The following episode written for The Xena Warrior Princess Virtual Season is a work of fiction based upon the television series Xena: Warrior Princess. The original characters are used strictly for fan purposes and not for profit. There is no intent to infringe upon or violate any copyrights held by Studio USA, Renaissance Pictures, Universal Television or any other organization that owns the rights to this series. 

The script, story ideas, and any characters created by the authors that are not part of the original series are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those authors. Also, any original artworks are copyrighted and remain the sole property of those artists. Permission to use any of the written or drawn works herein must be submitted to the original author(s) and artist(s).

1. EXT. MEDITERRANEAN SEA - DAY

It is a bright, sunny day at sea. A cool breeze fills the mainsail of a distant ship.

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2. EXT. A CARGO VESSEL - DAY

As the ship draws nearer, we see several figures on the deck. The ship's captain stands at the helm, several of his crew lounge around the deck. Two familiar figures stand at the ship's rail, anticipation on their faces.

You know, Xena, spending so long away from Greece has given me time to reflect on our life together. I've realized a few things about myself.

Having too much time on your hands does that to you, doesn't it?

I guess it does. I've been thinking a lot about our adventures together; where we are, where we've been.

Me too.

I'm serious, Xena. I've realized there are a few things I would change in my life, if I had the chance.

Things I wish I could put right.

Xena realizes Gabrielle is in one of her soul-searching moods. She becomes more attentive.

Like what, Gabrielle?

I miss my family, Xena. It hurts, thinking how I lost them.

And Lila...I can't get used to the fact she's now my older sister!

Xena squeezes Gabrielle's shoulder gently.

Gabrielle, there's nothing you could have done. Neither of us could have guessed Ares would seal us up in the ice like that!

Xena, please...don't. I have so much guilt over Lila sometimes; it's almost unbearable. She's all grown up with a daughter of her own and I wasn't there for either of them when they needed me. How can I forgive myself for that?

Perhaps you can't. It's not easy to overcome guilt.

She gazes out to sea, a faraway look in her eyes.

We're not talking about me anymore, are we? You were robbed of your time with Eve and...

A pained look crosses Xena's face as she remembers her son.

Solan.

It still hurts. I can see that. You don't talk about it much but...

We're making good time, Gabrielle. We should see land soon.

She avoids the bard's gaze. Gabrielle sighs softly.

Okay, you win for now but I still think you should visit Toris. It's been a while now. He and his family will be glad to see you.

We've discussed this a million times, Gabrielle. I'll go see him when I'm good and ready.

A small smile plays across Gabrielle's lips.

What?

You keep saying that, but I know you want to! You're just too proud to admit it.

Or you're afraid.

Of what? For the last time, Gabrielle, drop it. I'm going up the mast to see the sea.

Gabrielle gives Xena a quizzical look.

It's a joke! Get it? To see the sea?

She waves her hand towards the ocean. Gabrielle is not amused. Xena gives up and walks off, shaking her head.

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3. EXT. THE SHIP'S RIGGING - DAY

Xena climbs the rigging. Several nearby crewmen leer at her. When Xena glares at them, they look away hurriedly. She clambers into the crow's nest.

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4. EXT. THE CARGO VESSEL - DAY

Gabrielle groans at Xena's joke. She pulls out a scroll and quill.

Hah de ha ha. To see the sea.

She shakes her head, bemused.

Hmm, now where was I?

...and in the northern reaches of a vast continent beyond the endless sea, Xena and Gabrielle encountered the red-eyed Lake Demon. This evil beast had been terrorizing the local villagers since a terrible curse had befallen...

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5. EXT. CROW'S NEST - DAY

Xena interrupts Gabrielle's train of thought with a shout.

Gabrielle, I see land! We're nearly home!

From Xena's vantage position, we see Gabrielle seated on a large wooden crate. She has just got comfortable.

Xena! Bard at work here! Can't you see I'm trying to concentrate?

Xena sniffs the air, her joy turning to puzzlement. She gazes out to sea again. Her eyes widen in alarm and she draws in a sharp breath. She climbs partway down the mast, drops to the ground and returns to Gabrielle.

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6. EXT. THE CARGO VESSEL - DAY

As Xena approaches, Gabrielle looks up, irritated by the interruption. Then she sees her companion's expression.

What is it?

I'm not sure, but I can feel in the air that something isn't right. It's as if we were far north of Greece...

...and there's something...

Xena strides over to the ship's rail and peers into the water. Gabrielle joins her. She gives an alarmed shout as she spies dozens of ice floes around the ship. Dead fish litter the water's surface.

Xena, this doesn't look good.

I know, Gabrielle. I'm gonna speak to the captain, see if he knows what's going on.

I'm with you.

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7. EXT. SHIP'S HELM - DAY

The captain is of stocky build with weathered features. Worry lines etch his face. He is barking orders at his crew who hurriedly drop the sails.

Xena and Gabrielle approach.

I take it you've seen what we've seen?

Aye. I've been shipping cargo on this route back and forth for nigh on twenty years now and I've never seen anything like it in Greek waters. 'Tis a strange omen, make no mistake.

It sure is. It should be early summer yet there's frost in the air!

How long have you been out at sea? Everything was fine when we left Greece about eighteen months ago.

Haven't seen a Greek port once in all that time. Been workin' the trade route between Alexandria and Sidon for the past two years.

As he speaks, a heavy mist descends around the ship. The captain shivers involuntarily.

Can you steer her into port okay?

The captain gives a hollow laugh. It sounds bleak and tinged with fear in the grayness of the fog.

I've seen worse weather than this, Missy. No, what bothers me most is the ice. We'll have to bring her in nice an' slow. I've heard tell of ships that run aground on ice in heavy fog.

Just get us into port safely. I have some questions that need answers.

Before the captain can reply, his first mate dashes up to him at full speed. He struggles to catch his breath while pointing towards the ship's bow.

Capt'n, come take a look at this!

The captain hurries to the bow. Xena, Gabrielle and the first mate follow closely. Several members of the crew crowd around the captain. He takes hold of the ship's spyglass, sweeping it in a wide arc. His crew scurries out of the way. The captain peers through the spyglass.

In the name of...

He turns to bark orders at his crew.

Full rudder to port. Turn the ship! Bring her around - now!

The crew hastens to carry out his orders. Xena looks startled.

What's going on? We asked for passage back to Piraeus!

See for yourself, Missy.

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