#xena and gabrielle are beautiful together

[mylesficfavs]

Repost of this fantastic thriller romance based on the Xena and Gabrielle characters of Xena Warrior Princess ❤️. This repost includes an epub version of the story.

[girl4music]

WAVERLY: “Even though you were in the thrall of a powerful, super-evil demon and her unearthly baked goods, you said…”

NICOLE: “I said… that you are the only luscious, funny, hot as hell baby that I need. And she got super pissed and threw me into the dresser and that’s when the ring fell.”

WAVERLY: “And it burned her?”

NICOLE: “Yeah. Then she got even more pissed and tossed me into the closet. Ironically.”

WAVERLY: “Ugh.”

NICOLE: “Hey, she’s gone now. That’s what’s important, right?”

WAVERLY: “Right. But the ring coming back to you was…”

NICOLE: “Yeah, kind of creepy boomerang vibe.”

WAVERLY: “Mm. But it kept you safe from her. I’m sorry. Sometimes things are so completely nuts. And you, you… Well, you seem okay. And sane. Safe. So I forget to give you the completely-nuts update.”

NICOLE: “Yeah. How about you just… update me later, okay?”

You’re all nuts. So you all need to keep each other in the know-how of the nuttiest updates. Stop hiding things from each other. It’s never a good thing. Even when it’s out of love or the need to protect each other.

Be transparent. You’re all warriors. Proven many many many times. You can handle the pain of the truth. So always give each other the cold hard truth. No matter how much it hurts - because when you have each other, the hurt can be comforted and the wounds made from it can heal. That’s what it means to love.

[flutterbyoz]

5 OTPs and 1 ultimate OTP

Deciding on my ultimate OTP was the easy part, it was picking the 5 others that took some time. I've had many ships over the years, some I obsessed over more than others but these are what I decided on as my top 5.

John/Aeryn - Farscape

John and Aeryn were one of my very first ships, before I even really knew what shipping was. I discovered them back in the very early 2000s and quickly fell head over heels for them. For a wacky, crazy, sexy and wonderfully weird sci-fi show, Farscape told one of the best love stories I've ever seen. The chemistry, the natural build up, the tension and their whole journey's, individually and together makes these two one of the best ships ever.

Sometimes it seems shows can be reluctant to put their two leads together, even when they are clearly right for each other, because they think it won't be as interesting once they are romantically involved. However, Farscape proved that with good writing it can work exceptionally well and add to the story in such a positive way. They also stayed clear of some of the more cliched storytelling, not just when it came to John and Aeryn's romance but the series in general. Farscape gave us a truly memorable romance and after 4 seasons it was finished up in the most perfect way in a miniseries.

For over 2 decades, John and Aeryn were my ultimate OTP, even when I found new ships I always came back to them because they were written so amazingly well and got the happy ending that many of my other ships never did. They had drama, angst and they even both died on separate occasions but they won out and the mini series gave them the perfect happy ending. John and Aeryn will always hold a special place in my heart, they are an example of how love stories can be told right.

Hetty and Trevor - Ghosts US

Okay, this is a very new ship for me having only discovered them at the end of last year and I really couldn't help but fall for them. Hetty and Trevor are two people who really shouldn't work together at all but somehow they really do. Ridiculous, hilarious and adorable, these two just drew me in but what's a little different for me from my other ships is I'm still not sure whether I want them to be a true romantic couple or if I just want them to get back to where they were in season 2. Their hook ups were so wonderful and they play off each other so well that I just really need these two to get back together in some way. Ghosts US writers, please make it happen, these two have way too much potential and chemistry to be pushed aside. I need more H-Money in my life!

Jack and Sam - Stargate SG1

Jack and Sam were a ship who were never explicitly said to be together but there were many hints, in later seasons, that they were. Rules and regulations pretty much forbad a romantic relationship, though in many alternate realities they were together. The feelings between them were clear, showing themselves at various moments throughout the series, some more subtle than others but they were always present in some form. This is another pairing who had wonderful chemistry on and off screen and I love them both dearly. I know Jack and Sam are together and living happily ever after, I won't except anything else.

Xena and Gabrielle - Xena: Warrior Princess

Another ship where it was never explicitly said in the show they were together but was very much implied. These two are beautiful and had this show been made today, they most definitely would have been together. I've had a few F/F ships over the years, one which hurt me quite badly despite actually getting a happy ending and another which has yet to really set sail but Xena and Gabrielle, though I wish their ending was different, are still a ship I return to quite often and are still very dear to me.

Miranda and Gary - Miranda

Miranda and Gary are the most adorable ship and I love them to pieces. I'm not often a fan of ships in sitcoms, for some reason they don't seem to hit the right notes for me but there is something about these two and how their story was told that I just fell in love with. They really bring out the best in each other, they get each other on a level that few others do and they get their happy ending, which it seems isn't always a thing for many of my ships. Miranda is a show I can watch over and over, it's one of my comfort shows and always picks me up if I'm feeling down. They are just the most lovable and sweet ship and just make me so happy.

Honourable mentions:

Jo and Bill - Twister

Connie and Jacob - Casualty

Iain and Lily - Casualty

Jeff and Tamzin - Casualty

Lara and Patrick - Casualty

Jack and Rose - Titanic

Claire and Owen - Jurassic World trilogy

Ten and Rose - Doctor Who

Caitlyn and Vi - Arcane

Evan and Dylan - Primeval New World

Jack and Rose - Titanic

John and Maureen - Lost In Space

Now comes my ultimate OTP and it could only really be one couple

Rick and Michonne (Richonne) - The Walking Dead

Now, what can I say to describe these two beautiful people and their amazing love story?

Finding such a gorgeous love story in a show with zombies was never something I thought I'd do, I never thought it would be the kind of show I'd watch either but here we are. I discovered Richonne during a search on Tumblr for another ship I was into at the time, a ship which sadly did not end well, but I did find these two so something positive came out of it. I was drawn in by GIFS, their chemistry and connection shone through in just a few seconds and I was so intrigued to find out more about them. I watched TWD just for them and in all honesty they are the only reason I still keep up with the show.

Richonne have something I've not seen in any other ship I've had, though I'm not sure I can quite put my finger on what that is. Their chemistry is electric and so natural that they really make the love story believable and realistic. Andy and Dania's off screen friendship is also beautiful, the love, care and trust they have for each other is clear to see and I love watching their off screen interactions too. They really are friendship goals! Plus they are just as big Richonne shippers as us and it makes me love them even more.

