The scrape of whetstone against steel was loud in the silence of the forest. Xena was in a large clearing hidden in the woods behind Widgie's Inn. The storm had moved on and the land looked deeply green, fresh and new. But to Xena, the colors mocked her. She had preferred things grey and muted. She had no patience for beauty.

She had stayed with Gabrielle's body through the night and in the morning had watched the bard get placed in a casket to be prominently displayed in the common room, as was custom. Xena allowed this, having decided to take Gabrielle's body to the Amazons when the village was through paying their respects. The Amazons would want to send off their queen in the traditional fashion. And Xena had no stomach for a lonely burial among strangers.

When the villagers began to gather, the warrior had slipped out the back of the inn. She couldn't be with people who hadn't known Gabrielle, and would only pay lipservice out of respect for the healer. Widgie would understand, thought Xena. The oracle looked ten years older since learning of the death of Jorgos. It was going to be a long road for both women.

I wish I could understand what it was all for, thought Xena. I wish I knew why. Why did so many people have to die? Thor said there would be no blood on my hands, but all I see is death and pain and heartache and it's all because of me. Where did this start? If I could go back in time, what could I change so that none of this would happen? Would I leave Ilsa alone in the clearing? No. I couldn't do that. Would I have kept silent and not asked Thor to trade her memories for the village? I couldn't have borne the pain of hurting her that way. Could I have reneged on our deal and spared the village? That would have dishonored Thor. Who knows what he might have done?

And what would that accomplish? Would it honor your memory? Hardly. Would you be pleased to see me kill on your behalf? Nothing could be further from the truth. So how do I deal with these feelings? How do I resolve my grief? How do I live your life -- our life. For that's what I must do. Live for both of us now. Yet I don't even want to live for me...

Xena stopped sharpening her sword and held up the weapon, examining the blade as if it was the first time she had ever seen it.

Quickly, Xena sheathed her sword. It was too seductive to stare at the blade, she decided. She had to think about something, anything else. By the gods, it was difficult to fight the darkness without Gabrielle, she thought.

'By the gods...' The words echoed in her mind.

Xena tried to fight it. She tried not to see his dark, handsome face, hear his rich voice, but her mind couldn't shake the image.

The god of war loves me, she thought. He's shown me many times how much he wants me back. All it would take is a word from my lips and he would give me whatever I ask. Even you. Ares would give you back to me, if I raised my sword in his name.

Xena lifted her eyes to the heavens.

"Are you there?" she asked aloud, not quite willing to speak his name. "If I return to you, will you bring back Gabrielle?"

She stopped, startled, looking around the clearing in case the god had heard her.

What am I saying? she thought. You would hate me for that bargain, Gabrielle. But I'm desperate. I've run out of options. I can't live without you and I can't bring you back. The gods are my only hope. Ares could rescue you from Hades, don't you see? It would be worth it. To have you alive again, it would be worth any price. Even if you did hate me, at least you'd exist. Only a god could give us this. Only a god.

"So you turn to Ares, Xena?" said a deep, masculine voice. Xena was instantly on her feet, her sword drawn, facing the intruder.

"Thor," she said, angrily. "You let her die!" Xena thrust her sword at the god, but slashed only air as he disappeared. Xena shook her head confused, heard a sound behind her and spun, only to be faced with a scowling Thunder God.

"This is how you show reverence?" he asked.

Again, Xena attacked, and again he vanished, reappearing beside her. The warrior swept her weapon toward him and it clanged against Mjolnir, Thor's hammer. While Xena recovered from the shock of the impact, the god reached easily for her sword and took it from her.

Deflated, Xena sank back onto the fallen log. Thor looked at her sadly then walked behind her, sheathing her sword. He placed his hand briefly on her shoulder then returned to stand before her.

"Why didn't you save her?" asked Xena. "You could have. I know you have the power. Why didn't you appear when I prayed to you?"

"Daughter, you have come to rely too heavily on the generosity of your god. I do not exist to solve your problems and give you gifts. I am yours to worship and revere, if you so choose. And you are mine to love and cherish, which I do choose."

"What kind of 'cherishing' is that? You had me murder half a village and because of it, everyone I've ever loved is dead. That's some special kind of religion you got there, Thor." Xena put her head in her hands and whispered, "Why are you here?"

"You are my Chosen and called to--"

Xena leapt from the log and stood toe to toe with the giant Norse god. "Shut up with that 'Chosen' crap! I've had it with all this talk of how special I am to you. You don't care about me! If you did, you never would have sent me to kill those villagers. And you never would have allowed Alcimede to murder my friends and my family. And Gabrielle would be alive. She'd be alive!" screamed Xena. She wanted to hit him. To beat him and run him through with her sword, but the Thunder God stood implacably, apparently unconcerned by her outburst. Finally, unable to look at him any longer, she turned her back, saying, "Why are you still here? Shouldn't you be off dazzling some idiot Scandian who doesn't know what a lousy god you are?"

"I came to keep a promise," he said.

"What promise is that?" Xena said, finding herself on the verge of laughter. It was all so ridiculous, she thought. Why was she standing here, in the middle of a forest, screaming at a foreign god when Gabrielle lay cold and lifeless, mourned by strangers.

Thor raised Mjolnir high. "I call on Odin, Lord of Valhalla, to open a doorway to the palace of souls!" he said, his voice booming in the silence of the forest. Xena spun around as thunder roared and lightning crackled from the giant hammer. A swirling doorway of white light undulated before her. Wild winds whipped her hair into her face and she squinted against its power, but nothing could steal her gaze from the portal opening in the center of the clearing.

Slowly, something took shape and out of the light stepped Meg, King Lias and Princess Diana who, with Philemon on her arm, carried her child.

"What is this freak show gonna be about?" asked Meg as she stepped onto the dewy grass. Diana and Philemon helped the king across the threshold and joined their cook.

More forms took shape: Tyldus, Helen of Troy, Darius, Baraeous, Colton and Joxer.

"Hey Xena! You won't believe where we've been! It's this place where only the finest warriors go and I-- hey! Quit shoving!" shouted Joxer as hundreds of Amazons, led by Ephiny and Viktalia, poured through behind him, nearly trampling the warrior wannabe.

The Amazons were followed by a procession of familiar faces. Autolycus walked out and Thor reached in the thief's pocket, removing a jeweled rune stone, shaking his head. Gabrielle's parents and her sister Lila were next, confused and clinging to each other. But the parade didn't end. Friends and loved ones continued to emerge, including Hippocrates, Minya and Hower, Torus and Senticles. Jorgos smiled sweetly as he led the way for Kaleipus, with Solan riding on the centaur's back.

"Solan..." gasped Xena, having never even heard of her son's death.

Finally, Hercules, Iolaus and Cyrene walked into the clearing, beaming with delight.

"Mother... " said Xena, tears in her eyes. "Hercules... Iolaus... You're all okay..." Xena turned to Thor. "They're all okay? This is real? They're alive again?"

"Yes, Daughter. I promised that your hands would never bear the blood of my revenge. They were all taken because of what you did in the village. Not wanting to anger your Pantheon by interfering, I stole their souls before they reached Charon's boat and hid them in Valhalla. I have kept them there, cared for and treated well. All is as it should be now."

Xena looked at the milling crowd, who were still dazed and confused by their experience, and shook her head. "I don't see her. I don't see Gabrielle. Where is she? Is she still in the tunnel?" Xena ran to the portal, but it disappeared just as she arrived.

Thor waved his arms, Mjolnir held high, and intoned, "Begone to your lives and remember not what you have seen!" The clearing full of people vanished in a roar of thunder.

Once again, the warrior and the god were alone in the forest. In the distance, she heard Widgie cry out in joy then a cheer erupted from the gathered villagers.

"Thor," said Xena, trying to control herself. "Where is Gabrielle? Why didn't she walk out of the portal like everyone else?"

"Gabrielle was not killed by Hera's assassin. She was beset by highwaymen. Her blood is not on your hands, Xena."

"That's not true! If I had been with her she wouldn't have been killed but we'd had an argument because of Alcimede and--"

"Hush, Daughter. I know the events. But this is not part of my promise. Gabrielle's death was unfortunate, but due only to the men who took her life. She did not go to Valhalla, but rather crossed the river Styx. And once a soul has passed that stygian stream, I no longer have the power to retrieve it. There is nothing I can do."

"No," said Xena, shaking her head. "I won't believe that. You're a god. You just saved all those people. Surely you can bring back Gabrielle." Xena looked around the clearing wildly, wondering if he was saying this because the Greek gods were listening. Quietly, she said, "Please, Thor. They don't have to know. Hades and Hera -- you can figure out a way. You have to. I'll do anything you ask. I'll fulfill any task, I'll worship and revere you until my death, if you will only bring her back to me, whole and healthy. I'll dedicate my life to you -- just bring her back!"

"Daughter, you must accept--"

"I won't! I won't accept anything that includes Gabrielle's death," said Xena. "There has to be a way. Please, I'm begging you -- there has to be."

Thor looked at her sadly. "What would you have me do? There could be no hiding my presence. If I were to take Gabrielle, Hades would know instantly that a soul had left him -- and that I was to blame. I will not start a war with your gods for the sake of one shadow."

Xena's mind was racing, devising plans and rejecting them. Suddenly, an idea formed. "What if you did a switch? What if you put a Scandian's soul in the Elysian Fields and put Gabrielle in Valhalla? Then it would be easy to bring Gabrielle back. Just open the portal and she can walk out. And that way, Hades won't feel the loss of a shadow."

"Daughter, you don't know what you ask."

"Yes I do. It probably stretches some god rule or something, but it would work, right?"

"It might be enough to confuse Hades, but there are no guarantees and I have told you -- I have no need to take chances with other gods. And none of my Chosen deserves to spend eternity in a foreign resting place. They have spent their lives honoring me and have earned their eternal reward."

"It wouldn't have to be forever. When Gabrielle dies naturally, you can switch them back. Her entire life would be a blink of an eye compared to eternity. Please, Thor, I'm begging you."

The Thunder God looked at Xena's earnest expression and her too-bright eyes, rippled with grief. "Xena, you are my Chosen. And I love you as I do all of my children. But beyond that, I have grown to enjoy you, for you are a true warrior, an honorable woman, and are filled with strength. I have watched you struggle with your darkness, cheered your victories and shaken my head at your defeats." He stopped speaking, his ice-blue eyes far away. He turned to her again. "If I refuse you, would you turn away from me and into Ares' arms?"

"Yes," said Xena, coldly, knowing that she would. "But it doesn't have to be that way." Come on, Thor, do it, she thought. The Scandian soul won't care and Gabrielle shouldn't be dead at all. It's not right that she was killed this way. And if Ares refuses me, then I would rather fall on my sword than live without her. At least then we could be together in the Elysian Fields.

"You wouldn't be, you know," said Thor.

Xena stared at him, startled. She had forgotten that he could read her thoughts. "Oh? Why is that?"

"Because to die by your hand would be a dishonor and I would place your soul far from the Elysian Fields as a punishment. I am a loving god, but not always forgiving. I don't suffer fools easily, Xena. Taking your life would displease me."

The warrior shivered at the threat. Suddenly, this god whose eyes could hold such warmth was the most frightening force she had ever met. "You would do that?"

"I would," he said. Then his expression softened. "But it would be best if you don't test me. I will speak to my Chosen in Valhalla. I will see if any are willing to make this sacrifice for a stranger. If so, I will consider your request."

"You really do care about them, don't you? I didn't think a god would worry about things like what mortal souls might want."

"Some gods don't. But devotion strengthens me and I have found that love is the greatest power of all. Your Gabrielle understood this."

"Yes... she did."

"If I do this, I will need a gift from you."

This was how it had all begun, she thought. I traded him his revenge on the village for Ilsa's memories. And that revenge got me here -- bargaining with a god for Gabrielle's soul. "I know from the past that your price can be high. What would you ask?"

"I will make that decision in my own time. Are you willing to trade an unknown gift for Gabrielle's life?"

Now what do I do? she asked herself. If I say 'yes,' then it's as though I have learned nothing from all of this. He could ask anything he wanted and I'd have to do it. It could set in motion another holocaust of death and suffering. I can't agree -- it's too much to ask.

But if I refuse, I've lost Gabrielle forever. What do I do? How do I answer?

"Yes," Xena whispered.

Thor nodded his head slowly, smiling. "Courage," he said, admiringly. He paused, then said, "And courage such as that deserves a reward. I won't make you wait. This is the gift I request: You must learn to love yourself. For how can Gabrielle love you fully if you refuse to see your own worth? Now don't interrupt," he said, placing a finger on her lips, anticipating her protest. "You must forgive yourself. You must see the good in yourself. And finally, you must honor yourself. Can you fulfill my request?"

"I... I don't know. There is so much darkness in me. I've tried to do those things, but I have... there are urges inside me that I can't..."

"You must promise me that these will become your goals. And that you will do what you must to achieve them."

"I'll need Gabrielle's help," said Xena.

