FADE IN: EXT. LAKESIDE - SAME NIGHT It is a beautiful night with a sky full of twinkling stars. A full moon shines down, illuminating a path that goes from the castle, down a hillside, through a wooded area, and around a lake surrounded by low hills. A few wispy clouds occasionally float across the moon, but it is otherwise clear, all signs of the rain from the day before gone.  We hear the calls of a few night birds, and a light wind rustles the tall marsh grass and the leaves overhead. The lake seems almost to glow in the darkness, and the wind stirs the surface from time to time. Xena and Gabrielle are following Merlin on the path in the trees near the edge of the lake. Merlin is walking with his staff in one hand.  Xena still has Excalibur tucked into her belt, and her posture fairly bristles with agitation. GABRIELLE So, Merlin.  Where does this Lady live? I would have thought someone important enough to dictate the fate of your people would rate a room in the castle. MERLIN (chuckling) She's no mortal lady. XENA (mumbling sarcastically) Well doesn't that just figure?

Gabrielle takes her hand and squeezes it. GABRIELLE So she's a goddess? MERLIN She's the Lady of the Lake, the Goddess of Avalon, the link between mankind and the Earth Mother. GABRIELLE Avalon? I don't believe I've ever heard of Avalon or the Earth Mother. Is she a goddess too? Merlin slows his pace so they are walking three abreast with Gabrielle in the middle. The path is narrow, yet the foliage on either side magically parts back from them as they pass, so they have enough room without having to push back branches or duck under them. Xena watches this phenomenon with a look of intrigue on her face, her eyes darting all around. Gabrielle maintains a polite attitude as if nothing is out of the ordinary. Xena occasionally glances sideways to study Merlin. She lets go of Gabrielle's hand and falls back a few paces, and finds branches snapping back in her face as she walks. She speaks low enough that Gabrielle can't hear her, knowing Merlin can. XENA So only those that walk beside you get special treatment, eh, old man? She stops, hands on hips, and Merlin glances back at her for the briefest moment, casting the barest hint of a wink at her before he turns his attention back to Gabrielle. Xena dredges up a scowl, but after he turns his back, she shakes her head slightly, a smile tugging at her lips in spite of herself. She catches up and re-claims Gabrielle's hand, and the branches begin parting for her again. Gabrielle looks over at her with a puzzled expression and Xena smiles briefly. Gabrielle smiles at Xena, and then turns back to Merlin. MERLIN Avalon is an island, sacred to the worshippers of the Goddess. There was a time, Gabrielle, when the people of these lands honored the Goddess, the Earth and the seasons, and the natural order of things. GABRIELLE Sounds like a peaceful existence. MERLIN Yes, for the most part. But gradually, other people came to our shores, good men and barbarians, some from just across the water, and others from halfway around the world. GABRIELLE Around the world? What an interesting concept.

Merlin’s eyes twinkle in the darkness. MERLIN Isn't it?  As I was saying... other religions came into our land, clashing with the older ways of the Goddess, and causing contention among men. GABRIELLE (thoughtfully) Xena and I have encountered many gods and religions in our travels together. I've found most gods to be selfish, and many people seem to use religion for their own selfish gain as well. I've met only a few who served the ways of their religion with pure intent. And about the only goddess I've met who cared about people is my friend Aphrodite. MERLIN (eyes wide) You're personal friends with Aphrodite? GABRIELLE (smiling) Yes. We go back a long way. We weren't always friends, but she's come through for Xena and me several times. I guess you could say she grew on us after a while. You know her? MERLIN (chuckling) Yes. She does get around, doesn't she? Gabrielle laughs with him. GABRIELLE That she does. Xena steps in closer, draping a possessive arm across Gabrielle's shoulders. XENA Is Britannia's quarrel with the Saxons over this clash of religions? MERLIN Partly. Part of it is a battle for dominion, but yes, much of it is a desire on the part of the Saxons to force their ways on our people. XENA And what of Arthur? Does he intend to force the ways of Britannia on the Saxons, if he defeats them? MERLIN Don't you mean if YOU defeat them, Xena? XENA (impatiently) Listen, Merlin. I haven't agreed to do anything for you, Arthur, or Britannia. If I don't get good answers, we're out of here.

Merlin abruptly turns off the path, and the foliage continues to make way for them. Gabrielle and Xena almost collide as they turn to follow. They clear the wooded area and come to the very edge of the lake. MERLIN As you wish. Answers you shall have. He raises his arms out toward the water, pointing his staff toward the center of the lake. MERLIN (cont’d) Viviane, I bring you Xena, the warrior who bears Excalibur. She has questions for you. Among the ripples of the wind, larger ripples appear on the lake's surface, and they begin to churn. A glowing light is seen deep down, rising to the surface at a leisurely pace. GABRIELLE Wow. Xena stands slightly to the side and in front of her, in a protective stance, her fingers touching the edge of her chakram. The light continues to rise, taking shape, and a luminescent ghost-like head rises from the water, followed by a body covered in a long, flowing diaphanous gown. The Lady has long wavy hair, which flies out wildly all around her head.  Her face is serious, her eyes glowing icy blue in the moonlight. THE LADY VIVIANE (in an echoing voice) Xena. I've been expecting you for many years. You have questions?

XENA (defiantly) No. I have statements. This sword.... She draws Excalibur from her belt, and it glows in Viviane's presence. XENA (cont’d) I didn't ask for this. All I did was pull it from a rock and hold it for all of a few seconds. I don't want Camelot. I don't want to lead their army, and I don't care about the Saxons. With all due... respect... for you and the people of these lands, I'm giving it back to you. Give it to Arthur. He seems like a decent fellow. He's your warrior. Me, I just want to go home with Gabrielle and pick up where we left off. THE LADY VIVIANE It's not that simple, Xena. The sword was meant for Arthur, but you drew it from the stone first. Now you must bear it, and the destiny that goes with it. You can't give it back. XENA (vehemently) Destiny. Now there's a million-dinar word. Xena crosses her arms, Excalibur dangling loosely from one hand. XENA (cont’d) I've learned something, Lady. I make my own destiny, and I refuse this... gift.  Just tell me what I have to do to give it back. THE LADY VIVIANE Very well.  You must die in battle, after which the sword must be cast back into my lake. Then and only then will you be released from this responsibility. GABRIELLE (yelling) No! She lunges forward, and snatches the sword from Xena's surprised grasp. With a mighty heave backward and forward, she flings the sword through the air and into the water, where it floats for a moment, before it slowly sinks out of sight. She rubs her hands together, as if cleaning them of filth, and gestures angrily with both arms. Her expression is a mixture of fear and anger. GABRIELLE (cont’d) There! We skipped that dying step. It's all yours. Do with it what you will!

Viviane ducks below the surface, then shoots out of the water, the sword held high over her head. With one great swing of her arm, she sends it back to shore, where it lands at Xena's feet, the point embedded firmly in the soft ground. Gabrielle reaches down and determinedly picks it up, intent on tossing it back again. Xena steps in behind her and touches her shoulder. XENA Gabrielle.... GABRIELLE No!  If I keep trying.... XENA (gently) If you keep trying, she'll just keep sending it back. We have to find another way. GABRIELLE (almost sobbing) But she said.... Xena takes Excalibur from her and tucks it back into her belt.  She takes Gabrielle's hands, and examines them for a moment. XENA Hmmmm. She looks over at Merlin, and a knowing glance passes between them. XENA (cont’d) I heard her.  We'll find a way. GABRIELLE Xena! We can just walk away. Let them fight it out without Excalibur. Seems like they've been doing that all along anyway. XENA And we might do exactly that. Let's take some time to think this through. THE LADY VIVIANE (in a booming angry voice) If you two walk away from this, you automatically sentence Camelot to defeat by the Saxons. Think on that. With no further word, she disappears and the water swallows her up until there is no sign she was ever there. Gabrielle shakes a fist toward the lake. GABRIELLE Auugghhhhhh! She spins around and faces Xena. Gabrielle holds her hands out, palms toward Xena, stopping just short of shoving her. GABRIELLE (cont’d) Okay. We'll find a way, but dying is not an option, even for a minute. You got me? She storms off, back up the path, leaving Xena and Merlin behind. MERLIN Feisty, that one is. XENA (softly) She can be, yes.

