"What did he mean? I didn't hear anything." Gabrielle whispered softly inside the dark confines of a mountain cave.
"I've heard that the oracle tells of Zeus' wishes to the priests by the rustling of the oak leaves. Remember the sound they made, without any wind?"
"Oh, yes. I forgot about that."
Xena, in the middle of the trio before her friend, smiled back fondly.
They had followed the priest for several hours, finally entering this cave at the base of a huge mountain. They had gone quite a ways into the cave, and had not yet arrived at their destination.
Or so Xena thought as she followed the priest into a large chamber. He stopped suddenly, and Xena & Gabrielle fanned out to the side.
A mere foot in front of them was an open cauldron of bubbling lava. It's red-gold glow filled the chamber, casting errie shadows across the rough walls.
"This is your task. A test of faith, as you asked."
Gabrielle was horrified.
"No! Xena, you can't. This is more than anyone would expect. You can't do this!"
Xena was tempted to listen to her friend, but a voice deep inside said that she couldn't walk away. She would only hurt others if she did. Better for it to be over now than to endanger others.
"I'll be all right. Trust me Gabrielle."
Turning to the priest, Xena asked, "Can you leave for a moment?"
The priest nodded his accent and moved back into the tunnel.
"Gabrielle, I can't walk away. Too much is at stake."
Turning aside and shrugging out of her armour and clothes, Xena finished, "I must have faith."
Standing nude at the edge of the lava, Xena took a deep breath & stepped over the edge. She went all the way under, causing Gabrielle to scream & fall forward.
"She's gone! No, No, No! Xena!"
Not a sign of Xena could be seen. The lava had engulfed her completely. Gabrielle wailed loudly, closing her eyes in grief.
"She's gone. By the gods, she's gone!"
"Will you please stop crying, Gabrielle? I'm perfectly fine."
Xena was smoothly gliding forward through the bubbles of lava. Her glorious black hair fanned out behind her in a wet trail.
"Xena? Xena! Your alive!"
Gabrielle reached forward & grasped Xena's outstreached hand. With a little help, Gabrielle pulled Xena out of the cauldron.
"But how? I thought..." Gabrielle couldn't complete her words.
Xena slipped her shift on and knealt beside her best friend.
"I had to trust the gods would help me. It's actually another hot springs. Only it looks like lava. They wanted a leap of faith. Proof positive I believed with my life."
Gabrielle impulsively hugged Xena tight. "I'm so glad you're all right."
Xena's smile was wry but happy.
"So am I."
******************************
Mischief on Olympus, XVI
"Well, do you think it's gone?"
"I can't tell. I didn't feel anything when the spell was cast on me & I don't feel any different now."
Gabrielle's brow wrinkled in thought.
"Since I'm not able to tell if your all right, we may have to test someone to see if it's gone."
A shuffling sound from the tunnel enterance quickly gained their attention. The priest, shoulders hunched forward, slowly entered the cavern.
Gabrielle smiled & Xena simply shook her head.
"Excuse me, but do you smell anything?"
The innocent look on Gabrielle's face was priceless. Xena wanted to laugh, but restrained herself.
"Of course I smell. Flowers or food are my favorites. But generally, I smell whatever I am around at the moment." The man openly looked confused.
"No. I mean, do you smell anything funny right NOW?"
Relieved, the old priest rocked back on his heels.
"You are asking if your friend still smells terrible."
Gabrielle nodded.
"No. The pool washed away whatever spell was on her. She no longer reeks."
"I thought you couldn't smell or something. You didn't show any reaction when we approached."
"My dear girl, there was a reason I was the only one to accompany you. And if I had allowed myself to react, I'd be unconcious long before now."
Xena's muffled chuckle turned into an outright roar of laughter. Gabrielle & the priest both joined in her humor. Side by side, Xena & Gabrielle stepped forth from the cave, several minutes later, grateful to considerate gods and priests with strong constitutions.
