The wind whipped Xena's hair around as she pressed Argo into a gallop again. Crystal blue eyes sparkled as they took in the open prairie. Sunlight shone down upon the warrior as she made her way over the land, heading towards a small stream.

Both she and her horse were exhausted as they reached the water. Breathing heavily, Xena dismounted and kneeled down upon the bank, scooping up water with her hands and splashing it across her face.

As she turned around to smile at her beloved mare, a flash of blue light announced the presence of a god. He stepped out of the aether, grinning at her.

"You're beautiful when you ride."

Xena shook her head. "What are you here for, Ares?"

He walked over to Argo, rubbing her nose. "You mustn't always be so to-the-point, Princess. Whatever happened to chit-chat?"

Xena didn't say anything, only walked to the saddle-bags and pulled out an apple, taking a bite out of it as she watched her horse nuzzle the God of War. She chewed thoughtfully for a moment and then remarked, "Hmm, she must be the only thing on this earth that actually likes you."

Ares pouted, giving Argo one last affectionate pat and then turning towards the sarcastic warrior. "Harsh, Xena. And of course she likes me...I'm the one who gave her to you after all, right?"

"Yes, Ares, right. Was the point of your visit to talk about my horse?"

"No, the point of my visit was to take you to my palace to get ready for Karsutha," Ares said, stepping closer to her. "You didn't forget about it, did you?"

A look of disdain crossed her features at the mention of that name, and she finished her apple, throwing the core aside. "Actually, I did. Before we leave I have to tell Gabrielle where I'm going." She swung her leg over the saddle and mounted again.

With a grin on his face, Ares snapped his fingers. A marvelous black stallion appeared beside him, the reins in his hands.

"I think I'll join you on your journey back to the village. It's been awhile since I took him for a ride," Ares said, gesturing to the horse.

Xena shrugged. "Suit yourself."

~*~

Gabrielle reclined on the bed, a scroll laid out before her. An empty scroll.

She frowned, trying to put her thoughts in order. An idea came into her mind and her eyes lit up, and as she moved her quill to write the words, golden light enveloped the room. As it subsided, a woman with short red hair and golden armor came into view.

Eyes wide, Gabrielle asked, "Um...who are you?"

"You don't know the Goddess of Wisdom?" the woman asked, eyebrows rose.

"Oh!" the bard said as she smiled at the goddess. "Athena?"

"Yes. And you are my new Chosen, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle's mouth dropped in shock. She stared at Athena for a long time.

During that time, Xena and Ares walked through the doorway. Ares immediately lost his charming grin and scowled at Athena coldly. Xena just looked at the goddess questioningly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Gabrielle is my Chosen."

Xena rose a brow. "Karsutha starts in two days' time...why did you wait so long?"

Athena sighed. "I was mourning the loss of my philosopher, and didn't want to pick a Chosen so soon after his death...it was only a moon ago."

"Wait," Gabrielle cut in. "What's 'Karsutha'?"

"The festival. It's held on Olympus every four years, and the gods bring their Chosen to it," Xena explained.

"I'll tell you more about it at my palace, Gabrielle," Athena said, and extended her hand. "Take my hand."

"Wait, what if I don't want to be your Chosen?"

Athena cocked her head to the side. "Well, that is your choice. But there is no reason to refuse...you have no obligations except to be faithful to me and attend this festival."

Ares muttered something about faithfulness in the background and Xena glared at him. "Go ahead and go with her, Gabrielle. I think you might actually like Karsutha."

"Alright, Xena," Gabrielle said hesitantly. Athena's hand was still extended, and Gabrielle took it. The goddess and her Chosen disappeared.

Ares looked to his princess. "Shall we?"

~*~

Gabrielle sat down on a white couch, situating herself to get comfortable. "So...Athena...what exactly do we do at this festival? Is there a story behind it...?"

"Yes, Gabrielle, there is a story behind Karsutha," Athena replied, sitting on a chair across from the bard.

"Five hundred years ago, Zeus and a woman named Karsutha started this festival. She was part of a temple; a special temple that was dedicated to all of the Olympians. There was one priest or priestess for each of us. This caught Zeus' attention, either that or the priestess' good looks did...either way, they started the festival. Karsutha and her fellow priests and priestesses were our first Chosen. The festival now contains only two rituals that were done in the first celebrations. One ritual will take place on the new moon -- the first day. The last will take place on the full moon -- the last. In the days in between we hold banquets, have competitions, dance, and do whatever we want to. The minor gods are welcome to join us whenever they like, but they are banished during our rituals. On the first day you will light torches that will stay lit throughout the whole festival, and also promise yourself as my Chosen, etc. On the last day you will offer me a sacrifice or a gift of some sort." Athena handed her a scroll. "This tells you what to do during the rituals and how to prepare. Read it."

~*~

Xena opened the door to the closet and pulled out a black silk dress, the traditional clothing for the priestess.

Ares studied her body, and then the dress, suddenly grinning at her teasingly. "Are you sure you'll fit in that? I mean, last time you wore it, you hadn't had Solan yet." He put his hands around her waist, pretending to compare her to the dress. "I think you've grown a bit around the hips, Xe."

She gave him an icy look, not the least bit amused.

He moved away from her and crossed his arms over his chest, letting out a loud breath. "Just joking, Princess."

Looking over at him she shook her head. "Turn around."

Not feeling like arguing with her, he turned while she undid her armor and took off her shift. She slipped the garment over her head and pulled it down until the bottom hung at the ground.

"You can turn back around now," she muttered as she went to the dresser, opening a drawer and pulling out a dark wooden box. She carefully lifted the top and looked at the items it held. Her fingers traced over a pair of silver earrings, a medallion, and some rings adorned with black onyx.

She put on the jewelry, looking herself over in the mirror, and then looking past her image to Ares. "This is such a stupid tradition."

"You didn't think so a couple of years ago."

Xena turned to face him. "Why can't I give up the right to be your Chosen?"

"Because you swore yourself to me. You know, as tradition goes, I should have killed you once you betrayed me and cursed my name. But I didn't, so be grateful."

"Grateful to you? Never."

"It's your own fault, Xena. You wanted to be my Chosen. I told you of the commitment, and you still wanted to."

"I was insane back then."

"Can't disagree with that." She gave him a look and he shrugged. "Here...turn around. I'll put your hair up for you."

She did as she was told, and watched him as he worked through the mirror.

When he was finished, he grinned and asked, "How's that?"

Xena studied her reflection. "I like it..."

"Good. Now, let's find all your other stuff, shall we? You can change back into your armor, if you want to," he told Xena as he passed her to go back into the closet. Ares retrieved a silver chest from a top shelf, and laid it beside the garment. Xena had changed, and they both sat down on the bed. Ares opened the chest, and started taking out its contents.

~*~

Gabrielle smiled as she read about the rituals. They sounded fun to her, even though she usually wasn't one for worshipping the gods. They sounded like things that happened in some mystical stories she had heard before. She would have to dress in the traditional dress, carry candles, light incense, and all kinds of stuff.

As she read, her thoughts drifted to Xena. Her friend would have to worship Ares and say all of this ridiculous stuff to him...ugh. Gabrielle was sure she wouldn't like that.

Her musing was interrupted by the appearance of Athena. "Do you have any questions, Gabrielle?"

"Um...what kind of gift would we offer?"

"Well," Athena started, "the Chosen of Artemis could offer her a flower or root from her favored forest. The Chosen of Ares could offer him a sword or something. Or a Chosen could offer something entirely different that they think would please their god."

"Oh, I see..."

~*~

"Well, doesn't all of this bring back memories?" Ares grinned.

Xena looked at the items with obvious distaste while the god pulled them out of the chest.

"Oh," Ares said suddenly, pulling out the last candle and looking up at her. "I almost forgot about the...traditional wear for the ritual bath."

The Warrior Princess had a look of disgust on her face that surpassed the one which she had worn earlier. "Ritual bath? See, this is *such* a gods damned ridiculous festival!"

"Hey, I'm not the one that cooked all this stuff up," Ares said. "It was all Zeus and that woman Karsutha. Knowing them, you should be grateful it's not some sex ritu-"

"Yeah, yeah," Xena cut him off. "Now that you mention it, I'm plenty grateful. But this year I'm taking my bath *alone*." She rose, walking again into the closet. When she came out again, she had in her hands a two black robes. "Here," she muttered as she tossed them on the bed.

"You are *not* taking your bath alone, Xena. It's tradition for *us* to take it together."

"What would you do if I refused to?"

Ares stood up and looked her in the eyes, his head cocked to one side. "Oh, I think I could come up with *something*..." he said, voice low, sending shivers down the back of his Princess.

{Hmm...that doesn't sound too bad} Xena thought, and then pushed it out of her mind.

"Fine," she stated, "We'll continue our 'tradition'."

~*~

"Athena," Gabrielle asked, "what's this about a bathing ritual?"

"The first day of the festival, we don't go to the temple until nightfall. At dusk we cleanse our bodies with water from the river Haliacmon, the same river the first Chosen got their water from. I'm not sure why they chose this river, I think it was said to be blessed. This ritual will be held in the bathing rooms of my palace, and the bathing tubs would be surrounded by candles."

Gabrielle nodded in understanding, but a question still lurked in her eyes.

Athena smirked softly. "Separate tubs, Gabrielle, same room."

"Ah, okay."

~*~

NIGHT BEFORE THE FESTIVAL

A young priestess of Ares poured the rest of the sacred water into the tub, which was built into the floor. Bowing her head, she exited the room.

Black and red candles were spread around almost the entire tub, giving off the only light in the room. It flickered eerily on the faces of the two rather nervous -but of course never showing it- people.

Xena bit her bottom lip unconsciously, and looked over at Ares. He rose his eyebrows and shrugged, gesturing at the tub. She stood there. Seeing that he would have to make the first move, he removed his clothes with a thought, and not at all self-consciously-for he knew she liked what she saw-he slowly lowered himself into the water. Damn, it wasn't that warm. Stupid river water. He made his way to the other side and turned around, leaning back, waiting for her.

The Warrior Princess shook her head as she slipped her shift off of her body. She joined him in the water, and just sat for a moment. What was wrong with her she didn't know, she should have been going through this calmly, coolly, but it wasn't happening.

They regarded each other for a moment, until Ares moved over to her, turning her around and resting his hands on her shoulders.

"You're tense," he murmured, and starting to massage.

She closed her eyes, leaning against the side of the tub as he continued his work.

"Mmm," she breathed, "God of War? More like God of Massage."

He chuckled quietly. "Battle and massage are not the only things I'm good at," he replied huskily.

Her eyes opened, knowing what he was referring to.

"Let's see..." he said, a sly grin on his face. "What was it you used to call me? Hmm? God of...passion? God of...sex?"

"God of extremely cocky, irritating, self-absorbed men who like to bring up the past just to torment me."

Ares' hands stopped and he lowered them to his sides. He appeared outside of the tub and took one of the black robes laying on a chair, putting it on.

"Ares, what do you think you're doing? Get down here and finish the damn ritual bath."

"Oh, but Princess, weren't you the one who said it was a stupid tradition?" Ares asked patronizingly.

Xena climbed out of the tub and reached for her towel, but Ares grabbed it before she had it. She looked at him, annoyed.

"Give it here, Ares."

"No, no, Princess, I don't think so," he said, backing her up against the wall. "I'm cocky and irritating, why should I do what you want me to?" He looked down at her body, grinning. "Besides, I'm enjoying the view."

A disgusted look on her face, Xena replied, "Well, enjoy it while it lasts." She tried to side-step him, but he cut her off. She looked back up at him.

He moved closer, lips a breath away from hers. "If I were to...kiss you, Xena...what would you do?"

She was silent for a moment, trying to slow her rapidly beating heart. She rose an eyebrow, stating matter-of-factly, "Hate you even more than I do now, if that's possible."

"You don't hate me," he whispered, and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Xena's arms went around his neck as she parted her lips, allowing his tongue to explore. Ares let the robe that he'd been keeping away from her drop to the ground as his arms went around her waist, pulling her closer.

Xena tried to concentrate, glancing down at the floor to where he'd let the robe fall. She knew she couldn't let this go any farther...she didn't want this to go any farther! She did *not* want this man...she did *not* want this man...

She took his hands in her own, guiding them up her body and releasing her from the tight hold. She took a small, unnoticed step back, ready to bolt. But when his hands reached her breasts, she grimaced as her mind went wild. Using the last bit of will power she had left, she pulled away from him suddenly, grabbing the robe and running towards the door whilst putting it on.

Ares was caught off guard, and when he realized what had happened, he looked over at Xena, who was standing in the doorway, face flushed and breathing hard.

When she finally caught her breath, she looked at him defiantly. "On the contrary, Ares, I *do* hate you," she said, before stalking out of the room.

~*~

Ares paced his bedroom for a good half-hour, occasionally glancing into a portal that showed what Xena was doing. He had debated on whether to chase after her, but figured it would just prove to piss her off more.

For the last half-hour, the stubborn woman had been going through all of the drawers, chests, and closets in her room trying to find something while muttering things like, "Gods damned bastard thinks he owns me".

Just a couple minutes ago she had let out an aggravated sigh; the thing she was looking for was obviously escaping her, and that was annoying the Tartarus out of her.

Right now she was going through the last drawer of her bureau, and as Ares glanced in his portal he could he searching, an angry scowl on her face. He stopped his pacing and watched.

Finally, she pulled out a small black bag, opened it, and poured its contents into her hand.

Ares' jaw dropped to the floor.

Beautiful and delicate was the item she held in her hands. Pure silver was twisted into the shape of the rune of war, and the pendant dangled from a thin silver necklace.

{I thought she threw that away when she left!}

Xena rose from her kneeling position on the floor, fingers tracing the gift he'd given her years ago. She walked over to the fire, clutching the object in her slightly shaking hands.

When Ares realized what she was about to do, an angry look came over his face and he appeared behind her, snatching her hand and pulling the necklace from her fingers.

She turned around and looked at him, looking as if she would drive the hind's blood dagger into his heart if she had it.

"What in Tartarus do you think you're doing?! Have you *ever* heard of a thing called privacy you bastard?!"

"Think about what you're doing, Xena! Why do you have this? I thought you threw it away when you left me! Why? Why is it still here? Could it be that you're still in love with me?!"

"How could I be in love with a monster like you?!"

Her words stung, but he knew she was saying them only out of anger. "Why else would you have this, Xena? And what pushed you to the point that you'd throw it into the fire? The little incident in the bathing room? That's not reason enough to destroy something like this!"

Xena moved away from him, towards the bed. "I'm not in love with you, Ares. That's why I was going to throw it away!"

"You would have done it before!"

Xena shook her head and motioned for him to leave. "I'm tired, alright? Go."

Ares regarded her for a moment more and then nodded, disappearing with the necklace still in his hands.

~*~

KARSUTHA: DAY ONE

"Wow."

Gabrielle stared up at the enormous temple, eyes wide. She stood there, mouth open, until Athena took her arm and led her inside.

Gabrielle gawked.

Down the middle of the marble floor was a red carpet, which they were walking on. On the wall that was yards away from them were stairs, leading up to two statues, at least twenty feet in height. Zeus and Hera. On the other walls were stairs leading up to the statues of the rest of the Olympians. In front of each of these statues was a throne, which Gabrielle knew were occupied by the god during the ritual.

The Goddess of Wisdom led her down the red carpet, and they turned right to see a door between the statues of Hera and Hades. This doorway led to a long corridor where there were six rooms on one side, six on the other, and down at the other end was a very large room, just a bit smaller than the one with the statues.

"These twelve rooms belong to different gods and goddesses. The room down at the end is the room where we gather at night, and most of us get drunk. There is a room connected to that room, which is the banquet hall," Athena explained. "Third door on the left is ours, Gabrielle."

~*~

Ares knocked softly on the door to Xena's room. "Xena," he said, "it's time to go..."

He hadn't seen her since the night he'd taken the necklace from her. Listening to her words, he hadn't looked in on her through the portal at all.

"Xena?"

A moment later, the door opened, revealing Xena in her usual attire. "Let's go," she said, not looking up at him.

He frowned and placed a hand around her waist, and they appeared inside their room at the temple. The box of ritual props was on the bed, as were the dresses she'd be wearing and accessories.

Xena pulled away from him, picking up the dresses from the bed and putting them into the closet. Putting things into drawers, and lighting some candles on the bureau followed that.

The God of War watched her in silence, sitting down on the large bed. When she finished putting everything away, she looked around uncomfortably, and ended up at the window, looking outside.

"What's with all the silence, Xena? Even you're not this quiet."

Xena turned to face him, shrugging. "Maybe there's nothing to say."

~*~

"Tonight the banquet is to be held after the ritual, but any other time it is before. So after the ritual we will be led into the banquet hall, and in doing that you'll get a glimpse of our nighttime party room."

Gabrielle nodded.

"You should begin preparation for the ritual. You can find Xena if you'd like; the room she shares with Ares is the fifth door on the right. Unless you have questions, I'll leave you now, and see you during dinner."

"No questions. Good bye, Athena."

~*~

Ares stood less than an inch away from Xena, but she stood her ground.

"I'm not going to apologize for the kiss, Princess. Could you honestly blame a man for something like that?"

"Yes, thank you, I could. I could also blame a man for hurting me more times than I can count on one hand and then pulling something like that. I could blame a man for being a complete ass and trying to win me back even though they know it'll never happen. I could blame a man for lusting after me when they know that I don't want to be with them again, when they know I don't want to be the person I was with them."

"You wouldn't have to be the person you were with me... I think I like the new Xena more, anyway."

Xena scoffed. "I could also blame a man for trying to sweet talk his way into my heart. Which won't work, by the way."

Ares grinned at her and before disappearing corrected, "Oh, but Princess, it already has."

~*~

Gabrielle walked in a few moments after the God of War disappeared. Xena rolled her eyes and took in a deep breath, just as her friend entered.

The bard saw the look on her friend's face and asked quietly, "Did I come at a bad time?"

Xena shook her head. "No, Gabrielle, it's okay. Come on in; let's get ready."

Doing as she was told, Gabrielle sat down her items on the bed. She turned around as Xena dropped her clothes to put on the traditional garment, and did the same, laying her clothes on a nearby chair. When she turned back around she found Xena looking in the mirror, and irritated expression on her face.

"What's wrong, Xena?"

"Oh, nothing."

{Bastard was supposed to do my hair.}

The dresses were simple and long, touching the floor. Thin straps held the garment to one's body, and everyone had an open sweater to go over it.

Xena picked up two torches and handed one to Gabrielle. "Ready?"

Gabrielle let out a nervous laugh. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The two grabbed the small bags that held incense and smaller candles, and headed out the door.

~*~

The other Chosen were already in the room, and Xena pointed Gabrielle in the direction of her place. "If you need any help setting up the stuff, ask Joxer...he's Aphrodite's Chosen."

Gabrielle rose a brow and nodded, walking over to her spot to get ready.

Xena made her way over to where the large statue of Ares was and walked up the steps, looking around. The first thing that caught her eye was a red silk pillow that had been placed before the throne, which she was to kneel upon. The second was the man setting up the ritual candles for Hermes.

"Autolycus?" she asked the man wearing a black tunic and pants.

The handsome man looked up and grinned. "Xena! Hehe, what are you doing here?"

"Ares' Chosen."

"As in 'God of War' Ares? Tall, black leather, big sword, really mean?"

Xena smiled at the thief. "Yeah, that would be him. It sounds as if you've met him."

Autolycus nodded, making a face. "Oh, yeah! Hehe. We've certainly met. He handcuffed me to Iolaus naked."

The warrior princess rose a brow, nodding slowly. "Okaaaay. May I ask what you guys were planning to do in that situation?"

"Haha," Autolycus said dryly, and knelt down to light the two incense that were on either side of his pillow.

Xena grinned at him and began to take out the two candles and incense. She lit them all and placed two incense on one side of the pillow and two on the other.

She breathed deeply, her nose taking in the scent of vanilla. Taking the torch in her hand, she walked with Autolycus back to the hallway where they lit the torches on a burning one. They went back to their areas and lit the torch on the left side of the statues, and then placed the one they were holding in the right.

"All set?" Autolycus asked.

"Yeah. A question though, Autolycus. I never would have pictured you taking part in this nonsense. You seem like a sane person; why would you do some ritual to honor the gods?"

Autolycus shrugged. "After I stole Hermes sandals from him, he asked me to be his Chosen. I was sort of..." the thief blushed ever-so-slightly, "drunk, so I readily accepted. Besides, I hear these late night parties are supposed to be interesting."

Xena nodded. "I see."

"Attention everybody!" the voice of Zeus' Chosen rang out. "Please gather in the hallway so we can begin the ritual!"

Everyone went silently back into the hallway, lining up in two lines. Because he was the Chosen of a lesser Olympian, Autolycus was the first to go out, next to Hephaestus' Chosen, Jareth, followed by Xena and Joxer behind them.

"I hate being first," Autolycus muttered.

"Frightening, isn't it? The whole ritual depends on your entrance," Xena teased.

Someone whispered for them to be quiet just as the Olympians appeared on their thrones. Autolycus and Jareth walked out, followed two feet behind by Xena, who was tugging on Joxer's tunic to go faster. When they reached their destination, they parted, and Xena walked to stairs again and kneeled down on the silk pillow, hands clasped in her lap, head down.

Each Chosen gave a small speech to their god, and this went on down the row. One had to listen carefully to be sure that the Chosen before them was done talking, lest you make a fool of yourself.

As Apollo's Chosen concluded his small speech, Xena began, eyes still on the ground as her head was still bowed.

"My Lord Ares, lover of warfare, bringer of destruction, on this first night of Karsutha I worship thee. May thy will continue to be done throughout our land. May thy offerings be plentiful. I ask that thee continue my training and help me when I am in need. I swear to be faithful to thee and fight for thee no matter what the consequences. All that is mine is yours, o Great One. Forgiveth me if I have been disrespectful in any way in past years. My devotion is to you, and only you. No one will stray me from your service, o Lord."

"Raise your head, dear priestess," Ares commanded, and she did so. He smirked at her and recited, "Your words are acknowledged and your wishes granted."

The look on his face almost made her laugh; he hated this as much as she did. "Thank you, o Gracious One. Ask what you need of me and it is yours."

There. All done. Xena gave him an amused look, which he returned and she again bowed her head. On the other side of the room, Joxer began his speech and was followed by Autolycus and Jareth.

When everyone was finished, Zeus and Hera rose, as did their Chosen. Side by side, they exited the room and went down the hall to the banquet room. Next were Hestia and Hades, Poseidon and Athena, and then Artemis and Apollo. Xena and Ares stood, and he stepped to stand beside her, and they went down the stairs, meeting up with Aphrodite and Joxer. Ares smiled at the look on Xena's face, knowing she still was thinking about all the bullshit she had to say.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him. "That was fun, wasn't it?"

When she saw that he wasn't enjoying the ritual anymore than she was, she'd suddenly been in a rather good mood. She wrapped her own arm around him and sarcastically replied, "Having to worship you? Oh, a blast."

Together, they headed towards the dinner table.

~*~

With a charming grin, Ares pulled out her chair for her and she sat down. He sat down beside her and she looked at him.

"I-" She was interrupted by Zeus' voice as it rang through the room.

"We gather here tonight to celebrate Karsutha. This year is a very special year - it has been exactly 500 years since the day that we selected our first Chosen. This festival has taken place 125 times, every four years, ever since that day. I will take this time to introduce you to our Chosen. When I call your name, please rise. Hera and Sanadrea. Hades and Padorus. Hestia and Leah."

The name caught Xena's attention and she looked up to find her coincidentally identical twin smiling at everyone.

"Poseidon and Darkole. Athena and Gabrielle. Apollo and Aaron. Artemis and Ephiny. Ares and Xena."

The pair rose, and when they did, a murmur from somewhere at the table caught their attention.

"Destroyer of Nations..."

Ares looked over at Apollo angrily, about to say something, when Xena touched his arm and forced him to sit down.

"Not now," she whispered.

"Aphrodite and Joxer. Hermes and Autolycus. Hephaestus and Jareth. And this is my Chosen, Astarla," Zeus concluded. "Now, we may hold our banquet!"

All at once they started to eat, small conversations going on throughout the table.

"Why didn't you let me say anything?" Ares asked, lifting a glass of wine to his lips.

"Gee, Ares, I wonder...maybe it's because every single time I've been to this party with you, you've gotten in a fight with somebody because of me. It's what they want, so why start?"

Ares shrugged. "Hey, I could use a good fight once in awhile."

"Against somebody who's no match for you?"

"Good point..."

~*~

The food was cleared away by servants, and then everyone got up and headed for the other room. Gabrielle had gotten a glimpse of it before, but now she took time to wander away from Athena and walk around.

The room was lit dimly by torches hanging on the walls. Dark green and purple couches were scattered around. Exotic plants were on tables and pedestals, and the walls had long, green material draped on them, giving the room a jungle-type feeling. The smell of heavy wine, Dionysus' favorite most likely, could be noticed as one stepped inside.

Athena led Gabrielle to a group of couches, and they shared one, while Artemis and Ephiny, Hestia and Leah, and Hera and Sanadrea sat on the others.

{Gee, looks like I'm in for even more mindless chatter.}

~*~

Ares led Xena over to a couch in the far corner, and they sat down, both taking a glass of wine from a table. Xena sipped it cautiously, knowing that it didn't take much of Dionysus' wine to make one drunk. And who knows what would happen when she was drunk...

She looked over at Ares, seeing him down the whole thing in a few gulps. He was not in a good mood at the moment; Zeus had stopped him in the hallway and warned him that if he did anything to disturb the peace of the festival this year, he'd be in for it. And, of course, Ares was not somebody who enjoyed being warned by anyone nor reprimanded for behavior which was part of his nature.

As Ares poured himself another glass of wine, Xena made a face. A drunk Ares was not something she wanted to deal with.

"What do you think you're doing?" she asked finally.

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you're acting like an idiot."

"Well, I'm thirsty."

"Drink some damn water."

He gave her a look that made her turn away, shaking her head. Xena took another sip, and looked up as Hermes approached her.

"It's been awhile since I've seen you, babe," Hermes said while walking up to her, and she knew he'd had a couple drinks.

"Four years. And don't call me 'babe'."

"Of course, of course, Sexy," the winged messenger said with a grin.

Xena just loved these festivals. A bunch of drunk gods, a bunch of holier-than-thou goddesses, a bunch of idiots making out, and Hermes hitting on her all night. Fun.

Hermes finished off what was in his wine glass and turned to Ares, who was starting on his fifth. "Ares, how you been? Having fun? You look pretty damn pissed."

Ares nodded shortly.

"Hmm, well, maybe Xena can cheer you up, eh?" Hermes asked, grinning, and giving the Warrior Princess a wink. "Hey, pour me some of that," he added as Ares reached to refill his own glass.

This glass was the messengers last, for as he finished the last gulp, he turned around to leave, but stumbled and landed on the floor. And didn't get up.

Xena sighed and shook her head, laying down her glass on the table. When she turned to look at Ares, she found him sitting close to her, hand stroking the side of her face.

"Wha was it you said, Xena?" Ares asked. "I lusts after you and you don't wanna be wi me?"

She could feel his hot breath on her face and smell the liquor on him. She nodded faintly in reply to his question.

"Well, Sweetie, itss not 'lust' affer you, ya know? It'sss 'love' ya. I love you and you don't wanna be with me."

"The wine's gotten to your head, Ares."

He shook his head, leaning closer to her. Before she could stop him, their lips met in a soft kiss. When he pulled away, he gazed into her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"You're so beautiful, Xena..." he whispered. "I love you."

Angry tears formed in the corners of her eyes. "No you don't!" She pushed him away, standing up and walking down the hall to the room they shared.

Ares sat there, letting her go.

"I'm an idiot," he mumbled, and stretched out on the couch, covering his head with his hands, suddenly having an overwhelming headache.

~*~

KARSUTHA: DAY TWO

Sunlight streamed into the windows, bathing the Warrior Princess in a warm glow. Her eyes fluttered open, looking to the other side of the bed and finding it empty. She groaned and sat up, hanging her feet over the side of the bed. When her sight was no longer blurry, she stood, walking over to the chest of drawers where her armor laid. Still in the black dress, she slipped it off, and began to put on her shift and leathers.

Her mind wandered to what Ares had said last night.

{Drunken bastard} she thought. {Didn't know what in Tartarus he was saying.}

Armor on, chakram at her side, and sword on her back, she opened the door and walked out into the corridor, making her way to the lounging room. There were a few gods sprawled out on couches...some on the floor, and Autolycus in a very odd position propped up against the back of a couch and a table. Her eyes searched until she found Ares, on the corner couch, sleeping.

She walked over, sitting down on the edge of the couch. Shaking him gently, she said, "Ares, wake up."

He groaned softly, and didn't move.

She shook him harder. "Ares."

His eyes opened, and then immediately closed them again, groaning. "It's too light."

"There aren't any windows in here and the torches aren't lit."

He shook his head stubbornly. "It's still too light."

"Maybe it wouldn't be too light if you hadn't gotten yourself helplessly drunk last night."

"Drunk?"

"Yes."

Oh...he remembered that...barely. He opened his eyes, squinting up at her and then looking at his surroundings. "Why am I out here?"

"Because I left you out here."

"Huh?"

"Don't you remember anything that happened last night?" she asked.

"I remember Zeus pissing me off, and then getting drunk...and then falling asleep..."

{Good. He doesn't remember what he said.}

"Well, apparently you fell asleep out here."

"Oh." He closed his eyes again, rubbing at his temples.

"Headache?"

"Yeah. Stop talking; you're only making it worse," Ares grinned. He studied her expression and then looked up at her. "Xena, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

He rose a hand to caress her face, and she slightly flinched away. For a moment she could see hurt in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"Xena, something's wrong..."

She shook her head, forcing an amused smirk. "Nothing is wrong, Ares. Why do you so much want there to be?"

"Did I do something wrong last night?"

Her eyes, which had been casually glancing around the room, shot back to him as she replied quickly, "No."

He studied her in quiet thought and then relented. "Alright, Xena, if you don't want to tell me, than that's fine." Raising his hands back to his head he moaned. "Don't let me get drunk again."

"Believe me, I won't."

~*~

Gabrielle woke up groggily to find Athena at the desk, reading a scroll.

"Good morning," the goddess greeted, momentarily looking up from her reading.

"'Morning," Gabrielle replied, and sat up, looking out the window. "When do the competitions and things start?"

"There's no specific time; some people are already out there."

"Oh...well...do you mind if I wander around for a little while?" Gabrielle asked, eager to see what the festival activities were like.

"Of course, Gabrielle, go ahead."

~*~

After changing, Gabrielle walked out the door to find Xena exiting her own. A small glass bottle was in her hand.

"What's that?" Gabrielle questioned, stopping to stand beside her friend.

"Medicine. Ares isn't feeling too well."

"Oh...well, I'm heading outside...would you like to come with me?"

Xena shook her head. "I'm not sure what Ares is going to want to do, so how about I meet you out there later, okay?"

"Sure, Xena," Gabrielle said, and turned around to walk to the main entrance.

The Warrior Princess walked back to Ares, and he opened his eyes as he heard her coming. She handed him the bottle, and he took it hesitantly.

"Um...what's this?"

"Medicine. It'll ease that headache up," Xena replied, sitting down as Ares motioned for her to.

"How much of this am I supposed to take?"

"The whole thing." Ares made a face and Xena grinned. "Don't worry; it doesn't taste that bad."

Ares uncorked the small thing and drank it quickly, raising an eyebrow. "You're right. Doesn't taste that bad. How long will it take to work?"

"A couple minutes."

They sat in silence for a little while, Xena thinking about what had happened last night, and Ares wondering what had. Finally, he broke the silence.

"Sorry about getting drunk last night...you know I usually don't..."

Xena shrugged. "No harm done."

"If I did anything to upset you...I'm sorry for that as well."

Again, Xena shrugged, but this time was silent.

Ares sighed, closing his eyes. "The medicine's working."

"Joy, you can go back to being the cocky, irritating bastard we all know and love."

~*~

Hours later, Ares and Xena walked around the unoccupied field as a nice wind blew, keeping them cool. The competitions were being held behind the temple, and they had walked farther beyond the boundary of the festival grounds.

"Would you like to fight?" Ares asked quietly.

A sword fight with Ares was not something she often turned down, but today she shook her head. "Maybe later."

They continued their walk, again in silence.

"Would you like to ride?" Xena asked suddenly.

Ares grinned and waved his hand. Both his black stallion and Argo appeared before them, and their masters mounted.

"Race you to that tree down there?" Xena asked, gesturing a long ways away from where they were.

"Sure," Ares said, and they were off.

The wind blew Xena's hair all around, momentarily blinding her, but she shook her head, forcing it out of her face. The God of War was a few paces ahead of her, and she urged Argo on to full gallop. As she came up to Ares side she looked over at him, grinning a competitive grin. They neared the tree, still side by side, each horse clearly evenly matched. When they were less than 30 meters away, a devious smile came over Xena's face and she flung herself through the air towards the tree, landing with cat-like grace on a lower branch just seconds before Ares reached it. Argo had obediently slowed when her mistress had left her, and now came trotting to them.

Ares grinned up at the Warrior Princess whilst shaking his head. He dismounted and stood beneath her. "Come on down; I'll catch you."

Xena rose a brow. "Do I really trust you to do that?" she asked, but before she hardly got the last word out, she jumped out of the tree and was caught in Ares' arms. Involuntarily, her heartbeat quickened as he sat her down close to him, still holding her.

"I think we'd better ride back. It's nearing sunset," Ares said, still not letting go.

She nodded in agreement and moved from his grasp, swinging her leg over Argo's saddle. Looking back to see if Ares was ready, she found that he was, and they set off.

~*~

After the banquet, Xena looked beside her to find her best friend. Gabrielle took her arm and motioned for her to walk to an unoccupied couch with her.

Xena did so and sat down. "So, have you been having fun?"

The bard shrugged. "At the moment I'd rather be the Chosen of Ares like you are. At least you don't have to go through a bunch of mindless chatter."

Xena chuckled. "Yeah...I guess being his Chosen does have its benefits, huh?"

Gabrielle nodded, and then looked at Xena seriously. "How do you feel about him?"

Caught off guard, Xena looked at her with an eyebrow rose. "Where did that question come from?"

"Well...after the ritual, you two seemed to be getting along well...his arm was wrapped around your waist, and yours around his. He was about to kill Apollo for that comment at dinner last night, about you being...you know...the Destroyer of Nations... And...you guys just seem to be getting along..."

"There's nothing between us, Gabrielle. Nothing. He might hold affection for me, and he might lust after me, but he doesn't love me, and you should know by now that I do not love him."

"Are you sure about that? I mean...I'm not trying to pry...it's just that you're my best friend...and I'm sensing something between you two...call me crazy..."

"You're crazy."

Gabrielle smiled, shaking her head. "Okay, okay, nothing between you, I got it." She glanced over at where Athena sat, and then rolled her eyes. "My patron goddess is getting impatient...guess I'd better go."

"Have fun," Xena said teasingly.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes again. "Oh, you bet."

~*~

After Gabrielle left, Xena stayed where she was, just staring off into space, thinking. Finally, her head snapped up as she heard a familiar voice filled with anger.

At least it wasn't directed at her. Actually...it was defending her.

Xena rose to her feet and made her way to the other side of the room, where the voices were heard. Apollo and Ares stood in front of each other, Ares with an angry scowl, and Apollo with a sarcastic, amused grin on his face.

Not another word was spoken before Ares lunged at the God of Music with so much for that they both went crashing backwards into a table, and then to the floor. Ares gracefully found his feet again, and didn't wait for Apollo to rise. He kicked him in the head, sending the young god onto his back. Apollo recovered quickly and jumped up, tackling the God of War around the stomach and sending him into the arm of a couch. Before another move was made, they were blown apart by a bolt of energy.

Ares and Apollo both laid back on the floor, stunned. Zeus stood above them, and Ares did *not* like the look on his face.

"Ares, I'm giving you only one more warning! If you so much as touch Apollo or any god of that matter, I will condemn you to one year of mortality!"

Zeus walked away from them both, and Apollo rose, giving Ares a glare before doing the same. Xena walked to where Ares still laid and knelt down beside him.

"You really shouldn't piss off Zeus like that," she said, her lips forming a smirk.

The God of War shook his head, a angry expression on his face. "Zeus is a moron."

"I couldn't agree more, but he is the King of the Gods." She stood up, offering her hand to him, and he took it. She helped him up and then said, "Do you really think you'd survive a year of mortality?"

Ares let out a heavy sigh and settled down on the couch. "I doubt it. But that weakling just...I can't stand hearing him say those things..." Ares stopped, not wanting to say anymore.

"Don't let Apollo get to you. He's just jealous."

"Of what? You? Everybody's jealous of you."

"He's jealous of *you* for having *me*."

"You're not mine," Ares said flatly.

Xena shrugged. "But he thinks I am."

"Mmm," Ares muttered, and poured himself a glass of wine.

"Areeeeeees," Xena said warningly. "You said you weren't getting drunk again."

"Oh, let me be. This is the second time in, what? Probably ten years."

Xena watched as he downed the first glass. "Fine. Just stay over on your side of the couch and do *not* talk to me."

"Fine." He poured the second glass and downed it as well. His head was already spinning...Dionysus sure did make a good drink.

After downing his fourth glass, Ares leaned back on the couch, happy to forget all about Zeus and Apollo, and contentedly watching the room spin and the cute little blotches of colors floating around.

Xena glanced over at Ares, and then looked away, disgusted. She leaned her arm against the side of the couch and rested her head on it, looking around the room with a bored expression. After twenty minutes of nothing happening, something finally caught the Warrior Princess's attention.

Joxer and Autolycus had made their way over to Athena's little social circle. Joxer was putting his arms around Gabrielle, grinning drunkenly and gesturing about something. Autolycus had approached Ephiny, probably thinking he was smiling his charming smile, though in reality it turned out to me a crooked, maniacal-looking grin. Ephiny pushed him away, and when he came back, she punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious. The Amazon shook her head, pitying the poor fool.

Joxer was still talking to Gabrielle, who was starting to get an irritated look on her face. She pushed him away, and he persistently tried again. She moved to push him away again, and he grabbed her wrists and kissed her. Xena could hear Gabrielle shriek for a moment, but when the drunken friend did not let go, she quieted, realizing that she was actually enjoying it. To the women's surprise, she kissed him back.

Ares was watching this with interest as well, the little floaty dots for the moment disappearing. When he saw the bard return Joxer's kiss, he let out a laugh. "Get a load of the fool," he said to himself, and then shouted loudly, "Goooooo Joxer!" He clapped and whistled, getting a look from everybody.

Xena closed her eyes, leaning back in the couch and shaking her head. She laughed, eyes still closed. "You're an idiot," she said, looking over at Ares.

"Yeah, I get that a lot," the God of War replied with a drunk smile, looking at his favorite warrior. "But hey, the guy finally got her, I think it calls for a celebration!" He took one sip of the wine in his glass and then sat it on the table, holding on to the couch. "I wish this place would stop spinning..."

"And I wish you'd stop drinking." Xena returned, but before she could say anything more, a conscious Autolycus approached her. "What is it, Autolycus?"

The thief grinned a crooked grin at her. "I thought I'd try Joxer's approach...hehe." He leaned down, and before Xena could protest, kissed her. After a moment, he deepened it and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Xena looked over at Ares without turning away from the thief. The God of War was extremely alert now, not looking drunk it the least. Instead he was looking about ready to blast Autolycus into oblivion.

Xena pulled away. "No, Autolycus, I don't think so. Go try it on Discord or something."

"Discord?" he laughed. "Chicken girl?! Hahahahaha!"

She arched an eyebrow as the man walked away. The Warrior Princess then glanced over at Ares, and saw him staring at her maliciously.

"What in Hades were you doing? You let him kiss you!"

"So? You said yourself that I'm not yours. It was just a little kiss."

"Just a little kiss?!" Ares again looked drunk, now that the thief was gone and Xena was no longer being kissed by another man. He did the first thing that came to his mind: he got even. A servant girl was walking their way and before she could pass by, Ares pulled her over to him, causing her to drop the tray she held. He crushed his lips against hers, arms around her small body, holding her to him. As he deepened the kiss, that whore got on top of him, legs straddling his hips. Ares broke the kiss, moving his head down to the woman's chest.

Xena watched with an emotionless expression on her face. When Ares moved his head to the woman's breast, however, the Warrior Princess had enough. She stood up, grabbed the serving wench by the shoulders, and threw her off of Ares, sending her loudly to the floor. The woman shrieked, and looked down at her bosom, at a small patch of blood where Ares' teeth had been nipping. She put a hand over her breast, and scuttled away from Xena, picking up her tray and heading out to the banquet hall. Xena didn't look back at Ares. Instead, she stalked out of the room, and as she did, she passed a couch now occupied by the bodies of her best friend and Joxer the Mighty.

~*~

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