"Explain."
Caldonna looked past Xena to Gabrielle.
"I had no idea who the judge will. There are several judges. He must of found a way to get in. He'll be dealt with by Zeus himself. The job of a judge isn't for revenge. Bryer and Ephiny will be alright. I shall see them to a healer."
Gabrielle walked over to Caldonna.
"Why did you step in. You said you weren't to interfere. Yet you took a sword for them."
Caldonna shrugged her shoulders.
"If he had of been a real judge I'd stayed out of it. Let things be as they were to be. Needless to say he wasn't a judge. It isn't to be that you two pass over."
As Caldonna faded away she said one last thing.
"Besides, Bryer is my sister."
Gabrielle and Xena both raised an eyebrow. They turned and Bryer and Ephiny disappeared. Xena and Gabrielle both sat up with a start. They looked around wildly. Was it a dream?
Bryer and Ephiny came out from behind a clump of tress and sat down next to the fire. Xena and Gabrielle looked confused. Bryer and Ephiny smiled.
"Yea it happened. We're both ok."
Gabrielle jumped up and gave each one a huge bear hug.
"Caldonna is your sister? Why? Why did you risk everything for us?"
Bryer smiled. "Yea. I didn't know who she was till she stepped in. When I looked into her eyes I knew. She wasn't pleased when I decided to ride with Xena. She knew deep down I wouldn't have survived. I don't know what happened to her in order for her to have the job she does. She tells people she's been there for eons. Maybe it is for her. She saved my life though so I know she still loves me. As for why did we save you? Gabrielle how can you ask that question? You both mean everything to us. I'd give my life for both of you. Friends....Soulsisters...Family. Your in our hearts as we are in yours. Never question family Gabrielle. I'll always be there for you, both."
Ephiny nodded. "Ditto!"
Xena looked to Ephiny and burst into laughter. As the sun began to set Bryer and Ephiny hugged their friends and began to fade out. Xena and Gabrielle settled into their bedrolls. Gabrielle shivered slightly and Xena rolled over to face her. Xena then slid closer and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle. As she did Gabrielle settled into Xena's warm body and began to cry.
Xena softly whisped "It's ok. It's over. Gabrielle, I love you."
Gabrielle smiled through her tears and drifted off to slumber.
The End...........
