ACT II

14. EXTERIOR: MORNING

Gulls circle above.

Sitting on a rock near the two palm trees and the basket, Gabrielle places one of their larger cooking pots on the ground. She pours some water into it and begins to wash her face.

Xena dons her regular leathers.

Gabrielle opts to remain in the Amazon halter-top and loincloth, but wears her boots.

Xena and Gabrielle spread the air balloon and basket out on the beach a safe distance from the lapping waves.

Together they inspect the craft for damage caused by the storm and their harsh landing.

XENA

Well, Gabrielle the damage doesn't look too bad.

(beat)

Thank the gods the tear was along the seam.

(beat)

It just requires some stitching. We also need to find some of that white sap the natives used to seal the seam again.

GABRIELLE
(hands on hips - looking around)

Any idea on where we can find that stuff?

XENA

My guess would be inland. The climate here is like the Chibcha lands, so I'm sure we'll find some of those trees.

XENA

We'll also have to tighten up some of these here…

Xena yanks on a few of the ropes.

XENA

...and looks like we might need a new line leading to the air escape flap. So we might also have to find some fibers to braid rope...

GABRIELLE
(holds up a bag of manure bricks)

Not to mention some fuel... a lot of it got washed away in our landing... Not to say I'm disappointed...

(beat)

The basket seems to be in pretty good shape, though considering.

XENA

Maybe, but wouldn't hurt to strengthen the weave a bit. Might take us some time, but will be worth it. As for the fuel, I'm sure monkey manure and straw would be just as good.

Gabrielle wrinkles her nose.

GABRIELLE

Oh, gods… I can just imagine what that's going to smell like!

CUT TO:

15. EXT. EARLY MORNING - INLAND

Xena and Gabrielle are struggling through dense undergrowth. Gabrielle has a small pack and water skin slung over her left shoulder.

The air is warm and humid and the two women are perspiring heavily.

Gabrielle pauses to slide the water skin from her shoulder. She uncorks it and takes a drink.

She offers it to Xena, who refuses.

GABRIELLE

I hope we find that tree soon, and some fresh water as well. Our water skin is almost empty.

XENA
(looking around)

I'm sure we'll find one soon.

(beat)

Look!

Xena points to a rubber tree.

XENA

There's one of those trees!

GABRIELLE
(wiping sweat from her brow)

Thank the gods! I was beginning to think we'd never find one!

Gabrielle looks around uneasily.

XENA

What's wrong?

GABRIELLE

I can't help feeling like we're being watched...

XENA
(with a knowing smirk)

That's because we are.

The warrior nods to the south, then to the east.

XENA
(continued)

We have been since our return to camp yesterday.

GABRIELLE

Why didn't you say something?

XENA

No need to. Would have if I'd sensed danger. But all I'm sensing is curiosity.

Xena beats some bushes out of her way and moves toward a good-sized tree with a round trunk.

XENA

Now, come on. We've got plenty of work to do.

She pulls out her sword and starts to slash a section around the middle.

Gabrielle digs in her pack and pulls out a small clay pot with a stopper in it.

GABRIELLE
(looking around)

Still wish you'd said something.

XENA

Expand your senses Gabrielle, what do they tell you?

GABRIELLE
(pauses in silence)

Yes, I see.

(several beats)

No hostility. I guess I still have to practice...

XENA
(smiling)

It'll come back to you. Things like that usually do. Just like they did for me when we helped Lao Ma's daughter against the Green Dragon.

(beat)

But you're right. Practicing helps.

Soon, a white sap starts to drip from the cut that Xena made.

Gabrielle holds the pot under the dripping sap.

XENA

I see some vines. I'll be right back.

Xena heads south, while Gabrielle collects the tree sap.

Xena returns as Gabrielle puts the stopper back in the jar and steps away.

Xena is carrying several six-foot long vines coiled over her shoulder.

GABRIELLE

Well, that's two tasks done. Now, all we have to do is find some fresh water.

XENA

Let's try a little higher ground and see if we can spot a stream from above.

CUT TO:

16. EXTERIOR: AFTERNOON - STEEP HILL

The warrior, vines looped over her shoulder, uses the jutting rocks as stepping-stones, and thick roots protruding from the ground as anchors to help in her climb.

Gabrielle pauses a moment to adjust her pack.

Xena continues to climb.

Gabrielle reaches for the waterskin and uncorks it. Bringing it to her lips, she discovers it's empty.

Disheartened, she replaces the cork, and slings the water skin back over her shoulder.

She looks up toward Xena, who is disappearing over the top of the steep incline.

GABRIELLE
(yelling up)

I hope we find a spring or a river soon. We're definitely out of water, and my throat is as dry as a desert.

Gabrielle pauses one more time to admire the view and then continues her climb upward.

CUT TO:

17. TOP OF STEEP INCLINE - SEVERAL MINUTES LATER

Gabrielle reaches the top. There is no sign of Xena.

GABRIELLE

Xena?

Gabrielle's eyes search the area.

The top of the hill is a flat plateau. Tall trees leaning eastward, tall grasses, birds fluttering overhead, but no warrior princess.

GABRIELLE
(a bit louder)

Xena!

(beat)

Xena, where are you?

Gabrielle notices a fresh path has been made through the tall grasses.

She becomes quiet and listens; remembering to extend her senses.

Xena's voice sounding rather muffled and echoic filters softly through the otherwise silent air.

There is the faint sound of rushing water. Slowly she begins to follow the sound of her companion's voice.

She heads into the tall grasses, following the freshly made path.

Her foot slips.

We hear the sound of rocks and debris fall and splash into water below.

Gabrielle manages to catch onto a thick protruding root moments before she would have slid into the three foot opening herself.

As she climbs to safety a voice from below calls up to her.

XENA
(sarcastically)

I see you found me!

Gabrielle peers over the edge.

She sees a ten-foot shaft going down. At the bottom it appears to widen.

She can barely see Xena about thirty feet below, standing waist deep in some liquid.

We see the warrior wiping dirt and debris from her head and shoulders.

GABRIELLE

Are you all right? You didn't break anything did you?

XENA

I'm fine. Just wet. Very wet.

GABRIELLE
(smiling wickedly)

So...

(beat)

How's the water?

Xena is quiet for a moment.

XENA

Actually, it's very invigorating. And sweet. Rather crisp. It's as good as the water that flows from the mountains back home.

(beat)

Throw me down the water-skin. Might as well fill it up while I wait for you to get me out of here.

GABRIELLE
(tossing the water-skin down)

Any suggestions on how I can do that? You've got the vines, and I'd hate to leave you down there while I head back to camp and cut the ropes from the air basket.

CUT TO:

18. XENA BELOW:

Xena removes her chakram from its clasp.

XENA
(catching water skin)

I'm going to tie my chakram to an end of one of the vines and toss it up to you. I'll keep tossing them up so you can make a rope out of them. When you finish it, tie it to a tree. I'll climb out.

GABRIELLE

Let's do it!

CUT TO:

19. AN HOUR LATER: PIT - UNDERGROUND:

Xena is tying the last of the vines to her chakram. She looks up. Gabrielle is leaning precariously into the opening, one hand firmly gripping a thick root protruding from the ground.

XENA
(throwing the chakram up)

Last one, coming up!

CUT TO:

20. PIT - ABOVE GROUND:

A slow motion close-up of the chakram making its journey upward. A hand reaches out and grabs it.

GABRIELLE

Got it!

Gabrielle, using the strength of her left arm, pulls herself away from the mouth of the opening.

She sits as she unties the chakram from the vine and knots it to the one before it.

Done, she tosses it down the shaft.

GABRIELLE
(yelling into the opening)

How is it?

The rope dances several feet above the warrior.

XENA
(voice over)

About ten feet too short.

GABRIELLE
(looking around the escarpment)

Okay. There's a mass of trees to the east about two hundred feet from here. I'm going to go see what I can find.

XENA
(voice over)

No problem.

(beat)

It's not like I'm going anywhere. But let's not make it an all day project.

GABRIELLE
(stepping away from the opening)

In other words, hurry up.

XENA
(voice over)

I heard that.

Gabrielle smiles as she turns toward the outcropping of trees.

GABRIELLE

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Gabrielle begins to head toward the trees.

XENA
(voice over)

Are you back yet?

GABRIELLE

Very funny, Xena.

CUT TO:

21. UNDERGROUND POOL

Xena looks around as she fills the water skin.

She sees water trickling down the eastern wall; a mass of gray boulders forms a solid face of stone.

XENA
(mumbling to herself)

It wasn't meant to be funny... I'm beginning to prune...

FADE OUT:

FADE IN:

22. EXTERIOR - STAND OF TREES

Gabrielle looks around, seeking more of the sturdy vines.

In the tops of the trees, she hears chattering.

Looking up, she sees small monkeys playing in the branches overhead.

GABRIELLE
(looking up)

If you don't bother me, I won't bother you.

The monkeys chatter back as she starts toward a likely looking vine. Suddenly she feels something drop on her head. Peering up, she sees a large monkey with a nut in his hand, getting ready to throw another one down on her.

GABRIELLE

Hey! You stop that!

The monkey promptly throws the nut down at her. His aim is perfect and it hits her on the top of the head.

Hoots of simian laughter explode from the other monkeys as several more get into the act, pelting Gabrielle with nuts, overripe fruit and twigs. Gabrielle runs for cover, holding her hands over her head.

One particularly ripe fruit hits her on the head. The skin of the fruit bursts.

A thick, sickeningly sweet/rotten-smelling mash slides down her hair, onto her shoulder and into her cleavage.

She scoops out the sticky mess and flings it to the ground.

She turns to the 'laughing' simians.

GABRIELLE

Just what I needed!! Thank you so much! I hope to return the favor someday!

(mumbling under her breath as she moves away)

Furry little trolls!

Gabrielle continues to look for vines.

She spots several hanging from a tree about five feet up.

There doesn't appear to be any monkeys in sight.

She climbs the tree and pulls on one of the vines. It's firmly fastened. She tugs a little harder and it tugs back!

GABRIELLE

What!?

Looking up, she sees a monkey firmly grasping the other end. The monkey curls his bottom lip out and down.

GABRIELLE

Oh no you don't! I need this vine more than you do!

She yanks on it; the monkey yanks back. She yanks harder, the monkey yanks harder.

Gabrielle gives a final tug and the monkey lets go.

GABRIELLE
(yelling)

OH OH!

Her arms flailing wildly, she tries to maintain her balance.

Gabrielle loses her battle, and falls out of the tree, landing in something soft and squishy.

The vine falls on top of her.

A strong odor of decay rises around her.

The monkey now has several companions and they are chattering loudly.

GABRIELLE

Xena, I sure hope you appreciate what I'm going through up here!

Giving a big sigh, she puts her hand down to push herself up. Her hand slips. A stench rises up from the ground.

Gagging, she gets to her feet and wipes her hand off on some leaves. She gathers up the vine. It's about 12 feet long. Coiling it up, she scans the trees, looking for more monkeyshines in the making.

The primates have decided to cease their torment of the stranger. Not seeing any of the apes about, she beats a hasty retreat away from the trees.

CUT TO:

23. PIT - UNDERGROUND:

Xena listens intently. She heard the familiar chattering noises off in the distance, Gabrielle's voice very faint, then nothing.

A little while later, Xena hears the sound of a familiar walking pattern. She calls up.

XENA

It's about time! I was getting worried the 'watchers' had decided to make themselves known!

GABRIELLE
(peering over the edge)

No... matter of fact, I haven't sensed them watching us since we got up here...

CUT TO:

24. ABOVE GROUND:

Gabrielle hauls the rope up, and ties on the new vine.

XENA
(voice over)

What was all the commotion?

GABRIELLE

Just some monkeys not wanting to part with this...

She drops the vine into the pit.

GABRIELLE

How you holding up?

CUT TO:

25. PIT: UNDERGROUND

The vine sways back and forth for a moment before Xena grabs hold of it and gives it a couple of tugs, swings on it a bit, then climbs up, hand over hand.

XENA

My leathers are never going to be the same.

(beat)

It wouldn't surprise me if they shrank!

(beat)

Are you all right?

GABRIELLE
(voice over)

Yeah, just a bruise or two. But I'll tell ya, I sure wish I was down with you right now.

XENA

Why?

GABRIELLE
(voice over)

Cause I could sure use a bath!

CUT TO:

26. PIT: ABOVE GROUND

Xena nears the top.

An anxious Gabrielle bends over the edge, hand extended to help her.

Xena reaches up and grasps Gabrielle's wrist. She leans forward, her face almost in Gabrielle's chest.

Her head jerks back as a horrible stench fills her nostrils. Her hand slips and she has to grab the rope to keep from falling.

Xena hauls herself over the edge, pulling the vines up after her.

XENA
(trying to keep from retching)

By the gods Gabrielle! What have you been doing, rolling in our fuel supply?

GABRIELLE
(indignantly)

No! The monkeys pelted me with rotten fruit. And then I fell trying to get a vine and landed in only the gods know what. But I'm pretty sure I know where we can find monkey droppings when we need them!

(beat)

Besides, if you'd been watching where you were walking, I wouldn't be smelling like this.

XENA

Sorry, Gabrielle, the ground just gave way.

Xena lifts the water skin to her mouth and takes a long drink of water, savoring the clean, refreshing taste.

XENA
(smacking her lips)

You know, I just can't seem to get enough of this water! I haven't had water this good in ages. Shame there isn't a way to bottle it and sell it. Many people would pay top dinar for water this good.

GABRIELLE

I bet Salmoneous would sure turn a profit on that idea. I wonder what ever happened to the old rascal?

Xena briefly recalls his escapade as Lord Seltzer, loyal Argo, and Gabrielle's bravery when they battled the warlord Talmadeus.

XENA
(picking up her chakram)

Maybe we'll look him up as well when we get back home. See if he's made his million dinars.

Xena coils the vines and loops them over her shoulder, then hooks her chakram to her belt.

GABRIELLE
(smiling)

That would be nice. Hopefully he has.

XENA

Have to admit, I'm a little curious myself. And if he's made his millions, who knows... maybe he'll give a couple of old friends a few dinars to retire on!

They laugh as they start back toward the hillside.

XENA
(walking quickly ahead of Gabrielle)

Stay about 10 feet behind me Gabrielle. And downwind!

GABRIELLE

Hey! It's not that bad.

(beat)

Is it?

XENA

Let me put it this way, if I had a choice of being shut up in a small space with either you or those llama chips, the llama chips would get my vote!

GABRIELLE

XENA!

Xena turns and puts some more distance between herself and the bard.

XENA
(laughing)

Last one back to camp is a rotten egg! Uhmmm, on second thought, never mind, there's no contest!

FADE OUT:

END ACT II

ACT III