*Give her space, give her space. Don't be too pushy…*
Apollo reminded himself as he nervously gripped the package in his
hand. "Hello Gabrielle."

The Amazon Queen stood still. "Hi."

The god eyed the young woman. It was almost like looking in a
mirror. Both Apollo and Gabrielle shared the same sun-bleached
blond hair, piercing green-blue eyes and the slim but strong body
type. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah." Gabrielle pointed to the package.
"What's that?"

"Oh this." Apollo held the package out to Gabrielle.
"This is for you. You are going to need it later."

"What is it?"

Apollo smiled. "To find out, you're going to have to
take it."

Next to shopping, talking and writing stories, opening gifts was
Gabrielle's favorite activity. "Thanks." Even though
part of her wanted to rip open the package, she slowly untied the
string and peeled back the wrapping. Her eyes opened wide as she
lifted the delicate knee length sea-green robe. The sleeves were
long and fin styled. The material felt softer than silk and had an
illuminous quality to it. Along with the robe came a two piece
outfit, both made out of the same material with diamond-shaped
silver adornments running around the waist of the very short skirt
and diamond-shaped pattern on the trim of the short top.

Xena let out a low whistle. "Wow."

"I asked Athena to make it. It can withstand any
temperature so that your powers won't be additionally taxed. I
also asked Aphrodite to help with it." Apollo looked again at
the robe and two-piece outfit as he narrowed his eyes. "Which
means it probably adjust to fit to your form." *Note to self:
remind me to have a talk to Aphrodite about appropriate dress.*

Gabrielle smiled. "Thanks. It's lovely." She held
the two piece outfit up to her body and twirled around. Gabrielle
turned back to her father. "Be right back." She darted
into the woods.

A giant grin plastered the god's face as he watched his
daughter take off. "Do you really think she liked
it?"

Xena glanced over at the god and saw the uncertainness in his
face. "Apollo, one thing you will learn about Gabrielle is she
doesn't hide her feelings. You would know if she didn't
like it. Trust me, when she get back, she is going to tell me that
we have to go shopping so she can find boots that match the
outfit."

"So what do you think?" Gabrielle asked as she made
her way back. She turned and modeled the two piece outfit. The wrap
around skirt hung low and snugly on her waist and the top showed
off some cleavage.