Disclaimers

 

The characters of Xena, Gaberielle and the rest of the merry crew are

property of Universal/MCA and company.  Faith on the other hand is mine

all mine.

 

SUBTEXT: Yes.  But nothing graphic. (Not this time kids).  So on with

the warnings.  If you are bothered by as TPTB refer to as a romantic

friendship, get a life (oops)  I mean please feel free to visit another

story.  If you are underage see you later.  If this illegal where you

live "Be gone!" (I have enough problems with people chasing me over my

student loan.  And where do you live anyway???)

 

 

SEX/VIOLENCE & ROAD TRIPS: There is no more in this tale then can be seen in an

averege episode of Xena Warrior Princess.

 

SPOILERS: Too many to count.  This is for those who have seen almost every episode

 

As always for Heather

 

The Legend Of Faith, Part I

By Mavis Applewater

copywrite 2000 The Legend of Faith

send emails to yomavis@email.com

 

 

 

     The tall raven haired warrior entered the tavern with trepidation.

 

It was difficult for her to find a sense of peace.  But finding that

 

sense of peace was something that never came easily for the Warrior

 

Princess.  Xena wondered if it would ever be that way.  With the birth

 

of Eve, she had hoped that the second chance at motherhood would change

 

all of that.  But once again the Fates had other plans.  Xena carefully

 

scanned the crowd of the tavern.  She was alert searching for potental

 

enemies.  But there were no to be found.  She needed to remind herself

 

that her past now meant very little.  Most of her former enemies that

 

wanted to exact revenge for her former misdeeds were long since dead. 

 

Along with her friends, family, and most of the Gods.  Twenty Five years

 

had passed in the blink of an eye.

 

    

     She a comforting hand touch her arm.  Xena did not need to look

 

to know who was touching her.  "Xena."  The bard said softly.

 

"I know." Xena answered with a smile.  "Old habits."

 

"Let's get a room."  Gabrielle insisted.  "No one is looking for us. 

 

Not today.  Eve is safe with Eli's followers.  We need to relaxe.  You

 

promised.  A night indoors in a real bed."

 

"Yes."  Xena chuckled.  "Complete with a hot meal, that I didn't kill."

 

"Don't forget about the bath."  Gabrielle purred as she playfully

 

slapped Xena on the backside.   "Xena we need this."  Gabrielle added

 

in a more serious tone.  "For the first time since we woke up, we are

 

not being chased by angry Gods or some other evil deity."

 

"Come on."  Xena conceded finally letting her guard down.

 

 

     They crossed to the bar and inquired about lodging for the evening.

 

 "Twenty Five dinars?"  Gabrielle responded in horror. 

 

The Inn keeper just stared at her coldly.  "Just pay the man."  Xena urged.

 

"Does that price include a bath and a hot meal?"  Gabrielle inquired. 

 

"Of course."  The man stared at her strangly.  "Look if you think you can

 

find a better price . . . feel free to seek lodging elsewhere."

 

"Pay the man."  Xena urged again.

 

    

     Gabrielle grunted in disdain as she handed over the money. 

 

"Your room should be ready in half a candle mark."  The Inn Keeper said

 

as he accepted the money.  "Take a seat in the dinning area and enjoy

 

your meals.  I wil bring the key to your room when it is ready."

 

 

     He turned away to attend to some other business.  "You know

 

Xena this gap in time has certainly screwed with my bargaining skills."

 

Gabrielle groaned.

 

"Such language."  Xena teased as they took their seats at the back of the

 

dinning area.  "But you know if we had to trapped in an ice cave for

 

twenty five years, it would have been nice if we were awake."

 

"Really?"  Gabrielle teased.  "And what would we have done with all of

 

that time on our hands and no one else around?  Played a very long game

 

of "who am I?". "

 

"Among other things."  Xena responded suggestivly as she arched one

 

eyebrow.

 

 

     Just then the serving girl arrived and took their orders.  Not

 

there was much to choose from.  Gabrielle's face lit up when she informed the women

 

that a Bard would be performing soon.  Xena simply rolled her eyes at

 

the thought. The serving girl departed to fetch their glasses of port.

 

Soon both women began to relax.  "So tell me Warrior Princess. . ."

 

Gabrielle began slyly.  "Just how would have made use of our time together?"

 

"Amazons."  Xena stated simply.

 

"Excuse me?"  Gabrielle blushed.

 

"Three of them."  Xena responded in an even tone.

 

"Well that ice cave certainly had an interesting effect on you."  Gabrielle

 

responded with curiousity.

 

"What?"  Xena shook her head as she stared at the bard.  "Gabrielle

 

look."  Xena instructed as she directed the bards attention behind her.

 

Three amazons had entered the tavern.  There was one who caught her

 

attention immediately.

 

"What did you think I was talking about?"  Xena's question drew Gabrielle's

 

attention away from the amazon and back to the warrior's steely blue eyes.

 

"Nothing."  Gabrielle lied as her face turned a deep shade of crimson.

 

"Uh huh." Xena chuckled.

 

    

     Gabrielle turned away from Xena to hide her embarassment.  She

 

noted that the three amazons had placed themselves strategically around the room.  All

 

with their backs to the wall and facing a small stage area.  "Royal Guards."  Gabrielle

 

commented absently.

 

"From your tribe?"  Xena was uneasy there was something not quite right about the way the

 

amazons were behaving.

 

"Maybe it is Chilapa?"  Gabrielle wondered aloud.  "If she is still . . ."  Gabrielle

 

stopped herself not wanting to know if the young woman she had chosen as queen was

 

dead.

 

"Something isn't right."  Xena said quietly.   There was something about one of them.  She was

 

so familar.  She was dark with slight auburn highlights in her hair.  She held herself well

 

with her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.  She stood firmly against the wall, her

 

height falling somewhere between Xena's and Gabrielle's.  The epilates of her leathers clearly

 

identified her as the Captain of the Guard.  Xena could swear that she knew this young girl. 

 

But that was not possible she would have been a child if not an infant when Gabrielle and Xena

 

had been placed on ice by Ares.

 

 

 

     Just then the serving girl approached with their drinks.  "Amazons!"  the girl gasped.

 

"You got something against amazons?" Xena asked sharply.

 

"No."  the girl answered quickly.  "It is just that everyone knows that amazons and bards

 

don't mix."

 

"Since when?"  Gabrielle chuckled.

 

"Where have you been?"  The girl responded in shock. 

 

"Don't ask."  Xena snorted.  "So enlighten us."

 

"You are joking right?"  The girl stared at them blankly.  "I will fetch your meals.  No need

 

to worry ladies, as long as the bard doesn't make the mistake of telling the legend of Faith."

 

 

     Xena heard Gabrielle gasp.  "Are you all right?"  Xena asked in concern.

 

"I'm fine."  Gabrielle responded far too quickly.

 

"So you do understand my concern."  The serving girl said softly.  "Especially with Lilith

 

here."

 

"Which one is Lilith?"  Xena questioned.

 

"Over there."  The girl pointed to the Captain that Xena had been staring at ealier.  "She is

 

the one with the staff strapped to her back.  But there is no need to worry.  No bard in

 

their right mind would tell that tale with a group of amazons in the audience.  Not unless

 

they want a speedy trip to Tartarus.  I will bring your meals the entertainment is about to

 

begin." 

 

 

     With that the serving girl made her departure.  Xena looked back over at the Captain.

 

She had not taken note of the staff before.  The sword had capture her attention.  There was

 

something about the sword.  But Xena could not place it.  Xena looked more carefully at the

 

young amazon.  She noted that in addition to her sword and her staff she also had a dagger

 

neatly tucked into her right boot.  There was something else about the girl.  When Xena first

 

noticed her she could have sworn the Captain's eyes were brown now they seemed to green.

 

 

     As the bard took the stage everyone in the tavern seemed to tense up.  "Gabrielle?" 

 

Xena looked over at friend with a great deal of concern.  Gabrielle was blankly staring into

 

her mug of port.  "Gabrielle are sure that you are all right?"

 

"I am fine."  The bard answered absently.

 

"What is it about this Legend of Faith that would be so upsetting to the amazons?"  Xena asked

 

her friend.

 

"I do not know the story."  Gabrielle answered honestly.  "It is just . . . Xena there is

 

something I never told you . . ."

 

 

 

     Gabrielle was cut off as the bard began to speak.  "I sing of the Legend of Faith."  He

 

began definatly staring directly at Lilith.  There was a collective gasp through out the tavern.

 

Two of the amazons began to draw their weapons.  But Lilith held up her hand motioning them to

 

stand down.  "Clever girl."  Xena whispered.

 

 

     Undaunted the bard continued.  "Faith the child of an amazon."  The bard almost spit at

 

the word amazon.  "And glourous daughter of a God.  Was betrayed by her mother in her infancy.

 

The cold heart of the betrayer order her own child's execution.   But she was spared by a kindly

 

soul and her mother was put to death for her crimes.  The amazons raised Faith lying to her and

 

trying to prevent her from reaching her destiny.  Faith was far to wise to believe the treachous

 

lies of these harlots."  He glared at Lilith.  Who just look at him with a cocky grin.

 

"I can see why this story isn't popular with the amazons."  Xena snorted as she watched Lilith

 

carefully.  "This guy is toast when he gets off stage."

 

"Turning her back on the harlots, Faith vowed revenge and set off to follow in her father's

 

glourous footsteps . . ."  The bard continued.  Lilith simply snorted at his comment. 

 

 

     "Yup."  Xena sighed.  "She is going to kick his ass."

 

"It couldn't be."  Gabrielle muttered.

 

"Don't worry Gabrielle I will break up their little party."  Xena reassured her friend.  "What

 

is it?"  Xena asked noticing that Gabrielle was shaking.

 

"It couldn't be."  Gabrielle repeated as she turned away and stared at Lilith.  "The staff?" 

 

Gabrielle gasped.

 

 

     Xena looked over at the staff hanging from Lilith's back.  There was no mistaking it. 

 

Her mind was reeling as she watched the girl tilt her head and tuck her hair gently behind her

 

ear.  "Gabrielle?"  Xena could not understand what her eyes were seeing.

 

"Faith?" Gabrielle choked out as her body began to tremble .

 

     "Gabrielle!"  Xena repeated now suddenly frightened.  With this Lilith's head turned

 

quickly and stared in disbelief.  Xena found herself staring into two very familar green eyes.

 

Lilith turned abruptly making a quick motion with her hand and turned towards the doorway.  Her

 

two compainions quickly rushed the bard off of the stage and dragged him outside.

 

 

     Xena followed quickly hoping to get to the bottom of this.  When she reached the street

 

found the bard being held down on his knees by two amazons.  Lilith stood over him.  "You were

 

warned not to spread those lies."  She spat at him.

 

"Our master will rise and his daughters will stand beside him as he ushers in a new world." The

 

bard.

 

"You're an idiot."  Lilith taunted him.  "There is no amazon named Faith."  Just then she raised

 

her arm to strike him.  In reflex Xena snatch her chakram from her belt and sent it flying.

 

"I hate bullies."  She snarled as she released it.

 

    

     Lilith caught the chakram easily and turned towards Xena.  "So do I."  Lilith retorted

 

as she began to approach Xena.  "Knock him out.  Tie him up and toss his sorry behind in the

 

stables."  Lilith commanded the two other amazons.  Xena stood there in amazment as the amazons

 

followed Litith's instructions.  She turned to find Gabrielle standing at her side.

 

"Xena did she just catch your chakram?"  Gabrielle asked in amazment.

 

"My aim must be off."  Xena lied.

 

 

     Lilith approached them and carefully handed the chakram back to Xena. "You dropped this."

 

She said playfully.  "You really should be more careful.  Someone could get hurt."  She cast a

 

knowing glance towards Gabrielle.

 

 

     The other amazons rejoined them as Xena and Lilith were each mentally drawning their

 

lines in the sand.  "My Queen."  Lilith bowed and the others followed suit.  Lilith stood and

 

turned to Gabrielle.  "We need to get you to safety."  Gabrielle just stared at her.

 

"No one is going anywhere until I get some answers."  Xena snarled.

 

 

     "My Queen."  Lilith implored ignoring Xena.  "You are in danger as is Princess Eve.  We

 

need to leave this place now."

 

"Who do you think you are?"  Xena snapped.

 

"Xena."  Gabrielle speaking with a tremble.  "She is my daughter."

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

 

 

 

 

     Xena was stunned.  "What. . ."  Xena could not believe what she just heard.  Gabrielle

 

could have told her that Hercules liked to wear women's clothing and Xena would have had an

 

easier time believing her.  Shaking her heard Xena heard herself sputtering some very familar

 

words.  "When did you?"  Then jealously reared its ugly head.  "Who did you?"  Xena snarled.

 

"Xena . . . I . . ." Gabrielle stammered.

 

"Ladies communication is good for a relationship."  Lilith interupted.  "But now is not the time.

 

We need to get out of here."

 

"We are not going anywhere until I get some answers."  Xena snarled.  "Starting with you.  The

 

serving girl said your name is Lilith and judging by your attire you are Captain of the Royal

 

Guard.  Now you are claiming to be Gabrielle's daughter.  So who are you?"

 

"You know maybe if you asked me nicely."  Lilith teased.

 

    

     Her smart ass commentary was begining to convince Xena that she just might be the bard's

 

off spring.  Xena just glared at her in hope of intimidating the young woman.  Lilith just smiled

 

at her.  "Solari was right you have no sense of humor."  Lilith chuckled.  "Fine I am Faith.  My

 

name was changed by Queen Ephiny when I was child in order to protect me.  Outside of the safety

 

of the amazon village I still use name Lilith.  But among my amazon sisters I have chosen to use

 

my true name, Faith.  Satisfied Warrior Princess.  Can we go now."

 

 

     Xena was not enjoying this woman's taunting.  She wanted to know just what in Hades was

 

going on.  "Gabrielle what is about?" Xena pleaded.  She caught Faith groaning in dismay.  "I

 

told you I am not leaving until I get some answers."  Xena growled in response.

 

"Fine."  Faith snapped.  "Why don't you just drag her behind your horse until she tells you what

 

you want to hear."

 

 

     Gabrielle's eyes widen.  "That is it!"  Xena snapped as she drew her sword.  Faith never

 

flinched as she quickly kicked the sword from Xena's hand.  As she brought her leg down she caught

 

Xena from behind the knees and sent her crashing to the ground.  Faith reached down and assisted

 

Xena to her feet.  Then with a sweeping motion she kicked Xena's sword up into the air catching it

 

easily with one hand.  She handed it over to the stunned warrior.

 

 

     Gabrielle watched in wonderment.  "You know Xena . . . maybe she is your daughter."  The

 

bard teased.

 

"I don't have time for this."  Faith sighed.  "Look Warrior Princess . . . believe me, don't

 

believe me.  Come with us don't come with us.  It does not matter.  What does matter is that you

 

get my Mother away from here.  Please it is not safe for her."

 

 

     There was no doubting the sincerity in the girl's eyes which now seemed to be blue.  Xena

 

made a mental note to ask her about this later.  She already knew that they would leave with Faith

 

or whoever she was.  But something inside of her the part of her that trusted no one except

 

Gabrielle made her crave more of a reassurance.  She turned to the one source she knew she could

 

trust.  Looking into Gabrielle's eyes she could see that she was as equally confused by the

 

turn of events.

 

 

     "What can I say?"  Faith pleaded.  "Should I tell you that the young man we dragged out

 

of the tavern was not a bard, but a misguided disciple of Dahak.  Neither of you have any reason

 

to trust me.  My Queen your orders concerning my fate stand to this day.  Take the dagger.

 

 Will that ease your wariness of me?"

 

     Xena heard a sob escape from Gabrielle.  The pieces were falling into place.  The bard

 

spoke of a child born to an amazon and a God.  He had also refered to the child's mother as a

 

betrayer.  There was only one group that would call Gabrielle that.  The followers of Dahak.

 

Xena glanced quickly at the dagger in Faith's boot.  She knew without question that it was the

 

Hinds blood dagger.  A chill ran through her as she realized just what the Queen's orders were.

 

She knew something else as well that if everything Faith was saying was true . . . then she was

 

Hope's sister. 

 

 

     "Why should we . . ."  Xena began in confusion.  This woman who stood before her was

 

nothing like Hope.  Was she wrong in her conclusions.

 

"Why trust the sister of Hope."  Faith cut her off.  "How could anyone believe the words of

 

someone who carries the same blood of the one who murder your only son?"  Faith turned and

 

began to walk away.  Looking back with a grief stricken expression.  "Please take my Mother

 

to safety and remeber to conquer others is to have power but to conquer yourself . . ."

 

"Is to know the way."  Xena responded with a smile.

 

"Lao Ma?"  Gabrielle gasped.   "And what is your way Faith?"  Gabrielle needed to know that

 

history was not repeating itself.

 

"Not the way of the warrior."  Faith smiled at Xena.  "And not the way of love.  My way is the

 

way of the Guardian."

 

"Michael said that you were coming."  Xena smiled.

 

"I know."  Faith responded quietly.

 

"Faith wait for us in the stables."  Gabrielle instructed her daughter.  "I need a moment with

 

Xena."

 

 

 

CHAPTER THREE

 

 

     The amazons entered the stables leaving Xena and Gabrielle alone on the street.  "Xena I

 

need to explain this to you."  Gabrielle began slowly.  "I thought she was dead."

 

"When?"  Xena the words choked out of her.

 

"When I fell into the pit with Hope."  Gabrielle said sadly.  "Then I woke up in the hospice.  I

 

was with child and for some reason the only possesion I had was the Hinds blood dagger.  The

 

sisters delieved the baby,  thinking she was premature.  But I knew.  I had planned to kill as I

 

did her sister.  She was so small and helpless.  Then we she stayed that way not growing the way

 

Hope had I couldn't do it Xena.  I took her and the dagger to the amazons.  Ephiny knew who she

 

was and agreed to . . ."

 

"Your orders were to kill her."  Xena reached for Gabrielle.  How hard it must have been to

 

sentence her child to death.  If Xena had only known.

 

"Only if she showed any signs of evil like Hope or Dahak."  Gabrielle sobbed.  "I had to.  I just

 

could not be the one to take my child's life.  Not again.  When I found you again I had planned

 

on telling you.  But by the time Hope died again, I recieved word from Ephiny that Faith had died

 

of crib death.  I felt as a weight had been lifted off of me.  I mourned her loss but thanked the

 

fates that was not me who had caused her death."

 

"Ephiny was very wise."  Xena pulled Gabrielle into her arms.  "She knew that the odds of Faith

 

being good were against her.  This way you mourned without shame or wondering which of your

 

amazon sisters took her life."

 

 

 

     They clung to one another each offering the other comfort.  "Are we ready?"  Faith called

 

out to them.  Xena looked over at the slightly embarassed amazon approaching them. Quickly her

 

gaze shifted.  Faith turned slowly to her fellow amazons.  "Take the Queen to saftey."  She

 

instructed them camly.  She approach Xena slowly.  "Three behind you."  She said cooly.

 

"Three behind you."  Xena replied with equal calm.

 

"Care to dance?"  Faith smirked.

 

 

     They both drew their swords and spun quickly towards their attackers.  Gabrielle drew her

 

 sai from her boots and joined Xena before her escorts could stop her.  The robes were

 

easily identifiable to both women.  These were without a question followers of Dahak. They drew

 

daggers from beneath their cloaks.  Xena smiled knowing she had the advantage.  She quickly ran

 

the first one threw.  She twirled her sword and spun it behind her driving it into the man

 

approaching her from behind.  She watched as Gabrielle punched her attacker then snapped his

 

wrist back forcing him to drop his dagger.  He tried to plunge for her only to be greeted by her

 

weapon piercing him in the chest.

 

 

     Xena and Gabrielle turned to find the amazons battling three attackers of their own. 

 

"Come on girls stop toying with them and let's get going."  Xena called out.  The three men

 

fell quickly.  "Are you happy now?"  Faith asked.

 

"I thought you were in a hurry?"  Xena teased.

 

"They were the reason I was in a hurry."  Faith explained as she mounted her horse.  "I would

 

rather not kill if I don't have to.  And you two when you are protecting the Queen not letting

 

her get into a brawl might be a wise choice."

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FOUR

 

 

 

     The party rode out of town in silence.  Once they were a safe distance from the town

 

Gabrielle pulled her horse along side Argo the second.  "Xena?"  Gabrielle asked quietly. 

 

"What did you mean by Michael said that you would come."

 

"When the arc angel Michael visited me explaining that I was the deliverer of the messenger

 

and that I had the power to kill Gods, he also said that he was sending a guarding that would

 

devote their life to keeping Eve safe."  Xena explained.

 

"How did you know it was Faith?"  Gabrielle asked.  "Was it when she told us that her way was the

 

way of the guardian?"

 

 

     "Yes."  Xena smiled.  "When she said that and everything else.  Michael said that Eve's

 

guardian would be a member of my family, who carried the weapons of my enemies."

 

"The weapons of your enemies?"  Gabrielle questioned.

 

"The dagger in her boot."  Xena explained.  "The Hinds blood dagger . . . was originally

 

Callisto's dagger before she smeared it with hinds blood."

 

 

     They rode quietly for a moment before Gabrielle's curiousity perked up.  "Wait you said

 

weapons?"  Gabrielle asked uneasily.  "Meaning more than one?  Her is staff is . . ."

 

"Yours."  Xena cut her off.  "I know.  I don't know how but it is your staff.  But it is not

 

the staff.  How could it be?"  Xena smiled at her with reassurance.  "It is her sword.  It is

 

Athena's sword."

 

    

     Silence over came them once again.  Until Xena could no longer brave the uneasy tension.

 

"Gabrielle."  She began carefully.  "I am sorry I wasn't there for you.  You should have been

 

to tell what had happened."

 

"Xena when I heard she was dead I need to mourn."  Gabrielle tried to explain the unexplainable.

 

"When the wounds finally healed . . . I was going to tell you but . . ."

 

"We found out I was pregnant."  Xena tried to help.

 

"Yes."  Gabrielle admitted.  "How could I tell you then.  Eve was a second chance for you."

 

"For both of us."  Xena smiled at her.  "Now we have one more."  Xena nodded towards Faith. 

 

"She really is something Gabrielle.  Are you sure that it was Dahak?"

 

"Xena there was no one else."  Gabrielle snapped.  "I can't believe you would think . . ."

 

"Gabrielle I had to ask."  Xena defend herself.  "I recall having a similiar conversation with

 

you.  But think about Gabrielle she was born small maybe she was just premature.  And she is

 

nothing like Hope and she grew at a normal rate."

 

"Xena where are you going with this?"  Gabrielle pried.

 

"Well it is just that . . ."  Xena tried to choose her words carefully.  "The way she caught my

 

chakram, the way she fights and that smart mouth of hers . . . I mean if Callisto could give me

 

Eve . . ."

 

"Xena!"  Gabrielle blushed.  "Look I know you have many skills but last time I checked that

 

wasn't one of them."

 

"But Gabrielle. . ."  Xena protested.  "Look at her she doesn't look like you.  She is tall and

 

dark and her eyes are blue.  Well sometimes. And your eyes are green, well hazel and sometimes

 

blue come to think of it what the hell color are your eyes?"

 

"If you don't know by now."  Gabrielle flashed in anger.  "This is just like the crap you use to

 

give me about my hair color.  So don't even go there Warrior Princess."

 

"You are beautiful when you're angry Gabrielle."  Xena teased.

 

"Uh Huh."  Gabrielle teased.  "Trying to dig your way out of this one?"

 

"Yes."  Xena conceded.  "Now back to what I was saying." 

 

 

     Gabrielle just sighed heavily as she rolled her eyes.

 

"The night before you fell into that pit with Hope we did. . ."  Xena tried to explain her

 

reasoning.

 

"We didn't."  Gabrielle interupted.

 

"We did."  Xena protested.

 

"We didn't."  Gabrielle countered.

 

"We did."  Xena argued.  "Remember after Ares left."

 

"We didn't finish."  Gabrielle explained.  "Or should I say you didn't finish."

 

"What are you saying?"  Xena asked horrified. 

 

"Xena it doesn't matter."  Gabrielle said trying to comfort her.

 

"Gabrielle I remember that night perfectly."  Xena protested.  "I recall calling out the names of

 

several Gods."

 

"Yes you did."  Gabrielle smiled at her warrior.  "But then the sun came up and Callisto popped

 

into the woods making many rude comments."

 

"Oh yeah."  Xena conceded.  "Talk about your mood breakers."

 

"Tell me about it."  Gabrielle sighed.

 

"I am sorry about that."  Xena pouted.  "Did I ever make it up to you?"  Xena asked suggestivly.

 

"That you did Warrior Princess."  Gabrielle smiled.  "Remember while we were looking for Argo. 

 

Right before I got the rash and were infested with lice."

 

"Oh yes."  Xena grinned now it was her turn to blush.  "Naughty Bard.".

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER FIVE

 

 

 

     They rode on for several candle marks before deciding to make camp.   As they were

 

setting up the camp Gabrielle looked over at Faith.  She was amazing.  A sudden wave of guilt

 

rushed through.  "Hey."  Xena said softly as she wrapped her arms around the bard.  "It is not

 

your fault."

 

"We missed their childhoods Xena."  Gabrielle said sadly.  "Why?"

 

"I don't know."  Xena sighed as Gabrielle pulled away.  "But we have them back now.  Do you

 

realize that we are the parents of two grown daughters."

 

"Could be worse."  Gabrielle smiled.  "We could be grandmothers."

 

 

     Just then Faith approached carrying food and a water skin.  "Here it is not much.  We

 

will be on our way at first light."

 

"Thank you Faith."  Xena replied accepting the water and food.

 

"Oh and you are."  Faith said with a smile.

 

"Are what?"  Gabrielle responded in confusion.

 

"A grandmother."  Faith answered smiling as Xena choked on the sip of water she was taking.  "I

 

have remarkable hearing."

 

"I have to sit down."  Gabrielle said absently as she plopped herself onto her bedroll.

 

"What this about your hearing."  Xena perked up.

 

"Xena let it go."  Gabrielle snapped.  Xena just shrugged her shoulders.  "Fine let us just get

 

this settled right now.  Faith sit down."

 

 

     Faith obey taking a seat on a fallen log.  Xena seated herself next to Faith.  "Where to

 

begin?"  Gabrielle asked absently.

 

"So many questions."  Faith said softly.

 

"Well I will start with Xena's theory.  Do you consider yourself the strong silent type?" 

 

Gabrielle began.

 

"Me?"  Faith laughed as did the other amazons.  "No.  When I am off duty people can not get me to

 

shut up.  In fact when we were younger those two bond and gagged me."  Faith laughed pointing

 

towards the other amazons who just smiled.  "Speaking of you two Kendra and Califa since you

 

allowed the Queen to brawl in the middle of the street you are both on guard duty.  Take shifts

 

we leave at first light."

 

"First light you?"  Kendra teased.

 

"Enough now get up in that tree."  Faith teased.

 

"Not a morning person?"  Gabrielle asked quickly.

 

"No."  Faith answered in a curious tone.  "I have to admit these are not the questions I was

 

expecting."

 

"What questions were you expecting?"  Gabrielle asked fearfully.

 

"I don't know how about why aren't you evil like your sister Hope."  Faith stated simply.  There

 

was a warmnest about this woman.  Xena had only seen someone so pure only once and that was in

 

Gabrielle.

 

 

     "There are so many questions I have for you?"  Gabrielle began to weep.  Xena was by her

 

side immediately.

 

"Our first day together and I make cry."  Faith teased.  "Perhaps it is a good thing you were

 

spared from my years as a teenager."

 

 

     Gabrielle and Xena laughed quietly.  She was so like her mother.  So gentle and kind.

 

"Why don't I tell you what I can about myself and then you can ask me anything?"  Faith continued

 

softly.  "First I have no idea why I am not evil.  Though Dahak has spoken to me and tried to

 

sway me.  I never raised hand in anger not even in battle I only fight in defense of others or in

 

my own defense.  I lost my blood innocence in my seventeenth summer during a battle.  It haunts

 

me still.   I am a skilled fighter with many weapons.  My favorite is the staff because I can

 

disarm an opponent without killing them."  She held up the staff to Gabrielle.  "Is it true that

 

it belong to you?"

 

"Yes."  Gabrielle answered.  "But how did you. . ."

 

"When I was in India I found a merchant selling it.  I recognized the amazon marking instantly. 

 

Unfortunately so did the merchant.  It took quite a bit of haggling but I finally won him over. 

 

I was drawn to it but I needed money to return to Greece.  When I returned home it was Chilapa

 

who told me that it belonged to my Mother given to her by Queen Ephiny.  After I returned to my

 

amazon sisters I was surprised to learn that I had followed in your footsteps many times. I had

 

of your adventures growning up.  The scrolls you had copied are required reading for young

 

amazons.  You left quite a legacy."

 

"Yes I did."  Gabrielle stared into her daughter's eyes.

 

"It is funny at the time I was reading those scrolls I had no idea that the great Queen

 

Gabrielle was my mother.  Perhaps if I had known I would have been a better student."  Faith

 

smiled gently. 

 

 

     "So you have been to India and Chin?"  Xena asked.

 

"Yes I was taken to Chin after an injury."  Faith's voice tensed.

 

"Injury?"  Kendra muttered from the trees.  "That's a good one."

 

"Do you mind?"  Faith shouted to the tree above her.

 

"She made you walk the gaulent."  Kendra scoffed.  "That bitch I can not believe people are

 

upset about Xena killing her?"

 

"Athena."  Xena growled. 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER SIX

 

 

 

 

"How did you know?"  Faith asked.

