“I don’t feel so good,” Gabrielle declared. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Not in my house, you aren’t. And not in my bed, either!” the Healer shot back at her. “You lay yourself back down.”

Xena helped Gabrielle to lie down, but supported her head as she gave her a drink of water from a wooden goblet on the small table next to the bed.

“You get some rest,” Xena told her. “I’m going back to the cabin to get some of our things. By the time you wake up again I’ll be back.”

Gabrielle gave her a weak smile, took a ragged breath, and was asleep before Xena left the room. The water contained a sleeping potion.

~~~~~~~~~~

Xena and Gabrielle spent another three days in the Healer’s house until Gabrielle was well enough to  travel.

“By the gods, Xena, just the thought of going back to that cabin is enough to make me want to throw up. Do we have to?”

“Until we can figure out how to pay the Healer back for everything he’s done for us, we don't have a choice. We don't have any money, so we can’t stay at the inn….”

Gabrielle put her hand up, cutting Xena off in mid-sentence.

“I know. You don't have to say anything else. I just wish….”

“Maybe it won’t be so bad. It’s not that cold any more, and I saw fresh deer tracks, and with the stream flowing again there may be some fish….”

“I said OKAY! Okay? You don't have to try to convince me. I know it’s our only option. Let’s just get our stuff and go.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Xena threw the dead deer over the back of her horse then mounted up.

“Should be back before the day is out. Fresh meat doesn't take long to sell,” she said looking down at Gabrielle.  “Third one in twice as many days. At this rate we’ll have everyone paid off AND buy you a horse before you know it.”

“I don't suppose there’s room for one more up there, is there? “

“Getting restless?”

“A little. There’s just something about being here by myself. You know what I mean?”

“Sure. Come on. There’s room, if you don't mind holding the deer in your lap.”