Production #V709 - Episode 9

STORY BY
TNovan

TELEPLAY BY
Advocate & TNovan

SCREENGRABS
Judi Mair

ARTWORK
Lucia

EPISODE TITLE GRAPHIC
Linda (Calli)

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. THEBES - DAY

XENA and GABRIELLE are walking through the busy streets of Thebes, the noise of the city surrounding them.  The air is filled with the aroma of roasting meats, sweets, and nuts. Xena is smiling and Gabrielle is glancing wistfully at every vendor’s table as they walk by.

XENA

(knowingly)

You’re just dying to go shopping aren’t you?

Gabrielle gives Xena an exasperated look that still manages to be tinged with fondness.

GABRIELLE

We need things, Xena.
I shop so that we can live.

XENA

You live to shop.

GABRIELLE

(winking)

And it’s a good life.

The bard holds up her hands to forestall Xena’s next words.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

Don’t say it.  We should find a room first, or we’ll
end up sleeping in a stable somewhere.  I know.

Xena drapes her arm over Gabrielle’s shoulder and gives her a squeeze, moving them both to the side of the road so a crowded wagon can pass.

XENA

C’mon. Let’s hurry up and find a place for Argo.
I don’t want to leave her with that boy at the
city gates any longer than we have to.

(beat)

Besides, if we don’t hurry, you’ll miss the best
bargains.  They’re gone before noon, ya know.

An unexpected, delighted grin lights Gabrielle’s face as she shares an early memory with her partner.

GABRIELLE

(surprised)

I told you that the very first time
we went shopping together.

Xena eyes a bit of tack on a merchant’s cart, but doesn’t stop walking.

XENA

(shrugging one shoulder nonchalantly)

MmHmm…

GABRIELLE

Wow!  I can’t believe you remember that, Xena.
I didn’t think you were paying any attention
to me as I was babbling on and on.

Xena raises an eyebrow.

XENA

Oh, I was paying attention to you, bard.
I was sure that I was going to lose you in
that crowd and be forced to spend the
rest of my days wandering the streets
of Athens pitifully calling your name.

GABRIELLE

(pleased)

Pitifully, huh?

Xena points to a merchant across the street, trying to change the subject.

XENA

Hey look!

She waggles the hand that’s pointing.

XENA

(Cont’d)

That guy is selling... selling... umm....

Amused, Gabrielle glances at the stall.

GABRIELLE

(drolly)

Baby clothes.
Those are baby clothes, Xena.

She rests her hands on her hips.

GABRIELLE

(Cont’d)

(teasingly)

Is there something you want to share with me?

Xena just scowls and they continue to walk.

GABRIELLE

Tch.  Lose me in a crowd?  Not a chance,
Oh One Of Many Skills.  We’d have found
each other again... eventually.  Or when the
sales were over. Which ever came first.
Family’s like that... stuck with each other.

The satisfied look on Gabrielle’s face makes it very clear how she feels about that proposition.  Before Xena can respond, Gabrielle turns in the direction of a vendor selling bolts of colorful cloth.  Unseen, Xena rolls her eyes.

GABRIELLE

(over her shoulder)

If you’re rolling your eyes it must mean you’d
rather look at the booties.  I’m game if you are.

Gabrielle sudden squawks as Xena rushes up behind her and begins rifling through her hair with inquisitive fingers.

GABRIELLE

(laughing)

Xena!  Hey!  What are you doing?

Gabrielle tries to swat away Xena’s hands but her partner is too quick. Xena throws her heart into the game, pushing quickly past her natural public reticence and ignoring the stares of curious onlookers in favor of a lighthearted moment with her friend.  It’s easier than she imagines and soon she’s trying to muss Gabrielle’s hair as much as is humanly possible.  Their recent adventures in Britannia had been more emotionally draining than she cared to admit. Gabrielle’s laughter was good for them both.

XENA

I’m checking for another pair of eyes.

She laughs harder and tries unsuccessfully to duck.

GABRIELLE

Xena!

XENA

Seems my mother had a set there too.

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE