With a quiet groan, a pair of sleepy eyes opened slowly as the blanket on the bed began to shift. With a yawn, a still half asleep Gabrielle gradually sat up. She rubbed her eyes and blinked a couple of times as her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight that came in through the window. She looked beside her and wasn't shocked that Xena wasn't there. Though based on how bright the room was, Gabrielle knew it was at least mid to late morning and was a bit surprised that Xena had let her sleep in so late, figuring that Xena would probably want to head back on the road due to the fact that Xena never really liked staying in one place for long for any number of reasons. Not that Gabrielle complained. She liked the traveling. And if Gabrielle was being honest, being on the road was probably better for everyone anyway. With fewer people around, it ment that it minimized the chance of Xena or herself losing control of their Bacchae sides and attacking anyone who might be around. So with a stretch, Gabrielle got out of bed and after get herself together and reluctantly drinking a bit of blood to sate the minor craving she was having, she left the room and headed downstairs. As she walked into the main room, Gabrielle was hit was the very alurring smell of something being cooked and heard her stomach growl in response. She spotted Xena sitting at a table and walked over, receiving a loving smile as Xena saw her coming over.
XENA
(Joking tone) I was wondering when you'd finally decide to roll out of bed.
Gabrielle made it to the table and sat in the chair across from Xena.
GABRIELLE
Why didn't you wake me then?
Xena shrugged casually.
XENA
We're in no hurry to get anywhere. And after yesterday, I figured it might be a good idea to take a little break from things.
Gabrielle didn't say anything as she looked down at the table. Seeing Gabrielle's reaction, Xena regretted bringing it up and was about to apologize when she and Gabrielle heard a door open and looked over to see Alexia coming out of a room behind the bar that was obviously the kitchen as she carried a tray of food. The young woman smiled at the pair as she came to their table and put down the tray.
ALEXIA
Good morning Gabrielle. There you go.
XENA
Thanks Alexia. This all looks great.
The innkeeper shrugged.
ALEXIA
It's no big deal. My mother was the real cook of the family. She's the one who taught me everything I know about being in the kitchen. I just do my best not to mess up her recipes too badly.
Gabrielle looked at Alexia, who had a kind smile on her face.
GABRIELLE
Alexia about yesterday, Xena told me about your family. I... I never meant to... never wanted...
ALEXIA
It's okay Gabrielle. Like I told Xena last night, I don't hold anything against you. I understand. Well, as much as I can from this side of things anyway.
GABRIELLE
Still, I truly am sorry about that.
ALEXIA
I appreciate that.
Another patron staying at the inn came downstairs with a bag slig over his shoulder and sat at the counter, giving the group of women a polite nod hello as he passed by.
ALEXIA
Well I have to get back to work. Enjoy your breakfast you two and just give a holler if you need anything.
The innkeeper moved on and got to work as Xena and Gabrielle sat and ate while having a quiet conversation.
GABRIELLE
So where are we heading after breakfast?
XENA
Nowhere right now. Like I was saying, I figured taking a few days break from the usual routine might be a good idea with how stressful things have been lately.
GABRIELLE
Xena we don't have to do that. I promise I'll be more careful about keeping track of when I need to feed.
XENA
I know that. That's not what this is about.
Gabrielle put down her fork and gave Xena a serious look.
GABRIELLE
I'm not dumb Xena. I see what you're doing.
Xena raised a curious eyebrow.
XENA
Which is?
GABRIELLE
You're doing that thing you do when you're trying to prove a point.
XENA
That's not what this is.
GABRIELLE
(Slightly Irritated tone) Yes it is. I didn't do what I should've, so you've decided to make it a point that we're going to stay around people longer just to make sure that I don't skip feeding.
Xena stopped eating and leaned back in her seat with a serious expression as she gave Gabrielle her full attention.
XENA
You really think I'd do that?
GABRIELLE
You've done that sort of thing before.
XENA
Maybe I have, but I thought you saw that I was getting better about that sort of thing.
GABRIELLE
I thought you were but here we are.
Xena scowled as she stood.
XENA
(Irritated tone) well excuse me for just trying to do something nice. But fine, if you don't wanna stay, we won't.
Xena walked away and headed to the stairs.
XENA
(Irritated tone) I'll get our stuff and meet you outside.
Seeing the expression on Xena's face that was more hurt than anger before she left the table, Gabrielle realized that Xena really was just trying to do something nice for her and immediately felt bad for getting upset with Xena for it.
GABRIELLE
Xena wait...
But Gabrielle went ignored as Xena stormed upstairs to their room to get their things. Gabrielle sighed to herself as she sat there with her thoughts for a moment.
GABRIELLE
(Thinking to herself) What's wrong with me? Xena's been doing nothing but being supportive and trying everything she can to help us deal with this. I lean on her for support all the time, everything though she's dealing with the same thing, and she never once complained. But then I get mad at her for trying to do something nice that though she might not admit it is probably just as much for her as it is me. If anything, she probably needs a break from things more than I do.
Gabrielle shook her head slightly as she felt so disappointed in herself for not being more mindful of what Xena had been dealing with since becoming Bacchae.
GABRIELLE
That changes today.
Gabrielle stood up and grabbed their plates as she asked Alexia if she could take their meal upstairs and got a quick wave to go ahead as the innkeeper carried on with the increasing number of patrons coming in. So Gabrielle took the food and headed to her and Xena's room.
