| ACT I
2. INT. HUT - DAY
FADE IN.
Xena and Gabrielle are lying in their cots as sunlight pours into the grass hut through the cracks. Xena stirs first. She moves to her elbows and looks around. She sees a bamboo table with some food and drink on it. The walls of the hut are decorated with native ornaments, animal head trophies, and shields. Otherwise the room is empty. She turns and finds Gabrielle next to her.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Gabrielle is still asleep and Xena reaches over to nudge her.
GABRIELLE
Uh - wha...
XENA
Wake up Gabrielle.
Slowly Xena moves to a sitting position and puts her feet on the floor. Gabrielle rises to her elbows and looks around at their surroundings.
GABRIELLE
Where are we?
XENA
I don't know.
(beat)
But we're not dead so that's a good sign.
Gabrielle gives a snort.
GABRIELLE
(sarcastic)
Speak for yourself.
(beat)
I don't feel much alive.
Xena reaches out and feels Gabrielle's forehead.
XENA
Feeling sick?
GABRIELLE
Sick in the soul not the body.
(beat)
They're gone, Xena. All of them. Why are we still here?
XENA
Maybe King Gabriel was more right than we realized. If anyone could survive this trip it would be us.
Gabrielle shakes her head, obviously not fully convinced.
GABRIELLE
Perhaps.
She looks over and sees the table of food.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Wonder if they're going to feed us before they eat us?
XENA
I don't know. Let's just tread lightly for right now.
Gabrielle slowly swings her legs off the cot and starts to stand. She feels a sharp pain.
GABRIELLE
Treading lightly might be a good idea.
XENA
(glancing at Gabrielle’s bandages then her own)
Well, at least it looks like they’ve treated our wounds.
GABRIELLE
(smiling)
I guess that’s a good sign... Wonder how long we’ve been out of it...
XENA
(with a shrug)
Hard to tell...
(nods toward table of food)
Food looks good though...
Slowly, limping she makes her way over to the table of food as Xena watches her. Finally, Xena walks over to the table, joining Gabrielle. There is an assortment of mangos, coconuts and some other items she's never seen before.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Think it's safe to eat?
XENA
I could be wrong but why go to the trouble of dragging us from the beach, tend to our wounds
(showing her bandaged arm)
and provide us shelter only to poison us?
GABRIELLE
(grinning)
Good point.
She picks up some of the coconut and sniffs, handing another piece to Xena.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
What is this?
Xena does the same - sniffing it as if she's testing it.
XENA
Smells good.
GABRIELLE
Try it.
Xena does and soon she starts to grin. Gabrielle puts her piece up to her mouth. She licks it at first before taking a bite.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
Not bad.
Gabrielle picks up a piece of mango and gives it to Xena. Again the warrior likes what she tries and grabs another piece for herself. Suddenly someone enters the hut and they both drop the fruit, facing the door, unsure of what to expect.
GUARD
Please...
(beat)
Do not stop on my account.
GABRIELLE
Who are you?
GUARD
You are in my hut. I think the question should be, who are you?
GABRIELLE
I'm Gabrielle ...
(beat)
This is Xena. We've traveled a great distance to get here.
The guard walks over and strokes Gabrielle's blonde hair with a curious look. Gabrielle moves away slightly.
GUARD
So it appears. Your looks are different ...
(beat – pointing to chair containing their things)
your clothes; your weapons.
Xena and Gabrielle look at each other.
GABRIELLE
Where are we?
GUARD
In our village. Our patrol scouts heard something at the shore.
(beat)
That is where they found you.
XENA
(suspiciously)
Now back to her first question.
(beat)
Who are you?
The guard gives a warm smile. She's about to answer when another warrior walks in with two guards taking a position on either side of her. Quickly the guard steps to the side, making space.
QUEEN
Her name is Chena.
(beat)
She is my right hand and helps me run things here.
XENA
(leery)
And you are?
QUEEN
Queen Guila and I am very pleased to make your acquaintance...
Xena fills in the pause.
XENA
Xena
(beat)
This is my companion Gabrielle.
The queen doesn't even look in Gabrielle's direction. She's focused on Xena as she steps closer. Gently she takes Xena's hand in hers before clasping it.
QUEEN GUILA
Very pleased indeed.
Xena looks a bit uncomfortable in the woman's grasp and Gabrielle watches with a raised eyebrow. The queen continues to smile at Xena.
QUEEN GUILA (CONT'D)
I hope everything here is to your satisfaction.
Xena pauses a moment, sizing up the guards next to the queen. Gabrielle begins to drink from one of the cups on the table.
XENA
Yes. Thank you for your kindness.
QUEEN GUILA
You are welcome. When we found you on the beach we could tell - - you are female warriors like us. They say you fought a sea-devil - not an easy task I am sure.
Queen Guila points to Xena's armor and chakram laid out to dry on the floor atop a pile of grass, then touches her own side showing an odd looking weapon to the duo.
XENA
Interesting design.
QUEEN GUILA
Yes and it has powers of its own. Does yours?
XENA
(grinning)
It's turned a few heads.
QUEEN GUILA
Well maybe someday I will show you mine if you show me yours.
Gabrielle starts to cough on her drink and Xena starts to pat her back. Queen Guila gives a brief glimpse at Gabrielle but returns her gaze to Xena.
XENA
(to Gabrielle)
Okay?
GABRIELLE
(croaking)
Yeah.
(beat)
Went down the wrong pipe.
QUEEN GUILA
Being queen there are things I must attend to. I am sure you understand. Perhaps we can talk later.
XENA
Looking forward to it.
The queen gives Xena a flirtatious grin but Xena doesn't return it. She respectfully nods instead.
QUEEN GUILA
Likewise.
(beat)
And please feel free to go where you like. If you decide to stay with us, which we hope, you can consider this hut your home until we have suitable quarters for you.
GABRIELLE
We won't be staying long.
(beat)
We wouldn't what to keep Chena out of her home.
CHENA
It is not an inconvenience at all.
GABRIELLE
Thank you, Chena. But once we're on our feet again we'll be out of your way.
QUEEN GUILA
(looking at Xena)
If you both wish, so be it.
(beat)
Until that time enjoy the hospitality of our tribe.
The queen gives a respectful nod to Xena and one to Gabrielle as if in after thought. Chena leaves first. The queen and the two guards follow.
GABRIELLE
(sarcastically)
Show me yours; I'll show you mine. Being queen, I'm sure you understand.
XENA
If I didn't know any better I'd say you were jealous, Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
Jealous of her? I happen to be a queen too, remember? She just strolls in here - totally rude and arrogant, ignoring me the entire time!
Xena wears a playful smirk.
XENA
(chuckling)
Isn't this a nice twist?
GABRIELLE
What?
XENA
(tongue in cheek)
I have an admirer. And you don't.
GABRIELLE
Gloating doesn't become you, Xena.
(beat)
Who does she think she is?
XENA
The queen.
GABRIELLE
Well she's not half the queen I am. At least I have manners.
Xena starts to laugh and shakes her head.
XENA
And you're showing them off beautifully at this very moment.
Gabrielle ignores the jab.
GABRIELLE
(mocking)
Looking forward to it.
XENA
I was being friendly.
Gabrielle hands rest on her hips.
GABRIELLE
Since when are you friendly?
XENA
Since I don't know where we are or who we're dealing with. You're the one who says we should always be diplomatic in a new region.
Gabrielle starts to wave her finger.
GABRIELLE
Nah ah. Diplomacy has nothing to do with it. I saw-.
The queen pops back inside.
QUEEN GUILA
I'm sorry. Did I stop back at a bad time?
Xena and Gabrielle speak at the same time.
GABRIELLE
Yes.
XENA
No.
The queen smiles.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT I
ACT II
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