There was a loud bang as a number of Amazons jumped at the sudden loud noise. Their attention shot towards the direction of the noise and saw Xena lowering her boot after apparently kicking the door to the building open. One of the women was about to say something until she noticed Gabrielle in Xena's arms. The Amazon's heard Gabrielle cry out in pain as as they all immediately rushed towards her and Xena.
HEALER
What's going on?
XENA
I don't know.
Xena quickly carried Gabrielle over to a bed and layed her down. Then she along with the healers began examining Gabrielle. As they all worked Xena took over as the lead in the situation. While at first the healers hadn't liked Xena stepping in, over time when she had helped put her medical skills to use, they had come to respect and appreciate Xena's assistance and input. Especially after the war, when a number of the villagers who had fought were injured. So anytime Xena felt the need to step in they would gladly give her control of the room. And with this being Gabrielle they knew that they couldn't stop Xena from taking charge if they wanted to. Everyone in the village were well aware of Xena and Gabrielle's relationship. So the healers knew that when it came to their queen, Xena would do everything and anything she could for her. So the room got right to work and followed Xena's lead as they tried to figure out what exactly was going on. As everyone worked it was noted that Gabrielle didn't have any external injuries. So it was apparent that it was an internal issue. There were no signs of any broken bones or anything of that sort of thing. Which caused Xena more concern due to that making it more difficult to diagnose the problem. Some time went by as they continued to work. That was when Xena noticed that Gabrielle had begun to come down with a fever and that was when it clicked.
XENA
I think I know what's wrong.
The healers looked at Xena as she began to give out more orders. Telling one of the healers to go get a number of things. The healer left to gather what they needed and came back very quickly with everything. Afterwards Xena grabbed a bowl and mixed together the ingredients brought to her until it was a semi liquid consistency.
XENA
Ok sit her up.
A healer helped Gabrielle sit upright as she continued to cry in agony.
XENA
Here Gabrielle, drink this it should help.
Xena held the bowl to Gabrielle's lips and Gabrielle began to drink the liquid. But quickly pulled back after tasting how fowl it was and gagged.
XENA
I know it tastes terrible but trust me it'll help.
Just wanting the severe pain to stop, Gabrielle forced herself to drink the mixture. After getting Gabrielle to ingest the liquid Xena took the cup from her and grabbed a bucket that she had the healers bring.
HEALER
Okay I get the ingredients for her to drink but what do you need the bucket for.
XENA
Trust me in a few moments were gonna need it.
The Amazon's looked at each other wondering what Xena meant. One was about to say something when Gabrielle began coughing and Xena quickly shoved the bucket in front of Gabrielle's face. The healers stood there in silence as they heard Gabrielle emptying the contents of her stomach into the bucket. Xena sat on the bed next to Gabrielle and rubbed her back as she waited for her to finish. Afterwards Xena cleaned Gabrielle up and had her lay back down.
XENA
Hopefully that works. For now.
After a bit Gabrielle's pain began to let up. She looked at Xena as she layed in bed in the infermery.
GABRIELLE
Xena what's wrong with me?
XENA
I'm not completely sure but I think it's something you ate.
GABRIELLE
But I ate pretty much the same thing everyone else did. What about the others?
XENA
I'm gonna find out. You just rest for now okay.
Gabrielle nodded as Xena lovingly stroked her hair. After making sure that Gabrielle was okay Xena left to find answers for what made Gabrielle sick. Although she had her suspicions and she didn't like it at all. As she crossed the village Xena walked past Kai who happened be heading the same direction.
KAI
What's the rush Xena?
XENA
I don't have time to talk Kai. There's something I've got to check.
Xena continued walking.
KAI
Something wrong?
XENA
Yes.
Xena entered the mess hall which was mostly empty except for a couple of the cooks that Xena could hear in the kitchen area. Which was exactly where she went. The cooks were taken by surprise when Xena suddenly burst through the door as it flew open. Xena looked around the room as she began to speak.
XENA
Just who's allowed in here?
The cooks looked at each other for a moment and then watched Xena as she began to seem to search the room for something.
AMAZON COOK
Technically anyone. But we don't usually get that many people back here.
They watched as Xena continued to go through everything in the kitchen.
XENA
Have you noticed anyone around here acting strangely? Or anything out of place?
AMAZON COOK
Other than you right now, no.
Xena finished looking around and gave an irritated sigh as she left. Leaving behind some very confused cooks. Xena walked outside and tried to think of what to do next. She saw Kai walk over.
KAI
So did you fix whatever was wrong?
XENA
Not completely.
EPHINY
Xena.
Xena and Kai saw Ephiny walking their way.
EPHINY
Hey is Gabrielle still working?
XENA
No she's with the village healers.
EPHINY
Village healers? Is something wrong?
XENA
When I went home I found Gabrielle curled up on the floor in excruciating pain.
KAI
Do you know whats wrong with her?
XENA
I have theories. But nothing concrete yet. I came here hoping to find something that might help figure this out.
EPHINY
Is there anything we can do?
XENA
Just if you've noticed anything odd today.
Ephiny thought for a moment but didn't come up with anything that could've been seen as suspicious. Kai also said that she hadn't seen anything either.
KAI
Is Gabrielle gonna be okay?
XENA
I'm gonna do everything I can to make sure she will be.
With that Xena walked away to continue to look for something that could help her find answers. As Xena searched she found herself among a group of trees. After not seeing anything she began to leave, but stopped when a quick flash caught her eye. She turned to a tree and saw something that was reflecting sunlight in a small hole in the trunk. Xena walked over and reached inside and felt something small. She grabbed the mystery item and pulled it out. As she opened her hand to investigate the item, Xena saw that it was a very small, empty bottle. It didn't have a label so she opened it up and sniffed the residue from the liquid left behind. She then put her finger in the bottle to gather up some of the droplets and tasted it before spitting it back out.
XENA
Shit.
Xena stormed off and headed back to the infermery with the empty bottle. The healers jumped again as Xena stormed in.
HEALER
(Irritated tone) Can't you just enter a room like a normal person?
Xena ignored the comment as she gathered up a bunch of herbs and began grinding them up. Afterwards Xena went back over to Gabrielle who had fallen asleep while she was gone. Xena gently woke her and had her sit up.
XENA
Here take this.
Still half asleep Gabrielle drank down the new concoction and once she finished Xena layed her back down. The healer stood next to the bed and looked at Gabrielle who immediately began drifting back to sleep.
HEALER
So I take it you figured out what was wrong.
XENA
Yes. Hopefully she'll be okay now.
After talking for a few moments the healer left Xena and Gabrielle alone. Hours later Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes and gave a small smile as she realized Xena laying in the bed as well with her arms around her. Xena looked down when she felt Gabrielle move and saw Gabrielle looking at her. She smiled as she kissed Gabrielle's forehead.
XENA
Hey. Feeling better?
GABRIELLE
I think so.
Xena moved and let Gabrielle sit up. As Gabrielle got her bearings she remembered the reason for her being in the infermery.
GABRIELLE
So I take it you figured out what was wrong with me.
XENA
Yes.
GABRIELLE
Okay so what was it?
Xena turned to face Gabrielle with an expression that was a mix of sadness and anger.
GABRIELLE
Xena what's wrong?
Gabrielle could tell from the way Xena was acting that she wasn't going to like the answer.
GABRIELLE
Am I going to be okay?
XENA
Thankfully you should be fine. Dispite efforts thus far.
Gabrielle gave Xena a confused look.
GABRIELLE
Xena what are you talking about? Just what exactly happened to me?
Xena sighed as she knew that what she was about to say wasn't going to be something that Gabrielle was going to like to hear.
XENA
Gabrielle you were poisoned.
Gabrielle looked at Xena in shock
GABRIELLE
Poisoned?
XENA
Yes.
GABRIELLE
But how? Why?
XENA
I'm not entirely certain whose behind it or why. But based on the events at the waterfall, the practice field and now this. I think that someone in this village wants you dead.
TO BE CONTINUED...