Gabrielle sent for them.
Sitting at the edge of a stone community water well, leaning most of her svelte weight on a decorative yet practical wooden fighting staff - a weapon she had learned to use with deadly accuracy over the last couple of years - the Amazon Princess watched as they walked up the dusty road into the main artery of the village.
One was tall and the other a bit more compact. They were handsome, these men, and lean, well muscled and possessed a mysterious agility that stunned and ultimately mastered enemies. And both were good. Sometimes errant, as emotional beings will be, and often times flawed, but definitely good.
The taller was a half-god, yet he did not project the pious manner of such beings. A softness was present within him, which radiated over that aristocratic face. There was pain too. Too much loss for him. A wife, his children, friends and a mother he adored. His humanness shown in the tiny pain-lines that delicately etched his mouth and eyes. Yet, it did nothing to hide good looks - a visage that made women swoon and men sneer. He presented a manner that was sympathetic, friendly and at times even desperate. He had a need, this one. To help. He loved his human side and used his godly side to do battle with those who would mock individuals less fortunate than they. Human, animal-human or god. It didn't matter. He was on the side of right and would do battle with all if they disregarded the laws of decency. This was Hercules.
The other, smaller in stature, had a heart that was as big as Olympus. His sun browned face, golden hair and easy smile made him popular with the ladies, she knew, but it was what she saw inside that made Gabrielle take note. A gentleness. Iolaus was human and had a temper when pushed but he also had the soul of a poet. Like his friend, he only wanted to be of help. If truth and fairness required an occasional brawl he was as up to it as Hercules. But genuinely, and despite his warrior-hunter training, he would much rather take the none violent path. Iolaus saw beyond the visible, often times rooting Hercules with his tenacity, and she loved him for it.
Gabrielle loved Iolaus. It wasn't something she announced from the mountain tops. How could she? Destiny might bring them together some day but in the here and now they had a greater reason for being. Without regret, they were both bound to people who needed their love and friendship. And neither she or Iolaus would have it any other way.
Some day, Gabrielle thought, "Maybe some day." She hadn't realized she'd spoken aloud, having somehow lulled herself into a pondering trance as she watched her male friends approach. Then, when they were close enough where she could see Iolaus' pleasure at spotting her, Gabrielle stood - dropping her staff - and ran to him.
Their hug was long and sweet, their bodies taking in the strength of each's nearness. After a moment, where Gabrielle felt secure in the arms of a (potential) predestined companion, a powerful yet gentle hand touched her shoulder.
"Gabrielle, where is Xena?" Hercules asked.
Yes, Xena. This was all about Xena and Gabrielle needed to focus again on her best friend. She'd been doing nothing but thinking about Xena, her beautiful Warrior Princess, for the three days she waited on Hercules and Iolaus. Gabrielle could feel a pain, her heart thumping heavily, as she raised a hand and pointed to the other side of the street, at a small-simple house with a well thatched roof. "She's in there. It's her mother's house." Gabrielle said, strain in her voice. "We haven't been able to get Xena out since Cyrene died."
Hercules and Iolaus looked at one another.
"I know what you're thinking -" Gabrielle continued, grateful that Iolaus hadn't removed a compassionate arm from around her shoulders. She was so tired and lonely and needed this human contact. "- but it's not just Cyrene's death that is causing her to act irrationally. Something happened in there, during her mother's last moment of life, that did something to Xena. It has something to do with the gods, I know it."
"How do you know it?" Iolaus asked her, softly. He suddenly noticed Gabrielle's fatigue and the small stress lines around her eyes.
"Because a week ago ... Zeus came to me." Gabrielle saw the sudden stiffness in Hercules. He'd reconciled somewhat with his father, having finally realized the Alcmene was the only woman - god or human - his father truly loved, but there was still tension when the name was spoken. She didn't know if it was out of respect or anger. "He warned me that something was going to happen to Xena. She was going to discover something that would change her life. Zeus said you needed to be here in Amphipolis, Hercules, but didn't say why." She looked up into his concerned and patient eyes, "He told me you were in Athens, visiting a friend, so I did as he asked. I sent for you." She looked away from the men, down at her feet. "I knew whatever was going to meet us here wasn't going to be pleasant. I wanted to tell Xena about Zeus but he told me not to." Her jaw set and Gabrielle felt a particle of what Hercules must feel around his father. The secrecy and demanded obedience. Who but the blood-son of Zeus could turn from The King of the Gods? What frustration! She continued: "At first I thought it was Cyrene's affliction that he spoke of but why would Zeus care about the death of Xena's mother? Then, I thought, wouldn't it be ironic if ..." Gabrielle suddenly stopped speaking and again looked up at Hercules. Should she say it? Considering he and Xena's past and Hercules' past with his father - should she add to his misery?
"You wondered if Xena was Zeus's daughter?" Hercules asked the question for her. His tone was calm but he couldn't hide the near ridicule against Zeus.
"It would explain a few things." Iolaus offered, running fingers through his wind swept hair. "Her physical and mental skills. Xena's nearly god-like ability on the field of battle." He almost smiled, "I once told Xena the only other person I saw that fought like her was you, Herc."
Gabrielle shook her head skeptically, "But I just don't think that's it. Xena's father adored her. I didn't know him. He was a general in one of our many armies and died in battle long before I ever met Xena but the way she describes him, how proud he was of her propensity for battle - before the bad time when she was driven to evil - I just know he was her father."
"I need to get everything straight in my head before I go see her, Gabrielle." Hercules spoke gently, "Tell me everything that happened. From the minute you sent word for us until the second Xena began to display unusual behavior."
Gabrielle told Hercules and Iolaus of the way Xena learned her mother was ill, from a ragged young man on horse back. He said he heard Xena was near her home village, on Mikih Pass, and decided it was his duty to tell her about Cyrene's condition. His face held urgency and the women knew the situation bad.
"From there it's all blur ..." Gabrielle said. They practically flew to Amphipolis on Argo, the horse instinctively knowing her mistress' manner. The urgency in her body language somehow transmitting a message to her faithful steed. Gabrielle sat on back and held on for dear life. It took them a day and a half to get here and the peasant faces which greeted them were etched with sympathy and, yes, a little fear. There were still some who knew Xena as the ruthless monster she once was. They wondered, despite her inspired change, if that heated-blood would kick in again if her mother's passing was taken badly. For they all new it was true. Cyrene was going to die. She'd been ill for far too long.
And when she came into the house that was her mother's and Xena was directed into the bedroom, she sobbed. Gabrielle couldn't see the reclined Cyrene and Xena's back was to her but that heart-breaking sob .... Then the gray print curtain between the two rooms were quickly drawn and Xena and her Mother were left alone. The Warrior Princess had been mentally preparing herself for the worst ever since they started their trip to Amphipolis. Xena did not like displaying emotion in front of others and that small unexpected out cry spoke of something horrid and uncontrollable. A daughter's love for her mother?
Two others were in the outer room with Gabrielle and she asked them what had happened to Cyrene. 'A fever.', an old healer-man told her. The other, a young woman, stared at Gabrielle but said nothing.
Fifteen minutes later a scream came from the bedroom. It was inhuman and spoke of a deep grief that only a child might feel for the passing of a parent. But this cry was even more bitter, more wild. It was dangerous.
Gabrielle stood straight, her staff upright - an instinctive gesture when trouble loomed close. Then, Xena backed out of the bedroom, the curtains between rooms gliding across her black leather clad body like a gray cloud across the night sky. Her shoulders were rolled, suppressing emotion, and her hands covered her ears. Then, she turned around to look at the others ...
... and Gabrielle saw aberration in her eyes. Not just anger or anguish but madness.
"GET OUT!" Xena screamed, pointing at the house's only door, "Everyone out!"
"Xena, what's the matter?" Gabrielle called, making a move toward her best friend.
"NO! You too, Gabrielle! OUT!!"
And those beautiful blue eyes ... How they blazed with a fury, grief and derangement Gabrielle had never seen before, not even when Hope - her own devil daughter - had killed Solan and Xena blamed Gabrielle for the boy's death. A horrible time, softened only by Xena's will to remain calm and Gabrielle's natural urge to forgive and be forgiven. And their friendship. The gods only knew how much Xena and Gabrielle loved each other. They were companions and even more than sisters. Sometimes it seemed that they were more than two ... but now they were none of those things.
"Gabrielle, get out!" Xena cried again, her cheeks burning red with tears and fury.
After a small hesitation, the Amazon Princess took a ragged breath. Gabrielle wasn't certain she would be able to tell the whole story without breaking down but managed. She was aware of how Hercules and Iolaus stared at her, coming to terms with what they were told. Yet, her oration only created more questions. What had happened to Xena?
"I'll go to her." Hercules stated and began to move away from his friends when Gabrielle put a hand on his arm.
"Hercules, she's out of control." the girl warned, "She won't leave her mother or allow anyone to take her from the house. She won't even let me come in and talk. She hasn't eaten in days ...." For a moment Gabrielle appeared at a loss, "Please be careful." she concluded.
He lifted a hand and smiled softly, "I will." Hercules touched the bottom of Gabrielle's chin with sensitive fingers then looked over her shoulder to where Iolaus stood, "Stay with her and stay close. I may need your help."
Iolaus nodded. You learn from experience to be cautious and where Xena was concerned you could never be too sure. "We'll be here." he promised and felt Gabrielle lean despondently into him.
Quiet pervaded the area, something he could feel as well as hear. Hercules stood on the stoop and called gently, "Open the door, Xena."
"Go away."
He recognized the deep, sensual tone and expected no less. He lifted his powerful arms. Hercules' first thought was to push the meager door in with his strength then he reconsidered. A show of force was not what this woman needed right now. It would only give her an excuse to strike out and that was to be avoided at all costs. Again, he spoke gently, "Xena, this is Hercules and you know I can get in if I want to. So please, just open the door so we can talk, face to face."
Outside, a small crowd had gathered behind Iolaus and Gabrielle. A few had heard Hercules was in town and was going to try and reason with "that mad woman". Few thought he would have no effect but there were some who knew if anyone could control Xena, it would be the son of Zeus.
"Don't make me have to fight you, Hercules." She called from inside but the voice didn't have it usual potency.
You're tired, he thought but said, "Then let's not fight. I only want to talk."
There was a pause.
Hercules looked over his shoulder at Iolaus who gave him an encouraging signal.
"Only you?" she asked, pointedly.
"Yes."
Xena said nothing more but he heard the dead bolt slowly move and the heavy wood insert, which barred the door, removed. With resolve, Hercules straightened his shoulders, took a short breath and opened the door. He didn't expect her to attack but if she did he'd be ready.
From where he stood in the opened entrance he saw that the room was musty from a lack of dusting and fresh air. Curtains were drawn and darkness was prevailing yet, surprisingly, their was no odor. He thought the atmosphere might be bad after three days but it wasn't. Also, it was hard not to notice - in the dim light - how comfortable the small home was. Cyrene hadn't been a rich woman, having nearly lost everything long ago when Corteze sacked Amphipolis, but she did well with what she had. Hercules' own mother might have decorated the house. The thought of Alcmene caused his heart to shudder. He missed her but couldn't think of his own sorrow right now. "Xena?"
"Shut the door. The light hurts my eyes." She had disappeared into a corner somewhere and his own eyes, not yet used to the darkness, couldn't see her.
Hercules did as she asked.
****
Half an hour passed without any word from the small house and the crowd dissipated. Those who thought there might be a frantic battle were disappointed and the others, who were merely curious, grew bored.
"I hope he can help her.' Gabrielle said for the third time. Her staff lay propped on the stone rim of the well, causing a shadow to cascade over one of her shapely legs.
Iolaus sat with her, awaiting further instruction from Hercules. Why was it he could never have an encounter with Gabrielle unless they were in the middle of some life threatening emergency? At each rendezvous he discovered her more serious, more skilled with her fighting staff, more independent and more lovely ... and she wore less clothes. He'd hardly be a man if he didn't notice that last item. The problem was while Iolaus would admire her apparel on any other woman he wasn't at all certain he liked it on her. Oh certainly it was comfortable and Amazon-chic but, quite obviously, if he noticed Gabrielle's attractive figure - because of her dress - so did other men and he didn't like thoughts of the male population of Greece looking at sweet, pure and wholesome Gabrielle with lust in their eyes. He shook his head to rid it of the silly notion. She was a woman and had even married, albeit for a very short time. Still, if he was ever around when some jerk tried anything with her ....
The blond warrior was growing impatient but for Gabrielle's sake he spoke encouragement instead of complaint. "Hercules is one of the best negotiators I know and he cares for Xena. He'll get to the bottom of this, Gabrielle." He noticed as the girl, who had been looking straight ahead - at the house - now looked down at her lap. Tears she'd been trying to suppress were now falling and the Amazon Princess couldn't stop them this time. Iolaus scooted in closer, putting his arms around her, and tipping his head just slightly so that his forehead touched the side of her head above an ear, "Don't cry." he whispered, closing his eyes and empathizing with her pain. "I hate to see you cry." He took the opportunity to smell Gabrielle's fragrant hair and felt infinitesimally guilty at the liberty.
She sniffed, "What if this is of the gods and Xena never recovers, Iolaus?" Her voice trembled.
He spoke softly, as a father might to his child. "Hercules, has connections, you know."
"A lot of good those connection have done him in the past."
Opening his eyes, Iolaus sat up a little straighter, pulling away from her ever so slightly. Was that impertinence? "Gabrielle." he spoke with surprise. He wasn't used to sweet, sensitive, and open-minded Gabrielle speaking so pessimistically. He wasn't exactly certain why but it hurt.
Regret immediately registered on her face, "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for, I know." But she couldn't go as far as to say she didn't believe it. Hercules was the son of Zeus, as everyone knew, but that connection had brought the man and his friends more pain than pleasure. Hercules himself wasn't really proud of his background. At least the part that wasn't human. Why should she hope that he could solve all of their problems now? Because he's a friends and has helped in the past. Something in her mind told her to stop with all the negativity ... but something else told her to go with it. Live with it. Be happy with it.
"Gabrielle?"
"You're right. Hercules will know what to do." She spoke automatically, ashamed of the lie. She was being dishonest with her feelings and didn't like deceiving Iolaus.
The front door of the house opened a crack and a hand, clearly Hercules', motioned for the couple to come closer. As they did, Iolaus said, "How is she?" to the barely visible figure behind the scarcely opened door.
He whispered, "I managed to get Xena to sleep. Before she fell off she agreed to have two men come in and take Cyrene out. No more."
Iolaus nodded. That was a little progress. "I'll get the men." he said, "Did she tell you anything else?"
Hercules sighed, "No, not yet. But we're getting close. Gabrielle ..."
She took a few paces to stand right next to Iolaus.
"Go get us some food, water and clean blankets. I'm going to stay here tonight with Xena."
Gabrielle nodded then: "But how is she?"
He smiled mildly, "I think Xena will be fine. She just has to come to terms with something she can't reveal to anyone right now. We'll talk tonight, when she awakens, and maybe I can get her to tell me what's on her mind." Hercules closed the door.
Iolaus smiled and touched Gabrielle's arm, an iota of hope in the contact, then left her to find some able bodied men.
Gabrielle stood silently at the outside of the door for a moment. She was grateful for Hercules help with Xena but another emotion, one she was reluctant to admit feeling, was creeping to the surface. Jealousy.
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