Thor smiled. "You do amuse me, Xena." The god placed his hands on her shoulders then pulled her to him. He embraced her in his great arms and after her initial surprise, Xena felt herself drawn deep into his warmth. And while he held her, she loved herself, honored herself, saw the good in herself and forgave herself because all seemed possible in the arms of a god. He winked at her. "See? It can be done. This was just to let you know how it feels." He leaned down and placed tender lips on hers, kissing away the last of her anxiety.

"Thor..."

"I'll make my decision about Gabrielle known to you, at a time of my choosing. Farewell, Xena," he said and disappeared.

"Farewell," she murmured, still feeling the glow of his final gift of self-love. And even though she could feel it begin to fade, she knew now how to recognize it. It gave her a clarity and understanding she'd never had before.

*****

She waited in the clearing until the sun set. Finally, unable to be alone any longer, she returned to the Inn. Widgie and Jorgos were in the kitchen, bustling about, preparing for the evening meal. It was business as usual except that every few minutes, Widgie would reach out and touch Jorgos on the arm, or stroke his cheek or put a hand on his shoulder. The innkeeper, as placid as always, accepted these small affections with a soft smile.

Gabrielle's casket had been moved to a shed out back, waiting for Xena to start her journey to the Amazons. The warrior hadn't told anyone of her conversation with Thor, though her worries were increasing with every passing moment.

"Time means naught t'a god, Bold One," said Widgie, from out of nowhere.

"Huh?" Xena stared intently at the oracle.

"I heared th'thunder on a day bright w'sun. I knows you've had truck w'th'Ice Peoples. Then m'Jorgos be appearing from naught. 'Tis a god's work and nae else, t'ain't so?"

"How much do you remember, Jorgos?" asked Xena.

"Naught," he answered. "I remember speaking to young Gabrielle at the Amazons, making the trip home and walking into the inn, seeing my Widgie. She told me I'd been dead."

"Aye, but 'tis m'calling what telled me that. Th'villagers, they be thinking he were returnin' from a journey, as was what m'mind was tellin' me. But m'vision says diff'rnt."

"Aye. Though I clearly remember traveling from the Amazons to home, if Widge says I was dead, then dead I was."

"Turn yer head, Warrior, if'n you be dislikin' affection 'tween marrieds," said Widgie, as she took her husband's face in her hands and kissed him tenderly.

Xena didn't turn away. She watched the couple with longing in her heart, remembering how it felt to be able to take a loved one's lips simply because they were there. "I'm happy for you both," she said, sincerely.

"Have we you to thank then, Xena?" asked Jorgos, smiling. "For my return?"

"To thank and to blame, I'm afraid. Let's call it even."

"Could yer god not bring back th'Bard then?" asked Widgie, sympathetically.

"I don't know. He's... working on it."

"Hades got'er then, aye?"

"Yes. Thor is a powerful god, but he's not eager to tread on the territory of the Pantheon."

"He be wise then. E'en gods have rules and boundaries, t'ain't so? Th'power o'em demands't."

"Aye," said Jorgos, thoughtfully. "I'm happy to be just a man."

"So, 'just a man', be settin' these bowls out then, aye?"

"Aye," Jorgos said, leaving with his arms full of savory delights.

"You're a lucky woman, Widgie," said Xena, wistfully, wanting what they had -- a life of comfort with a loved one.

"Nae, Warrior. Luck'd naught t'do w'it. T'weren't his time. Knew that from th'start. Nor mine, t'ain't so?"

"Is it Gabrielle's?" Xena asked, suddenly afraid.

Widgie turned away. "Yer god, he be workin' t'change that, Warrior. Put trust'n yer heart and stop askin' questions y'don't want answered."

Xena looked at the oracle, who caught a glimpse of blue eyes that held too much pain. The warrior hung her head, pushing away her fear. If you can hear me, Thor, she prayed, know that I mean to keep every promise. I will learn to love myself. I will give you whatever you ask. Just bring her back to me.

*****

Xena sat on her pallet, her chin cradled on crossed arms resting on the window sill. The moon was bright, the stars were out in their patchwork splendor, and a warm breeze blew tendrils of hair around her face in tickling patterns. An owl hooted somewhere in the distance, giving the lonely night an eerie edge.

For eight days and nights, Xena had been waiting for the sound of thunder.

Sighing, she watched a field mouse scuttle out of the bushes under her window.

I should accept that help. I know this. It's what you'd tell me to do, isn't it? You'd want me to reach out to Widgie and Jorgos, letting them teach me how to love myself.

The field mouse foraged rapidly, his movements sharp and quick, pushing his quivering nose under leaves and twigs, searching for anything that might be edible.

The field mouse had found a scrap of food and was sitting on his haunches, chewing happily. Xena smiled as she watched his cheeks fill with his bounty.

A sob suddenly broke from Xena's throat, surprising her. She hated the suddenness of grief. One moment she would feel like she was holding up just fine and the next she would break down completely. As if her feelings were waiting just beneath the surface, looking for a chance to assault her. It never took much. She would hear a phrase that Gabrielle used to say, or see a village girl with strawberry blonde hair or hear a tune that her companion had admired and suddenly, Xena would go from coping to collapse in the blink of an eye.

"Oh, Gabrielle... I miss you so," Xena said, her voice high and broken.

"Then it's a good thing I came back..." sounded Gabrielle's voice from the darkened doorway.

"Gabrielle...?"

"Hi, Xena..."

For a moment, neither woman could move. They simply stared at each other across the moonlit room, frozen as if in a tableau, drinking in the sight of each other. Then Xena rose shakily, stumbled toward the bard and held out her arms. Gabrielle fell into them, the tears in her eyes matching those of the warrior. Neither spoke. They simply held each other close, breathing in the scent of each others' skin.

"Oh, Gabrielle..." said Xena, breaking the silence with a whisper. She couldn't find anything else to say. The euphoria of holding the bard in her arms was too profound for mere words. They remained like that for endless moments until Xena murmured in the bard's ear, "I thought I'd lost you forever. You were gone, Gabrielle. Really gone."

Gabrielle shook her head, soundlessly, most of her weight supported by the warrior's arms. "I heard your thoughts," she said, her voice raw. "I tried to send my love to you. But it didn't work. Your tears... your thoughts... my heart broke, Xena."

"I'm so sorry for everything. I never should have left you alone on the trail--"

"No. That's what I wanted to tell you." Her voice was stronger now, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight as she looked up into the darkened features of the warrior. "You weren't to blame. Those highwaymen, they're the ones who killed me, not you. You saved me, Xena. You held me as I died and then found a way to get me back." Gabrielle glanced around the small room and smiled. "It's our room again. This is where we first made love. And I remember discussing what to do about Ilsa in here, lying in your arms. So many memories... Xena -- truth or dare?"

Bright teeth flashed as Xena smiled broadly. "Dare," she said with all the love in her heart. It was a child's game, played by women who had once used it to break down the unbreachable barriers between them. 'Dare' meant only one thing to the warrior and the bard.

With infinite tenderness, their lips met. Time disappeared, as did heartache, pain and regret. The only thing that mattered in all the world was the wonder of this single kiss. The image of Alcimede faded away. The harsh words exchanged on the road north became muted and still. The hurt and emptiness and pain of parting vanished. Instead, there was hope and love and almost impossibly -- a future.

Eventually, Xena knew, she would have to end this kiss. And words would have to be spoken again. Words are so important to Gabrielle, she thought. I have to give her what she needs.

The warrior pulled away reluctantly. "The things I said to you... before I left you..." said Xena, before she lost her courage. "I didn't mean any--"

"Yes, you did. We shouldn't try to fool ourselves or each other, Xena. Not now. You meant them, and so did I. But we've both had time to think. We've both had a chance to see some of our own mistakes. Our own weaknesses. You were right, Xena. When I became queen, I changed. And not just from the heart-spell."

"No, it was my fault. I should've been more understanding. I should never have blamed you for what you did because of Alcimede's touch."

"Please, Xena, I have to finish. I have to tell you this. I had a chance to really examine my own heart and I realized that I liked being Queen. I liked the power. I liked being out of your shadow. I never knew that about myself before. I had convinced myself that I had no need for things like that, but now I know that something inside me does. Maybe it's one of the things that drew me to you in the first place. Your own sense of power. And your past as a warlord. Not the darkness of it, but the strength it took to lead your men. You've always been aware of this being a part of you, but me... I didn't know..."

Xena led Gabrielle to the pallet. The bard was weak, still not fully used to the feeling of life. They sat down, remaining close, touching, filling their vision with the sight of each other. The warrior bowed her head, playing with one of Gabrielle's hands. "Power is one of the most compelling things there is," Xena said softly. "I'm not sure anyone is immune, given the right circumstances."

"I thought I was."

"Don't confuse power with darkness, Gabrielle. As a queen, you were good and caring. As a warlord, I was cruel and untamed. Both positions brought a certain amount of power. But they're very different."

Gabrielle smiled then, touching Xena's cheek. "I have the feeling you'll be able to help me come to terms with this. You always see inside me, know just what I need, what to say."

"That's not true," said Xena, sadly. "I've made so many mistakes. On the road here, all I needed to do was reassure you -- prove that I loved you. But I didn't. Instead I hurt you. Because your lack of faith hurt me. I lashed out. I'm sorry."

"We were both to blame for what happened, Xena. I pushed you until your back was against the wall. What else were you supposed to do?"

"Well, I shouldn't have abandoned you. I should have stayed and protected you. I failed you, Gabrielle."

The bard shook her head emphatically. "No, Xena. You can't protect me forever. Can't be responsible for both of us." Before Xena could protest, Gabrielle put her fingers on the warrior's lips. "Hear me out. I am forever telling you that I'm not a child anymore. Well, on the road here, you didn't treat me like one. You opened your soul to me, let me see inside you to all that you are -- good and bad. And then you left me, trusting me to take care of myself. You showed me so much respect, Xena."

"What good is respect if you're gone forever?" Blue eyes filled and spilled, the tears catching the moonlight as they fell.

"It meant something to me..." Gabrielle hung her head, breathing deeply. "Xena... I'm not sure I wanted to live. I didn't even hear them coming. And though, on the surface, I did what I could to escape, I don't know if I really wanted to survive. Not that I wanted to die, but just... that I didn't want to live. Does that make sense?"

"Oh Gabrielle--"

"I remember lying in the dirt, bleeding, and thinking to myself that I was dying. And the only thing that bothered me was that I wasn't in your arms."

Silently, Xena pulled Gabrielle to her. She could feel the tears splashing on her shoulder as she held her.

"Xena... I love you so much. I've thought and thought about what you said and I was so wrong not to accept you fully. You were right -- I didn't believe in your darkness. I had an image of you in my head that I kept forcing you into, whether it was real or not." Gabrielle sniffed loudly, then pulled away just far enough to look into Xena's eyes. "What I found out about myself was that I love you anyway. In all your complexity. And if I have to spend the rest of my life convincing you of this, well, then let's start now..."

Gabrielle offered her lips and Xena captured them in a searing kiss. Within moments both women were feverish with the need to touch, hold, caress and feel. They could not be close enough. Couldn't hold back. Couldn't let even a second pass without reaffirming that they were alive, and together, and forgiven.

Gabrielle was ravenous with her caresses and Xena had never been so gentle and tender. Both women wanted to show the other that all problems could be worked out, and that tonight, it was their partner whose pleasure mattered.

Eventually, sweat-soaked and spent, limbs intertwined, they slept, their hearts full at last.

*****

The morning dawned clear, the sun waking both women with its first bright tendrils. Gabrielle opened her eyes to the sight of sun-soaked blue.

"So it wasn't a dream," whispered Xena.

"No... it's really me."

They were silent then, their breaths in concert, the slow rise and fall of their chests a study in symmetry.

"I suppose we should tell Widgie," said Gabrielle.

"I imagine she already knows," said Xena with a smile.

"Yeah, she probably does. I'm glad you got here in time to save her."

"I didn't. She was already in her coffin when I arrived. But Thor's healing was still in my hands, so I managed to bring her back. They're all alive, Gabrielle. Everyone we lost. Thor saved them all."

Gabrielle nodded. "You told me. In your mind." She smiled up at Xena, kissing the edge of her strong jaw. "You know, for a god, he's not such a bad guy."

"He's okay."

"Xena -- he saved all our friends, he even saved me!"

"Yeah. I just wish I knew his game."

"You don't trust him?"

"I don't understand him. Why didn't he just kill the villagers himself? Why have me do it? And then, when Alcimede started killing everyone, why didn't he just stop her? He let all those people die -- then he brought them all back. It just doesn't make sense to me."

"You are very difficult to impress, Xena," said a deep masculine voice and suddenly, Thor was in the room, sitting casually on the edge of the pallet. Gabrielle scrambled to cover her nudity while Xena slowly sat up, unconcerned at her state of undress.

"You know, it's not really polite to eavesdrop," said Xena, a defiant sparkle in her eyes, her lips in a small smirk.

"You question my motives and expect me to stay away?"

"I guess that's a lot to ask, huh?"

Thor picked up a blanket and gently draped it around the warrior's shoulders. "Go on, ask me your questions."

"You heard me. Why did you do it? Why send me to take your revenge?"

"Gods are kept powerful through worship. There are many of us, and over time we have all found our own territories; our faithful. By agreement, we stay within our boundaries. It wouldn't do for a member of one pantheon to start 'campaigning' for worshipers in another's homeland. Unlike mortals, we cannot afford to invade and conquer. We're too powerful -- conflict among us could easily destroy this fragile world. No, better that all things remained balanced."

"Yeah, you've said that kind of thing before. But it seems to me you had to do a whole of interfering to kidnap all those souls. Wouldn't it have been easier to destroy Alcimede from the start? Or better yet, do your own dirty-work and kill those villagers. Alcimede couldn't have taken any revenge if you'd been the 'hand of justice'."

"Alcimede was the daughter of Hera. I couldn't kill another god's child."

"She was Hera's daughter?" asked Gabrielle, startled.

"Yes. A child spawned from a dalliance with a mortal -- a revenge on Zeus for one of his many infidelities. Hera laid with a criminal the night before his execution, so there would be no witness. At the moment of his death, only hours later, she gave birth. Immediately, she put the child in a pouch and sent Pegasus to earth. She wanted to hide the child, in case Zeus decided to take his revenge. But the king of your gods dismissed Hera's story as fabrication. He didn't believe his wife capable of duplicity. However, it achieved her immediate goals, for it was years before Zeus sought another woman on whom he'd spend his desire."

"I never heard this story," said Gabrielle, a look of concern on her face.

"Hera wanted her child protected and therefore made sure the bards never knew of her existence. Otherwise, it might have gotten back to Zeus, who would surely have sought revenge on Alcimede."

"How do you know all this?" asked Xena.

"Just because we don't invade another pantheon's territory, doesn't mean we don't keep a close eye on all the heavens. And when Alcimede incited her village to destroy my Chosen and her husband, I knew that I could not interfere. Hera was watching very closely."

"So you sent me," said the warrior.

"In a fair trade for Ilsa's memories. At the time, you were content enough with the arrangement."

"And the souls you 'stole'?"

"In the instant before death, I transported each victim to Scandian soil, so that their last breath was taken in my land -- therefore, their souls were mine to place in Valhalla. Then I returned the bodies to Greece. It was too swift for Alcimede to notice and Hera paid no attention to the victims -- only to her child. It was a risk, but I had made a promise to you, Daughter. Your hands would not bear the blood of my revenge. I keep my promises."

"Wow," said Gabrielle, her eyes wide. "I've never heard of a god who cared like that."

"As fascinating as all this is," said Xena, fighting to keep her own expression neutral. "Why are you here with us now? Isn't every appearance a 'risk' for you?"

Thor chuckled. "And that is why I'm here. I came to bid you farewell."

"What?" asked Xena, puzzled.

"Your pantheon is getting nervous. Ares and Hera suspect me of interference. Ares is very... covetous of you, Daughter. So I've decided to cease my visits." He glanced at Gabrielle. "You're looking well. Any ill effects from your death?"

"No, I'm fine," she said, smiling. "Thank you, Thor. For my life."

He nodded in acknowledgment then turned back to Xena. "To bring Gabrielle back, one of the souls in Valhalla had to volunteer to take her place in the Elysian Fields. I would appreciate it if, occasionally, you would think of her, so that she can be comforted while she awaits her release."

"Who is it?" asked Gabrielle.

"Ingrid of the Scandia."

"Ilsa's mother..." whispered Xena, sending up silent gratitude to a woman she had never met, but with whom she felt a bond.

"She considered it her way of thanking you both for rescuing her daughter."

"We'll think of her often, Thor," said Xena, sincerely.

"Good, good. Well then, this is good-bye, Daughter. If, in the future, you need me -- please travel beyond the realm of your pantheon before calling my name. You will always be my Chosen, but there's no sense angering the locals," he said with a grin.

"All right, Thor," said Xena, smiling in return. Gabrielle nudged her with an elbow and the warrior dropped her eyes. "Uh... Thor..."

"Yes?"

"I... look, I'm not real fond of gods, as you know. You're all too powerful for my tastes. But you, well, you're okay," she said with a shrug of her shoulders.

Thor chuckled softly. "That was painful, wasn't it?"

Xena looked up, her eyes sparking with defiance.

He held up his hand. "No, don't bother. I can read your thoughts, remember? And I do appreciate the... concession. I am going to miss your fire, Xena."

Smiling sheepishly, knowing she had just been set up, she said, "Yeah, well, maybe you should get out of here. Don't want you to get in trouble."

"Good-bye, Gabrielle," said Thor with a nod to the bard. Gabrielle gave him a small wave, still clutching her blankets. "Good-bye, Xena," said Thor, running a finger across the warrior's jaw, then chucking her on the chin. Then he disappeared in a flash of light.

"Good-bye, Thor," Xena said softly.

*****

"Ye've still things t'work out, t'ain't so?" said Widgie as Xena and Gabrielle finished their last breakfast at the inn. "Whyn't stay a day or two more then?"

"We'd love to, Widgie, but I think we're both getting a little restless. And the truth is, we can just as easily talk on the road as here."

"Whoosh, I'll not be understandin' yer wanderlust when good food and pallets be your'n right here, aye?"

"Yeah, well, we're both a little crazy, I guess. There's something about the hard ground and a starry night, warm blankets and the woman you love that gets our juices going," said Xena with a smile.

"I'll not touch that line, Warrior," said Widgie with a jingling chuckle. She waddled away to serve another couple who were also leaving at first light.

"You're so beautiful," said Gabrielle, studying Xena's features by the light of the morning candle.

Xena smiled, cupping Gabrielle's face in her hands. "As are you. Such soft skin. Wonderful eyes. So many colors in them. Blues and greens and every shade inbetween."

Gabrielle kissed the hand that held her face. "Part of me wants to stay here, in this moment, for the rest of my life."

"Maybe a part of us will."

Gabrielle's smile surfaced then, a twinkle in her eyes. "You can be so poetic sometimes. You always surprise me."

Embarrassed, Xena leaned back, crossing her arms and looking around the room. She was silent for several minutes, deep in her own thoughts, then looking back at a now curious Gabrielle, she said, "I said I wanted to settle down. But it's wrong for me. I can't live that life."

"I know. I always knew."

"Yet you indulged me. Why?"

"Because I wanted to try being Queen. That's wrong for me. But mostly, I just wanted to see you happy. To be with you. I'll follow you anywhere, Xena."

"There's a lot we still need to talk about," said Xena, seriously, holding her impulse to drift back into touching and speaking of being in love. This was too important.

"Yeah. And we will. I had a lot of conversations with you, in my head, when I was walking the road alone. I think I understand you better now, but there's still some things I'm going to need to hear from you."

"Then let's get started," said Xena, rising. She walked over to Widgie and was crushed in a bear hug of epic proportions.

"Take care, Bold One. And be visitin' yer Widgie when ye've a chance, aye?"

"Count on it," said Xena with a smile. Then added, "I'm very happy that you're alive, Widgie. Keep it that way."

"Whoosh, Warrior. I were only deaded cuz th'witch got me in me vulnerable part, t'ain't so? M'heart. I were always a softie."

"Oh yeah!" said Gabrielle, laughing. Widgie picked up the bard and hugged her close, stealing the breath from Gabrielle's slim body. "Oof!"

"Ye deserves that, fer upstagin' me release from Hades, Bard." She set the girl down amidst much jingling and jangling. "Jorgos putted foods in yer bags, so be off. There's naught more f'yer here."

"Good-bye, Widgie," said both Xena and Gabrielle as they exited the inn.

With a final hug to Jorgos, they mounted Argo and rode away from the small, northern village.

"So where are we headed?" asked Gabrielle.

"We should probably go back to the Amazons, to return the mask to Ephiny in one of their endless ceremonies. And then I thought we might drop in on Solan then head over to Poteideia."

"Poteideia? Why?"

"It's been awhile since you've said hi to Lila and your folks. It's not good to let loved ones languish too long. You never know when they'll be taken from you."

"You're right. And after Poteideia, we can go to Amphipolis."

"Yeah, thought we might."

"Huh," said Gabrielle, her arms wrapped happily around Xena's waist as Argo picked her way across the trail.

"What?"

"I thought you were going to tell me we were off to find those highwaymen who attacked me. I had this whole speech ready, to talk you out of it."

"I can't pretend I haven't thought about it. But I think seeing our families and our friends is more important than seeking revenge," said Xena. Gabrielle squeezed her around the waist. "What's that for?"

"Because I don't think we have as much to talk about as I thought."

Xena laughed, then clucked to Argo, urging her to a trot as another day on the road began for the two travelers.