The setting is imaginative, bestowing a brilliant, glittering wealth of the customs, dress code and intrigue of palace politics in a society so rigid it has no choice but to be rotten inside. Subterfuge and lust reign in a court where one snide word, one wrong alliance can mean anything from loss of mien to loss of internal organs. The language is rich, the dialogue following the intricate twists and turns of formal parlance of the feudal period, adding yet another touch of authenticity. All I can say is, for a dose of fascinating history and a rollicky exciting story, this is one of the best, most promising new series to see the light of day.

Being an entusiastic fan of 18th centruy literature, this is a dream come true. Sherlock Holmes with a twist, the whole gaslight series (of which this is the first part) portrays Victorian London vividly and accurately, with exciting plots and a charmingly periodical tongue.

The little frontier town of Hangman's Gulch is in peril - yes, I said PERIL!  What with Tex Maverick the Scourge of the Sagebrush, Rowdy Roscoe Ringo and his Hole In The Outhouse gang, and corrupt cattle baron Major Fuller Bull...just who is man enough to clean out the town? Cue Belinda Bonanza - and believe me, the name is apt - the mysterious stranger who is packing...packing everything you can possibly think of, and boy does she know how to use it. But has the tough gunslinger met her match, with the sweet, innocent ways of Miz Connie Lingus? And just how CAN a prim schoolmarm from Philadelphia tame the wild lusts of frontier life? And should a virginal Miz really be reading THOSE kinds of trashy dime store romance noveletta's anyway?? Read on, and find out!!

While in seven parts, the reader won't mind a bit because this piece is that good. Although not terribly graphic, the reader should be aware that there is nudity and sexual situations. This is a finished uber novella with a second story lead in called Crimson Snow, by Advocate.

During this engaging story, Advocate effectively shows us with humor and compromise how Amanda and Claire are learning to deal with their relationship. Including most of the same characters from "Connections", Advocate has created a riveting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Randi knows she is being stalked, and she is bound and determined to find out who. When Mac comes into her life everything she believes will be stood on it's ear-- In Spades! This is a twisted Road Trip story that makes Hope and Crosby look like rank amateurs. How else could one writer combine references to Fahrvergnugen, Freddy Krugger, and Snow White. Don't ask--Just go read it.

Advocate has exceeded all of these requirements and placed her ladies in a wickedly humourous situation where one of our Uber Heroines is stalked by the other, and later talked into (guess which does what to whom) to take the Road Trip From Hell across America. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles should have been this funny. All this, while telling a very satisfying and realistic love story. Not as much a departure from her stories Connections and Crimson Snow, as a free fall into insanity, Advocate charms from the first paragraphs to the last. Oh, and did I mention the talking squirrels?

You won't regret reading this one!

When Taylor Williams is sent out to work as an assistant to the reclusive Jack McDermott the last thing she expected was the most stubborn person she ever met. As she struggles to fit in with the large McDermott clan, life steals up behind her and grabs her by the heart. Though it's not finished it's definitely one to watch for.

"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.

Natalie’s first impression of Lindy is less than glowing. Natalie is convinced that Lindy is very, very drunk or insane. Lindy is a most colourful character. Very southern, very funny and highly memorable. She reminds me of the kid in every high school that comes up with crazy schemes and frequently sees the principle. She’s talkative, filled with adventure, and really freaks Natalie out. Natalie is irritated, stood-up, hung over and lonely, she is every one of us at various points in our lives, all rolled into one person. She is pathetically real. But I mean that in a good way. will she ever stop hitting the wall? Will she spend the night alone again? Will Snowball live?

Nikki Takis spots two bouncers trying unsuccessfully to oust a nosey PI from the club she's patronizing.  Impressed by the spectacle, she tries to hire the said PI when extortionists threaten her employment. The PI doesn't take her seriously until she collapses on her front step.

Terri Farmer is a Jane of all trades Private Investigator, She wants for nothing and has a strong love of her own personal space.  She takes what she thinks is going to be a simple Body Guarding job only to find herself nose deep in Blonde Greek/American trouble.

It's not too long. It's not too short. No, it's juuuust right.

I started reading this story because of the title alone-it's from a Walt Whitman poem. In fact, Anon uses-quite liberally and to marvelous effect-many passages from Whitman's "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" as well as "Leaves of Grass" in this small tale of an emotionally traumatized woman who is riding the ferry just to forget her troubles, her destination unknown even to herself. But once on board she meets a kind yet familiar stranger, someone who may turn out to be the best friend she's ever had.

Whitman's lyricism really infuses this story; rather than detracting or distracting one from Anon's graceful, moving writing, his poetry seems to inspire it. It's like a dance, done with consummate skill as well as both love and empathy for the characters.

Allison Kendell was hard core, stone cold lawyer. Life tried to make her crash and burn but she took a ninety degree turn away from the power and the money into the sedate and quiet world of a small college. She didn't want or need any complications in her  existence but fate has other ideas that end up twisting her around like a cork screw.

This is one of those wonderful stories that I could cheerfully crawl into and live. The characters are so full of life that they burst right off of the page/monitor. The plot is intelligent with a secondary counterpart that could easily be a delicious story all on it's own, and the love scenes are steamy and breath taking. I could go on and on, but I doubt I could do it justice. I don't just recommend you read it, I insist.

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.

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.

Anne Azel takes us through the story by addressing serious subjects while dealing with them in sensitive, compassionate and entertaining ways. She shows us how these women overcome obstacles while keeping intact their ability to be human and female. This is an enjoyable story that will be having you pondering what could possibly be in the next part of this series.

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.

Jean, who appears to be a do-all-the-right-things-for-all-the-right-reasons woman, is doing battle with marriage preparations when she finds herself drawn to, and subsequently purchasing, a mysterious painting.

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.

While this type of story (one that uses style and form as an integral element to the storytelling) won't appeal to everyone (but then, what story does?), what Bongo has done here is truly interesting and quite creative. If all else fails, think of it as a slice of the Twilight Zone and enjoy! I know I did.

Sword'n'Quill does an exceptional job weaving all the Uber-character relationships together as events unfold. This is a novel well thought out, and worth the time that will be invested in reading it.

In All the Way to Heaven S.Berry takes a not-so-typical college party, idealizes it and makes it cuter than a whole shopping cart full of beagle puppies. It begins with a little gathering, continues with some swell parlor games and concludes with a sweet little love connection. All the makings of a very entertaining read.

Xena also knows there are no easy answers for this, but she find the right ones to put her love’s mind at ease if only for the night. A very moving and passionate story. Sorta gives a reader a sense of love and peace! How can you go wrong with that!?!

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.

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.

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.

Kristien Damon’s fluid style and emotion-filled text is a pleasure to read. Believers in enduring love won't be disappointed.

With gentle, deceptive humor, the story starts out marking a happy occasion: Gabrielle gives birth, with Xena at her side. Later, we flash forward: Gabrielle's daughter, Piscea, is now the Amazon Queen, and her proud parents are middle-aged, happy, and still roaming the countryside. (One hopes they have an RV at this point.) But the young Queen is tormented by feelings that will not go away; at the prompting of her best friend, she reveals a troubling secret that has plagued her for years.

Taut and effective, "Untamed" builds upon a sense of unspoken dread-and this is a testament to the quality of the writing-and reaches a devastating truth in its last line with a haunting, extraordinary power. It remains one of my favorite short stories in fanfic.

In "Ever After", Xena's child gives us another view of the Conqueror and her relationship with her slave. Xena loves Gabrielle, but she can't allow herself to ever admit that, can't allow herself ever to want it. And Gabrielle can never allow herself to hope for it. Two people, caught in darkness, and too afraid to catch the light in each other.

These stories aren't pretty, but they are powerful and they will leave you with such a strong feeling of grief over lives and love wasted, of happiness denied. You'll hate them for all the right reasons and you'll love them for all the right ones too. I still catch my breath at the closing line of "Chattel", mourning at the bard who never had a chance at life, and I cried at the end of "Ever After", mourning for Xena who never gave herself a chance to enjoy the best thing in her life.

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.

Be prepared. Don't eat anything and especially don't consume Miller Lite while reading this baby here.

(Suffice it to say that you should read the entire "White Trash" series, and for that matter, read the entire Darkbloom "canon", which ranges from the insane humor of the "White Trash" series to the poignant musings of "Venezia".)

For many of us, this incredible feeling of the magnificent possible of the world of written language -- that feeling of clarity -- comes very rarely. We read voraciously, hoping, amid the mountain of letter and sound, grammar and syntax, verb, noun, adjective, and adverb to experience that moment of unadulterated beauty once more. I, as a happy sufferer and lover of words, am pleased to announce that I have experienced that fleeting moment of beauty in the most unlikely of places -- fan fiction. And the name of that glimpse into the possible is, "A Narcoleptic's Guide to Romance" by Vivian Darkbloom.

Darkbloom's use of language has always astounded me.  She is best known for her comedic writing -- the oft-praised, "White Trash / Trailer Park" series. However, it is with her more "serious" and "thought-provoking" work that highlights her immense talent for the written word. "Narcoleptic" is a bittersweet reflection of the possible, the "might haves" and "should haves" that permeate life. Readers will note that the tale is tinged with a sense of paralyzing bitterness and fear indeed, this sense of paralysis -- reflected in the title -- is manifested by its two main characters, Danny and Kate.  Both characters are thoroughly complex and infuriatingly human. Their faults and foibles are laid bare on the screen for all the world to see.

The brevity of this tale, this brief glimpse into the lives of two very flawed individuals, is in part, what makes it all the more extraordinary. Readers are thrown into the midst and mindset, of the attitudes and insanity, of the world of Danny and Kate, with such a force, speed, and beauty that boggles the senses. It is catharsis -- the purging of passionate emotions through art -- at its very best.

Anyone familiar with Darkbloom's stories knows the author can be excruciatingly funny (The Trailer Park Series is one example) and that she has also written some of the most beautiful prose out there (run, don't walk, to read her vignette "Venezia"). What makes "Stars" special is the combination of those talents: even as you laugh at Gabrielle's predicament, you can't help but be moved by the story of her love.

Five years after Janice's death, Mel finds herself in Venice among the canals and some of her happiest memories of Janice, but it only serves to illuminate her loss and the deadness she feels inside. As she walks along the boardwalk - wondering what made her think being there would make her feel better - she is graced with a gift of sorts. A serendipitous encounter that intervenes and proceeds to take her back through time, uncovering the deeply buried life she still holds within.

Vivian gifts us with evocative imagery and narrative that touches deeply into the very marrow of human bone. The past and present move in and out seamlessly, rhythmically, creating a full-bodied narrative that left me well sated long after the last line was read.

There's also something about this story that I find a bit magical, that leaves me feeling like I've witnessed a small miracle happening to an ordinary woman. As heroic as Janice and Mel have become for us as readers, it's a pleasant surprise to experience them as deeply human-and here they are nothing if not flesh and blood. If there were only one short story I could take with me from fan fiction, this would be it.

Stash is a paranoid, sneering, experimental artiste. Carson is a horny, neurotic, hair consultant. They both have skeletons in their closet that no one in their right mind would claim! Immediately their paths cross and the stalking, er, I mean the hair consulting begins. Underscore this with a supporting cast which includes senior stylist Paolo (bitchy and too fabulous for anyone's own good-God, I love Paolo) and a cameo by Linda Fucking Tripp, and what do you have? Oh my dears, you have pure pop-melodrama of GIGANTIC proportions! A must-be-read-to-be-believed story that left this reader yearning for Chia art, tatted undies, and "down there" hair art.

Now, just because I am president of the Stash and Carson Fan Club does not mean I have *no* objectivity in this matter. I can honestly say, with complete detachment, that like Stash's Chia art, this story will grow on you. So, let us all join hands and sing of Stash and Carson. Let us light our Uber candles at the altar of LN and Viv. Let the cult begin.

OK, we have here two of the funkiest, funniest writers in Xenaverse, switching into parody mode, sowing similes that absolutely defy the grammar of the English language, creating two characters as wild as their creators. Read this story, just for the heck of it, or for a mind ride no amount of good weed can provide; this is all I can say to do justice to this story. Bring your own Cheetos.

Fab, darlin'. Ta.

This story while short, is full and rich and the author had left lots of room for further tales of Alaina MacKenzie and Lindsey Carrington. (Yes, damn it! that's a hint)

Got a few minutes and you've a hankering for a love story with a little 'bite' to it? Then this one is for you.

With a startling economy of words, Darshann beautifully portrays the affection, trust, and vulnerability that drew fans to the characters in the first place. It's skillfully written stories like this one that keep fan fiction alive and well and readers continually impressed.

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.

