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.
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TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. XENA'S HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM DAWN
The twins and Solan crawl around the bed. Herding successful, Xena makes sure that they are on the same side and sings them Gabrielle's lullaby. Sleepy eyes close and innocent souls descend into peaceful sleep. Xena carefully maneuvers out of bed and throws a cloak on. She opens the shutters and without affecting too many muted curses, manages to bring her very pregnant self out the small window in nearly silent and not entirely ungraceful manner.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS - XENA'S HOUSE DAWN
Xena sneaks to the corner and looks behind the house.
The girls are up, sleepily tending to animals and chores. Apollonia and Artemisia, the younger pair, are busy feeding the chickens and gathering eggs, chatting away the time. As expected, Aphrodisia and Alexandra, the head of the local mischief syndicate, are clearly up to no good.
Xena, to herself, grinning evilly
XENA
Test me, will you?
The two conspirators, with furtive glances about, are gathering feathers on a single sheet of linen, already rich with bird down. Done, they tie the corners together and lug the bundle to the barn. Once the older girls enter the barn, Xena strides out and places her finger on her lips in a clear signal to be silent and not reveal her presence. The remaining girls return to their task, but keep a wary eye on her. When Apollonia tries to move closer to the action, a single scathing glance sends her scurrying back in fear.
Xena stops at the barn door and listens. She hears the older girls talking inside.
Aphrodisia, curious
APHRODISIA
What are the feathers for?
ALEXANDRA
Future.
APHRODISIA
We got the saws for tonight?
ALEXANDRA
Yes, several.
APHRODISIA
You sure about this? Grandma will skin us for this.
Alexandra, confidently
ALEXANDRA
It's perfect. We sneak in, carry the tables, benches and chairs to the stables, weaken them, and bring them back in. Hours of fun and hilarity.
Aphrodisia, sounding scared, hesitantly
APHRODISIA
What about her?
Alexandra, patting the feathers, grinning
ALEXANDRA
I have something unique for mother. Very, very special.
APHRODISIA
Are you sure? She always knows.
ALEXANDRA
She is not herself and I intend to prove it. We came close several times in the past and I have a feeling she won't escape this time. This is one match mother won't win.
Xena grabs the partially open door and sends it flying away, flooding the interior with light. Two guilty faces stare at her in astonishment and bodies move of their own accord to try to shield the impromptu bag from accusing eyes.
Xena, smiling radiantly
XENA
I love special. Do tell Alexandria, what's on tap?
Alexandra & Aphrodisia, knowing they got caught, fearfully exclaim
ALEXANDRA & APHRODISIA
Mother!
XENA
Since you both like the stables so much, both of you will work there for a week, starting after breakfast. Tell your father everything and work hard or you will beg for that punishment when I am thru with you.
The girls are frozen, trying to imagine a fate worse than mucking the stables. They can't and they don't want to. Two nervous throats swallow and remain silent.
Xena, satisfied her authority is back, sweetly
XENA
Yes?
ALEXANDRA & APHRODISIA
Yes mother!
Xena extends a hand and the linen with feathers is handed to her without protest.
Xena, turning to leave, throwing one final advice
XENA
One more thing, girls: if you want the furniture to collapse at different times and avoid suspicion, vary the depth of cuts and leave pieces untouched.
Xena walks out.
Aphrodisia, after checking to see if mother is really gone, stunned
APHRODISIA
Wow.
ALEXANDRA
I have another plan.
Pause.
Alexandra, remembering something, grabbing her sister's arm, smugly
ALEXANDRA
Hey, we got Solan, her precious baby.
Aphrodisia, spirits picking up, smirking at the memory
APHRODISIA
Oh yes, sweet victory. Guess we win.
Xena, war cry
XENA
Alalalalalalala!
Fierce yell splits the air and their own bag comes flying at them, splitting open and releasing its contents. Two feathered and unhappy individuals open their eyes to see their mother, soon joined by their younger siblings. There is much merriment at their expense.
Aphrodisia, turning to Alexandra, bitterly
APHRODISIA
I hate you.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS INN MORNING
Xena and her mother, Cyrene, are standing by the outside kitchen door. Cyrene reaches out and touches her daughter's face hesitantly with her fingertips, as if to confirm her existence to self. The fear of the illusion shuttering is evident in her delicate, feather-light probe tracing the familiar outlines. Xena erases the doubts by taking her mother's hand in hers and kissing it tenderly. She holds it tightly, providing reassurance in physical, tangible way.
Cyrene, emotionally
CYRENE
It is you.
Pause.
Cyrene, motherly instincts kicking in, accusingly
CYRENE
You left parts out.
Xena can only nod, her heart heavy with their sordid history.
Cyrene, trembling
CYRENE
Did I hate you?
Xena, finding words difficult, admitting quietly
XENA
You disowned me.
Cyrene, sorrowfully
CYRENE
I'm so sorry, child.
Cyrene draws Xena into her embrace and Xena goes willingly and gladly. They are both crying.
Cyrene, comfortingly
CYRENE
I am here now; I will always be here.
Xena, smiling thru the tears, warmly
XENA
We reconciled with Gabrielle's help.
CYRENE
Sounds like a special woman.
Xena and Cyrene break the hug and stand looking at each other, keeping contact.
Xena, affectionately
XENA
The kindest, gentlest, most loving soul that walked the land, backed with the will of steel and the mouth that was more dangerous than entire armies. Mind sharper than the finest blade and the light shining like the sun in the darkness of my soul. To know her was to love her.
Pause.
Xena, regretfully
XENA
I lost her to another.
CYRENE
How?
XENA
My punishment did not wait till Tartarus; it started right away. Fates brought us together because they knew I would drive her away.
Cyrene, drawing Xena close again, pleadingly
CYRENE
Daughter, don't do this to yourself.
Xena, ever the masochist, beating herself up, sad
XENA
No, I deserved it. I hurt her repeatedly and yet she stayed, but not without a cost. The only person who could and did love the entirety of me and I pushed her into the arms of Athena. Not even Lyceus meant this much or wounded so mortally with his passing.
Cyrene, no judging, simply
CYRENE
What did you do?
XENA
I tried to kill her.
Long silence falls and reigns before they part again.
Cyrene, wisely not following up a sore subject, changing topics, softly
CYRENE
And Sophus?
XENA
He is a good man, a decent man, and he loves me.
CYRENE
You have a life together.
XENA
That's the other Xena.
Cyrene, disagreeing, strongly
CYRENE
No, you do. You are her. Sure, memories are missing but those can be made anew. You built a family, raised children and have another on the way. More are in the stars.
Xena shoots her mother a reproachful look, full of indignation.
CYRENE
Oh, don't give me that look. You did not stop at seven; you are not going to call it quits at eight.
XENA
Mother!
Cyrene, honestly and sincerely
CYRENE
You fight the truth but I will tell you something. The way he looks at you, I see it mirrored in your eyes. Surprised you, didn't I? You feel it too, maybe not as strong at the moment, but give it time. Things were meant to be. You are home and your Gabrielle is gone; accept it. I love your father with all my heart but he was a fool to chase the dream he already had. He is still out there and I am here. Hopefully, before it is too late, he will figure it out. Don't be him.
Xena, unable to put label to her feelings, uncertainly
XENA
Sophus I feel I am not sure what I feel.
CYRENE
You were each other's first and only. Trust in that. Trust in the ones who love you. Stay.
Xena, feeling trapped, defensive
XENA
I I need time to think.
Cyrene, giving her room, gently
CYRENE
I love you, Xena.
XENA
I love you too.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS MILITIA TRAINING GROUND MIDMORNING
A few OLDER BOYS and YOUNG MEN sweat in the combat drills under the watchful eye of Phokas. Upon seeing Xena approach, he does not hide his surprise. Quickly recovering, Phokas intercepts her before she can get to the weapons laid out on and against the benches on one side of the practice field. Waterskins in stacks and spare leather armor and shields complete the gear laid out.
Phokas, sarcastic
PHOKAS
The teacher returns. You going to drop the child as a new fighting tactic? It only works once, you know.
XENA
I figure the only way you have a fighting chance if I was in labor.
PHOKAS
I see motherhood has not mellowed you out over the years. What's your pleasure today?
XENA
Staff then sword.
PHOKAS
Welcome back. I won't go easy on you.
XENA
Good.
Phokas is a highly proficient and skilled opponent, but Xena sparred with Gabrielle and the bard was exceptional. She still remembered her shock when she discovered Gabrielle was holding back. Fully unleashed, even Xena could not hold her own for long against her friend and only after a year of practice was now approaching equality. The only advantage Phokas now has is her advanced pregnancy altering her balance and range of motion but Xena easily compensates. They fall into a rhythm of parrying and striking, keeping this more a workout than actual sparring.
Phokas, after a few minutes, intrigued
PHOKAS
You holding out on me?
XENA
Why?
Phokas, mentioning to the OLDER BOYS and YOUNG MEN to join them
PHOKAS
You are not the same fighter of years ago. Oh, your body does not show it but I can sense a master when I face one. Bring it.
Neither of them notices Sophus arrive and lean against a nearby building. From a distance he watches the battle. It is a short one.
They come at Xena from all sides, while Phokas presses her from the front. Xena does her yell and tears into all comers. It is not even close and bodies fall like timber. In short order the ground is littered with groaning defeated and only Phokas is left standing. A blow shatters his staff and he joins his students in lopsided loss.
Phokas, amazed
PHOKAS
Spawn of Tartarus! Are you God Ares?
Xena, extending a hand to help him up, laughing
XENA
Nah, I am better looking.
Xena lifts him up to his feet and then whirls to face an approaching figure. She is greeted with Lyceus' grinning face. He is holding two swords and offers her one.
Lyceus, joking
LYCEUS
Someone has to put you in your place.
XENA
Won't be today and won't be you, brother.
LYCEUS
You would raise a hand against your own?
Xena, promising with a smile
XENA
No. Against you, yes.
LYCEUS
I resent that.
XENA
Tough.
They cross blades as the field quickly empties of the last group of combatants, who now watch from the side.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS MILITIA TRAINING GROUND LATE MORNING
Xena and Lyceus are stained with sweat as they head for the benches. Xena drops the sword and hugs the surprised Lyceus. It is tad awkward with the belly in the way, but he appears not to mind and returns it in kind.
LYCEUS
What was that for?
Xena, tearfully
XENA
We died twelve years ago. It is hard to believe the Fates returned you to me.
Lyceus, still trying to get used to the idea of another past, puzzled
LYCEUS
We?
Xena, with aching sorrow
XENA
An arrow took you and bore my insides hollow. I was an empty, hurting shell.
LYCEUS
I'm sorry.
Xena, affectionately
XENA
Gabrielle's love redeemed me.
Lyceus, pointedly
LYCEUS
Women are not your type.
The break the embrace and Xena takes a seat. Lyceus hands her a waterskin and takes one for himself. They drink thirstily.
XENA
Our souls merged into one a year ago. We are closer than blood or marriage, yet apart. She is joined with another.
Lyceus, whistling
LYCEUS
You left out a lot. Does Sophus know?
XENA
I am not a bard and it was personal. There are things that should not be spoken of between husband and wife.
Lyceus, with conviction
LYCEUS
Not between us.
Xena, acknowledging, lovingly
XENA
You were are my world.
Lyceus, showing the scar on his palm, believing
LYCEUS
As it was, it is now; in this life and any other.
Lyceus reaches out with his marked hand and wipes the escaping tears.
Lyceus, seriously
LYCEUS
Xena, my wife and your husband are jealous of what we have. What does that tell you?
Xena, firmly
XENA
Two are one.
Lyceus, sharing the sentiment, immediately
LYCEUS
Always.
Pause.
Lyceus, giving Xena time to collect herself, curious
LYCEUS
The Fates offered you a second chance. Why?
Xena, carefully
XENA
I think I died at Thessaly. It's ironic: I, who had no use for Gods after Ares, laid my life for a temple of one. I loved Athena and died for her kin. I figure the Fates rewarded my loyalty instead of cutting the thread.
LYCEUS
You sure it was not this Gabrielle you fought for?
Xena, reflecting on the past and her choices, thoughtfully
XENA
For the longest time: yes; in a large part, yes. However, she was not the one who made the decision this time. I don't deny that is what she wanted and I acted in accordance with her wishes but the choice was mine to make and I did.
Lyceus, clearly impressed
LYCEUS
You walked with the Gods. Who were they to you?
XENA
I was Ares' Chosen and Athena's best friend. Gabrielle is married to Athena and champions many on Olympus. She is her Chosen.
LYCEUS
Sister, I am impressed by the company you keep. No wonder God Ares favors our King.
Xena, measuring the word, getting a nagging feeling she is forgetting something
XENA
Ares
Pause.
Xena, suddenly turning pale
XENA
Gods! Lyceus, I did a terrible thing.
Lyceus, concerned
LYCEUS
What's wrong?
Xena, hiding her face, her posture sinking wearily, despairing
XENA
I betrayed Gabrielle. I made a wrong choice again and hurt her.
Lyceus, understanding and sympathizing with the wrong event, comfortingly
LYCEUS
Your death was not your fault, vagaries of the battlefield.
XENA
That's not
Xena, emotionally worn out, letting it go for now, sighing
XENA
you are right. We will talk later.
Pause.
XENA
Your Xena ... I hanged up the sword four years ago. Why?
LYCEUS
King Gabe.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS NEAR RIVER BANK 4 YEARS AGO/LATE SPRING/PREDAWN
The first light is still below the horizon when Ares boldly strides into the quiet and dark of Cortese's camp. He cuts down the pair of SENTRIES, but not before they cry out for help. Dark figures start rising and emerging from tents, looking for illumination. It comes from the most unexpected and terrifying of sources.
A flaming arrow whizzes by the God of War and takes a CORTESE'S THUG in the chest. He falls, flailing his arms into the tent, which goes up in flames. Relentlessly and mercilessly, the burning, killing arrows keep coming. Fires are starting and screams of CORTESE'S THUGS fill the air. All hits are fatal yet not all bring quick death.
Into this chaos walks Ares and behind him come the VILLAGERS, from all sides. Years of unsettled scores are on their minds, for the atrocities perpetrated under Cortese's banner and in his name. Today, those accounts will be settled and no mercy given. They fall on the disorganized CORTESE'S THUGS and the battle begins in earnest.
Ares is a magnificent sight. No one can stand against him; his dark armor glistens with fresh offerings and the pure joy he takes in the fighting disconcerts and scares his opponents. The last thing many CORTESE'S THUGS hear is his laughter. This is the God of War in his element, fury and madness unleashed.
His grim harvest and Gabe's arrows break the besieged band's spirit. Realizing they will be cut down to the man if they continue to resist, the surviving CORTESE'S THUGS throw down their weapons. It is over, they think. They are wrong.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS NEAR RIVER BANK 4 YEARS AGO/LATE SPRING/DAWN
Gabe still stands in the same place he was since the battle began. His bow is shouldered and his arms folded across his chest. He is watching the activity impassively. Alcaeus, his second in command, finds him and awaits orders in silence.
Gabe, eyes pained, willing his voice to remain steady
GABE
The prisoners will be offered as sacrifice to Ares; I will do it personally. Crucify all the bodies.
Alcaeus, shuddering
ALCAEUS
Gabe, after it is done, most of us are leaving. This
He sweeps his arm over the battlefield.
Alcaeus, eyes haunted, pained
ALCAEUS
I don't want this. Few of us who served do. Not again.
Gabe, nodding, sadly
GABE
Alcaeus, it is my burden to carry alone. You and others are free of any obligation.
Alcaeus, delicately, unsure
ALCAEUS
Should we go to Amphipolis and bring the retired men to justice? I understand that one of them was responsible for your loss.
Gabe, emphatically
GABE
No. This is not about revenge, this is about justice. I forgive them because now I done worse.
Alcaeus, placing a supporting arm on Gabe's shoulder, sympathetically
ALCAEUS
I know what this cost you and we will always remember what you did for us. The favor from Ares is steeped in your sacrifice. We are grateful; Potidaea will support you with men and supplies.
GABE
Thank you. You are a great teacher and good man. In the name of God Ares.
ALCAEUS
In his glory.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS NEAR RIVER BANK 4 YRS AGO/LATE SPRING/AFTERNOON
Xena and Lyceus emerge on the bank in their underwraps. The small wooden raft that they pushed across has their clothes and weapons. They dress and equip quickly then head into the thick bushes. There is no path on this side and it is eerily quiet.
Lyceus, ever the voice of caution, spooked by the silence
LYCEUS
There is a reason they don't want anyone from village to leave.
Xena, dismissively
XENA
Few retired slavers are worried about their necks - serves them right.
Lyceus, uneasy
LYCEUS
Xena, the trader said it was bad, real bad. Said no one in their proper mind wants to go garner a look. Said he will have nightmares for the rest of his life. For Zeus' sake, he was crying and babbling by the end of his account!
Xena, excitedly
XENA
Come on Lyceus, a battle was fought at dawn and rumors say God Ares himself was here! Imagine the glory and the spectacle! One weak stomached fool tells you something and you believe him.
They step out onto the open field and stop abruptly. The open field stretches ahead of them up to the road in the distance. Remains of camp smoke on and char the trampled ground; broken weapons and debris litter the ground. The wind shifts and the stench of death assaults them. And by the road
A single, long row of crosses extends up and down the rutted stretch of dirt. Mangled and burned bodies hang and crows circle and land on them, feasting. Xena and Lyceus realize they are no survivors; everyone is dead and left as a warning.
Lyceus turns white and faints, dropping right where he stands. Xena doubles over and loses her lunch; her consciousness departs as the world spins around her.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS MILITIA TRAINING GROUND LATE MORNING
Xena and Lyceus are sitting on the spectator bench set near the training yard. Lyceus finishes his tale of that day. They are side by side and he is holding her right hand in both of his. They both show signs of distress.
Xena, exclaiming
XENA
By Zeus, who is the real Gabrielle?!
Lyceus, calmly
LYCEUS
King Gabe is widely beloved by us and feared by his enemies. Only his queen is cherished more. He emulated the Romans, built roads and way stations with troop patrols. Travel is safe and fast; commerce flourishes. Taxes are low and the governors are fair. Life is good.
Xena, confused and hurt, denying the obvious
XENA
That is not the woman who showed mercy to captives or respect to the dead. This can't be my bard.
Lyceus, sharply at first, then mellowing
LYCEUS
Xena, stop this delusion. The Gabrielle you describe does not exist. Gabe is a wonderful king and he is a man. There is no record or rumor of him being anything other than that. What he does, he does for us and we hold it not against him. He serves Ares and as his Chosen he has obligations to fulfill. Look, I accept that you are not the sister I knew for the last decade. Regardless, you are her and we grew up together. It does not matter one iota what the Gods or Fates did, be humble and joyful that they gave you this gift. I love you and I want you to be happy.
Pause.
Lyceus, realizing she is still not convinced, persuasively
LYCEUS
You spoke of your other life; lost, cursed, hated, a monster bathed in blood and sin, damned for all eternity. Is it so bad to have us, to have me? One woman who was not yours, lost to you in marriage versus a lifetime of peace and love here in Amphipolis.
Xena starts crying, staring down at the ground. Lyceus squeezes her hand in support.
Lyceus, knowing he is reaching her, honestly and sincerely
LYCEUS
I would die for you and I would give anything, everything to take your pain away. I care about you and we are closer now than we were then. You took my Xena away and I forgive you because I cannot direct one negative thought your way. I am asking, no, I am begging you. Listen to me.
He kneels in front of her and takes her hands, putting them gently on her stomach. He places his next and they both feel the baby respond.
Lyceus, affectionately
LYCEUS
This is your child and your future. It is here and it is now. There is no stain on your soul and no blood on your hands. You have a husband who worships you and seven young ones who, despite being a handful, love you dearly. There is no bloody past and you were given a free slate. You told us this morning at breakfast that salvation is beyond you. Well, open your eyes and feel the life under you hand. This is your redemption. Trust me; embrace this chance.
Xena, thru the tears, joking
XENA
I see how it is; you are all conspiring against me. Are you the designated family representative, here to steer the black sheep home?
Lyceus, good-naturedly
LYCEUS
Someone had to beat the sense into you.
Xena, accepting his wisdom, lovingly
XENA
I love you, Lyceus. Thank you.
Lyceus, hugging her
LYCEUS
I love you too.
CUT TO:
INT. XENA'S HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM AFTERNOON
Xena sits on the bed and Chloe and Charis stand in front of her patiently, getting their hair brushed. Xena is humming a melody, something from her childhood. The twins are dressed in light sleep tunics, well-worn hand me downs from their older sisters. They reach past their ankles and look more like grain sacks on the small bodies. Sleepy yawns and heads drooping indicate to Xena that she needs to end this before they fall asleep standing up.
Xena slides to the side and stands up. She drops the brush by the basin and beckons the girls over. She inspects the hands and faces, and then takes a cloth and cleans the deficient areas. Picking each girl in turn with ease, she settles them on the bed, and then draws the covers over them. She leans over and kisses the fair heads. The twins are out as soon as their heads touch the pillow.
Xena, wistfully
XENA
The easy, untroubled rest of the innocent.
There is a knock at the door and Artemisia enters, leading her younger brother by the hand. Upon spotting his mother, the boy immediately struggles free and runs up to Xena, hugging her legs tightly. The emerging smirk dies on Artemisia's face the moment her mother's eyes lock on her in silent warning. She spins and retreats, closing the door behind her. It would not do to test mother today, the lesson her two older sisters so aptly demonstrated this morning to their detriment.
Xena shuffles to the bowl with Solan firmly attached to her leg and after prying him off with effort, she does a quick wash. Satisfied with the results, she carries him over and puts him down next to the bed. He looks at her and then at the bed, confused.
Xena, sitting down on the edge and holding his by his shoulders, encouragingly
XENA
Solan, you are a big boy.
Solan nods shyly his agreement but does not say anything.
XENA
Big boys don't get put to bed, only little girls. Are you a little girl?
Solan vigorously shakes his head no.
Xena lies down in the bed on her side, leaving room for her son.
XENA
Good. You are a big boy and big boys climb onto the bed on their own. Show mother you are a big boy, Solan.
Solan sets his chin and tries to clamber, giving it everything he has. The bed is too tall and he fails. Tears form in his eyes and he looks ready to cry. Xena watches him, her face blank; she makes no move to help him.
Realizing this time no assistance will be given and he is on his own, Solan tries again and again, stubbornly storming the bed. Sobs and sniffles are the testament to the difficulty of his struggle but he does not quit.
Xena lets it go for a while and then reaches out and grabs him by the back of his tunic. At last, with her assistance, the boy finds success and the smile of victory lights his wet face. He scoots close and cuddles up to Xena, who kisses the tears away. Happy, he falls asleep in her arms.
Xena gazes with pride at her son; her long lost son.
Xena, starting to realize what she lost and now gained, with wonder
XENA
I can watch you grow up.
Pause.
Xena, placing a hand on her belly and feeling the baby kick, tearfully yet joyfully
XENA
I can watch both of you grow up.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. XENA'S HOUSE MASTER BEDROOM LATE EVENING
Xena stands near the bed, brushing her hair. She is wearing a long tunic and is barefoot.
Sophus enters the room and tosses his tunic, leaving him in trousers. Smiling, he comes over and they kiss, softly and sweetly. There is shyness about them, as if they are relearning the dance they already know. In a way, they are. He takes the comb out of Xena's hand, kissing the palm. Coming around, he proceeds to stroke the long, dark hair. Xena places her hands on her belly and closes her eyes, soaking the sensations.
Xena, sighing, happily
XENA
I rather think this life suits me.
Sophus, grinning
SOPHUS
Heard our town militia was crushed by a pregnant woman in her seventh month. Honey, you are the talk of the village.
Xena, cautiously
XENA
How do you feel about it?
Sophus, reminiscing, fondly
SOPHUS
You and Lyceus were inseparable and constantly practicing war. That changed after our wedding, the martial aspect. Fear not, you two are still as close as ever. I understand and accept that you chose a different path and I don't feel threatened by your weapons' expertise. It was always a part of you, even if it faded in the passing of the seasons.
Pause.
Sophus, hesitantly
SOPHUS
Promise not to laugh?
Xena, reaching back and taking his left hand, entwining their fingers in show of support
XENA
Be brave husband.
Sophus, drawing his courage, mumbling quietly
SOPHUS
Speaks you.
Pause.
Sophus, confessing, affectionately
SOPHUS
My first impression of you was one of strength and grace. The way you leaped on that horse and laughed in joy. You stole my heart that day in the barn and you knew it too. You looked at me and smiled and I was yours. Not that I did anything about it; took two years and Lyceus' intervention. I will always owe your brother for bringing my feeling to your mother's attention and her matching us. When I found out you felt the same way and it was obvious to everyone except us
Xena gives his hand a gentle squeeze.
Sophus, continuing
SOPHUS
I love the confident you, the fighter part. I admire your prowess with weapons and in sparring. Your days of training with the militia were in the past until today and I miss them. Fortunately, you still hunt. Xena, motherhood fits you and your beauty grows each day. But the part of you that thrives on conflict and danger, that part that dangerous part is the one I don't want to lose.
Xena releases his hand and turns around. Her eyes are sparking and she takes the comb out of Sophus' hand suddenly gone numb. It goes flying and strikes the wall, dropping to the floor. The tension in the room is palpable.
Xena, purring
XENA
You like to watch me practice and fight? You like what battle does to me, makes me feel?
Sophus, swallowing, shaken under the scrutiny of the intense eyes
SOPHUS
Yes.
Xena, breathily
XENA
You were hiding but I saw you today.
She takes a step toward him and he involuntarily steps back. His legs bump into the bed and Xena give him a push that sends him onto the bed.
Xena, growling
XENA
You are playing with fire husband.
Sophus decides that this might be a tad more excitement that he is ready for, so he freezes in place and keeps his mouth closed.
Xena, narrowing her eyes, fiercely
XENA
I am not her and care not for her fun and games. I am Xena and this is real.
Abruptly, Sophus does something unexpected. He gets up and off the bed, standing in front of Xena. Both her eyebrows go up in silent question.
Sophus, trusting his feelings, openly
SOPHUS
I know you. We lived together for twelve wonderful years and you are her. You are my Xena and I love you. You know me, maybe not as well as you think, but you do. We trust each other.
Sophus takes her right hand in his and kisses the fingers.
SOPHUS
We belong together. I admit that I enjoy the warrior in you and cherish it on those rare occasions it appears. However, it is only a part of you. I love every part of you equally and without reservation. I love you the way you are and the way you will change in the future. Xena, I know things
Xena, placing her fingers on his lips, warmly
XENA
Shut up and kiss me.
He does. They linger and draw closer as the kiss deepens.
Xena, breaking the contact, laughing
XENA
Well, that answers the question of where all those children came from and why Xena stopped training with the militia.
SOPHUS
Honey, if martial activities stoke your fire, I for one refuse to complain. In fact, I plan to take advantage.
Pause.
Sophus, smilingly adding
SOPHUS
And frequently did.
XENA
Smart man.
Xena turns her back to him and lifts the tunic above her head. Sophus helps her remove it, tossing it on the bed, leaving her in her underwraps. She reaches around and takes his hands. She places them on her pregnant belly. Xena guesses that he does not need to be told what to do at this point and sure enough, he hugs her closely from behind, merging their bodies. He gently begins to caress the skin on her bare and swollen belly. Xena places her hands over his and lets him guide her. The baby joins in and love connects all three.
XENA
It is possible I might be falling for you again.
Sophus, sincerely and thankfully
SOPHUS
I am blessed by the Gods to even dream of you falling in love with me twice.
XENA
I need a training partner.
SOPHUS
I volunteer.
Xena, teasing
XENA
There might be temptation.
SOPHUS
With you? Always is.
XENA
Good. Keep that burning desire alive for when I bloat some more. I might require reassurance in the weeks ahead.
SOPHUS
Xena, wife, my eyes are blinded by love. You are the most gorgeous and sexy woman this fortunate peasant has or will ever see. That I can hold you and love you makes the riches of Midas pale in comparison.
Xena, pleased, smiling
XENA
You mean it?
SOPHUS
Eight children say I do. You were the first and only one I wanted. That will not change.
Xena, shyly, slightly embarrassed
XENA
Sophus, I used to visit the stables under the slightest of excuses. Why did you think I developed such a love of horses and riding?
SOPHUS
Was it my poise and charming way with words?
Xena, laughing
XENA
You turned mute and clumsy in my presence.
Sophus, warmly
SOPHUS
The heart knew, the mind fumbled about.
XENA
Thank Gods for Lyceus and mother.
SOPHUS
How long, you think, before we figured it out on our own?
XENA
We probably be in that barn today, dancing around the issue.
Sophus, playfully
SOPHUS
We would be in the barn alright, rolling in the hay.
Xena, lightly
XENA
The most fun you can have there with your clothes on.
Pause.
XENA
Gabrielle said that the past is stone and that is an excellent advice. What matters is now. This is a good life.
SOPHUS
Merely good?
XENA
It has possibilities.
Sophus arrests the motion of his hands on her belly and starts kissing Xena's shoulder blade, working his way to her nape.
XENA
Correction, great.
SOPHUS
I won't rest till you upgrade it to perfect.
XENA
I will hold you to it.
Sophus rests his head against hers, nuzzling her hair. He resumes the caress with his hands.
SOPHUS
What we are going to call her?
Xena, pretending puzzlement
XENA
Her?
Sophus, pointedly
SOPHUS
Six daughters and one son; honey, it's a girl.
Xena turns her head and they share a brief kiss.
XENA
I feel you are right.
Sophus, guessing there is more, curious now
SOPHUS
Xena, what is the name of our daughter?
Xena, emotionally
XENA
I lost something long ago, something that I had no right to wish for again. Half a lifetime passed without it. One day, in my darkest moment, a tiny glimmer of it appeared in a clearing outside Potidaea. It took root in my forsaken soul and it grew over the past year. Today, I can look down and I see it. More, I feel it. My precious daughter is about to return that something to me, for she is more than my child. Sophus, her name speaks to what I lost and soon regain.
Pause.
Xena, joyously
XENA
Hope.
FADE OUT:
THE END