TUESDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 5/5/98
[Previous report was for 5/2/98]

Hi guys,

MaryD has opened up a terrific new section on her site called THE SUBTEXT ZONE which all of you subtexters MUST check out. THE SUBTEXT ZONE will feature drawings, paintings and other graphics inspired by the subtext on XWP and the ALTERNATIVE FICTION many of us love. There are already some great images on there by artists like Barbara Maclay and Charmer along with a simply STUNNING graphic by Lunar. Make sure to check out this new section at: https://ausxip.com/artwork/subtext/index.html

Also, we have a new XWP fanfic site now available - CARMEN'S XWP FAN FICTION at: http://www.freeyellow.com/members3/carmi/

Four updates and four new ones tonight :)

GENERAL FICTION:

THAT ROAD ONCE TRODDEN by Karen Surtees
Part two of this story is now available. This writer's debut on the Web is an exceptional new story with a lot of heart that begins with Xena and bard on their way to Amphipolis for a much- deserved rest and what Gabrielle hopes will be a chance for the warrior to touch base with her mother. It will turn instead into a nightmare as Cyrene gets to see the Destroyer of Nations in action. At the same time, however, she will also see a bard who loves her daughter and believes in her above all else - a young woman who is determined to help her partner fight the rage consuming her. In this latest chapter Gabrielle asks some friends for help. Featuring one of the better characterizations of Xena's mom I've seen in fan fiction as well as solid depictions of our two heroines, this story is deeply rooted in the dynamics of the Xena/Gab relationship. Poignant and riveting at the same time, this is a MUST READ! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: story features references that could be considered subtext]
http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content3/oncetrodden.html

LOST FRIENDS by Carmen McDonald
Part three is now available. Xena and Gabrielle join forces with an old acquaintance of the Warrior Princess to try to stop an evil warlord. In this latest part the enemy prepares to strike while Xena tries to help her friend deal with a painful past. This story is not yet finished.
http://www.freeyellow.com/members3/carmi/

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

A STORY BY ANY OTHER NAME by RaXenaWP
Xena and the bard discuss ALL the things those wicked fanfic writers have them doing in stories. Cute tale that actually serves as an entertaining introduction to anyone who's new to Xena fanfic.
http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content3/anyothername.html

SANCTUARY by Lady Catherine
A very nice, deeply sensual piece that has Xena and her bard discovering a magical place where they're inspired to abandon all inhibitions.
http://www.ebbo.com/beaugrnt/sanctuary.htm

THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG: or THE FOWL CASE OF THE PURLOINED CHICKEN JOKE by Della Street
An amusing little vignette based on an old joke. It may take you a while to figure this one out but just think about it - eventually it will come to you ;-)
https://www.altfic.com//subtextfic/Xena/della/chicken.htm

BEGINNINGS by GabTBard
Set after THE QUEST, this story has Xena and the bard reminiscing about the days after Gabrielle's ill-fated marriage to Perdicus and how that event along with Callisto's reappearance precipitated their acceptance finally of the feelings between them. Nicely written.
http://www.sff.net/people/SapphicVoices/fanfiction/beginnings.html

THE DANGEROUS TRUTH by Curiositee
Chapter 9 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 latest chapter Bridget learns more about the enigmatic woman who's entered her life. Terrific characterizations make the reporter 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!
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/7228/tdt1.htm

A THIRD DEATH by C.L. Bactad
Part 4 of this story is now available. This new warlord/slave story is developing into one wild ride! It begins with Xena and Gabrielle on their way to Crete, but it is a journey neither will complete as a vengeful God of War puts into play an evil plan to forever separate the two lovers. In this new part Xena has to face the consequences of her recent actions, including the possibility that a certain bard may be forever lost to her. Featuring a very passionate, loving interpretation of the Xena/Gab relationship, this story is riveting and suspenseful as it setups one of the greatest challenges their love will ever face. DO NOT MISS! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
http://whoosh.org/katrina/STO/amazons/thirddeath.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-)