Queen's Tradition Chapter 6
Author's Notes: I still do not own anything.
"Sam, let's get you looked at too"
"Mother I am fine" and just to prove how fine she is, Sam jumps down off the horse. When her feet hit the ground, she wasn't prepared for the impact and the pain as it radiate through her body. She grabs her shoulder, falling onto her knees, trying to catch her breath, her head swimming.
Two Amazons run towards Sam, Mariska and Xena, but when Xena realizes Mariska is going to beat her to Sam, she slows up and allows the young healer to tend to Sam.
"Sam! Hey are you okay?" Mariska asks as she helps Sam to lay back into her. Sam simply shakes her head no. "Relax and take slow breaths" Mariska works to get Sam lying flat on the ground, noticing as Sam extends herself out to lay flat, she cringes and curls into herself.
"Ok, we won't lay flat, let's sit you" motioning for Xena to come closer "and you can lean against the General for a few moments" They get Sam lying against Xena, her eyes still shut tight, almost curled in her mother, still breathing hard.
"Sam, honey, I need you to talk to me and tell me where it hurts"
"Umm…..my…my shoulder….everything is spinning…..And my side when I was trying to lay on the ground" Sam is almost panting.
Xena is running her hand through Sam's hair, while Mariska begins to poke at Sam's side, every so often Sam hissing as Mariska hits a tender spot.
"I'm don't think any ribs are broken, so that's good. But I need to look at your shoulder wound and really should do that inside. Think we can get you up and if we help you, you can walk inside? Knowing you, and witnessing what Queen Gabrielle just did, I am doubtful you want us to" noticing that Sam has calmed enough to pass out/fall asleep in her mother's lap, she makes eye contact with Xena who nods at two Amazons waiting with a liter. They approach and get Sam loaded up, taking her inside.
Xena stops Mariska "You are good for her. She is going to need you, it is not easy being her and she is going to carry the guilt of Gabrielle's injuries around for a bit. She won't focus on anything but she let the Queen get injured. She will need to be reminded of how they both stopped the attack, survived, saved a lot of Amazons and how she stood guard over the Queen, protected her when she was most vulnerable. The Gods know the task won't be easy and if you need to talk, I am here. If I figure out how to get through to Gabrielle, I will let you know. Don't let her push you away" The whole time Mariska never taking her eyes off the young princess, once Sam is inside the healers hut, she looks at Xena and simply nods, not exactly trusting herself right now. Her heart aching for Sam, simply wishing she could make Sam all better. Mariska looks at the healers hut, then back at Xena who understands the silent exchange. "Go take a minute, I understand. If you need to vent or simply talk, let me know. I have learned to become a good listener, Artemis knows Gabrielle likes to talk." And with that, Mariska takes off to gather herself while Xena takes a deep breath and heads off towards the healers hut, needing to check on both her girls.