| ACT II
3. INT. HUT - MOMENTS LATER
Xena and Gabrielle both look to each other as the queen continues to smile.
QUEEN GUILA
Seems we have a conflicting opinion so I will be brief.
(beat)
I forgot to tell you that dinner is just after sunset and if you need anything throughout the day Chena will be happy to help.
XENA
Thank you again, Queen Guila.
QUEEN GUILA
Please. No formalities. And again if you need anything let us know.
Xena doesn't reply. She just gives a nod and the queen departs. Xena turns and gives Gabrielle a smug look.
GABRIELLE
Yeah. Yeah. You got an admirer. Big deal.
Xena starts to laugh and motions Gabrielle to the cot.
XENA
Let's get that ankle wrapped a bit tighter.
Gabrielle limps over to the cot and takes a seat before putting her foot out to Xena. Xena still has a smirk on her face as she unwraps Gabrielle's foot.
GABRIELLE
Okay - what is it?
Xena pauses a moment but shortly resumes her task.
XENA
(teasing)
I see why you like being admired.
GABRIELLE
I never liked being admired. And for the record I haven't had that many admirers.
XENA
Iolaus. Homer. Joxer. Virgil.
(beat)
Beowulf.
GABRIELLE
Okay, I get the point already.
Xena ignores the comment.
XENA
Brunhilda.
(beat)
I could even make a case for Aphrodite. She kissed you after all.
GABRIELLE
Hey! Aphrodite does not count! She didn't even know me at the time.
XENA
Okay I'll give you that one. But remember the 'love goddess' does have a soft spot for ya.
(beat)
At least, she never knocked out my good chewing tooth like Najara.
Gabrielle groans, running her fingers through her hair as Xena chuckles.
GABRIELLE
Yeah well...
(beat)
'Queenie' might lose some teeth soon.
Xena makes a cat noise and a clawing motion with her hand. Gabrielle grins and pushes the top of Xena's head.
XENA
If it comes to that, it wouldn't be much of a fight. You're an exceptional warrior, trained by the best.
Xena breathes on her fingernails and 'polishes' them on the strap of her under garment.
GABRIELLE
(grinning)
This admiration thing has really gone to your head. You're becoming increasingly obnoxious.
XENA
More so than usual?
Gabrielle gives a light chuckle and nods. Xena reaches for Gabrielle's boot to help put it on.
GABRIELLE
Can I put the pinch on her? You know,
(beat)
just for kicks.
Xena stops and looks up.
XENA
No.
Xena slips the boot on as Gabrielle winces a bit.
GABRIELLE
Oh, come on.
(beat)
One pinch? That's all I ask.
XENA
No, you have to behave.
(beat)
Whoever thought I'd be the voice of reason and non-violence.
GABRIELLE
It's in my blood now. Certain people just bring it out more than others.
Xena finishes the laces. She gives Gabrielle her other boot and stands up. Grabbing her own boots, Xena takes a seat next to Gabrielle.
XENA
(smiling as she laces)
Well come on Battling Bard. Whadda ya say we get dressed and take in some of the local sights here?
GABRIELLE
Sounds good to me.
Xena pulls Gabrielle to her feet. Gabrielle 'tests' her ankle.
XENA
Better?
GABRIELLE
(grinning)
Much better.
CUT TO:
4. EXT. VILLAGE HUT - MOMENTS LATER
Xena and Gabrielle, limping slightly, are walking outside looking around them, shielding their eyes to adjust to the change in light. The small village is bustling with activity. It appears to be in a spacious clearing and in the distance a fortress of tall trees surrounds them. Various female warriors are practicing with spears and bows. Others are doing odd tasks like carrying various food items and water across the courtyard. Some are walking in pairs talking.
GABRIELLE
(alertly)
This land is so strange, yet there’s something familiar about it. I guess the amazons make it seem like home.
XENA
You know, Gabrielle, I’m beginning to think you were right about the world being round. We must have sailed all the way to Indus.
(beat)
These Amazons must be Indians, a kind we’ve never seen before...
GABRIELLE
This can’t be the Indus valley!
XENA
Why not? They are very similar in appearance...
(beat)
With all the storms, we were probably blown further south, where it’s hotter. I’ve heard sailors tell stories like this.
They look at one another.
GABRIELLE
(skeptically)
So, you really think we made it all the way to Chin?
XENA
(with certainty)
Yeah. I think we made it. We’re just a little off target, that’s all. There’s got to be a way home from here. We’ll just head north.
GABRIELLE
Well, perhaps we can see if they know. I’m sure they must do some trading with other villages. It couldn't hurt.
XENA
(teasing)
Yes as long as you keep that temper under control long enough.
GABRIELLE
I'll just bite my tongue.
(beat)
How's that?
XENA
Good plan.
Xena and Gabrielle exchange a smile as they continue their trek through the small village. As they walk, a few heads turn to watch the strangers, but no one approaches or speaks to them. Only one warrior stops her conversation and makes her way over to the newcomers in her village.
WARRIOR
You must be Xena, the dark one.
She nods to her as Xena nods back.
WARRIOR (CONT'D)
And Gabrielle.
Xena and Gabrielle exchange a puzzled look.
WARRIOR (CONT'D)
Queen Guila advised me of your arrival. I am called Annia.
GABRIELLE
(nodding)
Pleased to meet you.
ANNIA
It is wonderful to have newcomers to the tribe.
(beat)
Have you been to the seamstress yet?
XENA
Seamstress? No we just...
(beat)
woke up actually.
Xena gives an embarrassed grin.
ANNIA
Those garments are quite menacing but, around here, much too warm. I will help arrange something more practical.
GABRIELLE
Thank you, Annia. That's very kind of you but we don't intend to stay.
ANNIA
That is quite all right.
(beat)
Consider it a welcome gift from our tribe. Follow me.
Gabrielle pulls Xena down to whisper in her ear.
GABRIELLE
At least SHE has manners.
Xena smiles.
CUT TO:
5. INT. VILLAGE HUT - MOMENTS LATER
Xena, Gabrielle and Annia enter a hut. Clothes and material hang on various racks. An older woman darts about the hut talking just as fast with another warrior who is on a changing pedestal with her arms extended for a fitting.
OLDER WOMAN
I do not know how Queen Guila expects me to have all this done in two days time. It is impossible. I need more help. I know weapons are important but so is armor and I can not do it all myself.
FITTING WOMAN
No, ma'am.
OLDER WOMAN
Right! And what does she-.
She stops as she looks up and sees Xena, Gabrielle and Annia standing there.
OLDER WOMAN (CONT'D)
Oh no Annia! You march those two right back out of here. I do not have time for anyone else.
ANNIA
This is Xena and Gabrielle, the latest additions to our tribe.
(beat - to Xena and Gabrielle)
That is Rupira up there on the block.
Rupira tries to wave but the older woman swats her leg for moving about.
RUPIRA
(to the older woman)
Sorry.
ANNIA
They must be fitted, Talti.
TALTI
Look around you young lady. I have not the time or the help for such a task.
ANNIA
I will help.
TALTI
You?
ANNIA
Sure!
Annia goes over to the rack and pulls down one item, judging it. She then takes it over to Gabrielle and holds it up.
ANNIA (CONT'D)
(to Gabrielle)
Try this on.
She goes back to the rack and starts to look for another garment for Xena.
ANNIA (CONT'D)
You might be a bit harder to match. We have few warriors as tall as you.
(beat)
No offense.
XENA
None taken.
Annia looks back and gives Xena a warm smile to see Gabrielle still holding the garment.
ANNIA
Try it on.
(beat)
Do not be shy.
Gabrielle looks at the garment.
GABRIELLE
(to Xena)
Remember that night at dinner in Poteidaia? My father asked if it was possible for me to wear even less clothing. You remember?
Xena just nods, giving a small chuckle.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
I think we have the answer.
(beat - to Annia)
You actually fight in this?
Annia holds up some chest armor.
ANNIA
This goes over that but trust me. After a battle you will be so hot you will be glad you have that on underneath.
Annia turns back around with something for Xena.
XENA
I don't think we'll be seeing any battles anytime soon.
ANNIA
Think again.
GABRIELLE
What do you mean?
ANNIA
The Chibcha are coming.
XENA
What's a Chibcha?
ANNIA
The Chibcha are a who not a what - their tribe is massing along our borders and the queen expects their arrival in two days time according to our scouts.
GABRIELLE
What do they want?
ANNIA
Our land.
(beat)
But we won't let them have it without a fight.
The queen enters the hut and all heads turn toward her. Everyone bows except for Xena and Gabrielle who immediately make up for it and issue proper respect as well.
QUEEN GUILA
There is no need to be telling them our problems Annia.
ANNIA
Apologies, my queen. They asked and-
The queen’s eyes are harsh on Annia, stopping the girl from rambling further. Seeing Annia’s anxiety, Gabrielle replies to the queen.
GABRIELLE
We did ask. She didn't misspeak about anything.
QUEEN GUILA
Still it is our problem and you do not need to be included.
Queen Guila's tone shows she will not debate it and she doesn't welcome Gabrielle's insight. Gabrielle literally bites her tongue as not to say anything. The queen strolls over to Xena and squeezes her bicep in a nonchalant fashion. The look as she passes however could melt a stone.
QUEEN GUILA
(continued)
You however,
(beat)
could take on an army yourself.
XENA
And have.
The queen smiles and steps closer. Xena takes a side step closer to Gabrielle while respectfully nodding to the bard.
XENA (CONT'D)
But not without Gabrielle's help.
(beat)
I go where she goes. She goes where I go.
The queen realizes she'd gone too far by not acknowledging Gabrielle's presence. She gives a nod to Gabrielle. For her part, Gabrielle gives Xena a silent thanks for putting the queen in her place by way of a small grin.
QUEEN GUILA
Your expertise could really help us in this fight.
(beat)
But I understand if you wish to not be involved.
XENA
Thank you. We won't be getting involved if it's all the same to you.
QUEEN GUILA
Very well.
(beat)
And I assume your needs are being met so far?
GABRIELLE
(before Xena can answer)
Very much so.
The queen turns to Gabrielle and the pair lock in a brief stare. Neither woman will look away nor back down.
QUEEN GUILA
Good. Perhaps we can speak again after dinner.
(beat - to Annia)
Annia, I need to brief you on the mission tonight.
(beat - to Xena and Gabrielle)
If you'll excuse us?
GABRIELLE
By all means.
Annia leaves the hut as the queen gives a smile and a nod to Xena before departing. Again her eyes fail to make contact with Gabrielle. Once out of earshot Gabrielle gives a growl that doesn't go unnoticed by the remaining occupants of the room.
GABRIELLE (CONT'D)
(under her breath)
Bitch.
XENA
(whispering)
Be nice.
Talti begins to chuckle.
TALTI
Feisty pair you are.
Xena and Gabrielle turn back to see Talti and Rupira.
GABRIELLE
What makes you say that?
TALTI
The queen could cut you down for the defiance of one with low status such as yourself.
XENA
Low status?
Talti points to Gabrielle's hair.
TALTI
(to Xena)
Yes. The gods have cursed your friend with the color of the sun for hair. Only those too weak or too young to fight color their hair in such a way.
(to Gabrielle)
The gods must feel you are inferior to give you that hue at birth.
GABRIELLE
Hey, I happen to be a queen too.
RUPIRA
You? Really?
GABRIELLE
Yes, me. Really. I belong to a tribe called the Amazons.
RUPIRA
(nodding toward Xena)
And you left your tribe to travel with this warrior?
GABRIELLE
Well,
(beat)
yes.
(beat)
It's difficult to explain.
RUPIRA
(chuckling to Xena)
How does it feel to have a woman give up a kingdom for you?
The question catches Xena a bit off guard.
XENA
I-uh- I guess I never really looked at it that way.
TALTI
Are you the queen's champion then?
