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ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. INN PATIO - EVENING
The diners have changed, but the ambience remains the same. Soft strains of harp music float sweetly on the air to mingle with the sounds of muted conversation and cutlery striking against fragile bone china.
Xena and Gabrielle, freshly washed and looking much more relaxed, sit at a table in a quiet corner, beneath a flickering sconce that washes their faces with dancing light. An immaculately dressed man approaches their table and lays out their food and drink with professional aplomb.
His tasks complete, the waiter smiles, gives a small bow, and leaves them to their peace.
Gabrielle immediately digs in, then rolls her eyes back in pure pleasure.
GABRIELLE (groaning) Oh, Xena, this is the Elysian Fields.
Xena tastes a bit of what’s on her plate.
XENA It’s all right.
Gabrielle looks at her.
Xena smirks.
They settle into companionable silence and enjoy the feast laid out before them.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. INN PATIO - LATE EVENING
Chewing the last morsel of an awe-inspiring dessert, Gabrielle pushes herself slightly away from the table and leans back, contentedly patting her straining belly. Xena looks over at her, quirking a smile.
XENA You ok?
GABRIELLE If I were anymore all right, you’d be picking me up off the ground with a spoon. Xena, this has got to be the best meal I’ve ever eaten. And I’ve eaten a lot of meals!
XENA (dryly) Ya don’t say.
GABRIELLE (grinning) I definitely do say.
Gabrielle allows her eyes to slip closed. Sleepy, sated, and content, she finds herself drifting on the currents of the music and soft conversation that surrounds her. In an often frenetic life, she welcomes the peaceful interludes when they come.
Xena gazes at her from across the table, a gentle, loving smile on her face.
After a moment, a movement catches the corner of her eye, and she turns in its direction to see Andros standing on the western edge of the Inn’s elaborate portico, looking at the rising moon, his face haggard and seemingly ten years older than it was when she first saw him.
Her face thoughtful, Xena pushes herself up from the table and rounds it, coming to stand beside Gabrielle. Gabrielle’s eyes open. She smiles.
GABRIELLE Hi.
XENA Hi yourself. I’m gonna go check up on something. Be right back.
Gabrielle’s eyes follow the tilt of Xena’s head to where Andros stands, still staring into the sky. She makes as if to rise.
GABRIELLE I’ll....
XENA No. I can talk to him. You just stay here and relax. Ok?
Xena squeezes Gabrielle’s shoulder. Gabrielle covers Xena’s hand with her own and smiles. Captivated by the smile, Xena leans over and presses a soft kiss to her cheek.
GABRIELLE Ok.
XENA Be right back.
CUT TO:
EXT. PORTICO - NIGHT
Andros stands in a shadowed corner, watching the moon as it rises over the low hills. He suddenly feels a presence beside him and nearly jumps out of his sandals as he turns to come face to face with the Warrior Princess herself.
ANDROS Oh...! You startled me. (beat) Is everything all right? Something not to your satisfaction?
XENA No complaints.
ANDROS Oh. Well, good. I’m glad to hear that. Is…there anything I can help you with?
XENA You might want to start with telling me what it is you’re trying to hide.
Andros’ eyes widen.
ANDROS I’m not hiding anything.
Xena slowly crosses her arms. One eyebrow goes up.
ANDROS (cont’d) I swear it to you.
He hesitates at Xena’s continuing stare.
ANDROS (cont’d) P-private thoughts only, as we all do. Please, I only wish for you to enjoy your stay here.
XENA Well see, that’s where I have the problem, Andros. You’re hiding something, and that’s making my gut twitch. And when my gut twitches, I can’t relax. And if I can’t relax ....
A charged silence falls between them until finally, Andros’ shoulders sag.
ANDROS You know of Ikos.
XENA It’s an island near Crete. A haven for warlords, pirates and other scum.
ANDROS My family is there.
XENA Mm.
ANDROS My wife and our two young daughters. They were captured by pirates and taken there against their will.
XENA What happened?
Suddenly drained of his energy, Andros leans against one of the Corinthian pillars with his head touching the cold, unforgiving marble.
ANDROS Two months ago, we began having trouble with pirates in this town. Especially the one who calls himself Igor the Black. Normally, even the worst pirates confine themselves to the outskirts, but these were moving inland, threatening citizens and causing a lot of problems. (beat) We have a militia here, and they’re very good at what they do, but even they were overwhelmed.
XENA Go on.
ANDROS It was then that my wife received a message that her mother had taken ill and wasn’t expected to live. I thought it best to send her and our daughters to see her. I thought it would keep them safe.
XENA And it didn’t.
ANDROS No. I had sent five of my most trusted men to serve as their protectors. Only one returned. Near death. He’d been beaten, and stabbed, and ordered to deliver this message to me.
Reaching into the folds of his shirt, Andros pulls out a dirty, bloody, and much-handled scroll, which he hands over to Xena.
Unfurling the scroll, Xena reads the poorly worded message contained within. Her eyes widen slightly at the amount of ransom demanded. After a moment, she looks up, meeting Andros’ steady gaze.
XENA You can’t afford what they’re asking?
ANDROS (very seriously) Xena, my family is the most dear thing in all the world to me. I would pay those pirate scum their blood money if it meant I had to sell everything I owned and steal the rest. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure their return. Nothing.
XENA Then where’s the problem?
ANDROS Delivering it. There isn’t a ship’s captain worth his salt who would go anywhere near that island, no matter how much money I offered. And the ones who would go, well, I’d never see the money or my family again.
XENA I see your point.
ANDROS I’ve been given three days to deliver the ransom. I bought a small pleasure craft that I plan to sail to Ikos myself. At least I’ll be close to them, even if my plan doesn’t work. It’s all I can think of to do.
XENA (thoughtfully) Maybe not.
Andros looks at her, confused.
ANDROS Have I missed something?
Xena smiles just slightly, more a quick twitch of her lips than anything else.
XENA Not really. Gabrielle and I might be able to help you.
ANDROS What? No, Xena. No. I could never ask....
XENA You’re not asking. I’m offering.
ANDROS No. No. Thank you. But no. I couldn’t possibly....
XENA As I said, I’m offering.
She smiles. It is the smile of a predator; immaculate white teeth and flashing eyes. Seeing it, Andros is hard-pressed to keep a shiver from going down his spine.
XENA (cont’d) Let me talk to Gabrielle. We’ll let you know more in the morning.
ANDROS But....
XENA Goodnight, Andros.
And with that, she is gone, leaving him to stare after her in a mass of confusion and for the first time hopeful.
CUT TO:
EXT. PATIO - NIGHT
Gabrielle watches as Xena approaches, knowing from the set lines of her face that something interesting has just transpired. She gives Xena a smile as Xena approaches the table to stand beside her.
GABRIELLE That took longer than I thought.
XENA (distractedly) Are you ready to go up?
GABRIELLE Are you gonna tell me what you guys talked about?
XENA Yup.
GABRIELLE Then I’m ready.
XENA Let’s go, then.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Clad in a silken robe supplied by the Inn, Gabrielle sits on the comfortable bed. The down comforter is pooled in her lap as she watches Xena ritualistically divest herself of her weapons and armor.
When she is down to her leathers, Gabrielle pats the bed and Xena readily accepts the invitation. She climbs into the gigantic bed and slides over, settling down next to Gabrielle. Their bodies touch companionably along their lengths from shoulder to hip to ankle.
GABRIELLE So. Tell me. What were you guys in such deep conversation about?
Smiling slightly, Xena leans her head back against the wall.
XENA Andros’ family was kidnapped by a band of pirates.
Shocked, Gabrielle sits up, turning to look directly at Xena.
GABRIELLE Xena, that’s horrible! Are… are they still alive?
XENA I don’t know. They’re being held on Ikos. There’s been a ransom demand.
GABRIELLE Dear gods. That’s a horrible place! My father used to threaten to ship Lila and me there when we were bad.
Now it’s Xena’s turn to look shocked.
XENA Nice father.
GABRIELLE Yeah, well....
She shrugs.
GABRIELLE (cont’d) Can’t he afford the ransom? He certainly seems rich enough.
XENA He can afford it. That’s not the problem.
GABRIELLE Than what is?
XENA There’s nobody around who’s willing to deliver it. Not who can be trusted, anyway. He’s planning on going on his own tomorrow.
GABRIELLE Xena, we can’t let him do that! He’s a merchant, not a warrior! They’ll kill him and take the ransom and his family will die anyway!
XENA I know.
GABRIELLE Well, I assume you told him we’d help him out.
XENA
Gabrielle grins.
GABRIELLE And the plan?
XENA (smirking) What makes you think I’m gonna tell you?
Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle pokes Xena’s chest with the tip of one strong finger.
GABRIELLE You just better tell me.
XENA Or?
GABRIELLE Xena....
Holding up her hands, Xena gives in rather easily.
XENA There’s a cove to the north of here. Pirate ships often set in to offload their loot. There’s a system of caves back there where they can stash their stuff until the coast is clear.
GABRIELLE And you know this because...?
An eyebrow wings upward.
XENA I was a pirate once, remember?
GABRIELLE (drolly) Oh, yes. How could I have forgotten? And the plan?
XENA (casually) Well, I figure we head up there tomorrow morning, scout the area, and when the time is right, hijack us a pirate ship and its crew and set sail for Ikos.
Gabrielle looks at her as if she’s taken one two many sword blows to the head.
GABRIELLE We’re going to hijack... a pirate ship.
XENA Mm. Hm.
GABRIELLE Pirates. Like hooks for arms, pegs for legs, black patches where their eyes used to be pirates?
XENA Yup.
GABRIELLE Knives between the teeth, swords out the wazoo, walk the plank kind of pirates?
XENA Mm. Hm.
GABRIELLE You and me. Against an entire shipload of pirates.
XENA Yup.
Gabrielle breaks out in a wide grin.
GABRIELLE Good plan!
Xena can’t help but let out the laugh she’s been holding in, and gathers Gabrielle into her arms as she does so.
XENA Have I mentioned lately how much I love you?
Gabrielle pretends to think for a moment.
GABRIELLE I dunno. You might have to refresh my memory.
Turning Gabrielle’s head just slightly, Xena lowers her own until their lips meet in a kiss that rapidly deepens into heady passion. When at last they break away, both are breathing heavily.
GABRIELLE (cont’d) Whoo! That much, huh?
Xena grins.
XENA Oh no. Much more.
They grin at one another like sappy fools for a long moment. Then....
GABRIELLE Xena?
XENA Yes?
GABRIELLE If this is gonna be our last night on land for awhile....
XENA Yes?
GABRIELLE Let’s make it count.
Grinning even more broadly, Xena pulls Gabrielle against her.
XENA (very softly) Yo. Ho. Ho.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Gabrielle walks into the room, her arms piled high with clothing and stops, eyes wide in amazement and admiration.
There standing before her is Xena. Dressed in a flowing white shirt that comes in tight against her forearms and torso, a bright red sash wrapped around her waist, and tight black leather pants, she is a vision to Gabrielle. A fancy-hilted saber hangs from a belt at her waist, knives are tucked into the high tops of her shiny, black boots, and her hair flows wild and free over her shoulders.
GABRIELLE Whoa.
Grinning, Xena spreads her hands.
XENA You like?
GABRIELLE I think you should keep it after this is all over.
XENA Think so, huh?
GABRIELLE Oh yeah.
Chuckling softly, Xena walks to where Gabrielle is standing.
XENA So, what do you have here?
GABRIELLE Makings of my pirate costume… I think.
XENA Let’s see.
Plucking the silken fabrics from the stack in Gabrielle’s arms, she grins.
XENA (cont’d) Oh yeah, I think these will work just fine.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM - ONE CANDLEMARK LATER
Gabrielle stands open-mouthed in front of a mirror propped up in one corner of the massive room. Her upper body is draped in several lengths of colorful silk that look as if they’re only being held up by a wing and a prayer to the gods. They’re actually much more secure than that, and will allow her to fight without worry of overexposing herself, but the whole effect is somewhat… different to her eyes. Her lower half is sensibly covered, and her weapons are near to hand, but still....
After several false starts, she finally manages to find her voice.
GABRIELLE Xena?
XENA Mm?
GABRIELLE You’re a pirate, right?
XENA (drawling) Yes....
GABRIELLE And I’m supposed to be… what, exactly?
Coming up behind Gabrielle, Xena puts an arm around her waist and pulls her tightly against her.
XENA You are the pirate’s most valuable treasure.
GABRIELLE You mean I’m booty.
Xena pulls back just enough to examine the silk-clad body part in question.
XENA You might say that, yes.
GABRIELLE This is payback for Rome, isn’t it?
Xena contrives to look shocked.
XENA Would I do that to you?
Gabrielle’s eyes answer that question better than her lips ever could.
Grinning, Xena hugs Gabrielle, then releases her. Her face sobers.
XENA (cont’d) The truth is, the sea still gets to you. And if you should get sick, your absence from my side would be difficult to explain if you were an experienced pirate.
Thinking on Xena’s words a moment, Gabrielle finally nods.
GABRIELLE You’re right. Not that I’m thrilled about it, but you’re right.
XENA (seriously) Well, is there some other way you can think of to work this?
Gabrielle thinks again, then shakes her head.
GABRIELLE No, you’re right. A seasick pirate isn’t exactly the look we’re going for.
XENA Not really, no.
GABRIELLE Well… do I at least get to fight, if it’s needed?
Xena grins and gently pokes an area of exposed skin.
XENA Do I look like the type who enjoys having wimpy little body slaves hanging around?
GABRIELLE Hm. There might be some perks to this job after all.
XENA I figured you’d see it my way eventually.
GABRIELLE (warningly) Just remember....
XENA I know. I know. Paybacks.
GABRIELLE Heh.
CUT TO:
INT. INN RECEPTION AREA - MORNING
The reception area is empty save for the Concierge, who gives Xena and Gabrielle a polite smile as they enter.
Andros then enters through a side door, half carrying/half dragging a heavy golden chest behind him. He gives them both a broad smile.
ANDROS Xena! Gabrielle! You’re both looking… um….
Gabrielle laughs.
GABRIELLE That’s ok, Andros. We’re pretty much used to that reaction no matter what we’re wearing.
Returning the laugh, Andros drops the chest with a grunt of relief.
XENA We won’t be needing that.
ANDROS Excuse me?
Xena points to the chest.
XENA I assume that’s the ransom.
ANDROS Yes, it is, but....
XENA We won’t be needing it.
ANDROS But how...?
Gabrielle approaches Andros and lays a hand on his wrist. She smiles.
GABRIELLE Andros, these men stole your family. Do you really think they deserve a reward for that?
ANDROS No, but....
GABRIELLE Keep the money. Give it to someone who deserves it.
ANDROS You deserve it. For all you’re doing for my family.
XENA No.
ANDROS But....
GABRIELLE Andros, give it to someone who needs it. Surely there are poor people in this town who could use this money. We’ve seen them when we were walking through.
ANDROS Well, I suppose I could....
GABRIELLE Good.
Giving his wrist a final pat, she steps away.
GABRIELLE (cont’d) We’ll see you soon, all right? Spend the time getting ready to give your family the best welcome home this town has ever seen.
With a final grin, Gabrielle collects Xena, and they both leave the Inn.
Andros just stands there. Staring.
CUT TO:
EXT. COVE - LATE AFTERNOON
The quiet inlet directly abuts the sea. High cliff walls tower above the surf, and deep caves dot those cliffs. The area is inaccessible to all but the heartiest of seamen and one determined Warrior Princess.
Safely hidden behind a rocky outcropping, Xena and Gabrielle look on as a small group of pirates unload wooden chests of treasure from a boat they’ve rowed to shore. A large PIRATE SHIP waits out at sea, bobbing in the violent surf that rams itself again and again against the towering cliffs, sending up milky curds of white foam.
The pirates carry the heavy treasure chests to a cave a short distance away from the rocky shore.
XENA Looks like that’s the last of it.
Gabrielle watches as the men, five in all, emerge from the cave and wipe the sand from their bodies. The largest pirate is a heavy man dressed in colorful silks and sporting an eye patch. He grabs something from his belt, then holds his fist out. The others gather around nervously.
GABRIELLE What are they doing?
XENA Drawing lots.
GABRIELLE For what?
XENA (grimly) You’ll see.
On cue, all the men open their hands. One of them, a tall, skinny fellow, turns white behind his heavy beard. He makes a desperate run for the waiting boat, only to be hauled back by his mates. Eye patch draws his sword and with the others holding the unfortunate struggling pirate by the arms, plunges it into his unprotected belly.
GABRIELLE (softly) By the gods... Why?
XENA The pirates around here are a superstitious lot. They know that any gang with a ship brave enough to withstand the tide can come along and steal their treasure. So they kill one of their own and leave his ghost to guard the loot. No one will come as long as they see the body.
Looking a little green, Gabrielle turns away as the dead man is dragged back to the caves.
GABRIELLE That’s… Gods.
Xena gently rubs Gabrielle’s back as the young woman takes in deep breaths of the misty salt air. After a moment, Gabrielle turns back, her color somewhat restored.
GABRIELLE (cont’d) Now what?
XENA They’ll go back out to the ship with the tide. And when they do…we’ll be waitin’ for ‘em.
FADE OUT. |
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END OF ACT TWO |
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