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	This takes place shortly after The Quill is Mightier. Other than that, read it and find out. Archive: Anyone who wants it, but tell me if you have it. Disclaimer:  I don't own them. I'm just borrowing them for a bit.                                                 Possibilities It was going to be a beautiful day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. The waves were crashing rhythmically against the shore. Gabrielle sat on the outcropping of rocks watching the starry night sky give way to the dawn. The waves of high tide were crashing at her feet as she observed the hues of the morning sky. As the sun made its first true appearance, she rose to return to her vigil by Xena's side. Xena had been injured as she fought to keep an invading army from a nearby town. It was only a minor wound, but Xena had treated it carelessly. By the time the town had won the battle, the wound had grown infected. Xena had insisted that it was a minor infection, and that as she had treated it there was nothing to worry about. They had traveled only a few hours before Xena had collapsed on the road with a high fever. Gabrielle had found a cave for them to stay in not far from the beach. Gabrielle had nursed Xena through the rest of the day, and on into the night. In the latter part of the night Xena's fever had broken, allowing her sleep to become a healing one. When Gabrielle returned to the cave she let Xena sleep for several more hours, before waking her to eat a midday meal.  Xena ate the light meal ravenously. Her body craved food to supply energy. The fever had left her as weak as a kitten. Well, maybe a panther kitten. "Gabrielle you don't have to stay here and pamper me. Go out. Do a little exploring." Xena encouraged Gabrielle. Gabrielle was gathering up her blanket. "Don't worry, I will. First I am going to help you outside to get a little sunshine and fresh air." "That does sound awfully good." Gabrielle helped Xena up, and took most of her weight as she led Xena outside to the beach. She led Xena to an outcropping of rock and lay her blanket on the sand beside it. "Here, you lay down and I will fetch some more blankets and some water from the cave." Gabrielle followed word with deed and brought out two more blankets. She lay them where Xena could easily reach them. "What is all this for?" Xena asked as she plucked at one of the blankets. "This is for you to use in a few minutes when you are in the shade of this rock. We want you to get a little sun, not a lot. Be sure and cover up. You can still have a relapse if you aren't careful. I'm going to explore some tide pools down the beach a ways. Are you sure you'll be alright here by yourself?" Gabrielle inquired. "I'll be fine. I'm better now. I just need to rest. You go on and have fun." Xena said with an affectionate smile. "Alright then, I'll be back in a little bit. Don't try and go back to the cave without me." Gabrielle admonished before turning and walking away down the beach. "I'll stay right here. You shouldn't worry so much." Xena said to Gabrielle's back. Gabrielle just laughed as she continued on. "Gabrielle! There's a dangerous riptide on this beach so be careful!" Xena called after her. Gabrielle turned and walked backwards for a moment as she waved at Xena. "Now, you need to not worry so much!" Gabrielle called back. Xena lay back on the blanket as she laughed and soaked in the sun. Gabrielle walked along the edge of the rocks, the waves crashing against them and occasionally wetting her with the spray. The wind was whipping her hair every which way and Gabrielle was having a blast playing amongst the rocks, and enjoying the afternoon sun. The only thing marring her enjoyment, was the feeling that she was being watched. She had been feeling that way since shortly after she had left Xena. However, whenever she looked there was no one to be seen. She looked around again and noticed that could barely see Xena in the distance. She decided it was time to head back. She had taken only a few steps, when she felt a strong hand grasp her wrist and pull her off of the rocks and into the water below. She immediately tried to fight her way to the surface. The hand, which had pulled her into the water, returned and stopped her from reaching the surface. Gabrielle turned to see who was holding on to her. She found an astonishingly good-looking merman. If it wasn't for the golden tail she could have mistaken him for Apollo. He had extremely bright blond hair with equally bright blue eyes. His features could have been mistaken for feminine, with high cheekbones and full lips, if not for the underlying strong jaw. He leaned forward placed his lips against hers and blew air into her mouth. Gabrielle felt the precious air enter her lungs, as well as the spell that came with it. She immediately knew that the water was no longer a threat. She could now breathe and speak underwater as if she was born to it. She didn't hesitate to make use of this new ability. "What do you think you're doing?" Gabrielle shouted angrily. "I'm claiming my bride." He said simply as he pulled her further into the ocean. "I am not going to be your bride! I don't remember agreeing to marry you!" Gabrielle tried to argue with him as she fought to slow him down. As she struggled, her wraparound skirt came loose. She grabbed for it but they were moving too fast. "You didn't have to agree. You are being given a great honor." The merman said, as if it was the most ordinary thing to kidnap a bride. He came to a stop. He turned towards her and smiled. "I want to surprise you with your new home. Sleep." As he spoke he ran his hand over her face. Gabrielle could feel her awareness draining away no matter how hard she tried to stay awake. Gabrielle started to drift into awareness. She could hear voices arguing quietly, but she couldn't make out what they were saying. The voices moved closer. The deeper voice sounded familiar, but Gabrielle's sleep fogged mind couldn't recognize it. "Alright, you win. A mortal isn't what I would have wished for you, but she won't be mortal for much longer." Gabrielle felt a tingling sensation in her legs as she fell back into deep sleep. Gabrielle came awake with a start. She was reclining half in and half out of the water. She was in a large underground cavern, and the only entrance appeared to be through the water. She went to stand up, only to realize that her body wasn't moving properly. As Gabrielle looked down her mind registered two things. The first was that she was wearing a pretty brief top that appeared to be made of shells, pearls, and other small gems. The second, and more overwhelming of the two, was that she had a golden mermaid's tail. Gabrielle closed her eyes tightly, in the hopes that when she opened them the tail would be gone. She cracked her eyes open. No, still there. She tried to flex what should have been legs, and her tail moved creating small waves. Gabrielle began to breathe deeply and evenly in an attempt to stay calm. As she did she remembered the events leading up to this strange situation. She also remembered the 'dream' she had. With the clarity of being awake she realized the voice she heard was Poseidon, and that the tingling sensation was his enchantment to make her a mermaid. She thought rather hysterically, I'm a mermaid!  She mentally slapped herself, get it together! Okay, I'm a mermaid. That just means I can swim out of here. I can find Xena, and she will get this fixed. The mental conversation served to focus her. She immediately slid herself further into the water. She began swimming in circles trying to test out how her new tail worked. It was actually pretty fun! She made herself head toward the exit before she got caught up in experimenting. She was too late. As she neared the exit all kinds of creatures started flooding in. Mermaids, mermen, and all manner of sea creature, most of which she didn't recognize.  She recognized her 'groom' though. He came up to her and acted as though they hadn't seen each other in months. He wrapped his rather brawny arms around her and attempted to kiss her. She held him away as best she could and attempted to stall. "Wait a minute here, big guy. I don't even know your name. Who are all these people? What's going on here? I need some information." Gabrielle told him earnestly. He led her to the side. Out of the way of the people who kept pouring in. He gave her a shy smile. "My name is Brighton.  My father doesn't like it but he promised mother she could name me." Gabrielle assured him that she thought it was a very nice name. Brighton gave her an extremely pleased smile and hugged her. "All of these people are guests of our engagement party. It's going to be a blast! All the Gods are going to be here. You'll love it!" he said excitedly. Gabrielle realized as she watched him that he had a huge crush on her. He was basically still a boy with puppy love. He was shy and sweet, and so spoiled by getting everything he wanted that he was unlikely to let her go. It was unfortunate for her that he had very indulgent parents. Gabrielle decided to get as much information from her betrothed as possible. "Brighton, how long did I sleep, and how did I get my tail?" Brighton smiled brilliantly. "You slept for about three days. Father had your tail grow while you were asleep. I hoped it would turn out blue to match your eyes, but I'm glad it's gold. It matches mine. It's only a temporary tail. It will be permanent when we get married." Gabrielle decided to ask her most pressing question as nonchalantly as possible. "So, when is the wedding going to be?" "Didn't I tell you? We'll be married at the end of the engagement party. Then we will go on our honeymoon as everyone else stays for the party afterward." Brighton again leaned in to kiss her. This time she let him, as she was too much in shock to stop him. Xena awoke feeling completely renewed. As she sat up she realized she must have slept clear through the afternoon and night because it was dawn. She frowned. Gabrielle wouldn't have let her sleep out all night, even if she did have two blankets over her. "Gabrielle? Gabrielle where are you?" Xena called as she began to walk along the beach in search of her friend. She had only been walking for a few minutes when she came across a piece of cloth partially in the waves. She knew, even before picking it up, what it was. Xena dropped to her knees as the realization swept over her. Her best friend had drowned while she slept. Xena knelt there in shock for over an hour. Not even realizing the tears coursing down her cheeks. She eventually pulled herself together. She knew she had to let the people who cared about Gabrielle know what had happened. She returned to the cave to gather up their belongings. She nearly fell apart as she packed away Gabrielle's scrolls. When she had finished, she set out with Argo heading to Poteidaia. She had been traveling only half a day when the fates stepped in. She ran across Hercules and Iolaus as they traveled to meet friends in a nearby town. Xena held herself together until she was in Hercules arms. Only then did she allow herself the complete breakdown that she had been heading for. Hercules carried Xena as she sobbed into his chest. Iolaus led Argo behind them. Not a word was spoken. None was needed. Gabrielle was placed to the side of the cavern half on land half in the water. Much like she had been when she had woken up. Only the land half had all sorts of cushions arranged for people to lounge on as they spoke with her. It seemed that everybody who came had to be introduced. After several hours it seemed that almost everyone had arrived, so Gabrielle was left alone for the most part. The party was in full swing, and the gods seemed to be a tumultuous bunch. Aphrodite made a late and fairly unnoticed arrival. Her usual bright entrance was overlooked in the midst of all the other fantastic entertainment. "Hmmph! I'll just go introduce myself to the bride to be then." Aphrodite said petulantly. Upset that she wasn't the life of the party. She made her way daintily toward the long blond hair she could see on the opposite side of the cavern. Aphrodite noted the lovely golden tail as she sat down. "Hiya sweetie, I'm Aphrodite." She was shocked when Gabrielle turned around. "Aphrodite, you have to help me get out of here!" Gabrielle said urgently in a low voice. Gabrielle continued explaining to Aphrodite how she had gotten there. "This isn't really my area you know. Rescues are more the warrior department." Aphrodite responded. "Then could you go tell Xena where I am? She can get me out of this." Gabrielle asked her pleadingly. Aphrodite looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'm not so sure Xena can. I'll be right back though!" She disappeared in a flash of golden sparks. Gabrielle's hopes rose. Aphrodite reappeared in Ares throne room. He looked to be busy plotting battle strategies. "Ares, you have to come to the party with me." Aphrodite said as commandingly as she could. It wasn't very commanding. "I don't have time to go to some stupid party. If I went to every party Poseidon put on I would never get anything done." Ares said irritably. "This is different. This is an engagement party for his favorite son. The bride is the important thing right now. Poseidon turned Gabrielle into a mermaid so she could marry his son." Having finally captured Ares attention Aphrodite continued, telling him the same story Gabrielle had told her. Ares finally agreed to come to the party. If only to get a coherent explanation. "Nice tail." Ares commented from behind Gabrielle's back. Gabrielle quickly looked behind her and groaned. "Aphrodite, I asked you to get Xena. Why did you bring him?" Gabrielle asked while trying to hold on to her temper. "Because I think Xena probably wouldn't be able to do anything this time. Ares can think up a way to get you out of here and back to Xena." Aphrodite said. She was proud of the plan she had come up with. Up until Ares vetoed it moments later. "I will go and tell Xena where you are. This way you will both owe me." Ares said smugly as he disappeared. Ares focused on Xena's presence and shifted to her location. He was there only for a moment, when a fist came out of nowhere and knocked him into the wall. He stood up to see who would dare to hit him. Hercules stood at the ready. "What did you do that for?" Ares asked angrily. "That was for trying to get to Xena in her grief. I recommend you leave now. I won't let you anywhere near her." Hercules promised with an uncompromising look in his eyes. "What do you mean, 'in her grief'?" Ares demanded. Hercules looked at him in disgust. "As if you didn't know that Gabrielle is dead." Ares looked surprised. "How did she die?" Hercules narrowed his eyes but answered the question. "I don't know. Xena hasn't been in any shape to tell us anything." "Then you can't be sure she's dead can you?" Ares asked reasonably. Hercules looked to become violent again. "Leave Ares. I won't have you upsetting her." "Fine, I'll just have to take care of things on my own." Ares said as he left. He appeared back at the party and settled himself on a cushion beside Aphrodite. He shook his head. "No can do. Xena thinks your dead." "Well tell her I'm alive then." Gabrielle said through gritted teeth. "I can't get near her. Hercules is guarding her. Besides, she probably wouldn't believe me anyway." Ares told her. "Then send Aphrodite. Maybe they'll listen to her." Gabrielle proposed rather desperately. She was running out of ideas. As nice as Brighton seemed she didn't want to marry the poor boy. "Now that I've thought it over, I have to agree with 'Dite." Ares said decisively. "You do?" Came two surprised voices. "Well, if you think about it. What can Xena do to rescue you? She may be able to get the wedding called off, but you would still have the tail. Do you think you can talk junior over there into calling off the wedding?" Ares asked, already deep into planning various scenarios. "Are you kidding? He's a nice kid, but if I told him I didn't want to marry him all he would think is that he had to win me over. He would love that. It would fit in with the romantic fantasy world he's living in." Gabrielle told him flatly. "Okay, what can you tell us about the tail?" Ares continued his questions, trying to find a way out of the situation. "It's a temporary tail. I guess it's supposed to become permanent when we get married." Gabrielle said uncertainly. "Why are you helping me Ares? What do you get out of this?" "I get the knowledge that both you and Xena owe me. " Ares said smugly. At Gabrielle's disbelieving look he continued grudgingly. "Not to mention you treated me and 'Dite fairly when we were mortal. You tried your best to get our powers back even though you could have kept us mortal." Gabrielle smiled at the admission. "Your welcome, and I kind of like you too. Thank you for trying to help me." She said warmly. "Well 'Dite, what do you think? Should we get her out of here and try and get this spell off her?" Ares asked with a laugh. "Alright, now we're talking! I've got a nice big pool we can set her in until we lift the spell." With those words Aphrodite faded out taking Gabrielle with her. Ares grinned. It was going to be fun pulling one over on his Uncle Poseidon. He transported himself to Aphrodite's palace. "Good, you're here. Let's get started." Aphrodite said. Her businesslike manner was marred by the fact that she and Gabrielle were relaxing in a bubble bath. Ares decided he might as well make himself comfortable and join them. "How will you get started? What are you planning to do?" Gabrielle questioned uncertainly, the disaster with the scroll coming quite clearly to her mind. Ares saw her uncertainty and explained what they planned to do. "'Dite and I will examine the spell on your legs. Most spells have a lot of clauses and conditions that have to be met. We'll see what those are and then decide how to get around them." "That sounds interesting." Gabrielle said cautiously. "Don't worry this shouldn't hurt a bit." Aphrodite said. Strangely, Gabrielle wasn't reassured. Ares and Aphrodite both placed a hand on her face. She felt as if she was glowing from the heat that spread through her body. When they sat back they both had frowns on their faces and they shared a disturbed look. Seeing this Gabrielle began to worry, and asked what they had found out. Ares answered her. "Well it seems our uncle is extremely thorough. There was only one loophole that I could find, and that wasn't even a complete loophole." Ares looked to Aphrodite for confirmation of what he had found. "It's true. Poseidon set up the spell to be transferred when you married his son. The problem is that if you don't marry his son, he is the only one who can take the spell off of you." Aphrodite said sadly. "You said there was a loophole. We know Poseidon won't take the spell off. So what's the loophole?" Gabrielle asked with apprehension. Ares took up where Aphrodite left off. "The loophole is that the spell is already permanent, what transfers is who can take the spell off. When you marry Brighton, he will have the ability to remove the spell." "How is that a loophole? I thought we already settled that I am not going to marry him." Gabrielle demanded. Ares and Aphrodite switched off again. "Sweetie, the loophole is that the transfer isn't god specific. Any god you marry could take the spell off of you." Ares knew he had to be the one to offer the solution. He knew neither of the other two would bring it up. "Yes you could marry me and I would take the spell off. But it isn't that simple. Whenever a god marries a mortal a bond is put in place. Normally when a god chooses to marry a mortal they give them immortality first, negating the bond. We wouldn't be able to do that with you. If we made you immortal without the marriage, the spell would be permanent and no one could take it off. If you marry me you will become immortal, and you will be bound to me for that eternity." "Ares are you really offering to marry me? You don't have to do this. You can leave me to be married to Brighton. I will be an immortal mermaid. Xena already thinks I'm dead, so you wouldn't have to explain anything to her." Gabrielle told him, trying to offer him an out. "If you agree, yes I will marry you. You know, not everybody can marry a god to a mortal. Fortunately we have 'Dite in on this caper, and she is one of the few who can." Ares tried to joke to lighten the mood. He got a smile for his effort. "I'll let you think it through." With that he left Gabrielle and Aphrodite to talk privately. "'Dite, what would the bond between Ares and I be? He didn't mention anything specific." Gabrielle decided she wouldn't make a decision without all the information she could have. "I don't really know. There have only been a few mortals that went through the full ceremony to marry a god. Each time the bond was different. If you chose to go through with it, you would have to see what the bond would bring." Aphrodite said giving her all the information she had. "So basically I have two choices. I can stay a mermaid for eternity and marry that sweet, shy, spoiled little boy. Or I can chose not to remain a mermaid, and marry a god who is extremely smart with a really foul temper, and who has occasionally shown a depth I didn't know he was capable of." Gabrielle shook her head. "You know 'Dite, sometimes the Fates can play some really cruel jokes." "'Dite, could you fetch Ares and give us some privacy?" Gabrielle asked. Ares returned to the room and sat on the side of the large bath. "Why are you willing to do this? This is an extremely big thing you are talking about doing. Bonded for eternity is a lot to ask of you. I want to know why." Gabrielle told him seriously. "Seriously? I like you. You don't just see me as the God of War. I'm not really someone you see as an enemy either. Most warriors, and yes I do see you as a warrior, see me as either someone to use or an enemy. You see me, or at least try and see me. I don't know anyone other than 'Dite who has tried to do that. That earns you serious points in my book." Ares told her sincerely. "After the wedding what did you have in mind? You once said that a mortal's life span was but a blink of a gods eyes. I'm not ready to blink yet." Gabrielle told him candidly. "After the ceremony you can go back to Xena. We will have eternity to work things out." Ares accepted mildly. "Call 'Dite back in. I'm ready for this to happen." Gabrielle said peacefully. When everything was ready Gabrielle had one last concern. "This won't get you into any trouble will it?" Ares laughed. "Nothing we can't handle." With that Aphrodite began the ceremony. Several hours later Gabrielle was back to her normal form and on her way to find Xena. The bond between Ares and Gabrielle turned out to be rather strong. They could speak to each other's minds from anywhere. As well as being completely aware of the other's emotions at all times. The latter is what made it possible for Gabrielle to continue her journey with Xena with both parties at peace with the decision. They both knew they had eternity to work things out, and the possibilities were endless. And so it began.                                                  The End