The following episode written for The Xena Warrior Princess 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 characters 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).

Episode 7.9: The Battle of Amphipolis

Written by Hamutal

Directed by Rich

TEASER

1. EXT. OUTSIDE AMPHIPOLIS - DAY

FADE IN:

It is noon on a winter’s day. The weather is quite fair for this time of year. A few gray clouds move across the sky, reflected in the shallow rain puddles that dot the ground.

Xena and Gabrielle walk together, Xena holding Argo’s reins in her hand. Xena slows down, then stops by a big boulder, reaches out her hand and touches it.

GABRIELLE

What is it?

XENA

Don’t you recognize this landmark? It won’t be long now.

Xena starts walking again. Gabrielle quickly joins her.

GABRIELLE

Are you nervous?

XENA

(defensively)

No.

GABRIELLE

Good. You shouldn’t be. You heard Laertas ... everything’s well again. They even renewed the Winter Solstice festival.

XENA

(nostalgically)

Yeah, it’s always been a very special time of year around here.

Xena looks like she is going to say something else, but she stops, looking sad.

GABRIELLE

(hurriedly)

Wasn’t it nice of them to invite us? They’re really grateful to you for saving the village from Mephistopheles.

Xena does not reply. She walks faster, looking contemplative. Gabrielle hurries to catch up with her.

GABRIELLE

Xena?

XENA

I’m sorry. I just ...

GABRIELLE

It’s okay. I understand.

Xena puts her arm around Gabrielle’s shoulders. They continue walking together for the short time it takes to reach Amphipolis.

CUT TO:

2. EXT. AMPHIPOLIS - DAY

The village is decorated with various leaves and fruits. People, mostly children, dressed in their best garments, pass by Xena and Gabrielle. Vendors are putting their best merchandise on display. The village is filled with laughter and music.

A thin, middle-aged vendor greets Xena with a nod. Xena nods back. Another vendor, a toothless old man, smiles at Gabrielle as he hands her a flower.

OLD VENDOR

A flower for a flower.

Gabrielle smiles back and takes the flower from his hand.

A young man approaches Xena. Xena pays him and follows him into a stable, coming out without Argo.

Gabrielle and Xena start walking again.

Gabrielle occasionally stops and looks around her.

GABRIELLE

This is unbelievable.

Xena mumbles distractedly.

GABRIELLE

You can’t even tell what happened here.

Gabrielle’s last remark seems to put Xena in a contemplative mood again.

GABRIELLE

It looks just as beautiful as it always was. Maybe even more.

Silence. Gabrielle places a hand on Xena’s shoulder. Xena turns around.

GABRIELLE

I miss Cyrene too.

XENA

(as if awakened)

It feels strange, you know? Coming here and not visiting Mom.

Gabrielle squeezes Xena’s shoulder.

GABRIELLE

I know.

XENA

I wish you could see what the inn used to look like during Winter Solstice. Mom always decorated it so beautifully, and my brothers and I always fought about who was going to get to help her.

GABRIELLE

I bet you won.

XENA

(grinning)

She always found enough chores to keep all three of us busy.

Gabrielle laughs softly. Xena and Gabrielle start walking again.

GABRIELLE

We can go to the inn now and see what they did with it ... if you think you’re up to it.

Xena does not answer, but starts walking in a different direction. Gabrielle catches up.

Xena and Gabrielle walk deeper into the village, still looking around them. Xena looks like she is trying to remember something. Gabrielle seems to be enjoying herself, as she looks through the merchandise, feeling the fabrics and smiling at the vendors. She stops by one of the stalls, picks up a coat and holds it against herself.

GABRIELLE

Xena? What do you think?

Xena does not appear to hear her. She looks around, distracted.

The vendor, a sturdy middle-aged man, moves his glance from Gabrielle to Xena and back.

VENDOR

Is she all right?

Gabrielle smiles at the vendor reassuringly, then joins Xena.

GABRIELLE

(with a scolding tone)

Xena!

XENA

(distractedly)

It’s very nice, Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE

You haven’t even looked at it.

XENA

(now looking)

It’s nice. You should buy it.

GABRIELLE

You sure?

XENA

Yes, I’m sure.

Gabrielle turns back to the vendor.

GABRIELLE

How much are you asking for it?

VENDOR

Seven dinars.

Gabrielle raises her eyebrows without a word.

VENDOR

Okay, five, but that’s my final offer.

GABRIELLE

Four, and it’s only because I’m in a festive mood.

The vendor nods. Gabrielle smiles triumphantly. As she reaches down for her money, a little girl, about 7 years old, with long, dark hair and a scraped elbow, runs right into her, almost knocking her down. A boy, about 5, with wheat colored hair and a dirty face runs right behind her.

A woman’s voice is heard from the inn.

WOMAN’S VOICE

(off screen)

Xena, Lyceus, get back here this instant!

Xena and Gabrielle exchange stunned looks.

FADE OUT.