FADE IN

Close up of Eve's face as Xena sings the last note of the burial song and all goes silent. The Elijans bow their heads and then begin to disperse. As they leave, Eve stands still, watching them from a distance, then begins to walk up.

CUT TO

Xena is standing beside the fire, Ares at her side. Pan down to show Ares slowly slip his hand into hers and they stand there, silent, holding hands.

EVE (off-camera):
     Mother.

Xena and Ares turn to see Eve walking up, her horse behind her. Xena is surprised to see her daughter and before she has a chance to say anything, Eve wraps her arms around her, hugging her tightly.

EVE (softly):
     I'm sorry.

Ares raises an eyebrow. Xena, startled, wraps an arm around Eve to comfort her.

XENA (gently):
     Sorry about what, sweetheart?

EVE (looks up at Xena, tears welling in her eyes):
     That I didn't get here in time. That Gabrielle-- (chokes up)

Xena pulls back from the embrace and wipes a tear from Eve's eye with her thumb.

XENA:
      That Gabrielle what? What are you talking about?

GABRIELLE (off-camera):
     Xena!

Startled, Eve looks over Xena's shoulder to see Gabrielle standing there, with Samuel in her arms and Darion standing beside her. Eve's face brightens suddenly.

GABRIELLE (comes closer):
      Eve! You're here. (to Xena) Sorry I'm late. I--

Before she can finish, Eve sweeps toward her and hugs her tightly.

EVE:
     You're alive.

Across Eve's shoulder, Gabrielle gives Xena a puzzled look. Xena frowns slightly and shrugs.

GABRIELLE (with a somewhat nervous smile):
      I hope so.

Eve moves back.

EVE:
      I'm so happy to see you. (turns back to Xena) Both of you. (turning to Gabrielle again) And this must be Samuel. He's beautiful.

GABRIELLE (surprised):
     How did you--

EVE:
     I'll explain. (gravely) I have something to tell you.

DISSOLVE TO

Sunset. A dark stone building with columns stands atop a cliff. It looks somewhat run down and seems to be an abandoned temple.

There is a sudden flash of light from inside, an explosion and the sound of something heavy crashing to the ground.

CUT TO

Inside the building. There is a pile of rocks on the floor that seems to be a shattered statue, a broken-off arm lying amidst the rubble. The pedestal is still standing with the legs cut off at the knee.

From off-screen, a green lightning bolt shoots toward the remainder of the statue and strikes it, causing it to explode into pieces and crumble to the ground.

Pan back to show Artemis standing a few feet away, her arm extended.

ARTEMIS (snarls):
     They think they can stop me, do they?

Enraged, she whips around and shoots out another bolt from both hands, this time hitting a statue of Ares holding a sword--it's obviously an old temple of his--and making it crumble.

Artemis slowly lowers her hands.

ARTEMIS:
     You won't get in my way again, Ares. You and your girlfriend may have escaped with a few scratches, but the next time you cross my path you won't be so lucky. (She pauses, a sudden vulnerable look coming into her eyes) You've already taken my brother away from me... (She looks down, as if struggling to suppress emotion, then looks up, her face hardening again) But you won't take anything else. (She holds up her hand and lets a green ball of energy forms in her palm) You won't take this. I will stay a god, no matter how many have to die.

WOMAN'S VOICE (soft and gentle):
     You were never like this, my child.

Artemis whips around to see a beautiful woman, her blond hair pulled back behind her head, her flowing blue garments shining. She is transparent--a ghost.

Artemis' face drops for a moment, her eyes soft and vulnerable again.

ARTEMIS:
     Mother?

LETO:
     I've missed you, Artemis.

ARTEMIS:
     You've been gone--a long time.

LETO (nods ruefully):
     I was one of the first to go; I never had that many worshipers. I haven't come around often...because I know it would hurt you. (she walks forward, reaching out as if to touch Artemis' cheek) But now that your brother is gone, you need me.

Leto's hand passes right through Artemis' cheek. Artemis watches guardedly, then pulls back.

ARTEMIS (suddenly harsh):
     No. (She holds up her hand again, letting the power surge between her fingers) I need this.

LETO (saddened):
     Look at what's happened to you in your obsession with survival. You are killing innocent people, forcing them to worship you by terror and trickery, stealing temples and followers from your fellow gods... (shakes head, disappointed) You aren't the daughter I raised.

ARTEMIS (hard):
     The daughter you raised? You raised me to be strong. And I am being strong because I don't want to end up like you.

LETO (sadly):
      Then you have made your choice. I hope it's worth it.

With that, she fades away. Artemis stares at the spot where she had stood.

ARTEMIS (in a low voice, to herself):
     It is worth it. I am unstoppable. (the camera zooms in on her face as her eyes begin to glow green) Unstoppable. Unstoppable...The future is mine.

DISSOLVE TO

Medium close-up on Eve as she stands on the beach, having obviously finished telling her story to Xena and the others. The sun has set, traces of crimson glow on the horizon. In the background, the funeral pyre can be seen, burning low.

EVE (intense):
     I'm telling you, that future was real! And I must stop it.

The camera pans over the others. Xena, Ares and Gabrielle look grave; Darion is clinging fearfully to Gabrielle, his arms around her. She is stroking his hair absently, her other arm busy holding Samuel. Finally Xena steps toward Eve.

XENA:
     Oh, Eve. I'm sorry you had to go through all that.

She hugs Eve and strokes her hair as if comforting a child.

EVE (pulls back, with determination):
     No, I'm glad I did. Because now I can warn you. (urgently) You have to leave Ephesus, now. (Her eyes slide over Ares and Darion, finally fixing on Gabrielle) All of you.

GABRIELLE:
     We can't let Artemis win.

EVE :
     And I can't let you die. (pause) I started all of this, it's my job to finish it.

XENA:
     Started--

EVE:
     It was my birth that set the Twilight in motion. That's why Artemis is fighting for her life. (pauses, looking at Gabrielle) You wrote in your scrolls that when I was little, the Fates told you that, because of me, a storm without end lies on your path. That storm has never ended, Gabrielle. (pause) What they said about finding salvation in the essence of death...maybe I'm the one who must die. (resolved) If my death can end Artemis' reign of destruction and fulfil my purpose, then I accept that.

Xena grabs Eve's shoulders .

XENA:
      I don't. I'm you're mother, I'm not going to let you sacrifice yourself.

GABRIELLE (gently, stands up):
     What you saw in that future was not set in stone. It can change.

EVE:
     I know, but not without changing the path along the way. To do that, I have to get you out of here. I'll handle it.

XENA:
     By yourself? Eve-- (pause) --when we heard about the Messenger of Eli, I didn't think that I'd find you using that title again but--

EVE (shakes head):
     It's not me. It's-- (she pauses a moment) It's Evander.

Close up of Xena and Gabrielle's surprised faces, and then slow zoom in on Ares who looks even more shocked.

ARES (quietly):
     My son?

Xena looks at Eve.

EVE:
     Evander has an army camped nearby, made up of the still-loyal temple warriors of the other gods. He's leading them, and the Elijans are calling him the Messenger of Eli--all for the purpose of bringing Artemis down.

Close in on Xena and Gabrielle's thoughtful, troubled faces. Pan around to show Ares looking down, unreadable.

DISSOLVE TO

A small room in the inn. Gabrielle is standing at the window, looking out. Samuel is fast asleep in a basket beside the bed. In the distance, the half moon can be seen hovering above Artemis' temple.

XENA (off-camera):
     Can't sleep?

Gabrielle doesn't turn as Xena walks up, appearing in the moonlight behind Gabrielle.

XENA:
     Me neither.

There is a brief pause. Both of them look out the window.

XENA:
      Gabrielle...I think you should take Eve's advice. Leave Ephesus. (she turns toward Gabrielle) Now, I know what you're going to--

GABRIELLE (turns abruptly toward her):
      You're right. (nods) I've been thinking the same thing. (looks out the window again, sighs) I have Samuel to worry about. And Darion. (pause) Even before we heard what Eve said...

Gabrielle trails off. There is a tense, silent moment.

GABRIELLE:
     You should have seen how scared Darion was when he saw my cuts and bruises, and when I had to tell him what happened in that cave. (looking down) And he was so terrified when Eve told her story of the future... The more I feel Darion's fear, the more I realize... (trails off)

XENA (gently):
     What?

Gabrielle turns around to look Xena in the eye.

GABRIELLE:
     That I came here for one reason, and that was to prove to myself that I could. That nothing has changed. (quietly) But it has. I can't let this become another Jerusalem. (looks down) Or worse.

Xena reaches out and pulls Gabrielle close, letting her head rest on Xena's shoulder. They hold still for a moment, then pull apart.

GABRIELLE:
     It's time I started acting like a mother. That's what I am now. (after a pause) And maybe...

Gabrielle trails off, looking down for a long moment. Xena puts her hands on Gabrielle's shoulders.

XENA:
     What?

GABRIELLE (looks up):
     After this is over...maybe it's time I chose a different path.

Xena looks at her, startled.

XENA:
     What do you mean?

GABRIELLE:
     I was there with you when you were raising Eve. So much violence. I just...maybe I should step away from that for a while--go back to Potidaea where my children can be safe.

XENA (frowns, unable to hide her sadness):
     If--you think that's best.

GABRIELLE:
     I haven't quite made up my mind yet. (sighs) I just don't know if I can balance being a warrior and a mother the way you did.

XENA (voice breaking a little):
     I'm not sure I managed it so well.

Xena puts her arm around Gabrielle and they hug again; Xena kisses the top of Gabrielle's head.

XENA:
     We'll talk about this later. Right now, you should leave the city. The rest of us can handle Artemis.

CUT TO

Another room in the inn. Xena walks in and closes the door behind her.

ARES (off-camera):
     What took you so long?

Xena looks up to see Ares lounging comfortably on the bed, his vest, leather pants and sword lying neatly next to a chair across from the bed. He's wearing loose cloth pants like those from Old Ares Had A Farm.

Xena smiles a little and removes her armor, then her leather shift until she's clothed only in the tan cloth garment underneath. She walks up to the bed and he sits up as she sits down on the edge of the bed.

XENA:
     Just having a talk with Gabrielle.

ARES:
     And we all know she can go on for hours. You're lucky you got out when you did or I'd be spending the night alone.

Xena chuckles and hits him lightly on the shoulder, playfully. Then her expression turns serious.

XENA:
     She's thinking about leaving.

ARES:
     Leaving Ephesus? Good idea.

Xena holds for a moment, then looks at him. She sighs and scoots back until she's lying on the bed, propped up against the feather pillows behind her head, pulling the covers up around her a bit. Ares lies back next to her.

XENA:
     She's...thinking of taking a break from life on the road for a while. I don't know for how long. (pause) And if she does...things will be...different.

Ares thinks about this for a moment, then reaches over and takes her hand and squeezes it. Xena gives him a small smile.

XENA:
     At least I'll still have you.

ARES (grins):
     Sure. Just don't expect me to chronicle your deeds in scrolls.

XENA (smiles):
     No scrolls.

ARES:
     Or to give motivational speeches about how it's better to talk than to fight.

XENA:
     No motivational speeches.

She leans on his shoulder and he drapes his arm across her stomach.

ARES:
     Good. Then it's a deal.

DISSOLVE TO

Later that night. Gabrielle is in her room. Montage of her standing by the cradle that holds Samuel, rocking it gently as the boy sleeps, walking around the room, looking out the window, packing some things into a sack.

DISSOLVE TO

Gabrielle puts the sack down next to Samuel's cradle. There is a faint knock on the door and a small voice from the hallway.

DARION (off-camera, sleepily):
      Gabrielle?

Gabrielle walks to the door, opens in and sees Darion.

GABRIELLE:
      What is it?

DARION:
      I want to leave.

Gabrielle frowns and walks into the room, Darion following, and closes the door. She sits down on his bed and Darion comes up to her.

DARION:
      I don't want to be here when Artemis shows up. Please, can we just go? (Gabrielle frowns more) I want to be strong, like you and Xena but I'm afraid. (he looks down) I'm afraid of her.

Darion sits next to Gabrielle and she holds him close. The uncertainty is in her eyes.

GABRIELLE (softly):
     I am too.

DARION:
      I wish we hadn't come here.

A tear forms in Gabrielle's eye and she wipes it away.

GABRIELLE (whispers):
      I know. (she sniffs and then looks at Darion) Don't worry. We're leaving in the morning. Xena and I already talked. It's for the best.

