- Eve comes to the Amazon lands, where she's captured and judged by the Queens. While Gabrielle joins her sister to try and save Eve, Xena discovers Varia has made a mistake once again by allying herself with Ares.
- TEASER
In a cave, Amazon queens from all over are gathered. Kanne (Marise Wipani) invites Mawu-Ka (Michelle Blanchard) and her tribe to join them, that they can't survive as separate tribes anymore. They need to be united in order to protect themselves. Mawu-Ku asks if all decisions are made by the council of Amazon queens. Varia (Tsianina Joelson) enters. Kanne explains that the council upholds Amazon law, but that Varia leads the warriors. She is the queen who brought them all together and made them strong. Varia informs them that Roman troops have been spotted in their forest. Gwyn-Teir (Kirstie O'Sullivan) asks why. Varia says that whatever the reason is, she'll make sure they will not leave. She leaves the cave.
Eve (Adrienne Wilkinson) walks through the woods on Amazon land. A group of Roman soldiers join her, saying they are under orders from the new emperor to accompany her. Eve says that she's bringing a message of peace and can't come to Amazon lands with troops, but the captain has his orders. Amazons come out from behind the trees, shouting war cries. There are hundreds of them. The Amazons, lead by Varia, attack the Roman soldiers. The Amazons take out the Roman soldiers. Varia battles the soldiers. She sees Eve and moves over to her. Amazons grab her. Eve is taken away. A young solider escapes.
Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) are in a village. They learn that Roman troops are returning to Rome, proving the new emperor really is serious about peace. Gabrielle says its thanks to Xena, but Xena replies that it was Eve who set him on the road to peace. The young soldier stumbles into the village. He falls to his knees and Xena and Gabrielle move over to him. He tells them that they were attacked by hundreds of Amazons. Gabrielle asks him what they were doing on Amazon lands and he tells them that they were sent to protect Eve. Xena asks what happened to Eve. The soldier tells her that Eve was taken prisoner and that they were calling her "Livia" and seemed set on avenging a crime she committed against them. He says that he doesnt know what they are going to do with her. Xena replies that they are going to kill her.
ACT ONE
The Amazons have won the battle against the Roman soldiers. Cyane (Morgan Reese Fairhead) brings several soldiers before Varia and asks what to do with them. Varia orders them killed. Cyane says they have surrendered and that her tribe doesn't kill an enemy once they've surrendered. Varia motions to several other Amazons who move over and put swords to the soldiers' necks. Both Cyane and Eve try to talk her out of it. Eve says that if Varia kills the soldiers that she will be no better than she was. Varia punches her. Varia reminds her that Marga sentenced her to death if she ever returned. Varia heads out and the Amazon guards follow with Eve. As Varia leaves she orders Cyanes tribe to protect the pass. Varia and the other Amazons leave. Cyane leads her tribe away.
Xena and Gabrielle walk through the dead bodies of the Roman soldiers. They see the prisoners' their hands are tied behind them with arrows in their backs. An arrow lands at their feet. Xena picks it up and says it belongs to Cyane's tribe, and wonders what they are doing this far south. Cyane and her Amazons step out, arrows raised, ready to fire. Cyane says that Varia has ordered that no one is allowed to pass. Xena takes a step forward, but Gabrielle stops her. Gabrielle introduces herself and Xena and touches her fist to her shoulder in the Amazon salute. Cyane returns the salute. She's honoured to meet Gabrielle, but can't defy Varia. Xena points out the murdered soldiers and that they need to talk to Varia. Cyane says the council is about to meet and they can speak to Varia there.
In the cave, Eve is in a circle of the Amazon queens, a blue light surrounding her. Her hands are chained and Varia stands next to her. Varia informs the other queens that Eve was banished under threat of death and now she has returned with troops like she did when she was Livia. Xena and Gabrielle enter and Xena says, "Her name is Eve." Varia says that changing her name doesn't change her crimes. The council tells Xena that she has no prerogative to be heard before an Amazon council, but they welcome Gabrielle as a queen. Gabrielle says that Xena is there with her permission and has a right to defend Eve. Kanne says that she may stay if she abides by their law. Gabrielle looks to Xena and then to Kanne, who nods. Varia continues with her argument.