GABRIELLE
Still hungry?
Xena turned from the bed that had her pack on it and saw Gabrielle enter the room with their remaining breakfast.
XENA
(Slightly angry tone) Not really.
Xena turned back to the bag and closed it up, as Gabrielle walked over to the bed and sat down. Putting the food on the nightstand before she sat.
GABRIELLE
Xena if you wanna stay here for a few days we can.
XENA
No it fine. You wanna leave, so we'll leave.
Though Xena tried to hide it, Gabrielle could tell that she was upset with her.
GABRIELLE
But what about you?
XENA
(Lying) I'm fine.
Xena grabbed the bag to pick it up when Gabrielle put her hand over Xena's.
GABRIELLE
Xena...
Xena stopped what she was doing as she looked at Gabrielle.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry. Please.
Gabrielle patted the bed in an invitation for Xena to sit next to her. Xena sighed as picked up the bag and placed it on the floor and sat down on the bed.
GABRIELLE
I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate everything you've been doing. I do. I wouldn't be able to get through this if it wasn't for you being here. I know that everything you've done has only been to try and make this better. Even when I know you're hurting or tired, you still put me first. And if I haven't said it already, thank you.
XENA
You don't need to thank me Gabrielle. The only reason we're even in this mess in the first place is because of me. I couldn't defeat Bacchus before, and hadn't let you bite me.
GABRIELLE
You only did that because we had no other choice if we wanted to get rid of him. If anything, it's my fault for letting myself get lured in by those other Bacchae. I don't even know what I was thinking, letting my guard down like that.
XENA
(Sighing) How many times are we gonna do this Gabrielle? Debate on who's to blame for this when In the end, it doesn't really matter.
We both made choices that brought us here, and nothing either of us say now will change what happened.
GABRIELLE
Maybe.
Gabrielle paused for a moment before continuing.
GABRIELLE
You know now that I think about it maybe staying around here for a bit might be nice.
Gabrielle reached over and grabbed their plates as she held Xena's out for her to take.
GABRIELLE
Here. Before it gets cold.
Xena took the food and the two ate as they talked.
XENA
You know you don't have to be so afraid to be around people. I remember the days when you looked forward to visiting new places and meeting the people wherever we were. Sharing stories, taking in the local customs.
GABRIELLE
We both know why that changed. If I lose control people can die. Even if I'm careful and manage my cravings, things can happen. You know that. I wanna go back to those days of not worrying whither or not I'm my Bacchae side is gonna take over. But unless we find a cure, I just can't do that.
XENA
I know.
A little later, as Xena and Gabrielle finished eating, there was a knock on the door to their room.
GABRIELLE
Yes?
Alexia opened the door a little as she popped her head inside.
ALEXIA
Hi. I'm not interrupting you, am I?
GABRIELLE
No it's fine. Come in.
The young women entered the room and grabbed a chair that sat in the corner and moved it to near the bed where Xena and Gabrielle sat.
ALEXIA
Good because there's actually something that I kinda wanted to talk to you about.
The innkeeper sat down.
GABRIELLE
Look, if this is about what happened downstairs, I hope we didn't cause a scene.
Alexia laughed a little.
ALEXIA
Don't worry it's nothing like that. As you saw yesterday, this place can get a little ruckus sometimes. That's just a part of running an inn, so trust me there's been plenty worse than a couple of people having a disagreement during breakfast.
GABRIELLE
Oh then was there something you needed Alexia?
ALEXIA
Actually last night I went through my things looking for something I thought that you might need.
Alexia smiled as she revealed a small box that she had been casually keeping hidden from view.
ALEXIA
After what happened to my family, I'm not really sure why, but I began doing research and searching for a way to cure being a Bacchae. And while I don't know if it'll actually help or work, I thought that maybe you two might be able to find a use for what I found. So here you can just take it.
The innkeeper leaned forward slightly and handed Gabrielle the box.
GABRIELLE
Are you sure?
ALEXIA
Yeah. I don't really have any reason to keep it anymore. My sister's gone, and I'm too busy with the in to follow up on anything I found. So hopefully it can help you two.
Gabrielle looked at the wooden box for a moment before returning her focus on Alexia
GABRIELLE
I don't know what to say... thank you.
Alexia smiled.
ALEXIA
Don't mention it. Just promise me that you'll let me know if it worked.
Gabrielle smiled back.
GABRIELLE
We will.
ALEXIA
I look forward to it.
The young woman stood and put the chair back as she then took Xena and Gabrielle's empty plates and went to the door. She stood there for a moment and looked back at Xena and Gabrielle as she noticed the packed bag.
ALEXIA
Well if you're heading out just remember that Bacchae or not, you're both always welcome here, and I hope you'll come back.
With a smile, the innkeeper left the room as she shut the door behind her. After a moment, Gabrielle looked down at the small box in her hands.
GABRIELLE
I can't believe Alexia did that. I wonder what's inside or if it'll help.
Xena reached over as Gabrielle let her take the container. Xena examined the box for a moment in curiosity before placing it on her lap as she prepared to open it.
XENA
I guess there's only one way to find out.
And so Xena opened the box, both she and Gabrielle unaware that their quest to find a cure for them being Bacchae was about to take on a whole new meaning.
TO BE CONTINUED...