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ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. TRIBAL HUT - NIGHT
Xena is seated against the wall on a chair, legs crossed and clearly pissed off. Gabrielle is seated at a long table with several members of both factions of the tribe.
GABRIELLE So what you’re telling me is basically, if Xena and I get married, she will share the rank of Queen and everyone will have no choice but to follow her?
ADELIA Yes.
GABRIELLE How stupid is that?
Gabrielle looks to Xena who rolls her eyes and looks to the ceiling. Xena is still clearly upset this has been mentioned.
ADELIA It will solve the problems.
GABRIELLE And forcing Xena into something she doesn’t want? What about that? How is that right?
ADELIA It will allow you both to lead us.
GABRIELLE Ah yeah, the greater good.
Gabrielle stands and leans on the table, staring down anyone who has the courage to look at her.
GABRIELLE (Cont’d) You know what? I think this is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard in my life. Xena should not be forced into this because half of you are too damn stubborn or too plain stupid to do what is best for the tribe. (pointing to Xena) That woman is first and foremost my best friend and I won’t make her do something like this to mollify you.
Gabrielle turns, angry and leaves the hut. Xena watches her go, touched and surprised by her words.
CUT TO:
INT. TEMPLE - NIGHT
Xena enters the old temple. It’s clear it hasn’t been used in many years, probably since the twilight. She looks up through holes in the ceiling and watches stars cross the sky. Then she moves to the altar and feels around the edge until she releases a lever and slides the top away. She reaches inside feeling for something and obviously frustrated that it’s not there.
Adelia moves from the shadows, holding up a cloth bundle.
ADELIA Looking for these?
XENA Give them to me.
ADELIA I can’t do that Xena. You know they are one of the last true Amazon relics. They’ve been with the tribe since the beginning, waiting for their rightful owners.
XENA That is a very old legend, Adelia. There is nothing to prove it.
ADELIA Really?
The old woman moves to the altar and places the bundle on it, unrolling it. Inside there are two ceremonial knives. She holds up a bone-handled dagger with intricate carvings.
ADELIA This was Nicia’s, given to her by Aurelius, just before she left.
She picks up the other one and they seem to be drawn to each other.
ADELIA (Cont’d) And this was his, taken from his body by Nicia when she found it in the ruins. She tried to save them. She tried to get the Amazons there in time to defend the city. She knew he was in danger.
XENA Old legend that has no place in fact. There is no evidence to support the legend of the bonding.
ADELIA Then why did you come for them?
XENA So that you wouldn’t give them to Gabrielle. She has enough problems without your adding to it with old stories.
Adelia smiles at Xena as she carefully wraps the knives back up.
ADELIA She is an Amazon Queen. She can handle a little history.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Gabrielle is out walking alone in the forest. She is listening to the sounds around her and seems to be contemplating on them. She stops for a moment and looks up into the trees.
GABRIELLE All right, you three. Don’t get cocky just because you passed your Rites. Get down here.
Esme, Dori and Jinx drop from the trees. They’re all smiling and wearing the tribal leathers that signify adult members of the tribe.
ESME We’re never going to get one over on you, are we?
GABRIELLE Never.
JINX We just wanted to tell you. Well, we’ll follow you and Xena anywhere.
She looks to her sisters, who are nodding their agreement, and then she shrugs.
JINX (Cont’d) I mean I know we’re not much, but….
GABRIELLE (smiling) You are so very much. You are what will keep this tribe strong and healthy. You are the beginning, without you there is nothing to try and save. You are true Amazons.
The girls beam under their Queen’s compliment. And they fall in beside her trying to match her stride.
DORI Can we walk with you?
ESME I don’t think Xena would be happy that you’re out here by yourself.
GABRIELLE I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself, but I’d be happy to let you walk with me.
ESME So will you join with Xena?
GABRIELLE No.
JINX Why not?
GABRIELLE Because that’s not Xena’s style. She’s not the joining type. We have a good relationship the way it is.
ESME What about you? What do you want?
GABRIELLE (laughing nervously) It’s not about what I want. It’s about what the Amazons need.
DORI They need you and Xena to lead them. The only way you can do that is to join with her.
Gabrielle sighs and shakes her head.
GABRIELLE Xena and I have always done what we needed to do for the greater good, but forcing her to do this is crossing the line. I have to find another way.
She looks to a clearing in the forest and smiles at the girls.
GABRIELLE (Cont’d) Head back to the village. I’ll be back soon.
JINX You sure?
GABRIELLE Absolutely.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Gabrielle is seated in the clearing with a small fire burning. Her eyes are closed and she is clearing meditating. Slowly she opens her eyes. Ephiny is seated across from her.
EPHINY Hello.
GABRIELLE Hi.
EPHINY Quite a mess huh?
GABRIELLE Yeah. Ephiny, Xena made you a promise….
EPHINY Yes, she did.
GABRIELLE But I didn’t. I can’t ask her to do this just because they won’t listen.
EPHINY You’re thinking of leading those who will follow and leaving the other behind?
GABRIELLE I don’t think there is an option. Those who want to leave will be taken to a safe place. Those who don’t….
EPHINY Will die.
GABRIELLE I’m sorry.
FADE OUT.
END ACT FOUR
TAG
FADE IN:
INT. HUT - NIGHT
Gabrielle is up at a table. She’s leaning her head in the palm of her hand and drawing shapes on the table with her finger. Xena comes in, sees her and slowly closes the door. She moves across the room and kneels down by her chair, gently running her fingers through Gabrielle’s hair.
XENA Not a banner day huh?
GABRIELLE Not really.
XENA I’m sorry.
Gabrielle turns to Xena and smiles, leaning in and kissing her on the tip of the nose.
GABRIELLE So am I. I’m sorry that they bought up that stupid ritual.
XENA It’s not a stupid ritual.
GABRIELLE Okay, it’s not stupid for them.
XENA Is it stupid for us?
GABRIELLE Yes.
XENA Why?
GABRIELLE (chuckling) Like you’d join with me just because we need to move Amazons.
XENA No, but I’d join with you because I love you.
Xena takes both of Gabrielle’s hands in her own.
XENA (Cont’d) Join with me.
FADE OUT.
DISCLAIMER
No amazons were actually hurt during the making of
this motion picture.
TO BE CONTINUED....
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