The last few candlemarks were torturous for Xena, Gabrielle, and Sophia. They had stabled their horses in town, and decided to travel the last candlemark by foot. As the distance between them and the farmhouse decreased, their pace slowed. Xena noticed that Gabrielle skin was turning paler as time passed. Her eyes no longer danced, but stared at the road, clouded with sadness and fear.

*Maybe the time is not right. She needs to deal with the past, but when she is able. I shouldn’t have pushed this trip on her.* "Gabrielle, we can turn back. If you are not ready…" Xena stopped, not knowing how to express in words what she was trying to say.

"No, Xena. More than anything, I want to make sure that Mom and Lila are all right. I don’t know how much longer Sophia’s mind games are going to work. Sooner or later, he just won’t care, and he is going to hurt them. I know that. They need to know. Just promise me that you will let me tell them, okay?"

"Of course. Now you promise me that you will lean on me. Remember that you are not doing this alone."

Gabrielle gave her a small smile. "I promise."

The rest of the walk was done in silence. As the group reached the front door, each one took a deep breath. Gabrielle knocked on the door. The door flew open. An older woman of average height and salt and pepper hair answered. "Gabrielle, its so good to see you!" The woman pulled Gabrielle into a fierce hug.

"Hi Mom." Gabrielle pulled away after a few candledrips.

"You’re looking well." "I see you brought friends. Look at you Sophia." Hecuba hugged and kissed Sophia. Sophia forced a smile to her lips.

"Long time no see."

Hecuba looked at Xena. "Hello Xena."

"Hello Hecuba."

"Well, come on in. We have been expecting you." Hecuba wrapped her arms around Gabrielle and pulled her in, with Xena and Sophia following close behind. As they enter the kitchen, a woman a couple of seasons younger than Gabrielle jumped up from her seat. "Gabrielle!"

"Lila!" The two sisters embrace one another. Looking at the two, one could never had known that they were sisters. Whereas Gabrielle was short with blonde hair and green eyes, Lila was tall with raven hair and brown eyes. Yet the affection they displayed to each other told the world how close they were. Hecuba looked on as her two children hugged.