Sophia shook her head as she watched Ares
left. *Liar* "Bye Father."

"Gabrielle, come on now," Xena
gently stroked her lover's arm. "We've already missed
breakfast, do you want to miss lunch too?" The bard's
stomach gave its answer as it growled. "Ah, the monster from
the deep has spoken."

Gabrielle looked at the Warrior Princess.
"Why are you always picking on my stomach, what has it ever
done to you?"

"Nothing, it just amazes me." Xena
stared into the pair of chartreuse eyes before her, "like
every other part of you."

Crimson rushed to the Queen's face.
"Don't start warrior."

A knock came upon the door. Gabrielle climbed
out of bed, wrapped her robe around herself and answered the
door.

Lila beamed as the door came open. "Hi
Gabrielle. I was just wondering if you and Xena would like to join
mom and me for lunch?" Her eyes pleaded with Gabrielle to say
yes.

Gabrielle looked back at Xena and then back at
her sister. "I guess that will be fine." Gabrielle gave
her sister a small smile. "See you at the food hut?"

Lila's face beamed as she nodded.
"Thanks."

Gabrielle closed the door. Xena jumped out of
bed and began to get ready. "So, we are going to have lunch
with Hecuba and then you two are going to talk. Are you sure you
are up for this?"

"No." The young Queen began to
change as well. "But she is my mother and she has been trying.
I need to give her a chance."

After they were ready, they made their way to
the food hut. The Queen's table sat Hecuba and Lila. Lila stood
and waved them over.

During lunch, Lila chatted constantly about
her plans for the bonding ceremony and the events before and after.
Xena rolled her eyes to the ceiling and smiled at Gabrielle.
Gabrielle chuckled and turned to her mother. Hecuba shook her head
and looked over at her youngest. "Lila, don't you think
that is enough? Not everyone is into parties like you. Have you
ever asked them what they wanted? Maybe you should think simple,
after all tons of people are going to be here and it would be a lot
easier if things were simple."

"Amazonian festivals are not simple
mother. There is tons of rituals and rules that have to be
followed."

"Lila has been spending too much time
with Chilapa," Xena whispered to the bard.

Gabrielle nodded and then turned back to her
sister. "Lila, please take Mom's advice. It would be
easier for all of us. And if you don't," she winked at
Xena, "then Xena won't have to go through a test. By her
attending all these festivals will more than enough to prove her
love and loyalty."