leavethesky

ein_myria recced several Xena stories, but this one (or series of ones) by Penumbra is just astonishing:

Penance is NC-17 by Penumbra and it's a Conqueror tale. Astonishingly good and dark. This Conqueror is unapologetically ruthless, in love with battle and with blood. And eventually with the slave, Gabrielle. Driven to unite Hellas under one ruler, Penumbra's Conqueror is merciless and even sadistic, unwilling to compromise anything even in the face of Gabrielle's goodness. This trilogy continues with Blood Meridian and concludes with Ascension and it's a journey to balance between Xena's darkness and Gabrielle's light. And best of all that balance doesn't result in the taming of Xena as so many Conqueror fics do or the darkening of Gabrielle. It's a true balance and an amazing piece of writing on Penumbra's part.

I sing the song of Xena the Conqueror
Who with a heart of darkness loved light itself.

A truly remarkable fic that is not only a fantastic story with impeccable characterization, but Penumbra obviously delights in historical accuracy and a healthy knowledge of classical Greece/Hellas. I can't stop thinking about this fic. Brilliant stuff.

Is this same Penumbra who penned that great Susan/Talia fic Già Cogli Angeli, Ivanova?

Okay, that's it for me for a while. I'll be over my head in end of the semester grad school crap for the next few weeks. No fic, no fun, no femslashiness, no fucking life at all.