Her gaze follows Gabrielle, until she disappears through the trees. XENA (cont’d) Merlin, Gabrielle touched Excalibur.... MERLIN With no lightening bolts? XENA Yes. MERLIN Only a fool couldn't see that you two are much more than friends. Even the Lady saw it. You did notice she said if the two of you walk away, you've doomed Camelot? XENA Gabrielle... she's been through things that would fell men much bigger than her. She's the strongest person I've ever known. But I'll NOT put her through pain over this, Merlin. I won't.  You can tell me what it means, but I swear I'll walk away and Camelot can go to Tartarus, before I'll allow her to suffer any more than she already is.

MERLIN The two of you share the same spirit. Thus, Gabrielle can also wield Excalibur unharmed, and this has become her fight as well. XENA It already was....  Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find her, so we can figure this out. Merlin watches her leave. MERLIN And I've no doubt the two of you will. CUT TO: EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD GARDEN - SAME NIGHT Xena opens a wooden gate in the castle wall, and steps into a well-tended garden.  It's peaceful there, and she sniffs the air as she passes a large flowering vine that grows on the wall.  She makes her way along a cobbled path, the moon lighting her way. When she's halfway across the courtyard, she stops, cocking her head to one side, listening.  Then she quickly ducks behind a tree, watching as Lancelot and a beautiful young woman comes running past.  Lancelot is leading the woman by the hand, and they are both laughing merrily. Lancelot leads her off the path and under a tree across from Xena, taking both of the woman's hands in his own.  The wind plays in her hair, and he reaches up, also pushing it back from her face. The woman’s eyes dart around. WOMAN We must be careful. LANCELOT I don't feel like being careful. He pulls her into his arms and kisses her passionately. Xena watches, smirking in amusement. The woman pushes him back, but keeps her hands on his chest. WOMAN We might be seen. LANCELOT And someday, my lady, I hope to proclaim my love for you from the top of the castle walls. He pulls her close and kisses her again. It goes on for several moments, and Xena appears impatient, as her fingertips drum against the tree trunk. Finally, she rolls her eyes, and as the couple continues to tryst, she sneaks past them. Just as she passes them, the woman opens her eyes and sees Xena over Lancelot's shoulder. Their eyes meet, then Xena takes off. The woman pushes Lancelot away, as Xena reaches the side door to the castle. WOMAN (gasping) Someone's out here. A woman. LANCELOT Where?

He spins in a circle, looking all around, but Xena has slipped inside the castle, out of sight. CUT TO: INT. CASTLE, BEDROOM - SAME NIGHT The room is luxurious, compared to the sparse entry chamber.  A large canopied bed is in the middle of the room against the wall, flanked on each side by ornately carved bedside tables.  A privacy screen sits in one corner, and behind it is a long rack of various gowns and other articles of clothing.  Next to that is a dressing table and padded chair.  Off to one side is a private bathing room with a large sunken oval tub.  To the other is a window and a door that leads to a balcony.  A side table holds a silver pitcher of water and matching goblets, along with a platter of bread, cheese, and fruit, and a wine flask sits next to that. Gabrielle stands at the window, staring out into the night.  She's dressed in a fancy nightgown.  She appears lost in thought, when Xena enters the room.  She approaches Gabrielle hesitantly, her steps measured, her face sad. XENA Gabrielle.... GABRIELLE (wistfully) Remind me the next time I ask to be pampered to be a bit more specific as to the circumstances.

Xena stops completely for a moment, and her posture relaxes, as she releases a relieved sigh. She chuckles lightly. XENA And remind me next time we go to an inn for the night to bolt the window closed. She closes the distance and places her hands on Gabrielle's shoulders. They both laugh together. XENA AND GABRIELLE (in unison) I'm sorry.... Gabrielle turns and places her hands against Xena's chest. Xena pulls Gabrielle closer. XENA I don't plan on dying for Camelot. Gabrielle touches Xena’s face. GABRIELLE And I don't intend to let you. Xena, what do we do? They move out to the balcony and sit down on a marble bench, facing each other. The night breeze stirs their hair, and an owl hoots somewhere off in the distance. GABRIELLE (cont’d) Merlin seems wise. I don't know why, but I trust him. And Arthur seems like a good man. XENA I've still got a bone to pick with Merlin, but I agree on both points. Still.... GABRIELLE You'd like to get to know Arthur better? Me too. I have a good idea of what kind of person he is. A selfish man would have been planning your demise before you ever got here, not bowing at your feet. I have to think he truly has the good of Camelot at heart. XENA Yes. Agreed, but I want to hear what his intentions are; how he plans to handle the Saxons if we do defeat them... because I don't plan to hang around and take care of the details for them. Assuming I fight for them at all. Gabrielle sits back a bit, crossing her legs on the bench and looking down for a moment. Xena's eyes roam over her, her expression pleased.  She reaches out and touches a flounce on the hem of the nightgown. XENA (cont’d) You look beautiful. GABRIELLE (smiling) Thank you. She takes Xena's hand, playing with it as she talks. GABRIELLE (cont’d) Xena, if Arthur is the good man he appears to be, I don't think we have a choice. The Saxons... from what little Merlin said, they sound like barbarians. I don't think I can in good conscience walk away from Camelot and doom them to that. XENA True, but there's that whole nasty dying problem to get around. I've got some ideas.

Gabrielle looks up, studying Xena's face, her own face reflecting her love for Xena. GABRIELLE Me too.  I've been thinking on that.  What about that poison?  The one Callisto put on that dart the first time she attacked you. We sure thought you were dead, but you weren't. Maybe you could use just a little of that. XENA (thoughtfully) Mmmm.  Too risky.  I can't control the battle.  Sure, I can control it to a certain extent, but I can't control the exact timing of things.  If I take the poison, and don't manage to win in time, I risk dropping on the field in the middle of the fight.  If I finish things up sooner than I anticipate, I risk not dying during the battle, so to speak. GABRIELLE Okay.  Well, we'll think of something else. XENA You could put the pinch on me. Gabrielle stares at her in outrage. GABRIELLE (with finality) NO. XENA All right. I could put the pinch on myself, and you could take it off. GABRIELLE And if I don't get to you in time?

XENA (sighing) Gabrielle, I've got to play dead somehow. I have a feeling they'll actually check for a heartbeat.  How about this?  As soon as I pick off their leader, I fall down on the field and pretend to be injured.... Gabrielle interrupts and rises partway up. GABRIELLE That works. Problem solved. Let's go to bed. Xena pushes her back down, stifling a laugh. XENA Hold on.  They'll check.  Let me finish. I wait until you get to me, then I put the pinch on myself, just long enough to stop my heartbeat.  Then you take it off.  How about that? GABRIELLE (unhappily) Xena, I don't like it. She scoots forward, taking Xena's other hand. GABRIELLE (cont’d) If it comes to that, all right.  I can live with that.  But I think we're putting the cart before the horse here.  How about I talk with Arthur tomorrow, get a feel for where he's coming from?  Meanwhile, you go check out the army, see what you need to do if we do decide to fight for them.  Then we can figure out the rest of the details. XENA Sounds like a plan. She stands and pulls Gabrielle up with her, and leads her back inside while slowly nudging her toward the bed. XENA (cont’d) Right now, I've got a plan that involves me, you, that nice big bed over there, and maybe that wine flask on the table. Gabrielle urges her forward, pulling her head down for a kiss. They part, still standing nose-to-nose. GABRIELLE (softly) Now that's a plan I have no argument with. They laugh and exchange a few more kisses, while they undress each other.  Then they make their way to the bed as we.... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO