Part Ten, continued

It was almost six months since Gabrielle had given birth to their children when the day for the twins to become members of the Amazon Nation had finally arrived. Joxer knelt down next to the twins' cradle baskets as Gabrielle anxiously searched for the new robe she was to wear for the ceremony. "Augh! Where is that robe? Joxer, have you seen it?"

Joxer looked up and tried not to laugh as Gabrielle tossed various articles of clothing from a chest onto the floor. "Which one? You've got so many of them!"

"The yellow one... No, the one with the white... Oh, never mind! Here it is. Joxer, will you watch the twins while I put this thing on?"

Joxer looked down at the twins, who were sitting up in their cradles and gazing back at their father intently. Darien suddenly made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a giggle to his father's ears. Joxer smiled widely as Darien then waved his arms in the air, his green eyes twinkling as he returned a gummy smile and burbled. "Mommy doesn't have her head on straight today, does she? No, she doesn't!" Joxer exclaimed softly as he leaned down and kissed each child on the forehead.

"Joxer, I heard that!" Gabrielle growled as she shook the robe out in an effort to try to take the wrinkles from it.

Joxer started to laugh then stopped when Gabrielle turned around, resplendent in her new ceremonial outfit. "Gabrielle... Wow... You look stunning," he said huskily as he rose to his feet and gazed at her.

Gabrielle turned her head over her shoulder to look at her back. "I don't know. Are you sure that it looks all right?" she asked with a worried note in her voice as she turned back around to face her husband with a slight frown.

Joxer shook his head, smiling widely as he walked over to his wife. He took her in his arms in a warm embrace. "Gabrielle, like I said, you look absolutely stunning," he murmured in her ear before he kissed her.

Gabrielle returned the kiss, smiling up at him. "You look pretty stunning yourself, O Mighty One," she told Joxer, her eyes greedily taking in his new outfit of soft black leather breeches, matching pull-on boots, white lace-collar shirt and a multi-colored sash tied around his waist.

Joxer rolled his eyes, blushing furiously. His expressive eyebrows rose as he gazed down at her curiously. "So, are you ready? We're ready."

Darien and Irene gurgled at their father's words and Gabrielle laughed. "I guess I am..."

"Good, because there's two very eager grandparents waiting outside that want to spoil their grandchildren silly after this ceremony is over!" a laughing voice broke in before Gabrielle could finish her sentence.

"Lila! You made it!" Gabrielle turned around to greet her younger sister as she came inside their hut, smiling. She embraced Lila eagerly. "How on Earth did Xena manage to persuade Mom and Dad to come just before harvest time?" she asked after letting Lila go.

Lila laughed as Joxer walked over and hugged her. "Actually, Xena only had to threaten Dad a little," she teased. She laughed as Gabrielle made a face. "Oh, don't worry! All Xena had to say was that you and Joxer wanted us to come for the ceremony and that was it. We won't be staying too long though - just a couple of days," she explained.

"It doesn't matter how long you're staying. I'm just glad that you came!" Gabrielle grinned.

"So am I! I want to get a chance to spoil my niece and nephew too!" Lila replied. She gazed at the twins, who looked up at her curiously. "They are beautiful, you two."

"Thanks," Joxer said quietly as he put his hand on Gabrielle's shoulder. Gabrielle put her hand over his as they looked at their children.

Lila knelt down and gazed at the twins babbling happily to each other for a long time with a thoughtful expression on her face before she looked up and smiled. "Well, I better go. See you outside," she said as she rose to full height.

"Okay," Gabrielle replied and watched as Lila left the hut with a little frown on her face. "Well, I guess we wait until we're summoned, then."

Gabrielle's reaction to Lila had not been lost on Joxer and he put his arm around his wife's waist. "I guess so. Gabrielle..." he started to say when she gently put a finger over his lips to silence him.

"I just want her to be happy, Joxer. She deserves it."

"I know you do - and yes, she does. But good things - or people - come to those who wait," Joxer said softly as he caressed Gabrielle's cheek. "I should know," he finished with a soft smile. Gabrielle didn't say a word but hugged him fiercely in response.

A few minutes later, the sound of a ram's horn echoed through the village. "I guess that's our cue," Gabrielle said as she took Darien from his basket and gave him to Joxer before taking Irene into her arms.

Joxer nodded and held the door flap open for Gabrielle to emerge from the hut first. As the young family came from their hut and walked towards the village center, drums, tambourines, shakers, and bells began to play. Darien fussed a little at the loud noise but Irene seemed to enjoy it. She softly cooed and gurgled in Gabrielle's arms. Her dark eyes, just like her father's, sparkled in the midday sun.

As they entered the village center, they saw their family and friends sitting on benches near the front of the altar where Cyane, who was dressed in elaborate ceremonial garb, awaited them. To their surprise, Aphrodite was sitting next to Xena and Eve. She waved to them and gave them a gorgeous grin as they walked up to the altar.

The music finally stopped when they arrived in front of Cyane, who pounded her staff on the ground twice as she stepped away from the altar where a deer had been sacrificed to honor Artemis. "We are gathered here to welcome Irene and Darien, the twin children of Queen Gabrielle and her consort Joxer, into the Amazon Nation as our sister and brother. Let it be known that Darien will be the first male ever welcomed into the Amazon Nation as a full member, not as an honorary one."

The drums began to beat slowly as Cyane continued speaking in a loud and clear voice. "We pray that our sacrifice to our Goddess Artemis is acceptable as we welcome these children into the Nation. May they grow up to be healthy and strong..."

A blue-white light flashed nearby and everyone with the exception of Aphrodite gasped in surprise when Artemis appeared before the small group gathered at the altar. "Queen Gabrielle and Joxer, come forward," the Goddess commanded in a soft voice.

The young parents exchanged worried glances but cautiously approached her nonetheless. The Goddess' lips curled into the slightest hint of a smile as she gazed at the two children, who looked up at her curiously, but they were unafraid of her. "Good," she murmured approvingly. "I am more than pleased to welcome these children into Amazon society," she said, her blue-eyed gaze sweeping over the audience calmly before she turned back to Gabrielle and Joxer. "You have done well," she said. She reached out and touched each child on the cheek with a finger.

Xena, watching from her vantage point, started to rise from her seat, alarmed at the Goddess touching the children. Aphrodite gently pulled her down. "Chill out! She's not doing anything to them," the Love Goddess whispered. "Like relax, already! If something that wasn't cool was happening up there, you'd be hearing from Blondie and Studmuffin by now!"

Xena watched the Goddess carefully and saw that Aphrodite spoke the truth. She willed herself to calm down, but watched with a raised eyebrow, ready to spring into action just in case.

Artemis stepped back from the couple a minute later, watching the children giggling and babbling happily to each other, oblivious to everything else happening around them. "Fare well for now," she said quietly. Joxer and Gabrielle bowed their heads a little in respect as the Goddess disappeared in the same manner that she had appeared in.

It took Cyane a minute or two to recover herself, but she did and the remainder of the ceremony was completed without further incident. "...and with these words, my sisters, we welcome the newest members of our tribe and the Mighty Amazon Nation. I give you Irene and Darien!" she shouted hoarsely.

A single voice let out a loud howl of approval. Several others took up the woman's cry a moment later, and that was followed by the drums, tambourines, and shakers. "LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!" Cyane cried out. Some of the women started dancing and a bonfire was lit.

Herodotus, Hecuba, Lila, Xena, Eve, Jace, Arose and Ricky rose to their feet and met Gabrielle and Joxer, who were walking over to them. "Mom! Dad! I'm so glad that you came!" Gabrielle said happily.

"As if we'd miss such an important event in our grandchildren's lives!" Hecuba exclaimed with a smile as she hugged her eldest daughter and son-in-law. "I have a feeling that this celebration is going to be even wilder than your wedding celebration," she laughed.

"You're probably right!" Joxer agreed as he placed Darien in Hecuba's arms.

Hecuba's prediction was correct. The dancing and singing was wilder than ever. Jace had a great time for himself as he taught some of the Amazons "hip and new" dance steps. "Come on, ladies! Shake that thing!" he exclaimed as he moved back and forth between the rows of Amazons attempting his dance moves as the sun set into the hills. He pulled a protesting Xena to her feet and had her attempting dance steps as well. Eve ran over to her mother, giggling. Xena picked her daughter up and swung her around, Eve screaming with excited laughter.

Shaking her head and laughing as she and Joxer watched Jace giving dancing lessons, Gabrielle held Darien while Joxer held Irene. The Amazon Queen gazed down at her son then at her daughter. "Well, I guess these two have had enough excitement for today."

"Yeah and I agree with them," Joxer said, trying unsuccessfully to hide a yawn.

Gabrielle smiled as she watched Joxer blink a few times. "Me too," she said. "Be right back." Gabrielle walked over to Cyane and whispered into her ear.

Cyane nodded to Eris, who blew a ram's horn to get everyone attention. "Amazons, Queen Gabrielle and her family are retiring for the night. The celebration may continue, but she has asked that the music become quieter so her children can sleep."

Hecuba came up to her. "May I help put them to bed? It's been so long since I put a baby to bed."

"Sure." Gabrielle smiled as she gave Darien to her mother. She then turned to look at her father curiously. "Dad, why don't you put Irene to bed?"

Her father came and Joxer gave her Irene. "Now, you two can finally get a good night's sleep. We will watch these babies tonight."

"Mom, Dad! We can't ask you to do that!" Gabrielle protested.

"Gabrielle, think of this as a present for you and Joxer from us," Hecuba said softly.

Gabrielle looked at Joxer for a moment to see if he thought it was all right. Joxer nodded and she turned around to face her parents with a smile. "Thank you so much! There's mashed fruit and..."

Hecuba put up a hand to stop her daughter from going any further. "Now, don't you fret, Gabrielle. Your father and I will be just fine."

"I know you will, Mom. Thank you so much again," Gabrielle said as she kissed her parents goodnight and took Joxer's hand in hers. "Come on. Let's go to bed," she said, tugging him forward. Joxer laughed as Gabrielle eagerly pulled him towards their hut. He held the flap open to allow her to enter first, then he entered the hut and carefully closed the flap door shut.

The next morning, Gabrielle got up, and seeing that Joxer had already was up and about, she got dressed and went outside to get a light breakfast. After getting some fruit to eat, she went for a walk to find Lila and saw that Xena was pushing Eve on the swing. "Hey! Good morning, Xena."

"Wow, you're actually up," Xena teased lightly.

Gabrielle made a little face at Xena then laughed. "Yeah, I know. I had a great sleep last night..."

"Just sleep, Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle rolled her eyes and blushed before continuing with, "I woke up to a beautiful morning and I want to spend some time with Lila before they leave."

"That's a good idea. When are your parents and Lila leaving?"

"I originally thought that they weren't leaving until tomorrow, but Dad said he had to get back for the harvest. The crops are coming in sooner than he anticipated, so they're leaving this afternoon instead. So, I'm going to spend the morning with Lila. See you later, Xena." Gabrielle waved as she walked away to find her sister.

"See you. Have a good time," Xena said as she watched her friend leave then continued to push Eve, who was screaming with laughter as she went higher and higher in the air. As she pushed her daughter, Xena allowed her thoughts to wander and she sighed to herself as she reluctantly made a decision that she had been putting off for some time.

Xena suddenly felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle, indicating that someone was nearby, but it didn't feel like a God-like presence to her. "Who's there?" she called out sharply as she stopped the swing. Her hand hovered lightly over her chakram for a moment.

"It's me, Xena." She lowered her hand and warily gazed at Herodotus as he walked into the clearing. He folded his arms over his chest and gazed at Xena for a long time before he said quietly, "I'm surprised to see that you're still here."

Xena's eyebrow rose, but she said calmly, "I'm here for Gabrielle and Joxer."

"From where I stand, Gabrielle is happy. She has a good man who loves her very much and two wonderful children. I don't think she needs you any more, so why don't you just go and let those young people live in peace?"

Xena silently counted to ten as she glared at the older man. "I don't have time for you," she muttered finally. "Excuse me." She took Eve from the swing and walked away, Herodotus staring at the two of them as they left.

As they walked down the path, Eve looked up at Xena curiously. "Mommy?"

"Yes, Evie?"

"Why did he say that?"

"I guess he feels that he still has to protect Gabrielle, honey."

"But she's all grownded up!"

"Eve, it's something that a parent does Ð even when their children are long grown."

Eve's brow furrowed into a puzzled frown. "Don't understand, Mommy."

Xena picked Eve up and kissed her on the forehead. "You will one day, sweetie."

Gabrielle giggled as she splashed her sister. Lila returned the attack with mock ferocity. The two sisters were laughing and having a good time, but the morning went all too fast and it was time for Gabrielle's family to leave. Gabrielle hugged Lila tightly. "Now you come and visit us, Gabrielle. Don't be a stranger!" Lila scolded her older sister with laughter in her voice.

"We will, Lila. I promise."

Lila nodded as she pulled away. "I'm going to say goodbye to my niece and nephew."

Gabrielle smiled as Lila entered the hut, where Hecuba was saying goodbye to her grandchildren while Eris watched over the twins. She then turned to her father, who was gazing at her steadily. "Be careful going home, Dad."

Herodotus carefully took his oldest daughter's hands in his much larger ones. "Gabrielle, please return with us. Theodorus said that he'll sell you and Joxer some good farming land."

"Dad, I can't. My place is not only with Joxer and the twins, but it's with Xena and Eve too. You know that," she said softly. "I love you and I'll miss you." She gave Herodotus a kiss on the cheek and he nodded sadly.

Joxer shook Herodotus' hand. "Thank you for coming."

"Thank you for inviting us," the older man replied. "Take care of them."

"I will."

Herodotus smiled briefly then went over to his wagon and called to his wife and daughter. "Come on, you two! We've got to go!"

They both came out from the hut and Hecuba gave Gabrielle a hug and kiss. "Sweetheart, if you ever need anything, you know where we are."

"I know. Thanks, Mom."

Hecuba smiled and nodded before giving Joxer a gentle hug, which he returned, before joining her husband and youngest daughter on their wagon. "Goodbye!"

"Bye!" Joxer and Gabrielle called out, waving to them as Herodotus got the horses to move forward. "Have a safe trip home!"

"Thanks! Visit soon!" Lila called back.

Joxer placed his arm around his wife's waist as they continued waving to Lila and Hecuba. "Goodbyes are always hard," he said with a sigh.

"Yeah. They are," Gabrielle said and nodded in agreement before leaning her head against her husband's chest as they watched the wagon head down the trail until it was out of sight. She then heard the sound of another set of hoof beats and they both turned around to see Xena leading Argo by the reins and Eve perched securely on the mare's back.

"Xena, where are you going?" Gabrielle asked curiously. "Are you going fishing for a couple of days?"

Xena shook her head. "Not exactly..." The taller woman sighed before continuing with a gentle, "It's time for me and Eve to move on from here, Gabrielle." Xena then shrugged her shoulders and tried to smile. She failed miserably.

"What? Without us?" Gabrielle's eyes shone with the faintest hint of anger and Joxer frowned at Xena's words. "But... Why?"

Xena walked over to Gabrielle and put her hands on Gabrielle's shoulders. "We both knew this day would come," she said softly.

"No... That's not true!" Gabrielle exclaimed, glaring up at Xena with fire in her eyes and putting her hands on her hips. Her face settled into a stubborn expression that Xena and Joxer knew all too well. "What you're saying is crazy, Xena! We can all travel together. We were able to do it when you had Eve... Why should it be any different now?"

Xena stared down at her and shook her head. "Gabrielle, it is different now. It's not fair to you, Joxer, and now the twins Ð to put all of you in constant danger. I know that. You know that, and Joxer certainly knows it too. Besides, you know that I'm not the type to stay in one place and if I stay here any longer, there won't be any trees left!" she joked half-heartedly.

Gabrielle reached up squeezed the bridge of her nose with her left thumb and index finger to try and keep the tears that were beginning to sting her eyes from falling. She knew then that she had lost the argument. "You were just going to leave here without saying goodbye to us?" she asked finally. She reached out and pulled Xena into a hug.

Xena returned the hug and murmured, "I hate goodbyes, Gabrielle. You know that."

Gabrielle sniffed and nodded. "I know... Please don't do this."

"I have to. It's the right thing to do," Xena said gently. "It's not like I'm going away forever, you know!"

"I know, but it seems so final," Gabrielle sighed. "Be careful!" she exclaimed after a minute's pause.

Xena chuckled at that. "I'll do my best," she promised and looked up at Joxer as Gabrielle reluctantly released her and walked away to give Eve a hug and kiss, trying not to cry. An eyebrow rose as Joxer returned the gaze. "You take care of that family of yours, Joxer," she said gruffly.

Joxer walked over to his long-time friend and gave her one of his best hugs. "I will, Xena. Thank you so much for all that you've done for us," he whispered in her ear. "I'll miss you." Xena didn't say anything but closed her eyes and squeezed Joxer a little harder in response. Joxer broke the hug reluctantly, turned around and wiped furtively at his eyes before smiling widely as he walked over to Eve and took her down from the saddle.

Xena watched as Joxer squatted down before Eve and talked to her quietly before giving her a kiss and hug. "Are you sure about this?" Gabrielle's soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Yes I am, Gabrielle," Xena replied.

Gabrielle sighed. "All right. I couldn't stop you from leaving anyway. If you didn't leave now, you'd leave during the middle of the night." Joxer and Eve walked over then and Joxer put his arm around Gabrielle's waist while Eve walked over to her mother and gazed up at them in silent curiosity.

The three adults gazed at each other for a long time before Xena nodded, walked over to Argo and mounted up. Joxer followed her and lifted Eve up for Xena. She nodded in thanks and rode off after making sure that Eve was securely in the saddle. Gabrielle placed her head on Joxer's chest and cried silently while Joxer watched them ride away.

Jace, Arose, and Ricky, who had been watching Xena and Eve say their goodbyes from a respectful distance away slowly came forward, Jace clearing his throat to get their attention. Joxer looked at them curiously. Jace cleared his throat again. "It's time that we moved on too, Joxer."

"I figured as much," Joxer replied softly. "It's been good having you here all this time."

Jace nodded. "It's been good for us too." Arose and Ricky nodded in agreement.

Joxer reached out and hugged Jace for a minute, whispering something in Jace's ear that made his older brother laugh even as a tear ran down his face. While Jace recovered his composure, Joxer walked over to Arose and kissed her on the cheek gently. She smiled. "You behave yourself, little brother," she said with a wink.

Joxer returned the smile as she hugged him. "I'll try and don't call me little brother."

"Take care and see you soon," Ricky said as he shook Joxer's hand warmly. He turned around to see that Jace and Arose were waiting for him at the wagon. He got inside it and then they left, calling out and waving goodbye. Joxer and Gabrielle called back and waved to them until they were out of sight.

Gabrielle sighed and turned to look at Joxer. "Honey, I'm going to check on the twins, okay? Maybe have a little nap too," she said quietly.

Joxer smiled gently and reached out to wipe a stray tear off Gabrielle's cheek. "Okay. I've got a couple of things I have to do anyway," he said. "I'll see you later."

"All right," Gabrielle replied tonelessly, putting her hand over his for a moment. She then went back inside the hut.

Joxer watched her enter the hut and sighed heavily. He then looked in the direction that Xena and Eve had left in and folded his arms over his chest, frowning. His lips set in a tight line and he walked away with a determined look on his face.

It was a couple of hours later when Gabrielle finally woke up from a troubled sleep. She got up to check on the children to see if they needed to be fed or changed and was surprised to find them gone from their cradle baskets. She ran outside the hut, yelling at the top of her lungs. "JOXER! JOX...!" She stopped when she saw Joxer standing a short distance away from her with Sugar all saddled up with saddlebags bulging with supplies and his lute carefully stowed. Irene was nestled securely in his right arm. Darien was in a backpack like what Xena used to use when Eve was a baby tied securely on his back.

Joxer grinned at her happily. "Well, are you ready to go?" he asked.

Gabrielle ran her fingers through her mussed-up hair. "Go? Go where?" she asked, completely confused.

"To find Xena and Eve, of course!" Joxer replied. His face turned serious as he said to her, "Gabrielle, we're not a complete family without them."

Tears ran down Gabrielle's face as she ran over to Joxer. "Oh, Joxer! I love you so much!" She wrapped her arms around Joxer's neck, being mindful of Irene, and kissed him.

Joxer returned the kiss as he wrapped his free arm around Gabrielle's waist. He smiled when she broke the kiss. He helped Gabrielle put another baby backpack on her back, and then he gently placed Irene inside it. He helped her mount up on Sugar's back. "So, are you ready?" he asked when she was settled.

Gabrielle nodded. "But Joxer, shouldn't we say goodbye first?"

Joxer smiled. "They're waiting," he replied.

Gabrielle nodded as Joxer took Sugar's reins and led the mare over to the Amazons, who had gathered in the village center.

Cyane stepped forward. "Queen Gabrielle. Joxer." The Amazon's lips curved into a tiny smile as she gazed at the lanky warrior wannabe, who blinked in surprise and then returned the smile. "It has been an honor having you here in our village. Safe journey to you and your family."

"Thank you, Cyane," Gabrielle replied solemnly. "And thank you all for having us here."

Cyane inclined her head once and stepped back as the others gathered around the young family and said their goodbyes. Finally, laughing in protest, Gabrielle exclaimed, "Thanks everybody, but we have to go before we lose the daylight!"

"She's right. My sisters, we have much to do," Cyane nodded in agreement. "Farewell for now."

"Goodbye, Cyane Ð and thank you again." With those words, Joxer began leading Sugar from the village, the Amazons calling out their farewells.

Joxer happily sang a new verse of his song as he led Sugar along the path. Darien fussed a little while Irene cooed happily. "Well, at least someone loves my song," he commented with a sigh.

"Wait until she hears it too many times," laughed Gabrielle.

Joxer rolled his eyes and was about to say something when Gabrielle stopped him by raising her hand. "Listen!"

Joxer frowned, but kept quiet. "I don't hear anything," he said finally.

"I do. I heard Eve. Come on, Joxer! I think that Xena's close."

"Closer than you think," a familiar and husky voice replied.

Joxer turned Sugar in the voice's direction and they saw that Xena and Eve were standing a short distance away from them. Xena gazed at them calmly with a raised eyebrow as Eve ran over to Joxer, giggling. "Wait a second, Evie," Joxer said as he helped Gabrielle get down from Sugar. He watched as Gabrielle hurried over to Xena with a smile on his face.

"Gabrielle, why are you two here?" Xena asked quietly as Joxer took Eve's outstretched hand and walked over to the two women.

"Because like Joxer said to me, our family isn't complete without you and Eve," Gabrielle explained.

Xena looked at Gabrielle first then at Joxer, who shrugged his shoulders and scratched the back of his neck as he gave her a goofy smile. "You big doofus," she said with genuine affection in her voice. She then reached out and the three adults shared a group hug. Eve joined in, enthusiastically throwing her arms around Xena's legs, making everyone laugh.

"So, where to now?" Xena asked them when they broke the embrace.

"To see Jett so he can meet the twins," replied Joxer.

Gabrielle and Xena both gave him a look. "Joxer, if you think I'm taking our babies to Maramis prison, you're sadly mistaken."

"But Gabrielle, Jett has the right to see them! It's not his fau.... " Joxer stopped his protests at the look they both gave him and his shoulders slumped down. "Okay, so it is his fault, but he's my brother," he mumbled unhappily as he lowered his head.

Gabrielle reached out and lifted Joxer's chin so that she could look into her husband's sad brown eyes. "I know that you want him to see them and I wish it was possible, but.... Tell you what. If something can be worked out without us going to the prison, then Jett can see them."

Joxer hugged Gabrielle. "Thanks, sweetheart. I'll find a way."

Gabrielle smiled as she returned the hug. "I know you will, honey. But in the meantime, let's go before it's too dark to travel."

"I agree," Xena said with a nod.

With those words, the group moved off to their next adventure.

Please take the time to write to Susan at sasondo42@yahoo.com, and to Sandy at fiebrans@prodigy.net, and let them know how you liked the story!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Eve, Jace, Cyrene, the Gods of Olympus, most Amazons, and all other characters who have appeared in the series, together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of StudiosUSA and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement of copyrights or trademarks is intended in the writing of this fan fiction. The characters of Arose, Gaia, Ricky, Darien, and Irene were created by the authors for use in this fiction. This story is copyright © 2002-03 by Susan Owens and Sandy Fiebranz, and are their sole property along with the story idea. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.