Rick and Michonne are one of a kind, they are in a league of their own when it comes to chemistry and storytelling and are the only ship I've had that not only have their own show dedicated to their love story, but both actors are also co-creators, co-writers and executive producers. Not only that but Danai wrote an episode herself and I don't think I'm exaggerating here when I say it is one of the best episodes in the history of TWD. Though to me it is the best.

From the moment they met at the fence to the final scene in TOWL 1x06, Richonne have proved time and time again why they are not only the best couple on TWD but to me, the best couple to have ever graced my screen. They could give lessons on how a love story should be told, how longing, romance and deep unbreakable love should be portrayed on screen. They love each other so purely, so intensely and so completely that it's palpable and being the love of each others lives is not just assumed but proved and vocalised too.

This is a couple who are both warriors, they have had to resort to extreme measures to survive and to keep the people they love safe and while that is one side to them, they are also very soft, gentle and loving with each other. They are both willing to do anything to keep each other and their kids safe.

Also, they are both extremely attractive people who make an insanely good looking couple!

This is why Richonne is my ultimate OTP and I have a feeling they may just remain in that spot forever.

[xwpseaweird]

XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS | UNBOUND | XENA & GABRIELLE [IN HD]

A sensual tribute to Xena & Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess upscaled to HD.

These two are so incredibly beautiful together ❤️

Song: Unbound (Glen Ballard Mix)

Artist: Robbie Robertson

[raisinchallah]

wild i actually found a xena and gabrielle should not be lovers because it ruins a beautiful depiction of friendship they could be gay tho idk about that but i dont ship them person in the wild on tumblr i thought they stopped making people like that in like 1999... i mean idk maybe #equality we need depictions of friendship based upon women who have crazy sex with each other constantly and like die in each others arms and try to kill each other and raise children together lets expand the hopes dreams and goals of straight women and their roommates

[cloudlesbian]

Xena/Gabrielle fanfic: Latent Image Chapter 2- Intermittent Agitation of a Larger Picture

Ao3 link

Link to Chapter 1 on tumblr

Chapter summary: Gabrielle's POV as she makes her way to Mt. Nestus and confronts the aftermath of Xena's passing. The old meets the new as Gabrielle begins examining what Xena really meant to her, now that she's gone.

Word Count: 4,200 😎

Warnings: Major character death

Tags: Xena Warrior Princess, Xena/Gabrielle, S2E12 Destiny and S2E13 The Quest, compulsory heterosexuality, introspection, pining

Author's note: I started this fic when I got sick with a cold, feeling inspired and doing something while I rested that was still stimulating. I'm going through some mental health issues and honestly this has been a sunny patch for me right now to keep coming back to this! It's been exactly a week since I posted the first chapter, and I'm not sure how often I'll be able to update, but just know I continue to come back to this regularly!!

Chapter 2 below the read more!

“Wake up! Wake up!” Gabrielle jostled Xena, but she wouldn’t stir. As much as Gabrielle tried, Xena would not wake up. She couldn’t bear the thought of Xena fading right in front of her. She had to take action, get moving fast. Her leg twinged in pain as she stood up, that was the least of her worries, though. Was she strong enough to carry Xena safely? Were the fighters who took her and the others weakened enough they wouldn’t give her trouble as she left with Xena in tow? And how in the world would she get Xena all the way to Mt. Nestus by herself?

She always felt Xena by her side as a stabilizing force, something constant and steadying for her. But for now, she was alone. She had to get it together and get moving, fast. She wasn’t sure how much time Xena had before the worst might happen.

By the time she had fashioned a sled to lay Xena on and carry with her, it was already almost sunset. She decided traveling somewhat into the night before she got to the mountain pass was safe enough. She simply didn’t have time enough for anything but. Why did Xena have to leave her right now? The Xena she knew put everyone else before herself. That was something very beautiful about her. Gabrielle wished to herself that Xena could look in on herself and see what Gabrielle saw in her. A spirit guided by more than guilt, guided by love and devotion, guided by trying to do what’s right, even at great costs.

Ah, what she would give right about now, to look into Xena’s eyes, see her smile wryly, contest her, to hear what advice she had to give. She wasn’t gone, yet. She had to keep going, there would always be hope. There was no losing Xena in Gabrielle’s eyes. She wouldn’t let it happen, and she wouldn’t acknowledge the possibility anymore than she already had.

***

Gabrielle made her way up the mountain, she had barely been able to rest during the nap she took earlier. She felt resting for the night wasn’t worth it. She couldn’t rest easy, anyway, knowing Xena could be on the brink. Time was precious, and there was very little of it. Gabrielle felt herself getting very sluggish the longer she continued without rest. But she had to keep going, for any hope at all, for all the hope in the world, to help Xena. To keep her by her side.

Gabrielle’s wound was getting worse. Moving this much was not helping. She had tied it off, but that could only do so much. At least being in the snow was helping to numb it. Gabrielle started getting very tired, and the cold didn’t bother her as much anymore. She collapsed into the snow, and wanted to take a rest, right then and there. As she started drifting, she jolted back up, Xena! She couldn’t stop, no, no, no, she had to keep going. She had to! She crawled to the sled as Argo trudged along with Xena in tow. She looked at Xena’s face, washed out, whether by the snow and dimming sunlight, or, worse, her inner light fading. Gabrielle took it as the latter. She did not look good. It seemed as though she was having a nightmare, but didn’t have the strength to move even while frightened. 

Gabrielle forced herself back onto her feet. She would make it, she just hoped it wasn’t much farther. Xena would make it, she would. She had to. Gabrielle couldn’t live without her. There was no choice or “maybe” in this. She needed her. This was something she had been more sure of in her life than anything else.

She continued her ascent, feeling her body beg for rest. But she wouldn’t give it that relief, not when Xena needed Gabrielle to be stronger, more than ever before.

***

She had made it! Nicklio was tending to Xena. Oh, thank the gods. Xena was going to make it. She had so many questions for Nicklio. How did he know so much? How did he heal people from the brink? Where did he learn medicine? Where did he gather herbs during this season? Did he store supplies ahead of time, how did he have enough? Maybe he didn’t get many visitors. 

Xena seemed to be struggling, she had sweat on her brow, and squirmed in her sleep. Gabrielle didn’t want to face that. She was going to get better, she had to. Xena was a fighter, she would pull through, she always did.

As Gabrielle was lost in her thoughts, not able to take her eyes from Xena, Nicklio turned to her, and gently touched her shoulder. He looked concerned for her. “Let me see your wound.” 

Gabrielle wriggled out of his grasp, “N-no, will you help my friend?”

“Xena can wait. You, I can do something about.” He said firmly, but with an air of not saying everything on his mind.

