What do you do when a certain bard gets creative? Well, afterwards you'll need a cigarette and smile. (Or hope the batteries are charged.) Charmer brings Gabrielle out nicely and keeps her true to form for her appetite, in more ways than one.

Seeming to parallel the usage of light and dark found within the composition of the painting, Bongo does the same with her narrative, so that what is omitted, like a shadow across the page, is as vital as what is illuminated. Storytelling that utilizes sparse, simple strokes, and opts to tell the story from a restricted point of view (very much like the elements of the painting that are so seductive to Jean), so that in the end the story's tone and style has a feeling of incompleteness to it.

If you just want a Thud of a story that will make everything stand on end, this is it. It's a good, fun read that will melt your monitor. In the end you will all wish you had a taste of the warrior.

Lady Kate has done a brilliant job of extrapolating events surrounding the episode When Fates Collide to re-form around her favorite character, the God of War. Although Xena in this world is the Mistress of the the God of War, he finds all is not as perfect as he first imagines. The rest of the Greek Gods are once again alive and remember what part Ares played in their deaths, and very determined to not let him make the same decisions again. Being called Lord Mars is the least of his dissatisfaction when he realises that Gabrielle was right, that ‘the Warrior Princess he loved was the one who had channeled her fire and rage into self-sacrificing heroics, into fighting against him and atoning for everything she had done in his service’.

With the other Gods watching his every move, he is forced to work with Gabrielle to return everything to what it once was, even if it means being returned to that tumble down farm as a mortal again, and losing the woman he loves to another.

Despite portraying an Ares with a conscience, a Gabrielle filled with distrust and Xena as a noble woman, the character’s true natures shine through in this excellent story.

An Amazon chooses to leave the land of her birth to follow her lover, a crusader captured on Amazon lands, when he is freed to return to his home. Their Daughter stands at the portal of two worlds not willing to step fully into either one until a dark assassin comes calling. And the rest, at least in Dawn Lamanne's "Amazon Awakenings," is history.

You feel every word with such passion it makes your mouth dry. We can all only hope that one day we can love and be loved as expressed by the words in this lustful loving tale.

Romantic? This is way beyond that, right to where your skin tingles. Out of all the FF around, to me this is the most arousing one out there. It's done so tastefully as well. Huge THUD for this. Read, but sadly this is one bard one you cannot feed any longer. This writer left us long ago, such a shame it is too.

As in her other tales, Barbara Davies addresses her subject matter with an easy, understated style that's a pleasure to read. This piece manages to capture the magic of what may be the favorite X&G episode of all time.

Appetite is an emotionally evocative piece that will wrench at your heart, for what is said and even more so for what is left unsaid. Read this and then be certain to give this bard her rightful due.

The story picks up at the funeral pyre scene in MATERNAL INSTINCTS and gives us an alternate story line, bypassing the infamous Gab drag and THE BITTER SUITE all together. Instead, Gabrielle makes that dramatic walk, in the opposite direction of Xena, and keeps on walking. Despondent over the deaths of their children and feeling responsible for Solon's death, the bard makes a deal that changes her and Xena's fate.....forever?

Written in a realistic tone, even though part of it takes place in the surreal setting of Charon's Dock, it has a gritty feel that makes the characters flesh and bone. It's appropriately, and honestly, dark at times but never relinquishes the deep love between the two characters. I hate to give too much away but I need to say how much I adored the use of the dead hearing another's loving thoughts of them-it has always been a simply breathtaking notion, and here it is beautifully executed.

Have you ever wondered why our beloved grrls, the warrior chick and her nubile sidekick, always manage to have just the most earth-shattering, divine, perfect sex? What if they had a bad day? Here's WordWarior's account on one such bad day, in her inimitable style.

Xena finds her story telling gal and comforts her, lets her know where home really is. Ahhhh, nothing like mush to get the heart beating. To top off this tasty piece of candy is a cute ending. This is part one of three, all well worth reading. Sue did a great job, so read and feed her. Enjoy this tale.

The night before a battle Xena is alone by a campfire, Gabrielle is safe in a inn. This is where the same tired scenario stops. A warrior who has suffered a great loss comes to Xena's camp site on a mission of love and circumstance that will leave you pondering long after the story has been read.

This is a richly detailed story-the bard has done an admirable amount of research, and these realistic touches are woven into the work very well. In addition, baermer raises some thoughtful questions about knowledge and learning, and its pursuit and misuses. I also enjoy the relationship she has created between Xena & Gabrielle-they come across as true equals who maintain a profound respect for and a sensitivity to each other's needs, beliefs, and desires.

In short, this is a great, rewarding read.

Baffled by the unusual but undeniable fighting skills of the strange woman, Xena and Gabrielle join the Light and go off to fight Marrat and his slavetraders. Unfortunately, the Light in this story is a little worse for wear. Several hipflasks the worse for wear actually, and after mumbling about "fags, curries, sing-songs and last night's kebab" Najara welcomes "me new best mates" into her fold. Especially Gabrielle, whom she folds with relish. Discovering the source of Najara's "powers" - her Gin hipflask - Xena hatches the perfect plan to stop her, using the perfect bait...

Not for the delicate (its filled with filthy language), this story is a raucous parody of "Crusader" and if you like your comedy naughty, tasteless and ripe - this one's for you. Personally, I loved it <g>

This isn't a story about Xena, rather it is the story of three women in her life who teach her about different degrees of love; Voula, Tamar and Gabrielle. Each of these women have their reasons for having the warrior in their lives and the only common denominator is of course 'love'. It was fascinating to watch each relationship unfold; the romance being fresh and completely different in all three women.

The marvelous thing about this whole book, is the way this author has flipped history over and shown us the alternative view point that sets any childhood religious lessons on their ear. Very well written, provocative and courageous.

"Sometimes I like to think that if things had happened differently between Xena and myself in all sorts of ways, it would have created a different life for us. If we had made different choices, been slightly different people. So sometimes I play over scenes from our journeys and change them in ways I think would later improve our life, spare us at least a modicum of pain. It's not always who you kill and don’t kill; it’s sometimes who you kiss that changes your fate."

When Xena does come for Gabrielle, readers are treated to a loving, heartfelt reunion between soulmates, and the opening of a new chapter for the Bard and her Warrior. Realistic dialogue, well-written, descriptive text and the author’s fluid writing style make this short story a pleasure to read.

Nicely mixing just the right amount of humor into this tale of angst makes it a worthwhile read, as does her willingness to deal with less than ideal endings-highly admirable.

Before you say "Isn't that just like..." Let me say definitely 'No it isn't!' I love the slant that Nancy has cast on Xena and Gabrielle, with another new tale that will not disappoint.

I was proved wrong. Anna has written an intriguing story about heroes who have become slaves to their adorers and it hits close to home. It really made me sit up and think long and hard about what I’ve done to Xena and Gabrielle in my own fiction, and what I’ve read in others and I have to say - she’s dead on. Sometimes, it seems we delight in abusing our heroines. It’s just as well they’re not real.

Well, in this story, they are, and Xena’s narration - although more verbose for the Warrior we’ve grown used to - is poignant and touching, as she reflects on what she and Gabrielle are put through on a regular basis by both fans and producers (yes, maybe in some cases we’re just as guilty as TPTB for the way we mistreat them - I’ve read stories which are ten times worse than FIN). Her depiction of what they both go through - an the changes it has wrought in Gabrielle in particular - are quite heartbreaking.

And yet amidst all the pain, there is home and togetherness and peace for these two as they snatch a rare moment of privacy before their next ‘assignments’. It’s a lovely story which somehow manages to convey all that has been best and worst in the show and fanfic of Xena;Warrior Princess.

The plot is simple enough. Xena and Gabrielle encounter an old acquaintance of Xena's, a king with designs on a prosperous nearby town. A town which Xena herself, in her warlord days, had tried unsuccessfully to sack, and where she's not likely to be welcomed as she tries to warn them of the impending danger. Aided by an unlikely bunch of cohorts, Xena and Gab formulate a very unusual plan - one that hinges upon an obscure linguistic detail - to save the city.

Along with Lollius's clear style and tongue-in-cheek attitude, what some readers will find especially appealing about this little story is how their mission depends upon Gab and Xena both using their time-honored bard and warrior skills in a nicely egalitarian fashion.

Xena and Gabrielle are visiting Cyrene and Lila in Amphipolis. While waiting tables the bard bowls over a priest resulting in an interesting curse with hilarious results.

Warning this is trashy sexual humour at it's very best. Little people and hard core feminists are best to give it a miss. I promise you will never look at Lila or Argo the same way again!

"Buried behind that wall was the guilt, the rage, and that darkness in her soul that scratched and clawed for freedom, but also behind that wall was her vulnerability, and as her vulnerability peered back at me through that crack, I saw that it had my face."

Leave your proud sensibilities at the door when you read this wild and woolly, warped version of all things Xena. There are no sacred cows in this piece, every cliché is laid bare to it's gooey mush_filled center.

[As soon as they stopped walking, the sun set and they found themselves sitting around a campfire on their abundance of furs and blankets. Xena stared at Gabrielle with her baby_blue orbs, their azure brilliance and sapphire quality like cerulean cobalt. Xena took Gabrielle into her arms, kissing her tenderly and stroking her long_red short_blonde hair. The bard responded to the kisses.

"Oh Xena, I love you so much, but I don’t know what to do."

"Gabrielle, I am very experienced having about seventy_two lovers before you, but I know you won’t be jealous of that and I will teach you everything."]

...and that's just the beginning.

Warning: Do Not read while drinking hot beverages, especially if you have sensitive sinuses.

Again, Ms Lela has perfectly portrayed our girls as they were durin’ that time in their relationship. Gabrielle so confused, losing the only man she had ever loved and the irony of the only woman she ever loved bein’ trapped inside the body of his murderer. And poor Xena who wants so very much to comfort her treasured bard but any attempt at vocal or physical contact only makes matters worse.

Really makes Ms Maggie wonder just how much the love we have for one another is based on physical attributes. Course it also makes Ms Maggie wonder how much those physical attributes help shape the person we are.

The angst in this one is felt deeply by both our girls. Oh, and Ms Lela is one of those bards who likes to leave their readers wantin’ more. So be warned, she's left the door open to sequels if she so desires. Oh yes, and the violence and hint of subtext are so minimal they're not even worth mentionin’.

Ms Maggie has bent Y'alls ears long enough. Y'all go on over and read this one. Please let Ms Lela know how y'all liked her story. MaryD has her address. Y'all go on and I'll let her know y'all are comin’. Thanks ever so much for droppin’ in to see Ms Maggie. Please drop in again soon. I do so love to discuss our girls. Bye now. Y'all be sweet.

The author of such brilliant works as Mortal Trade, The Judgment of the Gods, and the perfect short story After the Volcano, Mary’s forte has always been imaginative creations that highlight the bond and relationship between the Bard and Warrior. This story does exactly that. Though there is no explicit sex, and the story might be considered Gen, their commitment to each other could not be stronger.

Set in other mythical kingdom once taken by the Destroyer of Nations, Xena is asked to play a dark role in the upcoming transfer of power, the details of which he is sworn not to reveal to her inquisitive and worried Bard. Gabrielle soon realizes that nothing is as it seems, and that Xena’s life and soul are in the balance.

The story is possibly handicapped by a somewhat slow opening, and by a narrative style different from her usual work. This is not a fanfic bonbon to be scanned. It is one to be read slowly so that the rhythm of the prose carries you with it.

The story is rich in detail. She combines the actual character of Hesiod (circa 720 B.C.) with a mystery, a supernatural backdrop and an hidden curse, and moves them with some spectacular sequences and brilliant dialogue. The exploration of the minds and hearts of Gabrielle and Xena, their fears and obligations to the greater good and each other, is discerning and moving.

"It All Began with a Trout" by Alexiares is not your typical X&G romp, not by a long shot. Thraso is a weapons master from a distant tribe of Amazons who literally bumps into Xena and Gabrielle with hilarious results. The ending is a little blurry but hopefully this means that we can look forward to more mayhem and "Slap your neighbor".

More mayhem and silliness ensues when Thaleia the muse of Comedy needs a Vacation. She selects our favorite arms master "Thraso" to fill her oversize shoes. Mix in a visit to Queen Gabrielle's Amazons. Add feuding Goddesses, and a troop of  fools, and a skunk. Stand back and watch the fun.

"Keystones in Tapestry" by Ambyrhawke Shadowsinger is the sharpest piece of speculation on the up coming season that I've seen so far. Explanations about how our heroes will return are very savvy to the point that this could almost be considered a spoiler. Read if you dare. I know you will enjoy it. Warning this is a two hankie tale.

Ever since the airing of The Debt episodes (hot sex), I've heard folks misinterpret the idea of 'desire' as it was expressed by Lao Ma. The western mind seems to have a hard time grasping (hot sex) the concept of 'letting go of desire' without placing it in a sexual context. In other words, there's a strong tendency (hot sex) for many to believe that Lao Ma was an advocate for the elimination of 'sexual desire'. But as we know Xena (hot sex), through both canon and fanfic, this seems a most laughable proposal!

And this is why I absolutely *adore* this story. Dana (hot sex) has utilized the principles of Taoism in order to explore the erotic. How ironic, everything considered. and how perfect! Lao Ma teaches Xena the tenets of her beliefs, each step moving Xena towards a deeper (hot sex) connection with Lao Ma, her world, and most importantly, herself. Not only is it an extremely (hot sex) interesting interpretation of Taoism, it is also a very erotic read. I found the surprise twist towards the end particularly satisfying. It's great to see bards dare to write the unexpected in this genre that screams for perfect, very often, predictable endings. Not simply for rebellion's sake (hot sex) but because, sometimes, it just rings more true.

The first chapters of this story were begun between seasons four and five, and it starts with the events following the Ides of March, and the deaths by crucifixion of Xena and Gabrielle. Our heroes' bodies have been removed from their crosses and it is Amarice who realizes that the Devi Eli might be able to bring them back. The scenes that follow will bring a tear and warmth to all the romantics who felt the loss of the relationship between the two, as their time in Elysia proves to be their chance to discover their true feelings, and their destinies together. Filled with gentle passion, this story is not perfect. A few scenes feel as though they were rushed on occasion, and there are small sequences of dialogue that could be retouched. But overall, it challenges Missy as an alternative to the show, integrating certain changes while trying its best to keep a parallel course; but always emphasizing that the Bard and Warrior's love for one another is a physical thing, and the guiding force in their lives. That this is a first time effort is the most astounding thing, and it is with great anticipation that I see the author has already begun her sequel. To sum up, if you enjoy Merwolf, discover Linda Crist.

Much like the show at its best, this superbly crafted tale combines wacky comedy, drama, and poignant lyricism while dealing with serious issues of right and wrong, heroism and redemption, love and sacrifice. It also tackles questions that have bothered many fans about the ethics of the heroines' actions -- from their transgressions against each other to their use of violence for good causes to their willingness to choose those they love over the Greater Good. The ultimate love-conquers-all message could have been corny if it weren't handled with such cheeky irreverence and such recognition of moral complexities. In Gabrielle's words, "I think our story got too big to have a moral."

"The Moral of the Story" has smart, crackling dialogue and spot-on characterization. Xena has her dry humor and her warmth, her stoicism and the sharp temper simmering underneath, and her perpetual readiness to take the burdens of the world upon her shoulders ("There's little in the world I don't feel responsible for at this point, from who rules the Amazons to the fact that Ares is a god"). Gabrielle, with much of her naivete worn off, still retains her basic faith in human goodness. The secondary characters are excellently drawn as well. This reader gives the story extra points for featuring a deliciously unredeemed, pouting, self-pitying pre-Season 5 Callisto -- *and* a post-Season 5 Ares who, as he says, has "learned more than [he'd] like to admit about love."

So how does this unusual courtroom comedy/drama turn out? The conclusion is as unexpected and imaginative as the premise itself.

The tension is kept high throughout the story, as one might expect given the circumstances, and Mayt doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the emotional impact of the situation. She also doesn't let it turn into a thirty-three part exposition in mush. No, this story goes deep; it occasionally gets ugly, and it is very believable. Mayt's writing style is unique, but she establishes a rhythm with her word choice and grammar that is delightful in its brevity. She even manages to make the reader care profoundly about the supporting cast of characters. This story is a great read, and while you're at it, check out her other classic stories: "Silences," "Silences II," "The Chamber," and "Mediations." In fact, you might appreciate "Natural Causes" even more if you've read them in advance.

I enjoyed this story tremendously. The plot is gripping, the characterizations excellent. I'm not a big fan of Eve, but I liked her in this. I especially loved the glimpses we get of Gabrielle through Mira's eyes, and I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Both characters are drawn beautifully; we have our Xena, continually struggling against her violent nature, forced to try for a life of peace and desperate to reaffirm the relationship that she had with ‘her’ Gabrielle, yet astonished and almost reluctant to find the feelings she is having for this particular Gabrielle are very different to what she was used to. And we have Gabrielle. Just like the girl in the episode, she is fearful, subdued and subjugated; afraid to stand up for herself, mistrusting Xena’s motives, cynical and hopeless. Yet somehow, Xena manages to break through the girl’s shell, and the two begin to build a deep and trusting relationship.

It is interesting to see the switch in roles in this story; it is Gabrielle who becomes the warrior as a way of dealing with the psychological damage done to her. The girl flies into uncontrollable rages or crying fits, and can only purge them through physical exertion and violence. Xena, on the other hand, must keep to her path of peace if she is to stay with this Gabrielle, and it is the former warrior who helps Gabrielle to at last find happiness within herself.

Beautifully written, joyful and tragic by turns, this is one of the most moving pieces of fanfic I have ever read, and it still makes me cry now.

Poor Xena wants to desperately wipe the floor with nutter-bell, but it's a little difficult with a bard moaning with that come ride me look. So sit back and enjoy the show. Najara sure as hell does, too bad she's all but with no lay.

I give this a severe THUD, holy hot mama thud! This made me want to find some berries and visit old man maytag for a spin. Good read. Now I need a cigarette.

Poor Xena wants to desperately wipe the floor with nutter-bell, but it's a little difficult with a bard moaning with that come ride me look. So sit back and enjoy the show. Najara sure as hell does, too bad she's all but with no lay.

I give this a severe THUD, holy hot mama thud! This made me want to find some berries and visit old man maytag for a spin. Good read. Now I need a cigarette.

As if the prospect of dying slowly on a mountainside whilst a young child plays mental and emotional games for fun with Xena and Gabrielle wasn’t chilling enough, Temora keeps the pace, the suspense and the emotions right at the forefront with some strong characterisations right through. Her Xena and Gabrielle are true to type, Xena being especially interesting as we see her in an atypical situation; helpless and dependant upon another for help, but it is Tai who is the real star of this story. You’ll want to hug, slap, kiss and kill this child by turns. And you’ll be asking yourself right up till the end - will Tai let them die?

Personally, I was overflowing enough to ruin a week's worth of clean underwear after finishing this story, but that's not what is so wonderful about this classic. It's the love and understanding that shines through every word, the truth that one can know someone else better than herself.

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.

Sais story moved me with this short tale. It fills in the blanks as to what the characters were thinking when we were viewing other things.

How did the proud Warrior feel about being disabled?
How did she feel having Gabrielle protect her?
How did she feel seeing her friend take lives to save hers?
Did watching this cause her horror, sorrow, or disbelief? To know that someone could love you so much to do that?

Any story that shows how strong the Gabrielle character is, gets props in my book.

So this gets a good rating from me, the only thing I might ask is that the bard not make further references in the disclaimer. Cut down with the 'Not like that,' sort of crap. If you're straight and writing for a gay audience, leave things to the reader's imagination. Don't ruin the moment.

The Healer and the Warrior aid a village that has been hit by a Warlord. They each make mistakes that so many do early in a relationship. Healer learns that the Warrior must have a place in her craft and the Warrior learns that she can't protect the Healer all of the time. This common theme is told in whole new way and yet the lesson of trust remains the same.

This little treasure is unlike anything else I've read of Charmer's. Unlike the humor and sexiness of her past stories (of which I'm a big fan), this is a thoughtful, poignant piece. It hits all the right notes and then some. Truly, it's been some time since I've enjoyed a classic XWP short story as much as I did this one.

"Skin Tight" exemplifies Juxian's writing at its best: her amazing ability to weave together dark, disturbing, violent themes with an exquisitely lyrical, poignant tenderness, and her superb style that vividly captures images, sensations, and emotions.

Here, the premise of the Season 6 comedy "Old Ares Had a Farm" -- the mortal Ares is being hunted by warlords with grudges against the ex-God of War, and Xena hides him on her grandparents' old farm -- is reshaped into a completely original story that is anything but comical. In this version, Ares does get captured by a crafty old enemy (who, in a nice touch, is not just a warlord of the week but someone with a connection to an earlier X:WP episode), and Xena and Gabrielle fall into the trap as well. They get out -- but not before Ares is brutally abused on the warlord's orders. Badly injured, he has to stay on the farm until he recovers, and Xena finds herself having to grapple with her complicated feelings toward her former adversary.

Juxian's rich, evocative writing captivates from the opening lines, in which Xena is having a nightmare about being hunted in Chin long ago:

"She remembered pain the best. It returned undeniably real -- mind-numbing, tormenting ache in badly knitted bones -- not just settling there but rising all through her body, resounding even in her teeth at every jerking step she managed. ...

She knew it was hatred that made her move - perhaps the last thread that linked her to consciousness. Sometimes this hatred seemed to her a huge ball of blackness growing inside her head -- one that encompassed everything and everyone in the world."

Juxian refers to "the unbearable clarity of perception" in Xena's dream, and this phrase aptly sums up her own style. In the warlord's dungeon, "the bars of the cell were almost as thick as [Xena's] wrist -- moist and unperturbed as she tried to shake them." The violence inflicted on Ares happens "off-camera," but the scene in which Xena and Gabrielle huddle in their cell in a silence periodically punctuated by his screams is nonetheless harrowing. In the second half of the story, which takes place on the farm, the imagery is as poetic as it is harsh in the first half. (My one stylistic quibble is with the occasional references to Gabrielle as "Gabby.")

One may disagree with a few aspects of Juxian's characterization of Xena (particularly when she tells herself that she has no obligation to help Ares -- even as a psychological defense mechanism, that doesn't quite jibe with what we saw on the show in Season 6). For the most part, however, it is not only spot-on but profoundly affecting. The Warrior Princess in this story is a woman far more comfortable with action than with feelings, and guarded toward other people except for Gabrielle -- yet deeply vulnerable and loving underneath the stoical exterior.

Gabrielle in "Skin Tight" recedes somewhat into the background, but her good-humored warmth and her empathy still shine through. With a few sparse brushtrokes, Juxian paints a moving and engaging portrait of Ares, "softened" by mortality and trauma without losing the edge that makes him ... well, Ares. The former War God's newfound humanity is captured in a sweet (yet never mushy) scene in which Xena finds him feeding bits of apple to a hedgehog and recalls that she used to bring hedgehogs in from the forest when she was a little girl:

"'I didn't,' he said suddenly.

'You what?'

'Did