Xena took refuge in a cave for the night just as a storm began. As the night progressed, the storm raged on and Xena tried to sleep. All attempts were futile. Xena remained wide-awake, huddled close to the fire to dry off. Suddenly, she saw the figure of a man appear in the cave. The man was dressed in a long black cloak, and with the poor lighting from the insufficient fire, Xena could not make out what he looked like.
"Who are you?" she challenged.
"Put your sword down Xena," came the deep voiced reply.
"How do you know my name?"
"I know everything about you Xena. I am
Ares, god of war."
"I am honored," Xena replied, having learned from her father strict obedience to the gods, especially Ares. Her eyes were cast down in respect.
"Xena, don't grovel. I'm here to talk to you. I saw everything in Amphipolis," Ares said, getting straight to the point. "I'm impressed with what you accomplished. Cortese is one tough warlord. That's why I'm here."
Xena stared at Ares, not quiet sure what to respond. Ares moved closer to Xena. Normally she would have shifted away from someone being so close. But she felt drawn to the god.
"You have a destiny Xena, but the choice to take it is yours. Side with me and I will make you unstoppable. No one will dare stand in your way."
"Forgive me great Ares, but how will you do that? I mean, I've had no formal training."
"With this."
Ares moved the cloak aside, producing a round metallic object. He held it out to Xena, offering it to her. She took it reluctantly and studied it hard.
"What is it?" she asked, entranced.
"It's called the chakram. It's also the most powerful weapon on earth. Go ahead Xena, throw it. See for yourself what it can do."
Xena hesitated a moment then threw the chakram. It ricocheted off the walls of the cave then headed back towards her. Strangely, she didn't panic. Instinctively, her hand shot up and she grabbed the chakram as it came back. Impressed by it's power, she smiled and looked at Ares.
"I am at your service my lord."
A short time later, Ares and Xena lay together on the floor of the cave, totally absorbed in their act of passion. Both were breathing hard but showed no sign of stopping. Ares had been surprised. Xena had offered no resistance to his suggestion to consummate their alliance. For Xena, it was her first time with a man. For Ares, he was finally with the one mortal he longed to lay with. The fire had long since died, leaving Xena still unable to see the god, expect for in the brief flashes of lightening that barely illuminated the cave. But she felt safe, her flesh pressed to his. The two spent all night this way, wrapped in the other's arms bringing Olympus to earth.