Chapter Eight

Do You Trust Me?

The next morning, as usual, Xena was up before the sun. Gabrielle had gotten up while Xena away from the camp relieving herself. Even before she could say good morning, Gabrielle put her arms around Xena, hugging her.

“Good morning to you, too. What’s with the hug?” Xena asked as she returned it.

“Just making sure this is real, and not another dream.”

“It’s real, all right. Now, how about some breakfast?”

After they ate, Gabrielle asked Xena what she should do. Xena didn’t answer right away, which caused Gabrielle a little concern.

“Gabrielle,” Xena started. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do. What kind of question is that?”

“And do you believe that I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you?”

“Xena, what’s going on?”

“Would you just answer the question?”

“Yes, I know you would never intentionally hurt me.”

“Even if you disagreed with what I thought was best for you?”

Gabrielle’s answer came slower, and with some suspicion. “I – guess.”

“Then, I think we should go back to Poteidaia.”

“Why?” Gabrielle asked, a little alarmed. Then she realized what Xena was saying. “You’re going to take me back and leave me there, aren’t you?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to, I can see it in your face.”

“I’m not going to leave you, Gabrielle, if they’ll let me stay, but considering that your carrying Perdicus’ baby, I think he has a right to know.”

“I told you! He won’t believe it’s not Joxer’s.”

“You don’t know that. But even if he does, don’t you think your parents would want to know they have a grandchild on the way? And Lila – you know she’d want to know.”

“Xena, why are you doing this?”

“Because I’m concerned about your health, and the health of your baby.”

“Why should there be any concern? I’m healthy and strong.”

“Gabrielle, you know what kind of life we lead on the road – bandits, warlords, the cold, hard ground, rain, snow. Once you’re six or seven months along, how are you going to protect yourself and your baby? How am I supposed to protect you?”

“So we’ll find a village with a decent inn to stay for a while, it doesn’t have to be Poteidaia.”

“We could do that. And we could shovel horse droppings in some stable to pay for the food and lodging.”

“You’re determined we’re going back to Poteidaia, aren’t you?”

“Gabrielle, when your child is born, it, and its MOTHER should be with her family. Afterward, if things between you and Perdicus don’t work out, and you want to leave, then we’ll go away together.”

“And you’ll stay with me the whole time?”

“If I can. If Herodotus lets me, or if Perdicus says it’s okay with him, I’ll stay.”

“Fine. We’ll go back home, and then I guess we’ll see.”

“I don’t like the thought of maybe losing you, Gabrielle, whether it’s from complications from childbirth, or some robber getting lucky in a fight because you can’t defend yourself.”

“All right, Xena! I said we’ll go back, you don’t have to keep beating me over the head with your reasons!”

“Sorry, I just – well, I’m sorry.”

Gabrielle took a moment to think about what she said, then put her arms around Xena. “No, I’M sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. I know you only want what’s best for me.”

“Even if you don’t agree with me?”

Gabrielle smiled. “Even if I don’t agree with you. So, I guess we should break camp and get started for home.”

tbc