didn't expect it to be so good considering Xena was a savage uncaring b* but i did enjoy it...u just got to love and admire Gabrielle's strong will...

I am sad that you have declared chapter 10 the end. It felt abrupt, like there could have been more... I enjoyed reading every chapter though. This was very unique. One of my favorites. Thank you for posting.

I trully enjoyed this to the very end. Man, I suspected her advisors were not as they seem. They were easily drawn to power and wanted Xena's power all along. It's a shame though, this is short. I love angst and this was simply the angsties. Is that a word? hehehehe. Anywho, I'm glad you had Xena converse with the Sorceres; that added a whole new level to the mystery and danger. Gabrielle was certainly a enigma to Xena and providing a solid ground for her to anchor too. I really wanted to see how the boy would fit in too. But in the end, Xena finally trustd her true feelings at wanting to change and have a new friend to confide in. It was lovely and action packed, especially at the end, and Xena took on the guards to save her friend. I hope to see more from ya. I too need to finish my stuff and this is one of those stories that inspire me also. :D

I don't think that's the end of the attacks on Xena's so called pets. We know Xena is for the most part hated as a tyrant and certainly this person or persons are taunting Xena or why not just right out and attack her, instead of taking it out on others she's close with or intimate with? I certainly was a little surprised that Gabrielle killed the man out right in front of Xena. But considering what she's been thru, not to much phases her. Gabrielle has a strong will of her own and Xena is drawn like a moth to a flame. The pity part coming from Gabrielle will certainly rock Xena a little, but she may not take it so well. After all, she is the Empress. :D

ppms

I continue to like this story, ppms

Ah, the plot thickens. I kind of think that it's too easy for Xena's advisor to figuire out that all her special servants are being killed and no one else. It seems to me that only the one's really loyal are being killed. It makes no sense to kill her Master and then the servants that Xena had special interest in. Anyway, as Xena said before, she could have easily killed them herself. Why would the advisors keep Xena's interest somewhere else? Hm The mystery is intriguing. Gabrielle would be the perfect bait and if someone wanted to kill Xena, why wait so long and now reveal a plot against her? Oh, do hurry. :D

It seems master Bai was the only one to tame the beast in Xena. Once he was dead, there was no stopping Xena's demons to let loose on Gabrielle. Even stranger was that Xena knew that Master Bai would not commit suicide and even worse that someone was very skilled at sneaking up on him and killing him. I think without him, Xena is looking for some solice in Gabrielle. Whether it be to tame her or beat the crap out of her. Xena seems lost, but by no means losing her skills as and Empress. Dama seems to have a keen eye on Xena and not wanting Gabrielle to distract her. He seems to know just what to say to keep Xena at bay for the time being. Gabrielle's definitely a mystery to the Empress and without Master Bai around, she's seems to be looking for something new to interest her. Bato seems to be inclined in Xena's close knit trustees, but even so, she doesn't want to look weak in anyone's eye, especially Gabrielle. :D

Boy, you really are into Gabrielle whomping. hehhehe Anyway, this is a not relenting Xena and so very her as a dark Empress. I don't think there will be any lovey dovey out of this one. Xena certainly wants to tame Gabrielle as the Amazon Queen. It shows a much deeper and darker side that is intriguing. Xena has a will to contend with and she doesn't mince words or actions in getting her way. I think Gabrielle is about to experience why Xena is the Empress and that there is no escape from her torture or will. :D

keep up the good work, and pms ty

wow, dark and intense. pms