Gabrielle And Aphrodite’s Night On The Town

Xena and Gabrielle were sitting around the campfire, neither having much to say, both lost in thought. Once in a while their eyes would meet, they would give each other a half-hearted smile, then return to staring into the fire.

Finally, Gabrielle said, "Well, this certainly is an exciting night for conversation."

Xena only grunted her agreement.

"Anything wrong?" Gabrielle asked.

Xena shrugged her shoulders. "No, not really. I was just thinking about Eve. It seems like it’s been so long since I’ve heard from her, I was just wondering where she was and how she’s doing."

"That’s no problem," Gabrielle said as she closed her eyes. And letting her mind expand outward, Gabrielle concentrated her focus on Eve in an ever-widening circle.

"Found her," Gabrielle said.

"Where is she?" Xena asked. "Is she all right?"

"Just outside of Sparta, in a small stand of trees. She’s meditating. It seems like her efforts to spread the Word of Eli isn’t going too well. I think she’s having a small crisis of faith."

"I’m not surprised. Those Spartans are pretty fanatical. They were the only ones my army and I made sure we avoided completely."

"That surprises me," Gabrielle said, "I didn’t think you were afraid of ANY army, you even took on the Centaurs, AND the Romans."

"I wasn’t afraid of them, I just didn’t want to see my army wiped out. They were … Spartans! They don’t know fear. To them, war is a way of life. Ares loves them, of course, but then, he would."

"Maybe a visit from Mother would help," Gabrielle suggested.

"I think you’re right," Xena answered, "You wouldn’t mind sending me over to see her, would you? Just for a day or so?"

"Of course I wouldn’t."

"It’s not like I don’t want you to come along, but I think a little one on one might be good for both of us."

"Don’t worry about it. In fact, I was thinking about maybe spending a little time with Aphrodite. She seemed a bit disappointed when I wouldn’t settle down, or is it up? on Mt Olympus with her."

"A little goddess to goddess intercourse, huh?"

"A little WHAT?"

"Interaction! I meant interaction! You know — like woman to woman chit chat."