Somewhat relieved, Darion leans on her shoulder. There is silence for a long moment. Then, Darion moves back from her and looks up. His eyes are wet with tears but he does not let them come.

DARION:
      Are we ever going to see Haimon again?

Taken aback by the change in subject, Gabrielle sits back, surprised.

GABRIELLE (tender):
      I hope so, Darion. I don't know.

DARION (looks down):
      We could use his help now. I...miss him.

GABRIELLE (hugs Darion):
     I miss him, too.

Pull back to show the two of them, sitting together on the bed in the dim light.

CUT TO

A rich section of the city. There are tall buildings with lavish gardens and statues. A few fruit vendors are carrying their goods to the stands along the agora, readying themselves for the first customers of the day. The light of dawn has just begun to glow on the horizon.

The flapping of black fabric appears across the screen. Pull back to show a rider wearing a black cloak mounted on a black horse appear at the end of the street, looking very ominous. There is a lit torch in his hand. After a moment's pause, he rides forward, beginning to set fire to the vendor stands along the agora. The few people that are awake run in fear. Jars of oil break and it isn't long before the place begins to erupt in flames.

The camera pans to a small statue of Artemis on the side of the street. The black rider charges towards it and then knocks it down with his sword. The statue falls over and the head breaks off.

CUT TO

Further down the street, the black rider gallops toward a building and tosses the torch inside. Flames can be seen going up.

CUT TO

A long shot of the street with several buildings now on fire. People are running out, screaming for help.

The rider watches from a distance, then turns around, his horse rearing, his cape flapping around him, and rides away as quickly as he had come.

CUT TO

The hallway in the inn. A baby's cry is heard.

CUT TO

Gabrielle is pacing around the room, rocking Samuel in her arms, patting him on the back and humming to try and calm her upset son who won't stop crying. Darion is in the room with her, packing up some things into a small pack of his own. Gabrielle's larger pack sits beside the door.

GABRIELLE:
     Shhhh. Come on, sweetheart, you woke me up three times last night. (Samuel cries more) I know, I know. Your problems are just as important as mine. (still rocking him gently and he has begun to quiet down a little) Shhh. There, there...

As Samuel finally begins to close his eyes, Gabrielle gently lies him down in his crib, covering the blanket around him and stepping back, sighing.

GABRIELLE (to Darion):
     Let me get a little more rest and then we'll have breakfast and head out.

Darion nods.

She walks toward the bed and sits down on the edge.

Suddenly she notices something outside the window. She stands up and sees a plume of smoke rising from a section of the city. Her eyes widen.

CUT TO

Inside another room. Xena and Ares are lying together in bed, Xena lying on her side with Ares behind her, his arm draped over her.

The sound of furious knocking is heard outside the door. Xena opens her eyes.

GABRIELLE (muffled, from behind the door):
     Xena!

Xena sits up; Ares has woken up behind her.

The door opens and Gabrielle rushes in. Xena stands (she is still in her tan undergarment).

XENA (worried):
     What is it?

Behind her, Ares is on the other side of the bed, grabbing his vest.

GABRIELLE:
     Fire.

Zoom in on Xena's concerned face.

CUT TO

People are gathered around in the rich marketplace cleaning up the damage. The smoke rises from the ruins; the fire is now extinguished. There are piles of broken wood and clay pots; exquisite vases in bright colors and patterns shattered amongst the rest of the charred rubble. A vendor's stand has been tipped over, all of the produce scattered about, most of it scorched by the flames. The ground is soaked with the water used to put out the fire, and many of the people cleaning up the mess are covered in soot, their once-beautiful rich garments torn and singed. Many people are still in their night clothes, having been woken from sleep. The tall houses surrounding the marketplace are mostly no worse for wear--the fire must have been put out before it reached most people's homes.

Xena, Gabrielle and Ares walk onto the scene.

Gabrielle stops at the spot where Artemis' statue stood, now toppled over and lying on the ground in pieces: the head smashed in two, an arm broken off at the elbow, the stone chipped and cracked in many places.

GABRIELLE:
     I take it whoever did this isn't too fond of Artemis.

ELIJAN (walking up):
      This is where the rich and powerful of Ephesus live. Priestesses and priests, city leaders...all favorites of Artemis. (looking around at the destruction) Not so grand now, are they?

CUT TO

Evander's camp outside of Ephesus. Eve is bending over a barrel, filling her waterskin. Virgil walks up to her.

VIRGIL:
     Morning.

Eve straightens up and puts the cap on the waterskin, then turns to him.

EVE:
     Morning.

Virgil goes to say something but then notices Eve is looking over his shoulder. He turns to see several cloaked riders coming toward the camp. The leader slows down and dismounts, then takes off his cloak. It's Evander.

He comes forward and stops when he sees Eve looking at him.

EVANDER:
      You're up early.

EVE:
      So are you. (nods toward the riders behind him) Where were you?

EVANDER:
      Just... (thinking of the words) ...sending Artemis' followers a message. (grins ) It's what the Messenger does, right?

Eve gives him a wary look. Glancing up, she sees wisps of smoke rising in the distance.

CUT TO

The marketplace, where the cleanup is still going on. Xena nudges a burnt piece of wood from a broken wagon with her foot, then turns to Gabrielle and the Elijans behind her. Ares is standing a distance away, looking around.

XENA:
      This was no random attack. Artemis' worshipers were the target.

ELIJAN:
     Well, don't expect much sympathy from me. (off her suspicious look) What, you think the Elijans had a hand in this? ( scoffs ) We don't go burning down people's homes! (shakes head) Besides, why would you defend them?

XENA:
     I don't condone unprovoked attack.

ELIJAN WOMAN (walking up):
     Unprovoked? They've been provoking us for weeks! (looking around at the rubble) Whoever did it, as far as I'm concerned, they deserved what they got.

GABRIELLE (surprised by the bitterness in the Elijan woman's voice; steps up):
     And what if you were attacked, and they thought the same of you? (the woman is silent) Hate only breeds more hate. As someone who follows Eli's teachings, I thought you would understand that.

Some of the Elijans look at each other, pondering Gabrielle's words. A younger Elijan girl, probably about 15, steps forward.

YOUNG ELIJAN:
     Gabrielle is right. Eli teaches us to love our enemies; is this how we honor his memory?

One of the older Elijans nods and walks up, laying a hand on the young Elijan girl's shoulder. Then he walks over to and helps a vendor raise a toppled-over fruit stand. A few other Elijans join him in helping clear the rubble. Gabrielle smiles at Xena, obviously pleased; they join in as well.

Pan around to show Eve and Virgil riding in . They pull their horses to a stop.

EVE (surprised):
      This is his message?

Xena whips around hearing Eve's voice. She looks up at her daughter who dismounts; Virgil follows.

Xena eyes Eve silently, seeing the shame in her eyes.

EVE:
     I'm sorry, Mother. I had no idea this is what Evander meant.

Close up of Xena's shocked but not entirely surprised, expression.

DISSOLVE TO

The army camp. Evander is standing outside of his tent. He sees Eve and Virgil riding toward the camp, then notices Gabrielle, Xena and Ares riding behind them.

CUT TO

Inside Evander's tent. Evander walks in, followed by Eve, Virgil, Gabrielle, Ares and Xena.

EVE (upset):
     You attacked the city.

EVANDER (turns around, sighs, off Eve's look):
     Isn't that what we agreed on?

EVE:
     We agreed to attack when the time is right--and after the weakest and most helpless have been moved to safety!

GABRIELLE (steps up):
     You were going to attack the city? You never told us that.

EVE (somewhat guilty but also determined):
     It's what has to be done.

Xena watches Eve uncertainly.

XENA:
      To prevent the future from coming true.

EVE (nods):
     Yes. That's why the armies of the gods are with us. We will wage war on Artemis and we will win. Her following and her temple will be destroyed.

GABRIELLE:
     Is that the only way?

Eve hesitates for a moment, thinking, then nods, determined.

EVE:
     I know of no other options, Gabrielle. Believe me, this hurts me as much as it does you. It has even made me wonder if that little part of Livia is still left inside me...but yes, this time destruction is the only way we can win. We'll save as many as we can, but everyone else... (trails off)

Xena glances at Gabrielle, conflicted. Pan back to show Ares standing thoughtfully and quietly.

EVE (to Evander):
     But if you want to work together, you don't go off on your own and do something like this without telling me.

Evander sighs and finally nods.

EVANDER:
     We will focus on attacking the temple.

Xena, Gabrielle, Eve, Evander and Ares stand in silence for a moment.

GABRIELLE (to Xena):
      That oil would have come in handy. I'm sorry Kyros had to die for nothing.

EVANDER:
      Oil?

GABRIELLE:
     There was oil in a cave in the side of the cliff we planned on bringing into the temple and setting it on fire. Artemis found out--had the place destroyed, and nearly killed us.

EVANDER (thinks for a moment):
      Show me this cave.

Xena and Gabrielle give him a curious look.

DISSOLVE TO

Outside, by the seashore, Xena, Gabrielle, Ares, Virgil, and Eve are standing outside the caves opening. After a moment, Evander emerges from inside, grinning a little.

EVANDER:
      It's as I had heard--there's a tunnel at the back of the cave that leads inside the temple. The explosion must have unsealed it.

EVE:
      How did you know?

EVANDER:
     I've been studying Artemis for many months, the better to defeat her. Long ago, when the temple was first erected, one of her followers, a deeply devoted and deeply deranged man, tried to have it destroyed so he could earn her favor, and eternal glory, by building an even better one. He dug a tunnel which he was going to use to smuggle Greek fire into the temple and blow it up. He was captured and executed for the attempt, and the entrance to the tunnel sealed. When you mentioned a cave...

XENA:
     So now we have a way to access the temple. (Evander nods) Then we should prepare to fight. We were told that tomorrow, there's a special service where all of Artemis' followers gather in the temple. Maybe...we can use that to our advantage.

EVANDER:
     I'll have the armies ready.

XENA:
     Good. (turns to Eve, gently) You're sure about this?

EVE (firm):
     Yes.

XENA:
     Then it's done. (looks at Ares, Evander, Eve and Gabrielle).

Everyone nods in agreement, Gabrielle and Eve more uncertain than the others.

GABRIELLE:
     I wish we could do this without killing. Artemis, not her followers, is the problem. If we could turn them away from her...even for just a few hours while we strike...it could weaken her enough to defeat her for good.

XENA:
     If only it were that simple, Gabrielle.

Xena turns and walks out of the tent. Ares follows, as do Gabrielle and then Evander. Pan back to show Eve standing in the tent, alone, with a thoughtful look on her face.

CUT TO

Eve and Virgil are walking through the streets of Ephesus, watching people go about their daily lives. She seems lost in thought. As they get closer to the temple, Eve stops and looks up at it.

VIRGIL (gently):
     What are you thinking?

EVE:
     It's amazing the lengths people will go to to please their god. It doesn't even matter if it's an Olympian or an Elijan. (looks at Virgil) Is it really worth it to believe in something so much that it takes over your life? (Virgil listens to her silently; Eve looks back at the temple ) I was like that once when the God of Eli purified my soul. I owed him everything for saving me from who I used to be. And yet I never really felt like I was truly who I should be until I left his path and found a new one. I do not love him any less--but my life is my own. Then I look at these people and wonder if I'm missing out on what's really important in life...or if they are. (looks at Virgil) Does that make any sense?

Virgil takes her hands.

VIRGIL:
     It makes perfect sense.

He leans forward and kisses her. Their kiss is brief but tender and intense.

When they pull back, Virgil offers her a wineskin and she takes a drink.

VIRGIL:
      Ready for the battle?

EVE:
     I hope so.

VIRGIL (slightly doubtful):
     You trust Evander?

EVE:
     He's determined to win this as much as any of us. And he has special powers; we'd be foolish to reject his help.

VIRGIL:
     He's not a god.

EVE:
     No--but he can move things with his mind, or shatter them by sending out surges of some--force that he commands. I'm not even sure what kind of other powers he may have. (suddenly, her look changes as if an idea has struck her.)

VIRGIL:
     What is it?

EVE (looks at him):
     Just an idea.

Virgil watches her curiously, then pan back to Eve who looks up at the temple towering above them.

CUT TO

The courtyard of the inn. Gabrielle is standing next to her horse, with Samuel in a sling on her shoulder. Darion stands by her side. They are facing Xena, with Ares standing behind her slouching against a wall.

XENA:
     Stay safe.

GABRIELLE:
     You too.

Xena holds Gabrielle's eyes for a long, tender moment. Then, she moves forward and they hug.

GABRIELLE:
     I'll see you very soon, okay?

XENA:
     Yeah.

They pull back from the hug.

XENA:
     Where will you go?

GABRIELLE:
      Somewhere outside the city--not too far. I'll know where to look for you.

EVE (softly):
      I'm glad you're going, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle nods.

GABRIELLE:
      Take care of yourself...and of your mother.

They hug quickly; then, Gabrielle looks at Ares.

ARES (stands up straight):
     I told you, I don't do hugs.

While they speak, Darion can be seen in the background hugging Xena, then Eve.

GABRIELLE (grins a little):
     I know you don't. But I am counting on you to be there for Xena while I can't.

ARES (grins back):
     Aw, I'm touched.

Gabrielle chuckles.

CUT TO

Gabrielle rides out of the courtyard, Darion behind her on the horse.

DISSOLVE TO

Eve walks along the beach toward the army camp.

CUT TO

Eve steps inside of Evander's tent. He's pouring himself some wine when she enters. He turns around.

EVE:
     I need to speak with you.

Evander gives her a curious look.

DISSOLVE TO

Evening. It is still light but the pale moon can already be seen in the sky. Ares, shirtless, is standing by the window, looking out at the moon.

From behind, Xena comes up to him. She has her armor and gauntlets off and is wearing only her leather tunic.

XENA (puts her hand on his shoulder):
     I guess it's just you and me and an army. Just the way you like it.

ARES (distractedly):
     Yeah.

He continues to look out the window.

XENA:
     What's wrong?

Ares sighs and turns to her. He takes her hand and looks at the ring on her finger.

ARES:
     I think I gave it up too soon.

XENA (understanding):
     The powers...?

ARES (nods):
     I had it all and I just let it go.

XENA (can't hide the disappointment in her voice):
     I thought you'd left all that behind you...

ARES (firm):
     It's not that. But right now...you'd be safer with a god on your side, wouldn't you?

XENA (somewhat defensive):
     I don't need a god to save me.

ARES (nods):
     I know. But those powers would come in handy against Artemis, don't you think?

XENA:
     You were a god when she and Apollo trapped you in that tomb.

ARES:
     I was tricked.

XENA:
     Ares... (she puts her hands on his shoulders) If you still had that stone, Artemis would be after it and it would make you more of a target. And if she got it, she could give it to some other henchman of hers. Do you know why I've always destroyed the ambrosia on earth whenever I found it? Because people aren't meant to have that kind of power. It could always fall into the hands of someone who could use it for ill, not good. (pause) It was the right thing to do.

ARES (after a brief pause):
     If you say so.

XENA:
     I know so.

They continue to look at each other. There is a knock on the door.

EVE (outside):
     Mother?

Xena and Ares flinch slightly and turn toward the door.

XENA:
     Come in!

Eve pushes the door open.

EVE:
     I know how to do it.

XENA (frowns):
     Do what?

EVE:
     Destroy Artemis without killing her worshipers.

A tense silence, which Ares finally breaks with a wisecrack.

ARES:
     There she goes, spoiling all the fun.

XENA (gives him an impatient look; then, to Eve):
     Go ahead, tell us.

DISSOLVE TO

Outside the city, a cliff by a small, sparse forest. Gabrielle and Darion are making a fire. Samuel is asleep, wrapped in a blanket. Klio is tethered to a tree nearby.

DARION:
     Gabrielle?

GABRIELLE:
     What?

DARION (quietly):
     Are a lot of people going to die?

GABRIELLE (close-up on her face; she looks very troubled):
     I don't know, sweetheart. I hope not.

CROSS-FADE TO

It's turning dark. Gabrielle and Darion sitting by the fire, her arm around his shoulders.

CROSS-FADE TO

Gabrielle is sitting by the fire, hugging her knees, a cloak wrapped around her shoulders; Darion is now asleep in his bedroll. Gabrielle is looking up at the moon.

GABRIELLE (whispers to herself):
     The calm before the storm...

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE