Disclaimer: The characters of Ares/Gabrielle/Xena do not belong to
me. They are the property of StudiosUSA/Ren Pic. I make no profit
from their use. No copyright infringement is intended or implied.

Rating: G

Summary: Gabrielle is writing a letter to her unborn child.

The new scroll crackled as Gabrielle began to unroll it. As was her
custom, she breathed in the scent of the fresh parchment and sighed.
"It's been a really long time since I have done this, do you think I
remember how?"

Ares smiled down at his beautiful wife. "I think it will come back to
you my love. Are you sure that you will not allow me to read it when
you are through?"

Gabrielle chuckled and rubbed her swollen stomach. "This is for her
eyes only. If she wants to let you read it, I might agree!"

"Allright, allright. I get the picture. I'll make myself scarce for
awhile, but if you need me, I wont be far away."

The closer it came to time for their first childs birth, the closer
Ares kept to home. After all this time, she could not believe the
mighty god of war was the same man she was married to. Her heart sang
with the love that they shared and now the fates were blessing them
with a child. Her new position as goddess of hope came with certain
psychic abilities. That gift had shown her that this child would be a
girl and her name would be Faith.

Gabrielle settled in against the blooming tree and breathed in the
scent of jasmine as she began to write:

"My Dearest Faith,
By the time you read this letter you will no longer be my little
girl, but a young woman. I just wanted to take a moment to tell you
that you were loved from the start. Your father and I talk of nothing
but you every day.

At this moment you are nestled below my heart and I can feel your
tiny feet against my stomach. I long for the day when I can hold you
in my arms and kiss your sweet face. Your father is just as anxious
and asks about your arrival every day. It makes me laugh to see him
carry on about all the things he will teach you. If he had his way
you would be a mighty warrior like him and your aunt Xena. I on the
other hand want you to find your own path in life, just as I did.

When I was young, I yearned for adventure and excitement in my life.
All I wanted to do was write stories of heroes and legends. My dreams
came true the day I met Xena. She helped me find myself and every day
was an adventure. It was through her that I learned the ways of the
warrior and found confidence in my own skills. You also have Xena to
thank for my meeting your father.

When I first met Ares, he was a very different man than he is today,
but that is his story to tell. All I know is, that we saw something
in each other that no one else could see. I saw into the heart of war
and found a kind, funny soul. He looked into mine and found the peace
that he needed in his life. Together we complete each other and soon
you will complete our family.

Faith, my love, my child, as you grow and learn keep this forever in
your heart. Your Father and I love you from the here to the heavens
and beyond.

Always Loving
Mother"

Ares slowly approached the spot where he had left Gabrielle to write
her letter. As he drew closer he could hear her crying and rushed
forth.
"Gabrielle! What's wrong? Is it the baby? Is it time?"

She looked up into the face, she loved so well and smiling nodded her
head.

"It's time."