Chapter 2

Gabrielle swore under her breath as the nearby bushes parted to reveal...Xena, standing there with a fawn and a rabbit. Gabrielle frowned,it wasn't like Xena to make so much noise.

"Well, do you want dinner or not? Don't just stand there!", Xena ordered good-naturedly. Gabrielle stood to attention and gave Xena a mock salute.

"Yes captain!"

*****

A few hours later Gabrielle lay on the gound next to Xena, her stomach completely filled. She turned her head towards the dying embers next to her. Little sparks flew up at irregular intervals, like her life, completely uneven, nothing stayed the same... yet nothing was different, just like Xena. The way she was now, it was...strange, to say the least. What isTartarus was Xena hiding?

*****

The darkness surrounded her, it choked her strangling her. For the first time in a long time she was alone, there was nothing there. Where was Gabrielle? From deep within her a pain appeared. It spread through her body and took over her senses. She had to get out. Xena groped her way through the darkness, where was the light?

*****

Xena bolted upright in her bed roll sweat pouring out of every pore. Looking around in dread she breathed a sigh of relief. The world was as it should be, Gabrielle at her side and the stars shining in the night sky. It was only a nightmare. The trranquil mood didn't last for long. Xena could already feel her stomach turning over. Rising silently she repeated her actions of the last dawn. When she had placified her stomach enough she woke her sleeping companion and silently set off in the forest again.

*****

The rest of the journey passed in a blur for Xena. It was suprisingly uneventful. No bandits waylaid them, and there seemed to be an aura of peace around their entire journey. Each day was like the one before, especially for Xena. Each day she rose before the sun and soothed her turmoilous stomach, ate scarcely during the day and suffered food cravings later. She hadn't felt this was since...since she was preganant with Solan.

Chapter 3

Gabrielle breathed a sigh of relief as Thebes came into sight. Xena had being acting really strangely since they set out for the city. Gabrielle stole a glance at her friend.

"Xena, will you please tell me WHAT is going on?", she asked. Xena shook her head.

"Later. I promise I'll tell you later", she promised, "For now we're going to Alcemene's house."

"Alcemene?", Gabrielle cried in suprise, "Isn't she Hercules' mother?"

"Yes", Xena answered and climbed upon Argo. Leaning down she gaved the young bard a hand as she struggled to clamber up.

"Why are we going to Alcemene's place?", Gabrielle asked, her bard's instints once again coming into play.

"It's her birthday soon", Xena to;d her friend, "Hercules should be there."

"Did he invite you? To a party?", Gabrielle asked. At the thought of a party she seemed to bounce up and down in the saddle. Xena smiled but didn'tanswer. Gabrielle settled back into the saddle with an exasperated sigh. She wished sincerly that Xena would clue her in on what was happening.

*****

Xena dismounted in front of what she know to be Alcemne's house. As usual it was deckecd out in flowers. Gabrielle still sat in the saddle stiffly rubbing her sore backside. Xena helped her friend off Argo. Gabrielle flopped to the ground with a groan.

"I am NEVER gettin on another horse again...ever!", she complained stubbornly.

"You'll sleep it off. Besides, it wasn't even a long ride!", Xena told her.The warrior princess helped her friend up and half dragged the flopping Gabrille into the house. As soon as they passed the floral gateway Xena spotted Hercules. Smiling she approached him. Suddenly, as if Hercules could sense her, he turned around and his face lit up in a smile. Xena laughed, he looked like a child on Solstice day. Xena gestured towards Gabrielle and her expression changed to one of exasperation. Hercules shook his head knowingly and signalled her one of his mother's servants to take Gabrielle of Xena'shands. As the lackey hoisted the moaning Gabrielle onto his shoulder Xena shot him an icy look that said, be careful with her or else you can look forward to an early and painful death. The servant guld and turned rapidly to take Gabrielle to assuredly the most comfortable room in the house. Once the man had left with the bard, Hercules made his way to Xena who had by now flopped wearily onto a waiting couch. He sat down next to her and drew her closer to him.

"Hey, you look tired", the demi-god observed.

"Oh gods I am", Xena admitted as she drew away slightly from Hercules, "AndI need to talke to you...privately."

"Sure", Hercules agreed and stood up slowly. He held out a hand for Xena.

Xena smiled and accepted the help.

"Always the gentleman", she joked. Standing up gracefully she felt every muscle in her body protest the effort. Hercuels snaked an arm around Xena's waist and Xena abandoned all effort to resist him as she leaned into his body. The couple strayed out into Alcemene's back garden where a variety of different herbs and flowers had their dwelling.

"So what is this incredible piece of news that you must share with me?",Hercules inquired with a smile. Xena turned to him, her face set in aserious look."I'm pregnant."

TO BE CONTINUED...