The days came and went as Xena primarily stayed with Gabrielle who remained unconscious. The local healer allowed Xena and Aurora to stay in a small unused room within the same building where he worked and where Gabrielle layed. Xena would've gotten a room at the local in, but the healer figured she wouldn't want to be too far from Gabrielle at any given time. Xena was greatfull for the man's kindness and accepted the offer. She offered to pay but the healer insisted that there was no need. So in exchange for allowing her to stay Xena decided to give the healer a hand with the other patients who came in. The young man accepted her help. While Xena's medical know how proved to be very useful, the healer primarily let Xena help out because it gave her something else to do and focus on other than sitting bedside as she worried over Gabrielle and took care of Aurora. He also made sure that Xena took care of herself. Which turned out to be more difficult than he exspected when after taking care of the baby and working on patents during the day, he would see her staying up most nights watching over Gabrielle and talking to her until completely worn out, as much as she tried Xena just couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. The healer was moved by Xena's devotion and truly sympathized with her and Gabrielle when Xena had told him how Gabrielle had ended up in her current condition. Though the odds seemed to be stacked against Gabrielle recovering, the healer hoped for a positive outcome for the young woman he had come to learn quite a bit about from Xena. Not only for her own sake but for Xena's and the baby as well. It was early morning as Xena sat in what had become her usual spot in a chair by the window next to Gabrielle's bed. Aurora slept soundly in her basket by Xena's feet. Xena had her arms folded across her chest with a blanket covering her as she sat with her head hung low as she had fallen asleep hours ago watching Gabrielle. As a lot of other mornings when the healer began his day he had found Xena in the familar position and covered her up when he came in to check on things before carrying on with the rest on his daily routine. Xena shifted slightly as she began to stir. Her still tired eyes slowly opened to the morning sunlight that poured in through the window. As she woke further and stretched out to relieve the stiffness and slight ache from sleeping in the unnatural position Xena heard a small noise and looked over at Aurora, figuring that the baby had woken up as well. Xena stood as she went over to check on the little one and saw her still fast asleep. Xena smiled as she fixed the blanket covering the baby seeing that she was just fine. That was when Xena heard the same small sound again. Her heart lept as she realized it wasn't the baby that had made that noise and quickly turned around to see Gabrielle moving slightly as she heard her make another small groan.
XENA
Gabrielle?
Xena quickly moved to Gabrielle's side.
XENA
Gabrielle can you hear me?
GABRIELLE
(Soft whisper) Xena.
XENA
I'm right here.
Xena reached up and gently brushed Gabrielle's bangs out of her face and saw two green eyes slowly open.
GABRIELLE
(Weak whisper) Xena.
Xena smiled as she felt tears of joy fill her eyes. She took Gabrielle's hand in hers. Holding it tight as she kissed it and lovingly brushed her other hand against Gabrielle's cheek.
XENA
I thought I've lost you.
Gabrielle looked at Xena then at her surroundings, realizing that she was in an unfamiliar place. With her mind still felt felt fuzzy she remembered her last moments before losing consciousness that immediately brought her to a weakened panic.
GABRIELLE
(Weak/ panicked tone) Aurora, where is she? Oh god's Xena.
Xena quickly stopped Gabrielle from trying unsuccessfully to get up as she cried out in fear and pain from her still unhealed injuries.
XENA
It's okay Gabrielle, she's safe. Everything's okay. She's sleeping right there. See?
Xena motioned to where Aurora slept. Gabrielle looked over and saw that their child was indeed safe just as Xena said. She calmed down as Xena gently layed her back down.
XENA
Everything's gonna be okay now.
Gabrielle winced in pain as she became aware of some of her various injuries. She noticed her arm was bandaged with a splint. Her midsection was also wrapped up. She reached up and felt a number of healing cuts on her face.
HEALER
It's amazing that you're even still alive.
Gabrielle and Xena looked to see the healer who had heard the commotion of Gabrielle panicking and hurried to investigate the situation.
HEALER
Honestly I didn't have much faith that you would survive past a few days. But Xena refused to give up hope. And after she told me all about you, i'm so glad that she didn't listen to reason and that you pulled through. Not to say that you don't still have a long road ahead of you.
GABRIELLE
That bad huh?
HEALER
Based on the injuries you sustained, the fact that you're alive right now is nothing short of miraculous.
Xena smiled at Gabrielle as she held her hand.
XENA
It wasn't a miracle that saved Gabrielle, it was Gabrielle herself. She's so much stronger than people give her credit for. Including myself at times.
Gabrielle smiled back as the healer then did a quick examination, gave Gabrielle something to ease her pain and left the little family to their privacy as he continued with his work. After a few more days Gabrielle was itching to go back home to the Amazon village. Though nether Xena or the healer thought it was a good idea for Gabrielle to travel in her current state. She might've woken up but her injuries were still very severe. However that didn't stop Gabrielle from insisting on going home with Xena and Aurora. Finally after days of going back and forth Xena caved. Knowing that Gabrielle wouldn't let it go until she got what she wanted.
HEALER
(Joking) That woman has you wrapped around her little finger doesn't she?
Xena smiled as she finished packing up the last of their things.
XENA
I guess she dose.
HEALER
Are you sure you're gonna be okay traveling with Gabrielle and the baby on your own?
XENA
Yeah we'll be fine. I'll just be sure to go slow and we'll make a number of stops so she can rest.
After saying goodbye to Gabrielle the healer shook Xena's hand and thanked her for all the help she gave him while they were there.
HEALER
You know you should really consider a change in occupation and become a healer Xena. You're far better at it than any others I've seen.
XENA
Thanks but I don't think that's for me. I'm always gonna be a warrior at heart, and that's just fine with me.
HEALER
Fair enough. But if you ever decide to change your mind you're more than welcome to come work with me anytime.
Xena smiled.
XENA
I'll be sure to keep that in mind. And thanks again for everything.
HEALER
No need, it's part of the job. You two just stay safe out there and feel free to come back anytime.
XENA
Will do.
Not long after Xena finished easing Gabrielle into Argo's saddle in front of her as she had Aurora securely fastened to her back. After making sure that both of her girls were settled and safe, Xena gave Argo the command to go. As she, Gabrielle and Aurora began their journey home.
TO BE CONTINUED…