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.

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.

Gin does not follow the norm for the conqueror.There is no breaking of legs, or cringing slave girl. Gabrielle and Xena meet as near equals. Gabrielle as the Queen of the Amazons and Xena, the Rising Conqueror of the known world.

The story is complete in itself, and for those many that it will delight, it is followed by a series of books which expand this alternate Xenaverse and the characters.

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.