The next night a hooded Xena sees and hears Gabrielle perform as the resident bard of Cyrene’s tavern. She kidnaps Gab, telling her she has been recruited to be the Conqueror’s bard. Gab’s stiff resistance causes Xena to use the pinch to convince her. In spite of that (is this the Evil Xena?) this is also a really funny scene on the road to the Conqueror’s castle. Her use of the pinch raises the questions: is this the vicious Xena we saw in those myriad back stories or was she just a seeker of ‘fulfillment’? Is she the legendary ruthless killer...or a victim of hyperbole? Well, when we learn what REALLY happened at Cirra and at that Northern Amazon sweat lodge we understand what stunted growth in a certain area of experience can do to a Warrior Princess. [Excuse me for grinning]. Not that this Conqueror is harmless. Enginerd has remembered that to defang a warrior is to remove the credible threat that keeps the edge to her character and the humour. "She is probably out on Argo. If she is upset, she won't be back for a while. You shouldn't be around her when she's like this," he warned. "How do you know that?!?" Gabrielle challenged, firmly believing the opposite. Palimon pointed to the long scar on his face. "I tried to cheer her up once."

There were other humorous nods to incongruities expressed on the show. There are some wonderful bits including Hecuba’s attack on Xena and Xena's scene with Cyrene was hilarious and delightful; though I wasn't happy about a five year sleep, I guess the show prepared us for that. The writer advises to proceed reading at your own risk so I won’t reveal anymore of the story line but will highly recommend it as a rewarding read. Great Warrior Princess action, sweet level headed Bard behavior, a tale that teases, other familiar characters, good and bad, and a chance to decide for yourself just who this Conqueror really is.

My overall reaction to the story is, it tweaks the show to my utter satisfaction.

'Southern Hospitality' manages to be a Murder Mystery and a Romantic Comedy all at the same time. In this bounding romp in the deep south, Mel and Jan are chasing mayhem and each other. Mel's best friend is threatened, and as they search to find out why, the Bodies are piling up. Grandma Pappas is out to throttle Janice, the new Reverend has other ideas, and Mel is the piggy in the middle. There's more fun here than a basket full of puppies.

Funny, warm and erotic this tale is most definitely "Print Worthy" no danger of wasting paper and toner here, you will be reading it more than once.

Cassiel is fleeing a resent personal tragedy which becomes exacerbated when she discovers a dangerous family secret. On the run, she finds herself at a quaint restaurant on the beach operated by a mysterious woman named Jael. Jael agrees to hide Cassiel and soon they are beginning to discover each other.

I look forward to more of this story, and I hope readers who find it as intriguing as I did will encourage the author to post more.

[webmaster's note: story no longer appears to be available on the web. If you know where we can link to it, please email us!]

With Extra's words we can feel the bitter bite of the cold, the relief in the flames of the fire, and Xena's regret as she finally comes to realize just how alone she has kept herself. The early differences between Xena and Gabrielle are exquisitely drawn in "Regret". Extra seems to have a clear understanding of the former warlord*s heart and vividly paints the picture of Xena's evolution from loner to that of a friend. I would recommend this story to anyone looking to be moved by a short, but meaningful piece of fan fiction. There is no warning needed for adult situations. There are none. This story should be a classic among readers, it is Xena and Gabrielle as they were before they became close. Read this and witness the birth of friendship.