All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream. - Edgar Allan Poe.

Of course they also say 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,' but when Dahak's intentions on ruling both Olympus and Earth once and for all with a new line of Destroyers bleeds into the picture, will wicked betrayals and unexpected deaths finally overcome Xena's thirst for revenge with the darkness of hatred and violence, or is there still time to save the day?

How will Gabrielle cope, and what do a God of War, a rose and Callisto have in common?

Xena and Gabrielle run into trouble on their way to Amphipolis where they plan to celebrate Cyrene's birthday.

Spoilers for: X:WP The Quest

4,035 word count

Gabrielle is bored, being eaten alive by mosquitoes, and doesn’t want to drill with her staff. What happens next?

Timeline: Shortly after ISAIH, but before India arc (long haired, BGSB wearing, staff wielding, non-conflicted with her 'way' Gabby). I’m writing this with the assumption that, since nothing was said on screen, the 'true nature' of Lao Ma and Xena's relationship was merely mentor/student and that Gabs believed that ….. even though WE know better :)