For years Gabrielle had been bard. Xena was a professional healer. Lately Xena had been doing medical jobs and getting paid good. Gabrielle was getting tired of being a bard. So now it was mid day, and as she watched Xena sharpen her sword, a idea came to her. Xena would probably think her to be crazy but she had to try anyway.
"Hey Xena ?"
" What ?"
" Teach me to be a healer like you." Xena looks up, shocked.
" Where in hades did you get that idea ?"
" Well I'm tired of being a bard. I wanna save lives like you."
" Gabrielle...I dont always save lives. Sometimes I fail."
" I know that, but I still wanna learn Xena." Xena sighs.
" Do you remember our trip to Thesalee ?"
" Yes."
" You were highly upset about the people dying."
" I was young then."
" Yes, and it was only 2 summers ago."
" Just me a chance Xena please."
" Alright. There's gonna be a battle just a few miles from here. You can come and watch. I'll teach you all I can."
" Oh thank you ! Thank you !"
" You must listen to me at all times. Some of those men are really young. Some wounds will be severe, and when I say their gone, it means their dead. Understand ?"
" I understand."
A candlemark later, they leave for battle. Arriving, Xena and Gabrielle go to the medical hut close by. A man of the Athenan army comes in.
"Prepare, the battle has begun." He runs back out.
A half a candlemark later, the first wounded Greek warrior is brought in. Xena jumps up.
" Gabrielle, get me rags and bowl of water !" Gabrielle quicky returns and watches Xena work. "Gabrielle, run my sword through that torch quickly." She does and hands it back. "Now that I have cleaned the blood, I will cut out the arrow."
Gabrielle watches and cringes and the man slightly jerks. "Here take there herbs, and mix them with water." Gabrielle does, and gives the salve to Xena. Xena grabs some thread and a needle. "Gabrielle watch close. I'm gonna stitch this up."
She watchs with amazement. A candle mark later, they have treated 17 warriors and others died instantly. Both Xena and Gabrielle are exuasted when the battle is through. Athens won it, barely.
"So what have you learned Gabrielle ?"
"You cant always save a life, but you do the best you can."
" Yes, and do think you handle being a professional healer ?"
" Yes, can we restigester me as a healer now ?"
" Yes, but I must sign and verify I have taught you well. Write in a scroll what you have learned. Then I will decide."
" Ok."
They go back to camp, and Gabrielle begins her scroll. Xena washs off and catchs them some fish.
" I'm finished writing."
" Alright. After dinner, I will look it over."
" Ok."
They eat, then Xena looks at the scroll. She is impressed. Gabrielle learned alot.
"Ok. I am pleased. I will sign this gladly." Gabrielle smiles, proud of herself.
Next morning, Xena takes the scroll to the Athens medical temple.