GABRIELLEACT FOUR
FADE IN:
27A EXT. STREAM IN WOODS - NIGHT
Gabrielle runs through the woods. She looks distraught. She reaches the stream and falls down beside it. She's unsuccessfully trying to hold back tears. A couple have escaped and are running down her cheek. She reaches into the stream and gingerly applies the soothing water to the cheek where Xena struck her. She's in a state of despair when she looks up and sees something across the stream from her. We don't see what she's looking at. Off her thoughtful gaze, we:
CUT TO :
28 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE XENA'S CELL - NIGHT
A somber Xena kneels, tending to the injuries she inflicted on Guards #1 and #2. Leaning against the door jam leading into the (O.S.) Cell, and holding a damp cloth to his bruised face, is Peranis. He'll be staring down at Xena more in confusion than with the hatred we're used to seeing in him. The Guards are both seated on the floor, backs against the wall. Guard #1 has already had a plaster placed across his swollen nose, and his arm placed in a sling. Guard #2 is now the focus of Xena's attention -- and he's still scared to death of her (almost jumps in fear every time she touches him with the salve she's applying ). Benitar ENTERS SHOT to stand over Xena, with:
BENITAR
Once again you could have escaped if you
chose. We don't understand you.
XENA
( judging herself )
I know now it doesn't matter whether I killed
your friends or not. I've done worse in my time.
And I guess I'm capable of it again.
( to Peranis )
You saw what I did to my best friend.
BENITAR
As your friend argued before the Council...
we can hold you answerable only for what
you've done here.
( at Peranis; edged )
Our verdict will be objective.
29 EXT. LARGE VILLAGE - NIGHT (STOCK)
Re-establishing. All quiet and peaceful.
30 INT. XENA'S CELL - NIGHT
Sitting alone and disconsolate on the floor, Xena hears the (O.S.) sound of a horse's hooves. She rises quickly, goes to the little window, and sees:
GABRIELLE
XENA
Gabrielle...
31 EXT. STONE JAIL - NIGHT - XENA'S POV
A HOODED FIGURE
on horseback rides toward the jail. The figure dismounts and walks up to the window. The figure stands outside the window for a moment and then throws back the hood, to reveal:
GABRIELLE
She gives a little forgiving smile.
GABRIELLE
Hi.
32 INT. XENA'S CELL - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS ACTION
XENA - GABRIELLE (INTERCUTS AS DESIRED)
GABRIELLE
I found Argo getting a drink at the stream. I'll
wrap a rope around the bars, and we can pull
them out of the wall.
XENA
How could you come back after what I did?
GABRIELLE
What you did wasn't you; that I know. I also
know now there's a big difference between what
Justice is and what the law is. I don't think
we'd better wait around for Justice. Here,
grab the rope.
XENA
( self-deprecating )
Not this time. If I run I'll be running forever.
GABRIELLE
Well, it beats being dead. Will you
please take the rope?
But now Xena's face reflects that she's suddenly lost in the thought of a new idea. Gabrielle notes it immediately.
GABRIELLE
( beat; hope-filled )
You've got an idea.
XENA
( still musing )
Someone made me a better offer.
( beat; gently )
I need you to leave me alone for a while.
GABRIELLE
( a bit hurt )
Okay.
XENA
( quick afterthought )
I didn't mean that the way it probably
sounded. I'm, uh... glad you came back.
Gabrielle returns Xena's look with the shiny smile of her unconditional friendship. Then disappears with the horse. Stepping back to the center of the cell, Xena takes a deep breath... spreads her arms slightly, and:
XENA
Ares.
The entire SCENE CHANGES around Xena, to put her again in:
33 INT. XENA'S FANTASY BOUDOIR - NIGHT
Xena is standing midway between the bed and the chaise-type couch. Throughout this scene, she'll seem much more pliant -- her demeanor tinged with genuine sensuality -- as she faces a very pleased, if not expectant, Ares. (She's not over the top with the sensuality part, because Ares is no dope, and males do like believing the initiative's theirs.)
ARES
Somehow I felt I might hear my name.
XENA
( slight shrug )
If the verdict's guilty, they'll execute
me in the morning.
Xena will move to the closet, open it and begin exploring the wardrobe.
XENA
I'd rather live.
ARES
Ah, but you won't merely live. You'll make
the world a better place by leading it...
our way. It's a joy to have you back.
Ares will move to pour a couple portions of his fine wine, as:
XENA
Oh, I'm not back yet. Only if
they find me guilty.
She finds something very sexy and will begin putting it on.
ARES
I wouldn't've bothered killing those village
fools if I didn't know they'd think you were
guilty. Shall we drink to us?
XENA
( pauses )
I'm a little concerned about something. If I
do have to escape, the whole village'll be after
me and I won't have my sword. How do I fight
my way out of there?
ARES
My dear, do you honestly think I won't supply
you with whatever's necessary?
( pick up the bottle of wine )
This particular wine really is delicious.
XENA
You did all of this to get me back. I'm flattered.
( with that killer smile )
Well if I'm going to be your warrior again...
