"That has got to be one of the sickest things I have EVER heard of in my entire life!" Gabrielle spat at him, disgusted.

"What did you expect from the God of War?" Xena asked her.

"See?" Gabrielle continued her tirade at Ares. "That is why we wanted to see Aphrodite! At least she . . . But YOU!

"Xena, I think it’s time we left. Ares showed up right after we got here, so maybe Aphrodite will know we’re in her Great Hall and will do the same."

"Suit yourself," Ares snarled. "I’ve got better things to do than squabble with some unskilled, wannabe goddess. I’m outta here!" And with a blue flash he was gone, his last words echoing off the walls: "AND DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING!"

< . . . >

A heartbeat later Xena and Gabrielle were in the Great Hall of Love.  "Looks like she hasn’t been here for a while, either," Xena said.

Looking around at the statues of men and women in various poses of lovemaking, Gabrielle felt herself starting to blush, just a little.

"Well," she said, trying to cover her growing embarrassment, "At least I can do is get rid of the dust."  She then pointed at the floor and started moving her hand in a circular motion. As she did, a pale green whirlwind began sucking in the dust and dirt and debris. As soon as the Hall was spotless, the minor twister began to grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared.

"So what happened to the dirt?" Xena asked her.

"I just sent it to Ares’ Hall. He’ll never notice."

Just then, Aphrodite appeared. "Okay! Just who are you and how . . . Gabrielle! And Xena! It’s so good to see you!"

Aphrodite and Gabrielle crossed the room to each other and embraced. Seconds later Aphrodite backed away with her hands on Gabrielle’s shoulders.

"It’s you!" She exclaimed. "So you’re the new goddess on the block I’ve been hearing about. Oh! I am SO glad it’s you!  You don’t know how happy this makes me. We can have such fun! But look at you, those clothes. Ugh!  A goddess can’t be seen running around dressed like some lowly peasant!"

And with a quick twist of Aphrodite’s wrist Gabrielle was wearing a pastel blue, full length, multi-layered, diaphanous formal gown, beaded with blue diamonds. Her hair was twisted up and entwined with strands of pure silver. On her feet were golden sandals.  Ruby earrings, emerald bracelets and a necklace made of the white and blue diamonds completed the adornment.