ACT I

3. FOREST ROAD - OUTSIDE OF POTEIDAIA - AFTERNOON

As the sun rests high in the sky signaling that it is mid-day, Xena and Gabrielle walk along a dirt road enjoying the blue skies and the peace. Xena is holding Argo's reins, and guiding her along as they walk. When they round the bend, Xena stops suddenly, and points to the brush ahead of them along the left side of the road.

What is it?

A rabbit.

As Gabrielle stares into the brush, she sees a small light brown bunny, hop a few feet further into the forest, and then stop to listen to his surroundings.

How about an early lunch?

Xena moves silently across the road, never taking her eyes off the intended target. Just as she approaches the brush, the sound of chickens clucking and stamping feet draw closer scaring away their early lunch.

Xena manages to flip out of the way just as the stampede of cows, chickens, and pigs come by. Gabrielle grabs Argo and pulls her to the side of the road, keeping them both out of harm's way.

Xena emerges from the forest with a confused expression on her face, one eyebrow raised. She looks down the road towards were the animal parade was headed, and then back to Gabrielle, who is just chuckling at the situation.

What was that?

I don't know, Xena.

Maybe they just don't like you hunting rabbits.

Xena crosses the road and joins Gabrielle, who is standing next to Argo.

Something... or someone must have scared them pretty badly for them to stampede.

Well, they certainly were mooooving!

Xena turns and looks at her, and Gabrielle just flashes her a smile.

What?

Xena, have you completely lost your sense of humor?

No, Gabrielle, it's not my sense of humor that's the problem.

Gabrielle gives Xena a little jab to the ribs, which causes the Warrior to laugh.

Okay, so I'm no Aristophanes,

but I didn't think I needed to be a comic genius to get a laugh around here.

Oh, Gabrielle...

Their conversation is interrupted by two black stallions charging around the bend, followed by a couple of chickens. All of them head off in the same direction as the other animals. A few moments later an angry and slightly out of breath farmer comes running down the road, chasing after the animals. He comes to a halt as he approaches Xena and Gabrielle.

Did you see a bunch of animals come runnin' this way?

They all took off in that direction.

Xena nods her head in agreement, and the farmer begins chasing the animals once again.

You crazy animals!!! Get back here!!!

Well, that certainly was odd.

Gabrielle looks down the road where the animals and farmer were headed.

Yep...

but we are nearing your hometown.

Well, I guess...

Hey! What is that supposed to mean?

Nothing at all, Gabrielle.

Xena takes Argo's reins and starts to stroll down the road. Gabrielle just stares at her, looking a little annoyed. She shakes her head, and begins to walk after her.

CUT TO:

Xena and Gabrielle approach Gabrielle's childhood home. Xena can see the excitement in Gabrielle's eyes as they grow closer to the house. Sarah is standing out in front of the house, staring up at the clouds and daydreaming. She turns to head back into the house when she catches sight of Xena and Gabrielle on the road.

Mother, come quick!

Gabrielle and Xena are here!

Sarah runs out to the road to meet them, and envelopes Gabrielle and then Xena in a giant hug.

It's so wonderful to see the both of you. What brings you to Poteidaia?

Gabrielle wraps her arm around her niece's shoulder, and gives her a squeeze.

I can't just visit my niece and sister?

Sarah looks at Gabrielle with disbelief.

We thought we needed a break, and Poteidaia happened to be on our way.

So, we did just come by to see you.

The three of them walk towards the farmhouse, where Lila is standing in the doorway.

I figured I'd be seeing you soon.

Just wasn't sure when.

How did you know?

Call it sister's intuition.

Lila reaches out and gives Gabrielle a hug, and escorts her into the house. Sarah and Xena follow right behind them.

CUT TO:

5. INT. LILA'S FARMHOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON

The four of them gather around the kitchen table, where there is an assortment of vegetables lying about. A large black kettle sits over the fire with the beginnings of a stew boiling inside.

Sarah and I were starting to prepare supper. You guys are just in time to help chop vegetables.

Xena and Gabrielle both grab a knife, and begin to help with the stew.

So, what's new around the village?

Remember the old blacksmith?

Gabrielle nods, as she continues to cut vegetables.

Well his son...

Sarah, don't bore Gabrielle with that gossip.

Tell her about what happened with the carpenter.

Mother, I will, but we can't forget about what happened with all the stolen cake frosting and the missing sheep.

The three ladies immediately break into an all out gossip session, with Sarah, Gabrielle, and Lila all seeming to talk simultaneously. Xena just stares off into space, not interested in the 'hen' party.

Will you?

The three of them are all staring at Xena. It's obvious they caught the warrior not paying attention. Gabrielle smiles at her, knowing that their talking must be boring the warrior to death.

Will I???

Run out to the barn and get some extra firewood.

Sure.

Xena stands and leaves the table, heading towards the door. As she turns her back, a huge smile forms across her face.

CUT TO:

6. EXT. LILA'S BARNYARD - LATE AFTERNOON

Xena is holding a few logs that she has just brought out from the barn. She places them on the ground, and whistles for Argo. The horse has been out roaming in the field behind the farmhouse, and trots over to where Xena is standing. She gently rubs Argo's head, and enjoys a bit of the afternoon sun.

No sense in heading back inside too soon.

I'll just let hens continue clucking away. They certainly don't need me for that.

Argo snorts and nods her head in agreement.

Besides it gives me more time to spend with someone special.

Be right back.

Xena disappears into the barn, and appears a few moments later with an apple in her hand. As she returns to Argo, she sees her looking into the forest. A second later the horse starts to back-up quickly as all the hair on her back stands-up. Noticing Argo's distress, Xena quickly pulls her sword, and stands ready for an attack. She turns around slowly, and takes in her surroundings carefully. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, Xena slowly lowers her sword. Argo still seems to be spooked by something.

What is it? What do you see?

A strange howling can be heard coming from the forest. Xena moves towards the edge of the forest, her sword raised at attention once again. Howling turns into moaning, but there is not a living thing in sight. All the noises stop for a moment, leaving only an eerie silence in its place.

Xena... Xena...

Xena continues her defensive stance, not sure which direction the voice is coming from.

Xena...

The voice echoes all around her, hiding the origin of its source and direction.

Oh Xena...

That voice sounds familiar.

Xena, Oh Xena...

I just can't place who it could be.

Turn around, maybe this will help.

A look of complete shock washes over Xena's face as she turns around and sees who is standing behind her.

It's Callisto.

FADE OUT:

END ACT I

ACT II