FADE IN

Day. The village of Paratta. Xena and Gabrielle are standing in the village square. Xena is surveying the square and finally nods.

XENA:
     This building is a good place to set up the hospital.

GABRIELLE:
     Do you really think we'll have a lot of wounded?

XENA:
     I'm doing everything I can to avoid casualties but--

GABRIELLE:
     But a good leader has to prepare for any eventuality, right?

Xena looks at Gabrielle, unable to mask her shock.

XENA:
     Right.

GABRIELLE (grins):
     Hey, don't look so surprised. I've learned a lot from you since I left home.

Xena chuckles and Haimon can be heard hailing Xena from across the courtyard and runs over.

HAIMON:
     I've been checking out the barricade along the south wall. It's weak. It won't take Akelos more than a day to breach it.

XENA (nods):
     All right. We'll have to deal with that first.

HAIMON:
     I've already got men out foraging for lumber.

XENA:
     Good. We should give them a hand. Gabrielle? Why don't Haimon and I do that and you can work on getting the hospital set up back here.

GABRIELLE (disappointed):
     But I wanted to go with you. I bet you could use my help.

XENA:
     The best way you can help is to stay here. (she smiles) I need someone I trust in charge. Will you do that?

Gabrielle sighs but nods.

GABRIELLE:
     Okay.

Xena touches Gabrielle's shoulder affectionately.

XENA:
     Thanks. If you need us you know where to find us.

Xena and Haimon exit. A small group of villagers can be seen in the background clustered together, watching Gabrielle in awe and talking in hushed tones. A man in his mid 50's approaches her diffidently.

VILLAGE MAN:
     Excuse me? Did I hear correctly? Are you Gabrielle? The Gabrielle? Gabrielle the Battling Bard of Poteidaia?

Gabrielle shakes her head in confusion.

GABRIELLE:
     Battling Bard...

VILLAGE MAN:
     The Gabrielle of Xena and Gabrielle?

Gabrielle is confused but she goes with it, throwing her shoulders back in an attempt at a tough posture.

GABRIELLE:
     Yeah--that's right! We're a team! Xena and Gabrielle!

VILLAGE WOMAN:
     By Eli and the Heavens! A living legend right before our very eyes!

GABRIELLE:
      I am? I mean...I am!

The woman looks her up and down appraisingly.

VILLAGE WOMAN:
     Funny--I always thought you'd be taller.

The other villagers murmur their assent and Gabrielle's posture deflates.

VILLAGE MAN:
     Of course everyone knows about the greatness of Xena. But we've heard so many stories about your proficiency as well. Perhaps you could give us a demonstration?

GABRIELLE:
     Sure! Why not? Uh...what kind of demonstration?

VILLAGE MAN:
     With the sais, of course!

GABRIELLE:
     Oh--of course! Be glad to!

CUT TO

The Village man drawing a crude target on a tree. He takes a few steps to the side, out of the way and waves to Gabrielle.

VILLAGE MAN:
     Ready!

Gabrielle stands at the center of a semicircle gathered around her. She holds a sai in her right hand, squinting at the target. Finally she raises it above her shoulder.

GABRIELLE:
     Okay! Get ready!

She is about to throw the sai when she suddenly stops and motions to the village man.

GABRIELLE:
     Could you move back just a few more...?

He takes a few steps back and Gabrielle motions again.

GABRIELLE:
     Just a few more!

He takes another few steps, now a good distance from the tree. Gabrielle raises the sai above her shoulder again, about to throw, then stops and turns to the people gathered behind her.

GABRIELLE:
     You might want to move back a bit too.

They step back en masse and Gabrielle turns back to the target. She raises the sai, shifts her weight to her back foot and is about to throw.

XENA:
     Hold it!

Gabrielle gasps in surprise and drops the sai in shock. She bends and retrieves it.

GABRIELLE:
     I've told you before not to do that!

Xena strides over and takes the sai from Gabrielle.

XENA:
     What do you think you're doing?

GABRIELLE (smiles):
     They wanted to see a demonstration by the legendary Gabrielle, Battling Bard of Poteidaia. Of Xena and Gabrielle. I'm just giving the public what they want. And trust me, public relations is key in your line of work.

Xena darts an alarmed look at the villagers and frowns.

XENA:
     Well--you could have killed someone. I'll take this. (she takes the sai from Gabrielle) I changed my mind. I need you over at the south wall.

GABRIELLE:
     What about the hospital?

XENA:
     That can wait.

Xena takes hold of Gabrielle's arm and pulls her away. Gabrielle smiles apologetically at the villagers. Xena shoots a scathing look at the villagers and marches off with Gabrielle in tow.

VILLAGE MAN (to the woman):
     Living legend, huh?

VILLAGE WOMAN:
     I hope Xena doesn't leave her in charge.

CUT TO

The walls of the town. Some villagers are just finishing boarding up a breach in the wall.

XENA (steps back to survey their work):
     Well, that should hold for a while. (to Gabrielle) I'm going out to do some scouting. (She squeezes Gabrielle's arm reassuringly) I'll be back soon, all right?

GABRIELLE:
     Be careful.

XENA (smiles):
     Don't you worry about me. I'm going to go get Argo--come on.

CUT TO

Xena and Gabrielle walking through the village street. The villagers passing by give them curious looks.

GABRIELLE:
     Hey, Xena--did you hear what one of those people called me back there? "The Gabrielle of Xena and Gabrielle"!

XENA (gives her a warm smile):
     That's right. That's us--we're a team, right?

GABRIELLE (a little too emphatically):
     Right! (pauses a moment) You know-- (she tilts her head with a puzzled look) it's funny. I mean, it's been what, about a moon I've been out on the road with you, and they all knew my name?

Xena is momentarily disconcerted by the question. She gives Gabrielle a thoughtful look, obviously uncomfortable at the prospect of lying to her friend but unwilling to tell the truth.

XENA:
     Word travels fast sometimes.

GABRIELLE:
     I guess it does...I must have made quite an impression on someone. Besides you, I mean. Because you're really not the storytelling type. (Off Xena's look, laughs a little self-consciously) Not that you--should be or anything.

XENA (smiles):
     It's all right.

They walk as Gabrielle continues to talk.

GABRIELLE (shakes her head):
     Those must have been some pretty wild stories people tell. "The Battling Bard?" Where did that come from? (laughs) And me throwing those dagger-type things?

XENA (uneasy but trying to seem nonchalant):
     Yeah--people sure tell some wild stories.

They are now approaching the stables.

GABRIELLE:
     You know, speaking of which--

The camera follows them inside the stable as she continues to speak. Argo, who's munching on some hay, neighs in greeting.

GABRIELLE (continues):
     --while you're gone, I think I'm going to work on my new scroll. You really should read the one I wrote about how we first met and how you fought Draco.

XENA (with genuine feeling):
     I will--I promise.

GABRIELLE (surprised):
     Really?

XENA:
     Definitely.

GABRIELLE:
     That's great. (grins) Now I feel really inspired.

XENA:
     Good. (She mounts Argo) I'll be back--good luck with the writing.

GABRIELLE (as Xena rides off):
     Good luck with the scouting! I'm going to work on the story of how I was almost-- (her voice flattens as she realizes that Xena is already out of earshot) the bride of--oh, never mind.

She looks after Xena a moment, shakes her head and smiles, then turns to look at the saddlebags lying in the hay.

GABRIELLE:
     All right, let's see. (She kneels down and starts to rummage in one of the bags) I know I put that scroll here somewhere--oh, here. (Pulls out a scroll and unfurls it) What's this? (reads) "Their teacher, it turned out, was none other than our dear friend Eli..." (mutters to herself) Eli...Who's--Eli? (reads on) "'I feel like I've disappointed you,' I said. 'You're walking through life preaching peace, and Xena and I have swords in our hands.'" (repeats to herself) Swords in our hands... (reads on) "She's afraid I'm becoming numb to the violence..."

Zoom in on Gabrielle's face. She looks bewildered, fascinated and alarmed.

GABRIELLE:
     What is this?

CUT TO

Some villagers guarding the gates, Haimon among them. He's sitting on a wooden crate, leaning on his sword, obviously lost in thought.

He is approached by the same villager who had asked Gabrielle to demonstrate her skill with the sais.

VILLAGE MAN:
     Say, I got a question for you.

HAIMON (looks up at him):
     Yeah?

VILLAGE MAN:
     That girl. You know, Gabrielle--

HAIMON (warily):
     What about her?

VILLAGE MAN:
     Well, we heard she was some kind of--tough warrior and that she's real good with the daggers. But... (he spreads his arms in dismay) she's just a kid!

VILLAGE MAN #2 (a somewhat younger man):
     That's right! And she can barely handle them-- (stumbles, trying to think of a name for the sais) things!

HAIMON (not quite sure what to say):
     I...well--she's--not quite herself today.

He falls silent, pondering his words. The villagers' talk fades into the background.

Pan to Xena riding up. Haimon looks up at her.

HAIMON:
     Well?

XENA (jumps down off Argo):
     No sign of them yet. All quiet here?

HAIMON:
     Well, earlier one of the villagers spotted some movement out there and raised an alarm thinking it was Akelos and his army mounting an attack. Turns out it was three goats grazing beyond that treeline. Other than that it's been pretty quiet.

Xena looks at him probingly, noticing that he seems to be upset about something.

XENA (comes over and sits down next to him):
     You sure everything's all right?

HAIMON (reluctantly):
     Yeah, it's just... (trails off)

XENA (understanding):
     Gabrielle?

HAIMON (sighs, reluctantly):
     Yeah.

XENA (quickly):
     She okay?

HAIMON:
     Yeah, yeah--she's... (he sighs and looks directly at Xena) I've always wondered what she was like--before.

Xena meets his stare, her face grim.

HAIMON:
     She's so... (looks for words, then gives up) different.

XENA:
     She's young.

HAIMON:
     She's warm and open--so curious about everything.

They are silent for a moment.

HAIMON:
     You know, just now one of those villagers asked me why she couldn't throw the sais and I told him she's not herself today.

Xena chuckles unhappily.

HAIMON (continues):
     But then I was thinking...is this the real Gabrielle? The way she was meant to be?

Xena gives him an odd, thoughtful look.

HAIMON:
     She's not the Gabrielle I fell in love with. Or maybe she is. Or-- (he shakes his head) I just can't help wondering what would have happened if I had met her when she was--like this. (quietly) Would I have loved her?

Xena glares at him, but then her glare softens to a guilty look and she turns away.

XENA (quietly):
     How could you not?

Close-up on Xena's anguished face.

CUT TO

Xena walking briskly down a village street, leading Argo behind her. As she walks through a deserted spot past a cluster of houses, there is a flare of blue light. Ares appears, leaning on a house, arms crossed on his chest. He stares at Xena with a mix of sympathy and amusement.

Xena slows down and looks at him, then sighs and shakes her head.

XENA:
     I'm not in the mood for this right now.

She walks on, striding past him.

ARES:
     Are you worried that she'll stay this way? Or that she won't?

Xena stops and whips around on him.

XENA:
      I am trying to protect her.

Ares comes slowly toward her.

ARES:
     From what? From growing up?

XENA:
     She didn't have to grow up that way! If I hadn't--

ARES (now standing face to face with her, interrupts):
     You know, maybe you're trying to do the same thing I did.

XENA (narrows her eyes):
     What are you talking about?

ARES:
     You're trying to turn her back into what she was. (He touches her face) Just like--I did with you.

Xena stares at him it shock for a moment, then belatedly swats away his hand.

XENA:
     I am not trying to turn her back into anything! She wished herself back. It's up to her to make that choice.

ARES:
     And how can she do that if she doesn't know what she's choosing?

XENA (exclaims in irritation):
     Argh! Stop trying to mess with my head.

ARES (raises an eyebrow):
     Me? I'm just trying to be helpful.

