"Sophia wait," the God of War jumped from his throne as he watched Sophia continuing to walk away. "Damn it!"

"Well, you really blew it this time."

Ares regained his composure before turning around to face his mother. "Are you here to give me parenting lessons?"

The auburn haired Hera stood regally as her stark ice blue eyes pierced through Ares. "Don't give that sarcastic attitude to me. If you keep slapping her hands away, she will stop reaching out to you."

Ares walked over to the table and poured himself some wine into his gold goblet. "She just threw me off, that's all. She never wanted to talk before."

"Pan placed a spell upon her. Now, she has to say the first thing that comes to her mind and heart. And it seems that you were there. You should be pleased, at least she's thinking about you."

"What do you want Mother?"

Hera sighed in disappointment. It seems that Ares would never admit to himself what really mattered. "I came down to ask you a favor."

"A favor?" Ares interest picked up. "And what kind of favor would this be?"

She watched as he lifted the wine-filled goblet to his lips. "I wanted you to talk to Sophia. Zeus and I have talked, and we wanted her to deliver a wedding gift to Xena and Gabrielle."

"Why would I do that? I wasn't even invited to the wedding."

"Neither were we. But I'm trying to amend the suffering that I caused. Maybe you should do the same."

He slammed his goblet down unto the table. "Why are we crawling to the whims of humans? They may be our children and grandchildren, but they are still mortals. They should be worshiping us and doing our will. But instead, you are groveling at their feet. Who are the gods here? "

"This is not about our godhood. This is about our family. You don't have a relationship with any of your children."

"I do too. I have one with Sophia. It may be unsteady, but she knows that I will be there for her when necessary."

"How about when it's not necessary? And what if Xena is your daughter?"

Ares gripped his chalice until his knuckles were white. "Mother, I suggest you go and see Sophia yourself. I like to be alone."