Lissia's Xena/Ares Fan Fiction
The rain beats
down on them mercilessly. Xena holds the
reigns of Argo in one hand and Gabrielle’s arm in the other. Joxer stumbles along behind them, trying to
use them as a shield and failing miserably.
“Xena, we can’t keep going in this storm, it’s going to kill us,”
Gabrielle yells over the howl of the wind.
As lightening strikes the ground to the far left of them, Argo rears,
eyes full of fear. Xena pulls on the
reigns, “Easy girl, it’s okay,” she says as comfortingly as possible. Gabrielle stares at her, “Xena! We have to get out of this!” Xena looks over at her friend, then turns to
see Joxer stumble behind them. “Help
Joxer! We’re almost there!” Gabrielle stops and grabs Joxer’s arm, “Xena
says we’re almost there,” she yells at him.
He nods, pitifully, “Where?
Corinth?” Gabrielle shakes her
head, “I don’t know.” She grabs Xena’s
arm, “Xena, where are we going?” Xena
pulls away and points at a cave entrance, then the building behind it. Gabrielle’s face goes pail, “The Halls of
War! Xena, we can’t! I can’t go in there and we don’t need Ares
involved in this,” she says imploringly.
Xena shakes her head, “We can’t make it to Corinth in this and we’ll die
if we stay out in it any longer. We have
no choice, it’s the closest and safest place for us right now. Don’t worry, we won’t need Ares and he
usually doesn’t stay on Earth any longer than he needs to, so we shouldn’t have
to worry about bumping into him,” she explains.
As they enter the cave, Xena ties Argo to a post, then continues towards
the entrance to the building. Gabrielle
runs up behind her, Joxer lightly leaning on her, “Xena, I don’t think they’re
going to let us stay here.” Xena smiles,
“Gabrielle, I still have power here. At
least if Padrocles is in charge tonight.”
“Who?” Joxer and Gabrielle
ask. Xena opens the door and a man runs
towards them, “You can not come in here.
Xena? Ares said you wouldn’t be
coming back here. He said you were mad
about the Hope thing. Look, I told him
it was a bad idea, but he wouldn’t listen.
He told me to go home until he called for me again. And a few days later he was pulling me back
in. So, why are you here? And who are
your friends? By the way, you look
horrible.” Gabrielle gives Xena a
confused look. Xena looks the man over
and clasps hands with him briefly, “Padrocles, it’s good to see you. I was hoping you would remember me. Truth is we need shelter from the storm, it’s
a killer,” she says. Padrocles eyes the
other two, “I can let you stay, but you know the rules, unless they have a
proper reason for being with you, they can’t stay. I can’t break the rules, not even for you,
Xena,” he says. Xena smiles, “Oh, they
have reason for being with me. The man,
he’s Joxer one of my chief body guards.
He’s injured at the moment, he can’t stay in that storm.” Joxer smiles proudly, then slumps back onto
Gabrielle. Padrocles nods at Gabrielle,
“And the girl? I don’t see what she has
to offer the mighty Xena.” Gabrielle
looks irritated, “I just happen to be her-.”
Xena cuts her off quickly, “Daughter.”
Gabrielle looks at her in shock and Joxer stifles a laugh. Xena raises an eyebrow, “We don’t have to
hide things from Padrocles, honey.” “She
doesn’t look like any daughter of yours,” the priest says, looking Gabrielle
over, “Not even a weapon on her.” “Gods
don’t need weapons,” Xena says stiffly.
Padrocles’ eyes go large, “God?
You mean Demi-God don’t you.”
Xena nods, “Yes and keep it down.”
“Why?” He asks, looking at
Gabrielle in reverence. Then he nods in
understanding, “You’re keeping her from Ares aren’t you?” Xena nods, “Yes, that’s right. Ares and I have had a little falling out and
I don’t want him to try to use her against me.”
An odd silence falls over them.
“Xena,” Gabrielle says, “We need to lay Joxer down. The wound on his side isn’t getting any
better.” Xena grimaces, remembering how
he’d gotten in the way of her Chakram when she was hunting a rabbit earlier
that morning, “Padrocles, is my room still in one piece?” He nods, “Yes, one clean piece for that
matter. Ares said you’d never come back,
but he insisted on cleaning your room.”
Her eyes flash, “He went through my things?” Padrocles shakes his head, “No, he just kept
it nice and clean. Let me get some help
for your body guard.” He motions to his
side and three women come out from a side door.
They grab Joxer and help him down the hallway. Xena watches him go and Padrocles pats her
arm, “It’s alright. He won’t be
far. Your daughter can have the room on
the left of yours, he’ll be next to her.”
Xena nods, “The room to the right of mine...Can I still get in
there?” He shrugs, “I would think so,
why?” Walking down the hall, Xena
responds, “Ares keeps my old armor in there.”
Gabrielle looks at her surprised, “Mom, I don’t think this is such a
good idea.” Xena smiles, “We’ll talk
about this later when we’re both dry.”
She turns back to Padrocles, “My horse is in the cave hall, please make
sure that she’s taken care of. Oh and
Padrocles, don’t tell Ares.” He laughs
behind her, “Still trying to save face, huh Xena?” Xena laughs uneasily, “Yeah, that’s just
about the bulk of it.”
Xena and Gabrielle enter her room and a strong scent washes over them. Xena smiles, then looks sad as she looks over her room. Gabrielle stands in awe, “This is your room? It’s so...clean and..” She trails off. “Beautiful,” Xena says quietly. Gabrielle nods and doesn’t go in until Xena has walked around and sat on the bed. Gabrielle walks in and looks in the closet, “Dresses? You never wear dresses.” She says. She goes to the dresser and starts to open the top drawer, Xena puts a hand out and closes it again. Gabrielle raises an eyebrow at her, then sits down, “This is hard for you, isn’t it?” Xena nods, “A little. I never thought I would be back here. And I never even dreamed that my room would still be in one piece.” Gabrielle laughs, “This whole place is like a shrine to you. Did you see the hallway leading down here? I swear, every tapestry had you in it. He must have really loved you.” Xena laughs bitterly, “He loved what I did, not me,” she says. “Then why does he obsess over you so much? Xena it’s more than the battles, it’s you. And it’s more than possession, it’s love. I can see it, I can feel it.” Xena laughs it off, “How did I ever manage to raise such an insightful daughter?” Gabrielle looks irritated, “Yeah, about that...How are we going to give the impression that I’m a Demi-God and where did that come from anyway?” Xena blushes, “It’s all I could think of on short notice. Look you’ll break a few vases, throw a temper tantrum. Don’t worry, Padrocles wants to believe me,” she says lightly. Gabrielle looks discouraged, “Xena, I don’t like being here. This is where Hope was reborn. I can feel so much darkness here.” Xena shrugs, “It’s not darkness, Gabrielle. It’s power and danger and,” she stops, then continues quietly, “and love.” Gabrielle raises an eyebrow, “Mom! So, you’re admitting I’m right?” She asks, glancing quickly at the door. Xena nods, “Once upon a time, yes, there was love.” “And it was amazing,” Padrocles says from the door. Xena throws a pillow at him and he catches it easily, “Your horse, amazing animal by the way, is in the stables. Now, you two are leaving puddles, why don’t you change. Mistress Gabrielle, follow me. I’ll take you to your room and find you some clothes. Xena, you know your way around, I’m sure. If you need anything, I should be in the main hall.” Xena nods, “Thanks. Go on Gabrielle, I’ll catch up with you later.” As they leave, Xena sighs and looks around the room, amazed by how nothing had changed. She goes over to a wall and looks fondly at a crocked picture of her and Ares on the wall. She smiles remembering when Aphrodite gave that to her at a masked ball on Olympus. She straightens it, then goes to the closet. She opens it and examines the clothes, noticing how they all still smell the same. She grabs a simple black one and drapes it on. She grabs a towel and rings her hair out, the tussles it a bit and leaves the room. She walks into the room on her right. When she opens the door, she falls back a little, amazed by how nothing had changed. She walked in and was taken aback by a tapestry on the wall. It was of her, but not as she used to be when she was with him, but of how she is now. She stares at it, thinking how right Gabrielle had been. She laughs a little, then jerks when there’s a flash of light beside her. She turns and sees Ares with his back towards her. “Padrocles, get out. I’ve asked you not to come in here,” he says, not turning to look at her. She sighs and walks out of the door quietly. She runs into the main room and grabs Padrocles by the arm, “You didn’t tell me he would be here!” Padrocles shrugs, “Xena, he’s a God, he goes where he wants to. Not all of us can have him as trained as you do.” She laughs, “Alright, he thinks you were just in his room, so cover for me, alright?” He nods and she smiles as she walks back to her room. She quietly tip toes in front of his room, then rushes into her own. Quietly she shuts the door and leans against it. She hears heavy foot steps coming down the hall and they stop in front of her room. Her eyes widen and she runs into the closet, bringing her stuff with her, thinking, ‘Oh Gods, I hope he doesn’t look in here. What is he doing, following me?’ Se quietly sits on the floor, close to the door so she can hear everything that goes on.
Ares walks into the room and looks around. His eyes land on a tapestry on the wall and he walks over and adjusts it, so that it’s crooked again, “Looks like Padrocles was in here too. I’m going to have to have a talk with him. It seems that he’s forgetting his place.” He sits on the bed and puts his head in his hands, “India,” he says softly. Xena shifts and looks out the peek hole. Gabrielle walks to the room and seeing him inside, quickly walks back to her room. Ares doesn’t notice a thing. He gets up and walks to the window and sits on the sill, “India. Why in Tarturus did she go to India? Why did she die there?” Xena chokes back a gasp, but his head shoots up and stares directly at the closet. She curses herself, then stands up and opens the door, letting herself slip out of it slowly. He stares at her, his face starch white, “You’re dead.” Xena smiles and walks to her dresser to open a drawer. He rushes over and puts a hand over the drawer to keep it shut, “You’re an imposter.” She walks over to the tapestry and smiles at it as she fixes it yet again. He watches as she walks around the bed, then sits on the bed. He begins to sit next to her, but she gets up and walks over to the dresser again, this time not trying to open anything. He stares at her, “What are you?” She sighs and smiles softly, “I’m Xena.” He looks away, “Xena is dead, she died in India fighting evil with her little friend.” Xena comes over and sits by him, “Then what am I?” She asks. She notices how cold she was as his hand caresses his cheek. He jerks it away, “A figment of my imagination.” Padrocles stands at the door, “M’Lord, I’m sorry, but she’s no figment.” Ares stares over at her, “Then a ghost.” Xena smiles and walks out of the room, “If that’s what you think, Ares.” She passes Padrocles and puts a hand on his arm, “Let him follow me,” she whispers. He nods, then turns to Ares, “M’Lord, M’Lady Xena’s ghost is getting away.” Ares fumes, but leaves the room, as he walks he notices that the bed was wet where she’d been sitting. He watches Xena go, then appears in front of her. He reaches out and touches her cheek again, but she jerks away giving him an icy stare. “Xena,” he says, almost not believing it. She nods slightly, “Bad weather,” she says shortly. He smiles and wraps his arms around her. She jerks away, staring at him as though he were possessed, “Do not touch me.” He raises an eyebrow, “Are you still mad over the Hope thing? Get off of it already, we all make mistakes.” Padrocles watches as Gabrielle walks past them, “Hi Mom, hi Dad,” she says, biting back a laugh. Gabrielle goes to stand by Padrocles and they walk off talking about Joxer’s wound. Ares stares after them, then looks at Xena expectantly, “What in Tarturus was that about? And what happened to her?” Xena laughs, then grows serious, “I had to find a way for Padrocles to let her stay and that was the first thing that came to mind. And as for what happened to her, India happened. She met a man named Eli and together they embraced this ‘Way of Love,’ so now she won’t fight, not even to defend herself.” Ares nods, “I was talking about her hair, but thanks for all the information. I’m guessing you just needed to vent.” Xena blushes, “Alti was trying to hurt her, my Chakram kind of cut her hair off so Alti wouldn’t have a hold of her,” she says quietly. His eyes grow wide, “So it’s true. Alti was there. Is she gone now?” Xena nods, “I think so. So, why did you think I was dead?” He shrugs, “Rumor all the way from India.” She raises an eyebrow expecting more. He gives in, “I lost my connection with you while you were in India. I thought only death could cause that. I thought Indrajit had killed you.” Xena shakes her head, “Divine intervention.” He looks at her questioningly. She continues, “Krishna.” He nods, then grabs her arm as she walks away, “Where do think you’re going?” She stares at him coldly, “To bed. We’re staying until morning. Then Gabrielle, Joxer and myself are going to Corinth. Hercules is having a party for King Iphicles, something to celebrate his coronation, I believe. Private party, family and friends only, I’m sure you’re not invited,” she says harshly. He lets her go, “Sleep well. Nice to know you’re still alive.” Xena walks to her room, a look of guilt on her face, ‘Don’t turn around,’ she thinks to herself.
Xena walks into her room and sees Gabrielle sitting on the bed, fingering a necklace. She looks over at the dresser and sees the drawer open. “Xena, this is beautiful,” she says, holding up a necklace with a Chakram and sword pendent on it. Xena snatches it away and drops it into the drawer, slamming it shut. Gabrielle eyes her cautiously, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Xena nods slowly, “I know. It’s just hard enough for me to be here. I didn’t want to see some of those things,” she says, motioning to the drawer. Gabrielle nods, “Did he give those to you?” She nods, distracted, then says, “Yes, but that was a long time ago. Things are different now.” She sighs, then continues, “Go get some sleep. We’re leaving in the morning. I want to get to Corinth tomorrow evening.” Gabrielle nods, “Are you sure we’re still safe here?” Xena nods, “We’re safe.” Gabrielle looks away, then walks to her room.
Watching Gabrielle leave, Xena lets out a sigh and falls onto the bed. Quickly, she gets up and closes the door then goes to the dresser. She opens the drawer and looks at a few of the articles in it. A smile graces her face as she runs a hand over a few of the items. She lets her hand rest on the one that Gabrielle had found. She takes it out and holds it in front of her face, smiling sadly. She growls at it then tosses it at the door. Ares appears just inside her room and catches it. He looks at it and raises an eyebrow at Xena, “Don’t like it anymore?” He asks sarcastically. Xena walks over and snatches it away from him, “Go away.” She opens the drawer and tosses it in, then slams the drawer shut. Ares stares at her, “A little tense?” She shoots him a murdering glare, “You’re still here?” He walks over to her as she slams the drawer again, frustrated that it didn’t shut the first time. He puts his hand over the drawer and gently shuts it, “Some things react better to a gentle touch, Xena. I thought you would know that by now.” She glares at him and he bounces onto the bed, “So, Gabrielle is our daughter? I would have never guessed. So tell me, where does she get her looks from? I mean her smart mouth came from you or maybe me...maybe both on that one. Her conviction from life I suppose I could blame on you and her mood swings, well I can imagine that those came from me. But, where did she get her looks?” Xena smiles and can’t help but laugh, “Must of been from your side of the family. Everyone in your family looks different. I mean compare you to Aphrodite.” He laughs and then an awkward silence falls over them. “Leave,” Xena says gently, “I’m tired.” He smirks at her, “I own the Halls of Walls, not you. That means I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. Which means I can stay here, with you.” She growls at him, “You might own all this, but you don’t own me which means I can go somewhere else.” He smiles, “You could, but I would follow you.” “You’re just trying to get on my nerves, aren’t you?” She asks, hostility in her gaze. He looks thoughtful for a moment, then sarcastically says, “Yes.” She glares at him again, then grabs her Chakram from beside the bed and throws it at him. He reaches out and grabs it, “Nice try. Well, sense you’re going to be a b-.” She cuts him off with an evil glare. He continues, “Sense you don’t want me here, I guess I’ll leave.” She smiles and slams the door behind him as he leaves. She sinks onto the bed again and absently throws a dagger at the door. It goes through the door, leaving only the handle showing. She curls up on the bed and tries to sleep, but can’t. She gets up and goes to Gabrielle’s room. She looks in and finds her friend sleeping peacefully. She goes to check on Joxer and the priestess tells her that he’s fine. She huffs in discouragement and goes to the main hall. Seeing Ares there talking with Padrocles, she turns and leaves, heading back to her room. She passes Ares door quickly, then doubles back and smiles. She walks in and quickly scans the room. She finds a trunk by the side of his bed and she opens it quietly. Inside she finds an old set of armor and leather. She looks it over and seeing that it was in fine shape, she takes it and the whole trunk back to her room.
In her room, Xena sets the trunk on the bed and removes a few items. She looks into the closet and sighs, “My leather won’t be dry for a month.” She lays her old leather on the bed and smiles at the similarities between the dry and wet one. She removes the armor and looks discouraged, “I can’t wear this,” she says quietly to herself. She fingers it lightly and remembers trying to kill Hercules while wearing it. She sets it aside and pulls out a heavy blanket with something inside of it. She removes the blanket and looks at the sword that it was protecting. She holds it up and runs a finger over the blade, amazement flickers across her face when it draws blood. She grabs a towel from the bed stand and wraps it around her finger. She rewraps the sword and sets it aside with the armor. It seems that’s all that’s in the box, but she knows better. She puts a finger under the red velvet bottom and pulls it up. It lifts easily and she gazes at what it was hiding. A black box lies in the bottom of the trunk. She takes it out, almost afraid of it, then opens it. Inside is a necklace, a thick chain necklace with his medallion on it. She sighs and closes the box, then puts it back in the bottom. She replaces the bottom of the box and puts the armor and sword back in. She sets the leather aside and puts her armor by the window, hoping it will dry. She picks up the box and turns to the door. Ares is standing there, watching her, “You shouldn’t leave your door open. And that’s called stealing.” She puts the box down, “How long have you been there?” He shrugs, “I watched you put the armor and sword back in the trunk, which is mine.” She wrinkles her nose, “It’s my stuff and I have to have something to wear tomorrow. That’s part of the reason why we stopped here, instead of in a cave.” He nods, “I know. You also stopped here because you wanted to see me, but that’s besides the point.” She grabs a dagger and throws it at him, “You are so full of yourself.” He catches the dagger and walks over to her. He places it on the bed, then grabs the trunk, “If you don’t mind I’ll return this to were you stole it from.” Anger flashes through her eyes as he turns his back on her. She grabs the dagger and throws it at his back. It hits him in the middle of the back and she stifles a laugh as he turns to give her an annoyed glance. He walks out of the room and Xena falls onto the bed laughing. Then the laughter stops, “Bacchaea bites! He has my dagger now. Damn him! He planned that!” She rushes out of the room, hoping to find him in the hall still. Disappointment and resentment fill her eyes, when she realizes she has to go into his room, with him there. She rolls her eyes and swings the door open. He looks out from the closet, dagger in hand, “You could have been walking in on something.” She marches over to him and holds her hand out expectantly. He looks at it, then at the dagger in his hand, “Do you want this back?” He asks sarcastically. She nods and reaches to snatch it from him. He pulls it back and she glares at him, “Ares, I want my dagger back, now.” He smiles, “You have no manners. First, you throw it at my back and now you demand it back. You need to work on that.” “Oh yeah, and your manners are just perfect,” she says sarcastically. He nods, “They are.” He hands her the dagger and gently kisses her hand, “Good night, Xena.” Her heart flutters slightly, then a coolness fills her eyes, before he notices that she had lost it. She snatches her hand away, “Thank you,” she says harshly. He smiles as she walks out of his room.
Xena walks into her room on shaky legs, “Damn him!” She yells throwing the dagger at the headboard of her bed. She paces for a few minutes, then removes the first dagger from the door and the second from the bed. She lays down and buries herself under the blankets muttering crude comments about the God of War.
Xena wakes in the morning and lashes out at the person sitting on her bed. Ares catches her arm and forces it back down, “Not quite the morning person, are you?” She uncovers herself and sits up, pushing him away from her. He moves slightly, but then moves closer to her once she’s sitting up, “Our little baby girl is eating in the main room. She has been for the past hour. Are you sure she’s not pregnant?” Xena slaps him across the face and gets out of bed, “Why won’t you just leave me alone?” He shrugs, “You want me here. After all you were the one who came here and decided to stay here. And you were the one who told the bard that it was safe here, which means I’m safe. I have yet to decide if I’m honored or offended by that.” She slips off the dress, unaware of his eyes being glued on her. She pulls on her now dry tunic and leather bodice. She starts to put on her armor and he comes up behind her and clasps a few of the latches together. She jerks away, “I’m leaving,” she says, collecting her things. He watches her walk out the door, then calls after her, “Xena, I never thought you were the type for a one night stand. It’s quite shocking.” He hears her frustrated growl and the crash of a vase. He smiles in satisfaction, then lounges back on the bed.
Xena walks into the main room, grabs a piece of chicken, and grabs Gabrielle’s arm, “We’re leaving,” she says, chicken in her mouth. Gabrielle nods and helps Joxer stand. She grabs a few extra pieces of food and gives Padrocles a hug, “Thanks for breakfast. It was amazing.” He nods, “Come back anytime Mistress Gabrielle.” She blushes slightly and helps Joxer walk out of the room. Padrocles comes up to Xena, “There’s an extra horse with yours. Take her, she’s a gift. Ares thought she might be helpful. You sure have pulled a number on him this time.” Xena looks irritated, then softens her gaze for the older man, “I’ll try to come back and visit you a bit more often. Oh by the way, there’s a broken vase or two in the hallway by my room.” He smiles, “Nothing new there. I’m sure it was just something Athena made him. Those are usually the ones he puts near your room.” They both laugh, then Xena grabs another piece of chicken, clasps his hand and heads to the door. “Xena,” she hears from behind her. A scowl covers her face and she turns to see what Ares wants. He smiles and tosses a box at her, then walks down the hall, to his room. She stares after him, then looks at Padrocles questioningly. He shrugs and motions for her to open it. She looks it over and smiles at the red ribbon tied around it. She puts it in her bag and walks out the door. Padrocles stares after her, smiling slightly. Ares appears beside him, “Did she throw it back?” Padrocles shakes his head, “No, but she didn’t open it either. Actually she smiled.” Ares nods, “Good. Her and my daughter left some wet items in their rooms, take care of them. I have to deal with things.” The priest brazenly grabs his arm. Ares turns, a little surprised and putting on a show of anger, “Yes?” Padrocles stumbles on his words at first, then says, “Is it true what your daughter says? Do you really love Xena?” Ares sighs and a nearby vase explodes, then his shoulders drop and he walks to his room. Padrocles watches him go, “I thought so,” he says quietly as he cleans up the mess the vase made.
Xena watches as Gabrielle mounts their new horse, then they both help Joxer get up behind her. Seeing that he was secure, she mounts Argo in one swift movement. “We should be at Corinth by dinnertime. Maybe a little before if we don’t have to stop too often,” she says. Gabrielle looks over at her, concerned, as they trot away from the Halls of War, “Xena, are you alright?” Joxer adds in his two dinars worth, “Yeah, you look irritated.” Xena shoots them a dirty look, then softens her gaze, “I had a rough night. And this morning wasn’t much better,” she says, reaching into her bag to remove the box. She thinks of tossing it on the ground, but doesn’t when she sees Gabrielle and Joxer staring at her. She puts it back in her bag, slightly embarrassed, “Gift,” she says shortly, kicking Argo into a gallop. Gabrielle catches up with her and they continue to ride in silence.
They stop to eat and Gabrielle grabs Joxer by the arm, “Xena, Joxer and I are going to go fill the water skins. I’ll try to find some berries for the road.” Joxer looks at her confused and she says quietly, “Xena won’t open it with us around.” He nods and follows Gabrielle out of the camp, leaning on a strong stick as he goes. Xena watches them go, knowing why they left. She removes the box and turns it over in her hands a couple of times. She shakes it gently and hears a light clinking noise. She holds it in one hand and notices it doesn’t weigh much. Looking discouraged, she fingers the ribbon, enjoying it’s velvety feel against her hands. She begins to pull on it, but stops and puts it back in her bag. She walks around the little camp site and collects all of their things. She packs their things onto the horses backs and waits for Gabrielle and Joxer to return. They soon do and they are immediately off again. Gabrielle looks over at her friend and sees the determined, yet disturbed look on her friend’s face. She whispers to Joxer, “She didn’t open it yet.” Xena leans over, “No, I didn’t. And I don’t think I will. Whatever it is, it came from Ares and therefor can not be good.” Gabrielle shrugs, “From what I saw in your room, he has good taste in jewelry.” Xena shoots her a very dirty look, then centers herself on the saddle and gallops off. “We’re not far now. Only a few more hours until we get there,” she yells back at Gabrielle and Joxer who are starting to catch up with her. “Xena, you should at least take a look at it,” Gabrielle yells. Xena hears her, but decided to ignore her, although she had already decided that she was going to open it later.
They ride into Corinth with Xena in the lead. Most turn to stare at her and she forces herself to look away from them. She looks over at Gabrielle, “I shouldn’t be here,” she says, stroking Argo’s mane. Gabrielle smiles awkwardly, “Xena, things will be alright. You’re different now and a guest of Hercules’, things will be alright.” Xena sighs, “Yeah, just don’t say my name too loud.” They find Hercules sitting outside of the palace. “Hi Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer,” he says to them, “How did you manage to get through the storm?” “We stayed in the Halls of War,” Joxer blurts out. “You what?” Hercules asks, spitting out a piece of apple. Xena dismounts and leads Argo through the gate, refusing to make eye contact with him. She bats at a man who tries to take Argo’s reigns from her and Hercules grabs her arm as she reaches for her Chakram, “Easy Xena. He’s a stable hand.” Xena sighs and takes her stuff off of Argo’s saddle, tossing it over her shoulder as if it weighs nothing. A box falls out of the bag and Hercules begins to pick it up, but Gabrielle gets to it first. She shoves it back in Xena’s bag with an innocent smile. He looks her over, “This is a new look for you.” Gabrielle smiles, then her smile grows wider when she sees Iolaus. She runs up to him and gives him a hug. He looks at her oddly, then turns to Hercules and points at her, shrugging. Hercules take Gabrielle’s arm, “This is, uh, Iolaus, but he’s from a different dimension. A very different dimension.” Gabrielle looks him over, “Oh, that does explain the outfit.” Xena walks over and puts a hand on Iolaus’ shoulder. He turns to her and fear invades his eyes. Xena looks at Hercules and raises an eyebrow, then sets the matter aside, “Where’s the King?” She asks. “Right here,” a voice says from the door to the palace. Xena turns, anger in her eyes and when they land on Iphicles she flips up the steps and puts the pinch on him, “You sick bastard,” she yells. She watches as his nose starts to bleed, then takes it off, looking confused. Hercules has caught up to her by now and he grabs her arm harshly, “Xena, calm down.” “But he-,” she starts. Hercules nods, “Yeah, I know.” He turns to Iphicles and gives him a hand up, “She thought you were someone else. Why she used the pinch, I don’t know.” He looks at Xena and she shrugs, “Habit,” she says lightly. She walks past Iphicles and clasps hands with Jason, keeping as much space between her and the King as possible. Gabrielle walks up the steps, with Ioloas helping Joxer, and looks the King over, “Amazing,” she breathes, “He looks just like-.” Hercules cuts her off, “Yeah, I know.” Iphicles stares at Hercules questioningly. Hercules explains, “They have an interesting relationship with Ares, especially Xena, and well, you kind of resemble him.” Joxer looks up, exhaustion in his face, “I thought we left this guy this morning,” he says falling forward. Hercules picks him up gently, noticing the deep gash on his side. He carries Joxer inside and sets him on a padded couch. Xena kneels down next to him and curses, “Damn! He’s bleeding again. Someone get me a moist rag and some bandages.” A girl hands the things to her. Xena, without looking away from Joxer says, “Thanks. That’s all I need.” The woman huffs slightly and Hercules comes up to her, “Don’t worry Queen Rena, Xena here will show proper respect when she’s done with Joxer,” he says forcefully. Xena rolls her eyes, “Sorry Rena, but I am a little preoccupied. And I happen to think that Joxer’s life is more important than showing respect to royalty,” she says, using a pressure point on Joxer’s side. Gabrielle pulls Hercules aside, “She’s a little cranky. She didn’t sleep well last night and her morning wasn’t the most relaxing either.” Hercules nods, “Yes, I’m sure my brother tortured her all night.” “Not quite,” Xena says, walking past them to a warm basin of water. She dunks her hands in and scrubs the blood off of them. She turns to look at Hercules and dries her hands absently on his shirt, “Take Joxer someplace where he can rest,” she orders. Hercules rolls his eyes, amazed to be taking orders from her, then picks up Joxer, “Why don’t you two follow me, I’ll show you to your room.” Xena nods, grabs her stuff which she had dropped by the door and follows him up the stairs.
Xena and Gabrielle walk into a large room and set their things down. “Joxer will be next door with Autolycus. I’m sure they’ll get along just fine,” Hercules says. Xena sits on the bed, head in hands, ignoring Hercules. Gabrielle perks up, “Autolycus is here? In the palace as a guest?” Hercules laughs and motions for her to follow him to the next room, “So far, nothing has gone missing.” They both laugh and walk into the room. Xena can hear them laughing and talking with each other and she considers joining them. She looks up at the open door and sees Iphicles standing there. Without thinking she throws a dagger at him. He dodges it, “I don’t think I’m going to let Hercules invite his friends over anymore, at least not his female ones.” Xena blushes slightly, “Sorry,” she says shortly. When he doesn’t leave, she looks back up at him, “Yes?” He shakes his head, “Sorry, I just thought I would get an explanation for all the hostility you’re showing me. Are you always this cranky?” Her eyes flash and she reaches for a dagger, but a hand is holding her wrist down. She turns to see Ares behind her and when she looks back at the door, Iphicles has left. “Xena, you’re making a bad impression on the King,” he says, letting her hand go. She turns around and punches him, then walks out of the room, searching for someone to either talk to or kill. Storming down the hall, she runs into Hercules and pushes him aside, “I’m not in the mood for you,” she says. He grabs her arms in a vice grip, “That’s too bad. We need to talk.” She huffs and jerks away, “Fine, talk.” He looks her over, “What is wrong with you today? You’re usually testy, but not this testy. Did Ares do something to you?” She growls, unable to answer, then says, “No.” “Then what’s wrong Xena?” He asks, wrapping an arm around her. She jerks away, not wanting male comfort, especially from him, “Nothing, I just need to work out a few kinks that’s all.” She spins from him and heads towards her room, telling herself that a nice sword workout will fix everything.
She slams the door shut, then jumps when a vase falls to the floor. She winces a little, then shrugs it off and grabs her sword. She aimlessly starts to parry unseen blows until she gives it up and falls onto the bed, punching a pillow. She tosses her bag to the floor and watches as the box comes tumbling out. Despite herself, she smiles and picks it up. She goes to the balcony and starts the throw it, but stops herself and returns to the bed. Carefully she removes the ribbon and sets the box aside. She uses it to tie her hair back and smiles in satisfaction, “At least that solves one problem,” she says, happy that her hair isn’t falling in her face anymore. She stares down at the box, uncertainty in her gaze. She picks it up and slowly lifts the lid. A gasp escapes her mouth when she sees the necklace. She removes the silver, ruby studded necklace from the box and holds it up to her neck. She smiles at her reflection in the mirror, then huffs back to the bed, “Come on Xena, get a hold of yourself,” she says aloud, laying it back in the box. “Why? It’s beautiful,” Gabrielle says from the doorway. Xena gives her an annoyed glare, but that melts off of her face. Gabrielle looks it over and smiles, “There’s a big dinner tonight, you should wear it.” Xena rolls her eyes, “I won’t be going.” “You have to. Rena is taking us dress shopping. And I know you wear dresses, so you have to go,” Gabrielle says, urging Xena to the door.
Xena stands in the dress shop as Rena and Gabrielle fuss over a few dresses, trying to decide between them. “Xena, come here,” Gabrielle says. Xena rolls her eyes and walks over, “I already told you, the black one is fine for me.” Rena puts a hand on her shoulder, “Xena, it’s so simple. Wouldn’t you prefer something more like this?” She asks, motioning to a red, frilly dress. Xena shakes her head. Gabrielle comes up beside her and holds up a less frilly dress, “What about this?” Xena looks it over, trying to find a reason to not like the black, velvet, low cut dress Gabrielle was holding up for her. “Fine, you win. I’ll wear that.” Gabrielle smiles and holds up two more dresses, one pink, one blue, “Now, which one for me?” Xena rolls her eyes, points at the blue one and walks to stand by the door. Rena stares after her, “She’s not much for girly activities, is she?” Gabrielle shakes her head, “I’ve heard rumors that she used to be.” “And they’re all true, daughter,” Ares says, appearing behind her. Gabrielle jumps and Xena stalks out of the shop. Rena stares in amazement, “You look very similar to my husband.” Gabrielle stifles a laugh and sarcastically says, “Oh hi dad.” Rena’s eyes widen and Gabrielle explains, “Inside joke from last night.” She turns to Ares, “What do you want? You already put Xena in a killer of a mood.” He shrugs, “She’s fine, just a little irritated with herself for falling for me again. Did she like the necklace?” Gabrielle laughs, amazed to see the God of War interested in a necklace, “Yes, she liked it. She doesn’t like you very much though. She’s very bitter right now.” He nods, “I know, she’s been cursing my name all day.” He glances at the black dress in Gabrielle’s arms, “That can’t be for you.” She smiles, “No, it’s the nicest thing we can get Xena in.” He laughs and a leather bag appears, “Take that to her. Don’t worry, she’ll wear it,” he says, disappearing. Gabrielle scoops up the bag and refuses the instinct to look inside. Rena is staring at her questioningly. Gabrielle sighs, “He loves her. He won’t admit it, but he does.” They walk out of the shop, carrying a few bags, including the one Ares had left.
Xena watches as Gabrielle walks into the room. Gabrielle smiles and places a leather bag on the bed. Xena walks over and looks inside, curious over the bards smug expression. Her eyes light up momentarily, then cloud over with anger, “Where did you get this?” She ask, pulling out a long, silk, black dress with thin straps and a slanted hem on the skirt. Gabrielle shrugs, although her smile had grown sense seeing the dress, “It just popped up and I thought you would like it.” Xena gives her the ‘look’ and Gabrielle tells the truth, “Ares said you’d wear it after he gave it to me. I think he really loves you.” Gabrielle hops onto the bed, hoping to get Xena to talk about him, but is discouraged when Xena moves to stand on the balcony. Xena comes back in laughing bitterly, “You know, if he wasn’t so busy acting like a jerk all the time, I might actually believe that. Gabrielle, he’s the God of War and war doesn’t love. I learned that the hard way. I used to think there was something between me and him, but then he pretend to be my father and put Callisto in my body and then that whole mess with the Furies. I can forgive him for those things, he did those to me. I can’t forgive him for what he did with Hope and how that effected you.” Gabrielle sighs, “Eli says that we should forgive those who harm us.” “Yes and we should also turn the other cheek,” Xena snaps back. Gabrielle raises a hand to silence her, “I know you don’t agree with what Eli has taught me, but I think it can help you right now. Xena, I forgave him, I was actually joking with him in the store. Why can’t you try to get along with him?” Xena glances around the room, then sighs, defeated, “Alright, if it will make you happy. There’s nothing I can do right now though.” A glint fills the bard’s eyes, “I’m going to go get dressed with Queen Rena, she wants to do my hair, how I don’t know. Why don’t you invite him to come to the big dinner tonight? I’m sure Hercules won’t mind too much and if he does well, they’ll both behave with you there.” Xena’s eyes go wide, “Hercules already thinks I’m crazy, I don’t want to encourage that line of thinking.” Gabrielle shrugs and walks out of the room.
Xena sits on her bed looking over the dress and necklace until someone knocks on her door. “Come in,” she says, trying to make it look like she’d been doing something. Hercules comes in and sits on the bed, “Xena, I know what’s wrong.” Her eyes widen, but before she can reply, he continues, “Ares had one of the Gods put a spell on you, didn’t he?” Xena laughs, “No, just dealing with some old feelings, that’s all.” She can see jealousy burning in his eyes and lightly says, “Or maybe I actually like him.” Hercules jumps up and grabs her shoulders, hard enough to leave bruises, “You can not be serious.” “Why not?” She asks, jerking away from him, irritated with him for grabbing her. He looks around, trying to find a good argument, “Well, look at him! He’s Ares, God of War.” Xena nods, “Yes and he’s done terrible things to me and Gabrielle, but if Gabrielle can forgive him, then so can I, until he screws up again, if he screws up again.” “But he’s evil,” Hercules says, stressing the last word. Xena’s eyes flare, then they cool off, “Then you know that he’ll do something to piss me off real soon and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Hercules, I know you don’t like him, but I do, for now. So stop acting like a jealous school boy. It’s very unattractive.” Hercules looks mad and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The door shakes a little, the falls off of it’s hinges. Xena stifles a laugh as he stares at, then keeps walking.
Xena sits on the bed, still irritated with Hercules and a little irritated with herself. She can see people walking past her open room and staring at the broken door. ‘What an impression I’ve made,’ she thinks. “That’s for sure. The Queen hates you, the King thinks your possessed and Hercules thinks I have a spell on you. It’s all very interesting,” Ares says, standing in the doorway. He waves a hand over the fallen door and it rehinges itself. He smiles as it closes on it’s own. She glances up at him and smiles, “Thanks,” she says quietly. He raises an eyebrow and sits down next to her. A heavy silence falls over them. Xena looks over at him, confusion in her gaze, then says, “Gabrielle thinks you should go to this dinner with us tonight. I think she wants someone there who can hold me back if necessary.” Ares looks over at her, “Don’t need me for that. I’m sure Hercules will gladly hold you down, I mean back,” he says, staring at the bruises on her shoulders. She unconsciously rubs the bruises and flinches a little, “I can’t believe he did that.” “I’ll go kill him for you,” Are offers, standing up. Her eyes widen at his serious tone and she grabs his arm, pulling him back to sit on the bed, “No, no. That’s quite alright, I’ll deal with Hercules my way. So, are you coming to dinner with me?” He smiles at her, then sees a glint in her eyes, “This is part of dealing with Hercules your way, isn’t it?” She nods, “Yes, but I wouldn’t mind having your company, as long as you don’t act like an ass.” He pretends to think it over, “Okay, sounds like fun. Of course, we’re going to be late if you don’t hurry up.” There’s a knock on the door and she hears Hercules say, “It’s time for dinner, are you ready?” Ares smiles and snaps his fingers, clothing Xena in the dress and necklace that had been lying on the bed. He waves a hand over her and her hair piles on top of her head, a red sash appears around her waist, and blank heeled shoes appear. She glances in the mirror and smiles, then turns around giving him a dirty look. “What?” He asks innocently. She walks behind him and undoes his sword, letting it fall to the floor, “It just wasn’t appropriate for a dinner,” she says smiling. She looks him over again and shakes her head, “You look scruffy and you’re hiding something in your vest.” He smiles and snaps his fingers. A bright light surrounds him and when it fades, his hair is short and the beard is trimmed. He hands her a box, “I expect you to open this now.” She looks away from him and opens it. She chokes back a gasp as she stares at a ring, bracelet and earrings that match her necklace. She quickly puts them on. Ares watches her and then leans towards her ear, “Are we married?” He asks, fingering the ring on her left hand. She smiles, “No, but we’re doing this my way,” she says softly. As the door opens, she pulls him to her, passionately kissing him. He stands, shocked, eyes wide, then starts kissing her back, lifting her off the floor. “Ahem,” Hercules says from the door, murder in his voice. Xena pulls out of the kiss with a quiet gasp and looks at Hercules over Ares’ shoulder as the God begins to nibble on her neck. She sees the irritation and pure hatred in his gaze and she lets a look of pure passion spread over her features. Then she pushes Ares away slightly and he lets her feet touch the ground again, she hadn’t even noticed that she’d put them around his waist. A blush falls over her cheeks, “Uh, sorry Hercules. We’re, uh, ready.” Hercules stands in their way, “I don’t think so,” he says to Ares. Xena stands between them, sensing the hostility, and gives him a defiant look, “Gabrielle thought it would be a good idea. And after your performance earlier I began to think I might need protection from you,” she says, rubbing her shoulders lightly. She pushes past Hercules, dragging Ares behind her, who is smiling smugly at the Demi-God. A threat fills the God’s eyes and he leans over, “Touch her again like that and I will kill you,” he threatens quietly. He moves on and puts an arm around Xena’s waist, “I think it’s working,” he whispers, making it look like he’s nibbling her ear. She jerks away with a smile and rubs her ear lightly, then playfully pushes him. Hercules follows behind them, anger filling his eyes.
They reach the main hall and Xena quickly straightens her dress before entering. She looks around and all are silent as they look at the door to see her strolling in with the God of War. Hercules comes in behind them, anger in his very stance and then the muttering begins. Xena smiles and tugs on Ares to get him to walk over to Gabrielle, who’s staring in awe. Xena smiles at her, “Close your mouth or they might think you’ve never seen a God before.” Gabrielle laughs, “It’s not him, it’s you. You look stunning. How’d you get your hair to do that, you can’t even get it in a pony tail without me.” Xena blushes and looks around the room absently. Gabrielle looks at Ares, “You?” She questions unbelievingly. He nods, “I have many skills.” They all laugh as Xena hits him playfully. As she hits him, something catches Gabrielle’s eye and she reaches for Xena’s hand. She looks at the ring then back up at her friend, “I said give him a chance, I didn’t mean this much of a chance,” she says motioning at the ring. Xena laughs and pulls her closer, “Hercules irritated me, I’m getting back at him. The ring’s just there to help me, although it does look nice there, doesn’t it?” Gabrielle’s eyes widen, “Xena!” Ares smiles, “I happen to agree with Xena. Although I’m as shocked as you are, Gabrielle.” He moves closer to Xena and begins to nibble on her neck again. Gabrielle looks away, blushing and Xena bats at him lightly. He smiles, “Fine, fine. We have dinner first and then focus on dessert.” Gabrielle’s cheeks go redder and Xena can feel the heat in her own rising. Seeing Hercules watching them and within ear range, she seductively says, “That’s right,” and begins to walk to the table where most of the others are heading. Ares stands frozen for a minute, then catches up with her and pulls a chair out for her. She sits down and he starts to sit beside her, but moves to pull Gabrielle’s chair out for her. The bard’s eyes grow big and he smiles, “I have to make little brother look bad somehow.” She smiles up at him, feeling incredibly short and he sits down. Without looking at him, Xena reaches over and puts her hand on his upper thigh, grabbing it slightly. He jumps and slightly and hits the table. She stifles a laugh and winks at him. He glances around and sees Hercules coming up behind them. He stops behind Xena and leans over, “We need to talk,” he says. His eyes grow big when she doesn’t reply and he sees where her hand is, “Now.” Xena shushes him, “Go sit down. King Iphicles is trying to make a toast to Jason.” He huffs over to a chair and slumps down in it, glaring at Ares evilly. Gabrielle leans over, “Why is he so mad?” She asks quietly. Xena shushes her and smiles secretively, then she leans over and very quietly says, “He walked in on something and he doesn’t like where I have my hand.” Gabrielle’s eyes grow big and she whips around the stare at Xena, “What?” She asks a little too loudly. Xena laughs as everyone turns to stare at them. Gabrielle blushes, “Uh, sorry. I thought I saw a roach. Continue Your Majesty.” Iphicles nods at her, “As I was saying, today marks the three year anniversary of me being King. I would like to issue a toast to my step father, Jason, for giving me the chance to rule Corinth and for helping me to be a good leader. To Jason,” he says, holding out his glass. Everyone raises their glasses and then drink from them when he does. There’s cheering all around the table. Jason stands up and waves the cheering down, “Thank you. I would like to make a toast to family and friends. Without them, well, I wouldn’t be here today and Corinth would be in far less capable hands than those of Iphicles. I would also like to toast my wife, Alcmene, may she rest in peace.” There’s a brief pause and then he says, “Cheers,” and they all drink. He sits down and Rena places a hand over his comfortingly. Xena leans over to Ares to explain, “Jason and Alcmene were married on this day three years ago. She died not too long ago. He loved her very much.” Ares nods, “I know how he feels.” Xena looks over at him and sees the pure love and honesty in his eyes. She starts to move closer to him, but a servant comes and puts food on the table. A little flushed she looks away and turns to Gabrielle, grabbing her hand under the table, “You were right,” she whispers. Gabrielle smiles and quietly replies, “You owe me five dinars.” Xena shakes her head, knowing that there was no official bet and they laugh lightly. Ares pokes at the food, unsure of what to do with it. Xena looks at him, “Humor them, eat it,” she says. He wrinkles his nose at it, “What is it?” She looks down at her own plate and stares at the brown mush and crackers, “I don’t know.” She pokes it with her finger and licks her finger. She wrinkles her nose, “It’s disgusting.” He stares at the food and it disappears from their plates gradually as the others eat the mush. Xena smiles gratefully and turns to Gabrielle who’s putting it on a cracker and eating it, “Xena, do you know how expensive this stuff is?” Xena shakes her head, “No and I don’t care either. I think the town cats used to eat stuff that smelled like that.” Gabrielle takes a bite of her mush and cracker and wrinkles her nose. She picks up her napkin and fakes a cough so that she can spit it out. Xena laughs and Ares makes it disappear for her.
The rest of the dinner goes fine, although the event had been sobered up by Jason’s toast. Dinner came and went and it was time for dessert. By this time, most of the people had left the table to mingle. Gabrielle was among them. Before Xena knew it, Hercules was standing behind her. She sighs heavily and turns to stare at him, “Yes?” He grabs her arm and begins to pull her away from the table. She jerks away and Ares stands up, getting between them. Xena can feel the tension between the two and wraps her arms around Ares from behind, “He’s not worth it, not here, not now.” She absently lets her hands slip under his vest and she can feel him relax against her. He turns his back to his brother and sits back down, still slightly fuming. Xena moves up to Hercules, “Don’t touch me,” she says before returning to the table and stealing a piece of cake from Ares’ plate. He looks over at her and watches as she eats the cake, then shakes his head and gets another piece. She smiles, “Thanks,” and takes the second piece from him. Laughing, he grabs a third and offers it to her. She shakes her head and he starts to eat it. Hercules is still standing behind them and this irritates Xena. She grabs Ares’ hand and pulls him away from the food, forcing him to stand up. He quickly reaches back and grabs one last grape. He looks over at her as she leads him to the dance floor, “You can’t dance.” She raises an eyebrow, “But you can and I can match any move you make.” He places an arm around her waist and places one of hers on his shoulder. He takes her other hand, and almost nervously starts to dance. He breathes a sigh of relief as she wraps her arms around his neck and leans in on him. He moves towards her ear and nibbles it gently. She responds by gently biting his neck. He pulls back, surprised and looks into her eyes. She smiles and closes her eyes, letting her head rest on his shoulder. Hercules storms out of the room, his face bright red with fury. Ares smiles and leans into Xena more, “He’s gone, we can stop.” She doesn’t reply and he notices that she’d fallen asleep. He laughs a little and scoops her up. He carries her toward the door and motions for Gabrielle to come over, “I’ll take her upstairs. Don’t worry, I won’t stay. Tell her I had a fabulous time.” Gabrielle nods and squeezes his arm, “Thank you.” He nods at her and walks out of the room.
Ares lies Xena down on the bed, letting her hair fall down from the intricate design it was in. He replaces the dress and jewelry with a simple silk night gown. He slips the shoes off and tosses them to the other side of the room. Gently, he pulls the blankets up around her. She stirs a little and rolls onto her side. He smiles and bends over to kiss her cheek. He starts to stand up, but finds that he’s caught. He looks back at Xena to see her eyes open and staring at him. She smiles, “Don’t forget your sword,” she says kissing him lightly yet passionately. He pulls away, “Good night.” She nods, but doesn’t let go of his vest. He looks at her questioningly and sees her contemplating something. She bites her lips together lightly, then says, “Stay.” He shakes his head, “No, you don’t want that.” She tosses him over her, onto the bed and lands on top of him, pinning him down, “I don’t want Hercules interrupting my sleep and he will if I’m left alone. So stay, just until Gabrielle comes up.” She rolls off of him and settles into the bed, on her side again. She turns to see him still lying in place and smiles, “Don’t try anything.” He smirks at her and shakes his head, amazed by how she had caught him off guard, “I won’t,” he says, taking off his vest and wrapping an arm around her. “I’m serious,” she says, her back stiffening as he pulls her close to him. He nods against her back, “I know, nothing sexual, just trying to get comfortable.”
Gabrielle walks into the room she’s sharing with Xena and changes quietly, making sure not to wake up Xena. She crawls into the bed exhausted and starts to lie down until she notices that someone else is there. She looks over at Ares at gasps. He springs awake and stares at Gabrielle, “There’s a bad joke here, but I won’t be the one to say it,” he says quietly. She stares at him, eyes wide open. He looks at Xena and sees that she’s still asleep. He smiles at her sleeping form, then looks at Gabrielle, “She didn’t want me to leave until you got here. I’m leaving, don’t worry,” he whispers. Gabrielle nods, “Oh, okay,” a little uncomfortable. He smiles, kisses Xena’s cheek and Gabrielle’s hand, then disappears taking his sword and vest with him. Gabrielle reaches up to feel her cheeks and knows that they are bright red. She crawls under the blankets and moves around a little until she gets comfortable in the oversized bed. Finally she stretches out fully, on her stomach and falls asleep.
Xena wakes up and stretches a little then reaches behind her to find Gabrielle lying there, asleep. She smiles and walks onto the balcony, wrapping a silk robe around her as she walks. She looks down at it, wondering where it came from, then smiles in recognition. The wind catches her hair and whips it to the side of her head. A few minutes later, Gabrielle is standing beside her in a similar robe, “Where did these come from?” Xena smiles over at her, “I’ll give you one guess,” she says. Gabrielle laughs, “Ares. You know, he scared me half to death last night. I walk in here, change and crawl onto the bed. And then, only then did I notice him here. And as if that wasn’t enough for my poor nerves, he kisses your cheek and my hand and disappears into thin air. Xena, what’s going on with him? Did you slip something into his drink last night?” Xena bursts into laughter and leans on the balcony railing for support, “No, this is how he used to be before I left. I’m amazed he kissed your hand though, he must have been in a really good mood.” Gabrielle looks her friend over and sees a look of happiness on her face, “Did he have a reason to be in a good mood?” She asks, glancing back at the bed, uncomfortable asking the question. Xena laughs, “Nothing happened, Gabrielle. He didn’t even get under the blankets with me. You know, that dinner last night was like so many others we had gone to in the past. Of course, those were hosted by his family and I was the only mortal, and they didn’t try to feed us cat food, and we never danced and usually something did happen that night.” Gabrielle gasps, “Xena!” Then she calms down, “So, was any of that part of your plan to get to Hercules?” Xena nods, “Yeah, except for the cat food, that was never in my plan. And I didn’t think I would actually fall in love with him.” Gabrielle smiles and looks up at her, “Love?” Xena nods, staring at the courtyard, “Yeah love. I was thinking of going back to the Halls of War for awhile, what do you think?” Gabrielle laughs, “That sounds like fun. Two things though.” Xena stares at her expectantly. She explains, “Let’s leave Joxer here, you two can not get sexual around me and we have to get Padrocles a present. Okay so it was three things.” Xena laughs and begins to change, “Alright, I’ll tell everyone that we’re leaving, you deal with the present, Mistress Gabrielle.” Gabrielle wrinkles her nose, then smiles, “I do kind of like being called that.”
As Xena and Gabrielle leave the palace, Hercules follows behind them, trying to talk Xena out of it. Finally she turns on him, “Listen, this is my life, not yours. And if you have a problem with what I’m doing, then don’t watch,” she says. He snaps, “But he’s Ares, the God of War!” Xena rolls her eyes, “Blow it out your rear, Hercules, I’m done here.” Hercules halts in his steps and watches as she struts down the steps with Gabrielle giggling at her side. He yells after her, “Gabrielle, talk some sense into her!” Gabrielle turns to look at him, “That’s Mistress Gabrielle to you!” Xena begins to laugh and they walk down the steps, arms around each other for support. Hercules watches them go and mount up, convinced that they will change their minds. As they ride off, he slams a fist into a pillar and it crumbles to the ground. Ares smiles from his vantage point at the top of the stairs and disappears as Hercules storms up the stairs and into the house, breaking the hinges on the door as he slams it behind him.
Padrocles jumps with joy as Xena and Gabrielle stroll through the door. He wraps them both in a tight embrace then looks behind them, “Where’s your chief body guard? He didn’t die did he?” Xena smiles, “No, he’s in Corinth, I don’t really need him anymore, I have a much better body guard,” she says, her eyes going past Padrocles to Ares who’s standing in the hallway entrance. Padrocles turns to follow her gaze and smiles at his God, “I knew it,” he says quietly. Gabrielle walks over to Padrocles and hands him an expensive bottle of wine. Padrocles looks at it sadly, “Mistress, I can’t, I mean, I’m not allowed-.” Gabrielle smiles, “Don’t worry, he’s not going to say anything to you about it. Just don’t drink it all in one sitting.” They turn to see Xena and Ares kissing in the hallway entrance. Padrocles smiles, “They’re back. Oh, things are going to be so much nicer around here.” Gabrielle wrinkles her nose, “Oh come on! The rules!” Xena pulls away slightly, “Padrocles, take Mistress Gabrielle to the baths and tell her a few stories about me and her father.” He nods and leads Gabrielle away. After they leave, Ares stares at her in disapproval, “You need to tell him the truth. It’s going to hit him eventually that’s she’s not our daughter.” Xena laughs and leads him to her bedroom, “We’ll break it to him...eventually,” she says. The door closes and everything goes black after they enter the room. All that can be heard is laughter and then the clangs of swords echo from the room. In the baths, Gabrielle and Padrocles smile in satisfaction, happy with the ending that is presenting itself in front of them.
Xena and Gabrielle enter her room and a strong scent washes over them. Xena smiles, then looks sad as she looks over her room. Gabrielle stands in awe, “This is your room? It’s so...clean and..” She trails off. “Beautiful,” Xena says quietly. Gabrielle nods and doesn’t go in until Xena has walked around and sat on the bed. Gabrielle walks in and looks in the closet, “Dresses? You never wear dresses.” She says. She goes to the dresser and starts to open the top drawer, Xena puts a hand out and closes it again. Gabrielle raises an eyebrow at her, then sits down, “This is hard for you, isn’t it?” Xena nods, “A little. I never thought I would be back here. And I never even dreamed that my room would still be in one piece.” Gabrielle laughs, “This whole place is like a shrine to you. Did you see the hallway leading down here? I swear, every tapestry had you in it. He must have really loved you.” Xena laughs bitterly, “He loved what I did, not me,” she says. “Then why does he obsess over you so much? Xena it’s more than the battles, it’s you. And it’s more than possession, it’s love. I can see it, I can feel it.” Xena laughs it off, “How did I ever manage to raise such an insightful daughter?” Gabrielle looks irritated, “Yeah, about that...How are we going to give the impression that I’m a Demi-God and where did that come from anyway?” Xena blushes, “It’s all I could think of on short notice. Look you’ll break a few vases, throw a temper tantrum. Don’t worry, Padrocles wants to believe me,” she says lightly. Gabrielle looks discouraged, “Xena, I don’t like being here. This is where Hope was reborn. I can feel so much darkness here.” Xena shrugs, “It’s not darkness, Gabrielle. It’s power and danger and,” she stops, then continues quietly, “and love.” Gabrielle raises an eyebrow, “Mom! So, you’re admitting I’m right?” She asks, glancing quickly at the door. Xena nods, “Once upon a time, yes, there was love.” “And it was amazing,” Padrocles says from the door. Xena throws a pillow at him and he catches it easily, “Your horse, amazing animal by the way, is in the stables. Now, you two are leaving puddles, why don’t you change. Mistress Gabrielle, follow me. I’ll take you to your room and find you some clothes. Xena, you know your way around, I’m sure. If you need anything, I should be in the main hall.” Xena nods, “Thanks. Go on Gabrielle, I’ll catch up with you later.” As they leave, Xena sighs and looks around the room, amazed by how nothing had changed. She goes over to a wall and looks fondly at a crocked picture of her and Ares on the wall. She smiles remembering when Aphrodite gave that to her at a masked ball on Olympus. She straightens it, then goes to the closet. She opens it and examines the clothes, noticing how they all still smell the same. She grabs a simple black one and drapes it on. She grabs a towel and rings her hair out, the tussles it a bit and leaves the room. She walks into the room on her right. When she opens the door, she falls back a little, amazed by how nothing had changed. She walked in and was taken aback by a tapestry on the wall. It was of her, but not as she used to be when she was with him, but of how she is now. She stares at it, thinking how right Gabrielle had been. She laughs a little, then jerks when there’s a flash of light beside her. She turns and sees Ares with his back towards her. “Padrocles, get out. I’ve asked you not to come in here,” he says, not turning to look at her. She sighs and walks out of the door quietly. She runs into the main room and grabs Padrocles by the arm, “You didn’t tell me he would be here!” Padrocles shrugs, “Xena, he’s a God, he goes where he wants to. Not all of us can have him as trained as you do.” She laughs, “Alright, he thinks you were just in his room, so cover for me, alright?” He nods and she smiles as she walks back to her room. She quietly tip toes in front of his room, then rushes into her own. Quietly she shuts the door and leans against it. She hears heavy foot steps coming down the hall and they stop in front of her room. Her eyes widen and she runs into the closet, bringing her stuff with her, thinking, ‘Oh Gods, I hope he doesn’t look in here. What is he doing, following me?’ Se quietly sits on the floor, close to the door so she can hear everything that goes on.
Ares walks into the room and looks around. His eyes land on a tapestry on the wall and he walks over and adjusts it, so that it’s crooked again, “Looks like Padrocles was in here too. I’m going to have to have a talk with him. It seems that he’s forgetting his place.” He sits on the bed and puts his head in his hands, “India,” he says softly. Xena shifts and looks out the peek hole. Gabrielle walks to the room and seeing him inside, quickly walks back to her room. Ares doesn’t notice a thing. He gets up and walks to the window and sits on the sill, “India. Why in Tarturus did she go to India? Why did she die there?” Xena chokes back a gasp, but his head shoots up and stares directly at the closet. She curses herself, then stands up and opens the door, letting herself slip out of it slowly. He stares at her, his face starch white, “You’re dead.” Xena smiles and walks to her dresser to open a drawer. He rushes over and puts a hand over the drawer to keep it shut, “You’re an imposter.” She walks over to the tapestry and smiles at it as she fixes it yet again. He watches as she walks around the bed, then sits on the bed. He begins to sit next to her, but she gets up and walks over to the dresser again, this time not trying to open anything. He stares at her, “What are you?” She sighs and smiles softly, “I’m Xena.” He looks away, “Xena is dead, she died in India fighting evil with her little friend.” Xena comes over and sits by him, “Then what am I?” She asks. She notices how cold she was as his hand caresses his cheek. He jerks it away, “A figment of my imagination.” Padrocles stands at the door, “M’Lord, I’m sorry, but she’s no figment.” Ares stares over at her, “Then a ghost.” Xena smiles and walks out of the room, “If that’s what you think, Ares.” She passes Padrocles and puts a hand on his arm, “Let him follow me,” she whispers. He nods, then turns to Ares, “M’Lord, M’Lady Xena’s ghost is getting away.” Ares fumes, but leaves the room, as he walks he notices that the bed was wet where she’d been sitting. He watches Xena go, then appears in front of her. He reaches out and touches her cheek again, but she jerks away giving him an icy stare. “Xena,” he says, almost not believing it. She nods slightly, “Bad weather,” she says shortly. He smiles and wraps his arms around her. She jerks away, staring at him as though he were possessed, “Do not touch me.” He raises an eyebrow, “Are you still mad over the Hope thing? Get off of it already, we all make mistakes.” Padrocles watches as Gabrielle walks past them, “Hi Mom, hi Dad,” she says, biting back a laugh. Gabrielle goes to stand by Padrocles and they walk off talking about Joxer’s wound. Ares stares after them, then looks at Xena expectantly, “What in Tarturus was that about? And what happened to her?” Xena laughs, then grows serious, “I had to find a way for Padrocles to let her stay and that was the first thing that came to mind. And as for what happened to her, India happened. She met a man named Eli and together they embraced this ‘Way of Love,’ so now she won’t fight, not even to defend herself.” Ares nods, “I was talking about her hair, but thanks for all the information. I’m guessing you just needed to vent.” Xena blushes, “Alti was trying to hurt her, my Chakram kind of cut her hair off so Alti wouldn’t have a hold of her,” she says quietly. His eyes grow wide, “So it’s true. Alti was there. Is she gone now?” Xena nods, “I think so. So, why did you think I was dead?” He shrugs, “Rumor all the way from India.” She raises an eyebrow expecting more. He gives in, “I lost my connection with you while you were in India. I thought only death could cause that. I thought Indrajit had killed you.” Xena shakes her head, “Divine intervention.” He looks at her questioningly. She continues, “Krishna.” He nods, then grabs her arm as she walks away, “Where do think you’re going?” She stares at him coldly, “To bed. We’re staying until morning. Then Gabrielle, Joxer and myself are going to Corinth. Hercules is having a party for King Iphicles, something to celebrate his coronation, I believe. Private party, family and friends only, I’m sure you’re not invited,” she says harshly. He lets her go, “Sleep well. Nice to know you’re still alive.” Xena walks to her room, a look of guilt on her face, ‘Don’t turn around,’ she thinks to herself.
Xena walks into her room and sees Gabrielle sitting on the bed, fingering a necklace. She looks over at the dresser and sees the drawer open. “Xena, this is beautiful,” she says, holding up a necklace with a Chakram and sword pendent on it. Xena snatches it away and drops it into the drawer, slamming it shut. Gabrielle eyes her cautiously, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Xena nods slowly, “I know. It’s just hard enough for me to be here. I didn’t want to see some of those things,” she says, motioning to the drawer. Gabrielle nods, “Did he give those to you?” She nods, distracted, then says, “Yes, but that was a long time ago. Things are different now.” She sighs, then continues, “Go get some sleep. We’re leaving in the morning. I want to get to Corinth tomorrow evening.” Gabrielle nods, “Are you sure we’re still safe here?” Xena nods, “We’re safe.” Gabrielle looks away, then walks to her room.
Watching Gabrielle leave, Xena lets out a sigh and falls onto the bed. Quickly, she gets up and closes the door then goes to the dresser. She opens the drawer and looks at a few of the articles in it. A smile graces her face as she runs a hand over a few of the items. She lets her hand rest on the one that Gabrielle had found. She takes it out and holds it in front of her face, smiling sadly. She growls at it then tosses it at the door. Ares appears just inside her room and catches it. He looks at it and raises an eyebrow at Xena, “Don’t like it anymore?” He asks sarcastically. Xena walks over and snatches it away from him, “Go away.” She opens the drawer and tosses it in, then slams the drawer shut. Ares stares at her, “A little tense?” She shoots him a murdering glare, “You’re still here?” He walks over to her as she slams the drawer again, frustrated that it didn’t shut the first time. He puts his hand over the drawer and gently shuts it, “Some things react better to a gentle touch, Xena. I thought you would know that by now.” She glares at him and he bounces onto the bed, “So, Gabrielle is our daughter? I would have never guessed. So tell me, where does she get her looks from? I mean her smart mouth came from you or maybe me...maybe both on that one. Her conviction from life I suppose I could blame on you and her mood swings, well I can imagine that those came from me. But, where did she get her looks?” Xena smiles and can’t help but laugh, “Must of been from your side of the family. Everyone in your family looks different. I mean compare you to Aphrodite.” He laughs and then an awkward silence falls over them. “Leave,” Xena says gently, “I’m tired.” He smirks at her, “I own the Halls of Walls, not you. That means I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. Which means I can stay here, with you.” She growls at him, “You might own all this, but you don’t own me which means I can go somewhere else.” He smiles, “You could, but I would follow you.” “You’re just trying to get on my nerves, aren’t you?” She asks, hostility in her gaze. He looks thoughtful for a moment, then sarcastically says, “Yes.” She glares at him again, then grabs her Chakram from beside the bed and throws it at him. He reaches out and grabs it, “Nice try. Well, sense you’re going to be a b-.” She cuts him off with an evil glare. He continues, “Sense you don’t want me here, I guess I’ll leave.” She smiles and slams the door behind him as he leaves. She sinks onto the bed again and absently throws a dagger at the door. It goes through the door, leaving only the handle showing. She curls up on the bed and tries to sleep, but can’t. She gets up and goes to Gabrielle’s room. She looks in and finds her friend sleeping peacefully. She goes to check on Joxer and the priestess tells her that he’s fine. She huffs in discouragement and goes to the main hall. Seeing Ares there talking with Padrocles, she turns and leaves, heading back to her room. She passes Ares door quickly, then doubles back and smiles. She walks in and quickly scans the room. She finds a trunk by the side of his bed and she opens it quietly. Inside she finds an old set of armor and leather. She looks it over and seeing that it was in fine shape, she takes it and the whole trunk back to her room.
In her room, Xena sets the trunk on the bed and removes a few items. She looks into the closet and sighs, “My leather won’t be dry for a month.” She lays her old leather on the bed and smiles at the similarities between the dry and wet one. She removes the armor and looks discouraged, “I can’t wear this,” she says quietly to herself. She fingers it lightly and remembers trying to kill Hercules while wearing it. She sets it aside and pulls out a heavy blanket with something inside of it. She removes the blanket and looks at the sword that it was protecting. She holds it up and runs a finger over the blade, amazement flickers across her face when it draws blood. She grabs a towel from the bed stand and wraps it around her finger. She rewraps the sword and sets it aside with the armor. It seems that’s all that’s in the box, but she knows better. She puts a finger under the red velvet bottom and pulls it up. It lifts easily and she gazes at what it was hiding. A black box lies in the bottom of the trunk. She takes it out, almost afraid of it, then opens it. Inside is a necklace, a thick chain necklace with his medallion on it. She sighs and closes the box, then puts it back in the bottom. She replaces the bottom of the box and puts the armor and sword back in. She sets the leather aside and puts her armor by the window, hoping it will dry. She picks up the box and turns to the door. Ares is standing there, watching her, “You shouldn’t leave your door open. And that’s called stealing.” She puts the box down, “How long have you been there?” He shrugs, “I watched you put the armor and sword back in the trunk, which is mine.” She wrinkles her nose, “It’s my stuff and I have to have something to wear tomorrow. That’s part of the reason why we stopped here, instead of in a cave.” He nods, “I know. You also stopped here because you wanted to see me, but that’s besides the point.” She grabs a dagger and throws it at him, “You are so full of yourself.” He catches the dagger and walks over to her. He places it on the bed, then grabs the trunk, “If you don’t mind I’ll return this to were you stole it from.” Anger flashes through her eyes as he turns his back on her. She grabs the dagger and throws it at his back. It hits him in the middle of the back and she stifles a laugh as he turns to give her an annoyed glance. He walks out of the room and Xena falls onto the bed laughing. Then the laughter stops, “Bacchaea bites! He has my dagger now. Damn him! He planned that!” She rushes out of the room, hoping to find him in the hall still. Disappointment and resentment fill her eyes, when she realizes she has to go into his room, with him there. She rolls her eyes and swings the door open. He looks out from the closet, dagger in hand, “You could have been walking in on something.” She marches over to him and holds her hand out expectantly. He looks at it, then at the dagger in his hand, “Do you want this back?” He asks sarcastically. She nods and reaches to snatch it from him. He pulls it back and she glares at him, “Ares, I want my dagger back, now.” He smiles, “You have no manners. First, you throw it at my back and now you demand it back. You need to work on that.” “Oh yeah, and your manners are just perfect,” she says sarcastically. He nods, “They are.” He hands her the dagger and gently kisses her hand, “Good night, Xena.” Her heart flutters slightly, then a coolness fills her eyes, before he notices that she had lost it. She snatches her hand away, “Thank you,” she says harshly. He smiles as she walks out of his room.
Xena walks into her room on shaky legs, “Damn him!” She yells throwing the dagger at the headboard of her bed. She paces for a few minutes, then removes the first dagger from the door and the second from the bed. She lays down and buries herself under the blankets muttering crude comments about the God of War.
Xena wakes in the morning and lashes out at the person sitting on her bed. Ares catches her arm and forces it back down, “Not quite the morning person, are you?” She uncovers herself and sits up, pushing him away from her. He moves slightly, but then moves closer to her once she’s sitting up, “Our little baby girl is eating in the main room. She has been for the past hour. Are you sure she’s not pregnant?” Xena slaps him across the face and gets out of bed, “Why won’t you just leave me alone?” He shrugs, “You want me here. After all you were the one who came here and decided to stay here. And you were the one who told the bard that it was safe here, which means I’m safe. I have yet to decide if I’m honored or offended by that.” She slips off the dress, unaware of his eyes being glued on her. She pulls on her now dry tunic and leather bodice. She starts to put on her armor and he comes up behind her and clasps a few of the latches together. She jerks away, “I’m leaving,” she says, collecting her things. He watches her walk out the door, then calls after her, “Xena, I never thought you were the type for a one night stand. It’s quite shocking.” He hears her frustrated growl and the crash of a vase. He smiles in satisfaction, then lounges back on the bed.
Xena walks into the main room, grabs a piece of chicken, and grabs Gabrielle’s arm, “We’re leaving,” she says, chicken in her mouth. Gabrielle nods and helps Joxer stand. She grabs a few extra pieces of food and gives Padrocles a hug, “Thanks for breakfast. It was amazing.” He nods, “Come back anytime Mistress Gabrielle.” She blushes slightly and helps Joxer walk out of the room. Padrocles comes up to Xena, “There’s an extra horse with yours. Take her, she’s a gift. Ares thought she might be helpful. You sure have pulled a number on him this time.” Xena looks irritated, then softens her gaze for the older man, “I’ll try to come back and visit you a bit more often. Oh by the way, there’s a broken vase or two in the hallway by my room.” He smiles, “Nothing new there. I’m sure it was just something Athena made him. Those are usually the ones he puts near your room.” They both laugh, then Xena grabs another piece of chicken, clasps his hand and heads to the door. “Xena,” she hears from behind her. A scowl covers her face and she turns to see what Ares wants. He smiles and tosses a box at her, then walks down the hall, to his room. She stares after him, then looks at Padrocles questioningly. He shrugs and motions for her to open it. She looks it over and smiles at the red ribbon tied around it. She puts it in her bag and walks out the door. Padrocles stares after her, smiling slightly. Ares appears beside him, “Did she throw it back?” Padrocles shakes his head, “No, but she didn’t open it either. Actually she smiled.” Ares nods, “Good. Her and my daughter left some wet items in their rooms, take care of them. I have to deal with things.” The priest brazenly grabs his arm. Ares turns, a little surprised and putting on a show of anger, “Yes?” Padrocles stumbles on his words at first, then says, “Is it true what your daughter says? Do you really love Xena?” Ares sighs and a nearby vase explodes, then his shoulders drop and he walks to his room. Padrocles watches him go, “I thought so,” he says quietly as he cleans up the mess the vase made.
Xena watches as Gabrielle mounts their new horse, then they both help Joxer get up behind her. Seeing that he was secure, she mounts Argo in one swift movement. “We should be at Corinth by dinnertime. Maybe a little before if we don’t have to stop too often,” she says. Gabrielle looks over at her, concerned, as they trot away from the Halls of War, “Xena, are you alright?” Joxer adds in his two dinars worth, “Yeah, you look irritated.” Xena shoots them a dirty look, then softens her gaze, “I had a rough night. And this morning wasn’t much better,” she says, reaching into her bag to remove the box. She thinks of tossing it on the ground, but doesn’t when she sees Gabrielle and Joxer staring at her. She puts it back in her bag, slightly embarrassed, “Gift,” she says shortly, kicking Argo into a gallop. Gabrielle catches up with her and they continue to ride in silence.
They stop to eat and Gabrielle grabs Joxer by the arm, “Xena, Joxer and I are going to go fill the water skins. I’ll try to find some berries for the road.” Joxer looks at her confused and she says quietly, “Xena won’t open it with us around.” He nods and follows Gabrielle out of the camp, leaning on a strong stick as he goes. Xena watches them go, knowing why they left. She removes the box and turns it over in her hands a couple of times. She shakes it gently and hears a light clinking noise. She holds it in one hand and notices it doesn’t weigh much. Looking discouraged, she fingers the ribbon, enjoying it’s velvety feel against her hands. She begins to pull on it, but stops and puts it back in her bag. She walks around the little camp site and collects all of their things. She packs their things onto the horses backs and waits for Gabrielle and Joxer to return. They soon do and they are immediately off again. Gabrielle looks over at her friend and sees the determined, yet disturbed look on her friend’s face. She whispers to Joxer, “She didn’t open it yet.” Xena leans over, “No, I didn’t. And I don’t think I will. Whatever it is, it came from Ares and therefor can not be good.” Gabrielle shrugs, “From what I saw in your room, he has good taste in jewelry.” Xena shoots her a very dirty look, then centers herself on the saddle and gallops off. “We’re not far now. Only a few more hours until we get there,” she yells back at Gabrielle and Joxer who are starting to catch up with her. “Xena, you should at least take a look at it,” Gabrielle yells. Xena hears her, but decided to ignore her, although she had already decided that she was going to open it later.
They ride into Corinth with Xena in the lead. Most turn to stare at her and she forces herself to look away from them. She looks over at Gabrielle, “I shouldn’t be here,” she says, stroking Argo’s mane. Gabrielle smiles awkwardly, “Xena, things will be alright. You’re different now and a guest of Hercules’, things will be alright.” Xena sighs, “Yeah, just don’t say my name too loud.” They find Hercules sitting outside of the palace. “Hi Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer,” he says to them, “How did you manage to get through the storm?” “We stayed in the Halls of War,” Joxer blurts out. “You what?” Hercules asks, spitting out a piece of apple. Xena dismounts and leads Argo through the gate, refusing to make eye contact with him. She bats at a man who tries to take Argo’s reigns from her and Hercules grabs her arm as she reaches for her Chakram, “Easy Xena. He’s a stable hand.” Xena sighs and takes her stuff off of Argo’s saddle, tossing it over her shoulder as if it weighs nothing. A box falls out of the bag and Hercules begins to pick it up, but Gabrielle gets to it first. She shoves it back in Xena’s bag with an innocent smile. He looks her over, “This is a new look for you.” Gabrielle smiles, then her smile grows wider when she sees Iolaus. She runs up to him and gives him a hug. He looks at her oddly, then turns to Hercules and points at her, shrugging. Hercules take Gabrielle’s arm, “This is, uh, Iolaus, but he’s from a different dimension. A very different dimension.” Gabrielle looks him over, “Oh, that does explain the outfit.” Xena walks over and puts a hand on Iolaus’ shoulder. He turns to her and fear invades his eyes. Xena looks at Hercules and raises an eyebrow, then sets the matter aside, “Where’s the King?” She asks. “Right here,” a voice says from the door to the palace. Xena turns, anger in her eyes and when they land on Iphicles she flips up the steps and puts the pinch on him, “You sick bastard,” she yells. She watches as his nose starts to bleed, then takes it off, looking confused. Hercules has caught up to her by now and he grabs her arm harshly, “Xena, calm down.” “But he-,” she starts. Hercules nods, “Yeah, I know.” He turns to Iphicles and gives him a hand up, “She thought you were someone else. Why she used the pinch, I don’t know.” He looks at Xena and she shrugs, “Habit,” she says lightly. She walks past Iphicles and clasps hands with Jason, keeping as much space between her and the King as possible. Gabrielle walks up the steps, with Ioloas helping Joxer, and looks the King over, “Amazing,” she breathes, “He looks just like-.” Hercules cuts her off, “Yeah, I know.” Iphicles stares at Hercules questioningly. Hercules explains, “They have an interesting relationship with Ares, especially Xena, and well, you kind of resemble him.” Joxer looks up, exhaustion in his face, “I thought we left this guy this morning,” he says falling forward. Hercules picks him up gently, noticing the deep gash on his side. He carries Joxer inside and sets him on a padded couch. Xena kneels down next to him and curses, “Damn! He’s bleeding again. Someone get me a moist rag and some bandages.” A girl hands the things to her. Xena, without looking away from Joxer says, “Thanks. That’s all I need.” The woman huffs slightly and Hercules comes up to her, “Don’t worry Queen Rena, Xena here will show proper respect when she’s done with Joxer,” he says forcefully. Xena rolls her eyes, “Sorry Rena, but I am a little preoccupied. And I happen to think that Joxer’s life is more important than showing respect to royalty,” she says, using a pressure point on Joxer’s side. Gabrielle pulls Hercules aside, “She’s a little cranky. She didn’t sleep well last night and her morning wasn’t the most relaxing either.” Hercules nods, “Yes, I’m sure my brother tortured her all night.” “Not quite,” Xena says, walking past them to a warm basin of water. She dunks her hands in and scrubs the blood off of them. She turns to look at Hercules and dries her hands absently on his shirt, “Take Joxer someplace where he can rest,” she orders. Hercules rolls his eyes, amazed to be taking orders from her, then picks up Joxer, “Why don’t you two follow me, I’ll show you to your room.” Xena nods, grabs her stuff which she had dropped by the door and follows him up the stairs.
Xena and Gabrielle walk into a large room and set their things down. “Joxer will be next door with Autolycus. I’m sure they’ll get along just fine,” Hercules says. Xena sits on the bed, head in hands, ignoring Hercules. Gabrielle perks up, “Autolycus is here? In the palace as a guest?” Hercules laughs and motions for her to follow him to the next room, “So far, nothing has gone missing.” They both laugh and walk into the room. Xena can hear them laughing and talking with each other and she considers joining them. She looks up at the open door and sees Iphicles standing there. Without thinking she throws a dagger at him. He dodges it, “I don’t think I’m going to let Hercules invite his friends over anymore, at least not his female ones.” Xena blushes slightly, “Sorry,” she says shortly. When he doesn’t leave, she looks back up at him, “Yes?” He shakes his head, “Sorry, I just thought I would get an explanation for all the hostility you’re showing me. Are you always this cranky?” Her eyes flash and she reaches for a dagger, but a hand is holding her wrist down. She turns to see Ares behind her and when she looks back at the door, Iphicles has left. “Xena, you’re making a bad impression on the King,” he says, letting her hand go. She turns around and punches him, then walks out of the room, searching for someone to either talk to or kill. Storming down the hall, she runs into Hercules and pushes him aside, “I’m not in the mood for you,” she says. He grabs her arms in a vice grip, “That’s too bad. We need to talk.” She huffs and jerks away, “Fine, talk.” He looks her over, “What is wrong with you today? You’re usually testy, but not this testy. Did Ares do something to you?” She growls, unable to answer, then says, “No.” “Then what’s wrong Xena?” He asks, wrapping an arm around her. She jerks away, not wanting male comfort, especially from him, “Nothing, I just need to work out a few kinks that’s all.” She spins from him and heads towards her room, telling herself that a nice sword workout will fix everything.
She slams the door shut, then jumps when a vase falls to the floor. She winces a little, then shrugs it off and grabs her sword. She aimlessly starts to parry unseen blows until she gives it up and falls onto the bed, punching a pillow. She tosses her bag to the floor and watches as the box comes tumbling out. Despite herself, she smiles and picks it up. She goes to the balcony and starts the throw it, but stops herself and returns to the bed. Carefully she removes the ribbon and sets the box aside. She uses it to tie her hair back and smiles in satisfaction, “At least that solves one problem,” she says, happy that her hair isn’t falling in her face anymore. She stares down at the box, uncertainty in her gaze. She picks it up and slowly lifts the lid. A gasp escapes her mouth when she sees the necklace. She removes the silver, ruby studded necklace from the box and holds it up to her neck. She smiles at her reflection in the mirror, then huffs back to the bed, “Come on Xena, get a hold of yourself,” she says aloud, laying it back in the box. “Why? It’s beautiful,” Gabrielle says from the doorway. Xena gives her an annoyed glare, but that melts off of her face. Gabrielle looks it over and smiles, “There’s a big dinner tonight, you should wear it.” Xena rolls her eyes, “I won’t be going.” “You have to. Rena is taking us dress shopping. And I know you wear dresses, so you have to go,” Gabrielle says, urging Xena to the door.
Xena stands in the dress shop as Rena and Gabrielle fuss over a few dresses, trying to decide between them. “Xena, come here,” Gabrielle says. Xena rolls her eyes and walks over, “I already told you, the black one is fine for me.” Rena puts a hand on her shoulder, “Xena, it’s so simple. Wouldn’t you prefer something more like this?” She asks, motioning to a red, frilly dress. Xena shakes her head. Gabrielle comes up beside her and holds up a less frilly dress, “What about this?” Xena looks it over, trying to find a reason to not like the black, velvet, low cut dress Gabrielle was holding up for her. “Fine, you win. I’ll wear that.” Gabrielle smiles and holds up two more dresses, one pink, one blue, “Now, which one for me?” Xena rolls her eyes, points at the blue one and walks to stand by the door. Rena stares after her, “She’s not much for girly activities, is she?” Gabrielle shakes her head, “I’ve heard rumors that she used to be.” “And they’re all true, daughter,” Ares says, appearing behind her. Gabrielle jumps and Xena stalks out of the shop. Rena stares in amazement, “You look very similar to my husband.” Gabrielle stifles a laugh and sarcastically says, “Oh hi dad.” Rena’s eyes widen and Gabrielle explains, “Inside joke from last night.” She turns to Ares, “What do you want? You already put Xena in a killer of a mood.” He shrugs, “She’s fine, just a little irritated with herself for falling for me again. Did she like the necklace?” Gabrielle laughs, amazed to see the God of War interested in a necklace, “Yes, she liked it. She doesn’t like you very much though. She’s very bitter right now.” He nods, “I know, she’s been cursing my name all day.” He glances at the black dress in Gabrielle’s arms, “That can’t be for you.” She smiles, “No, it’s the nicest thing we can get Xena in.” He laughs and a leather bag appears, “Take that to her. Don’t worry, she’ll wear it,” he says, disappearing. Gabrielle scoops up the bag and refuses the instinct to look inside. Rena is staring at her questioningly. Gabrielle sighs, “He loves her. He won’t admit it, but he does.” They walk out of the shop, carrying a few bags, including the one Ares had left.
Xena watches as Gabrielle walks into the room. Gabrielle smiles and places a leather bag on the bed. Xena walks over and looks inside, curious over the bards smug expression. Her eyes light up momentarily, then cloud over with anger, “Where did you get this?” She ask, pulling out a long, silk, black dress with thin straps and a slanted hem on the skirt. Gabrielle shrugs, although her smile had grown sense seeing the dress, “It just popped up and I thought you would like it.” Xena gives her the ‘look’ and Gabrielle tells the truth, “Ares said you’d wear it after he gave it to me. I think he really loves you.” Gabrielle hops onto the bed, hoping to get Xena to talk about him, but is discouraged when Xena moves to stand on the balcony. Xena comes back in laughing bitterly, “You know, if he wasn’t so busy acting like a jerk all the time, I might actually believe that. Gabrielle, he’s the God of War and war doesn’t love. I learned that the hard way. I used to think there was something between me and him, but then he pretend to be my father and put Callisto in my body and then that whole mess with the Furies. I can forgive him for those things, he did those to me. I can’t forgive him for what he did with Hope and how that effected you.” Gabrielle sighs, “Eli says that we should forgive those who harm us.” “Yes and we should also turn the other cheek,” Xena snaps back. Gabrielle raises a hand to silence her, “I know you don’t agree with what Eli has taught me, but I think it can help you right now. Xena, I forgave him, I was actually joking with him in the store. Why can’t you try to get along with him?” Xena glances around the room, then sighs, defeated, “Alright, if it will make you happy. There’s nothing I can do right now though.” A glint fills the bard’s eyes, “I’m going to go get dressed with Queen Rena, she wants to do my hair, how I don’t know. Why don’t you invite him to come to the big dinner tonight? I’m sure Hercules won’t mind too much and if he does well, they’ll both behave with you there.” Xena’s eyes go wide, “Hercules already thinks I’m crazy, I don’t want to encourage that line of thinking.” Gabrielle shrugs and walks out of the room.
Xena sits on her bed looking over the dress and necklace until someone knocks on her door. “Come in,” she says, trying to make it look like she’d been doing something. Hercules comes in and sits on the bed, “Xena, I know what’s wrong.” Her eyes widen, but before she can reply, he continues, “Ares had one of the Gods put a spell on you, didn’t he?” Xena laughs, “No, just dealing with some old feelings, that’s all.” She can see jealousy burning in his eyes and lightly says, “Or maybe I actually like him.” Hercules jumps up and grabs her shoulders, hard enough to leave bruises, “You can not be serious.” “Why not?” She asks, jerking away from him, irritated with him for grabbing her. He looks around, trying to find a good argument, “Well, look at him! He’s Ares, God of War.” Xena nods, “Yes and he’s done terrible things to me and Gabrielle, but if Gabrielle can forgive him, then so can I, until he screws up again, if he screws up again.” “But he’s evil,” Hercules says, stressing the last word. Xena’s eyes flare, then they cool off, “Then you know that he’ll do something to piss me off real soon and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Hercules, I know you don’t like him, but I do, for now. So stop acting like a jealous school boy. It’s very unattractive.” Hercules looks mad and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The door shakes a little, the falls off of it’s hinges. Xena stifles a laugh as he stares at, then keeps walking.
Xena sits on the bed, still irritated with Hercules and a little irritated with herself. She can see people walking past her open room and staring at the broken door. ‘What an impression I’ve made,’ she thinks. “That’s for sure. The Queen hates you, the King thinks your possessed and Hercules thinks I have a spell on you. It’s all very interesting,” Ares says, standing in the doorway. He waves a hand over the fallen door and it rehinges itself. He smiles as it closes on it’s own. She glances up at him and smiles, “Thanks,” she says quietly. He raises an eyebrow and sits down next to her. A heavy silence falls over them. Xena looks over at him, confusion in her gaze, then says, “Gabrielle thinks you should go to this dinner with us tonight. I think she wants someone there who can hold me back if necessary.” Ares looks over at her, “Don’t need me for that. I’m sure Hercules will gladly hold you down, I mean back,” he says, staring at the bruises on her shoulders. She unconsciously rubs the bruises and flinches a little, “I can’t believe he did that.” “I’ll go kill him for you,” Are offers, standing up. Her eyes widen at his serious tone and she grabs his arm, pulling him back to sit on the bed, “No, no. That’s quite alright, I’ll deal with Hercules my way. So, are you coming to dinner with me?” He smiles at her, then sees a glint in her eyes, “This is part of dealing with Hercules your way, isn’t it?” She nods, “Yes, but I wouldn’t mind having your company, as long as you don’t act like an ass.” He pretends to think it over, “Okay, sounds like fun. Of course, we’re going to be late if you don’t hurry up.” There’s a knock on the door and she hears Hercules say, “It’s time for dinner, are you ready?” Ares smiles and snaps his fingers, clothing Xena in the dress and necklace that had been lying on the bed. He waves a hand over her and her hair piles on top of her head, a red sash appears around her waist, and blank heeled shoes appear. She glances in the mirror and smiles, then turns around giving him a dirty look. “What?” He asks innocently. She walks behind him and undoes his sword, letting it fall to the floor, “It just wasn’t appropriate for a dinner,” she says smiling. She looks him over again and shakes her head, “You look scruffy and you’re hiding something in your vest.” He smiles and snaps his fingers. A bright light surrounds him and when it fades, his hair is short and the beard is trimmed. He hands her a box, “I expect you to open this now.” She looks away from him and opens it. She chokes back a gasp as she stares at a ring, bracelet and earrings that match her necklace. She quickly puts them on. Ares watches her and then leans towards her ear, “Are we married?” He asks, fingering the ring on her left hand. She smiles, “No, but we’re doing this my way,” she says softly. As the door opens, she pulls him to her, passionately kissing him. He stands, shocked, eyes wide, then starts kissing her back, lifting her off the floor. “Ahem,” Hercules says from the door, murder in his voice. Xena pulls out of the kiss with a quiet gasp and looks at Hercules over Ares’ shoulder as the God begins to nibble on her neck. She sees the irritation and pure hatred in his gaze and she lets a look of pure passion spread over her features. Then she pushes Ares away slightly and he lets her feet touch the ground again, she hadn’t even noticed that she’d put them around his waist. A blush falls over her cheeks, “Uh, sorry Hercules. We’re, uh, ready.” Hercules stands in their way, “I don’t think so,” he says to Ares. Xena stands between them, sensing the hostility, and gives him a defiant look, “Gabrielle thought it would be a good idea. And after your performance earlier I began to think I might need protection from you,” she says, rubbing her shoulders lightly. She pushes past Hercules, dragging Ares behind her, who is smiling smugly at the Demi-God. A threat fills the God’s eyes and he leans over, “Touch her again like that and I will kill you,” he threatens quietly. He moves on and puts an arm around Xena’s waist, “I think it’s working,” he whispers, making it look like he’s nibbling her ear. She jerks away with a smile and rubs her ear lightly, then playfully pushes him. Hercules follows behind them, anger filling his eyes.
They reach the main hall and Xena quickly straightens her dress before entering. She looks around and all are silent as they look at the door to see her strolling in with the God of War. Hercules comes in behind them, anger in his very stance and then the muttering begins. Xena smiles and tugs on Ares to get him to walk over to Gabrielle, who’s staring in awe. Xena smiles at her, “Close your mouth or they might think you’ve never seen a God before.” Gabrielle laughs, “It’s not him, it’s you. You look stunning. How’d you get your hair to do that, you can’t even get it in a pony tail without me.” Xena blushes and looks around the room absently. Gabrielle looks at Ares, “You?” She questions unbelievingly. He nods, “I have many skills.” They all laugh as Xena hits him playfully. As she hits him, something catches Gabrielle’s eye and she reaches for Xena’s hand. She looks at the ring then back up at her friend, “I said give him a chance, I didn’t mean this much of a chance,” she says motioning at the ring. Xena laughs and pulls her closer, “Hercules irritated me, I’m getting back at him. The ring’s just there to help me, although it does look nice there, doesn’t it?” Gabrielle’s eyes widen, “Xena!” Ares smiles, “I happen to agree with Xena. Although I’m as shocked as you are, Gabrielle.” He moves closer to Xena and begins to nibble on her neck again. Gabrielle looks away, blushing and Xena bats at him lightly. He smiles, “Fine, fine. We have dinner first and then focus on dessert.” Gabrielle’s cheeks go redder and Xena can feel the heat in her own rising. Seeing Hercules watching them and within ear range, she seductively says, “That’s right,” and begins to walk to the table where most of the others are heading. Ares stands frozen for a minute, then catches up with her and pulls a chair out for her. She sits down and he starts to sit beside her, but moves to pull Gabrielle’s chair out for her. The bard’s eyes grow big and he smiles, “I have to make little brother look bad somehow.” She smiles up at him, feeling incredibly short and he sits down. Without looking at him, Xena reaches over and puts her hand on his upper thigh, grabbing it slightly. He jumps and slightly and hits the table. She stifles a laugh and winks at him. He glances around and sees Hercules coming up behind them. He stops behind Xena and leans over, “We need to talk,” he says. His eyes grow big when she doesn’t reply and he sees where her hand is, “Now.” Xena shushes him, “Go sit down. King Iphicles is trying to make a toast to Jason.” He huffs over to a chair and slumps down in it, glaring at Ares evilly. Gabrielle leans over, “Why is he so mad?” She asks quietly. Xena shushes her and smiles secretively, then she leans over and very quietly says, “He walked in on something and he doesn’t like where I have my hand.” Gabrielle’s eyes grow big and she whips around the stare at Xena, “What?” She asks a little too loudly. Xena laughs as everyone turns to stare at them. Gabrielle blushes, “Uh, sorry. I thought I saw a roach. Continue Your Majesty.” Iphicles nods at her, “As I was saying, today marks the three year anniversary of me being King. I would like to issue a toast to my step father, Jason, for giving me the chance to rule Corinth and for helping me to be a good leader. To Jason,” he says, holding out his glass. Everyone raises their glasses and then drink from them when he does. There’s cheering all around the table. Jason stands up and waves the cheering down, “Thank you. I would like to make a toast to family and friends. Without them, well, I wouldn’t be here today and Corinth would be in far less capable hands than those of Iphicles. I would also like to toast my wife, Alcmene, may she rest in peace.” There’s a brief pause and then he says, “Cheers,” and they all drink. He sits down and Rena places a hand over his comfortingly. Xena leans over to Ares to explain, “Jason and Alcmene were married on this day three years ago. She died not too long ago. He loved her very much.” Ares nods, “I know how he feels.” Xena looks over at him and sees the pure love and honesty in his eyes. She starts to move closer to him, but a servant comes and puts food on the table. A little flushed she looks away and turns to Gabrielle, grabbing her hand under the table, “You were right,” she whispers. Gabrielle smiles and quietly replies, “You owe me five dinars.” Xena shakes her head, knowing that there was no official bet and they laugh lightly. Ares pokes at the food, unsure of what to do with it. Xena looks at him, “Humor them, eat it,” she says. He wrinkles his nose at it, “What is it?” She looks down at her own plate and stares at the brown mush and crackers, “I don’t know.” She pokes it with her finger and licks her finger. She wrinkles her nose, “It’s disgusting.” He stares at the food and it disappears from their plates gradually as the others eat the mush. Xena smiles gratefully and turns to Gabrielle who’s putting it on a cracker and eating it, “Xena, do you know how expensive this stuff is?” Xena shakes her head, “No and I don’t care either. I think the town cats used to eat stuff that smelled like that.” Gabrielle takes a bite of her mush and cracker and wrinkles her nose. She picks up her napkin and fakes a cough so that she can spit it out. Xena laughs and Ares makes it disappear for her.
The rest of the dinner goes fine, although the event had been sobered up by Jason’s toast. Dinner came and went and it was time for dessert. By this time, most of the people had left the table to mingle. Gabrielle was among them. Before Xena knew it, Hercules was standing behind her. She sighs heavily and turns to stare at him, “Yes?” He grabs her arm and begins to pull her away from the table. She jerks away and Ares stands up, getting between them. Xena can feel the tension between the two and wraps her arms around Ares from behind, “He’s not worth it, not here, not now.” She absently lets her hands slip under his vest and she can feel him relax against her. He turns his back to his brother and sits back down, still slightly fuming. Xena moves up to Hercules, “Don’t touch me,” she says before returning to the table and stealing a piece of cake from Ares’ plate. He looks over at her and watches as she eats the cake, then shakes his head and gets another piece. She smiles, “Thanks,” and takes the second piece from him. Laughing, he grabs a third and offers it to her. She shakes her head and he starts to eat it. Hercules is still standing behind them and this irritates Xena. She grabs Ares’ hand and pulls him away from the food, forcing him to stand up. He quickly reaches back and grabs one last grape. He looks over at her as she leads him to the dance floor, “You can’t dance.” She raises an eyebrow, “But you can and I can match any move you make.” He places an arm around her waist and places one of hers on his shoulder. He takes her other hand, and almost nervously starts to dance. He breathes a sigh of relief as she wraps her arms around his neck and leans in on him. He moves towards her ear and nibbles it gently. She responds by gently biting his neck. He pulls back, surprised and looks into her eyes. She smiles and closes her eyes, letting her head rest on his shoulder. Hercules storms out of the room, his face bright red with fury. Ares smiles and leans into Xena more, “He’s gone, we can stop.” She doesn’t reply and he notices that she’d fallen asleep. He laughs a little and scoops her up. He carries her toward the door and motions for Gabrielle to come over, “I’ll take her upstairs. Don’t worry, I won’t stay. Tell her I had a fabulous time.” Gabrielle nods and squeezes his arm, “Thank you.” He nods at her and walks out of the room.
Ares lies Xena down on the bed, letting her hair fall down from the intricate design it was in. He replaces the dress and jewelry with a simple silk night gown. He slips the shoes off and tosses them to the other side of the room. Gently, he pulls the blankets up around her. She stirs a little and rolls onto her side. He smiles and bends over to kiss her cheek. He starts to stand up, but finds that he’s caught. He looks back at Xena to see her eyes open and staring at him. She smiles, “Don’t forget your sword,” she says kissing him lightly yet passionately. He pulls away, “Good night.” She nods, but doesn’t let go of his vest. He looks at her questioningly and sees her contemplating something. She bites her lips together lightly, then says, “Stay.” He shakes his head, “No, you don’t want that.” She tosses him over her, onto the bed and lands on top of him, pinning him down, “I don’t want Hercules interrupting my sleep and he will if I’m left alone. So stay, just until Gabrielle comes up.” She rolls off of him and settles into the bed, on her side again. She turns to see him still lying in place and smiles, “Don’t try anything.” He smirks at her and shakes his head, amazed by how she had caught him off guard, “I won’t,” he says, taking off his vest and wrapping an arm around her. “I’m serious,” she says, her back stiffening as he pulls her close to him. He nods against her back, “I know, nothing sexual, just trying to get comfortable.”
Gabrielle walks into the room she’s sharing with Xena and changes quietly, making sure not to wake up Xena. She crawls into the bed exhausted and starts to lie down until she notices that someone else is there. She looks over at Ares at gasps. He springs awake and stares at Gabrielle, “There’s a bad joke here, but I won’t be the one to say it,” he says quietly. She stares at him, eyes wide open. He looks at Xena and sees that she’s still asleep. He smiles at her sleeping form, then looks at Gabrielle, “She didn’t want me to leave until you got here. I’m leaving, don’t worry,” he whispers. Gabrielle nods, “Oh, okay,” a little uncomfortable. He smiles, kisses Xena’s cheek and Gabrielle’s hand, then disappears taking his sword and vest with him. Gabrielle reaches up to feel her cheeks and knows that they are bright red. She crawls under the blankets and moves around a little until she gets comfortable in the oversized bed. Finally she stretches out fully, on her stomach and falls asleep.
Xena wakes up and stretches a little then reaches behind her to find Gabrielle lying there, asleep. She smiles and walks onto the balcony, wrapping a silk robe around her as she walks. She looks down at it, wondering where it came from, then smiles in recognition. The wind catches her hair and whips it to the side of her head. A few minutes later, Gabrielle is standing beside her in a similar robe, “Where did these come from?” Xena smiles over at her, “I’ll give you one guess,” she says. Gabrielle laughs, “Ares. You know, he scared me half to death last night. I walk in here, change and crawl onto the bed. And then, only then did I notice him here. And as if that wasn’t enough for my poor nerves, he kisses your cheek and my hand and disappears into thin air. Xena, what’s going on with him? Did you slip something into his drink last night?” Xena bursts into laughter and leans on the balcony railing for support, “No, this is how he used to be before I left. I’m amazed he kissed your hand though, he must have been in a really good mood.” Gabrielle looks her friend over and sees a look of happiness on her face, “Did he have a reason to be in a good mood?” She asks, glancing back at the bed, uncomfortable asking the question. Xena laughs, “Nothing happened, Gabrielle. He didn’t even get under the blankets with me. You know, that dinner last night was like so many others we had gone to in the past. Of course, those were hosted by his family and I was the only mortal, and they didn’t try to feed us cat food, and we never danced and usually something did happen that night.” Gabrielle gasps, “Xena!” Then she calms down, “So, was any of that part of your plan to get to Hercules?” Xena nods, “Yeah, except for the cat food, that was never in my plan. And I didn’t think I would actually fall in love with him.” Gabrielle smiles and looks up at her, “Love?” Xena nods, staring at the courtyard, “Yeah love. I was thinking of going back to the Halls of War for awhile, what do you think?” Gabrielle laughs, “That sounds like fun. Two things though.” Xena stares at her expectantly. She explains, “Let’s leave Joxer here, you two can not get sexual around me and we have to get Padrocles a present. Okay so it was three things.” Xena laughs and begins to change, “Alright, I’ll tell everyone that we’re leaving, you deal with the present, Mistress Gabrielle.” Gabrielle wrinkles her nose, then smiles, “I do kind of like being called that.”
As Xena and Gabrielle leave the palace, Hercules follows behind them, trying to talk Xena out of it. Finally she turns on him, “Listen, this is my life, not yours. And if you have a problem with what I’m doing, then don’t watch,” she says. He snaps, “But he’s Ares, the God of War!” Xena rolls her eyes, “Blow it out your rear, Hercules, I’m done here.” Hercules halts in his steps and watches as she struts down the steps with Gabrielle giggling at her side. He yells after her, “Gabrielle, talk some sense into her!” Gabrielle turns to look at him, “That’s Mistress Gabrielle to you!” Xena begins to laugh and they walk down the steps, arms around each other for support. Hercules watches them go and mount up, convinced that they will change their minds. As they ride off, he slams a fist into a pillar and it crumbles to the ground. Ares smiles from his vantage point at the top of the stairs and disappears as Hercules storms up the stairs and into the house, breaking the hinges on the door as he slams it behind him.
Padrocles jumps with joy as Xena and Gabrielle stroll through the door. He wraps them both in a tight embrace then looks behind them, “Where’s your chief body guard? He didn’t die did he?” Xena smiles, “No, he’s in Corinth, I don’t really need him anymore, I have a much better body guard,” she says, her eyes going past Padrocles to Ares who’s standing in the hallway entrance. Padrocles turns to follow her gaze and smiles at his God, “I knew it,” he says quietly. Gabrielle walks over to Padrocles and hands him an expensive bottle of wine. Padrocles looks at it sadly, “Mistress, I can’t, I mean, I’m not allowed-.” Gabrielle smiles, “Don’t worry, he’s not going to say anything to you about it. Just don’t drink it all in one sitting.” They turn to see Xena and Ares kissing in the hallway entrance. Padrocles smiles, “They’re back. Oh, things are going to be so much nicer around here.” Gabrielle wrinkles her nose, “Oh come on! The rules!” Xena pulls away slightly, “Padrocles, take Mistress Gabrielle to the baths and tell her a few stories about me and her father.” He nods and leads Gabrielle away. After they leave, Ares stares at her in disapproval, “You need to tell him the truth. It’s going to hit him eventually that’s she’s not our daughter.” Xena laughs and leads him to her bedroom, “We’ll break it to him...eventually,” she says. The door closes and everything goes black after they enter the room. All that can be heard is laughter and then the clangs of swords echo from the room. In the baths, Gabrielle and Padrocles smile in satisfaction, happy with the ending that is presenting itself in front of them.