The following episode written for The Xena Warrior Princes 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 other character 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).

Xena: Warrior Princess Virtual Season
Episode 7.18: Truth or Dare
Written by Hamutal
Illustrated by Rich

TEASER

1. INT. MEG’S TAVERN - NIGHT

FADE IN:

Xena and Gabrielle are seated at a table with a pile of worn scrolls in front of them. Across the table from them sits Ione, a beautiful woman in her early 30’s.

Meg enters the room, carrying another bunch of scrolls. She drops the scrolls in front of Gabrielle, while eying Ione suspiciously.

MEG

Here. That’s the last of them.

Meg glances at Ione once again, then leaves the room.

Xena smiles softly at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle reaches her hand and touches the scrolls very gently, with her fingertips. She’s clearly moved.

Ione watches Gabrielle, intrigued.

Xena picks a scroll from the table. She is about to open it, but she stops and turns to Gabrielle.

XENA

Mind if I take a look?

GABRIELLE

Don’t be silly. There are no secrets between us.

Xena rolls open the scroll and starts reading.

Gabrielle picks up a scroll, looks through it and quickly discards it. She continues to discard scroll after scroll. Her eyes widen when she finally finds the one she’s been seeking.

GABRIELLE

There it is.

Xena lays down the scroll she’s been reading and looks up at Gabrielle, while Ione moves closer to the table.

Gabrielle looks at her companions, then at the scroll in her hand. Her lips curve into a smile as she begins to read.

GABRIELLE

It all started one day, when Xena and I were at the market in Lissos...

DISSOLVE TO:

2. EXT. A MARKET - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle walk together in the midst of many people. Gabrielle has her long, strawberry blond hair and is wearing the brown skirt and the bilious green sports bra. She’s holding her staff in her right hand. Xena is wearing her usual leathers, her hair partly braided, the old chakram hanging from her waist.

Gabrielle occasionally stops to examine fabrics and cooking utensils. Xena appears bored and impatient.

XENA

Remind me why we’re doing this again.

GABRIELLE

You said that Argo needed a new shoe.

XENA

And we got it. So why are we still here?

GABRIELLE

You’re really not enjoying this, are you?

Xena stops and turns to look at Gabrielle, hand on hip.

GABRIELLE

You’ve never really given it a chance. I just know if you tried, you’d learn to like it.

Xena smiles skeptically.

GABRIELLE

You know what your problem is?

XENA

No, but I’m sure you’re gonna tell me.

GABRIELLE

You always shop for necessities. You never just look around, see if there’s something you like.

XENA

Like what?

GABRIELLE

You see? That’s exactly what I mean. The whole idea is not to decide in advance. Just look around you.

XENA

Okay. Okay. I’ll give it a try.

Xena and Gabrielle continue walking. A man rides through, almost knocking down one of the stalls. Xena’s eyes wander in his direction. Gabrielle places her hand on Xena’s arm. She points at the stalls.

GABRIELLE

You’re supposed to look over there.

Xena looks in the direction to which Gabrielle is pointing. Gabrielle starts going in that direction. Xena follows her.

Two more riders pass them by; Xena glances at them, but continues to follow Gabrielle.

CUT TO:

3. EXT. A STALL – DAY

Xena and Gabrielle stand by a stall, packed full of garments and fabrics of all sizes, styles and colors. Gabrielle goes through the garments enthusiastically. Xena stands at a distance, tapping her foot.

Gabrielle picks up a shawl.

GABRIELLE

How about this?

XENA

When have you ever seen me wearing one of those?

GABRIELLE

It might get cold, you know.

XENA

Next.

Gabrielle picks up a hat. She is about to say something when Xena waves her hand.

XENA

Next.

Gabrielle keeps looking through the garments.

The vendor is on the verge of losing his patience.

VENDOR

Can I help you, ladies?

GABRIELLE

A coat. You have to have a coat. Your old one has so many holes in it you could use it as a fishing net – not that you need one.

Xena makes an uninterested face and shakes her head.

The vendor turns to Xena, an insincere smile on his lips.

VENDOR

Can I interest you in some of Greece’s finest jewelry?

Xena is about to decline when Gabrielle places a hand on her arm.

GABRIELLE

How about it, Xena? Just take a look. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Xena smiles indulgently.

XENA

Go ahead.

The vendor shows Xena a silvery necklace, inlaid with green gems.

VENDOR

This is a work of utter genius. Each stone was hand chosen and then carefully placed next to the others to create a perfect, symmetrical pattern.

Xena doesn’t appear too impressed.

VENDOR

(trying hard to be pleasant)

I have the same pattern with other stones, if you’re interested.

The vendor takes out a box, decorated with seashells.

VENDOR

What’s your favorite color?

Xena and Gabrielle answer simultaneously.

GABRIELLE

Red.

XENA

Blue.

Gabrielle quickly turns to look at Xena, surprised.

GABRIELLE

Blue?

Xena shrugs.

Gabrielle is clearly upset. She starts walking away, looking back at Xena.

GABRIELLE

Come on, Xena! It’s getting late!

The vendor looks at Xena questioningly. Xena smiles and shrugs again before following Gabrielle.

The vendor puts the box away, annoyed.

The first rider passes by the stall and follows Xena and Gabrielle.

FADE OUT.

END TEASER

ACT I