Hecuba nodded. "I understand."

"I'll have two of the guards to
escort you to a hut." The Queen opened the door and motioned
two of the guards to lead Hecuba to her quarters. Before she left,
Hecuba turned to her daughter. "Thank you."

Gabrielle nodded. After the door closed,
Gabrielle dropped the strong facade and let her tears flow.

Xena watched as Hecuba left. The Warrior
Princess made her way to the hut. As she entered the hut, she saw
the slump-over shoulders and heard the soft sobs. Without saying a
word, she walked over and wrapped her arms around the bard. She
gently rocked her soul-mate as she hugged her. They stood there,
just holding on to one another.

Hecuba looked around at the no frills hut.
Nothing adorned the hut except a chest, bed, basin and two candles.
Hecuba wished that her life reflected that simpleness.

"Hello Hecuba."

The older woman quickly spun around.
"Apollo." Years had past since they last saw each other,
and as in the past, both their eyes were filled with tears.

"How is she?"

"Gabrielle seems to be doing well. I
really don't know. I just arrived here."

"I know. Where have you been? You should
have been here."

Anger flashed across Hecuba’s face.
"Don't tell me where I should have been. What gives you
the right?" Brown eyes met the gaze of sea-green eyes.
"You weren't there."

"We both agreed that it would be best if
I wasn't, but I would have been if you would have just told me
what was going on. I would have protected her from
Herodotus."

"And what then? Could you protect her
from Hera? I'm sorry Apollo, but I knew she would survive
Herodotus' beatings, but not even you could protect us from
Hera."

Apollo swiped his hand through his flaxen
blond hair. "Look I don't want to argue with you about
this. Our daughter needs the both of us."

"What are you saying?"

"You need to tell her."

"No."

"You have no choice Hecuba. I don't
know how much longer I can keep Artemis from telling Gabrielle the
truth."

"She’s your sister, can't you
do something?"

"No, I can't. When Artemis gets an
idea in her head; no one will stop her. She is so stubborn; and
right now she thinks that it would be best if Gabrielle knew, and
more importantly, Gabrielle is her chosen one, therefore Artemis
doesn't need our permission." Apollo walked over to
Hecuba. "Listen, no matter what happens, Gabrielle is not
going to want to have anything to do with me.