The door quietly opened and shut as Xena entered the room she and Gabrielle were staying in. She moved through the dark room until she reached the bed. Her Bacchae sight allowing her to see just fine even with no light. She stood by the bed and removed her sword and its sheathe, along with her chakram. Followed by her chest armor and shoulder guards, and placed them on the stand, so they would be close if they were needed. Afterward she sat on the open side of the bed and took off her boots, guantlets and armbands. Once she was in only her leathers, Xena laid down and got comfortable as she was careful not to disturb Gabrielle, who looked to still be asleep. Xena stared up into the darkness for a moment until she heard Gabrielle quietly speak.
GABRIELLE
Aren't we leaving?
Surprised that Gabrielle was awake, Xena looked next to her. She saw Gabrielle's eyes open. They were their normal green once again. Indicating that Gabrielle's Bacchae side had been sated for the time being and that she was back to her normal self. Although as Xena got a better look she noticed that those green eyes were slightly puffy and Xena didn't really have to ask why. Instead, she moved her arm in an unspoken invitation for Gabrielle to come closer, which Gabrielle accepted as she rested her head on Xena's chest as she felt Xena's arm wrap around her.
XENA
No. I had a talk with Alexia, and she said she would let us stay.
Gabrielle raised her head and looked at Xena in the darkness.
GABRIELLE
Xena what did...
Xena softly shushed Gabrielle as she continued.
XENA
It's alright Gabrielle. I was fully prepared for us to leave, but Alexia insisted we could stay.
GABRIELLE
But why? After what I did. If you hadn't shown up, I could've gotten free and...
Gabrielle closed her eyes as she relieved the painful memory of what happened that caused her and Xena to realize that they were still Bacchae. Xena reached and gently lifted Gabrielle's face to look at her, knowing exactly where her mind was going.
XENA
No Gabrielle, don't go there. I won't ever let that happen again.
Gabrielle opened her paifilled eyes and looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
You can't promise that Xena. If you hadn't gotten back when you did today, I would've killed Alexia and who knows who else.
XENA
But I did and you didn't. And everyone's perfectly safe now.
GABRIELLE
Still it's my fault for thinking I could just will myself into controlling my cravings. I should know better by now. I should've been more careful and kept better track of how much blood we had left. If I had...
Xena softly shushed Gabrielle as she held her a little tighter.
XENA
Gabrielle going down this road doesn't do anyone any good. You made a mistake. It was a serious one, but I know you never intended to hurt anyone. And honestly, what happened tonight was particularly my fault too for not getting more blood sooner. Not to mention, leaving you alone like that when you weren't in your right mind with other people who don't know what's going on around was only asking for something like that to happen.
GABRIELLE
It's not like you had much choice. We have that plan for a reason.
XENA
Exactly. And that's why we used it today. Even though now I see that we clearly need to either get stronger restraints or come up with a completely new plan.
GABRIELLE
But I still don't get it. Why did Alexia agree to still let us stay?
Xena explained what happened with the innkeeper's sister.
GABRIELLE
Gods, that's horrible.
Gabrielle pulled away from Xena's embrace and sat up as she held her face in her hands.
GABRIELLE
And I went after her.
Gabrielle looked next to her as Xena sat up.
XENA
Gabrielle we've been over this.
GABRIELLE
No Xena it was my fault. You can say what you want, but I made the choice to go without blood when I know what would happen.
XENA
Gabrielle...
GABRIELLE
It's true.
Seeing that she wasn't getting anywhere like this Xena decided to try a different tactic for comforting Gabrielle.
XENA
(Soft tone) Okay. Okay. Maybe you could've been more careful, but no one got hurt tonight so no harm done.
GABRIELLE
This time.
Gabrielle looked down.
GABRIELLE
I, I'm not just not sure how much longer I can do this. The thought that I can just lose control over myself and go after innocent people. I know you said we would find a cure, but we've been searching for so long and don't have anything to show for it. I'm starting to think that there isn't one.
Gabrielle moved to the edge of the bed and stood as she then walked to the window and folded her arms as she looked out at the night sky.
GABRIELLE
And if there's not... I... I don't think I can do that. Live out my days with this part of me that I can't control. I can't.
XENA
Gabrielle, don't say stuff like that.
Xena got out of bed and moved to where Gabrielle stood as she placed a gentle hand on Gabrielle's arm.
XENA
We'll find a way to fix this. We WILL.
GABRIELLE
I don't see how you can be so sure. We've been searching and haven't found even the slightest clue for what to do.
Xena turned Gabrielle to face her.
XENA
Not yet but we will.
GABRIELLE
How?
Xena smiled softly.
XENA
Hey if we can take on gods, come back from the dead and do all the other stuff we do, finding a cure for being a Bacchae shouldn't be impossible. We'll figure it out, Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I wish I could believe that.
XENA
Gabrielle...
Xena thought for a moment as she saw the sadness and defeat in Gabrielle's eyes.
XENA
Gabrielle, do you trust me?
GABRIELLE
Always. You know that.
Xena brought her hands up and held Gabrielle's face as she looked deeply into her eyes.
XENA
Then trust me now when I say that we'll get through this and find a cure. I will never stop searching until we do. One day we'll be able to leave this all behind and never have to fear losing ourselves completely to our Bacchae sides again.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry, but as much as I want to, I just can't convince myself to believe that.
Xena sighed as she opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Gabrielle placed a hand over Xena's that still generally cradled her face.
GABRIELLE
But if there's anything I do believe in, Xena, it's you. So if you believe that we can find a cure, then I believe you.
Xena softly smiled as she gave Gabrielle a light kiss.
XENA
I love you Gabrielle.
Xena put her arms around Gabrielle as Gabrielle did the same. The two stood there, bathed in the slight moonlight that came in through the window for a moment. Afterward Xena pulled back and quickly swept Gabrielle up in her arms who yelped slightly in surprise but then smiled as she saw the loving smile on Xena's face.
XENA
It's late, come on, let's go back to bed.
Gabrielle leaned her head on Xena's chest and thought of how safe and secure she always felt in Xena's arms. Even like today, when she felt herself slipping into a dark place of hopelessness and fear, Xena found a way to pull her through. Just as she always did.
GABRIELLE
Thanks.
Xena paused in her steps and looked down at Gabrielle.
XENA
For what?
GABRIELLE
For being here when I need you.
XENA
I'll always be here Gabrielle. Always.
GABRIELLE
I know.
Xena continued towards the bed when she felt Gabrielle place a light kiss on the upper part of her chest.
GABRIELLE
I love you Xena.
Xena smiled softly to herself as she reached the bed and laid Gabrielle down. She then moved and pulled off Gabrielle's boots. Putting them on the floor before covering Gabrielle with a blanket and walking around to the vacant side of the bed. Once laying down, Gabrielle moved into Xena's embrace and the two settled into one of their typical comfortable positions together. Both on their side, with Gabrielle held close by Xena as she could feel the warmth and comfort of Xena pressed against her as their bodies molded together. Gabrielle snuggled further against her as she moved her hand over Xena's that rested on her stomach, interlocking her fingers with Xena's. As she did, Xena lightly kissed her shoulder before laying her head down on the pillow and Gabrielle closed her eyes, feeling safe and at ease as the stress of the day finally took its toll and she fell asleep. Xena on the other hand remained awake for a bit longer as she spent the night the same way she had so many others since they had become Bacchae, trying to think of anything that they could do to get out of their predicament.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I swore that I would find a way to change us back to the way we were. And even if it kills me, I will find a cure. I can't let Gabrielle go on like this. I can see it in her eyes that it's killing her. And after what she said tonight, I can't stand seeing her hurting like that.
Xena closed her eyes.
XENA
(Thinking to herself) I'll find a cure. I'll find a way to give us back our humanity. What ever it takes Gabrielle. Even if it kills me.
TO BE CONTINUED...