Xena stared at the village as Sophia talked.
"Do you really think it is best for Gabrielle to have a
relationship with Apollo?"

"Apollo isn't like the other gods. I
know that Ares loves to cause trouble for the two of you and
Aphrodite is always popping in and out. But Apollo is much more
reserved and laid back than that. He won't be interfering
unless it is to protect Gabrielle or for special occasions. Listen,
I know that the gods seem like more trouble than they are worth,
but most of them only want what is best for the two of you. And
besides, those powers can be mighty useful when you guys hit the
road again."

"And how is that?"

"Think about the ease of hunting. You
won't have to leave the campsite. Gabrielle could just call an
animal over and you would take care of it right there. No need for
tracking or crawling around in the dirt."

Xena smirked at her friend. "Gabrielle
would never use her power in that fashion. Besides, if she can talk
to animals, I can see her giving up on eating meat. Do you realize
how many vegetables it would take to fill that stomach of
hers?" Xena placed a hand on Sophia's shoulder.
"Listen, I know you want to help, but let me talk to
her."

"Talk to me about what?" The bard
had her arms crossed over her chest as she stood in the
doorway.

"Opps, I think I hear a heart breaking.
See you guys later."Sophia rushed off, not looking back at
either of her friends.

*Chicken.* Xena turned to face Gabrielle.
"I may be overstepping my bounds, but since we are family, and
this is a family matter, I think we should talk."

"About what?"

"About your father."

The Queen's eyes turned gray-green. She
took a breath before she continued, "What about him?"

"He had no idea of what was going to
happen to you. He did what he did because he loved you."

"That's not love."

"Oh no. So I guess I didn't love
Solan and you didn't love Hope."

Gabrielle closed her eyes as she felt the
sting of Xena's words.

Xena placed both of her hands on
Gabrielle's shoulder. "We both separated ourselves from
our children in order to protect them. I gave Solan up to protect
him from my enemies." The Warrior Princess lowered her head,
"And you gave up Hope to protect her from me."