Xena: WARRIOR PRINCESS
"Dreamworker"

CAST LIST

XENA
GABRIELLE

GOTHOS (GAU-thoz)
MANUS (MAN-us)
STOREKEEP
ELKTON (ELK-ton)
SWORDSMITH
1ST WARRIOR
2ND WARRIOR
MESMER (MEZ-mer)
BARUCH (bar-ROOK)
DOLAS (DOL-az)
TERMIN (TER-min)
DOPPEL
MYSTIC WARRIOR

Names referred to in the dialog
Septim (SEP-tim)
Valius (val-EE-us)
Morpheus (MOR-fee-us)
Phantasus (faun-TAH-sus)
Phoebetor (FOE-bet-or)

XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS
"Dreamworker"

SET LIST

INTERIORS:

GOODS STORE
WEAPONS STORE
MORPHEUS ROTUNDRUM
ELKTON'S HUT
MISTY CAVE/DREAMSCAPE PASSAGE/THE "VILLAGE"
GABRIELLE'S CELL
TUNNEL/DREAMSCAPE PASSAGE
HALLWAY
MAZE
FIRE PIT

EXTERIORS:

NEAR TREES
DIRT ROAD
VILLAGE
MARKET SQUARE
MOUNTAINS
ROAD
MEADOW

XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS

"Dreamworker"

CHRONOLOGY

DAY 1 SCENES # 1 - 10
NIGHT 1 SCENES #11 - 36
DAY 2 SCENES #37 - 38

XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS

"Dreamworker"

TEASER

FADE IN:

1 EXT. NEAR TREES - DAY - CLOSE ON SWORD BLADE

It gleams and shines with the midday sun. In its shiny surface, we can barely make out the face of GABRIELLE as we HEAR:

GABRIELLE'S VOICE
You think you're man enough to test my
blade? Do you?

PULL BACK to see Gabrielle holding the sword at the ready, facing someone OFF CAMERA. She moves the sword back and forth, on guard, and ready to counter any strike towards her.

GABRIELLE
Your type are all cowards. I've met
and defeated tens of hundreds of you
type. Come on! Make your move! Or,
are waiting for me to make the
first move? To make the first mistake?
well, that's *your* first mistake,
waiting for my mistake. 'Cause I don't
make mistakes. Hah!

And she lunges, pivots, and brings the sword down.

WIDER - ON SCENE

A tree stump meets its make as the sword slices into the wood.

GABRIELLE
(satisfied)
Let that be a lesson to you.

Gabrielle starts to remove the sword but it is wedged in tight. She struggles for a beat until;

XENA'S VOICE
Are you finished with my sword?

Gabrielle spins, startled, to find XENA standing behind her next to the horse.

GABRIELLE
Don't do that!

Xena easily removes the sword from the stump.

XENA
This is not a plaything.

GABRIELLE
I said I'd get some wood. I didn't say
*How* I was gong to get it.

XENA
Your lucky the tree was unarmed. You
could hurt yourself.

GABRIELLE
Maybe I wouldn't if *someone* would
teach me how to use it.

XENA
(flatly)
No.
(then)
Forget the wood. There's a village a
little ways ahead. I want to find out
how to cross the Mystic Mountains. We
can be in Antidoticus in a couple of
days.

GABRIELLE
Fine with me. I'm all for meeting with
the Three Grea. I've never met
soothsayers before. I wonder what
sooth they'll say? Maybe something
like "Danger ahead... Learn to trust
your friends to help out".

Xena mounts up. With a sigh, Gabrielle follows.

2 EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY

Xena is still in the saddle, Gabrielle walking next to her.

GABRIELLE
Doesn't it make more sense that I
should know how to defend myself? *I*
think it makes more sense.

XENA
Don't confuse defending yourself with
using a weapon. When you pull your
sword, you have to be ready to kill.

GABRIELLE
You don't think I know that?

XENA
No, I don't think you do.. People are
too quick to go for their sword. It's
the first solution they think of when
it should always be the last resort.
Most don't have the wisdom to hold
back.
(re: horse)
Are you sure you don't want to ride?

GABRIELLE
Not until they make those things closer
to the ground, no thank you. And don't
change the subject. I don't want to
learn to kill. I just want to learn to
survive.

XENA
Very well. Rules of survival. Number
one; If you can run, run. Two; if you
can't run, surrender. *Then* run.
Three; If you are surrounded and
outnumbered two to one, let them fight
each other while you run. Four --

GABRIELLE
(Mock "vision")
Wait... I feel a sooth coming on...
It's... more running, right?

XENA
No, four is when you talk your way out
of it. And I *know* you can do that.
Wisdom before weapons Gabrielle. The
moment you pick up sword, you become
a target. And the moment you kill...

Xena trails off. Gabrielle looks up.

GABRIELLE
The moment you kill... what?

XENA
(somber)
The moment you kill... everything
changes. Everything.

Gabrielle reflects on this. Suddenly, Xena becomes alert, looking off.

GABRIELLE
Uh, oh... what's up?

XENA
Men.

She gestures to;

END OF ROAD

In the distance, a large (but budget conscious) group of nasty looking men block the road, swords out and spears at the ready. A beat, then they start moving towards them at a half-run.

BACK TO SCENE

Xena jumps off the horse.

GABRIELLE
Is this the run part?

XENA
Not yet, but be ready.

Xena turns her back to the men to block their view. She then takes a short-sword out of the saddle. Gabrielle reaches for it, thinking it will be handed to her. Instead, Xena flips it into the ground, out of sight near a rock. She then draws her own sword, turns and holds the sword at ready, blade down toward the ground. The men come up. The leader of this group has a nasty scarface who, in a good light, would be ugly. His name is GOTHOS.

GABRIELLE
(sotto)
This is not good...

GOTHOS
Nice day, isn't it?

XENA
That depends on you. What do you want?

Xena holds up the sword in full ready position.

GOTHOS
We are but poor men trying to scrape an
existence in this evil world. Every
now and then we ask for a little
something from travelers... like your
horse, any gold or jewelry you might be
carrying, and that fancy sword of
yours.
(leering)
Now, no one wants to get hurt. So, you
might consider a surrender.

XENA
I accept. Gabrielle, take their
weapons.

A beat of shocked reactions, then Gothos screams. The men charge. Xena pushes Gabrielle to the background as she spins and brings the sword sweeping up into the first man to pass as she drops to one knee and lets another man fly over her. Everyone ignores Gabrielle who is on the side trying to figure out what to do.

Xena is involved in the sword play she is so good at. Once by one, she is evening the odds. Two men come at her at once. As she nails one, the other brings a club down on her arm. She drops her sword and it is kicked loose. A spinning back kick catches throat and he goes down.

Xena grabs the end of a spear as it is thrust toward her heart. Rolling onto her back, the spearbearer flies over her through the air. Xena comes up with the spear.

XENA
(to Gabrielle)
Now! Go!

But Gabrielle spies Xena's sword on the ground. She grabs it up gives her version of a war yell. Several men turn and advance on her. Fear fills her eyes as she realizes what she has done. Her first attempt at protecting herself with Xena's sword results in it being knocked to the ground, Gabrielle along with it. Xena sees the threat and, using the spear as a pole, manages to vault herself out of the group around her and into the group with Gabrielle. Xena flips the spear around, knocking men here and there.

Meanwhile, Gothos has picked up Xena's sword. He admires it. The rest of the wounded back away until it is only Gothos and Xena facing each other.

GOTHOS
I know this sword... only one person
carries this kind of craftmanship.
You're Xena, aren't you?

XENA
Do you really want to find out?

GOTHOS
(smiling)
My reputation is going to soar!

And with that, he swings Xena's sword and splits the spear in half. He slices at her legs. Xena dives and rolls. Gothos doesn't miss a beat, he charges her. Xena comes out of her roll and jumps back at him... in her hand is the short-sword she hid earlier! It sinks into his abdomen. With the shocked expression of someone who hasn't quite comprehended the inevitable, he sinks to the ground. The rest of his men take the cue and run off.

Gabrielle approaches as Xena picks up her longsword and wipes the blood from it. She looks at it and then to Xena. A beat as Gabrielle stares at the blade. Xena allows the moment to sink in for Gabrielle, then sheaths her weapon.

ANGLE - ON XENA AND GABRIELLE - FROM A DISTANCE

We HEAR:

MANUS' VOICE
Very good...

ON MANUS AND A MYSTIC PRIEST

Two men wearing greyish-white robes with hoods. Short ceremonial daggers hang at their sides. Manus looks very distinguished, in his mid-fifties.

MANUS
Did you notice the young one? She has
a fire about her and, yet, she didh't
stain herself with blood. Morpheus
will be pleased.
(beat)
She's the one. Yes. She's perfect.

Off that, we;

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

3 EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

Xena and Gabrielle enter the village market square leading the horse. A smattering of people are here going about their business (NOTE: None of the people are female of approximately Gabrielle's age). The people who are here look at Gabrielle with interest. Gabrielle is preoccupied with the recent events. Xena, however, keeps her eyes on everything.

GABRIELLE
I can't believe it. They came right
for me when I picked up the sword.

XENA
They did, didn't they? Mabye they
thought you were a threat.

GABRIELLE
You're waiting for the right moment to
say "I told you so" aren't you?

XENA
No. I've been waiting for you to say
it *for* me.

GABRIELLE
I guess I just don't know what I was
thinking. Mabye something like "Oh!
Xena needs my help!" or "I wonder if I
can take some of the heat off Xena!"

XENA
In both cases; no. Thanks anyway.
Just don't do it again.

She smiles. Gabrielle tries to shrug it off. Xena looks around.

XENA
That's strange... I've been checking
out this village since we walked in.

GABRIELLE
Always looking for possible escape
routes?

XENA
Is it odd that there are no young girls
to be seen?

GABRIELLE
If it's anything like *my* hometown,
they're all at a knitting party. I'm
going to pick up some more salt pork.
I'll meet you back here in a few
minutes.

XENA
Be careful.

Gabrielle walks off as Xena ties the horse up and goes into the Goods Store.

4 INT. GOODS STORE - DAY

This place has a mixture of everything; grain, tools, foodstuffs, etc. The STOREKEEP stands next to his counter as Xena walks in. He nods to her, but his gaze is out the open door at Gabrielle.

STOREKEEP
Is that your friend?

XENA
As far as I can tell. Why do you ask?

STOREKEEP
(beat)
No reason. Just strangers in town, is
all. What can I do for you?

XENA
I need a sharpening stone and some oil.
And who do I report a dead highwayman
to?

STOREKEEP
Dead?
(anxious)
Your friend didn't kill him, did she?

XENA
(beat)
No. I did.

STOREKEEP
(releived)
Oh. That's good.

XENA
What difference does it make which one
of us killed him?

STOREKEEP
Hey! Get out of here, Elkton!

She looks over to see the target of his wrath. An old man has entered the store. Obviously blind, he uses a large staff to guide himself. This is, as implied, ELKTON.

ELKTON
I know, I'm sorry. I wouldn't have
come in, but my horse lost his
halter...

STOREKEEP
Out! Now!

ELKTON
Please... I can't guide him very well
with just a rope.

The storekeep approaches Elkton threateningly.

STOREKEEP
I'm warning you old man, leave! And
don't ever come back!

Xena steps in front of the storekeep, stopping him.

XENA
Sell the man a halter and be done with
it.

STOREKEEP
I don't do business with his kind.

ELKTON
I'm not a mystic anymore!

STOREKEEP
A gryphon doesn't change its feathers!
Mystic, ex-Mystic, it's all the same.
Out!

A beat, then he leaves. Xena turns a stern eye toward the Storekeep who goes back to his search.

STOREKEEP
I'm sorry. It looks cruel, I know
But he's...
(at a loss)
... one of *them*.
(then)
It was a sharpening stone right?

XENA
No. I changed my mind. I need a
halter for my horse.

Off the storekeep's look we;

5 INT. WEAPONS STORE - DAY

Various swords, slings, implements of destruction are laid out about this place among the chain mail, shields, and armor. Gabrielle comes up to the door, looking back down the street to make sure she is not being watched. She enters and begins to look about in awe. Near a workbench is a SWORDSMITH. Surprised, he calls to her.

SWORDSMITH
Hey! What are you doing here?

GABRIELLE
You aren't open?

SWORDSMITH
'Course I'm open, young lady, but what
are you doing in town? You're supposed
to be off by the water's edge until
after the Solstice. Unless you've got
no reason to fear Morpheus.

GABRIELLE
Morpheus? The god of dreams? Why
would I fear him?

SWORDSMITH
(smiles)
Ah! You must be "experienced" then.

GABRIELLE
Well, yeah. I mean I've *had*
experiences. Are you always this
nosey?

SWORDSMITH
I should have known. Otherwise why
would you be in *my* shop? Looking to
replace you arms? Lose your weapon o'
choice in a battle, did you?

GABRIELLE
Uh... right! A big battle. Just
outside of town. There must have been
ten or twenty of them. You know how you
lose count when you're just dropping
them left and right.

SWORDSMITH
You don't look like a fighter. And
sure, that's your strength! Like the
beautiful seed hidden in the eagle's
dung.

GABRIELLE
Nice image.

The Swordsmith picks up a *huge* broadsword, curved and gleaming.

SWORDSMITH
The steel is from the Albanian mines of
Iskander Bay. The edge was forged by
the arms of Vulcan. The hilt is made
from the skin of a Manticore of the
eastern lands.

GABRIELLE
How much is it?

SWORDSMITH
How much have you got?

GABRIELLE
(thrilled)
You mean I might be able to buy this?
It's the most beautiful sword I've ever
seen. And, lets face it, I've handled
*plenty*

He hands it to her. It is obviously way too heavy.

GABRIELLE
Umm... but, perhaps, something more...
petite. Something easy to hide. You
know, more seed in the eagle's dung.

A beat, then he puts the broadsword down. He turns and pulls out a small dagger. It is, as requested, petite. The handle curves at each end.

GABRIELLE
Oh, how cute!

SWORDSMITH
It's a breast dagger.

GABRIELLE
You mean its designed to pierce the
breast into the heart of your enemy?

SWORDSMEITH
No, not quite.

He places the dagger down her shirt, between her breasts. It stays, the curved handles resting above her breasts and "accenting" them. Gabrielle "adjusts" herself, trying to get the feel.

GABRIELLE
A breast dagger.
(smiling)
I *like* it!

Another satisfied customer.

6 EXT. MARKET SQUARE - DAY

Elkton is puttin some things into his cart. Xena walks up to him and places a halter on top of the crate as he reaches for it. She moves on as he finds the halter. He "looks" around wildly.

ELKTON
It's... It's a halter! Who did this?
Who? Thank you!
(then; sincerly)
Thank you.

Xena smiles and moves toward Gabrielle who is coming up the street through the people with a more erect stride...

GABRIELLE
Did you get the sharpening stone?

XENA
No. Whats wrong with you?

GABRIELLE
What do you mean?

XENA
I don't know. You just seem...
(realizing)
...bigger!

Gabrielle immediately hunches her shoulders.

GABRIELLE
No, I'm not. Ouch! It's just this
mountian air. I feel motivated!

XENA
You didn't find a sorcerer to enhance
your "motives", did you?

GABRIELLE
No! Will you get over it?

She hunches her shoulders more and turns away from Xena. A dull "thunk" is heard.

Gabrielle jumps grabbing her foot, as the dagger falls to the ground. Xena picks it up and holds it out to her accusingly.

GABRIELLE
Wow! Will you look at that? I wonder
what else is in these clothes? They're
hand-me-downs, you know.
(then, sighing)
I know. Wisdom before weapons.

Xena puts it between her breasts (Heck, it *is* where it is supposed to go).

XENA
I'll just keep this for the time being.

GABRIELLE
Oh, yeah, like you really *need* a
breast dagger. I'ts not like your
breasts aren't dangerous enough. That
was a joke. I'm trying to lighten the
mood.

Xena, however, isn't listening. Her attention has been distracted by the people on the street. In fact, there aren't any anymore. One by one they have all moved indoors. A window is shut here. A door slams there. Something is up... Gabrielle notices Xena's tenseness.

GABRIELLE
What? What's going on?

XENA
I don't know. Get on the horse. Now!

Xena draws her sword, keeping guard, as Gabrielle starts to untie the the reins from the post.

Suddenly, as if from nowhere, several WARRIORS charge Xena from the alleyway between the stores.

(WARDROBE NOTE: The ceremonial war dress that these men wear should remind us of the greyish-white robes that Manus wore in the teaser, but should be of a harsher, redder color and have war belts, etc.)

XENA
Gabrielle, ride!!

Xena goes back into her frenzy. She parries the attack from one and sends him into the window of a store as another tries to sweep at her legs. With a flip, she eludes the danger as another charges her with a spear. She steps aside and throws her shoulder in to the face of the ex-spearbearer.

He falls back about six feet as Xena turns her attention to another man who has his sword above his head and is charging straight for her with a scream. This one is too easy as Xena just throws a straight open-palm punch into the man's face. Xena spins back to face the rest of the Warriors...

And they *all* are gone. Once again, the street is deserted. No bruised bodies or anything. Xena's horse, however, is still tied to the post.

XENA
Gabrielle?
(shouting)
Gabrielle?

No answer. Gabrielle has dissapeared with the warriors. Xena reacts and off this, we:

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE