The
Judging of the Queen
By
Pysta
Disclaimer: It has been so many years, now, since the
XWP series ceased its regular seasons, and since the release of the DVDs of the
Series’ episodes. The hugely unreal idea that the producers, directors, and
actors of the original series would ever consider reviving the thing is
probably a fading fantasy.
With today’s inhuman conglomerates it’s anybody’s guess who
really owns the sole rights to the characters and stories of XWP - but as far
as I know, Xena: Warrior Princess, Gabrielle, and all other
characters who have appeared in the syndicated series Xena: Warrior Princess,
are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. I
feel fully confident that I’m depriving no one of their rightful livelihood by
writing this story.
I’m just grateful
that the characters of Xena and Gabrielle were invented in the first place, and
were given a chance to grow - through the (occasionally inspired and, when
unfettered by the conventions of corporate sponsors, even uninhibited) good
offices of a few good writers and producers. We all know there were some
episodes that Really Mattered, and others that were Sooo Baaddd. Mostly, though, I pay homage to the
considerable courage and passion exhibited by the lead actors Lucy Lawless and
Renee O’Connor, who brought the characters of Xena and Gabrielle to life. Their performances inspired me to write this
story. If they are cursed to be remembered mostly for their work in giving
these characters depth and dimension, they could suffer a worse fate! Creating
new and viable archetypes is no mean feat, and deserves the accolades of
grateful generations of women yet to come, who will, I am sure, be inspired by
them.
Violence: It is doubtful that this story will
include violence, other than in flashback. Gabrielle and Xena had enough
lifetimes of that in their early years together. They have passed on to greater
things, now. This story seeks to
explore that premise. It is post-FIN, in terms of the original series. It, too,
is an attempt to arrive at closure that satisfies the soul, beyond the debacle
of the series’ finish. So if you want kick-butt action, there are some
excellent fanfic stories out there for that.
Main text (not Subtext!): The only other disclaimer is, of course,
the one about it being about two women who love, honor and cherish each other above
all others, through all of their many lifetimes together, and who wouldn’t
dream of being inhibited or embarrassed about expressing that love as they
choose. Luckily, they don’t have to be Warrior and Bard in our current time
period, where people are so cowed and limited by the repression of our society,
and so very, very afraid of “the love that dares to speak its name.” (And yes,
the misquoting is intended!) But if you are enthralled by that peculiarly
twisted and regressive form of prejudice, read no further!)
Feedback
about this story is gladly accepted. It’s my first venture onto the high wire
of fanfic, so please be honest, but kind!
[Note:
Quotations are credited at the end of the story. I recommend the sources!]
Comments
to: pystas-works06@hotmail.com