FADE IN

Xena approaches the merchant and gives him a wry look.

XENA:
     You've obviously got a pretty good thing going here.

MAN IN THE CROWD (bitterly):
     Yeah, at twelve dinars for one tree!

MERCHANT (unctuously):
     Now, now--let's not get excited. If you think about it, my assistants and I have just saved Solstice in your charming little town. We traveled over a hundred leagues hauling in those trees--surely we're entitled to a little extra compensation for our troubles. Of course you've had a terrible tragedy, and we're very sorry about it. (presses his hand to his heart) Just remember, fire prevention is a very important thing. (he shakes his head with a mournful air, then turns to one of the burly men guarding the enclosure) Come on, pick up the cashbox and let's go.

BURLY MAN:
     Sure, Telemos.

He picks up a rather large wooden chest on the ground. Xena looks thoughtfully after Telemos as he walks toward the horse and the covered wagon that stands just outside the enclosure and climbs into the wagon. One of the men gets in the driver's seat in the front of the wagon and picks up the reins, while the rest untie their horses and get in the saddle. They leave the square while the disappointed customers walk away, grumbling.

HAIMON:
     I'm sorry about that.

XENA (turns to him):
     Let's go back to the house--we'll figure something out later.

EVE:
     Good idea.

They go back to get their horses and walk through the square leading the horses with them. Haimon walks next to Gabrielle while Xena and Eve stay behind them.

GABRIELLE:
     I hope you had a good trip.

HAIMON:
     It was fine. This is a really nice place... (chuckles) ...when people aren't killing each other over Solstice trees.

GABRIELLE (a little timidly):
     How's Darion?

HAIMON:
     He was quite a surprise for Lila and Sarah. (after a brief pause) He's doing fine. Well, unless he gets sick from eating too many sweets. That kid certainly has a sweet tooth.

A brief silence.

GABRIELLE:
     Did you talk about... (her voice breaks off) ...you know--

HAIMON:
     I tried. (he sighs) He didn't really want to talk about it. (reluctantly) Actually, for the first day, he didn't talk much at all...he was shaken up pretty badly. (a close-up on Gabrielle as she looks down, a guilty look on her face) I think he was trying to come to terms with--what happened. (he rests a hand on Gabrielle's arm) He isn't angry with you.

GABRIELLE (bitterly):
     No, he's not angry. He's just scared to death of me.

HAIMON:
     I think Darion knows you would never do anything to hurt him.

GABRIELLE (wistfully):
     I hope you're right. It's just that--he's been through so much, for an eight-year old. I wanted to make him feel safe, and now--

HAIMON:
     Gabrielle...he'll understand.

CUT TO

A small house with a large, fenced front yard where the ground is lightly dusted with snow. Gabrielle and Haimon walk up to the door, with Xena and Eve behind them. Gabrielle knocks. The door opens, and Sarah stands in the doorway.

SARAH (smiles brightly):
     Gabrielle! There you are at last! It's so good to see you. And Xena--and Eve--and you've got Haimon with you, too!

LILA (comes up, smiling):
     Gabrielle! (the sisters hug, then Lila turns to Haimon) So, did you bring the tree?

HAIMON:
     I'm afraid that's kind of a...long story.

LILA (looks a little disappointed):
     Oh. Well, come on in and then you'll tell us. (smiles) At least it's warmer in here.

Gabrielle sees Darion standing behind Lila and Sarah. He's looking at her, wide-eyed and a little nervous.

GABRIELLE (anxiously):
     Hey, Darion.

Darion lingers. His face expresses a mix of shifting emotions: hesitation, excitement, fear, joy. There is a long, tense pause as Gabrielle and Darion look at each other while Xena, Eve and Haimon look on anxiously.

Then, Darion bolts toward Gabrielle.

DARION:
     Gabrielle! (he wraps his arms around her waist and presses his cheek to her stomach, closing his eyes) I've missed you.

GABRIELLE (hugs him and strokes his hair, tears in her eyes):
     I've missed you too...

The camera pans over the faces of Xena, Eve and Haimon, who are smiling with relief.

CUT TO

Inside Lila and Sarah's house. Everyone is sitting around the fireplace in which a cozy fire is flickering. Darion is sitting close to the fire, warming his hands and rubbing them together. Gabrielle is sitting between Lila and Haimon. Haimon picks up her hand and strokes it gently, and she smiles at him. Xena, who is sitting across from them, notices this and smiles warmly but a little wistfully.

GABRIELLE:
     You know, it's been a long time since I've had a chance to spend time with my family, just relaxing.

XENA:
     Relaxing? Don't forget, we still have a Solstice tree to hunt down.

HAIMON:
     A worthy mission for the Warrior Princess.

GABRIELLE (sighs):
     And here I thought you might get bored with no enemies to fight or people to save.

DARION (turns anxiously):
     We're going to have a tree, right?

GABRIELLE (reaches out and pats him on the shoulder):
     Of course we're going to have a tree, sweetheart.

DARION:
     And we're going to have lots of fun.

LILA (sighs, almost to herself, like she's reminiscing):
     Solstice is a wonderful time if you can spend it with your family--with the ones you love... (she hugs Gabrielle and Sarah) I'm so glad to have you here.

DARION (looks back at them):
     My mom and dad used to sing songs around Solstice time. (dreamily) My mom had a beautiful voice. Are we going to sing songs?

GABRIELLE (gives him a somewhat anxious look):
     We certainly are. Xena, why don't you get us started?

XENA (shakes her head):
     Sorry. I don't know any Solstice songs.

GABRIELLE:
     Everyone knows Solstice songs. (teasing) And you have a great voice. (Xena shoots her a look of mock annoyance) Oh, come on, Xena. Darion wants to hear songs. You aren't going to disappoint him, are you?

XENA:
     I'm afraid you'll have to sing without me.

GABRIELLE (to Darion):
     Guess we're just going to have to show her how fun Solstice songs are, huh, Darion?

DARION (happily):
     So, we're going to sing?

GABRIELLE (nods):
     Yep. You have any special ones you like?

DARION:
     "Solstice Night." That's my favorite.

GABRIELLE (smiles):
     Hmm... I think I've forgotten that one. Tell you what, why don't you start and I'll join in.

DARION (doubtful):
     Me?

GABRIELLE:
     Sure. You have a great singing voice. (teasing) Even better than Xena.

DARION:
     Okay... (he clears his throat and starts to sing)
     Silent night, Solstice night,
     All is calm, all is bright,
     Nature slumbers in forest and glen...

As Darion sings, Gabrielle moves closer to him and, a little tentatively, puts her hands on his shoulders.

GABRIELLE (joining Darion):
     Till in Springtime
     She wakens again
     Sleeping spirits grow strong...

They stop and smile at each other.

GABRIELLE:
     Yeah, of course I remember... My mother used to sing it too. (looks at Lila) Remember, Lila? How Mother used to sing it to us when she put us to bed around Solstice, after she tucked us in.

LILA (nods, a little wistful):
     I remember. I always used to fall asleep before she could finish.

GABRIELLE (chuckles):
     And then you would ask her to sing it again every night during Solstice time, hoping you'd finally manage to stay awake through all of it.

LILA:
     Yeah... (looks at Sarah) I taught it to Sarah, too, when she was little. It's become a family tradition.

SARAH (smiles):
     At least I never fell asleep while you were singing.

DARION:
     Let's sing some more! Hey--let's all sing together!

GABRIELLE:
     Yeah. Why not? (looks at Xena and then Haimon) Are you going to join in?

XENA:
     Nah, you have your fun. I'll just watch. And listen.

HAIMON:
     Trust me, you don't want to hear me sing.

GABRIELLE (chuckles):
     All right. But...I'm sure it'll get you into the Solstice spirit.

Xena and Haimon nod and Gabrielle looks at Lila, Sarah and then at Darion. They all start to sing except Xena and Haimon who just sit quietly, listening.

GABRIELLE, LILA, SARAH, and DARION (singing):
     Silent night, Solstice night
     Silver moon shining bright
     Snowfall blankets the slumbering Earth
     Yule fires welcome the Sun's rebirth
     Yule fires welcome...

The sound of the singing begins to fade into the background as we close in on Xena who sits, watching them quietly as they smile. Gabrielle hugs Darion tighter and he leans back into her a little. They are clearly having a good time. Haimon moves closer to them as well and puts an arm on Gabrielle's shoulder, joining in the singing as well. The camera pans back to Xena, who smiles a little.

CUT TO

A bedroom with two beds and a cot, lit by a candle. Gabrielle has just finished putting Darion to sleep on the cot.

GABRIELLE (kisses Darion on the forehead):
     Sweet dreams, Darion.

DARION (mutters sleepily):
     Good night, Gabrielle...

CUT TO

Gabrielle comes out of the bedroom and heads to the main room, which is now empty except for Xena, who stands by the window looking out. The fire in the fireplace is flickering low.

GABRIELLE:
     Where is everyone?

XENA:
     In the kitchen.

