Xena: Warrior Princess s01e02 Episode Script
Chariots of War
And so, Zeus, in his appreciation, turned the two lovers into oak trees.
And then do you know what happened? Somebody built a boat out of them? No-- their branches intertwined, and they spent the rest of their days in each others embrace.
Whats the point? Come on, Xena.
I believe everyone will find their tree in the forest someday even you.
I find the strongest trees in the forest stand alone.
You dont have to be strong all the time, Xena; sometimes its good for the soul to be soft.
Oh, yeah.
Look, Im gonna ride up ahead and see if we can ford the Meleatus River.
Otherwise, well have to double back two days.
Lets find some place you can wait for me.
Whats wrong with this place? Hello, beautiful.
Another place sounds good.
Come on blondie, tell me a story.
Dont forget about me.
I wont.
All right.
Oww! Are you all right? Hold the peg like this.
See, and you wont hit your hand.
Dad? What? How come those riders destroyed Tynus barn? Does that mean were going back to Troy? No.
No, no matter what happens, this is our home now.
Told you! Darius? What? Hows it coming with the little carpenters? Oh, dont you worry.
Well have your barn up in no time.
Good.
Sarita.
Lets go cut some more boards.
What is it, Sarita? You know, theres nothing there, Honey.
What is it this time? Go! Take cover! Argolis, wheres your brother? I dont know.
Go, go, go! Dad? Gotcha! Thank you.
Who are you? A friend.
Archers, fire! Ill take these.
No, I need them.
Not here-- not in my house.
Ive never done this before.
Its all right, I have.
Put a poker in the fire.
Boo! Everyone, out, out! Do we have to? Yes.
We always miss everything good.
So, who was I fighting back there? They were the men of Cycnus-- a warlord.
Hes laid claim to our lands.
Looks like he was doing more than that.
The arrow didnt pass through.
Ah, good.
No, its bad-- youll have to push it through.
I dont think I can do that.
Do it! Now, break the arrow head.
Pull out the shaft.
Oh, thank the gods thats over.
Not quite-- Get the poker.
Wait, uh-- Youre not gonna just-- Leave us.
Hello, Father.
Youre growing more powerful, my son.
Ares will be pleased.
My warrior education is complete.
I am ready to take your place.
Nah, theres still something missing, the desire to kill.
Youre wrong.
Today, I killed a great warrior in the belly.
Who? She fell before I could ask her name.
A woman, ha-ha! You think that would impress the god of war? But she was a-- The honor of keeping Ares horses falls to the mightiest warrior.
He will not choose you merely because youre my son.
You must _prove_ yourself worthy.
I am.
Yeah, why havent you conquered this valley yet? These farmers dishonor the god of war with their peaceful ways.
Strike them down.
If your brother Stentor were alive-- I am _not_ my brother.
Everytime I see you in battle, Im reminded of that.
Now, am I worthy of Ares? Ha-ha! Almost.
Did you see the way she bashed up those guys? Zing, pow! Do you think shes gonna die, Argolis? If she does, I get her horse.
Do not.
Do to.
Im the eldest.
Besides, youre too little to ride.
Am not.
Are too.
I dont know what you guys are arguing about Itll take more than an arrow to get rid of me.
Father, shes awake, shes awake.
Im sure shell be here any minute.
Shes very dependable.
Of course, she also takes a lot of risks.
You gonna have a drink or not? Yes, thanks.
Its not a gift.
What? Oh-- Hah! I have money.
Actually, Im not a big drinker.
Do you have any water? You have a very nice establishment.
How late are you open? Late.
So this giant had me trapped in a boxed canyon.
Did he try to step on you? Yeah, sure he tried, but I was ready for him.
I jammed this big-- Um, feather-- You mean, you tickled his foot with a feather? Well, not just a feather.
See, you gotta remember, these guys have really big feet.
I had to use the whole goose.
You got an exciting life.
Do you travel with your family? I dont have a family.
I wish I could ride with you.
No, you dont.
The road is a hard place to live-- Not knowing where youll sleep, what youll eat.
I dont often share a meal with such good company.
Neither do we.
Hey, whats your name? She doesnt talk.
No? Not since we lost her mother.
Tynus.
We have to talk.
Why is that woman still here? Shes not one of us, Darius.
She fights.
Youve seen that with your own eyes.
Her kind make enemies.
Shell have to leave your home.
No, she saved my son.
Shes a guest in my home until shes well.
Theres talk, Darius.
Your house has been without a woman for a long time.
But, but this is not the answer.
By keeping her here, you break your oath.
What oath have I broken, Tynus? To live only for peace.
To care for a wounded woman is not an act of war.
She lied to you.
Other people have heard of this woman.
Shes no warrior.
Shes a murderer, a killer.
As soon as shes able to ride, shell leave.
Good.
You know, I hope, for your sake, she recovers quickly.
You cant be thinking of leaving in your condition.
I left a friend back in the last village she depends on me.
Your friend can take care of herself for a few days You need more rest.
Look, if what Tynus said is-- What Tynus said is true.
Ive done some horrible things in my past.
Your past is your past.
The Xena I know risked her life to save my son.
Thats who I let into my home.
And I appreciate it- - but its time for me to move on- Its all right.
Are you so brave that you fear someone caring for you? Whats that? Trouble.
The silo-- our food.
Its a bit early for a celebration.
Can I have some water, please? Thu Let me buy you a mug of ale.
But then youll owe me.
How generous.
Of course, I have to decline.
What would people think? I mean, me a a young, innocent girl taking gifts from a swarthy stranger? Hmm! The gossip alone would send this town reeling.
Thu Is that yes? Well, not in the customary sense of the word.
But maybe you could help me.
Im looking for a friend of mine.
I can be your friend.
Im serious-- and youd better back off before I find her.
Its Xena.
The Warrior Princess? Yeah.
Well, I like it.
I could be a friend to both of you.
And Im looking for my boyfriend-- Big, strong, jealous type, huh!-- And there he is now.
Hmm! Hes resting, after polishing his giant, lethal sword collection.
Hes not your boyfriend.
Oh, you dont think so? No, I dont.
Pretend you know me.
Ah, no problem.
What are you doing? Where are my weapons? We dont need you to fight.
Who else, Darius? Someone has to stop them.
No, I mean, we dont _want_ you to fight.
Tynus just told me-- theyre giving us a peace offer.
Were meeting them in town.
Is burning the silo a peace offer? Dont be foolish-- Cycnus only respects power.
Xena, I went to war once.
I went to war.
I lost everything I was fighting for.
I am sorry, but you cant make peace with warmakers.
I know these people, Darius I was these people.
But Xena, something changed you.
Maybe we can change them.
Cant you see that this is our last hope before bloodshed? Its worth a try, isnt it? Please, for the sake of peace.
So, um, how longve we been seeing each other, ah Gabrielle, and you fell madly in love with me the moment we met.
Well, its no wonder.
The- the way you kiss.
Uh-- what brings you to this place? Ah-- Im looking for my best friend-- maybe youve seen her? Six feet tall, dark hair, lots of leather.
She fights like the Harpies in a bad mood.
Her names Xena.
Ah, no, uh, sorry.
This friend of yours, you were, you were close? Are you kidding? Like this.
I dont know what Im worried about.
If anyone can take care of herself, its Xena.
So what do you do? I, uh, I work for my father.
I took over for my brother after he died in battle.
But, he makes me do things I never thought I would.
Things I regret.
Mmm, I can understand that.
My mother always wanted me to get married and have kids.
And I remember, telling her that Id always be grateful for the way that she raised me.
But she couldnt expect me to pay for that with my future.
Thats um, thats very insightful.
Its a gift.
Anyway, I came to a point in my life where I had to make a choice.
And I thought about who I really was, and I made it.
Well, look, um I better go.
Um, Maybe Ill see you around sometime? Im ready.
I-- What? I just dont think that you should wear -- this-- to the meeting.
Well, I dont have anything else.
Come with me-- come on.
This should fit you.
Ive never worn anything like this before.
It belonged to my wife.
I couldnt-- It wouldnt be right.
Well, its either this or the warrior outfit.
I just dont think the settlers will react very well to that.
Well, I dont think a dress is gonna change their attitude toward me.
Ah, youd be surprised by the power of this dress- - She was wearing it the first time I saw her.
Even more reason why I shouldnt wear it.
I dont want to spoil a beautiful memory.
Xena, my wifes memory lives on in my heart -- I want you to wear it.
You called for me, Father? Ive made things easy for you, Sphaerus.
Hows that? Ive arranged a meeting, to talk peace with these simple farmers.
You mean it? Were gonna have a council of peace? And I want you to go to the meeting and talk to them.
Definitely, everything can be worked out.
And kill them all-- Make me proud of you, my son.
Make Ares proud, huh? Make sure he kills them all.
Dad, since were meeting the men who burned our grain, does that mean were friends with them now? Not quite.
But still, were hoping for peace, and maybe friendship.
It might require a sacrifice.
So, weve decided to give them Lykus.
What?! Argolis! Dont taunt your brother.
But, its so much fun.
Well, it looks like were ready to go to the meeting.
Uh, while we wait for the others to arrive, Id like to say how, how happy I am were going to be able to settle this issue, once and for all.
Now you see, I told you we could trust them.
Whats she doing here? I invited her.
We need peace-makers, not warriors.
She could ruin everything.
I thought that-- Its all right-- Ill wait back here.
Uh, the violence in our valley is unnecessary.
We have to learn to live together.
Im, Im so glad we can meet like this and talk over our differences.
I think this is gonna work.
My father has a-- a solution.
And its-- its my job to present it to you.
We know you came here from Troy, and are tired of the scourge of war.
We are tired, too.
We want peace just as you do, but-- I-- We-- we need to keep communications open.
Its the only way we can find a solution.
I hope we can all agree on that.
I told you shed ruin everything! Everybody out! Youve got the children? After them! No! Let them go.
Why couldnt you just stay out of it?! Darius, those men were waiting there to slaughter you.
Do you really think you couldve made peace with them? Well, I guess Ill never know.
Dont run.
Sometimes you have to stand and fight.
Do you think I like running? Part of me would love to pick up a sword! But I have _seen_ the pain that war brings.
I cant do that again.
Your suffering will not be eased by letting men like Cycnus crush the innocent.
Xena, I need to take my children to safety.
Its what I have to do.
Where are you going? To do what I have to do.
The warrior woman defies me and still lives.
You failed.
[I oughtta.]
kill you right now.
No-- no, it wasnt his fault.
Then, whose fault was it?! Mine-- I, I didnt give the signal in time, and I ordered them not to give chase.
Why? I, I couldnt bring myself to murder those helpless people.
My son, the coward.
You disgrace the memory of your brother.
Are you gonna fight Cycnus? If it comes to that.
You cant go; theyll hurt you.
Hey.
Its something to eat.
Thanks.
You can still change your mind, you kow.
I wish I could.
Take care.
Please, ex- excuse this intrusion.
Ive come to assure you, that we were in no way responsible for the disruption of the meeting.
It was Xena.
Xena? She-- shes not part of our community.
We want nothing but peace.
Peace-- yes, and peace you shall have very soon.
All your people.
Eternal peace.
Now go back to your flock and await the slaughter.
Slaughter? Prepare my chariot.
Where are you going? To do what you should have done to kill the warrior woman.
Shes just passing through the land.
I mean, theres no reason to kill her.
The warrior woman is Xena, a curse on our family.
She killed your brother.
But, my brother fell in battle near Corinth.
Your brother was murdered by Xena.
Like a coward, she killed him when his back was turned.
Im going with you-- let me avenge the death of my brother.
How Ive longed to see that fire in your eyes.
Come, its time for Xena to die.
Xena, its me! Where have you been? Ive been looking all over for you.
I ran into a little trouble.
You-- trouble? Thats a surprise! You couldnt send a messenger? I was worried sick! Im sorry.
Did you just apologize? Theres a farmhouse down the road.
Nice people.
I want you to wait for me there.
Where are you going? No, no.
No,Im not waiting around while you have all the fun.
Now, come on.
You going to just stand there all day? I think I might have found my tree in the forest.
He was cute, in sort of a-- a rugged, outdoorsy way-- at least I thought so.
Anyway, things were going fine until we started talking about his father.
And then he just gets up and leaves.
Well, now, I have no way of finding this guy, again.
What if Im supposed to intertwine with him and have kids? Now Ill wind up some lonely, pathetic woman, like- Never mind.
You havent heard a word I said.
Xena, what is it? Get on the horse.
No, no, no Im want to help you.
You can help by getting on the horse.
I need someone to distract them.
Im not very good at this horse thing.
Just head downstream, and dont stop.
Xena, this way! Never mind-- this way! Hold on, Gabrielle! Xena, Im gonna fall! Hurry! Hold on! Im coming! Jump! Are you crazy?! Jump! If I die, Ill never talk to you again! Jump, Gabrielle, come on! Jump! You call that a jump?! No, it was a frantic leap! Best I could do! Hold the reins.
Ive lost my chakram! Is that supposed to be funny?! You? Thats your overbearing father? Stay out of my way! Dont tell me thats him.
Afraid so.
Remind me to talk to you sometime about your taste in men.
Xena, Ive waited a long time for this moment.
Have we ever met? It was the battle of Corinth.
You killed my son.
You remember the name, Stentor? Stentor? He died trying to make peace.
Not true,he was a brave warrior and you stabbed him in the back.
He came to me under a banner of peace-- his own men killed him.
Youll pay for that foul lie.
What are you waiting for? Kill her! No, this is it, Sphaerus.
This is your moment of choice.
Father! Enough! The killing stops here! Get out of my way! No.
No one else has to die.
Youre wrong.
At least one more has to die.
And if it has to be my cowardly son, so be it.
Peace is an illusion, coward.
Theres only war, death, victory, and vanquish.
Theres no compromise.
Give up, you cant defeat me.
Xena! No, youre right.
I cant-- but I can still win.
Im not gonna fight anymore, ever! Here.
My brother died for peace! Im no better or worse than he! I should have done this long ago.
If you had done this, I would have died proud.
Call your people together again.
No tricks.
We _will_ have peace.
Hey, stranger! Hi.
I, uh-- understand youre leaving.
Yeah.
I wanted to say to you that-- well that-- I really dont know what to say to you.
You, you know, you did a-- a wonderful thing today-- You saved a lot of people.
I know he was a terrible man-- but he was my father.
Do you remember what I said about making a choice? I dont have any regrets.
I have to go.
Gabrielle? Yes? Thanks.
No problem.
To prosperity! To the future! Xena-- Can I talk to you? I may-- I may have been guilty of a misjudgment.
Not that we agree with your methods-- Youre wecome.
And dont worry, Im leaving.
Fine.
Xena, Xena, you cant leave.
I have to.
Whos gonna teach Lykus how to ride? I can so ride.
Can not! You guys will be just fine.
Whats wrong? Stay.
Dad, she spoke.
Daddy, I want Xena to stay.
I wish I could.
Why cant you, Xena? Dont you like us? Of course, she likes us.
Uh, now, kids, go.
I have to talk to Xena for a moment.
So, what have we got to talk about? I know words really dont mean too much.
But all I can say is I have a home.
I have a family Theres no reason you cant have those things, too.
One day, maybe.
The strange thing is, I have never thought about having any of these things until now.
I hope you find your happiness.
I did-- I just have to leave it for a while.
Are you all right? Yeah, fine.
Do you ever miss your family? Sometimes-- but not as much when Im with you.
So do you want me to drive? Not on your life.
Not on my life.
Hey! You sure you dont want to ride? Not till they make those things closer to the ground.
I learned something really important today.
That you can find goodness in unlikely places? Yes-- and that I really, really hate chariots.
And then do you know what happened? Somebody built a boat out of them? No-- their branches intertwined, and they spent the rest of their days in each others embrace.
Whats the point? Come on, Xena.
I believe everyone will find their tree in the forest someday even you.
I find the strongest trees in the forest stand alone.
You dont have to be strong all the time, Xena; sometimes its good for the soul to be soft.
Oh, yeah.
Look, Im gonna ride up ahead and see if we can ford the Meleatus River.
Otherwise, well have to double back two days.
Lets find some place you can wait for me.
Whats wrong with this place? Hello, beautiful.
Another place sounds good.
Come on blondie, tell me a story.
Dont forget about me.
I wont.
All right.
Oww! Are you all right? Hold the peg like this.
See, and you wont hit your hand.
Dad? What? How come those riders destroyed Tynus barn? Does that mean were going back to Troy? No.
No, no matter what happens, this is our home now.
Told you! Darius? What? Hows it coming with the little carpenters? Oh, dont you worry.
Well have your barn up in no time.
Good.
Sarita.
Lets go cut some more boards.
What is it, Sarita? You know, theres nothing there, Honey.
What is it this time? Go! Take cover! Argolis, wheres your brother? I dont know.
Go, go, go! Dad? Gotcha! Thank you.
Who are you? A friend.
Archers, fire! Ill take these.
No, I need them.
Not here-- not in my house.
Ive never done this before.
Its all right, I have.
Put a poker in the fire.
Boo! Everyone, out, out! Do we have to? Yes.
We always miss everything good.
So, who was I fighting back there? They were the men of Cycnus-- a warlord.
Hes laid claim to our lands.
Looks like he was doing more than that.
The arrow didnt pass through.
Ah, good.
No, its bad-- youll have to push it through.
I dont think I can do that.
Do it! Now, break the arrow head.
Pull out the shaft.
Oh, thank the gods thats over.
Not quite-- Get the poker.
Wait, uh-- Youre not gonna just-- Leave us.
Hello, Father.
Youre growing more powerful, my son.
Ares will be pleased.
My warrior education is complete.
I am ready to take your place.
Nah, theres still something missing, the desire to kill.
Youre wrong.
Today, I killed a great warrior in the belly.
Who? She fell before I could ask her name.
A woman, ha-ha! You think that would impress the god of war? But she was a-- The honor of keeping Ares horses falls to the mightiest warrior.
He will not choose you merely because youre my son.
You must _prove_ yourself worthy.
I am.
Yeah, why havent you conquered this valley yet? These farmers dishonor the god of war with their peaceful ways.
Strike them down.
If your brother Stentor were alive-- I am _not_ my brother.
Everytime I see you in battle, Im reminded of that.
Now, am I worthy of Ares? Ha-ha! Almost.
Did you see the way she bashed up those guys? Zing, pow! Do you think shes gonna die, Argolis? If she does, I get her horse.
Do not.
Do to.
Im the eldest.
Besides, youre too little to ride.
Am not.
Are too.
I dont know what you guys are arguing about Itll take more than an arrow to get rid of me.
Father, shes awake, shes awake.
Im sure shell be here any minute.
Shes very dependable.
Of course, she also takes a lot of risks.
You gonna have a drink or not? Yes, thanks.
Its not a gift.
What? Oh-- Hah! I have money.
Actually, Im not a big drinker.
Do you have any water? You have a very nice establishment.
How late are you open? Late.
So this giant had me trapped in a boxed canyon.
Did he try to step on you? Yeah, sure he tried, but I was ready for him.
I jammed this big-- Um, feather-- You mean, you tickled his foot with a feather? Well, not just a feather.
See, you gotta remember, these guys have really big feet.
I had to use the whole goose.
You got an exciting life.
Do you travel with your family? I dont have a family.
I wish I could ride with you.
No, you dont.
The road is a hard place to live-- Not knowing where youll sleep, what youll eat.
I dont often share a meal with such good company.
Neither do we.
Hey, whats your name? She doesnt talk.
No? Not since we lost her mother.
Tynus.
We have to talk.
Why is that woman still here? Shes not one of us, Darius.
She fights.
Youve seen that with your own eyes.
Her kind make enemies.
Shell have to leave your home.
No, she saved my son.
Shes a guest in my home until shes well.
Theres talk, Darius.
Your house has been without a woman for a long time.
But, but this is not the answer.
By keeping her here, you break your oath.
What oath have I broken, Tynus? To live only for peace.
To care for a wounded woman is not an act of war.
She lied to you.
Other people have heard of this woman.
Shes no warrior.
Shes a murderer, a killer.
As soon as shes able to ride, shell leave.
Good.
You know, I hope, for your sake, she recovers quickly.
You cant be thinking of leaving in your condition.
I left a friend back in the last village she depends on me.
Your friend can take care of herself for a few days You need more rest.
Look, if what Tynus said is-- What Tynus said is true.
Ive done some horrible things in my past.
Your past is your past.
The Xena I know risked her life to save my son.
Thats who I let into my home.
And I appreciate it- - but its time for me to move on- Its all right.
Are you so brave that you fear someone caring for you? Whats that? Trouble.
The silo-- our food.
Its a bit early for a celebration.
Can I have some water, please? Thu Let me buy you a mug of ale.
But then youll owe me.
How generous.
Of course, I have to decline.
What would people think? I mean, me a a young, innocent girl taking gifts from a swarthy stranger? Hmm! The gossip alone would send this town reeling.
Thu Is that yes? Well, not in the customary sense of the word.
But maybe you could help me.
Im looking for a friend of mine.
I can be your friend.
Im serious-- and youd better back off before I find her.
Its Xena.
The Warrior Princess? Yeah.
Well, I like it.
I could be a friend to both of you.
And Im looking for my boyfriend-- Big, strong, jealous type, huh!-- And there he is now.
Hmm! Hes resting, after polishing his giant, lethal sword collection.
Hes not your boyfriend.
Oh, you dont think so? No, I dont.
Pretend you know me.
Ah, no problem.
What are you doing? Where are my weapons? We dont need you to fight.
Who else, Darius? Someone has to stop them.
No, I mean, we dont _want_ you to fight.
Tynus just told me-- theyre giving us a peace offer.
Were meeting them in town.
Is burning the silo a peace offer? Dont be foolish-- Cycnus only respects power.
Xena, I went to war once.
I went to war.
I lost everything I was fighting for.
I am sorry, but you cant make peace with warmakers.
I know these people, Darius I was these people.
But Xena, something changed you.
Maybe we can change them.
Cant you see that this is our last hope before bloodshed? Its worth a try, isnt it? Please, for the sake of peace.
So, um, how longve we been seeing each other, ah Gabrielle, and you fell madly in love with me the moment we met.
Well, its no wonder.
The- the way you kiss.
Uh-- what brings you to this place? Ah-- Im looking for my best friend-- maybe youve seen her? Six feet tall, dark hair, lots of leather.
She fights like the Harpies in a bad mood.
Her names Xena.
Ah, no, uh, sorry.
This friend of yours, you were, you were close? Are you kidding? Like this.
I dont know what Im worried about.
If anyone can take care of herself, its Xena.
So what do you do? I, uh, I work for my father.
I took over for my brother after he died in battle.
But, he makes me do things I never thought I would.
Things I regret.
Mmm, I can understand that.
My mother always wanted me to get married and have kids.
And I remember, telling her that Id always be grateful for the way that she raised me.
But she couldnt expect me to pay for that with my future.
Thats um, thats very insightful.
Its a gift.
Anyway, I came to a point in my life where I had to make a choice.
And I thought about who I really was, and I made it.
Well, look, um I better go.
Um, Maybe Ill see you around sometime? Im ready.
I-- What? I just dont think that you should wear -- this-- to the meeting.
Well, I dont have anything else.
Come with me-- come on.
This should fit you.
Ive never worn anything like this before.
It belonged to my wife.
I couldnt-- It wouldnt be right.
Well, its either this or the warrior outfit.
I just dont think the settlers will react very well to that.
Well, I dont think a dress is gonna change their attitude toward me.
Ah, youd be surprised by the power of this dress- - She was wearing it the first time I saw her.
Even more reason why I shouldnt wear it.
I dont want to spoil a beautiful memory.
Xena, my wifes memory lives on in my heart -- I want you to wear it.
You called for me, Father? Ive made things easy for you, Sphaerus.
Hows that? Ive arranged a meeting, to talk peace with these simple farmers.
You mean it? Were gonna have a council of peace? And I want you to go to the meeting and talk to them.
Definitely, everything can be worked out.
And kill them all-- Make me proud of you, my son.
Make Ares proud, huh? Make sure he kills them all.
Dad, since were meeting the men who burned our grain, does that mean were friends with them now? Not quite.
But still, were hoping for peace, and maybe friendship.
It might require a sacrifice.
So, weve decided to give them Lykus.
What?! Argolis! Dont taunt your brother.
But, its so much fun.
Well, it looks like were ready to go to the meeting.
Uh, while we wait for the others to arrive, Id like to say how, how happy I am were going to be able to settle this issue, once and for all.
Now you see, I told you we could trust them.
Whats she doing here? I invited her.
We need peace-makers, not warriors.
She could ruin everything.
I thought that-- Its all right-- Ill wait back here.
Uh, the violence in our valley is unnecessary.
We have to learn to live together.
Im, Im so glad we can meet like this and talk over our differences.
I think this is gonna work.
My father has a-- a solution.
And its-- its my job to present it to you.
We know you came here from Troy, and are tired of the scourge of war.
We are tired, too.
We want peace just as you do, but-- I-- We-- we need to keep communications open.
Its the only way we can find a solution.
I hope we can all agree on that.
I told you shed ruin everything! Everybody out! Youve got the children? After them! No! Let them go.
Why couldnt you just stay out of it?! Darius, those men were waiting there to slaughter you.
Do you really think you couldve made peace with them? Well, I guess Ill never know.
Dont run.
Sometimes you have to stand and fight.
Do you think I like running? Part of me would love to pick up a sword! But I have _seen_ the pain that war brings.
I cant do that again.
Your suffering will not be eased by letting men like Cycnus crush the innocent.
Xena, I need to take my children to safety.
Its what I have to do.
Where are you going? To do what I have to do.
The warrior woman defies me and still lives.
You failed.
[I oughtta.]
kill you right now.
No-- no, it wasnt his fault.
Then, whose fault was it?! Mine-- I, I didnt give the signal in time, and I ordered them not to give chase.
Why? I, I couldnt bring myself to murder those helpless people.
My son, the coward.
You disgrace the memory of your brother.
Are you gonna fight Cycnus? If it comes to that.
You cant go; theyll hurt you.
Hey.
Its something to eat.
Thanks.
You can still change your mind, you kow.
I wish I could.
Take care.
Please, ex- excuse this intrusion.
Ive come to assure you, that we were in no way responsible for the disruption of the meeting.
It was Xena.
Xena? She-- shes not part of our community.
We want nothing but peace.
Peace-- yes, and peace you shall have very soon.
All your people.
Eternal peace.
Now go back to your flock and await the slaughter.
Slaughter? Prepare my chariot.
Where are you going? To do what you should have done to kill the warrior woman.
Shes just passing through the land.
I mean, theres no reason to kill her.
The warrior woman is Xena, a curse on our family.
She killed your brother.
But, my brother fell in battle near Corinth.
Your brother was murdered by Xena.
Like a coward, she killed him when his back was turned.
Im going with you-- let me avenge the death of my brother.
How Ive longed to see that fire in your eyes.
Come, its time for Xena to die.
Xena, its me! Where have you been? Ive been looking all over for you.
I ran into a little trouble.
You-- trouble? Thats a surprise! You couldnt send a messenger? I was worried sick! Im sorry.
Did you just apologize? Theres a farmhouse down the road.
Nice people.
I want you to wait for me there.
Where are you going? No, no.
No,Im not waiting around while you have all the fun.
Now, come on.
You going to just stand there all day? I think I might have found my tree in the forest.
He was cute, in sort of a-- a rugged, outdoorsy way-- at least I thought so.
Anyway, things were going fine until we started talking about his father.
And then he just gets up and leaves.
Well, now, I have no way of finding this guy, again.
What if Im supposed to intertwine with him and have kids? Now Ill wind up some lonely, pathetic woman, like- Never mind.
You havent heard a word I said.
Xena, what is it? Get on the horse.
No, no, no Im want to help you.
You can help by getting on the horse.
I need someone to distract them.
Im not very good at this horse thing.
Just head downstream, and dont stop.
Xena, this way! Never mind-- this way! Hold on, Gabrielle! Xena, Im gonna fall! Hurry! Hold on! Im coming! Jump! Are you crazy?! Jump! If I die, Ill never talk to you again! Jump, Gabrielle, come on! Jump! You call that a jump?! No, it was a frantic leap! Best I could do! Hold the reins.
Ive lost my chakram! Is that supposed to be funny?! You? Thats your overbearing father? Stay out of my way! Dont tell me thats him.
Afraid so.
Remind me to talk to you sometime about your taste in men.
Xena, Ive waited a long time for this moment.
Have we ever met? It was the battle of Corinth.
You killed my son.
You remember the name, Stentor? Stentor? He died trying to make peace.
Not true,he was a brave warrior and you stabbed him in the back.
He came to me under a banner of peace-- his own men killed him.
Youll pay for that foul lie.
What are you waiting for? Kill her! No, this is it, Sphaerus.
This is your moment of choice.
Father! Enough! The killing stops here! Get out of my way! No.
No one else has to die.
Youre wrong.
At least one more has to die.
And if it has to be my cowardly son, so be it.
Peace is an illusion, coward.
Theres only war, death, victory, and vanquish.
Theres no compromise.
Give up, you cant defeat me.
Xena! No, youre right.
I cant-- but I can still win.
Im not gonna fight anymore, ever! Here.
My brother died for peace! Im no better or worse than he! I should have done this long ago.
If you had done this, I would have died proud.
Call your people together again.
No tricks.
We _will_ have peace.
Hey, stranger! Hi.
I, uh-- understand youre leaving.
Yeah.
I wanted to say to you that-- well that-- I really dont know what to say to you.
You, you know, you did a-- a wonderful thing today-- You saved a lot of people.
I know he was a terrible man-- but he was my father.
Do you remember what I said about making a choice? I dont have any regrets.
I have to go.
Gabrielle? Yes? Thanks.
No problem.
To prosperity! To the future! Xena-- Can I talk to you? I may-- I may have been guilty of a misjudgment.
Not that we agree with your methods-- Youre wecome.
And dont worry, Im leaving.
Fine.
Xena, Xena, you cant leave.
I have to.
Whos gonna teach Lykus how to ride? I can so ride.
Can not! You guys will be just fine.
Whats wrong? Stay.
Dad, she spoke.
Daddy, I want Xena to stay.
I wish I could.
Why cant you, Xena? Dont you like us? Of course, she likes us.
Uh, now, kids, go.
I have to talk to Xena for a moment.
So, what have we got to talk about? I know words really dont mean too much.
But all I can say is I have a home.
I have a family Theres no reason you cant have those things, too.
One day, maybe.
The strange thing is, I have never thought about having any of these things until now.
I hope you find your happiness.
I did-- I just have to leave it for a while.
Are you all right? Yeah, fine.
Do you ever miss your family? Sometimes-- but not as much when Im with you.
So do you want me to drive? Not on your life.
Not on my life.
Hey! You sure you dont want to ride? Not till they make those things closer to the ground.
I learned something really important today.
That you can find goodness in unlikely places? Yes-- and that I really, really hate chariots.