Apollo fatherly instincts surfaced. "I think you should put
on the robe." The God of Light looked over at his future
daughter-in-law, who stood there intently staring at his daughter.
*Must talk to Aphrodite about her clothing design.* "Don't
you think Xena?"

A Chester cat grin stretched on her face. "Not much armor,
is it?"

"That's your department. You wear enough armor for the
both of us."

"No need for it actually. Athena told me that no man-made
weapon could break through the material." Apollo strolled over
to Gabrielle, holding the robe. "That is why you need to wear
the robe." He opened the robe and placed it on her shoulders,
"It covers more."

Gabrielle shook her head at his over protectiveness. She took
the robe off her shoulders and folded it. "Apollo, I always
wear stuff like this." Gabrielle turned the Warrior.
"Well, you knows what this means? It means shopping." The
Bard's eyes lit up as she thought about haggling.

Xena gave Apollo an 'I told you so' look which caused
the god to snicker. "Maybe later, but right now, you have your
lesson. So I'll leave you two alone."

Apollo held his hand up. "That won't be necessary Xena.
Besides I'm going to need your help later on."

"You will?"

The god nodded. "Yes, but only if Gabrielle feels up to
it." He turned his attention to his daughter. "But first
I want to start with something easy. Are you ready to talk to some
animals Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle snickered, "Oh yeah. That sounds real
easy."

"It's a lot easier than you think."

"So what kind of animals can I talk to?"

"Just about any kind. But some will come easier than
others." Apollo pointed over to Horse, who was busy grazing on
some tender shoots he had found. "For example, you can talk to
horses easily, along with certain birds and woodland animals. But
not fish and other aquatic animals." Apollo nodded towards
Horse. "Give it a try."

"How?"

"Just concentrate on Horse. Talk to him with your mind. But
let me warn you. I'm going to be listening in. So don't say
anything you don't want me to hear."

Gabrielle focused her eyes and thoughts on Horse. *Horse, can
you hear me?*

The chocolate brown stallion lifted his head and headed over to
his master. It was then the steed gave Gabrielle a shock. *Do you
need something Gabrielle?*

The Amazon Queen eyes went wide with surprise.
"He…He…He talked to me," she stammered.