She looked up into his eyes. Her eyebrows furrowed. She felt tears welling up, and blinked them away. “Wh- what do you mean?” Gabrielle felt her anxiety mounting. There had to be more he could do. Xena trusted this man, enough to suggest the long journey here. He had to be able to do something, something to make this all okay.

After a pause of looking into each other’s eyes, leaving words hanging in the air, they both looked to Xena. It was her choice, now. 

Nicklio cleaned, stitched up, and dressed her wound. He gave her a blanket and told her to warm up by the fire. She refused to leave Xena’s side. They waited, and waited. Xena stirred, and her breathing became shallower. Gabrielle grabbed her hand. Maybe, somewhere in her slumber, in her pain, Xena could feel her presence, Gabriele’s love, her hope. Maybe Xena would want to stay, for her. She had to. She had to, she had to. Please, let her come back.

Nicklio noticed Xena’s breathing, too. He came up to her side, and put 2 fingers to the side of her neck. He hesitated, then told Gabrielle, “Her pulse is failing.” He kept a hand by her neck, and after a few moments, drew it back. Gabrielle refused to look away from Xena’s face. But she could already see a relaxation, a release, from just moments ago. She didn’t want to believe it. Then, Nicklio said “She’s gone.”

Gabrielle clutched Xena’s hand together, and sobbed against it. “No…” She felt a rebellion surge inside her. Xena couldn’t leave her, she couldn’t! Not when Gabrielle had come back to her so many times. Not when Xena was her rock, her light. “No!” She reached for Xena’s face, for any source of life, of her fire. She looked deeper into her face, as she cradled her head, searching for something, anything.

“Let her pass over.” Nicklio said, gently.

Gabrielle wouldn’t, couldn’t, hear him. She wouldn’t reconcile with such a thing. With losing her. She had made it to Mt. Nestus. To Nicklio. She had done everything right, everything she could have. “Please…” Gabrielle shook Xena. “Please wake up.” Xena didn’t move an inch. Gabrielle was getting desperate. She grabbed Xena’s head, no longer being gentle. She shook her again, she must still be sleeping. “Wake up!” Xena always fought, Gabrielle knew she had it in her, she wasn’t gone, she wouldn’t let it happen, not when Xena had so much more to do in this world, with her. Gabrielle slammed her fist against Xena’s torso. “Wake up!” She wiped the sweat from Xena’s forehead, cradled her head aagin, and implored her, “Oh go- please, wake up…” She turned in on herself and groaned in pain. Then she whipped around to look at Nicklio. “Oh! Do something!” She spat out. “Do something!” She started to beg, her voice breaking.

Nicklio hung his head downwards in sorrow and resignation.

Gabrielle looked at him for a moment more, then started sobbing again, leaning onto Xena’s side, to feel her. Gabrielle couldn’t do it. Not without Xena. She couldn’t go on. Xena always told her, be strong, but, how could she do that without her? It wasn’t Xena’s time. Gabrielle’s heart couldn’t accept Xena’s passing, that part of her, soul, missing. She felt an emptiness so vast and deep that it couldn’t compare to any other loss she had felt before. It left a hole inside her as deep as an ocean. It wasn’t her time! Remember, please, Xena has a destiny. She has to keep fighting. She has to come back. The world needs her. Gabrielle needed her, so, so much. More than she had ever known. She continued to weep, holding Xena, not ready to let go, but when would she ever be able to?

***

Gabrielle made her way to Amphipolis, Xena’s hometown. Xena had always said she wanted to be buried by her brother one day, that day had come much sooner than Gabrielle anticipated. Xena always made it sound like death was right around the corner, Gabrielle thought, Xena was proven right, she was a warrior, death came sooner for the people who chose that path, usually. Gabrielle hadn’t wanted to believe that death was ever-present, and even likely, for Xena. She seemed so infallible, so strong, how could she ever lose? She had rarely even gotten injured…Gabrielle had to be the strong one now, she realized. She was on her own, what would she do now with her life?

Gabrielle didn’t want to realize a life without Xena. Xena had made her feel like she had a real purpose in this life, that they did, together. That one day they might even change the world. Gabrielle was alone, on a long journey to Xena’s home, and left with her own thoughts, and she was spending a lot of time thinking about Xena. How could she not? She missed Xena with her whole being. She felt so lost without her. Why would this world let Xena die? It was so unfair. What Gabrielle would give to have Xena back, if she could grab and offer the whole world, her own life, she would.

Gabrielle found herself even mad at Xena, for leaving. How could this happen? Why did Xena leave her? Why couldn’t she have fought harder? Why did it have to happen this way? When Gabrielle had nearly died, she had wanted to stay, yes. It had been so comfortable, and so beautiful to see her uncle and other family again, who she hadn’t seen in a very long time, and had missed dearly. But she felt like she couldn’t stay, she had to come back to Xena, whose side she belonged by. She hadn’t been ready to leave, so why was Xena?

She had woken up in Xena’s embrace, and had clung to her. Gabrielle had come back, for her , for Xena. She had left all that utter joy, for Xena, for another source of happiness in this world. Afterwards, Xena had been clearly affected by this near-fatal event. gabrielle had felt for a while after, like Xena was more protective of her, more, well, dependent. That they had gotten closer, too. She knew in her heart, Xena would have felt very similar to Gabrielle right now, if Gabrielle was the one who had passed. Why did Xena get to keep her while she had to lose Xena? Why would the universe be this cruel?

***

Gabrielle was getting so tired, exhausted, and depressed. It was one thing, enough, to be grieving Xena and be completely occupied with these feelings. It was another thing to be fighting off numerous henchmen and bandits who kept trying to steal Xena’s body. She had encountered 3 groups of men already, and it was too much. She still wasn’t even halfway to Amphipolis.

Shortly after fighting off the most recent group and getting them to flee, Gabrielle stared down at Xena’s casket. She still couldn’t believe it. She knew what she was doing, what she had to do, but it still didn’t feel real. She trudged along the path, in a continuous slog. She was unbelievably depressed. 

She saw someone approaching in the distance, and her guard raised. As the person got closer, she started to recognize him, it was Iolaus. What a sight for sore eyes! She greeted him, and they hugged, Iolaus asked how she was doing, where Xena was. Gabrielle blinked back tears at that question. She swallowed around the lump in her throat, and told Ioalus what had happened. He was shocked, seemingly as much as her. 

Gabrielle remembered to herself Xena’s words to her from the time they had last seen Ioalus: “What if one day I don’t come through?” Xena had asked her. Back then, this had seemed unimaginable to Gabrielle. She had thought it was just Xena encouraging her to stand on her own more. That possibility Xena had thrown out had seemed almost like a joke to Gabrielle, back then. Gabrielle came back to reality as she saw movement in fornt of her, Ioalus had put a hand on Xena’s casket, reckoning with the news. 

Gabrielle stood next to him, giving them both space to think. Gabrielle was still feeling frustrated. “She just left me, how could she do that? She just left” Then, she confessed to Ioalus, “I really want to hate her for it.”

Right away, he looked to her, compassion and understanding overflowing, “No. No you don’t.”

Gabrielle’s face softened, and she felt that lump in her throat again. “But I miss her.” Iolaus gave her a hug. Gabrielle sighed and said “There are so many things that I wihs I could tell her. Why didn’t I when I had the chance?”

Iolaus replied, “We always think we have plenty of time. We know people are gonna leave us, but, we never face up to it…what would you have told her?”

Gabrielle looked into Ioalus’ eyes, she felt so comforted by his presence, she said softly, “I would have told her how empty my life was before she came; and all the lessons I learned, and that I love her.”

Iolaus stroked her cheek, fondly, and reassured, “Gabrielle, you just told her.” They embraced one more time. 

It was odd, Gabrielle only felt a warm friendship for Iolaus now. She didn’t feel any romance between them like she had last time. Maybe it was the grief, she figured. But something had stood out to her, after losing Xena and having so much time to think to herself…she had never felt a loss like this. Even when Perdicus died, she was full of righteous anger, but not this overwhelming emptiness. Xena had given her purpose in life, a will to go on and discover the world around her. Not just the loss of Xena, but looking back on her time with her, she felt like this was one of the most valuable relationships she had ever had in her lifetime. Nothing and no one rivaled that, somehow. This was insane. How could it be so wildly different, but it also was the only thing that made sense to her.

Xena had understood her, like no one else had. Xena had valued her beliefs, insights, her way of thinking and moving through the world, and had seen Gabrielle for who she was, and appreciated her. She hadn’t felt much of that before. She had always felt like the people around her wanted her to be someone else, to fit in a mold, and not break out of those constraints. Even the way Perdicus had seen her, she thought it was a beautiful joining of souls, but even when they were about to get married, it felt like he had an idea or image of her, that simply wasn’t true. She had wanted to meet that standard, but she wasn’t sure if it was something she had wanted for herself, or to give to Perdicus, to heal his wounds. Was it for achievement’s sake? To be seen as “valuable” and “good” in the eyes of others? No, it had truly been for Perdicus. But was it also for herself? That she didn’t know.

Xena had loved her, and she loved Xena. She had started questioning what Xena really had meant to her, and what she still did. Gabrielle felt very differently about Xena than she had about Iolaus or Perdicus. It was so hard to pin down. What was this fundamental difference? 

When Gabriele was considering marrying Perdicus, she had instinctively looked to Xena. She didn’t know if she could live without her, or if she herself could live without Xena by her side. She might have been looking for an excuse, a validation, to say no. But Xena had been so measured and encouraging, “Look, Gabrielle, if it’s me you're worried about let me set your mind at rest, seeing you happy will make me happy, and if it means settling down with perdicus, then…you have my blessing.” Gabrielle’s heart had sunk a little at that reply. It felt…right, of Xena to say that. But her heart had also ached, she realized, looking back. Why hadn’t Xena seemed to care, oh she did, she prioritized Gabrielle’s happiness, but, why didn’t Xena seem to need her? Would marrying Perdicus and leaving Xena’s side truly make Xena or herself happy? Is that what Xena had really wanted for her? She had wondered if Perdicus could truly make her happy and fulfilled, like Xena had wished for her. Wondered if she herself was able to be that happy and blissful, without standing beside Xena.

After Perdicus had been killed, Gabrielle had wanted to give up everything, to get revenge, to burn down everything that had ever hurt her. She had been so consumed by it, her hatred for Callisto overwhelming. She had been fueled by it. Xena had been so visibly torn about that change in Gabrielle. So, upset. When she was determined to storm in, to get her revenge, she had seen Xena outside their camp, praying…about her. “if anyone's listening, you know I'm not much for praying…but I don't know what else to do….I was ready to give up once, and gabrielle came into my life.” Xena had paused and controlled her breath. Gabrielle had held her own breath while watching Xena, who was bathed in moonlight. Shining even in the dark. Xena had started tearing up. “Please, don't let that light that shines out of her face go out. I couldn't stand the darkness that would follow.” That, that had crushed Gabrielle. She couldn’t bare to hurt Xena so. But she had been so consumed by her rage, she couldn’t see any other way forward. Now, she couldn’t see any way forward at all. She had no drive besides honoring Xena’s wishes.

She had always thought of Xena as a dear friend, someone who guided her when she was lost, and who she guided when Xena was spiraling. But Xena had started to feel like much more to her. Gabrielle couldn’t put her finger on it. But it had been changing. She thought of the story she had told Iolaus as they sought to unchain Prometheus.  “Once, a long, long time ago, all people had four legs and two heads. And then, the Gods threw down thunderbolts, and split everyone into two. Each half then had two legs, and one head. But the separation left both sides with a desperate yearning to be reunited, because they shared the same soul. And ever since then, all people spend their lives searching for the other half of their soul.” That story had always rung true to her. She wanted it to be real. She didn’t know how anyone would fit into that, for her. Gabrielle wanted the other half of her soul. Now, it felt like her soul had been ripped to shreds, with Xena gone. She wondered if she might ever recover, and felt very much doubtful, deep down inside herself.

***

Gabrielle had met the Amazons a while ago in the forest, and Ephiny and the others had greeted her, mourning Xena together. Ephiny had introduced Velasca, an unfamiliar face…and Ephiny had given a quick run-down of Velasca’s and Gabrielle’s own standings among the Amazons to her.

Gabrielle had to keep moving, and move forward, that was the only way. Whether she wanted it or not, time would march on. She still wasn’t sure how she felt about the Amazon’s believing Xena should follow their funeral rites. It wasn’t what she had pictured from what Xena had told her before in the case of her death. But maybe it would be a good way to honor Xena. And, well, Gabrielle didn’t know what the future held for her. Maybe her place would be ending up among the Amazons, and having Xena cremated through them would make her feel closer to Xena, in a way. Like she had honored her, and had moved with Gabrielle, forward. At the same time, though, Xena wanted to be reunited with her family in death, and Xena’s mother would likely want to see Xena’s body before the funeral. 

And what of the right of caste? Gabrielle couldn’t even process that possibility right now. Being the one to lead the Amazons, Gabrielle had been aware it was within her rights before, but she hadn’t wanted it then, and she didn’t know if she could hold it, now.

Gabrielle wasn’t sure what she wanted or believed was right as the possibilities swirled in her mind like a lazy, almost finished, beverage at the bottom of a mug. She had trouble thinking through everything right then. She felt so off-kilter, so staggered from what had happened. She was facing it, but didn’t feel ready at all for this. Gabrielle might even live the majority of her life without Xena in it. They had only known each other not so long, but she felt so inextricably linked with her, it was very difficult to imagine that potential, no, true, reality. They had been through, survived, lived, so much together. The joys and sorrows and pains and catharsis, everything. She had experienced what it was like to have everything, with Xena. She would now have to know what it meant to live without Xena. 

 Ephiny was just what she needed right then, a dear friend to help give her a sense of belonging and comfort. Gabrielle felt like she was appreciated in this little bubble, almost like she had been with Xena. It would have to do, be close enough. She feared, but wouldn’t admit, she would probably never have someone like Xena by her side ever again. Someone who she felt so tied to, so embraced by, so understood…

She turned to Ephiny who strode beside her, she wanted to support and be supported right now. She studied Ephiny as they walked, Gabrielle had sensed the tension between Velasca and Ephiny’s views, as well as personalities. She couldn’t broach the subject in front of Velasca, that was sure. But, she could show Ephiny that she cared, and was thankful for her presence right now. Putting on a warm and gentle smile, Gabrielle touched Ephiny’s shoulder, “Ephiny, thank you for inviting me back, I-”

Ephiny quickly responded, cutting Gabrielle off, “Gabrielle, of course, you’re always welcome back. You have a right to be here, we want you here, you’re one of us. And you don’t need an invitation.”

Gabrielle chuckled softly, holding onto Ephiny’s arm as they walked, “I know…but it’s nice to be welcomed. I appreciate it. I haven’t felt, well, home, since Xena passed. I feel safe here, with you, and the other Amazons. I feel like I might belong somewhere again.”

“Gabrielle, you don’t know how glad I am to hear that. You really should consider staying, you can do so much good here. We could use someone like you.” Ephiny smirked and nudged Gabrielle as she finished her sentence. 

Gabrielle smiled back, comforted, and feeling recognized by Ephiny. They continued to walk, and Gabrielle felt Velasca’s gaze on them. Velasca hadn’t said anything this whole time, but she could sense Velasca assessing her and Ephiny, calculating. She was probably trying to suss out if Gabrielle really wanted to lead the Amazons, if she was willing and ready, and if so, Velasca would likely try to usurp her. Gabrielle herself wasn’t sure, but something in her didn’t trust Velasca. Especially with how power-hungry she seemed. Velasca came off as very self-assured, confident, and clearly cared about Amazon culture…but those things were where Gabrielle felt Velasca might have become misguided.

The existence, happiness, and safety of the Amazons did not have to come at the cost of the centaurs, and potentially countless Amazon lives as well if a war emerged. Gabrielle found herself hanging onto the little information she was gaining about the current Amazon political situation as they got closer to the community grounds. She was becoming more and more invested as she thought about it harder, and she was itching to learn more.

[End Chapter]

Taglist- drop a ⛅️ if you want to be added for updates or drop a 🌙 if you'd like to be removed

@almostunbelievable @themelodyofsilence @fuckfacejoseph @girl4music @kilanab

[kitkatt0430]

Xena's been missing out on parties while in the dungeon.

Xena - Traitor what do you get out of this? Traitor - Not telling, let's see you fight the other prisoners now.

At least he's smart enough not to villain monologue?

Helen's bath looks comfy. Meanwhile Paris is being whiny because Helen doesn't want to party.

Xena kicking ass and escaping the dungeon, go Xena!

Gabrielle - Huh, where did Xena get to? Oh well, let's reminisce.

Oh no Gabrielle's staff just go destroyed! Not her Amazonian staff!!! O_O

Xena's gonna go rescue Helen while Troy falls. I think the guy she kicked into the bath found it less relaxing than Helen did.

Paris - Um... sorry Xena? Xena - *death glare, stalks off*

Helen continues to think self sacrifice will help. Xena continues to say 'no that's stupid'

Gabrielle - I'm so sorry. Dude - It was also my fault. And kiss.

Though, tbh, I get less Gabrielle in love vibes and more familiarity and regret vibes.

Good for Helen, telling Paris they're over no matter what happens next.

Paris' brother, Mr. Traitor, apparently was also in obsession with Helen

Good example there of why kissing someone without their consent does in fact fall on the sexual assault spectrum. Helen deserves better than to be coveted for her beauty. :(

The Greeks being all 'ya know we did a good job with the horsey, we're keeping it' is really funny to me. And Xena using the Horse to get everyone safely out was great :D

Ooooh, Gabrielle's got another staff. is this the Amazon staff and she just had another one earlier?

Traitor - I shall take you far from here, muahahaha, no one shall catch us... Xena - Well howdy, imagine meeting you here. lol

I think her battle cry is what lets Xena defy gravity.

Xena and Helen running away together, adorable.

Gabrielle's ex - so, um... we don't need to consider the kiss binding mmkay? I still love you but I think you're not there yet. Kiss for the road? Gabrielle - Okay.

I do like that this reframes Troy's destruction as not truly being Helen's fault. And that she survives to have her own life.

Xena - I thought your ex would come with us for a while? Gabrielle - No, he's not. And I don't know how I feel about that. :/

[ingek73]

How we made

Culture

‘I was attacked by a bloody rabbit’: how we made Xena: Warrior Princess

‘The studio was hesitant about suggesting Xena and Gabrielle were in a romantic relationship. But as time went on, they decided to look the other way and just let us get on with it’

‘Somebody once asked me if they had ever had sex’ … Lucy Lawless as Xena and Renee O’Connor as Gabrielle.

Interviews by Chris Broughton

Follow Chris Broughton

Mon 1 Jul 2024 16.19 CEST

Steven L Sears, writer and co-executive producer

I was in a meeting with an executive from Renaissance Pictures when he mentioned a series they were going to do: “A hip, updated version of Hercules.” Xena was a character in that, compellingly brought to life by Lucy Lawless. When Hercules: The Legendary Journeys became a big hit, they decided to spin her off into her own series. That’s when I became involved.

Building on Xena’s backstory, we developed a character who has been turned into a feared warrior because of things that happened during her childhood and early adulthood, but at heart she is a good person keen to help others. The common take was that she was on the path to redemption, but my belief was that she felt she could never redeem herself for the thousands she had killed.

Gabrielle, meanwhile, is a simple village girl given the chance to realise her dreams of adventure. Since she recorded the duo’s escapades on scrolls, fans started calling her the battling bard. Right from the start, though, we refused to make her just a sidekick. She offered a beautiful innocent perspective on Xena’s darker, more barbaric character. Ultimately, she became Xena’s saviour.

Steven L Sears in 2022.

‘We went from drama one week to satire the next’ … Steven L Sears in 2022. Photograph: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

The show’s co-creator Rob Tapert would present us with wild ideas and leave us to make them work. I can’t think of a regular show that did a musical episode with original songs before we did The Bitter Suite. One time, Rob wanted me to change the word “camouflage”. He said: “It’s a French word and this is not a French show.” I said: “You’re having a problem with a French word in a series set in ancient Greece with a protagonist played by a New Zealand actress using an American accent?”

Later, we expanded our universe quite a bit. In one episode, clones of our heroes interacted with Xena fans in the present day. Another, set in an alternative reality, saw Xena ruling over the Roman empire with Karl Urban’s Julius Caesar after their marriage. Xena offered the opportunity to go from drama one week to satire the next and, more importantly, had a cast and crew that could pull it off.

People called Xena a sword and sorcery show, even though our universe had swords but no magic. There were mythological creatures and entities with powers, but those powers had restrictions. Most of the gods echoed the pettiness of mankind, with all their egos and desires.

Back then, the studio was very hesitant about suggesting Xena and Gabrielle were in a romantic relationship. They even objected to a moment in the title sequence where Xena is seen walking seductively towards the warlord Draco, because he was shot from the back and had long hair, so could be mistaken for a woman. But as time went on, they decided to look the other way and just let us get on with it. Somebody once asked me if Xena and Gabrielle ever had sex. I said: “It’s none of my damn business. They do social and domestic duties together, they have fought for each other and died for each other. If you’re defining the relationship just on sex, you’re really missing the whole point.”

We had a very varied following, from children to students to older people. My dad once spotted a neighbour, in his 80s, waving a stick in his front yard as if sword fighting. “I’ve been watching my favourite show, Xena: Warrior Princess,” he explained. “You should see it – there’s a guy called Sears who works on it.”

Renee O’Connor, played Gabrielle

My focus with Gabrielle was how to make her feel empowered and not just the damsel in distress. The time I’d spent doing gymnastics at school probably helped with some of the moves I had to perform: handstands, backflips and so on. I loved working with weapons and dancing around stunt people. During one fight, my stunt double was standing in for the antagonist and, as we were twirling around, we stepped too close to each other and she ended up with a broken nose.

Even in the first season, we started to hear from people who thought Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship was more than just friends. Later, that subtext started to develop. We didn’t get a sense of how big the show was becoming until Lucy came back from a convention in the US and said: “Oh Renee, it’s like you’re a rock star!” At that point, the show hadn’t started airing in New Zealand. So, as we filmed in our little sacred space in Auckland, we could still walk around anonymously.

I tried showing Xena to my kids when they were young, but my daughter was terrified, seeing her mother repeatedly getting beaten up – or even attacked by a bloody rabbit. I kept the weapons Gabrielle used and still have a few boxes of costumes. My daughter’s 18 now and I know she’ll end up wearing them on a date or something.

I can relate to the young Gabrielles I meet at conventions who appreciate that kindness doesn’t mean you’re weak. Being able to live through my character emboldened me, helped me stand up to the bully. That’s definitely carried on for the rest of my life.

[warriorprincesstramp]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEE!!!! 🩷🩷🩷🎉🎉🎉🎉 i hope everything goes perfect for you all day and everyone who’s annoying you suffers a great loss… anyway i love you so much i’m so glad that through all the stupid bullshit of the universe the stars somehow managed to align just right for us to be blogging on tumblr at the same time <3 it would truly be unbearable in many ways without you there’s literally no one else i’d rather make posts about tv with, and it IS that serious, you of COURSE understand! well here’s to another year of us together on this website Posting about TV Shows…. i went and collected some xena images just for you literally happy birthday from me and xena and gabrielle (and joxer is also there!) 🫶🫶

beth I love youuuu literally thank god we found each other on this dumbass website 🫶🫶🫶 the humble xena warrior princess jpg... The world can be so beautiful. the first one is like. merlin bts you are nothing... anyway I love you I love watching tv with you I love complaining about sawyer with you I love xena warrior princess!!! thank u ^_^

[eddysocs]

Preference: Xena Warrior Princess + Jealousy?

Adonis Katsaros: Adonis doesn’t tend to get very jealous. Though there are many who would like a chance with the God of War, Adonis rests pretty securely that no one could take him away from him. Adonis has godly beauty on his side, and a heavy dose of charm to boot, so if anyone made an attempt, likely all he’d have to do is show up, and any rival would back down.

Alyria Polantis: Alyria doesn’t have a lot to be jealous about. It’s not like there’s a line of people clamoring for Joxer, but she does get a little jealous of his bond and playful banter with Gabrielle. She knows he was interested in her in the past, as he’s been open and honest about that, but time has passed and things have changed, and it’s only every once in a while she feels that little pang of jealousy when they interact.

Andromeda Angelos: Autolycus is a natural flirt, so if Andromeda were the jealous type, that’d be a problem pretty quick. That’s not to say she never gets jealous. She’ll feel it every once in a while, but if his flirting with someone else gets a little too cozy for her liking, she’ll just flirt with someone else herself, and that usually gets Autolycus's attention.

Eusebeia Adamos: You’d think Eusebeia would be riddled with jealousy due to Aphrodite’s many admirers, and before they got together, she absolutely was. It was the pining that made that jealousy flare up. But, when she finally has Aphrodite's love, she doesn’t really get jealous anymore, feeling safe and secure in Aphrodite’s love for her.

Kana Saito: Listen, Kana has a ton of problems dealing with her feelings for Gabrielle, and jealousy is absolutely one of them. She bottles up her feelings for a while, knowing that Gabrielle is grieving Xena, and that just festers into yearning and pining, and yes, jealousy. With anyone Gabrielle seems particularly close to, Kana feels that sting, and she can’t ever quite let go of it.

Niantha Corleone: Oh yeah, Niantha gets jealous. When she and Xena are actually together, she’ll kick the ass of anyone who dares make an untoward comment about her. And even after they’ve parted ways and run into one another again, that jealousy can easily flare up for her. At that point, it’s mostly the thought of what could have been that gets her feeling jealous of those Xena's close to now.

Preference requests are open!

Forever Tag: @baubeautyandthegeek, @kmc1989, @curious-kittens-ocs, @fanficanatic-tw, @gcthvile, @immyowndefender

[myfaveisfuckable]

Susie:

Played the amazing Alex Borstein, Susie Myerson has possibly the biggest dick in show business. This woman, working as a janitor at a comedy club in New York in the 50s, decides to become a manager for a future famous comedian, having no prior experience with managing or comedy. Throughout the series, there are the three moments that defined her brass balls the most. The first is telling a famous comedian who recently hired her as a manger to get fucked after the famous comedian insulted Susie's friend and client. This comedian was so famous that Susie basically could have just gone and personally crapped on everyone single doorstep in the industry and come away with more favorable results. The second instance was she was literally kidnapped by some Batman the Animated Series looking goons who were paid to intimidate her onto leaving the managing business. Her big dick energy manifested when she smooth talked her way into befriending the goons through shared shitty childhood experiences AND THEY TOOK HER TO THEIR HOUSE AND INTRODUCED HER TO THEIR FAMILY. She probably could have gotten away with fucking their wives but I digress. The final time was during the series epilouge. Susie has made it famous and rightly becomes obsessed with fancy birds. The final scene involves her and her first client/friend sitting, watching jeporday together, each in their own homes across the country, after a conversation with her friend who had just sent her a beautiful parrot.

* it's spiritual

Xena:

1. The confidence. The badassery. Played by Lucy Lawless, who radiates BDE herself. Partially responsible for my bisexual awakening.

2. She has THE big dick energy. Like, the entire show is about her adventures with her (implied) girlfriend Gabrielle after she quit being a mercenary (or smth similar). She is so badass, and there's even a beauty pageant episode where she discovers one of the other contestants (she's trying to prevent assassinations bc politics) is (heavily implied to be) biologically male, and they ask her to let them at least let them quietly withdraw instead of revealing "the truth about them" (it's unclear if they're trans, a drag queen, or something else) and Xena is such an ally about it. In a show from the 1990s. She takes absolutely no shit while being absolutely amazing nearly all the time

* it's spiritual* it would be canon if it were up to me

[lonelydiary]

Tagged by my lovely mutual and my broski in crime @beefcake-penguin 🐧💜🐧

Three ships: Supercorp (they have ruined me, honestly), Raylla (thinking about them almost religiously and also Taylor and Amalia are simply sweethearts), and Brittana (they helped me realize so so much about myself and who I am. I know, Glee was a trash show, sometimes lol, but their relationship was one of the best things that happened there). Honorable mention of course to Mulder and Scully, I truly truly loved that show (tho it scared me sometimes, lol)

First ship: Xena and Gabrielle. It was so funny, honestly, how innocent in my admiration and shipping was I back then. I didn't even realized that I ship and more importantly CAN ship them together romantically. Forever grateful for Lucy and Renee for their talent and their beautiful chemistry together. And they are both so so kind to the fans. ❤️

Last Song(s): All Too Well (Taylor Swift), Ta Peine (Lara Fabian 💖), Redemption (Amalia Holm)

Favorite color: Purple and Blue (eyes)

Last movie: Me before you (not so bad actually) and also Emilia 💋

Relationship status: *sigh*

Currently consuming: A coffee and a chocolate bar to keep me at least a little presentable at work, lol

Currently working on: I have this idea for a set of gifs (Supercorp related), which I'm trying to give a life to. Wish me luck to remember how to create pretty gifs. 🙏

Tagging: All who sees this and wants to participate, no pressure. 💜

[girl4music]

Happy Valentine’s Day to Xena and Gabrielle. My all-time favourite WLW ship in all of TV art/entertainment.

One of the most beautiful things about watching the TV show is watching this reformed Warrior Princess fall in love. Xena would be the last person to admit that she’s a romantic but I think it’s pretty clear to see that she is from the way she looks at Gabrielle. She always looks so genuinely happy and grateful to have her in her life. Especially after Gabrielle reveals that she loves her too. That seems to make a big difference to her demeanour.

Like most fans, I believe they evolved from friends into lovers after ‘The Quest’. It feels like the right time for it. However, I don’t think they were able to fully express their feelings for each other until ‘A Day In The Life’… when all the high-intensity drama had died down and they had nothing to do but admit that there was more between them and basically just bask in the revelation.

Like Lucy said at the 30th anniversary Xena convention panel: It was a beautiful thing the way the relationship evolved. The way that they went from being strangers to eternal life partners. From subtext to explicitly gay.

The fact that YOU get to decide when that moment was because they kept it ambiguous enough to interpret for the audience watching might be frustrating for some… but for me, I think it’s one of the greatest things about them being a WLW ship because their love story is one of the most natural, authentic and deep I’ve ever seen.

I never get tired of watching it and I know I never will.

I’m happy to see that more people are discovering this WLW ship and appreciating the sincerity and value of the representation they provided then because they truly are the blueprint and greenlight to everything we have now - and despite that - still hold up remarkably well to today’s offerings with WLW representation. I’ve watched a lot of TV shows with WLW ships in - both canon and non-canon - and not one matches up to them due to the fact both are the only lead characters. The closest I’ve come is Waverly and Nicole from ‘Wynonna Earp’ but even they don’t hold a candle when it comes to how in-depth their relationship is and how intertwined they are as a lead character WLW dynamic.

To truly understand the significance of this WLW ship, you have to see it with your own eyes. So if you have heard of this WLW ship before but have never seen a single episode of ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’, then do yourselves a favour and go watch at least this episode because this is the episode that best showcases how well these two lead female characters work together as a dynamic. It’s not plot-heavy. It doesn’t really spoil anything if you’re worried about that. Just watch it.

You can tell me whether they’re worth the six seasons. You already know my answer. Long-form TV show WLW ships don’t really exist anymore if they ever really did. You don’t get a journey with them. You rarely even get more than a season. One or the other in the WLW ship either dies, breaks up and leaves, or the show just gets cancelled without a conclusion for them and their arcs.

Xena and Gabrielle are a WLW journey. They’re worth it.

There is of course far more to ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ than just WLW representation but it is very significant. Many a suitor may fall for the Warrior Princess but she really only ever opens her heart to her best friend all throughout her arc - and as I said - that’s one of the most beautiful things about watching this TV show.

[girl4music]

@zaffiri-saffici There’s something really heartwarming about how they treat animal actors on Xena. Especially considering you know that Xena and Gabrielle eat meat.

I always think about that scene in ‘Adventures In The Sin Trade’ where Xena tells Argo that she can’t take her where she’s going and we find out it’s because the horse she’s riding on instead has to be sacrificed so that she can cross over to the land of the dead.

Xena knows Argo could have made the journey. She just didn’t want her to have to be that horse that was sacrificed or see it happen. She’d never allow that.

Then there’s ’Little Problems’ where Gabrielle accidentally causes a God to shrink Argo and the whole time she’s anxious about how Xena will react over it knowing how important Argo is to Xena and that sometimes she believes Xena loves Argo more than her.

And just as you can see that Xena and Argo have a close relationship you can believe Lucy and Tilly do too.

That their scenes together are very genuinely loving.

I always say that there are 3 main characters in Xena and most people think I’m talking about Joxer.

No. Argo. They’re a beautiful unconventional family.

XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS Season 3, Episode 13, ‘One Against an Army’

[raisinchallah]

top 5 outfits for xena and gabrielle respectively! :3c (not including their "main" outfits, special ones only) and then she has less outfits of course but i'd love to hear your fav callisto outfits too! for me it's fool callisto and her ides of march robes...

adding a readmore cuz this got crazyyy

ok for xena i couldnt really choose just 5 and it ended up of course mostly being event episodes which feels like a cop out i know she wears some great costumes in other episodes but this is off the top of my head this is also in no particular ranked order but going from left to right u can also probably tell which costumes are my faves if u look at my xena art because well in my costume redesigns i reference them a lot lol

her theatrical armor from the bitter suite sorry for the bad screenshot but i just adore the layered decorative elements taken much more from art of greek armor but all in these garish colors that look hand painted for the stage it sets the tone so so beautifully in some ways to me the platonic ideal of a xena costume

that coin armor from destiny most specifically the coin armor and that headpiece the way it blends into her hair is sooo beautiful as u can see im fond of xena in coin armor the purple also a nice touch

skeleton dress skeleton dress from the bitter suite idk what else to say but i just love it have honestly wanted to try and make myself a shirt based on it... the stitching and two different colors from back to front is crazyyyy tho u cannot see that at all in this and how its used as like a dance with death seduction song with ares immaculate

i call this her versace armor but anways this armor from when fates collide is genuinely crazy one of the most incredible pieces put together for the show i think u can see how obsessed with it i am since its been a main reference point for like multiple pieces of xena fan art ive done i feel like it so perfectly encapsulates what i want out of xena costuming this lovely mix of slightly weird historical references mixed with like modern high fashion and a touch of fetish gear to it only thing i dont like is the stupid leather pants im against tight pants in xena and pants in general when wearing greek and roman inspired clothing men or women stop wearing pants embrace the skirt

cannot for the life of me get a good screenshot of this one but that gorgeous like metallic strand dress from when fates collide tho also special mention of the silver lipstick and the dangly earrings this again has the delightful mix of influences getting very 1920s greek revival inspired fashion look here made up of strange unplaceable fabric makes it feel both modern old fashioned and like something that has never existed before which is exactly where xena should be

the roman uniform from ides of march <3 im just obsessed how burly and tough it makes her look and one of their best looking attempts at straight leather armor the silhouettes great and its nice to see her in such overtly masculine armor i just think it looks great :3c

her later evil xena coin armor i think this ones specifically from adventures in the sin trade but she wears something pretty similar in the debt what can i say i love the coin armor

again focused on event episodes went with 6 for sexy screenshot balance :3c and again no real specific order here.. sorry this weirdly focuses on gabrielle in wigs of varying quality as if its my fault

her when fates collide dress sometimes if i think about it too long i think its kind of bad and then loop back around to loving it again anyways the sheer pleated fabric the leaf embellishments the crown especially all really nice touches :3c

does this even count as a gabrielle costume i realize shes possessed here but ive been unable to stop thinking about the crazy pearl costume from devi like ever do i like the india arc no do i like this episode no do i have reservations about the costumes visual choices framing and well everything about the arc yes is this costume iconic yes genuinely one of the craziest most beautiful costumes they ever created i do also really love the pared down yellow outfit they have gabby in for the rest of season 4 that started in this episode i just think she looks nice in yellow :3

i realize almost everything i chose are big symbolism dresses for gabrielle i wish she had more iconic armor looks or even sporty tunics but its kind of slim pickings but again my love of the textured armor comes back with her armor from a friend in need the boob outline elements are kind of diabolical but every shot of her shoulders with that armor on them as she looks at (usually xena) is gorgeous creates this beautiful sense of this weary warrior and passing of the torch from xena to gabby and her coming into her own strength thats really nice

her farmer tarot dress from the bitter suite absolutely beautiful i love when they put gabby in warm colors i love the contrast with xenas armor how theyre positioned as opposites in that moment this is also a bit more of an idealized vision of gabrielle like who she wishes she was and what she wants to return to in that moment of hurt but not necessarily honestly her which is quite thematically rich in bitter suite but i do fear this list of gabby costumes is mostly about clothes that say what she is not than who she is but such is life they put her in a lot of bad costumes

please forgive her the terrible wig but aaaah i love love love this costume her second from the bitter suite again im sure u know this if u have seen my xena fan art cuz ive put gabby in variations of this multiple times i love the robes i love again the weird modern fake looking leather halfway between high fashion and made up fantasy armor nonsense the subtle allusion to the single breasted amazons and the beautiful mixture of the white flowing fabric and armor i think so perfectly capture what gabrielle feels trapped between both in the bitter suite and her arc as a whole kind of perfect in every way

her crocheted? dress from dreamworker kind of rounding out a trio of thematic gabrielle outfits this of course is her virgin sacrifice dress one i just love the construction it again has this strange out of time sense to it and the fabric is halfway between wedding dress and chainmail made of yarn i am very fond of a number of season 1 gabrielle outfits before they decided to put her almost exclusively in tasteless crop tops this felt like one of their more creative flourishes before the leather bikini mandate and feels like a really fascinating alternative vision of costuming for the show with these sort of strange fabrics and odd silhouettes with eye catching jewelry it creates a really vibrant world and visual language that i wish was delved into more in general visual design in dreamworkers fantastic creating this beautiful vibrant unreal world and setting up like so many themes of the show and truly visionary to put gabrielle in a sparkly chainmailesque wedding/sacrifice dress :3

oh also i agree those are the best callisto outfits are there any other outfits she wears besides those that could qualify??? i guess theres her angel looks but those suck... her fool costume is one of the best costumes ever created for xena ok thanks everyone for reading my ramblings if you have read them :3c