FRIDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 10/9/98
[Previous report was for 10/7/98]

Two new ones and lots of updating going on :)

GENERAL FICTION:

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT OR THE LAST SCROLL by Visitor
In her final hours the Bard of Poteidaia writes of the epic battle that finally rid the world of Dahak bringing the time of the Olympians to an end and ushering in a whole new era - less fantastic but perhaps...just as deadly. Imaginative offering by an always very original bard. - 3 pgs.
http://www.timwellman.ramlink.net/xena/genfic/vis-when.html

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

DUELING COUSINS by CN Winters
Xena competes with a well-known cousin of hers for the affections of a certain bard. A very...affectionate new tale offering a very down-to-earth, real treatment of the Xena/Gab relationship. - 7 pgs.
https://ausxip.com/fanfic4/dueling.html

AFTERMATH: THE TREE OF LIFE by XWP Fanatic
Part four of this story is now available. Set in the world of Xena the Conqueror we first met in the HERCULES episode ARMAGEDDON NOW, this TERRIFIC new story has the ruthless empress holding a contest to try to determine what "truth" is...with dire consequences for the losers. Undaunted and despite having first-hand knowledge of the woman's cruelty, Gabrielle chooses to participate, driven by this stubborn need to somehow reach the ice cold heart no one else seems capable of breaching. It marks the beginning of a difficult journey for both of them as the Conqueror finds herself intrigued by the young upstart and Gabrielle finds herself suddenly a part of the empress' life - forced to join her on a campaign against the very enemy that helped to make her into the dreaded Destroyer of Nations. In this latest part Gabrielle comes face to face with her destiny while the Conqueror's heart is once again shattered by betrayal. Very well written, with a fascinating premise and great characterizations of the Xena and Gabrielle from that alternate world, this one will have you checking often for more updates. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [unfinished] - 18 pgs.
https://ausxip.com/bards3.html#xwpfan

THE AMAZONS OF DAHOMEY by Susan Smith
Chapters 4-7 are now available. A sequel to Susan's outstanding THE CHARIOTEER, this story continues where that one left off, following Xena and Gabrielle as they join a caravan on their way out of the Kingdom of Har back toward Greece. The two are reveling in the new freedom of their relationship unaware that fate is about to interfere once again throwing Gabrielle and a young Amazon initiate into the midst of deadly power play and leaving a desperate Xena looking for her soulmate in a land full of strangers all with agendas of their own. In these latest chapters the bard from Poteidaia proves her mettle while the Warrior Princess sinks further into a pit of depression and desperation. This story already shows terrific potential once again displaying Susan's impressive ability to develop suspenseful, engrossing plots around an equally well-crafted Xena/Gab relationship. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [unfinished] - 22 pgs.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Field/8093/Dahomey.html

THE DANGEROUS TRUTH by Curiositee
The conclusion is now available. Set in the present day, this FANTASTIC new uber-Xena story gets off to a rousing start as it follows a gutsy young reporter named Bridget Stone on a fateful excursion into the Chicago slums. In search of a lead, she'll find more than she ever bargained for when an assassin tries to end her investigation and a mysterious stranger interferes, one of the many homeless that frequent the slums, only in the blue depths of that stranger's eyes Bridget will sense a connection as old as time. Soon enough the reporter finds herself with two mysteries on her hands as she considers who may be trying to kill her while trying to solve the puzzle that is the woman who saved her...a woman whose tortured past holds secrets only Bridget may be able to uncover. In this final part Bridget learns about her new partner's strange past . Terrific characterizations make Bridget and her indigent savior immediately endearing. Combining suspense, mystery and a sense of pathos this wonderfully written tale is going to leave you anxiously awaiting that next chapter. A great uber drama in the making folks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - 10 pgs.
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/7228/tdt1.htm

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-)