4. EXT. STABLES - EARLY MORNING

Xena is saddling up Argo. In the background, we can see the Amazons milling about taking care of their daily chores. As Xena places the bridle on Argo, Ephiny approaches.

Up early I see.

Xena doesn't stop. She continues to prepare Argo for their journey.

Yes. I thought we'd get going as soon as Gabrielle is awake.

I'm really glad you weren't upset with Gabrielle's decision to turn the Mask of Queenhood over to me.

I have to admit that I was. I was worried she was making a mistake, but after all that's happened, I see she hasn't. You'll make a fine Queen until she returns.

Thank you, Xena. You don't know how much that means to me.

Ephiny, has Gabrielle ever mention anything about soldiers or a girl... or a cross... being part of her dreams?

No... not that I recall... From the first night that she arrived, her nightmares all dealt with your death at the hands of those barbarians...

You're sure?

Yes. Very. She never mentioned anything about soldiers or a girl... or a cross for that matter. Only the ambush that caused your death and how you risked your life to save a child. That's all...

What?

Well...

Out with it.

Gabrielle was very confused about one thing. She said she couldn't understand why you didn't hit the ground...

... She couldn't figure out why you didn't jump out of the log's way. Why you seemed to just... stand there...

And I supposed you're wondering the same thing...

Ephiny nods.

You have to admit, Xena... with your background and training... that's not something you would do...

Xena is quiet. The hairs on the back of her neck prickle.

You're absolutely right... it isn't something I would do...

But... If Gabrielle's dreams have changed... It might not be a bad idea to take a trip to Delphi and speak with the Oracle. She's gone too long without a restful sleep.

That doesn't sound like a bad idea.

And it's a good time to visit ... I'm sure Gabrielle would enjoy the Olympic events dedicated to the god Apollo...

A very nice holiday and she could really use one.

Gabrielle enters the stable. There are dark circles evident under her eyes, yet she is smiling.

Good morning. What would be a very nice holiday?

A little trip to Delphi. I thought you'd enjoy the celebration in honor of Apollo.

Really? We're going to the Olympics? That's great!

Yeah, Ephiny and I thought you could use a little vacation after all you've been through.

A vacation sounds like a wonderful idea, and you're both right! I could use one!

When are we going?

As soon as I've got everything we need packed.

Have you had anything to eat yet?

Gabrielle shakes her head no.

Then you both go get something to eat. I'll finish up here.

Xena places a firm hand on Ephiny's shoulder.

Thanks.

As Xena leaves with Gabrielle, Ephiny walks over to another horse and begins to saddle it up.

CUT TO:

5. EXT. EARLY MORNING

Gabrielle and Xena are walking back to Melosa's hut.

Xena... thanks for being there last night... I'm sorry you had to see that...

There's nothing for you to apologize about, Gabrielle. You've been through a lot recently. All you need is a good rest and some decent sleep and you'll be back to feeling like your old self.

Gabrielle leans into the Warrior Princess.

A royal 'old self' thank you, very much.

Xena smiles, and shakes her head.

CUT TO:

5. EXT. MELOSA'S HUT - MORNING

Xena and Gabrielle exit Melosa's hut. Ephiny, Solari and Eponin are standing outside with Argo, another horse, and a contingent of smiling Amazons.

What's this?

Just a little going away present from your subjects, Queen Gabrielle...

She's mine? You mean I get my own horse?

Being Queen does have its advantages.

We thought she would help speed your journey.

Solari steps forward, and extends a hand-crafted bow to Gabrielle.

Take this as a token of our allegiance to both you and Ephiny.

May these arrows be guided by Artemis and always find their mark.

Gabrielle reaches out and graciously accepts the gifts. With eyes beginning to brim with tears, she embraces Ephiny, then Solari and Eponin.

We'd better get going.

Gabrielle nods and looks over at the other Amazons.

Thank you all for your support during all that's happened and for giving me a home when I really needed one.

A round of cheers reverberates through the village as all surround Xena and Gabrielle in a fond farewell.

FADE OUT:

6. EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NEAR DUSK

The sun is just above the mountains, preparing to set. Xena spots a stream several yards away. She glances at Gabrielle, who is riding by her side. The young bard looks as though she could use a break.

It's getting dark and you look exhausted. Why don't we stop and make camp here.

You hungry?

A little...

A little?

All right. A LOT!

I thought I heard a familiar rumbling.

Miss that, did you?

Maybe... though I have to admit... it did scare away the fish whenever we went fishing.

Gabrielle dismounts and follows Xena to a low hanging branch where they begin to tether their horses.

Oh, it wasn't THAT loud. And if we hadn't waited so long to go fishing, I wouldn't have been so ravenous.

Xena takes the quiver filled with arrows and the bow from Gabrielle's gear.

You set up camp, and I'll go rustle us up something to eat.

Ahhh... just like the good ol' days.

If your Majesty prefers... she can do the hunting and I can set up camp...

Oh, no... no... that's quite all right. A Queen should have a huntress to rustle up dinner!

That's very true... Especially when the Queen couldn't hit the broad side of a barn and her subjects could starve to death.

Well... I could IF someone would teach me! But I'm not mentioning any names...

CUT TO:

7. EXT. COUNTRY-SIDE - LATE NIGHT

The campfire burns brightly. Around the stones of the fire, lay their empty plates. Xena, her back resting against the trunk of a fallen tree, is honing her sword.

Gabrielle sits comfortably close beside her. Every few minutes, she drifts off to sleep only to jolt awake.

Gabrielle, you're exhausted. You should get some sleep.

Don't be silly. I'm fine. Wide awake. Couldn't feel any better.

Gabrielle, you don't have to be afraid any more. Callisto and Velasca are gone... And I'm certainly not going anywhere.

I know. But I'm not tired. Really. Besides... I just want to sit with you for a while...

Gabrielle reaches over and opens her satchel. She takes out a scroll, ink and quill. The bard snuggles in closer to Xena as the warrior wraps a strong arm around the front of the bard's neck and shoulders.

Uh-huh...

In case I didn't mention it... Thank you, Gabrielle... Thank you for bringing me back...

Hey. No problem. You would have done the same for me, right?

Silence greets her inquiry. Gabrielle looks up at the warrior. There is no readable expression on her face.

Well?

Xena smiles down at the bard mischievously as she lifts her hand and with splayed fingers, rocks it slightly from side to side.

Xena!

Xena laughs and pulls the bard close.

Now, Gabrielle... what do you think?!

I really hate when you do that.

Yeah, I know.

Gabrielle stifles several yawns. The dark circles under the bard's eyes are becoming more pronounced.

I really think you should put those scrolls away and get some sleep. You've got plenty of time for writing... AFTER you've rested.

I will in a few... I just want to get this thought down while it's still fresh in my mind.

Gabrielle, I'm serious. Put the scrolls away and get some sleep.

The bard turns a cold familiar glare in the warrior's direction.

Okay, Miss Tough Stuff. Have it your way. But you really do look awful; just thought you should know that.

As for me, I'm getting my beauty rest.

Xena gets up and ambles over to her bedroll, not too far from the bard.

I'll be going to sleep soon. I promise.

CUT TO:

8. EXT. COUNTRY-SIDE - LATE NIGHT

It is very late, judging by the position of the moon. Xena is in a deep sleep in her bedroll. Gabrielle is tossing and turning. Little moans filter through the night air.

In the shadows of the night sky, hidden even further by the forest, a dark figure stands, staring at the sleeping duo. It is Morpheus.

He waves a hand in Gabrielle's direction.

Dream, Gabrielle. Dream of what it would be like to be Xena. Dream and feel...

Morpheus disappears as the bard's twisting and turning becomes more prevalent. The moans become louder until finally a scream fills the air.

Xena throws off her covers and rushes to Gabrielle's side. The bard is sitting straight up, tears rolls down her cheeks, pain contorts her face as she reaches for her legs.

Gabrielle! What's wrong!?

My legs!!! My legs!!!

What's wrong with them?

Oh, Xena! They hurt! They hurt so much! Please, help me! Do something! Please!

Xena examines Gabrielle's calves and shins in the firelight. They are sorely bruised from knee to ankle. Bruises she recognizes as the ones she'd suffered when Caesar had her legs broken. And even as she examines them, the injuries seem to be fading right before their eyes.

Gabrielle turns a tear streaked face up to the Warrior Princess.

Oh, Xena... what's going on? What's going on?

Xena pulls her friend close. They cling to one another.

Xena... what's happening to me?

I don't know, Gabrielle... but hopefully we'll find out in Delphi.

9. EXT. COUNTRY-SIDE - MORNING

Xena is asleep in a bedroll a couple of feet away from Gabrielle's. The bard has the blanket drawn up and around her ears.

Argo and Gabrielle's horse, have managed to free themselves. Both are standing by the Warrior Princess, gently nudging her.

All right... I'm up... I'm up...

A quick glance in Gabrielle's direction confirms the bard hasn't been roused. She takes their reins in hand, and leads the animals back to the low-lying branch and secures them. Quietly she rummages through her gear, and removes the feedbags the Amazons provided them.

Here you go, Girl...

A rumble comes from her own stomach as she slips the other feedbag over Gabrielle's mare.

As the mares munch on their breakfast, the Warrior Princess gathers branches and dry twigs for the campfire. With arms full, she squats and using the tip of her sword as a rake to gather what is left of the coals, she then breaks the twigs into equal lengths and arranges them in a pyramid over the pile. As the kindling awakens the dying embers, she leans over and gently blows on them until a small flame appears.

She leans back on her haunches and casts a sidelong glance at Gabrielle. She is surprised to see the bard leaning on one elbow, watching her.

Well, good morning...

Morning, Xena...

Hey, I'm really sorry about last night... didn't mean to keep you up all night.

I just wish I knew what was going on...

I know you do. I wish I knew what to do to help. But, at least I don't need much sleep. So, don't worry about it.

Thanks for getting me through the nightmares...

Hey... no problem. You know that.

Xena... Is something wrong?

Hmm? Uh... No. Nothing's wrong, Gabrielle.

Hungry?

I'm ravenous!

Good, so am I! I was just about to round us up a little breakfast, so why don't you go down to the stream and throw some cold water on your face and replenish our supply.

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I think I'll do that.

Uhmmm... I wasn't too bad last night, was I?

Let's just say, you're improving over the past several nights.

Now, let's drop the subject and get busy.

Xena picks up her sword and sheathes it, places her chakram at her side, and walks toward the horses.

Gabrielle picks up her staff and follows.

Xena removes the feedbags from the horses', and takes the bow and quiver.

Okay, I'm off... stay out of trouble while I'm gone.

Xena hands Gabrielle two water skins and the horses reins.

Oh, I'll try to behave myself... After all, we're here... out in the middle of nowhere with no one around for miles... Just you, me... the horses... the birds... the bees... I could get into LOTS of trouble... you never know...

How do you feel about rabbit if I can't get the pigeons?

Actually, RABBIT does sound a LOT better.

Good. I'll be back soon.

Xena walks away, shaking her head.

FADE OUT: