Accross dirt, gravel and grass the hooves of a horse pounded the ground as Xena urged Argo onward.. She held tight to Gabrielle who sat in front of her unconscious and on the brink of death. Though the mare ran at her top speed while carrying two people, it still didn't feel fast enough for Xena as more dirt was killed up when Xena had Argo make a quick turn onto a dirt road. A couple people hastily scurried out of the way as Xena, Gabrielle and Argo barreled past them. One of the people yelled after Xena telling her to watch where she was going calling her a choice uncomplimentary name which didn't even register with Xena as they disappeared down the road. After finally ending things with Kai and Celine, Xena had left Aurora with Amarice to follow at a safe pace while Xena had taken Gabrielle and had been traveling at top speed since leaving the cave to try to get Gabrielle help. Xena's heart felt as though it was going to pound right out of her chest as all she could think about was getting Gabrielle somewhere she could actually help her. That was to say if she or anyoneelse even still could. Though Xena wanted to believe that Gabrielle could still be saved, there was a part of her which told Xena that she wasn't thinking logically. And that if the person seated in front of her were anyone else, Xena would've realized that there wasn't any hope for survival. But this wasn't any other person. This was Gabrielle, the one person other than now their daughter that Xena would literally walk through fire for. And she refused to give in to the thought of losing her. Not until she had done everything possible would Xena stop in her fight to save and protect Gabrielle. A young man jumped back as a horse practically came skidding to a stop in front of him. He looked up seeing Xena holding Gabrielle in her arms as she swiftly came down from the saddle.
XENA
A healer, where can I find one?
The young man pointed to a building that stood a number of buildings away. He saw Gabrielle's condition and was about to ask what happened when Xena headed streight for the building without saying another thing to him. Xena entered the building holding Gabrielle in her arms and caught the attention of one of the healers. The man approached Xena as she made her way towards the nearest open bed and carefully layed Gabrielle down.
HEALER
What happened to her?
Xena stated that she didn't have the time to explain and gave a brief list of medical supplies for the young man to fetch her. The healer looked at Xena a bit surprised and confused by an obvious warrior woman knowing so much about medical practices.
XENA
Don't just stand there staring at me, go.
The young man snapped out of his awe and quickly gathered everything Xena had asked for. He then assisted Xena in her efforts to save Gabrielle. He looked at Xena with a sad expression as he assessed the extent of Gabrielle's injuries. A part from the deep stab wound, Gabrielle also had multiple cuts, bruises and lacerations all over her body. A number of broken bones. Her nose, arm, several ribs, And that wasn't even accounting for the damage to her internal organs that was discovered during Xena and the healers work. As Xena put all of her medical know how to use, the healer sighed and stopped what he was doing.
HEALER
I'm sure you don't wanna hear this, but I think we're wasting our time.
Xena paused as she gave the healer a fierce look.
XENA
(Stern tone) She's still alive isn't she?
HEALER
Technically yes. But for how long? No one can survive with this many severe injuries. And even if by some miracle she does, she'll never have a normal life.
Xena didn't look at him while she spoke and continued to work.
XENA
Trust me her life is already far from normal.
The healer sighed knowing that Xena fully understood what he actually meant. Though just meeting, it was obvious based off her medical skills that she was clearly a highly intelligent woman.
HEALER
The point being that at best she'll likely be bed ridden. And who knows what other kinds of disabilities or ailments she could suffer as a result of this kind of extensive damage.
XENA
Then I'll cross that bridge "IF" I come to it. But for now you can either stay and help or get out of my way.
Xena returned to working on Gabrielle as the healer stod there watching her for a few moments. Finally honor bound by his oath to help save people, the young man resumed assisting Xena as the two continued to work.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) Come on Gabrielle just stay with me.
Some time later Amarice halted her horse. Figuring that since this was the closest settlement, Xena had likely brought Gabrielle there. She carefully got down with Aurora as she spotted Argo a little ways off munching on some grass, confirming that she was in the right place. After asking around a few places if a dark haired woman brought an injured blonde woman into town, Amarice was pointed to the healers building.
AMARICE
Xena?
Xena looked up from watching Gabrielle as she sat next to the bed where she layed, managing a small smile when she saw Amarice standing in the doorway with Aurora.
XENA
I must've been going even faster than I thought if you're just now getting here.
AMARICE
Well I didn't wanna go too fast since I was carrying precious cargo.
Amarice entered the room and handed Xena the baby before looking at Gabrielle who remained unconscious.
AMARICE
How is she?
Xena cradled Aurora in her arms as she looked at Gabrielle.
XENA
Honestly I don't know. She's still alive and I did everything I could, but she just took so much and…
Xena couldn't bring herself to finish as she felt a few silent tears running down her face. Amarice didn't say anything as she placed a reassuring hand on Xena's shoulder. After a moment Xena wiped away the tears as she attempted to convince herself that everything was going to be okay.
XENA
But Gabrielle's strong, so i'm sure she'll be back to her old self in before we know it.
AMARICE
You're probably right.
Both Xena and Amarice went quiet, each knowing that as much as they would have liked to, neither of them truly believed what they just said. After a bit Amarice broke the silence.
AMARICE
So what do we do now?
XENA
I guess you can go back to the village if you want. I'm gonna stay here with Aurora while I wait and see what happens.
AMARICE
Are you sure you'll be okay?
XENA
Yeah.
AMARICE
Okay. I guess someone should go back and let everyone know what happened anyway.
XENA
It's been a long day and it's getting late. So it'll be better if you wait until morning to head out.
Amarice agreed and left Xena alone with Gabrielle and Aurora. The next morning Amarice left for the village, leaving Aurora with Xena who stayed by Gabrielle's side. Hearing Xena continue to speak to her as she remained in her unconscious state.
XENA
Come back to me Gabrielle. Please just come back to me.
TO BE CONTINUED…