by
Editor
Bleu Gato
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TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. POTIDAEA VILLAGE 3 YEARS AGO/AFTERNOON
A house is being built on the outskirts of the village. Herodotus, with Gabrielle, and a few other MEN and BOYS are working on it. The MEN are doing the bricklaying and Gabrielle and the BOYS are fetching the mud bricks from a pile. They are unbaked, just a mixture of mud, sand, water and straw sun dried for a month. There is horseplay, with BOYS trying to tackle the brick carriers and the general roughhousing you will find in the boys that age. Gabrielle trips one TALL BOY from behind, who goes down into the dirt. She pushes and tackles few more BOYS on her way to the pile and picks up a new load of bricks. She nimbly avoids the outstretched hands, using her training to good effect. On return trip, the TALL BOY blocks her way.
TALL BOY
Not so tough facing me, are you?
He shoves her hard, but Gabrielle keeps her balance, already in fighting stance. Other BOYS gather in a circle, sensing a coming fight. MEN look to see what is happening.
GABRIELLE
Can't take a hit and come crying about it? Are you going beat me with your tears? What, drown me?
The BOYS laugh.
TALL BOY, angrily
TALL BOY
Put that body where you mouth is, Gabe. Let's wrestle. Best two out of three.
The MEN go back to work, with Herodotus more watching than working. Both Gabrielle and TALL BOY remove their belts, tunics, and boots and get in a stance opposite each other. They are both wearing trousers but Gabrielle has her upper underwraps on. They circle and the TALL BOY shoots in for her legs. Gabrielle pushes him down and then sinks in the front headlock. The TALL BOY struggles, but it is in tight. TALL BOY passes out and Gabrielle releases the hold, leaving him down on the ground. She walks over to her clothes and throws on her tunic. The BOYS regain their senses and mob Gabrielle, loudly cheering and patting her shoulders in congratulations. Gabrielle looks up to see her father looking back at her, smiling widely and with pride in his eyes. Gabrielle is happy.
CUT TO:
EXT. POTIDAEA VILLAGE 3 YEARS AGO/EVENING
Herodotus and Gabrielle are walking toward the town square.
Herodotus, smiling
HERODOTUS
House construction is nearly done, only the roof left and we get paid. And we have your victory to celebrate as well. This calls for a round at the tavern. What do you say, Gabe?
Gabrielle, tentatively
GABRIELLE
Mead?
HERODOTUS
No, milk.
Herodotus laughs, then noticing the change in Gabrielle, quickly corrects.
HERODOTUS
My son is a real man and he drinks with me. Mead it is.
Gabrielle's eyes light up and she is regains her good mood.
CUT TO:
INT. POTIDAEA TAVERN 3 YEARS AGO/EVENING
A space has been cleared out at the front of the crowded room. The MUSICIAN is just finishing his performance when they enter. Nearby, a BARD warms up for his part by downing a drink. Herodotus leads Gabrielle near the front and a finds an open spot with ease as VILLAGERS move out of his way. A SERVER makes her way toward him.
SERVER
The usual?
HERODOTUS
And mead for Gabe. Keep them coming, we are celebrating.
The SERVER comes back with their drinks and sets them on the table. Herodotus hands one to Gabrielle who is trying to look everywhere and absorb all the conversations at once.
Herodotus, proudly
HERODOTUS
You earned it. You did good Gabe.
Herodotus toasts her and Gabrielle takes a sip and then another. The liquid warms her insides as it burns past her throat. She starts imitating her father, taking long swallows.
The BARD moves to the center of open space and all voices fall silent. Gabrielle eyes open wide as he begins to speak and she is very excited, almost bouncing on the bench. This is her dream come true.
BARD
I sing of Hercules, hero
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST - MORNING
Xena and Gabrielle are walking thru the forest, with Argo following next to Xena. Gabrielle has just finished her tale and falls silent.
Xena, contemplatively
XENA
Life is complicated.
GABRIELLE
My father loves me in his own way and I love him regardless of the past. Some bonds are stronger than hate.
Xena, firmly
XENA
No, you are stronger than hate. There was more bad than good for you, but that is how it goes. You get your lot in life and you do the best with it. Not me. Gabrielle, we walk together and there is no going home. Put me anywhere near Potidaea and I will kill your father; not even you will be able to stop me. And you are not going there alone.
GABRIELLE
Xena
Xena, tearfully
XENA
I took your family away from you.
Gabrielle, gently
GABRIELLE
I will teach you forgiveness.
Xena, unsure
XENA
It is not in me.
Gabrielle, with conviction
GABRIELLE
Love and compassion are in all of us. Even you.
Xena is silent.
GABRIELLE
Drachma for your thoughts?
Xena remains silent.
Gabrielle, nudging
GABRIELLE
Share?
XENA
One day
GABRIELLE
I understand. When you are ready.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS ROAD LATE AFTERNOON
Xena and Gabrielle are overlooking a medium village. Gabrielle twirls her staff.
XENA
One reputation to fix and drachmas to make.
GABRIELLE
We are not staying overnight at the inn.
Xena, disappointed
XENA
No room this time?
GABRIELLE
You hogged the inn bath till they closed and I had to visit a cold stream outside town. Then you took the bed and I ended up on the floor.
XENA
That was the last village.
GABRIELLE
That was not the first time.
Xena, invitingly
XENA
We can share the bed.
Gabrielle, decisively
GABRIELLE
Not happening.
XENA
I won't take the blankets.
GABRIELLE
Definitely not interested.
Xena, innocently
XENA
The bed is all mine?
GABRIELLE
Yes. No. Wait, you tricked me!
XENA
Sweet victory.
GABRIELLE
Pyrrhic victory. It will be cold day in Tartarus before I get a room at the inn again.
Gabrielle turns and walks down to the village below.
XENA
Go bard.
Gabrielle waves to her without breaking her stride or turning.
CUT TO:
EXT. PELLA VILLAGE SQUARE EARLY EVENING
The open space has a few VILLAGERS, most of whom are heading for the tavern at the inn. The YOUNG MAN leaning on the wall near the front door is watching Gabrielle as she makes her way across the open space. Gabrielle walks up to the village well and brings up the bucket. The YOUNG MAN walks over and hands her the dipper.
YOUNG MAN, with a charming smile
YOUNG MAN
Your prince is here to save you from thirst.
Gabrielle laughs and their hands brush as the dipper is handed over.
Gabrielle, coyly
GABRIELLE
Does my prince have a name?
YOUNG MAN
Aha, now it is official. I am prince Peranis, heir to this fine establishment before you.
Peranis points at the inn with a flourish. Gabrielle follows his gesture and spots a comely YOUNG WOMAN leave thru the side door, probably from the kitchen. The YOUNG WOMAN is carrying two buckets on a wooden carrier over her shoulders. She is wearing a simple cut blue dress. The YOUNG WOMAN walks with her eyes cast down, avoiding looking at anyone. She heads in their direction.
Gabrielle, looking directly at YOUNG WOMAN, mesmerized
GABRIELLE
Who is that?!
Peranis, dismissively
PERANIS
That's Teresia, my sister.
Gabrielle, without taking her eyes of Teresia, just as dismissively
GABRIELLE
Go play in your castle prince, princess has a headache.
Peranis is not sure what to make of that remark and the reason for it and gives Gabrielle a strange look before he heads inside. Teresia approaches and Gabrielle intercepts her.
Gabrielle, cheerfully and with a smile
GABRIELLE
Well come Teresia, I'm Gabrielle and I will be your attendant today. Water?
Teresia, giggling
TERESIA
You're funny.
Teresia now raises her eyes and looks at Gabrielle. She appears lost for a second in Gabrielle's eyes. She looks down again.
Teresia, shyly
TERESIA
Sorry, drifted off.
Gabrielle, matter of fact
GABRIELLE
I have that affect on people.
Gabrielle moves and deftly lifts the carrier from Teresia's back, taking it to the well. She lowers the well bucket.
Gabrielle, eyes twinkling
GABRIELLE
I am a bard on an adventure.
Teresia looks up, intrigued.
Teresia, wistfully
TERESIA
I help in the kitchen, clean the rooms and draw the baths. I am not allowed in the main room in the evenings. Not a proper place for an unmarried woman, they tell me. I dream of hearing a bard someday, maybe my husband will take me. I sometimes lean against the servers' door and listen to parts of the story. Not often, my mother yells at me for blocking the door.
Gabrielle pours the water and lowers the bucket again.
Gabrielle, gently
GABRIELLE
Teresia, this bard sings for you.
Teresia is speechless.
Gabrielle, in bard voice
GABRIELLE
I, too, wish to sing of heroic deeds
(about the Atreides, and about Kadmus),
but the lyre's strings
can only produce sounds of love.
Recently, I changed the strings,
and then the lyre itself,
and tried to sing of the feats of Hercules,
but still the lyre kept singing songs of love.
So, fare well, you heroes!
because my lyre sings only songs of love.
Tears run down Teresia's face.
Teresia, gratefully
TERESIA
Thank you, Gabrielle.
Gabrielle reaches over and wipes Teresia's tears with her hand.
Gabrielle, warmly
GABRIELLE
Dreams have a way of coming true around me.
Gabrielle pours into the second bucket then picks up the carrier easily and sets it on her shoulders. Teresia looks ready to protest, but is disarmed by the smile Gabrielle gives her. Gabrielle picks up her staff set against the well and hands it to Teresia. They start walking.
Teresia uses the staff as a walking stick, staying to the side.
TERESIA
You are unlike anyone. Traveling alone and without a man to protect you. Aren't you scared?
GABRIELLE
I travel with my best friend; a woman. We stand together.
They walk in silence the rest of the way. Teresia is struggling with something, the conflict evident in her face. They stop at the kitchen door and Gabrielle sets down the carrier and takes her staff back. Teresa makes a decision.
Teresia, sharing, sadly
TERESIA
Gabrielle, I know my parents will not marry me. I speak of a husband, but there is none in my future. All the women my age are long married and with children. My fate is to work in the inn for my parents and then my brother until I die alone. I cost them nothing but food and clothes. I am a slave in my own home and to my own family.
Gabrielle backs up and quickly strings together her most advanced and elaborate staff moves at full speed. Teresia watches in amazement.
Gabrielle, locking eyes
GABRIELLE
We make our own fate.
Gabrielle walks up to Teresia and hugs her and Teresia returns the hug, clutching tightly. Gabrielle brings their heads together and they lean into each other.
CUT TO:
EXT. PELLA VILLAGE SQUARE EVENING
Gabrielle is almost to the village inn front door when a figure in black leather armor appears in front of her and blocks the way.
ARES
Loved your work in Tracus.
GABRIELLE
One per God.
ARES
Funny. The battle was great too.
GABRIELLE
I had inspiration.
ARES
Me?
GABRIELLE
Xena.
Ares, teasingly
ARES
For the kiss?
Gabrielle, smiling mysteriously
GABRIELLE
One of them.
ARES
You are quick with words. Let's test you with steel.
Ares places a hand on his sword and Gabrielle nimbly backs up and sets with a staff. He unsheathes the blade and shows it off.
Ares, coldly
ARES
Wood versus Hephaestus' finest work.
Gabrielle tosses three knives in quick succession, striking both thighs and an upper arm.
ARES
Ow, ow, and ow.
Ares removes the knives and tosses them to the ground. VILLAGERS are starting to gather around them.
Ares closes on Gabrielle, who suddenly can't move. He calmly cuts both ends of the staff close to her hands, leaving her with a third of its former length.
ARES
You will die slowly and alone.
He puts a point of his sword at her lower left side and stabs her deeply. Gabrielle's eyes open wide in pain. She can't open her mouth to scream.
ARES
That's for the fallacy of pride mortal, thinking you were equal.
Ares puts his sword to her lower right side. He looks into her eyes and grins savagely. Their eyes lock and something passes between them. Suddenly his smile fades as a buckler smashes into his face, fracturing his cheekbone and nose and closing his eye. Gabrielle drops the shortened staff and draws her sword. In her left hand she holds her buckler. Gabrielle is hurt, open wound bleeding profusely, but she is ready to fight. Ares backs up and moves his hand to his face and all the injury is healed.
Ares, looking at Gabrielle, stunned
ARES
That's unexpected.
Gabrielle is barely holding the sword and she is wobbling.
Ares observes Gabrielle and decides that the injury is severe enough. Plus there is something else about her as well, something that makes him uneasy.
Ares, to VILLAGERS
ARES
I am Ares, God of War. This woman is cursed by the Gods. Help her and face our wrath.
Ares disappears.
GABRIELLE
Help me
The VILLAGERS start to leave immediately.
Gabrielle, pleadingly
GABRIELLE
Please help me
The VILLAGERS walk away and none look back.
GABRIELLE
Don't walk away
Her sword falls from her hand.
GABRIELLE
Please
No one is around as she collapses to the ground. After collecting her remaining strength, Gabrielle removes her belt and armor and cuts her tunic with the dagger to access the wound. She cleans it with water from waterskin. She takes a needle and length of catgut and sutures the wound, hissing her pain thru clenched teeth.
Suddenly, Teresia pokes her head around the corner and quickly runs up to Gabrielle. Without a word she hands Gabrielle some clean linen and then just as fast she is gone. Gabrielle stacks clean linen and a bit of cut tunic over it and keeps a firm pressure on the wound. She drinks some water as she waits for the bleeding to slow down. She gets another linen and applies pressure again. The bleeding stopped, Gabrielle carefully takes to her feet and very slowly walks to her arranged meeting place with Xena.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP LATE EVENING
Xena rummages thru Gabrielle's side of the saddlebag, looking for food. She finds a linen wrapped bundle with some wild fruit and nuts in it.
XENA
Holding out on me.
She starts to eat when she hears someone in the forest. She draws her sword and circles around the source of the noise. She recognizes Gabrielle and rushes to her side. Gabrielle is in her tunic with a hole in the fabric on the left side and there is a whole lot of blood. Gabrielle keeps her hands pressed against the wound.
Xena helps her to the campsite and sets her down on the bedroll. She checks the wound. The stitches are holding and look okay. Xena cleans the wound with cooled boiled water, applies yarrow spit poultice and covers with fresh linen. She wraps a long strip of the tunic, cut for that purpose, around Gabrielle's middle. Xena then dresses her in a fresh tunic and tucks her in. She mixes some herbs and adds water then gives the mixture to Gabrielle who is drifting in and out of consciousness. Gabrielle falls asleep shortly.
XENA
They cut you bad but you got away. Hope you left some for me.
Xena, barring her teeth
XENA
I really hope you did.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP NIGHT
Xena wakes up and comes over to check on Gabrielle. The wound is deep, but the cut is clean and even with severe blood loss, things are optimistic. Xena checks Gabrielle's forehead and finds she has a mild fever. Her breathing is shallow but steady. Xena applies a fresh poultice and secures clean linen in place over it. She takes one last look at Gabrielle and then reaches out tentatively to her face. Xena's hand stops and it is shaking. She gathers her courage and gently touches Gabrielle's cheek. Xena draws Gabrielle's hair away from her face and Gabrielle makes a small sound. Guiltily, Xena pulls her hand back. She quickly stands up and walks back to her own bedroll. She lies down and stares at the stars, unable to sleep. Giving up, she sits up then bolts upright as a figure appears out of thin air near her. Ares and Xena stare at each other. Ares expression is one of vague amusement, Xena looks feral.
XENA
You hurt her.
It is not a question, it is a statement of fact.
ARES
Since when do you
Ares notices the building rage in Xena's eyes.
Ares, surprised
ARES
You do care.
Pause.
Ares, considering the possibilities
ARES
The ice is melting. This is promising.
The chakram is drawn and thrown with lighting speed and murderous intent. Ares has trouble pulling it out of his chest, but manages with effort. He holds it upright in the palm of his hand and makes it spin in place, his blood staining it black in the moonlight.
ARES
Not here to fight. The villagers watched Gabrielle bleed to death and did not help. No one called for a healer, no one offered assistance. They watched the whole thing and then walked away, leaving Gabrielle, in the dirt, like a wild animal. But the vultures were quick to take her bloody equipment.
Ares tosses the chakram to Xena who catches it.
ARES
Benitar is coming with dozen men at dawn. Gabrielle will be avenged.
Ares disappears.
Xena dons her armor and secures her weapons. She walks over and looks down on sleeping Gabrielle.
XENA
Gabrielle, I know what you want me to do. You want me to leave you here and go save the village. Because you care for them and you want to protect them; because you forgive them. Gabrielle, that's not me. I want those eyes that closed to you turn cold in death. I want those mouths that refused to comfort you scream in pain. I want those backs turned to you broken. I want those ears deaf to you to ring with anguish. I want those hearts grown distant to beat in my hand. I want their blood for each drop of your own. Gods, I want vengeance.
Xena starts pacing.
Xena, anger growing, voice rising
XENA
How can anyone deny you? How can anyone look at you and not want to return the love and compassion you show all?
Xena takes a step away from Gabrielle.
Xena, determined
XENA
The peasants die.
She takes another step and her legs give out and she goes down. She is silent for a moment.
Xena, surprised
XENA
I can't move.
Xena tries to get up and her body is not responding. Xena considers the situation.
Xena, resigned
XENA
I can't
Tears run down her face and finally she bows her head.
Xena, whispering
XENA
I forgive.
CUT TO:
EXT. PELLA VILLAGE ROAD DAWN
A line of THUGS walks down the road toward the village. Benitar rides to the side of them. An arrow strikes the last THUG in the chest and he drops. Second one takes the THUG next to him in the throat. THUGS are starting to react when XENA drops from the tree near the road. She puts down the bow and quiver.
Benitar, outraged
BENITAR
You are on our side!
Chakram cuts him down and he falls from the horse.
XENA
Not really, genius.
Xena does her war cry and draws the sword as she comes at them. Four THUGS run away, but the rest make a stand. Xena runs the closest THUG thru the gut, feints at another THUG and deeply gashes his sword arm. Xena steps into the next THUG's guard as she parries his sword away and lands a reverse elbow. Another THUG charges, and she lets him pass by her and stabs him in the back. She disarms the next one and the last thing he sees is her fist closing fast. The THUGS had enough and those able to move take off. Xena stretches and goes to retrieve her weapons.
The VILLAGERS approach, drawn by the sound of fighting. VILLAGE ELDER steps out of the crowd and addresses Xena.
VILLAGE ELDER
You saved us, hero. Who do we thank?
XENA
Xena.
VILLAGE ELDER
The Xena?! That Xena?!
XENA
Xena had two choices. Do nothing and let the village burn or to join the warlord and speed things along.
VILLAGE ELDER, bewildered
VILLAGE ELDER
Then why save us?
XENA
The woman you walked away from, the woman you left to die, the very woman left unprotected in a campsite in the woods would not want either of those. Her name is Gabrielle and even after you turned your back on her, she would defend you. Because that is who she is. And since she cannot be here, I took her place and carried out her will.
VILLAGE ELDER, astonished
VILLAGE ELDER
Who is she to you?
XENA
Everything.
CUT TO:
INT. PELLA INN/ROOM EVENING
Lit candles show a small room with a bed, chest, and a table with chairs. Xena is dozing on one next to the bed. Gabrielle wakes up with a groan and Xena is instantly awake. She checks Gabrielle's forehead and hands her a cup of water. Gabrielle finishes it and then has another one.
XENA
Good, no fever and the wound is healing without infection. We are at the inn, free room and board until you recover. And you get the bed.
GABRIELLE
There are easier ways to win that argument.
XENA
Yes, and you had to go and win it the hard way.
Gabrielle smiles weakly. It fades as she recalls the memory.
Gabrielle, seriously
GABRIELLE
Ares evened the score.
XENA
I would not be so sure. No second wound?
GABRIELLE
Buckler to his face.
Xena, thoughtful
XENA
Gabrielle, mortals don't break his control over you.
Gabrielle tests her side and winces in pain.
GABRIELLE
I feel very mortal.
XENA
What happened?
GABRIELLE
We locked eyes before the second stab, but nothing happened. Just like in Tracus. Well, except that I could move and I shield punched him. Xena, I know when there is a connection; Ares was unreadable. And that's not how it works anyway. My gift is of sight, not of action.
Xena, contemplating
XENA
Ares had a reason.
Short silence falls.
Gabrielle, carefully
GABRIELLE
Are you safe?
XENA
I have God's blood in me; one of my ancestors was favored.
GABRIELLE
That whole vessel thing. Pass.
Xena, teasing
XENA
Morpheus left you at the altar and Ares went from love to murder in two weeks. Gabrielle, you have not lost your touch.
Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
Correction. From what we understand, you stopped the wedding. And your ex-lover God tried to seduce and then kill me.
XENA
Ouch.
Gabrielle, satisfied
GABRIELLE
Well, my mind seems fine.
XENA
Hungry?
GABRIELLE
Bowl of soup would be nice.
Xena nods and heads for the door. Just as she is about to open it, Gabrielle speaks.
Gabrielle, with conviction
GABRIELLE
Xena, you are stronger than hate too.
Xena stops and just stands there for a long while, not moving or speaking. Then she quietly opens the door and leaves, closing it behind her. Gabrielle can't see the tears in Xena's eyes but she knows they are there.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. PELLA INN/ROOM LATE MORNING
Gabrielle is lying in bed, writing in a scroll. She is propped on pillows. There is a knock on the door. Since the person does not enter, it is not Xena, but someone else.
GABRIELLE
Enter.
The door opens and Teresia appears. She is wearing a worn dress that is not very clean. She is tense, but as Gabrielle smiles at her, she relaxes and shyly smiles back. Teresia closes the door and stands in front of it, not going in any further.
Teresia, by way of explanation
TERESIA
I finished the rooms early.
GABRIELLE
I approve. Come on over, don't make a sick person strain her voice.
Teresia eagerly runs to the side of the bed and trips, landing across Gabrielle's feet.
GABRIELLE
Woo hoo, women are throwing themselves at me. Bless you Aphrodite.
Teresa scrambles off the bed and stands back.
Teresia, flustered and concerned
TERESIA
Gods, what have I done! Did I hurt you?
Then Gabrielle's words register and she turns red and looks down. Teresia wrangles her hands.
GABRIELLE
Teresia, I liked it. I like you.
Teresia hesitates then relaxes and her hands fall down to her side. She raises and turns her head slightly and playfully peeks at Gabrielle under her lashes. Gabrielle sticks her tongue out and Teresia laughs.
Gabrielle, smiling
GABRIELLE
Sit on the bed already, you making me tired doing the statue. And no jumping on the bard
Teresia sits on the edge of the bed, facing Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
this time.
Teresia giggles.
Teresia, taking a chance, flirting
TERESIA
Promise?
Gabrielle, innocently
GABRIELLE
I am weak and helpless. I am at your mercy.
Teresia, amused
TERESIA
Gabrielle, you fought Ares, God of war. And you have Xena
Teresia trails off and falls silent. Gabrielle guesses the reason.
Gabrielle, gently
GABRIELLE
Teresia, me and Xena have different interests.
Teresia, hopefully
TERESIA
Then
Gabrielle, honestly
GABRIELLE
I will never leave Xena and you cannot go with us. I will recover for three weeks in this inn and then I will continue my journey.
Gabrielle reaches out and takes Teresia's hand.
Gabrielle, affectionately
GABRIELLE
Teresia, I offer you this gift. Twenty one days of memories to last a lifetime.
Teresia is crying. She covers Gabrielle's hand with her other one and squeezes.
TERESIA
I accept.
CUT TO:
INT. PELLA INN/ROOM AFTERNOON
Gabrielle is sleeping when the door opens quietly. Xena comes in and walks over to the bed. She stands still, looking at Gabrielle.
XENA
I know you are awake.
GABRIELLE
When?
XENA
Caught the rustle of blankets when I opened the door. Kids?
Gabrielle shows her right hand which is holding a dagger. Gabrielle then hides it. Xena steps closer and arranges the pillows. She helps Gabrielle sit up and notices the discomfort.
XENA
You want something for that?
GABRIELLE
Rather in pain than dead. Not with our lifestyle.
XENA
When did you hear?
GABRIELLE
Right at the door. Easy on the dose tonight, takes me half a day to clear my head.
Xena nods.
XENA
Had lunch?
GABRIELLE
Yes, the server brought it.
Without thinking, Xena blurts out what's on her mind.
Xena, sarcastically
XENA
Did you make her an offer too?
GABRIELLE
Whoa, back up the wagon. First, you don't talk to me that way. Ever. Do you understand?
Xena realizes she made a huge mistake and looks ready to bolt out of the room.
Gabrielle, determined
GABRIELLE
You walk out of here and I will follow you, even if I have to bleed all over the place.
Xena avoids Gabrielle's eyes. Xena is fiddling with her outfit and her posture and expression are one of great discomfort.
Xena nods her head.
GABRIELLE
You heard the whole thing?
Xena reluctantly nods again.
GABRIELLE
I met Teresia earlier, before Ares. Teresia faces a life of servitude at the hands of her family. They won't let her marry and leave, they plan to keep her as free labor. Xena, she has no future. No husband, no children, no grandchildren. I know she is not me; she does not have the strength to walk away or survive on her own. My place is with you and she is not coming with us.
Gabrielle throws back the covers and begins to slide to the edge of bed so she can sit there. Xena moves to hold her down in place and strong arms grab her. Xena realizes she can't break the hold without hurting Gabrielle.
Xena, with admiration
XENA
Sneaky bard.
Xena is now above Gabrielle and looking directly down at her.
GABRIELLE
Please sit on the edge of bed and let's talk.
Gabrielle releases her hold on Xena.
Xena hesitates, not sure what Gabrielle will do.
GABRIELLE
Hands off, huggy type.
Chastised, Xena lets go and takes her seat facing Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I want to give Teresia memories of us.
XENA
I understand but I don't accept.
GABRIELLE
Do you want me to call it off?
XENA
What?!
GABRIELLE
I will always choose you. If you don't want this, tell me.
Xena can't believe what she just heard.
Xena, shocked
XENA
Gabrielle, do you realize what you just said?
GABRIELLE
I was wrong, this is not my decision to make alone. You have to agree to this. What affects you affects me; we are too close.
XENA
You want me to say it?
Gabrielle, pointedly
GABRIELLE
This goes both ways.
It is an easy choice.
Xena, accepting
XENA
You come first. Always.
GABRIELLE
Plan?
Xena, thoughtfully
XENA
You want a life within the constraints of the choice we both made. And this gift is your way of honoring that. I have to respect that.
Pause.
Xena, admitting
XENA
I'm sorry. I agree and I accept, but I don't want you to do it. Does that make sense? Is there a compromise?
Gabrielle, considering
GABRIELLE
Things will get to certain point and no further.
XENA
And next time? How long before you start lying to me?
GABRIELLE
I will just go ahead and do it and then tell you about it. I won't lie.
XENA
Gabrielle, you are honest to a fault.
GABRIELLE
Is it permission or forgiveness then?
Xena thinks for a minute.
Xena, with a heavy heart, whispers
XENA
Forgiveness.
Xena gets up and walks to the door, her posture defeated.
XENA
I will get another room.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS ROAD LATE MORNING/THREE WEEKS LATER
Xena and Gabrielle have stopped for a rest and are sitting with their back to the large tree trunk. The shade is a welcome respite from the summer heat. Argo grazes nearby. Gabrielle is drinking from waterskin and some of water ends up on her front.
Xena, teasing
XENA
Keep getting poked and you will be sprouting leaks everywhere.
Gabrielle, musing openly
GABRIELLE
Things one does to impress a girl
XENA
Gabrielle, you keep seducing innkeeper's daughters, it does not matter how much my reputation improves. We will be chased out of every village.
Gabrielle, hopefully
GABRIELLE
You said daughters.
XENA
Most people stop at one. You are not most people. I am serious, there are mobs in our future if you keep on this road.
GABRIELLE
Do you think I will chase anything young, pretty and available?
Xena, honestly
XENA
No. Anastasia seduced an inexperienced young woman. Teresia was sweet, but naive. Good first match for you.
Gabrielle, smiling
GABRIELLE
Teresia said you talked to her. She liked you.
XENA
Gabrielle, if you are with someone, I want to get to know them as well.
Gabrielle, wondering
GABRIELLE
Do you think that if I am with someone it weakens our commitment?
Xena, decisively
XENA
Yes.
Gabrielle, understanding
GABRIELLE
You view our bond differently. I now know what happened to you in Potidaea; you declared it in Tracus.
Xena, quietly
XENA
Yes.
Gabrielle, sadly
GABRIELLE
The last three weeks
XENA
Hurt.
GABRIELLE
Do you want me to be honest? To tell you the truth?
XENA
No. If you don't say it, then it is not real. It leaves me with hope.
Silence falls.
Gabrielle, thoughtful
GABRIELLE
Xena, Perdicus and I would have grown close together in our arranged marriage.
XENA
Not fall in love thou.
GABRIELLE
No.
Xena starts crying.
XENA
I'm sorry.
Gabrielle, sighing
GABRIELLE
All the times I was trying to get away from them, it turns out I was in one all along.
Xena, fiercely thru tears
XENA
I won't let you go.
GABRIELLE
Past that point already. Onto the part called making the best of it.
Xena, nervous
XENA
What now?
GABRIELLE
You keep your arranged marriage paws off me, that's what. Now I want to break this bond.
Xena is speechless.
Gabrielle, with unwavering conviction
GABRIELLE
Neither God nor woman will dictate my fate. It is my destiny to save your soul. That has not changed. Xena, I free you, I free myself. That is the whole truth.
XENA
By Gods, why did you not tell me?!
Gabrielle, truthfully
GABRIELLE
I did, most of it. The last part I kept back for obvious reasons. Xena, the truth I accepted initially is that I would spend my entire life with you, pursuing this Sisyphean task.
Xena, mouth moving without a sound, devastated
XENA
Gabrielle gets up tenderly and stands in front of Xena.
GABRIELLE
Come here.
Xena stands up shakily and falls into Gabrielle's arms, almost taking her down.
Gabrielle starts stroking Xena's hair gently.
Gabrielle, convincingly
GABRIELLE
We will walk the ends of this land together, my friend. We will walk the beyond, the land of the Gods; straight to Tartarus. I hold on to hope of life beyond the bond just like you hold on to hope of us. It is good to have a dream.
Gabrielle, deciding
GABRIELLE
Xena, I will fight the Fates but not your dream. Quis ero, ero.
Xena, smiling thru tears, grateful
XENA
Thank you, Gabrielle.
Gabrielle breaks the hug and drops her hands. She holds Xena close by the waist. Xena returns the gesture and they stand, bodies connected and eyes locked.
GABRIELLE
Together, for all eternity.
Xena, believing
XENA
Never.
FADE OUT:
THE END