ARES
( quickly; would love some love here )
No, not just my warrior. You'll be the architect
of a new world. My kind of world. Where force of
arms keeps the peace and one great warrior queen rules.
She finishes putting on the garment. She looks like ten million dinars.
XENA
You're a handsome man. But I suppose you
already know that. Anyway, I'd have to have a new army.
She sits on the bed.
ARES
Whatever you want, whomever you want. The most
legendary fighters in history if you like.
He sits next to her.
XENA
( wow; that's impressive )
Hector? Achilles? Agamemnon? They're long gone.
ARES
I am Ares, God of War. For you, I'll bring
back them and anyone else you desire.
XENA
Anyone? I just want to make sure of the offer.
ARES
Anyone you name.
She runs her fingers through his hair once.
XENA
As long as I have your word.
ARES
You do. My word, my pledge, whatever you want.
With studious leisure -- and to Ares' disappointment -- Xena starts to rise.
XENA
It's almost time. See you later, then?
And the ENTIRE SCENE suddenly CHANGES again... This time to:
34 EXT. STREET FRONTING MEETING HALL - DAY
The death chariot, with it's prancing horse, awaits. All the Villagers are present (especially prominent are those mourners -- Areolis' Widow, Doracles' Teen Son, Palinios' Mother, etc -- whom we've seen earlier ).
ON GABRIELLE
Fearful, dreading what's to come -- helpless.
ON ARES
He stands far back in the crowd, calmly and pleasantly waiting, as:
XENA AND BENITAR
emerge. Xena is in chains.
BENITAR
( announces to all )
The woman, Xena, having been found guilty of
murdering the good and innocent men, Palinios,
Doracles, and Areolis, of this village... will
now, and publically, pay the supreme penalty
for her crimes.
The Villagers are pleased. Xena looks past most of them to:
ARES - INTERCUT WITH XENA (AS DESIRED)
Catching Ares' eye, she calls to him:
XENA
Guilty!' You said I could ask for anyone
I name. I call on you to send me the following
protectors: The good and innocent men, Palinios,
Doracles, and Areolis... of this village.
E.C.U. - ARES
Evil he may be, but not above a wry smile at the realization he's been suckered.
ARES
( finally; with wry admiration )
Marvelously manipulated, my dear.
OVER XENA'S SHOULDER
Though Xena faces the crowd, that crowd is now looking past her -- their facial expressions ranging from disbelieving ( but happy ) shock, to near-delirious SHOUTS of exuberance, to instantly tearful, nearly hysterical SHRIEKS of joy. They surge forward.
REVERSE
Emerging from the building behind Xena are Palinios, Doracles, and Areolis. All alive and well.
THE TEEN SON
rushes to embrace his father.
PALINIOS' MOTHER
rushes to him.
AREOLIS AND HIS WIDOW
as they embrace.
FULL SHOT
Happy pandemonium.
GABRIELLE AND BENITAR
Getting over her own stunhood, a joyous, almost elfish Gabrielle arrives to tug at the sleeve of the overwhelmed Benitar.
GABRIELLE
Nobody's even dead. Nobody! Can you
still say she's guilty?
BENITAR
( happily )
It's magic... But what wonderful magic.
FAVORING PALINIOS
as he spots Xena, and, with his mother still hanging on, moves to the warrior princess, with:
PALINIOS
( shouts to all )
Everybody! Hear me, my friends! This brave and
noble woman! She was the last thing I saw. Battling
a cowardly Hooded Man who attacked us. She fought
him for our lives, though we were total strangers.
Truly, I say she is the very soul of goodness. And
we thank her with all our hearts!
FOLLOWING XENA
Even as THREE CHEERS go up for her from the Villagers, she's making her way very slowly through the mob toward Ares. As she's doing so:
GABRIELLE
( slight tug on Benitar's sleeve )
Excuse me again, Sir...
BENITAR
( likes her )
Not guilty; charges dismissed.
XENA AND ARES
As she reaches him. He is not only still gracious in his defeat, but grudgingly bows in admiration as well.
ARES
Well played, my dear. Your choice is totally
wrong, of course, but... even as an adversary,
you remain one of a kind.
XENA
I know my choice is the right one for me.
ARES
In that case...
Ares gently takes her hand and suavely kisses it.
ARES
Until next time.
Ares turns -- walks off.
ON XENA
as she watches him go. Feeling pretty good. MOVE IN and HOLD ON HER FACE, until we:
GO TO :
34A EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
Xena and Gabrielle walk along, Argo following behind. Xena throws Gabrielle a thoughtful look.
XENA
You coming back for me meant a lot
after what I did to you.
GABRIELLE
I trust you. So I never thought for a moment
that you meant to hurt me.
XENA
Well, thanks. I owe you.
GABRIELLE
I owe you something, too.
Gabrielle suddenly spins and slugs Xena on the arm. She grabs her fist and groans in pain. Xena glances down at her arm like someone examining a flea bite.
XENA
What was that?
GABRIELLE
( still in pain )
Payback for hitting me.
XENA
Feel better?
GABRIELLE
I feel like I broke my hand, but
yeah, I feel better.
XENA
Good. So do I.
FADE OUT
THE END