Xena glanced up at the sky before answering. "Ares didn't know that Sophia had heard everything he said to me this morning. When he saw Sophia, a look of pain washed over him. He really does care what Sophia thinks about him."

Gabrielle snickered. "So the Guardian of Love has the God of War wrapped around her finger and she doesn't know it."

"Wrapped may be too strong a word. But he has changed." Xena turned her head as she heard Sophia running to catch up with them. "So how does it feel to be normal again?"

"I'll never be normal. But it does feel good to be back to my old self. And unfortunately, I have Ares to thank for that." Sophia sighed. "I guess I'll never understand him."

"Don't try. He is who he is."

"I know Xena. And I've accepted that." She saw the doubt that graced both Xena and Gabrielle's faces. "I really have guys. Nothing he does will ever surprise me anymore." She paused long enough to climb upon Thunder. "And now, I've got to get going. Because of this little detour, I'm way behind on my duties."

"You'll still be able to make our bonding ceremony, won't you?" The Bard asked.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." A sly grin popped onto Sophia's face. "Besides, I have the greatest gift to deliver to you two."

"What is it?"

The grin broke out into a huge smile. "You should have asked me that when I was under Pan's spell Gabrielle. Now, you will have to wait until the celebrations to find out." Sophia gently kicked her horse in the flanks and waved at her friends as she took off.

Gabrielle and Xena waved at the Guardian. "So Xena, what do you think it is?"

"I don't know. But knowing Sophia, it could be anything. We are just going to have to wait and see." As she climbed upon Argo, the Warrior Princess swore she could hear the wheels in Gabrielle's head as they beegan to spin. "Gabrielle, you will never be able to guess, so why don't we…"

"You don't think it's a great treasure, do you? Or maybe a jug of Dionysus' wine? Or maybe…"

Xena shook her head as they continued down the road, heading towards their next adventure.

THE END