MONDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 4/20/98
[Previous report was for 4/18/98]

Hi guys,

A reminder that THE BARD'S CAFE is now open for business :) This is a new Xena forum (like the NetForum) devoted primarily to fanfic. There are already some good stories being posted, bards are sharing tips, Web pages are being announced. Make sure to make it a regular stop in your Xenaverse wanderings. THE BARD'S CAFE is at: http://forums.delphi.com/m/main.asp?sigdir=fanfiction

An all alt. fiction report tonight.

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

STUNG by Katherine Colson
A very sensual, beautifully written new offering set after the events in the episode ONE AGAINST AN ARMY which acts as a sequel of sorts to Katherine's earlier work, OF TWO MINDS. The story chronicles the thoughts of Xena and the bard as they set off from the armory where they fought the Persian army towards Thessaly, each very aware now of feelings for the other but still afraid to reveal those until a hostile little bee helps to expedite matters ;-) Very nice. DO NOT MISS!!
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/stung.htm

PAST IMPERFECT by Patricia L. Ennis
This veteran talent returns after a long hiatus with the first three chapters of an intriguing new tale. It begins innocently enough with the Warrior Princess and her bard on their way to help an old friend of Xena's - it is a journey neither will complete as Gabrielle soon finds herself in the middle of a nightmare - a nightmare in which she's very much alone and the family she once loved along with her childhood home are long gone - destroyed by the armies of a warlord...named Xena. One of the founders of Xena alt. fiction, Patricia shows once again her skills at storytelling in a tale that immediately draws you in and leaves you desperately wanting more of those chapters! This one is looking good folks. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
http://www.obsession14.com/XenaRotica/DAx/dax.htm

A BARD IN THE HAND by Sharona
An acquaintance from Xena's past unknowingly helps to precipitate a decision on the bard's part when a new friend offers to help her learn how Xena truly feels about her. Featuring some very amusing moments, this story is fun, romantic and sweet.
http://www.amazontrails.com/xena/bard.htm

THE SCROLL IS MIGHTIER THAN THE QUILL by Alabash
Cute story set after the events in the episode THE QUILL IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD which has Gabrielle still in possession of the magical scroll, reluctant to dispose of it as Xena wants her to do, until she uses it just one last time...
http://www.obsession14.com/XenaRotica/Alabash/quill.htm

CHICAGO 5AM by L.N. James
Chapters 12-13 of this story are now available. Teenagers are disappearing from the streets of Chicago, casualties of a dark subculture based on drugs, sex and rock and roll. Assigned to investigate is Mariel Potidean, a brilliant young FBI agent who soon finds herself teamed with a rather irritating partner - an ex-cop by the name of Tina Amphipoli with a dangerous reputation, a mysterious past and electric blue eyes. In these latest chapters as two new victims are drawn further into the dark underworld that has already claimed so many, Tina finds herself thoroughly charmed by her new partner. L.N.'s newest delivers an engaging premise with two very strong characters and lots of potential for suspense, drama and romance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: Story features rough language]
http://www.squonk.net/users/lnjames/CHICAGO.htm

...AND BEYOND by Silk
Chapters 3-5 of this story are now available. Silk's first ever uber-Xena story, set in Celtic Ireland, has a bittersweet, poignant flavor to it as it chronicles the haunted memories of Kerry inion Fionnbharr, a beautiful warrior with flowing dark hair and crisp blue eyes whose thoughts will forever return to the tragic day in her youth when her life was forever changed. In these latest chapters, a young storyteller arrives on the scene as Kerry recalls childhood memories. Silk does a wonderful job using description and dialogue to give her story a true Celtic atmosphere. This is one with great potential folks. DO NOT MISS!
http://members.tripod.com/~Fruit_2/uber/andbeyond1.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-)