All language subtitles for 2x09 - A Solstice Carol

On the charge of
evading your taxes,

I find you both guilty!

And I sentence you to
ten years hard labor.

If you won't pay what you owe,

then, by Hades, you'll work it off!

As to the charge of

celebrating the Winter Solstice,

I find you guilty of singing carols

and decorating a tree

twelve more months!

Take them away.

Yes, sire.

You heard King Silvus.

Remove the prisoners.

To the poor house
with you-- move it.

But we're too old to
live in a poorhouse.

Then you'll die there.

Senticles.

Yes, your Majesty.

Have you prepared the
eviction lists for today?

Today? But, sire today is, sol

Yes?

Today is so late.

So late looks nearly dark.

Then I suggest you hurry.

Unless you want to add your
name to that parchment!

Court adjourned!

Now, no spying.

And if one of us sees
the other shopping in a stall,

then she turns and walks
the other way-- agreed?

Yeah.

No peeking into other
peoples' bags, too.

I mean, being surprised
is half the fun-- right?

Right.

Ah, nothing can cost
more than five dinars.

Then why don't I just
give you five dinars,

and you can buy something
that you really like?

Because, then it
wouldn't be a gift.

Hey!

What was that about?

He stole my chakram.

I'll meet you out back.

Pardon me.

Coming through!

Now all we need is
a Solstice pudding.

And a goose.

Don't forget the goose.

Lynal, can you get
us a goose, too?

One goose?
We'll need more than that.

The round thing looks
like the king's crest.

In honor of his cold heart.

Nice tree.

It's all right,
it's all right.

May I help you?

Yes-- that's mine.

Lynal.

I just borrowed it for the tree.

I was gonna give it back.

Funny how the ribbons
bring out its shine.

It's not an ornament.

Flashy thing like that?
What else could it be?

Yeah, what else?

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Children, children.
Settle down.

By order of King Silvus,

be it known you have until
midnight tonight to pay taxes

in the amount of 1000 dinars

or face eviction.

No wait, look around.

They're violating the prohibition.

I say, arrest them now!

Gabrielle!

I didn't know you
did gift-wrapping.

What did he mean,
'violating the prohibition'?

The children were
just enjoying Solstice.

Yes, but here,

celebrating the winter
Solstice is a crime,

and anyone who gets caught

can expect to pay a price.

In a time of ancient gods...

...warlords...

...and kings...

A land in turmoil
cried out for a hero...

She was Xena...

a mighty princess,
forged in the heat of battle...

...The power...

...The passion...

...The danger...

Her courage will
change the world...

A Solstice Carol

How could you work for
a man who would put

orphans on the street
on Solstice Eve?

I like to eat.

When King Silvus
outlawed toy-making,

I had to take
whatever job I could.

You were a toymaker?

Nice try.

Let's throw him in
the cell with the guards.

No, wait, wait.

Senticles, Senticles.

Of course!

When I was a little girl,
I had a toy made--

It was this wooden lamb
whose mouth would open

when you pulled its tail.

Oh, I love that toy.

I remember that one.

You know, it took
me two days to

figure out that mouth joint,

and weeks to carve his fleece.

Oh yes, he was
a real challenge.

So, now you work for the man
that put you out of business.

King Silvus sounds
like quite a guy.

Well, he's always been a hard man.

But the Queen used to temper him.

And one Solstice Eve,

about-- thirty years ago,

Queen Inalia suddenly died.

He hasn't been the same since.

I understand his loss,

but that's no excuse
for banning Winter Solstice.

That's true.

But as hard as his
laws are on others,

I imagine the loneliness in him

has caused the king
to be even worse

That reminds me of
a story I heard once.

A story? Tell us!

OK, OK, OK-- OK, sit down.

Once in a land far away,

there was this rich,

but miserly man named Cresus.

And his heart was so hard,

that his servants begged
the gods to intervene.

They sent the Fates to separate
the strands of his life,

so that he might see
himself more clearly.

Unfortunately,

- Cresus didn't mend his ways.
- What? Why not?

So the gods turned
him into a spirit,

doomed to walk
the Earth forever

as invisible to others as
they were to him in life.

I don't like this story.

Actually, I didn't like the end
to that story, anyway.

And I bet we could change it.

Maybe.

If we tried?

Look, if we can change

the king's mind without
changing his anatomy,

think of the example
it'll be to the children.

Gabrielle, the eviction
notice is set at midnight.

If we don't stop it,
these kids are out on the street.

I know, but it will work.

And what if it doesn't?

We clobber him.

Please, just try it my way

just this once.
In honor of the Solstice?

All right.

If it means that much to you.

But we're going to need disguises
and access to the castle.

Hi.

33, 34, 35-- that's it.

You'll have to stretch
it as far as you can.

We need everything on
the list to make it work.

Trust me, Xena.

If there's one thing I know,
it's how to bargain.

You just worry about
getting to King Silvus

without cracking heads.

Deal's a deal.

Yo!

Right, Senticles?

I'll take you to him all right.

It's just that, well, how do I
know you're not an assassin?

Because if I was,
he'd be dead already.

Works for me.

Good.

You get everything we need,

and I'll meet you
back at the orphanage.

You stubborn ass!

You've been nothing but trouble the
entire time we've been together.

Now, move!

Excuse me, sir.

That's quite an animal
you've got there.

You want him? He's yours.

Fifty dinars.

Fifty?

That's what the tannery
will give me for his hide.

You're taking him
to be skinned?

Look...
How about I do you a favor?

I'll take him off your hands
for say, 25 dinars?

25? That's half of what
he's worth at the tannery.

Yeah, well you have to get
him there first, right?

45.

30-- Not a dinar more.

Let's face it. I've seen
healthier hides on a used couch.

Nothing personal.

What do you say?

35, and you got yourself a deal.

You're a lucky man, Silvus.

Now, surprise me, and
be smart, too. Wake up!

Who are you?!

How did you get in here?!

What do you want?

My name's Xena.

We need to talk.

Listen anything you want.

Take it.

Jewels, money, anything
take it, take it.

Just have mercy on an old man.

The same kind of mercy you showed
that orphanage you're closing?

Orphanage?

You signed the order yourself.

Maybe so.

I issue so many

time's being what they are.

And whose fault is that?

Did you ever stop to think
that maybe if you eased up

on your people a little let them
celebrate Solstice perhaps

the times might ease up, too?

Wait a minute.

You're one of those
Solstice lovers aren't you?

One of those rebels who
thinks that everything and

everyone should stop once a year

just to raise a glass
eat a goose, unwrap gifts!

Well, you know
what I say to that?

Bet I can guess.

- Guards! Guards! Quick!
- Coming, Sire!

You petty tyrants
so predictable.

But heed my warning, Silvus.

Change your ways
or suffer the consequences.

No!

Inalia's gone for good

and so's the Solstice.

Break it down!

This isn't over, Silvus.

The truth is,
it's just begun.

Stop her!

Inalia.

I'm sorry there's
nothing I can do.

I'm afraid you have to leave.

Look, I know it's not fair,
especially on Solstice Eve,

but what can I do?

Look, I know, I know,
but Melana said

you can't stay inside.

And the place is hers

until midnight.

Look, I guess,

I guess it's bunking under

the stars for you, my friend.

Now, let's go.

Come on, I'll stay with you,
so you won't get lonely.

Come on. Tobias, come on!

You know, I'm beginning to
understand your former owner.

Come on, you rugrats
time to wash up

Well, I'll be.

Just like Argo.

I wonder what Xena
will say to this.

Nice work.

You just saved someone
years in prison

changing the
sentence like that.

It's nothing.

I change a letter here,
a number there.

Hoping to do a little good.

Believe me it's nothing.

So's your part in my plan.

It's nothing.
All you have to do is...

No!

I won't risk being arrested.

I can't.

I'd die locked up in a cell
closed in like that.

I couldn't face going to prison.

What do you think would happen
if the king found out about

these changes you
made to his orders?

Found out?

But, surely, you wouldn't

you couldn't...

Of course, not.

But the point is,
if he did find out,

you'd be thrown in prison anyway.

You're braver than you give
yourself credit for.

So don't deny your courage

or the children.

And from that day on,

we've honored and
celebrated it--

as a time of rebirth

for our wishes and our dreams.

The time of coming together
in joy and peace.

It's the shortest
day of the year

and the longest night.

But on this special night,

a new light,

a new chance is born to us all.

So, it's a time for miracles

and goodwill towards
all living creatures.

That's why the Winter Solstice

means so much
and touches us all so deeply.

I have a Solstice wish.

Me too!

Let's hear it.

I wish we could have
a big Solstice dinner

with all the trimmings.

- Me too.
- Yeah.

I wish we could each have a
Solstice present of our very own.

I wish everyone in the world

could be as happy as
we are right now.

I think those are all fine wishes.

Now, why don't we go

and gather our stockings

and put them
by the fireplace?

Come on, let's go.

You'd better hope
this plan works.

Otherwise I'll do
whatever it takes to keep

those kids from getting hurt.

She's a very physical person.

I completely agree with you.

If the plan fails, we punch faces.

Until then, we do
it peacefully

in the spirit of Solstice.

Who's your friend?

Xena, meet Tobias.

Now, isn't he sweet?

And he's trained just like Argo
you just whistle.

He cost me all of
our money but

I couldn't let him
go to a tannery

not on Solstice Eve.

It's all right.

I got everything
we need at the castle.

Now, all we have to do
is figure out the details

And then hope
I can restrain myself

long enough to pull it off.

Silvus wake up.

Silvus, arise.

Open you eyes.

Silvus, wake up!

Oh, what is this,
the town square?!

Who are you?

What do you want?!

Mankind calls me Clotho

First of the Fates, whose
province is the past.

Nonsense!

You're nothing but a dream,

probably brought
on by indigestion

a fatty piece of beef
a bit of gristle.

Get out and let me sleep!

Your commands have
no sway over me.

Rather, I command you

to arise, and walk by my side.

How do I know you're really a Fate?

For all I can tell,
you could be a thief,

or another of those
Solstice cracks.

Hmm, perhaps this will
convince you that time is

mine to rule as I will.

I am the Fate of the past.

Long past?

Your past, which I
will show you.

Then you will turn to
the present with my sister.

And as for your future

All right, I believe you.

What now?

Come!

Where are we going?

To a place you have forgotten

though it haunts
your every thought.

Silvus--

Silvus.

Dear husband.

Inalia?

Stop! Come no closer.

I am but a shadow from your past.

Sent to beg you

turn from your narrow,
greedy ways

before it's too late.

Too late?

Great Zeus.

Here, drink this.

Easy, big fella.

Steady-- steady, big boy.

Hey, check this out.

A warning that our
time is nearly up.

No-- not yet.

Don't leave me, Inalia

please not again.

I'm sorry, Silvus.

You've grieved long enough.

You must forget my death on
that Solstice Eve so long ago.

Death? What do you mean?

You-- you didn't die.

You you-- you walked out on me.

I don't understand.

I was speaking metaphorically.

We-- we shadows from
the past tend to do that.

Yeah.

Meta, metaphor.

Wait-- what's-- what's
going on here?

What's happening?
Who-- who are--?

- Is he all right?
- Fine

but that sleeping herb
I put in his wine won't last long.

We'd better get moving.

I thought Senticles
said his wife was dead.

He also said he'd handle Tobias.

We start Phase 2.

You get changed and
see what happened.

I'll meet you back
at the orphanage.

OK.

Come on, King.

Senticles. Senticles.

Where are you?

Senticles.

Tobias

Good job, boy.

Now where's Senticles?

What?

Are you trying to
tell me something?

Do you know where Senticles is?

OK-- let's find him.

Smart donkey.

Silvus, wake up!

Am I to understand that you are--

Lachesis-- second of the Fates.

Here to show your present.

Now, arise and dress.

Put on these?

But I'm the king.

Why would I wear
something common as this?

Tonight, we go among your subjects

as anonymous to
them as they are to you.

The better to show
you how your cruel

laws and harsh
judgments affect them.

To what point?

In hopes I'll change my life?

In the hopes that you
might change theirs.

Unless you'd like me
to find a more

forceful way of persuading you.

You won't be needing that.

Hello Senticles.

Are you in there?

Hello!

It's me, Gabrielle.

Senticles.

What happened?

You were supposed to
stay with Tobias.

You know, Xena and I
were nearly caught.

So was I.

Two guards came by.

If I hadn't run, I don't know
what would have happened.

You ran away?

Well, what else could I do?

You didn't expect me to stay
there and get caught, did you?

No-- no-- but what about us?

What about Tobias?

You forget I've seen your
warrior friend in action.

I knew you'd be OK.

As for the donkey...

What are they gonna do to a donkey?

Whereas me

they could lock in prison
for the rest of my life.

It's like I told your friend,
I can't do that.

I can't.

Shut up in a small space.

I'd die.

Look-- I'm sorry if
I let you down.

But, I warned you!
I'm no hero.

So, why don't you just go,
all right, just leave me alone!

Go!

What is all this?

It's nothing.

I shouldn't have left them out.

Are you crazy?

It's amazing.

Look at all these toy.

Her eyes open and close.

Yes, well that's because
I use this little

Oh, look at this.

This is exactly like the toy
I had growing up.

Remember?

I told you how much it meant to me.

Oh, all these toys.

They'd mean so much to
the orphans too.

Don't you think?

Every child could have
a toy of his very own.

That would be true
if they were legal.

Which they aren't.

Well-- don't worry about that.

By the time we're
done with King Silvus

he'll be handing them out himself.

We could use this

We could take the toys to
the orphanage and hide them.

And, I'll have to disguise you,
just in case we do run into guards.

We don't want them
to recognize you.

No,
I won't risk going to prison.

Look you say you're
afraid of small spaces.

Well, that's exactly how
you live your whole life

in a small space
afraid to stand up

for yourself or anyone else.

Don't you see?

What you're most afraid
will happen, has happened?

The question is,

what are you going to do about it?

I know-- I know it's-- it's late.

slam the door if you want to.

Wouldn't surprise me a bit.

Slam the door?
On Solstice Eve?

That's a good one.
Come in.

How can I help you?

Well-- We are-- we're-- we're

Strangers.

Strangers-- right.

We're strangers.
We've been,

uh, travelling all
day and we-- we--

Need a bit of food and drink?.

Well, we don't have much.

But, you're welcome
to share what we've got.

The charity of your king
and country is legendary.

Our king?
Charitable?

You really are strangers here.

What's that supposed to mean?

Just that, King Silvus
is the meanest,

most tight-fisted ruler
this side of the Aegean.

Is that so?

Absolutely.

You've heard of Midas, right?

Greediest man in the world,
until Hercules helped him.

Well, our king makes him
look like Lady Bountiful.

Surely, you exaggerate.

I wish! This is an orphanage.

And, 'cause we can't pay our taxes,

King Silvus is kicking us
out of here at midnight.

What kind of king does
that to kids on Solstice Eve?

Good question.

Coast is clear.

Let's go.

Come on, Tobias.

Remember the king's command.

Any resistance,
we storm in full force.

Look they're headed
straight for the orphanage.

We have to warn Melana.

How?
They'll be guarding the doors.

Well, then, we'll find
another way inside.

OK? Come on.

♪ Stars tonight,
oh skies in sight ♪

♪ On Solstice night, ♪

♪ on Solstice night. ♪

♪ Chestnuts spark
the hearth is bright. ♪

♪ Solstice night is here. ♪

♪ Snow so white
casts winter's light ♪

♪ On Solstice night,
this quiet night. ♪

♪ Our song so light
sends hope of light ♪

♪ This longest night of the year. ♪

♪ Time of wonder,
time for cheer, ♪

♪ The greatest time of all. ♪

♪ Can't help it when
the love we share ♪

♪ Shines bright in everyone. ♪

Take me home.

I've seen and heard enough.

Enough to stop your eviction?

Enough to bring
back Winter Solstice?

Enough!

I won't be lectured

especially when
it's all your fault.

My fault?

If you Fates hadn't
separated Inalia and me

I might have been a
different man a better king.

But you did

you let her leave.

She walked out on
me, just as I'm

walking out on
you right now!

Happy Solstice!

Halt!
You're under arrest

by order of the king.

Don't be absurd.

I am the king.

Right, and I'm the
Queen of the Amazons.

Seize them!

Hold it, boys.

Where's your Holiday-- Spirit?

What are you waiting for?!

Arrest them!

Did you see that?

They attacked me!
Me, their king!

You and your friend better go.

I'm not going anywhere.

Xena!
Thank the gods it's you!

The guards in the
basement have escaped!

Believe me, Lynal,
that is the least of our worries.

Attention, everyone
in the building.

Either you come
out voluntarily

or we're coming in to get you.

But, either way, you're gone!

Are you sure he'll be all right?

His pulse is strong.

Once the shock wears off,
he should be fine.

Dear gods, I hope so.

On second thought, maybe
you should stay with him

just in case
anything develops.

But, I can't. I mean,
what about the children?

Lynal will look after them.
Right?

Well, sure,

but
who's gonna help you?

Go and see to the kids.

The reinforcements have arrived.

I did it!

The gods be praised!

I did it!

That chimney is dark
and cold as a grave.

But I just grabbed my
sack of toys and-- Ho-ho-ho!

Down I came!
And, you know what?

I liked it!

I did-- it was fun!

By Zeus! I'm gonna do
that every Solstice Eve!

Just see if I don't.

That's great, Senticles,

but we've got a problem, here.

Xena, there are a troup
of guards outside.

I know.

I guess my plan
didn't work after all

So I guess we have
to slash and crash.

But thanks for trying.

Back to business
as usual, right?

All right, we gave 'em a chance.

Now, in the name of King Silvus,

attack!

Let the games begin.

Oh boys!

Come and get your
Solstice present.

You wanna help
me play with it?

Senticles!

Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!

The gods defend me.

You're the third one--

the Fate of the future,
am I right?

Atropos
come to show me my

What is it?
What is this place?

Tell me-- Why am I here?

It's dark and--
cold as a-- grave?

Is that it? Is this my-- tomb?

And

that-- that noise like-
- souls-- crying out in pain.

Is this my future?

No, no, don't leave me.

Just tell me
Does it have to be?

This place, my death?

Can it change if
I change my life?

Please, I-- I don't
want to die alone.

I've lived that way
for thirty years.

I can change. I know I can.

No!
I won't go with you not yet.

You'll see-- I'll show you.

I'll prove to you,
I'm not the man I was.

I'm not!

This way!

Great stocking stuffers.

Go ahead

make my day.

Thanks.

Gabrielle, get me a sword.

This guy's driving me nuts!

Come on.

Load your weapons!

Ready!

Fire!

Yeah!

You call yourself soldiers?

Getting beaten by
women and children?

Right, come on!

We'll make them pay.

You're pathetic!

Now, tighten your ranks!

Look sharp!

Come on.

Charge!

Did you see them run?!

Like rabbits?!

Yes, sir! Ha-ha!

There'll be no evictions here!

Not tonight! Not ever!

Your Majesty, this is the
woman who runs the orphanage.

- Her name's--
- Inalia.

Yes.

Oh, my dearest wife.

Can you-- ever forgive me for
closing my heart to you--

and to our people?

For wasting thirty precious
years in bitterness and greed?

I know I don't deserve it,

but please, say you'll try.

I heard what you said

and I forgive you
with all my heart.

I guess you got that
happy ending you wanted.

And then some.

Excuse me, please.

Could you tell us which is
the road going west?

You're on it.

There's a town on
the way if you're

looking for food
and shelter.

We'd be happy to
help you get there.

You're very kind but,
we're in a hurry.

Come dear
the caravan won't wait.

Yes, we're coming.

Wait a minute.

If you're in a hurry, then,

wouldn't it be
faster if your

wife and child
rode the distance?

Well, of course, but we
don't have the means to

You do now.

For us?
But, it's too much.

We can't accept it.

Sure you can,
if you can whistle.

Call it a, call it a Solstice
gift for the baby.

May God smile on you
always for your kindness.

Thank you.

Tobias.

Now take good care
of these people, OK?

Don't be stubborn.

I'll miss you, too.

That was a nice thing
you did back there.

What would I do with
a silly old donkey, anyway?

They needed
him more than me

Besides, they seem pretty nice.

After all, it is Solstice.

Oh, that's right.

Happy Solstice.

Well-- what?

I don't have a gift for you.

Gabrielle, you are
a gift to me.