AN-Well I think we are finally here. Sorry to see this story wrap up but I think everyone has grown into the people they were meant to be and that the challenges that lay ahead will be met with heart and soul of the other. Hope you enjoyed. I'll be working on my uber fanfics and maybe starting new in the future. Let me know what you thought of the story.

Hecuba stretched. It had been a long night. It was the first one since being married to her husband that they had slept apart. Even when he had business in another village she and the girls had gone along. It had been a night of tossing and turning. It had been a night of thinking. It had been a night to reflect. It had been so long a night that now she really didn't know what to think. While she still stood by her vow to be at her daughter's wedding she was not sure how to act or react to it all.

The sun had yet to make its presence known and yet the woman could hear the coming and goings all around her. She knew that it was because of Cyrene. The innkeeper and her daughter's future mother-in-law had taken charge of the entire situation. In a way she could see where the queen got her leadership and definitely got her strength. After hearing the story of how she had raised three children on her own, watched one die, watched another turn to killer and then another turn against his entire family she had such respect for the woman that she was more in awe of her then the queen.

The confused woman washed up quickly in with the water from the water basin and got on some clean clothes that Cyrene had provided for her. Her husband had not counted on spending the night and had no change of clothes. The innkeeper had taken upon herself to not only get one set of clothes but several. Of course if she knew that the queen was the one that paid for everything she might or might not have accepted the generosity.

Hecuba made her way out of the room that had once belonged to Lyceus. She knew that it had not been used in quite some time and felt honored that the innkeeper would open it and her heart to a practical stranger. And yet they were not strangers. They were two women that had both gone through a lot in their lifetimes and now were becoming friends as well as family. Family was not something that the gray haired woman thought she had left at least not once her daughters were kidnapped.

By the time that Hecuba got out into the main area of the inn it was already wonderfully decorated. There were bowls full of wildflowers on each of the tables. There were colorful drapings along the windows, fire mantels, and almost everywhere that could be covered. It was both breathtaking and it smelled wonderful at the same time. There were also the hints of the coming feast wafting from the kitchen especially when the door opened and another person came in or out.

Cyrene was standing behind the bar area. It was obvious that she was making sure there were plenty of clean glasses as well as plates, bowls and silverware for the upcoming reception. Hecuba knew that this was actually going to be quite the celebration despite what her husband had tried to say about it. For a moment the bard's mother stood watching the scene unfold and smiled sadly. I wish I had been the one to plan this for you my sweet little girl. But you are getting your dream come true I think.

Hecuba was about to make her way over and offer her help but a man stepped up to the innkeeper. There was obvious tension between the man who she thought she heard called 'Haas' and her new friend. Of course she could not help but wonder who he was or why the voices were suddenly raised. To the point where Cyrene simply spat "This is my place of business. The queen is my daughter. It is her wedding reception. If you and anyone else in this village don't like it, don't come! And while you're at it go suck on a rotten egg!"

While not knowing exactly what was said between them Hecuba could not help but laugh at the suggestion that her friend made as well as the look upon the man's face. From what was said he was obviously someone of great power in the village. Of course that would pale in comparison to the reach of her future daughter-in-law. After the red faced man stormed out of the inn she made her way over to the bar. "I take it he didn't like what was on the menu?"

Cyrene smiled at her new friend. They had talked some before going to bed. Partly it was so they both could keep themselves busy while the nasty business of the executions had taken place. Solon had not been far either and had been happily learning on how to make arrows from Gaston. They had spoken at great length about their families but the innkeeper felt there was still more that needed to be said. "He's the town reeve. Thinks he speaks for everyone when he says the wedding is a sham and should take place elsewhere. It's my daughter's home village. The only other place would be Potadeia."

Hecuba nodded absently. That was true. If the queen wanted to make some kind of statement by where the nuptials took place then Amphipolis and Potadeia were the two places that made the most sense. And the queen definitely outranked a village full of people that were power hungry. "I think it best that it takes place here. That's one thing I thought about that my husband said. Potadeia is a tad judgmental when something is not considered 'normal'."

The innkeeper set down the glass that she had been cleaning which was probably a good thing. She had practically rubbed it down to the wooden component she had been rubbing on it so hard trying to keep her temper with the blow hard. "Well Amphipolis is a little more open minded but not the elders. They have such closed minds that they have to open them just to use the chamber pot." That got an out and out laugh from the other woman and that made Cyrene smile. "Seriously I wanted to say one thing to you before the day turns into complete madness. Should you ever want to leave your husband you could come here and help me run this inn. Now that Xena is queen and not hated I think business is going to be booming once again."

Never even having thought for a second about leaving her husband until the prior day when he had man handled her it was indeed something to think about. Herodotus had never been that loving or showing of his affection like a certain warrior that really shocked Hecuba but he too had never hurt her both physically and mentally like he had been the previous night. It was a pleasant feeling to know that she had options. "That gives me something to think about. Thanks!"

The two women set to work silently making sure everything in the inn was properly prepared for the noon nuptials. A team was decorating the little chapel. The rest of the village was flowing with Xena's men. The entire army wanted to be there for their general's wedding but they knew that they had to keep guard and watch. While the biggest threats had been taken care of the previous night they would be stupid to think that there were not threats out there.

Xena was now in a room by herself. She had not liked the thought of attempting to sleep alone as she had grown very accustomed to having the little bard wrapped around her all night long. It was a peaceful feeling and somehow she had noticed that their hearts had begun to beat in sync at least at night. That alone gave her a very wonderful feeling. Everything about the bard gave her a very wonderful feeling.

About the only thing that was giving her a bad feeling was the fact that she knew there were those in the village, the reeve and Herodotus were the two top ones that wanted the wedding not to go through. It was making her senses go off, not unlike that day when she and Gabrielle almost had lost their lives because she had not been able to act on that feeling quick enough. She was not going to make that mistake this time.

The queen was already dressed for the wedding. She had on bright red leather and also had on a soft wool wrap that matched it. There were gold leaflets across the wrap and it made her feel quite regal. About the only thing that would have made her feel more queenly was if she had some kind of crown. But she figured that was something she might or might not do down the road. Today it was about being comfortable and yet ready for anything.

Her sensitive hearing heard someone pass by the room that she had been given. It was one of the smaller ones that were to the back of the inn. She had given the larger one to Gabrielle to have the night to herself. She couldn't help but wonder if her wife to be had the same trouble sleeping that she had. Her mind went back to the voices that she had heard just a few moments before and decided that she should follow them although there were plenty of soldiers milling around.

Hating to do it, the queen put both of her weapons in their respective places before she went to the back door of the inn. One of the voices belonged to Herodotus and the other belonged to Haas. In her heart she knew that this conversation was not a good thing and she decided to put an end to it in a way she hadn't yet before in front of Gabrielle. She just hoped that the bard would forgive her. Of course she knew that her Lil One would forgive her anything.

Hearing Haas say, "She's your daughter. Are you sure you want to go through with it?" That was enough for the queen. She never waited for them to take another step. She motioned for a couple of the soldiers that the two stupid men either were ignoring or never saw. By the time that they got there she had the two men pushed up roughly against the wall of the inn. The both looked like they were going to choke she had such a tight grip on their throats.

Four soldiers came up behind their general. "Got any rope, boys?" One of the soldiers took off like a shot. It wasn't long before the man returned with the requested item. "Tie these two up." The queen watched as her orders were followed. As soon as the two men were tied and helpless she pinned her glare on the town reeve. In a motion so quick that no one saw her she jabbed the man's throat. Instantly he was gasping for breath. "You have sixty seconds to live unless I release the pressure on you. So you better start talking. What have you and him have planned."

Haas was sputtering and barely able to speak. Xena simply stood there tapping her foot. She was visibly counting making sure that all around could hear her whispered number. Finally the man relented and she took the pinch off from him. "He wanted to kidnap your bride and take her not back to Potadeia but to foreign lands. He said that she was filth and that only as a slave could she bring him any money and lessen his shame. I only wanted to stop this farce from happening here."

"I see." Xena's eyes went from one man and then to the other. Finally her gaze went back to her soul mate's father. "You are lucky that I know at some level that your daughter still loves you or I would sentence you to death for such stupidity. I may be changing my ways but for this level of stupidity only death should be the sentence." She turned to two of the soldiers standing there. "Take him and a small group of men and send him across the southern border of Greece. I don't care who takes him but I want him to never return to this land again."

Herodotus was about to say something when a voice came out of the closed windows. "Father, is that really you?" No one could see but everyone knew who's voice that was. Xena stiffened hoping that she had not screwed up especially on her wedding day. It would not be much of a honeymoon if she screwed up. There was a grunt in response and the bard knew instantly that what she had heard was true. "Thank you, my Queen for saving his life. It's only fitting seeing that is what he intended to do to me. I'll meet you in a couple hours. I'll be the one smiling from ear to ear as I walk up the aisle toward you."

"I love you too, my Lil One. See you soon." Xena felt her heart warm at the words of her soul mate. Just a thought, just a word or just a look and you make me feel like I was a teenager again. Make me feel like I did before all the pain and anger. So not worthy! The queen turned her attention to the town reeve. "Now what should I do with you? It's clear that you are not worthy of being in charge of this village. I think I'll banish you. Not from Greece like your coconspirator but from the village." Without saying a word but instead giving a nod her order was put into motion.

At that moment Solon decided that he wanted to see what the fuss was going on out back. "Mom!" Xena turned to see her son barreling toward her. She kneeled and engulfed him into a bear hug. "I was looking for you. Gabrielle said that you would need me today. That I'm your best man." He was beaming with apparent pride. He looked into eyes that were just as blue as his own and swallowed for a moment truly realizing just how closely he resembled his mother and wondered how he had never seen it before.

"She's right. It is a very important job." Xena stood and held out her hand and waited for her son to take it. Once he had the warrior led her son so that they were headed back into the inn the way that she had come out. She waited until they were back in her room and was sitting at the lone table in the room. Remembering something she got up and rifled through one of her bags and then joined her son once again. "As the best man you'll stand next to me and you'll get to hold on to these until it's time."

Solon's eyes went round as he watched his mother unfold the soft cloth that had wrapped the rings. "You mean I get to hold on to those?" His voice was full of wonder and he was obviously in awe of the sheer responsibility that had just fallen upon him. "Are you sure you want me to do this? I mean I'd hate to be the one that would lose the rings and all." The boy gingerly fingered the cool metal and diamonds with a great deal of reverence.

Xena reached over and put a strong sure hand on one of the slightly smaller hands that belonged to her son. Her reminded her so much of her younger brother at this moment and time that her heart ached just a little. How I wish you were here to see this little brother. But in spirit I know that you are. I love and miss you! "We both know that you'll do a great job. Now, we have only a few hours before the ceremony. Please go and see if your grandmother needs any help. Then we'll get you dressed and ready to go."

Solon smiled as he wrapped the rings back in their cloth and gave them back to his mother. He wrapped her in a huge hug and smiled as he said, "I'm so glad that I finally know that you are more than just my mistress. I'm glad that you are marrying Gabrielle so that we can be a real family." He pulled back with tiny tears in his eyes. "But I'm most glad because now I have two grandmothers as well as two mothers. I'm the luckiest boy in the known world."

Before the queen could say anything her son had bolted out the door. Xena laughed at the youthful exuberance her son was showing. He was right. Now she too had more of a family than she had had in a very long time. True both her brothers were now gone but she had a wife, a son, a mother and a mother-in-law. A part of her could care less about running the nation but that was still a part of who she was and was not about to change.

She just hoped that she was going to be able to make Gabrielle happy. Funny that not that long ago all she truly cared about was herself. All she cared about was gaining power. All she cared about was spilling blood every day and yet she had relegated the executions to her soldiers rather than take pleasure in it herself. Now all she cared about was making Gabrielle and the rest of her family as happy as she could. If that included doing the right thing for Greece then so be it. All that mattered now was her family's happiness and wellbeing.

()()()()()()()()()()

Xena was pacing at the head of the chapel. She knew she had nothing to be nervous about and yet she was more nervous than she had been about anything in her life. This was the one thing in her life that she had never dreamed or hoped for and yet it just came out of nowhere and she knew that it was what she wanted more than anything. It was unreal the power that Gabrielle had over her both body and mind. It was a little scary actually.

Solon was standing there clutching at the rings that were still wrapped in the soft cloth. Behind him was Palaemon and on the other side of the altar was Maleager. The two were honorary lead of the guards. Seeing that they were the queen's top ranked men it was a forgone conclusion that they would be at the altar to have an up close and personal view of the marriage ceremony. A portly man with gray hair was standing looking a little nervous as well.

The sun was at its peak and it should be time for the wedding of the century but for some reason it was not starting. That was when the back doors of the tiny chapel opened and a nod was given by a very familiar figure. A small group of musicians had gathered for the ceremony and began playing a soft old melody. Then both doors opened and the queen instantly stopped pacing and made her way so that she was standing next to her son.

First Hecuba entered wearing a simple tan outfit that was matched by the one that her new friend the innkeeper was wearing. They stood apart and waited for a petite figure to make her way into the chapel. Xena's breath caught in her throat as she saw her bride for the very first time. Gabrielle was dress in a fine egg shell colored lace dress. There was a lacy vale that covered her face. It was a simple but elegant dress that was topped off by a small bouquet of wild flowers.

As the music continued to play the trio slowly made their way down the aisle. The chapel was full of all the people of the village. There were even a few that had made their way from some of the tiny villages that surrounded Amphipolis. While there were those that still were against the queen this was a fairy tale to most. They had heard of some of the stories of the redemption of the queen through stories that Gabrielle had spread anywhere she had gone.

Those stories were making a difference in how people were now looking at the former warlord. While some would never believe that she had truly changed there were those that would not only accept it but would rejoice in it. Especially those that were in this very village that lived through the beginnings of the Destroyer of Nations and the heartache and the challenges that followed. Too many years of darkness had gone by to not want to believe in something good happening.

Slowly the trio made their way up the aisle. Every eye was on the bride. While Xena was herself stunning in her tight red leathers and the red cloak it was nothing like how the petite blond looked. Though she had been through a lot she somehow had retained a great deal of her innocence. Though she had agreed with the executions she still hated the thought of any kinds of deaths. No one had ever been hurt at her hand other than the incident with the knife through Toris' wrist but even then that was contributed to him and not her.

The young woman had a heart of gold and her heart was pure. Her heart was loving. Her heart belonged to only one and that was the woman that was waiting not so patiently for her at the end of the aisle. Her heart was racing but it was she knew only because of all the people that were watching and giving her attention. That was one thing that she was going to have to get used to was being the center of attention as she knew that Xena would make sure as her fellow queen.

Finally they were at the end of the aisle. Quickly the two elder women took seats that had been designated for them in the front row. Xena held out her arm and Gabrielle quickly linked hers through it. They turned toward the minister who stood there sweat literally dripping down his chubby face. While it was a warm summer day his condition could only really be contributed to the fact that he was nervous to be the one to officiate the wedding of the queen.

The words washed over the couple as the portly man spoke of love, honor and commitment. He also spoke about the union being blessed by the Goddess Aphrodite to which the queen rolled her eyes. In all her time she had never worshiped any God. No God had ever approached her not even the God of War. She knew that the kind of love that she and Gabrielle shared was that of soul mates that continually found themselves over many lifetimes and with no help from any god or goddess.

Their hands were linked as they made their vows to one another. Xena was the one that went first. "I have done many things in my life that I'm not proud of. I've denied for too long that I have a son but that changed. I've taken lives in anger and not even for revenge and that has changed. There are so many facets of my life that used to be so horrible that I cannot even begin to describe them." The queen paused for a moment the emotions of her words getting to her.

A soft squeeze of her hands and a knowing smile from her partner gave her the strength to go on. "Then one day I met this crazy kid who was trying to protect her sister and villagers from a tyrant. Oh, did I mention that tyrant was me?" Xena waited for the appropriate bit of laughter before continuing. "Something changed in me that moment I laid into terrified green eyes. Slowly I began to realize that what I felt that first day was love. Yep. You stole my heart, my body and my soul that day. And they said I was a bad girl."

Another round of laughter filled the already happy chapel. "But seriously, I want you to know that I love you more each day. I couldn't be queen without you. You've become my guide, my soul, and my heart and I'll be eternally grateful for you for the person that you have helped me become. I vow here and now to never take for granted the love that you give me and the gift of yourself that you gave to me. You are my queen, Gabrielle. I'll love you to the end of time."

Though she was a bard, Gabrielle was speechless for the longest of times. She knew that it was her time to say something but the words and the emotions behind the words had hit her deep in her very soul. If the vale had been raised everyone would have seen the tears that were freely falling down her face. A squeeze of her hands and she knew that Xena fully understood exactly what she was going through. Green eyes saw blue eyes that were also filled with tears.

That gave her the bard enough of a push to compose herself so that she could finally begin her vows to the queen. "Wow!" It took a couple swallowings of her mouth before she could get her voice to cooperate with her. "I'm a bard and I don't think I can come up with words that will rival what you just said my love!" She smiled and once again felt her hands gently squeezed. She knew to Xena the words were not important it was the fact that they were standing by one another and promising each other forever.

Gabrielle took another deep breath and closed her eyes. She let all that she was feeling wash over her before she continued. "For me it wasn't quite the same. You see I never knew how lonely I was in Potadeia. True I had my family but my father kept us all at arm's length and that was how we learned to treat one another. I only defended my sister, truly, because to me you fight to protect the young and the innocent and those that cannot fight for themselves."

The bard took another breath before she continued. "When I looked up into these ice cold eyes the first thing that I said to myself were that someone could use a friend. How little did I know that truer words had never been thought. I mean I was lonely, you were lonely and I was instantly taken by this wild raven haired beauty." The blue eyes that were once nothing but cold to her held a warmth that warmed her heart and her soul.

"That was one of the things, looking back, that I took in that fateful day. I never had really thought of another woman in those terms." Gabrielle began to shift a little nervously. "I had never been allowed to think in those terms before. And when you stopped that man from well hurting me I just fell so fast and deep in love but I didn't know it at the time. It wasn't until after you took care of me when I was sick that I realized that you weren't just my mistress you were a friend. That allowed me to begin to think of you in other terms other than just as the woman that owned me."

There was a slight gasp at the words from the crowd and Gabrielle once again smiled unseen. "You kept coming after me and you freed me and allowed me to choose what I wanted to do with my life. By that time I was so in love with you and then when I found out about Solon I knew that it was truly meant to be. I mean I would have the other half of my soul by my side and I would have a son as well. Then we came here and I got a mother that cared for me even though she thought I had been brainwashed or something."

"But I was never brainwashed. The only thing I was was loved beyond words." Gabrielle smiled as she felt a small tremble flow down her spine as she let all that she was feeling wash over her. "I am now and will always be loved by you. And you are and always will be loved by me. I can't say that enough. I will never take for granted the fact that it took a lot for us to get to the point that we are and that we are lucky to be spending the rest of our lives together. I wouldn't care if it was as queens, as innkeepers, bards or nomads. As long as I have you then I will be happy."

The minister was so stunned that it took a clearing of Palaemon's throat for him to continue. In all my years of performing these ceremonies I've never heard love declared so openly and honestly. "That about says it all ladies and gentlemen. These two souls are hereby joined together. They will continue to find one another in whatever time that they find themselves in. We will now bind this couple with rings." He turned his attention to a very nervous looking Solon.

The young boy made his way to where the two most important people in his life were standing. He offered the soft cloth that contained the two rings. The minister took the rings and smiled at the boy. Solon looked at his mother who mouthed 'good job' to which he smiled and made his way back to his appointed spot. Gabrielle had ruffled his hair playfully as he walked by. The portly man took out the two rings and held them up for everyone to see. Gabrielle gasped at the simplicity and yet beauty of the rings.

The minister handed one to Xena. It was the slightly smaller version of identical rings. There was a pearl in the middle and then a sapphire the almost exact color of the queen's eyes. On the other side was an emerald that was just a little darker green than that of the bard's. Overall it was the perfect symbol of their love. The queen slowly slid the ring on the left hand of her now wife. Gabrielle took the slightly larger version of the ring and did the same.

"With the power invested in me, by the queen." Everyone laughed at the joke by the minister. "I now pronounce you joined. You may not kiss one another to finish sealing the bond you already share." With that Xena gently pushed Gabrielle's vale off from her head. Their eyes locked for the longest of moments before Xena leaned down and kissed her new wife with a passion that she rarely allowed outside of the privacy of the confines of their bedrooms.

A cheer rose up and Xena leaned in and whispered, "So wife, how does it feel to be married? How does it feel now that I've made an honest woman out of you?" The queen stood back. There were tears of joy running down the bard's face. Xena understood exactly what was going through her younger partner's mind. She was running on emotional overload herself. It was hard to function and it was hard to think about what they were going to do next.

()()()()()()()()()()

It was two years that had gone by since the wedding of the century. It was still talked about but that was partially because Gabrielle had written down the love story. Not in the greatest of details of course but enough so that it showed the difficult road that they had traveled and what it had taken for them to get to where they were now. And that was them living in Athens and ruling the entire nation of Greece. Xena had kept her word and for the most part hardly a drop of blood had been shed as they had taken the capital city.

The only blood that was shed now was when an outside force such as Rome came to challenge the much smaller nation. Even the mighty Cesar had to learn the hard way that even though she was not the Destroyer of nations anymore she was still quite the formidable warrior. What was more she had someone that was almost as feared in a fight as she was. Gabrielle had continued her practicing of the staff and no one held a candle to her not even the queen.

Solon had groan nicely and was almost a teenager now. He was busy being schooled by Gabrielle and by Xena so that he was a well-rounded young man. His mind was becoming the envy of most as well as was his ability to hold a sword. In no time he would be as good as both his mothers and everyone knew not to mess with the royal family. There had been attempts here and there to try and overthrow the royal family but they had ended up either in bloodshed or in lifetime imprisonment depending on how lucky the assassins might just be.

A sound came out of the royal chamber. It was a sound that no one had ever expected to hear. But nine months before a certain Goddess of Love had visited the two queens and bestowed upon them a very special gift. While Xena had never believed or worshiped any of the Gods, Gabrielle had and had spread the words of Aphrodite the most. When the goddess had heard of such tales she thought that there was only one gift that she could bestow on the bard. It was the one gift that in that time two women could never have.

Xena was sitting on the edge of the bed. There were tears slowly trailing down her cheeks. Cyrene and Hecuba were standing at the end of the bed. A very mature Solon was sitting on the foot of the bed. They had not been there the whole time but they had been invited after the miracle of miracles had happened. Gabrielle was holding a squirming little bundle in her arms. It had been a quick birth. In fact it had been one of the most painless and perfect pregnancies and births in the history of man.

Cyrene was beaming as she saw the little one was as strong as she remembered her own daughter being. There was hair the shade of the night on the little one's head though there seemed to be streaks of a little bit of blond as well. The eyes were a bluish green and were a perfect blend of the two mothers. The face was round but the cheeks were angular in shape. All in all the adorable little face was an almost perfect blending of the two women that were still so emotional.

There was a quietness that fell over the room. It was out of reverence for what had just taken place. The miracle was clear and there were no words to describe how happy that everyone in the room felt. Even though a part of Solon felt just a little jealous that his little sister was going to grow up with the love of his two moms he also knew that it was quite the miracle that he had a sister at all. He vowed right then and there to always be there for her and to protect her and teach her everything that he knew.

"Well I guess you all are wondering exactly what her name is." Xena put a hand upon Gabrielle's shoulder. The bard looked up at her wife who smiled and nodded her head. They had discussed both boys and girls names but had trouble deciding on any. The fact that they were having a child at all was almost too much for either of them to process over the past nine months. "I think we've decided to call her Eve."

Both grandmothers simply beamed at their new granddaughter. Solon puffed out his chest knowing that he was actually the one that had gotten to name his little sister. All in all it was quite the happy scene. Xena still marveled that it was just over two years ago that she and Gabrielle had met. She still marveled that two years ago today they had married. That before those two events that she had once been a blood thirsty warlord that had almost destroyed herself and a nation. But then she had met Gabrielle and the queen had found her heart and a reason to truly be a queen. It was a wonderful life indeed.