The episode begins with a bunch of Amazon queens from different factions of tribes. They are trying to decide whether it’s better for them to all stay together there or return to their own land. Varia walks in and informs them that Roman soldiers are entering their land. Varia is hell bent on not allowing the Roman soldiers to leave. 

We next see Eve walking through the forest and a group of Roman soldiers are following her. She’s not pleased and tells them she is on a mission of peace and for them to return. The leader tells her he has his orders and the emperor of Rome has sent them to protect her. She tells him she can’t go to the Amazons with a legion of troops to spread her message of peace. The large group of Amazons surrounds them. Eve announces that she is there for peace, but they don’t care and attack the group. A large battle ensues and the leader demands that Eve get out of there, but as usual she won’t listen. The Amazons defeat the Roman soldiers and take Eve hostage.  The leader sends one of the soldiers back to town for help and he hauls butt out of there.

Meanwhile, Xena and Gabrielle are searching for a place to stay, but the innkeepers tell Gabrielle that they can’t take them, that there is a legion of Roman soldiers in the area. The gals are glad that the new emperor is taking it serious to create peace in the lands. They encounter a Roman soldier who collapses at their feet. He explains that he was there to protect the messenger of Eli and that the Amazons have taken her to avenge a wrong she did in the past. He tells them he’s not sure what they meant by that and Xena worriedly says, "They’re going to kill her," as the opening begins. 

We return to a bunch of dead Roman soldiers and Varia demands that a group of soldiers that have surrendered be killed. Cyane, the new one, informs Varia that her tribe does not kill people who have surrendered. Eve pleads with Varia that they were there to protect her and they came in peace. Eve tells her that if she kills them Varia is no better than she was as Livia. Varia isn’t too pleased with that comment and girlfriend whacks Eve across the face and tells her to not compare her to her. She’s still pissed about the fact that Eve raided their village and sold her sisters as slaves. I would be too!  She has her own tribe take care of the soldiers and reminds Eve that Marga sentenced her to death if she came back to their land and that she has to face the consequences since she returned there.  Varia tells Cyane to not allow anyone to enter their valley.

Xena and Gabrielle happen upon the carnage of dead soldiers and are horrified to see the Roman soldiers with arrows in their backs, their hands tied behind their backs, execution style. An arrow shoots at their feet and Xena identifies it as Cyane’s tribe. Cyane approaches and Gabrielle tells her they are friends of the Amazons and they just want to talk. Cyane informs them that Varia has commanded that no one passes. Xena confidently informs them, "Well, we’re coming through," with a sneer. Gabby, the diplomat reminds her that they are their friends and she’d like to keep it that way. She tells Cyane that they were friends of her queen and Cyane introduces herself as her queen’s namesake. Gabrielle introduces them and Cyane is impressed to be within such company. She tells them that she has to follow Varia’s orders and Xena is pissed. She reminds her that the soldiers were executed and her queen would not have stood for that kind of treatment. She tells her they have to talk to Varia and Cyane informs them that she is at a tribal council meeting. She tells them they can accompany her and that many of their sisters do not agree with the path that Varia is leading them on.

The scene changes to Varia pleading her case before the tribal council against Eve and all the wrongs she has committed. Xena takes offense to the name-calling Varia does with Eve as she refers to her as Livia, the bitch of Rome, when she enters the cave. She reminds Varia that her name is Eve and that Marga already passed judgment on those crimes. Varia tells her that she was not to come back onto Amazon land or she would be killed. Another queen speaks up and tells Xena that she has no prerogative to be heard there and Xena tells her she’s not leaving without Eve. Gabrielle says, "Now, wait," as another queen turns to her and asks if she’s exercising her right as a queen to speak. Gabrielle tells them, "Xena is here with my permission. She has a right to defend her daughter before the Amazon council." She is informed that she must be quiet as the council continues if she is to stay...Xena that is. Varia continues her speech about all the horrible things Eve did to her and her tribe. She explains how Eve came in as Livia and rounded up her sisters to sell as slaves. They show a battle of the Roman soldiers and Amazons as she is telling the story. She explains that her sister was captured along with the others after she was knocked unconscious. She informs them that she got up and had the perfect opportunity to kill Livia, but it was her first battle and she was inexperienced. We see her sneak up behind Livia, who turns just in time to see Varia holding a dagger to her. Livia easily kicks her butt and knocks her to the ground. She raises her sword to Varia and Varia’s sister runs over to her. She gets in front of Varia to protect her and Livia raises her sword to kill Varia’s sister. There is a great close-up of Varia’s eye and you see what Livia is doing as she kills her younger sister.

Varia announces to the council that if she had killed Livia she would still have her sister and her tribe. It’s safe to say that she has a serious case of guilt! She tells them she can’t undo the past, but they can redeem it with justice. Eve stares at her mother, who matches the gaze and tells her that she’s telling the truth, that she did those things. The spokesperson queen tells the council that the accused has admitted to her crimes and that the only thing that remains is the form of punishment. One queen offers death or banishment and Varia informs them she had that option and she returned.  "This time she dies." Xena moves towards Eve and Gabrielle stops her. The spokesperson queen (they haven’t mentioned her name as of yet) tells them to stand if they are in favor of Eve’s execution and they all do, but wait! Xena is having none of it. Did you expect otherwise? She angrily shouts, "You’re not doing this," as Gabrielle is trying to hold her angry lover back. Gabrielle passionately reminds them, "By Amazon law Xena has a right to defend the accused."  Varia asks what kind of a defense could she possibly come up with considering Eve confessed and Xena tells her, "You give me time, I’ll present one." Cyane steps up and reminds them that Gabrielle and Xena have done a lot for the Amazons to deserve a defense for Eve. The spokesperson queen tells her she’s got one hour to present a defense.

Xena watches as Varia sheaths her sword when she’s walking away and asks Gabrielle if she recognizes the sword she has. Gabrielle recognizes it as the same one Eve had when she was Livia and Xena confirms it saying, "She got it from Ares," as she follows Varia out. 

Xena picks a fight with her. Varia has gotten pretty good at her fighting. Xena puts a move on her that Varia blocks and she tells her there’s only one other person that knows that move that isn’t dead, Ares. Xena wants to know why Ares is helping her and she informs her that he is helping to rebuild the Amazon nation. Xena tries to convince her that he won’t help them and Varia tells her the Amazon nation is tired of being pushed around and now they are going to fight back with the God of War as their ally. Xena tells her that they don’t need him, that it’s within her to lead the Amazons, that she’s the one. They are informed that the council is ready for the defense and Varia tells her, "No Xena, you’re wrong I do need him." Xena is shocked and heads back where Eve is located amongst the council.

Xena begins to question her daughter about her role in all of this and Eve is reluctant to give her the information. Eve wants to tell the truth and be punished for her misdeeds. She explains what she was doing back then and they do a flashback scene to what she is telling everyone. Ares appears and cons her into taking the Amazon land. Of course, he seduces her into doing this for the glory or kicks of conquering the Amazons. Better yet, enslave the Amazons, as her name will be blazoned all over the world. They find out that Ares is behind the raid. The Amazons are upset and Varia informs them that he wants to help build the Amazons. Xena tells her Ares doesn’t help anyone. Varia vows to find out the truth from Ares and leaves. Xena announces to the group, "I’d consider Eve’s verdict carefully. You’re also choosing a path for your people." The spokesperson queen tells her that she has been heard and now it is up to the council as Xena begins to walk away. Gabrielle informs them that she would like to join the council in the deliberation. They are all too happy to have Gabrielle’s wisdom with the group. Gabrielle tells Xena that she thinks she can convince them how Ares really is and Xena tells her that he can be very persuasive. Gabrielle tells her to be patient, that there is wisdom in the Amazon ways. Xena sarcastically says, "Like the time they painted you blue and made you howl at the moon to consecrate your queeniness?" Gabrielle says nothing and Xena adds, " Look if you can’t talk them around, I’m taking Eve out of here the old fashioned way," as she stares at Gabrielle to let her know she’s serious and walks away. Gabrielle rolls her eyes and turns back to the council.

Varia demands to see Ares and he appears. She wants to know the truth about her tribe and his help. He explains that his sister Artemis was content to allow the groups to whittle away to separate tribes. He explains that hate is a powerful emotion and that it unites people. Varia tells him that’s no excuse for turning her sisters into slaves and he explains that Gurkhan wouldn’t have taken Amazons, as they are too high-spirited. He informs her that Livia tried to fetch some dinars for them on the open market but couldn’t and tells her how she tossed them overboard while they were still shackled. Varia tells him she wanted to build an army and bring them home. He informs her that she can never bring them home, but she can make sure it never happens again. That Eve and Rome are hand-in-hand in this slaughter and she can lead her sisters against Rome to show them they mean business.

Gabrielle tries to reason with the council saying that Ares was behind the raid and wants to know why they are condemning Eve. Cyane reminds her that Ares put the idea in her head, but Eve followed through with it with her hand on the sword. The head queen tells Gabrielle that Eve has admitted her crimes and she must be punished. She adds that if Gabrielle’s heart is truly with the Amazon nation, she knows that they speak the truth. Gabrielle is in a quandary and is not sure how to get Eve out of this one. Varia reminds everyone as she returns to the room that the Amazons speak as one voice and they are growing impatient. She looks at Gabrielle and angrily asks, "What is your vote, sister?" as the scene changes to Eve standing tied to a pole and Xena behind her sitting on the steps absentmindedly taping her sword on the step below her. An Amazon approaches and informs her that they are giving the verdict. Xena heads in to find out what is going on. Everyone is standing and they are all staring at Gabrielle waiting for her answer. They ask, "What have you decided?"  Xena walks in and stands before them. Gabrielle stands up and looks at Xena who is confident Gabrielle will side with Eve. Gabrielle looks away from Xena and replies, "Guilty." Xena is livid with Gabrielle.  I think she nearly had a stroke when Gabrielle did that.  Gabrielle stares at Xena as the queen announces that the verdict is guilty. Xena heads out to Eve with Gabrielle in hot pursuit.

Gabrielle tries to explain, saying she had no choice, but Xena wants nothing to do with her lover at the moment. She’s pissed! Gabrielle tries to explain that if they would have kicked her off the council they would have found Eve guilty anyway and it was the only way she could save her. Xena isn’t buying it as she’s trying to get away from Gabrielle. Xena asks, "By condemning her to death?" Gabrielle says, "No, Xena this way I have a voice. I can plead Eve’s case when they go to sentence her," as she’s trying to stop Xena who continues to walk away. She’s pulling on her arm as they continue to walk and continues, "And I can try to wake up the Amazons to Ares ways." Xena is tired of her tugging on her arm and talking to her. She violently pulls her arm out of Gabrielle’s grasp and angrily swings around to face Gabrielle. She angrily grits her teeth saying, "I just can’t talk to you right now," as she heads off. Gabrielle is concerned and knows she has broken her baby doll’s heart. She calls out to her lover who storms away and watches her leave.

The scene changes to Xena in a field shouting for Ares to come out. We hear Ares’ voice and she wants to know why he’s doing that to her. He begins to tell her about the swan who carries a scorpion across a raging river. Xena isn’t in the mood for a bedtime story and she reminds him that her daughter is about to be killed and he’s feeding her fairy tales. She isn’t amused. He tells her to let him continue and informs her that the swan wants to know why the scorpion stung him as he was helping him. Xena closes her eyes as if she’s about to have an orgasm and feels Ares’ hand on her stomach as he appears and answers the question to the fairytale, "It’s what I do." I think she did have an orgasm from the looks of her. Ares is standing behind her seductively stroking her shoulder with his hand and explains that he lost a lot of worshippers when he became mortal. He tells her he needs something major on his scorecard as he’s stroking her fancy and she’s enjoying it. She breathlessly says, "Like the biggest war in the century." He corrects her, "In history. Those crazy Amazons, the ruthless Romans, both of them worshipping me for success in battle, oh I’m the God of War and that’s what I do." He’s obviously smitten with the idea. Xena finally comes to her senses...how many more times must we see her defenses fall to him? Come on Xena snap out of it with Ares! Oh, she took my warning and pushes away from him. She turns to face him and angrily replies, "You’re a son-of-a-bitch. You think I’m going to let you kill my daughter?" He tells her Eve wasn’t invited to the party, that she came on her own free will. Xena warns him that she may not be able to kill gods, but she’s not going to let this happen without a fight. He digs it and says, "I believe you," before disappearing.

Varia stands and says that she decides the sentence. Gabrielle puts her hand on her face and sits down. She’s had a hard day! Xena walks up and is held afar by the guards as she watches the proceedings. Varia announces, "As queen of the Amazon nation in the name of our god Ares, I sentence Livia of Rome..." Gabrielle stands up and interrupts miss bad attitude. Did I mention how much I hate this Amazon? If not, well I do. I’m tired of her! Gabrielle says, "Wait!" Xena’s interest is peeked when Gabrielle stands up. Cyane speaks up, "Varia is the queen Gabrielle, she decides the sentence," as Gabrielle squares off to Varia and snatches the tribal staff out of Varia’s hand. Gabrielle raises the staff and turns away from Varia announcing, "I use my right of challenge..." and breaks the staff over her knee as she defiantly faces Varia angrily continuing, "You are not queen Varia...until you defeat me." Ooh, let’s get ready to rumble! Them’s fightin' words! J Gabrielle stares at Varia who says, "You had a better chance of helping her with words Gabrielle. Xena runs out of the cave as Gabrielle exits from another door tying leather straps around her hands.

Xena runs up to her and nervously says, "Gabrielle, look. I don’t want you to do this. Let me fight for you." She’s worried about her darling baby doll. Aaah...it’s so sweet! Gabrielle looks up at her and says, "Xena it doesn’t work that way. I challenged Varia. It’s my fight. Promise me that you won’t interfere. If I’m queen I can pardon Eve and uphold Amazon law. You know it’s the right thing to do." She stares at Xena who looks like she’s very worried and about ready to cry. Gabrielle says, "Promise me," as she continues to stare at her blue-eyed lover. Xena is reluctant to agree and looks like she’s biting her tongue, but concedes to her lover’s wishes and says, "Alright." Gabrielle glances at her, then down, as she walks past Xena. Xena sneers and heads off.  All the Amazons are chanting and rooting as Varia is warming up in the fighting circle waiting for Gabrielle. Gabrielle walks up with Xena right behind her. Xena stands next to Eve who is extremely worried about Gabrielle who slowly steps onto the cloth to fight Varia. Gabrielle puts up her dukes and they get down to business. Varia gets a few kicks and punches in on Gabby, but so does our favorite bard. Unfortunately, Varia is kicking her butt and it’s taking everything within Xena to not jump into the ring. Gabrielle tries to plead with Varia to not trust Ares, but she doesn’t want to hear it and continues to beat the heck out of Gabby. Did I mention I really hate this Amazon?

The other Amazons are holding staffs horizontally forming a ring for them to fight within. Gabrielle tells Varia that Ares is going to destroy her and that he’s leading her to ruin. Varia puts some serious moves on the battling bard of Potadeia and beats the snot out of her telling Gabrielle that Ares taught her the moves that she was trying out on the bard. She shoves Gabrielle against the staff and punches her in the back. Xena is hunched down before Gabrielle staring at her, upset by what Varia was doing to her. Eve looks devastated as she watches Gabrielle. Gabby turns to Varia who has stepped back. Varia kicks her in the stomach then jumps and kicks her in the mouth, sending Gabrielle back against the staffs and Xena reaches out to catch her. Gabrielle is leaning way back and Xena stares at her horrified by what is happening to Gabrielle and helpless that she can’t do something. The Amazons holding the staffs move them forward and Gabrielle flips up and falls forward, unconscious. Xena angrily sneers and moves the staff as she quickly rushes to Gabrielle’s side. She lifts Gabrielle up into her arms and cradles her.

Varia drags Eve off to be killed. Xena lovingly tends to Gabrielle’s wounds regretting her decision to stay out of it as she’s holding Gabrielle in her arms. She softly calls out Gabrielle’s name and rubs her cheek with her finger. Gabrielle wakes up and looks at her saying, "Xena."  She takes a breath and says, "I’m sorry." The music from the Ides of March is playing as well. Very effective by the way! Xena smiles and says, "No, I’m sorry," as she continues to wipe off Gabrielle’s face. She smiles continuing, "Gabrielle you did all that you could to save Eve, now I have to do what I have to do." Gabrielle looks up at Xena breathing heavily and shakes her head yes, telling Xena, "Go, it’s okay." Xena smiles at Gabrielle before she heads off. Gabrielle stays there and tries to move, but is in a lot of pain. Xena is now running through a field and encounters Ares...big surprise. He’s charged up and is trying to psych Xena up for the big fight. He tells her, "Remember what the scorpion said," and she answers, "Ares, the scorpion drowned." As she runs off to where they are taking Eve.

We see they are taking her to an area with hot springs of acid. I believe that is what the stuff is in the water. Varia brings Eve up there and Xena flies onto the scene. Varia and Xena draw swords on one another. Xena announces that Varia isn’t doing this for the Amazon nation, she’s doing it out of guilt because she couldn’t kill Livia when she had the chance. Varia and Xena get into a huge fight and Varia nearly defeats Xena on many occasions. What’s up with that? Give me a break! Very intense and suspenseful fight scene by the way. Xena looks like she loves it too. Xena finally knocks Varia to the ground and holds her at bay with her sword. Xena warns her, "Varia if you follow Ares you will become far worse than Livia ever was. You would become everything that you hate. You don’t believe me, you already have." Varia is reaching for her sword, no way is she conceding defeat and backs up when Xena sheaths her sword. Xena says, "You want vengeance Varia, you start with me." Varia stands up and stares at Xena before pulling a Livia move on her. She jumps up, grabs Xena’s hands and flips them both over, with Xena landing on her stomach.

Xena scrambles to a kneeling position as Varia approaches her. She raises her sword with a wicked grin on her face as Xena stares at her. Varia’s sister’s face is morphed over Xena’s and she realizes what she has become. She drops the sword and kneels down before Xena, crying. Xena touches her on the head as she is sobbing and walks over to Eve. She cuts the chains that are holding Eve prisoner and Eve runs over to Varia to comfort her. Xena looks at the other stunned Amazons who are staring at them and says, "This is what awaits you if you follow Ares’ path. Varia stands up and announces, "Amazons, Xena is our friend. We need to talk," and walks away. Oh, sure now she wants to talk. Why in Tartarus couldn’t she have done that sooner?! Eve sidles up to her mama and they watch as the Amazons leave. They turn when they hear clapping and see Ares standing there with a mischievous smile on his face. He looks at Xena and says, "You had this planned all along," and maniacally laughs. "You are so good!" He grins and points at Xena who sarcastically answers, "It’s what I do." Ares laughs and says, "And I wouldn’t have it any other way," as he disappears. Xena comforts Eve as the scene changes.

Eve is now standing before the council and Varia announces that she sentences Livia, the killer of Amazons to death so that Eve, the messenger of peace may live. There were a few tense moments there between Xena and Gabrielle as they thought Varia was going to still uphold the death penalty for Eve. Everyone is very relieved, in particular Eve, and Cyane tells her she’s free to go. Eve doesn’t wait around and heads over to her mom and Gabrielle. She clasps Xena’s hand and hugs Gabrielle as Varia approaches. Varia thanks Xena for leading her down the right path again...what, how many times is that now? Too many, I’m sick of this one not learning what she’s supposed to after the first time! She hugs Xena and walks off without apologizing to Gabrielle. Of all the freaking nerve! She must die, now, for what she did to the cutest bard around! Xena, Gabrielle and Eve all watch as Varia joins the rest of the council. Varia turns and puts her fist over her heart, as do Xena and Gabrielle. They smile and walk out.

Eve stops them and tells her moms what she has decided to do. She informs them she’s decided to go east, to Chin and the land of Indas as Eli’s message will be heard. Xena is shocked and asks, "Now?" and Eve shakes her head yes. Xena says, "You mean now?" She stunned that’s for sure. Eve smiles and looks at Gabrielle saying, "Thank you for saving my mother..." as Xena looks at Gabrielle who grins at Xena before turning back to Eve. "For bringing her such happiness. I’m forever in your debt," as she hugs Gabrielle. Gabrielle hugs her and says, "You don’t owe me anything," and breaks the hug. Eve smiles at Gabrielle and looks at Xena saying, "Thank you for giving me life so many times," as she hugs Xena, "I love you." Xena answers, "I love you too." Xena breaks the hug and smiles at Eve who looks like she’s afraid to leave, but knows she has to. Xena picks up on it and looks at Gabrielle then to Eve offering, "Why don’t we walk with you a ways?" Gabrielle adds, "Yeah." Eve says, "No, I need to do this on my own. Goodbye," and turns to leave. She looks terrified, as if she will never see her two moms again.  Xena looks very upset and Gabrielle smirks as she watches Eve walk off. Gabrielle looks up at Xena and smiles as Xena warns Eve, "Stay out of trouble." Xena leans her head down into her hand upset that Eve has left and Gabrielle holds out her hand with a laugh. Personally, I think Gabrielle is glad that Eve is gone and out of their life! So are we Gabby!

I had a problem with the fact that Varia defeated Gabrielle. I’m sick of Gabby being in a fight and not winning. For the gods sake, Gabrielle has been traveling with Xena for six freaking years now and Varia has trained with Xena for one episode and the same training with Ares. Please, it’s not believable for me to see Gabrielle defeated by this wench.  She had to have learned a heck of a lot more from that time with Xena than Varia did in the two or three eps! Did I mention how much I hate Varia? Get rid of her. Every episode she has been in she hasn’t learned a freaking thing! She keeps making the same stupid mistakes and I hear she pretty much does the same in the next episode. How much more of her must we endure? I can’t take it! She didn’t apologize to Gabrielle either! Of all the nerve...she must go! I really thought the scene of Xena talking to Gabrielle after the fight was very touching and the music from their death scene from the Ides of March was great there. The goodbye scene with Eve was touching especially when she thanked Gabrielle for making her mother so happy. It brought tear to my eye...only one though! I’m glad to finally see Eve leave. It’s about time.