by
Editor
Bleu Gato
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Blog: www.xena2.com/blog
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST MORNING
A week has passed since Xena's painful parting with Gabrielle. She finds herself wondering aimlessly thru the woods northeast of Potidaea, heading for Draco's camp in a roundabout way. She figures Gabrielle will stay at least two weeks if not three and there is no hurry. She considers stopping at noon and taking a nap. The nightmares arrive with the dark and she has taken to sleeping during the day. For now, at least, it is working.
Xena spots a flash of gold ahead. Sure enough, Athena in her golden armor comes into view, shoulder leaning against a tree. She finds herself glad of the company, the silence gnawing at her and leaving her restless and jumpy. Yes, Xena thinks, long talk is what I need at this point. She stops in front of the Goddess.
Athena, neutrally
ATHENA
Xena.
Xena, evenly
XENA
Athena.
They have not spoken since the apology in Trachis or rather Xena asked for and Athena grudgingly accepted the gesture. Athena picks up right where they left off.
Athena, accusingly
ATHENA
You know I can't be there. You have to protect her.
Xena, tentatively
XENA
Do you want the truth?
Athena, harshly
ATHENA
No secrets, remember?
Xena, gathering her courage in a moment of silence, confessing
XENA
Athena, I decided to kill Gabrielle.
Athena, blinking, unsure she heard right
ATHENA
You what?!
Xena, swallowing and bracing for the worst, sincerely
XENA
She knows but she did not tell you because it would upset you. I let her go to the pass alone because I could not raise a hand against her. I let the Persians do it for me.
Athena fixes her with a gaze and finding only pain and regret, leaves her wooden support and heads in the direction Xena was traveling.
Athena, distractedly
ATHENA
Walk with me.
The Goddess appears to digest the news as Xena catches up and they walk side by side, silence lengthening with each step.
Athena, needing to be certain, with an edge to her voice
ATHENA
You going to keep trying?
Xena, instantly and strongly
XENA
No! Gods no!
Athena, considering the sincerity and the emotion
ATHENA
I believe you. What brought it on?
Xena, quietly
XENA
You.
Athena, sternly
ATHENA
I depend on you to keep her safe.
Xena, jealous, anger and resentment flaring
XENA
She was mine in this life and beyond. You took her away from me.
Athena, firmly
ATHENA
She made a choice.
Xena, plaintively
XENA
She swore to always put me first.
ATHENA
She honored the oath and kept her faith. You and I know she will be there for you.
Xena, fearfully
XENA
What if the choice comes down to me and you?
Athena, philosophically
ATHENA
Soul or heart, that is the question.
Pause.
Athena, breaking the news, making her own confession
ATHENA
Gabrielle asked for my hand in marriage on the morning she left for the pass.
Xena, crushed
XENA
What did you say?
Athena, regretfully
ATHENA
I wanted to say yes.
Xena, tiny seed of hope sprouting, eagerly
XENA
What stopped you?
Athena, considering thoughtfully
ATHENA
She wanted to marry Athena the woman, not Athena the Goddess. In her mind, there is no difference.
Xena, disappointed, focuses on Gabrielle, warmly
XENA
Gabrielle is not like me and you. Power, wealth and status are foreign to her. Compassion and love rule her life. True, there is an ego there; she is fiercely proud of her bard skills.
Pause.
Xena, bowing to inevitable, being a friend to Athena
XENA
I think she wanted closure before leaving. You should consider Goddess to be your job and the rest of the time be Athena.
Athena, objecting weakly, not believing her own words
ATHENA
Gods don't join with mortals.
Xena, rebuking
XENA
Athena, I keep making mistakes. Don't be like me. What does she want?
Athena, smiling moonily, the shared vision close enough to touch
ATHENA
House in Amphipolis filled with children and sharing her life, there and on the road.
XENA
What do you want?
Athena, with conviction
ATHENA
Same.
XENA
Anyone opposed?
Athena, admitting
ATHENA
No. Well, you.
Xena, letting go, meaning it
XENA
You have my blessings.
Athena thanks her silently with her eyes, full of gratitude and appreciation at the gesture and sacrifice offered.
Athena, asking for advice, under the guise of musing aloud
ATHENA
When she first asked, yes was sufficient. Now, it is not enough to say yes.
Xena, not fooled, offers wisdom
XENA
Then prove to her that you mean that yes.
Athena nods, more to herself than to Xena, as an idea forms in her mind. She turns her attention to Xena's plight. Friendship, after all, is a two way street.
Athena, gently
ATHENA
Is separation your penance?
Xena, sheepishly
XENA
Yes, I was suspended from my hero job. I tried to get her angry so she could not tell I was lying but she saw right thru me. Those weeks apart will feel like months.
Athena, grinning
ATHENA
I know how you feel, can't hide anything from her either.
XENA
True.
Pause.
Xena, asking the most important question to her, concerned
XENA
How is she?
Athena, with straight face
ATHENA
Cyrene chained her to the bed and locked the door.
Xena, surprised
XENA
No! Really?
ATHENA
Healers make the worst patients.
XENA
Mother accepted her?
ATHENA
Cyrene adapted them. Congratulations, you have a sister and you are an aunt.
Xena, knowing the talkative bard, worries
XENA
Does mother know ?
Athena, pointedly
ATHENA
This is Gabrielle we are talking about: she has not stopped talking since she took her first breath. Fortunately, Atrius and our marriage she left for this winter.
XENA
You speak of last as a done deal.
ATHENA
They are building a house for us near the inn. That's where the restraints came in. Gabrielle wanted to work on it and started chewing the iron to freedom. They were lucky to keep her in bed that long. Four days is her limit and then people start bleeding.
XENA
Did you take away her kids?
Athena, sighing
ATHENA
She has at least a score of them and half that number daggers and various blades. Trying to disarm the bard is futile.
Xena, smiling
XENA
Why am I not surprised; Gabrielle and her fixation with knives.
Pause.
Xena, softly
XENA
How was Potidaea?
Athena, gesturing with her right hand, uneasy
ATHENA
Rough. Few arrows almost ended up in villagers.
XENA
Herodotus alive?
ATHENA
Unharmed. Why did you let it go?
Xena, sadly
XENA
Athena, after the damage I did to Gabrielle already, killing her father would cast the final stone. Trust me: walking away from Potidaea was hard. No one hurts Gabrielle and lives. Except lately that person has been me. And then there are the dreams.
Athena, curious
ATHENA
What kind?
Xena, sharing more than she intended finds it difficult to speak, uncomfortably
XENA
Things she told me about and things she didn't. In them, I am Herodotus and bad things happen to her by my hand.
Athena, compassionately
ATHENA
When did it start?
XENA
The first night of my sentence.
Athena, thoughtfully
ATHENA
You are certain those parts of her past were hidden from you?
Xena, reluctantly
XENA
She told you about the abuse?
ATHENA
Yes. That is when I realized what a special person I have in my life. She forgave him. Not for Lila thou.
Xena, hatred flashing in her eyes and hands clenching into fists
XENA
That monster.
Athena, unhappily
ATHENA
He beat our daughter.
Xena, seething
XENA
I am considering asking you to take me back.
Pause.
XENA
Our?
Athena, dreamily
ATHENA
Mine. Months ago all I had was loneliness. Now I have a family. It feels wonderful, magical. I open my eyes in the morning and look at Gabrielle. She opens her eyes and asks me why am I crying. I say nothing and just stare at her thru the tears until she kisses me. She makes it real again.
Xena smiles warmly in response and an understanding passes between them. Xena finds happiness in sharing their life and decides that being a moon is not that bad.
Xena, from the heart
XENA
Months ago I embraced Death. Gabrielle saved me. In Trachis I yearned for her cold touch again. Gabrielle whispered never. I love her.
Athena stops and draws sobbing Xena into a hug, shedding plenty of tears herself. Xena nestles her head on Athena's shoulder, both taking comfort in each other. Feeling better and drawn closer, they resume walking.
Athena, resuming
ATHENA
Lila is recovering. She is a child trapped in young woman's body. Very immature, she has a lot of growing up left.
Xena, intrigued
XENA
Does she know about you?
Athena, slightly embarrassed
ATHENA
Funny story that.
Xena, sensing fun ahead, grinning
XENA
Come on, share.
ATHENA
You know she sleeps with Gabrielle? Snuggled up is the only way she can drift off.
Xena, giggling
XENA
Oh no.
Athena, giggling in turn
ATHENA
Oh yes.
XENA
Isn't Gabrielle injured?
Athena, playfully
ATHENA
She considers it healing.
XENA
I highly approve of love medicine.
Athena, shyly
ATHENA
Me and you both. We were in bed and very involved when abruptly there was Lila under the sheets with us
XENA
Wow.
ATHENA
Cyrene knows or guesses. She took to taking Lila with her to bed.
Xena, impressed
XENA
Mother did?
ATHENA
She also wanted Gabrielle to recover in peace and truth be told, she told Gabrielle she instantly bonded with Lila and was happy to have a daughter again. Lila enjoys cooking and spends a good portion of her days in the kitchen. Cyrene was worried about growing older without a younger generation to take over. She found her successor.
Xena, focusing on important issues
XENA
Back to romance.
ATHENA
Interrupted romance. Gabrielle escorted Lila outside and left the explanation for another time. She told me next day Cyrene was smirking at her when asking how she rested last night so Lila told your mother what happened.
XENA
How is Toris taking it?
ATHENA
He was wooing her yet again and in I walked, swept Gabrielle in my arms and kissed her. We fell into bed and he screamed and took off. Right into the closed door, knocking himself out. Safe to say, that heart is crushed.
XENA
Along with his skull; your passion is dangerous for bystanders.
ATHENA
Good; less chance of you getting ideas.
Xena, daringly
XENA
I live for danger.
ATHENA
Not if Gabrielle catches you outside our bedroom window.
Xena, promising
XENA
I will be good.
Pause.
Xena, pleased
XENA
Progress on all fronts. How we going to explain you to villagers?
ATHENA
Divine power. Only your family can hear my true name. To the rest I am just some woman Gabrielle found on her travels and settled with. Considering this is your hometown and you travel together, they are happy to welcome you both.
Xena, observationally
XENA
Events are moving fast.
ATHENA
The second night Cyrene nested Gabrielle in a comfortable chair in the main room and within a day villagers were demanding that she find you and drag you back to the village, willing or not. You are their hero.
Xena, affectionately
XENA
My sweet bard.
Athena, playfully
ATHENA
Mine too. Share?
Xena, happily
XENA
I like that.
ATHENA
Keep it platonic.
XENA
Gabrielle made that abundantly clear.
Xena feels strangely compelled to reveal another bit, knowing this will push Athena even closer to decision. She went this far, might as well go all the way.
Xena, going for broke, feeling liberated to share things freely
XENA
Athena, did she tell you the reason for apprenticing me as a healer?
Athena, smiling, genuinely happy for her
ATHENA
You are? That's great. Knowing her, there is a reason lurking about, besides the obvious.
Xena, revealing
XENA
I'm her midwife.
Strangely, Athena takes it in stride, almost as if she expected it.
ATHENA
She plans lives the way you plan campaigns.
Xena, not sure of Athena's sentiment on this, questioning
XENA
Athena, this is very personal. Regardless of what she wants, I understand if you don't.
Athena, honestly
ATHENA
It is a privilege to have you bring our children into this world, my friend. If she did not ask, I would. Besides, I plan to faint.
XENA
Thank you, she is in good hands.
ATHENA
I know.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST AFTERNOON
The small clearing with its soft grass and barely felt breeze is practically begging to offer respite. Xena casts an approving eye at the arrangements and taking her boots off and unslinging the backpack, takes her place on the soft carpet of nature's making. She stretches with a happy sigh and surrenders.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAM LOCIA VILLAGE SQUARE MIDMORNING
The sun blazes with a harsh glare, bleaching the village square white. In the middle lies a prone body in a large circle of blood, Atrius no doubt. The super bright light has a whitewashing effect on everything except the remains and the strangely perfect pool of red. Instead it makes it stand out vividly.
Xena is not alone. Over her father kneels an eye-searing figure that seems familiar. Something about the posture or shape leaches strength from Xena as assuredly as the light steals color from the scene. The stranger is radiating white so intensely, it is almost physical and she has to shield her eyes. The top of the figure appears to shimmer and with a start, Xena knows it for what it is; long hair fluttering in the breeze.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST AFTERNOON
Xena wakes up with a start, the dream imprinted in her mind. It does not fade with wakefulness as is the custom of such. It remains as a memory of the past. Xena knows something is not right, especially since she suspects the identity of the only other living person in that square.
Xena quickly packs her meager belongings. She pauses and tenderly hugs the furry backpack, her tangible connection to Gabrielle. She wonders if that was the reason the bard provided it. It probably was.
Reassured and grounded, she sets off.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAM LOCIA VILLAGE SQUARE MIDMORNING
It is the same as she remembers it. Everything just as it was except one thing about the kneeling stranger is different. There is a starkly bloody xiphos in her hand. Yes, her. The figure is Gabrielle, Xena is sure of it now. The metallic smell of fresh blood hits her and the white glow permeating Gabrielle disappears as the bard joins Atrius in imperviousness to the white. Gabrielle and her dead father in color, swimming in a sea of white, made real. Nightmare born before Xena's eyes.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST AFTERNOON
Xena plows into a tree sleepwalking and the pain chases the slumber away. It does not erase the event she just witnessed. Disoriented at first, she opens the waterskin with shaking hands and spills the water liberally trying to find home for it. Her composure is gone and she knows she is in trouble. She remembers Morpheus' realm, this being nothing like it. No enveloping fog, no slightly distorted air, and no sensation of dreaming. She was in a real place, albeit strangely lit. There was no perception of it being anything other than true. Which means, what exactly?
Xena was a creature of control, remoteness and solitude. There were no emotions to exploit against her because she had none. Nothing touched her and nothing concerned her beyond the immediate. There were cracks, true, but few and far between. Hercules started a few himself. Gabrielle came and shattered the shell with ease and left her vulnerable. Gabrielle then became her shield. Without her, Xena is lost, a naked crab crawling on the beach full of hungry predators looking for soft and easy meal.
Xena looks around in a panic, not knowing where the next blow will come from. Then an idea forms in her mind when she thinks of the bard and she relaxes slightly.
Xena, relieved
XENA
Once again, you are there for me.
She digs into her bags for a specific herb, takes a pinch and places it on her tongue. She chews and swallows the dry bits of leaves and feels a rush send tingles throughout her body.
Xena, satisfied
XENA
According to Gabrielle, this should keep me up well into the night.
She starts walking again, looking for a stream to fill her waterskin and wash the horrid taste from her mouth.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST NIGHT
Xena sits on her bedroll, considering rolling the dice on rest. The herb has left her fuzzy in the head and the she has not recovered from lack of sleep sufficiently before the recent bout of nightmares arrived and put an end to that plan. She decides to risk it.
Xena, ruefully
XENA
No more naps in daylight.
Xena burrows into fur and sleep takes her. She wakes up a few times, bad dreams haunting her mind, her past rising from the ground and clutching at her. Those she can deal with. The night grows old.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAM LOCIA VILLAGE SQUARE MIDMORNING
Harsh light whitewashes the square painting everything in various shades of white. The contrast is provided by Gabrielle and Atrius, one still, one dead. The smell is back, sharp and unpleasant and Xena thinks of the times she flared her nostrils at the scent as it drove her into a killing frenzy. Now it makes her sick.
In slow motion Gabrielle raises and turns, giving silent confirmation to Xena's worst fears. Gabrielle has her steel armor and weapons, nothing unusual there. It is the old dull metal one, before it turned Xena rather not think about it. What is disturbing is the amount of blood and gore covering the bard. Surely, and with the amount of blood already on the ground, that could not come from just one person?
In answer, Gabrielle steps forward and to the side, revealing the savaged body of Xena's father. The sword did its work and then kept on going, beyond any reasonable need to ensure death, straight into madness. Those are not the elegant cuts and slashes of an expert; this is pure rage of a butcher bent on destroying the object of her hatred. This is Gabrielle's mad work and the evidence is all over her. The bard smiles, eyes cold, white teeth flashing and Xena screams.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST NIGHT
Sweating, tunic and underwraps soaked, Xena rips the blankets off and tumbles from the bedroll. Her throat is sore and as the howl dies in it she realizes she was screaming long enough to cause that. She gets up and runs to the stream, plunging herself into the cold water. Awake, she goes to the fire and stokes it back into life. She strips the wet tunic and dries with a piece of linen. Wrapping a blanket, she sits next to the flames, staring at them. She spotted a village in the valley nearby and tomorrow she will restock on supplies and head for Amphipolis. She needs her bard back.
Xena, angrily
XENA
To Hades with conscience and emotion. Brought me nothing but misery.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST DAWN
The early sun finds Xena huddled by the fire, watching the birth of a new day. She stands up, stretching her long frame, working the kinks and stiffness from long watch of the darkness passing.
Not bothering with hunting, she secures the gear on her back, and heads for the valley and the village.
Xena, spirits rising
XENA
Warm food, hot bath, sultry bard, in that order.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAM LOCIA VILLAGE SQUARE MIDMORNING
Xena groans in frustration upon finding herself back in the forsaken Locia. Gabrielle is in the same spot and position, still with a smile devoid of all warmth and humanity. The play unfolds despite Xena's resistance and she dreads the final act.
Deciding on action, she steps into the square. She barely lifts one foot when she too bursts into color and joins the cast of the tragedy.
Gabrielle, fixing the approaching Xena with eyes of steel, somberly accusing
GABRIELLE
Dark heart, dark soul.
Xena, holding onto the good, defiantly
XENA
No.
Gabrielle, cruelly
GABRIELLE
Atrius' reflection.
Xena, begging tearily
XENA
Don't say those things. Don't hurt me.
Gabrielle, relentless
GABRIELLE
I lied. There is no good in you. But you knew.
Xena, her entire world crumbling, pleads impassionedly
XENA
Please stop Gabrielle.
Gabrielle, obliterating all hope, takes everything away, viciously and with hatred
GABRIELLE
I never loved you. I never believed in you. I will never be yours. Never.
Knife flies and more follow, too many to stop. Gabrielle advances with deadly intent. Nothing left, full of hurt and loss, Xena stops defending herself. She closes her eyes and falls to her knees. Bowing her head in submission, she awaits the final blow.
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE GRAZING FIELDS EARLY MORNING
Xena opens her eyes and stares at the blue sky and sheep's head grazing inches from her. Her motion scares the animal and it departs with a disdainful bleat. Xena checks her body for damage and breathes easier finding none. She tries not dwell on the alarming development in events of the near past except for one thought. Not injured, so not real.
Xena, grumbling
XENA
Curse the damn dream or whatever it is.
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE GRAZING FIELDS/GROVE OF TREES EARLY MORNING
Callisto is up in the tree watching Xena. In appearance and armament she matches Xena, giving only a few inches of height and a bit of muscle mass. Callisto observes Xena get to her feet groggily and aims and fires a blowpipe with expert motion. It connects with the bare neck and Xena swats at the offending insect.
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE GRAZING FIELDS EARLY MORNING
Xena hand comes up with a dart and she stares at it for a minute puzzled. Then her brain kicks in and she scans the surroundings. There are three groups of trees close enough to harbor an assassin, who is probably long gone. She examines the tip, sniffing the coating and tasting it.
Xena, relieved but intrigued
XENA
Not poison, something else. Where is the healer when you need one?
She walks toward the first houses and her limbs start to tingle and go numb. The effect is more pronounced on the legs, but it does not stop her from stubbornly marching forward; someone did not count on her constitution. Score one for her naughty ancestor and another small victory in the face of abysmal week of defeats. The other being Athena and her shapely body strutting its stuff. Shame about the armor.
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE NEARBY FOREST EARLY MORNING
Callisto approaches a band of BOUNTY HUNTERS, half a score of ragged men in mismatched armor and weapons. She knows the appearance is for show and the steel is well maintained and sharp. It is meant to allow them to blend in with the scum they track.
CALLISTO
Few hours before the partial paralysis wears off. Good hunting.
The BOUNTY HUNTERS head for the village in a mob, drawing attention and making noise on purpose. The score of a lifetime awaits them in the village. Despite her recent good deeds, Xena is hot commodity in plenty of markets. And if they can't sell the whole to one, there are plenty of pieces to portion. Callisto follows them stealthily.
CUT TO:
INT. VILLAGE INN MORNING
Xena stumbles thru the door, more crashing into it than opening it. She weaves drunkenly toward the likely table and drops heavily into a chair, which groans its disapproval at the abuse. INNKEEPER, an elderly man with tufts of white hair clutching at the bold, shiny plate, scrambles over. She does not appear to be drunk, just badly out of sorts and the heavily worn down.
INNKEEPER, concerned
INNKEEPER
Bless the Gods, great Xena has visited our humble village. Are you okay?
Xena, mumbling, her lips feeling funny
XENA
Paralyzing dart. Do you have a healer?
INNKEEPER, smiling
INNKEEPER
Praxiteles passed and Gabrielle stepped in. She took care of villages around Potidaea, followed in his footsteps. We were all right proud of her and kept the secret from her folks. We were saddened by her departure and overjoyed by her recent successes.
Xena, returning the smile, affectionately
XENA
She started a family in Amphipolis. She winters there now.
INKEEPER, catching the emotion, misunderstanding the reason
INNKEEPER
Your hometown? Xena, there are rumors about you two. Are you ?
Xena, wistfully
XENA
She found her true love and it is not I.
INNKEEPER
I'm sorry. Who is the lucky man?
XENA
Woman.
INNKEEPER
Good for her, I am happy she found her other half. Gabrielle fixed the bodies and broke the hearts.
XENA
That's my bard.
INNKEEPER
The room and board is on me. My youngest daughter will take you to your room and wash and feed you. Isidora will warm your sheets and offer companionship.
Xena, suddenly tongue tied and turning red, embarrassed
XENA
Ah well
INNKEEPER, honestly
INNKEEPER
Frankly, and may I be bold, you look like Hades. Please accept our humble hospitality. Stay a week or two, recover, and then go find your bard. I know better than to ask why you are apart but looking at you, it is hurting you something fierce. Isidora is a happy and cheerful soul, set to wed next year when her betrothed returns from military service. I mean it, Xena: heal those wounds. You should not be alone right now.
XENA
You are fine with this?!
INNKEEPER
I am offering, aren't I, and Isidora had a thing for Gabrielle. Heck, half the village did.
Pause.
INNKEEPER
Xena, listen to an old man's wisdom: it is good to hold someone close when life challenges us. This is an honor for me. You decide how much comfort you need. Nothing need happen.
XENA
I like that. Thank you.
The INNKEEPER nods and rising, heads for the door to the kitchen.
Xena decides that being a hero, especially Gabrielle's hero, has its moments. And they have an arrangement.
Abruptly, the front door slams open and a breathless YOUNG BOY rushes in.
YOUNG BOY
Raiders coming!
The VILLAGERS inside take a quick council, gathering in a circle of heads, some of which occasionally glance at Xena, who is having trouble staying upright. Consensus is reached, decision made, and the VILLAGERS rush outside. One VILLAGER stays behind; he quicksteps to the kitchen and comes back with a bucket of water. The VILLAGER throws it in Xena's face and shocked, she falls from the chair and ends up on the ground. Cursing, the VILLAGER checks her, but she is out cold.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAM LOCIA VILLAGE SQUARE MIDMORNING
Xena kneels with her eyes tightly closed. The stench of blood and death is significantly stronger than before and a fair amount of it is coming from her. She flexes her hands, feeling the sticky red gum up her motion and she is suddenly scared to open her eyes, fearing what she will find. She hears and senses the descending steel and dives violently to the side, rolling and coming up with both her weapons in hand. The sword just misses her neck, sending few black hairs drifting to the ground. She opens her eyes and takes in the situation.
The harsh light illuminates the square, mainly stark white, the monotony barely relieved with various shades of the color. Exempt is her father, cold and small. Joining him are the VILLAGERS. Xena notices with growing horror that the CHILDREN were not spared, unlike the real Locia. They lie with their parents, broken and lifeless. The past and the future of the village, gone.
Across from her is vengeance personified in Gabrielle. She is wearing her steel armor and is clean aside from that. Well, not quite. Her hands are covered with blood and her face also. In fact, it appears the bard had painted herself with the blood of the fallen. Xena is deeply disturbed by this development. Gabrielle dislikes death with an innateness that goes to the very core of her. Not hate, because she is incapable of that, but dislike, the strongest negative emotion she can muster. To don the accouterments of war and accessorize with darkness is simply not her. This is not Gabrielle.
Gabrielle, whispering sweet promises, softly and enticingly
GABRIELLE
Don't resist me. You know you can't. Rest your head and let it pass.
Xena, angry
XENA
Twice before it was a choice; this one was forced thru malicious trickery.
Pause.
Xena, daring
XENA
You, my dear bard, are not my equal with a sword. Not on your best day. Let's dance.
GABRIELLE
Xena of Amphipolis, do you resolve that I am responsible for Locia?
Xena, caught off balance, cautiously
XENA
You said so.
GABRIELLE
I accepted responsibility. What about you?
XENA
I killed the villagers in rage and you got the blame. Not the way I wanted or expected, but you yourself said that past is stone. We mourn and go on.
Gabrielle, with pity and sorrow, greatly disappointed
GABRIELLE
No.
She tosses her clean sword at Xena's feet and fades to white, becoming part of the background. Her sword remains its natural color.
Xena is stung by the rejection. She kicks the sword away and turns her back on the square, stalking away angrily.
CUT TO:
INT. VILLAGE VILLAGE INN MORNING
Xena is lying on the packed dirt floor, slowly returning to reality. The back door opens and Isidora comes out. She is sixteen, tall and curvy, six feet plus of muscle softened by well distributed fat. She is round and womanly in places it counts and moves with grace despite her size. Light brown hair and intelligent brown eyes frame a comely face. Isidora is wearing a pink dress and a stained white apron, which she tosses on the table in passing. She moves the VILLAGER aside and crouches next to Xena.
Isidora, grinning
ISIDORA
Get up, princess.
Xena, feeling contrary and intrigued by the woman, tests her
XENA
No.
ISIDORA
Stand up you sorry excuse for a warlord.
Xena, defiantly
XENA
No.
Isidora, sweetly
ISIDORA
For me?
Xena, playfully
XENA
I want a kiss.
ISIDORA
I'm Isidora, innkeeper's daughter and I don't fancy you.
Xena, smiling
XENA
I do. I want those sweet lips.
ISIDORA
How about I kick your behind?
XENA
How about you kiss it?
ISIDORA
Don't tempt me.
She moves behind Xena and putting her arms under Xena's armpits and around her chest, she helps her up.
With her assistance, Xena ends up upright and is spun around and placed against a beam for support. She runs her eyes over the woman in front of her and she likes what she sees. Gabrielle has good taste, she thinks. Xena, appreciatively
XENA
Whoa, there is a whole lot of you.
Isidora, teasing
ISIDORA
Thanks. I expected a battle scarred, ornery old hag and you are just a plain old hag.
Xena, laughing
XENA
I like you.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. VILLAGE VILLAGE PROPER MID MORNING
The BOUNTY HUNTERS are loosely spread out in a circle on a road not far from a village square. Surrounding them are VILLAGERS, both genders and all ages. Their hands are full of stones and tools. They look determined to stand their ground and things are going to get ugly shortly. The BOUNTY HUNTERS know that they probably are not getting out of here alive. This is not what they expected.
One of the VILLAGERS, an elderly man designated the leader, steps forward.
VILLAGE ELDER, determined
VILLAGE ELDER
Xena is Gabrielle's and we are hers.
BOUNTY HUNTERS' LEADER, bluffing
BOUNTY HUNTERS' LEADER
Don't be stupid, we will slaughter you like sheep.
XENA
Baaaa.
Xena is quite a sight. Sword and chakram out, fierce expression on her face and eyes of steel. The armor and attitude says war. The effect is unfortunately undercut by two pink clad arms circling her chest and holding her upright. It is completely destroyed by Isidora and her dress clearly visible behind Xena. Xena's legs are almost gone by now.
BOUNTY HUNTERS' LEADER, mocking
BOUNTY HUNTERS' LEADER
Pink becomes you, Xena. Don't trip on your dress.
Xena, smiling
XENA
I think yellow is more your color and the less said about your wardrobe the better.
BOUNTY HUNTERS' LEADER
You don't look good.
XENA
I expect to get better. What you are will only get uglier with time.
BOUNTY HUNTERS' LEADER
Your weight in drachmas will solve that problem.
Xena, under her breath
XENA
Where is Gabrielle when I need good insults?
Isidora, whispering helpfully
ISIDORA
You got me.
Xena, inspired, grinning
XENA
I am in arms of a beautiful woman expecting a night of passion. You will be making out with worms by then.
Half the BOUNTY HUNTERS charge at her while the rest try to hold the VILLAGERS at bay, without provoking them further. It fails as the missiles fly and the BOUNTY HUNTERS start taking a beating. They can only hope with Xena's death the VILLAGERS don't tear them apart. Either she dies quickly or they do. And even then.
Ignoring her crumbling legs, Xena goes on the offensive. Her arms are fine, tad slower, but nothing she can't compensate for. And she has another ally.
The village BLACKSMITH is next to her, with a hefty hammer and shield. Xena can tell right away that the BLACKSMITH is one of those that both uses and makes weapons. He guards her left side, and together they close in on the BOUNTY HUNTERS.
The BOUNTY HUNTERS know their craft and split two and three.
Xena engages the later group and focuses on defense. Gabrielle's poke and gash duo is putting in an appearance and working overtime. Xena knows that patience will win this fight, so she picks her moments and focuses on staying alive.
Isidora does her best to go with the motions and tries to keep her own vulnerable skin behind Xena's armor. She tries not to think about her unprotected arms and all the sharp steel aiming for them.
Xena is fighting three BOUNTY HUNTERS at once, parrying the blows and slowly wearing them down. The BLACKSMITH is holding his own.
The five BOUNTY HUNTERS outside the fight sense things are heading downhill and make a mistake in their desperation. Bloodied and bruised from the barrage of rocks, they turn and charge Xena. The VILLAGERS rush them en masse and the whole thing becomes a brawl, exactly what the BOUNTY HUNTERS had to avoid at all costs.
CUT TO:
INT. VILLAGE INN COMMON BATH AFTERNOON
The door opens and Xena walks inside, supported on Isidora's shoulder. Aside from few bruises and assorted cuts, she is fine. Isidora escaped with tussled hair and bloody knuckles, the result of beating a particularly hard head. Once everyone piled together, things got crazy. Xena lost consciousness for a while.
They end up near the tub and Isidora helps Xena remove the armor. She starts undressing Xena, who stops her.
Xena, quietly
XENA
Why are you here Isidora?
Isidora, evenly
ISIDORA
Father's will.
XENA
You want this?
Isidora, shyly
ISIDORA
Gabrielle let me wash her once. One of the hunters got gored by wild boar and she was a frightful mess by the end of it. He lived thanks to her, save some scars and slight limp you could not tell Death almost touched him. It fell to me to get her presentable again. We did not speak a word but we did not need to. She undressed, stepped into the tub, and extended her hand to me. Before I knew what I was doing, I joined her in there. I remember the wash took quite a while and she returned the favor. Nothing needed to be said, just two people bathing each other. And yet it was more.
XENA
I had a talk with her about innkeeper's daughters.
Isidora, relaxing, laughing
ISIDORA
Did you? Then I am afraid she is incorrigible.
XENA
Was. Gabrielle is engaged.
ISIDORA
And you?
XENA
Looking forward to a hot bath.
Pause.
Xena, coyly
XENA
And you.
Isidora, honestly and hesitantly
ISIDORA
Gabrielle was special, you are Xena, we share the same interest: her. Aside from that, I don't know. I am confused.
Xena, disappointed
XENA
Oh.
Isidora goes to the entry door and locks it. She goes to the wall adjoining the kitchen and slides a small door open. Someone hands her a bucket of hot water and she adds it to the tub. She repeats the action a few times until the bath is steaming hot and ready. Xena is watching her the whole time, using the edge as support.
Isidora, gently
ISIDORA
It is complicated. I want to take care of you and make you better. Father told me you are hurting and you need someone to be with. Let me be that person.
Isidora approaches Xena and removes her tunic and Xena's in turn. They stand facing each other in their underwraps. Isidora runs her hands on Xena's arms, the latter's breath gone unsteady under the touch.
Isidora, tremblingly placing herself in Xena's hands, softly
ISIDORA
Anything you require, Xena. Just go slow.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. WILDERNESS - DRACO'S CAMP 2 WEEKS LATER/AFTERNOON
Xena arrived around noon and found a spot on the now overgrown central area. The grass is taller and the footpaths are fading away. Storms have knocked a few of the building down and nature is busy erasing traces of humanity.
The day is cool, with wind chasing thru the tall grass stalks. Late fall sun provides warmth and white clouds race on the open expense of blue.
Xena lies with her eyes closed, enjoying the day. She senses and hears the approach of another, the familiar pattern of footsteps etched into her heart, which beats faster in response. She opens her eyes to the smiling face of Gabrielle and her own almost breaks into one. Still, Xena feigns indifference, keeping her body on the ground with great effort.
Gabrielle, not fooled, wryly
GABRIELLE
Rough day?
XENA
You are not real.
Gabrielle, making a goofy face at Xena, trying for reaction and getting none, insistently
GABRIELLE
I am here.
XENA
No bard here.
Gabrielle, sincerely and affectionately
GABRIELLE
I missed you.
And just like that Xena's will is gone and the yearning is too strong. She jumps up and flies into Gabrielle's arms. Forgetting herself, she tries to kiss Gabrielle, who nimbly dodges her lips. Xena comes to her senses and moves her head away from Gabrielle's face.
Gabrielle, sternly
GABRIELLE
Huggy yes, kissy no no.
Xena, lovingly and tearfully
XENA
Missed you so much.
She mauls Gabrielle in her enthusiasm and the bard lets her.
GABRIELLE
Ooof. Love you too, now let me breathe.
XENA
Sorry. Gabrielle, next time I leave you, knock me over the head and carry my sorry carcass on Argo.
GABRIELLE
Deal. You have an answer for me?
Xena, truthfully, looking Gabrielle in the eyes
XENA
I don't think I am capable of keeping that commitment. But I want to keep trying.
Xena looks down, sad yet relieved. Gabrielle squeezes her and then releases the hug. Not moving away, she takes Xena's face in her hands and bringing it down, kisses Xena's forehead.
Gabrielle, gratefully
GABRIELLE
Thank you for being honest. Plan?
XENA
The villages around Potidaea need a healer. We spend a few more weeks on the road and go home. Our home.
Pause.
Xena, taking a breath and squaring her courage
XENA
Gabrielle, we have to talk.
GABRIELLE
No rush.
Gabrielle lies down on the grass and pats a place next to her.
GABRIELLE
Join me?
Uneasy, Xena stretches on the ground, mindful to keep her distance from the bard. To her surprise, Gabrielle scoots close and takes her hand.
Gabrielle, feeling the tension, comforting
GABRIELLE
Shh, sleep.
Gabrielle starts to sing a lullaby and Xena's nervousness fades; Xena heartbeat and breathing slow. Xena drifts off peacefully, safe in the hands of her bard.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAM LOCIA VILLAGE SQUARE MIDMORNING
Xena and Gabrielle stand in the whitewashed square, in color. Xena has no desire to see more of this place but Gabrielle immediately starts exploring. It is weird watching the bard wearily circle and experimentally touch her double. Xena keeps her eyes averted and head down when Gabrielle moves on to the bodies of VILLAGERS and the CHILDREN.
Few minutes pass and the bard returns, her expression unreadable.
Xena, curious
XENA
How did you know?
GABRIELLE
Athena.
Xena, scared
XENA
Gabrielle, what would have happened if I gave up in here?
GABRIELLE
Did you? Marriage.
Xena, admitting
XENA
Almost. This dream Gabrielle shared her kids violently and once I thought it over, I realized that she was not you.
Gabrielle, intrigued
GABRIELLE
What are you saying?
Xena, confessing
XENA
Gabrielle, I can't raise a hand against you. The very thought makes me physically sick. I feel, no, I know, the same goes for you.
Gabrielle, the sentiment genuine, simply
GABRIELLE
You hold my life; you are my hero and always will be.
Xena, gratefully
XENA
Thank you for being you. Thank you for saving me again.
Gabrielle, strongly
GABRIELLE
Xena, your faith saved you. You question and you doubt, but deep down you believe in us.
The light goes out and they are left in darkness. White fog comes in and covers them, bringing illumination with it.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAMSCAPE MIST LIGHT
Xena knows this place, thou the details are fuzzy. Gabrielle on the other hand, this being her first visit, runs around with wild abandon, chasing the fog and having a great time. She tries to catch and taste the mist. Xena marvels at the childlike wonder of the bard - such sweet innocence.
Xena, gently
XENA
You see the beauty in everything.
Hearing this, Gabrielle runs up to her and laughing, grabs Xena's hands and starts spinning them both, going faster and faster. Once they are good and dizzy, she lets go, sending them both tumbling into the fog, screaming her delight, Xena joining her.
Xena has barely regained her balance and found her feet, when the crazy whirlwind of a bard is on her again, taking her into her arms.
Gabrielle, eyes sparkling, smiling
GABRIELLE
Dance with me, beautiful.
Xena loses herself in those eyes and smile. She is deliriously happy, Gabrielle's simple joy infecting her. They flow as the fog swirls around them, bodies completely in sync. Those two souls dance together for the first time and yet there is no hesitation and no awkwardness. From the first step together they are of one mind, merged into one body and one soul, united in purpose, joined in execution. Time ceases to exist.
They wind down, labored breathing testament to time reasserting itself after long absence. Gabrielle lets Xena go and Xena immediately plops down on the misty ground and starts making mist angels, giggling uncontrollably. Gabrielle shakes her head and plops down in undignified manner right next to her. Xena sits up, big and silly grin on her face; it finds a matching one on the bard.
Xena, taking Gabrielle's hands and rubbing them
XENA
Sorry, got carried away.
GABRIELLE
Told you not to eat the mist.
Xena, honestly, kneeling before Gabrielle
XENA
There is a joy and wonder in you that touches others. When you took me in your arms and danced with me, it was a precious gift. You gave me a moment of perfect happiness. I want to share your life in whatever capacity you deem to bestow. You are my best friend, you are my family, and you are my champion. I will be your protector and your hero. Gabrielle, I love you. No regrets, I am yours.
Xena raises Gabrielle's hands to her lips and kisses them. Gabrielle, smiling warmly and brightly, allows it, confirming the vow. Xena releases her hands.
Xena, teasing
XENA
Kissy yes yes.
Gabrielle, mock threatening
GABRIELLE
I'm telling.
XENA
I die a happy woman.
Gabrielle, quietly
GABRIELLE
You okay with us then?
XENA
You and Athena belong together. I have come to terms with that. I have one request regarding the wedding.
GABRIELLE
Name it.
XENA
I want give you away.
GABRIELLE
I like that. Yes.
XENA
Thank you. Now, how do we get out?
GABRIELLE
Morpheus is not done with us.
XENA
Great.
CUT TO:
EXT. DREAMSCAPE MIST LIGHT
Morpheus takes his time, leaving Xena and Gabrielle so bored that they start sparring. They work up a good sweat when the lights brighten. They stop and sheath their weapons as the fog parts and out of the mist steps Morpheus. Extremely pale, with nondescript clothing that shimmers like the dreams that are his stock in trade. Xena has bare fragments of their last meeting, not a memory per say, more a vague sense of meeting him before. Whatever the reason, he lost again and is not here to congratulate them. Knowing the nature of the Gods, aside from Athena, Xena expects a parting shot. He seems the type and there is precedent. She catches herself thinking of the Goddess as a person, a good person, and she gives a small smile to Gabrielle, who catches her meaning without words and answers with one of her own.
Morpheus does not disappoint.
Morpheus, commanding
MORPHEUS
Remember.
And just like that the memories of the first encounter flood back, all of it. Xena and Gabrielle now know how the bard was saved from marriage. However, Morpheus' and Xena's prior meeting remains unrevealed.
Morpheus, to Gabrielle, convincingly
MORPHEUS
People change. Xena should know; she helped quite a few. Including you. She didn't tell you about what she did to you in here. Are you surprised? Don't be. You see, dear Gabrielle, tormented and guilt-ridden, weaker for it, warlord Xena yet lives. She asked you once if you would kill to stay with her. We have the answer now, don't we? You share her soul, you know her mind, and you have her skills. You are her. You want further proof? That was a very moving oath of devotion from her. Pity it was all a lie. Why were you not able to tell that, Gabrielle? What is clouding your mind, whipping your emotions? The black rot inside is spreading and your beloved truth is dying. And one day your bright and shining light will go out. You were that rarest of things; you were pure. Shame.
Morpheus turns to leave, leaving them both speechless and stunned. He stops and drops the final revelation.
Morpheus, to Gabrielle, with fake sincerity
MORPHEUS
Congratulations on your engagement and forthcoming wedding. Pity I can't attend, obligations and such whatnot. I offer you wisdom in place of a gift. I am told it is tradition among your kind. It is very fitting that it be plain, unadorned truth. It suits you.
Pause.
Morpheus, glibly
MORPHEUS
Athena told you Gods and Fates had no hand in your souls bonding. She was right; it was neither destiny nor prophecy. It was choice.
Xena, angrily
XENA
Lies spill out of your mouth like maggots from a corpse and reek no better. You are
Gabrielle, interrupting, firmly
GABRIELLE
Let him speak his words.
Xena falls quiet and seethes in silence, thou her left hand stealthily inches towards her chakram, its intent clear.
Morpheus, dropping the nice and all pretenses, cruelly wounding
MORPHEUS
Xena enslaved you, bound you to her. She raped your soul and started on your body and mind. Long before you say I do, you were married. Athena saved you, until death do you part. Then Xena owns you completely and truly.
Morpheus fades into the fog without a further word or sound and the dream domain fades with him.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS - DRACO'S CAMP LATE AFTERNOON
Xena awakes first and notices the weather has turned. Clouds have moved in and the winds picked up. There is a chill in the air and in her.
Gabrielle comes to and right away jerks her hand away as if burned. She curls into a ball on her side and weeps quietly.
Xena is beside herself. This is not something she can fix or help with. However, she does know someone who can. And with that silent admission, she takes to her feet and moves a distance away.
Xena, looking up into the sky, imploring in a loud whisper
XENA
Athena! Athena! Athena, if you can hear me, Gabrielle needs you.
Athena pops into existence in front of her and takes one look at Xena and the other at Gabrielle.
Xena, confirming, hurting as well
XENA
It was bad. Real bad.
Athena gives her a quick hug and heads for the bard.
Xena watches as Athena lies down next to Gabrielle, facing her. The Goddess whispers soothingly and caresses Gabrielle's hair gently, giving her comfort and space. Xena tears up at the naked and raw display of emotion. Love is being there.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP LATE EVENING
Gabrielle enters a campsite which is set up already, with fire blazing and logs set up near it. Stranding in front of one is Athena. She has a thick tunic on, one of Gabrielle's, a habit she expanded on recently. Gabrielle drops her weapons and runs into Athena's arms which open to bring her in and hold her. Brief kiss and Athena gently guides her to sit on the log.
Without a word Xena starts unpacking their stuff and supplies from Argo. Gabrielle does not know which woman's behavior surprises her more.
Athena wins the contest by walking away and returning shortly with a bowl of warm water, washcloth, linen, soap, and indoor boots. She sets the items down at Gabrielle's feet and sits in front of her. Athena gently removes Gabrielle's boots and tenderly and carefully washes her feet. She dries and covers them with soft leather indoor shoes. Neither of them speaks and Xena keeps her own council. The expression on Athena's face is one of devoted concentration, while Gabrielle's gradually blooms with delight and her eyes overflow with emotion. Task finished, Athena kneels and takes Gabrielle's hands in her own. Gabrielle is starting to tear up.
Athena, lovingly
ATHENA
Yes.
They kiss deeply and passionately and Xena knows that things are going to get heated quickly. She waits for them to come up for air.
Xena, coughing to attract attention, discretely
XENA
Congratulations. How long should I wonder the woods?
Gabrielle & Athena, at once
ATHENA
Half hour.
GABRIELLE
Hour.
Xena, sarcastically
XENA
Yes, this marriage thing is going to work fine.
She brings over their bedroll and spreads it open. Picking up the bow and quiver, Xena takes off into the forest leaving the two lovers celebrating their engagement.
Gabrielle and Athena take to their feet.
Athena, innocently
ATHENA
Hour? What are we going to do for an hour?
Gabrielle, coyly
GABRIELLE
Practice wedding night.
ATHENA
Xena has the best plans but I like yours better.
Gabrielle, drawing closer, seductively
GABRIELLE
It is all in personal involvement.
Athena drops Gabrielle's hands and slides behind her, making sure to brush their bodies on the way there. She moves the golden hair to the front and kisses the exposed skin on the back of the neck as she runs her fingertips lightly up and down Gabrielle's arms. Gabrielle makes small, incoherent sounds.
Athena, whispering in her ear, planting light kisses
ATHENA
How involved do you plan to get?
Gabrielle, her ability to form sentences gone, breathily
GABRIELLE
Very ...
FADE OUT:
THE END