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.

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.

The story is told by Mar, Warrior Eyes, a female Mountain Man who is hired to escort a group of Mormons which, of course, happens to include a spunky strawberry-blonde. Their meeting, the gradual growth of trust changing to romance, is the core of this story. But it is the details, real and invented, and the exceptional recreation of the old aboriginal and western world, that really is the star. This story is perfect for the lover of the western, of strong well defined characters, and of excellent storytelling.

But what happens when the journey is finally over? Jordan sets a scene for us that has us assuming we know the answer here - its obvious, the narrator is missing a lost love. Suicide seems their only option. And just when we think we have it straight, the whole premise of this story is turned upside down, and we realise how wrong we’ve been. And then it comes - the anger, the resentment...the sacrifice...of love wrenched from each others arms for the greater good.

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.

This a story about grief, love and making mistakes. Kandis Glasgow had to write this sequel, other wise people would have hunted her down and forced her to do it. And I am grateful she did.

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.