But when they got back to their table, four large men, either off-duty soldiers or farmers, had taken over their table.

An argument ensued, which turned into a brawl. Which eventually involved almost every man there, and at least half the women.

"I think it’s time to go," Gabrielle said. "We can come back later to see if anyone is seriously hurt."

"Okay," Aphrodite said, pouting a little. "Just when it was getting to be fun."

"Maybe we can find a different kind of fun somewhere else."

And they walked on down the busy avenue, looking for "fun."

————————————

"You know, Eve, I’m kind of surprised at your tactics."

"What do you mean? My ‘tactics.’ "

"I guess you’ve been ‘Eve’ so long you’re starting to forget everything you learned as ‘Livia.’ "

"Mother, will you please get to the point?"

"When I had my army and came up against a really tough opponent, the last thing I’d do is attack it head on. I’d study it, looking for it’s weaknesses. And THAT’s what I would go after. It’s the same thing here. You’re trying to convert Sparta thinking when that’s done, the rest will fall inline. But if you convert all the surrounding cities first, then the Spartans, being completely surrounded by followers of Eli, and knowing they depend on them for food and support, will almost HAVE to do the same."

Eve smiled and gently touched her mother’s cheek.

"What would I do without a mother who is an older, wiser and more experienced … warrior?"

Xena smiled back. "Sometimes even the worst things in our past can help do some good in the present."

Eve laughed out  loud. "You’re sounding more and more like Gabrielle."

"Why, thank you. I’ll be sure to let her know. She’ll be happy to hear it."

———————————–

"Well, we’ve been in more taverns and inns than I can count," Gabrielle said. "And so far I’m not having much fun."

"You really HAVE led a sheltered life, haven’t you?" Aphrodite answered, half serious and half joking.

"I just was never one to spend an entire night drinking and fighting."

"Well, you’re the one who wanted to pretend to be mortal and …."

"Excuse me? If I’m not mistaken, YOU were the one who suggested we disguise ourselves and sample Athens’ night life."

"I was, wasn’t I? Oh well, at least we got to spend some time together."

"You’re right," Gabrielle said, softening a little. "That was nice. Next time we get together we’ll do whatever god-thing you want to do."

"All RIGHT! Now you’re talking!"

"But, I see dawn is breaking, and if I know Xena, she’ll be up and ready for breakfast. I think I’ll pop on over there and say hello to Eve."

"You tell them both I said hello and I will see you another time."

The two goddesses embraced then looked into each other’s eyes, savoring their friendship, then both disappeared.

——————————–

Gabrielle appeared just as Xena was stretching the night’s sleep away. Eve was awake but hadn’t gotten up yet.

"So, who’s up for a nice big breakfast?" Gabrielle asked.

"You’re in a good mood," Xena commented. "I guess you and Aphrodite had yourselves a pretty good time."

"It was okay. We went to Athens to sample the nightlife. Not really my cup of wine. But we got to spend some time together. So what about you two?  Get things worked out?"

Xena and Eve exchanged glances.

"I think so, don’t you?" Xena asked Eve.

"Yes, I believe we did. I got some good, motherly, advice."

"By the way, someone mentioned breakfast," Eve continued. "I don’t suppose duck eggs, pork strips and nut bread are on the menu, are they?"

"Funny you should ask," Gabrielle said, "Just what I had in mind."