XENA
On occasion, yes. But Gabrielle does a good job of taking care of herself.
Gabrielle grins.
GABRIELLE
Thank you.
XENA
It's true.
RUPIRA
Our queen had a champion once. In fact she looked very much like you. Very tall, very dark. High in status.
Talti nods in agreement.
GABRIELLE
What happened?
TALTI
Killed by the Chibcha when our campaign first began. The queen was devastated. I think part of her still is.
GABRIELLE
(spoken more to herself)
I can relate on some level.
RUPIRA
But you have your champion.
GABRIELLE
(friendly grin)
A long story.
(beat)
Actually several long stories. Xena has a habit of dying on me.
XENA
(warm grin)
Yes but I always come back in the end.
GABRIELLE
That you do.
Talti and Rupira exchange a puzzled look to each other and shrug their shoulders. Talti pats the young woman on the shoulders as she finishes up.
TALTI
All set.
RUPIRA
(as she steps down)
Feels wonderful Talti. You do great work.
TALTI
Oh stop that now. You will not win any favors with me.
(beat - to Gabrielle)
I know I am going to regret this - short on time that I am - but come up. Let's get you taken care of.
GABRIELLE
I don't want to be a bother.
TALTI
Any pair that would give up a kingdom or come back from the dead for each other must be special. You need these clothes to survive here so come over.
Gabrielle smiles at Xena and takes the place of the young warrior who is just leaving.
CUT TO:
6. MONTAGE – COURSE OF SEVERAL WEEKS
As Xena and Gabrielle’s wounds are on the mend, they explore the new land and come to recognize its dangers:
They are taught how to travel over dangerous waters:
Queen Guila tells them of their tug-of-war with a tribe known as the Chibcha over ancestral lands they must reclaim from their enemies.
Xena spends time with the Healer, quenching her thirst for knowledge of new healing potions and salves.
Gabrielle spends time exchanging tales of adventure and danger with the young amazon warriors around evening campfires.
CUT TO:
7. INT. VILLAGE MESS HUT - NIGHT
Xena and Gabrielle are finishing their evening meal seated next to the seamstress. Across from them in a picnic table style setting is another group of warriors. They are all laughing when the queen walks up behind Xena and Gabrielle. She rests a hand on each of their shoulders.
QUEEN GUILA
(spoken to the group)
Sounds like you are all enjoying your meal this evening.
XENA
Yes, we are.
The queen nods and for once turns her attention to Gabrielle. Xena looks briefly at the queen's hand on her shoulder before turning back to study the queen and Gabrielle.
QUEEN GUILA
I was wondering if we might not have a word outside.
Gabrielle looks to Xena first before turning her head to the queen.
GABRIELLE
Certainly, Queen Guila.
Gabrielle rises and the queen steps back to give her some space as they walk toward the exit. Xena watches the door even after they depart.
CUT TO:
8. EXT. VILLAGE MESS HUT - MOMENTS LATER
Gabrielle turns to face the queen, trying to keep her growing hostility in check.
GABRIELLE
What can I do for you?
QUEEN GUILA
I have a question about Xena.
GABRIELLE
No offense but she can speak for herself.
QUEEN GUILA
The question I have is a rather personal one and since she is a traveling companion, I thought it best to ask you.
Subconsciously, Gabrielle folds her arms across her chest not wanting to get into the conversation.
GABRIELLE
What is it?
QUEEN GUILA
Are you two...
(beat)
together? I've heard talk that she is your champion. And I-
Gabrielle appears offended.
GABRIELLE
You want to know my relationship to Xena?
QUEEN GUILA
Yes,
(beat)
I do. Is she your champion?
GABRIELLE
She's more than my champion. She's my soulmate.
The queen seems puzzled by the term.
QUEEN GUILA
Soulmate?
Before Gabrielle can reply, the sound of shouting interrupts them. They both look toward the noise.
WARRIOR 1
She's been hit. Annia's been hit! Get the healer!
Queen Guila and Gabrielle exchange a concerned look.
FADE TO BLACK.
END OF ACT II
ACT
III
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