"Leave us" Sara says to a guard when walking into Nyssa's jail cell.
Nyssa turns at the sound of a familiar voice, stunned to see Sara standing in front of her. Sara, who was feral the last time she saw her after being resurrected through the Lazarus Pit.
Hi," Sara says diffidently.
"Impossible," Nyssa whispers. "When I saw you last…"
"I know," Sara's voice is soft and unsteady.
Nyssa slowly walks up to Sara, her face a study in awe and love. She gently cups her hands around Sara's face, causing Sara to close her eyes, absorbing the love flowing through Nyssa's hands.
"A miracle," she whispers reverently. "When I thought there were none left to be had."
The two women move towards each other, resting against the other's forehead, clasping each other's hands in front of them.
"I needed to see you," Sara says. "Look, I don't know how, but I'm going to get you out of here."
Nyssa shakes her head. "This isn't your fight anymore Ta-er al-Sahfer."
"I'm not going to let you rot in here. Not when you're in here because of me."
"I'm in here because of my choices, beloved. I made them ready to accept my punishment."
Sara shakes her head, not wanting to accept Nyssa's words.
"I won't leave you in here."
"If you love me, you will." Nyssa implores Sara, "If you love me, you will leave this place far behind and live a life unburdened by your past."
"It's easier said than done," Sara responds.
Nyssa gives her beloved a soft smile. "Anything worth doing always is."
"I'll go, but only because you ask," Sara says, her voice leaden with sadness.
"Thank you…good-bye, my beloved."
"Good-bye, Nyssa."
Sara hugs Nyssa tight. Believing this was good-bye, both women absorb this last moment together and the love emanating from the other.
Reluctantly letting go of Nyssa, Sara turns and walks out of the cell without another word. Striding down the short hallway, she takes a right turn that would take her out of the dungeon. A dreary dungeon that was empty other than….
Sara stops, clenches her fists, knowing she cannot leave without Nyssa…knowing she will not leave such an intelligent, passionate, strong and loyal woman to rot away in a jail cell because of her…because Nyssa was trying to protect her. Turning, she marches back up to Nyssa's cell.
"You were Heir to the Demon," Sara declares. "It is your right…your destiny to be Ra's al Ghul, and with the Demon dead, your place is at the head of the League."
"Sara, you must let me go. I will not see you destroy your chance at happiness, because of a false sense of obligation."
Sara softly captures Nyssa's face and guides their foreheads together.
"My obligation nor my love for you are false," she says quietly, but with force.
"Beloved…." Nyssa whispers.
Sara takes a step back, her eyes fierce with determination. "No Nyssa, I will not be Merlyn's road to getting everything he wants while destroying you at the same time. I will not let the man who murdered hundreds of innocents, and orchestrated my murder, take control of the League when his only purpose is to accumulate power for himself. His unchecked ambition will corrupt the League and turn it into everything you hate." She softly runs her fingers through Nyssa's beautiful hair. "YOU were raised to be Heir. YOU believe and revere the original mission of the League and centuries of its loyal followers. I will not allow him to take that away from you!"
Nyssa turns to face the small, barred window…the only hint of the larger world outside her tiny, barren cell.
"I've known for some time now, that while my father named me his Heir, allowing my ascension was never a reality." She turned back from the window. "No matter the length of his life, my father remained a man of his time, where women were chattel. If they possessed intelligence, courage, or an ability to fight, they were an asset for the man to use, but nothing more."
"But he loved you…I know he did," Sara argued.
"Do not mistake respect for love, my beloved. He respected the work I did in his name. He respected my accomplishments. But, elevating me to Ra's al Ghul…he could not see past my gender."
"Or your love for me."
"Which reveals his character flaws, not mine," Nyssa said as she reached out and caressed Sara's cheek.
"Merlyn on the other hand, doesn't see gender…he only sees obstacles. And, he knows that as long as I live, he will never truly unite the League under his rule."
Sara nodded her head in agreement. "Which is why I'm getting you out of here."
Nyssa pulls Sara into her, whispering in her ear. "Which is why my escape has already been planned." Relaxing her grip so she can look Sara in the eye, she said just as quietly, "and why you need to go. I'll not have Merlyn thinking you were part of this."
Nyssa kissed Sara softly. "Go, my beloved. And, know that we shall see each other soon."
End Scene