“This is a First Time Story”
by
Temora
Review by Brigit “M. is for
More-more-more” Morgan
“This is a story about all the First Times
that led up to the First Time … all the myriad of reasons why one bard and one
warrior discovered that there wasn't anybody else in the Known World as perfect
a fit for them as each other.”
The
first time Brigit realized that fan fiction could be as good, if not better than
her favorite show, was when she read “This is a First Time Story” by the great
Temora. This story represented a lot of firsts, really, and it’s actually quite
hard to figure out where to begin talking about it.
For one thing, it’s perfect. (How’s that for a
place to start?) It superbly treads the fine line between tenderness and humor
that the show, at its best, mastered. Except, I think it goes beyond the show
to actually trump it by taking the characters to places that they were
obviously meant to go, but for whatever reason, were never allowed to.
Like all wonderful works of art, “This is a
First…” appears simple upon first reading. Not in a bad way, mind you, but
‘simple’ in a timeless fable or fairy tale sort of way. On second glance its
well-rendered treatment of the characters, original (and brilliant!) approach
and undying charm make it a masterfully executed…uhm…masterpiece!
I
guess my favorite aspect is the awesome idea of playing with the whole notion
of that most-Xena of fan fiction conventions: the first time story. As the
not-so objective narrator puts it: “You may not like it, but I am bound by the
annals of truth to say so. This is a PG story. There will be no melting of
cores, no heaving of bosoms (except for one woman who Xena hurls a goodly
distance - she is rather well-endowed - so I suppose that could qualify), no
mumbling against heated bronze skin or the pressing of lips anywhere below the…
Well, you get it.” No Amazon Ice will be needed, but that shouldn’t spoil your
enjoyment and amazement at how artfully Temora weaves the story of all of the
little things that contribute to the love a gal from Amphipolis and a gal from
Poteidaia have for one another.
Temora takes the best aspects of the show and
fan fiction and transcends both in this absolute gem of a story. I can’t
say enough about it, and I feel that I haven’t said enough. Perhaps
you’ll see what I mean when you notice the gentle, contented smile that has
appeared on your face and the glowing, warm feeling passing over you as you
read the magic that is “This is a First Time Story.”
¾January 2003.