SATURDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 1/2/99
[Previous report was for 12/31/98]

Hi all,

Sad news to report tonight - I've had to add a number of stories to the "lost stories" section at my site. These are fanfic tales that have been removed from the Web. I include a section below listing the stories. I'd like to encourage the bards involved to PLEASE consider making the stories available again in the future. I'm sure I speak for many fellow fanfic readers out there when I say that we consider it a tragedy when the Xenaverse looses fanfic. If anyone does find one of these lost stories please let me know by e-mailing me at lunacy@dc.seflin.org. Meanwhile, if you're a reader who's enjoyed one of these stories I would encourage you to write the bard involved, NOT demanding the reposting of the story (remember that bards don't owe us anything guys), but instead letting him/her know that you did like the story and regret its loss from the Web. SHADOWFEN'S XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS FAN FICTION INDEX makes available the e-mail address of some of these authors under the author index at: http://shadowfen.simplenet.com/ffindex/ or you can look for their addresses in other stories written by them which are either still available on the Web or saved on your hard drives :)

The lost stories page with my original reviews for these stories is at: https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/loststories.htm

LOST STORIES:

All new ones tonight.

GENERAL FICTION

A XENA SCROLL by Bel-wah
Coming on the heels of Bel-Wah's THE CUSTOMER, this tale continues the story begun there as a recuperating Xena waits for her bard to return with dinner. The object of much mothering since her recent injury, the impatient warrior is anxious for things to return back to normal but touched nevertheless by her partner's loving concern. To pass the time she finds herself reading scrolls about a hero that's larger than life, realizing in the process just how mightier than a sword the quill can be, and wishing she could tell the world about the other gentle hero those scrolls never speak about... Bel-Wah has a wonderful way of enriching her characterizations by allowing us to see through the eyes of her characters. Her fiction, and this latest offering in particular, tell a heartwarming story of devotion and friendship. Another MUST READ from this talented writer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 3 pgs.
https://ausxip.com/fanfic6/a_xena_scroll.html

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

THE FORTRESS by Jim Kuntz
An impressive debut by a new bard, this exceptionally well-written, fast-paced tale has the warrior and bard sneaking into a fortress to secretly retrieve the Scepter of Athena. It is a mission that becomes more of a challenge then either had hoped for when the bard is injured and Xena finds herself struggling to save them both and struggling with the knowledge of how her life continues to endanger the woman she loves. Jim uses a very "tight" writing style that is a delight to read - with every action and every piece of dialogue conveying a wealth of meaning. His characterizations are outstanding, bringing us the no-nonsense, determined warrior and the gutsy, devoted bard that so many in this fandom love. The relationship harks to the pre-rift days of this partnership, with trust, respect, and a very powerful love forming its foundation. In parts an action-adventure, in parts a hurt/comfort story, this is a definite MUST READ folks! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [See the sequel THE CITY] - 18 pgs.
https://ausxip.com/fanfic6/thefortress.html

THE CITY by Jim Kuntz
This follow-up to THE FORTRESS picks up the story as Xena and Gabrielle arrive at the kingdom of Xora to return the Scepter of Athena. For the bard it becomes a learning experience as Xena decides to take a back seat so that the Queen of the Amazons can shine, convincing her partner of how advantageous it can be for the Amazon Nation to form such ties, and finding herself strangely content to lie in the shadows for once. Jim deepens the characterizations beautifully in this story. He explores the psyche of an ex-warlord now finding contentment in the growing peace of her life and the love of her soulmate. He also looks at a young woman coming into her own as queen. Top-notch writing in another terrific story. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [See the sequel THE JOURNEY] - 23 pgs.
https://ausxip.com/fanfic6/thecity.html

THE JOURNEY by Jim Kuntz
This talented writer delivers yet another first-class storytelling effort with the sequel to THE CITY - a RIVETING character piece that includes a confrontation I would pay GOOD MONEY to see in the TV series! On their way to the Amazons after their stay in Xora, Xena and Gabrielle finally face issues they've been avoiding for much too long as a VERY brave bard incurs the rage of warlord to uncover the secrets of a heart full of shame. Outstanding writing, compelling characterizations and a very sophisticated, sensitive treatment of the relationship make this tale one you will NOT want to put down. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! - 29 pgs.
https://ausxip.com/fanfic6/thejourney.html

MY PROTECTOR by J.C. Wilder
Set in the distant future, this uber tale depicts a very different Earth - a world that has survived the horrors of war by embracing order and totalitarianism - a world were society is rigidly divided among those that rule and those that serve and a holy Empress reigns supreme. It is this new reality that Major Laren Ramsey must face when she awakens after injuries suffered in the crash of her spaceship. The sole survivor of a 20th century expedition which somehow traveled through a time rift, the tall beauty soon finds herself a slave in the Empress's household, forever removed from everything and everyone she knew, having to deal with the political machinations of a power-hungry sadist and the interests of one very young, very lovely and very dominating potentate. Reminiscent of the sci-fi classic DUNE, this is a clever tale with rather original characterizations and a number of fascinating developments ;-) An entertaining read. - 66 pgs.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/jcwilder/myprotec.htm

THE SHIP WHO REMEMBERED II by Quest
Continuing the uber story begun in THE SHIP WHO REMEMBERED, this tale finds cybernetics specialist Dr. Sarah Gabriel and ship brain Rebekah Thomas extending their professional and private relationship as they continue working together and start to explore the inexplicable attraction strengthening between them despite the little incompatibilities in their make up. Meanwhile, an ancient bard is busy trying to warn them of an approaching danger in space - a danger brought on by someone more connected to them than either suspects... Quest does a terrific job imbuing this sequel with the same futuristic feel as the first story. Her characterizations are well done and compelling in a tale with solid potential. [unfinished] - 25 pgs.
http://www.obsession14.com/QuestsKeep/shipII1.htm

THE KNIGHT OF SWORDS by Quest
As this story opens Xena is being plagued by strange dreams involving a sword she's supposed to search for. Reluctant to do so at first because of where that is likely to lead her and her bard, she eventually embarks on the quest, prodded by Gabrielle herself who knows Xena has been trying to protect her but senses the importance of pursuing the meaning of those dreams...even if it means returning to Britannia. Compelling beginning to a nicely written story that is already revealing some original touches. One to follow in the weeks ahead. [unfinished] - 8 pgs.
http://www.obsession14.com/QuestsKeep/Knight%20of%20Swords.html

For those of you reading this post who are not familiar with the term alternative (alt.), it refers to ADULT stories that add a romantic element to the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle, depicting them as more than just friends.

Happy reading!

Lunacy 8-)