likealighthouse's museum

fandom: xena warrior princess
ship: gabrielle/xena
rating: gen
additional info: season 1, canon compliant, pre-ship
words: 198
notes: fill for the carly rae prompt table, pride & pussy, and sapphic summer
— original post date: 06/22/2023

“And then, Xena lept straight in to the air—such a force of will that not even the laws of the natural world could constrain her!”

The crowd hangs on Gabrielle's words with rapt attention. A few spectators voice quiet disbelief at her recollection of the previous day's events, but are quickly shushed.

Xena herself sits a few tables away from the bard at work, raising her heavy mug to hide the smile on her lips.

Gabrielle steps out, lunges forward with her imaginary sword, and Xena can't help but wonder at how this girl who followed from her Potedia has already changed so much—how Xena can feel herself changing alongside her, because of her.

There's a sliver of doubt. A fear that journeying with her will affect Gabrielle, infect her with all the evil in her past Xena's working to overcome—struggles some days to keep from rearing its head.

Looking at her now, though—a shining smile playing at being humble, basking in front of an audience's applause—Xena doesn't think her corruption could touch someone this radiant.

“She's good isn't she?” The man across from her says, leaning over.

Xena meets Gabrielle's eyes across the room.

“The best.”