by
Editor
Bleu Gato
Xena: Warrior Princess is copyright MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. All original content of Xena: Warrior Princess 2.0 is copyrighted by the author and is not to be used or modified without permission. All rights reserved.
Contact: bard@xena2.com
Blog: www.xena2.com/blog
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS RIVER 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/LATE AFTERNOON
It is a perfect day for doing nothing; cloudless sky, hot sun, and endless supply of water. Seven year old Xena is splashing in the river, dressed only in her underwraps. Lyceus is on shore, drawing something in the sand. He bends his head in great concentration, focused on the task.
Xena is unhappy with his absence in the water. She wades to the shore and glares at the dirt.
Xena, pointing at the symbols on the ground, impatiently
XENA
What's that?
LYCEUS
Letter alpha.
Xena, her attention captured, intrigued
XENA
School?
LYCEUS
Yes.
Xena, not willing to concede anything to her younger brother, eagerly
XENA
Show me.
Lyceus, slowly and carefully shaping the letter
LYCEUS
You draw it like this.
Xena is riveted to the shapes that form before her eyes and open a new world.
Lyceus demonstrates a few times and gives her the stick. Xena catches on quickly and forgets about swimming in her excitement.
Xena, enthusiastically
XENA
Show me more.
LYCEUS
We did two letters today, alpha and beta. The teacher read few short stories from the scrolls and showed us how to write in the wet sand.
Lyceus notices Xena's changing expression and the sudden twinkle in her eyes.
Lyceus, knowing his sister well, suspiciously
LYCEUS
What?
XENA
I am going to school.
Lyceus, frowning
LYCEUS
Girls are not allowed.
Xena, smiling mischievously
XENA
That's what they think.
Her smile lengthens as she turns on Lyceus and waves the stick in his direction threateningly. He nervously looks around for a weapon and seeing none, makes a run for the river. He makes it in few steps but not before receiving one stinging hit on his rear. Once in water, Xena abandons finesse and goes brute force, tackling him. They both go under and emerge coughing and spitting water seconds later. Fearlessly, Lyceus attacks her, trying to wrestle her down. Xena lets him and they go down again. School is over, fun is in.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS SCHOOL 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/NIGHT
Small, wooden one-room building comprises the entirety of the education system in Amphipolis. The shutters are closed and barred with wooden boards on the inside.
Xena, with Lyceus in tow, swiftly moves to the first shutter. She considers the problem for a while, then taking the knife out, works it in the split between the halves. Lifting it up, she hears something fall and land with a clunk on the other side. Bar gone, she opens the shutter and helps Lyceus inside. Xena follows after brother.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS SCHOOL 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/NIGHT
The walls are covered with shelves. Each student has a small table and chair, lined in rows. On individual tabletops sit handless baskets with sand inside. At the head of the room is a larger table, loaded with various scrolls and parchment.
Xena closes the shutters while Lyceus lights a lamp. He points to the east and west walls above the scrolls; the entire Greek and Latin alphabets, in order, are painted on the surface, each on respective side. He sets the lamp down on the table and takes out another one, lighting it from the first one. He moves to the wall as Xena takes a seat at the table and prepares ink and parchment.
LYCEUS
Greek alphabet first.
Xena nods confirmation. As he stands on his toes and brings the light close to each letter, she copies it down on the scroll. Times passes.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS INN 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/NIGHT
The TOWN MILITIA leave the inn and head for their homes. They look disheveled and bruised and are not in a good mood. Thus passes another busy night of trying to keep the town drunks and Cortese's men from beating each other senseless.
One of the men elbows another and points at the schoolhouse. Lights flicker inside where only darkness should reign. They look at each other and sigh, then turn their steps toward the building. Others notice their behavior and then the illegal activity and the entire armed and armored TOWN MILITIA advances on the intruders.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN KITCHEN 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/NIGHT
Xena is crying before her mother and trying to ignore the pain of her punishment. Cyrene is angrily pacing the kitchen. Spanking Xena did not relieve her stress, only made her hand hurt. She massages and flexes it gingerly as she stalks the floor. Abruptly, she stops and faces Xena.
Cyrene, exasperated
CYRENE
Why did you attempt to burn down the school?
Xena, tearfully yet defiantly
XENA
Didn't.
CYRENE
They told me the town watch heard a crash and they caught you and Lyceus trying to escape, with the room on fire. Do you understand what you done?
She looks for any sign of comprehension or remorse in her daughter but finds only watery, red eyes and sullen and closed off Xena.
Cyrene, sternly
CYRENE
The vandalism and petty theft was one thing. Some fruit and clothes stolen, practical jokes played on others, nothing most of us didn't do in our youth. I can live with that. But you are starting to fight older boys and train with weapons. Don't think I don't know. Nereus told me some blades went missing from his smithy, wonder why he thinks you took them. Give me your knife.
Cyrene extends her hand and Xena stalls, thinking to play dumb. The look her mother gives her convinces her that stonewalling is not a good idea right now. She reaches and removes the steel, handing it handle first to Cyrene.
Cyrene, inspecting the blade, her face falling when she recognizes the marks
CYRENE
What is wrong with you, child?!
Xena, petulantly
XENA
You won't buy me weapons.
Cyrene sighs and anger leaves her, leaving her weary and spent. She hugs the startled Xena and after a moment of resistance, the girl returns it. Xena sniffles as Cyrene gently comforts her.
CYRENE
Tomorrow morning we will go to the blacksmith and pay for what you took. You and Lyceus will get wooden training swords and I will arrange for you to attend training with the militia. Perhaps martial discipline will do you good, knock some sense into you.
Xena, her fondest wish granted, gratefully
XENA
Thanks, ma.
Cyrene releases her and taking a handkerchief, gently wipes the tears from Xena's face. She moves the hair out of Xena's face and kisses her on the head.
CYRENE
I nearly lost you and Lyceus two years ago. Today you both almost died in a fire. I love you and I love Lyceus. You are so close that when one of you is in trouble, the other one is too. Xena, please listen to me. You want something, talk to me first. You can tell me anything, ask me whatever you like. I might not give you the answer or an item you want, but I promise to listen. Xena, mother loves you.
Xena, with remorse, sincerely
XENA
I'm sorry.
Cyrene smiles and goes to get a sweet from a high shelf. She hands it to Xena, missing the sudden look of interest behind her back as the location of the treasure is revealed inadvertently. She brings it back and eager hands grab and shove the treat into the impatient mouth. Xena practically hums with happiness.
Cyrene ruffles her hair affectionately and points at a chair. They both sit at a table, Xena shifting around to find the least painful position. Cyrene, softly
CYRENE
What happened tonight?
Xena, confessing
XENA
I heard the militia coming and knocked the table with the lamp over in my haste. I grabbed Lyceus and we tried to leave before the flames got too big but the men captured us.
Cyrene, gently
CYRENE
Why were you there?
Xena, looking down
XENA
To copy the letters so I could spy on the class during the day.
Cyrene, this being the last thing she expected, astonished
CYRENE
You want to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic?
XENA
The bards come to the tavern and tell stories of adventure and treasure. I want that.
CYRENE
You want to be a storyteller?
XENA
No, I want to be in the tales.
Cyrene, understanding dawning
CYRENE
You want to be a hero.
Xena, shyly
XENA
Yes.
Cyrene, curious
CYRENE
You don't want to marry and raise a family?
Xena, sadly
XENA
I am not like other girls.
Cyrene, warmly
CYRENE
You are a very special young woman and if you want to be the hero, then you will be one. I believe in you.
Huge smile is her answer.
Cyrene, throwing in a moral lesson, doing her motherly duty
CYRENE
Course heroes are honorable and virtuous.
XENA
Mother!
Pause.
Xena, chastised
XENA
I will be good.
The sweets on the high shelf beg to disagree with that statement.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS LYCEUS' ROOM 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/NIGHT
The small, sparsely furnished room off the service hallway could pass for anyone's except for few wooden toys scattered about. On the side of the large bed, precariously close to falling off, lies Lyceus. He is buried under sheets and blankets.
Xena enters the room silently and taking off her boots, she gets under the covers. The slight motion and hogging of linens disturb her brother. Lyceus wakes up and shifts to his back. He turns his head towards her and blinks his eyes.
Lyceus, sleepily
LYCEUS
Mother mad?
Xena, confirming
XENA
Uh-huh, she hit hard. Did you get punished?
Lyceus, wriggling a bit, adjusting a sore bottom, unhappily
LYCEUS
It hurt and I cried.
Pause.
Lyceus, not wanting his sister to feel guilty, adding hastily
LYCEUS
It's okay.
Xena, understanding, offering support and good news, grinning
XENA
I know where the candy is.
Lyceus, very interested, excitedly
LYCEUS
Where?!
XENA
I have a plan.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN KITCHEN 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/MORNING
Cyrene is a flurry of activity, attending to several things and still managing to stop and drop a bit of this and that on Xena's plate. The girl appreciatively devours whatever morsel is placed in front of her.
Cyrene, suspiciously
CYRENE
Where is Lyceus?
Xena, innocently
XENA
Why?
Cyrene, now knowing that something is up, coming over to Xena
CYRENE
You two are thick as thieves. Start talking, daughter of mine.
Xena, nervously
XENA
I want to help in the main room.
Two eyes drill into her, stripping away her confidence and judging sincerity. Xena is uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gaze but holds her own. Finally, Cyrene seems satisfied, for the moment.
Cyrene, harrumphing
CYRENE
I know you are up to something, Xena of Amphipolis and when I find out, last night will be a pleasant memory in comparison.
Xena visibly swallows and it is not food related.
Cyrene, relenting
CYRENE
This is the first time you volunteered to do something on your own instead of having me browbeat you into it. Toris is lazy and rather hang out with that friend of his than do chores. I will take what I can get.
Cyrene comes over, hugs her and kisses her head.
Cyrene, affectionately
CYRENE
Regardless of your motives, I am proud of you.
Xena is starting to feel bad about her intentions and few tears escape her guilty conscience. Cyrene wipes them off and mistakes the reason. She pulls up a chair next to Xena and the girl shifts to face her. Cyrene tenderly brushes the wild hair out of Xena's face and smiles at her.
Cyrene, honestly
CYRENE
It was hard when your father left but I had no time to worry about things. There was a business to run and you three to take care of. I had to learn to read and write because people would cheat me on supplies and payment. There are those that take advantage of a struggling, lone woman with children and sleep well at night for it. Look you in the face and smile while they stole from you. Yet I do not blame Atrius. Your father is a good man and I love him. I always will. I believe he will return one day and I will wait for him.
Cyrene starts to cry and Xena comes over to sit on her lap; she holds her mother tightly.
CYRENE
I am sorry I can't be there for you. I try and try and there is always something. I treasure every moment we spend together and wish there were more. There are not enough and not ever will be. So when you ask to be close to me and share my day, it hurts my heart but in a good way. I love you Xena.
Xena, guilelessly and warmly
XENA
I love you ma.
Cyrene, teasing
CYRENE
You want to learn cooking?
Xena, pulling back, horrified
XENA
NO!!!
Cyrene, chuckling
CYRENE
Thought so. Lyceus up for the job?
Xena, unsure
XENA
He is a boy
Cyrene, grinning
CYRENE
I could teach Toris.
XENA
You have better luck with one of the stable horses.
Cyrene, laughing
CYRENE
True.
Pause.
Cyrene, convincingly
CYRENE
You could run the inn in the future, work together. You are inseparable anyway. One day, if you want it, the place will be yours - easier life than scratching in the dirt. Remember, heroes need to eat and rest somewhere. And if you desire to go and save the world, there will be a job and home waiting for you back here. You can have your dream.
Xena, caught up in possibilities, dreamily
XENA
That would be nice.
Pause.
Xena, spotting a potential problem, firmly
XENA
I won't leave Lyceus.
Cyrene, mysteriously
CYRENE
I am counting on it.
Before Xena can make sense of the comment, Lyceus bursts from the outside.
Lyceus, blurting
LYCEUS
You said to wait but
He takes in the scene and realizes he probably should have been more patient.
Xena gets up from Cyrene's lap and stands up.
Cyrene, pressing her advantage, enjoying this
CYRENE
Lyceus, you start in the kitchen after lunch. I have some pots and pans that would like to meet you.
Lyceus shoots a panicked look at Xena. He implores her help and she just shrugs. Defeated, he slumps his shoulders.
Lyceus, dispirited
LYCEUS
Yes mother.
Xena, giggling
XENA
You cook, I serve.
The look that he gives her is not friendly and full of dark promises. Cyrene is pleased at having turned whatever plans they had to her advantage. So she thinks.
Cyrene, happily
CYRENE
Xena, you are responsible for collecting dirty dishes and bringing them back, restocking clean mugs and pitchers in the bar, assisting servers and me. You work afternoons, same as your brother.
Cyrene, to both
CYRENE
Wash up and get ready, we are going to the market today.
The children file out mutely to the service hallway.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN HALLWAY 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/MORNING
Xena and Lyceus silently walk to her room and stop. Uncomfortable quiet stretches between them. Breaking it, Lyceus heads for his door, words floating over his shoulder.
Lyceus, whispering harshly
LYCEUS
I hate your plans.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS VILLAGE 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/DAWN
Not far from the main square, behind the temple, in a grassy field bordered by piles of war tools, a small group of YOUNG BOYS stands in front of an INSTRUCTOR. Lyceus is among them as is Xena. This is their first day of instruction and this is the way they will spend their mornings before Lyceus heads to school.
INSTRUCTOR, pacing, strongly
INSTRUCTOR
There are no old, brave, smart, courageous, skilled, great, bad, or any adjective you wish to append in front soldiers. There are only two kinds: living and dead. If someone wants to fight you, walk away. If the odds are against you, walk away. If you are losing, retreat. If you are wounded, disengage. But if you are going down, take them with you. If you do those things, you will survive.
The INSTRUCTOR gathers them all with his gaze, taking in their measure. Only Xena levelly meets his eyes.
INSTRUCTOR, emphasizing, loudly
INSTRUCTOR
There are things worth fighting and dying for: this village, dear friends, family, loved ones. Cortese picked truce with us for a reason, while he pillages others around us. What is worthless is throwing your life away on empty causes, be it in name of leader, cause, or belief. Heroes are as common as their graves, less so. Don't be one.
INSTRUCTOR, locking eyes with Xena
INSTRUCTOR
I am Phokas and six years ago I made the smartest decision since lifting a sword; I retired. Training the militia and service in it kept Amphipolis safe to this day. One day, the obligation will pass to you. I am here to prepare you for that occasion.
Phokas sweeps the YOUNG BOYS with a fierce stare and then fixes back on Xena.
Phokas, pointing at Xena, ordering
PHOKAS
You, wolf girl, step forward. Attack me!
Xena, seeking to impress her brother and the watching YOUNG BOYS, accepts the challenge readily. She charges the soldier and tries to grapple him, only to be tossed on the ground with ease.
Phokas, mocking
PHOKAS
Are you brave only when the opponents are weaker than you, Xena? Beating on defenseless boys, some hero you are.
Xena starts swinging wildly and Phokas either blocks or avoids her punches.
Phokas, baiting
PHOKAS
Not so easy when the victim can defend itself, is it hero?
Xena, angrily
XENA
Stop calling me that!
She kicks him in the groin but he nimbly dodges it.
Phokas, pushing her, taunting
PHOKAS
Should we let your brother fight your battles? You don't seem capable.
Xena roars and lands a hard gut punch but Phokas seems unfazed. His leather armor and training absorb the impact.
PHOKAS
That's your best shot? I think you need proper motivation.
Phokas, turning his head towards Lyceus, smiling
PHOKAS
You are pathetic. I am going to hurt Lyceus and you can't stop me.
Something snaps in Xena. Enraged and screaming she comes after Phokas, who calmly awaits her. He drives her momentum into the dirt, slamming her into the thinning grass and hard earth. Air escapes her lungs and a knee presses into her back. Her arm is twisted back and another knee pins her other shoulder. Phokas full weight is on her and there is nothing she can do. Xena is helpless and in pain, lungs burning for air and the chest hurting from impact. The fight drains from her, leaving her empty. Xena stops struggling and starts crying.
Phokas lifts his head at a motion to his side and Lyceus slams into him. The small boy is no match for the size and skill of the old soldier but he is giving it his best. To his surprise, Phokas releases Xena and rolls on his back. He raises his hands and speaks.
PHOKAS
I surrender.
Astonished gasps emerge from Lyceus and the YOUNG BOYS. Xena stares uncomprehendingly at him thru the tears.
Phokas stands up and gives Xena a helping hand. He motions Xena and Lyceus back to the group and they rejoin it, subdued.
Phokas, facing his students, firmly and with authority
PHOKAS
Learn and remember the lessons from our little demonstration.
Pause.
Phokas, informationally and calmly
PHOKAS
Words cut deep with sharpness. Unfocused power and rage, regardless of degree, are futile. To strike without a purpose is to consign to defeat. And most important, have someone you trust watch your back. The dirt is full of lonely, dead heroes.
Bedraggled Xena stares at Phokas. The earlier indifference and arrogance is replaced by a look of open admiration.
Phokas walks over and does a fancy pick up of a staff with his foot. He returns to the front of the class.
Phokas, demonstrating
PHOKAS
We start with staves. Simple length of wood, gripped over and under, it has reach and versatility. Weak points are your exposed knuckles and facing multiple opponents. Your foes will attempt to take it away from you and often they will succeed. Then they will beat you with your own stick. Don't let that happen, stay in motion and press the attack.
He gives a few second for his words to sink in.
PHOKAS
Take one and pair up.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS SCHOOL 18 YEARS AGO/EARLY SUMMER/MIDMORNING
The BOYS and Lyceus enter the building. Various voices and shuffling of chairs drift thru the open windows until an older, male voice cuts thru the chatter.
TEACHER
We will practice the first two letters, alpha and beta and then I will show you the next three: gamma, delta, and epsilon. Wet the sand before you start.
Xena sneaks in towards the school, taking care to avoid being seen. She selects a large bush and enters it. Secure in her hiding spot, she takes out her partial scroll of Greek alphabet and begins to follow the lesson. She has a stick in hand and she is sitting on plenty of dirt. She has all she needs.
Xena, proudly
XENA
I win.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS XENA'S ROOM 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/EVENING
Xena and Lyceus are sewing together blankets, forming the beginning of a giant sleeve. They sit on the floor, spare blankets and gut strewn around them.
Lyceus, intently concentrating on not attaching himself by accident, questioning
LYCEUS
Why am I sewing? First the cooking, now this; you are turning me into a wife.
Xena, smugly
XENA
Washing laundry is next, then the fitting of dresses.
Lyceus, indignantly
LYCEUS
Xena!
Xena, ameliorating the situation, pacifying her brother
XENA
I'm sorry, I was joking and you did great. Mother does not leave the kitchen during the day, not for long anyway, according to you. We need to distract her.
Lyceus, forgiving her at once, all ears and excitement
LYCEUS
Plan?
XENA
You know how mother smokes the meat with wet wood? This is a chimney for the fire. When everyone is busy upstairs we strike downstairs and you are free.
Lyceus, confessing shyly
LYCEUS
Xena, I don't mind working there but Toris told Timoteus and now they tease me.
Xena, upset
XENA
Toris will pay.
LYCEUS
Don't hurt him.
Xena, promising
XENA
I won't. Much.
Pause.
Xena, kindly
XENA
You really enjoy it?
Lyceus, grinning
LYCEUS
I like eating. Mother lets me sample and sneaks choice pieces on my plate. We call it my payment dish. Every time I am not looking or busy, she puts another bit of something or other in it. It is a game we play. Mother tries to do it without me seeing and I try to eat it as soon as it appears. We have fun.
Xena, feeling remorse, guiltily
XENA
I miss our time together in the afternoons but I don't want to take you away from her. If we do this she won't be happy and she might kick you out.
Lyceus, rascally
LYCEUS
I will blame you and she will believe me.
XENA
Oh, is that how it is?
Lyceus, mood souring, sadly
LYCEUS
Mother laughs when we are together. It has been a long time since she laughed so much. It makes me happy.
XENA
You want to stop?
Lyceus, love and loyalty to Xena winning over any concerns, deciding
LYCEUS
No.
Pause.
Lyceus, lightly
LYCEUS
I know who I want to be when I grow up.
XENA
Yes?
Lyceus, holding pause dramatically and building suspense, then proudly
LYCEUS
Lyceus of Amphipolis, warrior cook.
They explode in fits of laughter.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN SERVICE HALLWAY 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/DAWN
Xena leans against the wall near her older brother's door. When it opens, she slams him into the wall and gut punches him. Toris' legs give out and he falls in a heap on the floor, curling and cowering.
Xena, meaning it, sternly and strongly
XENA
You and your friend keep away from Lyceus. Got that?
Toris weakly nods agreement.
Satisfied, Xena heads towards Lyceus' room to get him up for breakfast. Toris glares at her as she disappears inside without knocking.
Toris, angry at the humiliation, hating his younger sister, cursing her
TORIS
Freak.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS STABLES 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/EARLY MORNING
Xena is busy mucking the stalls and looking like it. She goes over to the back and drags a hay bale over, breaking it open when close. Picking up the pitchfork, Xena starts spreading fresh straw in the stalls. She hears one of the twin doors swing open and recognizing the footsteps, she chooses to bend her back to work and ignore the visitor.
Cyrene, evenly
CYRENE
You hurt your brother, you do his chores. Understand?
XENA
Yes mother.
CYRENE
Why did you hit him? He is your brother and he loves you; Xena, don't you ever raise your hand in anger against your family. I raised you better than that.
Xena, smartass, sarcastically
XENA
Yes mother. You sure don't.
Cyrene, barely keeping lid on her temper, irritated
CYRENE
Don't you yes mother me child and watch that lip. Why Xena?
Xena, knowing lecture is inevitable, reluctantly
XENA
Mother, Toris hates me.
Cyrene, putting her hand to her mouth, shocked
CYRENE
Xena, Toris is your blood and you don't choose that.
Xena stops working and puts her down, tears starting to leak.
Cyrene reaches her daughter in few steps and gathers Xena in her arms, ignoring the muck. Mother's love cares not for appearance or dirt.
Cyrene, comforting, soothingly
CYRENE
You are always with Lyceus, the two of you against the world. Toris has no place with either of you and he knows it. And you know why?
Xena, sniffling
XENA
No.
Cyrene, explaining the way of the world, sorrowfully
CYRENE
When two people form a bond, there is no room for the third one. You are blameless it is the way of life, a pair stands strongest in nature. He feels useless, like he is the third wheel in a cart.
Xena tries to imagine where the extra wheel would go on a cart that is doing fine with two and a giggle escapes her. Then she hears the echo of pain in her mother's voice and hot tears splash on her head.
Xena, apologetically, sincerely
XENA
I'm sorry. Its father, isn't it?
Cyrene, tries to gather herself, but the flood gates are open and she sobs her sorrow. Xena hugs her, willing comfort and repeating the mantra over and over.
Xena, pleading for forgiveness, thinking she did something wrong, bawling
XENA
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry
Cyrene, kissing Xena and then wiping the tears
CYRENE
Shh, hush child. A word or image will remind me of your father and I start crying because I love him so much. Love is great joy and happiness but it is also pain. It gives you strength and it makes you weak. We adults are funny that way.
Xena calms down and looks up at the face of her mother. Grubby hand reaches up and shyly and tenderly wipes the moisture, leaving streaks of dirt. Cyrene does not object nor minds for she feels closer to her daughter than ever.
Cyrene, affectionately
CYRENE
I love you. I love Lyceus. I love Toris. We are family and part of being one is accepting and loving unconditionally. How Toris feels about you is his problem. You should care for and love your older brother because that makes you a good person and it is the right thing to do. Xena, hate destroys, love grows and heals.
Xena, subdued, instinctively perceiving the truth in her mother's words, promising
XENA
I will love Toris no matter what.
Cyrene, affectionately
CYRENE
Xena, the biggest part of that overgrown body of yours is your heart. Don't lose sight of that.
Xena, earnestly and with genuine feeling
XENA
Thank you. I love you ma.
CUT TO:
EXT. AMPHIPOLIS INN 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/AFTERNOON
A VILLAGER rushes out of the inn's front door, wisps of smoke trailing behind him. Above him, more pours from the second story windows.
VILLAGER, yelling at the top of his lungs
VILLAGER
Fire! FIRE! FIRE!!!
Answering calls sound throughout the entire village and help is on the way.
VILLAGERS, raising alarm
VILLAGERS
Fire!
Fire at the inn!
Get the buckets!
Water brigade quickly forms as VILLAGE WOMEN come dragging empty buckets to the well and the VILLAGE MEN and OLDER BOYS form a line to the inn and inside. Phokas runs by the forming, volunteer fire fighters and goes in. He is followed shortly by Nereus. Some quick thinking VILLAGERS fill the buckets from the water troughs by the stables and the inn.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN KITCHEN 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/AFTERNOON
Short ladder is set against the wall with the treasure on the shelf. The jar is sitting on the table and two very giddy children are about to open it. Xena and Lyceus lift the lid and gaze at their hard won prize.
Xena, licking her lips, hungrily
XENA
Sweet is victory.
Lyceus, slightly disappointed by the quantity, sighing
LYCEUS
So much work for so little candy.
Pause.
Lyceus, accusingly
LYCEUS
No fair. You carry food and fetch dinnerware. I have to slave in the hot kitchen for hours. Cooking! I am a boy!
Wordlessly, Xena points to the stacked pies and cakes. Lyceus raises his eyebrow in question and Xena nods. His face breaks into a big smile. This is turning out just fine.
Xena upends the jar and two equal piles are quickly sorted. Abruptly, with a smile, Xena adds to her brother's pile from her own and the look of appreciation and love makes the sacrifice worth it. Accompanied by many happy sounds, the children begin to devour the candy with great haste.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS TAVERN 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/AFTERNOON
Nereus bursts thru the door, in time to see few GUESTS stagger down the stairs, coughing and wheezing. He sees Phokas already here and Cyrene next to him. He joins them and offers his services.
Nereus, to Cyrene, urgently yet reasonably
NEREUS
I and Phokas are the strongest here, let us go and check the rooms; see where the fire is and get anyone trapped out.
Cyrene nods and heads to the bar. She comes back with two large, water soaked rags and hands one to each men. They place them over their heads and bring the ends over to cover their lower faces. They move up the stairs and the smoke swallows them.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN UPSTAIRS 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/AFTERNOON
Nereus is halfway thru the upper floor when he notices the smoke is coming thru the open window at the end of the hallway. Curious, he makes his way to the dark opening. He reaches out and his fingers grasp fabric?
Nereus, confused
NEREUS
What the ?!
His grabs a handful of the material and pulls with his massive right arm. There is a loud rip and bright light assaults him. He shields his eyes and after few moments of blinking his vision is restored. As fresh air rushes in, his head clears quickly. He sticks it out the windows and looks around. Above him hang the remains of the cloth chimney. Below him, smoky fire consumes the moist offerings and profusely belches thick results. He beckons Phokas, who just emerged from a room, over to him and points out the cause of the chaos.
Phokas, shaking his head, guessing the who but not the why
PHOKAS
Tell them. I will finish checking the rooms.
Nereus turns and runs down the hallway and then thumps down the wooden stairs.
Phokas, turning to finish his task, mumbling
PHOKAS
Spawn of Hades, that child.
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS TAVERN 18 YRS AGO/SUMMER/LATE AFTERNOON
Startled and worried faces greet Nereus when he arrives. He catches his breath and spills the news.
Nereus, between breaths, coughing
NEREUS
Fire is outside behind the inn, on the ground more smoke, than flame someone built a blanket chimney have to put it out before inn catches fire.
He bends down and places his hands on his knees. He tries to get more air into his large frame but his lungs are not cooperating.
Cyrene, sudden realization striking her, squeezing out the name through gritted teeth
CYRENE
Xena.
Pause.
Cyrene, screaming, voice promising vengeance and Tartarus
CYRENE
XENAAAAAAAAAA!!!
CUT TO:
INT. AMPHIPOLIS INN KITCHEN 18 YEARS AGO/SUMMER/LATE AFTERNOON
Xena and Lyceus are gazing at the broad selection of delectable cakes and pies, all theirs for the taking. The roar of their enraged mother stampedes thru the entire inn.
Lyceus, eyes darting to the source of the sound, worriedly
LYCEUS
We're in trouble. Stay or run?
Xena, shrugging, accepting their inevitable death at the hands of her mother
XENA
Eat. She knows we did it.
She takes the yummiest, a chocolate cake and brings it to the table. She tears off a huge piece with her hand and hands it to Lyceus, and then helps herself to an equally generous portion. Before taking a single bite, she remembers something and imitates the adults.
Xena, toasting with a piece of cake, grinning
XENA
Here is to us.
Lyceus, smiling
LYCEUS
To us.
They each bite off a generous amount and it is total bliss, reflected on their faces and in their eyes.
Lyceus, melting, dreamily
LYCEUS
So worth it.
Pause.
Lyceus, offering his own salutation
LYCEUS
Here is to crime and chocolate.
Xena, cheerfully
XENA
And the best laid plans.
FADE OUT:
THE END