to hitch up Argo to the old wagon in Hecuba's barn and head back to Sasha's place. Part of her was still musing over the fact that Gabrielle was part God. And Aphrodite of all people. Ironic really with her own parenthood under a cloud. Of course, hers had to be with Ares. Love and War. Two sides of the same coin. Light and Dark. Gabrielle and her. Xena had to smile. Her thoughts eased to a halt along with the wagon as she arrived in front of Sasha's place. Gabrielle was waiting in the doorway with a big smile on her face. Xena automatically smiled back. How she loved that woman.

Xena jumped down from the wagon and headed towards Gabrielle.

"How are you feeling, my love?" She wrapped her arms around Gabrielle and burrowed her head into Gabrielle's neck.

"Pretty good, considering I just found out I am part god." Gabrielle leaned her body solidly into her partners. There was nothing she loved more than the feeling of being in Xena's arms.

"We should move Sasha before it gets dark. It is important that she gets jostled as little as possible." Xena tightened her arms around her lover for a second then moved out of the hug. She kept her arm around Gabrielle's shoulder as they headed back indoors.

Lila had not moved from the head of the bed but Hecuba had pulled a chair up beside her daughter. They were both keeping a silent vigil while they waited for Sasha to awake. Lila looked up at Xena, the anxiety still very evident in her eyes.

"Are you sure she is going to be alright? She seems to have been out for ever." The panic could not be removed from her voice.

"Believe me, she will be fine. This is her body fixing itself. It needs the energy to heal. Now lets get her moved so that we can settle her down for the night and you both can get some much needed sleep. Your body is still healing as well, Lila."

Gabrielle and Xena moved to either end of the bed and picked up the underneath blanket. Xena looked at Gabrielle then nodded. They both lifted at the same time and moved to the side. Sasha moaned slightly at the sudden movement but quickly settled back down when Lila picked up her hand again. It was a smooth transition from the bed to the wagon. Sasha was placed gently on the pile of hay in the back of the wagon and Lila clambered up beside her, never releasing her hand.

Hecuba sat up beside Xena whilst Gabrielle walked beside the wagon. As the wagon slowly moved off, Hecuba touched Xena on the arm. Xena turned her head towards her mother-in-law to see what she wanted. There was a look of apprehension on Hecuba's face.

"What is it, Hecuba." Xena kept her voice soft and her tone open. She could tell that Hecuba wanted to say something important. The sound of Xena's voice caught Gabrielle's attention and she turned her concentration to listening to the conversation.

"I know you think I never approved of you, Xena, but you are wrong." With a determined shrug of her shoulders Hecuba began. "I was just worried about Gabrielle. Her life had been so hard and I was looking forward to her having some peace as an adult. I could not see how she would get that with you. Your past was so dark, and your life so seeped in violence. But each time she came back she was stronger in herself. Her face would light up whenever she discussed you or if you entered the room. I realised then that you were exactly what she needed."

Tears had sprung to Xena's eyes. She had never expected acceptance from either of Gabrielle's parents. She felt a light touch on the side of her leg and looked down. Shining up to her was the beautiful sea-green of her lover's eyes. The tears were easily seen but so was the joy. Gabrielle was obviously as surprised with this conversation as she was.

Hecuba looked back at Lila laying beside Sasha then over to Xena and Gabrielle. "I may have lost my husband but I feel like I have finally gained a true family. I am very blessed because I now have 4 daughters." The smile she gave Xena was warm and open. Xena leaned over and put her arm around Hecuba.

"I am proud to be part of your family, Hecuba." The sincerity in Xena's voice was obvious. "I look forward to getting to know you better."

Gabrielle was in complete shock. Like Xena, she had never thought her family would ever accept her choice in partner. This day was going to take a lot to digest. Of that much, she was sure. She could not wait to get her partner alone. There was much to discuss.

The old homestead came into view. There was an awareness amongst the group that things had irrevocably changed. This would be the last time they would be here. All would be moving on shortly and would not be coming back. Xena pulled Argo to a halt outside the front door and lithely jumped down. She helped Hecuba down then moved around to the back of the Wagon where Gabrielle awaited her. They swiftly moved Sasha into Lila's room and place her on the bed.

"Lila, you need to rest as well. Why don't you get up there beside her and sleep. When you wake we will make plans for our exodus." Lila gave Xena a grateful look then laid down beside her love. Before the others had even left the room, Lila had joined Sasha in Morpheus's realm.

When they reached the kitchen, Hecuba shooed them away. "Let me prepare the food for everyone. It is the least I can do. And you two do need to talk." Xena and Gabrielle gave her a grateful look then headed out to the barn. They had already decided that they would stay in the barn. The house was too crowded and they were use to having their own space.

They unhooked Argo and let her have a run around the paddock. They would stable her later, after they had talked. Xena entered the barn first then felt Gabrielle's arm circle her waist. Xena let herself just feel the pleasure of being in her partner's arms.

"So I am the best lover you have ever had, huh?" Gabrielle could not help but tease her lover. Even through it all she could not forget the sight of Xena blushing. No-one would realise how truly rare a sight that was.

"Don't you try and distract me," growled Xena. Her eyes, however, betrayed her amusement. "And you know that you are. As I said before, you are the best thing that ever happened to me." Xena turned in Gabrielle's embrace and gave her a loving kiss.

They both moved towards the loft and reclined on the hay bales. After the hectic pace of the day, it was nice just to lay beside each other and enjoy the solitude. Gabrielle rolled over so her head rested on Xena's shoulder. Xena's arm quickly pulled her in tight and she rested her head on top of Gabrielle's. She loved the way Gabrielle smelled, like a fresh spring morning.

"So what are you thinking, Gabrielle." Xena knew it would have to be her that broached the subject.

Gabrielle took a deep breath and ordered her thoughts. So much had happened and she did need to talk it through with Xena to help her understand it better.

Gabrielle lay on her lover's shoulder, finding comfort in the slow rise and fall of her body. So many thoughts raced through her mind, she didn't know where to begin. Was she like Hercules? If she unleashed her potential power, could she be a danger to the people she loved?

"Tell me what you're thinking," came Xena's soft voice.

"My first thought is to seek out Hercules and ask him tons of questions about being a half-god. How he deals with it. Then I think I already know the answer, because I've been living it. I just never knew. Then, I wonder about my power as a god. Aphrodite said my premonitons were from her. But I feel like she wanted to tell me more about my powers, but felt she shouldn't."

"Perhaps Aphrodite told you all she could. Maybe even she doesn't know what true powers you have. All gods have different powers. Even Hercules does. His is his superhuman strength."

"I just think she wanted to say something to me about my powers as a half-god, but didn't. I just sensed something from her."

"You're right about that, honey-bunch."

Both women looked up to see Aphrodite sitting on top of the ladder, a pensive look on her face. "There is another power you should know about."

Gabrielle couldn’t hide the groan that emanated from her. "Please Aphrod…."

"Mom, honey-bunch. Not Aphrodite, or Dite or Love Goddess. No, no, it’s Mom from now on," she said as she smiled at her daughter.

Gabrielle just looked at her "Mom" and then looked at Xena with a very perplexed expression on her face….

"Okay Aphrodite. Enough with the Mom stuff." Xena said and then continued, "Spit it out— what other power should Gabrielle know about?"

"Hey! Chill Love Muffin." The Goddess giggled. She knew calling Xena love muffin made her crazy.

She turned her attention to the Bard….

"Okay, Sweet Pea, here is the deal…your power is the gift of healing. You can heal people who are seriously ill or wounded. You always had this power. You just don’t know how to harness that power. That is where I, your gorgeous Mom, come in. I am going to teach you how to harness that power." Aphrodite stood there with a smile a mile wide. She truly loved Gabrielle and it made her very happy that she could do something for her daughter.

Gabrielle was so in shock now that she was speechless. And for the Bard it was a first. Finally regaining her composure she started to speak to her "Mom".

"Aph…. Mom, that’s impossible! I can’t heal people. I’ve never been able to do that…you have to be wrong. That just can’t be."

"Trust me Sweet Pea. How could you have known you could do it? You never even knew you could till I told you. You can do this with just a little help from me. I will teach you how to develop your powers to heal. Remember you are a half Goddess!"

Xena had a gut feeling that there was more that Aphrodite wasn’t telling them.

"Aphrodite…I think there is something you are not telling us. So out with it NOW." Xena said very firmly.

Gabrielle looked at Xena and then at Dite. She saw the sheepish look that Dite was giving her and Xena. That’s when she realized she hadn’t heard everything that there was to hear about the "powers" she possessed. ‘Gods! What now?’ she thought to herself.

"Okay, okay! Yes. There is one tiny little thing I forgot to mention…" Aphrodite said.

"Well What? WHAT?!?" snapped Xena.

Completely ignoring Xena and turning to face Gabrielle, Aphrodite told her daughter what the other "tiny little power" was…

"Well, Sweet Pea, If you and Xena both wish it, then it can happen," she deliberately was evasive.

"What can happen, what???" both Xena and Gabrielle said in unison.

"Why get pregnant of course! If you both want a baby and it will happen." She smiled.

This time it was Xena who fainted.

"Xe..." Gabrielle quickly rushed to Xena, taking Xena's weight with her as she lowered them slowly towards the ground. Gabrielle sat there on the cold, ground holding her lover's head in her lap

Gabrielle's eyes widened as she turned around and looked at her mother; a shocked look on her face. "You can't be serious?" she whispered.

Dite gave a small smile. "Yep little one, you want a baby, Xena wants a baby.. you get your wish." She gave another soft giggle.

"But..."

Hearing a groan, Gabrielle looked down in her arms to see her soul mate coming back "Xena?"

Opening a blue eye, Xena gave a weak smile to her love, then looked up at Dite, her smile gone. With slightly shaking legs, she stood, leaning lightly on her soul mate.

"So your telling me, that Gabrielle and I can have a child if we both wish to?" Xena questioned nervously, looking between Dite and her soul mate.

"Yes sweet pea, if you both wish for a child, you will have one," repeated the Goddess of Love with a smirk.

Xena looked at her soul mate and revealed a shaky smile.

The Goddess of Love giggled softly, as she watched the two soul mates, take in the power they have now. "O.k. sweet pea, have fun," said Dite with a chuckle as she vanished in thin air.

"Oh gods," muttered Xena in pure fear. "This can not be happening." She felt her legs going weak again.

"Xena," Gabrielle uttered to her soul mate, watching as Xena moved from leaning against her and started rubbing her forehead, bringing her brows together.

Gazing down, Xena flashed another shy smile, and ran a hand through her long dark hair. She was completely speechless at the moment.

Gabrielle studied her soul mate in concern. 'Why is she so nervous?' she thought while walking closer to her soul mate, and reaching for her hands, holding them tenderly.

Xena looked at her heart nervously again, biting her lower lip.

"What's wrong, Xena? What is it?" Gabrielle questioned, squeezing Xena's hand for support.

Xena softy took Gabrielle's hand and led her toward their bedroom. "We need to talk," Xena stated nervously plus managing a slight smile.

"Oh alright," whispered the bard in understanding. 'God she's nervous,' she concluded, shaking her head.

Once up to their room, Xena allowed Gabrielle to walk in first, Xena following. The warrior then quietly closed the door behind her.

Gabrielle turned around to look at her soul mate questionably and in worry.

Xena stood there in the room for a while, with her thoughts. Xena then took a deep breath and focused her attention on Gabrielle.

"Um well, so what are we gonna do about this new power?" Xena asked waving her hand a bit, then looking towards the small open window in the room.

A look of stronger concern fell over the Amazon Queen's face, she walked up to her soul mate, and peered up into her lover's pale-blue eyes.

"Xena... think about it. Our very own child between us? Us," she whispered happily.

The Warrior Princess lowered her eyes down to her soul mate, her head moving back and forth. "Gabrielle, with our lives, we can't have a child."

"Yes we can Xena, it will be our child," the bard repeated, hope in her voice.

"Gabrielle, our lives are not built to have a child in it, the child will be a target to all my enemies!"

Gabrielle was about to respond; but looking into her lover's eyes, she knew there was no chance in talking it out. Well maybe not tonight anyway. She dropped her head sadly. " O.k. Xena, we won't talk about this tonight.... I'm going to bed."

The warrior studied her soul mate's expression then gave a small sigh. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle. I shouldn't have yelled, this is just all new."

Gabrielle etched small sad smile on her lips. "I understand Xena, we will talk about this later. I'll see you in bed."

Xena bent down and kissed her soul mate softy on the lips, her smile back. "I'll be there in a bit, just want to think a bit, love."

The Amazon Queen grinned lightly after feeling her soul mate lips leave hers. She nodded, quietly walked to their bed, crawled in, and closed her eyes waiting for sleep to claim her.

Xena on the other hand; couldn't stop her thoughts so she started pacing around the room. After several moments, she started whispering out-loud.

It was rare for Gabrielle to wake before her warrior. She propped herself up resting her head in her hand and watched as Xena slept.

Xena had a slight frown on her face, which concerned Gabrielle. She had thought that Xena would think that the fact they could produce a child would make her happy. Instead, the warrior’s only thought was that the baby would become a target. Gabrielle desperately wanted to have Xena’s baby. She had thought that they would have children some day, but of course she would have had to sleep with a man and she knew Xena wouldn’t have been too keen on that idea. But now, with this news, it was a ‘win-win’ situation.

"Oh Xena." She whispered. "What troubles you so?"

"Mmmm, what’s up Gabrielle?" Xena mumbled.

"It’s okay, love. Go back to sleep."

"No, I’m alright. You’re up early. What’s wrong?"

Gabrielle looked into Xena’s beautiful blue eyes and couldn’t help herself as she leaned close and gave the warrior a sweet kiss.

"I love you Xena. So very, very much."

"We still need to talk about this new power, don’t we?"

 Gabrielle got out of bed and began to pace.

 "It’s not something that we can ignore, Xena. If we did have a child, do you really think that I wouldn’t be safe in an Amazon Village surrounded by Amazon warriors who are willing to give their lives for me and for you?"

 "I know that Gabrielle. It’s just that I worry so about my past. I know that you keep telling me to move on, but how many times has my past come back to haunt us."

 "I want children and not just any children, your children and now by me gaining this power, we can do that. My love for you grows every day."

 "As does mine. But what you’re asking is …" the warrior trailed off.

 "What really is the problem here, Xena?"

 "I don’t think I’d be a good mother, Gabrielle. Look what happened with Solon. I’m not exactly in the running for ‘Mother of the Year’ am I?"

 "Xena, that’s different. You had to give up Solon because he would have been a target. It’s different now. YOU’RE different now."

 What Gabrielle proposed next shocked both herself and the warrior.

 "After we take Lila and Sasha back to Amazonia, I think you should take Mother to Amphipolis and stay there a while."

 "Please Brie, I don’t want to be apart from you. I love you."

 Gabrielle closed the distance between them and gathered the warrior into her arms. "I know you do, love. But I think you need time to figure out what you really want."

 Xena lowered her eyes and whispered, "Well, if you think it’s best."

 "As much as it pains me to say it, I do. You need to forgive yourself for your past and only you can do that. I can’t help you with it anymore. This is something that you have to do without me."

 Gabrielle rose from the bed, kissed Xena and left the room. After the door closed, for the second time in Xena’s life, she felt the hot tears falling down her face.

Xena rose up out of her chair, now it was her turn to pace in the room once again. Every thought flew through her mind, ever fear, and every bit of love. A few tears here and there rolled down her cheeks, and she would instantly wipe them away. No time for tears, only time to think and figure out the best plan for her and Gabrielle, both.

On the way out of the room, Gabrielle had taken her staff with her. She quickly went outside at a brisk walk, she disappeared into the near by forest. She too needed time to think and consider. Had she really just told her soul mate to leave… to leave and did she really want that?

She shook her head and stopped in her tracks. She glared at the tree in front of her and twirled her staff. "What am I doing?" she muttered under her breath hotly. She suddenly moved quickly and started practicing with her staff in hopes to clear her mind. She did numerous swipes, thrusts, kicks, and other attacks to practice.

After quarter of a candlemark of nonstop practicing, she became exhausted and slowed down her pace. At the end, she rammed her staff into the ground, leaned against it, closed her eyes and took heavy breaths. "Oh gods," she whispered sadly.

The bard opened her eyes gradually and stared at her tree opponent. She lifted her head off her staff yet still stared at the tree. "A time and place for everything."

Gathering herself, she walked deeper into the forest and took in the calming surroundings of the forest. She came to a large rock so decided to stop there. Leaning her staff against a close tree, she shifted back to the rock and sat down. Before her, was a tiny stream that greeted her happily.

Gabrielle propped her legs up on the rock, crossed her arms on her knees then settled her chin down on the top of her hands. "Okay… time to think things out…" She sighed and pulled her legs closer in. "First, I'm… I'm… demigod." She huffed and grinned. "That can heal… and I can create a child if I want." She chewed on the inside of her mouth for a moment. "Aphrodite's daughter," she muttered yet had to chuckle.

The Amazon Queen fell silent for a time. "Hmmm… Xena's not telling me everything." She closed her eyes while trying to think what Xena wasn't mentioning. "Oh no," she rasped in horror. "Hope." She groaned as her hands cupped over her face. "Solan and Hope," she whispered while she ran her fingers through her hair. "How could I be such an idiot?" she growled lowly.

Gabrielle sprung up off the rock and was pacing between the stream and a tree. "Okay… okay Gabrielle, think think." She lifted her right hand to cup her forehead. "Xena doesn't want a child because of what happened with Hope and Solan." She chewed on her lower lip. "No not Hope and Solan but… but…" She growled in frustration. "What is it exactly?" She folded her arms and walked towards the edge of the stream. "Not Hope and Solan but… but…" Gabrielle pressed her lips together in thought. Her eyes widened as she realized what. "Our relationship… our relationship broke because of two children."

"And I'm worried it could happened again," cut in a deep voice.

The bard turned around on the heels of her boots and smiled sadly at her soul mate.

Xena ducked a little, she walked under a low branch. She mirrored back the sad smile as she straightened up. "Gabrielle, we both went through a lot with Solan and Hope."

Gabrielle's eyes lowered to the forest floor, her memories of those recent months refueled inside of her. She closed her eyes and turned her head away. "Xena, its all over."

The warrior took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Yes… its over." She grasped her partner's shoulders. "Hope is gone, Solan is gone, our anger, Dahak, and the Destroyer are all gone." She reached down and tilted up her lover's face, her fingertips remaining under Gabrielle's chin. "But the memories are not gone, love. Nor are the fears and the healing isn't finished."

The smaller woman reached up and took Xena's hands, she laced them together. "Xena… this is our second chance to be mothers both of us together and with our own child." She smiled but the desperation shined in her eyes. "Xena, we can't pass this chance up. We've been blessed."

The Warrior Princess lowered her head, her cheek pressing against Gabrielle's. "I agree, Brie." She was quiet but whispered, "We both need to still heal."

"Xena, please." Gabrielle rubbed her cheek against her partner's some. "Having our own child will help us heal, you know that."

"I do… I do," agreed the warrior. Xena rubbed her thumb over top of Gabrielle's while thinking. "But I still need some time, Gabrielle." She lifted her head up, her eyes locking with Gabrielle's. "I'm not saying, no… I'm saying, not right now."

The bard licked her lips and studied their locked hands. "I am still hurting from Hope," she admitted quietly.

"I know," whispered Xena, "and we both need time." She released her breath in a tiny bit of huff. "It was just a month ago that all of this happened, Gabrielle. I just got you back from that Hades of a pit."

Gabrielle's head was bobbing up and down, and she said, "Moving too fast huh?"

"Yes, there will be the right time to have a child." Finally, a grin broke out across Xena's expression. "Besides, do you honestly think you can handle settling down right now?" she teased.

Gabrielle chuckled quietly and grinned. "No, honestly." She dropped her head to one side. "And I know you can not."

"You got that right," growled the warrior, "I'm still too young."

The Amazon Queen laughed and replied, "Right beside you, partner."

Xena lost her grin into a soft smile. "Give it a few years, Gabrielle. Your special power is not leaving anytime soon, promise."

Gabrielle smiled back warmly and nodded. "Yyyeah."

The Warrior Princess's lips slipped into the same smile and she pulled her lover in close. "We'll have our own child, just at the right time."

The small bard held onto her soul mate and felt content; she couldn't quite remember when she felt quite this good. "At the right time in the right place for the right reasons."

"Exactly." Xena lowered her head onto Gabrielle's. She lifted her head after a minute of silence. "How about we do something different…?"

The bard raised an eyebrow. "And that would be?"

"India, interested?" inquired the Warrior Princess.

Instantly, Gabrielle's face lit up. "India, really? That would be different."

"Uh huh, India it is."

The Amazon Queen grinned and felt quite excited. "But first, we need to take care of Lila and Sasha."

Xena now raised her own dark eyebrow. "Hmmm you'll take care of Sasha."

Gabrielle became quite bewildered.

The warrior grinned and stated, "Healer."

The bard laughed softly and shook her head. "I am… now."

"You always have been." Xena brushed back her friend's blond hair.

"Yeah," agreed the bard quietly.

The warrior grinned and said, "Come on." She smiled more softly.

The Amazon Queen nodded and released her partner. She strolled over and picked up her staff.

Xena walked towards the direction of the town but stopped near the edge of the clearing. "Sssso…"

Gabrielle gave a questioning look as she came closer to her lover.

"Do I still have to leave?" teased the Warrior Princess.

The bard stuck her tongue out before pushing the warrior out of her way. "Nope." She sauntered ahead with a quite noticeable sway in her walk.

Xena laughed and quickly walked to catch up. "Good." She smirked down at her lover. "Because I wasn't leaving anyway."

Gabrielle laughed and strolled along side her partner rather closely. "I believe it."

The warrior revealed a huge smug look. "Somebody has to keep you out of trouble."

"Oh gods… not that debate again," groaned the younger woman.

Xena laughed quietly, her smile still strong on her lips. "Let's go, partner. Time to fix things."

"You got it." Gabrielle's lips shaped into a happy smile, finally feeling content about the future.

"Xena." Gabrielle pulled them to a halt just before they got to the house.

"What, my love?" Xena turned to face her partner.

"How do you think I actually heal people? I want to help Lila and Sasha but I am not sure if I want another session with my ‘mother’ just yet. I know she said she would help me channel this … and I do love Aphrodite and all that … it’s just …" Gabrielle knew she was having trouble verbalizing her thoughts but she was unsure exactly what she did want to say.

Xena wrapped her in a bear hug and gently kissed the top of her head. "I do know what you mean, Gabrielle. After this is all over, we will have a wee chat with Hercules. I probably need to resolve my parentage as well. We know how much we can trust anything Ares says." The shudder that followed was automatic. Any time she considered her parentage, part of her wanted to just run away.

"I think that is a good idea." Gabrielle tightened her hug as she replied to Xena. It was only now she could truly understand the trepidation that Xena felt. Being a demi-god added further troubles to their already complicated lives.

"As to your other question, Gabrielle. It would have a lot to do with love, being from Aphrodite. And love is something you have plenty of. Why don’t we go in there and see what we can do. If nothing happens then we will call on Aphrodite but I don’t think that will occur. I think of you with the Anthenian soldiers who had been attacked by the Horde. Your only real experience with healing had been at Thessaly but you managed to save so many. I think that you unconsciously used your gift on those people." Xena gently tucked back her partner’s hair behind her ear. "I believe in you. Gabrielle, you can do it."

Gabrielle could see the truth in Xena’s eyes. She really did believe in her ability to heal. "Okay, let’s do it." Gabrielle strode purposively through the door and into the bedroom. Lila and Sasha were still asleep.

Hecuba was sitting beside the bed just watching the two of them sleep. She had dozed on and off during the night but she would not leave them. She wanted to be there in case one of them awoke. She felt a light touch on her shoulder and nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Sorry, mother, I didn’t mean to startle you." Gabrielle quickly reassured Hecuba. She had seen the startled look in her mother’s eyes. "I should have spoken first."

"It’s alright, Gabrielle. I just need to get use to the fact that we … I … don’t have to creep around the place anymore. I know that your father is locked up but … its just … part of me has been living in fear for too long I can’t believe it is safe. His drinking has just been so bad lately." Hecuba could not stop the tears from falling. "I thought I had lost Lila when she left. I didn’t know where she had gone or how to get her back. Part of me knew I shouldn’t even try. She was safer away from here." Hecuba could not hold it back any longer and the years of pain and hurt broke through. Gabrielle pulled her mother into her arms and whispered words of love and understanding as she held her. After a while, the tears subsided and her mother regained control.

"I am sorry, Gabrielle. I didn’t mean to cry all over you." She tried to brush the wet spots off her daughter’s top.

"It’s okay, mum. It will dry. I am just glad I could be here for you." Gabrielle looked deeply into Hecuba’s eyes to stress her understanding. She felt her mother slowly relax against her. ‘Have you had any sleep at all during the night?" Gabrielle was sure of the answer but wanted Hecuba to state it.

"I dozed lightly during the night but I was just so worried that something might happen if I left them. I was just scared." Hecuba’s eyes flicked between the two on the bed. Her worry was evident on her face.

"Well, apparently one of my gifts from Aphrodite is the gift of healing so lets see what I am capable of doing, shall we?" Gabrielle eased herself out of her mother’s hug and moved towards the bed. She held her hand out to Xena who quickly appeared by her side.

"You can do it, Brie. I love you." The soft words caressed her ears. She smiled broadly up at her partner then placed her spare hand onto Lila. She made the decision to start out with her sister because of the fewer injuries. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the love she had for Lila. Then she thought about how much she wanted to remove her pain and injuries. Her hand began glowing. The gasp from her mother caused her to open her eyes and look down at Lila. All the bruising around her face was gone as was the tenseness that had indicated the pain she was in.

Lila felt a warmth spread through her body and it was like a weight had been removed from her. She opened her eyes to see her sister looking down at her. Turning her head to her side, she saw her mother looking at her with tear-filled eyes. Even Xena had an unusual look on her face. Her first thought was that something was wrong with Sasha. Without even thinking about the pain she knew it would bring, she quickly sat up and touched Sasha. She felt the beating heart beneath her hand and let out a relieved sigh. It was then that she realised that she felt no pain. Her ribs had been screaming in agony when she had made the same movement the night before.

Gabrielle watched the puzzled look cross Lila’s face. "It’s alright, Lila. I healed your pain. That is why you can’t feel it."

"What do you mean you healed my pain?" Lila was genuinely confused.

"It’s a long story but the upshot is that Aphrodite is my mother and part of my gifts is the ability to heal. You were my first test subject and it seemed to work just fine." Gabrielle could not help but feel proud of herself.

"Can you do the same for Sasha?" Lila realised she should thank her sister but Sasha was her first thought.

"That is what I am just going to find out." Gabrielle understood exactly where her sister was coming from. If the situation had been reversed her thought would have been for Xena. She placed her hand on Sasha’s chest. She did not know Sasha that well so she concentrated on the love she knew her sister had for this young woman. This time she chose to watch the procedure. Again, her hand glowed and it was amazing to watch as the bruises and whip marks slowly disappeared from Sasha’s body. When her hand stopped glowing she assumed that all was finished. She felt Xena squeeze her other hand and shot her a quick loving look.

They all watched as Sasha’s eyelids began to twitch signalling her return to consciousness. Her eyes opened and she quickly scurried back on the bed as her eyes filled with fear. She had no idea who these people were. Then she felt the touch of her soul mate and heard the sweetest sound of all. Lila’s voice.

"It’s alright Sasha. This is my sister Gabrielle and her partner Xena. You are safe at my place. Both our fathers have been locked up."

Sasha looked around the room and realised she was in Lila’s room. She moved over to allow Lila on to the bed and they fell into each other’s arms. Then a thought suddenly hit her. She tensed up again and wildly searched the room. "Where’s my mother. We have got to find my mother. He has done something to her. I just know it. Please, we gotta go look for her. NOW." The fear was evident in her voice.