No. For a really good uber, you need a cute but mischievous Dorothy, a tall, dark and grumpy Cowardly Lion and a gangling, Abba obsessed Tin Man. Then, to start it off, you dump our three intrepid heroes (two of whom hate each other on first sight - guess which two?) in the middle of a small Welsh coastal town, with strict instructions to "make your way back here - without using maps or money - in three days time." What could possibly go wrong??

Barbara Davies tells us as the story unfolds, through believable characterisation, great dialogue and solid plotting. Starting off their journey rattling around blindfolded in the back of a transit van, our trial bound threesome painfully make their way through three days of gently humourous adventure as they cut across Snowdonia national park in full fledged Wizard of Oz costumes in the pouring rain. You will have to read the story to find out how they manage to spend a night in a police cell/get squashed three in a bed in a haunted house/end up at hospital with a near fatal case of wasp sting.

And if that wasn't enough, you've got the hesitantly blossoming romance between Charlie (Dorothy) and Jen (the Cowardly Lion) as they fight mutual antagonism, their own libidos, three in a bed romps and communal showers. And not even a kiss in sight..........<g>

Set in the picturesque Cornish countryside, Barbara Davies creates a beautiful, tranquil atmosphere as a backdrop for theses two women who are drawn together. It's a developing relationship that teaches the grieving violinist and the small town volunteer how to deal with their past, present, and future.

Set around Cheltenham, Barbara Davies does a wonderful job of illustrating the ambience of the circus and the area's countryside while developing an enjoyable story showing these two women who start to form a relationship around a circus that is struggling to survive.

While Allison is dealing with old fears springing from her past, Summer has fears of her own to deal with when it comes to her profession and how it affects the person she loves. But each must find a way to bury their fears so they may move beyond them and continue with the life they are building together.

Yet again, we are treated to another well-written story by Barbara Davies. Presented in an entertaining way, we see a relationship that continues to grow as realistic issues are dealt with. This is a very fun and enjoyable sequel.

Bailey has spent nearly all of her life in the pocket of a government agency because they hold a sword of Damocles over her life. She has found some measure of peace for the past few years when the beast stirs again and she must demonstrate to them why she 'always' wins. In the meantime Piper sees a side to this 'Princess of Darkness' that no one else can and with gentle care, helps her boss to see new possibilities.

This long tale is a bit disjointed in the beginning but if you can stick with it for the first few pages and especially if you read the whole thing; the beginning will make perfect sense. The plot is complex and clever, the characters are multifaceted and interesting and the villains are original and believable. The ending was solidly satisfying, unlike the thing that had bummed me out in the first place. Excellent read, thank you Kiera!

Stolen Moments is a wonderful example of this. A tear jerker by anyone’s standards, it doesn’t accomplish this by pushing buttons. In fact it seems like a very personal piece, and unlike most fanfic, I felt as if I were intruding on the writer by reading it.

The story is set in Potadaia after the 25 year deep freeze, after ‘Who’s Ghurkan?’. Gabrielle is helping Lila and Sarah pack up the old homestead and wondering how her mother dealt with her disappearance, after the long absence. In a resolution we all might wish to have with lost family members, Xena stumbles across a series of long lost and much loved letters, and Gabrielle discovers what a mother’s love is again.

But the child is fated to survive, and her safekeeping is gifted to the mother until an other comes along to claim her. An intriguing take on Gabrielle's very first moments, and a fascinating forecast of her future role. A beautiful, evocatively written story.

Fresh and funny. I found my self warming to the well crafted characters and laughing out loud at the unique perspective Alix has as a young woman in an unusual situation. I'd almost forgotten what it is like to be a young adult, this story helped me to remember, I'm so glad I made it out alive.

Words from the author herself on this piece of original fiction that caught my eye (the disclaimer alone is recommended reading).

Julianne Franqui is the star of her own television show, and soon to be released movie; young, beautiful, rich, successful, and so far in the closet she can't see the light.

Kris Milano is a student/aspiring artist, trying to get by in New York with her best friend Leigh. It's when Julianne goes to New York on a round of publicity for her movie that she spots a painting being peddled on the street, by a certain artists' best friend, a painting that she decides she must have. A painting that will ultimately set her on course with destiny. This story is full of witty dialogue, unique characterisations, and a quick paced plot. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this piece of original fiction, so I think you should just go and have a look for yourself.

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.