XENA (sarcastic):
     Well, somehow I don't think you're the person to help her.

ARES:
     Are you really helping her?

Xena stares at him, stricken. After a moment Argo neighs, breaking the tense silence, and Xena shakes her head, as if snapping out of a trance.

XENA:
     I gotta go.

She walks off briskly, leading Argo. Ares leans against the wall of the building and looks after her, arms folded on his chest.

CUT TO

The stables. Xena comes in with Argo and stops in her tracks. Gabrielle is sitting in the hay staring at her. She looks shocked and hurt.

XENA:
     Gabrielle--what's wrong?

She dashes toward Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE:
     Why didn't you tell me?

XENA (frowns):
     Tell you what?

Gabrielle holds up the scroll.

GABRIELLE:
     I read this. (pauses, searching for words) I wrote this.

Xena stands very still and nods.

XENA:
     Yes, you did.

GABRIELLE (bewildered):
     Xena, what's going on? Is this some kind of magic?

Xena sits down next to her.

XENA:
     In a way. It's a spell. You were turned back to the way you were when--we first met.

GABRIELLE (gasps):
     Ares! Did he do this?

XENA:
     No. (she sighs and pats Gabrielle's hand) You did.

GABRIELLE:
      I did?

XENA:
     There was an old gypsy, a fortuneteller... (she shrugs) a sorceress, I guess. She was reading your palm and talking to you about your past, and... (she trails off)

GABRIELLE (impatient):
     And?

XENA:
     You must have wished yourself back to this.

Gabrielle pauses for a moment to digest this.

GABRIELLE:
     Why didn't you tell me?

Xena gives her a long look, and then a rather forced smile.

XENA:
     Maybe I thought you could use a vacation. You know, the fighting--

GABRIELLE (thoughtfully):
     The fighting..."The Battling Bard..." (after a pause) So what happens now?

XENA:
     That's up to you. The gypsy said that only the wisher can undo the spell.

GABRIELLE (after a brief pause):
     So what am I supposed to do now? Am I supposed to just wish myself back?

XENA (trying to sound casual):
     Well, I don't think you should rush into anything. Like I said--take a break for a few days. Have some fun.

She puts an arm around Gabrielle and tousles her hair. Gabrielle smiles grudgingly and they sit quietly for a moment; then, Gabrielle's smile suddenly gives way to a worried look.

GABRIELLE:
     But what if you need my help? I mean, if I'm this Battling Bard everyone's talking about, I bet I can be--

XENA (interrupts):
     Don't you worry about me, Gabrielle. I can handle it.

GABRIELLE (crinkles her face):
     Sure, because you're the great big warrior princess and I'm just-- (she trails off and gives Xena a wondering look) well, I don't even know who I am. (she sighs) I guess I've got a lot of catching up to do. (gasps a little, remembering) And you. You've got to tell me why you and Ares are so friendly all of a sudden. I mean--

XENA:
     That's a long story.

GABRIELLE:
     Like I said...a lot of catching up.

CUT TO

The barn. It is now dark and a lantern casts a soft, golden glow. Gabrielle is pensively brushing Argo down in her stall. Haimon enters and is surprised at seeing her tending to the horse..

HAIMON (smiles teasingly):
     Funny. I don't ever recall you being so attentive to Argo before.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena does this whenever she's upset or has some thinking to do. (she shrugs) I thought I'd give it a try.

HAIMON:
     Are you all right?

Gabrielle sighs and stops brushing, earning an impatient neigh from Argo.

GABRIELLE:
     I don't know...Xena was just here.

Haimon looks at her curiously and Gabrielle hands him a scroll.

GABRIELLE:
     I found this in one of the saddlebags.

Haimon takes it from her and reads a moment. Finally, looks up at her, his eyes wide.

HAIMON:
     So you know...

GABRIELLE:
     I feel like my whole world has been turned upside down. (she smiles wryly) On the bright side, it looks like my writing has improved.

Haimon laughs nervously and reaches out to stroke Argo's mane.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena says it's my choice to make to wish myself back. (she frowns) But how am I supposed to make a choice like that? I know I'm supposed to be the Battling Bard but it doesn't feel like it has any connection to me. (she sighs) Maybe who we are is more about how those closest to us see us than how we see ourselves. Do you know what I mean?

Haimon stares at her.

GABRIELLE:
     Take Xena for example. When I first met her everyone saw her as just another warlord thug. But I saw something else. I saw someone brave and gentle with a good heart. Maybe by seeing those things in her I helped her be good. (she laughs self deprecatingly) Or maybe you should just start calling me Narcissus.

Haimon laughs warmly and takes a step closer to her, touching her cheek.

HAIMON:
     I don't know. But I do know if that's true then a person like you can change the world. You see the good in everything.

Gabrielle looks up at him.

GABRIELLE:
     What do you see in me, Haimon?

Haimon flinches and pulls his hand back.

HAIMON:
     What do you mean?

Gabrielle drifts a little closer to him.

GABRIELLE:
     I mean, I get the feeling that you and I are--

HAIMON:
     Good friends.

GABRIELLE:
     You know, it's funny. There are times you look at me and I don't think you're seeing just a friend.

Haimon moves slightly away from her.

HAIMON:
     Gabrielle, I--

GABRIELLE:
     Do you like me better the way I was before?

HAIMON (shrugs uncomfortably):
     You were different. Older...

GABRIELLE (frowning):
     Older and different. Well let's try this a different way. Do you like who I am now?

Haimon pauses. After a moment, he takes a step towards her, cups her face in his hands and leans down to kiss her on the lips. Gabrielle slips an arm around his neck and pulls him in closer.

CUT TO

Two of Akelos's men hiding in the shadows of an alley across from the stables.

THUG #1:
     We've been here forever! Why don't we just go in and grab her? She's a girl.

THUG #2:
     Because she's not in there alone. Some young buck went in not too long ago and we can't leave anything to chance. If we come back without the girl Akelos will skin us alive. We wait until she's alone then take her.

CUT TO

Haimon and Gabrielle reclining in the hay in the stable. Haimon is lying half on top of Gabrielle as they kiss passionately. She draws her arms around his shoulders and sighs. Haimon reaches up to run a hand through her hair. Argo neighs softly in the background and Haimon gently pulls away from the kiss, his hand still entangled in her hair.

HAIMON:
     Gabrielle...

Her eyes flutter open and she looks up at him, her expression soft and dreamlike.

GABRIELLE:
     Hmm?

He strokes her hair between his fingers.

HAIMON:
     We can't do this. It's not right. You--

GABRIELLE (frowns):
     I'm just a kid?

Haimon sits up.

HAIMON:
     Look--this has been a lot for you to take in and you're confused. I can't take advantage of that. (he gets to his feet, tucking his shirt back into his pants) Besides, I should be up on the barricade. (he extends his hand to her and helps her stand.)

GABRIELLE:
     Right.

Haimon lays his hands on her shoulders.

HAIMON:
     You'll be okay?

Gabrielle smiles brightly, though it is obviously forced.

GABRIELLE:
     Great. I'll just stay back here and finish taking care of Argo. Send Xena my regards.

Haimon smiles somewhat wistfully, kisses her on the forehead then leaves. Gabrielle stares after him a moment then sighs in exasperation.

GABRIELLE:
     Xena treats me like a kid, Haimon treats me like a kid and I'm stuck here taking care of a horse while they're off having all the fun.

Argo whinnies loudly. Gabrielle sighs as her eyes fall on the "Seeds of Faith" scroll lying on the ground. She bends down, picks it up and looks at it a moment, then looks up.

GABRIELLE:
     Well, if this is what it's going to be like--I'd rather be back the way I was!

She pauses as if expecting something to happen. When nothing does, her expression turns resolute and she marches out of the barn.

CUT TO

Outside. Gabrielle exits the barn. Two hands shoot out and drag her into the shadows. Thug #1 has a hand over her mouth and his arm crooked around her neck.

THUG #1:
     We've got her!

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE