Slowly the young bard opened her eyes, and was greeted by the scent of frying fish.
“Morning Gabrielle,” Xena said cheerfully as she watched Gabrielle struggle into a sitting position. Xena was smiling, sitting by the campfire holding the fish over the flames.
“Morning,” Gabrielle replied lazily. “I see you’re in a good mood. How’d you sleep?” She got up and sat down next to Xena waiting for a reply.
“Actually…quite well. I haven’t felt this well rested for at least a month.”
“That’s good,” Gabrielle said as she yawned. “Is that breakfast?”
“Yeah. Hope you’re in the mood for trout.”
“I like almost everything. It smells great.” Xena smiled. “When did you catch them?”
“Before you woke up.”
“It’s amazing. You even got up before me and you are still more rested.”
Xena laughed quietly. “I’m accustomed to a limited amount of sleep.” Xena glanced down at the trout. Realizing that the were done, she pulled them out of the fire. “Breakfast is ready,” she stated, handing a fish to Gabrielle. Gabrielle took a bite and looked up at the sky. The sun was shining and there were few if any clouds.
“Looks like it’ll be a nice day." Gabrielle looked at Xena.
“Yeah. Great traveling weather.”
“Where we going?”
“No where in particular, but we can’t stay in the woods all day.”
“Okay....I’ll start packing as soon as I’m done eating.”
As soon as they had finished eating and cleaning up camp, they were ready to leave. Xena mounted Argo as Gabrielle picked up her staff. Together, they left the clearing and headed out of the forest.
“Xena, I meant to ask you. Did you ever figure out what the gods are up to?”
"No, so I’ve got to be ready for anything.”
“Well whatever it is, we can handle it.”
“We?”
“Of course…. I’m always ready to help out,” Gabrielle stated, smiling.
“Thanks,” Xena answered. She glanced down at Gabrielle. “I’m glad I can count on you.”
“Well what are best friends for?”
Suddenly, Argo came to a halt and started to back up. “Come on boy. What’s wrong?” Xena said trying to urge him forward. Her efforts to move the horse proved ineffective. She dismounted and grabbed hold of the Argo’s bridle. She continued to edge him on, but the more she tried, the more he moved back.
“What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t know,” Xena stated. Her voice sounded worried. Gabrielle could tell she was confused by her horse’s actions. “I think he’s afraid of something ahead.”
All of a sudden a spiked metal barrier came crashing to the ground in front of them. Xena and Gabrielle whirled around and stared blankly at the barricade facing them. They were almost killed. It was Argo who saved them. He had sensed it was there. Shaken, they turned around, only to find themselves staring into the faces of eight gods. In front of them stood Strife, Discord, Callisto, Velasca, the Sovereign, Hades, Apollo, and Aphrodite. It was a trap. Callisto stepped forward. “Xena...Xena...Xena, How I’ve missed you,” she said in a mocking sort of way. “I bet you’re wondering why we’re all here.”
“The thought did cross my mind,” Xena said back, just as sarcastic.
Callisto smiled. “We all have a surprise for you. Seeing how you are always trying to do good and make people happy, we’re going to help you do it.”
“I don’t understand.... Get to the point. Why are you here?”
“OK. I’ll tell you since you asked so politely. Ares’ birthday is coming up.... And for years now he’s only wanted one thing, but we couldn’t give it to him until now. This year is going to be different though. We’re joining together to give it a try.”
“I’m not seeing your point. What is my part in this birthday gift search?”
“I’m glad you asked. You see, the one gift Ares’ wants more than anything else is...you, and we’re here to get it for him.”