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:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE DAWN
Gabrielle enters and looks around. The cave opens up into a large long space. She spots two large stone tablets on the wall and starting after them, rows of twenty foot statues going back as far as eye can see.
Gabrielle, musing
GABRIELLE
Strange symbols at the entrance and now this. Hunting and gathering will have to wait.
She walks over and investigates the writing on the tablets.
Gabrielle, reading out loud
GABRIELLE
In the stone rest the forgotten ones,
Cast by Zeus into slumber.
Only God can speak the words,
And awaken the fallen Titans.
Gabrielle, shrugging her shoulders, assuring herself
GABRIELLE
Safe enough.
Gabrielle steps over to the next tablet.
Gabrielle, reading again
GABRIELLE
Will to power,
Stone to flesh,
Come forth Titans!
The earth starts to rumble, low pitched at first and then the tone deepens. Cracks appear in one of the statues and widen as Gabrielle watches in fascination. She can feel the earth vibrate under her feet. Dust fills the air.
Gabrielle, apprehensively
GABRIELLE
Not safe!
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS CAMP EARLY MORNING
Xena is sitting on a log and drinking tea. She is reading Gabrielle's scroll and making comments.
Xena, shaking her head, in full critic mode
XENA
The river of guards breaks on the rock of Xena's steel. There were five guards in that jail rescue, if that, hardly enough to qualify for a brook. Okay, a stream. And rock of Xena's steel. Where does she come up with this stuff?
The earth starts shaking.
Xena, suspecting the cause, worriedly
XENA
Gabrielle!
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE EARLY MORNING
Gabrielle backs up to the entrance and continues to watch as the stone shell disintegrates around the statue. The rumble stops and the dust settles. A TITAN stands where the statue was. None of the others were affected by her words.
Gabrielle, sarcastically
GABRIELLE
Good job Zeus with that only God bit.
The TITAN hears Gabrielle's voice and looks at her. Their eyes lock but Gabrielle senses nothing.
Gabrielle, intrigued, guessing
GABRIELLE
You are a God.
TITAN, factually
TITAN
You see the truth.
GABRIELLE
Yes, it's a gift.
TITAN
Mortals can't see or read the tablets. You see the truth in stone, you see the truth in mortals; we Gods see the truth in you.
GABRIELLE
The truth?
TITAN
I am Astraeus, God of dusk.
GABRIELLE
Gabrielle, the wondering bard.
ASTRAEUS
In the beginning there was light and darkness. Then there were Gods and then there was man. The man is born innocent. He makes a choice for the light or the darkness after a time. That is his heart. From then on, every choice made in the course of his life is tallied. That is his soul. You see the original decision and the results. You see the heart and you see the soul. You see the truth of a man.
Gabrielle, afraid of the answer, hesitantly
GABRIELLE
Am I mortal?
ASTRAEUS
Yes, mortal with a gift of sight. Pythia of Delphi and other oracles see the future; you see the past, in a way.
GABRIELLE
Why couldn't I get something useful, like Hercules' strength or Achilles' invincibility?
ASTRAEUS
You are perfect.
Gabrielle, sternly, wagging her finger for emphasis
GABRIELLE
I know you Gods, you see an innocent nubile and next thing it is virgin this and bride that. There will be no loving. This bard is not built for that; in a Titan and human kind of way.
ASTRAEUS
I mean your gift is part of a larger purpose.
GABRIELLE
Sorry, troubled past.
Astraeus, amused
ASTRAEUS
Yes, you would.
Gabrielle, mock threatening
GABRIELLE
You are but one titan and I know about your weak spot.
ASTRAEUS
That's giants and I have no power, only knowledge. Gabrielle, Titans are immortal. Our strength comes from our followers and there are none left. The time of the elder Gods has passed.
Gabrielle, surprised
GABRIELLE
You are not going to build a new power base and take over the Olympus? Free the others?
ASTRAEUS
I would not tell you if I did. However, it is pointless. This is not our world anymore; it belongs to the young Gods.
GABRIELLE
What will happen to you?
ASTRAEUS
I am passing on. Tonight I will leave this mortal plane and go elsewhere.
Gabrielle, with a twinkle in her eye
GABRIELLE
Got time for one last adventure?
Astraeus, curious
ASTRAEUS
What do you have in mind?
Gabrielle, smiling
GABRIELLE
A good day.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE MORNING
Xena enters the cave and runs into Gabrielle who is heading out. She looks past her, at the rubble, other statues, and the titan standing there, watching her. The stone tablets are not visible to Xena, from her point of view.
Gabrielle, evenly
GABRIELLE
Another day, another God. Meet Astraeus.
XENA
The titan Astraeus? Elder God Astraeus?
GABRIELLE
He could squish for greater good.
XENA
Gabrielle
GABRIELLE
Squish, squish, stomp?
XENA
Gabrielle!
Gabrielle, serious
GABRIELLE
The end comes to all, God or man. Astraeus final dusk will be mourned by the moon and the stars. It is not right to die alone in a cave, forgotten by the world. I want his death to mean something. Plan?
Xena, focusing on the basic issue, concerned
XENA
Do you trust him?
GABRIELLE
I think he is blocking my gift, but my gut feeling is good on this.
Xena nods to it and mentions Astraeus over; she waits while he lumbers over to them.
XENA
There is a village hit hard by the raids a short walk from here. The warlord responsible for the destruction and misery has a camp nearby as well. We repair the village and then raid Hesiot's base for a change.
Gabrielle, enthusiastically
GABRIELLE
Go team, now with titan power!
Both Astraeus and Xena look at each other.
Xena, fondly
XENA
Gabrielle is special.
ASTRAEUS
Yes, she is.
GABRIELLE
Less talk, more hero.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS ROAD TO VILLAGE MORNING
Xena and Gabrielle are traveling on dusty, well worn road. Astraeus follows in the forest.
Gabrielle, playfully
GABRIELLE
You want me to handle this or you going with your I'm Xena and this is my giant and we place bets on how many injured peasants result from the stampede?
Xena, grinning
XENA
I say half if I add the sword twirl.
Gabrielle, innocently
GABRIELLE
Winner takes baths first for a month.
XENA
Gabrielle, going last for you is not punishment, it is a reward.
GABRIELLE
Not chores or money, that's all me.
Xena, teasing
XENA
It was either bard or body slave.
GABRIELLE
Good thing I got the talent for the first.
XENA
There is training for the second.
GABRIELLE
Now if I could only find a teacher
Xena, modestly
XENA
I know one.
GABRIELLE
Massage part of it?
Xena, liking where this is heading
XENA
Sure.
GABRIELLE
You have the job.
Xena, suspecting a trick, suspiciously
XENA
What did I agree to?
GABRIELLE
I earn the money, I spend the money, not hand it all to you.
XENA
We have rules. Xena's rules.
GABRIELLE
Xena's rules are broke and jobless. Gabrielle has nice shiny drachmas.
Xena, sensing impending defeat, cuts her loses and assumes a poker face
XENA
Two massages per week.
Gabrielle, happy to get anything but not showing it
GABRIELLE
One is full body.
Xena, taking a measure of control and making it her decision, firmly
XENA
At my discretion.
Gabrielle, seizing victory, cheerfully
GABRIELLE
Deal. Body slave?
XENA
No slaves. They are not loyal and they have access to you. Bad combination if you are a warlord. Sell, don't keep. Goes double for the ones that end up in your bed.
GABRIELLE
You have trust issues.
Xena, smiling mischievously
XENA
I could be persuaded to trust you.
GABRIELLE
Did you just ask me to warm your bedroll?
XENA
Speaking of jobs
GABRIELLE
Points for persistence and the answer is no chance in Tartarus.
XENA
Girl can dream.
GABRIELLE
I am keeping the fire between us and several sharp objects under hand.
XENA
You are too easy.
Gabrielle, looking directly at Xena, insightfully
GABRIELLE
We both know the truth.
Xena refuses to meet her eyes and looks away.
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE VILLAGE SQUARE MORNING
The village is a sorry affair. In the open field, remains of funeral pyres can be seen. Half the village is burned down and the remaining buildings have structural damage. The general mood is of despair and distrust. Sullen, dirty faces greet Gabrielle and Xena standing behind her. There are no women or children, only men and few older boys. Out of the crowd of VILLIGERS steps an older man, the designated VILLAGE LEADER. He looks with suspicion on two heavily armed women in front of him, one of which looks familiar.
VILLAGE LEADER, hostile
VILLAGE LEADER
We don't welcome your kind.
Gabrielle ignores him and slowly looks around, leisurely gazing at things and people. VILLAGE LEADER is getting nervous. Suddenly, from purely relaxed and bored Gabrielle goes to threatening in less than second, grabbing the VILLAGE LEADER by the front of his tunic and pulling him to her. The VILLAGERS step back and look ready to run.
Xena, whispering under her breath so only Gabrielle can hear
XENA
To twirl or not to twirl, that is the question.
Gabrielle twitches and then suppresses the laughter, keeping her mask on.
GABRIELLE
I am Gabrielle and I am in charge. I will rebuild your village with the help of my two friends. Now, what do you need?
Gabrielle releases him and smiles warmly, peaceful and nonthreatening as can be. VILLAGE LEADER steps back and tries to figure out this woman, but gives up. He bows to the inevitable.
VILLAGE LEADER, accepting
VILLAGE LEADER
Your will. You know construction?
GABRIELLE
My father apprenticed me into the trade.
VILLAGE LEADER, intrigued and hopeful
VILLAGE LEADER
We need logs and bricks and few strong backs to put them into place.
Gabrielle, yelling loudly
GABRIELLE
Astraeus!
Astraeus walks into view as VILLAGERS stare in awe.
VILLAGERS & VILLAGE LEADER, shocked
VILLAGERS & VILLAGE LEADER
Gods!
GABRIELLE
God.
Xena, helpfully
XENA
As in one. You are saved, praise God!
Gabrielle, over her shoulder
GABRIELLE
Quiet you!
Xena smirks.
Gabrielle, to VILLAGE LEADER
GABRIELLE
Send men with him to the forest.
VILLAGE LEADER, with great respect and near warship
VILLAGE LEADER
We bow to you, mother of the Gods.
The VILLAGERS look ready to prostrate.
Gabrielle notices the change and turns her head, commanding Xena.
Gabrielle, ordering
GABRIELLE
Xena, jump!
Xena slaps her on the butt instead and the VILLAGERS gasp.
GABRIELLE
Astraeus and Xena are good friends. Good friends who need to watch their hands.
The mood lightens. Several VILLAGERS break off and move toward Astraeus and together they head towards the forest, the VILLAGERS stopping only to get their tools.
Gabrielle, to VILLAGER LEADER
GABRIELLE
Break the rest of the men into crews. Have the women and children start making new mud bricks with straw and manure as joiner and set them to dry. Rest of them can prepare food for the workers. Move.
VILLAGE LEADER, leaving, respectfully
VILLAGE LEADER
By your will.
The remaining VILLAGERS gather around the VILLAGER LEADER as he gives them their instructions.
Gabrielle turns to face Xena.
GABRIELLE
Hello inner child.
Xena, innocently
XENA
It was a tempting target and it broke the ice.
Gabrielle, smiling evilly
GABRIELLE
I am in charge, right?
XENA
I will be good, I promise.
Gabrielle, sweetly
GABRIELLE
Idle hands make the Hades' work. Say hello to brick work Xena.
Xena, unhappily
XENA
Manure?
Gabrielle, innocently
GABRIELLE
Great bonding agent.
Xena, resigned
XENA
Teach me to mess with you.
Xena sighs and head for the area filled with high pitched and loud voices of children. Halfway there, she hears Gabrielle call her.
GABRIELLE
Xena?
XENA
Yes?
Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
The children love to hug and throw things. Have fun.
XENA
Gabrielle!
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. VILLAGE VILLAGE LATE AFTERNOON
Gabrielle is taking a break while the beams are being lowered into place on a house. She is sitting on the grass next to VILLAGE LEADER. She is in her tunic and trousers and is drenched with sweat. She takes a drink from the dipper set next to the bucket with water.
VILLAGE LEADER, impressed
VILLAGE LEADER
Doweling and joinery of beams is hired out, but with you here, that is no longer necessary. You are a gift from the Gods. And walk with one.
GABRIELLE
Few houses lost their roofs, but the walls are fine. This is the last of them. They will need thatching and thorough cleaning inside, but you can move the families right in afterwards. There are plenty of bricks baking in the sun and you have the extra wood for rebuilding, you will be fine.
VILLAGE LEADER, hesitantly
VILLAGE LEADER
May I ask how it is you learned construction? It is unusual, you being a woman.
Gabrielle, eyes turning inward, reminiscing
GABRIELLE
I was raised a man. I could say my father had good hands and smart head for this type of work and the drachmas were nice. The truth is, the tavern liked the money and he liked the drink, so theirs was a marriage predestined. Started young with the fetching and other small tasks, then worked alongside my father.
VILLAGE LEADER, admiringly
VILLAGE LEADER
Our younger men could learn from you. You honor your father and work harder than most of them. It is all about the women, mead, dreams of adventure, and quick drachmas. Head in the clouds, lot of them.
Gabrielle, with a slight grin
GABRIELLE
Yes, those young men, so disrespectful of the elders and our traditions.
VILLAGE LEADER nods vigorously in agreement, not noticing the sarcasm.
VILLAGE LEADER
And Xena?
GABRIELLE
I am a healer of sorts.
VILLAGE LEADER
If I did not know who she was, I would not believe it. Checked on the brick work and there she was, the legendary warrior, defeated and held down by a horde of little ones. The piled on her fearlessly and she just took it and smiled. Strange that one, not like the tales at all. You are a healer indeed.
VILLAGE LEADER, adding nervously
VILLAGE LEADER
Don't tell her I saw that.
Gabrielle, mind spinning with possibilities, smiling
GABRIELLE
Yes, a sight indeed.
Gabrielle gets to her feet and extends a hand to the VILLAGE LEADER, then helps him up when he grasps her forearm.
VILLAGE LEADER
Sure we could not get you to stay longer?
GABRIELLE
Have to keep ahead of the reputation.
VILLAGE LEADER, understanding, sympathetically
VILLAGE LEADER
It is a lonely road you walk and those shoulders of yours, as broad as they are, are tiny compared to the burden you carry. You have the blessings and heartfelt gratitude of the entire village. Rest assured, to our dying days we will sing of the time Gabrielle and her friends visited our village and healed us. To Tartarus with Hercules and his monsters, we know what real heroes are like.
GABRIELLE
Make sure to tell Xena and Astraeus that, they will appreciate it more than I will.
VILLAGE LEADER, shrewdly
VILLAGE LEADER
There is a reason they follow you.
GABRIELLE
True.
Gabrielle takes another drink and heads for the ladder. VILLAGE LEADER stretches, wincing at the sore muscles, and then looks at Gabrielle bouncing with energy and shakes his head.
VILLAGE LEADER, wistfully
VILLAGE LEADER
To be young again.
CUT TO:
EXT. VILLAGE VILLAGE SQUARE EARLY EVENING
Gabrielle heads over to Xena standing by the town well in the village square. Xena finishes dumping a bucket over herself and starts to draw another one. She hands it to Gabrielle wordlessly but with a small grin as Gabrielle walks up to her. Xena stops at the last minute and moves the bucket over Gabrielle's head and tilts it slowly. Gabrielle uses the stream to wash her hands, face, and hair. Both thus refreshed, they start toward the food laden tables set up nearby. Gabrielle makes it a point to sniff the air and then with an innocent expression she slides over a step, away from Xena. Xena stops and turns toward Gabrielle, then grins and spreads her arms in invitation. To Xena's surprise, Gabrielle accepts the invitation eagerly and fiercely hugs her. Xena wraps her arms as well and returns the hug with the same intensity.
XENA
You are no rose either.
GABRIELLE
Sweating on roof in the oven of summer.
They break the hug.
XENA
So it is the sweat that holds them together. Another mystery solved.
Gabrielle, informatively
GABRIELLE
Sweat and cursing.
Xena, with conviction
XENA
My bard of many talents, you are building our house.
GABRIELLE
Huggy time and now nesting. I knew it.
XENA
Time to start a household; me, you, and a bunch of our kids. You can wear the trousers in this family. Oh wait, you already do. Literally.
GABRIELLE
I see a small problem in that sentence unless either of us discovers new equipment downstairs in the morning or you not telling me something important about yourself. Either one is disturbing, but the second one is downright grounds for divorce. What brought this on, Xena?
Xena points instead to the field. They both watch as Astraeus kneels and lays his right hand flat on the ground, palm up. CHILDREN pile on top of it in a rush of small bodies. Astraeus gently lifts his hand and joins it with the other one, forming a basket with his hands. Delighted laughter and excited screams issue from the small heads poking out. VILLAGERS watch with amusement and a feeling of peace settles over the village.
Gabrielle, thoughtfully
GABRIELLE
You are joking so this is serious. Xena, there was a valid reason I wanted you with the children.
Xena, gratefully
XENA
You always do what is best for me, my friend.
Gabrielle, touched
GABRIELLE
I care. A lot.
Xena, making a choice, honestly
XENA
I trust you.
Gabrielle, smiling
GABRIELLE
I know.
Xena, grabbing Gabrielle's wrists, harshly
XENA
No you don't, not like this. A good man died for this secret.
Gabrielle, troubled
GABRIELLE
I don't want it then. Xena, you are starting to scare me.
Xena eyes glow with a hint of madness. She looks directly at Gabrielle's eyes.
Xena, forcefully
XENA
You have to know, it is our secret now. Gabrielle, tell me you want to hear it. Say it!
Gabrielle, deciding
GABRIELLE
No.
XENA
No? No?!
Gabrielle, freeing her hands, firmly
GABRIELLE
Drop the act and stop the drama. I understand, you can't say it outright. Fine, deal with it and then toughen up and say it already. Or don't.
Awkward silence falls and they return to watching the titan.
GABRIELLE
Xena, things are shared freely between us. No strings. Ever.
Xena, looking at Astraeus, distracted
XENA
Hmm yes.
GABRIELLE
Right then.
Xena slowly starts to walk toward the food again, lost in thought and Gabrielle follows.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST EVENING
Xena and Gabrielle are standing near a large tree trunk and Astraeus is giving them some privacy. They have full armor and weapons again.
GABRIELLE
Let's not make it two defeats in a row.
XENA
Huh?
GABRIELLE
I sing concisely of defeated warrior princess Xena. She fought brief and brave but the little people were endless and the tiny tide swallowed Xena whole. Here lies the hero of Amphipolis taken in the short of her life.
XENA
Is Gabrielle wailing at Xena's tomb?
Gabrielle, teasing
GABRIELLE
Gabrielle dances on it. Naked.
XENA
Rats.
GABRIELLE
Tasty yet deadly in numbers.
Xena, confused
XENA
Where the Hades did that come from?!
Gabrielle, grinning
GABRIELLE
All those tiny swords and spears
XENA
Back to dancing, I like the image better.
GABRIELLE
Can't image what you have not seen.
XENA
True.
Pause. Xena, hesitantly
XENA
Talking about myself does not come easy. Gabrielle, there is a child in my past.
Gabrielle, warmly
GABRIELLE
Thank you.
Xena, surprised
XENA
No questions, no asking for more detail, just acceptance?
Gabrielle, gently
GABRIELLE
I listened to a friend share a part of her with me. I need nothing more.
Xena, deciding
XENA
In my saddlebag is a scroll in a code we discussed. In the event of my death, find my son and raise him as your own.
Gabrielle, honored
GABRIELLE
I will love him and I will tell him of his true mother: the Xena that died for greater good. I promise.
Gabrielle places her hand over her own heart. Xena tears up and she walks off a distance to compose herself. Gabrielle lets her go.
Gabrielle, softly
GABRIELLE
The first steps are always the hardest.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST EVENING
Xena and Gabrielle are still standing near a large tree trunk and Astraeus has now joined them.
ASTRAEUS
Plan?
GABRIELLE
That's my line! Plan?
XENA
Hesiot has around fifty men. What they lack in skills, they make up in numbers. Gabrielle, it is time to do the centaur. You are not running around on the ground with the squishing, the stomping and the general chaos. Astraeus, you will carry her in your open right hand. Kick everything in sight. Gabrielle from above and I on the ground will cover you from the archers. I know you are immortal but an arrow in the eye will ruin anyone's day and the last thing we need is blind berserk titan. Cover your eyes with your forearm.
ASTRAEUS
It is an honor to stand with you both.
GABRIELLE
Don't drop the bard and you will live forever in my story. I take that whole protecting my life thing seriously.
ASTRAEUS
Gabrielle, your horse awaits.
Astraeus kneels before her and presents his right hand. Gabrielle climbs on board. Astraeus stands up, keeping his right elbow bent at ninety degrees and his hand palm up, slightly cupped. He takes a few steps and Gabrielle tests her balance, finding it satisfactory.
XENA
Speech?
GABRIELLE
Don't die.
XENA
Works for me.
ASTRAEUS
To glory!
They break up, Astraeus heading directly for camp and Xena circling around.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS HESIOT'S CAMP LATE EVENING
The THUGS have settled after dinner to dice games and liberal amounts of mead. Most are clustered around the campfires, in various stages of sobriety. Few are enjoying the attention of slaves in the tents. Here and there songs break out. It is peaceful, sentries are posted and life is great.
Astraeus bursts out of the trees, his long strides covering the terrain with alarming speed. Arrows are already flying and hit THUGS are screaming in pain. Astraeus is on the first fire as the shocked THUGS sit frozen at the sight of giant shape that is upon them in a blink. The kick scatters the THUGS and burning logs alike and now there are tents and men on fire. Without slowing down, Astraeus goes for the second fire as chaos spreads.
Hesiot runs out of his tent in just his trousers and after sizing up the situation, starts directing archers toward the small hill at the north end of camp.
Hesiot, barking loudly
HESIOT
Archers form on the hill! Spears forward! It's a giant, go for the legs and upper face! Take it down!
The main camp is in ruins, broken THUGS and equipment scattered and burning. A dozen THUGS with spears are setting up a line and behind them ten THUGS with bows are lining up. It looks like Hesiot's army might have a chance yet.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS HESIOT'S CAMP LATE EVENING
Xena lines up with the archers, all in straight line ahead of her. They are focused on the titan and are just starting to send arrows at his forehead and eyes. Xena squares her shoulder and lowers her head and then explodes into a rush of speed and power. The first THUG is broken before he even realizes he was hit and Xena plows thru most of the line before her momentum is exhausted. Not deterred, she plows on forward, tossing THUGS left and right. Once the last is down, chakram and sword come out. Most THUGS are still dazed and confused and only few are reaching for their weapons. They are easy picking for Xena who makes short work of them and ensures they will stay where they fell. Hesiot turns around and realizes he has a bigger problem than the one in front of him. That's when the titan crashes into the wall of spears and with a kick sends THUGS and Hesiot flying in all directions. Xena does not see him coming at her with speed and mass.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS HESIOT'S CAMP LATE EVENING
Astraeus runs into a wall of spears and while painful, all it does is gives him motivation. Mighty kick sends the THUGS and Hesiot in front of him into the air. Gabrielle watches as Hesiot heads straight for Xena like a human arrow.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Reacting by pure instinct and with reflexes honed over the years, Xena swings her sword as she slides out of the way of an object coming at her. Gabrielle breathes a sigh of relief. She shoulders the bow and looks around at the carnage. The few surviving THUGS have thrown down their weapons and surrendered. Their friends have not been so lucky. Human remains and debris litter the battlefield and a stench of burning flesh fills her nostrils.
Gabrielle to Astraeus
GABRIELLE
Astraeus, set me down and gather the wood and the bodies into a pyre.
Gabrielle takes one last look around the camp.
Gabrielle, sadly
GABRIELLE
Power is not always a good thing.
CUT TO:
EXT. WILDERNESS FOREST NIGHT
Xena and Gabrielle move thru the forest. Astraeus went on ahead and it is just the two of them.
GABRIELLE
Chalk it up for new experience.
XENA
What a tale this will make. Think anyone will believe it?
GABRIELLE
Gabrielle the Amazon astride the titan, raining down arrows.
XENA
Bards gone wild on henbane.
GABRIELLE
Speak a woman who runs thru a dozen archers without slowing down. Yes you. First there is a line of archers, then a yell, and then flying bodies in all directions. I think one of them had a bow embedded in his body from the impact. Hey, that will make a great mental image in my story.
XENA
I won't ask where the bow ended up.
GABRIELLE
Wise choice. What happened with Hesiot?
Xena, embarrassed
XENA
I did not plan it, really. There was something coming at me fast and I swung by reflex. Now certain bard will sing how Xena cut off a head of a flying warlord.
GABRIELLE
My hero does incredible feats. I record and sing of them.
XENA
I read your work my river of guards bard.
Gabrielle, importantly
GABRIELLE
It's called artistic license.
Xena, indifferent
XENA
Whatever earns the drachmas.
Gabrielle, outraged
GABRIELLE
This is about art; it is not about the money. Take it back.
Xena, recovering, showers flattery
XENA
You are the best bard in the whole of Greece. The Royal Academy of Bards in Athens is full of talentless wretches prostituting their words by the drachma on street corners.
Gabrielle, happily
GABRIELLE
The defender of my reputation.
XENA
Always.
CUT TO:
INT. WILDERNESS CAVE BEFORE MIDNIGHT
Xena, Gabrielle and Astraeus are inside the cave. Astraeus looks the worse for wear, with arrow shafts sticking out and various cuts on his legs. He looks happy thou.
GABRIELLE
The wings of darkness herald the passing of the day. You ready?
ASTRAEUS
Final request: sing.
Gabrielle, requesting hopefully
GABRIELLE
Xena?
Xena, without hesitation, firmly
XENA
No.
Gabrielle, resigned
GABRIELLE
What song?
ASTRAEUS
Iter itineris of animus (journey of souls), Gabrielle. Sing.
GABRIELLE
You will have to explain.
Astraeus judges Gabrielle and nods to himself. Astraeus smiles at her.
Astraeus, warmly
ASTRAEUS
Accept this knowledge.
He looks into Gabrielle's eyes and something passes.
Gabrielle blinks a few times. She appears to be in a trance.
Xena grabs Gabrielle's shoulder, other hand on her chakram.
Astraeus, warmly
ASTRAEUS
Gabrielle's beautiful, loving heart will guide us.
XENA
You plan to free the titans.
ASTRAEUS
The song can release but the song always takes.
Pause.
Astraeus, seeing her doubt, sincerely
ASTRAEUS
Let us pass. Let her sing.
Xena releases her hold on Gabrielle. Astraeus walks to his old place of imprisonment and stands there. Gabrielle moves to the front of the rows.
Astraeus leaves Gabrielle his departing words.
Astraeus, honestly
ASTRAEUS
Gabrielle, the truth we Gods see in you is the light.
Gabrielle starts to sing in a language Xena does not understand. It sounds ancient and it is having an effect, without the earlier quake. Rather, cracks appear and widen and pieces begin to fall in places. The stone shells covering the TITANS crumble to fragments and dust as Gabrielle continues to sing; soon all the TITANS are free. As they awaken they appear agitated, confused and angry but then quickly fall under the spell of the words and an eerie calm overcomes them. The song rises in power and the TITANS turn and being walking away, fading gradually with each step until nothing is left. The last TITANS, among them Astraeus, step toward the back of the cave and oblivion. The song ends and Xena goes to Gabrielle's side.
XENA
The singing bard of Potidaea, how you have grown. You okay?
GABRIELLE
Right as rain and I better not hear the words singing, bard, and Potidaea together again.
Xena, amicably
XENA
What do you remember?
Gabrielle, concentrating
GABRIELLE
Everything except the song Astraeus taught me.
Pause.
Gabrielle, frowning
GABRIELLE
Strange, now that I think about it, he did not give me the anything.
XENA
Huh?
GABRIELLE
Astraeus knowledge was how to unlock it. Xena, the song was already inside me. And now the key is lost again.
XENA
Gabrielle, the Gods play tricks.
GABRIELLE
It was real, no matter the source. Xena, what did he mean by the light?
XENA
Your gift, no doubt.
Gabrielle, uncertain
GABRIELLE
Yes.
Gabrielle brightens up.
Gabrielle, cheerfully
GABRIELLE
We did good today, Xena. We done good.
FADE OUT:
THE END