 

"The sword."  Xena answered trying bury her anger.  "It is Athena's sword.  Not the sword

 

of Athena but one of her personal weapons.  Only her . . ."

 

"Champion would be allowed to carry it."  Faith cut her off.  Faith took a deep breath.  Xena

 

sensed that this was not an easy story to tell.  "Well I guess I should tell you everything."

 

Faith took another cleansing breath and prepared herself.

 

"Okay here goes."  Faith began.  "I know that I seem fine with my parentage.  And I am . . .

 

now.  But when I first discovered the truth I was very young and I was hurt and angry.  Ephiny

 

left a letter for me with Chilapa.  Ephiny had been raising me until her death and then Chilapa

 

took over.  The letter was given to me during my eighteenth summer.  It explained everything. 

 

>From who my parents were to the dagger.  I felt betrayed.  I also understood why some of my

 

elders were cautious of me.  I grabbed my arrows from my quiver snapped them in half and tossed

 

them at Queen Chilapa's feet and turned my back on my amazon sisters.  I thought I would never

 

return.  Eventually I ended up in Athena's army.  Not because I was devoted to her I just had

 

nowhere else to go.  Plus I knew that it would upset Artemis.  Since I was a young girl she would

 

appear to me and tell me that I was her chosen.  As it turns out Artemis knew who my parents were.

 

She went to great lengths to keep my exsistance a secret from the other Gods.  I worked my way

 

up and became one of her elite archers.  But it never felt right.  It wasn't my home.  Athena

 

took an interest in me."  Faith began carefully.

 

"I'll bet she did."  Xena snarled.

 

"Now Xena even you know that it takes more than a dazzling smile to became Athena's Champion."

 

Faith said gently.  "I was a talented warrior.  Why wouldn't I be?  I was raised by the amazons

 

more importantly by Queen Chilapa."

 

"You could probably spin a staff before you could walk."  Gabrielle smiled.

 

"No but I did learn from one the best."  Faith conceded.  "I thought Athena was the answer I was

 

searching for.  The woman I knew was fair and just and ruled from her father's throne with

 

compassion.  As Athena's Champion I held her favor and that was because she held mine as well.

 

Now as Athena's Champion was around most of the other Gods.  With the exception of Aphrodite I

 

really didn't like the other Gods.  Aphrodite could always make me laugh and she treated like a

 

friend.  She would tell me that I reminded her of someone.  So while the rest of Olympus would

 

have meeting after meeting about this temple or that temple Dite and I would split and hit

 

the stash of sacrafical wine.  After a few glasses of wine one night Aphrodite told about her

 

friend the bard.  Not just any Bard but an amazon bard.  Artemis had told the amazon nation that

 

your deaths had been an wagon accident.  No matter what else we heard it was accepted that that

 

three of you died in a tragic accident.  So when I mention this to Aphrodite she set the record

 

straight.  She told me everything about Xena and Eve the twilight of the Gods.  The Siege on

 

Amphibolis everything.   Including Athena giving the orders and hunting down an innocent child.

 

Later that night I confronted Athena.  She confessed everything.  Here was a woman I watched

 

dispense judgement with such compassion.  Now she was telling me how she murder my family. 

 

That is when it hit me.  My family even though we had never met you were my family.  My home was

 

with my amazon sisters not with Athena.  I told Athena that I was leaving.  She didn't take it

 

well."

 

 

"Making you walk the gaulent seems a bit extreme."  Gabrielle said fighting to hold back her

 

tears.

 

"Oh that is not why she made walk the gaulent."  Faith confessed.  "When I decided to leave

 

their were many in Athena's service who couldn't wait to tell her about some of my shall we say

 

indescretions.  A woman scorned is one thing but a godess scorned is quite different story."

 

"Ooops."  Xena cringed.  "You walked the gaulent of Athena's entire army?  It is a miracle you

 

 lived."

 

"I almost didn't."  Faith said wearly.  "There were many in the army who refused to raise a hand

 

to me until Athena threatened them.  I made to the end reclaimed my sword, at the time I had no

 

idea why I wanted it.  But Artemis insisted that I take it.  Athena wouldn't allow her or

 

to heal me.  But she did allow her to take me away.  It was Artemis who took me to Chin and

 

K'ao Hsin."

 

"Lao Ma's daughter?"  Gabrielle said in amazment.

 

"Yes she healed me and taught me about her mother's writings."  Faith smiled.  "I learned so much

 

it helped me find my way.  From Chin traveled around finally India where I learned about Karma.

 

The sad thing was to learn that I don't have a Karma.  That when I die that is it for me."

 

"Why not?"  Gabrielle asked in confusion.

 

"If you are born with a single drop of immortal blood this is your only life."  Faith explained.

 

"If you are born mortal even if you become immortal that is different like Callisto.  But for

 

Immortals even though I can die, just not of old age and I have no special gifts like Hercules,

 

 I have no Karma.  Think about an immortal in theory will live forever.  Why would they worry

 

about their Karma."

 

"No wonder they are so pissy."  Xena snorted.  "Artemis saved your life?" Xena added sadly.

 

"Don't feel bad about killing Xena."  Faith interupted.  "Not long before you did she put an

 

arrow in my back.  So much for being her chosen one.  But then again Mom here was one of her

 

chosen and she ended up going over a cliff in a burning wagon."

 

"Why?"  Gabrielle asked in horror.

 

"I will save that story for another time it is late."  Faith smiled.  "Right we need rest. 

 

Since Xena killed Artemis the amazon nation is torn apart.  Dahak wants the two of you dead oh

 

and Eve as well since she is Eli's messenger and he wants to find me so I can join him."

 

"The bards."  Xena stated.  "When did that start?"

 

"Almost ten summers ago."  Faith answered.  "Most people take it as some lame tale.  But since

 

the twilight began people are frightened."

 

"So Dahak is using these stories to try and find you?"  Gabrielle asked.

 

"It makes sense."  Faith replied.  "It only takes one person who knows who I am to help him. 

 

Thanks to Lao Ma's teachings I can block out his voice since then he has no idea where I am. 

 

One more thing, if the rumors are true  Hope has already returned."

 

 

 

CHAPTER SEVEN

 

 

 

 

     Xena could feel Gabrielle's body tense up.  Rediscovering Faith was a reason to

 

rejoice.  Faith was a strong confident woman.  Everything her Mother was.  But Hope was

 

definately Daddy's little girl.  A wave if guilt rushed over Xena as she silent cursed

 

herself once again for allowing her hatred of Caesar to cloud her judgement.  Why did I drag her

 

to Britannia?  Xena in her heart that this was the one thing that she could forgive herself for.

 

"There is more isn't there?"  Xena asked with trepidation.

 

"Yes."  Faith answered gently.  "As I explained earlier since the twilight people are frightened.

 

They have been worshiping the Gods their entire lives as their ancestors before them have.  To

 

be suddenly told that the Gods that they have place so much of their faith in are no longer

 

needed is frightening to most.  Even many of my amazon sisters are fearful.  Your killing of

 

Artemis isn't sitting well with many of them.  When I first returned to my sisters the news that

 

Artemis had lied about the Queen's death was not recieved with open arms.  The amazon nation is

 

divided.  Everything is falling apart.  People just don't understand that they need to put faith

 

in themselves and not the Gods is hard to accept."

 

"The message of peace must not be easy for amazon warriors to accept?"  Gabrielle said quietly.

 

"No."  Faith responded honestly.  "Coming from Princess Eve would make it easier if she wasn't

 

. . ."

 

"Livia."  Xena finished her sentence.

 

"We have faced Livia in battle many times."  Faith tried to explain.  "Fortunately she never

 

defeated us.  But she was a cruel warrior.  It is difficult for some to accept her.  But the

 

Northern Amazons are with us.  Many of their warriors remember her as a child."

 

 

"Will they be joining us when we battle Dahak?"  Xena asked simply.

 

"Yes they will be joining me when I face Dahak."  Faith responded sternly.

 

"Not without me."  Xena snapped.  She had a score to settle with Dahak.  "Faith I was granted

 

the gift to kill Gods by Michael.  You need me."

 

"Xena as an immortal I can also kill Gods. I know of your gift."  Faith sighed.  "Michael

 

 told me when he came to me.  He also explained that I was a guardian.  That my mission was

 

to protect Eve as long as she was alive.  My sword and my staff are the weapons that I would

 

carry.  That along with my faith they were all I needed to fullfill my destiny.  If I am ever

 

 separated from them I need only to call for them and they would be there."

 

"So together we should have no problem."  Xena responded calmly.

 

"Xena . . ."  Faith protested.

 

"Enough!"  Gabrielle cut in.  "Now we will face this together as a family."  Xena and Faith

 

began to protest.  "End of discussion."  Gabrielle said firmly.  "Now before we go to sleep I

 

want to hear about my grandchild."

 

 

     Faith smiled sweetly.  So like her Mother Xena thought.  "Well he is almost four

 

summers old.  Fair haired and green eyes like his grandmother.  He is into everything.  And

 

always questioning.  His curiousity is exhausting he jumps from one thing to another.  I can

 

barely keep up with him."  Faith beamed with pride as she talked of her child.

 

"And his Father?"  Gabrielle inquired.  "Is he with you?"

 

"What?"  Faith gasped.  "Well no . . . I mean he is friend.  A good man a bit of a poet and

 

most importantly very very mortal."  Faith explained.  "Mother I'm . . . well I . . ."  Faith

 

blushed as she spoke.  "I am an amazon in the truest sense.  I never thought you would have a

 

problem.  I mean considering."  Faith looked from Gabrielle to Xena.  "Never mind."  Faith

 

muttered as Xena chuckled fully understanding.

 

"Faith I understand."  Gabrielle said with a smile.  "And thank you.  For calling me Mother."

 

Gabrielle said gently.  "Although it is a little strange considering that you look older than

 

me.  So what is my Grandson's name?"

 

 

     Faith hesistated for a moment.  "Well I gave him a name that I think of as a family

 

name."  Faith hesistated again.  "My son's name is Solan."

 

 

PART 2