*Don't worry Argo. I'll make sure you get your fair
share. With honey.*

*Thank you Gabrielle.* Argo nudged Horse. *Hey, want to trade
owners?*

Apollo finally got his laughter under control. "You did
well Gabrielle."

"You were right. That was easy."

Apollo's voice had a note of warning. "Now don't
get carried away with yourself Gabrielle. You already had a
connection with Horse and Argo. It is going to be harder with wild
animals."

It was then that Gabrielle spotted a squirrel in the tree behind
Xena. "No time like the present." She concentrated on the
squirrel. With disappointment, she watched as the squirrel darted
from limb to limb, continuing with its own affairs.

Apollo shook his head. "Want to try again?"

Gabrielle nodded and began to search for other woodland
creatures. For the next candlemark Xena watched and laughed as
Gabrielle tried to communicate with squirrels, chipmunks, and
rabbits, having little success in the process. "Well, I guess
rabbit is still on the menu."

"Ha-ha Xena. Very funny." Gabrielle crossed her arms
over her chest. "Apollo, are you sure I can talk to these
animals?"

"It's going to take time for you to develop this skill.
And you won't be able to talk to all animals, just certain
types. But you have to discover which types."

"And how can I do that?"

"Well, you can keep doing what you are doing, trying to
talk to each one separately. Or…"

"Or what?"

"Or you can close your eyes and call out to the animals
with your mind. Those that can communicate with you will
come."

Gabrielle watched as a smile crept along Xena's face.
"Don't say a word Xena." She turned her eyes to the
god. "How come you didn't tell me this sooner? I've
been running around trying to talk to these animals."

"Well, you looked so cute and determined, that I didn't
have the heart to stop you. Besides, you didn't ask."

Gabrielle could heard a small laugh escaping from the Warrior
Princess, but by the time she turned around, Xena had a stoic look
upon her face.

Xena looked at the Bard and shrugged her shoulders. "You
didn't ask Gabrielle."

Gabrielle glared at Xena before returning her attention to
Apollo. "So tell me how I do that?"

"Just close your eyes, relax your mind, and picture the
forest." Apollo nodded as Gabrielle did as she was instructed.
"That's right. Now open your mind, call out the the
animals. Ask them to come."