FADE IN

Ares (now wearing gauntlets and pendant again) is sitting at a table laden with what looks like a sumptuous meal: fruit, roasted meat and fowl, other delicacies, as well as wine. He is eating a piece of meat. He drinks some wine, then puts down his goblet and glances a little tensely to his right.

The camera pans to show Conqueror Xena sitting near him, leaning back in a black chair with gold-plated armrests and back.

The room is richly decorated in Egyptian style, with carvings and Egyptian-style paintings on the walls.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Tell me about her.

ARES:
     Who?

CONQUEROR XENA:
     The other Xena. The one in your world.

Ares eyes her guardedly. Finally, he shrugs.

ARES:
     There's not much to tell.

The Conqueror leans forward and gives him a feral, chillingly seductive smile.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Oh, but I think there is. You said she was a warrior. Tell me more. (she smiles again) If your Xena is anything like me, you should know I'll be able to tell if you're lying.

ARES (sighs):
     She was a warlord once. I used to think she'd end up like you, the greatest Warrior Queen ever to rule an empire. Then she left all that behind and started... (he stumbles, searching for words under her piercing gaze) helping others. Stopping wars, putting slavers out of business--defending villages from warlords--

He trails off. There is a long pause. The Conqueror drinks some wine from her goblet, then puts it down. There is a droplet of red wine trickling down from her lip.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     So--she decided to become a good person.

ARES (somewhat at a loss for words):
     Well, that's not to suggest you're--bad--

Conqueror Xena laughs lightly but with a bitter undertone.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You haven't been around this world very long, have you? You should hear what they call me in the countryside--"the monster," "the she-demon." (She pauses) You know what kind of tales the peasants tell about me? (She leans toward Ares and lowers her voice) They say I kill virgins and bathe in their warm blood to improve my complexion.

Ares looks slightly apprehensive before reverting to flippancy.

ARES:
     Talk about a bloodbath.

CONQUEROR XENA (leans back, picking up her goblet again):
     Not that I--actually do.

She licks up the wine from her chin.

ARES:
     Oh, good. That would be such a waste of perfectly good virgins.

Conqueror Xena is silent for a moment, looking off into the distance with an unreadable look on her face. Then she turns back to Ares.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     So, what changed her?

ARES (reluctant):
     Her army raided a village called Ikaros. While she was away, her lieutenant, Darphus--

Conqueror Xena gives him a sharp look, obviously recognizing the name.

ARES (continues):
     ...had everyone put to the sword--even the women and children. One child survived, and Xena stopped Darphus from killing him. Then Darphus turned her army against her and made her walk the gauntlet...

The Conqueror stares at him, her face hard.

ARES (continues):
     She survived. Then she decided to go up against Hercules...

Close-up on the Conqueror, who reacts visibly to the mention of Hercules.

ARES (continues):
     Hercules had been on her trail--she'd tried to kill him before--and she knew that with his head as her trophy, she'd win her army back. Except that he defeated her, and spared her life. Next thing I know--she's teaming up with him to stop Darphus. (He pauses) And then--I guess she chose her new life.

CONQUEROR XENA (wryly):
     Please don't tell me she and Hercules were an item.

ARES (grimaces slightly):
     Enough to kill your appetite, huh? Then she went off by herself--looking to redeem herself for her past, yadda yadda yadda... started traveling with this girl she picked up in some village who became her best friend... (off Conqueror Xena's amused look) That's about it.

There is a brief silence.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     So--she had tried to kill Hercules before, and failed. (She looks at Ares with a feral smile) Well, I succeeded. I suppose that's the main difference between me and your Xena. (pauses) Well, and--I have better taste in men.

Ares stares at her in shock.

ARES (slowly):
     You--killed Hercules.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     His friend Iolaus turned out to be good bait. See, at first, my plan was to get them to fight each other so Hercules would kill Iolaus--and after that--he'd be easy pickings. But then-- (she grins a little and snaps her fingers) I figured that for that to work, I had to count on Hercules killing his best friend, and--I just couldn't be sure of that. So instead--

DISSOLVE TO

CROSS-FADE TO

Medium close-up on the Conqueror, reclining in her chair. The camera pulls back slowly as she speaks.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     And seven years later--here I am-- (gazing into the distance) Monarch of the Empire--Conqueror and Ruler of Greece, Rome, Egypt, Gaul-- (a small headshake, as if snapping out of it) ...it's a long list.

After a somewhat tense silence, she turns to Ares.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Must have been--quite a disappointment when your Xena went over to the other side.

ARES (chuckles bitterly):
     You could say that.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     You tried to get her back?

ARES:
     Didn't work.

He picks up his goblet, gulps down the wine that's left and puts it down, almost slamming it down on the table. The Conqueror contemplates him with obvious curiosity.

ARES:
     It's funny--you're everything I wanted her to be... (trails off)

CONQUEROR XENA (a hint of mockery in her tone):
     ...but?

Ares stares at her silently. The Conqueror rises from her chair and comes up to him.

CONQUEROR XENA (softly):
     I think you should get used to the fact that I'm the only Xena you're ever likely to see from now on.

He looks up at her, his face reflecting a struggle of emotions--uncertainty, fascination, anguish, anxiety.

She leans down and kisses him on the lips.

After a moment she breaks away. Ares looks up at her, breathless.

ARES:
     Wait--

CONQUEROR XENA (in a playful tone that has a hint of a threat):
     You're not saying no to me, are you?

She kisses him again, clutching at his vest and pulling him up to his feet. This time, it's a long, hard, passionate kiss that makes him moan and shudder. Conqueror Xena lifts her hands, clutching at the back of Ares' head; he draws his arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

She pulls back, looking at him with a wicked gleam in her eye, and moves to undo his belt. The camera tracks the belt falling to the floor, pans to Conqueror Xena's headdress (tiara and veil) dropping to the floor as well; then moves up to show Ares and Conqueror Xena in medium close-up.

ARES (hoarsely):
     You don't think we're--

He gasps, his voice breaking off as his face convulses in pleasure. She kisses his neck, then pushes his vest open and dives down to kiss his chest while his hands roam over her back.

After a moment Ares pulls her up, his hands at her shoulders, so that they are face to face, his eyes searching hers. Conqueror Xena lifts a hand and strokes his face, then runs her fingers over his lips.

CONQUEROR XENA (huskily):
     You know--if you don't want this-- (she runs her hands down, over his neck and his chest) all you have to do is--say the word.

Ares stares at her, breathing hard. Then he pulls her toward him in an almost violent gesture and kisses her passionately.

DISSOLVE TO

A bedroom, also with Egyptian design, bathed in soft golden candlelight.

A montage of images:

* The Conqueror pushes off Ares' vest and they kiss

* A shot of the Conqueror from the back, as her dress slides down

* Ares leans back on the pillows

* Conqueror Xena on top of Ares, kissing him, her hair cascading down

* Close-up on Ares, his eyes half-lidded, his mouth open slightly in a moan of pleasure

* Close-up on the Conqueror, her head thrown back and her eyes closed, a look of ecstasy on her face

DISSOLVE TO

Ares lies back, his eyes closed, Conqueror Xena's head resting on his shoulder, his hand in her hair. His breath grows soft and steady; he is obviously drifting off to sleep.

The Conqueror pulls herself up and kisses him gently on the lips; Ares stirs slightly.

ARES (mutters drowsily):
     I love you, Xena...

Close-up on the Conqueror's face. There is a strange, startled look in her eyes, as if she doesn't know quite how to react.

CUT TO

A little later. Conqueror Xena is adjusting her dress. She walks out of the bedroom, trying not to make any noise.

CUT TO

Conqueror Xena (with her headdress back on) walks down a hallway in the palace. The guards salute as she passes.

CUT TO

An austerely decorated room in the palace. Conqueror Xena sits at a desk, writing on a scroll. There is a sealed wine jar at her side.

The door is heard opening. A man in an officer's uniform, seen from the back, enters the shot.

CONQUEROR XENA (without lifting her head):
     General Kirillus.

A medium close-up of the officer. It's Kirillus from "Ties That Bid."

KIRILLUS (salutes):
     Conqueror. At your pleasure.

The Conqueror lifts her head and smirks slightly.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Oh, that won't be necessary. (She pauses) You've always wanted to be governor of a province, haven't you?

Kirillus looks at her, his eyes lighting up, then presses his fist over his heart.

KIRILLUS:
     You know my only wish is to serve you, Conqueror.

CONQUEROR XENA (smiles):
     Don't be so modest. You're an ambitious man. Very well--Sparta is yours. You leave tomorrow.

KIRILLUS (gasps):
     Sparta! Conqueror--I never expected-- (he pauses, surprised) You're recalling Darphus?

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Not exactly. (she points to the scroll) You'll take this to Governor Darphus and tell him I'm transferring him to Gaul.

Kirillus nods.

CONQUEROR XENA (continues, rising to her feet):
     But--there's something else. (she approaches Kirillus, who looks at her with some apprehension) Can I--rely on your discretion, General?

KIRILLUS (drops to one knee and kisses her hand):
     And my loyalty--to the death.

CONQUEROR XENA (smiles):
     Get up.

Kirillus rises and looks at her expectantly.

CONQUEROR XENA (motions to the jar on the table):
     This is a rare Falernian wine. Take it to Darphus--as a gift from me. You'll share it with him in a toast to the Monarch. But first-- (she hands him a vial) make sure to drink the antidote.

Kirillus stares at her, stunned.

CONQUEROR XENA (continues):
     You see, Kirillus, I've learned from--a reliable source--that Darphus plans to betray me.

KIRILLUS:
     Then why not a public execution?

CONQUEROR XENA (narrows her eyes):
     You're not questioning my judgment--are you?

KIRILLUS (shakes his head):
     No, Conqueror--of course not.

CONQUEROR:
     I have my reasons. (pauses) You'll do it, then?

KIRILLUS (takes the vial and hides it in his vest, bows his head):
     Consider it done.

CONQUEROR XENA (with a nasty smile):
     Good. (pauses, then adds in a casual tone) Oh, and after the toasts--I wouldn't stick around too long if I were you. It won't be pleasant.

CUT TO

A wide shot of Gabrielle's family's farmhouse and yard. It's sunrise. The sky is clear and the air is filled with birdsong.

Zoom in on the chicken coop where Gabrielle is feeding the chickens.

Pan to Xena coming out of the house. She sees Gabrielle, smiles softly and approaches.

XENA:
     You're up early.

GABRIELLE (shrugs):
     I couldn't sleep. (she is silent a moment) I'm sorry if I've been rude. We don't see many strangers in Potaideia. The last time was-- (she trails off into silence. After a moment she steels herself and looks up.) This is your first time in Macedonia?

XENA:
     Not exactly.

GABRIELLE:
     So you've done a lot of traveling?

XENA (smiles):
     I guess you could say that.

Gabrielle continues scattering feed for the chickens.

GABRIELLE:
     I did some traveling myself a few years back.

Xena is clearly shocked at this.

XENA:
     You did?

GABRIELLE (nods):
     When I was eighteen I was betrothed to a boy. Perdicus and I had been friends all our lives but-- (she sighs) I was young and idealistic. I was looking for... something. I felt so... empty here. I just knew that I was meant for something more. So one night I ran away.

XENA:
     How long were you gone?

GABRIELLE:
     Three years, wandering from town to town, telling stories to support myself.

XENA:
     All by yourself?

GABRIELLE:
     Sometimes a friend would meet up with me in a town. (she chuckles lightly) He told me a young girl needed someone to look after her. (sighs) Poor Joxer. He really wasn't much of a fighter. We depended more on me being able to talk our way out of trouble than on him. But still, he was a good friend to me.

XENA:
     What happened to him? Is he--?

GABRIELLE (flinches):
     He joined up with the rebels to fight the Monarch and-- (she lifts her hand in a futile gesture.)

Xena presses her lips together in an effort to hold back her own emotion.

XENA:
     I'm sorry, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle sniffs and looks away.

GABRIELLE:
     Anyway, after that...I guess I realized that I was just acting out some silly romantic fantasy.

XENA:
     So you came home?

GABRIELLE (nods):
     I knew that whatever I was looking for, I'd never find it--so I came home and agreed to marry Perdicus.

XENA:
     You loved him?

GABRIELLE (sighs):
     Yes. What we had was steady and dependable. It wasn't some grand, passionate thing where two people share each other's souls--but by then I'd realized that that kind of love doesn't really exist.

XENA:
     I don't know. I think it does.

GABRIELLE (snorts):
     You would.

Gabrielle falls contemplatively silent. Impulsively, Xena reaches out to touch her shoulder and Gabrielle steps back.

GABRIELLE:
     I should feed Gideon.

XENA:
     Gideon?

GABRIELLE:
     My pet goat--mine and Lila's. He's not much use to us and he's just an extra mouth to feed--but Lila and I have had him since he was a kid. I missed him when I was gone and I-- (she takes another step back and shakes her head) I'm sorry.

Gabrielle spins around and rushes off. Xena stands still, looking after her.

CUT TO

A hallway in the palace. The Conqueror, clad in a kimono, approaches a massive ornate door with Egyptian-style design and is about to pull the handle when hurried steps are heard behind her.

WOMAN (off-camera):
     Conqueror--an urgent message!

The Conqueror turns. The same female servant we saw in Act 2 approaches, almost running.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     What is it, Marissa?

MARISSA:
     One of your officers is here with news--says he needs to see you right away. He's waiting in the throne room.

CONQUEROR XENA (her face hardening):
     Bad news, then. I'll be there.

CUT TO

An officer with a rather sheepish expression on his face stands facing the camera.

CONQUEROR XENA (off-camera):
     This woman. What did she look like?

The camera pulls back to show the Conqueror on her throne, dressed in the same style as in Act 2 but in a dark blue dress this time. The officer stands in front of her.

OFFICER:
     Well--to be honest, Conqueror--I wondered if the men were making it up, because the description they gave sounded a little like...

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Yes?

OFFICER:
     Well, like--you. Of course, none of them had ever seen you, except from a great distance at parades--only the statues, and the images on the banners--

CONQUEROR XENA:
     Go on.

OFFICER:
     And the description they gave of her weapon... (squirms a little) It sounded much like the stories of your chakram.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     I see.

She rises and walks down the steps of the throne, looking thoughtful.

CONQUEROR XENA:
     The men were lying all right--when they said the peasants came to this woman's aid. (She chuckles) Probably too embarrassed to admit she beat them all by herself.

OFFICER (puzzled):
     You know who she is?

CONQUEROR XENA:
     I have a pretty good idea. (she stares into the distance, her face unreadable, then turns to the officer) As for that village-- (coldly) wipe it off the map.

As she speaks, we:

DISSOLVE TO

A village being raided by the Conqueror's troops. Houses are burning, armed men are galloping through the village, the villagers are running around in a panic.

The Conqueror continues to speak, her voice heard over a montage of images.

CONQUEROR XENA (voice-over):
     Anyone who can tell you anything useful about this woman or where she went--bring them to me. As for the rest--

Montage:

* A villager armed with a pitchfork tries to defend his home. He is struck down by a sword-wielding soldier who then runs into the house and comes out dragging behind him a struggling teenage girl.

* A woman runs screaming

* A house is torched

CONQUEROR XENA (continues, in voice-over):
     ...show no mercy.

* A woman throws a rock at a soldier, hitting him in the head and knocking him off his horse

* A soldier gallops on horseback, raising a spear

* The woman falls

CONQUEROR XENA (continues, in voice-over):
     Crucify fifty of the peasants along the main road. Kill anyone who resists. And burn everything.

* A terrified old man is seen in the window of a burning house, which collapses a moment later

* A little boy runs through the burning village

DISSOLVE TO CROSS-FADING IMAGES:

The village lies in ruins.

Crosses with bodies hanging over them loom over a road as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE