"Different and alike," said Xena as she helped Gabrielle climb down from the stage. "That was the perfect message for this crowd. Well done, Gabrielle."

The Bard beamed at Xena’s praise, then was raised up on the stage to receive her prize for winning the contest.

"I want to donate this to the people of Thespiae and Plataea to commission a new statue in place of the one of Aphrodite," Gabrielle said when the noise quieted enough for her to speak.

The audience seemed to approve and Aphrodite certainly did because she blew a kiss to Gabrielle before disappearing.

"Perhaps, since Mt Helicon is sacred to the Muses, one honouring them would be appropriate," said the Bard when Aphrodite was out of earshot.

Sappho then took the stage.

"To give Aphrodite her own due, I would like to end this year’s celebration with a new poem I have just completed," she said and her eyes met Xena’s for a moment. She smiled.

"A troop of horse, the serried ranks of marchers,

A noble fleet, some think these of all on earth

Most beautiful. For me naught else regarding Is beloved Aphrodite

Like the stars in the night skies are the gods

yet

gleaming stars all about the shining moon

Hide their bright faces, when full-orbed and splendid

In the sky she floats, flooding the shadowed earth

with clear silver light.

As so, Come hither foam-born Cyprian goddess,

like the moon doth rise, come,

And in golden goblets pour richest nectar

All mixed in most ethereal perfection,

Thus to delight us."

Xena ushered Gabrielle a little ways away from the crowd, but waited with her long enough to hear the poem.

"Oh, Xena, part of that was for you, wasn’t it?" said Gabrielle, wistfully.

"Yeah, I think so – the part about the horses maybe," said the warrior with a shrug.

"And the part about the stars and the moon – she told us that when she first saw us on Lesvos, remember?" said Gabrielle.

"Yeah, I guess so," said Xena.

"I would love to have a poem by Sappho written for me," said the bard, dreamily.

"Well, maybe someday you will," said Xena, guiding Gabrielle out of the town and back on the road.