Varia and Eve's past, six years ago. Varia and Tura (Mia Koning), her sister, are scouting. Varia sees Livia (Adrienne Wilkinson) leading Roman troops. Varia and Tura run back to the village.
Varia and Tura run into the Amazon village and warn them about the Romans. The Amazons get ready for battle. The Romans ride in. Livia flips from her horse, sword drawn. Livia and the Roman soldiers fight the Amazons. Varia joins the battle. Livia fights the Amazons. Varia is knocked out. The battle rages on. Livia is unbeatable.
Later on, Varia awakens to see the Amazons in chains. Varia sees Tura amoung those in chains. She rises and picks up a dagger on the ground. Varia slowly walks behind Livia. In a voice over, Varia says that she has the chance there to stop Livia, but that it was her first battle and she had never killed before. Varia comes up behind Livia with the dagger. Livia turns to face her and Varia gasps. Livia snarls then flips over Varia. She grabs Varia as she flips, then puts her foot on Varia's back and tosses her backward (a repeat of the move we saw her use in "Coming Home") Varia hits the ground and Livia draws her sword and moves in on her. Tura escapes from the line of chained Amazons. Tura throws herself over Varia. Livia shakes her head. Livia brings down her sword and cuts of Tura's head.
In the present, Eve is before the Amazons. Varia says that she can't undo the past, but she can redeem it with justice. Eve looks at Xena and confirms that she did what Varia accused her of. Kanne says that all that remains is to decide Eve's punishment. Gwyn-Teir says that the law offers only death or banishment. Varia points out that Eve was banished before, so this time she dies. Xena takes a step forward, but Gabrielle stops her. Kanne says that those in favour of executing Eve must stand. All the queens rise.
ACT TWO
The Amazons are all standing, sentencing Eve to die. Varia draws her sword. Gabrielle says that by Amazon law, Xena has the right to defend Eve. Varia says there is no defense because she already confessed. Xena says if given time she will present a case. Cyane says that with all Xena and Gabrielle have done for the Amazons, they deserve that much. Mawu-Ka gives them an hour and the queens leave. Xena points out Varia's new sword to Gabrielle. Gabrielle says Eve had a sword like that when she was Livia. Xena informs her that she got it from Ares.
Xena catches up with Varia. She tells Varia that Marga believed she would make a great queen. She is sorry that she failed to train Varia to be that. Varia replies that Xena didn't fail. She's grateful for Xena's training, but shes on her own now. Xena attacks her. Varia blocks her moves. Xena says that all the people who have seen her use that move are dead, except Ares. She observes that Ares is training Varia now. Varia says that he is helping her build the Amazon nation. Xena replies that Ares doesn't care about the Amazon nation. Varia says they aren't going to get pushed around anymore, that they are going to fight back, united and strong with Ares as their ally. Xena tells her that she doesn't need Ares; that it's within her to lead the Amazons. An Amazon enters and let's Xena know the queens want to hear her defense. Varia leaves, saying she does need Ares.
Xena stands next to Eve before the Amazons. She asks Eve why she attacked the Amazons. Eve replies that she did it for slaves. Xena says that doesn't make any sense to lead a regiment though swamp and forest to engage the fiercest warriors in the land in the vain hope of making them slaves. Eve says nothing. Xena whispers to Eve that Ares is leading the Amazons in a suicidal war against the Romans and that she needs her to help the Amazons see how Ares operates. She tells her that if she doesn't care about herself, she should at least care about the Amazons. Eve replies that she committed the crimes and must tell the truth. Xena tells her to tell the whole truth. Eve speaks up to the Amazons and says that she was fighting two campaigns in the north, taking provinces for Rome.
Livia's tent, six years ago. She enters her tent, wiping her blood-soaked sword clean. Two soldiers and a Roman Captain are before her table. The Roman Captain shows her a map of the areas they hold. The Roman soldiers leave and Ares appears. He wraps his hands around Livia's waist. Livia says she's running out of territories to capture. Ares points to a spot on the map and says that she hasn't been there. Livia replies that there's nothing to gained from Amazon lands. Ares tells her that if she conquers the Amazons just for kicks, and make them slaves, she could watch her name spread all over the world.
In the present, Eve is before the Amazons. Xena states that Ares was behind the raid. There is silence. Varia says that Ares wants a strong Amazon nation and that he's helping her build it. Xena says that Ares helps no one but himself. Varia leaves to find out the truth from Ares himself. Xena warns the Amazons that choosing Eve's verdict will choose the path for their people. Gabrielle steps forward and says that she wishes to join the council for the deliberation. The queens welcome her as a fellow queen. Xena and Gabrielle step aside. Gabrielle tells Xena that she thinks she can make the Amazons understand what Ares is like. Xena says Ares can be very persuasive; thats he's already conned them so far. Eve is taken away. Gabrielle tells Xena to be patient and to let her try to resolve it the Amazon way. Xena warns that if she cant bring them around, she will get Eve out the old fashioned way and then leaves.
Varia is in another part of cave. She calls out for Ares and he appears. Varia tells him that Eve told them that he was behind the raid against her sisters. Ares says that he set up the raid so that the tribes would come together. Varia says it's no excuse for turning her sisters into slaves. Ares replies that he knew that Gurkhan would never take the Amazons as slaves. He tells her that Livia took them to market, couldn't make a profit and so she threw them all overboard with their shackles still on. Varia is upset. She wanted to build an army to bring them home. Ares says she can't bring them back, but that she can stop this from ever happening again, but leading the Amazons against the Romans. Varia nods.
Gabrielle is with the other queens. She asks the queens why they condemn Eve when they know Ares was behind the raid. Cyane says that Ares put the idea in Eve's head, but she was still the one who carried it out. Kanne says that if Gabrielles heart is truly with the Amazons, then she must know the truth they speak. Varia enters and asks Gabrielle what her vote is.
Eve is bound to a pole. Xena waits with her. An Amazon arrives and tells them that the verdict is in.
In the cave, the Mawu-Ka asks Gabrielle what her vote is. Xena enters as Gabrielle votes guilty.
ACT THREE
Xena storms out of the cave. Gabrielle follows.
Gabrielle chases after Xena, saying that she didn't have a choice, that she had to vote with them or they would have kicked her off of the council and found Eve guilty anyway. This way she has a voice and can plead Eve's case for the sentence. Xena storms off saying she can't talk to Gabrielle right now.
Xena is in a field. She calls out for Ares asking why hes doing this. Ares speaks to her, without appearing, telling her the story of the scorpion and the swan, about how the swan agrees to take the scorpion across a lake because the scorpion promised not to sting it because that would kill them both. When they are half way across the river, the scorpion stings the swan. Ares appears and moves his hand over Xena's waist and says that the swan asked the scorpion why. Xena finishes the story with the scorpions reply, "It's what I do." Ares tells Xena that he lost a lot of worshippers when he became mortal, so he needs something major on his scorecard. Xena observes, "Like the biggest war in centuries." Ares replies that hes after the biggest war in history - the crazy Amazons against the ruthless Romans, both sides worshipping him for success in battle. Xena hits him, getting him off of her. She calls him a son of a bitch and says she's not going to let Ares kill her daughter. Ares replies that Eve wasn't invited and got involved all on her own. Xena says that she can no longer kill gods, but she won't let this happen without a fight. Ares says he believes her and disappears.
The queens are gathered and Varia wants the sentence. Xena enters, but two Amazons holds spears in front of her. Varia starts to sentence Eve to death, but Gabrielle stands and takes the spear Varia is holding. Gabrielle breaks the spear over her knee, using her right to challenge and the queens gasp. Gabrielle says that Varia is not queen until she defeats her. Varia tells Gabrielle that she had a better chance of saving Eve with words. Xena leaves.
Gabrielle wraps rags over her hands. Xena joins her and says that she doesn't want Gabrielle to fight Varia; that she should instead. Gabrielle says that she made the challenge, so she has to fight. She makes Xena promise not to interfere. If she becomes queen, she can pardon Eve and uphold Amazon law. Xena agrees and Gabrielle moves off.
Varia is standing on an animal hide circle, which is surrounded by Amazons with staffs. The Amazons cheer. Gabrielle enters. Eve touches her arm. Gabrielle steps onto the circle and the Amazons who are holding the staffs, hold them horizontal, end to end, sealing Varia and Gabrielle in a circle. They each hold up their fists. The Amazons cheer. Varia and Gabrielle fight. It's a close fight. Gabrielle knocks Varia to the ground and tells her that she should be fighting Ares, not her. Varia flips it around and gets Gabrielle down and punches her several times. They both stand and face each other. They start to kick box. Varia kicks Gabrielle to the ground. Varia brings down her fist, but Gabrielle rolls out of the way. They fight. Varia knocks Gabrielle against the staffs, right in front of Xena and Eve. Gabrielle is bleeding from her lip and a cut on her forehead. There's the sound of bones cracking as Varia leans her knee on Gabrielle's back. Varia backs up and Gabrielle turns to face her. Varia kicks her back against the staffs. Gabrielle rolls onto the ground and stays there. Varia has won. Xena moves over to Gabrielle and holds her.
ACT FOUR
Varia takes Eve away, the queens following. The Amazons cheer. Xena holds Gabrielle and wipes the blood from her face. Gabrielle opens her eyes. Gabrielle apologizes. Xena said she did all she could, but now it's up to her. Xena runs off.
Xena is running through the field when she slows down, then stops. She shouts to Ares that she can smell him. Ares appears and smells his armpit. Ares says he's there for moral support. Xena replies that he's there to gloat and shoves him. She moves off and he follows. Ares says that he's not stopping Xena from getting Eve. He says he's looking forward to watching Xena take on a few dozen Amazons. Ares reminds Xena about the scorpion story. Xena replies that the scorpion drowned and she runs off.
The Amazons lead Eve down to the boiling pits. Xena flips in. Varia draws her sword. Xena draws hers. Varia says she's followed Amazon law and she's doing this for her sisters. Mawu-Ka warns Xena that if she defies Varia, she defies the entire Amazon nation. Xena replies that Varia is not killing Eve for the nation, she going it to deal with her own guilt because she couldn't bring herself to kill Livia when it mattered. Varia attacks. Xena and Varia battle over the boiling pits. Xena grabs Varia and throws her back towards Eve and the others. Varia lands right next to her sword. Xena lands between Varia and Eve. She retrieves her sword and holds it on Varia. Xena warns Varia that if she follows Ares now, she'll become worse than Livia; that she will become everything she hates. As Varia continues to reach for her sword, Xena points out that she already has become everything she hates. Varia gets her sword. Xena sheathes hers. Varia stands. Xena tells Varia that if she wants vengeance, she can start with her. Varia flips Xena and uses the move Livia did. She stands and moves over Xena who is kneeling on the ground. Varia raises her sword and moves on Xena, just like Livia had moved on her sister. Varia looks at Xena. The queens watch. Varia falls to her knees, crying. Xena touches Varia's head and then cuts Eve free. Eve runs to Varia and puts her arms around her. Xena tells the Amazons that this is the pain that awaits them if they follow Ares. Varia stands and Eve puts her hands on Varia's shoulder. Varia tells the Amazons that Xena is their friend and they need to talk. Varia and the Amazons leave. Ares claps, telling Xena she's good. She replies that it's what she does and Ares says that he wouldn't have it any other way. He vanishes. Eve frowns and shakes her head. Xena holds her.
Eve is once more before the Amazon queens. Varia sentences Livia to death, so that Eve may live. Eve looks at her and the Amazons stand. Xena smiles. Cyane tells Eve that she's free to go. Eve takes Varia's hand and then moves over to Xena and Gabrielle. She takes Xena's hand and hugs Gabrielle. The Amazons give them the Amazon salute, which Xena and Gabrielle return. Xena, Gabrielle and Eve leave.
Outside of the cave in the Amazon village, Xena, Gabrielle and Eve walk along. Xena tells Eve that the Amazons have forgiven her and asks her to think about forgiving herself. Eve asks Xena if she's forgiven herself to which Xena replies, "Good point." Eve tells them that she's going to head to Chin to spread Eli's message. She thanks Gabrielle for saving Xena and bringing her happiness and then hugs her. Eve looks at Xena and thanks her for giving her life so many times. Eve and Xena hug and Eve tells Xena she loves her. Xena replies that she loves her too. They hug for a moment and then pull back. Xena offers to come with Eve, but Eve says she has to do it on her own and leaves.
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