GABRIELLE:
     You should have sung with us, Xena. Even Haimon did and he said he couldn't carry a tune.

XENA:
     You know singing in public isn't my kind of thing.

GABRIELLE:
     I know. (comes up to Xena and puts a hand on her shoulder) But this is Solstice. You should try to get in the spirit.

XENA (sighs):
     Maybe I'm just not into it as much as you are.

GABRIELLE (smiles):
     Come on, Xena. Everyone has fond childhood memories of the Winter Solstice.

XENA (turns to her):
     Well...some of mine aren't so fond.

GABRIELLE (her smile fades):
     Xena...I'm sorry, I didn't--

XENA (smiles sadly and shakes her head):
     It's okay. It's such a stupid thing, really. (looks away) See, Mom was a big believer in the Solstice spirit. She was always doing things for those who had less than we did--giving them food or shelter, helping them in any way she could. So, one Solstice Eve when I was eight, she let a poor old man who was passing through Amphipolis stay at our house. She invited him to dinner with us, and after dinner we all sat and sang Solstice songs together...

GABRIELLE:
     And then--?

XENA:
     And then Solstice morning came, and Toris, Lyceus and I woke up--and the old man was gone and so were all of our unopened Solstice gifts. (chuckles bitterly) So much for the Solstice spirit.

GABRIELLE (puts a hand on her shoulder):
     I'm sorry. (smiles) But you know what? We're going to make this the best Solstice ever and help you put it all behind you.

XENA (smiles back at her):
     Yeah, with all the other things from the past I've had to put behind me, this one should be easy.

GABRIELLE (looks at her inquisitively):
     Is there something else bothering you?

XENA:
     No...not really. (off Gabrielle's knowing look) Oh all right--when we were all sitting around the fireplace, I was remembering...

GABRIELLE (gently):
     Remembering what?

XENA (shakes her head, embarrassed):
     The farm...

GABRIELLE (with an understanding smile):
     Well, Xena, if you're going to date the God of War you'd better not expect any cozy Solstice evenings at the fireplace with your boyfriend.

XENA (laughs softly):
     Yeah...

Eve comes in.

EVE:
     So. What are we going to do about the tree?

XENA:
     Good question.

EVE:
     Sarah said there was a pine-tree grove not far from the village. Maybe we can get a tree there?

GABRIELLE (shocked):
     Not the Grove of the Nymphs!

XENA:
     Why not?

GABRIELLE:
     It's a local tradition that we don't cut down those trees...they're supposed to be sacred to the nymphs. (apologetically) I may not believe in such things anymore, but it's just not right to go in there and cut down--

XENA (wryly):
     An innocent tree?

GABRIELLE:
     Oh, go ahead and laugh. (indignant) The Winter Solstice is all about celebrating the rebirth of nature, and you want us to celebrate it by despoiling the natural beauty of a grove.

XENA:
     So? The natural beauty of the grove will be poorer by one tree. (shrugs) You've seen one tree, you've seen 'em all.

GABRIELLE (throws up her arms in dismay):
      Xena! What do you think would happen if everyone thought the way you do?

XENA (unperturbed):
     I know what would happen if you thought the way I do. We'd have a tree for Solstice.

EVE (looks uncertainly from Xena to Gabrielle):
     Gabrielle...you did promise Darion a tree. We want him to have a good Solstice, don't we?

Gabrielle looks at her, obviously wavering.

XENA (grins):
     Grove of the Nymphs, here we come.

GABRIELLE (sighs):
     Oh all right...we'll go out there in the morning and get a tree. (looks at Xena and smiles) I promised you, too, didn't I?

XENA:
     Promised what?

GABRIELLE:
     That we'll have the best Solstice ever.

Xena comes up to Gabrielle and Eve and puts her arms around their shoulders.

XENA (smiles warmly):
     I know we will. (squeezes their shoulders and lets go) Now let's turn in. It's been a long day.

As they head toward the door, it swings open and Haimon comes in, carrying a load of firewood.

HAIMON:
     Hey. I thought the fire could use a little more feeding.

He throws a couple of logs on the fire, which flares more brightly, lighting his and Gabrielle's faces.

XENA:
     Thanks, Haimon. Good night.

EVE:
     Good night, Haimon.

Xena and Eve leave. Gabrielle and Haimon stand by the fireplace and continue to stare into the fire.

GABRIELLE:
     Haimon? (Haimon turns his head and looks at her, expectantly and a little anxiously. She reaches out and takes his hands) Thank you for taking care of Darion.

They continue to hold hands, gazing at each other in the firelight, as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE