by
Editor
Bleu Gato
Xena: Warrior Princess is copyright MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. All original content of Xena: Warrior Princess 2.0 is copyrighted by the author and is not to be used or modified without permission. All rights reserved.
Contact: bard@xena2.com
Blog: www.xena2.com/blog
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/MORNING
Xena and Lyceus are walking in the forest, heading away from town. They are wearing thick tunics and the belts have real swords and daggers sheathed on the worn leather circle. They are also carrying provisions in pouches and full waterskin each. Xena has a small backpack with heavy cloaks and a bow with quiver. The children learned their lesson early in life and respect the woods. Xena is nine, Lyceus is eight.
Lyceus, conversationally breaking the silence as is his customs, with a straight face
LYCEUS
Mother is introducing me to the beauty and goodness that is dessert.
Xena, raising an eyebrow, skeptically
XENA
She did not learn her lesson.
Lyceus, knowing he has her full interest, expounding
LYCEUS
It's not that. After we raided the kitchen a dozen times, she thinks the best defense is having me make them; something about an emotional attachment to your creation.
Xena, chuckling
XENA
Mother won't leave the kitchen now unless the walls are collapsing around her. Let's see: fake fire, bees, child trapped in a well, Zeus appearing in temple, bull in the main room; so many fun memories.
Lyceus, giggling
LYCEUS
Don't forget the skunks.
Xena, shivering
XENA
Gods, I still have nightmares.
Lyceus, smirking
LYCEUS
So do I. That was the worst plan ever.
Xena, judging his sincerity and considering all the others, curiously
XENA
Really?
Lyceus, hauntingly
LYCEUS
If I close my eyes and remember, I can still smell them. Filthy creatures.
Xena, grinning
XENA
True. Mother had to close the inn for few days.
Lyceus, seeing the upside, pointedly and proudly
LYCEUS
Yes, but no one in the village will go against us. We are known and respected.
XENA
Think feared and avoided.
Lyceus, shrugging
LYCEUS
Works for us.
Xena, agreeing with the sentiment, casually
XENA
Sure does.
Lyceus, glancing around as they step deeper into the woods, intrigued
LYCEUS
Where we going?
Xena, letting him in on the secret, informationally
XENA
To the north hills; I found a cave last hunting trip and there are likely more.
Lyceus, complaining immediately, whining
LYCEUS
That's far and I have to work later.
Xena, showing no mercy, ribbing
XENA
You can skip cooking for one day, pie boy.
Lyceus, warningly, with a soft edge to the rebuke
LYCEUS
Don't you start.
Pause.
Lyceus, silently glad but not keeping up appearances, resignedly
LYCEUS
Mother won't be happy but all right.
Xena, not fooled, letting him think otherwise, brightly
XENA
You know, we can pass the time with the stories.
Lyceus, jumping into the opening, drawing blood
LYCEUS
Words are boring, Xena of Amphipolis, warrior librarian.
Xena, falling into playful banter easily, returning the teasing
XENA
Watch it, short stuff.
Pause.
Xena, loftily
XENA
Can't be a hero without knowing others.
Lyceus, now fully engaged
LYCEUS
Likely excuse to keep your nose in the scrolls, bookworm.
Xena, parrying
XENA
I know you keep recipe scrolls under your pillow and read them at night by the lamp.
Lyceus, indignantly
LYCEUS
I do not read them late!
Xena, triumphantly
XENA
Ah ha!
Lyceus, losing the fight, lamely
LYCEUS
And they are not in my bed, they are in a chest.
Xena, settling on the draw because she cares about him, quietly
XENA
Scientia potentia est (knowledge is power).
Lyceus, accepting the truce, stressing the word
LYCEUS
Exactly.
Xena, friendly terms restored, encouragingly
XENA
I had action in mind.
LYCEUS
Keep going.
XENA
Theseus on the way to Athens.
LYCEUS
Great, I want to be the hero first.
Xena, moving away from him, eyes scanning the ground, over her shoulder
XENA
Let me find something club-like in this forest.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/MORNING
Lyceus is walking along the overgrown trail, absent any living soul to share the path. Forest closes in on both sides, threatening and silent. Lyceus glances nervously about and quickens his steps. Coming around the bend his fears come true. Standing there is a bandit, with a large club in his hand.
Xena's hair is drawn back tightly into a ponytail. Dirt is smeared under her lip to signify a mustache. She has a small bowl on her head, her helmet. In her hand is a piece of wood in the vague shape of the club. She is not shy about swinging it this way and that, in menacing manner.
Xena, doing her best male voice impression, gravelly
XENA/PERIPHETES
I am Periphetes and this is my road.
Lyceus, smartly
LYCEUS/THESEUS
I don't see a sign.
Xena, confused
XENA/PERIPHETES
What sign?
Lyceus, patiently
LYCEUS/THESEUS
That is what I said.
Xena, growling
XENA/PERIPHETES
You make fun. I angry, I hurt you with my bronze club.
LYCEUS/THESEUS
That's not a solid bronze club.
Xena, demonstrating her pride and joy with relish, peevishly
XENA/PERIPHETES
It is so. See?
LYCEUS/THESEUS
That's wood covered with bronze.
Xena, now deeply offended, handing it over to prove veracity
XENA/PERIPHETES
No, it's not. Here, check it.
Lyceus, taking the offered weapon and hefting it, small grin starting to form
LYCEUS/THESEUS
Thanks.
Lyceus lightly bonks Xena on the head.
Xena collapses on the ground and shudders once, pretend dead.
Lyceus, disappointed, critically observing Xena
LYCEUS
Weak death.
The girl formerly known as Periphetes comes to life and picks up a small stick, throwing it at him in apparent criticism over her performance review.
Lyceus, walking away, ignoring the stick, inspecting the weapon
LYCEUS
Think I will keep this.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/MIDMORNING
Xena is striding down the same trail, further along. A towering figure grows in her vision, a truly massive specimen of humanity - the bandit is armed with executioner's axe and not shy about showing it off.
Lyceus has taken the bowl upon his head, along with a stick that has a dagger tied to it with gut, slightly resembling an axe. Near him is a log and in front, some distance away, the body of a dead bunny, blood still fresh on the coat from the kill.
Lyceus, drawing out to his full height, imperiously
LYCEUS/SCIRON
Sciron demands a toll.
Xena, smiling
XENA/THESEUS
Who is Sciron and where is he?
LYCEUS/SCIRON
Silly warrior, it is I.
Xena, reasonably
XENA/THESEUS
Should have said so.
Lyceus, roaring, raising the weapon
LYCEUS/SCIRON
Silence! You pay or you die!
Xena, acting cowered, contritely reaching to her belt, humbly
XENA/THESEUS
Is it drachmas you wish?
Lyceus, smiling evilly
LYCEUS/SCIRON
Wash my feet and you shall pass.
Xena, taking another look at the impressive axe, deciding not to chance it, shrugging
XENA/THESEUS
Fine.
Sciron sits on the rock near the cliff and presents his feet. Xena approaches and begins to wash them. She glances down and spots a carnivorous what the Hades?
Lyceus is sitting on the log and Xena is going thru the cleaning motions when she looks back and stops.
Xena, miffed
XENA
Lyceus, that's a bunny.
Lyceus, proudly
LYCEUS
Correction, man-eating bunny.
Pause.
Lyceus, sighing deeply
LYCEUS
I could not find a turtle. At least we have lunch and someone to cook it.
Xena, affectionately
XENA
I love you Lyceus and it is not just my stomach talking.
Lyceus, mollified sufficiently, all business again
LYCEUS
Back to hungry beast.
They settle back into the story and Lyceus makes to shove Xena off the cliff with his leg. Xena catches it and pulls him to his death, into the waiting jaws of the animal waiting for dinner. Lyceus lands with a splat on the rabbit.
Lyceus, disgusted and unhappy
LYCEUS
Ewww. Xena, don't throw me on the rabbit, now I got blood all over my good tunic!
Xena, upset with rule breaking, firmly
XENA
You are supposed to scream and trash as you are devoured by the beast. I demand what is owed.
Lyceus, mumbling angrily, standing up and wiping at the tunic halfheartedly
LYCEUS
I am screaming my displeasure and you are trashing my clothes.
Xena puts her hands on her hips and stares him down. Lyceus surrenders and plays along.
Lyceus, melodramatically, raising his arms, doing his best remorseful villain voice
LYCEUS/SCIRON
Oh no, I deceived and killed so many and now I die as my victims died! Wicked, ironic fate captured me at last and the Gods themselves laugh at the sentence handed to me.
Pause.
Lyceus, lamenting, clutching his heart with both hands
LYCEUS/SCIRON
If only I was nicer to people. Farewell, cruel world.
Lyceus drops and on the ground and does an exaggerated death sequence, pretending he is being mauled and dismembered.
Lyceus, affecting terror
LYCEUS/SCIRON
You ate my arm!
Hey, I need that foot!
My head, not my poor head!
He lies still, tilts his head, closes his eyes, and hangs his tongue out at the end. The villain is dead.
Xena, supremely pleased
XENA
Better.
Then she can't hold it any longer and drops on the ground, clutching her stomach, howling with laughter. Lyceus opens his eyes and very pleased at her reaction, joins in the merriment.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/LATE MORNING
Lyceus decides to cut thru the forest, the road being a far too dangerous. His rotten luck holding today, he soon spots another bandit. The man is bending a pine and holding it in place. Xena stands next to the sapling, hand on it, bending it slightly.
Xena, waving at the hero, politely
XENA/SINIS
Sinis the tree-bender at your service. Think you can give me the hand with this tree young man?
LYCEUS/THESEUS
I would be honored to assist a mighty hero.
Xena, running with the idea, eagerly
XENA/SINIS
Yes, I am setting a trap for evil.
Lyceus grabs the young tree and easily holds it in place as Xena lets go.
Sinis/Xena scratches his head as to why Theseus/Lyceus did not go flying to his death. He inspects the pine and
Lyceus lets go and the rebounding trunk hits Xena. She waves her arms, stumbles around like a drunk and then flops on the leafy groundcover. While she is down, Lyceus ties her arms to one bent tree and her legs to another. He lets go and Xena is being stretched to the max.
Lyceus, proclaiming
LYCEUS/THESEUS
Face your penance, treacherous villain!
Xena, hamming it up, dramatically
XENA/SINIS
I am torn, torn apart I tell you. Oh, the pain! Oh the agony! Oh, the misery! Oh, noooo
Pause.
Xena, doing sounds effects, loudly
XENA/SINIS
RIPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!
Pause.
Xena, looking down at the two halves of her body, sorrowfully
XENA/SINIS
I am now two, where there was one. Alas, poor Sinis, taken in the prime of his vileness, tricked by the foul hero and sent to Tartarus. Rest in pieces.
Xena rolls her eyes back and turns motionless.
Lyceus, clapping and shouting
LYCEUS
Hurray! Bravo!
Pause.
Lyceus, settling down
LYCEUS
I mean
Pause.
Lyceus, assuming his warrior persona, spreading his arms out, preaching
LYCEUS/THESEUS
behold, fair people, justice is done.
Lyceus holds the pose for a few second and then unties Xena from the two short trees she was secured to.
Lyceus, proposing
LYCEUS
Early lunch?
XENA
Sure; wickedness is hungry work.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/NOON
Xena and Lyceus toss the last of the bones into the fire and pass a waterskin around. Xena does an impressive belch and they both laugh. Xena picks up the bow and inspects it. They are sitting in front of a dying fire.
Lyceus, praising
LYCEUS
You are good with it.
XENA
Who hunted our food?
Lyceus, knowing his limits, pointedly
LYCEUS
I got lucky. We could have ended up having my foot.
Xena removes Lyceus' boots and studies the feet intently. He looks at her suspiciously, wondering what the game will it be this time.
LYCEUS
You are not going to make me chase you barefoot?
Xena, magnanimously
XENA
Not today.
She starts ticking his soles and he starts giggling. Taking advantage of his distraction she shoots out her hands and unclasps his belt. She rolls him out of it and then lifting the tunic up traps his hands and head. The tempting expense of bare skin is irresistible and she playfully tortures her brother with tickles until he cries mercy.
Lyceus, breathing hard, tears in his eyes
LYCEUS
No fair!
He lunges at her and she lets him pin her and return the favor, with interest.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/EARLY AFTERNOON
Xena and Lyceus are searching the slopes, keeping in sight but spread out to make it more efficient. Below them meanders a lazy stream, lapping the rocks with languid strokes.
Lyceus feels a cold draft, watching in fascination as the goose bumps announce themselves on his arms. He looks around the bushes that are thinning with the change in the weather. Sure enough, they conceal an entrance. Stone fades away into darkness and out of the black flows a tiny trickle of water, absorbed by the green. He decides against sticking his head inside and instead calls for Xena.
LYCEUS
Xena, I found one!
Hurried footsteps become the vision of the tall frame of his unusually tall and sinewy sister. Big for her age is an understatement, she grows like a weed and appears years older by her sheer dimensions; the dead giveaway that she is not a teenager and still a child is the lack of any development on her chest. With layers of dirt, her bruises, numerous scabs and weaponized attire, only the long hair and vaguely feminine facial features hint at her gender. Only cleaned up and on the rare occasion she wears a dress does she present herself as she is.
Xena smiles at the find and hugs him. Lyceus is very happy, both for the praise and the fact that she is here. His best friend, now and forever, he thinks.
Lyceus, generously
LYCEUS
After you.
XENA
So that's how it is?
Lyceus, grinning
LYCEUS
I will be sure to tell mother if something eats you.
XENA
Thanks.
LYCEUS
And I will mourn you for year and years.
Xena, sighing
XENA
Lyceus, I am this close to throwing you in there first.
Lyceus, not liking the lurking darkness, shrinking in voice and stature
LYCEUS
I will be good.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. FOREST CAVE 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/AFTERNOON
Xena enters with sword drawn and a torch in the other hand. Lyceus follows closely, his blade out as well. The opening is narrow, about five feet in height if that, no problem for the boy, but the girl has to bend. Inside, it opens up. There is a large, open space, with rays of light sneaking in from high in the ceiling and an old fire pit in the middle. It is lined with a circle of rocks, stained black. Ash and some blackened wood fill it. The walls are coarse in texture and they stretch into the darkness even as they start to close in.
Xena walks to the back of the cave which ends in a sort of a longish tunnel into the hillside, ending in avalanche of rocks. She inspects the cave in, shifting some stones with her foot experimentally.
Xena comes back to the main chamber, hearing the sounds of flint and striker. Lyceus has a fire going and smiles at Xena. She lifts a small pot out of her backpack and hands it to him. He goes out to get water and she follows.
CUT TO:
INT. FOREST CAVE 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/AFTERNOON
The torches are not needed for the cleared entrance and the flames provide plenty of illumination. Lyceus checks the cooling pot and after a few sips, he hands tea to Xena. They pass it back and forth as they talk.
Lyceus, motioning with his head, inquisitively
LYCEUS
What's in the back?
XENA
Cave in.
Lyceus, worriedly
LYCEUS
We safe?
XENA
It appears to be placed there by someone.
Lyceus, eyes lighting up with the myriad possibilities his fertile mind conjures
LYCEUS
Treasure?
Xena, sharing his excitement, baiting
XENA
Want to find out?
Lyceus, reluctantly
LYCEUS
It is getting late.
Xena, knowing his weakness, dissing
XENA
Chicken.
Lyceus, hotly
LYCEUS
Not! I say we stay here overnight. What do you think of that?
XENA
And if they come back?
Lyceus, confidently
LYCEUS
We can take them.
Xena, sweetly
XENA
You are more courageous than me. I would not think to stay here.
LYCEUS
That's why you need me. Admit it: girls are not as brave as boys.
Xena, gushing
XENA
My fearless hero.
LYCEUS
Are you making fun of me?
Xena, innocently
XENA
Who, me?
Lyceus, pointing a finger at her, accusingly
LYCEUS
Yes you.
XENA
I am praising your stoutness.
LYCEUS
Stop mocking me!
XENA
My bold champion, you do me injustice with your accusations.
LYCEUS
Xena, I know what you doing.
XENA
Sensitive much, gallant one?
Lyceus, wearily
LYCEUS
Yes, I am a big, feathered chicken. Happy now?
XENA
I win.
She goes to the fire and picks up a charred stick. Xena goes to the wall and writes her name in Greek. She then turns and looks expectantly at sulking Lyceus. She throws in a huge smile and he gets up and runs up to her, hugging her. She hands him the writing instrument and he adds his own name next to hers.
Xena, timidly
XENA
All is forgiven?
LYCEUS
This is our cave now.
They look at each other and without further words, they head to the pile of rocks and start clearing the obstacle.
CUT TO:
INT. FOREST CAVE 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/EVENING
Xena and Lyceus, covered in dust and caked with dirt, heft the torches and walk past the remaining debris. The tinkle of water is now stronger, flowing from the depths of the hill. The tunnel extends a few more feet and then opens into a small chamber. There is an overflowing pool of water, the source of the runoff. But it is the walls that draw their attention. Strange pictures of animals and people cover the walls, floor to ceiling. The children stand in hushed silence at the sheer wonder of it.
Lyceus is the first to break the spell, stepping forward and with hesitant finger touching the drawing of a deer, as if afraid the contact will make it disappear. It does not, remaining as solid as the stone it is painted on. Xena joins him then and bringing the torches close, they begin to methodically scan each inch at close range, drunk on euphoria of discovery.
CUT TO:
INT. FOREST PICTURE CAVE 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/NIGHT
Xena and Lyceus, in their underwraps, run screaming and shoving inside the cave. The cold air and recent bath makes for unpleasant experience but to a child everything is a thrill. They halt at the fire, crowding it. Xena throws more fuel and the heat expands and reaches out to them. Lyceus shakes himself, sending water everywhere and Xena reciprocates. They laugh easily and reach for their packed provisions. Much chewing and stealing of food ensue, interlaced with play fights over choicer bits. Somehow in all that chaos, Xena makes sure that her brother gets the best morsels and often. The quiet look of love from Lyceus shows that he knows it but neither speaks of it. It is always that way.
CUT TO:
INT. FOREST PICTURE CAVE 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/NIGHT
Xena and Lyceus are lying on the cloak and sharing the other one as cover. There is ongoing struggle control, each one hogging the impromptu blanket to the detriment of the other. They are close to the fire but there is chill in the air. Xena, with her longer limbs, has trouble keeping them warm without some ending up exposed. Lyceus, as is his custom, is closer to the heat, leaving Xena to take one for the team. That is also common but she does not mind except on colder night such as this. And even then
Xena, warmly
XENA
Lyceus, blanket hog.
Lyceus, teasing
LYCEUS
I am younger and better looking. I deserve to live, you can freeze to death.
XENA
Brother, you are lucky I love you.
LYCEUS
I know and I take advantage shamelessly.
XENA
No, I want you to.
There is a long silence at that statement.
Lyceus, daring to ask, shyly
LYCEUS
You could run with Toris or the older boys. Why do you stay with me?
XENA
You still doubt?
Lyceus, timidly admitting
LYCEUS
Sometimes.
Xena, going with actions over words, drawing him close
XENA
Come here.
Lyceus, huddling for warmth, happily
LYCEUS
I love you sis.
CUT TO:
INT. FOREST PICTURE CAVE 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/DAWN
Released from Morpheus' realm, the children disentangle their arms. They sleepily stretch and rub the dreams from their eyes.
Lyceus, standing up and fixing his belt, yawning
LYCEUS
I will go wash up and fetch water.
He leaves with the pot and Xena, rubbing her arms briskly, starts on the fire. When it is blazing nicely she dives back under the cloak.
Lyceus comes in, his face and neck wet, and sets the water to boil. He reaches for the cloak and snags the top one, wrapping it around him. Grumbles answer him and Xena is forced to abandon the warm nest. She gets the bottom cloak and heads outside.
Lyceus, whispering at her back, scornfully
LYCEUS
Soft stuff.
XENA
I heard that!
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS CAVE 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/EARLY MORNING
With one last look back, the children set home. The go down the slope to the stream, only pausing to fill waterskins and catch a drink.
Lyceus, topping of, conversationally
LYCEUS
Atalanta and Melanion.
Xena, scoffing
XENA
Mushy mush.
Lyceus, insisting
LYCEUS
You are a girl, you do romantic. Besides, I like it.
XENA
An average nobody defeats a heroine. Yes, I see the attraction.
LYCEUS
Xena!
Pause.
Lyceus, puppy eyes in effect, begging
LYCEUS
Please?
Xena nods, unable to refuse.
They start walking towards Amphipolis.
Lyceus, lunching into the tale without preamble, humbly
LYCEUS/MELANION
O great Goddess Aphrodite, I beseech you, listen to my wounded heart.
XENA
Yes?
Lyceus, whining
LYCEUS
You are not even trying!
XENA/APHRODITE
Behold mortal, for it is I, Aphrodite! Prostate your supplication!
Lyceus, lying down at Xena's feet, head down
LYCEUS/MELANION
I seek the hand of the proud maiden Atalanta. The only way to win her love is to beat her in a foot race. The price of failure is Hades yet living without her is that already. Bestow blessings upon your devoted slave, O enchanting and powerful Goddess, for I am one of love and yours.
XENA/APHRODITE
I grant you a boon for your silver tongue. Three golden apples you now receive, to temp the temptress and bridle her pride.
Xena places three rocks on the ground at the head of Lyceus and walks away.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/MORNING
Xena and Lyceus line up side by side and assume starting positions.
Atalanta/Xena glances at Melanion/Lyceus with contempt and makes it a point to glance at her sword nearby. He visibly swallows, knowing what happens to suitors that lose.
Xena and Lyceus take off and run, him struggling right from the start. He tosses the first apple ahead of her and runs past her as she stops to examine it.
Xena, not worried, checking the gift, musing aloud
XENA/ATALANTA
Plenty to time left and say, what are you what do we have here? Imagine that, a gold apple, almost as beautiful as myself. And that divine reflection looking at me. Hello gorgeous!
Xena admires herself for a moment and then takes off and easily catches up with her challenger.
Lyceus is huffing and puffing, all for naught. Xena is running beside him, few hairs out of place, as fresh as when she started. He tosses the second apple.
Xena, unable to resist, pouncing eagerly on the offering
XENA/ATALANTA
Hello again, you magnificent being, you. Gods, I could stare at this image for hours.
Shaking herself free, Xena resumes the race.
Heading back to the start, Lyceus is red with effort. He can see the finish line but Xena is pulling ahead and he does not have anything left to overtake her. He throws the last apple.
Xena, forgetting everything, greedily grasping the shiny treasure, lovingly
XENA/ATALANTA
You are the one I love.
Lyceus falls across the finish for the win. He collapses face first and with an effort turns over. The chest moves rapidly and exhaustion claims him. A concerned face leans over him and he waves her away. Shortly, waterskin hits his chest and he shifts his eyes to the culprit.
Xena, gazing deeply at the rock in her hand, kissing it, tenderly
XENA/ATALANTA
I found my true love and it is you, sweet Atalanta.
Xena walks away from Lyceus.
Lyceus, outraged
LYCEUS
Hey, that is not how it ends! Come back here Narcissus! Why you! Cheater!
Xena, clutching the rock to her heart, dancing between the trees
XENA
Who says I don't do romantic?
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS FOREST 16 YEARS AGO/FALL/LATE MORNING
Xena and Lyceus are about an hour from the village. They are not in a hurry, enjoying the day and company.
Lyceus, sudden thought shattering his peace, anxiously
LYCEUS
Think they sent a search party?
Xena, not hopeful, pessimistically
XENA
This time they probably paid the wolves to take us.
Lyceus, nodding
LYCEUS
You are right.
Pause.
Lyceus, face falling, sadly
LYCEUS
Why did it have to come to this?
Xena, honestly, following with a barb so things don't get somber
XENA
We made a choice to each other. Considering the amount of trouble you get to, you made the right decision.
Lyceus, shaking his head, ruefully
LYCEUS
Xena, excitement and crime follows you as surely as fleas cling to the dog. I could live a boring village life of school and chores until I marry at 13-15 and my whole world becomes my wife and work. Don't get me wrong, it is a good, proper way for a peasant and there is happiness to be found. Yet I see the same faces in the tavern every night, finding relief in the mead. Do they drink because of the marriage or in spite of it? Do they try to escape the back breaking work in the fields? Can they? Is that my fate?
Xena, trying to stop the pity wagon, putting a hand on his arm, comfortingly
XENA
Lyceus
Lyceus, cutting her off, continuing
LYCEUS
Let me finish dear sister. I see Toris hating his lot, blaming father and screaming at mother. You see, she tells me things in the kitchen, things she would not speak to anyone. I don't know why she does that. She will just start talking and then won't stop till she sobs and it hurts me so much, more than it hurts her. I can't help her, I am just a child. I feel so lost. I cry with her and then she feels better and so do I. I think, oh I don't know, it is so confusing. I try to make her laugh, be silly for no reason, cheer her up. I try so hard and it is not enough.
Pause.
Lyceus, dolefully
LYCEUS
I don't want to grow up Xena. I don't want to be like the married farmers, or Toris, or mother they are all in pain and alone, so very alone. I am scared.
Xena, heart breaking, tearfully
XENA
I am sorry
Lyceus, joy shining in the watery eyes, fondly
LYCEUS
No, you see, you are my happiness. You give me adventure and purpose. I wake up each morning anticipating what we will do together. With you, I am not alone. You are trouble for others but not for me. I love you Xena. Don't leave me. Ever.
Xena, choking up, ready to do anything for him, affectionately
XENA
I love you too Lyceus. What do you want to do? Travel or run the inn?
Lyceus, mind made up, strongly
LYCEUS
I want to be here with you.
XENA
Then I will stay. I will stay and we will be together.
Lyceus, needing this, unable to hide his doubt, fearful
LYCEUS
Promise?
Xena, the easiest decision in her life, immediately confirms, sincerely
XENA
Promise.
Lyceus, wanting more than words, looking right in her eyes, seriously
LYCEUS
Swear a blood oath.
Xena, taking out the dagger and turning her left hand palm up, pledging her life to him
XENA
I will never leave you. With Gods as our witness
Ares appears and takes in the scene, hidden from their senses.
Xena slices her hand open and presents it.
Lyceus, wincing as he cuts his own palm, committing
LYCEUS
two are one. Back to back, to the end.
They clasp hands, blood comingling.
They don't see, hear or feel Ares watching them with hate in his eyes.
Ares, with burning animosity and malevolence, harshly
ARES
You should not have done that, Xena.
FADE OUT:
THE END